Last year’s runner-up Wild One is 4-1 favourite to give Mike de Kock his third Gold Cup in nine seasons on Saturday and Anthony Delpech’s mount has already been supported at 9-2 for the Elan Property Group marathon.

But there has also been money for stable companion Kingston Mines who has been cut from 8-1 to 6-1. The J & B Urban Honey Stayers winner will be ridden by Johnny Geroudis, successful on De Kock’s Thundering Star in 2007.

Betting World also go 6-1 about last year’s fourth Hot Ticket and the Lonsdale runner-up Disco Al while Solid Speed, who pulled a front shoe when third in the Gold Vase, is a 7-1 chance. The four-year-old will be ridden by Vodacom Durban July-winning jockey Stuart Randolph who won on Cereus in 2001.

Meanwhile, Dennis Drier is to take over Durban July runner-up Punta Arenas when Stan Elley retires from training at the end of the month. Drier will also train Pecan Nut who won the Listed Off To Stud Stakes for Elley at Greyville on Saturday and both horses are expected to campaign in Cape Town during the summer.

But arrangements for other Elley-trained horses, including Saturday’s Kenilworth scorer Ledbury and Betting World 1900 winner Dynastic Power, have still to be finalised.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Wild One (Nkosi Hlophe)