David Thiselton

THE VAAL CLASSIC track stages an eight race meeting today where there should be some opportunities for punters. 

The meeting starts with an uninspiring maiden over 1200m in which Ashley Fortune fields five of the seven runners. However, she might not win it because Johan Janse van Vuuren introduces the Querari filly Insatiable who is by Querari out of the Listed Oaks Trial winner Inaninstant, who was by the late great Silvano. Fortune’s best hope could lie with Runaway Princess who showed a lot of pace on debut over this trip, although she was beaten 7,75 lengths. Second time out she was caught wide over 1200m from a wide draw on the Turffontein Inside course. Thai Treat has scope for improvement after being beaten ten lengths over 1200m on debut. He has a nice pedigree being by Duke Of Marmalade out of the dual Grade 1-winning sprinter Rat Burana but he started 50/1 on debut. Merlins Boy by Willow Magic finished a length behind Thai Treat on debut but showed pace and has scope for improvement. The first-timer Edward Longshanks is by William Longsword out of a Var maiden who is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Paterfamilias.

In the second race over 1000m Abalus has pace and will appreciate the step down from 1200m but might well have to settle for a sixth successive second place finish because Alula’s Star was eyecatching on debut and looks the likely winner. This Red Ray filly has substance and coming from the Stuart Pettigrew yard should be progressive. Alula’s Star’s first-timer stablemate Miss United States is by the promising new sire The United States out of the Grey Eminence mare Madrisa, who was precocious and won five of her first six starts including a juvenile Listed sprint and a juvenile Grade 3 sprint. However, at time of writing Miss United  was quoted at 25/1, which does not augur well. Another first-timer Meadow Beauty is by Flower Alley and is a half-sister to the like of Grade 3 winner Mount Laurel and to three-time winner Foreign Field. First-timer Iphiko is by Trippi out of a Listed-winning Western Winter mare.

In the third race over 1600m Lilliana had blinkers fitted second time out over 1400m and led  before being run out of it to lose by just 0,30 lengths. She is a full-sister to the fair sort Nartjie who has won over 1600m and 1800m so she should relish the step up in trip. Code Zero goes from sprints up to 1600m but this Master Of My Fate filly should enjoy it on pedigree. Gilda Gray has 2,20 lengths to find on Lilliana. Covermeinsunshine is an interesting outsider having not been disgraced over 1450m in her penultimate start before being tried in the BSA Sales Cup where she was beaten 15 lengths. Inexperienced pair Cap Estel and Monoshada are not out of it either on their best runs.

In the fourth race over 1450m Rapid Charge, a full-sister to Surcharge, looks likely to enjoy the step down in trip having moved up last time over 1700m and not finding enough in the closing stages. The cheekpieces are replaced by blinkers and this could be her day from a fair draw of three out of six. Time Request was only 1,75 lengths behind Rapid Charge in that last race over 1700m and is also improving. Kissed By Fire has improved this winter and is also a contender.

In the fifth over 1800m Splash Of Green won her penultimate start over 1600m well and although it was just a maiden she was subsequently not disgraced in the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes. She should enjoy the 1800m trip and although running off a 90 merit rating she only has to carry 52.5kg and the flying Muzi Yeni is aboard. Ideal Jet is distance suited and is improving being by Ideal World so will be a threat. Last Cheer is a bit in and out but is capable and can’t be ignored. In form Opera Glass is also hard to ignore and Rock You and Consol Queen are not out of it so it could be a race in which to include the field.

In the sixth race Wedding Bliss has been disappointing but drops down to a 64 merit rating and this trip from a good draw should suit. However, it is another race in which to go wide with Fasinada, Lady Of The Flame, Rabia The Rebel, Tinder Dry and Senescence all having chances.

A chance is taken with two bankers in the last two races, Funky Music and Elusive Swann.

Funky Music is honest and highly consistent and with champion jockey Lyle Hewitson up over an ideal 1600mm trip can get it right despite a tough draw.

In the last race Elusive Swann has caught the eye in his last two starts over 1400m and 2000m and now runs over his optimum 1600m trip from pole position so he should be finishing strongly and can get up under Jeffery Syster, who was aboard in his last race.               

RACE 1: Preview: INSATIABLE(6) is by Querari out of Listed Oak Trial winner Inaninstant (Silvano). RUNAWAY PRINCESS (7) has found some support in both starts and showed good pace on debut over this trip so can go close in this uninspiring field. THAI TREAT (4), who is by Duke Of Marmalade out of dual Grade 1-winning sprinter Rat Burana,  has scope and should improve on her debut in which she was beaten ten lengths. MERLINS BOY (3), who was a length further back in that race, can also improve. EDWARD LONGSHANKS (2) is by William Longsword out of a Var maiden who is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Paterfamilias. (David Thiselton 6-7-4-3-2)

RACE 2: Preview: ALULA’S STAR (3) caught the eye on debut when running second despite starting 20/1 and she should improve so is the one to beat. ABALUS (1) has had five successive seconds and should enjoy dropping back to the minimum trip. MISS UNITED STATES (4) is by promising new sire The United States out of a Grade 3 and Listed-winning Grey Eminence mare Madrisa. MEADOW BEAUTY (6) is by Flower Ally and is a half-sister to the like of Grade 3 winner Mount Laurel and three-time winner Foreign Field. IPHIKO (9) is by Trippi out of a isted-winning Western Winter are. (David Thiselton 3-1-4-6-9)      

RACE 3: Preview: LILIANA (4) went close second time out and can get it right here over a step up in rip which should suit. CODE ZERO (1) is capable of improvement and is the chief danger. GILDA GRAY (3) is knocking on the door and should be thereabouts again. (David Thiselton 4-1-3)

RACE 4: Preview: RAPID CHARGE (4) , a half-sister to Surcharge (who is a Grade 1 winner in SA and Australia), is improving and the cheekpieces are replaced with blinkers.  TIME REQUEST (5) only has 1,75 lengths to make up on Rapid Charge from there last meeting. KISSED BY FIRE (2) should be involved despite a wide draw. (David Thiselton 4-5-2) 

RACE 5: Preview: SPLASH OF GREEN (6) was not disgraced in the Grade 1 Thekwini and starts handicapping off a reasonable 90 merit rating considering her form which means she oly ha to carry 52.5kg and Yeni rides. IDEAL JET (1) just failed last time over 200m in her first start since the SA Oaks and as a daughter of Ideal World she should continue to progress. OPERA GLASS (3) won well last time over 2000m but was under sufferance so received a ten point raise and it will be tougher here but she is on the up. LAST CHEER (5) is not too consistent but is capable on her day and distance suited. ROCK YOU (2) and CONSOL QUEEN (7) can earn if reproducing their best form although the latter is 1kg under sufferance. (David Thiselton 6-1-3-5-2-7) 

RACE 6: Preview: WEDDING BLISS (2) is well drawn and might enjoy the step down in trip so has a shout off a reduced merit rating. FASINADA (5) is 1.5kg better off with Rabia The Rebel for a 1,25 length beating over this trip last time and now has a good draw. LADY OF THE FLAME (1) ran well first time out the maidens and could be a contender again here over a step up in trip she should handle. RABIA THE REBEL (3) enjoyed being out front last time and has an opportunity to do the same from pole position albeit off a three point higher mark and bearing she is an in and out type. TINDER DRY has room for improvement and is 1.5kg better off with Rabia The Rebel for a 1.50 length beating but she does have a tough draw. SENESCENCE is well draw and can never be ignored. (David Thiselton 2-5-1-3-7-4) 

RACE 7: Preview: FUNKY MUSIC (2) has been ultra consistent recently from 1450m to 1600m with one win, four seconds and a third and he is the one to beat of able to overcome a wide draw. QUNETRA (4) just failed from the front last time over this trip and beat Funky Music by 0,4 lengths on just half-a-kilogram better terms than here. WAQAAS (7) was forced to do too much too early last time from a wide draw and duly faded but has a shout here from a good draw off a reduced merit rating over a course and distance he has won twice over. SUITED CONNECTOR (1) has a nice draw and should enjoy this trip so is interesting as a lightly raced horse who could still improve. PSYCHO KING (6) is drawn in pole over an ideal trip and can be a contender.  (David Thiselton 2-4-7-1-6)  

RACE 8: Preview: ELUSIVE SWANN (2) moved up well over 2000m on Saturday but found no extra and finished a 0,80 length third so from pole position over his probable optimum trip of 1600m he has a good chance. LIGHT WARRIOR (5) is a consistent sort and over a suitable trip starts handicapping off a reasonable merit rating after an easy maiden win in his 21st start. EL ROMIACHI (1) is not the most consistent but can never be ignored. THEROSEOFBECHARRE (8) was left with too much to do last time over 1400m but if able to find cover from a wide draw should enjoy this step up in trip. MY KINGDOM (6) disappointed last time but can do better although he has a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 2-5-1-8-6) 

Andrew Harrison

GAVIN VAN ZYL has picked a stern test for Crimson Causeway’s seasonal debut when she lines up in a Conditional Novice against males on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville this afternoon.

She is a recently turned three-year-old against older males but given the conditions of the race Van Zyl appears to have picked the right race for her seasonal opener.

She has only had one race on the synthetic surface and that was when shedding her maiden by an impressive six lengths.

The showing prompted Van Zyl to have her take her chances in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship where she was in contention until the final furlong, eventually tiring late to finish fourth behind Under Your Spell.

The going was a little on the soft side that day and her next outing was in the Gr2 The Debutante where she finished two lengths back to Maryah.

That form has been franked and Crimson Causeway is back over when at this stage looks to be a more suitable trip on a surface where she has already excelled.

Rated jointly with Crimson Causeway is the British import Different Face. Bred to northern hemisphere time, she is in theory 6 months older than Crimson Causeway and six months behind her other rivals.

She boasted some creditable UK form before arriving on these shores and with two runs under her girth she looks primed for a big effort.

She tired late first run at Scottsville and showed improvement from that when making most of the running only to go down narrowly to Impressive Duchess.

She makes her poly debut here but shows plenty of speedy and the poly surface should suit.

Of the males, Shampompo Shampizi has the best of the draw and is back over what looks to be a more suitable trip. It’s been a long time between drinks for Canadian Bolt but he was a touch unlucky last start and can surprise.

Ancient Epic is likely to start a hot favourite in the first as Gareth van Zyl’s filly has put in three smart efforts to date and should put in another decent showing. has shown up well in all three starts and rates the one to beat. Future Princess could be the surprise package as she took on strong feature company last run but faded badly the last bit. The blinkers come off.

The second looks more open. Varvacious won her maiden well first time out for her new stable. She does look to be a little difficult but has ability. Aunty Lizzie was in at the deep end first up for her new stable but only fading late. She can do much better in this company while Perspicuous returns from a break but has been improving again and was only caught late last run.

The Pick 6 opener is a tough handicap. Palace Assembly is an old campaigner and they often improve on the poly. He had shown some useful Highveld form but his best recent showing was his debut on the poly. Di Mazzio has been a soldier for the Goosen stable and does his best over course and distance. His last run was on the turf. Sir Pom came good when tried in blinkers last run and finished with a rattle. A repeat will see him in the firing line again.

In the fifth is wide open with a number with claims. Forgetful Girl made major improvement at her second local outing. She had some useful Cape form and must have a strong chance here. Purple Nkanyezi has drawn wide but goes very well over course and distance. Purple Merchant has shown some of her best form on the poly. She goes this trip for the first time but should see it out comfortably.

Straight Up has the worst of the draw in the sixth but was a touch unlucky last run when finding traffic and coming from a long way back last start. Land Of Mystery showed up well first run for his new yard. He has been trying further but may no prefer this shorter trip.

Duncan Howells will be hoping for a quick double as he sends out Fat Cigar in the seventh. He caused a major upset when winning his maiden but has shown ability and has his first outing for a new stable. Double Gemini has a wide draw but his best form has been on this synthetic surface and could prove the biggest threat to the selection.

The last could rested between Whispers Of War and The Green Gallant. The former has come on with each outing and looks ready now while The Green Gallant improved nicely in blinkers and enjoys the surface and should go close.

Andrew Harrison

IT was hard going for most punters at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday and although the results were not always in favour of the majority, there was still some memorable performances. With many of the trainers away hoping to top up their strings at the BSA Two-Year-Old Sale in Gauteng, Gareth van Zyl was on hand to saddle his two winners with After The Rain and Anton Marcus getting his season off to a belated start on Alittlebitnaughty in the last and also giving the International Racing Club and Mike de Haast their third winner of the afternoon.

Gary Rich has a small string and it is something of a mystery that he is not better supported by owners. Daughter and assistant, Tessa saddled Kitten’s Adventure on Saturday and the stable were quietly bullish in spite of a flood of money for Mike Miller’s filly October Song.

Jarred Samuel had his mount out and running from the jump and with 100m to the line was afforded the luxury of glance at October Song bobbing in his wake.

In the final analysis, Kitten’s Adventure was never in danger of defeat and October Song well beaten. However, the dangers of backing first timers with no racing experience was there to see as the benefit of a run was clearly obvious. The winner kept straight as an arrow while Serino Moodley had to cope with a mount that wasn’t sure what it was all about.

October Song will sing a better tune next time out.

The stallion Admiral Kitten stands in the relative backwaters of the Great Karoo outside of Colesberg – once the heart of the thoroughbred breeding industry – and as such gets limited access to the better performed and bred mares. But David Southey and partners appear to have unearthed a gem as Admiral Kitten was backed up by Family Favourite in the next. 

Owned by Southey, Dennis Bosch’s filly was not high on the list of possible winners, paying over R64 on the tote, but she did give young apprentice Donald Geerthsen his second winner of his short career. While all were looking for favourites One Bite At A Time and Poppy Of Bayeux, Geerthsen snuck up the inside to hold off a late challenge from Gareth Van Zyl’s Drive By ridden by Mandla Ntuli. After a three-year stint as a work rider in China and Hong Kong, Ntuli had his holiday at home extended after the outbreak of Covid and a Chinese lockdown.

David Thiselton

SUMMERVELD trainer Mike Miller’s top horse from last year, Honokalani, has been sold to Mauritius trainer Ricky Maingard but his Rafeef filly October Song and his Vercingetorix colt Party Time will still provide him with plenty of three-year-old ammunition this season.

October Song, whose pedigree has a fascinating history behind it, has had the dogs barking at Summerveld and she was duly backed in to 23/15 favourite for her debut over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday.

She managed a strong-finishing second but had excuses and Miller said, “There has only been about 2mm of rain recently in Pietermaritzburg and there was consequently a lot of kick back so when she was slowly away she was getting it in her face and not quite enjoying it, that is why Serino (Moodley) pulled her outward towards the middle. She only got the hang of it near the end and that is when she got going.”

October Song has plenty of size and substance and was eyecatching in the last furlong.  

She is undoubtedly one of the horses to follow for the season.

Miller continued, “Her work at home has been phenomenal. She has been beating one and two timers with ease. I looked at this field and felt it was so bad she would surely be able to win it, but I did not expect her to be so green.”

The bay filly is a half-sister to the Grade 1-winning sprinter August Rush and Grade 3-winning sprinter Miss October, who were both  by Var.

However, Miller continued, “I have always had the impression she would be better over 1400m to 1600m. We will give her one more run over 1200m as we don’t want to rush her into a 1400m race.”

October Song’s story starts with the purchase of the huge English mare Devon Air by Robin and Des Scott into the yard of Terrance Millard. The maestro trainer turned around her dismal UK form despite her legs having what Millard described as “joints like footballs”. Devon Air arrived in Durban in the winter of 1984 with three wins in Cape Town behind her and a third place finish in the J&B Met. She then scored a famous Greyville hattrick, winning the Grade 2 Republic Day Handicap over 1900m, the Grade 1 Rothmans July handicap, carrying 52.5kg, and the Grade 1 Gold Cup carrying 56kg.

She made a good start at stud, her first two foals, the filly Cream Of The Crop (Concertina) and Plymouth Rock (Concertina) won Grade 3 and Listed staying races respectively. However, she had only produced one more winner by the time she was bought at a 1996 auction at Summerhill Stud by Zimbabwean breeder Christopher Peech. 

Her first Zimbabwean foal was by Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes winner Huntingdale and was called Bushgirl, who had to be delivered by caesarian section. She barely survived and was too weak and unsound to be raced. 

Zimbabwe was beginning to fall on hard times and Peech’s breeding operation was one of the victims. 

Bushgirl was thus put on an auction and one of Southern Africa’s finest thoroughbred breeders Robin Bruss pounced.

Bruss has many pedigree theories based on decades of experience and one of them is simply to match the best to the best, so he was not going to miss the opportunity to buy a filly whose parents were respectively a British Group 1 winner and a July winner.

It proved to be a shrewd purchase as she produced Grade 1 Mercury Sprint winner August Rush and Grade 3-winning sprinter Miss October, who went on to produce Grade 1 Gold Medallion winner Tempting Fate.

Bruss always sells if the price is right and sold Bushgirl to owner-breeder Tinus Gericke about ten years or so ago.

October Song was Bushgirl’s last foal and so Gericke has kept her. 

Rafeef, who won the wfa Grade 1 Computaform Sprint, was last season’s champion freshman sire and his sire Redoute’s Choice was a multiple Group 1 winner and a celebrated champion sire of Australia.   

October Song thus looks to have all the credentials to continue Devon Air’s legacy.

Gericke sent a horse in training called Stormborne Thunder down from Johannesburg to the Miller yard halfway through the 2018/2019 season and she went on to win two races. Thus, upon moving down to Durban himself, he sent October Song to the Miller yard.   

Miller has also always sold when the price was right and hence the sale of Honokalani. He has a high regard for his sire Vercingetorix and believes Honokalani will give his new owners plenty to cheer about. 

Party Time is also by Vercingetorix and has a win and three seconds to his name in four starts, including a long-head second in the Listed Gatecrasher Stakes, where he beat the subsequent Grade 2 winner Waterberry Lane by 3,40 lengths. He unfortunately attained a bad abscess on his foot after that run so was sidelined. However. he looks to have a bright future. 

RACE 1: Preview: ANCIENT EPIC (8) has shown up well in all three starts and rates the one to beat. FUTURE PRINCESS (7) took on strong feature company last run but did fade badly the last bit. She can do better here. CORNER CRUSADE (3) made marked improvement when switched to the poly. A repeat can see her into the money again. CASA ROSADA (2) battled in the Cape but was not far back first run for her new stable. She has been up and down in distance but this may be her trip. (Andrew Harrison: 8-7-3-2).

RACE 2: Preview: VARVACIOUS (10) won her maiden well first time out for her new stable. She does look to be a little difficult but has ability. AUNTY LIZZIE (5) was in at the deep end first up for her new stable but only fading late. She can do much better in this company. PERSPICUOUS (6) returns from a break but has been improving again and was only caught late last run. STAR CHOICE (2) is consistent and goes very well on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 10-5-6-2).

RACE 3: Preview: Tough handicap. PALACE ASSEMBLY (1) is an old campaigner and they often improve on the poly. He had shown some useful Highveld form but his best recent showing was his debut on the poly. DI MAZZIO (3) has been a soldier for the Goosen stable and does his best over course and distance. His last run was on the turf. SIR POM (5) came good when tried in blinkers last run and finished with a rattle. A repeat will see him in the firing line again. MAJORCA PALACE (2) has smart poly form and from a good draw should be thereabouts again. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-5-2).

RACE 4: Preview: CRIMSON CAUSWAY (8) has put up to smart efforts in feature company of late. That form will be tested here. DIFFERENT FACE (10) has her third run in this country and improved nicely second time out. She has a wide draw on her poly debut but must have a big chance. SHAMPOMPO SHAMPIZI (1) is back over what looks to be a more suitable trip. He has the best of the draw and should be competitive. It’s been a long time between drinks for CANADIAN BOLT (6) but he was a touch unlucky last start and can surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 8-10-1-6).

RACE 5: Preview: FORGETFUL GIRL (3) made major improvement at her second local outings. She had some useful Cape form and must have a strong chance here. PURPLE NKANYEZI (10) has drawn wide but goes very well over course and distance. PURPLE MERCHANT (2) has shown some of her best form on the poly. She goes this trip for the first time but should see it out comfortably. EAGER DUCHESS (14) had a wide draw to contend with last run and can do better here. (Andrew Harrison: 3-10-2-4).

RACE 6: Preview: STRAIGHT UP (12) has the worst of the draw but was a touch unlucky last run when finding traffic and coming from a long way back last start. LAND OF MYSTERY (8) showed up well first run for his new yard. He has been trying further but may no prefer this shorter trip. HIGHER PURPOSE (5) has been in the money at his last four on the poly. Should go close again. BRASS BELL (9) has come good at recent starts and kept going well to win his last run. (Andrew Harrison: 12-8-5-9).

RACE 7: Preview: FAT CIGAR (5) caused a major upset when winning his maiden. He has shown ability and has his first outing for his new stable. DOUBLE GEMINI (12) has a wide draw but his best form has been on this synthetic surface. LIVING WATERS (2) has come on nicely at recent outings and was finishing strongly when tried over round last start. SEA SPONGE (6) never too far back. Goes well on the poly and should be right there again. (Andrew Harrison: 5-12-2-6).

RACE 8: Preview: Open. WHISPERS OF WAR (10) has come on well with each outing and looks ready now. THE GREEN GALLANT (7) improved nicely in blinkers. Enjoys the surface and should go close. WINTER ROYALE (3) comes with some promising Cape form. The poly could suit. BOURBON BEAT (1) is showing signs of coming to hand. Good draw and one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 10-7-3-1).

David Thiselton

The Justin Snaith-trained Jet Dark became the first South African-based thoroughbred for at least 50 years to win two open weight for age (wfa) Grade 1 events over classic distances as a three-year-old when winning the HKJC World Pools Champions Cup over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.
Jet Dark’s other open Grade 1 win was in the country’s most prestigious mile event, the wfa L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.
He has thus outdone the great Variety Club, who finished a narrow second in the Queen’s Plate as a three-year-old before winning the wfa Grade 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge later that season.
In Full Flight in 1972 and Yataghan in 1973 both won the Queen’s Plate and Durban July as three-year-old but the latter is a handicap. J J The Jet Plane won three open Grade 1 events as a three-year-old, two of them wfa, and the filly Alboran Sea won two open wfa Grade 1s as a three-year-old, but both of those horses were sprinters.
It is fitting Jet Dark is owned by two KZN men, Nick Jonsson and Tommy Crowe, both of whom are fine horsemen in their own right having reached a high class level in the sport of polo.

Furthermore, Jonsson hails from a family steeped in KZN horseracing history and he and Crowe have poured a lot of money into the sport.
Snaith was crowned SA champion trainer for the third time on Saturday, but nevertheless the Champions Cup win ended a frustrating period for him and was in fact his only Grade 1 winner of this SA Champions Season, a three month festival in which he reached a high of five Grade 1 wins in 2019.
Snaith said, “In the Queen’s Plate Jet Dark blew away one of the best fields ever put together in this country.
“Sadly, he sustained a slight injury in the race and had to be rested. “He came very late into the KZN season and put in a very impressive gallop against Belgarion on Guineas day.
“I applied for a second gallop but was told Scottsville would be my only option so I took it but sadly he pulled up a bit jarred so we had to back off him.
So I thought he would need it slightly in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and I was just hoping for a positive run.”
Jet Dark finished a disappointing 3,65 length sixth in that race but Snaith said, “He pulled up beautifully and we knew the Champions Cup was now a reality. I was slightly concerned about him settling over 1800m and we needed a pace to suit both of our runners, so that is when we decided Crown Towers would be used.”
Snaith had a lot of respect for the rest of the field and said, “Catch Twentytwo particularly had impeccable
form and has always been turned out beautifully by Paul Peter.”
Stable jockey Richard Fourie had a tough choice of ride but eventually went with his heart and opted for Do It Again.
Jonsson and Crowe were excited to learn Snaith had booked twice SA Champion jockey S’Manga Khumalo for Jet Dark.
Snaith said, “S’Manga has always been a fantastic team player and every time we have had a disappointment he has been so positive and been willing to be involved in the next fight.
“He has also won numerous races for Nick, including on the like of Ultimate Dollar and Miyabi Gold.”
Jet Dark jumped slowly from draw six and then began pulling for his head after Khumalo had managed to drop him in near the back on the rail.
However, Crown Towers began stretching them out after finding the lead and both Jet Dark and Do It Again, who was in last place, were then able to stride more freely.

Khumalo switched Jet Dark off the rail turning for home and a dream gap opened. He produced a powerfully resolute finish, consigning Catch Twentytwo to a third consecutive SA Champions Season runner up spot, beaten this time by 0,40 lengths.
Do It Again, whom Snaith describes as the most graceful equine athlete he has ever seen in SA, ran on superbly and finished a further 0,40 lengths back in third.
Crown Towers only finished seventh but Snaith said the important role he played had earned him a grass paddock for the rest of his life.
Jonsson, after looking through the shortlist of horses chosen by himself and the Snaiths at the 2019 BSA National Yearling Sales, selected Jet Dark as one of the lots to bid for and they were surprised to secure him for just R200,000. Nick then invited his good friend from University days, Tommy Crowe, in as a partner.
Snaith described the Drakenstein Stud-bred Jet Dark as having being extremely athletic as a yearling.
The fact he was out of a Jet Master mare and had a lot of Jet Master in him was one of the selling points for NIck and being by the illustrious stallion Trippi made it a fine mix.

Nick’s Uncle Hugh Jonsson in fact bred Jet Master, who is comfortably the most successful SA-bred thoroughbred stallion in history.
Snaith said a stud career would definitely be beckoning for Jet Dark, but first the connections are excited about the defense of his Queen’s Plate title as well as a possible tilt at the Met.
Jet Dark not only has strikingly stallion-like looks but Snaith mentioned him alongside Gimmethegreenlight and Do It Again as the most impressive three-year-old he had trained.
Gimmethegreenlight, who became the first three-year-old in 39 years to win the Queen’s Plate when downing his contemporary Variety Club in 2012, has fittingly just been crowned National Champion Sire.

David Thiselton

Sean Tarry had a halcyon last day of the season at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday landing the headliner, the Grade 3 Marshalls World Of Sports Gold Cup over 3200m with four-year-old gelding Nebraas and the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes over 1600m with Rain In Holland, both ridden by South Africa’s now three-time national champion jockey Lyle Hewitson whose performance in the latter race was touted by many as the ride of the season.  Tarry spoke about the two wins and his prospects for the forthcoming season. It was Tarry’s second Gold Cup win and third Thekwini.  Nebraas has now run in just two staying events and won both of them. He had showed his suitability to a stamina test in his previous start in the Grade 3 DSTV Gold Vase over 3000m, winning full of running, yet came into the Gold Cup carrying just 52.5kg off a 95 merit rating.
However, Tarry said his program had not been especially planned around the country’s premier staying race.  He said, “He was earmarked for the SA Derby as a three-year-old and ran a cracking trial but pulled up unsound so we had to go give him the time to get over it.” Tarry said Nebraas had also had a tendency to race too keenly.  He continued, “However, this season he has got the ground even though he has not settled well. I was in a dilemma whether to leave the blinkers on. But we had waited so long for the next win (over 2000m at the Vaal on June 8) that even with the step up in trip (for the Gold Vase) I couldn’t take the blinkers off because he had just won with them on. He came out of his Gold Vase run fantastically. I think that was what made the difference and enabled him to up his game in the Gold Cup.” Tarry pointed out Nebraas had “definitely done too much in the running” in the Gold Cup, so the fact he still won shows just what a huge engine this Vercingetorix Al Adiyaat home-bred gelding must have. Hewitson took him up towards the front from the off. He was a touch keen but still responded well to his instructions and Hewitson was thus able to find cover in a perfect position one wide and behind second-placed Chitengo. The order did not change much in the front except for Sunshine Silk being brought around the field from about the 1700m mark onwards and joining the pacemaker Paths Of Victory as they turned for home.   Paths Of Victory attempted a repeat of last year’s front-running win but both his and Sunshine Silk’s efforts in the straight were short-lived.  Nebraas had joined the latter pair by the 300m mark and Hewitson kept him going with the stick in the left hand to prevent him from  hanging right. Former SA Derby winner Out Of Your League was running on threateningly in the centre and Before Noon, Silver Host and Wealthy were gathering momentum on the outside. However, Nebraas held on by a quarter of a length from a rapidly closing Silver Host. Out Of Your League was a length further back with Before Noon and Wealthy next best. Silver Host confirmed trainer Justin Snaith’s assertion he is the best stayer in the country as he carried 58kg and put in the best performance at the weights. Earlier, Duke Of Marmalade filly Rain In Holland was squeezed out at a crucial point in the straight and looked to be beaten.
Tarry admitted, “I thought we were finished. Incredible that she came back, she has got to be tops.”    This is the first Drakenstein Stud homebred Grade 1 winner he has trained.   He said about his first impressions of her, “She was always backwards and always looked like she was going to get better. In her first race we expected her stable companion (Marigold Hotel) to win and she did. However, we had not expected Rain In Holland to place and she ran second on the Turffontein Inside course over 1450m and I thought ‘Wow, that’s a really good run.’ Then  she won her maiden well, then beat the boys, then won another race and then she beat the boys again, so she’s now won five as a juvenile including a Group 1 and that doesn’t happen too often.” Tarry was not concerned about her being suited to the tighter Hollywoodbets Greyville track and said, “I had expected her to go clear and make the others stay but we went so slowly and that was a problem. She can get a little bit hot and above herself but she’s very workmanlike when she’s on the track and in races and she always puts her best foot forward when she needs to. So she has the X-factor and she’s also got a very good action and uses herself very well.” Tarry does not envision having to take Rain In Holland down to Cape Town due to Drakenstein’s strong base down there and he believed he would thus be able to give her a well deserved holiday before preparing her for a tilt at the Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara. He believes stamina tests will be of no problem to her.  Tarry failed to defend his SA Champion trainer crown but said his two-year-od string from the season just past had been stronger than the previous year and said he had “five or six proper four-year-olds”, including Paisley Park, who needed surgery after three victories in three starts, Eagle Alley, who had a wind operation after being tailed off when going for three out of three, and Silver Tycoon, who needed a testicle removed after a 6,25 length romp second time out.     

David Thiselton

TURFFONTEIN STANDSIDE hosts an eight race meeting today and punters can have a profitable first day of the new season.

In the first race over 1400m The Candice Dawson-trained Run For Isla caught the eye running on over 1450m second time out and was short of room late so could have got closer than a 6,50 length fifth. The winner of that race Hollywoodbound went on to finish third in the Grade 2 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper over 1400m, albeit beaten by 8,15 lengths. That represents fair form in the context of this race. The main danger Right Choice plodded on for second over 1200m last time in a workriders’ event and now tries this sort of trip for a second time. Cap Estel looks to have scope and should improve over this trip after being slow away over 1000m on debut and well beaten. 

In the second over 2000m Category Four has come back to form and if able to be dropped in behind horses from a wide draw should be running on as strongly as usual in the long straight. He receives 7kg from the talented Dr Doolitle who has never finished out of the first two in non-Graded events. 

In the third over 1400m Forged By Fire is not an imposing sort but ran on well from midfield last time over 1450m with second time blinkers and he has pole position again in an uninspiring field and Muzi Yeni is now up. Soweto Spina has plenty of scope and should enjoy the step up in trip after a fair debut. The two first-timers have to be respected here. Fighter pilot is by Act Of War out of a three-time winning Jet Master speedster. Alfaatik is by Kingsbarns and is a half-brother to Nafoorah (Soft Falling Rain), who won two out of four starts. Touched By Stars could also earn here.

In the fourth over 1000m Valyrian King has a favourable standside draw and is going to be hard to catch. Bold Ransom holds him by a short-head on paper so can be included in case his low draw does not turn out to be unfavourable.

in the fifth over 2000m Southern Song is on the up and has relished being stepped up to this trip. She can handle a two point raise for her second place finish last time because she is now drawn in pole. Irish Wonder Girl produced a late burst to come from nowhere to win over this trip in her penultimate start at the Vaal and she will love the long straight here so can go close if dropped out and finding cover from a wide draw. Ideal Jet has some class and is distance suited so has to be considered too. 

In the sixth over 2000m Fred has not had much luck lately with draws but now gets draw two and considering he finished a close second over this course and distance in March and is now four points lower in the merit ratings he must have a shout. The Sash usually runs well when drawn well and gets a good draw here over a suitable trip. Fifth Of July is by Wylie Hall so that gives him hope he can stay the trip despite being out of the Grade 2-winning sprinter Virgo’s Babe (Malhub). Watusi is a problematic horse but won his only start over this course and distance and is drawn in pole following a four month layoff so he is an outsider who could be worth including. There is not much between Fifth Of July and Elusive Swan and Khumalo rides the latter.

In the seventh over 2000m Oyster King goes for his fifth win this year. He can do it because he stays the trip and is better drawn than his last start, which he won over 1600m, and he is only three points higher in the merit ratings. Barak has a fine chance too if repeating his last run. Fsquadron is course and distance suited and Baymax and Super Handsome are also worth considering. 

In the last race over 2000m Crusade To Royalty is 2kg better off with Mariposa despite beating the latter by a head in her penultimate start in the maidens over 1800m. She makes appeal as Mariposa then won easily over this trip next time out. They can both be included. Others to consider are Wedding Bliss, Rabia The Rebel and Sheltering Sky.      

Andrew Harrison

VAUGHAN MARSHALL was quietly confident of a big run when Gainsford picked up a gate as first reserve for the Gr2 Post Merchants and although things didn’t quite work out as planned the gelding still ran a cracking race to finish just over a length back to top sprinter Kasimir.

He takes a drop in class when he lines up in the sixth at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today where hopefully the weather has warmed up a little.

Gainsford has taken time to come to hand in KZN but is no stranger to Scottsville having twice visited the Capital without much success, although more through bad luck than anything else.

He has a habit as a tardy starter which often costs him position. The In Full Flight Stakes was a disaster for many runners as the field bunched up towards the inside rail and those caught at the back of the scrum, like Gainsford, found themselves short of running room and their race run a furlong out.

At his most recent outings at Hollywoodbets Greyville he missed the break again but was firing at the business end. That may well be the case again on Sunday but this time the opposition is slightly weaker and he can get away with a slow start although Sean Veale will be fully aware of the task ahead.

There are some promising contemporaries in the line-up with the likes of Burning Wings, the filly Hawker Typhoon and Light That Loose not likely to go down without a fight.

Burning Wings has won four of his last six outings including a facile victory at Greyville where he did benefit from the 4kg claim of promising apprentice Kaiden Brewer. Brewer will be aboard again for Glen Kotzen and with only 52.5kg to shoulder he will be a threat in receipt of 5.5kg from Gainsford.

Hawker Typhoon was having her first run back after a three-month break when tenth over course and distance behind Mirage, but the placing did not tell the full story as she was only three lengths off the winner.

Prior to that she had reeled off two wins on the trot and in a significant jockey booking, Garth Puller has engaged Champion Jockey elect Lyle Hewitson.

Of the balance, Light That Loose, Quick Star and Good Rhythm are all in with a shout.

There is some competitive racing on the day starting in the first where visiting trainer Paul Matchett saddles his only runner on the day. Angel Of War has shown steady improvement since making his debut and was only outpaced late over 1400m. He was reported ‘blowing’ after the race so may not have been at peak fitness and with that run under his girth the extra should suit. Bristolbeaufighter has shown promise over sprints and takes a big leap in trip but his pedigree suggests that he should see it out comfortably. Illicit Kiss shows good sprint form and was not far back from a wide draw in a competitive feature last start.

The second is an open race with a number of first timers in the line-up. Of those that have run, Geronimo was friendless in the market at his second start but showed up nicely and looks capable of better. Michael Roberts holds a strong hand with four runners in the race best of which could be Seventh Song who is long overdue. He found another too good for him last start but he is hardly ever out of the money.

Trump Queen and Reginas Angel could prove the pick of the opening leg of the PA but the race is wide open. Caution is advised and the betting could prove your best guide. Alittlebitnaughty, Embarras De Riches, Three Hearts, Blanchetta and Trump Queen all warrant consideration.

 In the fourth, Deputy Marshall has shown recent improvement and has shown that he stays the trip. Drawn well he should also run well. Jumeirah Gold has shown some promise on the Highveld. He goes this trip for the first time but looks capable while Coral Copy is lightly raced but has been coming along nicely at recent starts and looks primed.

The fifth is another wide open affair with some quick horses in the field. Fly The Coup was in contention for a long time behind the smart Captain Fontane last time out. This shorter trip should suit. Winter Flight comes with some useful Cape form to his name. He carried a big weight in soft going last start and can do better here. Blaze Of Silk is over his best course and distance and is better than his last effort. Kings Road gets a 4kg claimer up and has been in good form over the distance at recent outings while Sir Pom and Princekresh also have strong chances.

In the seventh, Captain Who was not too far back in his first two starts for his new stable. He met much stronger last run and with the blinkers off can notch his second win. Willow’s Wish has only had the two starts and shed his maiden second time out in easy fashion when sent over ground. He looks to have plenty of scope. Clouds Of Witness was narrowly beaten over 2400m last run but could prove better over this trip while Double Gemini has not been far back since shedding his maiden and with a 4kg claimer up carries a light weight.

Kapen Pride, Teichman and Gavel Strike look the pick of the eighth. Kapen Pride showed steady form on the poly but did even better when switched to the turf. He is well drawn here and in good form.

Princess Anastasia, blinkered for the first time, can round off the day for Dennis Drier. She was a beaten favourite last run but has come to hand of late. Silver Maria has been in the money in her last five starts and goes well this course and distance and should put in another bold bid. Gardenia and Eager Duchess are others to consider.