The Joe Soma-trained Klawervlei Stud-bred William Longsword colt Back In Business was eyecatching when coming from a seemingly beaten position to win on debut over 1160m at Turffontein Standside (JC Photos).

William Longsword Is A Sire With A Future

William Longsword is proving to be a fine sire and breeders and owners are sure to have been sitting up and noticing.

William Longsword’s oldest crop are only four-year-olds and his statistics keep on improving.

He is comfortably the newest sire in the top ten on the national log.

In the sires of three-year-olds list this season he is lying in second place with only the country’s leading stallion Gimmethegreenlight ahead of him.

However, a common opinion of the trainers who have his progeny is they are progressive types who get better and better.

His statistics should get better and better accordingly.

Trainers do take a while to work out how to get the best out of a sire’s progeny and Vaughan Marshall, who trained both William Longsword and his sire Captain Al, is in the best position to comment on the former.

He said William Longsword had never been an early two-year-old and his progeny were proving to be the same.

However, he said his progeny tended to show a lot at home and this had misled trainers into believing they might be early horses.

He confirmed that without a doubt they tended to be progressive and get better and better.

He added another misleading point was that with William Longsword having only ever raced over 1600m as a three-year-old, culminating in his victories in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas and R6,5 million CTS 1600, connections tended to believe his progeny lacked speed.

In fact it is evident when looking at the like of the Lucky Houdalakis-trained Dyce and the Tony Rivalland-trained Coin Spinner that they have plenty of speed.

Marshall said he had fallen for this and it showed in the career of his gelding Ensuing, whom he had tried from 1400m to 1600m in KZN without success.

As soon as he had returned to Cape Town Vaughan put Ensuing back over 1200m and he won three of his next four starts.

Vauhan concluded by saying it was clear by the number of winners William Longsword was having he was going to make it.

He added that all he needed now was some black type winners.

He said he reckoned he had some who were capable of stepping up to the plate.

Joe Soma reiterated Vaughan’s sentiments and said, “The ones I have in my yard I have been very, very impressed with. I have always been very impressed with the two William Longsword three-year-olds I have in my yard, Brave Viking and Back In Business, and there is no doubt I will never be scared to buy a William Longsword again. My two-year-old ones are showing quite nice work. I think the big mistake people are making is they are expecting the William Longswords to come early … I think they will be better as late three-year-olds and as four and five-year-olds.”

If there was a book on which William Longsword would become the first to make it big then Back In Business, who made a huge impression when running on late from a beaten position to win on debut, would be among the fancied horses.

Lucky Houdalakis can only have a good opinion of William Longsword, because Dyce is the only one he has.

This amazing horse was one of the best two-year-olds of William Longsword’s first crop. He had five starts as a two-year-old. His three defeats were to Pyromaniac, William Robertson and Master Archie, who all went on to be top class performers with the last-mentioned winning the Grade 1 Computaform Sprint. Dyce’s two victories as a juvenile were in a Maiden Plate by 9,25 lengths and in the Grade 2 Umkhomazi Stakes over 1200m by 4,30 lengths. He missed his entire three-year-old through injury but has come back looking as good as ever and his big action with the unusually high arching neck is always a joy to watch.

Tony Rivalland was confident Coin Spinner, who has won five out of ten and is merit rated 103, would go close in the Grade 3 Merchants on WSB Summer Cup day, but he unfortunately sustained a niggle a few days before and had to be scratched. He looks likely to make an impact on the top sprint races as he progresses.

The William Longswords are not limited to speed and mile events through.

He has produced a number of middle distance winners up to 2000m.

William Longsword’s progeny tend to have scopey conformation, which fits in with their progressive profile.

He is an exciting stallion and his popularity should increase.

Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship one-two Gimme A Prince And Rio Querari renew rivalry in the Grade 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes tomorrow at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth (Wayne Marks).

Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes Sees A Renewed Rivalry

Cape Racing

Gimme a Prince and Rio Querari fought out a humdinger in the G1 Cape Flying Championship over 1000m and they are set to duel again over an extra furlong in the Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes Grade 2.

It was a brilliant performance by Gimme a Prince (his fifth victory from seven starts) as he accelerated smoothly down the inside rail to reward backers who had punted him in from 10’s right down to 7/2. Dean Kannemeyer targeted the Diadem some time back for owner/sponsors Khaya Stables, and the top class Gimmethegreenlight gelding is bound to run another huge race.

Rio Querari’s career looked to be in decline as an arthritic joint took its toll on his vitality. He needed a couple of runs back to achieve full fitness and was actually slightly unlucky to go down to Gimme a Prince in the Flying Champs – being bumped, before hurtling home in 21.9 seconds for the final 200m. He won this in 2021, ran third to Cosmic Highway in ’22 and should feature prominently yet again.

Three-year old, We’re Jamming is an emerging sprint talent. On a December clash with Gimme a Prince he should finish close to that rival and build on an excellent course and distance record (three wins and a second from four runs.)

Drill Hall winner Silver Operator is best over 1400/1600m but is classy enough to get into the fray and blinkers should sharpen him up for this challenge.

Others to factor in for wider P6 perms (the pool is estimated to reach R5 million) include Trip of Fortune and Cosmic Highway. At a stretch for single-race exotics like trifectas and quartets – Bereave, Countdown, Firealley, and Gladatorian could be considered.

The former is enigmatic but can hit high numbers on a going day and the same applies to Cosmic Highway, who won this race last year from Trip of Fortune, but has sketchy form since.

Bereave, Countdown, Firealley and Gladatorian (legendary trainer Dennis Drier’s final runner, together with Cartel Captain, before he retires) lack the natural ability of the market principals. However, they are fit and in form speedballs that might outrun their odds and bump up the quartet divvy.

Charles Dickens is out to land his second Grade 1 win tomorrow at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and he will be the meeting banker. (Picture: Wayne Marks).

Charles Dickens to keep Bass-Robinson stable on fire

Bookmakers have little doubt the son of Trippi will win Saturday’s Splashout Cape Derby at Kenilworth

David Mollett (Business Day)

Even her legendary father, Mike Bass, will be amazed at what his daughter, Candice, has achieved since taking over the reins of the stable six years ago. The 48-year-old finished in sixth place in last season’s national trainers log and is up to fourth this term.

Another plus factor about Bass-Robinson is her forthright opinion in interviews. After Rockpool won the Politician Stakes, she was asked if she thought the Snaith inmate could beat Charles Dickens in the Cape Derby. Her reply: “He will need to improve.”

Bookmakers have little doubt that Charles Dickens will win Saturday’s R1.5m Splashout Cape Derby at Kenilworth offering the son of Trippi at the cramped odds of 30-100.

This column’s suggestion is to play up the winnings on our 6-1 winner, Laguna Verde, in the Egoli Mile by taking the double coupling Charles Dickens and Cape Oaks second favourite, Hold My Hand.

Charles Dickens is 3-1 favourite for the Durban July but punters will probably hold their fire until after Saturday’s 2,000m race.

It is a distance Charles Dickens is trying for the first time and there can be little doubt that Justin Snaith tactics of his sextet of runners will be to make the 2,000m race a test of stamina.

Rockpool, whose wide draw shouldn’t be a factor with only 10 runners, is obviously the stable elect and there was plenty to like about his last win in the Politician Stakes. The colt is bidding for a four-timer on Saturday.

Gavin Lerena will be happy to be partnering Nevada King for the second time as the form book reveals his mount was only two lengths adrift of Rockpool in a 1,600m race in December.

Leading jockey Keagan De Melo rides 8-1 chance At My Command and Dean Kannemeyer’s runner should earn a cheque for his connections.

The staggering feature about the Schweppes Oaks, the second race on the card, is the paltry prize money — the gross stake is R250,000.

The winning owners receive R148,438 which is just R6,000 more than the third cheque in the Cape Derby.

However, while the Oaks looks De Melo’s best chance of a winner with Hold My Hand — there’s little to choose between the filly and the favourite, Silverlinks, judged on their latest meeting.

Trainer Glen Kotzen must be pulling his hair out at Hold My Hand having failed to win in five outings in the Cape season and — if his filly can reproduce the sort of finishing run she managed in the Cape Fillies Guineas — she has to go close.

The presence of Captain’s Ransom on the 10-race card is another reason for racing fans to make the trip to the Kenilworth track and Justin Snaith’s star mare should make a lap of honour in the third race.

Is owner Suzette Viljoen now regretting her decision to not accept an invitation to run in the 2022 Breeders Cup? It’s an interesting question.

With several others in the Snaith team possessing chances on the 10-race card, a bet bookies might like to offer is how many winners the stable will saddle at the meeting.

KENILWORTH SELECTION

1st Race: (2) Proud Master (3) Usa Hope (6) Captain Bombshell (5) Barzalona

2nd Race: (8) Hold My Hand (4) Silverlinks (9) Gold Poker Game (5) Broadway Girl

3rd Race: (1) Captain’s Ransom (3) Happy Chance (2) Gimme Lassie (4) Santa Maria

4th Race: (10) Luna Halo (4) Kyalami Girl (9) Golden Sickle (11) Royals

5th Race: (10) Outlaw King (7) Speeding Bullet (4) Zoomie (3) Except Temptation

6th Race: (2) The Abdicator (10) Gimmelightning (1) Winter Cloud (11) Rascova

7th Race: (13) Silvano’s Dasher (8) Universal (2) Al Muthana (4) Imilenzeyokududuma

8th Race: (2) Charles Dickens (11) Rockpool (4) At My Command (6) Mucho Dinero

9th Race: (4) Gimme A Prince (11) Rio Querari (3) Trip Of Fortune (7) We’re Jamming

10th Race: (5) Hawk Circle (6) Mighty Mac (2) Captain Casanova (7) Aspect

Golden Sixty defeats Romantic Warrior and California Spangle. (HKJC)

Romantic Warrior and Golden Sixty meet again in Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (Sunday Sha Tin)

by Declan Schuster (HKJC)

Romantic Warrior is looking to level the score with Golden Sixty when the pair meets for the second time across their respective careers in Sunday’s HK$12 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.

Defeated by Golden Sixty in the G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) last month, Romantic Warrior this weekend returns to his optimum distance which he boasts four victories over last year in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m), G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m).

Golden Sixty is a two-time winner over the trip having triumphed in the 2020 BMW Hong Kong Derby and 2021 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup. Trainer Danny Shum is under no illusion of the task at hand as he attempts to unseat Hong Kong’s current champion.

“I think Golden Sixty will be hard to beat – we have to respect him. He’s a genius horse and it’s a hard race, for sure,” Shum said. “We’ll keep it simple – fingers crossed.”

Karis Teetan hops aboard Romantic Warrior again this weekend, while six others are set to feature including Money Catcher, Tourbillon Diamond, Ka Ying Star, Glorious Dragon, Savvy Nine and Panfield.

“He’s (Romantic Warrior) good, he’s happy – there’s been no problems. It all depends on the draw, but he should be able to sit third, fourth or fifth (in the run),” Shum said.

Francis Lui has indicated Golden Sixty – a seven-year-old now – has held his condition between runs as he chases a second Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup win and an enhancement to his all-time earnings record in Hong Kong (HK$129.69 million).

“He’s keeping his form, we’ll give him another grass gallop on Thursday morning (23 February).

“He’s still healthy, everything is fine and I hope he can handle the distance – before he has. I think so (to appreciating 2000m more now), I think he’s more relaxed and he seems much better,” Lui said.

Golden Sixty stamped his authority over Hong Kong racing’s hierarchy last start with victory over Romantic Warrior and California Spangle, however, facing Romantic Warrior over 10 furlongs looms as the latest threat to his sustained supremacy.

“We only have two choices, the 1400 or 2000 – I prefer the 2000 metres. We’ll just jump out, relax him (Golden Sixty) – he’s stepping up in distance, so he needs to relax,” Lui said.

Tourbillon Diamond forms a two-pronged assault in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup for Shum, while also holding an entry for the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan on 25 March.

“He’s entered to run in the Dubai Turf. We’ll see how he runs in this race and whether we stick to that plan and go to Dubai or not,” Shum said.

As for California Spangle – Tony Cruz’s classy miler limbered up this morning under Zac Purton as he prepares for his G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) tilt on 19 March.

“He races in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup – we’ll have one more trial before the race, it’s seven weeks between runs, so there’s not many options for him.

“He’s a very healthy horse – Zac was very happy with him, he said he was much more relaxed this morning. He goes when he wants him to go, when Zac asks the question, he goes. He’s pulled up good, we’ll just have one more trial before the run,” Cruz said.

California Spangle clocked 58.15s down the turf straight at Sha Tin and is expected to face the likes of Lucky Sweynesse and Wellington in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup.

Dragon’s looking to bounce back at Happy Valley

Danny Shum will saddle Nordic Dragon at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, hopeful the expensive Hong Kong International Sale graduate is capable of returning to winning ways when he lines up in the Class 3 O’Brien Handicap (1200m) following a lacklustre eighth at Sha Tin last month.

Vincent Ho has been in the plate for each of the four-year-old’s starts and once again takes riding duties.

“I was a little bit disappointed (with his last run) but I think he is still young and he has never raced there (at Sha Tin) before, so we can forget that and in the future, he can still go back and have more experience there,” Ho said.

Nordic Dragon cost a whopping HK$7 million at the 2022 Hong Kong International Sale; he’s already returned HK$2.59 million to his owner Edmond Yue.

“Back to 1200 metres at Happy Valley, he should run very well, he should be competitive and his fitness is back. After some time off, now I think he’s ready,” Ho said.

Vincent Ho leads the Happy Valley jockeys’ standings this season with 32 wins – six clear of Zac Purton, who holds second.

“I ride for some good stables at Happy Valley, like my ex-boss (Caspar Fownes), Francis Lui and Frankie Lor – they all perform very well at Happy Valley,” Ho said.

Meaningful Star returns for the first time since February, 2022 when he lines in the Class 3 Luard Handicap (1650m) under Ho at Happy Valley for Francis Lui.

“At this stage, the vet always suggested to give him a little bit of time. He likes Happy Valley very much, that’s why I have put him back there,” Lui said.

The chestnut suffered a left fore ligament injury in August which delayed his return this season.

“We’re happy with his trials but he hasn’t run for a very long time,” Lui said.

Country Grammar will be looking to go one better than last year in the Saudi Cup. (Picture: Emily Shields).

Connection Comments For The $20M Saudi Cup (19H35 SA Time Saturday)

The USD $20M Saudi Cup, the highlight of the Saudi Cup weekend at King Abdulaziz (Saturday, February 25), is a global Group 1 flat race held over 1800m and is the richest race in the world.

Cafe Pharoah (JPN) – (Drawn 13)

Owner’s representative Chris Nol: “We’ve got a long run to the first turn so we’re not worried about the draw. We’re not worried about the distance, we’ll have no problems with that. He’s travelled well and everything’s on target at the moment.”

Assistant trainer Naoto Suzuki: “The course has a long back stretch and therefore I don’t feel any disadvantage in the outside gate. Perhaps it will be better inside as he won’t get in a traffic jam.”

Country Grammer (USA) – (10)

Trainer Bob Baffert: “He had the rail last year, it didn’t bother him at all. Frankie Dettori knows the horse really well, I’m lucky to have two Hall of Fame jockeys.”

Crown Pride (JPN) – (3)

Trainer Koichi Shintani: “I’m happy, I’m hoping three is the lucky number for me. I wanted to avoid the extreme outside or inside. He has a lot of early speed so this is ideal to get a good position.”

Emblem Road (USA) – (8)

Jockey Alexis Moreno: “I’m so happy with the number eight, he’s a late horse from the gate, so I can be outside easily. He’s doing very well, he’s run well and I hope he can do it again.”

Stable representative Hisham Abdulwahed: “Eight is good for him. This morning I hoped for maybe seven, so this is very similar. Anywhere from eight to 13 would have been good for him.”

Geoglyph (JPN) – (12)

Trainer Tesuya Kimura: “It’s the first time to run on dirt and we don’t want him to get too much kickback, so the draw should be preferable for me. He should handle the dirt surface pretty well on his pedigree and he’s handling it well in training.”

Jun Light Bolt (JPN) – (6)

Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi: “Several front-runners drew inside so there is going to be plenty of early speed. From gate six, I believe he can settle anywhere the jockey wants to be.”

Lagertha Rhyme (IRE) – (11)

Trainer Naif Almandeel: “This race we have the best horses in the world, it’s a tough race but we hope our filly will have a good race. Very good [draw]. She’s an on-pace runner.”

Panthalassa (JPN) – (1)

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi: “I never think about the numbers but number one should be a good number. There’s only one instruction – gotta go!”

Remorse (IRE) – (7)

Caroline Seemar, assistant trainer: “He got a little hampered in his last race but he’s improved afterwards, shipped over well and seems in great form. He’s a tough little neat horse, if things go his way he won’t be too much of an outsider, fingers crossed.”

Bhupat Seemar, trainer: “We’ve been really unlucky with posts recently but it’s better than 13.”

Scotland Yard (USA) – (4)

Stable representative Hisham Abdulwahed – “It’s a great draw for him. He goes in front, doesn’t come from behind, so it’s really great. He has done great here in his three races. This is a big race, a tough race, many good horses and he has to prove himself. He has showed a lot of potential and can prove to be a champion. He’s a good jumper (at the start) and a great horse.”

Sunset Flash (IRE) – (5)

Trainer Naif Almandeel: “The barrier – she’s a horse that likes to be midfield or more forward, we’ll see how it goes.”

Taiba (USA) – (2)

Trainer Bob Baffert: “I think it’s good to have a speed horse inside of him. He likes company, to run with another horse to get him into the race.”

Vin de Garde (JPN) – (9)

Assistant trainer Kazuo Fujiwara: “The draw is not my concern – I believe he will show his great turn of foot.”

CLICK HERE For Saudi Cup Website Including Racecards

Captain’s Ransom is the selection for the Grade 3 Prix du Cap (Picture: Wayne Marks).

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday February 25 Formguides And Selections

www.attheraces.com

1 12H05 – SplashoutMr 97 Handicap

Competitive. PROUD MASTER bounced back to form under a big weight over the track and trip with blinkers fitted last time and ought to be in the firing line again with the headgear retained. USA’S HOPE has won twice over the course and distance after he was gelded and with further improvement could extend his winning sequence. BARZALONA finished behind CAPTAIN BOMBSHELL over track and trip when both were last seen but should get closer on these revised weight terms. RAGNAR LOTHBROK is better off at the weights with HAMMIES HERO who is capable of making his presence felt reverting to this trip.

Top Tip: PROUD MASTER (2)

Watch out for: USA’S HOPE (3)

2 12H40 – Schweppes Cape Oaks (Listed) (3yo Fillies)

Tricky. SILVERLINKS was given a shrewd ride from the front when beating several of these rivals over 1800m recently and in the absence of a proven frontrunner in the lineup is likely to adopt similar tactics. On the evidence of that race, HOLD MY HAND could have more to offer over the extra 200m and, as such, should pose a threat. BROADWAY GIRL and LOVE IS A ROSE were beaten by the selection in an earlier meeting over this course and distance, and on that form the latter should make her presence felt on 2,5kg better terms. SAARTJIE, LADY SILVANO and GOLD POKER GAME have claims too. Good race!

Top Tip: HOLD MY HAND (8)

Watch out for: GOLD POKER GAME (9)

3 13H15 – Gordon’s Gin Prix Du Cap (Grade 3) (F & M)

CAPTAIN’S RANSOM had her colours lowered in consecutive Grade 1 contests over further but she is unlikely to be thwarted again, as the ease in grade and drop in distance will play to her strengths. She is unbeaten in 3 starts over this trip and is very well treated by the conditions, so almost impossible to oppose. Younger rivals GIMME’S LASSIE and HAPPY CHANCE could also fare better, having had their sights lowered after contesting a 1600m Grade 1 last time. GOING UP beat LIVE MY LIFE over the track and trip on Met day but stable jockey Aldo Domeyer has opted to stick with SANTA MARIA.

Top Tip: CAPTAIN’S RANSOM (1)

Watch out for: GIMME’S LASSIE (2)

4 13H50 – Bloodstock SA Sales Cup (Fillies) (2yo)

GOLDEN SICKLE confirmed the promise of her debut win with a fast-finishing 2nd in a 2yo feature on Met day and on the evidence of that display will have more to offer over this trip – the one to beat. ROYALS and WOMAN’S WORLD finished on the heels of the selection that day and should also improve over the extra but are 3kg worse off. THE CHARLESTON has improved with every start and is likely to do so again stepping up in trip, but it is probably worth noting stable jockey Domeyer rides KYALAMI GIRL after an eye-catching debut. Debut winner LUNA HALO could be anything so worth including.

Top Tip: GOLDEN SICKLE (9)

Watch out for: LUNA HALO (10)

5 14H25 – Bloodstock SA Sales Cup (C & G) (2yo)

SPEEDING BULLET holds a number of these on form and should confirm superiority with improvement expected after gelding. Debut winners EXCEPT TEMPTATION, OUTLAW KING and WAR LAUNCH could be anything, and with likely improvement could pose a threat so are best kept safe. ZOOMIE was unlucky not to have finished closer last time and is capable of making his presence felt. Stablemate PRESSONREGARDLESS has the form and experience to also play a role. Newcomers ZIL MORIS, TYRION LANNISTER and STRAWBERRY STINGER must be monitored in the betting exchanges and market support respected.

Top Tip: SPEEDING BULLET (7)

Watch out for: EXCEPT TEMPTATION (3)

6 15H05 – City Of Cape Town Cape Of Good Hope Nursery (Grade 3) (2yo)

Tricky 2yo feature. GIMMELIGHTNING ran on well late in the piece when 2nd to GOLDEN TATJANA over 1000m and ought to reverse that form going an extra 200m on 3kg better terms. The latter should be competitive once more but has a bit to find on recent form with RASCOVA who won an 1100m Met-day feature on identical terms. DISTANT WINTER split those rivals last time and will enjoy the extra too, but is 3kg worse off so must improve to turn the tables. Stablemate WINTER CLOUD could pose more of a threat with improvement expected after an impressive last-start win. TEFLON MAN is another to consider.

Top Tip: RASCOVA (11)

Watch out for: GIMMELIGHTNING (10)

7 15H40 – SplashOut Jet Master Stakes (Listed)

Smashing contest. Veterans NEXUS (4th in the Met) and jockey Strydom are reunited but face a tough task from the widest draw. WARRIOR, less than a length off his stable companion in the Met, is 1kg better off and distance suited so could represent the value in the race. UNIVERSAL is closely matched with those rivals on earlier form and could improve in first-time blinkers. Best-weighted AL MUTHANA won the King’s Plate over track and trip, so will enjoy returning to this distance and should be competitive under top weight. PACAYA, GEM KING and SILVANO’S DASHER and QUASIFORSURE have claims too.

Top Tip: WARRIOR (7)

Watch out for: QUASIFORSURE (15)

8 16H15 – SplashOut Cape Derby (Grade 1) (3yo)

There’s not a great deal of pace in this Grade 1 Cape Derby renewal which should suit those with stamina doubts. ‘Talking horse’ CHARLES DICKENS tasted defeat for the first time in the King’s Plate but lost nothing in defeat. On pedigree he’ll have no trouble getting the trip so will be hard to beat. AT MY COMMAND renews rivalry and could pose the biggest threat. He is 6kg better off with ROCKPOOL and WITHOUT QUESTION having finished behind those rivals last time. Neither of those Snaith runners have stamina doubts and, as such, ought to make their presence felt. SEE IT AGAIN could surprise.

Top Tip: CHARLES DICKENS (2)

Watch out for: ROCKPOOL (11)

9 16H50 – Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes (Grade 2)

A high-quality Grade 2 sprint. GIMME A PRINCE backed up his track-and-trip Merchants win with a maiden Grade 1 success in the Cape Flying Championship last time out and on that form could complete the hat-trick for the sponsors of this race. Stablemates WE’RE JAMMING and RIO QUERARI chased home the selection in those respective contests when last seen and are better off at the weights this time around, so likely to pose a threat again. BEREAVE and TRIP OF FORTUNE are distance suited and capable of making their presence felt. Last-start winners GLADATORIAN, COUNTDOWN and MR COBBS could complete the minors.

Top Tip: BATTLE FORCE (6)

Watch out for: RIO QUERARI (11)

10 17H20 – Khaya Stables Work Riders And Jockeys Championship Maiden Plate

Jockeys take on work riders. HAWK CIRCLE and MIGHTY MAC are closely matched on the form of a recent course-and-distance meeting. The former had the edge on that occasion and should confirm as he’s likely to strip fitter for that outing. The latter has more scope, however, and with improvement should fight out the finish. CAPTAIN CASANOVA, who improved in his last start when returning from a rest and gelding, ASPECT, who also showed improvement after gelding, SAN PEDRO in first-time blinkers and unexposed KATSU have claims under their work riders who receive 2.5kg from their professional rivals.

Top Tip: MIGHTY MAC (6)

Watch out for: ASPECT (7)

Entries open for CRS Mare & Weanling and CRS Winter Sale

Cape Racing Sales will be staging their 2023 Mare & Weanling Sale on 12 June and the Winter Sale on 16 June, at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse. Vendors are invited to send in their entries for both auctions. Entries are due on 20 March.

The CRS Mare & Weanling Sale is, as always, a place where vendors present bloodstock for shrewd buyers and stud farms, who are given an opportunity to acquire quality mares for their broodmare barns, while astute pickers can find themselves future racing prospects among young, undeveloped thoroughbreds. Entry forms are live and can be downloaded in PDF format, HERE.

The old Farm Sale has been re-invented as the Winter Sale – a Yearling auction open to all vendors and traditionally well supported by buyers. A minimum auction price of R15,000 will apply to all lots.

The annual Farm Sale Race remains a part of the Winter Sale. Buyers will be invited to ‘tick the box’ at a race levy of R5,000, to qualify for the 2024 renewal, for which the date and prize money will be announced.

Note that entries for the Winter Sale will be subject to Cape Racing Sales’ new vendor commission structure – a levy of 5% will be charged instead of 8%, to assist vendors and breeders with their costs. Entry forms, live and in PDF format, HERE

Only horses registered in the General Stud Book of South Africa at the time of sale will be auctioned.

For more information: Joanne Knowles: jo@caperacing.co.za

Dennis Drier was photographed at track this morning (Cape Racing).

Uncle Den’s Last Day At Track

Maestro trainer Dennis Drier will have his last few runners tomorrow.

The KZN-based trainer will retire after 55 years in the industry and will saddle 5 runners on SplashOut Seafood & Jazz Racing Festival Day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Everybody would like to him going out with a win, but whatever happens the popular trainer is sure to be given a good send off.

A collection of old racecards from around the country (Sporting Post).

Today’s Question

What inspired the establishment of the Durban Turf Club?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Fields, Saturday, CLICK HERE

Turffontein Standside Fields, Saturday, CLICK HERE

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Fields, Saturday, CLICK HERE

A 1932/1933 Durban Turf Club badge.

ANSWER TO TODAY’S QUESTION:

Early in 1897 a group of Durban sportsmen and horseracing enthusiasts were inspired by the success of Port Elizabeth and the growing popularity of the Johannesburg Turf Club and they met, determined to establish an equally successful turf club – this time based on a sound financial footing with affiliation to the jockey club of South Africa.

A public meeting was called at the Belgrave Hotel on March 1, 1987, and by July 1 there were 93 foundation members, who paid an entrance fee of five guineas.

A committee of 15 stewards was elected and WG Brown was the club’s first chairman.

Turf Talk Newsletter – 24 February 2023