Turf Talk Newsletter – 26 February, 2025

Snaith Barometer: 193

Target: 222

Spumante Dolce Can Add Another Chapter To A Fairytale Story

Spumante Dolce wins the first leg of the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara, the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas. (JC Photos)

Mike de Kock was the first trainer to land the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara and he did it with the great Australian-bred Galileo filly Igugu back in 2011.

Two years later a repeat was on the cards as his British-bred Dansili filly Espumanti, who received a 2kg hemisphere allowance, was the 9/10 favourite for the opening leg, the Gr 2 Wilgersbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas.

It was not to be for Espumanti, but it has turned full circle because on Saturday her De Kock-trained daughter by Vercingetorix, Spumante Dolce, is now also exactly 9/10 to land the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic, the second leg of the Triple Tiara, having downed VJ’s Angel and the champion filly Quid Pro Quo in the first leg.

The unbeaten filly from three starts is a Wilgerbosdrift Stud-homebred, so would be a most appropriate winner in her black colours with a scarlet cap, the colours of Wilgerbosdrift’s owner Mary Slack.

Espumanti also ran in the famous Slack colours.

Her chances looked good turning for home that day in the Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas 12 years ago, because she had sat in the box seat from pole position and travelled well.

She was swiched inward by Anthony Delpech and began challenging for the lead with a promising looking run down the inside rail.

However, the yellow and black colours of Mary Slack’s mother Bridget Oppenheimer then burst out of the pack, carried by the Ormond Ferraris-trained Cherry On The Top, and waltzed away to win by 2,25 lengths from Do You Remember and King’s Temptress with Espumanti only fourth.

It was an equally fitting win in the famous Oppenheimer colours by a filly who was bred by their Mauritzfontein Stud, as the race was of course sponsored by a member of the family and the filly was by a Wilgerbosdrift Stud-based sire, Tiger Ridge.

The Triple Tiara was also sponsored by Wilgerbosdrift and Cherry On The Top went on to land it, ridden in all three legs by the late Nooresh Juglall, who amazingly enough was still an apprentice at the time.

Cherry On The Top was a half-sister to the Strike Smartly Mauritzfontein homebred Cherry On The Cake and the Oppenheimer family’s love affair with the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara continued through the latter, because she produced the Silvano filly Summer Pudding. a Mauritzfontein Stud-homebred who landed the Triple Tiara in 2020, trained by Paul Peter.

Mauritzfontein had a chance of making it a third homebred Triple Tiara success last year with superstar De Kock-trained Gimme a Nother, who was unbeaten in seven starts before departing overseas. She won the first two legs of the Triple Tiara, but the connections then opted for the Gr 1 Empress Club Stakes over 1600m rather than put too much pressure on such a high class filly by running her in the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks over 2450m.

The other two horses to have landed the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara are the Paul Matchett-trained War Of Athena (Act Of War) in 2021 and the Sean Tarry-trained Rail In Holland (Duke Of Marmalade) in 2022.

Spumante Dolce could become a fairytale story for the ages though.

Her mother Espumanti was bought by Wilgerbosdrift Stud’s bloodstock agent Jehan Malherbe (Form Bloodstock) at the Tattersalls sale in Newmarket for 130,000 Guineas in 2011.

Espumanti is by Dansili (Danehill) and is a half-sister to a dual Listed winner by Efiso.

She is from the family of Dick Turpin (Arakan), who won the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Deauville in France in 2010, and perhaps that was one of the reasons for the purchase because the first stallion the Oppenheimer’s ever imported, Janus, also won the Prix Jean Prat.

Janus, who was by Pharis (Pharos), sired the Oppenheimer’s first July winner Tiger Fish.

Ironically Espumanti was retired after finishing last in the July in 2014.

However, she had earlier won the Gr 2 Ipi Tombe Stakes over 1600m at Turffontein and the Gr 2 Betting World 1900 at Greyville.

Espumanti’s first foal was a Gr 2 runner up speedster by Soft Falling Rain called Gin Fizz.

Her second foal by Silvano, Sparkling Water, gave Mary Slack her first ever Durban July winner as an owner. Mary bred the great 2002 July winner Dynasty, but when the Wilgerbosdrift Stud-homebred Sparkling Water won the Hollywoodbets Durban July in 2022, it was the first time her famous black colurs with a scarlet cap had crossed the line first in the big race.

Espumanti’s daughter Spumante Dolce is now on course to become Mary’s first Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara winner as an owner, although of course there are still two legs to go.

Mary can claim to have bred a Triple Tiara winner before as Summer Pudding was bred under the Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein banner.

However, a Spumante Dolce Triple Tiara success would complete an amazing fairytale story.

Spumante Dolce faces some stiff competition in Saturday’s Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic from the like of VJ’s Angel, Fiery Pegasus, World Of Alice, Willy Meet Again and Olivia’s Way.

However, the race has a wonderful side story to it this year and nobody would begrudge a victory by Spumante Dolce.

Ryan Moore's Million Dollar Raid Of Hong Kong

Ryan Moore drives Soleil Fighter to victory (Picture: HKJC)

Ryan Moore began a three-meeting stint in Hong Kong on Wednesday night at Happy Valley and as usual he delivered when it really counted.

He was tasked with delivering DBS x Manulife Million Challenge glory to the connections of Soleil Fighter.

The David Hayes-trained British-bred five-year-old gelding by Sea The Moon was sitting on 50 points at the top of the competition, which awards 15 points for a win, six for second, four for third and three for fourth.

Victory on Wednesday night would secure the Million Challenge’s HK$1 million first prize, but the pressure was on because there were three gallopers within striking range and ready to pounce were the five-year-old fail to fire on the final night of the competition.

Moore drove the bay to the first turn in the 1650m race and then relaxed him, which meant he was on the rail in the box seat down the back straight.

The horse in second place on his outside was tiring around the final bend, so Moore was able to switch outward and go between the front two and had soon hit the front.

It was clear he had reserved the horse well as he ran out a comfortable one length winner.

His connections thus landed HK$1 million. HK$350,000 is awarded to the second-placed horse in the series and HK$150,000 to the third.

Moore is also out for injury cover for the like of the sidelined top jockey on the island, Zac Purton.

He will likely get a ride in Sunday’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup, which has a good South African presence. Luke Ferraris rides the fancied Mark Newnham-trained My Wish, who won the first leg of the Classic series, the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile. The South African-bred Flower alley gelding Mondial, whio finished third in the Gr 1 SA Derby, is in the final field.

A full report on Wednesday’s Happy Valley meeting, including the details of Soleil Fighters achievement, can be read below:

Click here to read the HAPPY VALLEY WEDNESDAY RACING REPORT

Salute The Flag Can Follow Up

Salute The Flag has been tipped to follow up on his last win. (JC Photos)

The highest rated race in the meeting at Turffontein Inside on Thursday today is a MR97 handicap over 1800m and the horse to beat in this race could be Mount Darwin.

This Ideal world gelding is distance suited and after not being disgraced to some good sorts recently, he has come down a point in the merit ratings. He has a good draw over an ideal trip and should be right there. Total Surrender beat Mount Darwin by one-and-a-half lengths when they last met over this trip and Total Surrender is now 1kg better off if apprentice claims are not ignored. However, if apprentice claims are ignored then he is half a kilogram worse off. However, he does have a tricky draw of nine which is why Mount Darwin is preferred. Two Miles West is in fine form at present, but he does have a five point raise to deal with after a good win over 1600m last time. In his previous race over a middle distance he beat Mount Darwin by 1.75 lengths over 2000m, but he is now 2,5kg worse off. Flashy Apache seems to enjoy this time of the year and it could be because he goes well in rain affected ground. He is in good form at the moment and is distance suited and should do well from pole position. The stablemate La Moohal is a talented sort, but returns from an eight month layoff. Royal Edition has a chance if able to overcome a tricky draw and the same can be said for King’s Express.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1800m Do It With Diamonds is an ultra consistent horse and has Gavin Lerena up from draw two. On pedigree she has a chance of enjoying this trip being by Silvano, although her Jet Master dam only won up to 1400m. Do It With Diamonds was tried over this trip early in her career and did not succeed, so there is perhaps a question mark, but she has improved since then. One Religion has been in the first three since her last win and over a suitable trip from a fair draw she should be right there again. Sensoria went close over 1800 meters last time and is well drawn again. Avoontoast is never far off them and off a merit rating that’s come down two points she should be right there with the in-form Ryan Munger up, although she does have a tricky draw. I Am Regal is capable over this distance and has to be included.

In the second leg of the Pick 6 over 1800m Party Punch went close last time over the course and distance and the winner of that race is thought of as good enough to run in the Gr 1 SA Fillies Classic. Party Punch has a good draw under Gavin Lerena and should be a big runner. Streisand went close ver 1800 last time and only has a long head to find on Party Punch at the same weights. Ideal Future is a capable sort if able to get cover and from a fair draw with Ryan Munger up she should be in the shake-up. Angel’s Wish is drawn in pole and could earn a cheque over a suitable course and distance. Sneak Preview is consistent and is hard to ignore from a good draw.

In race 6 over 1800m On Target is in fine form and from pole position with Gavin Lerena up should go close over an ideal course and distance. Diesel’s Shadow has a fair draw and has been in consistent form over this trip category. Chariot of Fire won well in the maidens last time when stepped up to 1500m and should relish the step up and trip on Pedigree being by Captain Of All out of a Silvano middle distance to staying type. Those are the three who make the most appeal here, but the risk averse can also consider Towers of Gold, American Rebel and High Queue.

In the eighth race 1600m Salute the Flag won well over 1400 meters last time and is effective over this trip too. He was given a three-point race but is now drawn in pole under Gavin Lerena and should go close. Birthright is a big progressive sort and has a good record over this trip, so should go close if able to find cover from a wide draw. Kudzu is knocking on the door and should be in the shake up, although he does have a tricky draw. Those three should get punters through.

In the last leg of the pick six over 1450m Glamorous Lady disappointed first time out the maidens, but is better than that. She is in pole position here as opposed to a tough draw in that last race and she could make amends. Mighty Goddess showed signs of a form return and could be involved if Muzi Yeni is able to find cover from a wide draw. Valieva looks to be off a competitive merit rating at present. She was not disgraced in her only start over this trip category and as it was in a Gr 3 feature she should give a good account of herself here. Sigrid Swing is ideally course and distance suited and has come down to a competitive merit rating, so could be involved if able to overcome a wide draw. Boom Boom goes well for Craig Zackey and could also be in the shake up from a fair draw of six.

In the first leg of the Bipot over 1450m Satyagraha has run two good races and from a good draw is the one to beat. Cherry Oh Baby can also be included as she is knocking on the door and this well bred sort should go close from a fair draw of five.

In the first leg of the PA Huehuetenango went close over 1600m last time and looks likely to enjoy the step up in trip, but does have a wide draw. The Mightiest can also be included as she went close over 1800 metres in her penultimate start, so should enjoy this trip too and has a fair draw.

In the first race 1450m Blind Ambition brings hard knocking form from Cape Town so is the one to beat from a good draw over a suitable trip.

In the tenth race over 1450m Kotinos is distance suited and is in fine form, but has a tricky draw of eight. Oh My Gucci Girl and Ode To The Ocean make most appeal of the rest.

National Currency's Legacy Of Speed

Above: National Currency, the horse with the movie star looks (pic: JC Photos)

The Mike Azzie-trained superstar sprinter National Currency is a South African legend who had the world at his feet before his untimely and tragic demise in Dubai.

The race named after him on Monday was won by Night Vigil in a fittingly good time of 56,21 seconds despite soft going.

National Currency won the Gr 1 Computaform Sprint over that same course and distance 22 years ago in 2003 in a time of 56.59 seconds and won it by a comfortable 1,5 lengths.

So he would have doffed his hat to Night Vigil had he still been around.

But the story of National Currency is about greatness and this is captured in another fine article by Charl Pretorius in his Off The Record column.

Click here to read Charl’s article about NATIONAL CURRENCY

Preliminaries Seemingly Unimportant In British Racing

Typical sight in a British parade ring especially in winter. What number is this horse? (Picture: Wokingnewsandmail.co.uk)

Horseracing is traditionally a game for British royalty and aristocracy and they probably would not have paid much attention to gripes from colonial society.

South Africa is no longer a colony, of course, but is a member of the Commonwealth and there are still links to Britain, including through horseracing.

British racing is watched on SA screens for example and SA racing can be watched in Britain via SIS.

The aim of a race is the same i.e. horses race to reach the line first, but the overall product has some noticeable differences.

The most astonishing from an SA perspective is the seeming unimportance in British racing of the preliminaries i.e. the 15 minutes or so before the race in which the horses come out into the parade ring and then go down to the start.

This is astonishing because England is known as the home of horseracing, i.e. a place where the pastime is viewed as a sport rather than just a betting medium and surely horsemen and women would like to be able to judge how well a horse is looking or moving before a race?

In South Africa each horse is shown in the parade ring, one by one, with comments from presenters and in Hong Kong a conformation expert, Jenny Chapman, is known world wide as the presenter who comments on every single runner one by one beofre they leave the parade ring.

In South Africa the horses canter down to the start at intervals, usually in number order, so that every one of the runners can be shown for a few seconds moving down to the start.

In Britian the TV producers generally don’t seem to have a system of showing the competitors moving down to the start and this actually seems to be the norm around the world. Often one horse is shown going all the way down to post before they randomly zoom to another one.

However, the parade ring is even worse.

Hands up those who have spotted a lovely looking horse in the parade ring in Britain, but can not make a note of it because a winter blanker is covering the number!

This would never happen in South Africa and it is amazing the stipendiary stewards even allow a blanket without a number attached to it – otherwise what exactly is the point of the parade?!

Anyway, this article will have to be sent to Shaun Parker, a former chief stipendiary steward in KZN, who is now Head Of Stewarding for the British Horseracing Authority.

Owners Of Dreamworld Were NOT Involved In Any Prohibited Practice

Dreamworld runs in the familiar colours of Ken and Jan Truter and the overall official ownership is Messrs R L Gabler & K P Truter & Mesdames C L Gabler & Jane Truter. THe NHA have emphasised that none of the owners were involved in the prohibited practice around the horse that landed fines for a jockey and an owner.

NHA Press Release

PROHIBITED PRACTICE

Further to our Press Release of 24 February 2025 (below), the National Horseracing Authority wishes to confirm that the Registered Owners of the horse DREAMWORLD, which won Race 2 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, 15 February 2025, were NOT involved in the prohibited practice.

Vee Moodley

Chief Executive

Van Der Merwe Treble, Fourie, Arries, Snaith Doubles

JP van der Merwe clinches his treble on First Masterpiece (Oratorio)

JP van der Merwe crossed the line first in four races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday, but lost one of them after an upheld objection.

The objection happened when his mount Rattlesnake shifted outward as they approached the line and contact was made with Bluff and Bluff who was finishing strongly on his outside. As the margin was a short-head the stipendiary stewards decided the interference had cost the latter the race.

Van der Merwe made amends in the next race, the last of the day, to clinch his treble on the Patrick Kruyer-trained Oratorio filly First Masterpiece.

Richard Fourie and Ashton Arries had doubles and so did Justin Snaith.

Van der Merwe is now on 48 wins for the season and has achieved it at a strike rate of 14.41%.

Fourie is on 140 wins at 24.56%, 18 behind log leader Zackey, who had one win at Wednesday’s meeting.

Arries is on 11 wins at 10%.

Snaith is on 11 wins at 15.52%.

Today's Question

Which horse holds the SA record time for 1000m?

The subject is pictured above.

FIELDS, Thursday, 27 February

Turffontein Inside

Today’s Question Answer

Blizzard Belle’s (admittedly wind assisted) time at Fairview of 54,55 secs in a Pinnacle Stakes event under S’Manga Khumalo is the fastest ever run by a racehorse in South Africa over the turf 1000m in the modern era.

The Western Winter filly broke the record of the Sean Tarry-trained Mythical Flight’s who won the Gr1 Computaform Sprint at Turffontein on 5 May 2007 in a time of of 54,96 seconds.

Blizzard Belle’s other claim to fame is he provided three-times South african Jockey Lyle Hewitson with his first winner as a professional rider.