There will be many racing stalwarts involved in the Super Saturday meeting at Greyville at the end of the month, but the toast of the town will be possibly the finest of them all, the great Cape Town-based trainer Mike Bass.

Bass will be officially retiring at the end of the season and the Gr 1 Champions Cup will be fittingly named in honour of him and his wife Carol.

Bass took a moment to reflect on his career yesterday and his most prominent owner of recent years, Marsh Shirtliff, also paid heartfelt tribute.

Bass said it would be the end of a long chapter, but he did not expect much to change as he would still spend plenty of time around his beloved horses down at the family’s Milnerton yard.

Officially he hands over the reins to his daughter Candice Robinson and the rest of the yard’s loyal and “tremendous” staff”, who include his son Mark (Marketing and Website) as well as Carol (Accounts and Personality).

Mike said with typical modesty, “They will probably do a better job than me.” If that does become the case it will only be due to the lessons they have learnt from one of the country’s finest horseman.

Shirtliff’s familiar blue, pink and white colours have become associated with the Bass yard. Both the colours and the yard were taken to a new level by the great Pocket Power.

Shirtliff recalled his entry into the yard. He had been at a Cape Sale and approached Mike about training a horse he had been advised on and duly bought. Shirtliff confessed he had also liked one of the horses Bass himself had bought, but explained his advisor had been of the opinion the horse would knock his hocks at full gallop. Bass dismissed the latter opinion and thus Tobe Or Nottobe became the first Shirtliff-owned runner in the Bass yard. The Caesour colt won his first seven starts, including the Gr 1 Cape Flying Championships over 1000m at Kenilworth. His first defeat was over a trip a touch too far in the Winter Guineas, when finishing third to the subsequently named Equus Horse Of The Year Winter Solstice. At stud from limited opportunity Tobe Or Nottobe produced 37 winners from 85 runners.

The advisor who had nearly cost Shirtliff the chance of owning Tobe Or Nottobe made up for it at a subsequent sale by singling out Pocket Power. Bass also loved the horse immediately and so began the career of one of the all-time greats of the South African turf.

 

Pocket Power was from the first crop of the late great Jet Master and could not have found his way into a more suitable yard, because as Shirtliff pointed out, “You know when you have a horse with Mike you are in for the long haul. He is the ultimate horseman, he gives them time and tends to know what they need and they don’t break down early. Even Pocket Power with all his niggles could have gone on to win more races, but we felt he deserved to retire at the age of eight.” Pocket Power’s nine Gr 1s included the Vodacom Durban July and Rising Sun Gold Challenge as well as a record four Gr 1 L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plates in succession and three Gr 1 J&B Mets in succession.

His Bass-trained and Shirtliff part-owned full-sister River Jetez defeated Pocket Power in his fourth Met when she was a six-year-old. She went on to win a Gr 2 in Dubai and run second in a Gr 1 in Singapore and third in a Gr 1 in the USA. Mike de Kock was in charge of her overseas and he also helped the former Bass-trained Sun Classique win a Gr 1 and two Listed races in Dubai. Sun Classique remains the highest earning South African-trained filly in history.

Bass means a lot more to Shirtliff than just being a trainer. He recalled his first impressions of the people-shy Bass being as one who was much more at home with his horses than his patrons, although he said he had “loosened up” latterly and he himself had never found him difficult to talk to.

He said, “He is only about four years older than me but has become almost like a father figure because he reminds me so much of my own father. He is a thorough gentleman, a mensch, you will never hear him swear, never has a bad word to say about anybody, and he never loses his rag.”

The press also felt at ease with Bass. Three things were usually assured when visiting his ring at either Clairwood or Milnerton; firstly you would be made to feel welcome; secondly you would come away knowing a little more about the most fascinating and complex of all animals, the horse, as he loved to share his immense knowledge; thirdly you would usually leave chortling, partly due to his dry sense of humour and also due to his inimitable quirks. He gave away his old school tutorship in the game by knowing young horses only by their pedigrees and this often extended into their racing careers. A typical interview could have gone as such: Bass: “I think the grey horse will run well, what’s his name?” Journalist, “Blue Tiger.” Bass: “Yes, that horse is doing very well.”

Bass said there were plenty of memories and outstanding horses to look back on in his 40 years as a licensed trainer and he added, “It has been great fun.”

He has to date trained 32 Gr 1 winners and between them they have won 50 Gr 1s, including three Julys and five Mets.

Bass paid tribute to his wife Carol, who is loved by all her meet her and hence her title as yard “Personality”. He said, “She has been very supportive and is always enthusiastic, I don’t think she’s missed a meeting in all my years training.”

The popular couple’s farewell at Greyville on July 30 will have sincere emotions attached from everybody in the industry and it would be most fitting if Marinaresco can convert likely favouritism.

David Thiselton

The Vaughan Marshall-trained two-year-old Horse Chestnut colt Step Up put his hand up as a runner in the Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Stakes over 1600m on Gold Cup day when winning a Juvenile Plate over the same course and distance comfortably on Saturday under MJ Byleveld.

The intuitive Marshall bought this Horse Chestnut colt for a mere R50,000 at the CTS Emperor’s Palace Select Yearling Sale last year, despite her Joshua Dancer dam being a half-sister to dual Gr 1-winner Crimson Waves. Marshall then put a syndicate together which includes his son Steve.

The imposing colt has won two of his four starts to date. His first win was also over 1600m at Greyville, albeit on the polytrack.

In his penultimate start Step Up was caught hopelessly wide from a high draw in the Listed Gatecrasher Stakes over 1400m at Greyville and pulled throughout.

Marshall was correct in saying before Saturday’s event a line could be drawn through that run.

Byleveld, who was not aboard in the disappointing previous race, settled him beautifully in the box seat on Saturday from a good draw and he quickened effortlessly to win  by 3,5 lengths.

A downside to the form is that The Boxster, who is quite an exposed maiden, finished second although he did obviously appreciate the step up in trip.

On the bright side Step Up’s time was three seconds quicker than the fillies equivalent race, which was won in eyecatching style by the Dennis Drier-trained The High Life, who is also by Horse Chestnut. The High Life resembles her great sire and made up considerable ground in the straight under Sean Veale to just get up, although as a maiden (who had actually won a race which was later declared null and void) she did have a 3kg advantage over the winners. Despite the impressive display The High Life does not hold an entry in the Gr 1 Thekwini Stakes. The High Life was purchased for R150,000 at the National Two-year-old Sale.

David Thiselton

 

Mike Bass will be looking to end his training career on a high when he saddles Marinaresco in the race named in his and his wife’s honour, the Gr1 Mike and Carol Bass Champions Cup to be run at Greyville next Saturday.

Coming from the clouds when runner-up to The Conglomerate in the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July, the Cape Winter Guineas and Winter Classic winner has another tricky draw to contend with but is much better off at the weights in this event and is likely to be in warm order.

In the July Marinaresco pulled one marble inside of The Conglomerate but while Piere Strydom elected to go forward, Grant van Niekerk dropped his mount in which was always the plan.

In the final analysis Strydom managed to pinch enough of a lead to hold on to the line as Marinaresco had his measure three strides past the post.

Tactics are unlikely to be much different this time around and many will be looking to see Marinaresco home in time to give Bass an emotional and rousing send-off.

Marinaresco was lumbered with an eight-pound penalty for his July effort but once again meets his fellow three-year-olds that ran in the July at level weights and all things being equal he should beat them again.

Exit Here was given a cracking ride by Weichong Marwing to win the Gr3 Cup Trial but Charles Laird was of the opinion that he was not quite good enough to contest the July. Given the July result he may have been left rueing his decision but he gets an opportunity here over the same course and distance.

Saratoga Dancer’s presence in the July field was met with derision in many quarters but he proved the neigh sayers wrong, finishing fifth, beaten two short heads for third. He too came from well off the pace and given that he is over his optimum trip he could finish even closer here. Craig Zackey retains the ride for Duncan Howells.

The luckless Ice Machine was touched off by Futura in this race last year and he could be likened to golfer Sergio Garcia, the most talented runner never to win a major. Time is running out for the seven-year-old and this could be his last chance.

Mike de Kock is going all-out in the R1.25-million Gr2 eLan Gold Cup with five entries, including the foursome who filled the first four places in the Gold Vase over 3000m on July Day.

The De Kock quartet finishers were led across the line by Australian-bred gelding Enaad, who chased down the leading pair to win by a neck from Smart Mart, Kingston Mines and Kinaan. With such a strong team it is likely that the same tactics could be adopted in the 3200m marathon.

De Kock’s fifth entrant is the mare The Centenary, runner-up in the Delta Air Lines 2200 also run on July Day.

Andrew Harrison

In the first race over 1200m Escovitch has the form to win over an ideal trip, although the wide draw is a concern especially considering he has hung in badly to his right in his last three starts. Muzi Yeni will have his work cut out to keep him straight in the dash for home, so it would be no surprise to see him using his good gatespeed and early pace to try and find the rail in front. Newyorkstateofmind improved with second time blinkers last time over 1200m around the turn at the Vaal. However, the concern is the slow time and this was excacerbated by the way the leader easily found extra when Newyorkstateofmind moved up to challenge. Majix returns to the distance of his best run but has a wide draw to overcome.  Perpetual Silence has shown signs of ability but hasn’t raced since finishing distressed after a 1200m event last October at Turffontein. Winter Is Coming has found betting support before so must show a lot, but he is yet to place in three starts and has a wide draw to overcome.

In the second race over 1600m, Trinity Hall will relish the step up in trip and will be running on strongly after likely being dropped out from a wide draw. Courageous King was caught  bit wide last time over 1400m but still went close, beating a running on Trinity Hall, and in previous runs has been seen to be staying on over this trip. Osuna is the dark horse as a big, rangy sort who is returning from a layoff over a trip short of his optimum and he has done well over this trip before. Portman Square took well to first-time blinkers over 1400m last time when going handy, while he has a good draw for a change and Delpech is an eyecatching booking, and he should be thereabouts over a trip he has run some fair eaces in before albeit when running on from behind. Naked Truth has a chance if reproducing his best over this course and distance.

In the third over 1600m Willowgrange stayed on well over this trip last time and can do so again here after perhaps being dropped out from a wide draw. Enlightenment did well last time over this trip at Scottsville considering she was caught wide from a high draw and if finding cover under Delpech here from another high draw she should go close. Maggie Muggins was green on debut over 1400m, but was staying on and will appreciate the step up in trip. Streets Of Gold over raced with cheek pieces on when not disgraced the last time she tried this course and distance, so is interesting with the cheek pieces off. Ginger Quill hasn’t raced since the end of March but on form can be involved if overcoming a wide draw. L’Attitude, Back In Town and Secret Garden also have place chances on best form in this open race.

In the fourth over 2000m Avast is quite exposed but has been knocking on the door and, as an honest horse drawn well over a suitable trip with Delpech retaining the ride, she should go close.  Black Flower has his first run after being bought out of the Sean Tarry yard and as a big staying type is interesting with first time blinkers on and Anton Marcus up. Delilah is usually slow away and stays on so is interesting with first time blinkers on, although the wide draw is a concern.

In the fifth over 1400m Dynamic Force moved up well in his first try at this course and distance and Delpech, who won on him before that over 1200m, is back aboard albeit from a tough draw. Buster Brown is capable of running on strongly and is only one point higher than his last win over course and distance so should go close from a good draw. Black Tractor should enjoy the step up in trip and from a good draw off a competitive merit rating has a fine chance with Marcus up. Tipo Tinto is capable of running on well and Khumalo will likely drop him out from a tricky draw. Roy’s Air Force is well regarded and has a four point reduced merit rating and a 4kg claimer up, but a wide draw is a concern for a horse who tends to over race. Surrey goes well for apprentice Ngwane and can’t be ignored.

In the sixth over 1400m, Wandie’s won well last time over 1600m at Scottsville and looks capable of overcoming a four point merit rated raise from a good draw, having gone close over this course and distance in her penultimate start. Off Ramp will be running on strongly from a wide draw under Delpech. Bella Miesque has dropped to an attractive merit rating and is drawn in pole over an ideal course and distance. Pearl Emblem has a chance over a trip she handles with an accomplished 4kg claimer up. Royalsecuritybaby has a form chance over a suitable trip from a good draw. Silver Inspiration can’t be ignored either.

In the seventh over 1400m Breakfast Club’s maiden win over 1600m has been franked and he looks to have a reasonable merit rating. Roy’s Saint also caught the eye winning his maiden over course and distance and should be involved from a good draw. Argo’s Jet just failed over course and distance last time and will be running on again off a one point higher merit rating with the same 4kg claimer up.

In the eighth over 1400m Diamond League looks a fair sort who should be improving and is interesting with first time blinkers on over a suitable trip from pole position. Alzerra is not too reliable but at her best has a good chance. Brave And Bold, Durban Blues and Mogokity can’t be ignored either.

In the ninth over 1000m Mr McSteamy has dropped to a competitive merit rating and has Marcus up over the course and distance of his facile maiden win. Vampirella has often caught the eye and was only beaten by the bob of a head last time over course and distance so can go close again from another good draw off just a one point higher mark. Y’retheone returns from a three month suspension for epistaxis but has talent and the Charles Laird yard always have them fit enough.

David Thiselton

The victory of Red Ray in Saturday’s Gr.1 Mercury Sprint was a bittersweet occasion, as just four days earlier, Lammerskraal Stud had lost his dam Nacarat.

According to stud manager Sally Bruss, the 20-year-old mare had been suffering from Cushing’s disease (a dysfunction of the pituitary gland) and suddenly foundered very badly in the days leading up to her death.

Founder is the layman’s term for Laminitis, an acutely painful affliction of the feet where the laminae, which lie between the horny wall of the hoof and the pedal bone, become inflamed. This notoriously dreaded affliction has claimed the lives of many prominent thoroughbreds, amongst which the great Secretariat.

A Lammerskraal homebred herself, Nacarat, one of just a handful of daughters of Pas De Quoi at stud, showed ability on the track by winning four races as a three-year-old. However, it was as a broodmare that she was destined to make her mark. Red Ray is one of seven stakes performers amongst her ten winning foals, of which six were sired by the late resident champion stallion Western Winter.

A sibling to Gr.1 Thekwini winner Nania and Listed East Cape Oaks victress Valor Red, Red Ray is also an own brother to Brutal Force, winner of this season’s Gr.2 Merchants in the same Jooste silks, and to the Listed Summer Juvenile Stakes third, Bishops Bounty, all of which must surely now put Nacarat in line for the Equus award of Broodmare of the Year.

The mare’s last two foals are a yearling own brother by Go Deputy to the triple stakes winner Adobe Pink and a weanling colt by Western Winter’s champion sprint son What A Winter.

Nacarat’s legacy as a broodmare looks assured, as Red Ray is destined to exchange the rigours of a racing stable for life as a stallion. More importantly though, at least four daughters are treasured members of the Lammerskraal broodmare band: Valor Red, Adobe Pink, Gr.3-placed Vermillion and Chambre, who is already the dam of Gr.3-placed three-year-old Mr Roy.

Nacarat’s demise counts not just as a huge loss to the stud’s broodmare band, she has also taken a piece out of Sally’s heart: “She was a great mare to me and I will not only miss her grand presence, but also her extremely loving nature.”

Ada van der Bent