Two top quality overseas races recently highlighted the influence of pacemakers. In the Gr 1 Sussex Stakes, Quirat caused a 150/1 boil over by going to the lead – and keeping going to win. And Bir Castle, also a massive 200/1 outsider, went 25 lengths clear in the Gr 1 Juddmonte at York and
Zinovi has done well since moving to the Eastern Cape. An accomplished performer on the Highveld, with a career top speed figure of 103 in a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein back in April 2024, he then lost his way somewhat towards the end of 2024. Like so many horses, relocating to the Bay’s milder
I suppose it’s in the nature of sports journalism to emphasize the exceptional. Fans like to follow match or race highlights and concentrate their limited attention spans, in an era of information overload, only on freaky-good performances. Your faithful weekend correspondent pleads guilty to perpetuating that tendency by writing mainly about top speed figure
Soon, the winners of the Equus Awards for the recently concluded South African racing season will be announced. Prestige, public recognition and Stud Book status accrues to the victors. The Equus Awards are based on points accumulated; official handicap ratings; performance in Graded races (who beat who in the big ones) plus the considered
Gladatorian (s/s 112 +) rushed through to nab The Real Prince (s/s 111) two lunges before the line and win the Gr 1 HKJC Champions Cup at Greyville over 1800m. He has been a remarkably consistent performer at the highest level in S.A. and is adept over a range of distances. Stuart Ferrie, who
“Celebrating too soon” compilations can make for entertaining viewing. Any form of race lends itself to the macabre spectacle of an unsuspecting leader coasting in, convinced of victory, only to get lumbered near the finish. Horse racing has seen many such incidents. In most cases it is simply an error of judgment – even
Defending champ, Dave the King got a perfect set up to win the Gr1 Gold Challenge again, but it was close run thing for the 16/10 favourite. A steady tempo, box seat position from a low draw and a clear run down the Greyville stretch, together with a tenacious finish helped secure a narrow
All horses have individual preferences and the challenge for punters is to work out, not only how good each horse is, but the circumstances that suit them best. Form students are familiar with course and distance preferences, or a need for a type of ground, whilst some thoroughbreds display seasonal preferences and might do
Chasing Happiness (s/s 105) ran a career peak to win the Senor Santa Stakes G2. Truth (s/s 101, had run 106 last time) was backed to win but could not get in a blow as the daughter of boom sire Rafeef, blasted away on the stand-side rail. Even though she shifted in under jockey
Direct Hit ran right back to his excellent February figure recorded in the Cape when returning to base at Fairview. He obliterated rivals down the straight, scoring 96 ++ and is one of the best babies seen in SA this season. It will be interesting should trainer Alan Greeff choose to send the Canford