RACE 1

2 HOLD THE KEY   5 WAROFDYNAMITE   4 ATLANTIC BREEZE   1 GEORGE’S MAGIC

Summary: The first juvenile race of the season in KZN and as per usual Mike Miller is well represented with three runners of which HOLD THE KEY (2) could be the pick judged on jockey engagements. Kom Naidoo also likes to get them out early so watch the market on WAROFDYNAMITE (5) the first runner in KZN of new stallion Declarationofpeace. Andrew Harrison: 2-5-4-1).

RACE 2

8 MAGMA MAGIC   9 EL CAPITAN   2 CAPTAINSHIP   10 SAMUEL LONGSWORD

Summary: MAGMA MAGIC (8) is a lightly raced four-year-old by Tony Rivalland’s charge was a beaten even money favourite when trying the poly last start. He has some fair form in competitive maidens. Biggest opposition could come from Gareth van Zyl’s EL CAPITAN (9) who made a promising KZN debut over a mile after showing some ability over sprints in the Cape. He could prove more effective over this shorter trip. CAPTAINSHIP (2) has improved in blinkers and was a beaten favourite last run. The step up in trip should suit and he has a favourable draw. SAMUEL LONGSWORD (10) has drawn wide but has his third run after a break and the extra furlong will suit. (Andrew Harrison: 8-9-2-10).

RACE 3

2 ART NOUVEAU   7 YELLOW JACKET   10 FATE DECREED   1 OUR LADY FATE

   Summary: ART NOUVEAU (2) was touched off in a tight finish last time out and looks capable of going one better in a field with shallow form. YELLOW JACKET (7) finished ahead of Art Nouveau when last they met but has since put in two modest efforts. She is not always reliable on if putting in her best she will be competitive. FATE DECREED (10) has a tricky draw to overcome but has shown up well in her last two over this distance and must have a strong chance in this line-up. OUR LADY FATE (1) can improve from the best of the draw and down in trip. She is lightly raced and still has improvement to come. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-10-1).

RACE 4

1 GLADATORIAN   8 NATYAM   7 CELTIC BEAUTY   3 NAVAJO NATION

Summary: GLADATORIAN (1) looks very well in at the weights in spite of his impost of 62kg. He boast cracking form in top Highveld company and Stuart Ferrie’s charge is likely to start a short priced favourite. His biggest danger could come in the form of Gareth Van Zyl’s gelding NATYAM (8). He put Betway Summer Cup hopeful Cape Eagle to the sword last time out where the latter was well in at the weights. Natyam is smart on his day and could make things difficult for Gladatorian.  CELTIC BEAUTY (7) is a useful filly who has her third run after a break. She has been up against males in two Pinnacle Stakes since her come back and was far from disgraced behind See It Again, staying on gamely over a mile. NAVAJO NATION (3) was not far back in a recent sprint having drawn 14. He has had two sprints in the lead-up to this race and the step up in distance will suit. (Andrew Harrison: 1-8-7-1).

RACE 5

1 VISION TO ACHIEVE   3 RUSSIAN DOLL   8 PATANTS HEIR  5 WAR EMPRESS

  Summary: Tricky handicap. VISION TO ACHIEVE (1) has been runner-up at her last two and Paul Gadsby’s filly has improved in blinkers. However, she does take a jump in class but a corresponding drop in weight and Sean Veale staying with the ride is an indication of her chances. RUSSIAN DOLL (3) got home narrowly when tried over a furlong further last time out. She is back over what looks to be her optimum trip and Michael Roberts has booked a 4kg claimer for the ride. PATANTS HEIR (8) is lightly raced and was in need of her last run when drawn wide after a three-month break. She is one to watch in the market. WAR EMPRESS (5) seldom gives less than her best and was a comfortable winner last time out. She got a five-point raise in the handicap but still comes into this race with a handy galloping weight over her favourite trip. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-8-5).

RACE 6

15 WILLIAM ROBERTSON   9 QUASIFORESURE   10 FORMAGEAR   1 NARINA TROGON

Summary: Competitive Pinnacle event. WILLIAM ROBERTSON (15) will have plenty of supporters here after beating Lucky Lad two runs back and finishing second to the smart Dyce last time out. Apprentice Trent Mayhew stays with the ride but Corne Spies’ gelding has drawn on the outside of the track and if last Wednesday’s races are anything to go by, it was another dash for the inside rail. With the Christmas Handicap on the horizon, there are a few warming up including NARINA TROGON (1) and the Peter Muscutt pairing of QUASIFORSURE (9) and FORMAGEAR (10). Quasiforsure has been tried over further but does appear to be a better sprinter while Formagear’s last win was over this distance. SUN BLUSHED (11) has not been out since he Mercury Sprint back in July so could need this while IMILENZEYOKDUDUMA (16) is also back from a break and may also need it. (Andrew Harrison: 15-9-10-1).

RACE 7

2 WARRIOR ROYALE   1 BEVIES DELIGHT   4 MASCHERINA   6 QUERARI ROSE

Summary: WARRIOR ROYALE (2) followed up her maiden win with a comfortable handicap victory. Mike Miller’s charge only has 53kg to shoulder and could be good enough to take the steep rise in class. BEVIES DELIGHT (1) has finished runner-up in her last two after a break of almost a year. She has the best of the draw and she is at home over the trip. MASCHERINA (4) was outclassed by See It Again  in a Pinnacle last time out. She has cracking form on this course and at best will go close. Miller has a second string to his bow in QUERARI ROSE (6) who has won two of her three starts. She also comes into the race with a light weight and Mathew Thackeray keeps the ride. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-4-6).

RACE 8

2 POURSOMESUGARONME   3 MISSISSIPPI SPICE   4 BEAUTIFUL RANIA   7 TOMYRIS  

Summary: POURSOMESUGARONME (2) has been knocking on the door for some time now. Most of her recent form has been on the poly and a switch to turf could bring out best in her. MISSISSIPPI SPCE (3) after showing very little in two starts, she returned from a break much improved and she her maiden in good fashion. It was not the strongest field but she won with authority and does look progressive. TOMYRIS (7) ran well below best last time out after showing consistent previous form. She should improve and can feature. BEAUTIFUL RANIA (4) has shown her best recent form on the poly although he most recent turf effort was in the Gr2 Golden Slipper behind Quid Pro Quo. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-4-7).

Andrew Harrison

Hollywoodbets Scottsville with its lush turf after two months of spring treatment has attracted a mighty card for Sunday’s meeting, a card that punters who are looking forward to the next few weeks should pay close attention to.

The card is headed by the River Indigo Handicap, a Non-black Type for fillies and mares where Mike Miller could hold the aces. Warrior Royale followed up her maiden win with a comfortable handicap victory and only has 53kg to shoulder. Tristan Godden rides and she could be good enough to take the steep rise in class. Peter Muscutt saddles Bevies Delight who has finished runner-up in her last two after a break of almost a year and should strip at her peak. She has the best of the draw and she is at home over the trip. Mascherina was outclassed by See It Again in a Pinnacle last time out but has cracking form on this course and at best will go close. Miller has a second string to his bow in Querari Rose who has won two of her three starts. She also comes into the race with a light weight and Mathew Thackeray keeps the ride. 

The River Indigo is backed up by two Pinnacle Stakes which have attracted useful fields.

A full complement of 16 will face the starter in the Open A Tabgold Account Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m where William Robertson will have plenty of supporters after beating Lucky Lad two runs back and finishing second to the smart Dyce last time out. Apprentice Trent Mayhew stays with the ride but Corne Spies’ gelding has drawn on the outside of the track and if last Wednesday’s races are anything to go by, it was another dash for the inside rail. 

With the Christmas Handicap on the horizon, there are a few warming up including Narina Trogon, and the Peter Muscutt pairing of Quasiforsure and Formagear. Quasiforsure has been tried over further and at one stage of his career was being primed for a crack at the Hollywoodbets Durban July  but he does appear to be a better sprinter while Formagear’s last win was over this distance but the Christmas Handicap trip would be more to his liking. Michael Roberts saddle the smart sprinter Sun Blushed but he has not been out since the Mercury Sprint back in July so could need this while Imilenzeyokududuma  is also back from a break and may also need it. 

Gladatorian, fresh off a smart finishing effort in the G2 Charity Mile behind Winchester Mansion looks very well in at the weights for the opening leg of the Pick 6 in spite of his impost of 62kg. He boast cracking form in top Highveld company and Stuart Ferrie’s charge is likely to start a short priced favourite. 

His biggest danger could come in the form of Gareth Van Zyl’s gelding Natyam who put Betway Summer Cup hopeful Cape Eagle to the sword last time out where the latter was well in at the weights. Natyam is smart on his day and could make things difficult for Gladatorian.  

Celtic Beauty is a useful filly who has her third run after a break. She has been up against males in two Pinnacle Stakes since her come back and was far from disgraced behind See It Again, staying on gamely over a mile. Robbie Hill could upset all with Navajo Nation who was not far back in a recent sprint having drawn 14. He has had two sprints in the lead-up to this race and the step up in distance will suit.

The card opener is the first juvenile race of the season in KZN and as per usual Mike Miller is well represented with three runners of which Hold The Key with stable first call rider Tristan Godden in the saddle could be the pick judged on jockey engagements. Kom Naidoo also likes to get them out early so watch the market on Warofdynamite who is the first runner in KZN for new stallion Declarationofpeace. 

The fifth is a tricky handicap but Vision To Achieve has been runner-up at her last two and Paul Gadsby’s filly has improved in blinkers. However, she does take a jump in class but a corresponding drop in weight and Sean Veale staying with the ride is an indication of her chances. Russian Doll got home narrowly when tried over a furlong further last time out. She is back over what looks to be her optimum trip and Michael Roberts has booked a 4kg claimer for the ride. Patants Heir is lightly raced and was in need of her last run when drawn wide after a three-month break. She is one to watch in the market. War Empress seldom gives less than her best and was a comfortable winner last time out. She got a five-point raise in the handicap but still comes into this race with a handy galloping weight over her favourite trip.

In the last, Poursomesugaronme has been knocking on the door for some time now and although most of her recent form has been on the poly, a switch to turf could bring out best in her. Mississippi Spice showed very little in two starts before returning from a break much improved. She took her  maiden in good fashion and although it was not the strongest field she won with authority and does look progressive. 

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.

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.

David Thiselton

The Pick 6 always has a big pool on Betway Summer Cup day and will be taken by many punters, so an analysis of the difficult first two legs could be useful.

Mrs Browning will be out to retain her crown in the first leg, the Gr 3 Betway Carry On Alice Stakes over 1160m. She has only had one outing this season and was beaten 6,75 lengths over the course and distance. However, she was drawn in the tough barrier one position that day and the victor of that race was the best sprinter in the country, Dyce.

Furthermore, she is slung in at the weights on Saturday, being 3,5kg better off with the second best weighted horses, Winter Greeting and White Pearl. On top of that she has a nice high draw and has in form Gavin Lerena aboard. Her stablemate Mia Moo is the favourite, but although that is a justified choice on her good form and progressive profile, winning a big field feature down the Turffontein straight course from draw two is usually tough, although there was one Summer Cup meeting where the inside draws were actually favourable, a rare occurrence.

A more interesting stablemate is Troppo Veloce, who is drawn on the right side and on a line through Dyce is weighted to finish on top of Mrs Browning. However, the latter would surely have come on from that last run. If Troppo Veloce is given a chance then Elegant Ice from the in form Lucky Houdalakis stable has a chance and the latter jumps from draw 8. White Pearl won well last time over 1400m and the last time she tried this course and distance she was second in a Gr 3 and she beat Mrs Browning by 2,35 lengths.

At the weights she could repeat that dose but the problem is Mrs Browning was drawn one that day and on Saturday White Pearl has a tough low draw of three. The up and coming Chasing Happiness is improving all the time and is officially quite well in being only 4,5kg under sufferance with Mrs Browning. She has scope for further improvement and is a big runner from draw ten with Aldo Domeyer up.

Winter Greeting ran a fine race in the Gr 2 Senor Santa Stakes over course and distance back in April and did well in her reappearance last time when finishing two lengths ahead of Mrs Browning. However, she is now 4kg worse off and has draw six to negotiate. Richard Fourie is up so Winter Greeting can’t be ignored. CallmewhenUneedme is on the up but she is 5,5kg under sufferance with Mrs Browning and Trent Mayhew will not be able to claim his usual 2,5kg unlike last time.

The youngster Poblano has been thrown in at the deep end and is officially 10kg under sufferance with Mrs Browning but she looks to have talent and should still improve so could earn from a high draw. East Cape raider Passchendale is in fine form, but draw one makes it tough. One Fell Swoop has the ability but has not run for five months and has a tough low draw. Where’s The Party is drawn on the right side but has a tough task with Chasing Happiness being just 2kg better off for a comfortable 5,90 length beating. Garlandsofgreenery has ability but has not run for over ten months. You Bring Me Joy has some good Turffontein form but has not run since ending last season under a bit of a cloud. Gimmefabulous has a hard task at the weights and hasn’t run this season yet. Tamil Tigress has a tough task at the weights. A chance could be taken in only including Mrs Browning and Chasing Happiness on a day in which the Pick 6 will be tough and going thin on some legs will be necessary.

In the second leg of the Pick 6, the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Merchants over 1160m, the Frank Robinson-trained Cats Pajamas is officially 1kg under sufferance but looks to have a lot of ability and is drawn on the outside rail. This Rafeef gelding ended last season with a fine victory in the Gr 2 Umkhomazi Stakes over 1200m and this season he has had one run, his first as a gelding, and the form of that dominant 3,30 length win has worked out very well. He could be the one to beat.

Richard Fourie is reunited with Lucky Lad, whom he seems to always get the best out of. Lucky Lad has overcome a low draw, or at least being on the wrong side when it counted, over this course and distance before so a draw of three might not be overly concerning. However, this is a handicap and carrying 63,5kg is going to be tough. Pistol Pete has speed and some class and sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and he is drawn on the right side too. Red Bomber should be cherry ripe and is drawn towards the right side.

Mount Pilatus is 1kg under sufferance but in fine form. Chyavana won well last time and on paper has a chance, but a draw of six won’t be easy. The honest Sheldon can never be dismissed but from draw two it will be tough. Quantum Theory, Melech and Magic Tattoo are others who would be fancied if better drawn. Gimmeanotherchance has class and is interesting dropped in trip from a middle draw. Rulership would be a leading player here if it was over 1000m as he is drawn on the right side.

After The Rain has ability and a good draw but is 2kg under sufferance and Halberdier has a tough task at the weights. Cats Pajamas is tipped to beat Lucky Lad with Pistol Pete, Red Bomber and Mount Pilatus next best.