Turf Talk Newsletter – 30 April, 2026

Tin Pan Alley gallops to an easy victory in the Gr 1 wfa Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes (JC Photos) 

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

Tin Pan Alley will be out to prove the handicappers assessment of his ability is correct when he starts in the Gr2 WSB Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

The Guineas and the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas along with the Gr2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes traditionally mark the start of the three-month Champions Season and all three events have attracted top class fields.

Tin Pan Alley got shunted up from 117 to 128 after demolishing Gr1 WSB Cape Met winner See It Again in the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes at Turffontein, wining by an increasing four-length margin.

Strictly on that run, he should have his opposition dead to rights but there are a few blips on his radar that give the opposition some hope. Tin Pan Alley finished down the field in the Gr2 Dingaan’s behind Trust and then a modest effort behind Splittheeights in the Gauteng Guineas, admittedly from a tricky draw. However, Keagan de Melo is two-from-two on Sean Tarry’s runner and a repeat of his Horse Chestnut showing should see him difficult to beat.

One can never discount a runner from the Mike and Mathew de Kock stable and they saddle One Eye On Vegas who finished ahead of Tin Pan Alley in the Gauteng Guineas. He also finished a creditable fourth in the Gr1 SA Classic behind Grand Empire and was staying on well behind the more than useful older Gr2 Hawaii Stakes winner Cats Pajamas. He should be cherry-ripe come the day and can exploit any chink in Tin Pan Alley’s armour.

There should be little between Star Major and Happy Verse given their last two encounters in the Politician Stakes, won by Star Major, and the Gr1 Cape Derby behind the filly Wish List with little more than a neck separating them on both occasions.

In the WSB Fillies Guines, Quickstepgal will be looking to add a second Guineas to her resume after winning the Gr1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas back in December last year. She ran a smart warm-up in the Umzimkulu Stakes where she was unable to give the well handicapped Keukenhof 6kg. She is over her ideal trip and should run another big race. Tienie Prinsloo’s filly will, however, be up against the Justin Snaith-trained Gr 1 Cape Derby winner Wish List. Although a dual Gr1 winning filly, winning the Gr1 Paddock Stakes at her penultimate start, she may prefer it a touch further and find herself out-paced late although she has the canny Andrew Fortune aboard. Of the balance, Princess Of Gaul arrived from the Cape in good form winning her last start and should be a contender from a handy gate while Beach Verse has excellent form in blinkers but does jump in class.

Many will be warming up for the bigger races to come in the Gr2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes but they will all need to get past Vaughan Marshall’s galloper Questioning. He won in good fashion on the course last time out and the extra furlong will not trouble him from the best of the draw.

Biggest threat could come from Gladatorian. Stuart Ferrie’s stalwart is back on his favourite course and won last year beating See It Again. His Western Cape campaign did not quite go according to plan but he was never far back in the big races. Outlaw King has consistent Cape form for Dean Kannemeyer and has won over the distance. He could be the pick of the stable runners in spite of the presences of last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July winner The Real Prince who is a class act on his day but could be short of a gallop or two. Nathan Kotzen fitted Cats Pajamas with linkers for his last run and the decision paid off as he put in a sustain finish to easily win the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes at Turffontein. Cat Pajamas has always been a smart horse and may now be coming into his own. Legal Council is up there with the best but like The Real Prince may be short of a run while Des McLachlan makes his first ever foray into Champions Season with Jet Force, a winner of his last three, and another victory is not out of the question although it will be tough going in spite of his high rating.

The WSB Cape Fillies Guineas winner Quickstepgal has been tipped to win the WSB Fillies Guineas (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Greyville Saturday Formguides And Selections

R1 Summary: TAX FREE (4) made promising improvement at her second start behind progressive Alice B Toklas. MOSAIC WORLD (2) found market support in a promising debut and should improve. ICEBERG ROSE (11) has a wide draw but made good improvement second time out. RED HOT MISS (3) should prefer this trip after a promising sprint debut. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-11-3).

R2 Summary: GORGEOUS DUDE (1) in form. Best course and distance and best of the draw. SEND ME (4) improved in blinkers. Fair weight. KIMBALL O’HARA (11) Down in class and form has been franked. BANK STREET (6) big drop in class. Enjoys the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-4-11).

R3 Summary: Many first timers. KUDIKARAN (2) finished last in a four-horse SA Nursery field but was not far back. RED HOT GUY (8) was close-up in a promising debut and should benefit from the run. LIGHTINTHEWOODS (4) was a distance second on debut but sure to come on from that outing. Takes on males. SCOTS WAE HAE (1) looks the pick of the Hollywood runners judged on jockey bookings. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-4-1).

R4 Summary: Open. BOURBON’S BEAST (5) goes well this course and distance. Last two were in the soft. GOOD OMEN (7) is overdue. Beaten favourite last run and can make amends. KAZ FROM ALCATRAZ (10) was beaten by a promising colt last run. Takes on older runners but looks promising. Stable companion HARPA (9) takes on males but is well weighted and can surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 5-7-10-9).

R5 Summary: Many warming up for the bigger races. QUESTIONING (1) won well last time out. The extra furlong will not trouble him from the best of the draw. GLADATORIAN (2) is back on his favourite course and won last year beating See It Again. OUTLAW KING (6) has consistent Cape form and has won over the distance. CATS PAJAMAS (7) made the required improvement in blinkers when winning the Hawaii Stakes. He meets stronger here but is still improving. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-6-7).

R6 Summary: QUICKSTEPGAL (5) was beaten by the weight last run. She can add to her Cape Fillies Guineas victory. WISH LIST (8) won the Cape Derby beating males. She may prefer it a touch further. PRINCESS OF GAUL (2) arrived from the Cape in good form winning her last start. She should be a contender from a handy gate. BEACH VERSE (10) has excellent form in linkers but does jump in class. (Andrew Harrison: 5-8-2-11).

R7 Summary: TIN PAN ALLEY (3) got a hefty rating increase for his last win in the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes. De Melo is two-from-two and a repeat showing should see him hard to beat. There should be little between STAR MAJOR (8) and HAPPY VERSE (10) given their last two encounters. ONE EYE ON VEGAS (6) is never out of the money and should be a strong contender. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-10-8).

R8 Summary: ROSE WOOTT (9) surprised in first time blinkers. Lightly raced she may still be under the handicappers radar and has a handy galloping weight. LADYOFDISTINCTION (4) has yet to finish out of the money. This is her peak run after a short break. GERBERA (5) was a good second when taking on males last run behind former Gr2 Golden Horseshoe winner Chronicle King. RAHHABA (8) is in mustard form and had Ladyofdistinction behind her at her last two wins. Now meet at level weights. (Andrew Harrison: 9-4-5-8).

R9 Summary: O’TENIKWA (10) looks well in at the weights. He is a smart sprinter and should feature. TAXI TO THE MOON (6) has run two smart races in top company at his last two and should be right there again. I AM GIANT (11) did not put a foot wrong in the Cape against the best sprinter around. These weight could find him out. KING OF THE GAULS (2) is quick and has found his best form of late. (Andrew Harrison: 10-6-11-2).
Del 10 Summary: INAFIX (7) has a light weight and first time blinkers. ZOOMBOMER (8) has come to hand and only has 48kg to shoulder. LUHAMBA PHAMBILI (6) has been up against stronger of late but gives plenty of weight. ARVERNI PRINCESS (4) is in good form and another with a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 7-8-6-4).

The mighty Syd Laird-trained Politician was one of the great winners of the SA Guineas

By Ada van der Bent

The SA Guineas and SA Fillies Guineas headline the first major black-type meeting of the KwaZulu-Natal winter season, when the cream of South African racehorses converge on the province.

First run in 1932 and restricted to sophomores at level weights, the South African Guineas is a classic rich in history, as reflected in its roll of honour, which includes such Titans of the turf as Sea Cottage, William Penn, Hawaii, Home Guard, Mazarin, Sentinel, Politician and Empress Club, while those of a more recent vintage include Horse of the Year recipients Celtic Grove, Dynasty and Variety Club.

The Guineas carried Gr 1 status until 2004, after which it was downgraded to Gr 2 status, regrettable, given that it draws the top three-year-olds from all over the country. Nevertheless, those to have won the classic from 2005 onwards include the champions Variety Club, Vercingetorix, Big City Life, Legislate, Do It Again, Charles Dickens and Green With Envy.

DID YOU KNOW

The Guineas has been won by two sets of siblings. William Penn trounced his field by 4.50 lengths in the 1965 renewal and was followed three years later by champion half-brother Hawaii.

The mighty Sea Cottage was equally as impressive when he won the 1966 Guineas, three years after half-brother Top Gallant had claimed the honours.

Only one member of the fairer sex has won the Guineas in modern times. That honour belongs to the ‘galloping goldmine’ Empress Club. Sent off as the 1-3 favourite, the Argentinian-bred champion cruised to a dominant 4-length victory over stable companion Military Muse in 1992.  It was the second time she beat the colts at their own game, as she had won the Gr 1 Cape Bloodline Guineas, also by a clear margin.

For the record, she was preceded by two exceptional female winners in Broken Spell (1948) and Wahine (1951).

The 1973 Guineas proved a triumph for Clairwood-based trainer Eileen Bestel. She became the first ‘lady’ trainer of this classic when Sabre scored under Michael Roberts. Gauteng trainer Jean Barnard emulated her in 1983 with Rain Forest, who likewise, was ridden to victory by Michael Roberts. It would be another 40 years before Candice Bass-Robinson emulated that feat as the trainer of 2023 winner Charles Dickens.

That 2006 Guineas winner Kapil raced with two screws in a hind pastern, courtesy of a fracture he suffered in work shortly after his win in the Somerset 1200 as a juvenile. Confined to his box for six months, he returned as good as ever and came from near last to defeat future Durban July winner Hunting Tower by a length.

Guineas winner Dynasty has certainly stamped his mark on the race. The former Horse of the Year cruised to victory in 2003 and went on to sire 2014 winner Legislate. Remarkably, he is also the broodmare sire of two Guineas winners in Wild Coast (2020) and Charles Dickens (2023).

Last year’s winner Sail The Seas also emulated his sire Vercingetorix, who had lined up for the 2013 Guineas with just two wins from as many starts under his belt, yet pipped Cape Guineas winner Capetown Noir in a thrilling finish.

Sail The Seas provided trainer Justin Snaith with a sixth Guineas success, which broke the long-standing record of five winners held by maestro Syd Laird.

FILLIES GUINEAS

First run in 1971, the South Africa Fillies Guineas was rated one of the most important fillies classics on the racing calendar and rightly so, as the list of past winners reflects such illustrious names as those of champions Mildenhall, Bold Cherry, Tecla Bluff, Up The Creek, Petrava, Olympic Duel, Hoeberg, Empress Club, Ipi Tombe and Promisefrommyheart.

Notwithstanding its downgrading to Gr 2 status in 2005 and a name change to the KZN Fillies Guineas, the mile classic has continued to churn out high-class winners, notably Horse of the Year Captain’s Ransom as well as champions Beach Beauty and Bela-Bela.

DID YOU KNOW

Terrance Millard holds the trainers record with six winners, registered in the space of eleven years, starting with Paul de Wet’s homebred Wild Ash in 1979. She was followed by Tecla Bluff (1982), Up The Creek (1984), Cerulean Blue (1987), Epoque (1989) and finally Olympic Duel (1990).

Millard’s son Tony trained Laurie and Jean Jaffee’s Empress Club, who sauntered to a bloodless victory in 1992, two weeks after her defeat of colts in the SA Guineas. Her winning margin of 5.50 length has never been matched, nor bettered.

Another Jaffee-owned champion, the New Zealand-bred Petrava started a red-hot 1-3 favourite in 1985 and duly obliged under Jeff Lloyd. Sixteen years later, her daughter Hoeberg scored in the same Jaffee silks and like her mom, was trained by David Payne.

Remarkably, 2009 winner On Her Toes was trained in Gauteng, yet recorded all her wins on KwaZulu-Natal soil, the Fillies Guineas being her fifth win from as many starts in the Garden Province.

That Irish import Gibraltar Blue captured the 2010 Fillies Guineas on just her second South African start and stopped the clock in a new record time. She also gave the De Kock stable a third win in the race, following victories by Ipi Tombe (2002) and Bold Ellinore (2006). (His first winner Spook Express (1998) was disqualified).

Trainer Mike Bass and daughter Candice have both won the Fillies Guineas, Mike saddled Joshua’s Princess to victory in 2005, while Candice emulated dad with Drakenstein’s Santa Clara in 2019.

Candice is only the third ‘lady’ trainer to win the Fillies Guineas, she was preceded by the Honourable Pat O’Neill, who won it with Rose Bay in 1976, while Diane Stenger claimed the honours in 1995 with Dancing Danzig.

There are few places n the world that draw more passionate crowds than the Champs De Mar racecourse in Mauritius

Graeme Hawkins is now based in Mauritius and provides this comprehensive preview to the Saturday, May 2 meeting at Champs De Mar (read below):

The Noble Salute Cup over 1365m tops the bill for the second race meeting of the season at Champ de Mars on Saturday 2 May and a competitive field of seven runners will face the starter. Sun Blushed tops the weights for this BM55+ Handicap but the early whispers, and betting support, has been for Formagear, the mount of Donovan Mansour who last week drove Rapidash to a narrow victory in the Duchess of York Cup.

Race 1 (10:30) – BM25 Handicap – 990m:

Kabelo Matsunyane has a bright chance of opening his account on the Island as he partners Holy Star for the Arveen Nagadoo stable in this low-grade 990m handicap. Holy Star showed useful promise in South Africa and given his natural gate speed, should be ideally suited to this track and trip. He has been well prepared for his local debut and definitely rates the one to beat. Diamond Days and Blown Away also make their first appearance in Mauritius but may be hard pressed to match Holy Star’s pace over this trip. Nordic Prince was consistent throughout the 2025 season and his experience over the track should stand him in good stead here. Krim disappointed last term but appears to have matured and could make his presence felt.

Betting: 22/10 Holy Star; 3/1 Diamond Days; 33/10 Blown Away; 11/4 Krim; 15/2 Nordic Prince; 40/1 Love On Time.

Selection: (2) Holy Star; (6) Nordic Prince; (1) Diamond Days; (4) Blown Away.

Race 2 (11:05) – BM26 Handicap – 1450m:

The Soon Gujadhur/Raymond Danielson combination drew a blank on the opening day of the season but they could get off the mark here with The Centurion. The lightly raced 3yo son of Gimmethegreenlight has caught the eye at the morning gallops and, despite the widest draw of all, The Centurion should go very close. Bugle Boy and Trick Or Tequila are both newcomers representing the form stables of Carl Hewitson and Subu Gujadhur (two winners apiece at the opening meeting) and either could prove good enough to win on local debut. Lava Burst has been gelded and could improve on his form to date while Brand New World has been working well and is expected to go better this season.

Betting: 15/10 The Centurion; 2/1 Bugle Boy; 9/2 Brand New World; 9/1 Trick Or Tequila; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (5) The Centurion; (3) Lava Burst; (2) Bugle Boy; (6) Trick Or Tequila.

Race 3 (11:40) – BM36 Handicap – 1450m:

Trainer Jevin Awotar enjoyed a great start to the season with two winners last weekend and he only saddles a couple of runners at this race meeting. Here he saddles Warbird, one of only three fillies currently in training in Mauritius, and the 4yo daughter of Act Of War, with Grant Van Niekerk in the irons, should prove a tough nut to crack. Zooberi and Charlie Squadron rate the principle threats but I am going “all-in” with Warbird.

Betting: 6/10 Warbird; 13/2 Zooberi; 7/1 Captain Marsala; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) Warbird; (5) Charlie Squadron; (4) Zooberi; (1) Zum Zum.

Race 4 (12:15) – BM46 Handicap – 1400m:

Superior Force, representing the Carl Hewitson/Ivaldo Santana team, boasts a really good record on the Island, closing off last season with a victory and two seconds in his final three starts. He comes into this race in really good order and I fully expect the 6yo son of Pathfork to justify his position at the top of the boards. That said, Babylon is no slouch and is already a 5-time winner at the course. Wugug looks well treated at the weights but, while consistent, has struggled to get her nose in front.

Betting: 7/10 Superior Force; 4/1 Babylon; 11/2 Sea Dance, Wugug; 14/1 Iditarod Trail.

Selection: (1) Superior Force; (2) Babylon; (5) Wugug; (3) Sea Dance.

Race 5 (12:50) – BM56 Handicap – 1365m:

Competitive handicap but all the early betting support has been for the Subu Gujadhur-trained Just Var, the mount of Donovan Mansour. The opening call of 3/1 was snapped up and the 5yo son of Var has been trimmed to 18/10 in the ante-post market. He faces a tough competitor in the form of Crescent as the 4yo son of Legislate comes into this race off the back of five consecutive victories. Raymond Danielson takes the ride on Crescent who is ideally course and distance suited. Captain Mike will have his fair share of supporters. Trained by Vincent Allet, Captain Mike has not put a foot wrong and it would come as no great surprise to see Ryan Curatolo dismount in the winner’s enclosure. This promises to be a really good race.

Betting: 18/10 Just Var, Crescent; 33/10 Captain Mike; 14/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (7) Crescent; (6) Just Var; (2) Captain Mike; (1) Captain Cola.

Race 6 (13:25) – The Noble Salute Cup BM55+ – 1365m:

A strong, competitive line-up for the Season’s second feature. Sun Blushed rates the one to beat but is surprisingly easy to back at around 11/2 as the early money comes for Formagear. Royal Wulff set a new record time for this course and distance when winning on 21 December, finishing nearly two lengths ahead of Formagear on that occasion. But, Formagear has worked particularly well coming into this race and the booking of Donovan Mansour by trainer Shrish Narang is significant. Xavion and the usually slow-starting Port Louis showed top class form last season. Tamarisk Tree probably prefers further but Bless My Path is at his best over this trip and could surprise. In what should be a cracking race, I am going to side narrowly with Sun Blushed who certainly looks good each-way value at his current price.

Betting: 22/10 Formagear; 33/10 Xavion; 7/2 Royal Wulff; 9/2 Port Louis; 11/2 Sun Blushed; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Sun Blushed; (2) Formagear: (6) Royal Wulff; (7) Xavion.

Race 7: (14:00) – BM66 Handicap – 1400m:

Daring Dash closed off last season on a high, reeling off an impressive hattrick to remain unbeaten at Champ de Mars. Not surprisingly, the 4yo son of Rabada has been priced up in the red but he could face a serious challenge from Solomons Seal and perhaps to a lesser extent from Zoomie. Solomons Seal split Royal Wulff and Formagear on 21 December and a repetition of that form will see the 5yo son of Potala Palace pose a real threat. Zoomie has been a model of consistency, winning two of his local six starts along the way, and the 5yo son of Querari cannot be safely ignored. Daring Dash gets the vote to score for trainer Sam Mahadia and jockey Robert Perez but I am running for cover with Solomons Seal and Zoomie.

Betting: 7/10 Daring Dash; 5/2 Solomons Seal; 9/2 Zoomie; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Daring Dash; (3) Solomons Seal; (4) Zoomie.

Race 8: (14:40) – BM31 Handicap – 1365m:

Canford Club was super impressive when winning his local debut by a wide margin on 21 December. Kabelo Matsunyane takes the ride for Arveen Nagadoo but the 4yo son of Canford Cliffs takes on much stronger this time and he can expect stiff competition from the likes of Cybotix, Gang Leader and Cliff Swallow in an interesting contest. Amancio has decent form but would probably prefer a touch further. Canford Club gets the benefit of the doubt but this will be a real test and a good indication of where he fits into the pecking order.

Betting: 1/1Canford Club; 28/10 Cliff Swallow; 6/1 Cybotix; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Canford Club; (3) Cybotix; (6) Cliff Swallow; (5) Gang Leader.

Betting correct as at 17:00 on Thursday 30 April.

Suggested Pick 6:  3 x 1 x 2,6,7 x 1,2,6,7 x 1,3,4 x 1,3,5,6 (R144)

Kalahari King impressed on debut and has been tipped to win the Gr 3 Winter Nursery (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Sunday Formguides And Selections

Race 1

9 EL COHETE ran a great race on debut, she was well supported in the market when finishing second behind Margate, with natural improvement expected from this filly, she will be hard to beat. 7 PEACE GARLAND has run two nice races in succession, she is clearly improving with every start, top jockey Richard Fourie has been booked to ride this individual on Sunday, she can earn on her best form. 3 CHINWAG caught the eye late on debut when finishing fourth in the same race as El Cohete on 30 March, even though she wants further, she will be staying on strongly late, watch her closely at a decent price. 4 HURRICANE PAIGE looks progressive; she can sneak into the Quartet.

Race 2

7 SWIFT SERENITY will be hard to beat, her form of late is very good, this looks to be the perfect race for her to exit the maiden ranks. 5 RUBY REX has been rested for 210 days, in hope that she doesn’t need the run back from a lengthy break, she will be competitive on her current form. 1 MISS SMILEY caught the eye late at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on 18 March, she has run some decent races with the blinkers fitted, she has a place chance in this field. 3 TAKE THAT has been rested for 210 days, she ran a lovely race on debut when finishing just over three lengths behind Call Of The Karoo, if she doesn’t need the run after a long break, she will make them all work for victory, include her into all bets.

Race 3

4 CHANCE ENCOUNTER travelled like a winner when finishing second behind Bonelli on 6 April, he is consistent, and he tries hard, he will run a big race again from a neat draw. 1 ERIC LIDDELL finished fourth in the same race as Chance Encounter last time, he finished like a train on that occasion, he will be running on strongly late, watch him from a good draw. 2 RED DAWN has dropped even further in the ratings, the blinkers have been removed, he should finish amongst the places at a nice price. 8 SHOW OFF should be cherry ripe, he was doing some good work late behind Future Free at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 15 April, he will love the step up in trip.

Race 4

5 PENTOLINA quickened up smartly to win a good race on 1 April, she was given five points for that impressive win, top jockey Richard Fourie knows this filly well, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be storming home late. 8 LARK’S SONG was heavily supported in the market when finishing second behind Backinthefastlane on the 18th of April, the yard thinks highly of this filly, she will go close to winning. 3 BENEATH THE CLOUDS just needed her last run after a small break, she will be much fitter going into this race on Sunday, if she gets away from the field at the right time, she will be competitive. 2 GIVEN TO FLY won a good race on 25 March, she was given five points for that win, the step up in trip should bring out further improvement, include her into all bets from a nice draw.

Race 5

3 QUEEN REGENT won the Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes impressively on 6 April, she was given nine points for winning well, she will love the step up in trip to 1600m, on her current form, she has a big winning chance again. 5 SWIATEK has been rested for 64 days, she was terribly unlucky in the Grade 3 SplashOut Prix Du Cap on 28 February, she has a wonderful turn of foot late, if the gaps open at the right time, she will go mighty close to winning. 10 ROCCAPINA finished her race off beautifully behind Queen Regent on 6 April, unfortunately the wide draw here will make life tough for her, but she is classy and she has lots of ability, she can earn on her best form. 2 GIVE ME EVERYTHING needed her last run; she will improve tremendously.

Race 6

7 KALAHARI KING won impressively on debut, he looks special, the yard thinks highly of this colt, he will be hard to beat. 3 EARN THE WEEKEND quickened up beautifully to win just under the hands on debut, it was a messy race, and he still managed to win well, he looks progressive, watch him closely. 1 MARGATE won with tons in hand on 30 March, she has a beautiful action, even though this is a big jump in class for her, she could be anything, include her into all bets. 6 TAG AND RELEASE was heavily backed in the market when beating Redford in style on 18 April, he was out the gates like lightning when leading the field from start to finish, he can only improve.

Race 7

4 LA PULGA was given a terrific ride by jockey Aldo Domeyer on 6 April, he stayed on strongly up the lane to win a top race, even though he has gone up in the ratings, he will be right there in the finish again. 2 FUTURE FREE is well related, he won well at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 15 April, he will love the extra 200m on Sunday, include him into all bets. 3 VIVA’S LIBERTE ran a cracker behind Jet Force on 6 April, he will be cherry ripe for this race, the 1800m trip looks ideal for this beautiful gelding, he can definitely win from a good draw. 7 TENPENNY never runs a bad race, he will keep them honest on his current form.

Race 8

6 CLARK GRISWOLD needed his last run back from a small break on 21 March, there is no doubt that he will be much fitter for this race, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be powering through the field late, watch him at a decent price. 4 FOLLOW YOUR HEART stayed on well for third behind Flying Finley on 30 March, he should enjoy the extra 200m here, on his best form, he has a big winning chance. 10 SOOTY is in great form, he is a lovely looking gelding with a great action, the yard is in good form, he will be competitive again. 2 KLIPTOWN could be the value horse in this tricky race, he is much better than his last run over 1400m, the drop in trip will bring him back to his best, include him into all bets.

Race 9

9 MYSTIC INFERNO won like a smart filly in the making at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 1 April, this will be a massive test for her on Sunday, she looks extremely progressive, there is no doubt that she can win again. 3 TRUE HORIZON was given a good ride by the apprentice to win nicely at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on 18 March, she was given three points for that win, on her current form, she will be super competitive. 8 FINAL CALL stayed on well for second in a tough race on 1 April, the blinkers have been fitted to this well-bred filly, she will be right there in the finish again, watch her late. 7 BLUE LAGOON finally got it right on 18 April, she beat Scandalize impressively, she can only improve now that she has the confidence to win races.

Candice Bass became the first female trainer to win the Durban July when the Silvano gelding Marinaresco prevailed in 2017 (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)

David Mollett

Nine years ago, a young lady stood in the number one box at Greyville beaming from ear to ear. She had just won South Africa’s most famous race, the Durban July, in her first season as a trainer.

That person was Candice Bass and her winning horse was Marinaresco ridden by Bernard Fayd’Herbe.

Is it possible that another Candice could be the next female to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July in nine weeks time on July 4?

The answer to that question is yes. Randjesfontein trainer, Candice Dawson, who shares the licence with her sister Tammy, has a live candidate in three year-old, Trust.

The son of Heavenly Blue out of a Frankel mare, Trust won the Dingaans in November and – more recently – was beaten only a head by Grand Empire in the SA Classic.

Commenting on female trainers in an early interview, Candice said: “I believe that as women we have to work a little harder to achieve what we want, but it only makes us stronger.”

She spent 10 years as assistant to Geoff Woodruff and is full of praise for the former champion trainer. “He is an incredible horseman and was always willing to share his insight and knowledge.”

Regarding her current operation, she was quoted as saying “Winning races is a serious team effort. From our staff to our owners, jockeys, farriers, feed merchants, everybody plays their part. If we fail in one area in breaks the momentum.”

Candice knows the way to the winners box at Greyville for on July day last year she won the Gr 2 Golden Horseshoe with Chronicle King who is also entered for this year’s July. Her winner started at 33-1 and delighted bookies as he beat the heavily-backed favourite ridden by Richard Fourie.

If Candice read Turf Talk editor’s excellent piece headlined “Highveld 3-Y-O Trio Are the July Value” then she will be even more confident that Trust has a big shout.

The meat of David’s analysis was this:

“As things stand all of Splittheeights, Grand Empire and Trust will be getting 10 kg from See It Again in the July which is eight kilos better than weight-for-age. That puts them – strictly on paper – a ridiculous 15 to 16 lengths clear of See It Again on collateral formlines.”

Any punter reading this and intending to back the nine-time winner will surely have a rethink.

I had a quick word with Candice at the Yearling Sales and – obviously to protect the merit-rating – she said Trust wouldn’t run in the Daily News 2000. She said regular pilot, Serino Moodley, would be in the saddle.

Sean Tarry, whose team was in terrific form at Turffontein on Tuesday, is chasing a third July win and R400 000 buy, Grand Empire, looks overpriced at 16-1. The son of Vercingetorix boasts four wins and two seconds from six starts.

However, with Craig Zackey contracted to Dean Kannemeyer’s stable, he will have to find another lightweight and I’m wondering whether he might contact Lyle Hewitson in Hong Kong and see if he’s available. Lyle rode many winners for the stable before his departure for the Far East.
Splittheeights – second in the Gauteng Guineas – couldn’t be in safer hands than Matt and Mike De Kock but – unless Raymond Danielson can go on a similar diet to Garth Puller when he won on Bush Telegraph in 1987 – they too may have to shop around for a lightweight.

Many pundits – notably Clyde Basel – are in the camp of Note To Self for the July. I also managed a quick word with Andrew Fortune at the Sales and asked him which Snaith horse he would ride if he had to make a decision that day (April 16). He replied: “Note To Self but I’m a little worried that the track may not suit him.”

Here we bring back David Thiselton. He points out that – on a line through Happy Verse – Note To Self is about on a par with Jan Van Goyen who has beaten four lengths by Grand Empire in the SA Classic.

I was a busy guy at the Sales and also caught up with another Randjesfontein trainer, the much-respected Roy Magner. I told him I had taken 11-1 a place on his filly, Olivia’s Way, when the betting opened and he said “take some more.”

Olivia’s Way ran on to finish third in the Premier’s Champions Challenge (what an earner she’s been for ebullient owner Gerald Sadleir) and Roy said Marco Van Rensburg would be in the irons at Greyville.

Champion apprentice in 2001-2002, Marco has won on some top horses including Greys Inn and celebrated his 43rd birthday a fortnight ago.
What has to be pointed out is that – by protecting their merit-ratings – there is a risk of some not making the final field. The selection panel have a big task ahead of them this year.

So what of the KZN challenge? There’s Betway Summer Cup victor Mocha Blend, but the province’s best hope may lie with five year-old, King Pelles. I lost money on him in the Cup where he started 5-2 and somehow managed to trail in 16 lengths behind the winner.

Since then – back on home turf – he has turned in two useful efforts and he will be staying on when some others have cried enough.

At the announcement of the 63 entries, Hollywood’s Devin Heffer said “every year the race gets better and better.” No argument with that assessment.

Picture: Padraig Dawn is an outsider in Saturday’s 2000 Guineas (via Instagram)

Co-owner Niall Keating hoping Charlie Pike’s outsider can cook up a storm at Newmarket

At The Races

Padraig Dawn’s part-owner Niall Keating knows all about pressure at top of his profession and now he is confident he will see something special at Newmarket on Saturday when his colt takes his chance in the Betfred 2000 Guineas.

The Saxon Warrior bay won handily on his debut at Southwell and only went down by a neck when he was stepped up in grade in the Listed Burradon Stakes at Newcastle on All-Weather Finals day.

He gave rookie trainer Charlie Pike his first victory of his career at Southwell and Michelin star chef Keating, who owns Padraig Dawn in partnership with Gary Gillies, cannot wait to see what the future holds, starting at HQ on Saturday.

Keating told the Press Association: “Goodness me, not only is it exciting with the Guineas but we’ve also entered him into the St James’s Palace at Ascot.

“We’re very confident in his current form. Charlie’s happy and we made the decision to supplement based on where we see him tracking this year.

“It’s wide open. We’ve seen what he’s done in his first two races so why not? We’ve only got one chance at it. I’m happy, I’m excited more than anything because I do genuinely believe that something’s going to happen on Saturday and I think Charlie Pike could potentially be the youngest Guineas trainer after this weekend.

“If we’d had another 10 metres (at Newcastle) we would have won. We had Charlie’s first win and Padraig Dawn is actually named after my parents so it’s a real special time for me to be involved with Gary and the outfit we’ve got with Charlie.

“We came off a debut win but especially for Charlie, that meant the world to him. To be able to do this and make this journey with Charlie, especially bringing him through in everything we can just makes it even more exciting. It comes down to what we can achieve with and for Charlie, really.

“I’ve had a small taste of ownership before, not a huge 50 per cent stake like this in what is now a serious horse.”

Of his connection with co-owner Gillies, Keating added: “Gary and I have mutual friends.

“I’m a chef and I’ve always cooked at a high level. I’ve had two Michelin stars, the youngest to earn two Michelin stars and to be in this circle of people it was interesting to me to see how this all worked.

“I’ve always been an absolute lover of attending the races but it goes tenfold when attending, owning and running horses at a super high level.

“It’s just become something that I’m massively passionate about, something that we’re on an incredible journey with. I couldn’t really be doing it with two better people than Gary and Charlie.”

Of the likelihood of his involvement in racing expanding, Keating said: “I don’t think I can’t not buy more (horses). I really believe that this is something that I’m going to be a part of now in terms of having the support from Gary and enjoying this with Charlie as such a young trainer.

“I don’t think I can step away from horse racing now. It’s become an absolutely massive passion and something I’m thinking about all the time. My diary is already busy and now I’m having to think about which race I’m going to next.”