Thirty-eight horses are still in the Summer Cup 2026 entries after the second entries stage on 5 November. Turffontein stages the Grade 1 handicap on Saturday 28 November, and it is worth R6 million, with R3.45 million to the winner.
First, Gladatorian heads the list for Stuart Ferrie, which means he will carry the most weight. Gareth van Zyl’s King Pelles sits second, and Justin Snaith’s Native Ruler is third. Glen Kotzen’s Holding Thumbs is not far behind.
Mocha Blend back to defend
Last year’s winner Mocha Blend is in again for Frank Robinson. He won at 40/1, so the Summer Cup 2026 entries carry a fair reminder that the weights in a handicap give outsiders a real chance.
De Kock Racing’s eight entries
De Kock Racing has eight entries, Splittheeights among them. However, only 20 can run, so expect a few of them to make the final field while the rest wait for another day.
What the weights mean for the Summer Cup 2026 entries
Because this is a handicap, the handicapper gives the better horses more weight to bring the field together. As a result, the top weight has the hardest job, and the horses lower down the list have a chance to surprise. Mocha Blend did exactly that last year.
A Friday test at Greyville
Gladatorian and King Pelles meet at level weights of 61.5kg in the Pinnacle Stakes at Greyville on Friday evening, 6 November. Also, whoever wins will shorten for the big race, so it is a useful guide. Our Greyville tips cover all eight races on the card.
Summer Cup 2026 entries: dates to note
- Monday 16 November: final entries close at 9am, and the weights come out the same day.
- Tuesday 17 November: declarations close at 11am, then we get the final 20 and the draw.
- Saturday 28 November: the Summer Cup over 2000m at Turffontein.
After the draw, we will add our tips to the full Summer Cup 2026 guide. Until then, the guide has the horses to watch.
Entries from Race Coast, second entries stage, 5 November 2026. 18+ only. Please bet responsibly.