Chairperson and director of Gold Circle Mayesh Chetty, Daily News Editor Ayanda Mdluli and winning Daily News 2000 jockey Piere Strydom. Picture: Tumi Pakkies/African News Agency (ANA)

Striker’s Last Ride A Gr 1 Win?

The HKJC World Pool Champions Cup to be run over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday has tremendous strength in depth and takes on extra significance this year because it could decide the outcome of a few Equus Awards including the Equus Horse Of The Year award.

See It Again is the current favourite to be named the Equus Middle Distance Champion, but by winning this race can he usurp the current favourite to land both the Equus Three-Year-Old Male Champion award and Equus Horse Of The Year award i.e. Charles Dickens? The Twice Over colt had a tough race in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, but is likely to respond well to the freshening up training regime he will have been given for this race by trainer Michael Roberts. He has run his best races when running at the opposition, so can be dropped out from his wide draw. In a smallish 12 horse field, he should not have too much ground to make up. This could well be the last ride of Piere Strydom’s glittering career and what a moment it would be if he went out on a Grade 1-winning high!

Al Muthana is full of class too and showed it when winning the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, beating Charles Dickens, and then finishing just1,40 lengths behind the latter in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge. He is drawn widest of all but is another one with a fine turn of foot, capable of mowing a field down as he did in the King’s Plate. He only finished fifth last year when still with Mike de Kock, but that was after a tough race in the July.

Princess Calla is another one who could possibly be named Equus Horse Of The Year if winning this, because it will give her a third Grade 1 win of the season and on top of that she has won three Grade 2s. She is another who possesses a fine turn of foot, but she showed when winning the Gr 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes last time that she does not have to run at horses to display her turn of foot, she can do it from handy positions. She is also drawn wide, so Richard Fourie might have to gamble and get up there and hope to slot in, because she will not be easy for See It Again and Al Muthana to catch if kicking from a handy position.

Zapatillas has freshness on his side having avoided the July. He showed his class when finishing just 3,10 lengths behind Charles Dickens in the Gold Challenge, just 1,70 lengths behind Al Muthana. He loves Hollywoodbets Greyville and his narrow third in the Gr 3 Politician Stakes as a three-year-old proved he enjoys this trip. He has a plum draw of two.

Dave The King look ideally distance suited. If the July has not taken too much out of him he will be a big runner, because his pole position draw gives him the perfect opportunity to implement his dangerous front-running tactic. The big, long-strider is progressive and if he does not go close here he should be a contender for big race honours next season.

Safe Passage had no luck in the July, first finding himself too far back and then being squeezed up against the rail when trying to go for a run on the outside. He managed to run on well when he did get a clear run, but it was too late. That run should not have taken a lot out of him and he is another who is in with a chance here.

Trip Of Fortune was one of the best three performed horses in the July and ran on very well. He has had a long season, but appears to be a tough horse who can take a lot of racing, so it would be no surprise to see him in the shake up.

Bartholdi has been seen running on strongly in sprint races and won up to 1500m in his early days. He has never been tried beyond 1600m, but on pedigree should get this trip being by Act Of War out of a mare by stamina influence Mullins Bay. He is a fascinating runner here from draw six.

Pomp And Power usually gets the same analysis before every race he runs in i.e. if he is able to put his temperamental issues aside for the day he can mix it with the best in the country. This could well be his best trip and he is drawn seven under in form Gavin Lerena.

Second Base will likely be written off as he was before the July, but in fact he has exemplary form for his new trainer, finishing a short-head second in the Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge and a commendable 5,10 length fifth in the July. He could run on again from draw nine under in form Chase Maujean.

Rascallion did not have any luck in the July as he was also caught in the scrimmaging on the outside. He is another who is capable of staying on strongly and this is probably his best trip.

MK’s Pride won the KZN Breeders Mile in good style, but he was very well weighted there. He has mixed it with the best over trips from sprints up to a mile, but should not be discounted over this trip because he did not have the run of the race in his three attempts at Gr 1 2000m races. His second place finish to Trip Of Fortune in the Gr 1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes showed that he is still up to it as a five-year-old entire.

It is a vintage renewal of this weight for age event and if See It Again does win even hardened punters who went against him will be glad for the legend, Piere “Striker” Strydom.

Can Master Of My Fate colt Zapatillas give Brett Crawford and Kabelo Matsunyane a rare Hollywoodbets Durban July/World Pool Gold Cup double? (Picture: Brett Crawford Racing).

What Do All The Champions Cup Trainers Say

Michele Wing and the Gold Circle team interviewed all of the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool Champions Cup trainers.

Read the comments below and watch the video at the bottom.

Trainer Comments

(Runners in market order)

11. SEE IT AGAIN: “He came through his race very well (Hollywoodbets Durban July). He pulled up sound … he’s a very sound horse. Talking about the draw, in my mind it’s not ideal but my jockey is happy with it. I’m very proud of him and very proud to have a horse of this calibre in the province. He’s a champion”, Michael Roberts.

1. DAVE THE KING: “He’s got to have a chance, but whether he’s good enough, I don’t know. In the July, he sort of didn’t quite get home, but he was right there with 250m to go. This is probably rating-wise, the highest we’ve had the whole year”, Mike de Kock.

12. AL MUTHANA: “He’s a top class miler. 1800m might be a little bit far for him, we hope it isn’t, but he’s very badly drawn. It’s a big disadvantage. It should be a great race and may the best horse win”, Ricky Maingard.

2. ZAPATILLAS: “He’s got a fantastic barrier draw. He’s had a great preparation leading into this race. I thought his come-back run was outstanding (Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge). I do think he’s going to make his presence felt. For me, he’s a definite runner”, Brett Crawford.

3. TRIP OF FORTUNE: “He’s had a phenomenal season. He had the fastest 400m to finish in his last run (Hollywoodbets Durban July). He’s pulled up well and he’s fresh. His work at home has been good. He’s got a good draw. He’ll be running on at the finish”, Candice Bass-Robinson.

10. PRINCESS CALLA: “It probably one of the strongest renewals of the Champions Cup that I’ve seen in a while. She’s won very comfortably over the mile. She’s run to really good horses over further than the mile. Richard (Fourie) knows her well enough to navigate the draw. Why have I placed her there? Well, obviously to have a crack at winning it”, Sean Tarry.

4. SAFE PASSAGE: “He definitely has come on from that run (Hollywoodbets Durban July) and we’re trying blinkers on him too. Whether he’s good enough to win, I don’t know. There’re some high quality individuals in the race”, Mike de Kock.

7. POMP AND POWER: “July day was certainly a very disappointing run. We had a little bit of an issue on the day, which I think put paid to some of my horses in the main race. Up against these horses and the last run, it’s very hard to say we’d have any chance here. Can he pop-up on the day? Certainly, he has that type of talent. Very hard to have a lot of confidence. Very, very strong field”, Justin Snaith.

5. RASCALLION: “He’s come on very nicely from his run on July day (Hollywoodbets Durban July). He didn’t have much luck in running. I think he’ll be very competitive. He won a group 2 1800m in Cape Town”, Vaughan Marshall.

9. SECOND BASE: “Mentally, he’s probably in the best space since joining my yard. Unfortunately we have the wide draw to contend with again. But we do have his favourite jockey on, Chase Maujean. He’s not exactly favourably weighted. He’s a horse you can’t leave out, because if the right Second Base shows up, he’ll definitely be right there”, Robyn Klaasen.

8. MK’S PRIDE: “His mission was that mile race (KwaZulu-Natal Breeders Mile (NBT)). He was weighted to win and he did. It was his peak run. It is quite a strong field. My horse is fit and well. I expect a first 3 run”, Muzi Yeni (jockey)

6. BARTHOLDI: “Bartholdi has not gone the 1800m before. His 5 wins have come from 1000 to 1500m. That said, his sire Act Of War won up to the mile and his damsire, Mullins Bay, was successful from 18 to 2100m. Furthermore, although he’s based in Gauteng, he knows Hollywoodbets Greyville, having twice raced at the track”, Racing News.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE INTERVIEWS

Sean Tarry’s World Pool Gold Cup favourite Future Pearl comes in with a capped merit rating, so is ahead of the handicappers and is thus a worthy favourite (Picture: Candiese Lenferna).

Tarry To Land A 3rd Gold Cup

Sean Tarry can cap a remarkable season by landing the third World Pool Gold Cup of his career, twelve years after he won his first with Aslan in 2011.

His big three-year-old stayer Future Pearl has the weights in his favour and it is hard to think of a detracting factor to his chances.

He has the top class Richard Fourie up.

Fourie will be out to break a long drought in this race, his only victory in it coming when giving the Stephen Page-trained Mokaro a brilliant ride way back in 2009.

However, Fourie is one of just four jockeys in the race who have won the Gold Cup, the others being S’Manga Khumalo (Enaad in 2016 and Paths Of Victory in 2020), Gavin Lerena (Aslan in 2011) and Lyle Hewitson (Nebraas in 2021).

Future Pearl is a worthy favourite for the Gr 3 3200m event, especially considering he comes in off a merit rating which can be said to be heavily capped.

A condition of the Gr 3 Dstv Gold Vase over 3000m is that winners can’t be raised more than six points. Richard Fourie reined Future Pearl in a long way out in that race and he would otherwise have won by a lot further than 2,80 lengths. The handicappers would have given him a lot more than six points for that win if they were able to.

Future Pearl not only comes in well weighted but his draw of three is similar to the four draw he had in the Gold Vase. That allowed Fourie to sit one off the rail with cover in midfield. The big three-year-old gelding was swinging off the bridle turning for home and came home resembling a big English stayer.

Being by Futura he should be improving too.

It is little wonder Future Pearl keeps on shortening in the betting and he is currently 14/10 with Hollywoodbets.

The only concern could be the sunshine this week leading into the race, because he has relished soft going in both of his Gr 3 staying race wins, the other one being an easy victory in the Gr 3 WSB Gold Vase over 3200m at Turffontein Standside.

Sunny days are forecast from now until the big day, although on the day itself the forecast is partly cloudy early on with slight rain later.

One other concern could be be he beat a horse called Fight Song in the Gold Vase and the latter, who was rated just 87, was out at the weights.

Nevertheless, Future Pearl looks to have a fine chance of emulating the 2017 feat of Hermoso Mundo and becoming the second horse to land the unofficial “Gold” stayers Triple Crown.

Black Thorn has always struck as a classy stayer and made a good comeback in the Gr 3 Splashout 2200. HIs new trainer Mike de Kock is going for a fifth Gold Cup. Black Thorn still managed fourth place last year despite it not panning out well. If it pans out better he has fine chance. There is the second run after a layoff syndrome to worry about though. He has national champion elect Keagen de Melo aboard from draw 11. Black Thorn is officially 3kg under sufferance with the officially best weighted Shangani.

Aragosta has had a fine prep and this year does not come out of the energy sapping HWB July, so he should be right there too if finding cover from draw 13, which was the draw Nebraas won from two years ago. He is officially only 1kg under sufferance with Shangani and will be ridden by twice Gold Cup winner S’Manga Khumalo.

Crimson King is on the up, so could overcome his weight disadvantage and possibly give Brett Crawford and Kabelo Matsunyane a July/Gold Cup double. Crimson King is officially 3.5kg under sufferance with Shangani and jumps from a tricky draw of 14.

Shangani is last year’s winner. The compressed merit rating structure of the weights favour him as the topweight. The recent changing of the bottom weight to 54kg, meaning just a 6kg spread, is also in his favour. Tony Peter has the highest winning strike rate in the country, but the question is can he get this classy stayer back to his best after a somewhat lacklustre run in the Gr 3 Track And Ball Oaks over 2400m, which followed a 20 length defeat by Future Pearl in the mud of the Gold Bowl? He carried 59kg last year for Paul Peter, so is a big runner carrying 60kg as a five-year-old if able to produce his best. He will be ridden by Craig Zackey and jumps from draw six.

The Tarry-trained Nebraas hasn’t had much luck this season and is reunited with Lyle Hewitson who won the Gold Cup on him two years ago. Last year he was ridden by Richard Fourie and ended up too far back. Hewitson won on him from a handy position, although he was carrying only 52.5kg compared to 59kg this year. They jump from draw seven and Hewitson will likely want to have him handy. Hong Kong based riders usually improve considerably while they are riding on the ultra competitive island and their judge of pace usually becomes honed, so Hewitson will be a valuable asset here. Nebraas is officially only half-a-kilogram under sufferance with Shangani.

Senso Unico should plug on from where-ever he is in the running. If he is able to get handy and the pace turns out to be good then this long-strider, who has always given the impression of being an out and out stayer, will be a big runner. Trainer Vaughan Marshall won this race 31 years ago with Floating Casino. Senso Unico is officially 2kg under sufferance with Shangani and is drawn two under Sean Veale.

One Way Traffic probably ran on down the wrong side of the track in the Splashout 2200 under Fourie and if this horse pitches up on the day his class could be telling. Grant van Niekerk has brought the best out of this horse before (they were facile winners of the July consolation race last year). Trainer Justin Snaith has yet to win a Gold Cup and will be keen to end a below par Champions Season on a high. One Way Traffic is officially 2kg under sufferance with Shangani and jumps from ten.

The Snaith-trained Salvator Mundi is a capable stayer, but will need it to pan out well at a track where he does not have a good record. He is officially 2kg under sufferance with Shangani and will jump from draw 15 out of 15 under Gavin Lerena.

Fight Song ran on fluently in the Gold Vase in his first try at this trip. Gareth van Zyl won the Gold Cup with Paths Of Victory in 2021 and Fight Song is by the same sire as that one, Noble Tune. However, Gareth admitted it was difficult to get two good successive runs out of Fight Song. He is now 7kg under sufferance with Shangani and is drawn five under Siphesihle Hlengwa.

Van Zyl admitted he preferred the chances of Lonsdale Stirrup Cup winner Sea Master, an honest type who will give his all. The son of Master Of My Fate has run over 2200m and beyond three times in his career and has won all three of them. He is one of the dark horses and jumps from draw 12 under Kabelo Matsunyane, who has become a sought after jockey. Sea Master is 4,5kg under sufferance with Shangani.

Arumugam is 7.5kg under sufferance with Shangani, but a Weiho Marwing-trained horse can never be ignored in a staying race as he is a master of training stayers. He jumps from draw four under Kaidan Brewer.

Raiseahallelujah has done well in every 2400m race he has run in and might prove suited to two miles being by middle distance horse Querari out of a Black Minnaloushe mare who was a half-sister to the SA Derby and Gold Vase winner Seal. He runs on well from off the pace so will enjoy a good pace and is one of the dark horses. he is drawn in pole and will be ridden by JP van der Merwe.

Rockie Reef has a hard task at the weights officially but ran well in the weight for age plus penalties G2 Track & Ball Oaks. She is officially 8,5kg under sufferance with Shangani, but the Peter Muscutt yard is in good form. She is drawn eight and Tristan Godden rides.

Flying First Class stays well, but is also 8,5kg under sufferance with Shangani. She ran a fair 6,30 length sixth in the Gold Vase but is now 1kg worse off with Future Pearl. She is drawn nine and Calvin Habib rides.

It will be as intriguing a race as ever.

Sandringham Summit will be up against two unbeaten two-year-olds inn the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes, Lucky Lad and Main Defender (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Clash of three two-year-olds could be highlight of Gold Cup meeting

Battle between Lucky Lad, Main Defender and Sandringham Summit has punters enthralled

David Mollett (Business Day)

Three highveld-trained two-year-olds are poised to serve up a treat for racing fans when they clash in the R700,000 Grade 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.

While the World Pool Gold Cup is the topliner at the meeting, it is the battle between Lucky Lad, Main Defender and Sandringham Summit that has punters enthralled. The trio are trained by Sean Tarry, Tony Peter and David Nieuwenhuizen respectively.

Bookmakers have Lucky Lad as the clear favourite at 15-10 and it’s a position the son of Gimmethegreenlight is entitled to after reeling off four consecutive wins. The latest was a five-lengths romp in the Gold Medallion at Scottsville at the beginning of June.

Lucky Lad, bred at Varsfontein Stud, cost R850,000 when bought by Kentucky-based Antony Beck as a yearling. He has recouped that outlay and will add R437,500 to his bankroll if maintaining his unbeaten record on Sunday.

However, Tarry and jockey Richard Fourie will know they’ve got two big hurdles to overcome: two serious rivals in Main Defender and Sandringham Summit as well as a wide draw.

Main Defender also travels to the Durban track unbeaten and the son of Pathfork — bred by Jagessar Limited — showed he can handle the Hollywoodbets Greyville track with victory in the BSA Cup on July day. Craig Zackey retains the ride on the gelding, who is looking a bargain buy at R140,000.

Trainer Tony Peter may have allowed himself a wry smile when the barrier positions were announced. Main Defender is perfectly positioned in gate five whereas Lucky Lad and Sandringham Summit will have to overcome gates 13 and 14.

Sandringham Summit was this column’s selection for the Durban Golden Horseshoe on July day and, turning for home, the colt looked to have about as much chance as the Springboks beating New Zealand after giving them a 10-points start.

Somehow jockey Calvin Habib weaved his way through to collar the well-fancied Gimmeanotherchance in the final strides. That run suggested Sandringham Summit will have no problems with Sunday’s distance of 1,600m.

Compared with Tarry’s operation, David Nieuwenhuizen would be the first to admit his stable hasn’t got the firepower of other yards so it will be thrilling that they’ve unearthed a star like Sandringham Summit. Like Lucky Lad, he was bred at Varsfontein Stud and cost owner Rakesh Singh the tidy sum of R1.7m.

It’s no surprise the colt was expensive at the 2022 National Yearling Sales as the mare Townsend won five races and the youngster’s half-brother, Eden Roc, won six races for popular owner Chris van Niekerk.

When it comes to making a final selection for Friday’s paper, it will be difficult to desert Sandringham Summit. He was a 6-1 chance on July day and is on offer at 15-4 this time.

On the World Pool Gold Cup front, bookmaker Lance Michael reports some support for Keagan De Melo’s mount, Black Thorn, who has shortened into 12.3-1 from 14-1. The five-year-old is one of two runners from the powerful Mike de Kock stable.

Spirit’s Unite (Picture: Wayne Marks)

HWB Kenilworth Wednesday July 26 Preview

Cape Racing

A notable track bias occurred over the weekend at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, with the inside rail favourable in round-the-turn races. Horses could win from handy positions or off the pace (My Golly Molly came from dead last in the Langerman), but getting to that inside strip was essential.

Jockey skills and riding tactics become vital to race outcomes on a skewed track, though it is harder to take advantage of the situation if everyone is aware of it and gunning for the same narrow piece of real estate. Punters are advised to pay careful attention in the earlier races to see if the bias still applies before striking their bets.

The middle/ inside has seemed best in sprints recently. Bass Racing’s Gimmethewaltz has the best form in Race 1 though an outer draw (11) down the sprint course is a query. She ran third last time; the 2nd horse, Among the Clouds, has gone in since, which boosts confidence.

The 9/10 favourites main rivals are Listentotheocean, who ran well on debut versus Flying V then got sunk in the slush; Essential, backed at long odds when not doing too badly a month ago and As Fate Has It, who has scope to improve significantly.

Open Maidens can throw up weird results, yet Race 5 over 1800m seems a fight-out between Marshall Field, Naushon and Hawk Circle. The former is burdened with a top weight of 61 kg but seems overdue to shed his Maiden tag after repeatedly running on strongly at this trip.

Hawk Circle stretches out after a series of solid attempts up to a mile – being by Silvano, he should enjoy this sterner test, and it is a must-use on all tickets. Naushon goes well handy, is primed third start after a rest and carries 57 kg – a pull equivalent to around four lengths with his primary foes.

Progressive gelding Spirit’s Unite could be the Cape Racing Farm Sale business for two-year-olds. When Piet Steyn uses Richard Fourie, they hit at a 23% win and 50% place rate, and as the only winner in the line-up, this son of The United States can go in again.

Market rival, Warm Winter Nite (improved since gelding; best try was on a heavy surface and now nicely drawn at 4), Lines Crossed, and Right Royal Mo (a dark horse if he carries his speed better) are the main dangers.

Race 7 is a competitive 1400m FM Cape B Stakes where bookmakers go 4/1 the field. Value-seeking bettors may latch on to the 10/1 shot, Bonika, as she has the ability for this league, loves the mud and jockey JP van der Merwe has positioning options from draw 3, given her versatile running style. She’s not run for 77 days, a concern, yet has run well fresh in the past.

Others to consider include her Snaith-trained companions, Inara’s Dynasty and Betty Boop, Gimmeafirst, Red Sash, lightweight, Perilla and Fun Zone.

The program ends with a tricky Class 3 event over 1600m. Narina Trogon and Gainsford make a tentative shortlist based purely on ability. However, having a more comprehensive cover would be comforting in the final Leg of the P6, as they’ve both drawn more significant numbers. Future Turn, Scalini and Charlie Croker are better drawn, handy types that may find it easier to get to that inside strip, so they warrant the utmost respect.

Raiseahallelujah (far side) is related to the useful former SA Derby and Gold Vase winner Seal, so might relish the step up to 3200m in the World Pool Gold Cup. (JC Photos).

Raiseahallelujah Can Raise His Game Over 3200

The Candice Dawson-trained Raiseahallelujah has been prepared out of Summerveld for the Gr 3 World Pool Gold Cup and is being taken care of by Mike de Kock and his team in the times when Candice is not there.

Candice has been in constant touch and said, “He is doing well and this race is always what we have wanted to try him in, because he has proven he stays 2400m no problem. How he does will tell us whether we can concentrate on a staying career next season.”

Candice added, “I think he is good enough to compete at this level and he has quite a few of the horses held at the weights. He has run eight times over 2400m and been in the top two seven times (two wins, five seconds). If we don’t try him over 3200m we will never know, but I don’t see him having a problem seeing it out.”

Raiseahallelujah is by Querari, who won both a Gr 1 and Gr 3 over 2000m. Querari’s dam won a Listed race in Germany over a mile and two furlongs (2000m).

Raiseahallelujah himself is out of a twice-placed maiden on the Vaal sand from 1600m to 1800m called Flo Jo.

Flo Jo is by the stamina influence Black Minnaloushe and is a half-sister to a classy son of Silvano called Seal, who won the Gr 1 SA Derby over 2450m, the Gr 2 Gold Vase over 3000m, the G3 Jubilee Handicap over 1800m, the Gr 3 Caradoc Gold Cup over 2850m the Listed Wolf Power 1600 and the Listed Aquanaut Handicap over 2450m. Seal ran twice in the Gold Cup, both times carrying topweight, and finished fourth and seventh respectively.

So there is a lot of stamina close up in Raiseahellelujah’s pedigree.

Raiseahallelujah has drawn pole position.

Candice said, “It is sometimes not a good draw, but it is probably better the further you go. You don’t want to be trapped wide around the first two turns and he does like to come from off them and chase them down, so whether it is a good draw or not will depend on the pace.”

Raiseahallelujah has an interesting history.

He was bred by Dr Ian Heyns and sold on the BSA National yearling Sale for R275,000 to Team G Racing (Gavin van Zyl).

It is not surprising Van Zyl bought him because he trained Seal.

The horse was originally called Marukami, but the name was changed to Raiseahallelujah.

He was up for sale after a few runs with Van Zyl and prominent Johannesburg owner Larry Nestadt bought him.

However, Van Zyl was admirably honest with Nestadt. He said he was battling to find suitable staying races for Raiseahallelujah in KZN and he also felt the horse needed the long straights of the Highveld.

Nestadt took his advice and sent him to Candice Dawson.

After winning in his second start over 2000m for Dawson, Gary Player and Cecil Millinger joined Nestadt as partners.

Raiseahallelujah won once for Van Zyl over 2400m and has won five times for Dawson from 2000m to 2400m.

If he is anywhere near as good as Seal, he will be a runner carrying bottom weight of 54kg, although he is officially 4,5kg under sufferance with the officially best weighted Shangani.

JP van der Merwe has ridden him in his last two starts, including a narrow second in the Gr 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville, and is aboard for the Gold Cup.

Keagan de Melo after winning the Betway Cup on Puerto Manzano (JC Photos)

A Reminder To Send In Your Summer Cup Theme Suggestion

4Racing has reminded the public to send in their suggested themes for the Betway Summer Cup as Wednesday this week will be the last day to do so.

The Betway Summer Cup is styled as ‘The People’s Race’ and last year it was all about the ‘Golden Summer’. This year, the people will choose the new theme for Gauteng’s most anticipated blue ribbon event set to be held on Saturday, 25 November 2023 at the Turffontein Racecourse.

There is just one day left for horseracing punters and fans to submit their choice of theme to 4Racing for the 126th running of Joburg’s most inclusive, family-friendly and entertainment-rich Grade 1 horseracing event.

There’s still time to submit your idea for the 2023 Betway Summer Cup theme before the closing date this Wednesday, 26 July 2023. Simply email your name, surname, mobile number and theme idea in 10 words or less to mytheme@4racing.tv or enter by commenting on one of our pinned posts on social media.

Up for grabs are six VIP tickets to the 2023 Betway Summer Cup, a TAB betting voucher and a session with a personal stylist to ensure the winner looks the part.

“It’s time to come to the home of horse racing with a brand new Betway Summer Cup theme that speaks to the authenticity and diversity that Gauteng is known for, with fresh and fun ideas to make it your own day against the backdrop of incredible sport,” says 4Racing’s Head of Events and Hospitality Manager, Cherise Tem Tem.

The Betway Summer Cup always has something for everyone to enjoy.

Stylish hospitality areas, electrifying racing, good food, drinks, roving fashion shows, exceptional live music and a kids zone mean everyone will be catered for this November.

The winner and the new theme for this year’s Betway Summer Cup will be announced on Gold Cup Day, 30 July 2023.

ENDS

The smart Ivy League’s win in today’s last clinched a double on the day for all of the Barend Botes/Yolandi Vosloo yard, jockey S’Manga Khumalo, sire What A Winter and breeders Ridgemont. (JC Photos).

Small Yards Dominated Today’s Highveld Meeting

Bridget Stidolph and the Barend Botes/Yolandi Vosloo yard both had doubles at the Vaal straight course today, while the small yards of Heather Adamson and Heinrich van der Westhuizen also had winners. S’Manga Khumalo rode a double and both wins were on promising two-year-olds, the Corne Spies-trained gelding Wyzeact, an Act Of War full-brother to Bartholdi and half-brother to Bohica, and the Barend Botes/Yolandi Vosloo-trained Ivy League, a progressive What A Winter filly who registered her third win in six wins and did it impressively.

Stidolph goes to seven wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 8.97%.

Botes/Vosloo go to 26 wins at 8.90%.

Khumalo goes to 178 wins at 16.12%.

Hollywoodbets Scottsville, Wednesday

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Wednesday

Dancer’s Daughter dead-heats with Pocket Power in the 2008 July. (Gold Circle).

Today’s Question

Which South African Horseracing great joined the South African Academy sixt years ago in 1963 and later among the many big races he won as a trainer were two Gold Cups in the 1990s, the first of them with a USA-bred who was imported from England and who was from the family which today also includes Dancer’s Daughter and Rain In Holland.

Question answer at the bottom of the newsletter

ANSWER TO TODAY’S QUESTION

David Payne is one of only three people to have won the July as both a jockey and a trainer and he won probably every Gr 1 race in SA as a trainer before leaving for Australia, including two Gold Cups.

His first Gold Cup was with the solid English stayer Icona, who carried topweight of 58kg to victory under Anton Marcus in 1991, and his second was with Milleverof, who carried 53kg to victory under Glen Hatt in 1995.

Icona had previously won four races in England from distances of one mile and two furlongs to one mile and four furlongs, which prompted the handicapper to give him topweight here for the Gold Cup.

2008 dead-heating July heroine Dancer’s Daughter’s dam Reason To Dance was out of a half-sister to Icona, while Rain In Holland is out of a half-sister to Dancer’s Daughter.

Interestingly, all three of the Gr 1 winners from this largely British and USA family won their Gr 1s in South Africa.

Turf Talk Newsletter – 25 July, 2023