Race 1     

4 DIWALI ROCKET 10 SPIRITO SELVAGGIO 8 ORANGE COUNTY 7 MILAN’S WORLD

Preview: 4 DIWALI ROCKET ran a cracker last time out over 1600m and the form has been franked. 10 SPIRITO SELVAGGIO is by Potala Palace and is a half-brother to Castle Tankard winner Peggson. 8 ORANGE COUNTY is by Flower Alley and is a half-brother to the useful Dugar Mountain. 7 MILAN’S WORLD can improve on his fair debut in a suitable step up in trip. (David Thiselton 4-10-8-7)

Race 2     

6 RODEO DRIVE 2 BASKED IN GLORY 1 FORCE EIGHT 3 POBLANO

Preview: 6 RODEO DRIVE is full of speed and class and will be hard to beat 2 BASKED IN GLORY won a nice race on debut. 1 FORCE EIGHT is progressive and should be in the shake up. 3 POBLANO made a promising winni9ng debut and could be anything. David Thiselton (6-2-1-3)

Race 3     

2 BJORN IRONSIDE 1 PISTOL PETE 3 WOLF MOUNTAIN 6 COPPER CLIFF

Preview: 2 BJORN IRONSIDE won easily last time and has impressed on more than one occasion 1 PISTOL PETE hasn’t quite lived up to his earlier much vaunted reputation but he should still be right there despite giving weight to the field. 3 WOLF MOUNTAIN is promising and he has scope for further improvement. 6 COPPER CLIFF has two lengths to make up on Wolf Mountain and is 3kg better off. (David Thiselton 2-1-3-6)

Race 4     

1 THERES A LIGHT 4 ERIMITAGE 5 MOHAVE MAN 13 GOLD FEVER

Preview: 1 THERES A LIGHT is knocking on the door and is distance suited and well drawn. 4 ERIMITAGE is usually thereabouts but does have a tough draw. 5 MOHAVE MAN has shown glimpses of ability and coud earn here. 13 GOLD FEVER can earn if repeating his last start. (David Thiselton 1-4-5-13)

Race 5     

2 DOITWITHDIAMONDS 14 KEY WORKER 4 BACARDI BABE 1 MARY READ

Preview: 2 DOITWITHDIAMONDS brings some fair Cape Town form and this yard has a fine record with former Cape Town horses. 14 KEY WORKER has run two good races and should be right there. 4 BACARDI BABE can earn if repeating her last start. 1 MARY READ has a wide draw but should be involved here. (David Thiselton 2-14-4-1)

Race 6     

2 STREWN SKY 5 VESUVIO 3 ROSY LEMON 12 CREPUSCOLO

Preview: 2 STREWN SKY has a wide draw to overcome but proved last time when third that he can handle this current merit rating. 5 VESUVIO should enjoy tihis trip and has a good draw. 3 ROSY LEMON’s last win was over this trip and she has a fair draw.  12 CREPUSCOLO can earn from a wide draw if reproducing his best. (David Thiselton 2-5-3-12) 

Race 7     

8 NKANDLA GOLD 7 CHASING HAPPINESS 6 LINKIN NAVIGATOR 9 LAW OF SUCCESS

Preview: 8 NKANDLA GOLD has a lot of pace and can go in again. 7 CHASING HAPPINESS has a nice high draw and looks to be on the up. 6 LINKIN NAVIGATOR has fine form but has not run for four months.  9 LAW OF SUCCESS is usually in the shake up and is drawn in the middle. (David Thiselton 8-7-6-9)

Race 8     

1 MASTER CASPER 5 DUKE OF ROCK 4 HAPPY ANALIA 6 LOVEGRASS

Preview: 1 MASTER CASPER is a promising type but does have a tough number one draw to overcome. 5 DUKE OF ROCK has ability and has a nice middle to outside draw. 4 HAPPY ANALIA will enjoy the step back to 1000m. 6 LOVEGRASS could still improve on her three fair runs. (David Thiselton 1-5-4-6) 

David Thiselton

Turffontein Standside has an intriguing eight race meeting today, in which there look to be opportunities for both exotic and on the nose punters.

In the first over 1400m Diwali Rocket is a half-brother to the 98-rated Juliet Tango and ran a cracker second time out over 1600m with first time blinkers on and the form has been franked. He should enjoy this 200m shorter trip too on this galloping track with the blinkers staying on and S’Manga Khumalo also staying aboard. He does have a tricky draw of six though, in the ten horse field. First-timer Spirito Selvaggio is by Potala Palace and is a half-brother to Castle Tankard winner Peggson. He has Kabelo Matsunyane up and jumps from pole position. Orange County is by Flower Alley and is a half-brother to the useful Sugar Mountain and Calvin Habib is an eyecatching booking, although he has a tough draw of eight. Milan’s World can improve on his fair debut in a suitable step up in trip. Bacchus made a good debut but does have a tricky draw.

In the second race Rodeo Drive is full of class and will be hard to beat, so can be bankered in all bets from a nice high draw of six.

In the third race over 1160m Pistol Pete will be all the rage, but Bjorn Ironside has been eyecatching and receiving 4kg from the latter could be the one to side with, although Pistol Pete’s high draw is in his favour. Wolf Mountain can’t be ignored as a possible winner as he is clearly held in high regard and has done nothing wrong to date.

In the next race over 1400m There’s A Light is knocking on the door and is distance suited and well drawn and looks hard to beat. Ermitage is usually thereabouts, but does have a tough draw. Mohave Man has shown glimpses of ability and coud earn here. Gold Fever can earn if repeating his last start. Pressonregardless has some decent Cape Town form but has not run for five months and has a tough draw.

In the fifth race over 1400m Do It With Diamonds is also a Cape Town horse returning from a layoff and having to jump from a wide draw. However, the Tony Peter yard have a fine record with ex-Cape Town horses and there is very little to beat in this uninspiring contest other than two-year-old filly Key Worker, who has run two decent races and jumps from a fair draw of five. Both can be included in all bets.

The sixth over 1800m is a tricky contest and the suggestion is to include all of Strewn Sky, Vesuvio, Rosy Lemon Crepuscolo, Celtic Rush, Festival Of Magic and Real Relief in the Pick 6.

In the seventh over 1000m Nkandla Gold has a lot of pace and is on the up, so can rise above an 86 merit rating. Chasing Happiness has a nice high draw and looks to be on the up. Linkin Navigator can also be included because although he has not run for four months he has fine form. 

In the last race over 1000m Master Casper is a promising well-bred half-brother to Gr 1-winning sprinter and now sire Master Archie. However, he does have a tough number one draw to overcome, so Duke Of Rock, who has ability and a nice middle to outside draw, as well as Happy Analia, who will enjoy the step back to 1000m, can also be included in the Pick 6 and Jackpot. 

RACE 1

5 DANTONFROMSANDTON    7 WILD AT WAR   2 KALAHARI ROLLER   2 SUN IN MY POCKET

Summary: DANTONFROMSANDTON (5) has won twice and been close-up in Highveld features. He gives weight and makes his poly debut but comes from the Sean Tarry yard who seldom have a bad afternoon on this day. WILD AT WAR (7) was only five lengths back in the Gr1 Gold Medallion and was a comfortable maiden winner prior to that. KALAHARI ROLLER (2) was off the track after his maiden win with skin disease so should still be ready to race. SUN IN MY POCKET (2) made a smart debut, failing narrowly. She takes on males but has a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 5-7-2-1).

RACE 2

1 DARING DASH   5 TERIYAKI   6 BARY DE GROND   3 ALWAYS SHINING

Summary: DARING DASH (1) has improved with each outing. He makes his poly debut for Weiho Marwing but has the best of the draw over a suitable trip. TERIYAKI (5) is seldom fa back and has some fair form in useful maidens. The cheek pieces replace the blinkers but he should feature strongly. BARRY DU GROND (6) was a touch disappointing at his second start. Both runs have been in the soft and the switch to the poly could see major improvement. ALWAYS SHINING (3) is way better than his last run. He goes well on the poly and Dennis Bosch has Richard Fourie aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-6-3).

RACE 3

10 MAGIC HAT TRICK   7 RAINWATER   6 WHEREVERILAYMYHAT   8 ANIMAL IMPACT

Summary: Competitive maiden. MAGIC HAT TRICK (10) was much improved over ground when close-up at long odds. That was only his third start for Carl Hewitson and a repeat can see him close again. RAINWATER (7) found market support last run when tried in blinkers. The blinkers come of, cheek pieces on along with Richard Fourie. WHEREVERILAYMYHAT (6) raced green in a promising debut. He should enjoy this trip. ANIMAL IMPACT (8) has put in two recent forward showings on the poly. He stays the trip and rates a winning chance. (Andrew Harrison: 10-7-6-8).

RACE 4

7 MAGIC TATOO   8 CONVOCATION   1 RUSSIAN DOLL   9 PROUD MASTER

Summary: MAGIC TATOO (7) has put in two good sprints on the turf. The switch to the poly should suit and he rates a strong winning chance. CONVOCATION (8) was out-classed in the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint but scored three-in-a-row prior to that. Her last win was over course and distance. RUSSIAN DOLL (1) won this race last year. She has had two runs back since a lengthy lay-off and ran a smart preparation race at her second run back. PROUD MASTER (9) made sudden improvement last run. He is class on his day and a repeat can see him in the money again. (Andrew Harrison: 7-8-1-9).

RACE 5

5 MAGICAL FLIGHT   11 PIRATE PRINCE   2 TOM’S ACT   3 PETIT VERDOT

Summary: MAGICAL FLIGHT (9) has been consistent of late and her rating has stayed steady. She is class on her day and as an older mare she should enjoy the switch to the poly. PIRATE PRINCE (11) has been contesting features over further at recent outings but is effective over this trip. The Alyson Wright stable can do no wrong of late and another winner is on the cards. TOM’S ACT (2) has come well of late and loves the poly. He has bottom weight and Muzi Yeni to help in along. PETIT VERDOT (3) has consistent recent form and although she takes on males she has been taking on stronger opposition of late. She has a handy weight and a drop in the ratings to help. (Andrew Harrison: 9-11-2-3).

RACE 6

7 WILLOW EXPRESS   4 WYZEACT   2 LUCKY DOLLAR   1 JOSHUA HOTSNAKE

Summary: WILLOW EXPRESS (7) had his consistency rewarded last start.. He only got a three-point raise in the handicap and can follow up. Corne Spies raids with WYZEACT (4) who shoulders top weight but has been in good form in smart Highveld company of late. He steps up an extra furlong but his last win was on the poly. LUCKY DOLLAR (2) won well over course and distance at his penultimate start and stays the trip well. Has a plum draw and should go close. JOSHUA HOTSNAKE (1) is in cracking form of late. He has a handy weight and will go close if he stays the extra furlong. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-2-1).

RACE 7

4 MRS GERIATRIX   8 LAGUNA VERDE   9 LADY FALLON   5 PRINCE OF TARANTO

Summary: MRS GERIATRIX (4) went off the boil after her smashing two-year-old season but appears to be coming to hand again. She has a big weight against males but she is class and that could carry her home. Lucky Houdalakis sends out two runners and judging on the jockey engagements LAGUNA VERDE (8) could be the stable elect. He made sudden improvement last run and may have come to hand. Stable companion LADY FALLON (9) ran on well behind the smart filly Francis Ethel last time out with Zackey aboard. She makes her poly debut but has been improving steadily. PRINCE OF TARANTO (5) has been improving with every run and looks to have been primed for this race by Tony Rivalland. (Andrew Harrison: 4-8-9-5).

RACE 8

10 STEVIE GEE   2 HIPPOCRATES   9 BRAVE VOYAGER   7 VICTOR RAIL

Summary: Tricky handicap. STEVIE GEE (10) has the worst of the draw but was a touch unlucky last run. He has consistent form over course and distance. HIPPOCRATES (2) goes well on the poly and was a close-up third over course and distance last time out. BRAVE VOYAGER (9) is never far behind and although most of his recent form has been over further, he is effective over this shorter trip. Alyson Wright has three runners all with a chance. Stable rider Athandiwe Mgudlwa rides VICTOR RAIL (7) who seemingly has the weakest recent form. (Andrew Harrison: 10-2-9-7).

RACE 9

8 PHAKA IMALI   5 GORGEOUS DUDE   10 STRAWBERRY STRINGER   2 BENNI IN THE AREA

Summary: PHAKA IMALI (8) goes well on the poly and is in good form. The extra furlong should not be a problem. GORGEOUS DUDE (5) was a recent maiden winner when making his poly debut but had been making steady improvement. He is lightly raced and can follow up. STRAWBERRY STINGER (10) is coming to hand and was running on strongly on the poly last time out. The extra furlong will suit. BENNI IN THE AREA (2) has shown up well on the poly at his last two. He is a strong front runner and can make all. (Andrew Harrison: 8-5-10-2).

Andrew Harrison

Sean Tarry had a tremendous day at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Golden Horse Sprint afternoon, a day he has dominated in the past few years. Another Tarry favourite is KZN Breeders day that takes place at Hollywoodbets Greyville today. Tarry is a staunch supporter of KwaZulu-Natal studs with all nine races restricted to runners from the province.

All the races barring the KwaZulu-Natal Breeders Mile are restricted to the poly track and it will be interesting to see if the diminutive Mrs Geriatrix can build on her two-year-old form that saw her voted Equus Champion Two-Year-Old Filly of her season.

In her final start last season, she won the Gr1 eThekwini Stakes over Saturday’s course and distance but it was distressing to see her led back to the paddock seemingly in some discomfort. However, although it has been some time since her last win, she has not been disgraced when taking on the cream of this season’s crop of sophomore fillies.

Given Tarry’s record on this day and the way the weights are structured Mrs Geriatrix could prove a cut above in class and ability in this field.

Vaal-based trainer Lucky Houdalakis is two-handed with Laguna Verde and judging by the jockey engagements Laguna Verde could be the stable elect with Craig Zackey aboard having being the regular rider of both. Laguna Verde made sudden improvement last run and may have come to hand. Stable companion Lady Fallon ran on well behind the smart filly Francis Ethel last time out. She makes her poly debut but has been improving steadily. Prince Of Taranto has been improving with every run and looks to have been primed for this race by Tony Rivalland. 

Tarry can get his ball rolling in the card opener with Dantonfromsandton who has won twice and been close-up in Highveld features. He gives weight and makes his poly debut but comes from the Tarry yard who seldom have a bad afternoon on this day. Wild At War was only five lengths back in the Gr1 Gold Medallion and was a comfortable maiden winner prior to that and could pose the biggest threat.

In the second, Daring Dash has improved with each outing. He makes his poly debut for Weiho Marwing but has the best of the draw over a suitable trip. Teriyaki is seldom fa back and has some fair form in useful maidens. The cheek pieces replace the blinkers but he should feature strongly. Barry Du Grond was a touch disappointing at his second start. Both runs have been in the soft and the switch to the poly could see major improvement. Always Shining is way better than his last run. He goes well on the poly and Dennis Bosch has Richard Fourie aboard. 

The third is a competitive maiden. Magic Hat Trick was much improved over ground when close-up at long odds. That was only his third start for Carl Hewitson and a repeat can see him close again. Rainwater found market support last run when Glen Kotzen tried him in blinkers. The blinkers come off cheek pieces go on along with Richard Fourie. Whereverilaymyhat raced green in a promising debut. He should enjoy this trip. Animal Impact has put in two recent forward showings on the poly. He stays the trip and rates a winning chance. 

The Tarry inmate Magic Tattoo could be one of the better bets on the card. He has put in two good sprints on the turf and the switch to the poly should suit and he rates a strong winning chance. Convocation was out-classed in the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint but scored three-in-a-row prior to that. Her last win was over course and distance. Russian Doll won this race last year for Michael Roberts. She has had two runs back since a lengthy lay-off and ran a smart preparation race at her second run back. 

Tarry saddles the class mare Magical Flight in the fifth who has been consistent of late and her rating has stayed steady. She is smart on her day and as an older mare she should enjoy the switch to the poly. Pirate Prince has been contesting features over further at recent outings but is effective over this trip. The Alyson Wright stable can do no wrong of late and another winner is on the cards. 

Willow Express had his consistency rewarded last start for Tarry and he only got a three-point raise in the handicap and can follow up in the sixth. Corne Spies raids with Wyzeact who shoulders top weight but has been in good form in smart Highveld company of late. He steps up an extra furlong but his last win was on the poly. Lucky Dollar won well over course and distance at his penultimate start and stays the trip well. Has a plum draw and should go close. Wendy Whitehead sends out Joshua Hotsnake is in cracking form of late. He has a handy weight and will go close if he stays the extra furlong. 

The eight is a tricky handicap but although Stevie Gee has the worst of the draw he was a touch unlucky last run. He has consistent form over course and distance. Hippocrates goes well on the poly and was a close-up third over course and distance last time out for Stuart Ferrie. Brave Voyager is never far behind and although most of his recent form has been over further, he is effective over this shorter trip. Alyson Wright has three runners all with a chance. Stable rider Athandiwe Mgudlwa rides Victor Rail who seemingly has the weakest recent form. The market could be your best guide here.

Gary Rich could round off the last with Phaka Imali who goes well on the poly and is in good form. The extra furlong should not be a problem. Gorgeous Dude was a recent maiden winner when making his poly debut but had been making steady improvement. He is lightly raced and can follow up. Strawberry Stinger is coming to hand and was running on strongly on the poly last time out. The extra furlong will also suit. Rich also saddles Benni In The Area who has shown up well on the poly at his last two. He is a strong front runner and can make all.

David Thiselton

The Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops were conducted this morning in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd at Hollywoodbets Greyville and as is usually the case every year the runners all looked in good shape and strode out well.

The Johannesburg-based horses did their gallops this morning too at their home bases and could not be faulted either.

Royal Victory got the ball rolling and although sweating in the parade ring he put in a superb gallop under big race rider Muzi Yeni. He sat behind his companion from the 1400m mark and quickened well in the straight before galloping strongly all the way to the line. His 400m to finish time was 23.90 seconds and the outing would have put him spot on for the big race.

The favourite Green With Envy was next out and this progressive three-year-old becomes more impressive every time he sets foot on the racecourse. He relaxed as well as usual and then turned it on superbly in the straight, posting an effortless 400m to finish time of 22.66 seconds under Craig Zackey.

Barbaresco is a dark horse as he appears to have been targeted at the big race. If Gavin Lerena is prepared to slim down to 53,5kg he must have a shout. He has the pedigree for it and strode out well in his workout on the Highveld.

Aragosta led his stable companion Shoemaker in the next gallop at Hollywoodbets Greyville and they both strode out well, doing a 400m to finish time of 23.11 and 23.12 seconds respectively.

Purple Pitcher did a good piece of work on the Highveld.

Oriental Charm strode out well in his gallop on the Highveld.

The reigning Hollywoodbets Durban July champion Winchester Mansion put in a superb gallop on the Highveld.

See It Again worked with two companions and turned it on well in the straight under Piere Strydom, who kept him up to his task all the way to the line. His 400m to finish time was 23.28 and in the panel discussion later on the four-times July-winning rider Anthony Delpech revealed that See It Again was his fancy to win the race.

Double Superlative will be ridden by Danny Muscutt in the big race and Sean Veale substituted for him. He strode out well and the gallop will have brought him on. 

Future Swing was restrained and took a keen hold under Richard Fourie, but threw his legs out beautifully. His 400m to finish time was 24.52 seconds.

Meridius and Son Of Raj did nothing wrong in their workouts on the Highveld.

Master Redoute strode out beautifully in his gallop at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

On the Highveld Cousin Casey looked in good shape and strode out well with a companion.

Stablemate Future Pearl will also come into the race spot on after putting in a good gallop with a companion.

Without Question strode out well throughout under Rachel Venniker, who will become the first woman to ride in the July. His 400m to finish time was 24.06 seconds.

Flag Man put in an eyecatching gallop with a companion and recorded a 400m to finish time of 22.73 seconds under Serino Moodley.

Reserve runners Hluhluwe and Hotarubi worked out at Hollywoodbets Greyville and the Highveld respectively and neither of them could be faulted.