David Thiselton

The Gr 1 TAB SA Derby, to be run over 2450m at Turffontein Standside on Saturday, is of particular intrigue this season, because it pits together a number of potentially top class horses. 

They include Immediate Edge and Wild Intent, who fought out the pointer race, the Listed WSB Hawwaam Stakes over 2,000m. 

Also involved are three horses who proved their class by finishing in the money in the Grade 1 TAB SA Classic over 1800m, Legend Of Arthur, Grey Jet and Parisian Walkway.

Immediate Edge has always had Derby horse stamped all over him. He has a big stride and winds up into a resolute finish and is duly unbeaten in three starts from 1600m up to 2000m. From the evidence of his last two wins, which were both over 2000 metres, he should have no problem staying the 2,450 metre trip and his pedigree should not be a negative point as far as stamina goes, because his sire Vercingetorix is by  stamina influence Silvano and Vercingetorix himself won a Grade 1 over 2000m. His dam is by Commands, whose average runner apparently enjoy roundabout seven furlongs, but Commands has produced a Queensland Oaks winner over 2400m. Immediate Edge has the very much in-form Ryan Munger aboard and jumps from a tricky draw of 8 out of 13.

Wild Intent stayed on resolutely in the Hawwaam Stakes from a handy position and he only just failed to keep Immediate Edge at bay. However, he was giving the latter 3kg, so he has the upper hand here on paper. On pedigree he should get it because he is by Gimmethegreenlight out of a Dylan Thomas mare who won twice over this distance. Wild Intent has Gavin Lerena up and has to jump from a tricky draw of nine.

Legend of Arthur is another horse who has always had Derby Horse written all over him because he stays on well and on pedigree he is by Lancaster Bomber, whose wins included the Gr 1 Tetris Horse Gold Cup over 2,100 metres, out of a Galileo mare called Grail Maiden who won up to 2500m. Legend of Arthur has drawn very wide in 12 out of 13, but Richard Fourie knows him well and should be able to find a good position in the running. Legend of Arthur was a 4.1 length third in the SA Classic and he was just 0.4 lengths ahead of the promising Grey Jet. 

Grey Jet stayed on well in the SA Classic. He is trained by Weiho Marwing who is known for his expertise in training stamina horses. Grey Jet is by Danon Platina out of a Jet Master mare who has produced multiple- winning middle distance sorts and he jumps from a fair draw of six with Rachel Venniker staying aboard. 

Parisian Walkway was overtaken when leading in the SA Classic, but did rally late to finish fifth, beaten just five lengths. He is a front-runner by stamina influence Ideal World out of a Mastercraftsman mare who won twice over 1200m and 1400m in just four starts. He could be dangerous if able to relax in front at a sensible pace.

The only filly in the race is Olivia’s Way, who stayed on well from a handy position to finish a 4.75 length second in the Grade 1 SA Fillies Classic. Olivia’s Way has drawn in pole position with Muzi Yeni up . She is by Pathfork out of an Australian-bred War Pass mare who won over 2000m, so she could enjoy the trip and she is a progressive sort.

Bacchus should enjoy the step up in trip being by Master Of My Fate out of a mare by stamina influence Lateral. The mare, Bilateral, won the Gr 1 Golden Slipper over 1450m but went on to place fourth in the SA Oaks and to win over 2000m. Bacchus has a lot to do to reverse form with a few others on Gauteng Guineas and SA Classic form, but he is classy and was probably below par for those runs.

Don’t Cry For Me disappointed in the SA Classic having won impressively over the course and distance in his previous start. He is by One World out of a What A Winter mare who won from 1200m to 1400m, so the jury will be out on his stamina capacity, but Piere Strydom up means he will likely be given a conservative ride that should enable him to stay on.

Count Huhtikuu was beaten 2,55 lengths by Immediate Edge in his penultimate start and the latter was making his debut then over a 1600m trip which is too sharp. The Royal Mo gelding won well when stepped up to 1800m last time and has scope, so could be a surprise earner.

Towers Of Gold has an easy win over 2000m to his name, but his recent form would need to be improved on considerably to feature here.

Zip Code is a Global View half-brother to a horse who won over 2850m, but he would need to improve dramatically over this trip to have a chance.

Solar Sail won easily when stepped up to 2000m last time, but that was off an 80 merit rating in a handicap, so he would need to make big improvement over this trip to feature. 

Casus Belli is well held by Immediate Edge on the form of two previous clashes.

Wild Intent is selected to beat Legend Of Arthur with Immediate Edge, Olivia’s Way and Parisian Walkway next best. 

Graeme Hawkins

Following the weekend’s racing action in South Africa, defending Champion Richard Fourie (169w) edged into a slender lead over Craig Zackey (168w) and Gavin Lerena (166w) in the chase for the 2025 jockeys’ title. But Lerena reeled off a perfect hattrick over the last three races at the Vaal yesterday to eradicate Fourie’s lead and the pair are all square heading into this afternoon’s race meeting.

Fourie’s ride in the first race, a Maiden Plate over 2400m, has been scratched leaving Past and Present (JP van der Merwe) and Lerena’s mount Wood World the only two with realistic chances of victory. Past and Present is slightly preferred, but it would come as no surprise to see Lerena boot home Wood World for the Marshall stable.

Fourie should have the better of exchanges in the second race, an Open Maiden (F&M) over 1400m, riding the weak ante-post favourite, Wild Applause, for the Snaith team. On best form Wild Applause can certainly deliver for Fourie but she has chinks in her armour and Thingamabob may improve sufficiently off the back of a promising debut to score for Andre Nel and Corne Orffer, despite an awkward draw. Lerena rides Keep Happy for Lucinda Woodruff from pole position but the 3yo daughter of Trippi will need to improve to be factor.

There could be little to choose between Fourie and Lerena’s mounts in the third race, an Open Maiden over 1500m. Fourie partners Show Off for the in-form Brett & James Crawford team while Lerena does duty for Snaith aboard Gran Canaria who has his first run as a gelding. Monkey Puzzle, stable companion to Show Off, finished ahead of the less exposed Show Off last time and is not without a winning chance.

Fourie is an interesting booking for Pinot Grigio in the fourth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m. Here he rides for the Ricky Maingard stable and the promising 3yo son of The United States comes off a slight break but has the form to be ultra-competitive. Lerena has been booked by Vaughan Marshall to ride Touchdown who failed narrowly over the track and trip last time when beaten a head by Okavango. The form of his penultimate start when third to Please Be True has been franked and Touchdown looks ready to deliver another bold performance. King’s Quest is the early favourite and could spoil the party while the Snaith pair of Unicorn Alert and Arbitration cannot be under-estimated.

The fifth race, a Class 5 Handicap over 1800m, looks a nightmare for punters but Summer Night City (Lerena) and All About Ronnie (Fourie) will have their supporters along with Midway who looks set to improve off a reduced mark. In the sixth race, a Cape D Stakes over 1250m, both Fourie and Lerena may need to take a back seat as Easy Money (Mxothwa) and the Adam Marcus pair, Tambourine Man (Domeyer) and True Horizon (Van der Merwe) look the principals on current form. That said Nile The Boss (Fourie) and Ischyro (Lerena) are not chanceless in this low-grade affair.

One of Lerena’s better rides comes in Race 7, a Class 4 Handicap (F&M) over 1250m, when he re-unites with Sohot Sowhat for the Lucinda Woodruff stable. Lerena has ridden Sohot Sowhat in all four starts to date and the 3yo daughter of Soqrat is holding her form very nicely. While the plum draw is an added advantage for Sohot Sowhat, the consistent Captain’s Destiny is weighted to turn the tables on Lerena’s mount, and it could be hard-fought affair. Watch out for a much better run from October Fest who has dropped down the ratings and reverts to her best track and trip.

In the final race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1250m, Lerena rides the useful Secret Passage for Justin Snaith but the 3yo son of Futura has it all to do from the worst of the draw. Fourie ia aboard My Archangel for Lucinda Woodruff and the son of Soqrat will be looking to put a sub-par performance behind him, but they may all have to go some to catch the free-running and course suited Firingonallengines. Another with a big chance is Counter Attack for the Domeyer/Bass-Robinson team who were in good form at the Country course over the past weekend.

RACE 1

1 PAST AND PRESENT has run two very good seconds in succession, the form of his last run has worked out nicely, he should love the step up in trip, he will go very close to winning. 4 WOOD WORLD ran a fair race behind Ahead Of The Facts on the 5th of February, the blinkers have been removed, if he can build on that last performance, he should be right there in the finish. 5 WAR HAWK was gelded on the 27th of February, he stayed on well behind Umfula last time, the step up in trip should help his chances, watch him closely here. 3 ARIOVISTUS will need to improve significantly to win a race like this, but he could enjoy the 2400m trip on Wednesday, watch for some improvement at a big price. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 4 – 5 – 3)

RACE 2

7 MISS WILLIAM ran a cracker on debut behind Rahhabba, she was still very green and managed to stay on beautifully for second, she will love the step up in trip to 1400m, with natural improvement on the cards, she will go very close to winning. 11 THINGAMABOB took off late to run second behind Hoerikwaggo on debut, it was an eye catching performance in what looked to be a competitive Open Maiden, she can only improve from that run, if she gets some luck in running from a wide draw, she will be very dangerous in the finish. 8 WEHAVEASITUATION never runs a bad race, she is honest and tries hard, include her into all bet types. 6 ALEX MILLER stayed on well in her last start, she can earn on her best form. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 11 – 8 – 6)

RACE 3

3 SHOW OFF absolutely took off late to run a cracking race behind Chasingtherainbow on the 8th of March, he was drawn wide and made up good ground behind his stable companion, there is no doubt he will go very close to winning now that he steps up in trip and he gets a good draw. 1 MONKEY PUZZLE improved dramatically to run a good second last time, that was in the same race as Show Off, if he can back that performance up on Wednesday afternoon, he would have a good winning chance. 5 SMART HORSE disappointed terribly behind Bel Canto Dream last time, he is much better than that, watch him closely for sharp improvement at a big price. 8 GRAN CANARIA has been rested and gelded, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he could earn for the connections. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 1 – 5 – 8)

RACE 4

3 PINOT GRIGIO comes back to the races from a small break of 98 days, he didn’t quite stay the 2000m trip on the 18th of December, he will love the drop in trip to 1600m, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will go very close to winning. 5 UNICORN ALERT stayed on well for second behind Givethatmanabells on the 15th of February, he is a tricky ride, but he currently races off a dangerous rating of 75, include him into all bets. 8 TOUCHDOWN has run two very nice races in succession, he moved up like a winner in his last start behind Okavango, if he can beat the draw and he gets a smooth run throughout the race, he will be competitive here. 7 ARBITRATION powered home to win in style on the 26th of February, he carried a big weight and still managed to win a good race, he looks progressive, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 5 – 8 – 7)

RACE 5

3 SUMMER NIGHT CITY never travelled well in her last start behind Lavender Bay, she battled to stay in touch and was beaten a long way from home, she is much better than that performance, Gavin Lerena has been booked to ride her from a good draw, she could bounce back to best in what looks to be a weak race on paper. 9 MOHANDAS ran a much better race behind Red Dawn on the 5th of February, he has dropped quite a bit in the ratings, he must be respected on his best form. 4 ALL ABOUT RONNIE gets the services of top jockey Richard Fourie, he stayed on well last time from a poor draw, he should get the run of the race on Wednesday afternoon from a neat draw, include him into all bets. 2 COSMIC RHYTHM had to dig deep to win his maiden on the 1st of February, if he keeps improving from that performance, he could sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 9 – 4 – 2)

RACE 6

3 TRUE HORIZON ran on nicely behind her stable companion on the 8th of March at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, she gets a nice pull in the weights for a one length beating by Tambourine Man, she is extremely honest and consistent, from a good draw, she must have a great winning chance. 4 NILE THE BOSS has dropped beautifully in the ratings, the drop in trip is no problem at all for this filly, she will be right there in the finish. 2 TAMBOURINE MAN has won two very good races in succession, he showed good pace last time and fought hard to win well, he has gone up in the ratings now and he carries a big weight on Wednesday, despite the negatives, he is in good form and must be respected. 6 ISCHYRO ran a decent race behind Arbitration last time, he will be just off the speed early and will be running on strongly late, include him into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 4 – 2 – 6)

RACE 7

1 SOHOT SOWHAT moved up like a winner in her last start over 1400m, she is progressive with lots of ability, now that she drops in trip and gets a good draw at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, she will be hard to beat. 3 CAPTAIN’S DESTINY has run two lovely seconds in succession, she is all heart, she tries extremely hard and her form is good, she will be involved in the finish. 7 OCTOBER FEST was dropped three points in the ratings after her last run behind My Only Weakness, she will love the drop in trip, watch her closely at a decent price. 14 MIRACULOUS has unfortunately drawn poorly here for this Class 4 event, she is lightly raced and still improving with every start, if she can beat the draw, she will have a good winning chance. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 7 – 14)

RACE 8

6 FIRINGONALLENGINES fought hard to run a good second behind Street Outlaw on the 5th of March, he is gutsy and he enjoys Hollywoodbets Durbanville, it’s a tricky race on paper, but he definitely has a good each way chance here. 2 PIROSHKA has dropped further in the ratings, he stayed on exceptionally well for fourth behind Street Outlaw on the 5th of March, from a good draw, he should run a top race. 10 STREET OUTLAW quickened up in good style to win a nice race last time, he was given two points for that victory, if the race works out for him from a tricky draw, he could trouble them in the finish. 1 COUNTER ATTACK must have a good each way chance from a good draw, he stayed on well behind Empire State last time, he should get the run of the race, include him into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 2 – 10 – 1)

The Vaal Classic track has an eight-race meeting today, which should offer punters a chance to accumulate  funds for the big weekend approaching. 

In the first race over 1200 meters, Tana Maree has a tricky draw of six out of nine, but is knocking on the door and has finished second in her last two starts over a 1000m and 1200m respectively. She was beaten three lengths last time, but she was three-and-a-half lengths clear of the rest of the field and the winner of that race looks promising. Ryan Munger is proving himself one of the best riders in the country at present and he stays aboard which is a bonus. Like A Prayer is well drawn and she ran her best race over this course and distance in January, when a 2.8 length third in a similar contest. She travelled to Hollywoodbets Scottsville after that and didn’t shape and then ran a bit below par on her return, so the travel might not have agreed with her, but if back to her best she should be in the shake-up. Empress Wu normally finishes in the back end of quartets or thereabouts and could do so again. Potato Salad has shown enough ability to earn in this contest. Genovefa was not disgraced on debut and could earn.

In the second race, Trip To States went close over 1160 meters last time, so will be suited to this 1200m trip, but does have a tricky draw to deal with. Mizzen Sword only just failed last time, but also has a tough draw. Curtiss Condor is by Lancaster Bomber out of a Gimmethegreenlight mare and S’Manga Khumalo rides from a tricky draw of six. Gimme A Storm is drawn in pole and has Andrew Fortune aboard and has the form to be in the shake up. Red Sea Hills is by Master Of My Fate out of the decent racehorse Sahara.

In the third race over 1600 meters, Munger could make it a double as he is aboard Royal Miracle, who should be right there if repeating his best efforts from a good draw. That’s Magical is by Last Winter out of a Lundy’s Liability mare and has pole position under Muzi Yeni. War Reporter wasn’t disgraced last time when having an improved run and could earn. 

In the fourth over 2000m, Instant Attraction could give Munger a treble. This horse has finished in the top three in all four starts between 1800 meters and 2000 meters, but on the down side she does have a wide draw and is up against the boys, which is never easy, although it didn’t stop her from coming second last time. Battle Of The Bulge has run two races and improved when stepped up to 2000m last time, although he still has a bit to prove to be competitive. Chieftain’s Shield has shown the ability to stay on quite well and he has a good draw, so in this lineup should be in the shake-up. Manz Knight is a half-brother to Malmoos and is by Gimmethegreenlight so does have a form chance of being in the shake-up in this race. Gold de Grace has shown some signs of improvement and if repeating his penultimate start could earn and although he did run way downfield after that he was only one-and- a-half lengths behind Chieftain’s Shield. 

In the fifth race over 1600m, Sail The Sky has been knocking on the door from 1200 meters up to 1450 meters. She is by Lancaster Bomber out of a Philanthropist mare who won from 1200 meters up to 1400m, but she has failed in two previous attempts at 1600m. Roaming Spirit has some good form and is by Buffalo Bill Cody out of a mare whose three wins were from 1200m up to 1600m, so she should enjoy the step-up in  trip, but she does have a tricky draw. Princess Ilaria won well last time and looks likely to enjoy the step-up in trip and has pole position, but she does have to overcome a three-point raise. Oh My Gucci Girl was not disgraced last time when running off a two-point higher mark for a win and she has won over 1500m  before, so she should be able to handle this trip. Coppola represents the in-form Mark Khan yard and can do better than last time.  

In the sixth race over 1500 meters Silky Jet represents an in-form yard, although the step-down in trip might not be what she is looking for as she has done well over 2000m. Perini Palace has good form and over this suitable trip has a wide draw to overcome. Time For Charity steps up in trip from a fair draw with Muzi Yeni up and she should see it out being by Time Thief out of a Cape Cross mare who won over this trip. Southern Style has the ability to earn here from draw 6 out of 12 over an ideal trip. Bob Lee Swagger has Munger aboard and might be good enough to earn a cheque here. 

In the seventh race, Palace Dancer is well drawn over this suitable 1500 meter trip and Gavin Lerena knows her well. Deception Pass has been racing in much stronger company and should enjoy the slight step down in trip and is drawn well. Moola Man is ideally distance suited and has the form to earn. Claw is a promising sort but returns from a layoff of six months. Willow Express is always dangerous especially with Piere Strydom up. 

In the eighth race over 1200 meters Paul Revere has shown plenty of ability and has Munger up so can go close if ridden more conservatively than last time.  Alone Time is capable of blitzing a field and Oriental Bouquet has dropped to a competitive mark.

RACE 1  

1 TANA MAREE 3 LIKE A PRAYER 4 EMPRESS WU 6 POTATO SALAD   

Preview: 1 TANA MAREE is knocking on the door and should be hard to beat. 3 LIKE A PRAYER is well drawn and ran her best race over this course and distance, so could be a threat with a repeat of that run. 4 EMPRESS WU has shown some ability and could earn from a good draw. 6 POTATO SALAD has put in some fair efforts and could earn her, although she does have a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 1-3-4-6)

RACE 2     

3 TRIP TO STATES 2 MIZZEN SWORD 6 CURTISS CONDOR 1 OBSIDIAN

Preview: 3 TRIP TO STATES went close over 1160 metres last time, but does have a tough draw here. 2 MIZZEN SWORD only just failed last time, but now has a tough draw. 6 CURTISS CONDOR is by Lancaster Bomber out of Gimme the Green Light mare and S’Manga Khumalo rides from a tricky draw of six.1 OBSIDIAN has good form but appears to need further than this. (David Thiselton 3-2-6-1)

RACE 3     

2 DYLAN’S CHAMP 1 PIONEER SQUARE 3 ROYAL MIRACLE 7 THAT’S MAGICAL

Preview: 2 DYLAN’S CHAMP is knocking on the door and is distance suited and well drawn.1 PIONEER SQUARE is also knocking on the door and is distance suited with Gavin Lerena up, but does have a tricky draw of six out of eight. 3 ROYAL MIRACLE could earn if repeating his best efforts and he has in form Ryan Munger up from a good draw. 7 THAT’S MAGICAL s by last (5:59) winter out of Lundy’s Liability Mare and has pole position under Muzi Yeni. (David Thiselton 2-1-3-7)

RACE 4     

10 INSTANT ATTRACTION 9 BATTLE OFTHE BULGE 2 CHIEFTAIN’S SHIELD 3 MANZ KNIGHT

Preview: 10 INSTANT ATTRACTION has a tough draw to overcome but Ryan Munger is up and on the form of her last run she will be hard to beat here. 9 BATTLE OFTHE BULGE  ran quite a good race when stepped up to 2,000 meters second time out.2 CHIEFTAIN’S SHIELD is capable of better than last time and has a plum draw over a suitable trip.3 MANZ KNIGHT is a long time maiden but this well bred sort has the ability to earn here from a fair draw. (David Thiselton 10-9-2-3) 

RACE 5     

7 SAIL THE SKY 3 ROAMING SPIRIT 6 PRINCESS ILARIA 8 OH MY GUCCI GIRL

Preview: 7 SAIL THE SKY  is knocking on the door and should be able to handle the step up and trip and has Gavin Lerena up. 3 ROAMING SPIRIT has a tough draw to overcome, but should enjoy this trip and has some ability.6 PRINCESS ILARIA won well last time and looks likely to enjoy the step up and trip and has pole position. 8 OH MY GUCCI GIRL has Munger up from a good draw over a suitable trip. (David Thiselton 7,3,6,8)

RACE 6     

3 SILKY JET 6 PERINI PALACE 4 TIME FOR CHARITY 10 SOUTHERN STYLE

Preview: 3 SILKY JET has an opportunity here from a good draw although the step down and trip might not suit. 6 PERINI PALACE has good form over a suitable trip but has a wide draw to overcome. 4 TIME FOR CHARITY Steps up in trip from a fair draw Yeni up. 10 SOUTHERN STYLE has the ability to earn here from draw 6 out of 12 over an ideal trip. (David Thiselton 3-6-4-10)

RACE 7     

4 PALACE DANCER 5 DECEPTION PASS 3 MOOLA MAN 1 CLAW

Preview: 4 PALACE DANCER  is well drawn over a suitable trip and should go close with Gavin Lerena up. 5 DECEPTION PASS has an easier task than last time and could go close from a good draw under Muzi Yeni. 3 MOOLA MAN was probably ideally suited and has the form to earn here. 1 CLAW is a promising sort but has returned from a layoff of six months. (David Thiselton 4-5-3-1)

RACE 8     

1 PAUL REVERE 4 ALONE TIME 8 ORIENTAL BOUQUET 2 BEAMONESQUE

Preview: 1 PAUL REVERE has ability but does have to overcome a tricky draw. 4 ALONE TIME is capable of blitzing them and has Khumalo up from a fair draw. 8 ORIENTAL BOUQUET is coming back to hand off a reduced merit rating and with a further two point drop could earn from a good draw.2 BEAMONESQUE has ability but has been disappointing although from a good draw here he could bounce back. (David Thiselton 1-4-8-2)