David Thiselton

THE LISTED SPRING SPREE STAKES heralds he beginning of the always awaited Highveld Spring Season and it means the province’s best horses will soon be seen out on the lush green grass that the spring rains bring. 

However, the going today will still be fast as those rains are yet to arrive.

The classy Puerto Manzano could be the one to beat in the 1200m handicap contest. This long-striding Argentinian-bred would prefer further but did dead-heat with the course and distance specialist Thumbs Up over the course and distance when making his debut. He will be running fresh after a three-and-a-half month layoff and is drawn in pole so could mow them down late in the race despite having to carry second topweight of 61.5kg. The filly Rapid Fire will be ideally suited to this tight track as she has adequate cruising speed and a fine turn of foot. She will also be doing her best work late from a plum draw of two. Vaseem has thrived in the yard of Roy Magner, recording a second, a third and two wins in that order. He is distance suited but does have to overcome a draw of eight, which will be especially tough considering he likes to be up there. Visiway has a lot of speed and in the fast conditions will likely attempt to steal it although a draw of six won’t make it easy to get to the front and this will be a three point higher mark than he has ever won off. Mr Flood is the topweight and has to carrying 64.5kg. He was being touted as the best sprinter in the country in the middle of last year’s national lockdown but then went off the boil. However, his last run on August 1 was an improvement on three dismal performances before that so a six month layoff might well have been beneficial and he could surprise from a fair draw. Willow Express would prefer further but does have some speed and could also be involved in the finish from a good draw of three. Chijmes is a front-running type but would prefer a lot further. Chief Of State is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance but would probably prefer 1000m.

The previous race is the Lady’s Stakes (Non-Black Type) over 1200m and the talented Philanthropist filly Full Velocity could make it a fifth win in eight starts. She is currently merit rated only 93 after being brought on slowly and she looks to have more to come. Thumbs Up has won three and placed second once in five starts over this course and distance and will be the chief threat from draw four despite having to carry topweight of 60kg and give Full Velocity 5.5kg. The youngster Big Burn will also be an interesting runner as she has a lot of pace and the ability to stay on strongly although it won’t be easy having to give Full Velocity just half-a-kilogram. All Of Me is always capable of popping up and has a plum draw of two. Herstel from pole position is just half-a-kilogram under sufferance and will also be capable of picking up the pieces carrying just 52kg.

RACE 1: 2 DRIVE BY   8 LEOPARD LADY   3 SHELL SEEKER   6 SILVANO’SBUTTERFLY

Preview: DRIVE BY (2) made marked improvement when racing in first time blinkers. Looks to have more to come and may be the one to beat although the year older LEOPARD LADY (8) has run two crackers on this course and will have plenty of supporters. First timers SHELL SEEKER (3) and SILVANO’SBUTTERFLY (6) may be ones to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-3-6).

RACE 2: 5 SYMMETRY   1 QUEEN MERCURY   9 CASA ROSADA   8 STING RAY

Preview: SYMMETRY (5) was in contention until the final furlong. Can come on strongly from that effort. QUEEN MERCURY (1) was not far back in the soft in her last Kenilworth outing. Lightly raced but meets a modest field here. CASA ROSADA (9) has not been far back in two recent poly efforts. STING RAY (8) showed improved form after contesting a small feature at her previous start. One to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-9-8).

RACE 3: 8 DAQUESNE WHISTLE   2 CAPE STAR   6 SIEGE OF ORLEANS   7 AMBLE INN

Preview: DUQUESNE WHISTLE (8) looks to have found the right race and is the one to beat. CAPE STAR (2) was not far back when send over ground for the first time and should come on from that effort. SIEGE OF ORLEANS (6) has improved with each outing. Lightly raced and must have a winning chance. AMBLE INN (7) has come good in her last two on the turf. Lightly raced, she must have a strong chance in this field. (Andrew Harrison: 8-2-6-7).

RACE 4: 5 LUCKY MISS   7 OCTOBER SONG   10 BLACK JOKER   2 IQEMBULABESIFAZANE

Preview: LUCKY MISS (5) was not too far back in a strong feature last start. She started favourite on debut and the form has held up well. OCTOBER SONG (7) found strong market support on debut but raced very green. She should have benefitted from the experience and may be the one to beat. BLACK JOKER (10) made no show on her local debut but did have a wide draw on her poly debut. IQEMBULABESIFAZANE (2) did not feature on debut from a wide draw and can do better here. (Andrew Harrison: 7-5-10-2).

RACE 5: 1 HASTA MANANA   6 IDEAL ACT   9 NATIONAL UNITY   8 GET CARTER

Preview: HASTA MANANA (1) should be hard to beat. Not far back in a strong feature last start his form before that was outstanding. IDEAL ACT (6) made a promising debut on the Greyville poly. He is sure to come on from that. NATIONAL UNITY (9) made sudden improvement in first time blinkers. A Repeat should see him into the money again. GET CARTER (8) has shown some recent improvement and the extra should suit. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-9-8).

RACE 6: 9 PRAY FOR RAIN   1 CAPTAIN TATTERS   5 CHANTYMAN   4 TEMPTING FATE

Preview: PRAY FOR RAIN (9) is well weighted and found his best form when getting the better of the consistent Spydas Corner last time out. He goes well this course and should be a big runner. CAPTAIN TATTERS (1) has come on nicely since being fitted with blinkers. Tried further last run but does seem better over this trip. CHANTYMAN (5) is quick and the best weighted. He is way better than his last effort in the Mercury Sprint where he tired late. TEMPTING FATE (4) is struggling to find hos best form. Needed his last run and with the tongue-tie back on he could be a major factor. (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-5-4).

RACE 7: 3 NO NAME BRAND   5 WE ALL CHOMIES   6 HAMPTON COURT   8 CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Preview: NO NAME BRAND (3) took on much stronger first time out of the maidens. He’s not the easiest at the gate but will go close. WE ALL CHOMIES (5) has been in good form on the poly. Has a light weight and should make a bold bid. HAMPTON COURT (6) had his consistency rewarded last run. Meets slightly stronger here. CHIEF EXECUTIVE (8) has been rested. Took on feature company last run and has a chance in this line-up. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-6-8).

RACE 8: 3 LADY CATHERINE   1 MAQUETTE   4 LADY LEGEND   9 HER ROYAL MAJESTY

Preview: LADY CATHERINE (3) won well first time out for her new stable. In form 4kg claimer up can see her follow up. MAQUETTE (1) won well second time out. Looks useful and can follow up. LADY LEGEND (4) has been taking on stronger from wide draws at recent starts. Can go close. HER ROYAL MAJESTY (9) is down in class with a 4kg claimer up. One to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-4-9).

RACE 1: Preview: LAZY GUY (1) has shown ability and has a chance in thus line up. BUCKS FIZZ (6) is drawn in pole and has a form chance. SAN QUINTIN (9) makes most appeal of the first-timers being by Dynasty out of Grade 1-placed All Afire who has produced two-time winner Phoenix among others. FREEZING FAST (2) is a long-time maiden but has shown enough to earn here. A WINTER’S TALE (5) is by Philanthropist out of Listed-winning Var mare Winter Passion. PORTRAYAL (3) should enjoy the step back in trip and can place in this field.  CAPRONI (7) is by Willow Magic out of a one-time-winning Jet Master mare whose two runners to date have both been unplaced. (David Thiselton 1-6-9-2-5-3-7)  

RACE 2: Preview: SILVER TYCOON (2) is a smart horse and should win this having come out and won well last time after an eight month layoff. WOLFF’S WORLD (1) was unlucky last time and could be the chief danger despite officially having a tough task at the weights. SENTBYDESTINY (4) is officially the best weighted horse and is distance suited. (David Thiselton 2-1-4) 

RACE 3: Preview: EASTERN BELLE (2) has a plum draw and is the one to beat. AMICUS CURIAE (7) is by Twice Over out of Sue For Peace who won five times and who has already produced three multiple winners from four runners. CORAL DAWN (3) has the ability to be involved here over a suitable course and distance. BELTWAY (4) showed improvement last time and has a plum draw over the same trip.  LIKE A DIAMOND (5) is improving and could earn a cheque. (David Thiselton 2-7-3-4-5)

RACE 4: Preview: ZAVIAH (6) enjoyed the step up to 2200m last time and should enjoy the further step up here. UNDERSTATED (2) will enjoy this trip and has a chance if sent for home early as he is out and out stayer. ROYAL TIGER (3) looks to be the best of the rest. (David Thiselton 6-2-3)  

RACE 5: Preview: CAP ESTEL (4) is by stamina influence Judpot and is a full-sister to Miss Cap Mala who has won over 1800m and been placed over 2400m and she strikes as a stayer too so is the one to beat from although hopefully she will not be caught wide from draw five like she was last time when staying on for fourth over 1600m. GLOBAL LOUISE (5) is by Galileo sire Global View and looks to be an out and out stayer who will relish this trip and Khumalo aboard is a plus although her wide draw is a concern. INTERCITY (3) will be dangerous from the front as this trip should be ideal. ARIZONA LADY (1) has run some fair races up to 2000m and has a chance. RROSENWIND (6) is by Flower Alley and is a half-sister to Grade 2 Debutante winner Rosier and to nine-time winner Christofle and is a full-sister to Ms Flower Power who has placed twice over 1400m so she has a chance despite her debut being over 2200m and with a 2.5kg claimer up. SUPER DUPER (2) can’t be ignored on best form. ZAZU (7) was quickly swamped when leading over 1600m last time but is by Gloval View and could improve over this trip. (David Thiselton 4-5-3-1-6-2-7) 

RACE 6: Preview: FULL VELOCITY (3) has speed and class and can win again from a good draw. THUMBS UP (1) has three wins and a second from five starts over course and distance and has a fair draw although it won’t be easy carrying topweight of 60kg. BIG BURN (5) is young but progressive and has plenty of speed so can make a bold bid from the front. ALL OF ME (2) is well drawn over step down in trip she will very much appreciate and she can never be ignored. HERSTEL (8) is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and is drawn in pole over a suitable trip. (David Thiselton 3-1-5-2-8)   

RACE 7: Preview: PUERTO MANZANO (2) would prefer further but this long-striding progressive sort runs fresh and could mow them down late considering he has pole position. RAPID FIRE (5) is drawn two and this consistent filly is suited to this tight course due to her fine turn of foot. VASEEM (6) is in fine form and is distance suited but does have a tough draw. (David Thiselton 2-5-6)   

RACE 8: Preview: SOUND OF SUMMER (5) is 3.5kg under sufferance with the best weighted Second Base according to official merit ratings but is race fit and progressive so can go in again from a good draw. SECOND BASE (1) is seen for the first time since his fifth place finish in the Daily News 2000 and from pole position should make his presence felt as one who can still progress further as a four-year-old. GREEN HAZE (3) has a win and a third from two runs over course and distance and is 2kg better off with Golden Pheasant for a quarter length beating over 1600m and is 4.5kg better off with Sound Of Summer for a 1,40 length beating in that same race although the latter won cosily and should have made 1kg improvement since then according to the wfa scale. (David Thiselton 5-1-3)

RACE 9: Preview: AURORA LIGHT (1) was not disgraced first time out the maidens in just her second career start and has a chance here from a plum draw despite being a young three-year-old carrying 62kg. LIFE GOES ON (9) showed pace last time over 1200m and as in contention throughout before rolling out and finishing a 1,40 length fifth so it is significant that Khumalo stays on over this shorter 1000m trip although he has a tricky draw. ROZARA (3) finished a fair second first time out the maidens and has a chance in this uninspiring field from a plum draw. WUHAN (8) has a shout if reproducing his run over this trip in June although he has a tough draw. RAMSAY (6) is drawn in pole and has a chance if reproducing his best. MADAME PATRICE (10) is off a competitive mark and has a shout here although she is another with a tough draw. LOVE LIES (2) has a fair draw and has the ability to be involved in the finish here. (David Thiselton 1-9-3-8-6-10-2)

RACE 1: Preview: TAKE TO WAR (1) made an impressive debut and can improve to win. BON VOYAGE (2) improved from run to run and should be right there. HOLLOW POINT (8) made a sparkling debut to finish second and can improve to win in an open looking race as there are others that have bright chances too. (Warren Lenferna 1-2-8)

RACE 2: Preview: I’M IN LOVE (12) is coming along the right way and has a bright chance of going one better. GOING UP (11) is making her debut and could be absolutely anything – might be worth including on debut. NIPPY WINTER (1) has placed seven times from as many runs and should get it all right one of these days. (Warren Lenferna 12-11-1)

RACE 3: Preview: I WANT IT ALL (11) is well bred and gets the services of Grant Van Niekerk – he could be anything and be able to make his presence felt on debut – respect and include. GEM KING (1) can be forgiven for his disappointing last effort and can go close, like he did in his penultimate race. DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE (8) made a sparkling debut and is a must for most bets. (Warren Lenferna 11-1-8)

RACE 4: Preview: It looks as if LEGITIMISE (1) can finally get rewarded for all his consistency and is the firm first choice. FLOW FOREVER (9) finished midfield in a field of eight on debut and is surely going to build on that – big runner and KING SALADIN (3) was involved in a nail biting finish last time and even though he is well tried, can run into the quartets. (Warren Lenferna 1-9-3)

RACE 5: Preview: LIDL MISS SUNSHINE (9) showed encouraging improvement from run one to run two and even more improvement can be expected – she is the first choice but there are others with bright chances too. NAME OF THE GAME (10) should relish the extra distance today and can finish in the first three. WILDEST DREAMS (12) should also relish the step up in distance and must be better than her last effort. She must be given another chance and should be right there this time. RAZZLE DAZZLE EM (1) can be forgiven her last run – chance. (Warren Lenferna 9-10-12-1)

RACE 6: Preview: if you do not banker KASIMIR (1) then you will have to include quite a few – for structure and budget purposes I am all in with KASIMIR (1) he should be able to win this and win it nicely. WORLDS YOUR OYSTER (3), SKIDOO (6), BARNEY MCGREW (7) and FATEFUL (8) are all in tremendous form and should again run very good races but they might all have to go some to beat the first choice. (Warren Lenferna 1-7-6)

RACE 7: Preview: A case can be made for each and every one of these runners and a thrilling race looks on the cards! Here is my shortlist for the race: ZAPATILLAS (7) impressed when making a winning debut and can improve to go on to being anything. He won so easily first time of asking. SAFE RETURN (1) did oaky in KZN during the season and should be involved in the finish – bright chance. KEEP IT SECRET (4) has won his last two and his most recent was in Gqeberha and a gutsy performance too. He has an undeniable hat trick chance. (Warren Lenferna 7-1-4)

RACE 8: Preview: CAPTAIN DIZZY (1) has solid enough form to warrant giving him a bright winning chance here. Trainer Piet Botha has his horses in a very good space and their good form looks set to continue. VARISTOCRACY (9) has only raced three times and caught the attention – he makes his Cape debut and should run an absolute cracker – respect! PARIS RIX (5) and WORDSWORTH (6) have place chances. (Warren Lenferna 1-9-5-6)

RACE 9: Preview: HILARITY (3) more than likely needed her SA introduction and a lot more can be expected from this Twilight Son filly this time – strong each way chance. Her stable companion might prove to be her biggest threat. BLACK SILVER (5) returns from a bit of a rest and seems to be progressive – forget and forgive her last effort and she should be right there at the business end of affairs. FUSILLADE (4) is lightly raced and has done well thus far – she has a bright chance too. (Warren Lenferna 3-5-4)

RACE 10: Preview: CHANSONETTE (8) should enjoy the extra distance and has done well in both races thus far. Her chances of winning are bright. GOLDEN DAH (2) is holding form and despite being drawn wide is my place value selection in the race. WINTER SCOUT (12) is consistent and should be in the first four. (Warren Lenferna 8-2-12)

SELECTIONS

R1 (14) Castello Campanula

(10) Overjoyed

(2) Salute De Winter

R2 (3) Razor Red

(2) Paris Opera

(1) Magic Blaze

R3 (9) Wind Sock

(10) Crystal City

(1) Lord Marmite

R4 (8) Soller

(9) Dipladenia

(10) Irish Willow

R5 (6) Respectable Miss

(5) Sacred Ibis

(3) Cana

R6 (4) Lady Defiance

(7) Fresh From The Us

(5) Royal Shindig

R7 (1) Marmara Sea

(5) Love Happens

(6) Aranjuez

R8 (2) Kimberley Star

(4) Aqua Delta

(3) Oscar Wilde

R9 (1) Gold Rock

(3) Teofilia

(6) Sputnik One

R10 (7) Princess Zena

(8) Dancing Girl

(1) Palace Queen

PERMUTATIONS

BIPOT (R144)

Leg 1: 3 x 2

Leg 2: 9 x 10 x 1

Leg 3: 8 x 9

Leg 4: 6 x 5 x 3

Leg 5: 4 x 7

Leg 6: 1 x 5

PA (R96)

Leg 1: 9 x 10 x 1

Leg 2: 8 x 9

Leg 3: 6 x 5

Leg 4: 4 x 7

Leg 5: 1 x 5

Leg 6: 2 x 4

Leg 7: 1

PICK 6 (R4800)

Leg 1: 8 x 9 x 10 x 2 x 4

Leg 2: 6 x 5 x 3 x 1 x 8

Leg 3: 4 x 7 x 5 x 2

Leg 4: 1 x 5 x 6 x 8

Leg 5: 2 x 4 x 3 x 7

Leg 6: 1 x 3 x 6

David Thiselton

THE TURFFONTEIN INSIDE track stages an eight race meeting and those who do their homework should be rewarded with fair dividends. 

In  the first race over 1450m Sister Light is all the rage in the early market and has been priced up at 5/10 but she did not impress enough on debut to warrant it.  She had the run of the race from pole position over 1400m on the Standside track but battled to quicken in the straight although she did do enough in an uninspiring field to finish a head second. However, the form is yet to be franked. Kissed By Fire makes just as much appeal but was quoted around 7/1 in the opening market. She has quite a nice big action which enables her to run on from off the pace so the draw of five out of seven should not be a problem. Golden Aspen also has a shout as a front-runner who will be favoured by the current fast conditions. Turn Tide has run two moderate fifths over 1000m and 1200m but being by The United States out of Var mare Caviar, who was a five-time winner from 1000m to 1400m, she might improve over this trip. The first-timer Lilly Langtry, by Byword out of maiden Black Minnaloushe mare, does not make appeal on debut.

In the second race over 1450m Timbavati River has a nice big action and stayed on for third in a fair field over 1400m last time after leading so he is the one to beat from a fair draw. Lion Of The Desert was backed on debut in April over 1160m  and showed some pace and this scopey horse has a long stride too. However, drawn unfavourably in one that day down the Turffontein straight it was not surprising he faded out. He could have benefitted from the layoff and on pedigree, being by Twice Over out of a Grade 3-winning Damascus Gate sprinter, he should enjoy this trip so is interesting from a plum draw of two. The first-timer who makes most appeal is Zanetto who is by Silvano and is a half-sister to Grade 2-placed Varumba, a sprinter by Var. The first-timer Privilege is a Sean Tarry-trained stablemate to Lion Of The Desert and on jockey bookings could be the stable elect as Lyle Hewitson is up. He is by Rafeef out of a twice-winning Windrush sprinter, but the latter has not produced a winner from three runners, all by Pomodoro. Another Level is another interesting first-timer being by Twice Over out of Grade 2 Debutante winner Captain’s Call, who is by Captain Al. The latter has produced two winners from three runners including a full-sister to Another Level who won once and placed twice in just four starts. 

In the third race over 1000m Prince Of Fire showed pace over 1000m on debut before drawing away to win cosily and from pole position he can follow up off a reasonable merit rating of 83. King’s Road is an ultra consistent former KZN horse who made a good Highveld debut over 1200m and now from draw two over his favourite 1000m trip he will be a threat. Warrior’s Captain has a lot of pace and scope and must also be respected despite returning from a four month layoff.  

The fourth race is over 2600m and Barak looks the one to beat. He appears to have turned the corner after a three-and-a-half month layoff for despite being a stayer he has finished second in his last two starts over 1800m and 2000m respectively. He is a banker consideration from pole position. However, staying races often produced surprise results so that would be risky. Category Four has not had much luck lately and now gets a good draw over a trip he stays, although he does have to carry topweight. He should be running on from off the pace. Afraad, Captain’s Chorus, Brand New Cadillac, Super Handsome and possibly Humble Tune all have to be considered.

In the fifth race over 1800m Leading Lad was continually baulked for a run last time over this trip so was most unlucky and he now has his third run after a layoff. Grimaldi cruised in last time over this trip to fulfil some of the potential he has always looked to have and he might be running off a capped merit rating so is the one to beat on paper. Willo’thewisp is 4kg better off with Grimaldi and is drawn in pole so has a shout.

In the sixth race over 1800m Flying Bull makes plenty of appeal. He is drawn in pole and this horse has a nice big action and was staying on in eyecatching fashion last time over 1450m. He is by Soft Falling Rain out of a Judpot mare whose only win was over 1400m on debut but the latter was a half-sister to Henry Higgins, who was effective over middle distance and staying trips. Prince Evlanoff and Western Fort should have benefitted from their last starts and look to be the chief threats. 

In the seventh over 1450m Val D’Orcia won well on debut over 1160m and on pedigree will relish this step up to 1450m, being by Vercingetorix out of Listed Oaks Trial winner Tuscan Lass. The consistent Funky Music is distance suited and drawn in pole. Flying Grace brings fair form from the Cape and is hard to ignore. 

In the last race over 1450m Dark Travel is in good form and is distance suited and the joint best in at the weights under the Classified Stakes conditions. Bitter Wind and Kapama make most appeal of the rest. For wider Miracle And Wonder, Tiki Taka and Pomelo can be considered.            

Andrew Harrison

CAPTAIN FONTANE is Hong Kong’s loss and South Africa’s gain. A failed export bid saw the gelding back in Garth Puller’s yard and it was four from four at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday.

Facing his sternest test, Captain Fontane passed with flying colours and although it is still early days, the gelding has stacked up to all of his pre-race hype. “He’ll go a mile on his coconut,” said Puller after his previous success and on yesterday’s evidence, Captain Fontane could even get further.

A touch keen in the early exchanges, he settled nicely under Ashton Arries and fortunately was clear of Farland who dislodged Jason Gates as his mount appeared to clip heels racing up the inside fence.

Let loose at the top of the straight, Captain Fontane accelerated like a good horse should.

October Song let the side down when heavily supported on debut but Sweet Symphony played a better tune for Mike Miller in the card opener.

October Song was all the rage in her Hollywoodbets Scottsville debut a week back but Serino Moodley found himself all at sea as his mount ran everywhere except straight.

It was a different story yesterday. Starting at long odds, Sweet Symphony pulled herself to the front and was never in danger of defeat with the opposition chasing a shadow a long way out.

Moodley also has a job pulling his mount up after the line as she galloped and extra 800m which possibly bodes well for the daughter of Twice Over seeing out a bit of ground come the future with Moodley giving some encouragement. “She found another gear. I did more to pull her up than what I did in the race.”

With the track seemingly running fast, apprentice Thabiso Gumede wasted no time on the recently gelded Lord Varys. Told to sit second if the pace was on or lead if not by Duncan Howells, the talented apprentice chose the latter option and like Sweet Symphony, the result was never in doubt as Lord Varys galloped his opposition into the ground.

Seven-year-old Mashari is an old hand but does not know how to run a bad race. He clocked up the fifth win of his career as Warren Kennedy got the best out of him for Wayne Badenhorst and his sister Barbara in the third to out-gun Ramchandani Road, again runner-up after another second last Friday.

Muzi Yeni rolled to the front of a small five-horse field in the fourth and was not for the catching on Alyson Wright’s filly Maria Corolina. Leading from the jump, Yeni angled towards the outside fence in the straight leaving Time To Roll just enough space on the outside rail to make a race of it. But the runner-up eventually threw in the towel as running-room got tighter and tighter.

Kennedy is all-out for his second national jockey championship and an overseas ticket and if he keeps riding as he did on Wendy Whitehead’s mare Integrity, jurisdictions like Hong Kong, where no quarter is asked or given, will welcome him. In a five-horse field, Kennedy kept pumping away to get his mare up in the tightest of finishes.

Khanya Sakayi is bit of a forgotten rider since coming out of his time, but he is accomplished as he showed with a copybook ride on Mystery Boy for Gareth van Zyl. In a race devoid of any pace, Sakayi picked his spot at the top of the straight and drove through for a comfortable win.

Shavout and Sir Michael looked the part in the seventh and although finishing in that order, they were out-run by Fight Song, giving Gareth van Zyl a quick double.

Anton Marcus looked to have timed his run to perfection as Shavout took an early lead at the top of the straight but Fight Song, encouraged by some punishing blows in the flank, finished the better.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS OF TRACK AND BALL in Pietermaritzburg, from left, Kenny ‘G’ Harrod, Rob ‘Khulu’ Haswell and Des ‘Dad’ MacDonald, who have shares in the Doug Campbell-trained Let Em Go that runs in the second race at Hollywoodbets Greyville today.

According to Haswell, apart from being part of the furniture at Track and Ball, Des is a life member of Gold Circle and a mine of information about local racing while Kenny, a retired bookkeeper, has an eagle eye for betting moves.

“Together they have certainly enhanced my experience in racing,” said Haswell who owns a number of horses.  “I felt that after so many years of punting it was high time that the ‘Two Musketeers’ had shares in a horse.

“It has taken time to get Let Em Go race ready but the lads are holding thumbs for an encouraging run this afternoon,” Haswell concluded.

David Thiselton

FORMER national champion jockey Warren Kennedy’s pending emigration has been put on hold and he will be in South Africa for the whole 2021/2022 season. 

He confirmed he would be going all out to regain the jockeys’ title.

Kennedy said he had definitely wanted to defend the title last season but it had “slipped away” midway through the season and he pointed out this term he would be able to be more focused.

He said he had been in limbo last season not knowing the status of his visa applications.

He said other priorities such as the birth of a second child and spending a month in Cape Town to partner Summer Pudding had also taken precedence over the championship. 

He only rode at two meetings between January 9 and the end of that month, L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate day and Cape Town Met day.

However, at the start of that stint he was already lagging in 6th place in the championship on 61 winners, 57 behind the 118 of eventual champion Lyle Hewitson.

Kennedy was also quick to add that at no stage during last season had he “taken it easy”, so  he is under no illusions about how tough it is going to be to stay out in front this season after a flying start.

He is currently on 38 winners, 15 clear of second-placed S’Manga Khumalo and 22 clear of joint third-placed Lyle Hewitson and Muzi Yeni.

Kennedy said Covid-19 related issues had delayed the clearance of the visas for him and family and that next January would have been the earliest they could have departed for overseas.  

As that would be halfway through the season and shortly before the SA Champions Season he has instead decided to “push through for the whole season.”

Kennedy is also still hoping to break into Hong Kong and said being a dual national champion would enhance that chance.

He mentioned Paul Peter’s three-year-olds as being the best chances he currently perceived of big race success this season and among them he mentioned the Silvano gelding Sound Of Summer and the What A Winter colt Mufasa. He also mentioned the KZN star She’s A Keeper but pointed out that Gareth van Zyl was using S’Manga Khumalo more and more and he was not sure he was going to keep the ride on the five-year-old mare.   

Andrew Harrison

GARTH PULLER was on Monday officially crowned KZN’s Champion Trainer but he will be more concerned with the performance of Captain Fontane that lines up in the last on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville today.

Captain Fontane’s roundabout from Puller’s stable, to quarantine and possible export to Hong Kong, and back is well documented and the unbeaten gelding gets another chance to cement his burgeoning reputation.

Unbeaten in three starts, the first two before quarantine eliciting rave reviews, Captain Fontane made a workmanlike return to the track when holding off Hooves Of Troy in a 1200m sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in early July.

The winning margin was less than a length but Ashton Arries, in the saddle again this afternoon, made light work of the finish, giving just enough to get the job done.

It was a copybook workout for a horse that had not seen a racetrack in eleven months and there should be much more to come. He goes 1400m for the first time and on the poly for the first time, but asked post-race if his charge would go any further, Puller was emphatic. “He’ll go a mile on his coconut.”

Today’s race will provide a searching test and some indication of Captain Fontane’s true ability as he takes on some useful opposition.

The Robbie Hill-trained Petra is a five-time winning mare who may also have just needed her last outing when finishing strongly behind Light That Loose. She will also appreciate the step up in trip.

Shane Humby has battled a foot abscess with Mr Fitz but appears to have got on top of the problem and the stable is showing signs of an up-tick in form.  Quick Star is always dangerous and his light weight from a good draw will be an advantage while Hard To Play, Good Rhythm, Sniper Shot and Williams Land will be no push-overs.

Shavout and Sir Michael are the best weighted in the seventh and look set to fight this one out. MJ Odendaal has always had high regard for his charge and Shavout’s only poor run was in The Dingaans where nothing went to plan.

He has shown strong form in good company of late, third to Crown Towers in The Sledgehammer at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and a two-length third to the smart filly She’s A Keeper in the WSB 1900.

More recently he was a touch unlucky behind Gentleman’s Wager.

It may all depend on which Sir Michael pitches up on the day. Dean Kannemeyer’s charge has been costly to follow and the form behind Do It Again in a Pinnacle Stakes is beginning show a few leaks after Sir Michael took the knee to Ralph The Rascal when odds-on followed by a well below par effort behind Captain Tatters. However, he may well be looking for this extended trip. Either way he looks the biggest threat to Shavout.

Of the balance, African Sunrise is struggling to win again but gives the impression that he could pop up when least expected.

Jacob’s Ladder lost form after his narrow maiden win, but Louis Goosen appears to have got on top of whatever was the problem as the gelding tuned in a much-improved performance when runner-up at long odds last time out.  He may now be showing what he’s capable off and a repeat will see him close again.

Owner Rob Haswell will be hoping that Let Em Go will have put in a good showing for Pietermaritzburg’s Track and Ball ‘Three Musketeer’s’ in the second but Uplifted does appear to have a better chance in the sixth as the gelding has been close-up in both starts since his maiden win. The tongue-tie goes on and he should have a strong chance with this weight.