In South Africa, we're typically used to racing under pretty benign conditions. Sure, a big thunderstom on the Highveld can dramatically change the state of the going or very windy conditions often prevail at the coastal circuits, but more extreme standards seem to apply in Europe and Britain. Despite freakish winter storms bought in
After crunching the numbers, a potent effort from juvenile, Bold Eagle (speed score 99) was revealed, as he proved way superior in the Storm Bird Stakes at Turffontein over the weekend. The son of Bold Silvano stretched well clear of Royal Italian (s/s 89) and is clearly very talented. Mrs O (s/s 100) delivered another
Monks Hood (speed score 104)won the Gauteng Guineas convincingly at Turffontein over the weekend. Experienced KZN based trainer A.D. Gordon is relishing working with a classy thoroughbred again after a long,lean spell. Monks Hood scored 105 when winning the Digaans back in November, and had no problem dispensing with outgunned rivals Surcharge and Royal
Accurately crafted speed figures are especially useful in putting > reputations to the test. Whilst juvenile form can be notoriously difficult > to assess using conventional handicapping methods, the excellent debut > figure of 97 obtained by highly rated Var colt, Zinedine at Kenilworth > suggests that he is indeed extremely talented. His dam,
Frederico's Dream (speed figure 103) is an up and coming young daughter of Gimmethegreenlight. She made a powerful mid race move to win a sprint handicap at the Vaal on Saturday and is worth following. The grey was chased home by Winter Watch (s/s 101)and Myfunnyvalentine (s/s 101) with La Bella Mia and Arissa
There have been quite a number of radical upsets during the Cape Summer season, a period which is normally associated with more predictable form results. The shock victory of Bishop's Bounty (speed score 103) in the Grade 2 Diadem Stakes yet again caught punters unawares. A talented sort at three and a winner of
There were significant performances recorded over the two-day L'Ormarins Queen's Plate festival, and whilst popular choices like Miss Katalin, Talk of the Town, Love of India and Legal Eagle got the job done, a few serious jolts led to fancy exotic payouts. The two biggest bombs were both piloted by Anthony Andrews, who
Tap O Noth (speed figure 109) is a physically imposing specimen and he produced a towering performance to win the Grade 1 Cape Guineas, despite starting from a wide draw. He swept into the lead at around the 300m mark then held off White River (s/s 108) Like a Panther (s/s 106) and
Just Sensual (speed score 98+) relished the fierce headwind to slice between rivals in the Grade 2 Southern Cross Stakes over 1000m at Kenilworth. She only just prevailed though over Hoist the Mast (s/s 98) who ran a career best, with Live Life (s/s 97 +) enduring a tough trip but managing to finish
Ante post betting requires a long-term vision and knowing the scheduled plans of horses far out from their intended races. Sometimes careers unfold as a smooth and predictable progression, but much can change as unheralded horses suddenly step up to reveal their true abilities, or alternatively the seemingly good ones may bomb out.
