Turf Talk Newsletter – 05 September, 2025

Swiatek Can Ace This Field

Swiatek has been tipped to win Race 2 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday (Picture: Wayne Marks)

By Mark van Deventer (Race Coast)

SWIATEK and KAMCHATKA renew their rivalry in Race 2 on Sunday over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

It was a close-run race when they last met on 26 July: Andre Nel’s KAMCHATKA raced handy and kept on purposefully only to succumb by a neck to SWIATEK’s powerful finish down the stretch. Taking the track variant into account, the adjusted final time and closing sectional were notably brisk for the class level.

The slight weight turnaround (Nel’s beaten filly is now 1.5kg better off) suggests it will again be nip and tuck, though as a tie-breaking rule in turf racing it usually pays to favour the quicker finisher. Justin Snaith’s SWIATEK was much the stronger through the line in their clash 43 days ago, so gets the marginal thumbs-up.

Both have won at the course, are trained by skilled handlers and are piloted by experienced jockeys with Richard Fourie on SWIATEK and Corne Orffer aboard KAMCHATKA. It should be an exciting tactical showdown.

Snaith has shown his intent at the start of the season, already saddling a bunch of winners at the country course. WISH LIST in Race 6, a Class 4 over 1400m, might add to that burgeoning tally if a sterling post Maiden effort is anything to go by.

Despite traffic dramas, the 3YO daughter of Legislate rushed through a zippy come home sectional to get within spitting distance of VIVA LA VIDA on 13 August. That effort deserves upgrading and she could gain compensation on Sunday.

She will need to see off STORMWATCH, a stylish, odds-on Maiden winner and RAHHABBA who has proven competitive in this division off her current merit rating. 4 YO DIAMOND BOMBER is also feared, having runs some decent numbers this time last year at the venue.

Bass Racing has a fair shot at taking out the last two races on the program. HELIOTROPE may love the longer route going 2400m in a tightly clustered C Stakes. When in the mood the Rafeef mare can finish with determination and her fancy for Hollywoodbets Durbanville is another plus factor.

PROFESSOR SNAPE rates close by on his most recent meeting behind Two a Penny, and he just needs to run back to the pick of his old Highveld and KZN form to get into the fray. He too has previously shown a liking for the country track.

Slow starting, 3 x winner of 36 outings, TOTHEMOONANDBACK is bred to be a stayer. While can plod along at one pace and needs everything to break just right so is not one to bet the ranch on, the booking of Richard Fourie catches the eye. The past performances reveal he has gone fine fresh in the past.

He is certainly respected – a line of collateral form with HELIOTROPE on their runs to Kwite a King gives Des McLachlan’s charge a winning shake. By the way, McLachlan also saddled the very promising 3YO Jet Force, who landed a spirited betting plunge on 3 September when he defeated Langerman winner Absolutely Yes in the process, recording a smart figure.

Bass-Robinson’s RATTLESNAKE showed sustained pace to crack an overdue second win 25 days ago and will try repeat in the finale, a Class 4 scurry over 1000m.

The son of Buffalo Bill Cody is not a straightforward customer but has sufficient ability to mix it with 8YO stalwarts, BARNEY MCGREW and course suited ALL ABOUT AL, who goes especially nicely for Craig Zackey.

LUCY ROCKET has run well off similar ratings in the past and is advantaged by the inside alley, but she will need to start more alertly than she did a week ago.

Greg Ennion’s promising youngster, SARDINIA BAY, and Vaughan Marshall’s recently gelded 3YO, IRELAND FOREVER (might just need it after a break), are short list material, too.

Grant van Niekerk Appeal Dismissed With Costs

Grant van Niekerk wins the Gold Rush on the Vaughan Marshall-trained All Out For Six, but the ride led to a suspension and his woes snowballed from there (Picture: Wayne Marks)

The Grant van Niekerk saga started with a riding offense when winning The Gold Rush, but he was then given a separate charge when publicly making some disparaging remarks about the outcome of the inquiry into the riding offense. It has now snowballed further, because his appeal against the outcome of the inquiry into the latter offense has failed and led to further costs. There is also the possibility of a 90-days-suspension-with-60-of-the-days-suspended becoming a full 90 days if he does not issue issue a public apology to the NHA via the media on or before September 15.

A press release about the outcome of the appeal is shown below:

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that an Appeal was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on Thursday, 14 August 2025.

Background:

At an Inquiry held in Johannesburg on Friday, 4 July 2025, Jockey G van Niekerk was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.26.

The particulars being that Jockey van Niekerk behaved or conducted himself in such a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horse racing or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY, a RACING OPERATOR, any training establishment, the ACADEMY, the STEWARDS or members of any committee of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or any INQUIRY BOARD, APPEAL BOARD, INQUIRY REVIEW BOARD, the LICENSING BOARD, any OBJECTION BOARD or any RACING OPERATOR or any official of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or RACING OPERATOR.

The charge originated from comments made by Jockey van Niekerk during a post-race interview following the running of Race 2 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville Racecourse on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.

Jockey van Niekerk pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge.

After considering the nature of the offence, the rule violation, Jockey van Niekerk’s personal circumstances, and the interests of the racing community, the Inquiry Board ruled as follows:

A 90-day suspension from race riding, of which 60 days are suspended for three years, subject to the following conditions:

Public Apology: Jockey van Niekerk must issue a public apology to the NHA via the media within ten days of this ruling.

Jockey van Niekerk must not be convicted of Rule 72.1.26 during the three-year suspension period.

The nine days suspension already served will be taken into account in determining the dates of the remainder of the 30 days’ suspension. Accordingly, the 30-day suspension could be served from 27 March 2025 to 26 April 2025, subject to his right of appeal.

A fine of R100 000 was also imposed, of which R75 000 was suspended for three years, on condition that Jockey van Niekerk is not convicted of another Rule 72.1.26 violation during this period.

Jockey van Niekerk was given the right to appeal the finding and the penalty imposed, which he exercised.

Appeal Board Ruling:

The Appeal Board issued the following order:

The appeal is dismissed and the decision of the Inquiry Board is confirmed.

The appellant (Jockey G van Niekerk) is ordered to pay an amount limited to R50 000 towards the NHA’s legal costs of the day.

The appellant (Jockey G van Niekerk) is further ordered to pay the costs of the Appeal Board which convened on 14 August 2025.

Jockey van Niekerk’s appeal fee is forfeited.

For the sake of clarity, the NHA wishes to indicate that the Inquiry Board considered the possibility that 9 days of the 30-day suspension was already served by Jockey van Niekerk but made it clear that it was subject to Jockey van Niekerk indicating in the Inquiry that he does not intend to appeal, in which case the suspension does not come into effect. Jockey van Niekerk failed to make such indication therefore the 30-day suspension period must be served.

Suspension dates 10 September – 9 October 2025 (both days inclusive)

Further, as per the Inquiry Board ruling which was upheld in this instance, the reduction of the 90-day suspension to 30 days is contingent on several factors, including that Jockey van Niekerk must issue a public apology to the NHA via the media within ten days of this ruling (by 15 September 2025).

Failure to do so will trigger the full 90-day suspension being enforced after ten days of this ruling.

A D Hyde

Racing Control Executive

Argo Alley Is The Form Choice

Argo Alley has been tipped to win the headliner at Turffontein Inside on Saturday

The highest rated race at the Turffontein Inside meeting on Saturday is a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1450m and the St. John Gray-trained Argo Alley could be the one to beat.

In his last start over 1600m Argo Alley lost by a short-head and beat Texas Red by three lengths receiving 8kg. He receives 8kg from Texas Red again. In his penultimates start Argo Alley won over 1400m, beating Melech by 4,10 lengths receiving 10kg and he receives 8kg from him this time, so should confirm the form. The one detractor is Argo Alley’s tricky draw of six in the eight horse field. Texas Red will appreciate te step down to 1450m and should make a bold bid from a fair draw of four as he has class on his side and goes well for Kabelo Matsunyane. Melech is also a classy sort and he should do well from pole position over an ideal course and distance under Gavin Lerena. Callmegretrix won a Listed race over 1600m last time out against the girls and she is officially the best weighted runner here. She also has a good draw of two and this consistent sort should enjoy the course and distance too, but it is never easy against the boys. Barbaresco has class and should run well fresh over this trip, but he does have a tough draw to overcome.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Arizona Magic was green and outpaced early over 1000m on debut but finished in eyecatching style, so looks hard to beat here over a step up in trip she will relish from a good draw. Ubermensch has only shown once in five starts but can be forgiven his last start because it was in KZN, while his first three starts were in the strong centre of Cape Town. If able to repeat his penultimate run he could be in the shake-up. Monkey Puzzle was beaten 4.10 lengths into second on his Highveld debut and should be thereabouts with a repeat. One Eye On Vegas is by Buffalo Bill Cody out of a Fastnet Rock mare, so shoud have the speed to be a contender. District Attorney has Lerena up and could improve on his debut.

The fifth race is a maiden over 1800m and the hard-knocking Follow The Master has an ideal opportunity to get off the mark here from a fair draw of three. Jason Gates gets on well with him and he is proven over middle distances. World Order has been knocking on the door over 1600m and will be a threat over a step up in trip he should handle, but he does have a wide draw to overcome. Truro Legacy is well regarded and although beaten four lengths by World Order when making his debut he is capable of improvement and will relish the step up in trip, so should do well from pole position. Those three can get punters through.

In the sixth over 1800m Witching Hour has a fine opportunity to get off the mark being drawn in pole position over a step up in trip she will enjoy being by Rafeef out of a Fort Wood mare who won up to 1750m. She has hard knocking form with three seconds in succession and she can go one better here. Rejuvenate disappointed last time, but has a better draw here and she will relish the step up in trip on pedigree. Madame Pompadour beat a below par Reuvenate by five lengths last time but has another wide draw to overcome and this long time maiden has never been tried beyond a mile before. Sapphire Sun was two lengths behind Madame Pompadour and three lengths in front of Rejuvenate last time over 1600m and could still improve and might stay the trip on pedigree from a tricky five draw. Amazon Queen should improve on her reasonable debut.

In the eighth over 1200m Karate Kid is a talented sort and he should be cherry ripe having his third run after a rest and he will be hard to beat if able to overcome a tricky draw of six out of nine carrying topweight of 62kg. Gimmethegoodlife goes for a hattrick under in-form Serino Moodley and is drawn quite well. Before his two wins over this distance at Hollywoodbets Greyville, one on turf and one on the poly, he ran downfield on his Highveld debut but that was over 1600m and he should prefer this trip. Passage Of Power ran well the last time he went over this course and distance and he is now five points lower in the merit ratings, so if able to overcome a wide draw he could be in the shake up. Rollwiththepunches is drawn in pole and can do well if bouncing back. Nyaka Nyaka has an officially tough task at the weights but did well under similar circumstances last time.

In the ninth over 1200m Vibe SA has come into his own but does have a tricky draw. Bumps Last Grind shoud go close if repeating his last start. Hemisphere has shown ability and could till improve.

In the first leg of the Bipot Time For Charity looks hard to beat.

In the first leg of the PA over 1200m Queen Of Pearls is by Hawwaam and is a half-sister to Gr 2 White Pearl and she has to beat Fish Hawk who made a fair debut over 1000m.

In the first race over 1200m Stone Of Scone will be a tough nut to crack from a good draw over an ideal trip.

Wish List Could Be The One

Wish List has been tipped to win the sixth race (Picture: Wayne Marks)

R1 Preview: OBJET D’ART (2) caught the eye on debut and with natural progression, can win. TRIP TO CAMELOT (1) is beautifully bred and will probably want way further but could place on debut. Watch the betting. WHIRLWIND (4) is also nicely bred and could get into the action first time at the races and MOUNT AUGUSTUS (8) can be forgiven for the last run and judged on good penultimate. (Warren Lenferna 2-1-4-8)

R2 Preview: GOODNESSGRACIOUSME (1) is holding form and looks ready for the next win. She has strong each way claims. SWIATEK (4) has won her last two well and has an undeniable hat trick chance. KAMCHATKA (6) is a huge chance and MY ONLY WEAKNESS (2) has to be factored into all bets. A competitive race. (Warren Lenferna 1-4-6-2)

R3 Preview: RED WAVE (11) is improving and rates tough to beat. LOMU (2) is the suggested place value here and was not far off the winner last time. SMART HORSE (4) has a strong place chance and FROM THE HIP (8) could be the lurker for the quartet but they may have to all go some to beat Red Wave. (Warren Lenferna 11-2-4-8)

R4 Preview: RED CORAL (7) is making all the required improvement from race to race and looks ready for the win. Possible banker. HEAVENLY MAFIA (6) can be expected to get way closer this time and has a serious claim. LEBOMBO GOLD (8) can improve to finish in the top four at likely attractive odds and GREEK HEIRESS (5) has plenty scope to do way more – quartet must. (Warren Lenferna 7-6-8-5)

R5 Preview: MIGHTY MARY (2) is coming along the right way and has a bright winning chance. Craig Zackey rides for the first time. CLOUDS CLEARING (1) caught the eye last time when finishing third and can be expected to offer much more today. Bright chance. CHICKASAW (5) has a serious place chance and is a must for trifectas and quartets and BEAUTIFUL ONE (4) must be respected and included too. (Warren Lenferna 2-1-5-4)

R6 Preview: WISH LIST (5) ran an absolute cracker last time, and clearly has ability. She has a bright win chance. RAHHABBA (4) is holding form and should be very competitive. Strong each way chance and a must for all bets. OCOTILLO (7) and LA LANDONNE (8) can fight it out for the minor cheques. (Warren Lenferna 5-4-7-8)

R7 Preview: TOTHEMOONANDBACK (3) gets the services of Richard Fourie and is never far off the action. He could represent some attractive each way value. NARETOI (10) ran a good race last time and can be competitive in this C Stakes as a maiden. HELIOTROPE (4) can go one more and win – big chance and NOT WANTED (6) is surely better than his last effort. Include. (Warren Lenferna 3-10-4-6)

R8 Preview: BARNEY MCGREW (2) nearly won at long odds last time but is more than capable of winning a race of this class. He is selected to go one more. LUCY ROCKET (1) from the best gate can get much closer and represent some good place value. WYLIE JACK (3) gets valuable weight off the back which aid his chances of running a better race. Place claims. ORBIT (9) despite the high draw, can run into the first four. (Warren Lenferna 2-1-3-9)

Brett Crawford Fancied To Go Close In HK Debut

Brett Crawford’s first runner in Hong Kong is the New Zealand-bred six-year-old gelding Speedy Smartie (Satono Aladdin) and he runs in the opening race of the season at Sha Tin on Sunday, a Class 5 Handicap over 1200m.

Brett’s former stable jockey in South Africa, Karis Teetan, is aboard the gelding, who won over 1200m at Happy Vallley in his last start last season.

However, he jumped from a draw of seven out of 12 that day and he now has to overcome draw ten out of 14.

He also has to overcome a five point merit rating raise.

However, a positive is that he won his last Barrier Trial on the Sha Tin dirt last week.

“He trialed pretty well and he’s come out of it well, so it looks like he’s ready to go,” said Brett, who also celebrates his 54th birthday on Sunday.

At The Races Hong Kong tipster Tim Carroll gives Speedy Smartie a good chance and makes him a danger to his first choice.

Click here to view Tim Carroll’s guide to the meeting

Hollywood Racing The Only Treble Scorers On Friday

The Stuart Ferrie-trained Silvano gelding Lions Eye gave Craig Zackey and Hollywood Racing a double together at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening. (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Yuzae Ramzan rode a double for Gavin Smith and apprentice Girish Dookhit rode a double for Zietsman Ootshuizen at the Fairview turf meeting on Friday.

At the Hollywoodbets/Greyville day/night meeting Craig Zackey, Serino Moodley and apprentice Damyan Pillay rode doubles.

Zackey is on top of the national jockeys log with 23 wins achieved at a strike rate of 15.23%.

Moodley is in second place on 20 wins at 19.61%.

Muzi Yeni is in third place on 19 wins at 18.27%.

Ramzan’s double was his first two wins of the season and he is going at 11.11%.

Dookhit has had three wins at 15%.

Damyan Pillay has had three wins at 9.68%.

Gavin Smith is on nine wins at 8.49% and he is seven wins behind arch rival Alan Greeff.

Champion Owners Hollywood Racing had one win at Fairview and two at Hollywoodbets Greyville and they are already on 18 wins for the season at 17.14%.

Hollie Doyle Provides Insight Into The Weekend's Racing

Hollie makes a rare trip to Thirsk on Saturday, where she enjoys a 25% strike rate, and also shares her thoughts on the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Click here to read Hollie Doyle’s At The Races Column