The Independent Molly Column's Annual Year-End Awards
Hollywoodbets’ Brand And Communications’ manager Devin Heffer is Molly’s joint racing Personality Of The Year (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)
Dave Mollet’s views are independent and today he publishes his opinion on the racing stars of the year in his annual unofficial awards column
BLUMBERG AND HEFFER IN THE PUBLIC EYE AND NOW HOUSEHOLD NAMES IN RACING
Molly looks back on 2025 and selects his leading personalities, top trainer, top jockey and, of course, top horse
Dave Mollett
In her end-of-year letter to ROA members, Natalie Turner hits the nail on the head in her opening sentence. She states “it has been a year of passion, perseverance, progress and, above all, people.”
Yes, people as much as horses have been in the public eye, and my two PERSONALITIES OF THE YEAR are Betway’s Jonathan Blumberg and Hollywood’s, Devin Heffer.
Jonathan Blumberg, Head of Customer Experience at Betway, has really made his presence felt in the last five months of the year and – in August – announced that the stake for the Betway Summer Cup had risen to R6 million.
He said: “Betway are proud to continue our partnership with 4Racing and the Summer Cup. Our country has a long and rich history with horseracing and we see this event as an opportunity to continue connecting with fans, supporting the sport and contributing to a day that reflects the vibrancy of the country.”
Interesting to know what their reaction will be in 2026 to Hollywoods recent announcement of a R10 million stake for the Durban July.
Formed in 2006 with headquarters in Malta, Betway is huge in Europe with their biggest sponsorship being the Premier League in the UK. They are partners with Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City.
South Africa is a small fish in the Betway pond yet – to 4Racing’s credit – they have built a great partnership with the company and Jonathan has a close association with popular presenter, Clyde Basel. His “Weighed To Win” show with top tipster, Darryl Maree, is sponsored by Betway and has a huge following.
There is no doubt that this year’s Betway Summer Cup was the best to date. “The energy on course reminded us why this race holds such a special place in our sporting calendar” was Natalie Turner’s viewpoint.
One would imagine it was Jonathan’s idea to appoint Mike De Kock as a Betway ambassador. He is – after all – SA’s best-known trainer on both the home and international fronts and continues to chalk up Gr 1 wins.
Mike is always quick to point out that his operation is now a joint venture with his son, Matt, and that will be viewed by Jonathan as positive for the future.
*******
One wonders whether Hollywood founder, Owen Heffer, wakes up in the morning and asks himself if this is really happening.
He would be the first to admit he started out from very humble beginnings but the huge expansion of Hollywood is evident in their adverts.
For example, the latest edition of “Winning Ways” proclaimed the following:
* Another big Shooting Star payout – punter wins R1 million for R1.
* Big Soccer payout – R799 962 won for R10.
Owen will be immensely proud that his son, Devin, has taken to the sport like a duck to water and Hollywoods Brand & Communications manager is very much in the public eye and often interviewed when one of their horses wins which is pretty often. In April that total reached 650.
“I’m just very proud of Owen and the whole Hollywood family,” said Devin in an interview. “But It’s not all congratulations now. We’ve got a big task ahead of us but we’ve hit the ground running.”
“No time for talking, only for doing,” was perhaps Devin’s best quip this year and he has combined his passion and intellect to make his own waves in racing. They have acted quickly to improve Greyville and also establish their own training centre at Ashburton.
In contrast to Betway, Hollywood are big in racehorse ownership which is brilliant for the sport as it means jobs for hundreds who otherwise might battle to make a living.
I would imagine it’s quite a task for Anthony Delpech to not only keep track of the large number of Hollywood horses but also trainers some of whom are starting out on the bottom rung of the racing ladder. Not to mention the fact that Hollywood horses are named in English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans and even French!
It hasn’t been all wine and roses for Hollywood for – right now – their acquisition of former top three year-old, One Stripe, was proving a costly venture at least until his scintillating victory last Friday at Gulfstream Park. First they had to buy the horse, get him to America and pay his training fees in dollars. No escaping the fact that better was expected from the colt in the Breeders Cup.
However, the exploits of Hollywood’s steeplechaser, Il Etait Temps, has probably balanced the overseas costs as the Willie Mullins inmate has emerged as the new star in the jumping world and Devin and his team are sure to be headed to Cheltenham in March.
Owners will be delighted to learn of the R10 million stake for the Hollywoodbets Durban July but perhaps the sponsors missed a trick here. With all the festive season distractions, they should perhaps have delayed the announcement to New Years Day with the ad proclaiming “Hollwoodbets kicks off 2026 with huge announcement.”
My TRAINER OF THE YEAR is Alan Greeff.
Rather like the dominance of Charlie Appleby in the UK, we’ve become accustomed to Justin Snaith walking off with the trainers championship and he deserves the plaudits for that. Yet Alan – from not being in the top five for the 2023/24 season – now became a force to be reckoned with and this was mainly due to his decision to raid the Cape, KZN and Gauteng with his top horses.
Alan has continued his good form in the new season and statistics to Dec 14 show him in fourth place in the trainers table with 58 winners – two more than Justin Snaith.
Of course, Alan has the luxury of having the services of Richard Fourie for most Fairview meetings – rather like a football side having Erling Haaland leading your attack for every game.
At the Eastern Cape racing awards in September, Alan swept the boards with six of his charges winning seven of the 11 equine trophies.
The horses who made it such a memorable year for the stable included Direct Hit (Allan Robertson at Scottsville and Gr 3 Nursery at Kenilworth), Anotherdanceforme (Golden Slipper on Durban July day), Golden Palm (SA Nursery at Turffontein) and My Best Shot.
My JOCKEY OF THE YEAR is Serino Moodley.
Basically, Serino has gone from being a journeyman jockey who rode winners in his home base of KZN but he’s blossomed this year and – despite being sidelined through injury in recent weeks – is still prominent on the national jockeys table.
He is finding his services in demand not only in KZN but also in the Cape and Gauteng with several top stables taking note of his sudden rise to prominence.
Serino, who got interested in racing through showjumping, joined the jockeys academy in 2012 but left at the end of that year for personal reasons. He then joined James Maree’s Work Riders programme and was granted his professional jockeys licence in 2019.
Born in Johannesburg but now living in Hillcrest, Serino got the worst 29th birthday present when – three days after that date (Nov 26) – he was injured after a spill in the Betway Summer Cup and has been on the sidelines since then.
Nevertheless, he said in an interview this year that “if you get the chances, you have to produce the goods.” One can be sure Serino will do just that when he returns to the saddle.
One must also make mention of newly-crowned champion jockey, Gavin Lerena, who would be the first to admit he had a rollercoaster year. He made the UK papers after the incident with Jason Gates but – since then – has produced his “A” game at every meeting. Interesting to know how he feels being interviewed by his wife, Vikki!
My HORSE-OF-THE-YEAR is Buffalo Storm Cody.
Over a beer or three, my good buddy and top commentator, Nico Kritsiotis, narrowed it down (in alphabetical order) to Buffalo Storm Cody, Dave The King and Gladatorian.
Nico made a case for Green Point winner, Dave The King, but I pointed out that Gladatorian had beaten him three lengths in the Champions Cup at the end of July and that is an important Gr 1 race.
Eventually, we agreed that Buffalo Storm Cody should get the nod and I felt his Mercury Sprint (Gr 1) win was the clincher.
Interesting that Turf Talk reported that esteemed pundit, Karel Miedema (getting as long in the tooth as me!), stated on his website that he rated Buffalo’s recent Vaal win (Dec 11) as his performance of the current season and had the sprinter at the top of his ratings for this season.
Anyway, it’s hats off to trainer Tony Peter who managed to keep the Kestorm Investments owned star at the top of his game throughout the year.
Jan Van Goyen Is The Lone 3YO In The LKP
Jan van Goyen is the only three-year-old in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate field and he is the favourite at 2/1 with Hollywoodbets (Picture: Wayne Marks)
A top class field of 14 will face the starter in the Gr 1 wfa L’Ormarins King’s Plate on January 10 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and there will be only one three-year-old in the line-up, Jan Van Goyen, who has a plum draw of two and he is the 2/1 favourite with Hollywoodbets.
The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner is regarded by some as special but this race will be his acid test and will tell whether he is the real deal.
He won the Cape Guineas in effortless fashion so it is not surprising that all four of the other three-year-old entries, Happy Verse, Gimmie Rules, Vapour Trail and Good For You, who were all beaten in the Cape Guineas, have not been declared for the King’s Plate. Jan Van Goyen’s Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas win came just two weeks after his win in the Jackpot City Dingaans at Turffontein and it came in the same week as his journey down from Johannesburg to Cape Town. He looks to have a fine temperament, but settling in at Milnerton should nevertheless have aided him. He will also now be having his third run after a layoff. Callan Murray is aboard again.
Jan van Goyen’s stablemate Dave The King comes off a fine win in the Gr 2 WSB Green Point Stakes over the LKP’s Hollywoodbets 1600m course and distance and he has drawn in pole position with Canada-based Ryan Munger taking over from Murray. Dave The King, the 2023/2024 Equus Horse Of The Year, is the joint fourth favourite at 8/1.
The second favourite is the Justin Snaith-trained reigning Equus Horse Of The Year Eight On Eighteen and he has drawn seven and will be ridden by five-times UK Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy, who is also the UK’s reigning champ. It will be Eight On Eighteen’s seasonal reappearance, which will make it tough. The mile is also short of his best distance, but it must be remembered that he was only beaten 1,25 lengths by One Stripe in last year’s Cape Guineas and the latter went on to win the King’s Plate and also proved how good he is last Friday when going within 0,4 seconds of the twenty year old turf mile course record at Gulfstream Park in America.
The runner up in this race in 2024, See It Again, is the third favourite at 7/1. He lost ground at the start in the Green Point and flew up for a 0,35 length third and he has subsequently joined the Justin Snaith yard, who have won this race four times with three different horses.
Snaith’s other entries are Sail The Seas, who was a 0,75 length fourth in the Green Point carrying a 1kg Gr 2 penalty, and Legal Counsel, winner of the Gr 3 Cape Mile. They are drawn five and eleven respectively and will be ridden by Muzi Yeni and Chad Little.
Sail The Seas is an 8/1 chance and Legal Counsel is 33/1.
The other three raiders in the field besides Jan Van Goyen, Dave The King and ostensibly See It Again, are the Stuart Ferrie-trained Gladatorian, the Alec Laird-trained Fire Attack and the Sean Tarry-trained Cosmic Speed.
Gladatorian was a 0,35 length second to Dave The King in the Gr 1 wfa Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over this one mile trip before winning the Gr 1 wfa HKJC Champions Cup over 1800m and he looks to have been written off too quickly due to a below par run in the Green Point. He represents good value at 17/1.
Fire Attack was the Highveld Horse Of The Year having finished second in the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans and second in the Gr 1 SA Classic over 1800m before winning the Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge over 2000m. He has had a bit of an interrupted preparation and is a 25/1 shot.
Cosmic Speed, winner of the Gr 1 wfa Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m at Turffontein last season is a 33/1 shot.
Garrix, a narrow runner up in the Green Point and a highly regarded sort is drawn eight and is around 10/1.
THe Hollywoodbets Durban July winner and Champions Cup runner up, The Real Prince, was a disappointing 2,50 length eighth in the Green Point, but is better than that and is fair value at 25/2.
Sugar Mountain, who was a 1,15 length fifth in the Green Point, is a 25/1 shot.
Questioning, whose best form is up to 1400m, is also a 25/1 shot.
Jet Force, an up and coming sort who was a 1,90 length sixth in the Green Point, is also a 25/1 shot.
1st R1781250, 2nd R570000, 3rd R285000, 4th R142500, 5th R71250, RCIS R150000
L’ORMARINS KING’S PLATE (WFA) (Grade 1)
Open To Horses At Weight For Age
WFA: 3yrs-5kgs 4yrs-0kgs
No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance
| 1 | 1 | Dave The King | 60 | 128 | A | Ryan Munger | Mike / Mathew de Kock | |
| 2 | 2 | Jan Van Goyen | 55 | 118 | A | Callan Murray | Mike / Mathew de Kock | |
| 3 | 3 | Sugar Mountain | 60 | 123 | A | Aldo Domeyer | Candice Bass | |
| 4 | 4 | Questioning | 60 | 123 | BA | Richard Fourie | Vaughan Marshall | |
| 5 | 5 | Sail The Seas | 60 | 127 | A | Muzi Yeni | Justin Snaith | |
| 6 | 6 | The Real Prince | 60 | 126 | A | Craig Zackey | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 7 | 7 | Eight On Eighteen | 60 | 129 | A | Oisin Murphy | Justin Snaith | |
| 8 | 8 | Garrix | 60 | 123 | A | S’manga Khumalo | Piet / Elbert Steyn | |
| 9 | 9 | Gladatorian | 60 | 127 | T A | Sean Veale | Stuart Ferrie | |
| 10 | 10 | See It Again | 60 | 125 | A | Andrew Fortune | Justin Snaith | |
| 11 | 11 | Legal Counsel | 60 | 113 | A | Chad Little | Justin Snaith | |
| 12 | 12 | Jet Force | 60 | 120 | A | Grant van Niekerk | Des A McLachlan | |
| 13 | 13 | Fire Attack | 60 | 126 | A | Calvin Habib | Alec Laird | |
| 14 | 14 | Cosmic Speed | 60 | 125 | A | Gavin Lerena | Sean Tarry | |
| Same Trainer | ||||||||
| (1,2) (5,7,10,11 | ||||||||
Double Grand Slam Can Do The Paddock Stakes Double
Double Grand Slam wins her seasonal reappearance, the Summer Bowl, and is rated a 25/20 shot by Hollywoodbets to defend her Cartier Paddock Stakes crown (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Last year’s one-two in the Gr 1 wfa Cartier Paddock Stakes over 1800m, Double Grand Slam and Red Palace, face each other in the same race on January 10 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and the fourth-placed horse from last season, Rainbow Lorikeet, is also involved.
Double Grand Slam is the 25/20 favourite having ended last season by winning the Gr 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes over 1600m and started this season by winning the Non-Black Type Join The Race Coast Turf Club Summer Bowl over 1600m, both times ridden by Andrew Fortune. Five-times UK Champion jockey, and reigning UK Champion jockey, Oisin Murphy takes over from Fortune, who has been given the ride on the useful Justin-Snaith-trained stablemate Wish List.
Wish List is one of three three-year-olds in the contest and she will be dangerous as she ran on well for third in the Gr 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas and on pedigree will relish this step up in trip. Wish List has had bad luck with draws and has another tough one of eight, but she could still represent good value at 25/2.
Rainbow Lorikeet is a reliable sort and is sure to thereabouts again from a good draw of four.
Red Palace is under a bit of a cloud because she seemed to be traveling well in a handy position in the Victress, but was empty in the straight and finished 21.85 lengths back. She is out at 7/1 for the Paddock Stakes due to that run and is up against it in her bid to win a deserved Gr 1. However, her undoubted class is on her side and Dean Kannemeyer is a top horseman who could get her back to her best.
Red Palace’s stablemate Give Me Everything will need to improve on her recent form and is out at 20/1.
Her other stablemate Keukenhof has a fine chance as she will relish the trip and is capable of a strong finish from off the pace.
Among the ten runners in the field are two raiders, the Alec Laird-trained Sukhumvit and the Candice and Tammy Dawson-trained Minogue.
Sukhumvit was impressive last time out when romping home in the Gr 3 1Voucher Victress Stakes over 1800m. She will now be 9kg worse off with the 3,25 length runner up in that contest, Rainbow Lorikeet, so on paper the latter has her measure. However, Sukhmvit had just never got going before, so now that she looks to be coming into her own as a five-year-old she could be the surprise package here despite being officially the worst weighted. She has a tricky draw of seven under Philasande Mxoli.
Minogue is in fine form and was a narrow running on second last time out in the Mike de Kock Ipi Tombe Stakes over 1600m. The form has since been franked by Callmegetrix, whom Minogue beat by 2,75 lengths. Minogue has never been tried over further than a mile before, but this five-year-old mare should relish the step up to 1800m being by Vercingetorix out of a mare by stamina influence Go Deputy whose four wins were from 1400m to 1900m. Minogue has drawn barrier six and Muzi Yeni rides.
Reet Petite is by Rafeef out of a Daylami mare whose four wins were from 1100m to 1800m, so she should enjoy the trip and it looked so in the Cape Fillies Guineas too as she was staying on well for a 0,75 length second. This progressive James Crawford-trained three-year-old is second favourite at 7/2 and will be a big runner under Richard Fourie from pole position.
Double Grand Slam’s stablemate Little Suzie is beautifully bred being by Trippi out of twice Paddock Stakes winner Oh Susanna. However, she is the biggest outsider in the field at 25/1 on the grounds of an unplaced run in the Victress Stakes. However, she now has her third run after a layoff and in the Gr 2 Bet With The World Gold Bracelet over 2000m at the end of last season at Hollywoodbets Greyville she faced Rainbow Lorikeet on terms 2kg worse than weight for age and she was only beaten 2,10 lengths, so there is nothing between the pair on that meeting.
The full field for the Gr 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes:
1st R593750, 2nd R190000, 3rd R95000, 4th R47500, 5th R23750, RCIS R50000
CARTIER PADDOCK STAKES (WFA) (Grade 1)
For Fillies & Mares at Weight For Age
WFA: 3yrs-6kgs 4yrs-0.5kgs
No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance
| 1 | 1 | Reet Petite | 54 | 113 | A | Richard Fourie | James Crawford | |
| 2 | 2 | Keukenhof | 54 | 105 | A | Callan Murray | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 3 | 3 | Give Me Everything | 59.5 | 108 | A | Juan Paul v’d Merwe | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 4 | 4 | Rainbow Lorikeet | 60 | 113 | A | Aldo Domeyer | Candice Bass | |
| 5 | 5 | Double Grand Slam | 60 | 122 | A | Oisin Murphy | Justin Snaith | |
| 6 | 6 | Minogue | 60 | 112 | A | Muzi Yeni | Candice / Tammy Dawson | |
| 7 | 7 | Sukhumvit | 60 | 100 | T A | Philasande Mxoli | Alec Laird | |
| 8 | 8 | Wish List | 54 | 111 | A | Andrew Fortune | Justin Snaith | |
| 9 | 9 | Little Suzie | 59.5 | 111 | A | Sean Veale | Justin Snaith | |
| 10 | 10 | Red Palace | 60 | 119 | A | Craig Zackey | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| Same Trainer | ||||||||
| (2,3,10) (5,8,9) | ||||||||
Truth Raised To 120 Ahead Of His Cape Flying Bid
Truth has been raised to 120 which means he goes into January 10’s Gr 1 wfa World Pool Cape Flying Championship at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth 6kg under sufferance with the 132 rated Buffalo Storm Cody (JC Photos)
NHA Press Release
Handicapping Ratings Update
BETWAY LEBELO SPRINT (Grade 3)
TAXI TO THE MOON has had his rating increased from 110 to 113 following his victory in the Grade 3 Betway Lebelo Sprint over 1000m at the Turffontein Standside track on Saturday. The Handicappers unanimously agreed to use the third-place finisher, PISTOL PETE, as the key horse to assess the race, leaving his rating unchanged at 119.
The runner-up, TRUTH, also received a slight adjustment, with its rating raised from 119 to 120.
The following horses received merit rating reductions after the running of this race:
- KARATE KID: dropped one point, from 104 to 103
- CHIEFTAIN: went down from 107 to 106
- MOVER AND SHAKER: reduced by three points, from 108 to 105
WAR OF ATHENA HANDICAP (Listed)
CHARGE IT has earned a revised official rating of 104, up from 93, after capturing the Listed War of Athena Handicap over 1800m. The runner-up, SOLDIER’S EYE, was considered the most suitable line horse to assess the race, with her rating remaining unchanged at 97. This race was benchmarked at 52kg = 88, meaning CHARGE IT competed nine points (equivalent to 4.5kg) under sufferance at the weights.
Two horses received reassessments following this contest:
- COCOMELON: reduced from 91 to 87
- WARNING SOUND: reduced from 85 to 82
CHRISTMAS HANDICAP (Listed)
IMPOSING has had his official merit rating adjusted from 96 to 101 following his impressive victory in the Christmas Handicap (Listed) over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday. The Handicappers determined that the runner-up, ISIVIVANE, was the most suitable line horse to assess this race, leaving his rating unchanged at 95.
The only other increase was for the fourth-place finisher, DOWN BY THE RIVER, who was ten points (equivalent to 5kgs) under sufferance at the weights due to the race being benchmarked at 52kgs = 92. His rating was raised from 82 to 89 after finishing behind the line horse and marginally behind the 90-rated CAPSAICIN at level weights.
The following horses received merit rating reductions after the running of this race:
- IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA: down slightly from 113 to 112
- GO GRAYSON GO: reduced from 97 to 96
- DIANI: dropped from 103 to 101
FLAMBOYANT STAKES (Listed)
LADYOFDISTINCTION has had her official merit rating increased from 89 to 95 after winning the Listed Flamboyant Stakes over 1600m. The Handicappers were of the view that the third-place finisher, FORWARD MOTION, was the most suitable line horse to assess this race, leaving her rating unchanged at 98.
The conditions of this race do not permit an increase of more than six points for the top three finishers, and, as such, the runner-up, AMELIA’S LEGACY, could only be raised from 86 to 92.
LUCRATIVE was the only runner to receive a drop in the ratings, going down from 101 to 99.
Enquiries:
The Handicapping Team
Callan Murray Treble, De Kocks/Hollywood And Azzie Doubles
Clever Trevor (Soqrat) gave Callan Murray a treble and clinched a double together for Mike and Mathew de Kock and Hollywood Racing (JC Photos)
Callan Murray rode a treble at Turffontein Standside today (Tuesday), two of them for his stable, Mike and Mathew de Kock. Both of the De Kock winners were for Hollywood Racing.
Mike Azzie also scored a double.
Murray is now on 67 wins for the season and has achieved it at a strike rate of 14.79%. He is third on the national log with Craig Zackey now on 110 wins and Richard Fourie on 98.
Mike and Mathew de Kock are on 42 wins for the season and are going at a strike rate of 18.67%.
Mike Azzie has only had three wins since going back on his own and his strike rate is at present 4.76%, but today signaled a return to form and he should start rising up the log.
Curious Girl To Prove Herself Progressive
Curious Girl has been tipped to follow up on her maiden success in the 6th race (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Hollywoodbets Greyville Poly Wednesday Formguides And Selections
Race Coast
R1 Summary: LEVITATOR (1) has consistent form over course and distance and has a handy weight from the best of the draw. QUINCY TOWN (2) was much improved in blinkers last run and was just behind Levitator when last they met. But is now 2kg worse off and should not be good enough to turn the tables. SUN IN MY POCKET (11) takes on males but has been consistent. She steps up in trip again from a wide draw but meets some modest opposition and should feature prominently. TASK FORCE (10) takes to the poly for the first time under top weight. He gets first time blinkers and is one to follow in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-11-10).
R2 Summary: TIPPERARY (3) is struggling but showed up well first run for her new stable and meets a modest line-up. BALTIC ASSAYER (8) shows pace but tends to lack extra. Should feature in this line-up. TOTAL ERUPTION (5) is back to a sprint and makes her poly debut. Can surprise. RUN FOR PEACE (4) has a light weight and back over a sprint. (Andrew Harrison: 3-8-5-4).
R3 Summary: DESERT DOG (12) made marked improvement at his second start. He meets some modest opposition and should feature prominently. TASTE THE RAINBOW (2) improved when stepped up in trip. Can do even better this distance. TEE DOG (9) was narrowly beaten last start when switched to the poly. Struggling but has some fair form and should contest the finish. HALF SOVEREIGN (10) has had two runs since a lengthy layoff. Enjoys the poly and is one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 12-2-9-10).
R4 Summary: Competitive. CIRCLE OF GRACE (7) started favourite when making his poly debut. Better this trip and can make amends. MOHANDAS (4) was narrowly beaten on the poly at his penultimate start. In good form and should go very close to winning. PHAKA IMALI (3) was not too far back when trying further last outing. The switch to poly should suit. BLAZING LIGHT (9) had his last win over course and distance. Down in class and has a fair chance. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-3-9).
R5 Summary: SALANI KAHLE (2) cruised in to an easy maiden win at just his second start. He makes his poly debut taking on stronger but he does look progressive. WORLD OF OUT OWN (1) goes well on the poly and was narrowly beaten last time out. GREEN GLOW (7) disappointed last run after to good wins. He can make amends. FINE ADMIRAL (6) has his peak run after a lengthy break. He could feature at long odds. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-7-6).
R6 Summary: Lengthy break but CURIOUS GIRL (3) shed maiden at second time of asking. Looks progressive and can follow up in a modest field. SPRING KISS (6) is seldom too far back and has dropped further in the ratings. She should be competitive again. ZENA ROSE (11) has come down four points in the handicap and drops in class. One to watch. HEARTS ON FIRE (4) is another who has come down in the handicap. Her best recent effort has been on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-11-4).
R7 Summary: EL REY VIENE (4) is holding form well. He could be better suited to this shorter trip and rates a strong winning chance. BANK STREET (2) disappointed in the soft turf last run and is back on his preferred surface. PARMENION (1) was much improved over course and distance last run. A repeat could see him in the money again. FAIRE ADVANTAGE (6) has shown up well in two starts since returning from a break. He has not lost any of his zest for racing and has his peak run. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-1-6).
R8 Summary: Tough handicap. Veteran COUNT MARSH (9) goes well on the poly and a senior rider gets aboard. CAPPELLINO (1) has consistent form over shorter but meets a modest line-up from the best of the draw. PURPLE POWAHOUSE (5) is struggling for his next win but is over his preferred course and distance and should feature. L’ULTIMO (11) improved last run and has not been far back of late. (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-5-11).
Thistle Ask Transformed From Nowhere To Cheltenham Candidate
Thistle Ask is proving to be the most transformed horse in the jumps arena in Britain and is suddenly a Gr 1 Cheltenham Festival Contender (Picture: Racing TV)
Britain’s two-mile chasing division has an unlikely new pretender as Thistle Ask followed up his rout in the Haldon Gold Cup with a Desert Orchid Chase demolition.
This time last year the eight-year-old was rated 108 and had won only a maiden hurdle for James Ewart, but he has been transformed by Dan Skelton after being sent chasing, and put in another breathtaking front-running display to prove his Exeter win was no fluke.
He was 9lb out of the handicap there and a further 14lb higher for this assignment, but he made light work of the rise with another stunning performance, putting a further three lengths between himself and runner-up Saint Segal.
“Some horses are a bit timid when they get taken on but he gets his teeth out for that kind of thing,” the trainer said. “He’s fabulous; someone wants to go as fast as me, let’s go!’. He’s an absolute credit to the whole team because before today he’d gone up 35lb.”
A new calibre of opposition will lie in wait – including last year’s winner Jonbon – when Thistle Ask steps up to Grade 1 company for his next start in the BetMGM Clarence House Chase at Ascot on January 17, but Skelton is not shying away from the challenge.
Today's Question
FIELDS, Wednesday, 31 December
Today’s Question Answer
The King’s Plate held at Woodbine in Canada annually had its inaugural running in 1860, while the L’Ormarins King’s Plate at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in South Africa had its inaugural running in 1861.
