Time analysis helps not only to decipher the outcome but also to uncover what happens “internally” during a race. Speed figures based on final times, placed in context with track variants of course, provide ratings based on the posted result, whilst pace ratios shed light on the sectionals within a race. Using those methods,
Elegant Ice (s/s 101) won a nice race at the Vaal on Thursday, taking advantage of a light weight to narrowly stave off Chasing Happiness (s/s 100) in a Pinnacle Sprint. The What a Winter filly is a credit to trainer Lucky Houdalakis. He is a deft and patient horseman, able to nurse horses
Some punters make it pay by compiling Horses to Follow lists and then only backing those that make it onto their “own team” according to set criteria. Maybe the horse has been “missed” by the official handicapper compared to their own private ratings; ran a snappy sectional; earned a surprisingly big speed figure for
The scratching of Melech opened the door for Argo Alley (s/s 101) to win a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday, though, after making a mid-race move and looking a sure winner, he was all out staving off a determined bid from Callmegetrix (s/s 100.) The son of unheralded stallion Argonaut, has compiled a
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