Double Grand Slam Is The Meeting Banker (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Gold Circle

R1     Summary: MASTER CASPER (5) converted his odds-on tag in his first run back from the Cape where he contested feature events. The Johan Janse van Vuuren stable is in good KZN form and Master Casper can follow up. IMPACT INVESTOR (7) disappointed in a Scottville feature last time out coming off a comfortable Cape Town maiden win. That last run was in soft ground which may have accounted for the modest showing. THE SPECIALIST (2) has improved with every outing leading to his recent victory. He can follow up. GALACTUS (8) was well supported in the market on debut but raced very green. He could make the required improvement.

Selection: 5-7-2

R2     Summary: VIBE SA (1) is long overdue having finished runner-up in four of his last five starts. He has the best of the draw and may be worth another chance. LANDSEER (5) is a late-starting three-year-old and was not far back when racing green on debut. He looks well capable of further improvement. DAPPER (7) has not been far back in all three starts. He goes the turn for the first time but should make another a bold bid. CATAVAR (8) gets first time blinkers and Richard Fourie. He is well exposed but could make it into the frame.

Selection: 1-5-7

R3     Summary: Tricky. YOU BRING ME JOY (11) has a wide draw to contend with but her form is solid having won over course and distance last time out and the form of that win subsequently franked by CARE FORGOT (7). WHISTLE THE TUNE (3) was second best behind Quid Pro Quo last time out, her first run in KZN after contesting Western Cape features. Richard Fourie has opted to ride her in preference to DARK WINTER (2) who was runner-up in a Scottsville feature last time out and in earlier form ran last Saturday’s Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship winner Symphony On White to just over a length. KHETHIWE’S DESTINY (4) was an easy winner of her maiden last run but has made steady improvement while SCARS OF WAR (6) was a nine-length winner of her maiden in a workriders plate and is proven over the trip.

Selection: 11-3-6

R4     Summary: HAVANA MOON (8) was a close-up second to GREAT PLAINS (12) when last they met. He is now 3kg better off with a more favourable draw and should be capable of turning the tables. Great Plains followed up that win with a further success with that form working out fairly well. A deep draw is of some concern but he does have Richard Fourie to navigate. THE MASK (5) was an impressive maiden winner at just the second time of asking. That was on the poly but the switch in surface should not be too much of a concern. FRENCH BOLT (1) steps up in trip but comes off some fair Highveld form and he does have the best of the draw.

Selection: 8-12-5

R5     Summary: MUCHO DINERO (11) was two lengths behind Oriental Charm in the WSB 1900 and is now 2kg better off. He appears to be coming to hand at just the right time and will be a big runner. ORIENTAL CHARM (10) was a cracking second to Future Swing in the WSB 1900 and was close-up behind Green With Envy in his previous two starts. This should be a warm-up for the Hollywoodbets Durban July and a win will cement his place in the big race. IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA (5) had the widest draw in the WSB 1900 and was only three lengths off the winner. He is better off at the weights with Oriental Charm and NARINA TROGON (9) and can finish in the money.

Selection: 11-10-5

R6     Summary: DOUBLE GRAND SLAM (8) gets the opportunity to make amends after her shock defeat in the Fillies Guineas last time out. She was caught late in that 1600m event and she should be much more at home over this shorter trip. CELTIC RUMOURS (3) has useful Highveld form and finished fourth behind males and Sandringham Summit in the Hawaii Stakes. She has a good draw and is over her optimum trip. HUMDINGER (5) was a close-up second in the Gr1 Empress Club Stakes behind the unbeaten stable companion Gimme A Nother. She does appear to run her best races for Piere Strydom and she is no stranger to the Greyville circuit. BAVARIAN BEAUTY (1) has lost her way this season but is a Gr1 winner on this course and she does have the best of the draw. If she can find her best form she will be a big threat.

Selection: 8-3-5

R7     Summary: This season’s crop of three-year-olds has been above average and they can drive home that point here. The pace is likely to be a good one led by the freewheeling DAVE THE KING (6) who has the canny Muzi Yeni aboard. However, MAIN DEFENDER (3) was a comfortable winner of the Gr1 Horse Chestnut Stakes beating Dave The King and that form is unlikely to be reversed. Tony Peter’s runner is the second highest rated, one pound bellow SEE IT AGAIN (9). LUCKY LAD (11) raced just seven days back when winning the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint displaying a remarkable turn of foot to extricate himself from a seeming hopeless position. He had no luck when trying a mile for the first time from a wide gate. He has drawn little better here but will be coming on from off the pace. SEE IT AGAIN (9) will enjoy a strong pace and although this race will be a warm-up for the Hollywoodbets Durban July he has nothing to lose. If he can reproduce his Gr2 Green Point Stakes effort when beating Charles Dickens and a high-class field of milers he could prove hard to beat. SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT (4) was run out of it late by Green With Envy in the Gr2 WSB Guineas but is another that will benefit from a strong pace.

Selection: 9-3-11

R8     Summary: KING OF THE GAULS (9) is highly regarded and has won his last two in good fashion. He is still on the up and can make it a winning hattrick. Should he not run up to expectations then the race become wide open. TROPPO VELOCE (3) takes on males but has consist Highveld sprint form and the stable is also hit at present. TEFLON MAN (7) has his third start after a break and has been a beaten favourite at his last two outings. On current for he looks held by both EXCEPT TEMPTATION (6), PLAZA ACCORD and COMMON GROUNDS (8) but if he find his best he should put in a bold bid. Except Temptation started a long odds when narrowly beaten by Common Grounds and is 2kg better off at the weights while stable companion Plaza Accord has a deep draw but a handy galloping weight.

Selection: 9-3-6

R9     Summary: NAUTICAL LANDING (1) has made steady recent progress. She stays a mile comfortably so the extra furlong should not be a concern although she does switch to the turf. IZIBULO (4) jumps in trip but does have a pedigree that suggest that it will not be a problem. Richard Fourie in the irons is a clear indication of what is expected. SWEETER THAN HONEY (3) has been knocking on the door for some time now but has been in good form. She should not be far off them. RAINBOW OF ROSES (2) Stays the trip well. She was clearly second best last run but has a chance in this line-up.

Selection: 1-4-3

World Of Alice is the selection to win Race 5 (JC Photos)

R1     7 ROAMING SPIRIT made a good debut in a decent field of winners and is the one to beat. 1 COSMIC QUEEN by Var is a half-sister to multiple winner Cosmic Star and Chyavana. 11 TO BE FREE by Danon Platina is a half-sister to seven-time winner Spring Fling. 3 GAELIC DANCER is usually thereabouts and can earn again. (7-1-11-3)

R2     15 WOLF MOUNTAIN has gone close in both starts and can make amends here. 13 TOWERS OF GOLD made a good debut and can improve. 1 ANTONIO GAUDI hasn’t been disgraced in either start and can improve. 9 PIBE DE ORO has faced some good sorts without being disgraced. (15-13-1-9)

R3     7 BJORN IRONSIDE has caught the eye before and has a good opportunity here. 5 BAY EMPIRE is by Fire Away out of a Listed-winning Ideal World mare. 2 GAMER has shown glimpses of ability and tries a step down in trip. 1 MOHAVE MAN has shown enough to mbe able to earn here. (7-5-2-1)

R4     2 DRAGON DRAGON has gone close twice over 1200m so will enjoy this step up to 1160m and he is drawn on the right side. 1 BILINGUAL is also drawn on the right side and has a chance in this uninspiring event. 8 BLUE VELVET has never been far off and has faced some fair sorts. 3 FEATHER DANCER has the form to be a contender here. (2-1-8-3)

R5     6 WORLD OF ALICE impressed second time out when winning over 1600m and looks to be a progressive sort. 1 MISS SCALETTA is in fine form and made it two wins from three starts in her last race over 1600m having won on debut over 2 VJ’S ANGEL has won two out of four and scooted in by 6,50 lengths in her last start over 3 ACROSS THE POND has ability and is capable of earning here. (6-1-2-3)

R6     7 JUDGEMENT DAY has shown his class by winning his last three from 1600m to 1800m and he has a chance here despite a tough draw of 15. 5 WARHAWK BOMBER has been in fine form and can progress further but he has a tricky draw of nine. 2 GREETING MY MASTER has useful Cape Town form and this trip will suit, buthe has a tough draw. 9 MASTER CHRISTMAS has plenty of ability and can progress further, but does have a tough draw of 12. (7-5-2-9)

R7     2 PURPLE PITCHER is a top class twice Gr 1 winner, including the SA Classic over this course and distance, so he can go close, although will be using this as a preparation run for the July. 10 POMODORO’S JET brings some ultra consistent cape Town form and will enjoy the course and distance. 11 PERFECT WITNESS will have a chance over an ideal trip from pole position carrying a feather weight. 7 MUJBAR showed signs of a form return whensecond over 1600m last time and Fourie up is eyecatching. (2-10-11-7)

R8     5 GREEN FLASH is a talented sort and from a favourable draw of seven out of nine over a suitable trip should make a bold bid. 1 FIRE ‘N FLAMES won impressively last time and the progeny of his sire seem to come into their own as they get older. 6 HALBERDIER wilol make a bold bid from a plum high draw. 4 SILVER TUDOR was beaten 2,50 lengths by Halbadier over course and distance last time but is now 4kg better off although the latter has had a couple of months of wfa improvement since that last win being a three-year-old. (5-1-6-4)

Vee Moodley, CEO of the NHA, is pictured above

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) remains committed to maintaining the integrity of horse racing in South Africa by ensuring fair competition, prioritising horse welfare, and supporting the sport’s sustainability. To address the potential unfair advantage of increased blood alkalinity on performance, which is internationally acknowledged, Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2) analysis is now conducted on race days using an approved handheld blood gas analyser.

Since 2002, the NHA Laboratory has been screening all pre-race blood specimens for TCO2 using a Beckman analyser. It is very likely that specimen handling and storage time may affect TCO2 stability in blood, the Abbott i-STAT handheld blood gas analyser was identified in 2005 as a suitable instrument for race-day TCO2 analysis. A comprehensive study in South Africa from 2004 to 2008 compared 1 956 pre-race specimens analysed using both the Abbott and Beckman analysers, finding minimal variation between the two instruments. Repeated analysis of the same specimen on different i-STAT analysers produced consistent readings. Each specimen is analysed using a brand-new cartridge, taking approximately four minutes, which include the time for the i-STAT analyser to identify and record the specific unique cartridge, perform the calibration, and the analysis of the specimen to ensure accurate results. The study’s findings were presented at the 17th International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians (ICRAV) in Turkey in 2008 and published in the conference proceedings. Subsequently, other international racing jurisdictions adopted the i-STAT for TCO2 analysis of pre-race blood specimens.

In late 2023, pre-race blood specimen analysis for TCO2 indicated that a few horses displayed levels high enough to warrant further investigation by the NHA. In March 2024, the NHA published the procedure for TCO2 analysis using an approved handheld blood gas analyser on race day. The first official use of the i-STAT occurred on 6 April, following a phasing-in period where pre-race blood specimens were once again analysed at the NHA laboratory using both the Abbott and Beckman analysers. Between 6 April 2024 and 6 June 2024, a total of 1 351 TCO2 analyses were performed on 1 242 horses. Of these, 89 horses (7.2%) tested above 35 mmol/L and were retested within a timeframe of 10 – 15 minutes later, with 20 horses (1.6%) withdrawn from races due to TCO2 levels above 36 mmol/L. The remaining 1 222 runners had levels between 26 and 36 mmol/L, consistent with the normal physiological range for Thoroughbred Racehorses.

Carbon Dioxide is classified as a Class 2 prohibited substance according to the Rules of the NHA, with a regulatory threshold of 36 mmol/L established in Article 6 of the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering, published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). This threshold was established internationally many years ago, primarily from the analysis of a large population of Thoroughbred Racehorses in Australia. Several factors can elevate TCO2 concentrations in horses, including dehydration, supplements, medications (alkalinising agents), feed, electrolytes and salts, ambient environment, and the horse’s clinical physiology. The effects of transport and excitement have not been extensively studied locally or internationally. The NHA as a member of the IFHA accepts the international threshold as being reliable and robust, with the approved testing minimising the chance of false positives.

An alkalinising agent is any substance that may elevate a horse’s TCO2 levels when administered by any means, and thus, no person shall administer an alkalinising agent to a horse on race day. Prohibited alkalinising agents include substances containing bicarbonates, citrates, succinates, acetates, propionates, maleates, lactates, alkaline water, and trometamol (THAM, Tris Buffer, or Tromethamine), as well as products marketed as urinary alkalinisers, neutralising agents, and lactic acid buffers. Alkalinising agents in commercial feeds and balanced electrolyte supplements, when used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, have a negligible effect on TCO2 levels.

Trainers are reminded that a TCO2 concentration in the blood above the threshold for a horse presented to race constitutes prima facie evidence of alkalinisation (regardless of the means or methodology by which the elevated levels were facilitated), or the use or administration of an alkalinising agent and will result in the horse’s withdrawal from the race. If the taking of a specimen from a horse is refused by the trainer and/or the person in control of such horse, then that horse shall be withdrawn from the race in question. The NHA has increased its frequency and the number of runners selected for TCO2 testing with the ultimate goal to test every runner in the new season.

Vee Moodley

Chief Executive

Whisker trimming will be banned in British racing from 1 July. (Picture: Horse And Hound)

Lucy Elder (Horse And Hound)

British Horseracing Authority

British racing has banned the trimming of whiskers, bringing the sport into line with other equestrian disciplines.

The move is among several rule changes that will come into force on 1 July.

Trimming of sensory hairs was outlawed by the FEI – the international federation that governs the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian disciplines – in July 2021. British Eventing, British Dressage and British Showjumping have all followed suit.

“The removal of sensory hairs (more commonly known as whiskers) will no longer be permitted, bringing British racing into line with other international equestrian disciplines,” said an update from the British Horseracing Authority on 6 June, adding that this will come into effect on 1 July.

“Unless removed by a veterinarian on welfare grounds or to allow for treatment, the sensory hairs around a horse’s mouth, nose and eyes can no longer be clipped, shaven or removed in any way.

“This change has been made to help ensure a horse’s tactile sensory function is not compromised, which can happen if sensory hairs are removed.”

The rule updates also include changes to the ways in which ice is allowed to be used before a race – and bans certain equipment from the stables that is designed to have an effect on a horse’s body, such as magnetic rugs and massage pads, unless approved by a vet.

“The use of ice on a horse prior to racing will not be permitted once the horse has arrived at the racecourse, unless approved by a BHA veterinary officer,” states the update.

“Previously, ice was allowed to be applied to a horse on a racecourse up until two hours before the start time of a race, and within two hours if approval was granted.

“As ice can be used to mask pain, it has now been agreed that ice or other cooling devices can only be used once a horse enters a racecourse if permission is granted from a veterinary officer.”

An addition to the rules, intended to make clear what equipment is not allowed to be used in the racecourse stables area, adds: “Unless approved by a BHA veterinary officer, items designed or advertised to have an effect on the horse’s body system, such as magnetic boots, magnetic rugs and massage pads, should not be brought on to racecourse property.”

Ramjet was an impressive winner of the gruelling Tokyo Derby on dirt on Wednesday and his connections are already turning their thoughts to overseas targets (bloodhorse.com)

By Bob Kieckhefer (Bloodhorse.com)

Wednesday, 12:23 PM

Look out, world. Here comes another promising Japanese dirt contender with lofty ambitions, hot on the heels of Kentucky Derby (G1) third-place finisher Forever Young .

Ramjet , a Majestic Warrior colt, romped to a six-length victory June 5 in the Tokyo Derby at Oi Racecourse, the second leg of the brand-new Japan Dirt Triple Crown series. It was his fourth straight win.

The colt did not contest the first leg of the series, the Haneda Hai, won by Amante Bianco , so there is no chance of a Triple Crown winner. Amante Bianco, closely related to the popular pure white mare Sodashi , did not contest the Tokyo Derby.

The dirt series is still building momentum in Japan, where turf racing offers vastly bigger purses and captures much of the public’s attention. But after signal victories around the world, including Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the Breeders’ Cup, and Forever Young’s performance in Louisville, Ky., the racing establishment is working hard to build interest.

Ramjet’s connections, though, are looking well beyond the still-developing local dirt circuit.

“He will run in the Japan Dirt Classic (a local grade 1 Oct. 2 at Oi) after a summer break, and I want him to match with Forever Young,” said trainer Shozo Sasaki. “If possible, next year we will be able to see him challenge the overseas big races as well. … He has not raced seriously yet.”

The Tokyo Derby ultimately presented little challenge for Ramjet and jockey Kosei Miura although the colt seemed to take a few strides to find a second wind on the second of two hairpin turns going right-handed on the Oi track.

After racing just behind the leading duo, Miura took Ramjet outside them to mount a challenge entering the bend. He suddenly dropped back, losing nearly two lengths, then regained control, took the lead, and won easily. He ran 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles) in 2:06.1, a decent time for the course and distance.

Miura said he wasn’t bothered by Ramjet’s jet lag turning for home.

“Though he still a little bit idled at the home turn, I was sure he would catch the front after, so I was careful for him not to lose concentration after he hit the front. … He manages to win in surprising ways every time,” the rider said.

The colt finished 2023 with a victory in a 1,400-meter (about seven-furlong) dirt sprint at Chukyo Racecourse. He then won the listed Hyacinth Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse in February to open his 3-year-old campaign, going 1,600 meters (about one mile). His third straight score came in the Unicorn Stakes (G3) at Kyoto Racecourse as he stretched out to 1,900 meters (about 1 3/16 miles).

The Hyacinth, part of the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, was won by T O Password, who overcame all kinds of traffic issues to finish a closing fifth in the Kentucky Derby. Amante Bianco won the first leg of the Japan Road series and Forever Young won the second before detouring to the Middle East, where he won the Saudi Derby (G3) and the UAE Derby (G2) before his dramatic effort at Churchill Downs.

The bloodlines for high-level, classic-distance success on the dirt certainly are there in Ramjet.

He was produced by the Gold Allure mare Nefertiti , whose dam was La Verita , in turn a daughter of Unbridled’s Song. Majestic Warrior was sired by A.P. Indy.

Alan Greeff-trained Fire Away filly Luna Halo made it career win number eight today when converting the second leg of a double for Richard Fourie and Alan Greeff (Pauline Herman Photography)

Richard Fourie rode a double for Alan Greeff on the Fairview poly today and is now just three wins away from breaking Anthony Delpech’s iconic 334 wins-in-a-season record.

Meanwhile Gavin Smith scored a treble to close the gap on Greeff in the thrilling East Cape Championship title race and Kelly Mitchley also scored a double.

Fourie is now on 332 wins for the season and has achieved it at a strike rate of 23.17%.

His projected number of wins for the season (based on his number of rides per calendar day rate and his current strike rate for the season) is now 389.

Smith is now on 115 wins for the season, scored at a strike rate of 11.79%, and that leaves him seven wins behind Greeff.

Greeff is now on 122 wins at 16.31%.

Mitchley is on 64 wins at 10.21%.

Sunday Silence: The Star No One Wanted

LEGENDS (americasbestracing.net)
May 3rd, 2024 BY Tom Pedulla

Sunday Silence spent a lifetime in search of respect, on the track and in the breeding shed. In the end, he earned it.

“He was very good,” said Shug McGaughey, a Hall of Fame trainer who handled arch-rival Easy Goer. “I ran against him four times and he beat us three times. And I ran a pretty good horse at him.”

In the beginning, though, Sunday Silence was a colt no one wanted. He narrowly survived a virus as a weanling. Trainer Gary Jones once said his hind legs “were so crooked they looked like coat hangers.” Bill Christine, a sportswriter for the Los Angeles Times, described the same legs as being “shaped like parentheses.”

SUNDAY SILENCE
Foaled: March 25, 1986
Sire: Halo
Dam: Wishing Well, by Understanding
Owners: Gaillard, Hancock III, Whittingham
Breeder: Oak Cliff Thoroughbreds Ltd. (Ky.)
Career Record: 14-9-5-0, $4,968,554

Key Wins: 1989 Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes
and Breeders’ Cup Classic

Arthur B. Hancock III tried to unload the unsightly youngster at the Keeneland yearling sale in 1987 only to buy him back for a mere $17,000. He later shipped him to Hollywood Park to make him available at an auction for unraced 2-year-olds. The presale reserve was set at $50,000; the bidding never came close. Hancock retained him for $32,000.

He took on partners and the decision was made to ship Sunday Silence back to Kentucky. He never made it. The driver suffered a fatal heart attack in Texas, and the van overturned. The horse somehow emerged unscathed and was returned to California to begin his career there for Charlie Whittingham, himself a Hall of Fame trainer.

Sunday Silence completed an inauspicious 2-year-old season with one victory in three starts.

“He was weedy in the beginning,” Hancock told the Los Angeles Times. “He reminded you of a skinny teenager.”

That skinny teen matured dramatically between 2 and 3. Those hind legs still did not look like much, but boy could they move. He took an allowance race to begin his 3-year-old season and suddenly put himself front and center for the Kentucky Derby – and a much-anticipated confrontation with Easy Goer – by sweeping the San Felipe Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby.

Virtually all of the pre-Derby hype surrounded Sunday Silence’s vaunted East Coast foe. “With Easy Goer being the 2-year-old champion, he had come in as the now horse, the next Secretariat,” Christine said.

When Sunday Silence bested Easy Goer by 2 ½ lengths in the run for the roses, the outcome was attributed to a muddy track at Churchill Downs. When Sunday Silence prevailed against Easy Goer by a nose after a scintillating Preakness stretch duel, most observers credited Pat Valenzuela with outriding Pat Day, who later admitted he would have done things differently. When Easy Goer denied his West Coast rival the Triple Crown with an eight-length romp at his home course in the Belmont Stakes, Sunday Silence’s critics rejoiced.

Christine saw it differently. “Easy Goer loved Belmont. It was his track and his day,” he said. “He really drubbed Sunday Silence, but that track had a lot to do with it.”

Sunday Silence would have the last word – with a neck victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Gulfstream Park. His seventh triumph in nine starts in an unforgettable campaign ensured honors as the top 3-year-old and Horse of the Year.

“He was a pretty agile type of horse,” McGaughey said. “He could get around the turns better than we could.”

An injured ligament forced the son of Halo to be retired during his 4-year-old season. His modest pedigree and poor conformation stirred little interest from U.S. breeders, leading him to be sold to Japanese interests despite an ultra-consistent career that brought nine victories and five runner-up finishes in 14 starts for earnings of $4,968,554.

The horse that was overlooked time and again became invaluable to the Japanese racing industry as a breed-shaping stallion. Once more, the last word belonged to Sunday Silence.

Fun Facts

Earned $1 million bonus from Visa for top performance in Triple Crown series
Ridden by Pat Valenzuela in 12 of his 14 starts
Ranked 31st by BloodHorse magazine in its list of the top 100 U.S. Thoroughbreds of the 20th Century
Japan’s leading sire 13 times
Covered more than 2,000 mares in Japan