Karoo Winter steps out in the 1600m Maiden Plate in the colours of ZimFun Racing Club (Pty) Ltd – and will have far more owners rooting for her, across several continents, than any other horse racing at Borrowdale Park on Sunday.

The daughter of Futura out of a Western Winter (USA) mare has had one start at Borrowdale when third behind Peaceable and Black Duke over 1800m. Prior to that she raced in the Cape, not in ZimFun silks, and placed over 1600m.

ZimFun has already had a winner – Tricky Business – and hope to have more – soon – and members -so they can buy more horses. It is not too late to join the fun, and this is the most economical way to become an owner as one share costs $100.

On Sunday Karoo Winter (57kgs) takes on Green Serenity, Hawi, Bold Idyll, Global Tree and Fendi Girl and all their owners will be hoping for some improvement. I had a quick glance at previous form and will definitely not be making any forecasts.

Green Serenity (60kgs) is by Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) out of a Western Winter (USA) mare. Has had seven runs in the Cape and one at Borrowdale when nearly 11 lengths behind first-timer Hedwig over 1200m. Hawi (60kgs) is by Vercingetorix out of an Al Mufti (USA) mare. He has placed in all his six starts from 1100m to 1700m. Randall Simons rides.

Bold Idyll is a son of Bold Silvano out of an Ideal World (USA) mare. Unimpressive over 1100m and 1700m – so far. He is set to carry 60 kgs but Apprentice Rodgers Satombo will claim 2.5 kgs. Global Tree (60kgs) is by Global View (USA) out of a Classic Flag mare. Didn’t shape in two sprints – his only outings – but may appreciate the longer trip.

Last but not least is Fendi Girl (57 kgs), by Fencing Master (GB) out of a Kitalpha (USA) mare. Has raced from 1100m to 1700m, and rather in and out, but with Calvin Habib in the irons might come right.

Why am I devoting so much time and space to a Maiden Plate? Intimidated, probably, by the thought of Karoo Winter’s owners who will be at Borrowdale Park – and the others who will be watching the live stream on Clocking The Gallop on U-Tube – like hawks.

Win or lose they will make sure they have a good time. This race is due off at 14 25.

Photograph by Jenny Stock of Zimbabwe Equine News