The racing scene was low key this weekend compared to what fans enjoyed at the recent Durban July. International sport was instead where awesome action unfolded with two of the greatest tennis players of all time clashing in another epic. Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer 13/12 after the first ever fifth set tiebreaker @
In a dramatic Durban July, Do It Again quickened best from midfield under a perfectly timed ride to snare rival Rainbow Bridge. The son of Twice Over made his move down the centre of the course, just as he did last year when downing Made to Conquer. It was a sterling performance under top
Every now and then a race throws up a result so implausible that punters are left shaking their heads in bewilderment. Dharma’s 50/1 upset victory in the G3 Winter Derby was one such outcome that caught most horseplayers unawares. Beaten nearly four lengths by Nexus in a Maiden contest in January, this one time
Lucky Houdalakis has made a successful transition from jockey to trainer, something that is not simple to accomplish even though both jobs obviously require working with racehorses. Different skills are needed, which the bubbly and jovial but serious- about- his- job, Houdalakis evidently possesses. Based on the Highveld, and only a rare participant in
Horseplayers are an interesting breed. Dedicated to a fascinating yet, at times, maddening game, they bet on outcomes over which they exercise no control whatsoever. Sure, studying form conscientiously, updating handicapping research with proven, modern methods and using smart betting strategies elevates the pursuit above a pure chance gamble, but the horses can’t talk
Do It Again (s/s 105 +), sired by Twice Over won the Gold Challenge after a tussle with Cirillo (s/s 104) and is perfectly teed up for another Durban July win as he tends to peak at his second run after a freshening. The year younger runner up tried his utmost but could not
Hawwaam accelerated best off a slow pace to easily win the Grade 1 Daily News at Greyville over 2000m. Twist of Fate tried hard but could not go with the star colt who produced a 24.8 second closing burst from the top of the straight. Speed figures wouldn’t work here given that the sluggish
Fans were treated to a sprinting feast of four Grade 1’s down the Scottsville straight on Saturday. It began with Miss Florida (speed score 91 and trained by Justin Snaith) sneaking home in the Allan Robertson to deny Sean Tarry’s Cavivar in a jostling tussle down the inside of the course. After that
The Grade 2 Greyville 1900 has, in the past, yielded clues for the Durban July. Eyes Wide Open (speed score 104) snuck home this year in a blanket finish from Magnificent Seven, Made to Conquer and the filly, Fresnaye, who all scored 103’s. It was a satisfying victory for Eyes Wide Open,
Brett Crawford has been winning big races all around the country over the past week and he added the East Cape Derby to the honours’ roll when Fort Wood colt, St Vladimir drew clear in that listed Fairview feature. The stable also cracked 100 wins for the season after Hudoo Magic (speed score