Kenilworth Saturday (old course) Race Previews by Warren Lenferna

1

Preview: LLOYD’S LEGACY is by a very good stallion and could well be anything – trainer Dennis Drier has not taken him to the Cape to see Table Mountain! He must be there for business – watch the betting – he could make a winning debut. SCRIPTWRITER showed good improvement last time and of the raced runners looks the right one. GLORIOUS GOODWOOD returns from a rest but does have the form to be competitive if not in too much need of the run. (Warren Lenferna 9-10-1)

2

Preview: COUNT HENRY has run two good races thus far and now looks ready to score. COPPER FORCE returns from a rest but did make a good debut before that – he came back from well off the pace to finish fourth – big runner. The exact same thing can be said about VERDIER. (Warren Lenferna 7-6-12)

3

Preview: PRIMROSE LANE clearly has tons of ability as she is unbeaten in two starts. She has an incredible turn of foot and I can find no reason why she cannot reel off the hat trick and remain unbeaten. MAKE IT RAINE has won two from three and also clearly has tons of ability. She is returning from a rest and if not in too much need of this run should be able to go very close once again. ROCK ON BABY was impressive when winning her penultimate start but disappointed last time – she is in Cape Town for the season and whatever happens today she will be one to watch for the future. (Warren Lenferna 8-7-4)

4

Preview: ROYAL GINGER has been knocking hard at the door recently and today looks to be his day – he should be very hard to beat in this field. PADDINGTON can improve to find a place and SEA PASS improved when tried over this trip and is a must for the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 1-10-6)

5

Preview: STAR CHESTNUT has very consistent form, the best draw and a lot points to him winning this race – he is the firm first choice. He also seems best over this distance. If he does not win – he should be right there. BRILLIANT CRIMSON got going when the race was over last time and the extra distance today should suit him down to the ground – big runner. ROYAL BADGE ran a cracker last time but has been rested since. If he is not too much in need of the run he should be very competitive – blinkers helped last time. (Warren Lenferna 4-5-3)

6

Preview: AFRICAN NIGHT SKY was very impressive when making a winning debut 24 days ago and should be even better over the distance he tries today. He has been confidently selected to remain unbeaten after this race today. FREE AGENT and SUMMER SKY have solid form and they both have undeniable chances – it would be silly to ignore their chances for the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 6-1-8)

7

Preview: COLOUR MAGIC is holding her form well and has a very strong each way chance and could well be the horse they all have to fear most. ESSENCEOFLIFE has improved with racing, won well last time and if she were to follow up it would be no shock at all. TENDER TRIP did okay in KZN – she will have to do a bit more to win this race but nevertheless she can be given a very strong place chance. (Warren Lenferna 1-10-3)

8

Preview: FRANCIA has won two out of her last three starts and looks very much on the up – she could be a hard horse to beat this afternoon. MY WORLD is always there and thereabouts and nothing should be different today – strong chance. CIGAR BOY is coming to form again and is worth including in the quartet in a small but fairly competitive race. (Warren Lenferna 3-4-6)

9

Preview: CORKER has solid form and has shown in her last two starts that she is ready to win her second career start. HARAKIRI gets four valuable kg’s off her back from the apprentice and this should put her right there at the finish – chance. STATE BALLET is lightening fast and bidding for the hat trick – if she were to win it would be no shock at all. (Warren Lenferna 7-2-1)

The highlight of yesterday’s eight race Greyville meeting was a Graduation Plate over 1200m and it produced a thrilling finish with the Dean Kannemeyer-trained four-year-old Trippi filly Impala Lily denying the favourite Dawn Calling, having been brought from well off the pace by Anthony Delpech.

Dawn Calling, who was officially the best weighted horse in the race, appeared to have it wrapped up when catching the second-best weighted horse Free State close to home. The latter had been taken to the front from a wide draw. However, Dawn Calling could not find any extra to repel a flying Impala Lily, who was officially 2kg under sufferance with the runner up.

Punters got off to a good start when the even money favourite Terabyte held on to win a maiden for three-year-olds over 1600m. The Dennis Drier-trained Jay Peg colt’s headstrong antics were solved by a noseband and a decision to take him to the front. He settled beautifully and jockey Sean Veale later allowed Storm Outgoing to take it up. Terabyte held on by 0,5 lengths despite being green in the straight.

However, three-year-old males in major centres are not allowed to be rated less than a net 64 if they win their maiden in their first five starts, even if it’s a weak polytrack event, so the minimum rating Terabyte will be awarded is an 80. This will make it tough for him in his first handicap.

In the second, a maiden for three-year-old fillies over 1600m, the Duncan Howells-trained Kahal filly Miss Suey came with a storming run from off the pace to win by 1,5 lengths under Keagan de Melo, despite starting odds of 100/1. She had been beaten 21,9 lengths over 1200m on debut. However, Howells had told De Melo to expect a good run in the parade ring. The 22/10 favourite Queen Diva finished second. This saved place accumulator and bipot punters, as the winner’s 40/1 shot stablemate Roy’s Kaitrina finished third.

In the third, a maiden over 1200m, the Gareth van Zyl-trained Sail From Seattle three-year-old gelding Zloty Potok was given a finely judged ride by Warren Kennedy, coming from off them to sweep past the favourite Prince Myshkin and win by 1,75 lengths at odds of 4/1.  Gareth will be acquiring his own official licence in a week’s time.

In the fourth, a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1200m, the Michael Roberts-trained three-year-old King’s Chapel filly Go With Flo built on a fair debut by wearing down the leader Sonic AP and winning by a length. She started 22/10 second favourite. Sonic AP finished second and the 16/10 favourite Gusheshe was third.

The sixth, a MR 62 handicap over 1200m, was won comfortably by the Dennis Bosch-trained 33/10 favourite King Django, a typically improving four-year-old colt by Go Deputy, who was ridden by Anton Marcus.

The seventh, a MR 74 Handicap over 1400m, saw a deserved win for the Gavin van Zyl-trained eight-year-old Australian-bred Hussonet gelding Tipo Tinto and this clinched a double for De Melo.

The eighth, a MR 74 Handicap over 2000m, was run at a crawl and the Alyson Wright-trained Brave Tin Soldier colt Jama ridden by Brandon Lerena just got the better of the Dean Kannemeyer-trained favourite Tanjiro. Jockey Anthony Delpech objected on the grounds of interference in the closing stages, but it was overruled.

David Thiselton

The Vaal stages the first leg of the three-legged 2016/2017 Workrider’s Challenge on Thursday. The eight races are all relatively weak maidens, but this will not diminish the annual excitement this meeting generates. There is a prize of R5,000 for the leading rider at each of the three meetings and the overall Challenge prize money is R20,000 for first, R10,000 for second and R5,000 for third. The points format is weighted in favour of consistency. A first place finish earns ten points, a second place seven points, third five points and fourth three points. Last year’s runaway Challenge winner was Sam Mosia on 131 points, beating Francis Semela on 72 points, Chamu Mabaya on 59 points, Joe Gwingwizha on 51 points and Charles Ndlovu on 47 points.

The accomplished Tshepiso Matsoele could get off to a good start. In the first race for fillies and mares over 1200m he rides the Visionaire filly Secret Vision, who ran on well over this trip last time for second, despite having earlier broken through the starting stalls. Mosia rides the hard knocking Goodness Me in this race and she should go close too. In her only unplaced effort last time she still finished close despite jumping from the worst of the draw. She now has the pole position draw going around the bend. There are two interesting first-timers in this race. Ahajeez should have speed and class being by Western Winter out of a promising Australian-bred mare who only ran six times, but won three of them over trips from 1600m to 2400m. She is from the Mike de Kock yard who are famous for having all of their horses fit enough. Al Danza by Captain Al is a full sister to the useful The Captain’s Tune, who has won three races from 1400m to 1600m. Her other siblings are the fair sprinter Night Editor and the sprinter to 1400m horse Due And Payable, so she looks likely to have plenty of speed, but she has a tough draw to overcome. Chimese Whisper has fair form at first sight, but looks to be a moderate sort who is going to struggle to ever win a race.

In the second over 1000m Collabro is by Var and is a half-brother to none other than Horse Of The Year Legal Eagle. He made a good debut on Grand Heritage day over 1200m considering he jumped from the wrong side of the track and had no cover for most of the journey. He finished 8,6 lengths back, but was in fifth place of 16 horses and the winner was the highly promising Doosra. Goodman Dadamisi, who has a fine recent strike rate, is in the irons. Matsoele should be involved in the finish again as he rides the hard knocking Lebanese Tractor. Plum British is one to watch here as he dislodged his jockey on debut, having found some betting support before that.

Ndlovu, who finished second in the Challenge to the now high flying Lyle Hewitson two seasons ago, could win the third over 1000m for fillies and mares aboard the hard knocking and improving At A Glance. Lily Love is an interesting runner here as she has exceptional speed and it didn’t work last time when they tried to hold her up. If allowed to use her pace she can go close. Silver Jay has been backed both starts and must be considered, Berdanine, with Mosia up, would be no surprise winner having run well in her last two. Street Affair, Sea Revenant and Truth Of Beauty are three others who can’t be ignored.

Mosia is aboard the probable best bet of the day in the next race over 1600m, the Ormond Ferraris-trained Rubybay. This weak fillies and mares event over 1600m should be at the her mercy from pole position as none of the others have shown enough to be considered winners. She was a touch disappointing the last time she ran over this trip, but she had to overcome a wide draw that day and will likely be more handy this time. African Rhumba looks the main danger after a fair debut.

The fifth over 1800m is the most competitive race on the card and the whole field might have to be included in the Pick 6. Voodoo is the selection to win as he showed improvement over 2000m last time under this same rider Beto Mundluvo.

The sixth over 2000m for fillies and mares could go to Mosia as he is aboard the hard knocking and improving Malala, who is well drawn over an ideal course and distance.

The seventh over 1450m for fillies and mares is an interesting event. The one who looks to have the most promise is Bi Pot, who ran on well after being green on debut. However, she has a tough draw to overcome under Goodman Dadamisa. Third Dan and Doubly Attractive make most appeal of the others. However, Aerobatic can also be considered and an interesting runner is Pretty Popular, who ran well on debut and now, in her third start from pole position, has the blinkers on for the first time.

The meeting could be wrapped up with an upset win in the 1450m event for fillies and mares by Ndlovu aboard the long time maiden Kings Landing. She caught the eye running on strongly over 1200m last time and does not have a lot to beat here from a good draw. The front running Brave Nation could be dangerous and Payne’s Grey might enjoy the step down in trip. Queen Anne and Just As Frisky also have to be considered.

David Thiselton

Visitors to the winner’s enclosure at Scottsville on Sunday October 16: 

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 1 [WEBBWASTE 101 MAIDEN PLATE 1000m R85 000] 1ST: 5 LIL RED ROOSTER (3 Ch g Noordhoek Flyer (SNL) – Chantal) (W Kennedy; 7/1).
Owned by: Mr B D Burnard. Trained by: Gavin van Zyl. Bred by: Gary Player Stud (Pty) Ltd.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 2 [HELI ENGINEERING MAIDEN PLATE (F & M) 1000m R85 000] 1ST: 16 VISION TO KILL (3 B f Kildonan – Royal Vision) (S Veale; 16/1).
Owned by: Messrs M J R Mauvis & Sam Osman. Trained by: Paul Gadsby. Bred by: Mr M J R Mauvis.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 3 [MICHAEL AZZIE RACING STABLES MAIDEN PLATE (F & M) 1400m R85 000
1ST: 14 SPRING IN SEATTLE (3 B f Mambo In Seattle (USA) – Spring Lilac) (E S Ngwane; 50/1).
Owned by: Mr V W Koster. Trained by: Alistair Gordon. Bred by: Cheveley Stud.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 4 [SYSPRO FM 84 DIVIDED HANDICAP (F & M) 1600m R98 000] 1ST: 3 FANTASY LADY (4 B f Kahal (GB) – Silver Fantasy) (K de Melo; 14/1).
Owned by: Messrs G N Cumming, C N Larsson & R D Samuelson. Trained by: Mark Dixon. Bred by: Mr Bruce Le Roux.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 5 [MOUNT EDGECOMBE RETIREMENT VILLAGE FM 67 DIVIDED HANDICAP (F & M) 1600m R75 000] 1ST: 10 LUNA SEA (4 Ch f Admire Main (JPN) – Bellucci) (S Moodley; 16/1).
Owned by: Messrs C Gordon, T Quigley & TMR Syndicate (Nom: Mrs T A Mitchley). Trained by: Therese Mitchley. Bred by: Summerhill Stud (Pty) Ltd.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 6 [GARTH PULLER RACING PINNACLE STAKES 1400m R120 000] 1ST: 2 LONDON CALL (6 B g Kahal (GB) – Fancy Fantasy) (B Lerena; 4/1).
Owned by: Messrs C N Larsson, G N Cumming & R D Samuelson. Trained by: Mark Dixon. Bred by: Mr & Mrs Bruce Le Roux.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 7 [KZN 3YO SERIES 1400 (Non-Black Type) brought to you by ASHBURTON TRAINERS 1400m R150 000] 1ST: 4 ROY’S MAGIC (AUS) (3 Br c Foxwedge (AUS) – Wild Storm (CHI)) (W Kennedy; 6/1).
Owned by: Mr Roy Moodley. Trained by: Duncan Howells. Bred by: S F Bloodstock L L C, NSW.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 8 [KAJAL BUNWARIE TRUST & MR NAGESUR DHEORAJ MR 74 HANDICAP 1200m R80 000] 1ST: 7 ALBERT (7 B g Albert Hall (GB) – Tempter (ARG)) (A Delpech; 6/1).
Owned by: Messrs A Sukhraj & S Sukhraj. Trained by: Kumaran Naidoo. Bred by: Dr G Baitz & Mr C Baitz.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 9 [GADSBY TEAM RACING MR 74 HANDICAP 1200m R80 000] 1ST: 7 ROY’S AIR FORCE (4 B g King’s Apostle (IRE) – Middle East) (D De Gouveia; 14/1).
Owned by: Mr Roy Moodley. Trained by: Paul Lafferty. Bred by: Wicklow Stud.

Free State has a point to prove when she lines up in the Association Of Clean Communities Graduation Plate over 1200m at Greyville on Wednesday, a race that has attracted some crack fillies.

Three weeks back Free State was deemed to be the main culprit in some late scrimmaging down the Scottsville straight and demoted in the boardroom where Shezaleader was the beneficiary but A Womans Way the chief sufferer, squeezed out of the back door and eventually finishing fifth.

Duncan Howells said last week that he was reluctant to run A Womans Way on the poly but when another meeting was added to the Scottsville programme with a suitable race, he gained permission to scratch for today leaving accomplished stable companion Dawn Calling representing the yard.

Dawn Calling has not been out of the money in seven starts, finishing runner-up in both the Gr2 Golden Slipper and the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes at the end of last season. That form has held up well but this will be Dawn Calling’s first outing since the end of July.

The daughter of Trippi is obviously top class but the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas will be on the agenda and 1200m on the quick poly surface does already look to be on the short side. Her proven class could see her through but she may be hard pressed to hold a fit and distance suited Free State.

Wendy Whitehead’s runner is lightly raced and was returning from a three-month break when demoted at Scottsville. That she was running around in the finish could be attributed to her being leg-weary over the final 50m but it was still a cracking run.

Shezaleader (left) and Free State (Nkosi Hlophe)

The second-run-after-a-layoff theorists will be having a field day with this one. A hard run back may well take the edge off the filly but she has earned a cheque at every start which is in her favour and she is also proven on the poly.

Dean Kannemeyer’s runner Impala Lily is also a winner on the poly but like Dawn Calling is returning from a break and does appear to be looking for further at this stage of her career. She has not been out since the first week in July and the fitter Free State could also have here measure.

Cosmic Burst would appear to be the only other runner with winning credentials but does look outclassed.

The race would appear to rest between Free State and Dawn Calling but racing fitness and a suitable distance could give Free State the edge.

Fashion Quest enjoyed the step up in trip when runner-up at her last start over course and distance and is a possible banker in the opening leg of the PA.

The first leg of the Pick 6 looks more tricky. Distant Place caught the eye behind the promising Scent Of The Tiger on debut and is sure to improve while Brave Knight, back from a wind op, made major improvement last time out. Zloty Potok and Ice Emperor look pick of the balance.

The form behind Accidental Tourist is proving to be fairly solid so Go With The Flo is expected to come on nicely from her debut when three lengths back to Accidental Tourist. But if anything, this is an even more open race and the best advice is to fill up in the exotics as far as finances allow bringing all of Even Tempo, Swiss Note, Jollerie and At Variance into the equation.

The same goes for the sixth where the entire field is not without a squeak. Roman Carnival could cut expenses in the seventh as he was a touch unlucky last time out but the lightly raced Sea Urchin steps out over a more suitable trip and is having his third run after a break and is from an in form yard.

Kannemeyer could round off the meeting with Tanjiro in the eighth who takes a major drop in class after finishing a close-up third in a competitive handicap last time out.

Andrew Harrison

Greyville polytrack Wednesday Oct 19 Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

1

Preview: TERABYTE made good improvement at his second start. Will enjoy the extra and has a plum draw. STORM OUTGOING over raced when tried in blinkers last time out. He had made a promising debut for the stable before that. The blinkers come off and he can make amends. Stable companion COSSACK GUARD improved in blinkers and makes his poly debut. PATROL MISSION made a promising sprint debut. He has a tricky draw but should enjoy the extra. (Andrew Harrison: 11-2-1-7).

2

Preview: FASHION QUEST improved when stepped up in trip and can go one better.  QUEEN DIVA caught the eye after a break when beaten a length in her comeback run. She should be in the shake-up. MAXIMUM REFUND jumps from a tricky draw but came on well from her debut effort. MERMAID SIREN can do better than her last effort on the turf. She races in a tongue-tie for the first time and is set to make good improvement. SHE’S A JO also has a difficult draw but also improved on her debut effort. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-6-7).

3

Preview: DISTANT PLACE caught the eye on debut behind the promising Scent Of The Tiger. If he can improve on that effort he will be in with a big chance. BRAVE KNIGHT made good improvement after a wind op. This is his second run after a lengthy break. ZLOTY POTOK has had to deal with two tricky draws in his first two outings. He has pulled another wide gate but is on the up.  SCARRABEAST is improving and looks ready now. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-12-10).

4

Preview: GO WITH FLO was close-up on debut in a competitive maiden. She meets little of note here and from the best of the draw should be right there. EVEN TEMPO found good market support on debut but raced green. She should come on with the experience. SWISS NOTE has been knocking on the door for some time now. This is a weak field and she should finish close-up.  JOLLERIE was possibly in need of her last start. She has shown some ability and tries blinkers for the first time. (Andrew Harrison: 11-10-2-1).

5

Preview: FREE STATE lost her last start in the boardroom and was the chief offender in putting paid to A Womens Way’s chances. However, she is much better off at the weights here and can confirm that form. Duncan Howells saddles two smart fillies. A WOMENS WAY was the meat in the sandwich when fifth last time out. That was her first run back from a break. She is a smart filly and can defy the weights. DAWN CALLING is Gr1 placed but returns from a break and should need further. However, she has class and that could carry her through. COSMIC BURST was second best last run and has the best of the draw. She can place again. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-9-3).

6

Preview: TRIPLE O SEVEN has shown up well in two starts since returning from a lengthy break. She should be at her peak now and has a light weight in a tricky race. SPECIAL ENCOUNTER drops in class and caught the eye over course and distance last time out. He has a big weight but a good draw. KING DJANGO has shown up well in two recent starts over further. He was narrowly beaten last run and can go close again. BUBKA was backed at long odds when put back over a sprint and sent out in blinkers for the first time. He could feature again. (Andrew Harrison: 10-1-6-3)

7

Preview: Wide open. ROMAN CARNIVAL was a touch unlucky last run when hampered. His best recent effort has been over course and distance and he rates a strong chance. SEA URCHIN has had two outings since a lengthy break. He has ability and looks ready now. AIR CHIEF MARSHAL has been a beaten favourite at his last two. He could prove better this trip. FIREWOOD is never far back. He takes a step up in trip and should be competitive again. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-3-8).

8

Preview: Tricky race. TANJIRO showed up well to much stronger last start. He may just have needed the outing and should make a bod bid here. THIRTYTWO SQUADRON was up against stronger last start but was close up at his previous two. He will go close on his best form. PURE VALOR’s last win was over course and distance and he was running on late last outing when trying further. He does not have the best of draws but is in good form. BORN TO RULE is a strong front runner but had no chance with the lightly waited Newtons Spark last run. He goes well on the poly but also has a difficult draw. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-4-3).

Anton Marcus is rated the 18^th most successful jockey in the world in the global rankings published last week by the Thoroughbred Racing Commentary website which also classifies trainers and owners.

Markus and Ingrid Jooste come in number nine in the owners’ category – Coolmore and their partners head the list followed by Godolphin – but otherwise South Africans have been placed a long way down the various logs.

Six times champion Piere Strydom (91^st) is the only other South African-based jockey to be rated in the top 100 and Hong Kong’s  multiple champion Dougie Whyte has been put only two places higher.

The refusal of European interests to relax the African Horse Sickness quarantine regulations probably has more to do with the lowly treatment of the South Africans than any real assessment of their ability. As our horses cannot compete on the international stage, except by sacrificing a significant part of their racing careers to overseas quarantine, few of our jockeys and trainers have much opportunity to show the rest of the world what they are capable of.

Mike de Kock is rated only 80^th in the trainers category (which is headed by Aidan O’Brien) despite his ground-breaking successes around the world with horses far cheaper and nothing like as well bred as those handled by many of those above him. One owner-breeder with close Coolmore connections and who sometimes has horses at Ballydoyle told me last year “We rate De Kock one of the best trainers in the world.”

Current champion Sean Tarry is rated 83rd, the now-retired Mike Bass is 115^th, Dennis Drier and Joey Ramsden are joint 125^th, Justin Snaith 134^th and Brett Crawford 167^th.

Frankie Dettori, who captains the visitors in the Air Mauritius International Jockeys’ Challenge at Fairview on November 18 and Turffontein two days later, is rated second only to Ryan Moore. The other members of his team are Robert Havlin (104), Pat Cosgrave (166), Aurelian Lemaitre (172), Fergus Sweeney and Hayley Turner.

The last two are not in TRC’s top 200 and nor are S’Manga Khumalo, Andrew Fortune, Muzi Yeni and Gavin Lerena. The other two South African team members are Anthony Delpech (121) and Grant van Niekerk (144). It will be interesting to see if TRC revises its estimations of the South Africans after next month’s competition which, sadly, has given Cape Town the cold shoulder for the second successive year.

Michael Clower

Summerveld-based Mark Dixon would not have been training the classy gelding London Call had it not been for a phone call from London by one of his most loyal patrons, Clint Larsson, and hence the naming of the lightly raced six-year-old Kahal gelding.

This horse started the ball rolling in a fairytale story which provides proof there are still bargains to be found in South Africa for owners with limited budgets.

At Scottsville on Sunday London Call notched up his sixth win in just his 11^th career start when holding on in a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1400m under Brandon Lerena. It completed a memorable day for the connections, consisting of trainer Dixon, breeder Bruce Le Roux, and owners Clint Larsson, Gary Cumming and Rex Samuelson, as London Call’s three-parts sister Fantasy Lady had won in good style for them just two races earlier.

Retrospectively, Lerena’s decision to allow London Call to stride out freely in front, rather than fight him, probably won him the race. In June London Call had fought a rider who had attempted to rein him back in the Gr 2 Post Merchants over 1200m and he had consequently faded tamely in the straight.

However, on Sunday, despite a welter burden of 61,5kg and the race being 200m further, London Call stayed on doggedly to win by half-a length from the evergreen 110 merit-rated eight-year-old Punta Arenas. He wasn’t stopping at the line either.

London Call was officially 2,5kg under sufferance with Punta Arena, but started 28/10 favourite as the latter prefers further. The merit of the performance can be adjudged in that the other two joint-second best weighted horses, No Worries and Sylvester The Cat, sat behind him in the running but were unable to make inroads and were beaten 2,5 lengths and 9,25 lengths respectively.

London Call (Nkosi Hlophe)

However, Dixon said there would be no big plans for London Call until next year’s SA Champions Season as he does not travel well. He is not the soundest type, but the yard have learnt how best to deal with his issues. He fortunately does not take a lot of work, so after giving him a couple of gallops, and hoping he stays sound, Dixon has always been able to arrive on course confident of victory.

The connections were furious when London Call was omitted from last season’s Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Sprint, despite having been merit rated higher than a couple who were included. However, the panel will have difficulty leaving him out next year as he has won his last two and his merit rating has increased by a few points. The Tsogo Sun Sprint is his chief target for the season.

Passionate racing man Clint Larsson had earmarked the son of Kahal in the catalogue of the 2012 National Yearling Sales. However, Dixon, with a limited amount left in his budget, felt he had zero chance of securing him and decided to fly home early from the Sale. This was not surprising considering the horse is a half-brother to Gr 1 Cape Fillies Guineas-winner Indiscreet Fantasy and to Listed-winner Silver Fantasy. However, shortly after landing in Durban, Dixon received a phonecall from Larsson, who was in London at the time. The latter had noticed on the internet the colt had gone through the ring unsold. Dixon immediately phoned vendor Bruce le Roux and made an offer. He is grateful Le Roux stood by his word as another offer was apparently made five minutes later. The colt thus received a fitting name. A portion of the R120,000 purchase price must have been recouped when he won on debut over 1200m at Scottsville, by no fewer than 5,5 lengths, at odds of 33/1.

The connections did not make the same mistake at the National Two-year-old Sales of 2014, where they secured London Call’s three parts sister Silver Fantasy for R130,000. She is also by Kahal and is out of London Call’s half-sister, the Silvano filly Silver Fantasy. She had earlier been a vendor buy back at the National Yearling Sales, which is amazing considering the close up black type she has in her pedigree.

On Sunday, Fantasy Lady, who has always been well regarded by Dixon, returned from a layoff of three-and-a-half months to win a MR 84 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m under Keagan de Melo. Interestingly, she also did it from the front after jumping from a wide draw, although she relaxed superbly in the running and was able to dictate. She quickened well and just had to be driven out to win cosily by a length. The four-year-old has won three from eight. She did it off an 80 merit rating on Sunday. Dixon believes she still has improvement in her and is hoping to clinch some black type somewhere along the line.

Dixon and connections have certainly been making hay while the sun is shining because they were able to clinch yet another three-parts sister to London Call at this year’s National Yearling Sales. This Kahal filly went for just R70,000, despite the dam Dream And Fancies being a twice-winning half-sister to London Call by the outstanding broodmare sire Fort Wood.

The connections are certainly enjoying their run with this family and long may it continue.

David Thiselton

Silvan Star may come out on top in a hot race for the Place Your Bets Graduation Plate at Durbanville today.

Greg Cheyne’s mount scored over 200m further here last month in her first race since early June and afterwards Glen Kotzen disclosed that this was the filly he had been aiming at the KZN version of the Fillies Guineas. However a series of foot abscesses caused her to miss most of the Durban season.

Captain Gambler, winner of the 1 500m Irridescence, is an obvious danger and Joey Ramsden says she has come on since her return here 16 days ago.

The four-month absent Fromafar has a theoretical 4.5kg in hand over the next best (Just Sensual) on adjusted merit ratings but Dean Kannemeyer cautions: “She may not be at full racing fitness and may just need it.”

In the circumstances Silvan Star looks fairly priced at World Sports Betting’s 3-1. Captain Gambler is on the same price with stable companion Just Sensual on 15-4, Abound West 9-2, Leisure Trip 5-1, Fromafar and Lady Of The House 7-1 and Excellent the rank outsider at 33-1.

The opening 1 400m maiden looks a straight fight between Cheyne’s mount Candid and Greenflashsunset, the first of S’Manga Khumalo’s six rides for Justin Snaith. Both horses finished strongly to take second on their debuts here nearly three weeks ago and will obviously be suited by the extra furlong.

Candid would have won in another stride but Greenflashsunset came from some way back and was last turning into the straight. “It will be close predicts,” Snaith who reports that his colt has been doing well while Candice Bass-Robinson adds: “Candid ran green that day but he has done well since.”

Candid opened favourite at 15-10 and his turn of foot would have made him the choice had the race been over 1 200m but over this trip his slightly better-priced  (22-10) opponent may just prevail.

Nightingale Lane has obvious appeal at 9-2 in the next where Snaith’s My Word My Bond is favourite at 5-2 and gets the vote. “He has been gelded since his last run and he has a chance,” says the trainer. Brett Crawford has any amount of useful three-year-old maidens but newcomer Border Control, who opened favourite at 3-1, is likely to ease following Andrew Fortune’s decision to cry off his mounts.

Andre Nel’s horses seem to be running as well as ever so it could pay to side with Jingle Belle at 5-2 in the Racing.It’s A Rush Handicap.

Michael Clower