Gold Cup: What the trainers are saying...

RAISEAHALLELUJAH: He is based in Durban at the moment and doing really well. We are happy with his performance at present. Hopefully this ground is what he has been waiting for. The Gold Cup was always part of the plan for him so hopefully, when the day arrives, it will have been worth the wait.

Candice Dawson

ARUMUGAM: Working well. Happy with the draw. His previous run was disappointing but Marwing is confident that Arumugam is fit and well and will put in a good performance this time round.

Weiho Marwing

ONE WAY TRAFFIC: Will love this extra trip and is fitted with blinkers. He should return to form and could cause an upset.

SALVATOR MUNDI: Has had a disappointing KZN campaign and will need to return to his best form to feature.

Justin Snaith

FIGHT SONG: He's not easy to get back to back runs out of but we have done what is required to have him peaked for Gold Cup day.

SEA MASTER: Does not always settle well, but, if things go his way he will be a great contender. He has had a good season and we have done everything possible to prepare him for this race. We are quietly confident.

Gareth van Zyl

He (CRIMSON KING) is doing exceptionally well at home, good light galloping weight, expecting him to be very competitive.

Brett Crawford

SHANGANI is doing really well, I'm happy with his progress going into the Gold Cup. He sort of lost his way for a couple of starts but looks to have bounced back and I'm looking forward to him defending his crown.

A P Peter (Tony Peter)

He (SENSO UNICO) is well and is an out and out stayer, we expect him to run very well.

Vaughan Marshall

ROCKIE REEF is in very good order 2 weeks out from the Gold Cup. She is very fit and well in herself and set to see out every inch of the two miles, on Pedigree and her preparation heading into the race.

Her last run was exellent after being impeded at the first turn, putting her two pairs further back turning in than anticipated in a race run at a very sedate tempo. She ran all the way to the line that day and the step up in trip will be to her liking. Despite her long odds I feel given the right run in transit she can get into the mix.

Peter Muscutt