Turf Talk Newsletter – 24 January, 2025

Graeme Hawkins regards the Querari gelding Questioning as beeing good eachway value in the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool Cape Flying Championship, although he has tipped Dyce to win it. (JC Photos)

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse comes alive on Saturday for the 163rd running of the R5-million World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (Gr1) over 2000m. With its proud and long-standing history as one of South Africa’s truly great races, winning the “Met” is on every Owner, Jockey, Trainer and Breeder’s bucket list. Past winners include such legendary names as Sledgehammer (1975); Gatecrasher (1976); Politician (1978 & 1979); Wolf Power (1984); Model Man (1987); Empress Club (1993); London News (1997) and Horse Chestnut (1999).

More recently Pocket Power won three on the bounce between 2007 and 2009, while Rainbow Bridge emerged as a dual Met hero, in 2019 & 2021. In 2020 Rainbow Bridge was narrowly denied emulating Pocket Power when MJ Beyleveldt, now a member of the Cape Racing Broadcast team, partnered One World to a famous victory over the “Bridge” ridden on that occasion by the World’s leading jockey, Ryan Moore.

Kommetdieding scored for Ashley Reynolds three years ago and was then runner-up behind Jet Dark a year later. Last year Double Superlative was a shock 25/1 winner for Owner Nick Jonsson and Champion Trainer Justin Snaith when ridden by UK-based Daniel Muscutt, son of local trainer Peter Muscutt.

Both Nick Jonsson and Justin Snaith are bidding for a ‘Met” hattrick at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday and their hopes are pinned on Eight On Eighteen, the only 3yo in the 16-strong line-up. Snaith does have back-up in the form of Future Swing, Royal Aussie, Magic Verse and Pacaya but none of these are Nick Jonsson-owned. Jonsson does have another ticket in the form of See It Again, trained by Michael Roberts, though the 5yo son of Twice Over ran a shocker in the recent L’Ormarins King’s Plate and it’s hard to know what to expect from the usually consistent multiple Grade 1 winner.

Eight On Eighteen, who has yet to be tested beyond 1600m, is the favourite heading into the 2025 renewal of the WSB Cape Town Met. He was runner-up behind One Stripe in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas (Gr1) in December and that form was solidly franked when One Stripe smashed the older horses in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate (Gr1). It’s not a given that Eight On Eighteen will see out the trip but many are of the view that “if he stays, he wins” and I share that school of thought. For me, Rascallion, Future Swing and Oriental Charm rate the principal threats, but I would not be entirely shocked if Montien, Red Palace or See It Again were to rise to the occasion.

Race 7 – HKJC WORLD POOL CAPE FLYING CHAMPIONSHIP (Gr1) – 1000m
Gimme A Prince and Dyce, winners of the last two editions of the Cape Flying Championship, share favouritism for this year’s renewal but I am leaning towards Dyce who has found his very best form since being gelded. Piere Strydom takes the ride for the Lucky Houdalakis stable and with the track condition likely to be firm and fast, he may just have the edge over Gimme A Prince.

Questioning is not ideally suited to 1000m, but he is as genuine and game as they come and never runs a bad race. He strips very fit and despite harbouring a preference for slightly further, I believe he has a realistic chance of upsetting the applecart and appeals as good each way value at his current odds of 14/1. The race certainly does not end there as the classy Lucky Lad and Surjay could make their presence felt while all of Bereave (third last year behind Dyce), Asiye Phambili and Café Culture could get into the mix.

The race is likely to be run at a helter skelter pace which could set the race up nicely for the swoopers, but the cream should rise to the top and Dyce gets the vote to score at the expense of Questioning and Gimme A Prince.

Race 2 – MAINE CHANCE FARMS MAJORCA STAKES (GR1) – 1600m
This year’s renewal of the Majorca Stakes has attracted a small but high-quality field of 7 fillies and mares and features a clash between the seasoned older brigade against the rising three-year-old stars. Fatal Flaw and Scarlet Macaw finished 1-2 in the World Sports Fillies Guineas (Gr1) in early December and there is no reason to believe that Scarlet Macaw can turn that form around. But will they be able to match strides with the 4yo’s Double Grand Slam and Rascova?

Double Grand Slam is in the form of her life and was most impressive when winning the Cartier Paddock Stakes (Gr1) over 1800m three weeks ago. She is a short-priced favourite to land the coveted Paddock Stakes/Majorca Stakes double, but Double Grand Slam can expect a lot more resistance from Rascova over this shorter trip. The adage “pace makes the race” could come into play here and it will be interesting to see which of Fatal Flaw or Rascova, both natural front-runners, goes forward. But unlike the Cartier Paddock Stakes, when the speed was really on, there is every chance the pace in the Majorca may be slower than standard.

Double Grand Slam gets the nod to beat Rascova and Fatal Flaw, but it may not be as easy a victory as the betting market would suggest.

CARRYOVERS AND WORLD POOL RACES 6 THROUGH 12:
The Hong Kong Jockey Club have announced that Races 6 to 12 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday have been allocated World Pool status which translates into massive tote pools for punters locally and internationally. In addition, the Pick 6 pool is expected to reach R10-million with the aid of a R2-million carryover and the Quartet on Race 8, the WSB Cape Town Met, is likely to top R2-million with the help of a R500 000 carryover.

The first race, the R600 000 Heineken Summer Juvenile Stakes over 1100m, is also the first leg of Jackpot One (there are three Jackpots on the day) and Clair de Lune appeals as one of the better bets on a wonderful day of high quality racing action.

Double Grand Slam can do punters a faavour early in the meeting by winning the Gr 1 Maine Chance Farms Majorca Stakes (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth WSB Met Meeting Formguides And Selections

R1     3 CLAIR DE LUNE moved up exceptionally well in her last start when finishing second behind her stable companion, she looks to be a classy filly that will get better with more racing, there is no doubt she will be a huge runner here. 8 PARENTAL GUIDANCE looks to be a smart colt in the making, he ran a cracking race behind the unbeaten Black Cheetah in his last start on the 4th of January, the yard thinks highly of this individual, he should run a good race again. 1 WILD WILD GREEN was heavily supported in the market when making a winning debut on the 14th of December, she isn’t very big this daughter of Gimmethegreenlight, but she can quicken very well in her race, include her, she could be anything. 6 SHE’S MY WORLD ran a cracker on debut when staying on strongly for second, she will improve quite a bit from that and could be the value in this race. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 8 – 1 – 6)

R2     4 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM quickened up in devastating fashion to win her Group 1 last time, she has been in terrific form this season and will be very hard to beat here, she is undoubtedly one of the better bets on the card. 7 FATAL FLAW was given a top ride in her last start to win a great race on the 7th of December, she likes to race up on speed and then kicks on strongly all the way to the line, with a similar performance of her Grade 1 victory last time, she will be the biggest danger to Double Grand Slam. 6 SCARLET MACAW ran on powerfully behind Fatal Flaw in the Cape Fillies Guineas to finish second, she is improving rapidly with every start, watch her closely. 2 RASCOVA is extremely honest at this level, she tries hard and should be in the money. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 7 – 6 – 2)

R3     6 JOY AND PEACE won impressively at Fairview Racecourse on the 3rd of January, she ran on strongly to win going away on that occasion, jockey Richard Fourie knows her well and she should love the 2000m trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, include her into all bets. 1 GIMMETHATPEARL has always been packed with ability, she looked well last time and won a super race on the 28th of December, she is in good form at the moment and should get the run of the race from a top draw of one. 2 SAARTJIE never really got into the race in her last start behind Double Grand Slam, she is a lot better than her recent form, the blinkers have been fitted again and that could help her chances. 3 TIME FOR LOVE came back at them late to run a good third in her most recent start, she raced as if the 2000m trip would suit her down to the ground, include her into the Quartets. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 1 – 2 – 3)

R4     8 POETS WARRIOR brings in some strong Johannesburg form into this Grade 3 stayers event, he has won his last three races with absolute ease, he likes to race up on speed and he stays really well, he could be very hard to fetch late. 7 TRIPLE TIME should be cherry ripe for this race, he is much better than his recent form over 1800m, now that he is back over the right trip, he should show sharp improvement, include him into all bets. 4 KING PELLES absolutely relished the step up in trip to 2500m last time, he sat just off the pace and finished strongly to win a good race, he is very consistent and should be right there again despite his rating going up significantly. 10 HOLDING THUMBS is as honest as they come, the blinkers have been fitted, and he should remain competitive in this tricky race. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 7 – 4 – 10)

R5     7 CAPTAIN WEST is a beautiful looking son of One World, he returns to the races from a rest and gelding, he ran a fair race last time in the Grade 2 Punters Cup behind star colt One Stripe, he looks progressive and should run a cracker if he doesn’t need the run badly. 1 SOLOMONS SEAL fought hard all the way to the line behind The Grey King last time, he was drawn poorly on that occasion and still managed to run a good second, from a good draw here over this trip of 1400m, he will be right there in the finish. 6 THE GREY KING was taken to the front last time when beating Solomons Seal in a driving finish, he was far more relaxed in his race and that helped him in a big way, with a similar performance again, he will go close to winning. 10 LET IT BE SAID is very consistent, if he gets some luck from a poor draw, he could finish in the money again. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 1 – 6 – 10)

R6     12 CANDY TOWN is an absolute speed ball of note, she led her field from start to finish to win super impressively on the 4th of January, she comes out the gates like lightning and will try her best to beat them from the front again in this competitive listed event, there is no doubt she will be right there for a long way. 13 MAI SENSATION dropped in trip last time and quickened up smartly to win going away at the line, she has always been packed with ability and should give a good account of herself again. 8 SUMMER LILY stayed on strongly behind Asiye Phambili in her last start when finishing fourth, she likes to be held up in her races and then storms home late, watch her closely at a decent price. 16 SYMPHONY IN WHITE is much better than her recent performance, on her day she can certainly run with some of the best, include her into the play. (Brandon Bailey: 12 – 13 – 8 – 16)

R7     6 GIMME A PRINCE moved up like a winner in the Grade 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate on the 4th of January, he just got tired late and finished a good third behind One Stripe, his sprinting form is excellent and he should enjoy the drop back in trip, with the right run in transit, he will be finishing fast and could be very hard to beat. 4 DYCE has done everything right since being gelded, he was a touch unlucky last time when getting pipped on the post by Golden Sickle, his form is excellent, there is no doubt he has put his hand up as one of the best sprinters in the land, he will go very close here. 3 SURJAY ran a terrific third with a huge weight on his back in the Grade 2 Cape Merchants on the 22nd of December, he is honest and tries hard, he should be right there again. 8 CAFE CULTURE needed his last run and still managed to run a cracking second behind Outlaw King, he will tighten up from that performance and could surprise them all. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 4 – 3 – 8)

R8     10 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN absolutely flew late for second behind One Stripe in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas, he is a good-looking colt with tons of class, he looks well weighted in this Grade 1 and should love the step up in trip to 2000m, he could be very hard to beat. 3 ORIENTAL CHARM is much better than his last run over 1600m, he travelled well and just became one paced late in the race, he will enjoy stepping up in trip from a good draw, he should bounce back here and go very close. 4 FUTURE SWING was very unlucky in his most recent start behind Rascallion, he was held up for running and finished powerfully for fourth, his form is good and he could be some value in this Grade 1 contest. 16 RASCALLION has been in great form over the last few months, what a soldier he has been for the connections, if he can get some luck in running from a poor draw, he should have a place chance. (Brandon Bailey: 10 – 3 – 4 – 16)

R9     11 GARRIX had no luck in his last start on the 4th of January behind Sail The Seas, he was a long way back from a poor draw and took off to run a very good 5th only beaten just under four lengths by the winner, even though he is poorly drawn again for this race, he will love the step up in trip to 1800m and should go very close to winning. 9 REGULATION ran on strongly to win a good race on the 18th of December, he has a beautiful action and looks to be getting better with every start, he will be right there in the finish. 8 MAJOR MASTER had to dig deep to win a gutsy race last time, he was heavily supported in the market and managed to put his head down at exactly the right time, he will love the trip and looks progressive, include him. 12 SAIL THE SEAS has always been held in high regard by the stable, he won a good race on the 4th of January, with some luck from a poor draw, he could sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 11 – 9 – 8 – 12)

R10    10 PLEASE BE TRUE must be a massive runner in this Class 4 event, he ran a super race behind his stable companion on the 4th of January when finishing fourth just over three lengths behind the winner, he is a nice type that should mature into a decent sort, with some luck in running from a tricky draw, he should have a good each way chance. 6 COMMANDING stayed on strongly in his last start behind Garrix when finishing second, he really enjoyed being out in front and if the same tactics are applied here on Saturday, he could certainly make them all work for victory. 3 GREEN GARNET won his maiden well on the 14th of December, this is a big step up in class for him, but he is progressive and could show the necessary improvement to be competitive again. 8 KING’S QUEST accelerated like a smart horse to win well on the 26th of November, the form lines of that race have worked out well, he could be some value in this tough race. (Brandon Bailey: 10 – 6 – 3 – 8)

R11    11 THE REAL PRINCE absolutely took off late to run a good fourth in the Grade 2 Cape Merchants last time, even though he has drawn poorly for this A Stakes race, he will be switched off early and should be running on powerfully late, he is very talented and must be included into all bet types. 13 SNOW PILOT had one or two hard luck stories in the Grade 1 event last time when finishing just over five lengths behind the winner, he is a strong galloper and will try his best to lead them from start to finish here. 4 ALL OUT FOR SIX is much better than his recent performance in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas, he is very gutsy on his day and could easily win a race like this if he bounces back to his best form, watch him closely. 1 SUGAR MOUNTAIN should enjoy the drop in trip, there should be no excuses for him from a good draw, include him into the Quartets. (Brandon Bailey: 11 – 13 – 4 – 1)

R12    14 THE US OF A needed his last run badly and still managed to run on powerfully for second behind Bluff On Bluff, if he doesn’t go flat in his second start after a long break, he should go very close to winning, he is a nice horse and must be watched closely for the future. 9 EMPIRE STATE has run two very good seconds now in succession, he has dropped significantly in trip from 1600m all the way down to 1200m, but he is progressive and will be on the premises. 10 CARRIACOU is extremely consistent, the drop in trip could help him get his head in front, he will be finishing very quickly late. 7 WAR CHARIOT needs a particular ride, he needs to be held up in his races and then get produced very late, if the race works out for him, he should be in the money at a good price. (Brandon Bailey: 14 – 9 – 10 – 7)

Jack Milner has tipped Eight On Eighteen to win the WSB Met (Picture: Wayne Marks).

Pot the eight ball in the Met

Jack Milner

One of the interesting debates in racing is whether the allowance for three-year-olds at this time of the season is a touch too generous.

It does vary according to the distance and at this stage it is 5kg for a race over 1600m and 6kg in a race over 2000m.

The subject most recently reared its head after One Stripe won the L’Ormarins King’s Plate. Getting the 5kg advantage enabled him to score a most impressive victory over his elders and the deliberations continue as we move towards Saturday’s running of the Grade 1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth where three-year-old Eight On Eighteen has now been installed as the favourite to give trainer Justin Snaith and owner Nic Jonsson a hat-trick of victories in the race. They won it with Jet Dark in 2023 and Double Superlative last year.

Courtesy of the 6kg allowance Eight On Eighteen comes in with just 54kg and looks the runner they will all have to beat.

While many may point to the fact that not many three-year-olds have won this race, one must take into account that owing to the scheduling, not many competed in the event because the Cape Derby was scheduled to be run at the same meeting and was a much better option for their connection.

Of course, it takes a really good horse to win these Grade 1 races against the very best and this son of Lancaster Bomber looks to have that je ne sais quoi needed to achieve that.

He is lightly raced, having run just six times for two wins, two seconds and two thirds, but one must remember his last two were against One Stripe over 1600m.

While he has yet to race beyond that trip and his ability to see out 2000m is unknown, it should be worth taking into account that in four of his starts he has produced the fastest 400m to finish, including his last race in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas when flying up to finish 1.25 lengths behind One Stripe.

In a recent panel discussion there was confidence oozing from jockey Richard Fourie when asked if he could win the race. “Of course I can!” came the emphatic response. And when asked who he made his dangers he replied: “I haven’t looked that far.”

He is drawn No 10 which also holds no fears for Fourie.

Some people also have argued that based on merit ratings Eight On Eighteen is well out at the weights. However, that merit rating does not look a true reflection of the horse’s ability. After his win in the King’s Plate, One Stripe was raised to 132. Based on his 1.25-length second behind Vaughan Marshall’s charge, the current rating of 115 is way off the mark.

Owner Jonsson also has another horse in the race in third favourite See It Again. Sadly, this Michael Roberts-trained gelding has been disappointing in his last few starts but he has to be better than his current form.

He did suffer a minor injury in the King’s Plate and we are hopefully going to see a better performance from this son of Twice Over with Piere Strydom back in the irons.

Those wanting a bit of value could look at another Snaith runner in Future Swing. This five-year-old gelding has been highly consistent and ran well enough in the Grade 2 Premier Trophy last time. He finished just 1.20 lengths behind Rascallion and is now 1kg better off with all three who finished in front of him.

He was held up for 100m at a vital stage of that race and with Grant van Niekerk up from No 4 draw, he has to have a decent chance.

In spite of his disappointing run in the King’s Plate one cannot write off the chances of Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Oriental Charm.

He came back from a five-month break to win the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes in style, and he may just have been feeling the effects in his second run after the layoff last time.

He will be better over this distance and the father and son team of Brett and James Crawford are in top form currently.

It is really going to be a great day for punters as not only do we have a 12-race card with three Grade 1 races and a number of other features, but there are massive betting opportunities.

For a start, Races 6 to 12 are Hong Kong World Pool events which will enable horseplayers to bet into massive TAB pools. The bets available are Win, Place, Quinella, Exacta and Swingers.

Then there are a number of other opportunities starting off with a R2-million Pick 6 carryover with the pool likely to reach R10 million. The first leg comes up in Race 4 which is off at 13.35.

There will also be R500,000 kicking off the Quartet Pool on the Met (Race 8) and that is likely to reach R2 million.

There are also two BiPots (Races 2 to 7 and 7 to 12), as well as three Jackpots (Races 1 to 4, 5 to 8 and 9 to 12) with a R500,000 carryover to Jackpot Three, with a likely pool of R2 million.

The other two Grade 1 races on the card are Race 2, the Main Chance Farms Majorca Stakes over 1600m, and Race 7, the HKJC World Pool Cape Flying Championship over 1000m.

The first will give bettors a strong banker in Grade 1 Paddock Stakes winner Double Grand Slam, but she will be taking on Cape Fillies Guineas champion Fatal Flaw in what should be an entertaining clash.

Dyce is back in the Cape to defend his Cape Flying Championship title and is a strong fancy to repeat that victory with Piere Strydom back in the irons.

However, that dash down the straight is always exciting and it is over in under a minute.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 3 Clair De Lune, 7 Whatastar, 8 Parental Guidance, 1 Wild Wild Green

Race 2: 4 Double Grand Slam, 7 Fatal Flaw, 2 Rascova, 6 Scarlet Macaw

Race 3: 6 Joy And Peace, 7 Rainbow Lorikeet, 11 Omikami, 9 Gold Poker Game

Race 4: 8 Poets Warrior, 5 Future Pearl, 7 Triple Time, 1 Mucho Dinero

Race 5: 4 Makazole, 10 Let It Be Said, 7 Captain West, 11 The Grey King

Race 6: 13 Mai Sensation, 8 Summer Lily, 10 Kyalami Girl, 12 Candy Town

Race 7: 4 Dyce, 9 Lucky Lad, 10 Questioning, 6 Gimme A Prince

Race 8: 10 Eight On Eighteen, 12 See It Again, 4 Future Swing, 3 Oriental Charm

Race 9: 11 Garrix, 12 Sail The Seas, 7 Wild Intent, 9 Regulation

Race 10: 10 Please Be True, 5 Legal Counsel, 3 Green Garnet, 8 King’s Quest

Race 11: 4 All Out For Six, 13 Snow Pilot, 8 Rapidash, 1 Sugar Mountain

Race 12: 9 Empire State, 14 The US Of A, 10 Carriacou, 6 Un Bel Di

BEST BET

Race 9 No 11 Garrix

VALUE BET

Race 5 No 4 Makazole

BEST SWINGER

Race 2 4×7

BIPOT 1

(Races 2 to 7)

R300

Leg 1: 4

Leg 2: 6, 7, 9, 11

Leg 3: 5, 7, 8

Leg 4: 4, 6, 7, 10, 11

Leg 5: 1, 8, 10, 12, 13

Leg 6: 4

BIPOT 2

(Races 7 to 12)

R24

Leg 1: 4

Leg 2: 10

Leg 3: 11

Leg 4: 3, 5, 10

Leg 5: 4, 13

Leg 6: 6, 9, 10, 14

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R240

Leg 1: 6, 7, 9, 11

Leg 2: 5, 7, 8

Leg 3: 4, 6, 7, 10

Leg 4: 1, 8, 10, 12, 13

Leg 5: 4

Leg 6: 4

Leg 7: 11

PICK 6

R1536

Leg 1: 1, 5, 7, 8

Leg 2: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 8, 10, 11,12, 13

Leg 4: 4, 6, 9, 10

Leg 5: 10, 12

Leg 6: 11

JACKPOT 1

R160

Leg 1: 1, 3, 7, 8

Leg 2: 4, 7

Leg 3: 2, 6, 7, 9, 11

Leg 4: 1, 5, 7, 8

JACKPOT 2

R384

Leg 1: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 8, 10, 11,12, 13

Leg 3: 4, 6, 9, 10

Leg 4: 10, 12

JACKPOT 3

R80

Leg 1: 11

Leg 2: 3, 5, 8, 10

Leg 3: 4, 13

Leg 4: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14

The Pick 6 pool at the WSB Met is expected to reach R10 million.

In further exciting news Races 6 to 12 are part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool, meaning dividends on the Tote will be very strong as the pools will be massive.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BETTING MENU FOR THE WSB MET

Radicchio can make it a third Highveld win in just four starts at Turffontein Standside on Sunday. (JC Photos).

The Listed Dr Richard Maponya Handicap over 1800m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside on Saturday, and Radicchio could be the one to beat, and the Listed Spook Express Stakes also offers black type opportunities.

Dr Maponya, born in 1920, was a highly successful entrepeneur despite the restrictions placed on him by apartheid and he was the first black person to ever be granted racing colours in South Africa. Some consider his boldest polical move to be his choice of colours, geen gold and black, the colours of the at the time banned ANC.

The Barend Botes-trained Radicchio has been impressive since arriving on the Hitghveld with good form behind him in the strong centre of Cape Town. He was raised for his last win over 1400m four points to 99, but even though he runs in this race officially half-a-kilogram under sufferance he might still be ahead of the handicapper because on pedigree and form he might well be looking for this trip. He is by the stamina influence Flower Alley, but on the other hand he is out of Rosier, a useful Gr 2-winning sprinter by the sprint-miler Kildonan. However, the first time Radicchio tried some ground was in the maidens in his fifth career start and he won by 4,10 lengths over 1750m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. His only attempt at a middle distance since then was in his next start when he ran from draw 12 out of 13 over 1950m at Scottsville and he finished only 2,70 lengthts back, albeit if off a 76 merit rating. However, this fluent runner was certainly showing no signs of stopping over 1400m last time as he gallantly fought off the useful Cymric who was lugging in to him. He also ran there without having been able to work for about ten days to two weeks with all the rain. Denis Schwarz said after the race he felt he would definitely get a mile, so he is interesting over 1800m. He will be ridden by Ryan Munger, who is enjoying his usual stint in SA during the off season of his current base, Canada. Storm Brasco should have no problem seeing out the trip and should be a big runner too from draw three, despite officially being 1kg under sufferance. He is a progressive sort who looked likely to come into his own this season as he did not quite fulfil his potential as a three-year-old. His strong finishing runs were what caught the eye about him and he will relish this course and distance from draw three. Master Christmas is 1,5kg under sufferance but could also be in the first three as he went cloe the last time he tried this trip and in the Grand Heritage over 1475m he gave Radicchio 1,5kg and beat him by 1,10 lengths. He has drawn out wide in barrier nine though. He will be ridden by the underrated Jarryd Penny. Hotarubi has not run since the Summer Cup but has class and has the ability to go close. Marauding Horde should progress this season and will relish the course and distance, so he could be in the shake up too.

The Spook Express over 2400m could be fought out by United Council and My Soul Mate, United Council won in impressive style last time and can follow up despite a six point raise. My Soul Mate is a fomer SA Oaks runner up and bounced back to form last time out, so should be right thetre despite having to carry topweight.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1400m Truth has a lot of class and looks set to deliver over a suitable drop in trip, although his draw of six out of nine is tricky. Cymric also has class and will be a runner too from a good draw with Lerena up. Richard The First is hard to ignore. Fire ‘N Flames is not ultra reliable but is capable of a top class performance. THe Africa House is also capable.

In the second leg over 1160m Vibe SA could go marching on now that he has found the winning thread. He was raised seven points for his last win, but could go on to better than his currrent 83. The dangers look go be Sea Wolf and Secret Chord. Longsword is hard to ignore too as he is capable of a strong finish. Clarkson is also capable on his day.

In the eighth race over 1600m Mary’s Greenlight could beat the boys despite having to carry topweight as this is the perfect course and distance and she is well drawn with a 1,5kg claimer up. Care Forgot and Player should be in tyhe shake up. Jury’s Out is a decent sort who should be thereabouts and the best weighted Key Element van’t be ignored.

In the last race Komati River looks the one to beat.

The first leg of the Bipot is competitive, but Gimme A Storm will relish the step up in trip and with Lerena up from a good draw is the one to beat.

In the first leg of the PA Roaming Spirit looks hard to beat and can be bankered.

Richard Fourie and Alan Greeff secured a four-timer together when Below Deck (Gimmethegreenlight) won the fifth race over 1400m. 

Richard Fourie and Alan Greeff combined for a four-timer on the Fairview turf on Wednesday and this saw Fourie closing to within five wins of national log leader Craig Zackey and two wins of Gavin Lerena.

Zackey had one win today at Fairview and is now on 123 wins for the season which he  has achieved at a strike rate of 18.14%.

Lerena is on 120 wins at 27.27%.

Fourie is on 118 wins at 25.16%.

Greeff has had 76 wins in the East Cape at 16.41%.

He is well clear of arch rival Gavin Smith, who is on 61 wins at 12.55%.

The smart Alan Greeff-trained Master Of My Fate filly Splicethemainbrace gave away lumps of weight in the Breeders Guineas Plate for three-year-old fillies on the Fairview turf on Friday and still won cosily. (Pauline Herman Photography) 

Cape Breeders

Varsfontein Stud’s high-class stallion Master Of My Fate has come up with another high-class daughter in the form of Splicethemainbrace.

The latter made it eight wins from ten starts when she won the Breeders Guineas Plate (Fillies) (1400m) at Fairview on Friday.

Trained by Alan Greeff, three-year-old Splicethemainbrace was sent off the 2-11 favourite for Friday’s contest and duly obliged.

Under Richard Fourie, the Master Of My Fate filly raced at the back of the field early on, before being unleashed close home.

From there, Splicethemainbrace powered away to win convincingly by a length and three quarters.

Bred by Varsfontein Stud, Splicethemainbrace won all of the Listed East Cape Fillies Nursery, Listed East Cape Nursery and Listed Lady’s Slipper at two.

The filly, who is out of the Sail From Seattle mare Summer Cruise, was a R200 000 buy from the 2023 August Two Year Old Sale.

Master Of My Fate also came up with a good-looking debut winner on Friday. His two-year-old daughter Anotherdanceforme made the perfect start to her career when she won the Welcome To Nelson Mandela Bay Racing Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1000m.

Under Richard Fourie, the Alan Greeff-trained filly romped home to win on debut by two lengths, and she looks to have a bright future ahead of her.

Bred by Varsfontein Stud, Anotherdanceforme is out of the What A Winter mare Destiny Dancer, making her a full-sister to Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes winner Princess Izzy.

Her sire Master Of My Fate is having a fine season in 2024-2025, with his flagbearers headed by G1 Betway Summer Cup winner Atticus Finch.

In 1972 between January and August a SA-bred horse called William Penn finished 8th in the Gr 1 Somerset Plate over 1400m at Kenilworth, 11th in the Listed Gordon Kirkpatrick Memorial Handicap over 1000m at Milnerton, 2nd in the Gr 1 Met, 3rd in the Gr 1 Queen’s Plate to In Full Flight, 3rd in the Gr 1 Newbury Stakes over 1200m to In Full Flight, 2nd in the Gr 1 Chairmans Plate over 1400m at Greyville, fourth in the Gr 1 Clairwood Champions Stakes over 1600m to Sentinel, 3rd in the Gr 1 Woolavington Cup over 1400m to In Full Flight and a head second to In Full Flight in the Gr 1 Champion Stakes over 2000m at Greyville.

What was so remarkable about that non-winning sequence?

The picture is of William Penn before winning the 1969 Queen’s Plate under Robbie Sivewright.