Scottsville Sunday Tips and Race Previews by Warren Lenferna

Race 1

1 AGENT MURPHY       7 MR MINISTER       2 DIVINE VISION      3 RON’S JOY
Preview: AGENT MURPHY (1) was beaten by a better horse on the day on debut and has tons of scope to improve off that run – he could be very hard to beat this time around. MR MINISTER (7) is improving with racing and nearly won last time – she takes on the boys but should still be able to run a huge race and has been chosen as the exacta selection. DIVINE VISION (2) can now start improving and is a must for the quartet and RON’S JOY (3) could get into the action on debut. His barrier trial was fair enough to warrant that. (Warren Lenferna 1-7-2-3)

Race 2                                            

4 AMEX      5 EXTRAVARGANT       3 AFRICAN DIVA       6 HOME RULER
Preview: The stable of Nathan Kotzen has turned the corner now and is one that can be followed with confidence. AMEX (4) is in good form and now races with blinkers for the first time – she also now gets the services of Anton Marcus and could be a very hard horse to beat but it is not as cut and dry as that as there are others with attractive form. EXTRAVARGANT (5) caught the eye when making a sparkling debut and must be followed – she looks decent. AFRICAN DIVA (3) ran a cracker last time and is another in with a chance. HOME RULER (6) and STAR VEGA (9) must be included in the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 4-5-3-6)

Race 3

8 KINGDOM COME       1 DALLAS       9 MAA NONU       10 SACRED JOURNEY
Preview: KINGDOM COME (8) has run well in both his barrier trials and proper races. He is beautifully bred and might be a hard horse to beat. DALLAS (1) finished behind Hey Boy last time who has since come out and ran a fair fourth – he could provide Michael Roberts with a winner on his big day! MAA NONU (9) and SACRED JOURNEY (10) must be included in the quartet and COSMIC CUTTER (7) can improve to run a much better race – his debut was far from disgraceful. (Warren Lenferna 8-1-9-10)

Race 4

3 BORN TO PERFORM      4 ARCHILLES      1 FARLAND      2 TRIPPLE EXPLOSION   
Preview: A tricky race! The well related BORN TO PERFORM (3) is doing just that! It is well documented that he is a tough customer but Dennis Bosch and Warren Kennedy have done a sterling job with him and he has won his last two very well – there is no reason why he cannot reel of the hat trick and has therefore confidently been selected to win again. All of ARCHILLES (4), FARLAND (1) and TRIPPLE EXPLOSION (2) can run into the money – ARCHILLES (4) has been selected as the each way value bet in the race. (Warren Lenferna 3-4-1-2)

Race 5

4 GIGLIO      5 SUN ON SAND       1 LINNGER LONGER      8 THRU’ THE TREES
Preview: GIGLIO (4) finished third behind Blossom last time on the Highveld (Blossom is due to run later on today at the Vaal at time of writing but the race card will have gone to print by the time I can let you know the outcome of that race so check the Vaal results from Tuesday 15 Jan to see how the form line has turned out with Blossom) in saying all of that, GIGLIO is here in KZN from the Highveld and could be very hard to beat – we all know the strike rate with Anton Marcus and Johan Janse Van Vuuren! SUN ON SAND (5) ran a much better race last time and is worth including based on that. LINNGER LONGER (1) seems to be much better at Scottsville and has a definite chance but is taking time to get it right. THRU’ THE TREES (8) is the value selection and could be worth an each way nibble – Lyle Hewitson gets the ride today – include in the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 4-5-1-8)

Race 6

1 MARDI GRAS      2 ISHNANA      6 CAPTAIN VON TRAPP      4 UNBELIEVABLE LAD
Preview: MARDI GRAS (1) is rated and now races with blinkers for the first time – he could be tough to peg back but there are several others with consistent form as well. ISHNANA (2) is very consistent and has ability – he can and should make a race of it. CAPTAIN VON TRAPP (6) is holding his form well and is another in with a chance as well as UNBELIEVABLE LAD (4). (Warren Lenferna 1-2-6-4)

Race 7

3 PIETRO MASCAGNI       7 DIVINE ODYSSEY       2 HERO QUEST      1 DARK MOON RISING
Preview: A tough race this year for the Michael Roberts Handicap and we look set for an exciting race! PIETRO MASCAGNI (3) has run in some very strong races on the Highveld and today from draw one with blinkers again looks to be the right one here. DIVINE ODYSSEY (7) also has solid consistent Highveld form and could make a race of it and has been selected as the exacta choice. HERO QUEST (2), DARK MOON RISING (1) and DAWN CALLING (5) have chances as well. We look set for a thrilling finish. (Warren Lenferna 3-7-2-1)

Race 8

3 HEART OF A LEGEND   2 ROCKING RUBY      8 SHWANKY      9 BEAT IT
Preview: HEART OF A LEGEND (3) is back in good form and has bright winning claims today. ROCKING RUBY (2) is running well and holding her form and she is far from out of it. SHWANKY (8) finished second last time and has a chance of going one better today. BEAT IT (9) is better than her last run and must be included in most bets. (Warren Lenferna 3-2-8-9)

Race 9

2 MADEMOISELLE       15 YAAS       6 DIECI      14 COYOTE GIRL
Preview: MADEMOISELLE (2) has solid Highveld form and rates the one to beat. YAAS (15) ran a much better race last time and if confirming that recent sterling improvement will have a chance again and could even go one better. DIECI (6) and COYOTE GIRL (14) are worth a mention as well. (Warren Lenferna 2-15-6-14)

Kenilworth Saturday Tips and Race Previews By Warren Lenferna

Race 1
Preview: RUN FOX RUN (8) is a very well bred filly from the Brett Crawford yard and gets the services of Anton Marcus. If she were to win on debut, it would be no shock at all – keep an eye on the betting and the comments from the on course presenters. MAKARANGA LOVE (5) improved attractively in her second run and with more improvement more than likely to come, should be able to go very close. CAPTAIN’S LEGACY (3) must be respected. (Warren Lenferna 8-5-3)

Race 2
Preview: ENGAGE AND BEWARE (3) lost a shoe last time but came from the clouds to finish third behind Cabo Da Cruz – he is well bred and should do well over this trip and has been made the confident first choice. RIVER THAMES (2) disappointed last time when putting in a one paced finish and can do much better now – he has a wide draw to overcome but should be a runner here – expect better than last time. DISMANTLE THE SUN (5) has tons of scope to improve over the extra distance today. (Warren Lenferna 3-2-5)

Race 3
Preview: TWICE TO SYDNEY (8) caught the eye on debut when coming from 11^th at the 800 to finish a close up sixth behind Wallis Simpson – she now gets 1400 metres which should be to her liking and a massive effort looks on the cards. AU REVOIR (3) has always been there and thereabouts and should not be a maiden for too much longer – respect. LUCILLE (5) could place and if doing so will help make the quartet place – value selection. (Warren Lenferna 8-3-5)

Race 4
Preview: JE NE SAIS QUOI (12) looks promising and ran on well from way off the pace last time over the mile – she is bred for distance and gets 1800m today and the services of Anton Marcus from an okay draw – she could be tough to beat today. EPIC STORM (4) has solid form bar the one bad effort on the 15^th of November last year and should be right there at the finish – the blinkers seem to have assisted thus far. FASHION FORCE (1) is well tried but now gets blinkers again and has a bright place chance – she should win soon. (Warren Lenferna 12-4-1)

Race 5
Preview: SHABBA RANKS (3) showed in his post maiden outing that he is a progressive type and comes into this race with serious each way claims. TROOP THE COLOUR (7) has not won for a while but the way in which he kicked on from the rear last time suggests that he should notch up another win very soon – respect. JUDDERING ANGEL (8) is another that has not won for a while but is more than capable of running a cracker here – he should also be able to win again soon – definite quartet inclusion. (Warren Lenferna 3-7-8)

Race 6
Preview: A small field but a competitive one! GYRE (3) was given a peach of a ride by Richard Fourie last time and put in a sustained finish – he has ability, is ultra-consistent and has been selected to win this race. In saying that, it does not look as cut and dry as that – AMERICAN LANDING (2) ran on when the race was over last time and although it has been a long time between drinks for him – one gets the feeling that he will win soon and is a massive runner in this field. He is weighted to finish a lot closer to MAN ABOUT TOWN (1) who is in good form and should be involved in the finish. The filly STAR IN THE SKY (7) is worth a mention as well. (Warren Lenferna 3-2-1)

Race 7
Preview: SILVER MAPLE (7) is in good winning form and has been selected to continue on winning ways. He made each and every post a winning one last time and is clearly talented. His stable mate STAR CHESTNUT (1) ran on too late last time which was in PE but today with some valuable weight off his back could finish close to Silver Maple – in fact, if he were to beat his stable mate it would not be a shock. READY STEADY GO (6) has solid form and ran well behind Bwana just 14 days ago and should be in the first four. (Warren Lenferna 7-6-1)

Race 8
Preview: AFTER GLOW (1) returns from a rest of 126 days but will have a strong chance of winning if ready. DANCING SALLY (3) was game last time but caught the eye in her first run out the maidens – she should relish the trip. JETORIO (7) has her peak run and should be very competitive. (Warren Lenferna 1-3-7)

Turffontein Saturday Tips and Race Previews by David Thiselton

Race 1
Preview: SUMMER HOUSE (3) has fair sprint form and on pedigree should enjoy step back up in trip. JACKO BOY (13) has been staying on over 1200m and has pole position. CHEVRON (8) made a fair debut over this trip but does have a tricky draw here. (David Thiselton 3-13-8)

Race 2
Preview: THE DAZZLER (4) found no extra late last time over this trip when going close and came make amends from another good draw. THE RISING LEGEND (6) is best when siting at the back and running on so did not do well last time when caught wide and using up fuel. JET START (1) was only getting going late over 1800m last time so will enjoy he step up in trip, although he would probably prefer the Standside track. (David Thiselton 4-6-1)

Race 3
Preview: BORN RICH (6) was 0,4 lengths behind Flame Fella last time before running a good race from the front at Greyville over 2200m where he stayed on so he should get this trip and has Hewitson up. FLAME FELLA (7) beat Smart Deal and Flame Fella over this trip last time and can improve.  SMART DEAL (1) has some fair form over staying trips and after a below par effort last time gets blinkers on. (David Thiselton 6-7-1)

Race 4
Preview: INVINCIBLE LADY (4) is by Captain Al out of a mare who won over 2450m and she has a galloping style so should get the trip. PILGRIM’S PROGRESS (3) has run in two staying events and won both and she can go close again from a fair draw. REDBERRY WOOD (6) was staying on over 2000m last time and from a plum draw has a chance of enjoying the trip, although she does wear first time blinkers. (David Thiselton 4-3-6-5-1)

Race 5
Preview: WARRIOR’S REST (1) needs to get to the front and then runs on resolutely and he will be distance suited. SILVER THURSDAY (4) is the best in at the weights on official merit ratings and it didn’t pan out well last time, so she can do better although she now does get the blinkers on. ORPHEUS (2) has talent and as one who makes breathing noises he should enjoy the step down in trip. (David Thiselton 1-4-2)

Race 6
Preview: DROP KICK (6) should have come on from his last run which was his first out of the maidens and he has a plum draw. TOP RANK (3) finished just behind Drop Kick last time and is now drawn in pole on a tighter track. HAKEEM (1) beat both Drop Kick and Top Rank comfortably last time but now has a tough draw.(David Thiselton 6-3-1-11-10-12)

Race 7
Preview: ARLINGTON’S REVENGE (9) won well over this trip last time and can follow up from a good draw off two point higher mark. THRONG (5) is on the up and can go close, although he would prefer further. OBVIOUS CHILD (7) did well first time out the maidens and has a 4kg claimer up from pole position. TAMMANY HALL (3) raced a bit strongly over 2000m last time and might enjoy coming down to this trip, although she has a tough draw. SPRING POETRY (4) should also enjoy this trip.  WHOSETHENOSSNOW (8) has ability and a good draw. (David Thiselton 9-5-7-3-4-8)

Race 8
Preview: PALE LILAC (8) has always struck as one with a touch of class so having won easily with first time blinkers she could follow up. DAME KELLY (2) is ideally distance suited and drawn in pole. MAR DEL SEUR (5) can put her last run behind her over a drop in trip which will suit. GIMME HOPE JOHANNA (4) has a win and two seconds from three runs over course and distance but does have a tough draw, REGAL GRADUATION (3) is effective over this trip but does have a tough draw. (David Thiselton 8-2-5-4-3)

Race 9
Preview: QUEBEC QUEEN (8) is consistent and this is probably her optimum trip. JAILHOUSE JAZZ (1) is an unexposed sort and is capable of doing better than he did last Tuesday when unplaced over 1400m after a seven month layoff. WINE FESTIVAL (6) was found to be coughing after a disappointing run last time and has a shout from a good draw. (David Thiselton 8-1-6)

Race 10
Preview: PRINCE JORDAN (8) finished strongly last time over 1160m and is interesting from a good draw over this trip. TORIO LAKE (5) has fair form over this trip and is off a competitive mark. CANDELA (11) is capable of a strong finish from off the pace and will likely be dropped out from a middle draw. (David Thiselton 8-5-11)

The Listed Michael Roberts Handicap over 1750m is fittingly the feature event at Scottsville on Sunday as the great jockey became one of the first horseracing inductees into the South African Hall Of Fame this week.

The enigmatic Pietro Mascagni makes the trip down from Johannesburg and has pole position draw under Anton Marcus. He appeared to shirk the issue last time in the Grade 3 London News Stakes over 1800m, despite having first time blinkers on, as he had glided up to the leaders but then didn’t want to assert when asked to. He has the class to win this and Marcus might drive him past the leader when challenging this time and then keep him going. Hero Quest is an imposing Ideal World gelding who runs strongly from the front and he should enjoy this course and distance, although he is three points higher for his last win. Divine Odyssey is in good form and will enjoy this trip. Dark Moon Rising has topweight but has carried big weights before and this trip will suit him. The good draw of two might not suit him as he likes to be on the outside of horses. He should be finishing strongly.

Dawn Calling was most unlucky in the Flamboyant Stakes over 1600m at Greyville when climbing all over them but not being able to get through. She is interesting stepped up in trip from a good draw. Blackball ran a fine third in the July consolation race behind Head Honcho and the yard have him in good shape for this race. However, he does have a tough draw to overcome. Wealthy is 1,5kg under sufferance but if Hero Quest sets good fractions up front he has a chance as he can run on well when the pace is on. Affranchi might help ensure a good pace as he runs handy over shorter. He is interesting stepped up in trip being by Elusive Fort and might keep going. Amor Ardiente is in good form but does have a three point raise to contend with. However, he was staying on in an 1800m race on the poly in August and could be the dark horse. Sir Bernadini was well beaten by Amor Ardiente over 1600m last time and has a wide draw to overcome. He is consistent but has not placed in two runs at Scottsville which is a concern. Techno Captain has a hopeless task at the weights. Nicklaus’ sand rating dropped to 82 when he was in Kimberley but upon return to KZN he had to run off his turf rating and he finished downfield in the Christmas Handicap off this 94 rating. They are selected in the order mentioned.

Punters should get off to a good start the first race over 1000m with the Alyson Wright-trained Agent Murphy, who looks to be promising and will have come on from his debut where he was green.

Marcus could also win the second on the Nathan Kotzen-trained Amex who was green last time and now has blinkers on. The yard are confident of a good run. However, it is competitive and a few are in with chances.

In the first leg of the PA Cosmic Cutter was unlucky on debut and could make amends over this same course and distance.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 the unbeaten Born To Perform is on the up and after a comfortable win over 1600m last time can make it a hattrick over a 1400m trip which should suit as he has got into a handy positions easily from wide draws over 1600m and is now drawn well.    

In the fifth race over 1600m Leanna was mentioned by the Dennis Drier yard as one of their best chances on the day as she cracks a pole position draw over a suitable trip against an uninspiring field. However, Jo’burg raider Giglio has Marcus up and having run third to Blossom last time must have a shout.

In the sixth over 1200m Mardi Gras has class and could beat the honest and consistent Unbelievable Lad and the rangy speedster Captain Von Trapp.

The eighth is a competitive race over 1200m but the in form Nathan Kotzen yard have a strong coupling in Spring Breeze and Heart Of A legend who have to be included. Rocking Ruby will also be a big runner here.

In the last over 1000m Mademoiselle is a hard knocker in Jo’burg and can fight it out with Dieci.

By David Thiselton

Featured Image: Pietro Mascagni (JC Photographics)

Turffontein has a ten race meeting tomorrow and it looks to be a tricky card for exotic punters so the dividends will likely be handsome.

The first leg of the PA over 2600m is a staying maiden with not much form to go on. Born Rich lost narrowly to Flame Fella last time they met over 2400m but then ran a nice race with first time blinkers on over 2200m at Greyville, leading and then staying on to place third. Flame Fella is bred to go this trip and has run two fair races since being stepped up in distance. Smart Deal was a hard knocking sort at one stage over this trip and after a recent downturn inform gets the blinkers on. He is well dawn and is a must include in the PA.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 2600m Invincible Lady is by Captain Al out of a Jet Master mare who won over 2450m. She stayed well over 2000m last time and has the galloping action of one who should stay this trip. Pilgrim’s Progress has turned the corner since being sent over staying trip and has won twice over 2400m. She is five points higher in the ratings after the second win but won that last race comfortably so can go close again. Emerald Bay has to be included too as she went close under Warren Kennedy in her penultimate and he is back on board. She is 3.5kg better off with Pilgrim’s Progress for a mere 0,9 length beating over 2400m so should be right there. Redberry Wood was staying on over 2000m last time and struck as one who would enjoy this trip. Sunshine Silk has to be included despite carrying topweight as she is a proven stayer.

In the first leg of the Jackpot over 1800m Warrior’s Rest is a resolute galloper who will be the one to beat if he gets to the front. Silver Thursday is the best weighted horse and her last run can be ignored as she was caught wide throughout. She now has a good draw and the blinkers are on. Orpheus is effective over this trip despite making breathing noises and has to be included.

In the sixth race over 1800m Drop Kick ran a fair race last time over this trip first time out the maidens. He should have come on from the run and has a plum draw now. Top Rank was just behind Drop Kick in that race and is now drawn in pole. Hakeem went close in that race from a good draw but is now drawn wide. Gone With The Wind is distance suited and well drawn but does make breathing noises. Corrido and Kurt’s Approval also have to be included. 

In the next race over 1600m Arlington’s Revenge won well over this trip last time and can follow up from a good draw off two point higher mark. Throng is on the up and can go close, although he would prefer further. Obvious Child did well first time out the maidens and has a 4kg claimer up from pole position. Tammany Hall raced a bit strongly over 2000m last time and might enjoy coming down to this trip, although she has a tough draw. Spring Poetry should also enjoy this trip.  Whosethebossnow has ability and a good draw.

In the last leg of the Jackpot Pale Lilac could prove to be well weighted having won well last time with first time blinkers on over this sort of trip. She has another wide draw so will likely go to the front again. Dame Kelly is ideally distance suited and drawn in pole. Mar Del Seur, Gimme Hope Johanna and Regal Graduation make most appeal of the rest.

In the last leg of the Pick 6 Quebec Queen makes most appeal over a suitable trip but it is a tough race. Jailhouse Jazz should make a bold bid too as an unexposed progressive sort. 

By David Thiselton