Andrew Harrison

The card headliner, a MR 90 Handicap over 1000m, at a wet Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday saw the field cut down to five runners with the Glen Kotzen-trained favourite Connery hunting his fifth win in succession since his gelding. 

With the starting gates moved to the outside of the track, the runners stayed off the cut-up going on the inside rail with young Jacey Botes leading a bunched five-horse field.

However, in the straight the 4kg claim came into play with Jet Legacy not able to get to terms with the favourite and going down just under a length.

Most impressive winner on the day was the Michael Roberts-trained Ladyofdistinction who took the step up to handicap company in her stride.

The conditions were never going to be in favour of any lightly raced runner with potential but the daughter of Vercingetorix handled it with aplomb as did Rachel Venniker. Scoring a double on the day, she had her mount wide almost all the way around the track before pressing hard for home. The veteran mare Radu tried gamely to make a race of it and at one stage looked to have the edge, but Venniker never went for the stick, knowing that she had plenty to come from her mount and Ladyofdistinction looks to have a bright future.

 It was a big jump from Kimberley and Flamingo Park for Nicholas Patel who was a right hand man to Jarred Rugg in the far reaches of the country before the track was abandoned.

Rugg’s move to KZN did not last long as a dearth of support was never going to make his yard viable and he moved on into the hospitality business.

However, as a jockey Patel was left in no-man’s land with little option in what is his home province but has found support from MJ Odendaal. Patel may not always ride the stable elect but he does get the odd bone and ‘MJ’ kept him aboard Grand Appeal in the card opener and he made the most of it.

 The son of Gold Standard made short work of the favourite One Armed Bandit, the two coming away from their rivals over the subway, with Grand Appeal proving to be far the stronger.

The stable looked all set for a double in the second as Who Blinked was backed into the red, but as is often the case in racing, the best laid plans can go awry. Marco van Rensburg gave the favourite the perfect ride but debutante Slytherin gave all a surprise, including Alyson Wright. A late starter, according to Wright, Slytherin had shown little at work and was pegged as a 1800m plus contender. But he could well prove to be a hidden talent. It was not the strongest of maidens but good stayers can sprint so Slytherin could be chasing the ‘Golden Snitch’.

A torrential downpour and lightning delayed the start to the third, a maiden sprint, and Venniker rode the prefect race on Roberts-trained favourite Amafort, sitting midfield and then picking her way through the traffic. Sonata Samaritan and Jeanne Darc put in determined challenges but the shortest way home proved to be the right way home.

It was a double for Alyson Wright as Serino Moodley took no prisoners in the fourth. Taking advantage of the starting gates being position wide off the rail. He took Rhythm to the front and was not for the catching.

It may not all have gone according to plan for the Odendaal stable with Who Blinked getting rolled but they did manage a double on the day as Johnny The Thief went back-to-back in the seventh. Marco van Rensburg always looked to be travelling well as Woodland Glade made the running and although the pair drifted onto the inside rail under pressure, ‘Johnny’ always had the measure of his rival.

Paul Lafferty’s charge Mr Fixit made short work of the opposition in the last as he cruised home under Calvin Habib.

David Thiselton

The Pick 6 always has a big pool on Betway Summer Cup day and will be taken by many punters, so an analysis of the difficult first two legs could be useful.

Mrs Browning will be out to retain her crown in the first leg, the Gr 3 Betway Carry On Alice Stakes over 1160m. She has only had one outing this season and was beaten 6,75 lengths over the course and distance. However, she was drawn in the tough barrier one position that day and the victor of that race was the best sprinter in the country, Dyce.

Furthermore, she is slung in at the weights on Saturday, being 3,5kg better off with the second best weighted horses, Winter Greeting and White Pearl. On top of that she has a nice high draw and has in form Gavin Lerena aboard. Her stablemate Mia Moo is the favourite, but although that is a justified choice on her good form and progressive profile, winning a big field feature down the Turffontein straight course from draw two is usually tough, although there was one Summer Cup meeting where the inside draws were actually favourable, a rare occurrence.

A more interesting stablemate is Troppo Veloce, who is drawn on the right side and on a line through Dyce is weighted to finish on top of Mrs Browning. However, the latter would surely have come on from that last run. If Troppo Veloce is given a chance then Elegant Ice from the in form Lucky Houdalakis stable has a chance and the latter jumps from draw 8. White Pearl won well last time over 1400m and the last time she tried this course and distance she was second in a Gr 3 and she beat Mrs Browning by 2,35 lengths.

At the weights she could repeat that dose but the problem is Mrs Browning was drawn one that day and on Saturday White Pearl has a tough low draw of three. The up and coming Chasing Happiness is improving all the time and is officially quite well in being only 4,5kg under sufferance with Mrs Browning. She has scope for further improvement and is a big runner from draw ten with Aldo Domeyer up.

Winter Greeting ran a fine race in the Gr 2 Senor Santa Stakes over course and distance back in April and did well in her reappearance last time when finishing two lengths ahead of Mrs Browning. However, she is now 4kg worse off and has draw six to negotiate. Richard Fourie is up so Winter Greeting can’t be ignored. CallmewhenUneedme is on the up but she is 5,5kg under sufferance with Mrs Browning and Trent Mayhew will not be able to claim his usual 2,5kg unlike last time.

The youngster Poblano has been thrown in at the deep end and is officially 10kg under sufferance with Mrs Browning but she looks to have talent and should still improve so could earn from a high draw. East Cape raider Passchendale is in fine form, but draw one makes it tough. One Fell Swoop has the ability but has not run for five months and has a tough low draw. Where’s The Party is drawn on the right side but has a tough task with Chasing Happiness being just 2kg better off for a comfortable 5,90 length beating. Garlandsofgreenery has ability but has not run for over ten months. You Bring Me Joy has some good Turffontein form but has not run since ending last season under a bit of a cloud. Gimmefabulous has a hard task at the weights and hasn’t run this season yet. Tamil Tigress has a tough task at the weights. A chance could be taken in only including Mrs Browning and Chasing Happiness on a day in which the Pick 6 will be tough and going thin on some legs will be necessary.

In the second leg of the Pick 6, the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Merchants over 1160m, the Frank Robinson-trained Cats Pajamas is officially 1kg under sufferance but looks to have a lot of ability and is drawn on the outside rail. This Rafeef gelding ended last season with a fine victory in the Gr 2 Umkhomazi Stakes over 1200m and this season he has had one run, his first as a gelding, and the form of that dominant 3,30 length win has worked out very well. He could be the one to beat.

Richard Fourie is reunited with Lucky Lad, whom he seems to always get the best out of. Lucky Lad has overcome a low draw, or at least being on the wrong side when it counted, over this course and distance before so a draw of three might not be overly concerning. However, this is a handicap and carrying 63,5kg is going to be tough. Pistol Pete has speed and some class and sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and he is drawn on the right side too. Red Bomber should be cherry ripe and is drawn towards the right side.

Mount Pilatus is 1kg under sufferance but in fine form. Chyavana won well last time and on paper has a chance, but a draw of six won’t be easy. The honest Sheldon can never be dismissed but from draw two it will be tough. Quantum Theory, Melech and Magic Tattoo are others who would be fancied if better drawn. Gimmeanotherchance has class and is interesting dropped in trip from a middle draw. Rulership would be a leading player here if it was over 1000m as he is drawn on the right side.

After The Rain has ability and a good draw but is 2kg under sufferance and Halberdier has a tough task at the weights. Cats Pajamas is tipped to beat Lucky Lad with Pistol Pete, Red Bomber and Mount Pilatus next best. 

RACE 1

1 PRETTY PRECIOUS 7 INTRO 3 DRAGON DRAGON

Preview: 1 PRETTY PRECIOUS made a fair Highveld debut after having good form in the strong centre of Cape Town and she will enjoy the step up to 1200m. 7 INTRO has some fair form and is distance suited. 3 DRAGON DRAGON could earn in this line up if producing her best.  (David Thiselton 1-7-3)

RACE 2     

7 JOOST DROOCHSLOOT 3 DYLAN’S CHAMP 4 GIFT OF ROYAL 1 GAMER

Preview: 7 JOOST DROOCHSLOOT made a fine debut over 1450m and will enjoy the step up in trip. 3 DYLAN’S CHAMP is on the up and after going close over 1700m last time will enjoy this trip. 4 GIFT OF ROYAL could earn if repeating his last start. 1 GAMER has the ability to earn if things go his way. (David Thiselton 7-3-4-1)

RACE 3     

6 KADIZORA 4 ROSY LEMON 3 AVOONTOAST 2 RANI OF KITTUR

Preview: 6 KADIZORA is knocking on the door and is distance suited. 4 ROSY LEMON is an honest sort who will enjoy the slight step down in trip. 3 AVOONTOAST should be right there from pole position over a suitable trip. 2 RANI OF KITTUR has run well in two starts since being stepped up to middle distances but has not run since July. (David Thiselton 6-4-3-2)

RACE 4     

3 MARY READ 2 ANNEWITHAN E 1 LAST CAR TO PASS 5 LINGANOMORE

Preview: 3 MARY READ went close over this trip last time and is now drawn in pole. 2 ANNEWITHAN E has done well up to 2000m before and can be thereabouts although she does have to overcome a seven point raise for her win last time. 1 LAST CAR TO PASS has run well in both starts and should relish the step up in trip. 5 LINGANOMORE has the form to earn over a suitable trip but does have a wide draw. (David Thiselton 3-2-1-5)

RACE 5     

5 COUNT INVICTO 6 CONFEDERATE 8 PRESSONREGARDLESS 10 SUTHERLAND

Preview: 5 COUNT INVICTO has won well in both starts and should relish the step up in trip and could possibly handle a 95 merit rating. 6 CONFEDERATE is knocking on the door and will enjoy this trip with Piere Strydom up being a bonus. 8 PRESSONREGARDLESS is in fine form and enjoyed cheepieces being fitted last time so he can go close over a suitable trip. 10 SUTHERLAND should get closer than 2,75 lengths to Pressonregardless based on their last meeting and a 1kg weight swing. (David Thiselton 5-6-8-10)

RACE 6     

7 BEADED GOWN 8 TWICE AS WILD 9 SMELTING 1 ONE PARTY

Preview: 7 BEADED GOWN just failed over this trip last time and should be right there under the same rider. 8 TWICE AS WILD should enjoy the step down in trip and has a chance. 9 SMELTING won when this 4kg claimer was last up so she could be in the shake up despite officially being 0,5kg under sufferance. 1 ONE PARTY went close the last time she ran over 1000m and Lerena is up. (David Thiselton 7-8-9-1)

RACE 7     

8 EXECUTRIX 1 NETTLETON 9 LADY OF MEMPHIS 2 MIST IN SCOTLAND

Preview: 8 EXECUTRIX will relish the step down in trip and sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight. 1 NETTLETON is in fine form and goes for the hattrick over a suitable trip albeit off a five point higher mark. 9 LADY OF MEMPHIS ran well first time out the maidens over 1200m and might enjoy the step back to her winning trip. 2 MIST IN SCOTLAND is capable of blitzing a field but is not in the best form. (David Thiselton 8-1-9-2)

RACE 8     

1 REMAINS OF THE DAY 9 DANCING DORA 11 PERINI PALACE 2 COMMANDER OF ALL

Preview: 1 REMAINS OF THE DAY disappointed last time but with this 4kg claimer up over an ideal 1000m he could go close. 9 DANCING DORA is in hardknocking form and is capable over this 1000m trip.  11 PERINI PALACE is usually thereabouts and with a 4kg claimer up could have a say. 2 COMMANDER OF ALL is knocking hard and his only win was over this trip. (David Thiselton 1-9-11-2)

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.