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Master Christmas To Be Appropriate Grand Heritage Winner
The Grand Heritage features the annual biggest field in South African racing and has become a popular betting event (JC Photos)
The WSB Grand Heritage to be run over 1475m at the Vaal on Saturday features the annual biggest field in South African racing and the winner this year might appropriately be Master Christmas with the race happening five days before Christmas Day.
The five-year-old Tony Peter-trained Master Of My Fate gelding has good form and is distance suited, so from a potentially favourable high draw he could go one better than last year. He is 2kg better off with Mastership for a 1,20 length beating over 1500m in his last start and carries a nice galloping weight of 55,5kg with Gavin Lerena up. Yippee Kay Yay sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and this Buffalo Bill Cody three-year-old has done well this season in two runs as a gelding and looks to be progressive. He should enjoy this step up in distance being out of a Silvano mare whose three wins were from 1400m to 1450m and JP van der Merwe rides. He has a low draw but low draws have been the winning draws for the last two years. The five-year-old Diane Stenger-trained Master Of My Fate gelding Mastership is ideally distance suited and has always had a touch of class, so he could go close carrying 57,5kg off a 100 merit rating under Marco van Rensburg. The five-year-old Lancaster Bomber gelding Pressonregardless has come into his own recently and has a nice middle draw. He carries a big weight of 59,5kg, but Richard Fourie is aboard. Bristol Hercules has a touch of class and can make his presence felt over a suitable trip from a high draw carrying just 52kg under Mickael Michel and being just half-a-kilogram under sufferance. Taegan’s Champ has the class to be a contender over a suitable distance. Bob’s Your Uncle is on his home course over a suitable trip and represents Lucky Houdalakis, who has a good record in this race. Obsidian is in fine form and will be going for his third win this season over a suitable trip and carries 56kg under S’Manga Khumalo. Birthright carries just 52,5kg under Chase Maujean and is a capable sort who should be prominent and will relish the distance. Open Highway is capable of running on but is officially 1kg under sufferance under Kabelo Matsunyane. Dylan’s Champ is also in fine form but is also 1kg under sufferance. Calantha has proven form over this distance and Callan Murray up is a bonus, but its never easy against the boys. The filly Care Forgot is 1kg better off with Mastership for a 2,30 length beating over 1500m so should not be far off. Fire ‘N Flames is joint topweight with 60kg and has the ability to be right there over what should be an ideal trip. Potberrie is also distance suited and this joint topweight is also a contender in this wide open race. Hotarubi has talent but is a problematic horse and has only made the frame once in six starts this season. Rollotheviking is an interesting raider over a suitable trip but does appear to be at his best on the poly. Skittle skies has ability but might find this on the sharp side. Sonic Jet has come down to a competitive merit rating and should be effective over this trip. Pumpkin Pie can’t be discounted as he has a chance if producing his best. Red Bomber ran a fine race last time which puts him right into the picture. Wiccan Warrior is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and will be right there if producing his best. Paul Revere can still improve but has a hard task being 2,5kg under sufferance. They are selected in the order mentioned.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Maverick Queen is on the up and is the one to beat under Richard Fourie even if having to overcome a seven point raise for her last win.
In the second leg over 2400m Copper Plate ran a cracker when stepped up to a staying trip last time. losing narrowly with the rest well beaten, so he should take a power of beating.
In the seventh race, the Grand Heritage Consolation race, Fully Loaded is the form Choice, although Tsar Bomba is off a nice mark and can go close if bouncing back to form.
In the eighth race over 1475m Drivelikeamaster relished the step up to 1450m last time and although given four points for the run he should go close.
In the ninth over 1400m Bloomington ran a cracker last time and with a 4kg claimer up could be involved.
In the first race over 1000m Heath House showed tremendous gatespeed and natural speed on debut and should blitz them here.
In the second over 1200m Varachino’s Champ was due to run on Thursday but if still eligible here looks the one to beat.
In the third race over 1200m Tintin has plenty of ability and has a good opportunity to get off the mark.
In the tenth race over 1000m Inafix has consistent form over this trip and should be right there.
Palace Prince Could Take The Grand Heritage Consolation Crown
Vaal Saturday Formguides And Selections
R1 (1) HEATH HOUSE made an impressive debut and will be a huge contender, could remain unbeaten. (2) VOLCANIC HEAT is another who impressed with a win on debut and will be a big runner. (7) RUBY WHISPER ran well on debut and will contest the finish. (4) THE BRONX BULL comes from a yard who do well with unraced runners, any market support must be respected. (Devonne Govender 1-2-7-4).
R2 (12) VARACHINO’S CHAMP is making progress and will be the horse to beat. (11) RUBY FROM HEAVEN has scope to go well here and needs to be respected. (1) GULF OF AMERICA needed the last start and will get closer. (10) GREENSIDE GIRL is well bred and gets an eye-catching jockey booking, any market support must be respected. (Devonne Govender 12-11-1-10).
R3 (2) TINTIN is knocking on the door and will be the firm first choice. (13) SKY PILOT hasn’t been far in both starts and is likely to improve. (1) HAMMER BLOW is lightly raced and can do better here. (6) GHOST TOWN ROAD is well bred and any market support should be respected. Punters are urged to listen to trainer comments and watch the betting on unraced runners. (Devonne Govender 2-13-1-6).
R4 Open race. (4) MAVERICK QUEEN is in great form, she was impressive in her last win and will be the top choice. (17) FALCON STRIKE has been racing well and is another who is in with a big chance. (13) SPY STORY has been ultra-consistent and is another strong contender in this line up. (18) DARING ACT is never far back, his overall form is good and he can win this. (Devonne Govender 4-17-13-18).
R5 (1) CHABAL is holding solid form and looks to be the one to beat here. (4) CARTAGENA has been holding form and looks the main danger to the top selection. (3) COPPER PLATE ran a cracker in the last start and could challenge here. (2) ROMEO’S MAGIC ran well in the last start and capable of running a big race on best form. (Devonne Govender 1-4-3-2).
R6 Open looking contest, many in with chances. (8) OBSIDIAN is holding solid form and has a top rider up, big chance here. (21) DYLAN’S CHAMP has been running consistently and has always been highly regarded, he will be a strong contender. (7) MASTERSHIP was impressive in his last win showing plenty of determination and is another who must be respected here. (1) FIRE ‘N FLAMES is classy and will enjoy this 1475m trip, he needs to be respected here and could represent value. (Devonne Govender 8-21-7-1).
R7 Open race, many have chances. (2) PALACE PRINCE is a smart horse who is highly rated by the yard, he gets an eye-catching jockey booking and will be serious challenger here. (9) FULLY LOADED has been holding consistent form and will be a huge contender with Sean Veale aboard. (4) SECRET CHORD is another who is holding consistent form and cannot be discounted. (7) AMOR FATI gets Richard Fourie aboard which speaks volumes, he ran well in his last start in KZN and warrants huge respect. (Devonne Govender 2-9-4-7).
R8 Another highly competitive race. (4) COPPOLA is holding some smart form and has a top rider up. His most recent win was impressive and he can follow up. (8) DRIVELIKEAMASTER ran a cracking second in his last start and will have a solid winning chance if repeating that. (14) GUERILLA WARFARE has been holding consistent form, his last run was good when narrowly beaten by Johnny Drama and he can go one better. (10) IMPACT INVESTOR is capable of much better, his form prior to the last start was good and needs respect. (Devonne Govender 4-8-14-10).
R9 (1) AMANDLA NGAWETHU won a gutsy race when exiting the maidens, he gets the claiming apprentice aboard to take valuable weight of his back and he looks capable of delivering in a race where there isn’t any strong recent form to bank on respectfully. (9) CONCORDIA has never been far in recent runs and is capable of running a big race here. (6) GAMER is capable of much better and gets a top rider up. (15) CAN’T CATCH ME is capable of running into the money on overall form, include in larger perms. (Devonne Govender 1-9-6-15).
R10 (6) PHALA MILLIONS ran a cracker in the last start, he is capable of a big finish on his day and will be the top selection. (8) TIME FOR CHARITY ran well in the last start and is expected to be right there. (2) TIGER STORM has been running well recently and another decent run is expected. (1) INAFIX hasn’t been far and can get into the quartets. (Devonne Govender 6-8-2-1).
Piece Of Cake For Coco's Hero
Coco’s Hero has been tipped to win Race 5 (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Alistair Cohen (Race Coast)
An interesting card awaits racing fans at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, perhaps easier on the eye than the Grade 1 meeting a week earlier in terms of being kinder to solve.
Some highly regarded three-year-olds clash in race 5 over 1800m. Coco’s Hero is given the verdict but it will not be easy with 62,5kg to carry. He has won three races in succession and he is getting better, stronger, wiser and more impressive with every run. He was playful and he had a hot streak in him just a few months ago but he has matured and filled out beautifully. Future Free provides huge opposition. The half-brother to Eight On Eighteen was well beaten by Regulation in his last run over this course and distance. Regulation won a Grade 3 last Saturday and he has any amount of progress to come. The form has worked out well. Expect a good tussle.
Goodnessgraciousme is a tentative pick in race 3 over 1500m. She is mysteriously a one-time winner with some major efforts to her name. Perhaps good quality horses help her raise her game. Her last three runs have produced results to Swiatek and Major Master who have feature race performances to their names. Her opposition contains rivals who are trying this trip with no evidence of stamina or younger horses who have ability but seem short of confidence, possibly like she is. Andrew Fortune rides for Justin Snaith.
Three Tigers comes into race 6 over 1200m well weighted against a field of highly regarded rivals. His record is pleasing despite the fact that he has possibly underdelivered, being a one-time winner from six starts but the company he has kept and the weight turnarounds with those horses puts him right into the picture. His last effort came in the Sophomore Sprint at this course over 1200m and he was anything but disgraced finishing 2,45 lengths behind the seriously exciting Green Gateway. He finished a length behind All The Rage and he finds himself 1,5kg better off which should be enough to turn the form around. Muzi Yeni steps aboard for Michelle Rix. Rix has her yard in good spirits at the moment while Yeni continues to do good deeds around the country. Three Tigers could be upwardly mobile. If he can finish as close as he has through his career, he could have the potential to be competitive, in time, at a higher level. All The Rage is held in high regard. He is a good horse with a bright future. It would be harsh to judge him on his most recent run behind Green Gateway when 9/10 favourite. He had to shoulder top weight and he failed to be at his best. That could all remain relative because of Three Tigers’ positive weight advantage but he is not worth ruling out. He had been impressive prior and was on the minds of many racing aficionados. Aldo Domeyer takes the ride for Candice Bass. The yard has been quiet but one of this quality can turn around overnight. KwaZulu-Natal-based horses have shone around the country this season and the expectations are that Cognac is capable of being a force. Stuart Ferrie trains this son of Rafeef who started his career with two eye-catching wins before coming unstuck in his last run. He carried 62kg in his last run and gave weight away to grizzled older horses in only his third run. Ferrie’s first two runners in Cape Town would be an unfair gauge. I Am Giant ran a mighty second last weekend in the Grade 2 Splashout Merchants while Gladatorian was off colour in the Grade 2 Ridgemont Green Point Stakes. Keep an eye out for Empire State. He has a good record and his best is good enough to win. Stable elect Domeyer has gone with All The Rage so Gareth Wright gets the ride. Empire State has not run since May. He had a gallop at this course around two-and-a-half weeks before this race though to brush off the cobwebs.
Rix has Handsome Prince in race 4 over 1500m. A combination of cracking form and facing a field either returning from a rest, looking for further or testing the waters past a sprint, Handsome Prince could be in the right place at the right time. Wright gets the ride. He has done duty in his recent runs which have been hugely encouraging. His penultimate start he finished second behind Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas fourth-placed, Gimmie Rules giving 4,5kg. His last run yielded a superb third behind Major Master who went desperately close to winning a Grade 3 last weekend.
Marseilles should take all the beating in race 1 over 1000m. The form of his debut has produced two winners. Catwalk King and Champagne Castle finished behind him and they subsequently did the business. Marseilles finished ahead of them both. Unless a first timer is of high quality, he should win.
I Am Sam caught the eye on debut when he finished third, 3,75 lengths behind Loving
Prague over 1200m at this course. He runs in race 2 over the same track and trip. He had no chance of finishing third through the race, languishing a long way behind. He did some good late work and any ideas about racing should be embedded. Gavin Lerena is carded to Peter Muscutt.
Du Maurier gets a chance to return to winning ways in race 7 over 1200m. She has been costly to follow not giving her best performance in some weaker races but there were signs of life in her last run. She finished less than a length behind Match That over this course and distance. Match That surely has some wins ahead of her. That must stack up well in this lowly D Stakes where she gets a sex allowance.
Disting, Tanneron and Artiste all make appeal in race 8 over 1200m. Disting has the best turn of foot in the field so if she is not too far back on a fast-running track, she could be hard to stop. Winner of the Listed Laisserfaire Stakes over 1100m last month, she found a late finish again in her last run, the Grade 3 World Sports Betting Southern Cross Stakes over 1000m. Tanneron and Artiste have her held at the weights but Disting has an added distance to race over which could favour her.
Got The Look was rewarded for consistency in her last run when she exited the maidens and she might have found the right landing spot in race 9 over 1200m. Bass and Domeyer combine yet again.
Speed Figures Point To All The Rage
All The Rage can bounce back to winning ways for an in-form combination (Picture: Wayne Marks)
By Mark van Deventer (Race Coast)
All the Rage has the potential to become a fine sprinter, based on pedigree and his early performances. Trained by Candice Bass, who was sizzling hot mid-week with four winners, the Rafeef ex Gilded Minaret is already running some smart speed figures, and he gets an opportunity to record a fourth victory from seven starts in Race 6, a Class 3 over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.
He was capsized at odds on last time so punters may be leery. Yet, it may turn out that conceding weight and only succumbing by a length to the very smart Green Gateway on the 22nd of November was an effort full of merit. Bass has given the 3YO a month to recuperate after those exertions, and he should be primed third run after a rest.
Despite a slow start, Three Tigers recovered to run well from the front in that same race and should again set the target, but All the Rage is expected to out-finish him.
A bigger threat is arguably posed by Stuart Ferrie’s KZN visitor, Cognac. Like All the Rage, he is a son of 2017 TAB Computaform Sprint Gr 1 champ, Rafeef. He won his penultimate impressively then was undone by a wide draw and false pace at his Hollywoodbets Greyville follow up.
Golden Destiny is also in the mix. He ran out of puff at his first run back after a rest, and that effort should have brought him along nicely. As an older horse in receipt of 4kg’s from All the Rage, he is a live runner in Race 6.
Justin Snaith could have Race 5 locked up. He saddles Arbitration and Future Free. The former’s stretch rally only just fell short behind the re-opposing Coco’s Hero (now on a four-timer) and he is a late running threat under visiting rider Rene Piechulek, who caused a massive shock when winning the 2021 Arc de Triomphe on an 80/1 longshot – the German staying, mudlark, Torquator Tasso.
Future Free shapes as a way above average, developing stayer. He saw off Baton Rouge with a minimum of fuss on the 13th of September, then found stable mate Regulation too strong over the course and distance on the 22nd of November. There is no rival as daunting as Regulation here (his OMR is now 105) and Richard Fourie can stalk the likely pacesetters, Noble Hero, Baton Rouge and Ignite the Fire before pouncing.
A short field of seven go to post in Race 3, but there are some imponderables which make it compelling.
How will Dean Kannemeyer’s youngster Educator (beaten six lengths by Quickstepgal in the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas Gr 1 after a bumpy passage) and Glen Kotzen’s Lock And Key (smart at two and hinting at a revival as a 4YO last start) stack up against the Var filly, Babelicious who stretches out to 1500m after sprinting nicely.
Kotzen also saddles Disting in Race 8 with winning prospects. If she can jump on terms, it will make her task more achievable. The Global View (USA) filly drops down to a contest where the average merit rating is 90 – much calmer waters than the last two fields she has tangled with, where the OMR average has been considerably higher.
In the Laisserfaire Stakes Listed, she mugged reopposing Tanneron on the line (smart and game, and now better off at the weights but slightly suspect over six panels) and then handled strong company admirably in the Southern Cross Stakes Gr 3, when only two lengths off wonder-mare, Asiye Phambili (admittedly whilst receiving plenty of weight relief).
Other than Tanneron, Disting may need to watch out for Sohot Sowhat (goes best for Gavin Lerena) and Worldcraft (positive form pattern second up after a break). Both sport attractive back figures and need only run to that level to get into the fray. Another tardy start by Disting on a quick running sprint track, would open the door still wider for these pace-pressers.
The current track bias suits Shesgotclass ideally in the last. The 4YO Querari filly likes to bowl along upfront and only a jinking, fast finish from Call Me Secret denied her victory on the 26th of November over the course and distance.
She is trained by Des McLachlan and ridden by a motivated Grant van Niekerk who is determined to make an impact after a lean spell. Horses run for this gifted jockey – with the right application to his craft and a better book of rides he will surely get amongst the winners again.
Bass Racing’s December Dawn is showing signs that a fourth win is imminent as she finishes with more vigour and drops back to her previous winning mark, whilst American Ultra has a couple of lengths to make up on Shesgotclass but should strip fitter at her second run after a freshening and could possibly make up that leeway.
Ricky Maingard’s entry is ridden by Andrew Fortune. Despite his age, the seemingly indestructible 57-year-old is an irrepressible presence at early morning track work. Fortune is currently riding like a dynamo, bagging a four-timer in mid-December at this venue.
American Ultra drifted like a gale in the betting last time (unwanted at 20/1) but any market moves about her on Sunday would suggest she has tightened up fitness wise and so, should be respected in Race 9.
Off time of the last is 17h20.
The meeting commences with a Maiden Juvenile Plate at 12h35.
Invincible Shield The One To Beat In Saturday's HK Feature
Invincible Shield has been tipped to win the feature at Sha Tin on Saturday (Picture: HKJC)
Tim Carroll of At The Races has analysis, selections and a placepot perm for Saturday’s 11-race card at Sha Tin.
This Saturday sees a competitive 11-race card from Sha Tin getting underway at 7.00am SA Time.
The feature of the meeting is race 9, the Class 2 Ivy Handicap over 6f, offering prize-money in excess of £280,000.
One Of Tim’s best bets runs in that race.
Invincible Shield is rated by him a good eachway bet.
Now onto this week’s selections…
Hopes High Ahead Of Crambo's Long Walk Hat-trick Bid
Crambo (closest) won the Long Walk Hurdle for the first time in 2023, tenaciously getting up to deny Paisley Park by a short-head (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)
Fergal O’Brien’s charge is looking to join an elite list
At The Races
Crambo has the opportunity to join illustrious company by becoming a three-time winner of the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.
The brilliant French stayer Baracouda won four editions of the pre-Christmas Grade One between 2000 and 2004, since when both Big Buck’s (2009-2011) and Reve De Sivola (2012-2014) have completed hat-tricks while Paisley Park won his three over a five year period between 2018 and 2022.
Having beaten Paisley Park by a short head in 2023 and Hiddenvalley Lake by a head 12 months ago, Crambo returns to defend his crown this weekend – and while the eight-year-old been largely disappointing since last year’s triumph, his trainer Fergal O’Brien is hopeful he can show his true colours on Saturday.
“I’m hoping he runs well and has a good run,” said the Ravenswell Farm handler.
“I’m looking forward to him running, if he gets the rub of the green he won’t be far away, fingers crossed.
“I’m very optimistic. He’s in great shape at home and he loves Ascot. I suppose we could have done with a little bit more rain, but other than that we’re really looking forward to him going.”
Crambo may be the dual defending champion, but an emerging force in the division could be Nicky Henderson’s Impose Toi, who followed up a cosy handicap success at Aintree by downing Olly Murphy’s reopposing Strong Leader in Newbury’s Long Distance Hurdle last month.
He is joined in the line-up by Cheltenham Festival-winning stablemate Doddiethegreat who was back in fourth at Newbury, beaten six lengths.
“They’re both in good form and the riders at home are happy with them,” said Henderson.
“You would hope Impose Toi is the new name in the division and he was good at Newbury last time. He beat perhaps the best of the English then but he’ll have one of Gordon Elliott’s (Honesty Policy) to take on this time.
“Doddie is a fair bit better off at the weights as well this time, so we will give it a go.
“They have got to run when you have horses who are genuine three-milers and they are top of the handicap, you can’t win handicaps off those ratings, so we have to look at races like this. We’re lucky to have two of them capable of being involved.”
Honesty Policy won a Grade One novice event at Aintree in the spring and like Impose Toi carries the colours of owner JP McManus.
He will be joined on a raiding mission from Ireland by Lorna Fowler’s admirable Colonel Mustard, who is seeking a hat-trick following autumn wins at Sligo and Navan, while further international flavour is provided by David Cottin’s French raider Jet Blue.
Returning to the home contingent, last year’s third Beauport is given the chance to improve on that finishing position for Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, but the father and son duo could prove to have stronger claims with the highly regarded Potters Charm.
He moves back up to three miles after an honourable third in the Ascot Hurdle and his team are confident both of their contenders can make their mark.
Willy Twiston-Davies said: “We’re looking forward to running them both and Beauport of course ran well in the race last year when third, but it might just be a stronger renewal this year.
“He looks in very good form at home, he has been working fine and as for Potters Charm, this looks the logical step for him.
“He ran very well when third here last time, which was technically his first run of the year as he didn’t do a tap up at Wetherby, and I’m a little surprised by his price considering he was favourite to beat Strong Leader at Wetherby and is double the price now.
“I think he goes there with every chance and we’ll see where we stand after Saturday.”
De Melo And Sharon Kotzen Score Friday Trebles
Keagen de Melo rode a winner for his old guv’nor Dean Kannemeyer and the horse, the Vercingetorix gelding Continental Express, clinched him a treble at the meeting (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Sharon Kotzen scored a treble at the Fairview poly meeting on Friday and later Keagan de Melo scored a treble at the Hollywoodbets Greyville day-night turf meeting.
There were individual doubles for Malesela Katjedi and Alan Greeff at Fairview and for Cole Dicken at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
It was a welcome treble for Keagan de Melo, who has taken a few meetings to get into the swing of things since arriving back from his two-and-a-third seasons stint in Hong Kong. This was his tenth meeting back and he doubled his overall tally to go to six wins for the season at a strike rate of 9.68%, so he should now take off and start climbing the log rapidly.
Katjedi is on 16 wins at 5.25%.
Dicken is on five wins at 7.81%.
Alan Greeff is on 60 wins at 17.34%.
Sharon Kotzen is on 15 wins at 10.34%.
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