Turf Talk Newsletter – 10 January, 2025

Talk To The Master has been tipped to win the 8th. (Picture: Wayne Marks). 

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

The R160 000 Klawervlei Stud Class 3 Handicap over 1200m takes pride of place on a 9-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth tomorrow. Billed as the eighth race on the card, this Class 3 Handicap has attracted a field of eleven runners and there is plenty of form to work with. Arctic Wizard has won his last two starts in a lower division and was penalised a hefty 7 points for his one-length victory over Cork Bay a month ago.
Cork Bay did little to frank that form over the past weekend, but Arctic Wizard may yet have further improvement to come. Grant Van Niekerk rides for the Greg Ennion stable but given the rise in class and the 7-point hike in his rating, there is little doubt that Arctic Wizard faces his toughest test to date. Talk To The Master is a very interesting runner with very good form over the course and distance. He has contested Feature races in his last four outings, the last three of which were over slightly further.

Talk To The Master has always shown a touch of class and he could make light of 60kgs here for the high-riding Vaughan Marshall yard. Sean Veale, successful in the same silks last weekend when taking out the Premier Trophy (Gr2) aboard Rascallion, has been booked for the ride and the KZN-based rider seldom leaves Hollywoodbets Kenilworth empty-handed these days. Talk To The Master should trip a very fit horse and being drawn on the right side of the track will help his cause. He could be the one they all have to beat.

War Chariot and Riverstone have strong claims on their recent form. For the services of Rachel Venniker, War Chariot comes into the race with just 52kgs on his back and he could prove a serious threat. Riverstone has made the frame in his last two outings and Richard Fourie retains the ride for the Gareth Van Zyl team. The 4yo United States gelding is raced by Gary Player and the golfing legend is enjoying a purple patch with his runners around the country.

Silver Crown fluffed his lines last time when returning from a break but is capable of a surprise here when judged on his best previous course and distance form. Surge Of Power is now starting to drop rapidly down the ratings and a sudden bounce back to form would not be a great surprise. Perhaps one to boost the Trifecta and Quartet dividends? It’s a very competitive heat but I am going to row in with Talk To The Master who could return to winning ways despite having to concede weight to most of his in-form rivals.

One of the more attractive bets on a challenging day’s racing could be Catch A Penny in the second race, a Maiden Plate over 1000m. I am of the view that the 3yo daughter of Vercingetorix will appreciate stepping back to the minimum trip and she should give us a very good run for our money, having been placed in all four starts to date. Flying Finley has been priced up the ante-post favourite with Catch A Penny on offer at 7/2 in the early exchanges.

The Andre Nel stable sends out just three runners at this meeting, two of which should be highly competitive in their respective races. Hoodia lines up against 12 rivals in the fifth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m, and the 4yo son of Ideal World is knocking loudly at the door having been placed in his last three starts over the trip. In his most recent start, Hoodia was beaten a neck by Rule Of Thumb, who re-opposes here and at the revised weights there should not be much between the pair, with a slight preference for Hoodia. Bounceback and Rich Folks Hoax have claims but are drawn badly which renders their task of finding the winner’s enclosure a touch more difficult.

Kebonalasedi was not far behind Rule Of Thumb and Hoodia and the 5yo son of Pomodoro should get the run of the race from pole position. Happy Days has done enough since winning his maiden to suggest he could be a factor in the outome. Not an easy race, but with a little bit of luck Hoodia could register his second career victory.

Nel saddles Kamchatka in the sixth race, a Class 4 Handicap (F&M) over 1600m, and the consistent 3yo daughter of Erupt should be in the mix but faces a tough task at the weights. Enchanting Choice is 3,5kgs better off with Kamchatka for a narrow defeat back in October and 2kgs better off for being a short head behind Nel’s filly on 19 November. On the plus side, Kamchatka may have more to offer as she matures against her older rival, but the form book suggests there should be little to choose between the pair. Family Power has come good of late over 1400m and is not without a chance of going back-to-back. She won her maiden way back in December 2023 over 2000m, so the extra 200m is not likely to pose a problem. Recent maiden winner Exquisite, who gets the services of Richard Fourie, is clearly heading in the right direction and is not without a chance of following up.

Racing at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth gets under way at 12:10 with an intriguing Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1000m in which only one length covered the leading five contenders when they met behind Wild Wild Green on 14 December. Perhaps Whatastar will confirm her slight superiority, but Music Of The Night has had one run since and the added experience could count in her favour.

Racing at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth gets underway at 12:10 with an intriguing Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1000m in which only one length covered the leading five contenders when they met behind Wild Wild Green on 14 December. Perhaps Whatastar will confirm her slight superiority, but Music Of The Night has had one run since and the added experience could count in her favour.

Kyalami Girl is tipped to win the 3rd. (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday formguides and selections

Cape Racing

Race 1

6 LOVE HER MADLY ran a cracker on debut behind Wild Wild Green, she was very green in running and absolutely took off late to run a good third, she will improve tons from that performance and should go very close to winning. 2 WHATASTAR did everything right on debut, she showed pace and stayed on strongly to finish second, with natural improvement on the cards, she will have a good winning chance. 4 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT ran a good second behind stable companion last time, she was only beaten just over two lengths at the wire, she is undoubtedly getting better and stronger with every start, include her into all bets. 3 TAKE IT AS RED was only beaten just under two lengths on debut, watch her closely, she will be running on late.

(Brandon Bailey: 6 – 2 – 4 – 3)

 

Race 2

5 CATCH A PENNY moved up extremely well in her last start to run a great second behind Sohot Sowhat, she is nicely weighted in this Maiden Plate and should love the drop in trip to 1000m, she will be very competitive here. 11 FLYING FINLEY has run two very good seconds in a row, Jockey Richard Fourie sticks with this gelding after riding him last time, he will be right there in the finish on his best form. 9 WAVE OF GLORY showed tremendous pace in his last start when finishing second behind Heal And Soul, he really improved nicely from run one to run two, if he can build again on his most recent performance, he will have a serious winning chance. 10 KLEIN KAROO ran a lovely race on debut, he looks to be a nice big gelding that will appreciate a bit further in time, watch him closely.

(Brandon Bailey: 5 – 11 – 9 – 10)

 

Race 3

5 KYALAMI GIRL quickened up in devastating fashion on the 18th of December to win a great race, she is highly rated by the stable, if she can bring her last performance to the races again on Saturday afternoon, she will be very hard to beat here. 8 MISS WORLD is as honest as they come, the form lines of her last race have worked out incredibly well, she will be a huge danger for them all in the finish. 3 MAI SENSATION has been very disappointing in her last few starts, she could improve quite a bit now that she has dropped in trip to 1200m, watch her closely at a decent price. 6 POLYNOMIAL has been rested for 63 days, she is a lot better than her recent run in the Grade 2 event over 1400m, she should appreciate the drop in trip, include her into bets.

(Brandon Bailey: 5 – 8 – 3 – 6)

 

Race 4

1 SUMMER NIGHT CITY bounced back to form last time when running second behind Tothemoonandback, she is perfectly drawn here and is currently racing off a very competitive rating, she will get the run of the race and should go very close to winning. 3 MELA STRENGTH fought hard to the line last time behind Azzurri when finishing second, his recent form is very good, this looks to be a nice race for him to be right there in the finish again. 11 MY ONLY WEAKNESS has been very consistent since winning her maiden on the 21st of September last year, she loved the step up in trip last time when finishing a good second, if she can get some luck in running from a poor draw, she will go close to winning. 2 TOTHEMOONANDBACK carries a huge weight here, he might be able to sneak into the Quartets.

(Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 11 – 2)

 

Race 5

8 HOODIA has been in excellent form of late, he quickened up nicely from a long way back last time when running second to Rule Of Thumb, he has some strong form to his name and should remain very competitive again at this level. 3 RULE OF THUMB was given a terrific ride by jockey J P v’d Merwe on the 18th of December, he was patiently ridden and worked through the field smartly to win going away, with a similar performance here, he will go very close to winning. 4 CHOLLIMA wanted the speed to be a bit more genuine up in front last time, he was caught flat footed early and then stayed on strongly to the line in a decent field, on his best form, he always has a good each way chance. 12 BOUNCEBACK won his maiden well, he is still improving and could sneak into the places.

(Brandon Bailey: 8 – 3 – 4 – 12)

 

Race 6

1 FAMILY POWER ran on powerfully to win a good race on the 4th of December, she gets the perfect draw of 1 here and she steps up in trip to 1600m, despite her rating going up quite a bit for winning well last time, she must have a good winning chance again. 3 KAMCHATKA never runs a bad race, she stayed on well to run a decent second in her last start behind Jet To The Sun, she should get the run of the race from a good draw, include her into all bet types. 2 ENCHANTING CHOICE ran a fair race behind Lickety Split on the 11th of December, if things work out for her in running, she could win a race like this quite easily. 7 GARDEN OF EDEN is highly rated by the stable, she had no luck in running last time, watch her closely, she will be right there in the finish.

(Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 2 – 7)

 

Race 7

4 ROUGAROUIN won a gutsy race on the 4th of December when beating Electric Feels in a driving finish, he was given 3 points for that win, at this level he will always be a massive runner. 3 PRINCE OF TIBET made up good ground late to run a nice second last time behind True Horizon, he enjoys the sprint trips in this grade, watch him closely, he will be running on late. 2 TRUE HORIZON finally got it right on the 18th of December up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, now that she has the confidence booster to her name, she could easily give them all a fright in the finish. 5 TRES CHIC can be quite a difficult filly to ride, she needs everything to go right for her, now that she drops back in trip, she will have a good winning chance on her best form.

(Brandon Bailey: 4 – 3 – 2 – 5)

 

Race 8

9 ARCTIC WIZARD looks to be a very smart sprinter in the making, he has won his last two races in great style, despite going up a further 7 points in the ratings for his last win and stepping up in class on Saturday afternoon, he is very progressive and will be competitive again. 4 WAR CHARIOT ran a lovely race last time in a strong field, he needs a particular ride, if the race works out for him with no weight on his back, he will be flying at them late. 7 RIVERSTONE has run two very good races in succession, he has tons of ability, and the yard is in great form, include him into all bets. 3 TALK TO THE MASTER comes back to the races from a rest and gelding, he is the class package in the race, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he should be doing good work at the finish.

(Brandon Bailey: 9 – 4 – 7 – 3)

 

Race 9

6 KELP FOREST finished like a train to win a super race on the 11th of December at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, the blinkers stay on, with a similar performance of his last start, he will be very hard to beat in the lucky last. 8 MEANT TO BE has been rested for 105 days, he has been lightly raced, his form is excellent, if he doesn’t need the run, he will be a big danger in the finish. 14 HEAL AND SOUL could be anything, he showed plenty speed on debut and fought hard to win a good race, he looks the type that will get better and stronger with every start, include him into the play. 11 SUN DAZED absolutely took off into the closing stages to run 6th in his last start, he gets a further rating drop and the blinkers go on, he could be the value here.

(Brandon Bailey: 6 – 8 – 14 – 11)

Cosmic Speed has been tipped to win the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over an ideal trip of 1400m. (Picture: JC Photos).

The Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday has three Gr 3 features and a Listed race.

In the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m Cosmic Speed recorded his impressive 2,10 length Gr 2 victory in the Durban Golden Horseshoe loast season over this trip. He made a winning seasonal reappearance ovet 1160m and is the best in at the weights here according to official merit ratings, despite having to carry a 2kg Grade 2 penalty. His draw of 8 is a concern, so he won’t have it his own way. Musical Score is relatively unexposed, but won a Graduation Plate in fine style fourth time out and could prove to be better than his 100 merit rating suggests. Gavin Lerena is up from a tricky draw of six. Greaterix is held in high esteem and showed why in his second, third and fourth runs, all of which he won easily. He was not disgraced in the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans as he was beaten five lengths into third by the filly phenomenon Quid Pro Quo. He found himself in the lead that day, which was not ideal and at home his bloods were found to be abnormal, so he could do better. He should be effective over this course and distance from draw four. Fire Attack won the Gr 2 SA Nursey and was second in the Dingaans. However, he does carry a Gr 2 penalty so is 2kg worse off with Greaterix for a 2,50 length beating, which puts him slightly ahead and he should enjoy the trip, but on the othe hand he has a wide draw. Choisaanada is scopey and looks classy and would not be a surprise winner either, although he does officially have a tough task off a 98 merit rating. The Specialist is hard to ignore as he had a fine two-year-old career. He had excuses for his last two below par runs and now gets a compression mask on.

In the Gr 3 Betway Mother Russia Stakes over 1400m Vulcanite is officially well in at the weights and will be hard to beat, having won her last two starts by wide margins over 1600m. There is not much between Miss Lia and Salenio Peninsula and they make most appeal as the dangers. Sonic Jet and Cocomelon could earn.

In the Listed Wolf Power 1600 Truth looks the one to side with. This talented three-year-old Heavenly Blue gelding only has to carry 53kg off a 106 merit rating in the handicap event and is drawn well in four out of ten runners. The trip will be suitable. Last time he was caught late by Storm Brasco over 1400m but he might well have been sent for home too soon. He is now 1,5kg better off with Storm Brasco for a mere 0,25 length beating and he should be cherrry ripe in his third run after a layoff. The chief danger could be Pomodoro’s Jet, who comes off an easy 5,50 length romp in the Grand Heritage over 1475m. He copped a nine point raise but has always been highly regarded and is said to be “flying” at home. He has won four times over this trip and Gavin Lerena is up from draw six. The four-year-old carries 57,5kg off a 105 merit rating. Storm Brasco showed what he is capable of last time and Serino Moodley now gets the ride from a fair draw of five. He does now have his second run after a nine month layoff though, but the four-year-old only has to carry 54,5kg off a 105 merit rating. Texas Red has copped a tricky draw of seven. However, he went close to Main Defender last time which shows he could be up to carrying topweight here off a 110 merit rating. It is also his third run after a layoff. Chestnut Bomber is a promising three-year-old who can rise above his 99 merit rating and he is well drawn over the trip of his only two wins. Command Pilot won well last time over course and distance and might have more to come, so he can’t be ignored from pole position. Savannah Storm has a tremendous turn of foot if it pans out well for him.

The features wil be intriguing and and will say somethimg about the class of the three-year-old crop just three weeks ahead of the Guineas meeting.

Vulcanite has been tipped to win the Gr 3 Betway Mother Russia Stakes. (JC Photos).

Turffontein Standside Saturday formguides and selections

R1     5 ZACATOO has run two good races and is the one to beat despite an unfavourable low draw by trends. 7 EASY TIGER is by Refeef and is a half-sister tio three winners. 2 PORRIDGE BOY was not disgraced on debut. 6 BRIGHT AND BRAZEN is by Erupt and Gavin Lerena is an eyecatching booking. (5-7-2-6)

R2     8 FLIGHT OF A CONDOR has gone close in both starts and van get it right here. 7 DESERT CLOUD made a good debut when second to Rodeo Drive last May and hasn;t run since but Gavin Lerena is up. 3 BILINGUAL is usually involved in the finish. 1 ENDIZAYO has shown enough to earn here. (8-7-3-1)

R3     6 JOHNNY APPLESEED is very quick and should enjoyt the course and distance. 5 KING OF VENUS has a form chance here too. 4 ROLLWITHTHEPUNCHES is off a competitive mark and should be involved. 7 KINDRED HEART can be involved if reproducing his penultimate run. (6-5-4-7)

R4     8 TRUTH is full of class and might have gone for home too soon last time. 2 POMODORO’S JET showed his class when romping home in the Grand Heritage but now has to overcome a nine point raise. 7 STORM BRASCO beat Truth last time with a strong finish but is 1,5kg worse off for a a 0,25 length beating. 1 TEXAS RED has run two fine races this season and can be involved despite having tgio carrfy topweigt bfrom a tricky draw. (8-2-7-1)

R5     1 VULCANITE will be hard ti beat here under the weight conditions having won her last two starts over 1600m with consummate ease. 3 MISS LIA is distance suited and in good form and could give some cheek. 4 SALENIO PENINSULA is 1kg better off with Miss Lia for a 0,70 length beating and has a good draw. 6 SONIC JET goes for a hattrick over this trip. (1-3-4-6)

R6     1 COSMIC SPEED is full of class and his best win was over this trip. 6 MUSICAL SCORE beat older horses in eyecatching style last time over this trip. 3 GREATERIX is highly regarded and can do better than last time. 2 FIRE ATTACK is widely drawn but is a Gr 2 SA Nursery winner and ran a fine second in the Dingaans. (1-6-3-2)

R7     6 CHASING HAPPINESS won a Gr 3 last time over course and distance last time in good style and can go close from a high draw. 5 MOUNT PILATUS is in fine form nbut is drawn on the wrong side. 8 JUST BE LEKKER has speed and class but does return from a six month layoff. 10 TAXI TO THE MOON has a fomr chance here from a fair draw. (6-5-8-10)

R8    5 RED MAPLE is a classy stayer and can go in again. 1 CRIMSON KING has issues but has class on bhis day and should have come on from his seasonal reappearance. 2 NONE OTHER is an SA Oaks winner and should be finishing strongly. 7 BREEZE OVER is a talented stayer on his day but needs things to go his way. (5-1-2-7)

R9     3 RADICCHIO is course and distance suited and looks well handicapped. 5 CYMRIC has class and should enjoy the step up in trip. 1 BUSTER BARNES has a harder task here but looked classy in his wins in Zinbabwe. 8 DECEPTION PASS is a progressive sort who could be a player here. (3-5-1-8)

R10    6 BIG BOY BRUCE is a progressive sprinter who should be thereabouts. 3 SECRET CHORD won easily last time and could follow up. 8 VIBE SA tends to throw it in if in the lead but has talent and got out of the maidens with an easy win last time. 5 ZANTHAR has a form chance here too. (6-3-8-5)

Royal Victory has been tipped to win the Non-Black Type Micahel Roberts Stakes. (JC Photos).

R1     Summary: Mike Miller holds the key with four runners and one expects that first call stable rider Tristan Godden has first pick and he partners the filly COMIC RELIEF (3) who was a comfortable winner on debut and could well prove to be the best of the miller runners. Second pick of the Miller runners could be another filly in SIESTA SUNSET (6) who won well on debut in spite of drifting off the boars in the face of support for stable companion HOLDS THE KEY (4) who took another two races to shed his maiden. In that race the Michael Roberts debutant BLACK FROST (8) found some significant market support but was very green in the running and sure to come on from that effort. Kom Naidoo has two runners best of which should be WAROFDYNAMITE (5) who found some betting support on debut and should come on with the experience. (Andrew Harrison: 3-8-6-4).

R2     Summary: WHO BLINKED (6) has made steady improvement and visiting rider Raymond Danielson looks to be on the ‘right’ on for MJ Odendaal after being touched off over the distance when starting at cramped odds. The filly ZENA ROSE (1) has come to hand nicely for Duncan Howells and Kabelo Matsunyane should have a good understanding of his mount this being his third start aboard. ONE ARMED BANDIT (12) tried much further last run but is back to what looks to be a more suitable trip. Robbie Hill’s filly OUR LADY FATE (9) has been well supported in the market when trying further but the drop in trip could maybe be the better option. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-12-9).

R3     Summary: REAL WAR (1) was much improved last run when back on turf and Dean Kannemeyer has declared first time blinkers which could make all the difference. TOP SEED (6) has not been out since making his debut in May but Mike de Kock’s runner looks more than capable of good improvement. GOOD LIVING (10) has had a few chances but has never been too far back and should be in the shake-up again in a field where there could be a few surprises. EMOYENI (3) was a well beaten second on debut but should come on from that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-10-3).

R4     Summary: Tricky start to the Pick 6. SUNDANCE KID (11) has the widest draw to contend with but has shown useful form in good company at recent outings. Rachel Venniker stays aboard for Wendy Whitehead and the gelding could prove good enough to shoulder top weight to victory. Drawn alongside is ROYAL SWAN MASTER (10) who has been costly to follow. Never far back he also never quite gets there. The longer Scottsville straight and a handy weight could see him home. OFFICE IN COMMAND (4) has been holding form well and has won over the course. He may prove to be the best of Mike de Kock’s runners. I SALTUE YOU (3) landed the odds last run when favourite. Peter Muscutt’s runner is lightly raced and appears to be on the up. (Andrew Harrison: 10-11-4-3).

R5     Summary: CONNERY (5) will have plenty of supporters as he tries for six-in-a-row but it becomes more and more difficult. As he steps up in class. He got a four-point raise in the handicap for his last win but 4kg claimer Jacey Botes stays aboard and Glen Kotzen’s gelding could well pull it off. Mike de Kock sends out the filly CALANTHA (10) who has won two of her four starts and was comfortable last time out. She looks useful and gets plenty of weight from Connery. GOOD TRAVELLER (7) finally god another win under his girth when back over his optimum trip. He has good form on this course and now that he has his confidence back he could be threat. Word from the stable is that BOURBON WARRIOR (3) is back from a break but given that he has won two of this four starts, that could mean anything. (Andrew Harrison: 10-5-7-3).

R6     Summary: This race carried over from last Sunday’s washout sees WILLIAM ROBERTSON (3) back on one of his favourite courses and again Corne Spies appears to have picked the right race as the gelding is well in at the weights with most. His recent form his difficult to fault and he should start at the top of the boards again. SUN BLUSHED (9) is smart on his day and was only three lengths back to William Robertson when last they met. This was his first run back since finishing a length back to Surjay in the Gr1 Mercury Sprint and the outing should have sharpened him up. KHETHIWE’S DESTINY (2) has only once been out of the money but has not been out since finishing behind Quid Pro Quo in the Gr Golden Slipper. She may need this but is clearly talented. DONQUERARI (7) is a tough warrior who was touched off by the useful Cats Pajamas last time out. He has it all to do at the weights but has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 3-9-2-7).

R7     Summary: ROYAL VICTORY (7) makes his return after a smart effort in defending his Gr1 Summer Cup title behind Atticus Finch. He is the best weighted in this field and if anywhere near his best he should be good enough to win this under former regular pilot Muzi Yeni. IMILENZEYOKUDUDMA (4) won well in the Christmas Handicap and although going up four points in the handicap for that win he can follow up from a good draw. Tony Rivalland’s filly CELTIC BEAUTY (6) was strongly fancied to win the Flamboyant Stakes on Boxing Day but first time blinkers did not have the desired effort and they come off. MARY’S GREENLIGHT (10) and MISS PLATINA (2) finished ahead of her but both are worse off at the weights and Celtic Beauty could make amends. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-6-2).

R8     Summary: Tricky handicap. CAPTAIN OLIVER (3) is progressive and was run out of it narrowly by FLYINGCOOL (5) when last they met over 2400m. They are down in trip here and Gary Rich’s runner is 1kg better off in spite of winning. However, Captain Oliver looks progressive and the drop in trip could see him turn the tables. FRENCH TRIP (10) has been knocking on the door for some time now and is due some reward. WOODLAND GLADE (9) is way better than her last run and Muzi Yeni is back on board. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-10-9).

R9     Summary: GO LIKE FLO (1) takes on a smart field of much younger rivals but could just have the edge. She was touched off in her local debut after showing some good Cape Town form and with a run under her girth and a step up in trip from the best of the draw she could prove to be the horse to beat. LUCRATIVE (2) is 1kg worse off with Go Like Flo after getting the better of her last time out but the mare could with a run under her girth and a weight turnover could see her turn the tables. However, SPIRIT OF LEVANA (5) and JUST RECKLESS (7) both make their seasonal debuts after showing up in smart juvenile features behind the top class Quid Pro Quo. Word from the stables is that both may just need it but class could tell. MALCOLM’S DREAM (6) and AFRICAN BEAT (9) are also in the mix. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-7-5).

R10    Preview: Louise Goosen has been building up IBHELE (9) to a peak and this looks the right race. He does have top weight but should also be at his peak in spite of finishing behind the consistent PROFESSOR LUPIN (7) when last they met. They meet on the same weight terms but the younger rival could have more to come with first time blinkers. ANDY COOGLE (10) has been much improved at recent starts and must be considered in all bets. NORTHERN WARRIOR (6) is a course and distance specialist and although returning from a break he looks the pick of the Michael Roberts trio. (Andrew Harrison: 9-7-10-6).

Johannes Brahms is chasing successive wins. (Picture: HKJC)

By Leo Schlink (HKJC)

Pierre Ng hopes Johannes Brahms can further consolidate status as a leading Four-Year-Old Classic Series contender with a strong performance in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 The Racing Club Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (12 January).

Placed at Group 2 level in England when trained by Aidan O’Brien, Johannes Brahms charged late through a narrow gap under James McDonald to win over 1400m at Sha Tin on 22 December, earning a seven-point rise to 83 in the ratings after carrying 131lb.

To be ridden this weekend by Andrea Atzeni, Johannes Brahms’ rise in class is offset by a drop to 120lb in the weights and Ng is optimistic the Siyouni gelding can continue his upward trajectory ahead of the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 31 January.

“He (Johannes Brahms) is a very promising horse. He just needs one more run to calm him a little bit more. The next race will be the Classic Mile so I’m hoping he can race more like a professional, more relaxed and hopefully he can do that in the future,” Ng said.

“We know that he’s got the class, it’s just a matter of how he brings it up to us. Last time was promising and this time with the light weight, he can have another promising run and be pretty much ready for the Classic Mile.”

Ng has similar aspirations for 68-rater Packing Turbine, who is also partnered by Atzeni in the Class 3 Pak Tin Handicap (1600m).

“He’s more like a miler-plus horse, hopefully he can improve his form and get more points for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series. If we get more points, hopefully he can start the series in the (Hong Kong) Classic Cup (1800m),” Ng said.

Foiled last start by a lack of clear running, Hugh Bowman is confident Mickley can rebound strongly in the Class 3 (Restricted) Pak Shek Au Handicap (1600m).

To start from barrier eight with 135lb, the Royal Ascot Britannia Stakes (1600m) winner concedes weight to his 13 rivals but Bowman hopes a solidly-run race will take bad luck out of the equation after his last-start 12th behind Huge Wave on 1 January.

“There looks to be pretty genuine tempo on Sunday, so I think it will be a truly run event. The set-up looks quite good for him. He seems to be a horse who continues to improve each time he steps out, although we didn’t get the opportunity to see it last start,” Bowman said.

“With the quick back-up, that quiet run might assist his circumstances but he does have to give a fair bit of weight away to most of the field. That has to be acknowledged but regardless of that I think he will run very well.”

Victor The Winner continued to take positive steps towards the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on 19 January with an impressive trial victory at Happy Valley this morning (Friday, 10 January).

Ridden by Derek Leung, Victor The Winner wore blinkers for the first time and coasted from barrier 10 to eventually take the lead before accelerating in the straight to win by two lengths from stablemate Riding Together, pleasing trainer David Eustace.

“I thought he trialled well. We tried the blinkers on today and he handled that fine. He naturally got competitive down the back but once he was to stride in front, he got into a nice rhythm and found the line well,” Eustace said.

“I’ll assess the trial again and the splits but I thought it was a nice trial.”

Victor The Winner won the 2024 Centenary Sprint Cup for Danny Shum but transferred to Eustace’s stable after finishing 14th in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 8 December.

Victor The winner is among eight entries for the Centenary Sprint Cup along with Ka Ying Rising, Beauty Waves, Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Lucky With You, Magic Control and G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) winner Invincible Sage.

Invincible Sage finished third in a 1000m trial this morning behind Snowthorn and Precious Hill after settling back in the field under Brenton Avdulla before closing solidly late.

Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (12 January) with the Class 5 Wu Kai Sha Handicap (1200m, dirt) at 1pm.

Slings And Arrows (Tripppi) gives Craig Zackey a treble and Gavin Smith a double. Pauline Herman Photography)  

Craig Zackey and reigning champion Richard Fourire are both strong contenders for this season’s national jockeys title and the  rivalry is adding a new dimension to the East Cape’s meetings, where they are first choice riders for the powerful yards of Gavin Smith and Alan Greeff respectively.

Both scored trebles today and and Zackey’s treble included a double for Smith, while Fourie’s included a double for Greeff.

Justin Snaith also scored a double.

Zackey goes to 111 wins for the season and has done it at a strike rate of 18.23%.

Fourie joins Gavin Lerena in joint second place on 106 wins and has done it at a strike rate of 24.77%.

Greeff is on 67 wins at 15.12%.

Smith is on 59 wins at 12.85%.

Snaith is on 90 wins at 16.30%.

The picture is of the subject course in 1939

What is the oldest still in use racecourse in South Africa?

Today’s Question Answer

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse is the country’s oldest racecourse and was established and raced on for the first time in 1881.