David Thiselton

There is a nine race meeting on the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf today which should give an opportunity for the shrewd to make a profit. 

The rains have made it difficult to get horses to peak fitness, but those who have had recent runs or whose records show they run well fresh can be at an advantage. 

In the first over 1000m Treasure Island is an obvious form pick out of the three to have run, but has the widest draw of all in the eight horse field. Alakazam by Rafeef is a half sister to the decent Gr 3 winner Strawberry Bear and from draw three makes most appeal of the first-timers. 

In the second over 1600m, an Open Maiden, White Seahorse has been in hard knocking form since arriving in KZN from the Cape and the same can be said for El Capitan, but they both have wide draws, although White Seahorse gets weight from El Capitan and is preferred. O Space O has a wide draw, but makes most appeal of the others on form. 

The third is also a tricky open maiden, but Sheezarocker could be the one to beat having gone close last time to Royal Mermaid from a wide draw and now getting weight from the latter. Royal Mermaid should be right there too, despite having to carry topweight. 

In the fourth over 1800m Twilight Warrior was not disgraced in three maiden events in Cape Town and on breeding he should relish the trip, so from pole position this maiden is a shrewd entry off a 69 merit rating. Animal Impact won well over course and distance last time, but has a five point raise to overcome. Sweeter Than Honey could be in the shake up.

In the fifth over 2200m Kadizora is knocking hard and is drawn well over a suitable trip. Saxon Dynasty could be the danger off an 84 merit rating first time out the maidens as his maiden win has been franked. 

In the sixth over 1600m TheSupernovaStar looks ideally distance suited and has a fair draw and with a 4kg claimer up she could go close. The consistent English Primrose deserves a win and has drawn well, although the drop in trip might not suit. Fireburst should be right there, although she has to overcome a tricky draw.

In the seventh over 1600m Princess Palace is knocking on the door and should be able to handle the trip. Giver’s Grace is in fine form and Fortune is up, but the trip is on the sharp side. Forward Motion is in good form and Yeni will help overcome the draw over an ideal trip.

In the eighth over 1000m Purple Powahouse is knocking on the door and could get it right with in form Sean Veale up. WhereverIlaymyhat is interesting dropped to 1000m and Averni Princess should be thereabouts.

In the ninth over 1200m Glamorz is knocking hard and Yeni rides from a middle draw over an ideal trip. Blush Of Dawn only has to overcome a three point raise for her last win and is drawn in pole. Heirloom is also only three points higher for her win and has a nice draw.    

Graeme Hawkins

Cape Racing hosts the Public Holiday race meeting today with a 9-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, headed by the R125 000 Perfectly Placed Middle Stakes (F&M) over 1200m. In-form Candice Bass-Robinson holds a strong hand and there is precious little to choose between her charges Babelicious (Andrew Fortune) and Trip To Maputo (Louis Mxothwa) on the evidence of their meeting over the same course and distance on 11 February.

Trip To Maputo emerged victorious on that occasion with a very narrow win over Miss World and Babelicious and the latter is now 0,5kg worse off. That suggests that Trip To Maputo could again have the edge over her stable companion but I fancy that the younger Babelicious has more improvement to come and with Andrew Fortune riding up a storm, the 3yo daughter of Var could turn the tables on Trip To Maputo.

Miss World re-opposes here and is favourably weighted to score a well overdue second career victory. Corne Orffer has a good record aboard the 3yo daughter of One World and although it has been more than a year since her maiden victory, Miss World has run many creditable races in defeat and is clearly a leading light in this 9-strong field. Trainer Greg Ennion has endured one of those frustrating runs that every stable goes through but the wheel is starting to turn and Miss World could bring about a change of fortune for the yard.

Back At The George was a fluent winner of her last start but seems well held by Babelicious on previous form but the ever-dangerous Miss Marguerite cannot be lightly overlooked. She ran fourth behind Trip To Maputo, Miss World and Babelicious on 11 February, beaten less than a length, and a repeat of that effort will see the 5yo daughter of Master Of My Fate make her presence felt. Worldcraft showed tremendous potential as a 2yo, winning two of her three starts when claiming the scalps of the talented Roccapina and Babelicious. But she has not been since June last year and could need the run although trainer Vaughan Marshall reports that she is showing “good work at home and rates a place chance.” The market may be the best guide as to what to expect from Worldcraft.

Dark Winter and Winter Rainfall have outside chances of reaching the frame but Royals returns from an injury-enforced spell on the side-lines and is likely to need this run and perhaps a touch further. It all adds up to being an interesting and competitive event but I am marginally in the camp of Babelicious to come ahead of Miss World and Trip to Maputo while both Miss Marguerite and Worldcraft must be considered for larger Jackpot and Pick 6 perms.

The most interesting runner at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday is without doubt the 2yo Madra Rua (Ire) who makes his debut in the opening event, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m. Bred in Ireland to Southern Hemisphere time, Madra Rua is by the sensational Frankel out of the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship winner Run Fox Run (Aus) – a stallion’s pedigree if ever there was one! Madra Rua was bred at the Kieswetter’s Barnane Stud in Templemore, County Tipperary, and races here for the partnership of Ridgemont and Devin Heffer. Trained by Brett and James Crawford, Madra Rua (which literally translates to “Red Dog”, but is a synonym for the Sionnach Fox) debuts under Richard Fourie and his progress will be keenly monitored. Interestingly Hollywood Racing has Black Eagle, a regally bred son of Rafeef making his debut, and Vaughan Marshall reports that he is showing good work at home. In fact, ten of the thirteen runners that have accepted for the opener are stepping out for the first time which should make for an interesting and active betting market as race time approaches.

The Crawford team could also strike with Real Stunner in the third race and opening leg of the Place Accumulator. Although limited, Real Stunner brings the best form into the race but watch out for good improvement by the lightly raced juveniles Sierra Sagrada and Exalted Love, who was gelded after his last start in February. Boogiefied (Aus) will be the popular choice in the fifth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1400m. The 4yo son of Justify has come into his own since being given a chance to mature and a three-point penalty for his last win is unlikely to hamper his progress. Tout A Fait is a class-dropper and could get into the fray under Andrew Fortune but Boogified appears to have scope for further improvement and is in receipt of 3kgs.

Dubbelosix looks the part in the seventh race, a Cape C Stakes over 1800m, although a much better effort should be forthcoming from Express Yourself who was sacrificed as a pacemaker in the Grade 1 Splashout Cape Derby in February. He does have 64kgs to shoulder but should benefit from a more patient ride from Craig Zackey. The ninth race is a trappy Class 5 Handicap (F&M) over 1200m in which the Bass-Robinson pair, Poetic Princess and Cliffscape, and the Marshall-trained Becky Sharp make most appeal, but an upset result cannot be ruled out.

RACE 1

8 TREASURE ISLAND      2 CRAFTY CROFTY      4 EXPLOSIVE POWER       1 MISS DANON 

Preview: TREASURE ISLAND (8) might not get an easier opportunity (baring any first timers with talent) to get it all right and is therefore the firm first choice. CRAFTY CROFTY (2) made a fair debut and can be expected to make huge improvement in this field – exacta selection. EXPLOSIVE POWER (4) could run well on debut and MISS DANON (1) can improve. (Warren Lenferna 8-2-4-1) 

RACE 2

5 GRIPEN      3 KING CELTILLUS      11 EL CAPITAN      10 WHITE SEAHORSE 

Preview: GRIPEN (5) is well tried but comes from the Cape and brings some fair form with! His penultimate effort when 2^nd at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth is particularly good. He is the first suggestion. KING CELTILLUS (3) is making huge inroads and improving with each run – strong each way chance and a huge danger to the first choice. EL CAPITAN (11) has a huge place chance and should win soon. WHITE SEAHORSE (10) is a must for the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 5-3-11-10) 

RACE 3

4 RANI TARABAI      2 ROYAL MERMAID      1 SHEEZAROCKET      6 GLORIOUS BUTTERFLY 

Preview: RANI TARABAI (4) went close last time and looks cheery ripe to go one more and win. ROYAL MERMAID (2) showed last time that her winning turn is near – strong each way chance. SHEEZAROCKET (1) can place and GLORIOUS BUTTTERFLY (6) could represent some attractive value for the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 4-2-1-6) 

RACE 4

3 NATIONAL DREAM       1 TWILIGHT WARRIOR      5 FUTURE SAINT      2 SACRED LILY 

Preview: Not the strongest field ever seen in this class 5 which makes it tough to predict the outcome. NATIONAL DREAM (3) could be teed up for a huge effort and has not been far off the action since returning from a rest. He could be the one they all have to fear the most. TWILIGHT WARRIOR (1) is a maiden but can be competitive in this field and is a must for all bets. FUTURE SAINT (5) and SACRED LILY (2) can finish in the first four. (Warren Lenferna 3-1-5-2) 

RACE 5

2 KADIZORA      5 BASIE RAAKVAT        8 KING BAVARIAN      1 MOUNTAINSOFTHEMOON 

Preview: KADIZORA (2) is ultra-consistent and looks ready to record her next career win. She gets a neat draw and Muzi Yeni again. BASIE RAAKVAT (5) ran an attractive race last time, has solid overall form and should, again, give a very good account of himself. KING BAVARIAN (8) can finish in the first three and is a natural inclusion for the trifecta play and MOUNTAINSOFTHEMOON (1) should be in the shake-up. (Warren Lenferna 2-5-8-1) 

RACE 6

9 SILKY JET      2 ENGLISH PRIMROSE      7 FIREBURST      4 THESUPERNOVASTAR 

Preview: SILKY JET (9) brings solid Highveld form into the race and rates a bright win chance despite the high draw. ENGLISH PRIMROSE (2) keeps running second and is the exacta choice – another honest run can be expected. FIREBURST (7) and THESUPERNOVASTAR (4) are musts for the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 9-2-7-4) 

RACE 7

3 GIVERS GRACE      2 SUNSHINE DAY      7 FORWARD MOTION      8 ALPHABETTY 

Preview: GIVERS GRACE (3) gets the services of in-form rider Andrew Fortune and brings solid form into the race. SUNSHINE DAY (2) has been sliding down in the ratings and should go close to getting it all right. FORWARD MOTION (7) clearly has ability and is one for the shortlist and ALPHABETTY (8) should be in the first four. (Warren Lenferna 3-2-7-8) 

RACE 8

4 VICTOR RAIL      3 PURPLE POWAHOUSE      5 ARVERNI PRINCESS      8 GRIFFIN PARK 

Preview: VICTOR RAIL (4) ran a good race last time and can be expected to get much closer now. Bright winning chance. PURPLE POWAHOUSE (3) nearly won on the 6^th of this month and should go very close again – big runner. ARVERNI PRINCESS (5) is the value for the places and should be worth including in all bets. GRIFFIN PARK (8) showed last time that he is on the comeback trail – quartet must. (Warren Lenferna 4-3-5-8) 

RACE 9

11 DRIVE BY      5 QUENTASIA      6 GLAMORZ      10 COPACABANA 

Preview: DRIVE BY (11) has solid form and despite the high draw, can win. QUENTASIA (5) is taking time for the next win – small win chance but a big place one. GLAMORZ (6) is banging loudly at the door and can go one more – serious claims. COPACABANA (10) is a must for the quartet as the value play. (Warren Lenferna 11-5-6-10) 

Durban, South Africa – The countdown has begun! The 129th edition of Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacular, the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ), is set to take place on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. As the most anticipated fixture on South Africa’s racing calendar, the event seamlessly blends world-class horse racing with high fashion, entertainment, and a memorable social experience.

Staying true to the theme of “Marvels of Mzansi,” this year’s racing extravaganza promises an iconic line-up of South African talent, featuring a diverse array of artists set to captivate all attendees throughout the day. The national anthem will be beautifully performed by one of the country’s leading songstresses – look out for the reveal in May. With these performances, the thousands of attendees expected at Hollywoodbets Greyville will have a memorable experience. Stay tuned for the full artist line-up. All ticket holders can look forward to a day filled with live entertainment that will be talked about for years to come, as this year’s HDJ celebrates Mzansi’s vibrant spirit. 

Tickets for this outstanding event are now officially on sale via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za). Priced at R230 for general admission, your ticket grants access to a day of thrilling racing action, live entertainment, fashion showcases, gourmet food experiences, and an array of engaging activations from event partners. For added convenience, onsite parking is available for R170 per vehicle.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP hospitality packages provide exclusive access to luxurious enclosures, premium viewing areas, and top-tier catering. These options can be explored on the official event website (www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za). Please note that VIP hospitality packages do not include general admission tickets, which must be purchased separately via Ticketpro.

This year’s theme, “Marvels Of Mzansi”, was unveiled in late February, marking the official commencement of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience, presented by Durban Fashion Fair. The fashion programme includes the much-anticipated HDJ Young Designer Award, showcasing the best up-and-coming talents from KwaZulu-Natal. The winners will share the spotlight with the HDJ Invited Designers and DFF Rising Stars at the HDJ Fashion Preview Gala, set to take place at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in late June.

Racing enthusiasts can also look forward to the announcement of the first official entrants on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. With last year’s champion, Oriental Charm, emerging as the early ante-post favourite, excitement is already building. 

Secure your tickets today and experience Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July!

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