Greyville Sunday Tips and Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

Race 1
9 VIRTUOSA   1 ANOTHER SECRET   2 BLANKET OF SNOW   8 SMILEY KYLIE

Preview: VIRTUOSA (9) was a beaten favourite over 1600m last time out. She was not beaten far so it does prove that she stays this trip. ANOTHER SECRET (1) has run well in both starts to date and should enjoy the extra furlong. BLANKET OF SNOW (2) made a fair debut over the trip and with Marcus up the inference is obvious. SMILEY KYLIE (8) made a promising sprint debut after a smart barrier trial and should enjoy the extra. (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-2-8).\

Race 2
1 LEANNA   11 WINTER TIME   8 JAMIE’S JOY   10 TANGO TIME

Preview: LEANNA (1) has been trying much further and was narrowly beaten last run. She meets little of note here and must rate a strong chance. WINTER TIME (11) caught the eye when making her debut and should come on from that. JAMIE’S JOY (8) showed up well in her barrier trial and does not have much to beat here. TANGO TIME (10) was a distant third last start but does have a stronger rider aboard. DIAMONDSANDPEARLS (6) was a beaten favourite last start and is a little bit hot but can make amends. (Andrew Harrison: 1-8-10-6).

Race 3
1 DUZI MOON   9 MOSHAV   5 KINGSTON PARK   8 BRAVO ZULU

Preview: DUZI MOON (1) is back over his preferred course and distance. He is down in class and the handicap and has a good chance in a wide open affair. MOSHAV (9) has consistent Highveld form and should handle the poly track. KINGSTON PARK (5) is lightly raced but his maiden win was on the poly and he jumps from an inside gate. BRAVO ZULU (8) is on his best surface although he might prefer it a touch shorter. (Andrew Harrison: 1-9-5-8).

Race 4
1 CALL ME WINTER   11 MARSANNE   4 CAPE BLUEBELL   2 MISS SABINA

Preview: CALL ME WINTER (1) was close-up last run and goes well on the poly. She has the benefit of an inside draw. MARSANNE (11) was an easy maiden winner over course and distance on debut and looks to have some scope. She has drawn wide. CAPE BLUEBELL (4) has also drawn wide but has her third run after a break and looks primed for this event. MISS SABINA (2) has her first start for her new stable and is one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 1-11-4-2).

Race 5
12 LINE OF CONTROL   2 PLYMOUTH ROCK   5 DUC D’ORANGE   4 CHECKPOINT CHARLIE

Preview: LINE OF CONTROL (12) has a light weight and a good draw and was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out. PLYMOUTH ROCK (2) did not have much luck from a poor draw when returning from a rest in a strong field. He can do much better here. DUC D’ORANGE (5) has been up against stronger in two outings since shedding his maiden. He is down in class and the handicap. CHECKPOINT CHARLIE (4) did not feature when back in blinkers last run but was not too far back in two races before that. (Andrew Harrison: 12-2-5-4).

Race 6
5 IDEAL DUEL   3 AWAYINTHEWOODS   4 LITTLE AUDREY   6 JO MAMBO

Preview: Tough race. IDEAL DUEL (5) was disappointing last run back on the turf. She seems best on the synthetic surface and can make amends. AWAYINTHEWOODS (3) was much improved in blinkers last start and a repeat should see her close again. LITTLE AUDREY (4) is way better than her last effort. She has been consistent since her maiden win and can go close. JO MAMBO (6) won well last run. She has been consistent with her new stable and can follow up. IRISH WONDER GIRL (2) was close-up against males last start and has her third run after a break. She looks to have a big chance in this line-up. (Andrew Harrison: 5-3-4-6-2).

Race 7
3 GIMME A COHIBA   7 ROY’S PHYSCO   6 BOLD BEAUTY   9 SHERMAN  

Preview: GIMME A COHIBA (3) made no show from a bad draw on the turf last run. Prior to that he showed up well in two starts on the poly. ROY’S PHYSCO (7) finally broke his duck last start with a narrow victory but with a claiming apprentice up can go in again. BOLD BEAUTY (6) takes on males but was narrowly beaten over course and distance last start. SHERMAN (9) is always dangerous and was narrowly beaten at long odds last outing. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-6-9).

Race 8
3 ROOM AT THE TOP   1 JACK OF HEARTS   7 SEA SPONGE   10 HOLY FLAME

Preview: ROOM AT THE TOP (3) showed up well in his local debut. He will prefer the extra and should be thereabouts. JACK OF HEARTS (1) has been consistent since his maiden win. He is down in class here and must have a big chance. SEA SPONGE (7) has come well in blinkers and only got a two-point penalty for his last win. HOLY FLAME (10) takes on males but has been knocking at the door for some time now and has a chance with her handy weight. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-7-10).

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Turffontein Saturday Tips and Race Previews by David Thiselton

Race 1
Preview: VASEEM (10) made a good debut over 1200m and from a good draw should enjoy this step up in trip. STEAK AND ALE (8) just failed when stepped up to this trip last time and is drawn well. ON MY MIND (5) has been knocking at the door and should be thereabouts. (David Thiselton 10-8-5)

Race 2
Preview: ANNATJIE (1) is knocking on the door and from pole position should be thereabouts over this suitable trip. IRISH DAME (9) made a fair debut and should improve. ESCAPE TO VICTORY (6) is well drawn and can go close if repeating her last run. (David Thiselton 1-9-6)

Race 3
Preview: ARABIAN AIR (3) is well treated at the weights here and should have come on from his decent Highveld debut. CROWN GUARDIAN (1) has class and should enjoy this trip from pole position. FLASH BURN (2) is progressive and can be involved again. (David Thiselton 3-1-2)

Race 4
Preview: ORCHID STREET (1) is knocking on the door over this trip and has a fair draw. ENDANGERED (8) ran a fair race second time out and has a chance from pole position over a step up in trip which should suit. BARON RODNEY (2) went close over 1160m in his penultimate start and could earn again. (David Thiselton 1-8-2)

Race 5
Preview: LAGERTHA (8) made a fair debut from a wide draw in a Maiden Juvenile Plate and with Marcus up can make amends. BRITANNIA QUEEN (1) went close over this trip last time but has a wide draw here. NOTQUITETHEREYET (3) has run a couple of fair races over 1400m on the Highveld and is interesting here dropped in trip with the tongue tie off, although she has a wide draw. (David Thiselton 8-1-3)  

Race 6
Preview: ROCKY NIGHT (1) has a good draw over a suitable trip and he should be thereabouts. GIMME HOPE JOHANNA (5) is up against the boys which is never easy but she is consistent and is distance suited. LONE SURVIVOR (11) is drawn in pole over a suitable trip and is off an attractive merit rating. (David Thiselton 1-5-11)

Race 7
Preview: SILVER SPECTRUM (3) is capable and should relish the step up in trip especially from pole. KINGS ARCHER (1) has fallen to an attractive merit rating and is well drawn over a suitable trip. EUROSTORM (8) is drawn well and is interesting having done well last time when stepped to 1500m. (David Thiselton 3-1-8)

Race 8
Preview: ANNEKA (3) had a tough draw when unplaced in the Syringa but was not disgraced and now from pole position over a suit able trip she should go close. JAMRA (4) returned to form last time over 1800m and now that she is in good fettle she can go close again over a trip which should also suit. PALE LILAC (8) has talent and this trip should be ideal so off an attractive merit rating she can go close. (David Thiselton 3-4-8)   

Race 9
Preview: HAREER (4) is no great shakes but will enjoy the step back to this trip and is drawn in pole so as one who should be improving all the time, being by Silvano, she has a chance in this uninspiring field. RUBY DANCER (1) has moderate form but has won over this course and distance before and has a chance in this uninspiring field. SANS REGRETS (2) finished way back last time after not striding out but of recapturing her previous form she should go close. (David Thiselton 4-1-2)

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Greyville Friday Tips and Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

Race 1

2 CASTELLANO   5 MASTERS BEAUTY   8 PREFERENTIAL   10 TWICE AS SPECIAL
1 Fair first run this trip.
2 Promising debut. Extra should suit.
3 Beaten favourite last two. Can do better this trip.
4 Two promising sprints. Extra could suit.
5 Caught the eye in barrier trial. Trip will suit.
6 Tries the trip. Yet to show.
7 Improving quickly. Promising last effort.
8 Good sprint debut. Should do better this trip.
9 Fair trial. In a tough one.
10 Much improved last run. Better this trip.

Preview: Wide open with most going the distance for the first time. CASTELLANO (2) showed up well when making her debut over 1400m. The experience and extra furlong could count in her favour. MASTERS BEAUTY (5) caught the eye in her barrier trial when geared down behind subsequent winner Gabor. PREFERENTIAL (8) was not far back in her debut sprint and will much prefer this trip. She has drawn well and Marcus rides. TWICE AS SPECIAL (10) made marked improvement last run. She should do better this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-8-10).

Race 2

3 APPLE MAGIC   9 ITSAPLEASURE   1 MISS JAGGER   4 SUN ON SAND
1 Lightly raced. Shows steady improvement.
2 Ignore latest. Has shown some ability.
3 Ignore last run in blinkers. Big chance on previous.
4 Holding form. Go close here.
5 Disappointing last effort. Chance on previous.
6 Not far behind. Can earn.
7 Needs to show more.
8 Poor form.
9 Promising debut. Jumps in trip.
10 Yet to show.
11 Shown little in two sprints.
12 Shown little in two trials.
13 Needs to show more.
14 Some improvement when going ground.
15 Needs to show more.

Preview: APPLE MAGIC (3) showed no interest when tried in blinkers. Her poly form before that was good and she should go close. ITSAPLEASURE (9) has been a late starter but showed up well on debut. She jumps in trip but meets a weak field. Stable companion MISS JAGGER (1) makes her local debut. Her last highveld run was a smart effort and a repeat will see her close. SUN ON SAND (4) has shown some ability and not been too far back of late. (Andrew Harrison: 3-9-1-4).

Race 3

8 CAPTAIN ELLIODOR   11 THOMAS SHELBY   1 LAND OF MYSTERY   9 DOUBLE GAMES
1 Improved with every run. Go close.
2 Smart last effort over shorter.
3 Has been trying further.
4 Better than latest but must show more.
5 Patchy form but drawn well and can feature.
6 Needs to show more.
7 No show in barrier trial.
8 Cruised through barrier trial. Looks promising.
9 Placed in all four. Can place again.
10 No show on debut. One to watch.
11 Beaten favourite last run. Extra may suit.
12 Yet to show.
13 Needs to show more.

Preview: CAPTAIN ELLIODOR (8) cruised up effortlessly in his barrier trial. He looks to have some scope and may be the one to beat. LAND OF MYSTERY (1) showed some improvement in blinkers and can go one better. THOMAS SHELBY (11) has shown some promise in two sprints and could much prefer this trip. He was a beaten favourite last start. DOUBLE GAMES (9) has been placed in all four of his starts but does look held by Land Of Mystery given their last meeting. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-11-9).

Race 4

9 ULTRA BOOST   2 Q THE MUSIC   1 ROYAL ARMOUR   5 SHOGUN
1 In good form. Go close.
2 Holding form. Best distance.
3 Capable but totally unpredictable.
4 Consistent but needs to show more.
5 Useful local debut for new stable. Should be right there.
6 Faces stronger. Better draw here.
7 Seems better than last effort. Pace chance.
8 Second run after a rest. Must show more.
9 Lightly raced. Shows promise. Light weight.

Preview: ULTRA BOOST (9) is under sufferance and jumps in class. However, he has shown ability and with only 49.5kg to shoulder he could catch the top weights ROYAL AMOUR (1) and Q THE MUSIC (2). Both are consistent but Q The Music appears to be the better proposition over this trip. SHOGUN (5) is seldom for back recently and made a good enough debut for his new stable. He should be right there. (Andrew Harrison: 9-2-1-5).

Race 5

8 TWEED VALLEY   1 BEAT IT   4 CAUSE AND EFFECT   7 NIKIYA
1 Two smart recent efforts on the poly. Can go in again.
2 Much better than Highveld form. New stable and tongue-tie.
3 Quick. 4kg claimer up.
4 Met stronger last start. In good form.
5 Must improve on recent.
6 Better than latest. Can place.
7 Consistent to weaker but not out of it.
8 Best course and distance. Chance.
9 Seems better than latest.
10 Fair form. Can place.

Preview: TWEED VALLEY (8) has her third run after a break and has a better draw this time around. She has smart form over course and distance and looks ready. BEAT IT (1) goes well on the poly. Comfortable last win and has a chance again. CAUSE AND EFFECT (4) is holding form. Switches to the poly but should go well in this company. NIKIYA (7) has been close-up in her last three over course and distance. There should be little between her and Tweed Valley. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-4-7).

Race 6

1 FRESNAYE   2 MIGHTY HIGH   3 MISS SMARTY PANTS   4 REGAL GRADUATION
1 Top effort in WSB 1900.
2 Classy filly. Jumps in trip
3 Better than last effort in the mud. Can feature.
4 Consistent Highveld form. Has a chance.
5 Lightly raced. In a tough one.
6 Better trip. Can place.
7 Smart last run after a break. Light weight.

Preview: FRESNAYE (1) is a VDJ candidate and was a close-up fourth in the WSP 1900. A convincing win here could edge her into the final 18. MIGHTY HIGH (2) is a classy filly but stretches to this trip for the first time. She does have a 2.5kg claimer up which should help. REGAL GRADUATION (4) has consistent Highveld form over the trip and should feature while MISS SMARTY PANTS (3) did not act in the heavy going last run. Her form before that saw her improve with every run. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-3-4).

Race 7

2 BOLD RESPECT   1 KASIMIR   12 GREEN PLAINS   3 QUINLAN
1 Rested but top class.
2 Never far back. Go close here.
3 Smart form but seems better shorter.
4 Never far back. Tough draw.
5 Consistent. Can surprise.
6 May have needed last run. Worst of the draw.
7 Last year’s winner. Winless since.
8 Shows pace. Drawn well.
9 Has been disappointing. Wide draw.
10 Useful last two. Draw a concern.
11 In a tough one.
12 Light weight but needs to show more.
13 Could find the frame with this weight.
14 Would be a surprise winner.
15 In good form. Chance if he runs.
16 Can make the frame if he runs.
17 Has been disappointing.

Preview: Wide open. This race often throws up a surprise result so beware. KASIMIR (1) arrives off a break but top class Cape form. The stable is hot so must have a big chance BOLD RESPECT (2) may just have needed his last outing in the Tsogo Sun Sprint and at the weights is right up there with Kasimir. The filly GREEN PLAINS (12) could be the upset package. QUINLAN (3) ran a cracker in his warm-up race but does appear more effective over shorter. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-12-3).

Race 8

2 PICKAWINNER   3 RED HOT NIGHT   8 HEROIC DEED   7 EAGLES VISION
1 New stable. Smart Cape form but may just need this.
2 Lightly raced. Just needed latest.
3 Just failed last run. Third run after a break.
4 Needs to show more.
5 Needed latest. Can do better here.
6 Smart barrier trial. One to watch.
7 Caught the eye in barrier trial. Has scope
8 Two smart efforts to date.
9 Tried further on debut. Wide draw.
10 Fair barrier trial. One to watch.
11 Promising barrier trial. Can make a smart debut.
12 Needs to improve.

Preview: Difficult race with a number of first timers putting in eye-catching barrier trials. Betting may be you best guide. PICKAWINNER (2) is lightly raced but well regarded. He may just have needed his last outing. RED HOT NIGHT (3) has his third run after a break and was narrowly beaten last time out. HEROIC DEED (8) has shown up well in both starts and experience could tell. EAGLES VISION (7) caught the eye on debut and could prove best of the first timers. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-8-7)

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The nine race meeting at Turffontein Inside track tomorrow starts with a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1600m.

The Mike de Kock-trained Vercingetorix gelding Vaseem made a good debut over 1200m against older mixed maidens and was a bit short of room in the latter stages when in a threatening position. He now has a good draw over a step up in trip he should relish and Anton Marcus is up, so he looks the one to beat. Steak And Ale ran well third time out when stepped up to this trip, just failing after being green and producing a late rattle. He has scope for improvement and is a threat from a good draw. On My Mind was a touch outpaced late over 1400m last time when run out of it and he should relish the step up in trip.

Annatjie looks the one to beat in the second from pole position over 1600m. She stayed on well when going handy from a wide draw over 1450m last time but was caught be a flying Lady Defiance. She should prefer this trip and has the advantage of a 4kg claimer up. Irish Dame caught the eye running on well over this trip on debut and she only finished three-quarters of a length behind Annatjie that race, so has a shout here, although she has to contend with another wide draw. Flagship Fund beat Annatjie over this trip when they last met down the straight but she has a wide draw to overcome. Escape To Victory also has a form chance and is well drawn. Diorama could improve too over this trip and has Marcus up.

In the third over 1450m Arabian Air just failed from the front in his first run on the Highveld over this course and distance and he should have come on from that run. He is the best weighted horse in this Assessment Plate. Crown Guardian has class and should enjoy the step up in trip and will be a big threat and Flash Burn can also make it onto a trifecta position.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Orchid Street has a nice stride and is knocking on the door over this trip. Endangered can also be included as this gelding has substance and plenty of scope for improvement and he is drawn in pole over a step up in trip he should enjoy.

In the first leg of the Jackpot over 1200m the two-year-old Frankel filly Lagertha can improve on her good course and distance debut from a slightly better draw and with Marcus now up. Britannia Queen and Notquitethereyet look to be the dangers.

It gets tricky from then on as the handicaps start. In the sixth race Rocky Night is a decent sort and he is drawn in pole over an ideal 1450m trip. The filly Gimme Hope Johanna can’t be ignored here as a consistent, course and distance suited horse.

In the seventh race over 1600m Silver Spectrum is a progressive sort who looks the one to beat. Kings Archer is off an attractive mark and Eurostorm makes some appeal.

Anneka, Jamra and Pale Lilac all have ability and could fight out the eighth over 1600m.

In the last race Hareer is no great shakes but should be improving being by Silvano and she should enjoy the step back up to the trip of her maiden win. She is drawn in pole too and can beat Ruby Dancer and Sans Regrets. 

By David Thiselton

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Top weights Kasimir and Bold Respect are the class horses in today’s Gr2 Post Merchants but being a handicap, this race has a reputation of throwing up a surprise package or two so punters are advised to take a wide view of the field. These two are the only runners quoted in single figures with 10-1 bar so there is plenty of value if you can find one to beat them.

With 62kg on his back, the Justin Snaith-trained Kasimir has a big task ahead of him but he comes from a very much in form stable and his Cape form is strong. He appears to have come into his own as a late four-year-old, winning three of his last four starts including the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship and Gr3 Diadem Stakes.

The one chink in his armour may be the three-month break since his last race and he will need to be sharp to win this one and Snaith may just have the Gr1 WFA Mercury Sprint in mind as his ultimate goal for the season.

Bold Respect, on the other hand, a well beaten fourth in the Diadem but not far back in any of his meetings with Kasimir, has had a blow-out this winter, finishing under two lengths back to Chimichuri Run in the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint. He is in receipt of 2kg from Kasimir and with a run under his girth Brett Crawford’s runner could put one over his nemesis.

Take out the top two and you have a race on your hands. Last year’s winner Sniper Shot has been winless since and was among the longer priced runners that evening. Given his current form one is hard-pressed to make out a solid case for Paul Lafferty’s runner and a better proposition could be the filly Green Plains. Sean Tarry is a master at planning and peaking his horses for the right races and at around 25-1 in the current market Green Plains looks fair value for money.

She has been dropping steadily in the handicap and although down the field in the recent Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint, she did not have the best of luck in the running. Tonight, she has a plum draw and a handy galloping weight and Lyle Hewitson will get the best out of her.

Barrier trials are not every trainer’s want but just as in any race, if one can read between the lines, they are a valuable tool in a punter’s armoury.

Dean Kannemeyer generally has a better type horse in his yard than most and Captain Elliodor turned in an eye-catching barrier trial. Although only a neck in front of his nearest ‘trialist’ he could hardly go slow enough for the rest to keep up.

Bookmakers were quick to cotton on and Captain Elliodor is currently joint favourite in the ante-post market with the already exposed Land Of Mystery. Also in the mix for the opening leg of the Pick 6 is Thomas Shelby, a beaten favourite last run but possibly a better proposition over the extra two furlongs.

Johan Janse van Vuuren saddles Thomas Shelby and he has a chance of a quick double with Ultra Boost in the next.

A lightly raced three-year-old, he has been tossed in at the deep end as he takes on some salted opposition having only had a barrier trial after a five-month break. It may be a bit much to ask but he does appear to have some scope and with only 49.5kg to should courtesy of claiming apprentice Jason Gates, he could have enough gas in the tank.

By Andrew Harrison

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