Table Bay has been installed favourite with World Sports Betting to give Joey Ramsden his third Grand Parade Cape Guineas win in six seasons at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Table Bay (Liesl King)

Anton Marcus’s mount opened at 7-2 on Monday evening and then eased slightly to 4-1. Mike de Kock’s challenger Heavenly Blue is second favourite at 6-1 with Zodiac Ruler next on 13-2.

Other prices are: 7-1 Singapore Sling; 8-1 Gold Standard; 10-1 Africa Rising; 11-1 William Longsword; 12-1 Gunner, Edict Of Nantes, Bishop’s Bounty; 16-1 Craven; 18-1 Hack Green; 25-1 A New Dawn; 40-1 Elusive Path; 50-1 Elevated, Pacific Spirit.

Meanwhile, Marinaresco, second in the Vodacom Durban July and winner of the Champions Cup, is favourite to reverse last weekend’s Green Point placings with Horse Of The Year Legal Eagle in the Sun Met at Kenilworth on 28 January.

Betting World opened the four-year-old at 16-10 and now have him at 17-10 while World Sports Betting quotes him at 19-10. Legal Eagle is 22-10 second favourite with both firms.

Latest betting: – Betting World / World Sports Betting

Marinaresco 17-10 / 19-10

Legal Eagle 22-10 / 22-10

Heavenly Blue 10-1 / 16-1

Bela-Bela 14-1 / 14-1

Whisky Baron 14-1 / 20-1

Master Sabina 16-1 / 20-1

French Navy 18-1 / 20-1

It’s My Turn 20-1 / 20-1

The Conglomerate 20-1 / 16-1

Abashiri 25-1 / 28-1

Baritone 25-1 / 33-1

Black Arthur 25-1 / 25-1

Brazuca 25-1 / 25-1

Captain America 25-1 / 20-1

Al Fahad 33-1 / 40-1

Bold Rex 33-1 / 40-1

Mac De Lago 33-1 / 33-1

Deo Juvenete 40-1 / 40-1

New Predator 40-1 / 50-1

Zodiac Ruler 40-1 / 33-1

Cape Speed 66-1 / 50-1

Nebula 66-1 / 75-1

Mambo Mime 100-1 / 50-1

Rocketball 100-1 / 100-1

Dynamic 150-1 / 150-1

Parachute Man 150-1 / 200-1

St Tropez 150-1 / 150-1

Macduff 500-1 / 330-1

• TABnews

Three years ago Brett Crawford won the Grand Parade Cape Guineas with Elusive Gold for a client of Hong Kong-based trainer Tony Millard and at Kenilworth on Saturday he bids to stage a repeat with Craven.

This colt, who carries the colours of YH Yue (known in Hong Kong simply as Mr Yue), has started at a short price in all his four starts. Millard and the owner have been intent on having a top jockey throughout, with Andrew Fortune committing himself for all the horse’s races this season.

Bernard Fayd’Herbe (Nkosi Hlophe)

Fortune’s injury changed that, so Anthony Delpech was booked for the Guineas – only to break his collarbone. Now Bernard Fayd’Herbe, who won on Elusive Gold, flies in from Dubai.

Crawford also runs Selangor runner-up Edict Of Nantes, who will be ridden by stable jockey Corne Orffer.

A New Dawn, who made the running in the Selangor, has the same job, only faster, for probable favourite Table Bay, hence the decision to supplement him.

“We want a very strong pace so that Table Bay can sit further back,” said Mayfair Speculators’ racing manager Derek Brugman.

Glen Kotzen is bullish about the chance of Selangor winner Gold Standard, saying: “He is doing great and absolutely flying. He has cracked at decent draw (No 7) and we are very excited. Look at the time of the Selangor (less than a second outside Legislate’s course record). It was a proper-run race.”

A notable absentee is Our Mate Art, who now has the Investec Cape Derby as his target.

“He got a very hard knock when he was cut into in the Selangor. We had him x-rayed and found he had chipped a piece of splint bone,” said Candice Bass-Robinson. “He is on antibiotics at the moment but he is in light work.”

-tabNEWS

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER SCOTTSVILLE FIRST TIMER COMMENTS

MIKE MILLER
Race 1 – ARGO MAGIC (1): A nice horse – shows plenty at home.
Race 1 – ROYAL EXPLORER (2): Is very quick but I think could be a bit green.
Race 3 – HERE COMES BOB (12): Will need the experience but does have a good draw and is showing me nice work at home.
Race 3 – MIDNIGHT MAN (13): Shows good work at home but does have a bit of a bad draw to overcome.

DOUG CAMPBELL
Race 1 – THE GREY CRUSADER (3): A nice horse – will more than likely need the experience and needs gelding. I am hoping he runs a place.

KOM NAIDOO
Race 1 – UNCLE RONNIE (4): A nice horse, if not too green, will run into the money.
Race 1 – TRINI’S VAR HYT (7): Speedy, if not too green, will run a good race.

LOWAN DENYSSCHEN
Race 2 – LITTLE MISS JET (9): A small filly but she tries very hard. I am hoping she runs a reasonable race.

YOGAS GOVENDER
Race 2 – LOVE LYRIC (10): Trainer could not be contacted for comment.

MICHAEL ROBERTS
Race 2 – PINK PALACE (12): Too short and will improve with this run under the belt.

CHRIS ERASMUS
Race 1 – EASY PEASY (5): Will be green and need the run.

LIZANNE FORBES
Race 1 – PURDEY (6): Trainer could not be contacted for comment.
Race 2 – ROY IS FIRST (13): Trainer could not be contacted for comment.

PAUL GADSBY
Race 2 – DIAMONDS FOREVER (7): A nice filly but is a bit mad! If she gets to the start she will have a chance but she is a difficult filly and not easy to ride.
Race 2 – SARABI (14): A very nice filly (a half-sister to Miss Varlicious) but she will probably need just one run!

WAYNE BADENHORST
Race 2 – FASHION DISPLAY (8): A nice filly – showing some nice work at home and if not too green and the distance too short, she could win!

WENDY WHITEHEAD
Race 2 – SPIRIT BIRD (16): Has some speed and will run well if she is not in too much need of the run.
Race 3 – DINO’S DELIGHT (10): He needs further, closer to 2000m.

CRAIG EUDEY
Race 3 – SIGHT DRAFT (4): A nice horse but I am expecting him to be a bit green.

MARK DIXON
Race 3 – PRIME SUSPECT (14): A nice horse but will need the experience.
Race 4 – RAPUNZEL (13): Will need further.

DES EGDES
Race 4 – FIRST ANTHEM (11): Will be green, looking for further but she is a classic type filly, a nice filly but will need racing experience.

Scottsville (Inside Track) Sun Dec 11 Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

Race 1

All first timers.

Race 2
Preview: Many first timers but of those that have run VARISCITE makes a comeback after a lengthy break but has improved with each outing and was a close-up second last start. She can go one better. OYSTER POND was disappointing on the poly after making a fair debut. Back on turf she can make amends. DAMALI made a promising debut but disappointed next time out in a weak field. Can do better. BEAU VAR has run her best races over course and distance and can improve on her last poly effort. Keep an eye on the market. (Andrew Harrison: 3-11-1-6).

Race 3
Preview: WILD WICKET has been gelded. He has shown some ability and can feature here. RACE MASTER has not been too far back in two sprints. He should prefer this trip. SCARRABEAST has a difficult draw but was a close-up second on the poly last time out and if carrying that form onto the turf must have a big chance. STORM OUTGOING has shown some ability with his new stable and can finish in the money. Keep a close eye on the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 6-15-5-7).

Race 4
Preview: CAPTAINS MOLL showed promise early in her career. She was a promising second last outing and has the best of the draw. PIPPIN has had no luck with her draws and is again drawn wide. But she has shown some promise on this course and Marcus rides. BURNT CHERRY found market support on her poly debut but was green. She should come on with the experience and the extra should suit.  Mark Dixon looks to have two runners with chances in the luckless DUNDRUM and DIAMANTE. The latter may prove the better of the two. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-9-10).

Race 5
Preview: DEEP DOWN REBEL ran well below best when sent to Jo’Burg for a feature. She has excellent form over this course and distance and should go close. RESPECT AT BAY also goes well over course and distance and has Marcus aboard. She should go close. HALLOWED SPRING was an easy maiden winner last start but has been thumped by the handicappers. She could find this tough going. FLY PEG FLY is another that ran below her best form last time out but was up against a strong field with an inexperienced apprentice aboard.  (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-5-2).

Race 6
Preview: Wide open handicap. MONTE CHRISTO finally got is act together when winning last time out over further. Has still has scope for improvement and with the blinkers on he can go in again. HIGHWAY EXPLORER has improved in blinkers and has gone close over course and distance. He scored in a useful field last start and is another that can follow up. SEA URCHIN has been lightly raced but has ability. He was much improved in blinkers when winning and has a chance again.

ROY’S AIR FORCE found plenty of traffic when running on late last Sunday. He is quite badly out at the weights but that was a good last effort. AL CIBERANO hardly ever runs a bad race but tends to lack extra under pressure. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-7-14).

Race 7
Preview: Another difficult handicap with a big field so luck in running will be crucial. Many of the more fancied runners have drawn wide to add to the puzzle. NICKLAUS lost his last race in the boardroom and seldom runs a bad race. He has a tricky draw but should be thereabouts. RUN RHINO RUN finally got his act together when a narrow winner. He is not the easiest of rides but has ability. GOLDEN FORT has been close-up at his last two and has a light weight. LAST TIGER has a coffin draw with top weight but can still feature. Not a race to go light in the exotics. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-12-1).

Race 8
Preview: SUN ON AFRICA has had three outings this term and should be at his peak now. He last win was over course and distance. CRIME VICTIM did not have the best of luck on the Highveld and is much better than his last effort. At best he will have a strong chance. OPEN HEIR goes for his fourth win on the bounce but has crept up the handicap and his run could come to an end here. DELIRIOUS NOMAD is at the bottom of the handicap This is his third run after a break and he looks ready to show his best. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-11-4).

Race 9
Preview: ST ELMO’S FIRE has her third run after a break. She is in good form and rates a strong chance. DRESS FOR SUCCESS won well first up out of the maidens and has done well since being stepped up in trip. She gets 4kg off her back and she could prove classy enough to go in again. MODERNISTA was a beaten favourite last run but not far behind. She has been consistent but has a difficult draw. ROY’S TWILIGHT has consistent form. She can do better over this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-5-8).

Kenilworth (New Course) Sat Dec 10 Race Previews by Warren Lenferna

Race 1
Preview: Majority first timers – watch the betting and keep an eye on the first timer comments. (Warren Lenferna)

Race 2
Preview: All runners are making their debut – watch the betting and keep a close eye on the first timer comments from the trainers. (Warren Lenferna)

Race 3
Preview: GEOGRAPHE BAY made a smart debut a month ago finishing third – she was green but certainly caught the eye and with natural improvement can win. There are many unraced horses in the race – keep an eye on the betting and the first timer comments. (Warren Lenferna 5-14-1)

Race 4
Preview: PILLAR OF HERCULES has solid form and rates the one to beat. The Andre Nel pair should give plenty of cheek all the way home. LA FAVOURARI and OVAR have good form and ability. (Warren Lenferna 3-1-4)

Race 5
Preview: RED GRANITE has improved with each run and should take a power of beating – she improved over the 1400m last time and gets the same trip again today. STUNNING SEED returns from a rest but has the improving form to be concerned in the finish if not in too much need of the outing. AMAZINGLY tries blinkers which could make all the difference and it would be foolish to leave her out the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 2-3-4)

Race 6
Preview: PARTY CRASHER ran way below best last time – felt amiss by the jockey and was checked by the vets and nothing wrong was found. It will be best to draw a line through that run and she can bounce right back to best. Her stable is in mustard form at the moment and she has a winning chance. PRIMROSE LANE and KRYPTONITE have to be included – their form is good. (Warren Lenferna 6-3-2)

Race 7
Preview: SOMMERLIED took over and drew off in the closing stages of the race last time to win in the manner of a very good horse! She impressed me and I will be rather shocked if she does not go on and reel off the hat trick. TRIPPI’S GIRL ran well enough last time behind Sail but takes a drop in distance which could be the right move for now – massive runner. AL DANZA is lightly raced, ran a cracker to She’s A Giver last time and deserves respect. (Warren Lenferna 3-7-5)

Race 8
Preview: The defending champion CARRY ON ALICE lines up here and she looks to be very hard to beat. She is the best weighted in the race by many points and to call a spade a spade – should win. REAL PRINCESS is a top mare as well and was a touch unlucky last time. She became cramped for galloping room and when finding a split took off like an e-type rocket. She has a big chance and this looks to be the exacta of the year! ANIME has a place chance. (Warren Lenferna 1-2-10)

Race 9
Preview: GYRE is knocking very hard at the door and looks ready to go one better now. KENNY TRIX is so consistent that she always has to be given a chance – strong each way chance. THE SLADE is progressive and should be involved. (Warren Lenferna 2-4-3)

Race 10
Preview: Trainer Brett Crawford holds a strong hand here. ARABIAN DYNASTY has the form to be very competitive. He was a bit disappointing last time when beaten odds on favourite but he can make amends today. Stable mate GOLD COAST CAPTAIN should once again run well but one gets the impression that Arabian Dynasty has more scope. BARAK LAVAN has a strong place chance. (Warren Lenferna 8-1-2)

The Vaal has a ten race meeting on Saturday on the Inside Track, where low draws tend to be favourable and there are some interesting runners turning out.

Joan Ranger (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the sixth, an Allowance Plate over 1800m, two horses with similar records, Samurai Blade and Deputy Jud, clash. Deputy Jud finished third in the Gr 1 SA Classic last year and followed up by finishing second in the Gr 1 SA Derby. This year Samurai Blade finished third in both of those respective races. Samurai Blade disappointed in the Sansui Summer Cup, but was out a few days later and cruised to victory in a 1600m race at the Vaal. He will be the most race fit of all of the runners here and will relish this trip. He has Piere Strydom up and the only concern is the wide draw in the small eight horse field.

Deputy Jud is a horse who needs to have things go his way and he has landed the pole position draw, which gives him every chance of producing his best. He has had one run this season so will be more forward than the rest of the leading contenders. At the weights Samurai Blade is only 0,5kg under sufferance with Deputy Jud and Cool Chardonnay, who are the joint best-in. Cool Chardonnay prefers further but running fresh here could be interesting.

However, a horse who is under sufferance by 4,5kg, The Centenary, is preferred for a top three finish. She has a fine turn of foot and as one who stays further she should give a good account of herself over this trip despite having not run since the eLan Gold Cup on July 31. She has good form over middle distances too so is the dark horse, despite being the only female and having to carry top weight. Top Shot is 12kg under sufferance but is course and distance suited and can’t be ignored for the quartet.

Deputy Jud (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the ninth, a Progress Plate over 1200m, Joan Ranger looks to be the best bet on the card, although she is likely to go off at cramped odds. She was slow away in her penultimate start when carrying topweight over 1000m in the Listed Gardenia Stakes, and that cost her a top three finish. Last time out she finished just 3,3 lengths back in fourth against some of the best sprinters in the country, a fine effort. She has plenty of pace and should pack too many guns in this field where she is the joint best weighted horse together with Heaps Of Fun. The latter would prefer further, but is effective over this trip and she is in fact 1kg better off with Joan Ranger for a 1,65 length beating over 1160m in April in the Gr 2 Camellia Stakes. However, Joan Ranger will be more forward than Heaps Of Fun, who is having her second run after a layoff.

The eighth race is an interesting MR 89 Handicap for three-year-old fillies over 1400m. French Legend looks to have a lot of class and is the one to side with despite a tough draw. Her last run in the Gr 3 Fillies Mile was a decent performance considering she was caught wide from a wide draw. Favour’s Pride was well beaten by French Legend in the Fillies Mile and is now worse off at the weights, but will appreciate the step down to 1400m and could be the main danger alongside the unbeaten All Over The World.

The seventh over 1800m is a tricky leg of the Pick 6, but Military Award does look to be a horse who can go places. He is drawn in pole and if he settles again, like he did last time, he can follow up on his maiden win over 1700m.

Punters should get off to a good start with Princess Aurora in the first, a Maiden over 1200m. She was clear of the rest when chasing a runaway winner last time over 1160m and looks to be improving. Piere Strydom is up from a good draw.

By David Thiselton