Let’s Go Now, a full-sister to Gr 1-winning HDJ third-placed Bless My Stars booked a berth in the Gr 1 Douglas Whyte Thekwini Stakes when making it two wins in three starts at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today (Wednesday) (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Let’s Go Now Books Thekwini Berth

Kestorm Investments, whose nominee is Kenneth Pillay, splashed out R540,000 to purchase the Gimmethegreenlight filly Let’s Go Now at the BSA August Sale last year, but that is now looking to be a shrewd investment.

Her full sister Bless My Stars, who was bought by Kestorm Investments for R250,000 at the BSA National Yearling Sale of 2021, would have had just two runs by the time of that Sale, a 6,25 length victory over 1400m at the Vaal on debut and a 0,35 length third in the Gr 1 Thekwini Stakes.

Bless My Stars, trained by Sean Tarry, is now a high value filly.

She went on to win the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic and in her last run she finished an outstanding third in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Let’s Go Now has been entered in the Gr 1 Douglas Whyte Thekwini Stakes and trainer Tarry would have been keen to ensure a berth, because she drew two out of 26 entries.

Today, she booked her place in the line up by becoming a two-time winner.

However, the connections said after the race today there would be no pressure on the trainer to rush things.

Tarry said he would accept for the Thekwini and then monitor how well she recovered from today’s race.

Let’s Go Now won in fluent style over 1600m at the Vaal on June 27 in her second career start, running on strongly from off the pace.

However, that first win was not a strong race, despite the form having since been well franked.

Therefore, Tarry made sure of it by running her today, eleven days before the Thekwini, over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

Gavin Lerena sat in midfield in the Juvenile Plate for fillies and he had to work hard in the straight to get the green filly going.

However, when the penny dropped she produced another fluent finish and got home by 0,25 lengths from hard-knocking maiden Woodland Glade, to whom she gave 3kg.

Lerena confirmed she was green in both the preliminaries and in the race and “probably too relaxed for her own good.”

If Let’s Go Now is seen in the Thekwini Stakes, she will attempt to make amends for the narrow defeat of her sister a year ago.

The dam of the Varsfontein Stud-bred sisters is the former Justin Snaith-trained Silvano mare Star Express, who was held in high regard. She finished second in the Gr 1 Majorca Stakes as a four-year-old and subsequently won the Gr 3 Victress Stakes over 1800m among other good runs.

Star Express’s One World filly at this year’s BSA National yearling Sale went for R800,000, purchased by Adam Marcus Racing.

Beechamwood Boy’s seventh career win today was his sixth win of the season (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Beechamwood Boy Most Improved Horse In KZN

The Wendy Whitehead-trained Bruce le Roux-bred Eightfold Path gelding Beechamwood Boy was as low as a 70 merit rating when having his second run of the season on November 7.

That was his first run as a gelding and it heralded the beginning of a remarkable run.

Today he registered his sixth win of the season, all six of them over 1200m, when scoring under Calvin Habib carrying 57kg in a MR 99 Handicap.

He has won seven times overall in a 24 race career.

However, this season he has had 13 starts for six wins, three seconds and two thirds.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club actually have a most improved horse of the year award and if there was one in KZN Beechamwood Boy would likely win it.

He gives the impression he has more to come as he returns to the ring without blowing much and he also always seems to find more when challenged at the end of his races.

He should provide owners Ian Gibson, Peter Gibson, Matt Sharkey and MDH Sinnema with more fun.

Peter Gibson was at one stage the racing manager for Mr Guo from China, whose ownership and breeding operation in South Africa was called Hartley SA.

Included in the deals Peter did on behalf of Harley SA was the purchase of the stallion Eightfold Path from the Niarchos family.

The Group 3 winner in France was retired after having four unplaced runs in SA for Mike de Kock.

However, Eightfold Path was superbly bred, being by “the iron horse” Giant’s Causeway out of the brilliant five-times Grade 1-winning mare Divine Proportions (Kingmambo), whose only career defeat was to Dubawi in her tenth and final start.

He seemed worth taking a chance on at stud.

Peter noticed one of the best cross’s with Giant’s Causeway was provided by Seeking The Gold mares.

Therefore, he deliberately sought a Windrush (Seeking The Gold) mare to buy for himself to send to Eightfold Path.

He found one called Time To Laugh and bought her for a mere R2,000 from Midlands thoroughbred stalwart, Jill Fox.

Time To Laugh’s first and only win in her seven start career had been on debut and she did it by 4,75 lengths over 1200m at the Vaal trained by Erico Verdonese after being backed in to 33/10.

Time To Laugh was in foal to The Apache at the time of purchase, but the foal unfortunately passed away.

Peter then sent her to Eightfold Path and she produced a colt, which Peter called Smuts, the same name as his father Ian’s first childhood horse.

Smuts showed promise and after a close second in his sixth start he was sold to Mauritius where he has won one race.

The next foal of Time To Laugh was named Beechamwood Boy after a Transkei fishing camp Peter has a share in.

Beechamwood Boy was well balanced as a yearling.

Beechamwood Boy, born and raised at Bruce le Roux’s Blue Sky Thoroughbreds farm, showed immediate promise, running on strongly on debut on the Greyville poly for a close third despite starting odds of 67/1.

He has gone on to prove himself a useful horse and is among the best ever, alongside the like of Aberconway and Danzig’s Mast, to run in nonagenarian Ian Gibson’s eyecatching all maroon silks which he has had since the 1970s.

Saturday’s Dundee July winner Alpha and Omega (Scrolla.Africa).

Upset In The 2023 Dundee July

By Celani Sikhakhane (scrolla.africa)

A Mpumalanga sprinter threw the Dundee July Horse Race into an uproar by snatching victory from the jaws of the favourite, Nxakanxaka, on Saturday.

In a stunning turn of events, Alfa and Omega emerged as the triumphant victor of this year’s 18th annual race, leaving spectators in disbelief.

Held at the eNdumeni race-track in Dundee, northern KwaZulu-Natal, this thrilling showdown took everyone by surprise. Alfa and Omega not only claimed the glory but also bagged a whopping R300,000, an increase from last year’s prize of R250,000.

Moses Dube, who owns Alfa and Omega, said he was shocked and surprised because he didn’t expect the result. “My horse trained very hard.”

Dube hopes that Alfa and Omega’s unexpected win can bring the racing community together. “I am excited and wish that this can bring peace to all race-loving people as a sign of unity.”

He said the last competition they won was the Nquthu June Race held in the Mkhonjane area last month. The horse that was expected to win was Nxakanxaka, from Utrecht in the Amajuba District.

He has won the Dundee July race every year since 2019 but this year he came fifth, which shocked many spectators.

In 2019, a horse from Port Shepstone that won the race was stripped of its prize after it was discovered that it was imported and far quicker compared with the horses it was competing against.

It was discovered that the woman who owned it had brought it in from Australia. It was then disqualified and the prize was handed to Nxakanxaka.

Saturday’s race was themed African Royalty, which turned the event into a traditional African fashion spectacle.

Fashion gurus went all out to showcase their taste in designs, from Masai traditional attire mixed with the touch of an Amandebele necklace and Zulu headgear, to Xhosa and Sotho creations.

The event has grown into a source of economic development for Dundee, a small town famous for its coal mines in Ndumeni Municipality.

Mthandazo Dladla from Glencoe said they benefited a lot because their houses were leased out for the Dundee July race accommodation.

The event offered lots of entertainment, as there were many tents where various bands and artists gave musical performances until midnight.

Neighbouring towns such as Newcastle, Ladysmith and Nquthu also celebrated with their own after-party events.

Pictured above: Alfa and Omega was crowned the 2023 Dundee July Horse Racing winner at eNdumeni race track on Saturday

Desert Crown (Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images))

King George Possible Desert Crown pleases in Wednesday workout

‘There’s a good chance he will go to Ascot’

www,attheraces.com

Desert Crown remains in contention for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes after producing a “pleasing” piece of work under Ryan Moore at Newmarket on Wednesday morning.

The Saeed Suhail-owned 2022 Derby winner was beaten narrowly by Hukum in the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown on his return to action in May following a year on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Another minor setback prevented him from running in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and while subsequent scans proved negative, trainer Sir Michael Stoute suggested last week that he may not have enough time to line up in the all-aged showpiece at Ascot on Saturday week.

However, confidence in the camp is growing that the son of Nathaniel will take on this season’s English and Irish Derby winner Auguste Rodin, Epsom runner-up King Of Steel, last year’s King George winner Pyledriver and his Sandown conqueror Hukum in the Qipco-sponsored 12-furlong highlight after all.

The owner’s racing manager, Bruce Raymond, said: “He worked this morning and Ryan rode him.

“Michael was very pleased with him and I think there is a good chance he will go to Ascot.

“He worked nicely. It was a pleasing gallop. I can’t say he is certain for the race, but everyone was very happy with him. There’s a good chance he will go to Ascot.”

Desert Crown is currently a 10-1 chance with Coral for the King George, with Auguste Rodin their 9-4 favourite.

Derryl Daniels on Buster Barnes

Deryl Daniels’ First Comeback Winner Happens In Zimbabwe

Sporting Post

South African horseracing’s ultimate comeback kid, jockey Deryl Daniels had to travel North of the Limpopo to Borrowdale Park on Saturday for his first winner since returning to the saddle recently after a five year absence.

Riding first-timer Buster Barnes for trainer Debbie Swanson, Deryl guided the Millstream Stud-bred son of Erupt to a convincing ten-length victory for the Centuar Syndicate in the opener at Borrowdale Park on Saturday.

Deryl told the Sporting Post that he was thrilled to have broken the ice and very happy to get the feel of being in the number 1 box again.

The former SA Champion Apprentice returned to race-riding in May this year after being out of action for some years due to substance abuse issues.

Deryl wrote on social media over the weekend:

So I had to go cross border to catch my first winner back. No matter , the journey here has been so so damn sweet. Hard most of the time , but also so satisfying . God is always good . Thank you to boss Pete ( Muscutt racing) for almost 3 years of friendship , encouragement – my journey started with you. Mike and Laura de Haast, my adopted family, your input in my journey continues and is valued. Mark Human doctor extraordinaire and his team at Olivedale , you gave from your hearts and it humbles me . Also on the way friendships build , Mark ( DONT SAY ME NO ) Naidoo shot boi . Mtash mtintini . Tracy Woolard , Phillip (loadmaster) Fourie. Robbie Dawson. Special thanks Mike Shaw for getting my recovery journey going through Project Exodus.Wise counsel, Louise Els,Nick Eaves, Bernice Marjorie Nicholson , and every person in our recovery community. IT IS HARD BUT IT CAN BE DONE AND WORTH IT. To Kamal (mayor of Newcastle) Prithwirage, Vina and all my Newcastle family, much love . My parents and sisters, Don Dillon and family. Hey wena Krispen Godden. If I’ve left anyone out forgive me but you know I love and appreciate you. Visions and goals have been set and mercifully achieved – the journey continues and looking forward to what’s ahead.

Muzi Yeni

Still no cigar in jockey Muzi Yeni’s rollercoaster career

Despite various dramas, the 36-year-old has kept his position in the premier league

David Mollett (Business Day)

As the 2022/23 campaign draws to a close, jockey Muzi Yeni may reflect on another “might have been” season. The 36-year-old will finish in fourth place in the national log, but his first title and win in the Durban July continue to evade him.

Yeni has had the rollercoaster of a career with plenty of controversy. Four years ago, he was banned for three months after an incident with Lyle Hewitson and this put paid to his chance of winning that season’s championship.

In February 2023 there was more ammo for social media bloggers, with Yeni and fellow jockey Billy Jacobson involved in a fracas at Greyville which resulted in both riders being handed interim suspensions. Again Yeni’s title hopes went up in smoke.

Despite all this drama, Yeni has maintained his position in the premier league of the country’s riders and — up to July 12 — had ridden 140 winners from 1,226 mounts this term. His tally in the 2021/22 season was 159 from 1,419 mounts.

Though he often falls foul of the racing authorities in his will to win, Yeni remains popular with punters throughout the country as they know he will do everything in his power to get his mount over the line in front.

While the headlines will involve Keagan De Melo and Richard Fourie in the last fortnight of the season, Yeni will fly anywhere in search of winners and he has seven booked rides at the Vaal on Thursday.

Pick of the septet could be Thunderstone who does duty for Roy Magner’s stable in the final leg of the jackpot. A R160,000 son of Soft Falling Rain, the three-year-old was narrowly beaten last time out and has the advantage of a favourable draw.

Owner Suzette Viljoen has backed Tony Peter as he begins life as a trainer and her runner, Aussenkehr, comes right into the picture as the Elusive Fort gelding is 2kg better off with Magner’s runner compared to their clash at Turffontein in May.

It’s been a memorable season for trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren and it was his runner, Moonshiningthrough, who beat Thunderstone last time out. Diego De Gouveia retains the ride on the daughter of Rafeef.

Yeni has built up a good relationship with trainer Robbie Sage and he’ll be bidding for a third win on the stable’s three-year-old, City Lights, in the sixth race. Once again he’s got a good draw and this may enable the filly to hold off De Melo’s mount, Elembee.

De Melo was at his best on bookmaker Lance Michael’s filly last time out and — given only a three-point penalty — a repeat win is a distinct possibility. Pick of the remainder may be another Suzette Viljoen-owned runner, Say Yes.

Magner will fancy his chances of winning the fifth race with Leao Alado who has been placed second in two of his past three starts. However, he will be aware the colt is the only two-year-old in the field and will have to be at the top of his game to beat Manz Knight and Time To Meditate.

S’manga Khumalo has got the call to partner Manz Knight for the first time — right now the son of Gimmethegreenlight is looking an expensive purchase at R440,000.

Fully Loaded appeals as another good ride for Khumalo in the final leg of the Pick Six, but all of Run For Isla, Brosnan, Lulu’s Boy and Yeni’s mount, Fort Lauderdale, possess winning chances.

With just 52.5kg on her back, Run For Isla might be the right horse to rove in the trifecta.

Selections

1st race: (1) Aunt Pittypat (3) Antananarivo (2) Impression (4) Dusky Rose

2nd race: No selection

3rd race: (6) Golden Pavilion (1) Viva De Janeiro (5) Circle Of Grace (7) Kudzu

4th race: (1) Green Bubbles (2) Zoom Lady (10) Pass The Baton (11) Villa Semaya

5th race: (3) Manz Knight (8) Leao Alado (1) Time To Meditate (2) Desert Fox

6th race: (1) Cape Lights (6) Elembee (5) Say Yes (2) Admire Me

7th race: (4) Captain Of Grit (3) Johnny Dogs (5) Suryavarman (2) Kayla’s Champ

8th race: (5) Thunderstone (3) Aussenkhr (2) Moonshiningthrough (10) Fostinovo

9th race: (8) Run For Isla (2) Fully Loaded (3) Brosnan (1) Fort Lauderdale

S’Manga Khumalo just gets up on the Peter Muscutt-trained Formagear to clinch his double (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Khumalo Double, Puller Moves Three Wins Ahead

S’Manga Khumalo was the only double scorer at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today,

Garth Puller had a winner to move three wins ahead of Gareth van Zyl in the intriguing races for the KZN Trainers Championship.

Puller is on 59 wins in KZN for the season, achieved at a strike rate of 9.97%.

Van Zyl’s 56 wins in KZN have come at 16.87%.

Khumalo goes to 173 wins in SA for the season at 16.09%.

Vaal Classic Fields, Thursday

Some Of Man o’ War’s sons, including By Hisself (Truman State University).

Today’s Question

How did the Man o’ War colt By Hisself get his name?

Question answer at the bottom of the newsletter

ANSWER TO TODAY’S QUESTION

One of Sam Riddle’s favorite stories concerning his champion Man o’ War involved an observer watching his morning workout and asking a nearby groom, “Who’s he by?” The groom replied, “He’s by hisself and there ain’t nobody gonna get near him!”

Riddle later named one of Man o’ War’s sons in honour of the groom’s words.

Turf Talk Newsletter – 19 July, 2023