David Thiselton

The Grade 3 Sycamore Sprint over 1160m is the headliner of the nine race meeting at Turffontein Standside today and Almond Sea could follow up on her last win. 

Almond Sea has tended to start a bit slowly, which was problematic as she liked to be in the front and gallop the field into the ground. However, last time she was not able to get through and was forced to sit behind horses at the back. She proved to enjoy this tactic as she finished very strongly to win by 0.3 lengths. She beat Poblano on that occasion, and the latter is now 1.5kg better off with her, so should reverse the form on paper. In fact this being a handicap is going to make it harder for Almond Sea all round as she was well weighted under the conditions of that last race. However, Almond Sea can do better this time, now that Gavin Lerena knows she is versatile in running style. Poblano has always been highly regarded, but has disappointed when running beyond sprints, so she should appreciate the step down to this trip, and she has a nice high draw. Chrome Tourmaline is drawn on the right side too and comes off a good win over 1200m and the form of that race has been franked. Andy’s Girl disappointed last time, but she has some class and is interesting over a sprint trip. Mia Moo was not disgraced in her last two starts in Cape Town, where the form tends to be stronger than Job’Burg, so she should do well in this handicap event with Piere Strydom up. Elegant Ice carries topweight but is capable, and did well last time considering she had to jump from the unfavourable draw one. She now has a nice high draw and with in-form Ryan Munger up, she could make an impact. Those are the ones that make most appeal. 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 The Mightiest has a fair draw over a suitable trip and, having disappointed last time over 2000m, she should enjoy this step back down and trip. Aurora Green unfortunately has a wide draw, because she looks to be an improving sort who should go close if it does pan out well for her. City Lights is a long time maiden, but she is always thereabouts and from pole position she has a chance. Nkwenkwezi should be in the shakeup if able to reproduce her last good run over 1400m. On A Jet Plane was a well beaten second last time over 1450m, but should enjoy this step up and trip and she has a fair draw with Piere Strydom up. 

In the second leg of the Pick 6, a strong pinnacle stakes race over 1800m, Hotarubi could be the one to side with. He is an enigmatic sort who can’t be relied on, but he is definitely capable, and from a draw of five out  of eight with S’Manga Khumalo up he might be able to find cover before running on. Radiccio has plenty of ability and could still improve further because he has only run three times beyond 1475m, and his two runs over this trip were eyecatching. Tamarisk Tree is in fine form and is distance suited and well drawn and could claim a hattrick. Purple Pitcher is an effective front runner and should make his presence felt despite having to carry a big weight of 62kg. Champagne Cocktail bounced back to form last time when stepped up to 1800m and could be in the shakeup. 

In the sixth race over 1400m, Pomodoro’s Jet has plenty of class and from a good draw over an ideal trip with Gavin Lerena up he could make it a hattrick. Gimmeanotherchance has always had plenty of class and this is likely his optimum trip, so he should go close from pole position under the good hands of Andrew Fortune. aboard, Ikigai won well last time over this course and distance, his first win for over three years, and his true ability is better tha his merit rating suggests so he could do well from a tricky draw. Infinite Wonder is well drawn and is capable but has not raced for over one and a half years. Captain Peg is course and distance suited, and has a good draw, returns from a layoff.

In the eighth race over 1400m, Just Be Lekker has a good draw and has the class to be a contender with S’Manga Kamalo up. Soldier’s Eye is effective over this trip and should be in the shake up despite having to overcome a wide draw. Mary’s Greenlight might enjoy the step down in trip and has a good draw. Pointer has plenty of ability and is effective over this trip but does have a tricky draw. Blue Horizon could be in the shake up of able to overcome a wide draw.

In the last race over 1400m Accept Cookies is capable of better than last time and can make amends over a suitable course and distance. Roaming Spirit brings good form and is distance suited and reasonably merit rated. Mocha Macaroon has been in fine form and should be thereabouts once again over an ideal trip. Last Ginger won well last time and could place here again although she has a wide draw to overcome. Perini Palace can be in the shake up if able to overcome a wide draw. Golden Moment has her third run after a rest and can go close if able to overcome a wide draw.

In the first race over 1100m One Fine Winter is well bred and the one to beat after a fine debut.

In the second over 1100m Tina Lovelace ran a fair fifth on debut and is drawn on the right side in this slight step up in trip, although the first-timers would not have to be great to feature here. 

In the third over Apache has gone close in both Highveld starts and has a fair draw over a suitable trip with Lerena up. Sovereign Crown has improved with blinkers and could earn from a fair draw with Andrew Fortune up. Cronus made a good debut and has not been disgraced in two subsequent runs.

RACE 1

7 ONE FINE WINTER 1 MASTER PREDATOR 4 SAKETINI 6 WALL STREET

Preview: 7 ONE FINE WINTER went close on debut, when running on strongly and can go one better here.1 MASTER PREDATOR is by New Predator out of a Toreador Mare. 4 SAKETINI is by Danon Platino out of stakes performing mare Gin Fizz, who is a half-sister to July winner Sparkling Water. 6 WALL STREET is by the United States out of a Var mare. (David Thiselton 7-1-4-6)

RACE 2     

8 TINA LOVELACE 3 FRANGIPANI 4 HOT COCOA 5 OPERA FAN

Preview: 8 TINA LOVELACE ran a fair fifth on debut and is drawn on the right side in this slight step up in trip. 3 FRANGIPANI  is by Master of My Faith out of a Judpot Mare. 4 HOT COCOA  is by Querari out of an elusive Fort mare. 5 OPERA FAN ran an improved race second time out and should be in the shake-up. (David Thiselton 8-3-4-5)

RACE 3     

2 APACHE CHIEF 3 SOVEREIGN CROWN 1 CRONUS 5 JABBERWOCKY

Preview: 2 APACHE CHIEF has gone close in both Highveld starts and has a fair draw over a suitable trip with Lerena up.3 SOVEREIGN CROWN has improved with blinkers and could earn from a fair draw with Andrew Fortune up. 1 CRONUS made a good debut and has not been disgraced in two subsequent runs. 5 JABBERWOCKY has shown some signs of ability and has pole position. (David Thiselton 2-3-1-5)

RACE 4     

1 THE MIGHTIEST 8 AURORA GREEN 6 CITY LIGHTS 3 NKWENKWEZI

Preview: 1 THE MIGHTIEST has a fair draw over a suitable trip and should enjoy stepping back down in trip. 8 AURORA GREEN has a wide draw to overcome but should be thereabouts after running well over 1500 metres second time out. 6 CITY LIGHTS is a long time maiden who is seldom not in the money and from pole position over a suitable trip he should be in the money again.3 NKWENKWEZI  ran a cracker last time over 1400 metres after the headgear had been  removed. (David Thiselton 1-8-6-3)

RACE 5     

2 HOTARUBI 3 RADICCHIO 4 TAMARISK TREE 1 PURPLE PITCHER

Preview: 2 HOTARUBI found an amazing finish last time to win over 1400 metres and he should enjoy the step up and trip.3 RADICCHIO is a talented sort who is distance suited and with a low weight he could be thereabouts if able to overcome a tricky draw. 4 TAMARISK TREE is in fine form and is well drawn over a suitable trip.1 PURPLE PITCHER has class and should make a bold bid from a front running or handy position. (David Thiselton 2-3-4-1)

RACE 6     

1 POMODORO’S JET 2 GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE 5 IKIGAI 3 INFINITE WONDER

Preview: 1 POMODORO’S JET is a classy sort who can make it a hat trick from a fair draw over a suitable trip with Lerena up.2 GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE is ideally distance suited here and from pole position should go close. 5 IKIGAI  found an amazing finish last time to win for the first time for more than three years. 3 INFINITE WONDER ran a good race last September in a comeback from a layoff but has not raced since so must have problems. (David Thiselton 1-2-5-3)

RACE 7     

2 ALMOND SEA 5 POBLANO 7 CHROME TOURMALINE 10 ANDI’S GIRL

Preview: 2 ALMOND SEA is very quick and proved she stays this trip last time when coming from off the pace and she has drawn on the right side. 5 POBLANO is a talented filly and will enjoy the step down and trip having gone close to Almond Sea the last time she met her. 7 CHROME TOURMALINE is drawn on the right side and the form of his last win has been franked. 10 ANDI’S GIRL disappointed last time but is better than that and is interesting dropped down to this trip from quite a nice high draw. (David Thiselton 2-5-7-10)

RACE 8     

2 JUST BE LEKKER 4 SOLDIER’S EYE 1 MARY’S GREENLIGHT 7 POINTER

Preview: 2 JUST BE LEKKER is well drawn over a suitable trip and should go close. 4 SOLDIER’S EYE is effective over this trip and should be in the shake up despite having to overcome a wide draw. 1 MARY’S GREENLIGHT can do well over a suitable trip from a good draw. 7 POINTER has plenty of ability and is effective over this trip but does have a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 2-4-1-7)

RACE 9     

4 ACCEPT COOKIES 5 ROAMING SPIRIT 6 MOCHA MACAROON 7 LAST GINGER

Preview: 4 ACCEPT COOKIES is capable of better than last time and can make amends over a suitable course and distance.5 ROAMING SPIRIT brings good form and is distance suited and reasonably merit rated. 6 MOCHA MACAROON has been in fine form and should be there abouts once again over an ideal trip.7 LAST GINGER went well last time and could place here again although she has a wide draw to overcome. (David Thiselton 4-5-6-7)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville recorded 32mm of rainfall overnight. This morning’s penetrometer readings are 33 on the Inside Track and 32 on the Standside Track.

With further showers expected today and tomorrow, the race meeting scheduled for Saturday, 15 March, has been postponed to Wednesday, 19 March 2025.

New Race Times: Race 1 – 12h:40, Race 2 – 13h:15, Race 3 – 13h:50, Race 4 – 14h:25, Race 5 – 15h:00, Race 6 – 15h:35, Race 7 – 16h:10, Race 8 – 16h:45

Rugby8 Win Margin, Friday, 14 March 2025. C/Over R55 430. Pool Closes at 08h35

Soccer10 Friday, 14 March 2025, ADD-IN R 250 000, Pool Closes at 19h30. Sport 16 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 1.8 Million.

Soccer4 Saturday, 15 March 2025. ADD-IN R 25 000. Pool Closes at 19h30. Sport 18 and Pool 3. Estimated Pool: R100 000.

Soccer6 Saturday 15 March 2025. ADD-IN R 100 000. Pool Closes at 17h00. Sport 3 and Pool 2. Estimated Pool: R500 000

Soccer10 Saturday, 15 March 2025. ADD-IN R 250 000. Pool Closes at 15h30. Sport 8 and Pool 1, Estimated Pool: R 1.8 Million

Soccer ANY13Xtra Saturday 15 March 2025. C/Over R250 000. Pool Closes at 15h00. Sport 13 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 750 000

Soccer 13 Saturday, 15 March 2025. C/Over R12 909 898. Pool Closes at 16h30. Sport 10 and Pool 1. Estimated ALL 13 CORRECT POOL: R27 Million (13 of 13)

Soccer10 Sunday, 16 March 2025. ADD-IN R 250 000. Pool Closes at 15h30. Sport 14 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 1.8 Million.

David Thiselton
Royal Victory has a fine chance of defending his title in the weight for age Gr 1 R2 million Premier’s Champions Challenge as he is the highest rated entry off a 124.
The other Gr 1 winners in the field with their merit ratings in brackets are SA Classic and SA Derby winner Purple Pitcher (123), Betway Summer Cup winner Atticus Finch (121), Woolavington 2000 winner Silver Sanctuary (117), SA Classic winner Confederate (118) and SA Dery winner Son Of Raj (119).
There were initially 12 entries, but subsequently Sean Tarry has entered Legend Of Arthur (109) and Let’s Go Now (113).
The other entries are hardknocking Fire Attack (116), former SA Oaks winner None Other (115), the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes third-placed Imilenzeyokududuma (114), Hotarubi (112),  Navajo Nation (102) and the hardknocking World Of Alice.
The three-year-olds among the entries are Confederate, Fire Attack, Legend Of Arthur and World Of Alice.
Fire Attack must have a strong chance. He was finishing strongly from midfield in the SA Classic to beaten just 0.70 lengths by Confederate.
Confederate went to the front in the SA Classic and stayed all the way to the line in superb fashion. He need not repeat the front running tactic and is a very good looking specimen with a long stride and scope for further improvement. The manner of that victory together with the testing going on the day suggests he won’t have a problem staying the extra 200m trip. He drew two among the initial entries, which augurs well for him as he will probably like to be handy. Fire attack drew widest of all among the initial entries, so will likely have to come from off the pace again. He also ran as if he would get further.
Royal Victory also drew wide in 11 out of the 12 initial entries, but he has been shown to not be bothered by wide draws at Turffontein Standside before. Muzi Yeni is an expert at slotting in from such draws and furthermore Royal Victory has a fine turn of foot coupled with a resolute finish.
Atticus Finch is the Betway Summer Cup winner, which proved he stays this trip, but he was receiving weight that day. He is now 3kg worse off with Royal Victory for a three length beating. 
Purple Pitcher could well be the pacemaker and like he did in the SA Classic he might attempt to lead from start to finish. He comes off a good second to Son of Raj in the Grade 3 Betway London New Stakes over 1800m and he will be 3kg better off with the latter in this race for a mere 1,90 length beating. 
Son of Raj benefited from a holiday he was given after last season and turned it on in fine style in the London News. As a winner of the SA Derby he will have no problem staying this trip. He drew 7 out of 12 among the initial entries.
World of Alice strikes as one who will relish this step up in trip, although she does need to get into the race sooner because she is often a bit far out of her ground.
Let’s Go Now is an improving sort who always struck as one who would come into her own as a four-year-old and she is doing so. She will need to prove she stays this trip and on pedigree should do so being by Gimmethegreenlight out of a Silvano mare, who did win up to 2000m. 
Hotarubi produced an amazing finish last time to win over 1400 metres after looking beaten. He is an enigmatic sort, but he has a middle draw and on his day could surprise. 
Imilenziyokududuma clearly relished the Turffontein Standside track in the Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes and stayed on resolutely for a fine third. He is a most interesting runner as he gave the impression that he would enjoy this course and distance. Legend of Arthur was a touch unlucky in the SA Classic, because he started slowly and was left with too much to do, but he did finish very well and should relish this step up in trip.
None Other is capable of a strong finish and as an SA Oaks winner will have no problem with the trip, but she was well beaten in the London News Stakes which is a bit concerning for her chances here. 
Silver Sanctuary is a Group 1 winner over this trip, but this is against the boys and she likely faces a harder task than she did when winning the Woolavington 2000 and she needs to bounce back from a below par effort in the London News Stakes when beaten 9,75 lengths.
Navajo Nation will need to improve to threaten here.
The final field will be published on March 19.