Lucky Lad wins on debut in the famous Beck colours (JC Photos).
Varsfontein Stud Youngsters Can Shine In Protea Stakes
Gimmeanotherchance, Lucky Lad and Amber Rock are likely to dominate at Turffontein
David Mollett (Business Day)
Year after year, Varsfontein Stud produces quality thoroughbreds, and the trend is set to continue in 2023. The Paarl operation holds the ace in their stallion, Gimmethegreenlight, and his progeny are likely to dominate Saturday’s Protea Stakes at Turffontein.
There are three of Gimmethegreenlight’s offspring in the grade 3 race — two of them, Gimmeanotherchance and Lucky Lad, were bred at Varsfontein.
The other is the Mike and Adam Azzie-trained filly, Amber Rock. Gaynor Rupert must have been surprised when told the stable wanted to take on the colts rather than contest the Pretty Polly Stakes.
Bookmakers reacted by pricing up Amber Rock as the 18-10 favourite for the 1,100m contest.
With the Colorado King Stakes looking a benefit for the Sean Tarry stable, it’s the two-year-old races which are fascinating, and the former champion trainer has two strong contenders in the Protea in Lucky Lad and The Africa House.
Kentucky-based Anthony Beck went to R850,000 to secure Lucky Lad at last year’s National Yearling Sales. The colt’s name then was Rudolph The Founder, but he presumably didn’t fancy that and changed it to Lucky Lad.
Richard Fourie got Lucky Lad home in a photo-finish on his recent debut and retains the ride. Stablemate Gimmeanotherchance, this column’s selection, was touched off on his debut, and the performance suggested the R800,000 he cost Khaya Stables might be money well spent.
The Africa House, third favourite in ante post betting, overcame a slow start to win on debut in February. Gavin Lerena takes over from Kabelo Matsunyane.
So what to make of Amber Rock? The Azzies don’t rate their geese as swans so presumably yet another of Gimmethegreenlight’s progeny has been catching pigeons in home gallops.
Ripple Effect, a daughter of Erupt, falls into the same category as Amber Rock with Ashley Fortune opting to take on the boys rather than run in the Pretty Polly Stakes. The filly faces her toughest test on her fourth start.
To be honest, it was disappointing to see Ziyasha’s name in the line-up as Clinton Binda’s youngster had been pencilled in for a decent wager in the maidens after a good run on debut earlier this month. This is a tough ask for the Hollywood-owned gelding.
So this looks like the race of the meeting. Gimmeanotherchance is the selection to beat Lucky Lad, Amber Rock and The Africa House. A win for the youngster would be timely as Varsfontein are offering his half-sister by Master Of My Fate at next month’s National Yearling Sales.
As the early betting suggests, the Pretty Polly Stakes is wide open with six of the eight runners having won one race. Punters are going to have to load up in the jackpot and Pick Six.
Elegant Ice was particularly impressive on debut and should go well for back-in-SA Craig Zackey while all of Exchange Student, Leaving Las Vegas, Midnight Fusion and Mist In Scotland will have their supporters.
Mike de Kock further complicates matters by running a newcomer in Woman Of Power, a well-bred daughter of Vercingetorix.
A good run by Ripple Effect in the Protea Stakes would be a boost for Exchange Student. It’s in the filly’s favour that Keagan De Melo rides the daughter of Trippi for the third time.
It’s a race to watch rather than risk the rent money on and — as a selection has to be made — the vote goes to Midnight Fusion to beat Exchange Student and Elegant Ice.
Fourie rides Midnight Fusion, and he will be looking forward to partnering Nebraas for the sixth time in the grade 2 Colorado King Stakes. His mount is 2kg better off this time with stablemate, Litigation.
Craig Zackey — not S’manga Khumalo — has got the call to partner Desert Miracle in the fourth race and even 62kg should not stop the four-year-old posting her sixth career win. This is a prep run for the Empress Club Stakes.
Khumalo rides the favourite, Avoontoast, in the third race and the advice here is to take the boxed exacta with the impeccably bred Call To Glory who has the advantage of a good draw.
SELECTIONS
1st Race: (3) Sweet Pepper (2) Sheela (1) May Queen (5) Vivacious Spirit
2nd Race: (1) Mo The Man (2) Gimme A Diamond (3) Fast Duty (4) Labrausco
3rd Race: (7) Call To Glory (6) Avoontoast (1) Keep The Fort (8) Have A Party
4th Race: (1) Desert Miracle (7) Feather Boa (4) Humdinger (6) Homely Girl
5th Race: (4) Gimmeanotherchance (1) Lucky Lad (7) Amber Rock (2) The Africa House
6th Race: (5) Midnight Fusion (2) Exchange Student (1) Elegant Ice (4) Leaving Las Vegas
7th Race: (2) Nebraas (3) Litigation (1) Second Base (5) Johnny Hero
8th Race: (4) Rosy Lemon (1) Little Prince (3) Futurewolff (5) Prime Example
9th Race: (5) Pinch Hit (4) Millahue (1) Expeditioner (7) Cornwall
Beerenberg (far side) seen dead-heating with Superior Leader in September last year, has a chance in tomorrow’s headliner at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, a class 3 handicap over 1250m (Wayne Marks).
Hollywoodbets Durbanville preview for Saturday 25 March 2023
Mark van Deventer
Miss Marguerite takes a helpful drop in class and reverts back to 1000m – a cagey, combination move by trainer Piet Steyn which makes her competitive at tempting odds in Race 7 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.
Well performed as a juvenile, the daughter of Master of My Fate was pitched high early at three in the Fillies Championships, Fillies Guineas and Sceptre Stakes. Those assignments were beyond her, and she failed to make an impact. These are much calmer waters, however and she ought to go nicely off a reduced merit rating (93 – 84) from a favourable draw of 2, racing handily.
The capable and consistent, Distinction will be rushing through late but on a line through Who do You Love back in June ’22 could find it tough to get past Miss Marguerite. Snaith trained stablemate, Hunting Trip has a shake too, whilst the zippy, She’s My Captain and promising Enemy Territory are others to take seriously.
On a tricky card, Tab bettors and P6 bettors might chance their luck and go short in Race 5, a 1600m Maiden. Here Kelp Forest and Hawk Circle seem poised to record their first wins. The latter has performed steadily since being gelded and fitted with blinkers – maybe Grant van Niekerk’s flair can prove decisive. Main rival, Kelp Forest is progressing at each outing and rates a principal candidate off an encouraging recent 1600m try.
The headliner, a Class 3 over 1250m is carded as Race 8. There are no hopeless cases amongst the nine, evenly matched entries. Smart, Erupt gelding Beerenberg is certainly due a change of fortune but needs things to go his way given his swooping-off-the-pace style. The erratic, Barzalona is another able to finish powerfully when all parts are in working order; Sugar Mountain is talented and versatile whilst Double Charge is rounding ominously back to form.
Race 9, a Class 5 sprint is another brain teaser. Axl is the most obvious pick at this level if Robert Khathi (riding well in KZN) can overcome draw 9. Masked Vigilante is a big rating dropper with course form racing fresh and Kimball O’Hara has scope after being rested and gelded.
Equinox will be out to land another big Dubai win for Japan in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic tomorrow (Saturday) (jbis.jp).
Dubai World Cup Night: Danny Archer’s Race-By-Race Guide
By Danny Archer (RacingTv)
Dubai World Cup night at Meydan on Saturday is the jewel in the crown of racing in the UAE.
The £10 million feature, after which the meeting is named, has been won by some true greats. Cigar, won the first running in 1996, while other winners include Singspiel (1997), Dubai Millennium (2000), Street Cry (2002), Curlin (2008), California Chrome (2016), Arrogate (2017) and dual scorer Thunder Snow (2018 and 2019).
Defending champion Country Grammar is back for more this year with Frankie Dettori aboard as his farewell tour continues.
This year’s meeting boasts an overall prize fund of just shy of £25 million and I’ve taken a look at each of the eight contests. The ninth contest, which opens the card, is an Arabian race.
Godolphin Mile (G2, 14H05 SA Time, Dirt, 1m) Selection: BATHRAT LEON
Bathrat Leon was a shock 66/1 winner of this event for the man with the greatest hat collection in the world, Yoshito Yahagi, 12 months ago, but he comes into this year’s contest as a worthy favourite. He warmed up for this with a brilliantly bold front-running success on Saudi Cup day last time out and he did run out a ready winner of this event last term. The speed merchant is going to be tough to peg back, particularly at a track which can pay dividends for front-runners. Prince Eiji has improved markedly on the dirt this term and is narrowly preferred to fellow course and distance scorers Royal Mews and Discovery Island for the place battle, with French raider Egot is a fascinating runner for Andre Fabre.
Dubai Gold Cup (G2, 14H40 SA Time, Turf, 2m) Selection: QUICKTHORN (E/W)
Former winner Subjectivist (2021) is back for more having returned from 618 days off the track when well-beaten in Saudi last time out. He was deeply impressive when taking this race apart under regular pilot Joe Fanning, but there are clearly questions to answer based on his comeback run. Siskany is a Listed winner in Britain and saw off a string of this field, including market rival Ardakan at Meydan last month. Both have live claims here, with Marco Botti’s raider narrowly preferred given he was staying on strongly in the closing stages. Aidan O’Brien will run three on World Cup night and Broome is not discounted despite not being the force of old. However, it is the Hughie Morrison-trained Quickthorn who gets the vote. If he can get a handy lead out in front, he will love the return to fast ground and could outrun his odds.
Al Quoz Sprint (G1, 15H15 SA Time, Turf) Selection: AL DASIM
Al Dasim has been my stand-out horse of the Carnival. He has looked every inch a superstar in his three starts at Meydan and he passed his sternest test to date when seeing off his elders last time out. No three-year-old has ever won this race, but given his liking for the track, high cruising speed and in receipt of weight, he can break that hoodoo, particularly given he looks well-drawn in stall eight. The enigmatic Al Suhail is deeply feared back down to 6f after two wins in the UAE this winter and can fight out the placings with Hong Kong runner Sight Success and Hugo Palmer’s Flaming Rib who impressed last time out and is open to more progression.
UAE Derby (G2, 15H50 SA Time, Dirt) Selection: CAIRO
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Cairo would be an apt winner of the UAE Derby given the Middle East connection. A son of Quality Road who has bred the likes of Saudi Cup hero Emblem Road and Breeders’ Cup Dirt winner City Of Light, he is also a half-brother to a dirt winner which augurs well. Mendelssohn became Ballydoyle’s third winner of this race in the last 10 runnings and I was impressed with his comeback at Dundalk. He is a horse who really knuckles down to the task well and while he was not overly impressive, he kept pulling out more and will strip fitter for that reappearance. Worcester is yet to taste success for Bob Baffert but is feared along with the Doug O’Neill-trained pair of Ah Jeez and Tall Boy who both impressed with winning debuts at Meydan last time out.
Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1, 16H25 SA Time Dirt) Selection: LEMON POP
Defending champion Switzerland enjoyed a perfect prep for this event when making a winning return to action in January, but this is potentially a deeper renewal, which is headed by Gunite. He filled second behind runaway scorer Elite Power in Saudi and should be involved, but ready preference is for Lemon Pop. He has moved through the grade in style this term and created a good impression when landing the Group One February Stakes last time out and has benefitted from a nice draw in stall six. C Z Rocket is a threat, along with the unexposed Hopkins and Silbelius. Ryan Moore’ rides the latter.
Dubai Turf (G1, 17H10 SA Time, Turf) Selection: NATIONS PRIDE
Japan have won this event five times and have some fabulous contenders as they bid to dethrone dual scorer Lord North. John and Thady Gosden’s charge confirmed his wellbeing with a routine win in the Winter but is not getting any younger and is overlooked. Japan’s headline act is Do Deuce who struggled on soft ground in the Arc, but returned to winning ways in the Kyoto Kinen and is arguably still unexposed. He will love the ground and is preferred to Serifos, who captured a Group One at Hanshin in November. Godolphin have won this four times and they are triply represented. The classy Real World looked badly in need of his comeback at the track last month in the Jebel Hatta, a race in which Master Of The Seas filled third. However, the pick of the triumvirate is Nations Pride. He impressed me last year and I loved his comeback victory last month. He can develop into a top middle-distance performer this year and can get the better of Real World.
Dubai Sheema Classic (G1, 18H00 SA Time, Turf) Selection: EQUINOX
British trainers have won five of the last six runnings but were denied by Shahryar who returns this year and is clearly a threat given he looks to be peaking for this contest. Mostahdaf heads the UK challenge having bolted up on Saudi Cup day and will love the rattling fast ground. Irish Derby hero Westover blotted his copybook in the King George but was not disgraced in the Arc and he does go well fresh. Godolphin’s Rebel Romance has won his last five starts, latterly landing three straight G1s and not overlooked lightly. However, Equinox is for many Japanese fans, their banker of the meeting. He saw off Saudi Cup hero Panthalassa in the Tenno Sho, a race in which Sharyar was fifth, before slamming a decent field in the Arima Kinen. He is open to any amount of improvement and looks hugely exciting. The Breeders’ Cup Turf is a long-term target and he will love the ground, is proven over the trip and does look hard to oppose.
Dubai World Cup (G1, 18H35 SA Time, Dirt) Selection: COUNTRY GRAMMER
£10 million in total prize money for the feature in which Frankie Dettori bids to say farewell to Meydan with a record-setting fifth victory in the Group One event aboard defending champion Country Grammer. The pair stayed on strongly in the Saudi Cup, but just failed to reel in Panthalassa. That rival, who is a questionable stayer over 10 furlongs, has an unfavourable draw in stall 15 and Country Grammer can reverse the placings. The draw was not especially kind to him either in stall 14, but he is likely to be ridden with restraint and should be able to slot in, which quells those fears somewhat.
The fly in the ointment is undoubtedly the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Algiers who is next door in stall 13. Beaten in a Listed event at Lingfield in November, he has looked a different beast since reverting to a dirt surface this year with deeply impressive victories under James Doyle. Stamina is not an issue, but maybe his level of ability is.
Country Grammer has achieved more and it might just be his class which proves too strong at the business end of this event. Staggeringly, Japan field eight of the 15-strong field which highlights their strength-in-depth. Oisin Murphy is aboard T O Keynes who was second to Ushba Tesoro in the Kawasaki Kinen last time out and the pair are both respected.
The $12 million Dubai World Cup: Runner-By-Runner Guide
By Andy Stephens (RacingTv)
The one certainty in Saturday’s $12 million Dubai World Cup is that Sheikh Mohammed will not be winning back his own money.
Godolphin have won three of the past four renewals of the Emirates Airline-sponsored showpiece – and 11 times in total since the first running in 1996 – but this time they have no runner. The only previous time that Sheikh Mohammed has not been represented in Dubai’s most prestigious race (either in his own silks or those of Godolphin) was in 2005 when American challenger Rose In May took the spoils.
Another American-trained horse, Country Grammer, is favourite for this weekend’s race, with Frankie Dettori in the saddle. The combination scooped the spoils last year and, if retaining the crown, Frankie’s Farewell Tour will include him nudging past Jerry Bailey and hitting the jackpot for a record-breaking fifth time in one of the world’s richest races.
Britain has a live hope in Algiers, trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, while Japan are mob-handed in their quest for a second success in the contest.
Inevitably, the draw can play a role, although winners have come from just about every stall and from a variety of early positions. The majority have raced up near the pace but Arrogate came from a mile back after fluffing the start, albeit he was much the best horse in the race, and so did Prince Bishop when springing a surprise in 2015.
An overly strong gallop looks on the cards, especially as jockeys will not want to give all-the-way Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa too much rope, and it could be a year when the race is set up for a late closer.
Racing TV Extra will provide a dedicated service for the $25 million meeting on Saturday. The channel will also be showing the Jumps action at Newbury and Kelso, plus the return of Flat action at The Curragh.
Here’s a guide to all the runners in the big one.
🇬🇧 ALGIERS
Draw: 13. Rating (8.5 out of 10):Best odds: 7-2.
James Doyle reflects on the latest win of Algiers
The British challenger made little impact in the Godolphin Mile on World Cup night last year, when a 25/1 outsider, but he’s looked a different horse at the Carnival this year – romping home in the first two rounds of the Maktoum Challenge. Seeks to emulate Thunder Snow, who won Round 2 before taking this prize in 2018. This represents a much stiffer task but folly to ignore given the authority of his past two victories at the track.
🇦🇪 BENDOOG
Draw: 7. Rating: 4. Best odds: 80-1.
Often a front-runner who has raced exclusively at Meydan. Finished fourth in the UAE Derby at the meeting last year and has progressed again this term, but had his limits exposed. He was no match for Algiers on his penultimate start and, either side of that defeat, was a supporting act in races won by Salute The Soldier.
🇯🇵 CAFE PHAROAH
Draw: 10. Rating: 7. Best odds: 14-1.
The Japanese challenger has a good wins-to-runs ratio and probably ran as well as he has ever done when finishing a close third behind Panthalassa and Country Grammer from a wide draw in the Saudi Cup last time. That was the first time that the brilliant Joao Moreira had ridden him, and the pair reunited.
🇺🇸 COUNTRY GRAMMAR
Draw: 14. Rating: 9. Best odds: 7-2.
Won this prize last year under Frankie Dettori after finishing second in the Saudi Cup and the combination seek to repeat the feat. The way he stayed on last time suggests he will be well served by the return to this slightly longer trip and deeper surface (last year’s World Cup was run in a time 14 seconds slower than this year’s Saudi Cup, which tells you plenty). A bold attempt to become only the second back-to-back winner after Thunder Snow (2018-19) is on the cards, despite his wide draw.
🇯🇵 CROWN PRIDE
Draw: 12. Rating: 7. Best odds: 20-1.
Hasn’t managed to get his head in front since landing the UAE Derby in good style here last year but gave it a good go when fifth in the Saudi Cup last time. Faces no easy task turning the tables on those who finished ahead of him that day, although the return to Meydan may light a spark.
🇸🇦 EMBLEM ROAD
Draw: 2. Rating: 10. Best odds: 20-1.
Sprung a 50/1 surprise when beating Country Grammer in the Saudi Cup last year, staying on relentlessly after being slow away. Failed to figure when defending his crown after completely fluffing the start. In the circumstances, he did well to finish sixth, being beaten about four lengths, and it’s not difficult to imagine that he would have been involved in the finish had he broken on terms. Lacks Meydan experience but is overpriced in the betting, even if his cumbersome starts are becoming something of a trait.
🇯🇵 GEOGLYPH
Draw: 9. Rating: 7. Best odds: 16-1.
Last year’s Japanese 2000 Guineas winner went on to finish seventh in the Japenese Derby before failing to cut much ice against older opposition. He was having his first run on dirt when a close fourth in the Saudi Cup and, if improving for that experience, could make his presence felt.
🇯🇵 JUN LIGHT BOLT
Draw: 3. Rating: 7. Best odds: 20-1.
Was well-fancied for the Saudi Cup under Ryan Moore, having fended off Crown Pride in the Grade One Champions Cup at Chukyo on his previous start. However, he never got into contention and trailed home a well-held seventh. It’s doubtful we saw the best of him (Crown Pride was not beaten far in fifth) and he is now dismissed in the betting with Moore staying loyal.
🇯🇵 PANTHALASSA
Draw: 15. Rating: 7.5. Best odds: 10-1.
Dead-heated with Lord North in the Dubai Turf on World Cup night 12 months ago and now seeks a famous double, having made all in the Saudi Cup last time when having only his second run on dirt. Made the most of his low draw in the latter contest, setting a brisk pace and having enough in the locker to fend off his pursuers. Difficult to leave out of calculations, although the cards did fall his way last time. Drawn widest of all; the worry is that he will use up too much early energy getting a position.
🇦🇪 REMORSE
Draw: 1. Rating: 4. Best odds: 80-1.
Belied odds of 125/1 when a keeping-on sixth in this race last year but hard to believe he will figure this time. Finished a distant third to Algiers on his penultimate start and made little impact in the Saudi Cup on his latest start.
🇦🇪 SALUTE THE SOLDIER
Draw: 4. Rating: 5. Best odds: 66-1.
The veteran was winning on Super Saturday for the third successive year when taking the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 here this month, but it’s hard to see him becoming only the second eight-year-old, after Prince Bishop, to scoop this. Finished fifth two years ago and was well adrift of Algiers on his penultimate start.
🇺🇸 SUPER CARINTO
Draw: 11. Rating: 4.5. Best odds: 50-1.
Something of an unknown quantity, having won four of his six races in South America – the latest a Grade One contest in Chile. Your guess is as good as mine as to the value of that form, although he’s officially the joint lowest-rated runner in the line-up. Has switched stables since he last ran.
🇯🇵 T O KEYNES
Draw: 6. Rating: 6.5. Best odds: 12-1.
Ties in with several of the JapanEse challengers – beating Crown Pride in good style in the JBC Classic in November before suffering a surprise defeat in the Champions Cup at Chukyo the following month, when Jun Light Bolt and Crown Pride filled the first two places. Another reverse latest, at the hands of Ushba Tesoro, diminishes confidence but the booking of Oisin Murphy is a positive, as is his draw.
🇯🇵 USHBA TESORO
Draw: 8. Rating: 6.5. Best odds: 10-1.
Seems to arrive on the up, having won successive Listed races in his native Japan. Beat T O Keynes by half a length in the Kawasaki Kinen on the latest occasion but he’s not guaranteed to confirm that form and this represents a much deeper challenge.
🇯🇵 VELA AZUL
Draw: 5. Rating: 5. Best odds: 12-1.
Won the Japan Cup under Ryan Moore in late November when at the top of his game but has since disappointed. The biggest issue for him looks the switch back to dirt, as he looks much more effective on turf.
VERDICT
There’s no standout performer like Calfornia Chrome or Arrogate in this field, with the bunch finish in last month’s Saudi Cup hinting we could be in for a cliffhanger. Panthalassa being pushed out to double-figure digits looks a bit of an over-reaction to his wide draw, although Country Grammer is a grinder and does have obvious prospects of turning the tables over the longer trip.
Algiers arrives at the top of his game but is in deeper waters. The one who simply looks the wrong price is EMBLEM ROAD, who did well to beat Country Grammer after a slow start in the Saudi Cup last year. He surrendered his crown last month with an even worse break from the gates and that bad habit has to be a niggle. However, it is offset by his chunky odds, which don’t reflect the ability that he has.
1 EMBLEM ROAD. 2 COUNTRY GRAMMER. 3 ALGIERS.
Elegant Ice impressed on debut and is selected by the At The Races tipster to win the Grade 3 Pretty Polly Stakes (Picture: JC Photos).
Turffontein Standside Saturday March 25 Formguides And Selections
www.attheraces.com
1 12H10 – 4Racing Welcomes You Conditions Plate (F & M)
A good contest between SHEELA and SWEET PEPPER. SHEELA is top class and won The Golden Loom feature but comes off a lengthy lay-off. SWEET PEPPER is no stranger to feature races and won The Allan Robertson. She will keep things honest. MAY QUEEN should make the Trifecta.
Top Tip: SHEELA (2)
Watch out for: SWEET PEPPER (3)
2 12H45 – Tab Telebet 0861 000 822 Maiden Plate
MO THE MAN was backed off the boards last time and looked all over a winner but was caught on the post. He should make amends. FAST DUTY is doing better and could chase him home. GIMME A DIAMOND jumps from a wide draw but the ‘combo’ has done it before. LABRAUSCO, GIOCATORE, I’M A MAN (blinkers on) and JUSRITE could make the Quartet.
Top Tip: MO THE MAN (1)
Watch out for: FAST DUTY (3)
3 13H20 – Derby Day Fun 1 April Maiden Plate (F & M)
Good contest. KEEP THE FORT has been threatening but costly to follow, however, she should be involved in the finish. AVOONTOAST showed inexperience on debut and will know more about it. She will enjoy the extra – respect. Do not ignore HAVE A PARTY. She attracted money at long odds and wasn’t disgraced on debut. CALL TO GLORY enjoyed this track and trip and shouldn’t be far off. COUNTESS DANZA is looking for minor money.
Top Tip: KEEP THE FORT (1)
Watch out for: AVOONTOAST (6)
4 13H55 – Racing240 For Racing. For You Pinnacle Stakes (F & M)
Classy DESERT MIRACLE showed true form in Cape Town and is back on home ground. Despite shouldering top weight of 62kg, she is well in. She gives stablemate, in-form HUMDINGER, 4kg and meets other inmate, Durban July winner SPARKLING WATER, on level terms. However, top three-year-old FEATHER BOA has 6kg less to carry and could make them gallop. MARIGOLD HOTEL is no slouch and could get into the action.
Top Tip: DESERT MIRACLE (1)
Watch out for: FEATHER BOA (7)
5 14H30 – Protea Stakes (Grade 3)
The Protea Stakes (Grade 3) for juveniles over 1100m is very interesting. Stable companions LUCKY LAD and THE AFRICA HOUSE showed inexperience when winning on their debuts and will come on. GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE was backed on debut but was run out of it. He will come on heaps. Watch debutante AMBER ROCK, she gets a sex allowance and it’s obvious her trainer thinks highly of her.
Top Tip: LUCKY LAD (1)
Watch out for: GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE (4)
6 15H05 – Pretty Polly Stakes (Grade 3)
The Pretty Poly Stakes (Grade 3) over 1100m has attracted 6 winners, 1 debutante and 1 maiden. ELEGANT ICE and MIDNIGHT FUSION were both backed on their debuts and each strolled in, however the latter won in soft underfoot conditions and depending on the going either could go in again. LEAVING LAS VEGAS also found support on debut and won without being pressured. EXCHANGE STUDENT, GLOBAL THUNDER, MIST IN SCOTLAND and maiden WOMEN OF FLAME could take home money. Watch debutante WOMAN OF POWER.
Top Tip: ELEGANT ICE (1)
Watch out for: MIDNIGHT FUSION (5)
7 15H40 – Colorado King Stakes (Grade 2)
The Grade 2 Colorado King Stakes over 2000m could see a renewed battle between stable companions NEBRAAS and LITIGATION. The latter finished 0.50 lengths in front but is 2kg worse off and the 200m extra could also be against him. Other inmate RAIN IN HOLLAND has the ability but needs to produce. The remaining 4 runners are all capable of upsetting on their day.
Top Tip: LITIGATION (3)
Watch out for: NEBRAAS (2)
8 16H15 – Book A Table 011 681 1796 Mr 70 Handicap
Small field and none are going to the tops. Top weight LITTLE PRINCE gets the nod and if blinkers have no adverse effect could take honours. FUTUREWOLFF, JET DYNASTY and ROYAL MAZARIN appear to have breathing issues but if not troubled are capable of pulling it off. ROSY LEMON lost her rider last time but is over a preferred trip here and could feature. PRIME EXAMPLE could go in if decides to gallop.
Top Tip: PRIME EXAMPLE (5)
Watch out for: JET DYNASTY (2)
9 16H50 – Next Turffontein Racemeeting Saturday 01 April Mr 80 Handicap
CORNWALL attracted money on debut and won well. He could go in again. AUSSENKEHR also won on debut but in new surroundings and looks to have more to come. EXPEDITIONER improved on his debut sporting blinkers and could get into the reckoning. PICTURE PERFECT has his issues but if problem free could take honours. PINCH HIT, COOL WINTER and PERMESSO AVANTI could take home minor money.
Top Tip: AUSSENKEHR (2)
Watch out for: EXPEDITIONER (1)
Silver Falcon (far side) has been selected by the At The Races tipster to win the headliner, a class 3 Handicap over 1250m, at Hollywoodbets Durbanville tomorrow (Picture: JC Photos).
Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday March 25 Formguides And Selections
www.attheraces.com
1 12H30 – Hollywoodbets Durbanville Welcomes You Juvenile Plate
SPEEDING BULLET was gelded before his last start so may have needed that outing. He is better than that 8th in a 1200m feature suggests and is worth another chance back over this distance. Last-start winner EASY MONEY finished just 1.65 lengths adrift of that rival on debut and could get closer with experience under her belt. Recent track-and-trip scorer BLUE HOLLY is distance suited and ought to make her presence felt too. After an improved last start, CAPTAIN ARROW could get into the picture. Newcomer BIG FELLA is one to keep an eye on, especially if attracting market support.
Top Tip: EASY MONEY (6)
Watch out for: SPEEDING BULLET (1)
2 13H05 – www.caperacing.co.za Maiden Juvenile Plate
KYOMAI stayed on well to finish 3rd in a 1200m feature and gave the impression this step up in distance will be very much to his liking. HARD WINTER was a pleasing 4th on debut and with natural improvement should be competitive. A bigger threat, however, may come from well-related newcomer MONUMENTAL. Both AVIGNON and SEE YOU IN A BIT have earning potential too, having finished in the money over course and distance last time out. WOMAN’S WORLD ought to improve over ground, so could get into the picture going an extra 200m.
Top Tip: KYOMAI (5)
Watch out for: HARD WINTER (7)
3 13H40 – Racecape Powered By Hollywoodbets Open Maiden (F & M)
APPLE CATCHER has finished 2nd in both outings and needn’t improve a great deal with blinkers to go one better. ON BOARD has the form and experience to pose a threat, though. She was a credible 5th in open company last time so ought to be in the shake-up back against her own sex and in receipt of 1.5kg from the selection. AMETHYSTIC and ELECTRIC FEELS could have a say on their best form. Returning LOVE RULES showed enough in her 4 starts prior to a layoff to warrant consideration.
Top Tip: LOVE RULES (7)
Watch out for: APPLE CATCHER (3)
4 14H15 – Bet With Tab Open Maiden (F & M)
MISTY CLIFFS was drawn wide and ran into traffic problems when returning from a break over 1400m. SILVER SLEET showed pace on debut and could bounce back from a disappointing last start given a subsequent 11-week break. It could, however, pay to be with well-bred BO KAAP on debut, as she is closely related to several top performers as well as Grade 1 winners. SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL and PONTE VECCHIO have the form and experience to make their presence felt from favourable inside gates. MY FLOWER FATE has scope to improve after a quiet introduction so could also take home a cheque.
Top Tip: MISTY CLIFFS (3)
Watch out for: BO KAAP (5)
5 14H50 – Play.tabonlne.co.za Maiden Plate
Tricky. HAWK CIRCLE has improved after gelding and the fitting of blinkers has also brought about improvement. He has run well in 2 comeback sprints this year and may now be looking for this trip which, on pedigree, should suit. FINAL EDITION made an encouraging reappearance at the beginning of the month and should have more to offer, though KELP FOREST ought to confirm the form of their recent meeting from gate No 1. The latter has improved with every outing and could emerge victorious if making further progress.
Top Tip: FINAL EDITION (4)
Watch out for: KELP FOREST (1)
6 15H25 – Cape Turf Club Class 3 (F & M)
A case can be made for each of these. BYE BYE BOMBSHELL was 4th in consecutive feature races over further before a 9-week break. She is distance suited and ought to fare better dropping in class off a lower (2pts) mark. On the form of their meeting in the Victress Stakes, stablemate VERONICA MARS warrants respect on 2.5kg better terms. FLEETING may have needed her last start and could do better returning to the scene of her 2 career wins. BETTY BOOP (1kg worse off) was ahead of that rival when trying 1600m and should confirm. BROADWAY GIRL races off a career-high mark but could also have a say.
Top Tip: BETTY BOOP (1)
Watch out for: BYE BYE BOMBSHELL (5)
7 16H00 – Cape Racing Sales Cape B Stakes (F & M)
Another chance is given to HUNTING TRIP. She failed to go through with her effort when given every chance over 1250m last time but, with the tongue-tie done away with and a return to this trip likely to suit, could make amends. Class-droppers DISTINCTION and SONIC BURST should make their presence felt. ENEMY TERRITORY was an easy 4-length winner over this trip in just her second start and ought to be competitive with improvement on the cards. SHE’S MY CAPTAIN will keep them honest, while MISS MARGUERITE could surprise back over this trip for the first time since her maiden win.
Top Tip: ENEMY TERRITORY (5)
Watch out for: HUNTING TRIP (1)
8 16H35 – Follow Cape Racing On Social Media Class 3
Competitive sprint. BARZALONA and DOUBLE CHARGE bounced back to form with close-up finishes in a stronger race last time and should be in the shake-up if repeating those efforts with an extra 1.5kg on their backs. DANCE VARIETY maintained a good level of form and consistency off higher marks before a creditable 7th in the Newlands Stakes over 1400m. He is closely matched with BEERENBERG on the form of that meeting but ought to find this shorter trip more to his liking. The latter is unbeaten over course and distance and likely to play leading role once more.
Top Tip: SILVER FALCON (7)
Watch out for: BEERENBERG (4)
9 17H05 – Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 5
FLY TO RIO led for most of the way and was only outrun late when 2nd in a similar contest at her last start. On that evidence, this shorter trip may suit and she could be hard to peg back despite a 4-point penalty. Course-and-distance winner AXL concedes 3.5kg to that rival from a wider draw but arrives in good form and ought to be competitive. TUSCAN GOLD is closely matched so likely to make his presence felt too. MASKED VIGILANTE has been disappointing but could bounce back to form any day now given his big drop in the ratings.
Top Tip: MASKED VIGILANTE (1)
Watch out for: FLY TO RIO (3)
Remembering Zimbabwe’s First Equine Millionaire & Kevin Wright In His Heyday
Zimbabwes first equine millionaire Stay Alert aka “Stinger” or “the galloping grey”.
Spey Bridge champion 2 year old, champion 3 year old, champion older horse and twice horse of the year.
Winner of 22 races including the prestigious triple crown.
Bred by Sandown stud by Star Cutter out of Red Alert.
Half brother to two Tankard winners. …. Air Alert and Red Warning.
Trained originally by Ginger Halfpenny and mainly ridden by Kevin “Rocky the jockey” Wright (husband of current Summerveld trainer Alyson Wright).
As a three-year-old in 1995/1995 he won the Listed Mota Free Handicap over 1600m, the Listed Mota Champion Stakes over 1600m, the Listed Zimbabwe Guineas Trial over 1600m, the Grade 3 Tinto Guineas, the Grade 3 Rainbow Tourism 2000, the Grade 3 OK Grand Challenge over 1800m and the Grade 3 Zimbabwe Derby over 2400m, all at Borrowdale and ridden by Kevin Wright in all of them.
He campaigned in South Africa as a four-year-old but only managed one win in an A Division a handicap at Clairwood.
He then returned to Zimbabwe and won a further 12 races with his final win being in the Listed Breeders Champion Cup under Roberto Sasso just three days before officially turning ten years of age.
Stay Alert as an older horse.
“He was Kevin’s favorite horse when he was riding,” said Alyson.
Kevin’s career was ended when kicked in the knee at the start of a race at Clairwood and by all accounts he would have matched the best in South Africa, so it was most unfortunate.
July day 1937 (Getty Images)
Today’s Question
What is the lightest weight ever carried to victory in the July?
Mr M Chinnery was South Africa’s most senior handicapper when the Pietermaritzburg-owned Margin won the July in 1916 carrying just 6 stone 1 pound (38.55kg) under W Clements. (southafricanracehorse.wordpress.com)
