Turf Talk Newsletter – 4 July, 2025

The Sean Tarry-trained Drakenstein-homebred Gimmethegreenlight filly Green Diamond could add another Gr 2 to her CV by winning the Splashout Golden Slipper. (JC Photos).

Hollywoodbets Durban July Day Formguides

Race Coast

1

1 HAPPY ANALIA   11 ETHEREAL VIEW   3 AVERNIAN GODDESS   5 DAFNES DAUGHTER

Summary: HAPPY ANALIA (1) is in good form and has the best of the draw. She stays the trip well and the form of her last win has been franked. ETHEREAL VIEW (11) has a wide draw to contend with but has come well in her last two. AVERNIAN GODDESS (3) ran well below form when favourite last time out. She was a winner over course and distance at her penultimate start. DAFNES DAUGHTER (5) improved last run over shorter. The blinkers come off and this trip should suit. (Andrew Harrison: 1-11-3-5).

2

2 MAGICAL VIEW   12 PINK PIGEON   6 BEVIES DELIGHT   7 THAT’S MY BABY

Summary: MAGICAL VIEW (2) has been consistent over a furlong further. She has drawn well and the blinkers go one that should sharpen her up. PINK PIGEON (12) has a wide draw to contend with but comes with solid Cape form. If Fourie can beat the draw she will be concerned. BEVIES DELIGHT (6) is not always reliable but is more than capable on her day. THAT’S MY BABY (7) suddenly found form last outing after returning from a break. She is way better than her previous form suggests. (Andrew Harrison: 2-12-6-7).

3

4 THE EQUATOR   6 LITIGATION   8 JOHNNY THE THIEF   9 FIELD MARSHAL

Summary: THE EQUATOR (4) has his first local outing. He has some fair UK form over ground and if fit and well could prove a touch too classy for this field. LITIGATION (6) was a reserve runner for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. He just needed his last run and is a big contender. JOHNNY THE THIEF (8) has been working his way up the handicap, winning four of his last five starts. He is still out at the weights but comes in with only 52kg to shoulder. FIELD MARSHAL (9) is seldom out of the money and was running on late in the Tote Derby last time out. He has a handy weight and a strong winning chance. (Andrew Harrison: 4-6-8-9).

4

3 KING PELLES   5 SHOOT THE RAPIDS   9 NEBRAAS   13 HOLDING THUMBS

Summary: KING PELLES (3) was a comfortable winner of the recent Tote Derby, finishing off strongly. He stays the trip and is in good form. SHOOT THE RAPIDS (5) was runner-up in last season’s Gold Cup and has built up nicely into this race. He will go close on his best form. It has been some time between drinks for veteran stayer NEBRAAS (9) but he is holding form and should be involved in the finish. HOLDING THUMBS (13) was out-gunned late by King Pelles in the Tote Derby but can come on from that run and is not without a chance. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-9-13).

5

10 GREEN DIAMOND   9 ANOTHEDANCEFORME   11 KEUKENHOF   8 QUICKSTEPGAL

Summary: GREEN DIAMOND (10) steps up in trip but has been a comfortable winner of her last two and should go close. The unbeaten ANOTHERDANCEFORME (9) comes with outstanding Fairview form. The extra furlong should not be an issue. KEUKENHOF (11) was a close-up fourth in a strong renewal of the Gr1 Allan Robertson. This trip will suit.   QUICKSTEPGAL (8) has won her last three, most recently over course and distance. She does meet slightly stronger but should put in another forward effort. (Andrew Harrison: 10-9-11-8).

6

2 ELEGANTRIX   5 MILITARY COMMAND   13 CHARMING CHEETAH   4 ARISTOCRATIC

Summary: ELEGANTRIX (2) is the only filly in the race but she comes with solid credentials. She won the Godolphin Barb beating subsequent Gr1 Gold Medallion winner Good For You. Before following up when second in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship. She has a plum draw and the extra furlong should suit. MILITARY COMMAND (5) was a length back to Good For You in the Gold Medallion but running on strongly. The extra will suit. CHARMING CHEETAH (13) was a length ahead of Military Command in the Medallion but has drawn wide which is a big concern. ARISTOCRATIC (4) impressed in his debut win and is one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-13-4).

7

11 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN   5 THE REAL PRINCE   17 ROYAL VICTORY   1 ORIENTAL CHARM

Summary: EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (11) is out to prove himself the best horse in the country. He boasts an exceptional record and in spite of carrying 57kg he has a plum draw and without traffic he should be difficult to beat. THE REAL PRINCE (5) has yet to go the trip but is a class act and comes from a stable that has won this race three times in the past. ROYAL VICTORY (17) seldom runs a bad race and his wide draw may well be a blessing. Third last year, he has warmed up nicely and should be involved in the finish. Last year’s winner, ORIENTAL CHARM (1) has a tricky draw of one to negotiate but he likes to race handy and arrives off a perfect preparation. He is 2.5kg better off with Eight On Eighteen on their WSB Cape Town Met encounter where they were separated by less than a length. (Andrew Harrison: 11-5-17-1).

8

9 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM   6 RASCOVA   10 FATAL FLAW   7 MON PETITE CHERIE

Summary: Cracking race. DOUBLE GRAND SLAM (9) found all manner of traffic in her last start but still managed to finish close up. She will much prefer this trip. RASCOVA (6) takes on Double Grand Slam in renewed rivalry. She too found a heap of trouble in the SA Fillies Sprint and will also prefer this trip. FATAL FLAW (10) made a smart return from a break to win the Gr1 Empress Club Stakes beating the more than useful SPUMANTE DOLCE (11). The latter was no match for Eight On Eighteen in the Daily News 2000 but was far from disgraced. MON PETIT CHERIE (7) beat Spumante Dolce in the WSB Fillies Guineas by a neck and there should not be much between them again. (Andrew Harrison: 9-10-7-11).

9

10 KING OF THE GAULS   4 O’TENIKWA   5 OUTLAW KING   12 WILLIAM ROBERTSON

Summary: Wide open. KING OF THE GAULS (10) has his third run after a break. He showed good speed in the Golden Horse Sprint before stopping late for third. He should be at his peak now and has the right rider aboard. O’TENIKWA (4) was run out of it late in the Golden Horse. He has been in good form and from a handy draw should be involved again. OUTLAW KING (5) started a weak favourite in the Golden Horse but was one-paced late. He has his third run after a break and should be at his peak. WILLIAM ROBERTSON (12) has drawn wide but looking for his 16^th win. The mile was well out of his compass last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 10-4-5-12).

10

1 UNDERWORLD   9 MONEY HEIST   6 I SALUTE YOU   14 NARINA TROGON

Summary: UNDERWORLD (1) won over course and distance three starts back and has been in good form since. He has the best of the draw. MONEY HEIST (9) has not been out for nearly a year but was close-up over course and distance a year ago. He is obviously fit and well and is one to watch in the betting. I SALUTE YOU (6) had the worst of the draw last start. He is lightly raced and can do better over this shorter trip. NARINA TROGON (14) seldom runs a bad race but tends to get there a little too late. He could prefer it a furlong further but is always game. (Andrew Harrison: 1-9-6-14).

11

7 KITCHAKAL   6 RICH FOLKS HOAX   12 MAKAZOLE   13 ONE SMART COOKIE

Summary: Wide open. KITCHAKAL (7) only got a one-point raise in the handicap for his last win giving the second horse 10.5kg. He had solid form in good company prior to that and can follow up. RICH FOLKS HOAX (6) was narrowly beaten over course and distance with first time blinkers. He had a handy draw and should be thereabouts again. MAKAZOLE (12) was used as a pacemaker in the Daily News 2000. Big drop in class and has the right jockey aboard. He could be a handsome place payout. ONE SMART COOKIE (13) has won her last three but is up in class and takes in a useful field. She does have a handy galloping weight and has a strong money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-12-13).

12

5 MASTEROFTHEDESERT   1 OPEN HIGHWAY   8 DAPPER   11 ROLLO THE VIKING

Summary: MASTEROFTHEDESERT (5) made a promising local debut when jumping from a wide draw. He has a better gate here and should contest the finish. OPEN HIGHWAY (1) appeared to enjoy the step up in trip last run and does have the best of the draw. He boasts consistent Highveld form.  DAPPER (8) has his second run for his new stable. He was close-up first up and this trip will suit. ROLLO THE VIKING (11) has a tough draw but was much improved last run and can feature again. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-8-11).

Rainbow Lorikeet might be a topical winner. (Picture: Wayne Marks). 

One wag was heard to say on the street today ‘the pair to side with in the Hollywoodbets Durban July are Pomodoro’s Jet and Native Ruler’ and on further investigation it was dicovered he had been told “8 and 18” will win (Pomodoro’s Jet is no 8 and Native Ruler is no. 18!).

A topical case could be made for Rainbow Lorikeet, because the winner 100 years ago was Bird Of Prey, the winner 65 years ago was Left Wing and the winner 30 years ago was Teal, so another bird theme winner could fall on another nice round number divisible by five.

Confederate might be a topical winner with President Trump being accused by some as being a neo-Confederate.

My Best Shot could be a topical winner with Wimbledon on at present.

Grant van Niekerk has been in trouble this season with the National Horse Racing authority for falling foul of the racing laws, so it could be fitting he is riding Litigation.

Purple Pitcher could be an approprate winner in the first year in which the racing operator in KZN (Race Coast) is owned by Hollywoodbets, as the latter’s theme colour is of course purple.

Anyway, it is the silly season and many people’s Hollywoodbets Durban July fancies will not be based on form, but on something a horse reminds them of.

Confederate wins the Gr 1 TAB SA Classic. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Winning Form’s Magic Tips’ View Of The Hollywoodbets Durban July: 

The Hollywoodbets Durban July has arrived and horses with natural gate speed may be hard to peg back.

CONFEDERATE was outrun late when second in his preparation run in the Non-Black Type 4Racing Egoli Mile. He won a good race in the Grade 1 TAB SA Classic over 1800m at Turffontein in his penultimate start. He was given a soft lead that day and found extra to get the better of Fire Attack who came out and won the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge. Warren Kennedy makes the trip from New Zealand to ride this son of Fire Away and with just 53.5kgs, he represents the value. Last year’s winner ORIENTAL CHARM has drawn pole position which should allow him to be in front without having to use up too much energy. He ran a cracker in the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge in his comeback run. The son of Vercingetorix would have come on from the outing. He is an honest type and merits healthy respect. EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN was super-impressive when winning the Grade 1 Daily News 2000. It will be no easy task carrying 57kgs as a 3yo, but he is a superstar who will be doing his best work at the finish. The gelding has done the trick on IMMEDIATE EDGE and with just 53kgs. he can feature.

July day selection box by Magic Tips:

Breeders will have the chance to obtain services to some of the country’s top stallions, when the Cape Breeders’ Club hosts its annual Stallion Services Auction.

This year, the services will be offered for sale online at www.bsa.co.za with the auction set to be held on July 8^th and 9^th.

Among the stallions who have services on offer are the likes of Charles Dickens,  Erik The Red, Jet Dark, Malmoos, Master Of My Fate, Point Lonsdale, Oriental Charm, Querari, Rafeef, Vercingetorix, What A Winter and Legislate. The latter is fully booked for the upcoming season, so the auction represents a rare chance to get a service to the sire of this year’s G1 Gold Medallion winner Good For You.

Below is a full list of stallions to whom services can be bought at the online sale via a live bid.

Attached is the Silent Bid form

STALLION SILENT BID BALLOT SHEET 2025 F

Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Saturday with an exciting 11-race twilight meeting that promises competitive action throughout the evening.

Highly progressive three-year-old Patch Of Stars appears well-placed to notch a fourth consecutive victory in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.

Since things finally clicked three starts ago, Patch Of Stars has been unstoppable, stringing together a hat-trick of wins. On his Class 3 debut last time out, the All Too Hard gelding was even more dominant than in his previous two Class 4 victories, powering away late to score by 1.50 lengths over this track and distance.

With the season nearing its end, Patch Of Stars lines up against a below-par Class 3 field with Zac Purton up and shapes as the clear standout — both on form and potential. He looks the best horse in the race, and possibly one to follow well beyond this level.

Debut winner Aerovolanic looks poised to extend his unbeaten run in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

The Frosted gelding impressed on debut three weeks ago, having shown promise in his lead-up trials. Despite a betting drift and some in-race mishaps — including his rider dropping the whip near the 200m and needing to steady Aerovolanic responded gamely, regaining momentum and producing a sharp late burst to claim victory.

He remains in Class 4 this weekend and doesn’t face a significantly tougher field. A progressive three-year-old with clear upside, Aerovolanic looks well placed to make it back-to-back wins. – iRace Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Super Dragon has shown above-average ability in trials and looks primed to deliver a strong performance on debut. Motor had genuine excuses in his last two starts and could make amends with a smoother run. Light Years Glory caused an upset on his debut but the wide draw and top weight pose a challenge this time. Just Follow Me ran on well in a recent trial and is worth considering on debut. Field Marshal possesses good early speed and could sneak into the placings.

Race 2: Gimme Five signalled his readiness on his Class 5 debut last time out, and the switch to the AWT surface only enhances his winning chances. Island Golden endured a tough trip but still finished strongly into third last start. He looks one to follow. Excellent Daddy a proven performer at this level, he can make his presence felt in a genuinely run race. Flying Phantom has found the line well late in his last two starts and must be respected with Purton aboard. Solar Up with the drop in rating, he could place at odds switching to the All-Weather track.

Race 3: Mr Energia has gone close in Class 3, and with the drop to Class 4, he’s poised to return to the winner’s circle, especially with Purton taking the reins. Yee Cheong Raider flashed home into second at big odds last start and should run well again if the pace suits. Fashion Legend aims for a quick double after a facile win last week. Sight Happy caught the eye charging home strongly last start and could surprise against some more fancied rivals. Beauty Formula showed good early speed in a recent trial and improvement is expected, especially if allowed a soft lead.

Race 4: Smashing Express with a better draw, he should endure a more economical run and could finally break through. Celtic Times did not disgrace last start and should not be overlooked in this race. Perfect Peach has recorded fast final sectional times recently and should deliver a strong performance from a low draw. Medic Elite with a lightweight on his back, he should produce an improved effort from a favourable draw. Family Fortune closed strongly last time and could make a late move if the pace is right.

Race 5: Aerovolanic an impressive debut winner, he appears to have plenty of upside and is primed for a double, despite the awk- ward draw. Lucky Symphony scored easily two starts ago but underperformed last time; worth a look if odds offer value. Club Ace has not been beaten far in his recent starts and will likely find this field more manageable. Patch Of Time a fast beginner, he could run a big race up front if given an uncontested lead. Ka Ying Resilience with his early speed, he could secure a spot in the Top 3 under the right race shape.

Race 6: California Bay his recent efforts in Class 3 have been honest, and with the drop in class, he must be considered a strong contender. Colourful Winner was narrowly beaten last start and should deliver another encouraging performance if he can cross early from a wide draw. Forerunner showed improvement with a fast-finishing second last start, and could go one better if the pace suits. Amazing Duck has trialled well for his return and should run well fresh. Endued caught the eye running home strongly last start and must be respected with Bowman aboard.

Race 7: Szeryng defied market expectations with an easy win last start, and from a favourable draw, he looks on track for a double. Sea Sapphire ideally placed with a 5-pound claimer, he could prove hard to catch with a well-timed ride. Igor Stravinsky showed big improvement last start, and with Purton taking the reins, he may go one better. Tourbillon Golfer showed tactical speed and finished second on debut, though aided by a slow tempo. He should perform well again under similar conditions. Wiseman better than his recent form suggests and could place at odds.

Race 8: Fortune Boy let down sharply to finish second last start, and from a low draw, he’s poised to go one better. Wukong Jewellery ran on well in a slowly run race last time out, and with the drop to Class 4, he must be respected. Joyful Prosperity showed signs of regaining form last time out, and a win wouldn’t be surprising. Forever Folks his last run was better than it reads, given a slow start. With a clean jump, he could cause an upset. Kasa Papa appears well weighted to continue his strong run, following two consecutive placings.

Race 9: Super Legends an underrated type, he is well placed with the apprentice claim and could cause an upset in a race of this nature. Lifeline Express with a fast tempo expected to suit his racing style, he should make a strong late surge. Magnifique has trialled well since his disappointing last start and could make amends with a favourable draw. Akashvani highly suited by the drop back in distance, he should deliver an improved effort, despite the wide draw. Righteous Arion encouraging form of late; still rates as a strong contender.

Race 10: Dancing Code has been competitive at this level lately and should run a big race up front with the apprentice claim. Lady’s Choice will relish the drop to Class 2, where he made all two starts ago. Masterofmyuniverse has secured back-to-back wins in Class 3 and remains a chance, despite the rise in class. Colourful King boasts consistent form at Happy Valley and should not be overlooked, though facing a stronger field. Call Me Glorious a natural frontrunner, he may sneak into the placings under the right race shape.

Race 11: Patch Of Stars an exciting 3YO, he won in style on his Class 3 debut last time out and looks primed to secure a fourth straight win. Armour War Eagle a proven performer at this level, he could show improvement with a low draw, and a Top 3 finish is not out of reach. Victory Sky looks overdue for his first local win, but faces a wide draw again. Solid Shalaa has been in great form on the AWT surface, and the switch to turf, where he is a three-time winner, should not be a concern. Another World a consistent performer in Class 3, he could place at odds despite the awkward draw.

Hollywood Racing have their 116th win of the season with Umzolozolo (Elusive Fort), who gave Marco van Rensburg and Cliffie Miller a double together. Hollywood Racing are on track to beat their record of 124 wins in a season. (Pauline Herman Photography).   

Craig Zackey failed to take advantage of the absence of Richard Fourie on the Fairview poly on Friday and scored a blank, whilst Alan Greeff certainly missed Fourie with only one of the horse’s Fourie was intended to ride winning, although Greeff did still score a double thanks to a fine ride from a wide draw by Charles Ndlovu on Dubai Hills.

Marco van Rensburg and Cliffie Miller had a double together.

Individual doubles were scored by Greeff, Luyolo Mxothwa and Zietsman Oosthuizen.

Gavin Lerena thus stays six head of Fourie on 245 wins, with Craig Zackey seven behind Lerena.

Luyolo Mxothwa is on 71 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 12.59%.

Van Rensburg is on 63 wins at 12.16%.

Greeff is on 160 wins countrywide for the season achieved at a strike rate of 17.74%, although he is going to battle to surpass his record of 176 wins in an East Cape season as he is now on 157 wins and there are only four meetings for the season left, meaning he will need a five-timer per meeting to break the record.

Oosthuizen is on 25 wins at 9.33%.

Miller is on 24 wins at 13.71%.

Which July winner subsequently set a world record for nine furlongs?

The picture is of the subject  

The 1963 July was won by Colorado King who subsequently raced in California and won the 1964 Hollywood Gold Cup plus set a World Record for nine furlongs in winning the American Handicap at Hollywood Park Racetrack.