Andrew Harrison

Main Defender has been involved in a few controversy’s in his career but the gelding should make a bold defense of his Gr2 Jo’Burg Spring Challenge title when he lines up over 1450m at Turffontein today.

His scratching for a failed TCO2 test last season saw the race meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville abandoned as his supporters protested but given the recently revised testing he would in all probability have been passed to run.

That is all speculation and he should take a power of beating when he lines up on Saturday. With Muzi Yeni riding in the last ever race meeting in Singapore tomorrow, Gavin Lerena takes over in the irons for Tony Peter.

At the tail end of last season, Main Defender took his chances in a Pinnacle Stakes and may have been a touch unlucky when second behind course and distance specialist Unzen after casting a shoe in running. He meets his conqueror on 6.5kg better terms and Lerena has jumped ship from Robbie Sage’s runner to partner Main Defender with rumours that Lerena may be joining the Peter stable as first call rider.

The only real blot on Main Defender’s recent form was, what at first glance, was a disappointing effort in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge behind Dave The King. However, he did suffer interference in the running and although never going to challenge the winner he could have finished closer.

A spokesman for the Peter stable said yesterday, “He is spot on, top of his game, he’s flying. He will win.”

He said this is Main Defender’s route towards the Betway Summer Cup, “The Onamission Mile (Gr 2 over 1600m on November 2 at Turffontein Standside) is a question mark as he will be giving a chunk of weight away there, so we might instead go the Victory Moon (Gr3 over 1800m on November 9 Turffontein Standside) and then the Summer Cup. Going the Victory Moon route will also give us a better indication of whether he will see out the 2000m of the Summer Cup.”

Last year he beat Equus Champion sprinter Thunderstruck by over six lengths and given the weights and the stable confidence he could produce a similar performance tomorrow.

Suart Ferrie is one of the quiet men of racing and makes a rare raid on the Highveld with Gladatorian. The son of Vercingetorix started his career under Ferrie’s former boss, the legendary trainer Dennis Drier, and Ferrie has continued to build on the gelding’s CV.

Gladatorian was far from disgraced in Champion Season’s Grade 1 races that included the Gold Challenge and The Mercury Sprint but he came back strong in his seasonal debut when comfortably home in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1500m.

He has the benefit of being racing sharp and while he may not quite be in the class of Main Defender, he should be a solid choice for a finish in the money.

Lerena has jumped ship on William Robertson to partner Main Defender but one can never write off a runner from the Corne Spies yard. Beaten nine lengths by Main Defender in this race last year, William Robertson has been confined to sprints ever since. However, this trip is well within his compass and he ran a smart warm-up in a Pinnacle Stakes behind the rejuvenated Dyce last time out and he could be the surprise package.

Barbaresco, Gimmeanotherchance and Purple Pitcher are others to consider but Main Defender, on his best form, should be difficult to beat.

Supporting feature, the Gr2 Betway Jo’Burg Spring F&M Challenge is much more open with many in with chances. Mike de Kock’s filly White Pearl has been rested since running a disappointing race in the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint with some useful form leading into that race. It may have been a trip too short against some of the country’s speedy best and tomorrow’s trip should be more to her liking although she has not been out since the Hollywoodbets Scottsville race which is a concern given the upcoming feature season.

Serino Moodley, mostly confined to KZN home territory in his career, has been spreading his wings with support from some high-power stables. Candice Dawson has him aboard Little Ballerina, a filly he rode in the Gr2 Golden Slipper last season who has not been seen out since. The early form behind Little Ballerina was almost infallible and although her recent form has tailed off a tad and with a wide draw to contend with, she only has 53kg to shoulder. Of the balance, Celtic Rumours is three-from-three over this trip for Sean Tarry while Gimme A Shot won well over course and distance last time out and should be competitive.

RACE 1

1 THE OCTAGON     5 OBSIDIAN      3 JABBERWOCKY      4 CLIFFIE CLAVIN

Preview: THE OCTAGON (1) might not get an easier opportunity that this to escape the maiden ranks and is therefore confidently selected to win. OBSIDIAN (5) has huge scope for progression on debut run and can go close – exacta suggestion. JABBERWOCKY (3) and CLIFFIE CLAVIN (4) are musts for the quartet perms. (Warren Lenferna 1-5-3-4)

RACE 2

6 ANCIENT WISDOM       3 FETCHING FLYER      5 STORMY SUNDAY      4 QUELLO CHE   

Preview: Forget ANCIENT WISDOM’S (6) last run when sent off as the favorite and finishing downfield. Her debut was a cracker, and if reproducing and building on that, in this field, will be hard to oppose. FETCHING FLYER (3) is a massive chance especially on her excellent penultimate finish. STORMY SUNDAY (5) can start getting much closer now and is a must for the trifecta. QUELLO CHE (4) was well beaten in third in her last start – place chance. (Warren Lenferna 6-3-5-4)

RACE 3

3 BATTLEOFBARBERTON      4 MOOLA MAN      1 ATARIME      7 MASTER TIK TOK

Preview: BATTLEOFBARBERTON (3) is in tremendous winning form. He has won two out of his last three starts and is confidently selected to follow up. MOOLA MAN (4) was last a winner when ridden by Gavin Lerena who gets the chance again today and must be taken seriously. ATARIME (1) can do way better than he did last time and the weight off will help. Bright chance. MASTER TIK TOK (7) the stable companion to Atarime, boasts solid post maiden form and it would be silly to ignore him from the play. (Warren Lenferna 3-4-1-7)

RACE 4

2 RAISEAHALLELUJAH      4 TWIN TURBO      1 ZEUS        6 BANHA BRIDGE

Preview: RAISEAHALLELUJAH (2) is an eight-time winner! No need to say much more! His most recent win was emphatic and under 52kg’s, he is selected to follow up. Serino Moodley is in town to take the reins. TWIN TURBO (4) place 2^nd behind Apache Son last time over 1800m and can threaten all the way home – bright chance. ZEUS (1) is a ten-time winner! He can win. Much better effort last time. BANHA BRIDGE (6) is the value choice for the minor money. (Warren Lenferna 2-4-1-6)

RACE 5

1 SALENIO PENINSULA       6 SAY IT LOUD      3 MIA MOO       4 CALANTHA  

Preview: SALENIO PENINSULA (1) is clearly a quality filly in the making having impressed in both wins. She is confidently selected to remain unbeaten after this. SAY IT LOUD (6) was an impressive debut winner at Hollywoodbets Scottsville but back in July. She can race fresh and could be absolutely anything – respect and include. MIA MOO (3) is talented but has not run since March. She can be in the shake up in her comeback run. CALANTHA (4) is defiantly worth considering for trifectas and quartets. (Warren Lenferna 1-6-3-4)

RACE 6

11 VJ’S ANGEL      12 LITTLE BALLERINA       1 GIMME A SHOT      8 MISS HANNIGAN

Preview: A competitive race as it should be seeing it is a Grade 2! VJ’S ANGEL (11) is a top filly. She is having her comeback run since the 28^th of July when beating The Specialist at high level. She rates the one to beat and can be expected to make a winning comeback. LITTLE BALLERINA (12) is very talented and the form shows that. She can be expected to do way better than she has done in her last two – decent filly – respect and include. GIMME A SHOT (1) and MISS HANNIGAN (8) are must includes for the trifecta and quartet. (Warren Lenferna 11-12-1-8)

RACE 7

1 MAIN DEFENDER      8 BARBARESCO      2 PURPLE PITCHER         4 GLADITORIAN

Preview: MAIN DEFENDER (1) is having his third run up after a layoff, has gears and ability and is selected to go one more. BARBARESCO (8) was ultra-impressive when trotting up in a Progress on the 21^st of last month. He has gone with the best of them and rates a huge danger in this. Talking about going with the best of them, PURPLE PITCHER (2) ran a huge race behind Dave The King last time and it would be silly to ignore his chances. Visiting GLADITORIAN (4) can be expected to be doing some low flying home and is the value suggestion for the back end of the quartets. (Warren Lenferna 1-8-2-4)

RACE 8

8 BAKWENA       5 MUSICAL SCORE      4 BUFFALO STORM CODY      2 TRUTH

Preview: The filly in the field BAKWENA (8) absolutely trotted up on debut winning by as far as she liked and it could have been more if she liked. She could be anything. Pretty much the same thing can be said for MUSICAL SCORE (5). His debut performance was out the top draw. BUFFALO STORM CODY (4) has solid overall form and is one for the shortlist – strong each way claims and a must for all bets. TRUTH (2) can do way better than his last two efforts and has the ability to be right there. (Warren Lenferna 8-5-4-2)

RACE 9

7 KINSHIN SHA      6 RAINBOW REWARD      5 KARANGETANG      4 YAMADORI

Preview: KINSHIN SHA (7) reunites with Craig Zackey, whom was the rider aboard, when he recorded his last victory. He has strong each way claims in a competitive field. RAINBOW REWARD (6) is taking time for the next win but is never far off the action and should notch up another win soon – could easily be today. KARANGETANG (5) and YAMADORI (4) both have solid form and are musts in the play. (Warren Lenferna 7-6-5-4)

Graeme Hawkins

In complete contrast to last weekend, the 10-race programme at Hollywoodbets Durbanville tomorrow is set to take place under sunny skies and warm temperatures. The first race, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1000m, is due off at 12:05 and there is every possibility of the winner emerging from one of the five debutantes, so keep a close eye on the betting market as we approach race time.

Alltheboysiveloved (Fourie), Catch A Penny (Dicken) and Frida Kahlo (Van Niekerk) are all well bred 3yo fillies and make their debuts with positive comments from their respective trainers. Rosa Osiria, Mrs Shackleton and Fleur de Ville have shown some ability but appear vulnerable here and cannot be followed with confidence.

The second race and opening leg of the Bipot, a Maiden Plate over 1000m, looks very competitive but from a good draw and with Richard Fourie retaining the ride, it may be worth giving Fencing Captain another chance. The son of Captain of All has finished runner-up in his last two starts and should go close again but there is plenty of form to go around and he may not have matters all his own way. Cork Bay made a promising debut when finishing third a length behind Fencing Captain four weeks ago and he should improve significantly from that, although I suspect he may prefer a touch further to be most effective. Krim returns from a 3-month break and is much better than his last run on a soft track.

The third race, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1250m looks trappy, but from a Place Accumulator perspective it may pay to rely on the Justin Snaith-trained Champagne Kisses who will appreciate stepping back in trip from her last start. Snaith also sends out the impeccably bred Beach Queen, by Gimmethegreenlight out of the great race mare and producer Beach Beauty, and any market support must be taken seriously. Bitter Sweet and Noodsberg are likely improvers while Special Glamour may appreciate a tougher test of stamina but can progress from her promising debut.

The opening leg of the Pick 6, a Maiden Plate over 1250m, has a competitive look about it but there was a lot to like about Zeitz’ introduction when running on strongly over track and trip to finish second behind Boundless Energy. That form has yet to be franked but the son of Vercingetorix should be a lot sharper this time around. The very expensive-to-follow Cumbre Vieja, placed in all seven starts to date, has cracked pole position, and reverts to 1250m which may be just what he has been looking for. The list of potential winners does not end there and includes Crescent and Sir Korski both of which have plenty of upside. Watch out for much better effort from My Archangel.

Tuscan Romance, Berry’s Boogie (Aus), Wild Applause and White Waters form a very strong short-list in the fifth race, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1400m with Double Dash the pick of the balance. Slight preference is for Tuscan Romance but the daughter of Master Of My Fate does have a wide draw to overcome.

The sixth race is a low-grade Cape D Stakes over 1400m in which any kind of result can be expected. Fly To Rio and Hand Out The Stars make most appeal on form but both Tres Chic and Rougarouin may be worthy of consideration.

The seventh race is a typically competitive Class 4 Handicap over 1400m, but Das Gute is holding form well and from a neat barrier position could be rewarded for his consistency. Boundless Energy is interesting as he steps into handicap company for the first time while Numzaan needed his last run badly and should come on from that. One Liner and Please be True look decent sorts in the making and warrant respect. Augusta Blue and Spirit’s Unite step up a division and are poorly drawn which renders their task somewhat more difficult.

The eighth race, a Class 4 Handicap (F&M) over 1250m, sees the return of Omikami after her scintillating debut victory in June. That performance earned her a rating of 92 and she only receives 1,5kgs from the well-performed and consistent six-time winner She’s My Captain, which may prove to be a tall order. Great Cat should again make her presence felt while both La Divina and the promising Dark Winter must be considered.

Glee Club has been very consistent but is without a victory for over a year. Greg Ennion has now equipped the daughter of The United States with a set of blinkers in the ninth race, a Cape C Stakes (F&M) over 1600m, and she gets the benefit of the doubt to come ahead of Pentolina and Kinky Boots.

A Maiden Plate over 1600m rounds off the ten-race card and with blinkers refitted, one can expect a much better effort from Happy Days. There is little to choose between Dubbelosix and Joueur De Flute on the evidence of their last run and both have further scope for improvement. Marine Merchant, the half-brother to Red Palace, caught the eye on debut but is drawn on the extreme outside and will need some luck in running. Late December has useful form but is also drawn a little wide. Not an easy race to close out a tricky day’s racing and an upset cannot be ruled out.

RACE 1

1 SHIPINDANI comes back to the races from a rest of 132 days, her first two runs have been decent, from a good draw here, she should go very close to winning. 3 ROSA OSIRIA will be having her first run at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, she brings in decent KwaZulu-Natal form, if she handles the track, she will have a good each way chance in this competitive race. 8 MRS SHACKLETON ran a lovely race last time, the form has been franked with Be Merry winning a good race last weekend, this looks to be a nice race for her to earn money again. 6 OH YOKO has been rested for 62 days; on her best form she might be able to sneak into the Quartets. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 8 – 6)

RACE 2

6 CORK BAY ran a lovely race on debut, he was doing his best work at the finish when absolutely taking off into the closing stages to run a cracking third, he looks progressive and should go very close to winning with natural improvement. 2 FENCING CAPTAIN is a speedy individual, from a good draw he will go handy, he should be right there in the finish. 10 SCOTTISH LINKS ran a super race on debut, he moved up strongly on that occasion before getting tired late, there is no doubt he will be doing good work towards the end of the race from a bad barrier gate, watch him closely. 8 BAGATELLE FLASH unfortunately gets a tricky draw here, on his best form he could sneak into the minor places. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 2 – 10 – 8)

RACE 3

8 CHAMPAGNE KISSES should enjoy the step back in trip, she is a lovely looking filly, if the race works out for her from a tricky draw, she will have a good winning chance. 9 SPECIAL GLAMOUR ran a terrific race on debut, she drops in trip for this contest, if she can get some luck from a tricky draw, she will be a huge danger to Champagne Kisses. 1 BITTER SWEET needed her first run, she steps up in trip now from a good draw, she could improve nicely. 11 SPIRIT GUIDE has been rested for 105 days, on her best form from a tricky draw, she must have a Quartet chance. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 9 – 1 – 11)

RACE 4

8 ZEITZ ran a wonderful race on debut, he was terribly green and finished strongly towards the end of the race, with natural improvement, he will go very close to winning. 3 SIR KORSKI was only beaten just under two lengths on debut, there is no doubt that he will improve from his first start to his second start, he should get the run of the race from a good draw, include him into all your bets. 1 CUMBRE VIEJA was terribly disappointing at short odds in his last start, he drops back in trip now and he gets a good draw, on his best form he can win a race like this. 10 MY ARCHANGEL was heavily supported in the market on debut, he would ideally prefer a bit further, from a tricky draw it will be tough for him to win, watch him closely late. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 3 – 1 – 10)

RACE 5

5 BERRY’S BOOGIE found lots of betting support on debut, she really finished smartly to run a great second first time at the races, she will absolutely love the step up in trip to 1400m, from a decent draw she will take lots of beating here. 14 TUSCAN ROMANCE unfortunately gets a terrible draw in this race which won’t make life easy for her, her form is very good, if she can beat the draw without doing too much work early in the race, she will have a nice each way chance. 8 WILD APPLAUSE stayed on really well on debut behind Mai Sensation, the form has been franked with Golden Angel winning from that particular race, she will love the step up in trip, include her into all your bet types. 2 DOUBLE DASH ran a decent race behind a good filly in her last start, if she can build on that performance, she could get into the minor places. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 14 – 8 – 2)

RACE 6

3 FLY TO RIO finished strongly to win a good race in her last start, she is fairly consistent at this level, with a similar performance in this race, she will have a nice each way chance again. 2 HANG OUT THE STARS ran a decent race last time behind Jet Green, unfortunately the form of that race doesn’t look strong at all, she gets the services of Richard Fourie again, on her best form she can certainly run a decent race. 10 ROUGAROUIN will need to improve quite a bit to win this race, he steps up in trip from a bad barrier gate, perhaps with the right run in transit, he could sneak into the places at a decent price. 12 TRES CHIC will need all the luck in the world from a bad draw here, she run a much better race last time, she can earn on best form. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 2 – 10 – 12)

RACE 7

2 DAS GUTE absolutely loves Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he ran a super race last time in a very competitive field, he finishes strongly late, watch him closely, he will be right there again. 9 ONE LINER looks to be an improving colt, he quickened up smartly in his last start to run a good second, he now steps up in trip which should be ideal for him, if things work out from a tricky draw, he will have a good winning chance. 4 PLEASE BE TRUE looks progressive, he is nowhere near the finished article just yet, he should relish the extra trip and must be included into all bets. 11 SPIRIT’S UNITE never runs a bad race, he is very consistent and will be doing his best work late from a terrible draw. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 9 – 4 – 11)

RACE 8

2 SHE’S MY CAPTAIN is such a game mare, Richard Fourie knows her very well, she should get the perfect run from a good draw, there is no doubt she will be competitive again despite her rating going up. 4 OMIKAMI won a good race on debut, she has been rested for 105 days since that win, she looks to be a progressive filly that will keep improving with every start, watch her closely, she could be anything. 8 GREAT CAT never runs a bad race, she is very consistent, if she can beat the tricky draw in this competitive race, she will have a good each way chance again. 5 JOU LEKKER DING ran a decent race out the maidens in a nice field, she is still improving, watch her closely. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 4 – 8 – 5)

RACE 9

1 GLEE CLUB should love the 1600m trip, her recent form is good, she gets a good draw and the blinkers go on, she will have every chance of winning this race. 4 GRANDIOSA needed her last run badly over the sprint trip, she can run on powerfully in her races if the speed is good up in front, this is a much better trip for her, watch for sharp improvement. 5 PENTOLINA won her maiden well, this is a step up in class for her, she is a filly that will keep improving and getting stronger with more racing, there is no doubt that she can earn in this race. 6 KINKY BOOTS is slowly starting to drop in the ratings, she steps up in trip as well which could help her chances. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 4 – 5 – 6)

RACE 10         

3 HAPPY DAYS is far better than his last run, the blinkers have been fitted again and he drops back in trip, he will be given every chance from a good draw with jockey Richard Fourie in the saddle. 13 MARINE MERCHANT is very well related, he ran a super race over a trip that will be short of his best in time, if he can beat the terrible draw, he will have a nice winning chance. 1 DUBBELOSIX really catches your eye in the parade ring, from a good draw in this race, he should be amongst the places at a decent price. 7 JOUEUR DE FLUTE worked hard from a deep barrier gate in his last start, the form lines have worked out nicely from that race, on his best form he could sneak into the places and earn money again. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 13 – 1 – 7)

Soccer10 ADD-IN: R100 000 on Friday 4 October 2024 – Pool Closes at 20h00, Sport 8 and Pool 1 – Estimated Pool: R1.8 Million

Rugby 8 Win Margin on Friday 4 October 2024 C/Over R 27 411 – Pool Closes 20h35, Sport 65

Soccer10 ADD-IN: R100 000 on Saturday, 5 October – Pool Closes at 16h00, Sport 15 Pool 1 – Estimated Pool: R1.8 Million

Soccer13 Guaranteed Pool on Saturday, 5 October, Guaranteed Pool: R30 Million 13 of 13 Pool Closes at 15h15, Sport 10 and Pool 1.

Soccer Any 13Xtra C/Over R100 000 on Saturday, 5 October 2024. Pool Closes at 13h30. Sport 13 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R400 000