RACE 1     

3 LITTLEMISSSPLENDID 6 QUEEN’S PACT 5 PRINCESS Keira 7 QUIET WINTER

Preview: 3 LITTLEMISSSPLENDID made a good debut behind winners (0:31) despite being drawn on the wrong side and looks to be the one to beat.  6 QUEEN’S PACT ran well second time out to finish second and has a chance. 5 PRINCESS KEIRA  improved second time out and was beaten five lengths by three good horses.  7 QUIET WINTER is by a What A Winter out of a Kingsbarns mare. (David Thiselton 3-6-5-7)

RACE 2     

1 BLIZZARD QUEST 5 SIMBINE, 2 CARNARVON 8 BLINDFIRE

Preview: 1 BLIZZARD QUEST found some support on debut but from a disadvantageous draw was well beaten but he could make amends here.5 SIMBINE made a fair debut but looks to be drawn on the wrong side.  2 CARNARVON was not far behind Simbine and has an advantageous high draw here. 8 BLINDFIRE could improve on her debut. (David Thiselton 1-5-2-8)

RACE 3     

3 OLD Fashioned 2 HEMISPHERE 6 RINGHO 5 TURF GURU

Preview: 3 OLD FASHIONED is knocking on the door and could get it right here although he does have quite a low draw.  2 HEMISPHERE was not disgraced on his Highveld debut and should improve.6 RINGHO ran a fair third last time but does have 4.2 lengths to make up on Old Fashioned. 5 TURF GURU was beaten just a neck by Ringo in that race. (David Thiselton 3-2-6-5)

RACE 4     

1 DYLAN’S CHAMP 2 OBSIDIAN 9 SAUDI SWEEP 3 AFTERBURN

Preview: 1 DYLAN’S CHAMP had to be scratched at the start last time not striding out but he has been knocking on the door for a long time and could get it right here. 2 OBSIDIAN  is also knocking on the door and will be a big threat. 9 SAUDI SWEEP is always thereabouts and is another with a good chance. 3 AFTERBURN looks capable of some improvement. (David Thiselton 1-2-9-3)

RACE 5     

4 CAPE SAFFRON 2 WINDS OF GRACE 1 SUMMER WINTER 3 ART NOUVEAU

Preview: 4 CAPE SAFFRON finished 2nd last time over this trip and although beaten 3 lengths she was 3 lengths clear of the rest of the field. 2 WINDS OF GRACE an improved race over 1200m last time and on pedigree should enjoy the step up and trip.1 SUMMER WINTER has faced some fair sorts without being disgraced and could be in the shake up here. 3 ART NOUVEAU  is never far off and should also have a chance. (David Thiselton 4-2-1-3)

RACE 6     

2 SIGRID SWING 4 FUTURENAIRE 6 TOKYO MEDAGLIA 1 JUST VAR

Preview: 2 SIGRID SWING is drawn in pole over a suitable trip and looks to be off a good merit rating at present.  4 FUTURENAIRE won 3rd time out over a sprint trip but being by Futura should enjoy the step up and trip. 6 TOKYO MEDAGLIA starts handicapping off a reasonable mark and should handle this trip from a fair draw under Gavin Lerena. 1 JUST VAR comes off a good win down the straight and from a good draw under Andrew Fortune could be thereabouts despite being given a 5 point raise. (David Thiselton 2-4-6-1)

RACE 7     

1 ARISTOTLE 8 TOO LATE MY MATE 3 STORM BRASCO 2 ROYAL FORCE

Preview: ARISTOTLE disappointed in the SA Classic but ran a cracker in the Gauteng Guineas and back to a mile from a good draw he looks to be the one to beat. 8 TOO LATE MY MATE was not disgraced in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas and from pole position should make her presence felt as she is the second best weighted horse in the field. 3 STORM BRASCO is capable of a good finish from off the pace but he is none too reliable. 2 ROYAL FORCE has won 2 out of 3 and could still be anything so must be shown respect here. (David Thiselton 1-8-3-2)

RACE 8     

4 STAR COIN 7 TOTAL SURRENDER 8 BIRTHRIGHT 9 JORDAN

Preview: STAR COIN is well drawn over a suitable trip and he should be cherry ripe to deliver off a reduced merit rating. 7 TOTAL SURRENDER is a consistent sort and is distance suited and drawn in pole under Inform Ryan Munger. 8 BIRTHRIGHT is a nice type of horse and he should be competitive over a suitable trip although he does have a tricky draw. 9 JORDAN is a capable sort who is better than his recent form suggests. (David Thiselton 4-7-8-9) 

RACE 9     

2 WINTER GREETING 4 QUANTUM THEORY 5 MOUNT PILATUS 1 MRS BROWNING

Preview: 2 WINTER GREETING is drawn on the right side and has the ability to go close. 4 QUANTUM THEORY comes off a good run over the course and distance and jumps here from a similar draw. 5 MOUNT PILATUS has to overcome a low draw but is perfectly course and distance suited.1 MRS BROWNING should have come on from her last run and has the ability to be involved here. (David Thiselton 2-4-5-1)

RACE 10    

7 PACIFIC 8 TOGETHER AGAIN 11 PHALA MILLIONS 13 TWICE AS WILD

Preview: 7 PACIFIC is ideally distance suited and has a nice high draw. 8 TOGETHER AGAIN is drawn on the right side under Ryan Munger and has a form chance. 11 PHALA MILLIONS won well over 1200 meters last time and has the ability to be involved here. 13 TWICE AS WILD is drawn on the right side and should make her presence felt. (David Thiselton 7-8-11-13)

David Thiselton

A Graduation Plate over 1600m is the highlight of the Turffontein Standside meeting today and the Alec Laird-trained Aristotle can bounce back from his disappointing Gr 1 TAB SA Classic run.

Aristotle was quietly fancied in the SA Classic because he had stayed on very well in the Gr 2 TAB Gauteng Guineas from near the back and he is by Rafeef out of a filly who won the Gr 1 SA Fillies Classic. Rafeef is a speed influence, but does gets some to stay and has had a SA Derby winner. However, Aristotle didn’t find much in testing going from a handier position than he had been in the Guineas and he also was a touch keen early. This trip looks to be his optimum and he has an easier task than he did in the Guineas. He should take a power of beating from a good draw, despite having to carry joint topweight as a twice winner. Too Late My Mate is drawn in pole over a suitable trip. This horse has raced in Graded company in her last two starts and was not disgraced. Before that she had some good juvenile form, so she could do well from pole position carrying just 54 kilograms, although she is the only filly in the race. Storm Brasco has been disappointing horse, but has proved himself capable on a couple of occasions. He beat the classy Truth over 1400 meters in December before going off the boil. However, he is coming back down in trip to 1600m and he has Piere Strydom up, which should suit him as he does run on from off the pace. Royal Force has won two out of three starts and could still improve. He is out of a National Assembly mare, who won over 1600m and his sire Heavenly Blue won a Gr 1 over 1800m. Kamensky was beaten only 0.8 lengths by Royal Force last time over 1450m and is now 2 kg better off and has Gavin Lerena up, so he should be a player.

In the first leg of the P6 over 1400 meters, Dylan’s champ had to be scratched at the start last time when not striding out, but Andrew Fortune gets another chance on this hard-knocking sort. Obsidian will likely find this trip too sharp, but he is running fresh and from draw two under S’Manga Khumalo he could make his presence felt. Saudi Sweep is the only filly in the race and has been knocking on the door in races up to this trip. She has a good draw under the very much in form Ryan Munger and could go close. Those are the three that make most appeal.

In the fifth race over 1400m Cape Saffron was well clear of the rest of the field when a three length second last time. She could still improve being from the Stuart Pettigrew yard. Winds of Grace improved in her second start to be a close-up third and last time on the Turffontein Inside track had a tough draw so can do better. She is in the good hands of Andrew Fortune, so could stay the trip from draw two. Summer Winter did better when stepped up to this trip category last time, so can build on that from a fair draw of five. Art Nouveau is never far off and from a good draw has Gavin Lerena. WearingoftheGreen has been placed in three starts, but looks held by Cape Saffron.

In the sixth race over 1400m Sigrid Swing is course and distance suited and has pole position draw and looks to be off a competitive mark at present. Futurenaire won third time out over a sprint trip, but should enjoy the step up and trip and has a good draw and starts off handicapping off a reasonable 80 merit rating with Piere Strydom up. Tokyo Medaglia Medallia won well last time over 1160 meters and should enjoy this step up and trip from a fair draw under Gavin Lerena. Just far won a good race last time down the straight over this trip and Andrew Fortune stays aboard from a good draw, albeit off a five point higher mark. 

In the eighth race over 2000 meters Star Coin should be cherry ripe and has gone close over this course and distance before and now has a plum draw. Total Surrender is a consistent sort who has drawn in pole over a suitable trip and he should go close under Ryan Munger. Birthright is also capable and could still prove better than an 85 merit rating, so can do well, although the draw of eight is tricky. Jordan is likely better than his recent form suggests and can’t be ignored. Hawkbill is well drawn over a suitable trip and if finding his best he could be in the shake-up. Natyam  drops back to a more suitable trip and has been racing against stronger, so could be a big runner here under Gavin Larina from a fair draw.

In the ninth over 1160m Winter Greeting is drawn on the right side and has the ability to go close. Quantum Theory comes off a good run over the course and distance and jumps here from a similar draw. Mount Pilatus has to overcome a low draw but is perfectly course and distance suited. Mrs Browning should have come on from her last run and has the ability to be involved here. Karate Kid has a tricky low draw but is talented.

In the first leg of the Bipot Blizzard Quest and Simbine look to be the right ones.

Inn the first leg of the PA Old Fashioned and Hemisphere should fight it out.    

RACE 1

1 DUCHESS OF PALOMA ran a much better race behind Rahhabba on the 11th of February at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, she finds a winnable race on Saturday, and she gets the services of Luke Coleman, from a good draw, there should be no excuses for this filly, she will go very close to winning. 5 JOUEUR DE FLUTE comes back to the track from a long rest and gelding, ignore his last run, if he doesn’t need the run badly and he gets some luck in running, he will have a big winning chance here. 2 JOHNNY DRAMA improved nicely last time behind Dawn’s Early Light, he stayed on well with the blinkers fitted, if he can build on that performance, he could trouble them in the finish. 6 STU’S GIRL is much better than her last run, she drops in trip and could sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 5 – 2 – 6)

RACE 2

3 GOOD FOR YOU ran a cracking race in the Grade 3 Cape Nursery last time behind Direct Hit, he gets a good draw here and the blinkers have been fitted, he will be very hard to beat. 8 DIAMOND DAYS improved nicely to run a better race behind Pay The Palace on the 8th of March at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he drops back in trip and gets the services of champion jockey Richard Fourie on Saturday, if he gets some luck in running from a wide draw, he could earn some money for the connections. 2 SO AMERICAN comes back to the races from a break and gelding, he would need to improve quite a bit to win a race like this, but he has got experience on his side, and he has a good draw, he could run into the places at a decent price. There are some very well-bred first timers in the race, watch the market and watch them move down to the start. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 8 – 2 – 5)

RACE 3

5 CLIFFSCAPE has run two very good races in succession, she ran a lovely race behind a nice horse last time at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, she has the advantage of experience, her form is good, and she is still improving, she will be hard to beat. 7 UNA THE UNICORN drifted badly in the market on debut, she was well beaten behind the very speedy Spacebound, the form of that race has worked out extremely well, she can only improve. 3 ELECTROMAGNETISM finished seven lengths behind Military Command on debut, she will appreciate the step up in trip here, watch her closely for major improvement at a big price. 6 WEDDING VOW is interesting, watch the market closely with this individual, she could be anything on debut. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 7 – 3 – 6)

RACE 4

6 CAPTAIN WEST ran a lovely race over 1200m behind Tenango on the 8th of February, he is a lovely looking horse with tons of ability, the yard is in good form, if he puts his best foot forward on Saturday, he will go very close to winning at a decent price. 1 POWERANDTHEGLORY needed his last run badly, he was caught a long way back from a bad draw, and then stayed on well late behind Gallic Dream, he will improve tons from that run, include him into all bets. 2 MAURITIUS KESTREL never runs a bad race, he has run behind some very smart horses through his career, again he must be respected in this tricky looking race. 4 WE HAVE TOUCHDOWN is much better than his recent form, he will appreciate the step up in trip, watch him closely for big improvement on Saturday. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 1 – 2 – 4)

RACE 5

4 GOLDEN ANGEL ran a fair race behind My Only Weakness on the 22nd of February, she was dropped two points in the ratings after that last run, the yard has always held this filly in high regard, from a good draw in a weak looking race, she should be right there in the finish. 6 GRIPEN was heavily supported in the market last time when finishing second behind Arbitration, there is no doubt he will have a massive winning chance in this Class 5 event. 3 OZARK is much better than his recent form, unfortunately he was drawn poorly last time and never managed to get into the race, he should bounce back to his best form here from a good draw, watch him closely. 5 IM THE BUZZ could sneak into the places on her best form, she has dropped in the ratings, and she has dropped in trip, watch for big improvement. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 6 – 3 – 5)

RACE 6

6 REGULATION absolutely took off late to run a great second behind Green Garnet on the 22nd of February, he is a smart gelding that is improving with every run, he will love the step up in trip on Saturday afternoon, he should go very close to winning a race like this. 1 KWITE A KING never runs a bad race, he stayed on really well behind La Pulga last time, he should be on the premises late with jockey Richard Fourie in the saddle from a good draw. 3 DUBBELOSIX won his maiden exceptionally well on the 5th of March, he looks progressive and should keep improving with every start, he must be respected here. 2 CHOLLIMA quickened up smartly to win a good race on the 11th of February at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he was penalised six points for that victory, but jockey Ashton Arries knows him well and he could be competitive late. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 1 – 3 – 2)

RACE 7

9 MY ONLY WEAKNESS finished strongly late to win well last time, she was only given two points for that victory, the blinkers have been removed on Saturday, if she gets some luck in running from a wide draw, she will have a good winning chance again. 11 FAMILY POWER had absolutely no luck in running last time, she was taken up for several strides going through the 300m mark, unfortunately the draw won’t help her chances on Saturday, but she will be running on strongly, watch her late. 4 FUN ZONE is as honest as they come, she needs a particular ride, if the race works out for her, she could easily trouble them in the finish. 5 LADY LOOK ALIKE has dropped nicely in the ratings, she could be some value in what looks a tough race on paper. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 11 – 4 – 5)

RACE 8

3 ELECTRIC FEELS ran on well from a long way back in her last start, she tries hard, her form is very good, there is no doubt she will be attacking the line hard from a nice draw. 8 CHAMPAGNE MAC ran a decent race last time with the blinkers on, he is currently racing off a dangerous rating, if he can beat the draw here, he will be right there in the finish. 5 COUNTRY TIME moved up like a winner in her last start behind Try Me, she must be respected off this rating of 53, she will be stalking the speed and running on powerfully late. 6 POETIC PRINCESS won a good enough race last time in PE, she was heavily supported in the market and got the job done, now that she has that confidence booster under the belt, she could certainly improve even further, include her into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 8 – 5 – 6)

Graeme Hawkins

The richest event on the 8-race programme at Hollywoodbets Durbanville today, the R160 000 Cape B Stakes over 1400m, has attracted a small but evenly matched field of six runners. Billed as the fourth race on the card, the two chief protagonists appear to be Mauritius Kestrel and Powerandtheglory, both of which had their first starts as geldings on 22 February when finishing fifth and seventh respectively behind Gallic Dream over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Mauritius Kestrel was 1,5 lengths ahead of Powerandtheglory at the line, however the latter had an awkward draw on that occasion and now from pole position in a much smaller line-up, Justin Snaith’s 3yo son of Gimmethegreenlight may hold a slight edge over Mauritius Kestrel, despite being 1kg worse off with Adam Marcus’ runner. That being said, there is clearly not much to choose between these two talented geldings, and it could go right down to the wire.

The presence of World Of Pleasure and Captain West adds to the competitive nature of the race, and each will have their fair share of supporters. Captain West has the advantage of having won at the country course and will strip a very fit horse in this his third run back from being rested and gelded. He likes to go forward and could well dominate from start to finish. World Of Pleasure was a good winner at the expense of the useful Empire State in his penultimate start and although subsequently beaten into sixth place behind Legal Counsel on WSB “Met” day, that form line has been solidly franked with three direct winners emerging from there.

We Have Touchdown and Beechamwood Boy complete the six-horse party but based on recent form, they appear unlikely to trouble the principals. In an intriguing contest, Powerandtheglory is given the nod to come ahead of Mauritius Kestrel, Captain West and World Of Pleasure but all four need to be included in Jackpot and Pick 6 permutations.

The Glen Kotzen-trained Good For You shapes up as one the better bets on the card. The 2yo son of Legislate lines up in the second race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1250m, and sporting blinkers for the first time Good For You should prove too speedy for his seven rivals. There are several well-bred newcomers, including Randolph Hearst, an expensive half-brother to the useful Babelicious, and the market will offer some guide as to whether any of these are fancied on debut.

Cliffscape shapes up as a Pick 6 banker in the third race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1250m. The daughter of Canford Cliffs, whose progeny are presently enjoying a rich vein of form, has been placed in both starts to date and should comfortably have the measure of all the previously raced runners which, given the first-timer rule in the Pick 6, will be enough to get us through.

The fifth race, a Class 5 Handicap over 1400m, looks typically tricky but watch out for a better performance from the “class-dropper” Sun Dazed. Aldo Domeyer teams up with Candice Bass-Robinson aboard the 6yo son of What A Winter who seldom finishes too far off the action. It’s been a while since Sun Dazed last visited the winner’s enclosure, but two of his four career victories have been recorded at Durbanville, and he should go well in this division. Golden Angel is possibly the one they all have to beat but a “bomb” result cannot be ruled out.

The sixth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1800m, looks a four-cornered contest between Dubbelosix, Red Dawn, Congressman and Regulation. Hattrick-seeking Red Dawn has shown good improvement since being fitted with blinkers, but he meets stronger than his last start when running out a convincing winner over the struggling Past and Present. Dubbelosix is a recent maiden winner but his overall form at Durbanville is solid, and he will be having his peak run. Congressman is a strong front-running type and is handicapped with a chance while Regulation should relish the step-up in trip. JP van der Merwe rides Regulation in preference to Kwite A King who gets the services of Richard Fourie.

Fun Zone could score an overdue victory in the seventh race, a Class 4 Handicap (F&M) over 1600m. She has 62,5kgs to shoulder but drops a division and is a course and distance winner. The consistent My Only Weakness is potentially her biggest danger but expect a much better run from Among The Clouds and La Divina. Lady Look Alike has shown some recent improvement and may appreciate stepping up to 1600m for the first time in her career.

The eighth race, a lowly-rated Cape D Stakes over 1000m, could be fought out by Champagne Mac and Electric Feels. The pair met over the course and distance when finishing second and fourth behind Lucy Rocket but from a much better draw this time, Electric Feels will have every chance of getting a lot closer to Champagne Mac. Poetic Princess won her maiden at the ninth attempt three weeks ago but could be competitive in this class.

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