Graeme Hawkins

The R250 000 Champagne Stakes (Gr 3) over 1200m heads a ten-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today and the former Equus Champion, Rio Querari, could land his first victory in almost a year. Rio Querari has consistently finished in the money since that last course and distance success back in May 2023 and there is no doubt that he is much more at home over 1200m these days than over the sharper trips.

In the 1200m Diadem Stakes two months ago, Rio Querari was beaten a shade more than a length by Thunderstruck at level weights and a repeat of that effort will see the “old man” go very close here. Since the Diadem, Rio Querari has finished third in his last two starts over 1000m and 1100m and there can be no doubting his current well-being and fitness levels. He meets Winter Cloud and Dance Variety on more favourable weight terms, and it should be a closely fought affair between the three. 

But the race does not end there! October Morn is at her best over this track and trip and should prove very competitive while both Questioning and Countdown have the class to take top honours in an interesting renewal of the Champagne Stakes. Café Culture last won over this distance when shedding his maiden ticket in May 2023, when curiously beating Questioning by the better part of a length. Café Culture has won four times since then, his recent form is solid and with just 55,5 kgs to shoulder the 4yo son of Var could make his presence felt in a big way.

But I keep coming back to Rio Querari. I cannot be sure that my heart is not ruling my head, but I would be thrilled to see him win another Graded race and it’s interesting that Bernard Fayd’herbe rides the 7yo gelding for the very first time. I fancy Dance Variety and October Morn to chase him home but have healthy respect for Café Culture, Winter Cloud, Countdown and Questioning.

The Abdicator should record back-to-back victories when he lines up in the eighth race, a Middle Stakes over 1000m. Fourie retains the ride for the Brett Crawford stable and will be seeking to maintain his 100% per cent record aboard the 3yo son of No Nay Never. Between Fourie and Crawford, they have improved the racing manners of The Abdicator, and he is no longer inclined to tear off to the front at breakneck speed. He is certainly able to lead but as witnessed in his last two starts, he is equally capable of being held up for a run. He should prove difficult to beat in this 9-horse field and will be a popular banker for many. Piroshka, Tough Terrain and Icy Blast should follow him home.

The first race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m, is due off at 12:20 and Kaiboy will be a warm order to progress from his sparkling debut behind Lion Rampart. With the benefit of that run under the belt, Kaiboy should have the measure of Worldly, but there are many well-bred newcomers including the Nick Jonsson-owned Powerantheglory and the betting will be the best guide to their chances.

Talk To The Master looks the part in the opening leg of the Bipot, a Juvenile Plate over 1200m, while Approach Shot and Connery rate the principals in the first leg of the Place Accumulator, a Maiden Plate over 1000m. Races 4, 5 and 6 are all Open Maidens and these types of races are prone to surprise results.

The fourth race is an Open Maiden (F&M) over 1200m and here the consistent Charlene appears to set the standard. Fourie has opted to stick with Rocking Peonie, who sports blinkers for the first time and, in receipt of 5 kgs from Charlene, the daughter of Captain Of All Is an interesting runner. Lightly raced Future Star has not been seen since September last year but could make a winning return in this class while Spirit Guide can show further improvement and is definitely one for the short-list. On best form, True Horizon can surprise off bottom weight but Charlene is given the benefit of the doubt.

The fifth race, an Open Maiden over 1200m, is a real puzzler but Twentytwentyvision, having his first run as a gelding, must be considered along with Einstein, Stars in Heaven and the lightly weighted Miss Lemonade. Cosmic Rhythm appears to prefer further but could surprise in a weak race.

Sansa Stark, Green Isle, National Disgrace and Saint Brigid make most appeal in the sixth race, an Open Maiden (F&M) over 1600m, and hopefully the winner will emerge from this short-list of four fillies. Sansa Stark is my narrow first choice, but she is well exposed in the maiden ranks and cannot be regarded as a betting proposition.

The ninth race is a typically competitive Class 4 Handicap over 1600m, and Big Unit could be the one to follow. He has a wide draw to overcome but his form suggests he should make a bold bid for top honours. All About Ronnie was a good winner of his penultimate start over this course and distance and he could again have the measure of Le Legionnaire, although there should not be much to choose between the pair. Shavout has his first run since November last year, but he is reportedly doing well at home and must be respected.

The race meeting closes out with a Class 5 Handicap over 1400m and Liketheclappers could finally register the third win of his career. He was runner-up behind Radicchio last month and, from an inside gate, he should again give us a good run for our money. Kebonalesedi and Kelp Forest should be in the mix and the 2yo World of Pleasure is a must for all permutations. He faces a tough task from a wide gate under 60kgs but appears to have a touch of class and could be equal to the task.

RACE 1

14 KAIBOY ran a great race on debut behind the talented Lion Rampart and there is certainly more to come from that run. He should fight it out with 16 BAGATELLE FLASH who was a little disappointing in his last start. If he can repeat his debut run he should be in the shake up and it would not be surprising to see him win. 1 WORLDLY finished fourth on debut and should be prominent once again. There are some eye catching pedigree’s with a few of the first timers including the half brother to Missisippi Burning, 6 KRIM. Keep an eye out on the betting for the newcomers (Devon Pretorius: 14-16-1-6)

RACE 2

7 TALK TO THE MASTER looks like one of the best bets on the card. He finished second in the Cape Slipper, which is arguably the best formline in the country, and followed up with an easy win on Derby Day. The biggest danger is 10 MISS WORLD who he has to give 2,5kgs to and is highly rated by the stable. She won easing up last time out and she won’t be stopping there. 1 EL CAPITAN showed good improvement in his second start behind Talk To The Master and is now 3kgs better off at the weights. 4 ALL IS GREEN should be able to complete the quartet (Devon Pretorius: 7-10-1-4)

RACE 3

2 APPROACH SHOT has not been far off in his recent starts and has been the runner up in two of his last three starts. He should be a big runner in this field. 7 CONNERY is another runner who brings in good form having placed in his last three starts. Eye catching jockey booking of Richard Fourie should boost his chances. 5 MANEKI NEKO is held by Connery from his last run and should be able to find the placings. 3 KING OF THE SEAS makes his local debut and will be interesting to see how he shapes up in the Cape (Devon Pretorius: 2-7-5-3)

RACE 4

Open maiden and there are a few lurkers in the pack who can upset with bottom weight. However, 11 CHARLENE drops back to 1200m and brings the best form to the race. She is well overdue and does not meet a weaker field than here. 7 ROCKING PEONIE has a light weight to shoulder and top jockey in the saddle. She also drops back in trip which and has the blinkers fitted. 6 SPIRIT GUIDE improved to finish third last time out and the winner of that race has since come out to win again. She’s a runner that is still open to plenty of improvement as well as 9 OPERA VERSE who has been making steady improvement with every start and now has just 53,5kgs to shoulder. There would be more confidence with 8 FUTURE STAR but she might just need this run after a lengthy break (Devon Pretorius: 11-7-6-9)

RACE 5

The value bet for the day is 10 COSMIC RHYTHM who has ventured over the middle distance trips for a while and has now dropped back to a 1200m sprint. This is not a strong field and he has raced against tougher in the past. 4 TWENTYTWENTYVISION has been gelded and has been off the track for a while now. If he had racing fitness on his side, he would be a comfortable first selection. 5 EINSTEIN has been at his best over 1000m and might find the 1200m a touch too far based on his recent efforts. Respect the juvenile 9 TORRES who was not disgraced last time against older company. (Devon Pretorius: 10-4-5-9)

RACE 6

11 SAINT BRIGID as well as 1 GREEN ISLE has nothing much separating them at the weights but the former is better suited over this trip. She did have the better of Green Isle last time out and there shouldn’t be a reason for that to change. 3 SANSA STARK cannot be ignored and should be involved in the finish after finishing second over 1800m. She drops back slightly in trip and Fourie has retained the ride. 10 NATIONAL DISGRACE ran on well last time and should be able to complete the quartet (Devon Pretorius: 11-1-3-10)

RACE 7

Competitive renewal of the Champagne Stakes and the fillies should have the advantage here. 7 OCTOBER MORN is certainly one of the best sprinters and is on the up after finishing second in the Prix Du Cap over 1400m. Now back to her best trip and one of the best weighted in the race, she should be the one to beat. 11 WINTER CLOUD won much easier than the margin suggests in her last start and is another highly rated filly from the Bass-Robinson stable. 4 COUNTDOWN won a feature race in the Eastern Cape a few weeks ago and returns to the Cape. On collateral formlines he is well in here with a winning chance and can’t be ignored. 2 RIO QUERARI is getting on with age but he’s still involved in the finish. Jockey, Bernard Fayd’Herbe could be well suited to him (Devon Pretorius: 7-11-4-2)

RACE 8

9 THE ABDICATOR is in top form and is a 1000m specialist. He should be the one to beat. 2 ICY BLAST returns after a break but is the highest rated horse in the race and must be respected. 3 PIROSHKA is 1,5kgs better off than The Abdicator and should be able to bridge the gap from their last start. 7 TOUGH TERRAIN has a strong finish on him and if the pace is hot, he could come flying by past them at the finish line (Devon Pretorius: 9-2-3-7)

RACE 9

Competitive handicap and for the bigger exotics is best to take the field. A chance is taken on 3 CARRIACOU who drops in class. He can be inconsistent at times but his rating has dropped to a mark that he can certainly win off. 10 UNICORN ALERT is in consistent form and is well in on a few collateral formlines which should see him involved. 9 LE LEGIONNAIRE won a good race last time out in a comfortable manner and it seems like there is more in the tank. 12 ALL ABOUT RONNIE disappointed last time out and is better than that effort. 2 FLY FUTURA; 4 FAIRE ADVANTAGE and 11 BIG UNIT are runners that deserve a mention (Devon Pretorius: 3-10-9-12)

RACE 10          

A chance is taken on the juvenile 8 WORLD OF PLEASURE to close off the meeting after a facile win over track and trip against his own crop. He’s taking on older company with 60kgs but the manner in which he won his maiden certainly shows there is more to come and in a weak field like this, he can certainly follow up. 5 KEBONALESEDI drops in class after finishing fourth in a class 4. The last time he was in a class 5 he won but he does have 61kgs to shoulder this time. 2 LIKETHECLAPPERS is never far off the action and should be involved once again. 7 KELP FOREST is better than his last start and can’t be ignored (Devon Pretorius: 8-5-2-7)

RACE 1     

8 THE CROWN 10 QUEEN OF LOVE 1 VOLARE E MAMBO  2 ARCTIC VIXEN

Preview: 8 THE CROWN made a good debut over 1400m from a plum draw and should enjoy the step up in trip but does now have a wide draw. 10 QUEEN OF LOVE made a good debut over 1400m and the form has been franked and she has a far draw of six over  a step up in trip she might enjoy. 1 VOLARE E MAMBO is a progressive sort who handled first time blinkers and now has a plum draw over a slight step down in trip which should not bee too much of a problem. 2 ARCTIC VIXEN has good enough form to be a contender in this race. (8-10-1-2)

RACE 2     

1 MASTERSHIP 11 SAKURAJIMA 2 DECEPTION PASS 7 MAIN MISSION 

Preview: 1 MASTERSHIP has been knocking on the door and has a good opportunity here from a fair draw over a suitable trip. 11 SAKURAJIMA made a fair debut and should have come on from the run. 2 DECEPTION PASS has ability but pulled in his penultimate start but did finish second down the straight on Wednesday, so if settling from a wide draw he could earn, although on strict formlines he is well held by Mastership. 7 MAIN MISSION has done well over further but his form over this trip is also good although this will be his first start for 16 months. (1-11-2-7)

RACE 3     

1 A PLACE IN THE SUN 2 GILDA GRAY 4 MARTINIQUE 3 ANGEL’S WISH

Preview: 1 A PLACE IN THE SUN has improved into a consistent sort up to 1800m and being by Flower Alley she has a chance of enjoying this trip, although her dam by Captain Al only won up to 1400m. 2 GILDA GRAY has won up to 1900m and is also not a certainty to get this trip being by Bezrin out of a Centenary mare who won up to 1600m. 4 MARTINIQUE placed over this trip last time and is drawn in pole. 3 ANGEL’S WISH has won up to 2400m but will need to bounce back from a below par string of runs. (1-2-4-3)

RACE 4     

1 MIGHTY GODDESS 5 ZENOBIA’S GOLD 3 SPRINGER 6 SOLO DIVA

Preview: 1 MIGHTY GODDESS is in good form and is capable of better than last time, although she does not have an easy draw of seven out of nine. 5 ZENOBIA’S GOLD won well with first time blinkers on over 1400m and could follow up off a reasonable merit rating and a suitable step up in trip, although she does have a tough draw of eight. 3 SPRINGER didn’t win a strong maiden and starts off on a 76 which won’t be easy but she could still be involved in the finish here. 6 SOLO DIVA should be right there if reproduing her penultimate start over this trip. (1-5-3-6)

RACE 5     

1 TO THE RESCUE 6 COPPER JOHN 7 HOLOCENE 8 HAKAS KRAKAS

Preview: 1 TO THE RESCUE is a progressive sort who is distance suited and he could develop into a fair sort who can ride above his current merit rating of 81. 6 COPPER JOHN could also still progress and is well drawn over an ideal trip. 7 HOLOCENE is distance suited and has a chance. 8 HAKAS KRAKAS likes to lead and draw five should have an opportunity to do so. (1-6-7-8) 

RACE 6     

3 JORDAN 1 SUPREME DANCE 4 LA MOOHAL 2 WHISPERS OF WAR

Preview: 3 JORDAN was second to the decent Marauding Horde last time and has a plum draw over an ideal trip. 1 SUPREME DANCE is a consistent sort who is distance suited and well drawn. 4 LA MOOHAL was only 0,80 lengths behind Supreme Dance last time but is now 1kg worse off. 2 WHISPERS OF WAR has run some decent races over middle distances and has dropped to a competitive merit rating. (3-1-4-2) 

RACE 7     

11 CHAMPION WARRIOR 10 MARDI GRAS 8 BRAVE VIKING 5 EMPORIUM

Preview: 11 CHAMPION WARRIOR is a decent sort and has bounced back to from in his last two starts on the Highveld so from draw two over a suitable trip he is the one to beat. 10 MARDI GRAS drops to an ideal trip and has the recent form to go close. 8 BRAVE VIKING is ideally distance suited but does have a tricky draw. 5 EMPORIUM has some class and should have come on from his last start so can make his presence felt from a good draw over a suitable trip. (11-10-8-5) 

RACE 8     

5 LAW OF SUCCESS 7 AMBER ROCK 8 WOMEN OF FAME 9 HEIRLOOM

Preview: 5 LAW OF SUCCESS is a decent sort who wasn’t disgraced in a Listed race last time and she should be right there from a fair draw of five out of nine. 7 AMBER ROCK was much vaunted before her debut and did win a nice race last time so off a three point higher mark from pole position over a suitable trip should be in the shake up. 8 WOMEN OF FAME has a good draw and is course and distance suited. 9 HEIRLOOM has the ability to be involved over this trip. (5-7-8-9) 

RACE 9     

7 MUNCHKIN 2 TURBO POWER 8 CIRCUS LIGHTS 6 FAST DUTY

Preview: 7 MUNCHKIN has always been well regarded and is knocking hard on the door, so should go close from a plum draw over a suitable trip. 2 TURBO POWER ran a cracker last time over 1160m and the form was franked when the winner Dreamland won a Non-Black type feature next time out. 8 CIRCUS LIGHTS has finished second in his last two over course and distance but does now have a tough draw.  6 FAST DUTY was close up over course and distance last time and now has a better draw. (7-2-8-6)

David Thiselton

Turffontein Inside has a nine race meeting today and Champion Warrior looks ready to win in the day’s highest rated race, a MR 96 Handicap over 1450m.

Champion Warrior looked headed for the top after winning his first two starts over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. He has not won since but has dropped to an 84 merit rating and has finished close seconds in his second and third respective starts for new yard Sean Tarry. This trip should be ideal and he is drawn well in two. Mardi Gras and Brave Viking have ability and both look to be ideally distance suited, although the latter has a tough draw. Emporium has some class and should have come on from his last start so can make his presence felt from a good draw over a suitable trip, while Money Heist has shown class in the past and is now drawn in pole in his debut for Tony Peter, so will be a dangerous runner. 

In the first race over 1600m the Alec Laird yard is in good form and The Crown looks to be a progressive sort who will enjoy the step up to 1600m after staying on well on debut over 1400m and only being caught late. On the downside she does have a wide draw on the tight inside track. Queen Of Love ran on well on debut over 1400m and should also enjoy the step up in trip. She has a fair draw of six and takes on older horses. Volare E Mambo was caught one out and one back last time over 1800m and showed a fair turn of foot. The step down to 1600m might suit. She is more exposed than the first two selections, but does have a plum draw so should be right there. Arctic Vixen can earn if repeating her last run, but she was beaten 11,25 lengths by Volare E Mambo when they met over 1800m. Kiss Of Fire has shown some ability and wears a cornell collar.

In race 2 over 1600m Mastership ran a cracker in second last time and the form has been well franked. He has a fair draw of two under Gavin Lerena. Sakurajima looks to have scope for improvement after staying on for a well beaten second on debut over 1450m and on running style will enjoy the step up in trip. Deception Pass pulled in his penultimate start but then ran better on Wednesday when second down the straight, so he can earn if able to settle from a wide draw. However, he lost to Mocha Frappe on Wednesday and the latter was beaten by more than seven lengths by Mastership before that, albeit when needing it and without the blinkers which saw him improve on Wednesday. Main Mission has some good form, especially over further, but has not run for 16 months. Monte Bello might be a threat from a good draw.

The third race over 2600m is intriguing as it pits ability against those who have proved they stay the trip. A Place In The Sun has fine, consistent form up to 1800m and being by Flower Alley she has a chance of enjoying this trip. However, she is out of a Captain Al mare who only won up to 1400m, so is not a certainty to stay. Gilda Grey has won up to 1900m and is also in fair form but is also not a certainty to get this trip being by Bezrin out of a Centenary mare who won up to 1600m. Martinique, on the other hand, placed over this trip last time and is drawn in pole. Angel’s Wish has won up to 2400m but will need to bounce back from a below par string of runs. Go Dream Machine has finished second over 2800m before, but is also not in good form at present.

In race 4 over 1600m Mighty Goddess has a tricky draw of seven but has improved since blinkers were recently re-applied and has a shout, although she is six points higher than her last winning mark. Zenobia’s Gold won well with first time blinkers on over 1400m and could follow up off a reasonable merit rating and a suitable step up in trip, although the form of her win has not been great to date and she does have a tough draw of eight. Springer didn’t win a strong maiden and starts off on a 76 which won’t be easy, but this is not an inspiring field and she could still be involved in the finish. Solo Diva can also earn if reproducing her penultimate start over this trip, but she is only 5,5kg better off with Mighty Goddess for a 6,25 length beating when they last met. Free In Seattle is not out of it from pole position.

In race 5 over1800m To The Rescue has always struck as one with ability, but has taken a while to find his feet and he is now beginning to progress. He is distance suited and should rise above his 81 merit rating in time. Copper John represents an in form yard and could also still progress. He is well drawn over an ideal trip. Holocene is also distance suited and has a form chance. Hakas Krakas can keep going as long as he finds the front, otherwise he tends to struggle, so from draw five he could earn. Futurewolff has been in fair form and wears a Cornell collar from a good draw and with a 4kg claimer up can’t be ignored.

In race 6 over 1800m Jordan was second to the decent Marauding Horde last time and has a plum draw over an ideal trip. Supreme Dance is a consistent sort who is distance suited and well drawn. La Moohal was only 0,80 lengths behind Supreme Dance last time but is now 1kg worse off. Whispers Of War has run some decent races over middle distances and has dropped to a competitive merit rating. Judgement Day is progressive but after two successive wins does have a four point raise to overcome.

In race 8 over 1000m Law Of Success was not disgraced in a Gr 3 in her penultimate start and can do better than she did on Wednesday at the Vaal. Amber Rock is a must include from pole position. Women Of Fame should be right there two from draw two.

In race 9 over 1200m Munchkin is in fine form and is interesting stepped down to a trip he has done well over. He could fight it out with Turbo Power. 

The 128th edition of Africa’s greatest horse racing extravaganza, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, is set for 6^th July 2024. Renowned as the premier event on South Africa’s racing calendar, coveted by every equine enthusiast, it seamlessly marries haute couture and entertainment with the thunderous excitement of the track, crafting a social spectacle of unparalleled allure.

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