Graeme Hawkins

Gimmelightning was allowed to ease in the betting market from 3/1 to an overly generous 7/1, but he struck with a powerful last-to-first charge under JP van der Merwe to take out the ninth race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth yesterday, a Class 3 Handicap over 1200m. Gimmielightning was a third winner on the day sporting the colours of Cape Racing’s Chairman Greg Bortz. War Chariot stayed on best of the balance to fill the Exacta position just ahead of Nordic Chief with the heavily supported Dumbledore rounding off the Quartet.

In the opening race, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1000m, Love Story (16/1) showed good improvement to easily account for the well fancied Heritage Ridge (5/2) by close on a length. Heritage Ridge tried to make all the running, but Love Story quickened nicely from a few lengths back and drew clear to score comfortably. The race favourite, Call Me Jane, ran well below her debut effort and failed to make the frame.

Cavalry Commander (50/1) was a shock winner of the second race, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, holding out Victor Hugo (5/1) by a neck with Cliff Swallow (6/1) and Masterofthedesert (2/1f) not too far away in the minor placings.

Something went amiss with the Candice Bass-Robinson trained Winter Gamble and she was not persevered with in the third race, an Open Maiden (F&M) over 1200m, leaving the way clear for Frida Kahlo (3/1) to run out a facile winner over Little Lexi. But Bass-Robinson enjoyed a welcome change of fortune in the fourth race, a Maiden Plate over 1400m, as King’s Quest (18/10 into 5/10) landed the gamble under a very confident ride by Aldo Domeyer. This was his first run as a gelding and the 3yo son of Querari looks set to make his mark in higher grades.

Gentleman Joe (33/1) had not won for just about a year, but he bounced back to best form and took out the fifth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m, to continue the good form of the Andre Nel and Corne Orffer partnership. Touchdown looked the likely winner approaching the final 200m, but Gentlemen Joe showed plenty of resolution and got up in the shadow of the post to deny Vaughan Marshall’s runner.

Only half-a-length covered the first three past the post in the sixth race, a Cape C Stakes (F&M) over 1800m, with Lady Springfield (9/4) just getting home ahead of My Only Weakness and Among The Clouds to give Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie their second winner of the day. Snaith followed up in the seventh race, a Cape B Stakes (F&M) over 1200m, when the well-backed Siddeley (2/1f) led from pillar-to-post under Grant Van Niekerk to score a bloodless victory over Kyalami Girl.

Nel and Orffer struck for a second time when recently gelded O’Tenikwa showed good pace throughout and was never headed in the eighth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1200m. Let It Be Said ran on strongly over the final 200m to finish a clear second, but without ever threatening the winner.

Andrew Harrison

The handicappers may still not have caught up with Connery who goes for his fifth win on the bounce in the MR 90 Handicap that heads the turf card at Hollywoodbets Greyville today.

Glen Kotzen and his KZN assistant John Buckler have made clever use of apprentice riders as their charge has crept up the ratings and only got a five-point raise in the handicap for his last comfortable win. Four-claiming apprentice Jacey Botes is back aboard to negate some of the rating increase so, fit and well, five is on the cards. 

Mike Miller has given many of his string a break from the rigors of last season and Fine One is sure to have been  in need of his last run behind Jet Legacy. It was his first run back since April and he had a tough draw to contend with. He is 1.5kg better off with recent winner Jet Legacy who won well enough last time out but both Peter Muscutt’s runners, Cold Shine, and B Fiftytwo are better off in the weights while Twenty One May was only run out of it late over course and distance last start and although up in class Duncan Howells’s runner takes the corresponding drop in the weights. 

One Armed Bandit and Grand Appeal look to be the principal contenders in the first. Paul Lafferty’s runner One Armed Bandit shows some promise and his best effort has been over course and distance. He has been gelded and should have a big chance in this line-up. Grand Appeal made good improvement over course and distance last time out in a fairly competitive field. He started at long odds that day. Ragnar The King and The Wolf make some appeal.

Who Blinked could be the best bet on the card and a banker in the first leg of the PA as MJ Odendaal’s colt has shown up well in two starts to date. Marco van Rensburg has jumped ship from Kola Tonic who also has claims so the inference is obvious. Good Living has a tricky draw to contend with but has been consistent and should put in another good showing while The Golden Goal  has shown consistent form in blinkers. He gets a more experienced rider up with an allowance and the best of the draw. 

The opening leg of the Pick 6 is a competitive maiden with many in with chances. Amafort came close to causing a major boil-over for Michael Roberts at just her second start when switched to the poly. She gets the benefit of Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance this time around and can go one better from the best of the draw. There should be very little between Sonata Samaritan Predator’s Surprise and Jeanne Darc  who all met last time out with not much separating them. Jeanne Darc led the trio home on debut and she did find some market support. With natural improvement she could prove the pick. Sonata Samaritan made good improvement at her second outing and was only a length back to Jeanne Darc and could be next best.

Louis Goosen could hold the key in the fourth with Mask On. The five-year-old is course and distance suited and takes a big drop in class as well as a two-point drop in the ratings. He looks primed for this event. Alyson Wright’s charge Rhythm has been knocking on the door for some time now. His last two starts have been on the poly but he should put in another big effort in this line-up. She also saddles El Draque who is always game and should be there abouts while Cotton Ron has only managed one win in 40 starts but does only have 50kg to shoulder and he’s never far behind. 

Roberts saddles Ladyofdestinction in the sixth. His filly has improved with every start, shedding her maiden at cramped odds at only her third outing. She steps up another furlong which should suit given her pedigree and she can follow up. Spring Kiss is never far off and although most of her recent form has been on the poly she is at home on the turf. She had drawn well and should be competitive. Duncan Howells sends out West Side Story who surprised when shedding her maiden over a sprint. She took on a useful field in her handicap debut over the same distance and the step up in trip from pole position could bring out the best. 

The seventh is a wide open handicap but Positive Attitude has come good since joining Dennis Bosch and took on a strong Pinnacle Stakes field last time out that included Betway Summer Cup hopeful Cape Eagle. Trois Quatre was up staged by outsider Etiquette when last they met and is now better off in the handicap which should see Mike de Kock’s runner turn the tables. Ninety Nine Heros has his third run after a break and is back down to a more competitive handicap mark. French Trip is up in class but at the bottom of the weights. He was a beaten favourite at his last two and can make amends. 

The last is another tricky maiden but Silver Platter has shown improvement since arriving in KZN and looks primed for this. Richardthefearless tried hard when outpaced late when trying a mile for the first time. He is a lightly raced four-year-old that is just coming into his own and this extended trip should suit. Firelighter has not been far back at recent outings. He too steps up in trip but should be competitive in modest company. Mr Fixit is lightly raced and improved with each outing. He has been friendless in the betting to date but should improve in this line-up. 

RACE 1

Summary: ONE ARMED BANDIT (8) shows some promise. His best effort has been over course and distance and he should have a big chance in this line-up. GRAND APPEAL (4) made good improvement over course and distance last time out in a fairly competitive field. He started at long odds that day. RAGNAR THE KING (3) improved second time out and should come on from that showing. THE WOLF (2) raced green in a fair debut. He should come on from that run and is one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 8-4-3-2).

RACE 2

Summary: WHO BLINKED (4) has shown up well in two starts to date. Marco van Rensburg has jumped ship from KOLA TONIC (2) who also has claims so the inference is obvious. GOOD LIVING (10) has a tricky draw to contend with but has been consistent and should put in another good showing. THE GOLDEN GOAL (1) has shown consistent form in blinkers. He gets a more experienced rider up with an allowance and the best of the draw. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-10-1).

RACE 3

Summary: Competitive maiden with many in with chances. AMAFORT (1) came close to causing a major boil-up at just her second start when switched to the poly. She gets the benefit of Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance this time around and can go one better from the best of the draw. There should be very little between SONATA SAMARITAN (5), PREDATOR’S SURPRISE (8) and JEANNE DARC (9) who all met last time out with not much separating them. JEANNE DARC (9) led the trio home on debut and she did find some market support. With natural improvement she could prove the pick. Sonata Samaritan made good improvement at her second outing and was only a length back to Jeanne Darc. (Andrew Harrison: 1-9-5-8).

RACE 4

Summary: MASK ON (5) is course and distance suited and takes a big drop in class as well as a two-point drop in the ratings. He looks primed for this event. RHYTHM (6) has been knocking on the door for some time now. His last two starts have been on the poly but he should put in another big effort in this line-up. EL DRAQUE (2) is always game and should be there abouts while COTTON RON (1) has only managed one win in 40 starts but does only have 50kg to shoulder and he’s never far behind. (Andrew Harrison: 5-6-2-1).

RACE 5

Summary: The handicappers may still not have caught up with CONNERY (4) who goes for his fifth win on the bounce. He got a five-point raise in the handicap for his last comfortable win and now has four-claiming apprentice Jacey Botes back aboard to negate some of the rating increase. Fit and well, five is on the cards. FINE ONE (2) will have needed his last run behind Jet Legacy. It was his first run back since April and he had the tough draw to contend with. He is 1.5kg better off with JET LEGACY (3) who won well enough last time out but both Peter Muscutt’s runners, COLD SHINE (6) and B FIFTYTWO (10) are better off in the weights while TWENTY ONE MAY (7) was only run out of it late over course and distance last start and although up in class he takes the corresponding drop in the weights. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-6-7).

RACE 6

Summary: LADYOFDISTINCTION (7) has improved with every start, shedding her maiden at cramped odds at only her third outing. She steps up another furlong which should suit and she can follow up. SPRING KISS (2) is never far off and although most of her recent form has been on the poly she is at home on the turf. She had drawn well and should be competitive. HODGEPODGE (10) has the widest draw but has put in two smart efforts over course and distance. She also looks progressive and should feature prominently. WEST SIDE STORY (1) surprised when shedding her maiden over a sprint. She took on a useful field in her handicap debut over the same distance and the step up in trip from pole position could bring out the best. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-10-1).

RACE 7

Summary: Wide open handicap. TROIS TROIS QUATRE (2) was up staged by outsider Etiquette when last they met and is now better off in the handicap which should see the tables turned. POSITIVE ATTITUDE (7) has come good since joining Dennis Bosch and took on a strong Pinnacle Stakes field last time out that included Betway Summer Cup hopeful Cape Eagle. NINETY NINE HEROS (8) has his third run after a break and is back down to a more competitive handicap mark. FRENCH TRIP (3) is up in class but at the bottom of the weights. He was a beaten favourite at his last two and can make amends. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-8-3).

RACE 8

Summary: SILVER PLATTER (6) has shown improvement since arriving in KZN and looks primed for this. RICHARDTHEFEARLESS (2) tried hard when outpaced late when trying a mile for the first time. He is a lightly raced four-year-old that is just coming into his own and this extended trip should suit. FIRELIGHTER (5) has not been far back at recent outings. He too steps up in trip but should be competitive in modest company. MR FIXIT (1) is lightly raced and improved with each outing. He has been friendless in the betting to date but should improve in this line-up. (Andrew Harrison: 6-2-5-1).

Andrew Harrison

Tienie Prinsloo is the sole survivor of the Flamingo Park shutdown who has hung in and stayed in KZN. It has been a tough ask with owners departing and Prinsloo has basically started from scratch in a testing environment, but he has hung in, confident in his ability, and his tenacity is paying dividends.

He had a double at a hot, humid and uncomfortable Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday, both with greys. Miss Platina is not the easiest of fillies and horse behavioralist Glyn Redgrave paraded her around the paddock beforehand and kept her calm at the start.

His ‘whispering’  obviously did the trick as Miss Platina behaved and fought off all comers in a tight finish ahead of African Beat and Broadway Girl.

In his post-race interview, Prinsloo expressed confidence of a big effort from Global Movement in the next and the gelding duly obliged, finishing off his race in fine style to win going away.

Best bet on the card was Major Tommie in the card opener who had solid form to back his claims and he duly obliged under Serino Moodley. Up with the pace throughout, he drew off in the final furlong to win comfortably.

There was drama in the second as the hot tempered and hot favourite Sun In My Pocket went over backwards in the gate, dislodging Calvin Habib, and was duly withdrawn by the course vet. This left Littleblackgem as tote favourite but she too had proved to be a reluctant loader in the first line with Michael Roberts, frustrated from a kilometer away, calling for the hood. However, a hood did the trick at the second call. Littleblackgem loaded perfectly and duly saved many PA punters their money although second-placed Dressedtothenines could have done with a little more help from the saddle.

Gavin Lerena is not leading the jockey championship for nothing as he showed when getting strongly fancied Woza Nawe home in the opening leg of the Pick 6 in spite of trainer Peter Muscutt and Hollywood Syndicate nominee Anthony Delpech chewing on their pens as the field turned for home. Woza Nawe looked to have blown her chances on the turn as she dropped the bit on Lerena and was a long way back as Dee Day lead the field for home. However, Lerena got Woza Nawe into a good rhythm and she motored down the outside of the tack to catch Dee Day who was run out of it for third by La Vida Loca who was full of running at the death. 

Frikkie Greyling only has a handful of horses in his yard, mostly for Tinus Gerrike of Blue Sky Thoroughbreds, but they have been firing of late and Deryl Daniels rode a super confident race on Go Grayson Go, a son of Potala Palace. Runner-up at his last two, Daniels hunted the lead from the jump, gave his mount a breather on the turn, before accelerating away in the straight to win as he liked with the luckless Lou The Legend out-pointed again

There were a lot of ‘no-hopers’ in the field so it remains to be seen how the handicappers rate this performance.

David Thiselton

Saturday racing was focused on Cape Town and the Gr 2 Punters Cup over 1600m, although there was a meeting at Turffontein Standside too and one or two horses made it into the notebook. 

At Hollywood Kenilworth the One World colt One Stripe not only won the Punters Cup as expected but looks to be the most exciting three-year-old for some time… more on that after the Turffontein report. 

Rachel Venniker rode a treble at Turffontein and will be looking forward to the Betway Summer Cup meeting where she has eight rides. 

Her first win on Saturday was aboard the Paul Matchett-trained Karate Kid over 1000m.

It was a notable win because this three-year-old Erupt gelding defied the weights in the Drakenstein Stud Graduation Plate event. He was 6kg under sufferance with the best weighted pair in the race according to official merit ratings. However, he has a progressive profile and the 1,5kg claim Venniker is allowed also helped as he galloped home full of running to win by 2,50 lengths, beating Rondebosch who was having his second rum after layoff and looks to have scope for improvement. The best weighted pair Master Casper and French Bolt needed their runs after layoffs. It was left to the decent Mike and Adam Azzie-trained Lead The Charge to run on for third. 

In the next race the form of the Johan Jansen van Vuuren-trained Happy Mo’s win last time had been franked and the Royal Mo filly duly followed up with a good win under Venniker off an 86 merit rating in the 1600m handicap. 

Venniker scored her treble in the last when the Fabian Habib-trained six-year-old Pathfork gelding Passage Of Power made it a fifth career win in the 1160m handicap. 

In the first race over 1600m the Alec Laird-trained Futura filly Tuscan Star is a big horse who won readily under Calvin Habib and Laird has hopes she could become an Oaks candidate. 

In the second the Crusade mare Tried and True had shown notable resolve when winning over 1400m last time and this time over 1600m under Diego Degouveia nobody was going to carch her from the front and she ran out a 3,25 length winner. The mare has had two wins from three starts since joining Robyn Klaasen as a five-year-old.

In the fifth race over 2000m it was another master class by Piere Strydom. He had outfoxed the opposition on the Lorenzo Karriem-trained The United States mare Indian Ocean last time by going to the front despite carrying 64.5kg and running out an easy winner. This time when coming back from a three month layoff he did the opposite and dropped her out to last. She used her big stride to eat up the ground down the inside rail in the straight and made it three-in-row by two lengths. Strydom has ridden her three times for three successive wins.

In the sixth over 1400m the Grant Maroun-trained Just Var made it two wins in a row despite stepping up from 1000m. The Var gelding gets on well with 2.5kg claimer Trent Mayhew and he brought him home again.

In the seventh over 1160m Serino Moodley has a fine record on the Sean Tarry-trained Silver Tudor (Lance) and he got him up despite him returning from a five-and-a-half month layoff.    

Meanwhile, One Stripe looks to be a special horse as it did not pan out well for him in the Punters Cup, as he was caught wide without cover throughout in the small six horse field, and yet he still won easing up under Gavin Lerena. 

The Vaughan Marshall-trained One World colt looks to be a particularly exciting prospect.

Marshall believes him at this stage to be a sprint-miler so his two immediate goals are the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas on December 14 and the CRS R5 million Big Cap over 1400m on March 16.

However, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate might be in the offing too as there is three weeks between that and the Cape Guineas and then a full two months to recover for the Big Cap.