Andrew Harrison

Rain broke a string of 40 degree days last weekend and although they proved welcome relief the consequence was thunder storms and heavy falls which put paid to last Sunday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting. The long range forecast is for more water come this Sunday at the same venue but we live in hope.

Royal Victory makes his return in the Michael Roberts Stakes that heads the card after a smart effort in defending his Gr1 Summer Cup title behind Atticus Finch. He is the best weighted in this field and if anywhere near his best he should be good enough to win this under former regular pilot Muzi Yeni. Danger could be Imilenzeyokududuma who won well in the Christmas Handicap and although going up four points in the handicap for that win he can follow up from a good draw. Tony Rivalland’s filly Celtic Beauty was strongly fancied to win the Flamboyant Stakes on Boxing Day but first time blinkers did not have the desired effort and they come off as she finished behind winner Mary’s Greenlight and Miss Platina but both are worse off at the weights and Celtic Beauty could make amends. 

The African Holly Stakes was rescheduled with the same line-up and William Robertson is back on one of his favourite courses. Corne Spies again appears to have picked the right race as the gelding is well in at the weights with all of the opposition. 

His recent form is difficult to fault, second to star sprinter Dyce at his penultimate start and a winner at Scottsville last time out. He should start at the top of the boards again and all going well he should prove difficult to peg back.

However, Sun Blushed is smart on his day and Michael Roberts’ charge was only three lengths back to William Robertson when last they met. This was his first run back since finishing a length back to Surjay in the Gr1 Mercury Sprint and his recent outing should have sharpened him up. Mike de Kock saddles the promising filly Khethiwe’s Destiny who has only once been out of the money but has not been out since finishing behind Quid Pro Quo in the Gr2 Golden Slipper. Word from the stable is that this run should bring her on but she is clearly talented. Louis Goosen sends out the veteran Donquerari. He is a tough warrior who was touched off by the progressive Cats Pajamas last time out. He has it all to do at the weights but has a money chance.

Punters are faced with a well-filled 10-race programme with a tricky start to the Pick 6. Sundance Kid has the widest draw to contend with but has shown useful form in good company at recent outings. Rachel Venniker stays aboard for Wendy Whitehead and the gelding could prove good enough to shoulder top weight to victory. However, drawn alongside is Royal Swan Master who has been costly to follow but never far back. He never quite gets there but the longer Scottsville straight and a handy weight could see him home. Officer In Command has been holding form well and has won over the course. He may prove to be the best of Mike de Kock’s runners while I Salute You landed the odds last run when favourite. Peter Muscutt’s runner is lightly raced and appears to be on the up. 

Connery will have plenty of supporters in the fifth as he tries for six-in-a-row but it becomes more and more difficult as he steps up in class. He got a four-point raise in the handicap for his last win but 4kg claimer Jacey Botes stays aboard and Glen Kotzen’s gelding could well pull it off. Mike de Kock sends out the filly Calanthia to thwart Connery’s chances. She has won two of her four starts and was comfortable last time out. She looks useful and gets plenty of weight from Connery. Good Traveller finally got another win under his girth when back over his optimum trip. He has good form on this course and now that he has his confidence back he could be threat. Word from the stable is that Bourbon Warrior is back from a break but given that he has won two of this four starts, that could mean anything. 

The eight is a tricky but Captain Oliver is progressive and was run out of it narrowly by Flyingcool when last they met over 2400m. They are down in trip here and Gary Rich’s runner is 1kg better off in spite of winning. However, Captain Oliver looks progressive and the drop in trip could see him turn the tables. French Trip has been knocking on the door for some time now and is due some reward while Woodland Glade is way better than her last run and Muzi Yeni is back on board

The last leg of the Pick 6 is an interesting contest with some smart fillies making their seasonal debuts. However, the mare Go Like Flo takes on younger rivals but could just have the edge. She was touched off in her local debut after showing some good Cape Town form and with a run under her girth and a step up in trip from the best of the draw she could prove to be the horse to beat. Lucrative is 1kg worse off with Go Like Flo after getting the better of her last time out but the mare could, with a run under her girth and a weight turnover, see her turn the tables. Spirit Of Levana and Just Reckless both make their seasonal debuts after showing up in smart juvenile features behind the top class Quid Pro Quo last term. Word from the stables is that both may just need it but class could tell. Malcom’s Dream and African Beat are also in the mix. 

RACE 1

3 COMIC RELIEF   8 BLACK FROST   6 SUNSET SIESTA   4 HOLDS THE KEY

Summary: Mike Miller holds the key with four runners and one expects that first call stable rider Tristan Godden has first pick and he partners the filly COMIC RELIEF (3) who was a comfortable winner on debut and could well prove to be the best of the miller runners. Second pick of the Miller runners could be another filly in SIESTA SUNSET (6) who won well on debut in spite of drifting off the boars in the face of support for stable companion HOLDS THE KEY (4) who took another two races to shed his maiden. In that race the Michael Roberts debutant BLACK FROST (8) found some significant market support but was very green in the running and sure to come on from that effort. Kom Naidoo has two runners best of which should be WAROFDYNAMITE (5) who found some betting support on debut and should come on with the experience. (Andrew Harrison: 3-8-6-4).

RACE 2

6 WHO BLINKED   1 ZENA ROSE   12 ONE ARMED BANDIT   9 OUR LADY FATE

Summary: WHO BLINKED (6) has made steady improvement and visiting rider Raymond Danielson looks to be on the ‘right’ on for MJ Odendaal after being touched off over the distance when starting at cramped odds. The filly ZENA ROSE (1) has come to hand nicely for Duncan Howells and Kabelo Matsunyane should have a good understanding of his mount this being his third start aboard. ONE ARMED BANDIT (12) tried much further last run but is back to what looks to be a more suitable trip. Robbie Hill’s filly  OUR LADY FATE (9) has been well supported in the market when trying further but the drop in trip could maybe be the better option. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-12-9).

RACE 3

1 REAL WAR   6 TOP SEED   10 GOOD LIVING   3 EMOYENI

Summary: REAL WAR (1) was much improved last run when back on turf and Dean Kannemeyer has declared first time blinkers which could make all the difference. TOP SEED (6) has not been out since making his debut in May but Mike de Kock’s runner looks more than capable of good improvement. GOOD LIVING (10) has had a few chances but has never been too far back and should be in the shake-up again in a field where there could be a few surprises. EMOYENI (3) was a well beaten second on debut but should come on from that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-10-3).

RACE 4

10 ROYAL SWAN MASTER   11 SUNDANCE KID   4 OFFICE IN COMMAND   3 I SALUTE YOU

Summary: Tricky start to the Pick 6. SUNDANCE KID (11) has the widest draw to contend with but has shown useful form in good company at recent outings. Rachel Venniker stays aboard for Wendy Whitehead and the gelding could prove good enough to shoulder top weight to victory. Drawn alongside is ROYAL SWAN MASTER (10) who has been costly to follow. Never far back he also never quite gets there. The longer Scottsville straight and a handy weight could see him home. OFFICE IN COMMAND (4) has been holding form well and has won over the course. He may prove to be the best of Mike de Kock’s runners. I SALTUE YOU (3) landed the odds last run when favourite. Peter Muscutt’s runner is lightly raced and appears to be on the up. (Andrew Harrison: 10-11-4-3).

RACE 5

10 CALANTHA   5 CONNERY   7 GOOD TRAVELLER   3 BOURBON WARRIOR

Summary: CONNERY (5) will have plenty of supporters as he tries for six-in-a-row but it becomes more and more difficult. As he steps up in class. He got a four-point raise in the handicap for his last win but 4kg claimer Jacey Botes stays aboard and Glen Kotzen’s gelding could well pull it off. Mike de Kock sends out the filly CALANTHA (10) who has won two of her four starts and was comfortable last time out. She looks useful and gets plenty of weight from Connery. GOOD TRAVELLER (7) finally god another win under his girth when back over his optimum trip. He has good form on this course and now that he has his confidence back he could be threat. Word from the stable is that BOURBON WARRIOR (3) is back from a break but given that he has won two of this four starts, that could mean anything. (Andrew Harrison: 10-5-7-3).

RACE 6

3 WILLIAM ROBERTSON   9 SUN BLUSHED   2 KHETHIWE’S DESTINY   7 DONQUERARI

Summary: This race carried over from last Sunday’s washout sees WILLIAM ROBERTSON (3) back on one of his favourite courses and again Corne Spies appears to have picked the right race as the gelding is well in at the weights with most. His recent form his difficult to fault and he should start at the top of the boards again. SUN BLUSHED (9) is smart on his day and was only three lengths back to William Robertson when last they met. This was his first run back since finishing a length back to Surjay in the Gr1 Mercury Sprint and the outing should have sharpened him up. KHETHIWE’S DESTINY (2) has only once been out of the money but has not been out since finishing behind Quid Pro Quo in the Gr Golden Slipper. She may need this but is clearly talented. DONQUERARI (7) is a tough warrior who was touched off by the useful Cats Pajamas last time out. He has it all to do at the weights but has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 3-9-2-7).

RACE 7

7 ROYAL VICTORY   4 IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA   6 CELTIC BEAUTY   2 MISS PLATINA

Summary: ROYAL VICTORY (7) makes his return after a smart effort in defending his Gr1 Summer Cup title behind Atticus Finch. He is the best weighted in this field and if anywhere near his best he should be good enough to win this under former regular pilot Muzi Yeni. IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA (4) won well in the Christmas Handicap and although going up four points in the handicap for that win he can follow up from a good draw. Tony Rivalland’s filly CELTIC BEAUTY (6) was strongly fancied to win the Flamboyant Stakes on Boxing Day but first time blinkers did not have the desired effort and they come off. MARY’S GREENLIGHT (10) and MISS PLATINA (2) finished ahead of her but both are worse off at the weights and Celtic Beauty could make amends. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-6-2).

RACE 8

3 CAPTAIN OLIVER   5 FLYINGCOOL   10 FRENCH TRIP   9 WOODLAND GLADE

Summary: Tricky handicap. CAPTAIN OLIVER (3) is progressive and was run out of it narrowly by FLYINGCOOL (5) when last they met over 2400m. They are down in trip here and Gary Rich’s runner is 1kg better off in spite of winning. However, Captain Oliver looks progressive and the drop in trip could see him turn the tables. FRENCH TRIP (10) has been knocking on the door for some time now and is due some reward. WOODLAND GLADE (9) is way better than her last run and Muzi Yeni is back on board. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-10-9).

RACE 9

1 GO LIKE FLO   2 LUCRATIVE   7 JUST RECKLESS   5 SPIRIT OF LEVANA

Summary: GO LIKE FLO (1) takes on a smart field of much younger rivals but could just have the edge. She was touched off in her local debut after showing some good Cape Town form and with a run under her girth and a step up in trip from the best of the draw she could prove to be the horse to beat. LUCRATIVE (2) is 1kg worse off with Go Like Flo after getting the better of her last time out but the mare could with a run under her girth and a weight turnover could see her turn the tables. However, SPIRIT OF LEVANA (5) and JUST RECKLESS (7) both make their seasonal debuts after showing up in smart juvenile features behind the top class Quid Pro Quo. Word from the stables is that both may just need it but class could tell. MALCOLM’S DREAM (6) and AFRICAN BEAT (9) are also in the mix. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-7-5).

10

9 IBHELE   7 PROFESSOR LUPIN   10 ANDY COOGLE   6 NORTHERN WARRIOR

Preview: Louise Goosen has been building up IBHELE (9) to a peak and this looks the right race. He does have top weight but should also be at his peak in spite of finishing behind the consistent PROFESSOR LUPIN (7) when last they met. They meet on the same weight terms but the younger rival could have more to come with first time blinkers. ANDY COOGLE (10) has been much improved at recent starts and must be considered in all bets. NORTHERN WARRIOR (6) is a course and distance specialist and although returning from a break he looks the pick of the Michael Roberts trio. (Andrew Harrison: 9-7-10-6).

David Thiselton

The Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday has three Gr 3 features and a Listed race.

In the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m Cosmic Speed recorded his impressive 2,10 length Gr 2 victory in the Durban Golden Horseshoe last season over this trip. He made a winning seasonal reappearance over 1160m and is the best in at the weights here according to official merit ratings, despite having to carry a 2kg Grade 2 penalty. His draw of 8 is a concern, so he won’t have it his own way. Musical Score is relatively unexposed, but won a Graduation Plate in fine style fourth time out and could prove to be better than his 100 merit rating suggests. Gavin Lerena is up from a tricky draw of six. Greaterix is held in high esteem and showed why in his second, third and fourth runs, all of which he won easily. He was not disgraced in the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans as he was beaten five lengths into third by the filly phenomenon Quid Pro Quo. He found himself in the lead that day, which was not ideal and at home his bloods were found to be abnormal, so he could do better. He should be effective over this course and distance from draw four. Fire Attack won the Gr 2 SA Nursey and was second in the Dingaans. However, he does carry a Gr 2 penalty so is 2kg worse off with Greaterix for a 2,50 length beating, which puts him slightly ahead and he should enjoy the trip, but on the other hand he has a wide draw. Choisaanada is scopey and looks classy and would not be a surprise winner either, although he does officially have a tough task off a 98 merit rating. The Specialist is hard to ignore as he had a fine two-year-old career. He had excuses for his last two below par runs and now gets a compression mask on.   

In the Gr 3 Betway Mother Russia Stakes over 1400m Vulcanite is officially well in at the weights and will be hard to beat, having won her last two starts by wide margins over 1600m. There is not much between Miss Lia and Salenio Peninsula and they make most appeal as the dangers. Sonic Jet and Cocomelon could earn.     

In the Listed Wolf Power 1600 Truth looks the one to side with. This talented three-year-old Heavenly Blue gelding only has to carry 53kg off a 106 merit rating in the handicap event and is drawn well in four out of ten runners. The trip will be suitable. Last time he was caught late by Storm Brasco over 1400m but he might well have been sent for home too soon. He is now 1,5kg better off with Storm Brasco for a mere 0,25 length beating and he should be cherry ripe in his third run after a layoff. The chief danger could be Pomodoro’s Jet, who comes off an easy 5,50 length romp in the Grand Heritage over 1475m. He copped a nine point raise but has always been highly regarded and is said to be “flying” at home. He has won four times over this trip and Gavin Lerena is up from draw six. The four-year-old carries 57,5kg off a 105 merit rating. Storm Brasco showed what he is capable of last time and Serino Moodley now gets the ride from a fair draw of five. He does now have his second run after a nine month layoff though, but the four-year-old only has to carry 54,5kg off a 105 merit rating. Texas Red has copped a tricky draw of seven. However, he went close to Main Defender last time which shows he could be up to carrying topweight here off a 110 merit rating. It is also his third run after a layoff. Chestnut Bomber is a promising three-year-old who can rise above his 99 merit rating and he is well drawn over the trip of his only two wins. Command Pilot won well last time over course and distance and might have more to come, so he can’t be ignored from pole position. Savannah Storm has a tremendous turn of foot if it pans out well for him.

The features will be intriguing and will say something about the class of the three-year-old crop just three weeks ahead of the Guineas meeting.

RACE 1     

5 ZACATOO 7 EASY TIGER 2 PORRIDGE BOY 6 BRIGHT AND BRAZEN

Preview: 5 ZACATOO has run two good races and is the one to beat despite an unfavourable low draw by trends. 7 EASY TIGER is by Refeef and is a half-sister to three winners. 2 PORRIDGE BOY was not disgraced on debut. 6 BRIGHT AND BRAZEN is by Erupt and Gavin Lerena is an eye-catching booking. (David Thiselton 5-7-2-6)

RACE 2     

8 FLIGHT OF A CONDOR 7 DESERT CLOUD 3 BILINGUAL 1 ENDIZAYO

Preview: 8 FLIGHT OF A CONDOR has gone close in both starts and van get it right here. 7 DESERT CLOUD made a good debut when second to Rodeo Drive last May and hasn’t run since but Gavin Lerena is up. 3 BILINGUAL is usually involved in the finish. 1 ENDIZAYO has shown enough to earn here. (David Thiselton 8-7-3-1)

RACE 3     

6 JOHNNY APPLESEED 5 KING OF VENUS 4 ROLLWITHTHEPUNCHE 7 KINDRED HEART

Preview: 6 JOHNNY APPLESEED is very quick and should enjoy the course and distance. 5 KING OF VENUS has a form chance here too. 4 ROLLWITHTHEPUNCHES is off a competitive mark and should be involved. 7 KINDRED HEART can be involved if reproducing his penultimate run. (David Thiselton 6-5-4-7)

RACE 4     

8 TRUTH 2 POMODORO’S JET 7 STORM BRASCO 1 TEXAS RED

Preview: 8 TRUTH is full of class and might have gone for home too soon last time. 2 POMODORO’S JET showed his class when romping home in the Grand Heritage but now has to overcome a nine point raise. 7 STORM BRASCO beat Truth last time with a strong finish but is 1,5kg worse off for a 0,25 length beating. 1 TEXAS RED has run two fine races this season and can be involved despite having to carry topweight from a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 8-2-7-1) 

RACE 5     

1 VULCANITE 3 MISS LIA 4 SALENIO PENINSULA 6 SONIC JET

Preview: 1 VULCANITE will be hard to beat here under the weight conditions having won her last two starts over 1600m with consummate ease. 3 MISS LIA is distance suited and in good form and could give some cheek. 4 SALENIO PENINSULA is 1kg better off with Miss Lia for a 0,70 length beating and has a good draw. 6 SONIC JET goes for a hattrick over this trip. (David Thiselton 1-3-4-6)

RACE 6     

1 COSMIC SPEED 6 MUSICAL SCORE 3 GREATERIX 2 FIRE ATTACK

Preview: 1 COSMIC SPEED is full of class and his best win was over this trip. 6 MUSICAL SCORE beat older horses in eye-catching style last time over this trip. 3 GREATERIX is highly regarded and can do better than last time. 2 FIRE ATTACK is widely drawn but is a Gr 2 SA Nursery winner and ran a fine second in the Dingaans. (David Thiselton 1-6-3-2)

RACE 7     

6 CHASING HAPPINESS 5 MOUNT PILATUS 8 JUST BE LEKKER 10 TAXI TO THE MOON

Preview: 6 CHASING HAPPINESS won a Gr 3 last time over course and distance last time in good style and can go close from a high draw. 5 MOUNT PILATUS is in fine form but is drawn on the wrong side. 8 JUST BE LEKKER has speed and class but does return from a six month layoff. 10 TAXI TO THE MOON has a form chance here from a fair draw. (David Thiselton 6-5-8-10)

RACE 8     

5 RED MAPLE 1 CRIMSON KING 2 NONE OTHER 7 BREEZE OVER

Preview: 5 RED MAPLE is a classy stayer and can go in again. 1 CRIMSON KING has issues but has class on his day and should have come on from his seasonal reappearance. 2 NONE OTHER is an SA Oaks winner and should be finishing strongly. 7 BREEZE OVER is a talented stayer on his day but needs things to go his way. (David Thiselton 5-1-2-7)

RACE 9     

3 RADICCHIO 5 CYMRIC 1 BUSTER BARNES 8 DECEPTION PASS

Preview: 3 RADICCHIO is course and distance suited and looks well handicapped. 5 CYMRIC has class and should enjoy the step up in trip. 1 BUSTER BARNES has a harder task here but looked classy in his wins in Zimbabwe. 8 DECEPTION PASS is a progressive sort who could be a player here. (David Thiselton 3-5-1-8)

RACE 10    

6 BIG BOY BRUCE 3 SECRET CHORD 8 VIBE SA 5 ZANTHAR

Preview: 6 BIG BOY BRUCE is a progressive sprinter who should be thereabouts. 3 SECRET CHORD won easily last time and could follow up. 8 VIBE SA tends to throw it in if in the lead but has talent and got out of the maidens with an easy win last time. 5 ZANTHAR has a form chance here too. (David Thiselton 6-3-8-5)

Graeme Hawkins

The R160 000 Klawervlei Stud Class 3 Handicap over 1200m takes pride of place on a 9-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today. Billed as the eighth race on the card, this Class 3 Handicap has attracted a field of eleven runners and there is plenty of form to work with. Arctic Wizard has won his last two starts in a lower division and was penalised a hefty 7 points for his one-length victory over Cork Bay a month ago.

Cork Bay did little to frank that form over the past weekend, but Arctic Wizard may yet have further improvement to come. Grant Van Niekerk rides for the Greg Ennion stable but given the rise in class and the 7-point hike in his rating, there is little doubt that Arctic Wizard faces his toughest test to date. Talk To The Master is a very interesting runner with very good form over the course and distance. He has contested Feature races in his last four outings, the last three of which were over slightly further.

Talk To The Master has always shown a touch of class and he could make light of 60kgs here for the high-riding Vaughan Marshall yard. Sean Veale, successful in the same silks last weekend when taking out the Premier Trophy (Gr2) aboard Rascallion, has been booked for the ride and the KZN-based rider seldom leaves Hollywoodbets Kenilworth empty-handed these days. Talk To The Master should strip a very fit horse and being drawn on the right side of the track will help his cause. He could be the one they all have to beat.

War Chariot and Riverstone have strong claims on their recent form. For the services of Rachel Venniker, War Chariot comes into the race with just 52kgs on his back and he could prove a serious threat. Riverstone has made the frame in his last two outings and Richard Fourie retains the ride for the Gareth Van Zyl team. The 4yo United States gelding is raced by Gary Player and the golfing legend is enjoying a purple patch with his runners around the country.

Silver Crown fluffed his lines last time when returning from a break but is capable of a surprise here when judged on his best previous course and distance form. Surge Of Power is now starting to drop rapidly down the ratings and a sudden bounce back to form would not be a great surprise. Perhaps one to boost the Trifecta and Quartet dividends? It’s a very competitive heat but I am going to row in with Talk To The Master who could return to winning ways despite having to concede weight to most of his in-form rivals.

One of the more attractive bets on a challenging day’s racing could be Catch A Penny in the second race, a Maiden Plate over 1000m. I am of the view that the 3yo daughter of Vercingetorix will appreciate stepping back to the minimum trip and she should give us a very good run for our money, having been placed in all four starts to date. Flying Finley has been priced up the ante-post favourite with Catch A Penny on offer at 7/2 in the early exchanges.

The Andre Nel stable sends out just three runners at this meeting, two of which should be highly competitive in their respective races. Hoodia lines up against 12 rivals in the fifth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m, and the 4yo son of Ideal World is knocking loudly at the door having been placed in his last three starts over the trip. In his most recent start, Hoodia was beaten a neck by Rule Of Thumb, who re-opposes here and at the revised weights there should not be much between the pair, with a slight preference for Hoodia. Bounceback and Rich Folks Hoax have claims but are drawn badly which renders their task of finding the winner’s enclosure a touch more difficult.

Kebonalasedi was not far behind Rule Of Thumb and Hoodia and the 5yo son of Pomodoro should get the run of the race from pole position. Happy Days has done enough since winning his maiden to suggest he could be a factor in the outome. Not an easy race, but with a little bit of luck Hoodia could register his second career victory.

Nel saddles Kamchatka in the sixth race, a Class 4 Handicap (F&M) over 1600m, and the consistent 3yo daughter of Erupt should be in the mix but faces a tough task at the weights. Enchanting Choice is 3,5kgs better off with Kamchatka for a narrow defeat back in October and 2kgs better off for being a short head behind Nel’s filly on 19 November. On the plus side, Kamchatka may have more to offer as she matures against her older rival, but the form book suggests there should be little to choose between the pair. Family Power has come good of late over 1400m and is not without a chance of going back-to-back. She won her maiden way back in December 2023 over 2000m, so the extra 200m is not likely to pose a problem. Recent maiden winner Exquisite, who gets the services of Richard Fourie, is clearly heading in the right direction and is not without a chance of following up.

Racing at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth gets under way at 12:10 with an intriguing Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1000m in which only one length covered the leading five contenders when they met behind Wild Wild Green on 14 December. Perhaps Whatastar will confirm her slight superiority, but Music Of The Night has had one run since and the added experience could count in her favour.