Graeme Hawkins

Song To The Moon looks set to complete a hattrick of victories when he takes on five rivals in the R135 000 Cape B Stakes over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today. Billed as the second of nine races, Song To The Moon rates a confident Bipot banker for the in-form team of Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie. The 4yo son of What A Winter has matured into a very good-looking gelding with plenty of scope for further improvement. Given the lack of obvious pace in this small field, I would imagine that, if needs be, Fourie will allow Song To The Moon to use his big action and dictate matters from the front.

On form, he appears to have the measure of Chollima, Gimme More Time and Green Mandarin and the biggest threat could come from the lightly weighted 3yo daughter of Global View, Omikami, from the stable of Lucinda Woodruff. Set to carry just 50kgs, the improving Omikami will be partnered by Josh Solomons, and she could capitalise if the race is run at a false pace. Omikami is still relatively unexposed, having had only three starts to date, but she caught the eye when running on strongly over 1600m to finish fourth behind Hampstead Heath six weeks ago.

Fourie could strike for the Woodruff team in the fourth race, a Maiden Plate over 1400m. He has been engaged to ride My Archangel and the 3yo son of Soqrat was seen to good advantage when second recently behind Honor of Kings over 1200m. The step-up in trip should be ideal and from a handy barrier position, My Archangel could confirm the form with Gurkha who finished fourth in the same race. Superhero was a distant runner-up behind Scottish Kiss on debut, but the well-bred son of Futura will improve with racing experience and could make his presence felt.

The pick of Fourie’s full book of rides could be the Piet Botha-trained King Viserys in the sixth race, a Class 5 Handicap over 1400m. He is certainly no star, and labelling horses in low-grade handicaps is risky business, but to be frank, with the scratching of Boundless Love, the opposition looks decidedly limited and judged on his recent form, King Viserys looks hard to oppose. Trippi’s Silk drops into Class 5 company for the first time and may suddenly improve on his moderate last three efforts but I am going to take my chances with King Viserys.

Aldo Domeyer and Candice Bass-Robinson have lively chances with Sheets and Goggles (third race), Major Master (seventh race) and Babelicious in the eighth race. Best of these could be Sheets and Goggles in the opening leg of the Place Accumulator, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1400m. It is probably fair to say that Sheets and Goggles has under delivered since her promising debut, but she ran on nicely when third over track and trip last time and her maiden victory seems imminent.

Major Master bumps a competitive line-up in the seventh race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1400m, but his post-maiden effort when fourth behind Gentleman Joe over 1600m was encouraging and he jumps from pole position. Fourie rides the Eric Sands inmate, Carriacou, from an equally good draw and the 5yo son of Captain Of All has been placed in his last four starts. He meets Major Master on 2kgs better terms than weight-for-age and should again give a good account of himself. Commanding bounced back to best last time and on the form of their last run, there is not much to choose between Commanding and Carriacou. These three appear to be the principals, although an upset result cannot be ruled out.

Babelicious will sport blinkers for the first time when she takes on eight rivals in the penultimate race, a Class 4 Handicap (F&M) over 1200m. Babelicious is weighted to match strides with Festival Chic, but the former may just have the edge of this track and trip. Hope Chest cannot be lightly dismissed. Her run in the Grade 1 World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas is best ignored and she rates a strong chance on her previous course and distance performances. Alltheboysiveloved is holding form well and should once again be in the mix while Ticket To Vegas appears well treated at the weights and the 4yo daughter of William Longsword is a must-inclusion. Recent maiden winner Back At The George may have scope for further improvement.

The first race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m, is due off at 12:35 – keep an eye on the betting with regards the newcomers Absolutely Yes and New World.

RACE 1

Very hard to assess this race, watch the market closely with the well-bred first timers in the race. 8 GOOD FOR YOU ran a lovely race on debut behind Orbit who is highly rated by the stable, he was very green first time at the races and stayed on strongly to finish third, with natural improvement, he will have a good each way chance in the opener. 4 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT stayed on well behind her stable companion on debut, she was lost in the early parts of the race and finished nicely for fifth, she takes on the boys here, but she looks progressive and must be included into the play. 2 SO AMERICAN will need to improve quite a bit to win, but the step up in trip should help him. 7 PAY THE PALACE can sneak into the Quartets at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 4 – 2 – 7)

RACE 2

2 CHOLLIMA put in a great performance last time for second behind Magic Verse, he had some hard luck stories in that race and finished powerfully late, he will be very competitive here off this rating of 81, include him into all bets. 7 SONG TO THE MOON is a beautiful looking gelding, he has won his last two starts impressively and should be right there again in the finish. 5 GIMME MORE TIME never runs a bad race, he will need to improve a good couple of lengths to beat this field, but his consistent and should be amongst the places. 6 OMIKAMI has always been highly rated by the stable, she ran a much better race last time over 1600m, now that she tries further with absolutely no weight on her back, she could certainly trouble them all. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 7 – 5 – 6)

RACE 3

7 SHEETS AND GOGGLES ran a lovely race last time behind Russian Royal, if she gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, she will go very close to winning, it looks to be the perfect race for her to finally exit the maiden ranks. 6 LOUI’S STAR is much better than her recent run on the 23rd of November, she was beaten just over five lengths by the winner, just looking at her profile and the way she races, there is no doubt she will improve with every start, watch her closely here. 4 MEURSAULT ran a much better race on the 4th of December behind Tap Shoes, if she can build on that performance, she can earn some money for the connections. 1 BLIND AMBITION improved nicely with the blinkers on last time, from a good draw, she must be respected for the Quartets. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 6 – 4 – 1)

RACE 4

3 MY ARCHANGEL ran a terrific second behind Honor Of Kings on the 7th of December, he is progressive and should love the step up in trip from a good draw, there is no doubt he will have a good winning chance in this race. 2 DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT ran a fair race last time behind Cavalry Commander, the step up in trip to 1400m, should unlock massive improvement, he could be the value in what looks a tricky contest. 8 SUPERHERO ran on nicely for second on debut, even though he was well beaten, he has a lovely action and should improve with every start, watch him closely. 6 GURKHA should improve tremendously now that he steps up in trip, if he can produce his debut performance behind Cork Bay, he will have a solid winning chance. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 2 – 8 – 6)

RACE 5

1 WHISTLE THE TUNE ran a super race in the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas behind Fatal Flaw, she is highly rated by the stable and should get the run of the race from a good draw here in this tricky looking Class 3 event, Jockey Chad Little knows her well, she will be in the shake up no doubt. 9 HAMPSTEAD HEATH quickened up in good fashion to win a good race on the 19th of November, this is a step up in class for her, but she is improving and maturing into a lovely filly, include her into all bet types. 3 CALLMEGETRIX is as honest as they come, she needs a quiet ride and then finishes strongly late, she must be respected in a huge way. 4 GIMMETHATPEARL has tons of ability, if the race works out for her, she will be competitive again. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 9 – 3 – 4)

RACE 6

8 BOUNDLESS LOVE is a maiden taking on winners in this Class 5 event, there is no doubt it will be tough for him from a wide draw, but his a good looking gelding that seems to be getting the hang of things lately, his recent form is much better, if he can keep building and progressing with every start, he should run a decent race at a good price. 11 LOVERS LANE ran a fair race last time behind True Horizon, he steps up in trip now to 1400m, with some luck in running from a wide draw, he could pop up. 4 KING VISERYS has done so well for the owners, jockey Richard Fourie knows him well, on his best form he should be right there in the finish. 9 MOHANDAS will need to improve on his last start, he is far better than that, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 11 – 4 – 9)

RACE 7

1 MAJOR MASTER had absolutely no luck in running on the 26th of November behind Gentleman Joe, there should be no excuses for him from a good draw here, he will be very hard to beat, and this could easily be one of the better bets on the card. 4 COMMANDING ran a much better race on the 7th of December behind Garrix, he raced handy and stayed on really well all the way to the line, with a similar performance here, he will give Major Master something to think about in the finish. 2 CARRIACOU always tries his best, at this level over this trip of 1400m, he must be respected and included into all bets. 3 MY BESTIE only ran a fair race behind Dawn Till Dusk last time, on his best form he could have a nice place chance. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 4 – 2 – 3)

RACE 8

5 PINK PIGEON fought hard all the way to the line in her last start behind Roccapina, she is really a beautiful looking filly that should win quite a few races in her career, she changed stables on the 16th of December, she is progressive and must have a good each way chance in this tricky race. 2 ALLTHEBOYSIVELOVED ran a fair race behind Captain’s Destiny on the 16th of November, she moved up strongly midway through the race and then just stayed on late, the yard have always held this filly in high regard, she must be respected here. 8 FESTIVAL CHIC is much better than her recent run in the Grade 2 over 1400m, the drop in trip should help this filly, watch her closely. 1 TICKET TO VEGAS ran a cracker last time in a strong race, she must have a good each way chance on her best form. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 2 – 8 – 1)

RACE 9

10 ELUSIVE WINTER bounced back to his best form when beating a strong field on the 4th of December, he showed plenty speed out the gates with the blinkers on and led them from start to finish to win a super race, he looks to be in a good space at the moment, he will have a good winning chance here. 5 ONE LINER has been rested for 84 days, he put in a super gallop at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 19th of December, he is not the biggest of individuals, but he can accelerate like a smart horse, include him into all bets. 6 ALL ABOUT AL has been in great form of late, he needs a particular ride, if the race works out for him, he should be in the money again. 9 THE US OF A might just need the run from a long break, but he is talented and can win a race like this quite easily. (Brandon Bailey: 10 – 5 – 6 – 9)

RACE 1

1 GREEN SAPPHIRE      7 GIMME A STORM      2 SUNFIRE       4 BILINGUAL 

Preview: GREEN SAPPHIRE (1) is improving with racing and looks hard to beat today. GIMME A STORM (7) caught the eye on debut and can improve to go close to winning. SUNFIRE (2) and BILINGUAL (4) have massive place chances and should win their race soon. (Warren Lenferna 1-7-2-4) 

RACE 2

6 BAD MEDICINE       3 THE MERICIFUL     8 POPLAR PARK       9 RISING RUSSIAN 

Preview: BAD MEDICINE (6) gets some weight off from the rider and caught the eye last time when third. He can be given serious claims today. THE MERCIFUL (3) is taking time for the win but should get it all right soon. POPLAR PARK (8) surely has more to offer and can make a bold bid at the finish – bright chance. RISING RUSSIAN (9) is a must for the trifecta and quartet play. (Warren Lenferna 6-3-8-9) 

RACE 3

1 GREY JET      4 POTBERRIE      8 LAVA FIRE      7 OMBUDSMAN 

Preview: GREY JET (1) is lightly raced and clearly progressive. He could take a power of beating and is a possible banker on the card. POTBERRIE (4) is holding form and has an each way chance. LAVA FIRE (8) placed at the last start and can certainly place again. A must for the trifecta perms. OMBUDSMAN (7) is never far off and could be the value for the places. (Warren Lenferna 1-4-8-7) 

RACE 4

2 SALENIO PENINSULA      1 CEUTA      5 HONG KONG       3 ACROSS THE POND 

Preview: SALENIO PENINSULA (2) is a talented filly that nearly scored last time. She is confidently selected to go one more. CEUTA (1) is ultra-consistent and cannot be ignored from any bets – strong claims. HONG KONG (5) is the unknown and could be absolutely anything. Do not ignore his chances, he won well. ACROSS THE POND (3) has a place chance. (Warren Lenferna 2-1-5-3) 

RACE 5

1 ALMOND SEA      7 RONDEBOSCH        3 KARATE KID      2 CHOCOLATE SOLDIER 

Preview: ALMOND SEA (1) shows pace and is talented. She might have needed her last run and can be expected to do way better this time. RONDEBOSCH (7) is an exciting prospect and has a bright winning chance. KARATE KID (3) trotted up last time beating Rondebosch and can follow up – respect and include in a competitive race. CHOCOLATE SOLDIER (2) is quick and has a first four chance. (Warren Lenferna 1-7-3-2) 

RACE 6

1 INDIAN OCEAN        4 SOLDIER’S EYE       5 WONDERFUL       8 SUKHUMVIT 

Preview: INDIAN OCEAN (1) is way better than her last run suggests and is selected to bounce right back to winning form. SOLDIER’S EYE (4) showed last time when a close up second, that she is on the come back road to the winner’s enclosure – big runner. WONDERFUL (5) is on a tremendous winning spree which can continue. SUKHUMVIT (8) can be forgiven for the last performance and is the value for the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 1-4-5-8) 

RACE 7

2 ICE STAR        5 PISTOL PETE      3 SHELDON      4 TIME FO ORCHIDS 

Preview: ICE STAR (2) has won her last two impressively and is selected to reel off the hat trick. PISTOL PETE (5) is a decent sort, boasts solid form and just failed last time. He has huge each way claims and must be included. SHELDON (3) and TIME FO ORCHIDS (4) are natural quartet inclusions. (Warren Lenferna 2-5-3-4) 

RACE 8 

3 JUST VAR       5 KING OF NUMBERS      10 TWICE AS WILD        4 KOTINOS 

Preview: Hat trick seeking JUST VAR (3) goes well for Trent Mayhew and they will be looking to go all the way again here. Firm first pick. KING OF NUMBERS (5) is the value for the exacta spot and must be respected. TWICE AS WILD (10) always has claims and always runs a fair race – include, and, KOTINOS (4) could very well pop up one of these days. Watch. (Warren Lenferna 3-5-10-4) 

Andrew Harrison

This is supposed to be the season to be merry but the majority of racing at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday was closer to a funeral procession as the runners ambled around before pressing on for a sprint for home. This was all in stark contrast to Happy Valley that was featured on the alternate DSTV channel where Hong Kong racing is no quarter asked or given with a hot pace from the jump.

With first time blinkers, the connections of Celtic Beauty were confident of a winning effort in the Flamboyant Stakes (Listed) but the race never panned out to suit and with Mary’s Greenlight and Perilla, last and second last into the straight, putting the field to bed in the sprint home.

Sean Veale was ‘swinging on’ to Celtic Beaty in the early exchanges as his filly fought for her head, but once settled Veal slowed it up and the field took closer order with Safe And Sound also pressing for the lead.

This pair took off at the top of the straight with Safe And Sound the first to capitulate under pressure. Celtic Beauty tried hard to hold onto her lead with Bevie’s Beauty also in the hunt but early exertions took their toll as Mary’s Greenlight and Perilla motored home up the outside of the field. This pair were travelling two strides to one with the opposition treading water.

 Things warmed up in the Christmas Handicap as Strathclyde took up the early cudgels after a lengthy delay to the start as firstly the always troublesome Palermo refused to load then then Navajo Nation having to be re-plated.

However, there was a list of excuses after the race with a number of runner inconvenienced as the field concertinaed up against the inside rail.

But Sean Veale took the right way home, racing wide and avoiding the traffic and Imilenzeyokududuma  quickened well from off the pace to win as he liked.

Two unlucky runners where Kitchakal with Athandiwe Mgudlwa looking for an inside passage but not quicken up enough to take the gap but running on late  while Mexican Pete never got a clear passed but was finishing strongly when he did find clear air and is one to watch next time out. 

RACE 1

(7) ALADO’S HABIT ran well on debut at big odds, with the expected improvement to come she will take some beating. (1) MILLION REASONS has been consistent and will be a huge danger to the top selection. (2) SWEET NOTHINGS has uninspiring form on paper however she is making her provincial debut. Cape form stands up strong in the province and any market support must be respected. (6) TUNE AGAIN ran a cracker in the last start and can place here.

RACE 2

(6) MAXIGIRL has been placing recently and will have a huge winning chance in this competitive contest. (5) OH MANDY wasn’t far in the last start and will get much closer. (2) ANGEL OF MY HEART is another who is never far back and will make the frame here. (1) LIKE A BUTTERFLY can improve on that last start so has to be respected coming from a top yard with Richard Fourie aboard. ( Devonne Govender 6-5-2-1)

RACE 3

(1) KABON KAPI is holding solid form and looks tough to beat especially with the apprentice claiming. (2) WOMAN OF POWER is knocking on the door and there won’t be much to choose between her and the top selection. (8) MISS SHAIVI is another who is holding consistent form and will be in the firing line. (4) TREASURE HUNT is very capable on her day and must be respected. ( Devonne Govender 1-2-8-4)

RACE 4

(5) WALKONTHEWILDSIDE could be anything, her debut win was eye-catching And she could remain unbeaten. (3) CHARLIE MALONE is holding consistent form and is a very honest type, huge run expected. (7) SEATTLE RIPPER wasn’t far in the last start and can get a lot closer. (1) RAVILIOUS represents some value for the placings , although shouldering a big weight he can feature. ( Devonne Govender 5-3-7-1)

RACE 5

(2) EXECUTOR is very capable and could take some beating. She drops slightly in trip which could make all the difference because she has a big finish. (5) ELLA’S DELIGHT is never far back and can get a lot closer. (6) NOTORIX wasn’t far in the last start and can get involved. (1) WHAT A WINNER improved in the last start, although shouldering a massive weight he can run into the quartets. ( Devonne Govender 2-5-6-1)

RACE 6

(6) ARTURO won a gutsy race in the last start and will be in the firing line. (3) PEDRO is holding consistent form and another career win is close. (2) MO THE MAN ran well at decent odds in the last start and will make his presence felt. (7) LT ALEXANDER is very capable of winning this, he is much better than the last start so must be respected. ( Devonne Govender 6-3-2-7)

RACE 7

(3) FIREALLEY is holding smart form and could take some beating here. He has the best draw with an inform rider aboard so will be a big runner. (2) CHERRY ANO is classy and will be the main danger to the top selection, his last run was good so is a must include. (1) BINGWA won’t be far in this contest and must go into larger perms, he has the class to feature. (Devonne Govender 3-2-4-1)

RACE 8

(8) ALL ABOUT LOVE is holding consistent form and will be the banker in all bets with Richard Fourie aboard. (11) CHEAP THRILLS ran a much-improved race in the last start and can build on that. (1) HE’S A GAUL is capable of much better and can feature here. (3) FEARLESS BADGER is capable of getting involved and can run into quartets. ( Devonne Govender 8-11-1-3)