David Thiselton

THE South African racing public will be gripped by WSB SA Triple Crown and Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara fever by mid-afternoon today and most will be hoping to see both Malmoos and War Of Athena writing a new chapter history.

Malmoos’ connections will be confident he stays the 2450m trip of the Grade 1 WSB SA Derby as he is a full-brother to twice Grade 3 winner over 2400m Captain Splendid who had a similar handy running style as Malmoos and also had the ability to kick when  challenged. Malmoos is simply a classier and speedier version of Captain Splendid. Malmoss has fine gatespeed but will not want to be in the front as his comfortable pace up there will likely be too fast, so Luke Ferraris is going to have to rein him back. He did take quite a keen hold when he had to do this in the Grade 1 WSB SA Classic. He found cover quickly in the latter race but will he be as fortunate this time? 

Flying Carpet, who has plenty of substance and scope for improvement, took a while to settle when being dropped out to last in the SA Classic but he crossed the line a 2,75 length fourth and was finishing fastest of all. He has enough stamina in his pedigree and if he settles quicker he could be a threat. 

SA Classic runner up Second Base is rangy sort and although by Gimmethegreenlight his third dam is the Grade 1 Natal Oaks (2450m) winner Kiss of Peace. He relaxes well in the running and has a good turn of foot.  

Pamushana’s Pride steps up in class but is progressive and strikes as one who will enjoy the trip.

Bold Jazz has some stamina in his pedigree and stayed on well for fifth in the SA Classic.

The others look held on form although some might consider the Weiho Marwing coupling knowing how good he is at training stayers.

War of Athena just needs to stay to outclass the field in the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks field and she should do. Her sire Act Of War is by stamina influence Dynasty and was a Cape Derby (2000m) runner up. Furthermore, War Of Athena is a half-sister to a horse who has won over 2450m. The small filly will have the benefit of pacemaker again and a wide draw has not bothered her before as she relaxes well and has a tremendous turn of foot. 

SA Fillies Classic runner up Netta is well drawn and her sire Where’s That Tiger has produced SA Derby third-placed Samurai Blade and her damsire Indigo Magic is out of Lady Carla, who won the Epsom Oaks by nine lengths. 

Magical Flight did not have cover when handy in the SA Fillies Classic but stayed on well for third so she can place again if getting better cover. 

Sparkling Water was only a quarter-of-a-length behind the latter in the SA Classic and being by staina influence Silvano should be improving, although she has a tough draw. 

Ideal Jet looks the best of the rest having proved she stays and with further improvement to come being by Ideal World out of a Jet Master mare.

The Grade 1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m looks to be at the mercy of Got The Greenlight who showed how good he was in the Ilha Bela Hawaii Stakes last time when going close despite needing it badly. He relaxes well and has an exceptional turn of foot so a wide draw should not be of much bother.      

David Thiselton

THE big question facing the Mike de Kock-trained Malmoos ahead of his bid to join Horse Chestnut, Louis The King and Abashiri as a WSB SA Triple Crown winner is will he stay the 2450m trip of the Grade 1 WSB SA Derby?

And who among the opposition will be best suited to the stamina test?

Malmoos is by speed influence Captain Al but is out of Fort Wood mare Justthewayyouare,  who is a half-sister to the sire Master Of My Fate. Justthewayyouare’s four wins included the Listed Spook Express Handicap over 2600m. Furthermore, Malmoos is a full-brother to Captain Splendid, who won two Grade 3s over 2400m. Malmoos has already joined Met winners Hill Fifty Four and One World, Paddock Stakes winner Emerald Cove and Champions Cup winner Captain America as a Captain Al Grade 1 winner over a middle distance. He will now be attempting to join Grade 1 SA Oaks (2450m) winner Pine Princess, Grade 2 Gold Circle Oaks (2400m) winner Disco Al and Listed Java Handicap (2450m) winner Fulcrum as a  Captain Al stakes winner over a staying trip. Pine Princess, Disco Al and Fulcrum are all out of Badger Land mares and Badger Land, like Fort Wood, was very much a stamina influence. This indicates that Captain Al relied on mares to bring stamina. Nevertheless, Malmoos has a chance of getting the trip on pedigree. 

Malmoos’s outstanding gatespeed might be to his detriment on Saturday. He hasn’t pulled in any of his races but did take a keen hold when reined back in the WSB SA Classic after breaking better than anything else. Reining him back in the slower-paced Derby could prove to be tougher and he would not want to lead as his natural cruising pace is higher than an ideal Derby pace.

The connections will be hoping to be done a favour by possible pace-setters Shah Akbar or Bingwa, although Malmoos will also need some luck slotting in from a tricky draw of 8.

The WSB SA Classic runner up Second Base is by miler-to-middle distance horse Gimmethegreenlight out of a Fort Wood mare whose only win was over 1400m. However, his third dam is Grade 1 Natal Oaks (2400m) winner Kiss Of Peace. Second Base is a long-strider who relaxes well and runs on, so he has a chance of staying.

Bingwa is by Pathfork, who won over 1400m but is sire of twice Grade 3-winning stayer Marchingontogether. Bingwa’s dam by Century Stand won from 1200m to 1600m and his best form has been over a mile, so there is a stamina doubt, although he has a nice stride and was staying on well after being swamped in the WSB Gauteng Guineas. 

Flying Carpet is by stamina influence Judpot out of a Kabool mare who won twice from 1950m to 2000m. There is a lot of middle distance influence in the pedigree and SA Derby runner up English Garden is in his family. Flying Carpet came from last in the SA Classic to run fourth, so if he settles better than last time while being dropped out from another wide draw he will be a contender. 

Bold Jazz is by VDJ winner Bold Silvano out of a Greys Inn mare who won up to 2000m. Summer Cup winner Ingleside is in his family. He ran on well for fifth in the SA Classic and has a chance of staying.   

Shah Akbar is by Querari who won up to 2000m and who has produced a stakes winner over 3200m. He is out of a Galileo maiden but this front-running type has been disappointing in his last three runs.

Kingsley’s Heart is by stamina influence Ideal World out of a Fahal mare who won over 1450m. The female line is mixed but VDJ winner Heavy Metal is in the family.  Kingsley’s Heart does not appear to have the class to win but trainer Weiho Marwing is known for his outstanding record in staying races. 

Pamushana’s Pride is by SA Triple Crown hero Louis The King out of a maiden mare by stamina influence Ideal World. He is a rangy, progressive sort who runs as if he will stay.

Fsquadron is by Master Of My Fate, who was shaping as a top class middle distance horse before his career was curtailed. FSquadron has won twice over 2000m and there is some stamina in the family of his Sail From Seattle dam but this is a big step up in class.

Validus is by stamina influence Dynasty out of a Jet Master mare who finished second in the Listed Oaks Trial and who placed three times over 2600m. However, he was beaten three lengths by FSquadron over 2000m last time and will only be 1,5kg better off.

Baymax is by stamina influence Elusive Fort and although his Right Approach dam only won up to 1600m his second dam by Caesour won over 2400m and produced the outstanding but ill-fated Mister Cricket. Baymax has a hard task with Pamushana’s Pride as he is 4kg worse off despite being beaten a head over 2000m.

The Kop is by versatile stallion Visionaire out of a Rambo Dancer mare who is a half-sister to Met winner Angus. He is a half-brother to SA Oaks third-placed Coby, but he also has a hard task reversing 2000m form with Pamushana’s Pride.

Midnight Caller, who is out of an unraced Captain Al mare, is by stamina influence Twice Over. Furthermore, he is a half-brother to Tyrus Express (Marchfield) who was a recent short-head runner up in the Listed Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m. Midnight Caller also has the Weiho Marwing factor on his side but is another one who is well held on 2000m form by Panushana’s Pride.

Blue Moon City’s form does not make great reading. However, his pedigree has stamina influences as he is by Marchfield out of a Victory Moon 1600m-1800m twice winner, who is a half-sister to the dam of Listed winner over 3200m Bondiblu.

Andrew Harrison

AFTER a lengthy break to prepare for Champions Season, its back to Hollywoodbets Scottsville today. The switch to the turf and the country’s defining season on the horizon always sees the reappearance of some of the better horses.

Better horses generally lead to good racing but not always easier for punters who face a demanding card.

The seventh heads the card and the 1100m dash has attracted a useful field where battle honours will be fully earned. Glen Kotzen’s gelding Light That Loose is on the up and both recent wins have come on this course with some cut in the ground. He romped home last start over the trip and as there has been some rain about he should be well suited to the going. Spydas Corner was not at his best without the blinkers last run and Duncan Howells was disappointed with that effort. The blinkers are back on today and he should give a better showing.  Filippo has come good in blinkers and was a comfortable winner in good company last time out when breaking the course record. He should be thereabouts again. Kayson has started favourite in his last four, disappointing in his last two. The straight course could see him back to best form.

But the list of possible winners does not stop there. Captain Oupie has been rested and gelded and may need this outing but is smart on his day. Wayward and Good Rhythm are others to consider.

Shane Humby is no fan of the poly so will have timed the preparation of his runners to coincide with the opening of the Scottsville track. But he has not made it easy.

Mr Fitz and Socrates are standout runner in the sixth and with top riders on both it’s a bit of a toss-up for punters.

The talented Mr Fitz gets the services of Lyle Hewitson but has the worst of the draw. However, has been close-up in his last two and should feature in a competitive handicap. Stable companion Socrates, Anton Marcus calling for the ride, seldom runs a bad race and was and was a touch unlucky to be narrowly beaten by the highly rated Guru’s Pride last outing. Stable jockey Keagan de Melo has shunned the ride on Williams Land, who gets blinkers for the first time, and rides Sir Michael who makes his local debut but has been racing over further. He is one to watch. 

Fanie Bronkhorst makes his first foray into KZN as a trainer and Coming In Hot could be an omen in the first but he will have to get past Gallic Chief who found market support on debut and was only caught late. That run should hold him in good stead. There are a number of first timers in the race so the betting is worth taking note off and Quiz Master has a blue-blood pedigree and with Marcus in the irons any market support must be respected.

Serino Moodley has picked up the ride on Civil Rights in the second after carded rider Ashton Arries took a heavy fall at Summerveld on Monday. Civil Rights won well second time of asking and looks to have some scope. Rock On Philly won well on debut and was well supported in the market while Aisling beat Civil Rights when the latter was making her debut and may not be able to confirm that form. Sea Of Tranquillity was on the moon on debut and is one to keep an eye on.

The third is a tricky race. Trumpet Voluntary ran well below expected last start but meets a weaker field here and should have a strong chance. Casimiro, Shamoosi and Grey Ocean are others to consider.

In the fifth Full Blast won well first run out of the maidens beating a useful field. He looks to have plenty of scope but will need to be at his best to beat a field packed with form. Al’s My Daddy is quick and showed signs of coming to hand when blinkered for the first time. With a four-claimer up he should be competitive. The fillies Diamonds And Pearls and Dancing Feather are both smart on their day and can put one over their male rivals.

In the sixth, Twice To Sydney has been close-up at her last two from wide draws. She is better off at the weights with the recently much improved Keep On Dancing and can turn the tables. Silver Maria comes off some useful Cape form that could prove a little stronger than currently rated.

In the last, Golden Trip makes her local debut in the seventh. She improved nicely second time out albeit in a work riders’ race. She meets little on note here. Diamond Girl makes her debut with stable rider Sean Veale jumping off Duchess Of Sussex.

David Thiselton

GODOLPHIN’S American-based homebred Mystic Guide, the impressive winner of Saturday night’s US$12 million Dubai World Cup,  has the great South African thoroughbred Hawaii in his pedigree.

Former Durban racing journalist Robbyn Ramsay was quick to pick this up and remark on it.

Mystic Guide is by Ghostzapper (Awesome Again) and Hawaii is the sire of the latter’s third dam Sailaway. 

Mystic Guide’s previous biggest win was last September in the Group 2 Jim Dandy over a mile and one furlong on Saratoga’s dirt track and he prepared for the World Cup by winning a Group 3 on the Oaklawn Park dirt over a mile and half-a-furlong.

On Saturday night under Luis Saez he was up with the pace and had the field beaten a long way out, displaying a good kick on the final turn and keeping up a relentless gallop all the way to the line. The Breeders Cup Classic will likely be his next big target. 

The 1964-born Hawaii, bred by Archie Dell at his Platberg Stud in the Karoo, was by Utrillo II (Italy). He was out of the matriarch Ethane, who was also dam of Hawaii’s famous half-brother William Penn, among others, and whose legacy has continued through the like of recent Equus Horse Of The Year Legal Eagle.

Hawaii, trained by George Azzie, was champion colt as a two-year-old and three-year-old. He won 15 of his 18 starts in South Africa before being sent to the USA, where he won six of ten starts and was named Champion Grass Horse in North America.  All three of his defeats in SA happened at Greyville, including in the 1968 July in which he started 6-4 favourite as a hitherto winner of all nine of his three-year-old starts. He could only manage a 2,05 length fourth in the July although he did carry a welter burden for a three-year-old in those days of 55.5kg and gave the five-year-old winner Chimboraa 7.5kg. However, he seemed invincible at all other tracks, which included Turffontein, Germiston, Clairwood and Milnerton. He started favourite for every race he contested, and on each occasion was ridden by Raymond Rhodes. 

Journalist Alan Breck’s assessment of him was, “Up to 9 furlongs Hawaii would take rank with Sea Cottage, but the fact that he failed in the only two races he contested, as a three-year-old, beyond that distance must cause him to be rated a little inferior in all-round ability.”

Hawaii developed more stamina with age and won up to 12 furlongs in the USA. 

He was syndicated for over a million dollars to the famed Claiborne Farm. 

He went on to sire Henbit, who raced in England and won the 1980 Epsom Derby. His other outstanding progeny were Hawaiian Sound who was second in the Epsom Derby and winner of the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup in 1978, and Hunza Dancer who was third in the 1975 Epsom Derby and went on to win the Manhattan Handicap and the American Handicap in 1977.  

This is the second recent big winner who has benefited from Hawaii’s influence. The 2018 USA Triple Crown hero Justify, who was by Scat Daddy out of a Ghostzapper mare, was inbred 5×6 to Hawaii.   

Andrew Harrison

IF anyone had tuned in to the Gold Circle Podcast last Thursday, they would have picked up that Duncan Howells had labelled yesterday’s Kings Cup as a race to win for Trip To Africa.

It all panned out well for Howells and rider Thabiso Gumede, always well supported by Howells, to get the young apprentice his first Back Type win.

Favourite Silver Operator was out of the back door early in the straight as Trip To Africa barrelled through up the centre of the Hollywoodbets Greyville straight to win rather comfortably.

A few days of heavy rain during the week had put the turf meeting under threat to a switch to the poly track, but all was good yesterday

Trip To Africa had a light weight but the manner of his win suggests that he does have a little more to come and the Drill Hall Stakes might be an ideal option.

Vaughan Marshall fired the first shot across the bows for South Africa’s Champion season, opening his account with Captain Of Stealth.

He may not be the best named horse in history – there is nothing stealth-like about the way he races. Captain Of Stealth stretches his rider’s arms from the jump, but in the polished hands of Anton Marcus, he kept firing to get the better of Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock in a much anticipated contest.

In spite of his tearaway tactics, Marcus was able to give his mount a breather coming up the hill and anticipating the challenge from Russian Rock, waited until the bait had been swallowed before kicking away to a smart win.

Of some concern to locals hoping for a glimmer in the Classics, it was four-year-old Ralph The Rascal that filled the shallow end of the purse.

“He always tries to get you off his back but in a race he’s a different horse” and ‘horse whisperer’ Mike Shaw, who has done work with the gelding, was on hand to lead Mystery Boy off to a well-earned shower after a facile win in the third.

Every horse has a history. It’s often tough on punters who wonder how a horse improves from one race to another, but they are not always privileged to what happens behind the scenes.

Mystery Boy is obviously a handful as Gareth van Zyl revealed post-race. “He’s got the blood and physically he’s a specimen too. He’s got what it takes. Bet he’s a handful and when he started, he got the better of us.”

“At his second start he turned it off, but we seemed to have found the ‘on’ switch, ” said van Zyl with fingers crossed.

Tony Nassif is ‘old school’ and one of the nicest people that you will ever meet. He is also one of the shrewdest trainers in the game. He does not have a big string, seven at his last count according to him, after Gypsy Magic put her opposition to the sword.

The filly had shown recent improvement and as Nassif explained post-race that she had had a few setbacks. Gypsy Magic cruised home in what had mapped out as a useful maiden field so she may well pay to follow.