This R6 million Gimmethegreenlight colt bred by Wilgerbosdrift Stud was the top lot at the BSA National Yearling Sale and was purchased by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (Picture: BSA)

David Mollett

If there’s one person who emerged with great credit from the successful 2024 National Yearling Sales in Germiston, it is Bloodstock SA CEO, Michael Holmes.

On his most important two days of the year, Michael marshalled his troops in the same way that Pep Guardiola has done in making Manchester City such a force in the football world.

Organising such an important event comes with a lot of planning. One has to check that all is well with the main Bloodstock SA staff including the auctioneers, spotters, sales team, accounts and stabling personnel.

Michael learnt the bloodstock trade under the late great bloodstock consultant, Chris Smith, joining the firm in 1988. Amazing to think that it’s 23 years since Smith passed away in a Durban hospital.

“Those were the golden days,” reflected Michael. “Chris had owners and breeders knocking at his door as they knew he was the best at closing a deal.”

Now Michael was pretty much thrown in the deep end, but he’s a resolute character and formed Michael Holmes Bloodstock which included selling Horses-in-Training at Shongweni. A big step from there to SA’s principal bloodstock sale.

At the conclusion of business on April 19, Bloodstock SA were able to announce some sensational figures, not least the increase in average from R443 228 in 2023 to R581 948 this year.

Now Michael has to be rated more of a people person rather than a scholar so his quote to Sporting Post when the sums had been added up came as a bit of a surprise.

He said: “The figures are a tangible barometer of the positivity that is sweeping SA horse racing. Our buyers bench included a mix of local and international buyers – the quality was impeccable. Our breeders have done a great job at all levels.”

Perhaps Michael got a little help in this quotes department from their excellent sales liaison lady, Heather Morkel. She’s as important to the team as Kevin Dr Bruyne to Manchester City.

Going through the catalogue prior to the sale, I tried to identify the top lot and came up with Captain’s Ransom’s half-brother (by Vercingetorix) and Summer Pudding’s three parts sister, also by Vercingetorix. Also Wilgerbosdrift’s half-brother to Rainbow Bridge and three parts brother to Hawaam, also by Vercingetorix.

I was way off the mark. I had the Captain’s Ransom half-brother in the R6 million category but – with Suzette Viljoen not getting involved – it was Grant Knowles’ Central Route Trading that made the winning bid at R2,8 million.

Grant has worn many hats in his distinguished career (including TBA and Plumpton racecourse) and he had to feel he had secured the bargain of the sale. It would have been interesting to know the limit he was prepared to go to.

While our blossoming friendship with Hong Kong racing is so vitally important for our sport, there was no way in my book that was going to fetch double the price of both the Captain’s Ransom and Summer Pudding siblings and – for that matter – the half-brother to Rainbow Bridge.

Yet that’s what happened with the hammer coming down at R6 million for the Gimmethegreenlight colt, Man Of His Word (good name), consigned by Wilgerbosdrift. The dam, Honorine, won a Gr 2 but was inferior on the racetrack to Summer Pudding’s dam, Cherry On The Cake, who won seven races.

I was close by Form Bloodstock’s, Johan Malherbe, when Mauritzfontein’s Vercingetorix three pasrts sister to Summer Pudding entered the ring and – on the phone (possibly to Lady Laidlaw) – he had the final say at R3,6 million – the top selling filly on the sale.

Michael Holmes is correct – there is a “positivity” sweeping SA racing. With the international doors now open, we can only hope that the sale’s top lot flies the flag successfully for SA when he makes his debut in Hong Kong.

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In his assessment of the 58 entries for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Turf Talk editor, David Thiselton, makes some important observations the pick of which is that – due to the new weight conditions – the “ball is in the court of three year-olds”, such as Green With Envy, Purple Pitcher and Pure Predator. Also that Royal Victory “can’t be ignored.”

Personally, I love an antepost bet and have backed See The Fire at big odds for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 5 – hopefully a b’day present for this columnist.

So if asked to select a July horse priced at over 20-1 – who would it be? The answer is the Snaith inmate, Without Question.

If one examines the four year-old’s form, it shows the gelding has often run well behind the ruling July favourite, See It Again. He ran third behind See It Again in the 2023 Cape Derby, third again behind Michael Roberts star in the Dally News 2000 and – more recently – third behind Double Superlative in the WSB Met.

I think I’ll ask the sponsors, Devin Heffer, what price he will give me for Without Question to finish third on July 6.

Of course, the big question is whether Gimme A Nother wlll be in the final lineup. If she is, I won’t be looking anywhere else for the winner.

With a perfect seven successes from seven outings, the filly ticks all the right boxes – not least the late Terrance Millard’s view that you need a mile and a half horse to win the July.

For Gimme A Nother to follow in the hoofprints of former Mike De Kock female equine heroes Ipi Tombe, Igugu and Sparkling Water would be some achievement by SA’s best-known trainer in his quest for a sixth July triumph.

Il Etait Temps (right) jumps up alongside Gaelic Warrior before going on to get the better of him in the run in (Sporting Life)

The Hollywood Syndicate and Barnane Stud-owned Paddy Mullins-trained Il Etait Temps won the third Gr 1 of his Novice chasing career today (Thursday) and at the same time exacted revenge on Gaelic Warrior, who had defeated him at the Cheltenham Festival.

The race was at the Punchestown Festival.

Punchestown one-two for Willie Mullins, but not in order expected

Il Etait Temps claimed another top-level prize when prevailing in the Gr 1 Barberstown Castle Novice Chase at Punchestown over two miles and half-a-furlong.

The six-year-old came into the race on the back of a successful season, within which he has won the Gr 1 Irish Arkle, finished third in the Arkle itself and then claimed the Gr 1 Manifesto Chase at Aintree last time out.

Despite that he was not the favourite to strike again at Grade One level as his stablemate Gaelic Warrior took that status as the first horse home when the two met in the Arkle at Cheltenham in March.

In a small field the four challengers travelled closely before outsider Mount Frisco fell away, leaving three Willie Mullins-trained geldings to fight it out.

Il Etait Temps 97-2) was the one who came off best, claiming a two-and-a-quarter-length victory under Danny Mullins.

“He’s an extraordinary horse, that’s his third Grade One this year,” said the Closutton trainer.

“He doesn’t look like a big steeplechaser, but he’s got an engine and he jumps well. He’s just maturing and learning all the time.

“He’s getting a lot easier to ride. He has a good and a tongue-tie and that’s to keep the revs low on him. It’s working and we’ll keep them on him for the time being anyway.

“I’d imagine he’ll stay at the two-mile division until we think that he’s too slow, possibly on ground that he likes better.

“He never gives up. He’s settling now and more mature and concentrating his energy at the second half of the race.

“He’s a horse that I won’t mind going up in trip with and he could easily slot into being a Ryanair horse.”

Of the runner-up Mullins added: “I think Gaelic Warrior probably didn’t like the ground and it might just be drying up too much for him. He might be more of a winter horse.

“When he won here last year Paul (Townend) thought he didn’t move as well on it even though he won.

“I didn’t think he was as flashy jumping. He’s an extravagant jumper and he wasn’t that at all today.”

The result was a record 35th Grade One of the season for the all-conquering Mullins, who added: “We’ve an incredible team of owners and staff and the horses come if you have both of those.”

Cruise Control can follow up on his poly win over 1000m last time (Pauline Herman Photography)

Jack Milner (Tab4Racing)

Last week it was trainer Alan Greeff who caught our eye for his runners, and yes, he did have a few winners. On Friday it is rival Gavin Smith who could have a good day on the Polytrack at Fairview.

It could start as early as Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 1400m, as his runner, gelding King Of Queen, has been very unlucky not to win recently.

The What A Winter gelding has been runner-up in his last three starts with his latest defeat being over the course and distance.

Jockey Muzi Yeni was on him in his last two starts but has been replaced by Craig Zackey.

Zackey was aboard King Of Queen in the first of his three runner-up performances and on that day he was caught in the last stride by Puerto Plata.

That form has held up well with that gelding winning his next start and then unlucky not to complete the hat-trick.

Forest Spy, who lines up in Race 4, a MR 74 Handicap over 1200m, was a decent juvenile but it took him a long time to get back in the winners’ box. However, he did it style last week and a three-point penalty may not be enough to stop him from following on.

Jockey Louie Mxothwa has been unbeaten in three rides on Cruise Control and he can keep that winning run going by taking out Race 5, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m.

Cruise Control has only won once in four starts over 1200m but from a good draw and with a jockey who knows him well he could be the best banker for the meeting.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 7 Call To Glory, 1 King Of Queen, 10 Sweet And True, 2 Hat Hot Hat

Race 2: 1 Hanging Rock, 9 Million Reasons, 10 Queen Of Jazz, 3 Seaside Trip

Race 3: 3 Sundrop, 5 Millennium Dancer, 6 Whatchmytail, 4 Love Song

Race 4: 9 Great Times, 4 Forest Spy, 2 Aadehya, 10 Arturo

Race 5: 1 Cruise Control, 2 Cliff Top, 4 Smorgasbord, 5 Inherit The Rain

Race 6: 3 You Win Again, 4 Sea Of Tears, 5 State Of Mind, 1 Midnight Crystal

Race 7: 6 Charlie Malone, 3 Masked Vigilante, 2 The Charioteer, 5 Fujisan

Race 8: 6 Path Of Choice, 1 Jaspero, 8 Guerra, 10 Hawk Circle

BEST BET

Race 5: 1 Cruise Control

VALUE BET

Race 4: 9 Great Times

BEST SWINGER

Race 3 3×5

BIPOT

R48

Leg 1: 1, 7, 10

Leg 2: 1, 9

Leg 3: 3, 5

Leg 4: 2, 4, 9, 10

Leg 5: 1

Leg 6: 3

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R180

Leg 1: 1, 9

Leg 2: 3, 5

Leg 3: 2, 4, 9

Leg 4: 1

Leg 5: 3

Leg 6: 2, 3, 6

Leg 7: 1, 6, 7, 8, 10

PICK 6

R900

Leg 1: 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 2: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10

Leg 3: 1

Leg 4: 3

Leg 5: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8

Leg 6: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

JACKPOT 1

R30

Leg 1: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10

Leg 2: 1

Leg 3: 3

Leg 4: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8

JACKPOT 2

R40

Leg 1: 1

Leg 2: 3

Leg 3: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8

Leg 4: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Unbeaten Gr 1 Dewhurst winner City Of Troy is 4/6 favourite to win the Gr 1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas on his reappearance on Saturday at Newmarket (Picture: Mark Cranham (Racing Post))

By David Ord (Sporting Life)

Check out David Ord’s horse-by-horse guide to Saturday’s QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

ALYANAABI
Exciting colt from the great Shadwell Height Of Fashion family, he progressed with every run at two and signed off by chasing home City Of Troy in the Dewhurst. Likely to improve further but so is the winner and he has three-and-a-half lengths to find with him.

CITY OF TROY
Three from three at two and electric in all starts too. That Dewhurst marked him out as a potential top-notcher. We know he handles the track, better ground at the weekend will be in his favour and hard to think the trip will be a problem. It’s early in the season but signs are his preparation has gone well. He’ll need to misfire on Saturday or for it to develop into one of ‘those Guineas’ – think Night Of Thunder beating Kingman – if he isn’t to to stay unbeaten.

GHOSTWRITER
Another who was three from three at two and got vital track practice when showing improved form to win the Royal Lodge on his final start. Very much the sort to thrive at three and towards the top of the home defence.

HAATEM
Looked exposed heading into the Craven but ran out a ready winner of the trial to book his Classic place. These are much deeper waters though, a few of his key rivals seemed to underperform two weeks ago and Richard Hannon appears to have a stronger contender elsewhere.

IBERIAN
Had Rosallion back in third when winning the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster but not as good in the Dewhurst next time. Needs to be right on his A-game on Saturday, trainer making encouraging noises but balance of form leaves him with a bit to find.

INISHERIN
Held in very high regard and having shaped with abundant promise on his only run last season here in the autumn. Took advantage of a much simpler task to open his account at Newcastle in March. He’s all about potential and as rich as it is, Saturday might just be the next step on his learning curve.

NIGHT RAIDER
Similar comments apply. Has looked very exciting in winning at Southwell in December and March but both of those contests are worlds away from the sort of test he faces on Saturday. Has had a racecourse gallop on the Rowley Mile as part of his preparation. Could well make his mark at this level – but it might not be on his first turf run.

NOTABLE SPEECH
And we go again on the same theme. Came a long way in three starts at Kempton this winter and spring and the turn of foot he showed to slam Valvano by two lengths last time marked him out as vert exciting. But turf and an undulating track are both new to him and for all he’s clearly brimful of promise, he’ll need take a lot in his stride on Saturday to deliver on all his clear potential.

ROSALLION
Only defeat at two came in the Champagne Stakes when too keen and clearly below form. He left that run behind to win the Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc weekend but again took a very strong hold. Will need to settle on Saturday as he steps up, on his reappearance, to a mile. Held in very high regard.

TASK FORCE
A son of Frankel out of a mare who was awarded both the British and French 1000 Guineas in the stewards’ room, he learned with racing last season, winning at Salisbury and Ripon before chasing home Vandeek in the Middle Park. Found that test far too sharp but came home strongly and looks to be crying out for a mile. A fine physical specimen who is only going to get better, he could be the one to chase the favourite home – and take advantage if he fails to deliver.

TEN BOB TONY
Showed improved form to win a conditions race over seven furlongs here at the Craven Meeting and a mile should suit. Likely to be given a positive ride which can help a horse outrun their price in a Guineas given we know he handles the track but does have a lot to find.

Conclusion
There was plenty of substance to go with the style of City Of Troy’s three-race two-year-old campaign. He looks a rock-solid favourite, but the each-way play, or angle without the favourite, is TASK FORCE.

He found the Middle Park an insufficient test but still emerged with plenty of credit in finishing second to Vandeek. A fine sort physically, he’s going to improve over a mile and with another winter on his back he should be competitive.

Charl Pretorius wrote about the true greats Colorado King, Senor Santa and Igugu in his Off The Record column last week in the build up to the races that were named after that trio at Turffontein on Saturday.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE COLUMN

The Candice Dawson-trained What A Winter gelding Nazare secured a treble for Philasande Mxoli, but the ride earned him a ten day suspension as he caused interference to two horses. (JC Photos)

Craig Zackey and Philasande Mxoli scored trebles at the Turffontein Inside meeting today (Thursday).

Two of Zackey’s winners were for Sean Tarry.

Zackey goes to 109 wins for the season at a strike rate of 10.65%.

Mxoli goes to 49 wins at 8.75%.

Tarry is on 68 wins at 12.73%.