Category Archives: Ethekweni

michael muis roberts trainer lk

Michael Roberts is in good spirits

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Jockey legend and now Summerveld trainer Michael Roberts has four runners and a reserve on Vodacom Durban July day, including one Gr 1 contestant.

He said about Gr 1 Durban Golden Horseshoe runner Vous Et Var, “Unfortunately he kept on drawing wide in the races winners can run in and I think he’s going to make into a nice three-year-old, so I didn’t want run him and mess him up. He has finally cracked a good draw but it’s a tough one and if he ran in the first half I would be over the moon.”

Vous Et Var (Nkosi Hlophe)

Vous Et Var (Nkosi Hlophe)

He runs Natal and Durban Blues in the KZN Yearling Sale Million and said, “Natal won very impressively and is a smart horse. Durban Blues has been a nice filly. I would like both of them to get a slice of the cake but I would think Natal is the preference.”

He runs Spectrum mare Alina in the second, a 1400m fillies and mares handicap on the polytrack, and this is her favourite course and distance. He said, “She loves the poly and has been very consistent on it. She likes running fresh so I expect a good run from her. Unfortunately she’s not drawn the greatest but she has a lot of gate speed.”

Theseus is first reserve in the eThekwini Sprint over 1200m on the poly and he said, “He’s a decent animal and is seven to ten pounds off the top sprinters. He won well and then went a bit off but I was happy with his last run. If he gets in I will think of putting blinkers on and he will have a squeak.”

By David Thiselton

VDJ betting now open: Jackpot ONE Leg 1 starts in race 5 – estimated pool R2,1million.

Redcarpet Captain (Nkosi Hlophe)

Van Zyl team upbeat

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Gavin van Zyl has a string of seven and one reserve for Vodacom Durban July day on Saturday, including the Gr 1 contender Redcarpet Captain.

Captain Al colt Redcarpet Captain was still below his best when finishing a 2,5 length second to Seventh Plain in the Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion over 1200m at Scottsville last time and now jumps from a tough draw of 17 under regular rider S’Manga Khumalo in the Gr 1 Durban Golden Horseshoe over 1400m. Van Zyl said, “He had a setback before his run in the SA Nursery and didn’t have a lot of time to recover from that, so in the Gold Medallion he wasn’t in the space that he is now. We expect him to be better on Saturday than he has been in any of his runs so far. He has a bad draw, so we need a bit of luck in running, but as far as his physical well-being goes we couldn’t ask for better, we are really upbeat about him.”

Redcarpet Captain (Nkosi Hlophe)

Redcarpet Captain (Nkosi Hlophe)

The yard runs the talented Jet Master gelding MLJet in the Listed Canon centre Handicap over 1600m from draw eight under Warren Kennedy. He was looking a picture at Summerveld yesterday and Van Zyl said, “In the Daily News he moved right up into contention, but didn’t go through with it. It was a good run in the blinkers and the 1600m will be right down his alley. He’s got a decent draw and on his best form he will be one of the horses to beat. We’re very happy with his preparation.”

Heart Of A Lion runs in the Gr 2 SABC Gold Vase over 3000m and Van Zyl said, “He’s run third in his last three stakes races and they were good thirds particularly in his last run in the Lonsdale (2400m) where he flew up from last and was not beaten far. He’s got eleven draw to overcome but Muzi (Yeni) does know him quite well and we expect him to be in the hunt. He is very well in himself and he stays all day.”

MLJet (Nkosi Hlophe)

MLJet (Nkosi Hlophe)

Sun On Africa runs in the Gr 3 tabGold 2200 from draw four under Kennedy and Van Zyl said, “He beat St. Tropez last time and on that form, and on his second to Bezanova, he has the ability. When he picks up his game he can run with the best. He only ran seven lengths back in the Lonsdale (2400m) but went far too fast and Warren Kennedy learnt a lot about him that day. He beat St Tropez next time based on a better pace. If he rides him well he definitely has a chance with a good draw and a light weight.”

In race one over 1400m on the poly the yard run the progressive Fort Wood gelding Down Under as well as Just Ask Me. Van Zyl said, “Down Under is very consistent and has been working very well. He went to Greyville and galloped next to Redcarpet Captain and did very, very nicely. On his best form from draw one he comes into the race with a very good chance. He’s getting better and better. Just Ask me is always thereabouts, we also targeted this race. He had had a break before his last start at Scottsville and seemed to tire. He is better on the poly at Greyville and on his best form he certainly has a quartet chance.”

Se Agabor runs in the second over 1400m on the poly and has also landed a pole position draw. Van Zyl said, “She has been running n some tough company in Johannesburg and has run in two Listed races, one in PE and one on the sand. Then against the colts last time she didn’t appreciate the going, it’s getting a bit firm for her. So it’s a tough field but she’s won on the poly and back on the poly we can expect an improved run.”

By David Thiselton

VDJ betting now open: Jackpot ONE Leg 1 starts in race 5 – estimated pool R2,1million.

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)

Carry On Alice (Nkosi Hlophe)

Media Release: Vodacom Durban July Feature Races

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Sensational racing is on the cards for Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event, Vodacom Durban July Day at Greyville on July 4, with a supporting cast of Grade 1 races like nothing that has ever been seen in this country.

The final fields for the Grade R750 000, Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes and the R600 000, Grade 1 Durban Golden Horseshoe have been announced but that for the R600 000, Grade 1 Golden Slipper has been delayed until today (Tuesday).

It is almost unbelievable that such an auspicious group of fillies and mares from around the country could be squeezed into one race, but that is what is in store for racegoers when the field for the Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes takes to the turf on the big day.

There is Hammie’s Hooker and Same Jurisdiction, first and second in the Tibouchina Stakes with Same Jurisdiction having also won the Thekwini Stakes and the Flamboyant Stakes and run second to Siren’s Call in the SA Fillies Classic. Then there is Jet Belle that won the Poinsettia Stakes and placed third in each of the Maine Chance Farms Paddock Stakes and the Klawervlei Majorca Stakes.

And speaking of those two great Grade 1 races in the Cape, you have the winner of them both, Inara. She was beaten into second place in the KRA Fillies Guineas by Alexis that is also in this classic event and you can add to that the super winner of the Grade 1 Woolavington 2000, Smart Call.

When you throw in the speedy filly Carry On Alice, winner of the City Of Pietermaritzburg Fillies Sprint that also finished third in the Cape Flying Championship and second in the Computaform Sprint, then you know the pace is going to be on.

Just for good measure you add Maybe Yes and Red Flame, third and fourth in the Tibouchina Stakes that are capable of upping their games from decent draws and you have a race to dream of.

The R600 000, Grade 1 Durban Golden Horseshoe will pit the winner of the SA Nursery Arabian Beat against the winner of both the Godolphin Barb Stakes and the Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion, Seventh Plain with the Medallion runner-up Redcarpet Captain in the mix to muddy the waters. Muwaary was fourth in the Medallion just ahead of Mr Roy that was third in the Godolphin Barb and Lineker was third in the Gatecrasher Stakes.

This is a fabulous mix of young, improving colts and geldings and over the 1 400m of this tricky course, anything can happen and a fantastic finish could be in store for the 50 000 racegoers on the day.

Ends

Picture: Carry On Alice (Nkosi Hlophe)

Entries are in for July Day

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A tsunami of entries have been received by Gold Circle for the eight feature races on the supporting programme to Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event, the R3.5-million Vodacom Durban July, promising to make the meeting a spectacular 4th of July occasion.

Attracting an incredible galaxy of racing talent from around the country, many of the races are heavily oversubscribed with a total of 253 horses nominated for the eight events.

The three Grade 1 races, the Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes, the Golden Horseshoe and Golden Slipper have drawn 21, 35 and 32 nominations respectively with a massive 44 entries for the Grade 3 Campanajo 2200 and 60 for the Listed Thukela Handicap.

Heading the entries for the R750 000 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes is the Mike de Kock-trained super filly Majmu who is also strongly fancied in the betting for the Vodacom Durban July.  De Kock has the unenviable task of deciding which of the races she will contest on the day as she is well drawn at three for this fillies event and will have to take her chances in the draw for the July.

Also among the entries is the Alec Laird-trained winner of the Woolavington 2000, Smart Call, along with the winner of the KRA Fillies Guineas from the Brett Crawford stable, Alexis. Her stable companion Maybe Yes, third to Hammie’s Hooker in the Tibouchina Stakes is also among the entries and Mike Bass is looking for the feature double with “the Hooker.”

Bass has also entered his dual Grade 1 winner Inara in the race. After winning the Maine Chance Farms Paddock Stakes and the Klawervlei Majorca Stakes, she finished second in the KRA Fillies Guineas but ran below expectations when fifth in the Woolavington 2000.

The classy filly Same Jurisdiction from the Duncan Howells stable, second in both the SA Fillies Classic and the Tibouchina Stakes, will be looking to go one better here.

The Durban Golden Horseshoe and the Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper are the juvenile events over 1 400m with both races carrying a stake of R600 000. They have both been strongly supported with 35 entries for the colt’s race and 32 for the filly’s race.

Some very smart juveniles are in these races including the Dennis Drier-trained Seventh Rock colt Seventh Plain and the Captain Al colt Redcarpet Captain from the Gavin van Zyl stable that filled the first two places in the Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion at Scottsville. They are joined by the SA Nursery winner Arabian Beat, the unbeaten Gatecrasher Stakes winner Rabada and the Godolphin Barb Stakes runner-up Beat The Retreat.

The runner-up to Entisaar in the Allan Robertson Fillies Championship, Princess Royal from the Glen Kotzen stable is one of the leading entries for the Golden Slipper along with her stable companion and winner of the Strelitzia Stakes, Royal Pleasure.

Also among the entries is the Mike Azzie-trained runner-up in the SA Nursery Frosted Honey and the Count Dubois filly Madame Dubois from the Robbie Sage yard that ran a good third in the Allan Robertson.

Among the 25 entries for the Grade 2 SABC Gold Vase are last year’s eLan Group Gold Cup runner-up and a recent second in the Cup Trial, Wild One, and the Dynasty gelding Solid Speed from the Dean Kannemeyer stable that has won his last three starts including the Highland Night Cup and the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup.

The 44 entries for the Grade 3 Campanajo 2200, the “consolation” race for horses that do not make the Vodacom Durban July cut, is laden with talent including many that are still hoping for a place in the premier event.

No Worries (Nkosi Hlophe)

No Worries eyes another Million

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The Gavin van Zyl-trained five-year-old Kahal gelding No Worries was scratched from the Vodacom Durban July on Tuesday after a below par run in the Gr 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge, but could still be on track to defend his KZN Breeders Million Mile crown at Greyville on June 28.

However, Van Zyl will still have a strong line up for July day, which includes Redcarpet Captain in the Gr 1 Golden Horseshoe, Banbury in the Gr 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes, Heart Of A Lion in the Gr 2 Gold Vase, MLJet in the Listed Thukela Handicap and possibly Vino Veritas in the Gr 3 Campanajo.

Van Zyl said, “No Worries’ blood reading has indicated he is incubating a low grade virus and we didn’t feel his last run warranted him taking his chances in the July. However, if he recovers in time we will run him in the KZN Breeders Million Mile and depending on how he does there he will take his chances in the Gr 1 Champions Cup (Greyville July 25 over 2000m).”

No Worries went into last year’s Million Mile very well weighted carrying 54kg, as he was only a two-time winner at that stage, and he duly won by a comfortable 3,25 lengths. However, this year he will have a much harder task as he is now a four-time winner and will also accrue a 2kg penalty for a Gr 2 win in the last 18 months, having won the Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m last October.

Redcarpet Captain ran a fine second to the top class sort Seventh Plain in the Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion over 1200m on May 23. The classy Captain Al colt showed the ability to both relax in the running and accelerate smartly in his victorious debut over 1000m at Turffontein and followed up by winning the Gr 3 Englezakis Protea Stakes over 1100m at the same course. His well-being was below par when fourth in the Gr 1 SA Nursery and that report was substantiated by his excellent Medallion run. Van Zyl believes Redcarpet Captain will love the step up to 1400m. He will have to make up 2,75 lengths on Seventh Plain, which will be no easy task considering the latter didn’t look to be stopping at the end of the Medallion, and there are also other horses like Rabada that have put up their hands since then. However, he should make a bold bid.

The four-year-old Seul Amour gelding Heart Of A Lion has run one of the most eyecatching Gr 1 eLan Property Group Gold Cup trials to date. He weaved his way through from the back of the field to finish a 1,75 length third in the Gr 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m. He was only merit rated 95 for that race but was giving 1kg to the winner Solid Speed, who is being touted as a top Gold Cup candidate. The handicapper has kept him on 95, meaning he will need to run a big race in the Gold Vase to book his Gold Cup place. Van Zyl said he had come out of that last race well.

The yard have identified and sorted out a problem with Banbury so believe she will be a lot better in the Garden Province than she was in the Gr 2 Tibouchina over 1400m last time out, when finishing 7,5 lengths behind Hammie’s Hooker. Van Zyl has no illusions about the strength of the field she will face in the Garden Province, but believed that at her best she would be up to it.

Van Zyl was very pleased with MLJet’s first outing for the yard in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 and said, “It was a pleasing race with first time blinkers. He didn’t quite stay the trip and 1600m will be much more down his alley so the Thukela will be the perfect race for him. The Daily News would have brought him spot on for that race.”

Vino Veritas is an ever improving four-year-old filly by Silvano, who has won five times including three of her last five starts. The yard will see how she goes in the Gr 2 Gold Circle Oaks over 2400m on June 21 before possibly running her in the Campanajo over 2200m. Two of her wins have been over the tough Turffontein 2200m and on pedigree she should enjoy the Oaks trip.

By David Thiselton

Picture: No Worries (Nkosi Hlophe)