Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein Set For Another Championship?
Mary Slack and her daughter Jessica’s Jell’s passion for the sport of horseracing positively beams forth whenever they are in the spotlight (Picture via meta)
It will be fitting if Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein win the 2025/2026 Breeders Championship, because last year marked the 80th anniversary of Harry and Bridget Oppenheimer’s purchase of the Mauritzfontein farm, which is situated 15km from the centre of Kimberley, and their venture into thoroughbred racing and breeding then began.
Harry and Bridget’s daughter Mary Slack founded the Western Cape-based Wilgerbosdrift Stud in 2000, while Mary’s daughter Jessica Jell took over the reins of Mauritzfontein upon the passing of her beloved grandmother Bridget Oppenheimer in October 2013.
When the two farms combined under the banner Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein they became a formidable force and won their first championship together in the 2018/2019 season.
That season they denied Klawervlei Stud a fifth championship in the space of six seasons.
Klawervlei had denied Summerhill Stud a tenth consecutive title in the 2013/2014 season, although Summerhill came back to win a final title in the 2015/2016 season.
Likewise, Klawervlei Stud came back to land another two titles in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 before Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein wrested the title back in 2021/2022.
Drakenstein Stud then entered the fray to win the title in 2022/2023.
Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein won it back in 2023/2024, but the reigning champions are Drakenstein, who won the 2024/2025 championship.
This season Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein are about R5.5 million in front of second-placed Varsfontein Stud, who are in turn about 3,5 million ahead of Drakenstein Stud.
It would be incorrect to say Drakenstein are having a bad season, because they have significantly less numbers than Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein and they are also somewhat between stallions.
The great Trippi’s last crop are now two-year-olds but there are only a handful of them and his three-year-old crop is smaller than usual.
Furthermore, two of Drakenstein’s best representatives, One Stripe and Beach Bomb, are both campaigning overseas.
Lancaster Bomber was a massive loss to Drakenstein and his second and last crop are now already four-year-olds.
Drakenstein’s record-breaking freshman stallion of the 2023/2024 season, One World, continues to produce and has some particularly exciting two-year-olds, while Drakenstein’s Futura can be relied on to produce some good horses, with the SA Derby favourite Curious Girl being an example.
Drakenstein’s What A Winter is getting on a bit, but still produces stakes winners and is currently in sixth place on the stallion log.
However, Drakenstein are sure to be boosted when the progeny of Charles Dickens, Jet Dark, Oriental Charm, Sharp Frank and A Case Of You begin running as these stallions would surely have been supported with some of their best broodmares.
Furthermore, Drakenstein might not be out of the hunt this season considering they bred the two current favourites for the R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July, Eight On Eighteen and See It Again and they also bred the exciting King Pelles.
Varsfontein also have a chance of the title considering they bred the like of the exciting Note To Self and they are in fact the leading breeders of stakes winners this season with nine stakes winners of ten stakes races.
Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein’s biggest earner this season, Mocha Blend, has not been seen out for a while, but they are second in the stakes producing figures this season with six stakes winners of seven stakes races.
Drakenstein have been dominating the stakes winners figures in recent seasons with a record 18 stakes winners of 25 stakes races in 2021/2022, a record 20 stakes winners of 35 stakes races in 2022/2023, a record 21 stakes winners of 31 stakes races in 2023/2024 and they equalled that record with 21 stakes winners of 30 stakes races last season.
However, this season they look to be out of contention of challenging the record again as they have only had five stakes winners of five stakes races.
Ridgemont are in fourth place in the championship just over R10 million off the lead, while Maine Chance Farms are in fifth place and just over R11 million off the lead.
Ridgemont bred the like of Splittheeights and William Robertson and the former must be a July contender.
Maine Chance Farms bred two big July runners, Wish List and Star Major.
Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein will be hoping Mocha Blend is back for the July.
Otherwise they might be relying on the like of Rainbow Lorikeet and Holding Thumps for that lucrative race, while the like of Aristotle could still improve into a July horse.
The like of One Eye On Vegas could win some big money for Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein up to a mile and maybe 1800m, while Pistol Pete is a nice representative for them in sprints.
Favourite Forever Young Draws Stall Six for Dubai World Cup
Picture: Forever Young
Erika Rasmussen (TDN)
Reigning Japanese Horse of the Year Forever Young (Real Steel) will break from stall 6 under Ryusei Sakai in a field of nine for Saturday’s $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates.
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, who drew the gate number during the post-position ceremony at Meydan Racecourse on Wednesday morning, said, “I wanted middle to outer, so I’m pleased.”
Last year, Forever Young could manage only third in the Dubai World Cup behind Hit Show (Candy Ride), who is drawn alongside Forever Young in gate 5 as he tries to emulate Thunder Snow (2018 and 2019) as a dual winner of the race.
Stall 1 went to one of the potential pace angles in Magnitude (Not This Time), while the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Meydaan (Frankel), the winner of last month’s G2 Al Maktoum Classic, is drawn next door to him in gate 2.
“I think we would have preferred to be a little bit further out,” said Simon Crisford. “We don’t really want him to get shuffled back and the pace will be more intense in this race than on Super Saturday. But [we’re] happy enough.”
The other British-trained contender, Jamie Osborne’s Heart Of Honor (Honor A. P.), will break from stall 4, with Walk Of Stars (Dubawi) immediately on his inside in stall 3. Walk Of Stars is joined in the line-up by stablemate Imperial Emperor (Dubawi), who is in gate 7.
“It’s perfect in seven,” said trainer Bhupat Seemar. “Forever Young is on the inside of him and he is going to be the favourite. He’s the right horse to follow. Tadhg [O’Shea, jockey] can just jump and follow him, hopefully all the way to the line – and hopefully we can be a head or a length in front.”
He added of Walk Of Stars, “It’s a perfect draw. He’s got a lot of speed and from stall three he can dominate and display his natural speed.”
The field is completed by Tap Leader (Tapiture) and Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance), who are drawn on the outside in stalls 8 and 9, respectively.
The draw for the other four Group 1s on the $30.5-million card also took place on Wednesday morning.
The 2025 World’s Best Racehorse Calandagan (Gleneagles) will break from stall 2 in the $6-million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, though post position is unlikely to play a major role in a field of six.
Dual Group 1 winner Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder) drew gate 7 in the $5-million G1 Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World, while 2024 winner Facteur Cheval (Ribchester) is next door in stall 6.
GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint hero Bentornato (Valiant Minister) drew well in gate 2 for the $2-million G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Nakheel, while Lazzat (Territories) is housed in stall 7 – two away from his Riyadh conqueror Reef Runner (The Big Beast) in 5 – for the $2-million G1 Al Quoz Sprint sponsored by Azizi Developments.
For full fields and draw details, click here.
Cunha's Riley Rocks Makes It Two From Three
Picture: Dylan Cunha made a meteoric rise in the toughest of environments and is an established trainer now
Dylan Cunha, who has had 105 wins in total in the UK at a strike rate of 12% since starting out with one horse in 2022, has done well to date with the 52,000 Gns purchase Riley Rocks.
This gelding by Scat Daddy sire Sergei Prokofiev (CAN) made it a second win in succession in just his third start in a six furlong handicap at Southwell on Wednesday.
David Probert was aboard and had him in midfield from a draw of four out of seven before he ran on strongly to convert odds of 6/1.
He ran off an Offial Rating of 75 and looks capable of progressing further.
The tell tale sign that Dylan rated this horse was that subsequent to buying him in and before he had mde his debut, he bought his full-brother for 4000 Gns at a Horses In Training Sale.
He had previously trained a half-sister to the pair, Gogo Yubari, whom he won five races with.
Riley Rocks looks one to keep an eye on.
Weichong Marwing On A Roll
Weichong Marwing clinched a double at the Vaal Classic track meeting on Thursday when One World gelding World Of Royalty produced an impressive late burst under Muzi Yeni (JC Photos)
Weichong Marwing had his first stakes win as a trainer recently when Hawwaam gelding Diogenes fittingly won the Listed Hawwaam Stakes and today at the Vaal Classic track meeting he scored a double with Palace Dancer and World Of Royalty.
The three aforementioned runners have in fact been his last three runners, so he is on a winning streak he can hopefully extend.
Palace Dancer ran on well late under Philasande Mxoli, despite having sat in a handy position without cover in the running, and she at amazing starting odds of 33/1 she got up to beat the favourite Kissing Machine by 0,25 lengths.
She clearly relished the step up to 1800m.
In the next race over 1800m Weichong was having only his second start with former KZN-based World Of Royalty, a One World gelding who had always struck as one who would relish the long straights of the Highveld.
He had been unlucky in his first start on the highveld over 1600m but caught the eye flying up late.
He has a wide draw today, but Muzi Yeni got him into a good handy position in expert style.
He then displayed an impressive turn of foot at the business end when the pressure was on and romped home to an easy 1,70 length victory.
He ran off a 78 and looks likely to win more races.
Nicky Henderson Plans Next Step For Constitution Hill
Picture: Nicky Henderson
https://talksport.com/
Constitution Hill won his second race on the flat at Kempton on Wednesday night so now the question remains, where will we see the Champion Hurdler next?
The nine-year-old causes quite the conundrum for trainer Nicky Henderson, with many hoping to see him at Royal Ascot, Melbourne Cup, the Derby and a whole host of other huge flat festivals.
Constitution Hill routed his rivals at Southwell last month for his flat debut before kicking on under Ryan Moore to win at Kempton on his second.
This helps give him a rating in this discipline before trainer and owner can plot their next move.
But there still remains a lot of uncertainty on his full route through the summer and into the autumn.
Owner Michael Buckley appeared on Luck On Sunday in February where he mentioned the Melbourne Cup, the Ebor Festival, Glorious Goodwood and even the Irish St Leger.
The six-time Champion Jumps Trainer vowed Constitution Hill ‘won’t run in Melbourne in a million years’, win the Derby or go to Royal Ascot.
He told talkSPORT: “He wouldn’t he won’t win either of those [The Derby or Melbourne Cup], that I can tell you, he won’t go to Melbourne in a million years.”
“I mean, I don’t think he’d want to be racing through the summer because the ground will get pretty quick you know he’s a big heavy horse he wouldn’t want very fast ground.
“There’s no race for him it at Royal Ascot. He wouldn’t stay two and a half [miles], that I can be pretty sure about.”
Moore was booked in Oisin Murphy’s absence at Kempton to not only win but also help point connections in the right direction as to what kind of races Constitution Hill could thrive in.
The ground, distance and time are all huge factors in ruling certain races out.
Constitution Hill’s next race is now likely the John Porter Stakes, a Group 3 flat race at Newbury Racecourse over 1m4f set for April 18.
The 1.25pm Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes could be set for a bumper crowd with the star hurdler drawing in hundreds more racegoers.
After the race at Kempton Henderson said Ryan Moore is a big help: “I think his main thing that I liked a lot was that he just said ‘the horse is enjoying himself, a lot!’
“And I think that’s important, he’s had a year of not enjoying his racing, terribly. And you can understand why. And if he’s enjoying that then that’s great for us.
“The main thing he thinks is a mile and a half is probably as far as he needs to go. He’ll go further yes. But he’s not a big slow old jumper by a very, very long way.
“He’s deceptive in his size and he looked big today too. I think that’s about the right trip anyway so we’ll sit down and have to have a think.”
Gimme What I Want Can Win Her KZN Pipe Opener
The Gr 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes winner Gimme What I Want should find the 1400m trip of Hollywoodbets Greyville ideal for her and she receives 3kg from Quickstepgal, so should go close in Friday night’s Gr 3 Umzimkhulu Stakes (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Hollywoodbets Greyville Turf and Poly Friday Formguides And Selections
R1 Summary: LADY NANCY (11) has the widest draw but arrives in KZN with some sild Cape Town form against winners. She could prove hard to beat. FLOWER TRYST (7) showed up well behind the more experienced winner when making her debut. She should come on with the experience. MEKONG (9) has raced green in both starts, both runs in the soft. She has not been far behind and should go well again. QUERARISTINYFERRARI (3) has not been far back at her last two but appeared to lack a finish at her last run although she was drawn on the ‘wrong’ side of the course last outing. (Andrew Harrison: 11-7-9-3).
R2 Summary: VIKING LEADER (11) looked a possible winner before Kazenoyoni swept past. He started at long odds and with expected improvement he should go close again. BETTER NEVER ENDS (2) started favourite in the race won by Kazenoyonibut has run two promising races to date and has a good draw. He can make amends. BRIGHT BLUE (7) started at long odds o/n debut but was under four lengths behind Kazenoyoni . Serino Moodley stays with the ride. Mike Miller has a host of runners, best of which could be ROYAL SCEPTRE (9) the mount of in form stable rider Tristan Godden. He finished just ahead of Bright Blue but did have a 4kg claimer aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 11-2-7-9).
R3 Summary: Modest maiden field on the poly. HIGHER LOVE (11) has solid poly form over the trip and looks the part in this line-up with a 4kg claimer aboard. TICKALOX (8) has been rested and struggling for his first win. However, his recent form over 1400m is solid enough and if not in need of the outing he will be a factor. LEVITATOR (4) is another long-time maiden but the switch back to the poly saw improvement last outing and he gets lumps of weight from his two more fancied rivals. GIVE ME A CHANCE (2) is a well bred first timer and one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 11-8-4-2).
R4 Summary: On the poly. SAIL THE HORIZON (8) gives weight all round but was a close-up second first up on the poly and over a mile. Garth Puller has declared blinkers so one can expect further improvement. LIGHT THE FIRE (2) was a neck behind Sail The Horizon when they met last time out. He is now 0.5kg better off and there should not be much between the two again. WONDERFUL TONIGHT (4) made his local debut over 2400m. He was not far back but the drop in trip could bring out the best. CATRIEN (5) is the only filly in the race and was much improved when switched to the poly and stepping up in trip. (Andrew Harrison: 8-2-4-5).
R5 Summary: On the poly. ACACIA’S BLOSSOM (7) has been touched off at her last three over 1200m and is the obvious choice. She goes very well on the poly and the extra furlong should not be an issue. SANBEENEE (2) also goes well on the poly and has not been far back at recent outings. She gets first time blinkers and can make further improvement. DI ROSA (5) steps up in trip and has not been far back in the three starts since her maiden win that came at her 17th visit to the track. SAUDI SWEEP (4) had been contesting Open Maidens on the poly under fair weights. She appeared to enjoy the extra furlong when shedding her maiden last time out and Rachel Venniker stays aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-4-5).
R6 Summary: Back on turf. Justin Snaith opened his winter season account with Okavango last Sunday and saddles the progressive GIMME WHAT I WANT (7). She just caught Quickstepgal in the Sceptre Stakes over 1200m and now meets her rival on 1kg better terms. She followed up with a close-up fourth in the Gr1 Majorca Stakes jumping from a wide draw. Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner QUICKSTEPGAL (6) ran a cracker in the Sceptre Stakes, making most of the running. She is better suited to this trip and should go close in spite of being 1kg worse off with Gimme What I Want. KEUKENHOF (10) has not been disgraced in Cape feature company and was running on late behind Double Grand Slam in the Majorca and was less than a length behind Gimme What I Want. She is now 3kg better off at the weights which puts her in with a strong winning chance. INFINITY EDGE (9) is relatively unexposed with a high rating and could surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-10-9).
R7 Summary: Small but competitive field. WILD JUSTICE (1) goes this trip for the first time and takes on some smart opposition. He was touched off by rank outsider Miami Mountain at Turffontein last month and should be racing fit whereas some of the most likely opposition are returning from breaks. I’M A FIREBALL (4) was a winner over the distance last run and currently looks to be over his best trip. GREEN GATEWAY (3) won well on debut and won well last time out but has not been out since November last year. However, fit and well he will go close. FORTRESS OF FIRE (6) is out at the weights but has consistent form over shorter and the step up in trip could see him in with a shout. Last season’s Gold Medallion winner GOOD FOR YOU (8) has been off the boil at his last two and has to give 6kg to the opposition. He is capable. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-3-6).
R8 Summary: BLUE POPPY (10) has the widest draw to contend with but has been narrowly beaten at her last two over the distance. She has a big weight but looks progressive and can go one better. GULF OF AMERICA (2) is one of two of Sean Tarry’s raiders on the night. She is a recent maiden winner and was not far back in her handicap debut when stepping up in trip. SILVER SALUTE (8) comes off steady Cape form and shed her maiden over this distance. Cape form has generally proven to be a touch stronger than local which puts Dean Kannemeyer’s filly right into the picture. JAZZ CAFE (9) seldom runs a bad race and has a strong money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 10-8-2-9).
Ravilious Can Do It Again
Ravilious will be out to make it a sixth win in his last nine starts (Pauline Herman Photography)
Friday Fairview Poly Formguides And Selections
R1 (1) TURBULENT represents Cape form which stands up strong in the province hence he will be the top selection in a race that lacks depth. (5) BUGLE is holding form however has had many tries, he can win. (4) AETHELWULF hasn’t been far, can get involved. (2) MONKEY’S WEDDING is capable of improving in the province so needs to be kept safe. (Devonne Govender 1-5-4-2).
R2 (4) BLUE DAME represents Cape form and hasn’t been far in recent starts, she can win this contest. (2) GALACTIC BEAUTY ran well on debut and will likely improve hence she is a serious contender. (7) DELAROCHE is another who represents Cape form and is likely to go very well. (6) TIPSY is getting closer with every run and must be respected. (Devonne Govender 4-2-7-6).
R3 (1) FLIGHT DISPLAY is holding form and will be a lively challenger hence she will be the narrow top selection in this open looking contest. (2) FIRST WISH is another who is holding form and there won’t be much to choose between the top two selections on collateral form. (3) EPIKLEROS is capable of big finish on her day and things could map out well for her here in this contest, she needs to be respect. (4) GREEN ISLE is always there and is another with a big winning chance, include in everything. (Devonne Govender 1-2-3-4).
R4 (1) SIXTYZERO ran well in his last start and can build on that run hence he is the top selection. (5) SABRAGE made solid improvement in his last start and should be there again. (7) LADY LIMONCELLO hasn’t been far so needs respect. (6) SALAGADOOLA is holding form but has had many tries. (Devonne Govender 1-5-7-6).
R5 (1) DESERT CLOUD is holding solid form and will be a massive contender here, Her last win was ultra-impressive and she could be a tough nut to crack. (7) POMEROL is a progressive type and ran well in her last start, she will be there so needs respect. (8) IZANAMI is capable of much better and is another that can never be ignored. (10) POTENZA hasn’t been far in recent starts and can get into the action. (Devonne Govender 1-7-8-10).
R6 (2) HAZE AND SMOKE is holding good form and looks to have a lively chance in this contest. (9) DONNY’S BOY won a good race at decent odds in his last start and should be a challenger once again. (12) O SPACE O ran a cracker in his last start behind the 2nd selection at huge odds and should be in the firing line. (3) SUPREME JUDGE ran well in the last start and should be in the mix once again. (Devonne Govender 2-9-12-3).
R7 (1) ALEX MILLER has been holding decent form, she goes very well on the poly and should take some beating here hence she will be the Pick 6 banker. (6) BLOWIN IN THE WIND is capable of running a good race here and can be included for the exacta play. (8) PENNY’S WORLD hasn’t been far in recent starts and can get into the placings. (9) VOORSMAAKIE is another that’s capable of getting much closer and can be included in larger perms. (Devonne Govender 1-6-8-9).
R8 Open race. (1) RAVILIOUS is holding solid form and will be a big runner here from a decent draw. (11) KING RAHUL is very capable of winning this and needs to be respected. (3) GALE WARNING wasn’t far at decent odds in his last start and must go into everything. (7) LUCKY SPIRIT goes well on the poly and gets the claiming apprentice up, he is another with a big winning chance. (Devonne Govender 1-11-3-7).
Today's Question
How did Sunday Silence get his name?
The picture is of the great Sunday Silence
Today’s Question Answer
Japanese thoroughbreds are a major force in world racing today and the founding father of their success is Sunday Silence, who won two legs of the Triple Crown but was shunned by USA breeders..
Sunday Silence had a quiet demeanour as a youngster and was also unwanted, not to mention surviving a couple of mishaps and this was behind the name Arthur B. Hancock III of Stone Farm.
