See It Again has risen to the top of the boards in the Gr 1 WSB Met (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

In spite of an impressive record that features multiple Gr1 successes, a record that most would be envious of, See It Again has still flattered to deceive, not winning when he had every right to.

Recently he also developed an aversion to the starting stalls that saw him withdrawn at the start on two occasions and was in danger of his starting certificate being withdrawn permanently.

That said, a change of climate, a change of routine that no doubt included a frolic or two in the cold waters of False Bay, and a change of trainer appear to have got him back on track. The strapping chestnut son of Twice Over has run two cracking races since joining Justin Snaith’s Phillippi yard and in both cases he was a touch unlucky, finding traffic at a crucial stage of the race.

He looked a dead certainty for fourth place in the Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate but rallied like the horse of old. Switched off the heels of The Real Prince with 50m to travel, he flashed home for a close-up third behind The Real Prince and Questioning, relegating Sail The Seas into fourth.

The real key to See It Again’s new lease on racing could be Andrew Fortune. He is a rider who has an almost uncanny report with his mounts, coaxing the best out of them be they modest maidens or Gr1 prospects and See It Again appears to be responding to Fortune’s superb hands.

See It Again drew wide at 10, with only Okavango on his outside in an 11-horse field but Jono Snaith intimated at the draw that Okavango would be used as a pacemaker which could open the way for his stable companion with Fortune declaring in typically bold fashion, ‘whatever beats me, will win’.

One has to take See It Again’s behavior at the start on trust, but if all goes well, a second Gr 1 WSB Met over the Kenilworth 2000m is on the cards tomorrow.

Owner Nic Jonsson will be dressed in his ‘workwear’s’ finest with two other runners in his colours, in last year’s winner Eight On Eighteen and recent Peninsular Stakes winner Okavango.

Given his performance, Eight On Eighteen did not look fully wound up for the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, an observation confirmed by Snaith after he drew gate 2 for last year’s Met winner. Eight On Eighteen finished just over four lengths back to The Real Prince in what was his first competitive run after a five-month break and he should come on lengths from that outing.

A further bonus is that Richard Fourie is back in the irons after an inspired ride on Questioning in the King’s Plate.

The Real Prince finished with a timely burst up the inside rail to snatch victory in the King’s Plate and Dean Kannemeyer has a knack of getting his runners to peak on the day. Although the gelding only just made it home, it was a run full of merit given that it was his second outing back after his runner-up berth behind Gladatorian in the Gr1 World Pool Champions Cup where he looked the winner before his rival caught him on the line.

Last season’s Hollywoodbets Durban July winner will relish the extra 400m and will be out to give Kannemeyer his first Met winner.

Stuart Ferrie’s charge Gladatorian is likely to start at lengthy odds given his effort in the King’s Plate but it may be a mistake to take that form at face value. As Ferrie pointed out post-race, he made up some 13 lengths in the straight to finish under three lengths off the first four home and he was more than happy with the run. Gladatorian won last season’s World Pool Champions Cup over 1800m with a devastating turn of foot to catch The Real Prince so exclude him from exotic bets at your peril.

Garrix and The Equator, who will be ridden by Arc-winning jockey Rene Piechulek, could provide upset results but if See It Again finds his best form they could all be chasing shadows.

Main supporting feature on the day is the Gr1 Maine Chance Farms Majorca Stakes where Double Grand Slam will be out to make amends for her defeat in the Gr1 Paddock Stakes when beaten into fourth behind Wish List. It was the mare’s first run back after a break and lacked her usually finishing burst. It was also a scorching hot afternoon and visiting rider Oisin Murphy was certainly feeling the heat.

She has a wide draw at 11 but on her day, Snaith’s mare is the one to beat and Fortune could win both Gr 1’s on the day.

Going on jockey bookings, Richard Fourie would have had the pick of the James Crawford fillies and has plumbed for Mon Petit Cherie ahead of stable companion Reet Petite who finished second to Wish List in the Paddock Stakes and second to Quickstepgal in the Gr1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas. Fourie is contracted to owners Ridgemont but so is Gareth Wright who general rides second string.

Asiye Phambili is in good form and as game as they come. The mile trip holds no fears and she will be competitive.

Tienie Prinsloo’s WSB Cape Fillies Guineas winner Quickstepgal has been scratched with a jarred knee.

Holding Thumbs has been tipped to win the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers over 2800m (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth WSB Met Day Formguides And Selections

Race 1 

4 ST HARRY made an eye-catching debut. Well supported in the market, he came from a long way back to snatch victory. He can build on that experience. Justin Snaith has a strong hand with three runners, headed by 12 CHAMPAGNE CASTLE, who has taken on males at her last two and won convincingly. She should be involved in the finish. Stable companion, 1 MARSEILLES, found strong market support at just his second start and landed the odds comfortably and should come on from that effort. 7 QUERARI DANCER beat Marseilles on debut. She has not been out since November last year, but the form has held up well. (Andrew Harrison: 4 – 12 – 1 – 7) 

Race 2 

2 WORLD FIRST has improved as he has stepped up in trip. He was a narrow winner first time out of the maidens and got a four-point raise in the handicap, but he is lightly raced and still improving. 1 NOTE TO SELF has not been out of the money and close-up in all four starts. This trip should suit. 6 FAST AND FREE found strong market support last run but may have found the trip too far. The form of his maiden win over course and distance has held up. 10 WEHAVEASITUATION has come good of late and seldom runs a bad race. (Andrew Harrison: 2 – 1 – 6 – 10) 

Race 3 

8 HOLDING THUMBS is a top-class stayer and won his last start a lot more comfortably than the margin suggests. Weight does not bother him as he showed two runs back when fighting off the lightly weighted 4 AHEAD OF THE FACTS giving him 11kg. Holding Thumbs has since beaten him again and meets on much more favourable weight terms. 1 ZATARA has excellent Fairview form and is a solid galloper. He does jump in trip. 2 MAGIC VERSE was under a length back to Holding Thumbs last time out but the latter had the race won a long way out. (Andrew Harrison: 8 – 2 – 1 – 4) 

Race 4 

Wide open handicap to start the Pick 6. 1 INFLUENCE started at long odds in a winning debut. He must surely come on with the experience and could follow up. The form behind 9 KELP FOREST will be closely scrutinized with many of this field finishing behind him. Kelp Forest won at long odds and second-placed 6 MIRACULOUS was also friendless in the market but did have some fair form prior to that. Third-placed 18 MAURITIUS KESTREL was less than a length back and now gets the benefit of a 4kg claimer. However, he may be drawn on the ‘wrong’ side of the straight as current trends point to fields bunching on the inside rail, but he does have Andrew Fortune on 19 CLAIR DE LUNE drawn on his inside, so will have one to follow. 14 WHIRLWIND is a lightly raced filly who was narrowly beaten in her handicap debut but does take on males. (Andrew Harrison: 1 – 6 – 18 – 9) 

Race 5 

1 THE US OF A is seldom out of the money and has started favourite in his last five races. He carried a big weight with cheek pieces last run. They have been removed and he has a handy galloping weight. 14 ALL THE RAGE is drawn on the other side of the course that may not be ideal. However, he has a handy weight, yet to finish out of the money and won well last time out. 2 HIS MAJESTY has had two promising local outings over further since his arrival from the UK where he was mostly sprinting. The blinkers go on and he may be worth following in the market. 10 TEFLON MAN has been coming to hand slowly and looks primed for this after a smart effort behind stable companion Outlaw King in the SplashOut Cape Merchants Gr 2. (Andrew Harrison: 1 – 14 – 10 – 2) 

Race 6 

14 GREAT PLAINS has the widest draw to contend with but made a cracking comeback over course and distance after a lengthy rest beating Sail The Seas who was touched off in the recent L’Omarins King’s Plate Gr 1. He has a big weight but a repeat will see him close. Stable companion, 6 POWERANDTHEGLORY, was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out. He jumps in class but only has 51kg to shoulder and he gets first-time blinkers. 3 O’TENIKWA has shown up well in two sprints since his return to the Cape. The step up in trip from a plum draw can see him into the firing line. 2 RAVEN BLACK steps up in trip but has solid recent sprint form and with only 52.5kg to shoulder he could be a big threat. (Andrew Harrison: 14 – 6 – 3 – 2) 

Race 7 

10 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM will be out to make amends for her defeat in the Cartier Paddock Stakes Gr 1 when beaten into fourth behind Wish List. It was the mare’s first run back after a break and lacked her usually finishing burst. It was also a scorching hot afternoon and visiting rider Oisin Murphy was certainly feeling the heat. Going on jockey bookings, Richard Fourie would have had the pick of the James Crawford fillies and has plumbed for 2 MON PETIT CHERIE, the higher rated of the two, ahead of stable companion 3 REET PETITE, who finished second to Wish List in the Cartier Paddock Stakes Gr 1 and second to 12 QUICKSTEPGAL in the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas Gr 1. Fourie is contracted to owner, Ridgemont, but so is Gareth Wright who generally rides second string. Quickstepgal, who followed up with a cracking run in the Cartier Sceptre Stakes Gr 2, only caught in the dying strides. She is back over a mile and does have a deep draw to overcome. However, she has good gate speed and the services of former Champion Jockey Keagan de Melo. 9 ASIYE PHAMBILI is in good form and as game as they come. The mile trip holds no fears and she will be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 10 – 12 – 9 – 2) 

Race 8 

10 SEE IT AGAIN has run two cracking races for his new stable and was a touch unlucky in both not to have finished closer. He appears to have taken a renewed interest in racing and with some luck in running rates a strong chance. Richard Fourie is back aboard last year’s World Sports Betting Cape Town Met Gr 1 winner, 2 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN. He had his first run back in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate Gr 1 after a lengthy break and looked in need of the run. He should strip at his peak. 4 GLADATORIAN was doing his best work late in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate Gr 1. If intended pacemaker 11 OKAVANGO set a solid gallop, Gladatorian could mow them all down as he has a smart turn of foot. 6 THE REAL PRINCE got up late to win the L’Ormarins King’s Plate Gr 1 over a trip short of his best. He will be at his peak and will have plenty of supporters. (Andrew Harrison: 10 – 2 – 4 – 6) 

Race 9 

7 TOUCHED BY ANGELS is highly regarded by the stable and has yet to finish out of the money. He does take a big step up in trip but he should see it out comfortably. 2 HAPPY VERSE has won three of his six starts and was runner up to Jan van Goyen in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas Gr 1. He too should have no trouble seeing out the extra furlong. 3 BETTER MAN was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out from a wide draw and is a must inclusion in all calculations. 1 PAY THE PALACE was unplaced in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas Gr 1, but was ahead of Happy Verse prior to that. He will definitely enjoy the step up to this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 7 – 1 – 2 – 3) 

Race 10 

2 PRINCESS OF GAUL has smart form over the trip and although she carries top weight against a myriad of low weights, she is the class in the race. 9 WANDER DUNE was a beaten favourite last run when sent over further. She has only had two three starts and two smart efforts over the course and distance. 11 MAI SENSATION would appear to be the pick of the Lucinda Woodruff pair, given J P van der Merwe’s choice of rides. She has a big weight but has been taking on stronger at recent outings while 1 CALL ME SECRET steps up in class but got a hefty 14-pound shunt up the handicap for her seventh place behind Quickstepgal in the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas Gr 1. 13 DISTING has not been far back at recent outings and with Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance she cannot be ignored. (Andrew Harrison: 2 – 9 – 11 – 13) 

Race 11 

7 SWIATEK has only twice been out of the money in a dozen starts. She was a beaten favourite when third in a feature over 1800m last time out but is down in class and should stay the extra. 1 QUEEN REGENT also steps up in trip after being touched off over a mile last time out. She boasts solid sprint form but indications are that she will stay the trip and only has 50kg to shoulder. 3 GIVE ME EVERYTHING was just over two lengths back in the Cartier Paddock Stakes Gr 1 and should be primed for this event. 8 LITTLE SUZIE has lost her way a little since KZN’s Champions Season and could surprise if finding her best form. (Andrew Harrison: 7 – 1 – 3 – 8) 

Race 12 

A highly competitive handicap to end the day. 11 SMARTEN UP enjoyed the step up in trip last time out and can go one better although he only meets 2 FOUDRE on 0.5kg better terms. 4 UNITED FRONT was beaten four lengths by Foudre and Smarten Up but gets first time blinkers which suggests that there is more to come as he has only had six starts. 13 ROCKANROLLIN got his first win in a handicap maiden sprint but is back over what looks to be a more suitable trip. He does have a deep draw to contend with. (Andrew Harrison: 11 – 2 – 4 – 13) 

Cosmic Speed – tipped to win the WSB Met by Danie Toerien (JC Photos)

TAB4Racing’s Highveld racing journalists Danie Toerien and  Jack Milner have written interesting previews for the WSB Met and given all of their selections and permutations for the big day.

The Sporting Post’s National Punters’ Guide is also worth looking at.

Click here to read Danie Toerien’s preview and selections

Click here to read Jack Milner’s preview and selections

Click here to view the Sporting Post’s National Punter’s Guide

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday 31 January 2026. Net Pick6 Carryover R1 Million. Estimated Pool: R7 Million. Race 4 off at 13h35.

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday 31 January 2026. Net Quartet Carryover R500 000. Estimated Pool: R2 Million. Race 8 off at 16h05.

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday 31 January 2026. Net Jackpot 3 Carryover R500 000. Estimated Pool: R2 Million. Race 9 off at 16h45.

Invincible Ibis has been tipped to win the Hong Kong Classic Mile (Picture: HKJC) 

At The Races tipster Tim Carroll hit another winning Placepot in midweek (18 lines), and has Sunday’s expert selections online for Sha Tin, which kicks off at 06H30 SA Time

This Sunday sees an exciting 11-race meeting from Sha Tin getting and the feature on the card is race 8, the Hong Kong Classic Mile, with prizemoney off £13,000,000, which is the first leg of the 4yo Classic Series that culminates with the Derby in March.

Now onto this week’s selections:

Click here for a comprehensive guide to the meeting

Winds Of Change has a lot in his favour on Sunday at Turffontein Standside (JC Photos) 

The nine race meeting on Sunday at Turffontein Standside includes a Graduation Plate, two Middle Stakes events and a MR94 Handicap for fillies and mares.

In the Graduation Plate Winds Of Change gets everything in his favour and as the best weighted runner he can get it right at last. He is drawn towards the favourable outside in the 1160m event and should be cherry ripe. Muzi Yeni was on him when he went close from an unfavourable low draw three runs ago over this same course and distance and Yeni is back aboard for the first time since. Chapbook beat Winds Of Change by a length when they last met over 1000m and is now 2,5kg worse off if claims are ignored, but otherwise 4kg worse off. It will be tough for him and he disappointed last time over 1200m. He is better than that last run and can bounce back now he is back at Turffontein. Rifle Queen won both of her first two starts and made a fine comeback recently from a five month layoff. She has a potentally tricky draw of three according to trends, but sometimes the trend is not applicable and horses win down the inside, while she also has Gavin Lerena up and he will formulate a plane to overcome the draw. Kaalvoet beat Chapbook last time having lost to him before that, but last time was his third run on the Highveld and he should be able to repeat the effort. Anchorage is speedy and has some class but does have her quirks, like trying to savage a horse in her penultimate start. She has a low draw, but has the ability to be right there.

In the MR 94 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m Accept Cookies has progressed well and was beaten by a classy sort last time over this same trip off this same merit rating. She now has pole position with Lerena up, so should take a power of beating. Palace Dancer disappointed last time but is capable of better and can bounce back from a slightly better draw. Mountain High went close over 1450m last time and will enjoy stepping back up to a trip she has won over before. Lady Sabrina is in good form and should relish the step back up in trip, a trip she has won over before. She once ran close up to Accept Cookies over this trip and is now 3kg better off with her from that run, although she was a three-year-old then and has not progressed as well as Accept Cookies. Streisand has become disappointing, but from a good draw could bounce back as she seemed to be full of scope at one stage.

In the first of the Middle Stakes events over 2400m  Battleground was always one with a lot of potential over staying trips and his four career wins are from 2400m to 3200m. After bouncing back with a close second last time over 2000m off a reduced merit rating of 89, he looks potentially well handicapped here off the same 89, because that makes him officially the second best weighted horse in the race and he has won easily off an 88 before. Douglas Dragon is an honest stayer and is officially the best weighted horse, so should be right there. Enflame is officially 2kg under sufferance with Douglas Dragon, but has done well in both staying starts he has raced in, including in the Listed Allied Steelrode Java Stakes over 2400m which was in testing conditions. Ethical is officially 4kg under sufferance with Douglas Dragon but does have the 1,5kg claim of Mickaelle Michel to help her and being by Heavenly Blue out of a Royal Mo mare whose six career starts included one win over 1800m, she might well relish the step up to a staying trip. Nebraas is a former Gold Cup winner who is now a nine-year-old. He beat Enflame by 1,70 lengths in the Java Stakes, but is now 4kg worse off.

The second Middle Stakes event over 1400m will see Tintin hard to beat as he looks to be full of ability. The horse he beat by 5,75 lengths last time, Quickfreeze, has subsequently come out to win by 4,25 lengths and 3,50 lengths respectively. Tintin has a fair draw of five and can beat Chieftain’s Shield who has progressed nicely into a reliable sort. Coppola could earn if reproducing his best.

In the fifth race over 1800m Peace Treaty should go close with a repeat of his last start and the middle draw is not bad. Caus Belli is usually thereabouts but has to overcome a tough draw. Full Go ran a cracker in his penultimate start over 2000m and will need to repeat it from a similar draw to be involved. 7 Crepuscolo beat Peace Treaty and Caus Belli last time they met but was raised four points and disappointed next time out. World Order could earn in this race.

In the seventh over 1600m Paris Fun just failed over 1400m last time and will be hard to beat over a strep up in trip she should relish and she has Zackey up from a fair draw. Sigfrid Swing will enjoy this trip and has Lerena up, albeit from a tricky draw. Alta Capitana should start progressing off a competitive mark. Into Dancing has turned the corner with blinkers and should be thereabouts. Fish Hawk has an easier task than last time when tried in a Gr 3 and she will be a threat.

In the eighth over 1400m Michael Faraday has a lot of ability and if able to overcome a wide draw has a fine chance. Pretty Analia is capable of a strong finish and has a shout from pole position. Golden Aspen is in good form and can be right there again. Vava Vegas can be in the shake up if producing his best. Lava Fire ran a fair race last time and could earn again.

In the first race over 1160m Gimmesumluv and Trail Runner should fight it out.

In the second Space Mission is the one to beat in an uninspiring field.

Who is statistically the greatest Met horse of all time?

The picture is of the subject (Picture: Gold Circle)