The Vaal Classic track a stages nine race meeting tomorrow and it is a typically low key but competitive August card.

Punters could get off to a good start with the Sean Tarry-trained Therecanbeonlyone. This horse was outpaced in the finish over 2000m last time but stayed on and although just a young three-year-old looks to be crying out for the trip already. She has plenty of substance so should be improving all the time and being by Twice Over out of a Captain Al mare who won up to 1950m her pedigree also suggests she should get the trip. Weiho Marwing is an expert with stayers and the Lateral filly Laconia has earned a cheque in her last five starts over staying trips. She is starting to threaten a win and with top work rider Sam Mosia now aboard from pole position she will be a threat to Therecanbeonlyone, Shezahotti has had bad luck with draws and it continues here as she is drawn six out of six. She is bred for this trip being by SA Derby winner Irish Flame out of an Among Men mare who is out of a Rakeen mare and she could earn. 

In the second race Serendipity can be forgiven her last start as she attained a speedy cut during the race. She is now drawn two over a favourable trip of 1500m and faces an uninspiring field so if recapturing her previous form off an effective two-point lower merit rating she is the one to beat. Passion Peach has been quite frustrating to follow over sprints as she finishes well but usually does it too late. She has failed in two attempts at this distance category but is by Ideal World so might be able to stay it now as a five-year-old. She has a fair draw with Muzi Yeni up. Empress Rock is never far off them and now has a 4kg claimer up so could also be in the shake-up.

In the third over 1200m both Brigtnumberten and Golden Lion will have to carry a fair amount of deadweight and therefore Pidgeon Rock is preferred. This four-year-old won well in the maidens last time over this 1200m trip and Dennis Schwarz stays aboard. His opening handicap mark looks manageable. Brigtnumberten has plenty of pace and has a fair draw. In the current fast conditions he can kick on. Golden Lion’s big weight of 63kg will be alleviated by the 4kg claimer of apprentice Syster. He won from a wide draw over the Turffontein Inside track over this trip in his penultimate start and is now drawn in pole off just an effective two-point higher mark, so will be a big threat.

In the fourth over 1600m Stop For Nothing is the form choice. He was four lengths back over 1400m last time and on pedigree should enjoy this step up in trip, although a concern is the breathing noise he made. The Riddler steps up from 1200m and should enjoy it on pedigree so can be involved from draw two. Tiki Taka has also shown signs of ability. However, this race could produce an upset as the first three choices don’t inspire confidence.

In the fifth over 1600m Smiley River moved up well on debut over 1400m after a slow start but did not find the necessary extra. She should improve and does not have a lot to beat. Readysetglo is usually thereabouts but is quite exposed. However, she is drawn in pole and should enjoy the step up to this trip being by Traffic Guard. The one who could upset the applecart is Anagram. She stayed on well over this course and distance last time from the same good draw of two and that was only her third start so she can improve.

In the sixth over 1600m Waqaas drops back to the course and distance of his best run and he is drawn in pole in an uninspiring field. Grindelwald has finished fourth in his last two starts over this trip and has been dropped a further three points so could get closer. Pelican Bay’s merit rating has been dropped another two points and he had excuses last time so could earn from a good draw.

In the seventh Perfect Light won well over this trip last time and off a lenient merit rating and jumping from pole she can follow up. Tombola has failed twice over middle distances before but having made a good start to her career in a Highveld yard she can be given another chance. This is particularly in light of her being by stamina influence Irish Flame and also the manner in which she won going away over 1600m last time. Destiny’s Game won well when stepped up to 1800m last time and looks likely to enjoy the further step up in trip, so she has a chance despite having to carry topweight off an effective six-point higher mark.

In the eighth over 1000m Before The Dawn starts off handicapping on a reasonable mark having won easily with first time blinkers on over this trip last time and with a 2,5kg claimer up could follow up. Phillydelphia is none too consistent but carrying a featherweight she could be in the shake up if producing her best, although she is 1,5kg worse off than she could be as she is half-a-kilogram under sufferance and the 4kg claimer Syster carries 1kg overweight. Queen Of War, Claremorris and Ottawa are also capable of winning this race.

In the last race over 1000m Mr Hugo has not been disgraced in two starts won by useful sorts. He has pace and can improve. Touch Of Fate has ability and can be involved if starting better than usual. Sunburst is having his 17th start but could earn here and Pure Wisdom and Anatolio can’t be ignored either.

By David Thiselton

Image: Ryan Munger rides Serendipity in the second race at the Vaal racecourse tomorrow.

Callan Murray rides at Kenilworth for the first time since May last year on Saturday and he could well become a regular visitor to the two Cape Town courses.

The rising star, keen to re-establish himself after his stints in Hong Kong and Singapore, said yesterday: “I am very glad to be back at Kenilworth and, with the Cape season coming up, I would be willing to travel more often. It’s no secret that they are looking for jockeys there and I am hungry and willing.”

He rides in the last six of the eight races and has two mounts for both Glen Kotzen and Candice Bass-Robinson as well as one apiece for Piet Steyn and Geoff Woodruff.

By Michael Clower

Maidens and lowly handicaps make up most of the field’s country-wide in this time between feature seasons and punters have had to do plenty of homework to get through the exotic bets unscathed.

However, with only seven runners in the first leg of the PA on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville today, Golden Chance should oblige with at least a first-three finish. It is a competitive field for a Graduation Plate but Golden Chance ticks most of the boxes and if anywhere near her best should be difficult to beat.

If there is a chink in her armour, it could be that she may prefer it a touch further but to compensate, she is rated 5kg better than her nearest rival in the handicap ratings.

She is up against some useful opposition, best of which could be the Garth Puller-trained three-year-old Travelling Light. She was touched off over course and distance last time out and is progressive. Candy Galore comes from an inform stable while Wildly In Love has made dramatic improvement with a tongue-tie and is back on the poly where she has won before.

SA Derby winner Irish Flame has been responsible for more sprinters than stayers and sired a brace of winners last Sunday. Miss Charlotte should have a bright chance for giving him a third winner within a week when she lines up in the opening leg of the Pick 6.

It’s not an easy race but Puller has been firing of late and Miss Charlotte took a bad knock in her last race losing momentum when it mattered. Hot Money caught the eye on debut and should come on for the experience while Cersei galloped well at Ashburton last week and is in good order.

Paul Gadsby has signed up Warren Kennedy for the ride on La Duchesse in the fourth and her consistency should be rewarded. She goes well over course and distance and has the best of the draw.

If there is to be an upset it could come in the form of Camelots Beauty. Paul Lafferty’s runner is showing signs of coming to hand and with apprentice Jabu Jacobs, successful on Boeing City last Sunday, taking 4kg off her back she could surprise.

Dancing Feather caught the eye on debut and should make further improvement in the fifth although Royal Kitty and Miss Missouri have also shown up well at recent outings.

The sixth is a wide open affair but Such A Rush can put one over her male rivals. She was narrowly beaten in her last two starts over course and distance and the stable is in form. Of the others, Sovereign Soldier has shown up well at his last two and should feature prominently along with Northern Route who came back well after a lengthy break. Second run after a lay-off may be a problem.

Purple And Gold is likely to be among the longer priced runner in the eighth but there was plenty of money for Julie Dittmer’s runner last time out and she was a touch unlucky to find traffic on the turn, losing position. She finished with a rattle and was just over a length back to the winner Thru’ The Trees who she meets on 1kg better terms today. The dangers are many, including Thru’ The Trees, Live As One and Everdene.

It’s tough for three-year-olds against older horses at this time of the year but Mary O was close-up in a strong feature last start and could have too much class for some seasoned opposition and it helps that Mark Khan and Lezeanne Forbes are in form. Top weight Miss Calypso was just short of a run last time out at Scottsville and this 1400m trip from draw two looks tailor made for a big effort.

By Andrew Harrison

Hollywoodbets Greyville Wednesday Tips and Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

Race 1

1 Improved form on the poly. Can feature.
2 Improved with each run. Poly debut.
3 Beaten favourite last start. Can go one better.
4 Green on debut.
5 First run.
6 Seems better than latest. May need further.
7 Disappointing last run. Blinkers on.
8 First run.
9 First run.
10 Backed last run. Much improved on the poly.
11 Modest debut.

3 NINOTTO   2 DOUBLE ESPRESSO   1 NOBLE BEAT   10 CAPTAIN OF COLOUR
Preview: NINOTTO (3) was narrowly beaten last run. He has improved with each outing and should go close again. DOUBLE ESPRESSO (2) was second best last run but is lightly raced and another still improving. He makes his poly debut. NOBLE BEAT (1) has shown his best form on the poly and although he looks held by Ninotto on his last showing he can still feature prominently. CAPTAIN OF COLOUR (10) takes on males. She was running on late behind She’s A Crusade last outing and has a chance on that showing. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-1-10).

Race 2

1 Narrow last win. Has been trying further but well in here.
2 Holding form and goes well on the poly.
3 Rested. May just need this.
4 Come good in a tongue-tie. Can go close.
5 Consistent. Peak run.
6 Due to run on Sunday.
7 Quick filly. Shows promise.

1 GOLDEN CHALICE   7 TRAVELLING LIGHT   4 WILDLY IN LOVE   2 NIKIYA
Preview: GOLDEN CHALICE (1) is well in at the weights but her recent form has been over further. She may have too much class. TRAVELLING LIGHT (7) is a smart filly and was touched off at her last start. She has scope. WILDLY IN LOVE (4) has been much improved in a tongue-tie and the switch to the poly should suit. NIKIYA (2) has consistent form over course and distance and has a winning chance. (Andrew Harrison: 1-7-4-2).

Race 3

1 Lengthy break. Poly debut and may need further.
2 Consistent but needs to show more.
3 Distant third last start.
4 Back to a sprint. Battling.
5 Fair last two. Should go well here.
6 Second best last run. Can go one better.
7 Two fair sprints. Can still improve.
8 Promising debut. Can go close.
9 First run.
10 First run.

5 MISS CHARLOTTE   6 CERSEI   8 HOT MONEY   1 AZEEZA
Preview: MISS CHARLOTTE (5) has put up her two best performances on the poly. She should go close to winning. CERSEI (6) found one too good for her last start. She is holding form well and should feature prominently. HOT MONEY (8) caught the eye on debut. She was well supported in the betting that day and looks set to improve. AZEEZA (1) has not been out since January. She obviously has problems but has shown ability. (Andrew Harrison: 5-6-8-1).

Race 4

1 Long overdue. Looks the part here.
2 Battling but not far back.
3 Way better than last run.
4 Needs to show more.
5 Poly debut. Can still improve.
6 Some improvement in blinkers.
7 Two fair efforts. Extra will suit.
8 First run.
9 Blinkers on. Needs to show more.

1 LA DUCHESSE   7 CAMELOTS BEAUTY   5 STORM TUNE   2 TEETOTAL
Preview: LA DUCHESSE (1) is due a change of fortune and appears to have found the right field here. She should be difficult to beat. CAMELOTS BEAUTY (7) is lightly raced and the stable is coming out of a virus but she has the best of the draw here and the extra should suit. STORM TIDE (5) has not been too far off on the turf and could do better on the poly. TEETOTAL (2) is battling but has done well this course and distance and can place. (Andrew Harrison: 1-7-5-2).

Race 5

1 Needs to show more.
2 Struggling to improve.
3 Holding form well. Go close again.
4 Good last effort on the poly. Go close.
5 Enjoyed the extra but looks held. Money chance.
6 Consistent. Money chance.
7 Smart debut in feature company.
8 Modest debut.
9 First run.
10 Yet to show.

7 DANCING FEATHER   4 ROYAL KITTY   3 MISS MISSOURI   5 BLUSH OF DAWN
Preview: DANCING FEATHER (7) found market support when making her debut in feature company and did well to finish third. She has a bit of a tricky draw here but looks progressive. ROYAL KITTY (4) enjoyed the poly track last start. Still improving and rates a winning chance. MISS MISSOURI (3) has ability and improved further when tried in blinkers. She looks a big threat. BLUSH OF DAWN (5) and LADY SECRET (6) both started at long odds and finished on top of each other. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-3-5).

Race 6

1 Recent maiden winner.
2 Promising last two. Go close.
3 Rested after maiden win.
4 Consistent over shorter.
5 Lightly raced. Up in trip.
6 Seldom too far back. Chance in this company.
7 Much improved last run after a break.
8 Two smart recent efforts. Go close again.
9 Improved last two. Can go close.
10 Must improve on recent.
11 Steady form. Can place.
12 Lengthy break.

8 SUCH A RUSH   2 SOVEREIGN SOLDIER   7 NORTHERN ROUTE   9 ROCKY COAST
Preview: Wide open. SUCH A RUSH (8) takes on males but was narrowly beaten in her last two starts over course and distance and the stable is in form. SOVEREIGN SOLDER (2) has shown up well at his last two and should feature prominently. NORTHERN ROUTE (7) came back well after a lengthy break. Second run may be a problem. ROCKY COAST (9) has improved at his last two. He switches to the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 8-2-7-9).

Race 7

1 Holding form. Can go close this trip.
2 Enjoys the poly but handicapper appears to have caught up.
3 Narrow last win in PE. Can follow up.
4 Game last win. That form has been franked. Chance again.
5 Smart poly effort last outing. Chance on repeat showing.
6 Holding form well. Not out of it.
7 Goes well this trip. Can feature.
8 Needs to show more.
9 Seldom far back. Cheek pieces on.

9 PURPLE AND GOLD   5 LIVE AS ONE   3 EVERDENE   4 THRU’ THE TREES
Preview: Wide open. PURPLE AND GOLD (9) is struggling for her next win but was not far back last start. She tries cheek pieces and if she can improve a length she will go very close to winning. LIVE AS ONE (5) made good improvement when tried in a tongue-tie and can turn the tables on THRU’ THE TREES (4). EVERDENE (3) is lightly raced and scored narrowly on the PE poly last outing. She can follow up here. (Andrew Harrison: 9-5-3-4).

Race 8

1 Back over best trip. Needed latest.
2 Easy last win. Needs to repeat.
3 Better than latest. Tries blinkers.
4 Consistency rewarded. More to do here.
5 Consistent. Can place.
6 Enjoyed the poly. More to do here.
7 Smart last run in feature company.
8 Maiden winner last run. More needed.
9 In good form. Can go in again.
10 Narrowly beaten last two. Stable in form.
11 Consistent but needs to show more.
12 Good last run but in a tough one here.
13 Needs to show more.

7 MARY O   1 MISS CALYPSO   9 ETERNAL WORDS   10 KARATAGE
Preview: It’s tough for three-year-olds against older horses at this time of the year but MARY O (7) was close-up in a strong feature last start and could have too much class for some seasoned opposition. MISS CALYPSO (1) goes very well on this surface and may just have been in need of her last start.  ETERNAL WORDS (9) comes from a very much in form stable and has come to hand well of late. KARATAGE (10) is due a change of fortune and also comes from a stable bang in form. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-9-10).

To take a bet go to www.tabgold.co.za or www.trackandball.co.za

The Bloodstock South Africa National 2YO Sale that concluded at Germiston last week saw the market show some welcome resilience in difficult trading conditions.

In total 316 of the 392 catalogued lots sold, at an average of R103,085, 14% up on last year’s figure of R89,802.

The aggregate of R32,575,000 was also significantly up on the R29,455,000 of a year ago.

The late Soft Falling Rain was leading sire, with his 14 lots fetching R2,740,000.  

Newly crowned champion breeders Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein swiftly got into the swing of things on Thursday.

Early sales topper was Soft Falling Rain colt Herecomestherain. Sent down by Wilgerbosdrift, he was snapped up for R600,000 by Jehan Malherbe’s Form Bloodstock organisation.

And Mauritzfontein also got into the action when their Bold Silvano colt Sun Lark went to Louis Goosen for R350,000.

Later on, Silvano colt Silver Stardust made the highest price of R800,000. He was consigned by Klipdrif Stud (as agent) and snapped up by Lynton Ryan.

Silvano was last week crowned South Africa’s Champion Sire for a fourth time.

Also making R800,000 was the unnamed lot 267, a Cheveley Stud-bred Dynasty colt from Mystic Spring. He is a grey full-brother to past graduate and Equus champion Bela-Bela and the champion male, Rabiya, and was bought by Kestorm Investments.

Bass Racing purchased the top-priced filly in the form of Tenacity (Lot 38). The latter, who was consigned by Varsfontein Stud, was knocked down for R450 000, with the filly being a daughter of Varsfontein Stud’s rising sire star Master Of My Fate, and a half-sister to Listed Swallow Stakes winner All At Once.

Skhwelemthini Investments were leading buyers at the 2019 National 2YO Sale, purchasing five two-year-olds for R2.365 million. Their tally included the Dynasty colt Victor Emmanuel (Lot 385) – a R700 000 buy from Wilgerbosdrift.

Klipdrif Stud, as agent, ended up as the leading vendors, with the Robertson-based farm selling 15 of their 20 lots offered for a gross amount of R3.655 million.

Soft Falling Rain was the top sire at the sale, with all of his 14 lots on offer selling for R2.74 million. His top lot was the Wilgerbosdrift consigned colt named Herecomestherain (Lot 46) who made R600 000.

Bloodstock South Africa’s Gary Grant was understandably upbeat after the sale, commenting, “I think it is safe to say that this sale was a resounding success. It gave vendors some hope in what can best be described as uncertain times in this industry. One of the most pleasing aspects of the sale was the significant part played by several newcomers to the racing industry.”

– Bloodstock SA