Charles Dickens and regular pilot Aldo Domeyer (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Charles Dickens Seeks Own Crown On Coronation Day

Dave Mollett (Business Day)

William Robertson pictured winning at Hollywoodbets Greyville  (Picture: Candiese Lenferna).

Trainer Comments For Hollywoodbets Greyville IOS Meeting 

Video Previews compiled by Michele Wing and Gold Circle team.

WSB Guineas – CLICK HERE TO WATCH TRAINER COMMENTS VIDEO

WSB Fillies Guineas – CLICK HERE TO WATCH TRAINER COMMENTS VIDEO

IOS Drill Hall Stakes – CLICK HERE TO WATCH TRAINER COMMENTS VIDEO

These ARE the best 3yos In The Country – Glen Kotzen on Saturday’s Gr 2 WSB Guineas 

Charles Dickens might be Cape Town’s darling but Cousin Casey could be called the people’s horse in KZN, where he has run five times and won four of them, including a Listed race, a Gr 2 and a Gr 1.

Glen Kotzen said the Vercingetorix colt had been “flying” in his work.

He said, “He will strip fitter than he was last time out in the Byerley Turk.”

Cousin Casey suffered defeat for the first time in KZN in that Grade 3 event over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

He did give the winner Strawberry Bear 6kg and in retrospect jockey Grant van Niekerk, who sat behind Strawberry Bear in the running in second place, would have been better off following the latter down the inside rather than dropping back slightly and switching around the horse on his outside. However, he can be forgiven for underestimating Strawberry Bear, who was rated 23 points lower than Cousin Casey, and it must also be remembered that Glen Kotzen’s only Durban July winner, Big City Life, ran second in the Byerley Turk too.

Kotzen said Cousin Casey had had a good recent gallop and he was looking forward to a competitive, high class clash.

“These ARE the best three-year-olds in the country,” he said before predicting a big on course crowd would be attracted to watch racing out of the top drawer.

However, he did warn that this would still be a stepping stone for Cousin Casey towards his ultimate target, the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The horse to beat is obviously Charles Dickens and Glen said, “Charles Dickens’ strength is that he has a helluva kick. He can quicken off a fast pace or slow pace and quickens better than anything else and that’s what makes him so brilliant. But there is nothing wrong with the way Cousin Casey quickens.”

Cousin Casey enjoys a slight draw advantage of six versus eight.

Cousin Casey usually settles exceptionally well and Glen explained his run in the WSB Cape Town Met, “He was caught three wide and settled but then Grant decided due to the slow pace to go forward and he then had to try and settle him again. But he still managed to quicken and was coming back at them at the line. In the Holywoodbets Cape Guineas he was together with Charles Dickens and the latter switched to the outside and motored home but going down the inside Cousin Casey still overtook most of the field.”

It is not just a two horse race and Glen was asked about two others who have had pundits talking, Dave The King and See It Again, “I don’t know if Dave The King is in this class, but they say he is and he is distance suited and has a cracking draw so we will see. I think the best of See It Again will be seen over 2000m and beyond.”

He also singled out Anfields Rocket as one who never ran a bade race. 

Glen is bullish about his chances in the Grade 2 WSB Fillies Guineas with Hold My Hand.

He said, “She was dropping herself right out of it and then just running on too late.”

However, he said she was now “sharper” and he predicted that although she would be dropped out in her usual style she would get into the race quicker than previously in the straight.

He makes her a big runner.

He expected good runs from the joint favourites Bonne Bouche and Certainly in the ninth race and said Certainly had been working exceptionally well.

Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson and Charles Dickens (suidkaapforum.com) 

WSB Guineas Preview

Charles Dickens comes with a big reputation

Devonne Govender (Gold Circle)

The Candice Bass-Robinson trained Charles Dickens takes his place in the World Sports

Betting Guineas (Grade 2) at Hollywoodbets Greyville this Saturday. It’s no secret that the son of Trippi is loaded with ability and a massive run can be expected. The tricky draw could play into his hands if there is a solid tempo on and he will be closing them down late.

This race is packed with quality equine athletes and there are many who will make the likely favourite Charles Dickens work for victory.

Cousin Casey from the Glen Kotzen yard loves it here in KZN and would have tightened up well after his good recent run. He seems to have a high cruising speed and is bound to be fighting out the finish.

Another strong contender is Anfields Rocket from the Grant Maroun yard. He is highly thought of by his trainer and his form speaks for itself. It will be exciting to see how he takes
to Hollywoodbets Greyville as he can only get better as he goes further in trip.

See It Again from the Michael Roberts yard is back on home turf in KZN. He’s beautifully bred, has top form to his name, a plum draw and one of the best riders aboard, Piere Strydom. He has plenty of ability and is a massive runner here.

Dave The King comes of a good last win. The Mike De Kock trained son of Global View gets the best draw with in form Craig Zackey aboard. His last win did come over 1200m but he’s got the draw factor in his favour so should be thrown into the mix. He comes from a powerful yard and must be respected.

The De Kock yard also saddle’s East Coast who also has solid credentials. He has Richard Fourie in the irons and could make his presence felt when it matters most. He has run some
very good races in the Highveld and this is an eye catching jockey booking.

A close eye should be kept on Melech from the Roy Magner yard with Muzi Yeni up. He is a horse who has been winning very convincingly and looks progressive. Although he has a
wide draw, he has only run four times and has been in the winner’s box three times. This yard will have him ready to compete at this top level.

There are other runners to consider with strong form and it’s advisable to listen closely to trainer comments, study the form thoroughly when making your selections as well as keeping a close eye on the runners going down to the start.

Overall, this is a power packed field and its sure to be one of the highlights with some of the country’s best three-year olds going head-to-head. There is plenty other racing action on
the day with the World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas ( Grade 2 ) as well as the Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes (Grade 2). Punters and racegoers will be treated to an action
packed ten race programme.

The At The Races Tipster fancies See It Again to follow in the footsteps of his three parts brother Do It Again and win the WSB Guineas (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)

Greyville Saturday May 6 Formguides And Selections

www.attheraces.com

Forte, seen here winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland, is one of the fancied horses for the Kentucky Derby (Picture: Daily Gazette) 

Kentucky Derby – Pen Pictures For Saturday’s Run For The Roses

Below are summarised comments but for all the information for the Kentucky Derby CLICK HERE

CBS Sports

Kentucky Derby horses

Profile not available

2000 Guineas – Saturday 17H40 (SA Time) Newmarket – Pen Pictures

OddsChecker

2000 Guineas 2023 Runners Guide

Nevertheless, he stuck to the task well once headed and connections have deliberately kept him fresh for this since, which has primarily been the target. Christophe Soumillon is an interesting jockey booking and his mount could go very well at a double-figure price.

The above horse was the first 2000 Guineas winner for the race’s winning-most trainer and this horse stood at stud in the KZN Midlands. 

Today’s Question

Hollywoodbets Greyville Fields, Saturday

Turffontein Standside Fields, Sunday

Aidan O’Brien