Muscutt Sending String Of 25 To Cape Town
Peter Muscutt will be sending a string of 25 horses down to Cape Town for their Cape Summer Season.
Considering a total of only 26 horses raided Cape Town last season, Muscutt’s news provides immediate proof that the incentives put in place by Cape Racing to attract out of province campaigners is going to have the desired effect.
The exciting What A Winter four-year-old sprinter Isivunguvungu will be among Muscutt’s campaigners.
This strapping gelding gave the Hollywood Syndicate their 100th winner of last season and did so in impressive style.
Held up just off the pace in the Listed MWOS Umngeni Handicap over 1000m on the poly, he burst through a gap under Richard Fourie and powered home to win by 3,20 lengths.
He has consequently been raised from a 103 merit rating to 110.
That might still seem too low for him to be considered a player in the Pongracz Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship.
However, that last start proved that the minimum 1000m trip is his game and that the best has likely not been seen of him yet.
In three starts over 1000m he has won two of them and finished a narrow second to a Grade 1 winner in the other.
Good Traveller beat him by 0,70 lengths in a 1000m contest on the poly and has gone on to finish a close second in the Grade 2 Post Merchants over 1200m and a 2,65 length fifth in the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint.
Isivunguvungu, whose name given by former Springbok rugby player Odwa Ndungane means “storm”, was receiving 5,5kg when beaten by Good Traveller but that was only his fourth career start. He has plenty of scope and should come into his own this season.
Muscutt has probably the highest rated maiden in the country in the three-year-old Captain Of All gelding Captain Bombshell, who finished fourth in the Grade 1 Golded Medallion, before finishing a 2,60 length sixth in the Grade 2 Epol Umkjhomazi Stakes over 1200m.
The 103 merit rated youngster finished 1,20 lengths behind his promising stablemate Formagear (Querari) in the latter race.
They will both be on the float and their best distances will soon be discovered.
Bevie’s Delight (Vercingetorix) is a maiden who is obviously held in high regard, because she found some support at long odds in the Grade 2 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper over 1400m, and finished a not disgraced 2,95 length seventh. She showed a good turn of foot from a handy position but was then swamped, so the step down to 1200m for the Grade 2 Prosport Debutante over 1200m seemed like the right move. However, she had to be dropped out to last after jumping outward from a wide draw and was never in it.
She will also be on the float and so will the promising four-year-old Dynasty gelding Imilenzeyokududuma, who won impressively over a mile last weekend and has been raised to a 90 merit rating.
Most of the horses on the float will be unraced two-year-olds.
However, considering the incentives in place Muscutt has little to lose and everything to gain.
Cape Guineas Stake Increased To R2 Million As Hollywoodbets Step In
Hollywoodbets To Sponsor the Classic of Kings
Hollywoodbets Press Release
Widely acknowledged as South Africa’s premier classic, the stakes-boosted R2 million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas will headline a bumper feature programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, on Saturday, 17 December 2022.
Sponsored for the first time by Hollywoodbets, the prize money for the time-honoured 3yo clash has been increased from R750 000 in 2021 to R2 million for the much anticipated 2022 renewal.
The mile showdown of the super sophomores will thus be contested for an all-time record stake at the height of the Cape Summer Festival.
Run at Milnerton for the first time in 1955 as the Cape of Good Hope Guineas, the Cape Guineas has been a proud platform of champions and a stallion-maker over many decades. Modern-day winners of the classic include champions of the ilk of Horse Chestnut, Jet Master, Captain Al, Variety Club and Capetown Noir, to mention a handful of equine stars.
With a host of visiting trainers from all corners of South Africa expected to follow the glorious Cape summer sun, the substantially increased stakes, and the innovative attractions of the RaceCape incentive, the fairest Cape is set for a bumper season of high-class horseracing.
“We are thrilled that Hollywoodbets have again stepped forward to inject their power brand of magic into one of the great feature events of the Cape Summer Festival. The substantially increased stakes prize of R2 million makes the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas the richest classic race on the national calendar and we can be assured that every top 3yo in South Africa will line up on 17 December,” said Head of Cape Racing Operations, Justin Vermaak.
The Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas undercard includes two key supporting races in the R400 000 Gr2 Hollywoodbets Peninsula Handicap, with prize money increased 100% from R200 000 in 2021, and the R250 000 Gr3 Hollywoodbets Victress Stakes, which has also been boosted 100% from the R125 000 stake in 2021! This superb raceday will also feature the R200 000 Commonwealth Cup Plate and the R200 000 Summer Coronation Plate, which will be run for the colts/geldings and fillies respectively, at juvenile plate conditions.
Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Manager, Devin Heffer said: “As the purple brand expands its horse racing coverage in the Cape, developing a feature day to match the likes of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate and the WSB Cape Town Met is a challenge the Hollywoodbets team is ready to tackle.
“For us this will be our first Grade 1 feature day in the Cape, and it’s exciting that we get to leave our mark on another prestigious race day. We are privileged to be in a position where we are able to invest back into a sport that we are so passionate about, and we look forward to making it a day that will be memorable for the punting public, families and racing’s stakeholders.
“Increasing the stakes to R2 million reaffirms our belief in the quality of this race, and the prestige that comes with winning it. You only get one shot at the Guineas, and it’s right that the winning connections get duly rewarded. We will be looking at including other partners to join us in the naming of races, as we did for the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, and we will announce these in due course.”
Entries for the R2 million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas open on 6 December 2022.
Devonne Govender’s Affinity With Mauritius Sensation Walls Of Dubrovnik
Budding Gold Circle commentator Devonne Govender has become a bull signal for the former Mike Miller-trained and now Mauritius-based horse Walls Of Dubrovnik.
Devonne revealed, “In my first ever live race commentary Walls Of Dubrovnik won. A month later I commentated his next race and he won again.”
Devonne has recently been given the role as Mauritius commentator for Gold Circle’s Gallop TV and has been commentator for both of Walls of Dubrovnik’s races this season, both victories.
Devonne entered SA racing through an unusual door.
He was selected as one of the harness racing jockeys when an attempt was made to get that sport off the ground out here.
Earlier, his father had landed a year long contract in New Zealand as a Telecommunications Engineer.
They lived next to a harness racing track and there were televised harness race meetings in New Zealand everyday.
“We had it in our faces 24/7”, said Devonne. Not that he was complaining. He loved it.
After passing the selection tests to be a harness racing driver, he was enrolled in the South African Jockeys Academy (SAJA) in order to learn stable management and other equine skills.
It was here that his aptitude for commentating became apparent.
He said, “The apprentice jockeys used to be shown the video replays of their rides after the races back at the Academy. We started then turning the volume off and I would commentate the races!”
Devonne’s time in the Academy coincided with Keagan de Melo, JP van der Merwe, Donovan Dillon, Ant Mgudlwa, Hennie Greyling, Teaque Gould, Julius Mariba, Jarryd Penny, Vikram Sola and Jaswick Jordaan and he built many good friendships.
Devonne spent a year at Summerveld working with the Summerveld based harness horses. He drove in four of the KZN Premier’s First Harness Challenge series of races.
In conjunction with SAJA, he was then offered an opportunity to do a year of training in Australia to obtain his international racing licence – which he still holds.
“During this time I time was based at Byford Harness Racing Complex, a premier Harness training facility in Western Australia. I was hosted by a number of licensed trainers. Trevor Warwick, multiple champion trainer/driver in Oz and America, was my mentor and Driving Master. When I was initially licensed as a Cadet Driver I was allowed to drive in trial races, where I did very well. Following the requisite number of approved trial drives, I was awarded a professional license, which enabled me to drive in races, excluding Friday night meetings at Metropolitan tracks.”
Devonne also spent approximately six months with Aldo Cortopassi Pacing Stables.
During this time he performed the duties of a stable hand and track work driver and was involved in all aspects of general stable duties, including stable management and daily routines.
“I learnt so much- from feeding up in the morning, jogging horses, exercising horses on the horse-walker, grooming, washing horses, preparing them for races as well as maintenance of the stable area, gear etc. I then spent four months at Noel Keily’s Pacing Stables. Mr Keily, who had 35 horses, specialises in training and breaking-in of younger horses – yearlings and two-year-olds. Some of my duties included track work driving, assisting with the breaking in, exercising of young horses for the first time on a horse walker, preparing horses for races, gearing and ungearing of horses at races. My 12 months training with RWWA was completed and I returned to South Africa in September 2013, with a whole world of understanding, knowledge and basic experience of these wonderful animals – plus that teenage ambition nurtured in New Zealand,” he recollected.
Harness racing never got off the ground here and Devonne landed a position in the National Racing Bureau.
He later joined the GC media team.
He said, “I play a diverse role in the media department as Sub-Editor, designer and Gallop TV Presenter and commentator.”
He often turns down the volume of the Publishing Department’s TV to practice his commentating.
He used to practice his live commentating in the room next to the Hollywoodbets Greyville commentary box armed with his binoculars.
His commentary career began by calling barrier trials and he was then given the odd Hollywoodbets Greyville race to do. He jumped at the recent offer to call Mauritius racing.
Devonne always does his homework meticulously before presenting or commentating and has a great passion for the Sport Of Kings.
He models himself on Terry Spargo and his favourite Australian commentator Chris Barsby.
His mentor at GC is Graeme Hawkins.
Devonne is at the GC studios at 9:30 a.m. to prepare for the Mauritius races, which usually start at 10h30 on Saturdays. He can be heard on Gallop TV for every Mauritius meeting.
His wealth of industry and equine knowledge stands him in good stead. He added, “I have been told by many trainers I’ve worked for that I have the ‘Master’s Eye’ for racing. Other professionals have given my voice and elocution the thumbs up.”
Meanwhile, the Shyam Hurchand-trained Walls Of Dubrovnik has been a sensation in Mauritius, where he has won all seven of his starts.
The famous Mauritius racing family, the Gujadhurs, had an incentive to buy him after he had finished fourth in the Grade 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes over 1100m.
When his sire Fencing Master arrived in South Africa in 2016 his stallion manager David Allan of David Allan Bloodlines announced Fencing Master’s three best black type two-year-olds conceived in 2016 would receive respective bonuses of R500,000, R300,000 and R200,000.
Walls Of Dubrovnik could only manage ninth in the Listed Gatecrasher Stakes in his first start for the Gujadhurs, but after a good third in a strong Non-Black Type event he appeared to have a fine opportunity to land the R500,000 bonus in the Listed Champion Juvenile Cup at Fairview on the last day of the season.
Alas, nothing went right for him and he finished unplaced.
However, he has made amends in no uncertain terms for the Gujadhurs in Mauritius and is fast becoming a celebrity.
Tattersalls Sales Dates In 2023
Tattersalls is the main auctioneer of race horses in the United Kingdom and Ireland and below is a list of their sales dates for 2023.
Hollywoodbets Durbanville Formguides And Selections
www.attheraces.com
1 13H15 – Hollywoodbets Durbanville Welcomes You Maiden Special Weights
Competitive opener. MAX THE OTTER caught the eye on debut when staying on well in the finish over 1000m and should, with natural improvement, have more to offer with the extra distance also likely to suit. Stablemate CHARLIE MALONE is better drawn and has the benefit of greater experience. He was 2nd over track and trip behind an exciting 3yo and need only reproduce that form to fight out the finish in his peak outing. MASTER POINT and STRATOSPHERIC could make their presence felt if overcoming wide draws. Respect market support for newcomers HAKAS KRAKAS, REMEMBER MY NAME and CHAMPION WARRIOR.
Top Tip: DONDER STORM (2)
Watch out for: CHARLIE MALONE (5)
2 13H45 – www.taboline.co.za Maiden Special Weights (F & M)
I’LL SLIP AWAY was 4th over track and trip in a competitive maiden just 10 days ago under 58kg and ought to better that result on these terms from an inside draw. STRAWBERRY LIGHT was on debut when finishing behind that rival to whom she now concedes 3.5kg. She should, however, make natural improvement and is one for the shortlist. HEAD GIRL caught the eye on debut when staying on over 1000m, suggesting the step-up to this trip with that experience under the belt will suit. ANA IN SEATTLE and HUNDREDFIFTHAVENUE are likely improvers who could get into the picture.
Top Tip: I’LL SLIP AWAY (2)
Watch out for: FUTURE CONTRACT (3)
3 14H15 – Racecape Powered By Hollywoodbets Maiden Special Weights (F & M)
Tricky. RED KITE had threatened to exit the maiden ranks before a layoff and while unlikely to be fully fit on her return, needn’t be in this line-up, and from a good draw could stake a claim. Forward showings from I’ll Slip Away and Strawberry Light in the preceding event should bode well for the chances of likely improver CHIQUITA BANANA who ought to have more to offer stepped up in trip and with the benefit of a run under her belt. SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL, HEAR MY VOICE and LA MAS BELLA disappointed in recent starts but are capable of better and would be competitive if bouncing back to earlier form.
Top Tip: RED KITE (1)
Watch out for: CHIQUITA BANANA (3)
4 14H50 PM – Hollywoodbets Grooms Initiative Maiden Plate
Tricky. FUTURE TURN appears the most likely winner having run on over shorter to finish close-up in his last 3 starts. This trip could eke out further improvement needed to open his account. POPPING CREASE has improved for the fitting of blinkers. He was a fast-finishing 3rd over this trip last time out and should pose a threat if building on that effort. IMPETUOUS made a pleasing introduction and is bred to improve going ground, so could also make his presence felt. GLOBAL MOVEMENT and RUN RUDOLPH RUN are closely matched, with the latter held on form by POPPING CREASE on a recent meeting.
Top Tip: GLOBAL MOVEMENT (1)
Watch out for: POPPING CREASE (4)
5 15H25 PM – www.hollywoodbets.net Middle Stakes
Good race featuring several smart sorts who could have bigger fish to fry during the summer. ITSRAININGWILLIAM and YELLOWPORSCHEROAD were ‘put away’ after opening their accounts in impressive fashion when last seen during promising 2yo campaigns and it could pay to follow their progress this term. Both may lack sharpness but are open to any amount of improvement. The same could be said of debut winner HAMMIES HERO who could be anything. Consistent hard-knockers ALL ABOUT AL and THE SECOND WAVE will keep them honest. LINE OF DUTY and SILVANO’S DASHER could have more to offer after gelding.
Top Tip: ITSRAININGWILLIAM (1)
Watch out for: VOLDEMORT (5)
6 16H00 PM – Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge Middle Stakes
Good race. STREET OUTLAW created quite the impression when winning on debut and appeared in need of his comeback outing when last seen, so should have more to offer with improved fitness on his side. SILVER FALCON left KZN on a winning note and may well have recaptured his best form after gelding. He could give the selection most to fear, along with returning DRAGONFLY who the stable expect to go well on his comeback. Stablemates TOUT A FAIT and POLTERGEIST have the form to be competitive over this trip. SHIFTING PATH and MASKED VIGILANTE aren’t without chances either.
Top Tip: STREET OUTLAW (1)
Watch out for: SILVER FALCON (3)
7 16H35 PM – Cape Racing Pinnacle Stakes
Fascinating sprint contest featuring a number of speedsters who may harbour Cape Flying Championship ambitions. AFRICAN RAIN was a close-up 3rd in that race last year and has not been disgraced in 2 starts since, albeit off a lower mark. He is the best-weighted runner and should make his presence felt in his peak outing. Stablemate RESONATE appears the pick of the pair on riding arrangements so must be included, despite the widest draw. IRISH MORNING holds that rival on these terms and could represent the value. SAFE RETURN, GIACOMO PUCCINI and AMBIORIX warrant respect too.
Top Tip: SAFE RETURN (1)
Watch out for: SPEED MACHINE (2)
8 17H10 PM – Hollywoodbets Bright Future Mr 74 Handicap
PIKETBERG ALLEY has relished going an extended trip and was a cosy winner of his last start. He was upped 2.5kg for that success in a higher grade but ought to acquit himself competitively once more dropping in class. TWICE THE MASTER, MACHETE MAN, NOTHINGELSEMATTERS and KEEP SHINING all shed their maiden tags when last seen and may have more to offer, though will need to raise their games stepping out of maiden company. GALACTIC PATH made a winning handicap debut over 1600m and could complete the hat-trick if as effective over this trip. TOZZETTI, POLICY TARGET and FUTURISMO also have claims.
Top Tip: PIKETBERG ALLEY (1)
Watch out for: TOZZETTI (2)
Millstream Yearling Colts pondering Their 2023 Sales Adventures…
Picture via Millstream Facebook Page
Mxothwa Treble, Smith, Miller And Kotzen Doubles
Luyolo “Louis” Mxothwa rode a treble on the Fairview turf today to go to 18 winners for the season at a strike rate of 18.75%.
Gavin Smith, Cliffie Miller and Sharon Kotzen all saddled doubles.
Smith goes to 14 winners for the season at a strike rate of 7.53% and he has closed the gap on arch rival Alan Greeff to just six winners.
Miller has had five winners at a strike rate of 12.82%.
Kotzen has had eight winners at a strike rate of 13.33%.
Today’s Question
The horse pictured above must be one of the most well-named horses in history.
His name was George Baker, he was trained by George Baker and is being ridden to victory in this race at Leicester by George Baker for owners George Baker and George Baker.
The plan was hatched by well know professional punter Harry Findlay, but it went one step further than he had intended.
He named the horse as a two-year-old in in 2009 and sent him to the Whitsbury stables of the trainer George Baker with the intention of him being ridden to victory one day by the jockey George Baker.
However, when Findlay later sent his horses to the sales George Baker the horse was bought back by George Baker the trainer.
However, a man approached him at the Sale and asked if he could take a half-share.
Baker said sure and asked the man his name.
“George Baker,” came the reply from the North London businessman.
Thereafter George Baker raced for George Baker Partners.
The question today is what are the rules for the naming of horses in South Africa?
Picture: The George Baker-trained George Baker wins for George Baker Partners with George Baker up (Dan Abraham/Racingfotos.com)
Hollywoodbets Durbanville Fields
Hollywoodbets Greyville Fields
Today’s Question Answer
The Rules of racing in SA has the following section about the naming of horses.
35. NAMES OF HORSES
35.1 All names shall be subject to the approval of the CHIEF EXECUTIVE who shall not approve
the REGISTRATION of the following names:
35.1.1 those consisting of more than 18 characters, including punctuation marks and/or spaces,
save that 18 characters may be exceeded when a country code suffix is required;
35.1.2 those of well-known people, save where written permission is obtained from the individual
or the descendants of the individual concerned, by the PERSON seeking to REGISTER
the name;
35.1.3 those on the International or National List of Protected Names;
35.1.4 those containing numbers or initials or a combination of numbers and initials;
35.1.5 those of a similar spelling or pronunciation to those already REGISTERED;
35.1.6 those in bad taste or which have an unacceptable connotation in another language;
35.1.7 prominent company, product or trade names, except with the written approval of the
company or body associated with the name.
35.2 A REGISTERED name shall not be changed except with permission of the CHIEF
EXECUTIVE and then only on payment of the prescribed fee. The CHIEF EXECUTIVE shall
not approve any change in the name of an IMPORTED HORSE unless such change of name
has been approved by the racing authority of the country of foaling.
35.3 The CHIEF EXECUTIVE may order a REGISTERED name to be changed.
