Weekend Highlights

Piere Strydom delivered one of his patented masterclasses, riding Fatal Flaw to win the G1 Cape Fillies Guineas. He slid across from a wide draw, set easy fractions up front, then quickened up when needed to run out a comfortable winner over the chasing, Scarlet Macaw. There was nothing special about the final figure – instead this was a case of clever tactics proving decisive on a tractable, classy filly. Strydom just reads races so

7/10 favourite, One Stripe (s/s 99+) was widely expected to win the Cape Guineas and duly did so from Eight On Eighteen (s/s 98) and Great Plains. The race went off fast early, then slowed in the middling sections, before the closers launched their stretch runs. One Stripe has fantastic acceleration and that proved decisive. Racing on opposite sides of the course, he finished a length ahead of the runner up. Gavin Lerena said

The Cape Summer season is getting into full swing and there were some fine performances clocked at Kenilworth on Saturday. Visiting Highveld trainer Clinton Binda won the Bantry Bay Stakes with Ziyasha (s/s 106) under an opportunistic ride by “Sting-Ray” Danielson. He took the free-striding sprinter to the lead, opened a decisive break on the field and duly went all the way to stave off Meu Capitano (s/s 106) and Questioning. The opposite pace

Mon Petit Cherie (s/s 100) received an inspired ride from Richard Fourie to sneak through down the inner and pip Beware the Bomb in the G2 Western Cape Fillies Championships. In a blanket finish, Symphony in White ran third with Gimmie’s Countess another neck back in fourth. The early pace seemed honest enough and all these horses mentioned finished relatively strongly so this should be a good pointer for the upcoming Classics. Brett Crawford

This is an exciting time of the year in SA horse racing as the better horses get underway with their summer campaigns on the Highveld and in the Cape. These horses are apt to run improved numbers which portend strong showings as the season progresses. It can pay to make note of notable early season performances and follow those promising horses when they reach peak fitness. Heather's Boy (s/s 99) and Bacchus (s/s 98)

King Regent took out the three-legged Poly Challenge in the Eastern Cape on Friday, as the 4/10, odds- on favourite. Glen Kotzen’s entry again predictably proved much too strong for the locals having run 106’s on a couple of occasions. It was a strategic piece of race planning by Kotzen to select the Poly Challenge for King Regent who is not quite up to Graded standard in the major centers, but plenty good enough to

Gimmie’s Countess (s/s 97 +++) stole the show at Durbanville on Saturday, winning the Diana Stakes (G3) with a performance of rare quality. Trainer Dean Kannemeyer rates her highly on her aptitude at work; did not have much to fear from the older fillies, so expected her to run well despite not being fully wound up on her seasonal bow after some tough beats in KZN features. What transpired was nothing short of sensational.

Though the racing was postponed due to extreme weather in KZN, meetings went ahead elsewhere around the country with some good performances noted on the clock in Joburg, Cape Town and EP. Chasing Happiness (s/s 99) hit the top number at Turffontein in winning a sprint from Hierkommiebokkie (s/s 94). But Barbaresco (s/s 98 ++) could have gone faster if needed when romping in a Pinnacle Stakes. This classy grey has already recorded a

Whilst there were no Stakes races over the weekend, that did not preclude some Graded quality performances on the speed numbers.  Unzen was backed into odds on favourite to win a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday and went pretty much all the way to score an easy victory. Robbie Sage’s charge is deadly over 1400m and ran a fine speed score of 106. Mercantour (s/s 102) gamely chased him home, as Zinovi faded

King Regent (speed score 106) dominated a Poly sprint at Fairview on Friday. It’s rare for such a high number to be recorded in the Eastern Cape but Glen Kotzen (who has his string in great form) extracted a career best out of the five-year-old Dynasty gelding. He will be extremely hard to beat in other legs of the E.C. Poly Challenge if replicating such a fine figure. King Regent was followed in at

The winners in various categories of the 2023/24 Equus Awards were announced in Cape Town on Thursday evening. It’s a forum to take stock of what constitutes thoroughbred excellence in South Africa. The panel uses various criteria to distinguish between the nominees and preserve for posterity the achievements of the elite. As regular readers of this newsletter well know, my preferred way of measuring performance is through speed and pace figures. Here are the

The notion of supporting horses from in -form stables is sound. Trainers get on hot streaks where everything clicks neatly into place. Conversely, some barns, even the big ones, can go through cold spells when their horses underperform. The reasons behind this are many-fold. Amongst the multiple factors which influence training results are changed conditioning regimes; a switch in feed; appointment of a different vet; shifting condition of the work out facilities; a new

Super Sunday at Greyville is the obvious focus of this week’s racing newsletter - and there were some fine performances to record for posterity. Dave the King, who runs around 113 at a peak, came out fresh and firing in a race run to suit his sustained galloping style, proving best in the G1 Champions Cup over 1800m. The Global View gelding’s 46.1 second 800m to finish sectional got the job done. He was

Cape Lights came out on top in an exciting finish to the headliner at Turffontein on Saturday, recording a career best of 99. It was touch and go as Robbie Sage’s filly edged out another longshot, Key Element (also a career top of 98) and 2nd favorite, Celtic Rumors (s/s 97) in the 1400m Pinnacle Stakes. Cape Lights, by Ideal World, was winning the fourth start of her life. Robbie Sage is a low-

Erupt filly, Strange Magic (speed score 96) thwarted an attempted plunge on Passchendaele (s/s 95) on Friday afternoon at Fairview. She hadn’t run badly behind local heroine, Luna Halo on her first start at the coast since moving down from Jozi yet started at 16/1. 96 is a tidy number for this venue and she can enjoy a productive spell if building on this effort. Grazinginthegrass (s/s 93 +, has run 101 at best)

A cleverly conceived campaign and precise conditioning by Crawford Racing, combined with a perfect front-running, stay- out- of- trouble steer by JP van der Merwe got Oriental Charm home in the 2024 Durban July. In an exciting finish, the energetic three-year-old warded off Cousin Casey’s spirited rails run, Royal Victory and Flag Man in SA’s iconic middle-distance race. See It Again, challenging for the lead was taken up at a crucial stage to only

Betting on big days, such as the upcoming Durban July, is akin to being at a buffet feast. There is so much on offer to tempt us that indigestion is a common consequence. Likewise, undisciplined bettors who dive indiscriminately into every betting pool may also be left with an uncomfortable feeling afterwards. The act of betting is deeply personal so any advice, no matter how well intentioned, can miss the mark entirely. That said,

Command Pilot (speed score 99) attained the top figure at Turffontein’s inside track on Saturday. The Lancaster Bomber colt received heavy betting action from 20/1 into 33/10 and landed the plunge by over a length from Royal Guide (s/s 97) with Professor Snape (s/s 95) Trident King (s/s 95) and La Moohal (s/s 94) following him in. Command Pilot is trained by Alec Laird – a very fine horseman and conditioner who keeps a

Saturday’s quality Scottsville meeting had four G1’s on the card, run down the 1200m straight. Fastest of them all was the Golden Horse Sprint won in dramatic fashion by Lucky Lad (s/s 110) who had to be extricated from major traffic congestion before bursting through and getting up to win by a short head in a blanket finish. At My Command (s/s 110) I am Giant (s/s 110) and pace-setting Cruise Control (s/s 109)

Thunderstruck (s/s 107) received a brilliantly time ride from veteran Piere Strydom to win a Pinnacle Stakes sprint at Turfontein, getting up in the last leap to deny Ziyasha (s/s 106). Both horses are sired by Rafeef. Thunderstruck is poised for another productive KZN Winter as he regularly clicks out figures between 107 and 111 which is right within the range for shaping in G1’s in SA. And you can bet your bottom dollar

Future Swing bolstered his Durban July claims with an emphatic score in the Greyville 1900 on Saturday. Justin Snaith’s entry got a smart figure of 105 + which can be sharply upgraded due to a very strong 400m to finish closing sectional of 22.6. Future Swing could well be better than 111, which brings him right into the picture as a potential July winner. Oriental Charm (s/s 107) ran gamely to hold second ahead

The stakes laden end of April meeting at Turffontein is one of the most significant staged on the Highveld with a bunch of Graded races, and the ’24 vintage duly delivered some high-class performances. Lucky Lad (s/s 108, with sectional upgrade 110) took out the Jehan Malherbe Senor Santa Stakes (G2) with a withering run from last in the stiff 1160m sprint. Malherbe has taken on multiple roles in racing with aplomb – as

Mystik Dan won a thrilling three- way photo-finish in the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday. In front of 156 000 spectators, the Ken McPeek trained, Brain Hernandez ridden colt secured an impeccable rail hugging trip which proved the difference between winning and losing. Sierra Leone charged late as did unlucky Japanese invader Forever Young, but both fell narrowly short after much tougher trips. Such are the fine margins that define racing

Champions Day at Turffontein showcased the best of the Highveld horses, with a sprinkling of Cape and Durban raiders adding to the occasion. In fact, it was a KZN invader Royal Victory (speed score 106 +, sectional upgrade 112) who yet again made a successful foray to Jozi when winning the Premiers Champion Challenge G1 to complement his 2023 Summer Cup triumph. He was delivered from well back by Muzi Yeni to join issue

Mid- Winter Wind (speed score 102) took out the Byerleyy Turk, a Grade 3 at Greyville on Sunday with a fluent stretch run to justify heavy market support. Sean Tarry’s entry was punted from 10’s into 5/2 and duly built on his last out speed score of 100 + at Turffontein to secure the win. The son of What a Winter has now won four on the bounce as he continues to improve on

The Abdicator (s/s 104) is an up-and-coming sprinter. Previously a bit of a tearaway, he is gradually learning to settle. He was slow out (perhaps on purpose) yet finished off nicely to beat Piroshka (s/s 101) Southern Skies (s/s 101) and Dumbledore (s/s 100) in a 1000m scuttle that provided the day’s top figure at Kenilworth. He is by No Nay Never, a sire that produced the Hong Kong Derby victor on Sunday –

Three races at Turffontein on Saturday yielded triple digit speed figures: Texas Red got a s/s of 103 when edging out Humdinger s/s 102; Ready to Charge (s/s 100) won a close call against Mount Pilatus (s/s 99) and One Fell Swoop merited a s/s of 100 in the Grade 3 Sycamore Sprint. Texas Red loves the Turffontein 1400m trip and earned a career peak number though he was made to work very hard

There were three Grade 1’s at Turffontein on a rain interrupted Saturday, which renders making speed figures quite difficult. If conditions remain constant during the meeting, then we can deduce an accurate variant across all carded races. However, a major change in the weather requires more imagination when crafting the numbers. The variant needed to be split after the rain delay as the track was softened by the downpour. Beforehand, things were quite straightforward

We usually review only weekend highlights in this Interbet newsletter but Thursday’s Pinnacle Stakes on the inside track at Turffontein proved significant. Main Defender was favored at 7/10 to win it having run some seriously big figs for a three-year-old (s/s 115 @ best), but he came under pressure late, drifted about, then stumbled near the finishing line to only clock in third. The victor in a dramatic race was Melech who got a

Barbaresco ran a cracker behind Main Defender in the Got the Greenlight Stakes but due to some kinks in the handicapping system was not fully penalized. He was therefore weighted to win comfortably at his follow up in a handicap and after being punted from 2/1 into odds on, duly sauntered home. Barbaresco earned a speed score of 106 previously and attained a fig of 101 + on Saturday without being put under pressure.

Sandringham Summit, under Gavin Lerena, and Gimme a Nother produced two excellent performances to win their respective Gauteng Guineas on Saturday at Turffontein. Both started favourite at around even money, both are sired by Gimmethegreenlight and both won as such short- priced horses ought to if the market is correct – totally dominating rivals. We can appreciate their superiority visually. Sandringham Summit raced handy then made an early move to seize complete control of

Karl Neisius is a riding legend, now retired, but he remains involved in the game. We were chatting a week ago about the pecking order amongst SA’s current crop of three-year-olds and I asked him who is the best in his opinion. “Let’s wait and see till after the Derby.” was his sage response. As it happened, Dean Kannemeyer trained, Green with Envy duly added to his burgeoning reputation by romping in the G1

Double Superlative (s/s 111) bounced back after a serious tendon injury, to dart past long time leader Rascallion (s/s 110) and win the Met at Kenilworth. The winner is trained by Justin Snaith who must be commended for reviving Double Superlative’s fortunes – he was an outstanding three-year-old and has now got another coveted G1 as a five-year-old entire. Odds on favourite See It Again failed to fire, clunking up to be fourth behind

Main Defender is such an exciting horse! The son of Pathfork won the Got the Greenlight Stakes running an excellent figure for a three-year-old of 108; the same number he attained in the Graham Beck, also over the Turffontein 1400m. Prior to that he hit a towering 115 in the Spring Challenge – he really has tremendous natural ability! Barbaresco did well to give him a run for his money – making a bold

Brilliant. An annihilation. Spectacular… were some of the adjectives after Charles Dickens won the King’s Plate of ’24. Fans could appreciate his dominance as he streaked clear, (running straight and true this time) leaving See It Again in his wake. For a speed figure fanatic, it was a revelation crunching the numbers. A final time of 97.88 with sectionals of 46.8 (final 800m) and 23.7 (last 400m) translates to a speed score of 121,

Snow Pilot (speed score 100) received a perfect steer from JP van der Merwe to win the Cape Guineas at Kenilworth on Saturday, in an adjusted time bang on standard for this class. Plaudits to winning connections; Justin Snaith and Drakenstein Stud - what a loss to the SA industry is the late, lamented sire Lancaster Bomber. Whilst there was nothing flukey about the potently bred, Snow Pilot’s stalk and pounce victory, the second

See It Again’s facile win in the G2 1600m Green Point Stakes, a race intended merely as a gentle come- along- prep for the King’s Plate and ultimate target the Cape Town Met, spells trouble for his rivals. He won under a hands ride (speed score 106 +) and was much the best. It’s still a couple of months to go but the chestnut son of Twice Over trained by Michael Roberts seems locked

Main Defender (speed score 108) and Sandringham Summit (s/s 108) fought out an epic at Turffontein in the G3 1400m Graham Beck Stakes on Saturday with Tony Peter’s runner gaining a narrow margin revenge over Sandringham Summit, who was coming back after a rest. Both three-year-olds are high class thoroughbreds (Main Defender, by Pathfork, hit an awesome fig of 115 last time when trouncing Thunderstruck) and future clashes between the pair will be brilliant

Tail of the Comet (speed score 100+) trounced opposition in the Cape Racing Ready To Run Stakes over 1400m at Durbanville, accelerating sharply, then cruising in four lengths clear before being eased down. He looks on track for a crack at the Cape Guineas, with a notable turn of foot and versatility his best characteristics. Sean Tarry’s runner has run four times, each in a different city in South Africa (‘Maritzburg, Durban, Joburg &

It seemed certain that the weekend’s best figure would come out of the G3 Matchem Stakes which pitted champ miler Charles Dickens against champion sprinter Gimme a Prince in a 1400m showdown @ Durbanville. Whilst that race indeed delivered a tremendous spectacle and a top-notch winner’s speed score of 108, the performance of Main Defender in the G2 Joburg Spring Challenge was truly outstanding. After crunching the numbers, the Tony Peter trained son of

19/10 favourite, Ace Impact stayed perfect by winning his sixth start – this time at the highest level, in the Prix de l’’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamps in Paris. He surged through, after being held up near the back of the field by Cristian Demuro, to win convincingly. Westover came second, Onesto improved into third with Japanese mare Through Seven Seas rounding off the Quartet. Ace Impact, a son of Cracksman, is trained by

Keagan de Melo stayed up late at his new Hong Kong base to watch Green with Envy’s second start, in a show of faith in Dean Kannemeyer’s exciting prospect who he rode to a debut victory at Greyville in October. And the handsome son of Gimmethegreenlight did not disappoint. Gallic Dream (s/s 91) had stalked the speed and moved up with purpose down the inside, looking like a winner only for Green with Envy

The best speed figure from Turffontein on Saturday was achieved by Captain Peg (s/s 106) when beating Running Rifles (s/s 104) in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1450m on the inside track. The Jay Peg filly is trained by Stuart Pettigrew and was ridden judiciously from way off the pace by Siyanda Sosibo. Captain Peg loves a fast run 1450 on the inner track and she got the perfect set up, coming from last off

The BSA 2-year-old Sale in Joburg was the main thoroughbred event in SA this weekend, and with Cape racing postponed till Wednesday due to rainy conditions, there was only domestic action at Fairview and Greyville. The best rating at the latter venue was recorded by Maquette (speed score 92) who managed to double up on her Scottsville victory a week ago, heavily punted over the 1000m sprint course. Duncan Howell’s well-campaigned mare was ridden

Greyville hosted Champions Day on Sunday which traditionally brings the racing season in South Africa to a close. Some of the results confirmed existing form lines and were fully predictable, but others were a touch bewildering – such is the nature of this captivating game. The meeting opened with Outlaw King (speed score 101) justifying the faith Hong Kong bound jockey Keagan de Melo has in him. Many months back he said the son

My Golly Molly (speed score 96 +) won the G3 Langerman at Kenilworth, coming from dead last in the short Winter straight with a powerful closing burst to snare Hluhluwe (s/s 96) on the post. The highly impressive winner is sired by Fire Away, trained by Eric Sands, and was ridden with aplomb by Sean Veale. Beach Bomb (s/s 86 +) won the juvenile Fillies’ version, the Irridescence Stakes, also over 1500m. She exhibited

Listening to guests speaking on Chris Larmey’s excellent “Bet with the Best” podcast (referred to in last week’s newsletter) it became clear how these pro players all take great care in setting up sensible “guard-rails” to avoid gamblers ruin. Obviously, all true punters relish taking risks and want to make it count when right so will hammer their stronger opinions. But the enduring professionals also employ carefully considered methods to preserve their betting capital

A few months ago, Interbet readers of this newsletter were informed about the “Business of Betting” podcast as a useful resource with extensive information about all aspects of the global gambling industry. Recently I lucked into another podcast series, “Bet with the Best”, hosted by Chris Larmey. The thoughtful and articulate host is still building up his podcast portfolio, but there are already several very interesting interviews with successful horse racing bettors from America.

Winchester Mansion (speed score 112) recorded a famous win for Interbet ambassador, Brett Crawford in the 2023 Durban July when just edging favoured See It Again (also 112) in a dramatic tussle. The two fought it out over the last furlong with Kabelo Matsunyane rousting Winchester Mansion after being passed, to sneak a narrow verdict over wily riding adversary, Piere Strydom. Winchester Mansion has become a different horse since gelding. The son of Trippi

Runaway Song (speed figure 103) improved when stretching out over 2400m in the Derby at Scottsville, just as his pedigree suggested he might. Trainer Dean Kannemeyer has been on the tear during the Durban season, and he deserves full credit for his handling of Runaway Song (by Legislate), and willingness to extend him over a suitable test of endurance. Even money favourite Aragosta (s/s 101) never looked comfortable, hanging during the race, and proving

Whilst the universal rate for winning favorites from a massive sample over time is around 35%, the wisdom of crowds sometimes ensures that they win at an even better rate in the short term. Three of the four sprint features at Scottsville’s Day of Speed went to obvious market leaders, with the other race going to a well-backed second choice on a rough day for bookies. Winter Cloud was the only favourite to be

Favoured at 18/10 in the G1 Daily News, See It Again was conserved off the searching pace set by Dave the King before jockey Piere Strydom let him lose at the top of the straight. The Twice Over gelding’s turbo boosted engine kicked in and he stormed past rivals, overwhelming Dave the King (speed score 111) with a furlong to go and register a high-quality speed figure of 112. See It Again is trained

Greyville staged quality racing on a rain softened surface over the weekend. Pacaya (speed score of 106 +) fought off a late charging Winchester Mansion (s/s 105) in the G2 WSB 1900 to put himself right in the picture for the Durban July. The Justin Snaith trained entry is very smart and is now fulfilling hitherto unrealized potential – he can conceivably run a number as high as 112 which makes him a principal

The two Guineas’ run at Greyville on Saturday produced polar opposite results. Charles Dickens (speed score 109 +) romped in the colt’s version at 6/10 just as the masses expected, but Peach Daiquiri caught most punters unawares as she surprised at 33/1 in a slow run and rough Fillies race. Charles Dickens settled midfield before jockey Aldo Domeyer cleverly made a move down the inside rail. Running straight and true (he’s tended to shift

In news from the UK, a Tote Placepot paid out a £30,013 dividend to a £1 stake at Newbury on Saturday, with just three units surviving the six legs. No favourites won and two short-price favourites were unplaced. The Brits have generally preferred fixed odds punting and multiples like the Lucky 15, but their rejuvenated Tote is trying hard to attract custom by promoting pool bets. South African horseplayers are accustomed to PA’s -

The outstanding, Desert Miracle’s defeat of tremendous three-year-old filly Feather Boa in the G1 Empress Club Stakes at Turffontein was the clear highlight of this weekend’s SA racing action. The high-class duo ran big numbers of 114 and 112 respectively. Desert Miracle was uber- impressive as a juvenile, then became somewhat constrained by breathing issues but, testimony to Mike de Kock’s training expertise, has been revived sufficiently to win the G1 Majorca Stakes at

Michael Robert’s Captain of All gelding, Renaissance Man (speed score 102) fought out a thriller at Scottsville, just sneaking in from low-flying, top weight, Isivunguvungu (has run 109 @ best) to cause a 16/1 upset in a Pinnacle Stakes. Renaissance Man has run nine times over 1000m for three wins, coming into the race with an official merit rating of just 83. The light weight was well handled by Malesela Katjedi to keep his

Speed figure merchants found it frustratingly difficult to make accurate track variants over the weekend at both Turffontein and Durbanville due to heavy rain and deteriorating surfaces. Usually, it’s possible to analyze the difference between the expected time for any class of race over a specific distance at a certain course and the actual time recorded, then arrive at an accurate track variant, before making the speed figs. But when the surface is changing

Alula’s Star and appy Mxoli continued their special association, winning their sixth race, and second Stakes together, from 19 starts, in the Grade 3 Sycamore Sprint at Turffontein on Saturday. Alula’s Star (speed score 99) is sired by Red Ray, himself an accomplished sprinter who used to run figures of 109 back in the day. The Pettigrew trained winner had to fight hard to resist Kiss Me Captain (s/s 98) - another consistent filly.

The Highveld Autumn season continued at Turffontein on Saturday with some fine performances in Graded races. Highlights were both Classic races for three-year-olds, the second Leg of the Triple Crown/Tiara. Under Your Spell, a Capetown Noir filly, took out the Hawaii Stakes (G2) as she accelerated swiftly in the centre of the track to outrun Red Saxon, who had stalked a soft pace. Under Your Spell is trained by Sean Tarry. She has run

See It Again (speed score 107) produced a career best in the Cape Derby to provide former legendary jockey, Michael Roberts with his first G1 victory as a trainer. The horse started at 50/1, upsetting 1/5 odds on favorite Charles Dickens, who ducked in badly after taking the lead inside the final stages, only to succumb to See It Again’s rally, under an inspired Piere Strydom ride. “It’s been a long time coming,” Roberts

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Nothing is more fundamental in handicapping than working out how good each horse is and the circumstances under which they do best. However, a short cut to homing in on solid contenders is to check out trainer/jockey combinations. A high percentage strike rate for both wins and places is obviously a good sign. It shows both intent and skill – trainers have go-to jocks that they use when their charge is cranked up to

After all the hoopla last weekend around the Cape Met, racing action switched to Turffontein on the Highveld for the start of the Triple Crown/Tiara series, contested by three-year-olds. In both these 1600m Grade 2 events, bookies got results with Master of my Fate filly Lady of Power (25/1) and Gimmethegreenlight gelding, Eye of the Prophet (33/1) upsetting more fancied rivals. Lady of Power received a masterful front-running ride from canny veteran, Piere Strydom

Jet Dark (speed score 116) enjoyed the perfect send off to his outstanding racing career before going to Drakenstein Stud, when battling to victory in the Met, seeing off familiar foe, Kommetdieding with Pomp and Power running a remarkable race to be third. In a messy contest run at a muddling pace, the high class, Jet Dark (by Trippi) stayed on with determination hard up against the outside rail to record yet another G1

Thoroughbred performances are not as consistent as people may assume. Instead, horses’ ability waxes and wanes depending on their changing physical condition and shifting circumstances. Only 30% of the time do horses perform at a similar level or improve on recent runs. Within this 30% subset, most winners improve on their recent form so it’s a mistake to fixate on the horse that already has the best figure as it is four times more

Al Muthana (speed score 107) stunned odds on favourite Charles Dickens by a nose to win the 2023 King’s Plate at odds of 80/1. Upsets are rare in this historic WFA contest, but Ricky Maingard’s runner provided a massive boil-over when hurtling through against the grandstand rail under the vigorous exhortations of jockey, Bernard Fay’d Herbe. Charles Dickens appears to have peaked in his Cape Guineas tour-de-force where he merited a speed figure of

 Charles Dickens added to his burgeoning reputation when destroying quality opposition in the G1 Cape Guineas to extend his unbeaten sequence to six victories. The truly exceptional son of Trippi is trained by Candice Bass Robinson and was ridden by Aldo Domeyer. He started deep in the red at 5/10 and won by four lengths from Cousin Casey (s/s 107), who pipped At My Command (s/s 107) for second place. These are the adjusted

  Gimme a Prince (s/s 107 ++) was ultra-impressive when putting two lengths between himself and toiling pursuers in the G2 Cape Merchants at Kenilworth. He did not have things his own way, tracking the speed without cover in the centre, then moving up stylishly before drawing clear of fine three-year-old, We’re Jamming (s/s 102), consistent Bereave (s/s 102) and Gem King (s/s 101). Jockey de Melo spoke in glowing terms about the regally

 Make it Snappy (s/s 100) received what her trainer Brett Crawford described as “a textbook ride” by Luyolo Mxothwa to go practically start to finish and win the Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth on Saturday. It was a first Grade 1 success for Mxothwa who judged the fractions impeccably, as the Dynasty filly sustained a strong gallop throughout the 1600m journey into a stiff headwind. This was only her fourth start – after getting

  Gambled on, Puerto Manzano (s/s 108 – SP 11/2, in from 12/1) rallied to win the 2022 Grade 1 Summer Cup in a pulsating finish against Safe Passage. Keagan de Melo was riding for JAJ van Vuuren, who had the son of Seek Again (USA) perfectly primed for this 2000m race after a fine prep to Bingwa in November over a mile. Puerto Manzano has won six of 19 starts and can now

 As the betting market expected, heavily backed 5/4 favorite Cousin Casey (speed score 105 +) went five on the bounce when winning the Punters Cup (formerly named the Selangor/Concorde) – a traditional 1600m pointer to the Cape Guineas. The astutely bought Vercingetorix colt trained by Glen Kotzen came from midfield to take control when the speed horses collapsed, and freewheeled in by a length from At My Command (s/s 103 +) with Le Morne

Ciao Bella won the Grade 2 Western Cape Fillies Championship over 1400m at Kenilworth just as the betting market predicted. The grey filly was backed into 2/1 favoritism and used a sharp turn of foot to win easing up. She is by Gimmethegreenlight ex Bela Bela making it a personal triumph for Team Snaith as, back in the day, they conditioned both the stallion and race mare. Ciao Bella turned on the afterburners in

Litigation (speed score 100) raced handy all the way round Turffontein and kept going to win the Grade 3 Victory Moon. The colt had run nicely (s/s 104) in the Greyville 1900 back in May, but modest efforts since then saw punters looking the other way on Sunday. The son of Greys Inn started at 20/1, managing to stave off another outsider, East Coast (s/s 99). Litigation is trained by Sean Tarry. In another

Many of the best Highveld horses stepped out at Turffontein on Saturday. Bingwa attained the highest speed figure of all (109) as he repeated his Onamission Charity Mile (Grade 2) success of 2021. On that occasion the quality son of Pathfork got virtually the same figure of 108 and is very good when encountering suitable conditions such as a true run 1600m on soft going. Bingwa was chased in by ultra-consistent, Puerto Manzano who

The opposition must be wondering “what the Dickens” they are up against as unbeaten, Charles Dickens again whipped overmatched rivals, this time in the G3 Cape Classic over 1400m at a revitalized Kenilworth on Saturday. The son of Trippi has looked something out of the ordinary from the get-go and he duly won easing up at odds of 7/10 whilst attaining a brilliant figure of 106. He will target the Cape Guineas next as

William Robertson (speed score 105, has run 110) won the Grade 2 Joburg Spring Challenge at Turffontein on Saturday, moving up sweetly and looking like he would draw off for an assured victory, only for the very game pacesetting, white horse, After the Rain (s/s 104) to rally and so nearly catch him at the wire. William Robertson is busy compiling a strong record having now won six of 17 starts. Corne Spies’’ hardy

Silvano’s Dasher landed a betting coup at Durbanville on Saturday after being backed in from 12/1 down to 4’s. Brett Crawford’s runner had beaten Dragonfly a year ago at the course and distance before going backwards at a couple of subsequent starts. He was returning after yet another lengthy 17-week rest (and gelding this time), so it was quite a training feat to get him in shape to run a career peak figure of

Both Follow Me and Forever Mine got to belatedly show their best form this year and cause mild upsets at Turffontein’s Saturday meeting. They competed in Pinnacle Stakes over the same 1450m trip. Follow Me earned a speed figure of 100 when denying Queen of Shadows (s/s 99) whilst Forever Mine was a few ticks quicker registering a good fig of 103. Follow Me is a four-year-old Gimmethegreenlight filly trained by Stuart Pettigrew for

The 2022 Equus Awards were staged during the past week. Below are the nominees and winners for each category. Some decisions must have been slam- dunk- easy, whilst others would have generated differences of opinion amongst the panelists. For what it’s worth, the seasonal peak speed score for each entry is listed. This provides a standard of measurement for the current vintage of high-achieving, South African racehorses. This is useful as we often get

Racing went ahead on a very heavy track at Kenilworth on Saturday. Ability to handle soft ground obviously counted for a lot, whilst unfit horses were badly exposed. The track variant came up as -79 for the 1200m straight course which is about the slowest I can recall calculating in many years. Around the turn it wasn’t so extremely slow (“only” – 46) but still it proved a real test of endurance for entries

Taking multiples is a popular strategy for punters who want to bet a little to win a lot. The chance of landing them may be desperately slim, but the payoffs can justify the risk. Some of the biggest coups ever landed in horse racing gambling are long odds multiples that miraculously connected. A spirited attempt was launched at Tramore on Friday evening when four horses, all either ridden or trained by the Mullins family,

Shangani at 7/1 won the historic Gold Cup for stayers over 3200m at Greyville in the season- ending meeting. Trained by Paul Peter, the Highveld based marathon runner only caught 40/1 outsider, Imperial Ruby in deep stretch. Another handily placed entry, 20/1 shot Rex Union was under a length back in third spot. None of the off-pace horses threatened in the Gold Cup. Racing forwardly was the key and with few jocks riding the

So Flawless (speed score 104 +) rounded off her under-appreciated career with a second successive Grade 3 victory in the Final Fling Stakes (G3) at Kenilworth. The race was a great success for Plattner Racing and trainer Andre Nel who saddled the exacta with three-year-old, Young Love (s/s 98.) So Flawless (by Legislate) has run some big triple digit numbers, be it in defeat when close to Hoedspruit in last year’s Winter Classic, and

Peach Daiquiri scored a speed figure of 80 on Friday at Fairview which is not remarkable in itself. Yet her eight lengths win left punch-drunk punters debating the subsequent controversy. Her surprised trainer Sharon Kotzen commented beforehand that it was an educational run, yet her charge was backed from 8’s into 5/2 favorite before sauntering to victory. Critics would slam this as another example of inside graft where trainers are less than candid about

In action on the Highveld, Electric Gold (s/s 90) got a nice figure for a two-year-old when winning a MR 72 handicap over 1600m. He was three quarters of a length ahead of Humble Tune (s/s 88) at the wire and the son of Flying the Flag is worth watching as he develops physically. Crimson Princess ran right back to her best Cape figure of 97 when scoring over 1400m. A winner of two

The only filly in the race, Sparkling Water (speed score 105 +) won the Durban July in emphatic style at Greyville on Saturday. It was great to have big crowds back and a party atmosphere on course to give the sport of horse racing a boost of popularity. Fans could cheer her home as, quite brilliantly handled by S’Manga Khumalo who miraculously put her on the rail from draw 12 to use optimal stalk

Winchester Mansion accelerated best of all off a slow pace to win the Grade 3 Pocket Power Stakes (formerly known as the Winter Derby) at Kenilworth over 2400m. He’d run second to Gem King in the 2nd Leg of the Winter Series but with that rival failing to fire on Saturday it opened the way for the son of Trippi to gain a well-deserved victory. Winchester Mansion is a difficult ride so full credit

Horseplayers around the world were enthralled by the action from Royal Ascot which stretched over five days, culminating on Saturday. Two prominent SA owners savored extra special triumphs as Mary Slack’s Claymore won the Hampton Court Stakes and the Kieswetter family’s Candleford (bred at their Barnane Stud) romped in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes. I’m sure, everyone will have the own personal highlights, or crushing let-downs, at a drama- filled festival. For me, Nature

Al Muthana (speed score 111) took out the G1 Gold Challenge with a withering run down the center of the course which proved just too good for Linebacker (s/s 110). The winner (sired by Deep Field in Australia) produced some seriously smart figures on the Highveld before a below par run in the Horse Chestnut set back his progress. Rested by trainer Mike de Kock for ten weeks since that flop, he returned with

On Saturday, Scottsville was the scene of four G1 sprints down a 1200m straight course. Most of SA’s best sprinters across age and gender categories converged in ‘’Maritzburg for these coveted Stakes. The prestigious Golden Horse Sprint went to well punted second favourite, Alesian Chief, in a special triumph for the “underdog”. He is trained by ex-Kimberley journeyman, Corrie Lensley for whom this was his first G1 in a lengthy career. Winning Jockey Muzi

Safe Passage (speed score 110) was ultra-impressive when scorching clear in the Grade 1 Daily News at Greyville on Saturday. He put a two-length margin between himself and closest pursuers, Pomp and Power, Aragosta and Waterberry Lane, all who got scores of 107. The race was not that hard run early on, making the speed figures a bit of a guestimate, but it seems that Safe Passage merits this high rating, a natural improvement

Feature races were staged right around the country over the weekend, kickstarted by the East Cape Derby won in emphatic manner by Chollima (speed score 98). Glen Kotzen’s Pathfork ex Chillon three-year-old had run well in the first Leg of the Winter Series at Kenilworth behind Gem King and Future Prince over a mile and proved much the best stretching out in this longer 2400m PE contest. Another eye-catcher on the Fairview card was

Both KZN Guineas were run at Greyville on Saturday with odds on favourite Under Your Spell quickening up best to win a false- run Fillies edition, and Zapatilla’s mugging Supreme Warrior in the final jump in the Colts version – a race that was also not run at a true pace in the early stages. That makes it too difficult to arrive at accurate speed figures based on final time, a problem compounded by

Master Archie (speed score 111) dazzled in the Grade 1 Computaform Sprint to add further credence to sire Rafeef’s burgeoning credentials as a versatile and top-quality producer. The winner is trained by Paul Peter, who enjoyed a stellar Champions Day at Turffontein, taking out both G2 Nursery’s (Maharanee & Miss Cool) as well as the Grade 1 Champions Challenge with long shot, Astrix. Master Archie is a grey three-year-old who had hinted at being

Princess Calla (speed score 103 +, has previously run a career best of 108) justified 15/10 favoritism when outrunning classy three-year-old Under Your Spell by three quarters of a length in the Empress Club Stakes, a Grade 1 over 1600m at Turffontein. This quality daughter of Flower Alley has tangled with Captain’s Ransom often enough (when repeatedly being put in her place,) and took advantage of the champion’s absence on the Highveld to score

Rain in Holland completed the sought after, Triple Tiara with a hard-fought victory over Light of the Moon in the SA Oaks (G2) at Turffontein. She took her winning tally to eight of 12 starts and became the fifth filly to achieve an historic three-legged sweep. This Duke of Marmalade filly has coped with each successive step up in distance in her stride, running figures of 100 over a mile, 102 over 1800m and

Dubai hosted the World Cup meeting at Meydan featuring some awesome performances called with aplomb by SA commentator, Alistair Cohen. Frankie Dettori got Country Grammar to swoop late in the World Cup as odds on fave Life is Good caved in the final 80 yards; Shahryar staved off deep closer, Yibir in the Sheema in another Japanese strike; Lord North and Panthalassa dead heated in a dramatic finish to the Turf with Vin de

Big Burn proved just how accomplished a filly she is when romping in the Grade 3 Sycamore Sprint on Saturday at Turffontein. She was excellent from the get-go winning four of her first five starts including a defeat of Under Your Spell in the Spring Fillies and Mares Challenge (a G2.) Towards the end of 2021 she was narrowly pipped by Sound of Warning in the Magnolia (G3) during November. Both those pieces of

Two features at Turffontein on Saturday illustrated opposite situations - emerging youngster, Smorgasbord showed that he is on a swift upward trend when leaping from a previous best speed figure of 99 up to 105 in the Grade 2 Senor Santa Stakes whilst older Grade 1 campaigner, Zillzaal eventually regained his mojo in the Drum Star Handicap, running right back to his previous best of 106, attained many moons ago. Keagan de Melo rode

Red Saxon (speed score 104) sprung a big upset in the G1 SA Classic at odds of 33/1 when denying heavily punted favorite Safe Passage (s/s 104) in a rousing finish. The winner (by Red Ray and trained by Joe Soma) reversed a three-length deficit in the Gauteng Guineas to exact revenge over Safe Passage. Soma has an excellent record in the Classic and must be lauded not only for winning it yet again

Pomp and Power was an emphatic winner of the Cape Derby, proving that not only is he a very smart horse up to a mile but is even more effective over middle distances, as one would expect based on his pedigree. He came through down the inside rail to out-finish Universal (speed score 105), after that one had seen off favourite, Double Superlative. It was an excellent performance by the big-hearted, son of Vercingetorix,

Reunion won a good race at Turffontein on Saturday, worthy of a speed figure of 106. He was followed in two lengths back by Second Base (s/s 103) from whom he was receiving 6 kg’s. The victor, (trained by Paul Peter) is by Flower Alley out of the fabulous grey race mare, Ilha Bela. The gelding has thrown in a few off-key races from time to time but can also gallop purposefully when in

Whilst we usually focus on weekend highlights, more noteworthy action took place during the past week. The postponed Gauteng Guineas meeting threw up some strong performances on the clock and, down in Cape Town, an unheralded juvenile made a startling debut. At Turffontein, Safe Passage and Rain in Holland took out their respective Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas with similar speed scores of 103 and 102. In the colt’s version, outsider Pyromaniac launched a late

The TRC Global Rankings (thoroughbredracing.com) provide food for thought in assessing thoroughbred merit around the world. This is how their Top 20 looks as of end January 2022:  LIFE IS GOOD                 USA ST MARK’S BASILLICA IRELAND KNICKS GO                      USA GRAN ALLEGRIA         JAPAN EFFORIA                         JAPAN NATURE STRIP           

The betting market proved an accurate guide to the outcome of the Cape Town Met on Saturday. The four horses that had dominated the betting duly fought out the finish with eventual favourite, Kommetdieding (speed score 115) prevailing over Jet Dark (s/s 114), Linebacker (s/s 114) and Double Superlative (s/s 113). Gavin Lerena rode a superb race on the Elusive Fort gelding who was perfectly prepared by Michelle Rix and her veteran father, Harold

Mike de Kock saddled a stable exacta in the Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday. Richard Fourie judged the pace perfectly to bring Aragosta from the back of a strung-out field and get up in the final jump to deny Clafoutis who had stalked the early speed. The winner is by Rafeef out of the Galileo mare Miss Galidora and has now won three of five starts. Aragosta got a figure

Jet Dark recorded a momentous double by winning the 2022 Queens Plate at Kenilworth. Under a perfect rail-skimming ride from S’Manga Khumalo the son of Trippi outran Kommetdieding in the finish getting an excellent speed figure of 109 +. Taking his swift closing sectional into account, that number can be upgraded to around 115, which is outstanding in the South African context! The winner has thrown in a few off-kilter performances but overall is

Due to the Xmas holiday break, there was only Sunday’s Greyville Boxing Day meeting to entertain horseplayers over the weekend. Ikigai (speed core 105) deservedly won the Christmas Handicap, coming to KZN after a solid try in the Merchants at Turffontein. Class came to the fore in this race with Sean Tarry’s runner beating off another heavy weight, Tristful. Paul Peters raider, Sound of Summer ran a fine number of 104, only good enough

Double Superlative, who trainer Justin Snaith described going into the race as, “a high-class individual” duly won the G1 Cape Guineas after racing handy in a race run to suit. He got a perfect trip stalking the pacemaker, Pomp and Power, and got past that one after a lengthy battle down the straight. He might have a dip at the Met next – this would make things very interesting should a cross- generational clash

“He means the world to me and has given me so many opportunities,” is what jockey Vincent Ho graciously said after guiding Golden Sixty (speed score of 109 ++ ) to his 18th successive win. Arguably the world’s best miler glided past all- comers in the Longines Hong Kong Mile to again confirm his superiority. This was an assured victory for the odds-on favourite – though he’s run better than this measured against the

Kenilworth’s Saturday meeting yielded a host of excellent performances as one would expect for Graded contests during prime time of the Cape Summer season. Chansonette (speed score 104) was turned out in great shape by trainer Andre Nel and received a perfect trip under Grant van Niekerk to capsize 1/3 fave Desert Miracle in the G1 Cape Fillies Guineas. The runner up was still a bit green on the outside and only rallied when

The Grade 3 Fillies Mile fell to Follow Me (speed score 95 +) at Turffontein on Saturday. The Gimmethegreenlight three-year-old filly got within two lengths of then star juvenile, Desert Miracle back in June and is now making the progress expected by trainer, Stuart Pettigrew. She was followed in by familiar foe, Eternity Ring, Sprinkles and Marigold Hotel. Astute jockey, Aldo Domeyer’s suggestion that Majestic Mozart relocate to Johannesburg proved a wise move. Now

Readers of this newsletter know by now that speed figures over 100 are especially noteworthy in the South African context. On Saturday, we were treated to seven races yielding such scores thus making it onto our (extended) highlights package. Warrior (speed figure 107 +) was super-impressive downing Rascallion (s/s 106) and Kommetdieding in the Cape Mile. The fluent manner of his victory, including a swift 34.75 second 600m – finish sectional, suggests that Justin

Bingwa has run ever -better speed figures of 99 – 104 – 106, and now 108 in winning the Onamission Mile (Grade 2) at Turffontein on Saturday. The son of Pathfork was particularly well ridden into a handy position from draw 14 by Chase Maujean who, together with trainer Dorrie Sham, must take plenty of credit for a finely- executed campaign. Astrix got a perfect trip and ran right to his regular rating of

Drakenstein Stud have been proven very wise to source USA sire, Trippi, (a winner of the Grade 1 Vosburgh Stakes when three-years-old,) as he’s gone on to do a great job since moving to South Africa. He was the Equus Champion sire of 2015/16 and has sired more than 80 stakes winners around the world. He also sports a fine winner to runners’ ratio of 80%. Those already sterling stats received a boost on

Ranking racehorses with accuracy is a lot harder than other sports, where outcomes tend to be more predictable over time. There is less fluctuation in the rankings of top football, rugby, cricket teams, for example, and even individual sports like athletics, golf and tennis have relatively stable hierarchies. Racing “chaos” is part of the game and can have us scratching our heads – witness the seasons-ending Champions Day at Ascot which threw up a

It’s been a while since this newsletter covered Gauteng racing in any detail, but some recent significant performances show that the Joburg Spring season is now fully underway with the better horses making an impact as the oddsmakers expect. Desert Miracle (speed score 97 +) was most impressive gapping her rivals at Turffontein on Saturday on her seasonal bow, priced up deep in the red. She had previously handed out a similar drubbing to

The Matchem and Diana Stakes were run over the same distance at Durbanville half an hour apart yet could not have been more different in terms of their race shapes. The winner of the former, Seeking the Stars ran extremely hard early and was decelerating at the finish whilst the field merely jogged along in the early stages of the Diana before sprinting down the straight, with none speedier when it counted than Captain’s

Seeking the Stars, (by Vercingetorix ex Schism), kept his perfect 1400m record intact when winning the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes at Durbanville on Saturday in a forceful display of front-running. He was expertly piloted by Anton Marcus, getting across adeptly from draw 11 then sustaining a strong gallop to outpoint stable mate, Silver Operator in the Weight for Age showdown. Sole three-year-old Cosmic Highway moved up menacingly down the inner but could not quite

One of the things that punters look for are horses suited to the distance. It would seem an obvious fundamental factor when studying the past performances. However, Daniel O Sullivan, an Australian form expert from the Rating Bureau suggests there is very little difference in betting profits in some widely accepted, conventional categories, including record over the distance. Horses with proven form at the distance may indeed win more often but the problem is

The month of September is when the better Gauteng based horses start prepping for the Highveld Spring season. MK’s Pride and Under Your Spell had competed with distinction at the top-level last term and they duly resumed with assured victories at Turffontein. The early pace is Mk Pride’s 1450m race was very slow, so it turned into a sprint down the straight. With his distinctive running style of head tucked towards his chest and

Both Stakes races over the weekend at Turffontein produced strong performances measured against the clock. An in-form Vaseem (speed score 100) won the Spring Spree for Roy Magner, with three-year-old Elusive Fort filly, Big Burn achieving a top figure of 104 in a close finish to the Ladies Stakes. She has done well previously in the Bloodstock SA Sales contests and was winning her third race here from four starts. Paul Peter and Warren

There are myriads of ways for arriving at a selection in a horse race. For some, it may be as simple as choosing the best weighted runner, following the top jockey, or picking a course and distance specialist with good recent form. Others may utilize very detailed decision models, aided by computer power and complex algorithms which consider multiple variables that affect race outcomes before spitting out ranked selections and an accurate odds line.

The Equus Award winners for 2021 were announced during the past week to celebrate the current peak level of thoroughbred performances in South Africa. As usual, some divisions were straight-forward with predictable winners selected unanimously, whilst others must have generated plenty of debate amongst the panelists and caused subsequent controversy/public argument. Regular readers of this newsletter have a good idea what it takes to win big races in SA measured by speed figures. To

A game as multi- facetted and with such a long history as horse racing, is rich in quotes. Entire books could be compiled based on the quirky, wise and significant words spoken by a cross section of personalities that have contributed to the sport’s legacy. Below are a few to enlighten us - or just draw a knowing chuckle:  This sign is currently posted in the weighing room at Kenilworth: “A good jockey doesn’t

Knicks Go won the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes at storied Saratoga racetrack on Saturday with a dominant front-running tour-de force. Challengers moved up to him and he looked briefly under siege only to rebreak and draw clear. World class dirt horses with such a running style are very difficult to beat – they make their own luck out front sustaining a good gallop then find an extra gear when challenged. Knicks Go had previously

Jet Dark (speed score 110+) confirmed the merit of his Queen’s Plate victory over high class older horse, Rainbow Bridge, when winning the G1 Champions Cup at Greyville on Saturday at a distance of 1800m. He produced a big finish in the centre of the track to defeat a consistent and gallant contemporary in Catchtwentytwo (s/s 109) with Do It Again (s/s 109) and Got the Greenlight next (s/s 107). Jet Dark is a

There was a slight lull in South African racing this weekend before the important season ending card at Greyville next Saturday where some of SA’s divisional champions get a final chance to confirm their status. Thus, the meeting at Turffontein, Kenilworth and Scottsville featured only bread-and-butter type racing. Punters with an international focus were treated to marquee meets at Saratoga (an historic racing “shrine” and one of America’s most venerable tracks) and a stellar

The best quality racing was at Kenilworth this weekend where a couple of Grade 3 events were staged for fillies and mares, catering for sprinters and middle-distance horses. Phil’s Dancer (speed figure of 102, finishing ratio 102%) won the Champagne Stakes over 1200m, whilst Pretty Betty (s/s 97, finishing section 103%) took out the Final Fling Stakes. Both were heavily punted on Interbet on a day where bettors who followed the money got the

We don’t usually touch on breeding in this betting-orientated newsletter, but the passing of one of the greatest stallions of all time, Galileo is a sad, significant occasion to be marked. Coolmore made this announcement on Saturday, “Regretfully our world-renowned Champion Sire Galileo was put to sleep earlier today on humane grounds owing to a chronic, non-responsive, debilitating injury to the left fore foot.” Galileo sired five Derby winners – New Approach, Australia, Ruler

Freaky- good three year-old, Kommetdieding (speed score 112) won the 2021 Durban July on Saturday at Greyville’s “behind closed doors” meeting, beating off Linebacker (s/s 111) Got the Greenlight (s/s 111) and Do It Again (s/s 110.) It was a great triumph for stalwart trainer Harold Crawford and his daughter, Michelle Rix for not only picking this 50 Grand Elusive Fort “cheapie” off the Klawervlei Farm Sale, but then campaigning him with suss and

Continuing our weekly review of notable performances there were some fine efforts in Cape Town and Johannesburg to report, though next week all the main action shifts to KZN for the iconic Durban July meeting. Crimson King (speed score 99) bolted in to win the Pocket Power Stakes (G3) at a sodden Kenilworth whilst Marina (s/s 96 +) outclassed her opposition in the River Jetez Stakes. Both races were staged over 2400m, and were

During the Cape Summer, Silver Host (by Silvano) was flagged up as a most promising stayer by trainer, Justin Snaith. The very smart gelding is now making the expected progress, taking out the Track and Ball Derby at Scottsville over the weekend, earning a figure of 104, with the promise of more to come. He was chased to the line by Dream Destiny (s/s 103) who belied his meagre merit rating of 73 to

The 2021 Durban July is shaping up into a cracker with confirmed champion older horses pitted against extremely talented and progressive youngsters. On Saturday, one of the main fancies from the former group, Rainbow Bridge (speed score 110 +) justified short odds on under Luke Ferraris to beat off a classy representative of the three year old crop, Catch Twentytwo (s/s 109) in the G1 Gold Challenge @ Greyville. Catch Twentytwo was only defeated

Battle Force won his sixth race from 12 starts, and by far the most important one of his career, when landing the G1 Golden Horse Sprint carrying bottom weight of 52kg’s. He raced prominently on the crown of the Scottsville straight and just kept going to thwart Eden Roc’s inner rails rally with MK’s Pride and Captain Tatters in close proximity. Befitting a competitive handicap, the first six home were within a length of

The Daily News and Woolavington are both G1’s and vital July pointers for the three year-old crop, whilst the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup is a traditional indicator for upcoming Graded staying contests. These races were staged on Saturday at Greyville with the market getting all three spot on. Money movers Black Knap and Matterhorn scored 105’s when fighting out the Lonsdale; then favourites War Of Athena and Linebacker proved their superiority in the Woolavington and

The Winter Series has thrown up some seriously good horses over the years. It remains to be seen how Hoedspruit and Marina will ultimately turn out but they both delivered quality performances when scoring over 1800m at Kenilworth on Saturday. The fillies segment turned into a romp as Marina proved much the best, but Hoedspruit was life and death to get past Crimson King in a cliffhanger. Marina earned a speed figure of 100

She’s a Keeper (speed score 103) is on a roll and she stretched her winning streak to five out of six when zipping down the centre of the Greyville straight to take the WSB 1900. Her previous best of 105 attained in the Scarlet Lady gave her a big chance here off a low weight of 50kg’s, more so after the scratching of Belgarion, and she duly received strong market support. The daughter of

Vihaan’s Pie (speed score 100) was a surprising and, arguably fortuitous winner of the Grade 3 Pointsettia Stakes as a side-stepping Favorita seemed to cost herself victory in this 1200m dash for fillies and mares at Scottsville on Sunday. This was nevertheless a career best by the improving three year old daughter of Futura who upped her previous peak of 93 recorded in early March. Vihaan’s Pie is trained by Kumaran Naidoo and was

The first weekend in May is especially exciting for racing fans. Champions Day at Turffontein, and the Drill Hall Stakes plus both Guineas at Greyville are highlights here in SA, whilst followers of racing around the globe saw Bob Baffert’s front-runner Medina Spirit take out the Kentucky Derby and 79 year- old, Jim Bolger’s entry, Poetic Flare, “the most complete racehorse I’ve ever had,“ sneak home in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in the

“Pace makes the race” is an old racing maxim which still holds true. Of course, the tricky challenge is to anticipate beforehand what will unfold – accurately compiled speed maps based on the running styles/pace profiles of each entrant can help punters visualize how the race will unfold, then bet accordingly. Doing pace analysis afterwards can also help us interpret what happened. For example, in the Variety Club Mile at Kenilworth, front-runner FireAlley nearly

Deep odds-on favourite, Summer Pudding duly won the G1 Empress Club Stakes running up to the same figure of 108 that she obtained in her previous start and in the Summer Cup. She remains unbeaten in nine outings at Turffontein and is compiling a formidable record up North. Hardy mare, Running Brave finished second (s/s 107) after challenging late, with Lady of Steel and pace-setter, Wisteria Walk getting 103’s. Horseplayers are a contrarian breed

The Grand National is one of the world’s most iconic races – steeped in history and, indeed, controversy. The Aintree course and fences have been changed to make it somewhat safer and appease animal rights activists. Those alterations appear to have done the trick. Minella Times won the 2021 vintage, handled superbly by Rachael Blackmore who became the first woman jockey to score in this still arduous test of equestrian skill and stamina. After

Racing is often complicated and difficult to predict, yet, at times it works out exactly according to the script when the best horses win for fun. That was the case at Turffontein on Saturday as Malmoos and War of Athena again asserted their dominance over Highveld contemporaries, just as the majority of punters expected. In winning the G1 SA Derby and G2 SA Oaks, Malmoos (Mike de Kock) and War of Athena (Paul Matchett)

Summer Pudding (s/s 108) put her Cape Town fail in the Paddock Stakes behind her with an emphatic victory in the G2 Colorado King Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday. After the pace- makers dropped out, she ambled through a 300 – finish come home sectional in 18.04 seconds to easily beat Divine Odyssey and Heart Stwings. Both the placed horses merited speed figures of 105. Summer Pudding has won 10 of 11 races including

Trainer Sean Tarry hit top gear on the Highveld on Saturday making four visits to the No 1 box. Included in the sequence were impressive winners, Seehaam and Tropic Sun, of the Listed Jacaranda Handicap and Sycamore Sprint (G3) respectively. Seehaam had caught the eye with a fast finish after being hopelessly wide behind Wylie Wench in the Acacia Handicap, and was backed at her follow up as if the result was known in

One of the most exciting things for all participants in racing is unearthing new talent. Trainer Stuart Pettigrew is developing one such up and coming sprinter, Vars Vicky to become hot property on the Highveld. This three year- old Var gelding out of Captain Al mare, Seminole was bred by Gary Player Stud, and is building a justifiably big reputation after completing his fifth win from eight starts on Saturday. He has been bought

Malmoos (speed figure 107) is on track to win the SA Triple Crown after producing a career best in the second leg – the SA Classic over 1800m at Turffontein. Apart from an aberration in the Cape Guineas, this son of Captain Al has won all of his six other starts, repeatedly attaining figures in excess of 100. Trained by Mike de Kock, he is high-class, consistent and game. The handsome bay was again

If ever a horse deserved a breakthrough win, after four consecutive close seconds in feature races, it was Linebacker. And he duly got his just reward in the G1 Cape Derby when comprehensively out-finishing all rivals. Despite being by a speed sire Captain of All, Linebacker proved he loves 2000m, earning an excellent speed figure of 107 with an impressive come home sectional ratio of 108%. He was perfectly handled by Grant van Niekerk,

Malmoos (speed figure 102) and War of Athena (s/s 100) won their respective G2 Guineas races at Turffontein to confirm excellent past performances against the best of their contemporaries. The former was well handled by Luke Ferraris in the colts’ version to race handy then, despite hanging, stave off the jinking stretch run of Catch Twentytwo (s/s 102) with Copper Mountain back in 3rd. Malmoos threw in a rare clunker in the Cape Guineas

One of the major developments for modern horseplayers is being able to watch and get a bet on all around the world. This past weekend there was big jump racing in the UK, lucrative prizes in Saudi and G1 fare in Hong Kong to complement the usual local meetings and Australian/Singapore/U.S.A menus. 20/1 shot Mishriff upset the world’s most valuable horse race, the 20 million U.S.D. Saudi Cup. Prepared in snowy Britain by master

The strong Guineas meeting that we were looking forward to at Turffontein was postponed till next weekend due to heavy rains, leaving Kenilworth as the stand- alone card. The best two performances were saved till last – Speed Machine (speed figure 97) and Irish Morning (s/s 99) were heavily backed favourites that won Races 7 & 8 untroubled. Speed Machine had a facile victory over Cape Guineas winner, Russian Rock to his credit before

Rainbow Bridge (speed figure 114) added to his excellent record in the Met (won in 2019, 2nd in 2020) by coming from last and overcoming a traffic squeeze to win it again this year. Favoured, Belgarion (s/s 112) had also made a big move from the back of the field and looked a winner entering the last 200m but could not withstand the powerful finishing burst of Rainbow Bridge on the stand side rail.

Second Base came from the back of the field with a smooth run to take the Sea Cottage Stakes, a Grade 3 at Turffontein. He has run as high as 101 before and sidled in with a figure of 96 ++ this time. Other than dipping out in his second career start, behind Copper Mountain, the son of Gimmethegreenlight has won all his other starts with ease. Trainer Janse van Vuuren will no doubt

One of the biggest gambles in racing is buying a horse. It takes a real leap of faith to spend significant sums of loot on an untried yearling based purely on pedigree and appearance/conformation. Buyers with hefty budgets try boost the chances in their favour by focusing only on the best- bred youngsters without physical faults, yet there are no guarantees. Indeed, some of the most expensive yearlings turn out to be slow-pokes and

Running Brave (speed score 104), War of Athena (s/s 104) and Catch Twentytwo (s/s 101) make it on to our highlights reel for the past weekend, after putting up notable performances at Turffontein. Running Brave is an inexpensive Brave Tin Soldier mare trained now by Frank Bronkhorst. She is a very game pace- forcer that repeatedly runs between 104 and 107 in the distance range between 1600m and 2000m. She fought off the challenge

Trainer, Dean Kannemeyer won the Cape Guineas for a sixth time last week with Russian Rock and followed up by providing more Xmas cheer to stable supporters in Durban when Mount Anderson (speed score 96) clinched the Xmas Handicap at Greyville on Saturday. It was a tough struggle round the 1600m course before the son of Vercingetorix was able to put away the persistent challenge of Mr Fitz, with Baby Shooz close up in

The three Stakes races at Kenilworth could not have been more different from both a results and pace perspective. Unconsidered outsider, Russian Rock, trained by Guineas record holder Dean Kannemeyer, was an extreme bomb result in the historic G1 at an SP of 100/1; Nexus was a middle pin at around 6/1 in the G2 Peninsula Handicap; whilst Silvano’s Pride was supported into 18/10 favourite before winning the G3 Victress Stakes. And the pace

Kenilworth staged really top- notch racing on Saturday where purists were treated to significant winning performances by Belgarion (speed score 115) Celtic Sea (s/s 113) and Fillies Guineas heroine Captain’’s Ransom (s/s 98 +). The latter took care of her rivals in the G1 over 1600m without any undue bother, stalking a modest pace before accelerating clear of Princess Calla. She impressed in early October when defeating Clouds Unfold in the Diana Stakes and

Expressfromtheus attained a fine speed score of 103 when winning the WSB Grand Heritage over 1475m at the Vaal on Saturday. The What a Winter gelding is a difficult customer so accolades must be extended to trainer Stuart Pettigrew for getting the best out of this talented but way-wood thoroughbred. Jockey Marco van Rensburg followed precise riding instructions to the T and finished two lengths clear of Whorly Whorly (s/s 99.) The runner up

Quite remarkably, Summer Pudding (s/s 108) remained a perfect nine from nine when scoring a resounding win in the G1 Summer Cup over 2000m at Turffontein. Negatives such as carrying 59kg’s, starting from an 18 draw and churning through sticky ground could not scupper her bid to stay flawless. This heroic Silvano ex Cherry on the Cake filly, who seldom wins by far yet just gets the job done each time, completed her most

Expert trainer, Mike de Kock bought Malmoos down from Joburg to extend his unbeaten sequence, in the G2 Avontuur Estate Concorde Cup at Kenilworth and the son of Captain Al duly won the 1600m contest without too much bother. He received a perfect ride from Luke Ferraris, one back/on the rail in the box seat and warded off the challenge of a game, Linebacker easily enough. Malmoos has twice scored triple digit speed scores

Singforafa scored 105 when only just edged out by Celtic Sea and Run Fox Run in the G1 SA Fillies Sprint in July and she reprised that excellent effort in the Gardenia Stakes at Turffontein – though this time she came out on the right side of the photo. It was a tight run thing however as Potalo Palace’s daughter only just staved off True To Life who dashed through a 300m – finish

Sean Tarry stepped out accomplished sprinters in a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday with Eden Roc (s/s 106) just edging stable mate Chimichuri Run (s/s 105). Both have competed with distinction at the top level and should do well in upcoming Summer features over the short cuts. Pack Leader (s/s 103) was widely touted as the “sure thing” on the card and duly thrashed his opposition. The Philanthropist gelding has been consistent throughout

Malmoos (speed score 100+) won the G3 Graham Beck Stakes to stay perfect from three outings. He eventually wore down stable mate Forever Mine (s/s 97) after a long tussle. The son of Captain Al has now twice attained triple digit speed figures and is clearly top class whilst there was honour in defeat for his fellow Mike de Kock trained companion. The same trainer also saddled Silvano filly, Due Diligence (s/s 95) –

Princess Calla (speed score 98 +) won the G2 Western Cape Fillies Championship over 1400m after stalking the pace set by Trickster. Interbet sponsored trainer Adam Marcus has a very smart Flower Alley filly on his hands, evident in how easily Craig Zackey got her to sweep by the leader in mid- stretch. Princess Calla won on debut when heavily punted, then performed with credit when third in the G1 Thekwini Stakes three lengths

Malmoos (s/s 101 +) was seriously impressive when romping at his second start, following up after an easy debut win. This son of Captain Al settled behind pace-setting Wine Tasting then drawing away to win comfortably. Any three year- old achieving a triple digit speed figure is worth following with conviction and master-conditioner, Mike de Kock looks to have something special here. Earlier, he also saddled Forever Mine (s/s 94) to win his second

Astrix (by Vercingetorix) took out a Pinnacle Stakes over 1600m at Turffontein in impressive style, recording a fine speed figure of 103. Placed fourth behind Ikigai in the G2 Gauteng Guineas earlier this year, he is a talented miler with upside potential. Fired Up (s/s 102) ran second in receipt of 4 kg’s – a solid effort by this son of Rock of Gibraltar. It was quite a tussle down the Turffontein straight as

Some quality performances heralded the start of spring around the country with Captain’s Ransom (speed figure 105), Eden Roc (s/s 105 +) Anything Goes (s/s 104 +) War of Athena (s/s 103) and Mount Pleasant (s/s 101) all winning smart races. Captain’s Ransom produced a swift finishing burst to nab Cloud’s Unfold in the G3 Diana Stakes at Durbanville. This high-class daughter of Captain Al has won 3 from 4 and is on track

UK racing journo, Ben Linfoot recently wrote an entertaining article in the Sporting Life, entitled, “The Year of the Long Shot.” Generally, between 4 and 9 horses per annum at odds over 100/1 win races in Britain but in 2020 already 15 have stunned the public. What has lead to such an unprecedented sequence of shock winners in the only seven months that racing has been staged so far this year? The reason is

When experienced horseplayers think back, I wonder what they would consider the most significant changes that have taken place affecting the betting scene, and if the game is more difficult or easier, as a consequence. What got me thinking about this was a fascinating chat with one of the bigger punters from decades ago (since retired) who recalled the paucity of form information conveyed way back then in the published race card/newspaper. Unplaced horses

Diligently researched ranking lists are useful, albeit inevitably controversial, ways to measure racing ability around the world. The thoughtful team at excellent website thoroughbredracing.com led by super-sussed analyst James Willoughby, are constantly updating their TRC Global Horse Rankings. Their current Top Ten looks like this, (in descending order): Enable, Ghaiyyath, Maximum Security, Stradivarius, Almond Eye, Love, Magical, Tiz the Law, Battaash and Beauty Generation. The rankings are fluid, influenced by shifting Racing Post Ratings

Bohica (s/s 102 +) overcame an extremely wide transit to win the Spring Spree Stakes @ Turffontein on Saturday. This son of Cape Town Noir has found form, pairing good score of 104 and now 102 at his most recent starts. He was chased home by Alramz (s/s 100) who tried gamely but lacked the winners turn of foot. Gin Fizz (s/s 100) received a positive ride from Callan Murray to go start to

The saying “things happen in threes” had unusual relevance in the 2020 Gold Cup when the three longest shots in a full field ran 1-2-3 around the Greyville circuit and held that order right to the finish, triggering a record quartet dividend of over 700K! Paths of Victory (traded at 100/1 on Interbet) went all the way to stave off Paybackthemoney (40/1) and Flichity by Farr (66/1) in a bomb result that pole-axed most

It pays to take special heed of a biased track, as conditions are affected after plenty of rain. That was the case at Kenilworth on Saturday, with the inside portion of the sprint course lengths quicker than the middle/outside, and handy types suited in races around the turns. Gainsford (s/s 83 +) set the trend by skating home along the inside rail far ahead of toiling rivals. Even though he was aided by the

Catch TwentyTwo achieved a neat figure of 95 when winning at Turffontein on Saturday at only his third start. Jockey Craig Zackey positioned the Elusive Fort gelding in the box seat before making an early move past game, pace- setting Red Ten (s/s 91). They went on to win fluently - with further improvement Catch 22 could be worth following. Keeping track of lines of form around the country is quite a task but

It was refreshing to hear the candid words of champion jockey Oisin Murphy after he got trapped in a rails pocket which gave Kameko no chance of escape in the Sussex Stakes at the tricky Goodwood track in the UK. He immediately conceded making a “jockey error,” and apologized to connections for the potential multi million pounds in breeding rights lost as a consequence of the miscue. Perhaps he was unduly harsh on himself

   It’s one thing when horses basically run themselves into form and do well. However, it’s quite another skill for a trainer to target a specific race months into the future, cleverly chose the right contests in the build up to protect the horse’s handicap rating and also ensure that the horse peaks for the big prize. That is the exceptional feat managed by Snaith Racing with Belgarion - the 2020 G1 Durban July

2020 DURBAN JULY over 2200m @ GREYVILLE GOLDEN DUCAT; 103 – 106 +. Cape Derby winner has done well subsequently up in KZN in the Guineas and Daily News. Consistent and game. Trainer Sands has made a subtle equipment change to his noseband to extract a quicker reaction from this classy middle- distance performer. Contender to perhaps get into the money with his efficient racing style from a low draw. Current Interbet ante-post odds

Running Brave (speed score 101) looked to be the sole front-runner in the KZN Breeders Mile and duly went all the way under Muzi Yeni. Lone speed horses are a threat at any distance, surface and any track, yet punters were deterred by her modest last two efforts, allowing Paul Matchett’s charge to start as a 35/1 outsider. Nexus challenged right down the straight with dual Fillies Guineas winner, Mississippi Burning also trying her

Whilst much of the emphasis in South Africa is on breeding speed-horses or Classic types, great satisfaction can be gained owning a quality stayer. The connections of Marchingontogether will vouch for that as their son of Pathfork has built on a good second in the SA 2019 Derby to win successive Grade 3’s this year. He received positive reviews after a last start win in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup at Greyville – this newsletter

Punters know all too well how tricky this game can be, yet even expert insiders can get foxed. After two moderate sprints at his debut and third starts, champion trainer Sean Tarry decided to campaign Warrior’’s Rest over further. He did pretty well, running a close third in the 1600m G1 Premier’s Champion Stakes at two and clocked in five lengths behind Surcharge (renamed Yulong Prince) in the G1 Daily News over 2000m as

Hawwaam (by Silvano) again proved his superiority by spread-eagling G1 opposition in the Champions Challenge at Turffontein. Closest to him, a respectful three and a half lengths adrift, was stable-mate Soqrat (s/s 111) with Tierra del Fuego (s/s 109) trailing further back in his wake. The winner possesses a few quirks and has somehow managed to get beat thrice from thirteen starts, but when fully focused is capable of exceeding scores of 117 which

Snaith Racing sent out two on Saturday that looked unstoppable at Greyville – Miyabi Gold and Belgarion – both duly got the job done with assured victories at odds on. Miyabi Gold, who towered above the rest of the East Coast field on official merit ratings, worked out a smooth trip just off the early tempo before rocketing clear in the home stretch. The daughter of Silvano does good work at Greyville as she

Eden Roc won the prestigious G1 Gold Medallion sprint last year at Scottsville and returned to the same happy stamping ground to burst past Invidia and win the G2 Merchants. The son of Var was right at the top of his generation at two and has trained on nicely under Sean Tarry’s guidance, but after a few flops over a mile tarnished his form, it seems sprinting is clearly his game. He earned a

Summer Pudding pulled off an historic feat in winning the Triple Tiara at Turffontein on Saturday when accelerating strongly away from pursuers, Pomander and Ballet Shoes. Bred by champion stallion, Silvano ex Cherry on the Cake, this high- class filly traded at around evens to complete a laudable sweep of the Fillies Guineas, Classic and Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks over 2450m. Plaudits go to trainer Paul Peter for having her in prime shape after the

Exultant took out yet another G1 (his 5th) when outstaying rivals in the Standard & Chater Cup over 2400m at Sha Tin on Sunday. He was fully extended to stave off Silvano’s son, Chefano and dogged stablemate, Furore as they all slogged through tiring stretch runs.The closing sectional reflected as a percentage ratio of overall time, (98,5%) provides a sure measurement that they were grinding it out late. Earlier, top sprinters Thanks Forever and

Investors talk with apprehension about “Black Swan” events – something so impossibly unlikely that the assumption is ‘it can’t possibly happen,”- until it does. Most horseplayers and sports bettors have become hardened by experience to never completely discount any eventuality, no matter how preposterous it may seem. We can all relate to leaving only a few horses off our tickets when spreading wide and getting blown out by a despised outsider. Or, soccer fans

Before making any bet, punters first arrive at a selection. That process can either be rudimentary or seriously complex. Examples of the former would be simply backing the top merit rated horse, or the soccer team that is positioned higher on the log than their opposition. On the other hand, computer syndicate team may crunch thousands of variables, weighing up each in precise, quantifiable detail, before deciding on their preferences in a horse race.

It has been a torrid week for SA racing. Hopes that tracks would reopen this weekend proved false when Government failed to give the green light, and there are still great financial challenges to be overcome with the business model of racing’s operations stretched past breaking point. The German racing authorities also got knocked back by government this week. Meanwhile, Irish fans are crossing fingers that racing, which falls under the auspices of the

Odds on favourite Exultant won the G1 QE11 over 2000m in Hong Kong, just as the masses expected, but it was a hard- fought victory. He battled to get past frontrunner Time Warp after a protracted duel and then required extra reserves to hold off his stable mate, Furore. Punters taking a short price were zapped when Beauty Generation got edged out in the G1 Mile. The favourite is, arguably, not the force he

All over the world people are grappling with an unprecedented public health crisis and a dramatic decline in economies curtailed due to the Covid -19 pandemic. Racing fans are hoping that their favorite game will resume in early May when the extended national lockdown might be is lifted. SA Government approval is still required - if racing gets the thumbs up it will be with rigorous restrictions, held behind closed doors and at halved

The Jackpot as a bet type has been around for a long time in SA. Called the Pick 4 in America and the Quaddie in Oz, it requires forecasting the winner of four successive races. With Interbet clients now able to bet into huge daily Quaddie pools in Australia, constructing smart Jackpot perms can be the key to bringing down some really big dividends. Please be aware that the betting unit is R1 and

Most horseplayers sense there is a home court advantage to betting on their local circuit where they know each horse’s respective abilities well enough, together with the nuances of the track and specific competencies of each trainer and jockey. The downside, however, of such a narrow focus is sometimes getting locked in to betting on unpromising cards. Nowadays, we can punt wherever racing is being held, practically all around the world. Obviously, we cannot

Punters are obviously familiar with wagering on the outcome of horse races or sports events but there is a weird sub-category of “proposition” or “side-bets” that can keep true gamblers entertained when more conventional wagering opportunities are lacking. Former England Cricket captain, Mike Atherton put together an illuminating read, “Gambling, a story of triumph and disaster,” which includes a “High Life” chapter detailing the propensity of 18th century British aristocracy to come up with

With SA racing on hold for the time being and most citizens subject to lockdown, this is an opportunity to catch up on some reading. Two excellent books crossed my desk recently and they are well worth sourcing. Pro gambler and writer, Barry Meadow’s The Skeptical Handicapper is a dense, technical treatise based on rigorous statistical analysis of 168 000 races in America that would appeal to hard core punters pursuing an edge. Meadow presents

SA racing continued over the weekend in spite of the Covid 19 pandemic. Full credit to all those hardy and determined participants who made it happen, enabling isolated, couch- potato fans to wager comfortably from home. It’s quite remarkable that Born to Perform has managed to win half of his 12 starts despite being such a sluggish starter. The grey Silvano gelding typically gives away a couple of lengths at the jump, then does

Soft conditions prevailed over the weekend at Turffontein, whilst the Durbanville track is currently hard and fast. These varying circumstances aided some horses and worked against others and are just another tricky piece of the puzzle form students battle to solve. The very fast Potalo Palace filly, Singforafa outdueled Che Bella as both recorded smart figures of 103 in the listed Bauhinia Handicap over 1000m. At the opposite end of the distance spectrum, Fayrooz

Summer Pudding (speed score 99+) was strongly fancied to win the Fillies Classic and duly got the job done for trainer Paul Peter, to remain unbeaten from five starts. The Silvano ex Cherry on the Cake filly is now poised for the Triple Tiara after seeing off the challenge of Marygold in Saturday’s 1800m G1 showdown. Summer Pudding has won all her starts by relatively narrow margins. Jockey Warren Kennedy believes she does just

Few casual racing fans truly appreciate the rigors of being a jockey which is a stressful and dangerous profession. Horseplayers are quick to criticize a woeful ride without quite understanding the difficulties of race-riding. Jockeys are subjected to serious pressure throughout their careers, with some handling the demands of their job better than others as many fall by the wayside. Sandile Mbele is a talented young rider who, like all of his colleagues, is

The Vasco/Khaya Stables day at the races is always well supported by indulgent fans having a good time, and the program was strengthened this year with five feature races. Golden Ducat prevailed after a duel with Sachdev to win the G1 Cape Derby and extend the extraordinary record of his dam, Halfway to Heaven - her first three foals, Rainbow Bridge, Hawwaam and now Golden Ducat (by Philanthropist) have all become G1 winners! Kasimir

The postponed Guineas meeting shifted to midweek at Turffontein yielded some sterling performances. Ikigai (by Vercingetorix) has received glowing write ups here recently, and he duly did the business in the G2 Gauteng Guineas, earning a figure of 99++. He finished powerfully as well and, with a deserving sectional upgrade, can probably run as high as 108! Heavily favoured, Summer Pudding (87 + has previously run 101) won the first leg of the Wilgerbosdrift

With the floods in Gauteng, fans will have to wait till Wednesday night for the two postponed Guineas’ to be staged at Turffontein. The absence of any action on the Highveld left the menu a bit thin, with moderate fields in Cape Town and Durban. Still there were a couple of useful performances. Calvary has run 103 before on the Greyville poly and he proved way to speedy for MR 98 rivals on Sunday,

Captain Al’s son, One World (speed figure 108) staved off Rainbow Bridge to win the G1 SunMet in dramatic fashion at Kenilworth on Saturday. Pacemaker Head Honcho fell away badly leaving these two, who had raced handy, to fight it out. 300m from the wire it appeared as if Rainbow Bridge would go on to score but One World is very brave and he fought back for a sterling victory. Race outcomes on the turf

Heavily punted, G G’s Dynasty managed a fine figure of 102 last time at Scottsville and duly doubled up in the Michael Roberts Handicap which was switched to the Greyville Poly after miserable weather up in KZN. Trained by Peter Muscutt, an integral part of the Interbet sponsored Crawford Racing Team, the bay made a telling move midway down the straight, worth a figure of 103. He was chased by Tristful, a consistent performer

Trainer, Candice Dawson and jockey, MJ Byleveld enjoyed four timers on Saturday in Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively. One of Dawson’s charges, D Árrivee (speed score 104) earned the highest figure @ Turffontein, motoring through from far off the pace with a 300m – finish sectional of 16.98 to beat off Tierra del Fuego (s/s 102) and Captain of Tortuga (s/s 102.) MJ won four in a row as The Cambo (s/s 84) Over

Vardy (speed score 106+) and Queen Supreme (s/s 100+) won the G1 Queen’s Plate and Paddock Stakes respectively at a sun-soaked Kenilworth. The closely-trimmed turf track was running quickly with both horses producing 600m-finish sectionals of 35.2 seconds. Vardy is trained by Interbet sponsored trainer, Adam Marcus, who is making a name for himself as a young, up and coming horseman. Queen Supreme’s conditioner Mike de Kock has won way more than 100 G1’s

Ikigai (speed score 101 +) was most impressive winning the G3 Tony Ruffel Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday. He raced handy then blasted clear to win by four lengths from Westlife (s/s 92). Alert handicappers who noted that he’d been running way above his official merit rating after good showings behind True to Life and ahead of Riverstown, pounced at the betting opportunity. This son of Vercingetorix has a very bright future! The G3

Jockey MJ Byleveld performed a rare feat at Kenilworth when riding all four legs of the Jackpot. The SP four timer worked out at odds over 20 000/1, with the official Tote Jackpot dividend declared being R24 286.00! Afterwards, the modestly spoken MJ said, “Some jocks work smart, but in my case it’s hard work and opportunity paying off.” Now close to 40 years old, Byleveld’s long been a middle of the log type of rider,

Ridden with positive intent from draw 11, Kilindini used stalk and pounce tactics to easily win the G1 Cape Guineas at Kenilworth. The son of Silvano can accelerate quickly and he used that to his advantage by making an early move from a handy position. On his Interbet sponsored podcast, trainer Brett Crawford exuded confidence beforehand, “Kilindini is a quality horse. He’s put up very good work and has enjoyed a perfect prep.” Crawford

Young trainer Adam Marcus savoured his best ever day when his charges Missisippi Burning and Vardy won the G1 Fillies Guineas and G2 Green Point Stakes respectively. And, Brett Crawford, who like Marcus, is also sponsored by Interbet and contributes stable info to this website with total transparency, got amongst the winners too. Run Fox Run blasted to victory in the G2 Southern Cross Stakes, Front and Centre strode clear in a Pinnacle Stakes

Zillzaal (speed score 105) went from start to finish under Dennis Schwarz to stave off the centre run of top weight Soqrat and win the G1 Summer Cup at Turffontein. The victor was trained by Sean Tarry, who is an expert at extracting peak efforts from his charges when it counts on big days. He also saddled third placed Al Mutawakel (s/s 105), with Queen Supreme (s/s 103) rounding off the quartet. A 28/1

The KZN Summer Challenge series took place at a foggy Scottsville on Sunday over 1200, 1600 and 1950 meters. Celebration Rock (speed score 89) won the sprint race, coming out fit after a ten week pause. He beat off the Mogok filly, Marsanne (s/s 88) who was already a three- time winner from only five starts. Merlin from Berlin clinched the 1950m contest, whilst the mile race fell somewhat fortuitously to News Stream (s/s

This newsletter usually focusses on the best of the weekend’s racing action, but a digression is in order given the return to races on Thursday of two of SA’s elite thoroughbred’s, Hawwaam and Celtic Sea. Hawwaam (speed score 108) resumed over 1200m at the Vaal and had no trouble defeating G1 sprinter, Chimichuri Run in an impressive performance. In the past he’s been beset by temperament issues which the top de Kock team are

There were three Graded races staged this weekend, with each race throwing up notable performances and good speed figures. Russet Air (speed score 104) took the G2 Cape Merchants, Summer Pudding (s/s 102) clinched the G3 Citizen Fillies Mile and King of Gems (s/s 101) produced a withering run from last to deny Sachdev (s/s 101) in the G2 Concorde Cup. Russet Air (by What a Winter) has been tried up to a mile

Old timers were accustomed to seeing high class horses lump heavy weights to victory. They would have enjoyed seeing Soqrat (speed figure of 108) tote 62kg’s when pulverizing rivals in the G3 Victory Moon Stakes at the Vaal on Saturday. This son of Epaulette has tangled with the very best around in South Africa, nearly capsizing Do It Again and Rainbow Bridge with outstanding figures of 113 and 114. He enjoyed a massive class

Mike de Kock unleashed a succession of high- class winners at Turffontein, including a stand- out performance by Barahin (s/s 111) in the Charity Mile. The Gimmethegreenlight colt swept past handy rival, Chijmes (s/s 106) to quickly put the result beyond doubt. He is developing into a pretty formidable racehorse in the distance range between 1400/1800 and was delivering a notable career best on Saturday over the mile trip. It was evident halfway down

Trainer Glen Kotzen celebrated an awesome weekend, striking a notable treble in the Racing Association Stakes with Viva Rio, a Grade 2 in Cape Town courtesy of emergent filly, Third Runway and again on Sunday in the Eastern Cape with convincing Algoa Cup victor, Cat Daddy. Chatting to Glen at Fairview, at a table laden with trophies, he paid tribute to his team who make co-ordinating such a multi pronged attack possible. Of Viva

A keen bettor called Shorty revealed one of his best betting angles to a punting friend which is to focus on recently gelded thoroughbreds. It can be a powerful indicator of improved performance as the horse suddenly becomes more manageable in training, changes physically and is more determined to race than before the operation. Charles, winner of a hot Pinnacle Stakes at Durbanville, is a case in point. The son of Trippi, out of

Soqrat ran huge figures of 113 and 114 during his three year-old campaign so his return in a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday was much anticipated. Ridden confidently to race handy under 62kg’s from a wide draw by Callan Murray, this classy colt had no trouble in holding off Like a Panther’s closing rally. Soqrat showed his well-being in this easy romp (s/s 100 ++) over a mile, and the son of Australian

“Class on the grass” is an enduring racing adage. Punters who swear by this maxim would have collected in both the G3 Diana and Matchem Stakes, where Front and Centre and One World proved best. Front and Centre duly disposed of Freedom Charter as the top two on official ability ratings fought out the finish at Durbanville. Helen’s Ideal was game back in third after setting comfortable early fractions but Front and Center, despite

Genuine speedball, Pacific Trader won the G1 Computaform Sprint back in May and he returned after being off track since then to sidle to an un-extended victory in a Pinnacle Stakes at Durbanville on Saturday. He has run super-swift figures of 111 and 113 in the past, though was not required to go as quickly (s/s 97 ++) against lesser rivals over the weekend. Belgarion accelerated past enterprisingly ridden Herodotus in the Listed Settlers

Claiming races form the bedrock of the American program. Connections set a value to their horse then enter it at an appropriate price level. This is a most effective way to ensure competitive racing as every horse is entered for sale at a specified, and most often, realistic amount determined by the owner/trainer, with no interference from any official handicapper. Before the race anybody can buy or “claim” the horse for the advertised price,

Over the years, this newsletter has focussed mainly on the best performances by South African racehorses. Highlighting thoroughbred merit using speed figures as the measuring tool is useful to all fans of the game, but particularly to help Interbet punters compile a list of horses’ worth following that may carry betting value soon after listing. Somewhat perversely, I thought of changing things up this week and writing about a few of the very worst

Early Spring is an important period for horseplayers with an eye to the future as they monitor the better three year- olds stepping out. Trainer Vaughan Marshall has won many Classic’s over the years and he unveiled two very promising youngsters this week. Black Knap destroyed a Maiden field with an eye-popping speed score of 100 at Kenilworth on Tuesday, and his other, Silver Operator (s/s 97) got beat by highly regarded older horse,

Favourite, Prince of Kahal and Angel’s Power shared honours in the G3 Spring Spree Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday. They each earned speed figures of 103 which was a best effort for Angel’s Power, though Prince of Kahal has run a touch higher (106 – 107) on a few occasions. Both got perfect trips racing handy from low draws before engaging in a nip and tuck finish, this whilst bad things were happening to

Whilst big things are happening in the Northern Hemisphere at York (witness wins by stars Enable, Bataash and Japan), Saratoga in the US and in France, August is typically a low-key month in South African racing. This follows the end of season awards and with horses having an easier time of it upon receiving their required vaccinations. Trainers and stable staff may also take short breaks and the program is less cluttered. This slight hiatus

Top trainer Sean Tarry sent out Culture Trip to be second on Thursday earning a figure of 90 behind The Sands. The Pomodoro gelding ran just two days later on Saturday at Turffontein and won a good race over Bien Venue, boosting his speed figure to 96. Punters are not used to handicapping runners with such close- up form and it begs the questions - what is the ideal gap between races? Answer -

Class droppers have a higher probability of winning than those rising in grade. Punters following that angle honed in on Saturday entries, Prince of Kahal and Wonderwall who were dropping into Pinnacle Stakes after previously competing in much stronger races. The son of Kahal ran two lengths off Pacific Trader and Chimichuri Run in recent Grade 1’s so was predictably odds on against a small field. He is one of the most consistent horses

The 18/10 favourite, Seattle Skyline (s/s 95) won the Flamingo Park mile quite comfortably from Happy Pills (s/s 90) and Phil’s Power (s/s 89). Formerly from Durban, Seattle Skyline has taken readily to the red Kimberley dirt, winning three of four starts there whilst trained by Sarel von Willingh Smit. The universal stat for favourites winning was generally accepted to be pegged at 33%, but evidence suggests that rate is climbing up to around

With so many fantastic performances from Greyville’s Champions Season Super Saturday meeting, it’s hard to know where to start the highlights reel! Fans saw many of the best horses from around the country competing in the various divisions. Some of the results confirmed the existing thoroughbred hierarchy in South Africa, whilst the pecking order was upset in other categories. 14/10 favourite Rainbow Bridge (speed score 113) just edged out Soqrat (s/s 113) in the

Kenilworth hosted two Grade 3 races on Saturday. Platinum Class (s/s 96 +, has run over 100 a couple of times) sauntered to a predictably easy win in the Final Fling Stakes. The Silvano filly has won seven of 19 starts with most of her successes coming between 1400 and 1600m but she had no problem finishing it off powerfully over an extra furlong. The Champagne Stakes fell to the intelligently ridden Nastergal (by

The racing scene was low key this weekend compared to what fans enjoyed at the recent Durban July. International sport was instead where awesome action unfolded with two of the greatest tennis players of all time clashing in another epic. Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer 13/12 after the first ever fifth set tiebreaker @ Wimbledon, (this after saving two Championship points), to lift the coveted tennis trophy. And, England rode some miraculous luck to

In a dramatic Durban July, Do It Again quickened best from midfield under a perfectly timed ride to snare rival Rainbow Bridge. The son of Twice Over made his move down the centre of the course, just as he did last year when downing Made to Conquer. It was a sterling performance under top weight, whilst there was honour in defeat for the admirable, Rainbow Bridge as well as three year-old, Twist of Fate,

Every now and then a race throws up a result so implausible that punters are left shaking their heads in bewilderment. Dharma’s 50/1 upset victory in the G3 Winter Derby was one such outcome that caught most horseplayers unawares.  Beaten nearly four lengths by Nexus in a Maiden contest in January, this one time winner with an official merit rating of 71 after a series of efforts in low grade handicaps was easily, and

Lucky Houdalakis has made a successful transition from jockey to trainer, something that is not simple to accomplish even though both jobs obviously require working with racehorses. Different skills are needed, which the bubbly and jovial but serious- about- his- job, Houdalakis evidently possesses.  Based on the Highveld, and only a rare participant in coastal races, he put together a canny raiding party on Saturday for the Scottsville meeting. Houdalakis trained the winner of

Horseplayers are an interesting breed. Dedicated to a fascinating yet, at times, maddening game, they bet on outcomes over which they exercise no control whatsoever. Sure, studying form conscientiously, updating handicapping research with proven, modern methods and using smart betting strategies elevates the pursuit above a pure chance gamble, but the horses can’t talk and jockeys make either inspired or dubious race riding moves totally independent of punter’s fervent wishes.  Perhaps it’s that strange

Do It Again (s/s 105 +), sired by Twice Over won the Gold Challenge after a tussle with Cirillo (s/s 104) and is perfectly teed up for another Durban July win as he tends to peak at his second run after a freshening. The year younger runner up tried his utmost but could not contain Do It Again’s more powerful finish. Rainbow Bridge was something of a let- down – not settling early then

Hawwaam accelerated best off a slow pace to easily win the Grade 1 Daily News at Greyville over 2000m. Twist of Fate tried hard but could not go with the star colt who produced a 24.8 second closing burst from the top of the straight. Speed figures wouldn’t work here given that the sluggish pace for much of the race affected the final time. However, Hawwaam’s previous bests of 113 and 116 confirm his

  Fans were treated to a sprinting feast of four Grade 1’s down the Scottsville straight on Saturday. It began with Miss Florida (speed score 91 and trained by Justin Snaith) sneaking home in the Allan Robertson to deny Sean Tarry’s Cavivar in a jostling tussle down the inside of the course. After that narrow reversal, Tarry was to dominate the rest of the program. The Gold Medallion went to his Var colt, Eden

  The Grade 2 Greyville 1900 has, in the past, yielded clues for the Durban July. Eyes Wide Open (speed score 104) snuck home this year in a blanket finish from Magnificent Seven, Made to Conquer and the filly, Fresnaye, who all scored 103’s.   It was a satisfying victory for Eyes Wide Open, who won the Cape Derby and ran as high as 110 as a three year old before being undermined by

  Brett Crawford has been winning big races all around the country over the past week and he added the East Cape Derby to the honours’ roll when Fort Wood colt, St Vladimir drew clear in that listed Fairview feature. The stable also cracked 100 wins for the season after Hudoo Magic (speed score 103) ran down companion Trippi’s Express (s/s 100) in a 1400m handicap at Scottsville. The winner, a son of Choisir,

  Punters who were anticipating top quality racing got just what they were hoping for from strong cards in both Durban and Johannesburg. Followers of this newsletter know that speed figures above 108 are achieved only in exceptional cases – often Grade 1’s in SA can be won by older horses with lesser scores of around 105. Three races over the weekend exceeded that high threshold as Hawwaam (speed figure of 113 in the

  One World (speed figure 104) again proved his fighting qualities when just prevailing over Vardy (s/s 104) in an exciting G3 Winter Guineas at Kenilworth on Saturday. Both are seriously high class three year- olds, and they went at it in a knock down brawl over the final 400m with One World (who has run as high as 112 before) rallying to get it on the bob. There was honour in defeat for

  Stormy weather up North curtailed the racing program over the weekend, with both the Turffontein and Scottsville meetings not quite making it through to completion. Ultra consistent six year old gelding, Silver Rose kept on to win the Highland Night Cup from favoured, Strathdon, then Miyabi Gold forged ahead to land the Scarlet Lady in slushy going from a late running, Sabina’s Dynasty.   Whilst diligently compiled speed figures are usually a very

  Australian wonder-mare, Winx going out on a perfect note with 33 consecutive Group wins, and a resurgent Tiger Woods coming back from personal travails and injuries to again win the Masters, are cases where things go according to “the script.”   But, every now and then something completely unexpected happens in sport – Camphoratus winning the G1 Empress Club Stakes is one such bolt from the blue. The daughter of Byword was an

There is an overlap between the ending of the Highveld season and the start of the KZN Winter program which provides horseplayers with good up-country racing during April. Greyville hosted two G3 contests for three year- olds: Temple Grafin (s/s 99) outran Santa Clara (s/s 98) in the Umzimkhulu Stakes then Tony Rivalland’s Tristful (s/s 95) got past front-running Solid Gold to win the Byerley Turk. Rivalland has been on the tear during the

The seriously high- class colt, Soqrat (Horse Chestnut Stakes), Pomodoro filly, Return Flight (Oaks) and Samurai Warrior (SA Derby) all raced handy before clinching big races at Turffontein, proving yet again that finishing powerfully after being on or near the lead are optimal tactics to win a horserace. That applies right around the world, and on any surface. In Dubai, XY Jet showed blistering speed to keep going in the Golden Shaheen on dirt,

Dark Moon Rising (s/s 103) snuck in-between slow-starter Matador Man (s/s 103) and a determined Roy’s Riviera (s/s 102) to clinch an exciting Kings Cup at Greyville’s Sunday meeting. The consistent son of Ideal World has provided plenty of fun for his connections whilst winning seven of 21 starts and attaining 7 places. He’s won over shorter and tried much further in the Gold Cup but appears at his utmost best around this mile

Run Fox Run (s/s 98) impressed with another fluent sprint win at Kenilworth on Saturday. Dominant on debut just three weeks ago, the Foxwedge filly put forth another commanding performance in a handicap and is definately one to follow over the short cuts. She was chased home by Racine (s/s 93), who is now running off a more realistic rating, so can pick up her second win pretty soon. Madame Speaker (s/s 97 +) has

Do It Again (speed score 115) produced a strong late surge to deny the three year- old Soqrat (s/s 114) in an outstanding Queens Plate performance with Rainbow Bridge (s/s 110) back in third. Undercover Agent and Legal Eagle, though well beaten, both attained 108’s which is usually good enough to win a G1 in SA and puts into perspective just how swiftly the top two ran. Both Do It Again and Rainbow Bridge

Pleasetomeetyou (speed score 101) got a glowing write up back in August after making an exceptional debut (s/s 100) over the Kenilworth 1000m trip. He followed up on that by winning the Sophomore Sprint, then twice failed to last home in 1400m and 1200m contests. Back over a fast 1000m, the Querari gelding proved too swift for a good field of youngsters. Only a low flying Russet Air (s/s 99, with a fast 22.2

Legal Eagle’s flawless record over 1600m was maintained, albeit in a desperate finish to the G2 Green Point Stakes where just a head separated the first four at the wire. This was the third year in succession that the son of Grey’s Inn has prevailed in this particular race, over his favorite distance. The champ generally runs around 113 – 115, but the slow early pace restricted the adjusted final time figure on Saturday

Carrying 52kg’s, Tilbury Fort (s/s 105) swept through to win the 2018 G1 Summer Cup at Turffontein over big outsider Dawn Assault and favoured Cascapedia with the top weight Coral Fever in fourth spot. Tilbury Fort was expertly prepared by trainer Sean Tarry, coming in fresh to produce a career best under Lyall Hewitson, who again showed intelligent judgement of pace.  Earlier, the same combo also won the G2 Merchants with Africa Rising (s/s

Rebels Champ scored 102 to win a competitive Pinnacle Stakes Sprint @ Scottsville. The chestnut has now won six of 18 races after having been well bought for just R10 000 at the CTS two year- old sale. Credit to Paul Peter for getting the best out of this unfashionable son of Rebel King, who ran a tremendous figure of 108 when dismissing Isphan in an October dash at Turffontein and carried 62kg’s to victory

Hawwaam got a mention in this column after a remarkable speed figure of 103 on debut. He made the expected improvement to land the Dingaans at Turffontein with an excellent number of 108. He is reportedly Mike de Kock’s best three year- old and now clearly a principal contender for further honours.  KZN raider, Thanksgiving scored 102 in defeat, proving no match for Hawwaam, but running gamely nevertheless. Green Haze (s/s 98) secured third

After a few postponements due to dodgy tracks and stormy weather the Grand Series finally took place at Turffontein on Saturday. Legs 1 and 2, together with the Consolation, were all hotly contested races, going down to photo finish verdicts. Soldier On (speed score 93) Tsitsikamma Dance (s/s 97) and Big Mistake (s/s 99) came out narrowly on top.  In Leg 1, Soldier On had to fight hard to stave off Dan the Lad

Domestic racing was limited this weekend to Greyville as there was nothing scheduled for Cape Town and the bulk of the Turffontein meeting got washed out by a dramatic Saturday afternoon thunderstorm.   Usually only notable speed figures are highlighted in this newsletter – but the KZN card did not yield anything out of the ordinary. Only a small percentage of the racing population perform in the upper echelons so dealing with mid- level mediocrity

Spring is a fun time for racing fans as this is when the better thoroughbreds start coming to the fore. Only a tiny percentage of the horse population will ever be good enough to contest Stakes races and identifying those youngsters improving sharply to be capable of competing at the peak level is part of the handicapping challenge.  One World and Rainbow Bridge are both high class animals. On my scale getting a score

Classy filly, Rose in Bloom (s/s 93 + has run 104 @ best) made a fluent start to her Highveld Spring campaign when zipping past Rings and Things (s/s 92) in an Assessment Plate at Turffontein. The Gimmethegreenlight filly has only won twice, yet has placed behind quality opposition like Magical Wonderland and Snowdance so has the capability of landing a significant feature.  Penny from Heaven, by Silvano, (s/s 92) has pulled up lame

Africa Rising is very smart on his day and he duly won a tight Pinnacle Stakes contest (speed score 100 +) over consistent, Arctica (99) before the Turffontein meeting ended prematurely due to a burst water pipe. In the preceding handicap race, Full Of Attitude (s/s 95) romped and looks worth following at the right class level.  Captain’s Girl (s/s 98) reverted back to her best, resuming after a layoff under Louis Goosen’s care.

The most remarkable story this weekend is the winning sequence sustained by Winx. Since May 2015 she has been perfect with 26 Stakes wins in succession, including 19 Group 1’s. I found this quote in Wikipedia most revealing. “Unlike many elite racehorses, Winx does not have a particularly long stride – her stride was measured at 6.76 metres (22.2 ft) compared to nearly 8.5 metres (28 ft) for Black Caviar and Phar Lap. Instead, her success

We seldom cover racing from Kimberley which takes place most Monday afternoon’s on the red dirt of Flamingo Park. Having different surfaces and varying strengths of competition provides useful alternatives for horses unable to shape in the major centres on turf or Poly, so Kimberley acts as a convenient outlet. Admittedly, some very weak horses fill these Northern Cape cards, which can be hazardous to punter’s wealth, but respect is due the hardy, salt

Andre Nel runs a sharp training set up for Sabine Plattner and they unveiled a very promising Querari colt, Pleasedtomeetyou at Kenilworth on Saturday. He stretched clear with a good closing burst to record a monster speed figure of 100 on debut – a rare accomplishment. To put the performance in perspective, Pleasedtomeetyou’s closing fraction was similar to very talented filly Angel’s Trumpet in a Pinnacle Stakes, and in a final time faster than

Grade 1’s galore boosted excitement at Greyville on Saturday with Return Flight (s/s 96) Soqrat (s/s 95) Will Pays (s/s 98 +) and Captain America (s/s 110) being honoured.  20K bargain Pomodoro filly Return Flight made a race-winning early move under Anton Marcus to lift the Thekwini Stakes for juvenile fillies, then Soqrat proved way superior in the Premier’s Champion Stakes for young colts. Soqrat had run to an excellent figure of 100 behind

Consistent Gimmethgreenlight filly Beataboutthebush (speed score 98) is a proven winner, having scored in close to half her 19 starts and she added the Listed East Cape Paddock Stakes to her resume. It was a close run thing, however as she just got the better of Smokey Affair (s/s 98). The two-time winning runner up last saw the Number 1 box 653 days ago, but ought to be capable of adding to that based

Sprinters were the main focus of attention this past weekend with some good performances being noted. Sniper Shot (speed figure 105) won the Grade 2 Post Merchants, producing a well-timed finish to get past Black Cat Back (s/s 104) who is one of the most reliable, pace-pressing horses around.  Sniper Shot is a real credit to the diligence of trainer Paul Lafferty, erudite host of the entertaining Winning Ways racing show. The Judpot gelding,

Cynics may decry playing the horses as a “mugs game,” which is a fair assessment for the majority of recreational players who treat it as a form of entertainment that comes at a cost. Winning horseplayers do exist, however – they’re in a small, elite minority and even the best of them humbly acknowledge it’s a very hard gig to get right over the long term. Like most participant sports, there are many who

Most favourites and well bet horses that win are simply much the best. There are not many angles or special factors behind their predictable victories. They’re just faster than their rivals when racing under optimal circumstances. Long shot victors are different, however. It requires more creative delving into the past performances to anticipate these types of winners that occur so infrequently due to the weird convergence of subtle factors which bring about bomb results.

Odds-on favourites generate a special fascination among bettors, carrying the hopes of many, yet with a serious downside should they get rolled. This applies both in the fixed odds market and on exotic tickets, where they are commonly used as bankers, and raises the question -Is it possible to make proper money backing at short prices? Odds are simply percentage probabilities converted into prices. Even money reflects a 50% chance, 6/10 carries a 62%

Four Grade 1 sprints were held at Scottsville on Saturday, attracting the best thoroughbreds from around the country, leading to excellent performances.   The top speed figure of 111 was earned by a son of Bold Silvano, Bold Respect, when he galloped his rivals into submission in the Tsogo Sun. He’d run a 110 down the same straight course a month ago and really is a high class young speedball. Brett Crawford tried him over

Two Grade 1’s took place at Greyville on Saturday with Oh Susanna (speed score 100+) and Surcharge (s/s 108) proving best in the Woolavington and Daily News respectively.  Oh Susanna seemingly towered above the opposition, having scored 113 in the Met, but was unsettled early in a slow run affair. She took the whole length of the Greyville stretch to beat off the persistent attentions of Fiorella (s/s 99) and Lady in Black (s/s

Early May is a stimulating time in South African racing with stellar fields entered in Joburg on Champions Day, two Guineas’ being run in Durban and even some quality juvenile action in Cape Town.  Coral Fever (speed score 110) has been a revelation since wearing blinkers and he got a deserved Grade 1 when fending off a revitalized Abashiri (s/s 109). The runner up came back to the best form since landing the Triple

Whilst Cape horses are running on bone-jarringly firm ground (pen at 19mm), weekend meetings on the Highveld and in Pietermaritzburg were cut short due to thunderstorms and rain- softened turf considered too dangerous for participants. Before the meeting was aborted, Return Flight (speed score 83+) romped in by a steeplechase margin at Turffontein and is obviously headed for better things. In the following race, Matador Man (s/s 101) moved through from last to outpoint

Lobo’s Legend (speed score 105) won the Grade 1 SA Classic at Turffontein, downing favoured Surcharge (s/s 103) who ran gamely from a wide barrier. Regular readers know the value of a triple digit speed figure for three-year-olds, so it was a most laudable effort by Joey Soma’s Trippi gelding. Placed runners, Like a Panther and Noble Secret both managed 102’s and should enjoy productive careers. Undercover Agent (s/s 107) took advantage of a

FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH WITH MARK VAN DEVENTER Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. If you would like to listen to tips and race previews ahead of Durbanville racing today, Click the button that says Listen To Podcast below and press play! Hurry, the first race is off at 13:05! LISTEN TO PODCAST Whilst big money and global racing interests were focused in Dubai for the World Cup meeting, domestic Grade Two

Starting with Carlita recording a smart speed figure of 95 in winning the Nursery at Fairview on Friday, there were other good efforts in South African racing this weekend.  Silvan Star (s/s 97+) and Gimme Six (s/s 95+) completed a Cape sourced exacta in a Pinnacle Stakes at the Vaal. Both fillies have attained triple digit numbers when at a peak and are being teed up for lucrative Highveld features.  Shortstop (s/s 96) is

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 by the "Beast from the East," racing has not come to a complete stop, with meetings being staged in snow-storms, torrential

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 good sprint performance on the day. She eked out a narrow victory in in the Gold Rush Sprint, just edging

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 Crusade over five lengths back at the finish. Takingthepeace (s/s 92 +) used a good turn of foot to sweep

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, Right Royal Diva > was also held in high esteem by connections, until her racing career was > abruptly ended

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 both getting 99's when dead-heating for fourth. These are very useful speed figures and all those mentioned could play a

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 a minor feature on the Greyville Poly on July Day, there was however little indication that the son of Western

  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. I did a TV gig with Andrew Bon in early October to be flighted on Telly track this week attempting

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 quality information is stronger than ever. The online facilities offered by Interbet for tote and fixed odds have a significant

"Last week, Brett Crawford cleaned up in the Cape. This time around Justin Snaith struck a five-timer at Durbanville with four piloted by Richard Fourie, who is riding with panache at present. Very promising, Bishop's Bounty (speed score 97) Pete's Girl (s/s 71) Cock a Hoop (s/s 86) A Time To Dream and Overshadow (s/s 90 +) formed part of Snaith's haul. A Time To Dream raced handy to win a strong Allowance Plate for fillies prepping

Lanner Falcon (speed score 104) won the Grade 2 Diadem Stakes at Kenilworth, with her customary burst of acceleration from off the pace proving decisive. Gulf Storm had gone easy up front, but was unable to match the finishing surge of the Trippi mare. "She felt amazing today, and is a special one" enthused jockey Grant van Niekerk afterwards, an understandable comment given that he has ridden her to all eight career wins. Credit to