Greys Inn and Saddlewood, first and second past the post in the R750 000, Grade 1 Sun International SA Derby at Turffontein Racecourse last weekend, are set to clash again at Greyville on June 6 in the R400 000, Grade 1 Daily News 2000.

They were among the 27 nominations for the prestigious event which is one of the main stepping stones for three-year-olds into the Vodacom Durban July a month later.

The two fought out the finish of the 2 450 metre race, which headed the Champions Day meeting at Turffontein.

Saddlewood got first run in the home straight on favourite Greys Inn who had been forced to race wide from the start. Saddlewood looked set for victory but Greys Inn got up in the final strides to win by a long head.

Behind them came Alec Laird’s Bilboa and the Modern Day gelding, Bless This Day, stable companion to Greys Inn, and these two are also among the entries.

In addition to Greys Inn and Bless This Day, Mike de Kock has also nominated Otter Trail and Tswalu while Geoff Woodruff has nominated Promisefrommyheart, Reflectadanzig and Thorpedo Gold in addition to Saddlewood.

Charles Laird has entered Hold The Fort, who disappointed in the Derby but is considered a lot better than that performance, while Gary Alexander has nominated James Jaguar. In addition to Bilboa, Alec Laird has entered Mist Of Gold and Vertical Sport.

This is one of the strongest entries for this classic race in many years and will be the main pointer to the chances of three-year-olds in the major handicaps like the Vodacom Durban July in the months ahead.