Turf Talk Newsletter – 26 November, 2024

The Betway Summer Cup will bring a festive atmosphere to Turffontein racecourse on Saturday. (JC Photos).

Las Vegas – The Entertainment Mecca Of America – Comes To Turffontein Racecourse

David Mollett

Las Vegas – the renowned American entertainment resort – is coming to Turffontein racecourse on Saturday.

If one googles Las Vegas it states it is “primarily known for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment and nightlife.”

Four of that quintet will be on offer for the Betway Summer Cup meeting at the city track and lets look at this foursome.

Gambling: There’s an 11-race card with huge pools expected for the Pick 6 and jackpots and – to top it all – is the main race, the R6 million Betway Summer Cup, now the richest race in Africa.

The tote are dangling a big carrot in the Pick 6 with the pool starting with a carryover of R5 million.

Fine Dining: The various restaurants have been taking bookings for the last three months and the chefs will be doing their best to ensure they serve up quality food with prompt service.

Entertainment: Over the years, Las Vegas has hosted notable stars such as Frank Sinatra, Dianna Ross, Madonna and Michael Jackson, but somehow 4Racing has managed to sign up some of the biggest musical names in the country.

Nightlife: Now these artists will be on stage late into the night so this will have been noted by the younger generation who will have had November 30 diarised for some time. Just to make sure they realise what’s on offer, the superb promo song “City Lights” has been advertising the meeting on many TV channels.

Hosted by Zweli Mbhele, the epic after-party will be headlined by Mia Casa with supporting artists Ricky Tyler, Gigi, Ms Cosmo as well as the FunkItUpDJs.

Betway’s Jonathan Blumberg will be more than happy with the work 4Racing has done to make this a memorable day and the grooms of the 20 runners will certainly be toasting the sponsors. It doesn’t matter where their horses finishes, they will each receive R20 000.

So lets get to the nitty gritty – who is going to win?

Luckily, I am in possession of an antepost bet with my longtime bookie friend, Lance Michael. The first leg won at Haydock Park and the second leg is Silver Sanctuary who bids to give Mike De Kock a 10th Cup success.

Reading Charl Pretorius’ 4Racing column, I am pleased to learn that both Betway’s Jonathan Blumberg as well as Kevin Bakos share my enthusiasm for the daughter of Silvano.

My second choice, Alec Laird’s runner, Atticus Finch may raise a few eyebrows, it’s his third run this term for the 2023 Victory Moon winner so he should be cherryripe to leave his disappointing effort 12 months ago a thing of the past.

One man who really knows his oats in racing is 4Racing COO, Colin Gordon, and I have to admit he caught me by surprise in opting for Sean Tarry’s representative, Hotaburi. “Betway’s 36-1 is huge value,” commented Colin. I will now include the four year-old in my quartet.

Selwyn Elk felt that Purple Pitcher was “the roughie in the pack” but expected the favourite, See It Again, to shorten to around “5-2 or shorter” come race time.

“Striker” will be happy with the draw and Johnny G got it right when stating recently “Piere is like a good red wine – maturing with age.”

I’ll forgive my longtime media colleague, Mr Pretorius, for not asking for my tip, but he also didn’t give his own which is a pity. He has tipped a number of big race winners in his many years in the sport.

However, the one tipster whose advice I want to get before finalising my exotic bets is Daryll Maree. The “Weighted-To-Win” expert sometimes comes up with a horse not immediately on the radar.

It is good news that “Weighted-To-Win” will be aired from the track, but many punters will want to get their bets organised by Friday night so perhaps it would be a good idea for 4Racing to show Daryll’s tip (and Clyde’s!) 24 hours before the gates open.

As far as I can detect, there’s not many tipsters in the corner of Oisin Murphy’s mount, Frances Ethel. One knowledgeable gent certain to be supporting the filly is former owner, Grant Knowles. I watch Murphy in action in the UK almost daily and the Crawford inmate has to be included in all exotic bets.

The quartet is always the bet to play in big races and here are two I’ll be taking.

1. Double float 13 and 16 (Silver Sanctuary and Atticus Finch) with 1,2,3,4,5,8,9,10,11 and 14. Cost R216 for 20%.
2. Double float 13 and 9 (Silver Sanctuary and Frances Ethel) with 1,2,3,4,5,8,10,11,14 and 16. Cost R216 for 20%.

Main Defender easily winning the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m, but will he see out the 2000m trip of the Betway Summer Cup. (JC Photos)  

Main Defender has drifted in the Betway Summer Cup betting and is not getting much airtime from the pundits and it has all got to do with him having stamina doubts.

The same is not being said about his close relative Atticus Finch and it also must be remembered that his paternal half-brother Royal Victory was thought at one stage to have stamina limitations, but is now a twice Gr 1 winner over the tough Turffontein 2000m trip.

Main Defender’s detractors are pointing at him hitting the front in the Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m and then being overtaken again by the horse he passed, Greeting My Master.

However, he was giving the latter 11kg and would not have been at his absolute peak with the Summer Cup still to come.

He had traveled like the Main Defender of old in the running, supremely relaxed and had moved up exceptionally well.

He was enitled to need it a touch and failed to beat a progressive horse to whom he gave 11kg.

However, he gave last year’s Victory Moon winner Atticus Finch 8kg and a three length beating.

In the Summer Cup he will give Atticus Finch only 4kg and it is only over an extra 200m, so he should confirm the form.

Will he stay as well as Atticus Finch, who proved he stays the trip with a second place finish in the Hollywoodbets Durban July consolation race, the Gr 3 Splashout 2200?

Well, Main Defender is actually out of a half-sister to Atticus Finch and furthermore that half-sister, whose name is Alessia, is by the stamina influence Judpot. Alessia only had eight runs for two wins over 1600m and her full-sister, Expedite, won up to 2000m and was a close up third in the Listed Jamaica Handicap over 2000m.

Main Defender is by Pathfork, whose son Royal Victory won last year’s Summer Cup and added the Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge over the same course and distance and finished third in the July. Royal Victory is of course won of the favourites for this year’s race too.

Royal Victory’s dam is by Kahal, which would suggest some speed, but this mare, who won up to 1800m, is in turn out of a mare by the stamina influence Coastal. So Pathfork coupled with a mare that has the influence of Coastal can be compared to Main Defender’s combination of Pathfork and a mare with the stamina influence of Judpot.

Main Defender beat the Gr 1 SA Classic and Gr 1 SA Derby winner Purple Pitcher by 3,50 lengths in the Victory Moon and will be only 3,5kg worse off in Summer Cup, which puts them together on paper.

Main Defender is one of the class acts in the Summer Cup field and if he does prove to stay then he is a massive runner from a plum draw of three.

Gavin Lerena showing appreciation for One Stripe after the latter had won the Gr 2 Cape Punters Cup in scintillating fashion. (Picture: Wayne Marks)  

HANDICAPPING RATINGS UPDATE (NHA Press Release)

WORLD SPORTS BETTING SOPHOMORE SPRINT (Listed)

LION RAMPART, who was well-weighted, remained unchanged on a rating of 111 following his win in the Listed World Sports Betting Sophomore Sprint for 3-year-olds over 1 200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

The Handicappers were unanimous in their view that third placed MISS WORLD was the most suitable line horse to rate this race, leaving her rating unaltered on 97.

The winner aside, two more runners received upward adjustments in their ratings. Second placed KAIBOY, who carried 2.5kg more than the 97 rated line horse (making him a 5-point better horse) goes up to 102 from 94 and fourth placed HANDSOME PRINCE was increased from 96 to 98.

No runner received a drop in the ratings following this contest.

CAPE PUNTERS CUP (Grade 2)

ONE STRIPE has seen his rating increased to 118 from 112 after impressively landing the Grade 2 Cape Punters Cup for 3-year-olds at level weights over 1 600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

Here, it was third-placed EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN, who was deemed to be the most suitable line horse and as such, his rating remained on 110. In rating the race this way, second placed, ALL OUT FOR SIX, performed to 112 for beating the 110 rated line horse by a length (2 points) at level weights. His rating was adjusted accordingly from 107.

The were no downward adjustments for any runner in this race.

Enquiries:

The Handicapping Team

Gimmelightning had the form to win race 9 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and duly did so despite a big betting drift and the victory clinched a four-timer for Justin Snaith and a double for JP van der Merwe. (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Justin Snaith scored a four-timer on the Hollywoodbets winter course today, while Candice Bass-Robinson and Andre Nel both had doubles. Aldo Domeyer was aboard both of Bass-Robinson’s winners, while Corne Orffer was aboard both of Nel’s winners, and there were also doubles for jockeys Richard Fourie and JP van der Merwe.

Graeme Hawkins wrote a report on the meeting (see below the statistics summary).

Snaith goes to 61 wins for the season and has achieved it at a strike rate of 15.44%.

Nel goes to 25 wins at 17.24%.

Bass-Robinson is on 23 wins at 9.58%.

Fourie is now in joint second on the national jockeys log together with Craig Zackey on 69 wins and he has achieved it at a strike rate of 23.79%. They are nine wins behind leader Gavin Lerena.

JP van der Merwe is on 20 wins at 11.83%.

Corne Orffer is on 20 wins at 13.16%.

Aldo Domeyer is on 19 wins at 16.24%.

The report on today’s meeting is written below:

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

Gimmelightning was allowed to ease in the betting market from 3/1 to an overly generous 7/1, but he struck with a powerful last-to-first charge under JP van der Merwe to take out the ninth race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth yesterday, a Class 3 Handicap over 1200m. Gimmielightning was a third winner on the day sporting the colours of Cape Racing’s Chairman Greg Bortz. War Chariot stayed on best of the balance to fill the Exacta position just ahead of Nordic Chief with the heavily supported Dumbledore rounding off the Quartet.

In the opening race, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1000m, Love Story (16/1) showed good improvement to easily account for the well fancied Heritage Ridge (5/2) by close on a length. Heritage Ridge tried to make all the running, but Love Story quickened nicely from a few lengths back and drew clear to score comfortably. The race favourite, Call Me Jane, ran well below her debut effort and failed to make the frame.

Cavalry Commander (50/1) was a shock winner of the second race, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, holding out Victor Hugo (5/1) by a neck with Cliff Swallow (6/1) and Masterofthedesert (2/1f) not too far away in the minor placings.

Something went amiss with the Candice Bass-Robinson trained Winter Gamble and she was not persevered with in the third race, an Open Maiden (F&M) over 1200m, leaving the way clear for Frida Kahlo (3/1) to run out a facile winner over Little Lexi. But Bass-Robinson enjoyed a welcome change of fortune in the fourth race, a Maiden Plate over 1400m, as King’s Quest (18/10 into 5/10) landed the gamble under a very confident ride by Aldo Domeyer. This was his first run as a gelding and the 3yo son of Querari looks set to make his mark in higher grades.

Gentleman Joe (33/1) had not won for just about a year, but he bounced back to best form and took out the fifth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m, to continue the good form of the Andre Nel and Corne Orffer partnership. Touchdown looked the likely winner approaching the final 200m, but Gentlemen Joe showed plenty of resolution and got up in the shadow of the post to deny Vaughan Marshall’s runner.

Only half-a-length covered the first three past the post in the sixth race, a Cape C Stakes (F&M) over 1800m, with Lady Springfield (9/4) just getting home ahead of My Only Weakness and Among The Clouds to give Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie their second winner of the day. Snaith followed up in the seventh race, a Cape B Stakes (F&M) over 1200m, when the well-backed Siddeley (2/1f) led from pillar-to-post under Grant Van Niekerk to score a bloodless victory over Kyalami Girl.

Nel and Orffer struck for a second time when recently gelded O’Tenikwa showed good pace throughout and was never headed in the eighth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1200m. Let It Be Said ran on strongly over the final 200m to finish a clear second, but without ever threatening the winner.

Ladyofdistinction is a full sister to Gladatorian and has been tipped to win race 6 on her handicap bow off an 80 merit rating. (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)

1 12:30 PM – Bet With Tabgold – The Intelligent Bet! Maiden Plate
ONE ARMED BANDIT has run three fair races. He has a wide draw to overcome but could take advantage of mostly inexperienced rivals. GRAND APPEAL ran on well to finish just out of the placings last time. He is bred for further but has drawn well and looks a threat. THE WOLF should like a bit further but he has a plum gate and if getting the race run to suit, should be right there. RAGNAR THE KING had things go wrong last time but was not disgraced and has room for further improvement. FINE DINING is another that has earning potential.

2 1:05 PM – Open A Tabgold Account – 031 314 1874 Maiden Plate
KOLA TONIC could be well-placed here. He has disappointed but made a form return when backed last time. WHO BLINKED finished ahead of KOLA TONIC the time they met. He shows good pace and could confirm if ready after a rest. GOOD LIVING is as consistent as they come. He is overdue and should appreciate the step up in distance, but a wide draw is a concern. THE GOLDEN GOAL has the best of the draws and after an improved last try he must be considered for exotics. More can improve.

3 1:45 PM – Catch KZN Racing Via Live Streaming On www.galloptv.co.za Maiden Plate (F & M)
Both AMAFORT and JEANNE DARC caught the eye in their respective races last time and it will be interesting to see how much more the pair have to offer. However, AMAFORT has been given gate one and JEANNE DARC has drawn widest. SONATA SAMARITAN wasn’t far off the latter when getting into a bumping match and is improving, so must be respected. WINGS OF JOSEPHINE could be the dark horse. She has raced in the Western Cape and could have made good improvement during a layoff. JUMPTHEGREENLIGHT and SKIPPER O’MALLEY are well-bred first timers.

4 2:20 PM – Follow In The Box Seat Podcast Mr 68 Handicap
There wasn’t much between EL DRAQUE and MASK ON when the pair met a few months back. The former hasn’t been convincing of late but has dropped in ratings and must be a runner from a plum stall. MASK ON looked dangerous in his last start over the course and distance but needs to get the timing right. RHYTHM did everything but win last time. He is also overdue and if not minding the drop in trip could finally get the job done. LIGHTNING JIMMY has won at big odds before. He did a bit better in his last start and could get into the fight.

5 2:55 PM – Online Form Guide www.gallop.co.za Mr 90 Handicap
CONNERY seems unstoppable. He has won four in a row and it is possible that he could make it five even if switching back to turf. A hike in ratings could also make it a bit tough. Watch out for FINE ONE who had to come from well off the pace having jumped from a wide draw last time. He has drawn well and could be much more of a threat. JET LEGACY suddenly came back to best to beat a decent field including B FIFTYTWO, FINE ONE and COLD SHINE, so could repeat if in the same mood. B FIFTYTWO and COLD SHINE ran fair races and must be respected again.

6 3:28 PM – Greyville Convention Centre Fm 70 Handicap (F & M)
LADYOFDISTINCTION just got there last time but the form is working out well and she could make a successful handicap debut. HODGEPODGE is another well-bred runner that has scope for good improvement after winning her maiden well, but she has to overcome the widest draw. SAFARI LODGE doesn’t seem the most consistent around but has shown ability. She could run better in her second run after a rest. RADU confirmed betting support with a solid performance and is looking to follow up. SPRING KISS is consistent but looks a bit better than her recent form.

7 4:05 PM – Gallop TV YouTube Channel Mr 90 Handicap
FRENCH TRIP may turn the form around with JOHNNY THE THIEF as he has bit more in his favour this time. He has finished runner-up in two of his last three starts and would be deserving. JOHNNY THE THIEF hasn’t drawn as well and has to find a bit more at the weights. Still, he should be right there. POSITIVE ATTITUDE won a thriller in his penultimate and did well against some decent individuals in his last start. He should be right there along with TROIS TROIS QUATRE who came back to his best. The latter has drawn well and should have every chance.

8 4:40 PM – Hollywoodbets Bright Future Maiden Plate
RICHARDTHEFEARLESS was bit unlucky not to score as he got into a bumping match with eventual winner GIMMETHEGOODLIFE. He can make amends as the course and distance should suit. MR FIXIT stayed on last time and he should appreciate the longer distance. He jumps from gate one and could be a threat. FIRELIGHTER has shown good pace and could be the one that dictates the pace. He must be respected along with A HERO’S PATH who made some progress second time out. SILVER PLATTER needs to find more to feature. He is well-bred and could suddenly pop up.

Sharpen Bright, who runs in the last race, has been made the nap for the meeting (Picture: HKJC)

Happy Valley Formguides And Selections (Tim Carroll (At the Races))

Tim’s NB won at the weekend (6.40 Tote), and our expert has three more best bets for Happy Valley on Wednesday

This Wednesday sees a competitive nine race card from Happy Valley getting underway at 10.40am – live on Sky Sports Racing. The final two races on the card are both Class 3 contests with race 9, The Inverness Handicap, over nine-furlongs, offering prize-money in excess £205,00.

Now onto this week’s selections.

Race 1: Class 5 Bridge of Weir Handicap (10.40am) (9 furlongs)
1 ME TIME is a nine-start maiden and whilst the son of Cracksman may not go on to any great heights, he has shown some improvement lately and he now drops down to Class 5 company for the first time. The selection has finished fourth at his two runs back this season, both over course & trip and this is a lessor contests than both of those. He does go from the top of the handicap at this level, but he should have all the favours from the low draw and Purton is a first time booking.

Dangers:
2 Go Go Go won over the mile at the start of the season at Sha Tin and although Purton jumps off to ride the selection, with Ellis Wong claiming 7lbs, he effectively runs from a 2lb lower mark than when successful.
5 Chateau Le Peche is a twelve-start maiden, but he has been placed the last two times he’s been over this trip with a few of these in behind and he once again should be in the mix.
4 Not A Few bombed on the dirt last time but he ran on with a bit of purpose without threatening the start prior over the mile and the steps up to nine-furlongs for the first time.

Race 2: Class 5 Cramond Island Handicap (11.10am) (5 furlongs)
4 HAPPY HORSE has been unplaced all four starts this season, but he wasn’t beaten far last time out in a stronger race than this and he now takes a drop in grade into what is a moderate affair. The Manfred Man 6yo was a twice winner over course & trip last season at this level with the latest of those wins from the same mark he now finds himself on. He’s a pacey type that likes to punch forward and although I don’t think he’ll lead, he should be able grab a spot comfortably from the low draw.

Dangers:
1 Modest Gentleman was beaten less than a length over course & trip last time and he now takes a drop in grade having won twice over course & trip at this level last season, and he’ll find this a bit more to his liking.
5 Flying Phantom is an eleven-start maiden with a modest profile, but he was runner-up here in January from a 12lb higher mark, and with Purton taking the ride for Size after a recent trial where he looked sharp, a market watch is advised.
10 Plentiful is a modest maiden but he ran better than the bare result last time after being crowded at the start and he is well drawn given he likes to go from the front.

Race 3: Class 4 Raeburn Place Handicap (11.40am) (1 mile)
10 DRAGON DELIGHT showed very little his first eighteen-months in Hong Kong having arrived from Australia where he had won two of his three starts, but he found some form toward the backend of last season and has continued to hold that form during the current campaign. The selection won over course & trip two back in a grade below this before a strong effort in defeat when only beaten a nose last time at this level in a race than ran deeper than this. Connections have gone with a claim here, meaning he effectively runs from a 7lb lower mark, and from a kind draw, he should be a tough nut to crack.

Dangers:
8 To Infinity is a four-time course & trip winner that drops 2lb in the handicap after a solid effort in defeat last time which was his third run of the campaign and it’s worth noting he won fourth up last season.
2 Escape Route has run well enough in defeat both starts this season, and he drops to a career low mark, but he may need some luck as he’s likely to be ridden cold from the high draw.
1 Handsome Bomb is unproven at this trip but he’s a low mileage 4yo that will be having his first spin at Happy Valley having closed out last season with a tough win over seven-furlongs at Sha Tin, and he should be kept on the safe side.

Race 4: Class 4 Ben Nevis Handicap (12.10pm) (1 mile 3 furlongs)
1 CHARITY GAIN is a low mileage 4yo that broke his duck over nine-furlongs at just his third start last month before a solid effort in defeat when picking up the bronze at his first try over ten-furlongs last time with a few of these in behind. He wasn’t a luckless loser that day, however, he was a tad tight for room in the straight but ran through the line like a stayer once he saw some daylight. The selection does go from the top of the handicap but he’s a progressive type that loos headed for higher grades.

Dangers:
9 Management Folks will strip fitter after a nice return from a lengthy break when coming from last to finish fifth over ten furlongs when two spots behind the selection last time and he’ll enjoy going over this trip.
7 Arthurs Kingdom has been in behind the selection the last two times they’ve met but he does hold a two from three record over this trip, albeit he is now 9lb higher in the handicap than his last win, but he’s likely to once again give a bold sight from the front.
6 Affordable went off at 83/1 when one spot behind the selection last time, and to be fair that run was a surprise given his previous form, but he had a tough trip that day and James McDonald gets the call up.

Race 5: Class 4 St Andrews Challenge Quaich (Handicap) (12.40pm) (6 furlongs)
11 GIMME FIVE is an eleven-start maiden that isn’t the most reliable type as he showed last time when an unplaced favourite with no apparent excuses, however, he should have the run of the race from the low draw and is worth another chance in a moderate contest. At his penultimate start the selection was runner-up over course & trip to a rival that has subsequently won in good style at Sha Tin, and he was clear of the others that day, including the third who also came out and won at his next start. He’s a difficult one to predict, but if in that sort of mood, he’ll go very close to winning here.

Dangers:
4 Glory Cloud is a nine-start maiden, but he has gone close a few times including at his most recent start when beaten a lip over course & trip by a debutant, but he does have a tricky draw & goes up 2lbs.
5 Fatal Blow ran well enough in defeat on debut when picking up the bronze over course & trip and although he had the run of the race that night, he’s entitled to improve for the spin, and this is a moderate contest.
3 Metro Warrior is well treated with the 7lb claim but he is more of a five-furlongs specialist, however he did finish runner-up to an above average sort over this trip at Sha Tin toward the back end of last season and is worth including in any exotics.

Race 6: Class 4 Edinburgh Handicap (1.10pm) (6 furlongs)
1 GALLANT VALOUR won over course & trip at his penultimate start last month before a better effort than the bare result last time when finishing fourth off his current mark. He was a bit tardy out of the gates that night and ended up in an unfavourable position toward the back of the field before picking up strongly in a race that didn’t shape kindly for the closers. The selection goes from the top of the handicap, but he’s the only runner to have been successful this season and he only carries 4lb more than when he won.

Dangers:
8 Roaring Bebe is a six-start maiden that disappointed last time, but he was runner-up over five furlongs the start prior on his seasonal return when flashing late and could bounce back from the inside draw.
3 Golden Rise broke his duck over seven-furlongs at Sha Tin in good style last season and although he has failed to build on that early promise, he’s ran well enough in defeat a few times, he’ll strip fitter after two runs back & this looks a soft Class 4.
5 New Power won back-to-back races over course & trip last season and has been solid without threatening in two ruins back this campaign, however connections have added first time blinkers which may work the oracle.

Race 7: Class 4 Edinburgh Handicap (1.45pm) (6 furlongs)
12 WOOD ON FIRE will be a bit of a swing given he hasn’t won for just over a year, but he continues to slide down the handicap and is now on a 15lb lower mark than that last success, but just as importantly, he finally draws down low. The selection has only had two low draws since April and has placed both time from higher marks. He’s had to be ridden upside down a couple of times recently, but he’s always run his best races when in the firing line, and from the draw in 1, he should be right there from the off, and he goes from the very foot of the handicap.

Dangers:
3 Colonel bombed at Sha Tin last time, but he had won back-to-back races over course & trip prior that and is likely to make a bold bid from the front despite being 6lb higher in the handicap that his latest success.
1 Beauty Destiny has won two of his last five starts over course & trip, one from on the front, the most recent when closing late, but he does go up 6lb which sees him at the top of the handicap.
10 Glory B, who is a low mileage maiden, hasn’t had the rub of the green all three starts during the current campaign and was eased down last time having met plenty of trouble, but he has an inside draw and has been runner-up twice over this trip from slightly higher marks.

Race 8: Class 3 Loch Lomond Handicap (2.15pm) (5 furlongs)
6 ALL GREEK TO ME is a big lump of a horse (1299lbs) and whilst he doesn’t do a lot of winning, he probably has more ability than his overall record suggests, having suffered a few setbacks. The David Hayes 6yo has only had the two runs this year, the latest of which when runner-up beaten a lip by Horsepower who he meets on 5lb better terms, when they had six of these in behind, which is easily the best form pointer for this. The selection likes to go from the front, and he had to cross from a high draw that night, whereas he has the inside stall this time and won’t have to spend a penny early. They run on the C+3 course for the meeting, which is the narrowest of seven used, and it does tend to suit pace runners.

Dangers:
2 Red Elegance has won two of his last four spins over course & trip and wasn’t far behind both the selection and Horsepower last time, but he does have a favourable draw and meets the latter on 6lb better terms.
4 Horsepower, who was a twice winner in Australia, won over course & trip on his local debut with a few of these behind and would be the selection despite the 6lb penalty, but the high draw means he’ll need some luck.
11 Healthy Healthy hasn’t won for nearly a year but he’s still on a 4lb higher mark as continues to run with merit in defeat and connections have applied first time blinkers which may help.

Race 9 Class 3 Inverness Handicap (2.50pm) (9 furlongs)
9 SHARPEN BRIGHT is a progressive type that has won three of his last six starts, including over course & trip at his most recent outing when having his first spin at this level. The selection won by the barest of margins last time, but he had a tough run planted outside the leader cutting the breeze without cover all the way. He had Winning Steps back in third that night and with his rival a subsequent winner, he now meets that one on 4lb better terms. The selection goes up 5lb for his win, but with Matthew Poon replacing an unavailable Karis Teetan, he is only 3lb higher in the handicap, and he’s likely to punch forward in a race offering no more than a moderate pace.

Dangers:
3 Samarkand got into all sorts of trouble last time, thus we can put the pen through the run, and the four-time winner from last season is likely to punch forward and may end up being able to dictate from the front.
8 Winning Steps has won two of his last three starts and he was closing late when placed behind the selection two back, but he’s stretch runner and as already mentioned, he’s unlikely to get much of a gallop to aim at.
7 Rocket Spade was given plenty to do from a high draw when picking up the bronze behind Winning Steps last time, who he meets on 6lb better terms, but he is normally ridden to close late and there’s not much of a gallop on offer.

BETTING ON HONG KONG RACING
Punters can bet into the Hong Kong pools online through Tote.co.uk
WEDNESDAY’S PLACEPOT
Today’s Tote Place Pot will be races 4 through to 9. All up we will be playing 81 combinations (3x3x3x3x1x1), which will cost £8.10 for a 10p stake and so on. Good luck

LEG 1- 1 CHARITY GAIN 7 ARTHURS KINGDOM 9 MANAGEMENT FOLKS
LEG 2- 4 GLORY CLOUD 5 FATAL BLOW 11 GIMME FIVE
LEG 3- 1 GALLANT VALOUR 3 GOLDEN RISE 8 ROARING BEBE
LEG 4- 1 BEAUTY DESTINY 3 COLONEL 12 WOOD ON FIRE
LEG 5- 6 ALLGREEKTOME
LEG 6- 9 SHARPEN BRIGHT

TIM’S BEST BETS
1.45pm HAPPY VALLEY
WOOD ON FIRE (EW)

2.15pm HAPPY VALLEY
ALL GREEK TO ME (NB)

2.50pm HAPPY VALLEY
SHARPEN BRIGHT (NAP)

The picture above gives a clue to the answer.

Which movie about one of jumps racing’s great stories premiered 40 years ago in 1984 and garnered significant praise?

Millie Sten (Horse Zone)

One of the greatest sporting stories, Aldaniti and Bob Champion winning the famous Grand National race.

In 1981, as they prepared to compete at Aintree in the renowned grand national race, Aldaniti and his jockey Bob Champion had surmounted extraordinary challenges to reach that moment.

Bob had triumphed over cancer, while Aldaniti had recovered from a severe leg injury that led veterinarians to believe his racing career was over.

Together, they faced the daunting fences, achieving a victory that resonated with deep emotion, marking one of the most memorable moments in racing history.

Their inspiring journey was so extraordinary that it was later adapted into a film.

During his battle with cancer, the thought of riding Aldaniti in the Grand National provided Bob with the strength to endure the arduous treatment.

The duo had previously secured third place in the 1979 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and trainer Josh Gifford had assured Bob that he would retain both the ride on Aldaniti and his position as the stable jockey.

The aspirations for the Grand National appeared to be thwarted when Aldaniti suffered an injury that threatened to terminate the horse’s career.

His leg was placed in a cast, and he remained in his stable for a duration of six months. Few horses would have been able to endure such prolonged confinement, yet Aldaniti, whose name was derived from the first two letters of his breeder’s four grandchildren, proved to be an exemplary patient.

With both the horse and jockey fully recovered, they made their way to Aintree as 10-1 second favorites for the Grand National.

On a bright spring day, which was beneficial for Bob’s lungs affected by chemotherapy, Aldaniti embarked on two laps of the challenging four-and-a-half-mile course.

Their race was nearly concluded before it had truly commenced. Aldaniti’s exuberance nearly overwhelmed him at the very first obstacle. He misjudged the distance, descended sharply, and grazed his nose against the ground, yet he succeeded in remaining upright.

The strategy had been to position himself in the midfield on the outer side to facilitate a smoother experience over the jumps. Everything was proceeding according to plan as they approached The Canal Turn for the first time.

Three jumps later, Aldaniti had surged to the front with still more than a lap to go. They were never overtaken again as Aldaniti and Bob endeared themselves to the nation. They crossed the finish line four lengths ahead of the favorite, Spartan Missile, ridden by 54-year-old jockey John Thorne, marking a profoundly emotional victory.

That year did not mark the final triumph for Bob and Aldaniti. They received the team award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, and shortly thereafter, arrangements were initiated for a film featuring Aldaniti in the role of himself and the late Sir John Hurt portraying Bob. The film, titled Champions, premiered in 1984 and garnered significant praise.