The Summer Cup is the oldest and grandest prize on Johannesburg racing's biggest day and the 2017 edition looks typically deep and competitive.

The key lead up to the Turffontein's Summer Cup is the Victory Moon Stakes at the same course over 1800m two weeks prior and this year it looks as important a formline as ever, with winner Girl On The Run shaping as a key winning hope in the Group 1 showpiece.

The first six past the post in the Victory Moon line up in the Summer Cup. Girl On The Run's claims are there for all to see given that she won the lead up but it's worth noting that Orchid Island was just first up there and can only be fitter second up in a race that she has clearly been targetted towards by legendary trainer Mike De Kock, and Abashiri was at a significant disadvantage at the weights.

Abashiri meets Girl On The Run 6.5kgs better in the Summer Cup and two building runs this time have him poised to return to something like the form that saw him sweep through the Triple Crown at Turffontein back in 2016. The Derby winner lost his way last preparation but if he's back on track he looms as a major player at the track he made his own just 12 months ago.

Another that looks on track for a big peak here is the stablemate of Girl On The Run, Crowd Pleaser.

He has come from more humble beginnings than an established star like Abashiri but he was an improved horse last preparation, landing a Group 3 when tried beyond 1900m for the first time, and his return over 1950m hinted at him being better again this time in.

There he just missed Girl On The Run giving her 3.5kgs. He's fitter now and just giving the key form horse in the race half a kilo now. A soft draw adds to his appeal and he must be kept on side with plenty in his favour.

Suggested plays Back Abashiri at 8-1. Back Crowd Pleaser each way at 10-1.