Turf Talk Newsletter – 28 November, 2025

There could be more celebrations for King Pelles’ connections at Turffontein (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The finish of the Gr 1 Betway Summer Cup could well see a prominent showing for KZN raiders and the Gareth van Zyl-trained King Pelles could be the one to prevent the Alec Laird-trained Atticus Finch from retaining his crown.

King Pelles is the Equus Champion Stayer, but has blossomed into a horse who is by no means a dour stayer. He showed a terrific turn of foot in his staying race wins and this season has sharpened up and produced eyecatching performances over 1200m and 1600m respectively. With the assets of both stamina and class he could be the one to beat and he has won in soft going before too. S’Manga Khumalo has won the Summer Cup before and should be able to make a plan from a tricky draw of eleven.

Atticus Finch has blossomed this season and the six-year-old first caught the eye when running on strongly for a narrow second in the Gr 2 Betway Jopburg Spring Challenge over 1450m before treating the Gr 2 Allied-Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile opposition like horses a division below him when romping home to a three length victory. He has the same draw of two that he won from last year and Calvin Habib retains the ride.

Madison Valley ran fourth last year and has improved since then with gelding, but he does have to overcome the same 18 draw he had last year. Craig Zackey has been in devastating form and will help him overcome the draw.

Former winner Royal Victory is ultra consistent and has the same 125 rating he had last year when beaten three lengths and being a touch unlucky. He is drawn 14 whereas he won from draw 13 two years ago.

On My Honour has shown signs of class and the best has likely not been seen of him yet. He is drawn well and sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight of 54kg, so has a chance with the flying Serino Moodley aboard.

The Equator is favourite but that is based on the reports of his ever improving homework, because his two wins in SA have been to far lesser opposition. He is drawn well and will relish the course and distance and the soft going, so could be a player, but he is little value at 5/2 with the sponsor.

Olivia’s Way will relish tihe course and distance and the soft going, but she is 2kg under sufferance.

Busstopinhounslow, who is also officially 2kg under sufferance, is capable of a strong finish from off the pace and is an unknown factor over this trip. This New Predator gelding is out of a Silvano mare whose only win was over 1200m so it is debateable whether he will see it out.

My Best Shot sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and stays the trip and possesses a good turn of foot. He is hard to fancy on Hollywoodbeyts Durban July form, but there were mitigating factors and Richard Fourie is bullish about his chances.

Mocha Blend is way out at the weights but looks to have some class and could be better than her rating suggests.

Legend Of Arthur was scoped with mucus last time but if this SA Derby winner is able to bounce back to his best he could be a runner.

Wild Intent was a narrow second in the SA Derby, but hasn’t shone since.

Son Of Raj is a former SA Derby winner, but he has never been a threat in any Gr 1 since then.

Otto Luyken was the winner of the July consolation race and he should enjoy this course and distance and is in the handicap, but he would have to produce a career best to win here.

Navajo Nation should also run well, but winning the race is a tough ask.

Parisian Walkway is a potential pacemaker. On pedigree he should stay the trip, but he still has to prove it.

The Ultimate King is a progressive sort who is drawn in pole, but he has a tough task at the weights.

Solar Sail was third in the SA Derby, well clear of Olivia’s Way, but he has not shone since.

Spumante Dolce has shown class before, but is under a bit of a cloud having not enjoyed a good preparation.

Anfields Rocket did win the Gr 1 SA Classic as a three-year-old but has a tough task at the weights.

They are selected in the order mentioned.

In the Gr 2 Jackpot City Dingaans Jan Van Goyen looks to be something special and is taken to win despite it being his first run of the season. Tin Pan Alley is unbeaten in two starts this season, so will have a fitness advantage and there is a bit of reversal in draw fortunes from when he was beaten three lengths over this trip at Hollywoodbets Greyville by Jan Van Goyen at the end of last season. He has also improved with gelding since then. Chronicle King, Trust and Shadowfax have class and could upset the applecart.

In the Gr 3 Ducat Africa Fillies Mile Hazy Dazy is better than ner last start and is taken to bounce back, while Littlemissmillion has impressed in both of her starts and being small she should be able to run well first up.

In the Gr 3 New Turf Carrier Merchants Truth is sticking to sprints now and could come into his own, so he is taken to beat Quantum Theory and Rodeo Drive.

The Listed Carry On Alice Stakes could go to the smart Whistle The Tune.

Jan Van Goyen has been tipped to win the Jackpot City Dingaans (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Turffontein Standside Saturday Formguides, Selections and Permutations

R1 11 TURN IT UP is by Querari and is a half-brother to the Gr 1 Gold Medallion winner Proceed. 16 NORTHERN EUROPEAN is by Erik The Red out of Gimmethegreenlight mare Europeana who won second time out in Cape Town and later won the Listed Breeders Guineas at Fairview. 4 HEATH HOUSE is by Erupt and is a half-brother to Buffalo Bill Cody filly Khetiwe’s Destiny, a speedster with a MR high of 102. 2 DADS DREAM is by New Predator and is a half-brother to twice winner in five starts Mister Wilson. (11-16-4-2)

R2 12 MAGIC CARPET RIDE ran a fine race second time out and the form has been franked so she should go close from a nice high draw under Gavin Lerena. 7 PROPER has Richard Fourie up and he has hopped off Witch Hazel to ride this Rafeef half-brother to Listed winner Bon Vivant. 10 WITCH HAZEL has run two good races and could reverse form with Tintin from a possibly slightly better draw. 1 TINTIN has shown ability and will be a threat. (12-7-10-1)

R3 7 CHOISAANADA has plenty of class and has a plum draw for a change over a suitable trip. 2 WILLIAM ROBERTSON retains ability at seven years of age and should be finishing strongly from a fair draw over a suitable trip. 3 CATS PAJAMAS seems to prefer it around the turn and has won over 1400m before, so should be right there from a fair draw with Lerena up. (7-2-1-3)

R4 3 WHISTLE THE TUNE made a fine comeback and has a nice high draw. 2 MIA MOO is a Gr 1 winner over this distance and can get away with a return from a layoff over this trip but her low draw could be a concern. 7 RODEO DRIVE is in fine form and can overcome a weight disadvantage in which she is officially 5kg under sufferance with the best weighted Fatal Flaw. 1 FATAL FLAW is the best weighted runner and this Gr 1 winner’s class could pull her through over a trip on the sharp side for her and following a five month layoff. (3-2-7-1)

R5 2 TRUTH impressed last time and can progress further. 6 QUANTUM THEORY is in fine form over sprints and will appreciate the slight step up in trip. 4 FUTURE VARIETY is full of class and should be finishing strongly over a suitable trip. 5 PISTOL PETE has good course and distance form and should be in the shake up. (2-6-4-5)

R6 4 HAZY DAZY has plenty of scope so can continue to progress although she has to bounce back from a disappointing last run. 3 LITTLEMISSMILLION is small but has a big action and can turn it on impressively and she should not take much work so she can return from a layoff and resume winning ways. 1 VALENTINA BALDUCCI won the Gr 3 Starling Stakes in fine style but has to give the field 1kg and has a very wide draw. 9 UNITED OFFER has shown ability and should enjoy the step up in trip. (4-3-1-9)

R7 1 JAN VAN GOYEN is full of class and can make a winning reappearance, although he does return from a four month layoff and has a wide draw so there are some concerns. 2 TIN PAN ALLEY is racing fit and also has class and with a slight reversal in draw fortunes with Jan van Goyen he can get closer than 3,70 lengths this time. 3 CHRONICLE KING caught the eye with his win last time and he could progress so will be runner, but he does have a tough draw. 11 TRUST caught the eye losing by just 0,60 lengths to Tin Pan Alley and he was a touch unlucky but he is now 2kg worse off although he does have a good draw. (1-2-3-11)

R8 3 KING PELLES has stamina but plenty of class too and his fine turn of foot and resolute finish will make him a big runner here from a fair middle draw. 1 ATTICUS FINCH has blossomed this season and although he has a tougher task than last year as he has to carry topweight he could well be up to it. 7 MADISON VALLEY has progressed into a fine middle distance campaigner and if able to overcome a wide draw he will be a big runner. 2 ROYAL VICTORY s capable of a strong, resolute finish so should get himself into contention after being dropped out from a tricky draw. (3-1-7-2)

R9 5 FIELD MARSHALL caught the eye running on smartly in the Victory Moon Stakes and he is well drawn over a step up in trip he will relish. 3 MONEY HEIST was beaten 2,55 lengths by Field Marshall in the Victory Moon and is now half-a-kilogram worse off, but he had a wide draw there and is now drawn in pole. 2 CAPE EAGLE should beat Field Marshall on the form of the Michaelmas over 1900m at Hollywoodbets Greyville and he wasn’t disgraced in last year’s Summer Cup, so he has a shout if able to overcome a wide draw. 10 CHESTNUT BOMBER has the ability to be a contender. (5-3-2-10)

R10 9 CORRUPT is progressive and is 2kg better off with Daimyo for a 3,60 length beating and has a better drw this time. 7 MO MENT stays all day and is dangerous from the front so a plum draw makes him a big runner. 6 DAIMYO proved himelf a decent stayer last time and can make a bold bid. 5 BREEZE OVER has a problem starting on terms but if able to get to the front without expending too much energy he is always a threat. (9-7-6-5)

R11 4 THE PLAYBOY BOMBER has ability and if able to overcome a wide draw will be right there under a 4kg claimer. 8 FUTUREWOLFF has a good draw and has the ability to earn. 11 NEVER NEVER LAND is still learning and with improvement could be involved here. 6 PAGE BOY has shown glimpses of good ability so will be a threat from pole position. (4-8-11-6)

Place Accumulator: (R243)
Leg 1: 7,2,1
Leg 2: 3,2,7
Leg 3: 2,6,4
Leg 4: 4
Leg 5: 1
Leg 6: 3,1,7
Leg 7: 5,3,2

Pick 6: (R2700)
Leg 1: 3,2,7,1,10
Leg 2: 2,6,4
Leg 3: 4,3
Leg 4: 1,2,3,11,5
Leg 5: 3,1,7,2,5,10
Leg 6: 5,3,2

Jackpot: (R180)
Leg 1: 2,6,4
Leg 2: 4,3
Leg 3: 1,2,3,11,5
Leg 4: 3,1,7,2,5,10

Best Bet:
Race 6: 4

Value Bet:
Race 10: 9

Muzi makes Pretty Persuasive his best ride and his value bet of the day in the Gr 3 Ducat Africa Fillies Mile (JC Photos)

Please Note: Muzi’s Yeni’s Column Appears Every Friday In The Citizen

Muzi Yeni

Saturday is Betway Summer Cup day at Turffontein, one of the great days in our racing calendar. The meeting is headlined by the R6-million Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup over 2000m on the Standside track and is supported by five other feature races plus some unbelievable quality supporting minor events.

Overall, this is truly a remarkable day and please come down to the course to support the champions taking part on the day.

A quick mention to the day’s main sponsors Betway, who invest so much into the game and here’s wishing you a phenomenal event.

The field is another quality lineup with several of these horses thriving at the moment.

We have the defending champion Atticus Finch carrying top weight after a super victory in the Allied Steelrode Charity Mile taking on up-and-coming stars like The Equator.

I am fortunate enough to be riding the Grade 3 Victory Moon Stakes winner The Ultimate King and while we will discuss this in detail later, it’s lovely to see the usual raiders taking their places again.

I think it’s going to be a fantastic race and the winner will need to be at his very best to have his name inscribed in the record books.

I have 10 rides on the 11-race card and will be doing everything in my power to get a winner or two on the board. I also hope to guide our followers in the right direction and help them get a share of all the carryovers and huge TAB pools on the day.

We’ll get straight into the card and Race 1 is a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 800m. This is the first baby race of the season which is always exciting but there is no form to go on and punters will need to be guided purely by the betting, as well as the canter past, and make their decisions based on that.

Race 2 is a Conditional Maiden Plate over 1160m and once again keep an eye on the betting and canter past to get an idea of the potential of the unraced horses.

I ride Gaslight Dancer who has some fair form, but I think she’ll find it difficult in this field because there are some quality maidens taking their places.

Tintin is one of the few four-year-olds in the race but he looks well above average he is the horse I think they all have to beat after two really good runs.

Highwayman Harry ran a lovely race, finishing strongly in an event that has worked out nicely and with expected natural improvement, he rates the immediate danger.

Splittheeights looked a really nice horse on debut too, and the form of that race has also been franked, so he is definitely one for the shortlist.

Magic Carpet Ride was just touched off by her stable companion last time out, when clear of the third horse, and a repeat of that will make her very competitive.

Race 3 is a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m and I ride Minogue who I make one of my better rides on the day after a really impressive latest win.

She is also the joint best-weighted horse in the race and gave me a really good feel. If able to repeat that, she will be a massive runner.

Class-horse William Robertson steps up to 1400m, a distance we know he can get, and his last start showed he is coming back to form, so I make him my main danger.

Cats Pajamas was unlucky not to win last time but he is a classy horse and could enjoy the track, so he is one for the shortlist.

Fiery Pegasus returns from a lengthy break and this is a trip on the short side, so you can expect her to improve from the run. But she is a top-class filly and can go into wider bets.

Race 4 is the Listed Blu Voucher Carry On Alice Stakes over 1160m and I ride Perfect Miracle who was disappointing last time out when running out the money at short odds, but the track was soft and I’ll be hoping she bounces back to best.

Rodeo Drive is the horse I think we all have to beat after an outstanding latest effort. She now drops in trip which I think will suit her based on the running style, and if able to show that same speed, she might prove hard to peg back and could be the best bet on a very tough card.

Almond Sea is a classy filly who had excuses once again in her last start. She is having her third race after a rest and with a trouble-free run is a definite runner.

Three-year-olds Elegantrix and Rachel Wall are both having their third runs after a rest and should come in cherry ripe, so both must be included in all bets.

Chasing Happiness is also having her third run after a rest, so she should have come on from her last start and a decent run can be expected.

Class horses Fatal Flaw and Mia Moo both return from breaks and give weight away and will have to be close to peak fitness to feature, but must go into wider bets.

Race 5 is the Grade 3 New Turf Carriers Merchants over 1160m and I ride Cosmic Star who won a really good race with me last time out. On that performance, he’ll love the step up in trip and I’ll be hoping to run into the money.

I feel we have the three-year-olds to beat, starting with my selection in the race Nyaka Nyaka who is a very good horse and comes in with a very handy weight. If the drop in trip doesn’t have a negative effect, he could prove tough to beat.

African Pride looks a very good sprinter and ran a decent race last time out. He has won over this trip so that shouldn’t be too much of an issue and he is one for the shortlist.

Slinky Mapimpi also comes in with a very low weight and is in good form. I think he has a definite winning chance so he must go into all bets.

Truth won very well last time out, and if he repeats that performance, he is a definite runner.

Charming Cheetah and Fire ‘N Flames both have winning claims and must go into bets.

Race 6 is the Grade 3 Ducat Africa Fillies Mile over 1600m and I ride Pretty Persuasive who I make my best ride on the card and my value bet too.

This is a high-class filly who ran a lovely race last time, out even though things never went according to plan for me. If they go according to plan this time, I think she’ll take all the beating.

Mamlambo was in the same race last time and was also very unlucky. She will enjoy the step up in trip and I rate her my biggest danger.

Littlemissmillion is unbeaten and goes for a hat-trick. Both wins were very impressive, but she returns from a break and will have to be close to peak fitness. If she is, she’ll be right there.

Valentina Balducci won a lovely race last time out and a repeat of that will see her in the money again.

Race 7 is the Grade 2 Jackpot City Dingaans over 1600m and I ride Chronicle King who is a high-class sort who won a lovely race on his seasonal reappearance. While this is a really hot renewal of the race, I’ll be hoping to be right there, so he must go into all bets.

Jan Van Goyen was the Equus Champion Two-Yea- Old colt after a devastating display when winning the Grade 1 on Gold Cup Day, showing his brilliance.

While he returns from a lengthy break, I’d be surprised if he isn’t close to peak fitness and I make him the horse we all have to beat.

Tin Pan Alley won a really good race last time and will be having his third run after a rest, which is extremely beneficial. He is one of the main dangers and must go into all bets.

Trust was ultra-impressive the way he finished off his race last time and stepping up in trip will be a massive help. He must be added to the shortlist.

Race 8 is the headliner on the card, the Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup over 2000m, and I ride The Ultimate King who won the Victory Moon Stakes in impressive fashion, displaying he is a horse on the rise. He must have a definite chance, even though this is his toughest test.

He does have a mind of his own and with the crowd on course, I’ll be hoping he remains calm. I am thrilled with my draw and I’ll be hoping to get the run of the race.

My stable companion, The Equator, has been nothing but impressive in his last two starts. This import is loaded with ability and off his handy weight, and the fact that he will love the trip and conditions, he is the horse we all have to beat.

I also think he could still be well underrated and this Grade 1 Handicap, where the minimum weight is capped at 54kg, suits him perfectly.

Atticus Finch is the defending champion and jumps from the same stall as last year, which is very positive.

He is in the form of his life and the way he won the Charity Mile makes him as one of the shortlist horses and needs to go into all bets.

On My Honour is a lovely horse who is making the trip up from KZN. His prep has gone really well and will be having his third run after a rest so should be cherry ripe for a massive run.

Equus Champion Stayer King Pelles has had the prep of his life with two sensational runs leading into this race over a trip way too short.

He now steps up to the 2000m and I have no doubt he’ll absolutely relish the track. He is a massive runner.

Madison Valley ran well in the race last year and seems to be better now, so he is another to include in all bets.

Race 9 is the Betway Summer Cup Consolation over 2000m and I ride Chestnut Bomber who I make one of the horses to beat.

His last start was a really good effort and he comes in with 52kg and a great draw, so he should have every opportunity to run a massive race.

Field Marshal ran a super race when second in the Victory Moon Stakes. This is a definite drop in class and if able to repeat that run, he is the horse to beat.

Money Heist was fourth in the race and the same applies to him with the drop in class. He jumps from No 1 draw so expect a big run.

Thunee Playa and Don’t Cry For Me both have claims on their best form.

Race 10 is the Racehorse Owners Association over 3200m and I ride Breeze Over who ran a better race over a trip short of his best but will have to be at his best to win because there is some strong opposition.

Shoot The Rapids is having his third run after a rest and will absolutely love the step up in trip. Even though he is drawn wide, he sets the standard on form and is the horse to beat.

Daimyo won a lovely race when stepped up in trip for his new stable. He had always shown to be a good stayer and after two good preps, he dominated them last time out. He steps up in trip and is the main danger.

The Mikado and Corrupt are both still relatively unexposed over this trip, and both can go into wider bets.

Race 11 is a MR 80 SAJA Appie Leg Up Apprentice Handicap over 1600m and I really like the look of Never Never Land.

This unexposed horse will love the step up in trip and could be well underrated at the moment so is the horse they all have to beat.

The Playboy Bomber was unlucky not to win his last start and will be cherry ripe for a massive run so looks the main danger.

Harun Al Rashid is a decent sort who makes the trip up from KZN and off a good draw, he is definitely a runner.

Zip Code has some good form and if able to produce his best form, he’ll be there at the finish.

BEST BET

Race 4 No 7 Rodeo Drive

VALUE BET

Race 6 No 5 Pretty Persuasive

PICK 6

R2520

Leg 1: 7

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Leg 3: 5, 6

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 11

Leg 5: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 15

Leg 6: 3, 5, 10

The Candice Dawson-trained Vercingetorix filly Anchorage could be going places such was the impression she created when defeating the exciting prospect Manyeleti over 1000m at Turffontein Inside. (JC Photos)

Cape Breeders

South Africa’s reigning champion sire Vercingetorix continues to make his presence felt.

The champion son of Silvano has come up with seven winners so far this week and he should add more on Saturday and Sunday.

Vercingetorix had a memorable treble at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Tuesday. The following day, Vercingetorix filly Playing Trix won the first race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, while Vercingetorix came up with two more smart winners at Turffontein on Thursday and he had a winner on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly on Friday.

Vercingetorix mare Ice Rain picked up the seventh win of her career when she won the second race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Tuesday. The Andre Nel trained five-year-old ran on strongly, under Serino Moodley, to land the Bet With Tote Middle Stakes (1600m) by half a length. Bred and owned by Sabine Plattner, Ice Rain, winner of her last two starts, is out of the Western Winter mare Winter Burst.

Vercingetorix struck again when his Glen Kotzen trained son Circumbendibus won the fifth race, with another of the sire’s progeny, Rahhabba, running out a comfortable winner of Hollywoodbets Greyville’s sixth race.

The following day, Vercingetorix filly Playing Trix got off the mark when that three-year-old romped home to take Wednesday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Welcomes You Maiden Plate (F &M) (1000m) by a facile three and three quarter lengths. Trained by Eric Sands, the Klawervlei Stud bred Playing Trix was making just her third start.
Playing Trix, who is out of the Visionaire mare Heaps Of Fun, races for the Wernars family and Mukund Gujadhur.

The inform Vercingetorix was again to the fore at Turffontein on Thursday. His three-year-old daughters Anchorage and Vanakkam won races seven and eight respectively.

Trained by Candice Dawson, Anchorage made it two wins from her last three starts when she won Thursday’s Betway Summer Cup 29 November FM 92 Divided Handicap.

In scoring by over a length and a quarter, the Vercingetorix filly accounted for the previously unbeaten Manyeleti in fine style.

Bred by Klawervlei Stud, Anchorage (who has finished first or second in five of six starts) races for Messrs D D MaClean, L M Nestadt, Gary Player Stud Farm (Pty) Ltd & Reon Barnard.

Out of the Trippi mare Polar Trip, Anchorage is a full-sister to CTS De Grendel Ready To Run Stakes winner Fifty Fiver.

Vercingetorix is also the sire of the smart Vanakkam, who ran out a game winner of the 4 Friends Promo On Ticketpro FM 75 Divided Handicap (1000m). Under Kabelo Matsunyane, the Mano Pandaram owned and trained filly kept going gamely to score by a head.

It was a smart performance by three-year-old, with Vanakkam having to lug 60kgs to victory.

Bred by Maine Chance Farms, Vanakkam has won two of her last three starts.

On Friday at Hollywoodbets Greyville, The Yogas Govender-trained Vercingetorix gelding Fine Dinning won an open maiden on the poly by 3,30 lengths under Kabelo Matsunyane.

Sky Heart is Tim Carroll’s tip to win the feature of the day, the Chevalier Cup (Picture: HKJC) 

Tim Carroll of At The Races has analysis with selections for Sunday morning’s meeting at Sha Tin from 6.45am SA Time.

This Sunday sees a competitive 10-race card from Sha Tin on both the Turf and All-Weather tracks getting underway at 6.45am SA Time. The feature of the meeting is race 7, The Class 2 Chevalier Cup (Handicap), over 1 mile, offering more than £310,000 in prize-money.

Click here to read Tim Carrol’s comprehensive guide to the meeting