IT was hard going for most punters at
Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday and although the results were not always
in favour of the majority, there was still some memorable performances. With
many of the trainers away hoping to top up their strings at the BSA
Two-Year-Old Sale in Gauteng, Gareth van Zyl was on hand to saddle his two
winners with After The Rain and Anton Marcus getting his season off to a
belated start on Alittlebitnaughty in the last and also giving the
International Racing Club and Mike de Haast their third winner of the
afternoon.
Gary Rich has a small string and it is
something of a mystery that he is not better supported by owners. Daughter and
assistant, Tessa saddled Kitten’s Adventure on Saturday and the stable were
quietly bullish in spite of a flood of money for Mike Miller’s filly October
Song.
Jarred Samuel had his mount out and running
from the jump and with 100m to the line was afforded the luxury of glance at
October Song bobbing in his wake.
In the final analysis, Kitten’s Adventure
was never in danger of defeat and October Song well beaten. However, the
dangers of backing first timers with no racing experience was there to see as
the benefit of a run was clearly obvious. The winner kept straight as an arrow
while Serino Moodley had to cope with a mount that wasn’t sure what it was all
about.
October Song will sing a better tune next
time out.
The stallion Admiral Kitten stands in the
relative backwaters of the Great Karoo outside of Colesberg – once the heart of
the thoroughbred breeding industry – and as such gets limited access to the
better performed and bred mares. But David Southey and partners appear to have
unearthed a gem as Admiral Kitten was backed up by Family Favourite in the
next.
Owned by Southey, Dennis Bosch’s filly was
not high on the list of possible winners, paying over R64 on the tote, but she
did give young apprentice Donald Geerthsen his second winner of his short career.
While all were looking for favourites One Bite At A Time and Poppy Of Bayeux,
Geerthsen snuck up the inside to hold off a late challenge from Gareth Van
Zyl’s Drive By ridden by Mandla Ntuli. After a three-year stint as a work rider
in China and Hong Kong, Ntuli had his holiday at home extended after
the outbreak of Covid and a Chinese lockdown.
SUMMERVELD trainer Mike Miller’s top horse from last year,
Honokalani, has been sold to Mauritius trainer Ricky Maingard but his Rafeef
filly October Song and his Vercingetorix colt Party Time will still provide him
with plenty of three-year-old ammunition this season.
October Song, whose pedigree has a fascinating history
behind it, has had the dogs barking at Summerveld and she was duly backed in to
23/15 favourite for her debut over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on
Saturday.
She managed a strong-finishing second but had excuses and
Miller said, “There has only been about 2mm of rain recently in
Pietermaritzburg and there was consequently a lot of kick back so when she was
slowly away she was getting it in her face and not quite enjoying it, that is
why Serino (Moodley) pulled her outward towards the middle. She only got the
hang of it near the end and that is when she got going.”
October Song has plenty of size and substance and was
eyecatching in the last furlong.
She is undoubtedly one of the horses to follow for the
season.
Miller continued, “Her work at home has been
phenomenal. She has been beating one and two timers with ease. I looked at this
field and felt it was so bad she would surely be able to win it, but I did not
expect her to be so green.”
The bay filly is a half-sister to the Grade 1-winning
sprinter August Rush and Grade 3-winning sprinter Miss October, who were
both by Var.
However, Miller continued, “I have always had the
impression she would be better over 1400m to 1600m. We will give her one more
run over 1200m as we don’t want to rush her into a 1400m race.”
October Song’s story starts with the purchase of the huge
English mare Devon Air by Robin and Des Scott into the yard of Terrance
Millard. The maestro trainer turned around her dismal UK form despite
her legs having what Millard described as “joints like footballs”.
Devon Air arrived in Durban in the winter of
1984 with three wins in Cape Town
behind her and a third place finish in the J&B Met. She then scored a
famous Greyville hattrick, winning the Grade 2 Republic Day Handicap over
1900m, the Grade 1 Rothmans July handicap, carrying 52.5kg, and the Grade 1
Gold Cup carrying 56kg.
She made a good start at stud, her first two foals, the
filly Cream Of The Crop (Concertina) and Plymouth Rock (Concertina) won Grade 3
and Listed staying races respectively. However, she had only produced one more
winner by the time she was bought at a 1996 auction at Summerhill Stud by
Zimbabwean breeder Christopher Peech.
Her first Zimbabwean foal was by Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes
winner Huntingdale and was called Bushgirl, who had to be delivered by
caesarian section. She barely survived and was too weak and unsound to be
raced.
Zimbabwe
was beginning to fall on hard times and Peech’s breeding operation was one of
the victims.
Bushgirl was thus put on an auction and one of Southern Africa’s finest thoroughbred breeders Robin
Bruss pounced.
Bruss has many pedigree theories based on decades of
experience and one of them is simply to match the best to the best, so he was
not going to miss the opportunity to buy a filly whose parents were
respectively a British Group 1 winner and a July winner.
It proved to be a shrewd purchase as she produced Grade 1
Mercury Sprint winner August Rush and Grade 3-winning sprinter Miss October,
who went on to produce Grade 1 Gold Medallion winner Tempting Fate.
Bruss always sells if the price is right and sold Bushgirl
to owner-breeder Tinus Gericke about ten years or so ago.
October Song was Bushgirl’s last foal and so Gericke has
kept her.
Rafeef, who won the wfa Grade 1 Computaform Sprint, was last
season’s champion freshman sire and his sire Redoute’s Choice was a multiple
Group 1 winner and a celebrated champion sire of Australia.
October Song thus looks to have all the credentials to
continue Devon Air’s legacy.
Gericke sent a horse in training called Stormborne Thunder
down from Johannesburg to the Miller yard halfway through the 2018/2019 season
and she went on to win two races. Thus, upon moving down to Durban himself, he sent October Song to the
Miller yard.
Miller has also always sold when the price was right and
hence the sale of Honokalani. He has a high regard for his sire Vercingetorix
and believes Honokalani will give his new owners plenty to cheer about.
Party Time is also by Vercingetorix and has a win and three
seconds to his name in four starts, including a long-head second in the Listed
Gatecrasher Stakes, where he beat the subsequent Grade 2 winner Waterberry Lane by
3,40 lengths. He unfortunately attained a bad abscess on his foot after that
run so was sidelined. However. he looks to have a bright future.
RACE 1: Preview: ANCIENT EPIC (8) has shown up well in all three
starts and rates the one to beat. FUTURE PRINCESS (7) took on strong feature
company last run but did fade badly the last bit. She can do better here.
CORNER CRUSADE (3) made marked improvement when switched to the poly. A repeat
can see her into the money again. CASA ROSADA (2) battled in the Cape but was not far back first run for her new stable.
She has been up and down in distance but this may be her trip. (Andrew
Harrison: 8-7-3-2).
RACE 2: Preview: VARVACIOUS (10) won her maiden well first time out
for her new stable. She does look to be a little difficult but has ability.
AUNTY LIZZIE (5) was in at the deep end first up for her new stable but only
fading late. She can do much better in this company. PERSPICUOUS (6) returns
from a break but has been improving again and was only caught late last run.
STAR CHOICE (2) is consistent and goes very well on the poly. (Andrew Harrison:
10-5-6-2).
RACE 3: Preview: Tough handicap. PALACE ASSEMBLY (1) is an old
campaigner and they often improve on the poly. He had shown some useful
Highveld form but his best recent showing was his debut on the poly. DI MAZZIO
(3) has been a soldier for the Goosen stable and does his best over course and
distance. His last run was on the turf. SIR POM (5) came good when tried in
blinkers last run and finished with a rattle. A repeat will see him in the
firing line again. MAJORCA
PALACE (2) has smart poly
form and from a good draw should be thereabouts again. (Andrew Harrison:
1-3-5-2).
RACE 4: Preview: CRIMSON CAUSWAY (8) has put up to smart efforts in
feature company of late. That form will be tested here. DIFFERENT FACE (10) has
her third run in this country and improved nicely second time out. She has a
wide draw on her poly debut but must have a big chance. SHAMPOMPO SHAMPIZI (1)
is back over what looks to be a more suitable trip. He has the best of the draw
and should be competitive. It’s been a long time between drinks for CANADIAN
BOLT (6) but he was a touch unlucky last start and can surprise. (Andrew
Harrison: 8-10-1-6).
RACE 5: Preview: FORGETFUL GIRL (3) made major improvement at her
second local outings. She had some useful Cape
form and must have a strong chance here. PURPLE NKANYEZI (10) has drawn wide
but goes very well over course and distance. PURPLE MERCHANT (2) has shown some
of her best form on the poly. She goes this trip for the first time but should
see it out comfortably. EAGER DUCHESS (14) had a wide draw to contend with last
run and can do better here. (Andrew Harrison: 3-10-2-4).
RACE 6: Preview: STRAIGHT UP (12) has the worst of the draw but was
a touch unlucky last run when finding traffic and coming from a long way back
last start. LAND
OF MYSTERY (8) showed up
well first run for his new yard. He has been trying further but may no prefer
this shorter trip. HIGHER PURPOSE (5) has been in the money at his last four on
the poly. Should go close again. BRASS BELL (9) has come good at recent starts
and kept going well to win his last run. (Andrew Harrison: 12-8-5-9).
RACE 7: Preview: FAT CIGAR (5) caused a major upset when winning his
maiden. He has shown ability and has his first outing for his new stable.
DOUBLE GEMINI (12) has a wide draw but his best form has been on this synthetic
surface. LIVING WATERS (2) has come on nicely at recent outings and was
finishing strongly when tried over round last start. SEA SPONGE (6) never too
far back. Goes well on the poly and should be right there again. (Andrew
Harrison: 5-12-2-6).
RACE 8: Preview: Open. WHISPERS OF WAR (10) has come on well with
each outing and looks ready now. THE GREEN GALLANT (7) improved nicely in
blinkers. Enjoys the surface and should go close. WINTER ROYALE (3) comes with
some promising Cape form. The poly could suit.
BOURBON BEAT (1) is showing signs of coming to hand. Good draw and one to watch.
(Andrew Harrison: 10-7-3-1).
The Justin Snaith-trained JET DARK, with S’Manga Khumalo up, is led into the number one box by his winning connections Amanda and Tommy Crowe and (right) Nick and Celeste Jonsson with groom Thobeka Mwelase at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. Picture: Candiese Lenferna
David Thiselton
The Justin Snaith-trained Jet Dark became the first South African-based thoroughbred for at least 50 years to win two open weight for age (wfa) Grade 1 events over classic distances as a three-year-old when winning the HKJC World Pools Champions Cup over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. Jet Dark’s other open Grade 1 win was in the country’s most prestigious mile event, the wfa L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate. He has thus outdone the great Variety Club, who finished a narrow second in the Queen’s Plate as a three-year-old before winning the wfa Grade 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge later that season. In Full Flight in 1972 and Yataghan in 1973 both won the Queen’s Plate and Durban July as three-year-old but the latter is a handicap. J J The Jet Plane won three open Grade 1 events as a three-year-old, two of them wfa, and the filly Alboran Sea won two open wfa Grade 1s as a three-year-old, but both of those horses were sprinters. It is fitting Jet Dark is owned by two KZN men, Nick Jonsson and Tommy Crowe, both of whom are fine horsemen in their own right having reached a high class level in the sport of polo.
Furthermore, Jonsson hails from a family steeped in KZN horseracing history and he and Crowe have poured a lot of money into the sport. Snaith was crowned SA champion trainer for the third time on Saturday, but nevertheless the Champions Cup win ended a frustrating period for him and was in fact his only Grade 1 winner of this SA Champions Season, a three month festival in which he reached a high of five Grade 1 wins in 2019. Snaith said, “In the Queen’s Plate Jet Dark blew away one of the best fields ever put together in this country. “Sadly, he sustained a slight injury in the race and had to be rested. “He came very late into the KZN season and put in a very impressive gallop against Belgarion on Guineas day. “I applied for a second gallop but was told Scottsville would be my only option so I took it but sadly he pulled up a bit jarred so we had to back off him. So I thought he would need it slightly in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and I was just hoping for a positive run.” Jet Dark finished a disappointing 3,65 length sixth in that race but Snaith said, “He pulled up beautifully and we knew the Champions Cup was now a reality. I was slightly concerned about him settling over 1800m and we needed a pace to suit both of our runners, so that is when we decided Crown Towers would be used.” Snaith had a lot of respect for the rest of the field and said, “Catch Twentytwo particularly had impeccable form and has always been turned out beautifully by Paul Peter.” Stable jockey Richard Fourie had a tough choice of ride but eventually went with his heart and opted for Do It Again. Jonsson and Crowe were excited to learn Snaith had booked twice SA Champion jockey S’Manga Khumalo for Jet Dark. Snaith said, “S’Manga has always been a fantastic team player and every time we have had a disappointment he has been so positive and been willing to be involved in the next fight. “He has also won numerous races for Nick, including on the like of Ultimate Dollar and Miyabi Gold.” Jet Dark jumped slowly from draw six and then began pulling for his head after Khumalo had managed to drop him in near the back on the rail. However, Crown Towers began stretching them out after finding the lead and both Jet Dark and Do It Again, who was in last place, were then able to stride more freely.
Khumalo switched Jet Dark off the rail turning for home and a dream gap opened. He produced a powerfully resolute finish, consigning Catch Twentytwo to a third consecutive SA Champions Season runner up spot, beaten this time by 0,40 lengths. Do It Again, whom Snaith describes as the most graceful equine athlete he has ever seen in SA, ran on superbly and finished a further 0,40 lengths back in third. Crown Towers only finished seventh but Snaith said the important role he played had earned him a grass paddock for the rest of his life. Jonsson, after looking through the shortlist of horses chosen by himself and the Snaiths at the 2019 BSA National Yearling Sales, selected Jet Dark as one of the lots to bid for and they were surprised to secure him for just R200,000. Nick then invited his good friend from University days, Tommy Crowe, in as a partner. Snaith described the Drakenstein Stud-bred Jet Dark as having being extremely athletic as a yearling. The fact he was out of a Jet Master mare and had a lot of Jet Master in him was one of the selling points for NIck and being by the illustrious stallion Trippi made it a fine mix.
Nick’s Uncle Hugh Jonsson in fact bred Jet Master, who is comfortably the most successful SA-bred thoroughbred stallion in history. Snaith said a stud career would definitely be beckoning for Jet Dark, but first the connections are excited about the defense of his Queen’s Plate title as well as a possible tilt at the Met. Jet Dark not only has strikingly stallion-like looks but Snaith mentioned him alongside Gimmethegreenlight and Do It Again as the most impressive three-year-old he had trained. Gimmethegreenlight, who became the first three-year-old in 39 years to win the Queen’s Plate when downing his contemporary Variety Club in 2012, has fittingly just been crowned National Champion Sire.
A close finish for the Sean Tarry-trained Thekwini Stakes winner RAIN IN HOLLAND (blue) followed by KAILENE (Muzi Yeni) and SUPREME QUEST ( Richard Fourie) at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. Picture: Candiese Lenferna
David Thiselton
Sean Tarry had a halcyon last day of the season at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday landing the headliner, the Grade 3 Marshalls World Of Sports Gold Cup over 3200m with four-year-old gelding Nebraas and the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes over 1600m with Rain In Holland, both ridden by South Africa’s now three-time national champion jockey Lyle Hewitson whose performance in the latter race was touted by many as the ride of the season. Tarry spoke about the two wins and his prospects for the forthcoming season. It was Tarry’s second Gold Cup win and third Thekwini. Nebraas has now run in just two staying events and won both of them. He had showed his suitability to a stamina test in his previous start in the Grade 3 DSTV Gold Vase over 3000m, winning full of running, yet came into the Gold Cup carrying just 52.5kg off a 95 merit rating. However, Tarry said his program had not been especially planned around the country’s premier staying race. He said, “He was earmarked for the SA Derby as a three-year-old and ran a cracking trial but pulled up unsound so we had to go give him the time to get over it.” Tarry said Nebraas had also had a tendency to race too keenly. He continued, “However, this season he has got the ground even though he has not settled well. I was in a dilemma whether to leave the blinkers on. But we had waited so long for the next win (over 2000m at the Vaal on June 8) that even with the step up in trip (for the Gold Vase) I couldn’t take the blinkers off because he had just won with them on. He came out of his Gold Vase run fantastically. I think that was what made the difference and enabled him to up his game in the Gold Cup.” Tarry pointed out Nebraas had “definitely done too much in the running” in the Gold Cup, so the fact he still won shows just what a huge engine this Vercingetorix Al Adiyaat home-bred gelding must have. Hewitson took him up towards the front from the off. He was a touch keen but still responded well to his instructions and Hewitson was thus able to find cover in a perfect position one wide and behind second-placed Chitengo. The order did not change much in the front except for Sunshine Silk being brought around the field from about the 1700m mark onwards and joining the pacemaker Paths Of Victory as they turned for home. Paths Of Victory attempted a repeat of last year’s front-running win but both his and Sunshine Silk’s efforts in the straight were short-lived. Nebraas had joined the latter pair by the 300m mark and Hewitson kept him going with the stick in the left hand to prevent him from hanging right. Former SA Derby winner Out Of Your League was running on threateningly in the centre and Before Noon, Silver Host and Wealthy were gathering momentum on the outside. However, Nebraas held on by a quarter of a length from a rapidly closing Silver Host. Out Of Your League was a length further back with Before Noon and Wealthy next best. Silver Host confirmed trainer Justin Snaith’s assertion he is the best stayer in the country as he carried 58kg and put in the best performance at the weights. Earlier, Duke Of Marmalade filly Rain In Holland was squeezed out at a crucial point in the straight and looked to be beaten. Tarry admitted, “I thought we were finished. Incredible that she came back, she has got to be tops.” This is the first Drakenstein Stud homebred Grade 1 winner he has trained. He said about his first impressions of her, “She was always backwards and always looked like she was going to get better. In her first race we expected her stable companion (Marigold Hotel) to win and she did. However, we had not expected Rain In Holland to place and she ran second on the Turffontein Inside course over 1450m and I thought ‘Wow, that’s a really good run.’ Then she won her maiden well, then beat the boys, then won another race and then she beat the boys again, so she’s now won five as a juvenile including a Group 1 and that doesn’t happen too often.” Tarry was not concerned about her being suited to the tighter Hollywoodbets Greyville track and said, “I had expected her to go clear and make the others stay but we went so slowly and that was a problem. She can get a little bit hot and above herself but she’s very workmanlike when she’s on the track and in races and she always puts her best foot forward when she needs to. So she has the X-factor and she’s also got a very good action and uses herself very well.” Tarry does not envision having to take Rain In Holland down to Cape Town due to Drakenstein’s strong base down there and he believed he would thus be able to give her a well deserved holiday before preparing her for a tilt at the Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara. He believes stamina tests will be of no problem to her. Tarry failed to defend his SA Champion trainer crown but said his two-year-od string from the season just past had been stronger than the previous year and said he had “five or six proper four-year-olds”, including Paisley Park, who needed surgery after three victories in three starts, Eagle Alley, who had a wind operation after being tailed off when going for three out of three, and Silver Tycoon, who needed a testicle removed after a 6,25 length romp second time out.
TURFFONTEIN STANDSIDE hosts an eight race meeting today and
punters can have a profitable first day of the new season.
In the first race over 1400m The Candice Dawson-trained Run
For Isla caught the eye running on over 1450m second time out and was short of
room late so could have got closer than a 6,50 length fifth. The winner of that
race Hollywoodbound went on to finish third in the Grade 2 Zulu Kingdom
Explorer Golden Slipper over 1400m, albeit beaten by 8,15 lengths. That represents
fair form in the context of this race. The main danger Right Choice plodded on
for second over 1200m last time in a workriders’ event and now tries this sort
of trip for a second time. Cap Estel looks to have scope and should improve
over this trip after being slow away over 1000m on debut and well beaten.
In the second over 2000m Category Four has come back to form
and if able to be dropped in behind horses from a wide draw should be running
on as strongly as usual in the long straight. He receives 7kg from the talented
Dr Doolitle who has never finished out of the first two in non-Graded
events.
In the third over 1400m Forged By Fire is not an imposing
sort but ran on well from midfield last time over 1450m with second time
blinkers and he has pole position again in an uninspiring field and Muzi Yeni
is now up. Soweto Spina has plenty of scope and should enjoy the step up in
trip after a fair debut. The two first-timers have to be respected here.
Fighter pilot is
by Act Of War out of a three-time winning Jet Master speedster. Alfaatik is by
Kingsbarns and is a half-brother to Nafoorah (Soft Falling Rain), who won two
out of four starts. Touched By Stars could also earn here.
In the fourth over 1000m Valyrian King has a favourable
standside draw and is going to be hard to catch. Bold Ransom holds him by a
short-head on paper so can be included in case his low draw does not turn out
to be unfavourable.
in the fifth over 2000m Southern Song is on the up and has
relished being stepped up to this trip. She can handle a two point raise for
her second place finish last time because she is now drawn in pole. Irish
Wonder Girl produced a late burst to come from nowhere to win over this trip in
her penultimate start at the Vaal and she will
love the long straight here so can go close if dropped out and finding cover
from a wide draw. Ideal Jet has some class and is distance suited so has to be
considered too.
In the sixth over 2000m Fred has not had much luck lately
with draws but now gets draw two and considering he finished a close second
over this course and distance in March and is now four points lower in the
merit ratings he must have a shout. The Sash usually runs well when drawn well
and gets a good draw here over a suitable trip. Fifth Of July is by Wylie Hall
so that gives him hope he can stay the trip despite being out of the Grade
2-winning sprinter Virgo’s Babe (Malhub). Watusi is a problematic horse but won
his only start over this course and distance and is drawn in pole following a
four month layoff so he is an outsider who could be worth including. There is
not much between Fifth Of July and Elusive Swan and Khumalo rides the latter.
In the seventh over 2000m Oyster King goes for his fifth win
this year. He can do it because he stays the trip and is better drawn than his
last start, which he won over 1600m, and he is only three points higher in the
merit ratings. Barak has a fine chance too if repeating his last run. Fsquadron
is course and distance suited and Baymax and Super Handsome are also worth
considering.
In the last race over 2000m Crusade To Royalty is 2kg better
off with Mariposa despite beating the latter by a head in her penultimate start
in the maidens over 1800m. She makes appeal as Mariposa then won easily over
this trip next time out. They can both be included. Others to consider are
Wedding Bliss, Rabia The Rebel and Sheltering Sky.
Trainer Glen Kotzen runs BURNING WINGS in the GOLD CIRCLE RACING YOUTUBE CHANNEL MR 102 HANDICAP at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on today. Picture: Candiese Lenferna
Andrew Harrison
VAUGHAN MARSHALL was quietly confident of a
big run when Gainsford picked up a gate as first reserve for the Gr2 Post
Merchants and although things didn’t quite work out as planned the gelding
still ran a cracking race to finish just over a length back to top sprinter
Kasimir.
He takes a drop in class when he lines up
in the sixth at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today where hopefully the weather has
warmed up a little.
Gainsford has taken time to come to hand in
KZN but is no stranger to Scottsville having twice visited the Capital without
much success, although more through bad luck than anything else.
He has a habit as a tardy starter which
often costs him position. The In Full Flight Stakes was a disaster for many
runners as the field bunched up towards the inside rail and those caught at the
back of the scrum, like Gainsford, found themselves short of running room and
their race run a furlong out.
At his most recent outings at Hollywoodbets
Greyville he missed the break again but was firing at the business end. That
may well be the case again on Sunday but this time the opposition is slightly
weaker and he can get away with a slow start although Sean Veale will be fully
aware of the task ahead.
There are some promising contemporaries in
the line-up with the likes of Burning Wings, the filly Hawker Typhoon and Light
That Loose not likely to go down without a fight.
Burning Wings has won four of his last six
outings including a facile victory at Greyville where he did benefit from the
4kg claim of promising apprentice Kaiden Brewer. Brewer will be aboard again
for Glen Kotzen and with only 52.5kg to shoulder he will be a threat in receipt
of 5.5kg from Gainsford.
Hawker Typhoon was having her first run
back after a three-month break when tenth over course and distance behind
Mirage, but the placing did not tell the full story as she was only three lengths
off the winner.
Prior to that she had reeled off two wins
on the trot and in a significant jockey booking, Garth Puller has engaged
Champion Jockey elect Lyle Hewitson.
Of the balance, Light That Loose, Quick
Star and Good Rhythm are all in with a shout.
There is some competitive racing on the day
starting in the first where visiting trainer Paul Matchett saddles his only
runner on the day. Angel Of War has shown steady improvement since making his
debut and was only outpaced late over 1400m. He was reported ‘blowing’ after
the race so may not have been at peak fitness and with that run under his girth
the extra should suit. Bristolbeaufighter has shown
promise over sprints and takes a big leap in trip but his pedigree suggests
that he should see it out comfortably. Illicit Kiss shows good sprint form and
was not far back from a wide draw in a competitive feature last start.
The second is an open race with a number of
first timers in the line-up. Of those that have run, Geronimo was friendless in
the market at his second start but showed up nicely and looks capable of
better. Michael Roberts holds a strong hand with four runners in the race best
of which could be Seventh Song who is long overdue. He found another too good
for him last start but he is hardly ever out of the money.
Trump Queen and Reginas Angel could prove
the pick of the opening leg of the PA but the race is wide open. Caution is
advised and the betting could prove your best guide. Alittlebitnaughty,
Embarras De Riches, Three Hearts, Blanchetta and Trump Queen all warrant
consideration.
In
the fourth, Deputy Marshall has shown recent improvement and has shown that he
stays the trip. Drawn well he should also run well. Jumeirah Gold has shown
some promise on the Highveld. He goes this trip for the first time but looks
capable while Coral Copy is lightly raced but has been coming along nicely at
recent starts and looks primed.
The fifth is another wide open affair with
some quick horses in the field. Fly The Coup was in contention for a long time
behind the smart Captain Fontane last time out. This shorter trip should suit.
Winter Flight comes with some useful Cape form
to his name. He carried a big weight in soft going last start and can do better
here. Blaze Of Silk is over his best course and distance and is better than his
last effort. Kings Road
gets a 4kg claimer up and has been in good form over the distance at recent
outings while Sir Pom and Princekresh also have strong chances.
In the seventh, Captain Who was not too far
back in his first two starts for his new stable. He met much stronger last run
and with the blinkers off can notch his second win. Willow’s Wish has only had the two starts and
shed his maiden second time out in easy fashion when sent over ground. He looks
to have plenty of scope. Clouds Of Witness was narrowly beaten over 2400m last
run but could prove better over this trip while Double Gemini has not been far
back since shedding his maiden and with a 4kg claimer up carries a light
weight.
Kapen Pride, Teichman and Gavel Strike look
the pick of the eighth. Kapen Pride showed steady form on the poly but did even
better when switched to the turf. He is well drawn here and in good form.
Princess Anastasia, blinkered for the first
time, can round off the day for Dennis Drier. She was a beaten favourite last
run but has come to hand of late. Silver Maria has been in the money in her
last five starts and goes well this course and distance and should put in
another bold bid. Gardenia and Eager Duchess are others to consider.
The Candice Dawson-trained NIRVANA GIRL runs in the eighth at Turffontein today. Picture: Candiese Lenferna
David Thiselton
TURFFONTEIN STANDSIDE has a nine race meeting today and it
provides a mixed bag of good horses and competitive racing.
The highest class race is a MR95 Handicap for fillies and mares
over 1400m and the Candice Dawson-trained Sultanah will be an interesting
runner from a fair draw of four. She is by Vercingetorix out of a Galileo mare
who won over 2000m so it is not surprising she was stepped up to 1600m as early
as her second career start. However, Vercingetorix has been shown to put plenty
of speed into his progeny, unlike his superstar sire Silvano, so it is
interesting to see Sultanah dropped in trip to 1400m as she has been seen to
take a fairly strong hold over 1600m. Querari Ferrari is a big galloping type
who will love the long straight but she is going to have a problem slotting in
from draw eleven. Spice Market had to do too much too early last time. She is
capable of galloping a field into the ground if getting a comfortable lead and
she might get that here although the pole position drawn Golden Spoon did lead
when winning her penultimate start over 1450m. Cordillera has two wins and four
places in eight starts over this course and distance and has to be included
despite a tricky draw of nine. Rouge Allure came from right near the back three
runs ago when mowing them down over 1600m and she beat Sultanah by 6,50 lengths
there so the latter will need to prove she wants this trip. Therefore, Rouge
Allure has to be included as she is effective over this trip too, although she
is four point higher in the merit ratings. Louis Gem also has to overcome
a four point raise for her course and distance win last time. She jumps from
exactly the same draw with the same 1,5kg claimer up and the form has been
franked by the fifth-placed Ululate, who won next time out. Golden Spoon can
also be considered with Yeni up.
The third race, a MR 93 Handicap over 1160m, sees the promising
Tuscan Winter making his fourth racecourse appearance and he is the one to beat
having only just failed to fetch the equally promising Full Velocity last time
over 1200m. He does have a potentially tricky low draw but Gavin Lerena will be
able to afford to drop him out as he can turn it on. However, the hard-knocking
Bowie, whose
only ever win was over 1000m, has to be included dropped back to sprints. The
fit again and back-in-form Portico also has a shout.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Sea Virescent is tried in blinkers
for the first time and he is the one to beat considering he is highly regarded
and only rated 82. However, beyond him it is wide open so punters will have to
decide whether he is bankered or whether they go wide.
The second leg should be fought out by Mariposa and Lucky
Shamrock. The former overtook the latter late last time over 1800m so is
given the nod.
Sekhmet is a potential banker in the sixth race from a good draw
having been caught late over 1450m last time. Me Time had no luck on Tuesday
and from pole position here could be a threat, whilst Big City Girl is proving
consistent and versatile so can also be considered.
In the eighth race Dance Lesson was running on late over 1200m
last time for second and will relish the step up to 1400m. Chloris and Vertigo
Again also make appeal.
In the last race over 1600m Leading Lad is the form choice but
returns from a six month layoff, so more must be included and Eskimo Pie, Fifth
Of July, Attentive and Dawn Of A New Era make most appeal of the rest.
Rachel Venniker aboard the Michael Roberts-trained SONJADOR wins the LIVE RACING COMMENTARY AVAILABLE ON 0313621101 MAIDEN PLATE at Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday. Picture: Candiese Lenferna
Devonne Govender
Yesterday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville card
never looked easy with majority of the 10 race card looking very open on
paper together with huge fields making
it tricky for punters to narrow it down. Playing wide was the first thought
that came to mind however there were a number of fancied runners arriving
together with a few outsiders in the mix. Punters would have been more than
happy as a total of 4 favourites won and 9 of them finished in the frame.
The Peter Muscutt trained 2 year old
Quasiforsure landed the first at odds of 16-1. Cauldron set a ridiculous pace
opening up to lead by more than 10 lengths and the swoopers started to come thick
and fast. Muscutt said “This was an education for him and the draw was a
concern however he is a very talented horse”. Donovan Dillon was extremely
pleased with his performance.
Sonjador won the opening leg of the pick
six in fine style under a brilliant ride from apprentice Rachel Venniker as she
continues to boot home winners. Trainer Michael Roberts South Africa’s only
hall of fame jockey commended her riding skills and specifically made mention
of her not using the whip which contributed to Sonjdor’s win.
Warren Kennedy aboard Secret Giver tried to
steal the race at the top of the straight however Victory Twist got up to win
under a driving ride from Donovan Dillon scoring him a second win on the card.
Papillion justified favouritism winning the
sixth and courageously fended off the nagging Duquesne Whistle all the way to
the line. Noble Nova finished third followed by Supper At Six who rounded off
the quartet.
It wasn’t long before Dillon notched up
another win on the 16-1 shot Paul Lafferty trained The Bayou flying up the
inside running rail to claim victory in the eighth. It almost looked impossible
for him to win at the 500m mark as he was second last however Dillon got the
best out him timing it to perfection beating Fireonthetrack who ran second followed
by Toltec (3rd) and Straight Up who ran 4th. The quartet
returned a healthy R 8951.30.
Flying The Star rounded off the pick six
for trainer Corinne Bestel with Athandiwe Mgudlwa aboard. The ninth race turned
out to be eventful at the start with the late scratching of Sofia Erin when
proving intractable and Lhasa Star refusing to jump. The pick six returned
R14401.00.
Alfonse
Baby rounded off the day in the lucky last winning by an absolute whisker to deny Trattoria who ran a close up second.
Hollywoodbets have extended their
original R10 million three-year sponsorship of Gold Circle by a further R1.5
million per year with the announcement of some innovative changes that will
come into effect on October 1, 2019.
Gold Circle and Hollywood bets will
be in a R1 million joint partnership, each contributing R500k towards rewarding
the grooms of winning horses with R1000 for every winner at KZN race meetings.
Tokens to the value of R1000 will be
presented to the winning groom of every race in KZN. This is in addition to the
1% of stake money that the grooms already receive.
“Getting involved in joint CSI
projects was always high on the agenda when Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets first
met regarding sponsorship initiatives,” said Gold Circle’s Senior Marketing and
Events Manager, Stephen Marshall. “This additional grooms’ incentive
demonstrates the commitment of both parties to all stakeholders in the horse
racing industry. We recognise the critical and integral role that grooms play
and we are always looking at ways to illustrate that recognition. Going
forward, grooms’ names will also be included in the official race card.”
Hollywoodbets Brand and
Communications Manager, Devin Heffer, added; “Hollywoodbets is proud to be
partnering with Gold Circle on the grooms initiative. Rewarding the winning
groom with R1000 for every race at Hollywoodbets Greyville and Hollywoodbets
Scottsville is important to us as a brand, and we relish the opportunity to
play a tangible part in the empowering of this
important sector of horse racing in KZN.”
In a further initiative, which will
add colour and make horseracing more fun and attractive to a younger audience,
Hollywoodbets will sponsor colour-coded saddles cloths, each saddlecloth number
corresponding to a specific colour. Recently, this only applied to the last
race on the card, but from October 1, it will apply to all races in KZN,
excluding certain sponsored race days.
“Horse racing is steeped in
tradition. However, respect for tradition should not be a barrier to innovation
and stimulation. We believe that each small innovation will refresh our product
and will go some way in differentiating the KZN offering from horse racing in
other parts of the country – which in turn, will hopefully increase the
interest, participation and betting on our product,” said Marshall. “The Gold
Circle and Hollywoodbets marketing teams will continue to collaborate and
introduce new initiatives wherever we can to improve the customer experience on
course and on TV.”
“This practice currently exists in
the USA and South America,” said Heffer. “It is an initiative that allows
people who may not follow form, to possibly follow their favourite number, or
favourite colour. The consistency with this is that the numbers and colours
will always be the same. For example, Number 1 will always be red with a white
number. Number 7 will always be orange with a black seven, etc.”
“Our goal will be to make these
colours as visible and informative as possible, and to simplify the sport of
horse racing to the wider viewing public,” said Heffer.
All these innovations will come into
effect on Tuesday, October 1.
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