Turf Talk Newsletter – 06 June, 2025

Gladatorian And See It Again Could Fight It Out Again

Gladatorian (closest) just pips See It Again in the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m and this pair could finish one-two in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge too. (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge is the headliner at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday and with a top class field of 12 lining up it will be one of the best races of the Champions Season.

There are also two other Graded features to look forward to as well as two Listed two-year-old events.

There looks to be a lot of pace in this year’s Gold Challenge so it will be an intrigung contest and will give the closers a chance to come from off the pace.

Last year’s winner Dave The King started the season with two well below par runs at altitude, but after a layoff in which time a solution was found to his particular issue he bounced back to his best last time at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, easily winning the same 1500m race he won in the build up to last year’s Gold Challenge. He usually jumps well and has a particularly long run in, so his number two draw will suit his style. From a front-running or handy position he is let loose some 800m out and his massive stride then carries him resolutely to the line, so he is hard to catch when at his best. However, the jockeys of the opposition are aware of his strengths now and he is unlikely to have it as easy as last year when being sent for home rounding the final turn on the back of a slowish pace.

See It Again is full of class, but was patchy after his gelding at the beginning of the season. However, he proved in his last start over a too sharp 1400m that he is now over the gelding and back to his best as he failed by the shortest of shortheads after breaking well for a change and running on from a handy position. He is ideally suited to 2000m, but has beaten the best over a mile before, albeit in a Gr 2 event. He has drawn well in three and gets on well with his new jockey Raymond Danielson and the likely good pace in the race will give him a fine chance of winning over a distance short of his best.

Gladatorian beat See It Again in the Gr 2 IOS Drill Stakes over 1400m last time and they face each other on the same terms. He has a tricky draw but relaxes well and runs on well and enjoys this trip. This lightly race five-year-old might well have the race set up for him as there looks to be a lot of pace in the race.

Cosmic Speed beat older horses in the Gr 1 wfa HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over this trip at Turffontein and has the class to go close. Five times champion trainer Sean Tarry combines with leading jockey Gavin Lerena from a fair draw of five.

Montien is a top class front runner who will probably have no option but to seek the lead from a wide draw and he might give Dave The King a nice tow. However, he stays on resolutely and is ideally distance suited so is a leading player.

William Robertson has had a tremendous season over sprints, but this classy six-year-old packs a devastating finishing kick and has gone close over this trip at the tougher Turffontein track before, althought not in this class. He has won a Gr 2 over 1450m though, so is the dark horse.

Oriental Charm is a courageous handy to front-running sort and although he is at his best over middle dstances he won a Gr 2 over this trip earlier in the season in fine style. His wide draw might make it difficult for him to find a good position, so he is a contender to set the pace.

Great Plains was third in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and a narrow third behind Gladatorian and See It Again in the Drill Hall. He is a closer so is also a player especially with champion jockey Richard Fourie up.

Cafe Culture is classy and capable of staying on from handy positions over 1400m, so he is interesting in his fist try at further. His sire Var was a European champion sprinter and his damsire Dynasty was a champion from a mile up to 2200m, so he might take well to the distance.

Royal Aussie has finished third in the Gr 1 wfa L’Ormarins King’s Plate over this distance before and is capable of a strong finish, so will likely be dropped out from a wide draw.

Purple Pitcher is yet another handy to front-running sort and is capable of finding extra when challenged although he would prefer further.

Fire ‘N Flames can produce top class performance, but he is a touch outclassed here.

Gladatorian could have it set up for him and is selected to beat See It Again with Dave The King, Montien and Cosmic Speed next best.

The Gr 3 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial over 1800 is an important pointer to the country’s premier race, the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July, and the field of 13 will mostly be out to use this race as a means of earning a berth in the Hollywoods Durban July, so it is going to be a keenly fought affair.

Pomodoro’s Jet is well regarded and ha proved why this season with three comfortable wins in succession from 1400m to 1600m. He was number 20 on the first July log and will need a big run here to book his place. He has only run three times beyond 1600m and was not disgraced. He is by July winner Pomodoro out of a Captain Al maiden who never ran beyond 1400m. However, he was only 3,20 lengths back in the July consolation race last year over 2200m, so should stay this trip from pole position.

Pacaya is well weighted on his excellent WSB Met performance and has a plum draw. He is none too reliable but has won a Gr 2 here over 1900m before so he could go close from a plum draw.

Madison Valley went close in the Gr 1 Betway Summer Cup over 2000m at Turffontein when storming through from near the back after jumping from a wide draw. He was then rested and his two subsqeunt 1600m races were intended to bring him on for the WSB 1900, but a nick on his back caused subseqeunt leg swelling and he had to go on a course of anti-biotics to get rid of the infection. He then ran a flat race in the 1900. He is way better than that and look for a stong finish from this rangy type after being dropped out from a tricky draw of eight.

Wild Intent ran a cracking second in the Gr 1 SA Derby and can confirm his high position of 15 on the July log, although it won’t be easy from a wide draw.

Zeitz had a cracking win over this trip in a Gr 3 three-year-old event in Cape Town, but he was beaten last time in the Gr 1 Splashout Cape Derby over 2000m in February and has not run since, so it is a tough ask from the widest draw of all.

Regulation is 4,5kg under sufferance, but is on the up and has a good draw over a course and distance he proved was right up his alley last time when winning over 1900m here in cosy style.

Underworld ran a cracking third in the WSB 1900 and if it pans out as well this time he could be in the shake up. He found a handy position with cover in the 1900 before staying on but it will be harder here from a tougher draw, although Richard Fourie up will give him every chance.

Hotarubi is a frustrating sort as he does not always put it in, but on his day he has the class to be involved here from a good draw.

On My Honour has not been disgraced against top drawer competition after three wins in succession. He has not been tried beynd 1600m, but on pedigree he should stay being by Gimmethegreenlight out of a High Chaparral mare.

Thunee Playa ran a fair fifth in he WSB 1900 and is capable of earning again, although he is not as well drawn.

Litigation is perfectly distance suited and went close in a Gr 2 over this trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth this season. However, he has not run since being well beaten in the WSB Met in January. He has not placed in two previous starts in Graded middle distance races at this course.

Ponte Pietra is capable on his day but is usually in and out and is currently off form.

Winter Games is in fine form but a wide draw is against him particularly as he has never been tried over this far before, although he has placed in lesser company over 1700m before.

They are selected in the order mentioned.

The HKJC World Pool Stakes over 1400m looks to be ultra compeitive and not an easy race to decipher.

Lucrative was on the up when winning over this trip in fluent style in January. She returns from a five month layoff, but trainer Dean Kannemeyer gets them fit and over an ideal trip from pole position she could be the one to beat under leading jockey Craig Zackey.

The Gr 2 WSB Fillies Guineas did not pan out well for Oxalis Gold as she met some jostling early on, but she still stayed on quite well. She jumps from a draw of seven out of thirteen over a preferable trip and could be right there.

Bevie’s Delight has won the last three times she has run over this course and distance and although she has a tough task at the weights that can be alleviated by her good draw. She beat Sohot Sowhat by a head last time and is now 3kg better off.

Sohot Sowhat is officially way out at the weights, but she looks to be a potentially top class filly and can prove it here from a good draw over an ideal trip. Last time she raced in a much lesser class but after being dropped out to last from a wide draw she swept past the field to win by an easy 1,80 lengths and it takes a top class horses to do that at the tight Hollywoodbets Greyville circuit.

Green Sapphire was caught hopelessly wide from a wide draw last time in the Gr 2 WSB Fillies Guineas and a line can be drawn through that run. Before that she won well from the front over this course and distance in a Gr 3 three-year-old event and from a good draw here she should run well if employing the same tactic.

Sovereign Grant ran on well over 1200m last time and has a better draw here over a suitable step up in trip, so she could be in the shake up.

Minogue is a classy filly who has won twice over this course and distance and she has done well in three runs after a layoff of nearly a year. She has a wide draw but champion jockey Richard Fourie is an eyecatching booking.

Scarlet Macaw has the widest draw of all but has a good turn of foot so can be dropped out before running on and might earn.

Summer Lily has some fine form over this trip in the strong centre of Cape Town but does have to overcome a wide draw and this is her second run after a short layoff.

Be Merry led in the Gr 2 WSB Fillies Guines and finished a 0,90 length third, but she will have a tougher task getting to the front from a wide draw over this shorter trip, so the race might not pan out well for her.

Callmegetrix has been in fine form in Cape Town. However, she does have a tough task at the weights with Scarlet Macaw on their last meeting over this trip.

Magical View looks held by Green Sapphire and she has a wide draw.

Sonic Jet look well held by Bevie’s Delight on their last meeting.

They are selected in the order mentioned.

In the Listed Ridgemont Devon Air Stakes over 1400m Educator won well on debut over this trip and is drawn in pole. Vanakkam has done well against useful opposition and gets a handy 2kg from the winners. Quickstepgal and Captain’s Envy fought out a finish over 1100m last time and should both enjoy the step up in trip. Littlemisssplendid has useful form and also has to be considered.

In the Listed Hollywoodbets Sharks Gatecrasher Stakes over 1400m Tenjiku looks useful and is on the up, so should make a bold bid from pole position over an ideal trip. Malmesbury Missile brings strong Cape form and the form of his KZN debut is ultra strong, so he can go close over what should be an ideal step up in trip. Whispering Death was beaten by Tenjiku on debut but has improved since and looks full of class, although he does have a tricky draw.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Vibe SA makes appeal as a perennial bridesmaid who found his feet with two wins and a narow second. He could still be ahead of the handicapper off an 84 and his last run can be ignored as he was all over them but could not find a way through in an 1100m event at Turffontein Standside. He has gone close around the turn over this trip before at Turffontein Inside and he is now drawn in pole with Gavin Lerena up, so should be right there. Who Blinked flew home over course and distance last time despite being caught wide early from a wide draw and overracing. If able to find a better position from a tricky draw of eight he will be a big runner. Position Of Power produced a late surge to win on debut over 1000m and will appreciate the step up in trip and off reasonable opening handicap mark of 79 he can be included. Those three can be the sole selections for the risk takers. However, for the risk averse more can be included. African Prince was backed on his KZN debut over 1200 on the poly and is better than that unplaced run based on his Cape Town form so should be in the shake up back on the turf with the man who knows him best, JP van der Merwe, now aboard. Northern Warrior has a lot of ability and can never be ignored. Isikwishikwishi went close over course and distance last time and looks to be improving, but has a tricky draw.

The tenth and last race on Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge day is a class 4 handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m and looks to be competitive. Daphne’s Daughter has some useful form in the strong centre of Cape Town and will enjoy the step back to the minimum trip, being out of a fast Var mare, so she could go close from a plum draw. Siesta Sunset was not disgraced in the Gr 3 Strelitzia stakes first time out the maidens and could make a bold bid here from pole position against older horses. Tara Star is knocking on the door and over a suitable trip from a good draw and with Richard Fourie up she should go close. Ayuwi Yuwi is in hard-knocking form and should also be involved from a middle draw. Million Voices has always struck as being a useful sort and he had a cracking win the last time he ran over this course and distance, but he does have a wide draw here. Midnight Fusion is capable and from a good draw might bounce back to form. Lady of Vix is better than her last start and could be involved in the finish here. Gaelic Dancer was not disgraced last time over this trip on the Highveld, but does have a tricky draw. Hurricane Cat is a speedy but limited sort, who will be distance suited and could earn a cheque. Ruby Rising won well last time over this trip in the maidens and starts off with a reasonable merit rating, but does have a wide draw to overcome.

Predatrice won well on debut but has been in poor form since then and will need to bounce back. All of her previous runs were on the Highveld and the coast can sometimes bring the best out of a horse. Jane’s Vision has dropped a couple of points so might be more competitive than recent, but a wide draw makes it tough. They are selected in he order mentioned.

In the first race over 1600m Matcha Mint is the stand out on form and has Richard Fourie up from a good draw.

In the second race over 1600m Plus Four is in fine form and could have more to come and JP’s Palace is a promsising sort who can be involved if able to overcome a wide draw.

The first leg of the PA is ultra tough, but the Chill In The Air has a fin form chance based on his last start and the other pair who make appeal ae Bombers In The Sky and Sacha’s Dream.

Trainer Comments For the Gr 1 HWB Gold Challenge

Dave The King will be attempting to retain his crown in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Click the below link to listen to the trainers comments for the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge (compiled by Michele Wing of Race Coast).

Trainer Comments

Comments from Trainers

2. Dave The King : “Every time you work him, you hold your breath that there’s no reoccurrence of the issues we’ve had with him, but right now everything is good”, Mike de Kock.

3. See It Again : “He’s doing well, but remember this is a steppingstone to the Hollywoodbets Durban July”, Michael Roberts.

5. Cosmic Speed : “His preparation has gone smoothly. He’ll be in top shape for the race”, Sean Tarry.

7. Great Plains : “He’ll be one of the horses in the fight. It will not surprise me to see him run close”, Justin Snaith.

9. Oriental Charm : “He’s in fine fettle. This is a prep race for ‘the July’ and ‘Champions Cup’”, James Crawford.

8. Gladatorian : “We are going in quietly confident again. The 1600 is not an issue”, Stuart Ferrie.

1. William Robertson : “He’s really well for this race. Blessed to have the number 1 draw. He should see out the 1600m easily”, Corne Spies.

11. Montien : “We have 11 draw and hope that the pace will be strong, to allow him to filter in”, Piet Botha.

6. Café Culture : “I’ve always thought he would get the mile. Trying it again as a 5 year old in a grade 1 is quite an ask, but he’s up to it”, Lucinda Woodruff.

10. Royal Aussie : “If we’ve got him back to his best, he’s a horse for quartets and trifectas”, Justin Snaith.

4. Fire ‘N Flames : “I think he’s suited to the 1600m. Whether he’s good enough, we’ll see Saturday afternoon”, Kobus Roux.

12. Purple Pitcher : “This is his last prep run going into ‘the July”. Although he has a very unfortunate draw, I would like to see him finish off strongly”, Robyn Klaasen.

Be Merry To Waltz In

Be Merry has been tipped to win the Gr 2 HKJC World Pool Stakes (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Greyville Saturday Formguides And Selections

RACE 1

3 BLIZZARD QUEST 4 LUNAR DECENT 2 MATCHA MINT 1 BLACKJACK RANDALL

Summary: BLIZZARD QUEST (3) has found market support in both starts. He was a well-eaten second last time out but now steps up to what looks to be a more suitable trip. LUNAR DECENT (4) has improved with each outing and was close-up at long odds when going a mile for the first time. MATCHA MINT (2) comes with smart Highveld form having placed in all three outings to date. She takes on males but has a good draw and Richard Fourie rides. BLACKJACK RANDALL (1) has the best of the draw and could be the stable elect judged on jockey bookings. He goes this trip for the first time and took on what has panned out to be a fair field over a sprint last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-2-1).

RACE 2

7 RICH FOLKS HOAX 5 PLUS FOUR 1 TYRCONNELL 3 MASTER CHRISTMAS

Summary: RICH FOLKS HOAX (7) has started a beaten favourite at his first two KZN starts. Both were over sprints. He shed his maiden over a mile and gets first time blinkers. PLUS FOUR (5) has run two smart races for his new stable since moving up from the Cape. He should feature. Hollywood Racing’s retained jockey Sean Veale had a tough choice between three runners and plumed for the well-drawn TYRCONNELL (1) who has been knocking at the door of late. Top weight MASTER CHRISTMAS (3) is way better than his last effort and makes the trip from the Highveld. (Andrew Harrison: 7-5-1-3).

RACE 3

11 AFROPOLITAN 6 BOMBER IN THE SKY 7 CHILL IN THE AIR 10 AFRICAN DUSK

Summary: AFROPOLITAN (11) has shown good recent form since returning from a lengthy break. He was staying on stoutly last run on the poly and although he has top weight to shoulder he should be competitive. BOMBER IN THE SKY (6) only recently shed his maiden but caught the eye was staying on well in his first local start over course and distance. He gets first time blinkers which could may be enough to see him turn the tables on CHILL IN THE AIR (7) who finished 0.5 lengths ahead of him last time out. AFRICAN DUSK (10) looks held by Afropolitan on their last meeting but he is also down in class. (Andrew Harrison: 11-6-7-10).

RACE 4

1 VIBE SA 3 POSITION OF POWER 7 AFRICAN PRINCE 6 HOPE IS POWER

Summary: Competitive handicap. VIBE SA (1) carries top weight and is way better than his last Highveld effort. That was his first run back after a three-month break so may have needed it. He has the best of the draw. POSITION OF POWER (3) won well on debut over this course. He looks useful and can follow up. AFRICAN PRINCE (7) was a beaten favourite in his poly debut but was not far back. The switch to the turf could bring out the best although he too has a heavy burden to shoulder. HOPE IS POWER (6) finished ahead of African Prince when last they met and from the widest draw. There should be little between these two. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-7-6).

RACE 5

1 EDUCATOR 3 QUICKSTEPGAL 5 CAPTAINS ENVY 4 LITTLEMISSSPLENDID

Summary: EDUCATOR (1) was well supported in the market on debut and won comfortably. She stays the trip and from the best of the draw has plenty in her favour. CAPTAINS ENVY (5) was touched off by QUICKSTEPGAL (3) in the Strelitzia Stakes. Mike Miller’s charge is now 2kg better off which should be enough to turn the tables although both go this trip for the first time. LITTLEMISSSPLENDID (4) went close when stepping up in trip and comes with some useful Highveld form. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-5-4).

RACE 6

8 WHISPERING DEATH 1 TENJIKU 9 VIKINGS REVENGE 11 AVERSATOR

Summary: WHISERING DEATH (8) finished runner-up on debut and is unbeaten in two since, starting at cramped odds. He looks progressive. TENJIKU (1) beat Whispering death when shedding his maiden and followed up with another comfortable victory. He has the best of the draw. VIKINGS REVENGE (9) surprised on debut, winning well at long odds. He is sure to have come on from that ran. AVERSATOR (11) has the widest draw to contend with but won well enough over course and distance when shedding his maiden to suggest that he has a winning chance with natural improvement. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-9-11).

RACE 7

2 DAVE THE KING 5 COSMIC SPEED 3 SEE IT AGAIN 8 GLADATORIAN

Summary: DAVE THE KING (2) is taking the same route as he did last season, winning three on the bounce to garner Equus Horse of the Year. He made all to show that he was back to best when winning last time out and he will out to defend his crown. He has the ideal draw and all should be chasing him come the final furlong. COSMIC SPEED (5) finished less than a length behind Eight On Eighteen in the Gr2 WSB Guineas over course and distance. This season’s three-year-olds appears to be a vintage crop so Dave The King should be tested. SEE IT AGAIN (3) showed signs of his best when touched off by Gladatorian in the Drill Hall Stakes and will prefer the extra furlong. GLADATORIAN (8) came from well back to snatch victory in the Drill Hall and must certainly have a chance.

RACE 8

9 BE MERRY 8 CALLMEGETRIX 5 GREEN SAPPHIRE 1 LUCRATIVE

Summary: Competitive race. BE MERRY (9) was staying on gamely in the WSB Fillies Guineas and this shorter trip should suit although she does have a wide draw to contend with. CALLMEGETRIX (8) has finished runner-up at her last three and meets Be Merry on similar terms as to when last they met. GREEN SAPPHIRE (5) did not get the rub of the green in the WSB Fillies Guineas and was never in the hunt from her wide draw. She was a comfortable winner over course and distance at her penultimate start. LUCRATIVE (1) has shown steady improvement of late and although up in class she has the best of the draw. MINOGUE (10) has a wide gate but was not far back to recent Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint winner Mia Moo last time out. She is comfortable over this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 9-8-5-1).

RACE 9

1 POMODORO’S JET 5 ON MY HONOUR 13 ZEITZ 10 WILD INTENT

Summary: Tough handicap with many looking to book a berth in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July. POMODORO’S JET (1) steps up in trip but is unbeaten since being fitted with cheek pieces. He has a fair weight on his back but comes from a top stable. ON MY HONOUR (5) was just over three lengths off Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 WSB Guineas. He got a hefty eight-point hit in the handicap but has been taking on top company in the Western Cape. ZEITZ (13) ran well below par in the Gr1 Splashout Cape Derby and has not been out since. He is a July entry and will need to win or run up close to have a chance on a run in the big race. WILD INTENT (10) has come well since his below par trip to the Cape. He got a 17-point jump in the handicap for his second to Legend Of Arthur in the Gr1 SA Derby. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-13-10).

RACE 10

7 AYUWI YUWI 4 TARA STAR 6 GOLDEN CHANDELIER 12 MILLION VOICES

Summary: AYUWI YUWI (7) was narrowly beaten by the veteran sprinter Trafalgar Square last time out and a repeat should see her close again. TARA STAR (4) has found form and the apprentice is replaced by Richard Fourie. GOLDEN CHANDELIER (6) has lost her way of late but has her second outing for a new stable and gets first time blinkers. If finding form she could surprise at lengthy odds. MILLION VOICES (12) has not been out since December last year but is the choice of stable rider Tristan Godden. She will go close on her best form. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-6-12).

Musical Score Can Book A July Berth

Musical Score has been tipped to win the Jubilee Stakes (JC Photos)

The Turffontein Standside Sunday meeting is headlined by the Gr 3 Jubilee Stakes over 1800m and it will be intriguing as some horses try and earn berths in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, while others use it as a build up but can’t risk elimination from the final field by running bad races.

The most intriguing runner is The Equator, a very well bred former Aidan O’Brien-trained Galileo colt. He is a three-parts brother to Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf and Gr 1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Lake Victoria and is reported to have put up an exeptional galllop at Turffontein Inside recently. He is drawn four over a trip on the sharp side for him and Richard Fourie is up. Galileo has done well as a broodmare sire out here but has not shone as a sire. The Equator is a fascinating runner, but he might need it and there are those other one or two question marks.

Musical score is a useful three-year-old who is going for a hat-trick over what should be a suitable step-up in trip and he could book his place in the July with a win here under Gavin Lerena, although it’s going to be tough from draw 10.

Atticus Finch has an even tougher draw of 11, but the Betway Summer Cup runner has the class to carry joint top weight into the placings.

Olivia’s way is in top form and comes off a fine win in the Gr 2 TAB Igugu Stakes over 2000m. She will also enjoy this distance and carrying just 53.5kg under Serino Moodley, who seems to ride the Highveld courses very well, she should have a shout if able to find a good position from draw seven.

Immediate edge has won twice over 2000m on this course, so should be a big runner here from a plum draw of two, although officially he is 3,5kg under sufferance with Olivia’s way.

Tamarisk Tree is in fine form and is distance suited, but does have the widest draw of all to overcome.

Son of Raj was not persevered with in the Gr 1 Premier’s champions challenge as the jockey felt something amiss, so he has a bit of a cloud hanging over his head, but before that he won the Gr 3 Betway London News Stakes over this course and distance in fine style. He is going for a third successive inclusion in the July final field, so certainly has the ability to be a big runner here.

Let’s Go Now proved last time she enjoys middle distance trips by winning the Gr 2 TAB Colorado King Stakes over 2000m. This is a tougher field, but she is difficult to ignore.

Navajo Nation won over course and distance last time, but faces Tamarisk Tree on 2kg worst terms for a 0.3 length beating.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1160m Emerald Forge is knocking hard and could it get it right here over an ideal trip with Richard Fourie aboard. Old Fashioned disappointed in his last two starts and still has to prove he stays beyond 1000m. Palace Prince made a good debut and with improvement could be right there. Dragonheart was backed on debut, but finished last of five and could improve. Space Mission is by Willow Magic and is a full brother to the Gr 1 winner MK’s Pride.

In the fifth over 1160m former Cape horse Tuscan Romance made a fine Highveld debut and can go one better in a drop in trip which could suit her and she does not have much to beat.

In the sixth race Rachel Wall impressed on debut with a runaway win over 1200m and is well drawn here over the 1400m trip which should suit her. Alta Capitana also won well on debut and should relish the step up in trip on pedigree, so can go close from pole position. Limerick Lace made a good winning debut and will enjoy this trip, but does have a tricky draw.

In the seventh race over 1400m Take No Prisoners won well on debut over this course and distance and this well-bred sort can follow up, although he has a tricky draw. Chronicle King won well second time out over 1600m and the form has been franked, so he could go close if able to overcome a tricky draw. Ideal Summer also has a wide draw, but the form of his good win over 1700m has been franked. Tin Pan Alley has some useful form against good sorts over sprints and over what should be a suitable step up in trip is well drawn, so he could be right there. King Harald also has plenty of ability is interesting stepped up to this trip.

In the last race Confederate won the Gr 1 SA Classic and should enjoy this trip from pole position. Legend of Arthur’s clas can pull him through over too sharp a trip. Choisaanada is highly thought of and is coming to hand. Pumpkin Pie also looks promising. Kamensky has won his last two and has a fair draw.

in the first leg of the PA Texas Red has been facing top horses and has been thereabouts. White Pearl also has plenty of class and jumps from a good draw over an ideal trip. Radiccio is a versatile type and has the class to be involved here from a good draw. BusstopinHounslow is able to produce a good finish and looks distance suited here. Savannah Storm is capable of popping up.

In the first leg of the Bipot Fiery Rose made a good debut and with improvement should go one better. Queen’s Pact can also be included as she has shown some ability.

In the first race over 1000m Gimmeforsure is by Gimmethegreenlight and is a hal-sister to Quasiforsure and could contest it with Trajanus and Simbine.

Rachel Wall Can Scoot In Again

Rachel Wall has been tipped to win the Highveld Juvenile Winter Fillies Stakes (JC Photos)

Turffontein Standside Sunday Formguides And Selections

R1 8 GIMMEFORSURE is well bred being by Gimmethegreenlight and a half-brother to the useful Quasiforsure. 5 TRAJANUS made a fair debut and could improve. 4 SIMBINE can earn if repeating his last start. 1 BINGO has the form to make the frame. (8-5-4-1)

R2 1 FIERY ROSE made a good debut and with improvement should go one better. 6 QUEEN’S PACT has shown some ability and could be a contender. 5 ON THE RUN is by Trippi out of a Captain Al mare. 8 WAR TALK is by Act Of War out of an A.P. Answer mare and is a half-sister to a couple of winners. (1-6-5-8)

R3 1 TEXAS RED has been facing the top horses and has been thereabouts so should go close in this lesser field. 2 WHITE PEARL is an honest sort with class and she is distance suited and well drawn. 6 RADICCHIO proved himself up to his merit rating last time and is well drawn over his suitable trip. 7 BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW has faced top horses in his last two starts and back in this company could be a threat. (1-2-6-7)

R4 1 OLD FASHIONED disappointed a bit in his last two but at his best could go close. 5 PALACE PRINCE made a fair debut and should be in the shake-up. 3 DRAGONHEART can do better than last time when he was backed and finished last of five. (1-5-3)

R5 1 TUSCAN ROMANCE made a fine Highveld debut and can go one better in a drop in trip which could suit her. 8 RENDEVOUS IN RIO faced a good sort last time and finished best of the rest. 12 SHIMMERING improved second time out and can improve again. 5 POTATO SALAD has shown some form before and if bouncing back could earn. (1-8-12-5)

R6 5 RACHEL WALL made an impressive debut over 1,200 metres and is well drawn over a suitable step-up and trip. 1 ALTA CAPITANA also made a good debut and is drawn in pole with Richard Fourie up over a step-up and trip she will relish. 3 LIMERICK LACE made a good debut and will be a suitable step-up and trip but she does have a tough draw. 8 REJUVENATE has been running some fair races in the maidens and could improve. (5-1-3-8)

R7 8 TAKE NO PRISONERS made a good winning debut over 1,400 metres after being backed and could follow up if able to overcome a tricky draw. 1 CHRONICLE KING won well last time and the form has been franked but he does also have a tricky draw. 2 IDEAL SUMMER also won well last time and the form has also been franked but he does also have a tricky draw. 9 TIN PAN ALLEY is well drawn and has the ability to upset the apple cart.

R8 3 MUSICAL SCORE will be out to book a place in the July and he has the class to do it. 1 ATTICUS FINCH is the Summer Cup winner so deserves top weight and if able to overcome a wide draw he could be right there. 8 OLIVIA’S WAY has been in fine form and should make another bold bid over a suitable trip. 9 IMMEDIATE EDGE should be running on strongly from a good draw over what should be a suitable trip. (3-1-8-9)

R9 1 CONFEDERATE is a classy sort and from a good draw should be the one to beat. 2 LEGEND OF ARTHUR is also a Gr 1 winner and although this is on the sharp side he should be running on.5 CHOISAANADA is highly thought of and bounced back to form last time and can be a player if able to overcome a wide draw. 7 PUMPKIN PIE has made a good start to his career and could be in the shake up.

Comprehensive Guide To The Epsom Derby

Delacroix could be the one to beat in the Epsom Derby (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

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My Best Shot Gives July Panellists A Headache

My Best Shot is a rare East Cape entry in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, but how will the final field panellists analyse a horse who has put daylight between himelf and East Cape opposition for six races in succession, including winning the East Cape Derby by 5,25 lengths and beating older horses today (Friday) with topweight in a Pinnacle Stakes race over 2000m on the Fairview turf by 1,75 lengths, but whom has never faced top class opposition?

My Best Shot is currently rated only 111, but might get a increase for today’s run and he was among the seven horses listed just outside the top 20 on the first July log.

He will be the most unexposed and interesting horse in the line up if he does make the July final field, because he displays a magnificent turn of foot and wins his races effortlessly, but he has never faced top class opposition.

He was one of three winners for Ricard Fourie today.

That saw him increasing his lead at the top of the national jockeys log.

Craig Zackey and Gavin Smith combined for a double.

Glen Kotzen and Alan Greeff both had doubles too.

Fourie is now on 227 wins for the season, nine ahead of Gavin Lerena, and he has done it at a strike rate of 26.30%.

Zackey is on 216 wins at 17.58%.

Kotzen is on 49 wins at 10.40%.

Greeff is on 151 wins at 18.04%.

Today's Question

Which horse led a two-year-old race at Greyville but slowed rapidly in the straight before collapsing and lying motionless opposite the number boards, leading spectators to fear the worst, but he rose two minutes later and went on to become one of the all time greats of the South African turf?

The picture is of the subject

FIELDS, Saturday, 7 June

Hollywoodbets Greyville

FIELDS, Sunday, 8 June

Turffontein Standside

Today’s Question Answer

“It was in April 1950, that the two-year-old Mowgli started with Harry Berry in the saddle at 5-4, in a six furlong juvenile event (at Greyville). Mowgli crossed the road ahead of his field when he suddenly seemed to check his stride, rapidly dropping back through the field. Opposite the number board he came to a halt and collapsed, dislodging Berry who was dazed but unhurt. When he failed to move a muscle, rumours that heart failure had caused his demise spread like wildfire around the course, but fortunately officials who examined the colt found him still to be breathing. Just two minutes later Mowgli lifted his head, looked around and slowly got to his feet to be quietly led off the track.” – Ernie Duffield – The History of the Rothmans July Handicap.

Click here to read about the great July winner Mowgli