Fourie Barometer 367 (updated after racing on 07/05/2024)
Marshall Absolved In Case That Shouldn't Have Been
Vaughan Marshall has been training for 43 years (Picture: Wayne Marks)
The NHA leaders need plenty of support in their current drive to ensure racing results have integrity, particularly in their initiative to test for TCO2 levels, but they appear to have given their detractors some fodder in a case against Vaughan Marshall which by all accounts should never have been a case.
Vaughan Marshall Inquiry held on 6 May 2024. Charged with a transgression of Rule 10.5.14 in particular that a veterinary treatment has not been accurately recorded as a treatment record in a Veterinary Treatment Register (VTR).
Vaughan Marshall:
“I have never been one to run to the press, but I am so aggrieved about what I have been subjected to that I feel compelled to speak out publicly in the hope that others don’t suffer the same fate and that this type of behaviour ceases forthwith. I have been a trainer for 43 years and have never had a single prohibited substance transgression against my name. Two of my horses jarred up in a race and the next day when I was off, and after discussion with my assistant of 14 years, Adele Alsop, my vet Dr Alisdair Cameron, duly administered a dose of pyroflam to the horses in question which he recorded in his VTR. Cameron relocated and left SA and the employ of Baker & McVeigh the following day. A few days later, NHA vet, Matthew Bawden, arrived at my yard and requested to take 10 out-of-competition tests. It was only when chief stipe Ernie Rodrigues turned up with an AOG for R30k that I first became aware of the 2 treatments. I duly contacted B&M, obtained their VTR and Ernie then scanned copies to the NHA on 5 November 2023 and duly handed Arnold Hyde a hard copy on 11 November. He was completely satisfied that I had not contravened any NHA Rules. I need to point out that pyroflam/flunixin/finadyne is one and the same, and the most commonly utilized non-steroidal anti-inflammatory used on a daily basis by every training establishment. It is like you and me taking a panado. This should have been the end of the matter but literally months later, Ernie was instructed by Hyde to now offer me a discounted R15k AOG to sign. Again, I refused. Ernie kindly offered to testify at the Inquiry on my behalf. I decided to lawyer up to protect my good name and integrity. I duly appointed attorney Mike Marshall (no relation), Adv Nigel Riley and of course Robert Bloomberg was always behind the scenes and also attended the Inquiry. The Inquiry itself was an embarrassment for the NHA. After their only witness Dr Bawden had admitted under cross-examination that the vets VTR was accessible at all times, that the treatments were accurately and legibly recorded in a treatment register, and that I had not contravened Rule 10.5.14, we closed our case without calling any of our 3 witnesses. The chairman of the Inquiry Board, Mr Andre Vlok was fantastic and was visibly irritated from the get-go with the NHA prosecutor. When Mr Wafer was asked by Mr Vlok why we were actually here and the wasted costs associated with this, he unbelievably replied that if I had signed the AOG that this wouldn’t have happened. I can’t tell you the stress that this unnecessary victimization by the NHA has caused me. My sincere thanks go out to my incredible legal team.”
When asked for comment, Robert Bloomberg responded:
“Whilst I took a decision months ago to focus my attentions on assisting Cape Racing in various matters, and not to represent stakeholders at Inquiries and Appeals, I will always try and assist my friends especially where I believe that there has been a travesty of justice. In regard to Vaughan’s matter, I furnished Vee Moodley and Arnold Hyde with an objective factually based Legal Opinion in an endeavour to save unnecessary costs wherein I stated unequivocally that Vaughan had no case to answer politely stating inter alia that this matter was “not justifiable in pursuing.” I also informed them that the chief witness for Vaughan was the chief stipendiary steward in the WC, Ernie Rodrigues, who would be testifying against his own employer and that surely this set off alarm bells. Mr Moodley arrogantly responded stating that they had not asked for my opinion and further said that “there is absolutely no way we shall NOT proceed with the Inquiry based on the fact that our chief stipendiary steward is a witness and the cost implications that you mention” and further stated that “this matter is NOW closed.” I subsequently told Mr Hyde when he called me in an unrelated matter that they had “zero chance” in succeeding and that it was foolhardy in the extreme to proceed. He undertook to speak with Mr Moodley. I never heard from him again and exactly one week later a letter of set down for the hearing was sent to Vaughan by one Shane Wafer, bizarrely penned on an NHA letterhead and pronouncing that he was the new NHA Prosecuting Attorney. To the best of my knowledge, he is not a full-time employee of the NHA. It was the disrespect shown to me by the NHA and the request from Adv Riley that I assist him at the Inquiry in the capacity of racing technical advisor and of course my extreme desire to give them a “snotklap” that I agreed to same. When ones opinion accords with that of the CEO and RCE then your opinion is appreciated, but when it deviates from their own myopic and severely tainted viewpoint, then bully-boy tactics prevail. The mission statement of the NHA is “maintaining the integrity of the sport of horseracing” but where was the integrity in prosecuting a vindictive, vexatious, meritless and spurious case against an obviously totally innocent party.”
ENDS
Those who have a problem with the leadership of the NHA are allowed to excercise Rule 6.10. However, it is a route seldom taken.
6.10 COMPLAINT AGAINST THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
6.10.1 If any PERSON is aggrieved by the actions or any decision of the CHIEF EXECUTIVE or any MANAGER in the exercise of their powers, duties, functions or discretions given or to be carried out or exercised in terms of the RULES, such PERSON may lodge a complaint in WRITING with the NATIONAL BOARD. Such complaint shall set out the circumstances giving rise to the complaint and the grounds thereof and shall, unless
lodged by a STEWARD or LICENSED OFFICIAL, be accompanied by a deposit of R3000.
6.10.2 The NATIONAL BOARD shall investigate the complaint and take whatever steps with regard to the complaint as they deem appropriate. The NATIONAL BOARD shall, inter alia, have the power to:-
6.10.2.1 dismiss the complaint;
6.10.2.2 overrule any decision taken or discretion exercised by the CHIEF EXECUTIVE or MANAGER;
6.10.2.3 substitute their own action, decision or exercise their own discretion in place of any action, decision or discretion taken or exercised by the CHIEF EXECUTIVE or MANAGER;
6.10.2.4 refer any matter back to the CHIEF EXECUTIVE for reconsideration;
6.10.2.5 decide what amount, if any, of the deposit shall be refunded.
6.10.3 The complainant may be fined not more than R50000 if his complaint is considered unwarranted.
Marshall And One World Play Starring Roles
One Stripe makes it three-in-a-row and two Gr 3s in a row (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Vaughan Marshall and the stalwart Met winner he trained One World played starring roles in the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth meeting on Sunday.
One World is now within grasping distance of breaking a record held by his sire Captain Al, who was also trained by Marshall.
Marshall had three winners at Sunday’s meeting and two of them were by One World.
One of Marshall’s wins was in the Gr 3 Winter Nursery and in that race he got the exacta, with both the winner One Stripe and runner up Lion Rampart being by One World.
In the 2004/2005 season the former Marshall-trained Captain Al broke the record for a freshman sire by having 22 individual winners. He was not actually freshman champion because it goes on stakes and the great Jet Master’s progeny had accumulated more money.
One World now has 15 individual winners this season of 19 races.
Considering the progeny of last season’s freshman champion Lancaster Bomber had most of their wins in the last three months of the season, One World is in with a realistic chance of breaking his father’s record.
He has to have seven more individual winners to equal the reord and eight to beat it.
He has chances of increasing his tally in both the first and second races at Hollywoodbets Greyville tomorrow (Wednesday) with the Glen Kotzen-trained United Nation in the first race and the Yogas Govender-trained Jet Lavish in the second.
Drakenstein's Red Letter Day Takes Them Closer To Record
Stuart Ferrie Bullish About Gladatorian
Gladatorian won over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in his penultimate start (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Stuart Ferrie is bullish about the chances of Gladatorian in the postponed Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville today.
He pointed out the horse’s liking for the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf, on which he has raced four times for two wins, a second and one unplaced run.
His first win there was in the Gr 2 Post Merchants over 1200m on Hollywoodbets Durban July day last year, where he beat the now twice Gr 1-winning sprinter Thunderstruck by a neck receiving only 2kg.
His other win was last time out over that same 1200m course and distance in a Pinnacle event and his only unplaced run was in the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint, also over 1200m, when finishing just 2,60 lengths behind the winner Isivunguvungu on weight for age terms.
The Vercingetorix four-year-old gelding has only had 15 starts and has only twice run over further than sprint distances. He finished second on the polytrack over 1400m in his fifth career start and in his penultimate start over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville he carried topweight of 62kg in a Pinnacle Stakes event and won it despite the going being soft.
Stuart said, “He seems to want further now . He has come in to a decent draw as long as the 70 rated horse doesn’t get in the way!”
Ferrie was asked whether he gave Gladatoriaan a chance and replied, “Definitely. He has run against the best for a number of starts and he certainly wasn’t stopping when he won over 1400m. He’s bred to go a little bit further too.”
Gladatorian’s sire Vercingetorix produces more speed and precocity than his famous six-times national champion sire Silvano. However, Vercingetorix did win the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 and the Gr 1 Jebel Hatta over 1800m at Meydan, among other Graded race victories.
Gladatorian’s dam Harvard Crimson is by Dynasty, who won the Durban July among other races.
Harvard Crimson herself won from 1200m up to 2000m, including a Listed race over 2000m.
So to say Gladatorian is “bred to go a little bit further” is an understatement.
He could have an interesting career ahead of him if winning today.
The favourite with Hollywoodbets is Royal Aussie at 28/10, with Cousin Casey and Gladatorian next best, both at 7/2.
Royal Aussie showed a tremendous turn of foot when running third in the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate behind Charles Dickens and See It Again and should enjoy this course and distance, considering he did not appear to see out the WSB Met trip.
Cousin Casey had a fantastic record at Hollywoodbets Greyville as a two-year-old, winning a Listed race and a Gr 2 over this trip and a Gr 1 over 1600m. He appears to need gelding and has not been settling well in some of his starts. However, a drop in trip from a plum draw of two could bring out the best in him.
The Ricky Maingard-trained pair Al Muthana and Waterberry Lane are the longest-priced of the recognised runners and are draw seven and eight respectively in the eight horse field.
However, they can’t be ignored as they are both capable of producing performances out of the top drawer. Al Muthana has won the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville before, while Waterberry Lane has won his last three attempts at this course and distance, although the last of those in September last year was the last time he finished in the money in any race, so his recent form is uninspiring.
The Mike de Kock pair Humdinger and Gimmeanotherchance are both course and distance suited too and not out of it.
Double Grand Slam will be very hard to beat in the Gr 2 WSB Fillies Guineas. She is at cramped odds of 3/10 with Hollywoodbets.
Rascova should enjoy the course and distance and could give some cheek and White Pearl should give another good account of herself.
The next race, the Gr 2 WSB Guineas, is a touch more open although the 12/10 favourite Sandringham Summit will have plenty of supporters.
The Gimmethegreenlight colt has proved his liking for the WSB Guineas course and distance with a facile win in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes last season, where he easily beat Main Defender. However, the latter has improved since then. Sandringham Summit jumps from a plum draw of two.
Green With Envy will prefer further, but is a highly progressive sort, so he could upset the applecart.
Mid Winter Wind is improving all the time too and represents the flying Tarry yard, although he does have a tricky draw of 6 out of 7.
Snow Pilot is the Gr 1 Holywoodbets Cape Guineas winner and will have come on from his Champions Season pipe opener. He will be dangerous in a small field as he can kick well from handy positions.
Hluhluwe is highly regarded and has been gelded so could be dangerous from pole position.
Navajo Nation has a wide draw and looks to have it all to do.
Renowned Punter And Author Alan Potts Calls It Quits
I have had another email from professional punter Alan Potts, this one is a very sad summing up of how things in the UK gambling industry has become. He’s sent it to relevant bodies. He’s given me kind permission to reproduce it here, an open letter.
I backed my first winner almost sixty years ago, a horse called Vigo’s Slipper, a tip from the door to door greengrocer that I worked for on a Saturday. The race was a 1M 3F handicap at Catterick and the SP was 9/2 – my half crown each way produced a profit of about fourteen shillings. It was the start of a lifetime as a punter, a consistent loser for two decades plus, then several years of profit before becoming a full time player after redundancy aged 44.
In the 90’s I was mainly betting on course, then online as the internet offered new tax free options, eventually the Betfair exchange and the revolution that produced in the early years of this century. Once I was betting for my living, from 1992, my stakes were measured in hundreds and the annual turnover in six figures. On the exchange twenty years ago, single win bets of up to three thousand were placed, with an average stake of around eight hundred.
My betting activity declined after I’d reached 65, becoming more of a hobby than the earlier need to pay the bills. But the stakes remained in three figures – it was what I was used to and I was, and still am, comfortable at that level. In all those years, nobody ever asked me where my money was coming from, nobody ever contacted me to discuss my betting and betting accounts were only closed or restricted if I’d been winning too much. I’d read about something called ‘affordability checks’, but didn’t take much notice as it could surely never affect me. Well I was wrong about that!
The first intervention came from the exchange in August, who arbitrarily set a monthly deposit limit of £500 on my account, then sent me an email telling me I needed to contact them. Which I did, using their online chat service, although the word ‘service’ hardly applied. They insisted that we should talk on the phone and when I explained that I have severe hearing issues caused by tinnitus and would prefer to use chat or email, that was interpreted as me being difficult and met with a threat to suspend my account and further reduce the monthly limit. That seemed to me to be a rather odd way to treat someone that had been a customer for 20+ years and as I don’t take kindly to threats, I told them to shut the account.
I suppose if you set up a section dedicated to the ‘Safety and Wellbeing’ of your punters, the people so employed will need to harass customers to justify their salary. I still have absolutely no idea what prompted them to conclude that I might be, to use the popular jargon, a ‘problem gambler’. It was however obvious that continuing to talk to them would lead to demands for financial details supported by documentary evidence, which I’m unwilling to provide.
Since then I have used three online bookmaker accounts that had all been opened many years ago and used only very occasionally. This was OK for a while, but one has blocked my account recently after asking for evidence of identity and address which I felt was laughable on an account that had been in use for 25 years. The other two were OK, but pushed me to set deposit limits, loss limits, take a break etc – all part of the ‘Safer Gambling’ theme.
And now we have the details of the latest proposals from the out of control Gambling Commission, an outfit that would clearly love to add ‘Stop’ as a prefix to their title. And having read those, I have concluded that there’s no longer a place for a punter that regards a five hundred pound stake as a perfectly reasonable bet. I’ve emptied the last two accounts and I’ll no longer be betting online or over the phone.
There are two points that were key to this decision. First, the fact that I would be willing to give details of my finances verbally, but the betting firms demand documents, which I regard as being called a liar – my word isn’t good enough. Second, the feeling that if I continue to bet online, Big Brother will always be looking over my shoulder, waiting to disapprove, wanting to stop me enjoying something which has been a major part of my life.
All this in the cause of that daft oxymoron ‘Safer Gambling’, when the whole point of the gamble is the risk, As the great American writer on horses and betting, Andy Beyer, wrote:
“Most citizens live lives of such routine and drudgery and are so concerned about security that they cannot imagine how delicious uncertainty is. A gambler may have as many periods of pain and frustration as he does of exhilaration, but at least he knows he is alive”
But that reality is never going to alter the views of the smug, self satisfied do-gooders that are employed by the Gambling Commission.
ALAN POTTS
Drill Hall Stakes A Real Tester
Royal Aussie has been tipped to win the first feature of the Champions Season, the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Jack Milner (Tab4Racing)
After the protests that brought an early end to last Saturday’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville, the three feature races have been added to today’s card to put together an 11-race card.
While the original programme for Wednesday’s meeting has been scheduled to be run on the Polytrack, the three Grade 2 features – the Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes, World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas and World Sports Betting Guineas – will be run on the turf track as Races 5, 6, and 7 respectively.
There are now three Jackpots (Races 1-4, 5-8 and 8-11) and two BiPots (Races 2-6 and 6-11).
The first of the features is the Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m and this will go ahead without Main Defender, the subject of the ruckus on Saturday, and Texas Red, who was scratched last Friday.
The absence of Tony Peter’s charge is a blow to favourite punters as he was viewed by many as the best banker on the card.
It does make the race far more competitive and bettors would be advised to load this race for the Exotics.
Justin Snaith-trained Royal Aussie is now a narrow favourite ahead of Cousin Casey, trained by Sean Tarry. The four-year-old son of Royal Mo does look the runner to beat. Royal Aussie is well weighted, has a good record over 1400m, is drawn No 1 and has Richard Fourie in the irons.
He has raced six times over 1400m for three wins and two thirds but the question to be answered is: Is he good enough?
His wins have come against weaker company and he could just be caught in a race where the average merit rating is 114. He also comes back from a 74-day break.
Cousin Casey is another who has three wins over 1400m and two of them have come at this course. His last run at Turffontein needs to be ignored as he was pulled out of the race and found to be coughing.
S’manga Khumalo takes the ride.
However, a third runner who loves this distance is Mike de Kock-trained Humdinger. She is a strong front runner and could prove hard to peg back with JP van der Merwe on her back.
Sandringham Summit is unbeaten in two starts at this course, winning the Grade 1 Premiers Champion Stakes and the Golden Horseshoe as a two-year-old last season. The son of Gimmethegreenlight comes off wins in the Grade 2 TAB Gauteng Guineas and the Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes and a second place behind Purple Pitcher in the Grade 1 SA Classic, is perfectly drawn at No 2 and is unquestionably the runner they all have to beat in the WSB Guineas.
He has built up a good rapport with jockey Gavin Lerena who is in as good a form as his mount, so many bettors will look to him as a banker in the exotics.
However, he will face Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Snow Pilot and Cape Derby champion Green With Envy, who are no slouches.
Green With Envy looks the biggest danger. He was desperately unlucky in the Cape Guineas, won the Grade 3 Politician Stakes with top weight and cruised home in the Cape Derby. He is incredibly highly rated by jockey Craig Zackey and although the Daily News 2000 and the Hollywoodbets Durban July are probably his targets, he should run well in the Guineas.
The manner in which Double Grand Slam won the Grade 3 Umzimkhulu Stakes over 1400m at Greyville last time makes her impossible to oppose in the Fillies Guineas. In addition, she came off an equally impressive victory in the Grade 3 SplashOut Prix Du Cap over 1400m in the Cape, so that run was no fluke.
Fourie takes the ride, and she does look to be the proverbial “good thing”.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 9 Kola Tonic, 8 United Nation, 5 Lava Burst, 6 New Frontier
Race 2: 1 Pilot Flame, 2 Nautical Landing, 8 Mother India, 3 Avernian Goddess
Race 3: 4 James Fitzjames, 5 Rainwater, 3 Mister Nibbles, 9 Breath Of Magic
Race 4: 6 Oh So Squishy, 7 Summer Song, 4 Thesupernovastar, 10 Ideal Gift
Race 5: 1 Royal Aussie, 7 Humdinger, 8 Gimmeanotherchance, 2 Cousin Casey
Race 6: 5 Double Grand Slam, 2 White Pearl, 4 Rascova, 1 Let’s Go Now
Race 7: 2 Sandringham Summit, 3 Green With Envy, 4 Snow Pilot, 6 Mid Winter Wind
Race 8: 7 Benni In The Area, 3 Phaka Imali, 8 Stevie Gee, 5 Preemptive Strike
Race 9: 1 Common Grounds, 6 Time Together, 9 Rosh Kedesh, 8 Turbo Power
Race 10: 3 Arividicio, 9 Winter Waves, 8 Giambattista, 4 Midnight Caller
Race 11: 3 Epic View, 5 Littleblackvelvet, 6 Rani Of Jhansi, 1 Fort J’Adore
BEST BET
Race 6 No 5 Double Grand Slam
VALUE BET
Race 11 No 3 Epic View
BEST SWINGER
Race 1 8×9
BIPOT 1
(Races 2-7)
R120
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 3, 4, 5
Leg 3: 4, 6, 7, 10, 11
Leg 4: 1, 2, 7, 8
Leg 5: 5
Leg 6: 2, 3
BIPOT 2
(Races 6-11)
R288
Leg 1: 5
Leg 2: 2, 3
Leg 3: 3, 7, 8
Leg 4: 1, 6, 8, 9
Leg 5: 3, 4, 8, 9
Leg 6: 3, 5, 6
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R324
Leg 1: 3, 4, 5
Leg 2: 4, 6, 7, 10
Leg 3: 1, 7, 8
Leg 4: 5
Leg 5: 2
Leg 6: 3, 7, 8
Leg 7: 1, 6, 9
PICK 6
R1500
Leg 1: 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11
Leg 2: 1, 2, 6, 7, 8
Leg 3: 5
Leg 4: 2, 3
Leg 5: 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg 6: 1, 4, 6, 8, 9
JACKPOT 1
R48
Leg 1: 8, 9
Leg 2: 1
Leg 3: 3, 4, 5, 9
Leg 4: 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11
JACKPOT 2
R50
Leg 1: 1, 2, 6, 7, 8
Leg 2: 5
Leg 3: 2, 3
Leg 4: 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
JACKPOT 3
R300
Leg 1: 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg 2: 1, 4, 6, 8, 9
Leg 3: 3, 4, 8, 9
Leg 4: 3, 5, 6
Whyte Declares War At Happy Valley
Party Warrior has been tipped to win the 5th race (HKJC)
Luke Middlebrook
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday for a nine-race fixture under the lights.
Trainer Douglas Whyte will be hoping the consistent five-year-old Wings Of War can finally break through for his first Hong Kong win in the Class 3 race over 1200m.
Whyte is Wings Of War’s third trainer in Hong Kong, following retired Tony Millard and Jamie Richards. Since joining the stables of the jockey-turned-trainer in early February, Wings Of War has been nothing but consistent.
In four runs for Whyte, Wings Of War is yet to miss a place, finishing behind the likes of Sugar Sugar, Raging Blizzard, Colourful Emperor and, most recently, securing second place to Kaholo Angel. On paper, this by far stands out as the strongest form to bring into this week’s race.
The speed map should favour Wings Of War, with a few runners who can press forward and set up a decent tempo, which he would appreciate. Among those, unbeaten three-year-old Super Joy N Fun will likely be a market fancy as he rises to Class 3 first-up and should lead from barrier No 1 under Zac Purton.
However, this race marks his acid test, as his last-start Class 4 win was set up perfectly for him under slow early sectionals on the lead without any pressure. Of course, he is open to any amount of improvement and warrants respect.
In-form five-year-old Can’t Go Wong will get his chance to post his second Hong Kong win for trainer Frankie Lor this week as he contests the Class 4 race over 1650m.
Can’t Go Wong is by no means a prolific winner, having saluted just once in 20 starts, which was three races ago when he dropped into Class 5 for the first time. However, he has been ultra-consistent in Class 4, especially in recent starts, where he has only missed a place on one occasion out of four attempts.
Cant’s Go Wong was last seen checking in as a close-up runner-up, the market favourite, two weeks ago, and now gets his chance to go one place better as he finds himself in a winnable race where he should be afforded every opportunity, stepping away from barrier No 2.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: H Z Tourbillon will win in this grade very soon and from barrier 2 here, he should map a chance. Double Show go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. From barrier 1, he is a winning chance. My Intelligent consistent performer of late and worth considering. Barrier 10 is awkward on paper however. Youth Power down in class in this race and should perform better off the back of a good trial in blinkers which go on first time. Vamos fresh up from a break and should run well.
Race 2: Lean Master looks a solid good chance based on last start. From barrier 1 under the apprentice claim, he can bounce back to his winning ways. Mr Valiant has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race. Chateauneuf last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Barrier 11 isn’t ideal but his form is good enough for a race like this. New Power faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Win Speed showed improvement at a recent trial.
Race 3: Speedstar will win in this grade again very soon after two encouraging efforts since the class drop. Beau Gosse nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance to bounce back for a win as he rises to the extended mile. Charming Steed was an easy last start winner on the all-weather but should run well again having drawn well low in barrier 3. Medic Elite ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish. Smart Beauty had genuine excuses last start, checked at the 200m, and can improve in this race.
Race 4: Denfield has dropped in the ratings and appears better suited this class and start to follow again. This is a winnable race and he is a leading chance. Dan Attack last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Vantastic Choice had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. Barrier 1 should provide a better trip and he can run a race from there. Valhalla consistent form lately and can score here. But he will need luck from out wide. Racingrace second start and will be fitter. Purton jumps in the saddle and expect improvement.
Race 5: Party Warrior changed trainer and trialled very well recently. He should be good enough to win this event. Sea Sapphire showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, fading late into fifth. If he is rated better, he can improve into the money. Roaring Bebe having third start and may improve here from barrier 1 under Purton. Telecom Speed had excuses last start when racing wide without cover but still ran a good race into fourth. Righteous Arion caught wide last start and still ran well. Barrier 12 is tricky – he will go back and race for luck.
Race 6: Wide open race here with many winning chances. Kyrus Unicorn was eased early before catching the eye late from a wide barrier last start. From barrier 4, he could map closer and enhance his winning chances. Mr Aladdin recent runs have been encouraging and can run well as Purton takes over the reins. Flying Silver last start winner who remains in the same grade. Serangoon resuming from a break and trialled well recently. Forever Glorious a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which looks probable here.
Race 7: Chain Of Gold good performance when storming home for third place last start. That was from barrier 12 on that occasion and now he comes into barrier 2 and looks ready to win. Red Hare King every chance last start but still ran a good race. Stepping away from barrier 1, he will be afforded every hope. Hameron caught the eye last start running home powerfully. Giddy Up form is good and is getting close to another victory. Star Contact good performance when returning to form last start and can go on with it.
Race 8: Can’t Go Wong form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Drawn well low, he appears to map as the winner and break through for a second local win. Sure Joyful good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. He comes into barrier 1 which will obviously enhance his chances. Sixth Generation has a good record over this track and distance which will hold him in good stead here. Atomic Beauty placed last start and looks a chance to run well again. The Khan recent runs have been encouraging and can run well from the low draw.
Race 9: Wings Of War looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Racing very well since transferring to Whyte’s yard and gets his chance to break through here after placing in much stronger races than this. Super Joy N Fun nice 3yo with a good chance to remain unbeaten here. First-up into Class 3 is the query but he should have more to come. Sports Legend has improved since e the blinkers were added. Humble Star can improve second-up from a break. Kyrus Dragon turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and again he should do the same.
Zackey/Houdalakis Double
Today’s Question
The original “Big Red” is pictured above
Which three all time great thoroughbreds all had the nickname “Big Red”?
Weekend FIELDS
Hollywoodbets Greyville, Wednesday
Today’s Question Answer
Man O’ War (b. 1917), Phar Lap (b. 1926) and Secretariat (b. 1970) need no introduction and all had the nickname “Big Red”, although Phar Lap was also called “The Wonder Horse” and “The Red Terror”.
