We're Jamming Could Close Out Cape Meeting

We’re Jamming comes off a good win and can take advantage of a good draw (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Mark Van Deventer (Cape Racing)

The best quality contest at the Hollywoodbets Durbanville meeting on Saturday is the last, a Cape A Stakes with a full field of 14 top division entries who have won 64 races between them. The complication is that fitness queries hang over the majority of Race 8’s runners who are using this 1250m contest to get their Spring campaigns underway.

And some of those with proven Graded credentials such as BEREAVE and FUTURE VARIETY are drawn wide, a “grosso problema” over this trip given the bendy track configuration.

The tentative contender list comprises course suited SILVER FALCON (who should get the run of the race from gate 1 under Fourie); last out sprint winner, WE’RE JAMMING; officially best weighted but enigmatic miler, ZAPATILLAS; fast-finisher, WECANGOALLNIGHT; the very smart and dependable gelding, QUESTIONING; consistent, SUGAR MOUNTAIN plus the afore-mentioned Stakes performers, BEREAVE and FUTURE VARIETY.

Wearing first time blinkers, CUMBRE VIEJA set too fast of a pace last time before folding close to the finish. Three weeks later, he will bid to go all the way in Race 4 over the same course and distance.

Vaughan Marshall’s entry has placed at all six starts and comes in here after three successive seconds. SA’s top pilot, Richard Fourie gets the call up, and with astute pace judgement, can steer the Erupt gelding to victory in the 14h20 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

ROYAL PORT LOUIS and GIVETHATMANABELLS also come out of the recent Plus Four form line with the first named CUMBRE VIEJA’s main danger. He is likely to improve on that initial comeback after nearly two years off track, when sighted making neat progress from the rear.

Poorly drawn LATE DECEMBER was not a factor on his course debut but must be considered on earlier form in key Maiden races.

Still, if CUMBRE VIEJA is left unchallenged on the lead, he could prove difficult to reel in. He has proven fitness on his side and is helped by a track playing to handy types able to secure the best strip of going. On Tuesday, race winning moves were being made on the outside rail once in the straight.

Pick 6 bettors can lock up Race 5 (Leg 3) with JET TO THE SUN and SANSA STARK as their main choices, with FAIRFIELD and EXQUISITE as back up’s. The latter has made slight improvement at each start but will need to settle better, while FAIRFIELD has the opposite problem – a tendency to be slow out and get caught too far off the action.

That leaves Justin Snaith’s quirky JET TO THE SUN with a fine opportunity to break a string of placings and exit the Maiden ranks. She has her limitations yet races best handy and tries hard which will stand her in good stead at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

Though well exposed as a non-winner from 14 starts, SANSA STARK actually ran quite well to Charlotte Bronte 37 days ago and is a must use in the Picks for sharp combo, Piet Botha and Luyolo Mxothwa.

Five horses may offer sufficient cover in Leg 1 of the P6. ON MY HONOUR (came second first time out); ARDABIL (can improve after a fair debut three months ago); four-year-old, MR BELVEDERE (has twice come within a whisker of winning), DUBBELOSIX (an expensive Vercingetorix colt who was backed without showing much on debut and should do better for the experience) and JOUEUR DE FLUTE (2nd to runaway winner, Stated over the C/D a month ago) have all shown glimmers to suggest they have it in them to win a Maiden soon.

Keep tabs on REPETITION, a Twice Over debutant out of Joshua’s Princess, an accomplished race-mare. Volumes traded in the betting market and a careful paddock inspection should reveal more about this Snaith Racing entry.

The Specialist Can Make Winning Debut For Tarry

The Specialist, bought out of the MJ Odendaal yard, makes his debut for the Sean Tarry yard in a Graduation Plate over 1200m at Turffontein Inside (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The Turffontein Inside meeting on Saturday has eight races and a Graduation Plate over 1200m, a MR 91 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m and a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1450m are the headliners.

In the Graduation Plate the classy The United States colt The Specialist has his first start for Sean Tarry and he will be hard to beat if he repeats the performances that saw him finishing tie third in the Gr 2 Durban Golden Horseshoe over 1400m and a possibly unlucky second in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes over 1600m. He had earlier won two races over 1200m and 1000m respectively and he is officially 4,5kg better off at the weights that any other runner. He does have a tricky draw of five out of six though. Beamonesque is better than his last two starts and should now be cherry ripe, although off his current merit rating he is 7,5kg under sufferance. He has pace and has a good draw of two with Muzi Yeni aboard. Champion Warrior looked a promising sort at one stage and he might enjoy this trip running fresh, although he is officially 11,5kg under sufferance. Fostinovo’s two career wins have been over sprints, but he has a wide draw and is 12,5kg under sufferance. The second best in at the weights is Mount Pinatubo and he has some class too, although he has to bounce back from a run in which he finished nearly ten lengths behind The Specialist and he felt amiss that day. He will likely need the run but his class could pull him into the places. Green Sceptre is hoplessly out at the weights.

In the Mr 91 handicap Queen Of Fire could thwart Hirekommibokkie from recording a quick Highveld hattrick. The Paul Matchett-trained Erupt filly beat Fatal Flaw in her maiden win over 1400m and the latter went on to finish second in the Gr 2 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper over 1400m and second in the Gr 1 Douglas Whye Thekwini Stakes. Queen Of Fire has not lived up to that good performance to date but a break since mid May might have done some good. A draw of two should help and she is only officially half-a-kilogram under sufferance carrying the minimum weight of 52kg under in form Philasande Mxoli. Hierkommiebokkie has good natural pace and can use it to overcome her wide draw of seven out of seven. She has been under no pressure to win her two starts over 1200m and 1450m respectively on the Highveld so an eight point raise might not stop her from a hattrick. Second Breath is capable of staying on well so is interesting from pole position under Gavin Lerena, although the latter does have to ride 1kg overweight. Golden Aspen is also capable of a strong finish from off the pace so could earn in a race where the likely good pace will suit her. It’s Her Way disappointed last time with first time cheekpieces and can do better.

In the Pinnacle Stakes event Unzen gets another opportunity over his ideal trip and he comes off a run over 1400m in which he lowered the colours of Main Defender. He has a good draw and Gavin Lerena stays aboard. This time he is officially the joint best weighted horse together with Zinovi. The latter has shown his class since a succcessful breathing operation and he might well appreciate the step up in trip having not been disgraced last time over 1200m when giving 9kg to the classy Back In Business and being beaten by four lengths. Tsar Bomba is only 1,5kg under sufferance and is distance suited but does have a tricky draw and has not run for three months. Swing Upon A Star has some class but is only 2kg better off with Unzen for a 7,25 length beating. Mercantour is well drawn and is 6kg better off with Zinovi for a five length beating.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 5 The Cane Train has the form to go close over a suitable trip here. Jaham is by the top European sire Kingman and can improve on his moderate debut. Roll Of The Dice is moderate but is usually thereabouts. Gamer is capable but not reliable and a wide draw is against him. Future Knight has run two poor races but has now interestingly joined the Sean Tarry yard.

In the second leg of the Pick 6 over 1800m Guerilla Warfare has shown signs of class and could come to the fore over this step up in trip.although he has a tricky draw. Flag Bearer is in good form and from a good draw this distance suited galloper should go close again. Eiger Sanction beat Flag Bearer by 2,75 lengths last time and is now 4kg worse off. Rainy Season is well drawn over a suitable trip and could earn. Calaburn comes off a good run over 1500m and willl appreciate the step up in trip.

In the fifth race over 1200m Salenio Peninsula justified support on debut and could follow up off a reasonable 86 merit rating against exposed horses. She runs off a reasonable 86 merit rating but does have a tricky draw of six. Howeverm beyond her it is a wide open race.

In the last race over 1450m Force De Dieu won well last time and looks to be on the up having had three runs for this yard. He could feasibly overcome an eleven point raise from pole position after winning his maiden with ease last time over course and distance. Golden Pavilion is in good form and is distance suited but does have to overcome a tricky draw. Secret Recipe is a consistent earner and on Highveld form should be right there from draw five. Moonlight Trader was disappounting last time but if bouncing back ffrom a fair draw can be in the shake up. After Hours can never be written off.

In the first leg of the bipot over 1600m Glamorous Lady should have a fine form chance from pole position.

Formguides And Selections for Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday

Sudden Song Has Been Tipped to win race 6 (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Brandon Bailey’s Racecard Preview – Hollywoodbets Durbanville, Saturday 7 September

Race 1

7 BE MERRY comes back to the races from a small break, she finished third in a listed event last time, now that she is back in maiden company, she will be very hard to beat. 1 LOVE STORY ran a creditable race on debut when finishing just over seven lengths behind a decent filly, from a good draw with natural improvement, she will be right there in the finish. 2 TIMELINE ran a decent race last time with the blinkers on, she must have a good place chance from a nice draw. 4 MRS SHACKLETON ran a much better race last time against winners, on her best form she can fill the quartets.
(Brandon Bailey: 7 – 1 – 2 – 4)

Race 2

9 BOUNDLESS ENERGY ran a lovely race on debut when finishing third, he looks very progressive and should improve quite a bit from his first run. 3 BLAME IT ON ME must have a good winning chance in this open maiden after running a super race from a bad draw in his last start, he is perfectly drawn here and comes in with a handy weight, include him into all your bets. 6 FIRINGONALLENGINES will need to improve quite a bit to win, he ran a much better race last time here at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, If he can build on that last performance, he could sneak into the places at a decent price. 7 OREGON gets the blinkers fitted, in a race that is lacking strong and consistent form, he could easily pop up and make the quartets pay.
(Brandon Bailey: 9 – 3 – 6 – 7)

Race 3

1 ON MY HONOUR looks to be a very exciting gelding in the making. He ran a lovely race on debut, the step up in trip will suit him in a big way, from a good draw, he should be very hard to beat. 10 JOUEUR DE FLUTE is improving and getting stronger with more racing experience, unfortunately he will need all the luck in the world from a bad draw here, if the race works out for him, there is no doubt he should have a good each way chance again. 4 MR BELVEDERE comes back to the races after a break, he gets a good draw and should be competitive on his best form. 6 DUBBELOSIX moved to the gates exceptionally well on debut, he should run a much better race now that he is stepping up in trip.
(Brandon Bailey: 1 – 10 – 4 – 6)

Race 4

4 CUMBRE VIEJA gets the perfect opportunity to exit the maidens. He finally gets a good draw, his form is solid, and he will take a power of beating in this race, easily the best bet on the card. 9 GIVETHATMANABELLS ran a decent race last time from a good draw, with some luck in running, he should be able to finish amongst the places. 10 LATE DECEMBER is much better than his last start in testing conditions, on his best form from a bad draw here, he might be able to run into the places at a decent price. 8 ROYAL PORT LOUIS would have needed his last run badly from a long break and a bad draw, it would be no surprise to see him finish amongst the places.
(Brandon Bailey: 4 – 9 – 10 – 8)

Race 5

7 JET TO THE SUN ran a good race behind her stable companion last time, she was staying on beautifully, she now steps up in trip which should suit, there is no doubt that she will have a big winning chance in this race. 6 FORGOTTEN SONG improved nicely from her first run to her second run, she now steps up to 1600m which will suit her perfectly, include her into all your bets, she has a big each way chance. 8 SANSA STARK is always competitive at this level, she has been well tried in maiden company, on her best form she will have a good place chance again. 2 FAIRFIELD will need to put her last run behind her to have a chance, she was very disappointing, if she can bring her run to Rocking Peonie to the races on Saturday, she can sneak into the quartets at a decent price.
(Brandon Bailey: 7 – 6 – 8 – 2)

Race 6

10 SUDDEN SONG returned back to form nicely last time when winning a great race. The formlines of his last start have worked out, at this level over a suitable trip, he must have a good winning chance again in a tricky race. 1 MOHANDAS gets a perfect draw here, his form has been solid of late, he should be competitive again. 7 IGNATIUS never runs a bad race, this looks to be a better trip for him, watch for sharp improvement. 3 KWITE A KING eventually got it right in his last start when running on powerfully from the back of the field to win going away, this race will require further improvement, watch him closely late, he can run on well in his races.
(Brandon Bailey: 10 – 1 – 7 – 3)

Race 7

5 TRIPPI’S SILK was very unlucky in his last start, he took off to run a great second after being slow out the gates, if he jumps on terms and gets the right run in transit, he will go very close to winning. 7 PLEASE BE TRUE won a super race last time in awful conditions, the yard think highly of this colt, he is clearly still improving and must have a good winning chance again. 9 WINTER PEARL never runs a bad race at this level, he comes back from a small break, if he doesn’t need the run and he can get some luck from a tricky draw, he could have a nice place chance in what looks a competitive race. 10 ONE LINER is the unknown horse in the race, he ran on smartly to win his first start, the form has been franked, watch him closely, he could be absolutely anything.
(Brandon Bailey: 5 – 7 – 9 – 10)

Race 8

7 QUESTIONING must have a good winning chance in this race, his Hollywoodbets Durbanville form is excellent, he is way above average and if he doesn’t need the run badly, he could be very tough to beat. 6 WECANGOALLNIGHT has some decent form, he likes to be held up in his races and then attack the line hard, he should get the perfect run in transit from a decent draw, watch him late. 3 WE’RE JAMMING returned back to the winner’s box in great fashion last time, he wants the conditions to be on the softer side of things, on his best form he can easily win a race like this. 8 SUGAR MOUNTAIN is much better than his last run, this will be on the short side for him, he should be running on strongly.
(Brandon Bailey: 7 – 6 – 3 – 8)

Rupert And Cunha Both Have Gr 3 Engagements In U.K. On Saturday

The Dylan Cunha-trained Prague impressed on debut and has not been disgraced since, so is not out of it in a Gr 3 at Haydock on Saturday (Image: Racing And Sports)

Gaynor Rupert and ex-pat South African trainer Dylan Cunha have separate Gr 3 engagements in the UK on Saturday.

Rupert’s homebred Dubawi colt God’s Window runs in the Gr 3 Unibet September Stakes over a mile and four furlongs on the Kempton All Weather track. The John and Thady Gosden-trained colt was good enough to run in the Epsom Derby and has won two of seven starts to date. He comes off a 4,5 length second in a Listed race over a mile and three furlongs at Hamilton on July 19, where he jumped at odds of 13/2. After being slowly away he sat in last place before running on into second position and then finding no extra late. He is unconsidered at 20/1 for Saturday’s race, where he will be be ridden by Saffie Osborne from draw three.

Rupert breeds and races in the U.K. under the name Cayton Park Stud and Saffie Osborne rode a winner for her at Goodwood on Wednesday with the homebred Ed Walker-trained Siyouni colt Sir Lowry’s Pass, who won a Novice Stakes over a mile and two furlongs in his second career start at odds of 7/2.

Cunha runs the Galileo colt Prague in the Gr 3 Betfair Exchange Superior Mile Stakes. This colt was formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien and owned by the illustrious Coolmore partnership of John Magnier , Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Waterberg. He did not race for O’Brien and was purchased by an owner of Cunha’s for a mere 10,000 Gns at a Tattersalls Autumn In Training Sale last year. In his first run for the Cunha yard he won a Darley British EBF Maiden Stakes over one mile and two furlongs at Sandown on June 15, with a first prize of £20,616, by four lengths at odds of 40/1! Prague is owned by Amedeo Dal Pos and second time out he ran fourth in a Listed race. In his last start he ran off an official rating of is 103 in the class 2 Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Conditions Stakes over a mile and a furlong at Goodwood and looked a possible winner after quickening well two furlongs out. However, he was swamped late and only managed fifth place, beaten 2,25 lengths.

In Saturday’s race over a mile Prague jumps from draw 3 under Daniel Tudhope and is a 9/1 shot in the seven-horse field.

Prague’s race is off at 14H15 South African time.

God’s Window’s race is off at 15H35 SA time.

Hollie Doyle Provides Insight Into Her Weekend Rides

At The Races

After riding her 1000th winner this week, Hollie heads to Haydock Park on Saturday for seven rides, including live outsider Vadream in the Group 1 Sprint Cup.

FITTING TO REACH LATEST MILESTONE AT GOODWOOD

I never imagined when I began race riding a decade ago that I would ride 1,000 winners around the world, so to reach that landmark at Goodwood this week was very special indeed.

Winning the 6f nursey aboard David Simcock’s Leyhaimur on Tuesday will always hold special significance, and I’m grateful to David and owner Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah for giving me the opportunity.

Goodwood has been good to me over the years. I love the track, so it was fitting to reach my milestone there and the response I received from the racing public was wonderful. It was heartwarming to see so many people willing me to achieve it.

CHAMPION JOCKEY CROWN MY BURNING AMBITION

Special thanks must go to all the trainers and owners who have supported me over the years, especially my boss Archie Watson who has provided me with so many of my 39 Group and Listed winners, including my breakthrough win at the top level on Glen Shiel in the Champions Sprint four years ago.

I’m also indebted to Imad Alsagar, who gave me my first Classic success on Nashwa in the French Oaks two years ago – another day I will never forget.

Now it’s onto the next thousand, but my main ambition is to ride more Group 1 winners both here and around the world. One day I would like to be champion jockey, too. I have the work ethic to chase a title and hope that, with enough support, I’ll be good enough to succeed.

GROUND SHOULD SUIT VADREAM IN SPRINT CUP

Anyway, the show goes on, and I’m off to Haydock on Saturday for seven rides, including VADREAM in the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup (3.35).

Charlie Fellowes’ mare needs to pull out something special to win this, but the forecast easy ground is just what she needs, so I’m hopeful she can out-run her big price.

It wouldn’t be the first time this dual Group 3-winner has shown up well at the top level. Her staying-on fifth in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, on ground that was faster than ideal, shows she retains plenty of ability.

The one we all have to beat must be Kevin Ryan’s gorgeous colt Inisherin, who was brilliant in the Commonwealth Cup and is proven at Haydock after winning the Group 2 Sandy Lane back in May.

ELIXIR READY FOR LISTED CHALLENGE

We think a lot of ETERNAL ELIXIR at Archie Watson’s Saxon Gate Stables in Lambourn, and she deserves to take her chance in the Listed Betfair Daily Tips On Betting.Betfair Ascendant Stakes (4.07) on the card.

Our daughter of Shaman ran well here on debut and duly built on that experience by winning a 7½f Ffos Las novice for Josh Bryan last month.

That was on heavy ground, so the ease underfoot we expect on Saturday shouldn’t be a concern as she steps up in class and in distance. We could be better drawn than stall 7 of eight, but I still think she has what it takes to run a big one.

STAMINA TEST SHOULD SUIT MENUISIER FILLY

Chasemore Farm’s WAXING GIBBOUS should give me a lovely ride in the feature handicap of the day at Haydock, the Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap (2.25).

David Menuisier’s filly has been progressing steadily this year, winning a 1m4f handicap at Newbury on her second start.

Her narrow defeat at Kempton last time was respectable, as she looks like she’ll be better suited by this greater test of stamina. Off just 8st 2lb here, she’s a definite player.

HOPING SPEEDY JUMBEAU SHINES FOR IN-FORM TOM

Newmarket trainer Tom Clover’s been in red hot form – he was operating at a 42% strike rate earlier this week – and I can see his speedy JUMBEAU running well in the Betfair Be Friendly Handicap (3.00), as long as the ground dries out.

She finished nicely behind an in-form filly at York’s Ebor Festival and reappears in this famous old 5f handicap off an unchanged mark. She’s done most of her racing on good ground or faster, so Tom will be hoping the rain clouds stay away.

BOTTI GELDING CAN CONTINUE PROGRESS

On the back of a win at Yarmouth, Marco Botti’s three-year-old ACROSS EARTH is an interesting contender for the 1m6f Betfair Plays Different Handicap (1.50) a little earlier.

He’s really progressed for being gelded earlier in the year and could be up to defying a 6lb rise for his seaside success, though soft ground probably wouldn’t be ideal.

Later on, I’m expecting a good run from Alice Haynes’s reliable filly ASTEVERDI in the first division of the Betfair Podcasts Handicap (4.40). She won on good to soft at Sandown in June and ran well in defeat in the Hamilton mud last time out.

Asteverdi looks to have stronger prospects than STAR ZINC in the second leg (5.15). I’ve won on Rebecca Menzies’ five-year-old before, who is quirky but capable on his day, but it’s his first run since April and he’s yet to win in 11 tries on turf.

Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.

Peter Muscutt Racing/Odwa Ndugane/Hollywoodbets Send Goodwill Messages To Isivunguvungu

Isivunguvungu winning the Gr 1 Jonsson Workwear Computaform Sprint over 1000m at Turffontein Standside (Chase Liebenberg Photography)

The Narrow Creek Stud-bred Hollywood Syndicate-owned dual Gr 1-winning champion What A Winter gelding Isivunguvungu makes his debut in the USA tomorrow.

His former SA trainer Peter Muscutt and his team have recorded a video sending their best wishes to the former stable star.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH MUSCUTT RACING’S BEST WISHES TO ISIVUNGUVUNGU

“Isivunguvungu” is Xhosa (and Zulu) for “storm”.

He was named by the former Springbok rugby winger Odwa Ndugane.

Odwa and Hollywoodbets both sent good luck messages to Isivunguvungu.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ODWA’s AND HOLLYWOODBETS’ GOODWILL MESSAGE TO ISIVUNGUVUNGU

Isivunguvungu is a particularly special horse to the Hollywood Syndicate, because although he was not their first Gr 1 winner, he was the first Gr 1 winner that they had identified and purchased at a sale for young unraced horses.

Hollywood have secured the TV rights for his race tomorrow.

Gallop TV will broadcast the Da Hoss Stakes at Colonial Downs on Saturday evening (September 7) at 22h55.

Trainer Graham Motion will saddle Isivunguvungu in the $150 000 1100m event.

Formguides And Selections For Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday

Lunarcam has been selected to win Race 6 (Picture: Candiese Lenferna Photography)

R1 Summary: REAL WAR (3) started a short-priced favourite for Dean Kannemeyer at just his second outing but finished a distant fourth behind Luneluck. He was ridden by an inexperience apprentice on that occasion and Craig Zackey takes over in the saddle. I SALUTE YOU (11) will prove a threat. He has shown up well of Peter Muscutt in two outings and had a testing draw last time out. GOOD LIVING (8) has been knocking on the door for some time now and has been improving slowly. He has shown up well over course and distance and will be a contender. GREENLIGHT EXPRESS (14) found some market support last run but was never in the hunt. He does appear better than that showing. (Andrew Harrison: 3-11-8-14).

R2 Summary: MY BOY LOLLIPOP (11) has shown up well in some competitive maidens and given the exposed form of this field he should be able to make it into the winner’s enclosure for Frank Robinson. Biggest threat could come in the form of ONE SCOTCH (13). Paul Lafferty’s gelding showed up nicely on debut from a deep Hollywoodbets Greyville draw on debut and he should come on nicely with the experience. Dark horse could be Glen Kotzen’s runner BOOM SHAKALAKA (10). He made a fair Hollywoodbets Kenilworth debut, but that was back on January of this year. He was not friendless in the betting that afternoon so it may pay to keep an eye on the market. It is difficult to make out a case for most of the balance of the field but GREEN MILE (8) steps out for his third run after a big break between his first and second outings. (Andrew Harrison: 11-13-8-10).

R3 Summary: Tricky maiden with thin form to go on. However, Gary Rich could have the answer in BLIND SPEED (9). The daughter of New Predator has improved with every outing and was running on well over course and distance last time out. She has a big chance if she can build on that effort. YELLOW JACKET (11) will test them all. Kom Naidoo likes his runners to go forward and she was staying on nicely from a tough draw last time out. These two look the form principals. TWILIGHT BAY (2) is likely to come on from her debut effort for Mike Miller while QUEEN OF THE AIR (6) is a regally bred first timer and one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 9-11-2-6).

R4 Summary: Open maiden. BELLA’S PABLO (2) has taken time to come to hand for Peter Muscutt but the gelding’s form has improved since arriving back from the Cape. He stays the trip well and knows the course which is all in his favour. OFF THE CHARTS (3) has only his third outing but caught the eye last time out when going the mile in first time blinkers. Given his pedigree Paul Lafferty’s colt should enjoy every yard of this trip. AMIGO (7) has been a late starter for Louis Goosen but made marked improvement last run. He too should not be troubled by the extra. TIBBOTT BOURKE (8) cannot be left out of any calculations. He has yet to run a bad race and the step up in trip could now be what the four-year-old is looking for. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-7-8).

R5 Summary: Stuart Ferrie saddles the veteran galloper MASTER OF DESTINY (6) who won his sixth race at long odds last time out. Although he carries top weight, he is never far back in any of his races and he can follow up in this company. ABERDEEN (3) was disappointing last run after showing something of a return to form at his previous start. However, Glen Kotzen’s gelding has done well on this course in the past and on his best showing he must have a strong chance. FRENCH TRIP (9) was only a maiden winner last run but that was his first outing for Duncan Howells and he won readily. His Cape form was not too shabby and he could be progressive. GLOBAL MOVEMENT (5) is obviously rock sound, this being his fourth outing in just twenty days, but Tienie Prinsloo was champion trainer in Kimberley where horses raced every other week on the dirt. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-9-5).

R6 Summary: Stuart Ferrie’s gelding LUNARCAM (10) is super quick and goes well over course and distance. He should be involved in the finish whichever way it goes. Gareth van Zyl has two live runners in SHIPHOLIA (9) and LUHAMBA PHAMBILI (7) The latter got a hefty rating after his debut win but comes into this race with only 52kg to shoulder. He looks progressive and any market support must be taken seriously. Marco van Rensburg partners Shipholia and has been doing duty for the stable of late but he would not have been able to make the weight on the stable companion. However, Shipholia is seldom far back and cannot be written off lightly. DONQUERARI (8) ran a cracker for Louis Goosen from a tough draw last time out. He must also have a winning chance in this line-up. (Andrew Harrison: 10-7-8-9).

R7 Summary: Wide open handicap. RAFEEF’S CHOICE (2) has not been out of the money in her last three over course and distance. She is now 2.5kg better off with her recent conqueror EMERALD GREEN (5) and should be able to turn the tables even though she was two lengths behind Louis Goosen’s filly who was overdue that win. ONE SMART COOKIE (9) has won twice on this course in her last three starts, her only blip being in soft ground. She is a kilo better off with Emerald Green on their last meeting and if fit and well she must have a strong winning chance. LUCRATIVE (12) won well on debut and was then a beaten favourite second time out when going the turn for the first time. She was lumped with a big rating after her maiden win but she shed her maiden over course and distance and is one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 2-9-5-12).

R8 Summary: Tough handicap. MUSIC IS LIFE (13) improved last run when dropped in class and the blinkers back on. His recent form has been on the poly but he looks more than capable of recording his second win in this line-up. TEATIME TIPPLE (6) has been trying a touch further of late but has also been facing stronger company. He should feature given his current form. HAPPY WANDERER (12) has not been far back in recent outings and went close when taking on weaker last start. However, he only has 48kg to shoulder which should make him competitive. Alec Laird is soon to head back to home base on the Highveld but can sign off with COPPER JOHN (14) who was running on well when fitted with first-time cheek pieces. He could well be better suited to this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 13-6-12-14).

Maujean/Laing, Yeni/Snaith, Webber, Mxothwa, Mitchley Doubles

The Gavin Smith-trained Holllywood Syndicate-owned Querari gelding Cruise Control made it a 12th career win when landing the Non-Black Type Speedsters Stakes over 1000m by a comfortable 3,75 lengths despite carrying 62kg under Luyolo Mxothwa (Pauline Herman Photography)

Chase Maujean rode a double for Tara Laing and Muzi Yeni rode a double for Cape Town raider Justin Snaith on the Fairview turf today (Friday).

There were also individual doubles for all of Eldin Webber, Luyolo Mxothwa and Kelly Mitchley.

Yeni leads the national log this season by eight wins and is now on 33 wins achieved at a strike rate of 17.46%.

Maujean is on eight wins at 6.50%.

Webber is on two wins at 28.57%.

Mitchley is on 9 wins at 9.28%.

Laing is on four wins at 10.26%.

Today's Question

Picture via meta

What is the claim to fame of the above horse, named Tipperary Tim?

Weekend FIELDS

Turffontein Inside, Saturday

Hollywoodbets Durbanville, Saturday

Hollywoodbets Scottsville, Saturday

Today’s Question Answer

Tipperary Tim was an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 1928 Grand National. Despite his slow speed, he rarely fell.

At the 42-runner 1928 Grand National, Tipperary Tim was a 100-1 outsider in foggy conditions on heavy ground. The field was reduced to only seven horses after a pile-up at the Canal Turn jump.

Only two riders completed the course, a record for the fewest finishers in a Grand National.

Billy Barton fell and was remounted and was the only other horse to finish.

Tipperary Tim had had a tracheotomy and his jockey carried a cork with him so that he could plug the hole in his throat if he fell at the water jump.

Before the race, Tipperary Tim’s amateur jockey, William Dutton, heard a friend call out to him: “Billy boy, you’ll only win if all the others fall!”

These words turned out to be extremely prophetic, as all of the 41 other starters fell during the race. This edition of the Grand National is famous for being the race where the smallest number of horses finished — two.