Meu Capitano is tipped to win a wide open Gr 2 De Grendel Cape Merchants (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

A real puzzle for punters, but a great spectacle for racing fans! The 2024 renewal of the R500 000 De Grendel Cape Merchants (Gr2) over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday has attracted a maximum field of twenty runners and being a handicap, the spread of weights ranges from 63kgs (Surjay) all the way down to 52kgs (Gimmelightning). The race forms the third leg of Sunday’s R250 000 Jackpot carryover and one’s first instinct is to include the “field” and narrow down the remaining three legs.

But I am going to take my chances with a short list of five runners, headed by the in-form and lightly weighted Meu Capitano from the Piet Steyn stable. With just 53kgs to shoulder, Steyn had to go in search of a suitable jockey and has engaged the services of the very capable Highveld-based Chase Maujean. With Kaisarissa a scratching from the opening race, Meu Capitano will be Maujean’s only ride for the day and the 4yo son of Captain Of All could provide Chase with a memorable rare visit to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

If Meu Capitano rates a strong chance, then so does the very game and consistent Dance Variety as there should not be much to choose between the pair. It may not be in Dance Variety’s favour that he jumps out of Gate 18, but one can only hope that track bias does not play a meaningful role in the outcome. Adam Marcus’ runner is in a very good space right now and Dance Variety has been specifically targeted for the De Grendel Cape Merchants. Regular pilot Corne Orffer will be in the saddle.

Of the top weighted runners, my preference lies with At My Command. He has not been seen since September, but the Brett & James Crawford yard have enjoyed a wonderful run of success and At My Command ranks right up there with the best sprinters around. Interestingly, Craig Zackey has opted to ride At My Command in preference to the Kannemeyer-trained The Real Prince and Cosmic Highway, all of which are raced by Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables.

Future Variety makes it into my top five selections. He has been a little below par in recent outings and will need to improve, but he if can reproduce his Diadem Stakes performance earlier this year, when a close second to Thunderstruck, then he can certainly make his presence felt here. He likes to race from a little off the early pace, but he quickens well over the last 200m, and his course and distance form speaks volumes.

Mia Moo makes her Western Cape debut and could be dangerous with just 52,5kgs on her back. Josh Solomons takes the ride for the Sean Tarry stable and this talented 4yo daughter of Vercingetorix should give plenty of cheek in a tough and competitive event. So those are my top five choices but given the size of the field, the potential for an unfavourable track bias coupled with the inevitable catalogue of post-race hard luck stories, this year’s renewal of the De Grendel Cape Merchants is up for grabs and, whatever the outcome, it’s going to be fun to watch.

The fifth race and first leg of the carryover Jackpot, an Open Maiden over 1600m, should be a four-cornered contest between Victor Hugo, Ariovistus, Scottish Links and Bounceback. From pole position Victor Hugo may enjoy a slight advantage but it’s noteworthy that Richard Fourie has opted for Bounceback who is faced with the widest draw of all.

Race 6, a Class 3 Handicap over 1600m, could go the way of the Eric Sands-trained Solomons Seal. The very good-looking 4yo son of Potala Palace made an eye-catching seasonal debut when a close fourth behind Big Unit five weeks ago. Gavin Lerena takes the ride, and from only five opportunities, he has already posted three winners for the Sands’ stable. Dawn Till Dusk, representing the very much in-form team of Justin Snaith and JP van der Merwe, rates an obvious threat but The Grey King and Willie John are also worthy of consideration.

The final leg of the carryover Jackpot, a Class 4 (F&M) over 1400m, billed as the eighth race on the programme, sees nine fillies face the starter and Swiatek will be a popular choice to register her second career victory from only three starts. Miraculous should do better than last time and get closer to Swiatek but watch out for possible improvement from Sweetie Darling. She has her peak run here and will appreciate the step-up in trip.

The first of nine races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, gets under way at 12:20.

Out Of Africa has been tipped to win the WSB Grand Heritage (JC Photos)

Jack Milner

While the World Sports Betting Grand Heritage is only a Non-Black Type event, it is a race that captures the imagination of horseracing fans.

There are a number of reasons. Firstly, it gives lower-rated runners the opportunity to chase for a share of a R500,000 purse. That is a great asset to owners who have not had the fortune to purchase to Graded event winner to race for a decent sum of money.

Secondly, it is the only race in the country that has a field of more than 20 runners and is run over the odd distance of 1475m.

It does turn into a cavalry charge but fortunately the Vaal straight is wide enough to give every runner a winning chance.

This year there is an additional opportunity for bettors as there is a R250,000 carryover to Jackpot One. The pool is likely to reach R1 million but as the Vaal meeting is a standalone event this weekend, that expectation could be surpassed.

This year 24 horses are carded to run in the main event but there is one card scratching as the connections of Jordan have opted to run him in the WSB Grand Heritage Consolation race instead.

As always, it is a highly competitive event but there is always good value to be found for bettors.

The in-form runner is unquestionably Captainofthegreen who is trained by Fabian Habib and will have the services of champion jockey Richard Fourie.

Captainofthegreen has won four times in his 12 starts but it is worth noting he just completed a hat-trick when winning his latest start, a MR 96 Handicap at Turffontein over 1600m on 30 November.

It seems the gelding operation he had in March has brought out the best in him racing-wise as he had a merit rating of 81 at the time of his operation and he is currently on 96, with the likelihood that figure will rise should he win this event.

However, his form improved further when he was fitted with a tongue tie four runs back and since then he has run a second followed up by those three-successive wins.

It will be the first time Fourie sits on the Gimmethegreenlight gelding but he does not look a difficult ride.

The five-year-old has landed No 19 draw which is usually a good place to be start from on the Vaal straight but that all went topsy turvy last year when the winner came from an inside barrier.

An interesting pointer, however, may have come from middle stakes over this course and distance on 5 December which was won by Radicchio who was having his first run for trainer Barend Botes.

He beat The Africa House by a neck with Pomodoro’s Jet another 0.80 lengths back in third.

The Africa House comes into this race 3kg better off with the winner but 0.5kg worse off with Pomodoro’s Jet. However, the four-year-old What A Winter gelding comes into this race in top form and Sean Tarry appears to have him spot on for this event.

Calvin Habib picks up the ride for the first time and they will jump from barrier No 15.

The father and son team of Brett and James Crawford have had remarkable success of late and they will be hoping Pomodoro’s Jet can notch up his first victory on the Highveld. His four runs have produced two fifth places followed by a second and a third.

The six-year-old Pomodoro gelding has not finished further back than 3.20 lengths in those races and is definitely one for Quartets. Craig Zackey takes the ride and they will jump from barrier No 7.

Another runner with a massive chance is Guy Gibson who has been racing in far stronger company. His last start was very decent as he finished a 1.50-length second behind highly rated Heather’s Boy over 1600m.

Trainer Roy Magner put the blinkers back on and that seemed to have helped him. They will stay on for this race. Diego de Gouveia is back on board and they will jump from No 13 draw.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 2 Vibe SA, 8 Cronus, 7 Crescendo, 10 Page Boy

Race 2: 9 Flight Of A Condor, 3 Pretty Precious, 12 Gimme A Storm, 13 Green Extreme

Race 3: 3 Garlandsofgreenery, 4 Bosum Buddy, 2 Sorceress Supreme, 5 Valieva

Race 4: 3 The Merciful, 4 Mishrah, 2 Mo Ment, 5 Santiago’s Pride

Race 5: 5 Red Maple, 3 Thunee Playa, 7 Royal Edition, 1 Son Of Raj

Race 6: 3 One Fell Swoop, 2 Swing Upon A Star, 5 King Of Venus, 4 Passage Of Power

Race 7: 19 The Africa House, 12 Captainofthegreen, 3 Guy Gibson, 13 Pomodoro’s Jet

Race 8: 5 Confederate, 7 Count Invicto, 4 Warhawk Bomber, 9 MK’s Dreams

Race 9: 5 Dark Silver, 4 Diwali Rocket, 10 Robert Browning, 7 One More Star

BEST BET

Race 4 No 3 The Merciful

VALUE BET

Race 7 No 19 The Africa House

BEST SWINGER

Race 8 5×7

BIPOT

R240

Leg 1: 3, 9, 12

Leg 2: 3

Leg 3: 3

Leg 4: 2, 3, 5, 7

Leg 5: 2, 3, 4, 5

Leg 6: 3, 12, 13, 14, 19

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R216

Leg 1: 3

Leg 2: 3

Leg 3: 3, 5, 7

Leg 4: 2, 3, 5

Leg 5: 3, 12, 13, 19

Leg 6: 5, 7

Leg 7: 4, 5, 10

PICK 6

R1750

Leg 1: 3

Leg 2: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7

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

Leg 4: 2, 3, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19

Leg 5: 5, 7

Leg 6: 3, 4, 5, 7, 10

JACKPOT 1

R350

Leg 1: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7

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

Leg 3: 2, 3, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19

Leg 4: 5, 7

JACKPOT 2

R350

Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 2: 2, 3, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19

Leg 3: 5, 7

Leg 4: 3, 4, 5, 7, 10

Confederate looks to be talented and can win the WSB Heritage Consolation (JC Photos)

Vaal Saturday Formguides And Selections (Gold Circle)

Del   1     CRONUS (8) caught the eye on debut when a close-up 3rd behind Can You Danse and with natural improvement, can prove very hard to oppose. VIBE SA (2) travels well, moves up and simply just does not go on with his effort. He has run five seconds in a row. He is the obvious exacta selection and will get it all right one of these days. PAGE BOY (10) finished 4th on debut albeit well beaten, but can improve this time to get a lot closer. KWAGGA BLITZ (1) has a first four chance. (Devonne Govender 8-2-10-1)

Del   2     GIMME A STORM (12) ran a good race on debut and has tons of scope to progress on that. A competitive race, but he has a bright winning chance. FLIGHT OF A CONDOR (9) nearly won first time out and clearly has some ability. A big runner with strong each way claims. PRETTY PRECIOUS (3) is ultra-consistent and can be given a huge place chance and ON A JET PLANE (1) is the value for the minor positions. Respect and include in trifectas and quartets. (Devonne Govender 12-9-3-1)

Del   3     GARLANDSOFGREENERY (3) is lightly raced and clearly talented. She is the firm first choice, looks hard to beat and is the suggested banker on the card. SIGRID SWING (1) is taking time for the next win but in saying that, is never far off and can serve up a big run in this. BOSUM BUDDY (4) and VALIEVA (5) have strong place chances. (Devonne Govender 3-1-4-5)

Del   4     (3) THE MERCIFUL is holding consistent form and has a big winning chance. (4) MISHRAH ran a much improved race in the last start and should be included. (5) SANTIAGO’S PRIDE was disappointing in the last start, he is capable of better and will be there. (2) MO MENT wasn’t far in the last start and can get into the quartets. ( Devonne Govender 3-4-5-2)

Del   5     (2) GOOD COUNCIL won a gutsy race in the last start and can follow up with the light mass. (3) THUNEE PLAYA is holding form and based on that will have a shout. (1) SON OF RAJ on ratings is the horse to beat however he may need the run and another factor is his form on paper which isn’t the greatest respectfully, if he brings his ‘A` game he will smash them here. (5) RED MAPLE wasn’t far in the last start and can pop up here, include in all bets. ( Devonne Govender 2-3-1-5)

Del   6     (2) SWING UPON A STAR ran a cracker in the last start and another big run can be expected. (5) KING OF VENUS is in excellent form and a huge performance is expected. (4) PASSAGE OF POWER was a gutsy winner in the last start and will be a factor. (3) ONE FELL SWOOP needed the last run and better is expected. ( Devonne Govender 2-5-4-3)

Del   7     Very competitive race , many have winning chances. It’s also advisable to watch on which side of the track horses seem to be winning from. (14) RADICCHIO is holding solid form and is a massive contender here. His recent victories have been excellent and he will be in the firing line. (12) CAPTAINOFTHEGREEN was ultra impressive in his last win and the fact that Richard Fourie has been booked for the ride speaks volumes. He has always been rated as a smart horse early in his career so he must have a huge chance. (19) THE AFRICA HOUSE is another who is loaded with ability and can get into the action, his last run was eye catching and he deserves huge respect. (11) SLINKY MAPIMPI is a very interesting runner with Rachel Venniker aboard. He is very capable on his day and it will be no surprise to see him win this contest at decent odds from an inside draw. ( Devonne Govender 14-12-19-11)

Del   8     (5) CONFEDERATE looks a smart type and will be a big runner in this contest. His last victory was very impressive and he will have a huge winning chance here. (7) COUNT INVICTO is another smart type in the making, his form speaks for itself and there won’t be much to choose between him and the top selection. (9) MK’S DREAMS won a gutsy race in the last start, he showed plenty of determination on that occasion and with the light mass on his back will be a factor. (4) WARHAWK BOMBER is never far back and is capable of getting involved here, he does have solid form overall and can’t be ignored. ( Devonne Govender 5-7-9-4)

Del   9     (5) DARK SILVER ran an excellent race behind a smart sort and looks to be a strong contender for top honours. He has regular pilot Diego De Gouveia aboard who knows him well and a bold showing is expected. (8) GUY ALEXANDER has been consistent and will be in the mix again. (3) COPPER MIST ran well enough in the last start and can’t be ignored. (10) ROBERT BROWNING is capable of running into the quartet. ( Devonne Govender 5-8-3-10)

Hang Out The Stars has been tipped to win Race 3. (Picture: Wayne Marks).

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Sunday formguides and selections 

R1     1 MASTER BOMBER ran a lovely race last time from a wide draw at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he should love racing up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, on his best form with natural improvement still to come, he will go very close here. 16 BEL CANTO DREAM ran a fair race on debut in a big field behind Cork Bay on the 16th of November, he will improve lengths from that run, watch him closely. 15 PHIL THE FLUTER stayed on really well in his last start behind Rafa Bay in a work riders race, he looks to be improving with every start, include him into all bet types. 18 KAISARISSA improved beautifully in his last start over 1200m when running third behind Golden Destiny, he will get better with every start and must be respected. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 16 – 15 – 18)

R2     8 CATCH A PENNY moved up powerfully in her last start when running third behind Back At The George on the 16th of November, the blinkers now get fitted and that should unlock the improvement needed to exit the maiden ranks here, she is a nice filly that should win quite a few races for the connections. 2 OCOTILLO drops back in trip now for her third career start, her first two runs to date have been very good, she is still improving and should go very close to winning here. 6 ANGEL’S OASIS stayed on nicely for third in a big field last time at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, she looks progressive and must be respected in this field. 4 WINTER GAMBLE is much better than her recent run, if she can put that performance behind her, she could sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 2 – 6 – 4)

R3     7 HANG OUT THE STARS quickened up in good fashion to win a great race on the 11th of December, she should go very close to winning again if this race hasn’t come too soon for her. 1 MELA STRENGTH never really runs a bad race, his form is fair, from a good draw here, if he can produce a similar performance of his last run, he can definitely earn. 6 OZARK is much better than his recent start behind Tothemoonandback, he should appreciate the drop back in trip to 1600m, watch for big improvement from him. 3 AZZURRI will need to improve big time on his last run to be competitive here, he is far better than that performance and this is a drop-in class for him, he could pop up at a good price. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 1 – 6 – 3)

R4     8 LITTLE LEXI ran a cracking second behind Frida Kahlo on the 26th of November, she is not the biggest of fillies around, but she is all heart, if she can get some luck in this race from a tricky draw, she will be competitive again. 10 WEHAVEASITUATION ran a fair race last time when finishing just over two lengths behind the winner, she is consistent and will be running on strongly late. 4 WARBIRD ran a much better race on the 5th of November behind Forgotten Song, she drops back in trip now and the blinkers have been fitted, watch for big improvement from her. 9 ALESSIA ASHEVILLE disappointed in her most recent start behind Senhora Victoria, she was made to work early and then stopped quite badly late, with some luck in running, she can bounce back to best form. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 10 – 4 – 9)

R5     1 VICTOR HUGO ran a brilliant second on the 26th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in a big field, he is a lovely looking sort that will appreciate the step up in trip now to 1600m, from a good draw, he will be very hard to beat. 11 BOUNCEBACK stayed on well to finish just under three lengths behind Major Master last time, the blinkers stay on, if he can get some luck in running from a wide draw here, he could trouble Victor Hugo in the finish. 8 SECRET PASSAGE should enjoy the step up in trip to 1600m, he is still learning what racing is all about, he could easily finish in the money here at a decent price. 10 SCOTTISH LINKS has been quite disappointing since his maiden run, hopefully the step up in trip will help him improve. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 11 – 8 – 10)

R6     9 DAWN TILL DUSK finished like a train to win going away in his last start on the 19th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he beat a very nice field and looks extremely progressive, with no weight on his back, he will be very hard to beat again. 3 KING PELLES has been in terrific form of late, he was super unlucky in his last start when running second behind Navy Strength, he is honest and should give a good account of himself again. 10 SOLOMONS SEAL needed his last run on the 16th of November behind Big Unit, he is a beautiful looking gelding that tries hard, in hope that there is some pace in the race, he should be finishing strongly late, watch him closely. 4 PREVALENCE comes back to the track from a small break, on his best form he can certainly earn for the connections. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 3 – 10 – 4)

R7     18 DANCE VARIETY has been an absolute soldier for the connections, Adam Marcus has done a wonderful job with this five-year-old gelding, he won a super race last time beating Gimmelightning with absolute ease, he will be stalking the speed and running on powerfully late, include him into all bets. 17 KING OF THE GAULS has been rested for 147 days, he is a lovely horse with a great action, there is no doubt that he is one of the better sprinters around at the moment, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will go close to winning. 15 MEU CAPITANO was mighty unlucky last time in the Bantry Bay Stakes when finishing second, his prep going into this race has been perfect, he will give them all something to think about in the finish. 1 CAFE CULTURE won the Grade 2 Post Merchants very well at Hollywoodbets Greyville last time, he looks to be getting better and better with age. (Brandon Bailey: 18 – 17 – 15 – 1)

R8     2 SWIATEK ran a lovely race out of the maiden ranks behind Family Power last time, she is clearly still improving with racing, from a good draw here and the services of champion jockey Richard Fourie, she must have a very good each way chance. 1 PHILOSOPHISE will love the step back up in trip to 1400m, even though she is carrying a big weight of 62kgs on her back, she will remain competitive at this level. 4 ALL IS GREEN stayed on well in her last start to run third behind Berry’s Boogie, she is way above average this filly, from a good draw and stepping up in trip, she must be respected in a big way. 9 MIRACULOUS had absolutely no luck in running last time, if she relaxes early in the race, she will be eating up the ground late. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 4 – 9)

R9     13 DAFNES DAUGHTER has been very consistent since she won her maiden on the 26th of July, she ran a top race behind a very smart filly last time, this looks to be a nice race for her to be competitive again. 2 IN THE GREEN ZONE ran a fair race in a tricky Class 4 event last time, the blinkers go back on, she should be right there in the finish on her best form. 1 LOVE STORY quickened up smartly to win her maiden in style on the 26th of November, the yard has always rated this filly, now that she has won her maiden, she could certainly keep improving, watch her closely here for a big run. 4 LOVE SHACK is much better than her recent form, she gets a further rating drop which should help her chances at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 13 – 2 – 1 – 4)

Strong Leader winning the Gr 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree (Picture: Healy Racing)

Smart stayer looks to follow up last month’s success in the Long Distance Hurdle

At The Races

A hopeful Olly Murphy “wouldn’t swap” Strong Leader for any of his rivals in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

The seven-year-old has really come of age since being stepped up to three miles, finishing third in last season’s Cleeve Hurdle on his first start at the distance before rounding off his campaign with a Grade One victory in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree.

He picked up where he left off when giving weight and a beating to three rivals in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month and while he is taking nothing for granted, Murphy is confident his stable star will prove hard to beat in this weekend’s traditional pre-Christmas feature.

“I’m looking forward to it, he’s trained really well,” said the Warwickshire-based handler.

“He hasn’t won going right-handed, but I don’t think that should be an issue. He’s got Grade One form, he’s got no penalty and I wouldn’t swap him, albeit it’s a very competitive race.

“I know he’s been a bit hit and miss during his career, but at the trip he hasn’t. I think he’s a worthy favourite, I’m under no illusions that it’s a very competitive race, but he’s in really good form and I’ve got no excuses – win, lose or draw.

“I’m not saying my lad’s a certainty, but if you said I could swap for another horse in the race, I don’t think I would.

“It’s very easy to make an excuse before you get going but he’s trained well, the horses are in good nick, he’s unexposed at the trip and we’re really looking forward to Saturday.”

Chief among Strong Leader’s rivals is Gordon Elliott’s prolific Irish raider The Wallpark.

The six-year-old was rated just 129 when lining up at Kilbeggan in July, but is now some 23lb higher in the weights after completing a four-timer in a Pertemps Qualifier at Cheltenham in October.

He has been snapped up by JP McManus ahead of a significant rise in grade this weekend, and the owner’s racing manager Frank Berry said: “He’s progressive and has had a good year. It’s going to be a step up in class, but Gordon’s happy with him and is hoping for a nice run.

“It’s a grand race and it’s nice to have one in there with some sort of chance.”

The Fergal O’Brien-trained Crambo got the better of popular veteran Paisley Park in a pulsating finish to last year’s Long Walk and is back to defend his crown.

However, he will return to Ascot with something to prove, having disappointed at Cheltenham and Aintree in the spring, while he is also making his belated seasonal debut after an unsatisfactory scope ruled him out of an intended comeback at Newbury.

“Fingers crossed, he’s in great shape, we’re very happy with him. He schooled very well on Thursday morning and worked well on Tuesday and he’s in a great place,” said O’Brien.

“It’s a very tough race. I was hoping it was just going to be Olly’s horse (to beat), but there’s plenty of others in there, isn’t there?

“Crambo is ready and, touch wood, he usually runs well first time out. He’s fresh and well, he’s done a lot of work and we’re very happy with him, so hopefully he can go and do himself justice.”

If there is a silver lining to Crambo’s later than planned return, it could be that there will be more in the tank for the Festivals in the spring than was the case last season.

O’Brien added: “This race last year was his third run of the season. He had a nice run in Aintree, but then he had a hard race at Haydock and we rolled into Ascot, where he won again but had a very hard race – he went to places where he’d never been before.

“That probably left its mark a little bit and I probably should have pulled the plug after Cheltenham instead of going to Aintree, but hindsight’s a wonderful thing.”

Henry de Bromhead’s Hiddenvalley Lake makes his first appearance since finishing third behind Strong Leader at Aintree in April, while fellow Irish challenger Shoot First is an interesting contender, as he steps up in class four weeks on from a lucrative handicap success at Haydock for Charles Byrnes.

Other hopefuls include Dan Skelton’s high-class mare Kateira and the Paul Nicholls-trained Blueking d’Oroux, who finished second in the Ascot Hurdle over a shorter trip last month.

Bottomsuptogether has been selected to win the valuable Poinsettia Handicap (Picture: HKJC). 

Tim Carroll (At The Races)

Sha Tin Sunday Formguides And Selections

The valuable Poinsettia Handicap headlines at Sha Tin on Sunday where Tim previews all 10 races.

This Sunday sees a highly competitive 10-race card from Sha Tin getting underway at 06H45 SA Time. The feature of the meeting is the finale race 10, The Class 2 Poinsettia Handicap, over six-furlongs, offering more than £284,000 in prize-money.

Now onto this week’s selections:

Race 1: Class 5 Amaryllis Handicap (6:45am SA Time) (1 mile)
2 SPECIAL HEDGE has just the one win from seventeen starts but it did come from a 7lb higher mark at a level above this last season and although unplaced in three of his four runs this season, he hasn’t been beaten far in a few of those, and he’ll find the waters a bit calmer now that he drops into the bottom grade for the first time. He does draw toward the outside, but they have a nice long run to the first bend, and connections have applied a first-time visor.

Dangers:
5 Kasa Papa is yet to win in twenty-eight local starts, but he has hit the frame from marks of up to 32lb higher than his current assessment with two of those placed efforts coming from just three starts at this level.
3 Chamander has recorded two wins over the seven-furlongs here this season & whilst unplaced his last two, one was at the Valley, before being given a bit to do from a high draw last time & he could bounce back, but Purton jumps off to ride the selection.
7 Cervin arrives with a 6lb penalty having won at Happy Valley last time & although this will require more, he’s lightly raced and that was his first try over this trip.

Race 2: Class 4 Erica Handicap (Restricted) (7:15am) (7 furlongs)
3 ETALON OR is a four-start maiden that continues to draw high stalls, but they have a decent run to the first bend over this trip and he has been ridden cold all four starts, so the high draw probably isn’t as crucial as it is to a couple of his market rivals that have also drawn high. The selection steps up to seven-furlongs for the first time having worked home in good style his last three, including when a nose behind Ka Ying Rising & Juneau Pride last time. He meets both rivals on better terms having had a chequered passage that day, and with a clear round, he should go close.

Dangers:
1 Ka Ying Attack carries a 6lb penalty having won over six-furlongs when a lip in front of Juneau Pride last time & now that he’s 4lb worse off, you could argue it’s enough to turn the form around, but he did it tough that day when planted wide & is a good chance to defy the penalty.
2 Juneau Pride has been runner-up both starts & was only a lip behind Ka Ying Attack last time who he now meets on 4lb better terms having finished a couple of spots in front of the same rival on debut, and he looks a big player despite the high draw.
5 Lucky Statement is a debutant that has looked sharp at his last couple of trials, one of which he won, he draws the inside and with Purton booked, a market watch is strongly advised.

Race 3: Class 4 Hibiscus Handicap (7:45am) (6 furlongs)
2 CITY THUNDER is an eight-start maiden (runner-up at Flemington only Australian start) that has shown plenty of improvement this season with two placed efforts over course & trip and arguably was unlucky not to win last time when tight for room and only beaten a nose. The selection will probably want a bit further than this in time, but he has positioned up slightly better than midfield his last two, and with plenty of pace on offer, the race should set up perfectly from the low draw.

Dangers:
1 Super Legends, who won over course & trip in September, has been turned over in three subsequent starts, but he ran with merit in defeat last time after spending plenty of pennies to get across from a high draw and should have a far softer commute here.
11 Island Buddy, who showed nothing on debut in April but left that well & truly behind when runner-up over course & trip last time when two spots in front of Super Legends, is entitled to improve further but does have a tricky draw.
13 Spicy Spangle has been turned over his last two at Happy Valley but won over course & trip when last seen here, & he no weight & is perfectly drawn given he likes to punch forward, but this is likely to be run at a strong gallop with several others who like to do the same.

Race 4: Class 4 Holly Handicap (8:15am) (7 furlongs)
5 WIN SPEED, who is a low mileage 4yo from a yard having a fantastic season, broke his duck two back when having his first try over this trip before running with plenty of merit despite being turned over as favourite when runner-up here last time. The selection sat up on the pace that day in a race that set up for the closers, and he showed plenty of courage to only go down a nose with the other pace runner all well beaten. He does draw high, and whilst he’s never led, he does have plenty of early toe and with only a moderate gallop on offer, first time booking, Hugh Bowman, will probably elect to punch forward.

Dangers:
12 Sunday’s Serenade is a low mileage maiden with scope that has run well enough in defeat his last two despite not enjoying the rub of the green, and Purton is a first-time booking.
11 Triumphant Warrior is a twelve-start maiden, but he has been placed two from three this season including when runner-up last time on his first try over this trip and he should have all the favours from the low draw.
14 Super Wise Dragon will be moving up in grade under a 7lb penalty having broken his duck at the fifteenth attempt when last seen, and he does have more on his plate here, but he won in good style last time and he does carry 11lb less here.

Race 5: Class 4 Hibiscus Handicap (9:10am) (6 furlongs)
2 HAPPY PARK is a progressive low mileage type that was runner-up over seven-furlongs two back behind a rival that then hacked up at a level above this, before breaking his duck last time when dropped back to this trip. The selection goes up 6lb for that, which sees him toward the top of the handicap, but he sat outside the leader cutting the breeze last time and from the 5 draw, this race maps for him the grab the back of the likely leader (Colonel) with all the favours.

Dangers:
1 Master Trillion won over five-furlongs on debut in October and ran better than the bare result last time over this trip when coming from a hopeless position on the bend to finish fifth beaten just over a length, and first-time blinkers might help, but he once again has a high draw.
5 Sky Joy defied a double figure quote when runner-up over course & trip on debut, and the third has subsequently hacked-up, but he will have to overcome the outside draw.
6 Colonel is a veteran that is a bit of an all or nothing type that tends to save his best for Happy Valley, but he loves bowling along from the front, thus he’s perfectly drawn in 1, and with the 10lb claim he effectively runs from a 4lb lower mark than when he won in October.

Race 6: Class 4 Ivy Handicap (9:40am) (1 mile 2 furlongs)
3 SERANGOON will be a bit of a swing given he doesn’t win too often, but his record over this trip and further at this level reads 3-2-4, and that fourth was last time out when in behind Affordable, who he meets on 6lb better terms, having not enjoyed the best of luck in the run. It would be a stretch to say he should have won that night given he was two-lengths behind the winner, but he was disappointed for a run at the 250m mark and by the time he saw daylight the race was over. The Tony Cruz 5yo is a closer, so he will need some luck, but with Purton a first time booking, we should get plenty of help from the saddle.

Dangers:
1 Charity Gain is a promising low mileage staying prospect that won over nine-furlongs at just his third start in October before running with merit his last two when placed, and he looks the one to take out of the race going forward, but he does have to give away up to 19lbs to his rivals.
11 Management Folks was having just his second run back after a seven-month layoff when runner-up at Happy Valley to Affordable, who he meets on 4lb better terms, last time when finishing in front of a few of these, and is entitled to improve for the run
2 Joyful Prosperity, who has looked a different horse since stepping up in trip for new trainer Danny Shum, & he could have more to offer, but he only just got there last time under a rail hugging ride & goes up 6lb.

Race 7: Class 3 Pok Oi Cup (Handicap) (10:10am) (6 furlongs)
2 YOUNG SUPERSTAR, who hacked up in a maiden on debut at Kranji in Singapore, has won two of his seven local starts the most recent when scoring over course & trip last month. He was last seen on international race day when displaying plenty of pace to cross from a high draw then attempting to make all before shooting three lengths clear at the top of the straight, only to be run down late on, finishing with the bronze. He stays on the same mark here in a race that doesn’t look as deep, and from the inside draw, he should be able to grab a spot on the front with minimal effort.

Dangers:
12 Karate Express, who won a restricted race over five-furlongs on debut in June, was last seen when runner-up over this trip in July in another restricted contest, and although he has more on his plate at this level, he’s a promising 3yo and a market watch is advised on his seasonal return.
6 Alsonso was listed placed in Australia and ran with promise on his local debut when placed over this trip and although well held last time, he had a tough trip that day and could easily bounce back here with first time cheek-pieces fitted.
5 Riding Together, who was last seen winning at Haydock (known as Cool Divided) in June over this trip for Clive Cox, makes his local debut on the back of a few unplaced trials, but he’s been asked zero questions in those trials and the booking of Purton and blinkers applied would suggest a forward showing is expected.

Race 8: Class 3 Tulip Handicap (10:40am) (6 furlongs)
1 DIVANO goes from the top of the handicap, and he does have to concede plenty of weight to his rivals, but he arrives with the best form in the race and from the draw in 1, he should have the perfect race set-up. The selection, who won two of his four starts during his first season, won over course at his most recent outing with a couple of these in behind. He goes up 9lb for that, but he won by a margin that day, seemingly with plenty in the locker, and I think he’ll go close to taking this before moving up in grade.

Dangers:
5 Romantic Son, who hacked up in a maiden at his only start in Australia as an odds-on favourite, was a beaten favourite when runner-up on his local debut before a run too bad to be true last time, and he’s worth keeping safe on his first spin at Sha Tin.
13 Lifeline Express has been placed two from three this campaign including when a tad unlucky not to win over course & trip two back, and although he ran below par last time, he’s well drawn and goes from near the foot of the handicap.
9 Righteous Arion has struggled a tad since his mark has gone into the 60’s, but he’s a consistent type who should enjoy a soft commute from the low draw and it worth including in any exotic type bets.

Race 9: Class 3 Spruce Handicap (11:15am) (7 furlongs)
3 JOHANNES BRAHMS, who was a winner at Naas & placed in both the Windsor Castle & Gimcrack Stakes for Aidan O’Brien as a juvenile, picked up the bronze on his local debut when beaten less than a length from a high draw before a better effort than the bare result last time when finishing fourth earlier this month. He was bumped heavily coming out of the stalls which saw him out the back, completely opposite to the way he was ridden first up. He still ran through the line with plenty purpose that day, despite racing a tad keen. He draws in 2 here, he’s entitled to improve for his first two runs, & James McDonald gets the call up.

Dangers:
11 Glorious Success took nine goes to break his maiden in Australia before making his way to Hong Kong, but he defied market expectations when runner-up over course & trip on his local debut last month, he once again has the inside draw and should be sharper for the first up run.
4 Beauty Crescent, who was a Listed winner as a juvenile in Ireland for Ger Lyon in 2022, is a long-standing Hong Kong maiden but he has hit the frame on eleven occasions and is likely to run another honest race from the favourable draw.
1 Superb Boy has struggled his last few starts but he takes a drop in grade, and he won and was runner-up his only two runs in this grade last season and is only 1lb higher here.

Race 10: Class 2 Poinsettia Handicap (11:50am) (6 furlongs)
10 BOTTOMSUPTOGETHER finished outside of the top two for the first time when unplaced at his most recent start which was his first try over seven furlongs. However, I doubt it was the step up in trip that was the cause of the defeat and more to do with the fact he scoped poorly post-race. The selection had three wins & two silvers over this trip prior that, including at his penultimate start when a lip behind Wunderbar, who looks likely to be favourite here. They had a few of these in behind that day, and with the selection meeting his rival on 7lb better terms and with the draw perfectly flipped from last time (1 & 11), if runs to his best, he’ll give this an almighty shake.

Dangers:
2 Wunderbar tasted defeat for just the second time when runner-up over five-furlongs last time, but he’s far better suited to this trip and looks the main threat to the selection.
7 Raging Blizzard hasn’t been on the Sha Tin turf for nearly a year which is curious given his record here reads 2-1-4-1, and whilst he is yet to win in three starts this season, I suspect he’ll enjoy returning to the larger layout.
13 Fast Network is a promising young sprinter that has won three from five all over five furlongs and although turned over as a short odds-on favourite last time, he give’s the impression he’ll enjoy stepping up to this trip & he goes from near the foot of the handicap, but he lands in what is a hot Class 2.

SUNDAY’S PLACEPOT
Today’s Place Pot will be races 5 through to 10. All up we will be playing 81 combinations (3x3x3x1x3x1), which will cost £8.10 for a 10p stake and so on. Good luck.

LEG 1- 1 MASTER TRILLION 2 HAPPY PARK 5 SKY JOY

LEG 2- 1 CHARITY GAIN 3 JOYFUL PROSPERITY 11 MANAGEMENT FOLKS

LEG 3- 2 YOUNG SUPERSTAR 6 ALSONSO 12 KARATE EXPRESS

LEG 4- 1 DIVANO

LEG 5- 3 JOHANNES BRAHMS 4 BEAUTY CRESCENT 11 GLORIOUS SUCCESS

LEG 6- 10 BOTTOMSUPTOGETHER

TIM’S BEST BETS
9.40am SHA TIN
SREANGOON (EW)

10:40am SHA TIN
DIVANO (NAP)

11.50am SHA TIN
BOTTOMSUPTOGETHER (NB)

Measured Time is out on his own in the Gr 2 Al Rashidiya Stakes (Picture: Dubai Racing Club)

Meshtri and Walk of Stars also sparkled on the Dec. 20 program at Meydan.

By Bob Kieckhefer

Aptly named Measured Time  not only took the measure of seven rivals in the Al Rashidiya Stakes (G2T) Dec. 20 at Meydan Racecourse but did it in course-record time of 1:45.11 without being asked by jockey William Buick.

The Al Rashidiya was the brightest light on an evening that included the first two group stakes of the 2024-25 Dubai World Cup Carnival. Measured Time, a 4-year-old Frankel   colt trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, sparkled.

Shrugging off some nervous behavior in the parade ring, Measured Time wasted no time taking the lead during the long run down the backstretch. He easily opened a daylight advantage and was never challenged. Buick gave him a half-hearted reminder tap midway down the stretch but it wasn’t needed as he cruised to a seven-length victory.

The record time came despite the rail being set 8 meters out into the course.

“He didn’t need to put in a performance like that,” said Buick, celebrating his third win of the evening. “But that’s what you get with him. He gives his best every time.”

Buick shrugged off the prerace upset, calling Measured Time “a high-pressure horse, an exuberant horse.”

Measured Time won the Al Rashidiya in 2023 as a 3-year-old and then, after his birthday, the Godolphin homebred went on to win the Jebel Hatta (G1T) and finish fourth in the Dubai Turf (G1T) on World Cup night.

Appleby then sent him to New York, where he defeated stablemate Nations Pride  in the Manhattan Stakes (G1T) June 8 and finished second to Far Bridge  in the Sword Dancer Stakes (G1T) Aug. 24. He had not raced since.

Meshtri Shines in Al Maktoum Mile
The secondary feature on the Meydan card, the Al Maktoum Mile (G2) on the dirt course, also was a gate-to-wire affair as Meshtri , under Ben Coen, had no trouble with five rivals and won by three lengths over Qareeb .

Artorius , a son of Arrogate who transferred from New York and trainer Chad Brown to Dubai and trainer Bhupat Seemar, trailed much of the way and could only rally to post a well-beaten third in his first start in the desert.

Meshtri was having his third start at the Carnival, which opened this year in November, and backed up a pace-pressing score in the Dubai Creek Mile Nov. 22. Trainer Michael Costa said the addition of blinkers has helped.

“We saw that in the stable. It’s nice to see it on the racecourse,” Costa said. “We were pretty confident with the way he’s improved.”

Costa said the Medaglia d’Oro gelding could go farther, depending on the wishes of his owner, Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum.

“I’m pretty lucky that I’ve got a good boss that’ll guide me in the right direction,” Costa said.

Undercard Races
Buick opened the Thoroughbred portion of the program with a victory aboard Cover Up  going 1,000 meters (about five furlongs) down the turf straight. Two races later, he guided Godolphin’s Native Approach  to a last-to-first victory going 1,400 meters (about seven furlongs), also on the grass.

In the 1,900-meter (about 1 3/16 miles) Entisar, Walk of Stars  separated from the crowd through the stretch to win by 11 3/4 lengths. Auto Bahn , making his first start since finishing second to Forever Young  in the UAE Derby (G2) in March, finished second.

Walk of Stars, trained by Seemar, finished second in the Godolphin Mile (G2) in March and was second again, behind Meshtri, in the Dubai Creek Mile.

After a holiday break, the Carnival returns to Meydan Jan. 3 with the Dubawi Stakes (G3) at 1,200 meters (about six furlongs) on the dirt, the Zabeel Mile (G2T) on the grass and the UAE Two Thousand Guineas Trial at 1,200 meters on the dirt.

The picture gives a clue to the answer

What was the traditional method of communicating odds changes between bookmakers on course?