WSB 1900 Market Points To Snaith 3yo Pair
The market points to Okovango and Native Ruler for the WSB 1900 and this is taking into account their odds for the race itself (22/10 and 3/1) and their Hollywoodbets Durban July odds.
Looking at Native Ruler for this excercise, if he wins the WSB 1900 he might become one of the favourites for the July.
Many will then say his opening odds of 125/1 for the July were false, but that ignores the fact that there is a big risk of him not qualifying for the July and that risk was built into the odds.
He is only merit rated 103, so he will either have to win on Saturday or otherwise win the Cup Trial or go close in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000, to qualify for the big race.
Therefore, the fact he has shortened into 40/1 for the July is a clue that the connections are confident of his ability.
The confidence is not surprising as the Gr 1 Splashout Cape Derby form is proving to be strong.
Native Ruler finished a 5,75 length fourth in the Derby and If Eight On Eighteen runs in the July, and he is not a certainty to, he will receive 4kg from him. So that will put him close on paper to the ruling July favourite.
If Cape Derby runner up Sail The Seas runs in the July, Native Ruler will be 4kg better off with him for a 4,25 length beating.
Native Ruler could therefore be one of the best representatives in the July of a top three-year-old crop who have ruled the roost in most of the big weight for age events this season.
His profile is very similar to the one Oriental Charm had last year and there are some other remarkable similarities.
They were both in the frame in the Cape Derby, both opened in the July at around the 125/1 mark, both are by Vercingetorix, both opened their Champions Season campaigns in the WSB 1900 and both run in the colours of Greg Bortz and will be ridden by JP van der Merwe.
July lightning could strike twice for Bortz and there is some irony in that statement because the horse that got Greg hooked on racing was the 1977 July winner Lighning Shot, so perhaps Native Ruler will be a third lightning strike!
However, if the July market points to confidence in Native Ruler, then the confidence in Okovango must be double, because despite being merit rated only 96 he is a 20/1 shot in the Hollywoodbets Durban July betting with the sponsor!
Tipping is a tough game and Turf Talk did the analysis of the race yesterday and went for the stablemate of Native Ruler and Okovango, the Justin Snaith-trained Underworld, and actually ruled out Native Ruler because of his wide draw coupled with the fact he is retuning from a layoff.
There is no going back but it has to be said that analysis was done before the betting patterns had been scruitinised and perhaps the selection would have otherwise been different.
All three should be big runners though and that is not forgetting the other Snaith runner, the reigning WSB 1900 champion, Future Swing.
Snaith could well dominate the result, but the runners who could throw the cat among the pigeons are the Mike Miller-trained Narina Trogon, who has a fine turn of foot like his mother Beach Beauty, the Frank Robinson pair Madison Valley and Shoot The Rapids, who both have class, Thunee Playa is an outsider who should run well from a good draw, while his Mano Panduram-trained stablemate Indian Ocean has a beautiful big stride and a good turn of foot so will be a big runner if able to overcome a wide draw because according to official merit ratings she is 3kg better off in the weights than any other runner.
What the trainers say about the WSB 1900
Gold Circle’s Michel Wing compiled the following trainer comments:
PREVIEW : WORLD SPORTS BETTING 1900 GR3
Justin Snaith is looking for a 3-year-old to represent his stable in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. The race will tell whether it could be the exciting Okavango or Native Ruler … or perhaps both?
Future Variety Can Bounce Back
Veteran scribe Andrew Harrison tips Future Variety to win the KRA Cup (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)
The hunt for a berth in the 18-horse field for the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July starts in earnest today with the Gr3 WSB 1900, a race that has proved to be a good pointer to the outcome of Africa’s greatest horserace.
Justin Snaith is on record that he has brought all of his best horses up from the Cape for Champions Season and he holds a strong hand with four competitive runners. Best could be Okavango who has won three of his seven starts and won well on this course last time out. Although out at the weights, he has a light weight and if he wins here he should get into the July with close to bottom weight for his age group. Stable companion Future Swing was just two lengths off stable star Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and is hardly out of the money of late. He won this race last year beating Winchester Mansion who went on to win the July although he may possibly need to win this to cement a July berth this time around.
Progressive three-year-old and recent Sledgehammer winner I Salute You has the deepest draw but Peter Muscutt will still have hopes of qualifying his charge for a crack at the July. However, Mike Miller’s consistent gelding Narina Trogon and Selukwe from the Andre Nel yard are both significantly better off in the handicap given their meeting in The Sledgehammer which could prove telling.
Supporting feature is the KRA Cup where Milnerton-based Candice Bass-Robinson can get off the mark with Future Variety who boasts useful Cape form in Gr1 company. He goes well this trip and should go close to winning in this company. Ziyasha has his first run for Clinton Binda and she comes with smart Cape form over the distance. He has a fairly deep draw and a big weight but looks more than capable. Luhamba Phambili ran a cracker last time out behind the heavily supported O’Tenikwa starting at long odds. He has run two smart races since arriving from the Cape and from a plum draw should be competitive. Garth Puller has declared first time blinkers for veteran African Skyline who was caught late by Teflon Man last start and drops back to 1000m. The blinkers could make him a lot sharper.
The PA kicks off in the third on the nine-race card and Promise Of Fire and Shesha Inombi should get punters through safely. Promise Of Fire had been up against males in soft ground until her improved last run. She gets first time blinkers and can make the required improvement in modest company. Shesha Intombi has shown signs of coming to hand and has the measure of Promise Of Fire on a line through their last meeting but blinkers could be the key.
In the first leg of the Pick 6, Lemon Thyme was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out and has made steady improvement. She looks primed for this. Biggest danger is likely to be Greenlight Skye who has been showing good form over further in the Cape. That form should hold up and she will go close over this shorter trip.
The fifth is a wide open handicap but Captain Peg makes the trip from the Highveld for Stuart Pettigrew. She has useful form in strong company and will have benefitted from her last effort after a lengthy break. Khethiwe’s Destiny has been knocking at the door for Mike and Mathew de Kock and the step up in trip could suit. She is 1.5kg better off with recent winner Bevies Delight and can turn the tables. Corrie Lensley is a rare Highveld visitor and he saddles Sonic Jet has useful Highveld form over the trip and has a plum draw. Sohot Sowhat has won two of her four Cape starts and Gavin Lerena stays with the ride. She was beaten by the weights last time out.
The eight is another open handicap but Regulation is another Justin Snaith July entry. He is lightly raced but comes with consistent Cape form although he does shoulder top weight. El Rey Viene has been knocking at the door for some time now. He has a handy weight and a good draw which should see him competitive. Vila Vicosa is seldom far back and was close up behind Okavango last time out although he was in receipt of 8.5kg from the winner. He only has 50kg to carry here. Bad Medicine has shown improved form with a change of stable and Lerena is back on board.
The last result can rest between Princess Palace and Sign Of Fate. Princess Palace has been in good form with blinkers and from a plum draw can be rewarded for her consistency. Sign Of Fate has been up against stronger of late and not too far back. The drop in class should see her closer. Rugger Lover steps up in trip but has been close-up in her last four and if staying the extra could be a strong contender while Buttercup Baby is lightly raced and way better than her last run. She is one to watch in the betting.
Captain Peg Well Weighted But Has Tough Draw
Captain Peg is the best in at the weights in Race 5, a Middle Stakes event for fillies and mares over her ideal trip of 1400m, but she will have to overcome a tough draw of eight. (JC Photos).
Formguides and selections for Hollywoodbets Greyville Saturday meeting
R1 Summary: ARE YOU SURE (4) has been costly to follow but has never been far back. She takes on males but her sex allowance could finally get her across the line. CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS (6) has her first run for her new stable. She boasts some fair Cape form over the trip and a tongue-tie could see her improve. SIMBINE (9) has the widest draw but showed good improvement last run at long odds. PINETTI (1) was much improved at his second start but drops back to a sprint from the best of the draw. (Andrew Harrison: 4-6-9-1).
R2 Summary: PRIORY TERRACE (1) found solid market support on debut but found one better. With that run under her girth and the best draw she can go one better. Stable companion GORGEOUS BOMB (6) has been close-up in both starts and there should be little to choose between the two although the betting could tell a story. VHAGAR (7) has not been out since June last year but did show promise in his first two starts Richard Fourie could be a telltale booking. QUEEN FENN (2) improved last run and could be coming to hand. She has a 4kg claimer aboard and cannot be written off. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-7-2).
R3 Summary: PROMISE OF FIRE (4) had been up against males in soft ground until her improved last run. She gets first time blinkers and can make the required improvement in modest company. SHESHA ITOMBI (2) has shown signs of coming to hand and has the measure of Promise Of Fire on a line through their last meeting. SPLASH OF LOVE (8) raced green in a promising debut while KMV RETROFIT (7) has shown some ability and can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-8-7).
R4 Summary: LEMON THYME (7) was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out. She has made steady improvement and looks primed for this. GREENLIGHT SKYE (4) has been showing good form over further in the Cape. That form should hold up and she should go close over this shorter trip. ANOTHER DREAM (9) shows consistent Cape form which puts her into the picture and a candidate for most exotics. ROY’S GRACE (6) has patchy form but does show some ability and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-9-6).
R5 Summary: Wide open handicap. CAPTAIN PEG (8) makes the trip from the Highveld for Stuart Pettigrew. She has useful form in strong company and will have benefitted from her last effort after a lengthy break. KHETHIWE’S DESTINY (3) has been knocking at the door and the step up in trip could suit. She is 1.5kg better off with BEVIES DELIGHT (10) and can turn the tables. SONIC JET (2) has useful Highveld form over the trip and has a plum draw. SOHOT SOWHAT (6) has won two of her four Cape starts and Gavin Lerena stays with the ride. She was beaten by the weights last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 8-3-2-6).
R6 Summary: FUTURE VARIETY (9) has useful Cape form in Gr1 company. He goes well this trip and should go close. ZIYASHA (7) has smart Cape form over the distance. He has a fairly deep draw and a big weight but looks more than capable. LUHAMBA PHAMBILI (2) ran a cracker last time out behind the heavily supported O’Tenikwa starting at klong odds. He has run two smart races since arriving from the Cape and from a plum draw should be competitive. AFRICAN SKYLINE (5) was caught late by Teflon Man last start and drops back to 1000m. However, he gets first time blinkers. (Andrew Harrison: 9-7-2-5).
R7 Summary: Many hunting a place in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durdan July. Justin Snaith holds a strong hand with four competitive runners. Best could be OKAVANGO (8) who has won three of his seven starts and won well on this course last time out. Although out at the weights, he has a light weight and if he wins here he should get into the July with bottom weight for his age group. FUTURE SWING (6) was just two lengths off stable star Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and is hardly out of the money. He may possibly need to win this to cement a July berth. NARINA TROGON (4) and SELIKWE (13) are both significantly better off in the handicap with the progressive Sledgehammer winner I SALUTE YOU (14) who also has the deepest draw. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-4-13).
R8 Summary: Open handicap. REGULATION (4) is another Justin Snaith July entry. He is lightly raced but comes with consistent Cape form although he does shoulder top weight. EL REY VIENE (2) has been knocking at the door for some time now. He has a handy weight and a good draw which should see him competitive. VILA VICOSA (3) is seldom far back and was close up behind Okavango last time out although he was in receipt of 8.5kg from the winner. He only has 50kg to carry here. BAD MEDICINE (10) has shown improved form with a change of stable and Lerena is back on board. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-3-10).
R9 Summary: PRINCESS PALACE (2) has been in good form with blinkers and from a plum draw can be rewarded for her consistency. SIGN OF FATE (5) has been up against stronger of late and not too far back. The drop in class should see her closer. RUGGER LOVER (1) steps up in trip but has been close-up in her last four and if staying the extra should be a strong contender. BUTTERCUP BABY (10) is lightly raced and way better than her last run. She is one to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-1-10).
Will East Cape Triple Crown Hero Go For The July?
My Best Shot makes history as he cruises to victory in the Listed East Cape Derby over 2400m. (Pauline Herman Photography).
The Alan Greeff-trained My Best Shot oozed class when adding the Listed WSB East Cape Derby over 2400m to his burgeoning CV on the Fairview turf today under regular pilot Richard Fourie.
That meant he had won all three legs of the East Cape Sophomore Challenge which earned him a R250,000 bonus.
My Best Shot is the first horse in history to win the East Cape “Triple Crown”.
The races were run over 1400m on February 21, 1600m on March 21 and 2400m today (May 9) and all of them were Listed events limited to three-year-olds.
The Varsfontein Stud-bred Fire Away three-year-old gelding has now won nine races from 15 starts and has won three Listed events.
My Best Shot was a bit head strong going down to the start, which raised some concerns because this was the first time he was going beyond 1600m and 800m further is a considerable step up.
However, he settled well at the back of the eleven horse field.
He then scythed through the field like a hot knife through butter in the straight to win by 5,25 lengths.
He is only rated 111 and he faced opposition that were all rated 95 or below, so thoughts of the Hollywoodbets Durban July would probably require a trip to KZN to run in a race like the Cup Trial.
He has such an exhilarating turn of foot that supplementing him for the Hollywoodbets Durban July would not be over optimistic.
Earlier, Greeff’s unbeaten Varsfontein Stud-bred Master Of My Fate filly Anotherdanceforme proved an armchair ride for Andrew Fortune in the Listed WSB Dahlia Plate over 1200m in the latter’s first visit to Fairview for eight years.
She is now unbeaten in four starts and despatched her stablemates King Prawn and Hot Sauce, putting 3,25 lengths between herself and them under a typical ride from Fortune, who could afford to look around at the finish.
SABC Covered The Features At Fairview Today
Picture: A typical scene on SABC Sport
The SABC covered the two East Cape feature races today at Fairview, which was welcomed by the racing industry which would love to see the sport back in the mainstream
The coverage was from 15H15 to 16H15 on SABC Sport and took in the Listed WSB Dahlia Plate and the Listed WSB East Cape Derby.
It was organised by 4Racing and hopefully this will become a regular occurrence in all centres, espeically when one thinks back to the impact horses like the great Wolf Power made in ordinary homes when TV first came out in South Africa.
Lyle Hewitson Can Land Sha Tin's Saturday Feature
Lyle Hewitson is tipped to win the day’s feature on Invincible Shield (Picture: HKJC)
Tim Carroll (At The Races)
Tim previews Saturday’s 10-race card from Sha Tin, where he nominates a trio of best bets alongside a placepot perm.
This Saturday sees a competitive 10-race card from Sha Tin on both the Turf and All-Weather tracks getting underway at 7:00am SA Time.
The feature of the meeting is the finale, race 10, the Class 2 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road Handicap, over 6 furlongs.
Now onto this week’s selections.
Race 1: Class 5 Castle Peak Handicap (7:00am) (1 mile) (dirt)
7 FAMILY FORTUNE is yet to get on the board in eleven starts but his last two runs have been the best of his career, and this looks within his scope. The Caspar Fownes 4yo went off at 61.00 on the tote when third behind a rival in good form when last seen on the turf two starts back, beaten just a length. He then proved that was no fluke when beaten a lip over this trip on the dirt last time with the first two well clear of the others and given they have been his only two spins this year, he’s open to further improvement.
Dangers:
Smashing Express isn’t one of the John Size stable starts but the son of Churchill, who is yet to break his duck in thirteen goes, has run well enough in defeat the last two times he’s been to Sha Tin including when picking up the bronze over course & trip here in March.
1 Chateau Le Peche met with support when breaking his duck last time which makes him the only recent winner in the contest and there may be more to come, but he drops back from 10 furlongs and goes up 5lb.
2 Beautiful Win that has hit the frame just once in nine starts but he has shown a bit of improvement recently and he’ll find this more to his liking now that he drops into the bottom grade for the first time.
Race 2: Class 4 Chai Wan Road Handicap (7:30am) (5 furlongs)
11 WINNING DIAMOND is a debutant that has been winning trials at Conghua, and whilst trials need to be treated cautiously, this fellow does look to have more than his fair share of ability. The selection is by Deep Field, who has had plenty of winners in Hong Kong (including multiple Group 1 winner, Voyage Bubble) from 5 furlongs up, and he does draw high, which is preferred on the straight course, but like any debutant, some market support would be a positive sign.
Dangers:
12 Island Breezes is a seven start maiden that flew late when narrowly beaten in third at his first try over course & trip last time and chances are he’ll be ridden in a similar manor here, but with a clear round he should be in the firing line.
1 Alsonso goes up 1lb and is at the top of the handicap, but he ran with plenty of merit in defeat when beaten a lip on his first try over 5 furlongs last time, he draws the preferred outside and Purton is a first time booking.
7 Moon Rocket was only beaten a nose in fourth over course & trip on debut when showing signs of greenness over the concluding stages and he is entitled to come on for the run.
Race 3: Class 4 Tuen Mun Public Riding School Handicap (8:00am) (7 furlongs)
12 ZETTA FORCE is a five-start maiden that goes from toward the foot of the handicap with a. 2lb local allowance claimer on top and looks worth a play in a race not offering much recent form of note. The selection bombed last time when in the betting, but he did scope poorly post-race & maybe it’s best to forgive the run. Prior to that he had been runner-up over course & trip to a heavily supported debutant that looks a smart type, and he was clear of the third. If he reproduces that sort of effort, and he has passed a veterinary inspection since his last run, then he would go close here.
Dangers:
1 Flash Current is a low mileage 4yo that shed his maiden status over 6 furlongs in December and although unplaced here last time, he did have the best of runs that day, caught wide but with cover, and he should enjoy stepping up to this trip for the first time.
3 Excel Wongchoy scoped poorly after a below par effort last time, but he was placed over course & trip the start prior from a tough draw, he drops 2lb here and Bowman is a first time booking.
2 Riding Together, who won (known as Cool Dividend) a Haydock handicap for Clive Cox, is yet to hit the frame in six local spins but he ran well enough in defeat last time when fourth, he’s open to further improvement and has been dropped 2lb in the handicap.
Race 4: Class 4 Pok Fu Lam Public Riding School Handicap (8:30am) (1 mile) (dirt)
5 CHARMING STEED is a 7yo veteran that has won four of his forty-seven starts, but most of his racing has been done on turf, and given he went off at 20.00 when he won over 9 furlongs on this track in February, I think it may have gone slightly unnoticed that he has built up a solid recent record on this track which dating back to January 2024 reads, 2-3-1-1-2. The selection was unplaced at Happy Valley last time but was runner-up over course & trip the start prior with a few of these in behind, and from the low draw, he should get a gun run just in behind the leaders.
Dangers:
11 Meepmeep broke his duck over course & trip last time when having just his third spin on the dirt under Zac Purton, who can’t make the weight here, and looks a live chance, but he does move up in grade under a 5lb penalty & has a tricky draw.
9 Forever Folks has been placed two of his last three on this track, & he should have a solid gallop to aim at, but the draw in 1 could go either way as he’s a late closing type.
7 Precision Goal was a tad disappointing last time when puncturing late to finished unplaced, but he is a thrice course & trip winner this season and a 10lb claimer takes over here, but he may have to work to get across from the high draw.
Race 5: Class 4 Lei Yue Mun Public Riding School Handicap (9:00am) (7 furlongs)
1 PATCH OF STARS was having just his sixth start when shedding his maiden status over course & trip last time, and although he now goes from the top of the handicap under a 7lb penalty, he looks a 3yo headed for higher grades. The Manfred Man inmate picked up in good style last time and although the winning margin was a short head, he had an odds-on favourite back in second whilst the third, who was a last start winner, was a further two lengths back. Whilst he has more on his plate under the penalty, the draw in 1 should see him with all the favours under Purton, who sticks solid.
Dangers:
3 Lucky Fionn was a tad underwhelming over the mile last time, but that looked a decent Class 4, and he did win over this trip at his penultimate start and could easily bounce back here.
2 Never Too Soon hasn’t won since late 2023, but he’s now on a 12lb lower mark having been runner-up at Happy Valley last time, and he has what looks to be a favourable draw.
7 Star Brose is a 4yo that’s had just the one start when snagged back to last from a high draw over 6 furlongs at Happy Valley before doing his best late without threatening to finish sixth, he should be sharper for the run & the step up in trip onto the larger layout looks helpful.
Race 6: Class 4 Hong Kong Riding School for The Disabled Association 50th Anniversary Cup (Handicap) (9:30am) (6 furlongs)
2 LITTLE PARADISE was well supported when making a winning debut over course & trip in March, and although he went from the front and only just held on that day, he should come on plenty for experience. The Jimmy Ting son of Toronado is a big lump of a 3yo, weighing in at 1231lbs, and those sorts usually get better with racing. He does have a tricky draw in 10, but he drew even higher last time before showing plenty of early boot to get across, however, there’s pace underneath him here and it wouldn’t surprise me if they look to take a sit this time.
Dangers:
3 Mount Everest made a winning debut over course & trip in March and ran to a similar level when picking up the bronze last time, and although the winner of that race has subsequently bombed, the runner-up has since come out and won.
1 Enjoy Gulf hasn’t won for a year now, but he has been runner-up his last five and whilst that keep him high in the handicap, connections have booked an 8lb claimer for the first time, and that should help.
7 Pejibaye showed signs of greenness when sixth on debut a few spots behind Mount Everest, but he was kept safe in the market that day and he should be better for the run.
Race 7: Class 3 Lei Yue Mun Park Handicap (10:05am) (1 mile) (dirt)
9 CHILL KAKA is a progressive 4yo that has won his last two starts on this track, which has been his only two times over this trip, and he now finds himself moving up in grade under a 7lb penalty. He does dive into deeper waters, but he has plenty of scope and he does carry 14lb less at this level. The selection goes from toward the bottom of the handicap and whilst I’m not sure off Purton’s exact minimum riding weight outside of the bigger meetings, this is getting close, thus the fact he keeps the partnership intact could be a clue.
Dangers:
4 Never Peter Out has won four times over course & trip this season and whilst a 2lb nudge in the handicap means he’ll need a career best; he was only beaten a lip here last time & looks a main player once again.
7 Dragon Air Force has two wins and hasn’t been outside of the top four in five goes on the dirt, but he does step up to the mile for the first time, however, he rattled late his last two and is worth including despite the uncertainty about his over this trip.
1 Talents Ambition has been unplaced his last two on turf and although he was two from two on the grass in Australia, his best local form is on dirt (twice winner), and he should get a strong gallop to aim at here, which suits his run style.
Race 8: Class 3 Lung Mun Road Handicap (10:35am) (7 furlongs)
2 LIGHT YEARS CHARM, who won a maiden at his second & final start in Australia, is a promising type that broke his local duck over course & trip in February and has run with merit in defeat his last two with genuine excuses in defeat last time, planted wide without cover all the way before going down a lip. The form from the race has plenty of shape with the winner a subsequent winner at a level above this, and I’ve no doubt he would have won that day if you swap the runs around. The selection goes up 3lb for that, but he has a low draw this time, which should see him with a far smoother run in transit.
Dangers:
1 Juneau Pride is a nice 3yo that has won three of his eight starts and been placed the other five, however he is sitting high in the handicap in a race with some promising types, & goes up another 3lbs, but he draws well & is likely to be in the mix again.
4 Another World has also won three of his eight starts and although a beaten favourite last time, he still ran well enough in defeat & he does get weight from the top two picks, but Purton jumps off to ride the selection.
5 Gentlemen Legacy makes his local debut and may need this, but he was a thrice winner in Australia, including his final start in November, and a market watch is advised.
Race 9: Class 3 Pok Fu Lam Country Park Handicap (11:10am) (6 furlongs)
9 AHREN was having just his third start when hacking up over course & trip last month, and the handicapper has lumped him 10lb for the win. But it’s hard to argue given worked to get across from a high draw before dragging the field up to tearaway leader then leaving them all behind to win by nearly 3 lengths with something in the tank. He does have more on his plate at this level, but from a kinder draw and with 9lb less to carry, the promising son of Hellbent should handle the step up in grade.
Dangers:
2 Lifeline Express is an ultra-consistent type that need a bit of luck as he’s a stretch runner that ideally wants them to go like scaled cats, and whilst they probably won’t do that here, there’s a good gallop on offer, which helps.
3 Aeris Nova broke his local duck over course & trip two back at his eight start and ran well enough in defat last time when picking up the bronze having been given enough to do from a high draw, but he has a similar low draw to when he won this time.
4 Super Legends, who has recorded three wins over course & trip this season, has struggled a tad since his mark went into the 70’s, but connections have booked a 10lb claimer and whilst he doesn’t lead all too often, he does have pace & it wouldn’t surprise me if they try to shoot from the front here.
Race 10: Class 2 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road Handicap (11:45am) (6 furlongs)
5 INVINCIBLE SHIELD, who won his last four starts in Australia, is an exciting type that lands here on a four-timer having been successful over 7 furlongs last time. The selection drops back to 6 furlongs here, but that shouldn’t be an issue given he won his previous two over this trip. He does go up a further 7lb in the handicap and no doubt this will be his acid test as he does meet some nice types, but he has what looks a favourable draw and he should be able to box set in behind what is likely to be a strong gallop.
Dangers:
1 Fast Network goes up 11lb after hacking up over course & trip last time with Bottomsuptogether four-lengths in behind and whilst he now goes from the top of the handicap and has to concede weight, he does draw down in 1 and should end up in a nice spot from there.
2 Wunderbar holds the distinction of being the only horse to have ever lowered the colours of the world’s best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, and whilst he was unplaced his last two, he returns after a minor setback (bone chip removal from the knee) and has been tuned up for this winning two of three recent trials.
2 Bottomsuptogether, who won all three starts during his first season last year, hacked up when having his first try on dirt last time, but that was just is his second win during his sophomore season, and although he has undoubted ability, and Purton takes the ride having ridden Wunderbar all season, he’s a pace runner in a race offering plenty of it.
SATURDAY’S PLACEPOT
Today’s Place Pot will be races 6 through to 11. All up we will be playing 81 combinations (1x3x3x1x3x3).
LEG 1- 1 PATCH OFF STARS
LEG 2- 1 ENJOY GULF 2 LITTLE PARADISE 3 MOUNT EVEREST
LEG 3- 4 NEVER PETER OUT 7 DRAGON AIR FORCE 9 CHILL KAKA
LEG 4- 2 LIGHT YEARS CHARM
LEG 5- 2 LIFELINE EXPRESS 3 AERIS NOVA 9 AHREN
LEG 6- 1 FAST NETWORK 2 WUNDERBAR 5 INVINCIBLE SHIELD
TIM’S BEST BETS (scale 1-5 points)
9.00am SHA TIN
3pts win PATCH OF STARS
10.05am SHA TIN
2pts win CHILL KAKA
10.35am SHA TIN
4pts win LIGHT YEARS CHARM
Royal Force Can Defy Topweight In Secretariat Stakes
Picture: Royal Force has been tipped to win the Secretariat Stakes (JC Photos).
The Non-Black Type Secretariat Stakes over 1400m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside on Sunday and it could be won by the Lucky Houdalakis-trained topweight Royal Force.
This Heavenly Blue gelding has a good draw of two and Piere Strydom stays aboard after a good win aboard him last time in a Graduation Plate over this course and distance, where he beat the useful Aristotle by a comfortable 1,80 lengths, despite being 7,5kg under sufferance with him according to official merit ratings. He was raised the maximum six points for the win, but that is likely a capped merit rating as he ran to a higher mark so he can win here despite having to carry 62kg. Potberrie is turning into a useful horse despite having taken ten runs to exit the maidens and from a good draw of four over an ideal trip this Potala Palace gelding can make his presence felt. Immediate Edge disappointed in the SA Derby and although seeming to be one who needs further, he is capable of a building up a strong finish with his big stride. Those are the trio who make most appeal.
In the previous race Main Defender appears in his preparation race for the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge. The 1400m distance of this Pinnacle Stakes event is ideal for the son of Pathfork and a wide draw should not stop him. However, Truth is going to be very dangerous from draw four out of the 14 runners as he has been seen before to go out fast over this trip and maintain a strong gallop all the way to the line. He is receiving 6kg from Main Defender and will make a bold bid. Musical Score has a plum draw and is a three-year-old on the up, so he is an interesting runner. Radicchio has some class and beat the usefulo Cymric the last time he went over this course and distance, but he is considerably under sufferance with the like of Main Defender and he has a wide draw too. Savannah Storm is one who can never be ignored, despite generally finishing unplaced, because on his day he can put in top performances over this trip and he has a fair draw of six. The same can be said of Fire ‘N Flames, who is ideally distance suited. Legend Of Arthur, Atticus Finch and Purple Pitcher are all class acts who would prefer further, but their class could pull them through.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Tamarisk Tree goes for four in a row as he does not face inspiring opposition and off his five point higher merit rating he is the joint best in at the weights under the Pinnacle Stakes conditions. He does have a tricky draw over the suitable 1800m trip but Muzi Yeni is an expert at overcoming such draws. The classy Parisian Walkway is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and will likely make a bold bid from the front and in good weather conditions the faster ground should suit him better than when last going over course and distance in testing conditions. Navajo Nation is joint best in at the weights and this will be an easier task than usual for this highly tried individual.
In the second leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Pretty Analia goes for a hattrick off an eight point higher mark after a comfortable win over this trip last time. However, the form has been franked and she is well drawn so she can use her strong finish to go in again. She will have to beat the boys, but did do that in her penultimate start. The Ultimate King and Coppola look to be the dangers as improving sorts.
In the eighth race, a MR 106 Handicap over 1000m, the versatile and much improved Bob’s Your Uncle can do it. He went close from an unfavourable draw the last time he ran down the Turffontein Standside straight and now has a nice standside draw, although he is off a three point higher mark after a win over 1400m last time. Stablemate Dreamland loves the course and distance, but has to carry topweight, albeit under Richard Fourie. Quantum Theory, Cosmic Star and Mount Pinatubo should make bold bids too.
In the last leg of the Pick 6 Whistle The Tune reared and missed the break last time and can make amends. Virgin River and Kia Kaha look to be the dangers.
In the first leg of the Bipot, Charming Cheetah has speed and class and can get punters through. Zalatoris made a good winning debut and can also be included.
In the first leg of the PA Soho Heartthrob made a fine debut and is drawn on the right side in this 1160m contest so should get punters through.
Today's Question
Which horse faced the mighty Wolf Power three times in the Durban winter of 1982 and beat him all three times, including giving him weight and a beating in one of the races?
Picture: The picture is of the subject
Today’s Question Answer
The Dowdstown Charley colt Prince Florimund was sent to David Payne for the winter of 1982 and he contested five races and won four of them, the Gr 1 SA Guineas, the Gr 1 SA 2000 (Daily News 2000), the Gr 2 Clairwood Winter Handicap over 1800m and the Gr 1 Champion Stakes over 2000m. He beat Wolf Power by 3,50 lengths in the SA Guineas, he gave him 3,5kg and a 1,25 length beating in the Clairwood Winter and he beat him by 2,75 lengths in the Champion Stakes.
The only other race he contested that winter was the Oceanair Derby over 2400m at Clairwood where he was beaten 1,25 lengths by Saturado.
Wolf Power was said to never be at his best in Durban, but Prince Florimund is never mentioned among the greats and he should be.
