David Thiselton

SOME changes recommended by the South Africa’s Pattern Committee have been put in place for the first part of the season and if they are viewed as positive might be included in the subsequent racing program too.

The first of the changes is aimed at aligning the class of a handicap pattern event to the class of the potential winners. 

To achieve this a benchmark of 52kg for pattern handicap events has been instituted.  

The hoped for effect is that a Listed class horse will have a better chance of winning a Listed handicap event, a Grade 3 class horse will have a better chance of winning a Grade 3 handicap event and a Grade 2 class horse will have a better chance of winning a Grade 2 handicap event, while the Grade 1 handicaps will favour the best horses.

Got The Greenlight is the highest rated horse on the Highveld. However, the introductions of the 52kg benchmark means that if he runs in a Listed handicap, where the 52kg benchmark will pertain to a merit rating of 98, he would have to carry 66kg; if he runs in a Grade 3, where the 52kg benchmark pertains to a 102 merit rating, he would have to carry 64kg; and if running in a Grade 2 where the 52kg benchmark pertains to a 106 merit rating, he would have to carry 62kg.

This means horses of lesser class will have a better chance of beating him the lower the status of the race. 

The committee recommended the 52kg benchamark to pertain to a 110 merit rating for Grade 1 handicaps but this will not effect the WSB Summer Cup.

Instead a change has been made to the Summer Cup whereby the weight range has been changed from 52kg-to-60kg to 54kg-to-60kg with the highest rated horse carrying 60kg.

This will obviously make it harder for a lesser horses to win Johannesburg’s traditionally biggest race.

In the last five renewals some of the results would have been effected if this change had been in place.

In 2017 the winner Liege carried only 53kg but won by 2,25 lengths so would have won the race if having to carry 54kg anyway and Fort Ember carrying 56kg would have also finished second. However, the next four finishers, Coral Fever (52kg), Pagoda (52.5kg), Girl On The Run (52.5kg) and Orchid Island (53.5kg), would have all been beaten on paper by French Navy, who carried 57.5kg and was beaten only 3,65 lengths. 

In 2018 the winner Tilbury Fort carried the minimum weight of 52kg and would have beaten the 0,60 length runner up Dawn Assault, who carried only 52.5kg. However, both of those horses would have been beaten on paper if they had had to carry 54kg by the 0,80 length third-placed Cascapedia, who carried 54.5kg.     

In 2019 the winner Zilzaal carried only 52kg and would have been beaten on paper by the runner up Soqrat, who carried 60kg and was beaten only 0,40 lengths. The next five runners, Al Mutakawel, Queen Supreme, Atyaab, Roy Had Enough and Green Haze,  all carried 52kg and on paper four of them would have been beaten by eighth-placed Barahin, who carried 59kg and was beaten only 2,85 lengths. 

In last year’s race the only significant change would have been Dance Class, who would have finished sixth instead of fourth, and Tierra Del Fuego and Atyaab would thus have come up a place to fourth and fifth respectively. 

The Pattern committee’s recommendations that a limit on the number of merit rated points a horse can be raised in the first two big feature races of both the Highveld and Cape seasons has also been implemented in order to attract three-year-old runners. 

Last year Mount Pleasant was raised to a 127 rating after winning the Grade 2 Jo’burg Spring Challenge. The hitherto unbeaten 112 merit rated horse was raised 15 points after beating the respectively 126 and 127 rated pair Cirillo and Chimichuri Run.  

The three-year-olds running in this year’s Grade 2 Jo’burg Spring Challenge will not have to fear being burdened with the huge merit raise that Mount Pleasant received. This year’s race allows a winner to be penalised a maximum of eight points and placed horses cannot be penalised at all.

Mount Pleasant’s next two poor performances after the Spring Challenge had nothing to do with his rating as they were three-year-old level weight classics, but the high merit rating did effect him in his next outing in the Grade 2 Senor Santa Stakes (merit rated band conditions), despite him by then having been lowered to a 120. The initial 127 merit rating would also have limited his options for preparation races into the Grade 2 WSB Gauteng Guineas. 

Another change recommended was to alter the conditions of all pattern races over 2400m to merit rated band conditions and limit the merit rating raise for the winner to a maximum of six points. It was also recommended placed horses should receive no merit rating raise at all. This would have the effect of encouraging stayers, some of whom might be average at lesser distances but have then been slapped with big raises for running second or third in a staying feature. Those big hikes would have then negated against them returning to lower division races over any distance. This recommendation has only been partially implemented.   

How long do you make excuses for a beaten favourite?  Many seasoned punters will tell you that a sure way to the poor house is making excuses for beaten horses, especially those that have let the side down on numerous occasions.

Rain Wear is one such horse. Tony Rivalland’s filly has been costly to follow, a beaten favourite at her last three and in the money at her last five starts. It was hoped that a tongue-tie would have the desired result. But prominent once again, she failed to finish off her race and it appears that first time blinkers and a drop to a mile is the last resort. She may be worth one more chance when she lines up in the third on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly today.

Blinkers have improved Sparkling Flame and Mike Miller’s filly goes well this trip and has the best of the draw. Princess Tea has drawn a little wide but has improved with every outing and should be primed for this.

The fifth is a seriously difficult handicap where one can make out a case for almost every runner. However, Fight Song finished with a rattle to win a good race last time out, getting the better of favourite Shavout who ran at Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday. He copped a 5-point penalty for that win but he has been improving steadily and Gareth van Zyl’s yard is red-hot at present.

Quick Star will be out to extract revenge for the defeat of stable companion Shavout. MJ Odendaal’s gelding is backed by some solid credentials having just found the smart Captain Fontane too good last outing. The blinkers come off as he steps up in trip but he was finishing his race off well behind Captain Fontane and the extra may now suit.

Donald McDonald has a bit of a reputation after winning four of his eight starts, but he was out of action from December last year before making a recent comeback where he showed signs of ring-rust in spit of the blinkers on to sharpen him up. That outing should have brought him on nicely and if anywhere ready he should have a big chance. Straight Up is a poly specialist and was a game winner last run but there should be little between him and Coup De Tete with the former possibly the pick with his light weight.

The Howells stable has come to hand nicely in recent weeks and he can get the afternoon off on a winning note with Bourbon Beat. He has been a slow starter but has made decent strides when switched to the poly and was closing fast when starting a long odds last time out.

Without Doubt is also showing signs of coming to hand and steps up in trip while Quality Joker has steady Highveld form to his credit and has done well over ground. He rates a strong chance in this field.

The second is a tricky maiden with a few stet to improve. Lucretius appeared to enjoy the extra last run and appears to have come to hand and can go close if putting in a repeat showing. Estival is lightly raced and has improved with each outing and Bold Premier ran a cracker from a difficult draw last run and the stable is hot.

There are three race restricted to apprentice riders starting in the fourth where Rachel Venniker will be looking to notch a treble aboard the Michael Roberts-trained grey Tupelo Honey.

The mare has won her last two from the front from poor draws and has a plum draw this time around so can go in again. Unconditional Love improved nicely to win her second start. The extra should suit and she can follow up. Paul Peter has booked Philisande Mxoli for Sacred Lotus who has taken on much stronger in the past. She was close-up last run and has a strong chance with the 2.5kg off her allotted weight. Jabu Jacobs stays with Indigo Moon who showed up well in her handicap debut and had consistent maiden form before that.

Jeffrey Syster was a regular for Tienie Prinsloo when the trainer was based in Kimberly and Syster rides all four of the Prinsloo runners on the day including Montana Sky in another difficult handicap.

Montana Sky did not enjoy the blinkers from a wide draw last start and with the blinkers off and the best of the draw he should be a factor. Bedazzled Jocker, down in the handicap, Brazil Nut and Knight Warrior are all in with winning chances.

In the seventh, visiting Space Race boasts some consistent Highveld form over the trip. She makes her poly debut but does have a strong chance. Paul and Beth Gadsby’s filly Conker The World  has come good with a drop in trip and blinkers. She met much stronger first up in a handicap. End Of Rock won well first up for her new stable after a lengthy break and could be anything while Beckoning has a tough draw but goes well for this apprentice and is holding form.

The last is a weak maiden where it may be best to fill up in the exotics if you have not already exceeded your budget.  Freedom Dancer took to the poly last run but there should not be much between him and Alma Mater who was much improved in blinkers and only a neck behind. Nigella Express and Phaka Imali are others to consider.

RACE 1: 3 BOURBON BEAT   7 WITHOUT DOUBT   9 QUALITY JOKER   11 A THOUSAND TUNES

Preview: BOURBON BEAT (3) has been coming to hand slowly. Narrowly beaten last start and looks to be the right one. WITHOUT DOUBT (7) is also showing signs of coming to hand. He jumps in trip. QUALITY JOKER (9) has steady Highveld form to his credit. He has done well over ground and he rates a strong chance in this field. A THOUSAND TUNES (11) looks held by Bourbon Beat on his last effort but can do better. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-9-11).

RACE 2: 8 LUCRETIUS   6 ESTIVAL   4 BOLD PREMIER   2 THE GREEN GALLANT

Preview: Tricky maiden with a few stet to improve. LUCRETIUS (8) appeared to enjoy the extra last run and appears to have come to hand. Go close if putting in a repeat showing. ESTIVAL (6) is lightly raced. Has improved with each outing and looks ready now. BOLD PREMIER (4) ran a cracker from a difficult draw last run. Improved last two. THE GREEN GALLANT (2) disappointed last run after a much improved previous showing. Must have a decent chance on that showing. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-4-2).

 RACE  3: 5 RAIN WEAR   1 SPARKLING FLAME   9 PRINCESS TEA   6 HATTA

Preview: RAIN WEAR (5) has been costly to follow but has been in the money in her last five starts. The blinkers go on which could see her home. Maybe worth one more chance. SPARKLING FAME (1) has been much improved in blinkers. She goes well this trip and has the best of the draw. PRINCESS TEA (9) has drawn a little wide but has improved with every outing and should be primed for this. HATTA (6) has been coming along the right way and looks primed for this event. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-9-6).

RACE 4: 1 TUPELO HONEY   9 UNCONDITIONAL LOVE   4 SACRED LOTUS   2 INDIGO MOON

Preview: TUPELO HONEY (1) has won her last two from the front from poor draws. She has a plum draw this time around and she can go in again. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE (9) improved nicely to win her second start. The extra should suit and she can follow up. SACRED LOTUS (4) has taken on much stronger in the past. She was close-up last run and has a strong chance if she takes to the poly. INDIGO MOON (2) showed up well in her handicap debut. Consistent maiden form before that. (Andrew Harrison: 1-9-4-2).

RACE 5: 2 FIGHT SONG   1 QUICK STAR   3 DONALD MCDONALD   4 STRAIGHT UP

Preview: FIGHT SONG (2) finished with a rattle to win a good race last time out. Has been improving steadily. QUICK STAR (1) found the smart Captain Fontane too good last outing. Useful form over shorter. DONALD MCDONALD (3) will have needed his last run. Has a reputation and if anywhere ready he should have a big chance. STRAIGHT UP (4) is a poly specialist and was a game winner last run. There should be little between him and COUP DE TETE (5) with the former possibly the pick with his light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-3-4).

RACE 6: 1 MONTANA SKY   6 BEDAZZLED JOKER   8 BRAZIL NUT   2 KNIGHT WARRIOR

Preview: Difficult apprentice handicap. Possibly a field race for the exotics. MONTANA SKY (1) did not enjoy the blinkers from a wide draw last start. Blinkers off and the best of the draw. BEDAZZLED JOKER (6) is never far back and has been coming down in the handicap. This looks to be an ideal race for his sixth win. BRAZIL NUT (8) has been taking on stronger at recent outings. Trip should suit. KNIGHT WARRIOR (2) has shown his best form on the poly over this trip. Should go well here. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-8-2).

RACE 7: 2 SPACE RACE   3 CONKER THE WORLD   6 END OF ROCK   11 BECKONING BEAUTY

Preview: Another difficult apprentice handicap. Visitor SPACE RACE (2) comes with some consistent Highveld form over the trip. Makes her poly debut but does have a strong chance. CONKER THE WORLD (3) has come good with a drop in trip and blinkers. Met much stronger first up in a handicap. END OF ROCK (6) won well first up for her new stable after a lengthy break. She could be anything. BECKONING BEAUTY (11) has a tough draw but goes well for this apprentice and is holding form well. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-6-11).

RACE 8: 5 FREEDOM DANCER   6 ALMA MATER   9 NIGELLA EXPRESS   7 PHAKA IMALI

Preview: Weak maiden. FREEDOM DANCER (5) took to the poly last run but there should not be much between him and ALMA MATER (6) who was much improved in blinkers and only a neck behind. NIGELLA EXPRESS (9) is showing signs of coming to hand and has first time blinkers. PHAKA IMALI (7) has her first run for a new stable and first time blinkers. Could surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 5-6-9-7).

Andrew Harrison

MJ Odendaal looks to hold all the aces in the fourth at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today but although he saddles four of the seven runners, it may not be that cut-and-dried.

That said, Shavout is likely to start a warm favourite. Odendaal has always had high regard for his charge and Shavout’s only poor run was in The Dingaans where nothing went to plan.

He has shown strong form in good company of late, third to Crown Towers in The Sledgehammer at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and a two-length third to the smart filly She’s A Keeper in the WSB 1900.

More recently he was a touch unlucky behind Fight Song, at Hollywoodbets Greyville, not doing himself any favours.

He stretched Anton Marcus’s arms but did look the winner as he hit the front two furlongs out. However, he had no answers to the late challenge from Fight Song.

He has earned a big weight but looks the part in this field.

Stable companion Wildlife Safari showed welcome signs of returning to form last start and with apprentice Wiseman Njokwe claiming his 4kg, the gelding only has 48kg to shoulder and may well be used as the hare.

Time Taker, who has also come good in blinkers, goes well this course and could be a threat.

Gareth van Zyl is having a good run of late and can start the meeting on a winning note where he saddles Ancient Epic. She gave the starter’s assistants a difficult time last start but showed good pace before being run out of it late. Prior to that she was touched off by Maquette who has subsequently franked that form.

Leopard Lady and Poppy Of Bayeux are both in good form and will make a race of it.

The second has many first timers in a field with thin form so keep an eye on the betting. Of those that have run, Proud Master showed up well on debut on this course and with the stable hitting form any market support must be taken seriously.  The Brief made a good enough debut over course and distance when running on late. That experience should count. Forest Phoenix is battling but goes well this trip and some give in the ground should suit.

The one-eyed Geronimo takes on many well-bred first timers in the third and was most disappointing last run. But he has shown some useful form over course and distance and can do better this time around. Napoleon is a smartly bred first timer from a strong stable as is Venerable and it should pay to keep an eye on the market.

The fifth could rest between African Skyline and Command Control.

African Skyline won well first run out of the maidens for Garth Puller and has improved with each outing. He should enjoy the step up in trip and can follow up. Shane Humby saddles Command Control who is lightly raced but is smart on his day and should make a bold bid. Walton Hall and The Bayou are others to consider.

The sixth is a tricky handicap. Umkhomazi has been taking on stronger at recent outings. She has drawn a touch wide but should have a strong chance in this field with a 4kg claimer up. Star Choice has gone close at her last two on the poly but must still have a big chance. Maidens Prayer has been a touch disappointing but the stable has hit form of late and the switch to the turf can suit.

October Song, backed as if the result was already known on debut, found one too good for her in Kitten’s Adventure. There were no mistakes from October Song at her next outing which bodes well for Gary Rich’s filly in the seventh.

Biggest threats could come from Sav’s Star who has been tumbling down the ratings but showed signs of life when close-up last time out, and Danse Milord, having her first outing for her new stable after two useful efforts in feature company.

The last is another difficult handicap. Camora has taken on solid company first two out of the maidens and must have a strong chance. Straight Six did well from a difficult draw last run but he is lightly raced and goes very well on the turf. With a 4kg claimer up he may be the one to beat.  Purple And Green returns from a lengthy break but has shown ability while So Var is an old campaigner. His best recent form has been on the ploy but not out of it here. High Velocity and Lunacam are others to consider.

RACE 1: 1 ANCIENT EPIC   7 LEOPARD LADY   8 POPPY OF BAYEAUX   11 NAMAQUA DOVE

Preview: ANCIENT EPIC (1) has run two smart races and goes well this course. LEOPARD LADY (7) was well fancied last run but found one too good in a well-supported first timer. Has had a few chances. POPPY OF BAYEAUX (8) has finished in the money in all four starts. Drops to a shorter trip and a change of tactics is on the cards. NAMAQUA DOVE (11) goes best over this trip and is not out of it. (Andrew Harrison:  1-7-8-11)

RACE 2: 8 PROUD ASTER   3 THE BRIEF   11 FOREST PHOENIX   2 MASTER MKEEKU

Preview: Many first timers in a field with thin form so keep an eye on the betting. PROUD MASTER (8) showed up well on debut on this course and with the stable hitting form any market support must be taken seriously.  THE BRIEF (3) made a good enough debut over course and distance and experience should count. FOREST PHOENIX (11) is battling but goes well this trip and soft ground should suit. MASTER KEEKU (2) disappointed last run after a close-up third over the course at his previous outing. Must have a chance on that showing. (Andrew Harrison:  8-3-11-2)

RACE 3: 2 GERONIMO   8 NAPOLEON   14 ALL THE TIME  11 LAKE COMO

Preview: Many first timers so watch the betting. GERONIMO (2) was most disappointing last run but had shown some useful form over course and distance and can do better this time around. NAPOLEON (8) is a smartly bred first timer form a strong stable. ALL THE TIME (14) raced green when not too far back on debut and should come on from that showing. LAKE COMO (11) found some market support last run and can improve. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-14-11).

RACE 4: 3 SHAVOUT   2 WILDLIFE SAFARI   5 A WHOLE NEW WORLD   8 TIME TAKER

Preview: MJ Odendaal looks to have all the aces in this race. SHAVOUT (3) has a big weight but looks the part in this field. He looked a winner last start before being run out of it late. WILDLIFE SAFARI (2) showed signs of returning to form last start and with only 48kg to shoulder, he could go all the way. A WHOLE NEW WORLD (5) has come good in blinkers but there should not be much between him and TIME TAKER (8) who has also come good in blinkers and goes well this course and distance. The former has a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-5-8).

RACE 5: 6 AFRICAN SKYLINE   4 COMMAND CONTROL   9 WALTON HALL   3 THE BAYOU

Preview: AFRICAN SKYLINE (6) win well first run out of the maidens. Has improved with each outing and the step up in trip should suit. COMMAND CONTROL (4) is lightly raced but is smart on his day and should make a bold bid. WALTON HALL (9) goes very well this course and distance. Consistent and should make another bold bid. THE BAYOU (3) is always capable and back on the turf can follow up on his last success. (Andrew Harrison:  6-4-9-3)

RACE 6: 7 UMKHOMAZI   5 STAR CHOICE   1 MAIDENS PRAYER    4 CAPRICCIO

  Preview: Tricky handicap. UMKHOMAZI (7) has been taking on stronger at recent outings. Has drawn a touch wide but should have a strong chance in this field with a 4kg claimer up. STAR CHOICE (5) has gone close at her last two. She switches to the turf here but must still have a big chance. MAIDENS PRAYER (1) has been a touch disappointing but the stable has hit form of late and the switch to the turf can suit. CAPRICCIO (4) is a long-time battler for her second race but looks well weighted here as she drops in ratings. (Andrew Harrison: 7-5-1-4).

RACE 7: 4 KITTEN’S ADVENTURE   10 SAV’S STAR   9 MALVERN   7 GINGERSPATHTOGLORY

Preview: KITTEN’S ADVENTURE (4) won well second time out and that form has been franked. She should make a bold bid here with her light weight. SAV’S STAR (10) has been tumbling down the ratings but showed signs of life when close-up last time out. She looks a big threat. MALVERN (9) has been rested and makes his local debut for a new stable but goes well this trip and is one to watch in the market. GINGERSPATHTOGLORY (7) enjoyed the return to turf last run and can finish in the money again. (Andrew Harrison:  4-10-9-7)

RACE 8: 10 CAMORA   4 STRAIGHT SIX   11 PURPLE AND GREEN   13 SO VAR

Preview: A difficult handicap. CAMORA (10) has taken on solid company first two out of the maidens and must have a strong chance here. STRAIGHT SIX (4) did well from a difficult draw last run but he is lightly raced and goes very well on the turf. With a 4kg claimer up he may be the one to beat.  PURPLE AND GREEN (11) returns from a lengthy break but has shown ability. The stable has found form. SO VAR (13) is an old campaigner. His best recent form has been on the ploy but not out of it here. (Andrew Harrison: 10-4-11-13)