3yo Crop Might Be Relying On A Johnny Come Lately
The Candice Bass-trained son of Vercingetorix, Viva’s Liberte, has struck as one who could go places as he gets older and goes over further and he has been gelded and is an entry in the Politician Stakes over 1800m on WSB Met day (Picture: Wayne Marks)
There is always the hope that the three-year-old male crop will be something special and it is not unusual for the eventual champion of the crop to emerge at a later date than January, whilst prominent horses who disappoint midway through the season have been known to bounce back before too.
A look at the last two Equus Champion Three-year-olds, Eight On Eighteen and Green With Envy, shows that they only emerged as potential champions after being stepped up to 2000m.
Eight On Eighteen’s first win of his three-year-old season was in fact in the WSB Met, although he did get close to the top class One Stripe in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas.
He ended the season a three-time Gr 1 winner, with all of the wins being over 2000m.
Green With Envy emerged as a potential champion after his effortless Gr 1 Cape Derby win and he went on to win the Gr 2 WSB Guineas and Gr 1 Daily News 2000 too.
A cloud hangs over Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Jan Van Goyen, who went too fast in the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate and appeared to run a flat race too as he was gone quickly in the straight, while his Dingaans conqueror Trust also disappointed over the weekend.
However, it should be remembered that the Equus Champion Three-year-old colt of the 2019/2020 season, Got The Greenlight, ran a 6,25 length fourth in the Gr 3 1400m event that was the equivalent of what Trust raced in on Saturday and he followed that with a relatively poor run in a 1600m Sales race in Cape Town. Got The Greenlight, who like Jan Van Goyen had won the Gr 1 Champion Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville as a two-year-old, started 14/1 for the Gr 1 SA Classic, an indication of how diminished was his star, but he bounced back to win it. He went on to finish a narrow third in the Gr 1 SA Derby, he won the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 and he finished second in the July. He ended his career a five-time Gr 1 winner.
Big City Life and Legislate were other three-year-old champions who only emerged as potential stars after respectively winning the Cape Derby.
So it is not too late for a star to emerge from the current crop.
However, the crop’s reputation is in tatters at the moment.
The general overview is that the Cape Town three-year-old form was muddled and Jan Van Goyen put them in their place in the Cape Guineas, but he then blotted his copybook on Saturday and his conqueror in the Gr 2 Jackpot City Dingaans, Trust, then followed suit by disappointing in the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes on Sunday.
Jan Van Goyen and Trust will have to bounce back or other potential stars will have to emerge in the WSB Met, Splashout Cape Derby or Highveld Triple Crown series for faith to be restored in this crop.
There are plenty of middle distance to staying types who have likely not been seen at their best yet, with the like of Viva’s Liberte, Better Man and Fox On The Run likely to come into their own as they get older and go over further, while Happy Verse has always struck as top class and Gimmie Rules should also come into his own soon, while Jan Van Goyen and Trust should both bounce back.
St Harry Catches The Eye On Debut At HWB Kenilworth
St Harry impressed on debut in the first at Hollywoodbets Kenilwoth on Tuesday (Picture: Wayne Marks)
The first race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m, saw the Australian-bred St. Harry coming from an impossible position to win going away and the performance would have given hope to the connections that splashing out R900,000 for him at last year’s BSA National Yearling Sale will turn out to be worth it.
The Peter Muscutt-trained Harry Angel colt came in for a flood of support that saw him shorten from 25/2 into 18/10 but he looked to have blown his chances when slowly away and detached by a length or two at the back of the field in the early stages.
At the 400m he was still right at the back and had a wall of horses in front of him but a gap opened at the 350m mark and he began scything his way through the field impressively.
However, at the 200m mark his burst looked to be coming to an end and he still had four or five lengths to make up on the original favourite Godric Gryffindor, who was striding out well in front.
Craig Zackey then gave St Harry two or three backhanders and he responded with a tremendous turn of foot to reel the leaders in and win going away by half-a-length.
The Vaughan Marshall-trained pair Hero’s Journey, a 66/1 first-timer by Heavenly Blue, and Godric Gryffindor (Time Thief) finished second and third respectively.
Harry Angel was a top class July Cup-winning sprinter and St Harry’s dam Divine Day was a one-time winner over 1100m by precocious Gr 2 winner Domesday, but she is a half-sister to a Gr 2 winner who won up to 1650m, so time will tell whether St Harry can go further than sprints.
St Harry is still gangly and immature in appearance and Muscutt said he had come to the course today “partially underdone”, so he should have plenty of improvement to come.
He is well worth following.
St Harry is owned by Messrs G A R Sturlese, H J Da Silva, B W Hamilton, S Perumal, S Poriazis & Dr R Rotham.
It was said in the winner’s interview that he was bred by Marsh Shirtliff, but clarity will be needed because this horse first appeared on an Inglis Sale in Australia, from which he was withdrawn, and he was to be vendored at that Sale by Glastonbury Farms as agent.
Dr Ashley Parker Re-Appointed To The NHA Board
Picture: Dr Ashley Parker and his wife Dr Beverley Parker. Ashley is a fine horseman, being a veterinarian and owning a successful stud farm, and is a true racing man with a vast and all encompassing knowledge of the sport
NHA Press Release
In terms of Chapter 5 of the Constitution of The National Horseracing Authority the Nominations Committee, consisting of Messrs Gregory Bortz (Chairman), Mark Currie, Gayasuddin Ahmed, Bradley Ralph and Anthony Rivalland, has re-appointed Dr Ashley Parker, as a NHA member in terms of Clause 16.1.1 of the Constitution, to fill the vacant position on the National Board.
Dr Parker holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree. Dr Parker is a registered Owner since 1989 and a Thoroughbred Racehorse Breeder (Ascot Stud) since 1983.
Dr Parker served as a Steward of East Cape Racing Club (prior to the Club’s merger with Phumelela) and as Deputy Chairman of the Eastern Cape Regional Board until 2004 when the Constitution was amended and the Regional Boards were dissolved. As a qualified Veterinarian, Dr Parker is the Eastern Cape representative on the South African Equine Veterinary Association for the past 25 years.
Dr Parker previously served on the National Board from January 2020 to September 2025. The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa welcomes Dr Parker to the National Board.
This appointment is effective immediately.
Vee Moodley
Chief Executive
The Real Prince Raised To 128, Kingdundee 127
NHA Press Release
Handicapping Ratings Update
L’ORMARINS KING’S PLATE (WFA) – Grade 1
THE REAL PRINCE has had his rating increased from 126 to 128 following his victory in the Grade 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The Handicappers elected to use SAIL THE SEAS as the line horse, who remains unchanged on 127.
The runner-up QUESTIONING and third-placed SEE IT AGAIN were both raised to 127 (from 123 and 125 respectively) after finishing narrowly ahead of the line horse in fourth.
LEGAL COUNSEL was the only other runner to receive an increase, moving from 113 to 116, having been rated to finish last approximately seven lengths behind the line horse on his pre-race rating.
The following horses received reductions:
- COSMIC SPEED: 125 – 124
- SUGAR MOUNTAIN: 123 – 122
- JET FORCE: 120 – 115 (after failing to confirm his Gr2 Green Point effort)
- FIRE ATTACK: 126 – 124
WORLD POOL CAPE FLYING CHAMPIONSHIP (WFA) – Grade 1
Port Elizabeth raider KINGDUNDEE was raised from 118 to 127 after his impressive win in the Grade 1 World Pool Cape Flying Championship over 1000m. The runner-up I AM GIANT was used as the line horse and remains on 124.
Third-placed OUTLAW KING, who finished 0.3 lengths behind the line horse at level weights, was increased from 118 to 123.
CAFÉ CULTURE received an increase of 2 points from 120 to 122, finishing 0,85 lengths behind the line horse at level weight terms.
Rating reductions:
- LUCKY LAD: 123 – 122
- QUANTUM THEORY: 113 – 112
CARTIER PADDOCK STAKES (WFA) – Grade 1
WISH LIST produced a performance of 115 when finishing strongly to win the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes over 1800m. Her rating was raised from 111 to 115, with the consistent RAINBOW LORIKEET (113) serving as the line horse.
Runner-up REET PETITE was increased from 113 to 114 after finishing marginally ahead of the 113-rated line horse.
No other changes were made.
ANTHONIJ RUPERT PREMIER TROPHY – Grade 2
OKAVANGO remained unchanged on 120 after making all to win the Grade 2 Anthonij Rupert Premier Trophy over 1800m. The runner-up I SALUTE YOU was used as the line horse and remains on 107.
No increases were applied to this race.
Rating reductions:
- LEGEND OF ARTHUR: 112 – 110
- MASTER REDOUTE: 115 – 114
CARTIER SCEPTRE STAKES (Grade 2)
GIMME WHAT I WANT was raised from 102 to 112 after finishing strongly to win the Grade 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The 4th-place finisher, SCARLET MACAW, was deemed the most suitable line horse and remains unchanged on 108.
Other adjustments in this event were as follows:
- QUICKSTEPGAL (runner-up) was increased from 115 to 116
- LOWVELD LILY (3rd place) was raised from 108 to 109 after finishing ahead of the 108-rated line horse.
- SHE’S MY WORLD was lifted from 104 to 106 for finishing 0.5 lengths behind the line horse.
- DISTING was raised from 96 to 99 after outperforming her pre-race rating.
Rating reductions:
- ROCCAPINA: 116 – 111
- BE MERRY: 110 – 107
- GREEN DIAMOND: 108 – 105
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE CHAIRMAN’S CUP – Grade 3
HOLDING THUMBS was raised from 117 to 119 after staying on strongly to win the Grade 3 Cape Of Good Hope Chairman’s Cup over 2500m. AHEAD OF THE FACTS was used as the line horse and remains on 97.
Other increases:
- MAGIC VERSE: 113 – 116
- LAVENDER BAY: 87 – 90
Reduction:
- TRIPLE TIME: 108 – 107
BETWAY GOT THE GREENLIGHT STAKES (Grade 3)
SPLITTHEELIGHTS was raised from 91 to 97 after winning the Grade 3 Betway Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m at Turffontein Racecourse on Sunday. The 4th-place finisher, YIPPEE KIYAY, was deemed the most suitable line horse and remains unchanged on 101. As a result, he is rated higher than his conqueror due to race conditions that limit merit rating increases for winners to a maximum of six points.
Other adjustments in this event were as follows:
- ONE EYE ON VEGAS (runner-up) was increased from 104 to 106 after defeating the 101-rated line horse by 2.6 lengths (equivalent to 5 points).
Rating reductions:
- GOLDEN WARRIOR: 105 – 103
- SHADOWFAX: 104 – 102
BETWAY MOTHER RUSSIA STAKES – Listed
WARM RECEPTION was raised from 98 to 100 after winning the Listed Betway Mother Russia Stakes over 1400m. The 3rd-place finisher, PRETTY PERSUASIVE, was selected as the line horse and remains unchanged on 93.
Other adjustments in this event:
- VALENTINA BELDUCCI was increased from 94 to 97.
- AL GREENGA was increased from 88 to 91.
Rating reduction:
- TINA LOVELACE: 101 – 97
4RACING WOLF POWER 1600 (Listed)
PRESSONREGARDLESS received a 5-point increase, moving from 104 to 109, after landing the Listed 4Racing Wolf Power 1600 over 1600m. CHRONICLE KING was used as the line horse and remains on 114.
Other increases:
- GRAND EMPIRE (runner-up) was raised from 102 to 108
- BUSTER BARNES (3rd place) was lifted from 99 to 102, carried 0.5kg overweight.
Both the runner-up and third-place finisher were under sufferance at these weights which was benchmarked at 52kg = 96, which contributed to their revised ratings.
Rating reductions:
- MONEY HEIST: 107 – 106
- ANFIELDS ROCKET: 109 – 106
- DANTONFROMSANDTON: 104 – 102
Enquiries:
The Handicapping Team
Kanaal Skater Could Skate In On The Poly
Kanaal Skater will be going for a hattrick in the second over 1400m and has been tipped to win (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
R1 Summary: SKIPPER O’MALLEY (3) made good improvement at her last two over the distance and has run well on the poly. She carries top weight but looks capable. SPANISH FEUD (2) was just over a length back to Skipper O’Malley when they met last time out. She is 0.5kg worse off for that meeting but the blinkers come off and Keagan de Melo gets the leg up. PRAISE DE LA REY (10) has been showing signs of coming to hand as she goes up in trip. She has a handy weight and an extra furlong could be in her favour. CHASING GOLD (8) makes her local debut with some fair Cape form to her name. That form often holds up in KZN. CODEWORD (4) is struggling but makes the trip down from the Highveld to make her poly debut. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-10-8).
R2 Summary: Tricky handicap. KANAAL SKATER (3) is a progressive three-year-old winning his last two narrowly when step up in trip. This shorter distance should suit and although he is also up in class, he looks capable of another big effort. IMPOSING (6) win the Christmas Handicap last time out and that form has since been franked. Gareth van Zyl’s runner has come good of late and should be a big threat to his younger rival. BOURBON WARRIOR (7) is back on his favourite surface and the step up in trip should be to his liking. ICY BLAST (5) is seldom out of the money and has been consistent of late. Callan Murray has deserted to ride JP’S PALACE (1). Andrew Harrison: 3-6-7-5).
R3 Summary: TLADI MOTHWANA (6) got a hefty penalty for her debut win when starting at long odds over the Hollywoodbets Scottsville 1200m. She faces some well exposed opposition but if the handicappers have got their sums right she will be a big contender. BACK AT THE GEORGE (5) may just have been short of a gallop at her local debut. She boast some useful Cape form in good company and is one to follow in the market. SOVEREIGN GRANT (4) is always good value for a place but she is overdue another win. She was touched off at her last start over course and distance and should be close-up again. ONE SMART COOKIE (8) has been consistent in blinkers. She tried a lot further last run but her best form has been over this shorter trip. (Andrew Harrison: 6-5-4-8).
R4 Summary: Wide open handicap. BRAVE VOYAGER (1) has been sprinting of late but his last decent showing was over course and distance. He has dropped in class to a more competitive rating and with a 2.5kg claimer aboard from the best of the draw he makes some appeal. BLAZING LIGHT (2) is back in trip but goes well on the poly and from a good draw should be competitive. ZOOMBOMBER (6) showed up well at long odds last run on the Highveld. He could be coming to hand again and can feature. NOW I GOT YOU (7) is back over he preferred surface and has a 4kg claimer aboard that will help his chances. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-7-6).
R5 Summary: Sean Tarry has a number of raiders down from the Highveld and one of his better chances of taking home a win could lie with MYSTICAL MISS (2) she makes her poly debut but comes off some consistent Highveld form and gets 1.5kg relief from the saddle in the more than accomplished French rider Mickaelle Michel. VERSACE ONTHETRACK (3) has been rested and has her first outing for Kom Naidoo. She has shown plenty of promise and with first time blinkers and a smart claiming apprentice up her last run is probably best ignored. MYSTIC DANCER (5) tries for the hattrick and only got a four-point rise in the handicap for her last win, both of which came on the poly. POURSOMESUGARONME (6) is slowly coming down in the ratings and is never far back. One to include in all exotics. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-5-6).
R6 Summary: Hollywood Racing’s first call rider Sean Veale, out of action since the start of the New Year, will have had the choice of four runners in this eight-horse field. MAPHAKA (5) was the obvious choice after a close-up second behind the promising Fortress Of Fire. UMZINGELI WENYATHI (2) was deemed good enough for Clinton Binda to make a rare raid on the Cape and his charge did not disappoint, shedding his maiden and following up with a smart handicap debut. Binda has stayed with his 4kg claimer and it could be a close race. CLEVER TREVOR (1) has useful Highveld form and makes his poly debut over a trip that should suit. RAINBOW REWARD (6) is a poly specialist and has not been out of the money in his last five starts and has a 2.5kg claimer aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-1-6).
R7 Summary: Wide open handicap. DAWN SURPRISE (1) has been holding form and goes well on the poly. She gets some relief from the saddle in Rachel Venniker and from the best of the draw should be a big runner. Drawn on her outside is QUENTASIA (2) who only has 52kg to shoulder and should provide a good lead. The mare also goes well on the poly. GREENLIGHT QUEEN (2) is slightly down in class and has been consistent of late. PREDATRICE (5) was much improved last run on the Highveld and the switch to the poly could sit. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-3-5).
On Song Fortune Clinches A Treble, Marshall Double
The Mike Stewart-trained Horizon gelding Demanding Dave clinched a hattrick of wins today at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and gave Andrew Fortune a treble on the day (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Andrew Fortune is in sublime form at present and rode a treble at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today (Tuesday), while Vaughan Marshall scored a double.
Craig Zackey had a single win to go further clear of Richard Fourie, who is going through a bit of a dry spell by his standards with just six wins in six meetings this month.
Fortune is now on 29 wins for the season and has done it at a strike rate of 19.59%.
Zackey is on 123 wins at 16.94% and is now 19 wins clear of Fourie whose 104 wins have been at a strike rate of 22.27%.
Marshall is on 26 wins at 11.93%.
The Western Cape jockeys championship sees Fourie on 48 wins with JP van der Merwe next best on 33, Zackey on 27, Fortune on 22 and Aldo Domeyer on 19.
Chancheng Glory Can Power To Glory
Chancheng Glory has been tipped to win the seventh race at Happy Valley on Wednesday (Picture: HKJC)
At The Races tipster Tim Carroll’s four-winner haul on Sunday included the Nap and the NB and he reveals his three best bets at Happy Valley on Wednesday with the action starting at 12H35 SA Time.
This Wednesday sees a highly competitive nine-race card from Happy Valley and the feature of the meeting is race 7, the Group 3 January Cup, over 9-furlongs, offering prize money of more than £420,000.
Now onto this week’s selections.
Click here for a comprehensive Guide To Wednesday’s Happy Valley meeting
Today's Question
When the Newmarket Racecourse Office denied access for the general public to the pre-parade ring as a “health and safety issue because somebody might be kicked”, what question from the irate public did they have difficulty answering? (The pre-parade ring is an area at a racecourse where horses are walked by their grooms to warm up and prepare before moving to the main parade ring. It serves as a space for the initial preparation and saddling of the horses, as well as an opportunity for racegoers to observe the horses’ condition and demeanor up close.)
Picture: The pre-parade ring at Newmarket has a statue of Brigadier Gerard in it
FIELDS, Tuesday, 13 January
Today’s Question Answer
The question asked by the public that was difficult to answer was, “How could the horse tell the difference between an owner and a punter?”
