Category Archives: Y-Champions Season

Pine Princess (Nkosi Hlophe)

Support for Pine Princess

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The Mike de Kock-trained Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks winner and Gr 1 Woolavington 2000 runner up Pine Princess appeared to be one of the most backed horses for the July over the weekend.

One on course bookmaker at Greyville commented, “They haven’t stopped coming for her”, although others said they had not been affected by the move.

The filly has shortened with Betting World from 22/1 into 18/1.

The Mike Bass-trained Helderberg Blue and the Sean Tarry-trained Tamaanee also enjoyed support at long odds and both shortened from 50/1 into 40/1.

Joint-second favourites Majmu and Futura both drifted slightly from 4/1 to 9/2.

The Conglomerate, who was a single figure price after his impressive Gr 2 KRA Guineas win, has drifted continuously since then due to support for the like of Legal Eagle and French Navy, and he then landed the widest draw of 20 on Tuesday. He put in one of the most eyecatching gallops at Greyvillle on Thursday, but this didn’t stop him drifting again from 16/1 to 18/1.

Dynastic Power drifted out from 55/1 to 66/1 and Gold Onyx is now the biggest outsider, drifting from 66/1 to 75/1.

The favourite Legal Eagle remains firm at 5/2.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Pine Princess (Nkosi Hlophe)

VDJ betting now open: Pick 6 starts in Race 4 – estimated pool R12million.

Bezanova (Nkosi Hlophe)

KZN Breeders stars shone brightly.

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Alec Laird’s Bezrin gelding Bezanova has improved continuously this season and the rangy Clifton Stud-bred chestnut once again proved his liking for the Greyville turf yesterday when winning the Non-Black Type KZN Breeders Million Mile in fine style under Anton Marcus.

The other eight races, all run on the polytrack, offered good opportunites for smaller owners, each carrying a stake of R200,000, and KZN breeders flocked to the course to enjoy the action and support their horses.

The races were dominated by top jockeys and fancied runners, as the weight conditions favoured the better horses.

No Worries led the Million Mile, but Bezanova confirmed form with him from the Gr 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge and stormed past halfway down the straight, pursued by the well backed Front Rank. They both hung to their right as they fought it out, but a review ascertained that Wild One, who flew for a 0,25 length second, had not been adversely affected and no further action was taken. No Worries, who won this race last year, was a touch disappointing in fourth and was followed by Solar Star.

Bezanova added this big money race to his win in the Gr 2 R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile.

It was a fine Gr 1 eLan Property Group Gold Cup preparation for Wild One, following his second in the Gr 3 Cup Trial after a long layoff.

In the Summerhill Stud KZN Breeders Juvenile Plate for fillies over 1200m the Sean Tarry- trained St Petersburg filly Faberge Style led and stayed on well to win by 0,75 lengths under S’Manga Khumalo, although she had to survive a race review due to hanging out and taking up the running of eventual third- placed Sabonana. In the Non-Black Type KZN Breeders Juvenile Plate over 1200m Anton Marcus sent the Charles Laird-trained Muhtafal colt Chosen Dash to the front and he streaked clear to win comfortably from market rival, Malak El Moolook. He was bred by Dr G and Mr C Baitz.

In the KZN Breeders 1200 for fillies and mares the talented Mark Dixon-trained Mogok filly African Dream defended her crown after being up with the pace and staying on strongly under Keagan de Melo to beat Virgo’s babe and Taking Chances. She was bred by Scott Brothers.

In the Spring Valley Stud KZN Breeders 1200 Al Ciberano looked to have it won when opening up a big lead in the straight but the classy Doug Campbell-trained five-year-old Mogok gelding Kingston Boy produced his usual strong finish under Anthony Delpech to beat him by 0,5 lengths with Mr Whatever next best. Kingston Boy was bred by Campbell’s Sugar Hill Stud and he also owns a share in him together with the Sukhraj family.

In the Piemont Stud KZN Breeders 1900 for fillies and mares, the Tarry-trained topweight Enchanted Silk looked well in and was allowed to get to the front easily from a wide draw. The four-year-old Kahal filly duly strayed on strongly under Khumalo in the straight to repel market rival Mamasita and beat her by 1,25 lengths with Chili Cholcolate next best. Enchanted Silk was bred by Gold Star Stud.

The Fort Stud KZN Breeders 1900 was also won by a well treated topweight, the Alistair Gordon-trained six-year-old Joshua Dancer gelding Joshua’s Crown, who was given a patient ride by Alec Forbes before running on strongly to win by 3,5 lengths from Baracah and Mai Thaiga. Joshua’s Crown was bred by NM Raw.

In the Scott Brothers KZN Breeders 1600 the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Dynasty gelding It Is Written was another topweight who was best in and he found a late kick under Delpech to win by 1,25 lengths from Translunar and an unlucky Roy’s Winter Patch.

In the Eightfold Path KZN Breeders 1600 for fillies and mares the Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained five-year-old Kahal mare Euphoria was another well treated topweight and a patient Anton Marcus timed his run well to win by 1,75 lengths from Red Label and Injaazaat. Euphoria was bred by GAR Sturlese and P de Marigny.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Bezanova (Nkosi Hlophe)

VDJ betting now open: Pick 6 starts in Race 4 – estimated pool R12million.

no worries nh

No Worries to repeat  

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The KZN Breeders meeting at Greyville on Sunday provides smaller owners with the chance of winning big prize money as it features the R1 million KZN Breeders Million Mile on turf and also eight other limited polytrack races which each carry a total stake of R200,000.

No Worries could defend his crown in the Million Mile. He is the best in at the weights on official merit ratings and from a good draw of six could take advantage of his ability to kick well from a handy position. He has a hard task reversing form with Bezanova on their Gold Challenge meeting over course and distance, but is capable of a lot better and could bounce back to his best as he did in this race last year.

Bezanova has quite a tough draw but has never run a bad race at Greyville and has the advantage of Anton Marcus aboard.

Wild One ran a cracker in the Gr 3 Cup Trial over 1800m last time and is another who loves this course,  although this is his second run after a layoff and it’s a touch on the sharp side. Solar Star has improved in KZN and from a good draw over a suitable trip should be a factor.

Run Rhino Run was given little chance last time after being sent to the front in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000, but preferable hold up tactics should see him running on strongly. Front Rank showed some improvement in his third run after gelding last time and could surprise from a good draw over a suitable trip.

No Worries (Nkosi Hlophe)

No Worries (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the first over 1200m Harvest Queen appeared to over race in a feature over 1400m last time, so will appreciate stepping back to the course and distance of her impressive debut win.

In the second over the same course and distance the topweight Malak El Moolook is an improving sort who looks likely to be effective over this step down in trip and he could pack too much class here from a good draw. Chosen Dash was outpaced in a feature over 1000m last time but stayed on strongly late so will appreciate this step up in trip. Anthony Delpech is an eyecatching booking on the first-timer Dandy Man.

The talented African Dream defends her crown in the next over 1200m and has run well fresh before so is the one to beat from a good draw. The courageous Virgo’s Babe is the best in at the weights and can never be ignored, even from a wide draw like this, and Pej and Winter Star are both talented sorts with winning chances. Miss Argentina is the lurker as she has not yet had many opportunities to fulfil the early potential she showed.

In the fourth over 1200m Approval Rating ran on too late last time over 1100m at Turffontein and could make amends from a good draw under Anton Marcus. Kingston Boy has a fine turn of foot and always runs well from good draws like this, while the best weighted horse Showmetheway was caught wide in the Post Merchants and has a chance from a good draw.  Flyfirstclass and Al Ciberano could be involved too.

Enchanted Silk should pack too much class in the fifth over 1900m, although Mamasita put in a decent effort in the Gr 1 Woolavington 2000 and could be a threat.

Baracah enjoyed the step down from staying trips last time and could win the sixth over 1900m.

The talented It Is Written could carry topweight to victory in the eighth over 1600m and could be chased home by Translunar, who has improved with blinkers.

Euphoria is another one who could be too good despite topweight in the last over a suitable 1600m with Marcus up.

By David Thiselton

 

Bass in a confident mood

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Mike Bass was bullish of his Vodacom Durban July chances after landing the exact draw he had wanted for his good looking gelding Helderberg Blue. He also has a strong hand in the Gr 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes where he runs Hammie’s Hooker and Inara.

Bass envisaged that from a draw of eight, which is likely to be seven when the second reserve runner comes out, Helderberg Blue would be able to relax in the early stages, while the horses on the inside were rushing to hold their positions and the horses on the outside were unsettled as their jockeys attempted to slot them in.

His four-year-old Jet Master gelding ideally likes to be handy as he is capable of quickening from close to the pace and is then able to stay on resolutely. He has always been well regarded but is a nervous horse and as a youngster often used to run his race before the start.

However, the outstanding horsemanship of the three-times July-winning trainer and the care provided by his professional team have now converted him into a horse who, according to Bass, is now “almost normal.” Helderberg Blue’s new best friend is the recently retired Epic Tale, who accompanies him to the track every morning to keep him calm.

Bass believes the decision to raise Helderberg Blue 12 points for his J&B Met third-place finish was ridiculous, but his charge has now come down three points and has snuck into the handicap with a nice galloping weight of 53,5kg. He will be 4,5kg better off for a 2,35 length beating by Futura in the Met, so has a chance on paper.

He showed improvement in his last start, when fourth in the Gr 3 Cup Trial over 1800m, and is not only two points lower now but will also peak at just the right time. Grant van Niekerk, who went within a hair’s breadth of victory on the outsider Smanjemanje in his July debut in 2012, has his third ride in the big race, having been an unlucky fifth on the filly In The Fast Lane last year.

Bass’ top class Trippi mare Hammie’s Hooker put up a career best performance in last year’s Garden Province Stakes, when getting within 0,75 lengths of the great Beach Beauty, with the rest of a top class field strung out like the washing. Bass said she had been an easier horse to train this year, as she had matured and was a lot stronger, so she should be able to repeat that run from last year. She has drawn in pole position this year, as opposed to last year’s tough barrier position of nine out of ten.

Furthermore, one of the main dangers, Same Jurisdiction, whom she beat last time out by 0,5 lengths when defending her crown in the Gr 2 Tibouchina Stakes over 1400m at Greyville, is drawn wide out in 14. On the downside Same Jurisdiction carried a Gr 1 penalty of 2kg in the Tibouchina, compared to Hammie’s Hooker’s Gr 2 penalty of 1kg, whereas the Garden Province is a pure weight for age race. Furthermore, Bass believes Hammies’ optimum trip is 1400m although he added that she was “fine” with 1600m. Regular pilot Bernard Fayd’Herbe holds the Trippi mare in high regard and knows her well.

Inara (Liesl King)

Inara (Liesl King)

Inara scoped a bit dirty after her disappointing fifth in the Gr 1 Woolavington 2000 and Bass also believed she was not “comfortable” over the 2000m trip. She followed up her victory in the Gr 1 Maine Chance Farms Paddock Stakes over 1800m with a win  in the Gr 1 Klawervlei Majorca Stakes over 1600m. She had earlier finished second to the mighty Majmu in one of the best form races of the season, the Gr 1 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas, so 1600m does look to be her optimum trip. Bass said she was currently fine and would be competitive. She likely needed her run when staying on strongly for second in the Gr 2 KRA Fillies Guineas and should be at her peak now in her third run after a layoff. She has a fine turn of foot and is a big runner from draw seven under Van Niekerk.

The yard also run Mountain Master in the Gr 3 tabGold 2200 and Equity Kicker in the eTHekwini Sprint over 1200m on the polytrack.

Mountain Master is drawn wide but if repeating his fifth place finish in the Gr 2 Betting World 1900 he could have a chance, considering he is now two points lower in the merit ratings.

Equity Kicker was only 3,2 lengths back in the Gr 2 Post Merchants over 1200m, despite being about 3kg under sufferance. He is not well treated at the weights in the eThekwini either. However, he has a plum draw of six and has already proven, like most Trippis, that he enjoys the poly.

By David Thiselton

 

Gallops were a success

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Seventeen horses, including the two reserve runners for next Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July, were given little more than exercise gallops at Greyville this morning. The July gallops are a condition of entry and a large crowd turned out in some very balmy winter weather to watch their big race fancies in action. However, at this stage of their preparation most are fully wound up and not much can be read into the gallops although there were a few standouts.

Wylie Hall (Nkosi Hlophe)

Wylie Hall (Nkosi Hlophe)

Top weight Futura looked a picture in the paddock and although asked to do very little by big race rider Sean Cormack, he strode out beautifully and he looks fine tuned for next Saturday.

The Conglomerate was an enthusiastic worker on the poly and pulled Anton Marcus through nicely. The Aussie-bred colt has it all to do from 20 draw and apprentice Chad Schofield will be given a baptism of fire in what is often a rough race. However, Schofield will have two rides in preceding races to give him a feel for the track.

Mike de Kock’s two fillies, Majmu and Pine Princess, moved smoothly on the poly track and look in prime condition.

The Conglomerate (Nkosi Hlophe)

The Conglomerate (Nkosi Hlophe)

Mike Bass sent out Helderbeg Blue in cheek pieces for the first time as the gelding can be something of a handful. “I sent him out for a walk in them yesterday and he seemed Ok so we will see how he goes in them today.” The gelding worked up nicely alongside companion Night Trip in what was a pleasing bit of work.

Ice Machine was one of the few runners to be given a good workout. Donovan Dillion, who has his first ride in the race, sent Charles Laird’s runner from the 1400 m mark and worked the last 400m in a solid 21.51 seconds.

Wylie Hall moved smoothly under his big race rider Bernard Fayd’Herbe without being asked to extend and Weiho Marwing was all smiles after the gallop.

The fastest 400m to finish time was set by Marwing’s reserve runner Mac De Lago who clocked 21.34 secs under Fayd’Herbe. He also set the quickest 800m to finish time with stable companion Fulcrum in tow.

By Andrew Harrison

Pictures

  1. Halve The Deficit (Nkosi Hlophe)
  2. Wylie Hall (Nkosi Hlophe)
  3. The Conglomerate (Nkosi Hlophe)
The Conglomerate (Nkosi Hlophe)

Media Release: Vodacom Durban July Gallops

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The official July Gallops at Greyville in Durban today were once again a successful lead-up to the R3.5-million Vodacom Durban July in just over a week’s time and the one thing that stood out was that all 17 of the horses that galloped looked to be in top racing trim.

A good crowd gathered at the central Durban venue for the early morning exercise looking comforted in the chilly morning area by the hot coffee and sticky buns and enjoyed watching the magnificent animals put through their paces.

Very little was gleaned from the morning’s events as few of the big-race candidates were asked to do more than a moderate gallop and a few hardly did more than a canter. But there were some that were allowed to step up the pace and the quickest of them was the big-race second reserve Mac De Mago from the Wieho Marwing stable. The three-year-old colt, that finished second to The Conglomerate in the KRA Guineas, was allowed to really stretch his legs and posted the fastest time from both the 800m and 400m marks, stopping the clock for the final distance in 21.34 secs.

As presenter Kevin Shea remarked “I’d like to see him in the race.”

Also putting in good finishing times were the Charles Laird-trained Ice Machine that covered the final 400m on the turf in 21.51 secs. On the polytrack, the Mike de Kock filly Pine Princess clocked 21.6 secs and The Conglomerate was timed at 21.99 secs.

On individual looks, there was nothing to touch the star Dynasty colt Futura. He looked magnificent and while he was not asked to do much his mere presence and the way he went about his work left one with the impression that in spite of carrying top weight of 60kg – no winner of the race has carried more than 58kg since Monteith that shouldered 59kg in 1944 – he will still be a massive runner in this race.

Trainer Justin Snaith was not happy that the runners had been forced to gallop right on the outside of the track but appeared happy with his charge’s work while jockey Sean Cormack said it was a super gallop. Kevin Shea, now retired and a presenter at the meeting, was of the opinion that in spite of the weight, Futura would be a “massive runner”.

Trainer De Kock’s two fillies, Majmu and Pine Princess, both worked on the polytrack and he was happy with both of them. They were allowed to speed up and after Majmu’s work Shea said it gave one “goose bumps” just watching her beautiful action.

De Kock said in a brief interview after the gallops that the minor setback Majmu had experienced which led to her withdrawal from the Woolavington 2000 had not had any effect on the filly’s preparation and in fact might have been a good thing as she ran well when fresh.

Anthony Delpech let Pine Princess stretch out in the finishing straight and as she had appeared keen to get on with it early, she enjoyed really stretching her legs and put up a very good gallop.

The Conglomerate from the Joey Ramsden stable put up an impressive gallop, quickening up well in the straight. He has a nice action and stretched out well and Ramsden said he was happy with the work. He added that colt had been given a gallop at Summerveld before going to Greyville and when asked about the 20 draw he said it did not trouble him and it may be in the colt’s favour.

Marwing’s principal runner in the race, Wylie Hall, impressed with the manner of his work. He led the gallop from companion Isobar with his head tucked in early and displaying an air of confidence. He just got on with the job and strode out beautifully in the straight and looked magnificent.

When Deputy Judd from the Mike Azzie stable strode out in his gallop it would have taken many back some 37 years to when the orange with black crossed sashes and orange sleeves colours he sported were carried by one of the greatest horses in South Africa racing, the mighty Politician. The three-year-old Judpot colt looked outstanding which is a hallmark of the Azzie stable and he worked like he knew he had a major mission to complete.

Azzie said afterwards that the colt was a very laid back individual but he had come on a lot since coming to KwaZulu-Natal and he was “In the play.”

Also working well was Power King from the Dean Kannemeyer stable. He worked with stayer Solid Speed and was kept under a tight hold but had a presence about him which suggested we could see a very special performance from him in the big one in 10 days’ time.

Punta Arenas appeared to work better than Dynamic Power for trainer Stan Elley but both showed they were in top form as did the other runners Helderberg Blue, Tamaanee, Gold Onyx, Halve The Deficit and Dynamic.

The big race favourite Legal Eagle worked with Sean Tarry stable companion French Navy in a recorded gallop on the Highveld along with the Geoff Woodruff-trained Tellina. All three appeared to be working well in the less than perfect film but little could be extracted from the exercise other than they looked fit and well.

Picture: The Conglomerate (Nkosi Hlophe)

futura nkosi hlophe gallop

Snaith confident

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Justin Snaith yesterday dismissed suggestions that second favourite Futura will have problems staying the trip under 60kg in a true-run Vodacom Durban July.

He said: “I have no doubts whatsoever about the horse’s stamina. Indeed if he wasn’t so good that he is in the July he would be running in the Gold Cup.”

The doubts were raised by Sporting Post editor Karel Miedema in last week’s paper when he said: “If I had to take a guess from the pedigree, and also considering Futura’s efforts to date, I’d say he could have a problem with stamina in a true-run 2 200m July carrying top weight.”

Miedema, one of the most knowledgeable people in South African racing, also made the point that Futura’s 120 merit rating has been gained in a succession of slow run races, adding: “Horses just do not improve as much as Futura’s jump from 106 to 120 suggests.

“Last year’s July was the second slowest in the last 20 years, this year’s Queen’s Plate the slowest and this year’s Met the third slowest.”

Snaith also has doubts about the ratings but not just concerning Futura, saying: “The ratings of horses in this country are so elevated it’s frightening. The handicappers seem to think we produce champion after champion every year.

“But I don’t think Futura is the only badly handicapped horse in the race. Majmu, off 55k and giving a Derby winner a kilo, is a big ask – indeed just as much of a big ask as Futura with 60kg.”

By Michael Clower

Picture: Futura (Nkosi Hlophe) 

futura gallop grey april

Don’t miss the July Gallops

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See all the stars in action at the annual Vodacom Durban July gallops at Greyville from 07:00 on Thursday morning, June 25.

A condition or entry for South Africa’s premier horserace is participation in the July Gallops where the big race contenders will gallop on their own or with a companion for the public to view their action and state of well-being. The gallops will be timed and a commentary given of each performance with the performance times broadcast on course.

After the gallops a discussion panel will be held at the course featuring prominent racing personalities and to counter the early morning chill buns and hot coffee will be served free of charge for those attending.

For those unable to attend the gallops it will be televised live on Tellytrack DSTV 239 from 7am.

For those wishing to watch the gallops in more comfort, a special breakfast at R65 per head will be available in the Durban View Room on the morning.

Contact Gail on 031 3141780 for more information.

Picture: Futura (Nkosi Hlophe)

Dennis Drier (Nkosi Hlophe)

Drier sending out his big guns

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Dennis Drier has a Vodacom Durban July day string of ten horses and two reserves and the master trainer is likely to turn them out in tip top condition.

His Gr 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes contender Jet Aglow put is some decent work on the beach sand on Tuesday under stable jockey Sean Cormack and if repeating her best runs could be in the shake up, despite the race being packed with class. The yard were caught off guard by the blinkers sharpening her up so much in the Gr 1 City Of Pietermartzburg Sprint that she led them over a too sharp 1200m, before finishing a respectable fifth.

However, she then duly over raced in the Gr 2 Tibouchina over 1400m last time out and the blinkers have now been removed. She was an unlucky two length third in the Gr 1 Laurie Jaffe Empress Club Stakes over 1600m last season, when forced to go for home too early, and if repeating that sort of form could be a contender, although she does not have an easy draw of ten.

The jury are out on whether Drier’s  ultra impressive Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion winner Seventh Plain will stay the 1400m trip in the Gr 1 Golden Horseshoe, but they believe he will due to his very relaxed manner of running. He certainly wasn’t stopping at the line in the Medallion and from a plum draw of four he will be the horse to beat.

The yard are expecting their Horse Chestnut filly Chestnuts and Pearls to appreciate the step up in trip from 1200m to 1400m in the Gr 1 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper. She was disadvantaged by a high draw in the Gr 1 Allan Roberston over 1200m at Scottsville last time, but will still have to show plenty of improvement to feature here, although there is always that possibility for two-year-olds. She is drawn well in seven.

The yard run Firewood in the first race on the poly over a suitable 1400m. They describe him as a “nice little horse who has to be competitive here.”  The form of his last race when a one length third to the promising Master James over 1600m on turf has worked out well and he could appreciate a return to the course and distance of his last win from a plum draw.

Their newly acquired stayer J’s Outsider had to come around horses from last in the Gr 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m last time and didn’t go through with, but the yard said he had needed that run and had definitely improved since then. He won the Gr 2 Gold Bowl over 3200m at Turffontein before that so will appreciate the 3000m trip of the Gr 2 SABC Gold Vase on July day and is well drawn in three. However, he is 4,5kg worse off for a 2,5 length beating of Heart Of A Lion from the Gold Bowl, so will have a tougher task and the latter also proved his liking for Greyville last time when running on well for third in the Lonsdale.

Drier runs Barbosa and Balkan in the tenth race, a MR 104 handicap over 1000m on the polytrack and the yard are bullish about the chances of Barbosa, despite him having to carry topweight. Assistant trainer Stuart Ferrie said, “He ran a cracker last time (sixth in the Tsogo Sun Sprint) and has a big shout. He likes to race handy and should enjoy the poly.”

Balkan doesn’t have it easy up against the boys in her second run after a layoff. However, she was raised only two points for her win over 1000m on J&B Met day and the form of that race has worked out well.

Drier runs Generalissimo, Triptique and Beckedorf in the Non-Black Type Ethekwini Sprint over 1200m on the poly. Generalissimo put in some eyecatching work on the beach sand on Tuesday and should be spot on for this race.

He had to stand for an age in the stalls before the Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Sprint, which blunted his normally excellent gate speed, and before that he won in facile fashion over this course and distance. He is now six points higher in the merit ratings, but is the yard elect and Cormack rides from a fair draw.

Triptique is an imposing and impressive individual and was a touch unlucky last time out over 1000m on the poly, which was his first outing since winning three Kenilworth 1200m events in succession.

Ian Sturgeon rides from a tricky draw, but despite being six points higher since his last win he is not fully exposed and has a definite chance. Beckedorf is ten points lower in the merit ratings after two below par runs in Cape Town, so is quite an interesting contender. This is his first outing since, but the yard describe him as a “nice horse who is fit and well.”

By David Thiselton

Picture: Dennis Drier (Nkosi Hlophe)

Alexis (John Lewis)

Crawford has faith in Alexis

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Brett Crawford has a small but strong team for Vodacom Durban July day and some of them put in eyecatching workouts at Summerveld yesterday, particularly the classy Gr 2 KRA Fillies Guineas-winning Dynasty filly Alexis, who will run in the Gr 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes over 1600m on turf.

Crawford’s assistant Barry Donnelly is back at Summerveld looking after the string and said about Alexis, “She is small but very well made. I have always called her our little Beach Beauty and people used to laugh at me but now she has come out and won the Guineas.”

Alexis has plenty of speed but proved she stayed the mile in the KRA Fillies Guineas, in which she once again displayed her superb turn of foot. Yesterday one of Crawford’s best workrider’s Subusiso Paca put her through her paces on the Summerveld beach sand. She showed plenty of zest and strode out nicely and Paca returned to the ring excited, exclaiming that after 400m she had wanted to change up a gear.

Donnelly believes the yard have her even better now than she was before the KRA Fillies Guineas, so will ease off her next week in the lead up to the race. She faces a particularly strong field but will be one of the main protagonists, despite a tricky draw of nine as opposed to her draw of five in the KRA Fillies Guineas.

Stable jockey Corné Orffer has chosen her ahead of last year’s KRA Fillies Guineas winner Maybe Yes, who won a 1400m event at Greyville in her penultimate start by four lengths when leading from start to finish, although she was well weighted there. She then ran another cracker in the Gr 2 Tobouchina over 1400m, finishing a 1,25 length third to the classy mare Hammie’s Hooker.

Donnelly was happy with her workout yesterday on the beach sand, although he said that she is not a very good workhorse on that surface. She has landed a plum draw of two in the Garden Province and Piere Strydom aboard is another bonus.

Sail South worked particularly well yesterday and was looking lean and in mint condition. He settled nicely in yesterday’s bit of work, which was a positive sign as this is sometimes his undoing on the racecourse. He could be a runner in the Listed Canon Business Centre Handicap over 1600m on the turf. He has a wide draw to overcome, but Orffer has chosen to ride him ahead of the former Gr 2 Seangor Cup winner De Kock.

De Kock over-raced in the Gr 2 Betting World 1900 last time out and duly faded right out of it in the straight. However, he has responded very well to the application of a new bit and has settled well in work. He has been working well and from draw nine under Sean Veale over this much more suitable trip he could be a runner.

The yard’s other runner on the day is the three-year-old gelding Valerin, who finished a 1,25 length second to Saratoga dancer over 1400m at Scottsville last time, despite being squeezed in the latter stages. The form of that race has been franked and he now runs over the same trip on the polytrack on July day. He has been doing well, but looks likely to be drawn quite wide.

He is by Lateral out of the Gr 1 Garden Province and Gr 1 Majorca winner Donatella (Fine Edge), so is a well bred sort. He has run some decent races against good sorts in Cape Town, including finishing a 1,25 length second to fancied July runner The Conglomerate over 1300m as a two-year-old. Donnelly foresees no problem with hi handling the poly and he will work on the Summerveld poly this morning (Wednesday).

By David Thiselton

Picture: Alexis (John Lewis)