Turf Talk Newsletter – 12 December, 2024

Picture: Bold Tropic was one of the great winners of the Cape Guineas (in 1979) and the hall of fame jockey Michael Roberts rated it one of the top five rides of his career. 

Cape Racing

Boasting great tradition and a proud history, the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas has been a rich source of champions, its honour roll studded with many of our most famous horses.

First run a century ago in 1924 as the Western Province Derby and renamed the Western Province Guineas in 1945, the race officially became the Cape of Good Hope Guineas a decade later when it was won by Marion Island, who would go on to claim the Met two years later.

The swinging sixties was the decade of the mighty Colorado King and Hawaii. In 1963, Colorado King won what was then the Cape’s richest race whilst setting a new record time over the Milnerton mile. Hawaii followed suit in 1968, outclassing his rivals by two lengths. Both subsequently continued their distinguished careers in the States, with Hawaii named Champion Grass Horse in 1969.

Many still regard the seventies as the “golden age’ of South African racing, a notion which would not be out of place, given that the list of Guineas winners includes the likes of In Full Flight, Jamaican Music, Gatecrasher, Politician and Bold Tropic, all giants of the turf. In Full Flight, Jamaican Music, Gatecrasher and Politician would all go on to glory in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and barring Jamaican Music, won the Met as well, Politician not once, but twice. Bold Tropic followed Colorado King and Hawaii across the Atlantic where he too, proved himself in the best of company.

Incidentally, 1973 winner Ocean City redeemed his sire, the legendary Sea Cottage, who could only finish fourth behind Savonarola in 1966.

Following that dazzling array of winners, one could be forgiven if the eighties came across as somewhat of an anti-climax, albeit that 1980 Guineas winner Quarrytown would scoop the Horse of the Year title at four. This was also the decade where the dreaded equine flu led to the cancellation of the 1987 Guineas.

The early half of the nineties was dominated by the fairer sex, with no less than three fillies beating the boys in successive years. Star Effort set the tone in 1991 when she became the first female winner in 26 years and the first to complete the Fillies Guineas/Guineas double. Trained by Geoff Woodruff and a champion at two, she won ten of eleven starts, six at the elite level.

Twelve months later, Cape racegoers witnessed another female winner, the Argentinian bred champion Empress Club, who counted the Guineas amongst a seven-win streak at three. Trained by Woodruff’s brother-in-law Tony Millard, the “galloping goldmine” as she was fondly known, won no less than eight Gr1 races and was voted Horse of the Year in 1992.

Rounding out the treble was was ill-fated Little Ballerina, who ran out a facile 2.25 length winner in the 1993 renewal. Sadly, that proved to be her only stakes success, as she died in training. No filly has won the classic since.

A pair of superstar colts closed out the nineties, during which time the Guineas had moved to Kenilworth following the sale of its former home Milnerton in 1996.

The Devines’ champion Jet Master triumphed in 1998, setting the tone for a stellar career at four and five. The Joint Equus Horse of the Year in 1999, he was lethal up to a mile and at stud became a stallion sensation.

The 1999 Guineas witnessed another legend of the turf, the Oppenheimer homebred Horse Chestnut, who turned the classic on its head with a sublime 6.75 length tour de force. A true champion and trained by Mike de Kock, he was voted both the Champion 3yo and Equus Horse of the Year before leaving for the States, where he won his only start in runaway fashion.

The new millennium started with a bang when Jeff Lloyd piloted Vaughan Marshall’s Captain Al to victory. The son of Al Mufti has since contributed to Guineas history as the only modern-time winner whose progeny have emulated their sire in the mile classic, with William Longsword claiming victory in 2016 and Tap O’Noth making it a double twelve months later. Who knows, we may yet witness a fairytale third-generation success this year, as Captain Al’s grandson One Stripe, also trained by Marshall, tops the bookmaker boards.

In 2002, trainer Mike de Kock again came, saw, and conquered with Flight Alert and for good measure, returned twelve months later to repeat with Domino Man. However, it was local trainer Dean Kannemeyer who dominated the first decade of the millennium, saddling no less than four winners, Rabiya (2005), Express Way (2006), Le Drakkar (2008) and Noordhoek Flyer (2009).

The jockey/trainer duo of Anton and Basil Marcus teamed up Jay Peg to claim the 2007 renewal in a season which saw the colt named the Equus Champion Classic Colt.

In 2010 trainer Justin Snaith landed his first Cape Guineas with Solo Traveller leading home a one-two for the stable.

Twelve months later, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racegoers witnessed the maiden Gr1 win of budding superstar miler Variety Club. The Guineas was the chestnut’s first of five Gr1 victories in a stellar career which brought with it two Horse of the Year titles and three championships, not to mention that famous Hong Kong win in the Gr1 Champions Mile.

Dean Kannemeyer’s Capetown Noir added his name to a star-studded honour roll with a visually impressive score in the 2012 renewal to give his trainer a fifth Guineas success, a tally shared by Mike de Kock, whose most recent winner Soqrat outgunned his rivals in 2018, this despite a 27-hour road trip from home base Randjiesfontein and a week off work.

Dean Kannemeyer closed out the year 2020 on a high when he claimed his sixth Guineas success with Russian Rock, a striking grey grandson of 1998 winner Jet Master.

In 2022, prize money for the Guineas was upped to a record R2-million, the bulk of which was won by budding champion Charles Dickens, the chestnut making it six wins from as many starts by blowing away a star-studded field.

The most recent renewal nearly resulted in an upset when unfancied filly Red Palace came close to running her male rivals into submission, only to be caught late by Snow Pilot, who made it a superb double for owner-breeder Drakenstein Stud.

Saturday’s renewal figures to be just as compelling when a field of ten will go postward for what promises to be another hotly-contested affair.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE HOLLYWOODBETS CAPE GUINEAS PREVIEW

The preview features racing commentators/presenters Alistair Cohen and Brandon Baily together with the top Cape trainer Brett Crawford.

Catch Your Breath has been tipped to win Race 7 (Pauline Herman Photography).

Fairview Poly Friday Formguides and Selections

Del   1     (1) MISS PRIOR has been holding solid form and is knocking on the door for that first career win, she ran extremely well in her last appearance and is expected to run a cracker here. Strong first choice. (2) PINK MOON is never far back and may get much closer so include. (4) FEEL THE WIND makes her provincial debut and could go extremely well, she hasn’t been far in recent starts. (6) TUNE AGAIN is holding form well but has had many chances hence it’s hard to be confident with her. ( Devonne Govender 1-2-4-6)

Del   2     (4) HER ROYALTY ran extremely well in her last start in the province and is expected to go very closer here. She has a better draw compared to her last start which will enhance her chances. (1) OPERA VERSE is a very interesting runner, she has run some good races in the past and can win this, she isn’t one to discount. (10) CHLOE’S DANCER is improving with every run and can get a lot closer. (8) TO BE FREE is another that is improving and may well get much closer. ( Devonne Govender 4-1-10-8)

Del   3     (2) SEE YOU IN A BIT won impressively in her last start and is capable of following up here, although this is a very competitive contest she is very fast. (9) MEDITERANEANGODDES won a gutsy race in her last start and will be a big challenger to the top selection however will have the draw to beat. (3) SHARAPOVA ran a gutsy race in the last start and will be in the firing line again, big chance. (4) JADE’S CABERNEIGH has been consistent and will have a big winning chance, she is very capable on her day and must be included. (Devonne Govender 2-9-3-4)

Del   4     (10) WORDSWORTH was narrowly beaten in the last start, his form is solid and he should take some beating with the inform jockey and trainer combination. (3) IGUGULETHU is capable of winning this contest so is a must include in all bets, he wasn’t far in the last start and can deliver. (7) LEGAL THRILLER was very disappointing in the last start and can do much better, respect. (1) EUROPEAN SUMMER can produce a big finish on her day, although she shoulders a big weight she can pop up here. ( Devonne Govender 10-3-7-1)

Del   5     (7) ICE CAP represents some good form-lines and will have a huge winning chance. (12) COLORAMA is never far back and rates a big winning chance. (4) VOORSMAAKIE won her maiden on provincial debut and will have the scope to build on that performance hence she must be respected. (2) GREENLIGHT DANCER is another who has scope to go well so must be respected here. (Devonne Govender 7-12-4-2)

Del   6     (11) ABSOLU NOIR is knocking on the door for that next career win and although has a tough draw the light weight puts him right into this contest and this 8 year old seems to be thriving. (10) WAR LAUNCH is capable of producing a big finish on his day and won’t be far. (2) FUJISAN wasn’t beaten far in the last start and can feature as he generally races forward so the draw isn’t a concern. (8) LADY LUCK is better than her last run and should be respected here, she has a winning chance. ( Devonne Govender 11-10-2-8)

Del   7     (1) CATCH YOUR BREATH has the stable rider Richard Fourie aboard hence she is the first choice. Her form is good and she will have a huge winning chance. (2) YOU WIN AGAIN has been in outstanding form recently and will be the biggest danger to the top selection which is her stable companion. (10) FLOWER FESTIVAL has been racing consistently and is another that must be respected on form. (12) RAIN BIRD is holding solid form and isn’t out of this competitive contest, she gets the best draw and will be a factor. ( Devonne Govender 1-2-10-12)

Del   8     (6) ROLL OF THE DICE is in top form and goes for his third win on the bounce, he has a decent draw and will be the firm first selection. (8) LADY WRITER is capable of much better, her form prior to her last start was good and she can deliver a big challenge. (9) PUERTO PLATA can produce a big finish on his day and must be included in everything with Richard Fourie aboard. (3) PAINITE has ability and is very capable of winning this contest on best form so must go into everything. ( Devonne Govender 6-8-9-3)

Imposing has been facing stronger and is selected to win the 7th (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Hollywoodbets Greyiville Poly Friday Night Formguides And Selections 

R1     Summary: STAR OF THE FUTURE (3) is a lightly raced four-year-old who has shown some promise. Frank Robinson’s charge is having his third run after a break and takes a drop in trip. He was beaten less than a length by Captain Oliver last time out and Frikkie Greyling’s charge has since put in a smart handicap effort albeit over much further. Paul Lafferty saddles GOOD LIVING (7) who is seldom far off the pace but battling to win. However, he has done well over this distance and could get it right this time around. EMOYENI (6) was a distant second on debut but given his pedigree MJ Odendaal has stepped him up in trip and he is certain to improve. PRINCE FLORIAN (9) has not been far back in both starts but the stable is a little cold at present. However, the gelding does show some promise and a win would not be out of turn. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-6-9).

R2     Summary: QONDANEKUKHANYENI (5) has come on nicely at her last two and is well tried over ground. She took on much stronger at her last two and Garth Puller’s filly looks primed for this. THE GHOST (1) steps up to a mile for the first time after showing some steady form over shorter in useful company. Paul Lafferty has engaged a four-claiming apprentice and from pole position draw the striking grey can pill this one off. LIZWILE ILALI (6) got a hefty shunt up the handicap after her maiden win. She was then rested and was in need of the run when making her poly debut. She too steps up to a mile and Rachel Venniker’s allowance can make all the difference. SPRING KISS (2) is seldom too far back and goes well over course and distance. She met a good one in Ladyofdistinction last time out and can finish a lot closer in this line-up. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-6-2).

R3     Summary: RICHARDTHEFEARLESS (4) was run out of it late when trying a mile for the first time and the extra furlong should suit Frank Robinson’s charge. He meets a fairly modest line-up and can go one better. ONE ARMED BANDIT (2) jumps in trip after showing consistent sprint form. Deryl Daniels stays with the ride and no doubt it was on his recommendation that he tries this trip for the first time. MASTER OF MYSTERY (8) also takes a big jump in distance after showing good improvement second time out over a sprint. If he stays the trip Mike Miller’s charge could go all the way. You could write your own ticket about KING CELTILLUS (5) last time out and although well beaten into fourth he did show improvement and the winner looks promising. (Andrew Harrison: 4-1-8-5).

R4     Summary: VIEW OF THE WORLD (3) looks useful, winning first up out of the maidens and then third in a tough handicap behind the promising Artists Model. He shoulders top weight but all of his recent starts have been in soft ground and he could well improve further on firmer going. NIGHTJAR (5) has been holding form since returning from a break. He was close-up last run and the Van Zyl stable is in good form of late. SHOTGUN WILLIE (1) has consistent recent form but Andre Nel’s runner did get a two-point drop in the ratings and from the best of the draw should be competitive. RED MOUNTAIN (9) has improved in blinkers although Robbie Hill’s charge has drawn widest of all in a competitive handicap. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-1-9).

R5     Summary: Gareth van Zyl has booked a 4kg claimer for PRANKSTER (2) who has been consistent in recent months. She will only have 49.5kg on her back and from a good draw she could be difficult to peg back. HERINAFTER (8) is the veteran in the race but Mike Miller’s seven-year-old has lost none of her ability. She has a deep draw to contend with but Tristan Godden replaces the apprentice and Hereinafter could go with her age and notch the seventh win of her career. HURRICANE CAT (4) is not the biggest but is super quick. However, she does appear to be better suited to the faster synthetic surface but she does get 4kg relief from the saddle. SWEET JULIA (7) appears to be something of a poly specialist but is never far back. Her two worst recent effort shave been in blinkers and Wendy Whitehead has discarded them for this race. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-4-7).

R6     Summary: Competitive handicap. MR MASTER STARTER (5) has been close-up at recent outings and Dean Kannemeyer’s charge is distance suited and overdue. He was beaten by the much improved Connery last time out giving the winner 7kg. Connery has since franked that form. Frank Robinson has been testing MEXICAN PETE (7) over ground in feature company but he made a smart return to form in a competitive sprint last time out. If he can build on that he will be a big runner in this line-up. SHANTA’S PRIDE (12) has the worst of the draw and Peter Muscutt has pitted her against males. However, she has won her last two in good fashion back in blinkers and she should be competitive. Veteran CABINET SHUFFLE (11) has been in good form of late and the five-time winner only has 52.5kg to shoulder. (Andrew Harrison: 5-7-11-12).

R7     Summary: Trickey handicap. Michael Roberts saddles IMPOSING (3) who has been taking on much stronger at recent outings. He takes a two-point rating drop and coupled with Rachel Venniker’s allowance it could be enough to see him home. DAPPER (10) has the widest draw and just scrapes in, in the official handicap. However, Paul Lafferty has engaged a 4kg claimer and although drawn widest, Dapper only has 48.5kg to shoulder. IBUTHO (9) is drawn one inside of Dapper and has to shoulder 1kg off top weight. Of concern is that his recent form has been on the poly. Top weight BOWIE (7) has not been far back at recent outings and with some luck in running will make his presence felt. (Andrew Harrison: 3-10-9-7).

R8     Summary: JP’S PALACE (4) has made steady improvement shedding his maiden at his third attempt. He looks progressive and can follow up. COMEDY CLUB (1) has only had three starts, winning second time out and not disgraced in his handicap debut in a strong field. He has the best of the draw and a 4kg claimer up who could make the best of it. Dark horse is Wendy Whitehead’s charge CHINABERRY (10). The son of Fire Away has not been out since July and makes his seasonal debut. However, he was deemed good enough to run in feature company. He has been gelded since and is one to watch in the betting. BENNI IN THE AREA (9) has scored two ‘goals’ in his last three starts over the distance. However, he has been racing exclusively on the poly which may be a concern. (Andrew Harrison: 4-1-10-9).

Pendragon (Willow Magic) clinches a double for the combination of Chase Maujean and Fanie Bronkhorst (JC Photos)

Chase Maujean rode a double for Fanie Bronkhorst at the Vaal Classic track today (Thursday) and Raymond Danielson and Paul Matchett had individual doubles.

Maujean has had 36 wins this season and has achieved it at a strike rate of 8.57%.

Danielson is on eight wins at 5.26%.

Matchett has had 28 wins at 12.67%.

Bronkorst has had 12 wins at 5.94%.

Gavin Lerena leads the Highveld jockeys log with 60 wins on the Highveld this season and Piere Strydom is second on 38 with Muzi Yeni on 37.

The leading Highveld trainer on stakes amount is Alec Laird on R4,786,375.00 and second and third are Tony Peter and Paul Matchett on R3,886,375.00 and R3,153,437.50 respectively.

The picture is of the subject

Which famous 1960s born filly ended up with a different owner to the one the trainer had planned, because he was too embarrassed by her cheap price to contact the rich owner he was buying for.

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