Snaith Barometer: 191
Target: 222
History Gives Derby Favourite's Stablemates A Chance
Richard Fourie has ridden three of Justin Snaith’s four Cape Derby winners to date. Owner Nick Jonsson’s colours (pictured above) have triumphed in the Cape Derby before, but not with a Snaith-trained runner. The odds are 3/10 that the Snaith/Fourie/Jonsson combination will prevail in the Splashout Cape Derby on Saturday, but on the other hand three of Snaith’s four winners of the big race have been with under the radar runners. (Picture: Chase Liebenberg)
The Great Syd Garrett Of Roamer Lodge trained a horse called Feltos to win both the WSB Met and Splashout Cape Derby in the 1945/1946 season and no horse since has achieved that double in the same season.
The Justin Snaith-trained and Nick Jonsson and Johann Rupert-owned Eight On Eighteen is odds on favourite to pull off this double on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
The Drakenstein Stud-bred Lancaster Bomber colt is a scopey sort whose class has already carried him into the history books as only the fifth three-year-old since the Second World War to win the Met.
Couple that class and progressive profile with a magnificent turn of foot and proven stamina and he should have no problem beating the other six runners, none of whom are merit rated within 20 points of him.
Eight On Eighteen is officially merit rated 127 and the second highest rated horse in the field, his stablemate Sail The Seas, is only rated 103, while the others are all rated below 100.
That means he is officially 12kg and more well in with the whole field.
Furthermore, he has the record-breaking jockey Richard Fourie aboard and jumps from a plum draw of two.
No wonder his odds are 3/10.
However, the Cape Derby has been known to spring surprises.
It is significant that Justin Snaith has sprung three of those surprises because four of the six rivals Eight On Eighteen faces are Snaith-trained stablemates.
In 2014 the Snaith-trained Dynasty colt Legislate, who was destined to become Equus Horse Of The Year, set sail for home from the tail of the field together with the 6/10 favourite Captain America and despite his odds of 28/1 he outran the latter to win by 1,45 lengths.
In 2016 Snaith sent out the 12/10 favourite Black Arthur, but he could only manage a 2,60 length fourth as his unheralded 16/1 chance stablemate It’s My Turn romped home by two lengths.
In 2022 the Snaith-trained Jonsson-owned Cape Guineas winner Double Superlative jumped at odds of 10/11 in the Cape Derby but proved no match for his stablemate Pomp And Power, who was backed in from 50/9 to 91/20.
Pomp And Power’s resolute gallop in a fast run race took him from midfield to a cosy 1,50 length victory over Universal with Double Superlative beaten 4,75 lengths into third.
Snaith’s only other Cape Derby winner was back in 2008 and on that occasion the result went as expected with the 33/10 joint favourite Russian Sage getting up by 0,25 lengths.
So it could be said that three out of Snaith’s four Cape Derby wins were unexpected.
But on the other hand Richard Fourie has ridden three of his previous Cape Derby winners, Russian Sage, Legislate and Pomp and Power.
Piere Strydom was aboard it’s My Turn but does not have a ride in the big race on Saturday.
Last year an unheralded runner called Oriental Charm, who finished third at odds of 100/1 off an 87 merit rating, needs no introduction today as a 125-rated horse who has won the Hollywoodbets Durban July and finished second in the WSB Met.
So all of the above history just proves Saturday’s race is not as cut and dried as it seems.
Three-year-olds at this time of the year can still be unknown quantities.
A quick glance at Eight On Eighteen’s opposition on Saturday shows that all of them could still blossom into top class thoroughbreds.
The Andre Nel-trained Zeitz (Vercingetorix) has a relaxed style of running and a fine turn of foot, the Snaith-trained Sail The Seas (Vercingetorix) has shown a big action and good turn of foot despite still looking immature, the Piet Steyn-trained Garrix (Vercingetorix) is full of substance and class, the Snaith-trained Native Ruler (Vercingetorix) looks to be in the same resolute-galloping mould as Pomp And Power, the Snaith-trained Dawn Till Dusk has a good action and nice turn of foot and the Snaith-trained Express Yourself (Trippi) is a big, immature sort who will improve plenty if he settles better than he did last time.
Eight On Eighteen will be hard to beat, but it will nevertheless be an intriguing race and more than one star might emerge from it, as was the case last year.
Splashout Cape Derby Meeting Will Reward Those Who Do Their Homework
Eight On Eighteen will be Pick 6 banker for most punters (Picture: Wayne Marks).
Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)
A R500 000 Carryover adds to the appeal of the Pick 6 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday as does the prospect of two ready-made bankers in the form of Eight On Eighteen and Gimme A Prince. Eight on Eighteen takes on seven rivals in the R1,5-million Splashout Cape Derby (Gr1) over 2000m and, while many will remind you that there is no such thing as a “racing certainty”, there is no logical case to be made which suggests that the WSB Cape Town Met-winning 3yo son of Lancaster Bomber can be gunned down.
Yes, Eight On Eighteen does like to keep us on the edge of our seats with his tendency to come from far back, and yes he is seen to best advantage when accelerating off a solid pace – and such a pace may not be forthcoming in this year’s renewal of the Splashout Cape Derby – but top horses find a way of getting the job done and there is no doubting that Eight On Eighteen appears to be quite special.
The Politician Stakes (Gr3) over 1800m, the traditional Derby trial run on the same day as the WSB Cape Town Met, saw Zeitz register a commanding victory over Garrix, Native Ruler, Dawn Till Dusk and Sail The Seas, all of which have stood their ground for Saturday’s Derby. Garrix is now 3kgs better off with Zeitz and there is every chance that Piet Steyn’s charge can reverse the order with Andre Nel’s eye-catching grey. Sail The Seas is 4,5kgs better off with Zeitz but the latter was a little one-paced in the Politician Stakes and may once again be held by Zeitz and Garrix. Garrix, Zeitz and Sail The Seas are all sired by the in-form Vercingetorix and are fancied to follow Eight On Eighteen home in that order.
Gimme A Prince blew us all away, not to mention the opposition, when winning the Cape Flying Championship (Gr1) over 1000m by close on six lengths on WSB Met day. Like Eight On Eighteen, Gimme A Prince is quoted at 1/3 to win the Grade 2 R600 000 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes over 1200m and while the 6yo son of Gimmethegreenlight has often been plagued by unsoundness, it appears that Dean Kannemeyer has Gimme A Prince in very good order and in the form of his life. He seems at his very best over 1200m and victory for Gimme A Prince in the Diadem seems as much a formality as it does for Eight On Eighteen in the Derby.
Questioning, Surjay and Royal Aussie are likely to fight out the minor placings, but Gimme A Prince should suffice for Pick 6 purposes. So, we have two bankers in the form of Eight On Eighteen and Gimme A Prince but, in a small perm taken multiple times, you may also wish to nail your colours to the mast with Roccapina in Race 6, the Splashout Prix du Cap (Gr 3) over 1400m, and See It Again in Race 5, the City of Cape Town Jet Master Stakes (Listed) over 1600m.
Roccapina ran terrific races in defeat recently when runner-up to Asiye Phambili in the Sceptre Stakes over 1200m on King’s Plate day and the 3yo daughter of One World built on that performance when finishing a good third behind Rascova and Double Grand Slam in the 1600m Majorca Stakes (Gr1) on “Met” day. This 1400m looks ideal and Candice Bass-Robinson’s filly should take a power of beating. Mon Petit Cherie, Bavarian Beauty and Gimmie’s Countess rate the obvious dangers but if Roccapina fluffs her lines, then this is the one leg of the Pick 6 that could produce a boil-over result.
See It Again has been testing his supporters’ faith for a while now, but he drops to Listed race class on Saturday and is slung in at the weights. He again has a wide draw to overcome and 1600m is very much at the bottom of his range, but Piere Strydom will be hoping for a slice of good fortune for a change and the 5yo son of Twice Over should prove a touch too classy here. The obvious danger is Zapatillas who cracks a good draw this time and the 6yo son of Master Of My Fate should get the run of the race.
The opening leg of the carryover Pick 6, the Schweppes Cape Fillies Classic (Listed) over 1800m, has attracted a small but competitive field of seven runners and many will be including the field. Kinda Wonderful and Scarlet Macaw do stand out on ratings, but they tackle the trip for the first time and that raises a few question marks. Goodnessgraciousme, who is highly regarded by Justin Snaith, will appreciate stepping up in trip and she may be a lot better than her current mark of 88. The rapidly improving Give Me Everything goes for three on the bounce and could also be ahead of the handicapper.
The ninth race, a Class 4 Handicap (F&M) over 1400m, shapes up as a four-cornered contest between Golden Angel, My Only Weakness. Alltheboysiveloved and Miraculous – with some measure of respect also for the consistent Among The Clouds who has not won for 591 days – but depending on how you structure your Pick 6 perms, it may be prudent to ensure you have the field in your main perm. I would not normally dare to put forward suggestions for the Pick 6 but, given the circumstances, herewith some food for thought:
Pick 6 Perm (1): 1,3,5,6 x 1,10 x 6 x 2 x 6 x 2,4,5,6,10 (R40)
Pick 6 Perm (2): Field x 1,10 x 6 x 2 x 6 x Field (R140)
Pick 6 Perm (3): Field x 1,10 x Field x 2 x 6 x Field (R1400)
Pick 6 Perm (4): Field x Field x 6 x 2 x 6 x Field (R700)
Gimme A Prince Can Confirm Himself Best In The Land
The highest merit rated horse in the country, Gimme A Prince, has been tipped to win the Gr 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes over 1200m. (Picture: Wayne Marks).
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday Formguides And Selections
Race 1
Good race. 5 ABSOLUTELY YES won well on debut, he sat just off the speed early and then quickened up smartly to beat Music Of The Night by just over two lengths, he will improve tons from that performance and must be respected. 6 IRELAND FOREVER was heavily backed in the market on debut when winning exceptionally well, he is a lovely looking colt that looks to have a bright future, watch him closely, the sky could be the limit for this individual. 2 DIRECT HIT showed plenty speed on debut, she absolutely smashed the opposition winning her maiden by just over seven lengths, she looked super impressive and can only improve from that. 3 WILD WILD GREEN remains unbeaten after winning her most recent start with absolute ease, the yard thinks highly of this filly, again she must have a top winning chance. It’s a tricky race with lots of quality, go wide.
(Brandon Bailey: 5 – 6 – 2 – 3)
Race 2
7 REGULATION ran a fair race in the Grade 3 Politician Stakes behind Zeitz, he had one or two hard luck stories and managed to run just under five lengths behind the winner, he is undoubtedly looking for further than this trip of 1400m, but he is classy and will be finishing strongly late, include him into all bets. 1 HONOR OF KINGS comes back to the races after a rest and gelding, he won his maiden on the 7th of December 2024 really well, he is progressive and must be watched closely here. 6 SCOTTISH LINKS quickened up smartly to win a good race on the 1st of February, he is talented and should improve quite a bit with every start, include him into the play. 3 MASTEROFTHEDESERT ran a good race last time behind shock winner Diamond Rock, he is very consistent and should earn again from a good draw.
(Brandon Bailey: 7 – 1 – 6 – 3)
Race 3
1 TALK TO THE MASTER ran a lovely race behind Gem King on the 11th of January, he needed his first run back from a gelding and he was slightly unlucky in running as well, now that he steps up in trip and he gets a perfect draw, he will be very tough to beat in this Class 3 event. 6 GALLIC DREAM never runs a bad race, he ran a cracking third last time behind two very nice horses, this looks to be the perfect race for him to be competitive again. 10 POWERANDTHEGLORY comes back to the races from a rest and gelding, he is a beautiful looking horse with plenty ability, if he doesn’t need the run badly and he manages to get some luck in running from a tricky draw, he will go close. 5 CARRIACOU carries no weight on his back, he likes to be covered up early and then comes with a storming run late, he must have a good place chance on his best form.
(Brandon Bailey: 1 – 6 – 10 – 5)
Race 4
6 SCARLET MACAW ran a fair race in the Grade 1 Majorca Stakes behind Rascova on the 25th of January, she is a talented filly, if she stays the 1800m trip, she will be very hard to beat in this Listed event. 3 GOODNESSGRACIOUSME fought hard all the way to the line last time when finishing second in the Clapham Stakes against older fillies, she is a big filly that will love the step up in trip to 1800m, on her best form she will go very close to winning. 1 GIVE ME EVERYTHING has won her last two races super impressively, this is undoubtedly a big step up in class for her, but she is progressive and will enjoy the step up in trip. 7 LADY SPRINGFIELD had no luck in running last time, she was taken up for a few strides in the home straight, she is still improving and will be hitting the line hard.
(Brandon Bailey: 6 – 3 – 1 – 7)
Race 5
9 MEU CAPITANO finished like a train to beat Snow Pilot really well on the 25th of January, he thoroughly enjoyed the step up in trip to 1400m last time and based on the way he finished, he should have no problems with the extra 200m on Saturday afternoon, if he gets some luck in running from a wide draw, he will be right there in the finish again. 10 SEE IT AGAIN ran a terrific race in the Grade 1 Cape Town Met on the 25th of January, he ran on powerfully to finish just over one length behind the winner, on ratings and on form he will be a tough horse to beat. 5 THE REAL PRINCE made up good ground late from a wide draw in his last start, he has a striking turn of foot late and should love this 1600m trip, include him into the play at a decent price. 1 ZAPATILLAS is much better than his recent run behind Eight On Eighteen, he is packed with class and should love the drop in trip, he could be the value in a tricky looking race.
(Brandon Bailey: 9 – 10 – 5 – 1)
Race 6
6 ROCCAPINA moved up full of running in her last start behind Rascova, she relaxed beautifully in that Grade 1 event and ran on powerfully to run a nice third, the drop in trip to 1400m is the key for this gorgeous looking filly, she will be very hard to beat here. 10 GIMMIE’S COUNTESS stayed on well behind Asiye Phambili in the Grade 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes on the 4th of January, she will be switched off early from a wide draw, and she will be low flying late, include her into all bet types. 1 MON PETIT CHERIE has been rested for 77 days, she is much better than her last run behind Fatal Flaw, there is no doubt she is talented and must be respected from a good draw. 7 GIMMETHATPEARL will need to improve to win a race like this, but the drop in trip should help her chances, she could earn and make the Quartet pay at her best.
(Brandon Bailey: 6 – 10 – 1 – 7)
Race 7
2 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN quickened up like a really smart colt to win the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met on the 25th of January, he is undoubtedly the best horse in the race, he will be very hard to beat in this Grade 1 event. 1 GARRIX had absolutely no luck in the Grade 3 Politician Stakes last time, the race didn’t work out for him, and he still managed to run a good second behind Zeitz, there should be no excuses for him on Saturday from a good draw, it’s a small field and he should be right there in the money again. 6 ZEITZ won super impressively on the 25th of January, he will love the step up in trip to 2000m, he is improving with every start and must be respected. 7 NATIVE RULER should be running on late, he is very consistent and must have a money chance again.
(Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 6 – 7)
Race 8
6 GIMME A PRINCE stormed home to win the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship very impressively on the 25th of January, he looks to be the best sprinter in South Africa at the moment, he should win a race like this quite comfortably, this is easily the best bet on the card. 4 SURJAY is as honest as they come, he ran a good second behind Gimme A Prince last time, he tries hard and should be able to earn again for the connections. 1 QUESTIONING will appreciate the 1200m trip on Saturday afternoon, he has done really well in the sprinting ranks, he will be running on strongly late. 2 ROYAL AUSSIE drops in trip and he gets the blinkers fitted, he could have a good place chance at a decent price.
(Brandon Bailey: 6 – 4 – 1 – 2)
Race 9
6 ALLTHEBOYSIVELOVED ran on well from the back of the field to win a good race on the 18th of January, she loved the step up in trip to 1400m, if she relaxes early in this Class 4 event, she will be hard to beat again. 2 GOLDEN ANGEL finished just over two lengths behind Alltheboysiveloved in her penultimate start, she is now 3.5kgs better off at the weights which should give her a massive chance on paper, she is nicely drawn and she gets the services of champion jockey Richard Fourie, include her into all bets. 5 MY ONLY WEAKNESS never runs a bad race, she is consistent, and the blinkers have been fitted, she must have a good place chance here. 4 AMONG THE CLOUDS drops in trip on Saturday, she is honest, and she tries really hard, she must be included into the places.
(Brandon Bailey: 6 – 2 – 5 – 4)
Isivunguvungu Faces Some Strong Opposition In The Turf Dash
Ibhayi Stakes Success For Fire Away Gelding
My Best Shot won with authority to score the hattrick (Pauline Herman Photography).
Cape Breeders
Wilgerbosdrift’s promising sire Fire Away looks to have come up with a very smart three-year-old in the form of My Best Shot.
The latter made it three wins in a row when he stormed home to land the Listed Ibhayi Stakes (1400m) at Fairview on Friday.
Under a confident ride from Richard Fourie, the Alan Greeff-trained gelding outclassed his rivals with a smooth performance.
My Best Shot hit the front full of running and powered away to win as he liked by two and a quarter lengths.
Bred by Varsfontein Stud, the three-year-old has won seven of 13 starts, with Friday’s win his biggest to date.
My Best Shot, who is out of the Fort Wood mare Gypsy Madonna, was a R120 000 buy from the 2023 Cape Yearling Sale.
He was one of two winners for Fire Away on Friday, with the Wilgerbosdrift resident also responsible for Fire Alarm, winner of the third race at Fairview.
Another for the Greeff/Fourie combination, three-year-old Fire Alarm kept going gamely to land Friday’s Racing Today Open Maiden (1400m) by a neck.
Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, Fire Alarm is out of the Fort Wood mare Belt Up.
The filly was a R280 000 buy from the 2023 KZN Yearling Sale.
Her G3 Dixie Stakes winning sire Fire Away could be set for another big payday next weekend, with his top-class son Fire Attack among the leading contenders for the G1 TAB SA Classic.
Fire Attack is one of two potential runners for Fire Away in the SA Classic, with Fire Away also responsible for Classic entrant Confederate.
Lerena-Gates Inquiry Adjourned Until March 24
Gavin Lerena’s season has ranged from the high of One Stripe to the low of what has come to be known as WhipGates. (Picture: Wayne Marks)
NHA Press Release
Inquiry – Jockeys Mr Gavin Lerena And Mr Jason Gates
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that the Inquiry into the incident involving Jockey Gavin Lerena (GIMME A STORM) and Jockey Jason Gates (BLURRED VISION) that commenced earlier today has been adjourned to 24 March 2025.
Vee Moodley
Chief Executive
Pistol Pete Can Exert His Authority
Pistol Pete is pictured just getting up in the Gr 3 Lebelo Sprint against older horses last time and he looks to have an easier task in the Gr 3 National Currency Sprint against his own age group on Sunday. (JC Photos)
The 4Racing National Currency Sprint over 1100m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside on Sunday and could see Pistol Pete land a second grade three victory in succession.
This Buffalo Bill Cody colt has put in some of the best three-year-old performances of the season and can prove himself up to having a go at the Gr 1 Jonsson Workwear Sprint by winning convincingly under Gavin Lerena. He is the joint best in the weights in this three-year-old event event together with Chocolate Soldier and has a nice middle draw. The main danger could be the Heavenly Blue gelding Truth who has a lot of class and in his recent runs preferred the 1400m trip to the 1600m one, so he is interesting dropped further in trip. His class could pull him through from a disadvantageous low draw by trends. Karate Kid is another progressive sort who should be in the shake up, although the draw of one is against him. His last win was with Rachel Venniker up and she takes over the ride again. Rodeo Drive has plenty of class and has good natural pace too. She will be cherry ripe as this is her third run of the season. She was just 3.1 lengths behind the classy Almond Sea last time and should have come on from the run, so should be right there. Chocolate Soldier has a lot of pace but might prefer 1000m to 1100m. Rondebosch from a nice draw of seven can’t be ignored as he is an honest sort. DantonfromSandton is also an interesting runner with Piere Strydom taking the ride, although he has a tough task with Pistol Pete on the form of their last clash. Howeever, he does have a nice high draw again and if he repeats his run when a close-up third to Barbaresco he could be in the shake up.
A MR99 Handicap over 1600m forms the fifth leg of the P6 and Gavin Lerena could be in the winner’s enclosure again on Jury’s Out. This horse has run well with blinkers on and is off a competitive mark and is drawn well in two. Artist’s Model was not disgraced last time out when beaten 5.4 lengths into third by Don’t Cry For Me, who is well regarded. He might well appreciate the step down to 1600m, but he does have a wide draw to overcome. Master Christmas is a consistent sort who will relish this course and distance and he has draw three with Zackey up. Storm Brasco is none too reliable but on his day is capable of producing a strong finish. Command Pilot disappointed last time, but if producing his best he could earn. Deception Pass is another one who is capable of earning and having a 2,5kg claimer up might help. Whafeef can never be ignored and Argo Alley is another one who is capable of a classy performance. Zuzan is another one who can never be ignored.
In the first leg of the P6 over 1160m DuPont Emerald looks hard to beat. She has a touch of class and plenty of scope and should be too good for this field despite having jump from a low draw of four. The chief danger could be Saudi Sweep who disappointed last time over 1400m but whom has been shown to have some ability.
In the second leg of the P6 over 1600m Chieftain’s Shield has a a tricky draw of nine, but did well last time despite being caught wide in the running. Ryan Munger is up and he looks the one to beat. Page Boy was most disappointing last time and is probably better than that and from draw two could be a big runner if fulfilling the potential he has shown.
In the sixth race over 1000m Night Vigil won well on his Higthveld debut over a 1000m on the Vaal Classic track. Second time out he was not disgraced over that same course and distance and the form of that race looks to be strong considering Chrome Tourmaline, who was 2,55 lengths ahead of him, came out and won comfortably. Troppo Veloce might well have benefited from the layoff of close to three months. Simply Majestic has dropped to a competitive merit rating and could bounce back in her third run after a layoff, although she has gone completely off the boil. Bosum Buddy is 2kg under sufferance, but has the advantage of Rachel Venniker’s 1,5kg claim so could be right there if producing her best. One Fell Swoop has gone a bit off form overall but did run a cracker last time and a repeat of that effort should see her going close.
In the last leg of the pick six Vesuvio is knocking hard and enjoys this 2,400 meter trip, so he should go close with Ryan Munger up from a good draw. Twenty Drachma’s has always struck as a progressive staying type and so has To The Rescue. United Council is usually in the shake up and enjoys this trip and Littlemarysunshine won the first time she tried this trip since being unplaced in the Oaks, but she does have a six point raise to overcome.
In the first leg of the Bipot over 1160m Emerald Forge, Crystal Grove and Dondoyaki make most appeal of the first-timees, who would not have to be superstars to win this.
In the first leg of the PA over 1160m Kaleesh Cyborg should appreciate the step down in trip and does not face an inspiring field. Cronus and Empress Wu look to be the dangers.
The first race over 1160m could be won by Arashi.
The last race over 2400m could see a few fighting it out, but Royal Mazarin makes most appeal.
Today's Question
What was Peter Carl Mackay aka Ras Prince Monolulu’s claim to fame in thoroughbred horse racing?
The subject is pictured above.
FIELDS, Saturday, 22 February
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday
FIELDS, Sunday, 23 February
Turffontein Standside
Today’s Question Answer
Prince Monolulu became famous throughout Britain and is pictured above surrounded by punters at the Epsom Derby. (Picture: Media Storehouse)
Ras Prince Monolulu (26 October 1881 – 14 February 1965), whose real name was Peter Carl Mackay (or McKay), was a horse-racing tipster, and something of an institution on the British racing scene from the 1920s until the time of his passing. He was particularly noticeable for his brightly coloured clothing; as a tipster, one of his best known phrases was the cry “I gotta horse!”, which was subsequently the title of his memoirs.
