On a weekend which featured predominantly weak racing of Maidens and lowly handicaps, two performances stood out. Both were at Kenilworth on ground softened by recent rains, with True Words (speed score 92) and Do It Again (s/s 91) impressing. True Words had shown flickers of ability, yet tended to over-race, so needed to
Spring is here and horses around the country responded with some notable performances. Secret Star (s/s 103) and Spring Wonder (103) fought out a tight finish in the For the Ladies Stakes at Turffontein, followed by Will Pays (s/s 99) sweeping past Angel's Power (s/s 97) in the Spring Spree Stakes. Secret Star
Followers of international racing savoured the Grade 1 wins in the Travers for strong front-runner, West Coast, and Practical Joke in the H. Allen Jerkens, together with the cleverly ridden, Forever Unbridled in the Personal Ensign, whilst champion sprinter Drefong crushed them in the Forego Stakes at the same Saratoga spa venue in
The Cape Racing and Breeding Awards were held during the week at the beautiful Molenvliet Estate in the Stellenbosch winelands. What follows is a list of the winners in the various categories together with their best speed figures from the past season. This gives an idea of what it takes to come out on
Dodgy Itie won the Flamingo Mile on Saturday earning a figure of 95, which is about as good as it gets in Kimberley. Formerly with Shane Humby in the Cape until November 2014, this son of Latino Magic has performed admirably since relocating North. He has struck up a close affinity with Marco
Sail South (speed score 109) tracked, then passed Brett Crawford trained stable mate, Captain America (s/s 107) to win his first Grade 1, The Champions Cup , just before turning seven years old. This was a deserved reward for the very game and consistent Sail From Seattle gelding who has placed at this
Progeny of Silvano have been doing tremendously and Silvan Star (speed score 105) continued that positive trend. She won the Grade 3 Final Fling Stakes at Kenilworth, following up on her victory in the Ladies Mile in June. Very consistent with six wins from 14 starts and a number of placings to her
I'm taking a brief break from cranking out speed figures, with a chance to reflect on how racing is changing. Old timers who enjoyed socialising on course and darting between the bookies'gold and silver rings understandably fret about bleak attendances, yet it's never been easier to get a bet on, and the flow of
Bull Valley staked a claim to be honoured at the top of the sprint division when winning the Grade 1 Mercury at Greyville on Saturday. This was a reprise of the quality son of Toreador also beating Search Party in the Grade 1 Tsogo Sun at Scotsville. Bull Valley started off his career
One of the most important attributes any turf champion possesses is the ability to finish powerfully. Marinaresco has that quality, using awesome acceleration to nail Al Sahem on the wire and win the 2017 Durban July. A tough beat second last year, Marinaresco carried top weight to avenge that loss with a stunning
