David Thiselton

 A Conditions Plate for fillies and mares over 1600m and a Middle Stakes event over 1400m head the eight race meeting at Turffontein  Standside on Saturday. 

In the Conditions Plate Let’s Go Now has always struck as a filly who would get better and better with age and she has run two good races in her last two starts and now has her third run after a layoff over an ideal trip with Gavin Lerena up, although she does have a tricky draw. She was a 0,7 length 3rd in the Grade 2 Mike de Kock Ipi Tombe Challenge over course and distance last time out, albeit from a pole position draw. She is officially best in at the weights and is in fact 2,5kg better off with any other runner. Lerena was up for her last start and stays aboard. Beating Wings has shown glimpses of class this season and from a good draw should be right there over a distance on the sharp side, although she would have been freshened up. This is her first run since disappointing in the Summer Cup but she should run well fresh over a trip that is on the sharp side for her. Willy Meet Again has a tough task at the weights with Let’s Go Now and is in fact fact 9,5kg under sufferance with her. However, she is in fine form and can continue to progress. She has a has a tricky draw of seven, but Richard Fourie makes a rare foray to Turffontein and is aboard.

The William Longsword filly tried the trip for the first time last time out and was beaten only by two class fillies, World of Alice and Fiery Pegasus, and she actually finished ahead of the Group 1-winning filly, VJ’s Angel, too. 

Beating Wings had a fine win over the top class filly Francis Ethel over this trip back in October. Key Element has run some good races over this trip and could place despite being well under sufferance. Tried And True and Happy Mo have tough tasks at the weights.

In the Middle Stakes event over 1400m Potberrie has turned the corner and after some good displays in good company, including finishing just 3.7 lengths back in fourth to Greaterix in the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m, he easily won a handicap last time off a 95 merit rating. He runs over that same trip with Muzi Yeni up and should be right there. Star Coin is having his second run after a layoff of nearly a year and has a fair draw. Ikigai showed glimpses of his old self last time out and can be included. Francine is an honest type who is in fine form and she should make her presence felt although she has a tricky draw over 8.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Mountain High flew up too late last time and should handle the step up in trip. The Mightiest has good form from 1400m up to 1800m and should be in the shake up. Up The Ante should relish the step up in trip and has a fine chance if able to overcome a wide draw. 

In the second leg Apache Chief had some fair Cape Town form and can come on from his second place on his Highveld debut over this same trip. Spy Story is always thereabouts and should be in the shake up.Sovereign Crown improved when stepped up in trip last time and can be involved. Chieftain’s Shield has a form chance here from a fair draw. Spirito Selvaggio has a tough draw but has the form to be involved.

In the fifth race over 2400m Battleground has a lovely big action, so is ideally suited to staying races from good draws at this galloping track. Marauding Horde is capable of winning here and the best might not have been seen of him yet. Crimson King is a useful stayer and has his third run after a rest. Raiseahallelujah is a reliable stayer and should be right there. Zeus goes for Gavin Lerena and has a fine chance if bouncing back to his best, but he hasn’t won for a year now.

In the last race over 1160m The Navy Lark is quick and stays on so has a shout over this quick course and distance. Sakhala Is’Cathulo is not too reliable and probably prefers 1000m but over this quick course and distance he can be considered. Pretty Precious starts off handicapping on a competitive mark and although a low draw is against her Fourie is up. 

In the first leg of the Bipot Easy Tiger impressed on debut and is taken to beat Caroline Island and Glastonbury, but is could be a thriller between those three.

In the first leg of the PA Winds Of Change should be too good and can be chased home by Kia Kaha and Grand Crescendo. 

Graeme Hawkins

Strap yourself in, it could be a bumpy ride at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday as the competitive 8-race programme includes five R200 000 Summer Country Championship Finals over distances varying from 1000m to 1800m and all for horses with a nett merit rating of 82 and below. But bumpy rides can also be exhilarating and the prospect of decent dividends in the respective exotic bets is enticing.

The third race, and opening leg of the Pick 6, is the “1600” Final and it may pay to follow the hard-knocking Kebonalesedi, a recent winner over track and trip. Grant Van Niekerk retains the ride for Eric Sands and the 4-time winning 5yo son of Pomodoro should again give us a good run for our money. Iconic Destination has bounced back from throat surgery with two very good efforts over 1400m and the extra 200m should be well within his range. He was rated 96 earlier in his career but comes in here off the handy mark of 81 and Andre Nel’s charge is definitely one for the short-list. Rich Folks Hoax has the advantage of pole position and the 3yo son of Danon Platina appears to have scope for further improvement. Strictly on paper he is held by Kebonalesedi, but last time Rich Folks Hoax raced from the worst of the draw when beaten two lengths by Kebonalesedi and they could finish much closer together here. The consistent Master Of Paris and his stable companions Okavango and Bounceback should be considered for Quartet permutations in a tricky contest.

The fourth race is the “1800” Final and the Snaith pair Kwite A King (Zackey) and Groovejet (JP van der Merwe) both have strong winning claims. JP has opted to ride Groovejet but at the weights there should not be much to choose between them. La Pulga is an interesting runner as he steps up to 1800m for the first time. His recent form is encouraging, and Candice Bass-Robinson has often spoken highly of the 3yo son of Pomodoro. Tothemoonandback has been priced up as one of the longshots in the ante-post market but in receipt of 7kgs from Groovejet, he could certainly upset the applecart. The only filly in the race, Green Isle, appears well-handicapped and is ideally distance suited while neither Aladdin’s Lamp nor Gentleman Joe would be winning out of turn. Happy Days seems held by Groovejet but will get the run of the race from the inside gate.

Race 5 is the “1400” Final and the in-form Family Power, trained by Greg Ennion and partnered by Grant Van Niekerk, gets the nod to confirm her superiority over the promising Swiatek. Golden Ideal should not be too far behind Swiatek on the evidence of their last run and cannot be lightly discarded. Industrial Strength has not enjoyed much luck in recent starts, and he leaves the impression there is still more to come from the lightly raced 4yo son of Gimmethegreenlight. Devil A Saint has drawn widest of all and is not the most consistent around but on best form he could surprise.

The “1000” Final has been billed as the sixth race on the card and the evergreen 6yo Bluff On Bluff could register his seventh career victory. Ashton Arries gets a good tune out of the Piet Steyn inmate and the pair were seen to good advantage when scoring at the end of December. There has never been much to choose between Bluff On Bluff and the 7yo All About Al and Craig Zackey’s fine record on the Adam Marcus-trained son of Captain Al is a plus factor. The veterans could well be upstaged by the 3yo Un Bel Di who will be ridden by Aldo Domeyer for the Justin Snaith team. Un Bel Di has his third run back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and should be cherry ripe, but he does have the steadier of 62,5kgs to shoulder. Another “old-timer” Barney McGrew is holding form nicely while Dame Of Trix has only had the one start since February ’24 and could improve markedly on that performance last month.

Race 7 is the “1200” Final and the race appears ultra-competitive. I am leaning towards the Vaughan Marshall-trained Captain’s Destiny who has not put a foot wrong in her last eight starts. She only has 53kgs on her back and is in receipt of 9,5kgs from Tough Terrain and 7,5kgs from last start course and distance winner Golden Destiny. The unexposed Elsinore who finished a creditable fourth on her handicap debut appears to be on an upward curve and can get into the mix. Prince of Tibet is holding form nicely since being fitted with blinkers and rates a threat off a low mass. Sooty who was heavily backed to win last month was not disgraced when runner-up behind Kelp Forest and is another to consider. The enigmatic Fort Red has not won for 462 days but he is quite capable of popping up when least expected.

RACE 1

1 TRIPPING THUNDER ran a lovely race on the 18th of January behind his stable companion, he stayed on strongly for second, the blinkers stay on, and he should go very close to winning in this field. 2 CHASINGTHERAINBOW ran a much better race last time behind Circumbendibus, he finished third and was only beaten just under two lengths by the winner, he is clearly improving and must be respected. 5 IMOKELLY made good improvement in his second start at the races, he was still very green and managed to run fourth in a competitive race last time, he looks like the type that will keep improving with every start, watch him closely. 10 WAVE OF GLORY is very speedy, he could bounce back to his best form at a decent price, include him into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 2 – 5 – 10)

RACE 2

5 FUTURE TURN is as honest as they come, he ran a fair second last time behind Promettere, from a decent draw in a small field, there should be no excuses for this gelding, he will be right there in the finish. 7 RULE OF THUMB needs a particular ride, if the race works out for him, he could certainly win quite easily with no weight on his back, watch him closely in this tricky race. 6 PREVALENCE should enjoy the drop back in trip to 1600m, on his best form, he always has a good each way chance, include him into the play at a decent price. 8 HAT’S PRIDE will need some luck in running from a tricky draw, he could sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 7 – 6 – 8)

RACE 3

1 RICH FOLKS HOAX ran on strongly from a long way back in his last start behind Kebonalesedi, he was only beaten just under two lengths at the wire, now that he gets a good draw, he should go very close to winning. 4 ICONIC DESTINATION has run two very good seconds in succession, he steps up in trip now, with some luck in running he could be very dangerous in the finish. 7 KEBONALESEDI fought hard to win a good race on the 11th of January, he was given four points for that win, this looks to be a nice race for him to be competitive again. 3 OKAVANGO won his maiden in style beating Cosmic Rhythm by just over four lengths, the form has worked out well, he is still improving and must be respected from a good draw. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 4 – 7 – 3)

RACE 4

9 GROOVEJET has won his last two races with absolute ease, unfortunately he draws wide, and he carries a big weight for this Summer Country Championship 1800 Final on Saturday afternoon, he will need a career best to win again, but he is still improving and he has a good turn of foot, include him into the play. 1 HAPPY DAYS ran a fair race from a wide draw on the 18th of December, the yard think highly of this colt, from a good draw he must have a big winning chance. 3 KWITE A KING ran on powerfully last time to finish second behind his stable companion, he now gets a nice pull in the weights with Groovejet, he could certainly win this race if everything works out for him. 7 GENTLEMAN JOE is consistent and must be included into all bets, his form is very good. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 1 – 3 – 7)

RACE 5

3 FAMILY POWER has been in terrific form of late, she will enjoy the drop back in trip to 1400m, Jockey Grant van Niekerk knows her well, she will go very close to winning this competitive race. 2 INDUSTRIALSTRENGTH has had one or two hard luck stories in his career, he is a lovely looking colt that is packed with ability, there should be no excuses for him from a good draw, include him into all bets. 14 DEVIL A SAINT has dropped in the ratings, he could be the value in this race at a good price, on his day he can be a strong front runner, unfortunately the draw will make life tough for him, but he could get to the front and be hard to fetch late. 11 SWIATEK never runs a bad race, she is consistent and must be included into all bet types. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 2 – 14 – 11)

RACE 6

3 BLUFF ON BLUFF quickened very well to win going away on the 28th of December, the form of that race has worked out well, despite going up five points for that good win, he will be competitive again. 7 BARNEY MCGREW justified strong market support to win a nice race on the 15th of January, even though he is seven years of age, his form is excellent, and he could earn again for the connections. 4 UN BEL DI should be cherry ripe to run a cracker, he needed his first two runs back from a long rest, if he has made the necessary improvement back at home, he could be hard to beat. 2 ALL ABOUT AL never runs a bad race, he could sneak into the places on his best form. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 7 – 4 – 2)

RACE 7

9 GOLDEN DESTINY finished like a train to win a top race on the 25th of January, he was switched off early and produced at the right time by Jockey Craig Zackey, with a similar performance on Saturday afternoon, he will be tough to beat. 12 SOOTY can be a tricky customer, he is a lovely looking gelding with tons of potential, his last run when finishing second behind Kelp Forest was a good performance, if he gets some cover early and the gaps open at the right time, he could certainly win a race like this. 5 TOUGH TERRAIN has been in good form lately, he likes to be held up early and then comes with a storming run late, include him into all bets. 7 CAPTAIN’S DESTINY always has a money chance, her form is good, watch her closely at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 12 – 5 – 7)

RACE 8

11 TENANGO quickened up really well to win a good race on the 4th of January, he is a talented sprinter that is still improving, he will be right there in the finish again. 9 CAPTAIN WEST needed his last run over 1400m, he should tighten up quite a bit from that run and he will love the drop in trip, include him into all bets. 8 ARCTIC WIZARD travelled strongly in the lead last time and just got run out of it late by Gem King, he is a smart colt with a magnificent action, he could be the horse they all need to fetch, watch him closely. 1 OLIVER is much better than his last run, he drops back in trip again and should be running on strongly. (Brandon Bailey: 11 – 9 – 8 – 1)

Andrew Harrison

The Hollywoodbets Greyville poly track is due a major upgrade later this month but hosts the final meeting tonight before work begins.

Most of the fields are on the thin side but La Vida Loca found a potential star in Mocha Blend last time out but shows some promise and although making her poly debut she should go well in the first. Nautical Landing has shown her best form over course and distance and could be the stable elect although White Waters is way better than her last run and with a 4kg claimer up from the best of the draw could see her home. Royal Mermaid improved second time out and is one to watch in the market. 

In the second, Hope Is Power is in good form and will go close on his best effort. Red Roses Too is never far back and goes well on the poly while Celtic Chief is lightly raced but useful on his day. Last win was on the poly but should feature with this weight. Mister Master Starter has been costly to follow but the stable has hit form. 

Mamas Baby won well over course and distance last time out and although jumping six points in the handicap she still looks to have her opposition held given that she met most of them last time out. She could be a banker in the first leg of the Pick 6. Drive By was second best behind Mamas Baby and with a 7kg swing in the weights courtesy of a 4kg claimer, she should get closer. 

In the fourth, Mr Hotstepper made nearly all before being caught on the line last time out. He shed his Maiden over course and distance and looks good in this field. King Of Spin was just in need of his last run and will be a big threat while the filly Sovereign Grant is the best weighted and may just have needed her last run from a wide draw. Littleblackvelvet is never far back and gets a change of rider. Last win was course and distance. 

Numzaan caught the eye when making his debut for his new stable and Lerena is an eye-catching booking when they line up in the fifth, a wide open handicap. Lou Lou The Legend comes off a short break and although he is consistent he has been costly to follow. Mac Hardy has useful form on the poly and should go close again while Future Saint is improving slowly and is one to keep an eye on. 

Alyson Wright could hold the keys in the sixth with three runners. Stable rider Athandiwe Mgudlwa is aboard King Bavarian who is struggling for his next win but is consistent while Gavin Lerena is aboard Wave Warrior who is a poly specialist and also in good form. Watch the market between these two. Gary Rich sends out English Primrose who was rested after a disappointing outing on the turf. Her best recent form is on the poly but shew may need this.

Mike Miller’s filly Grey Fantasy is overdue and the step up in trip should be ideal although stable companion Skytrix is no slouch and showed up well first run back from a break over a mile on the turf. She has the better draw and her last win was on the poly. Miss Paget loves course and distance although she does come off a short break while Poursomesugaronme has been threatening for some time now and cannot be ignored. 

The last is a wide open handicap but Terminator was a beaten favourite in his first local run and can make amends. Kimbal O’Hara has been consistent and should feature prominently again in this line-up while Benni In The Area  is back over his favourite course and distance and his last run on the turf is best ignored. 

RACE 1

6 LA VIDA LOCA   7 NAUTICAL LANDING   1 WHITE WATERS   4 ROYAL MERMAID

Summary: LA VIDA LOCA (6) found a potential star last time out. Shows some promise although making her poly debut. NAUTICAL LANDING (7) has shown her best form over course and distance and could be the stable elect although WHITE WATERS (1) is way better than her last run and with a 4kg claimer up from the best of the draw could see her home. ROYAL MERMAID (4) improved second time out and is one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 6-7-1-4).

RACE 2

6 HOPE IS POWER   3 MISTER MASTER STARTER   1 RED ROSES TOO   5 CELTIC CHIEF

Summary: HOPE IS POWER (6) is in good form and will go close on best effort. RED ROSES TOO (1) is never far back and goes well on the poly. CELTIC CHIEF (5) is lightly raced but useful on his day. Last win was on the poly but should feature with this weight. MISTER MASTER STARTER (3) has been costly to follow but stable has hit form. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-1-5).

RACE 3

7 MAMAS BABY   6 DRIVE BY   8 SWEET JULIA   3 SWISS PARADISE

Summary: MAMAS BABY (7) won well over course and distance last time out and although jumping six points in the handicap she still looks to have her opposition held given that she met most of them last time out. DRIVE BY (6) was second best behind Mamas Baby and with a 7kg swing in the weights courtesy of a 4kg claimer, She can get closer. SWEET JULIA (8) is seldom far back but struggling for her second win. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-8-3).

RACE 4

4 MR HOTSTEPPER   1 KING OF SPIN   5 SOVEREIGN GRANT   3 LITTLEBLACKVELVET

Summary: MR HOTSTEPPER (4) made nearly all before being caught on the line last time out. He shed his Maiden over course and distance and looks good in this field. KING OF SPIN (1) was just in need of his last run and will be a big threat. The filly SOVEREIGN GRANT (5) is the best weighted and may just have needed her last run from a wide draw. LITTLEBLACKVELVET (3) is never far back and gets a change of rider. Last win was course and distance. (Andrew Harrison: 4-1-5-3).

RACE 5

6 NUMZAAN   3 MAC HARDY   8 LOU THE LEGEND   1 FUTURE SAINT

Summary: NUMZAAN (6) caught the eye when making his debut for his new stable and Lerena is an eye-catching booking. LOU THE LEGEND (8) comes off a short break. He is consistent but has been costly to follow. MAC HARDY (3) has useful form on the poly and should go close again. FUTURE SAINT (1) is improving slowly and is one to keep an eye on. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-8-1).

RACE 6

7 WAVE WARRIOR   4 KING BAVARIAN   3 ENGLISH PRIMROSE   2 THESUPERNOVASTAR

Summary: Alyson Wright could hold the keys. Stable rider Athandiwe Mgudlwa is aboard KING BAVARIAN (4) who is struggling for his next win but is consistent. Lerena is aboard WAVE WARRIOR (7) who is a poly specialist and also in good form. ENGLISH PRIMROSE (3) was rested after a disappointing outing on the turf. Her best recent form is on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-3-2).

RACE 7

7 GREY FANTASY   10 POURSOMESUGARONME   2 SKYTRIX   8 MISS PAGET

Summary: GREY FANTASY (7) is overdue and the step up in trip should be ideal. Stable companion SKYTRIX (2) is no slouch and showed up well first run back from a break over a mile on the turf. She has the better draw and her last win was on the poly. MISS PAGET (8) loves course and distance although she does come off a short break. POURSOMESUGARONME (10) has been threatening for some time now and cannot be ignored. (Andrew Harrison: 7-10-2-8).

RACE 8

6 TERMINATOR   4 KIMBAL O’HARA   9 BENNIE IN THE AREA   3 VOLDEMORT

Summary: Wide open handicap. TERMINATOR (6) was a beaten favourite first local run. Can make amends. KIMBAL O’HARA (4) has been consistent and should feature prominently again in this line-up. BENNI IN THE AREA (9) is back over his favourite course and distance and his last run is best ignored. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-9-3).