The R1-million Supreme Cup sponsored by SAP (Grade 2) and to be run over 1450m on the Vaal sand on 26 September is going to be a fascinating contest.

The final field for the continent’s most prestigious sand race was unveiled yesterday on the Riverside Sun Hotel’s Liquid Lounge boat cruise and more than just a few “whoops” were heard during the ceremony as it quickly became apparent that this was both a classy and intriguing line-up.

The intrigue is provided by two horses that have never raced on the sand before, Willow Magic and Ultimate Dollar, and by the horse who stands to win a R100 000 bonus, Roman Carnival.

Willow Magic, from the yard of champion trainer Sean Tarry, is a Grade 1-winning sprint “miler” who is now five but is still at the top of his game.

Ultimate Dollar, from the new Highveld satellite yard of trainer Justin Snaith, ended a luckless Champions Season campaign by romping home in the Grade 3 tabGold 2200. Also effective over this shorter trip, he has drawn well at 2.

Roman Carnival is out to land the R100 000 bonus offered by World Sports Betting for any horse that can win both the Grade 3 World Sports Betting August Stakes over 1200m and the Supreme Cup. He destroyed them in the August Stakes last month and will relish the step up in trip. Although he does have it a bit tougher at the weights this time and has a wide draw to overcome.

Another intriguing entry is Deputy Jud, the Grade 1 SA Derby-runner up. He goes well on sand and his low draw looks ideal for his strong, galloping style, although he would prefer further.

His stablemate Isphan has enjoyed a good preparation and looks nicely weighted over a suitable distance. He has the speed to overcome his wide draw and the ability to run on.

Toro Rosso was a convincing winner over the course and distance in his last start and either he or Mootahadee, another impressive course and distance winner, could give Mike de Kock a third victory in this race.

Precursor is a speedster in the mould of last year’s winner Tommy Gun so is most interesting from pole position draw. Jade Vine is also in this category and should have come on from his last run which followed a five-month layoff.

Uncle Tommy has finished third and second in the last two runnings, but looks a bit high in the weights these days. All The Bids is another who could find it tough at the weights.

TapTap Makhatini finished sixth last year but is interesting because he runs well fresh, although his wide draw is a concern. Lavender Landscape loves the Vaal sand but would prefer further and the handicapper might have his measure.

Solar Triptych has a tough task on paper but is relatively lightly raced. He would have come on from his last start and, open to further improvement, could be the dark horse in the race.

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*A carryover-boosted (R1,2million) Pick 6 pool will provide further incentive to get involved at the Vaal on Supreme Cup day (Saturday, September 26) with the pool expected to top R4,8MILLION

Picture: Ultimate Dollar (Nkosi Hlophe)