Turf Talk Newsletter – 25 October, 2024

Connections crowd around the Algoa Cup winner Firealley, who was ridden by Craig Zackey (Pauline Herman Photography) 

Jacque Strydom had a fairytale win of the R350,000 Betway Algoa Cup (Listed) with Firealley, ridden by Craig Zackey, as Strydom was the last local winner of Gqeberha’s biggest race 15 years ago in 2009 with Surfin’ USA.

This year’s Algoa Cup was a rare occasion as the race had to take place on the Polytrack and not Turf.

4Racing Senior Manager of Racing Operations (Eastern Cape), Gail Rieder explained the decision to move the meeting “We received 144mm of rain within 24-hours from Monday to Tuesday morning. Given that more rain was forecast, we consulted with our team and a decision was made to move the meeting to the Polytrack at 11h30 on Tuesday after taking a penetrometer reading”.

The first drama in the race happened when the Kelly Mitchley-trained Mount Anderson had to be scratched for an elevated TCO2 level.

Justin Snaith had already scratched his pair Rockpool and Call To Unite after the switch to poly.

The local hope Joy And Peace started favourite despite having to carry topweight and looking to have a tough task at some of the weight turnarounds.

Anatolian Silver, who was about 7kg out at the weights, was sent to the front from a wide draw and set the pace.

Cape raider Allez Moris, who started joint 4/1 favourite with Joy And Peace on the fixed odds market, had the box seat in second place on the rail and Steet Art was outside of him. Joy And Peace and Runaway Song were the next pair alongside each other and were followed by San Quintin and Firealley. Green Manadarin and Sequoia were next best and the fancided Blackberry Malt was behind them.

As the 13 horse field swung for home Allez Moris went inside of the pacemaker and hit the front but was soon joined by Joy And Peace who was sticking to the inside rail.

However, Firealley then began charging down the centre outside of Allez Moris and it was clear the former Gr 2 Peninsula Handicap winner was going better than Allez Moris, while Joy And Peace was clearly finding no extra.

Firealley kept on finding to win by 0,75 lengths from the Glen Kotzen-trained Blackberry Malt who ran on strongly from well off the pace. The Brett Crawford-trained Allez Moris was beaten a length into third and the Alan Greeff-trained Joy And Peace was beaten 2,25 lengths into fourth. The Greeff-trained Bournemouth crossed the line in fifth.

Having his eighth run for the Jacques Strydom yard since transferring from Candice Bass-Robinson at the beginning of this year, the Drakenstein-bred Firealley is now raced in a partnership consisting of Messrs Do Carmo, De Wet,McCrow, Puggia,Smart, Lorette Louw, the Money Talks Syndicate,SMB Insurance Brokers and the Strydom family.

A son of Flower Alley (Distorted Humor), Firealley is out of the Irish-bred Galileo mare, Fire Spinner.

Originally a R275 000 purchase off the Cape Premier Yearling Sale, Firealley has won 6 races with 14 places from 44 starts for stakes of R869 600.

The R500 000 carryover Pick 6 injection fell well short of the originally projected R3 million, at R1,88 million and this might have been as a result of the switch to polytrack.

“I would like to thank Betway for their support of racing in all of our jurisdictions, but particularly here in the Eastern Cape. We are proud that this is the Betway Algoa Cup for 2024. It was an exciting day, and I am so happy for the winning connections of FireAlley. It was particularly special that Jacques Strydom trained this winner as prior to this he was the last local trainer to win the Algoa Cup back in 2009” said Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing CEO.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RACE AND THE WINNING INTERVIEWS

Friday at Fairview had two other supporting features on the card. Glen Kotzen trained On My Honour won The Racehorse Owners Association Stakes (Listed) with Denis Schwarz aboard. There were two scratching’s in the the Betway Wedgewood Handicap (NBT) taking the final field to four runners. With the change of surface to Polytrack, the distance was revised from 2400m to 2200m. Alan Greeff trained Official Secret posted a commanding 7.5 length victory under Richard Fourie.

In a joint initiative between the Racehorse Owners Association, the Thoroughbred Racing Trust and 4Racing, R123 000 worth of riding gear was handed over to the dedicated Work Rider’s of the Eastern Cape region.

Taking momentum from racing at Fairview, Saturday 26 October offers a day to celebrate the hardworking grooms of Fairview Racecourse. Prize money of R9 000 will be up for grabs in the Groom’s Soccer Tournament Final, which will be played on the Fairview Soccer Field. Shosholoza FC are looking to defend their 2023 Title from Young Stars FC.

Rascova makes her seasonal reappearance and should take up her favourite front-running role from pole position over her likely optimum 1400m trip (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Mark Van Deventer (Cape Racing)

Preview For Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Durbanville meeting

Speed on the rail has been holding up well through the Spring at Hollywoodbets Durbanville and RAFA BAY will try take advantage of the track profile in Race 2, a Maiden sprint over 1250m.Justin Snaith’s entry jumps from draw 1, gets help from cagey jock, JP van der Merwe and has twice shown sustained speed over the minimum trip. He must now carry that gallop an extra 250m and hold off late charges likely to come from MASTER BOMBER AND DIABLO, who stayed on well behind Sir Korski last time.

MASTER BOMBER made a positive impression on debut, closing ground rapidly from well off the pace, but he must again overcome a bad draw (11). Shane Humby’s GRAND ALLEGRO is another to consider, having run nicely after a rest behind Arctic Wizard. There are also five firsters to add complexity to Race 2.

Humby, a patient conditioner, steps out PALACE GIFT in the following race, the opening Leg of the PA. This four-year-old comes off two neat runs at the venue where he went handy and kept on for place money. He will probably use the same tactics from gate 3 and hope to stave off a persistent challenge from another well drawn (2) pace-presser, WHAT A FORTUNE.

KING VISERYS is a moderate, 18 start career Maiden but he did run his best race here almost exactly a year ago and must be respected in a weak field with champion hoop, Richard Fourie booked to ride for Piet Botha.

SIR KORSKI’s form will be tested in Race 2 – if it holds up, then punters can swing more confidently with ZEITZ in the 5th Race as an inclusion in the early Jackpot and P6.

Andre Nel’s charge got mugged on the line by Greg Ennion’s giant speciman, Sir Korski three weeks ago, and with the grey Vercingetorix colt now stretching out to a more suitable longer route, appeals as an exotic banker. BOMBERS IN THE SKY (an improved figure behind Happy Days) could be the main menace.

Brett Crawford seems to have revived JOIN THE DOTS, and the gelding who showed early promise before losing his way can go in again in Race 6. A six- point penalty may not be enough to scupper his progress as he won fluently a month ago over the C/D to justify heavy market action. Fourie sticks solid in a vote of confidence.

By far the best quality race of the day is the 8th, a Cape A Stakes over 1400m, where the average merit rating is 111. Major contributors to that high mark are Drill Hall Stakes victor, ROYAL AUSSIE and Merchants winner, SURJAY with OMRs of 124; G1 placed HLUHLUWE (OMR 118) and front-running World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas heroine, Rascova (OMR 119). Then, there is a gap back to WECANGOALLNIGHT (OMR 109) who will appreciate the likely torrid pace, with OUTLAW KING and GET IMPRESSED next on 106’s.The top quartet have not raced for three months since their successful Durban Winter campaigns, so there is a question mark over their race readiness. All four are prepping for bigger prizes into Summer. On class alone they have a significant edge however, and all have done just fine at this unique course before.

As mentioned, there is a surfeit of speed signed on with RASCOVA, ROYAL AUSSIE, light weight, SAN PEDRO (OMR 97) and GET IMPRESSED all having shown a propensity to charge forward. It should be an exciting watch and the outcome of significance for upcoming Features when racing reverts to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Artiste is tipped to win Race 9 (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

Formguides And Selections For Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday

Cape Racing

Race 1

2 CATCH A PENNY ran a lovely race on debut when finishing strongly for second, she was super unlucky not to have finished closer, with natural improvement from a good draw, she will be very hard to beat. 11 PINK PIGEON will need some luck from a bad draw here, her two runs to date have been excellent, there is no doubt she will be running on strongly late, include her into all bets. 4 SHEETS AND GOGGLES has been rested for 203 days, the yard think highly of this filly, if she doesn’t need the run badly, she could certainly finish amongst the places from a neat draw. 12 BEACH QUEEN only finished just over six lengths behind the winner on debut, if she can get some luck from a wide draw, she will have a Quartet chance.

(Brandon Bailey: 2 – 11 – 4 – 12)

Race 2

11 MASTER BOMBER finished powerfully on debut to run a cracking race behind Sir Korski, he was very green and still managed to finish fourth in a warm maiden plate, if he can get some luck from a wide draw in this race, he will be very tough to beat. 1 RAFA BAY steps up in trip from a good draw, he has run two very good seconds in succession, if he doesn’t need the run badly coming back from a small rest, he will have a good each way chance. 8 GRAND ALLEGRO stayed on nicely in his last start behind Arctic Wizard, the blinkers stay on, he will be right there in the finish again. 2 DIABLO is still improving, if he can build on his last performance, he will have a money chance.

(Brandon Bailey: 11 – 1 – 8 – 2)

Race 3

3 PALACE GIFT must have a big winning chance, he is undoubtedly getting better and stronger with more racing, this looks to be the perfect race for him to finally exit the maiden ranks. 2 WHAT A FORTUNE drops back in trip after running a great second in his last start over 1400m, he really tried hard on that occasion, from a good draw here, he will get the run of the race and should be right there in the finish. 8 KING VISERYS will need all the luck in the world from a tricky draw, he has been well tried in the maiden ranks, with some luck in transit with champion jockey Richard Fourie in the saddle, he could sneak into the places. 5 NORDIC PRINCE will need to improve to win, if he can build on his last run, he could have a Quartet chance at a decent price.

(Brandon Bailey: 3 – 2 – 8 – 5)

Race 4

1 NIGHT BOMBER gets a nice pull in the weights with War Chariot, he never runs a bad race and must have a good winning chance from a good draw in this race. 3 WAR CHARIOT won a super race last time, he finished off his race exceptionally well with jockey J P v’d Merwe, the blinkers stay on, he will be right there in the finish. 4 BLACK EGRET brings in some strong Gauteng form to the race, his last two runs at the Vaal Racecourse have been very good, if he handles the track of Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he could be a serious threat for them all. 6 BJORN IRONSIDE arguably brings in the strongest form to the race, his run in the Grade 2 Umkhomazi Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville was very good, there is no doubt that he might just need this run, watch him closely as he starts his preparation for the Cape Summer Festival.

(Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 4 – 6)

Race 5

9 ZEITZ will be very hard to beat, he went down narrowly in his last start behind Sir Korski, he is still improving and should love the step up to 1600m. 5 BOMBERS IN THE SKY showed big improvement in his last start when tried over this trip, he caught the eye late when staying on strongly towards the end of the race, from a decent draw, he should have a good each way chance. 12 AFRIQUE was very disappointing in his last start, he is a lovely looking colt that will improve now that he steps up in trip, watch him closely. 10 CLAUDE MONET was gelded back on the 19th of September, he ran a decent race last time at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, it will be his first run in the Western Cape, if he handles Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he could sneak into the Quartets.

(Brandon Bailey: 9 – 5 – 12 – 10)

Race 6

11 COMMANDER GREEN quickened up smartly to win a great race last time, the form lines have been franked, he is crying out for this trip of 2000m, he will be staying on strongly late, include him into all bet types. 10 JOIN THE DOTS was given a great ride by Richard Fourie in his last start to win a good race, he was given six points for that win, and he has unfortunately drawn wide, despite all the negative factors and the big weight of 61.5kgs, he is still improving and must have a good each way chance again. 9 GROOVEJET ran on powerfully from a long way back in his last start to finish second, he now gets a good pull in the weights with Join The Dots, if the race works out for him, he will be amongst the places. 7 GOLDEN GREY needs a particular ride, with no weight on his back over this trip, he will be very competitive.

(Brandon Bailey: 11 – 10 – 9 – 7)

Race 7

8 UNSOLVED RIDDLE has been very consistent of late, he ran a lovely race from a wide draw in his last start behind Ozark, this doesn’t look to be a strong Class 5 event, if he can beat the draw here and build on his recent performances, he will have a good winning chance. 4 SPIRIT’S UNITE had no luck from a wide draw in his last start behind Kaiboy, he will appreciate stepping back up in trip to 1400m, if the run doesn’t come too soon, he will go very close. 2 AUGUSTA BLUE is much better than his last run, from a neat draw here, he should improve quite a bit, include him into all bet types at a decent price. 6 IGNATIUS will need to improve on his last start, he never travelled well and was eased out the race in the home straight, if he can bring his best form to the races on Saturday afternoon, he could surprise at a big price.

(Brandon Bailey: 8 – 4 – 2 – 6)

Race 8

2 ROYAL AUSSIE is a very smart gelding, he has run with some of the best horses in South Africa, from a neat draw over this trip, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will go very close to winning. 1 RASCOVA comes back to the races after a very successful KwaZulu-Natal campaign, she likes to race up on speed, from a good draw on a fast track, she will try and lead them from start to finish. 10 HLUHLUWE will need some luck from a tricky draw on Saturday, he has got lots of ability and can win a race like this quite easily, include him into all bets. 6 GET IMPRESSED has done everything right of late in his career, he is improving at a rate of knots, he must have a Quartet chance in this very competitive race.

(Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 10 – 6)

Race 9

3 ARTISTE won a super race last time in testing conditions, the yard think highly of this filly, from a neat draw here, she will take all the beating. 9 I’M SO PRITTI quickened up in devastating fashion to win well, this will be tougher for her from a wide draw and stepping up in class, with some luck on her side she will have a good each way chance. 5 BABELICIOUS ran a very creditable race over 1400m, she drops back in trip to 1250m which should be no problem at all, she must have a good place chance here. 1 JOU LEKKER DING has run some fair races out the maidens, she is well drawn and gets a nice galloping weight on her back of 54.5kgs, she could sneak into the Quartets on her best form.

(Brandon Bailey: 3 – 9 – 5 – 1)

Race 10

7 ALLTHEBOYSIVELOVED won well on debut, she showed some early pace out the gates and then quickened up smartly to beat Catch A Penny, she will improve tremendously from run one to run two, she must have a good winning chance again. 4 VERONIQUE ran on strongly in testing conditions last time to win a good race, she is very honest and will be right there again. 3 CAPTAIN’S DESTINY was beaten just under one length in a very competitive Class 5 event last weekend, if she can build on that performance here, she will have a good place chance again. 8 NILE THE BOSS has run some decent races of late, the yard has been in great form, include her into Quartets.

(Brandon Bailey: 7 – 4 – 3 – 8)

Lot 2 is a Futura colt out of a Trippi daughter of dual Gr 1 winner Lady Windermere (Western Winter)

Paarl Diamant Estate are major supporters of the CRS Breeze Up and Unbroken 2YO Sale and they send 22 youngsters to the auction at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

TAKE NOTE: The auction date has been changed to 26 October (at Hollywoodbets Durbanville) and kicks off at 18H00.

Here are some selected highlights from this year’s Paarl Diamant consignment:

Lot 2 is a chestnut Futura colt out of Fantastic Trip, and thus a half- brother to solid handicapper, Fibonnaci. Second dam Lady Windermere was the Champion Filly in SA in 2008/9 adding lustre to the page.

Goodtime Gal scored six wins up to G3 class when trained by Michael Robinson and the Royal Air Force mare has been covered by Querari with Lot 4, a bay colt called Good Omen, the result.

Jet Master mare, Hi Jessie is well related through second dam, Jessamine, renowned producer of G1 Cape Derby and SA Guineas victor, The Sheik and Champion Older Sprinter of 2002/3, Al Nitak. She has Lot 7, In Process, a bay filly by exciting young sire, Rafeef, who has already sired 20 SW’s from just 207 runners.

Lot 14 is by Querari ex La Calisto, a half -sister to 8 x winner, Los Colmos. Best of her progeny thus far is La Quinta, a game sprinting filly formerly trained by Snaith Racing.

Star sire, Vercingetorix has a colt out of Leeward on offer as Lot 18. The dam won the Irridescence Stakes and the full sister to Lot 18 is Mia Moo, a talented Highveld sprinter.

Querari is an especially good value stallion perfectly capable of siring high class turf horses over a wide distance range, though his absolute best are sprinter/milers. Buyers may well be “Taken In” by Lot 38, a colt by the German producer ex Rock on Baby, a half- sister to Santa Maria, Sail and Sailing Ship.

Dragonheart, a son of Canford Cliffs comes in immediately afterwards. There is lots of Black Type down the page on the female side. Closer up, Nastergal out of Duke of Marmalade is the first dam, Royale Noir’s best produce to date. She won the G3 Champagne Stakes.

Trippi mare, Shatoosh raced successfully in Gauteng, and she has a chestnut, Erupt colt – Lot 46. Second dam, Mink Coat, a half- sister to G1 Summer Cup heroine, Flirtation sports a positive record with her offspring, Casual Wear, Tomba la Bomba and Global Express all multiple winners.

Paarl Diamant also offer three unbroken two-year-olds, including a duo by 3 x SA Champion sire, Gimmethegreenlight. Lot 83 is a colt ex Mighty High, winner of the G1 Allan Robertson who is well worth visiting in stable B34.

Cheeky Cranberry (Lot 107) is a Gimmethegreenlight filly out of the Snitzel mare, Sweet Red, with a very strong Aussie pedigree extending through second (Strawberry Fields) and third dam (Red Labelle.)

Monique Schabort will be happy to arrange special viewings for all these babies mentioned, as well as other possible “diamonds in the rough” which comprise the Estate’s quality draft for CRS October ‘24.

Interested parties can direct all enquiries to Monique Schabort 083 310 9751 or via email moniqueschabort@gmail.com

Artist’s Model has been tipped to win Race 7 (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Gold Circle

R1    Summary: LIONS EYE (11) has the worst of the draw and has his second run for his new stable after a lengthy break. It was a promising showing and the fact that Suart Ferrie has persisted with the gelding who had poor form before that could be telling. BRING THE MAGIC (3) has made recent improvement since Darryl Moore has declared blinkers and he can feature again. CAPTAINSHIP (8) was a beaten favourite last run and has been supported in both starts to date although he will need to improve on his first two efforts. CATAVAR (7) was much improved in blinkers last run and can feature. LUKHAYF (4) had a tough draw in the soft last run. He gets first time blinkers and Carl Hewitson has penciled in Craig Zackey for the ride. (Andrew Harrison: 11-3-8-7).

R2    Summary: ONE SCOTCH (10) has a wide draw to contend with but has been close-up in all of his three starts and this looks to be the ideal race for Paul Lafferty’s charge. WHEREVERILAYMYHAT (5) was much improved over course and distance last run and Alyson Wright’s runner looks a serious threat to the selection. UZWANO (1) looks held by Whereverilaymyhat on their last meeting but this was his debut effort for Dean Kannemeyer and there should be improvement to come although the stable is a little quiet of late. TWOCANTANGO (7) has been rested but does seem tot have improvement to come. (Andrew Harrison: 10-1-5-7).

R3     Summary: Tricky maiden. WORLD OF OUR OWN (7) made a promising debut at long odds for Alyson Wright and should come on from that effort. He faces some well exposed runners so the betting could be a good pointer. TICKALOX (4) was much improved from a difficult draw over course and distance at his penultimate start but his subsequent outing on the poly was disappointing. MEERKAT MOON (6) finished behind Tickalox when last they met but has been improving and looks primed for this. GOLDEN GOAL (1) has the best of the draw and has improved in blinkers. With Rachel Venniker’s allowance he should be a big runner for Doug Campbell. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-6-4).

R4     Summary: ROLLO THE VIKING (2) has improved with each outing and was running on late over a mile last time out. Gavin Lerena stays with his mount for Frank Robinson and that could prove significant as he steps the gelding up in trip. SYRIAN STEEL (4) is a filly taking on males but has a light weight and should stay the trip. Carl Hewitson has a second string to his bow in WALKIE TALKIE (6) who was a little disappointing on the poly last run but has gone close over course and distance. NEW FRONTIER (9) has consistent form in blinkers and indications are that he will stay the trip. Paul Lafferty has booked 2.5kg claimer Bevan Plaatjies so a light weight will enhance the gelding’s chances. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-6-9).

R5     Summary: STAR OF THE FUTURE (9) has stated favourite in both starts since returning form a lengthy lay-off. Both were over sprints so one needs to trust trainer Frank Robinson that the big step up in trip will be the gelding’s optimum trip. He will stay on pedigree. Paul Lafferty has pitted his filly GOT THE FEVER (7) against males and she made marked improvement last run at just her second start. If she can build on that she will be a big runner. CAPTAIN OLIVER (4) made a smart debut, first up over a mile and given the experience and expected improvement Frikkie Greyling’s runner must have a strong chance. BRAVE BOMBER (2) has come on nicely with each outing. Lightly raced, he should make a bold bid for Mike Miller. (Andrew Harrison: 9-7-4-2).

R6     Summary: Wide open handicap. RED MOUNTAIN (4) was a recent maiden winner with a 4kg claimer up but was never in danger of losing. Robbie Hill’s runner has fairly solid maiden form behind his claims and blinkers appear to have brought out the best. The Hill stable is also in form. PALERMO (8) was touched off on the poly last run but Tienie Prinsloo’s gelding is seldom far behind and should make a bold bid in this line-up. Mike de Kock saddles TYRCONNELL (10). The lightly raced five-year-old was a close-up second back from a lengthy break and a repeat will see him close. The best of Peter Muscutt’s three runners could be recent maiden winner NIGHT ROCKER (11) who has a wide draw but this is only his fourth start and he does look to be progressive. (Andrew Harrison: 4-8-10-11).

R7     Summary: Given the weights and accepting that the handicappers have got it right, there are a few with decent form under sufferance. ARTIST’S MODEL (2) has only had there starts but was a convincing maiden winner over course and distance last time out. He has improved with each outing and from a good draw should run well. The filly SPRITI OF LEVANA (8) is the best weighted but has not been out since late July and may need the outing but Gavin Lerena stays with the ride from a wide draw. ACTOR (6) beat Artist’s Model in the maidens and is also on the up. There may not be much between them again. COMEDY CLUB (1) made marked improvement on his debut effort to win next time out. He could be anything. (Andrew Harrison: 2-6-8-1).

R8     Summary: Wide open handicap. SHE’S A MACHINE (3) ran a cracker against males last time out and was running on strongly at the death. Suart Ferrie’s filly should be in the firing line. VOLARE E MAMBO (4) made a promising local debut on the poly but did get a two-point rise in the handicap for her troubles. She had higher ratings on the Highveld and Mike de Kock’s filly looks to be a strong contender. SAFARI LODGE (2) was a comfortable maiden winner last run and has been progressing nicely. Gavin Lerena stays with the ride and from a good draw the filly should be competitive. WARRIOR ROYALE (5) has improved with every outing can converted the odds over course and distance to shed her maiden. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-2-5).

R9     Summary: LOVE IN WINTER (2) seldom runs a bad race and is over his optimum trip from a good draw. He has a handy galloping weight and should be involved in the finish. WARRIOR OF ROYALTY (6) was a well beaten third behind the smart Cats Pajamas last run and can go closer in this company. IMMAH (4) is lightly raced and beat the luckless APEX PREDATOR (2) last time out but who went on to win at his next start. The two meet again. RUGGER LOVER (9) goes well over this trip and is seldom out of the money. (Andrew Harrison: 2-6-4-9).

Sharpen Bright is taken to win Race 2 and as an eachway suggestion is made one of the best bets (picture via youtube)

Tim Carroll (At The Races)

Tim provides expert analysis and bets for all 10 races at Happy Valley on Sunday.

This Sunday sees a competitive ten-race card from Happy Valley getting underway at 06H45 SA Time.

The feature of the meeting is race 10, the Class 2 Guangzhou handicap, over six-furlongs, offering prize-money in excess £284,000.

Now onto this week’s selections.

Race 1: Class 5 Chaozhou Handicap (6:45 a.m. SA Time) (6 furlongs)
4 SUPER ELITE, who recorded his first success over this trip at Sha Tin at the end of last season, has had three runs back during the current campaign, hitting the frame on two occasions despite not enjoy a great deal of luck a couple of times. I know this may sound odd, but he will need to be taken on trust as he’s jumped marks on the track at his last three starts, ok, once maybe, but three starts on the bounce! He will be having his first spin at Happy Valley in nearly five months, but he placed in a higher grade here last season, and if he can just keep his feet on the ground and concentrate on the job at hand, he looks worth a play in a moderate contest.

Dangers:
3 Country Dancer is a nine-starts maiden making his seasonal return for high-end connections and although he only managed to hit the frame once last season, he looked sharp when winning a recent trial and a market watch is strongly advised.
1 The Khan goes up 5lb after breaking his duck when winning over seven-furlongs at Sha Tin last time and he could have more to offer, although the drop back in trip doesn’t look an obvious move given the way he has been finishing off his races recently.
10 Cheer For South is a seventeen start maiden that hasn’t progressed, but he drops a further 2lb and with a 3lb claimer on top he is effectively running from a mark 26lbs below his best placed effort, and he goes from a favourable draw.

Race 2: Class 3 Dongguan Handicap (7:15 a.m.) (9 furlongs)
7 SHARPEN BRIGHT moves up in grade having been runner-up over this trip on his seasonal return at Sha Tin at the start of the month. No doubt he has more on his plate now that he moves into this grade for the first time, but he shown improvement during the current year, and should have more to offer. The selection was beaten less than a length last time by a rival he was having to concede 17lbs, and although he dives into deeper waters, he’ll enjoy some weight relief, carrying 19lb less than he lugged first-up. It’s worth noting that he only had three starts at Happy Valley last season, winning twice and finishing with the silver in the other.

Dangers:
1 Noble Pursuit made a winning return over the mile last month and the runner-up has subsequently won, which franks the form further, he does go up 7lb for that and now is and the top of the handicap, but he ran through the line strongly last time & this looks a slightly softer contest.
6 Red Majesty doesn’t do a lot of winning these days, but he an honest 8yo that was just over two-lengths behind Noble Pursuit at his penultimate start and he meets that rival on 8lb better terms here.
9 Winning Steps moves up in grade under a 6lb penalty having won over the mile last month and whilst he’s an exposed type on a career high mark running at this level for the first time, he goes from the foot of the handicap and is worth considering for any exotic type bets.

Race 3: Class 4 Foshan Handicap (7:45 a.m.) (1 mile)
2 CAPITAL LEGEND has been unplaced both starts this season, but they were over shorter trips, and he’ll enjoy stepping up to the mile. The selection drops 2lb in the handicap which sees him in on a mark of 58. In twenty-five local starts he’s run from in the 50’s on just three occasions, recording a win and a silver, both over course & trip, with his most recent win coming from the same mark he now finds himself on. He tactically versatile, but I would imagine that Bowman, who last rode the selection when he won in April, will have him in behind the leaders from what is a favourable draw.

Dangers:
11 Gallant Crown last win was over course & trip in June of last year, but he’s now on a 16lb lower mark and he’s run with merit in defeat in two of his three starts this season, only beaten half-a-lengths over seven-furlongs at Sha Tin last time.
10 Courier Magic, who was a twice course & trip winner last season, picked up the bronze on his seasonal return and can be forgiven an unplaced effort last time when he didn’t enjoy the rub of the green, and with Purton a first-time booking, he’s likely to bounce back from a mark just 3lbs above his most recent success.
7 Sturdy Ruby, who makes his seasonal return, is a sixteen-start maiden but he has hit the frame on eight occasions, including when first-up his last two campaigns, and from a slightly higher mark than his current assessment on both occasions.

Race 4: Class 4 Huizhou Handicap (8:15 a.m.) (6 furlongs)
6 LUCKY PLANET was heavily supported when scooting up from the front over course & trip at the end of last season, and in the process recording his first success in sixteen starts. He was a tad disappointing on his return when on the sharp end of the market, once again employing catch me if you can tactics. To be fair, the rider probably overcooked it a tad that night, with all the speed horses finishing out the back, and he should come on for the run. Harry Bentley picks up the ride, and the draw in 1 is ideal.

Dangers:
1 Denfield goes from the top of the handicap, which is never easy, but he came from last on the bend when runner-up over course & trip on his seasonal return, and he did win second-up last season from a slightly higher mark.
11 Valhalla was unplaced on the dirt at Sha Tin on his return, but he was a thrice winner over course & trip last season and whilst those three wins were at a level below this, he should have all the favours from the low draw & he looks well in with a 7lb claim.
10 Young Horizon moves up in grade under a 7lb penalty having won over seven-furlongs at Sha Tin last time and whilst he’s better suited over slightly further, this is a moderate Class 4 and he should be hitting the line with plenty of purpose under the light weight.

Race 5: Class 4 Huizhou Handicap (9:10 a.m.) (6 furlongs)
10 GIMMIE FIVE is a ten-start maiden but he’s an improving type that ran with merit in defeat last time when runner-up over course & trip at just his second run back this season. It would be a stretch to say he should have won, given the winner was strong through the line, but he had a tough trip planted wide without cover all the way that night, and the run should be marked up. The ever-moving Hong Kong jockey merry-go-round sees Purton a first time booking, and it’s worth noting that Purton was aboard the horse that had the cheap seat on the selections back last time before peeling off and going on to win the race. He carries 3lb more than his most recent outing despite only going up 1lb, but that indicates this is a slightly easier assignment, and he’s more favourably drawn.

Dangers:
9 Tactical Command was at twice winner over this trip last season and has been placed both starts over course & trip during the current campaign, but he may need some luck as he’s likely to be ridden cold from the high draw in a race offering no more than an honest gallop.
2 The Perfect Match hasn’t been seen since a placed effort in June, but he did win over course & trip from just four starts during his first campaign & winning rider, Hugh Bowman, sticks solid for his seasonal return.
11 Sky Prophet is a five-start maiden yet to place, but he’s had no luck with high draws all five starts, and he was picking up from the back late without threatening last time, thus a market watch is advised now that he finally draws a decent stall.

Race 6: Class 4 Shenzhen Handicap (9:40 a.m.) (9 furlongs)
11 ME TIME is an eight-start maiden, but his form has spiked north recently, and he should be winning soon enough. The selection closed out last season with a career best when runner-up over course & trip with a couple of these in behind, and although a beaten favourite on his return, he’ll strip fitter here. The selection was a length-behind Forever Glorious last time, but he meets that rival, who tightened him up out of the straight the first time, (rider reprimanded) on 5lb better terms. Theres plenty of pace in the race and from the low draw the selection should end up with a soft commute in behind the leaders.

Dangers:
10 Arthur’s Kingdom has won three of his twenty-nine starts but those three wins have come at his last four outings and in his current form he should be included despite moving up in grade under an 8lb penalty, but he is one of several engaged that like to run along.
9 Jubilation, who has recorded three of his four wins over this trip, made a solid return when placed at Sha Tin on his seasonal return, he’s entitled to come on for that and he’s likely to be ridden from the second half of the field in a race offering a solid gallop.
7 Charity Gain was having just his second start when running through the line strongly to grab the silver over the mile last time and although well held by a winning odds-on favourite that night, he’s entitled to improve and gave the impression he’d relish a step up in trip.

Race 7: Class 4 Kwangtung Handicap Cup (Handicap) (10:10 a.m.) (5 furlongs)
4 GRAND NOVA is a low mileage 4yo from a leading yard making his seasonal return having broken his duck over course & trip when last seen in July. He finished a lip in front of Ma Comet that night, and he does meet that rival on 5lb worse terms, and purely using the slide rule, that would be enough to turn the form around. However, given that was just his fourth start and he’s with a handler that likes to bring them to the boil, he’s likely to take a step forward this season. He’s been asked no questions in two recent trials, but he does draw the inside for his return and Bowman sticks solid.

Dangers:
2 Ma Comet has become a tad frustrating having placed his last four starts but yet to win in nine, however he was a luckless loser on his return when beaten less than a length having been crowded for room and planted wide, and he looks the main threat.
5 Victorythirtythree defied market expectations when winning over course & trip last time at just his fifth start having shown very little prior that, but the first two were well clear of the others, he’s perfectly drawn in 2 after made all last time, but he does go up 7lb.
10 Happy Tango doesn’t do a lot of winning, but he was successful over course & trip on his seasonal return before a better effort than the bare result having got further back than usual after a bump at the start last time when just under three-lengths behind Victorythirtythree, who he now effectively meets on 10lb better terms with a 3lb claimer taking over.

Race 8: Class 3 Zhaoqing Handicap (10.40 a.m.) (6 furlongs)
8 ROMANTIC SON, who runs in the famous Lindsay Park colours, makes his Hong Kong debut from a mark of 65 having hacked up in a Geelong 3yo maiden in Australia over this trip at his only start in March. The selection has been tuned up for this with three recent trials and whilst he hasn’t won any of those and trials are exactly that, he’s a lovely moving individual that covers the ground in good style. The booking of Purton would suggest a first-up tilt is on the cards, the yard, who like to have them ready to roll first-up, are airborne, and he draws down in a 1 for his first local start.

Dangers:

10 Righteous Arion, who is a thrice course & trip winner, will strip fitter after two solid efforts in defeat this season, and with a claimer taking over, he effectively runs from a 4lb lower mark than his last two and only 2lb above his most recent success.
9 Lucky Combination makes his local debut from a mark of 64 having won his second and final start in Australia, and he arrives having won a recent trial, he draws low, and connections have applied blinkers.
3 Bright Day is another than makes his local debut (76 mark) having been a two-time winner in both Australia and Macau, and whilst its difficult to get a handle on the Macau form, he has looked sharp in winning a couple of recent trials, but he does have a high draw to contend with.

Race 9: Class 3 Zhuhai Handicap (11:15 a.m.) (6 furlongs)
10 HORSEPOWER makes his local debut in what is a spicey class 3, thus I would like to see some market support. The Frankie Lor 3yo won his final two starts in Australia, going off an odds-on favorite in both. The selection has shown up at the trials, winning both in good style, and it’s worth noting that he sweated up during his first local trial in September, but there were no signs of any nerves at his most recent trial earlier this month when his rider could barely hold him slow enough. It’s no surprise to see a crossover nose band and a tongue strap go on for his debut, and he does land it what is a competitive contest, but from the foot of the handicap, and with Purton taking the ride having ridden several of these at their most recent start, I think he’ll give this a decent shake.

Dangers:
4 Red Elegance brings the best recent form to the race with two wins and a silver from his last three starts over course & trip and he looks a big threat once again despite a 7lb penalty.
3 Atomic Force won over course & trip at the end of last season and should come on for the run having finished a length behind Red Elegance on his seasonal return, he meets that rival on 6lb better terms and should have all the favours from the low draw.
2 Youthful Spirts bombed as a beaten favourite in behind Red Elegance last time, but he got caught up in a burn up with Allgreektome that night and whilst he’ll need to be much better here, he could bounce back from the low draw.

Race 10: Class 2 Guangzhou Handicap (10:50 a.m.) (6 furlongs)
6 GORGEOUS WIN will be having his first spin at Happy Valley, but he’s not devoid of pace and he brings some strong form to the contest. The selection, who is a four time winner over six-furlongs, won over this trip at Sha Tin on his seasonal return, and was even better in defeat last time when picking up the bronze behind two outstanding youngsters, and although he never looked like getting to the first two that day, he wasn’t far away and was well clear of the others, including five that reoppose here. As you would expect for a high quality six-furlong sprint, there is a solid gallop on offer, and although I don’t expect him to be on the front end, he should end up with a good spot in mid division.

Dangers:
1 Copartner Prance was too keen over the seven-furlongs last time, but he strung together a six-timer over this trip last season, with five of those wins being here at Happy Valley, he draws down in 1 and will enjoy returning to the city track for the first time since June.
7 Raging Blizzard makes his return after a setback having not been seen since March and he does move up in grade, but he won four of his seven starts last season and carries 10lb less than his last win, but it could be a clue that Purton, who was on board for the last two wins, has abandoned ship.
12 Six Pack makes his local debut in what is a strong contest, but he was a twice winner and ran with merit in defeat at the top level a couple of times in behind some smart types in Australia, and a market watch is advised after a couple placed efforts in two recent trials.

SUNDAY’S PLACEPOT
Today’s Tote Place Pot will be races 5 through to 10. All up we will be playing 81 combinations (3x3x3x1x3x1), which will cost £8.10 for a 10p stake and so on.

LEG 1- 2 THE PERFECT MATCH 9 TACTICAL COMMAND 10 GIMME FIVE
LEG 2- 9 ME TIME 10 ARTHUR’S KINGDOM 11 ME TIME
LEG 3- 2 MA COMET 4 GARND NOVA 5 VICTORYTHIRTYTHREE
LEG 3- 8 ROMANTIC SON
LEG 5- 3 ATOMIC FORCE 4 RED ELEGANCE 10 HORSE POWER
LEG 6- 6 GORGEOUS WIN

TIM’S BEST BETS
7.15 a.m. HAPPY VALLEY
SHARPEN BRIGHT (EW)

10.40 a.m. HAPPY VALLEY
ROMANTIC SON (NAP)

11.50 a.m. HAPPY VALLEY
GORGEOUS WIN (NB)

The picture gives a clue to the answer (image: wikipedia).

Question: Which great horse made it 14 wins from 14 starts when winning the 2009 Gr 1 Breeders Cup Classic?

The great Zenyatta remained unbeaten after a magnificent victory in the 2009 Breeders Cup Classic, in which she came from last with a breathtaking finshing burst that caused the earth to shake such was the crowd noise,  while ex-pat SA commentator Trevor Denman delivered one of history’s greatest horseracing commentaries.

Zenyatta’s first defeat was in her 20th start in the 2010 Breeders Cup Classic, which was a bitter disappointment because it was her swansong.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY OF ONE OF HISTORY’S GREATEST – ZENYATTA