Turf Talk Newsletter – 15 October, 2025

Gimmie Rules comes from last and wins effortlessly (Picture: Wayne Marks)

The mating of three-times Champion Stallion Gimmethegreenlight to the Equus Champion Broodmare Real Princess has already produced a three-time Gr 1-winning Equus Champion Sprinter (Gimme A Prince), a Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July winner (The Real Prince) and a Gr 3 winner (Gimmie’s Countess) from its first three progeny and the latest offspring to run, the three-year-old colt Gimmie Rules, looks set to follow in their footsteps such was the impression he created when winning at Hollywoodbets Durbanville today (Wednesday).

All four of the aforementioned horses are homebreds of Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables and all four are trained by Dean Kannemeyer.

Gimmie Rules won impressively over 1200m on debut at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in a Maiden Juvenile Plate in June and Kannemeyer, commenting on that run shortly thereafter, said he had struck as one who would appreciate further.

He started at 33/10 that day having drifted from 18/10 and second time out, over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on September 22, he drifted out from 33/10 to 8/1 when drawn 11 of 13 and running off a 90 merit rating in a Class 4 event. On that occasion he was dropped out to near the back and made his run up the inside rail. He was making eyecatching progress and was still in with a chance when the door was closed on him and he had to be snatched up. He officially finished a 2,75 length sixth, but was always going to be a warm order next time out.

He duly started at odds of 67/100 today when running in a Class 4 event over the same Hollywoodbets Durbanville 1250m course and distance.

He was dropped out again from draw six, this time to last, and Craig Zackey rode him with extreme confidence. Zackey was never in a rush and in the straight he took no chances by switching him to the outside of the field.

Gimmie Rules mowed them down impressively and went on to win by 2,50 lengths.

Considering he should prefer further he looks to be an exciting classic prospect.

Kannemeyer said in the winner’s enclosure, “He’s a beautiful horse and he’s not a sprinter. I always said from the beginning he’s going to be a 1600m horse and he will probably land up going further. Many didn’t think his brother would be winning a race like the July, but when he came in he was always a tall, rangy type of a horse. This mare has been fantastic. Lady Laidlaw must be so proud of her. I hope she did watch and congratulations to her.”

He added about today’s race, “When he swung for home I thought he’s got a lot to do here, but he turned it on nicely, so I think he’s a nice horse and he’s got lots of potential.”

Gimmie Rules’ dam, the Klawervlei Stud-bred Trippi mare Real Princess, is a half-sister to Cape Guineas winner William Longsword and cost R2.7 million at the Sales, before going on to win the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint.

Real Princess was selected by Kannemeyer together with Lady Laidlaw’s bloodstock agent and racing manager Jehan Malherbe and that R2.7m price has turned out to be a bargain.

Gimmie Rules looks more likely to follow in the footsteps of The Real Prince than Gimme A Prince and could be a Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas horse, a race Dean has personally won six times and the Kannemeyer yard have won nine times.

See It Again winning the Gr 1 Splashout Cape Derby in February 2023 (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Johannesburg, South Africa — See It Again, a two-time Grade 1 winner trained by Michael Roberts, tops the first Betway Summer Cup Log, which was released on Tuesday, 14 October.

A total of 42 horses have been entered for the Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup to be run at Turffontein on 29 November, but with the field limited to 20 runners, it still remains to be seen which runners will face the starter and try to grab their share of the R6-million purse on offer.

4Racing, in consultation with the NHA Handicappers, will publish a series of logs leading up to the premier Highveld race, and the determination of the final field is at the discretion of the NHA in consultation with 4Racing.

According to NHA Handicapper Lennon Maharaj, the Summer Cup log functions as the official ranking tool used to determine which horses are most likely to be selected for the Betway Summer Cup, based on their position at the time the log is published.

The Betway Summer Cup is limited to a maximum of 20 runners. The log is published in stages, including the initial and final versions and is compiled by the Racing Operator (4Racing) in consultation with the Handicappers.

It ranks the top 20 horses most likely to make the final field if selection were to take place at the time of publication. These horses are listed in order of preference.
All other entries outside the top 20 are listed in descending Merit Rating order.

It is also important to note that, while it is not stipulated that the winner of races such as the Allied Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile and the Betway Victory Moon Stakes enjoy automatic entry into the Betway Summer Cup, it is unlikely that they would be left out of the final field if entered.

The log rankings are based on a combination of factors, including but not limited to:
●    Merit ratings
●    Recent race form
●    Form over the distance
●    Performance in key preparatory races
●    Form in Graded races

The log serves as a strategic guide for owners and trainers, providing a clear indication of where their horse stands in relation to the competition.

Horses outside the top 20 are often required to enter and perform well in major preparatory races such as the Betway Victory Moon Stakes to secure a win or improve their merit rating, thereby increasing their chances of making the final field.

Horses near the bottom of the top 20 must maintain strong performances to solidify their position or avoid poor results that could see them replaced by late improvers.

Publishing the log ensures transparency in the selection process. It builds excitement, encourages speculation, and drives engagement among racing fans and punters, who closely follow the rankings and form of their preferred horses in the lead-up to race day.

The first Summer Cup log, in order position, horse, age and sex, merit rating, nett merit rating, runs, wins, and trainer, is:
1 SEE IT AGAIN (6G) 125 – 125 – 26 – 7 Michael Roberts
2 ROYAL VICTORY (6G) 125 – 125 – 27 – 5 Nathan Kotzen
3 KING PELLES (5G) 122 – 122 – 23 – 7 Gareth van Zyl
4 ATTICUS FINCH (6G) 121 – 121 – 25 – 6 Alec Laird
5 OKAVANGO (4G) 120 – 119 – 10 – 3 Justin Snaith
6 CONFEDERATE (4G) 118 – 117 – 11 – 5 Fabian Habib
7 SON OF RAJ (6G) 119 – 119 – 24 – 6 Tony Peter
8 SPUMANTE DOLCE (4F) 117 – 116 – 8 – 3 Mike/Mathew de Kock
9 FIERY PEGASUS (4F) 119 – 118 – 11 – 5 Joe Soma
10 MADISON VALLEY (5G) 115 – 115 – 21 – 5 Frank Robinson
11 ON MY HONOUR (4G) 116 – 115 – 9 – 3 Glen Kotzen
12 OTTO LUYKEN (6G) 116 – 116 – 27 – 5 James Crawford
13 LEGEND OF ARTHUR (4C) 117 – 116 – 11 – 3 Sean Tarry
14 PARISIAN WALKWAY (4G) 117 – 116 – 12 – 2 Alec Laird
15 THE EQUATOR (IRE) (5H) 116 – 116 – 8 – 2 Tony Peter
16 RULE BY FORCE (6G) 117 – 117 – 13 – 3 Joe Soma
17 WILD INTENT (4G) 116 – 115 – 10 – 2 Lucky Houdalakis
18 SOLAR SAIL (4G) 115 – 114 – 12 – 2 Mark Khan
19 OLIVIA’S WAY (4F) 112 – 111 – 13 – 5 Roy Magner
20 WORLD OF ALICE (4F) 106 – 105 – 13 – 2 Sean Tarry

The other first entries are:
FUTURE PEARL (6G) 114 – 114 – 26 – 6 Sean Tarry
MARAUDING HORDE (5G) 112 – 112 – 18 – 5 Mike/Mathew de Kock
BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW (4G) 112 – 111 – 16 – 4 Grant Maroun
GREETING MY MASTER (5G) 110 – 110 – 15 – 4 Alec Laird
POETS WARRIOR (6G) 110 – 110 – 14 – 6 Mike Azzie
ARISTOTLE (4G) 109 – 108 – 10 – 2 Alec Laird
HOTARUBI (5G) 106 – 106 – 27 – 3 Sean Tarry
DON’T CRY FOR ME (4G) 104 – 103 – 17 – 3 Sean Tarry
MOCHA BLEND (4F) 104 – 103 – 7 – 2 Frank Robinson
NAVAJO NATION (5G) 104 – 104 – 28 – 3 WO Marwing/WH Marwing
THUNEE PLAYA (5H) 103 – 103 – 22 – 5 Mano Pandaram
COUNT HUHTIKUU (4G) 101 – 100 – 9 – 3 James Crawford
COCOMELON (4F) 100 – 99 – 11 – 1 Sean Tarry
CHESTNUT BOMBER (4G) 97 – 96 – 14 – 2 Johan Janse van Vuuren
THE ULTIMATE KING (4G) 97 – 96 – 8 – 3 Tony Peter
PIONEER SQUARE (4G) 96 – 95 – 9 – 3 Candice Dawson
RIVER ROMEO (6G) 95 – 95 – 20 – 3 Mano Pandaram
INFINITE WONDER (8G) 94 – 94 – 17 – 3 Mano Pandaram
OBSIDIAN (4G) 94 – 93 – 9 – 4 Johan Janse van Vuuren
PUMPKIN PIE (4G) 92 – 91 – 6 – 2 Candice Dawson
DIWALI ROCKET (4G) 89 – 88 – 12 – 2 Mano Pandaram
ENFLAME (4G) 86 – 85 – 7 – 2 Candice Dawson

To stay up to date with the latest news and information, please visit: 

●    https://summercup.co.za/ / https://racingtoday.co.za
●    Instagram and X: @summercupracing / @racingtoday
●    Facebook: Summer Cup Racing / Racing Today

Ends.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Robyn Louw

Confederate, pictured winning the Gr 1 SA Classic, is the early favourite for the Betway Summer Cup after making a winning reappearance (JC Photos) 

Cape trainers Snaith, Kotzen and Crawford and KZN trainers Roberts, Kotzen, Van Zyl and Robinson enter horses for Joburg’s big one.

Mike Moon (The Citizen)

Racing enthusiasts were pleased to see nominees from around the country when 42 first entries for the Betway Summer Cup at Turffontein on 29 November were unveiled.

Most notable are horses from Cape Town-based trainers Justin Snaith, Glen Kotzen and James Crawford.

Cape raiders have become a rarity on the Highveld in recent times, but a R6-million purse – and Grade 1 status – for Joburg’s premier horse race might be big enough an incentive for stables behind the Wine Curtain to tackle the travel challenges.

Snaith has entered four-year-old gelding Okavango, who was placed twice in graded races during the KwaZulu-Natal winter season and looks a hardy sort that might cope well with an upcountry jaunt for a 2000m test.

Another horse who placed in good company in KZN was On My Honour and trainer Kotzen clearly has an inkling he might be a contender.

Read more Confederate is the early favourite for Betway Summer Cup
Crawford has the advantage of a satellite yard at Randjesfontein, outside Joburg, from which to stage his Summer Cup assault. Locally stabled Count Huhtiku could be joined by the progressive Otto Luyken from the coastal operation.

The KZN challenge is headed by 2023 Summer Cup champion Royal Victory, who has been a wonderfully reliable and lucrative campaigner for Nathan Kotzen.

Another possible visitor from Summerveld is old soldier See It Again, a dual Grade 1 winner who finished a commendable fifth in last year’s Summer Cup. If anyone knows how to raid Joburg it’s trainer Michael Roberts, who did it regularly decades ago as the champion jockey.

Other KZN possibles are Gareth van Zyl’s Grade 3 marathon triple winner King Pelles and Frank Robinson’s Madison Valley, who took fourth place in this race last year.

Alec Laird has entered defending champion Atticus Finch, who launched his prep for this year’s big race in fine style recently, finishing second to Tin Pan Alley in the Grade 2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m.

Confederate from the Fabian Habib yard is another local hopeful who has made an encouraging start to the season, winning impressively over 1450m at Turffontein earlier this month.

Sean Tarry, who has five Summer Cup trophies, has entered six, including SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur.

Nine-time Cup winner Mike de Kock has two entries, in his partnership with son Mathew: filly Spumante Dolce and gelding Marauding Horde.

Second Entries close at 11:00 Tuesday 4 November. Final Entries close at 09:00 Monday 17 November.

Weights published on Monday 17 November. Declarations by 11:00 Wednesday 19 November. Final field and barrier draws on Wednesday 19 November.

Operator 4Racing in consultation with the NHA handicappers will publish a series of logs from 14 October.

For a full list of entries and ante-post betting odds, see the Bestway Best Bets page.

Potberrie could be the one to side with in a tricky Pinnacle Stakes race at Turffontein Inside (JC Photos)

The Turffontein Inside course hosts a seven race meeting on Thursday and a Pinnacle Stakes race over 1600m and a Middle Stakes race over 1600m are the highest rated races.

In the Pinnacle event Potberrie is only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted runner, Lady Fallon. and should make a bold bid from a plum draw of two. He is capable of setting the pace and running on. Solar Sail is drawn in pole, but is 2kg under sufferance with the best weighted. He should be staying on from a handy position. Navajo Nation ran a decent third in a Pinnacle event over course and distance last time out and from a fair draw of four he could make his presence felt again. King’s Express could be the one to lead as he is drawn five and led from start to finish over 1800m last time out. He was raised two point to 102, but even then he is 2kg under sufferance with the best weighted and the step down in trip won’t aid his cause either so he looks to have a tough task. Marauding Horde will find it on the sharp side, but could earn a cheque here running fresh after a five month layoff. The best weighted Lady Fallon has a tricky draw in her first start for more than six months. She should come on from the run. Pressonregardless is only 1kg better off with Potberrie for a 4,80 length beating so is up against it, although he is likely better than that last run. Greeting My Master and Taegan’s Champ were both well beaten last time after long layoffs but should have come on from those runs. However, this will likely be another come on run for them.

In the Middle Stakes event Soho Heartthrob is officially 3kg under sufferance if the half-a-kilogram of overweight of Craig Zackey is included. However, he caught the eye last time out when just failing in a 1400m handicap and he should have come on from the run and will relish the step up in trip. This long strider has plenty of scope and can rise above his current 94 merit rating. He is well drawn and should be running on strongly. Birthright has found consistency and comes off a second place finish over this trip at the Vaal. He has a tricky draw of six out of ten so will need some luck in running. He is 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted runner, Last Car To Pass. The latter is the only female in the field and has a plum draw over a suitable trip and runs in first time blinkers. She should make a bold bid considering her last win was against the boys in a Novice Handicap. Player has overall been a bit of a disappointment, but he represents a very much in-form yard and from a fair draw should be in the shake up. Impact Investor is knocking on the door but returns from a short layoff and is 2kgn under sufferance with the best weighted. He is drawn in pole so it would be no surprise to see him in the shake up. Obsidian comes off a hat-trick but it won’t be easy as it is his first run for two months and he is 7,5kg worse off with Birthright for a 4,3 length victory in June, although he should have theoretically made 1kg of improvement over this trip since then.

Race 2 over 1000m forms the first leg of the Pick 6 and it should be fought out by Trajanus and Hammer Blow. The latter was drawn on the wrong side last time and ran on well. He should have come on from the run and is now drawn in pole so looks the one to beat. Trajanus will make another bold bid to get out of the second box. The first-timer Aquarius is by Rafeef, whose progeny are having a fine season to date, so she has to be respected.

The third race over 1600m could be won by Onetwobucklemyshoe if she is able to overcome a wide draw as she went close on debut over this course and distance when backed into 5/4 favourite. She is the only filly in the contest so it won’t be easy. War Summit and Gavius Maximus could be the main dangers.

In the fourth race over 1200m Blushing Bloom has some fine form and can go close if able to overcome a wide draw. Saragossa Cat has a plum draw and can build on her maiden win over course and distance having been given a reasonable merit rating of 82. Maverick Queen was close to a promising sort last time and can be involved with a repeat.

In the seventh over 1450m Michael Faraday won with authority last time and as a former Cape horse can follow up off a six point higher mark. Matroosberg’s last run can be forgiven as he was widely drawn and it did not pan out well. Clarkson is well drawn and capable of being in the shake up.

In the first race over 1000m MME Huntress could improve and have the edge over Master’s Lady.

Ka Ying Rising, who landed “a perfect” seven draw, exercises at Canterbury Racecourse, Sydney, ahead of the world’s richest turf race, The Everest (HKJC)

By Leo Schlink (HKJC) in Sydney

Michael Hawkes, co-trainer of leading Australian sprinter Briasa, welcomes Ka Ying Rising’s presence in the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) G1 The Everest on Saturday (18 October) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia, but warned the world’s richest turf race is not a “one-horse race.”

Bidding to provide businessman and passionate racehorse owner Mr Leung Shek Kong of the Ka Ying Syndicate with defining international success this weekend, Ka Ying Rising has dominated pre-race discussions after compiling a 13-race winning streak in Hong Kong, crowned by record-breaking performances over 1200m at Sha Tin.

But Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, believes Briasa could foil the ambitions of Mr Leung, David Hayes and Zac Purton of Ka Ying Rising becoming Hong Kong, China’s first winner of The Everest.

“It’s never been a one-horse race in our opinion and we’ve just got him peaking right on the day,” Hawkes said of Briasa, spectacular last-start winner of the G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick – the gelding’s second course and distance win.

“We believe that we’ve always had the right horse for the race, we’ve believed in this horse since day one. He’s going to be peaking, he worked amazing on Tuesday morning (14 October) and he just seems to be getting better and better and I don’t really know where he’s at, to be honest.

“Ka Ying Rising is a superstar in Hong Kong. It’s great for racing that he’s here but we’ve got a job to do.

“(In the) Premiere Stakes, everyone saw how well he performed. Tyler (Schiller) rode him brilliantly, the speed was hot and he just come up that rise with a lapful of horse. He’s taken great benefit from that and third-up was always going to be when he was going to peak – and we’ve always primed him for that.”

While Ka Ying Rising will start in gate seven – a draw which delighted Hayes – Briasa will jump from barrier 10.

“It’s not ideal. Everyone wants to draw that inside gate – three, four, five – but there’s a lot of speed inside and this race is different. There are no rules,” Hawkes said.

“You can have the best horse in the race but you don’t always win. He (Briasa) is the right horse, we believe in him. So, it will come down to how it’s run, the tempo, jockeys jostling for positions. I know Tyler’s in the zone, we’re in the zone, our horse is in the zone. You’ve just got to keep a straight mind and say ‘Hey, this is what we need to do’ and get the job done.”

Briasa’s two 1200m wins at Royal Randwick have come from barriers two and three, respectively.

Bjorn Baker’s Overpass will make his third appearance in The Everest after finishing sixth in 2022 and 10th in 2023.

The seven-year-old, who finished second ahead of third-placed Ka Ying Rising in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick last week, is expected to set the pace in The Everest with Mazu after drawing barrier nine.

“He’s a fast horse, we’ll look to use that speed and I think he’s set up to run well. He’s set up to be very quick out of the gates and we’ll use that natural speed on Saturday,” Baker said. “He’s definitely a lot better fresher and we’ve learnt that over time, he’s best when he’s fresh and if he produces his absolute best, he’s not out of it.”

Speaking in Sydney, Mr Leung said: “I appreciate the TAB and the ATC (Australian Turf Club) for helping us to join The Everest. I’m very excited for the race on Saturday, but I’m not too worried about the result, whether we win, run second or worse, it’s just a very big honour to be a part of the race on Saturday.

“I just want to enjoy everything and I hope the horse enjoys the race as well. I’m loving Sydney, the weather is good and not too humid.”

Picture: Luke Ferraris produced the handy King Gloriosa early  and it paid dividends, but only just (HKJC)  

Luke Ferraris had a winner at Happy Valley today (Wednesday), his seventh win of the season, which puts him third on the Hong Kong log behind runaway leader Zac Purton (19) and Hugh Bowman (8).

Lyle Hewitson and Karis Teetan are in joint 5th place with six wins, while Keagan de Melo is yet to get off the mark.

Ferraris’ win today was on the Douglas Whyte-trained King Gloriosa, who paid HK$10 on the Tote.

He came from a handy position and just got up.

Whyte has now had four wins this season.

In which season were there two runnings of The Met?

Picture: The Met jockeys of 2009