The atmosphere at Katy’s Palace in Kramerville was electric on Wednesday as connections gathered to learn the final field and barrier draw for the R6-million 2025 Betway Summer Cup, scheduled for 29 November.

Early market favourite The Equator provided a highlight when part-owner Willem Ackerman pulled gate 3. The Galileo colt will be ridden by Gavin Lerena for trainer Tony Peter.

Defending champion Atticus Finch — the Alec Laird-trained son of Master Of My Fate who won in 2024 — landed stall 2. Calvin Habib, who rode him to last year’s victory, retains the ride as the stable aims for a repeat.

Three-time connections returned to the spotlight when Peter Victor conducted the draw for 2023 winner Royal Victory, the Nathan Kotzen-trained galloper drawing barrier 14. Chad Little will take the mount.

The widest berth went to Legend Of Arthur, with Sean Tarry drawing stall 20. Jockey Malesela Katjedi faces the task of charting a winning route from the outside.

With the field now set and storylines emerging, anticipation in Gauteng ramps up ahead of the big race later this month.