David Thiselton

The Paul Matchett-trained Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara heroine War Of Athena faces the strongest field of her career in the Grade 1 Woolavington 2000 today but she should pass the test.

She is drawn in pole and has her reliable stablemate Only The Brave in the race again to help ensure a suitable pace. 

War Of Athena has a superb turn of foot that she has displayed at the tight Hollywoodbets Greyville turf track when just failing to fetch the classy Anything Goes in the Grade 1 Thekwini over 1600m last year. This time she is not only drawn better but on pedigree this could well be her best trip. This small filly can march on to her sixth win in succession and eighth win of the season.

She does have an acid test however as she has only ever bumped the cream of Johannesburg’s three-year-olds and has not met the best from Cape Town.

Captain’s Ransom might not be in the field but she will still have to see off Princess Calla and Chat Ching. Princess Calla ws runner up to Captain’s Ransom in both the Grade 1 WSB Cape Gillies Guineas but also the Grade 2 WSB Fillies Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville recently.

Furthermore, she finished a 2,30 length third in the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes behind the two stalwarts Queen Supreme and Clouds Unfold and then followed that with a fine fifth place finish in the Cape Town Met.

That was no mean feat for a three-year-old filly especially when considering that three of the horses who beat her have won three Vodacom Durban Julys and two Mets between them. Princess Calla is a progressive sort by Flower Alley so can continue to improve and the only downside is having a tricky draw of five which could be made trickier by the fact that War Of Athena’s pacemaker is drawn two.

The latter could claim the rail early and keep others wide if they try and go to the front or she could slow it down if they drop out, so it has to be said her and her boss, as it were, have landed perfect draws from a tactical point of view. 

Chat Ching was just a length behind Princess Calla in the Paddock Stakes and is better than her last start over 1600m. She is by Duke Of Marmalade, so will be improving, and is a half-sister to the Grade 2 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers (2800m) winner Snapscan (Oratorio) so should relish this step up in trip. 

Netta is also a very interesting runner. She has been beaten comfortably twice by War Of Athena, in the Grade 1 SA Fillies Classic over 1800m and the Grade 2 SA Oaks over 2450m. However, she bolted in by six lengths last time in the Grade 2 Gerald Rosenberg Stakes over the 2000m, so the Woolavington trip looks to be her optimum.

She beat Sparkling Water in the Gerald Rosenberg and the latter was only beaten 4,50 lengths by War Of Athena in the SA Fillies Classic and two lengths in the SA Oaks. On paper that points to Netta being highly progressive.

However, it has to be said War Of Athena was never under any real pressure to win any of the Triple Tiara legs. 

Scented Mistress is the other runner and although consistent she will need a big step up on form to be a threat.

David Thiselton

THE Vaal Classic track holds an eight-race meeting today and the headliner is the seventh, a Progress Plate over 1600m.

Tree Tumbo finished placed in both the Grade 2 Charity Mile and Grade 1 Summer Cup so could hold too many guns here despite carrying top weight. He can be dropped out from a tricky draw before mowing them down.

Bold Jazz, who is a lot better than his last start, is also capable of turning it on over this trip and can take advantage of a good draw. Willow Express has a good draw and could also go close in his bid for a hattrick.

In the first race, a Workriders’ event over 1000m, the first-timer by Elusive Fort, Aurora’s Light, has been priced up as favourite. Elusive Fort was also sire of two of her dam’s siblings and one win in Kimberley was the best return, so on pedigree evidence Aurora Light is up against it. However, Paul Peter-trained first-timers in workrider’s events always have to be respected.

Nevertheless, Abalus ran well second time out over this trip, staying on for second and looks the one to beat. Smelting has enough ability to earn here too. The most interesting runner is Talladega, who is priced up as biggest outsider. She has a lot of pace but tends to fade late. She looked booked for a place on Saturday at Turffontein over 1160m but faded late as usual, so she will relish the step down to this trip. The problem however, is that she tends to jump hesitantly, so it all depends on how much ground she loses at the start. 

The second race over 1000m should see Imitation Game being hard to beat. The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained first-timers Connection (by Greys Inn out of multiple stakes-race runner up Crystal Glamour (Seventh Rock)) and Constitutional (by Querari and a full-brother to three-times Listed placed Champery) look to be the chief dangers.

In the third race over 1450m, the Irish-bred Sybaris has a fine pedigree, being by Fastnet Rock out of a Galileo mare who is a half-sister to Group 1 winning sire Dutch Art. She only has to beat Ocean’s Pride, still a maiden at the age of six but one who has blossomed this season.

Stormy Weathers looks the one most likely to pick up the pieces if those two fail.

In the fourth over 1450m blinkers should help Grace From Above get to the front and as one who looks the part he could get off the mark. Castle Corner has finished second multiple times and can do so again over a suitable trip in his first run after a layoff. Laird Of Breedon could be in the shake up too.

In the fifth over 2000m, Siren Of Greece is getting the hang of it and could get off the mark at the expense of another hard knocker who has to overcome a wide draw, Sophia’s First.

In the sixth over 1600m Enigma Code has the chance to prove his last few runs were all wrong as he now has a plum draw of two and blinkers could help. He is attractively weighted in this maiden handicap.

However, Passing Shot and Nussply also look to have good chances. Mister Blue Sky should be staying on and Curfew is not out of it either.

In the last race over 1000m, Belle Of Belize flew through late over this trip after a slow start last time and can go one better. Look To The Sky has plenty of pace and over this optimum trip could hold on despite officially being 2.5kg under sufferance with the best weighted horses. Alex The Great, Magic Choice and Love Lies make most appeal of the rest.      

DAVID THISELTON

MATTERHORN (7) is progressive and impressed in his last start in the Grade 2 WSB 1900 when running on strongly for a close second. The conditions of the race did not allow him to be raised in the merit ratings and he otherwise would have copped a ten point raise and carried 5kg more weight in this race.
He is thus well handicapped and, furthermore, is held in high regard by his yard, so he could book his place in the Vodacom Durban July here by winning under Serino Moodley over a trip he enjoys from a fair draw.
SILVER HOST (13) is held in high regard and has proved his ability over staying trips so is an interesting runner in his comeback from a layoff under Richard Fourie and the wide draw should not be too much of a problem as he is capable of running on strongly.
BLACK KNAP (4) looks capable of progressing beyond his current merit rating mark and he should enjoy this course distance from his nice draw. He is by Dynasty whose progeny always enjoy this tight track thanks to their inherited turn of foot.
BAYBERRY (15) is a good looking son of the stamina influence Flower Alley and will be continuing to improve. If it pans out well for him from a wide draw he could be right there.
CROME YELLOW (14) has the ability to be a contender despite carrying 59kg and returning from a layoff although he also has to overcome a tough draw. MARCHINGONTOGETHER (11), last year’s winner, could bounce back to form off a lowered merit rating and warrants consideration.
PATHS OF VICTORY (8) should be cherry ripe to produce his best and, as the winner of the prestigious Gold Cup over 3200m at this course, he must have a shout. BLACKBALL (5) is an enigmatic horse who is capable of producing classy performances but he is not reliable, so he can’t be ignored from a good draw.

INDIVIDUAL HORSE ANALYSIS

1. CATCHAFALLINGSTAR finished a fine third in the Grade 2 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers over 2800m in her penultimate start and although raised five points for that effort she can be a contender here stepping back up in trip after a warm up in the KRA East Cost Cup over 2000m last time.
2. MERLIN FROM BERLIN is an honest sort who carries just 52kg but he is 1.5kg under sufferance so it will be tough.
3. PAYBACKTHEMONEY finished a fine second in last season’s prestigious Grade 3 Gold Cup over 3200m but has only had one run since and might still need this outing.
4. BLACK KNAP finished a good second in the Listed Sledgehammer over 1750m recently and has gone close before over this trip so is an interesting runner carrying just 54kg.
5. BLACKBALL gets a good draw and if recapturing the form of his easy win over 2200m here in December he could feature but he does have to put a poor last run behind him.
6. HOLY WARRIOR has finished a close up second in a Listed race over this trip before but this is his second run after a layoff which might be a concern and he is also 3.5kg under sufferance.
7. MATTERHORN ran to 110 when second last time in the WSB 1900 and owing to the conditions of that race he remains on a 100, so this talented progressive type who has gone close over this course and distance before, looks the one to beat.
8. PATHS OF VICTORY, winner of last season’s Gold Cup, would have needed his last three runs and is an interesting contender.
9. FAVOUR was beaten 1,60 lengths by Matterhorn when they last met over 1950m and is now 4kg better off but will have to improve on his 2400m form.
10. SHARE HOLDER has always been well regarded and has overcome a hoof problem but he looks held by Favour on their meeting over 2200m.
11. MARCHINGONTOGETHER is a talented stayer who won this race last year but he has been disappointing lately and needs to bounce back although he has consequently come down in the merit ratings and champion jockey Warren Kennedy rides.
12. SAINT PHILIP has won his last two over this trip but is 8kg under sufferance so needs a further step up.
13. SILVER HOST was labelled by trainer Justin Snaith “the best stayer in the country” recently and this Listed Ardmore Jamaica Handicap winner and Grade 2 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers (2800m) runner up will be out to prove it here although it is his first run for four months.
14. CROME YELLOW, also having his first outing for four months, is 2.5kg better off with Silver Host for a 2,95 length beating in the Reserve Stayers.
15. BAYBERRY has claims having won the Listed Kenilworth Cup over 3200m and recently running a fine third in the WSB Highland Night Cup with top weight meaning he 5.5kg better off with Saint Philip for a half-a-length beating.

SATURDAY’S GR1 DAILY NEWS 2000 has attracted the cream of the country’s Classic three-year-olds in what is one of the most important pointers going in to the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July.

This year’s crop of sophomores has proved to be vintage in every sense of the word and it is a shame that Hollywoodbets Greyville will be closed to the public due to the on-going Covid restrictions.

Likely favourite will be recent Gr2 WSB Guineas winner Linebacker. Vaughan Marshall’s Gr1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby winner was most impressive in the Guineas, winning rather comfortably after running into traffic early in the straight.

The hard luck story in that race was Kommetdieding. Unbeaten until the Guineas he was caught in an argument at the back of the field with Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock, losing valuable ground. He was finishing like a train from last into the straight to run into third and will have pleased the father and daughter training combination of Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix.

Johan Janse van Vuuren saddles Second Base and Copper Mountain.

Second Base is currently seventh on the VDJ log and this will be his first look at the Greyville circuit. However, he ran a cracker in the Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge over the stiff Turffontein 2000, running Got The Greenlight to under a length. Gavin Lerena has kept the ride and the Highveld form will be fully tested.

Copper Mountain goes this trip for the first time but also gave Got The Greenlight a fright in the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes, only going down a head at the death. (Lerena)

The Gatekeeper, a full brother to former VDJ winner Legislate, has been touted as Justin Snaith’s big hope for the VDJ. His local KZN debut in the WSB Guineas was below his Western Cape form where he finished second to Linebacker in the Gr1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby.

The defection of Captain’s Ransom from the Gr1 Woolavington has left a big hole and the race that has cut up into a seven-horse field. However, what it lacks in numbers is made up in quality.

Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara winner War Of Athena heads the field and given the ease of her three wins, Paul Matchett’s will be a strong fancy. However, given the respective handicap ratings, she will be tested by the likes of the Paul Peter-trained Netta, rated only two pounds inferior and Princess Calla, four pounds inferior.

War Of Athena and Netta are both Vodacom Durban July entries and Matchett has a second runner in Only The Brave, possibly there to make up the numbers in case of the race being abandoned, but also to ensure a decent gallop for her better performed stable companion.

DAILY NEWS 2000 (Grade 1) 2000m

For 3 year-olds

 1  1 RUSSIAN ROCK       60.0 119   A   K de Melo         Dean Kannemey

 2  2 DR DOOLITTLE       60.0 108   A   M Yeni            Paul Peter  

 3  3 RASCALLION         60.0 111   A   S Veale           Vaughan Marsh

 4  4 FLYING CARPET      60.0 108 T A   L J Ferraris      Sean Tarry  

 5  5 SHAH AKBAR         60.0 108 T A   L Hewitson        Sean Tarry  

 6  6 LINEBACKER         60.0 124   A   G van Niekerk     Vaughan Marsh

 7  7 SECOND BASE        60.0 122   AM  W Kennedy         J A Janse van

 8  8 KOMMETDIEDING      60.0 120   A   S Cele            HWJ Crawford/

 9  9 THE GATEKEEPER     60.0 110   A   R Fourie          Justin Snaith

10 10 COPPER MOUNTAIN    60.0 121   AM  G Lerena          J A Janse van

11 11 FULL BLAST         60.0  86  BA   S Moodley         Michael Mille

12 12 INFINITE WONDER    60.0  92   A   R Munger          Ashley Fortun

(3,6) (4,5) (7,10)

WOOLAVINGTON 2000 (Grade 1) 2000m

For 3 year-old Fillies

1  1 WAR OF ATHENA      60.0 122   A   M Yeni            Paul Matchett

2  2 ONLY THE BRAVE     60.0  97 T A   K Matsunyane      Paul Matchett

3  3 EMERALD PALACE     60.0  91   AM  R Danielson       Gareth van Zy

4  4 SCENTED MISTRESS   60.0  91  BA   L J Ferraris      Vaughan Marsh

5  5 PRINCESS CALLA     60.0 118   A   G van Niekerk     Adam Marcus 

6  6 CHAT CHING         60.0 114   A   K de Melo         Candice Bass-

7  7 NETTA              60.0 120   A   W Kennedy         Paul Peter  

(1,2)

ULTRA MAGNUS, second in last year’s Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint, is on track to turn the tables on arch rival Warrior’s Rest when both were declared for the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint to be run at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday, June 5.

The meeting boasts a jackpot of four Gr1 Sprints in the province’s Capital.

The 28-horse entry has attracted most of the country’s best sprinters barring Rio Querari. Justin Snaith has elected to keep Rio Querari away from handicap company and will rely on stable stalwart Kasimir and Captain Tatters to carry the flag.

Also among the entries is MK’S Pride that has made a name for himself with some sterling efforts on the Highveld.

Recent course specialists Ishnana, (Listed) In Full Flight Stakes winner, and Spydas Corner are under sufferance in the current weights but could still make the field.

True To Life, third in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint behind Rio Querari, and winner of the Gr3 Tommy Hotspur Stakes, heads the list of nominations for the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint.

Mike and Adam Azzie have nominated their smart filly Sheela for both the Gr1 Allan Robertson and the Gold Medallion

Race-5  R 400,000    1200m     0

ALLAN ROBERTSON CHAMPIONSHIP (Grade 1)

For 2 yof R60 000 Win BSA Bonus Series

2 AISLING            (2F) 60.0   0   Kumaran Naidoo    

 7 AUNTY LIZZY        (2F) 60.0   0   Ashley Fortune    

13 CASA INVERNO       (2F) 60.0   0   Glen Kotzen       

 3 CRIMSON CAUSEWAY   (2F) 60.0   0   Gavin van Zyl     

12 HEAVENS GIRL       (2F) 60.0   0   Paul Peter        

11 JULIET TANGO       (2F) 60.0   0   Ashley Fortune    

 1 JUST FOR LAUGHS    (2F) 60.0   0   Glen Kotzen       

 8 OPENING SHOWER     (2F) 60.0   0   R A Hill/S R Hill 

 4 SHEELA             (2F) 60.0   0   M G Azzie/A A Azzi

10 SKY GLITTER        (2F) 60.0   0   Gareth van Zyl    

 5 SOUND OF WARNING   (2F) 60.0   0   Sean Tarry        

 6 SUPER SIRI         (2F) 60.0   0   Justin Snaith     

14 SUPREME QUEST      (2F) 60.0   0   Corne Spies       

15 TWICE THE TRIP     (2F) 60.0   0   Sean Tarry        

 9 UNDER YOUR SPELL   (2F) 60.0   0   Sean Tarry        

   (15)

Race-6  R 400,000    1200m     0

GOLD MEDALLION (Grade 1)

For 2 yo R60 000 Win BSA Bonus Series

20 AFRICAN RAIN       (2C) 60.0   0   Candice Bass-Robin

17 AMBIORIX           (2C) 60.0   0   Vaughan Marshall  

13 BARD OF AVON       (2G) 60.0   0   Ashley Fortune    

 7 CAPTAIN LANNISTER  (2C) 60.0   0   Ashley Fortune    

18 COSMIC HIGHWAY     (2C) 60.0   0   Dean Kannemeyer   

21 ELMO               (2C) 60.0   0   Ashley Fortune    

 5 GALLIC CHIEF       (2G) 60.0   0   Gareth van Zyl    

16 GIMME A PRINCE     (2C) 60.0   0   Dean Kannemeyer   

15 GOOD TRAVELLER     (2G) 60.0   0   Glen Kotzen       

14 IRFAANS BOY        (2G) 60.0   0   Ashley Fortune    

 6 ISIVUNGUVUNGU      (2C) 60.0   0   Peter Muscutt     

 8 IT’S ABOUT TIME    (2G) 60.0   0   Justin Snaith     

 4 PARTY TIME         (2C) 60.0   0   Michael Miller    

 9 PYROMANIAC         (2C) 60.0   0   Sean Tarry        

 2 SAFE RETURN        (2C) 60.0   0   Vaughan Marshall  

 3 SILVER SALMON      (2C) 60.0   0   Glen Kotzen       

10 WATERBERRY LANE    (2C) 60.0   0   Dean Kannemeyer   

12 SHEELA             (2F) 57.5   0   M G Azzie/A A Azzi

11 SOUND OF WARNING   (2F) 57.5   0   Sean Tarry        

 1 SUPREME QUEST      (2F) 57.5   0   Corne Spies       

19 TWICE THE TRIP     (2F) 57.5   0   Sean Tarry        

22 UNDER YOUR SPELL   (2F) 57.5   0   Sean Tarry        

   (22)

Race-7  R 500,000    1200m     0

SOUTH AFRICAN FILLIES SPRINT (Grade 1)

For Fillies and Mares at Weight-For-Age

WFA: 2yrs-8.5kgs 3yrs-1.0kgs

 4 TRUE TO LIFE       (4F) 60.0 121 B J A Janse van Vuur

 9 GALLIC PRINCESS    (4F) 60.0 114 B Candice Dawson    

 6 SINGFORAFA         (4F) 60.0 113 B Corne Spies       

 3 SARAH              (4F) 60.0 112 B Paul Peter        

19 TROPIC SUN         (4F) 60.0 109   Sean Tarry        

11 DANCING QUEEN      (5M) 60.0 107   Roy Magner        

18 MIND READER        (4F) 60.0 105 C Roy Magner        

 8 RIO’S WINTER       (4F) 60.0 105   Stephen Moffatt   

 7 ROLL IN THE HAY    (4F) 60.0 105   Candice Bass-Robin

 1 HELLO WINTER HELLO (4F) 60.0 104   Adam Marcus       

10 VERNICHEY          (3F) 59.0 114   Gareth van Zyl    

17 SWEET FUTURE       (3F) 59.0 110   M G Azzie/A A Azzi

 5 WINTER SMOKE       (3F) 59.0 107   Ashley Fortune    

 2 LOVE BOMB          (3F) 59.0 105   Frank Robinson    

14 ECSTATIC GREEN     (3F) 59.0 102   Sean Tarry        

15 VIHAAN’S PIE       (3F) 59.0 102 B Kumaran Naidoo    

16 FAVORITA           (3F) 59.0 101   Justin Snaith     

12 ZIMBABA            (3F) 59.0  96   Sean Tarry        

13 SWEET SENSATION    (3F) 59.0  92   Corne Spies       

   (19)

Race-8  R 500,000    1200m     0

GOLDEN HORSE SPRINT (Grade 1)

Handicap

WFA: 2yrs-8.5kgs 3yrs-1.0kgs

 14 BOHICA             (4G) 60.0 125 B M G Azzie/A A Azzi

 3 CHIMICHURI RUN     (5H) 60.0 125 B Sean Tarry        

22 KASIMIR            (6G) 60.0 125 C Justin Snaith     

24 ULTRA MAGNUS       (5G) 57.5 120   Peter Muscutt     

 1 EDEN ROC           (4C) 56.5 118   Sean Tarry        

12 WARRIOR’S REST     (6G) 56.5 118 B Sean Tarry        

20 MK’S PRIDE         (3C) 56.0 119   Paul Peter        

 7 CARTEL CAPTAIN     (4G) 55.0 115 B Dennis Drier      

17 GALLIC PRINCESS    (4F) 54.5 114 B Candice Dawson    

13 SPEEDPOINT         (6G) 54.5 114 B Louis Goosen      

 2 VARS VICKY         (3G) 54.0 115   Stuart Pettigrew  

26 IKIGAI             (4C) 53.0 111   Sean Tarry        

 4 MARDI GRAS         (6G) 52.5 110 B Fabian Habib      

10 SWEET FUTURE       (3F) 51.5 110   M G Azzie/A A Azzi

23 PEARL OF ASIA      (4G) 51.5 108 B R A Hill/S R Hill 

15 PLEASEDTOMEETYOU   (5G) 50.5 106   Andre Nel         

11 SOCRATES           (6G) 50.5 106   Shane Humby       

 6 NO LAYING UP       (3G) 50.0 107   Vaughan Marshall  

25 CAPTAIN TATTERS    (4G) 50.0 105   Justin Snaith     

27 BATTLE FORCE       (3G) 49.5 106 B Paul Matchett     

 5 HELLO WINTER HELLO (4F) 49.5 104   Adam Marcus       

 9 ISHNANA            (6G) 49.5 104 B Garth Puller      

16 GOOD RHYTHM        (5G) 49.0 103 B Louis Goosen      

21 MOMBELA            (9G) 49.0 103   Sean Tarry        

 8 SEVENTH GEAR       (4G) 49.0 103   Dean Kannemeyer   

18 GLOBAL DRUMMER     (3G) 48.5 104   Gavin Smith       

28 CONSTABLE          (4G) 48.5 102   Candice Bass-Robin

19 SPYDAS CORNER      (3G) 45.5  98 B Duncan Howells    

   (28)

David Thiselton

DO IT AGAIN will be making his second attempt at winning a record three Vodacom Durban July’s this year, 70 years after Milesia Pride was unlucky in his bid to win the big race for a third time.

The colours Milesia Pride wore to victory in 1949 and 1950 are still in use today and are registered by his owner JT Amery’s great-grandson Rob Kershaw.

A dream came true for Rob in March 2013, when Milesia Pride’s colours were carried to victory at Kenilworth by the Shane Humby-trained Queen Of Diamonds.

Today the colours are carried by the promising Humby-trained Jay Peg filly Star Act, who has won two of her three starts.  

Kershaw is indebted to Gavin Almanza for the fun he is enjoying with Star Act and said, “Gavin said he had never known anybody as enthusiastic about racehorse ownership. He thus offered me a share in Star Act and I am really grateful.”

Almanza also allowed the filly to run in Rob’s colours.

Rob has always been a lucky owner and before that momentous victory in March 2013 had enjoyed 23 wins, most of them trained by Herman Brown Snr.

However, Queen Of Diamonds was the first winner he had running in the colours he had worn as a six-year-old child when pretending to be a jockey and racing his brother around the garden.

He recalled, “I was often picked up by my great grandfather and taken to see the horses at Newmarket Stables in Durban. My mother made me a replica jersey of his racing colours, red with green sleeves and a quartered cap.’’

Amery had predicted that Milesia Pride would win the country’s most prestigious race three times in succession. Sadly, he passed away before the second win, and the horse then raced for his late estate. However, his prediction nearly came true.

Kershaw related, “I was told later by jockey Basil Lewis that had he not been interfered with in 1951 in the early stages, meaning he had to come from the tail of the field, he could have won.’’ Milesia Pride started favourite for the first time that year and finished seventh, two lengths adrift.

Amery’s colours were initially taken over by his grandson, Sonny. Upon Sonny’s passing in 1975 they were inherited by his son Brian. However, in roundabout 2005 Rob received a phone call from Brian, his second cousin, telling him he was giving up racing and would he like to take over the colours.

“I didn’t hesitate,’’ said Rob.

He continued, “I retired to Cape Town in 2010 and met Shane Humby at Kenilworth. Shane arranged for me to lease Queen of Diamonds with four other partners. Thanks to Shane, my biggest dream finally came true 63 years after I had worn the famous colours as a child.’’

Kershaw recalled, “My mother in later years told me that my great grandfather used to look forward to taking me to the stables because my love of horses reminded him of himself.’’

History looked like repeating itself as Rob’s grandson Caydin was at the races the day Queen Of Diamonds won and the bug seemed to have bitten. However, Caydin inherited the family’s sporting genes and is now focused on soccer. Rob’s brother Dave Kershaw was a legendary Durban City player who also played for South Africa.

JT Amery was in fact the last full share owner to win the July two years in succession before Chris van Niekerk emulated this feat in 2012 and 2013.

Fred Murray holds the record in this regard having been the full share owner of all four of the successive July winners he trained from 1910 to 1913, Sir Caulin, Nobleman, Lombard and Caged Bird.

Alec and the honourable Gillian Foster have a chance to emulate Amery and Van Niekerk this year as they are full shareholders of Belgarion.

Racing historian Jay August unearthed a number of fascinating facts about Milesia Pride in his blog The South African Racehorse.

Milesia Pride, at 39 months, is the second youngest horse to win the July, the only younger one being two-year-old Nobleman.

In official terms he was six months younger than his three-year-old contemporaries as he was bred in Ireland.  

He would have been one of only four to have run in the July five times had he not missed the 1952 edition through injury.

He surpassed the great Lenin as the highest earner in South African racing history in July 1950. He equalled the July race record of 2 min 10 seconds for 2100m in 1949, giving jockey Harold “Tiger” Wright a then record third July.

His sire Montrose was the first horse to sire the winner of four July’s and the first to sire three individual winners – Monteith (1944), Monasteraven (1948) and Milesia Pride. Montrose, in 1950, became the only non-resident sire to head the South African General Sires List.  

Milesia Pride was foaled late in April 1946 and sold at the 1947 Dublin Horse Show, He was subsequently sold to J.T. Amery of Natal for £1150. The 86-year-old Amery had harboured the desire to win the July for near fifty years but had managed just one third place in 1918 with a horse named Draughtsman and two unplaced efforts in 1916 and 1945.

Milesia Pride arrived by boat in Cape Town in November 1947 and acclimatised in Mooi River before being transferred to the yard of Jim Morrison.

Unraced foreign bred horses were not permitted to enter any race other than a Top Division event at the time.

Milesia Pride was in actual fact still a two-year-old on debut in November 1948 and ran unplaced in his first four starts.

He then snuck a fourth placed finish before running second in the King’s Cup.

He earned his July berth next time out with an easy win in a fast time.

David Thiselton

ON Friday on the Fairview turf top jockey Richard Fourie not only won the day’s feature event, the Listed Dahlia Plate over 1200m, but also made the frame in all eight races at the meeting and was very nearly in the first three in every race.

There were also two Winter Series features at Kenilworth on Saturday and both were won by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein Stud-bred horses.   

Fourie’s win in the Dahlia Plate for two-year-olds was aboard the Alan Greeff-trained Whatever Next. The What A Winter colt got up in the last stride to pip his market rival Norton Sound. Both colts were seeking hattricks. 

Fourie had a finishing position sequence of 2nd (Arctic Advance 25/1), 1st (Blingking 4/10 favourite), 1st (Rooibos 10/7 favourite), 4th (Calandra 100/33), 3rd (Rock Aloe 91/20), 2nd (Broadside (20/11), 1st (Whatever Next 4/3) and 2nd (Teofilia 17/2) in his full card. 

The last person to place in the top three in every race on the card in a KZN meeting was Anthony Delpech.

In an eight race Greyville polytrack meeting on the 25th of February 2018 his mounts finished 2nd (Falkland 21/20 favourite), 2nd (Rose Hill 61/20), 3rd (Cat’s Legacy 4/1), 1st (Savuti 27/4), 2nd (Savuti 71/20) , 3rd (Go With Flo 9/2), 1st (Gadget Man 2/1 favourite) and 2nd (Palace Mystery 41/10).

Stuart Randolph also achieved the feat in a Greyville turf meeting on 29 April 2011, riding two winners, three seconds and three thirds.

This season S’manga Khumalo made the frame in all nine races at a Vaal Classic track meeting on 16 February this year and was out of the first three only once. On that momentous day he rode six winners and two thirds in the first eight races and finished fourth in the last race.

Khumalo also had eight first three finishes on Classic Day at Turffontein Standside in 2017. In a 12 race program he had ten rides and had four winners, three seconds and a third as well as a sixth and a seventh. 

Weichong Marwing had eight first three finishes on Summer Cup day 2015. On a twelve race program he had nine mounts and rode two winners, four seconds, two thirds and a fifth.

The late Alec Forbes was in the frame ten times and had nine first three places finishes in eleven rides on Daily News 2000 day in 2010, riding two winners, three seconds, four thirds as well as a fourth and a ninth. 

Meanwhile, at Kenilworth on Saturday the Justin Snaith-trained Hoedspruit became the first Graded winner for former Vodacom Durban July winner Legislate. The Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein Stud-bred gelding won the second leg of the Winter Series, the Grade 3 WSB Legal Eagle Stakes over 1800m, under Luyolo Mxothwa. Hoedspruit thus became the fourth stakes winner from Legislate’s first crop.

The second leg of the Winter Series for fillies, the Listed WSB Stormsvlei Stakes over 1800m, was won easily by the Candice Bass-Robinson-trained and Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein Stud-bred Silvano filly Marina under Keagan de Melo.   

Andrew Harrison

PUNTERS will have their work cut out at Hollywoodbets Greyville today with eight wide-open races on the poly.

In the card opener, Rizzoli meets a weak maiden field and had some useful Highveld form before a change of stables. She could be the one to beat in spite of taking on males. Patronage has patchy form but was much improved when blinkered for the first time and can do better this trip. The Saracen is lightly raced is lightly raced. He has shown some improvement of late and could now be looking for this trip.

In the second, Flying First Class has her first run for a new stable. She has patchy Highveld form but was out-classed in the SA Oaks and not far behind last time out. Winter Time has consistent form in cheek pieces and should feature prominently while Trip To Freedom was close-up at long odds last start and takes a rating drop. Short Skirt Flirt loves the poly but there were plenty in this field close-up behind her last run so this could be harder.

The opening leg of the Pick 6 is another difficult handicap. Justfortheepenny is has seldom been far back and takes a drop in class. He was close-up last run and must have a strong chance on that showing. Command Control failed narrowly first run out of the maidens and is 2.5kg better off with Straight Up who shows consistent form. The tables should be turned. 

In the fourth, Ingakara took on much stronger last outing and was staying on gamely. Her form before that was solid and she must have a decent chance. Cozy Dot Com ran a cracker over course and distance last start and from a better draw can go one better. Suntrax has desperate form on the turf but won well first up on the poly. She must have a decent chance on her maiden showing and she comes from a shrewd stable. Legend Has It has drawn wide but has a 4kg claimer up and has consistent form over further. Trip may suit.

Smart William has been costly to follow but has his third run for his new stable. He was been a beaten favourite at his first two and may be worth another chance. Montana Sky finished just ahead of Smart William last outing and they are drawn alongside each other so there should not be much between them again. Snow In Seattle is a veteran of the track and older horses often do well first up on the poly. He is a seven-time winner. White Cedar is coming along the right way and can feature in another tricky affair.

Some quick horses line up in the sixth but So Var has been doing well in stronger and also takes a two-point rating drop. Magicallee is another that has been up against stronger of late. She takes on males but is back on the poly and from a good draw can feature prominently. Duran is a course and distance specialist but has the worst of the draw. Rocket Fire and Winter Waves are others to consider.

In the seventh, Alsflamingbeauty has dropped in the ratings and has been taking on stronger of late. She gets 4kg relief from Gabriel Pieterse which could make the difference. Arctic Princess has not had the best of luck at her last two. She is better drawn here and is very capable. Irish Belle is drawn wide but is quick and should improve on her last effort when out of her depth. Flying The Star does not have the best of draws but ran a cracker first up out of the maidens and has a chance on that showing.

If you are still running in the exotics come the last, the best of luck. Rachel has been close-up in all of her recent starts and from a good draw she should be right there. Top Honours is lightly raced and still a maiden. But she appears to be coming along the right way and does not have much to beat here. Beckoning Beauty was much improved in blinkers while Sweet Spring needed her last run and has a much better draw. Not a race to go light in.

Andrew Harrison

THE Hollywoodbets Scottsville straight course will find out any horse that is short of race fitness and it is often labelled as a ‘horses for courses’ track.

Ishnana, recent winner of the (Listed) In Full Flight Stakes, a case in point.

 Top horses can get away with it through sheer class but the course, with its dip to the 500m and rise to the finish, has been the undoing of many a smart galloper.

A look at the track is always beneficial for aspirants to the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint, and the three other Gr1 features on the day, that have not raced there. Ever the professional, Justin Snaith has had Gr1 Computaform Sprint winner Rio Querari stretch his legs there, but whether the gelding lines up on Saturday, June 5, is yet to be decided.

One horse with the Golden Horse on his agenda is Spydas Corner. Duncan Howells seldom runs a horse without a planned agenda but he will be looking for a big effort from his charge in the eighth on Sunday.

Spydas Corner, named by former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brian Baloyi,  is no stranger to the course, having made three visits for a win and a second, and since being fitted with blinkers, the gelding has hardly put a foot wrong. His most recent victory came on this course where he got the better of the hard-knocker Good Rhythm.

He is down in class here so takes a corresponding rise in weight but he will need a forward showing to come into contention for a place in the Golden Horse line-up.

Blaze Of Silk is something of a course specialist, four of his five wins coming over course and distance and Corine Bestel has saddled him up at Scottsville 20 times out of his 28 starts.

He is slightly better off with Spydas Corner for when last they met but while the three-year-old has something to come, the six-year-old should have reached his peak.

An interesting runner is Hail Columbia. The Irish import has temperament issues but does give the impression that on his day, he could match it with the best. He made his debut over course and distance, going down to the highly rated Captain Fontane after a protracted duel to the line.

The form has been patchy since and the stable is quiet at present but Dennis Drier knows how to ready them up in Scottsville sprints so expect a big effort.

Dean Kannemeyer almost caused a major upset when Sir Michael pressed Do It Again to the line at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Sunday, and the stable is starting to fire.

He saddles Silver Maria in the seventh and she looks primed for this race, this being her third run after a lengthy break. She was run out of it late in her first two runs back over further, but this mile should suit down to the ground and she could prove difficult to beat.

Garth Puller’s stable is in a rich vein of form of late and Wishful Girl Linn could be the biggest threat to Silver Maria. Puller’s filly has the benefit of an inside draw and has not been far behind in useful company of late. However, her recent successes have been on the poly which may be a factor against her.

Work riders’ races in KZN are always tricky and never races to risk the house keeping on, but Captain Tatters should take some beating in the card opener. Snaith’s runner is rated a division better than the opposition and has smart form over the trip. Nathan Kotzen saddles the useful filly Stella Act who won her last race over course and distance and is smart on her day. She has bottom weight but also an inexperienced rider which could count against her.

Colinda Austin, assistant to Ashburton-based Shane Humby, is an accomplished work rider and partners Ziva La Winter for Kom Naidoo. The gelding is quick and has been up against stronger opposition than what he meets here and could be a threat to Captain Tatters.

David Thiselton

Turffontein Standside has a low key nine race meeting today in which the highest rated race is the seventh, a fillies and mares MR 92 Handicap.

The Paul Matchett-trained three-year-old Twice Over filly has always struck as promising and last time out she ran  above her rating with first-time blinkers on when finishing a two length second to the ever improving Thumbs Up. She is officially 2kg under sufferance tomorrow but if repeating that effort she can win this race from a nice high draw. The 4kg claimer Xola Jacobs keeps the ride, although he rides 1kg overweight, meaning Bella Black carries an actual weight of 49kg. All Of Me is always thereabouts and this is the easiest task she has had for a while so she should be right there from a high draw. Kayla’s Champ will enjoy stepping back down in trip on recent evidence and a 4kg claimer up alleviates some of the 61.5kg she was allotted after a six point raise for her last win. Ann Boleyn has plenty of pace but against her is the number one draw. May Queen can also win if able to bounce back to her best after two disappointing runs.

The previous race is a Graduation Plate event over 1160m which should be at the mercy of Caralluma. This filly has been disappointing considering the esteem she was held in early in her career. However, she does possess lengthy of speed and dropping to a sprint trip might be what she is looking for. The only threat looks to be Vaseem. who was not disgraced last time when it did not pan out to well over 1000m and yet he was staying on at the end for third, just 2,30 lengths behind the promising Al Sakeet. 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1400m Bold Act, who is by Act Of War out of the Grade 1 Garden Province winner Bold Ellinore, ran on well on debut from a wide draw over 1200m and now has a fair draw of five over a step up in trip she will relish. Wokonda will be distance suited and should have improved after two decent third over 1160m and 1450m. Coral Dawn, a Global View half-sister to Grade 1 winner Coral Fever, can also be a threat after a good second run. Lollapalooza could improve, as she looked like she needed her debut and will enjoy the step up in trip. Tinder Dry and Northern Glow also warrant consideration.

Twice The Trip should be good enough to win the fifth race over 1160m from a nice high draw.

The three that make the most appeal in the last leg of the Pick 6 are Swingthewillow, Tuscan Winter and Power Ranger. The latter is a full-brother to Pyromaniac, who despite his stout breeding being by Silvano out of SA Oaks winner Pine Princess, is unbeaten in two starts over sprints.