David Thiselton

Guineas day heralds the start of Johannesburg’s chief feature season and both the Gr 2 TAB Gauteng Guineas and GR 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas are full of intrigue this year.

In the Gauteng Guineas there is a choice between pure form as opposed to visual impression and reputation. 

The Mike de Kock-trained Greaterix oozes class and has a lot of speed and a magnificent turn of foot. 

Hollywoodbets make him an even money chance.

However, he is held on paper by the Alec Laird-trained Gr 2 SA Nursery winner Fire Attack, who is around 3/1.

Fire Attack beat Greaterix by 2,50 lengths over course and distance in the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans. 

Last time out Greaterix beat Fire Attack by 0,70 lengths in the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m but was receiving 2kg, so once again it was Fire Attack who put in the better performance. Furthermore, Fire Attack was closing fast having been dropped out to last from the widest draw of all.

The reason Greaterix is a shorter price is due to reputation plus the visual impression he creates and he also had excuses for his last two runs. In the Dingaans he was caught in front and just went too fast and finished a bit distressed. His bloods were not right upon getting home. De Kock consequently eased off him completely and said he therefore needed his run in the Got The Greenlight Stakes. Greaterix showed a terrific turn of foot when Muzi Yeni let him go early in the straight in the Got The Greenlight, which he did because not much had gone well for him in the race until then.

Muzi had been teaching him to settle in training and he had intended to put him to sleep in the race, but he firstly had horses on his heels early and the pace later stacked up. De Kock is actually not sure of Greaterix’s classic race suitability, because he possesses so much speed. He said he can’t work him with other horses, because he just leaves them behind.

Fire Attack now has pole position, meaning he will be closer to the pace.

Greaterix is drawn nine, meaning he will need some luck finding cover, especially considering his speed, although Muzi Yeni is a master at slotting in from wide draws.

However, the bookmakers look to have the prices wrong.

Fire Attack has everything in his favour and form is also usually the best guide.

It is not a two horse race, though.

Bacchus has a step up in class, but he caught the eye as one who could go places and from draw six he should turn it on in the straight over and ideal course and distance. 

Legend Of Arthur is in fact the joint highest rated runner together with Fire Attack and he should relish this tough course and distance being by Lancaster Bomber out of a Galileo mare. He is in fact a half-brother to recent Gr 3 winner over 2500m, King Pelles. It is only his second run of the season and his first run for three months, but he should go well fresh over this trip, which could end up being on the sharp side for him.

Parisian Walkway was fourth in the Dingaans and will make his presence felt.

Chestnut Bomber could stay on into the places.

Musical Score, Choisaanada and Wild At War are better than their last respective runs.

Aristotle is an interesting acquisition from the Cape for the Laird yard as he had decent form in that strong centre.

Waheed, and Diwali Rocket will need improvement, while DantonfromSandton has a stamina doubt based on his previous form.

Fire Attack is selected to beat Greaterix with Bacchus, Legend Of Arthur and Parisian Walkway next best.

The sensational Quid Pro Quo will be hard to beat in the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas.

A draw of eleven will not bother her as she can be switched on and off in the running and has an exceptional turn of foot.

She could be given some cheek by Spumante Dolce, who has also struck as something special in her two runs to date and over an ideal trip this Vercingetorix half-sister to Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Sparkling Water should be running on strongly from draw three.

VJ’s Angel is in fact officially higher rated than Quid Pro Quo. She enjoys this trip and has Gavin Lerena up, albeit from a tricky draw. World Of Alice would prefer further but should be running on. Fiery Pegasus has class and can bounce back from a below par run last time.

Those five are selected in the order mentioned.

Quid Pro Quo is a banker in all bets suggestion, although the risk averse van consider including Spumante Dolce.

Graeme Hawkins

The ultra consistent Callmegetrix could register her fourth career victory when she lines up in the R180 000 Clapham Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today. On past collateral form the 4yo daughter of Vercingetorix appears to have the measure of her eight rivals, but not by a wide margin and a competitive finish can be expected. Callmegetrix is trained by Candice Bass-Robinson and will be ridden by JP van der Merwe and, from a decent barrier position, she should get the run of the race.

Stable companion Fun Zone is not without a winning chance, but it has been some time since the 5yo mare by Rafeef has found the winner’s enclosure. She seldom runs a bad race but has tended to be a little one-paced in her recent outings. Hampstead Heath is drawn widest of all but does stake a claim for a minor placing. On the evidence of their last run behind Gimmethatpearl, Hamsptead Heath looks well held by Callmemegetrix but as we all know races are not run on paper and it would not be a huge surprise if Adam Marcus’ runner turned the form around.

My Flower Fate has not raced since early November, but she cannot be lightly discounted. She seems at her best over this track and trip and a repeat of her performance in last season’s Ladies Mile, when runner-up behind the useful Time For Love, will see Lucinda Woodruff’s 5yo daughter of Master Of My Fate make her presence felt in a big way. The three-year-old Goodnessgraciousme is difficult to assess. Trained by Justin Snaith, Goodnessgraciousme won her maiden in her penultimate start before finishing unplaced in the Grade 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas in December. Richard Fourie takes the ride and the well-bred daughter of Gimmethegreenlight could be open to significant improvement.

Fellow sophomores Dixieland Band and Polynomial have shown glimpses of above average potential but need to step up on their most recent efforts. School Policy and Oni San complete the 9-horse field and either would be surprise winners. School Policy has yet to score beyond 1400m while Oni San will be having her first start beyond the sprint distances and it’s difficult to know what to expect from the daughter of Danon Platina.

In summary, Callmegetrix gets the vote, with a fair degree of confidence, to take top honours with My Flower Fate, Hampstead Heath and Goodnessgraciousme the immediate dangers.

The sixth race, a Cape B Stakes over 1000m, is one of the better races on this generally low-grade programme and should provide for an interesting contest between Kelp Forest, The Abdicator and Elusive Winter. The race could set up nicely for the hattrick-seeking Kelp Forest who likes to be held up for a late charge. The opposite is the case for The Abdicator and Elusive Winter, both of which like to “blitz” from the start. Elusive Winter found 1100m a touch too far last time but was a good winner over Tenango prior to that. The Abdicator was second behind Tenango in his last start but was conceding Tenango 1,5kgs on that occasion, whereas Elusive Winter was in receipt of 7,5kgs when getting the better of Tenango.

The Abdicator has to concede Elusive Winter 6 kgs on Saturday and, on a line through Tenango, there should not be much to choose between the pair. The Abdicator has his first start for the Piet Steyn stable and one can only assume that the “catch-me-if-you-can” tactics will be deployed. Kelp Forest takes a steep rise in class but is unbeaten since being fitted with blinkers and Fourie is a notable jockey booking. If The Abdicator and Elusive Winter cut each other’s throats, Kelp Forest will be in the perfect position to mow them down. The upset in the race could be the lightly weighted Porque Te Vas and she could be worth throwing into the mix.

The first of nine races, Leg 3 of the Work Rider’s Series, could again see Louis Burke and Luke Coleman finish 1-2, as was the case in the first two legs. In this Maiden Plate over 1100m, Burke rides Wild Applause for the Snaith team and it’s very difficult to oppose the 3yo daughter of Vercingetorix. Coleman is aboard Peanut Pops who came close to landing a huge gamble when runner-up behind Elsinore in a similar contest back in December. But Wild Applause brings stronger form lines into the race and Peanut Pops may struggle to match strides with her. Consideration can also be given to Rosa Osiria and Indebe Mayibuye for minor money, but Burke looks set to complete his hattrick on Wild Applause.

RACE 1

2 TENJIKU improved second time out and has a chance here. 3 ELEGANTRIX is by Vercingetorix and a half-sister to useful sprinter Elegant Ice. 8 VIPINGO is by Gimmethegreenlight out of a Fastnet Rock mare who has produced one time winner Nyali Beach. 1 MIGHTY EAGLE is by Danon Platina out of a Free Eagle mare and Gavin Lerena is up. (David Thiselton 2-3-8-1)

RACE 2

6 SATYAGRAHA made a good debut and can improve from a nice high draw. 8 DUPONT EMERALD should be in the shake up after two good runs. 2 PAUL REVERE has not been disgraced in his last three. 4 CRESCENDO made a fair debut and this half-brother to two multiple winners can improve. (David Thiselton 6-8-2-4)

RACE 3

2 TAMARISK TREE is in fine form and has a good draw over an ideal trip. 7 DOUGLAS DRAGON is knocking on the door and should be right there again. 5 TOTAL SURRENDER will appreciate the step back up in trip. 6 VESUVIO is distance suited and has a fine chance if able to overcome a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 2-7-5-6)

RACE 4

1 MAIN DEFENDER is top class and should be right there over a suitable trip. 2 BARBARESCO has plenty of class and is on the up. 4 MELECH beat Main Defender last time but is now 2kg worse off for a 0,25 length beating. 7 TEXAS RED is a talented sort who is distance suited and can’t be ignored. (David Thiselton 1-2-4-7)

RACE 5

1 GOLDEN SICKLE beat the top class Dyce last time out and can go in again. 4 CHOCOLATE SOLDIER is very quick and over this course and distance from a nice high draw has a fine chance. 5 CHASING HAPPINESS is a progressive sort who should be in the shake up. 6 ELEGANT ICE has been knocking on the door and can be involved. (1-4-5-6)

RACE 6

2 QUID PRO QUO is an exceptional filly and will be hard to beat. 1 VJ’S ANGEL enjoys this trip and this classy sort has Gavin Lerena up, albeit from a tricky draw. 4 WORLD OF ALICE would prefer further but should be running on. 5 FIERY PEGASUS has class and can bounce back from a below par run last time. (David Thiselton 2-1-4-5)

RACE 7

1 FIRE ATTACK has class and has a weight turnaround and previous form on his side. 3 GREATERIX is highly regarded but has a lot of speed and has to prove he enjoys this trip. 8 BACCHUS is talented and might not have shown his best yet. 2 LEGEND OF ARTHUR is a progressive sort who is well regarded. (David Thiselton 1-3-8-2)

RACE 8

1 MERCANTOUR is in good form and is distance suited and has a nice high draw. 10 FRANCILIEN is capable of improvement and could earn. 2 MINOGUE is talented and could get away with a long layoff over this trip. 5 SILVER TUDOR should be staying on strongly at the end as one with a short but potentially devastating finishing burst. (David Thiselton 1-10-2-5)

RACE 9

7 ALONE TIME is well drawn front runner over a step up in trip she might enjoy. 2 SALUTE THE FLAG has some class and enjoys this course and distance. 3 SPRING TRADITION is always thereabouts and is drawn in pole over a suitable trip. 9 GREGARIOUS is on the up and starts handicapping off a reasonable looking mark. (David Thiselton 7-2-3-9)

RACE 10         

1 TOP SEED won his maiden well and off an 82 merit rating in this Classified Stakes event he has a chance 4 EXCEEDINGLY GLAM has useful maiden form and after her first win looks fairly treated off an 82 with Strydom staying aboard. 6 SAIL THE SKY can earn again with Lerena up. 3 JUST VAR has a wide draw but enjoys this course and distance. (David Thiselton 1-4-6-3)

RACE 1

4 WILD APPLAUSE was heavily backed in the market in her last start behind Englefield Green when she stayed on late for fifth, she now drops back in trip which should help her chances, on her best form, she will be very hard to beat here. 8 PEANUT POPS ran a much-improved race on the 5th of December when finishing second, if he can back that performance up here on Saturday afternoon, he should be able to earn some money for the connections again. 6 ROSA OSIRIA will need to improve quite a bit on her last start to win a race like this, but she is definitely capable of running into the places on her best form, watch her closely. 7 INDEBE MAYIBUYE drops significantly in trip, she could sneak into the Quartet at a big price. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 8 – 6 – 7)

RACE 2

6 CLIFFSCAPE takes on the boys here, her first run on the 11th of January was incredible, she ran on strongly for third behind a very nice horse, if she has made the necessary improvement back at home, she will go very close to winning. 1 EXALTED LOVE ran 4th on debut behind Orbit, he was very green in running and should improve quite a bit in his second start at the races, the yard is in good form, he must have a nice each way chance. The balance of the field are all first timers, watch the market closely, watch them in the parade ring and watch them move down to the start before striking your bets. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 1 – 2 – 3)

RACE 3

4 SCOTTISH LINKS ran a cracking second last time from a poor draw behind Bounceback, the drop in trip shouldn’t be a problem for this gelding, from a good draw here, he will get the run of the race and will be tough to beat. 11 ARBITRATION unfortunately draws poorly for this competitive Open Maiden, he will need lots of luck in running, if the race works out for him, he could sneak into the places with a big weight on his back. 6 MASTER BOMBER needed his last run, he ran a fair race behind Secret Passage, even though he was beaten 8 lengths, he should tighten up quite a bit from that run, include him into all bets now that he steps up in trip. 3 AMANDLA NGAWETHU improved beautifully in his second start, he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 11 – 6 – 3)

RACE 4

11 SUGARBUSH finished her race off strongly to run second on debut behind Shesgotclass, she is a well-bred filly that should improve quite a bit with her second start at the races, she will be very hard to beat here with natural improvement. 2 HAPPY WIVES almost got it right on the 15th of January, she showed plenty speed from the barrier gates and got reeled in late by Secret Passage, if she can build on that performance, she will be a danger in the finish. 8 BENEATH THE CLOUDS ran a fair race on the 11th of January, she was in the firing line right up until the last 200m and then she got tired late, she will get stronger and better with more racing, include her into all bets. 3 ALESSIA ASHEVILLE will love the drop in trip, she could be the value in what looks a tricky race on paper. (Brandon Bailey: 11 – 2 – 8 – 3)

RACE 5

5 ELECTRIC FEELS is as honest as they come, she needs a particular ride, if she gets the cover needed early, she will be storming home late. 1 GRAVITY ran a good race behind his stable companion on the 15th of January, he looks to be racing off a dangerous mark at the moment, on his best form he can win a race like this quite easily. 7 LOVERS LANE was only beaten just over three lengths in his last start over 1400m, the drop back in trip could help him get closer, include him into all bets at a decent price. 6 TRUE HORIZON had a few hard luck stories in her race behind Palace Gift on the 11th of January, she is very consistent and should be competitive again. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 1 – 7 – 6)

RACE 6

2 KELP FOREST has won his last two starts super impressively, he absolutely loves these sprint races, even though his rating has gone up again, he will be very hard to beat in this Class B stakes. 3 THE ABDICATOR bounced back to his best form on the 4th of January, he ran a lovely second behind Tenango, he has changed stables, if the race works out for him, he will be hard to catch, include him into all bet types. 7 ELUSIVE WINTER tried to lead them from start to finish last time, he is speedy and very talented, there is no doubt he will have a good each way chance again. 6 PORQUE TE VAS is much better than her recent run behind Kyalami Girl, she has dropped further in the ratings, watch for improvement. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 3 – 7 – 6)

RACE 7

4 CALLMEGETRIX never runs a bad race, her form is ultra consistent, she carries top weight here which will make life tough for her, but she is honest and should be involved in the finish. 9 HAMPSTEAD HEATH made up good ground last time behind Gimmethatpearl to run fourth, the yard has always held this filly in high regard, unfortunately she has drawn wide for this race, but she will be running on powerfully, watch her closely. 3 GOODNESSGRACIOUSME is a gorgeous looking filly, she is much better than her recent start in the Cape Fillies Guineas, from a good draw with champion jockey Richard Fourie in the saddle, she will get the run of the race and could easily bounce back to best form. 5 FUN ZONE has run some fair races lately, if the race works out for her, she could sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 9 – 3 – 5)

RACE 8

7 COSMIC RHYTHM stayed on nicely behind Okavango on the 18th of January, even though he was well beaten, that form looks to be good enough to win a race like this. 9 DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT has unfortunately drawn widest of all for this Class D Stakes, if he gets some luck in running, he could finish amongst the places. 5 GOLDEN GREY has been very frustrating to follow, there is no doubt that he has the ability to win a race like this, but he needs everything to go right on the day, include him into all bets, he could certainly surprise. 3 GRIPEN drops back in trip to 1400m, from a good draw, there should be no excuses for him, he could be some value in a difficult race. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 9 – 5 – 3)

RACE 9

2 DREAM SEARCHER won very well on the 4th of December, it was a good ride from jockey Craig Bantam, she was only given three points for that victory, from a good draw again over the same trip as she won last time, she could be very hard to beat on Saturday afternoon. 3 MARITZBURG MEMORY could be all the value in this Class 5 event, she got left in her last start and then made up good ground quite early at the top of the lane, she only really got quite tired the last 200m of that race, she now drops in class and gets a decent draw, she will be a huge runner here. 6 LADY LOXTON has dropped a further two points in the ratings and she steps back up in trip, watch for big improvement. 9 VERONIQUE has been disappointing in her last two races, if she returns to form, she will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 3 – 6 – 9)