Legislate and Futura, two of the highest-rated horses in the country, are set to clash at level weights in the R1-million Champions Cup over 1 800m at Greyville on Super Saturday.

The stable companions from the Justin Snaith yard could settle the debate once and for all as to which is the better of the two and, as they are drawn alongside one another in the 12-horse field, it eliminates the draw factor as an excuse.

On their ratings, they should be the two to fight out the finish but the six-year-old Vodacom Durban July runner-up, Punta Arenas from the Stan Elley stable, is in such cracking form the Silvano gelding cannot be ignored as a potential winner.

Legislate might be considered a doubtful starter for the Champions Cup if reports quoting Snaith are correct. The colt is set to race in the Mercury Sprint on Saturday and, according to the reported statements by Snaith, if coming through that race without problems, he will run the following week.

Futura finished fourth in the Vodacom Durban July under top weight and he meets Punta Arenas on 3.5kg better weight terms for a 2.25 lengths beating and this will put the champion in a much better chance in this smaller field to turn the tables.

Also down to race twice in eight days is the Sean Tarry-trained Willow Magic. He is in the field for the Mercury Sprint after placing in the Post Merchants and before that the Rising Sun Gold Challenge where he finished less than a length second to Legislate. He meets Legislate on 3kg better terms in the Champions Cup making him a major contender for honours as well.

Helderberg Blue from the Mike Bass stable is another runner that comes into the picture based on his 2.5 lengths beating by Punta Arenas in the Cup Trial. He meets Punta Arenas on 2.5kg better terms and becomes a live contender for a share of the stake.

Picture: Legislate left Futura right (John Lewis)