Gareth van Zyl comes out from under the wing of father Gavin and saddles his first runners under his own name at Greyville tonight. Gareth has long been the private trainer to prolific owner Brian Burnard but under the name of his father and he could make a winning start with two strongly fancied runners in Northern Storm and Celtic Captain, the latter in the Listed Jonsson Workwear Michaelmas Handicap.

Northern Storm steps out in a Qualified Maiden, third race on the card, and if the daughter of Noordhoek Flyer can produce the form that saw her finish close-up to A Womans Way and Querari Falcon in her first two starts then she should be difficult to beat in what stacks up into a pretty moderate field.

“It might be a bit short for her,” said Van Zyl. “But it’s not a strong field so I think she has a good chance.”

Her recent form on the turf has been disappointing but back on the poly, Anton Marcus aboard, and blinkers back on she is in with a big shout.

Michaelmas runner Celtic Captain was always up against it in the Grand Heritage over 1 475m at the Vaal where he carried 61,5kg in a 28-runner field. He raced handy for much of the trip but was left in the scrum when it counted most.

Prior to that he had made a cracking seasonal debut behind the smart sprinter Humidor. Celtic Captain was not too far off the best of his generation last season and he should more than hold his own in a field of solid handicappers.

“I think that he’s a runner,” concluded Van Zyl with some enthusiasm and who could well kick off his solo career with a feature victory.

Marcus is one jockey who was quick to master the poly surface helped by an impeccable judgement of pace. He will be aboard top weight Ashton Park who has threatened in both starts since arriving in KZN from the Western Cape, both in competitive Pinnacle Plates.

In his only foray beyond a mile the now seven-year-old finished five lengths back to champion Futura and Ice Machine in the Gr1 Champions Cup over 1800m at the start of last season.

The step up in trip may be a gamble but it may prove significant that Marcus is back aboard after the combination finished within a length of the winner Silver Spring over a mile at his local debut.

The grey French Revolution is one of the most handsome horses in training but his back mane and tail but he also counts four wins among his 20 starts. More to the point is that he has found form, finishing runner-up in his last two. He does come up against stronger here but the poly holds no fears and he is in receipt of 6,5kg from Ashton Park which will make him dangerous.

Princess Varunya arrived on the Highveld for their classic season off a string of four straight victories but her fourth in the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic was sandwiched between two indifferent performances in the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas and the Gr1 SA Oaks.

She was given a four-month break after the Oaks by Kom Naidoo and she returned to the track with a creditable sixth behind the well fancied Crackpot in a competitive filly’s handicap at the beginning of the month. She may be looking for some relief from the handicapper before being competitive again but she does have a shout. Champion trainer Sean Tarry was on song at Turffontein on Saturday saddling a four-timer.

With mostly poly track racing the order of the day for the next few months, whenever Tarry sends horses down from his Highveld stronghold one needs to take note, especially when it comes to his older runners. Stonehenge fits into that category and he makes his poly debut.

His recent Highveld form is nothing to write home about but given a plum draw and former champion S’manga Khumalo aboard he may be worth including in bigger exotic perms. Gavin van Zyl can make it a family affair on the evening when he saddles Arctic Swift in the opening leg of the Jackpot although the daughter of Var does face a stiff task in a competitive maiden.

The filly has only had a couple of starts and punters piled in at her second outing when stretched to a mile as she shortened from 14-1 to start 5-1.

Racing green for most of her trip around the turn she made little impression on winning favourite Joy To Joy. Arctic Swift is sure to have come on with the experience and with Marcus in the irons from an inside gate she has a lot to recommend her as Marcus has jumped ship from beaten odds-on favourite Florrick in spite of two close-up seconds on the poly. Marcus seldom makes mistakes so the inference is obvious. Van Zyl has a second string to his bow in the somewhat disappointing Black Hall Bar but stable rider Warren Kennedy has the ride.

Formerly trained by Neil Bruss, who recently took up a post in Saudi Arabia and who opened his account last week with a trio of winners, Black Hall Bar has flattered to deceive.

However, she did not have the best of draws when making her debut for Van Zyl and with a better gate this evening she could put one over Arctic Swift and Florrick.

Andrew Harrison

Kenilworth Saturday Oct 29 (winter course) Race Previews by Warren Lenferna

1

Preview: ELUSIVE SINGER is coming to hand quickly and looks ready to win. The same can be said about BARAK LAVAN. It looks a race between these two. MUTHAIGA CLUB can improve plenty on his eye catching debut. Big runner. (Warren Lenferna 4-3-10)

2

Preview: STEP OUT did some low level flying to run second on debut and with that run under the belt should be very hard to beat here. ROCK ON WOOD is very consistent and looks as close to a certainty for a place as there ever can be. She was beaten favourite last time but her earlier form tells she is way better that that. NUTBUSH CITILIMITS has a quartet chance. (Warren Lenferna 9-3-4)

3

Preview: BLACK CAT BACK won last time as he liked suggesting that he has many more wins to come. HE is confidently selected to win again and record back to back victories. CAPTAIN COURTEOUS is bidding for the hat trick and could well get it – he has a strong chance. SILVER CHALICE is also going for three in a row – include in the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 6-3-1)

4

Preview: PRINCE OF WALES has won his last two impressively and looks an exciting prospect for the upcoming season. Gavin Lerena is in town to ride today and this is worth taking serious note of. ICY TRAIL and ULTIMATE DOLLAR are ones to seriously consider including in most bets – If ULTIMATE DOLLAR comes back to his best he could win a race like this with ease – respect. (Warren Lenferna 3-6-1)

5

Preview: A tough race and it is advisable to include as many as your budget will allow. All of: NAVASHA, WANING CRESCENT and ALL MINE can win and there are a few others in with serious each way claims as well. (Warren Lenferna 3-2-1)

6

Preview: The Cape Town season certainly is warming up and some top horses are stepping out. TABLE BAY may have needed his last run and today should be much better for it. His form is smart and so is he – and I have made him my firm first choice – his wins have been impressive. EDICT OF NANTES is in good winning form and can carry on that way. ELUSIVE PATH is bidding for the hat trick and has to have some say despite his bad draw. TURBULENT AIR has won two out of his last three and is clearly no slouch. Owners Mayfair Speculators (The Jooste’s) have a very strong hand here and their colours could be seen coming past the post securing the first four positions! (Warren Lenferna 1-2-4)

7

Preview: Will THE SECRET IS OUT stay? Well, only the race will tell – if she does, she should win! A top, top, filly and my confident first choice. EKTIFAA has won her last two in Gauteng in impressive fashion and wouldn’t be in this line up if not rated – massive chance and if The Secret Is Out does not stay, then Ektifaa should be able to pick up the pieces and win. It would be silly to leave SMOKEY AFFAIR out of the quartet as she is running well at present but does have a tough ask today. (Warren Lenferna 1-10-12)

8

Preview: MARINARESCO more than likely needs further and this will be a preparation run but in saying that top horses will win over most distances and even if not fully fit. His class should carry him through and he should be too good for them in the closing stages – hard to beat! ZODIAC RULER (nice horse) and ROCKY VALLEY have also got chances but are also probably prepping for bigger and better things to come – they should still run very good races. (Warren Lenferna 1-10-11)

9

Preview: GOLDEN PEG ran well last time and can now go one better. ORANGE TRACTOR and A TIME TO KILL have the form to be respected – they should be right there at the finish. (Warren Lenferna 1-2-3)

Greyville Friday Oct 28 (polytrack) Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

Race 1

MOMO has gone close in both starts over course and distance. She takes on males but looks to have a big chance in this line-up. DOUBE VISION has finally come to hand with a much improved effort last time out. He has a strong chance here.  MASTEROFMYDREAMS has been much improved on the poly and should go close in this field. ROY’S DISPREN should also be right there if repeating his last effort. (Andrew Harrison: 12-2-3-4)

Race 2

SUN DYNASTY has had two starts for his new stable. He was close-up over course and distance last time out and rates a strong chance in a very poor field. PINBALL improved nicely at second time of asking and can feature. SARACEN KING has run his two best races on the poly and should have a chance here. RAINBOW FOREST has not been too far back in his three outings to date and can place. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-4-5)

Race 3

NORTHERN STORM has shown some useful form in strong company. The blinkers go back on and this is another weak field. At best she rates the one to beat. BUBBLY NIGHT has had two comeback runs on the turf. His best efforts have been on the poly. SHE DONE GOOD has improved without blinkers. She has a good draw and a handy weight.  IMPERIAL TOPAZ has her first run for a new stable. She returns from a break. (Andrew Harrison: 7-8-5-9).

Race 4

FLORRICK has come good on the poly in blinkers. She was a beaten odds-on chance last time out and can make amends. ARCTIC SWIFT found good market support at her second start and is likely to improve with Marcus jumping ship from Florrick. BLACK HALL BAR has been disappointing. She tried further from a bad draw last run and now has a good draw over a more suitable trip. ARGONOVA improved nicely over course and distance at her second outing and can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-4-9)

Race 5

Wide open. RUBY GEM has a difficult draw but has good form on the poly and comes from an in form yard. COASTAL SPELL has her third run after a break and takes a drop in class. With a claiming apprentice up and a good draw she should feature.  SEEK THE SUMMIT has been knocking at the door. She has dropped eleven pounds in the handicap and should be competitive now. LA VIDA BANCO takes a rise in class but has improved of late and seems best over this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-10-8).

Race 6

ASHTON PARK has a big weight but has drawn well and he can improve over this trip. CELTIC CAPTAIN didn’t feature in the 28-horse field of the Grand Heritage but made a smart poly debut before that.FRENCH REVOLUTION has come good of late. He does take a rise in class but has a handy weight. PRINCESS VARUNYA is a smart filly and caught the eye when returning from a break. She has a fair weight but should feature.  (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-9-3)

Race 7

Wide open.LUCKY LUCIANO has been up against stronger on the Highveld. He makes his poly debut and from a good draw should be thereabouts. FOR EVER has finally come to hand. He only got a three-pound penalty for his last win and with a claiming apprentice up this time around he can go in again. ROCKEFELLER was close-up to For Ever last time out and he too now has a claiming apprentice up which should make him competitive. SMART WORLD does his best on the poly and although draw wide he also has a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-10-9).

Race 8

PRINCIPATE was close-up behind Black Forest in the race won by O’Neill and is much improved since trying the poly. BLACK FOREST was much improved at his second start. He has a tricky draw here but a repeat showing should see him close again. There should be little between these two. PLAY THE LAFF improved at his second outing and will much prefer this trip. ROY’S FLYER needed his last start badly after a long lay-off. He has shown ability. (Preview: 8-11-12-1)

The Vaal classic track stages an eight race meeting on Thursday and there look to be a few opportunities for punters.

The Gavin van Zyl-trained Mogok filly Komeshan’s Flight in race five has been selected as the best bet of the day. She won her maiden easing up over 1600m on the Turffontein Inside track. She now races over the same trip from a good draw of six. In that last start she relaxed beautifully at the back of the field and made up the ground quickly with an effortless turn of foot. The form has been franked and she looks above average, so will be hard to beat off a mere 77 merit rating. My Cherry drops back to a more suitable trip and is back against her own gender, so could earn from a good draw. Pearl Valley looks to have come into her own, so can earn too if able to overcome yet another tricky draw. Andrew Fortune should help her cause.

The nomination for value bet of the day goes to the Lucky Houdalakis-trained four-year-old Tiger Ridge gelding Netflix. This horse has always struck as one with a touch of class who would start progressing in his second full season of racing. He is a robust horse with a fine turn of foot and the 1800m trip of tomorrow’s sixth race, a MR 83 Handicap, looks to be right down his alley. He has to lug 60kg but has the pole position draw and looks capable of rising above his current 85 merit rating. His last run in the Grand Heritage can be ignored as the trip of 1475m was too sharp and after initially sticking to his stations, he tracked right over to the favourable stand side but never found the ideal cover or the best going.

There is another progressive sort in this field in the form of the Irish-bred Fastnet Rock colt Enbahrr. He was born to Northern Hemisphere time in March 2013 and this has been taken into account when allocating the weights. However, he is likely improving rapidly now, still being a three-year-old in real terms. He was far from disgraced last time when finishing 5,2 lengths behind Mogok Master over 1450m as he was 8kg under sufferance on official merit ratings. Before that he won well over this trip at Turffontein, so will enjoy the step back up to this trip. Furthermore, the Mike de Kock Highveld yard is in good form at present.

Frappachino has come into his own, not surprisingly as he is by Ideal World. He could be a threat off a four point higher mark after two wins over 2000m. However, on paper Boy Boy has him beaten at the weights and has pole position draw as opposed to Frappachino’s wide draw, so Boy Boy is preferred for third. Kanonkop is the dark horse as he has plenty of ability, but the breathing issues he suffers from are a touch off putting. The latter issue did not stop him from winning over course and distance last time from a wide draw. He has another tricky draw, but is only two points higher in the merit ratings.

The meeting starts with an intriguing tussle between two horses who could prove to be fair sorts, Secret Star and Biblical Susan. Secret Star by Pathfork was backed into 22/10 on debut over 1160m but disappointed. However, on Grand Heritage day she ran a meritorious fifth in a race where the form has worked out very well. She showed a lot of pace that day and stayed on, so the 1200m trip of tomorrow’s event should be ideal and she has a good draw of four. Biblical Susan flew up for second from a tricky draw over 1000m at Scottsville on debut, so will also enjoy the step up in trip. She has a plum draw, one inside of Secret Star, and it would be no surprise to see her taking the honours for the De Kock yard.

The De Kock yard could follow up be winning race two with Al Hamd. He looks a solid sort and is better drawn this time over the 1600m trip than he was last time over the same course and distance.

Rhyme Or Reason and Flipflash are two eyecatching sorts who could fight out the third, a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1600m. The former comes from a good race on Grand Heritage day over 1400m, where she finished a decent fourth. The latter is by Golden Sword and will relish the step up in trip after making an eye catching debut over 1200m. She could provide good value from a plum draw, as it is quite a competitive race so the market should also reflect that.

Let It Rain in race four over 1600m is an intriguing runner as he could well be running off a capped merit rating.

The highest rated race on the card is the seventh, a MR 104 Handicap over 1200m, and the speedy Donny G is the selection as his exceptional speed could help him overcome a high draw.

The last race, like the first, is an intriguing affair and looks to rest between the up and coming sorts Gimmethemoney and Little Swift.

David Thiselton

Despite the wide draw, trainer Brett Crawford has opted to run Rabada in the R1-million Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday 5 November.

The final field for the Grade 2 race on the Standside track was unveiled at a function at Emperors Palace yesterday, when the charities and their celebrities met for the first time.

Top weight is Grade 1 Gold Challenge winner Mac De Lago, who also finished third in the Vodacom Durban July and he will be ridden by Weichong Marwing for his brother Weiho.

Rabada was one of the best three-year-olds in the country last season and won the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville. Sadly for the connections the son of Brave Tin Soldier he has drawn No 17 but is likely to come in to No 14 after the removal of the reserve runners.

He will have the services of Anton Marcus who has ridden him in all nine of his runs. “We knew long ago he was going to be drawn wide,” said Crawford. “Unfortunately that’s what is. Fortunately it is Turffontein on the long course and I’d say that will help a little bit.

“Anton knows Turffontein well. We will have to see if there’s speed in the race and decide on how best to ride him – whether we place him or give him a chance.”

He missed his first run this season through injury and Rabada will go into the Charity Mile without a warm-up run. However, that does not seem to be too much of a problem for Crawford. “He’s still doing very well.”

Among the fancied horses are Champagne Haze for the Gary Alexander yard, New Predator, trained by Johan Janse van Vuuren, and Mogok Master, who is doing well at home according to trainer Joe Soma.

“He had an excellent comeback run after a year’s layoff and he is doing well. I was a little concerned about his second run after such a long layoff, in case he went flat. But I have been giving him gallops at home and they seem to be doing the trick.”

Mogok Master beat Africa Rising in his comeback run and the runner-up franked the form with a very easy win next time out. Anthony Delpech takes the ride.

Champion trainer Sean Tarry will saddle Bulleting Home, who has Piere Strydom up, and filly Intergalactic with S’manga Khumalo in the irons. However, he is a little disappointed Wukkin’ Up is only the second reserve runner. “I’m sad she didn’t make the final field. She has won lot of races in her short career. With bottom weight she would have been a massive runner.”

The charity who draws the winning horse will receive R150,000, the charity represented by the runner-up will receive R100,000 with the other 14 charities getting proportionate amounts of the total donation, depending on the allocated horse’s placement. No charity will go home with less than R20,000.

Final field for the R1-million Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile (Grade 2) over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday 5 November:

1 – 5 MAC DE LAGO (W H Marwing) W Marwing 62.0 – 114

2 – 7 NEW PREDATOR (J A Janse van Vuuren) G Lerena 58.5 – 107

3 – 10 CHAMPAGNE HAZE (G M Alexander) L Hewitson 58.0 – 106

4 – 2 DEO JUVENTE (G V Woodruff) C Maujean 58.0 – 106

5 – 17 RABADA (B Crawford) A Marcus 58.0 – 106

6 – 15 THE CONGLOMERATE (J Ramsden) C Murray 58.0 – 106

7 – 3 NO WORRIES (van Zyl) W Kennedy 57.5 – 105

8 – 19 CAPTAIN ALDO (S J Gray) …………… 56.5 – 103

9 – 4 SARATOGA DANCER (D C Howells) C Zackey 56.5 – 103

10 – 6 BULLETING HOME (S G Tarry) P Strydom 56.0 – 102

11 – 13 INTERGALACTIC (S G Tarry) S Khumalo 56.0 – 102

12 – 18 ROMANY PRINCE (O A Ferraris) S Brown 56.0 – 102

13 – 12 TEN GUN SALUTE (D C Howells) G van Niekerk 56.0 – 102

14 – 11 MOGOK MASTER (J A Soma) A Delpech 55.5 – 101

15 – 8 ST TROPEZ (J Ramsden) R Danielson 54.5 – 99

16 – 16 IRISH PRIDE (J A Janse van Vuuren) R Simons 52.5 – 95

Reserve Runners

17 – 9 MASTER ‘N COMMANDER (G V Woodruff) Reserve 1 53.5 – 97

18 – 14 WUKKIN’ UP (S G Tarry) Reserve 2 52.0 – 94

19 – 1 MOOFEED (M F De Kock) Reserve 3 55.0 – 100

Same Trainer: (2,16) (4,17) (6,15) (9,13) (10,11,18)

Scottsville new race times – Wednesday Oct 26:

Race 1 [12:00] Race 2 [12:30] Bipot
Race 3 [13:05] PA
Race 4 [13:40] Pick 6
Race 5 [14:20] Jackpot
Race 6 [14:55] Race 7 [15:30] Race 8 [16:05] Race 9 [16:40]

Kenilworth new race times – Wednesday Oct 26:

Race 1 [14:05] Bipot
Race 2 [14:40] PA
Race 3 [15:20] Pick 6
Race 4 [15:55] Jackpot
Race 5 [16:30] Race 6 [17:10] Race 7 [17:40] Race 8 [18:15]

Scottsville Wednesday Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

1

Preview: RAW COURAGE failed narrowly at his second outing. The form has been franked and a repeat showing will see him go close.  You could write your own ticket about SEATTLE SKYLINE on debut but he finished a close-up third. He should have benefitted from that outing and rates a strong chance. RAND HEDGE has disappointed too many times to be relied on but he has always been close-up and will crack it soon. GUNPOWDER PLOT raced very green on debut and looks set to improve. ROY’S STORMER made a promising debut and with a four-claimer up can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 14-16-4-11).

2

Preview: Tricky. STARWIN improved nicely at her second outing when tried in cheek pieces. Delpech rides and she can go one better. BEAU VAR has shown consistent form and has some ability. Marcus rides for the first time and can get her home. HALLOWED SPRING was a distant third on debut but should come on strongly from that effort and any market support could be significant. AMADORA caught the eye on debut. She has a tricky outside draw but is another who can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 15-3-11-7).

3

Preview: OLE GUNNAR has some good form in useful company. He takes a big drop in class and a claiming apprentice will ease his weight problems. He rates the one to beat. RIKITIKITANA has his third run after a break. He had a tough task from a wide draw on the poly last start and can do better here. FANTASY ART has had two good warm-up runs since returning from a break and his form has been consistent. UNBELIEVABLE CHAD has been a touch disappointing but this is his third run after being gelded and on his best form can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-6-3).

4

Preview: ROY’S PAST has been up against stronger maiden fields than this and will never get a better chance to win. COURAGEOUS KING is much better than his last two on the poly and at best rates a strong chance in this company. PORTMAN SQUARE is struggling but has done well over this trip. He has a wide draw to contend with. ROY’S EAGLE steps up in trip. He did show some improvement last run after returning from a break and could surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-3 -14).

5

Preview: ENIGHTENMENT was left with too much to do when sent out favourite last time out. She had smart form before that and rates a strong chance. INGA shed her maiden at third time of asking and looks to have some scope. She races in blinkers for the first time. DANCE CITY QUEEN needed her last run, her first in blinkers. She will prefer the extra. CHARISMA has had one sprint on the poly since arriving from the Cape. She will much prefer this trip and is one to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 2-6-1-3).

6

Preview: Difficult. ALL TRUE MAN has improved in blinkers and is in good form.  ROY’S MARCIANO has his third run after a break. He improved nicely last start and meets a weak field. SKYFIRE is taking on males but has taken a big drop in the ratings. With Tajesh Juglall taking four kgs off her back she should be competitive. CAPTAIN ELLIO has some fair Highveld form. He is lightly raced but is likely to feature strongly here. RISKY ROSCO has not been far back at recent outings and can surprise on his best effort. (Andrew Harrison: 6-5-4-2).

7

Preview: EXECUTIVE POWER seldom runs a bad race and was not disgraced in a useful field last time out and that form has since been franked. BUDAPEST showed up well first up from a lengthy break. At best he will go very close. HIGHWAY EXPLORER has been knocking at the door for some time now. He has a handy weight and with Delpech up is a likely winner. PIANO MAN loves this course and is especially effective if the ground comes up soft. JUST ASK ME has put up two smart recent efforts on the poly and now switches to the turf. (Andrew Harrison: 5-9-8-4).

8

Preview: A WOMANS WAY won a Gr2 at second time of asking. She was arguably desperately unlucky at her last start against much stronger than she meets today and should take a power of beating. ISINGAMOYA has a big weight but also a touch of class. She shed her maiden ove course and distance and is a big runner.  RESPECT AT BAY is never far back and has useful form over course and distance. She looks the most likely danger. DEEP DOWN REBEL has come good in blinkers but takes a rise in class here but can still place. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-8-7).

9

Preview: Difficult in a poor field. MILLRACE has been consistent and with Marcus replacing a four-claiming apprentice he must have a decent chance in this company. WESKUS KLONG was not too far back in his local debut and can improve on that effort. BLUNDERBUSS took on stronger last start and appears to have found some form. The blinkers are back on. CHILL is never far back and has a big chance in a race of this nature. SEMONKONG did not feature against stronger last outing even with a light weight but can do better here. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-5-2).

Craven will start at short odds for his handicap debut at Kenilworth today and it will be a shock if he gets beaten.

This is the horse that Andrew Fortune has already committed to riding in the Cape Guineas and Derby and who was backed down to 1-4 at Durbanville three weeks ago when he won easing up with the former champion blaming himself for a bad ride.

Fortune cried off his mounts early yesterday – he wasn’t feeling well – and Brett Crawford wasted no time in snapping up Richard Fourie.

First time out of the maidens is notoriously tricky but Crawford says he has no concerns on this count, reasoning: “I think he is above average.”

A nine draw shouldn’t stop the colt and his opening 85 handicap mark is not excessive (last Saturday’s winner African Night Sky, who won on debut, was put in at 83), particularly as Fortune stopped riding 100m out and eased him before the line.

So, can anything beat him? The sahorseracing computer has him dead-heating with The Slade but One Direction (who the computer says will only finish fifth) could be a bigger threat. His record is similar to Craven’s and Justin Snaith said he could be a Derby horse after last time’s win.

Gyre was put up 1.5kg for his neck defeat of Mega Secret and is now a kilo worse. That was 35 minutes after Craven’s win and, perhaps significantly, Gyre’s time was half a second slower.

Crawford should also win the All To Come Graduation Plate with Whisky Baron who runs for the first time since failing to get the trip in the Winter Derby. He was beaten less than half a length by Marinaresco in both the Winter Guineas and Winter Classic and that is outstanding form. According to the adjusted ratings he is a racing certainty with eight lengths in hand.

True, he has not raced for four months but his trainer says he has few worries about this, adding: “This will be his first run since being gelded and he is working very well.”

But, while the ratings and weights say Newlands has no chance of beating him, this is a smart sort who was good enough to take third in the Langerman. “He is not rated to win but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him do so,” says Joey Ramsden, adding: “He is a huge big horse, he has been cut and he will run well.”

The computer is predicting a major upset, showing Lineker first past the post even though he was scratched last week. Ignoring that administrative cock-up, it has Lord Marshal as its next best but it shows Whisky Baron only fifth and Newlands trailing in last.

Michael Clower

Kenilworth Wednesday Race Previews by Warren Lenferna:

1

Preview: KATNISS made an excellent debut and should take a power of beating this time around. SEATTLE SILVA ran well on debut and has tons of scope to improve and get much closer today. UNDER MILKWOOD has some ability and can place in a field like this – quartet chance. (Warren Lenferna 4-9-1)

2

Preview: WHISKY BARON has not run for a while but has strong form – he will need a bit further but I believe his class and ability will pull him right through to the winners box – hard to beat. NEWLANDS has good form and should be right there and the same can be said about A NEW DAWN. (Warren Lenferna 3-4-5)

3

Preview: HITHER GREEN is coming to form and looks ready to score now. ANGEL OF ATHENS was not far off on debut and should be able to improve to get much closer now and threaten the judges. KONKOLA is seldom far off and deserves a place in the quartet perms. (Warren Lenferna 5-11-6)

4

Preview: TIFFINDELL was running on well on debut to finish third – she is well bred and clearly has some ability – she should improve and can now win at the second time of asking. EMPIRE RISING and SANDY BAY are fair horses and can certainly place in a race like this but they will all have to go some to beat the first choice. (Warren Lenferna 12-1-2)

5

Preview: HANABI is ultra consistent and comes into this race with serious each way claims. CANDALEEYAH is also running well and cannot be overlooked – the stable is in fine form. WAKE UP MAGGIE (sung by Rod Stewart) is doing really well – she returns from a stint in KZN where she did well finishing close up behind highly rated Blaze Of Mystery and The Secret Is Out. She has a chance. (Warren Lenferna 2-3-4)

6

Preview: CABALLO BLANCO is seldom far off the action and a similar performance can be expected today – bright each way chance. CAPTAIN BAGG can go with some of the best of them and he has a strong chance in this race. He will enjoy some weight off his back from the claiming apprentice. LA FAVOURARI is worth including in the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 8-1-2)

7

Preview: CRAVEN won as he liked last time and has been selected to record back to back victories. He seems pretty useful. THE SLADE has run well in KZN and must have been sent to Cape Town for a reason – big respect and big chance. ONE DIRECTION and GYRE are worth mentioning as well. (Warren Lenferna 2-5-4)

8

Preview: DOUBLE J caught the eye on debut and should relish the mile he gets today. He has been selected to improve and win at the second time of asking. RAHEEB has not been far off in both runs to date and can now get much closer – big chance. RINJANI has a place chance but will win soon but they will all have to run some to beat DOUBLE J! (Warren Lenferna 1-16-5)