Turf Talk Newsletter – 8 July, 2026

Vibe Check is an exciting prospect and should have already won many fans with his imposing looks and long-striding front-running racing style (Picture: Race Coast) 

The Vaughan Marshall-trained Vibe Check was one of the meeting bankers on Hollywoodbets Durban July day and he not only duly delivered, but likely won many new fans in the process as this strongly built, imposing colt has a rare presence about him.

Marshall has said the Maine Chance Farms-bred Querari colt would be even better suited to 1600m, so fans can possibly look forward to him running again on World Pool Gold Cup day, although he has unfortunately drawn very wide.

In the Gr 2 Omoda Golden Horseshoe over 1400m on Saturday the big horse jumped well from pole position under Sean Veale and was soon using his massive stride out in front with the rest of the field looking like whippets behind him.

Veale revealed later that Vibe Check had been very green and he had battled to get him to corner.

The big bay kept going well in the straight and fended off late challenges from Green Energy, Secretary Bird and Red Spice to win by 0,40 lengths.

Veale pointed out Vibe Check was still growing and had put on 7kg since his last start.

He said, “There is a lot of improvement to come.”

What makes the Vibe Check story even more compelling is that he races in a famous set of silks that have resurfaced.

The colours white with red stars and a green cap used to be owned by two former Chaimen of the Durban Turf Club Douglas Saunders and his son Chris, who won two Julys together with these colours, Jollify winning it for them in 1967 in the big race’s most famous finish, the dead-heat with the immortal Sea Cottage, and then ironically winning it with Sea Cottage’s half-brother Naval Escort in 1969.

The colours have been taken over by Irishman Seamus Burns, whose family own Lodge Park Stud, a highly esteemed thoroughbred breeding farm and racehorse nursery situated in Freshford, County Kilkenny, Ireland.

Seamus apparently has an annual holiday to Cape Town, or at least used to, that coincides with the like of the Race Coast Sales Premier Yearling Sale and he is no stranger to big race success in South Africa, winning the Gr 1 Gold Medallion with the Vaugan Marshall-trained Ambiorix (Vercingetorix) in 2021.

In the Gr 1 Premiers Champion Stakes on World Pool Gold Cup day Vibe Check has drawn 34 out of the 36 entries.

Marshall did say on Saturday after the win that Vibe Check would take his place in the latter race, but he might think twice from a draw that is going to end up very wide. On the other hand the big horse’s front-running style might make it well worth having a go as his early pace could see him finding the rail in front without expending too much energy.

Vibe Check cost R650,000 at the Race Coast Summer Sale last year.

The entries for the Premier’s Champion Stakes are shown below:

By adjusting the weights to what they would have been under the Hollywoodbets Durban July conditions of 2025 and working out what the finish would have looked like on paper had the horses performed to the exact same level as they had in this year’s July, it shows that the lower rated horses of any age were significantly advantaged by the current system.

The quartet would have had a slightly different look under last year’s conditions and Justin Snaith would have run first, second and fourth as the 121-rated Native Ruler would have finished in fourth place.

The 114-rated three-year-old Viva’s Liberte would have been 2kg worse off with the winner under last year conditions than he was this year and would have only managed fifth place.

This year’s fifth-placed older horse, the 108-rated Isivivane, would have been a whopping 4kg worse off with the winner under last year’s conditions than he was this year and would have only managed seventh place.

There would have been a few changes in the overall positions further down, although the first three positions in the race would not have been effected and they would have been out on their own.

Below are the actual positions on Saturday and below that are the positions as they would have looked under last year’s conditions (lengths beaten is the column on the extreme right):

2026 actual finish
1st     Note To Self 3yo g (55kg)
2nd    Wish List 3yo f (54.5kg)        0,25
3rd    King Pelles 5yo g (59kg)       1,55
4th    Viva’s Liberte 4yo g (53kg)    1.70
5th    Isivivane 4yo g (52kg)             3.20
6th    Native Ruler 4yo g (58.5kg)   3.90
7th    Gladatorian 6yo g (61.5kg)      5.00
8th    Zeitz 4yo g (53kg)                      6.40
9th    Mocha Blend 4yo f (56.5kg)    8.80
10th   Choisaanada 4yo g (58.5kg)    10,00
11th   Aladdin’s Lamp 5yo g (53kg)  11.30
12th   Legal Counsel 4yo g (62kg)   12.10
13th    Curious Girl 3yo f (52kg)      12.15
14th   Minogue 5yo m (56kg)             13.95
15th   Olivia’s Way 4yo f (55kg)          14.95
16th   Regulation 4yo g (52kg)      16.00
17th  I Salute You 4yo g (54,5kg)     16.90
18th  Hazy Dazy 3yo f   (54.5kg)     18.90

Finish as it would have looked under 2025 conditions
1st     Note To Self 3yo g (53kg)
2nd     Wish List 3yo f (52.5kg)       0,25
3rd    King Pelles 5yo g (57kg)       1,55
4th    Native Ruler 4yo g (56.5)      3.90
5th    Viva’s Liberte 3yo g (53kg)     4.05
6th    Gladatorian 6yo g (59.5kg)     5.00
7th    Isivivane 4yo g (54kg)           7.90
8th    Mocha Blend 4yo f (54.5kg)     8.80
9th    Zeitz 4yo g (54kg)             9.95
10th   Choisaanada 4yo g (56.5kg)    10,00
11th   Legal Counsel 4yo g (60kg)    12.10
12th   Minogue 5yo m (54kg)        13.95
13th    Curious Girl 3yo f (52kg)      14.50
14th   Aladdin’s Lamp 5yo g (54kg)    14.85
15th   Olivia’s Way 4yo f (53kg)          14.95
16th   I Salute You 4yo g (54kg)     18.65
17th  Hazy Dazy 3yo f (52,5kg)      18.90
18th  Regulation 4yo g (54kg)        20.70

A new chapter in the illustrious history of Klawervlei Stud will begin under the ownership of prominent businessman and leading racehorse owner Laurence Wernars, while another draws to a close at the farm on Monday, 10 August, with what promises to be one of the most significant dispersal sales of elite thoroughbred bloodstock seen in South Africa for decades.

The six-time champion breeding establishment at Bonnievale recently changed hands after more than four decades under the stewardship of the Koster family. The transition will be marked by the dispersal of 181 lots – representing Klawervlei’s resident stallions, shares in several leading sires, its outstanding broodmare band and a select draft of just-turned yearlings.

Grant Knowles, the originator of the popular Klawervlei Farm Sale and a close friend of the Koster family, has been enlisted to assist with conducting the landmark auction, to be handled from the podium by auctioneers Andrew Miller and Tom Hodgson.

The auction will get underway at 11am with one of the sale’s highlights – the offering of 33 exclusive stallion shares. Klawervlei’s holdings include eight shares in champion sire Vercingetorix, four in Kommetdieding, two each in One World and Rafeef, as well as individual shares in Charles Dickens, Gimmethegreenlight, What A Winter, Real Gone Kid, Malmoos, Erik The Red, Green With Envy, Hawwaam, Point Lonsdale, Oriental Charm and Snow Pilot. Three shares in Captain Of All will be sold as a single package.

Lots 34 to 123 comprise a remarkable offering of 89 broodmares representing some of the most accomplished families in the South African Stud Book, including daughters of Klawervlei’s foundation mares. Most are in foal and due to produce shortly after the sale.

Knowles said: “The quality and depth of this broodmare band are exceptional. It simply isn’t possible to do justice to every mare in a few comments, so I would encourage prospective buyers to study the online catalogue. These mares have formed the backbone of Klawervlei’s success over many years and I’m confident they will continue to reward their new owners.”

The yearlings on offer off the farm always present marvellous opportunities and Knowles said: “This will be a well-attended and competitive auction, but experience tells us that outstanding value can still be found. Every year a few quality lots slip through the cracks. Kommetdieding is the perfect example. He was sold here for just R55,000 in 2019 to a small buyer and went on to become a Durban July winner and now a promising young stallion.”

Knowles said the sale would revive the spirit of the popular Klawervlei Farm Sale, which became a highlight of the bloodstock calendar between 2011 and 2020. Renowned for

its outstanding hospitality, strong attendance and festive atmosphere, the event attracted buyers from across South Africa, many of whom made a long weekend of it in the Robertson valley as the sale evolved into a three-day celebration of thoroughbred breeding and friendship.

“Most of the familiar members of the Klawervlei staff who assisted at the farm sales will be in attendance,” said Knowles.

An online sales platform and a zoom facility will be available to buyers who cannot make it to Klawervlei on the day, and the buyers card application can be downloaded from the Klawervlei website, here.

Hard copies of the sales catalogue are available on request, and the catalogue can be downloaded on this link.

For more information: Grant Knowles: 083 882 9774 or centralrtrading@gmail.com

Joanne Knowles: 083 399 6353.

Turffontein Inside Thursday formguides and selections

Race 1

MAGIC DECLARATION looks the one to follow. He made a promising debut over 1200m and should relish the distance. He tries the turn but has drawn wide. TWO TIGERS didn’t disgrace himself on the Poly last time and looks a big threat. MEGA AWESOME has been gelded. He has a wide gate but can show more. SWORD OF LIGHT was beaten as favourite but another top rider gets aboard. He is back from a lengthy layoff and must be considered. Argentine import COVER is late on the scene as a three-year-old but could be one to watch. (Trevor Reid 11-12-13-2)

Race 2

Hawwaam filly KNOCKIN’ BOOTS made good progress from start one to two. She is back around a turn but is open to further improvement. SECRET LIFE got a lot closer in her last start when upped in distance again. NICOLSON LANDING is looking to go one better after just missing at her last start. Her stable is in good form and she can get the job done. TAKEACHANCEONME needs to find more to challenge for the win but has champion Craig Zackey in the irons and the pair jump from a plum stall. DESTINY’S DREAM, LANTERI and TEA FOR THREE add to a competitive race. (Trevor Reid 8-10-2-4)

Race 3

SAMUEL SHARPE ran a fair race in his first try over distance. He finished 3.30-lengths behind REPETITION over 2400m. He was an impressive winner in his penultimate with blinkers fitted and with the headgear reapplied he could be a big threat. REPETITION thoroughly enjoyed going ground and it could be a repeat performance if preferring the switch to the inside track at Turffontein. GREEN MACHINE beat SAMUEL SHARPE a few runs back and so his last run well behind the above mentioned wasn’t his best form. He must be respected. CORRUPT is back to best and has a say. (Trevor Reid 5-3-4-2)

Race 4

SCARLET O’HARA is on a roll and can make it three wins on the bounce. The Red Ray filly has got the timing right from wide draws and is unbeaten in two starts over 1800m. PALACE DANCER ran a cracker in her first run after a rest when beaten 0.25-lengths by SCARLET O’HARA and as she is 1.5kg better off at the weights must be given a fair chance of turning the form around. FRANGIPANI is unbeaten in two starts at this venue and could be the dark horse. She suddenly won easily in her last start and could be on the up having matured. DIMAKO’S JET can threaten from a plum gate. (Trevor Reid 5-3-8-2)

Race 5

Wide open. SIKELOI bounced back to form when only just ousted by useful Top Shelf Teddy. She could show the strength of the form but is upped in distance. THE MIGHTIEST was runner-up over 1600m last time. She ranged up dangerously then and having drawn well again should run another decent race. APOSTROPHE is one that should enjoy the drop in distance. She is holding consistent form and could get rewarded jumping from gate one. Well-bred ANAHITA rates the value proposition on her handicap debut. More in it. (Trevor Reid 4-11-10-7)

Race 6

ORANGE COUNTY has been holding form nicely since an easy win on the Standside track at this venue. He can get back to winning ways carrying a light weight after being beaten as favourite. PALACE PRINCE showed something like his best form at Hollywoodbets Greyville in a feature event. That kind of form entitles him to respect even if having yet to win over the trip. THAT’S MY BABY wasn’t far off some of the best fillies around last time. She has won over the distance and could be dangerous. WAYNE was unlucky last time. He will need to overcome a wide draw. (Trevor Reid 7-2-1-6)

Race 7

With many talented sprinters it could pay to go wide in the exotics. MRS STORMIATRIX was on a roll before having a valid excuse in her last start. She is back from a break and could attract support if all is well. Watch out for MANYELETI who is also back from a rest. She has ability and has been backed in all her starts. LOVABLE has race fitness on her side and was a promising second the only time she raced at this venue. She can get it right from a plum gate. TEMPRANILLO ran a cracker from a wide draw last time and could add to a solid record at this track. (Trevor Reid 6-4-5-1)

Race 8

STAGGERWING won as easily as expected after showing up against some high-class individuals in her prior starts. She has room for improvement and can make a winning handicap debut. POWER OF PEARLS followed up her Maiden win with a decent run and having drawn well could be in the fight. QUIET WINTER attracted some support last time and caught the eye making good progress. She must be respected too. MISTY METAL could make the exotics pay if anywhere near her best. She had valid excuses in her last two starts. JAZZ PIANIST is capable of better and can pop up. (Trevor Reid 7-6-5-2)

Vercingetorix filly Palace Of Avernia enjoyed the step up to 1400m in the Gr 2 Amusnet Golden Slipper over 1400m (Picture: Race Coast)

The Dean Kannemeyer-trained Vercingetorix filly Palace Of Avernia produced a fine performance on Hollywoodbets Durban July day to win the Gr 2 Amusnet Golden Slipper over 1400m from a tough draw of 13 under Craig Zackey.

Kannemeyer had spoken about the toughness of the draw in the build up saying going up there is not wise because the others in front have got there for free, while dropping out left one with too much ground to make up.

He said the only way was to attempt to slot in and hope one got lucky, but admitted there would be no luck “nine out of ten times.”

However he is fortunate to have the national champion jockey elect Craig Zackey riding for him and it was a combination of skill and luck that did the trick.

Palace Of Avernia jumped well and Zackey eased her as she reached midfield and shifted inward.

Fortunately, Too Fast To Fiesta just ahead of her was forced to shift outward at the same time and provided Palace Of Avernia with cover, albeit in a three wide position.

Zackey had her nice and relaxed in the running and switched her to the outside in the straight. She accelerated smartly, although she did shift inward slightly.

This might have contibuted to the unlucky horse of the race, Alice B. Toklas, being squeezed out as she was moving through threateningly inward of Palace Of Avernia.

The stipendiary steward report on the incident said:

b) At the 350m TOO FAST TO FIESTA, which commenced to hang in, brushed ALICE B TOKLAS inwards, onto LADY HARLEQUIN, which had to be steadied when awkwardly placed on the heels of FERRARI FLAIR, which was directed outwards when insufficiently clear. As a consequence VIKING LASS was directed inwards away from LADY HARLEQUIN, which was thereafter not persevered with. Jockey S Moodley was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7, in that as the rider of FERRARI FLAIR, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to LADY HARLEQUIN (Z Lloyd) at the 300m. Jockey S Moodley signed an Admission of Guilt and is suspended for 7 days (Dates to be advised)

The stipes have a better view than the public video footage but from the angle provided with the latter it looked as if Palace Of Avernia inward shift had caused Too Fast To Fiesta to hang inward.

Alice B. Toklas was completely squeezed out and had to re-gather, so did extremely well to eventually run a 1,10 length second.

Meanwhile, Palace Of Avernia, who continued to shift in until Zackey changed whiphands to his right hand, had swept to the front and won comfortably.

The rematch between her and Alice B. Toklas in the Gr 2 Thekwini Stakes will be interesting, although Palace Of Avernia has unfortunately draw wide again at 20 out of 20, while Alice B. Toklas has drawn three.

Dean Kannemeyer revealed after the race he and Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock had spotted this filly at the National Yearling Sale and said, “We thought she was a well balanced rangy filly and was going for the right price. Sandy Irvine was on the phone and we were very fortunate to get her at the right price … well when they win they are always the right price! We are very excited about her.”

The Al Adiyaat-bred filly is out of the Gr 3 Pretty Polly Stakes winner (1100m) Palace Of Dreams and is from the family of the like of champion filly Kiss Of Peace (Fordham) and the Gr 1 Cape Guineas winner Kilindini (Silvano).

She was bought for R575,000 and has earned R415,625 for owners Sandy Irvine and Peter Moor courtesy of two wins and a fourth place finish in the Gr 2 Allan Robertson Championship over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

The Gr 2 Thekwini Stakes entries can be seen below”

Defending champion Buffalo Storm Cody will take a power of beating in the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint on July 26 as he has drawn 8 out of the 28 entries. He caught the eye with a powerful late finish in the Gr 3 Post Merchants and will be 2kg better off with the winner Jet Force for a half-a-length beating.

Questioning has been in devastating form and as an easy winner of the Gr 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes over this trip he must have a big chance. However, he has landed draw 25, so he is likely to have a wide draw on the day.

Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint winner Asiye Phambili will be a threat too and has landed a potentially fair draw of eleven.

Tenango was runner up in the Mercury last year from draw 13 and this year has a plum draw of two. Furthermore, he was just half-a-length behind Buffalo Storm Cody in the Post Merchants and faces him on the same terms.

Double Grand Slam is a fascinating entry but has landed draw 20.

Taxi To The Moon is in fine form and has a potentially fair draw of 20.

The entries are shown below.

The Port Elizabeth Gold Cup is spectacular (Pauline Herman Photography)

The 2026 renewal of the Port Elizabeth Gold Cup, the Eastern Cape’s most prestigious test of stamina, takes place at Fairview this Friday, 10 July.

The ornate Port Elizabeth Gold Cup floating trophy has become one of the most sought after on the calendar.

In 2024, the Drakenstein Team planned a carefully orchestrated offensive when the Lucky Houdalakis-trained Battleground (Futura – Archerfield) raided Fairview to take the honours by 0.25 lengths from Juan Carlos.

Last year, the race went to Messrs Stephen Pieterse, Kosie de Klerk, Greg Kotzen & Robin Strydom’s Home Reef (Erupt – Placid Sea) from the Sharon Kotzen stable under Malesela Katjedi. At the time, part owner Greg Kotzen said, “When I got here, I looked at this trophy and thought it’s amazing. I have handed it out to Alan (Greeff) a couple of times and I said jeez, this is one I’ve always wanted to win and just have a photo with it, so ja, Home Reef did that for us.”

The Home Reef team will be lining up to defend their title in this year’s event. After carrying a postage stamp 50kgs last year, the 4yo son of Erupt has been assigned 55kgs for this year’s race and will have the services of Chase Maujean. Sharon Kotzen confirmed that Home Reef is a genuine stayer and said he is coming to hand at just the right time.

Asked what it meant to win one of the Eastern Cape’s biggest features, Sharon said “It’s one of the most prestigious races in Port Elizabeth. It’s just so special. It’s like our July.”

The 2026 Port Elizabeth Gold Cup will be run as race 6 on Friday’s card. Nine runners and riders will be vying to lift that magnificent cup and the field goes to post at 15:30.

This year’s final field below:-

1 – 6 BOURNEMOUTH (A Greeff) R Fourie 61.0 – 107
2 – 4 BAD MEDICINE (K Mitchley) M Yeni 61.0 – 106
3 – 2 HOME REEFF (S Kotzen) C Maujean 55.0 – 87
4 – 1 GENTLEMAN JOE (Andre Nel) S Moodley 53.5 – 83
5 – 9 ANATOLIAN SILVER (J Nel) E Webber – 53.5 – 80
6 – 8 FLIGHT DISPLAY (D Smith) G Dookhit (-2.5) – 51.5 – 80
7 – 5 SPOIL YOURSELF (J Strydom) Y Ramzan (+1.0) – 50.0 – 72
8 – 3 GARDEN SUN (J Strydom) C Ndlovu – 50.0 – 69
9 – 7 DARLING GIRL (J Strydom) B Soodoo (-2.5) – 50.0 – 66