Graeme Hawkins

Cape Racing stages an added 8-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today, alongside the race meeting at the Vaal, so punters have plenty of local action to look forward to this afternoon. The first race, and opening leg of the Bipot, gets under way at 13:15 and this Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1200m should be fought out by Englefield Green, Miraculous and Hope Chest with a slight preference for the latter who showed good potential when a close fifth behind Beware The Bomb on debut.

Englefield Field was marginally ahead of Hope Chest in that race with Miraculous narrowly behind the pair. This form line suggests there is precious little to choose between the trio, but Hope Chest may have improved sufficiently from her first start to grab the verdict.

Garrix looks the nap of the day in the second race, a Maiden Plate over 1200m. The 3yo son of Vercingetorix showed plenty of class when a close second on debut behind Let It Be Said in a strong race which has already produced three direct winners. Richard Fourie takes the ride for Piet Steyn and while there could be several improvers in the 12-horse line-up, Garrix looks impossible to oppose.

In contrast, the third race, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1200m, looks wide open. Sweet Conifer caught the eye on debut when recovering from a slow start to finish third and the daughter of Canford Cliffs should progress from that experience. But all of Love Story, Winter Gamble, Berry’s Boogie and Spinmyangelsspin are likely improvers and must be considered for inclusion in the opening leg of the Pick 6.

Golden Destiny has been priced up ante-post favourite for the fourth race, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, but I harbour a distinct preference for the Justin Snaith-trained Crescent who is improving rapidly and finished a creditable third in a competitive heat a month ago. Scottish Links has shown promise and can certainly get into the mix.

Honor of Kings and Marine Merchant catch the eye in the fifth race, a Maiden Plate over 1400m, but watch out for sudden improvement from Past And Present who was recently gelded and is also equipped with blinkers for the first time. He could show any amount of improvement and may be the lurker in the field.

The sixth race is a competitive Class 3 Handicap for Fillies and Mares over 1400m, but the winner could potentially emerge from the trio of Callmegetrix, Fatal Gem and My Flower Fate. Fatal Gem ranks a narrow first choice but at the weights there is not much to choose between her and Callmegetrix. My Flower Fate has not won for 489 days and has had no relief from the handicapper in the interim, but nonetheless Lucinda Woodruff’s mare should make her presence felt. Fun Zone and School Policy, who sports blinkers for the first time, appear the pick of the balance.

Gareth Van Zyl has his small string in the Western Cape in good order and last-start winner King Pelles will be looking to defy a 6-point hike in the ratings when he lines up in the seventh race, the Cape B Stakes over 1800m. The Snaith duo Navy Strength and Lightning Glow will pile the pressure on King Pelles while the Vaughan Marshall inmate, Fibonacci, is not chanceless but tries the trip for the first time.

The eighth race, an Open Maiden (F&M) over 1800m, looks a boatrace between English Mistress and Lavender Bay. Tap Shoes, an own sister to Zapatillas, has only had two starts and steps up in trip here – she could improve over the extra and possibly get into the mix.

RACE 1

10 MIRACULOUS finished strongly from a long way back in her last start to run second behind Swiatek, she is clearly improving nicely with every start, and she must have a solid winning chance here. 8 HOPE CHEST ran a lovely race on debut, she is highly rated by the stable, with natural improvement on the cards, she will go very close to winning. 5 ENGLEFIELD GREEN should appreciate racing up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, her three runs to date have been very good, there is no doubt she will be amongst the places again. 11 STU’S GIRL has been rested for 67 days, she was beaten at restrictive odds in her last start, now that she races back at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, watch for sharp improvement. (Brandon Bailey: 10 – 8 – 5 – 11)

RACE 2

12 GARRIX was very impressive on debut when finishing second behind Let It Be Said, the form of that race has worked out well, he should be difficult to beat with natural improvement from run one to run two. 2 NATIVE RULER ran a much better race in his last start when staying on for second, he is still improving and should be amongst the places again. 8 SUMMER SNOW is far better than his last run when tried over 1400m, all his best runs have come up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, watch for big improvement now that he drops in trip. 7 CHIEF RUNNER had no luck in running from a wide draw last time, on his best form he could have a good Quartet chance. (Brandon Bailey: 12 – 2 – 8 – 7)

RACE 3

11 BERRY’S BOOGIE is far better than her most recent start behind Garden Of Eden, she is a filly that has plenty ability, now that she races up the straight over the sprint trip of 1200m, she will go very close to winning. 9 SWEET CONIFER stayed on nicely behind Two G’s on debut, she drops back in trip for her second start, with natural improvement she will have a good each way chance in this race. 13 SPINMYANGELSSPIN drifted badly in the betting on debut when running a creditable race behind Swiatek, she was very green and should improve quite a bit, include her into all bets. 2 LOVE STORY steps up in trip to 1200m, on her best form she could sneak into the Quartets. (Brandon Bailey: 11 – 9 – 13 – 2)

RACE 4

2 GOLDEN DESTINY had no luck in running in his last start behind Firingonallengines, he made up good ground late when finishing a well beaten third, now that he races up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he should have every chance of getting into the winner’s box. 3 CRESCENT has improved with every start, this lovely looking colt must have a good winning chance if he can build on his last performance behind Sir Korski. 4 UNSUNG HERO has run some fair races through his career, on his best form he could have a place chance again. 8 AMANDLA NGAWETHU showed plenty speed on debut before getting tired late and finishing just 6 lengths behind the winner, he looks like the type that will improve tremendously with every run, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 3 – 4 – 8)

RACE 5

2 MARINE MERCHANT made up good ground from a wide draw in his last start when finishing third behind Happy Days, he is a well related individual that will take lots of beating in this race from a good draw. 1 HONOR OF KINGS will absolutely love the step up in trip to 1400m, he improved nicely in his second start, from a good draw here he should get the run of the race, include him into all bet types. 4 REGULATION has been rested and gelded, the further this individual goes, the better he will get, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he could earn. 5 MASTER INCOLOR will need to improve to win a race like this, he steps up in trip and he gets the services of champion jockey Richard Fourie, watch him closely at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 4 – 5)

RACE 6

5 FATAL GEM ran a cracking race in the Prestige Plate behind Red Palace, she finishes well in her races, her recent form is very good and there is no doubt she will have a good winning chance in this race. 1 CALLMEGETRIX never runs a bad race, she is super consistent, over this trip of 1400m from a good draw, she will have a good each way chance again. 2 TRIP TO MAPUTO needed her last start badly behind Southern Skies, this is a better trip for her, on her best form she could be running on into the places. 8 MY FLOWER FATE ran a super race from a wide draw in the Grade 3 Diana Stakes, if she jumps on terms, she will have a good Quartet chance. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 1 – 2 – 8)

RACE 7

7 KING PELLES quickened up in devastating fashion to win going away in his last start, he had absolutely no luck up the straight and still managed to get the job done in good style, this looks to be a good race for him to win again despite going up six points for his last win. 3 NAVY STRENGTH ran a decent race behind King Pelles, he should be able to get a bit closer to him now that he gets a small pull in the weights, watch him closely with a big weight on his back again. 5 VOORLOOPERTJIE needed his last run badly behind Oliver over 1400m, he will love the step up in trip, on his best form he must have a nice each way chance. 6 LIGHTNING GLOW was very disappointing in his most recent run, on his best form he could earn. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 3 – 5 – 6)

RACE 8

8 LAVENDER BAY has been nice and consistent through her career, she ran a lovely race behind Pocket Dial last time, she steps back up in trip to 1800m, on her best form she will have a good winning chance. 3 ENGLISH MISTRESS absolutely took off into the closing stages in her last start, she was a bit unlucky on that occasion, from a decent draw here, she must have a good each way chance again. 7 WARBIRD improved to run a much better race behind Two G’s, she is a filly that will get better and stronger with more racing, now that she steps up further in trip, there should be more improvement on the cards. 1 TAP SHOES never quickened in her last start, she was very disappointing, hopefully the step up in trip from a good draw will help her chances. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 3 – 7 – 1)

RACE 1     

4 SONIC JET 5 SAUDI SWEEP 9 INTRO 11 ASIAH’S TIARA

Preview: 4 SONIC JET went close over 1200m last time and will appreciate the step up in trip and is drawn on the right side. 5 SAUDI SWEEP is a solid type who is improving and over an ideal trip he has a nice low draw. 9 INTRO is drawn in the favourable number one barrier and has the form to earn. 11 ASIAH’S TIARA made a good debut but has a potential tough high draw. (David Thiselton 4-5-9-11)

RACE 2     

1 HIGHVELD STORM 5 SPY STORY 6 DANUBE 7 MIZZEN SWORD

Preview: 1 HIGHVELD STORM is improving and is drawn on the right side over a suitable trip. 5 SPY STORY is no great shakes but in this line up from a nice low draw and for an in form yard could earn. 6 DANUBE has shown fair ability and from a good draw could improve and be involved, although he does have 2,55 lengths to find on Spy Story. 7 MIZZEN SWORD has shown enough to be able to earn here although he does have a potentially tough high draw. (David Thiselton 1-5-6-7)

RACE 3     

4 WE ARE THE LOGANS 6 MOOLA MAN 2 PRESLEY 3 SUGAR BLAST

Preview: 4 WE ARE THE LOGANS has some class and goes well for Lerena and has pole position over a suitable trip. 6 MOOLA MAN also has some class and looks progressive and enjoys this trip, but does have a tricky draw. 2 PRESLEY is capable of being involved here but does have a tricky draw. 3 SUGAR BLAST is drawn well over a suitable trip and has been given a little bit of a drop by the handicapper. (David Thiselton 4-6-2-3)

RACE 4     

2 WILD INTENT 4 SAFE SPACE 3 FUTUREWOLFF 6 JAPANESE MAPLE

Preview: 2 WILD INTENT is on the up and will enjoy this trip from a good draw. 4 SAFE SPACE can be right there if repeating his last start from a good draw. 3 FUTUREWOLFF is in good form and drawn well over a suitable trip. 6 JAPANESE MAPLE has a fair draw and off a merit rating that has come down he should be competitive. (David Thiselton 2-4-3-6)

RACE 5     

4 TO THE RESCUE 2 MAMBO COME TESIO 9 FLAG BEARER 5 DOUGLAS DRAGON

Preview: 4 TO THE RESCUE has always struck as an immature sort who is capable of improvement and from a good draw he could be involved over a suitable trip. 2 MAMBO COME TESIO is an honest stayer and it would be no surprise if he won this, although he has a tricky draw. 9 FLAG BEARER is a resolute galloper who sneaks into the handicap with bottom weight and he as a 4kg claimer up so he should make a bold bid over a trip he stays. 5 DOUGLAS DRAGON has a tricky draw but has ability and off a mark dropped three points he could surprise over a step up in trip which could suit. (David Thiselton 4-2-9-5)

RACE 6     

2 JOHNNY APPLESEED 1 ADDRESS THE NATION 9 IN THE ETHER 7 AUTUMN VAR

Preview: 2 JOHNNY APPLESEED is drawn on the right side over an ideal trip with Lerena up and he has the form to do it. 1 ADDRESS THE NATION is drawn on the right side and has shown signs of ability over this trip. 9 IN THE ETHER is always capable of going close as she packs a strong finish. 7 AUTUMN VAR has shown enough over this trip to be able to earn but does have a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 2-1-9-7)

RACE 7     

5 FRANCILIEN 8 SIGRID SWING 3 SO SEDUCTIVE 9 BASKED IN GLORY

Preview: 5 FRANCILIEN is a progressive type and with a 4kg claimer up has a chance of getting the hattrick. 8 SIGRID SWING is drawn in pole and with a repeat of her last start could be right there. 3 SO SEDUCTIVE should be cherry ripe but is drawn on the wrong side. 9 BASKED IN GLORY looked promising last season but has not raced for four months and has an 89 merit rating to contend with. (David Thiselton 5-8-3-9) 

RACE 8     

3 EXECUTRIX 5 WE WILL ROCK YOU 7 LADY ELI MO 1 BLIZZARD SNOW

Preview: 3 EXECUTRIX is drawn on the right side and looks to be scopey so can win off an 84 merit rating. 5 WE WILL ROCK YOU did well in first time cheek pieces and should be involved from a pole position. 7 LADY ELI MO is also drawn low and can go close if repeating her last start. 1 BLIZZARD SNOW has consistent form in three starts and off an 85 merit rating under Gavin Lerena has a chance but does have a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 3-5-7-1) 

Andrew Harrison

Isivunguvungu was beaten but not bowed in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Handy from the jump behind hot favourite Cogburn, Isivunguvungu was staying on gamely as Cogburn wilted under pressure but Starlust was closing quicky as the early pace took its toll. Diving through a gap, he forced Isivunguvungu to be checked and snatched up late by Manuel Franco.

Isivunguvungu suffered interference, but the race was effectively over although he was not disgraced, finishing seventh of eleven runners, beaten only two lengths.

Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Winchester Mansion found his best form with a convincing win in the Gr 2 Allied Steelrode-Onamission Charity Mile at Turffontein on Saturday. Given a patient ride by Marco van Rensburg, Brett Crawford’s runner enjoyed the run of the race and once asked for an effort, he quickened away from his rivals to win well with a number of high-class milers in his wake.

Second to Royal Victory in last seasons Gr1 Champions Challenge, he showed little enthusiasm at his following two starts, Piere Strydom reporting that he ‘ took no interest’  behind Beating Wings in a Pinnacle Stakes but was reported to be ‘blowing’ post-race.

Crawford, but most his son James who runs his Gauteng satellite yard admitted there were thoughts of calling it a day, but after Saturday’s win, the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup is now firmly on his radar.

Stuart Ferrie’s raider Gladatorian, ran a tremendous race, coming from last in the straight under Tristan Godden to go down under a length with the grey Barbaresco staying on resolutely for third.

Disappointment was Equus Horse of the Year, Dave The King. Setting the pace he was still in contention two furlongs out but was suddenly eased out of the race. A post-race vet inspection noted ‘not striding out off-hind’.

There was early drama as Back To Business clipped heels dislodging current log-leader Muzi Yeni with Gimmanotherchance and Zinovi  forced to take evasive action and consequently clipping the stricken rider.

Yeni was rushed to hospital but fortunately, given the severity of the fall, only suffered a broken collar bone.

Graeme Hawkins

Great Plains stamped himself as a serious contender for the R2-million Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas (Gr1) on 14 December with an impressive victory in Saturday’s R300 000 Cape Classic (Gr3) over 1400m. Riding a patient race while All Out For Six set a blistering pace, Grant Van Niekerk produced Great Plains (4/1) with a powerful run on the inside rail and the 3yo son of Danon Platina then had enough in hand to hold off the attentions of Boundless Energy who ran well above his rating to finish a good second.

Great Plains, trained by Justin Snaith and owned by Nick Jonsson, has won four of his seven starts to date – all over 1400m – but with his relaxed running style and good turn of foot, there is every chance he can be effective over slightly further. Lightly raced Boundless Energy took a steep rise in class here but is clearly on a rapidly upward curve and there can be little doubt that the further he goes, the better he will be.

All Out For Six (7/2) set very fast fractions up front and not surprisingly came under pressure with 300m to race. He battled on gamely to round off the Trifecta just over a length behind Great Plains and the son of One World has scope to progress with the benefit of this run under the belt.

Danon Platina also sired Luhamba Phambili, winner of the R200 000 Need For Speed Sprint for 3yo’s over 1000m. Trained by Gareth Van Zyl and partnered by Corne Orffer, Luhamba Phambili (3/1) gave the Hollywood Syndicate their 600^th winner, showing tremendous pace throughout to score an eye-catching victory. Roman Agent was beaten for early speed but finished his race off nicely and his career looks to be back on track. Lion Rampart (1/1) matched strides with Luhamba Phambili for the opening 700m as the pair drew clear of their four rivals, but Lion Rampart started to feel the pinch approaching the final 200m and weakened to finish fourth a little more than a length off the winner.

The ultra-consistent Dance Variety notched up the sixth victory of his career when taking out the R225 000 Southeaster Sprint (Listed) in stylish fashion. Ridden confidently by Corne Orffer, the Adam Marcus-trained Dance Variety (4/1) hit the front with 200m to race and had more than enough in hand to keep the fast-finishing Gimmelightning and Meu Capitano at bay by a shade more than a length.

The Van Niekerk/Snaith combination were also on target with Goodnessgraciousme (3/1) in the third race, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1400m, and the highly rated Aristotle (7/2) in the eighth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1400m. Aristotle was making a winning debut in Handicap company after earning a lofty rating of 91 following his maiden victory a month ago and the 3yo son of Rafeef has now won both his starts since being gelded. Goodnessgraciousme, a big strong daughter of Gimmethegreenlight, was winning at the third time of asking and she should continue to improve with racing experience and a tougher test of stamina.

Punters were dealt a knockout blow in the ninth and final race, a Class 4 Handicap (F&M) over 1000m, when the heavily supported The Charleston (33/10 into 16/10) was nabbed on the line by 33/1 chance All Is Green under Ashton Arries. The Charleston appeared to be on course to land the gamble when moving through smoothly between runners at the 200m pole, but Greg Ennion’s All Is Green responded well to Arries’ urgings and the 3yo daughter of Captain Of All grabbed the spoils by a whisker.