Dual Grade 1 winner Inara and classic hope Captain Chaos have their first outings of the season at Durbanville on Saturday when a big screen will be installed to show the Rugby World Cup.

Inara , winner of both the Maine Chance Paddock Stakes and the Klawervlei Majorca in January, reappears in the 1 400m Gold Circle Allowance Plate and is the principal reason why Grant van Niekerk decided to take his seven-day suspension a week early.

The four-year-old will be opposed by stable companion Come Fly With Me (Corne Orffer) and has the Lanzerac Diana Stakes on October 3 as her first feature objective. Neil Bruss has snapped up the in-form Donovan Dillon for Zante who has her first run since finishing fourth in the Woolavington over three months ago.

Robert Khathi, star of the Nedbank TV advert (“amazing things happen when you partner with the right people”),  partners Cape Nursery winner Captain Chaos for the first time in public in the 1 300m Gold Circle Graduation Plate which came perilously close to being scratched yesterday. Only five of the 35 entries were declared and the National Racing Bureau had to hastily ring round for others to make up the numbers. Even so, they only came up with two.

Durbanville is not popular with some owners and trainers. They point to the slight ridge-and-furrow surface and the firmness of the ground in summer. In the writer’s experience it bears favourable comparison with country courses in other parts of the world (firm ground apart) and it is certainly better than the majority of those in Ireland. Also it’s wide and the bend between the back straight and the straight is cambered to help the horses.

Dynamic looks set to miss the R1 million Supreme Cup at the Vaal on Saturday week despite running so well on his reappearance in the Edgeline Pinnacle at Turffontein last Saturday.

Justin Snaith said: “He did a tendon as a three-year-old so I am not going to risk him in the sand. He is being aimed at the Sansui Summer Cup (November 28) and he will have a good chance if he gets a light weight.”

By Michael Clower

Picture: Inara (Liesl King)

The Vaal has another ten race meeting on the turf outside track today and, while the going is usually superior on the outside, high draws are not always favourable because hold up horses drawn on this side often find themselves stuck behind a wall of horses in the closing stages.

The eighth, an intriguing MR 100 handicap over 1000m, is the highlight and could be won by the progressive speedster Bad Boy Buddy Boy. He is 2kg worse off for a 1,2 length defeat of Mod Barley, but looks to have landed the perfect draw of six in the eight horse field considering his front-running style. Mod Barley could chase him home and Isphan, who will likely be using this as a preparation for the Supreme Cup sponsored by SAP on September 26, should be running on strongly. The classy Sarve is drawn on the outside and can’t be ignored, while Greasepaint should get closer to Bad Boy Buddy Boy than in their last meeting.

In the first over 1200m Ntoma stayed on well over 1000m on debut and Gavin Lerena now rides over an extra 200m she will appreciate. Lindelize drops back in trip and makes most appeal of the rest to have run. Of the first-timers the Trippi filly Nala is out of Gr 1 winner Bold Ellinore. Another Trippi filly Killauea is a half-sister to the promising Knox. Vogadonna is by Dynasty out of a Western Winter mare and is a half-sister to useful sprinter Piano Man. Perfect Dream is by Warm White Night out of an Argosy mare who has produced a facile debut winner before. Amazing Var is by Var out of a Northern Guest mare who hasn’t produced much to date.

In the second over 1200m Brazuca is full of class and was unlucky in a Gr 1 over 1400m last time so will be hard to beat. Machismo comes from strong formlines and could earn. Danza has been thereabouts against some good sorts and this is a suitable trip. Ashkenazi could earn at best. Le Clos has pace and should appreciate the step down in trip. Suyoof is an Australian-bred by Magic Albert. Umthetho is an Australian-bred by Encosta De Lago and Andrew Fortune rides.

In the third over 1200m A Woman’s Will found some support on debut and showed pace so is tipped to win, although a concern is she made a breathing noise. Honeybush Tea is knocking on the floor and should be up with the pace on the outside.  Seal My Fate is improving and could earn. Soul Of Spain has not been disgraced against some good sorts.

Monarch Air will appreciate the step up in trip.

In the fourth over 1400m the well-bred Liege caught the eye on debut behind a promising sort and will relish the step up in trip. Scheme Of Things has pace and could improve on his fair debut. Teagan’s Boy stayed on well over course and distance last time out and could earn.

In the fifth over 1400m Calico Quiver wasn’t disgraced first time out the maidens over this trip and could be the one to side with especially as Andrew Fortune now has the ride. Capuche is in good form and should go close over his optimum trip. Nahoon Beach flew late when stepped down to 1600m off a lowered merit rating and is interesting stepped further down in trip.

In the sixth over 1400m Love To Sail looks distance suited and has the form to win. Sapsan finished an excellent third in a Gr 1 over this trip last time but doesn’t have it easy as a young three-year-old off a merit rating of 95. Stablemate Green Crest has the form to be a contender too.

In the seventh over 1400m Antonia Major was raised only two points for a comfortable win over this distance last time and could follow up. Intergalactic has ability but it is not easy for a young three-year-old in a handicap off a merit rating of 81. Tell my Star has a tricky draw but has the form to earn over a suitable trip.

The ninth over 1000m is at the mercy of Little Genie who runs off a capped merit rating having obliterated a handicap field last time over course and distance by 7,25 lengths and receiving the maximum raise of eight points.

In the tenth over 1600m Matilda’s Daughter should appreciate the step up in trip and could beat home Samarra, although the first-timer Noor is one to keep an eye on.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Mod Barley (Nkosi Hlophe)

The Greyville polyrack tonight and Scottsville on Sunday are the venues for two eight race meetings in KZN this weekend and the highlight will be the sixth race on Sunday, a Graduation Plate over 1200m, where the former Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion winner Guiness makes his comeback and faces Gr 1 Thekwini Stakes winner Lauderdale as well as the exciting prospects Bunker Bill and Executive Power and the capable Silence Descends.

Just Like Magic could get the ball rolling in race 1 at Greyville by beating Apple Jack and the other tips are Winter Wood to beat Roy’s Monkey in the 2^nd, Swan Dance to beat Masked Girl in the third, Whitley Willows to beat Oracle Kingdom in the 4^th, Victory Takeover to beat Teppenyaki in the 5^th, Tiptol to beat You Bolt in the 6^th, Shezaleader to beat Trini’s Collateral in the 7^th and Taking Chances to beat Red label in the last.

Guiness had to have a wind operation after his disappointing effort over 1000m at Kenilworth last December and the Dennis Drier yard said, “So far so good but only the race will tell.” The four-year-old Seventh Rock gelding has been given plenty of work and has had two grass gallops so will be fit enough.

Bunker Bill won second time out over this course and distance by eight lengths and the runner up African Ruler has won both of his starts since.

Lauderdale won her only start over this course and distance by three lengths and the horse she beat, Trini’s Collateral, won next time out over the same course and distance by six lengths.

Executive Power cruised to an impressive 3,5 length victory over course and distance on debut, although the runner up New Hampshire was beaten 11,35 lengths by Bunker Bill when making his debut.

Silence Descends will need to bounce back to his best. They are tipped in the order mentioned.

In the first over 1000m and the Drier yard said the R3 million purchase Ante Omnia would likely need more ground. However, it is not a strong field and he can’t be ignored. Another first-timer Treasure Hunter is by Trippi out of the Gr 1 Alan Robertson winner Gee Pee S. Of those to have run Apollo’s Gift makes most appeal having finished 8,85 lengths behind Bunker Bill, although he will need to jump better than he has been.

In the second over 1000m Miss Varlicious is a progressive sort who has the ability to overcome another unfavourable draw. Clear Sailing is very quick and has Anthony Delpech up from a favourable draw, but she might just be running out of puff late on this tough course. Flying Loot is having her third run after a rest and is capable of carrying topweight. Fly Peg Fly is talented but would probably prefer 1200m. Don’t Mention It has won three times over course and distance, but the handicappers might have caught up with her.

In the third over 1000m Royal Kaitrina caught the eye on debut and is tipped to win. Seventh Moment stayed on in eyecatching style after showing good cruising speed over 1200m on debut but does have a tricky high draw. Cyclone Sassy, who has Anton Marcus up, was beaten only 0,25 lengths by Seventh Moment and as a pacey sort is likely to appreciate the step down in trip.

In the fourth over 1400m Honeysuckle Rose caught the eye on debut over 1300m on the Greyville turf as she came wide into the straight but still stayed on to finish just six lengths behind the decent sort Mella Maria. She will have to overcome a wide draw but Marcus is aboard. The Mike de Kock-trained Fort Wood first-timer Rozenna is a three-parts sister to the twice winner Sovereign Reign and Delpech is up from a good draw. Perfume Girl will appreciate the step up in trip. Feature Bid hasn’t been disgraced from tough draws and is now well drawn. Ginger Quill by the classy sire Ideal World is a full-sister to the Gr 1 Woolavington 2000 fourth-placed Zante and has a fair draw.

In the fifth over 1400m Unbelievable Chad is a promising sort and will be hard to beat from a fair draw over a step up in trip he will enjoy. Eternal Ice has been backed in both of his runs, should improve for the step up in trip and Anton Marcus remains aboard. Kolinsky will enjoy the step up in trip, although he has another tough draw to overcome. Blunderbuss found some support on debut over course and distance and could earn from another good draw. Caprivi has not been disgraced in two runs on the Greyville poly over this trip, but his wide draw makes it tough.

In the seventh over 1600m the improving Pure Valor gets on well with Ian Sturgeon and should be cherry ripe over his ideal trip. Hassen’s Bid could reverse form with Pure Valor on paper, but the latter likely needed the run when the last met as it was his first after a layoff and gelding. Buck Shot has dropped to a competitive merit rating and could finish in the first three from a good draw.

In the eighth over 1600m. Pimpernel is well drawn over a suitable course and distance and has the form to win. Delray Beach has caught the eye before and has a fair draw at last over a step up in trip he is likely looking for. The disappointing Night Shadow has dropped to a mark where he could now be competitive and is well drawn over what should be a suitable trip. Bonsai could be in the shake up if repeating his last run over course and distance although he now has a wide draw. Bold Attitude could earn if producing his best. In The Trenches has dropped to a competitive merit rating and from a pole position draw can’t be ignored.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Guiness (Nkosi Hlophe)

Kryptonite, badly interfered with by a winning stable companion a fortnight ago, can gain compensation in the opening Gold Circle Maiden at Durbanville tomorrow.

“She is not a champion,” warns Candice Robinson. “She showed nothing before her first run but she should have finished second last time had Moonlight ‘N Roses not spooked and she has come on since.”

Grant van Niekerk, suspended for seven days for failing to prevent the interference, was down to ride but he has decided to take the ban early so that he is free to ride next weekend and so Aldo

Domeyer has switched from second string Aunty Carol.

Domeyer’s first problem is going to be how to overcome his eight draw – Candice is optimistic that he will be able to slot into a decent position – and then he has to look out for Dance At Dawn and Valediction.

The former finished over halfway down the field on debut but she was only beaten four lengths and is bound to have improved while Valediction might well have won with a clear run on her last start two months ago. “She was very unlucky that day,” recalls Darryl Hodgson who believes she will be fit enough – “She is a light sort and she doesn’t take much work.”

Echuka, 2kg better with Jo’s Bond for a length and a quarter, could give Domeyer a quick double in the Gold Circle Handicap but the Justin Snaith-trained filly has already won over this course and distance and that advantage may enable her to confirm the placings.

Vaughan Marshall for once drew a blank on Wednesday but Sandton Rocker may be able to make all to beat Indonesia and Pegasi in the Pick 6 No Couplings Maiden.

The 1 300m handicap 40 minutes later is wide open but Mr Bond appeals despite being off longer than any of his seven rivals and giving weight to most of them. He was good enough to win first time but finished second last when upped in class in the Somerset a fortnight later.

“The Somerset came too soon for him and he just wasn’t ready for it,” says Brett Crawford. “He looks well and is doing very well. I think he will be fit enough.”

Fifty Cents has not dissimilar credentials but Snaith is not optimistic about his chance, saying: “He is a nice horse but I think he has it all to do. It’s his first time out of the maidens, he has never been to Durbanville before and he has never seen a turn.”

While Mr Bond is the selection a few Rand each way on Robertson could be tempting because he will be a big price. He is a course winner and loves nothing more than going off like a bat out of hell. He usually gets swallowed up before the end but this course favours front runners with the 600m straight downhill all the way to the line.

BLOB The jockeys wore black armbands here on Wednesday as a mark of respect to Rhona Beck who died in London that morning at the age of 78. A noted owner in her own right, she was the widow of bloodstock legend Graham Beck and their son Antony owns the famous Gainesway Farm stud in Kentucky.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Aldo Domeyer

Greyville will be all abuzz again tonight as the second meeting of the current night racing series, which runs through until next April, takes place and has eight intriguing races.

In the first, a Maiden Plate over 1600m, Just Like Magic makes appeal as one who has faced some promising sorts without being disgraced and is now up against weaker over a suitable trip from a plum draw and with Anton Marcus up. Apple Jack stayed on last time in his first run around the turn at Durbanville over 1300m after being squeezed at the start so he could do well in his first run for an in form yard over a trip which should suit. Beluga has been expensive to follow over shorter but has always been up against fair sorts, although she is by Argonaut out of a sprinting Fort Wood mare so is not sure to appreciate the step up in trip. Well Bound has been green in two starts over 1200m and could improve over this trip. Courageous King ran on over 1400m here last time and should appreciate the step up in trip.

The second is a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1600m. Winter Wood ran on well over 1200m last time out here and not only has her third run after a rest but should appreciate the step up in trip on pedigree. Roy’s Monkey strikes as one who will relish the step up in trip having run on well from off the pace over 1400m at Scottsville last time out although she does have a wide draw to overcome. Queen Of Thrones is a hard knocker who is suited to the course and distance and Marcus is up from a good draw. Topaz Rain stayed on over 1400m last time and could begin fulfilling her potential as she matures. Royal Mazari could improve over this trip.

The third is a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1200m. Swan Dance has shown up well behind some fair sorts when up with the pace over further. Last time out with first time blinkers on over 1400m on the poly she over raced early and found no extra late. She could get it right here over the step down in trip, especially considering Delpech is up and that her dam by Fort Wood was speedy. Masked Girl always seems to find one better but she should be right there again as her excuse last time here over 1000m was that she was cut into. Stunning Angel has shown pace over this trip on the Vaal sand before and has Marcus up from pole position.

In the fourth, a Maiden Plate over 1400m, the pole position-drawn Whitley Willows made an eyecatching debut over 1000m at Scottsville last time, starting from an outside draw and continually shifting inward until he was on the inside rail, and he will appreciate the strip up in trip. Oracle Kingdom has always been up against good fields but has shown glimpses of ability and in this weak field could earn over a step up in trip he should enjoy. Aguero is always thereabouts and wasn’t disgraced in a stronger field in his only try at this trip so could earn here.

The fifth is a MR 66 Handicap over 1200m and Victory Takeover could be the one to side with running over a suitable trip off a competitive merit rating and with a 4kg claimer up. Teppenyaki has good early pace and is interesting stepped down in trip as he could well make a bold bid from the front. The hattrick-seeking Copper’s Pride is improving and is only three points higher for his win over course and distance last time, so should be right there again on this surface he clearly loves. Burwaaz was a touch unlucky over course and distance last time and should be running on strongly again despite being given a three point merit rated raise. Keep Your Light On has come down to a competitive merit rating and could be concerned in the finish if reproducing his maiden win over course and distance.

The sixth is a MR 73 Handicap over 1400m for fillies and mares and the promising Silvano filly Tiptol is interesting in her first start on the poly and first try at this trip from a good draw as she has finished strongly from off the pace to win over 1000m on the turf course here before. You Bolt moved up well over 1200m last time at Scottsville and she could prove to have a good kick over this trip on a surface she enjoys. Mogokity is off a competitive merit rating over a suitable trip so should be right there from pole position. Big Sugar ran in a Gr 1 last time and did quite well in some features before that but as a young three-year-old doesn’t have it easy off a merit rating of 83. Royalsecuritypower should finish just about together with Mogokity according to the form of their last meeting over course and distance.

The seventh is a MR 74 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m and Shezaleader is a handy type who is interesting with the excellent judge of pace Anton Marcus up, although the wide draw is not ideal. Trini’s Collateral was not disgraced in the KZN Breeders Yearling Sale Million over 1300m when racing green and should relish the step up in trip but she has a tough task off an 89 merit rating. Dizzy Feet looks to be off a competitive merit rating now and could earn over a suitable course and distance having been rested during the Champions Season.

The last is a MR 91 handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m. Taking Chances loves the poly and is only four points higher for her easy course and distance win last time out which came from a similar wide draw. Red Label should be cherry ripe and will appreciate the step down in trip so should be right there. Royal Denise showed some class last time out over this trip at Scottsville when beating some good sorts and she could handle a four point raise over a course and distance she enjoys. Peace Again can never be ignored over this trip on any course and should be finishing strongly. Princess Tantan needed her last start in the Highveld and is drawn in pole over a suitable trip.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Taking Chances (Nkosi Hlophe)

A potential field for North America’s richest race, the $5 million Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland, is shaping up now almost two months out from October 31.

Contenders are still chasing American Pharoah in leading into it, with the Triple Crown winner again topping the latest NTRA (National Thoroughbred Racing Association) Top Thoroughbred Poll released on Tuesday.

Mare Beholder (Pacific Classic), Honor Code (Whitney) and Liam’s Map (Woodward) follow American Pharoah off their own major Grade I wins. Others who could go in the Classic, Keen Ice and Tonalist, rank seventh and tenth, respectively, this week.

Shared Belief remains in the top 10 but continues recovering from a hip injury and isn’t expected to be ready in time for the Breeders’ Cup.

NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll (first-place votes)

1. American Pharoah (28)
2. Beholder (1)
3. Honor Code (2)
4. Liam’s Map
5. Private Zone
6. Shared Belief
7. Keen Ice
8. Lady Eli
9. Flintshire
10. Tonalist

Others receiving votes: The Pizza Man (31), California Chrome (19), Sheer Drama (17), Frosted (15), Big Blue Kitten (9), Cavorting (6), Songbird (5), Stellar Wind (5), Wicked Strong (5), Ironicus (4), Lovely Maria (4), Big John B (3), Coach Inge (2), Dortmund (2), Nyquist (2), Rachel’s Valentina (2), Rock Fall (2), Tiz Shea D (2), Catch A Flight (1), Hard Not To Like (1), Runhappy (1), Wise Dan (1).

The Courier-Journal‎.com

Picture: American Pharoah

Mubtaahij has arrived in Dubai and will spend a few days in quarantine before his return to his stable at his official “home”, Mike de Kock’s Blue Stables at Meydan.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s colt enjoyed a refreshing spell of rest at Newmarket, UK, after his exploits in the US and was shipped back to the UAE last Sunday.

De Kock commented about the yard’s Dubai World Cup prospect: “Mubtaahij is very well off for his break and after he’s settled in at Blue Stables we’ll start his preparation for the 2016 Dubai Carnival.”

Meanwhile Mubtaahij’s US form to Triple Crown winner American Pharoah continues to hold up. It was well franked again in the recent Travers Stakes (G1, 2000m at Saratoga), when Keen Ice (3/4-lengths ahead of Mubtaahij in the Kentucky Derby over 2000m and only a neck ahead of him in the Belmont Stakes over 2400m), lowered superstar American Pharoah’s colours – three-quarters in it.

American Pharoah will continue his racing career, with the Breeders’Cup Classic (G1) as his ultimate target. After his defeat to Keen Ice on 29 August, owner Ahmed Zayat talked about retiring the colt, but he tweeted a few days later, “I have decided to continue to race American Pharoah! The champ deserves another chance!”

In a subsequent statement, Zayat explained, “I have discussed all aspects of American Pharoah’s race last race and his condition since the race with our whole team, and have decide he deserves another chance, so we are pointing to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.”

          – Mikedekockracing.com – extracts from TDN

  Picture: Mubtaahij (Liesl King)

The Vaal stages an eight race meeting on the sand tomorrow (Thursday) and punters who have done their homework could once again be rewarded on a track that usually produces an upset result or two.

In the first race, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1200m, Tripadvisor and River Empress have both had breathing issues and will wear tongue ties, but have very little to beat. River Empress has done quite well in her last two starts on the sand over 1000m and 1200m and is drawn well with Piere Strydom up and the form of her last start has been franked so she is tipped to win. Tripadvisor has quite strong turf form and being by Trippi she is likely to love the sand. She is drawn in pole position from where she can use her good early pace and Gavin Lerena rides, but she did make a severe breathing noise last time, which is a concern. Narnia has tied up in her last two starts, both behind good sorts in KZN, and if her muscular problems are behind her she could surprise.

The second over 1000m is one of four interesting Pinnacle Stakes events on the day that have attracted good horses. However, this one looks to be at the mercy of Trip Tease, who is 5,5kg better off with any other horse on official merit ratings. Furthermore, in eight starts over course and distance this Trippi gelding has won seven of them. His stablemate Varbration won the Flamingo Sprint over this trip, where he showed his liking for this sort of surface, and is second best in at the weights, so could follow him home. Another stablemate Wishful Heart is a progressive sort who caught the eye when winning over course and distance last time out. Will Pays has shown glimpses of class so could be better than his merit rating suggests and he could surprise. Duty Dance is having his first start on sand but has an ideal pedigree for this surface so is another dark horse.

The third is a Pinnacle Stakes race for fillies and mares over 1000m. The Lucky Houdalakis yard are in devastating form and Drifting Dusk bounced back with a convincing win over 1160m on the turf last time out. On pedigree she should take to the sand well and Piere Strydom has kept the ride, which speaks volumes.  Twilight Tiger has a good record over course and distance and meets Drifting Dusk on the same terms as she would in a handicap. Sarve is the best in at the weights and if bouncing back from a below par run last time when cut into she will be right there over a course and distance she enjoys. Jade Vine is second best in at the weights and will have benefitted from her last run, but she would likely prefer a touch further. Miss December is an improving sort who is course and distance suited and weighted to finish level with Twilight Tiger and Drifting Dusk but the number one draw is not ideal by trends.

The fourth race is a Maiden Plate over 1800m and the Mike de Kock-trained Mooghamir will be hard to beat over a trip he will relish. Il Duce is likely to improve over this trip and could chase the selection home. Yours And Mine has shown the odd glimpse of ability and could be s surprise place earner over a course and distance he could well enjoy.

The fifth is a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1450m in which many of the R1 million Supreme Cup entries will be having preparation runs. The De Kock-trained Capricorn Ridge is under sufferance but caught the eye last time when unlucky in the Flamingo Mile and from pole position draw he could surprise.  Stablemate Alghadeer looks to be the yard elect but jumps from a wide draw and this trip could be a touch on the sharp side, although he is sure to be finishing strongly. Another stablemate Mootahadee is having his third run after a rest and will appreciate the step up in trip, so could be dangerous. Olympic Bolt could make it a De Kock quartet as he is in fine form, although he would prefer a touch further. Raise The Red is unbeaten in two starts over course and distance but returns from a long layoff for the in-form Houdalakis yard.

The sixth is a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1450m for fillies and mares and De Kock could be in the winner’s enclosure again with Ahlaam, who is interesting over this step down in trip having blitzed them over 1600m in her penultimate start. She seems to always do well against her own gender and Anthony Delpech is up from a good draw. Peep Show should be improving being by Ideal World and should be finishing strongly from a fair draw with Strydom up. Lady Of Kildare has won three in a row on the Greyville poly off her lower turf rating. However, she enjoys this course and distance too and could earn again.

The seventh is a MR68  Handicap over 1450m and Diesel Power disappointed over 1800m last time and will likely appreciate the step down in trip so he could present good value from a good draw off a lowered merit rating. Celtic King is potentially well handicapped having bounced back to form and winning twice on the turf meaning his sand rating is now eight points lower than his turf rating. He is drawn well over a suitable course and distance. Angel Gabriel did well last time when attempting to steal it over course and distance and he has the same draw and runs off the same merit rating.

The last is a MR68 Handicap for fillies and mares over 2000m and Imperial Empress could follow up on her facile recent win here over 1800m as she is now drawn at the opposite extreme in pole. Bellevue won a weak maiden easily over 1800m on the sand last time and could earn again off a merit rating of only 62. Final Score stays well and could plug on for a place.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Gavin Lerena

Red Flame, fourth in the Klawervlei Majorca, Tibouchina and Poinsettia plus runner-up in the Prix du Cap, will race in-foal for the first few months of the season.

Neill Bruss said: “She hurt herself in her last start (the Garden Province) but she is fine again now and she was covered by Duke Of Marmalade last week. As soon as we see evidence of a heartbeat in the foal she will go back into training and race on.”

It is less common for mares to race when in foal in South Africa than in many countries in Europe where they can become key players in the punters’ armoury as they often show dramatic improvement. Vets are unsure exactly why this is but usually attribute it to hormones settling down.

Meanwhile, Chris Puller, forced to give up his rides last week and go for a scan on his neck and shoulders, aims to be back on Saturday week.

He said: “There was a bit of inflammation on a disc and I was given a cortisone shot. I have to do a week or two of physio and then I will be OK again.

“There was pressure on a nerve, basically wear and tear for a jockey with falls and the position you ride in. The disc gets slightly inflamed and the inflammation pushes on the nerve sending the pain from your neck to your arm. I am happy with the outcome and my first meeting back will be Durbanville on the 19^th.”

By Michael Clower

Picture: Red Flame (Nkosi Hlophe)

Sectional timing and displayed running order technology is now in place at both Greyville and Scottsville and will be tested on a non-raceday at the former racecourse next Thursday.

The entire Greyville turf and polytrack and Scottsville Inside and Outside tracks are plotted and the big screens and TV screens will thus have a live display during the race which will depict the exact running order and positioning of the horses in relation to each. This is achieved through coloured and numbered dots, as is seen in Singapore racing coverage, which is regularly broadcast on Tellytrack on Fridays and Sundays.

The sectional timing technology will be able to provide data within any distance range on the track. However, Gold Circle plan to provide punters with accurate 400m to finish time data as well as quarter sections of each race. The maximum speed each horse achieved and the total distance it covered in the race will also be provided. Due to the latter statistic being available, the average speed of a horse that finished second, for example, could be higher than the winner’s.

The data will be available on a recently launched website called www.gallop.co.za. At present this website provides a lot of useful entries, racecard, betting, form and results information as well as stats on horses, jockeys and trainers and also barrier draw stats etc in an easy to navigate format.

There has also been a meeting to discuss incorporating the sectional timing information into some of the popular formguide publications.

The sectional timing and running order technology is actually up and running already, but Thursday’s tests will be necessary in order to make adjustments to the software in order to ensure everything is running a hundred percent smoothly and also to ensure the running order display is being correctly overlaid and sized on to the screen which is transmitted via the on course Outside Broadcast van.

Also coming soon is a new App (Tabgold Information Application) which will provide the punter with plenty of live race day information. This App is currently available for download in beta version (meaning it is still in the testing phase) from the www.goldcircle.co.za website and is also available on Android. Feedback from users is welcomed.

A new and improved www.tabgold.co.za website is also in the testing phase and will be launched soon.

Meanwhile, Gold Circle’s “SA Racing” App continues to increase in popularity. This App has it all from a live racing Fan Wall, to latest news, previews, podcasts, betting information, videos, photos, events, calendar and it also incorporates the www.gallop.co.za website.

 By David Thiselton