Elusive Winter Could Get The Ball Rolling
Elusive Winter in race 2 is made one of the best bets at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth meeting on Saturday (Picture: Chase Liebenberg)
Alistair Cohen (Race Coast)
Elusive Winter has loads pointing towards him in race 2 over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, where the appearance of Gimmie Rules will be the highlight. Elusive Winter is a very accomplished 1000m horse with three of his four career wins over the trip. He turned over The Us Of A in his penultimate start. The Us Of A subsequently emphatically won the Listed Southeaster Sprint. He is possibly the best bet on the card. Gareth Wright is the regular rider and he is carded to be aboard for Michelle Rix.Gimmie Rules to show his worth
Trainer Dean Kannemeyer has an unreal record in the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and one would not be out of place in saying that he might have the best crop of three-year-old males in the 30-odd years he has trained. Gimmie Rules is thought to be the best of the lot. He will have a prep run in race 3 over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
He is regally bred being a full brother to Gimme A Prince, Gimmie’s Countess and The Real Prince. All of whom are stakes winners, two of them Grade 1 winners. Jockey Craig Zackey has gone on record and compared him to his excellent siblings.
In only three starts he has won twice and the only time he was defeated he was desperately unlucky when he found traffic towards the inside rail and ran sixth behind What A Fortune. That was sandwiched with two eye-catching wins. On debut he won over 1200m and he did everything in his own stride. His last win was superb. He smashed Kelp Forest by 2,5 lengths over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. This will be his first start at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and he should adapt without any fuss.
If he fails to take out victory here, his Guineas aspirations would not look as rosy. Pressure should be on that he runs a massive race.
Jet Force looks like a smart individual himself and he could also have some sights set on big races this summer. He has been sparingly raced lately. This is his second run since May so he should be coming into the swing of things as he races more in the upcoming months. He won his last start when turning over Absolutely Yes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Trainer Des McLachlan has not hidden his thoughts for Jet Force. Regardless of how fit he is, he will provide enough of a test for the younger Gimmie Rules.
Handsome Prince is well above average himself. He might not have got home over 1600m last time when he failed to find a finish. He should run better here but he could be a contender to fill the places. At his best, he could give them a serious fright.
Kannemeyer also has Gallic Victor who runs in race 5 over 1950m and he has a winning chance. In only two starts to date, he has a win and a low-flying second on his CV. His last start over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville he looked very immature throughout before he fired up late to finish 2,75 lengths behind Mente Et Manu. If he does not win here, he is still a horse to keep on the right side of. Zackey is also carded to take the ride.
Coco’s Hero carries the same yellow and black silks of Khaya Stables and he also has untapped ability. Also very immature, the further he goes and the more he races, the better he will get. Trained by James Crawford, he should transform into a smart long-distance horse.
There are three apprentice races on the card, race 1 being one of them. That’ll Be The Day gets the services of the vastly improved Sifiso Bungane and he could the horse to side with. He nearly got the better of William’s Woman in his last run when going down by 0,2 lengths giving 7,5 kg to the promising filly. On that run, he sets a high standard.
Girish Samo-Burthia is the apprentice to keep an eye on when he rides Mela Strength in race 4 over 1400m. Being an apprentice race, not many of the riders are familiar with their months but Samo-Burthia rode Mela Strength in his last run. He won on that occasion, defeating subsequent winner Prince Of Tibet by 0,5 lengths. Mela Strength is never going to be a watertight selection because of his limitations but he seems to be in a good space and performing consistently after some indifferent form at the start of his career.
There should be little to choose between Lavender Bay and Beneath The Clouds in race 6 over 1800m. They faced off in their most recent outing when Lavender Bay was one length ahead when they finished second and third. There is 0,5kg pointing towards Beneath The Clouds on this occasion so the deficit should close. If the track is running fast which it has been, Beneath The Clouds has a chance to turn the tables.
The final apprentice race of the day comes up in event 7 over 1100m and Champagne Mac under Dezhan Louw looks the most ready to win. It is such a shallow race that it will not take
Gallic Victor To Prove His Class
Gallic Victor has been tipped to win the 5th race (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday Formguides And Selections
Race 1
5 THAT’LL B THE DAY ran a great race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 25th of October, he stayed on strongly for second behind William’s Woman, the blinkers stay on, and he gets 4kgs off the back with the apprentice claim, if he can build on his last performance, he will be very hard to beat in this field. 4 MOODY BLUE must have a big winning chance, he ran fourth in the same race as That’ll B The Day last time, he was only beaten just over three lengths by the winner, he will be right there in the finish on his best form. 6 ETERNAL DIAMOND has been rested for 67 days, he was disappointing behind Typically French on the 9th of September, ignore that run, he is much better than that performance, if he doesn’t need the run back from a small break, he could finish amongst the places. 1 PRETTY BOY can certainly win on debut, this is not a strong field, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 4 – 6 – 1)
Race 2
7 ELUSIVE WINTER has been rested for 73 days, he won well at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 3rd of September, he was given four points for that impressive victory, he is very fast, on his best form, he can certainly win a race like this. 4 AIR RAID has dropped one point in the ratings, and the tongue tie has been fitted, he is much better than his recent form, watch him closely, he will go very close to winning at a decent price. 3 WINTER SNAP has been rested and gelded, he is a beautiful horse with a great action, the yard thinks highly of this individual, if he doesn’t need the run back after a long break, he will be tough to beat. 6 LITTLE BOY BLUE ran a terrific race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 3rd of October, he was drawn poorly on that occasion, and he still managed to run a good second behind Exocet, the cheek pieces have been fitted for his race on Saturday, he will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 4 – 3 – 6)
Race 3
2 GIMMIE RULES quickened up like a smart horse to win in great fashion on the 15th of October, he was given eight points for that win at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, there is no doubt that he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, from a good draw, he will be hard to beat. 1 JET FORCE has been rested for 73 days, he won a great race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 3rd of September, he is still improving, from a neat draw, he will go close, include him into all bets. 6 GOODNESSGRACIOUSME has been rested for 69 days, she stayed on well for second last time behind her stable companion (Swiatek), her form is solid, she is a big filly with lots of ability, watch her closely. 3 COASTAL COMMANDER has been rested for 63 days, the blinkers have been removed, and he has dropped even further in the ratings, on his best form, he could sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 6 – 3)
Race 4
8 MELA STRENGTH won a gutsy race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 8th of October, he was given two points for that win, the tricky draw here will make life tough for him, if he manages to get some luck in running, he can certainly win again. 3 FLYING SOUTH won her maiden well on the 18th of October, the form of that race has worked out well, she is a young filly that is still improving, the step up in trip to 1400m should be no problem at all, include her into all bets. 4 CEDAR POINT is still a maiden, he stayed on well for fourth behind Miami Summer on the 29th of October, from a neat draw on Saturday, he can be competitive at a decent price. 7 TRES CHIC never runs a bad race, she tries hard, with some luck in running, she can sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 3 – 4 – 7)
Race 5
9 GALLIC VICTOR flew past many to run a super race for second behind Mente Et Manu on the 18th of October, that was his first run back after a small break, there is no doubt that he will be much fitter on Saturday, with some luck in running, he can certainly win a race like this quite easily. 1 HEAL AND SOUL stayed on well for third behind Master Of Paris on the 5th of October, he is in good form at the moment, and he gets a good draw on Saturday, he will be competitive. 4 GENTLEMAN JOE ran a great race behind Western World on the 25th of October, it was a close finish, at this level he will always have a winning chance, include him into all bets. 6 WESTERN WORLD bounced back to his best form to win a lovely race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last time, he was given three points for that win, if he can bring that run to the track again on Saturday, he will have a massive each way chance. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 1 – 4 – 6)
Race 6
4 TWO A PENNY stayed on strongly for fourth behind Western World at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 25th of October, she was given way too much to do on that occasion, hopefully she settles a lot closer to the speed on Saturday from a good draw, she is a lovely looking mare, on her best form, she will go close to winning. 9 LAVENDER BAY was touched off in the finish last time, she was doing some good work late behind Strawberry Thief on the 25th of October, unfortunately she has a bad draw here, and she was given two points for getting beat last time, but she is honest and she will run a good race again. 8 BENEATH THE CLOUDS ran a top race for third in the same race as Lavender Bay last time, she was in front, and she fought hard all the way to the line on that occasion, if she gets some cheap sectionals in front again, she will be hard to peg back late. 1 HELIOTROPE is as honest as they come, she has a good draw here, and she gets the apprentice claim, watch her closely, she can pop up at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 9 – 8 – 1)
Race 7
2 BONNE BOUCHE could be some decent value in this tricky race, she is much better than her recent performance at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 8th of October, she is very fast, the drop in trip here will help her improve, and she will enjoy the straight track at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, watch her closely, she can win a race like this on her best form. 4 AVIGNON needed his last run back from a long break, he stayed on well for fourth behind Country Time on the 15th of October, he will be much fitter on Saturday, if he gets away from the field at the right time, he will be hard to beat. 5 BLACK PATH never runs a bad race, her form of late is good, even though she wants further, she will be doing some good work towards the end of the race. 9 WINTERONTHEGREEN has been in great form of late, she ran a good race last time behind Country Time, with some luck in running, she will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 4 – 5 – 9)
Race 8
2 CHURCHILLIAN needed his last run back after a long break, he ran a terrific race for fourth behind Gimmie Rules on the 15th of October at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he will be much fitter on Saturday, the yard thinks highly of this gelding, on his best form, he can definitely win. 4 DEMANDING DAVE lost his race in the stipes room last time, it got very tight at the finish on that occasion, he is a young horse that is improving with every start, there is no doubt that he will be right there in the finish again. 7 BILLY COOL had absolutely no luck in running at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 22nd of September, he was finishing like a train for fourth behind Steadfast, he can be a tricky ride, if the race works out for him, he will be competitive. 1 ALL ABOUT AL finished second behind Sardinia Bay on the 5th of October, he is honest and he tries hard, include him into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 4 – 7 – 1)
Race 9
1 DAME OF TRIX will go close to winning the lucky last, she ran a great race last time from a poor draw at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 25th of October, she is certainly enjoying her racing at the moment, she will be on speed early, include her into all bets. 6 LOVE SHACK has run two excellent races in succession, she caught the eye for third behind Sardinia Bay on the 5th of October, this race should work out perfectly for her, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be low flying late, watch her closely. 4 PEACE OF MIND is better than her recent form, she is much better up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, watch for sharp improvement. 9 OCTOBER FEST ran a great race for third behind Queen Regent on the 15th of October, she has dropped a point in the ratings, and she gets the services of top jockey Andrew Fortune, her chances must be respected. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 6 – 4 – 9)
Reliable Profit Can Score On The Sha Tin Dirt Again (Saturday)
Reliable Profit will be going for a fifth win on the Sha Tin dirt (Picture: HKJC)
This Saturday sees a competitive 10-race card from Sha Tin on both the Turf and All-Weather tracks getting underway at 07H00 SA Time.
The feature of the meeting is race 7, the Class 2 Lukfook Jewellery Cup over 6 furlongs, offering more than £280,000 in prizemoney.
Click Here for At The Race’s Tim Carroll’s Comprehensive Guide
Regeneration All Set To Follow Up
Regeneration as been tipped to win the 6th race (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Hollywoodbets Greyville Sunday Formguides And Selections
R1 Summary: Competitive maiden. EASTERN HIGHLANDS (9) has the widest draw but it the best weighted by far. If he can build on his last effort he could be hard to beat. AMBER ALERT (6) has run two smart races in blinkers and was close-up over course and distance last time out. Big chance on a repeat showing. CAPTAIN VENTURA (8) was narrowly beaten over course and distance last run at only her second start. Tat form has been franked. BLAZING FURY (4) was a well beaten third on debut but is sure to come on from that effort. First timer ROCK ME BABY (7) could be one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 9-6-8-4).
R2 Summary: BLUE POPY (3) was a beaten favourite last run and has shown some promise in her two starts to date. TRAIL RUNNER (8) is down from the Highveld. She is lightly raced and appears to have come to hand after a narrow second last start. The extra furlong should suit. CHOOKS KISS (9) raced green on debut and was not far back. The experience and step up in trip is in her favour. Watch the market on this one. DANCING IN DENMARK (10) steps onto the turf after two poly starts where she was not far behind. Can feature prominently. (Andrew Harrison: 3-8-9-10).
R3 Summary: COUNCILLOR (2) takes on males but comes off two smart Highveld efforts. She has a light weight and a good draw which is all in her favour. QHUDE MANIKINIKI (10) was much improved at his second start when tried over a bit of ground where he started at long odds. He should come on lengths from that effort. WINDOW TO MY SOUL (9) appears to be coming to hand and Serino Moodley stays aboard. IRISH ANTHEM (6) went down narrowly last run. He switches to the turf and has a good chance if repeating that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 2-10-9-6).
R4 Summary: MAGIC MAVERICK (4) has been in good form of late and goes well this trip. She has a handy galloping weight and could finally get her second win. GLOBAL MOVEMENT (3) got a hefty five-point raise in the ratings for his comfortable last win. He has come to hand at his last two and gets 4kg relief from the saddle to negate his penalty. MOHANDAS (2) beat Global Movement when last they met. They meet at the same weights again so there should not be much between them again. KING BAVARIAN (8) is in good form and has a useful 4kg claimer aboard and cannot be discounted lightly. (Andrew Harrison: 4-3-2-8).
R5 Summary: RED MOUNTAIN (10) has pulled a wide gate but was touched off last run over course and distance and appears to have improved back in blinkers. The form behind Kanaal Skater will be fully examined with a number of runners up close last run. JAZZ FESTIVAL (6) was the best of them, finishing second. He has come to hand of late and can go one better in a competitive handicap. TURBO TWENTY (7) was only a length behind Kanaal Skater from the widest draw and should be in the firing line. EL DANTE (12) has the widest gate which is not in his favour but he was close-up from a similar gate over 1400m last start and the extra furlong will help his chances. (Andrew Harrison: 10-6-7-12).
R6 Summary: The filly REGENERATION (9) is the best weighted and did not get a penalty for her easy last win. The form has been franked with TREATY OF PARIS (6) winning next time out. Regeneration is way better off at these weights and should confirm the placings. BRISTOL HERCULES (1) has been consistent without winning be did enjoy the drop in trip last time out and from the best of the draw should be a big runner. AMOR FATI (3) gets a stronger rider aboard and has gone close at his last two over course and distance. (Andrew Harrison: 9-6-1-3).
R7 Summary: QUEEN BRAGANZA (2) is unbeaten in two and steps up in trip for the first time. She ius an entry for the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and we should know a bit more about her chances after this race. BELLA VALENTINA (4) won comfortably on the poly over the distance on debut. Runner-up Blue Poppy runs in the card opener so one could get a line on her chances here. She is well bred and the stable is in mustard form. SPINMYANGELSPIN (1) is a year older and has the best of the draw. She has come good in blinkers and both recent starts have been on this course. MRSGLITTERSPARKLES (9) has shown up well in two starts since her maiden win and can feature in the money. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-1-9).
R8 Summary: FASCINATION (3) pushed Queen Braganza all the way to the line last time out although she was getting 7kg from the winner. She has a handy weight and a repeat can see her home. THINGAMABOB (4) was three lengths back to Queen Braganza but she is a lightly raced older filly and although shouldering top weight she has yet to run a bad race. IZIBULO (1) showed up well first run back from a break. She has drawn well and can feature again. MYSTIQUE ROUGE (2) has been in good form of ate. She drops back to a sprint but has a handy weight and can make the frame. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-1-2).
Calandagan Japan Cup Bound And Top Of Global Rankings
Calandagan is now top of the global rankings and is preparing for the Japan Cup (Picture: Coolmore)
Scott Burton (Racing Post)
Calandagan will be the sole international challenger for the Japan Cup at the end of the month and is reported to be in rude health ahead of his trip to Tokyo.
Calandagan’s trainer Francis Graffard has withdrawn Goliath from the race, while Los Angeles and Queenstown, Aidan O’Brien’s possible runners, have also been taken out.
The King George and Champion Stakes winner came through a racecourse gallop on the Chantilly all-weather under Mickael Barzalona in exemplary manner on Wednesday, and on Thursday officially rose to the top of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings thanks to the 130 rating he posted in winning the Champion Stakes, replacing Ombudsman, who he beat at Ascot, at the top of the global list.
“He worked on the Chantilly Polytrack on Wednesday with a couple of companions and we were very happy with him,” said Nemone Routh, racing manager to the Aga Khan Studs in France.
“He was very professional, as he always is, and Mickael asked him to go past. While he didn’t clear right away, he probably ‘won’ by two or three lengths. He’ll do what you ask him to do, and he moved well and seemed very happy with himself.”
Mxothwa Rides Double As Sub For Fourie
Avernian Goddess (Vercingetorix) gives Luyolo Mxothwa and Alan Greeff a double together (Pauline Herman Photography)
Luyolo Mxothwa substituted for Richard Fourie, who is serving a seven day suspension, at the Fairview poly meeting on Friday and rode a double for the East Cape’s leading trainer.
Craig Zackey had a single winner at the meeting to go to 81 wins for the season.
He is now 12 wins clear of Fourie and has done it at a strike rate of 17.27%.
Fourie is on 69 wins (25.94%).
In third place in the championship on 49 wins is Serino Moodley (14.29%) and next best are Muzi Yeni (12.44%) and Callan Murray (15.38%) on 48.
Luyolo Mxothwa is on 24 wins at 12.44%.
Alan Greeff is now on 52 wins for the season, the most in the country, and he has done it at a strike rate of 18.98%.
French Trip Can Progress Again At Cheltenham
The progressive French Ship is one of Ed Quigley’s best bets at the Cheltenham meeting on Saturday (via At The Races videos)
Sky Sports Racing’s Ed Quigley reveals five runners to keep onside on Saturday at the November Meeting at Cheltenham.
They are Herakles Westward (each-way 2nd race), July Flower (win 3rd race), Conyers Hill (each-way 4th race), Gowel Road (each-way 5th race) and French Ship (win 6th race)
Today's Question
Who was the first winner of the Bahrain Trophy?
The picture is of the subject (Picture: Racing Post)
FIELDS, Saturday, 15 November
FIELDS, Sunday, 16 November
Today’s Question Answer
French trainer Jerome Reynier won the first running of the Bahrain International Trophy with Royal Julius from John Gosden’s Turgenev.
