Triple Grade 1 winner Inara could be fitted with blinkers in future big races after her younger full sister Inanna showed the benefit in the Hudson’s Handicap at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Candice Robinson said: “Inara could also do with a pair. She is one of those who look around a bit and is not quite into the bridle for most of a race.”

Inara (Liesl King)

The decision to put them on Inanna came after her disappointing run when second favourite on Queen’s Plate day and Mike Bass’s successor explained: “I fancied her a lot that day but she didn’t run her race at all. I felt blinkers would help her travel.  We have always rated her and I think she has a bright future. She will keep improving.”

This was the final leg of a treble for Grant van Niekerk who wasted no time in adding to Wednesday’s Durbanville four-timer. He followed up an exercise romp on Extradite in the first by springing a 40-1 shock on Cardinal Call to delight Darryl Hodgson who was confined to base by sore heel and ligament problems.

Arctic Blast, starting at a prohibitive 1-3, bowled along in front like a good thing until just over a furlong from home when he went out as if hit by load-shedding.

MJ Byleveld came in reporting that something was obviously wrong. The stipes ordered a veterinary report which stated that the horse made a poor recovery. So did those who backed him.

Brett Crawford reckons there is more to come from Mr Bond who mercilessly cut down long-time leader Megamind inside the final furlong of the Snaith Racing Handicap.

Crawford said: “He has a knee chip which we are nursing but we also put a drop noseband on him to get him to settle and I think that is the key to everything. He can now go a bit further.”

Seemingly Andre Nel also believes Solana can collect again after the filly got up close home under Aldo Domeyer to beat 16-10 favourite Arabian Winter in the Bishops Handicap.

Nel said: “She is a quirky filly and she wasn’t at her best here but handicapping-wise that will probably work in her favour.”

It has been a rewarding classic-winning season for Domeyer and he reached the 40-winner mark when taking the last on Tripinthemist for Paddy Kruyer.

By Michael Clower

The dogs have been barking about Captain Marmalade and seemingly with good reason. “This is a nice horse and he can run,” confirms Justin Snaith whose two-year-olds have been in such sparkling form during the Cape season.

The Captain Al colt makes his debut in the opening Maiden Juvenile at Kenilworth today and he was understandably favourite yesterday with World Sports Betting opening him at 12-10.

Justin Snaith

Second favourite at 28-10 is Gregorian Chant, a Trippi colt whose dam won five including a Grade 3, but there does not appear to be any great expectation about toppling Captain Marmalade. “If he doesn’t run green I think he will be in the first four,” is Dean Kannemeyer’s assessment.

Mike Bass runs three including the R500 000 Philanthropist colt Barak Lavan whose dam won the Champagne. “”They are not well tried – I put three in to save the race – and the Horse Chestnut (Bombs Away) is the most forward,” says Candice Robinson.

Bombs Away is the shortest priced of the trio at 5-1, the same mark as the R250 000 purchase Starflash. This is a Pathfork colt but Vaughan Marshall is playing his cards close to his chest and saying nothing beyond a knowing smile. Does that mean he is holding a fistful of aces? If the horse is still 5-1 when they are down at the start it would be safe to assume that he isn’t!

Joey Ramsden indicates that his R140 000 Great Britain colt British Fairy will need the run but, even so, it is rare for a two-year-old newcomer from his stable being on offer at 20-1.

On The Right Path (6-1) is the only one to have run before and Carl Burger is taking off the blinkers which proved a disaster on Queen’s Plate day – “He didn’t know what was going on and all that smoke also bothered him.”

Captain Marmalade is the selection and Purple Mountains (3-1) gets a tentative vote in the Graduation Plate although this is a tricky-looking contest.

Kemal Kavur has a favourite’s chance at 22-10 on his Cape Derby run but this is two furlongs shorter (Marshall: “I was looking for a race over 1 800m but there isn’t one. I would be wary about a mile.”)

Mambo Mime (Nkosi Hlophe)

Mambo Mime was reported not striding out freely on Met day and, although fine when checked out by the vet the following day, he has been scratched. However stable companion Lord Marshal (7-2) could certainly pose a threat   “This is Lord Marshall’s first run after being cut – which needed doing – but he will be ready,” says Dean Kannemeyer.

Little has gone right for 7-2 shot Eighth Wonder since he won the Magnum Cape Classic but, says Greg Ennion: “His work is good and Bernard Fayd’Herbe has been impressed with him.”

The two Brett Crawford runners look too far out at the weights but the stable can take the Racing. It’s A Rush Handicap with Carrie Bow Cay who came in for some support yesterday and is now favourite at 28-10.

Half the punters in the country were waiting for Jingle Belle who had the Soccer 1 Maiden Plate at her mercy. Sadly she was scratched shortly after 11.00am yesterday as she has been put on medication. Newcomers Londalozi and Carolina Sky head the market but maybe Persian Silk should be given another chance at 6-1.

BLOB Michael Clower won with four of his five selections last Saturday. He also had two out of four at Durbanville and is showing a R97 profit to a R10 level stake so far this month.

By Michael Clower

Investec Dingaans and Grand Parade Cape Guineas winner Noah From Goa will likely never race in South Africa again. One of Mike de Kock’s chief owners Sheik Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum has bought a share in him and he will be on the next shipment overseas.

Noah From Goa’s Cape Guineas win earned him a shot at winning the Triple Crown, as it forms one of two alternate first leg races. However, he will now miss this prestigious series in favour of arriving as quickly as possible for an overseas campaign.

The Wilgerbosdrift Stud-bred Tiger Ridge gelding is small but courageous and also finished an excellent second to the 120 merit-rated Legal Eagle in the Gr 1 L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate.

He will leave South African shores merit rated 116 and as current leader of the race to be named Equus Three-Year-Old Male of the Year.

The J&B Met winner Smart Call will be on the same shipment as Noah From Goa. She is being targeted at the Breeder’s Cup.

The two thoroughbred stars have not yet entered quarantine in Cape Town as they are still waiting for enough horses (other breeds will also be included) to make up a full shipment.

Unfortunately, at this stage it appears the arduous journey via Mauritius is the only feasible route for the shipment.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Noah From Goa (Liesl King)

Solana looks good for the Bishops Handicap at Kenilworth tomorrow despite this being her first run out of the maidens.

Aldo Domeyer’s mount ran out a comfortable winner over this course and distance last month and the handicappers gave her a rating of 78 which was what the bare result justified. However they did not add anything for what she appeared to have in hand – at least a length and quite possibly twice that.

Andre Nel confirms her in good shape and, although World Sports Betting are giving nothing away at 12-10, she should be able to concede a kilo to probable danger Arabian Winter.

Justin Snaith has won five of the six Cape Town two-year-old races in which he has had a runner this season and R300 000 Var newcomer Contessa Confessa is 12-10 for the opening Maiden Juvenile. He also introduces Alpha Girl (7-1) who riding arrangements indicate should be the second string.

Snaith, speaking at Durbanville on Wednesday and stressing that yesterday’s final gallop might change things, said: “Contessa will probably need the run and Alpha Girl might finish the closer.”

Corker is the one to get excited about on pedigree. The R480 000 Pathfork filly is out of a half-sister to In The Fast Lane (Cape Fillies Guineas and Woolavington) and Met fourth Light The Lights.  She is a 6-1 chance and Glen Kotzen says: “She has only had the one gallop but she is a lovely filly who has come on by leaps and bounds. She will be competitive.”

But the vote goes to Extradite who has the advantage of experience and was quoted at evens yesterday. It was no disgrace to be beaten by the potentially high class The Secret Is Out and the Mike Bass filly should benefit from the in-form Grant van Nierkerk who won the first four at Durbanville on Wednesday.

Vaughan Marshall, who really rates The Secret Is Out, can win the Bishops Cricket Maiden with 11-10 shot Arctic Blast. The once-raced Q Behind Me (33-10) is an obvious danger. “She has come on a little bit,” reports Nel but he doubts her ability to come home in front in this.

Kado (10-1) drops back in trip after disappointing over 1 400m. “He was caught wide that day,” explains Eric Sands. “He is bred for a lot further but I thought I would give him another run up the straight. It’s not his game but he is not without a chance.”

Don’t ignore Torchman at 7-1 either. The form of his seven-length second to Orion Quest seemed to take a knock when Knight Of Glory (fifth) flopped on Wednesday but that horse was reported not striding out.

Mr Bond, 28-10 joint favourite with the hat-trick seeking Al Dangeur, gets the vote in the Snaith Racing Handicap. I Am The Law (15-4) is weighted to reverse the placings with Al Dangeur but is he is as good over 1 200m? “I’m not sure,” says Nel. “But he went to win his race over 1 400m last time and didn’t quite finish.”

Due West is 22-10 favourite for the Klawervlei Stud Maiden but the consistent Five Star Rock is rated slightly better and gets the vote at 28-10.

By Michael Clower

There are two eight race meetings in KZN this weekend, a polytrack card at Greyville tonight, and racing around the turn makes its comeback at Scottsville on Sunday.

There look to be one or two opportunities for punters on both cards and the Pick 6 (carryover pool estimated R1.1million) looks catchable tonight.

The first race tonight is a Maiden over 1900m and Jullidar is knocking on the door and is course and distance suited so is the one to beat with Anton Marcus up despite a wide draw. Roy’s Tiger stayed on at one pace over 1800m last time on the turf  and could earn. Tayaar looks likely to relish the step up in trip having stayed on over 1600m last time and he should finish in the first three, although he is yet to justify the betting support he has sometimes received.

The second is a MR 80 Handicap over 1900m and Night Shadow has really come into his own, not surprisingly being by Silvano, and looks the one to beat from a good draw because recently he has struck as one who can rise above his current merit rating of 82. Kitty’s Destiny is also a progressive sort and was unlucky last time out over 2000m on the poly when hampered at a crucial stage in the straight. Mr Winsome is another progressive sort by Silvano and will likely give plenty of cheek over this suitable course and distance.

The third is a MR69 Handicap over 1900m. The Alec Laird-trained Gauteng raider Arabian World has caught the eye before over this sort of trip and enjoys the Vaal sand so, as a possibly  still improving son of ideal World, makes appeal from a good draw. Willoughton won his maiden by six lengths over 1600m and is reunited with Anton Marcus for the first time since. He is a half-brother to an Opera King gelding who won over 2400m so should stay the trip.

Avaricious could benefit from having Muzi Yeni aboard as he is capable of winning a race like this if he settles over this sort of distance. Royal Lance is interesting as one who was tried over further early in his career and ran on well over 1600m last time, but he is worse off at the weights with Willoughton despite being beaten by him last time. Told You So could be involved off a reduced merit rating over an ideal trip as long as he doesn’t lose Too much ground at the start.

The fourth is a Maiden over 1600m and Alec Laird could claim a quick double as Seattle Prince has been knocking on the door on the Highveld and his formline looks relatively strong here. Soldier’s Code has ability and his best poly run was over this trip so he could bounce back. Le Cheik was outpaced and pushed along throughout over 1200m last time but finished well and will relish the step up in trip. King’s Wager stayed on well for third from this identical draw over course and distance last time. Dhaamer finished second over course and distance last time in a similar field but is drawn much wider now.

The fifth is a MR 66 Handicap over 1200m and Eternal Ice looks well handicapped on his best performances and proved last time out his suitability to this trip. Dreamy Forest is interesting as one who has run two decent races in his last two, including from a tough draw at Scottsville, and is now drawn well. Moonlite Mist is in good form and will enjoy the step up to 1200m.

The sixth is a MR 74 Handicap over 1400m and Buster Brown, as one who moves up effortlessly but doesn’t enjoy being in front, can go in again off just a two point higher mark than his last course and distance win. Spanish Captain has talent and is looking for this step up in trip so should be thereabouts from draw two with Delpech keeping the ride. Ferdnand The Bull should earn over an ideal course and distance from pole position.

The seventh is a MR 64 Handicap over 1400m for fillies and mares and Zaida has always struck as a sort who would improve as she got older so she should be a big runner stepped back in trip having won her maiden over 1200m. Hunger Games is an interesting runner off a competitive merit rating as she was unlucky the last time she ran on the poly over 1600m and was caught wide last time out so that run can be excused. She is now well drawn with a good rider aboard and this trip suits her as she is quite strong in the running and has a turn of foot if finding cover. Just Rap caught the eye when winning and being dropped seven points after her last run should see her in with a shout over a trip which should suit.

The eighth is a MR 64 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m and Tigeress Dance had some fair Cape Town form, including finishing just 3,45 lengths behind the top class Silver Mountain over this trip. She is the one to beat as she looked to need her first start in KZN and was affected by a bump at the start. Spiritos was not harshly treated by the handicapper after winning her debut over course and distance and the form has worked out well.  She does have a wide draw to overcome but should be thereabouts. Love Conquers All is distance suited and proved last time she is now off a potentially winning merit rating.

At Scottsville on Sunday the highlight will be the return of the classy Unbelievable Chad in a MR 87 Handicap over 1600m, his first run since being scratched at the start of the Investec Dingaans after running away with his jockey down to the start. He has to carry topweight but could still do it. However, Team Guys has always been well regarded and has come into his own so could be the one to beat receiving 6kg plus a 2,5kg apprentice claim from Unbelievable Chad. Olympic Bolt won well over course and distance last time and has a chance too from a good draw.

By David Thiselton

Picture (Nkosi Hlophe): Eternal Ice

The Vaal has a nine race card on the outside track tomorrow and by trends high draws will be favoured.

The first is a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1200m and is tricky due to the horse that makes most appeal, Girl On The Run, having a tough number one draw. She ran on well over course and distance on debut and should go close. Russian Friend finished just 0,8 lengths behind Girl On The a Run last time but is better drawn this time, although she is more exposed. She should earn in this field. The first-timer Mamdooha is well-bred being by All American out of a Redoute’s Choice mare, but is drawn on the wrong side. Storyfields has been given a busy schedule and is having her fifth run after having made her debut less than a month ago, but from a fair draw she should earn in the line up. First-timer I’m The Fire does not make much appeal.

Anthony Delpech

The second is a Maiden over 1200m and First Officer Al could beat home stablemate Rock On, two hard knockers drawn on the right side. Red Rebel is interesting returning from a long layoff having once produced a decent effort over 1600m behind the top class Abashiri. William Nicol has produced some fair efforts but is drawn on the wrong side. Mendoza’s Melody has shown some ability and has Strydom up but also has a tough draw.

The third is a Maiden over 1600m and Count Tassilo ran well on debut over 1200m and will relish the step up in trip on pedigree. First-timer Roaming Jet is drawn on the wrong side but being a Jet Master half-brother to the classy Celtic Captain he is an interesting debutant, although he is already a four-year-old. Royal Honour ran an improved race when stepped up to this trip and from a good draw is preferred to Keep On Flying and Il Duce for a trifecta finish.

The fourth is an interesting maiden for fillies and mares over 1600m and Mythical Magic, who ran a decent race over this trip last time out, looks to have plenty of scope for improvement and is drawn on the right side, although on the downside this is her return from a three month layoff. Nother Russia by Tiger Ridge out of the multiple Gr 1-winning champion Mother Russia made a good debut over 1200m and will relish the step up in trip. Dalley is improving and can earn if finding a good spot from a tough draw, and Runalong could beat Love Tryst into a minor place.

The fifth is a MR 72 Handicap over 1600m. Mann’s Inn could follow up on his recent win over course and distance as he has always been well regarded and is only two points higher in the merit ratings. Delpech is up from a plum draw. Stablemate Cockade is perfectly course and distance suited and made a good comeback recently from a year’s layoff. Gavin Lerena is up from a fair draw. Profit Ratio looks a fair type and has a chance off an initial 77 merit rating.

The sixth is a MR 76 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m and the hard knocking Escudo is well drawn over a suitable course and distance so could beat home Bondiblu and Gain Ground.

The seventh is a MR 72 Handicap over 1200m and Tokyo Drift should appreciate the step down in trip. Cannes has only been given a two point raise for an easy win so could follow up from a fair draw. Extreme Dubai has talent and stayed on over 1000m first time out the maidens.

The eighth is a MR 72 Handicap over 1200m and On The Nod is down to an attractive merit rating so could get the better of the improving Dragoon as well as Rushing Lark, who has a good draw and jockey.

The last is a MR 72 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m. Dangerous Diva is course and distance suited and has Delpech up from a good draw, so could beat home Sweet Habanero, while the talented Miracle Rising could bounce back and Wendish and Chartwell must also be considered despite tough draws.

By David Thiselton

Four winners this past weekend kept Duncan Howells on track to regaining the KZN Champion Trainer’s title relinquished to Dennis Drier last season. But with half the season still to run and a lead of only six over Drier there is still a long way to go.

Howells has saddled 38 winners in KZN this term opposed to Drier’s 32 but the chasing pack is in hot pursuit. Sean Tarry (29) and Dean Kannemeyer (28) are not far back while Charles Laird and Gavin van Zyl are bracketed on 26. The local championship is based on wins in KZN and although Mike de Kock is third on the list as far as stakes earned is concerned, he is currently sitting on 20 winners.

Cosmic Light (Nkosi Hlophe)

Howells’s two smart fillies Same Jurisdiction and Cosmic Light are safely back from the Western Cape and will be aimed at Champions Season features along with the promising Ten Gun Salute and Sylvester The Cat.

Cosmic Light, second in the Gr 2 Sceptre Stakes, has the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint on her agenda while Same Jurisdiction’s intended schedule is the Gr 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge and to hopefully defend her Gr 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden province title.

Howells said Smart Call’s Met win reiterated once again the quality of last season’s three-year-old fillies. “In any other year three or four of those fillies would have been an undisputed champion,” mused Howells. “So just how good was Majmu. She smashed them all.”

Ten Gun Salute showed a smart turn of foot to win the Gr3 Michael Roberts Handicap last Sunday against some seasoned opposition. “He’s progressive but I don’t really know how good he is,” said Howells. “Champion’s Season will tell. We will try the Guineas and the Daily News and if he shows that he’s good enough, maybe the July.”

Sylvester The Cat was his Grand Parade Cape Guineas hope but all plans went out of the window when he refused to jump in his warm-up for the race. The vet was called in and ‘Sylvester’ has since been through the starting stalls twice without incident since his pocket was picked.

Another to be two stone lighter this week is Mac De Lago. “He just didn’t jump (in the Met),” said Weiho Marwing. “He’s never done it before so I don’t know what his problem was. He’s got tons of ability but he’s just not putting it in so the vet comes this week. After that we will see how he goes.”

By Andrew Harrison

Greg Cheyne could be riding again early next season if the bones in his crushed right foot heal the way his doctors believe they will.

Cheyne, now on crutches and wearing a surgical boot, said: “The boot has to be non-weight bearing for the first six weeks and then it stays on for a further six before the rehabilitation starts. That will last for between three and five months.

Greg Cheyne (Liesl King)

“The doctors recommend six months – and ideally eight – before I start riding again. I must not put my foot in a stirrup until everything is 100% healed because the area where the breaks are takes the weight.”

Cheyne, 39, suffered seven fractures and two dislocations when his foot was crushed against the metalwork of the pens riding two-year-old Mount Keith at Kenilworth on December 27. Two of the breaks were shattered and the doctors at the Kingsbury Hospital in Claremont inserted four plates and a pin 12 days later when they also performed three fusions.

The 2009 Durban July-winning jockey said: “I had to stay in bed for three weeks to keep the foot elevated and those were some of the worst times because I would see horses winning and think ‘I should have been riding that.’

“But I have had serious injuries before [including a broken bone in his back] and I learned then that you just have to accept it.”

The financial cost is eased by his insurance and medical aid policies funded from riding percentages. Jockeys get 10% of winning stakes and a tenth of this is deducted for the policies. So is a seventh of the 7% they earn on place stakes

Cheyne calculates that only the top jockeys earn enough to cover the full cost of the premiums with the operators subsidising the balance for the rest. “It is one of the best jockey insurance schemes in the world,” he said.

By Michael Clower

Knight Of Glory can get punters off to a winning start at a decent price when racing returns to Durbanville for the first time in 15 weeks today.

Joey Ramsden’s three-year-old might not look the most obvious candidate for the opening maiden after being beaten over ten lengths last time but the talented Orion Quest romped home over seven clear that day and, taking him out of the way, Bernard Fayd’Herbe’s mount put up a performance that is good enough to give him a chance. He has a decent draw, has run well here in the past and appeals at the 4-1 Betting World opened him yesterday.

Joey Ramsden (Kenilworth Racing)

French Captain opened second favourite at 28-10 even though he has been off since November. Mike Stewart runs three including 5-1 shot Ravishing Lad who has been running over further. “Aldo Domeyer said to drop him back in trip,” explains the Noordhoek trainer. “But watch out for his brother Ravishing Boy (10-1). He will be a bit green on the bend but he is a seriously nice horse.”

Indonesia has each way claims at 10-1 despite unseating her rider at the start last time. “She had never done that before and we have since put a hood on and she was fine,” says Harold Crawford.

State Ballet showed much improved form on Queen’s Plate day and opened favourite at 5-2. However that was in a work riders’ race and she may have been flattered by the result. Like Janis (10-1) is better than her recent showing would suggest but Ronnie Sheehan is not optimistic, saying: “Maybe a place chance. She has been disappointing.”

Tell Me More looks particularly well handicapped in race two and the 22-10 favourite has this at his mercy if Grant van Niekerk can persuade him to jump on terms. He would have won last time but for losing a good three lengths at the gate. Ominously he was also slowly away on his previous start.

Ovar (28-10) is probably the main danger as 8-1 chance Breathless Bertie’s three wins in two months have sent him rocketing up the ratings. “You can never tell with him,” Stewart cautions. “I worked him on the beach on Saturday and his rider couldn’t pull him up.”

Secret Plan’s form warrants her 18-10 price in race three but that looks short considering her ten draw and in the circumstances the consistent Prudence Prevails makes more appeal at 4-1.

Justin Snaith is the leading trainer at Durbanville so far this season and he has a 20% strike rate. His Bora Bora looks the one in the Racing.It’s A Rush Maiden (race four) even though Fayd’Herbe has opted to partner Hammie’s Game (10-1) for Mike Bass.

“The blinkers were the problem last time and that’s why we are taking them off,” says Snaith. “I’m hoping Grant gets on with him.”

Van Niekerk is the leading jockey at the country course this term along with Corne Orffer – both have ridden 13 winners. Bora Bora is the 22-10 favourite although Orffer’s mount Rock On Geordies (9-2) and Andre Nel’s Master Runner (6-1) also have sound claims.

By Michael Clower