David Thiselton

Turffontein Standside stages an eight-race meeting on today that could help bolster the funds for the big Betway Summer Cup meeting next Saturday.

The highest rated races at the meeting are a Graduation Plate over 1000m and a MR 95 Handicap over 1160m.

In the Graduation Plate, Lead The Charge is a talented sprinter who can progress further over a suitable course and distance from a favourable high draw of five out of six. He is officially 1,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted pair, who are French Bolt and Master Casper. 

Karate Kid has the 1,5kg allowance of Rachel Venniker and is also drawn six  out of six so that and his progressive profile will help alleviate the fact that he is officially 6kg under sufferance with the best weighted pair. Rondebosch is an up and coming sort who can rise above his current merit rating, which officially puts him 3,5kg under sufferance, but he does have the tricky number one draw. Fostinovo should be cherry-ripe but does have a tricky low draw and is 9kg under sufferance, although he does have a 2,5kg claimer up. French Bolt and Master Casper are potentially top class, but both are making their seasonal reappearances.

In the MR 95 Handicap over 1160m, Richard The First is talented and is drawn on the right side over a suitable trip. He will be hard to beat. Paisley Park is usually thereabouts and can be again from a nice high draw. Slinky Mapimpi ran a blinder last time to beat a classy sort in Fatal Flaw and could follow up over a further drop in trip from a nice high draw. Midnight Gem is an honest sort who is drawn on the right side over a suitable course and distance. Edward Rye is in good form but has a tricky low draw.

In the second leg of the Pick 6, a MR 86 handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m, the progressive Across The Pond has a fair draw over a suitable trip and can make it a third win in her last four starts. Doitwithdiamonds is in fine form and could make an honest attempt to run on from behind after being dropped out from a tricky draw, although she has a three-point raise to contend with for her last win. Elembee should go close if repeating her August run over this trip at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Hillary Step has fair form and is distance suited and well drawn. Spirited Girl is in fine form and would be the one to beat of it was over 1400m, so the question is whether she will see it out. She has a good draw which will help.

In the fifth race over 2000m, a Middle Stakes event, the long-striding Indian Ocean goes well for Piere Strydom and has a plum draw over a suitable trip. Tamarisk Tree is in hard knocking form and from pole position should go close again. Mount Darwin has talent and is capable of running on so could be dropped out from a wide draw. Royal Edition is in good form and is distance suited and well drawn. Sugar Blast won well last time but does have a four-point raise to overcome. 

In the sixth race over 1400m, On Target won well second time out and off a reasonable 83 merit rating with Lerena up, can go close over the same trip, although the tricky draw is a concern. Fast Duty is course and distance suited and only three points higher for his win last time. Libeccio is effective over this trip and has a plum draw. Gimme The Flame should handle the step up in trip and has a fair draw. Sail The Sky won well last time and is only three points higher.

In the last race over 1160m, Fastnet Filly is up against the boys but made a fine Highveld debut and off a 74 merit rating could follow up. Peace Treaty is drawn on the right side and is capable of better than last time. Passage Of Power can be involved if bouncing back to form under Venniker who gets a handy 1,5kg allowance. Prince Of Kildare has the ability to go close but does have a low draw. Secret Chord is capable of better than his last two.

In the first leg of the Bipot over 1600m, the hard-knocking pair of Tuscan Star and Lacewing could fight it out.

In the first leg of the PA over 1600m, Pretty Analia, Fireburst and Tried And True could get punters through.

RACE 1     

2 TUSCAN STAR 1 LACEWING 5 ASIAH’S TIAR 6 LADY SABRINA

Preview: 2 TUSCAN STAR has a form chance here from a tricky draw of five out of eight. 1 LACEWING has hard knocking form but has a tough draw. 5 ASIAH’S TIAR has run two fair faces and from a good draw could be in the shake up. 6 LADY SABRINA had a tough draw on debut and can make amends here. (David Thiselton 2-1-5-6)

RACE 2     

8 PRETTY ANALIA 6 FIREBURST 5 TRIED AND TRUE 7 KURAMATHI

Preview: 8 PRETTY ANALIA is capable of running on well and has a plum draw over what should be an ideal course and distance. 6 FIREBURST is capable of better than last time and Lerena is now back up although she does have a tough draw. 5 TRIED AND TRUE won well first time out on the Highveld and should be there again if able to overcome a tough draw. 7 KURAMATHI is on the up but does have a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 8-6-5-7)

RACE 3     

2 LEAD THE CHARGE 3 KARATE KID 6 RONDEBOSCH 1 FOSTINOVO

Preview: 2 LEAD THE CHARGE is a talented sprinter who can progress further over a suitable course and distance from  a great draw. . 3 KARATE KID is a hard knocker who will appreciate the step down in trip. 6 RONDEBOSCH is an up and coming sort but does have a tricky number one draw. 1 FOSTINOVO should be cherry ripe but does have a tricky low draw. (David Thiselton 2-3-6-1)

RACE 4     

7 ACROSS THE POND 5 DOITWITHDIAMONDS 3 ELEMBEE 2 HILLARY STEP

Preview: 7 ACROSS THE POND is a progressive sort who could rise further and she has a fair draw over this suitable trip. 5 DOITWITHDIAMONDS is in fine form and on pedigree should enjoy the step up in trip. 3 ELEMBEE is capable over this trip and should go close if repeating her August run over this trip at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. 2 HILLARY STEP is is fair form and is distance suited and well draw. (David Thiselton 7-5-3-2) 

RACE 5     

2 INDIAN OCEAN 5 TAMARISK TREE 6 MOUNT DARWIN 8 ROYAL EDITION

Preview: 2 INDIAN OCEAN is a long-striding sort who will relish the course and distance and she has a plum draw and goes well for Piere Strydom. 5 TAMARISK TREE is in hard knocking form and from pole position should go close again. 6 MOUNT DARWIN has talent and is capable of running on so could be dropped out from a wide draw. 8 ROYAL EDITION is in good form and is distance suited and well drawn. (David Thiselton 2-5-6-8) 

RACE 6     

2 ON TARGET 5 FAST DUTY 3 LIBECCIO 8 GIMME THE FLAME

Preview: 2 ON TARGET won well second time out and off a reasonable 83 merit rating with Lerena up can go close over the same although the tricky draw is a concern. 5 FAST DUTY is course and distance suited and only three points higher for win last time. 3 LIBECCIO is effective over this trip and has a plum draw. 8 GIMME THE FLAME should handle the step up in trip and has a fair draw. (David Thiselton 2-6-3-8)

RACE 7     

2 RICHARD THE FIRST 3 PAISLEY PARK 4 SLINKY MAPIMPI 7 MIDNIGHT GEM

Preview: 2 RICHARD THE FIRST is talented and is drawn on the right side over a suitable trip. 3 PAISLEY PARK is usually thereabouts and can be again from a nice high draw. 4 SLINKY MAPIMPI ran a blinder last time to beat a classy sort and could follow up over a further drop in trip from a nice high draw. 7 MIDNIGHT GEM is an honest sort who is drawn on the right side over a suitable course and distance. (David Thiselton 2-3-4-7)

RACE 8     

9 FASTNET FILLY 6 PEACE TREATY 1 PASSAGE OF POWER 8 PRINCE OF KILDARE

Preview: 9 FASTNET FILLY is up against the boys but made a fine Highveld debut and off a 74 merit rating could follow up. 6 PEACE TREATY is drawn on the right side and is capable of better than last time. 1 PASSAGE OF POWER can be involved if bouncing back to form under Rachel Venniker who gets a handy 1,5kg claim. 8 PRINCE OF KILDARE has the ability to go close but does have a low draw. (David Thiselton 9-6-1-8)

Race 1: Preview: SERENDIPITOUS (7) ran an absolute cracker last time finishing a close up second. She looks cherry ripe for the win and might be hard to oppose. FANTASY GIRL (8) is holding form, placed six from ten and has a huge each way chance. A must for all bets. NEWTON HEATH (2) keeps running fourth – quartet chance. AND ACTION (1) is taking time, can do way better than last time – place chance. (Warren Lenferna 7-8-2-1) 

Race 2: Preview: MR BELVEDERE (1) brings solid Cape Town form into the race and should be way too good for this field. Strong win suggestion. EXTRACTION (6) has placed seven from ten and should get it all right soon. Bright chance. AXIS POWER (3) was only just over 5 lengths off on debut and with natural improvement, can get a lot closer now. Place value. HAT HOT HAT (5) is an obvious quartet inclusion. (Warren Lenferna 1-6-3-5) 

Race 3: Preview: JOY AND PEACE (1) is a seven-time winner, boasts ultra-consistent form and should be able to dispose of this field. She could be a possible banker. RED SASH (3) is in mustard form and she can be expected to provide plenty of cheek to the first choice. CHERE FOR ME (2) is taking time to win again, but can pop up and place at an attractive price as she does sometimes. BACK FOR MORE (8) has a first four chance. (Warren Lenferna 1-3-2-8) 

Race 4: Preview: JACK IN THE GREEN (5) has run two creditable races since winning his maiden and has to be taken seriously. He has strong each way claims. FOUR JACKS (1) has finished two close up seconds since relocating up the coast and should win very soon – could well be today – big chance. GOLD GUNNER (2) has won two out of his last three and can continue on winning ways and HAWK CIRCLE (6) has a first four chance. (Warren Lenferna 5-1-2-6) 

Race 5: Preview: BOSNAY (1) is clearly relishing life in Port Elizabeth as she has found form and finished 1^st and 3^rd respectively since relocating. She is the firm first choice. JAMBO SANA (6) has won three of her last four races, which is a fabulous feat – she can give plenty cheek all the way home and is a big runner. BRETTY (8) and WHITE HILLS (7) are the place value suggestions. (Warren Lenferna 1-6-8-7)

Race 6: Preview: MONTELENA (4) has been banging loudly at the door of late and deserves to finally go one more. ARTICUNO (5) boasts consistent form and can never be excluded from any bets – strong each way. DONNY TEE (1) goes well for Yuzae Ramzan and is one for the shortlist – a huge effort can be expected. FERRANDO (2) is holding form – chance. (Warren Lenferna 4-5-1-2) 

Race 7: Preview: THREE ROCKS (1) is a talented filly and although disappointed by being beaten favorite in her last four starts, can be expected to bounce right back to winning ways. ANUSCHKA’S WORLD (6) is clearly in a good space and looks to be a big runner and danger to the first choice. LEDELL’S ECHO (5) and ELLORIX (7) have solid form and must be given the utmost respect – trifecta must. (Warren Lenferna 1-6-5-4) 

Race 8: Preview: A BIT CHILLY (7) is never far off the action and is the strong each way value suggestion. NOTORIX (1) is probably the one they all have to fear the most. Big runner. SWISS WALT (11) showed up well in his last run and can place again – one for the shortlist. PUPLE OPERATOR (4) is the place value suggestion. (warren Lenferna 7-1-11-4) 

Rugby 8 Win Margin on Friday 22 November 2024 C/Over R 36 689 – Pool Closes 22h10 – Sport 65

Soccer10 ADD-IN: R100 000 on Friday 22 November 2024 – Pool Closes at 20h00, Sport 14 Pool 1 – Estimated Pool: R1.8 Million

Soccer4 ADD-IN: R25 000 on Saturday, 23 November 2024 – Pool Closes at 17h00, Sport 18 and Pool 2 – Estimated Pool: R100 000

Soccer6 ADD-IN: R75 000 on Saturday, 23 November 2024 – Pool Closes at 17h00, Sport 2 Pool 2 – Estimated Pool: R500 000

Soccer10 ADD-IN : R100 000 on Saturday, 23 November 2024 – Pool Closes at 17h00, Sport 16 Pool 1 – Estimated Pool: R1.8 Million

Soccer13 Guaranteed Pool on Saturday, 23 November 2024, Pool Closes at 16h15, Sport 10 and Pool 1. One Winner Guaranteed Jackpot : R16 Million (if only one 13 of 13 Winner)

Soccer Any 13Xtra ADD-IN: R100 000 on Saturday, 23 November 2024. Pool Closes at 14h30. Sport 13 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R400 000

David Thiselton

The Hong Kong international race day in December is fast approaching, as is the Longines International Jockeys Championship, and race fans got a foretaste of the former with two scintillating performances by Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Romantic Warrior is surprisingly only rated joint eleventh best racehorse in the world on a rating of 122, but perhaps that is because the ranking period happens to a northern hemisphere time scale and runs from January until December. This great Danny Shum-trained Acclamation gelding ended last season with five successive Gr 1 wins, starting with Australia’s most prestigious weight for age race, the Cox Plate and then including three prestigious Hong Kong races, the Longines Hong Kong Cup, the Hong Kong Gold Cup and the QE II Cup, and although all four of those races were over a mile and two furlongs (2000m) he then ended the season by winning the Gr 1 Yashuda Kinen in Japan over a mile.

On Sunday he was over his favourite 2000m trip in the Gr 2 Jockey Club Cup and despite giving the whole field five pounds he cruised in by 4,25 lengths under regular rider James McDonald.

This season he is likely to defend his titles in all of the Kong King Gr 1s mentioned above.

In one of them, the QE II Cup, he will be going for his fourth successive victory. He is the only horse to have won this prestigious international weight for age race three times.

Romantic Warrior could soon become the highest earning racehorse in history.

On Sunday he took his overall record to 16 wins and three seconds from 21 starts and boosted his prize money earnings to HK$154.92 million. He is now not far behind retired Golden Sixty’s world record haul of HK$167.17 million in earnings.

Earlier on Sunday the progressive David Hayes-trained New Zealand-bred Shamexpress gelding Ka Ying Rising smashed the Sha Tin course record set by Sacred Kingdom 17 years ago. Sacred King’s record was 68.35 seconds and Ka Ying Rising lowered it to an incredible 67.43 seconds.

Ka Ying Rising jumped from draw ten under Zac Purton and was being eased down at the line, which makes the record even more special.

When J J The Jet Plane won the Gr 1 Hong Kong Sprint over the course and distance in 2010, his time was 68.84 seconds.

Ka Ying Rising will be the one to beat in the latter race next month.

He has never won a Gr 1 before, but is unexposed as he only began his career in December last year, winning on debut before running two narrow seconds and since then he has won seven times on the trot. Ka Ying Rising’s record was the second notable course record lowered in the Far East recently.

Via Sistina lowered the Moonee Valley course record over 2000m in the Cox Plate a few weeks ago to 2:01.07, beating the previous mark of 2:02.07 set by the legendary four-times Cox Plate-winning mare Winx.

Meanwhile a top class line up has been announced for the Longines IJC, which is one of the world’s most prestigious Jockeys Challenges. Unfortunately, there are no South African riders, at least yet.

The two spots still to be determined for Hong Kong-based jockeys will go to Hugh Bowman and either Karis Teetan or Matthew Poon as things stand. The latter pair are both on 14 wins of the season, three ahead of Luke Ferraris and Matthew Chadwick and there is only Wednesday’s Happy Valley meeting remaining.

The Longines IJC is the most lucrative in the world for the winning rider. The four races are worth a combined HK$7.5 million in prize money. Furthermore, a total prize fund of HK$1 million in bonus money for the most successful riders will be split three ways, with the winner set to receive HK$600,000 with HK$250,000 for second and HK$150,000 for third, respectively.

The line up for the 2024 Longines IJC is: Vincent Ho (reigning IJC champion), Zac Purton (Hong Kong champion), Rachel King (Australia), Ryan Moore (Great Britain), Hollie Doyle (Great Britain), William Buick (Great Britain), Mickael Barzalona (France), Colin Keane (Ireland), Yuga Kawada (Japan), James McDonald (NZ), TBD (Hong Kong), TBD (Hong Kong).