Is there rain on the way?

Andrew Harrison

Even a multiple KZN champion trainer can hit a dry spell. Retirees, horses going off form and recent intakes proving thin on ability are the fate of many yards but the best always soldier on through the troughs. Dennis Drier has had a spell in the doldrums, but the stable is showing encouraging signs of a return to form and Drier holds a strong hand in the Pinnacles Stakes that heads the Hollywoodbets Scottsville card on Sunday.

He saddles Pray For Rain and Tempting Fate, second and first respectively in the Gr1 Gold Medallion two season’s back. Pray For Rain squeaked in a win on the last day of the season when winning the Umkomazi Stakes and with Tristan Godden retaining the ride. Tempting Fate has not managed the winner’s enclosure since his Gold Medallion success and his recent form is not inspiring. But the tongue-tie is back on and you write him off at your peril. With the recent win under his girth, Pray For Rain may prove the pick of the Drier pair but only the brave will be labelling anything in a seriously competitive sprint.

Captain Tatters took full advantage of a drop in class and favourable weight conditions to finally win his second race but he has come on nicely since being fitted with blinkers. He tried further last run but does seem better over this shorter trip. The speedy Chantyman will have plenty of supporters. He is quick and the best weighted. He is way better than his last effort in the Mercury Sprint where he was in contention until the final 100m before tiring late.

The key to cutting down on expenses in the exotics is finding a banker. Gareth van Zyl’s gelding Hasta Manana ticks all the boxes in the fifth and should he fail, he will consign a large number of exotic bet tickets to the recycle bin.

Hasta Manana looked the perfect fit when pencilled in for his last intended start but he was scratched ostensibly with an abnormal blood picture. That appears to be behind him and he must surely rate the most accomplished maiden in the country after finishing close-up in the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes. That was his first run after gelding and with that run under his girth and a plum draw, it will come as a surprise should he get beaten.

If there is to be an upset, then Dean Kannemeyer’s charge Ideal Act may fit the bill. He has only had a single start on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly and is sure to benefit from the outing.

In the card opener, Drive By made marked improvement when racing in first time blinkers and looks to have more to come. She may be the one to beat although the year older Leopard Lady has run two crackers on this course and will have plenty of supporters.

In the second, Symmetry was in contention until the final furlong of her last start and can come on strongly from that effort. Queen Mercury makes her local debut and was not far back in the soft in her last Kenilworth outing. Lightly raced but meets a modest field here.

MJ Odendaal appears to have found the right race for Duquesne Whistle in the third. Anton Marcus appears to have picked a plum here and she and rates the one to beat.

The fourth could potentially end up in a duel between Lucky Miss and October Song. Lucky Miss ran a cracker in The Debutante, taking on some of the best around, finishing five lengths off Maryah. The Howells stable is in mustard form of late which adds to the filly’s attraction.

October Miss on the other hand was supported like the result was already in the frame when making her debut, but Mike Miller’s charge was all at sea behind the well-fancied Kitten’s Adventure.

She is sure to have made the required improvement and Lucky Miss will need to be on her toes.

The seventh is a wide-open handicap but the Gary Rich-trained No Name Brand took on much stronger first time out of the maidens. He’s not the easiest at the gate but will go close if he gets through the loading ordeal. We All Chomies has been in good form on the poly for Kom Naidoo and a light weight should see him make a bold bid. Hampton Court and Chief Executive are others to consider in a race where it may pay to included the field in exotics.

Rachel Venniker is no ordinary apprentice and she won well on Lady Catherine when the filly made her debut for Michael Roberts. Venniker is full value for her 4kg claim and Lady Catherine can go in again. Maquette is rated by her stable and won well second time out. She looks useful and can give plenty of cheek. Lady Legend has been taking on stronger from wide draws at recent starts while Her Royal Majesty is down in class with a 4kg claimer up and one to watch in the betting

David Thiselton

THE LISTED SPRING SPREE STAKES heralds he beginning of the always awaited Highveld Spring Season and it means the province’s best horses will soon be seen out on the lush green grass that the spring rains bring. 

However, the going today will still be fast as those rains are yet to arrive.

The classy Puerto Manzano could be the one to beat in the 1200m handicap contest. This long-striding Argentinian-bred would prefer further but did dead-heat with the course and distance specialist Thumbs Up over the course and distance when making his debut. He will be running fresh after a three-and-a-half month layoff and is drawn in pole so could mow them down late in the race despite having to carry second topweight of 61.5kg. The filly Rapid Fire will be ideally suited to this tight track as she has adequate cruising speed and a fine turn of foot. She will also be doing her best work late from a plum draw of two. Vaseem has thrived in the yard of Roy Magner, recording a second, a third and two wins in that order. He is distance suited but does have to overcome a draw of eight, which will be especially tough considering he likes to be up there. Visiway has a lot of speed and in the fast conditions will likely attempt to steal it although a draw of six won’t make it easy to get to the front and this will be a three point higher mark than he has ever won off. Mr Flood is the topweight and has to carrying 64.5kg. He was being touted as the best sprinter in the country in the middle of last year’s national lockdown but then went off the boil. However, his last run on August 1 was an improvement on three dismal performances before that so a six month layoff might well have been beneficial and he could surprise from a fair draw. Willow Express would prefer further but does have some speed and could also be involved in the finish from a good draw of three. Chijmes is a front-running type but would prefer a lot further. Chief Of State is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance but would probably prefer 1000m.

The previous race is the Lady’s Stakes (Non-Black Type) over 1200m and the talented Philanthropist filly Full Velocity could make it a fifth win in eight starts. She is currently merit rated only 93 after being brought on slowly and she looks to have more to come. Thumbs Up has won three and placed second once in five starts over this course and distance and will be the chief threat from draw four despite having to carry topweight of 60kg and give Full Velocity 5.5kg. The youngster Big Burn will also be an interesting runner as she has a lot of pace and the ability to stay on strongly although it won’t be easy having to give Full Velocity just half-a-kilogram. All Of Me is always capable of popping up and has a plum draw of two. Herstel from pole position is just half-a-kilogram under sufferance and will also be capable of picking up the pieces carrying just 52kg.

RACE 1: 2 DRIVE BY   8 LEOPARD LADY   3 SHELL SEEKER   6 SILVANO’SBUTTERFLY

Preview: DRIVE BY (2) made marked improvement when racing in first time blinkers. Looks to have more to come and may be the one to beat although the year older LEOPARD LADY (8) has run two crackers on this course and will have plenty of supporters. First timers SHELL SEEKER (3) and SILVANO’SBUTTERFLY (6) may be ones to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-3-6).

RACE 2: 5 SYMMETRY   1 QUEEN MERCURY   9 CASA ROSADA   8 STING RAY

Preview: SYMMETRY (5) was in contention until the final furlong. Can come on strongly from that effort. QUEEN MERCURY (1) was not far back in the soft in her last Kenilworth outing. Lightly raced but meets a modest field here. CASA ROSADA (9) has not been far back in two recent poly efforts. STING RAY (8) showed improved form after contesting a small feature at her previous start. One to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-9-8).

RACE 3: 8 DAQUESNE WHISTLE   2 CAPE STAR   6 SIEGE OF ORLEANS   7 AMBLE INN

Preview: DUQUESNE WHISTLE (8) looks to have found the right race and is the one to beat. CAPE STAR (2) was not far back when send over ground for the first time and should come on from that effort. SIEGE OF ORLEANS (6) has improved with each outing. Lightly raced and must have a winning chance. AMBLE INN (7) has come good in her last two on the turf. Lightly raced, she must have a strong chance in this field. (Andrew Harrison: 8-2-6-7).

RACE 4: 5 LUCKY MISS   7 OCTOBER SONG   10 BLACK JOKER   2 IQEMBULABESIFAZANE

Preview: LUCKY MISS (5) was not too far back in a strong feature last start. She started favourite on debut and the form has held up well. OCTOBER SONG (7) found strong market support on debut but raced very green. She should have benefitted from the experience and may be the one to beat. BLACK JOKER (10) made no show on her local debut but did have a wide draw on her poly debut. IQEMBULABESIFAZANE (2) did not feature on debut from a wide draw and can do better here. (Andrew Harrison: 7-5-10-2).

RACE 5: 1 HASTA MANANA   6 IDEAL ACT   9 NATIONAL UNITY   8 GET CARTER

Preview: HASTA MANANA (1) should be hard to beat. Not far back in a strong feature last start his form before that was outstanding. IDEAL ACT (6) made a promising debut on the Greyville poly. He is sure to come on from that. NATIONAL UNITY (9) made sudden improvement in first time blinkers. A Repeat should see him into the money again. GET CARTER (8) has shown some recent improvement and the extra should suit. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-9-8).

RACE 6: 9 PRAY FOR RAIN   1 CAPTAIN TATTERS   5 CHANTYMAN   4 TEMPTING FATE

Preview: PRAY FOR RAIN (9) is well weighted and found his best form when getting the better of the consistent Spydas Corner last time out. He goes well this course and should be a big runner. CAPTAIN TATTERS (1) has come on nicely since being fitted with blinkers. Tried further last run but does seem better over this trip. CHANTYMAN (5) is quick and the best weighted. He is way better than his last effort in the Mercury Sprint where he tired late. TEMPTING FATE (4) is struggling to find hos best form. Needed his last run and with the tongue-tie back on he could be a major factor. (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-5-4).

RACE 7: 3 NO NAME BRAND   5 WE ALL CHOMIES   6 HAMPTON COURT   8 CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Preview: NO NAME BRAND (3) took on much stronger first time out of the maidens. He’s not the easiest at the gate but will go close. WE ALL CHOMIES (5) has been in good form on the poly. Has a light weight and should make a bold bid. HAMPTON COURT (6) had his consistency rewarded last run. Meets slightly stronger here. CHIEF EXECUTIVE (8) has been rested. Took on feature company last run and has a chance in this line-up. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-6-8).

RACE 8: 3 LADY CATHERINE   1 MAQUETTE   4 LADY LEGEND   9 HER ROYAL MAJESTY

Preview: LADY CATHERINE (3) won well first time out for her new stable. In form 4kg claimer up can see her follow up. MAQUETTE (1) won well second time out. Looks useful and can follow up. LADY LEGEND (4) has been taking on stronger from wide draws at recent starts. Can go close. HER ROYAL MAJESTY (9) is down in class with a 4kg claimer up. One to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-4-9).

RACE 1: Preview: LAZY GUY (1) has shown ability and has a chance in thus line up. BUCKS FIZZ (6) is drawn in pole and has a form chance. SAN QUINTIN (9) makes most appeal of the first-timers being by Dynasty out of Grade 1-placed All Afire who has produced two-time winner Phoenix among others. FREEZING FAST (2) is a long-time maiden but has shown enough to earn here. A WINTER’S TALE (5) is by Philanthropist out of Listed-winning Var mare Winter Passion. PORTRAYAL (3) should enjoy the step back in trip and can place in this field.  CAPRONI (7) is by Willow Magic out of a one-time-winning Jet Master mare whose two runners to date have both been unplaced. (David Thiselton 1-6-9-2-5-3-7)  

RACE 2: Preview: SILVER TYCOON (2) is a smart horse and should win this having come out and won well last time after an eight month layoff. WOLFF’S WORLD (1) was unlucky last time and could be the chief danger despite officially having a tough task at the weights. SENTBYDESTINY (4) is officially the best weighted horse and is distance suited. (David Thiselton 2-1-4) 

RACE 3: Preview: EASTERN BELLE (2) has a plum draw and is the one to beat. AMICUS CURIAE (7) is by Twice Over out of Sue For Peace who won five times and who has already produced three multiple winners from four runners. CORAL DAWN (3) has the ability to be involved here over a suitable course and distance. BELTWAY (4) showed improvement last time and has a plum draw over the same trip.  LIKE A DIAMOND (5) is improving and could earn a cheque. (David Thiselton 2-7-3-4-5)

RACE 4: Preview: ZAVIAH (6) enjoyed the step up to 2200m last time and should enjoy the further step up here. UNDERSTATED (2) will enjoy this trip and has a chance if sent for home early as he is out and out stayer. ROYAL TIGER (3) looks to be the best of the rest. (David Thiselton 6-2-3)  

RACE 5: Preview: CAP ESTEL (4) is by stamina influence Judpot and is a full-sister to Miss Cap Mala who has won over 1800m and been placed over 2400m and she strikes as a stayer too so is the one to beat from although hopefully she will not be caught wide from draw five like she was last time when staying on for fourth over 1600m. GLOBAL LOUISE (5) is by Galileo sire Global View and looks to be an out and out stayer who will relish this trip and Khumalo aboard is a plus although her wide draw is a concern. INTERCITY (3) will be dangerous from the front as this trip should be ideal. ARIZONA LADY (1) has run some fair races up to 2000m and has a chance. RROSENWIND (6) is by Flower Alley and is a half-sister to Grade 2 Debutante winner Rosier and to nine-time winner Christofle and is a full-sister to Ms Flower Power who has placed twice over 1400m so she has a chance despite her debut being over 2200m and with a 2.5kg claimer up. SUPER DUPER (2) can’t be ignored on best form. ZAZU (7) was quickly swamped when leading over 1600m last time but is by Gloval View and could improve over this trip. (David Thiselton 4-5-3-1-6-2-7) 

RACE 6: Preview: FULL VELOCITY (3) has speed and class and can win again from a good draw. THUMBS UP (1) has three wins and a second from five starts over course and distance and has a fair draw although it won’t be easy carrying topweight of 60kg. BIG BURN (5) is young but progressive and has plenty of speed so can make a bold bid from the front. ALL OF ME (2) is well drawn over step down in trip she will very much appreciate and she can never be ignored. HERSTEL (8) is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and is drawn in pole over a suitable trip. (David Thiselton 3-1-5-2-8)   

RACE 7: Preview: PUERTO MANZANO (2) would prefer further but this long-striding progressive sort runs fresh and could mow them down late considering he has pole position. RAPID FIRE (5) is drawn two and this consistent filly is suited to this tight course due to her fine turn of foot. VASEEM (6) is in fine form and is distance suited but does have a tough draw. (David Thiselton 2-5-6)   

RACE 8: Preview: SOUND OF SUMMER (5) is 3.5kg under sufferance with the best weighted Second Base according to official merit ratings but is race fit and progressive so can go in again from a good draw. SECOND BASE (1) is seen for the first time since his fifth place finish in the Daily News 2000 and from pole position should make his presence felt as one who can still progress further as a four-year-old. GREEN HAZE (3) has a win and a third from two runs over course and distance and is 2kg better off with Golden Pheasant for a quarter length beating over 1600m and is 4.5kg better off with Sound Of Summer for a 1,40 length beating in that same race although the latter won cosily and should have made 1kg improvement since then according to the wfa scale. (David Thiselton 5-1-3)

RACE 9: Preview: AURORA LIGHT (1) was not disgraced first time out the maidens in just her second career start and has a chance here from a plum draw despite being a young three-year-old carrying 62kg. LIFE GOES ON (9) showed pace last time over 1200m and as in contention throughout before rolling out and finishing a 1,40 length fifth so it is significant that Khumalo stays on over this shorter 1000m trip although he has a tricky draw. ROZARA (3) finished a fair second first time out the maidens and has a chance in this uninspiring field from a plum draw. WUHAN (8) has a shout if reproducing his run over this trip in June although he has a tough draw. RAMSAY (6) is drawn in pole and has a chance if reproducing his best. MADAME PATRICE (10) is off a competitive mark and has a shout here although she is another with a tough draw. LOVE LIES (2) has a fair draw and has the ability to be involved in the finish here. (David Thiselton 1-9-3-8-6-10-2)

RACE 1: Preview: TAKE TO WAR (1) made an impressive debut and can improve to win. BON VOYAGE (2) improved from run to run and should be right there. HOLLOW POINT (8) made a sparkling debut to finish second and can improve to win in an open looking race as there are others that have bright chances too. (Warren Lenferna 1-2-8)

RACE 2: Preview: I’M IN LOVE (12) is coming along the right way and has a bright chance of going one better. GOING UP (11) is making her debut and could be absolutely anything – might be worth including on debut. NIPPY WINTER (1) has placed seven times from as many runs and should get it all right one of these days. (Warren Lenferna 12-11-1)

RACE 3: Preview: I WANT IT ALL (11) is well bred and gets the services of Grant Van Niekerk – he could be anything and be able to make his presence felt on debut – respect and include. GEM KING (1) can be forgiven for his disappointing last effort and can go close, like he did in his penultimate race. DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE (8) made a sparkling debut and is a must for most bets. (Warren Lenferna 11-1-8)

RACE 4: Preview: It looks as if LEGITIMISE (1) can finally get rewarded for all his consistency and is the firm first choice. FLOW FOREVER (9) finished midfield in a field of eight on debut and is surely going to build on that – big runner and KING SALADIN (3) was involved in a nail biting finish last time and even though he is well tried, can run into the quartets. (Warren Lenferna 1-9-3)

RACE 5: Preview: LIDL MISS SUNSHINE (9) showed encouraging improvement from run one to run two and even more improvement can be expected – she is the first choice but there are others with bright chances too. NAME OF THE GAME (10) should relish the extra distance today and can finish in the first three. WILDEST DREAMS (12) should also relish the step up in distance and must be better than her last effort. She must be given another chance and should be right there this time. RAZZLE DAZZLE EM (1) can be forgiven her last run – chance. (Warren Lenferna 9-10-12-1)

RACE 6: Preview: if you do not banker KASIMIR (1) then you will have to include quite a few – for structure and budget purposes I am all in with KASIMIR (1) he should be able to win this and win it nicely. WORLDS YOUR OYSTER (3), SKIDOO (6), BARNEY MCGREW (7) and FATEFUL (8) are all in tremendous form and should again run very good races but they might all have to go some to beat the first choice. (Warren Lenferna 1-7-6)

RACE 7: Preview: A case can be made for each and every one of these runners and a thrilling race looks on the cards! Here is my shortlist for the race: ZAPATILLAS (7) impressed when making a winning debut and can improve to go on to being anything. He won so easily first time of asking. SAFE RETURN (1) did oaky in KZN during the season and should be involved in the finish – bright chance. KEEP IT SECRET (4) has won his last two and his most recent was in Gqeberha and a gutsy performance too. He has an undeniable hat trick chance. (Warren Lenferna 7-1-4)

RACE 8: Preview: CAPTAIN DIZZY (1) has solid enough form to warrant giving him a bright winning chance here. Trainer Piet Botha has his horses in a very good space and their good form looks set to continue. VARISTOCRACY (9) has only raced three times and caught the attention – he makes his Cape debut and should run an absolute cracker – respect! PARIS RIX (5) and WORDSWORTH (6) have place chances. (Warren Lenferna 1-9-5-6)

RACE 9: Preview: HILARITY (3) more than likely needed her SA introduction and a lot more can be expected from this Twilight Son filly this time – strong each way chance. Her stable companion might prove to be her biggest threat. BLACK SILVER (5) returns from a bit of a rest and seems to be progressive – forget and forgive her last effort and she should be right there at the business end of affairs. FUSILLADE (4) is lightly raced and has done well thus far – she has a bright chance too. (Warren Lenferna 3-5-4)

RACE 10: Preview: CHANSONETTE (8) should enjoy the extra distance and has done well in both races thus far. Her chances of winning are bright. GOLDEN DAH (2) is holding form and despite being drawn wide is my place value selection in the race. WINTER SCOUT (12) is consistent and should be in the first four. (Warren Lenferna 8-2-12)