Hollywoodbets Greyville Monday June 01 Tips and Race Previews by Warren Lenferna

Race 1

1 Could run well on debut.
2 Caught the eye in the barrier trial and could go close.
3 Needs improvement.
4 Expect a lot better.
5 Might do okay on debut from a good gate.
6 Can improve on debut effort.
7 Runs against older – could place.
8 Big chance on Cape Town form.
9 Place chance.
10 Running well and should win soon.
11 Should be in the firing line but becoming costly to follow.
12 Bright chance on penultimate start.
13 RESERVE RUNNER.
14 RESERVE RUNNER.
15 RESERVE RUNNER.
16 RESERVE RUNNER.

Race 2

1 Needs to start improving and can.
2 Drawn well on debut out of a Dynasty mare.
3 Blinkers on – good draw and must be respected on good last run.
4 Should win soon – bright chance.
5 Can get much closer now.
6 Has the ability to go close.
7 Winning chance.
8 Include in larger quartets.
9 Lightly raced and improvement can be expected.
10 Seldom far off and has a place chance.
11 Taking a long time and needs to confirm last run.
12 Taking time and drawn deep.
13 RESERVE RUNNER.
14 RESERVE RUNNER.
15 RESERVE RUNNER.
16 RESERVE RUNNER.

Race 3

1 Needs to start shaping now and might want further.
2 Could do well on the surface – respect.
3 Much better effort last time, chance on that.
4 Can certainly go one better.
5 Could lurk into the back end of the quartet.
6 Plenty of scope to improve.
7 Might go okay on debut.
8 Solid efforts thus far and might be very hard to beat.
9 Nicely bred but might need.
10 Despite the draw – has a big chance.
11 Never shone in the trial – expect better.
12 Others preferred.
13 RESERVE RUNNER.
14 RESERVE RUNNER.
15 RESERVE RUNNER.
16 RESERVE RUNNER.

Race 4

1 Could place.
2 Marcus rides on debut and over 1400m – watch the betting.
3 Ignore last run – each way chance.
4 Good trial efforts and caught the eye on debut – chance.
5 Disappointed last time but can do a lot better.
6 Each way chance.
7 Seldom far away and should get it right one of these days.
8 Running well and has strong claims.
9 Has plenty of scope to improve and should be able to get much closer.
10 Ignore last run – include in most bets.
11 Nice trial and could go close on debut.
12 Pity about the draw – can go close despite that.
13 RESERVE RUNNER.
14 RESERVE RUNNER.
15 RESERVE RUNNER.
16 RESERVE RUNNER.

Race 5

1 Should run well from the best draw.
2 Looks to be hard to beat.
3 Attractive win last time – respect again.
4 Seldom far away and could pop up.
5 Fair effort in feature last time – could be anything – respect.
6 Taking time to win again but always has a say.
7 A bit erratic but on best efforts can go close.
8 Solid form and looks progressive – winning chance.
9 Tougher now.
10 Has the ability to pop up and can never be ignored.
11 Seldom far off the action but takes on some tough opposition.
12 Much tougher now.
13 RESERVE RUNNER.
14 RESERVE RUNNER.
15 RESERVE RUNNER.
16 RESERVE RUNNER.

Race 6

1 Good draw, enjoys the poly and can win despite the weight.
2 Much better last time, is talented and should go close.
3 Won well last time – chance again.
4 Should record another win soon.
5 Has the ability to pop up sometimes but is a strong race.
6 Always run well and has a bright chance.
7 Solid form, talented and is one of the runners that can win.
8 Looks a fair three year old and should go very close in this.
9 Place chance.
10 Always runs nicely and is a must for the quartet.
11 Looks a decent sort – can win despite the draw.
12 Quartet chance.
13 RESERVE RUNNER.
14 RESERVE RUNNER.
15 RESERVE RUNNER.
16 RESERVE RUNNER.

Race 7

1 Seldom far off the action and is one for the shortlist.
2 Running well and is overdue his next victory.
3 Much tougher now.
4 Excellent last effort and can go one better.
5 Might want a touch further but is one for the quartet.
6 Quartet chance.
7 Running well and should be right there.
8 Needs to do better on post maiden efforts.
9 Good last win and can win again.
10 Won maiden very well and would not be shocked if following up.
11 Solid form and has each way claims.
12 Won nicely last time – tougher now but include in larger quartets.
13 RESERVE RUNNER.
14 RESERVE RUNNER.
15 RESERVE RUNNER.
16 RESERVE RUNNER.

Race 8

1 Okay post maiden effort – has a chance.
2 Could give Paul Reeves his first winner for the KZN season!
3 Small place chance.
4 Much better last time – place chance again.
5 Tougher now.
6 Should run well.
7 Okay post maiden and has a say.
8 Ignore last run.
9 Has fair form and is not out of it – include.
10 Include in the quartet – Warren Kennedy rides again.
11 Bright chance on penultimate.
12 Drawn deep but has the form to be competitive.
13 RESERVE RUNNER.
14 RESERVE RUNNER.
15 RESERVE RUNNER.
16 RESERVE RUNNER.

Race 9

1 Heavy weight to carry.
2 Went close last time and has an each way chance.
3 Seldom far off the action and is a must for the quartet.
4 Nearly won last time and can go one better.
5 Would be a surprise winner on recent form.
6 Taking time to win again – place chance.
7 Always has a quartet chance.
8 Much tougher now.
9 Seldom far off and should win another soon.
10 Taking time to win again but should do so soon.
11 Ignore last run – can do much better.
12 Seldom far of the action and should run well despite the draw.
13 RESERVE RUNNER.

Race 10

1 Can go one better and might be tough to beat.
2 Average post maiden effort.
3 Solid form and has strong claims again.
4 Can do much better than in last two.
5 Attractive win last time – could follow up.
6 Running well again and should win soon.
7 Seldom far off the action and has an each way chance.
8 Seldom far off the action and has an each way chance.
9 Could lurk into the back end of the quartet.
10 Can run well – include in the quartet.
11 Drawn deep but has the form to be competitive.
12 Quick, very quick but the draw?
13 RESERVE RUNNER.
14 RESERVE RUNNER.
15 RESERVE RUNNER.
16 RESERVE RUNNER.

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

The consequences of the Coronavirus lock-down have been debilitating as far as the sport’s finances are concerned but it is back to business come Monday with a 10-race card scheduled for the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly track.

Training has not been interrupted with both Ashburton and Summerveld carrying on as normal but it has been a bit of guess work as far as preparations have gone. Trainers have been in the dark as to when racing would resume so getting their charges to peak fitness for the restart will have been tricky.

That said, the two-month break will have done most horses the world of good with trainers having the time to sort out any persistent niggles.

So, the 120 horses lining up for Monday’s events should be in prime condition but finding winners could prove tricky. Some will be being preparing for the bigger races scheduled for South Africa’s Champion Season while some of the lessor lights will be primed for the restart.

A trio of runners that will almost certainly have the final classic races of the season in their sights are African Sunrise, Mount Anderson and Trip To Africa in the sixth, all three of which showed above average promise before the lock-down.

African Sunrise has won two of his four starts and both wins have been full of merit. Last time out from a coffin draw over the poly 1600m, he coasted home against older and more seasoned rivals. He has another difficult draw to overcome on Monday but Wendy Whitehead’s charge is a talented gelding and if not winning, should at least be in the money.

Dean Kannemeyer has a number of runners on the day and he will be looking for a big effort from Mount Anderson who followed up his maiden win with a smart victory in a MR 90 Handicap, a big step up from his maiden win. The gelding then came unstuck in a 98 MR Handicap but was under two lengths back to the useful Padre Pio. He is ideally suited to this course and distance and will be a big runner.

Trip To Africa is also lightly raced but Duncan Howells is of the opinion that he has a future. His first run out of the maidens is best ignored but he showed up well next time out, his jockey of the opinion that he may just have needed the run. He will much prefer Monday’s trip and must be included in all bets.

With only two months of the official season to run, Monday sees many juveniles in open company and those that show some potential are most likely to be too strong for many of their moderately performed older rivals.

Thomas Henry could be a case in point and open the card on a winning note for visiting trainer Glen Kotzen. He showed up well in his first two outings at Kenilworth but then fluffed his lines in an early season feature. Kotzen is not likely to have wasted money on a float trip to KZN if he didn’t think his charge would pay his way.

Given that punters will be hungry for some local action the Pick 6 will be a popular bet. Two runners that could save on expenses are Fade To Back in the opening leg, fourth race on the card, and Farland in the seventh.

Fade to Black could prove the pick of the runners that have raced but it may pay to keep an eye on the first timer Fast Love, another Glen Kotzen runner. Kotzen will leg up Anton Marcus in spite of him putting up half-a-kilo overweight which all points to a big run.

Doug Campbell’s runners generally perform well on the poly surface and although Farland’s last two outings have been on the turf, they have been in far superior company to what he meets on Monday. Farland is no stranger to the poly and from a good draw and Marcus aboard he strikes as a possible exotic bet banker.

By Andrew Harrison

The NHA is pleased to announce that Horseracing in South Africa will resume on 1 June 2020 behind closed doors. The  NHA have informed the Racing Operators accordingly on the requirements that needs to be complied with in order to stage these meetings.

The following rules shall be applicable on the effective start date.

• The field sizes will be restricted to 12 runners per race with the exception of ALL Pattern races in which 14 runners will be allowed.

• Jockeys will be restricted to ride in the region of their choice and cannot move in between provinces. They will be allowed to make ONE move prior to the commencement of racing.

• The adjusted minimum riding weight in Handicap races shall remain at 54kg.

• Horses moving between regions shall NOT be allowed unless a horse is moving to another province on a permanent basis as per the regulations of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

• All Horse Transport Companies must have the necessary Permits to move horses between the training centres and race courses.

• The last race must be run not later than 16h45.
  
  
• Any persons with comorbidities shall not be able to attend.

Racing at Flamingo Park shall NOT take place in the month of June. The Racing Operators shall advise on the status of Kimberley racing in due course.  All of the above will be applicable for the month of June.  Any relaxations shall be implemented in conjunction with the status of the Coronavirus pandemic, together with any positive  changes to the Governments adjusted risk strategy from July onwards.

A further release on the Health & Safety, together with the surveillance protocols, as per our submission to Government shall follow.

The Racing Operators have commenced with pre administration work for the upcoming meetings.

The NHA is pleading to all participants to self-regulate regarding prevention and hygiene practices. The Covid-19 pandemic is in its infant stages in South Africa.  The scientific and worldwide statistics, forecasts that this virus will be in existence for an extended period. Individual responsibility will go a long way in assisting the South African Horseracing Industry to continue racing, creating value and to the ultimate sustainability thereof.

Horse racing fans can take heart that the 2020 Vodacom Durban July will take place this year, but as a broadcast-only event behind closed doors.

Vodacom and Gold Circle have confirmed a joint commitment to run Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event, but under the strictest adherence to all government health protocols surrounding COVID-19.

“Gold Circle, together with the ongoing support of the company’s valued sponsor Vodacom, is fully committed to running the 2020 Vodacom Durban July. Sadly, given the reality of the present circumstances, the race meeting will be staged behind closed doors and without spectators,” said Gold Circle CEO Michel Nairac. “The VDJ has enjoyed an uninterrupted history since first being run in 1897 – not even two world wars prevented the race from being run – and we are doing everything in our power to ensure that 2020 is not the exception,” he added.

The proposed date for the race is Saturday 25 July, but the extremely fluid nature of the current pandemic means this could change as circumstances so dictate.

 “Any decision we make around the Vodacom Durban July this year will be made as a responsible company committed to the safety of all who are involved. As a sponsor, we will work together with all relevant stakeholders and be guided by the horseracing fraternity and the experts in this industry, as well as in government, as we all work towards making this year’s race a reality,” said Michelle van Eyden, the Executive Head of Sponsorship at Vodacom.

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) have just received feedback on the submissions that were made to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as the Horseracing Industry covers multiple sectors, to ensure the ongoing viability of the horseracing and breeding industry.

Our submissions thus far demonstrate our commitment and alignment to Government’s interventions in an attempt to preserve lives, flatten the curve, protect jobs and also stimulate the racing economy. Subsequently, our submissions were forwarded to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and thereafter the National Coronavirus Command Council (Command Council).

The Command Council having reviewed the submissions of the NHA and aligning it with the regulations and guidelines related to essential business/service, racing was deemed not to be an essential service.  An addendum to our submissions was then submitted to the Command Council to support our assertions that racing is a low risk, a non-contact event with high economic value as the racing events are a critical element in the supply chain and a related Agricultural service.  At this point, the Command Council having takenj into consideration our addendum, as well as other industry stakeholders’ submissions it was decided that racing could not be separated from gambling activities like casinos, and these are currently not included under Level 4.

A clarification statement was then submitted to the Command Council which framed the conditions that the Breeding (Agricultural) sectors core purpose, its risks and opportunities, business model, performance, sustainable development and the actual horse race are INSEPARABLE elements of the value creation process. 

Having considered the regulations from an agricultural perspective and taking into account the weight of all other submissions from stakeholders, it was determined that racing would not be provided for under agriculture Level 4, except from an animal care perspective.  Clarity is being sought from DAFF with regard to the transportation of live animals, specifically not related to food production.  Upon feedback from DAFF a communication will be sent out. 

It is acknowledged that the protocols for racing that have been established based on a phased return to business, demonstrate the observance of guidelines for social distancing, sanitation and hygiene, and use of appropriate personal protective equipment, like cloth face masks, as determined by the National Department of Health; and that racehorse training activities at the different training centres around the country, have been carried out in the strictest conformity with the instructions and rules of social distancing and maintaining hygiene protocols. However, Government’s priority at Level 4 is on organised projects/events that are focused on those that are related to the provision of food, water and sanitization.

Based on the above, the race meetings scheduled for Greyville on 6 May 2020 and Turffontein on 7 May 2020 have been abandoned.  All entries and declarations have been suspended until further notice from the Racing Operators.

The NHA is committed to continue engagement with Government and shall send follow up submissions for racings inclusion at Lockdown Level 3 announcement.  We are hopeful that the announcement to Level 3 will be announced within the next 21 days.  The NHA fully comprehends the mandate from Government and the Coronavirus Command Council, in which the preservation of human life is of TOP priority, whilst trying to balance the starvation issues in townships and rural areas and the urgent resuscitation of the economy.

Vee Moodley

Chief Executive

NHRA