Turf Talk Newsletter – 11 July, 2025

The Calgary Stampede in Canada is one of the world’s great festivals and bills itself as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” and attracts over one million visitors per year. Fiso Hadebe is pictured upon arrival at The Stampede (BSA Picture).

Fiso Hadebe, a staff member at Bloodstock South Africa, has touched down in Calgary, Canada, where he will represent South Africa in the prestigious International Livestock Auctioneers Championship on Saturday, 12 July.

The event is a highlight of the Calgary Stampede Festival, a 10-day rodeo and exhibition extravaganza held annually in Alberta’s Rocky Mountain foothills, and known globally as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. The winning auctioneer will take home $US10,0000.

At just 24, Fiso is already making his mark on the South African stage. He was crowned the 2024 Toyota SA National Young Auctioneer of the Year, following several years as runner-up. Now, he’ll be one of 40 up-and-coming auctioneers from around the world vying for top honours in Calgary.

Fiso’s interest in auctioneering was sparked shortly after finishing school, when he enrolled at Weston Agricultural College in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal. Initially drawn to general farming — including crop production, irrigation, and livestock management — Fiso’s path changed when he learned about the Toyota National Young Auctioneer contest.

“The trip to Canada was a tempting prospect for all the boys,” he recalled. “When I tried auctioneering, I loved it!”

Under the mentorship of local farmer and seasoned auctioneer Angus Williamson, Fiso began his journey selling cattle and sheep, gradually sharpening his skills. Angus, a familiar bid-spotter at Bloodstock South Africa sales, later introduced Fiso to the thoroughbred industry, a world he took to like a duck to water.

Under the expert guidance of the Bloodstock SA team, Fiso mastered every aspect of a major thoroughbred auction — from the administrative intricacies to the delicate balance of keeping vendors and buyers satisfied. Building on this foundation, he made a confident leap into horse auctioneering. “I had incredible support from Steve Davis, Graeme Hawkins, and Andrew Miller,” Fiso said. “My first few sessions at the Nationals went particularly well,” he noted.

Now settled into his Calgary hotel, Fiso is busy rehearsing customary auctioneering ‘tongue-twisters’ in preparation for the competition, which kicks off with preliminary rounds on Friday, 11 July.

Contestants will be judged on their ability to spot and acknowledge bids, maintain auction cadence and rhythm, deliver clear and engaging presentations, demonstrate livestock knowledge, and uphold professional standards. “There are some differences I’m preparing for,” Fiso noted. “Here in Canada, they sell lots per kilogram and in dollars, and we’ll each have just a few short sessions to prove our worth.”

Fiso will be meeting with the organisers and a few of the other finalists ahead of the competition and said: “The weather is glorious and I am so privileged and excited to be here. This is my first ever trip outside the borders of South Africa.”

Michael Holmes, CEO of BSA, said: “Fiso is a talented and well-liked young man who has excelled at all the duties we have given him over the last few years. He has already done us proud, and we’ll be holding thumbs for him this weekend.”

Gimmethatpearl powers to an easy victory under Muzi Yeni. (Pauline Herman Photography).

It was mission accomplished for Justin Snaith and Drakenstein Stud today when the latter’s homebred Gimmethegreenlight filly Gimmethatpearl won the Listed East Cape Paddock Stakes over 1600m under Muzi Yeni and that saw Drakenstein equalling their own record for stakes winners in a season.

Last season Drakenstein had 21 stakes winners (of 31 races) and today Gimmethatpearl took their tally to 21 for this season (of 29 races).

Giimethatpearl provided one leg of a treble for the Snath/Yeni combination on the day.

Drakenstein have broken this record for the last three seasons in succession.

In the 2021/2022 season they scored 18 stakes winners, then got 20 stakes winners in the 2022/2023 season and 21 stakes winners last season (2023/2024).

Their mission now will be to get one more stakes winner this season to break the record for the fourth season in succession.

They might do it at the next opportunity in the Listed Champion Juvenile Cup over 1400m at Fairview on July 25 as Snaith has entered the exciting Vercingetorix colt Happy Verse, whom Drakenstein Stud bred and part-own, although on the downside he has draw 17 of the 18 entries.

World Pool Gold Cup day will be Drakenstein’s next opportunity after that.

They have a number of entries on Gold Cup day including the Alan Greeff-trained Bournemouth and the Snaith-trained Future Swing in the Gr 3 Gold Cup, the Michael Roberts-trained See It Again in the Gr 1 HKJC Champions Cup, the Mike and Adam Azzie-trained Winds Of Change in the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint, the Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained Chieftan, the Candice Bass-Robinson-trained Symphony In White and the Snaith-trained Un Bel Di in the Listed Umgeni Handicap and the Mike Miller-trained Narina Trogon and the Sean Tarry-trained pair The Africa House and Don’t Cry For Me in the Listed Darley Arabian.

It was a great ride by Yeni on Gimmethatpearl. He broke well and sat on her, relaxing her well. She was shuffled back and shoved outward just before turning for home, but Yeni did not panic and patiently moved her up towards the inside. It got tight for room late on, but she clearly had a ton in hand. She squeezed through a gap and was jostled a bit, but she then had daylight in front of her and surged forward to win by 1,25 lengths from fellow Cape Town raider, the Candice Bass-Robinson-trained Fun Zone.

Gimmethatpearl reversed a 0,60 length beating by Time For Love in the Listed Ladies Mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in May, this time beating her by 3,75 lengths despite being half-a-kilogram worse off from that race.

Gimmethatpearl appeared to appreciate the long Fairview straight.

Time For Love could only manage fourth place today.

The Alan Greeff-trained Luna Halo was the first East Cape horse home, finishing a two length third, while her star stablemate Splicethemainbrace bounced back from her last poor run to finish a four length fifth.

Bacchus could bounce back to his best on Saturday at Turffontein Standside (JC Photos).

A Middle Stakes race over 1600m and a MR100 handicap for fillies and mares over 1160m are the two highlights of the Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday.

In the Middle Stakes event Bacchus should appreciate the step back down in trip to 1600m having finished 2,5 lengths behind the useful Claw last time over this trip. He has subsequently come down to a merit rating of 98 and under the conditions of this race he is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance with the best weighted. S’Manga Khumalo is in good form and gets the ride. Command Pilot has come down to a reasonable merit rating of 93 and he was beaten 4.4 lengths by Claw when they last met, so there should not be much between him and Bacchus, considering he has a better draw than he had when facing Claw. Presley is a capable sort who is distance suited. He beat Command Pilot last time by 0.3 lengths, but is now half-a-kilogram worse off. He has a wide draw to overcome. Willow Express can never be ignored over this trip and he is one of the many joint best weighted runners. He has a fair draw and a featherweight of 52kg. Jury’s Out is drawn in pole in his second run after a three-and-a-half month layoff and he will be a big runner with Gavin Lerena up if he is at his best.

In the MR100 Handicap over 1160m Miss Argonaut looks to be a promising sort and can make it three wins from five starts for an in form combination of Mike and Mathew de Kock and Cailan Murray. Flight Of A Condor looks to be useful and is on the way up and she sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight, although the low draw could be a slight concern. Blizzard Snow in fine form and has an effective 2kg claimer up as Savannah Valjalo carries 2kg overweight. One Fell Swoop has been a touch disappointing, but has run some good races recently and with Lerena up can be in the shake up. Komati River has run behind some useful sorts recently and can’t be discounted. Famous Lady can also be in the shake up if finding her best form. Stars and Bra’s could be thereabouts if bouncing back.

In the first leg of the P6, Monkey Puzzle had some useful form in Cape Town and could be a contender if bouncing back from his poor last two runs.
Amandla Ngawethu has shown some signs of ability and could be a runner here. Best candidate is a half brother to three-time winner Symphony of Light. Echoes of War is by Rafeef out of an unraced Gimmethegreenlight mare who is a half-sister to a Gr 3-placed horse by Jet Master. Lannyboy made a fair debut and could earn here.

In the fifth race Golden Aspen has a chance if able to repeat his last start. Blindfire won quite well in the maidens and in this line-up could do well off an 80 merit rating. Oriental Bouquet has come down to a competitive mark, but she has become unreliable. Global Thunder has the form to be a contender. Valieva will be a big runner if able to overcome a possibly unfavorable low draw.
In the sixth race Dual Prophecy is a half brother to See It Again and has always looked promising, so after a good last run he might now be ready to put his best foot forward. Molotov Cocktail won second time out and being by Danon Platina out of Nother Russia, who was top class from 1600m up to this 2000m trip, he is an interesting runner. Flag Bearer was caught wide last time out under an apprentice and can make amends from pole position under Calvin Habib. Volte Face could be in the shake up if reproducing his last start. Storm Ahead could also be a contender here if bouncing back to his best over a more suitable trip.
In the last race Prime Venture has some useful Cape Town form and should be effective over this trip off a probably supressed merit rating, considering the superior class of horse in Cape Town. Birthright has plenty of ability and should be right there from a plum draw. The Playboy Bomber is on the up and has the form to be a contender, but does have to overcome a tricky draw. King of Numbers has the form to be involved, but has to prove he stays this trip. Bloomington is drawn in pole and is always difficult to ignore.

In the first leg of the PA Heavenly Good is by Heavenly Blue and is a half-sister to the six-time winner Player. Comic Artist is by Master of My Fate and is a half-sister to four-time winner Tobacconist. Babette’s Feast is a half-sister to the Listed winner Secret Identity. Those three first-timers could be the ones to side with because there is not much form to go on here. Iconic Winter made a good debut, but was then off for a year and will need to improve on her comeback effort. Cyber Spirit has shown some signs of ability.

In the first race and first leg of the Bipot Matcha Mint has been knocking on the door and from a good draw should be right there. Stampede Ahead made a fair debut and should appreciate the step up in trip, although she was due to run on Thursday. Daisy Jones ran well last time and should be in the shake up. Rejuvenate has some good form and should also be thereabouts. Scarlett Heart has some fair form and with Piere Strydom up should be a runner too.

Isivunguvungu wins the Da Hoss Stakes on his USA debut in September last year. (Coady Media). 

The Graham Motion-trained Hollywood Racing-owned What A Winter gelding Isivunguvungu has been putting in some sparkling fractions in preparation for the US$100,000 Wolf Hill Stakes over five-and-half furlongs on July 19 on the turf at Monmouth Park.

Isivunguvungu worked four furlongs in 52.80 seconds on Thursday this week.

His last start in Dubai was disappointing in the Gr 1 Al Quoz Sprint over 1200m.

Christophe Soumillon rode and the plan to preserve him for a late charge over a trip further than his optimum 1000m did not work and he found nothing late on.

He like to go forward and be in front or or just behind the leading line.

The Narrow Creek Stud-bred six-year-old won two Gr 1s in South Africa, the Computaform Sprint over 1000m and the Mercury Sprint over 1200m and in the USA he has had three starts, winning the Da Hoss Stakes over five-and-a-half furlongs at Colonial Downs, finishing an unlucky seventh at the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar and scoring a strong-finishing close up third in the Turf Dash over five furlongs at Tampa Bay Downs back in February before going to Dubai.

Nathan Kotzen has been in good form lately and Mexican Pete could score another win for him over 1400m on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly on Sunday. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Hollywoodbets Greyville Poly on Sunday Formguides And Selections

Race Coast

R1 Summary: PEMBURY (5) was much improved over course and distance at his second start and a repeat should see him close up again. There are two runners entered for the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes at month end. THE CENTURIAN (1) made a promising local debut and is sure to come on from that from his pole position draw. MASTER SILVANO (3) started favourite over course and distance last time out. He has two smart efforts under his girth and must go close again. CLINTOSTAR (8) should improve over the extra furlong and is one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-3-8).

R2 Summary: WINDS OF CHANGE (5) was never in the hunt in the soft going behind Tenago in the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint but had solid feature race form prior to that. He makes his poly debut and is weighted to win. FUTURE VARIETY (4) finished ahead of Winds Of Change in the Golden Horse but is 3kg worse off. BOURBON WARRIOR (7) is better than his last two and can place. HENRY HARVEY (2) makes a return after a length break. He showed promise in his debut victory and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-7-2).

R3 Summary: BERRINGTON BLEW (8) was well beaten last run by Quickstepgal who has since finished second in a Gr2. With only 50.5kg to shoulder she could prove difficult to beat. However, HOLY STAR (6) has improved with each run and Gavin Lerena will be up against an inexperienced apprentice while PRIORY TERRACE (7) has finished runner-up at her first two starts and must rate a good chance. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-7-11).

R4 Summary: VALLI GAL (3) showed up well when back after a break. She goes well over course and distance and must have a strong chance in this line-up although she faces a number of fillies with ultra-light weights which could muddy the waters. JUMPTHEGREENLIGHT (6) has not been far back in her three starts but comes from a strong yard and the filly should go well in this field. INTRO (8) made a fair debut for her new stable and given her Highveld form the extra furlong should suit. LINE IN THE SKY (10) is better than her last effort and goes well on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-8-10).

R5 Summary: SPECTACULAR (1) was most disappointing when starting favourite in his poly debut. He has some useful Cape form prior to that and with a more experienced rider aboard he can make amends. TAKEYOURBESTSHOT (8) has shown up well in two starts for his new stable and will be competitive in this line-up. WINDOW TO MY SOUL (1) made marked improvement over course and distance in his poly debut but also disappointed next time out. Alyson Wright has declared blinkers which could make the difference. BALTIC ASSAYER (6) takes on males as she steps up in trip but has shown some recent improvement. (Andrew Harrison: 11-8-1-6).

R6 Summary: LEGENDARY (5) is lightly raced but ran a cracker behind the smart Choisaanada in a feature last time out. He rates the one to beat. PRINCE FLORIAN (3) made a tardy start to his last race with his jockey losing an iron. Ignore that outing and he has a strong chance in this field. NUMZAAN (4) was a comfortable winner last run and has been in mustard form over course and distance but he has taken a six-point hike in the ratings. STAR OF THE FUTURE (10) failed narrowly in first time blinkers. He acts on the poly and can go one better although drawn a touch wide. (Andrew Harrison: 5-3-10-4).

R7 Summary: ZIYAN’S PRIDE (1) holds an entry for the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes and if he doesn’t go close here his chances in the big race will be remote. He was a maiden winner last start and second-placed Bruh runs this Wednesday which may give some indication of his chances. EL REY VIENE (10) had it tough from a wide draw last start and makes his debut on the new poly surface. He is seldom far back. Stable companion CONNOISSEUR (8) made sudden improvement first up on the poly. It has been a long time between since his maiden win but is useful on his day. PORFIRIO (4) has been dropping down the ratings and with a 4kg claimer up will be dangerous. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-4-8).

R8 Summary: Wide open handicap. MEXICAN PETE (3) has come well for his new stable and was not far back over course and distance last time out. He is primed for a good performance. HOPE IS POWER (1) is consistent. The step up in trip from a plum draw with S’Manga Khumalo up makes him a serious runner. VOLDEMORT (8) was run out of it late over course and distance last start carrying a big weight. He is up in class but has consistent form to back his claims. PLAZA ACCORD (2) is over his optimum trip with a handy galloping weight and a good draw. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-8-2).

R9 Summary: Competitive handicap. ONE IRISH ROVER (1) seldom runs a bad race and makes the switch to the poly. He has a 4kg claimer up from a plum draw and should be thereabouts. VICTOR RAIL (5) has been close-up over course and distance at recent outings and should be competitive. The two fillies, GLAMORZ (2) and GAELIC DANCER (3) have similar consistent profiles and big weights but neither can be written off. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-2-3).

R10 Summary: The two-year-old CRAFTY CROFTY (9) has a wide draw to contend with but was a comfortable winner of her maiden at just second time of asking and looks promising. The year older PAPILLON BLU (10) has drawn one gate further out but is unbeaten on the poly and cruised to an easy win last time out. She takes a big jump in the handicap but has Gavin Lerena in the saddle. HAPPY FORTUNE (3) has come good at her last two and can go one better over what looks to be her best course. GETOFFMYCLOUD (4) has dropped in the ratings but does look better than her two post maiden efforts. (Andrew Harrison: 9-10-3-4).

Inisherin could be the one to side with in the Gr 1 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup Stakes on the Newmarket July course in the UK on Saturday. (Picture: RacingTV).

The Gr 1 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup Stakes over six furlongs on the Newmarket July course is the highlight of Saturday’s racing in the UK.

Formguides for the seven race Newmarket meeting can be read below:  

At The Races

1 2:40 PM SA Time – Rossdales British EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (GBB Race)
Some powerhouse stables are represented and this looks a very decent maiden. However, with five winners since 2017, Charlie Appleby has farmed this race and could again hold the key if SNOW LIGHT lives up to the billing as the choice of William Buick over her stable companion, Dancing Flower. The chief threat to the selection could be Darkwing, a daughter of Frankel, whose dam was a Group 2 winner the same yard/connections. New Vega and Fan Me also warrant betting checks.

Top Tip: Snow Light (10)
Watch out for: Darkwing (2)

2 3:12 PM – TrustATrader 20th Anniversary Fillies’ Handicap
MISS NIGHTFALL was the subject of one of the biggest betting plunges of Royal Ascot week when she was backed into favouritism for the Sandringham. Despite only managing to finish sixth in that race, she wasn’t beaten far and it was a most encouraging effort on the basis of it being just her second run in a handicap. Bountiful (11th) and Saariselka (18th) appear held on the face value of the Ascot form and with that in mind, the Kensington Palace Stakes winner, Miss Information, is forwarded as the danger to selection, although dropping in trip off 6lb higher asks more of her.

Top Tip: Miss Nightfall (5)
Watch out for: Miss Information (1)

3 3:50 PM – bet365 Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap)
MORE THUNDER, who is 3lb well-in here, has won two of his three starts since joining William Haggas and was unlucky not to have completed the hat-trick when he was narrowly defeated in a tight finish to the Wokingham at Royal Ascot last month. The son of Night Of Thunder stayed on readily that day and this additional furlong is well worth exploring given he ran over further when trained by Sir Michael Stoute. The Wokingham third, Ten Pounds, is closely matched and is a serious threat to the selection. Akkadian Thunder and Myal are also strong contenders.

Top Tip: More Thunder (4)
Watch out for: Ten Pounds (1)

4 4:25 PM – bet365 Mile Handicap
FIFTH COLUMN caught the eye when seventh in the Britannia at Royal Ascot as he did well to get so close from a low draw. The son of Kingman clearly remains on a workable mark and may be the safest pick in a very competitive event. Bedouin Prince has shown plenty of ability in three starts to date, but an opening rating of 100 demands plenty from him on his handicap bow. Others to note are Secret Theory and Raafedd.

Top Tip: Fifth Column (4)
Watch out for: Bedouin Prince (1)

5 5:00 PM – bet365 Superlative Stakes (Group 2)
ITALY created a big impression when winning on debut over 7f at Leopardstown in May and that form was boosted when the second filled the same position in the Chesham at Royal Ascot. With improvement highly likely, Aidan O’Brien’s colt gets the nod. That said, Saba Desert has a similar profile and Charlie Appleby has won five of the last nine renewals of this contest. The shortlist is completed by Wild Desert and Moonfall.

Top Tip: Italy (2)
Watch out for: Saba Desert (5)

6 5:35 PM – Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup Stakes (Group 1)
Symbol Of Honour won a Group 2 sprint at Haydock in May, but William Buick prefers supplemented stablemate Notable Speech, a dual Group 1 winner over a mile last year. The latter has the class to get involved on his first start over 6f, but another chance goes to INISHERIN. Not at his best behind Flora Of Bermuda (third) in the Group 1 Jubilee Stakes at Ascot, Kevin Ryan’s sprinter had beaten the latter at York before that, and is taken to bounce back in first-time cheekpieces. Whistlejacket and Big Mojo are not out of it either.

Top Tip: Inisherin (1)
Watch out for: Notable Speech (4)

7 6:10 PM – TrustATrader Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
Atlantic Sunset won over C&D last month, but he’ll need to step up on that form raised 4lb and upped in class. CLAYMORE makes more appeal, as he can be forgiven a poor effort on soft ground at Chester, having finished runner-up on the Rowley course here before that. That form reads well in this context and a strong challenge is expected from the son of New Bay. A winner at Epsom in April, Asgard’s Captain returns to this lower level with a shout.

Top Tip: Claymore (1)
Watch out for: Atlantic Sunset (7)

The Sharon Kotzen-trained 75-rated Erupt gelding Home Reef won the Non-Black Type Port Elizabeth Gold Cup under a fine ride by Malesela Katjedi to land odds of 33/1 and enable connections to hold the spectacular trophy (Pauline Herman Photography).

Richard Fourie failed to win the Non-Black Type Port Elizabeth Gold Cup with the Alan Greeff-trained Gr 3 World Pool Gold Cup entry Bournemouth, but he did ride a treble on the day for Greeff and that allowed him to close the gap on national jockeys championship leader Gavin Lerena to six wins.

The Muzi Yeni/Justin Snaith combination also scored a treble.

Craig Zackey was booked off after just one ride when soreness from an old injury resurfaced and his title hopes look gone as he has to serve a suspension from Saturday 12 July to Friday 25 July.

Gavin Lerena managed a second, two thirds and a fourth in his four rides at today’s meeting, but he failed to add to his tally.

Lerena leads the championship on 251 wins at a strike rate of 25.02%.

Fourie is now on 245 wins at 25.31%.

Zackey is on 242 wins at 17.45%.

Yeni is on 144 wins at 12.64%.

Fourie leads the East Cape Championship on 134 wins to Zackey’s 73.

Luyolo Mxothwa is third on 33 wins.

Justin Snaith and Alan Greeff are locked together at the top of the table as far as number of wins go with both having registered 164 wins countrywide this season, although the championship goes on stakes and Snaith is close to R15 million clear of Greeff.

Which Johannesburg horse was flown down to Cape Town at great expense for the Cape Guineas of 1977, but he failed by a neck at the hands of a horse who was to become an all time great.

The picture gives a clue to the answer.

Picture: Politician

The Graham Beck-owned Big Swinger (Persian Wonder) was strongly fancied to win the 1977 Cape Guineas and was flown down from Johannesburg to Cape Town at great expense. However, he was beaten a neck by the great Syd Laird-trained Politician (Oligarchy).