Raymond Danielson has a good card of rides at the Highveld’s first meeting after lockdown at the Vaal (Tuesday 02 June) and has been tipped to score a hattrick.

The meeting marks the return of reigning national champion jockey Lyle Hewitson.

Luke Ferraris, Sean Tarry and David Nieuwenhuizen have all been tipped to score doubles.

The highlight of the meeting will be races 6 and 7 in which some classy horses are turning out.

The unbeaten Lady Of Steel faces the boys in race 6, an Allowance Plate over 1450m and this classy three-year-old is sure to make a bold bid but she does have a tough task at the weights with the talented Riverstown, who is ideally distance suited. The topweight Warrior’s Rest is always a tough nut to crack as he is able to maintain a strong gallop all the way to the line. Astrix is unbeaten over this trip and is well regarded by trainer Paul so can’t be discounted either and Promiseofamaster is a scopey sort who should have benefited from the break.

In the seventh the talented filly Wylie Wench comes in as reserve from a plum draw of two and is the one to beat provided she runs. Trainer Mike Azzie said he was waiting to find out whether she had made it into the field for the Grade 2 WSB Fillies Guineas to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday and if she had she would be scratched from the Vaal race.

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By David Thiselton

It’s premature to read anything into the form after a break of two months, but what was obvious at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday was that the stables of Brett Crawford, under the stewardship of Peter Muscutt, visiting trainer Glen Kotzen, and Anton Marcus are primed for South Africa’s Champion Season.

What will be more interesting in the next few days will be which jockeys will stay in KZN given that the National Horseracing Authority rules, under direction from the lock-down regulations, state that jockeys may move province only once until restrictions on movement are lifted.

So do the riders that previously had the luxury of travelling stay in KZN for Champions Season or take a chance on Gauteng, where their season’s ends on Saturday?

Marcus is always looking for an edge and was a regular riding work at Summerveld during lock-down, so not for nothing is he one of the most sort after riders in the country – not only for his undeniable ability in the saddle but also his work ethic.

Best ride of his four-timer was possibly the Doug Campbell-trained Farland. ‘Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes,’ was an order allegedly given by American officer William Prescott at the Battle of Bunker Hill in the American Civil War but it is often suicidal to give start at the top of the straight on the Greyville poly. But while all were scrubbing for home and sticks flailing, Marcus waited until the last second to pull the trigger and after a few sweaty palms for Farland supporters it was very much job done for Marcus.

Final Attempt and Hexatonic may have put a kink in a few preparations for the classics although Wendy Whitehead will not have been pleased with the antics of African Sunrise which saw the gelding not make it into the starting gate.

Who did catch the eye was Mount Anderson, who came from a long way back to fill the shallow end of the purse giving the impression that a mile and further, the Gr1 Daily News 200 in particular, will be well within his compass.

Kotzen made inroads into the travelling expenses account with a brace of winners, Final Attempt and Hexatonic adding to the kitty and debutante Fast Love, taking on older runners, running out a comfortable winner of the opening leg of the Pick 6.

By Andrew Harrison

Vaal Tuesday Tips and Race Previews by David Thiselton

Race 1
Preview: BERGERAC (10) stayed on strongly second time out over 1200m and from a fair draw should go close over a step up in trip he will appreciate. SHADOW CREEK (12) is a scopey sort who was staying on strongly over 1450m when last seen in September and he now gets blinkers on but has a tough draw. CAIRON (11) has not run since last October but is a scopey sort who has improved with gelding according to the yard and he will make a bold bid to improve on his two narrow seconds over 1450m and 1600m respectively, although he does have quite a tough draw. EPPAGILIA (1) stayed on for second over 1600m in February with first-time blinkers on but is more exposed than the first three. DOGLIOTTI (3) placed over 1600m in March when leading with first time blinkers on. (David Thiselton 10-12-11-1-3)

Race 2
Preview: LAST CHEER (9) has a plum draw and stayed on well second time out over 1600m and was a touch unlucky, so has a shout here from a good draw. FORT ANNE (3), who is well drawn here, ran on well for third over 1600m last time and the form was franked when the winner Fayrooz won the Oaks Trial easily. PRINCESS ZENA (10) is by Judpot and is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Smart Banker and other stakes winners but she is widely drawn. SOVEREIGNTY (12) is by Dynasty out of a USA-bred Pulpit mare who has produced winners in Chile, Japan and the USA. FLYING VAR (7) was cut into badly last time but on her debut effort she could earn. HELLO HAPPINESS (8) hasn’t run since last August but as as she was an immature type back then she looks likely to have benefited from the layoff. COTOPAXI (4) could earn if producing her best. STUNNING (2) could earn if repeating her penultimate start when second to the talented Wylie Wench but she did make a breathing noise last time which is a concern. ATHENIAN QUEEN (6) is by Pomodoro out of a three time-winning Encosta De Lago mare. ARABELLA QUEEN (1) and WINNING QUEEN (5) both have place chances in this deep race. (David Thiselton 9-3-10-12-7-8-4-2-6-1)

Race 3
Preview: IDEAL MAN (4) should have improved during lockdown being by Ideal World and this long strider has a good draw over an ideal trip. AL RAGNAR (2) is widely drawn but proved in his penultimate start he is capable of a late charge, although he hasn’t run since last October. BRAVESTARR (1) improved with blinkers on third time out over 1400m to run second and was doing good work late so should enjoy this step up in trip but he does have a tough draw under Gavin Lerena. (David Thiselton 4-2-1)

Race 4
Preview: FLYING HIGH (3) is a nice type with a big action and from pole position will have a good chance over a step up in trip which should be ideal. TAHITIAN ORANA (10) was raised three points for her last win but a good draw with a 2,5kg claimer up should give her a big shout from the front. HEART STWINGS (5) has always struck as one with ability and she has a shout over an ideal trip from a good draw. JIVE EXPRESS (8) is drawn well over an ideal trip and at her best should be right there. MOROCCAN FLAME (9) has caught the eye before and should be involved. PILGRIM’S PROGRESS (6) is not the most consistent but on her day has a shout. ILLUMINATE (11) and MACHALI (7) are the hardest of the rest to ignore. (David Thiselton 3-10-5-8-9-6-11-7)

Race 5
Preview: PLUM FIELD (11) showed improvement with blinkers on last time over 2000m and from a good draw should be finishing strongly again. LITTLEWOOD (3) is well drawn over an ideal trip and the cheekpieces which she didn’t enjoy last time are off. MAZARI (4) enjoys this trip and has a better draw than when winning last time. SAMMI MOOSA (6) has a wide draw but should be running on as usual. OCEAN FOREST (1) won her maiden well over this trip and her 79 rating is not unreasonable. ONE-OH-WONDER (7) won her maiden well over 1600m but doesn’t wear alumites here. HOTTENTOTS HOLLAND (2) won well on debut but hasn’t raced since then and that was over 500 days ago. STRADA STATALIE (9), BELLA ROSA (10) and ALICANTE (12) are the hardest to ignore of the rest in another deep race. (David Thiselton 11-3-4-6-1-7-2-9-10-12)

Race 6
Preview: RIVERSTOWN (8) is classy and is the best weighted horse according to official merit ratings and this is an ideal trip. LADY OF STEEL (4) is full of class and could remain unbeaten from a good draw over a suitable trip although she does not have an easy task with a couple here at the weights. WARRIOR’S REST (1) is an admirable type who keeps on finding extra from the front so if he is able to get to the front from pole position with this 2,5kg claimer up he has a big shout despite having to carry a big weight. ASTRIX (3) also has some class and is unbeaten in two starts over this trip. PROMISEOFAMASTER (9) is a scopey sort who should go well fresh over this trip but he does have a wide draw.

Race 7
Preview: WYLIE WENCH (13) has a touch of class and is well drawn over an ideal trip. FLORIDA QUAYS (3) has some class and could well have benefited from a break. BULLSADE (10) bounced back to form last time and with a repeat could be right there. CIRCLE OF LATITUDE (11) should run well fresh over this trip. STAGE DANCE (8) can do better than last time. SALLY CALLED (12) caught them napping last time but was raised eleven points and now has a wide draw. (David Thiselton 13-3-10-11-8-12)

Race 8
Preview: TRAPICHE (6) is better than her last start and runs off a five point lower mark from a good draw over an ideal trip. MISS KHALIFA (12) has a good draw and has won over this trip before. CRIME SCENE (1) can be right there from a good draw if repeating her maiden win. COMET CRYSTAL (7) ran well last time and has a shout here despite a wide draw. LITTLE RAIN (4) looks like a nice type and she gives the impression she will enjoy this step up in trip. KAPAMA (8) can be right there if able to overcome a wide draw. (David Thiselton 6-12-1-7-4-8)

Race 9
Preview: PEACEONTHEROCKS (2) has been knocking on the door over this trip and has a fair draw. PATH TO THE STARS (7) has a tricky draw but looks likely to enjoy the step up in trip. ANATURA (5) is well drawn over a suitable trip. (David Thiselton 2-7-5)

PA (R243)

Leg 1: 4
Leg 2: 3 x 10 x 5
Leg 3: 11
Leg 4: 8 x 4 x 1
Leg 5: 13 x 3 x 10
Leg 6: 6 x 12 x 1
Leg 7: 2 x 7 x 5

PICK 6 (R2430)
Leg 1: 3 x 10 x 5 x 8 x 9
Leg 2: 11 x 3 x 4
Leg 3: 8 x 4 x 1
Leg 4: 13 x 3 x 10
Leg 5: 6 x 12 x 1 x 7 x 4 x 8
Leg 6: 2 x 7 x 5

JACKPOT (R162)
Leg 1: 11 x 3 x 4
Leg 2: 8 x 4 x 1
Leg 3: 13 x 3 x 10
Leg 4: 6 x 12 x 1 x 7 x 4 x 8

BEST BET: Race 1 No. 10 BERGERAC
VALUE BET: Race 3 No. 4 IDEAL MAN

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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.