If there is a surprise packet in the Gauteng SANSUI Summer Cup then Zimbabwe champion Yer-Maan could fit that bill and raise a few eyebrows at Turffontein on Saturday.

Imagine the scene with the St John Gray-trained gelding, Horse Of The Year in Zimbabwe in 2014-15, belying the 66-1 odds currently readily available about him with Betting World.

But for that fairy-tale scenario to have even a chance of developing, Gray is adamant the Quinton Riddle-ridden Yer-Maan must enjoy a strong pace from gate to wire, and he is conscious of the fact that in recent Summer Cups those who galloped handily off a slow pace were able to assume their positions at the business end.

St John Gray

Gray, who’s Dancewiththedevil plundered the race in 2011, opined: “My horse will start at long odds, but providing the pace is on from the start he will finish his race off powerfully.”

The trainer is not slow to criticise some of the rides given Yer-Maan in the past but has faith in Riddle, whose family are part of racing folklore in Zim. He added: “We have brought Quinton Riddle down from Borrowdale and he knows the horse well. The key is that this horse needs to be ridden in a specific fashion.

“Hopefully Quinton will ride the necessary race. Providing the pace is on and it doesn’t rain he’ll run well.”

Yer-Maan is a complete roughie with the majority of judges at 66-1 but Gray doesn’t think he is actually too far short in ability of his merit rating of 104.

He went on: “South African pundits have us believe he’s 10 pounds (5kg) inferior but I’m not certain that’s an accurate assessment.
In truth, his actual mark is somewhere between two (1kg) and five pounds (2.5kg) lower.

“Against that he’s an older horse and stronger these days. A lot of mine don’t like to be bustled early and are given an easy time after the start, and unfortunately guys here believe you need to be handy no matter what.

‘‘So if we don’t have a pace and they dawdle on Saturday we might be left a little flat-footed. On the other hand if they go quick and we have a strong pace he could finish off well, just like Dancewiththedevil did.’’
– Neil Morrice for TabNews

Most punters missed Albarakah when he scored at 25-1 at Kenilworth 11 days ago and, while you won’t get this sort of price in today’s ICA Laboratories Handicap, the remarkable seven-year-old should be a decent price and he has a real chance of winning again.

Glen Kotzen

Greg Cheyne’s mount has won three of his last five, going up in the ratings from 74 to 89 in the process. He was raised five points (2.5kg) for last time but won comfortably, suggesting there is another win in him.

So how come the incredible improvement? “Tender loving care,” says a grinning Glen Kotzen but he is not joking. “At one stage Albarakah was rated 90 but he then had problems with his feet and last season we were going to retire him. But he is a happy horse once more and that means a lot.”

Forward Drive, seventh in the Magnum Cape Classic, reverts to 1 200m. “He had to be gelded because he was haemo-concentrating badly – his blood was like soup,” explains Paul Reeves, “and this run is to get him back.”

The tough little grey doesn’t know what it means to have an easy race so expect to see him up there all the way. However in the circumstances The Tripster, who probably needed last time’s run, may prove the main threat. He opened 3-1 joint favourite with Russian Speed yesterday with Betting World who went 7-2 Macduff and 5-1 Albarakah.

Overshadow stands out at 22-10 in the opening Macsteel Maiden  –  despite Grant van Niekerk riding 9-2 chance Mr Piscato rather than Jiggery Pokery – but he has been off for almost three months. Will he be ready enough? “I think so, yes,” answers Justin Snaith. “He is doing very well at home.”

Albarakah (Nkosi Hlophe)

Snaith and Donovan Dillon can follow up with Sabrina Fair (2-1) in the Investec Maiden 35 minutes later but watch out for Skip A Beat who started favourite for her debut last month only to lose ground at the start and run green. “She has come on since and she will be right there,” says Andre Nel who took his total to nine from 76 runs when La Favourari landed the odds in the first last Saturday. Skip A Beat opened favourite yesterday at 16-10.

Mr Bond’s chance in the Bradbury & Sankfin Handicap has been given a boost by the good Selangor run of Illuminator who was the only horse to beat him last time. Brett Crawford’s gelding remains on the same mark and looks the one.

However don’t be tempted into taking too short a price, certainly no shorter than the opening `16-10, because this is a cleverly handicapped race with several in with a chance after having their ratings adjusted. Notable amongst these are 5-1 chances Professor Brian and Another Idea.

Stable jockey Corne Orffer rides the badly drawn Bezamod (4-1) rather than form horse Silver Snaffles (18-10) in the Market Toyota Culemborg Maiden but apparently this is because of owner arrangements. “Silver Snaffles ran a good race last time [when second to Black Arthur] and I think he would be the stable select,” says Crawford.

By Michael Clower

A racing fairytale unfolded at Kenilworth on Saturday when the unheralded Gavin Van Zyl-trained KZN raider Budapest scorched to a dominating 4,25 length win in the R2,5 million Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes over 1400m under Anthony Delpech despite odds of 33-1.

While pundits were scrambling to find out who the gelding’s sire Lithuanian was, a vindicated few celebrated triumphantly in various parts of the world and their overriding thought was, “Yes indeed, he does have gears!”

Budapest (Liesl King)

The vindicated included ebullient owner Brian “Buffalo Bill” Burnard, trainers Gavin and Gareth Van Zyl, Budapest’s sales consigner Spencer Cook, Breeder Johan Loftus of Witzenberg Stud, Bernard Kantor, who owns Lithuanian, and Jannie Meyer, who stands Lithuanian at his Rietvlei Stud in Mossel Bay.

Spencer Cook began planning a pin-hooking strategy for the CTS Ready To Run Sale three years back. He was loathe to put himself under pressure by spending big money at the yearling sales, so scoured the Cape looking for “precocious colts” to purchase off the farms. He had identified the sire Great Britain as a precocious sire, so visited Witzenberg Stud who had a few by him. He failed to find any suitable Great Britains, but “Lofty” then whispered, “I do have this one very nice specimen, but unfortunately he is by Lithuanian.”

Cook recalled, “I liked him from the second I saw him.” He had to have him and forked out R30,000 for the youngster.

Cook broke Budapest in and was also the only person to ride him in the lead up to the sales.
The colt impressed him from the beginning and then came the unforgettable morning when he decided to “sprint him up”.
“I realised this horse had proper gears and he had an overdrive gear too.”

Cook was so excited he jumped off the horse, ran to his office and immediately dialled bloodstock agent John Freeman, asking him to pass on the message to Bernard Kantor in London that he had found a Lithuanian that was “very, very good”. Freeman was true to his word and inspected the horse on behalf of Kantor at the sale grounds.

Budapest and winning connections (Victor Tojeira)

Later, Cook bumped into Piet Steyn, who spoke highly of Budapest’s mother, the three-time winning Count Dubois mare Fashion File, whom he trained. Steyn was also impressed by Budapest. Then Cook had a chance meeting with Van Zyl and while sitting on a bale of straw discussing their respective career plans, he confided, “Gavin I know you are not going to believe me, but I have a proper horse for you.”

Van Zyl was impressed by the specimen, as well as by the rider’s breeze up gallop report. Later, Burnard reviewed the gallop and was determined to buy the horse.

Van Zyl secured him on behalf of Burnard for R160,000 much to the delight of Cook, who had made a handsome profit. Van Zyl revealed that Burnard had been prepared to bid quite a lot higher. Freeman’s final bid had been R140,000, despite his pedigree page “being quite light”.

Cook recalled one of his breeding friends asking him how he could sell a Lithuanian for that price and not feel guilty. His serious response to the quip was that “R160,000 for a champion was cheap”.

Budapest travelled from Summerveld last Tuesday under a bit of a cloud as his final gallop at Summerveld had been “moderate”. The connections had always felt anything better than fourth or fifth in the Lanzerac would be a bonus. Strangely enough, he had also put up a moderate gallop before his only previous win, an impressive 6,75 length romp in a maiden over 1200m on the Greyville poly.

The other concern was the starting stalls. He had to be schooled after rearing in the pens in one of his early starts. Gelding helped and he was fine for the next couple of starts, but then refused to load in his final intended preparation race for the Lanzerac. Malan du Toit and Michael Shaw worked with him and he was passed for the stalls shortly before the Lanzerac acceptances.

During Saturday’s race, standing on the deck of the Lanzerac Marquis, Van Zyl and Burnard were pleased with Delpech’s placing of Budapest, but then wondered whether he would “stop or go”.

Budapest win (Liesl King)

“Then he increased … and increased … and we started to go mad in the last 200 metres!” recalled Van Zyl.

The defeated owners were all sporting, including big guns Chris van Niekerk and Markus Jooste. The latter told the connections the victory had been great for the game as it showed that every buyer had a chance.

Burnard has poured millions into his passion for racing and is a fine horseman in his own right.
Van Zyl has compartmentalised his training operation, with son Chesney in charge of the Turfontein satellite yard and son Gareth in charge of all of Burnard’s horses at Summerveld. Gavin oversees the operation as well as giving his full attention to the rest of the horses at Summerveld.

Delpech was glowing in his feedback on Saturday, mentioning the athletic bay’s range of gears. Budapest will now stay on in Cape Town for the Gr 1 Grand Parade Cape Guineas.

Kantor bought the Australian-bred Lithuanian, by Nureyev, for Aus$525,000 as a yearling, and he won three races in eight starts between the UK and South Africa. He has had limited numbers of mares, but sired a Listed winner in his first crop (born 2008), Pacific Breeze.

Budapest looks likely to add more black type and it would be no surprise to hear the words, “He’s by the sire from Mossel Bay” once or twice later in the season.

By David Thiselton

Turffontein has an eight race card on the Inside track today and most the races are competitive so the dividends should be handsome for those who have done their homework.

Andrew Fortune (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the first race, a fillies and mares maiden over 1450m, Hatfield Square is by the good sire Mambo In Seattle so probably has plenty of scope for improvement and she can build on her decent first two runs, including last time over 1700m when the jockey dropped the crop. Lindelize’s best run was when handy over this course and distance so a draw of two will benefit her and she can do better than last time, in September, as the Tarry yard were not yet firing.

Andrew Fortune has stayed aboard Samarra, who stayed on well over 1600m on this course from a tough draw last time and she now has a good draw. Global Ethos can’t be ignored having run well over course and distance last time and Piere Strydom now rides. Tangerine Lady showed improvement last time when stepped up to this course and distance but does have a wide draw to overcome. Jewel Of Gibraltar is an Australian-bred by Rock Of Gibraltar and the Woodruff yard have been in form. First-timer Giveusakiss is a full-sister to King Of Pain, while Flying Silver is by Silvano out of a Jet Master mare.

In the second race, a MR 97 Handicap over 1600m, Master ‘N Commander represents the in-form Woodruff yard from a plum draw over a suitable trip and champion jockey Gavin Lerena stays aboard. Fah Fee is drawn well over a suitable trip and is off a competitive merit rating. Shadow Of His Smile has proved classy over this trip before and with the Woodruff yard in form he could be a runner with Andrew Fortune up, although he is still five points higher than his last handicap win, a five length victory over this course and distance in a MR 92 in January.

The Hangman (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the third race, a Maiden over 1600m, Champions Cup is drawn well in his third career run and with natural improvement will be the one to beat. El Bombero showed improvement last time in a workrider’s event when stepped up to this trip and is now well drawn in his third run after a rest and gelding. Seattle Prince should enjoy the step up in trip here and is a runner from a good draw as he should be improving. Gaggle can earn if repeating his decent debut over course and distance and he wasn’t disgraced in a strong field last time either. Arabian Bay is usually thereabouts and could place although this is his 31^st career start.

The fourth, a Maiden over 1000m for fillies and mares, is tough to assess because the obvious selection Honeybush Tea has quite a tricky draw to overcome. First-timer Qarman is by Var out of a once-winning Silvano mare and Fortune is up from a plum draw. Matron Prilli made a fair debut on the sand, before disappointing second time out, and has a chance from a fair draw if bouncing back. Perfect Dream has run two fair races to date and now has Strydom up from pole position. Pipkin has a wide draw but ran on late on debut after losing a length at the start so can’t be ignored. Jay River has run some fair races and returns from a rest. Black Opium is by Toreador, who is having a fine season, out of twice winner from 1000-1400m by Silvano. Gimmeabreak is by Overlord out of a Sapieha mare.

In the fifth, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, Tripp Force has been rested since May having always made breathing noises but he was often backed and if that issue has been sorted out he could be a big runner from a good draw. Occulus has been knocking on the door and should be improving. Laughistheanswer has a wide draw but more conservative tactics than last time when run out of it could see him involved.

Klondike River (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the sixth, a MR 67 Handicap over 1200m, One Yesterday is off an attractive merit rating and has a good draw for a change so could be a big runner with Strydom up. Al Dee Kay is potentially well weighted and will be a threat despite a tricky draw. Cash In Camilla is an interesting runner stepped back to the 1200m of her 14 length victory over this trip on the Vaal sand in her penultimate start especially as she is has a fair draw with Lerena up.

In the seventh, a MR 69 handicap over 2000m, the Dynasty colt Trees Of Green impressed in his second career start and looks to be going places so should run up a sequence from his starting handicap mark of 70. Commodore Al goes well for Andrew Fortune so should bounce back from his last disappointing run. Rushing Lark has come down to a competitive merit rating and Gavin Lerena is up. Colonel Rockjaw wasn’t disgraced over this trip at The Vaal last time out and is off a competitive merit rating. Peregrine has been a frustrating sort but has the ability to earn over this trip off this merit rating.  King’s Drive and Double Bind make most appeal of the rest.

In the last over 1600m Street Flyer with Gavin Lerena up improved last time without blinkers when staying on over 1400m so will be a big runner over a suitable trip from a fair draw with the blinkers off again. Oreo Shake could have done better last time if switched outward at the top of the straight instead of inward through traffic and Piere Strydom now has the ride from a plum draw. Pacific G has been knocking on the door and is off a competitive merit rating and he should be running on from a wide draw. Steel Wing has been competitive off this merit rating and is distance suited but does have a tricky draw to overcome. Klondike River has been thereabouts off his current mark and Fortune keeps the ride after a good run on the Greyville poly.

By David Thiselton

The second of the Greyville meetings this weekend, to be run on Sunday, has eight races with an even split between polytrack and turf and there look to be some fair opportunities for punters.

In the first race, a Maiden over 1200m on the poly, Master Sam has a strong formline behind some of the best horses in the province and has improved in his training since being gelded, so will be hard to beat despite returning from a four month break as he is fit enough. Hot Chilli found no extra late when handy throughout over 1400m on the turf last time out and is interesting with first-time blinkers over this trip from a plum draw under Delpech. Lancat ran on well over 1000m last time in a stronger overall field than this after losing a length at the start and should appreciate the step up in trip. First-timer Global Flyer is a New Zealand-bred by Stravinsky. Black Samurai and Tropical’s Son are by King’s Chapel and Tropical Empire respectively.

Beloved Country (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the second over 1200m, Anton Marcus rides Joyful Mystery, who will likely enjoy the 1200m because this should enable her to settle in behind, which is how it panned out on her debut when running on strongly from behind, whereas in her second start over1400m at Scottsville she fell in a hole from a handy position. Spinning Win showed some zip on debut after a tardy start and should appreciate the step up in trip. Turquoise Water is an Australian-bred first-timer by Authorized and is owned by Drakenstein Stud. Eternal Blossoms is by Ideal World and a full-sister to two-time winner Panchatanta. Paixe Emblem could earn again here.

In the third, a fillies and mares maiden over 1600m, Seventh Moment is the obvious choice having run well in three sprints at Scottsville but on pedigree there is a stamina question mark. Milla’s Smile, a full-sister to a Listed winning miler, is therefore the marginal choice as she ran on well over 1400m at Scottsville in late September in a stronger field than this when needing the run and will appreciate the step up in trip on pedigree. Grand Jury could also go close as the blinkers should help her get into the race earlier as she ran on strongly too late last time for second in an admittedly weak field.

In the fourth, a maiden for fillies over 2000m, Work Ethic should relish the course and distance, having been baulked before flying late for a close third over 1700m at the Vaal last time out. She is ultra-consistent and has a good draw. Lady Linda ran a close second over course and distance last time and could still be improving. However, Work Ethic’s form looks a touch stronger. Racey-J is improving and could earn.

The next four races will all be on turf, weather permitting.

In the fifth, a Conditions Plate over 1000m for fillies and mares, Beloved Country is very well treated at the weights and this classy sort looks hard to oppose from pole position under Anton Marcus. Regardstobroadway is an up and coming sort with a big reputation and the turf might be what she is looking for after a decent effort behind a good sort on the poly over this trip last time. Miss Argentina makes most appeal of the rest.

Kentucky Guest (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the sixth, a Graduation Plate over 1200m, Top Form has plenty of natural pace so will have an advantage from pole position over a suitable trip. Theseus has some class and from a good draw should go close as he has run well fresh before. Spanish Captain showed promise when winning on debut and should have come on from the run so will be a big danger as he could still be anything. Monte Christo has shown signs of class in both outings but his wide draw makes it tough. Hunting Owl is joint best in at the weights with Monte Christo, but will have to bounce back from a poor effort last time.

In the seventh, is a MR 81 Handicap over 2400m, and Star Point faces Forest on the same weight terms as when beating him with a bit in hand over this trip at Scottsville. He looks a useful stayer in the making. Forest, as a three-year-old by Silvano, is likely to be improving all the time and will not make it easy for the first choice from a plum draw. Qatar Springs has some class over this trip. Kentucky Guest has dropped to a six point lower mark than his last win and is interesting in his first attempt at this trip. Innate Quality bounced back to form with an easy win over this trip at Scottsville last time but is unreliable and two points higher than his highest winning mark.

The last is a MR 84 Handicap over 1600m and Snowman is an interesting runner here as one who is held in high regard and who has certainly shown signs of class before over this trip. His draw is a concern and he is only the marginal choice over the well drawn Fully Charged who ran on well over 1400m last time and should be cherry ripe in his third run after a layoff. Worship Dancer is an eyecatching sort who should be in the shake up off just a two point higher mark than his last win. Saint Marco is unbeaten in two and should enjoy the step up in trip on pedigree but the wide draw is a concern in his first run around the turn. Cage Fighter and Nitro Nori have good draws and make most appeal of the rest.

By David Thiselton

Anton Marcus’s famed brilliance at the pens will face one of its biggest tests at Kenilworth tomorrow when the four-time champion has to overcome nightmare draws on fancied horses in all three big races.

He and Joey Ramsden are bidding for their third Lanzerac Green Point in five seasons and the race-fit Act Of War is expected to head the market.  Favourites have won four of the last five runnings and this one should be hard to beat despite his outside draw and some talented opposition.

Futura was only third when he reappeared for Brett Crawford 12 months ago and the Horse of the Year’s present trainer is seemingly not expecting much more. “He is a good horse and he will run well but it is his first run of the season and so he would have to need it,” says Justin Snaith. “In addition the short run-in is not ideal for him.”

Crawford, on the other hand, is more bullish about the Horse Chestnut winner Captain America. “He is close to being 100% ready,” reports the Philippi trainer. “He was pretty well for his first run and I think he has come on since.”

Durban July second Punta Arenas receives 2kg from the big three but, like Futura, he has been off for 16 weeks. “I am expecting a nice run but a mile is a bit sharp for him,” cautions Dennis Drier.

Anton Marcus

The Conglomerate only receives a kilo from the Grade 1 winners and that is not enough. Ashton Park, 55-1 when second 12 months ago, will again be a big price and he may prove best of the Mike Bass quintet.

But it’s on Seventh Plain, 16 out of 16, in the R2.5 million Lanzerac Ready To Run that Marcus faces his biggest task. A conventional start would cost him ten lengths, and easing back to drop his mount in would be even more disastrous.

Most punters will elect to put their trust in genius and on the jockey’s past form they should be rewarded because the stable seemingly has no reservations about the horse’s 20-week absence. Dennis Drier, asked how ready his horse would be, replied (with no ifs or buts): “He is ready.”

Ramsden is quite keen on The Stone Thrower but Liege is held by Seventh Plain on a line through Muwaary and Captain Chaos could be the one to take advantage should Marcus prove unable to pull off another miracle.

Forget last time’s Cape Classic disaster. “He lost 12 lengths at the start and it wasn’t the horse’s fault,” says Ronnie Sheehan who has all along insisted that he was aiming to have the colt at his peak for this – “and I think I have.”

Muwaary, fresh from his triumph in the Graham Beck Stakes, looks the one in the Selangor Cup although Eighth Wonder and Hard Day’s Night represent strong Cape form. Marcus’s mount worked well with Act Of War last Saturday and Ramsden has won three of the last four but draw ten out of 12 is hardly a plus.

There is not much between this horse and Eighth Wonder on Cape Classic running but on that occasion it was Eighth Wonder who had to overcome the coffin-box.

“This is a tough race and I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground,” says Greg Ennion who is quietly hoping to celebrate next week’s 67^th birthday in appropriate style. “His work is good and the jock says he has improved – and this time he is not starting from the sticks.”

By Michael Clower

Horses shuttled in from other provinces by trainers with satellite yards in KZN do not sit well with some of their local colleagues but it has proved to be a mark for local punters to cash in. Dean Kannemeyer has been particularly successful with this strategy and it could pay off again at Greyville on Friday night where he sends out What’s News in a lowly 66MR Handicap, fifth race on the card.

Strummer (Nkosi Hlophe)

Owned by fellow Milnerton-based trainer Greg Ennion, What’s News boasts some useful Cape form, most recently finishing close-up over the Durbanville ‘mile’. He drops to a sprint on Friday but Anthony Delpech takes over from apprentice Xavier Carstens and the switch to the poly track could be the reason for his move to KZN.

However, he does take on a progressive colt in Doug Campbell’s runner Strummer, a winner on debut on the poly before following up with a second place behind the older Victoria’s Love after being backed in to favourite. He obviously has ability and the step up in trip should not be a bother.

But on a card that consists of Maidens and lowly handicaps, punters could have their work cut out finding the right combinations. In the opening leg of the PA, Charles Laird holds a good hand with The Deacon and Stokvel both in with winning chances but the year older Silver Finalist can defy a deep draw in his poly debut while Winter Auralius showed improvement first up on the poly and should enjoy this trip.

Laird sends out a choicely bred import in the third in the form of Italian Miss and she does not have to be any great shakes to have the measure of this field so any market moves must be respected. Golden Earings and Dark Rose are both battling but have been consistent while Make My Own Luck looks set to improve.

Victory Takeover (Nkosi Hlophe)

The fourth is a fillies and mares handicap that has upset written all over it. Anton Marcus has stuck with Victory Takeover and the former champion jockey is renowned for doing his homework as he books his own rides so it may pay to follow his judgement. But the list of possible winners is a long one.

In the sixth, the veteran Dun Carrer has been dropping quickly in the handicap and Frank Robinson’s runner now looks to be off a competitive mark again with Muzi Yeni staying aboard. However, this race is also wide open with the likes of Just Like Magic, Bez-Art and Selvan’s Jet also in the mix.

Marcus booked himself the ride on Pure Valor in the seventh and Lowan Denysschen’s runner could possibly be the best bet on the card. He has only got going late in his recent outings over 1600m and the step up in trip with Marcus aboard looks a good combination.

The last is another open event where Kannemeyer’s runner Canigao can improve on a modest debut but Dark Avenger, Blue Ocean and Silverturnstogold are also in with a shout.

By Andrew Harrison

Kenilworth hosts a jackpot of features on Saturday culminating in the clash between reigning Horse Of The Year Futura and last season’s Cape three-year-old champ Act Of War in the Gr 2 Lanzerac Alta Mater Green Point Stakes over 1600m.

Futura (Nkosi Hlophe)

Act Of War was able to overcome a wide draw to win the Gr 3 Kudu Matchem Stakes over 1400m at Durbanville when showing an exceptional turn of foot from some way off the pace to reel in Heartland. He is up against a lot better this time and drawn wide again. However, he relaxes well wherever he is in the running so a wide draw over 1600m on this course will be a touch easier to overcome, especially considering there doesn’t look to be a lot of pace in the race. This will be his first test against the best horses in the country, but he is unbeaten over this distance and should have benefitted from his Matchem run. He is the one to beat and could go on to prove himself the best miler in the land in the L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate

Futura ran on well in this race last year from a tough draw. He usually needs his first run after a rest, so will likely not run quite to his peak and likely prefers more than a mile. However his class will make him a tough nut to crack from a plum draw.

Paterfamilias could be the surprise package as the best has seldom been seen of him. He is drawn well over a step up in trip he will relish, having stayed on in a 1400m event in his first run since an 8,5 length victory over 1400m at Turffontein in March.

Ashton Park found a nice position from a high draw over 1400m last time out and stayed on well, losing to Captain America by a short-head despite a crop drop, so he has a chance of repeating his runner up finish in this race last year as he appears to love the Winter Course.

Act Of War (Liesl King)

Captain America finished fourth in this race last year but on that occasion it was the big horse’s seasonal reappearance so he should be better this time having had a preparation outing on October 31 in the above mentioned 1400m race when just failing after running on late. He would appreciate cut in the ground, but the 10mm of rain forecast for tomorrow might not be enough to swing it in his favour. He would also prefer a more galloping track too, so his wide draw is a concern.

Sail For Gold has finished close to Act Of War over course and distance before at level weights and appears to be the Mike Bass yard elect. Punta Arenas loves to gallop and is still thriving as a seven-year-old, but would prefer further.

The Conglomerate proved he can be affective over this trip when winning the KRA Guineas, but he is unlikely to get the strong pace which played into his hands in that race and would ideally prefer further.

Helderberg Blue would prefer both further and a more galloping track. Night Trip has talent and is distance suited but his last run was uninspiring. They are selected in the order mentioned and Act Of War and Futura should be enough for the last leg of the Jackpot.

In the third leg of the Jackpot, the R2,5 million Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes, Equus Champion colt Seventh Plain should be too strong despite having to jump from draw 16 in the 16-horse field.

Liege was impressive in his maiden win over 1600m and then ran a good second to the top class Muwaary in the Graham Beck over this trip, so he could be the chief danger, although his wide draw won’t make it easy.

The Conglomerate (Nkosi Hlophe)

Anglet was unlucky in the Gr2 Choice Carriers over 1400m as she had to be eased when running on strongly from last and is now interesting from a fair draw with blinkers on.

The Stone Thrower could be a threat from a good draw if he jumps on terms, because with first time blinkers last time out in a strong Graduation Plate over 1200m he caught the eye running on strongly late.

Elysian Park is a progressive sort and from pole position can’t be ignored. Captain Chaos could be one to consider from a plum draw if jumping on terms. My Emblem has ability and should be cherry ripe. Waity Katy is well drawn and ran on well to beat older horses over 1600m last time, so could earn a cheque. Budapest, Dragon Flame and Kemal Kavur make most appeal of the rest.

Seventh Plain could be a Jackpot banker, otherwise the suggestion is to go wide. Muwaary is the one to beat in the second leg of the Jackpot, the Gr 2 Selangor Cup, as he is drawn in pole over a suitable trip and is full of class. Eighth Wonder won the Cape Classic well and a repeat will see him in contention from a good draw.

Hard Day’s Night will appreciate the step up in trip after his third place in the Cape Classic, but his wide draw is not ideal for his handy style. Rodney flew home in the Cape Classic and will likely love this trip. Sylvester The Cat is better than his last run, but as a difficult sort his wide draw makes it especially tough.

The Listed Lanzerac Le General Kenilworth Cup over 3200m could see Friendly Tibbs running down Ovidio and Arezzo late in the day.

By David Thiselton

Justin Snaith expects “a nice run” when Futura reappears in the Lanzerac Green Point Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday but he points out that it has not been easy to get the Equus Horse of the Year ready for the race.

He said yesterday: “Futura is well and he looks fantastic but we have had some very heavy tracks at Philippi during the present dry spell and we haven’t had the benefit of the water tanker that was meant to come. As a result it is hard to get a horse stripped fit for his first race of the season.”

Glen Kotzen has abandoned Cape Fillies Guineas ambitions for Princess Royal who managed only tenth when starting second favourite for the Choice Carriers Championship.

He said: “We were disappointed with that and, while there are so many things going around that you never know, it looks as if she didn’t stay. She has now had two runs round the turn and she didn’t go through with it in either.

“We are going to go the sprint route with her and, if we decide that she should go further once more, there is always Durban.”

Kotzen did not enter her for the World Sports Betting-sponsored classic on Saturday fortnight and impressive Choice Carriers winner Silver Mountain heads the 21 nominations. Mike De Kock has entered SA Nursery runner-up Shaama – although she is drawn widest of all – and he has put Choice Carriers second Entisaar into the Southern Cross Stakes on the same card.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Futura (Nkosi Hlophe)

Turffontein Inside stages a nine race card today and punters will be looking to accumulate some betting money for the forthcoming Sansui Summer Cup meeting.

S’Manga Khumalo

In the first over 1450m Youcanrockme had to be used up to get handy from a wide draw over 1400m on the Standside last time but still ran a fair race and from a good draw this time could go close over a course and distance that could well suit her better. Redaire was awkwardly away on debut and green and was also tight for room in the closing stages. She reportedly made a breathing noise, but with natural improvement for a very much in form yard she should be right there despite a wide draw. Gavin Lerena has kept the ride. Banking April broke slowly from a tough draw on debut over 1000 and stayed on well, so should enjoy this step up in trip. Love Tryst and Snowdonia could earn. Of the first timers Sylvianna by Silvano cost R600,000 and is a half-sister to a Joshua Dancer colt who won over 1200m at Clairwood on debut. New Delhi is by Tiger Ridge out of a Rich Man’s Gold mare and is a half-sister to a Dynasty filly who won second time out over 1000m at Clairwood.

The second is a Graduation Plate over 1450m and Trophy Wife is best in at the weights and distance suited. The champion yard should have her fit enough and she is drawn in pole. Stablemate Imperial Gold should have benefitted from his last run, which followed an eight month layoff and gelding, and could follow her home. The disappointing Anjaal is a capable sort who can never been relied on and this is probably his optimum trip.

The third is a Maiden over 1200m and Justash with Gavin Lerena could be the one to side with in this weak event as he should appreciate the step back in trip and is well drawn. His hard knocking form is on sand but his three turf runs have been in strong company. Mississippi Rising has some fair form and should be thereabouts despite returning from a six month layoff. Calapan is drawn wide but has some pace and others to consider are Cry Of The Toreador and Ashkenazi.

Just Lucky (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the fourth over 1600m Road To Indy made late progress in a well contested maiden over 1160m on debut and will relish the step up in trip so gets the vote from a good draw. Connaught Hotel was doing eyecatching late work against a promising sort over 1600m last time and with further improvement should be a contender for an in form yard, although he does have a tricky draw. Diamond Conker has a good draw for a change and should put in a bold bid.

In the fifth, a handicap for fillies and mares over 1450m, Heaps Of Fun was not disgraced when fifth in the Emperor’s Palace Ready To Run Cup after having to be eased at the start and from a fair draw over a suitable trip should go close. Nikki won her maiden easily over 1200m against a weak field but should improve over this trip so should be a big runner from a good draw off a lenient merit rating. For The Lads is a distance Gr 1 winner running off a merit rating of 79 and Gavin Lerena has kept the ride after she ran on late last time over 1400m on the Standside course, so she is a most interesting runner. Sweet Habanero and Tell My Star are others to consider.

The sixth is a MR 70 Handicap over 1600m and Tabreek could be the one having been unlucky in his first run as a gelding last time over course and distance. He has been given a four point raise but is well drawn again. Rocketball has a touch of class and turf might be what he has been looking for after a string of good runs on the Greyville poly, although he does have a tough draw to overcome and the handicapper punished him three points for his last run. Facebook has been coming into his own and enjoys this course and distance so he could be involved. Regal Force and Kidmambo make most appeal of the rest.

Baracah (Nkosi Hlophe)

The seventh is a MR 80 Handicap over 2600m. Silver Matador has snuck into the handicap with the minimum weight and he should be finishing as strongly as he did last time over course and distance. Top Shot has improved with blinkers and looks likely to relish this trip so he will likely go close with a light weight and Khumalo up from a good draw.  Supertube will love the course and distance and has Strydom up. Noble Star and Enaad also have to be considered.

In the eighth, a MR 76 Handicap over 1800m, Lava Flow has always had some class and bounced back to his best when blinkers were refitted last time so from pole position he should go close as he was running on in that 1600m race and is now drawn in pole off the same merit rating. Baracah has ability and will likely appreciate the step down in trip so off a lowered merit rating and from a god draw he could represent some value. Super Glue probably needed his last run quite badly and was far from disgraced, while being by Ideal World he should be coming into his own, so he is an interesting runner in his second run after a layoff of nearly a year. American Magic and Respectable Ruler make most appeal of the rest.

In the ninth, a MR 67 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1800m, Grand Epoque is off a competitive merit rating and could go close over a suitable trip if able to get handy from a wide draw without being used up too much. There is not much between her and Shawl and the latter does have a better draw so is a big runner. Spurwing Summer is drawn in pole and proved last time out over 2200m that she is competitive off this merit rating, while her only win has been over this course and distance.

By David Thiselton