Graeme Hawkins

A real puzzle for punters, but a great spectacle for racing fans! The 2024 renewal of the R500 000 Cape Merchants (Gr2) over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today has attracted a maximum field of twenty runners and being a handicap, the spread of weights ranges from 63kgs (Surjay) all the way down to 52kgs (Gimmelightning). The race forms the third leg of Sunday’s R250 000 Jackpot carryover and one’s first instinct is to include the “field” and narrow down the remaining three legs.

But I am going to take my chances with a short list of five runners, headed by the in-form and lightly weighted Meu Capitano from the Piet Steyn stable. With just 53kgs to shoulder, Steyn had to go in search of a suitable jockey and has engaged the services of the very capable Highveld-based Chase Maujean. With Kaisarissa a scratching from the opening race, Meu Capitano will be Maujean’s only ride for the day and the 4yo son of Captain Of All could provide Chase with a memorable rare visit to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

If Meu Capitano rates a strong chance, then so does the very game and consistent Dance Variety as there should not be much to choose between the pair. It may not be in Dance Variety’s favour that he jumps out of Gate 18, but one can only hope that track bias does not play a meaningful role in the outcome. Adam Marcus’ runner is in a very good space right now and Dance Variety has been specifically targeted for the De Grendel Cape Merchants. Regular pilot Corne Orffer will be in the saddle.

Of the top weighted runners, my preference lies with At My Command. He has not been seen since September, but the Brett & James Crawford yard have enjoyed a wonderful run of success and At My Command ranks right up there with the best sprinters around. Interestingly, Craig Zackey has opted to ride At My Command in preference to the Kannemeyer-trained The Real Prince and Cosmic Highway, all of which are raced by Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables.

Future Variety makes it into my top five selections. He has been a little below par in recent outings and will need to improve, but he if can reproduce his Diadem Stakes performance earlier this year, when a close second to Thunderstruck, then he can certainly make his presence felt here. He likes to race from a little off the early pace, but he quickens well over the last 200m, and his course and distance form speaks volumes.

Mia Moo makes her Western Cape debut and could be dangerous with just 52,5kgs on her back. Josh Solomons takes the ride for the Sean Tarry stable and this talented 4yo daughter of Vercingetorix should give plenty of cheek in a tough and competitive event. So those are my top five choices but given the size of the field, the potential for an unfavourable track bias coupled with the inevitable catalogue of post-race hard luck stories, this year’s renewal of the De Grendel Cape Merchants is up for grabs and, whatever the outcome, it’s going to be fun to watch.

The fifth race and first leg of the carryover Jackpot, an Open Maiden over 1600m, should be a four-cornered contest between Victor Hugo, Ariovistus, Scottish Links and Bounceback. From pole position Victor Hugo may enjoy a slight advantage but it’s noteworthy that Richard Fourie has opted for Bounceback who is faced with the widest draw of all.

Race 6, a Class 3 Handicap over 1600m, could go the way of the Eric Sands-trained Solomons Seal. The very good-looking 4yo son of Potala Palace made an eye-catching seasonal debut when a close fourth behind Big Unit five weeks ago. Gavin Lerena takes the ride, and from only five opportunities, he has already posted three winners for the Sands’ stable. Dawn Till Dusk, representing the very much in-form team of Justin Snaith and JP van der Merwe, rates an obvious threat but The Grey King and Willie John are also worthy of consideration.

The final leg of the carryover Jackpot, a Class 4 (F&M) over 1400m, billed as the eighth race on the programme, sees nine fillies face the starter and Swiatek will be a popular choice to register her second career victory from only three starts. Miraculous should do better than last time and get closer to Swiatek but watch out for possible improvement from Sweetie Darling. She has her peak run here and will appreciate the step-up in trip.

The first of nine races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, gets under way at 12:20.

RACE 1

1 MASTER BOMBER ran a lovely race last time from a wide draw at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he should love racing up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, on his best form with natural improvement still to come, he will go very close here. 16 BEL CANTO DREAM ran a fair race on debut in a big field behind Cork Bay on the 16th of November, he will improve lengths from that run, watch him closely. 15 PHIL THE FLUTER stayed on really well in his last start behind Rafa Bay in a work riders race, he looks to be improving with every start, include him into all bet types. 18 KAISARISSA improved beautifully in his last start over 1200m when running third behind Golden Destiny, he will get better with every start and must be respected. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 16 – 15 – 18)

RACE 2

8 CATCH A PENNY moved up powerfully in her last start when running third behind Back At The George on the 16th of November, the blinkers now get fitted and that should unlock the improvement needed to exit the maiden ranks here, she is a nice filly that should win quite a few races for the connections. 2 OCOTILLO drops back in trip now for her third career start, her first two runs to date have been very good, she is still improving and should go very close to winning here. 6 ANGEL’S OASIS stayed on nicely for third in a big field last time at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, she looks progressive and must be respected in this field. 4 WINTER GAMBLE is much better than her recent run, if she can put that performance behind her, she could sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 2 – 6 – 4)

RACE 3

7 HANG OUT THE STARS quickened up in good fashion to win a great race on the 11th of December, she should go very close to winning again if this race hasn’t come too soon for her. 1 MELA STRENGTH never really runs a bad race, his form is fair, from a good draw here, if he can produce a similar performance of his last run, he can definitely earn. 6 OZARK is much better than his recent start behind Tothemoonandback, he should appreciate the drop back in trip to 1600m, watch for big improvement from him. 3 AZZURRI will need to improve big time on his last run to be competitive here, he is far better than that performance and this is a drop-in class for him, he could pop up at a good price. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 1 – 6 – 3)

RACE 4

8 LITTLE LEXI ran a cracking second behind Frida Kahlo on the 26th of November, she is not the biggest of fillies around, but she is all heart, if she can get some luck in this race from a tricky draw, she will be competitive again. 10 WEHAVEASITUATION ran a fair race last time when finishing just over two lengths behind the winner, she is consistent and will be running on strongly late. 4 WARBIRD ran a much better race on the 5th of November behind Forgotten Song, she drops back in trip now and the blinkers have been fitted, watch for big improvement from her. 9 ALESSIA ASHEVILLE disappointed in her most recent start behind Senhora Victoria, she was made to work early and then stopped quite badly late, with some luck in running, she can bounce back to best form. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 10 – 4 – 9)

RACE 5

1 VICTOR HUGO ran a brilliant second on the 26th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in a big field, he is a lovely looking sort that will appreciate the step up in trip now to 1600m, from a good draw, he will be very hard to beat. 11 BOUNCEBACK stayed on well to finish just under three lengths behind Major Master last time, the blinkers stay on, if he can get some luck in running from a wide draw here, he could trouble Victor Hugo in the finish. 8 SECRET PASSAGE should enjoy the step up in trip to 1600m, he is still learning what racing is all about, he could easily finish in the money here at a decent price. 10 SCOTTISH LINKS has been quite disappointing since his maiden run, hopefully the step up in trip will help him improve. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 11 – 8 – 10)

RACE 6

9 DAWN TILL DUSK finished like a train to win going away in his last start on the 19th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he beat a very nice field and looks extremely progressive, with no weight on his back, he will be very hard to beat again. 3 KING PELLES has been in terrific form of late, he was super unlucky in his last start when running second behind Navy Strength, he is honest and should give a good account of himself again. 10 SOLOMONS SEAL needed his last run on the 16th of November behind Big Unit, he is a beautiful looking gelding that tries hard, in hope that there is some pace in the race, he should be finishing strongly late, watch him closely. 4 PREVALENCE comes back to the track from a small break, on his best form he can certainly earn for the connections. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 3 – 10 – 4)

RACE 7

18 DANCE VARIETY has been an absolute soldier for the connections, Adam Marcus has done a wonderful job with this five-year-old gelding, he won a super race last time beating Gimmelightning with absolute ease, he will be stalking the speed and running on powerfully late, include him into all bets. 17 KING OF THE GAULS has been rested for 147 days, he is a lovely horse with a great action, there is no doubt that he is one of the better sprinters around at the moment, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will go close to winning. 15 MEU CAPITANO was mighty unlucky last time in the Bantry Bay Stakes when finishing second, his prep going into this race has been perfect, he will give them all something to think about in the finish. 1 CAFE CULTURE won the Grade 2 Post Merchants very well at Hollywoodbets Greyville last time, he looks to be getting better and better with age. (Brandon Bailey: 18 – 17 – 15 – 1)

RACE 8

2 SWIATEK ran a lovely race out of the maiden ranks behind Family Power last time, she is clearly still improving with racing, from a good draw here and the services of champion jockey Richard Fourie, she must have a very good each way chance. 1 PHILOSOPHISE will love the step back up in trip to 1400m, even though she is carrying a big weight of 62kgs on her back, she will remain competitive at this level. 4 ALL IS GREEN stayed on well in her last start to run third behind Berry’s Boogie, she is way above average this filly, from a good draw and stepping up in trip, she must be respected in a big way. 9 MIRACULOUS had absolutely no luck in running last time, if she relaxes early in the race, she will be eating up the ground late. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 4 – 9)

RACE 9

13 DAFNES DAUGHTER has been very consistent since she won her maiden on the 26th of July, she ran a top race behind a very smart filly last time, this looks to be a nice race for her to be competitive again. 2 IN THE GREEN ZONE ran a fair race in a tricky Class 4 event last time, the blinkers go back on, she should be right there in the finish on her best form. 1 LOVE STORY quickened up smartly to win her maiden in style on the 26th of November, the yard has always rated this filly, now that she has won her maiden, she could certainly keep improving, watch her closely here for a big run. 4 LOVE SHACK is much better than her recent form, she gets a further rating drop which should help her chances at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 13 – 2 – 1 – 4)

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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.