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
August is a quiet month within the horseracing industry - many trainers take this opportunity to give required vaccinations to their horses so ease off workout schedules. Though some of the better sand campaigners on the Highveld are strutting their stuff in the build up to the Emerald Cup, lesser quality racing fare is on
The most significant happening was the closing down of Clairwood Park after 93 years of racing - a sentimental time for enthusiasts who have enjoyed quality racing at the picturesque facility over the years. Future KZN fixtures will now be concentrated at Greyville and Scottsville. The best speed figure at the final meeting came in the
