Impressive Cape Nursery winner Captain Chaos will be the focus of much attention at Durbanville tomorrow but he has it all to do to beat Sail For Gold in the Gold Circle Graduation Plate.

This is his first race for over three months and he has never been to Durbanville before, not even for a gallop. And, perhaps even more important, he has nearly three lengths to find with the older horse when you adjust their merit ratings for weight-for-age.

“He has been doing well but he might just be lacking fitness and I think he is going to be short of a gallop,” says Ronnie Sheehan.

“I didn’t run him in the Langerman and instead I put him away because I had a different programme in mind. He will now probably go for the Matchem, the Cape Classic and then the R2 million Lanzerac Ready To Run. At the moment he is second on the log for that.

“I could have taken him to Durbanville for a gallop but I didn’t want him peaking too soon and he has to go there for the Matchem. This time Sail For Gold could be a hard horse to beat.”

The top weight has to concede only 2kg compared to the 7.5kg of the weight-for-age scale and he has the benefit of a recent run – and a good one at that. River God could also pose a threat. He was only caught close home a fortnight ago and he is a course winner.

The Mike Bass stable should also win the Gold Circle Allowance Plate with the high class Inara who in January became the first three-year-old this century to win both the Paddock and the Majorca in the same season.

She has over three lengths in hand on ratings and, although she has been off since Durban July day, she should be up to the task. “She had a break after Durban but she galloped at Durbanville with Come Fly With Me last Thursday,”says Candice Robinson. “They will both run in the Diana Stakes after this.”

Midnight Breeze, well backed on debut only to suffer a slipping saddle, stands out in the first but her ten draw is surely the kiss of death. Jets-A-Blazing could be the one (she was forced to ease 100m out when a close-up fourth on debut) at the expense of Stockade who showed improvement last time.

BLOB Donovan Dillon must wonder whether he is coming or going since his move to Cape Town. He was criticised for riding Aspara to the line last Saturday and now the NHA’s Inquiry Board has suspended him for ten days for not riding a horse to the line!

This was Captain Swarovski who the Inquiry Board reckoned could have got fourth instead of fifth – and the ban has been imposed even though the course vet reported that the colt was blowing hard after the race.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Inara (Liesl King)

Captain Chaos, who has his first race of the season at Durbanville on Saturday, is due to return there for the R250,000 Grade 3 Kuda Matchem Stakes over 1400m on Saturday 3 October.

He is the highest merit-rated of the 26 entries and veteran trainer Ronnie Sheehan has been carefully mapping out a plan of campaign for last season’s Cape Of Good Hope Nursery (Grade 3) winner.

The Matchem, confined to three and four-year-olds, has been won by some high-class horses in recent years, most notably Variety Club in 2011 and Capetown Noir two years later. Justin Snaith, successful with Changingoftheguard three years ago, has the biggest entry (eight) and these include the provenly useful Heartland, Alpha Pegasi, Krambambuli and Charles Lytton.

Variety Club’s trainer Joey Ramsden has entered six, including the talented three-year-old Hard Day’s Night and Tar Heel, who started odds-on for the Cape Of Good Hope Nursery in June but failed to reproduce the form he showed when winning the Listed Somerset 1200 previously.

The Mike Bass stable, whose most recent successes came with Thundering Jet in 2008 and Rushing Wind 12 months later, have five entered including Sail For Gold who takes on Captain Chaos this Saturday.

The draw will be of supreme importance with the bend from the back straight into the straight beginning so soon after the pens open and those drawn high will be at a disadvantage, particularly if the field reaches double figures.

Inara, who completed a notable Grade 1 double in January in the Maine Chance Paddock Stakes and the Klawervlei Majorca, heads the 21 entries for the Lanzerac Diana Stakes over the same course and distance and on the same day as the Matchem.

She also runs at Durbanville this Saturday and the Mike Bass stable’s present plans are to go from there to the Diana which they won with Hammie’s Hooker two years ago. Their other wins in this race include the high class Sun Classique in 2006.

Alexis, winner of last season’s KRA Fillies Guineas, may represent Brett Crawford. Glen Kotzen has the best recent record with four winners in the last 15 years and he has entered three while Snaith has the biggest entry (six). He has won three of the last six runnings, most notably with the Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas winner Ebony Flyer in 2011.

There is a supplementary entry stage for both races next Wednesday (23 September) and declarations are on Monday 28 September.

Entries and draws for the Kuda Matchem Stakes (Grade 3) over 1 400m at Durbanville:

Entries and draws for the Lanzerac Diana Stakes (Grade 3) over 1 400m at Durbanville:

        –   TABNews

Picture: Inara (Liesl King)

Greyville stages the third of its popular Friday night series meetings this season and there look to be more good opportunities for punters, starting with Barbosa in the opener.

Barbosa appears to have the first, a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1000m, at his mercy as the Dennis Drier-trained gelding is particularly well in at the weights following his Umgeni Handicap win over course and distance on Super Saturday. Viva La Var finished 1,75 lengths behind Barbosa in the Umgeni and is now 1,5kg worse off, but was returning from an eight-month layoff for a knee chip then and should have benefited from the run. Eddie Sweat could fill third place being well drawn and only 0,5kg worse off for a 3,9 length beating by Barbosa over course and distance on Vodacom Durban July day. Prince Of Magic might have needed his last start and could earn. Sheik’s Brashee is second best in at the weights, but is hard to fancy on his last two disappointing runs. Chosen Dash’s winning time over course and distance was a lot slower than Barbosa’s and she is also 5kg under sufferance with the latter.

In the second, a Maiden over 2000m, Township Talk, who can front run and has a nice kick, is the form choice with Anton Marcus up over a suitable trip. However, Forest is likely to improve further over this trip and could be a threat. Red Savage over-raced a little bit over 2000m at Turffontein last time and could do better from a good draw here. Desert Sunset was only 1,5 lengths off Township Talk at Scottsville and has run ran a fair third over 1800m on the poly before. Knockout Johny stayed on over 1600m on the poly last time and could earn.

In the third, a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1400m, Khonza is a full sister to the decent sort Kwinta and will relish the step up in trip. She is tipped to beat Deeyala who is improving and ran a fair race over 1600m last time behind a horse who went on to finish second in a Gr 1. Swiss Note will likely relish the step up in trip. Swan Dance has cracked a good draw for a change which should help her settle over a suitable course and distance. Coastal Spell is not sure to appreciate the step up in trip.

In the fourth over 1400m Taku Wind’s course and distance form has worked out well, so as a likely improver he is tipped to win. Shine Up’s course and distance form has also been franked. Texican ran on strongly over 1200m last time and is likely to relish the step up in trip. Streetwear was not disgraced behind a top class sort over this trip at Turffontein last time. Promissory is another who can’t be ignored.

In the fifth over 1400m, Miss Stingray has dropped down to the merit rating of her last career win, which was over this course and distance and she is well drawn. Quintella was a touch unlucky last time over 1200m and should be running on as usual, but she would probably prefer 1200m. Tales Of Mambo hasn’t been harshly treated by the handicapper after winning her maiden over 1600m at Turffontein and the form looks fair. Alcanina’s class is undone by her breathing problems. Seek The Summit has improved and can’t be ignored. Hunger Games could earn if reproducing her best.

In the sixth over 1600m, Baracah ran on well to finish close up the last time he tried this trip and could be dangerous off a two point lower merit rating with a 4kg claimer up. Bold Inspiration enjoys the kinder poly surface due to his foot issues and his class could carry him close. Master Archer won well last time over this trip at Scottsville and can defy a three point raise. Master James is a progressive sort who has won over course and distance but he is returning from a three month layoff. Buffalo Bill is ideally course and distance suited.

In the seventh over 1600m, Variety Romp is reasonably merit rated and interesting running fresh over 1600m having dominated his only start over 1900m. Mambo Mime is a classy sort but has not settled well in his runs to date so it is a concern that he is a young three-year-old running fresh off an 88 merit rating. Astro, Open Heir and Klondike River can’t be ignored.

In the last over 1200m, Hold The Line has been knocking on the door and is course and distance suited. Salesman is also knocking on the door and is drawn well over an ideal course and distance, but does have a big weight to carry. Var’s Dream, Harrison and Delicious Damowin must also be considered.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Barbosa (Nkosi Hlophe)

The R1-million Supreme Cup sponsored by SAP (Grade 2) and to be run over 1450m on the Vaal sand on 26 September is going to be a fascinating contest.

The final field for the continent’s most prestigious sand race was unveiled yesterday on the Riverside Sun Hotel’s Liquid Lounge boat cruise and more than just a few “whoops” were heard during the ceremony as it quickly became apparent that this was both a classy and intriguing line-up.

The intrigue is provided by two horses that have never raced on the sand before, Willow Magic and Ultimate Dollar, and by the horse who stands to win a R100 000 bonus, Roman Carnival.

Willow Magic, from the yard of champion trainer Sean Tarry, is a Grade 1-winning sprint “miler” who is now five but is still at the top of his game.

Ultimate Dollar, from the new Highveld satellite yard of trainer Justin Snaith, ended a luckless Champions Season campaign by romping home in the Grade 3 tabGold 2200. Also effective over this shorter trip, he has drawn well at 2.

Roman Carnival is out to land the R100 000 bonus offered by World Sports Betting for any horse that can win both the Grade 3 World Sports Betting August Stakes over 1200m and the Supreme Cup. He destroyed them in the August Stakes last month and will relish the step up in trip. Although he does have it a bit tougher at the weights this time and has a wide draw to overcome.

Another intriguing entry is Deputy Jud, the Grade 1 SA Derby-runner up. He goes well on sand and his low draw looks ideal for his strong, galloping style, although he would prefer further.

His stablemate Isphan has enjoyed a good preparation and looks nicely weighted over a suitable distance. He has the speed to overcome his wide draw and the ability to run on.

Toro Rosso was a convincing winner over the course and distance in his last start and either he or Mootahadee, another impressive course and distance winner, could give Mike de Kock a third victory in this race.

Precursor is a speedster in the mould of last year’s winner Tommy Gun so is most interesting from pole position draw. Jade Vine is also in this category and should have come on from his last run which followed a five-month layoff.

Uncle Tommy has finished third and second in the last two runnings, but looks a bit high in the weights these days. All The Bids is another who could find it tough at the weights.

TapTap Makhatini finished sixth last year but is interesting because he runs well fresh, although his wide draw is a concern. Lavender Landscape loves the Vaal sand but would prefer further and the handicapper might have his measure.

Solar Triptych has a tough task on paper but is relatively lightly raced. He would have come on from his last start and, open to further improvement, could be the dark horse in the race.

• TABNews

*A carryover-boosted (R1,2million) Pick 6 pool will provide further incentive to get involved at the Vaal on Supreme Cup day (Saturday, September 26) with the pool expected to top R4,8MILLION

Picture: Ultimate Dollar (Nkosi Hlophe)

There is an eight race meeting on the Vaal sand today, a venue where value can often be found.

In the first over 1000m, Ronin Warrior is a by Kahal and is a half-brother to the fair sorts Silva Hawk and Red Rover and he doesn’t have much to beat, although he will prefer further in time. Magic has improved since being beaten by three of the other contestants over course and distance in July and should go close. From that race Gold Comet is well exposed after 17 starts and only three places, Song From Seattle has made breathing noises in both starts to date, and Mendoza’s Melody has not impressed in two starts since. Edgbaston could improve on his debut effort but a concern is he made a breathing noise. Tzitzikama Fire has a place chance having run two fair races over course and distance. Noah From Goa is a half-brother to the like of Guy From Dubai and looks likely to need further on pedigree.

In the second over 1450m Beaufort Sea is by Fort Wood so should love the sand. He has fair form on turf from 1200-1600m and his wide draw should not be too much of a problem considering he has Andrew Fortune up. Seven Single’s decent debut on sand over 1200m behind a well regarded sort was followed by a reasonable effort over 1600m on turf, although he was well beaten in that race by Beaufort Sea. Bullion Bay made late head way last time out over course and distance in a similarly moderate event to run a close second so has to be considered from pole position.  Battle Of Arcole does have breathing issues so will likely appreciate the step down to the course and distance of his best recent run. Marsden could earn if bouncing back to his best but his last three runs from similarly wide draws have been poor which is a concern.

In the third over 1600m Nurse Harriet is by Windrush so should love the sand and she is drawn well over the same trip of her last two fair efforts on turf. Angel’s Smile pulled up lame last time after a 1450m event on the sand but if reproducing her previous 1600m run on turf she could earn here. Carole Bouquet ran a fair race last time over 1450m on the sand, but a concern is that this is her second run after an eleven month layoff.

In the fourth over 1000m Ballerini ran a cracker last time over course and distance behind two promising sorts when under sufferance in a Pinnacle Stakes event and if she reproduces that here back in a handicap she will win. Easy Street ran well over 12000m in her first three starts before disappointing over 1400m, so is interesting making her sand debut over this trip. Wintry Night has a good sand pedigree being by Western Winter and has not been unduly punished by the handicapper after easily winning her maiden in her third career start over this course and distance, so she could do well despite having been well beaten on turf by Easy Street when showing pace on debut over 1200m.

In the fifth over 1200m Flag Of France is off a competitive merit rating and is 2,5kg better off for a 3,25 length beating by Shine Tiger over course and distance in his penultimate start. Shine Tiger disappointed last time but is re-associated with Craig Zackey who rode him to a convincing win over course and distance in his penultimate start, albeit from pole position whereas he now has to jump from the same seven draw as in that last run. Cosmic Tom, well beaten by Shine Tiger three runs ago when not himself, represents an in form yard and is well drawn over a course and distance he has gone close over in his last two starts. Formal Request has landed a good draw over the course and distance of his facile win in his penultimate start and he showed next time out over 1400m that he was up to his raised merit rated mark by only being caught late over 1450m. Return To The Sun is drawn in pole and has dropped down the merit ratings so could use his early pace to gain a place.

In the sixth over 1450m Wishful Heart is likely stretched by this trip, but has won over it before and is a progressive sort, so could be the one to side with considering the astute judge of pace Andrew Fortune is aboard. Brad’s Surge is drawn in pole as opposed to the draw of six when a nine length second over course and distance last time and he could go close as the runaway winner of that race looks a decent sort. Rough Justice is 1,5kg better off with Brad’s Surge for a 2,2 length beating in that aforementioned race and has another good draw so should also be concerned in the finish.

In the seventh over 1450m Divine Grace, ridden by Fortune, is off a competitive merit rating and was run out of it over 1600m by a decent sort in his last two so looks the one to beat over this step down in trip. River Run packs a strong finish and is likely to be a big runner from a good draw under promising 1,5kg claimer Callan Murray. Seven Kingdoms has a good sand pedigree being by Sarge and is well drawn over the course and distance of his easy maiden win.

In the eighth over 2000m Dover Beach likely runs off a capped merit rating having scooted in by ten lengths in his penultimate start on the sand over 1800m so could follow up.  Isosha ran on late over 1800m on the sand last time and just failed so should be right there from a good draw under Gavin Lerena. Inala has run well in two starts on the sand from 1450m to 1600m and stayed on over 2000m in his penultimate start on turf, so should also be involved in the finish.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Andrew Fortune