David Thiselton

Two Gr 3s and a Listed race head the Highveld Sunday meeting at Turffontein Standside on what should be an intriguing day of racing. 

In the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m Greaterix is highly regarded and classy and can be excused for his Dingaans run when a disappointing five length third as he was caught in front and he also returned with abnormal blood readings. He has a fair draw of five and won’t mind the step down in trip. Cosmic Speed should go close  despite carrying a 2kg penalty and having to jump from a wide draw. He was an easy winner of the Gr 2 Durban Golden Horseshoe over this trip as a two-year-old and should have come on from his reappearance, which he won over 1160m. He has a good turn of foot so can be dropped out by Craig Zackey. Choisaanada is highly regarded and looked to be classy in his last win, so he should have more to come. Fire Attack has to carry a 2kg penalty and also has a wide draw. He showed his class when second in the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans last time, beaten only by the wonder filly Quid Pro Quo. He won the Gr 2 SA Nursery over 1160m, so the step down in trip will not bother him, although he was handy in the Dingaans so will need luck to get cover from the wide draw here. Musical Score impressed as a horse who is on the up when winning a fine race over 1400m last time out. He had both Fire Attack and Choisaanada well beaten in that race, although the latter pair did probably run below par. He can’t be left out of the Pick 6. The Specialist has been disappointing as a three-year-old, but had classy form as a two-year-old and can bounce back, although he does have a tough draw. 

In the Gr 3 Betway Mother Russia Stakes over 1400m Vulcanite is weighted to win easily and will be hard to beat from draw two under Zackey. She won her maiden over 1600m by 8,25 lengths and despite being given a 96 merit rating she beat older horses next time out over 1600m by 3,75 lengths. On the downside the form of that last race has not worked out exceptionally well. Salenio Peninsula was not disgraced in the Gr 3 Fillies Mile when a 6,90 length fifth behind the exceptional Fatal Flaw, who went on to win the Gr 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas. This half-sister to Barbaresco is well drawn with Gavin Lerena up and should still improve. Miss Lia beat Salenio Peninsula by 0,70 lengths last time they met over 1450m, but is now 1kg worse off and has a tough draw. Bakwena looks talented and will relish the step up in trip on pedigree. Sonic Jet is on the up and could also be involved.  

In the Listed Wolf Power 1600 Truth proved himself full of class early in his career and looks to be coming back to his best. He sneaks into the handicap here with the minimum weight of 53kg (the topweight using the benchmark was 59kg so all weights were dragged up 1kg meaning bottom weight here is 53kg) and has a fair draw of six under the returning Muzi Yeni. Truth might have gone for home too soon last time and was caught by Storm Brasco. He is now 3kg better off with Storm Brasco for a 0,25 length beating, although that is just 1,5kg better off if the 1,5kg claim of Rachel Venniker is considered. On pedigree the son of Heavenly Blue should enjoy the step up to 1600m. Pomodoro’s Jet had given the impression the best had not yet been seen of him until waltzing away with the Grand Heritage over 1475m, winning it by 5,50 lengths. He was given a nine point raise to 105 meaning he has to carry 57,5kg in this handicap event and he also has to jump from a tough draw of eight, considering he is a handy type. He will need some luck to be covered up in the running. Command Pilot is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and represents an in form yard from pole position. He relished this course and distance last time and won easily. He looks to be coming into his own and is a runner here. Storm Brasco was having his first run for nine months when storming past Truth last time and has always struck as a classy sort. He has a tough task confirming the form with Truth, but might have come on from the run. Savannah Storm is not reliable, but if things pan out well for him he can produce a devastating late kick, so he can be considered under Ryan Munger, who is on his winter break from racing in Canada, although a wide draw makes it tough. 

All three of the features will provide pointers to the big Guineas meeting at Turffontein in early February.

Andrew Harrison

William Robertson is back on one of his favourite courses and again Corne Spies appears to have picked the right race as the gelding is well in at the weights with all of the opposition in the African Holly Stakes over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today. 

His recent form his difficult to fault, second to star sprinter Dyce at his penultimate start and a winner at Scottsville last time out. He should start at the top of the boards again and all going well he should prove difficult to peg back.

However, Sun Blushed is smart on his day and Michael Roberts’ charge was only three lengths back to William Robertson when last they met. This was his first run back since finishing a length back to Surjay in the Gr1 Mercury Sprint and his recent outing should have sharpened him up. Mike de Kock saddles the promising filly Khethiwe’s Destiny who has only once been out of the money but has not been out since finishing behind Quid Pro Quo in the Gr2 Golden Slipper. Word from the stable is that this run should bring her on but she is clearly talented. Louis Goosen sends out the veteran Donquerari. He is a tough warrior who was touched off by the progressive Cats Pajamas last time out. He has it all to do at the weights but has a money chance.

The card opener, a maiden over 1200m, could rest between One Armed Bandit and Fine Dining. One Armed Bandit ran well below expectations when sent over 1800m last time out but Paul Lafferty has brought him back to a sprint and he looks the one to beat in a modest line-up. Fine Dining has been gelded and according to Yogas Govender, the stable are not expecting too much from him.

 Similarly, the second is another Maiden over 1200m with thin form with the two standouts being Fate Decreed and Pink Diamond.

Fate Decree was a recent maiden winner but in spite of showing improved form leading into the win she was friendless in the market, drifting from an opening call of 4-1 to start 14-1.  However, she won with authority from the widest draw and can follow up. Pink Diamond has been up against some fairly useful company of late. She goes well over the trip and can add to her winning tally in this line-up being Lorenzo Karriem’s only runner on the day. 

Real War can get Pick 6 punters off to a winning start. She has been well supported in the market at recent outings but failed to deliver. Dean Kannemeyer has declared blinkers and if they have the desired effect she should run a big race. Mike de Kock sends out Top Seed who has had one outing on the Highveld and since been rested. Word from the stable is that this race should bring her on.

De Kock could be in the winner’s box with Tyrconnell in the fourth, a Class 4 Handicap over 1400m. Tyrconnell had his consistency rewarded last run and De Kock will be hoping for more of the same over course and distance. He gets the benefit of Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg so meets third placed Winter Waves on 0.5kg better terms. Winter Waves always gives of his best and has his 53^rd run for Alyson Wright. Stars In Heaven bids for a hat-trick of wins as Gareth van Zyl steps him up a further furlong.  He has come to hand nicely and will have plenty of supporters. Cabinet Shuffle has been in good form to stronger of late. Louis Goosen steps him up in trip and he can add a sixth win to his CV. 

Michael Roberts sends out Imposing in the sixth who just failed behind Dapper last time out giving the winner 8kg. He is long overdue another victory and he should go close here. Gimmethegoodlife only recently shed his maiden but followed up with a cracking handicap debut. He is lightly raced and still improving and his improved form has come over a little ground. Ralph The Rascal was the subject of a failed betting coup last time out, in from 20-1 to start 8-1. Racing in first time blinkers for Bo Ngcobo, he was touched off by Sweeper Keeper. A repeat could see him go close again. 

The sixth is a wide open handicap but although Avernian Goddess has drawn on the wrong side of the barrier she never runs a bad race. She has come down in the handicap and a change of rider could bring out the best. Happy Fortune shed her maiden at third time of asking but had shown promise in two opening sprints. She looks progressive and can go in again. Prom Queen showed up well first time out for her new yard and she has shown some ability in spite of the duck eggs behind her name. With a 4kg claimer up she could be the surprise package. Fort J’Adore seldom runs a bad race and has been close-up an all of her recent starts over the trip. She is a must for all exotic bets. 

In the last, punters will be hoping that the form behind One Irish Rover holds firm with many in the field behind him when last they met. Runner-up that day was Now I Got You who was beaten less than a length and is now 4kg better of in the handicap which should be ample to turn the tables. There should be very little between stable companions El Draque and Whereverilaymyhat who finished with a neck separating them behind One Irish Rover. They are both better off in the handicap but stable rider Athandiwe Mgudlwa has switched mounts. Teerex was also in the scrum behind One Irish Rover and Tristan Godden stays with the ride for Kom Naidoo.

RACE 1     

1 KWAGGA BLITZ 4 PAUL REVERE 8 COPPER CLIFF 9 FUTURENAIRE

Preview: 1 KWAGGA BLITZ is knocking on the door and is drawn on the right side. 4 PAUL REVERE made excellent improvement after a layoff and can come on from that run. 8 COPPER CLIFF ran two fair races against classy opposition in June but has not raced since. 9 FUTURENAIRE made a fair debut and should improve. (David Thiselton 1-4-8-9)

RACE 2     

2 PRETTY PRECIOUS 8 GIMME A STORM 1 GREAT NOTION 9 GOLDEN ALEXIA

Preview: 2 PRETTY PRECIOUS is knocking hard and is drawn on the right side over a suitable trip. 8 GIMME A STORM has run two good races over this trip category and also has a nice high draw. 1 GREAT NOTION has been backed and beaten twice in her last two and is interesting dropped in trip being by Danon Platina out of a speedy Canford Cliffs mare. 9 GOLDEN ALEXIA made a good debut over 1000m and should appreciate the step up in trip. (David Thiselton 2-8-1-9) 

RACE 3     

10 GERBERA 5 ROAMING SPIRIT 7 THE MIGHTIEST 6 ASIAH’S TIARA

Preview: 10 GERBERA ran a cracker second time out over 1160m and should enjoy the step up in trip from  pole position. 5 ROAMING SPIRIT has hard knocking sprint form and tries the step up in trip. 7 THE MIGHTIEST did well when stepped up to 1800m last time and should also enjoy this trip. 6 ASIAH’S TIARA has run two fair races over this trip and could earn. (David Thiselton 10-5-7-6)

RACE 4     

10 MOUNTAIN HIGH 2 SPIRITO SELVAGGIO 7 HONG KONG LUCKY 3 MYSTIC VISION

Preview: 10 MOUNTAIN HIGH has been second in her last three starts and could beat the boys here from a good draw getting some weight. 2 SPIRITO SELVAGGIO has some fine form over slightly shorter and will enjoy the step up in trip but does have a tough draw. 7 HONG KONG LUCKY was not disgraced on debut and will enjoy the step up in trip. 3 MYSTIC VISION has run three fair races and might enjoy the step up in trip being by Rafeef and being a half-brother to a Twice Over filly who has won over this trip. (David Thiselton 10-2-7-3)

RACE 5     

4 RED MAPLE 2 CRIMSON KING 1 ZEUS 5 ARUMUGAM

Preview: 4 RED MAPLE in a classy stayer and will enjoy the return to a staying trip. 2 CRIMSON KING has a lot of class as a stayer and will have appreciated his comeback run last time. 1 ZEUS has an outstanding record with Lerena up and can go close with him aboard. 5 ARUMUGAM is a useful stayer who could do well with a lightweight from a plum draw. (David Thiselton 4-2-1-5)

RACE 6     

9 TRUTH 2 POMODORO’S JET  11 COMMAND PILOT 8 STORM BRASCO

Preview: 9 TRUTH has a lot of class and might have gone too soon last time so can make amends. 2 POMODORO’S JET showed his class in the Heritage and the best might still not have been seen of this good looking sort.  11 COMMAND PILOT has fine form and could be on the up so is a threat from pole position. 8 STORM BRASCO bounced back after a layoff to beat Truth but is now 1,5kg worse off for a 0,25 length beating. (David Thiselton 9-2-11-8)  

RACE 7     

1 VULCANITE 4 SALENIO PENINSULA 3 MISS LIA 8 TOO LATE MY MATE

Preview: 1 VULCANITE has won her last two in dominating fashion and from a good draw and favourably treated at the weight is going to be hard to beat. 4 SALENIO PENINSULA has promise and is distance suited and well drawn. 3 MISS LIA is 1kg worse off with Salenio Peninsula after beating her by 0,70 lengths and has a tricky draw.  8 TOO LATE MY MATE has not raced since April but looked to have promise and is a full brother the useful Gimmeanotherchance. (1-4-3-8)

RACE 8     

3 GREATERIX 1 COSMIC SPEED 7 CHOISAANADA 2 FIRE ATTACK 

Preview: 3 GREATERIX is highly regarded and is likely better than his Dingaans run when caught in front and beaten 2,50 lengths by Fire Attack as he returned to the yard with abnormal blood readings. 1 COSMIC SPEED is a classy sprinter and is good over this trip too, but does have a tough draw and carries a 2kg penalty. 7 CHOISAANADA is full of class and could show what he is made of here. 2 FIRE ATTACK ran a cracking second in the Dingaans but does have a wide draw.  (David Thiselton 3-1-7-2)

RACE 9     

8 VIRGIN RIVER 7 THE NAVY LARK 10 SMITH AND WESSON 3 LONGSWORD

Preview: 8 VIRGIN RIVER has a plum high draw from which to use her pace. 7 THE NAVY LARK also has a lot of pace and has a nice high draw. 10 SMITH AND WESSON is drawn on the right side and looks competitively merit rated after a two point drop. 3 LONGSWORD has a low draw but is capable of a strong finish if dropped out. (David Thiselton 8-7-10-3)  

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All systems go on 1 January 2025

Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.

The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).

Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.

Programme and related reading matter, click here.

Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.

The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.

Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.

“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.

“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddle-cloths. So, there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.

Veteran KZN trainer Garth Puller, who attended a recent stakeholder’s meeting at Summerveld hosted by Greg Bortz, Justin Vermaak, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets officials, enthused that he was thrilled by the news of the takeover by business-minded racing people who were brave and bold enough to step in and turn the ship around.

“This has come very late for me at my age, but it’s a lifechanger and the future is brighter than it was yesterday,” reflected a delighted Puller as he told the Sporting Post that the adjusted stakes and ‘very welcome’ incentives would boost cash-flows,  while also making it so much easier to help him and his colleagues market the basic ownership product.

“And we are getting draws after acceptances. Wonderful! I was calling for that 25 years ago at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Bigger fields mean a faster pace, means better form, means better truer results. It’s an ecosystem of positivity. It all feeds on itself,” added the horseman who is never scared to pass an opinion.

Puller said the repair of the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was ‘definitely quite overdue and welcome news’.

“That’s our stage. The track must be safe for horse and rider, be true and competitive, and have credibility with all role-players. That’s not a negotiable.”

On the ‘abolition’ of the committee structure to facilitate decision making and policy, Puller said that he was so pleased to hear that all reasonable suggestions will be considered by management.

“Wonderful! So there are no more long-winded committees to hide behind and to dither over. How refreshing.  I believe every stakeholder in this sport in KZN needs to doff a cap to Hollywoodbets and Mr Bortz. This investment and takeover is a brave move. But we know that with the passion for horse racing of the local population in this province, we can make it work. And by putting the structures in place they are making sure we have no excuses. Let’s look forward and get on with rebuilding KZN racing. I am absolutely thrilled. This is good news,” he concluded.