Turf Talk Newsletter – 22 August, 2025

Bass Racing Stables Expand To KZN

The Centenary Syndicate celebrate after the Candice Bass-Robinson-trained Furture Variety won the Listed HKIR In December Umngeni Handicap at Hollywoodbets Greyville (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

After thorough deliberation and consultation with the Race Coast team, leading trainer Candice Bass has confirmed the expansion of her family operation with a permanent satellite base at the Summerveld Training Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.

Bass Racing has secured 27 boxes at Summerveld, which will be overseen by long-time assistant trainer Terry Fripp, now a permanent member of the team. The plan is to send suitable candidates from Candice’s Milnerton yard to KwaZulu-Natal to optimise year-round earning opportunities. In time, two-year-olds will also be considered for KZN campaigns, further boosting the stable’s strike power for its patrons.

Terry has enjoyed great success in two seasonal KZN Champions Season stints with the yard, and has some seriously impressive stats to show from the 2025 term. With just a small number of runners, the operation produced a 20% winning strike rate and a 70% place record from 29 starts, for stakes of R1.8 million. These included the dual Grade 2 victors Rainbow Lorikeet and Tenango, as well as Listed winner Callmegetorix, and the ever-popular Centenary Syndicate horse Future Variety, who closed off on Gold Cup Day with a Listed feature for his 130 shareholding owners.

Candice comes off a runner-up position on the Western Cape Trainers log last seasonand finished 4th on the National Trainers Log with gross stake earnings of R12,447,513, her 8th successive Top 6 finish since she took over from .

With a strong client base in KZN eager to see their horses compete locally, combined with the popularity of their ever-growing Centenary Syndicate, this expansion is a natural and exciting next step for Bass Racing stables.

Candice shared her thoughts on her expansion and said: “Our team enjoyed a fantastic Champions season and having worked closely with Terry Fripp over the last two Champions seasons, I have full trust and confidence in his ability to head up my KZN operation.

“With Race Coast having expanded their own interests from the Western Cape into KwaZulu Natal, our following suit was a natural progression. Having a yard at Summerveld creates a gateway for us to freely move horses between centres and seasons, as well as opportunities to compete with a larger contingent of raiders. The weather has caused havoc in Cape Town over the last few months – not dissimilar towhat happened last year – so this has really been an easy decision for me.”

Candice added: “Race Coast’s Justin Vermaak has welcomed our planned transition and also kindly incentivised our choice to have a dual presence under the Race Coast banner which we are most grateful for.”

The yard will initially house a select string of around 10-15 horses relocated from Milnerton, with plans to steadily grow over time. Syndication opportunities will also be made available through the Centenary Syndicate, which has already secured two horses at the BSA August Two-Year Old sale that will soon be opened for shareholding to KZN-based patrons. These will also qualify under the Race Coast Syndicate incentive programme.

Candice concluded: “This new chapter marks an exciting step forward for Bass Racing. We look forward to establishing firm roots in KwaZulu-Natal.”

Money Heist Could Be The One To Get Away

Money Heist has been tipped to win the fifth race (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)

The highest rated race at the nine-race Turffontein Inside meeting on Saturday is a Pinnacle Stakes race over 1600m and Money Heist could be the one to beat.

Money Heist is only half-a-kilogram worse off on official ratings than the best weighted Texas Red, but he comes off a good run in a Listed event over this trip at Hollywoodbets Greyville and he won his only run at this course, which was over 1450m in April 2024. This will be his third run after a year off and he hould be cherry rip and he has a good draw of three. Fire ‘N Flames has plenty of class and says this trip, but things do need to go his way and having the widest draw of all will make it tough for him. Hotarubi is unreliable but has the ability to be in the shake-up and can’t be ignored. Navajo Nation found the Gold Cup trip beyond him and would prefer further than this trip, but he is in form and from a good draw could make his presence felt. Texas Red needs to bounce back from a poor run last time.

In the first leg of the Pick 6, a Middle Stakes event over 1000m, Karate Kid has shown class in his career and ran a cracker last time after a lay-off, so he has a chance here from a fair draw of four out of seven as he should strip fitter and he is marginally the best weighted runner . Silver Tudor goes very well for Serino Moodley who knows all about his short run in and has timed his late charge to prefection in the past, so he should be involved from a good draw of three. Sheldon bounced back to form last time and from the pole position draw here should be in the shake-up over a course and distance he has won over before. Tsar Bomba enjoys the Inide course and should be running on over a tri too sharp from a wide draw. Red Bomber is well drawn and if producing his best in his secnd run after a six month layoff he could earn.

In the sixth race, a Novice Handicap over 1200m, Futurenaire looks to be a promising sort who can improve and he should do well here over a step-down in trip considering he won over 1160m. Top Division has run two good race and looks to have ability, but does have a tough draw. The Last Duke won well second time out and although it was not a stong race he has a good draw now and should be right there.

The seventh race is a MR97 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1450m and this course and distance in fast going should be ideal for Hierkommiebokkie. Her name will be topical on a day in which the Boks have their backs to the wall, a situation which usually brings the best out of them. Hierkommiebokkie has to carry topweight of 61kg, but Trent Mayhew aboard means she has a 1,5kg allowance and he rode her last time to a fine 2,20 length third over course and distance behind two useful sorts in Busstopinhounslow and Guy Gibson. She should be able to use her early pace to good effect from a good draw of three. Stars and Bra’s has some class and will be a big runner here if able to overcome a wide draw. Palace Dancer has the abiliy to be a player here as she is likely to enjoy the step down in trip. Destiny Of Fire improved last time when stepped back down to this trip and should be in the shake up. Across The Pond represents the in-form St. John Gray yard and is distance suited and has the ability to be involved, but she has not run for seven months.

In the eighth race over 1450m Valentina Balducci won well on debut and an 82 merit rating looks to be reasonable because the form has been franked. Cape Saffron is capable of doing better than last time and is well drawn on this occasion. Great Notion has a wide draw to overcome but is a capable sort and could earn. Heavenly Good won easily last time out and should be a contender. On A Jet Plane should enjoy the step down in trip.

In the ninth over 1450m Player is a capable sort who has been thereabouts in his last few starts and this is now a suitable course and distance. Plus Four is a capable sort and from a good draw he looks to be a livewire. Pressonregardless won well last time and should be in the shake-up. Presley is capable of running on after being dropped out from a wide draw. Potberrie has class and should be right there.

In the first leg of the PA Master’s Lady and Paradise Way are the best of those to have run. Fish Hawk is by Fireaway and is a half-sister to the Grade 1 performer Feather Boa, so she is a fascinating runner here, while Tempranillo is by Querari and is a half-sister to the like of Barbaresco. Lasting Looks should improve and has a good draw.

Midnight Flyer should be too good in the first leg of the Bipot.

In the first race over 3000m Breeze Over should be able to dicate in this small field and is the one to beat.

Jonathan Snaith Praises Breeders For August Sale Quality

Lot 223, A Varsfontein Stud-bred Master Of My Fate half-brother to Gr 2 winner Cala Muretta (Gimmethegreenlight) was the highest priced lot on day 2 of the BSA August Sale (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Jonathan Snaith has praised South African breeders for bringing top quality stock to the BSA August Sale, where he secured the top lot 0n both days of the Sale.

He said, “The two-year-old sale has once again lived up to its reputation as a consistent producer of future stars, with a history of yielding multiple Gr1 winners.

It remains a true value-for-money sale, offering something for each owner and trainer.

This year’s results reflect a buoyant and resilient market. The average price of R314,512 set a new record for the sale, while the median of R260,000 also reached historic highs.

Perhaps the most telling statistic was the remarkably low number of unsold lots, just nine, highlighting the increasing demand in the face of a shrinking horse population.

Congratulations are due to the breeders, who continue to raise the bar with the quality they present, and to Bloodstock South Africa for staging yet another highly successful sale. A very special thank you to our clients for placing their trust in our judgment when it comes to selecting their thoroughbreds.

At the heart of this game, we are all searching for “the one,” and I wish every buyer the very best of luck in their search for greatness.

Le Soleil (Vercingetorix – Clouds Unfold) was a colt who turned heads the moment he stepped out of his box – he possessed a commanding presence and carried himself with the authority of a true “meneer.”

Vercingetorix breds have proved to be uncomplicated horses to handle, with wonderful temperaments.

Athletically well-balanced and with the stamp of a classic thoroughbred, he gave every indication that a mile would be his starting point, with the potential to stretch further in time.

Drakenstein breds have statistically proven to give buyers an edge. Their South African record of graded stakes winners speaks louder than words.

Le Soleil will now enjoy a short spell on the farm before embarking on his training career.”

Click here to see details of the August Sale

Rosallion Can Win The City Of York

Rosallion has been tipped to win the Gr 1 City Of York Stakes (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

York Saturday Formguides And Selections

At The Races

1 2:50 PM SA Time – Sky Bet Strensall Stakes (Group 3)
Bowmark is two from four, with both of his victories coming in novice company. The son of Kingman found the Prix du Jockey Club too much of an ask last time and will appreciate this easier assignment, but a chance can be taken on GLADIUS. Andrew Balding’s colt is unbeaten in two starts in handicaps, most recently scoring at Glorious Goodwood, and he continues to go from strength to strength. The son of Night Of Thunder has a lot to find on official ratings, but he is improving at a rapid rate of knots and may well be up to the task. King’s Gambit completes the shortlist.

Top Tip: Gladius (7)
Watch out for: Bowmark (6)

2 3:25 PM SA Time – Sky Bet Melrose Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Golden Handshake, Fantasy World, Talismans Time and Pole Star are all bidding for hat-tricks, with slight preference of those for the Charlie Johnston-trained latter after his Yarmouth success last month. However, they might have to play supporting roles behind TARRIANCE, who has progressed in his four outings. The son of Frankel made a winning start in handicap company at Sandown and a 4lb rise might prove to be on the lenient side. With lots of improvement to come, he looks the one to side with.

Top Tip: Tarriance (3)
Watch out for: Pole Star (4)

3 4:00 PM SA Time – Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 1)
Audience was odds-on to land this prize last year but had to settle for fourth and faces much tougher opposition now, probably due to the now-Group 1 status of the event. Never So Brave has improved 14lb since switching to the Andrew Balding yard and merits the utmost respect, but it’s hard to get away from ROSALLION. Twice a Group 1 winner as a three-year-old, he has been unfortunate not to land another this season. Touched off in the Queen Anne before getting closest to shock Sussex Stakes hero Qirat at Goodwood, the son of Blue Point may just relish this drop in trip and can gain another top-level triumph.

Top Tip: Rosallion (7)
Watch out for: Never So Brave (4)

4 4:35 PM SA Time – Sky Bet Ebor Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Willie Mullins has won this twice before, most recently with Absurde in 2023, and last year’s fifth Hipop De Loire is back for more off 3lb higher after an easy maiden hurdle win at Galway. He can go well but if FRENCH MASTER takes to a first-time visor, he may have the edge. Successful over this sort of trip at Goodwood and Ascot, he was only fifth in the Goodwood Cup but, back in handicap company, he could prove too good. Fleetfoot is just one other to consider, with his 4lb penalty unlikely to be enough to stop another bold effort.

Top Tip: French Master (1)
Watch out for: Hipop De Loire (2)

5 5:10 PM SA Time – Sky Bet Constantine Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
Nimitz looks overpriced after finishing ninth at Goodwood when drawn away from the action and, with an added furlong, he could mount a challenge. Tropical Storm has a two-out-of-two record here but he needs to bounce back from a poor run at Ascot, and TWO TRIBES gets the nod. After supplementing his International triumph with an easy victory in the Stewards’ Cup, Richard Spencer’s four-year-old has been upped a further 8lb but Ryan Moore takes the ride and he can land the hat-trick.

Top Tip: Two Tribes (1)
Watch out for: Nimitz (19)

6 5:45 PM SA Time – Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed)
DICKENSIAN only found one too good in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot and followed that up with a fine third in the Molecomb. A reproduction of either of those efforts would give the son of Pinatubo a big chance here. That said, this a very competitive event and Rydale Frosty was only narrowly behind the selection at Goodwood. David Simcock’s colt has to be of interest, while Military Code is another with strong form claims. The shortlist is completed by Revival Power and Silent Applause.

Top Tip: Dickensian (1)
Watch out for: Rydale Frosty (5)

7 6:20 PM SA Time – Sky Bet Steve Birch Finale Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Westridge was an impressive winner of a valuable handicap at Glorious Goodwood and has to be respected, although an 8lb rise demands more. As a result, preference is for GREEK ORDER, who has been running consistently well in top mile handicaps this year and the step up in trip could bring about improvement. Erzindjan’s fourth in the John Smith’s Cup over C&D brings him into the equation, while Marhaba Ghaiyyath and Tony Montana are others who could make the frame.

Top Tip: Greek Order (4)
Watch out for: Westridge (1)

Asfoora Roars Back To Winning Form In Nunthorpe Stakes

Asfoora (black cap in the front) is too quick in the Nunthorpe (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

Henry Dwyer’s charge powers to victory at York.

At The Races

Australian speedster Asfoora tasted success on British soil once again when blazing her way to victory in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday.

Henry Dwyer’s horse of a lifetime was a Royal Ascot winner when adding spice to the sprinting scene last year and the enduring enterprise of connections was rewarded on the Knavesmire, as the 11-1 shot bettered last year’s fourth in the hands of Oisin Murphy.

Always ideally placed following the blistering pace set by Karl Burke’s Night Raider, Asfoora hit top gear with a furlong to run, scorching a length and a quarter clear of Kevin Ryan’s 100-1 shot Ain’t Nobody, who finished well for second. William Knight’s Frost At Dawn was third.

Dwyer said: “I’d love to see the replay because it looked like she won quite convincingly.

“When you know they are going to win at the two-furlong marker you are sort of on pretty good terms with yourself. It was an easy watch and it was great to be around a lot of friends, really enjoyable.

“It’s just an incredible buzz to be validated with what you think. It was a little bit dicey and people were doubting her, but we didn’t really lose faith.

“It’s always hard to keep faith when they aren’t winning, but we knew there were no excuses coming into today – it was win or be retired basically, and she’s done the job.”

Having become only the second Australian-trained winner of the Nunthorpe after Ortensia’s victory in 2012, Asfoora’s stay in Europe is set to continue into the early autumn, with next month’s Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh and the Prix de l’Abbaye on Arc weekend at ParisLongchamp under consideration.

“The Flying Five in Ireland and the Prix de l’Abbaye in France (are options), if she comes through this well,” Dwyer added.

“At this stage, she’s a seven-year-old mare, and she may tell us she doesn’t want to be there any more, but off the back of that result you can’t say that is the case.”

He went on: “We never set out to come over here, there were just no options back in Australia. Australian racing is amazing and the prize-money is amazing, but it just doesn’t quite cater for five-furlong horses like they do over here.

“We are under no illusions – we aren’t Black Caviar or Ortensia. But she’s picked her mark and she’s tough and she turns up and runs her race when the circumstances are right and she’s done that today.

“Ortensia is the only Australia sprinter to win the Nunthorpe before and it’s probably the second biggest sprint in Europe, so it’s amazing for us to win it too.”

Prankster Can Crank It Up

Prankster has been tipped to win the fifth (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections

R1 Summary: ICONIC WINTER (8) looks to be the obvious choice and barring a springer among the first timers should get the card off to a winning start. HOLLANDIA BAKKERIJ (11) raced green on debut and is likely to improve while HIGHER LOVE (13) is improving slowly and was not far behind the odds-on winner last time out. Keep a close eye on the market. (Andrew Harrison: 8-11-13-5).

R2 Summary: ROYAL SWORD (3) made marked improvement second time out in spite of drifting in the market. On exposed form he should take a lot of beating but there are a number of first timers to take note of in the betting. TWOCANTANGO (7) showed up well first run back from a lengthy break and the step up in trip will suit. JET BLACKFIRE (8) has found some market interest in his two starts and can improve over this trip. CHEERSCHEERSCHEERS (10) looks the pick of the Mike and Mathew de Kock pair. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-8-10).

R3 Summary: MRS STORMIATRIX (7) made marked improvement with first time blinkers over course and distance in soft ground. She looks to have come to hand. ACT OF GRACE (1) has the best of the draw and was well supported in the market last time out. She has done well on the turf and should be a big threat to the selection. COOL WIND (10) has drawn widest but did find some solid long-shot support at just her second outing going a mile for the first time and this shorter trip may suit. TIPPARARY (6) is struggling on the Highveld but does show flashes of ability. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-10-6).

R4 Summary: Mike Miller holds a strong hand with three solid runners. Judged on jockey engagements, WARRIOR ROYALE (6) would appear to be the stable first choice. She goes well over course and distance but has not been out since March which is a concern. ONE SMART COOKIE (3) is way better than her last run when drawn wide in a big field. Her last win was on this course. SOVEREIGN GRANT (2) has useful recent form in good company and is way better than her last run. Stable companion MAGICAL VIEW (4) has been close-up at her last two but does appear to be better on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-2-4).

R5 Summary: A few Qatari apprentices making their debut. PRANKSTER (8) has smart recent form over course and distance and rates the horse to beat. QUENTASIA (6) was a beaten favourite last run. Her recent form has been on the poly but she has a light weight and could go all the way. JANES VISION (9) takes on weaker and with a 4kg claimer aboard she should be competitive. TIME IN PARIS (2) has had one outing for her new stable. She is still a maiden but has a chance on this line-up. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-9-2).

R6 Summary: Competitive handicap. Stuart Ferrie’s yard has been in mustard for of late and his filly HODGEPODGE (3) could be the value bet in what looks to be a wide open contest. She has been consistent since her last win and gets first time blinkers. That coupled with a light weight could see her home. PLUM PUDDING (9) was narrowly beaten by TROIS TROIS QUATRE (6) on this course last time out and is now 1.5kg better off for a 0.5 length beating. ROYAL INVITATION (5) is similarly better off and was also close up in that contest. The apprentice did not give QUEUE WING (2) the best of rides last time out and has been replaced by a fellow 4kg claimer. The gelding has been consistent and is one for all bets. (Andrew Harrison: 3-9-2-5).

R7 Summary: It may be advisable to load up in this leg with many in with chances and apprentices at the helm. QUINN’S TIME (5) was disappointing first up out of the maidens but won well prior to that and can make amends for his last showing. LA MADDALENA (4) has smart form over course and distance and an experienced apprentice aboard. ANGEL OF MY HEART (2) has a handy galloping weight and the most accomplished apprentice aboard in James Lihaba. The mare could feature at generous odds. CANYOUDOTHEHULA (3) has shown big improvement at her last two but both runs were on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-2-3).

R8 Summary: MOHAVE PRINCE (5) was a narrow maiden winner last time out but was hard-pressed by Master Du Rouvary who looks to be better than average. The balance of the field was a long way back. This trip will suit and Garth Puller’s colt can follow up. RUN TO RIO (4) was a close-up second to Wing Walker who returned to Cape Town after three straight wins. The Stuart Ferrie stable is on hot form. WORLD OF OUR OWN (6) has a fair weight but is better than recent efforts and should feature. MVELELO (3) was close-up last run when down in trip but that was on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-6-3).

Yeni Leads After Treble For Mitchley

Hat Montera (Hat Puntano) was an easy winner of the first over 2000m and gave Muzi Yeni and Kelly Mitchley the first leg of a treble together (Pauline Herman Photography)

Muzi Yeni and Kelly Mitchley scored a treble together on the Fairview poly today (Friday), while East Cape champion trainer Alan Greeff also scored a treble, two of them ridden by S’Manga Khumalo.

Yeni is now on 15 wins for the season scored at a strike rate of 20.27%.

Khumalo is on 13 wins at 26.53%.

Craig Zackey rode the other Greeff winner and is in third place on the log on eleven wins at 14.86%.

Alan Greeff is on eleven wins for the season at 19.64%

Mitchley is on 8 wins at 24.24%.

Today's Question

Every single grey thoroughbred traces back to which arabian horse imported to England in the early 18th century?

Picture: The subject of the question

FIELDS, Saturday, 23, August

Turffontein Inside

FIELDS, Sunday, 24, August

Hollywoodbets Scottsville

Today’s Question Answer

Alcock’s Arabian (foaled about 1700, died about 1733) is the ancestor of all grey-coloured thoroughbred horses, as well as grey sport and riding horses descended from Thoroughbred lines.

Click here to read about the grey Alcock’s Arabian