Andrew Harrison

If Sunday’s three-year-old features at Hollywoodbets Scottsville  were a dress rehearsal for Saturday, May 31, they were more like scattering the pieces of a thousand piece puzzle than providing any solid pointers to the possible outcomes of the Gr1 Gold Medallion or the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship.

Some mitigation was that the going was posted as soft and the usual ‘highway’ up the inside rail appeared to be a touch softer than the rest of the track.

When Corne Spies raids Hollywoodbets Scottsville it is always worth taking notice and the fact that he decided to let Elegantrix take on what looked to be a strong contingent of males in the Gr3 Tote Godolphin Barb Stakes should have rung some warning bells.

Spies has always rated his filly in spite of drawing blanks in two Highveld features but on Sunday she showed plenty of pace under Gavin Lerena and kept finding to the line to hold off a determined challenge from Good For You with the blinkered Malmesbury Missile a well-beaten third.

Favourite Military Command showed early pace before dropping back while both I’m A Fireball and Fortress Of Fire seemed to show an aversion to the ground on the inside rail. All three runners were subject to veterinary scrutiny but nothing untoward was detected.

Quickstepgal is a filly with a lot of class about her. She was all over the place on debut, finishing down the field behind Polar Light, but smashed them second time out, strolling home by nearly six lengths. That transformed into an excellent victory in the Gr3 Tote Strelitzia Stakes and Tienie Prinsloo will surely have her sights set for the Allan Robertson. 

Game in defeat was the strapping Mike Miller-trained grey Captain’s Envy who pushed the winner all the way to the line and the extra 100m of the Allan Robertson will be right up her alley. 

Disappointments in the race were Wild Wild Green and Keukenhof. Dean Kannemeyer’s filly showed early pace before fading out of it and Wild Wild Green, who went off favourite, never got in a blow. Both fillies raced up the inside rail and both jockey’s reporting something amiss and not persevering. The course vets found nothing out of the ordinary.

Mai Sensation rounded off the afternoon features as JP van der Merwe threaded Lucinda Woodruff’s filly through the traffic to catch the smart Asiye Phambili a few jumps before the line. It was an excellent win by Mai Sensation as she had it all to do getting past horses with the field bunching up the centre of the track as they shifted away from the inside going. It was also a superb effort from Asiye Phambili, back with Duncan Howells after a successful Cape raid, who gave the winner all of 8.5kg and Sean Veale getting this reins tangled. The two will possibly meet again in the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint which is run at WFA so there will be a big turn around in the weights. 

Earlier in the day a gamble on the Andre Nel-trained O’Tenikwa was landed, albeit by the narrowest of margins. Supported in from an opening call of 16-1 to start 33-10, it was a three-way dash to the line with O’Tenikwa squeaking home a nose ahead of the tremendously game and consistent Fastnet Filly with Luhamba Phambili a further short-head back in third.

Favourite Teflon Man may well have been another victim of the going as he failed to quicken with stable companion Outlaw King finishing fourth. A runner who may be worth following is fifth-placed King Of The Gauls  who showed vast improvement on his Cape form. With this run under his girth a crack at the Gr2 Golden Horse must be on the cards. 

RACE 1     

1 DYLAN’S CHAMP 2 HIGHVELD STORM 4 ASIAN DELIGHT 6 NEW LIFE

Preview: 1 DYLAN’S CHAMP should enjoy this course and distance and is the form choice. 2 HIGHVELD STORM went close over 1200 meters last time and should be in the shake-up.4 ASIAN DELIGHT has shown some ability and could earn. 6 NEW LIFE made a fair debut and should improve. (David Thiselton 1-2-4-6)

RACE 2     

4 BILINGUAL 2 PANTHERA UNCIA 3 EMPRESS WU 8 BRIGHT AND BRAZEN

Preview: 4 BILINGUAL runs over her best trip and on her best form she has a chance. 2 PANTHERA UNCIA has only got a head to find on Bilingual on their last meeting. 3 EMPRESS WU is never far off them and could be in the shake-up. 8 BRIGHT AND BRAZEN has faced stronger fields than this without being disgraced and could upset. (David Thiselton 4-2-3-8)

RACE 3     

7 SYLVAN WARRIOR 1 RINGHO 5 ACT ON SNOW 3 JET QUERARI

Preview: 7 SYLVAN WARRIOR went close last time over this trip and with Phenisile Monqawa up is the one to beat.1 RINGHO has only got 0,3 lengths to make up on Sylvan Warrior from that race. 5 ACT ON SNOW was not far off them and could earn again. 3 JET QUERARI has run two fair races and (6:45) could still improve although he does return from a layoff. (David Thiselton 7-1-5-3)

RACE 4     

1 ON A JET PLANE 6 LAVA LAMP 2 INTRO 8 LADY NOIR

Preview: 1 ON A JET PLANE only just failed last time and could make amends here. 6 LAVA LAMP was only, was just over a length behind On A Jet Plane last time and should be in the shake-up. 2 INTRO disappointed last time but on previous form should be right there. 8 LADY NOIR has shown some ability and did quite well over this distance category last time. (David Thiselton 1-6-2-8)

RACE 5     

1 ROYAL MIRACLE 9 TWO FOR THE BOYS 5 CHIEFTAIN’S SHIELD 4 MYSTIC VISION

Preview: 1 ROYAL MIRACLE is distance suited and a repeat of his last run should see him go close. 9 TWO FOR THE BOYS ran a cracker last time over 1400 meters with first time blinkers on and he has a fine chance with Sam Mosia up. 5 CHIEFTAIN’S SHIELD is an honest sort who should be running on. 4 MYSTIC VISION improved last time over 1400m and actually beat Two For The Boys by 1, 2 lengths so a repeat of that run could see him  involved. (David Thiselton 1-9-5-4)

RACE 6     

3 JINGER JAM 1 ARTIC SILVER 2 LUNAR RAINBOW 4 AMBER EYES

Preview: 3 JINGER JAM has shown glimpses of ability and if bringing her best here she can go close from pole under Phenisile Monqawa. 1 ARTIC SILVER s knocking on the door and should enjoy the course and distance from a good draw. 2 LUNAR RAINBOW ran a cracker last time and beat Ginger Jam in that contest by 2, 2 lengths over 1800 meters but before that she was well beaten over this trip. 4 AMBER EYES was not disgraced last time and could earn. (David Thiselton 3-1-2-4)

RACE 7     

5 BLURRED VISION 1 SANTIAGO’S PRIDE 4 GIFT OF ROYAL 3 BRIGHAM

Preview: 5 BLURRED VISION has earned in two of his last three starts and from a good draw over a suitable trip he could be the one to beat. 1 SANTIAGO’S PRIDE has run three places in eight starts and will enjoy the course and distance. 4 GIFT OF ROYAL has been right there in his last three starts and he should be distance suited and is well drawn for an in-form yard. 3 BRIGHAM should finish on top of Gift of Royal based on their last start in which he beat Gift of Royal by 0.3 lengths although he had a better draw than the latter then. (David Thiselton 5-1-4-3)

RACE 8     

1 SAUDI SWEEP 2 LIKE A PRAYER 5 POTATO SALAD 9 SASHA LEE

Preview: 1 SAUDI SWEEP has run well in his last two starts and looks the one to beat over a suitable trip. 2 LIKE A PRAYER has shown some ability and could be in the shake-up here. 5 POTATO SALAD has shown glimpses of ability and can earn in this contest. 9 SASHA LEE looks to be improving and could be in the shake-up here with second time blinkers on. (David Thiselton 1-2-5-9)

David Thiselton

There is a nine race meeting on the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf today which should give an opportunity for the shrewd to make a profit. 

The rains have made it difficult to get horses to peak fitness, but those who have had recent runs or whose records show they run well fresh can be at an advantage. 

In the first over 1000m Treasure Island is an obvious form pick out of the three to have run, but has the widest draw of all in the eight horse field. Alakazam by Rafeef is a half sister to the decent Gr 3 winner Strawberry Bear and from draw three makes most appeal of the first-timers. 

In the second over 1600m, an Open Maiden, White Seahorse has been in hard knocking form since arriving in KZN from the Cape and the same can be said for El Capitan, but they both have wide draws, although White Seahorse gets weight from El Capitan and is preferred. O Space O has a wide draw, but makes most appeal of the others on form. 

The third is also a tricky open maiden, but Sheezarocker could be the one to beat having gone close last time to Royal Mermaid from a wide draw and now getting weight from the latter. Royal Mermaid should be right there too, despite having to carry topweight. 

In the fourth over 1800m Twilight Warrior was not disgraced in three maiden events in Cape Town and on breeding he should relish the trip, so from pole position this maiden is a shrewd entry off a 69 merit rating. Animal Impact won well over course and distance last time, but has a five point raise to overcome. Sweeter Than Honey could be in the shake up.

In the fifth over 2200m Kadizora is knocking hard and is drawn well over a suitable trip. Saxon Dynasty could be the danger off an 84 merit rating first time out the maidens as his maiden win has been franked. 

In the sixth over 1600m TheSupernovaStar looks ideally distance suited and has a fair draw and with a 4kg claimer up she could go close. The consistent English Primrose deserves a win and has drawn well, although the drop in trip might not suit. Fireburst should be right there, although she has to overcome a tricky draw.

In the seventh over 1600m Princess Palace is knocking on the door and should be able to handle the trip. Giver’s Grace is in fine form and Fortune is up, but the trip is on the sharp side. Forward Motion is in good form and Yeni will help overcome the draw over an ideal trip.

In the eighth over 1000m Purple Powahouse is knocking on the door and could get it right with in form Sean Veale up. WhereverIlaymyhat is interesting dropped to 1000m and Averni Princess should be thereabouts.

In the ninth over 1200m Glamorz is knocking hard and Yeni rides from a middle draw over an ideal trip. Blush Of Dawn only has to overcome a three point raise for her last win and is drawn in pole. Heirloom is also only three points higher for her win and has a nice draw.    

Graeme Hawkins

Cape Racing hosts the Public Holiday race meeting today with a 9-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, headed by the R125 000 Perfectly Placed Middle Stakes (F&M) over 1200m. In-form Candice Bass-Robinson holds a strong hand and there is precious little to choose between her charges Babelicious (Andrew Fortune) and Trip To Maputo (Louis Mxothwa) on the evidence of their meeting over the same course and distance on 11 February.

Trip To Maputo emerged victorious on that occasion with a very narrow win over Miss World and Babelicious and the latter is now 0,5kg worse off. That suggests that Trip To Maputo could again have the edge over her stable companion but I fancy that the younger Babelicious has more improvement to come and with Andrew Fortune riding up a storm, the 3yo daughter of Var could turn the tables on Trip To Maputo.

Miss World re-opposes here and is favourably weighted to score a well overdue second career victory. Corne Orffer has a good record aboard the 3yo daughter of One World and although it has been more than a year since her maiden victory, Miss World has run many creditable races in defeat and is clearly a leading light in this 9-strong field. Trainer Greg Ennion has endured one of those frustrating runs that every stable goes through but the wheel is starting to turn and Miss World could bring about a change of fortune for the yard.

Back At The George was a fluent winner of her last start but seems well held by Babelicious on previous form but the ever-dangerous Miss Marguerite cannot be lightly overlooked. She ran fourth behind Trip To Maputo, Miss World and Babelicious on 11 February, beaten less than a length, and a repeat of that effort will see the 5yo daughter of Master Of My Fate make her presence felt. Worldcraft showed tremendous potential as a 2yo, winning two of her three starts when claiming the scalps of the talented Roccapina and Babelicious. But she has not been since June last year and could need the run although trainer Vaughan Marshall reports that she is showing “good work at home and rates a place chance.” The market may be the best guide as to what to expect from Worldcraft.

Dark Winter and Winter Rainfall have outside chances of reaching the frame but Royals returns from an injury-enforced spell on the side-lines and is likely to need this run and perhaps a touch further. It all adds up to being an interesting and competitive event but I am marginally in the camp of Babelicious to come ahead of Miss World and Trip to Maputo while both Miss Marguerite and Worldcraft must be considered for larger Jackpot and Pick 6 perms.

The most interesting runner at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday is without doubt the 2yo Madra Rua (Ire) who makes his debut in the opening event, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m. Bred in Ireland to Southern Hemisphere time, Madra Rua is by the sensational Frankel out of the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship winner Run Fox Run (Aus) – a stallion’s pedigree if ever there was one! Madra Rua was bred at the Kieswetter’s Barnane Stud in Templemore, County Tipperary, and races here for the partnership of Ridgemont and Devin Heffer. Trained by Brett and James Crawford, Madra Rua (which literally translates to “Red Dog”, but is a synonym for the Sionnach Fox) debuts under Richard Fourie and his progress will be keenly monitored. Interestingly Hollywood Racing has Black Eagle, a regally bred son of Rafeef making his debut, and Vaughan Marshall reports that he is showing good work at home. In fact, ten of the thirteen runners that have accepted for the opener are stepping out for the first time which should make for an interesting and active betting market as race time approaches.

The Crawford team could also strike with Real Stunner in the third race and opening leg of the Place Accumulator. Although limited, Real Stunner brings the best form into the race but watch out for good improvement by the lightly raced juveniles Sierra Sagrada and Exalted Love, who was gelded after his last start in February. Boogiefied (Aus) will be the popular choice in the fifth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1400m. The 4yo son of Justify has come into his own since being given a chance to mature and a three-point penalty for his last win is unlikely to hamper his progress. Tout A Fait is a class-dropper and could get into the fray under Andrew Fortune but Boogified appears to have scope for further improvement and is in receipt of 3kgs.

Dubbelosix looks the part in the seventh race, a Cape C Stakes over 1800m, although a much better effort should be forthcoming from Express Yourself who was sacrificed as a pacemaker in the Grade 1 Splashout Cape Derby in February. He does have 64kgs to shoulder but should benefit from a more patient ride from Craig Zackey. The ninth race is a trappy Class 5 Handicap (F&M) over 1200m in which the Bass-Robinson pair, Poetic Princess and Cliffscape, and the Marshall-trained Becky Sharp make most appeal, but an upset result cannot be ruled out.

Durban, South Africa – The countdown has begun! The 129th edition of Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacular, the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ), is set to take place on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. As the most anticipated fixture on South Africa’s racing calendar, the event seamlessly blends world-class horse racing with high fashion, entertainment, and a memorable social experience.

Staying true to the theme of “Marvels of Mzansi,” this year’s racing extravaganza promises an iconic line-up of South African talent, featuring a diverse array of artists set to captivate all attendees throughout the day. The national anthem will be beautifully performed by one of the country’s leading songstresses – look out for the reveal in May. With these performances, the thousands of attendees expected at Hollywoodbets Greyville will have a memorable experience. Stay tuned for the full artist line-up. All ticket holders can look forward to a day filled with live entertainment that will be talked about for years to come, as this year’s HDJ celebrates Mzansi’s vibrant spirit. 

Tickets for this outstanding event are now officially on sale via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za). Priced at R230 for general admission, your ticket grants access to a day of thrilling racing action, live entertainment, fashion showcases, gourmet food experiences, and an array of engaging activations from event partners. For added convenience, onsite parking is available for R170 per vehicle.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP hospitality packages provide exclusive access to luxurious enclosures, premium viewing areas, and top-tier catering. These options can be explored on the official event website (www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za). Please note that VIP hospitality packages do not include general admission tickets, which must be purchased separately via Ticketpro.

This year’s theme, “Marvels Of Mzansi”, was unveiled in late February, marking the official commencement of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience, presented by Durban Fashion Fair. The fashion programme includes the much-anticipated HDJ Young Designer Award, showcasing the best up-and-coming talents from KwaZulu-Natal. The winners will share the spotlight with the HDJ Invited Designers and DFF Rising Stars at the HDJ Fashion Preview Gala, set to take place at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in late June.

Racing enthusiasts can also look forward to the announcement of the first official entrants on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. With last year’s champion, Oriental Charm, emerging as the early ante-post favourite, excitement is already building. 

Secure your tickets today and experience Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July!