RACE 1     

3 SCORPIO 4 TENJIKU 8 CAROLINE ISLAND 7 ARASHI

Preview: 3 SCORPIO is by Gimmethegreenlight and is a half-brother to the useful 106-rated Mount Pinatubo. 4 TENJIKU is by Erik The Red out of a twice-winning Master Of My Fate mare over 1400m. 8 CAROLINE ISLAND is by Querari and out of a three-time winning Dawn Approach mare from 1200m to 1300m. 7 ARASHI is by Legislate and is a half-sister to the unbeaten in three starts over 1000m War Room, whose wins included a Listed win. (David Thiselton 3-4-8-7)

RACE 2     

12 GREEN SAPPHIRE 7 SEVENTH FLEET 13 GREEN STREET 5 ALESIAN BEAU 

Preview: 12 GREEN SAPPHIRE had promising form as a two-year-old and Richard Fourie rides from a plum draw in her return from a six month layoff. 7 SEVENTH FLEET made a good debut and looks capable of improvement from a high draw. 13 GREEN STREET made a good debut and has Oisin Murphy up from a high draw. 5 ALESIAN BEAU has looked to have promise and has drawn towards the right side. (David Thiselton 12-7-13-5) 

RACE 3     

2 UNZEN 1 DAVE THE KING 6 THE SPECIALIST 7 MEXICAN PETE

Preview: 2 UNZEN is ideally course and distance suited and should make a bold bid. 1 DAVE THE KING is top class on his day and can bounce back from a disappointing reappearance in which he faded tamely. 6 THE SPECIALIST has plenty of class and will be finishing strongly after likely being dropped out from a wide draw, although he does carry 1kg overweight. 7 MEXICAN PETE bounced back to form in his reappearance after a layoff and has pole position, although he carries 2kg overweight. (David Thiselton 2-1-6-7)

RACE 4     

8 CHASING HAPPINESS 1 MRS BROWNING 4 TROPPO VELOCE 3 WINTER GREETING

Preview: 8 CHASING HAPPINESS is in fine form and goes for a hattrick from a draw towards the right side. 1 MRS BROWNING won this last year and is very well treated at the weights here and drawn on the right side so should make a bold bid as she should have come on from her seasonal reappearance. 4 TROPPO VELOCE is drawn on the right side and comes off two good runs. 3 WINTER GREETING has the pace and kick to be a factor here but does have a tricky low draw. (David Thiselton 8-1-4-3)

RACE 5     

11 CATS PAJAMAS 1 LUCKY LAD 10 PISTOL PETE 7 RED BOMBER 12 MOUNT PILATUS 2 RULERSHIP

Preveiw: 11 CATS PAJAMAS has fine feature form and is well drawn but he he does have a tough task at the eights. 10 PISTOL PETE has plenty of pace and is drawn towards the outside. 1 LUCKY LAD has a tough number 3 draw but after his reappearance recently he should have come on from the run and will make his presence felt. 7 RED BOMBER is drawn towards the right side and has good recent form behind top sorts. 12 MOUNT PILATUS is 1kg under sufferance on official merit ratings but is in fine form and drawn on the right side. 2 RULERSHIP is a classy sprinter and from a fairly good draw should make his presence felt although he would likely have preferred 1000m.  (David Thiselton 11-1-10-7-12-2). 

RACE 6     

1 VJ’S ANGEL 2 FATAL FLAW 4 FIERY PEGASUS 3 OLIVIA’S WAY

Preview: 1 VJ’S ANGEL is full of class and is a Gr 1 winner over this trip, although she will have to overcome a fairly wide draw. 2 FATAL FLAW has fine form at present and is distance suited but she does have a tough draw. 4 FIERY PEGASUS is on the up and can be involved if able to overcome a wide draw. 3 OLIVIA’S WAY is progressing the right way and could do well from a fair draw under Richard Fourie. (David Thiselton 1-2-4-3)

RACE 7     

13 QUID PRO QUO 3 GREATERIX 1 FIRE ATTACK 5 MOONLIGHT TRADER

Preview: 13 QUID PRO QUO has a chance if close to her best as she has landed a plum draw. 3 GREATERIX is well regarded and has a plum draw over a suitable trip. 1 FIRE ATTACK is the Gr 2 SA Nursery winner and has a fine draw. 5 MOONLIGHT TRADER won the Gr 3 Graham Beck over 1400m last time out and is going the right way. (David Thiselton 13-3-1-5)

RACE 8     

2 MAIN DEFENDER 1 SEE IT AGAIN 4 ROYAL VICTORY 9 FRANCES ETHEL 6 BARBARESCO 5 PURPLE PITCHER

Preview: 2 MAIN DEFENDER has landed a plum draw and looks to be coming back to his best and gave the impression last time he could see out the trip seeing it his third run after a layoff. 1 SEE IT AGAIN has also drawn well and should be staying on strongly despite having to lug topweight. 4 ROYAL VICTORY can defend his crown as he still looks reasonably weighted although he does have a wide draw. 9 FRANCES ETHEL has strengthened impressively and has a fine chance with Oisin Murphy up from a nice draw. 6 BARBARESCO is course and distance suited and should make his presence felt. 5 PURPLE PITCHER looks reasonably weighted and is course and distance suited well drawn. (David Thiselton 2-1-4-9-6-5)

RACE 9     

12 ATARIME 10 MARAUDING HORDE 8 THUNEE PLAYA 7 INDIAN OCEAN

Preview: 12 ATARIME has been in fine form and has drawn well over this suitable course and distance and has a useful 1,5kg claim with Rachel Venniker being aboard. 10 MARAUDING HORDE will enjoy the step down in trip and  from pole position is only 1kg worse off with Atarime for a 4,25 length beating although that is excluding the claim of Venniker. 8 THUNEE PLAYA ran well last time out in the Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes but the connections opted for a ten point raise in an attempt to qualify for that big race so it won’t be easy. 7 INDIAN OCEAN is a long-striding sort who should relish the course and distance but Piere Strydom is booked to ride Shoemaker. (David Thiselton 12-10-8-7) 

RACE 10    

2 POETS WARRIOR 8 BATTLEGROUND 3 RAISEAHALLELUJAH 10 TWENTY DRACHMA’S

Preview: 2 POETS WARRIOR is a progressive stayer who has been impressive and he could go in again. 8 BATTLEGROUND is a scopey sort who could still find more improvement. 3 RAISEAHALLELUJAH is a solid stayer who should be thereabouts. 10 TWENTY DRACHMA’S is a promising stayer and the best might not have been seen of him yet. (David Thiselton 2-8-3-10)

RACE 11    

8 MOOLA MAN 2 CHAMPION WARRIOR 4 MASTERSHIP 7 DECEPTION PASS

Preview: 8 MOOLA MAN is ideally course and distance suited and well drawn. 2 CHAMPION WARRIOR has come in to his own so should go close despite having to overcome an eight point raise and a wide draw. 4 MASTERSHIP has scope for further improvement but does have a tricky draw. 7 DECEPTION PASS has shown a lot of ability and can be thereabouts from a plum draw with Fourie up. (David Thiselton 8-2-4-7)

David Thiselton

The Betway Summer Cup is always an exciting betting event and the double figure odds of the classy Main Defender make appeal this year.

Main Defender is are those odds due to a perceived stamina doubt, but on pedigree he is by Pathfork, whose son Royal Victory has won two Gr 1s over this course and distance, and he is out of a half-sister to Atticus Finch, who finished second in the Gr 3 Splashout 2200, while his dam’s sire is the stamina influence Judpot.

However, his detractors point to him passing Greeting My Master in the Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m and then being passed by the latter close to home. However, Main Defender was giving 11kg to the latter and would not have been at his peak. He beat Atticus Finch by 2,50 lengths in the Victory Moon and will be on 3kg better terms in the Summer Cup, while he beat Purple Pitcher by 3,50 lengths and will be only 3,5kg worse off, so they should finish together.

Main Defender, most importantly, had travelled like the old Main Defender in the Victory Moon. He was superbly relaxed in the running and turned it on effortlessly when asked the question. He has a plum draw of three and an astute jockey in Aldo Domeyer is aboard. 

See It Again is the favourite and is a twice winner over this trip. Gelding might help him bounce back to his best. He carries topweight but on the bright side only seven of the runners are officially in the handicap and he has a good draw of six with the peerless Piere Strydom up.

Last year’s winner Royal Victory still looks well handicapped and will surely go close, although he has a slightly tougher draw of 15 this year. Gavin Lerena is in fine form and Royal Victory should be spot on after his fine recent gallop at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Frances Ethel has been eye-catching in her build up runs and is said to have strengthened into twice the horse she was last season.  

Madison Valley is a long-striding sort who will relish the course and distance and he can run on after being dropped out from a wide draw.

Rule By Force is close to Royal Victory on Gr 1 SA Classic form of last year, but the latter was said to be off form that day.  

Barbaresco should enjoy the course and distance and has a chance.

Hotarubi should be running on if it pans out from a wide draw.

Future Pearl is capable of a powerful finish and with Richard Fourie up can’t be ignored.

Beating Wings is 2kg under sufferance but is in fine form and progressive, so can do well over a suitable course and distance.

Silver Sanctuary is a full-sister to twice Summer Cup runner up Safe Passage and as a Gr 1 winner carrying joint bottom weight she has a shout, although she is officially 2kg under sufferance.

Pure Predator is a long-striding ideally course and distance suited sort and has his third run after a layoff, so could bounce back. 

Purple Pitcher will relish the course and distance and has a chance if producing his best.

Atticus Finch should give an honest account of himself, but has a tough task with Main Defender on Victory Moon Stakes form.

Cape Eagle is a fair sort on his day and one of the dark horses over a suitable course and distance.

Litigation has the same Tarry/Schwarz combination as previous upset winner Zillzaal and is drawn in pole over a suitable trip, but he needs to lift his game.

My Soul Mate is capable but is officially way under sufferance. 

Puerto Manzano is a previous winner but appears to be past his best.

Zeus finished fourth last year, but is not in as good form this season.

Winchester Mansion won a messy Gr 2 Allied Steelrode Onamission Mile, but his overall form since his Hollywoodbets Durban July win suggests he has some issues as he is sparesly raced and a tad in and out.

They are selected in the order mentioned.

In the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans the exciting prospect Greaterix should go close, but giving weight to the amazing champion filly Quid pro Quo won’t be easy and the latter is taken to win.

Chasing Happiness could be one of the best bets at the meeting in the Gr 3 Betway Carry On Alice Stakes as she is progressive and looked to have a bit in hand last time. However, last year’s winner Mrs Browning must be included as she is well in at the weights. 

Cats Pajamas is classy and the form of his last win has worked out exceptionally well, so he could win the Gr 3 New Turf Carrier Merchants despite being 1kg under sufferance.

In the Gr 3 Betway Fillies Mile VJ’s Angel, Fatal Flaw and Fiery Pegasus could fight it out.

The Betway Summer Cup consolation could be won by the course and distance suited and progressive Atarime.

The first leg of the PA could be fought out by Unzen, Dave The King and The Specialist, although Mexican Pete and Tail Of The Comet can’t be ignored.

In the first leg of the Bi-pot Green Sapphire makes most appeal.

BETWAY SUMMER CUP @ Turffontein Net Pick6 C/Over: R 2 Million Estimated Pool: R 7 Million on Sat, 30 November 2024. Race 4 off at 13h08.

BETWAY SUMMER CUP @ Turffontein Net Quartet C/Over: R 1 Million Estimated Pool: R 3 Million on Saturday, 30 November 2024. Race 8 off at 16h00.

All systems go on 1 January 2025

Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.

The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).

Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.

Programme and related reading matter, click here.

Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.

The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.

Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.

“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.

“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddle-cloths. So, there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.

Veteran KZN trainer Garth Puller, who attended a recent stakeholder’s meeting at Summerveld hosted by Greg Bortz, Justin Vermaak, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets officials, enthused that he was thrilled by the news of the takeover by business-minded racing people who were brave and bold enough to step in and turn the ship around.

“This has come very late for me at my age, but it’s a lifechanger and the future is brighter than it was yesterday,” reflected a delighted Puller as he told the Sporting Post that the adjusted stakes and ‘very welcome’ incentives would boost cash-flows,  while also making it so much easier to help him and his colleagues market the basic ownership product.

“And we are getting draws after acceptances. Wonderful! I was calling for that 25 years ago at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Bigger fields mean a faster pace, means better form, means better truer results. It’s an ecosystem of positivity. It all feeds on itself,” added the horseman who is never scared to pass an opinion.

Puller said the repair of the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was ‘definitely quite overdue and welcome news’.

“That’s our stage. The track must be safe for horse and rider, be true and competitive, and have credibility with all role-players. That’s not a negotiable.”

On the ‘abolition’ of the committee structure to facilitate decision making and policy, Puller said that he was so pleased to hear that all reasonable suggestions will be considered by management.

“Wonderful! So there are no more long-winded committees to hide behind and to dither over. How refreshing.  I believe every stakeholder in this sport in KZN needs to doff a cap to Hollywoodbets and Mr Bortz. This investment and takeover is a brave move. But we know that with the passion for horse racing of the local population in this province, we can make it work. And by putting the structures in place they are making sure we have no excuses. Let’s look forward and get on with rebuilding KZN racing. I am absolutely thrilled. This is good news,” he concluded.

RACE 1

(13) REGINA LOU ran well on debut and has plenty of scope to go well here compared to others respectfully hence she is the first choice. (5) HER ROYALTY is capable of much better and can contest the finish. (11) HAT MONTERA wasn’t beaten far on debut and will improve from that run. (6) SERENDIPITOUS is capable of winning here but was rather disappointing in the last start when beaten favourite however can’t be ignored. (Devonne Govender 13-5-11-6)

RACE 2

Tough race. (6) NOODSBERG ran a cracker in the last start and will be a hard horse to beat in this contest. (3) BEIJING BOULEVARD is holding consistent form and will be in the frame, she has a much better draw and will challenge. (1) A MONTH OF SUNDAYS has scope to go well and will be in the firing line with more improvement to come. (4) COUNTESS Q is getting closer with each and every run and must be included in everything. (Devonne Govender 6-3-1-4)

RACE 3

(1) MY BEST SHOT is classy and is expected to bounce back here. He seemed to come under pressure early during the last 300m or so in the last start and that is clearly not his type of run. (3) SAKURAJIMA ran in front of the top selection and shoulders a handy weight in this contest and will be fighting this one out so respect his chances however he will have to pick up his feet to match the classy top selection. (4) PLAY ACT is holding form well and won’t be far coming from a yard who are in top form. (2) CAN’T SAY NO is capable of much better and will have quartet chance. ( Devonne Govender 1-3-4-2)

RACE 4

(7) VINTAGE CRYSTAL ran extremely well in the last start and will have a huge winning chance in this open looking contest. Although she jumps from a tough draw there looks to be enough speed in this race which may suit her. (4) GREEN FAME placed at big odds in her last start, it was a good performance and if repeating that here she will have a huge say. (6) BLUE PALACE is capable on her day and cannot be discounted here, she hasn’t been far in recent starts and can feature. (1) ARABIAN RED has a big weight to carry but won’t be far with a top rider up. (Devonne Govender 7-4-6-1)

RACE 5

Punters are urged to play wide in exotics as this is a very open race. (3) GOLD FOR AFRICA has a wide draw to deal with however she can race handy and with her usual gate speed she may just get into a prominent position so must be respected. (1) LADY ZULTANITE is never far back and very capable of winning this contest despite the wide draw. (5)CHRONICLESOFNANIA has the ability to win a race of this nature and can’t be ignored. (6) QUERANDI ran well in the last start and must have chance here. (Devonne Govender 3-1-5-6)

RACE 6

Another very open looking race. (3) HEART STEALER is holding solid form and is definitely the horse to beat although he has a tough draw. (2) HAROLD THE DUKE won at long odds but must be respected here from a much better draw. (1) KAROO GOLD comes of the same form line as the second selection and will have to factored into everything. (6) SLAINTE MHATH is a honest type and expected to be in the mix. ( Devonne Govender 3-2-1-6)

RACE 7

CRUZADOR is very speedy and if finding himself in a prominent position he will be dangerous. (6) WORDSWORTH ran extremely well in the last start and a repeat showing will see him being competitive. (10) FULL OF MAGIC has never been far back and rates a winning chance here. (11) MEDITERANEANGODDES Is very capable on her day, her last run was good and she will have to be included. ( Devonne Govender 4-6-10-11)

RACE 8

(4) MASKED VIGILANTE is in top form and will have another massive winning chance however there are plenty dangers here. (2) EYJAFJALLAJOKULL is the main danger to the top selection, his last win was very impressive and there won’t be much to choose between the top two. (9) EL ROMIACHI is another who is holding top form and can’t be left out of anything, like the top two selections he’s also searching for his third consecutive win. (12) TRAVEL MASTER is holding consistent form and another honest run is expected. ( Devonne Govender 4-2-9-12)

RACE 9

(5) LEGAL THRILLER ran an absolute cracker in the last start and will be a huge contender here from a much better draw. He quickened up well from the tail end and will be the firm first choice and a Pick 6 banker. (6) GOLDEN PAVILION ran well enough in the last start and won’t be far once again. (8) SWISS WALT is holding consistent form and his last run was eye catching, massive runner. (9) PASHTUNWALI is never far back and can get into the mix. (Devonne Govender 5-6-8-9)