David Thiselton

There is an eight race meeting at Turffontein Inside today and in the highest rated race, a MR99 handicap over 1450m, the classy We Are The Logans could follow up on his win last time out.

The Tony Peter-trained Flying The Flag four-year-old showed his class early in his career when finishing a 4.30 length third to Sandringham Summit and Main Defender in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Premiers Champion Stakes over 1600m at Holltywoodbets Greyville. He then went off the boil and had a highly disappointing three-year-old campaign. However, off a merit rating that had dropped to 85 he has come back to form this season. Last time out over 1400m was the first time he had been ridden by Gavin Lerena and the key to him might have been found in that outing. Lerena left him alone for the first half of the race and when he eventually delivered him he had plenty in the tank and won easing up by 2,25 lengths in the small five horse field. He was raised five points but has a fair draw and Lerena will likely use the same tactics from a tricky draw of six of nine. The Sean Tarry-trained Willow Express has been in good form, winning three of his last five starts. He came from last time out over 1600m and won comfortably after producing a strong finish. He could be dropped out from a wide draw here and try and do the same, although he is off a six point higher merit rating. The Futurist will be interesting on this tight track because he is capable of setting a strong gallop and staying on. Southern Blaze has won three of his last four including his last two but in his hattrick bid he has to overcome a four point raise and a wide draw. A wide draw did not stop him last time when dropped out to last over 1400m and running on and on a line through Pressonregardless he has We Are The Logans well beaten. However, he has not raced since August 10, so there is a concern he might need this. Run For Cover has a good draw over a suitable trip and can’t be ignored.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Dance King  looks the one to beat having finished just 3,25 lengths behind the promising Heather’s Boy last time when stepped up to 1450m and he now has a good draw over a 1600m trip he should enjoy. Milan’s World was stepped up to this trip in his third career start in July and ran a fair race. He might have benefited from the layoff and is drawn in pole with Piere Strydom up. Jabberwocky, Gamer and Spy Story could all earn if reproducing their best performances.

In the second leg of the Pick 6 over 2000m Quello Che is in good form and now tries a step up to a trip she has failed over before. She is by Querari out of a Gimmethegreenlight mare who won over 1400m and was tried up to 2400m, while her second dam won over 2000m and is a half-sister to July runner up Young Rake, so there is hope she will get the trip and she does not have a lot to beat. Fetching Flyer is in good form and being out of a Silvano mare might enjoy the step up in trip. Perform is capable of a strong finish and could earn here. Lunar Rainbow ran well when stepped up to 1800m last time. African Beauty has shown some ability and could be the surprise package.

In the fifth race over 2600m Battleground has the class to go in. This is his second outing since winning the PE Gold Cup over 3200m and he should have come on from his last start. Twenty Drachmas has plenty of ability as a stayer and could start coming into his own. Mambo Come Tesio could be in the shake up too.

In the sixth over 1450m Pressonregardless ran well last time against We Are The Logans and now has a plum draw. Theres A Light ran a good race over 1200m first time out the maidens and should enjoy the step up in trip. Ombudsman won his maiden well when stepped up to 1600m and should also enjoy this slightly shorter trip. Salute The Flag is a capable sort returning from a layoff. Doitwithdiamonds has a tricky draw but is in fine form and can’t be ignored.

In the last race over 1600m Chestnut Bomber could prove hard to beat as he should have come on from his last two starts and he is well drawn over an ideal trip. This runner heralds the reunion of the Johan Janse van Vuuren/Gavin Lerena partnership.

In the first race over 1000m, the first leg of the Bipot, Bilingual has a good opportunity as she has some form and faces an uninspiring field from a good draw.

In the second race over 1000m, the first leg of the PA, Rondebosch looks to have plenty of ability so could overcome a layoff of close to five months and a wide draw to go close. However, Let’s Play Poker and Kwagga Blitz should also be included.

Graeme Hawkins

Double Grand Slam makes her seasonal debut in today’s headliner at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, the R180 000 Prestige Plate over 1400m, and the daughter of Vercingetorix is widely expected to kick off her 4yo campaign on a high note. Double Grand Slam is arguably at her best over 1400m having registered four of her five career victories over this trip and she should prove too sharp for Red Palace who ranks as the principal danger to Justin Snaith’s charge.

Double Grand Slam was last seen in July when finishing third behind Humdinger in the Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes (Gr1) over 1600m, prior to which she ran out a comfortable winner over Humdinger in the Tibouchina Stakes (Gr2) over 1400m.

Red Palace finished about a length behind Double Grand Slam in the Garden Province before going on to record a facile victory in the 2000m Gold Bracelet (Gr2) at the end of July. Red Palace has yet to win over any distance less than 1600m, but she is packed with class and is unbeaten from two starts at the country course. I suspect though that Double Grand Slam, who has an equally impressive record at Durbanville, may prove too quick for Red Palace and is the confident first choice to land the spoils.

The R165 000 Cape A Stakes over 1800m, billed as the second event on the 10-race programme, has attracted a small but competitive six-horse line-up which sees Rapidash and stable companion Pacaya renew rivalry. In early September Rapidash denied Pacaya over the same track and trip by the narrowest of margins but is now as much as 3,5kgs worse off at the weights which certainly points to Pacaya as the possible winner. But as the ante-post market suggests, this is by no means a two-horse affair and Future Swing, Love Is A Rose and Otto Luyken all come into the reckoning with bright chances.

Grant Van Niekerk retains the ride on Rapidash but interestingly Richard Fourie is aboard Future Swing rather than Pacaya who will be partnered for the first time by Craig Zackey. Both Pacaya and Future Swing are past winners of the World Sports Betting Greyville 1900 (Gr2) and will no doubt have the R5-million WSB Cape Town Met at the end of January on their radar. But tomorrow they probably all have most to fear from Love Is A Rose who appears very well handicapped here and has an undeniable chance of overturning her five male rivals with just 52kgs to shoulder.

Cork Bay should get punters off to a flying start in the opening event, a Maiden Plate over 1000m, and rates one of the better bets on the card. Stable companion Shipindani is improving steadily but Andre Nel’s stable jockey Corne Orffer has opted for Cork Bay and the promising 3yo son of Rafeef should prove too good for his eight rivals.

The Fourie/Snaith combination are worth following in races five and six. Fourie partners Song To The Moon in the fifth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m, and the 4yo son of What A Winter comes into the race with solid credentials. He ran on strongly from a hopeless draw last time to finish second behind shock winner Devil A Saint and he could again confirm that form with the ante-post favourite Industrialstrength who finished just behind Song To The Moon.

Legal Counsel looks a useful sort in the making and he could make a winning Handicap debut in the sixth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m. He won his Maiden over 1400m at the only the second time of asking and the 3yo son of Legislate will appreciate the step up in trip. Legal Counsel bumps several well performed older hard knockers, but he looks to have a touch of class and could be equal to the task. Dawn Till Dusk and Dalmeny Factor are improving 3yo’s but I fancy that Legal Counsel will have their measure.

The talented Sahara Cat makes her first appearance as a 3yo in the 10^th race, a Middle Stakes (F&M) over 1000m, with a 9-point higher rating than Be Merry who has recently won her last two starts over track and trip. Be Merry has match fitness on her side but Sahara Cat has shown her best form over the minimum trip and from pole position could prove a tough nut to crack.

RACE 1     

2 BILINGUAL 10 PREDATRICE 4 CYBER SPIRIT 1 GOLDEN ARGO

Preview: 2 BILINGUAL has a good opportunity in this uninspiring race. 10 PREDATRICE is by New Predator out of a one time winning More Than Ready mare and wouldn’t have to be a star to win here. 4 CYBER SPIRIT has shown some form and has a chance here. 1 GOLDEN ARGO could earn in this line up. (David Thiselton 2-10-4-1)

RACE 2     

7 RONDEBOSCH 1 LETS PLAY POKER 5 KWAGGA BLITZ 6 DWIGHT EISENHOWER

Preview: 7 RONDEBOSCH has a wide draw but looks to have plenty of ability and is well bred so could still do it. 1 LETS PLAY POKER is knocking on the door and from a fair draw has a shout. 5 KWAGGA BLITZ also has the form to be a contender. 6 DWIGHT EISENHOWER could earn if repeating his last run. (David Thiselton 7-1-5-6)

RACE 3     

5 DANCE KING 7 MILAN’S WORLD 1 JABBERWOCKY 2 GAMER

Preview: 5 DANCE KING was not far off against two promising types last time and is on the up. 7 MILAN’S WORLD ran a fair race last time when stepped up to this trip and should be in the shake up. 1 JABBERWOCKY can be involved if repeating his last start. 2 GAMER has the ability to earn here. (David Thiselton 5-7-1-2)

RACE 4     

2 QUELLO CHE 3 FETCHING FLYER 1 PERFORM 5 LUNAR RAINBOW

Preview: 2 QUELLO CHE 3 is in good form and tries a step up in trip which he is not sure to enjoy but a fair draw will help. 3 FETCHING FLYER is in good form and being out of a Silvano mare might enjoy the step up in trip.1 PERFORM is capable of a strong finish and could earn here. 5 LUNAR RAINBOW ran well when stepped up to 1800m last time. (David Thiselton 2-3-1-5)

RACE 5     

3 BATTLEGROUND 2 TWENTY DRACHMA’S 4 MAMBO COME TESIO 5 KADIZORA

Preview: 3 BATTLEGROUND has some class and stays well and would have come on from his last start. 2 TWENTY DRACHMA’S found one better last time but is an improving stayer and could go close. 4 MAMBO COME TESIO stays and should be in the shake up. 5 KADIZORA is not far off Mambo Come Tesio on form. (David Thiselton 3-2-4-5)   

RACE 6     

3 PRESSONREGARDLESS 4 THERES A LIGHT 6 OMBUDSMAN 1 SALUTE THE FLAG

Preview: 3 PRESSONREGARDLESS ran second to a good sort over this trip category last time and is now well drawn. 4 THERES A LIGHT ran a good race over 1200m first time out the maidens and should enjoy the step up in trip. 6 OMBUDSMAN won his maiden well when stepped up to 1600m and should also enjoy this slightly shorter trip. 1 SALUTE THE FLAG is a capable sort returning from a layoff. (David Thiselton 3-4-6-1)

RACE 7     

2 WE ARE THE LOGANS 6 WILLOW EXPRESS 1 THE FUTURIST 8 SOUTHERN BLAZE

Preview: 2 WE ARE THE LOGANS showed his class last time and looks to have more to come. 6 WILLOW EXPRESS won well in his last two but does have a six point raise to overcome. 1 THE FUTURIST could be dangerous from the front. 8 SOUTHERN BLAZE is going for a hattrick but does have a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 2-6-1-8)

RACE 8 

3 CHESTNUT BOMBER 8 FIREBURST 2 KUDZU 5 FUSHIMI INARI    

Preview: 3 CHESTNUT BOMBER has gone close in both starts out the maidens and should enjoy the step up in trip and has a plum draw. 8 FIREBURST won well third time out and starts off on a competitive looking merit rating over a suitable trip from a good draw. 2 KUDZU was in good form before a layoff and might run well fresh over a trip on the sharp side. 5 FUSHIMI INARI tries a drop in trip and could earn. (David Thiselton 3-8-2-5)

RACE 1

4 CORK BAY moved up extremely well in his last start to run a cracking second, there is no doubt that he will get the run of the race from a good draw, and he will be very hard to beat here. 1 SHIPINDANI should improve quite a bit from her last start, her comeback run behind Alltheboysiveloved was very good, watch her closely from a neat draw in this race. 6 GOOD SHINE ran a fair race last time in a strong maiden plate, there have already been two direct winners from that form line, he drops in trip to 1000m which should unlock further improvement. 9 GIMMEATHRILL comes back to the races after a small break of 86 days, he ran a lovely race on debut from a wide draw behind Walk With Me, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he could sneak into Quartets. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 1 – 6 – 9)

RACE 2

2 PACAYA had absolutely no luck in his last start behind Mount Anderson in the Friendly City Stakes, from a good draw in a small field here, there should be no excuses for this gelding, on his best form he will be tough to beat in a competitive race. 1 RAPIDASH has been in great form of late, if the race works out for him, he can finish powerfully, include him into all bet types. 3 FUTURE SWING has been rested for 83 days, this race will be the start of his Summer Festival campaign, he is packed with class, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will make them all work for victory. 6 OTTO LUYKEN unfortunately didn’t have the race work out for him last time, he ideally wants some cover early and then runs on strongly late, he must have a good Quartet chance, the yard is in great form as well. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 3 – 6)

RACE 3

5 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM has been rested for 105 days, she is a top filly that will take all the beating here. There is no doubt that she might just need the run, but her class should prevail in this small field. 6 RED PALACE wrapped up her KwaZulu-Natal campaign in style when beating Saartjie in the Grade 2 Gold Bracelet at Hollywoodbets Greyville, she is a lovely big striding filly that wants to race up on speed, this might be on the short side for her, but if she gets cheap sectionals up in front, she will be hard to peg back, include her into all bets. 1 PRINCESS IZZY never runs a bad race, she is very consistent, from a good draw she must have a place chance. 4 TIME FOR LOVE should appreciate the drop in trip, she might be able to sneak into the places at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 6 – 1 – 4)

RACE 4

4 DOUBLE DASH ran a terrific race last time in a big field behind a very nice sort, the step up in trip should unlock further improvement, she will go very close to winning from a good draw. 6 LAVENDER BAY ran a super race last time from a wide draw here at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, on her most recent form, she must have a good each way chance. 8 POCKET DIAL will appreciate the step up in trip to 1600m again, she finished her race off strongly last time behind My Only Weakness, watch her closely late. 10 LOTUS ISLAND improved nicely last time when stepping up in trip from a bad draw, with the right run in transit here, she must have a good winning chance. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 6 – 8 – 10)

RACE 5

7 SONG TO THE MOON must have a massive winning chance here, he unfortunately hasn’t had much luck with draws of late, from a decent enough draw in this race, he will be storming home late. 8 INDUSTRIALSTRENGTH ran a huge race last time behind Devil A Saint, it was his first run in the Western Cape at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he will be a lot more streetwise now, watch for sharp improvement from him. 1 LA PULGA comes back to the races from a rest and gelding, he won extremely well on the 3rd of August, with natural improvement on the cards from a good draw and stepping up in trip, he should be amongst the places. 3 ALL ABOUT RONNIE ran a much better race in his last start, if he can build on that performance, he could be one for the Quartets. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 8 – 1 – 3)

RACE 6

1 RADICCHIO absolutely loves Hollywoodbets Durbanville, life will be tough for him now off his new rating of 82, he is very gutsy, and he gets a good draw, there is no doubt that he will have a big winning chance again in this field despite the big weight on his back. 10 DALMENY FACTOR won his maiden in style, he looks to be way above average, if he can beat the bad barrier draw here, he will have a good winning chance again. 2 SHAVOUT is far better than his last start, ignore that run completely, from a neat barrier draw in this race, he should bounce back to best. 7 DEVIL A SAINT won at a huge price in his last start, he simply galloped them into the ground, with a similar performance, he could earn again. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 10 – 2 – 7)

RACE 7

4 ASPECT will be looking for six straight wins on the bounce, he likes to race up on speed, from a decent draw, he must have a good winning chance again despite his merit rating climbing. 2 ROSH KEDESH has been rested for 73 days, on his recent form, he must have a good each way chance in a very competitive race. 9 OLIVER is very consistent, he quickened up very well to win a great race last time, there is speed in this race which will suit him down to the ground, watch him late. 12 INNAMORARE won well last time, unfortunately he will need lots of luck from a bad draw here, if the race works out for him, he could finish amongst the places. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 2 – 9 – 12)

RACE 8

2 MON PETIT CHERIE won with authority in her last start, the yard think highly of this filly, from a neat draw here and with natural improvement on the cards, she will go very close to winning again. 6 KING OF SPIN went hard up in front in his last start and still won a great race beating One Liner, with a similar performance he will be hard to catch in this competitive race. 9 MAPHAKA could be anything, he won his maiden very impressively at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, this will be his first run in the Western Cape at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, if he handles the track and doesn’t need the run badly, he will have a nice each way chance. 10 O’Tenikwa is highly rated by the stable, he ran a lovely race from a wide draw last time, with some luck in running, he could earn again. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 6 – 9 – 10)

RACE 9

1 ISCHYRO quickened up very nicely to win going away in his last start, from a good draw here, he should go very close to winning again. 3 TRY ME ran a good second to Ischyro last time, at the weights it will get much closer between the two horses, include Try Me into all bets. 8 GRUE OF ICE ran a lovely race in testing conditions last time, she has been fairly consistent of late and must have a good money chance again. 7 LADY LOXTON will appreciate the drop in trip, on her best form, she can make the exotics pay. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 8 – 7)

RACE 10          

6 MISS MARGUERITE ran a lovely race last time behind Nordic Quest, she was drawn poorly on that occasion and was staying on strongly late, now that she gets a better draw, she will go very close to winning at a nice price. 1 SAHARA CAT is very speedy, from the perfect draw of one on a track that is running very fast, she will be difficult to peg back late. 7 BE MERRY is clearly improving at a rate of knots, she won a great race last time from the front, this is undoubtedly a stronger race for her, if she can beat the tricky draw, she will have a good each way chance with Jockey Richard Fourie. 5 PORQUE TE VAS ran a fair race last time from a wide draw, she drops a point in the ratings, and she gets a better draw now, watch for a decent performance. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 1 – 7 – 5)