Snaith Barometer: 195
Target: 222
None Other To Make The News
Holding Thumbs Can Step Up Again
Holding Thumbs has been tipped to win the 7th. (Picture Wayne Marks).
Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)
The R185 000 Paarl Diamant A Stakes over 2000m heads a 10-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday and a small but competitive field faces the starter at 15:35. Glen Kotzen comes with a two-pronged attack in the form of Holding Thumbs and Blackberry Malt with the former slightly preferred to his stable companion. Sean Veale has partnered Holding Thumbs in his last two starts for a win and a second, but these were over the more testing trip of 2500m. However, Holding Thumbs has shown himself to be a versatile performer and with just 54kgs to shoulder, the 4yo son of Vercingetorix should give plenty of cheek in this evenly matched contest. Blackberry Malt has gone “missing” in his last three starts but is capable of better and could be the source of a surprise result.
Justin Snaith saddles three runners, any of which could end up in the winner’s enclosure. In order of preference, Without Question is the mount of Richard Fourie but the 5yo son of The United States has been without a victory for 656 days and is no longer reliable. He has been given some relief by the handicapper and on best form would have undeniable chance in this line-up. Call To Unite is useful but comes with respiratory issues and does not always perform to expectations. He is ideally distance suited here and cannot be lightly discarded. Navy Strength completes the Snaith trio and, his last run apart, is reasonably consistent. He gets the services of in-form JP van der Merwe and with only 52,5kgs to shoulder the 6yo son of Dynasty warrants a measure of respect.
Brett and James Crawford send out Otto Luyken and the enigmatic and unpredictable The Futurist. Otto Luyken has decent overall form and would not be winning out of turn but quite what to expect from The Futurist is impossible to know. Baratheon is an interesting runner, and the Piet Botha trained son of Jackson appears to go well for Louis Mxothwa. It has been a while since Louis was paired with Baratheon but from only two previous engagements the combination has chalked up a second and a third-place finish. Nebraas makes up the 9-horse party but there is nothing in his recent showings to suggest the 8yo son of Vercingetorix has a role to play in the outcome.
It’s tough race in which to nail one’s colours to the mast and without a great deal of confidence, my marginal first choice would be Holding Thumbs.
Bankers are at a premium on Saturday but taking a lead from JP van der Merwe, it may pay to take a chance with Unicorn Alert in the sixth race, the Soetendal Estate C Stakes over 1400m. Cape Racing’s Executive Chairman Greg Bortz has two runners in the race, namely recent maiden winner Circumbendibus (Glen Kotzen) as well as Unicorn Alert (Justin Snaith) but “JP” has chosen to ride the latter and his decision is noteworthy. Unicorn Alert’s stable companion, Secret Passage, won a good race over 1200m last time when beating subsequent winner Happy Wives, and the 3yo son of Futura could prove a threat.
The vote for nap of the day goes to Empire State in the tenth and final event, despite having to lump top weight of 63kgs. Trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, the 3yo son of Rafeef ran a super race on WSB Cape Town Met day when a close fourth behind Golden Destiny, who came out to win again over the past weekend. Empire State has shown very useful ability throughout his six-start career, and he bumps very limited opposition on Saturday.
The first of ten races, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m, is due off at 12:05 and the word is out that the aptly named Getupandgo could make a winning debut for trainer Vaughan Marshall. The 2yo son of Gimmethegreenlight races in the colours of Greg Bortz and will be ridden by his retained rider, JP van der Merwe.
Unicorn Alert Can Score Elusive Second Career Victory
Unicorn Alert has been tipped to win the 6th. (Picture: Wayne Marks).
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday Formguides And Selections
Race 1
3 BETWEEN THE LINES comes back to the track after a small break of 63 days, she is the only raced runner in the race, her debut run behind Black Cheetah was very good, she then showed pace in her second start and faded late behind Wild Wild Green on the 14th of December, she will need to improve quite a bit to win this race. Watch the market closely and watch them move down to the start, there are many well-bred first timers here.
(Brandon Bailey: 7 – 2 – 1 – 4)
Race 2
8 INDIGENOUS ran a lovely race on debut behind a smart sort, he was very green and managed to stay on strongly for third, he will enjoy the extra 200m and should improve quite a bit in his second start, include him into all bets. 1 GOOD FOR YOU ran a fair race on the 28th of December behind Absolutely Yes, he was only beaten four lengths at the wire, the form lines of that race have worked out well, watch for big improvement now that he steps up in trip to 1200m. 9 HEDRIVESMECRAZY finished strongly on debut behind the very talented Winter Snap, he was green in the early parts and hit the line nicely for third, watch him closely, he will be right there in the finish. 2 CHURCHILLIAN ran against winners on debut when finishing just over six lengths behind Wild Wild Green, he should improve significantly.
(Brandon Bailey: 8 – 1 – 9 – 2)
Race 3
5 LHASA finished like a train last time behind Princessontherun, she moved up like a winner and got beat on the line in a thrilling finish, her form is good, and she will be very tough to beat in this Open Maiden. 8 CAPE CAPTAIN ran a much better race on the 1st of February behind Happy Wives, she ran third and was only beaten just over two lengths by the winner, she is definitely improving with every start and must be included into the play. 7 ALESSIA ASHEVILLE stayed on well over 1200m in her last start, she has been very consistent of late and must be respected, include her into all bet types. 1 STU’S GIRL ran a fair race on the 18th of January behind Shesgotclass, she might be able to sneak into the places with a similar performance.
(Brandon Bailey: 5 – 8 – 7 – 1)
Race 4
8 WEHAVEASITUATION has been very consistent through her career, she made up good ground late last time behind Okavango, her form is definitely good enough to win a race like this, with some luck in running, she will be very hard to beat. 5 BRIGHT GOLD has run two good races in succession, her last run on the 15th of January was excellent behind Give Me Everything, the form of that race has worked out well, she must have a big winning chance in this field. 2 BLIND FAITH ran a much better race on the 1st of February behind Dream Searcher, on her best form from a good draw, she could sneak into the places at a decent price. 3 SWEETSUMMERLOVE will get better and stronger with every start, watch for sharp improvement from her in this weak looking race.
(Brandon Bailey: 8 – 5 – 2 – 3)
Race 5
4 VICTOR HUGO was unfortunately beaten at very thin odds in her last start on the 15th of January, he is a lovely looking horse with solid form, the blinkers have now been fitted, and he will be very tough to beat in this Maiden Plate. 1 KONNICHIWA ran a gutsy third behind It Is My Time on the 15th of January, he raced up on speed and stayed on strongly all the way to the line, from a good draw again, he should be competitive. 7 SMART HORSE made good improvement from his first run to his second run, the yard has always said that he shows good work at home, he is improving with every start and must be watched closely at a decent price. 12 TWILIGHT WARRIOR absolutely took off late to run a good race on debut behind Circumbendibus, unfortunately the draw will make life tough for him, he should be running on very late.
(Brandon Bailey: 4 – 1 – 7 – 12)
Race 6
7 UNICORN ALERT ran a decent race behind his stable companion on the 25th of January, he is a tricky ride that needs everything to go right for him on the day, he continues to slide in the ratings, watch him closely, this looks to be the perfect race for him to get back into the winner’s box. 2 IN THE BAG ran a lovely race coming back from a long rest behind Kelp Forest on the 11th of January, he should improve nicely now that he is fitter and steps up to 1400m, include him into all bets. 9 CIRCUMBENDIBUS quickened up smartly to win his maiden well on the 18th of January, the blinkers stay on, he is still improving and must be respected in this tricky race. 1 GIVETHATMANABELLS ran a much better race last time when finishing third, on his best form he could sneak into the Quartet from a good draw.
(Brandon Bailey: 7 – 2 – 9 – 1)
Race 7
1 HOLDING THUMBS has been in terrific form of late, he is gutsy and very consistent, the drop in trip should be no problem at all for this gelding, he will be hard to beat. 3 CALL TO UNITE got the run of the race last time and disappointed behind Promettere, he is much better than that performance, he could certainly finish in the places on his best form, watch him closely. 9 NAVY STRENGTH was well beaten in the Grade 3 Chairman’s Cup on the 4th of January, he has no weight on his back, and he drops in trip to 2000m, watch for major improvement from this gelding. 4 OTTO LUYKEN ran a fair race in the Grade 3 Western Cape Stayers race on the 25th of January, he is a solid individual that tries hard, he could be the value in this tough looking race.
(Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 9 – 4)
Race 8
8 DECEMBER DAWN quickened up in devastating fashion to win a super race on the 15th of January, she has won her last three races with absolute ease, she likes to be switched off early and then comes with a storming run late, this is undoubtedly a step up in class for her, but she is improving and should go very close to winning again. 1 BACK AT THE GEORGE disappointed in her last start behind Sohot Sowhat on the 15th of January, she travelled well early and then faded badly late, she is much better than that performance and could bounce back to best on Saturday afternoon, include her into all bets. 3 SHESGOTCLASS won her maiden exceptionally well on the 18th of January, she is improving with every start and should remain competitive now that she takes on stronger. 6 DARK WINTER will need to improve to win a race like this, on her best form she could sneak into the Quartet with champion jockey Richard Fourie in the saddle.
(Brandon Bailey: 8 – 1 – 3 – 6)
Race 9
9 TRIPPI’S SILK fought really hard to run a game second last time behind Tsunami Warning on the 28th of December, he drops back in trip to 1200m for this Class 5 event, if he jumps on terms and gets some luck in running, he will be right there in the finish despite the big weight on his back. 1 MARITZBURG MEMORY was heavily supported in the market on the 1st of February when finishing just over seven lengths behind the winner, she has dropped nicely in the ratings and will love the drop in trip, watch for big improvement from this filly. 4 LOVERS LANE stayed on strongly in a driving finish on the 1st of February behind Electric Feels, he is honest and should be right there again, include him into all bets. 7 AUGUSTA BLUE has been rested for 63 days, he is much better than his last run, he should be running on strongly late at a big price.
(Brandon Bailey: 9 – 1 – 4 – 7)
Race 10
9 EMPIRE STATE ran a great race on the 25th of January behind Golden Destiny, he ran fourth and was only beaten just under one length by the winner, the yard has always held this three year old colt in high regard, his form is good and he will be hard to beat despite the big weight of 63kgs on his back. 5 NIGHT TIGER is much better than his last two starts, he can be a tricky ride, but this looks to be a nice race for him to bounce back to his best form, watch him closely at a decent price. 4 COUNTER ATTACK has been rested for 63 days, he was very disappointing on the 14th of December, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he could easily be competitive in this tricky race. 2 PIROSHKA has dropped significantly in the ratings, watch for sharp improvement from this gelding.
(Brandon Bailey: 9 – 5 – 4 – 2)
Riverstone Can Prove The Strength Of Cape Racing
Riverstone has been tipped to win the 7th. (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections
R1 Summary: Many first timers. Of those that have run TREASURE ISLAND (4) found solid market support on debut and was only run out of it late. Behind her that day was short-priced race favourite BELL OF ANGELUS (1) beaten two lengths with CAPTAIN’S PRIDE (3) also making her debut a further length back and sure to come on from that showing. Of the unraced runners, OMNIA (2) and QUICKSTEPGAL (7) could be worth watching. (Andrew Harrison: 4-1-3-7).
R2 Summary: Many first timers. ARE YOU SURE (11) has been a beaten favourite in her last three starts. She gets an in-form rider aboard and can get it right this time. PRINCESS GOLDIE (6) has only run one poor race and that was on the poly. She has been close-up in her other four outings and has run well on this course. SHESHA NTOMBI (13) improved nicely second time out and can feature with Lerena up. MS GALORE (5) made a smart debut at long odds as she was a little unlucky not to have finished closer. She could be the surprise package. (Andrew Harrison: 11-6-13-5).
R3 Summary: GOOD LIVING (6) is overdue having been in the money at his last three starts. He appears to be taking on some modest opposition. LITTLE CRACKER (8) has improved with each outing and now looks primed and could be the biggest threat. TREND MAKER (1) has shown some promise and was a weak favourite when beaten on the poly last time out. He can do better. SOVEREIGN COMMAND (5) has been trying much further since being gelded and could appreciate dropping back to a sprint. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-8-5).
R4 Summary: Tricky. FIELD MARSHAL (4) was a beaten favourite last run on the poly but that was his first run back after a four-month break. He has run well on this course and gets lumps of weight from what look to be his most dangerous rivals that includes NARINA TROGON (3) who nearly caused a major boil over when going down narrowly to IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA (7) who he now meets on 1.5kg better terms. FORMAGEAR (5) was game in defeat behind the smart Cats Pajamas while DIANI (6) should also be in the shake-up. (Andrew Harrison: 4-3-7-5).
R5 Summary: JP’S PALACE (1) ran a smart race from the widest possible draw last time out. He has the best of the draw here and looks progressive. VIEW OF THE WORLD (4) hardly ever runs a poor race and his last win was over course and distance. He gets the benefit of a 2.5kg claimer. FIREBURST (5) takes on males but has come to hand of late and was narrowly beaten on this course last time out. She gets a lot of weight from most. GLOBAL MOVEMENT (9) is reunited with Lerena who partnered him to his last win on this course and he can do better than his last effort on the poly. MASTER OF DESTINY (6) is always game and his last win was over course and distance off a two-point lower mark. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-9-6).
R6 Summary: Open handicap. NOCTURNAL FLIGHT (1) did well from a difficult draw last time out. He has the best of the draw here and goes well on this course. The mare ESCAPOLOGIST (10) has the widest draw to contend with but she is in good form and goes well this trip. SEND ME (5) was a touch unlucky last outing when starting at long odds. The change to cheek pieces appear to have improved his form. FINE ADMIRAL (3) is in smart form of late but all his recent form has been on the poly. If he takes to the turf he will be dangerous. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-5-3).
R7 Summary: RIVERSTONE (3) comes of some useful Cape form in fair company. He has a 4kg claimer aboard and could go all the way. BEVIES DELIGHT (11) was a beaten favourite last run but only got going late. The extra furlong could see her turn the tables on CAPTAIN’S CHRISTY (8) who was three lengths clear at the line. They meet on the same weight terms. BOURBON WARRIOR (6) is lightly raced and may have needed his last run after a four-month break. (Andrew Harrison: 3-8-11-6).
R8 Summary: POURSOMESUGARONME (5) is long overdue and is holding form well. Her current form has panned out well and she should make a bold bid. REGENERATION (6) is unbeaten in two but has garnered a hefty handicap rating and carries a big weight. She has not been out since November and she may be a little ring-rusty. TWO G’S (4) took on much stronger in her first run out of the maidens. She has been rested but does look progressive. WEST SIDE STORY (3) is lightly raced and never far behind. She has a good draw and a handy weight. (Andrew Harrison: 5-6-4-3).
Mid Winter Wind Can Follow Up On Stunning Hong Kong Debut
Mid Winter storms through from last to first under Luke Ferraris on his Hong Kong debut. (Picture: HKJC)
by Luke Middlebrook (hkjc.com)
Preview and form for the meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday. Selections by Luke Middlebrook.
Sha Tin Selections
(Sunday, February 16, 2025 )
Race 1: #4 Podium, #2 Gallant Crown, #5 Manythanks Forever, #8 Ivictoriam
Race 2: #4 Laserblanca, #1 Victor The Rapid, #2 Top Dragon, #3 Beauty Missile
Race 3: #7 Dragon Four Seas, #1 Magnifique, #8 Everyone’s Gallop, #2 The Heir
Race 4: #4 Telecom Dragon, #1 Magnificent Nine, #10 Lucky Blessing, #12 Circuit Mighty
Race 5: #2 Master Of All, #1 Spirit Of Peace, #10 Draco, #6 Win Speed
Race 6: #2 Beauty Alliance, #13 Cervin, #14 Soaring Bronco, #12 California Moxie
Race 7: #5 Lo Rider, #4 Steps Ahead, #8 Family Jewel, #12 Midori Giant
Race 8: #7 Mid Winter Wind, #4 Karma, #2 Sunlight Power, #8 Mickley
Race 9: #7 Crimson Flash, #4 Colourful King, #2 Horsepower, #6 Sparkling Fellow
Race 10: #4 Invincible Shield, #12 Lifeline Express, #1 Swift Ascend, #2 Glory Elite
Race 11: #3 Bundle Award, #5 Dragon Joy, #12 Excellence Value, #4 New Future Folks
Race 1 – CAMELLIA HANDICAP
#4 Podium has been progressing well since joining David Eustace, and after breaking through for his first win five starts ago, he has remained consistent. He steps out 11 days after a fast-finishing second over the extended mile at Happy Valley for the second consecutive time. #2 Gallant Crown should find the lead comfortably from his low draw. While he hasn’t won in over a year and a half, he is edging closer in this grade, having placed third in his last three runs. #5 Manythanks Forever shifts from barrier 1 to 12, but his form has been exceptional since joining Chris So. With any luck in running, he is firmly in the mix. #8 Ivictoriam draws well and is starting to come to hand after sliding down the ratings into Class 5. His last-start ninth was better than it reads, as he was held up for a run in the straight.
Race 2 – DAISY HANDICAP
#4 Laserblanca appears to be a handy three-year-old who will carry high expectations to win first-up for John Size, having been a standout at the trials in his four Hong Kong hit-outs since arriving from Australia, where he trialled under the name Five Foot Fence and showed ability there as well. #1 Victor The Rapid drops into Class 4 and is one to follow, though the query is that he hasn’t raced since mid-October. Still, his debut third to Call Me Glorious is a strong form reference, and his recent trial was decent without being fully tested. #2 Top Dragon is improving with racing and lines up third-up after a narrow second to Blazing Wind, who has since measured up in Class 3. #3 Beauty Missile remains a long-standing 25-start maiden but is coming off an encouraging fourth, beaten less than a length by Sky Joy. Hard to like on a win line, but he must be kept safe for a placing.
Race 3 – DAISY HANDICAP
#7 Dragon Four Seas backed up his maiden victory with a solid second-place finish to Yee Cheong Glory after starting wide from barrier 10 last start. This looks an easier assignment, and he is the one to beat. #1 Magnifique made a lasting impression with a strong debut win as a well-backed odds-on favourite, confirming the promise he had shown in trials leading into that run. The rise to 1200m looks ideal second-up. #8 Everyone’s Gallop is a debutant for Frankie Lor who has shown steady progression in his barrier trials, particularly in his last two, where he displayed sharp early speed to lead and win each heat in good style. #2 The Heir returns first-up after a fast-finishing second behind New Future Folks on his first attempt in Class 4. He has been frustratingly winless from 14 attempts but remains well placed to break through in this grade.
Race 4 – JASMINE HANDICAP
#4 Telecom Dragon has been knocking on the door for a win this season, and the step up to 1400m for the first time might be just what he needs to get his nose in front. He was last seen closing strongly for fourth, beaten 1.75 lengths by Sky Jewellery at Happy Valley—a solid form reference—while the switch to Sha Tin is a positive. #1 Magnificent Nine tackles Class 4 for the second time, and his chances of shedding his long-standing Hong Kong maiden tag look better in this company. He was sent off favourite two starts ago in a similar race, flashing home into third from a wide draw. #10 Lucky Blessing remains unplaced from five starts but has been running honest races from an on-pace position. He may get a comfortable time in front without much pressure, which could spark improvement. #12 Circuit Mighty needs to lift but can also be favoured on pace. He is suited dropping back in trip and has been finishing close in recent runs.
Race 5 – JASMINE HANDICAP
#2 Master Of All, a three-time winner and four-time placegetter from eight attempts over this course and distance, deserves plenty of attention and will be giving his opposition something to chase down. #1 Spirit Of Peace is a horse on the rise for John Size. He broke through for his first win at his third start over 1200m at Happy Valley, and that form has held up well with runner-up Hayday winning subsequently. The step up to 1400m should suit, as does remaining in Class 4. #10 Draco has been racing well since joining Ricky Yiu’s yard and performed admirably last time, racing on pace from a wide draw over 1200m at Happy Valley before holding on for third. The rise to 1400m is an unknown, but he remains untapped and is closing in on a breakthrough win. #6 Win Speed is honest and has the required early speed to position advantageously on pace.
Race 6 – LOTUS HANDICAP
#2 Beauty Alliance finished a close-up fourth last time, beaten just 1.5 lengths after racing wide without cover throughout—a game effort that followed a fast-finishing sixth from a wide draw in his prior run. The rise to 1800m looks ideal, and he can bounce back to winning ways. #13 Cervin needs to improve on his Class 4 form, but he is an improved horse this season and gets his chance with a light weight and barrier 1 affording him the opportunity to step up. #14 Soaring Bronco has been costly for punters, going winless despite starting as race favourite on four occasions. However, he is rarely beaten far and remains a contender. #12 California Moxie generally settles back and runs on, making him an interesting runner first-up over 1800m, a distance he has yet to be tested over. As an improving northern hemisphere-bred four-year-old, he looks on track to break through soon.
Race 7 – MARIGOLD HANDICAP
#5 Lo Rider is on the quick seven-day turnaround after closing in for fifth over this course and distance last week, up against an on-pace-dominated race shape. He also had excuses, being hampered in the concluding stages. Moving into barrier 1 is a plus, and Caspar Fownes’ stable is finding form again. #4 Steps Ahead should improve from a mid-draw after racing wide without cover from a tough gate last start. His prior form has been ultra-consistent, and he remains well placed here. #8 Family Jewel, Fownes’ other runner in the field, resumes for the first time since early December when finishing a closing sixth behind Californiatotality—a form line that has since proven reliable. #12 Midori Giant steps out third-up in Hong Kong with blinkers applied, which piques plenty of interest. He is improving with race experience and looks capable of taking another step forward.
Race 8 – THE HEUNG YEE KUK CUP (HANDICAP)
#7 Mid Winter Wind made a huge impression on debut over 1200m, producing a near last-to-first victory while clocking a blistering final 400m sectional of 21.72 seconds—the fastest of the entire meeting. Mark Newnham will be hoping his South African import can maintain his winning streak and stay on course for the next two legs of the Classic Series. #4 Karma boasts a strong second-up record with three wins from four, and his first-up closing run into third behind Sunlight Power was full of promise. #2 Sunlight Power sets the benchmark in a race of this nature after breaking through for his second win of the season last start and remains a major contender once again. #8 Mickley often finds trouble in his races, including last start in the Classic Mile, where he was ridden for luck from a wide draw before suffering interference at the 350m mark. His fifth-place finish, beaten just 1.5 lengths, carried plenty of merit.
Race 9 – OSMANTHUS HANDICAP
#7 Crimson Flash produced a promising second-place finish over this course and distance on debut for Mark Newnham. He was on the wrong part of the track that day but stuck on well and should improve with that experience and a better draw here. #4 Colourful King faces a deep race with plenty of chances on debut, but his trials have been eye-catching, and David Eustace has a good record with first-starters in Hong Kong. He has shown plenty of natural early speed in his trials, so expect him to be handy and give a bold sight. #2 Horsepower was an impressive winner over the minimum trip at Happy Valley in October but was scratched at the barriers at his next intended start after being found lame and hasn’t raced since. #6 Sparkling Fellow finished third on his local debut in the same race as Crimson Flash and should strip fitter second-up with experience now on his side.
Race 10 – PRIMULA HANDICAP
#4 Invincible Shield had no luck on debut after drawing barrier 14, racing wide without cover throughout before weakening in the home straight. He has had 28 days to recover from that tough run, has trialled well between starts, and should get his chance to show up second-up with a better passage. #12 Lifeline Express was desperately unlucky last time, finishing ninth, beaten 2.5 lengths, after being held up at a crucial stage. His get-back, run-on style often sees him finding more trouble than others, but he is itching to break his Class 3 duck when things fall into place. #1 Swift Ascend has done exactly that in the ratings for the David Eustace stable and will be hard to hold out late, dropping back into Class 3 after a close-up fourth to Raging Blizzard. #2 Glory Elite piques interest back to 1200m after weakening into 10th in the Classic Mile, though he was only beaten 3.25 lengths that day. He will give a sight.
Race 11 – ROSE HANDICAP
#3 Bundle Award broke through for his first Hong Kong win last start over Sky Trust, a form line that has proven solid. After three local runs over 1400m, he now steps up to the mile, a trip he was unbeaten at overseas. #5 Dragon Joy stamped his credentials with a stunning last-to-first victory over this course and distance last start. Ricky Yiu’s charge can keep the momentum going in a competitive race against many of his peers, all on a similar path toward the remaining two legs of the Classic Series. #12 Excellence Value could be worth keeping an eye on at odds, third-up in Hong Kong, having shown sharp improvement second-up when running on from last to finish fourth, 1.65 lengths behind The Boom Box over 1200m. He will enjoy the extra ground here. #4 New Future Folks continues to build a strong resume, winning his second race from seven attempts last start, overcoming a wide draw to lead all the way at his first attempt over this course and distance.
Immediate Edge Another Exciting Prospect By Vercingetorix
Immediate Edge made it two from two on Thursday at Turffontein Inside under in form Ryan Munger (JC Photos)
Cape Breeders
Maine Chance Farms’ star sire Vercingetorix continues to churn out eye-catching winners all over South Africa.
His latest exciting prospect is Immediate Edge, who made it two wins from two starts when winning at Turffontein on Thursday.
Trained, like Vercingetorix, by Mike De Kock, three-year-old Immediate Edge raced midfield early in Thursday’s Play Soccer 6,10 and 13 Maiden Plate (1600m).
Under Ryan Munger, Immediate Edge powered home down the inside of the track and stayed on to win by nearly a length and a half.
Bred by Shadwell Stud, Immediate Edge had won his only previous start when victorious at Turffontein in January.
Out of the Commands mare Anhaar, the colt was a R1 200 000 buy from the 2023 National Yearling Sale.
Immediate Edge belongs to Vercingetorix’s outstanding three-year-old crop, which has already produced 13 horses who have either won or been placed in black-type races.
Among the stars of Vercingetorix’s three-year-old crop this season include the graded stakes winners Cymric, Greaterix, Little Ballerina, Spumante Dolce and Zeitz.
South Africa’s Leading Sire for 2024-2025, Vercingetorix has four sons entered for the upcoming G1 Splashout Cape Derby.
Fourie/Greeff Four-timer, Zackey/Smith Double
Strata (Canford Cliffs) wins on her East Cape debut to give Richard Fourie and Alan Greeff a four-timer together. (Pauline Herman Photography).
It was 4-2 today in possibly the fiercest rivalry in South African racing, that of Richard Fourie and Alan Greeff versus Craig Zackey and Gavin Smith.
Fourie and Zackey are out to land the national jockeys championship and are bringing the best out of each other, while Greeff and Smith are having their annual battle for the East Cape championship.
Zackey is now on 144 wins for the season, three clear of second-placed Gavin Lerena, and has done it at a strike rate of 18.23%.
Fourie is on 131 wins at 24.39%.
Greeff is on 87 wins at 16.67%.
Smith is on 71 wins at 13.08%.
Today's Question
Which horse cost 1,300 Guineas, lost all six of his two-year-old starts, won one out of six starts as a three-year-old and two of three starts as a four-year-old before being transformed when switched to hurdles, winning the Champion Hurdle twice?
The picture is of the subject (famousracehorses.co.uk)
FIELDS, Saturday, 15 February
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth
Turffontein Standside
FIELDS, Sunday, 16 February
Hollywoodbets Scottsville
Today’s Question Answer
Night Nurse (26 May 1971 – 1998) was an Irish-bred English-trained National Hunt racehorse. Night Nurse garnered 35 wins, winning a total of £174,507 viz. He won 3 races on the flat at 3 and 4-years old and placed 3 times; he also won 32 National Hunt races, 19 wins over hurdles and 13 wins in steeplechases from 64 starts. He was awarded the highest Timeform rating ever given to a hurdler and has been acclaimed amongst the greatest ever hurdlers.
