Andrew Harrison

WHEN a fancied runner starts drifting in the betting, it is always a sign for the alert punter that all is not well with their fancy. That’s not to say that it could be a false drift, but more often than not there is a vital point that has been over-looked by many.

Television pundit Graeme Hawkins alluded to this when summing up the third race at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday. He pointed out that on the weight-for-age scale (WFA), hot favourite Rock Flight was way out at the weights on the WFA scale with her older rivals in spite of looking to have the better form.

He also alluded to the fact that Gavin van Zyl may have fitted blinkers to his charge to get Rock Flight into the race a little earlier. The half-cups were on.

He countered that by sticking with Rock Flight in his summation as he felt that Golden Duck had not been striding freely to the gate. That said, he also pointed out that her rider had been warming her up behind the gate before the start.

Post-race, trainer Paul Lafferty confirmed those observations, but also pointed out that it was normal for his charge and nothing untoward.

As they say in the Classics, ‘Rock Flight drifted like a loose barge’ in the market, from odds-on to a last call of close to 14-10 before the off with money coming for eventual winner Golden Duck.

The tired cliché of ‘weight stops trains’ held true in this case with Rock Flight struggling a long way out as apprentice Kyle Strydom, full value for his 2.5kg claim, skated home comfortably to smash the field out of the park with Rock Flight a distant second.

No doubt, Rock Flight will have her day but it does pay to take some not-so-obvious factors into account when things look obvious.

Turffontein-based Paul Peter was in town and his first-call hatchet man Warren Kennedy had little trouble executing the opposition in the first two races on the card with both Space Race and Queen Anne’s Lace winning comfortably. Both were maiden plates and although Space Race was slightly out at the weights her form was strong and Queen Anne’s Lace looked to be a penalty kick and the result expected.

The Peter-trained favourite Lotus came up short in the fourth when out-run by Wendy Whitehead’s mare Keep On Dancing. Again, the WFA scale came into play and the winner, according to the stats, had a 3.5kg weight advantage.

David Thiselton

THE Turffontein Inside track is never easy for punters to negotiate but there look to be some fair opportunities for them in today’s nine race meeting.

In the sixth race over 1600m Ivalo’s Prince should be good value. He has always struck as one who possesses ability but has faced some good sorts since his comeback from a nine-and-a-half month layoff. Last time he was stepped up to 1600m for the first time but had a wide draw so the rider opted to drop him to last. He stayed on and was doing some fair work late. He now not only has pole position but has been dropped two points in the merit ratings and has a 2,5kg claimer up. The Noble Tune gelding should make a bold bid and has been made a PA banker. However, there is stiff opposition and in the Pick 6 August Rain can be included. This big rangy type led over this trip last time and stayed on to be beaten by two promising three-year-olds. However, he is 1,5kg worse off with Ivalo’s Prince for a length beating. Elusive Force is three points higher for his last win over this course and distance but has a 4kg claimer up and could still progress. Crank It Up is well drawn over a suitable trip and this is the easiest field he has faced for a while. Against The Grain still needs to bounce back to his best and if he does he will be a big runner. Call Me Master is 1,5kg better off with Ivalo’s Prince for a 3,25 length beating so looks held but could earn. 

In the first leg of the PA over 1800m Heart Stwings thrived in Cape Town and went close in the Grade 3 Victress Stakes to Silvano’s Pride when receiving just 2,5kg. The rest of the field were well beaten and if she is in as good shape after the journey back she is the one to beat over this ideal trip. Sidonie is drawn in pole and this half-sister to the like of Viva Maria should handle the step up in trip. Spice Market will be dangerous from the front and might enjoy the step up in trip because she is a full-sister to SA Oaks runner up Pomander. 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1500m Kay Tee Perry is on the up and can follow up on her fluent last win over 1600m off a merit rating that has only been raised three points. Sparkling Water is a rangy and progressive sort with a good turn of foot and she can go close in just her third career start. Ululate is better than her last start and is also distance suited so can’t be ignored.

In the first leg of the Jackpot over 1600m Storm Commander ran well last time and is off a competitive merit rating despite being raised two points and he also has a plum draw. Banha Bridge has not been unduly punished for his last win and can be a threat. Waqaas, El Romiachi and Lear Jet are also worth including.    

In the seventh over 1200m Dubawi Princess has always had a touch of class and could still be ahead of the handicapper despite a win last time. Persica is distance suited and capable of turning it on so is the danger from a good draw.

In the eighth the exciting prospect Var’s Vicky faces some seasoned sorts and it will be challenging. Spring Break relishes any 1200m around the turn and comes off a good win over course ad distance. Down To Zero has mixed it with the best and is off a competitive merit rating over a suitable trip and he is well drawn.

The last race is a Classified Stakes race over 2000m and Governor’s Glory is interesting. He has caught the eye and although by Soft Falling Rain, who is a more of a speed influence, his dam is by Fort Wood and won the Grade 2 Gold Circle Oaks so he could do well off a reasonable opening merit rating of 80. Cairon has also struck as one with ability and could now show it with the yard having been in good form. Rabia The Rebel’s last win was over course and distance and she is better treated here than she was in that race. Twice The Act is the best weighted and also has a 2,5kg claimer up. In The Game has done well on the three occassions he has been tried over 1800m, so he is interesting stepped up even further. Romeo’s Magic looks held by In The Game but is drawn in pole and has a shout if bouncing back from a below par run.     

Andrew Harrison

RAIDERS have come to own today with Paul Peter, Corne Spies and Ashley Fortune all sending runners down from the Highveld.

Paul Peter and Warren Kennedy are often a deadly combination and they team up in the first three races on the Hollywoodbets Greyville card. The poly track is an obvious attraction for many out-of-province runners which gives an added dimension to the form.

The Peter-trained Space Race will have her supporters in the card opener after showing steady improvement in her three outings and she is the early 18-10 favourite with WSB.

However, this will be no push-over with the locals likely to provide plenty of opposition. Indigo Moon was narrowly beaten over course and distance at her last two starts and proven on the synthetic surface is always a tick in the right box. Umkhomazi is another that has been coming along the right way and from a good draw is sure to be in the mix.

These three would pear to be the principal contenders with Umkhomazi favoured ahead of Indigo Moon and Space Race.

Peter and Kennedy can have better luck on the second where Queen Anne’s Lace should have a bright chance. She was running on nicely over the distance in her last Turffontein outing and with a good draw she is heavily favoured by the books at 7-10.

Yogas Govender’s filly Siwa Oasis has pulled another wide marble but jumped from the same wide draw when going down narrowly over course and distance last time out. She has not been out since mid-December but fit and well she should make a bold bid.

Kennedy has another fine chance of making it into the winner’s enclosure when he partners Gavin van Zyl’s filly Rock Flight in the third, opening leg of the Pick 6. Lightly raced, she has finished in the money in all three of her resent starts, the last over course and distance when starting favourite. She can redeem herself here and is a strong fancy to get the better of the recently consistent Golden Duck who has had 17 starts with out a run on the board.

One generally ignores runners from the Spies Yard at your peril, regardless of their current form. Zernez is one of those runners whose recent form is moderate to say the least but she has been jumping from wide gates. She has a better draw this afternoon in her poly debut, a 2.5kg claimer up and the blinkers come off.

Peter and Kennedy team up with recent maiden winner Lotus who had been improving nicely with each outing before landing the odds in a work riders maiden. Peter appears to have picked the right race for her handicap debut and she should have a strong chance of following up on her maiden win.

Wendy Whitehead has been tasting success of late with the majority of her runners putting in forward showings. Monty Mariemuthoo, the principal behind Monty Racing, is a shrewd judge when it comes to buy horses in training and is also agent to Muzi Yeni who partnered the filly in her last two races.

In the fifth, Naoshima will try and make it four wins on the bounce and although useful this could be mission impossible. Both Wildly In Love and Magicallee are better off at the weights, especially Kom Naidoo’s filly Magicallee. She has been a touch disappointing since runner Naoshima to withing two lengths when last they met but is now 7kg better off. She is quick and the switch to the poly could bring out the best in her.

Wildly In Love has been dropping in the ratings but the experiment with blinkers last time out did not pay off and she was all at sea. The blinkers are off and a light weight coupled with a more experienced apprentice could pay off.

Umzinduzi has taken to the poly and Justin Snaith’s filly and take the step up in class in her stride in the sixth although she faces plenty of opposition. Ashley Fortune makes the trip from the Vaal with Raeesah, her only runner on the day, and she caught the eye when four lengths back to the winner over the Vaal short-cut. Lyle Hewitson stays aboard with a handy galloping weight.

The Spies-trained Decadent Lady is back over a sprint on the poly and must come into the reckoning as does Purple Moon Up.

The name General Franco, bought for a tidy sum given his pedigree, raised a few hackles with the inference that he was named in honour of the Spanish fascist leader. The early hype surrounding his ability has also quietened down and in 10 starts he has only managed a single victory.

However, he made a promising local debut when going down narrowly to the useful looking Spydas Corner and he could go on to pay some of his way this afternoon but is up against two hard-knockers in Good Rhythm and Coldhardcash.

Louis Goosen’s runner has been a model of consistency but lumps the grandstand in spite of apprentice Kyle Strydom giving him 2.5kg relief.

Coldhardcash had all the makings of a top sprinter before breathing problems surfaced but he loves the poly. Of concern is the 1200m-trip, which could find him wanting over the final furlong.

The last is an open handicap where iron horse Puchini steps out for the 120^th time looking for his twelfth win. He is over his best course and distance but the likes of stable companions Theravada and Gentleman’s Way could be a tad too quick for him.

David Thiselton

RAINBOW BRIDGE’S most recent victory saw him joining a 1930s great called Moonlit as the second most successful Cape Town Met horse in history behind the legendary three-time winner of the big race, Pocket Power. 

Rainbow Bridge’s Met record is virtually identical to Moonlit’s and another historical string which ties the two horses together is that the grandfather of Rainbow Bridge’s trainer Eric Sands rode in all three of the Mets won by Moonlit.

Sands reflected on Rainbow Bridge’s second Met win this week.

He said both he and respective jockeys Luke Ferraris and Warren Kennedy had been confident of the chances of Rainbow Bridge and Golden Ducat.” 

Sands added, “I felt if I supported Golden Ducat I would be betraying Rainbow Bridge and vice versa, so I wouldn’t have minded if either of them had won. It is great for the Rattrays and it is also great for breeder Mary Slack. The horses Mary breeds are like her children to her.”

Sands continued, “I said publicly before the race that the biggest danger was not Belgarion but Richard Fourie (unbeaten in four starts on Rainbow Bridge) as he knows both horses and might have known of a tactical plan (such as pace) that could have possibly affected Rainbow Bridge’s chances.”

Sands sent a message to Ferraris a day or two before the race reading, “I know I have the right jockey on Rainbow Bridge, you have convinced me.”

He said, “I meant it to and it gave him a bit of extra confidence.”

Sands had wondered before the season whether the many close fights Rainbow Bridge had been in had affected him mentally.

He had therefore told Ferraris that the Met was the aim, it was over his right distance, and that he should try and avoid getting him into a fight in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.  That might have been why Ferraris kept Rainbow Bridge on a lone path down the centre in the Queen’s Plate from where he stayed on well for second, although on the other hand Rainbow Bridge does have a tendency to hang to the right.

Sands continued, “Luke said he felt like a different horse by the time of the Met.”

Sands always tries to picture how the race is going to pan out and said, “African Night Sky had pulled when fancied in the 2018 July so I thought he was possibly going to set a suitable pace for Justin’s runners. I couldn’t imagine Running Brave leading in her first start around a left hand turn. Silver Operator was also a possible pacemaker as Mario Ferreira owns both him and Princess Calla.”

Sands’ only instruction to the two jockeys was to not cost each other the race in a situation where one of them was going nowhere.

That situation did in fact arise as Rainbow Bridge, having cruised up from last place in the straight, got stuck behind Golden Ducat and African Night Sky.

Sands was at that point focused on Golden Ducat because from his angle he he could not see Rainbow Bridge.

Ferraris coolly extracted himself from the situation by easing his mount and switching him outward.

Sands saw Golden Ducat was going nowhere so focused on Rainbow Bridge who was by now unwinding a devastating finish on the outside.

In his opinion the pace of the race had been good. He said, “The horses who came from the back came out in front.”

He added, “The fact Luke couldn’t get through when he wanted to probably worked in his favour.”

Rainbow Bridge still had plenty in the tank when finally starting his run at about the 300 metre mark, so it was going to now only be about his terrific turn of foot and he was not going to have to endure another fight like he did in the 2020 Met when going down by a neck to One World.

Sands said, “All credit to the kid. The result is in the frame and I look like a hero but all the credit must go to the horses and to that mare (Halfway To Heaven, record-breaking dam of Grade 1 winners Rainbow Bridge, Golden Ducat and Hawwaam).”

Sands felt the best explanation for Golden Ducat’s disappointing performance was that his victory in the Grade 2 Glorious Goodwood Premier Trophy had taken too much out of him as he had to fight back after being headed.  

Both horses are now resting on the farm and Sands will soon be discussing their SA Champions Season plan with owner Mike Rattray. He said he was going to try and keep them apart again until the Vodacom Durban July, as he had done last year.

In October 1936 the Syd Garrett-trained Moonlit, like Rainbow Bridge, won his first Met as a four-year-old, prevailing in the Handicap event over 1800m by 1,75 lengths carrying 111 pounds under Stanley Amos. The following year he was beaten half-a-length into second carrying 135 pounds and giving the victor Asbestos II 32 pounds. Stanley Amos ironically was aboard Asbestos II and his brother “Cookie” was aboard Moonlit. In the 1938 Met Moonlit produced one of the great weight carrying feats in SA racing history. He made light of his 145 pound (65.77kg) burden and won easily by 1,25 lengths under Cookie Amos.

Sands’ grandfather Arthur Edgar Saunders, who was to win the Met in 1940 on a horse called Ming, finished downfield in all three of Moonlit’s Met victories.  

The Australian-born Arthur Edgard later changed the surname to Sands and his son Arthur Harold also became a jockey before turning to training. Harold did not enjoy dealing with clients so passed the reins over to his son Arthur Eric at the Vaal in 1983. Eric had his first winner at Bloemfontein with his first ever runner and two years later moved to Milnerton where he has been ever since.   

RACE 1: Preview: Trainer Paul Peter is in town and will saddle SPACE RACE (8) here. This daughter of Master Of My Fate is improving and her last run was particularly very encouraging. INDIGO MOON (11) is running well and knocking at the door and seems desperate to win! Big runner! UMKHOMAZI (5) is one for the shortlist and should run into the money and AIRBUZZ (1) has a quartet chance. (Warren Lenferna 8-11-5-1) 

RACE 2: Preview: Trainer Paul Peter could have a quick double! QUEEN ANNE’S LACE (2) finished an encouraging second last time at Turffontein and might prove a hard horse to beat this time. SIWA OASIS (10) nearly caused an upset last time when showing huge improvement – the yard is in form and she should win her maiden very soon – respect. SIBERIAN SUNSET (8) and ROYAL COUTURE (6) have good enough form to be seen in the money and are musts for the trifecta and quartet. (Warren Lenferna 2-10-8-6)

RACE 3: Preview: ROCK FLIGHT (3) is improving with racing and looks the right one. She comes from an inform trainer / jockey combination and might well be a banker on the card! GOLDEN DUCK (7) has placed six times from seventeen races and should again be right there – more of a place chance than a winning one but she should win her race very soon. MAXINE DU MONDE (1) is starting to take time but is now improving – include. FLYMEFREE (9) if running here (carded to race last Sunday) is a must for most bets. (Warren Lenferna 3-7-1-9)

RACE 4: Preview: recent Highveld maiden winner LOTUS (6) beat Senescence whom has since come out and won – that form might be good enough for this Flower Alley filly to win first time in open company in this average handicap. Cheek can be expected from TOMBOLA (1) who has tons of scope to improve on her stable debut. The form of her last run has been franked – bright chance and a must for the exactas. KEEP ON DANCING (8) is never too far away from the action and has a place chance and although SANTA VITTORIA (11) is taking time to win again – should be in the mix. (Warren Lenferna 6-1-8-11)

RACE 5: Preview: CALULO (1) goes very well for apprentice Zuma and they look set to reel off the hat trick, but it is never as easy as that – it never is! Her last win was particularly gutsy and she is my narrow first choice. I say narrow as plenty of cheek is expected from NAOSHIMA (5) whom keeps winning and winning well. Sean Veale knows her like the back of his hand. HOPSKIPANDJUMP (6) can do much better than she did last time and is one for the shortlist. WILDLY IN LOVE (4) was badly affected by the start last time. Many thought it could have been a false one. A much better effort can be expected from the Howells in mate and she in fact is the value / lurker in the field. (Warren Lenferna 1-5-6-4)

RACE 6: Preview: an interesting contest and not so easy to predict the winner, never mind the first four past the post in order! UMZINDUZI (6) has won two out of his last three starts and can continue on winning ways. RAEESAH (3) is never too far off the action in Gauteng and could go very well on the surface – bright chance. PURPLE MOON’S UP (7) can serve up better than she did las time. BEAT IT (10) is taking time to win again but should be able to do so soon. (Warren Lenferna 6-3-7-10)

RACE 7: Preview: COLDHARDCASH (6) is talented but he has a few issues – on his day, he can go with the best of them and has an undeniable winning chance here. The 1200m is a small worry as recently he has been excelling over 1000m. GOOD RHYTHM (8) is a soldier of a horse – always doing of his best. His chances of winning despite the weight look bright. GENERAL FRANCO (2) bounced right back to near best last time and can go one better. SNIPER SHOT (9) is taking time to win again but has plenty of talent – respect and include in what looks a great and competitive event. (Warren Lenferna 6-8-2-9)

RACE 8: Preview: Trainer Dennis Bosch’s horses could finish one-two here! THERAVADA (2) deserves to win – knocking at the door. GENTLEMAN’S WAY (6) can pop up and must be respected. BORDEAUX (7) is never too far away from the action and is a must for the places and RUNNING FREELY (1) could be the value in the race for a place. (Warren Lenferna 2-6-7-1)

Andrew Harrison

PUNTERS are unlikely to have it easy at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today where they are faced with a seriously tricky card. At first glance there appear to be a few obvious contenders but on closer dissection of the form, that is not always the case.

In the card opener Crested Eagle has improved with every outing and was unlucky to have an objection on his behalf go against him. Many seasoned observers were puzzled at the decision but that’s now water in the sea. This is a new race but with many first timers in the line-up the betting will probably be your best guide.

Vaal-based Ashley Fortune sends out Silvery Blue to his second start and the gelding found solid market support on debut where he finished a modest fourth. The experience is likely to have brought him on lengths.   Royal Virtue is another to have found solid market support when third behind Crested Eagle and hotly favoured stable companion Edgartown so can also improve. Of the unraced, all of Waterberry Lane, Lord Varsy, Good Traveller and Spina Zonke should all be on the radar.

Sugar And Spice looks the obvious choice in the second as he has gone close over course and distance and also goes well for this apprentice. One is likely to get a decent price on Sihamba Sonke who gave his apprentice rider a difficult time with first time blinkers. She pulled hard and never got in from a wide draw and can make big improvement down the straight over this shorter trip.

Masango Machine steps up in trip for the third and has made steady improvement leading into this race. He was running on nicely last time out and the extra furlong should suit. In a tricky maiden with little solid form to go on, Bourbon Beat is one to keep an eye on. He made good improvement second time out and comes from an in-form yard. Coromandle has the worst of the draw but meets a particularly weak field. This is his first local run for a new stable and is the first ride back in KZN for Anton Marcus who only has two rides carded!

In the fourth, Komodosan has had two horrific draws in his first two starts and now has the best gate. He was much improved at his second outing and should still have a few more lengths to come. Radames was a beaten even money chance last run. He is consistent and lightly raced and looks the biggest threat to the selection. Techno Savvy has shown some improvement and can find the frame while Uplifted returns from a lengthy break but has shown that he stays the trip and the blinkers should help.

In the fifth, three-on-the-bounce is no easy task from a wide draw but Sea Venture has come to hand of late and won well at her last two. She gets a 4kg claimer up to nullify her two-point rise in the handicap. On the flip side of the coin, Silva Magic was beaten less than a length by Sea Venture when last they met but the apprentice claim could nullify the 0.5kg reverse in the weights. Of the others, Mrs Hotline ran no sort of race last time out and beat Sea Venture in her last win. Polygonshopping was not far off in her handicap debut and gets first time blinkers.

The sixth is wide open. Washington Square may just have needed his last outing and he has good form over this course and distance. At best should have a big say. Charlie-Fox is quick and goes well on this course. He only has 48kg to shoulder and has drawn on the ‘right’ side of the track. The opposition will have to go and fetch him to win. Calvino, down in class, and Alphamikefoxtrot are others to consider.

Global Ash arrived in KZN with a reputation but took time to acclimatise. However, he showed his worth when bolting home last time out and although up against stronger here he looks to have plenty of scope. Spirit Of My Fate has put in two promising runs since his maiden win and looks capable of further improvement while Arctic Tune won well first up out of the maidens and looks useful. However, he does face a better field here and the draw is a concern.

In the last, Shape Of You has improved with every outing and was narrowly beaten from a difficult draw last start. From pole position she should have every chance of going one better. Emerald Isla was running on well from the worst of the draw last outing. She has a much better draw here and with a much in form apprentice up with a 2.5kg claim she could be the pick of the stable pair in spite of the stable rider being aboard Peanut Butter who has been rested and has her first outing for the stable. Flymefree was a beaten favourite last run but the blinkers come off and she can make amends while Princess Maxi has a difficult draw but improved nicely at her second outing and should be running at them late.

David Thiselton

THE Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas and the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Flies Guineas form the respective first legs of the SA Triple Crown and Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara and both races are full of class and intrigue.

War Of Athena looks the one to beat in the fillies race where she faces arch rival Anything Goes. War Of Athena has more stamina in her pedigree than Anything Goes and takes a while to wind up in the straight so will want a fast pace. This is particularly in view of Anything Goes’ terrific turn of foot. War Of Athena has two stable companions in the race and all three of this coupling have the same ownership. Therefore, it could be that the lowly rated Only The Brave is in to ensure a decent pace. War Of Athena has only beaten Anything Goes once in three outings and that was last time out in the Three Troikas over 1400m where she won by a cosy 1,75 lengths. However, she was giving the latter 1kg and Anything Goes probably needed it too as she was returning from a layoff. However, another clue to this race can be taken from the Grade 1 Thekwini where War Of Athena had a bad draw compared to Anything Goes’s good draw. War Of Athena simply ran out of straight that day in her bid to catch Anything Goes. This time War Of Athena has the better draw and the long straight will give her more time to make up the deficit. Miss Elegance is improving and has the form to fill the trifecta. Castle Durrow is a long-striding sort who is improving and she could also be in the shake up. Caralluma has some class but still has to prove she stays this trip. Gee For Go won the Grade 3 Fillies Mile over this course and distance but was beaten six lengths by Mis Elegance over this trip last time at these same weights. Only The Brave ensured a good pace in the Three Troikas by challenging Caralluma in front but as far as winning chances go she has a double figure number of lengths to find. 

In the Gauteng Guineas Catch Twentytwo will enjoy the step back to the Dingaans distance and he has landed a plum draw. He proved his Dingaans win was no fluke by following up in the Grade 3 Tony Ruffel Stakes over 1400m. He is blossoming and is the one to beat. Copper Mountain should relish the step up in trip on pedigree and running style. He was staying on in the Tony Ruffel and finished a two length third at level weights with Catchtwentytwo. He is by Noble Tune out of a Fort Wood mare whose only win was over 2000m. He is drawn three and could be the surprise package. Second Base is a long-strider who showed a fine turn of foot when winning the Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m, so this shorter trip should not bother him. That race was just two weeks ago which is one slight concern and he also has a tricky draw of seven out of nine. Interestingly his only defeat was when beaten 5,5 lengths into fourth by Copper Mountain over 1200m. Malmoos has won all three of his starts at Turffontein impressively and followed up by winning the Grade 3 Concorde Cup over this trip at Kenilworth. He was then unlucky when unplaced in the Cape Guineas although he did not look likely to win. That race was seven weeks ago so he should have recovered and he has pole position in his first start back at altitude. Mount Pleasant is easily the highest rated horse in the race but the jury is out because he flopped in his first try at this trip having beaten older horses of the like of Cirillo over 1450m before that.  It might have just been an off day and he must be included in all exotics. Eliud has shown glimpses of class and could earn and Bingwa was a 2,50 length third in the Dingaans but only fifth in the Tony Ruffel. Kingsley’s Heart looks held by Copper Mountain and this is a big step up in class for Namib Desert.              

David Thiselton

THE Vaal stages a low key meeting today before the Highveld’s Autumn feature season begins on Saturday at Turffontein with the always awaited Guineas meeting.

A MR 94 handicap over 1000m and a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1500m are the two highest rated events today.

In the former the Paul Peter-trained Willow Magic gelding Godswood makes most appeal. This horse has clearly been rated since day one as he attracted betting support in all of his maiden starts including on debut. Nothing much went his way in those early races and he was also becoming a bit heavy due to haemoconcentrating. He had the necessary gelding and since then has not looked back. In his first run as a gelding he finished unplaced in a strong 1160m event won by the promising Bartholdi. He has since run twice over 1000m and won by 2,50 lengths and 2,75 lengths respectively. In his last start he strode out well just off the pace and quickened well and won with a bit in hand. He looks to be on the up so could overhaul the speedy Valyrian King close to home. The latter has blitzed them in his last two starts and is four points higher in the ratings. Godswood, on the other hand has to overcome a six point raise, but is given the nod on the basis that he has not had as much time to establish himself as Valyrian King so could still be ahead of the handicapper. The pair might be vulnerable late in the race to Spanish Boy, who proved he had a touch of class last time out when a meritorious third in the Grand Heritage. This trip will be on the sharp side but he will be running at the leaders late in the day. 

In the Pinnacle event Wisteria Walk proved she is in fine fettle last time when waltzing clear to won a Graduation Plate over 1400m by four lengths. She ran on from a handy position in a small field that day and can do the same in this field of five. Rouge Allure has proved lately she is good over further than this, but through most of her career this 1500m trip would have seemed ideal. She has pole position too and could be a threat. Gallic Princess has turned out to be a useful sprinter but is effective over this trip too so as the officially best weighted horse she could be dangerous in this small field, especially if the pace turns out to be slow. Saragon has some class and is effective from 1400m to 1800m so also has a shout. However, this is in fact the first time she has travelled away from her home course of Turffontein so this might be a learning experience. Prince Nicole is not out of it at the weights being just 2,5kg under sufferance with Gallic Princess and being ridden by a 1.5kg claimer. However, this will be the first time she has run over this far. She is by miler Soft Falling Rain out of Captain Al mare Reason To Believe, who was a KRA Fillies Guineas runner up. 

The value play of the day comes in the last race. Tulip Way did not stay 2000m last time and finished last and now reverts to a trip which should suit perfectly. She is drawn well and has Muzi Yeni up and she has dropped significantly in the merit ratings. She was off for a year from November 2019 to December 2019 but it was not for a serious injury and if recapturing her earlier form between 1400m and 1600m she should go close. In fact she could even go close on her first two comeback efforts where she ran fourth and fifth respectively over 1400m and was not at all disgraced. Bella Rosa will likely be favourite for this event, as she is knocking on the door and is distance suited. She is capable of a strong finish if it pans out well so she will need to be dropped out from a wide draw to find cover. Bitter Wind is also a fascinating runner here as she won her maiden from start to finish over 1600m and has raced a bit keenly in her last two down the straight over 1400m and 1500m respectively when held up off the pace. She now has the ideal pole position draw to lead again and should be involved. Keepingthepeace won her maiden over 1600m easily and has been given a reasonable opening merit rating of 79 so she could also be involved. Rock You is capable of winning this but a concern is that the first time cheekpieces last time are now replaced with blinkers. She has a wide draw so will need to be restrained early tin order to drop out or slot in and the blinkers might make this tougher to achieve for Craig Zackey.            

David Thiselton

MUZI YENI is bracing himself for the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas on Saturday where he will be riding the rising star, the Paul Matchett-trained War Of Athena.

Yeni said the recent heavy rains had interrupted her preparation slightly but it will be the same for her arch rival Anything Goes as both fillies are residents of Randjesfontein.

Yeni said, “She is doing well and as far as I am concerned she is flying. I have always got to respect Anything Goes and keep an eye on her as she has a tremendous turn of foot whereas War Of Athena is one who unwinds. The long Turffontein straight will be in our favour but a slow pace will favour Anything Goes.”

There are only seven runners and a small field usually leads to a slow pace.

However, War Of Athena has two stable companions, Gee For Go and Only The Brave, in the race and all three stablemates have the same ownership of RS Wentzel and RE Waterman-Wentzel.

A plan might be concocted to ensure a good pace and this looks particularly possible due to the low rating of Only The Brave. She might be the one who can afford to be sacrificed.

The tally between the star fillies stands at Anything Goes two War Of Athena one.

However, if the saying “you are only as good as your last race” is anything to go by War Of Athena has the edge as she downed Anything Goes by 1,75 lengths in the Grade 3 Three Troikas last time over 1400m. However, she was receiving 1kg from her that day and the latter likely needed it as she was returning from a layoff.

Possibly in War Of Athena’s favour is her pedigree which contains more stamina than Anythings Goes’ as the Turffontein Standside 1600m is a tough test, especially if the ground is rain affected.