One Fine Winter Can Be Relied On
One Fine Winter can prove her class and reliability in the Swallow Stakes (JC Photos)
The Listed Betway Swallow Stakes over 1200m Is the main race at the Vaal straight course meeting on Saturday.
One Fine Winter has class and speed and is a reliable sort. In her last five races she has only been beaten in respective Gr 1s over 1200m and 1600m and by the Equus Champion filly Golden Palm in the Gr 2 SA Fillies Nursery. In her last start, she beat the boys in a Graduation Plate, despite returning from a layoff of over four months. She does have to carry a 2kg penalty in the Swallo Stakes, but she should be up to it. The chief danger could be Anchorage who is quick and has class. She would certainly have finished better than third last time had she not attempted to savage the winner close to home. Hopefully her quirks will not hamper her run this time. The unbeaten Rifle Queen has impressed in both starts and returns from a five month layoff. It would be no surprise if she won the race as the Peter yard have them fit coming back from layoffs. Elegantrix has been disappointing considered that at one stage she looked to have a lot of class. She will have to bounce back if she is to win this race. Calantha beat Elegantrix by half-a-length last time but is now 2kg worse off. Malibu has talent but was well beaten by Calantha the last time they met.
The second is an intriguing Graduation Plate over 1200m. Umzngeli Wenyathi won on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly on Wednesday having shown decent form in Cape Town, so can be a contender if lining up here as he looks capable of riding above his merit rating. The Last Duke is also a three-year-old who looks to have the ability to rise higher in the merit ratings. Chapbook is 1,5kg under sufferance with the two best weighted horses and made a good Highveld debut. Zalatoris is the joint best weighted but has been a touch disappointing. Kaalvoet is the other best weighted but is held by Chapbook on their last meeting.
In the first leg of the P6 over 1700m Buddy Boy improved last time and went close and with a repeat he is the one to beat. Zip Code finished strongly over 1475 meters in his penultimate start to make the frame but he is none too reliable and this longer trip is not certain to suit. Guerrilla Warfare has run two fine races in his last two starts, but those were both from good draws and he now has a wide draw. Force Publique gave the impression he would see out this trip in his last start over 1500m and if he does do so he should be in the shake up. Robert Browning can never be ignored, especially if he is able to get to the front and dictate.
In the fifth race over 2000m Crepuscolo ran a fine race last time to win and can handle a four point increase considering he sneaks into the handicap here with the minimum weight. Bellerophon has come down in the merit ratings slightly and has a 1,5kg claimer up, so can be competitive. Repetition went close over this trip last time, but does have a three point raise to contend with. Real Stunner s 1,5kg better off with Repetition for a 1,30 length beating. Gavin Lerena rides Romeo’s Magic and has a chance from a good draw on his home course.
The sixth over 1400m is a tricky race, but Commander Of All could be the one to side with over a step down in trip, because if bouncing back he has the ability to go close and this is his home course. Bloomington also has enough ability to be a threat and has the advantage of in-form Rachel Venniker’s 1,5kg gender claim. Carnelo is distance suited and can be in the shake up if repeating either of his last two starts. Golden Aspen has been enjoying running off his current merit rating and can be right there again. Northern Kitten can be in the shake up if repeating his last start.
In the eighth over 1000m Xenophon and Vanakkam will both enjoy the trip and both look to have plenty of upside. Plus Four won well when stepped down to this trip last time and Rafa Bay is 1kg better off with Plus Four for a 0,25kg beating if claims are ignored, so should be right there too. Kia Kaha is capable of being in the shake up if reproducing her best.
In the ninth over 1200m Play With The Eind looks to have plenty of ability and scope for improvement and can beat Captain Selvie and Maverick Queen both of whom look to be capable of rising to higher merit ratings.
In the third race over 1700m Taegan’s Champ should take care of this field if producing his best. Hotarubi is the best weighted but is quirky and unreliable.
In the first over 1000m Catfish can come on from his decent debut and can confirm the form with Buffalo King Cody.
In the tenth race over 1200m Tiger Storm can beat Hathighwaytothesky.
Silver Salute Can Follow Up
Silver Salute has a fine chance in the last race (Picture: Wayne Marks)
By Mark van Deventer (Race Coast)
Racing switches venue to Hollywoodbets Durbanville for a twilight meeting on Saturday. The first race, a Maiden Plate over 1250m around the bend, jumps at 15h10.
Justin Snaith has been impressed by visiting rider Rene Piechulek’s calm horsemanship and fine hands, so is using him when opportune. They team up on RED WAVE in Race 1, and while Draw 9 is awkward and the son of Erik the Red who has placed five times from seven starts must boost his finish, he does have a favourable running style to work to his advantage.
RED WAVE has plenty of early toe, always an advantage at this course which plays to speed, especially in sprints.
Stable mate, CARDINAL POINT, should go well second up after a fair debut. The grey, BEHAVE HARRIS, was punted last time when placing behind Influence, so is respected, and BIG DEAL, from that same form line, comes into the reckoning too from the best gate of 1.
The merit of Influence’s debut win comes under further scrutiny in Race 2, an Open Maiden over 1400m. Here the pacey VOLEGOV, who finished under two lengths back after showing pace, will try open his account.
VOLEGOV is from Andre Nel’s stable and will be ridden by Aldo Domeyer. They don’t team up often (just 14 times this season), but when they do it tends to be a successful collaboration. 29% wins and 57% places to starts is their impressive current tally.
Reeves Racing so nearly pulled off a betting plunge with SOOTY over the weekend. Backed from 16/1 into 33/10 he was just thwarted in a photo finish by Worldly.
SOOTY is again carded in Race 4, though stable mate PARENTAL GUIDANCE catches the eye with Andrew Fortune booked.
Reeves has held him in high regard from the outset – an opinion backed by strong juvenile form. He impressively accounted for subsequent Schweppes Diana Stakes Gr 3 winner, She’s My World on debut and then ran close to Black Cheetah and Wild Wild Green, both well above average sorts. He was given an OMR of 92 for those performances.
Laid off for most of 2025 (gelded in the meantime) he has made two starts since the long spell. The first behind Green Gateway (a key race) was most encouraging, the second start after the layoff was less inspiring when sustaining a speedy cut and well-beaten.
It’s hard to know what to expect (and gate 8/8 is tricky in 1000m scuttles into a turn), but he is the sort of horse with sufficient natural talent to suddenly wake up dropping to a level where the average merit rating is mired in the mid 70’s.
In Race 5, Dean Kannemeyer’s 3YO EDUCATOR is a steep class dropper, as she goes down to a Class 4 over 1600m, having contested the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas Gr 1 in early December.
Her come-from-off-the-pace racing style, dictated by a tendency to be slow away, is not really the answer for this bendy circuit. And she concedes between a half and up to ten kilograms to her rivals.
However, finishing six lengths off Quickstepgal at level weights in the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas Gr 1 (despite a bumpy passage), is plenty good enough to shape here. Kannemeyer Racing stable jockey, Craig Zackey rides.
The same connections step out SILVER SALUTE in the following race. This last time out Maiden winner has a lot more to prove, having beaten a weak field. However, she is a developing Vercingetorix filly who now dips her toes into a moderate Class 5. Maybe she can handle this next step in her career progression.
Gin Palace Can Bring On Another Celebration
Gin Palace has been tipped to kick on from her eyecatching maiden victory and win Race 6 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday
Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday Formguides And Selections
Race 1
1 BIG DEAL must have a good winning chance in this field, he has run two excellent races in succession, he should be able to get the run of the race from a neat barrier draw, on his best form, he will be right there in the finish. 5 BEHAVE HARRIS ran third in the same race as Big Deal on the 21st of December behind Influence, the yard is in great form at the moment, if this gelding brings his last two runs to the track on Saturday, he will be hard to beat. 9 RED WAVE never runs a bad race, he is very consistent, if he gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, he will be competitive. 4 CARDINAL POINT caught the eye on debut when staying on well for fourth behind Rockanrollin, with natural improvement expected from this gelding, he will go close. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 5 – 9 – 4)
Race 2
1 VOLEGOV ran a nice race for fourth behind Influence on the 21st of December, he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, from a neat draw, he must have a big winning chance in this Open Maiden event. 5 PRINCE OF EGYPT has been rested and gelded, he stayed on well for fourth behind Objet D’ Art on the 8th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, on his best form, he can definitely trouble them in the finish. 8 MEET THE KING is much better than his most recent start, ignore that run completely, now that he is back at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he can improve, watch him closely at a fair price. 11 BLIZZARDBOY was beaten just over two lengths by Backinthefastlane on the 4th of January, unfortunately the wide draw here will make it tough for him, if he gets some luck in running, he should be able to sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 5 – 8 – 11)
Race 3
4 SOUTH OF FRANCE will take lots of beating, she ran a great race for third behind Silver Salute on the 24th of December, the drop in trip to 1400m is key for this filly, and the blinkers have been fitted, she will be hard to beat from a good draw. 10 GQEBERHA ran a cracker on debut, she finished second behind Malibu Blitz on the 24th of December, the wide draw will make life difficult for her, but she will love the step up in trip, include her into all bets. 12 IONA CASTLE never runs a bad race, she is very consistent, if she gets some luck in running from a poor draw, she will be mighty competitive. 11 RED TAFFETY will need to improve on her last performance, she was beaten just under seven lengths by Kubu on the 17th of December, if she brings her run on the 10th of November to the races on Saturday, she could sneak into the places at a nice price. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 10 – 12 – 11)
Race 4
1 KELP FOREST quickened up beautifully to win a good race on the 10th of January, he was given three points for that win, if this race hasn’t come too soon for him, he can definitely win again from a good draw. 6 ALL ABOUT AL stayed on well for third behind Palace Gift on the 24th of December, he is consistent and he tries hard, he will be right there in the finish again. 2 SOOTY is much better than his recent form, even though he wants a bit further than 1000m, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be running on powerfully late, watch him at a big price. 3 FLYING SOUTH finished just over three lengths behind True Horizon on the 4th of January, she won her maiden here at Hollywoodbets Durbanville beating a nice filly (Kattekwaadkwadraad) on the 18th of October, she is speedy, and she has a good draw, she might be able to get into the places with jockey Muzi Yeni. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 6 – 2 – 3)
Race 5
2 HUNGA TONGA finished just over four lengths behind Girl Magic on the 17th of December, she will get every chance in running from a neat draw, jockey Andrew Fortune knows this filly well, on her best form, she can win a race like this. 5 KUBU won her maiden well on the 17th of December, she quickened away from her field impressively, she can only improve with more racing, include her into all bets. 6 BOOZY SUSIE stayed on well for second behind Diamond Bomber on the 17th of December, she is a young filly that is still improving, there is no doubt that she has a winning chance in this field, her form is good. 4 HAMPSTEAD HEATH is better than her recent start behind Girl Magic, she has dropped even further in the ratings, if she brings her best form to the track on Saturday, she can win. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 5 – 6 – 4)
Race 6
5 GIN PALACE won her maiden in great fashion on the 26th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, she looks like the type that will keep improving with every start, jockey Andrew Fortune gets the ride on this well-bred filly on Saturday, she must have a big winning chance again. 7 SILVER SALUTE quickened up strongly to win a beautiful race on the 24th of December, she loved the step up in trip on that occasion, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be powering home late, include her into all bets. 1 LADY LOOK ALIKE ran a fair race for fourth behind True Horizon on the 4th of January, she will be cherry ripe for this race on Saturday, from a neat draw, she could be the value. 3 MONEY EXTRACTOR stayed on well for second behind Astronomical Boy on the 17th of December, if she can build on that performance, she will have a strong place chance. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 7 – 1 – 3)
Race 7
8 DEVIL A SAINT won a good race on the 24th of December, he was given three points for that win, he is in great form at the moment, if he gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, he can definitely win again. 5 CARRIACOU is much better than his recent run, he absolutely loves the 1400m trip, he will be doing some good work late, watch him closely. 11 IN A TIMELY MANNER stayed on well for second behind Ignite The Fire on the 3rd of December, the wide draw in this race won’t make it easy for him, if he gets some luck early, he will be competitive. 3 SOMMERSTERN won impressively on the 3rd of December, he could be anything, he quickens well and he looks progressive, he can win again from a good draw. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 5 – 11 – 3)
Cymric Can Salute In Sunday's Main Attraction
Cymric should enjoy the Hollywoodbets Greyville 1400m course and distance from a good draw and should have come on from his last start (JC Photos)
Andrew Harrison
Cymric was one of the better juveniles of his year and although only a three-time winner from 15 starts he has been something of an under achiever.
That said, he has his third outing for Mike and Mathew de Kock when he lines up in a Conditions Plate on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.
This will be his third run after a break for his new yard and is well weighted. If anywhere near his best he will be hard to beat. Stable companion Icy Blast was not far back over course and distance last time out and meets Golden Rule on 1.5kg better terms. Peter Muscutt’s runner is banking on a winning hattrick, the last over course and distance beating Icy Blast by nearly two lengths. Wild At War was touched off on the poly last run and has come down in the ratings. He can prove dangerous.
In the first, Hammerhead has improved with each outing and the step up to a trip that will suit but he will face stiff opposition from the likes of Bourbon’s Beast who has been making steady improvement and ran a cracker over course and distance last time out in soft ground. He has the best of the draw and has plenty in his favour. Flag Champ has run two smart races over the distance but was beaten just over a length by Bourbon’s Beast when last they met. Flag Champ has a better draw this time around. Red Cardinal was a close-up second on the poly last run and can feature while the filly Harpa been close-up at recent outings but a wide draw against males is against her.
The first leg of the Pick 6 is a tricky maiden but Psyche was well supported on debut over course and distance and finished a close-up third. She should have come on from the experience. Siyabambelela was friendless in the market on debut but was beaten just over a length in an Open Maiden. That run should have brought her on. Thought Control has finished runner-up in both starts but well beaten. She should however, feature prominently while Spirit Of Shimla tried a mile last time out after two good efforts on the poly. The drop back in trip could suit and she cannot be written off lightly.
It doesn’t get any easier from here on. Arverni Princess has won three of her last four over the trip and is in good form. She is up in class but only has 49.5kg to shoulder which should make her a big runner. Queen Braganza disappointed when favourite after winning her first two. Back on turf over a shorter trip she can make amends. Duncan Howells has two runners. Based on jockey bookings, Celestial Diamond would be the preferred choice but she has been rested and her last run was over a mile. Stable companion Perfume Power ran a smart race first time out of the maidens. She goes well this trip and the betting could tell a story.
The fifth is a competitive handicap but veteran Fate Of Fortune has been in cracking form over course and distance and did not get a penalty for his runner-up berth when favourite last time out. Given his good form he can go in again. Tam’s Delight is lightly raced but has won both starts for Robbie Hill since arriving from the Cape. However, he has not been out since May last year. He obviously has issues so Hill is unlikely to run the gelding if not close to peak fitness. Blazing Fury has a wide draw to contend with and looks held by stable companion Smorgasbord on their last meeting but he has only had three runs and should have scope for improvement. City Of Love was not far behind the promising Exocet last run although on the face of it his current form does not inspire any confidence. But he gets first time blinkers and from a good draw he could surprise.
Safe Travel looks to be one of the safer bets on the card. He has been close-up in two races since arriving in KZN and with the best of the draw and a 4kg claimer aboard he can give Adam Azzie his first winner since relocating from the Highveld. Danger could be Mark Dixon’s runner Jazz Festival. He is back on his favourite surface and was running on late behind Numzaan when beaten two lengths. He is now 4 kg better off and should be able to turn the tables on his front-running rival. Eric’s Legacy was not far back first up out of the maidens in soft ground. The step up in trip will suit and he shed his maiden with authority even though it was against moderate opposition.
The grey, The Ghost is well named and has come down dramatically in the ratings. Although shouldering a hefty 62kg she improved over course and distance last time out and could provide some value for punters in the seventh. Fate Decreed has come on nicely in her last two and looks primed for this race while Lilac In Winter shed her maiden first up on this course. She has improved in blinkers and the step up in trip could see her go in again. Mountainsofthemoon is never far back. She has also dropped in the handicap and could now be off a more competitive mark.
The last is another tricky handicap. Happy Fortune has been holding form well and meets Prom Queen at the same weights. However, the drop in trip could see the tables turned. Prom Queen’s win was not out of turn and there should not be much between the pair. Blue Poppy has the widest draw but has made steady improvement leading to her maiden win. She does appear to have some scope and has a chance again in this line-up. Sneeuwitjie has caused major boil-overs in both of her wins but she did appear to get on well with visiting French rider Mickaelle Michel and can feature again with a light weight.
Splicethemainbrace Makes A Mockery Of Her Outsider Status
Splicethemainbrace comes home lonely, despite drifting out to an astonishing 20/1.
The Alan Greeff-trained Master Of My Fate filly Splicethemainbrace was comfortably the best weighted horse in the Non-Black Type Lady’s Bracelet for fillies and mares over 1600m on the Fairview turf today (Friday) and she duly slammed them by 4,25 lengths, but not before drifting out to an astonishing 20/1 in the betting market.
She was coming off a below par run on the poly over 1600m and her last two turf runs hadn’t been her best either, a last place finish in a Listed race over 1200m followed by a four length fifth in the Listed East Cape Paddock Stakes.
However, she had won on the poly since the Paddock Stakes, before running that aforementioned below par run last time out, so the drift did not make much sense.
Calvin Habib took the race by the scruff of the neck, going to the front from draw three of six and she traveled comfortably.
She strode out well in the straight without any effort and when Habib began winding it up at the 400m mark it was race over.
Richard Fourie was on Hoerikwaggo, who was going for a hattrick but she was officially 6kg under sufferance.
Hoerikwaggo came from last with a strong run but had no chance of catching the winner, who has now won 12 times in 18 starts.
Calvin Habib and Alan Greeff both had individual doubles at the meeting.
Wayne Agrella rode a double for Tara Laing and there was also a double for Dean Smith.
Endued Can Serve It To Them Again
Endued has to overcome a six point raise and a wide draw to win the Tennis Handicap (Picture: Kenneth Chan)
At The Races tipster Tim Carroll hit his second straight Nap on Wednesday along with the Placepot and is back with Sunday’s preview for Sha Tin, which kicks off at 06H30 SA Time.
This Sunday sees a competitive 11-race meeting from Sha Tin and there are several Class 3 contests on the card with race 11, the Tennis 1600m Handicap, over 1 mile, the feature, offering prizemoney of more than £280,000.
Now onto this week’s selections:
Quid Pro Quo Goes Close In Gr 2 On Dubai Debut
Picture: Quid Pro Quo finishes second on her Dubai debut
Quid Pro Quo had her second overseas start and her first start in Dubai tonight (Friday) in the Gr 2 Cape Verdi Stakes over 1600m on the turf and she only just failed.
In a field of six she was drawn in pole and sat in the box seat traveling comfortably under Adrie de Vries.
She was switched outward and made a bold bid in a three-way tussle for the line but it was the Godolphin grey Dubai Beach who found the most to win by a neck with Quid Pro Quo second and another Godolphin runner, Dubai Treasure third.
Quid Pro Quo’s first overseas run was at Deauville in France last month over seven-and-a-half furlongs on the All Weather and it followed a layoff of 315 days.
She was caught way wide in that race and finished tenth, beaten 4,50 lengths.
She should now be cherry ripe for her next start, which will be the Gr 2 Balanchine over 1800m.
She owned by Barry Irwin’s Team Valor International and is trained by the France-based Jerome Reynier.
Today's Question
Have any South African-based or South African-bred horses won the Gr 2 Balanchine , which is the race Quid Pro Quo will run in next?
The picture gives a clue to the answer
FIELDS, Saturday, 17 January
FIELDS, Saturday, 17 January
Today’s Question Answer
Mike de Kock has won the Balanchine three times with horses he brought over from South Africa, the Australian-bred Sun Classique (Fuji Kiseki) winning it in 2008 under Kevin Shea, the South African-bred Jet Master mare River Jetez winning it in 2011 under Christophe Soumillon and the Australian-bred Galileo filly Mahbooba winning it under Soumillon in 2012.
