Turf Talk Newsletter – 12 December, 2025

Jan Van Goyen represents the Mike and Mathew de Kock yard and is out to give the De Kock name a sixth Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas title (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Alistair Cohen (Race Coast)

South Africa’s Champion Two-Year-Old Male of last season makes his first trip to Cape Town on Saturday to run in the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas. With a superb prep run under his belt two weeks earlier at Turffontein, he looks to be coming into this showpiece event ready to claim his second career scalp at the highest level. This card shapes up to be one of the most enticing in years regardless of the 1600m showpiece event.

Trainer Mike de Kock won this race, which is a stallion-maker, five times. Now teaming with his son Mathew, they will look to increase their footprint on this race which has been dominated by himself, Vaughan Marshall and Dean Kannemeyer over the last 30 years.

Jan Van Goyen won the Grade 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Premier’s Champion Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville in July. That was the race that stamped him as an elite quality talent. He was given a long rest and many questioned where he was hiding. He held a few nominations but Team De Kock picked their spots with this race in mind. He had a grass gallop at Turffontein nearly a month ago to brush off some cobwebs.

His real return came two weeks ago in the Grade 2 Jackpot City Dingaans over 1600m at Turffontein when he finished a superb second behind Trust. The Dingaans is traditionally a great pointer for the future. One must keep in mind that the winner and runner-up were nearly five lengths ahead of the third-placed horse. There were Grade 2 and Grade 3 winners who did not lay a glove on them. Jan Van Goyen was reported to not quite be 100% going into that race but close to peak. He should be in the pink of health for this race.

The big question is the travel aspect from Johannesburg to Cape Town but if anybody knows how to pull off the big trip, it is De Kock. Callan Murray is carded to take the ride.

Randolph Hearst has been unlucky in his two runs this summer. His return in the Grade 3 Cape Classic over 1400m he was asked to make up too much ground when he finished third behind Vapour Trail. It was still an encouraging run to have finished his race that strongly. Last time in the Grade 2 Cape Punters Cup over this track and trip he was impeded in the closing stages. He failed to win the race in the boardroom, a decision many think is debatable. Randolph Hearst has a brilliant turn of foot and there is evidence of a pace in the race. He should make a bold bid.

Happy Verse got the run from hell in his last run, the Cape Punters Cup when he found no position and he was forced to travel at the outside of the pack with no cover. He stuck it out and was not disgraced finishing fourth behind Good For You, who he meets again. Whatever happens, less will go wrong.

Gimmie Rules is at the top of the boards and he has taken a soft route into this Grade 1. He was impressive when beating the solid, well-performed Handsome Prince last time by 0,5 lengths. He was in receipt of 4,5kg. Whether that is good enough to win a Grade 1 remains to be seen. He is a full brother to Grade 1 hotshots Gimme A Prince and The Real Prince. For now, he is all reputation. If he lives up to the hype, he will excite many in the coming seasons.

A mention for Good For You. He is a very good horse. He has a habit of hanging from side to side when under pressure but he is a Grade 1 winner as a two-year-old when taking out the Gold Medallion at Hollywoodets Scottsville. He had to repass and gallop in a straight line before a racemeeting a few weeks back. He is either going to win or go completely missing.

The rest of the card is so appetizing. The Grade 2 Ridgemont Green Point Stakes over 1600m is a galaxy of stars except Eight On Eighteen who should step out withing a month. Gladatorian is an iron horse who runs massive races even when the chips are down. His versatility and desire are huge attributes and it is hard to expect him to be off colour. He looked the part when winning his prep run at Hollywoodbets Greyville over 1200m last month. His main aim will be the L’Ormarins Kings Plate and World Sports Betting Cape Town Met. Stuart Ferrie has his first string in Cape Town since replacing his legendary boss, Dennis Drier. He trains this brilliant son of Vercingetorix.

Sail The Seas has stuck himself among possible Weight For Age race winners. He also has a run under his belt this season when he returned from a six-month break and ran close to his stable companion and 1400m specialist Great Plains. He could be more of a Met or Kings Plate horse too but if good enough to win those races, he should be good enough to win this.

Fire Attack comes from Alec Laird’s Johannesburg-based yard and he has Grade 1 wins and places to his name. His seasonal debut at Turffontein last month was excellent when he ran South Africa’s most exciting sprinter, Buffalo Storm Cody close over 1160m. His deep draw of No 13 is a concern but he does not have his legs tied up.

Neither do Cosmic Speed and Snow Pilot who also have Grade 1 wins to their names. See It Again is in the race while The Real Prince and Dave The King are good enough to compete on any stage having won the Hollywoodbets Durban July and crowed former Horse Of The Year respectively.

The Grade 3 1Voucher Victress Stakes, race 4, over 1800m could be best setup for Rainbow Lorikeet who won this race last year. Her seasonal debut was pleasing when she finished 2,8 lengths behind Double Grand Slam. She generally needs her first run back on track before she gets into the swing of things.

Just about anything can win the Grade 2 SplashOut Cape Merchants over 1200m. Raven Black has a big reputation but soundness has compromised him of running regularly and staying in the swing of things. Since relocating to Cape Town he has got into a routine. He possibly needed a few runs on return from nearly a year off the track. His last effort was meritorious when he finished 0,4 lengths behind Mai Sensation over this course and distance. He is 1,5kg better off so he should turn that form around. There are chances for Quantum Theory, The Us Of A, I Am Giant and Outlaw King.

The Grade 3 Ownpay Peninsula Handicap over 1800m has an interesting complexion. The presence of Magic Verse has pushed most of the field under sufferance and some light-weight jockeys have a spin on horses they would not necessarily be familiar with. Landoftherisingsun and Muzi Yeni have combined and he could pay to follow. He won the Listed Settlers Trophy over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville when last seen in September. He gives the impression that he is ahead of the handicapper and developing only now. Regulation gets the services of regular rider JP van der Merwe and he is also coming to hand as a four-year-old. His last win was full of merit when he stretched away to beat Umfula by 4,5 lengths over this course and distance.

Champagne Castle has experience under the belt and she could score in race 1 over 1000m. On debut she finished 1,9 lengths behind Querari Dancer. That form was franked last weekend when Catwalk King made some significant improvement from debut to second start.

Rockanrollin could be the best bet on the card when he runs in race 2 over 1200m. Unless debutant, Cardinal Point is any great shakes, he should have no issues getting out of the maiden ranks after a string of solid, placed performances.

Race 3 over 1200m looks to be a three-cornered contest between Spirit, Churchillian and Nightrain. They are selected in that order. Spirit is far better than his recent runs suggests. Richard Fourie takes the ride for Piet and Elbert Steyn.

There are a few with chances in race 9 over 1600m. The free-striding Mente Et Manu could bounce back to winning ways. He ran in a very open race in his last start behind horses who are running in the Grade 3 Peninsula Handicap a race earlier. He has pulled his career together since a wind operation and he still seems upwardly mobile.

Regulation could be the meeting banker (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday Formguides And Selections

Race 1

Great race. Almost a full field of well-bred first timers that will line up at the 1000m mark, my only advice would be to watch the market closely and watch them move down to the gates before making your final selections. 6 CHAMPAGNE CASTLE ran a great race on debut behind her stable companion (Querari Dancer) on the 22nd of November, she was a touch slow out the gates, and she really stayed on strongly to finish just under two lengths behind the winner, she will improve tremendously from that run, watch her closely, now that she has some experience, she could be hard to beat here. 7 FYFIELD LEGEND ran a cracker on debut in the same race as Champagne Castle last time, he showed great speed early and stayed on well to finish just under three lengths behind the winner on that occasion, he will love the extra 200m on Saturday, include him into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 7 – 4 – 3)

Race 2

4 GALLIC KING ran a terrific race for third behind Foudre on the 19th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he is a lovely looking colt with a great action, he is getting better and better with more racing, this looks to be the right race for him to exit the maiden ranks. 2 ROCKANROLLIN has been rested for 77 days, he is very consistent, he ran a nice race for third behind Coco’s Hero at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 27th of September, the yard have dropped this colt in trip on Saturday, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will have a big say in the finish. 1 THESHOWMUSTGOON has run two excellent races in succession, he ran fifth in his last start up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, even though he wants a bit further, he will be doing some good work late. Watch the first timers closely, they could be anything on debut. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 2 – 1 – 6)

Race 3

5 CHURCHILLIAN was mighty unlucky in his last start behind Demanding Dave, it was his first run back after a small break, he was inconvenienced at a crucial stage of the race, and that quite simply cost him victory on the 15th of November, he is supremely talented, even though he has a big weight to shoulder on Saturday, he will go close to winning. 3 SPIRIT ran a fair race in the Sophomore Sprint Listed on the 22nd of November, he was beaten just over four lengths by Green Gateway, the yard thinks highly of this individual, top jockey Richard Fourie has been booked to ride, include him into all bets. 8 MAURITIUS KESTREL could be some nice value for the places, he travelled powerfully in his last start behind Pomp It Up on the 22nd of November, he has dropped significantly in the ratings, he will be doing some good work late. 1 NIGHTRAIN was gelded on the 4th of November, he was beaten just under six lengths by One Liner on the 2nd of November, if the gelding has helped, he will be competitive on his best form. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 3 – 8 – 1)

Race 4

8 SWIATEK finished like a train in her last start behind Double Grand Slam on the 22nd of November, she has no weight on her back for this race, and she steps up in trip to 1800m, if the gaps open at the right time, she will go close to winning. 9 RED PALACE ran a great race behind Legal Counsel on the 8th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, she was entitled to need that run after a long break, she is a quality mare with tons of ability, if she gets some luck in running from a wide draw, she will be competitive. 5 RAINBOW LORIKEET stayed on well for fourth in the same race as Swiatek on the 22nd of November, she will improve tremendously going into this race on Saturday, now that she steps up in trip, she should bounce back to her best form. 4 LITTLE SUZIE needed her last run badly on the 19th of November, the step up in trip will help her chances on Saturday, watch her closely at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 9 – 5 – 4)

Race 5

4 THE US OF A quickened up like a smart sprinter in the making to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 2nd of November, he was given seven points for that impressive victory in the Southeaster Sprint Listed, top jockey Richard Fourie sticks with this gelding on Saturday, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be thundering home late.  1 OUTLAW KING won a terrific race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 18th of October, he led them from start to finish on that occasion, he was bumped up three points in the ratings for that good win, he is a quality gelding with a magnificent turn of foot, include him into all bets, he will be right there in the finish. 16 MEU CAPITANO has been rested for 272 days, he never runs a bad race, jockey Andrew Fortune has been booked to ride this gelding on Saturday, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will be amongst the places at a big price. 3 MAI SENSATION won a good race on the 22nd of November, she was given two points for that win, if she can bring that performance to the track again, she could sneak into the Quartet. This is a tough race; you will need to go wide. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 1 – 16 – 3)

Race 6

2 GLADATORIAN must have a big winning chance, he was all heart to win a super race over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 7th of November, he will absolutely love the 1600m trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, from a neat draw, he will go close. 3 THE REAL PRINCE has been rested for 139 days, he moved up like a winner in the Champions Cup Gr 1 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 27th of July, he is a wonderful horse with tons of ability, there is no doubt that he will be right there in the finish. 9 GARRIX needed his last run badly after a long break, he was beaten just over four lengths by Legal Counsel on the 8th of November, he should be much fitter on Saturday, if he bounces back to his best form, he will run a cracker. 6 MON PETIT CHERIE won a cheeky race up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 26th of November, she was entitled to need that run after a lengthy break, there is no doubt that she is packed with class and ability, watch her closely here, she will make the boys work hard for victory. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 3 – 9 – 6)

Race 7

2 GIMMIE RULES won well at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 15th of November, he was given four points for that win, the yard thinks highly of this colt, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be motoring home late. 4 JAN VAN GOYEN was touched off in the Dingaans Gr 2 at Turffontein Racecourse on the 29th of November, that was his first run back after a long break, in hope that this run hasn’t come too soon, he will go very close to winning. 10 RANDOLPH HEARST came from stone last to run a great second in the Cape Punters Cup Gr 2 on the 22nd of November, the bump close to the finish may have cost him victory on that occasion, he will be switched off early from a wide draw on Saturday, and he will be low flying late, include him into all bets. 7 HAPPY VERSE had absolutely no luck behind Good For You last time, he was caught deep throughout the race, and he was taken up for running close to the finish line, he could be the value horse in this race if everything goes according to plan. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 4 – 10 – 7)

Race 8

5 REGULATION sprinted away from his field impressively on the 22nd of November, he was given six points for that win, if he brings that performance to the track again on Saturday, with no weight on his back, he will go very close to winning again. 1 LANDOFTHERISINGSUN has been rested for 77 days, he was given a great ride by jockey Muzi Yeni on the 27th of September at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he fought hard to win a good race, he is clearly improving with every start, from a good draw, and with no weight on his back, he is a serious runner in this race. 6 MAJOR MASTER quickened up beautifully to win a good race on the 3rd of December, he was given five points for that win, jockey Sean Veale knows this gelding well, he will be doing some good work late. 3 ZEITZ was heavily backed in the market when finishing fourth behind Legal Counsel last time, he only got going when the race was over on that occasion, the blinkers have been removed, and he steps up in trip to 1800m, watch for sharp improvement. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 1 – 6 – 3)

Race 9

3 MENTE ET MANU ran a lovely race for fourth behind Chasingtherainbow on the 10th of November, he needs a particular ride, Richard Fourie sticks with this gelding, from a neat draw, he will go close to winning the lucky last. 4 KING’S QUEST ran a fair race behind Coco’s Hero on the 15th of November, he was only beaten just over three lengths at the line, he should love the drop in trip to 1600m on Saturday, include him into all bets. 6 MARCUS AURELIUS won going away at the line last time, he quickened up smartly to beat Givethatmanabells impressively on the 10th of November, even though he has gone up in the ratings, he is improving, he will be right there in the finish late. 7 GALLIC VICTOR is much better than his last run, he was heavily supported in the market when finishing just under five lengths behind Coco’s Hero, the drop in trip could be key for this colt on Saturday, he definitely has the ability to win a race like this. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 4 – 6 – 7)

Gimme Rules has been usurped as favourite for the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas by Jan Van Goyen who has shortened into 18/10, while Gimmie Rules has drifted out to 5/2 (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

Michel Wing of Race Coast has compiled an excellent video preview of the iconic breed-shaping race, the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, to be run at 16H15 on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth’s Summer Course.

Click here to watch the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas preview 

Race Coast also put together a panel discussion with Vicky Minott, Alistair Cohen, Callan Murray and Lucinda Woodruff.

There is a R3 million P6 carryover, so it is well worth watching.

Click here to watch the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas Panel Discussion

Fortress Of Fire lost his way after an eyecatching debut win, but hinted last time out he could have a good season (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections

R1 Summary: The first KZN juvenile race has attracted a big field of first timers so the betting will be your best guide. Mike Miller has his usual compliment and saddles seven of the 12 runners. Stable rider Tristan Godden generally has the pick of the rides so MASTER MAGICIAN (6) could prove the pick but he is not infallible. (Andrew Harrison: 6-12-3-7).

R2 Summary: A full field of 16 lines up here with a number of first timers in the mix. Of those that have run, PLACE OF PRACTICE (15) improved nicely on the poly second time out but can make the required improvement. WINTER IN LONDON (1) also improved at his second start behind the useful looking Cognac. He can also make the required improvement. EASTERN HIGHLANDS (2) looks held by Place Of Practice going on their last meeting but does have experience in his favour. BEST OF ALL (5) has a blue-blood pedigree and one to keep an eye on in the betting given that regular stable rider S’Manga Khumalo rides. (Andrew Harrison: 15-1-2-10).

R3 Summary: MR MCDONALD (7) caught the eye when running on late on debut. It was not the greatest maiden field but with some expected improvement he can go one better. PAST AND PRESENT (1) makes his local debut for his new stable. He has been rested but had some useful Cape form over further. The blinkers are back on and he has the best of the draw. DIRECTOR (13) has drawn wide but his last run in the soft is best ignored. He was consistent before that. DUBAI DUDE (12) was well beaten on debut but that form has held up quite well. He gets the services of vastly experience French rider Mickaelle Michel who will relish the 1.5kg allowance. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-13-12).

R4 Summary: ANNIE’S SONG (13) will need some luck in running from her wide draw but she has improved with every outing and looks primed for this. THOUGHT CONTROL (5) made a promising debut over the distance and sure to come on with the experience. HEAVENLY MAFIA (3) makes her local debut and shows steady Cape and PE form. The blinkers stay on with a claiming apprentice up. SOVEREIGN GEM (1) has the best of the draw and she did improve at her second outing in the soft. Can go close. (Andrew Harrison: 13-5-3-1).

R5 Summary: CLEARTHERUNWAY (11) has a tricky draw to contend with but he was an impressive winner of his maiden at just his second start. The form of that race had panned out with second placed ERIC’S LEGACY (5) skating home by eight lengths next time out albeit in a shallow field. He is in receipt of 1.5kg from Cleartherunway and has a better draw which could swing the odds in his favourite. RED MOUNTAIN (6) has shown some recent improvement in blinkers and with a claiming apprentice up he comes into the race with a strong chance. SPAARNE RIVIER (3) was a little disappointing last time out but is down in class and cannot be written off lightly. (Andrew Harrison: 5-11-6-3).

R6 Summary: Competitive handicap. MAGMA MAGIC (3) has shown signs of form of late and may just have needed his last effort. This trip should suit. BANK STREET (7) switches to the turf but has been running consistently well on the poly. He got a two-point raise in the handicap for his runner-up placing last time out and is up in trip. KIMBALL O’HARA (12) has a tricky draw but has dropped further in the ratings and is down in class. DEFINITELY YES (11) has been making steady improvement with a tongue-tie and should be a contender. IN THE BAG (5) is seldom far back of late and can go one better. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-12-11-5).

R7 Summary: Tricky handicap. GIMMEFORSURE (1) has been consistent since her debut win. She makes her local debut and steps up to what could be a more suitable trip given her pedigree. She only has 51.5kg to shoulder from a favourable draw. At the other end of the gate is SASCHA’S DREAM (12) who boasts solid current form. She stays the trip well and gets some relief from the saddle. GRAND OCCASION (5) was well fancied for a hattrick of wins last time out but found one too good. She has come good of late and steps up in trip. MISS TWINKLE (3) meets Sasha’s Dream on identical weight terms but does have the better draw. There should not be too much between them come the line. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-12-5).

R8 Summary: FORTRESS OF FIRE (16) was disappointing in features last season but ended off in promising fashion. After nearly five months off the track, he caught the eye in is seasonal debut when running on stoutly from a wide draw on the poly behind the very much in form United Nations. He shed his maiden over course and distance and could be finally finding himself. MAPHAKA (7) has been knocking on the door for some time now. He is dropping in the ratings and could be competitive again. DAPPER (9) is long overdue and seldom out of the money. One of his best recent showings has been over course and distance. BEAMONESQUE (10) finished just ahead of Fortress Of Fire when making his local debut. He had useful Highveld form before that and will be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 16-7-10-9).

R9 Summary: ARVERNI PRINCESS (6) has been in mustard form and has won over course and distance with this apprentice aboard. WHEREVERILAYMYHAT (5) is 0.5kg better off with Arverni Princess on their last meeting so there should not be much between the pair. NDAKA (13) is back over his preferred distance and has blinkers on. He is quick and could be the surprise package. YANNAKIS (9) is down in class and has a 4kg claimer aboard which should help his cause. (Andrew Harrison: 6-5-13-9).

Barrier ‘blooper’ is Ka Ying Rising’s only concern in G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint

Picture: Ka Ying Rising makes it 15 wins on the trot (HKJC)

By Daryl Timms (HKJC)

David Hayes has downplayed any concerns over star sprinter Ka Ying Rising drawing barrier one for the first time in his career when he confronts 12 rivals in the HK$28 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin (1200m) on Sunday (14 December).

Aiming for his 16th consecutive win with Ka Ying Rising, Hayes said the only fear was that the world’s highest-rated sprinter could miss the start.

“I think the shortest way home is the rail,” Hayes said. “He is the fastest horse in the world, so unless he makes a proper blooper out of the gates, it has to be a huge advantage.

“My only reservation is if he did accidentally flop the start – but flopping the start from barrier 12 or 10 is just as bad anyway.’’

Hayes said he expected Ka Ying Rising, who worked over 400m in 29.5s today (Friday, 12 December) at Sha Tin, to jump well, and it will be the first time he has drawn on the rail.

With horses like Win Carnelian (barrier 11) and Beauty Waves (barrier nine) expected to take up the front-running role, Hayes said the pair would need to be going at a very fast tempo to lead his gelding.

“When horses get tired in fast run races, they wander, and runs comes for good horses for that reason,” he said. “If it is a slow-run race, they travel right into the straight and that would be a concern. But if it was a slow race, I would expect Zac to lead.”

Hayes said he would take a similar path to last season and stretch Ka Ying Rising out to 1400m in February’s HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin.

Hayes said he firmly believes they could run the champion at 1600m, but claimed there wasn’t much point when he was such a dominant sprinter.

“I think he is in what you would call his golden era. I think last year he was a bit immature,” he said. “And this year, he is a bigger, (more) powerful horse. We really felt going into his last race that he is at a level he has never been. Visually it looked that way and he nearly smashed the course record, easing down from the 200 (metres). It was a fairly easy watch.”

Despite Ka Ying Rising dominating the discussion, Hayes said they had to respect the best international sprint form offered by some of the other contenders.

“So, it’s not a walk in the park, but the (overseas) market has him favourite, and around 20/1 second (favourite),” he said.

“I hope the bloody market is right but I have a lot of respect for those big international races. They are not easy to compete in and those horses are coming out of those.”

Hayes’ other runner in the sprint, Tomodachi Kokoroe, has drawn barrier seven, and he expects him to finish in the placings if he gets a good run.

Purton, who also has no fears over Ka Ying Rising’s barrier, believes that his last start victory in the G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on 23 November was probably the best of his career.

It was his first start since his trip to Australia, where he won the world’s richest turf race, the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) after jumping from barrier seven.

Sunday’s (14 December) 10-race fixture at Sha Tin starts at 12.25pm with the Class 4 Fairy King Prawn Handicap (1400m).