Gimme Rules Proves Himself Worthy Guineas Favourite
See It Again Scratched But Raiding Force Still Strong For Cup
Fire Away Colt Coco's Hero Looks A Derby Prospect
Khaya Stables have an incredible string of horses in training at present and among them is the James Crawford-trained Coco’s Hero, who stamped himself as a Gr 1 Splashout Cape Derby candidate when winning over 1950m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Cape Breeders
Wilgerbosdrift’s successful stallion Fire Away looks to have another smart sort to his name in the form of Coco’s Hero.
The latter made it three wins in a row when he won at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Trained by James Crawford, three-year-old Coco’s Hero settled just off the pace in the Race Your Dream Syndicate Class 4 (1950m).
Grant Van Niekerk asked Coco’s Hero for his effort 200m from home, and the colt hit the front.
Coco’s Hero kept going gamely in the closing stages to win by a long neck.
Bred and owned by Khaya’s Stables, Coco’s Hero has won three of just five starts.
Saturday’s winner is out of the Galileo mare Miss Coco, and Coco’s Hero is bred on a similar cross to the G1 winners Roly Poly, U S Navy Flag and Full Count Felicia.
His sire Fire Away is also the sire of useful three-year-old Military Command, who has been entered in Saturday’s Listed Sophomore Sprint.
Major Tommie Could Take Command
Major Tommie (let) has been tipped to win the 6th, a Class 3 event over 1100m (Picture: Anneke Akal Kitching)
Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)
The summer rains have struck and the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly will be put to the test over the coming few months. Racing was supposed to be at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Tuesday, hosting its first meeting after the tracks annual spring treatment, however, heavy rain over the past weekend that saw Hollywoodbets Greyville’s turf meeting switched to the poly on Sunday, and more rain predicted for today, the Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting has been moved to the poly track.
Many trainers were waiting for the return to Scottsville and the move has resulted in a plethora of scratchings so check for changes before placing any bets.
One trainer that has no qualms of the change is Garth Puller who saddles Major Tommie in the Class 3 Handicap that heads up the nine-race card. Major Tommie was caught out by outsider Master Josh on the poly last time out and the extra 100m should be right up his alley. He does take a rise in class but is lightly raced and does still appear to be under the handicappers radar.
With four defections the field has been reduced to six runners but still a competitive handicap
Future Flo is the ultimate ATM for Michael Roberts and owner Howard Schwegman and is hardly ever out of the money. He will be a big threat. Now that racing is around the turn, Maphaka has the best of the draw in pole position and was touched off last time out. He comes in with bottom weight and could finish ahead of Icy Blast for the shallow end of the purse, Callan Murray deputizing for Muzi Yeni.
Two of the leading contenders for the Class 4 handicap, Exocet and Cowboy Country, are defections leaving nine runners. Position Of Power may just have needed his last run after a break and has not finished further back than second in three starts and does look progressive. Luneluck has plenty of speed and the drop to 1000m should see Stuart Ferries gelding in the firing line. Rafa’s Boy is seldom out of the money these days and should be competitive while Kinshin Sha has dropped further in the ratings and the stables is in good form.
The seventh is an open handicap where Captain’s Christy’s form will be under scrutiny. Mark Dixon’s filly is back over what looks to be her preferred trip and won well at Hollywoodbets Greyville last time out. Three that finished close-up behind her have been scratched which will enhance her chances for a fifth win for Mark Dixon.
Convocation beat the useful Tomyris on the poly last time out and although she drops back in trip she is an accomplished sprinter and an eighth win is on the radar. Perfume Power was a comfortable maiden winner last time out beating stable companion Austrian Beauty who has since franked that form. She only has 51kg to shoulder which should make her competitive.
Eric’s Legacy should be one of the better bets on the card and a Bi-Pot banker. Andre Nel’s colt made a cracking debut when coming from a long way back to finish second after a tardy start. That was not the greatest maiden field but he meets a similar class of opposition here and he should be difficult to beat.
Of the balance, War Emperor was not disgraced on debut finishing a long way back but the winner was the promising Cognac while Runthruthejungle found some market support on debut and can improve.
Greatest Hit can get the PA off to a solid start as Wengi Masawi’s gelding came on nicely from his debut effort when touched off second time out. He stays the trip and should be up there again in what looks to be a modest line-up especially with Double Causeway out of the way.
Green Glow, a facile maiden winner last time out faces just four runners in the Pick 6 opener. Green Glow cruised to a comfortable maiden victory after two runners-up berths. He looks progressive and could have too much for this field. He was also the choice of stable rider Craig Zackey with stable companion Industrialstrength a scratching due to insufficient recovery time after running in Cape Town just eight days ago. The lightly raced Master Du Rouvray showed up well first run out of the maidens and although Mark Dixon’s charge tackles this trip for the first time he is definitely not out of it.
The fifth is a tricky handicap event though Mike Miller has scratched both of his runners. Icy Lancaster now has the best of the draw but the form behind Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas candidate Queen Braganza has not panned out. Buttercup Baby is back on her preferred surface and has the benefit of Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance while Light Of Gabriel ran a smart race first up out of the maidens and should be competitive. Shimmering has her second run for Louis Goosen and gets lumps of weight from most of her rivals.
The last is another wide open handicap. Fate Of Fortune has a big weight but has come well in blinkers and should put in another good shift. Dennis Bosch has Trafalgar Square back over his best distance and the seven-time winner gets 4kg off his back. suggest include as many as your budget allows in this leg of the exotics.
Danielson Wins Maiden Cup Amidst "Phenomenal" Atmosphere
Raymond Danielson wins the Maiden Cup at Champ De Mars aboard Good Council, an Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm-bred six-year-old gelding by Oratorio (Picture: Mauritius Jockey Club). Raymond spoke afterwards about the phenomenal atmosphere on course for Mauritius’ traditional biggest race and spoke of how he had returned after riding Good Council last time and told trainer Arveen Nagdoo that they must take him to the front next time. The plan was well executed and worked out perfectly.
Raymond Danielson and the Arveen Nagadoo stable chose the perfect moment to showcase their class, as Good Council delivered a career-defining performance to capture the prestigious Phoenix Maiden Cup (Group 1) – finally making it fifth time lucky on Mauritian soil – writes the Mauritius Jockey Club.
GOOD COUNCIL winning the The Phoenix Maiden Cup at Champ De Mars in Mauritius. Picture: Mauritius Jockey Club
Jumping smartly from draw 5, #5 Good Council was immediately sent into a forward position, taking control of the pace without facing any pressure. Danielson settled him beautifully in the lead, allowing the gelding to travel comfortably throughout while keeping his rivals exactly where he wanted them.
The real test came in the home straight. As they approached the 300m, #1 The Gatekeeper (Rye Joorawon) launched a powerful challenge, with #3 Zeus (Manoel Nunes) also shifting gears to join the fight. For a moment, the race tightened dramatically – but Good Council responded like a true Group 1 performer.
Finding another gear under Danielson’s urging, he lifted strongly in the final strides, fending off both challengers to secure a brave and commanding victory.
The Gatekeeper finished a game second, while Zeus stayed on well for third.
The stipendiary report was a full one and there was plenty said about the ride on William Iron Arm by Jason Gates
This win not only crowns Good Council’s steady rise in form, but also reaffirms the Nagadoo–Danielson partnership as one of the key forces on the Classic stage this season. A well-deserved triumph in one of the island’s most iconic races.
Results
Winner Time: 2:26.55 | Track: 2.8N
| Position | Runner | Margin | SP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | GOOD COUNCIL | 1.8 | 59 |
| 2nd | THE GATEKEEPER | 1.8 | 16 |
| 3rd | ZEUS | 3.4 | 13 |
| 4th | PRIME EXAMPLE | 4.8 | |
| 5th | ALLEZ MORIS | 5.2 | |
| 6th | WILLIAM IRON ARM | 9.65 | |
| 7th | ZAKHO | 10.4 |
Scratched:
Dividends
| Pool | Horse | Dividend |
|---|---|---|
| Trifecta | 5-1-3 | 358.00 |
| Quartet | 5-1-3-6 | 3,480.00 |
| Double | 4 / 5 | 158.00 |
| Exacta | 5-1 | 283.00 |
| Swinger | 1-5 | 23.00 |
| Swinger | 3-5 | 16.00 |
| Swinger | 1-3 | 17.00 |
Photo Finish
Race Video
Steward Report:
THE GATEKEEPER – Passing the 900m, was taken outwards by WILLIAM IRON ARM, it was then eased and taken in and in doing so bumped ALLEZ MORIS. Shortly after, raced tight on the inside of WILLIAM IRON ARM. An inquiry into this incident will be held on Tuesday.
WILLIAM IRON ARM – Jumped awkwardly and shifted ground inwards, bumping ALLEZ MORIS. Passing the 1000m, was switched to the outside of PRIME EXAMPLE and in doing so carried THE GATEKEEPER and ZEUS wider on the track. Shortly after PRIME EXAMPLE was switched to the outside of GOOD COUNCIL to improve its position and in doing so carried WILLIAM IRON ARM wider on the track. Near the 800m, was eased, and taken in to secure a position closer to the rails and raced tight onto THE GATEKEEPER for some distance. Approaching the 600m, was inconvenienced and carried inwards. Hung in badly in the home straight and brushed ALLEZ MORIS on a couple of occasions, slightly unbalancing the latter.
ZEUS – From leaving the 500m, was switched to the outside of runners to improve its position and raced wide form then onwards.
GOOD COUNCIL – Raced wide in the early stages. Approaching the 100m, commenced to shifted ground outwards inconveniencing THE GATEKEEPER.
PRIME EXAMPLE – Leaving the 1600m, was switched to the outside of runners and allowed to stride forward to race closer to the lead. Leaving the 900m, switched to the outside of GOOD COUNCIL to improve carrying WILLIAM IRON ARM wider on the track.
Vet Report:
WILLIAM IRON ARM – Bled both nostrils (30 days suspension)
ALLEZ MORIS – Lame off fore
Schofield Ban Raises Question Again Of Whip Misuse And Disqualification
Chad Schofield after the thrilling victory on Ceowulf (sportnation.NZ)
Top jockey Chad Schofield, son of Durban-born former top jockey Glyn Schofield, pleaded guilty to two serious rule breaches after his thrilling ride on Ceolwulf in the Champions Mile at Flemington on November 8.
Ceolwulf defeated Pericles by a nose in a stirring edition of the $3 million Group 1 weight-for-age contest, but after the victory Schofield was found guilty of excessive whip use.
Stewards also hit Schofield — the 2013 Cox Plate winner — with a careless riding charge after he “permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Pericles” near the 1400m mark.
The bans have raised questions about the fairness of the whip rules, considering the jockey on the runner up abided by the rules.
Some punters are not happy when such a horse keeps the race.
35 Years On From Roland's Song's First Summer Cup Victory
Roland’s Song on the way to the start of the 1988 Administrators Juvenile Futurity over 1600m at Greyville in which she beat the boys under Rhys van Wyk
Roland’s Song is the only female since World War II to have won the Summer Cup twice, although the race was called the Administrator’s Champion Stakes at the time and was run in April. She won her two Administators’ in 1990 an 1991.
The article below was compiled by the late Jay August.
https://southafricanracehorse.wordpress.com/ (Jay August)
ROLAND’S SONG (1985-1993)
Br.m Roland Gardens – Lunar Lullaby by Welsh Harmony
“A big, workmanlike filly, and rather typical of her sire-line, Roland’s Song was well bought for only R20,000 at the 1987 National Sales. At the time, though, not many thought her worth even that amount so unimpressive did she look as a yearling. But looks count for little on the track, and Roland’s Song proved herself at the top of her sex and generation at 2, 3 and 4.” – Racing Record, 1990.
The unattractive filly would go on to win 14 (10 places) of her 35 starts, be the first filly to win over R1 million in South Africa and almost get to R2 million. Along the way she gathered Champion Two-Year-Old, Champion Three-Year-Old, Champion Older Filly and Horse of the Year accolades. Thirteen of her fourteen wins were in Stakes races and she won the Computaform Champion Stakes at Turffontein on three occasions and the Administrator’s Champion Stakes (The Summer Cup), also at Turffontein, on two occasions. She won two legs of the unofficial Triple Crown – the Southern Sun Classic and the Daily News 2000.
Her career began in March 1998 at Newmarket, Alberton, and she followed up by outclassing her Highveld rivals in her next two starts. She then beat the boys at Greyville on “July” day before trouncing the favoured Millard trained Epoque, a half-sister to Ecurie and Empress Club, to leave little doubt that she was the best juvenile of her year.
Her sophomore year was marked by stunning wins and inexplicable losses. She started by losing her first Classic when running downfield in the Gosforth Park Fillies Guineas, but lameness was the excuse. Two more wins followed with the last a stunning victory by 4 lengths against the colts in the Southern Sun Classic.
Then disaster, as she finished unplaced in the Lancome Fillies Handicap and the SA Oaks. In the latter her saddle slipped, and she had an excuse, but in the former she simply looked ordinary and her loss was unexplainable. She bounced back with a win against the colts in the Daily News 2000 and ended her sophomore year with a close-up unplaced run in the July. Having won two of the top open Classic races and in the absence of a dominant Classic male she was an easy choice for best Three-Year-Old in South Africa.
She was crowned Horse of The Year in her third season of racing after winning 3 (4 places) of her 9 starts. All her wins and places came on the Highveld while she ran unplaced in her two ventures away from home. Her achievement in April 1990 when surpassing the R1 million mark, the first time this was achieved by a filly, probably swung the vote in her favour. Jungle Warrior had an equally good claim to the crown.
At five in 1990/91 the year younger St Just, another filly of some ability, became a formidable adversary. She raced Roland’s Song six times in what became a fascinating duel. In four of those races they each ran first or second with the spoils shared at 2 wins and 2 seconds. In the two remaining races which neither won they alternated, each finishing just ahead of the other.
As a fitting end to their personal battle both ran well back in the 1991 “July”, but even that was a contest as St Just managed to finish 18th just ahead of Roland’s Song. Roland’s Song got the verdict when she was crowned Champion Older Female, with her second win in Turffontein’s richest race, the Administrator’s Champion Stakes, likely proving the defining moment in the duel with St Just.
Roland’s Song demolishes the colts in the 1989 Southern Sun Classic
In her final year of racing at six she lost some of her brilliance but still managed to win 1 of her 5 starts. It was fitting that her last race in March 1992, saw the crowning of a new equine heroine as the crown passed from one Queen to another. Kept in training for an attempt at a third win in the Administrators’ Champion Stakes (today’s Premier’s Champion Challenge) she finished a tame fifteenth beaten 13 lengths by the three-year-old Empress Club who is widely regarded as the best female runner to ever race in South Africa.
Her retirement as a broodmare in 1992 ended in despair. She failed to produce any foals and was found dead in her paddock in October 1993, presumed to have been kicked by another mare.
She was trained by another female champion, Jean Heming, and owned by Mr H.R. Scheepers and Jean Heming. She was bred at the stud of the Koster Bros. Eleven of her wins were on the Highveld with the remainder in Durban. She won from 1200m to 2000m.
She was partnered by jockey Rhys van Wyk in eighteen of her thirty-five starts. H (Frikkie) Vermaak partnered her seven times while Piere Strydom partnered her on six occasions.
She won the 1988 Gosforth Park Juvenile Fillies Futurity, the 1988 Erica Leuridan Fillies Stakes, the 1988 Administrators Champion Futurity Stakes, the 1988 Golden Slipper, the 1989 Gosforth Park Fillies and Mares Stakes, the 1989 Southern Sun Classic, the 1989 South African 2000, the 1989, 1990 and 1992 Computaform Champion Stakes, the 1989 John Skeaping Trophy, and the 1990 and 1991 Administrators Champion Stakes.
Roland’s Song – summary racing career record
Her sire, Roland Gardens (1975: Derring-Do ex Katricia by Skymaster), was a winner of four races including the 1978 English Two Thousand Guineas and was rated 122 by Timeform. He sired three Horse of the Year award winners, through Roland’s Song – 1990, Enchanted Garden – 1986, and Pas de Quoi -1994. He also sired Wild West the Champion Three-Year-Old Colt of 1985.
Her dam Lunar Lullaby (1979: Welsh Harmony ex Lunette by Preamble), produced nine foals of whom six were winners, and of which Roland’s Song was by far the best. She traces, on her dam side, to the exceptional racemare and broodmare, Pretty Polly, through the Sister Sublime branch.
Today's Question
What is the biggest ever crowd at Champs de Mars?
Picture: The Champ de Mars Racecourse in Port Louis, Mauritius, is the oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere and the second oldest in the world, established in 1812. Its creation was an effort to foster unity between the new British rulers and the existing French-descended population after the British conquest of the island in 1810.
FIELDS, Tuesday, 18 November
Today’s Question Answer
The attendance record at Champ de Mars was set in 1984 when more than 100,000 people turned up at the Maiden Cup, the most prestigious race in the Mauritian racing calendar. Nippy Regen, owned by the Gujadhur stable, won the race and was ridden by Adrian Walkinshaw.
