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).

Soccer10, Saturday 11 January 2025, ADD-IN R 200 000, Pool Closes at 19h00, Sport 14 and Pool 1, Estimated Pool: R 1.8 Million.

Soccer 13 Net C/Over: R 1 313 948 on Sunday 12 January 2025, Pool Closes at 15h15, Sport 11 Pool 1, Estimated Pool: R 5 Million

Please Note: From December, Unit cost of all Soccer10 Pools closing on Wednesdays will be R3.

The R3 unit cost on Wednesdays is on a trial basis only & follows requests from many customers to increase the Soccer10 Unit.

The unit cost of Soccer10 Pools on all other days remains R2.

All systems go on 1 January 2025

Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.

The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).

Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.

Programme and related reading matter, click here.

Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.

The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.

Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.

“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.

“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddle-cloths. So, there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.

Veteran KZN trainer Garth Puller, who attended a recent stakeholder’s meeting at Summerveld hosted by Greg Bortz, Justin Vermaak, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets officials, enthused that he was thrilled by the news of the takeover by business-minded racing people who were brave and bold enough to step in and turn the ship around.

“This has come very late for me at my age, but it’s a lifechanger and the future is brighter than it was yesterday,” reflected a delighted Puller as he told the Sporting Post that the adjusted stakes and ‘very welcome’ incentives would boost cash-flows,  while also making it so much easier to help him and his colleagues market the basic ownership product.

“And we are getting draws after acceptances. Wonderful! I was calling for that 25 years ago at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Bigger fields mean a faster pace, means better form, means better truer results. It’s an ecosystem of positivity. It all feeds on itself,” added the horseman who is never scared to pass an opinion.

Puller said the repair of the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was ‘definitely quite overdue and welcome news’.

“That’s our stage. The track must be safe for horse and rider, be true and competitive, and have credibility with all role-players. That’s not a negotiable.”

On the ‘abolition’ of the committee structure to facilitate decision making and policy, Puller said that he was so pleased to hear that all reasonable suggestions will be considered by management.

“Wonderful! So there are no more long-winded committees to hide behind and to dither over. How refreshing.  I believe every stakeholder in this sport in KZN needs to doff a cap to Hollywoodbets and Mr Bortz. This investment and takeover is a brave move. But we know that with the passion for horse racing of the local population in this province, we can make it work. And by putting the structures in place they are making sure we have no excuses. Let’s look forward and get on with rebuilding KZN racing. I am absolutely thrilled. This is good news,” he concluded.