Owner Rikesh Sewgoolam will be going for a Gr 1 double at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday with Cymric and Time Fo Orchids (Pictured above, JC Photos)

Jack Milner, the chief writer for Tab4Racing, has produced excellent pen pictures of all the Gr 1 runners at the Festival Of Speed meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday.

It is well worth a read for those having a go at the Jackpot of Gr 1’s, which is expected to have a pool of over R3 million.

RUNNER-BY-RUNNER GUIDE TO THE FOUR GRADE 1 SPRINTS

Race 5: R1-MILLION ALLAN ROBERTSON CHAMPIONSHIP (Grade 1) over 1200m (two-year-old fillies)

1 QUID PRO QUO: Aims to complete a hat-trick over the course and distance and rates a big runner.

Career: 4 Runs; 2 Wins; 2 Places. Earnings: R206,500

2 FIERY PEGASUS: Disappointed when backed on debut, but made up for it second time out. Faces much stronger opposition now.

Career: 2 Runs; 1 Win; 1 Place. Earnings: R76,250

3 GIMMIE’S COUNTESS: Demolished the field on debut at very short odds and obviously talented. Rates a big runner.

Career: 1 Run; 1 Win; 0 Places. Earnings: R71,875

4 DISTING: Found her running shoes at this track last time and won decisively. Could be the surprise if building on that run.

Career: 3 Runs; 1 Win; 2 Places. Earnings: R114,625

5 SORCERESS SUPREME: Produced a jaw-dropping performance first time out in KZN under Muzi Yeni and could go in again.

Career: 4 Runs; 1 Win; 1 Place. Earnings: R130,312

6 JUST RECKLESS: Class act, winning the Grade 3 Strelitzia Stakes after finishing runner-up in SA Fillies Nursery. The one to beat.

Career: 6 Runs; 3 Wins; 3 Places. Earnings: R440,250

7 KINDRED HEART: Excellent Highveld form and capable of surprising in her first run in KZN.

Career: 6 Runs; 1 Win; 5 Places. Earnings: R142,500

8 SYMPHONY IN WHITE: Ignore her penultimate when tested against top males in a Grade 3. Should place in this field.

Career: 3 Runs; 2 Wins; 0 Places. Earnings: R178,125

9 RODEO DRIVE: Improving at a rate of knots and should benefit from the coastal conditions. Richard Fourie takes the ride.

Career: 3 Runs; 1 Win; 2 Places. Earnings: R94,250

10 FROZEN FANTASY: Won over 1200m on debut and may then have found 1400m too far. Could surprise back over 1200m.

Career: 2 Runs; 1 Win; 1 Place. Earnings: R79,375

11 PROM QUEEN: Looks slightly outclassed in this company and will battle to get loser to Just Reckless after a 5.60-length beating last time.

Career: 3 Runs; 1 Win; 0 Places. Earnings: R95,312

Race 6: R1-MILLION GOLD MEDALLION (Grade 1) over 1200m (two-year-olds)

1 CHINABERRY: Has run on best of all in all of his races, proven at the track and could run into the Quartet.

Career: 4 Runs; 1 Win; 1 Place. Earnings: R103,000

2 PISTOL PETE: Speedy runner who did not enjoy the yielding going in the SA Nursery. Strong contender.

Career: 4 Runs; 3 Wins; 1 Place. Earnings: R321,875

3 BELIEVE IN FATE: Most impressive when winning his maiden last time and has a lively chance.

Career: 2 Runs; 1 Win; 1 Place. Earnings: R66,250

4 COMMANDING: Won well in a moderate field last time, but will need to up his game now to feature.

Career: 5 Runs; 1 Win; 2 Places. Earnings: R158,000

5 CYMRIC: Looked good when winning the Godolphin Barb at this course last time. On the shortlist.

Career: 4 Runs; 2 Wins; 2 Places. Earnings: R287,625

6 TWENTY ONE MAY: Narrowly won a maiden last time and looks held in this company.

Career: 3 Runs; 1 Win; 1 Place. Earnings: R87,250

7 TRUTH: Has won both starts convincingly and appears to set the standard in this line-up.

Career: 2 Runs; 2 Wins; 0 Places. Earnings: R146,875

8 COLD SHINE: Won a maiden in his first run in KZN at this course. All out that day and will need to improve to trouble them.

Career: 3 Runs; 1 Win; 1 Place. Earnings: R151,000

9 ONE MORE: Highly regarded and won well at first time of asking. Four of his victims won their subsequent starts. Big chance.

Career: 1 Run; 1 Win; 0 Places. Earnings: R62,500

10 WILD AT WAR – Won his maiden against older horses last time and stable in form but others preferred.

Career: 5 Runs; 1 Win; 2 Places. Earnings: R82,250

11 PROCEED – Grade 3 Protea Stakes winner, has Fourie in the irons and cannot be ignored.

Career: 5 Runs; 2 Wins; 3 Places. Earnings: R305,000

12 UNITED NATION – Lone win was on the Polytrack and against older horses. Could place.

Career: 2 Runs; 1 Win; Places 0. Earnings: R71,875

13 WINDS OF CHANGE – Runner-up in all four starts, all but one in feature races. Talented;  could place.

Career: 4 Runs; 0 Wins; 4 Places. Earnings: R384,000

14 COSMIC SPEED – Runner-up behind SA Nursery winner on debut and then won easily after gelding. Could be anything.

Career: 2 Runs; 1 Win; 1 Place. Earnings: R82,500

Race 7: R1-MILLION SOUTH AFRICAN FILLIES SPRINT (Grade 1) over 1200m (fillies and mares at weight-for-age)

1 KWINTA’S LIGHT – This five-year-old somehow ends up the bridesmaid too often, but she’s in with an outside chance.

Career: 26 Runs; 5 Wins; 15 Places. Earnings: R786,700

2 REEFWAY – Judged on ratings and current form this daughter of Rafeef faces an impossible task.

Career: 13 Runs; 2 Wins; 5 Places. Earnings: R185,000

3 BALTIC SECRET – After a runner-up finish in a Grade 3 race last time out over the course and distance, she’s the value proposition at 20-1.

Career: 8 Runs; 2 Wins; 3 Places. Earnings: R283,312

4 OCTOBER MORN – This red-hot three-year-old is the one to beat – he’s the highest rated, best weighted and in top form.

Career: 11 Runs; 4 Wins; 7 Places. Earnings: R722,512

5 MRS BROWNING – With Grade 2 and 3 victories on her resume, a win in this Grade 1 would not be out of turn. Will be there at the line.

Career: 14 Runs; 6 Wins; 5 Places. Earnings: R772,875

6 WHITE PEARL – If hitting the front early with Striker up, she could go all the way. Does tend to over-promise and then under-deliver, though.

Career: 13 Runs; 2 Wins; 9 Places. Earnings: R628,000

7 SHANTASTIC – Started her career with a bang but has fizzled out a bit. Unlikely to challenge for top honours.

Career: 16 Runs; 4 Wins; 6 Places. Earnings: R443,325

8 SHIPHOLIA – Having run only twice this season, she could be anything. A Polytrack specialist, she did surprise at this track last time out.

Career: 11 Runs; 4 Wins; 4 Places. Earnings: R315,875

9 CONVOCATION – Punters who love an underdog, will get to adore this daughter of Flying The Flag. Has won all three starts in 2024.

Career: 10 Runs; 5 Wins; 2 Places. Earnings: R324,000

10 TIME FO ORCHIDS – Needed time to mature and is now rewarding her followers. She’s much better than the 10-1 on offer.

Career: 16 Runs; 5 Wins; 6 Places. Earnings: R548,812

11 ONE FELL SWOOP – This daughter of Lancaster Bomber has been prolific under trainer Tony Peter and has won four of the last six.

Career: 10 Runs; 5 Wins; 3 Places. Earnings: R526,625

12 WINTER GREETING – Set off the fireworks last time out when only a length behind Lucky Lad in a Grade 2. Include in all bets.

Career: 10 Runs; 5 Wins; 1 Place. Earnings: R360,625

13 ASIYE PHAMBILI – Loves the course, loves the distance. Has scored a hat-trick before and knows how to ride a winning wave.

Career: 16 Runs; 6 Wins; 6 Places. Earnings: R584,125

14 GIMME A SHOT – Doesn’t seem to enjoy a trip to the coast but might make more of the opportunity this time round.

Career: 18 Runs; 4 Wins; 5 Places. Earnings: R570,525

15 WINTER CLOUD – A three-time Grade 3 winner going for three in a row. Obviously a big runner.

Career: 11 Runs; 6 Wins; 1 Place. Earnings: R1,117,937

16 ELEGANT ICE – Fitted with a tongue tie when finally posting second career last time out. Much tougher opposition now.

Career: 9 Runs; 2 Wins; 5 Places. Earnings: R283,750

Race 8: R1-MILLION GOLDEN HORSE SPRINT (Grade 1) over 1200m

1 I AM GIANT – Consistent form but is 3.5kg worse off with Lucky Lad who beat him last time. Chance.

Career: 11 Runs; 4 Wins; 6 Places. Earnings: R447,125

2 SWING UPON A STAR – Played up pre-race last time but could place on earlier form.

Career: 17 Runs; 4 Wins; 7 Places. Earnings: R489,625

3 SURJAY – Third in this race last year and rarely out of the places. Well weighted and should go close.

Career: 24 Runs; 4 Wins; 13 Places. Earnings: R805,475

4 ZIYASHA – In good form but untested over 1200m and looks held by Lucky Lad. Could place.

Career: 15 Runs; 4 Wins; 7 Places. Earnings: R396,250

5 HITHEMHARDSUNSHINE – In good form, enjoys the track but takes a jump in class. Place chance.

Career: 14 Runs; 4 Wins; 6 Places. Earnings: R355,850

6 QUASIFORSURE – Consistent runner and not without a chance. Could provide each-way value.

Career: 16 Runs; 6 Wins; 7 Places. Earnings: R541,275

7 DYCE – Had his issues but was recently gelded and at best has a strong winning chance. G1 winner so include in all bets.

Career: 16 Runs; 7 Wins; 6 Places. Earnings: R1,733,875

8 AT MY COMMAND – Drops in trip and last two runs were disappointing. Needs to improve to feature.

Career: 18 Runs; 4 Wins; 10 Places. Earnings: R933,325

9 COUNTDOWN – Last success was a narrow victory at Fairview. Held by others on form.

Career: 25 Runs; 5 Wins; 7 Places. Earnings: R636,550

10 CRUISE CONTROL – Been competing well at Fairview but big jump in class could prove too much.

Career: 17 Runs; 11 Wins; 2 Places. Earnings: R754,688

11 LUCKY LAD – Remarkable last win in first-time blinkers, won at this course from No 11 draw last year and can do so again from same barrier.

Career: 8 Runs; 5 Wins; 2 Places. Earnings: R1,325,000

12 SUN BLUSHED – Has won his last two but jumps in class and has a lot more to do this time.

Career: 16 Runs; 5 Wins; 6 Places. Earnings: R435,750

13 CLIFF TOP – Little to choose between him and Cruise Control on Fairview form and will face the same problems.

Career: 23 Runs; 6 Wins; 12 Places. Earnings: R834,438

14 PRAY FOR RAIN – Runs well at this course but looks held on form.

Career: 34 Runs; 5 Wins; 15 Places. Earnings: R574,125

15 ZINOVI – Jumps in class but is in good form and loves the distance. One for Trifectas and Quartets.

Career: 12 Runs; 4 Wins; 5 Places. Earnings: R423,000

16 MELECH – Unbeaten over the distance including a win over Main Defender three runs back. Chance.

Career: 12 Runs; 6 Wins; 3 Places. Earnings: R519,875

Reserve Runner

17 FIRE ‘N FLAMES – Good last win but looks outclassed in this line-up.

Career: 19 Runs; 3 Wins; 7 Places. Earnings: R331,750

Great news just in for 4Racing (JC Photos)  

Tab4Racing

31 May 2024 – On Thursday, 30 May 2024, the Gauteng Local Division of the High Court reviewed and set aside the decision to amend Regulation 276 of the Gauteng Gambling Regulations in the matter between Phumelela Gaming and Leisure Limited and the MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development (Gauteng), Premier of Gauteng, Gauteng Gambling Board and 4Racing (Pty) Ltd.

Until 1 April 2019, Regulations 273 and 276 of the Regulations provided that 6% of the winnings of punters on horseracing placed with bookmakers would be paid in the following proportions: 3% would be paid as a tax in terms of Regulation 270 and 3% would be paid as a levy in terms of Regulation 273 to the holder of the totalisator licence contemplated in section 53 of the Gauteng Gambling Act. This will now be reinstated, giving back the totalisator its 3% share of the betting levy.

Phumelela instituted a review of the amendment under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000. On 1 December 2021, 4Racing took over Phumelela’s totalisator and race-meeting licences in Gauteng and intervened in Phumelela’s review application. The MEC and the Gauteng Gambling Board opposed Phumelela’s review application and 4Racing’s application for leave to intervene in the application.

The Court found that 4Racing was plainly interested in the proceedings and that its application for leave to intervene had to be granted. The Court was also satisfied that the amendment to Regulation 276 constituted unlawful administrative action that fell to be reviewed and set aside because it was procedurally unfair.

The Court furthermore rejected a counter-application instituted by the MEC and the Board to declare the pre-amendment regulation unconstitutional to the extent that it facilitates the payment of the betting levy to the holder of the totalisator licence.

The Court held that the effect of the relief would be that 4Racing would begin receiving its half of the betting levy raised under the Gauteng Gambling Regulations from the date of the order. In addition, the Court held that the order should have retrospective effect. Accordingly, the Court directed the respondents to pay Phumelela and 4Racing the total amount of the levy that is due and payable in terms of Regulation 276 in the form it took before the amendment was made, in the case of Phumelela for the period from 1 April 2019 to 30 November 2021, and in the case of 4Racing for the period from 1 December 2021 to 30 May 2024. The respondents were also directed to pay interest on the aforesaid sums at the prescribed rate with the capital and interest required to be paid on or before 1 December 2024.

“We believe the judgement is fair and beneficial to the whole industry. 4Racing has always maintained that betting revenues are needed to contribute to the transformation of the industry, and to provide better conditions for its workers – this outcome will go a long way in achieving this. We also look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with all regulators, and driving greater impact in accordance with our mandate,” said 4Racing Chief Executive Officer, Fundi Sithebe.

ENDS

For any media enquiries, contact:

Thabo Mboweni

Senior Media Specialist
thabo@vumareputation.com
067 415 6992

Ancient Wisdom is the choice of James Flaherty (Picture: Godolphin)

At The Races

ATR’s James Flaherty takes an in-depth look at the 16 colts out to etch their names on Epsom’s prestigious roll of honour on Saturday.

These include the South African-owned God’s Window, who is a homebred of the Cayton Park Stud of Gaynor Rupert’s.

James Flaherty

I think it is fair to say that Saturday’s Betfred Derby is one of the most open contests for several years. It is a division that has lacked a horse to stamp his authority on it, while the one that looked set to potentially do it as a juvenile last season has disappointed and now has plenty of questions to answer. More on that later.

It is also justified to say that at this juncture, it looks like a sub-standard renewal. Hindsight might tell us otherwise of course, while I’m sure the connections of the winner on Saturday evening won’t mind how the so-called experts rank the race.

The track conditions have been a common topic of discussion this week. Earlier in the week, the threat of downpours had some suggesting it could even be heavy. However, on Friday morning, clerk of the course, Andrew Cooper, reported that less than 2mm fell on the course through Thursday.

The Downs were clearly lucky to escape some of the heavy rain that fell nearby. The going is currently good to soft and with Friday mainly dry, apart from some very light showers and Saturday heating up, that could dry out by 4.30pm Saturday. Unless dramatical changes happen, the mud larks might struggle.

Finally, while it may seem strange to talk about the draw for a race that is a mile and a half long, Epsom’s configuration and the location of the Derby and Oaks start means that the draw is quite important. I think this will be especially true this year as we have a sizable field of 16 runners and the draw is always more important in bigger fields.

Of the last 20 Derbys, just eight have had 16 runners or more. Five of those renewals were won by horses drawn in stall 12 or higher, while seven of them came from the higher half of the draw. The one exception was New Approach, so it might just take a special horse to defy a low draw in a big field.

1. AMBIENTE FRIENDLY (Drawn 6)
Jockey: R Havlin | Trainer: James Fanshawe

This Gleneagles colt took a notable step forward on his previous form last time when running out a ready winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial. The form has been franked since with the third (beaten almost eight lengths) winning a Listed race at Goodwood. He had Illinois back in second too, whose form from last season ties in closely with Los Angeles. That effort is a match for virtually all the runners here except for the favourite’s juvenile form and better than most have managed.

2. ANCIENT WISDOM (11)
W Buick | Charlie Appleby

One of last season’s leading juveniles after winning the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket impressively and following up in the Group 1 Futurity in testing conditions at Doncaster on his final start. While the form was downplayed at the time in many quarters, it has worked out quite well. Breeding suggests he should be at least as good and probably better at middle distances, and that is supported by how he shaped in his races last year.

He was a tad disappointing in the Dante at York on reappearance behind Economics, but I would be willing to forgive that run. He was a little free early on and tracked the strong pace but stayed on better than the rest. His yard could hardly be in better form either, having an excellent season thus far. He rates a major player and while he would have thrived in soft ground, he certainly handles better ground.

3. BELLUM JUSTUM (12)
Oisin Murphy | Andrew Balding

It took him four starts to break his maiden as a juvenile but has stepped forward in both of his last two starts. It was a strong maiden he did win when he got off the mark, beating last weekend’s Group 2 winner Inisherin, who ran well in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. He continued his progress with a Listed success at this course on seasonal return in the Blue Riband Trial. He is highly likely to step forward again, but he will need to improve a lot to get involved.

4. CITY OF TROY (1)
Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien

There is a feeling of déjà vu regarding City Of Troy ahead of the second colts’ Classic of the season. There was divided opinion of him ahead of the 2000 Guineas and while I was in his camp, my faith waned in the aftermath of that hugely disappointing reappearance. It was such a disappointing effort that those keeping the faith must put a line through that effort as it was too bad for him to just need the run.

I still believe he has the most ability in this field, but I certainly have more questions now than I did prior to Newmarket. The memories from his sensational juvenile campaign are less vivid now than they were prior. I had him down as more of a Derby horse at the end of last season, but I still wanted to see more than a (16-and-three-quarter length) ninth-place finish. Furthermore, he is now priced as though he ran well in the 2000 Guineas, and he has a poor draw in stall 1 to overcome.

5. DALLAS STAR (7)
David Egan | Adrian Murray

Dallas Star looked an entirely different prospect on his return this season. Having looked exposed towards the end of last term as one that had reached close to his ceiling, his impressive Group 3 success at the hands of Illinois and The Euphrates raised doubts about that theory.

There is the possibility that the O’Brien pair were slightly undercooked, but taking the form at face value he is entitled to take his place here. That form puts him on a similar level to several here who could run well, while leaving him with some improvement required to get seriously involved.

6. DANCING GEMINI (15)
D McMonagle | Roger Teal

He is a horse I have been a big fan of, pretty much since his debut at Salisbury last June. He progressed with each run and put in a big performance at Doncaster in the Flying Scotsman at the Leger Festival in September. He probably wasn’t quite in the same form when he returned there the following month when behind Ancient Wisdom in the Futurity.

His seasonal return was a promising one when a staying on second in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas). He is one that probably wanted all the forecast rain to fall, with all his best efforts coming on soft ground or worse. He needs to step forward again, but he is a very likable type, who looks sure to run his race, despite connections having some concerns regarding the track prior to a recent spin.

7. DEIRA MILE (14)
Jim Crowley | Owen Burrows

Another that contested the Futurity at Doncaster last season, his fourth-place finish possibly deserving of marking up slightly as he got outpaced at a vital point and it was his first run for the stable after leaving Charlie Johnston. He was staying on again at the line and this son of Camelot looks sure to enjoy this distance.

He had a simple task on reappearance at Windsor in a Novice contest over ten furlongs, which told us very little. He did appear to need the run on that occasion too. He has shown some personality in the past and it might be interesting to see how he handles the occasion. One of the likelier outsiders.

8. EUPHORIC (9)
Declan McDonagh | Aidan O’Brien

Euphoric was just a length behind Los Angeles at Leopardstown last time, although one felt that the winner on the day was value for more. He had been beaten at Cork prior to that, while Los Angeles was having his first run of the season. In truth, it is hard to see him reversing that form and he could well be set for pace-making duties for the Ballydoyle team. They have won the race with such types before, of course!!

9. GOD’S WINDOW (10)
Kieran Shoemark | John & Thady Gosden

One that certainly would have appreciated the return to softer conditions if Epsom did get the forecast rain as his form is of a much higher level when he is able to get his toe in. He ran a huge race when finishing third in the Futurity on just his second start, just forty-two days after making his racecourse debut.

He made a winning return to this campaign at Nottingham but has been rather disappointing in two starts since. They have come on better ground and perhaps he is just ground dependent. The Dante effort especially leaves him a little short of the standard required here.

10. KAMBOO (3)
Richard Kingscote | Richard Hughes

Kamboo arrives at the Derby trying to win the Classic without a run this season. He hasn’t been seen on a racecourse since his win at Kempton in December. As well as not having had a prep, he is yet to race on turf either. While Notable Speech managed to overcome that negative to win the 2000 Guineas, it must be a concern, especially on the undulations of this course.

While the Kempton race was reasonably strong for a December maiden, he has plenty of question marks surrounding his chance here and others are preferred.

11. LOS ANGELES (4)
W M Lordan | Aidan O’Brien

This unbeaten son of Camelot is hard to knock, even though I find it difficult to weigh up what he has actually achieved. That seems like a strange comment for an unbeaten thrice-raced Group 1 winner, but I’m unsure about the strength of that Group 1 success in the Criterion de Saint Cloud. It was more the manner of the success and while one might argue that he did well to win, he didn’t travel through the race like a Derby winner, although perhaps that was down to greenness.

On the plus side, he was more professional at Leopardstown in the Derby Trial, and he looks sure to really appreciate the extra two furlongs. He has been very strong at the finish in all his races. If he can stay involved, few will be finishing as well as him.

12. MACDUFF (8)
Rossa Ryan | Ralph Beckett

He was always likely to make up into a better three-year-old, but still managed to reach a decent level as a juvenile. His fourth in the Royal Lodge backing up a similar effort behind Al Musmak at Haydock, although probably better than the bare result in the Newmarket contest.

His return at Sandown leaves him with a bit to find but his shrewd trainer has previous in treating those trials as exactly that and finding significant improvement for the Classic itself. He will need to work his magic again as that bare form leaves him with something to find.

13. MR HAMPSTEAD (5)
Sean Levey | Dominic Ffrench Davis

The outsider of the entire field, this 86-rated maiden would be 1000-1 in another year. This year has such an open feel, connections may feel justified in rolling the dice. Having said that, despite it looking like an average renewal, he hasn’t done anything in three starts to date to suggest he can get seriously involved in a Group 1 contest, let alone a Classic. He wasn’t far behind Voyage at Newbury, so perhaps his supporters can make the case he is overpriced on that run.

14. SAYEDATY SADATY (2)
Tom Marquand | Andrew Balding

The son of Anodin had a busy campaign as a juvenile, running on five occasions. He managed just one win in those starts but took a substantial step forward on his return when a close second in a Listed contest at Newcastle. Sayedaty Sadaty failed to build on that upped to 10f at Newmarket and I have stamina concerns from both his pedigree and his performances to date.

15. TABLETALK (13)
James Doyle | Tom Clover

Tabletalk is one of the least exposed horses in the line-up after just two starts, with a single win in a Chelmsford maiden to his name. It was an authoritative success, with the 71-rated Belcamo easily dismissed back in third. While it was impressive on the eye, it is a monstrous rise in class from that contest to a Classic. One that I think he might struggle with, despite the confidence of his connections.

16 VOYAGE (16)
Pat Dobbs | Richard Hannon

Last, but not least, is the Richard Hannon trained maiden winner, the least experienced horse in this year’s Derby after just one start. That was an impressive one, when winning at Newbury. It came just 43 days ago, but the form has received a couple of boosts since, with the fifth and sixth both winning.

He was much the best on the day, but it is difficult to quantify what he achieved with real accuracy. He is very likely to step forward substantially too, making him even harder to get a handle on. It wouldn’t shock me if he won as we don’t really know how good he is, but I find it hard to make the case for him at the same time.

JAMES FLAHERTY’S VERDICT

As much as I loved City Of Troy last season, I was incredibly disappointed with his return to action. The doubts prior to Newmarket, which I put out of my mind then, obviously grew in the intervening period and while I always thought last season that he was a Derby horse, I am struggling to forgive him. While drifting in recent days, he is still priced as though he ran acceptably in defeat in the Guineas. That was certainly not the case.

His price is probably as short as it is because of the alternatives falling by the wayside one by one. Economics was easily the most impressive horse in any of the trials and he doesn’t even run. There are plenty that one can make a case for on form if City Of Troy doesn’t bounce back.

The one I have just about come down on is the Dante second, ANCIENT WISDOM. He is the one horse that I feel will run his race, and if City Of Troy does fluff his lines once more, he sets the benchmark for the others to get to, in my opinion.

That opinion is not necessarily on the bare form of his Dante run, when no match for Economics. I thought he was better than the bare result though, keen early and then short of room at a vital stage. He also raced close to the strong pace and a combination of that, and expending energy unnecessarily means that effort can be upgraded.

He won the Futurity last season at Doncaster, he should stay, is versatile regards ground and is tough in a battle. He ticks plenty of boxes, without possessing the real star quality usually required in such a race. The bigger prices were snapped up earlier in the week, but the current 6-1 in places is more than acceptable.

Of those at bigger prices, Dancing Gemini is a horse I have liked for a long time, and I think he will run very well. He would have preferred real soft ground though and I’m not sure he is going to get that.

Lot 60 is by Elusive Fort out of a Lateral Gr 1-placed mare who is a half-sister to Gr 2 winner Rocket Countdown (Picture: Cape Racing Sales)

Barbara and her son Ian Sanne have bred some fantastic thoroughbreds over the years from their scenic Oldlands Stud, near Hermanus. Think of international stars Lucky Find and Sanshaawes; five exported horses that have won in the UK, and recent G1 honours in SA for Canadian Summer, Zarina and Ambiorix.

They send two yearlings, both Elusive Fort colts, to be auctioned on 6June Cape Racing Winter Yearling Sale at Hollyoodbets Kenilworth.

Lot 60, by Elusive Fort ex Sapsan (G1 placed and a half-sister to G2 winner of the Selangor Cup, Rocket Countdown) can be viewed in stable A7. Fourth dam Aigrette was remarkably prolific and versatile – dam of 15 foals, 14 to race and 13 winners, including quality stayer, Kipketer and the speedball, Moonlight Gambler.

Lot 86, Fort Yukon’s second dam, Zaitoon won the G1 SA Fillies Classic. 1^st dam, Zinthle is a daughter of Silvano. View this son of Elusive Fort beforehand in stable A6 where the Sanne’s will provide a warm welcome.

Barbara’s contact number is 082 566 3450 or email oldlandsfarm@gmail.com

Be advised that the Pinhook incentive scheme, introduced in 2023, will again be a sale feature at 2024 CRWYS. The incentive allows speculators to make purchases at this sale while only having to pay for the stock once selling at the Breeze Up Sale in October.

Please note, all graduates qualify for the CRS Juvenile bonus, which pays R100,000 to the winning connections.

DOWNLOAD IMAGES: https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/2024/05/28/crs-winter-yearling-sale-vendor-promotion-oldlands-stud/

ENDS 

For racing queries and sales queries, contact Justin Vermaak at justin@caperacing.co.za or Janine van Blerk at janine@caperacing.co.za  

Cape Racing Sales Social Media: 

Facebook: @caperacingsales  

Instagram: @caperacingsales 

Twitter: @CapeRacingSales 

Website: www.caperacingsales.co.za  

Cape Racing Social Media:  

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Website: www.caperacing.co.za 

Lion Rampart romps in by two lengths in his penultimate start (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

A small but very competitive field of juveniles line up for the R250 000 Somerset 1200 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday and trainer Vaughan Marshall appears to hold the upper hand with his two runners, Lion Rampart and Talk To The Master.

Both Lion Rampart and Talk To The Master have shown potential well above the average, but they have never previously come up against each other and deciding which may be the better at this stage of their careers is no foregone conclusion. My marginal preference would be for Lion Rampart (Richard Fourie) to come ahead of Talk To The Master (Ashton Arries), but that selection is not made with a great deal of confidence.

Miss World was a good second behind Talk To The Master in April and any further improvement by the daughter of One World could see her firmly in the mix. Corne Orffer retains the ride on Miss World for the Greg Ennion stable and is a must inclusion for all exotic bet permutations. Kaiboy was beaten two lengths by Lion Rampart in receipt of 3kgs on debut but he progressed nicely to score readily in his second start. Further headway can be expected from Candice Bass-Robinson’s runner and he could get a lot closer to Lion Rampart this time around.

Bass-Robinson also saddles Tanneron, who could have the measure of Brett Crawford’s very well-bred filly, Artiste. Tanneron was beaten by older horses last time when fourth behind Palo Queen, but she can be competitive reverting to juvenile company. Although beaten three lengths by Tanneron on debut, that was over 1000m, and Artiste may get a lot closer over the extra 200m.

Un Bel Di and Rama Forcesa make up the eight-strong field but will need to step up significantly on past form to match strides with the best of them here. Lion Rampart gets the nod to edge out his stable companion Talk To The Master with Miss World and Kaiboy the pick of the balance.

The R200 000 Winter Sprint over 1200m is the supporting feature on the 10-race programme and Questioning and Jerusalema Rain meet on identical terms as they did three weeks ago when Questioning came out on top by half-a-length. I expect Questioning to confirm that form with Jerusalema Rain and on the evidence of that race all of Rio Querari, Mufasa and Bereave should be safely held, particularly as Questioning is likely to prefer the extra 100m on Sunday.

Meu Capitano is the interesting runner. Piet Steyn has engaged Richard Fourie to partner the 3yo son of Captain Of All even though Fourie must put up 1,5kgs overweight. Meu Capitano has won his last two starts but takes a steep rise in class here and it’s anybody’s guess as to whether he is up for the challenge. We’re Jamming reverts to 1200m and could be the lurker in the pack but Questioning rates the one they all have to beat.

While the Somerset 1200 is the focus for the juveniles on Sunday, the fourth race, a Juvenile Plate over 1400m, is an intriguing contest and shapes up as an interesting trial for the upcoming Langerman over 1500m later this month. Kinda Wonderful and the eye-catching grey Vercingetorix colt, Roman Agent, are possibly the principal contenders but Marshall’s two runners, World Of Pleasure and All Out For Six, are not without winning claims. Marshall has already pencilled in the hugely impressive One Stripe for the Langerman but there is no harm in having back-up plans.

Brett Crawford sends out recent maiden winner Mauritius Kestrel while Snaith saddles African Prince, but their form coming into the race on Sunday is perhaps not as appealing as the aforementioned. Kinda Wonderful receives 5kgs from Roman Agent and this could just sway matters in favour of Eric Sands’ runner.

Crawford has an outstanding chance of taking out the second and fifth races on the programme. In the second race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m, he saddles Captain West who caught the eye when going narrowly on his debut two weeks ago. With the experience of that run under the belt Captain West should make a bod bid for top honours here, possibly at the expense of Bagatelle Flash and Cumbre Vieja.

In the fifth race, a Maiden Plate over 1600m, Crawford sends out the fast-improving Midway who was a close second over the distance behind Daimyo back in April. That was only his third career start and with any further improvement he should prove a tough nut to crack and appeals as a possible Pick 6 and Jackpot banker. Beaten favourite, Water Dragon, rates the principal threat with some measure of respect also for Tsunami Warning.

Questioning will be out to make it a second sprint win in succession (Picture: Wayne Marks)

R1     5 WORLDLY ran against older company in his last start carrying a lot of weight and was not disgraced when finishing fifth. Back in company against his own age, he should be the one to beat and looks like one of the better bets on the card. 4 LA PULGA finished fourth on debut and that formline has been franked. He can easily win this if he shows any amount of improvement. 8 GIMMETHEGOODLIFE returns after a break but has shown improvement with every run and should be involved in the finish. 11 KONNICHIWA ran well on debut in a strong field and could be a lurker at decent odds (Devon Pretorius: 5-4-8-11)

R2     1 BAGATELLE FLASH has barely put a foot wrong having only missed the placings once out of four starts. He has a strong finish on him. He ran against older company in his last start but using Krim as a line horse from his penultimate start, the he should have the beating of 8 CUMBRE VIEJA who ran a much improved race to finish third in his last start. 3 CAPTAIN WEST ran on the same day and same distance as Cumbre Vieja in his last start and had a faster time than him despite being carried out in the closing stages. Respect the well bred 5 AIR RAID who makes his debut (Devon Pretorius: 1-3-8-5)

R3     There was a lot of hype around 2 POWERANDTHEGLORY on debut and shortened into 5/2 at a stage before drifting out again. He is the half brother to Double Superlative and if he is as good as they say he is, then he should have the beating of this field. 6 CHERRY SKY showed big improvement in his second start with that formline being franked two weeks ago. If 1 STATED is ridden positively from a good draw he can be the biggest danger. 11 HAPPY DAYS will have to overcome a wide draw to feature but managed to improve from his debut run from a similar position (Devon Pretorius: 2-6-1-11)

R4     6 ROMAN AGENT is the class horse in the race after being feature raced in all of his starts to date. He needed his last start and travelled well into the final 400m but was not persevered with. He’ll be fitter for this start and despite top weight, he should be the one to beat. 4 KINDA WONDERFUL only has 55kgs to shoulder and must be respected. If there are stamina doubts, her brother won a 1400m as well as the Langerman as a juvenile. 5 AFRICAN PRINCE quickened up smartly to win going away in his last start. He should love the step up in trip. 1 MAURITIUS KESTREL as well as 3 WORLD OF PLEASURE should fight it out for minor placings (Devon Pretorius: 6-4-5-1)

R5     3 MIDWAY raced handy in his last start and showed big improvement when he finished second. Azzuri as well as Prince of Tibet have already franked that form which ticks a lot of the boxes for Midway to win. 6 WATER DRAGON was disappointing in his last start when he found himself on the wrong side of the track before switching and being carried towards the outside of the straight. With more luck in running, he’ll fight out the finish with Midway. 8 APACHE CHIEF drops slightly in trip which should see him run an improved effort. 4 ETOILLEFILLANT is better than his last two starts and should bounce back (Devon Pretorius: 3-6-8-4)

R6     4 PALO QUEEN is an incredibly quick filly and has to be timed right to get the best of her. She won well in her last start and only received a three point penalty for that win. She should follow up here. 1 SHE’S MY CAPTAIN hasn’t been in the best of form of late but showed a glimpse of a return to her best when she finished second behind Palo Queen. She’s 1,5kgs better off at the weights and should finish closer. Behind her was 7 TEQUILLA SKY who has been a model of consistency of late and should be involved in the quartet as well as 2 LOVE SHACK who ran a good race in her first run out the maidens (Devon Pretorius: 4-1-7-2)

R7     6 QUESTIONING is loving his racing after being dropped back to sprinting trips. He won well in his last start beating the majority of this field and now third run after a rest, he should be in peak fitness for this run and is the one to beat. Behind him was a fast finishing 5 JERUSALEMA RAIN who based on that start, should appreciate the extra 100m. 7 BEREAVE hung badly to the outside in his last start and managed to miss the placings. However, he is still the class package in the race and can’t be left out. 3 MEU CAPITANO is an interesting runner. Richard Fourie has been booked for the ride and will be plus 1,5kgs and completely out at the weights but he could prove to be a bit of value for the minor placings (Devon Pretorius: 6-5-7-3)

R8     Great renewal of the Somerset 1200 and it could get close between the primary contenders. 6 TALK TO THE MASTER won under a brilliant ride by Bernard Fayd’Herbe on that occasion when it looked like he was going to be beaten by 4 MISS WORLD but he fought back gamely to win. He would have needed that run and should strip fitter here and is a narrow first selection over the Miss World. Richard Fourie retains the ride on 8 LION RAMPART who finished second in the Winter Nursery behind One Stripe. With that run under the belt, he should fight out the finish. 3 UN BEL DI won in older company in his last start after being gelded, he has scope for further improvement (Devon Pretorius: 6-4-8-3)

R9     Field race for the pick 6 and jackpots as a case can be made for every single run. 1 OLIVER won in an impressive manner when dropping back to 1200m. Escarpment franked that form last week when winning in a comfortable manner and that should strengthen the chances of Oliver to follow up. There should be pace in the race with 3 BLUE HOLLY, who is the best weighted in the race, and that should give 5 GIMMELIGHTNING something to aim at in the closing stages. He deserved his last win and should have every chance once again. He beat 9 SILVER CROWN who has finished runner up in his last two starts and should finish wherever Gimmelightning finishes. 6 DEAN STREET can upset at big odds if he returns to his best and even 7 WAR CHARIOT and 8 GO IT ALONE deserve a mention. Wide open! (Devon Pretorius: 1-5-9-3)
Del   10    4 CLOUD CHASER has had her merit rating tumble down for sometime and her last start from a wide draw, she showed big improvement to finish third in the same class she races in today. A repeat of her last start should see her go close to winning. 9 VERONIQUE was hopeless unlucky in her last start and couldn’t get a run for the final 400m. She steps up in trip but does have a wide draw to overcome. 2 CATTALEYA drops in distance to 1400m after a few efforts over further. If she jumps well and can hold her position from a good draw, she can win at good each way odds. 5 SENHORA VICTORIA can never be left out and finally cracks a good draw. She’ll be involved in the finish (4-9-2-5)

The Alan Greeff-trained ASSM Syndicate-owned Master Of My Fate filly Splicethemainbrace is now unbeaten in five starts after she won the Listed Lady’s Slipper Stakes over 1400m at Fairview today under Richard Fourie, although she had to survive an objection by the connections of narrow runner up Happy Holly (Pauline Herman Photography) 

Richard Fourie rode a treble for his guv’nor Alan Greeff on the Fairview turf today and the latter scored a four-timer to draw further clear in the East Cape Trainers Championship.

Tara Laing had a double on the day.

Fourie goes to 319 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 22.87% and he now has a projected number of wins for the season of 383 wins.

Greeff goes to 120 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 16.33% and he is now seven clear of his arch rival Gavin Smith.

Laing has had 19 wins at 6.81%.

The filly Fairy Bridge by Bold Reason went on to become the dam of the legendary stallion Sadler’s Wells (pictured above).

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SADLER’S WELLS