Fourie Barometer 387 (updated after racing on 27/06/2024)

Royal Victory Will Be Spot On

Royal Victory was the first to gallop at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July gallops this morning and put in eyecatching work under big race rider Muzi Yeni (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The Nathan Kotzen-trained Ambiance Stud-bred Pathfork gelding Royal Victory will be out to land an unprecedented treble on July 6.

No horse in history has done the Gr 1 Betway Summer Cup, Gr 1 World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge and Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July treble.

The R90,000 purchase has brought joy to the Victor and Kotzen families and the original partnership of PJ Victor, BJ Wiese and Natasha Sturdy now has the two additions of BA Victor and the Itssa IT & Business Solutions (PTY) Ltd of prominent owners Sandy and Eugene Arundel.

Most of the connections were at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Final Field and Draw ceremony on Tuesday and let out a loud group cheer when Nathan pulled out draw one.

However, Nathan himself is a bit circumspect about the draw.

He said, “In a way it’s a bit of a difficult draw. You’ve got to actually jump him out and hold position for at least the first 200 metres, otherwise you’ll find yourself too far back. But Muzi is good out of the gates. He knows what to do. He can hold position for a while and then go from there.”

Yeni worked Royal Victory at Summerveld on Monday and was very pleased with him. That left himself and Nathan knowing exactly what they had to do with him at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July gallops this morning (Thursday).

Royal Victory’s last run before the Summer Cup was six weeks before the race and Nathan then only gave him one run in between that race and the Premier’s Champions Challenge. His last run before the latter race was seven weeks out.

He has followed the same strategy this time with the one run after the Premier’s, which was on April 6, being on 19 May, seven weeks before the July.

Nathan has always said this horse does not need a lot to bring him to his peak, but his Hollywoodbets Durban July gallop this morning was always going to be important.

He was given a lead from the 1400m mark and Yeni then gave him a hard work out all the way to the line.

He covered the last 800m in 48.80 seconds and the last 400m in 23.90 seconds.

Some observers were concerned about Royal Victory sweating in the parade ring before his gallop, but the decent work out he was given should put him spot on for the big race on Saturday week.

Royal Victory carries second top weight of 57kg, three kg less than See It Again.

He is currently a 10/1 shot.

Snaith Trio Backed By Varying Degrees Of Confidence

Future Swing did not give much away at today’s Hollywoodbets Durban July gallops (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The biggest enigma in the Hollywoodbets Durban July betting is the 6/1 third favouritism of the Justin Snaith-trained Future Swing, because on paper he should be a way longer price.

Future Swing is officially 4,5kg under sufferance off his 110 merit rating and is held on paper by other runners.

For example, Master Redoute beat him by 0,40 lengths in the Gr 3 Peninsula Handicap over 1800m and is now 1kg better off and that form seemed to have been confirmed when Master Redoute lost by just 1,70 lengths to Future Swing last time out over 1900m on 4kg worse terms than he faces the latter in the July.

Oriental Charm lost by 0,30 lengths to Future Swing in the Gr 2 WSB 1900 and is now not only 3kg better off but will also have had two months of weight for age improvement since then, being a three-year-old.

So those are just two examples of horses who hold Future Swing on paper, yet they are 50/1 and 7/1 shots respectively with the big race’s sponsor.

Richard Fourie aboard does invariably shorten a horse’s price, but can he make that many lengths difference?

The key to this mystery is not Fourie, but a look at the replays of Future Swing’s WSB 1900 race.

The good looking horse runs on strongly from a handy position to get up.

However, he is clearly crying out for the extra 300m of the July.

He also creates a good visial impression.

Jonathan Snaith said about Future Swing’s workout at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July gallops, “Future Swing was not asked to do much under Richard Fourie in the gallop as he kept his cards close to his chest. He’s a relentless galloper and he’ll be ready come the big day. His preparation has gone perfectly.”

Future Swing is drawn well in four.

It is dream time for Ravi Naidoo, the man behind “Kalinga”, who part-owns Future Swing. Ravi’s Kalinga also owns the July candidate Cousin Casey.

Future Swing, a four-year-old gelding by Futura, was bred by Drakenstein Stud, who part-own him in partnership with Kalinga and Pamela Isdell.

The Snaiths other two runners, Double Superlative and Without Question, are both owned by Nick Jonsson, who has already win the July twice, both times with his part-owned Do It Again.

Jonsson has three chances of getting his colours on to the Classic Room wall of honour this year, because he also owns the second favourite See It Again outright.

He also owns the first reserve Hluhluwe.

Jonathan Snaith said about the WSB Met winner Double Superlative, who disappointed in his recent comeback run when beaten 5,65 lengths into fourth place in a Pinnacle Stakes race over 1600m, “He put in a superb gallop and if he had had another prep run he would have been the horse to beat. He is one run short of his best, but class does often prevail.”

Daniel Muscutt will be out to make history by becoming the first jockey to win both the Met and the July in his first rides in the respective races, while Double Superlative, a Patricia Devine Investments-bred five-year-old entire by Twice Over, will be out to become the 8th horse in history to win both the Met and the July and the third to do this double in the same season.

Without Question, who was third in the Met, is right up with Future Swing on paper, considering he was only three lengths behind him in the WSB 1900 and is now 5,5kg bgetter off.

However, he has not had an ideal prep and followed that WSB 1900 run with a 4,70 length seventh in the Gr 3 Tabgold Derby.

He also disappointed in last year’s July.

Jonathan said, “Without Question put in a reasonable gallop and he’ll need to reproduce his Met run to have a chance.”

Nevertheless, he will make history as the first horse to ever be ridden in the July by a woman, Rachel Venniker.

July Horses Turned Out Well For Gallops

Flag Man will be one of three horses who can break a thirty year drought by KZN-based horses in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and he put up one of the best gallops at this morning’s Hollywoodbets Durban July gallops (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops were conducted this morning in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd at Hollywoodbets Greyville and as is usualy the case every year the runners all looked in good shape and strode out well.

The Johannesburg-based horses did their gallops this morning too at their home bases and could not be faulted either.

Royal Victory got the ball rolling and although sweating in the parade ring he put in a superb gallop under big race rider Muzi Yeni. He sat behind his companion from the 1400m mark and quickened well in the straight before galloping strongly all the way to the line. His 800m to finish time was 48.80 seconds and his 400m to finish time was 23.90 seconds. He clearly had a hard workout and it will have put him spot on for the big race.

The favourite Green With Envy was next out and this progressive three-year-old becomes more impressive everytime he sets foot on the racecourse. He relaxed as well as usual and then turned it on superbly in the straight, posting an effortless 400m to finish time of 22.66 seconds under Craig Zackey. His 800m to finish time was 49.17 seconds.

Barbaresco is a dark horse as he appears to have been targeted at the big race. If Gavin Lerena is prepared to slim down to 53,5kg he must have a shout. He has the pedigree for it and strode out well in his workout on the Highveld.

Aragosta led his stable companion Shoemaker in the next gallop at Hollywoodbets Greyville and they both strode out well, doing a 400m to finish time of 23.11 and 23.12 seconds respectively. Their 800m to finish time was 48.23 and 48.60 seconds, so they went a decent clip.

Purple Pitcher did a good piece of work on the Highveld.

Oriental Charm strode out well in his gallop on the Highveld.

The reigning Hollywoodbets Durban July champion Winchester Mansion put in a superb gallop on the Highveld.

See It Again worked with two companions at Hollywoodbets Greyville and turned it on well in the straight under Piere Strydom, who kept him up to his task all the way to the line. His 400m to finish time was 23.28 and his 800m to finish time was 48.52 seconds, so he did not take it easy.

In the panel discussion later on the four-times July-winning rider Anthony Delpech revealed that See It Again was his fancy to win the race.

Double Superlative will be ridden by Danny Muscutt in the big race and Sean Veale substituted for him. He strode out well and the gallop will have brought him on. HIs 800m to finish time was 51.66 seconds and his 400m to finish time was 23.30 seconds.

Future Swing was restrained and took a keen hold under Richard Fourie, but threw his legs out beautifully. His 800m to finish time was 50.20 seconds and his 400m to finish time was 24.52 seconds.

Meridius and Son Of Raj did nothing wrong in their workouts on the Highveld.

Master Redoute strode out well in his gallop under his big race ride Corne Orffer at Hollywoodbets Greyville, but did not give much away. His 800m to finish time was 54.65 seconds and his 400m to finish time was 24.37 seconds.

On the Highveld Cousin Casey looked in good shape and strode out well with a companion.

Stablemate Future Pearl will also come into the race spot on after putting in a good gallop with a companion.

Without Question strode out well throughout under Rachel Venniker, who will become the first woman to ride in the July. His 800m to finish time was 50.47 seconds and his 400m to finish time was 24.06 seconds.

Flag Man put in an eyecatching gallop with a companion and recorded an 800m to finish time of 48.98 seconds and a 400m to finish time of 22.73 seconds under big race rider Serino Moodley.

Reserve runners Hluhluwe and Hotarubi worked out at Hollywoodbets Greyville and the Highveld respectively and neither of them could be faulted.

Hluhluwe’s 800m to finish time was 48.23 seconds and his 400m to finish time was 23.01 seconds.

Philasande Mxoli: From Humble Beginnings To Racing Glory

Philasande Mxoli will ride Purple Pitcher in the Hollywoodbets Durban July (picture: sahorseracing.com)

sahorseracing.com

Born in the rural village of Peuleni Location in King Williams Town, Eastern Cape, Philasande Mxoli’s journey to becoming a professional jockey is a testament to resilience and determination. Growing up in poverty, Mxoli was raised by a single mother. “I grew up in a very poor background, where I was raised by a single parent (mom),” he recalls. “I started riding horses when I was 13 years old because I never used to play any sport at school because of my height and my tiny body.”

Mxoli’s passion for horses began as a way to spend his free time after school. “I started focusing more on horses because that’s where I could spend my spare time after school,” he explains. This passion turned into a career after he met M. Mthandeki and L. Magongo in 2017, who introduced him to bush racing. “That’s when I became a champion,” he says proudly. “I rode 91 winners, including two big races.”

In 2017, Mxoli won the prestigious Berlin November race on Remember for trainer Mjikeliso and repeated the feat in 2018 on Final Judgment for trainer Magongo. Recognizing his potential, Mr. Magongo helped him pursue a professional jockey career. “I asked Mr. Magongo to make me a professional jockey,” says Mxoli. “He took me to Gqeberha, Fairview Racecourse, for recruitment, and I was very lucky because they chose me out of eight youngsters that were there.”

Mxoli joined the jockey academy in 2019 and signed his racing papers that August. He quickly made an impression. “I got my first ride from Mr. Kom Naidoo where I ran third at Scottsville Racecourse on a horse called Royal Katrina,” he says. Mxoli moved to Johannesburg later that year, and his career began to take off. “I rode my first winner in January 2020 in Kimberly (Flamingo Park) for trainer Stephanie Miller on a horse called Man After Midnight,” he recalls. “I then rode my second winner the next day at the Vaal Racecourse for trainer Candice Dawson on a horse called Epic Dream.”

Despite initial struggles to find consistent support, Mxoli persevered. “I couldn’t get a lot of support,” he admits. However, trainers like Stuart Pettigrew, Paul Matchett, Grant Maroun, Tony Peter, and Candice Dawson believed in him. “They supported me until my claim was finished,” he says. Mxoli’s hard work paid off, as he left the academy in 2023 with 96 winners, including three Grade 3 races. “Mr Tarry gave me my first group race on Litigation (Victory Moon),” he says. “Then Mr. Pettigrew gave me two Group 3 wins on one of my favorite horses, Alula’s Star.”

Mxoli’s success continued in Cape Town, where he rode several winners for Glen Kotzen. He remains grateful for the support of his trainers. “I’m still getting a lot of support from these trainers,” he says. “Thanks to them for continued support and for always being behind my back.”

On July 6th, Mxoli will compete in his first Durban July, riding Purple Pitcher for trainer Robyn Claasen and owner Stincky Pooe. “I really appreciate their opportunity and giving me a chance to prove myself in the big one,” he says. “It’s every jockey’s dream to get a ride in it and win it.”

Philasande Mxoli’s journey from a small village in Eastern Cape to the grand stage of South African horse racing is a remarkable story of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

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Caitlin Jourdan Among Irish National Stud Graduates

Caitlin Jourdan at the Irish National Stud’s graduation awards ceremony today (Picture Supplied)

Proud mother Sally Bruss spoke of the wonderful experience daughter Caitlin Jourdan had gained during her six month Irish National Stud’s Breeding Management Course as well as the knowledge she had gained and the friends from around the world she had made.

Caitlin graduated from the course today and Sally, who has vast experience in thoroughbred breeding and is currently the stud manager and part-onwer of Paardeberg Stud, said, “The Irish National Stud sponsored her participation. She absolutely loved the experience. The kids work on the stud during the day, it is during the foaling season, then go to lectures every night. The lectures cover everything to do with the breeding industry. Many very well known people address them and I was in fact among them. They are taken to many wonderful stud farms, racing yards, race tracks etc. Last week she and her mates went to the Royal Ascot meeting for two days. Her fellow students are very well connected kids, and she has made awesome friends from many countries, even from as far away as Venezuela and Brazil. She loves Ireland and the Irish. I came over for her graduation. The Irish National Stud put on a grand show for the students and their parents.”

The Racing Post published the below article about the graduation:

‘We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments’ – Irish National Stud students reach graduation

It was a memorable moment on Wednesday afternoon for the class of 2024 in the Irish National Stud’s Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course, with 28 students joined by family, friends and industry peers for their graduation ceremony.

The students have completed their six-month programme designed to prepare them for careers in the thoroughbred industry. The event began with a formal address from Irish National Stud board member Clodagh Kavanagh, delivering a speech on behalf of chairman Dan Flinter and the stud’s CEO Cathal Beale.

Grace Hamilton and Tadgh McGuinness delivered keynote speeches on behalf of the class, expressing their gratitude to those who helped them through the course.

Particular recognition was granted to a number of graduates. Tadhg McGuinness received the continuous assessment award, Luke Kevin the best portfolio of assignments, Kayla Bracken the veterinary exam award and Shane Loughnane the equine business award.

The INS ‘Jonathan Fitzpatrick Business Internship’ was awarded to Ian Hyland, who will commence his internship with the INS in July, while the Goffs internship was awarded to Orla Hassett. Shane Loughnane was also the recipient of the Irish Field “Blue Hen” Award and was presented with a cheque for €250 and a trophy for his winning article, which will be published the sponsor’s newspaper in the coming weeks.

Loughnane was presented with the Gold Medal for high achievement, with Grace Hamilton awarded the Silver Medal.

“Our graduates this year have shown an extraordinary commitment to their studies and the thoroughbred breeding industry,” said Anne Channon, the INS education manager. “We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see them contribute to the future of the thoroughbred industry.”

Class of 2024 (Picture Caroline Norris): Brady Betlamini (Canada), Luke Bleahen (Ireland), Kayla Bracken (USA), Gwen Browne (Ireland) recipient of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship, Mikey Cooke (Ireland), Cillian Cosgrave (Ireland), Luis Ettedgui (Venezuela) recipient of the Gerry Dilger EquineScholarship, Wyatt Goodin (USA), Amber Gray (Australia) recipient of the HTBA Scholarship, Jamie Griffin (New Zealand) recipient of the TBA scholarship, Grace Hamilton (USA) recipient of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship, Orla Hassett (Ireland), Ian Hyland (Ireland), Caitlin Jourdan (South Africa) recipient of the South African Scholarship, Paul Kehoe (Ireland), Luke Kevin (Ireland), Shane Loughnane (Ireland) recipient of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship, Cathal Mariga (Ireland), Henrique Marquez (Brazil), Eliza McCalmont (UK), Darcy McGrath (Australia), Tadhg McGuinness (Ireland), Mark Moloney (Ireland), Katel Molony (Ireland), Tara Murphy (Ireland), Lola Queck (Germany), Broke Ward (Australia), Alice Wilkinson (New Zealand) recipient of the NZTBA Scholarship.

Fairview Turf Formguides And Selections

Cool Winter has been tipped to win the fifth race despite current 14/1 odds (JC Photos)

R1 4 SAKURAJIMA has decent Highveld form and has a fair draw over a suitable trip on East Cape debut. 7 WAR OF HEARTS made a poor Cape Town debut bit horses from that centre are often prominent on their debuts in other centres due to the class of racing in Cape Town. 1 DECO VAR has fair sprint form and although by Var he has siblings who have done well over ground so he might enjoy the step up in trip. 6 WALT WHITMAN has run two fair races over 1200m and 1400m respectively and could earn here. (David Thiselton 4-7-1-6)

R2 1 KINGDUNDEE has fine form against the best of his age group in the East Cape and can carry a weight penalty to victory. 2 FAMILY LAW has some class and could be a threat. 5 SILVONIAN disappointed last time when beaten 7,45 lengths by Kingdundee but on previous form witll be a threat. 3 GLOBAL STATE is not far off the first three mentioned and could earn. (1-2-5-3)

R3 3 TORIX NIGHT proved himself distance suited last time and can make a bold bid from a plum draw. 6 DUMISANI is knocking on the door and is distance suited. 4 DAWN CLOUD has a wide draw but on best Cape Town form will be a threat. 7 BELLE’S FIRST WAVE is drawn in pole and if producing his best could earn. (3-6-4-7)

R4 5 HUGSANDHIGHFIVES has shown some good ability in KZN and is all set for a good East Cape debut from a good draw. 9 MEENEERA is distance suited and in fair form and from a draw of six out of nine can be a threat with luck in running. 4 GET IT DONE won a good race over this trip last time on the turf and can overcome a three point raise. 3 BEAU KALA is knocking on the door and has a 4kg claimer up, but does have a wide draw. (5-9-4-3)

R5 15 COOL WINTER has a lot of ability and if reproducung his last course and distance run can be right there. 7 TEATRO has disappointed in his last two but will be a big runner if bouncing back. 2 THE WINTER LAKE beat Cool Winter when they last met but has not raced since 12 April. 8 TIPSY TINA is course and distance suited and should be in the shake up. (15-7-2-8)

R6 10 FUNKY MUSIC made a cracking East Cape debut and has a 4kg claimer up from a good draw over an ideal trip which will alleviate the official weight disadvantage he has. 1 BUSH TRACKER is in good form and handles this trip but does have a tricky draw to overcome. 3 FIREALLEY has proven class and steps up to a more suitable trip. 6 MOUNT ANDERSON also has proven class and could make his presence felt over a suitable trip from a good draw. (10-1-3-6)

R7 2 LUNA HALO is full of class and will make a bold bid. 1 THREE ROCKS is also full of class and is more suited to this 1200m trip than Lunar Halo and she looks to be the stable choice too. 11 PASSCHENDAELE has pace and could be a contender, although she has a tough task with Three Rocks at the weights on their last meeting. 4 GIMME’S LASSIE also holds Passchendaele on their previous meeting. (2-1-11-4)

R8 1 RESURGENCE showed her ability second time out in the east cape and could be ahead of the handicapper off a 73. 6 AQUILA GOLD will enjoy the step back up to the trip of his maiden win and should be involved. 2 SWISS WALT is capable and is distance suited. 7 CLAP OF THUNDER is interesting stepped down in trip as he has good 1400m form. (1-6-2-7)

Kennedy Benefits from Chief Rival's Injury And Opens A Lead Again

Warren Kennedy scored a double today (Thursday) that saw him go four wins clear at the top of the New Zealand Premiership in what has turned into a thrilling battle for supremacy with Michael McNab.

Defending champion McNab had drawn level with Kennedy at 119 wins apiece when a fall on Saturday 15 June put him out for eleven days.

Kennedy was only able to get one win during McNab’s absence but a single win yesterday and a double today has given him some breathing space.

McNab only had two rides in his comeback on Wednesday and did not ride today.

However, he has four booked rides tomorrow (Friday) at Otaki.

Kennedy has eight rides at the same meeting, so will be hoping to go further clear.

Danielson, Zackey, Bronkhorst Doubles

Nazare clinches a double for Raymond Danielson (JC Photos)

Raymond Danielson, Craig Zackey and Fanie Bronkhorst were the double scorers at the Turffontein Inside meeting today (Thursday).

Danielson goes to 49 wins for the season and has achieved it at a strike rate of 9.72.

He is now in 20th place on the national log.

Zackey goes to 147 wins at 11.25%.

Zackey’s 20 wins this month so far has seen him get to within four wins of Gavin Lerena, who is in third place on the log.

Only Richard Fourie on 33 wins has had more wins than him this month.

Bronkhorst is on 42 wins at 6.69%.

Today’s Question

The picture gives a clue to the answer (Image: southafricanracehorse.wordpress.com)

In which famous result in SA history were both dead-heaters bred by the same stud farm?

Midweek FIELDS

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Tuesday

Today’s Question Answer

The 1967 Durban July dead-heaters Sea Cottage and Jollify were both bred by the Birch Brothers, who were SA champion breeders at least 40 times.

CLICK HERE TO READ SOME RECOLLECTIONS ABOUT THAT RACE

Turf Talk Newsletter – 27 June, 2024