PIERRE JOURDAN drew at No 3 for the R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday 6 November and his trainer Gary Alexander (photo) was delighted with what he described as “a cracking draw”.

“The draw is important over 1600m, especially at Turffontein,” he said. “We’re there for nothing because he won’t have to fight for position. Now we just have to leave it to Andrew (Fortune).”

Alexander added that his star four-year-old’s preparation was going well.

Rudra, top weight.

Pierre Jourdan, who has been beaten only twice in his career, made a winning comeback from a long rest in the Joburg Spring Handicap recently and Alexander mused: “It was a surprise when he won, but his class got him through. I’m very happy with him. As an individual he’s getting stronger and bigger all the time. He’s turning over nicely and is on track for the Summer Cup – if he can pull off a win in this race, it’ll be great.”

Pierre Jourdan will run on behalf of the Maphanzela Primary School and will be publicly represented by Bridget Masinga.

Trainer Mike Azzie was not too disappointed when Service Ace drew at No 9, though he said: “I would have liked to be drawn 3, 4, 5, or 6. But nine isn’t a bad draw and he will stay out of trouble from there.

“Obviously the Summer Cup is his mission, so he’s just short of his best, but I have got him well enough to run a nice race. I want him to come out of the race unscathed and to come on from the run.

“I wish the graded race committee would give this race back its Grade 1 status because, looking at the field, it deserves it. It is certainly a race I’m keen on winning. I came so close with Imperial Despatch. And if Service Ace did win it, I would be over the moon.

Service Ace will be represented by Emmanuel Castis and will run for the Peermont Emperors Palace-nominated charity Thembakazi Primary School.

Galanthus’ trainer Tyrone Zackey was also at the draw ceremony and said: “Galanthus is a nice horse and he’s improving daily”.

He confirmed that Galanthus, who was most impressive in winning last week, is still on the upgrade and will be a contender in both Charity Mile and Summer Cup.

The final field in order of draw, number, horse, trainer, jockey, weight, merit rating, media partner, charity and celebrity: