Jan Van Goyen Can Keep Big Guns At Bay
Jan Van Goyen will be out to land a third Gr 1 (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Jan Van Goyen’s task of keeping the big guns at bay in the straight after he has hit the front in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate on Saturday will be akin to the Little Dutch Boy plugging the dyke with his thumb, such is the quality of older horses he faces!
The small three-year-old, who is named after a street in Holland which in turn is named in honour of a renowned Dutch landscape painter, can certainly not be considered a good thing to win the country’s most prestigious mile.
There are some negative points in his form.
Furthermore, he now faces a field of the best horses in the country.
However, the visual appearance of his Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas win is what gives him the edge.
He had been defeated before that by Trust in the Gr 2 Jackpot City Dingaans and the form of that race was done no favours by the fourth and fifth-placed horses Shadowfax and Copper Eagle, who subsequently failed to win Graduation Plate races and were beaten in those races by 98-rated and 94-rated horses respectively.
On the other hand, Shadowfax and Copper Eagle were beaten 4,70 and 5,60 lengths by Jan Van Goyen in the Dingaans, which is convincing enough in a sport of fractions.
The Dingaans was also Jan Van Goyen’s reappearance and the race did not pan out well for him, because he was caught wide, while Trust does also look to be a horse with exceptional potential.
Jan Van Goyen had the hard task of winning the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas just two weeks after the Dingaans and had to travel all the way from Randjesfontein to do it.
Yet, he he made it look like a doddle.
He relaxed beautifully in the running and turned it on in fine style in the straight to win by an effortless 2,75 lengths.
His time of 98.45 seconds was 0,32 seconds quicker than his three-times Gr 1-winning stablemate Dave The King recorded in the Gr 2 Ridgemont Green Point Stakes.
Furthermore, he has had three weeks to settle into his Cape Town environment since the Guineas, and that would be a more ideal scenario than arriving on a float from Johannesburg three days before the race.
On the downside he beat three-year-olds whose form was muddled with none of them standing out in their earlier clashes.
On the upside, the form of the older horses he faces in the King’s Plate is also muddled with none of them dominating.
Nevertheless, Jan Van Goyen now faces the best in the country and it is not just one or two of the best, but an entire field of the best.
Three-year-olds winning the L’Ormarins King’s Plate is a rarity too with only five managing to have done it since World War II.
However, this decade has already yielded three King’s Plate winners, so the trend is changing.
Jan Van Goyen is tipped to win it from his good draw of two.
His stablemate Dave The King gave weight away to most of the horses who finished around him in the Green Point Stakes and he has likely come on from the run, so he should make a bold bid from the front from pole position under Ryan Munger.
The Real Prince was also carrying a 2kg Gr 1 penalty in the Green Point and will have come on from that run, so expect a fast finish from him and he should go close.
Sail The Seas is well drawn and was the second best performer at the weights in the Green Point, so he can do well from draw five.
Gladatorian was experiencing a left hand turn for the first time in the Green Point, so will have learnt from the experience and he has had another gallop around the turn since. He carried a 2kg Gr 1 penalty in the Green Point and will improve on his 3,25 length beating.
See It Again is full of class and if jumping on terms and bringing his best he will be right there.
Garrix finished like an express train in the Green Point after jumping from draw nine and has a similar draw here. It is his peak run and he has a winning chance too.
Eight On Eighteen is full of class, but this trip is short of his best and it is his seasonal reappearance after a six month layoff. It is unrealistic that a horse of such class will finish out of the frame, but the ones selected ahead of him just seem to be more likely winners of the race considering his likely ring rustiness.
Cosmic Speed is close to Sail The Seas and Eight On Eigtheen on Gr 2 WSB Guineas form, but he does have the widest draw of all.
Fire Attack is capable but has had an interrupted preparation and in this calibre of fiield those who have had the best preparations could emerge as the chief contenders.
Jet Force was only beaten 1,90 lengths in the Green Point from pole position and now has his peak run, but has to jump from draw 12. Along with Garrix, See It Again, Sugar Mountain and Questioning he will also be 2kg worse off with Dave The King for a narrow beating in the Green Point, while Sail The Seas will be 1kg worse off.
Sugar Mountain has improved and ran a cracker from a wide draw in the Green Point to be beaten just 1,15 lengths, but he was more forward in fitness than most of the field in that race and it s hard to see him being right up with this quality of opposition when they are at their peak.
Legal Counsel won the Cape Mile well and beat the like of Sugar Mountain and Garrix, but he has never faced a field of this quality before and has to jump from draw eleven.
They are selected in the order mentioned, but not with too much confidence as this is one of the most competitive L’Ormarins King’s Plates seen in many years.
The horses that are so close together are all high class, so it is an eagerly anticipated renewal!
It is going to be a humdinger!
Full World Pool As International Spotlight Falls On 165th LKP
An iconic moment in L’Ormarins King’s Plate history as homebred Charles Dickens is led in by the race’s sponsor and hostess Gaynor Rupert, who is the primary driving force behind the meeting’s success, after winning the prestigious wfa mile in 2024 (Picture: LKP)
International Spotlight on the 165th LÓrmarins King’s Plate with Hong Kong World Pool Debut
Cape Town, South Africa – South Africa’s premier weight-for-age mile, the Grade 1 LÓrmarins King’s Plate, will once again command the global racing spotlight when it is run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, 10 January.
Now in its 165th running, the LÓrmarins King’s Plate continues to cement its status as one of the most prestigious race meetings on the international racing calendar. LÓrmarins celebrates its 22nd year as headline sponsor, with the event instantly recognisable by its iconic blue-and-white décor and dress code, and supported by a portfolio of premium partners including Cartier.
The international appeal of the race day is further strengthened by its association with the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” programme. The LÓrmarins King’s Plate (Gr1) offers the winner an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile, while this incentive has also been extended to the Cartier Paddock Stakes (Gr1). In addition, the inclusion of the World Pool Cape Flying Championship (Gr1) on the programme creates a third automatic qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Championships, underlining the meeting’s global significance.
In a major milestone for South African racing, the entire LÓrmarins King’s Plate race meeting will, for the first time, be hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club as a World Pool event. All ten races on the card will be commingled into the World Pool, with Win, Place, Exacta, Quinella and Swinger pools available across the programme, dramatically increasing international liquidity and global betting engagement.
Race 1 is scheduled to start at 12:25 (local time), with the LÓrmarins King’s Plate set to be run at 16:45, and the final race concluding the day at 17:55.
With elite racing, global wagering integration and world-class partnerships, the 2026 LÓrmarins King’s Plate race meeting promises to be a landmark occasion for South African and international racing alike.
Live TV Schedule For L'Ormarins King's Plate Day
Detailed Analysis of All Ten Of LKP Day's Races
Mark van Deventer has tipped Double Grand Slam to defend her Gr 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes crown (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Beside the Gr 1 weight for age L’Ormarins King’s Plate, there are two other weight for age Gr 1s at Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth meeting plus two Gr 2s, a Gr 3, one Non-Black Type and three ordinary races.
Mark van Deventer gave a details analysis of every one of the races.
Click here to read Mark Van Deventer’s Analysis Of Race 1
Click here to read Mark Van Deventer’s Analysis Of Race 2
Click here to read Mark Van Deventer’s Analysis Of Race 3
Click here to read Mark Van Deventer’s Analysis Of Race 4
Click here to read Mark Van Deventer’s Analysis Of Race 5
Click here to read Mark Van Deventer’s Analysis Of Race 6
Click here to read Mark Van Deventer’s Analysis Of Race 7
Click here to read Mark Van Deventer’s Analysis Of Race 8
Brandon Bailey's Guide To The LKP Meeting
Buffalo Storm Cody, pictured winning the Gr 1 wfa Mercury Sprint over 1200m, has been tipped to prove his highest rated in the country status by winning the Gr 1 wfa World Pool Cape Flying Championship over 1000m (JC Photos)
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday Formguides And Selections
Race 1
2 SWEET GREEN was heavily backed in the market when finishing second on debut, she ran a cracker behind Catwalk King on the 6th of December up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, with natural improvement expected from this well-bred filly, she will be hard to beat. 10 CHAMPAGNE CASTLE won a good race on the 13th of December, she quickened away from her field like a nice filly in the making, she could be anything, include her into all bets. 5 CATWALK KING finished like a train to beat Sweet Green impressively last time, he is a lovely colt with a beautiful action, watch him closely, he will be running on strongly late. 6 AFRICAN WILD DOG is well bred, jockey Andrew Fortune has been booked to ride this colt on debut, watch him move to the gates, and watch the market closely. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 10 – 5 – 6)
Race 2
13 VROOM VROOM sprinted away from her field to win a super race on the 10th of December, even though this race is a big step up in class for her, she has no weight on her back, and she looks very progressive, she will run a huge race. 1 SHESGOTCLASS stayed on well to win a good race on the 21st of December, she was given three points for that win, she is exceptionally fast, on her best form, she will make them all work hard for victory. 2 MISS WORLD ran a cracker in the World Sports Betting Southern Cross Stakes Gr 3 on the 6th of December, she was only beaten just over two lengths by Asiye Phambili, her sprinting form is good, she must have a nice place chance in this field. 10 PINK PIGEON never runs a bad race, she was caught very late last time, she ran second behind Catch A Penny on the 6th of December, top jockey Richard Fourie gets the ride, she will go close to winning. (Brandon Bailey: 13 – 1 – 2 – 10)
Race 3
13 IRELAND FOREVER won a good race over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 22nd of November, he was given four points for that impressive win, he will be switched off early, and he will be storming home late, watch him closely at a decent price. 3 MAURITIUS KESTREL finally got his head back in front last time, it was a good ride from jockey Craig Zackey on the 13th of December, he was given three points for beating a decent field, if he brings that run to the track again on Saturday, he will be competitive. 9 AZZURRI was doing some good work late for second behind Mauritius Kestrel last time, his form of late is very good, he will be right there in the finish, include him into all bets. 8 FOLLOW YOUR HEART ran a much better race behind Gold Giboski on the 3rd of December, he ran third and was only beaten two lengths at the line, he is a young horse that will keep improving with every start. (Brandon Bailey: 13 – 3 – 9 – 8)
Race 4
10 QUICKSTEPGAL won the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas Gr 1 impressively on the 6th of December, she was given six points for that win, she is packed with class and ability, even though she drops in trip for this Grade 2 event on Saturday, she will run a big race. 1 MON PETIT CHERIE is much better than her run last time in the Ridgemont Green Point Stakes Gr 2, ignore that completely, she drops back in trip to 1200m, if she bounces back to her best form, she will be very hard to beat. 13 PRINCESS OF GAUL ran a great race in the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas Gr 1 behind Quickstepgal, she ran fourth and was only beaten just over two lengths at the line, she should love the drop in trip to 1200m, include her into all bets, she will be storming home late. 2 MIA MOO finished powerfully to win the Carry On Alice Stakes Listed well at Turffontein Racecourse on the 29th of November, she is very good, she will get some cover early, and she will be running on strongly late. (Brandon Bailey: 10 – 1 – 13 – 2)
Race 5
2 REGULATION won the Ownpay Peninsula Handicap Listed in good fashion on the 13th of December, he was given six points for that victory, he is a lovely gelding with a huge action, from a neat draw, he will go close to winning again. 3 ZEITZ travelled really well in his race last time, he finished third behind Regulation on the 13th of December, the blinkers have been fitted, he should be cherry ripe to run a cracker, include him into all bets. 10 MAJOR MASTER finished second in the same race as Regulation and Zeitz at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 13th of December, the bad draw is not a worry at all, he wants to be ridden quietly, and he will unleash a big finish late. 1 NATIVE RULER ran a fair race in the Ridgemont Green Point Stakes Gr 2, he was only beaten just over two lengths by Dave The King, from a good draw, he should get the perfect run, there is no doubt that he has the class to be competitive in a race like this. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 3 – 10 – 1)
Race 6
5 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM won a cheeky race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 22nd of November, it was a great ride by jockey Andrew Fortune, she is a superstar, she is packed with tons of class and ability, she will be very hard to beat again. 4 RAINBOW LORIKEET stayed on well for second behind Sukhumvit in the 1Voucher Victress Stakes Gr 3 on the 13th of December, this will be her third run back after a small break, she will run a big race, include her into all bets. 1 REET PETITE tried really hard in the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas Gr 1 on the 6th of December, she ran second behind Quickstepgal, she is a classy filly that is still improving, she will love the step up in trip to 1800m, watch her closely from a good draw. 7 SUKHUMVIT quickened away from her field impressively last time, she won the 1Voucher Victress Stakes Gr 3 with absolute ease, she was given six points for that win, if she brings that run to the track again on Saturday, she might be hard to fetch late. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 4 – 1 – 7)
Race 7
13 BUFFALO STORM CODY quickened up smartly to win a good race at the Vaal on the 11th of December, he is very good, there is no doubt that he is one of the best sprinters in South Africa, it’s great to have him in Cape Town, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be powering home late, on his current form, he will be hard to beat. 5 ASIYE PHAMBILI was impressive in the World Sports Betting Southern Cross Stakes Gr 3 on the 6th of December, she absolutely loves the straight track at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, watch her closely, she will be eating up the ground late. 1 TENANGO should be cherry ripe for this Grade 1 event, he was doing some good work late for second behind Elusive Winter on the 24th of December, if the gaps open at the right time, he will be right there in the finish. 4 O’TENIKWA stayed on well for third behind Outlaw King in the SplashOut Cape Merchants Gr 2 on the 13th of December, he will be a much fitter horse going into this race, he could trouble them all at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 13 – 5 – 1 – 4)
Race 8
2 JAN VAN GOYEN showed his class in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas Gr 1 on the 13th of December, even though the race didn’t go according to plan, he still managed to make light work of a good field, he looks to be a superstar in the making, from a good draw, he definitely has a big winning chance again. 1 DAVE THE KING showed tremendous heart to win a gutsy race last time, he likes to race on speed, from a good draw, he could be hard to fetch late. 8 GARRIX had absolutely no luck in the Ridgemont Green Point Stakes Gr 2 on the 13th of December, the gaps didn’t open at the right time, and he was flying late for second behind Dave The King, just on ability alone, he can win a race like this. 7 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN has been rested for 189 days, he ran a terrific race in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Gr 1 on the 5th of July, he is the class package, if he doesn’t need this run after a long break, he could be hard to beat. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 8 – 7)
Race 9
8 AHEAD OF THE FACTS stayed on well for second behind Holding Thumbs in the WSB Cape Prive Cape Summer Stayers Handicap Listed on the 6th of December, unfortunately he was given three points for that effort, he looks to be a progressive stayer in the making, he will go close to winning with no weight on his back. 4 HOLDING THUMBS showed tremendous heart to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 6th of December, he was given four points for that win, he stays well, and he tries hard, he can definitely win again. 7 MASTER OF PARIS quickened up beautifully to win a good race on the 3rd of December, he never runs a bad race, and he has no weight on his back, he could be dangerous for the places at a fair price. 5 TRIPLE TIME ran a much better race last time, he ran third behind Holding Thumbs, if he can build on that performance, he will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 4 – 7 – 5)
Race 10
5 MENTE ET MANU won a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 13th of December, he was given three points for that win, he looks progressive, and he should love the drop in trip to 1400m, from a good draw, he can win again. 2 ROLAND GARROS ran a fair race in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas Gr 1 on the 13th of December, he only finished just over four lengths behind Jan Van Goyen, the drop in trip to 1400m will help his chances, include him into all bets. 1 BEWARE is much better than his last run, ignore that completely, if he bounces back to his best form from a perfect draw, he can win a race like this. 13 TOUCHED BY ANGELS won impressively on the 6th of December, he was given five points for that victory, if he gets some luck in running from a poor draw, he could be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 2 – 1 – 13)
Soodoo, Greeff, Mitchley Individual Doubles
The Duncan McKenzie-trained Piton De Neige (Erupt) secures a double on the day for Mauritian apprentice Bavish Soodoo (Pauline Herman Photography)
Bavish Soodoo scored another double on the Fairview poly today (Friday) to add to the double he scored over the same course and distance on Tuesday.
Alan Greeff and Kelly Mitchley aso scored individual doubles on what was a day of upsets as only one Tote favourite and not a single bookmaker’s facourite won.
Soodoo now goes to 15 wins for the season and has done it at a strike rate of 15.31%.
Greeff is on 69 wins at 16.63%.
Mitchley is on 27 wins at 11.74%.
Trust Should Win The Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes
Trust should make it three wins from four starts in the Gr 3 Betway Got The Greenlight Stakes at Turffontein Standside on Sunday (JC Photos)
The Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m heads the ten race meeting at Turffontein Standside on Sunday and Trust can prove how good he is a day after the L’Ormarins KIng’s Plate and ahead of the Gauteng Triple Crown series.
There are also two Listed raced, the Betway Mother Russia Stakes , in which the Frikkie Greyling-trained raider Amelia’s Legacy makes appeal, and the Wolf Power 1600, where the unbeaten three-year-old Grand Empire could beat his older rivals.
Trust has two give 2kg to the rest of the field in the Got The Greenlight as the winner of the Gr 2 Jackpot City Dingaans, but that should not stop him. He has an exhilarating turn of foot and from draw three will have every opportunity to relax in a good position in the running and then turn it on in the straight. His regular rider Serino Moodley is still on the sidelines after his Betway Summer Cup fall, but he has a good replacement in Ryan Munger, who was good before he went to Canada and has been on a continually upward trend since arriving there two-and-a-half years ago. One Eye On Vegas could be the chief danger as he won well over this trip last and is progressive, so could do well from pole position under Callan Murray. Agoge is way out at the weights on official merit ratings but caught the eye as one with plenty of scope when drawing away to win his maiden over 1600m, having gone close on debut over this trip. However, he does have a tricky draw of seven. His Lucky Houdalakis-trained stablemate Wayne looks promising too, so he could be involved despite also being out at the weights and having a wide draw. Charming Cheetah has proved himself up to his 110 rating and has a plum draw of two with Gavin Lerena up. He was unplaced in two starts beyond sprints but that was in a Gr 2 and Gr 1 respectively and on pedigree he should get this trip. Splittheeights was a beaten odds-on chance last time over 1160m first time out the maidens, but has promise judged on his good maiden win over 1160. The form of that maiden has worked out well and he is by Vercingetorix and is a half-brother to William Robertson, so should enjoy the trip. Yippee Kayay was not disgraced in the Grand Heritage off a 101 rating, but does have the widest draw to overcome. Shadowfax has 3,10 lengths to make up on Yippee Kayay on 1200m form and 5,40 lengths to make up on Trust, although he is 2kg better off this time. Golden Warrior had fine juvenile form but needs to bounce back from two poor runs this season.
In the Listed Mother Russia Stakes the Frikkie Greyling-trained Amelia’s Legacy is by Vercingetorix out of the smart Dynasty mare Hashtagyolo and has lived up to her pedigree to date with an eyecatching maiden win over this trip and then two close up finishes to the classy older filly Ladyofdistinction, including a 0,25 length defeat to her last time in the Listed Flamboyant Stakes over 1600m when receiving just 1,5kg. Amelia’s Legacy will relish the Standside track with it’s long straight and has a fair draw of four out of nine with Andrew Fortune up. Warm Reception also looks classy and this half-sister to the classy but ill-fated Heather’s Boy should make a bold bid, although she has a wide draw. Tina Lovelace can feature if bouncing back to her best form as a juvenile, but she does have a wide draw. Al Greenga has been eyecatching in two wins over this trip, but also has a tough draw. Mamlambo has shown class and her two wins have been over this trip, so she could have a shout from draw three.
In The Listed Wolf Power over 1600m the unbeaten three-year-old Grand Empire is officially 2kg under sufferance off his 102 merit rating, but he looks to be going places after three easy wins from 1160m to 1600m and he is also drawn well in barrier two. Chronicle King has proven class and represents an in-form yard so should make a bold bid over an ideal trip, but he does have a tricky draw of eight to overcome. Choisaanada has plenty of class and looks ideally distance suited, but he does have another tough draw to overcome, so might have to go to the front. Aristotle ran well last time over this trip from a wide draw and now has a good draw. Anfield’s Rocket was unlucky in the Summer Cup and will like this trip. Pressonregardless, Buster Barnes and Obsidian have to be considered too.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1000m Stoneywood is a full-brother to Dyce and caught the eye last time so could be a banker, although the number one draw is always a concern down the Turffontein Standside straight even in a small field like this. Rockabilly is the back up.
In the fifth over 2000m Aladdin’s Lamp interestingly ran a time about a second quicker than the Summer Cup on the same day and this progressive sort is thus taken to progress again. Olivia’s Way ran a cracker in the Summer Cup, although this is likely a preparation outing for the WSB Met, while Busstoptohounslow proved his class in the Summer Cup too, although he has likely been freshened up since as it was a tough race.
In the ninth over 1160m Barbaresco was most unlucky last time and can make amends from another nice high draw at the expense of the Gr 1-winner William Robertson.
In the first leg of the exacta over 1000m the ultra quick Heath House can likely give 5kg and more to the rest of the field and still prevail.
In the first leg of the PA Princess Of All and Varachino’s Champ can get punters through.
In the first race over 1000m Volcanic is 3kg worse off with Ruby Whisper for a 1,70 length win, but looks good enough to win it from a nice high draw.
In the tenth over 1000m Abound has turned the corner and can fight it out with the hard-knocking His Lordship and Saketini caught the eye in his maiden win.
Royal Victory Can Get Back To Winning Ways
Dual Gr 1 winner Royal Victory hasn’t won a race for 21 months but he gets a good opportunity to get back on the winning trail in Sunday’s Non-Black Type Michael Roberts Stakes where he is slung in at the weights (JC Photos)
Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections
R1 Summary: Many first timers so keep an eye on the betting. Of those that have run, AMC ROY’S FANTASY (7) has put up the best time and may be the one to side with but Mike Miller has his usual loaded card of which ODE TO THE SEA (6) with Tristan Godden up may prove the pick after making good improvement at his second outing. The filly SMART CHOICE (9) was hot on his heels that day and started favourite. Of the first timers GREEN ENERGY (10) strikes as a colt with a hot pedigree. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-9-10).
R2 Summary: Many first timers. Of those that have run, JAPURA (1) made good progression after her debut effort and should put in an honest effort. LADY GODIVA (10) was a well beaten second on debut but the experience should count in her favour. BETTER NEVER ENDS (8) was not far back on debut and should come on with that experience. TIMELESS WONDER (5) with a claiming apprentice up can improve on a modest debut. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-8-5).
R3 Summary: CAMOGIE (4) has shown up well in both starts to date and was beaten by a promising Son Of Rafeef last time out. He started favourite on debut and with two runs under his girth he should know what’s it’s all about. SARGASSO SEA (10) disappointed last run after an improved second start. She has a light weight and can do better. LEVITATOR (11) has consistent form to his name and started favourite last time out. His recent form has been on the poly but he does have a light weight. FULL MONTY (1) has not been far off in two starts and can still improve. First timer ETZEBETH (7) boasts a cracking pedigree and maybe he can cheer up his suspended namesake. (Andrew Harrison: 4-10-11-1).
R4 Summary: Tough start to the Pick 6. SAUDI SWEEP (12) was withdrawn from her last intended start by Stipes permission. She has been in smart form since joining Louis Goosen and this could be her day. COCCOLINA (8) is lightly raced but caught the eye last run on the poly and could finally be coming to hand. PAST IS PROLOGUE (3) made a fair debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last time out and makes her local debut. She started at long odds but is one to watch along with stable companion first timer SCARLET STARLET (4) the mount of S’Manga Khumalo, Gareth van Zyl’s go-to rider. MISS DANON (2) made sudden improvement when dropped back to a sprint and could be the surprise package. (Andrew Harrison: 12-8-3-2).
R5 Summary: PAST AND PRESENT (9) made a promising debut for his new stable and judging on his previous Cape form the step up in trip will suit. Stable companion DEE DEE’S DELIGHT (5) has improved with each outing. She drops back in trip where she has done well before. STRUTTING (1) was due to run on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Wednesday. She was run out of it late last time out and this trip from a plum draw should see her close if she makes the line-up. BLACK PLATINA (7) is struggling but has been close-up of late and has a good chance in this field with a 4kg claimer aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 9-7-5-1).
R6 Summary: Competitive handicap. JEANNE DARC (3) has been dropping rapidly in the handicap and although shouldering top weight she is down in class and possibly off to a more competitive rating. SAINT BRIGID (8) won well last time out and has come on progressively since arriving in KZN. She is 1.5kg better off with DE VLUGGE (4) on their last meeting and should be able to confirm that form. TREASURE ISLAND (5) looks to be coming to hand again and with a light weight and her best form she will be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 3-8-4-5).
R7 Summary: ROYAL VICTORY (11) ran well below par in the soft in the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup and can make amends this time around in spite of top weight and the widest draw. He is the class and best weighted in the field. CAPE EAGLE (3) did not take his trip to the Highveld well and back over a course where he has smart form he could be a threat. IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA (9) appears to be the pick of the Hollywood Racing’s runners if Sean Veale’s choice is anything to go by although he is way out at the handicap. NARINA TROGON (6) is always dangerous and the step up in trip will suit. (Andrew Harrison: 11-3-9-6).
R8 Summary: Tristan Godden has jumped ship on CLEARTHERUNWAY (9) to partner PLAZA ACCORD (1) but Mark Dixon’s runner has only had three outings and was close-up in a strong field in his handicap debut. He looks more than capable of going in again. Plazza Accord has steady form over the trip but has to give Cleartherunway 3.5kg which may prove too much. RICCARDO (6) is down in class with a light weight. He could go all the way. TOBACCONIST (11) has been rested but had useful form before the lay-off. He could race fresh. (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-6-11).
R9 Summary: COWBOY COUNTRY (2) won well on debut and followed up with a smart handicap debut. He has a light weight and looks the part in this line-up. CAPTAIN’S CHRISTY (7) is never far back and is in good form of late as is the stable. FIRST ORIGIN (8) has a big weight but is four-points down in the handicap and has not been far back of late. AGRADO (1) won well enough last time out under a fair weight and although up in class, he can go in again. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-8-1).
R10 Summary: Difficult handicap to round off the day. COUNTER ATTACK (13) has improved with each outing since arriving from the Cape and looks primed for this. LUNCH MONEY (8) is the first runner back for Dominic Zackey since his return from Mauritius. The gelding returns from a year-long break but boasts strong form in good company so one to watch in the betting. YANNAKIS (6) has always been rated by the stable but has had his problems. His last win was over course and distance and he gets a senior rider aboard. MASK ON (1) has steady form and a handy weight. All his recent form has been on the poly but he gets S’Manga Khumalo aboard which will help his chances. (Andrew Harrison: 13-8-6-1).
Invincible Ibis Can Fly Higher Again
Invincible Ibis is coming off a hattrick, but can do it again off a nine point higher rating (Picture: HKJC)
The Racing Club Cup features on Sunday’s 11-race card at Sha Tin where At The Races tipster Tim Carroll nominates his top 3 selections with the action starting at 06H30 SA Time
This Sunday sees a competitive 11-race card from and the feature of the meeting is race 8, the Class 2 Racing Club Cup (handicap) over 7-furlongs, offering prizemoney in excess of £280,000.
Now onto this week’s selections.
Click here for a comprehensive guide to Sha Tin’s Sunday meeting
Today's Question
What match race was arranged as part of the celebrations in 1956 to mark the 70th birthday of the City Of Johanneburg?
Picture: The thrilling finish to the subject match race
FIELDS, Saturday, 10 January
FIELDS, Sunday, 11 January
FIELDS, Sunday, 11 January
Today’s Question Answer
The top class and versatile Naigana Hall faced top sprinter Riza in a match race over six furlongs at Turffontein with each side putting in £500 and an extra £1000 added.
Naigana Hall ridden by J van Rooyen was winning easily with half-a-furlong to go when Riza under R Palm took off to win by a head in a race that had a tremedously enthusiastic crowd enthralled.
