Turf Talk Newsletter – 28 March, 2025

Royal Victory winning the Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge last year. (JC Photos)

It is Champions Day at Turffontein Standside on Saturday and the exciting meeting has 12 races in all, inlcuding four Gr 1s, four Gr 2s and a Listed event.

The big one is the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge and Royal Victory is tipped to retain his crown. Nathan Kotzen has opted to give the Pathfork geldings two runs this season between the Summer Cup and the Premier’s and this is no doubt a wise move considering how much rain there has been at Summerveld which has limited the amount of work which could be done. He did the Summer Cup/Premier’s double last season and this season was unlucky in the Summer Cup as he encountered traffic problems in the straight and did well to finish a three length sixth. He had also been unlucky in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, because had he remained patient and gone for a rails run he could have done even better than a 1,40 length third. In a small Premier’s field this year of just ten runners he should be able to be dropped out from a wide draw and run past the opposition. Fire Attack will be a big runner as he has fine feature race form and ran on strongly in the Gr 1 TAB SA Classic over 1800m last time. Purple Pitcher is a horse who runs from the front and just keeps on finding extra when challenged, so is a big danger. Imilenzeyokududuma stayed on well in the Gr 1 Wilgernbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes last time and being by Dynasty gives him a chance of seeing out this trip which he has never tried before despite being a six-year-old. Former SA Derby winner Son Of Raj has come to hand, while Atticus Finch proved his liking for course and distance with a fine win in the Summer Cup. Silver Sanctuary is a Gr 1 win winner over this trip, albeit against her own gender, while None Other will be staying on strongly as a former Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks winner. Navajo Nation looks up against it on form, but Chestnut Bomber has been seen to stay on well over 1600m and could be a sneaker for a place.

In the Gr 1 TAB SA Derby Wild Instinct is bred for the trip and is 3kg better off with Immediate Edge for a shorthead beating in the Listed Hawwaam Stakes over 2000m. Immediate Edge has always had Derby horse written all over him as a long-strider with a resolute finish and he is unbeaten in three starts. Legend Of Arthur has also always looked like a Derby type too and is progressive. Grey Jet stayed on well in the SA Classic for fourth and could handle this trip. Gauteng Guineas winner Parisian Walkway will be dangerous if able to relax in front.

In the Gr 1 TAB Computaform Sprint William Robertson is in fine form and this classy sort is drawn on the right side with Ryan Munger up. Lucky Lad would probably prefer 1200m but will be running on strongly. Cruise Control has good pace coupled with a kick which will make him dangerous here. Chocolate Soldier has tremendous pace and will likely attempt to blitz them. Winds Of Change has speed and class and should be right there. Golden Sickle and Pistol Pete are hard to ignore.

In the Gr 1 TAB Empress Club Stakes over 1600m Spumante Dolce disappointed in the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic over 1800m but there were excuses and back to this trip she could bounce back to the form of her Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas win. Gr 1 winner VJ’s Angel and the hard knocking Let’s Go Now will be dangerous. Fatal Flaw is the Gr 1 WSB Cape Filllies Guineas winner and can bounce back from a disappointing Majorca Stakes effort. The remaining three, Beating Wings, Lady Fallon and White Pearl, all have some class and are not out of it.

In the Gr 2 TAB SA Oaks World Of Alice is likely to relish the step up in trip and can beat the classy Fiery Pegasus.

In the Gr 2 TAB SA Nursery over 1160m Esteemed made an outstanding debut and will be hard to beat.
In the Gr 2 TAB SA Fillies Nursery One Fine Winter looks to be a decent sort and can beat home Glastonbury and Golden Palm.

In the Gr 2 TAB Hawaii Stakes Cosmic Speed won the Gr 1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes in fine style and should also enjoy this 1400m trip as one who has done well at the highest level over 1200m. Main Defender is probably over his best trip here and if at his best he will go close. Texas Red should give another good account of himself.

In the Listed 4Racing Caradoc Gold Cup Raiseahalleluja has had a good prep and should make a bold bid over a suitable course and distance. Battleground is an out and out stayer who will be thereabouts if able to find cover from a wide draw. Poets Warrior is a very effective front runner but does have a big weight to carry. Marauding Horde is a progressive stayer and should also be involved. Breeze Over won well from the front last time and can do well if managing to slot in behind likely pacemaker Poets Warrior.

Spumante Dolce wins the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas in impressive style and drops back to the same trip for the Gr 1 TAB Empress Club Stakes. (JC Photos).

R1

Preview: 1 WHISPERING DEATH 3 GOLDEN WARRIOR 4 IDEAL SUMMER 6 ROYALE JACKET

Preview: 1 WHISPERING DEATH won well over 1450 meters last time and can follow up despite giving weight to the rest of the field as he has pole position under Gavin Lerena up. 3 GOLDEN WARRIOR has run two fair races and should enjoy the step up and trip. 4 IDEAL SUMMER should relish the step up in trip and has a good draw. 6 ROYALE JACKET will also relish the step up and trip and Ryan Munger is up. (1-3-4-6)

R2

7 ONE FINE WINTER 4 GLASTONBURY 5 GOLDEN PALM 3 ELEGANTRIX

Preview: 7 ONE FINE WINTER won in fine style second time out having gone close on debut and has a nice high draw here. 4 GLASTONBURY is drawn in the middle and looks to be an above average sort after winning a feature easily last time. 5 GOLDEN PALM has impressed in the East Cape and is drawn on the outside rail. 3 ELEGANTRIX has 2.4 lengths to make up on Glastonbury and Munger stays aboard. (7-4-5-3)

R3

2 ESTEEMED 5 GREEN DIAMOND 1 CHARMING CHEETAH  3 KING HARALD

Preview: 2 ESTEEMED is by Rafeef out of a High Chaparral mare and made an outstanding debut. 5 GREEN DIAMOND ran a cracker on debut when beaten just 2.1 lengths by Glastonbury andwith the gender allowance here and a nice high draw she should go close.1 CHARMING CHEETAH impressed on debut, but does have the number one draw here although Andrew Fortune aboard is a plus.  3 KING HARALD won well first time out and could still be anything and Lerena stays aboard. (2-5-1-3)

R4

2 JUNIPER GREEN 4 BLIZZARD SNOW 12 THERE SHE GOES 1 QUASIKAT

Preview: 2 JUNIPER GREEN won a good race last time and although raised seven points now has a nice high draw. 4 BLIZZARD SNOW is knocking on the door and should go close. 12 THERE SHE GOES  is drawn towards the right side and has just got a length to make up on Blizzard Snow. 1 QUASIKAT won well last time and Fortune stays aboard off a three point higher mark. (2-4-12-1)

R5

9 SHAMPIMPI 12 SEA SHANTY 2 PALACE DANCER 6 PRESSONREGARDLESS

Preview: 9 SHAMPIMPI won well last time and the form has been franked and Fortune rides from pole position. 12 SEA SHANTY caught the eye running on last time and should be there abouts if able to overcome a wide draw. 2 PALACE DANCER  is in good form and from a good draw should be involved. 6 PRESSONREGARDLESS is knocking on the door and should be there abouts if able to overcome a tricky draw. (9-12-2-6)

R6

5 SPUMANTE DOLCE 6 VJ’S ANGEL 3 LET’S GO NOW 7 FATAL FLAW

Preview: 5 SPUMANTE DOLCE disappointed when stepped up to 1800 meters in soft going but back to this trip could show her class again. 6 VJ’S ANGEL has fine form over this trip. 3 LET’S GO NOW is a progressive sort who should be running on strongly at the finish. 7 FATAL FLAW  is a group one winner over this trip but needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort in the Cape Town last time. (5-6-3-7)

R7

1 WILLIAM ROBERTSON 2 LUCKY LAD 4 CRUISE CONTROL 7 CHOCOLATE SOLDIER

Preview: 1 WILLIAM ROBERTSON is drawn on the right side and is in devastating form at present. 2 LUCKY LAD is full of class but will have to overcome an unfavorable low draw over a trip that is a touch on the sharp side. 4 CRUISE CONTROL has fine pace and a good kick so could be involved if finding his best. 7 CHOCOLATE SOLDIER has excellent pace and could attempt to blitz them over this trip from a nice high draw. (1-2-4-7)

R8

1 ROYAL VICTORY 10 FIRE ATTACK 2 PURPLE PITCHER  5 IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA

Preview: 1 ROYAL VICTORY loves this course and distance and will attempt to make it a third group one win here. 10 FIRE ATTACK is full of class and after being dropped out from a another high draw should be running on strongly. 2 PURPLE PITCHER  is in good form at present and should make a bold bid from the front. 5 IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA  ran on strongly in the AHF Okinawa Horse Chestnut Stakes and should enjoy this step up in trip. (1-10-2-5)

R9

6 WILD INTENT 7 IMMEDIATE EDGE 2 LEGEND OF ARTHUR 3 GREY JET 13 OLIVIA’S WAY

Preview: 6 WILD INTENT is bred for the trip and is weighted to reverse form with Immediate Edge 7 IMMEDIATE EDGE has Derby Horse stamped all over him and should make a bold bid here despite a tricky draw. 2 LEGEND OF ARTHUR Legend of Arthur is also a Derby type and should be staying on strongly after being dropped out.3 GREY JET is from the Marwing yard so should be tuned to the minute for this stamina test. 13 OLIVIA’S WAY stayed on well in the SA Fillies Classic and from pole position could earn again. (6-7-2-3-13)

R10

2 WORLD OF ALICE 1 FIERY PEGASUS 3 GERBERA 9 FETCHING FLYER

Preview: 2 WORLD OF ALICE is crying out for this trip (12:29) and is the one to beat from a good draw.1 FIERY PEGASUS is classy and and this will be a test to see whether she stays the trip. 3 GERBERA also has some class and and there is some stamina in her pedigree. 9 FETCHING FLYER should relish the trip and should be staying on. (2-1-3-9)

R11

7 COSMIC SPEED 1 MAIN DEFENDER 3 TEXAS RED 9 GIMMEFABULOUS

Preview: 7 COSMIC SPEED won the Gr 1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes in fine style and should also enjoy this trip. 1 MAIN DEFENDER is probably over his best trip here and if at his best he will be hard to beat. 3 TEXAS RED ran a cracker in the Horse Chestnut and should give another good count of himself. 9 GIMMEFABULOUS won well last time and could make her a presence felt from a good draw. (7-1-3-9)

R12

3 RAISEAHALLELUJAH 8 BATTLEGROUND 1 POETS WARRIOR 2 MARAUDING HORDE

Preview: 3 RAISEAHALLELUJAH has had a good prep and should make a bold bid over a suitable course and distance. 8 BATTLEGROUND is an out and out stayer who will be thereabouts if able to find cover from a wide draw. 1 POETS WARRIOR is a very effective front runner but does have a big weight to carry. 2 MARAUDING HORDE  is a progressive stayer and should also be involved. (3-8-1-2)

Picture: Ormond Ferraris and Pretty Border (Pic – Supplied)

The South African Hall of Fame has announced that legendary trainer Ormond Arthur Ferraris will be inducted into the South African Hall of Fame on Champions Day, Saturday 29 March, at Turffontein Racecourse.

To celebrate this special occasion, the fifth race on the day will be named in his honour.

Born on 31 March 1932 in the small town of Wolwehoek, Ormond Ferraris has dedicated more than 60 years of his life to horse racing. He began as a young track rider under the well-known trainer George Weale and went on to build an incredible career, training around 2,600 winners from 1954 to 2019.

Some of his most remarkable achievements include:

10 Oaks titles, with standout winners such as St Just, Fast Break, Lambarina, Sabina Park, and Cherry On The Top
8 Derby wins, including top horses like Fine Regent, Distinctly, The Monk, and Travel North
A Triple Tiara victory with Cherry On The Top
Two National Trainer Championships (1991/92 and 1993/94)
1994 Summer Cup winner Sizzling Sun
The memorable 1975 Durban July with Distinctly
Mr Ferraris is not only known for his success on the track, but also for the people he’s helped along the way. He has mentored some of South Africa’s best trainers, including David Ferraris, Mike de Kock, Michael Clements, and Weichong and Weiho Marwing, as well as Sharon Kotzen.

At the age of 93, Mr Ferraris is still active in racing as a training consultant, and he takes great joy in following the career of his grandson, Luke Ferraris, a successful jockey in Hong Kong.

He also played a big role in starting the Trainers Benevolent Fund in the 1970s, which continues to help trainers in need to this day.

A Life Worth Celebrating

The South African Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate South Africa’s greatest achievers, inspire others with their stories, and empower talented children without resources through its Legacy Project. Mr Ferraris is the perfect example of someone who has given his life to excellence, service, and uplifting others.

“It’s a great honour for us to welcome Mr Ferraris into the Hall of Fame,” says Johnny Burger, Chairman of the South African Hall of Fame. “His love for the sport, his dedication, and the way he’s helped so many others make him a true South African legend.”

The Gr 3 Umzimkhulu Stakes is a traditional Champions Season curtain raiser and Gimme’s Countess can show she has been underachieving as this classy filly has everything in her favour for a change and she can give 1,5kg to the rest of the field and still win. (Picture: Wayne Marks).   

R1     Summary: It’s never easy, females taking on males but MS GALORE (8) could fit the bill here. She has been unlucky in both starts and although drawn a little wide she does look progressive in a modest field. CATAVAR (5) disappointed from a wide draw last run after a good previous effort. He has a better gate here. DANUBE (10) returns from a spell on the Highveld and has not been far back. DOIN’ TIME (9) has been doin’ time in the maidens and has his 24th start but has shown some recent improvement. (Andrew Harrison: 8-5-10-9).

R2     Summary: A race where the veterans look to have a good hand. PURPLE POWAHOUSE (7) is struggling for his fifth win but has been consistent and should be in the mix again. DRIVE BY (12) has drawn wide but was close-up over course and distance last time out. BRASS BELL (11) has also drawn wide and is something of a poly specialist but hardly ever puts in a bad effort. The filly GLAMORZ (10) found good market support last time out over course and distance and failed narrowly. She can go one better. (Andrew Harrison: 7-10-12-11).

R3     Summary: KHETHIWE’S DESTINY (5) is the youngest runner in the race but looks to have the most potential. She may well have needed her last run and take son some well exposed runners. CONVOCATION (4) confirmed the form of her penultimate start when winning next time out. She only got a two-point rise the ratings. BEVIES DELIGHT (2) flatters to deceive but is smart on her day while GET IN THE Q (1) is way better than her last effort and Fortune from pole position will always be a threat. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-2-1).

R4     Summary: GIVE ME EVERYTHING (3) is unbeaten since shedding her maiden. The Cape form looks ominous and she can keep up her winning streak. SOVEREIGN GRANT (1) has top weight but the best of the draw and comes from a very much in form stable. SHE’S A BOMBER (12) has drawn widest but looks to have plenty of promise and the drop in trip could be in her favour. ICE RAIN (7) is unbeaten in two since arriving from the Cape and looks the pick of the Andre Nel trio. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-12-7).

R5     Summary: TEFLON MAN (6) suddenly found form at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last run in a smart field. A repeat will see him close. SHIPHOLIA (1) is a consistent mare that has been running well in good company. Handy weight from pole position. ANFIELDS ROCKET (7) has patchy form but is smart on his day. Rested but first run for Trevor Brown who was Mike de Kock’s former Dubai assistant and now trains out of Ashburton. AFRICAN SKYLINE (8) won over a mile last time out. Form of that race has not worked out but he does seem better over sprints. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-7-8).

R6     Summary: GIMMIE’S COUNTESS (1) has been racing is top feature company in the Cape. She is well in at the weights and from draw one she looks the most likely candidate for the winner’s enclosure. But she is not short of opposition. Sean Tarry makes the trip with GREEN SAPPHIRE (2) who has yet to finish further back than second and drawn alongside Gimmie’s Countess. REGENERATION (4) needed her comeback run and can feature while WARRIOR ROYALE (7) is smart and goes well over this course and distance. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-4-7).

R7     Summary: Tricky. O’TENIKWA (8) has the widest draw in a small field and although well beaten last run at Hollywood Kenilworth it was a big field. He finish fourth to One Stripe in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas prior to that. CYMRIC (6) found his best form last time out and is rarely out of the money. CAT’S PAJAMAS (7) is the highest rated in the field and won well last time out beating some useful older horses. OXALIS GOLD (5) takes on males but won well enough under a light weight last time out to be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-7-5).

R8     Summary: TWO G’S (3) won well first run up from the Cape and looks progressive. She faces some modest opposition and can follow up. BLOWIN IN THE WIND (5) is way better than her last run when returning from a lengthy break. She had useful form before that and the stable is in form. CHELSEA FLOWER (12) has a wide draw to contend with an has her first outing for a new stable. She has a big weight but is tough as they come. COLORADO CREEK (13) has the worst of the draw but has been consistent of late. However, she may need some luck in running. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-12-13).

R9     Summary: Difficult end to the evening with plenty in with chances. HAPPY ANALIA (2) found one too good for her in stable companion One Smart Cookie last run and her penultimate start is best ignored. EMERALD GREEN (14) has a difficult draw but was ridden by an inexperienced apprentice last time out. Andrew Fortune could make all the difference. AVERNIAN GODDESS (5) has been costly to follow but has dropped in the handicap and can feature prominently. BUTTERCUP BABY (4) is lightly raced and can improve on her handicap debut. (Andrew Harrison: 2-14-5-4).

Chili Bomb (Lancaster Bomber) wins the eight race to give Alan Greeff a five-timer and Richard Fourie a treble. (Pauline Herman Photography).

Alan Greeff had a five-timer on the Fairview poly today (Friday) and was denied the opportunity to make it six when the tractor that tows the stalls off the course broke down, meaning the last race had to be stopped.

Richard Fourie rode three of the winners and took the lead in the championship, going to 172 wins, two ahead of both Craig Zackey and Gavin Lerena.

Chase Maujean also rode a double.

Fourie has achieved his 172 wins at a strike rate of 26.22%.

Maujean is on 49 wins at 6.75%.

Greeff goes to 119 wins for the season, which is now five more than Justin Snaith has had, although the latter is well ahead in stakes earnings with Vaughan Marshall second and Greeff third.

Greeff has had 118 wins in the East Cape and will have a chance of breaking his East Cape record of 176 set in 2019.

Fourie has now had 102 wins in the East Cape this season and should break the record of 119, which he set last season.

The jockey-trainer combination in the first race was interesting, Chad Little and Leon Lotz … Little and Lotz!

Picture: The Dubai World Cup is usually a thriller.

Dubai World Cup, Grand National steeplechase, major Kentucky Derby preps are April 5.

By Scott Burton/Racing Post Wednesday, 11:49 AM

The April 5 Dubai World Cup card this year falls a week later than is traditionally the case, a development in large part driven by the dates of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which comes to an end with Eid al-Fitr expected to fall Sunday evening (March 30).

The combination of Meydan Racecourse staging its biggest meeting later than usual and the Grand National being run three weeks after Cheltenham instead of four, has led broadcasters to reach for imaginative solutions to cater for the unusual clash between the two fixtures April 5.

As for the United States, the change in the Dubai World Cup (G1) date will see that card run on the same day as three major Kentucky Derby (G1) prep races.

Erwan Charpy, the former United Arab Emirates champion trainer and now Dubai Racing Club’s manager of racing operations and international relations, has spearheaded efforts to ensure race times at Meydan complement the world’s most famous steeplechase rather than being in direct conflict.

With the Grand National now scheduled for 4 p.m. British Summer Time due to safety measures introduced two years ago, the Meydan authorities have positioned the Golden Shaheen (G1) at 3:40 p.m. British Summer Time and the Dubai Turf (G1T) at 4:15 p.m British Summer Time.

That does not allow enough time to show the action from Aintree on the big screen at Meydan, given the horses will be in the paddock at the same time for the $5 million Turf, which will feature Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior .

Racecourse Media Group and its appointed distribution agency, HBA Media, oversee the global non-betting television distribution on behalf of Jockey Club Racecourses, owners of Aintree, and Dubai Racing Club, which stages the Dubai World Cup at Meydan. RMG is offering foreign broadcasters the choice of an international feed dedicated to either Aintree or Meydan, but reports that the 2 1/2-hour “best of both worlds” option has caught the imagination of broadcasters globally.

“With both main events run within 90 minutes of each other on April 5, this is a unique opportunity for audiences around the world to enjoy two of the most spectacular and contrasting race days on the calendar,” said RMG’s director of communication and international distribution Seb Vance.

“As well as offering broadcasters the choice of the full Aintree world feed, produced by ITV, and the full Meydan world feed, produced by RMG, we are pushing the ‘best of both’ Crown Jewels Racing condensed feed—a 2 1/2-hour program showcasing the Grand National and Dubai World Cup, as well as the Dubai Sheema Classic, from 3.30-6 p.m. BST.”

Vance added: “We’re delighted to say that the dual broadcast has really caught the imagination. We have more than 30 broadcasters taking coverage of Aintree and Dubai, with half of those opting for the ‘best of both’ Crown Jewels Racing feed. They include Sport 24, which offers live coverage on airlines and cruise lines, Fancode, which has 160 million users in India, ESPN in Latin America and the Caribbean, a first-time broadcaster in SportsNet in Canada, SuperSport in Africa, and Viaplay in Europe, which will dub into Dutch for their audience.

“In addition, Dubai Racing Channel and Dubai Sports will take full feeds from Meydan and Aintree respectively, Fox Sports in the U.S. will take live coverage of Dubai and show a recording of Aintree, and CNN International and Trans World Sport will feature both races in their World News and magazine programs. The Green Channel from Japan will show the full feed from Dubai, and are also at Aintree to film a documentary on the Grand National.”

The regular slot for the Dubai World Cup previously resulted in a clash for U.S.-based trainers and jockeys with races such as the Florida Derby (G1). This year there will be three major Kentucky Derby prep races April 5.

The three important April 5 trials for the Kentucky Derby—the Blue Grass Stakes (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1), and Wood Memorial Stakes (G2)—offer the winners guaranteed spots in the opening leg of the Triple Crown.

Picture: Dylan and one of his stable stars, Silver Sword.

Spearheaded by Group 1 hopeful Prague in 2025, the Dylan Cunha yard bid to build on their best season ever.

At The Races

Dylan Cunha had a highly satisfactory season in 2024 when his 37 winners and £529,220 in prize money more than doubled his score of 16 winners and £205,976 in 2023.

The highlight of his season was seeing Prague land the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket last September, but the trainer showed he was a man for all seasons when Zminiature landed the Brocklesby at Doncaster on the opening of the turf season.

Prague will be back on duty in the bet365 Mile at Sandown and hopes of a second Brocklesby success could rest with Kama Kamelion who has been showing plenty of spark at home.

The Newmarket-based trainer has also turned his hand to National Hunt racing, having success with his only jumper Mahons Glory recently and a busy spring time ensues for the Phantom House trainer who said: “With the jumper (Mahons Glory) and Silver Sword in Dubai we have already got seven winners this year and we are on the way to what we hope will be another successful season.”

Here, Cunha kindly spoke to Tony Elves for attheraces.com about his team in Newmarket.

Who is the only horse to win the Dubai World Cup twice?

The picture gives a clue to the answer.