Fourie Barometer 387 (updated after racing on 27/06/2024)
KZN Breeders Meeting Heads The Weekend Action
Sean Tarry has a fine record in the annual KZN Breeders meeting and his smart filly Mrs Geriatrix can get back to winning ways by taking the day’s headliner, the KZN Breeders Mile (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Tab4Racing looked at some of the highlights of this weekend’s racing:
SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS
HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE: MRS GERIATRIX IS BEST WEIGHTED
With a spread of only 4kg from the top to the bottom of the handicap and a rating of 112, Grade 1 winner Mrs Geriatrix could trounce her rivals in Race 7, the R600,000 KZN Breeders Mile. Last season’s Equus Champion Two-Year-Old has not won since last October, but has raced competitively in significantly stronger company. Her places in two Grade 1 classics over 1600m suggest she is capable of winning over this trip. She prepped well over 1450m this month and should get back in the winner’s circle.
CURRAGH IRELAND: EMILY UPJOHN MAKES MOST APPEAL
The Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes over 2000m, the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes over 1200m and the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes over 2000m top the bill on an eight-race card. Star filly Emily Upjohn was just short of her best when fourth to Luxembourg in last month’s Group 1 Coronation Cup. She’ll be better off for the run and looks hard to beat.
SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS
KRANJI SINGAPORE: LIM’S SALTORO SEEKS FEATURE HAT TRICK
On a hat -trick of feature-race wins, and only once defeated in eight starts, Lim’s Saltoro is fancied to land Race 9, a Group 2 contest over 1600m. While Lim’s Saltoro hasn’t been tested at the distance, he is the class of the race. His only loss was by a short head to stablemate and two-time Singapore Horse of the Year Lim’s Kosciuszko in the Group 2 EW Barker in April. Jockey Marc Learner believes Lim’s Saltoro will like the extra and said: “I think it’s all about timing with this horse. The way he won the Silver Bowl over 1400m gave me confidence that the mile will not be a problem.” The first race is off at 06:30.
TURFONTEIN: TROMPIE COULD BE TOO FAST FOR HIS RIVALS
Brett Crawford’s speedy four-year-old Trompie is on the comeback trail following a rest and gelding. He showed up well in his most recent race, a quality handicap won by champion sprinter Thunderstruck, and could get back to winning ways against lesser opposition in Race 7 over 1000m. There are two other betting prospects on the day in Sean Tarry’s Rodeo Drive (Race 2), narrowly beaten in the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Championship, and Pistol Pete (Race 3), fifth in the Grade 1 Gold Medallion after having to ease and switch at a critical stage of the contest. Both tumble in class.
CURRAGH IRELAND: AMBIENTE FRIENDLY AND LOS ANGELES SET TO DUEL
Ambiente Friendly and Los Angeles, second and third respectively in the Group 1 Betfred Derby to City Of Troy at Epsom, renew rivalry in the Group 1 Irish Derby over 2400m. Ambiente Friendly was 0.50 lengths ahead of Los Angeles that day, but with home ground advantage Los Angeles could have the edge this time and an exciting duel is on the cards. Whichever one you fancy you can have a full go because all TAB Win, Place, Exacta, Quinella, Swinger and Trifecta bets go into the massive Hong Kong pools.
FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS
MONDAY 1 JULY: Here’s a Monday with a difference with a Sha Tin race meeting in Hong Kong headlining proceedings. It’s an 11-race programme on Hong Kong Reunification Raceday and starts at 10:00.
GREYVILLE SATURDAY 6 JULY: Africa’s biggest betting day. The Hollywoodbets Durban July tops a 12-race card with three mega TAB carryovers: a R2-million Pick 6 carryover (likely pool R20 million), a R1-million Quartet carryover on the big one (likely pool R12 million) and a R500,000 Jackpot THREE carryover (likely pool R3 million). Champagne racing and your chance to win a small fortune!
KZN Breeders Meeting Formguides And Selections
DantonfromSandton can get punters off to a good start. (JC Photos)
R1 Summary: DANTONFROMSANDTON (5) has won twice and been close-up in Highveld features. He gives weight and makes his poly debut but comes from the Sean Tarry yard who seldom have a bad afternoon on this day. WILD AT WAR (7) was only five lengths back in the Gr1 Gold Medallion and was a comfortable maiden winner prior to that. KALAHARI ROLLER (2) was off the track after his maiden win with skin disease so should still be ready to race. SUN IN MY POCKET (2) made a smart debut, failing narrowly. She takes on males but has a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 5-7-2-1).
R2 Summary: DARING DASH (1) has improved with each outing. He makes his poly debut for Weiho Marwing but has the best of the draw over a suitable trip. TERIYAKI (5) is seldom fa back and has some fair form in useful maidens. The cheek pieces replace the blinkers but he should feature strongly. BARRY DU GROND (6) was a touch disappointing at his second start. Both runs have been in the soft and the switch to the poly could see major improvement. ALWAYS SHINING (3) is way better than his last run. He goes well on the poly and Dennis Bosch has Richard Fourie aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-6-3).
R3 Summary: Competitive maiden. MAGIC HAT TRICK (10) was much improved over ground when close-up at long odds. That was only his third start for Carl Hewitson and a repeat can see him close again. RAINWATER (7) found market support last run when tried in blinkers. The blinkers come of, cheek pieces on along with Richard Fourie. WHEREVERILAYMYHAT (6) raced green in a promising debut. He should enjoy this trip. ANIMAL IMPACT (8) has put in two recent forward showings on the poly. He stays the trip and rates a winning chance. (Andrew Harrison: 10-7-6-8).
R4 Summary: MAGIC TATOO (7) has put in two good sprints on the turf. The switch to the poly should suit and he rates a strong winning chance. CONVOCATION (8) was out-classed in the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint but scored three-in-a-row prior to that. Her last win was over course and distance. RUSSIAN DOLL (1) won this race last year. She has had two runs back since a lengthy lay-off and ran a smart preparation race at her second run back. PROUD MASTER (9) made sudden improvement last run. He is class on his day and a repeat can see him in the money again. (Andrew Harrison: 7-8-1-9).
R5 Summary: MAGICAL FLIGHT (9) has been consistent of late and her rating has stayed steady. She is class on her day and as an older mare she should enjoy the switch to the poly. PIRATE PRINCE (11) has been contesting features over further at recent outings but is effective over this trip. The Alyson Wright stable can do no wrong of late and another winner is on the cards. TOM’S ACT (2) has come well of late and loves the poly. He has bottom weight and Muzi Yeni to help in along. PETIT VERDOT (3) has consistent recent form and although she takes on males she has been taking on stronger opposition of late. She has a handy weight and a drop in the ratings to help. (Andrew Harrison: 9-11-2-3).
R6 Summary: WILLOW EXPRESS (7) had his consistency rewarded last start.. He only got a three-point raise in the handicap and can follow up. Corne Spies raids with WYZEACT (4) who shoulders top weight but has been in good form in smart Highveld company of late. He steps up an extra furlong but his last win was on the poly. LUCKY DOLLAR (2) won well over course and distance at his penultimate start and stays the trip well. Has a plum draw and should go close. JOSHUA HOTSNAKE (1) is in cracking form of late. He has a handy weight and will go close if he stays the extra furlong. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-2-1).
R7 Summary: MRS GERIATRIX (4) went off the boil after her smashing two-year-old season but appears to be coming to hand again. She has a big weight against males but she is class and that could carry her home. Lucky Houdalakis sends out two runners and judging on the jockey engagements LAGUNA VERDE (8) could be the stable elect. He made sudden improvement last run and may have come to hand. Stable companion LADY FALLON (9) ran on well behind the smart filly Francis Ethel last time out with Zackey aboard. She makes her poly debut but has been improving steadily. PRINCE OF TARANTO (5) has been improving with every run and looks to have been primed for this race by Tony Rivalland. (Andrew Harrison: 4-8-9-5).
R8 Summary: Tricky handicap. STEVIE GEE (10) has the worst of the draw but was a touch unlucky last run. He has consistent form over course and distance. HIPPOCRATES (2) goes well on the poly and was a close-up third over course and distance last time out. BRAVE VOYAGER (9) is never far behind and although most of his recent form has been over further, he is effective over this shorter trip. Alyson Wright has three runners all with a chance. Stable rider Athandiwe Mgudlwa rides VICTOR RAIL (7) who seemingly has the weakest recent form. (Andrew Harrison: 10-2-9-7).
R9 Summary: PHAKA IMALI (8) goes well on the poly and is in good form. The extra furlong should not be a problem. GORGEOUS DUDE (5) was a recent maiden winner when making his poly debut but had been making steady improvement. He is lightly raced and can follow up. STRAWBERRY STINGER (10) is coming to hand and was running on strongly on the poly last time out. The extra furlong will suit. BENNI IN THE AREA (2) has shown up well on the poly at his last two. He is a strong front runner and can make all. (Andrew Harrison: 8-5-10-2).
Turffontein Standside Sunday Formguides And Selections
The promising Master Casper can win the last leg of the Pick 6 (JC Photos)
Turffontein Standside has an intriguing eight race meeting on Sunday, in which there look to be opportunities for both exotic and on the nose punters.
In the first over 1400m Diwali Rocket is a half-brother to the 98-rated Juliet Tango and ran a cracker second time out over 1600m with first time blinkers on and the form has been franked. He should enjoy this 200m shorter trip too on this galloping track with the blinkers staying on and S’Manga Khumalo also staying aboard. He does have a tricky draw of six though, in the ten horse field. First-timer Spirito Selvaggio is by Potala Palace and is a half-brother to Castle Tankard winner Peggson. He has Kabelo Matsunyane up and jumps from pole position. Orange County is by Flower Alley and is a half-brother to the useful Sugar Mountain and Calvin Habib is an eyecatching booking, although he has a tough draw of eight. Milan’s World can improve on his fair debut in a suitable step up in trip. Bacchus made a good debut but does have a tricky draw.
In the second race Rodeo Drive is full of class and will be hard to beat, so can be bankered in all bets from a nice high draw of six.
In the third race over 1160m Pistol Pete will be all the rage, but Bjorn Ironside has been eyecatching and receiving 4kg from the latter could be the one to side with, although Pistol Pete’s high draw is in his favour. Wolf Mountain can’t be ignored as a possible winner as he is clearly held in high regard and has done nothing wrong to date.
In the next race over 1400m There’s A Light is knocking on the door and is distance suited and well drawn and looks hard to beat. Ermitage is usually thereabouts, but does have a tough draw. Mohave Man has shown glimpses of ability and coud earn here. Gold Fever can earn if repeating his last start. Pressonregardless has some decent Cape Town form but has not run for five months and has a tough draw.
In the fifth race over 1400m Do It With Diamonds is also a Cape Town horse returning from a layoff and having to jump from a wide draw. However, the Tony Peter yard have a fine record with ex-Cape Town horses and there is very little to beat in this uninspiring contest other than two-year-old filly Key Worker, who has run two decent races and jumps from a fair draw of five. Both can be included in all bets.
The sixth over 1800m is a tricky contest and the suggestion is to include all of Strewn Sky, Vesuvio, Rosy Lemon Crepuscolo, Celtic Rush, Festival Of Magic and Real Relief in the Pick 6.
In the seventh over 1000m Nkandla Gold has a lot of pace and is on the up, so can rise above an 86 merit rating. Chasing Happiness has a nice high draw and looks to be on the up. Linkin Navigator can also be included because although he has not run for four months he has fine form.
In the last race over 1000m Master Casper is a promising well-bred half-brother to Gr 1-winning sprinter and now sire Master Archie. However, he does have a tough number one draw to overcome, so Duke Of Rock, who has ability and a nice middle to outside draw, as well as Happy Analia, who will enjoy the step back to 1000m, can also be included in the Pick 6 and Jackpot.
Newcastle's Saturday Northumberland Plate Meeting Form Guide
Trooperbisdee has been tipped to win the Northumberland Plate (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)
At The Races
1 2:35 PM – JenningsBet 200 Shops Nationwide Handicap
Despite disappointing when seeking to land a hat-trick over 6f at Newbury last time, WILTSHIRE still makes plenty of appeal for the William Haggas team. This son of Aclaim runs off just 2lb higher than his success at Newbury on his penultimate start and this return to the all weather should suit, given he’s got an unbeaten record (2-2) on artificial surfaces. Rizg is feared most after competing in much stronger contests than this of late and he’s likely to be seen to better effect in handicap company, while Almarada Prince completes the shortlist.
Top Tip: WILTSHIRE (5)
Watch out for: RIZG (2)
2 3:04 PM – JenningsBet Nun Street Newcastle Open Now Chipchase Stakes (Group 3)
Kinross is clear of these on official ratings and he was beaten just a neck in the Group 1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes when last seen in October, but that 252-day break could leave him vulnerable to some race-fit rivals. Preference is for MONTASSIB, who is fancied to return to form after failing to make an impression in the Group 2 Duke of York Clipper Stakes last time. William Haggas has saddled the last two winners of this contest and this son of Exceed And Excel can add to that record. Ramazan heads the remainder.
Top Tip: MONTASSIB (5)
Watch out for: KINROSS (4)
3 3:35 PM – JenningsBet Festival Northumberland Vase Handicap (Consolation Race For The Northumberland Plate)
MARBUZET has been running consistently well of late and this looks a good opportunity to go close off a mark that appears exploitable. Tim Easterby’s charge has been eased 1lb by the handicapper after being beaten just under three lengths when fourth over 1m6f at Thirsk last time and that could work the oracle today. The hat-trick seeking Alphonse Le Grande is feared most after a ready success in the Chester Plate last month but an 8lb hike may be difficult to defy, while Faylaq shouldn’t be far away.
Top Tip: MARBUZET (13)
Watch out for: BRINGBACKMEMORIES (4)
4 4:10 PM – JenningsBet Northumberland Plate Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
Fresh from landing the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting last week, Sir Mark Prescott aims to bag another big staying handicap with the hugely progressive TROOPER BISDEE. Typical of how the yard can get horses to continue their improvement up the handicapping ranks, the four-year-old made the cut when making it four wins from his last five starts at Pontefract on Sunday, thus giving him the 5lb penalty required to get in the line-up. The manner of that victory also suggested he would be rated a good deal higher if the handicapper had a chance to reassess him and the son of Australia commands the utmost respect. Zoffee is 4lb higher than his Chester Cup success and entitled to be in the mix, but it would be no surprise if Duke Of Oxford, who ran moderately on that occasion, were able to reverse form, especially back on the all-weather. Local trainer Brian Ellison has always wanted to win this contest and the North Yorkshire handler is represented by top-weight Tashkhan, who isn’t handicapped out of things based on his Cesarewitch third, and Onesmoothoperator.
Top Tip: TROOPER BISDEE (14)
Watch out for: DUKE OF OXFORD (10)
5 3:40 PM – Pertemps Network Handicap
LOCAL HERO stepped forward from his return to action when making a successful handicap debut at Kempton earlier in the month. Hollie Doyle takes over in the saddle for the first time and she should get a good tune out of Richard Hannon’s colt, who remains open to improvement on just his fifth career start. Giant wasn’t at his best when sixth at Kempton last month and is entitled to bounce back to form, while the unexposed United Approach is of interest in an event which contains plenty of frontrunners on paper.
Top Tip: LOCAL HERO (12)
Watch out for: GIANT (11)
6 4:15 PM – Winners Wear Skopes Menswear EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
INVITED has achieved a decent level of form on both starts to date and the drop to 5f may see him in a better light after his runner-up display at Newmarket last Saturday. Ardennes has to give 5lb and upwards away following his Salisbury win earlier in the month but he has to be high on the shortlist. Others to consider include Dutch Finale and Death Or Glory.
Top Tip: INVITED (7)
Watch out for: ARDENNES (1)
7 5:50 PM – Pertemps Handicap
This can go the way of FORCEFUL SPEED, who returned from a 62-day break to score comfortably over 1m4f at Pontefract last Sunday. Runner-up on his only previous attempt over this C&D, George Boughey’s charge should be able to overcome a 5lb penalty and he gets the vote ahead of City Streak, who had been in excellent form prior to a disappointing effort at Epsom last month. A taking winner over C&D on his first start for new connections, Sea Legend must enter calculations off a 6lb higher mark, along with the capable Lord Protector.
Top Tip: FORCEFUL SPEED (3)
Watch out for: SEA LEGEND (6)
8 6:25 PM – Pertemps Education Network Handicap
The Jim Goldie stable has hit a fine vein of form of late and this looks like a perfect opportunity for his SOOWAIH to get back to winning ways, following a slightly unlucky runner-up effort over C&D last month when squeezed for room at the start. Shifter has yet to prove herself over this far but she has won two of her last three starts, while Baltic arrives on a four-timer. Natzor and Squeezebox are players based on the pick of their form as well.
Top Tip: SOOWAIH (3)
Watch out for: SHIFTER (11)
Plenty Of New History Can Be Made In HWB Durban July
Winchester Mansion can become the seventh horse to win the July twice and the sixth to do it twice in succession and Kabelo Matsunyane cen become the first to win the July twice on the same horse (Picture: Chase Liebenberg)
Some of the history which can be made in this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July is listed below:
Michael Roberts will be out to become the fourth person to win the July as both a jockey and a trainer. He had a single winner in the saddle on the David Ferraris-trained Super Quality in 1997.
Previous Syd Garrett won the July as a rider on the Jum Russell-trained Goldwing in 1919 and the Jim Russell-trained Pamphlet in 1920 and trained three winners, Full Dress 1930, Sadri II in 1941 and Left Wing in 1960. Garrett also owned all three of the winners he trained and is the only one to have ridden, trained and owned a July winner.
David Payne rode the Brian Cherry-trained Chimboraa to victory in 1968 and trained the great 1972 winner In Full Flight.
Bert Abercrombie rode the much loved Jamaican Music to victory in 1976 and trained the 1987 winner Bush Telgraph, who became an unbeaten nine-time winner after that victory but lost next time out for the first time in “the race of the century”, the Gr 1 Mainstay at Clairwood, where feather weighted Main Man defeated Model Man narrowly with Bush Telegraph third.
Piere Strydom, who rides See It Again, will be out to join Anton Marcus as the winning-most jockey in July history. Marcus is the only one to have ridden five July winners.
The last KZN-based horse to win the July was the Ricky Maingard-trained Space Walk in 1994, althougth he won it on objection. The last KZN-based horse to cross the line first was the Dennis Drier-trained Spanish Galliard in 1992. The Michael Roberts-trained See It Again, the Nathan Kotzen-trained Royal Victory and the Gareth van Zyl-trained Flag Man are the three horses who can end that thirty year drought.
Not since the 23 week layoff of Sun Tor 90 years ago in 1934 has a horse come off as long a layoff to win the July as this year’s 13 week layoff of Winchester Mansion.
Winchester Mansion will be out to become the seventh horse to have won the July twice and the sixth to do it twice in succession. Inaugural winner Campanajo won it in 1897 and 1898, Corriecrian won it in 1907 and 1908, Pamphlet won it 1918 and 1920, Milesia Pride won it in 1949 and 1950, El Picha won it in 1999 and 2000 and Do It Again won it in 2018 and 2019.
Kabelo Matsunyane will become the first to win the July twice on the same horse as all six previous dual winners had different riders for each of their victories.
Rachel Venniker will become the first woman to ride in the July.
Robyn Klaasen will be attempting to become the third woman trainer to win the July. The first to do it was Candice Bass-Robinson with Marinaresco in 2017 and later Michelle Rix did it with Kommetdieding in 2021, whom she trained in partnership with her father Harold Crawford.
Both Justin Snaith and Mike de Kock are out to claim their sixth July victories and will join Terrance Millard on that mark, which is just one behind the record seven July wins of South Africa’s only Hall Of Fame trainer, Syd Laird.
HWB Durban July Raceday Fashion Competitions
RACEDAY FASHION AT THE HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY
THE WAVE IS BUILDING … ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE?
It is nearly time to discover what the fashion designers and fashionistas have imagined through their interpretations of this year’s event theme and their exploration of riding the fashion wave.
Will it be a wave of colour? A brightly-coloured explosion of silk? A tapestry of texture? Or a representation of foaming champagne?
Fashion designers and enthusiasts have been exploring their own concepts of how to Ride the Wave to the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July, and this is where you can see how they have interpreted this year’s event theme.
THE HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY INVITED DESIGNER SHOWCASE presented by DURBAN FASHION FAIR
The designers in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase will present their creations on Hollywoodbets Durban July Raceday on the Celebration Stage, which is located on the grandstand side of the racecourse, near the winning post. As this is a showcase in its truest form, there are no prizes.
THE HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY YOUNG DESIGNER AWARD presented by DURBAN FASHION FAIR
The Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award showcases the very best young, emerging talent currently studying fashion at design colleges and technikons across KwaZulu-Natal. Students are invited to submit work embodying the raceday theme. After a judging process the ensembles that the finalists have created are shown on raceday on the Celebration Stage, which is located on the grandstand side of the racecourse near the winning post.
FIRST PRIZE
- The winner will receive a “fashion” travel package to Johannesburg to experience SA Fashion Week for 2025, courtesy of Gold Circle and SA Fashion Week.
- From the Hollywood Foundation, the winning student will receive R50 000 worth of bursary funding to go towards paying his/her student loan or for future study funding.
- R10 000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes.
- R5 000 Gift Card courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
SECOND PRIZE
- From the Hollywood Foundation the student in second place will receive R30 000 worth of bursary funding to go towards paying his/her student loan or for future study funding.
- R3 000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes.
- R2 000 Gift Card courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
THIRD PRIZE
- From the Hollywood Foundation the student in third place will receive R20 000 worth of bursary funding to go towards paying his/her student loan or for future study funding.
- R2 000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes.
- R1 000 Gift Card courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Each of the 10 finalists will receive R2 000 in cash, compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes.
THE WINNING COLLEGE
The College attended by the winning student will receive a R30 000 grant from Gold Circle to be used to support the programmes and structures in place to develop the design students.
The Hollywood Foundation has advised that the following requirements for these bursaries to be granted:-
• Institutions where these students are applying from must be accredited.
• The bursary is paid to the institution and not the winners. Therefore, invoices will be required from the institutions and proof of accreditation.
• If the winner is from an unaccredited institution, then the source of funding can’t come from the bursary programme.
Hollywood Foundation Bursary team will be involved in checking the institutions beforehand.
THE HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY – DURBAN FASHION FAIR RISING STARS COLLECTION
Like the Invited Designer Showcase, the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars Collection is not a competition. It is a showcase of some of the best work of young mentees who have been successfully empowered through Durban Fashion Fair’s Mentorship Programme. This work of nine designers, chosen to form the Hollywoodbets Durban July Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars Collection, will be proudly shown on the Celebration Stage, which is located on the grandstand side of the racecourse near the winning post.
Each of the nine DFF Rising Stars designers will receive:
- R5 000 in cash compliments of Gold Circle and Schweppes.
- R500 Gift Card courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY RACEDAY FASHION EXPERIENCE presented by DURBAN FASHION FAIR
Calling all fashionistas! Be part of the raceday fashion buzz at the Hollywoodbets Durban July by entering one of the #HDJ2024 Raceday Fashion Competitions in one of the following categories:
MOST STRIKING COUPLE
First Prize
- R5 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
- R2 500 Gift Card from Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Second Prize
- R3 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
Third Prize
- R2 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
CLASSIC RACEWEAR – FEMALE
First Prize
- R5 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
- R2 500 Gift Card from Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Second Prize
- R3 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
Third Prize
- R2 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
CLASSIC RACEWEAR – MALE
First Prize
- R5 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
- R2 500 Gift Card from Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Second Prize
- R3 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
Third Prize
- R2 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
EXCEPTIONAL RACEDAY HAT OR FASCINATOR
First Prize
- R5 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
- R2 500 Gift Card from Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Second Prize
- R3 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
Third Prize
- R2 000 Compliments of Gold Circle & Schweppes.
Judging will begin at 12h00 near the Sonic Stage which is located in the Infield Marquee Village at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 6 July.
These fashion competitions are open to the public and entrants must have a valid raceday entrance ticket to enter Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 6 July.
Fashion Sponsors
Holly Doyle Comments On Her Weekend Rides
Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador seeks another Pitmen’s Derby success on Saturday and is aboard leading fancy Trooper Bisdee, one of several strong weekend rides
HOPING TO EMULATE TRUESHAN GLORY IN THE PLATE
Two years ago the gallant Trueshan gave me one of my proudest days in the saddle when he ground out a record-breaking victory in the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate, one of the toughest and most famous handicaps in the racing calendar.
To be back on Saturday with another favourite’s chance on TROOPER BISDEE (16H10 SA Time) will bring those memories back into sharp focus and it would be amazing to repeat the feat for another brilliant trainer, Sir Mark Prescott.
His decision not to run Royal Ascot winner Pledgeofallegiance leaves this progressive four-year-old at the head of the ante-post markets for the 2m Tapeta marathon so I couldn’t wish for a better chance.
With a 5lb penalty for last weekend’s win at Pontefract – his fourth in just five starts – Trooper Bisdee gets in off just 8st 6lb and looks fairly drawn in stall 10. Hopefully he’ll have the tactical speed to be in the right place at the right time.
His stamina knows no bounds as he demonstrated over that demanding 2m2f at the West Yorkshire track and though he has little experience of synthetics he does act on a sound surface on turf and this big track should really suit him.
GRANDE CHANCE ON VASE FAVOURITE ALPHONSE
I also have a favourite’s chance in the 2m Jenningsbet Festival Northumberland Vase Handicap (15H35 SA Time) on Saturday on Cathy O’Leary’s progressive Irish raider ALPHONSE LE GRANDE .
This talented gelding brings perfect credentials to the race having won the Chester Plate in May for Tony Martin. He’s 8lb higher now but is clearly thriving and is no stranger to the All-Weather with two Dundalk handicaps under his girth this year.
Stall 12 looks okay for him, too. He’s a strong traveller who managed to win well on the Roodee despite not getting the clearest of runs from a much lower starting position.
QUIRKY ALBASHEER STEPS UP IN CLASS
My old friend ALBASHEER had no luck in a steadily run Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot last weekend but it will hopefully be a different story in the Jenningsbet Nun Street Newcastle Open Now Chipchase Stakes (15H04 SA Time) on Saturday.
Archie Watson’s gelding is rated 10lb better on the All-Weather than he is on turf so stepping into Group 3 company shouldn’t be a negative for a horse who won twice at this track back in the winter.
It’s a red hot renewal with dual Group 1 winner Kinross making his belated re-appearance but Albasheer is capable of a big run in this grade if he’s on a going day and has match fitness on his side.
He’s quirky, so needs everything to go his way, but rattled home off a strong pace in a good handicap over course and distance in March and is entitled – on ratings alone – to be in the shake-up.
RIZG BACK FROM TWO-YEAR LAY-OFF
My boss Imad Alsagar’s RIZG is a horse we have always thought a lot of so it’s good to see him back from a lengthy absence in the opening Jenningsbet 200 Shops Nationwide Handicap (14H35 SA Time) on Saturday.
I popped into Roger Varian’s Newmarket yard to sit on him the other day and was really happy with his physical progress since suffering a setback two years ago.
He’s grown and filled out and looks a much stronger horse than he was but this is his first run back since the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in 2022 so we’ll have to see how he takes it.
IMPROVING HERO HAS NICE PROFILE
I have a winning chance on Richard Hannon’s LOCAL HERO in the 7f Download The Raceday Ready App Handicap (16H40) on Saturday.
He won well for Sean Levey in a Kempton handicap earlier this month and has a nice enough profile to cope with a 6lb rise to a new mark of 91 on a track he should enjoy.
I’m also on his stable companion INVITED for Amo racing in the Wear Skopes Menswear EBF Novice Stakes (17H15 SA Time). It’s a valuable race for its type so we could come up against some promising types but I like his credentials.
Invited has that edge of experience, finishing third on debut in a 6.5f Newbury novice before bumping into Charlie Appleby and Godolphin’s Ancient Truth over 7f at Newmarket last weekend. He stuck on well that day and should enjoy the straight track.
EASE IN WEIGHTS A PLUS FOR FORCA
I team up again with Richard Hannon and Amo Racing in the Free Digital Racecard At raceday-ready.com Handicap (17H50) on Saturday on FORCA TIMAO .
He’s run some nice races on the All-Weather, chasing home the useful Storm Catcher at Lingfield and Wolverhampton, and has been eased in the weights. His only win came at Doncaster so a return to a galloping track should be in his favour.
I’m not without a chance in the finale on Saturday, the Get The Inside Track With raceday-ready.com Handicap (5.25)over the extended 12f.
Eight-year-old PARRAMOUNT is better known for his exploits over hurdles but has run some nice races on the All-Weather this year. His trainer Charlie Longsdon must be keen to get a run into him as he prefers some give underfoot so this could be a good opportunity until he gets back over timber.
GLIMPSED CHASES BLACK TYPE IN STRONG HOPPINGS
The renewal of the Jenningsbet In Delves Group 3 Hoppings Fillies’ Stakes (19H00) at Newcastle on Friday looks particularly strong with proven Pattern performers Chic Colombine, Tiffany and German Guineas winner Darnation in the line-up.
I ride GLIMPSED for Ralph Beckett, who won a Listed fillies’ race at Newmarket last back-end but hasn’t been able to build on that at York and Epsom this year.
That said, she wasn’t disgraced in either race, including the Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes on Derby Day, so it would be nice to think she could pinch some valuable black type.
It won’t be easy, with Chic Colombine, who finished in front of her at Epsom, looking the one we all have to beat but it’s a fascinating race to be involved in.
PERFECT CHANCE FOR WATSON GELDING
PERFECTLY TIMED is definitely going the right way and has plenty going for him in the Skopes.co.uk Best For Menswear Handicap (19H35) on Friday.
Already a winner on the All-Weather, Archie Watson’s three-year-old gelding remains unexposed and ran well enough at Brighton last month considering he didn’t handle the track as well as the winner.
Post Rider, the horse that beat him that day, has won again since to advertise the form and this more conventional test will play to his strengths.
Later, I renew my acquaintance with Phil Kirby’s FIRCOMBE HALL in the Jenningsbet In North Shields Handicap (21H20 SA Time). I won on this old boy over this course and distance three and a half years ago and although he’s not been in that kind of form lately he did get his head in front at Newcastle in May so clearly retrains his ability.
OUTBOX BACK ON HIS TRAVELS
Archie Watson and Hambleton Racing’s globetrotter OUTBOX is back on his travels on Sunday when he runs in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (15H55) in France.
He was back to his best when dominating the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket in the spring but hated every minute of his trip to Denmark for a Group 3 last month.
Good to soft ground and a more conventional track at Saint-Cloud should suit him much better and he felt in great shape when I rode him work at Archie’s earlier in the week. He’s not the easiest to predict and this is a big test, but he might just out-run big odds.
Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.
Year's Highest Price At Tattersalls Derby Sale
The son of Doctor Dino became the highest priced Store (a horse bred for national hunt racing but as yet unbroken) (Picture: The Irish Field)
50th Derby Sale Delivers Year’s Highest Price with €350,000 Top Lot
A full house welcomed the good-looking half-brother to the Grade 1 winners Mighty Potter, Caldwell Potter and Brighterdaysahead to the Fairyhouse sales ring, and the three-year-old by Doctor Dino (Lot 283), widely anticipated to be the top lot at this year’s 50th Derby Sale, lived up to his star billing selling for €350,000 to Gordon Elliott Racing.
Appropriately, in such a momentous year for the Derby Sale, the gelding is the highest-priced Store horse sold in 2024 and the joint-second highest-priced Store horse ever sold at public auction.
Offered by Walter Connors’ Sluggara Farm, bidding kicked off at €100,000, raced through to €270,000 with trainer Emmet Mullins on the telephone, Eddie O’Leary joining in the action at €275,000. The two traded blows, Mullins being the one to round up to €300,000, but it was the quick-bidding O’Leary, standing on the balcony and by the bid board with trainer Gordon Elliott and agent Mouse O’Ryan, who claimed the final honours at the year’s best Store horse price.
Elliott has had great success with the gelding’s half-siblings as trainer of the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle winner Caldwell Potter, who was sold at February’s Tattersalls Ireland Andy & Gemma Brown Dispersal Sale for a top price of €740,000, the multiple Grade 1 hurdle and chase winner Mighty Potter, and the five-year-old mare Brighterdaysahead, winner of April’s Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.
Lot 283 was consigned by Sluggara Farm, and was purchased by Gordon Elliott Racing for €350,000.
All five runners to date for the 17-year-old mare Matnie (Laveron) are Grade 1 or Grade 2 winners.
“We have had most of the family and we have been very lucky with it, and we are looking forward to him,” said Elliott. “He is a very athletic horse; he is not unlike Mighty Potter and is for an existing client. We will be hoping we could bring him back for the Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper, that is the first plan.”
Connors said: “I am obviously delighted, he was always a star horse in our mind and we were not going to come if he did not match his pedigree as we point-to-point our own horses anyway. I am delighted and thrilled that Gordon is training him as he has done so well with the family, and Eddie has been very good to us over the years – he bought Don Cossack and Quito De La Roque.”
He added: “It has been a great family occasion, and Shane and Rachel, who work in the yard for us, have done a great job with him and they have managed to treat him just the same as any other horse.”
Today’s second-best priced horse, Lot 282 by Harzand, was bought for €185,000 by Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls.
Lot 282 was purchased from Oaks Farm Stables by Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls.
Sold by Oaks Farm Stables, the three-year-old gelding is a half-brother to Arizona Cardinal (Kayf Tara), winner of this year’s Topham Chase (G3), and out of Mathine, a half-sister to the Gold Cup (G1) and two-time King George VI winner Long Run.
It was a highly successful pinhook result – the gelding was bought last year in France as a two-year-old by Church Farm for €80,000.
Malone said: “He is a beautiful horse, and his half-sister was the Grade 3 winner at Aintree this spring, it is just a happening pedigree.”
Of Harzand, he said: “I like the stallion and I am going to support him.”
The happy half-hour was initiated by the Kilminfoyle House Stud-consigned, March-born gelding Goliath Du Berlais gelding bought by Grande Ville Racing for €160,000 (Lot 279).
He is out of the Grade 3 winner and multiple graded-placed mare Martalette (Martaline), and was pinhooked as a foal at the Tattersalls Ireland November NH Sale in 2021 for €68,000 by JC Bloodstock.
Ger Morrin, who was taking instructions on the telephone ringside, outbid Gerry Hogan standing on the balcony in company with trainer Paul Nolan.
Morrin said: “We planned to come up and buy a nice horse – we loved this lad and he has a lovely pedigree. He won’t take too long and should be a bumper and hurdling sort, and then can go on to jump a fence, too. The sire is very good and well-regarded.”
Over the two-day sale 25 lots sold for €100,000 or more, with the sale producing a turnover of €13,969,500, an average price of €47,841, a median of €38,000 and horses sold at a clearance rate of 79 per cent.
Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins commented:
“Once again, the Derby Sale has proven why it is held in the highest regard by National Hunt vendors and purchasers. The previous 49 editions have produced an illustrious roll of honour, and I have no doubt that our class of 2024 will produce horses competing on the biggest stage. The Derby Sale has yet again produced the highest-priced Store sold anywhere in Ireland and the UK, a milestone particularly celebrated in its 50th year. This year’s sale also saw 25 lots surpassing €100,000, more than any other Store sale.
“While achieving a €350,000 top price is a notable success, it’s crucial to note that the market remains selective. With a clearance rate of 79% and average and median prices of €47,841 and €38,000, respectively, we observe a market that, while solid, reflects cautious buyer sentiment compared to previous years.
“Our consignors showed trust in providing us with the best Stores that Ireland and the UK had to offer. We ensured our vendors received the interest that the exceptional quality of their stock deserved, and it was reassuring to see so many Irish and UK buyers in attendance. We had the biggest names in National Hunt racing looking to add to their strings this week, and that exemplifies the regard in which the Derby Sale is held.
“The Derby Sale’s success is a testament to the trust our vendors place in Tattersalls Ireland. Our thanks go to all the team at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing who complement our work in promoting our sales and ensuring the results align with the quality on offer.
“Our focus now turns to the July Store Sale, the final sale of its type this year, for which the catalogue is available online.”
Today’s Question
The subject is pictured above
Which stallion has had the most Durban July winners?
Today’s Question Answer
The late Maine Chance Farms-based stallion Silvano had had a record five July winners, Bold Silvano (2010), a three-year-old from his fourth crop, Heavy Metal (2013), a four-year-old from his sixth crop, Power King (2015), a four-year-old from his eighth crop, Marinaresco (2017), a four-year-old from his tenth crop and Sparkling Water a four-year-old from his 15th crop.
Silvano also made history by landing the July trifecta in 2015.
Furthermore, he got the exacta in 2017, in 2013 he had first and third and in 2022 he had first and third.
He can still add to his July winners, because his last crop are now only three-year-olds.
He does not have a runner in this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July but his son Vercingetorix has two runners, Oriental Charm and Cousin Casey as well as second reserve Hotarubi.
