Seventh Plain bids to get back on track for the CTS Million Dollar in the Fairview Wine Sophomore Sprint at Kenilworth on Saturday – and the indications are that he will probably do so.

The Dennis Drier dual Grade 1 winner started hot favourite for the Lanzerac Ready To Run but failed to find anything when push came to shove and was beaten nearly six lengths into fourth.

“Fitnesswise he wasn’t where we thought he was despite all our best intentions,” recalls racing manager Derek Brugman. “But he is now pretty close to where he needs to be.”

Seventh Plain (Nkosi Hlophe)

Moving this race from its traditional September slot has proved to be an inspired move. There might only be nine runners – even so only once in the last six years has the field been bigger – but there is no shortage of quality and, with all but Psycho Syd eligible for the Million Dollar, the race has significance aplenty.

The penalty structure, too, could hardly have worked better had the race been a handicap. When you adjust the merit ratings for the weights the top three are separated by less than half a length with the Puller pair the same margin further back.

Anton Marcus brought out the most of Tar Heel’s sprinting ability last time and, while the extra furlong may not play to the horse’s strengths, he represents a live threat. “A big runner and the main danger to Seventh Plain,” is Brugman’s assessment.  “On pure class Seventh Plain is the better but Tar Heel will have a big chance if he sees out the trip and it wouldn’t surprise me if he won.”

Ernie went up nine points for his last win and, if the handicappers are right to hike him that much, he also comes into the picture. “He’s got a chance – definitely,” says Candice Robinson who adds that this 1 200m to 1 400m is the gelding’s best distance.

Illuminator drops back in trip after the last 200m proved too much for him in the Cape Guineas. “He needs to be cut because he haemo-concentrates quite badly,” Glen Puller explains. “He kicks on well but in the final furlong his muscles start aching and that’s what happened in the Guineas.”

Puller adds that Western Storm needed the run when performing below his best last time but fears that the gelding “might need it this time too.”

Forward Drive relishes this trip and, although his Million Dollar ticket is already booked, he has a bit to find here, particularly as he will effectively be carrying 2.5kg overweight because his rider can’t claim.

Psycho Syd is also a couple of kilos adrift but it’s worth remembering that he had it won a long way out when making all for his maiden win.

Winter Prince has won his last three but all over 1 400m.  “He is quite a speedy horse,” says Brett Crawford, explaining that he doesn’t see the shorter trip as a problem. “The idea is to qualify him for the Million Dollar. He is only rated 86 and I think you need to be about 92 to get into the race. If he can run close to some of the high-rated horses he is going to get a penalty.”

By Michael Clower 

The Gr3 Flamboyant Stakes for fillies and mares over 1600m heads the New Year’s Day eight race meeting at Greyville, in which the first three races are on the poly and the rest on turf, and there is also a nine race sprint meeting at Scottsville on Sunday.

Olma stands out as the horse to beat in the Flamboyant, which will be run on the turf. Trainer Frank Robinson now believes he had overestimated the classy filly’s ability to stay and is now of the opinion that the mile to 1800m is her best trip. She is the best in at the weights and drawn well and this is her third run after a layoff. The lightly raced and progressive four-year-old In Other Words has won four in a row on the poly from 1200-1400m but there is no reason why she should not enjoy turf as well as the step up in trip. Sabaha is a talented sort who has perhaps been a touch disappointing and she does have a hard task of reversing form with Olma from their last meeting over 1800m as she is now 2kg worse off despite being beaten 1,75 lengths and she is now also drawn wide, although on the other hand she would prefer this trip. Trini’s Collateral looks to be the second string of the Duncan Howells-trained horses on jockey bookings but being by Lateral is likely to love going over a mile for the first time. The three-year-old Visionaire filly Lala has some class and her dam won over 1600m, so she is interesting stepped up to this trip.

Those five make the most appeal and are selected in the order mentioned.

The first is a MR 66 Handicap over 1000m on the poly and the quick Royal Honeymoon has come down to an attractive merit rating and also has a 2,5kg claimed up so could be hard to catch if jumping well from pole position. Bermudabreeze is one point lower than his last win and the yard is in good form so he could be involved over a suitable trip. Roy’s Gul Gul Ha is down to a competitive merit rating and is course and distance suited.

The second is a MR 70 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m and Tigeress Dance seems well handicapped off a 66 merit rating considering she has some good Cape Town form from 1200-1400m. Dark Rose finally got off the mark last time out when stepped up to 1400m and off a lowly merit rating of 61 could go close. Ginger Biscuit is drawn well for a change over a suitable trip and is off a competitive merit rating.

The third is a MR 70 handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m. Vampirella is a talented sort who is drawn well over a suitable trip. Victory Takeover proved herself up to her merit rating last time and is now reunited with Anton Marcus. Quintella is still off a competitive merit rating and will be running on strongly from behind as usual. La Gitano has pace and will enjoy the step down in trip and as an improved sort should be thereabouts. You Bolt should be running on strongly over this suitable course and distance.

The fourth is a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1600m on the turf. The hard knocking Durban Blues needed her last start and as one who has done well against good sorts should go close over a step up in trip age she should appreciate. Scarlet Riviera did well over 1200m on the Greyville turf on debut and caught the eye doing good work late so should relish the step up in trip and will be a big threat. The improving Coastal Spell finished a good second over this distance last time and the form has been franked.

The fifth is a weak maiden over 1600m on the turf and Nirvana is well drawn and can build on three decent runs over this step up in trip which he should appreciate. Apple Jack has some fair form and will appreciate the step down in trip, but does have a tough draw to overcome. Super Sonic improved last time and can go close with a repeat.

The seventh is a Graduation Plate over 1800m on turf and here the talented Run Rhino Run will have come on from his last run and is the one to beat. Rio De La Plata looks to be a horse who is going places too and could be a threat. Translunar is a useful sort who is very consistent and he might now be ready to step back up to 1800m having failed over this trip in his only attempt 15 months ago.  Rap Attack should handle this trip and being by Go Deputy will be improving all the time. Killer Woman is the only filly in the field but is not without a chance as she showed signs of class last time and Delpech stays aboard from a good draw.

The eighth is a Maiden over 1800m for fillies and mares and Roy’s Emblem could be the one to beat from a fair draw having done well over 2000m last time on the poly. The typically big Ideal World filly Badger Creek was slow away on debut but should improve considerably in her second career start as she will enjoy being on turf and will relish the step up in trip. Seattle Belle looks likely to enjoy the step up in trip too and has a chance.

The highlight on Sunday is the Non-Black Type African Holly Handicap over 1000m and the talented Beloved Country could beat home the course and distance specialist Mr Whatever with the up and coming Big King also being an interesting runner.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Olma (Nkosi Hlophe)

An eight race meeting at Turffontein brings down the curtain on 2015 and punters look to have a good chance to go out on a high note.

The first race is a competitive Maiden over 1450m and some promising types are involved. Just A Gigolo caught the eye with a tremendous finishing run from the back for third when stepped up to 1400m on the Standside course, having raced wide from a wide draw. He is drawn wide again and the shorter straight will make it tough but he should go close if he could be placed closer this time.

Crimson Magic ran on strongly from last over 1400m a week ago and is better drawn now so should go close. Danza has obvious ability having run behind some good horses and is well drawn. However, last time out when showing pace over 1160m after a two-and-a-half month layoff, he swished his tail, changed legs and then hung outward, so doesn’t look like a straight forward customer. In The Moment was flying late over 1200m last time and looks to have improved with gelding, although that was a weak race. Duzi Moon could earn as the form of his improved last race over 1200m had been franked and he should enjoy the step up in trip while Gavin Lerena retains the ride. First-timer Nawra is by Kildonan out of a maiden Fort Wood mare who has produced a few winners and cost R160,000.

The second race is a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1450m and the scopey Girl On The Run looks the one to beat in an uninspiring field having run on well from a tough draw over 1200m on debut. Monarch Air has run two good races over this sort of trip and has a fair draw. Bay Of Thunder will appreciate the step up in trip and could earn from a good draw as one who can improve from her first two runs.

The third is a fillies and mares maiden over 2000m. Gains Tax is well drawn and could beat this uninspiring field if ridden more conservatively than last time. Lingerie has a tough draw but looks likely to enjoy this step up in trip. Gavin Lerena retains faith in the hard knocking Topography, who is the stand out on bare form, but the concern is she always makes breathing noises which doesn’t augur well for a step up in trip.

The fourth is a MR 71 Handicap over 1800m and Gentelman Only should relish the step up in trip and is interesting from a good draw. High Drama has been raised two points after being caught late over 2000m and this trip looks to be ideal although the quite wide draw won’t make it easy. The trip looks likely to be ideal for Tom Fool. Charanga beat High Drama by a short-head last time and has a chance again. Facebook looks likely to enjoy this trip nowadays and is drawn well. Aqua Blue could earn off a lowered merit rating, although the wide draw makes it tough.

The fifth is a MR 92 handicap over 1600m and Imperial Gold has been disappointing but having been lowered seven points he could fire in his third run after a rest and gelding over what should be an ideal trip. Shea Devon was raised five points for his last comfortable win over 2000m and can continue to progress in his third run with blinkers. Loco Por Ganor has improved and has a good course and distance record.

The sixth is a MR 67 Handicap over 1600m and Arctica proved himself up to this merit rating last time when going close over course and distance despite stumbling at the start. Post Grad is knocking on the door and should be staying on. Rushing Lark could be dangerous over this step down in trip from pole position as he travels comfortably in his races and should be staying on.

The seventh is a Mr 81 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m and Zrinski is off a competitive merit rating so looks the one to beat from a good draw over a trip which might be ideal, looking at her overall form. She’s A Looker loves the course and distance and has been dropped two points, so will be a big runner. Party Magic should be running on strongly from a good draw.

The last race of 2015 is a Mr 67 Handicap over 1600m for fillies and mares and the in form Eina could be a tough nut to crack from a good draw over a step down in trip as she has been handy over this trip before and will be staying all the way to the line. Swazi Lily has ability and will be running on but doesn’t have it easy off a 79 merit rating and a wide draw. Nkolo scrapes into the handicap off a competitive merit rating and with a 2,5kg claimer up should run on well as she usually does and could be good value for a place.

David Thiselton

Greyville stages a nine race meeting today, the first three on the poly and the rest on turf, and punters have a fair chance of signing off the old year on a high note

The first is a MR 78 handicap over 1400m. Sovereign Reign is well regarded and the 1400m might be exactly what he is looking for, while Marcus remaining faithful speaks volumes. Beluga ran a fine race last time behind a useful sort over course and distance and is well drawn. Ferdinand The Bull was a little bit strong in the running over 1600m last time when just failing to catch the promising Team Guys so he should relish the step down in trip and Delpech stays aboard. However, He was given a four point raise for that last race so it won’t be easy.

Cold As Ice, who notched up her first British win at only the second attempt eight days ago, will have one more outing before going for the £150 000 All-Weather Championship Final at Lingfield on Good Friday (March 25).

That outing in early February is to qualify her and last season’s Choice Carriers, Sceptre and Laisserfaire winner could be ridden by an English-based jockey for the first time. Bernard Fayd’Herbe has ridden her in both her UK starts but is not expected to be able to do the weight. Greg Cheyne was to go but x-rays have revealed fractures in the foot he damaged on Monday.

Brian Finch, whose wife Kathy owns the filly in partnership with Bridget Kieswetter, said: “She will have a break after the Lingfield race and then we will see how she fares racing on turf.”

Micheal Clower

Turffontein stages an eight race meeting tomorrow night and there look to be some fair opportunities for punters.

The first is a fillies Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m and of those to have run Queenie makes most appeal, being a big filly who was doing her best work late on debut over 800m, while Might As Well, who was just ahead of her and stayed on well from the front, should also improve. The first-timer Star Burst Galaxy makes appeal being by Var and a half-sister to the promising Silvano filly Star Express, who has won three from six. Seattle Singer is a full-sister to the useful Gr 1 runner up sprinter Gulf Storm and her stablemate Timedtoperfection is a full-sister to the useful sprinter Aurum Pot.

The second is a Conditions Plate for fillies and mares over 1000m and the interesting runner is Mambonick, who returns from a year’s layoff having impressed in a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m when comfortably beating the subsequent Gr 1-placed Sapsan. Miss December and Ha Lucy make most appeal of the rest.

The third is a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over1160m and Cosmo Russe stayed on well on debut over 1200m and looks to have scope for improvement. For Show Me Angel showed good pace last time when caught late over 1200m on the Inside Track, so she should enjoy this quick 1160m. Nitrogen is an interesting first-timer being by Tiger Ridge out of the Gr 1-winner and Vodacom Durban July runner up Zirconeum.

The fourth is a weak Maiden over 2000m on first sight but there are some who could turn out to be fair over this trip. The one to beat is Smartifact, who enjoyed little luck when catching the eye on debut in a strong race, and being by Lateral out of a Fort Wood mare she will love this trip. Go Fly A Kite caught the eye staying on strongly over 1700m last time out so looks likely to relish this trip and Gavin Lerena is an eyecatching booking. Frappachino is stoutly bred being by Ideal World out of a Fort Wood mare and was staying on well when finishing just ahead of Go Fly A Kite over1700m, but there is a now a reversal in draw fortunes. Gladiatore will be a runner having stayed on well from a handy position last time out with this same 4kg claimer up, although the wide draw is a concern. Superficial showed pace over 1400m but should enjoy this trip on pedigree so is an interesting runner. De Lujo is a big galloping type who stayed on well over 1600m last time, but the concern is he over raced a bit in the early stages and  would be preferred if the blinkers came off. First-timer Reminiscence is stoutly bred being by Ideal World out of a Fort Wood mare and is another interesting contender.

The fifth is a Pinnacle Stakes race over 2450m and Wild Ash is the one to beat at the weights from pole position, with Marmalady tipped next best followed by Savage Wind, Orchestrated and Henry Higgins.

The sixth is an open MR 102 Handicap over 1000m in which the whole seven-horse field could be included although Prince Jazeem looks to have benefitted from a rest and rates the one to beat returning to sprint trips in which his record reads three wins and a second and a third in eight starts.  Moofeed and Aurum Pot could follow him home.

The seventh is a MR 86 Handicap over 1160m and Just As I Said is interesting stepped back to this trip and is tipped to beat Master’s Spirit and Viking Hero, although the returning pair Fort Meyers and Seventh Heart must also be considered.

The last is a MR 76 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m and Kalanchoe has the form to win so is tipped to beat La Digue, who is knocking on the door, and Redaire, One Yesterday and Wendish make most appeal of the rest.

By: David Thiselton

Lanner Falcon turned on the style at Kenilworth yesterday to give Mike Bass his third Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes in five seasons. But, if it hadn’t been for Grant van Niekerk, Gaynyor Rupert’s five-year-old would now be on the road to Port Elizabeth.

Candice Robinson explained: “We entered her in the mile Lady’s Bracelet at Fairview on New Year’s Day. We were still umming and aahing when Grant said: ‘Please leave her in Cape Town. I think she will win the Diadem.’”

Quite some way from home he knew he was going to be proved gloriously right and he related: “Last time she ran over 1 000m, they went like the clappers and she doesn’t like to be bustled. This time she was always finding and, when I looked across at Bernard Fay’d Herbe on Fly By Night, I knew I had it.”

The Bass stable is now assessing options once more but this time Port Elizabeth doesn’t figure! “Lanner Falcon’s main aim is the Klawervlei Majorca whereas Fly By Night will go for either the Sceptre (Jan 16) or the Cape Flying a fortnight later,” said Candice. “At this stage, though, she doesn’t need another win but another Grade 1.”

The Sceptre could see an entry from Victoria Lavelle who rounded off a treble for S’Manga Khumalo by making most in the Laisserfaire but seemingly she is unlikely to run.

Justin Snaith explained: “We will see what is in it but I wouldn’t like to push my luck. I would rather save her for the Durban season.”

Greg Cheyne was taken to hospital for x-rays on a suspected fracture of the metatarsal bone in his foot after being hurt when Mount Keith broke through the pens in the opening two-year-old race.

Also on the sidelines is Donovan Mansour who had a nasty fall at Milnerton on Saturday. He was forced to give up his rides and missed a winner on the Joey Ramsden-trained Free Agent.

Vodacom Durban July winner Power King looks like having a crack at the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate even though he is also in the Peninsula Handicap on Saturday week’s card.

Dean Kannemeyer said: “I am keeping everything open but he took his Summer Cup run well and there is a good possibility that he will run in the Queen’s Plate and then the Met.”

Power King is a 20-1 shot for the J & B Met. Most of the money so far has been for last season’s winner Futura who has hardened from an initial 28-10 to 16-10. Betting World has also had support for Captain America (12-1 to 10-1) but original 5-1 chances Legislate and Legal Eagle have drifted to 13-2 and 7-1 while French Navy has gone out from 7-1 to 12-1.

Selangor winner Hard Day’s Night, who weakened after making the running in the Grand Parade Cape Guineas, was reported none the worse by Ramsden and will attempt to make amends in the CTS Million Dollar.

But Flying Ice, who disappointed in the Cape Fillies Guineas, may wait until the Durban season.

Neil Bruss said: “She was totally flat the next day, her legs swelled up and she wouldn’t eat – she had a virus. There are no suitable races for her – six furlongs is too short – so we could keep her for Durban.”

There is concern among some punters about the small size of the fields in Cape Town. These averaged only eight for yesterday’s non-features. Last Tuesday it was nine and tomorrow it’s again in single figures. The operators have threatened cuts in stakes if the required 12 is not met.

One Kenilworth regular said: “I wanted to do a Bipot but it’s not worth it with the fields being so small.”

By: Michael Clower

Picture: Lanner Falcon (Liesly King)

Sail For Gold takes a significant drop in class in the MR 94 handicap at Kenilworth tomorrow and Grant van Niekerk’s mount should be hard to beat.

He was second in both the Winter Guineas and Classic last season while this term he has taken on Act Of War in the Matchem and both Captain America and Futura in the Green Point. Even with 61kg tomorrow’s task is plain sailing by comparison.

The Mike Bass-Van Niekerk combination may also take the Place Your Bets Handicap with Brilliant Crimson who similarly comes down in class after running in the Selangor. He opened at 18-10 with World Sports Betting yesterday and that looks a fair price.

Favourite at 15-10 was Prince Lateral but just as big a danger could be 5-2 shot Brooklyn Brawler. First time out of the maidens carries a wealth warning but this one absolutely romped home and the handicappers only raised him two points. “This is much stronger,” cautions Justin Snaith. “But he will run a nice race as will my other two runners, True Master (off since January after having knee chips removed) and Secret Seven.”

Ferrie is going to start odds-on for the third time in as many races in the opening maiden. The Dennis Drier hope was floored by one of Andre Nel’s many smart performers last time but today there are no great expectations from Rondeberg. “Weskus Klong will win a race or two but I don’t expect him to be that competitive here,” says Nel.

Prize Peg, second in her last two starts, looks a worthy 5-2 favourite for race two and the Mike Robinson filly probably has most to fear from 4-1 chance Gin For Genius, the only four-year-old in the field.

Avail finished second or third in all his first four starts and Dean Kannemeyer believes there was a legitimate reason for the horse’s failure in the fifth. “It was a strong maiden but I had expected better,” relates the Milnerton trainer. “I don’t normally make excuses but that was Avail’s first run since being gelded and he may have just needed it.”

This explanation brings Grant Behr’s mount right into the race three picture but Kannemeyer cautions: “A mile is his minimum.”

Avail opened 5-2 favourite but, in view of the trip, maybe Sun Power at 7-2 could prove better value. Another to note is 6-1 shot Go Direct who has shown promise but blotted his copybook last time. “He wouldn’t raise a gallop so I am putting blinkers on,” says Neil Bruss.

By Michael Clower

The Gr 3 Christmas Handicap over 1600m on turf heads a ten race card at Greyville on Saturday and the Duncan Howells-trained Saratoga Dancer could claim some richly deserved black type.

The classy Mambo In Seattle gelding is improving rapidly and, off a merit rating he is likely to rise above, could overcome a tough draw. Way Of Light is also progressive and the handicapper might not have him in his grip yet. Stormy Eclipse will be challenging strongly too. Diamond King loves the course and distance and has a touch of class. Joshua’s Crown should also be involved. Those are the five who make most appeal.

Saratoga Dancer (Nkosi Hlophe)

In race one over 1000m on the polytrack Hot Chilli ran a fine race over 1200m last time when just touched off by the promising Master Sam and considering he over raced early he looks likely to relish this step down in trip. He has Anton Marcus aboard which should help nullify his relatively high draw. Bank It is a hard knocking sort who ran well over course and distance last time out for second, beating the first-timer Pyrenees in Spain by 2,25 lengths. The latter won next time out, comfortably beating Hot Chilli, but that was over 1400m and the winner had clearly improved. However, Bank It will still be a big threat and so will Prince George, who narrowly beat Bank It when they met over this trip at Scottsville.

The second is a maiden for fillies and mares over 1000m and the two most appealing horses are both returning from long rests. Saraaba last ran in August and that race can be ignored as the bit broke but before that she had shown good speed on the Highveld and the De Kock yard will have her fit so she is the pick despite her tough draw. Caroline’s Call made a good debut over course and distance in February but hasn’t run since and is very widely drawn. Anton Marcus is aboard Alldressedup who is by Bankable and is a half-sister to twice winner Kelikote Express. The other first timer Kalani is by Kahal out of a four-time winning Labeeb mare. Of the others Sinphonia has pace and could earn, Nam Long could improve and At Variance is another who can’t be ignored.

The third is a MR 78 Handicap over 1000m and Treasure Hunter looks a talented sort so can follow up on his maiden win from a good draw. The useful Big King is course and distance suited and Charles Laird always has them fit returning from layoffs. Fire The Rocket, Panza, Tonto, Faberge Style and El Gallo would not be surprise winners in an open race and Swakopmund could do it to if not tearing away as he does done in two of his races.

Bella Miesque (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the fourth over 1400m Swanee River has more bad luck with the draw but this strong galloper could well appreciate stepping down to 1400m and doesn’t face an inspiring field. She might be able to slot in behind Bare All, who could be dangerous from the front running off a reasonable merit rating with a 2,5 kg claimer up. Waning Crescent finished well last time over course and distance after being dropped out from a wide draw and is slightly better drawn this time. Bella Miesque loves the poly and is distance suited. Queen Justine, Throne and Silver Inspiration make most appeal of the rest.

In the fifth over 1600m on turf Ole Gunnar looks promising and can beat an uninspiring field despite returning from a layoff. Levi Roots will appreciate the step back down in trip. Feel The Volcano, Mighty Mississippi and Napoli make most appeal of the rest.

In race seven over 1800m on turf Maybe caught the eye when winning her maiden over 2000m and can follow up off a reasonable merit rating. Class Mondiale ran a fine race over that trip too and converted the yard’s expectations of improvement, so she could be involved too. Donna Amata should also go close.

In race eight over 2400m on turf Forest looks a talented stayer in the making and could beat home Your Worship and Timeforatiger.

Race nine is a weak maiden over 2400m on turf and provides a good opportunity for Saarikh. Yearofthedragon and Kepler make most appeal of the rest.

In Race ten over 2000m on turf Grand Jury will enjoy the trip and should be improving, so can beat home Caligari Carnival and Velvet Orchid.

By David Thiselton