Good For You Stakes Guineas Claim
Three-year-old Strength Is Questionable This Season To Date
Jan Van Goyen runs in the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans on Saturday and is one of the horses who can boost the status of the current three-year-old crop (JC Photos)
Between August and October every season the public and pundits tend to get carried away by three-year-old success, but reality often starts setting in during November.
This season was no exception with three-year-olds getting accolades after Tin Pan Alley had beaten older horses in the Gr 2 Betway Jo’Burg Spring Challenge over 1450m and the runner up Atticus Finch then franked the form by running away with the Gr 2 Allied Steelrode-Onamission Charity Mile.
In Cape Town the three-year-olds have generally been facing each other and had seemed impressive, which is usually the way viewers see it every year.
One of the most impressive horses was the Candice Bass-trained All The Rage, who had cruised up to Gr 1 winner Good For You in a 1250m Progress Plate at Hollywoodbets Durbanville before finding the necessary extra to win by 0,30 lengths, despite giving the latter 1kg if rider overweight is included.
Good For You then went on to finish a two length second in the Gr 3 Cape Classic over 1400 to Vapour Trail, but he was giving the latter 4kg, so performed better than him.
On Saturday Good For You came out and won the Gr 2 Race Coast Cape Punters Cup over 1600m despite giving the rest of the field 2kg.
However, what put a bit of a dampener on the form was that he beat the arguably unlucky runner up Randolph Hearst by only a shorthead giving him 2kg, whereas he had beaten him by 0,5 lengths in the Cape Classic when giving him 4kg.
Furthermore, All The Rage had earlier been beaten in the Sophomore Sprint over 1200m and although he was giving the winner Green Gateway 2kg he was beaten by a comfortable 1,20 lengths.
The Cape three-year-old form has in fact been muddled like this all season with the swapping of winners and placings and no standout performers to date.
There could still be horses who will improve and possibly stand out with one of them being the ruling Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas favourite Gimmie Rules. He might have only won a B Stakes event last time, but he was clearly still green and had to come around horses from the back on the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Winter Course in the 1400m event and yet won effortlessly.
Horses that ran in the Punters Cup could still improve with one example being Happy Verse, who had no sort of luck being caught wide without cover in the running and then being squeezed out late.
However, one of the country’s guru racing analysts, Karel Miedema, has not given any three-year-olds high ratings this season.
He usually turns out to be right and an example is that he gave Cousin Casey an AR (Ability Rating) of 112 for his Punters Cup victory in 2022. That turned out to be a very good three-year-old crop, headed by the top class Charles Dickens.
The following season Miedema gave Hhluhluwe a 94 rating for his Punters Cup win and that also turned out to be accurate as Hluhluwe proved to be a horse who was unable to quite match the best.
Last season he gave One Stripe 101 for his Punters Cup victory and it turned out to be a good season for three-year-olds. One Stripe went on to win the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and was a rare three-year-old winner of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, although it should be noted Miedema only gave One Stripe a 103 for his Guineas win and 109 for his LKP win, with LKP runner up Montien getting a higher score of 110. With all due respect One Stripe’s overseas performances to date have not set him apart as a great of the SA turf, so Miedema looks to have once again been accurate.
Miedema has awarded Good For You a 96 for his Punters Cup win, which is below the 100 he gave him for his Cape Classic win.
He only gave Tin Pan Alley a 95 for his Spring Challenge win and in fact the highest he has given a three-year-old all season isa 102 to African Pride for a win at the Vaal over 1000m.
So it is not looking to be a vintage three-year-old season.
Will the like of Jan Van Goyen and Gimme Rules be able to change that?
Jan van Goyen and Tin Pan Alley face off in the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans on Saturday at Turffontein and other promising horses involved in the race are Chronicle King, Trust and Shadowfax. It might be the race that provides the springboard for the three-year-old crop to be reckoned with or it might be the race that further dampens their overall profile.
WSB Cape Town Met – A Symphony Of Style Awaits!
There are horse racing events, and then there is the World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Town Met.
Returning to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 31 January 2026, the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met once again claims its place as Cape Town’s premier racing and lifestyle spectacle, celebrated across South Africa and internationally for its heritage, prestige and electric atmosphere.
This year, Race Coast Western Cape builds on the public resurgence seen in recent seasons, creating an event that celebrates both the sport’s tradition and its growing accessibility.
The Met remains a hallmark of glamour, culture and world-class racing, and in 2026, it arrives with a theme that brings a fresh dimension of creativity: Symphony of Style.
Symphony of Style – A Creative Invitation
More than a theme, Symphony of Style is a call to self-expression.
It blends the rhythm of racing with the artistry of fashion, the pulse of music and the unmistakable style of Cape Town’s lifestyle scene. Guests are encouraged to interpret the theme in their own way – dramatic couture, bold experimentation or elegant simplicity. All harmonies belong.
“Our goal at Race Coast is to enhance the racing experience and make it exciting, vibrant and truly accessible for all South Africans,” says Donovan Everitt, COO of Race Coast Western Cape.
“The Met represents the height of what our sport embodies – an iconic moment where racing, entertainment, community and culture converge. The energy we witnessed last year proved not only that racing is alive, but that it is thriving.”
A Racing Programme of Unmatched Quality
At its heart, the Met is about racing of the highest calibre, and the 2026 edition promises a world-class showcase.
The day will feature twelve competitive races, headlined by two Grade 1 contests: the prestigious Maine Chance Farms Majorca Stakes (1600m) and the flagship World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (2000m).
All eyes will once again be on Justin Snaith, South Africa’s leading trainer, who returns in pursuit of a remarkable fourth consecutive Met victory—having saddled Jet Dark (2023), Double Superlative (2024) and Eight on Eighteen (2025).
Each of these champions carried the colours of prominent owner Nick Jonsson, adding further weight to the narrative as the reigning titleholder Eight on Eighteen, now a four-year-old, is expected to defend his crown.
With more than 150 horses set to compete throughout the programme, racegoers can expect a full day of top-tier equine athleticism and unforgettable finishes.
Tickets On Sale Now — Something for Everyone
Race Coast has ensured that the 2026 Met is an experience for every kind of attendee.
From exclusive VIP packages and elevated hospitality offerings to grandstand seating, the range of ticketing options caters to every budget.
Tickets are officially on sale, and guests are encouraged to secure theirs early through Computicket, where the full spectrum of hospitality packages and general admission experiences is available.
A Partnership Strengthening the Sport
“The World Sports Betting Cape Town Met is a defining moment in the national sporting calendar, and working alongside Race Coast to elevate the event year after year is something we are incredibly proud of,” says Ryno Du Plessis, COO of World Sports Betting. “Our commitment extends far beyond sponsorship, it includes ongoing investment in the Grooms Initiative, which has contributed over R5 million to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. For us, the Met is not only a spectacle; it is a celebration of the people who make this sport possible.”
The 2026 Met is poised to set a new benchmark for racing entertainment. The blend of elite racing, fashion, music, food and Cape Town culture promises an experience richer, more energetic and more immersive than ever before.
Dress up, show up and be part of the Symphony of Style.
Impressive Green Gateway Gives Gimme His 79th Stakes Winner
Green Gateway showed an impressive turn of foot to win the Sophomore Sprint over 1200m by a neck from Roland Garros, while All The Rage, who was giving the winner 2kg, was a 1,20 length third (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Cape Breeders
Multiple champion sire Gimmethegreenlight came up with his 79th stakes winner on Saturday.
His three-year-old son Green Gateway downed some highly regarded three-year-olds to win the Listed Sophomore Sprint (1200m) at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Trained by Dean Kannemeyer, who has enjoyed so much success with the progeny of Gimmethegreenlight, the lightly raced Green Gateway was given a fine ride by Craig Zackey.
Zackey timed his challenge to perfection on Green Gateway, bringing the colt through with a late run to get up close home and win by a neck.
One of two runners in the race for his sire, Green Gateway has won two of just four starts.
Bred by Varsfontein Stud, Saturday’s winner races for Messers Airey, Mukund Gujadhur, George Ragunan , Mrs Malherbe, Fieldspring Racing and Greenacres Trust.
Green Gateway, who is out of the Jallad mare My Guiding Star, was a R2 200 000 buy from the 2024 National Yearling Sale.
The 2025 Sophomore Sprint winner is bred on similar lines to such Gimmethegreenlight sired stakes winners as Cala Muretta, Favorita, Give Me Everything, Hack Green and Mascherina.
Gimmethegreenlight went close to having a feature race double on Saturday, with his promising son Randolph Hearst finishing a close, and unlucky second, in the G2 Race Coast Cape Punters Cup.
Rooster Bradshaw Can Jet Home
Rooster Bradshaw has been tipped to win the third (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Hollywoodbets Greyville Poly Tuesday Formguides And Selections
R1 Summary: SWORD SPEED (2) started at long odds on debut and was narrowly beaten. He has the best of the draw and can go one better. CHRISTMAS CACTUS (5) has shown up well in two outings and the experience should hold him in good stead. DOUBLE CAUSEWAY (13) has a difficult gate but was not far back on debut and can feature. RED CARDINAL (4) has shown some ability and had to negotiate a wide draw last time out. He has a better gate here. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-13-4).
R2 Summary: ICE RAIN (4) touched off subsequent Paul Lafferty-trained winner Alannah at her last start She only got a two-point raise in the handicap and can go in again. Lafferty saddles the consistent FORWARD MOTION (6) who has been in mustard form of late. Ice Rain’s last two wins have been on the poly but she is comfortable over the trip. GIMMEFABULOUS (5) was not far back in her first run back from a long break. She was in top company last run and has a big weight but can progress enough to be a serious contender. JEANNE DARC (1) has the best of the draw and never far back. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-5-1).
R3 Summary: ROOSTER BRADSHAW (2) is up in class but takes a corresponding drop in the weights. He goes well over course and stance and should be competitive. ROLLO THE VIKING (6) does appear to be best on the poly but beat a smart filly last time out and can follow up. CLAW (10) has a difficult gate to negotiate but has been in good form since his arrival in KZN and met a lot stronger last time out. ISIVIVANE (3) showed up well first run back from a lengthy break and the stable is starting to find form. (Andrew Harrison: 2-6-1-3).
R4 Summary: Wide open and it should pay to go wide in the exotics. SLYTHERIN (2) appears to be the best of the Alyson Wright pair given the rider bookings but PROFESSOR LUPIN (6) was touched off at long odds last time out but this trip could be out of his compass even given his light weight. SUN DAZED (8) was a beaten favourite on his local debut and first up on the poly. He is seldom far back. QUEEN OF PEARLS (1) takes on males and never showed in her first run out of the maidens. However, she has a handy weight from the best of the draw and is sure to improve. ROY TAKING OFF (3) is way better than her last effort and has a handy weight with an experienced apprentice aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-3-1).
R5 Summary: COWBOY COUNTRY (8) was withdrawn from his intended last outing on the poly. He shed his maiden in fine style in soft ground and was well supported in the betting. He does have a tricky draw but looks progressive. CIRCUMBENDIBUS (5) has not put a foot wrong since arriving in KZN. He ran a smart race over course and distance last time out and should feature again. SIGN OF FATE (6) has been trying much further of late but never far back. She takes a big drop in trip but gets first time blinkers and is one to watch. BEAMONESQUE (4) showed up well first up on the poly after showing some fair Highveld form and should be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 8-5-6-4).
R6 Summary: BELLA VALENTINA (6) was disappointing in her handicap debut but that was on the poly. The switch to turf from a good draw and an extra furlong could see her make the required improvement for a stable in very good form. Gareth van Zyl holds strong cards with GRAND OCCASION (3) and RANI TABABAI (9). The latter finished just over two lengths behind her stable companion and is now 1kg better off. However, she does have a wider draw and Grand Occasion is on a roll. RADU (10) has a difficult draw but has been in solid form over the distance and a light weight will count in her favour. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-9-10).
R7 Summary: JAZZ FESTIVAL (4) has his third run after a break and has improved with each outing. He has a good draw and should be competitive in another competitive affair. QUERARI’S DREAM (7) has shown up well at his last two. And goes well this trip. The stable is in good form and he should be competitive again. GOTTA GO EDDIE (3) was game when holding off outsider RED MOUNTAIN (5) last time out who improved back in blinkers. The latter is 2kg worse of in the handicap so Gotta Go Eddie should still be ahead. (Andrew Harrison: 4-7-3-5).
R8 Summary: STAMPEDE AHEAD (9) is lightly raced and was narrowly beaten on her local debut. She does not have the best of draws but Adam Azzie could celebrate his first winner since relocation from the Highveld. CALI BULLET (4) improved nicely from a difficult draw at only her second start. She has a much better gate here and rates a winning chance. ECHO (7) is never far back and should be in the mix come the line. ROY’S GACE (6) looks a threat as she has come on nicely at her last two and the 4kg claim will enhance her chances. (Andrew Harrison: 9-4-7-6).
Querari Filly Wins First Two-year-old Race Of The Season
Querari Dancer sprints clear under JP van der Merwe in the 800m contest (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Cape Breeders
Maine Chance Farms’ top-class sire Querari came up with the first two-year-old winner of the 2025-2026 South African season on Saturday.
His daughter Querari Dancer made the perfect start to her career when she won the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Welcomes You Futurity Plate (800m) at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
It was the second year in a row that a Querari sired two-year-old had won the race, with the sire’s Black Cheetah triumphing in 2024.
Trained, like Black Cheetah, by Justin Snaith, Querari Dancer turned Saturday’s R250 000 contest into a one horse race, with the JP Van Der Merwe ridden filly romping home to score by a length and a half.
Bred by Clifton Stud, the Nick Jonsson owned two-year-old is out of the Mambo In Seattle mare Dancing Queen.
Querari Dancer was a R280 000 buy from the 2025 KZN Yearling Sale.
Her G1 winning sire Querari, South Africa’s Leading Sire of 2Yos in 2018-2019, is set to be represented by his son Solar Sail in Saturday’s G1 Betway Summer Cup.
Hewitson Winner After Ka Ying Rising And Romantic Warrior Excel
Today's Question
FIELDS, Tuesday, 25 November
Today’s Question Answer
Answer: Pretty Polly
