The Lucky Houdalakis-trained One World gelding One More has been selected to win the Gr 1 Gold Medallion (JC Photos)
Gold Circle
R1 Summary: Plenty in with chances here and the betting may prove to be your best guide. WILLOWILD (10) comes from a visiting yard with a good record with Juveniles and could be up to it. She has found betting support in both starts. CAT O’CLOCK (11) returns from a lengthy break after making a fair debut. She is one to watch in the market. Michael Roberts sends out two with big chances, possibly LITTLEBLACKGEM (12) the pick but LIZWILE ILALI (3) with Richard Fourie up should be a factor. ONE SMART COOKIE (2) has been rested but never far back.
R2 Summary: Wide open. FAMOUS WARRIOR (5) has come on with each run and looks primed for this. BURNING MAN (7) was disappointing when ridden by an apprentice in his local debut. This trip with Richard Fourie up should see some improvement. RICH FOLKS HOAX (1) was all at sea when making his debut and one must take that into account as he goes the turn for the first time but he could prove the pick of Dean Kannemeyer’s pair with FRENCH FLAME (4) also in the picture.
R3 Summary: BUZZ BOMB (4) made a winning local debut and has made steady improvement. He comes out of the Little Ballerina form line and takes on some well exposed older runners, one of which is WILLOW EXPRESS (7) who has his 54th outing but has been a model of consistency of late. He should be thereabouts again. IRON WILL (10) comes from a very much in-form stable. His last two wins have come over course and distance and his recent showings have been consistent. PASCALI (9) has been trying further but could be back to a more suitable trip.
R4 Summary: Another wide open handicap. CONTINENTALEXPRESS (3) made good progress in his second local outing. The blinkers come off but he looks progressive. POORLITTLERICHGIRL (1) had a rough draw in the East Coast Cup but was not far back. She meets slightly weaker here. Richard Fourie has stuck with VIHAAN’S BOMB (9) who has come well in blinkers and stays the trip. He can follow up. EVERY CLOUD (11) is overdue another win. He was beaten just over a length by Vihaan’s Bomb when last they met and is now 2kg better off in the handicap. He stays the trip well.
R5 Summary: GIMMIE’S COUNTESS (3) was a runaway maiden winner on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly beating subsequent easy winner Spirit Of Levana. She is a superb specimen and appears to have the ability to match. But she does take on some more exposed opposition. JUST RECKLESS (6) finished runner-up to Little Ballerina in the Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery and the form behind Little Ballerina has proved almost infallible as Just Reckless followed up winning the Gr3 Strelitzia Stakes. SYMPHONY IN WHITE (8) took on males when seven lengths behind the highly promising One Stripe before winning well over the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth five furlongs in a manner that should suit this track. KINDRED HEART (7) also comes off some Little Ballerina form, beaten less than a length at The Vaal. Piere Strydom retains the ride.
R6 Summary: Many runners in with winning credentials. ONE MORE (9) has only had one start for Lucky Houdalakis and winning well on debut. Multiple winners have come out of the form line and he could be the one to beat. Peter Muscutt is having a good season and saddles recent winner COLD SHINE (8). He made his debut in feature company in the Cape, finishing second to Roman Agent with current sensation One Stripe well beaten. He ran well below par next time out before returning to KZN and winning rather comfortably. It was not the strongest field but he was finishing off his race well and an extra furlong and a look at the course will count in his favour. CYMRIC (5) is held in high regard by Johan Janse van Vuuren and he won well when sent out favourite for the Godolphin Barb Stakes. He is unbeaten since being gelded. TRUTH (7) has been a runaway winner of both his starts, winning by seven lengths last time out. That was over the Turffontein 1400m so he will be well suited to this course.
R7 Summary: Candice Bass-Robinson’s filly WINTER CLOUD (15) is no stranger to Hollywoodbets Scottsville having won the Gr3 Strelitzia Stakes before following up second to Mrs Geriatrix in the Gr1 Allan Robertson last season. She comes off two comfortable victories in the Cape and if she has travelled well she could be the horse to beat in what otherwise looks an open affair. MRS BROWNING (5) had all of TIME FOR ORCHIDS (10), WHITE PEARL (6) AND ONE FELL SWOOP (11) behind her when winning the Gr2 TAB Camellia Stakes at her last start and meets them on the same weight terms. Richard Fourie retains the ride. OCTOBER MORN (4) beat Asiye Phambili in the Gr2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes and has finished runner-up in two subsequent feature race outings giving Bass-Robinson a smart second string to her bow. ASIYE PHAMBILI (13) won well over course and distance in the Gr3 Dennis Drier Poinsettia Stakes when back with Duncan Howells after a spell in the Cape. She is effective over a mile and given that this race will be run at a cracking gallop it should suit.
R8 Summary: LUCKY LAD (11) was a facile winner of the Gr1 Gold Medallion at the same time last year and although losing his way a little after that victory, Sean Tarry appears to have got him back to best and with a handy galloping weight he should put in a bold effort. SURJAY (3) was beaten under a length by Lucky Lad in the Gr2 Jehan Malherbe Senor Santa Stakes and meets his rival on 2kg better terms which in theory puts Brett Crawford’s runner ahead of Lucky Lad. However, Lucky Lad can make the required improvement. Duncan Howells saddles CRUISE CONTROL (10) for the first time, the gelding having won his last three starts on the trot in PE. Horses from that region cannot be written off lightly and he make them all gallop. DYCE (7) has to give lumps of weight to the entire field and his recent form has been below par. However, he has since been gelded and if finding his best form he can give this field weight and a beating.
R9 Summary: WONDERFUL (1) steps up in trip over which she has been comfortable and has the best of the draw. She should make a bold bid. MASCHERINA (14) has the widest draw to contend with but has started favourite at her last four outings. She won well last time out and must have a strong chance again. MOUNTIANSOFTHEMOON (10) raced in feature company last start and was only two lengths off the winner Saartjie. She has been coming along the right way and should be cherry-ripe. PETIT VERDOT (11) has been knocking at the door for some time now. She has a handy galloping weight and should be in the shake-up.
