Barbaresco (JC Photos)

The big question tomorrow at Turffontein Standside is whether the Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained three-year-old Gimmethegreenlight gelding Barbaresco can join a host of his paternal siblings as a classic  candidate when running in a MR 96 Handicap over 1600m.

To put that question into perspective the reigning champion stallion Gimmethegreenlight is coming off a classic race double with his superstar progeny Sandringham Summit and Gimme A Nother toying with the opposition in the Gr 2 TAB Gauteng Guineas and Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas respectively.

In the Gauteng Guineas his gelding son Gimmeanotherchance ran an unlucky fifth, having been in the group who were stuck behind Mondial, who could not go with the pacesetting vanguard.

In the Gauteng Fillies Guineas his daughter Let’s Go Now ran fourth.

Meanwhile, down in Cape Town, Gimme’s son Green With Envy, who was a close fourth in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, looks set to be favourite for another classic, the Gr 1 Cape Derby, after an impresssive win with topweight in the traditional pointer, the Gr 3 Schweppes Politician Stakes.

Gimme’s son Tail Of The Comet started favourite for the Cape Guineas, but disappointed and there were question marks about whether he stayed the trip. He then proved he stayed it with a flying third in the R7.5 million Gold Rush, having been boxed in in the running and then being badly hampered in the straight.

Barbaresco faces some decent older horses on Saturday and will be running off a capped merit rating of 94. On formlines this merit rating could actually be capped by more than 20 points, meaning on paper he could be more than 10kg well in!

Races are not run on paper, but it is interesting to delve into the formline which makes a case for the above statement not being pie in the sky.

Barbaresco had been kept to sprints until the running of the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m. At odds of 33/1 he ran a 1,10 length second to the superstar gelding Main Defender when receiving only 2kg.

This is what the handicappers said about that performance:

The eye-catching BARBARESCO, who produced a much-improved performance, may only be adjusted upwards by a maximum of 3 points in terms of the specific race conditions which prohibit the Handicappers from adjusting placed horses upwards by more than 3 points. Accordingly, 2nd placed BARBARESCO goes up to 94 from 91 and 3rd placed HOTARUBI goes up to 98 from 95 even though both have performed to a significantly higher level. Consequently, these two horse’s merit ratings do not reflect their relative ability to one another after the running of this Grade 3 event, as 2nd placed BARBARESCO is rated 4 points lower than 3rd placed HOTARUBI who he beat by a little over 3 lengths at level weights here.

Hotarubi then came out and finished a three length second to Sandringham Summit in the TAB Gauteng Guineas and was awarded a 116 merit rating.

Barbaresco beat Hotarubi by three lengths in the Got The Greenlight, meaning if the latter is a 116, he could be a 122. However, as main Defender is only 121 and Sandringham Summit is 123, it is probable that Hotarubi’s performance improved from pole position in the Gauteng Guineas, which was the draw Barbaresco had in the Got The Greenlight.

So, it would be more realistic to say that Barbaresco ran to a 115 merit rating in the Got The Greenlight and subsequent results have proved that it was accurate … at least on paper.

On the downside, Main Defender was said to have been well below his best in the Got The Greenlight and the yard were actually surprised he won, while Sean Tarry questioned whether Hotarubi had actually performed to a 116, considering Sandringham Summit was coming back from layoff and still won easily.

Nevetheless, there is no question that Barbaresco is “well in” tomorrow.

It was not surprising he improved with a step up in trip in the Got The Greenlight, because he is out of the Fort Wood filly Negroamaro.

The latter was high class over a mile and middle distances and finished second in both the Gr 1 SA Filllies Classic and Gr 1 Woolavington 2000 on top of winning the Gr 3 Fillies Mile and finishing second and third respectively in the Gr 2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas and Gr 2 KZN Fillies Guineas.

Barbaresco should enjoy the further step up in trip to 1600m and has a fair draw of five under Ryan Munger.

However, he won’t have it all his own way despite his capped merit rating.

Just Nuisance could be dangerous from pole position. This progressive Flower Alley colt won well last time out in his first start out of the maidens and that saw him unbeaten in two starts over this trip. He beat a couple of decent horses in Eiffel Tower and Biofarmer.

Biofarmer was beaten 17 lengths by Main Defender in the Betway Graham Beck Stakes over 1400m, but an indication that this three-year-old crop might not have much depth is that Eiffel Tower has a comfortable victory over Hotarubi to his name in a 1400m race.

The topweight in tomorrow’s race, Silent War also has a good record over 1600m, and possesses a fine turn of foot. From a good draw of four he should be right there.

Home Of The Brave is also a classy sort and although he comes off a win over 2000m, he is effective over this course and distance too. He finished 1,25 lengths behind Silent War when they met over this trip at the Vaal last September and is now 3,5kg better off. However, he does have a tricky draw of ten to overcome.

Raffles also has the ability to be involved here. However, he last ran in September when tailed off after losing two lengths at the start and returning with an abrasion on his head, so he might need it.

It is going to be an intriguing race.

This might well be a prepartion for Barbaresco ahead of the Gr 1 SA Classic, but analysts will also be looking at his performance it as a point of reference when assessing just how good this three-year-old male crop is.

All About Al is the selection in the seventh (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

Cape Racing stages an eight-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth where the first race and opening leg of the Bipot, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1100m, is due to start at 12:55. There are six newcomers amongst the field of ten runners but, of those that have raced, World Of Pleasure caught the eye when running a promising second on debut behind Banff.

By the exciting One World and trained by Vaughan Marshall, World of Pleasure can be expected to show further improvement with the benefit of that run under his belt. At face value he has the measure of Impact Investor and Prohibition but watch out for a market springer before finalising your Bipot selections.

Peter Muscutt has not enjoyed an easy time in the Western Cape this season but Givethatmanabells, despite the worst of the draw, could be the one to follow in the opening leg of the Place Accumulator. He did not get the run of the race last time but judged on his previous three runs he should give Richard Fourie an excellent chance of finding the winner’s enclosure. Salute The Flag could capitalise on being drawn in pole position and rates a threat while both Go It Alone and In The Bag should have a hand in the finish. On best form Etoilefillant could surprise for new trainer Des MacLachlan. Gold Gunner has been off the track since his indifferent debut in September, but he has his first run as a gelding and could improve significantly.

Race 3, the opening leg of the Pick 6, is a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1400m and Qhawekazi and Hampstead Heath appear to be the leading lights. Plum Pudding is another likely improver as she has two fair efforts down the straight to her credit and will appreciate going around the turn. Fastnet Filly has not been seen since November and is another who could improve, particularly given the current form of the Brett Crawford stable.

Storm Boulevard has done enough to suggest he can win the fourth race, a Maiden Plate over 1800m, but the race has a wide open appearance and there are many with chances. Lockheedlightning is well exposed and clearly has limitations, but his last two efforts have been better. French Tripp has the come-on-look and can progress further and Mr Belvedere has obvious claims on his recent form. He has yet to be tried beyond 1600m but there is plenty of stamina in his pedigree and the further he goes the better he should be. Four Jacks, Kwite A King, Apache Chief and Fly Futura cannot be overlooked in a very trappy contest.

And it does not get any easier in Race 5, the Cape B Stakes over 2200m. Royal Watch, Natyam, Gimme More Time and the much-improved Marhsall Field make up the short-list with a slight preference for Royal Watch who has his peak run and will appreciate stepping up in trip.

Candice Bass-Robinson was in terrific form on Tuesday, and she could produce the winner of the sixth race in the form of Kamakazi. The daughter of Captain Of All does have an awkward draw but she could confirm the form with Red Moon Rising who appears the principal danger. Go Like Flo has won her last three starts on the bounce and rates an obvious threat but on past form there is every chance that Kamakazi will have her measure this time around.

The seventh race, the Cape B Stakes over 1200m, is very competitive and a close finish seems on the cards. The consistent All About Al will have as good a chance as any but Teflon Man and Tenango are likely to make their presence felt. Moya Wa Laliga and the capable but inconsistent Dumbledore must be considered while Night Tiger goes well for Morne Winnaar, and the son of Rafeef could prove to be the lurker in the pack. Gimmelightning has shown his best form to date over 1000m but could surprise in this line-up.

The meeting closes out with the Cape B Stakes (F&M) over 1100m and the lightly weighted Dame Of Trix, winner of her only start to date, could be equal to the step-up in grade. Debutante Stakes (Gr 2) winner Cala Muretta has been campaigning in Feature races ever since her maiden win back in May last year and will appreciate the step back in class. I expect her to make a bold bid in this line-up. Porque Te Vas is useful at best and on the strength of her penultimate run when a close third to The Abdicator, the daughter of Querari is must for all permutations. Trip to Maputo is the early market leader but has shown her best form over slightly further while Knockout is capable on her day and would not be winning out of turn. A tough race to end a challenging day’s racing!

Moonshingthrough is selected to win the 8th. The Rafeef mare will be ridden by Diego Degouveia this time (JC Photos)

Gold Circle

R1     2 PISTOL PETE 1 made a good debut and he does have a more favourable draw than his main opposition here. ADDRESS THE NATION comes out ahead of Pistol Pete marginally on formlines but the number one draw is usually a boit disadvantageous by trends. 3 CYMRIC is by Vercingetorix and is a half-brother to the useful Gr 3 Starling Stakes winner Egyptian Mau 6 VALIEVA is by Var out of a three-time winning Trippi mare (2-1-3-6)

R2     2 EMBLEM OF THE SUN found some support on debut and was not disgraced and can improve. 1 YOU BRING ME JOY won third time out but the time was not great and she now had to give the rest of the field here 3kg 5 PEACE OF MIND has put up two fair efforts against the speed Almond Sea and must have a chance on that form 3 INTRO has over five lengths to find on Bring Me Joy and is only 3kg better off. (2-1-5-3)

R3     8 WINTER IN PARIS is by What A Winter and is a half-sister to Gr 1 winner Trip Of Fortune 6 ROWYAANA is by Silvano and is a full-sister to Ablaan, who won his first two starts. 1 DHOW SOLO was knocking on the door but needs to bounce back from a poor run over 1200m when fading badly from the front and she should prefer this straight track 2 ENCHANTING LADY has the form to be a contender here. (8-6-1-2)

R4     2 VAN MEIJEL has a form chance and is drawn on the right side. 1 AND ACTION could earn if reproducing his debut effort 5 STREWN SKY has shown some ability and could earn here. 6 GREEN FAME was backed on debut but finished last and did not do much better next time out (2-1-5-6)

R5     1 DONNA MO caught the eye staying on last time over 1200m and looks likely to enjoy this middle distance trip judging on her overall form. 2 ARCTIC VIXEN ran a fair race over 2000m last time and should enjoy this trip 7 VOLARE E MAMBO is a full sister to the promising stayer Mambo Come Tesio and she should relish the step up in trip 5 DYNAMIC LASS ran a fair race over 1600m last time and also has a chance (1-2-7-5)

R6     7 MARAUDING HORDE failed at odds of 1/3 last time but he should relish the step up in trip 1 DARK SILVER has run three good races and will enjoy the trip and is well drawn 4 JUDGEMENT DAY should be suited to this trip and has a form chance. 3 REMAINS OF THE DAY has some fair form over shorter but is by Hat Puntano, who was best at a mile, out of a Philanthropist mare who won once over 1000m. (7-1-4-3)

R7     9 BARBARESCO ran a cracker in the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes when beaten just 1,10 lengths by the top class Main Defender and easily beating Hotarubi, who finished second in the Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas, so he will be hard to beat over a step up in trip he should relish. 10 JUST NUISANCE is unbeaten in two starts over this trip and is a progressive sort who is drawn in pole. 1 SILENT WAR has a fine turn of foot and should be right there. 3 HOME OF THE BRAVE has plenty of class and should enjoy this trip but does have a tough draw (9-10-1-3)

R8    4 MOONSHININGTHROUGH is a consistent sprinter and has a shout from an advantageous draw by trends 3 I AM GIANT is a classy sprinter and he should have come on from his last run 7 MOUNT PILATUS was close to a good sort over course and distance last time and should be thereabouts 1 AUSSENKEHR is reliable and should be thereabouts from a nice high draw. (4-3-7-1)

R9     3 MID WINTER WIND looks to be a promising sort and starts handicapping off a reasonable mark 5 CHAMPION WARRIOR showed a lot of promise early on and can perhaps bouince back from a disappointing Highveld debut 7 PONTIAC is in good form and should be in the mix 11 HALBERDIER should be involved if repeating his last start (3-5-7-11)

Go Like Flo has been selected to win the 6th race (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Gold Circle

R1     7 WORLD OF PLEASURE found one better in his debut effort which saw him end up in the second box but it was an impressive run despite being green. He should be the one to beat with natural improvement expected. Behind him on that run was 3 IMPACT INVESTOR who is the biggest danger and was running on smartly. 4 JOHNNY DRAMA as well as 10 WHAT A FORTUNE could be forward enough to run into the quartet on debut (Devon Pretorius: 7-3-4-10)

R2     10 GIVETHATMANABELLS drops back in trip to 1400m after a below par run over the mile in his last start. His best form has been over track and trip and runs well with Richard Fourie in the saddle. The biggest concern is the wide draw. Chief danger will be 7 GO IT ALONE who was in need of his last start but still ran a good race when well beaten into second. With the run under his belt he should strip fitter but this is a normal maiden plate and won’t be receiving any weight like he did last time. 6 IN THE BAG and 9 TSUNAMI WARNING are the best of the rest and should be running for minor placings (Devon Pretorius: 10-7-6-9)

R3     8 QHAWEKAZI was disappointing in her last start but that run can certainly be ignored. She drops back in trip to 1400m and if she repeats any of her previous runs before her last start, it should be good enough to see her win. 11 ROCKING PEONIE is another runner who ran below expectations last time out. Her penultimate run she was flying at the finish against much tougher company than what she faces here. 7 HAMPSTEAD HEATH steps up to 1400m which should see her continue to improve. She has strong each way claims. 2 PLUM PUDDING is another runner who is expected to improve stepping up in trip. (Devon Pretorius: 8-11-7-2)

R4     Quite a few runners with strong claims after hard luck stories in their last starts especially 6 APACHE CHIEF who had to check for a run at a crucial stage in the closing stages and ultimately wasn’t persevered with until the finish. He was giving weight to the field in that race and now back in a normal maiden plate at level weights, he is a good each way chance. The obvious concern is the fact that Richard Fourie jumps from Apache Chief to ride the improving 3 MR BELVEDERE who moved up like a winner in his last start but was a bit flat in the final 100m. 5 KWITE A KING came from a long way back in his last start and flew up to run into third from a wide draw. Expect another late charge from the son of Vercingetorix. 1 LOCKHEEDLIGHTNING might be in the maidens after seventeen career starts but his recent form behind the likes of Marshall Field and Call To Unite must give him a big chance of finally shedding the maiden tag. Don’t rule out the chances of 3 French Trip who is improving with every start (Devon Pretorius: 6-3-5-1)

R5     2 NATYAM looks hard to oppose after a string of good runs in the Western Cape. He was just touched off in his last start and the winner of that race came out to run third in the G3 Politician Stakes. 1 ROYAL WATCH bounced back to form in his latest start and has raced against some feature raced runners this season such as Montien and Mucho Dinero. In a weaker field this time round he should make his presence felt. 8 MARSHALL FIELD has been impressive since his maiden win and won comfortably in his last start. This is his toughest task to date but with a light weight of 52kgs to shoulder over 2200m, that should bring him into contention. 5 BROADWAY GIRL is well weighted with the sex allowance and should fight out the placings with 3 GIMME MORE TIME (Devon Pretorius: 2-1-8-5)

R6     6 GO LIKE FLO is looking to make it four wins in a row and it is hard to oppose her. She did receive a 6 point penalty for her latest win but the manner in which she has been winning certainly shows no signs of stopping. 7 GLEE CLUB was involved in a blanket finish in her last start despite finishing 8th. This field is weaker than what she faced last time and she could be the biggest danger to the first selection. 9 KAMAKAZI has been ridden like a Kamakazi in her last two starts. She is improving but has never been far off in her career and is actually on considerably favourable weight terms from the 10th October formline with Go Like Flo but when they reopposed each other on the 10th of December, she is held by Go Like Flo by a few lengths. Watch for further improvement from 1 TICKET TO VEGAS (Devon Pretorius: 6-7-9-1)

R7     Competitive sprint where a few runners have a good chance but the best form to look at would be the 6th of January formline where 7 DUMBLEDORE holds quite a few runners comfortably. Richard Fourie is engaged for the ride and holds off 4 TENANGO by 1,33 lengths on revised weight turnarounds. 2 MAJOR APOLLO was not disgraced first run out the maidens carrying the same weight as Axl who came out to win again from that formline. With Just 54kgs to carry and plenty of scope for improvement, he could represent some good each way value. 10 ALL ABOUT AL has yet to miss the quartet in his last four starts and should continue his consistent form here. 5 Moya Wa La Liga; 9 Night Tiger and 12 Teflon Man are also contenders you can’t leave out in wider permutations (Devon Pretorius: 7-4-2-10)

R8     6 CALA MURETTA is undoubtedly the class filly in the race and should take a power of beating dropping back to a sprint and taking a big drop in class after running in the Fillies Guineas. She has top weight to shoulder, but this isn’t a strong field and she looks to be one of the better bets on the card. 5 NIGHT VIGIL comes in with a light weight after her maiden win and she is a smart filly with potential to upset if the weight gets to the first selection. 7 TRIP TO MAPUTO drops in distance to a sprint and she could bounce back to her best form after a disappointing run last time out. 1 DAME OF TRIX is bred in the purple and after an impressive win on debut, there should be more to come especially with a light weight of just 52,5kgs. (Devon Pretorius: 6-5-7-1)

Pistol Pete in Race 1 stands out as the best bet on tomorrow’s Turffontein card. Picture: JC Photographics

Tony Peter-trained youngster to enhance his reputation after facile debut win

Jack Milner (The Citizen)

Years ago, in another life, I travelled the world following the international tennis tour and I have to admit that Pete Sampras was my favourite men’s player in those years.

He introduced an elegance to the sport not seen in many years and he displayed humility with the media, always stating that it was vital to keep one’s feet on the ground and not become your own No 1 fan.

He was best known for his penetrating service and probably still can claim to have the best second serve in the sport. As a result, he was nicknamed Pistol Pete by the media and public.

One can never be sure when one names a racehorse that it will be able to live up to the assigned label, but based on his debut performance, trainer Tony Peter looks to have a promising performer in his yard.

It is unlikely Sampras was the man fully in the minds of those who named the colt as he is by Buffalo Bill Cody, a gunfighter and showman out of the old American West, who is probably the true source of this colt’s designation.

However he got it, Pistol Pete looks likely to do both Buffalo Bill and Sampras proud when he lines up for his second outing in Race 1 at Turffontein tomorrow, a Juvenile Plate over 1000m on the Standside track.

He attracted good betting support on debut, shortening from an opening call of 9-2 to go off at 14-10 and the result was never in doubt. He jumped to the front from the off, showed tremendous speed from the start, and went on to beat Ready Set Fire by 2.25 lengths over 1000m on the Vaal Classic track.

He is opposed by just five runners at Turffontein of which his stable companion, Bellissivar, looks an optimistic entry. Candice Dawson-trained Address The Nation won on debut, but only narrowly, and did not give the impression that sprinting will be his forte, especially the minimum 1000m.

One runner who could be a huge danger is Vercingetorix newcomer Cymric trained by Johan Janse van Vuuren. Van Vuuren likes to take on winners with his runners at this time of the year and the betting will need to be watched closely.

There could be two other good bets on the card, and both look possible bankers in the exotics. Mike de Kock-trained Marauding Horde will be most people’s idea of a banker bet for the exotics.

This colt, who has been runnerup in both starts, runs in Race 6, a Maiden Plate over 1800m.

Clearly bred for some ground, he ran a cracker on debut when kicking on strongly at the finish behind a promising sort in Presley.

Marauding Horde was expected to win his second start but once again found one better on the day in the form of Blackberry Breeze. The step up to 1800m will suit and he is back on the course of his good debut effort.

The other likely banker is Mid Winter Wind in Race 9, a MR 85 Handicap over 1160m. The son of What A Winter placed in his first two starts after which he was gelded. He finished second in his first start back but put it all together in his next outing when annihilating his opposition to beat There’s A Light by 4.20 lengths over 1200m on the Inside track.

The Sean Tarry-trained gelding is having his first run in handicap company but is expected to improve further with that confidence-boosting victory under his belt.

Addabar is open to further progression and can take the umThombothi Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday (Picture: Anneke Akal Kitching)

Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)

The umThombothi Stakes, a non-black type affair over 1950m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, is almost a replay of the recent Michael Roberts Stakes with the first two past the post, Bella Siccome and Cape Eagle in the line-up, plus a few others in this Sunday’s field although this time there is a further two furlongs to travel.

Addabar set a ridiculously fast pace in the Michael Roberts Stakes as Calvin Habib battled to settle the gelding much to MJ Odendaal’s chagrin so it was no surprise that he faded the last bit. But he did finish just over two lengths back to winner Bella Siccome and all things considered it was a brave effort. He is 0.5kg worse off with Paul Lafferty’s mare but if Deryl Daniels can get him to settle there could be a form reversal. Bella Siccome again has a light weight and meets Michael Roberts second-placed Cape Eagle on the same weight terms. Andre Nel’s gelding steps up to what may well be a more suitable trip and can turn the tables although Bella Siccome came from well off the pace to land the honours. Down To Business has his third run after a lengthy break for Peter Muscutt. He was quietly fancied last time out and boasts some top class Zimbabwe form. He should now be close to his peak. Frank Robinson sent Mexican Pete up to the Highveld to contest the Gr2 Dingaans but the colt did not travel well and finished with just one behind him. He was disappointing in the Christmas Handicap but if he can put that behind him, he must come into the reckoning along with Queue Wing and Sea Goddess.

The card has an open look about it staring in the first, a Maiden Juvenile Plate.

Grovefield found one too good for him on debut but that form has worked out quite well and he should come on with the experience. Sunka Wakan takes on males but improved nicely second time of asking and should be ready now with the benefit of Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance. Stable companion Glamorz has put in two smart recent efforts on the soft and should put in another bold effort for Paul Lafferty. Pull A Fast Ione is another to consider as she found some market support on debut but raced very green.

The result of the second should rest between Rainbow Of Roses and Weststockemarketborse.

Rainbow Of Roses has improved at her last two and was a close-up second against males last time out. Nathan Kotzen has declared blinkers and she should put in a decent showing in a weak maiden. Weststockmarketborse has her first run for her new stable. She has been knocking at the door for some time now and the change of routine could see her go one better. Of the others, Joan The Wad was running on nicely at her two on the poly. She is seldom far back and her turn will come.

In the opening leg of the Pick 6, Run To Rio has run two good races over course and distance for Stuart Ferrie. He was a close-up second behind the well regarded Yannakis last time out and can go one better. Mar Del Plata made surprise improvement last run when starting at long odds. That was in the soft but he has only had four starts and may now have come to hand. Stable companion Catavar was a touch disappointing in the soft last run after an improved previous showing. He was shorter in the market than Mar Del Plata and can make amends on more solid ground. Silver Savage also improved at long odds in the same race and must have a chance on that effort.

Four runners stand out in the first leg of the jackpot. Future Flo disappointed in the soft last time out but has run well for Michael Roberts in feature company and was touched off on this course two runs back when over a mile. Look for a big effort. Phutulicious was touched off over course and distance last time out at only his third start and a repeat will see him close again. Helsinki is overdue but his best recent form has been on the poly. He gets a tongue-tie for the first time and cannot be left out

of any calculations. Captain Marsala has been in the money in all three starts since staring in blinkers. He was a beaten favourite last run and can make amends in a tough contest.

The fifth is a tricky Pinnacle Stakes. Malcolm’s Dream is a little out at the weights but goes well over course and distance. She is not the easiest but Mark Dixon appears to have finally got her mind right and she can follow up. Lady Heist was a well-beaten second behind Malcolm’s Dream last time out and is now 2kg better off in the weights. She is seldom too far back and must have a strong chance of turning the tables. Foreshore was a touch disappointing last run but is smart on her day while Ice Sunsation has been knocking on the door for some time now and could well prefer this shorter trip.

The last two handicaps are a punter’s nightmare. In the seventh Get In The Q got a four-pound raise in the handicap after her last win but she has been racing against stronger and Mark Dixon’s filly can go in again. War Empress comes from a very much in form stable and will not be short of a gallop as she stepped out three times last month. Her recent winning efforts have come on the poly although her current turf form is not bad either. She is 2kg better off with Isn’t She Bonny while Rapid Fire found market support last run and only has 52kg to shoulder. Pelargonium was touched off by War Empress on the poly last run and is 1.5kg better off in the handicap.

There are plenty in with chances in the last but although El Draque took an age to shed his maiden he made a smart handicap debut when facing a useful field. He gets 2.5kg relief from the saddle as Alyson Wright has again booked apprentice James Lihaba. Northern Warrior is over his preferred course and distance and should have the measure of both Ndaka and Happy Wanderer given the turnaround in the weights. Buster Keaton has been a beaten favourite at his last two in the soft. He could prefer this straight course.

United Express (The United States) wins the 6th to make it a four-timer for the Fourie/Greeff combination (Pauline Herman Photography) 

Richard Fourie rode four winners for Alan Greeff on the Faiview turf today.

Gavin Smith and Luyolo Mxothwa had individual doubles.

Fourie is now on 164 wins for the season achieved at strike rate of 20.45%.

Mxothwa is on 48 wins at 10.91%.

Gavin Smith is on 71 wins at 11.97%.

Greeff is on 64 wins at 14.32%.

Height Of Fashion was the one the Queen let go because she went on to produce the multiple Gr 1 winner Nashwan, the multiple Gr 1 winner Nayef and the multiple Group winner Unfuwain, who went on to become a successful sire,

She influenced Durban-based bloodstock agent Andy Williams to by the great Terrance Millard-trained July-winning mare Devon Air.

Williams had attended the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with a number of SA industrymen in 1981 and on that same trip they attended a meeting at Ascot which featured the Group 3 Hoover Fillies Mile, a two-year-old event which is a Group 1 held at Newmarket these days.

Height Of Fashion won the race to remain unbeaten as a two-year-old and she went on to win the Group 2 Princess Of Wales Stakes in record-breaking fashion.

However, the horse who caught Williams eye in the Hoover Fillies Mile was a big bay maiden called Devon Air who ran on strongly to be beaten about 2.5 lengths into fourth. This contradicts previous reports that Devon Air’s UK form had been “dismal”, although she did not build on that form and remained a maiden throughout the following season.

Williams attended a sale at Newmarket a year of so later and noticed Devon Air going through the ring unsold.

He managed to persuade Des and Robin Scott of Scott Brothers to buy her and the rest is history.

In 1984 after winning a Listed race at Milnerton over 2400m Devon Air finished third in the Met, she won the Gr 2 Republic Day Handicap (Greyville 1900), the July and the Gold Cup, all at Greyville.

At stud she was not an immediate success but did produce a Gr 2-winning stayer and a Listed-winning stayer and her direct descendants, strangely enough, include the Gr 1-winning sprinters August Rush and Tempting Fate as well as the current exciting young Gr 2-winning sprinter October Morn.