Royal Victory. (Picture: JC Photos).

Royal Victory Looks The Value In Guineas

The Mike de Kock-trained Gimmethegreenlight colt Shoemaker is the highest rated runner in the Grade 2 WSB Gauteng Guineas and has been priced up as favourite by Hollywoodbets despite being drawn 13 in the capacity 16 horse field. He will be ridden by high-flying Richard Fourie.

His stablemate East Coast is second highest rated and second in the betting.

However, the value in the field must be the third favourite, the Nathan Kotzen-trained Pathfork gelding Royal Victory. He cruised to victory in first time blinkers in the Grade 3 Tony Ruffel Stakes over 1400m last time out. The reason for the blinkers was he was tending to duck in behind horses. Shoemaker did not have the best of luck from wide draws in both the Grade 3 Allied Steelrode Graham Beck Stakes over 1400m and the Grade 2 Jonsson Workwear Dingaans over 1600m, where he beat Royal Victory by 1,25 lengths and by 1,50 lengths respectively. However, Royal Victory also had tricky draws in those races and now has a plum draw, plus the blinkers could gain him a length or so. He will also relish the step up to 1600m.

Shoemaker appeared to take a bit of a strong hold in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and duly faded in the straight. He is better than that run.

East Coast strikes as one who will need further. He beat Royal Victory by three-quarters of a length in the Dingaans, but there is now a reversal in draw fortunes. He will be staying on though.

Money Heist could also be a big runner. He produced an outstanding finishing effort from last place in the Cape Guineas. He will likely have to be dropped out again by Piere Strydom and will have to pass another big field, but he will have a longer straight to do it in.

Pathfork colt Jimmy Don has an excellent turn of foot and although out of speedy Joshua Dancer mare Joshlin, who won a Grade 3 over 1400m and a Grade 2 over 1200m, he gives the impression he could stay this trip.

Electric Gold has shown signs of class and this big, rangy sort will be a threat if able to find a good position from draw ten. He might lead. Sean Tarry trains him which is a bonus.

Anfields Rocket, the Graham Beck winner, had to be dropped out to the back in the Cape Guineas and can be given another chance to prove he gets this trip because he appeared to be slightly hampered by Charles Dickens at the top of the straight. He make no impression when attempting chase the latter though.

Le Morne ran wide in the Cape Guineas and did not find a lot in the straight although he did beat Shoemaker and in his previous start he ran on well for third to Cousin Casey in the Punters Cup over 1600m.

Eye Of The Prophet tries a big step up in class and is held on formlines, but is a nice type and is an outsider to consider for the quartet.

Unzen has shown class over 1400m, but has to prove he is as good over 1600m.

Argo Alley looks capable of earning in this field if able to find cover from draw eight.

Good Council has been seen to run on resolutely and although this is a step up in class he could make his presence felt from a good draw.

Allez Moris looks held by Le Morne from Punters Cup form.

Golden Prospect looks held by Royal Victory and Unzen on 1400m form.

Atticus Finch is relatively unexposed and has scope for improvement.

Rule By Force faces a big step up in class but Joe Soma-trained horses upset in big races quite regularly.

Race-7 (Turf) R1 000 000 1600m 15:33 Ref-534
1st R625000, 2nd R200000, 3rd R100000, 4th R50000, 5th R25000
WORLD SPORTS BETTING GAUTENG GUINEAS (Grade 2)
For 3 year-olds (1st Leg SA Triple Crown)No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance

1	13	Shoemaker	60	114	A	Richard Fourie	Mike de Kock
2	7	East Coast	60	112	A	Keagan de Melo	Mike de Kock
3	9	Royal Victory	60	111	BA	S’manga Khumalo	Nathan Kotzen
4	15	Money Heist	60	108	A	Piere Strydom	Gareth van Zyl
5	5	Unzen	60	108	A	*Kaidan Brewer	Robbie Sage
6	14	Anfields Rocket	60	107	A	Raymond Danielson	Grant Maroun
7	8	Argo Alley	60	105	A	Denis Schwarz	St John Gray
8	12	Jimmy Don	60	105	A	Gavin Lerena	Erico Verdonese
9	1	Le Morne	60	105	A	Luyolo Mxothwa	Brett Crawford
10	10	Electric Gold	60	104	A	Muzi Yeni	Sean Tarry
11	4	Good Council	60	101	A	Ryan Munger	Ashley Fortune
12	16	Allez Moris	60	96	A	Kabelo Matsunyane	Brett Crawford
13	3	Golden Prospect	60	96	TBA	Calvin Habib	Sean Tarry
14	6	Eye Of The Prophet	60	93	BA	#Rachel Venniker	Paul Matchett
15	2	Atticus Finch	60	88	A	Randall Simons	Alec Laird
16	11	Rule By Force	60	86	T A	Juan Paul v’d Merwe	Joe Soma
Same Trainer
(1,2) (9,12) (10,13)

Suzette Viljoen (right) with Dr Jill and Professor John Warner after winning the R7.5 million WSB Gold Rush (Wayne Marks).

Gold Rush Result Continues Viljoens Run Of Good Luck

Molly Column, Part 2.

If one googles “Lady Luck” it states it is “chance personified as a controlling power in human affairs.”

If one googled it in reference to the sport of horseracing in SA, the answer would be Suzette Viljoen.

The success that the lady from a cattle farm in Schwarzer-Reneke in North West Province – and her husband Basie – have achieved pretty much beggars belief. Since their first winner when dipping their toes into racing in 2018, the couple have enjoyed success on a par with Novak Djokovic in tennis championships.

Viljoen has an Equus Champion Owner trophy on her sideboard and now owns in the region of 100 horses with various trainers around the country.

Old-timers in racing will always say that racing is like a game of snakes and ladders – sometimes you’re on top, sometimes you slide to the bottom. In the Viljoen’s case, they haven’t experienced any of the latter.

That is – until last Saturday at the big Met meeting at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Driving to the course, the North West couple might have had a conversation something like this.

Suzette: “I see every pundit thinks we can’t lose the Majorca Stakes with our favourite girl (Captain’s Ransom).”

Basie: “Yes, this should be her 14th win and delight her legion of fans.”

It’s history now that Mike De Kock’s filly, Desert Miracle, not only spoiled the party for the Viljoens, but also consigned thousands of Pick 6 tickets to the bin.

Not winning the R593 750 first prize won’t have mattered, the defeat of their top horse was a hard pill to swallow.

Not to worry – on to the sixth race – the Summer Juvenile Stakes – in which Suzette Viljoen’s colours would be carried by Golden Sickle, a daughter of Vercingetorix they had bought from Varsfontein Stud for R700 000.

The youngster could only manage fourth place behind shock 33-1 winner, Rascova, and by now the day certainly wasn’t going well for the couple from North West.

This is where “Lady Luck” played her role as the R7,5 million Gold Rush offered a R5 million prize to the holder of the winning ticket and the Viljoens had purchased one of the 16 made available.

What they didn’t know when buying Royal Aussie at the Ready To Run Sale was that he was eligible for the Gold Rush, because he had been sold at CPYS and was pinhooked on to the Ready To Run sale by Grant Knowles.

It soon became clear he was going to be good enough to run in the Gold Rush and most pundits made him the one to beat from a long way out.

Dane Squance, Professor John Warner and Dr Jill Warner joined in the fun as part owners of the horse.

The WSB Met first prize was R1 118 750 so the Viljoens – and their partners – were laughing all the way to the bank, pocketing four times more than Jet Dark’s owners, Tommy Crowe and Nic Jonsson.

At this stage, spare a thought for golf legend Gary Player – he bred Dave The King who was beaten just half a length by Royal Aussie. It would have been a huge feather in the cap of the nine times major winner if he’d taken top honours with a horse who cost R175 000 and which he owns in partnership with Larry Nestadt and Ralphs Racing.

At the end of Met day, Basie and Suzette Viljoen had been in the mire but ended up smelling of roses. Long may “Lady Luck” smile on the couple.

Gimme A Shot (JC Photos)

Gimme A Shot Can Handle Tough Draw

A victory for the Mike and Adam Azzie-trained Gimmthegreenlight filly Gimme A Shot in Saturday’s Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas will be accompanied by much emotion, because she is owned and bred by the recently late Kevin Soal.

She is full of class and is versatile, seemingly able to win from anywhere. However, in a field of this size on Turffontein Standside JP van der Merwe will likely be wanting to make the most of her terrific turn of foot, so will likely be looking to slot her in from a tough draw of eleven.

Orarari Gold has at last landed a good draw, and at just the right time. From pole position this Corrie Lensley-trained Oratorio filly can use her big action to good effect down the long straight.

Miss Cool has a fine turn of foot and won a great race last time when running on strongly over 1400m, suggesting she would stay this trip.

Emirate Gina also impressed when winning the Grade 3 Fillies Mile, but now has a tougher draw.

Kinky Boots was receiving 2kg when beaten by Miss Cool by a length over 1400m last time, but she is unexposed and will improve. She should also relish the step up in trip.

Bonete is another one who could improve to be a threat.

Lady Of Power is highly regarded and could also be a player after her impressive win last time.

Tipsy Tarragon has only had one run on the Highveld and lost narrowly to Orarari Gold, so if the latter has a chance so does she.

United Council was very impressive last time when coming from off the pace, and without cover throughout, to win by 4,25 lengths. She was only running off a 76 merit rating but as they say you can only win and she will get a chance ti show how good she is here.

Feather Boa has shown some class but has 4 lengths to make up on Gimme A Shot from Grade 2 Ipi Tombe form.

Rock The Fox and Bless My Stars have feature form, but look held by the like of Emirate Gina and Miss Cool.

Moraine and Reny have shown hints of ability.

Tried And True looks to be a hopeful entry.

Race-6 (Turf) R750 000 1600m 14:55 Ref-533
1st R468750, 2nd R150000, 3rd R75000, 4th R37500, 5th R18750
WILGERBOSDRIFT GAUTENG FILLIES GUINEAS (Grade 2)
3yo Fillies (1st Leg Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara)No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance

1	11	Gimme A Shot	60	112	A	Juan Paul v’d Merwe	M G Azzie/A A Azzie
2	12	Feather Boa	60	108	A	Richard Fourie	Stuart Pettigrew
3	7	Miss Cool	60	103	A	Gavin Lerena	Candice Dawson
4	15	Rock The Fox	60	102	TBA	Calvin Habib	Sean Tarry
5	8	Bless My Stars	60	101	A	S’manga Khumalo	Sean Tarry
6	1	Orarari Gold	60	101	A	Muzi Yeni	Corrie Lensley
7	10	Emirate Gina	60	99	A	Raymond Danielson	Roy Magner
8	14	Bonete	60	97	A	Randall Simons	Mike de Kock
9	6	Tipsy Tarragon	60	95	A	Denis Schwarz	Tony Peter
10	9	Lady Of Power	60	91	T A	Piere Strydom	Joe Soma
11	13	United Council	60	90	CA	*Kaidan Brewer	Robbie Sage
12	3	Moraine	60	88	A	Keagan de Melo	J A Janse van Vuuren
13	2	Reny	60	86	A	Kabelo Matsunyane	Brett Crawford
14	5	Kinky Boots	60	82	A	Luyolo Mxothwa	Lucky Houdalakis
15	4	Tried And True	60	78	BA	Diego De Gouveia	Billy Ruiters
Same Trainer
(4,5)

Trippi entire Jet dark earned over R1,187,500 for winning the Met and this saw his breeders Drakenstein Stud leapfrogging Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfintein to take the lead in the national Breeders Championship (Wayne Marks).

Drakenstein Take The Lead In Breeders Championship

Jet Dark’s win in the WSB Met saw Drakenstein Stud move into the lead in the National Breeders Championship, leapfrogging reigning champions Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein.

Drakenstein Stud-bred horses have accumulated R11,940,988 in stakes this season.

Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein are on R11,347,288 and another recent multiple champion breeder, Klawervlei Stud, are next best on R9,458,288.

Drakenstein have considerably lower numbers than the latter pair and have never won a championship before.

They are a relatively new stud, having only been founded 20 odd years ago.

They have had 139 runners this season to the 254 of Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein and the 242 of Klawervlei.

However, their lower numbers did not stop them breaking a record for individual stakes winners last season.

They had 18 individual stakes winners of 25 races last season.

This season they have had eight individual stakes winners of 11 races.

Wind Water (JC Photos)

Van Vuuren Duo To Fight It Out

Jack Milner

Trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren saddles two runners in Race 7 at the Vaal on Thursday and they could fight out the finish.

Sheldon and Wind Water are the pair in question and they will line up in a MR 96 Handicap over 1000m on the Classic track.

Sheldon is in top form currently and in his last four runs has a tally of two wins and two places. While he did not win his last two races, they were against some top-flight opposition.

Two runs back he was caught late by Flowerbomb to whom he was conceding 5.5kg and last time he went down to talented three-year-old Anfields Rocket.

He was not beaten far in either event and once again will have Gavin Lerena in the irons.

On this occasion his main threat is likely to come from stablemate Wind Water. This three-year-old Gimmethegreenlight gelding will be aiming to complete a hat-trick.

Rated 74 after three runs, in which he did not finish outside the top three, Wind Water then stormed to his maiden victory, demolishing the field to score by 4.25-lengths. That victory saw him penalised 11 points by the handicapper.

He followed up with another victory in a Class C Novice Handicap and although just winning by 0.50 length, he was penalised a further four points (2kg)

Moving up to Class B now, Janse van Vuuren has opted to fit his charge with blinkers for the first time. The fitting of this headgear suggests the trainer expects his charge will have much more to offer with an increased focus.

He will carry just 53.5kg which sees him get 6kg from his stable companion. He also has a change of jockey as S’manga Khumalo will take the ride for the first time.

Completing the Trifecta could be Clinton Binda’s Umthombo Wolwazi. Also a three-time winner, but from only 10 attempts, he is in hot form, as attested by the fact his rating has increased by 21 points in his last three outings.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 2 Circle Of Grace, 6 Heirloom, 5 Courageous, 8 Troppo Veloce

Race 2: 7 Move On Over, 1 Callmewhenuneedme, 5 Leaving Las Vegas, 9 Stormy Choice

Race 3: 1 Slinky Mapimpi, 9 Count Your Chances, 2 Fast Duty, 10 Efficient Trader

Race 4: 1 Marigold Hotel, 2 Hollywoodbound, 7 Queen Of Shadows, 4 Gilded Butterfly

Race 5: 10 Big City Girl, 3 Oyster King, 2 Wondering Star, 4 What Say You

Race 6: 6 Celestial City, 1 Total Protection, 7 Future Pearl, 8 Top Sail

Race 7: 2 Sheldon, 8 Wind Water, 9 Umthombo Wolwazi, 7 Set To Go

Race 8: 1 Cold Fact, 4 Golden Aspen, 5 Silver Winter, 6 Aga Heat

Race 9: 1 Lil Miss Moneybags, 5 Defender Of Rights, 4 Princess Ilaria, 2 Second Breath

BEST BET

Race 3 No 1 Slinky Mapimpi

VALUE BET

Race 5 No 10 Big City Girl

BEST SWINGER

Race 6 1×6

BIPOT

R216

Leg 1: 1, 5, 7, 9

Leg 2: 1

Leg 3: 1, 2, 7

Leg 4: 2, 3, 10

Leg 5: 1, 6

Leg 6: 2, 8, 9

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R144

Leg 1: 1

Leg 2: 1, 2, 7

Leg 3: 2, 3, 10

Leg 4: 1, 6

Leg 5: 2, 8

Leg 6: 1

Leg 7: 1, 2, 4, 5

PICK 6

R1500

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7

Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10

Leg 3: 1, 6, 7

Leg 4: 2, 7, 8, 9

Leg 5: 1

Leg 6: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

JACKPOT 1

R60

Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10

Leg 2: 1, 6, 7

Leg 3: 2, 7, 8, 9

Leg 4: 1

JACKPOT 2

R60

Leg 1: 1, 6, 7

Leg 2: 2, 7, 8, 9

Leg 3: 1

Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle pose for the cameras after victory in the 2022 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham (Skysports.com)

Honeysuckle On Track For Irish Champion Hurdle Defense

Henry de Bromhead does not expect Honeysuckle to give up her crown lightly when she bids for fourth successive victory in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The nine-year-old will return to Leooardstown racecourse on something of a recovery mission on Sunday, having suffered her first defeat in 17 career starts at Fairyhouse last month.

Honeysuckle looked likely to secure her fourth Hatton’s Grace Hurdle after travelling strongly into the home straight, but her effort petered out between the final two flights and she was eventually beaten just under three lengths into third place behind Teahupoo and Klassical Dream.

That eclipse immediately had those questioning whether the great mare was past her best, but De Bromhead insists there are no signs at home that her powers are on the wane.

“She seems great now, really good,” said the Waterford handler last week.

“I thought she ran well at Fairyhouse, probably not up to her highest level, but I think for her first run back she ran really well.

“Two and a half (miles) on ground that got very soft in the end might have just been a stretch. She was beaten by a real soft ground specialist in Teahupoo and Klassical Dream is a high-class horse as well.

“She looked like she had it put to bed between the second-last and the last, and then they just came at her and that was it.

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“We don’t see anything different here. Maybe that will arise on the track, I don’t know. Everyone is happy. She looks good.”

De Bromhead insists plans beyond the Dublin Racing Festival remain fluid, with a decision on whether Honeysuckle will take on the brilliant Constitution Hill and bid for a third victory in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham likely to be dependent on how she performs at Leopardstown.

The Mares’ Hurdle, which she won in 2020, has previously been raised by the trainer as a possible alternative, although Peter Molony – racing manager to owner Kenny Alexander – suggested in a recent interview it could be the Champion Hurdle or retirement.

De Bromhead added: “We’ll see how it goes but both options in Cheltenham are open. The Mares’ Hurdle is definitely an option and the Champion Hurdle is definitely an option.

“I think we see how the Irish Champion Hurdle goes and we’ll all sit down and going by Peter’s quotes, thrash it out together!

“I think the most important thing is we keep all our options open. I suppose my job is to find the race I’ve the best chance of winning.

“That may not be what we go with. At the moment, looking at Constitution Hill and he’s whatever price he is, 1-3. I’m not saying the Mares’ race would be an easy race, but you might have a better chance of winning that than you would a Champion, if all the players turn up.

“But we have to get through the Irish Champion Hurdle first and that’s a big test for us also. We’ve got plenty to do in between.”

Horse leads By 50 Lengths At Newcastle And Holds On Easily

A horse called Jack Hyde built up a 50 length lead in a maiden National Hunt Flat race at Newcastle yesterday and held on to win by 15 lengths ridden by his owner John Roddington (see picture above and watch video below).

CLICK HERE to Watch The Incredible Race At Newcastle Yesterday.