Elusive Winter is led in by Michelle Rix and Grant Knowles after an impressive debut win on Tuesday (Chase Liebenberg).

Elusive Winter To Stay Put In Cape Town

Michelle Rix spoke of the excitement of the Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix yard’s first ever treble at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday.

What made it more rewarding was it was no ordinary low key April Cape Town meeting, but instead had full fields and decent competitors throughout.

Michelle said Elusive Winter, a two-year-old colt who got the ball rolling on Tuesday, had been the standout lot of the De Grendel February Sale last year and she had gone over her budget to secure him for R325,000.

She had liked everything about him, including the pedigree.

A particular aspect of the pedigree she liked was he has the reverse cross that Kommetdieding has.

Kommetdieding is by Fort Wood stallion Elusive Fort out of a Captain Al mare, while Elusive Winter is by Captain Al stallion Captain Of All out of a Caesour mare who is out of a full-sister to Elusive Fort.

Jockey JP van der Merwe was thankful to Gavin Lerena for phoning him while he was suspended and advising him to try and get on this “quality” colt.

Elusive Winter in fact achieved the unusual feat of beating older horses on debut in a Maiden Plate over 1000m in the April of his two-year-old season.

He showed fine natural speed to be just off the pace and was doing it effortlessly.

He then displayed a superb turn of foot to put the race to bed and win easing up by half-a-length.

Elusive Winter is owned by Fiona Carmichael’s Westward Bloodstock Ltd.

The Klawervlei Stud-bred colt’s half-brother by Rafeef sold at the Cape Sales Premier Yearling Sale for R750,000.

Michelle said Elusive Winter would stay in Cape Town for the winter to preserve him for a much anticipated three-year-old campaign, although she intends running him in the Grade 3 Winter Nursery over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on May 10.

Elusive Winter has every chance of developing into a classic horse.

Captain Of All, despite being a champion sprinter, gets them to stay and Elusive Winter’s dam, Elusive Spirit, is a half-sister to Elusive Silva (Silvano), who won the Grade 2 Greyville 1900, the Grade 3 Winter Derby, the Grade 3 Cup Trial over 1800m, the Listed Sledgehammer over 1800m and was third in the July.

Michelle is also excited about the Master Of My Fate three-year-old filly Hierkommiebokkie, who impressed on Tuesday when stepped up to 1400m for the first time.

Running off a 79 merit rating after one previous win, the tall filly made a bee-line for the front under Grant van Niekerk.

In the straight she galloped resolutely and continually increased the gap between her and the opposition without any extraordinary effort.

She won by 2,25 lengths after being eased before the line.

She is one of a handful of horses Michelle has taken to KZN for the SA Champions Season.

She said she would see how she progressed before thinking of a feature, but she does predict a bright future for this Mayesh Chetty-bred filly.

Mayesh part-owns her in partnership with Bram van Huysteen, in whose colours she runs.

The Crawford-Rix yard’s other winner on the day was Captain Of All filly She’s My Captain.

This consistent four-year-old converted favouritism in a class 4 handicap over 1000m under Richard Fourie and she looks like she can progress beyond her current merit rating, which has been increased from 69 to 72 after the win.

Fort Lauderdale (far side) ridden by Kelsey Mayhew-Munger beats Someday Maybe by a whisker at the Vaal today.

Photo Finish Today Prompts Recollections Of El Picha-Young Rake Controversy

The first race today at the Vaal straight course had a desperately close finish and there were bound to be conspiracy theories surfacing after the TV replay appeared to show Someday Maybe as perhaps the one to side with and the judges then awarding it to Fort Lauderdale.

It wasn’t long before a photo-finjish appeared on social media that “proved” it was a dead-heat … except the line on the horses’ noses had clearly been thickened.

The official photograph above clearly shows a discernible gap between Someday Maybe’s nose and the line and if there is a discernible gap a dead-heat can not be declared according to the rules.

During the ensuing discussion on social media the controversial finish to the 2000 Durban July surfaced.

The judges took an age to declare El Picha the winner over Young Rake that day.

The length of time it took to decide became one of the main points of the controversy, because it was surmised that if the judges had taken so long to discern a gap between the two horses it should surely have just been declared a dead-heat.

The length of time it took has become exaggerated over the years and in one version today it had increased to nearly three times more than the actual time it took!

In any case an article was written on the tenth anniversary of the controversy and two people who were in the judge’s box that day explained exactly what had transpired and why the decision had taken so long to be announced.

The article can be read below:

This year’s running of the Vodacom Durban July (2010) will mark the 10th anniversary of one of the most controversial results of the big race when El Picha was called the winner from Young Rake after what seemed an interminable wait by connections and punters.

Three factors probably sparked the outcry, the first being the unusually long seven minutes it took to post the result, secondly a television freeze frame that seemed to indicate that it was a dead-heat and thirdly some false information relayed by a television presenter.

Bev McMurray was in the photo-finish room on the day.

She captured the photograph on her computer and then, with judges Warren Eisele, Colin Buckham and Lionel Bush watching on their monitor downstairs she placed the lines on the horses noses.

“I could see immediately that El Picha had won,” she recalled. “At the time I couldn’t understand why they were taking so long to declare the result. We always get a very good picture at the time of the July as the grandstand shadow is all the way across the track and the light is uniform. But looking back it was the first July we had used this new system where the photo is viewed on a computer. Previously we had used a dark room and a print. The judges had to make absolutely sure they were right.”

Eisele recalled, “It was nerve-wracking. The controversy really happened because it took so long to decide. With today’s equipment there would have been no doubt whatsoever.”

Rule 65.5 is very clear, “The judge shall base his decision exclusively on the horse’s nose and if there is a discernible difference, he shall not give a dead-heat.”

Eisele continued, “I personally think it is criminal that two horses can race for 2200m and then be separated when they are so close. But I was duty bound. The first picture showed clearly that there was daylight between the two horses. But to make absolutely sure we asked it to be blown up. When this was done the image, unlike with today’s equipment, lost its definition and it looked like it could have been a dead-heat. This was why it took so long. But the clearest picture was the original sized photograph which left no doubt.”

There are different versions of what happened post decision.

Eisele reckoned by request he delivered a print to Young Rake’s part-owner, Greg Blank, in the parade ring two races later and Blank was satisfied that the correct decision had been made.

However, Blank recalled, “It took them 15 minutes to call the result and then took them nine months to give us a photograph. We received one that was magnified 400 times by which stage El Picha’s nose looked like pinnochios. It gave them the result they wanted, but that’s all history now.”

Newspaper reports at the time and a DVD of the race would suggest that the decision took six to seven minutes to make, whilst the legal limit at the time for magnifying a picture was three times. To deny any member of the public the right to view a photo-finish immediately would also be illegal.

Trainer David Ferraris was not happy at the time and said, “It’s just not on that they didn’t declare a dead-heat after that length of time. You can’t separate them in the photograph with the naked eye.”

Judging by his comment one wonders whether Ferraris was mislead by the television presenter who said falsely, while thousands waited for the result, that “the judges are now looking at the picture with a magnifying glass.”

Eisele confirmed that this was nonsense and probably a lost in translation reference to the picture being blown up on the computer. In fact the naked eye view of the original picture is the clearest one and a look at the print ten years later, even in its weathered state, leaves little doubt that the judges called it right.

Kevin Shea, rider of Young Rake, said, “It was tough to lose a July like that, but I know nothing about photo finish procedures and have to have faith they are doing it right. As long as Warren Eisele is chief judge I will believe they are.”

Thousands of punters were reportedly angry on the day and called for a dead-heat to be declared.

But Eisele, who said he had received threats, countered, “I reckon 90% of the public don’t know how the photo-finish works. For example another factor that caused controversy was that the television freeze frame indicated a possible dead-heat. Firstly the television camera is not exactly on the line and can also easily be bumped. Television pictures also only record 32 frames a second so it would only be by fluke that you would get a freeze fame exactly on the line. Our camera, on the other hand, is set up by a surveyor and is built into the brickwork.”

The cameras at the time shot 769 frames per second.

Eisele feels that the Durban judges are the most meticulous in the country.

“We are the only judges that call by colours and not numbers. A number can often be blocked by the saddle cloth flailing. We go to the parade ring before every race and make a record of things like the colours, the bridles, the size of the girths, the colour of any headgear, the manes of the horses etc. When calling a photo-finish we are not only looking at separating the horses but also have to make absolutely sure that we have the correct horses by checking them against all this visual evidence.”

Eisele is a third generation judge and his grandfather Charles presided over the controversial Mowgli-Radlington photo-finish of 1952. Eisele himself was assistant to his Uncle Jack during the judging of the Sea Cottage-Jollify dead-heat of 1967 and was chief judge for the Pocket Power-Dancer’s Daughter dead-heat of 2008.

He concluded by saying, “One thing we absolutely cannot do is change the position of the line and the horses on the photograph, which some pundits suggested was the reason we took so long to decide the 2000 July finish!”

Alec Laird and Jessica Jell leading in the Mauritzfontein Stud homebred bred Smart Call after she had won the Met under JP van der Merwe.

Can Billy Bowlegs Score A 17th July Win For The Laird Dynasty?

Alec Laird, upon the recent retirement of his cousin Dennis Drier, became the last trainer standing of a dynasty that has had more success in the Hollywoodbets Durban July than any other extended family.

Therefore it would be fitting if Billy Bowlegs won the big race on July 2 as that would make it July win number 17 for the racing dynasty.

Alec has himself won the July once with the top horse London News in 1996.

His late great father Syd holds the record of seven July wins as a trainer, which saw him recently becoming the first trainer to be inducted into SA’s Hall Of Fame.

Syd’s July winners were Kerason (1961), Colorado King (1963), Java Head (1966), Sea Cottage (1967 dead-heat with Jollify), Mazarin (1971), Yataghan (1973) and Politician (1978).

Alec’s cousins Dennis Drier and Charles Laird have each won the July once apiece with Spanish Galliard in 1992 and Hunting Tower in 2007 respectively.

Alec’s great Uncle Syd Garrett won five Julys, two as a jockey (Goldwing 1919, Pamphlet 1920) and three as a trainer (Full Dress 1930, Sadri II 1941, Left Wing 1960)

It all started with Alec’s grandfather, also known as Alec Laird, who rode the winner Nobleman to victory in the 1911 July. The Fred Murray-trained winner was the only two-year-old to ever win the July.

Billy Bowlegs, a three-year-old gelding by The United States, has a lively chance of winning the July as he has two key assets – he stays the trip and he has a good turn of foot.

Grooms celebrating after a win (4Racing).

Studio 88 Ups The Ante With R10,000 Winning Grooms Incentive

4Racing

Studio 88, sponsor of the Golden Grooms initiative on the Highveld, announced today that they will be increasing the cash payment to the winning groom of every Graded race for the rest of the season to a mammoth R10 000!

Grooms of the horses finishing 2nd – 5th in all Graded races will still receive cash prizes too, as well as Studio 88 fashion vouchers.

“Throughout the years Studio 88 has been a loyal supporter of horseracing and it’s great to see them once again step up to the plate in such a significant way,” said 4Racing CEO, Fundi Sithebe.

“Our Golden Grooms initiative was a great way to bring attention to the Grooms who remain the unsung heroes of the game. Ending the season with a bang will allow us to continue that narrative and make everyone aware of how valuable these Grooms are to the game that we all love,” said Ryno Du Plessis, Marketing Director of Studio 88.

ENDS

Anathi Feni (JC Photos)

Anathi Feni Is The Champion Workrider

Anathi Feni rode three winners in the final leg of the Workriders Challenge at the Vaal straight course today and added to the two wins he rode in the first leg of the Challenge that was enough to see him emerge the overall winner.

The second leg of the Work Riders’ Challenge fell victim to the heavy rains on the Highveld.

Phenisile Mongqawa went into the day on 32 points, with Feni on 30 points, Joe Gwingwizha on 28 and Chamu Mabaya in fourth place on 24 points.

Mongqawa increased his lead when winning the second race aboard the Robyn Klaasen-trained Futura filly Chateau Futura, who was backed in from 10/1 to 7/2.

Feni then failed on the favourite in the third and it was not looking too good for him, especially when he finished second last in the fourth race.

However, it all changed thanks to a 50/1 winner, the Corrie Lensley-trained Pomodoro gelding San Marzano. This horse had no form, but Feni took advantage of his high draw. There seemed to be a bias towards the outside down the straight and he stormed in by five lengths.

Feni then converted favouritism in the the next race, an 1800m race, on the hard-knocking Mike de Kock-trained On The Guest List. He earned his riding fee here with some hard driving in the straight when On The Guest List was challenged.

Feni sealed victory when winning the next on the progressive De Kock-trained Mambo Come Tesio, who relished the step up in trip to 1800m, as was expected.

Mongqawa won the last race on the Shaylen Naidoo-trained Carnelo, but it was too little too late.

Constitution Hill led from start to finish today and enhanced his huge reputation (Picture: Liverpool Echo).

Flawless Constitution Hill Cruises To Aintree Glory

Sky Sports Racing

Constitution Hill secured a fourth victory of the season and proved that a step up in distance is no issue for the star hurdler; jockey Nico De Boinville eased the superstar down in the closing stages to win by three lengths from Sharjah

Nico De Boinville and Constitution Hill cruise to victory at Aintree

Constitution Hill put the seal on a flawless campaign with a dominant performance in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle.

So impressive in winning last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham by 22 lengths, Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old has taken the step up into the big league this year with consummate ease.

Having left his top-class stablemate Epatante trailing in his wake in both the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle, he produced another spectacular display in last month’s Champion Hurdle and was unsurprisingly cramped odds to make it seven from seven over hurdles on Merseyside.

What followed was another exhibition round from Constitution Hill (2-15), with jockey Nico de Boinville sending him to the front from the drop of the flag before upping the ante in the back straight.

The chasing pack had closed the gap by the time he turned for home, but De Boinville was still motionless in the saddle and only had to push his mount out on the run-in to score by three lengths.

Sharjah came from the rear of the field to beat Zanahiyr to the runner-up spot, with last year’s winner Epatante only fourth this time around as her remarkable stable companion again stole the show.

Questions will now inevitably turn to what the future holds for Constitution Hill, with Henderson already stating his intention to give the sport’s pre-eminent star a spring schooling session over fences before a decision is made on what route he will pursue next term.

Speaking afterwards, Henderson did not want to be drawn further on whether a chasing career could await next season, and in fact, indicated he could stay hurdling.

“That couldn’t have been more straightforward. Two and a half miles out there on your own, your mind could wander, but he’s just had a doddle around and was in second gear the whole way,” said the Seven Barrows handler.

“He does jump doesn’t he. He’s got such versatility. We spoke this morning and said he’d have to make it, don’t mess about and keep it simple. Nico said he was hardly doing anything on the way round.

“I’m sure he’d get three miles, but there’ll be no decisions made today about next year. We’re not edging one way or the other. I’m not saying we won’t school him over a fence, but we’re not leaning any way.

“As long as he keeps doing it like that we’ve got a long summer to look back on it and enjoy it and talk about what will happen next.

“I don’t think we’ll school him on Saturday! I might the Saturday after! I don’t know, we’ll just have a think.

“There’s only so many races he can run in next year, Fighting Fifth, Christmas Hurdle, I do think the International will come into it on Trials Day and then Champion Hurdle and come here. Some might say that’s boring, but we won’t find it boring. All options are still open and we won’t make a decision until the autumn I’d have thought.”

Like Henderson, proud owner Michael Buckley was rather non-committal about the future. He said: “It’s nerve-wracking to be honest. I probably shouldn’t say that, but it is. I suppose that’s my temperament rather than anything to do with the horse, who is spectacular.

“I thought we might pay the late entry fee and run him in the National on Saturday, how would that do? I don’t know what we’ll do, I just want to enjoy this and praise Nicky as he’s won with two horses today who were both winning their sixth Grade Ones. We’ll enjoy that, it’s enough for one day.”

Found A Fifty is tipped to win the Grade 1 Poundland Top Novices Hurdle (The Irish Field).

Aintree Friday Formguides And Selections

www.attheraces.com

1 14H45 – Air Charter Service Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

GERRI COLOMBE did well to finish within a short-head of The Real Whacker in the Brown Advisory last month, having failed to convince with his jumping throughout. Despite that, he had the reopposing Bronn (third) in behind him and, granted a clean round, it’s unlikely that the latter will reverse the form. Galia Des Liteaux beat Complete Unknown (second) in a Grade 2 at Warwick before going on to finish a creditable fifth behind the two aforementioned rivals and she might be best placed to follow them home. Both Thomas Darby and Sholokjack would need career-best performances if they’re to have a say.

Top Tip: GERRI COLOMBE (3)

Watch out for: BRONN (1)

2 15H20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

In a fiercely competitive handicap it may be worth siding with MARTELLO SKY, who looks overpriced when you go back through her form. Although yet to win this season, she was last seen finishing third to Epatante in a Grade 2 at Doncaster and this will be her first venture into handicap company since winning at Cheltenham off 3lb higher in December 2021. Going and trip look ideal and she could go well at a big price, though Camprond is an obvious danger. He may have won the Coral Cup barring a mistake at the last, although an added 5lb from the handicapper won’t make his task any easier. Sonigino may look to slip the field early and make all the running, while Irish raider The Bosses Oscar is another who is hard to ignore.

Top Tip: MARTELLO SKY (10)

Watch out for: CAMPROND (3)

3 15H55 – Poundland Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

As is only to be expected, this is a good quality renewal with the likes of Altobelli and Hullnback bidding to extend winning runs, while Luccia is respected in her bid to give Nicky Henderson back-to-back winners of the race. The last-named edges preference from that trio given she wasn’t beaten far in the Grade 2 Jack De Bromhead Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. However, it might pay to focus more attention on Irish raiders Inthepocket and FOUND A FIFTY, with the latter just preferred given he has bags of scope for further progression judging by his close proximity to the high-class Corbetts Cross in a Grade 2 at Naas last time. That is not to underestimate Inthepocket, whose highly commendable fourth-placed finish in the Supreme at Cheltenham gives him rock solid claims.

Top Tip: FOUND A FIFTY (3)

Watch out for: INTHEPOCKET (6)

4 16H30 – Marsh Chase (Registered As The Melling Chase) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Triumphant in this contest for the last two years, it can pay to side with the tried and trusted FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES, who may not be arriving in the best of form after a disappointing performance in the Ascot Chase but remains well capable on his day. Joseph O’Brien’s charge seems to come alive around here and, like last year, he can fend off the attentions of Hitman (second), who arrives following a highly creditable placed effort in the Ryanair. Stablemate Pic D’Orhy had been on a roll this season until the Ascot Chase, where once again he was found wanting in Grade 1 company. On the other hand, talented handicapper Fugitif could be an interesting alternative having travelled like a horse with plenty of ability when runner-up at Cheltenham the last twice.

Top Tip: FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES (1)

Watch out for: HITMAN (4)

5 17H05 – Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (National Course)

In a wide-open contest only a tentative vote can go to BURROWS SAINT. It’s interesting that Willie Mullins opts for this race over the Grand National, which he has competed in twice. Fourth in the 2021 renewal before unseating last year (from a 4lb higher mark), he could prove more potent over this shorter trip, while a recent spin at Down Royal should have left him cherry-ripe. Al Dancer is now 2lb better off with Gesskille than when defeating him in the Grand Sefton here in November and it would be no surprise were he to confirm that form. Ashtown Lad merits the utmost respect, along with the progressive Final Orders. Others to note include Haut En Couleurs, Ciel De Neige and Bill Baxter.

Top Tip: BURROWS SAINT (2)

Watch out for: AL DANCER (6)

6 17H40 – Winners Wear Cavani Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

The value may lie with MAXIMILIAN, who skipped Cheltenham but the horse who finished narrowly behind him in the River Don, Stay Away Fay, went on to win the Albert Bartlett. He has the chance to claim Grade One honours on this occasion, with track and ground conditions expected to suit. Paul Nicholls’ charge had a tough race when scoring at the Festival and it may be too big an ask to follow up four weeks later, while Iroko has the potential to improve for the step up in trip but will need to take his form to a new level in Graded company. The Irish haven’t won this since 2005, though they have a strong contender in Absolute Notions, who ran a cracker at the Dublin Racing Festival when last seen. Others to note include Blenkinsop, Grey Dawning and Mofasa.

Top Tip: MAXIMILIAN (8)

Watch out for: ABSOLUTE NOTIONS (1)

7 18H15 – Abersoch Land And Sea Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys And Amateur Riders) (GBB Race)

BLUEKING D’OROUX showed marked improvement to win at odds of 50/1 at Ascot on his first start after wind surgery and, although he carries a 7lb penalty for that success, he gets 8lb from his elders as a four-year-old. If he improves again he could be well handicapped, though Go Dante looks a serious rival. The booking of Jamie Codd to ride catches the eye, as does the application of cheekpieces despite a comfortable win at Wetherby, and he may also be on an upward curve. Soul Icon is looking for his sixth win in a row and may well have been saved for this, though any further rain would not help his chances, while Albert’s Back and perhaps JPR One are others to consider.

Top Tip: BLUEKING D’OROUX (18)

Watch out for: GO DANTE (14)

The exciting Gavin Smith-trained Ideal World gelding Perfection runs in the second race on the Fairview turf on Friday (Pauline Herman Photography).

Fairview Turf Friday Formguides And Selections

www.attheraces.com

1 11H25 – Welcome To Nelson Mandela Bay Maiden Juvenile Plate

Trainer Gavin Smith has sent out plenty for this race but for our purposes it will be QUESTOR against the field. This Querari juvenile looked an unlucky loser on debut and should go one better this time. Of those who have run GLOBAL BANKER, JOSI MO and PUBLIC BENEFIT could give most cheek but keep an eye on the betting of the newcomers as there are some nicely bred ones.

Top Tip: PUBLIC BENEFIT (13)

Watch out for: QUESTOR (7)

2 11H55 – 4racing.tv Derby Plate (3 Year Olds)

A small field and they might be getting very scared of Gavin Smith-trained PERFECTION. Back on the Poly last time out he put his rivals, the Western Cape-trained runners, to the sword and although trying the longer distance of 2000m for the first time he should prove hard to beat. HEATHCLIFF is consistent but was 8.75 lengths adrift of PERFECTION last time out and is only 4kg better off. QUASIMODO is doing well in his new yard but was beaten by HEATHCLIFF when they last met so looks booked for a place. The other three runners look held on form.

Top Tip: PERFECTION (1)

Watch out for: HEATHCLIFF (2)

3 12H25 – Racehorse Owners Association Maiden Plate

A big maiden field and looks quite competitive. GREEN FALCON may not have liked the Polytrack very much on local debut and could do better back on turf. LAW COURT may have just needed his local debut and could do better. BOURNEMOUTH is badly drawn but could fight out the finish. AMERICAN DAZZLER put in a much better effort last time and could be a danger. CHASING CHEETAHS and OPENING CEREMONY are battling to win a race but could earn some money.

Top Tip: GREEN FALCON (1)

Watch out for: LAW COURT (2)

4 12H55 – Tab 4Racing App Fm 84 Handicap (F & M)

A competitive handicap. CHRONICLESOFNANIA always gives of her best and was not disgraced in her last two starts. Back in handicap company she could score. PHOENIX runs on Friday 7 April so that run must be checked out and if she does appear in this race she takes a drop in class and could prove a lively danger. CARBONADO is doing well and can contest the finish yet again. DAUGHTER OF ZEUS returned her best to win last time out. HEARTSEASE is better than the last run would suggest and could earn some money.

Top Tip: PHOENIX (2)

Watch out for: CARBONADO (3)

5 13H30 – Play Soccer 6, 10 And 13 Fm 70 Handicap (F & M)

A large field handicap and we may have to go wide to get through the exotics. KAVIAN’S CARA confirmed the form of her penultimate start when winning well last time out and may have more to offer. ALASKAN FATE is not an easy ride but does well over this track and distance. MASTERS QUEEN is better than her last run and could finish in the money. TEARDROP was well backed when winning her maiden at the first time of asking for trainer Alan Greeff so is obviously improving. SARAJEVO is in good form and is looking to complete a hat-trick.

Top Tip: MASTERS QUEEN (4)

Watch out for: ALASKAN FATE (3)

6 14H05 – Fairview Flying Five

CRUISE CONTROL is very hard to beat over 1000m and can win again. Rival CLIFF TOP has beaten him twice before but has also lost three times and is likely to lose again after a bit of a disappointing last run. PHEDRA was ahead of CLIFF TOP on the Polytrack last time out and is speedy so should run well once again. EVIES FIRST is in good form but it is hard to see him beating the likes of CRUISE CONTROL or CLIFF TOP for that matter.

Top Tip: CRUISE CONTROL (1)

Watch out for: CLIFF TOP (2)

7 14H40 – Glenlair Trophy (Listed)

Western Cape raider FLOWER OF SAIGON is best around this 2700m. JAEGER MOON is a hard customer to go past when he is at his best so could run well once again. MAGNUM FIRE is good when in the mood and can also run well.

Top Tip: JAEGER MOON (1)

Watch out for: BARAK (2)

8 15H15 – Tab Telebet 0861 000 822 Fm 68 Handicap (F & M)

Back to tough racing for the punter and this low-grade handicap looks a nightmare. SUGARBERRY was not disgraced in a feature last time and has done well around this course and distance so could pull off another win. Stable companion RESPECTABLE MISS is unreliable but can pop up in a place. CAPE BOUQUET and NAME OF THE GAME are better than their last runs and hold place chances. MAIDEN’S COVE and BE HOPEFUL are in good heart and are certainly not out of it.

Top Tip: SUGARBERRY (2)

Watch out for: BE HOPEFUL (5)

9 15H50 – Racing240 For Racing. For You Mr 72 Handicap

Yet another big field handicap and we need to load up the numbers for the exotics. ON THE ROAD AGAIN is in good form but does appear a difficult ride. THEN IN FOCUS has been a disappointment of late but from a good draw could be a danger. KUZNETSOV and FLINDERS RANGE come in good form and will have their supporters. TRACK COMMANDER has done well at this track and could finish in the money once again. Watch for an improved run from POMODORO MAGIC who could like this distance.

Top Tip: ON THE ROAD AGAIN (3)

Watch out for: DUKE OF ORANGE (4)

10 16H25 – Next Fairview Racemeeting Monday 17 April Fm 68 Handicap (F & M)

Juvenile filly HILDELITA may be a handicap blot for this. The Vercingetorix filly won well when heavily backed on debut and that form looks solid. She may have needed her last run and can bounce back and be a bit better than these rivals. ESTHER looks a promising filly and could also be under-rated by the handicapper. She was unlucky not to win on debut and made no mistake second time out. Of the older brigade SILVERY BLUE is getting close to winning a second race and should contest the finish yet again. YAYA MARIA is consistent and could earn some money.

Top Tip: SILVERY BLUE (3)

Watch out for: ESTHER (4)

This picture of the SA-bred Hawaii (Utrillo II) gives a clue to the answer.

Today’s Question

Which great USA racehorse won his first Group 1 this April five years ago before going on to make history and what relation does he have to South African racing?

Fairview Turf Fields, Friday

Justify

ANSWER TO TODAY’S QUESTION:

The Bob Baffert-trained Justify (Scat Daddy) won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 7, 2018, before going on to land the Triple Crown.

The South African-bred Hawaii (Utrillo II) appears twice in his pedigree.

Turf Talk Newsletter – 13 April 2023