Promising three-year-old Knuckleball ran second to Butchie Boy in the 2018 Zimbabwe Guineas and went on to win the 2018 Zimbabwe 2000 and the 2018 Zimbabwe Derby. Penny Fisher’s charge steps up to the big time on Saturday when he runs in the $60 000 Republic Cup (GR3) over 1900m.

The son of Curved Ball (USA) will carry 52 kgs and is expected to give a good account of himself.

Penny will also saddle Master Switch, Kevin Barry and Lava Flow for the big race at Borrowdale Park.

SIMONA IS GOING FOR A BIG RACE DOUBLE

The four-year-old Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) filly, Simona (above), will be trying for a big race double when she runs in the $60 000 Republic Cup at Borrowdale Park on Saturday.

Simona was a close second to Roman Discent in the 2018 Castle Tankard and won the OK Grand Challenge at the beginning of June.

Bridget Stidolph has also entered Comanche Brave, Roman Discent, Bush Pilot and Peggson in this 1900m event.

SWANSON FIELDS TWO IN REPUBLIC CUP

Kirk Swanson sends out two runners for the $60 000 Republic Cup (GR3) to be run over 1900m at Borrowdale Park on Saturday.

Heir Line (above) is a four-year-old Dynasty gelding out of a Jet Master mare, and he won his last start over 1700m on June 17.

Amsterdam, by Windrush (USA) out of a Machiavellian (USA) mare, will also represent the Swanson yard. A winner of four races, Amsterdam will carry 56 kgs and is drawn 9 in the Republic Cup.

Photographs: Zimbabwe Equine News.