Devonne Govender

An exciting card awaits punters on Boxing day at Hollywoodbets Greyville featuring the Flamboyant Stakes (Listed) and the Christmas Handicap (Listed)

The Tony Rivalland trained Celtic Beauty will jump from barrier gate 2 with Sean Veale aboard in Race 6 the Flamboyant Stakes (Listed). She has always been highly regarded with two consistent recent runs.

She seems to have had a great preparation coming into this contest and packs class so will be a huge contender, she has a powerful finish and should be well placed from the draw so there’s a lot to like about her chances. 

Mascherina from the Peter Muscutt yard looks to be a lively challenger to the top selection. She is highly regarded by the yard and has the ability to win.

She is having her third run after a slight break and will be ready to strike from the ace draw. 

Trainer Mike De Kock saddles Mary’s Greenlight, she returns after being rested however she isn’t out of this contest. She does have a tough draw to negotiate but has a touch of class and must be respected.

Race 7 the Christmas Handicap (Listed) has attracted a field of eleven runners and this looks to be a highly competitive contest. 

Imilenzeyokududuma  is the narrow first selection from the Gareth Van Zyl yard. If you dig deep into the form-lines he has finished behind some really smart horses, he has produced some powerful finishes when winning so is a massive contender.

He finished 6.35 lengths behind William Robertson in his last start as he would have needed the outing, he now steps up in trip which he will love so must be included in everything.

Navajo Nation from the Robbie Hill yard has plenty of ability and is capable of making his presence felt. Although his form on paper doesn’t really jump out at you, he is highly regarded by the yard and needs to be respected.

Formagear from the Peter Muscutt yard is another in with a big chance. He runs well at the track and can produce a big finish if timing it right. He has always shown ability and is not one to take lightly with Craig Zackey aboard who will suit his running style. 

Mexican Pete from the Frank Robinson yard is another lively contender with Kabelo Matsunyane aboard. He will be having his third run after being rested and from a reasonable draw with just 54kgs on his back he needs to be taken very seriously.

1

7 THE GOLDEN GOAL      2 LITTLE CRACKER      6 SAMUEL LONGSWORD      8 TOP GUN 

Preview: THE GOLDEN GOAL (7) is taking time to get it all right but looks ready for the victory. He meets a weak field and might not get an easier chance than this one. LITTLE CRACKER (2) is lightly raced and more than likely will have more to give. Strong each way chance. SAMUEL LONGSWORD (6) could be the value for the places and TOP GUN (8) is a must for the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 7-2-6-8) 

2

2 AYUWI YUWI      6 WAR EMPRESS       7 RUGGER LOVER      8 HAPPY ANALIA 

Preview: AYUWI YUWI (2) can be forgiven for her last run when a well beaten favorite and is confidently selected to bounce right back to best. WAR EMPRESS (6) boasts ultra-consistent form and it would be silly to not include her in all bets. RUGGER LOVER (7) and HAPPY ANALIA (8) are both from the same stable and have the form to fight out the finish – big runners. (Warren Lenferna 2-6-7-8) 

3

3 ZALTA STAR      9 LONG STREET       1 K M V RETROFIT      7 ROY’S GRACE 

Preview: ZALTA STAR (3) was desperately unlucky last time when making her stable debut and can make amends today. She is drawn cozily and could be a potential banker. LONG STREET (9) is well tried but has a bright place chance. K M V RETROFIT (1) is the value suggestion in the race and can run a nice race at attractive odds. ROY’S GRACE (7) has a first four chance. (Warren Lenferna 3-9-1-7) 

4

5 LUCRETIUS      4 GIVERS GRACE       6 JOHNNY THE THIEF      2 THE MIKADO 

Preview: Trainer Carl Hewitson holds a powerful hand here and he is selected to fill the exacta positions. LUCRETIUS (5) can be forgiven for the last run on the turf and can be expected to bounce back to winning ways at a venue that he takes a shine to. Stable mate, GIVERS GRACE (4) is in mustard form at the moment and can provide plenty cheek to her stable companion, all the way home. Big chance. JOHNNY THE THIEF (6) has a chance of reeling off the hat trick and THE MIKADO (2) should win another race one of these days – strong place chance. (Warren Lenferna 5-4-6-2) 

5

1 SHE’S A BOMBER      5 BROADWAY GIRL      7 WAY TO BURN      8 GREENLITEALLTHEWAY   

Preview: SHE’S A BOMBER (1) has won her last two in the manner of a very progressive filly. Young rider Damyan Pillay keeps the ride which will, again, assist with taking off valuable weight. The one to beat. BROADWAY GIRL (5) is taking time for her next win but is making huge threats now of doing so soon. Each way chance. WAY TO BURN (7) is consistent and has strong place claims and GREENLITEALLTHEWAY (8) should be in the money again. Her form is solid. (Warren Lenferna 1-5-7-8) 

6

5 SAFE AND SOUND      2 CELTIC BEAUTY      1 MASCHERINA      3 MISS PLATINA 

Preview: SAFE AND SOUND (5) is clearly on the up and could end up being absolutely anything. Her last win was impressive and is therefore selected to reel off the hat trick. CELTIC BEAUTY (2) is a beautiful filly with attractive form. If she were to win, it would be absolutely no shock at all but looks to have a huge place chance more than a winning one – respect and include in the play. MASCHERINA (1) can do way better than her last two efforts and could be the surprise package for the places. MISS PLATINA (3) has won two out of her last three starts which takes some doing. Respect. (Warren Lenferna 5-2-1-3) 

7

9 FORMAGEAR      6 SELUKWE      10 STRATHCLYDE       4 KITCHAKAL 

Preview: FORMAGEAR (9) seems to have been teed up and targeted at this race and he should give a very good account of himself. He knows how to win races and was close up to See It Again in the penultimate run. First choice. SELUKWE (6) boasts consistent and solid form – big runner, strong each way claims. STRATHCLYDE (10) and KITCHAKAL (4) are musts for the quartet perms. (Warren Lenferna 9-6-10-4) 

8

10 FRENCH TRIP       11 GLOBAL MOVEMENT      13 JAZZ FESTIVAL       7 LANDSEER 

Preview: FRENCH TRIP (10) is in mustard form presently and nearly scored at the last run. He is selected to go one more today. GLOBAL MOVEMENT (11) trotted up last time when beating Lou Lou The Legend and has a chance of following up. JAZZ FESTIVAL (13) is in winning form and has to be included in all bets. LANDSEER (7) has a first four chance. Ignore the last run. (Warren Lenferna 10-11-13-7) 

Ends 

SoccerAny13 Extra on Saturday, 28 December 2024 C/Over R 500 000 Pool Closes at 15h30 Sport 13 Pool 1 Likely Pool : R 500 000 (13 of 13)

Please Note: From December, Unit cost of all Soccer10 Pools closing on Wednesdays will be R3.

The R3 unit cost on Wednesdays is on a trial basis only & follows requests from many customers to increase the Soccer10 Unit.

The unit cost of Soccer10 Pools on all other days remains R2.

All systems go on 1 January 2025

Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.

The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).

Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.

Programme and related reading matter, click here.

Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.

The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.

Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.

“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.

“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddle-cloths. So, there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.

Veteran KZN trainer Garth Puller, who attended a recent stakeholder’s meeting at Summerveld hosted by Greg Bortz, Justin Vermaak, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets officials, enthused that he was thrilled by the news of the takeover by business-minded racing people who were brave and bold enough to step in and turn the ship around.

“This has come very late for me at my age, but it’s a lifechanger and the future is brighter than it was yesterday,” reflected a delighted Puller as he told the Sporting Post that the adjusted stakes and ‘very welcome’ incentives would boost cash-flows,  while also making it so much easier to help him and his colleagues market the basic ownership product.

“And we are getting draws after acceptances. Wonderful! I was calling for that 25 years ago at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Bigger fields mean a faster pace, means better form, means better truer results. It’s an ecosystem of positivity. It all feeds on itself,” added the horseman who is never scared to pass an opinion.

Puller said the repair of the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was ‘definitely quite overdue and welcome news’.

“That’s our stage. The track must be safe for horse and rider, be true and competitive, and have credibility with all role-players. That’s not a negotiable.”

On the ‘abolition’ of the committee structure to facilitate decision making and policy, Puller said that he was so pleased to hear that all reasonable suggestions will be considered by management.

“Wonderful! So there are no more long-winded committees to hide behind and to dither over. How refreshing.  I believe every stakeholder in this sport in KZN needs to doff a cap to Hollywoodbets and Mr Bortz. This investment and takeover is a brave move. But we know that with the passion for horse racing of the local population in this province, we can make it work. And by putting the structures in place they are making sure we have no excuses. Let’s look forward and get on with rebuilding KZN racing. I am absolutely thrilled. This is good news,” he concluded.