David Thiselton

Lyle Hewitson produced an amazing finish to land a rare winner at Sha Tin on Sunday, while in the meantime the dominant Zac Purton is now within 8 wins of Douglas Whyte’s record number of wins on the island.

Hewitson’s admirable professionalism enabled him to be back in the saddle just one week after a bad fall on December 15 and he has raked in two wins since then, but at present it is Luke Ferraris who is getting closest to making the breakthrough that the ex-pat South Africans are always aiming at.

In the ninth race on Sunday, a class 4 event over 1400m, Hewitson was on the Benno Yung-trained Another World, a Kermadec four-year-old gelding who had won third time out over this course and distance.

He was paying HK$11.00 on the Tote and was drawn nine out of 14.

Lyle dropped him out and secured a rails position and had him beautifully relaxed.

In the straight the horse made up ground along the rail quickly after initially being baulked for a run.

However, just as he reached the leader, the second-placed horse shifted inward and slammed the gap Another World was about to take shut.

Lyle checked and wanted to angle outward but a quick backward glance told him he was not far enough clear of another horse running on that line.

Another World was still ambling around with a ton in hand and his supporters must have been throwing their tickets in the air in despair.

Andrea Atzeni had been the rider aboard the horse who had cut Another World off and due credit to him he as aware of what the Horse had done and corrected it.

This saw a gap opening for Another World at the 100m mark by which stage it was surely to late.

However, Lyle drove for the gap and the horse flew through it and got his nose down on the line with the help of Hewitson’s copybook left arm stretch to the top of the horse’s head.

He got up by a short-head and looks to be one to follow.

Lyle has now had nine wins this season, a disappointing return considering he had 50 wins two seasons ago and they are almost halfway through the season.

Meanwhile, Luke Ferraris had a winner on New Year’s s day to take him to 19 for the season and that puts him in lone fourth place on the log.

To put that into perspective the only jockeys ahead of him are Purton, Hugh Bowman and local hero Vincent Ho.

Ferraris is one win ahead of perennial top three incumbent Karis Teetan.

Furthermore, Ferraris has the joint second highest strike rate of 12% together with Hugh Bowman, only behind Purton’s 24%.

Keegan de Melo is having a dismal time of it and it would be no surprise to see him back in South Africa next season. It is hard to understand how a rider of his talent has only had 81 rides the whole season. Only three of the 24 who have race-ridden on the island this season have had less rides than Keegan.

He has remained stuck on four wins since November 20, although he did at least have five rides at Sha Tin on Sunday. On  the other hand that is only the third time this season he has had as many as five rides at a meeting.

Purton is chasing the 1813 race victories in Hong Kong record of Douglas Whyte.

He scored a double on Sunday to go to 1805 wins, so is now within just eight of equalling Whyte’s record.

RACE 1

(1) MISS PRIOR has been holding consistent form and will be a huge contender with the in-form rider Craig Zackey aboard. (7) ALADO’S HABIT was disappointing in the last start however wasn’t beaten far and will have a big say here. (3) FLYING SOLO is making steady progress and will get closer. (8) BAIE MOOI is well bred and comes from a top yard who generally have their unraced runners ready so any market support must be respected. ( Devonne Govender 1-7-3-8).

RACE 2

(5) LEGAL THRILLER has been fancied in recent starts, he may have found the right field here respectfully so is the firm first selection. (3) UNION ROSE showed plenty of determination in that last win and another big run in expected. (1) AMERICAN DREAM shoulders top weight but was impressive in that last victory when demolishing his rivals, huge chance. (2) GOLD GUNNER is capable of much better and must be respected. ( Devonne Govender 5-3-1-2)

RACE 3

(1) SPLICETHEMAINBRACE is classy, although well beaten in a high class event up in the Cape she is back to home soil and will take some beating. (3) IGNITETHELIGHT looks like a very progressive type and will be in the mix with a light mass. (4) HAPPY HOLLY is holding her form and must be respected here. (6) REGINA LOU is capable of running into the quartets. ( Devonne Govender 1-3-4-6)

RACE 4

(6) ICE CAP ran a cracker in the last start and will be a huge contender here. (5) ELUSIVE MATA ran well at big odds and if repeating will be in the firing line. (2) IQEMBULABESIFAZANE ran well in the last start and will be in the mix. (4) WALKONTHEWILDSIDE was fancied in the last start and wasn’t beaten far so can be thrown in, she has plenty scope to progress. (Devonne Govender 6-5-2-4)

RACE 5

Tough race. (5) CLAP OF THUNDER needed the last run and will be big runner. He will appreciate a solid tempo and can produce a big finish on his day. (1) SWEET AND TRUE is never too far back and has scope to go well here. (3) HOLOCENE is another who is very capable on his day so throw into everything. (8) POTENT CAPTAIN has the ability to win a race of this nature so must be included. (Devonne Govender 5-1-3-8)

RACE 6

(8) SWISS WALT ran a cracker in the last start and a massive run is expected once again with the apprentice taking 4kgs off. (1) COOL CAT is another who was narrowly beaten in the last start at big odds and is expected to be in the firing line. (3) WHATEVER NEXT is never far back and will be in the mix so respect his chances with Richard Fourie aboard. (5) PURPLE OPERATOR has been supported recently in the betting market and can pop on best form. ( Devonne Govender 8-1-3-5)

RACE 7

(2) LADY ZULTANITE is holding form, she can produce a powerful finish on her day so will be a huge runner here. (4) CANFORD QUEEN was narrowly beaten at big odds in her last start and will be in the mix again. (6) VOORSMAAKIE wasn’t beaten far in that post maiden run and is expected to be there. (8) MILLENNIUM DANCER is never far back and can get into the action (2) LADY ZULTANITE is holding form, she can produce a powerful finish on her day so will be a huge runner here. (4) CANFORD QUEEN was narrowly beaten at big odds in her last start and will be in the mix again. (6) VOORSMAAKIE wasn’t beaten far in that post maiden run and is expected to be there. (8) MILLENNIUM DANCER is never far back and can get into the action. (Devonne Govender 2-4-6-8).

RACE 8

(5) SWEET NOTHINGS made a decent provincial debut and can build on that. (1) ANGEL OF MY HEART is consistent so must be respected. (4) LADY SONATINE ran a much-improved race in the last start and can get into the action if building on that. (6) LADY THEIA is capable of running into the quartets. ( Devonne Govender 5-1-4-6)

One Stripe was crowned King of Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday with a stunning victory in the 164^th running of the R3-million L’Ormarins King’s Plate (Gr1) over 1600m. The 3yo son of One World, who was himself runner-up behind Vardy in the 2020 LKP, rewarded veteran trainer Vaughan Marshall with his first taste of success in this highly prestigious and coveted race which ranks as one of South Africa’s “Super” Grade One events.

As expected, the pace was on from the start with Snow Pilot going forward from his wide gate followed by the long-striding Montien and Oriental Charm. Gimme A Prince was handier than generally expected, turning for home in fourth spot, with One Stripe a little further back than midfield at the entrance to the straight. Snow Pilot tried gamely to keep going but was under extreme pressure from Montien halfway up the stretch with Gimme A Prince unwinding a menacing run down the inside rail.

In the meantime, Gavin Lerena, sporting the bright orange and blue silks of Rikesh Sewgoolam, could be seen making good progress under One Stripe, but the favourite still had several lengths to find on the leaders approaching the final 400m. With Snow Pilot giving up the ghost at the 200m pole, Montien and Gimme A Prince joined issue but by now One Stripe was in full cry and he swept past in commanding fashion to score majestically by close on two lengths. This was a dominant performance by a seriously good three-year-old and a dream come true for Sewgoolam, Lerena and Marshall – all of whom were winning their first L’Ormarins Kings Plate.

Bred by the Drakenstein Stud, One Stripe, who made his debut as a juvenile at this race meeting exactly twelve months ago, has now won six of his eight starts, including back-to-back Grade 1 victories, for earnings in excess of R4-million. 

Montien showed great courage and tenacity to hold out Gimme A Prince for the runner-up berth with Royal Aussie staying on well under Oisin Murphy to round out the Quartet. Oriental Charm was hugely disappointing, fading away tamely to finish nine lengths behind One Stripe, while something was clearly amiss with See It Again who trailed in at the rear of the field.

Double Grand Slam and Richard Fourie produced a storming finish from near the back of the field to run out comfortable winners of the R1-million Cartier Paddock Stakes (Gr1) for fillies and mares over 1800m. Lavender Bay ensured a decent pace, tracked by Rascova who was a clear second entering the 600m home stretch. Red Palace was moving well in third spot with Double Grand Slam many lengths further back.

Lavender Bay soon fell away leaving Rascova and Red Palace at the head of affairs, but Double Grand Slam was closing in hand-over-fist off the fast pace and the 4yo daughter of Vercingetorix drew clear over the final 150m to score by more than a length. The Justin Snaith-trained Double Grand Slam holds a special place in Fourie’s heart – having secured last season’s record breaking 335^th winner aboard Double Grand Slam when victorious in the Tibouchina Stakes back in June – and his delight as the pair crossed the line was a joy to behold. Dave MacLean and Gary Player were on hand to lead Double Grand Slam into the winner’s enclosure along with Drakenstein Stud who recently acquired Suzette Viljoen’s share in the Varsfontein-bred filly.

Red Palace, having her first start for the Dean Kannemeyer yard, stayed on well to finish second ahead of Rascova with the balance of the field well beaten. Spare a thought for Terry Andrews. His small breeding operation produced both Montien and Red Palace and while racing is all about winning, he will no doubt be proud that his colours finished second in both the Grade 1 events.

Gareth Van Zyl scored a memorable Feature double, taking out the R400 000 Cartier Sceptre Stakes (Gr2) for fillies and mares over 1200m with Asiye Phambili and the R300 000 Glorious Goodwood Chairman’s Cup (Gr3) over 2500m with King Pelles, who relished going a more testing trip for the first time in his career. Sporting the colours of Hollywood Racing, Richard Fourie booted home the well-backed Asiye Phambili to her third Graded Stakes victory but was pressured all the way to the line by Roccapina, who ran well above her rating. 

King Pelles, ridden by Athandiwe Mgudlwa, travelled well throughout and was content to sit in fifth spot as Daimyo made the early running in the Chairman’s Cup. When the chips were down, Holding Thumbs soon got the measure of Daimyo but had nothing more to offer when challenged by King Pelles inside the final 200m. Both Dave MacLean and Gary Player, successful earlier with Double Grand Slam, feature in the ownership of King Pelles and then to complete a red-letter day, MacLean also owns a share in the final race winner, Sail The Seas, who was ultra-impressive under Oisin Murphy when racing away to an emphatic victory in the ninth race over 1400m.

The R500 000 Anthonij Rupert Premier Trophy (Gr2) over 1800m produced a nail-biting finish with the Vaughan Marshall-trained 7yo stable soldier Rascallion just edging out Magic Verse by a nostril. The pair locked horns halfway up the straight and the result was in the balance until the very last stride when Sean Veale nudged that little bit extra out of Rascallion to deny a game and much-improved Magic Verse.

David Thiselton

Two Gr 3s and a Listed race head the Highveld meeting today at Turffontein Standside on what should be an intriguing day of racing. 

In the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m Greaterix is highly regarded and classy and can be excused for his Dingaans run when a disappointing five length third as he was caught in front and he also returned with abnormal blood readings. He has a fair draw of five and won’t mind the step down in trip. Cosmic Speed should go close  despite carrying a 2kg penalty and having to jump from a wide draw. He was an easy winner of the Gr 2 Durban Golden Horseshoe over this trip as a two-year-old and should have come on from his reappearance, which he won over 1160m. He has a good turn of foot so can be dropped out by Craig Zackey. Choisaanada is highly regarded and looked to be classy in his last win, so he should have more to come. Fire Attack has to carry a 2kg penalty and also has a wide draw. He showed his class when second in the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans last time, beaten only by the wonder filly Quid Pro Quo. He won the Gr 2 SA Nursery over 1160m, so the step down in trip will not bother him, although he was handy in the Dingaans so will need luck to get cover from the wide draw here. Musical Score impressed as a horse who is on the up when winning a fine race over 1400m last time out. He had both Fire Attack and Choisaanada well beaten in that race, although the latter pair did probably run below par. He can’t be left out of the Pick 6. The Specialist has been disappointing as a three-year-old, but had classy form as a two-year-old and can bounce back, although he does have a tough draw. 

In the Gr 3 Betway Mother Russia Stakes over 1400m Vulcanite is weighted to win easily and will be hard to beat from draw two under Zackey. She won her maiden over 1600m by 8,25 lengths and despite being given a 96 merit rating she beat older horses next time out over 1600m by 3,75 lengths. On the downside the form of that last race has not worked out exceptionally well. Salenio Peninsula was not disgraced in the Gr 3 Fillies Mile when a 6,90 length fifth behind the exceptional Fatal Flaw, who went on to win the Gr 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas. This half-sister to Barbaresco is well drawn with Gavin Lerena up and should still improve. Miss Lia beat Salenio Peninsula by 0,70 lengths last time they met over 1450m, but is now 1kg worse off and has a tough draw. Bakwena looks talented and will relish the step up in trip on pedigree. Sonic Jet is on the up and could also be involved.  

In the Listed Wolf Power 1600 Truth proved himself full of class early in his career and looks to be coming back to his best. He sneaks into the handicap here with the minimum weight of 53kg (the topweight using the benchmark was 59kg so all weights were dragged up 1kg meaning bottom weight here is 53kg) and has a fair draw of six under the returning Muzi Yeni. Truth might have gone for home too soon last time and was caught by Storm Brasco. He is now 3kg better off with Storm Brasco for a 0,25 length beating, although that is just 1,5kg better off if the 1,5kg claim of Rachel Venniker is considered. On pedigree the son of Heavenly Blue should enjoy the step up to 1600m. Pomodoro’s Jet had given the impression the best had not yet been seen of him until waltzing away with the Grand Heritage over 1475m, winning it by 5,50 lengths. He was given a nine point raise to 105 meaning he has to carry 57,5kg in this handicap event and he also has to jump from a tough draw of eight, considering he is a handy type. He will need some luck to be covered up in the running. Command Pilot is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and represents an in form yard from pole position. He relished this course and distance last time and won easily. He looks to be coming into his own and is a runner here. Storm Brasco was having his first run for nine months when storming past Truth last time and has always struck as a classy sort. He has a tough task confirming the form with Truth, but might have come on from the run. Savannah Storm is not reliable, but if things pan out well for him he can produce a devastating late kick, so he can be considered under Ryan Munger, who is on his winter break from racing in Canada, although a wide draw makes it tough. 

All three of the features will provide pointers to the big Guineas meeting at Turffontein in early February.

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