Fourie Barometer 386 (updated after racing on 19/07/2024)

Jasiri To Fly Home Again

Jasiri came from well back to win impressively last time and this progressive sprinter can follow up at Turffontein Standside on Saturday (JC Photos)

Jasiri by Canford Cliffs is a half-sister to classy Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained stablemate Bingwa and she caught the eye last time out when coming from some way off the pace to mow them down over 1000m at the Vaal.

On Saturday she runs in a MR 91 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m at Turffontein Standside and has a favourable standside draw, so Gavin Lerena might be able to tepeat that last performance off just a three point higher mark. She looks capable of rising above her current 82 merit rating. However, What A Lucy has plenty of substance and looks to have scope for further improvement after two wins and a close second in her last three starts, this progressive Lucky Houdalakis-trained daughter of Whaat A Winter will be a threat. This is her best trip and she is also drawn on the right side. Virginia Beach has pace and the blinkers have been fitted so she is interesting from the standside draw. Mist In Scotland won easily last time out on the Highveld but then, off an eight point higher mark, went back to her previous sort of form by finishing 8,20 lengths back at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. She is capable but unreliable so some might want to include her in the Pick 6. On Cue is a consistent sort who is distance suited but the number two draw is against her.

That is race seven at the meeting and the previous race, a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1400m, will also have some classy contestants. The classy Gr 1 winner Bavarian Beauty is 2kg better off at the weights than any other runner according to the official merit ratings and she has a fair draw of five over an ideal trip. Celtic Rumours was beaten 2,90 lengths by Bavarian Beauty in the Gr 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes over 1600m but she has some fine form over 1400m, including a 3,25 length fourth in the Gr 2 Hawaii Stakes behind the like of Sandringham Summit and Lucky lad and she beat the like of Unzen and At My Command. She gets 2kg from the year younger Bavarian beauty but does have the widest draw in the nine horse field. Captain Peg has won five of her six starts over this distance category and comes off a good run with blinkers on over 1200m. She is drawn in pole with 2,5kg claimer Trent Mayhew up and could be dangerous receiving 2kg from Bavarian Beauty. Key Element is 2,5kg under sufferance with Bavarian Beauty but has shown improvement lately and could earn, although her draw of six is not easy. Lady Of Power won the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas from the front last year and could be a threat if taking the lead from draw three here, although she appears to prefer further these days.

The first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m could be won by Lady Of Tibet if she repeats her last start over this course and distance. She has a plum draw of two and in form Gavin Lerena gets the ride. Party Punch appears to be on the up and can’t be ignored. Silver Parasol actually comes out ahead of Lady Of Tibet on formlines because she comfortably beat Cantfoolme last time out over this trip and the latter then went and won, beating Lady Of Tibet. Silver Parasol has to therefore be considered.

In the second leg over 1600m Dimako’s Jet only just failed in her last two over 1800m and 1600m respectively and now gets cheekpieces on from a plum draw. She will be hard to beat. Viva De Janeiro has ability and could be the biggest threat although a wide draw is offputting.

In the eighth race over 1000m Midnight Fusion ran a good race last time when drawn on the wrong side and she now has a middle draw and a 2,5kg claimer up. Ride On has some eyecatching form and draw six out of nine should see her involved. Pendragon is an interesting runner because Gavin Lerena got him to run on strongly the last time he rode him, which was as opposed to his normal pacey style. He could be flying at them late from a high draw.

In the last leg of the Pick 6 Waitforgreenlight is drawn on the right side with a 2,5kg claimer up and could go close. Neerah bounced back with a fine effort over this trip last time and with a repeat from a middle draw could be in the shake up. Peace Of Mind is talented and goes for a hattrick but it won’t be easy from a low draw. Fennec Fox goes for a hattrick over her favourite trip, but from a fair draw does have to overcome a four point raise. Micke’s Bomb is capable of an upset from a nice high draw.

In the first leg of the bipot Zanthar and Komati River should get punters through.

In the first leg of the PA Joost Droochsloot, Panning Gold and Bay Empire stand out and could help punters treble up in the PA.

Master Archie's Half-Brother Wins Again

Majestic Palace wins for the third time in his career (JC Photos)

Cape Racing

Winterbach Stud’s well-performed stallion Master Archie is from a very much inform female line, and his family struck again when Master Archie’s half-brother, Majestic Palace, won at Turffontein on Thursday.

Trained by Michael and Adam Azzie, three-year-old Majestic Palace was given a fine ride by Craig Zackey to capture the Next Turffontein Racemeeting Saturday 20 July MR 86 Handicap (1800m).

Craig Zackey gave his mount a well-judged front-running ride, and the pair, despite hanging in the closing stages, stayed on gamely to win by just over half a length.

A son of Potala Palace, Majestic Palace has won three of just eight starts.
The gelding is one of six winners produced by Listed Bauhinia Handicap winner La Volta, with that daughter of Var a full-sister to G1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship third Valeta.

The latter is the dam of G3 Starling Stakes winner She’s A Giver, whose two-year-old son Mount Pinatubo, runner up in this season’s G2 TAB SA Nursery, recently romped home to win impressively at Turffontein. A winner of two of five starts, Mount Pinatubo is set to run in the upcoming G1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes.

A son of top sire, and fellow G1 Computaform Sprint winner, Rafeef, Master Archie won seven of 17 starts including both the 2022 G1 Computaform Sprint and 2022 G3 World Sports Betting Man O’War Sprint.

Dundee July Set For Gallops, Glitz And Glamour

There are usually about 12 races at the Dundee July meeting, with all races run with the trotting gait, and it includes national and international participants with a total of about 400 jockeys and horse owners (Picture: The Witness)

The party seems to be what the Dundee July is all about as there is very little about the horses in the build up and no information available on which horses, trainers and jockeys are participating.

Nevertheless, it is happening this Saturday and this eevnt is becming bigger and bigger (see below article on its impact).

risingsunnewspapers.co.za

The annual glitz and glamour event which is bound to attract tens of thousands of spectators from all over KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries, Botswana and Lesotho, will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

At the Dundee July, there will be fashion shows where designers are given an opportunity to showcase their work. The winning designers receive cash prizes sponsored by Ithala.

It’s all systems go for the annual Dundee July, a rural horseracing event that brings the old coal mining town of Dundee in northern KwaZulu-Natal alive.The race, which originated in the eNdumeni region of Dundee, a former coal town, has expanded tremendously. The event has since established itself as a significant must-attend event on the horse racing calendar!

This popular event was established in 2005 for rural, social and skills development for people who are from previously disadvantaged communities.

Previous Dundee July events contributed more than R15 million to the local economy and created over 3, 000 temporary jobs.

For the past decade, Ithala SOC Limited, a 100 percent owned subsidiary of Ithala Development Finance Corporation- KZN’s provincial development agency- has been a banking partner and sponsor of the flagship event organised by the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation.

Ithala’s mandate is to serve ordinary South Africans and help them manage their money and create wealth, as it has done for the past 23 years.

In 2019, Ithala expanded its involvement in the Dundee July into fashion with prize money and a programme known as ‘The Legacy Programme’, which focuses on creating sustainable rural development that goes beyond initial contact between beneficiaries and benefactors.

This has ensured that rural outreach, development and empowerment initiatives are impactful and sustainable over a long enough time to make a lasting impact on communities.

Dr Thulani Vilakazi, CEO of Ithala SOC Limited, said the Dundee July attracts a large following and provides an ideal platform in which to bring affordable and convenient financial services closer to the people of KZN.

“As a pioneer champion in banking the unbanked in KZN, transactional accounts will be opened for participants to safely receive their participation fees and winnings thus growing our transactional account base. Ithala will distribute stake money and appearance fees to all winners and participants this year,” he said.

Mntomuhle Khawula, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts, And Culture, said the Dundee July is not only about horses, but it also stimulates the local economy.

“Millions are injected into the economy of the district. Moreover, events such as Dundee July fit into the government’s plan to develop and revitalise rural towns. The event, preceded by a cultural parade, has also assisted in unearthing young fashion designers who would not have had the opportunity. It has also developed traditional horseracing into a competitive sport, bringing much-needed income to horse owners and jockeys,” he said.

Through a distribution network of 38 branches in KZN, Ithala provides convenient transacting facilities. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of corporate and personal banking solutions.

For more information, visit www.myithala.co.za or call 031 366-2500

Three-year-olds Dominate Cartier Horse Of The Year Standings

Al Riffa (right): chased home City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse
City Of Troy: went to the top of the Horse of the Year standings after success in the Coral-Eclipse Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Three-year-olds dominate Cartier Horse of the Year standings after victories in notable generational battles

Three-year-olds dominate the standings for the Cartier Horse of the Year award after City Of Troy and Porta Fortuna propelled themselves to the top two spots when getting the better of their older counterparts in two of the notable early battles of the generations.

Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace winner Rosallion (88) had led the way in the Horse of the Year and Three-Year-Old Colt categories after his Royal Ascot heroics, but he has been replaced at the top of both standings by last month’s Derby winner City Of Troy (96), who followed up his Epsom Classic win with a hard-fought victory in the Eclipse.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt also sits eight points clear of Porta Fortuna (88), who joins Rosallion in second spot after dominating the Falmouth Stakes, the first major clash of three-year-old fillies and older opposition, at Newmarket’s July Festival, storming clear in the final furlong to score by four lengths.

Trained by Donnacha O’Brien, she now heads the Three-Year-Old Filly division having overhauled Oaks winner Ezeliya (56), who was retired after a training setback this month.

Commonwealth Cup winner Inisherin (48) could not continue the domination of the three-year-old generation as he could manage only fifth in the Group 1 July Cup behind Mill Stream (60), whose neck victory over Swingalong (32) saw him shoot to the top of the Cartier Sprinter standings.

Queen Anne winner Charyn (80) continues to lead the Older Horse points and remains the highest placed of that division in the Horse of the Year standings, but Prince of Wales’s Stakes scorer Auguste Rodin (64) and five-time top-level victor Rebel’s Romance (54) could look for a big performance in the King George to show their credentials for the awards.

Double Major (22), last year’s leading three-year-old stayer in France, threw his name into the hat for the Cartier Stayer award when landing the Prix Maurice de Nieuil on Saturday. Ascot Gold Cup one-two Kyprios (56) and Trawlerman (27) remain first and second in the division.

Cartier Racing Awards standings

Horse of the Year
96 City Of Troy
88 Porta Fortuna
88 Rosallion
80 Charyn
64 Auguste Rodin
60 Mill Stream
56 Ezeliya
56 Kyprios
56 White Birch
54 Rebel’s Romance

Older Horse
80 Charyn
64 Auguste Rodin
56 White Birch
54 Rebel’s Romance
48 Bluestocking
48 Haya Zark
48 Measured Time

Three-Year-Old Colt
96 City Of Troy
88 Rosallion
52 Los Angeles
48 Inisherin
48 Notable Speech

Three-Year-Old Filly
88 Porta Fortuna
56 Ezeliya
50 Elmalka
48 Sparkling Plenty
39 Star Of Mystery

Sprinter
60 Mill Stream
48 Inisherin
39 Star Of Mystery
32 Asfoora
32 Khaadem
32 Swingalong

Stayer
56 Kyprios
27 Trawlerman
24 Sevenna’s Knight
22 Sweet William
22 Double Major

Vauban Continues On Road To Melbourne In Curragh Cup

Vauban and Colin Keane cruise to victory at Naas last year (Picture: Sky Sports)

Willie Mullins’ contender faces a strong challenge from Ballydoyle.

Following an honourable fourth in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, Vauban continues on his path back to the Melbourne in the Comer Group International Curragh Cup on Saturday.

Willie Mullins’ one-time Triumph Hurdle scorer has become a real dual-purpose star, winning at Royal Ascot in 2023 and not disgraced behind Kyprios in the staying showpiece this time around.

Having travelled menacingly into contention at Ascot, before running out of petrol when it mattered most, he now drops back to a winning distance, the same trip over which he chased home recent Newmarket winner Giavellotto in the Yorkshire Cup earlier in the season.

Vauban was seen just the once post-Ascot before his trip to Flemington last year, but is set for a busier summer this time around – starting with this Group Two assignment, where connections will hope to see their charge finish ahead of Aidan O’Brien’s Tower Of London as he did on the Knavesmire in May.

“He came through for home in the Gold Cup looking like he was going to get involved, but it looks like all the experts in the build up were right that there was a stamina doubt over two and a half miles,” said Joe Chambers, racing manager for Vauban’s owner Rich Ricci.

“Willie has been fairly vocal in wanting to get more runs into him before going to Australia again this year, so this will be the first of two or maybe even three runs in advance of heading to Melbourne later in the year.

“Where he goes in the next one or two who knows, but this is coming pretty soon enough after Ascot and the ground would have been quick enough for him there. Hopefully he will be able to get through it and it looks like himself and the Ballydoyle horse (Tower Of London) are the standouts on ratings.”

Dubai Gold Cup champion Tower Of London is one of three in the race for O’Brien, who won this with Emily Dickinson 12 months ago and has taken home the trophy a record eight times in total.

The four-year-old is joined by Gasper De Lemos and Grosvenor Square, but it is Tower Of London who carries Ballydoyle’s main hopes and has the services of number one jockey Ryan Moore.

Moore told Betfair: “This looks a good spot for Tower Of London to get back on track after a disappointing run in the Yorkshire Cup.

“Whatever the reason for that below-par effort, he has a very strong form chance here on his earlier Meydan win, a race in which he looked a Group One horse in waiting. Vauban is the obvious danger.”

Also holding claims is Dermot Weld’s Shamida, who brought up a hat-trick when successful over course and distance in the Irish St Leger Trial Stakes last September and now makes her seasonal return having last been seen competing in the Prix de Royallieu in France.

“She’s had a very good spring and is ready to start. I suppose we always had the second half of the year in mind for her, there wasn’t an awful lot for her in the first half of the year,” said Pat Downes, manager of owner the Aga Khan’s Irish studs.

“I’m sure whatever way she runs on Saturday, I’d say she’ll take a nice step forward from it, but she’s certainly ready to run a nice race and has been working well.

“We’re looking forward to seeing her out again.”

A total of 12 runners go to post, with Jessica Harrington’s Kinesiology looking to build on his neck second to Portland in the King George V Cup and Joseph O’Brien searching for his third win in the race with Raise You and Dancing Tango.

Newbury Saturday Formguides And Selections

Fairytale £3,500 purchase Regional, pictured winning last year’s Gr 1 Haydock Sprint Cup, is tipped to win race 3 (Picture: Sky Sports)

At The Races

1 2:50 PM (SA Time) – Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Stakes (Listed) (Registered As The Steventon Stakes)

Second behind City Of Troy in the Dewhurst, ALYANAABI has returned in similar form as a three-year-old, posting two creditable efforts in defeat in both the 2000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes. Now stepping up in trip with his sights lowered, this looks to be a good opportunity for the classy son of Too Darn Hot to regain the winning thread. Al Aasy has flashes of smart form and last year’s winner should go well, while Phantom Flight is respected most of the remainder.

Top Tip: ALYANAABI (4)

Watch out for: AL AASY (1)

2 3:25 PM – Mettal UK Handicap

In what looks a wide-open affair on paper, just a tentative vote goes to DANCING IN PARIS. Ian Williams’ charge showed a likeable attitude when scoring over 1m6f at Ascot last week, travelling strongly before finding plenty for pressure in the closing stages and, upped 4lb tackling this trip for the first time, he appeals most. Kyle Of Lochalsh fairly bolted up over 1m6f at Salisbury on his penultimate start before finishing a solid third in the Ascot Stakes last month, and he is a big player. Naqeeb and Prydwen are a couple of others to consider.

Top Tip: DANCING IN PARIS (10)

Watch out for: KYLE OF LOCHALSH (5)

3 4:00 PM – Fidelity Energy Hackwood Stakes (Group 3)

REGIONAL lost nothing in defeat when finishing runner-up in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot over 5f last month, just bumping into a speedy Australian raider. Now stepping back up to 6f, which promises to suit, he gets the vote to show his rivals the way home. Elite Status reappeared with a scintillating display over C&D in May and has to be taken seriously, while James’s Delight and Kind Of Blue both look to hold solid claims for at least hitting the frame.

Top Tip: REGIONAL (4)

Watch out for: ELITE STATUS (7)

4 4:35 PM – Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes (GBB Race)

An open renewal in which Vingegaard, who finished fifth in the Windsor Castle having won on his debut, merits the utmost respect. The form of that race hasn’t worked out particularly well so far, though, and it looks best to side with IT AIN’T TWO. Fourth in the Empress at Newmarket last month, she chased home a smart individual in the Dragon Stakes at Sandown latest and appeals as a leading candidate on that form. Kaadi sets the standard with an official rating of 95 and is noted along with Time For Sandals, Do It Now and Pont Neuf.

Top Tip: IT AIN’T TWO (17)

Watch out for: VINGEGAARD (4)

5 5:10 PM – Take A Lucky Dip At BetVictor EBF Novice Stakes

With a host of potentially useful types for the future lining up, only a tentative vote can go the way of Frankel colt BRAVE MISSION. This should be an ideal starting point given the speed on his dam’s side and Ralph Beckett is no stranger to success in these types of contests. Richard Hannon has a good recent record in the race and Elyam may be the pick of his pair. The Waco Kid looks the best of those with racecourse experience, while Panenka must also be considered for an in-form yard.

Top Tip: BRAVE MISSION (2)

Watch out for: ELYAM (4)

6 5:45 PM – Darley EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

PURE OF HEART’s second in a Lingfield maiden on her penultimate start was a solid display before she disappointed on handicap debut at Goodwood. Dropping back to 1m2f, the addition of both cheekpieces and a tongue-tie for the first time gives Ollie Sangster’s filly a great opportunity to shed the maiden tag. Mallavelly is capable of being in the mix after her fourth at Goodwood in May, while Fior Di Bosco, a half-sister to 2000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold, may improve for the extra couple of furlongs.

Top Tip: PURE OF HEART (9)

Watch out for: MALLAVELLY (7)

7 6:20 PM – British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap (Str)

SUNFALL didn’t appear to be entirely in love with Chester when finishing third on her latest outing. William Haggas’ filly had won comfortably the time before at Sandown and the return to a more conventional track, along with an extra furlong, should suit. Shemozzle took a step back in the right direction when beaten a neck into second at Haydock in May and she is noted along with Battle Queen, who finished sixth in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot.

Top Tip: SUNFALL (4)

Watch out for: SHEMOZZLE (6)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections

Except Temptation has been tipped to win the fifth race (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Gold Circle

R1 Summary: Many first timers and the form of those that have run is not outstanding. ARJUNA (7) made a promising debut before taking on males at her second start with an apprentice up. Muzi Yeni takes over the reins for Paul Lafferty. SWEET DREAMER (5) found some market support on debut, possibly because of the Richard Fourie / Glen Kotzen combination. The filly was well beaten but the combination go in again. ARCTIC FURY (11) was a well beaten fourth on debut but the winner looks useful. Chase Maujean stays aboard for Doug Campbell. LUCRATIVE (6) comes from a strong stable with Dean Kannemeyer’s comment being, include in all exotics. (Andrew Harrison: 7-5-11-6).

R2 Summary: Many lightly raced runners stepping up in trip. However, BURNING MAN (11) was a beaten favourite over course and distance last time out and has been close-up at his last two. He should go close. DAPPER (10) has not been out of the money in five outings and was narrowly beaten over a mile on this course last time out. These two are the form contenders. KINNIKINNIK (3) has not been far back in two sprints and now jumps in trip with first time blinkers. KOMANDANTE (5) has been improving slowly and the step up in trip could suit. (Andrew Harrison: 11-10-3-5).

R3 Summary: HURRICANE FLIGHT (5) has come on with each outing and looks primed for this. FACILE (9) and YELLOW JACKET (7) meet again with Kom Naidoo’s filly having the edge. When the two met, Facile was the favourite with Yellow Jacket out at 100-1. Yellow Jacket had modest form before arriving in Naidoo’s yard but blinkers appear to have brought out the best. Facile has only had two outings and both step up in trip. SILVER JUBILEE (1) had a tough draw in her KZN debut and was not too far back. She also steps up in trip but has the best of the draw and a pedigree to match. (Andrew Harrison: 5-9-7-1).

R4 Summary: Tricky fillies handicap. Mark Dixon’s pair of HOT STRIKE (2) and ESCAPOLOGIST (7) finished 1-2 when last they met over course and distance with a neck between them. The latter is now 1 kg better off and should be able to turn the tables on Hot Strike who is not the easiest back home. ESCAPE ARTIST (3) was just over a length back in third place in that same race and is now 2kg’s better off with the winner so Sean Tarry’s runner should be right there. FAIZAH (1) is useful and found her best form last time out. She got a four-pound raise in the handicap but looks capable of going back-to-back. (Andrew Harrison: 7-3-2-1).

R5 Summary: EXCEPT TEMPTATION (3) has been a model of consistency of late and goes well over course and distance but he does face some tough opposition. THE REAL PRINCE (4) is highly regarded but is lightly raced. He was well beaten at only his second start that being on the poly. He was impressive on debut and the switch to turf down the straight could bring out true potential. COMMON GROUNDS (2) has come good of late, his last win being over course and distance beating Except Temptation but the latter is now 2kg better off in the handicap. GOOD TRAVELLER (10) is long overdue another win but got a two-pound raise in the handicap for his third last time out and could find it tough again. STRATHCLYDE (8) bidding for a third straight win is another to consider winning from a tough draw last time out but did get a five-pound penalty. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-2-10).

R6 Summary: PURPLE POWAHOUSE (3) has been a little costly to follow but he is always there abouts. He takes a further drop in the handicap and should be involved again although he switches to the turf. NORTHERN WARRIOR (4) was ridden by an inexperienced apprentice last time out but was not far back. He goes well over course and distance and should be competitive. BUSTER KEATON (1) is another that is seldom far off the winner and he takes a further drop in the handicap which should put him into contention. ARVERNI PRINCESS (6) takes on males but has been improving steadily although also dropping in the handicap. She may now be off her right mark. (Andrew Harrison: 4-3-1-6).

R7 Summary: MASCHERINA (9) is lightly raced but has only once missed a cheque in six starts. She has her third run after a break and should be spot on for this event. MOUNTAINSOFTHEMOON (1) has not been far back in useful company of late. She has started to long odds but with a handy galloping weight she should be competitive in this field from the best of the draw. MALCOLM’S DREAM (5) is not the most reliable but is smart on her day. If she puts it in she will go close to winning. ZINIKELE (7) is 1.5kg better off with Malcolm’s Dream on their last meeting beaten two lengths. There should be very little between them if that form pans out as expected. (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-7-5).

R8 Summary: Competitive handicap. CABINET SHUFFLE (11) has a wide draw to contend with but has tumbled down the handicap and coupled with a 4kg claimer aboard he could be the right one. WYLIE RILEY (8) has consistent recent form in useful company. He does shoulder top weight and his recent form has been on the poly but he should be competitive in this field. BUGALUGS (4) won second time of asking at long odds and should come on from that effort as this further trip should suit. DOWN BY THE RIVER (5) comes in with a handy weight and he goes well on this course. (Andrew Harrison: 11-8-4-5).