Three To Tango And Dindingwe Have To Beat The Draw

Over the years the Swanson yard has had a fair share of big race successes. For the 2021 OK Grand Challenge to be run over 1800m at Borrowdale Park on Saturday they have thrown two seasoned campaigners, the 2019 Zimbabwe Derby winner, and two top-performing three-year-olds into the mix.

Three of the five Swanson entries have good draws but unfortunately Three to Tango and Borrowdale’s favourite filly, Dindingwe, have drawn wide, and at the time of writing only two jockeys have been declared.

These are the Swanson runners:

5 Drawn 20 THREE TO TANGO 56.5kgs (MR93) TAKAWIRA

5 h Greys Inn (USA) – Danseuse by Joshua Dancer (USA). A winner of 6 races, including the 1600m Tote Free Handicap and 2400m Zimbabwe Derby, consistently placed, and always an interesting runner. On December 20 he won a 1900m Pinnacle Plate in a tight finish with Wantage, who was receiving 1.5kgs. Yarraman was two lengths back (giving away 4.5kgs), and this trio meet at level weights on Saturday. Peggson and Fareeq followed. Three To Tango’s last race was in the Independence Trophy on May 2 when third to Daffiq. He has to cope with a wide draw here.

8 Drawn 5 WHAT A DANDY 56kgs (MR92) No jockey declared

6 g Just As Well (USA) – Leba (IRE) by King’s Best (USA). One of Borrowdale’s super troopers who has won 11 races from 1000m to 1800m. A versatile and consistent sort who has yet to crack a big one – and I would love to see him do it. He has a good draw for Saturday’s race so maybe.

12 Drawn 4 BUGATTI BLUE 54.5kgs (MR89) No jockey declared

6 g Traffic Guard (USA) – Vintage Event by Braashee (GB). Another reliable type who finishes in the money more often than not and has won seven races from 1700m to 2400m. Bugatti Blue will be comfortable in this company, has a nice draw and could go close on Saturday.

14 Drawn 2 DIESEL AND DUST 54kgs (MR92) DERERE

3 g Futura – Jalinga by Jallad (USA). Won his first start, a 1700m Maiden Plate on 24 February and his next outing was in the Zimbabwe 2000, second leg of the Triple Crown, which he won. On May 16, in the 2400m Zimbabwe Derby, Diesel And Dust was beaten 0.10 lengths by Only Him. There is no doubt this lightly raced three-year-old has ability and on Saturday we will see just how good he is.

15 Drawn 16 DINDINGWE 53KGS (MR90) No jockey declared

3 f Futura – Miss Delish by Jallad (USA). Dindingwe’s seven wins include the 1200m Champion Juvenile Stakes (Gr3) and the Breeders Fillies Mile (L), the Fillies Classic (first leg of the Triple Tiara) and the second leg, the 1800m Silver Slipper (L), as well as the Zimbabwe Guineas (Gr3). Her last outing was on 18 April when third behind Diesel And Dust and Mazikeen in the Zimbabwe 2000. This outstanding filly has plenty of fans who will be hoping for another scintillating performance, but she has to overcome a wide draw on Saturday.

Photographs by Jenny Stock, Gavin MacLeod and Andrew Philip.