Turf Talk Newsletter – 07 March, 2025

Picture: Immediate Edge has won both of his starts with authority and has given the impression he will get better as he goes further. (JC Photos).  

There is a nine-race meeting at Turffontein Standside on Saturday and it is headed by the WSB Listed Hawwaam Stakes over 2,000m and this should fittingly be won by the Mike de Kock-trained immediate Edge.

The Hawwaam Stakes is effectively the Derby Trial and the Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial over 2000m is also being run on the day and so is the Listed WSB Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m.

The Vercingetorix gelding Immediate Edge is a long-striding sort who is ideally suited to the Turffontein Standside track and he has won his two starts over 1600m and 2000m with authority even if the margin of victory has not been big. Ryan Munger has ridden him in both starts and he has come from off the pace with a resolute finish on both occasions. From a plum pole position draw on Saturday, he should be able to afford to be handy before staying on strongly. He is officially merit-rated only 88, but should rise above that mark, so will be hard to beat carrying 57kg. One More Star by One World is a three parts brother to Triple Crown winner Malmoos and has not surprisingly already proved himself effective over this trip when finishing a narrow second from a wide draw over 2,000m at the Vaal last time out in a handicap against older horses. He could be a threat, but does have another wide draw to overcome. Page Boy caught the eye last time out when winning his maiden over 1600m by six lengths as he looks the sort who will relish the step up in trip and he looks to have plenty of scope for further improvement. Ombudsman, like Page Boy, is by Flower Alley, and this improving sort might also enjoy this step up in trip. Peace Treaty has been shown to have a strong finish and is interesting stepped up in trip. His Sire Act of War is by Dynasty, so that will give him some stamina, but his Gimmethegreenlight dam Love of My Life was a sprint-miler sort, so he is not sure to enjoy this trip. Captain Oliver is an interesting entry from KZN, trained by Frikkie Greyling. He looks to be a galloping type and carrying just 55.5 kilograms from draw seven he might be involved. Wild Intent was thought of as good enough to go down to Cape Town and, although he carries top weight, he has proved himself effective over staying trips, as his pedigree suggests he should be. He has a good draw of five under Gavin Lerena and is another one who has a chance.

In the Oaks Trial Poplar Park looks a promising middle distance to staying type and from draw two over an ideal course and distance she should make a bold bid under Muzi Yeni. Queen of Love has some class about her and strikes as one who will enjoy the step up in trip. However, she does have a wide draw to overcome and has to carry topweight. Cocomelon is by Willow Magic out of a Greys Inn mare, whose two wins were over 1000m, so on pedigree there would appear to be a stamina doubt, but she does run as if she might enjoy this trip. Silver Parasol bounced back to form last time with a good win when stepped up to 1800m, and that augurs well for her attempt here at 2000m. Mountain High has stayed on well in her last couple of starts, over 1450m and 1600m respectively, and won the latter of those races easily, so is interesting stepped up to 2000m. She is coming to hand and has a middle draw.

The seventh race is the listed WSB Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m and Battleground makes appeal, despite having to jump from a wide draw of 11. This five-year-old Futura gelding has a big action and seems to stay all day. He is the sort who is ideally suited to the galloping Turffontein Standside track, so if Ryan Munger is able to find cover for him he should go close. Thunee Playa has class and has proved himself useful over middle distances. He did run in the SA Derby and was unplaced, but he is a year older now and might enjoy the step up in trip. Marauding Horde has always struck as a horse who would enjoy staying trips and as one who would get better as he got older, so he must have a shout from draw five. Raiseahallelujah is an honest stayer who should give a good account of himself from a fair draw of six. Forgiveness looks talented and could have a chance, although on pedigree there might be a slight stamina doubt because although she is by Silvano she is out of a speedy Western Winter mare. Breeze Over is a big staying type who could do well from a good draw of three with Muzi Yeni up.

The features should be intriguing and Ryan Munger looks to hold the trump cards.

Poplar Park impressed last time and looks to have scope for further improvement. (JC Photos).

Turffontein Standside Saturday Formguides and Selections

R1     2 CRYSTAL GROVE made a good debut over course and distance and can follow up. 4 LAVA COUNTY is by Erupt out of a Fastnet Rock mare and is drawn on the right side. 1 ARASHI won nicely last time out over course and distance and should be thereabouts. 5 RED PENNY is by Erik the Red out of a Vercingetorix mare. (2-4-1-5)

R2     7 PUMPKIN PIE made a good debut against a useful looking sort. 9 CAPE SAFFRON has run two fair races over this trip and has a plum draw. 10 WEARINGOFTHEGREEN has run two fair races from 1200 to 1450m but does have a tough draw. 1 SEVENTH FLEET has not been disgraced in his races and from a good draw might improve. (7-9-10-1)

R3     2 SHEETS AND GOGGLES has been placed in two out of his last three runs and has a chance in this lineup from pole position. 1 TIPPERARY did well last time over 1160 meters and should handle the step up and trip. 6 ARTIC SILVER ran a fair third over course and distance last time and is well drawn. (2-1-6)

R4     6 HONG KONG Hong Kong beat Green Sapphire by two and a half lengths the last time they met over course and distance and is now 1kg better off. 4 GREEN SAPPHIRE has improved since then and is drawn on the right side, so it would be no great surprise if she reversed the form. 2 ALESIA’S LOVE has some fair form over sprints but is drawn low which could be a disadvantage.9 ABBEY’S VIEW won well on debut and could do better than she did last time. (6-4-2-9)

R5     8 POPLAR PARK looks a promising stayer in the making and is drawn well. 1 QUEEN OF LOVE has some class about her and seems to be the sort who would stay well. 2 COCOMELON is interesting stepped up in trip having shown some good form over shorter.9 SILVER PARASOL bounced back with a good win last time when stepped up to 1800 meters and she should enjoy this trip too. (8-1-2-9)

R6     4 IMMEDIATE EDGE has won both his races with authority and looks to be a fine prospect. 5 ONE MORE STAR has good form and did well over this trip last time but does have a wide to overcome.11 PAGE BOY won his maiden in fine style last time when stepped up to 1600m and should enjoy this trip too. 10 OMBUDSMAN is improving and has drawn well over what could be a suitable trip as he is by Flower Alley. (4-5-11-10)

R7     6 BATTLEGROUND is a consistent stayer who gives the impression he could still improve. 3 THUNEE PLAYA has some class and is interesting stepped up to a staying trip again.2 MARAUDING HORDE has always struck as a horse who would develop into a good stayer. 5 RAISEAHALLELUJAH is an honest stayer and should be in the shake-up. (6-3-2-5)

R8     2 TO THE RESCUE is a progressive sort who should continue to improve over staying trips. 5 COFFEEBERRY went close over this trip last time and should be right there. 7 ROMEO’S MAGIC was not far off CoffeeBerry last time and can be involved. 3 AFRAAD is an honest stayer and could be thereabouts. (2-5-7-3)

R9     6 BLIZZARD SNOW is drawn on the right side and can go one better than last time. 7 ONE PARTY is always right there and from a high draw has a good chance.1 EXCEEDINGLY GLAM Is drawn on the right side and is capable of better than last time.11 JUST JAZZED UP won her maiden well and starts off on a reasonable merit rating. (6-7-1-11)

Miss World has been tipped to win the eighth race (Picture: Wayne Marks).

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

The R160 000 Royal Raceday Class 3 Handicap over 1250m, billed as the eighth event on a 9-race card at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, could see the highly rated Miss World score an overdue and well-deserved victory. The 3yo daughter of One World has been placed in her last five starts, including two close runner-up berths in her most recent outings, and she would certainly not be winning out of turn. But this is a competitive handicap and Miss World will need to pull out all the stops to ward off the attentions of Dumbledore, War Chariot, African Prince, Callmegetrix and Kelp Forest.

Richard Fourie is a notable jockey booking for Dumbledore whose last victory came at the Country course when beating Bjorn Ironside over the track and trip. He is clearly better than his last run but is generally consistent and he should go well for the Champion Jockey. War Chariot hails from the in-form team of Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix and the 4yo son of Pomodoro has won twice at Durbanville. The form of his last start has been solidly franked and with a handy galloping weight of 54kgs, War Chariot appears over-priced at 14/1 in the ante-post market.

African Prince is difficult to assess but his last start when finishing a good second behind Empire State was encouraging. This will be his peak after being rested and gelded and has only 53kgs to shoulder. With the track running as fast as it is, African Prince may be a little outpaced in the early stages, but he should be doing his best work late and could get into the mix. Callmegetrix is a model of consistency and did us proud with a good win over 1600m at the beginning of last month. She now steps back sharply in trip but jumps from a good barrier position and is not without a chance of going back-to-back, although I am somewhat surprised to see her at the top of the betting boards in the early exchanges. Kelp Forest has it all do from the worst of the draw, but he is holding form well and has previously run well at the Country course.

Greg Ennion has endured a frustrating run of late, but Miss World could lift the mood in the camp and register her second career victory but its likely to be a hard-fought and closely contested affair.
The second race on the programme is the R160 000 Cape B Stakes over 1600m and Justin Snaith comes with a three-pronged attack in the small field of seven runners. Stable elect appears to be the progressive Let It Be Said who was a facile winner over 1400m on WSB Cape Town Met day. Let It Be Said has finished in the top two positions in six of his eight starts to date and the 3yo son of Vercingetorix should have no problems coping with the extra 200m here. He has been priced up at 17/10 but could well start shorter come race time. Stable companion Future Turn rates the immediate threat but, although placed on an ultra-consistent basis, this seasoned 5yo son of Futura has not won for 623 days and he may once again have to settle for minor money.

Rich Folks Hoax from the Dean Kannemeyer stable could spoil the Snaith party but he steps up in class here and will need to lift his game further. That said, the 3yo son of Danon Platina does have scope and will be running on well at the line. Fatal Gem has won three races at Durbanville and is in fact undefeated over track and trip. She is more than capable of holding her own in this class and her last run over 2000m is best ignored. Innamorare is the third string to Snaith’s bow and a winner of his only start over the course and distance. As a 7-time winner he cannot be discounted but his stable companions are slightly preferred. Hampstead Heath ran below expectations last time and faces a tough test in this competitive line-up.

In summary, Let It Be Said is heading in the right direction and gets the nod to come out on top in his first foray over 1600m, shaping up as a potential Bipot banker.

The vote for nap-of-the-day goes to Victor Hugo in the fifth race, an Open Maiden over 1400m. Trained by Lucinda Woodruff, Victor Hugo was a beaten favourite in his last two starts but he sports blinkers for the first time and from a decent barrier position the 3yo son of Danon Platina should get it right in his fifth race track appearance. The main threat could come from Show Off who was not disgraced on debut and should have plenty of scope for improvement.

Jou Lekker Ding has been tipped to win the last race. (Picture: syndicate.Hollywood.net) 

Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday Formguides And Selections 

R1     6 DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT ran a lovely race behind Bel Canto Dream on the 15th of February, he drops in trip for this maiden plate on Saturday afternoon, it doesn’t look to be the strongest of races, if he can build on his last performance, he will be hard to beat. 2 UNDERCOVER LOVER ran a much better race last time, there should be no excuses for this individual from a good draw, he must be respected at a decent price. 9 KEEP HAPPY ran a fair race on debut behind Rahhabba, unfortunately she has drawn poorly in this race, with some luck in running, she could make big improvement and trouble them in the finish. 4 REGINA TAMARA will need to improve quite a bit to win, she ran a much better race on the 22nd of December, on her best form she could earn some money for the connections. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 2 – 9 – 4)

R2     5 LET IT BE SAID quickened up really well to win a good race on the 25th of January, he is extremely progressive, he should love the step up in trip to 1600m, with some luck in running, he will be hard to beat here. 4 RICH FOLKS HOAX finished powerfully to win well in his last start, he will be stalking the speed from a good draw, watch him closely, he can win a race like this quite easily. 6 FUTURE TURN has run two good seconds in succession, he is honest and he tries hard, include him into all bet types. 2 FATAL GEM ran a fair race in the Grade 3 Summer Fling Stakes on the 25th of January, she should enjoy the drop back in trip to 1600m, on her best form, she could be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 4 – 6 – 2)

R3     9 ROCKAROUNDTHECLOCK made good improvement from his first run into his second run, the step up in trip should unlock further improvement from this gelding, if he can beat the draw, he will go close to winning. 6 NEW WORLD has run two fair races up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he stayed on well late behind Malmesbury Missile on the 5th of February, if he handles the track and the turn on Saturday afternoon, he could be some value in this wide open race. 4 SUPPOSEYOU’VEHEARD ran a great race on debut behind Ireland Forever, he looks like the type that will improve nicely with every start, include him into all bets. 5 BETTER MAN was well beaten on debut behind the talented Parental Guidance, he is a lovely looking colt that should improve in his second start, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 6 – 4 – 5)

R4     8 TRIPPING THUNDER has run two great races up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he drops in trip to 1000m, and the blinkers stay on, if he can beat the wide draw, he will go close to winning. 4 HERITAGE RIDGE stayed on well behind Flying Finley on the 11th of February, she has been fairly consistent through her career, champion jockey Richard Fourie has been booked to ride this filly from a good draw, watch her closely. 5 SUGARBUSH is much better than her recent run behind Happy Wives, she is still learning, if she can bring her debut run to the track on Saturday, she could be a threat for them all in the finish. 1 GIMMEATHRILL has been rested and gelded, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he could be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 4 – 5 – 1)

R5     4 VICTOR HUGO stayed on really well for second in his last start on the 15th of January behind It Is My Time, his form is excellent, and the blinkers have been fitted, he will be very hard to beat in this race from a good draw. 8 FUTURE FREQUENCY was gelded on the 10th of February, he is much better than his last start behind Ahead Of The Facts, he will need some luck in running from a tricky draw, watch him closely, he is the danger to Victor Hugo. 11 SHOW OFF ran a great race on debut behind Jet Force, he will love the step up in trip, unfortunately the wide draw will make life tough for him, he should be running on late. 7 CHASINGTHERAINBOW didn’t have much luck in running last time, he must be respected on his best form. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 8 – 11 – 7)

R6     1 KLEINZEE ran a much better race on the 5th of February, she absolutely loved the step up in trip to 1400m, from a good draw here, she must be respected in a big way. 4 WEHAVEASITUATION tried exceptionally hard behind Bright Gold on the 15th of February, she is as honest as they come, there is no doubt she will have a good each way chance again in this tricky race. 7 OCOTILLO moved up well behind Englefield Green on the 18th of January, she is a good looking filly that keeps improving with every start, she should go very close here. 6 VIVO PER LEI made good improvement last time, she ran a fair second behind Dream Searcher, that was against winners, now that she is back in maiden company, she could be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 4 – 7 – 6)

R7     6 TRIPPI’S SILK has run two very good seconds in his last two starts, at this level, he will always have a good winning chance, despite the big weight on his back, he is undoubtedly the horse they all need to beat. 1 TAMBOURINE MAN quickened up in devastating fashion to beat Trippi’s Silk last time, he is consistent but at the same time needs a particular ride, if the race works out for him from a good draw, he will be competitive again. 7 TRUE HORIZON never really runs a bad race, she is honest, and she tries hard, on her best form, she could sneak into the places. 5 AUGUSTA BLUE is much better than his recent form, watch him closely at a decent price, he could be running on late into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 1 – 7 – 5)

R8     3 MISS WORLD ran a super race on the 11th of February behind Trip To Maputo, she has lots of ability, from a good draw here, she will get the run of the race, if she is good enough, she should win. 2 CALLMEGETRIX is very consistent, she fought hard to win the Clapham Stakes well in a driving finish, the drop in trip to 1250m is the only concern, she will be just behind the leaders and running on strongly late, include her into all bets. 6 WAR CHARIOT could be the value play in this wide-open race, he needs a particular ride, if the race works out for him, he will be storming home late at a decent price. 10 KELP FOREST never really quickened in his last start, he is much better than that, from a wide draw, he will be ridden for some luck, and should be running on well, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 2 – 6 – 10)

R9     4 JOU LEKKER DING ran on smartly to win a good race on the 11th of February, she was given three points for that victory at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, again she finds a good race to be competitive, she must be included into all bets. 3 PILOT FLAME ran a nice race behind Give Me Everything on the 5th of February, she has dropped back in trip to 1250m, and she gets the services of Richard Fourie, watch her closely, she will be right there from a good draw. 1 LITTLE MISS PINK can be a tricky ride, she ran a lovely race over the sprint trip last time behind Back At The George, she can finish powerfully, jockey Oswald Noach gets on well with this mare, she could be some value. 11 TANNERON has run two very good races of late, unfortunately she will need lots of luck in running from a poor draw. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 3 – 1 – 11)

View Of The World has been tipped to win the 7th race at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections

R1     Summary: Keep an eye on the first timers especially GOTTA GO EDDIE (8). Of those that have run, there should be little between GEORGE’S MAGIC (3) and BLACKJACK RANDALL (1) the two having met last time out the former finishing a length ahead. Both started at long odds. LIKE FIRE (2) was also in that race and finished a further length back but has not franked that form. (Andrew Harrison: 8-3-1-2).

R2     Summary: CONVOCATION (6) found his best form last run when going close at long odds. He is now 2.5kg better off with LICENCE TO THRILL (7) who bids for a hattrick of wins. MOJO MAN (8) has some fair Cape form and makes his debut for a new stable along with ICY BLAST (5) who goes a furlong further. QUANDARY (3) is not always reliable but is capable on his day. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-7-3).

R3     Summary: GORGEOUS BOMB (9) was well supported on debut and only just failed. She can go one better even taking on males. ONE ARMED BANDIT (2) has only missed a cheque once in six starts and that was over 1800m. He should put in another bold showing back to a sprint. FANTASY LEAGUE (4) and GALACTIC LOVER (5) have shown some ability and have money chances. (Andrew Harrison: 9-2-4-5).

R4     Summary: Open. ZENA ROSE (4) has been knocking at the door and only just failed last time out over course and distance. Close up in third was RANI TARABAI (2) who made good improvement after a break. Should could have more to come. DEE DAY (5) was always handy before fading late and can do better back over this shorter trip. SKIPPER O’MALLEY (8) improved second time out and should prefer the extra furlong. Should come on further. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-5-8).

R5     Summary: Wide open handicap. BARRY DU GROND (3) ran way below ability last start but may have need the run coming off a break. He has a competitive draw with a 2.5kg claimer up and should start at lengthy odds. BURNING MAN (7) found one too good when favourite last time out and can make amends. MAGMA MAGIC (6) was another beaten favourite last run but ran well below form. Chance on his previous effort. GIMMETHEGOODLIFE (9) has been close-up in both starts since his maiden win and goes well this course and distance. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-6-9).

R6     Summary: Open handicap. PERILLA (3) steps up to a more suitable trip and jumps from a competitive gate. BEVIES DELIGHT (2) is always dangerous and has been running on late over shorter. This trip from a good draw should suit. Mike Miller has three competitive runners but WARRIOR ROYALE (9), close-up behind Bevies Delight last run could prove the pick. GO LIKE FLO (12) has the widest draw to contend with but has put in two competitive local efforts and she is never far back. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-9-12).

R7     Summary: VIEW OF THE WORLD (2) has been consistent and goes well this trip. He jumps in class but only has 49.5kg to shoulder. CAPE EAGLE (3) was far from disgraced in the Summer Cup but has been rested since and he is more effective over a little further. However, his class may tell. MISS PLATINA (8) ran an excellent race in a six-horse field last run where Royal Warrior was favourite. She also has a light weight and will be a threat. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-3-5).

R8     Summary: Another wide open handicap. SONATA SAMARITAN (1) was not disgraced first run out of the maidens behind the promising Mocha Blend. She had the worst of the draw that day and is not drawn pole. FORWARD MOTION (4) showed up well first run back from a break. The stable is in form and she can go one better. MISS PAGET (3) may just have needed her last run but was not far back. She has dropped in the ratings and now seems to be of a competitive mark. GREY FANTASY (11) has been disappointing since her maiden win but goes another furlong further and can pop up at any time. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-3-11).

R9     Summary: FUTURE FLO (8) has been well placed by Michael Roberts and has only been creeping up the ratings. He has cracking recent form and rates the one to beat again. WISSA’S ON FIRE (1) makes his local debut and has dropped in the ratings in spite of some useful Cape form. He will be a big threat. PHILISPIEL (4) showed up nicely first run back from a break. He is over his favourite course and distance. TRAFALGAR SQUARE (6) surprised with the blinkers off last time out and only got a two-point ride in the handicap. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-4-6).

Lot 85 is a colt by Vercingetorx out of Gr 1 Cape Fillies Guineas and Gr 1 Majorca Stakes winner Snowdance, which makes him a half-brother to Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Snow Pilot.

MARCH PREMIER YEARLING SALE

Drakenstein Stud, one of South Africa’s top stud farms, has a very attractive line up of stallions. The farm stands such proven sires as Futura, What A Winter and the sensational One World, as well as such exciting young stallions as A Case Of You, Charles Dickens, Jet Dark and Sharp Frank.

Drakenstein gained yet another attractive prospect when it was announced that Oriental Charm would join their stallion line up for next season. A son of outstanding sire Vercingetorix, and from the immediate family of legendary stallion Danehill, Oriental Charm showed his class when he downed a top-class field to win the 2024 Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The farm will be bringing a top-class consignment to the 2025 Premier Sale, with Drakenstein’s draft including yearlings by South Africa’s top sires and from some of the best families in the stud book.

Drakenstein’s Kevin Somerville is delighted with the farm’s Premier Yearling Sale draft, saying, “We’ve got a draft with something for everyone; a good variety that includes three colts by Vercingetorix, three yearlings by leading three-year-old sire One World, two colts and a filly by What A Winter, a colt by Gimmethegreenlight as well as Futura, Querari, Legislate and Gold Standard.”

Lot 85: Wreath Of Snow c by Vercingetorix – Snowdance
The pedigree speaks for itself, with the colt being a half bother to Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Snow Pilot. A well-balanced colt with a lot to like, he’s got a great walk with a powerful shoulder, a lot of power behind the saddle and a good hind leg. He should be a very popular colt.

Lot 28: John Coltrane c Vercingetorix – Jet Belle
Jet Belle is the dam of Gr 1 Woolavington 2000 winner Silver Darling. Despite being a later foal, he has plenty of size and bulk and looks very powerful. Again, we expect him to be a popular lot.

Lot 65: Kalahari King c Vercingetorix – Really Royal
Our third Vercingetorix colt is out of the stakes winning Captain Al mare Really Royal. This family has been in the headlines recently with Gimme A Prince’s win in the Cape Flying Championship. This colt is an athletic sort in a classic mould with plenty to like about him.

Lot 7: One Pepper c One World – Green Pepper
He is a particularly strong type, well-balanced and easy moving with a wonderful temperament. He is out of Gr 3 winner Green Pepper and is a half-brother to Gr 1 Allan Robertson Championship winner Sweet Pepper.

Lot 138: The Flat Cat c One World – Casino Queen
This is a flashy colt with a phenomenal coat on him. He’s out of the sprinting mare, Casino Queen (Kingsbarns) and we expect him to be the same.

Lot 37: Green Sensation, c Gimmethegreenlight – Lilac Sensation
He is from the prolific Mystic Spring family, which of course includes Snowdance and Snow Pilot. This is a more classic individual with plenty of length, a typical Gimmethegreenlight, very flashy with lots to like.

Lot 82: Final Winter f What A Winter- Siren’s Call
Final Winter is the last foal out of Gr 1 SA Fillies Classic winner Siren’s Call, as we sadly lost her last season. A lighter framed, easy moving filly, she is a ½ sister to Gr 3 winner Sound Of Warning.

Lot 10: Lucy’s World f One World – Ha Lucy
She is attractive, like all the One World’s and has a lot going for her. This filly will have plenty of speed.

For more information on Drakenstein’s Premier Yearling Sale draft, interested parties are asked to contact Kevin Somerville on 072 167 9971.

ENDS

Lot 118 is an Australian-bred colt by a champion son of champion sire Exceed And Excel, out of a winning daughter of four time G1 winner and successful sire All Too Hard.

Narrow Creek Stud have bred a truly world-class sprinter in the form of Isivunguvungu. The latter, a likely contender for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night, was Equus Champion Sprinter of 2022-2023, with Isivunguvungu winning six of 15 starts including both the G1 Computaform Sprint and G1 Mercury Sprint in 2023.

Exported to North America, Isivunguvungu has shown very smart in the US, and last time out finished a close up, and unlucky third, in the Turf Dash Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

His breeder will be offering a strong draft at the Premier Yearling Sale, with Narrow Creek’s Premier consignment including yearlings sired by all of Canford Cliffs, Elusive Fort, Erik The Red, Hawwaam, Rafeef and Isivunguvungu’s own sire What A Winter.

This draft also includes a colt by Australian star Microphone, a son of Exceed And Excel who was crowned Australia’s Champion 2YO in 2018-2019.

John Everett picked out two particuarly appealing yearlings in his consignment for the sale.

LOT 118: c Microphone -All Come True
By a champion son of champion sire Exceed And Excel, this colt is out of a winning daughter of four time G1 winner and successful sire All Too Hard. All Come True is a out of a twice winning daughter of Galileo in the form of Dreams And Wishes, a full-sister to the Australian stakes winning dam of G1 VRC Oaks victress Personal. This colt’s third dam is G3 VATC Triscay Stakes winner and outstanding producer Procrastinate, the dam of 12 winners including dual South African champion and five time G1 winner Laisserfaire. The latter was sired by Danehill, the grandsire of Microphone.
A neat well put together colt which looks like quite a speedy type by exciting new Australian sire Microphone who has gotten his career off to a very nice start in Australia

LOT 127: Wont Do That f Rafeef -Bat Out Of Hell
By G1 Computaform Sprint winner and top-class sire Rafeef, this filly is out of a twice winning Querari half-sister to the Narrow Creek bred superstar Isivunguvungu.
Bat Out Of Hell is out of the four time winner Miss Tweedy, a daughter of top-class broodmare sire Tiger Ridge, and Breeders Guineas winner Dancing Penny. Further back, this is the family of G1 Gold Challenge winner King Of Pain and Australian G1 winners Above Deck and Deck The Halls.
Here is a beautiful filly out of a half sister to horse of the moment Isivunguvungu, who we are holding thumbs for on World Cup Night in Dubai.

For more information on Narrow Creek’s draft, please contact John on 082 377 2912.

Bournemouth (Canforf Cliffs) secures a five-timer for the dominant Richard Fourie/Alan Greeff combination. (Pauline Herman Photography).

Richard Fourie is now just ten wins behind Craig Zackey in the national jockeys championship after he rode a five-timer for Alan Greeff on the Fairview turf today, while Zackey only scored a single winner for Gavin Smith.

Fourie is now on 156 wins scored at a strike rate of 25.62%.

Greeff is on 106 wins, which is just six less than Justin Snaith has for the season, and he has scored it at a strike rate of 18.03%

Why would Cape Eagle be an appropriate winner of the Hollywoodbets Durban July this year from a topical point of view?

Picture: Cape Eagle is pictured winning the July consolation race last year, the Gr 3 Splashout 2200. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).