Graeme Hawkins

Garrix was gelded just a few days after finishing third in the 2000m SplashOut Cape Derby (Gr1) and the 3yo son of Vercingetorix could prove the one to beat in today’s R350 000 Variety Club Mile (Gr3) over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Garrix has always been very highly regarded but many pundits opined that we were only likely to see the best of version of him as a gelding. Now that theory is ready to be put to the test and with just 52,5kgs to shoulder and Ashton Arries in the saddle, the Piet Steyn-trained inmate makes plenty of appeal from a handy draw.

But this is a quality renewal of the Variety Club Mile and there is a depth of talent amongst both the older brigade as well as the young turks. Let It Be Said is in very good form and Muzi Yeni has been engaged to ride Justin Snaith’s charge as the 3yo son of Vercingetorix attempts to complete a hattrick. Interestingly Let It Be Said beat Garrix by half-a-length in the maiden ranks over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville back in September and the pair meet again on the same terms. That was Garrix’s debut effort whereas Let It Be Said was having his fourth start and over the extra 350m there is every reason to believe Garrix may have the upper hand over Let It Be Said.

Rascallion and Magic Verse lead the charge for the more seasoned campaigners, but the former has it all to do under top weight of 61,5kgs and from the worst of the draw. But the evergreen 7yo, who won this race last year, brings solid form into the race and it would come as no surprise to anybody if Vaughan Marshall’s veteran again rose to the occasion under Andrew Fortune. Magic Verse looks well treated on 56kgs and based on the result of the Premiers Trophy he should comfortably have the measure of Rascallion at these weights. That said, Magic Verse appears to reserve his best performances for a slightly stiffer test of stamina than he gets here, but he no doubt warrants utmost respect.

Two other sons of Vercingetorix, The Grey King and Gallic Dream, have the ability and the form to make their presence felt. The Grey King was beaten nearly two lengths by Let It Be Said over 1400m in January but is now a massive 6,5kgs better off with his stable companion. That certainly brings him into the picture with a bright chance and Craig Zackey retains the ride. Gallic Dream has won his last two starts over 1400m and tackles the extra 200m for the first time in his career.

It’s a fascinating and competitive renewal of the Variety Club Mile but Garrix ticks many boxes and gets the vote to claim his first Stakes success.

The R200 000 Sweet Chestnut Stakes (Listed) (F&M) over 1400m is the supporting feature on the 10-race programme and for those whose memories don’t extend back many years, Sweet Chestnut was a brilliant filly trained by Mike Bass during the early days of his long and successful career. Mike’s daughter, Candice Bass-Robinson, is clearly intent on trying to win this year’s edition and comes with a five-pronged attack, the best of which could be Rainbow Lorikeet and Scarlet Macaw. If the latter reproduces her WSB Cape Fillies Guineas (Gr1) effort when runner-up behind Fatal Flaw, then the daughter of Horizon should prove a tough nut to crack under Andrew Fortune. Scarlet Macaw’s two subsequent below par efforts were recorded while Candice’s stable was struggling with a virus, and I am expecting a return to best form here. 

Rainbow Lorikeet has been a revelation this season but there is a hint she could find this trip a little on the sharp side although the daughter of Querari will be doing her best work late and could get into the mix on a rain softened track. Bass-Robinson also saddles the ultra-consistent Callmegetrix and the 4yo daughter of Vercingetorix faces the toughest test of her career to date. She will need to raise her game to come out on top, but Callmegetrix is all heart and will be thereabouts at the finish. Gold Poker Game and Kyalami Girl complete Candice’s quintet but are suspect over the trip and their stable mates are preferred.

From an inside gate, the Brett & James Crawford trained Princess Izzy cannot be overlooked as she is arguably at her very best over 1400m. It’s been more than a year since the daughter of Master Of My Fate found the winner’s enclosure, but she is very consistent and was a good second in the Prix Du Cap (Gr3) in her most recent outing. On official ratings Princess Izzy has a bit to find in this line-up but I would not be discounting her chances. Kinda Wonderful appreciated stepping up to 1800m last time when runner-up behind subsequent winner Give Me Everything and may be using this as a stepping stone into the final two legs of the Winter Series. But Eric Sands’ 3yo daughter of Gimmethegreenlight is talented and appears well handicapped here.

Lock And Key is an interesting runner. Trained by Glen Kotzen, Lock And Key won her first two starts before finishing unplaced in the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville last term and she makes her first appearance as a 3yo tomorrow. Kotzen reports that Lock And Key has had a few gallops coming into this race and “a competitive run” is expected. The 2025 Sweet Chestnut Stakes shapes up as a very competitive event but, without much confidence, I am in the camp of Scarlet Macaw and hopeful she can turn her form around. Exotic bet players though will need to cast their nets a little wider in this leg and perhaps rely on the progressive La Pulga as a banker in the 8^th race, a Middle Stakes over 1800m.

RACE 1

2 ASHIKULE stayed on powerfully behind Military Command on debut, he was still very green and managed to finish second behind a smart horse that went on to win the Cape Slipper, with form like that and with natural improvement on the cards, he will be very hard to beat here. 5 SPIRIT is a lovely colt, there is no doubt that he will mature into a nice horse with time, the yard thinks highly of this individual, he must be included into all bets. 11 DEMANDING DAVE showed good improvement from his first start into his second start, he should be finishing off his race strongly, watch him closely. 8 CALL OF THE KAROO has been rested for 77 days, he is much better than his last run, if he can put that poor performance behind him, he could sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 5 – 11 – 8)

RACE 2

12 MARKETA ran a super race on debut behind Cliffscape on the 22nd of March, she was drawn poorly at Hollywoodbets Durbanville and she still managed to run just three lengths behind the winner, there is no doubt that she will improve tons from that performance, watch her closely, she has a big winning chance. 1 UNA THE UNICORN improved nicely in her second start at the races behind Cliffscape, she will be stalking the speed early, and she will be storming home late, include her into all bets. 2 PARALEGAL ran a lovely second behind Jordash on the 11th of February, her form is good, she will be right there in the finish. 7 GOT THE LOOK was only beaten just over five lengths on debut, the form of that race has worked out well, she could sneak into the places at a big price. (Brandon Bailey: 12 – 1 – 2 – 7)

RACE 3

4 THINGAMABOB ran a fair race behind Wehaveasituation on the 26th of March, she was unfortunately drawn badly on that occasion which didn’t help her chances, now that she drops back in trip, she should have a good winning chance here. 9 CAPE CAPTAIN has improved nicely in her last two runs up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, the yard is in great form at the moment, she must have a good each way chance in this wide open race. 6 ALEX MILLER drops back in trip for this Open Maiden on Saturday afternoon, she never runs a bad race, this looks to be a good opportunity for her to exit the maiden ranks, include her into the play. 15 ALESSIA ASHEVILLE could be some decent value, she has been drawn terribly in her last two starts at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, and she has run two very nice races from those bad draws, with some luck in running on Saturday, she could absolutely trouble them all in the finish. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 9 – 6 – 15)

RACE 4

5 HERITAGE RIDGE has run two very good seconds in succession, she is gutsy and she tries hard, this looks to be the perfect race for her to exit the maiden ranks, she will be tough to beat. 2 TRIPPING THUNDER is as consistent as they come, he never runs a bad race, he will be on speed and should be in it for a long way, include him into all bets. 10 DIGBY has been rested for a long time, he ran a super race on debut behind Billy Cool, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he could certainly win a race like this. 11 IKO IKO has been rested for 298 days, his form is good, if he doesn’t need the run, he could be a major factor here. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 2 – 10 – 11)

RACE 5

8 KONNICHIWA stayed on strongly last time behind Bel Canto Dream, his last two runs have been very good, it’s not a straight forward race on paper, but he definitely has a good each way chance on Saturday. 4 GOLD DUST ran a terrific race behind Dubbelosix on the 5th of March, there is no doubt that he is improving with every start, he should get the run of the race from a good draw, include him into all bets. 2 VAPOUR TRAIL has been rested for 66 days, he is a two-year old taking on older horses which won’t be easy, but he is packed with ability and should love the step up in trip from a good draw. 1 SMART HORSE was well beaten last time behind Noble Hero, he could sneak into the places at best. It’s a tricky race, you will need to go wide in all your bets. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 4 – 2 – 1)

RACE 6

5 KINDA WONDERFUL stayed on exceptionally well behind the improving Give Me Everything in the Listed Cape Fillies Classic, she will be stalking the speed early and running on strongly late, she must have a good winning chance here. 3 PRINCESS IZZY ran a lovely race in the Grade 3 Prix Du Cap on the 22nd of February, she absolutely loves this trip of 1400m, from a good draw, she will be competitive and must be respected. 9 SCARLET MACAW is much better than her last run, ignore that poor performance, even though she is drawn awkwardly, she should appreciate dropping in trip and will be hitting the line hard late. 7 CALLMEGETRIX is as honest as they come, it will be a tough task for her to win, but she could earn some place money for the connections. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 3 – 9 – 7)

RACE 7

3 GARRIX was gelded on the 24th of February, he is undoubtedly one of the better three year old’s in the country, his form is excellent and he will love the drop in trip to 1600m, he will be very hard to beat. 4 ZAPATILLAS ran a much better race in the Listed Jet Master Stakes behind The Real Prince, he is a good looking sort packed with tons of ability, he is slowly starting to drop in the ratings, watch him closely, he should be right there in the finish on his best form. 9 LET IT BE SAID won well on the 8th of March at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he can be quite strong in his races, if he relaxes early and settles into a good rhythm, he could be competitive with no weight on his back. 5 BILLY BOWLEGS had no luck in running last time, he was taken up for a number of strides in the home straight, with a clear passage on Saturday, he could sneak into the places at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 4 – 9 – 5)

RACE 8

7 LA PULGA absolutely took off late to run a great race behind All Out For Six on the 16th of March, he was a long way back in running and really caught the eye late, he should love the step up in trip to 1800m, on his best form, he will be hard to beat here. 5 PINOT GRIGIO has been rested for 115 days, he is still improving with every start, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he could be a serious threat with no weight on his back. 8 RULE OF THUMB won well on the 8th of February at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he was given three points for that victory, he is a gutsy sort that tries hard, if the race works out for him, he could earn again in this competitive race. 3 FIBONACCI hasn’t won for a long time, he ran a fair race last time behind Legal Counsel, if he can improve from that performance, he will have a money chance. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 5 – 8 – 3)

RACE 9

7 KAIBOY is packed with ability, he ran a lovely second behind Symphony In White on the 26th of February, the yard have always spoken highly of this individual, he should get a good run in transit just behind the speed, and he will be low flying late. 9 ARCTIC WIZARD had no luck in running from a wide draw last time at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, ignore that run completely, he will be on speed and should run a cracker now that he is back up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. 1 ELUSIVE WINTER has been in excellent form of late, he is a real speedball, he looks to be maturing into a nice sprinter, this is the horse they will all need to fetch late, he must be respected. 8 NORDIC CHIEF quickened up smartly to win a good race on the 5th of March, he was given four points for that win, he must be included into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 9 – 1 – 8)

RACE 10         

7 THE US OF A has been rested and gelded, he is much better than his last run on the 25th of January, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will be super competitive on his best form. 8 PIROSHKA has dropped nicely in the ratings, his form of late has been very good, he could be some decent value in the lucky last. 11 RATTLESNAKE stayed on strongly late last time behind Peace Of Mind, if he gets the right run in transit, he will be hitting the line hard, include him into all bets. 16 PEACE OF MIND led the field from start to finish on the 16th of March, she won a good race, she was only given two points for that victory, with similar tactics here, she could be hard to fetch, watch her closely. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 8 – 11 – 16)

David Thiselton

The weather has been playing havoc with Highveld racing recently, but hopefully they will race today where the nine race meeting in honour of the Henneman disaster victims at Turffontein Standside is headed by the Mythical Flight Sprint over 1100m.

Buffalo Storm Cody looked like he owned the racecourse such was the impression he made in the preliminaries last time and he then stormed home an impressive winner by 8,25 lengths in the 1200m Graduation Plate. He looks worth his 102 merit rating and he has a draw towards the favourable side, five out of seven, with Gavin Lerena up. Mount Pinatubo beat the Specialist by 1.3 lengths last time out and is now 3kg worse off, but that was back in September last year. However, he has speed and class and could get away with the layoff over this trip. The Specialist has been disappointing since relocating to the Highveld, but might have benefited from a layoff of two months. Salenio Peninsula likely found the Gauteng Fillies Guineas too far last time and could be dangerous back at this trip off just a 95 merit rating. Bosum Buddy is a fair sort and could upset here if producing her best.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Huehuetenango won well in the maidens and has a reasonable merit rating of 79 and is well drawn over an ideal trip of 1800m. Ombudsman is knocking on the door and should enjoy the step-up in trip being by Flower Alley out of an Elusive Quality mare. Gamer has become consistent and will relish this trip from a good draw. Storm Ahead has drawn in pole and has a place chance in this line-up. Whistledown is capable of popping up.

In the fifth, a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1600m, Thunee Playa has likely been freshened up and his class can pull him through over a trip on the sharp side. Radicchio should enjoy this trip and is in fine form but does have a tricky draw. Musical Score bounced back with a good run last time and from a good draw with Gavin Lerena up should be involved. Navajo Nation has been running in stronger fields, but back in this company should have a chance from pole position. Zuzan won well last time but does have a tricky draw.

In the sixth over 1000m Yamadori is in good form and should be involved in the finish from a nice draw of five out of seven. Cosmic Star is drawn towards the right side and has a form chance. Chyavana has plenty of ability and coming back from a rest over this trip should not pose too much of a problem.

In the eighth over 1800m Doitwithdiamonds is in fine form and this courageous sort only just failed last time but can make amends here over a suitable trip, although the draw of five out of seven is tricky. Miss Scaletta won well over 1600m last time and should enjoy this trip. Mary’s Greenlight has pole position and is the sort  who needs a good draw so could be involved. Rani Of Kittur can earn if bouncing back from a disappointing run last time. Juliet Tango is capable of being involved here from a nice draw of three.

In the last race over 1800m Free In Seattle  is knocking on the door and over a suitable trip from a good draw should go close. Flamboyant Flyer is drawn in pole and with Piere Strydom up should be right there.  Lapis Lazuli won a good race last time and looks to be on the up so could earn here. Key Worker is a capable sort and should be in the shake up. Wearingofthegreen is a maiden but sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and can’t be ignored.

In the first leg of the Bipot Aristotle and Grand Crescendo have class and should fight it out.

In the first leg of the PA Art Nouveau, Jinger Jam and City Lights should fight it out.

In the first race Littlemisssplendid could fight it out with the well bred Jingleberry.

RACE 1     

1 LITTLEMISSSPLENDID 5 JINGLEBERRY 6 MATCHA MINT 7 RED CARAMEL

Preview: 1 LITTLEMISSSPLENDID made a good debut behind a good sort and then won well second time out over this course and distance and she has a chance from a nice high draw despite having to give 3kg to the rest of the runners. 5 JINGLEBERRY is by Gimmethegreenlight out of a Western Winter mare who comes from a strong family. 6 MATCHA MINT is by Gimmethegreenlight out of a Fastnet Rock mare. 7 RED CARAMEL has shown some ability and has the standside draw. (David Thiselton 1-5-6-7)

RACE 2     

1 ARISTOTLE 4 GRAND CRESCENDO 5 SALUTE THE FLAG 2 GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE

Preview: 1 ARISTOTLE has plenty of class and went close over 1600 metres last time and should also enjoy this trip despite being bred for further, but does have a tricky draw. 4 GRAND CRESCENDO is much better than his last start and with Gavin Lerena now up he should bounce back over a trip which should suit. 5 SALUTE THE FLAG can also do better than last time and will enjoy the step down in trip. 2 GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE is ideally distance suited and has a middle draw but does come off a disappointing run in the Hawaii Stakes. (David Thiselton 1-4-5-2)

RACE 3     

1 ART NOUVEAU 8 JINGER JAM 7 CITY LIGHTS 2 ARTIC SILVER

Preview: 1 ART NOUVEAU made a good Highveld debut for the Peter yard over a trip which was likely too sharp, so she will enjoy the step-up and trip here, although she was due to run in midweek and it remains to be seen whether she’ll line up here. 8 JINGER JAM choked up last time and was pulled up, but in her previous race she looked likely to run second before being squeezed out between another horse and the rail, so she has a much better chance here than her form suggests. 7 CITY LIGHTS  is a long time maiden but is usually thereabouts and could be again in this line-up. 2 ARTIC SILVER should enjoy the step-up in trip being out of a Silvano mare and she has drawn well. (David Thiselton 1-8-7-2)

RACE 4     

3 HUEHUETENANGO 2 OMBUDSMAN 8 GAMER 7 STORM AHEAD

Preview: 3 HUEHUETENANGO won well in the maidens and has a reasonable merit rating of 79 and is well drawn over an ideal trip. 2 OMBUDSMAN is knocking on the door and should enjoy the step-up in trip. 8 GAMER has become consistent and will relish this trip from a good draw.7 STORM AHEAD has drawn in pole and has a place chance in this line-up. (David Thiselton 3-2-8-7)

RACE 5     

1 THUNEE PLAYA 2 RADICCHIO 4 MUSICAL SCORE 3 NAVAJO NATION

Preview: 1 THUNEE PLAYA has class and should do well here as he has likely been freshened up and this trip is on the sharp side. 2 RADICCHIO should enjoy this trip and is in fine form but does have a tricky draw. 4 MUSICAL SCORE bounced back with a good run last time and from a good draw with Gavin Lerena up, he should be involved. 3 NAVAJO NATION has been running in stronger fields, but back in this company should have a chance from pole position. (David Thiselton 1-2-4-3) 

RACE 6     

8 YAMADORI 4 COSMIC STAR 6 CHYAVANA

8 YAMADORI is in good form and should be also involved in the finish. 4 COSMIC STAR is drawn towards the right side and can be involved in the finish. 6 CHYAVANA has plenty of ability and coming back from a rest over this trip should not pose too much of a problem. (David Thiselton 8-4-6)

RACE 7     

2 BUFFALO STORM CODY 1 MOUNT PINATUBO 4 THE SPECIALIST 5 SALENIO PENINSULA

Preview: 2 BUFFALO STORM CODY impressed last time and should also make a bold bid. 1 MOUNT PINATUBO beat the Specialist by 1.3 lengths last time but is now 3kg worse off. 4 THE SPECIALIST has plenty of ability and could have benefitted from a lay off. 5 SALENIO PENINSULA could earn in this line up from a high draw. (David Thiselton 2-1-4-5)

RACE 8     

3 DOITWITHDIAMONDS 2 MISS SCALETTA 1 MARY’S GREENLIGHT 4 RANI OF KITTUR

Preview: 3 DOITWITHDIAMONDS is in fine form and only just failed last time but can make amends here over a suitable trip. 2 MISS SCALETTA won well over 1600m last time and should enjoy this trip. 1 MARY’S GREENLIGHT has number 1 draw and this is a sort who needs a good draw so could be involved. 4 RANI OF KITTUR can earn if bouncing back from a disappointing run last time. (David Thiselton 3-2-1-4)

RACE 9     

9 FREE IN SEATTLE 3 FLAMBOYANT FLYE 10 LAPIS LAZULI 4 KEY WORKER

Preview: 9 FREE IN SEATTLE  is knocking on the door and over a suitable trip from a good draw should go close. 3 FLAMBOYANT FLYER is drawn in pole and with Piere Strydom up should be right there.  10 LAPIS LAZULI won a good race last time and looks to be on the up so could earn here. 4 KEY WORKER is a capable sort and should be in the shake up. (David Thiselton 9-3-10-4)

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