Alcaponee has been a dedicated horseplayer for years - studying the form on websites like Formgrids and astutely monitoring betting moves before dabbling in some small wagers. He knows it is a tough game and plenty of luck is needed to connect those big payouts, so fellow punters should applaud his amazing recent feat when connecting a six-runner win multiple
The strongest racing on the weekend was staged at Kenilworth and some really good performances were noted. Asstar (speed score 103) put his Durbanville flop behind him, when getting his tongue over the bit, to win a "mini-Merchants" in good style. Generous odds of 28-1 were available on Interbet as unforgiving punters spurned the son
It was cool to see one of KZN's stalwart sprinters, Kingston Boy (speed figure 103) bounce back to best on his first try of the Greyville Poly. Veteran horseman Doug Campbell had him in fine fettle after a three month break and he finished too swiftly for Nineteen Fourteen (s/s 102) and the pacemaker Flyfirstclass
Interbet racing fans had a busy weekend and there were some notable performances on tracks around the country. At Turffontein, the filly Siren Call (speed figure 97) won her second consecutive start with a fluent win. She got the better of Smart Call in the closing stages and looks worth following in stronger fields.
There were four features contested as the Spring season got under way with Graded contests in Jozi and Cape Town. The best rating went to vastly improved sprinter miler Reim (speed figure 107) who has done brilliantly since trainer Glen Puller chose to fit blinkers and use forcing tactics. The track conditions suited that style
All eyes were focussed on the Emerald Cup meeting at the Vaal with Tommy Gun saving ground on the rail to win easily (s/s 101+) He recorded an excellent figure of 111 at his penultimate start but many were put off by a weak prep run at humble Flamingo Park. Taking advantage of a low draw,
There is a dearth of Stakes races around the country at this time with the Settlers Trophy, won by Desert Swirl at Durbanville, the only listed contest of the weekend. Jockey MJ Byleveld made a race-winning loop entering the far turn, as Desert Swirl kept on down the stretch to clinch this traditional early season
Sovereign Mint (speed score 96) completed a hat-trick for canny trainer Robbie Sage when eking out a tight decision in a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein. The progressive Judpot gelding has now won four from nine starts, and is fulfilling the promise shown late in 2013. Yogas Govender has his string in fine fettle at the
De Kock (speed score 105) made a fine comeback after a nine month rehab following a knee chip injury. He quickened well on the very soft Kenilworth track and is poised to fulfil earlier potential. Punters will recall he won a strong Selangor Cup in November 2103 beating Legislate, Speed Rocket and Dynastic Power -
Highlight of the weekend was the Interbet sponsored August Stakes, a Grade 3 sprint on the sand at the Vaal, with the winner getting automatic entry into the Emerald Cup. Punters may have been uncertain what to make of Anger after two recent wins in Kimberley, the weakest venue in the country. But Anger had
