Harajuku is one of two Danon Platina’s in the Gr 1 Splashout Cape Derby (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Danon Platina has two chances of landing black type for the first time in the Splashout Cape Derby over 2000m at Hollywoodbets  Kenilworth on Saturday and it would be fitting if this much vaunted Mauritzfontein Stud-based sire’s first stakes success is a Gr 1.

The Danon Platina gelding Rapidash gave Justin Snaith a second successive win in the lucrative R7.5 million Gold Rush and he has a chance of giving owner Nick Jonsson a second successive win in the Cape Derby.

Snaith won the inaugural Gold Rush with Royal Aussie (Royal Mo) and Jonsson won last year’s Cape Derby with the Michael Roberts-trained See It Again (Twice Over).

Danon Platina’s progeny appear to enjoy going over ground.

He already has a multiple winner over 2400m in his first crop (Twenty Drachmas).

Furthermore, Rapidash is out of an Australian-bred War Pass mare, whose only career win was over 2000m.

Rapidash has a tricky draw of eight, but in the Gold Rush Grant van Niekerk dropped him out to last and he produced a storming finish to win cosily.

Jonsson and Snaith might have an even better chance with the the Trippi colt Hluhluwe.

He beat Cape Derby favourite Green With Envy by a short-head in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and strikes as one who is looking for 2000m. He is out of a Giant’s Causeway mare whose only win was over 1800m. Furthermore, his dam is a half-sister to Western Winter mare Fresnaye, whose three stakes victories included one over 2200m.

Hluhluwe will be ridden by UK-based Daniel Muscutt, who won the WSB Cape Town Met for the same connections, Snaith and Jonsson.

His Snaith-trained stablemate, the Danon Platina colt Harajaku, is not out of it despite odds of 14/1.

He was beaten 1,65 lengths by Green With Envy in the Politician Stakes and is now 3kg worse off, so on paper his chances look forlorn. However, he was caught without cover in a one out and one back position throughout the running of the Politician Stakes and now gets a plum draw of two.

However, the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Green With Envy is going to be hard to beat.

He is out of a Galileo mare and has always been crying out for middle distances.

The Gr 3 Schweppes Politician Stakes proved that contention as he came from last with a sweeping run to win easily and impressively by 1,25 lengths, despite carrying 60kg and giving the field bar one weight.

He has been ridden by Craig Zackey in all bar one of his seven starts, so Zackey will have a plan to overcome a tricky draw of six out of nine.

The Candice Bass-Robinson-trained filly Beach Bomb will be one of the dangers as she is a twice Gr 1 winner already and downed the Equus Horse Of The Year Princess Calla in the Gr 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes over 1800m. Her last unplaced run was a flat effort, but was explained because she was found to have “a bit of a virus.”

Of the others The Gold Rush runner up the Vaughan Marshall-trained Coastal Commander is of interest.

He will be attempting to give Marshall and owners Ken and Jane Truter a second Cape Derby this decade, having won it with Linebacker in 2021, although the Truters owned the latter in partnership with Cheryl Gabler.

In the Gold Rush he came from backward of midfield and was overtaken close to home by Rapidash.

Coastal Commander’s dam Open My Eyes by Kahal won twice over 1600m and has produced four winners from five runners, including a stablemate by Pathfork called Look For Hounds, whose six wins have been from 1200m to 1400m, although he did place second in a Listed race over 1600m. However, Coastal Command’s third dam Magnetic Field (Northfields) produced the Gold Cup winner Cereus, so there is some stamina in the female line. His sire Lancaster Bomber brings more stamina as a horse who won a Gr 1 over 2100m.

The Brett Crawford-trained Infrared plugged on for a 4,40 length fifth in the Gold Rush, but being by Twice Over out of a London News maiden who in turn was out of a Jallad mare, he should be crying out for this trip. He has a lot to prove off a 94 merit rating though.

Stablemate Willie John looks held on formlines and is rated only 88. Being by William Longsword out of a one-winning Trippi sprinter doesn’t augur particularly well on pedigree either.

A third stablemate Oriental Charm is well held by Green With Envy on Politician Stakes form.

Final Field and betting for the Cape Derby below:

Lucky Lad waltzing home in the Gr 1 Gold Medallion (Picture: Chase Liebenberg) 

The Sean Tarry-trained Lucky Lad makes his long awaited comeback on Sunday at Turffontein Standside and it will stengthen his sire Gimmethegreenlight’s grip on the national sires championship (Gimmethegreenlight is attempting to win the championship for a second season in succession and a third time overall).

The top class Varsfontein Stud-bred colt Lucky Lad has only been defeated once in five starts.

Everything that could go wrong for him went wrong in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville and he was eventually eased out of the race by Richard Fourie.

That was his first attempt beyond sprints and on Saturday he will attempt to make it a fifth career win and a fourth Graded win in the Gr 3 Betway National Currency Sprint over  1100m under regular pilot Fourie.

He has not been seen since that Champion Stakes calamity, seven  months ago, and has to carry topweight of 60kg.

However, he is best in at the weights according to official merit ratings.

His draw of five is plum in the middle of the nine horse field (see field at the bottom of the article).

Meanwhile, Gimmethegreenlight is favoured to add three Gr 1 wins to his name in the space of a week and if that does happen he will reach the milestone mark of ten individual Gr 1 winners.

This Saturday in the Gr 1 Splashout Cape Derby over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Khaya Stables Gimmethegreenlight colt Green With Envy is the 18/10 favourite with Hollywoodbets.

In the ante-post betting for the Gr 1 SA Classic over 1800m at Turffontein Standside on March 2, the David Nieuwenhuizen-trained Gimmethegreenlight colt Sandringham Summit, whom Varsfontein Stud originally sold and have now bought back, is a cramped 6/10 favourite.

In the ante-post betting for the Gr 1 SA Fillies Classic over 1800m at the same meeting, the Mike de Kock-trained unbeaten Maurtitzfontein Stud homebred Gimmethegreenlight filly Gimme A Nother is even more cramped at odds of 3/10.

Sandringham Summit is also entered for the Gr 1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes on March 2, but more likely to go for the SA Classic because his Triple Crown hopes are still alive.

If Lucky Lad gets back to winning ways it will strengthen Gimmethegreenlight’s already strong standing.

Rachel Venniker has a soft spot for All The Time and has formed a fine partnership with this Gimmethegreenlight gelding (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Rachel Venniker, who is currently in the news due to her exciting opportunity in Saudia Arabia in an International Jockeys Challenge on Friday, put her hand up as a ride of the month candidate at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday when saluting on the Yogas Govender-trained five-year-old Gimmethegreenlight gelding All The Time.

Judging from the sidelines it is all about guessing whether the jockey made astute decisions or whether they happened by chance, but in the best case scenario she made the right decisions in this race, some of them in a split second.

Great rides are also not always just the minute or two spent on the horse at the races, but also the work done off the track.

It was clear from the post race interview that she has built up a special partnership with All The Time.

She is always there to ride him in the mornings and allows him to do his thing on the way back to the ring.

The partnership has now yielded three wins and a short-head second in  four starts.

All The Time is a horse who has a lot of zip and takes quite a keen hold, so ideally one needs to get him covered up early in a 1200m event down the straight.

Rachel executed the perfect start from draw 2 , not slow but just slow enough to slot in behind the inside drawn horse.

She kept All The Time glued to the back of that horse through the first half of the race.

However, the latter had wandered over to the rail and didn’t have the cruising speed of All The Time, so it was wise to switch him outward into fresh air at about the halfway mark to 1) avoid being boxed in as the field often drifts over to the inside in the closing stages and 2) to allow him to stride more freely.

After switching him into fresh air,  she kept him perfectly relaxed until the 350m mark and then asked the question.

All The Time responded and  then, with the joint favourite El Draque looking dangerous towards the outside, she gave him a smack at the 200m mark. He duly repelled the challenger and Rachel just had to keep him going straight in the last 150 metres.

He emerged a comfortable 0,90 length winner.

That was his third win in succession and sixth overall.

As commentator Sheldon Peters said after the race, “This is a horse who needs to be ridden very cold” and Venniker executed that strategy to perfection.

Readers please send in your Emperor’s Palace Ride of The Month Suggestions and have a chance of winning a one night stay at the four star Peermont Mondior Hotel at the Emperor’s Palace with bed and breakfast included.

Gr 1 World Pool Cape Flying Championship runner up Thunderstruck is the favourite for the Gr 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes to be run on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth (Picture: Wayne Marks)

The Gr 2 Khaya Stables Diadem cut up at declaration stage yesterday into a mere nine horses, but it is virtually of Gr 1 standard such is the quality of the runners.

There are two Gr 1 winners involved, former Equus Champion Sprinter Rio Querari and Thunderstruck.

Bereave won this last year and he is coming off a 1,40 length third in the Gr 1 World Pool Cape Flying Championship over 1000m.

Surjay has a Gr 1 runner up and Gr 1 third place finish to his name.

Cosmic Highway won this race two years ago and added a second career Gr 2 victory to his name when successful in the Cape Merchants over this course and distance in December.

Silver Falcon was beaten 1,75 lengths by Cosmic Highway in the Merchants and is now 5kg better off.

Surjay is even more well in with Cosmic Highway on Merchants form. He is 6.5kg better off with the latter for a mere 0,60 length beating.

However, it must be remembered Cosmic Highway has won this race before and looks to be coming back to his best.

Waterberry Lane is capable of producing scintillating finishing efforts if it pans out well for him and as one with potentially effortless acceleration off suitably fast paces he is interesting having just the fifth sprint race of his career.

Future Variety will find this tough at this stage, but he looks to be an exciting sprinter in the making.

Countdown has been the subject of rave reviews by his trainer Glen Kotzen this summer based on his homework and he has proved it on the race course. He was called the winner in the Merchants such was the deceiving nature of Cosmic Highway’s flying finish. However, he was actually beaten a neck and he is now half-a-kilogram better off. He comes in off a good preparation effort over course and distance.

We’re Jamming is full of ability and will prefer this trip to the Cape Flying 1000m, where he was beaten 4,95 lengths. He is not out of it.

It is an exciting renewal and will attract a lot of interest.

The final field for the Diadem and the betting is shown below:

Hollywoodbets Prices:

Thunderstruck 25/20

Bereave 25/4

Future Variety 25/4

Surjay 15/2

Rio Querari 8/1

Cosmic Highway 10/1

Silver Falcon 10/1

We’re Jamming 14/1

Countdown 17/1

Waterberry Lane 50/1

Owner and breeder and former trainer Adam Kethro is one of the driving forces behind The Appie Leg Up Foundation (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The Appie Leg Up Foundation Launches At The South African Jockey Academy, Empowering Students With Educational Bursaries

The South African Jockey Academy is thrilled to announce the launch of the Appie Leg Up Foundation, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to provide educational bursaries to deserving students pursuing their racing careers.

With the establishment of this transformative initiative, the foundation will offer crucial bursaries to deserving students, ensuring they have the resources needed to excel in their chosen field. Recognizing that many aspiring jockeys face financial hurdles, the Appie Leg Up Foundation is dedicated to breaking down barriers by addressing registration and training fees. These inclusive bursaries aim to provide every deserving student with an equal opportunity to enter the apprentice program at the South African Jockey Academy.

Driving the strategic development of the Appie Leg Up Foundation are Adam Kethro, an experienced foundation management expert, and Tarryn Mason, the Academy’s Marketing and Athlete Development Manager.

Together, they share an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for students who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication.

To actively engage potential sponsors, Adam Kethro, has graciously funded Tarryn Mason and two apprentices to attend the prestigious Cape Yearling Sale in February. This invaluable opportunity will
enable them to approach owners directly, seeking sponsorships to further bolster the foundation’s mission.

Accompanying Tarryn to the Cape Yearling Sale will be 2nd year apprentices Sfisokuhle Bungane and Jacey Botes. Together, they will fervently advocate for owners to support the foundation and make a lasting impact on the lives of aspiring jockeys.

The SA Jockey Academy extends heartfelt appreciation to Bloodstock South Africa for granting the opportunity to launch the Appie Leg Up Foundation during the Cape Yearling Sale event, scheduled for the 25th of February at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank Christine Terblanche from Equine Insurance Brokers for her invaluable assistance to Tarryn at the sales and for providing mentorship. Her support is instrumental in advancing the mission of the Appie Leg Up Foundation.

The collaborative efforts of Adam Kethro, Bloodstock South Africa and Christine Terblanche exemplify the racing community’s commitment to fostering opportunities for aspiring jockeys, and the SA Jockey Academy looks forward to a successful launch at the upcoming Cape Sale event.

“I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Appie Leg Up Foundation. The South African Jockey Academy is committed to the foundation’s mission of securing funding for apprentice jockeys
facing financial barriers for registration and training fees. Over the past decades, we have dedicated significant efforts to identifying candidates from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the opportunity to pursue careers as professional jockeys. Our commitment is rooted in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that talent transcends all backgrounds within the racing community. We appeal to the racing community for their generous contributions to support this noble cause.” Mr. Marius Nel, Acting Headmaster, SA Jockey Academy.

About the South African Jockey Academy:
The South African Jockey Academy is a premier institution dedicated to nurturing and developing talented aspiring jockeys, providing them with world-class training and education to excel in horseracing. With a rich history and esteemed reputation, the Academy is committed to contributing to the sustainable growth and success of the racing industry in South Africa.

For further information regarding the Appie Leg Up Foundation and how to become involved, please contact:

Tarryn Mason
Marketing & Athlete Development Manager
South African Jockey Academy
tarrynm@theacademy.co.za

Morgan La Fay has been selected to win the 2nd race (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)

One seldom sees a racecard without any maiden events, but eight handicap races make up the card on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday.

In the first, most of the runners met in the race won by Trafalgar Square where Big Slick finished best of all in second with apprentice Brevan Plaatjies aboard and he has the ride again for Yogas Govender. However, he has drawn widest at 11 which could prove tricky. Purple Powahouse is a veteran who is holding form well and meets Big Slick on 1.5kg better terms for a 1.5 length beating and should be able to turn the tables. Heaven’s Will carries top weight after his recent maiden win. He looks progressive and can follow up in this company. Phaka Imali has some lengths to find on Big Slick and Purple Powerhouse but he now has a much better draw while High Velocity is 11kg better off with Big Slick and can make it count.

In the second, Morgan La Fay is back a furlong in trip but has been showing solid form over 1400m. Richard Fourie partnered her to her last win and is again aboard Wendy Whitehead’s charge. Berengaria makes her local debut and comes off some steady Highveld form over the trip. She has a handy galloping weight which could see her home. Acacia’s Blossom is never far off them and comes from a very much in form Louis Goosen stable while Warship steps up in trip and was badly in need of her latest start after a six-month lay-off. She is quick and should improve on her last effort.

In a tough opener for the Pick 6, Donquerari is long overdue after being close up in his last four starts. He goes well over course and distance and has a strong chance in an open handicap. Now I Got You has the worst of the draw but ran a cracker first up for Nathan Kotzen. He makes his poly debut but a repeat effort should see him close again. Cotton Ron, like his stable companion Donquerari, has been knocking at the door of late, his recent form in the soft. He goes well on the poly and with a light weight cannot be left out of any calculations. Mr Henley has improved with cheek pieces and was not far off last run. He goes well on the poly.

The three-year-olds Master Fuego and Ancient World could fight the fourth. Both got rating increases after their last outings, Ancient World winning and Master Fuego finishing runner-up. Both have consistent form over course and distance and they meet at level weights so it could all be down to luck in running. Red William was right up behind Master Fuego after making his local debut. He had some useful PE form on the poly and should feature with a repeat showing. Madison Valley is the dark horse. He shed his maiden at only his third start, improving all the while. He enjoyed the step up in distance and can go in again. Captain Casey is the highest rated. He needed his last run and at best will be a big threat.

In the fifth, Fourie partners Cupid’s Song for Tony Rivalland but the gelding has not been out since November last year which is a concern. Jochua Hotsnake has his third run after a lay-off. He is both course and distance suited and looks primed for a big effort. One Irish Rover has come good in his last two on the poly for MJ Odendaal. He is up in class here but is course and distance suited.

Midnight Caller could be one of the better bets on the card. He was close-up to stronger last time out and goes well over course and distance. Weiho Marwing has booked 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies and from the best of the draw they can go all the way. Hippocrates steps up a furlong in trip after showing consistent form over shorter. He is back on his favoured surface and should run well in this company. Eddie The Mover has top weight and was a close-up third to stronger last time out. Robert Khathi has gone close on him before. Giambattista has been a soldier for the Wendy Whitehead yard and is never far off the pace. He won well over course and distance last time out but is up in class with a three-point rise in the handicap.

In the seventh, Alittlebitnaughty has not been far behind at recent starts and goes well over course and distance. She is 1.5kg better off with Quanabi on their last meeting and the latter has the widest draw. She does however, have useful form over course and distance and with Fourie in the irons must have a strong chance again. Kitten’s Adventure has steady form to stronger and has done well over course and distance. She has drawn well and can feature prominently. Green Dream made sudden improvement last run when touched off over course and distance and has a chance on a repeat showing.

In the last, Drive By has the worst of the draw but has been knocking on the door of late. She was close-up over course and distance last time out and should have a big say in this event. Hatta is always dangerous and took on stronger last time out. She is back on what looks to be her favourite surface. Kingsmeads Krystl has the best of the draw and was a good second over course and distance last time out. A repeat with Fourie up should see her in the money. Poursomesugaronme landed the odds last time out but got a four-point rise in the handicap. However, she meets a modest field here and can go in again.

The former Brett Crawford-trained Gr 1 Cape Guineas winner Kilindini (Silvano) has been selected to win the first race at Happy Valley on Wednesday)

Tim Carroll (At The Races)

WEDNESDAY’S SELECTIONS

Race 1: Class 4 Wang Tak Handicap (1040am) (6 furlongs)
5 KILIDINI has mostly been disappointing since arriving from South Africa as a Group 1 winner, but he continues to plummet the handicap and now finds himself 32lb below his opening mark. The selection has been placed at a level above this a couple of times, and whilst he may never reach the heights he once promised, this looks well within his scope.

Dangers:

1 Savvy Chic drops down to this level for the first time since winning over course & trip in December from the same mark, and he looks a major player despite going from the top of the handicap.

2 Wood On Fire has been out of sorts since winning over course & trip in November, but with a 10lb claimer now booked, he effectively runs from an 8lb lower mark, but he does have a tricky draw, so he will need some luck.

11 Harmony N Home hasn’t won for a long time, but he was narrowly denied last time in a Class 5, & although moving up in grade, he carries 13lb less here.

Race 2: Class 1 Shan Kwong Handicap (1110am) (1 mile)
2 HAPPY TOGETHER has been in blinding form this season, winning four of his six starts, including a Pattern race over the nine furlongs here in January. He was unplaced as favourite in a Group 3 at Sha Tin last time out, but he was only beaten three-length having not had the rub of the green. The selection has only been to Happy Valley twice, recoding two wins, and with a clear round in the small field, he should be hard to hold out.

Dangers:

4 Dancing Code has only had one try over this trip when he was given plenty to do from a high draw and met trouble, but the way he’s been closing out his races would indicate the move up to the mile will be helpful.

3 La City Blanche doesn’t do a lot of winning, but he has kept some good company, and he did finish a couple of spots in front of the selection over nine-furlongs last time, but he’s probably slightly more effective over a tad further.

7 Mr Ascendency has run well in defeat at his last two, on both the turf & dirt, and from the very foot of the handicap, should be considered for an exotics.

Race 3: Class 4 Wang Tak Handicap (1140am) (6 furlongs)
8 HERCULES moves up in grade under a 5lb penalty having won over course & trip last time, but he has won from higher marks in the past, albeit that was some time ago. However, the selection lands in what is a moderate affair with most of these struggling for any sort of form, and with 15lb less to carry here, and a favourable draw, he should go close to recording back-to-back wins.

Dangers:

3 Happy Fat Cat is hard to catch, but he was runner-up over course & trip last time from the outside draw, and he’s far better drawn here, to utilise his natural pace.

11 Alloy King ran a blinder at a big price from the front when only beaten a lip over course & trip last time, and although his last four wins have been in the bottom grade, he does enjoy this trip at the city track.

12 Valiant Elegance hasn’t won since September 2022, but he’s now 28lb lower in the handicap, and is worth including from the foot of the weights.

Race 4: Class 1 Singapore Pools Handicap (1210pm) (6 furlongs)
3 SON PAK FU ran well above market expectations when fourth at the top level in the Centenary Sprint at Sha Tin last time, and although this is a high quality sprint, it does represent a somewhat lessor assignment. The selection had no luck when beaten just over a length by Majestic Knight the start prior, with the rider called in for a please explain, and with plenty of pace on offer, he ‘ll have the race run to suit.

Dangers:

5 Majestic Knight had no luck at all when unplaced last time, a run best forgotten, and he did have the selection in behind when winning here the start prior, but he’s a pace runner in a race offering a strong gallop.

6 Bundle Of Charm makes a rare visit to Happy Valley, but he’s a versatile sort that won on the dirt two back before a very good effort last time when placed at Sha Tin when he had a few of these in behind, having been planted wide the entire trip.

1 Duke Wai doesn’t win too often these days, but he a wonderful old servant that will enjoy having a strong gallop to aim at.

Race 5: Class 4 Yuk Sau Handicap (1240pm) (9 furlongs)
6 MR ALADDIN is a low mileage maiden that ran a career best when runner-up over course & trip last time, which was his first try beyond a mile. He did miss an intended run earlier in the month when he found to be lame, but he was out having a gallop just over a week later, thus the problem must have been minor, and given he has more upside than most of these, he looks worth a play in a tricky contest.

Dangers:

3 Owners Praise hasn’t gone on with it having won at just his third start last season, but he does have his first try over nine-furlongs having closed out his last four starts without threatening over shorter trips.

12 Turtle Again moves up in grade having been beaten a lip by Sunny Baby last time, who he meets on 4lb better terms, and he does tend to run well over this trip, having not been outside the top three (one win) in five goes.

11 Sunny Baby moves up in grade under a 5lb penalty having won over course & trip last time, and he does have a favourable draw, but he’s never won at this level.

Race 6: Class 4 Yik Yam Handicap (110pm) (1 mile)
4 TOP TOP TEA will be a bit of a swing given he’s been unplaced all five starts this campaign, but I can’t let him go around without some interest now that he steps up to this trip for the first time since running well in defeat at a level above this last season. Not only is he finally stepping back up in trip, connections have gone with Ellis Wong’s 10lb claim, meaning he effectively runs from a 13lb lower mark than his last win at Sha Tin over seven-furlongs last season.

Dangers:

3 Perfetto wasn’t beaten far at Sha Tin last time over seven-furlongs, having picked up nicely when runner-up over the same trip the start prior, and he should enjoy stepping back up to the mile.

5 Galvanic is a twelve start maiden that is starting to wear a bit thin, but he did bounce off the running rail last time, having met trouble the start prior, and could bounce back with some luck from the inside draw.

1 Gallant Valour is a low mileage 3yo who runs from the top of the handicap and is drawn high, but he’s a promising type from a shrewd yard having his first try beyond six-furlongs, and is worth keeping on side.

Race 7: Class 3 Village Handicap (145pm) (1 mile)
9 LOVERO was a twice winner on the dirt in Japan, but showed absolutely zero in all three starts on the dirt at Sha Tin, but then jumped out of the ground when runner-up to a highly progressive rival here at Happy Valley last month. He went off at a big price that day, but proved it was no fluke when winning over course & trip earlier this month. He moves up in grade, but he could have a bit more to offer, he’s well drawn, and he has 19lb less to carry at this level.

Dangers:

1 Galaxy Witness continues to run well in defeat, and he’s likely to do so again, but because of that, he’s still 10lb higher in the handicap than his last win which was way back May 2022.

12 Red Hare King won over course & trip two back before moving up to this grade and finishing runner-up to a smart rival last time, and he looks shortlist material despite running from 2lb out of the handicap.

6 Master Of Fortune won over this trip early in the season, and although he has his first spin at Happy Valley, he is a thrice winner over this trip at Sha Tin.

Race 8: Class 3 Sing Woo Handicap (215pm) (6 furlongs)
3 COPARTNER AMBITION is flying this season, winning four of his last five starts, all over course & trip, and although he’s a well-exposed 6yo, he is in the form of his life. He does have more on his plate having been handed an 8lb penalty for his latest success, but he won with plenty of authority that night, the race maps favourably from the low draw, and we lose nothing in the saddle with Andrea Atzeni taking over from the suspended Hugh Bowman.

Dangers:

1 Wonder Kit goes from the top of the handicap but he takes a drop in grade having been runner-up in a strong contest over course & trip last month before a solid effort in defeat on the dirt last time, and he never runs a bad race.

7 Bon’s A Pearla won over course & trip three back and has not had the rub of the green her last two, and with a solid gallop on offer, she’ll get the race run to suit her closing style.

6 Harmony N Blessed is considered more of a five-furlong specialists, but he was only beaten a lip over course & trip last time from the exact same draw, and a repeat performance would see him in the mix.

Race 9: Class 3 King Kwong Handicap (250pm) (5 furlongs)
5 HAPPY UNITED is a progressive 4yo that goes up 8lb having won easily enough over course & trip last time, and although he had a cheap run in behind the speed that night, he’s likely to get the same here from the low draw, and his rider, Brenton Avdulla, who has ridden five winners at the last three meetings, may even elect to lead. The selection ran a career best last time, and given his upward curve, he looks the one to side with here.

Dangers:

9 Atomic Energy was well held when placed behind Happy United last time, but he does meet that rival on 8lb better terms.

10 Ma Comet, a maiden winner in Australia, was kept safe in the betting but looked in need of the run when sixth over five-furlongs on the straight course at Sha Tin on his local debut, and should strip fitter here.

1 Explosive Witness goes up 7lb having won over course and trip last time when he had the selection back in third, but he will have to over come a high draw.

WEDNESDAY’S PLACEPOT

LEG 1- 3 SON PAK FU

LEG 2- 3 OWNERS PRASIE 6 MR ALADDIN 12 TURTLE AGAIN

LEG 3- 3 PERFETTO 4 TOP TOP TEA 5 GALVANIC

LEG 3- 1 GALAXY WITNESS 9 LOVERO 12 REDHARE KING

LEG 5- 3 COPARTNER AMBITION

LEG 6- 5 HAPPY UNITED 6 ALLGREEKTOME 9 ATOMIC ENERGY

TIM’S BEST BETS
11.10am HAPPY VALLEY
HAPPY TOGETHER (NAP)

12.10pm HAPPY VALLEY
SON PAK FU (NB1)

2.15pm HAPPY VALLEY
COPARTNER AMBITION (NB2)

Clifton Stud-bred Vercingetorix filly Alesia’s Love gives Gavin Lerena and Roy Magner a double together and secures a four-timer on the day for Lerena (JC Photos) 

Gavin Lerena was in fine form at the Vaal Classic track today and rode a four-timer, two of them for trainer Roy Magner.

Lerena goes to 91 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 18.42%.

Magner is on 18 wins at 9.78%.

Glen Boss rode Makybe Diva to three successive Melbourne Cups and he has also been successful in four Cox Plates: Makybe Diva in 2005, So You Think in 2009, Ocean Park in 2012, and Sir Dragonet in 2020.

He had 90 Gr 1 wins in all and has been iducted into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT GLEN BOSS