Turf Talk Newsletter – 19 December, 2024

Zietsman's Logic Defying World Record Breaker Is Dappled And Ready

El Romiachi after scoring a hattrick in his 102nd start. (Pauline Herman Photography).

Every now and then a sportsman or a racehorse defies logic and this has been the case with the incredible Zietsman Oosthuizen-trained Riethuiskraal Stud-bred Elusive Fort gelding El Romiachi.

The evergreen eight-year-old caused a few eyes to open wide when he won his 100th career start, then caused a few mouths to gape open when winning his 101st start and it then became a story for racing folklore when he won his 102nd start.

Tomorrow (Friday) he will attempt to remain unbeaten since passing the milestone 100 run mark and if he does make it four in a row it will have both official and amateur handicappers scratching their heads.

His feat is almost certainly a world record.

Zietsman has searched online and the closest he could find was a horse of Jacques Strydom winning his 100^th start.

Zietsman said the sudden rich vein of form was inexplicable.

He said, “You know, he is the juvenile in the stable (despite being an eight-year-old) . If you ask which horse is trying to buck a rider off after work everyday, it is El Romiachi. But if you ask me what brought about the change, I can’t pinpoint it because he is a sound horse and I didn’t change anything. His work is still the same routine. Feed-wise nothing changed. No extra vitamin, nothing!”

His 100^th run was over 1600m on the poly with Luyolo Mxothwa aboard and he had been given a sudden six point drop in the merit ratings after being beaten 5,60 lengths in his previous start.

This took him to a merit rating of 70, which was eleven points lower than his highest ever mark and five points lower than his highest winning mark.

He scraped in by 0,25 lengths on that occasion and was given a three point raise.

Zietsman believed that would put him under pressure in the handicap, so put the 2,5kg claimer Nirvan Nastili aboard in another 1600m handicap on the poly next time out.

This time he got home by a head and the handicappers raised him to 79, just two points lower than his highest ever mark and four points higher than his highest ever winning mark.

Eldin Webber was then put aboard the gallant eight-year-old.

Zietsman said, “I could’t believe he won that last start. You can’t explain it. And the fact that they left him in front and then that loose horse came and challenged him at the top of the straight … you know he is a gutsy horse, he will fight. So the loose horse did help him a lot. But to run his 102nd race off a four point higher rating than his highest ever winning rating and to win so easily (by 2,25 lengths), it’s unreal!”

He continued, “If you look at this horse, I am now his fourth trainer and in his first six starts he managed only once to come within ten lengths of the winner and that was 9,75 lengths. So in his first six starts he was beaten a combined margin of over 100 lengths!”

El Romiachi has another rare claim to fame in that he actually won two maiden races.

When he finished second in a maiden on 21 July 2020 at the Vaal in his 20th career start, the winner was later disqualified and El Romiachi was awarded the race.

However, before the disqualification had become official he had run in two more maidens and won the second of them on August 17, 2020.

So he is actually an eleven-time winner overall and a twice maiden winner.

The other thing that could explain El Romiachi’s sudden rich vein of form is that this is the second hattrick he has had in his career and his first hattrick three years ago had some remarkable similarities.

It was shortly after he had arrived in the East Cape in 2021 and he won his second poly start over 1600m off a 69 merit rating, then followed up over 1600m on the poly off a 71 and claimed the hattrick on the poly over 1400m off a 75.

Amazingly enough every one of his three wins in his first hattrick took place in the month of November and every one of his three wins in his second hattrick took place in the month of November!

Perhaps he should be nicknamed “Mr. November”!

One happening that did inadvertently help El Romiachi was when he pulled a muscle while rolling one day early this year.

Zietsman decided to then give him a much deserved “proper break”.

As a very sound horse he had been on the go almost from day one in his career.

So he had a break of almost five months from mid-January this year to June.

He has been consistent since then and was always thereabouts before his hattrick.

Can he do it on Friday?

Zietsman sent a video of him and to say his coat is looking dappled is an undertstatement.

El Romiachi looks full of well being ahead of his run in a MR 86 Handicap over 1600m on the poly where he will have to try and overcome a seven point merit rated raise. He carries 60kg off an 86 merit rating and Charles Ndlovu rides him for the first time from a draw of six in a field of 12.

Zietsman concluded, “He is so well and if he wins tomorrow I will not be at all surprised.”

Zietsman’s booming voice will be heard shouting him home and another industryman who is gaining popularity is his young toddler son, Hanco, who will as usual be copying his Dad’s antics alongside.

Zietsman owns El Romiachi in partnership with George Chrisochos.

Woodruff Yard Building Into A Force To Be Reckoned With

Lucinda Woodruff at the sales with her well qualified assistant trainer, her five-times SA champion trainer father, Geoff Woodruff. (Picture: Cape Racing Sales).

Geoff Woodruff was champion trainer five times and his daughter Lucinda was his assistant in the latter part of his South African career and the roles are now reversed as he is now her assistant trainer at Milnerton.

“The Guv’nor” returned from his stint in Saudi Arabia in March this year and took out his assistant license in order to join in Lucinda’s operation.

He said, “I had been away in Mauritius for nearly a year and in Saudi Arabia for one and a half years. Lucinda was getting bigger and looking for a bit of help, so I thought it was time to go home.”

His return has coincided with Cape Racing being in a better space than ever and he is loving being back.

He said, “We are pretty much the same team as we always were (Lucinda, Geoff and Carol), but the license is just in different hands now.”

Carol is Geoff’s wife and Lucinda’s mother and she is the daughter of the late iconic six-times July-winning trainer Terrance Millard, so Lucinda certainly has a fine training pedigree!

The yard is not high on the national table with five wins this season at a strike rate of 6.67%.

However, they are burgeoning in both numbers and quality and the results should start to be seen by the end of this season.

Geoff said, “We have a very young string. We have bought a lot of young horses and the numbers are up around 60 now and we’ll push it to maybe 80 and then take it from there. We have some nice pedigrees and super looking young horses. Lucinda is getting a lot of good support from big people, so that’s great. She is good at her job and she’s got a lovely personality and I think the owners are very happy.”

Asked if there were any to follow, he replied, “They are all untried youngsters who have only been in the yard for a couple of months, so not yet but in due course. There are some very well bred ones, Gimmethegreenlights, Vercingetorix’s, One Worlds, so some top stallions and good pedigrees. Whether they can run or not, time will only tell. We have some three-year-olds who look okay, but none putting their hand up as outstanding, so the two-year-olds are where our hopes lie. So it’s a little stable looking to try and make its mark next season.”

The yard made the news at Cape Racing’s Breeze Up and Two-year-old Unbroken Sale a couple of months ago when purchasing the top lot. Woodruff Racing went to R1,3 million for the Maine Chance Farms’ lot 111, appropriately named Vindicated. Bred on the proven Silvano/Captain Al cross, she is a three-part sister to two winners and is out of the super-fast Captain Al sired Listed Laisserfaire Stakes winner Victoria Lavelle, who hails from the family of Vercingetorix’s Listed-winnning daughter Ancient Epic.

The Woodruffs are a yard to keep an eye on.

Former Cape Pair Can Go Close In Grand Heritage

Pomodoro’s Jet has his third run after a layoff in the WSB Grand Heritage and might well still be ahead of the handicapper. (Picture: Wayne Marks).

Cape horses relocating to other centres often bring with them favorable merit ratings as their ratings are suppressed by the better class of opposition they face in the former centre.

It is therefore surprising that the Barend Botes-trained Radicchio is a 12/1 shot for the WSB Grand Heritage to be run over 1475m at the Vaal on Saturday, while the Brett and James Crawford-trained Pomodoro’s Jet also makes appeal as the second favourite at 13/2 with the sponsor.

Radicchio had his first start on the Highveld in a Middle Stakes event over the Heritage course and distance and with a late surge got up by 0,25 lengths.

That was a significant win for three reasons.

Firstly, many horses don’t handle the extended straight races at the Vaal as they do too much in the running.

So he passed the test in that he can go over this trip on a straight course.

Secondly, he was drawn three in a field of 13 that day and that was on the unfavourable side on the day.

Thirdly, he was given a six point raise for the win, but as a horse coming from Cape Town his merit rating is likely a touch suppressed and he could still be ahead of the handicapper.

He is drawn highest of all in 24 on Saturday and high draws are often favourable on the day.

Marco van Rensburg rides for the highflying Botes yard.

Pomodoro’s Jet ran in that exact same race as Radicchio and had the worst draw of all, draw one.

He was used early to go handy, but only finished 1.05 lengths behind Radicchio and is now 3,5kg better off.

Pomodoro’s Jet will also be having his third run after a layoff.

The potential downside is he has a lowish draw of seven.

However, before last year’s Grand Heritage the meeting had appeared to favour high drawn horses and then the winner of the Grand Heritage, Unzen, won it by sticking to his station from draw two. The first five home all had single figure draws.

So the draw bias is difficult to predict, although seldom is a high draw unfavourable.

However, those two former Cape horses do make some appeal in the only race in SA every year which has more than 20 runners.

Cats Pajamas Could Bounce Back

Gr 2 Umkhomazi Stakes winner Cats Pajamas could bounce back at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday night as he had excuses for his poor run at Turffontein last time out. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Devonne Govender (Gold Circle)

A competitive card awaits punters tonight at Hollywoodbets Greyville and certain races look straight forward on form whilst the rest looks highly competitve.

Jeanne Darc in Race one from the Stuart Ferrie yard looks to have a massive winning chance based on her progression in both starts. She has a few held on form so is a confident first selection. Dangers if there are any could most likely come from Jumpthegreenlight who finished just behind the top selection.

World Of Our own in the fourth race looks set to strike, he has been knocking on the door recently hence he is the firm first selection. The Alyson Wright trained son of One World gets the services of Gavin Lerena which speaks volumes, a chance can be taken on bankering this individual in the Pick 6.

The danger if there is any could come in the form of Uzwano from the Dean Kannemeyer yard. He has been consistent but at the same time a tad bit disappointing as he has been beaten in the last two starts whilst being fancied in the betting market.

The fifth Race looks to be a competitive contest however the class package is Cats Pajamas from the Frank Robinson yard. He campaigned in a high-class event up in the Highveld and although he was well beaten its clear to see the stable rate him very highly, the fact that he is back to the minimum trip speaks volumes.

He will make his presence felt in a big way. No Filter for trainer Tienie Prinsloo is holding solid form and will be a big runner in this contest. He is holding top form and showed plenty of guts and determination in recent victories.

Kimball O’Hara in Race six ran a cracker in the last start and another big effort is expected with inform rider Tristan Godden aboard. He has a decent draw and will have the run of the race.

The consistent daughter of Erupt, Perilla for trainer Dennis Bosch looks a solid winning hope in the seventh Race. She has plenty positives, Rachel claims a valuable 1.5kgs of her back and from barrier gate one she will take some beating.

African Skyline could be some value for the placings and isn’t out of this contest so is the backup in exotics should the top selection fluff her lines against the boys. He is very capable on his day and must be respected.

Overall is a competitive card and the Pick 6 could be the way to go.

Big-Spending American Looks Forward To First Runner In UK On Friday

Susan “Pearly” Fallon bought this Frankel filly at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale this month. She has purchased a number of horses and will have her first runner in Britain on Friday. (Picture: Tattersalls).

By Brian Sheerin (TDN)

American owner Susan ‘Pearly’ Fallon, who lit up the Tattersalls December Foal Sale with a 700,000gns purchase of a Frankel (GB) filly out of Archangel Gabriel (Arch), is looking forward to seeing her colours graced on a British racecourse for the first time at Wolverhampton on Friday.

Fallon (pictured above), who is based in America and works in the private aviation business, will be represented by the Ed Bethell-trained A War Eagle (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) in an extended mile maiden with Aidan Keeley set to ride.

Just like the 700,000gns Frankel filly, A War Eagle was purchased by bloodstock agent Amanda Skiffington. He was sourced at last year’s Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale for €75,000 from Aughamore Stud and he forms part of a growing squad of exclusively British- or Irish-based horses for the owner.

Fallon said, “I was a competitive equestrian growing up so I have been involved with horses all of my life. But I am relatively new to the racing world–a little over a year now. I’ve always loved racing. Every single one of our horses are based in Ireland and England. The reason for that is because I love the people over there and I love the style of racing in Europe as well. I also feel very strongly about the treatment of the horses and, as a whole, I really love the experiences I have had in Britain and Ireland.”

She added, “We have A War Eagle making his debut on Friday with Ed Bethell and my Sioux Nation colt went to William Haggas on Tuesday. His name is King’s English and I am absolutely in love with him. I have a Time Test (GB) filly that is also going to Ed, a Starman (GB), who we haven’t decided where she will go, and an Australia (GB) colt who goes to Jessica Harrington. There is also a Zoustar (Aus) colt, whose name is Caviar Cowboy, and he will go to James Fanshawe. I have gotten to know all of my trainers personally and I cannot say enough nice things about them all. I feel very fortunate to be working with them all.”

Fallon jokes that she’s dealing with “jets in the air and jets on the racetrack.” However, with three broodmares on the farm at Felley Priory Stud, it’s safe to say Fallon is adopting a patient approach to her endeavours in the sport.

She explained, “I have been in private aviation for quite a while and I enjoy that very much. I have a very entrepreneurial spirit and had a dermatological skin care company for over 15 years. My father flew for fun and I started my pilot’s licence years and years ago so aviation has been my career path more recently in life. We work with a lot of interesting people. I love people in general so it is a perfect fit for me. Racing has lots of colourful characters as well.”

Fallon continued, “I’m interested in all aspects of the sport. We have three mares and are expecting our first foals in the spring. One of the mares is in foal to Chaldean (GB), who we are very excited about. But from the smell of the tack room to the lights of the race track, I love every single aspect of the sport. The mares are based at Felley Priory Stud, which is where Amanda Skiffington, who is our bloodstock agent, is based.”

On linking up with Skiffington, she added, “Nicholas Varney is a long-time friend. Amanda had purchased A Lilac Rolla (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}) for Nicholas, so he decided to put me in connection with Amanda. It’s just been a match made in heaven. We’ve had a lot of fun together and she is so talented. She has a true gift and I have learned so much from her already. It’s been a quick year of getting started and we have about 12 horses now.”

A hugely successful businesswoman, Fallon has some lofty ambitions for her growing string and has surrounded herself with the best in the business in order to inch herself ever closer to her dream of one day winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

She said, “We’re being strategic. I have very big goals and I want to make sure we are doing things the right way. Malcolm Bastard does all of our pre-training and, as I said, we have some brilliant trainers working with us. Personally, I love a trip horse and we are very patient. I know that a lot of people love to see action at two but we are happy to wait. A lot of the horses we bought are mile-plus horses and we’re prepared to wait for them.”

Fallon added, “I’m going to be honest, I don’t have any specific goals for the horses that we have at the moment. With A War Eagle, who is just about to make his first start, we will just see and let him tell us where he fits in. But I do have a big goal. And a lot of people laugh when I tell them this, but it is my dream to win the Arc. I get it, I would laugh, too, if somebody said it. However, if it can be done by somebody like me, I will do it. And if I don’t, I will die trying.”

Official Secret Can Follow Up

Official Secret hacked up by 7,50 lengths last time and can follow up in a Pinnacle Stakes event against the boys. (Pauline Herman Photography)

Fairview Friday formguides and selectuions

R1 (5) SILVA CITY and (3) INSTAWORTHY come from yards who generally have their unraced runners well prepared hence they both should be included. Its advised to watch the market when making your final decision. ( Devonne Govender 5-3)

R2 (2) WORLD SOPRANO holding consistent form in the province and will take some beating. (4) CHAMPONELLE makes his provincial debut and is expected to go very well as the Cape form generally stands up strong here. (9) SMART VIEW wasn’t far in the last start and will get closer. (10) BOMPAS can run into the quartets from a decent draw. ( Devonne Govender 2-4-9-10)

R3 (5) GENTEEL is holding form and expected to run well in this open contest. (4) LOTUS ISLAND represents Cape form which tends to stand up well in the province hence she must be respected. (2) ACCUMALATE ran on well in the last start and can get involved if repeating that run. (3) CHEAP THRILLS ran well at massive odds and can get closer if confirming that run. (Devonne Govender 5-4-2-3)

R4 (5) OFFICIAL SECRET won extremely well in her last start and is classy hence she is the first choice. (8) SPIN DOCTOR is very capable and that last win was impressive, he will challenge. (9) JUAN CARLOS is holding solid form and another good run can expected. (2) RUNAWAY SONG is capable of much better so that last run is best ignored. ( Devonne Govender 5-8-9-2)

R5 (9) FULL OF MAGIC is never far back, she ran well in her last start and will be a big challenger. (5) HOLLY’S VIEW is capable on her day, her recent form isn’t the greatest but she can pop up. (2) IQEMBULABESIFANZANE must be respect from a good enough draw in this contest, she can race handy and make them run. (Devonne Govender 9-5-2)

R6 (2) GET IT DONE is in great form and expected to go very close to winning. (1) ARABIAN RED will be the main danger to the top selection, she won extremely well in her last start and will be fighting it out. (3) MARSHMALLOW is holding top form but meets slightly stronger here, she can win. (6) QUERANDI has been consistent and another honest run is expected. ( Devonne Govender 2-1-3-6)

R7 (1) DESTINY’S ANGEL gets a top draw, she is in great form and will run another big race. (3) EL ROMIACHI is in the form of his life and must be respected here, big chance. (5) MAKHACHEV has been consistent and will be in the mix again. (10) DUBAI HILLS is knocking on the door but has a tough draw to negotiate. ( Devonne Govender 1-3-5-10)

R8 (12) ARIVIDICIO was narrowly beaten in the last start and another huge effort can be expected. (10) MASTER FORESTER is holding solid form and wasn’t far behind the top selection hence there won’t be much to choose. (2) MEETATTHEWINDSOR is racing consistently and will make the frame once again. (9) FLASH LIGHTNING can run into quartets here, he wasn’t far in the last start so include. ( Devonne Govender 12-10-2-9)

Zackey, Mxoli, Matchett Doubles

The Lucky Houdalakis-trained Hawkbill made it two wins on the trot at the Vaal today when beating a decent field over 1800m and the win clinched a double for title-chasing Craig Zackey (JC Photos).

Craig Zackey, Philasande Mxoli and Paul Matchett all had doubles at the Vaal Classic track meeting on Thursday.

Zackey is now on 88 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 16.76%.

He is in second place on the national log, four wins behind Gavin Lerena.

Mxoli is on 30 wins at 10.24%.

Matchett is on 30 wins at 12.66%.

Matchett is in third place on the Highveld log behind Alac Laird and Tony Peter.