Horse Racing News | Gold Circle Horse Racing And Betting

Have a punt on Fortress Of Fire

PUBLISHED: April 26, 2025

Andrew Harrison The straight course at Hollywoodbets Scottsville is not always straight forward with the down and up nature of the track often catching out runners not having experience on the course. With the Gr1 Gold Medallion and Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship scheduled for the first Saturday in June, trainers are planning ahead and it […]

Andrew Harrison

The straight course at Hollywoodbets Scottsville is not always straight forward with the down and up nature of the track often catching out runners not having experience on the course. With the Gr1 Gold Medallion and Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship scheduled for the first Saturday in June, trainers are planning ahead and it will be no surprise to see horses in Sunday’s Gr3 Tote Godolphin Barb Stakes and Gr3 Tote Strelitzia Stakes, both for two-year-olds, lining up in the big races in a month’s time.

Only seven runners are due to face the starter in the Godolphin Barb but it promises a mouthwatering contest.

Michael Roberts saddles Fortress Of Fire who was allowed to start at generous odds on debut but the race proved no contest as the son of Fire Away cruised to an easy debut victory in good time. He looks more than useful and can follow up. But he is not without opposition. I’m A Fireball from the Mike and Mathew de Kock yard also impressed on debut finishing far too strongly for race favourite and more experienced Captain’s Pride. He obviously takes on stronger but looks progressive.

Add Military Command to the equation and you are faced with an open question. He has won two on the bounce for Peter Muscutt, both at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth that shares some similarities with Hollywoodbets Scottsville and Cape form is generally a little stronger than local form. That said, the race should add a few pieces to the Gold Medallion puzzle. Corne Spies has the only filly in the race. Elegantrix takes on males in preference to her own sex in the Strelitzia Stakes in what looks to be a warm-up for the Allan Robertson.

The Strelitzia Stakes should also give some indication of what can be expected in the Allan Robertson. Dean Kannemeyer looks to have a live contender in Keukenhof who strolled to a comfortable maiden win on debut clocking a useful time. “ I don’t know what she beat,” commented Kannemeyer after the race. “But all she could do was win,” he added. Keukenhof faces a lot stronger here but could well be something special. Wild Wild Green was a beaten favourite in the Cape Nursery last run and she also looks to be well above average with Justin Snaith saying that he has brought up his biggest and strongest string to KZN in many a year. Local hopes could rest with Quickstepgal who made the required improvement for Tienie Prinsloo when hacking up second time of asking. A repeat should see her in the firing line. Winter Belle is the only unraced filly in the race and makes the trip from the Highveld to make her debut in feature company against winners. Mike Azzie knows what it takes to win at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and Winter Belle could be a candidate for the Allan Robertson so may be worth following in the market.

There are four feature races on the day starting with the Listed In Full Flight Handicap.

Peter Muscutt saddles Isivivane who made a winning return to racing after a year’s lay-off, winning comfortably. He jumps in class but appears to be under the handicappers radar and with only 52kg to shoulder he should at least be competitive in a competitive handicap. The mare Fastnet Filly is lightly raced and has only been out of the money twice in ten outings for James Crawford. She beat the smart Green Sapphire two runs back and she also has a light weight in her favour. Kannemeyer has two serious runners. Outlaw King won the Cape Merchants last run but stable rider and current championship log leader Craig Zackey has opted for Teflon Man who gave his supporters a few anxious moments before sewing up his race last time out. He still looked a little green that day so may be the pick. King Of The Gauls is way better than his Cape form suggests and back on home turf he could surprise.

The last feature is the Gr3 Dennis Drier Poinsetta Stakes where Andrew Fortune teams up with the Justin Snaith-trained Summer Lily. The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight has twice finished behind the smart Asiye Phambili but is now 6.5kg better off at the weights with her rival. That should be more than enough to turn the tables. However, Asiye Phambili is back with Duncan Howells after a successful trip to the Cape. She shoulders a big weight but on her best form she could again prove a little too good for her younger rivals. Gimmie’s Countess has been costly to follow and was a beaten odds-on chance last run behind Green Sapphire when seemingly having it all in her favour. She was run out of it late that day and the drop in trip could better suit. Gareth van Zyl sends out Shipholia who started favourite against males last run finishing behind Teflon Man. However, she goes will on this course and can do better than her last effort.

Justin Snaith submits 10 entries for Hollywoodbets Durban July

PUBLISHED: April 26, 2025

DURBAN — Sixty-one entries from 28 stables were received on Friday 25 April at the initial nomination stage for the 2025 R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July (Gr1) over 2200m on Saturday 5 July. In pursuit of his sixth “July” victory, Champion trainer Justin Snaith leads the way with ten entries, including the multiple Grade1-winning 3-year-old Eight […]

Pistol Pete can fire away

PUBLISHED: April 25, 2025

David Thiselton The Championship Finale meeting on Saturday features four Gr 2s, two Gr 3s and a Listed event and is headlined by the Gr 2 R500,000 Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m. Truth has shown class since day one and has come into his own in his last two starts over 1400m and 1100m respectively. […]

David Thiselton

The Championship Finale meeting on Saturday features four Gr 2s, two Gr 3s and a Listed event and is headlined by the Gr 2 R500,000 Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m.

Truth has shown class since day one and has come into his own in his last two starts over 1400m and 1100m respectively. The 1160m trip should be ideal and Muzi Yeni can use his speed to position him well from draw five out of nine. Pistol Pete has put in three fine performances over this course and distance and can use his pace to overcome a disadvantageous low draw. Chasing Happiness has a chance at the weights and is drawn on the right side. Mount Pilatus is in fine form and should be in the shake-up although a draw of three will be tricky. Taxi To The Moon was well beaten in the Gr 1 Computaform Sprint, but has an easier task here and could be involved. Chyavana is in fine form and is drawn on the right side, so is not out of it. Mrs. Browning is capable but has been off form. Melech has a disadvantageous low draw, but he has class and should be finishing strongly. Magic Tattoo is a capable sort and in an open race it would not be surprising if he finished in the money.

The first race of the day is the Gr 3 Pretty Polly Stakes over 1,100 meters. Jingleberry made an eye-catching debut and under Gavin Lerena should be running on strongly. Draw one is a bit of a concern, although it is a small field of just six runners. One Fine Winter is drawn on the right side under Richard Fourie and comes off a good second in the SA Fillies Nursery. She should be right there. Glastonbury has class and can do better than she did in the SA Fillies Nursery when finishing 2,60 lengths behind One Fine Winter. Malibu won easily on debut and could be anything, although this is a much stronger field. Red Caramel has a lot to find. Tina Lovelace was well beaten in the SA Nursery, but could do better than that.

The second race is the Gr 3 Tab Protea Stakes over 1,100 meters and the SA Nursery winner Green Diamond could beat the boys again. Tin Pan Alley made a good winning debut and has Richard Fourie aboard, but he is drawn on the wrong side. King Harald has 4,5 lengths to make up on Green Diamond, but could possibly do better than that. Kaalvoet made a winning debut, but it was in an uninspiring field and this is a completely different proposition. Lava County was beaten two lengths by Tin Pan Alley on debut and is now 3kg better off.

The third race is the listed Tab Gold Bowl over 3200m and the classy stayer My Soul Mate is well weighted here and is the one to beat under Richard Fourie. Battleground will relish the distance and if able to overcome a wide draw under S’Manga Khumalo could be a threat. Breeze Over is a dangerous front-running sort and has the ideal pole position draw to fulfill these tactics, provided he jumps well under a pilot who knows him well, Muzi Yeni. Twenty Drachma’s has always struck as one who should get better as he gets older and the best might not have been seen of him yet. To The Rescue is also a progressive sort, who could improve.

In the Gr 2 Camellia Stakes over 1160m Gimme A Shot has speed and class and is drawn on the right side so could be the one to beat under Muzi Yeni. Mia Moo is in fine form and it would be no surprise if this classy sort won the race, but she does have a low draw of two to overcome, although Piere Strydom up will help her cause. Almond Sea is a speedy and classy sprinter but, but does have the problem of usually starting slowly, so from a favourable draw nine she might experience some traffic problems on the outside rail. Winter Greeting is full of ability, but does take a while to come to hand and her last start suggested she might be ready to produce her best here. Time Fo Orchids is capable of a strong finish and is drawn on the right side. Chrome Tourmaline is in good form and could defy the weights, which officially give her a hard task.

In the Gr 2 Tab Igugu Stakes over 2000m Olivia’s Way put up a cracking performance in the Gr 1 TAB SA Derby and over an ideal trip here from a fair draw under Gavin Lerena looks to be the one to beat. World of Alice comes off a narrow runner up finish in the SA Oaks and is progressive, but might find this touch on the sharp side. None Other is a former SA Oaks winner and from pole position should be unwinding a good finish in the straight. Indian Ocean is a classy sort with a big stride and she goes well for Piere Strydom, so could be dangerous from a good draw of two. Beating Wings has plenty of ability and under Richard Fourie it would be no surprise to see her prevail.

In the Gr 2 TAB Colorado King Stakes over 2,000m Marauding Horde looked to be one who would come into his own as he got older and it looks to be his time to shine, so he is the one to beat from draw two over an ideal trip. Let’s Go Now is well weighted here and from a good draw should be finishing strongly under Richard Fourie. Hotarubi is full of ability, but is an enigmatic sort, so it all depends on his demeanour on the day. Infinite Wonder is distance suited and capable, but this is a second run after a one-and-a-half year layoff. Navajo Nation has always been facing strong fields and this easier task could see him earning.

Turffontein Standside Saturday 26 April 2025 – Comments by David Thiselton

PUBLISHED: April 25, 2025

RACE 1 2 JINGLEBERRY 4 ONE FINE WINTER 1 GLASTONBURY 3 MALIBU Preview: 2 JINGLEBERRY made an eye-catching debut and should be right there. 4 ONE FINE WINTER beat Glastonbury in the S.A. Fillies Nursery and with Richard Fourie now up, could confirm the form.1 GLASTONBURY Glastonbury has a lot of class and speed, and from a […]

RACE 1

2 JINGLEBERRY 4 ONE FINE WINTER 1 GLASTONBURY 3 MALIBU

Preview: 2 JINGLEBERRY made an eye-catching debut and should be right there. 4 ONE FINE WINTER beat Glastonbury in the S.A. Fillies Nursery and with Richard Fourie now up, could confirm the form.1 GLASTONBURY Glastonbury has a lot of class and speed, and from a middle draw could be right there. 3 MALIBU won easily on debut and could be anything, so is an interesting runner. (David Thiselton 2-4-1-3)

RACE 2

4 GREEN DIAMOND 3 TIN PAN ALLEY 2 KING HARALD 1 KAALVOET

Preview: 4 GREEN DIAMOND won the S.A. Nursery in fine style and can confirm her class here, getting another gender allowance. 3 TIN PAN ALLEY won well on debut and could still be anything, but does have the tricky number one draw, although Richard Fourie is up. 2 KING HARALD was not disgraced in the S.A. Nursery, but does have 4,5 lengths to make up on Green Diamond. 1 KAALVOET won well on debut, but this is a much stronger field. (David Thiselton 24-3-2-1)

RACE 3

3 MY SOUL MATE 5 BATTLEGROUND 1 BREEZE OVER 8 TWENTY DRACHMA’S

Preview: 3 MY SOUL MATE is a classy stayer and with Richard Fourie up, looks the one to beat at the weights. 5 BATTLEGROUND is an out-and-out stayer and will relish the 3,200m trip, so could be in the shake-up.1 BREEZE OVER is a fine front-running sort, so has the ideal number one draw to fulfil these tactics and hopefully will get a good break. 8 TWENTY DRACHMA’S is a promising sort and he should be coming into his own. (David Thiselton 23-5-1-8)

RACE 4

1 GIMME A SHOT 4 MIA MOO 7 ALMOND SEA 3 WINTER GREETING

Preview: 1 GIMME A SHOT has speed and class and at the weights and from a high draw could be the one to beat. 4 MIA MOO is full of speed and class and should be right there, although the low draw is a bit of a concern. 7 ALMOND SEA has a lot of speed, but does tend to start slowly, so from a high draw might experience some traffic problems. 3 WINTER GREETING should be reaching her peak and at her best, should be able to earn here with Richard Fourie up. (David Thiselton 21-4-7-3)

RACE 5

6 OLIVIA’S WAY 7 WORLD OF ALICE 2 NONE OTHER 3 INDIAN OCEAN

Preview: 6 OLIVIA’S WAY ran a cracker in the SA Derby and back against her own gender here will be a force to be reckoned with over an ideal trip. 7 WORLD OF ALICE should also be in the shakeup, although she would probably prefer further than 2,000m.2 NONE OTHER is a decent middle distance type and from draw 1 she could be in the shake-up.3 INDIAN OCEAN goes well for Piere Strydom and this classy sort will be dangerous from draw 2. (David Thiselton 26-7-2-3)

RACE 6

2 MARAUDING HORDE 7 LET’S GO NOW 1 HOTARUBI 3 INFINITE WONDER

Preview: 2 MARAUDING HORDE has come into his own and should give a fine account of himself from a good draw. 7 LET’S GO NOW has plenty of class and over an ideal trip should be in the shakeup.1 HOTARUBI is an enigmatic sort but can never be ignored because on his day he will be a big threat here. 3 INFINITE WONDER has some decent form and could earn here. (David Thiselton 23-7-1-3)

RACE 7

4 TRUTH 3 PISTOL PETE 9 CHASING HAPPINESS 2 MOUNT PILATUS

Preview: 4 TRUTH is full of speed and class and from a middle draw is the one to beat.3 PISTOL PETE is also speedy and classy and with Richard Fourie up might be able to overcome a tricky draw of 2. 9 CHASING HAPPINESS has a fair chance here at the weights and can’t be underestimated, although it’s always difficult against the boys. 2 MOUNT PILATUS is in fine form and should be in the shakeup, although he does have a tricky draw of 3. (David Thiselton 24-3-9-2)

RACE 8

6 PRESLEY 8 PLAYER 10 MOUNT DARWIN 3 DOITWITHDIAMONDS

Preview: 6 PRESLEY should be at his peak and from pole position he should be finishing strongly. 8 PLAYER has a good draw here and has the ability to be in the shakeup.10 MOUNT DARWIN should be running on well from a good draw. 3 DOITWITHDIAMONDS is in fine form and should be running on as usual. (David Thiselton 26-8-10-3)

RACE 9

7 VIBE SA 5 LONGSWORD 12 BLIZZARD SNOW 13 HEMISPHERE

Preview: 7 VIBE SA has come into his own and he should be able to rise above his current merit rating. 5 LONGSWORD has drawn well and should be finishing strongly. 12 BLIZZARD SNOW has the form to earn and Fourie could help overcome a lowish draw. 13 HEMISPHERE won well second time out in the Highveld and with Gavin Lerena up from a nice high draw he should be in the shakeup. (David Thiselton 7-5-12-13)

RACE 10

1 OBSIDIAN 5 UNSOLVED RIDDLE 7 WRITTEN IN STONE 2 GOLDEN ASPEN

Preview: 1 OBSIDIAN looks to have plenty of ability and could be the one to beat off a 79 merit rating. 5 UNSOLVED RIDDLE brings some decent Cape Town form but does have a wide draw to overcome. 7 WRITTEN IN STONE is a gallant 9 year old who seldom lets the side down.2 GOLDEN ASPEN is capable of being in the shakeup from a good draw. (David Thiselton 21-5-7-2)

RACE 11

3 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT 2 SAKHALA IS’CATHULO 12 JET CAT 5 PRIZED PLATINUM

Preview: 3 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT has the form to be involved in the finish. 2 SAKHALA IS’CATHULO is drawn on the right side and has the ability to be right there. 12 JET CAT is still competitive at age 9 and has drawn well.5 PRIZED PLATINUM is in fine form and should be in the shakeup with Andrew Fortune up. (David Thiselton 3-2-12-5)