The meeting today has switched from the Vaal straight to the Turffontein Inside track which could mean a reversal in draw fortunes for some races as high draws down the Vaal straight are usually advantageous but now around the turn they become disadvantageous..

In the first race over 1200m, a workrider’s maiden, Varquera was oroginally made the best bet of the day. She moved up well on debut over this trip and looked dangerous but then ran out of steam and finished third. She should have come on from the run and has Sam Mosia aboard from a high draw, which would have been favourable but is now unfavourable. Desert Kitten and Daring Damsel have also shown ability and are the main dangers.

In the first leg of the PA over 1200m Bold Matador was a touch outpaced on debut over 1000m before staying on well, so he will enjoy the step up in trip. However, the form is not strong and Setablaze, who is improving and has gone close in his last two over 1200m and 1400m respectively, must also be included in the PA. The only possible concern for him was the low draw, but this now becomes an advantage. These two horses should get punters through the PA. Potje is the first to consider for those who want to go wider as he has form behind some fair sorts and on the evidence of his first run with blinkers on he could enjoy this step down in trip.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Verdi ran on resolutely last time over 1600m and should relish this 1700m trip from another good draw as he has proved he can stay up to 1800m. Hit For Six will has a nice big action and after being outpaced on debut over 1400m he was staying on at the finish. He will probably need even further than this trip, being by Dynasty out of a Jallad mare who won twice over 1800m, but he should have a chance from a plum draw. Palace Green ran on well on debut over 1200m and will also relish the step up in trip. He is also well drawn but has not raced since last August so might need it. Maroon Bells is a rangy type who has his third run after a layoff and gelding and he can be included in the Pick 6. Paused has a wide draw but has shown ability and with a 2,5kg claimer aboard for an in form yard can also be included in the Pick 6.

In the first leg of the Jackpot over 1700m it all points to Evening Bell. This rangy daughter of Horse Chestnut has plenty of substance and stayed on well on debut over 1200m. She should relish the step up in trip and has a plum draw of three. However, it will be her first race around the turn so the hard knocking Sea Like Glass must be included in all the exotics. His last run can be ignored as he had to be eased at the 300m mark. Strydom is now aboard which is a plus. For the Pick 6 and Jackpot Oh So Cold, Jungle Jane and Vida Amarosa have all shown enough to be able to upset.

In the next race over 1700m D’Arrivee has always struck as one with a touch of class and he is now coming into his own. He is drawn in pole over an ideal trip, but can’t be made a banker as Verdier is well drawn and comes from a strong formline. Ragoon, who makes breathing noises and now has to overcome an eight point merit rating raise, has also turned the corner and is distance suited.

In the sixth race over 2400m Emily Hobhouse is made the value bet as she has always struck as one who would improve with age and she has now come into her own. She is ideally distance suited and has a nice low weight. Blue Sage might be 2,5kg under sufferance but on collateral form with the other runners she is right in it here. Star Halo has a big weight but has the form to be involved and Glamarous Scandal and Pilgrim’s Progress can’t be ignored either.

In the last leg of the Jackpot over 1800m Seventh Of June won a fine race over this trip in his penultimate start. Last time over 2000m he set the pace and just failed, proving he has a new lease of life and that he is up to his new merit rating. The well drawn Corrido goes well for Herrerra Gomez and if apprentice claims are included is 6kg better off with Seventh Of June for a mere 0,4 length beating. If the claim is ignored he is 2kg better off but it still puts him in with a fine chance. Hakeem has to be included too over an ideal trip.

In the last race over 1400m Believe Me was the tip but has now been scratched. Bullsade enjoyed stepping up to this sort of trip and will go close. Seattle Tango should relish the step down in trip so also has to be included.

By David Thiselton

Futura’s full brother Scribner took his first step towards emulating the 2015 Horse of the Year when leading 100m out in the Kuda Maiden at Durbanville on Saturday but his many owners are going to have to hold thumbs that he stands up to racing.

Brett Crawford explained: “He fractured his near-fore knee after his first start in September. We didn’t have to operate but we had to give him time. Now he has to find his feet while we have to keep him sound.”

Crawford had his first juvenile winner of the season – one of the last of Cape Town’s big guns to do so – when Corne Orffer initiated a double on Finding Camelot (a son of triple classic winner Camelot) in the Equi-Feeds Maiden Juvenile.

“A lot of our two-year-olds came in late and we have only run two,” the Philippi trainer explained. “But this one is an exciting horse, he has a lot of scope for improvement and he is crying out for a trip.”

However the one that got away was Boomps A Daisy and to add insult to injury it happened in the race that Crawford sponsored. This was the horse that most of the scribes (including this one) said was a racing certainty. Sadly, though, it’s such supposed good things that are God’s gift to bookmakers. The money poured on her in the few minutes before the off and she started at 5-10.

Slowly out of the gate, she was soon leaving Greg Cheyne looking anxious and it was obvious a long way from home that she was going to get beaten. Third, more than three and a half lengths off the winner, was the closest she could get.

“She never handled the turn – she couldn’t work out which leg she wanted to be on,” Cheyne reported. “We weren’t going much of a pace and she had no momentum turning into the straight. But she is better than this.”

The filly’s trainer took much the same view, adding: “It surprised me a bit that she ran so well the first time but after that I thought she had a winning chance here. But this was only her second start and we have to give her the benefit of the doubt.”

By contrast the Adam Marcus-trained newcomer Lana Belle came right away in the final furlong with Aldo Domeyer looking back to see what on earth had happened to the favourite. According to father Basil, Marcus jnr “will bring the winner along slowly and take her one step at a time.”

By the time you read this the last four of Sean Tarry’s visitors will be on the long float home to Johannesburg and the quartet includes Rock The Globe and Immeasurable, first and second in the inaugural Klawervlei Farm Sale Stakes.

Robert Khathi had a belated first winner of the year on Duchess of Bourbon for Justin Snaith who was also on the mark with the Richard Fourie-ridden Ferrari Red in the first.

Khathi explained: “I injured my left knee, they found that it was cracked and I was off for four months. The doctor said it had probably been like this for the last five years because I could feel it clicking when I was running.”

Anthony Andrews continued his winning run by making all on Singfonico for Tobie Spies in the VHM Racing Handicap while Howard Crawford was given a great reception when leading in Dynamite Jack, the third leg of Domeyer’s treble.

By Michael Clower

Mike Rattray’s long-standing ambition to win the Vodacom Durban July lies at the root of his decision to buy Sun Met winner Rainbow Bridge, one of the favourites to win the great race on July 6.

He said yesterday: “I have had two seconds and a third and I have always wanted to have another crack at the race but I’m getting a bit old now. I am 86.

“Normally this sort of horse doesn’t come on the market and it was only the death of Chris Gerber that did so with this one. Chris was a good man for racing and his death was a sad loss. But when I heard that they were contemplating exporting Rainbow Bridge I said let’s put in an offer and see.”

Rattray declined to say how much he had to pay but said: “He was not cheap. That type of horse never is but the top-priced yearlings go for three, four and five million and you don’t know whether they can run whereas this horse has run eight times and won six.

“Someone said to me the other day ‘What are the details of his pedigree?’ I replied: ‘Let’s understand one thing – he is a gelding so he is not going to be used for breeding. What matters is has he got speed and can he win races?’ The answer to both questions is yes.”

The four-year-old stays with Eric Sands who has trained for Rattray before and the owner was tickled pink when the Milnerton trainer said to him: “What a pleasure to have the red and white colours back again.”

Rainbow Bridge has returned to his stable after his short holiday at Julia Pilbeam’s Soetendal Estate near Wellington and Sands said: “I want to see his coat stand up a bit before he leaves for Durban but he travels sometime next month. The Drill Hall (May 4) will probably be his first start there.”

By Michael Clower

Workrider Francis Semela has been banned from riding in races.

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) withdrew his “workrider privilege” at an inquiry into his performance on the horse Kindavar in Race 2 at the Vaal racecourse on 28 February.

Semela pleaded guilty at Friday’s NHA hearing and “elected not to divulge any reasons explaining his ride, other than his poor judgment”, said an NHA press release.

“When assessing a suitable penalty, the Inquiry Board viewed Mr Semela’s ride in a very serious light and could not condone a ride of such a nature. At no point in the race did Mr Semela position Kindavar in a position to win or be placed,” said the NHA.

“Kindavar was only provided with clear running at the 180m and, even then, the determination and vigour of Mr Semela’s ride was questionable. Mr Semela also admitted to clearly ignoring the instructions given to him by the connections of the horse, which were to allow the filly to stride out naturally and not be restrained.

“Furthermore, when looking at Mr Semela’s record, it was noted that he was found guilty of a similar offence in 2017, in that he failed to ensure that the horse was given a full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible placing.

“The Inquiry Board felt that the strongest possible sanction was required and imposed the penalty that Mr Semela’s workrider privilege be disqualified.” Semela has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.

Greyville yesterday was meant to be all about Anthony Delpech. In the end it was all about the weather as the course was hit by a deluge just before the start of the fifth race which was run in pouring rain which continued into the sixth where Collabro and High Green slogged it out through the puddles.

Shortly after the jockeys lodged a protest complaining that an area of the pull-up, which had been compromised by a burst water main over-night, had become unsafe with the extra water.

After a lengthy delay and a track inspection by a group consisting of all interested parties, the jockeys were over ruled. By the running of the seventh, the surface water had drained and the race was run without incident and the meeting completed albeit 40 minutes later than scheduled.

Louis Goosen got his afternoon off to a cracking start with a quick double, apprentice Jason Gates leading all the way on the filly Wishful Words and then Khanya Sakayi riding a driving finish in the second on Bravo Zulu. This was a particularly good effort by the young apprentice who had to continually straighten his mount to prevent interference which could have caused mayhem with five runners closely bunched crossing the line almost as one.

Icing on the cake for Goosen came in the last with Lyle Hewitson getting the best out of Jo Mambo for a stable treble. 

The adage, breed the best to the best and hope for the best doesn’t always work out but the arrival on these shores of the first foal by super sire Frankel out of the cracking mare Val De Ra put pressure on Dennis Drier especially after the filly fluffed her lines on debut.

It’s been a long road back to the winner’s box but things appear to be back on track as she run on smartly under Keagan de Melo to score her second success in six starts.

Elusive Diva has been expensive to follow but finally got her act together under Anton Marcus who had stayed with the filly in spite of her previous four defeats when sent out favourite.

There is not better rider around at present than current champion Hewitson, as his poise, balance and ability to place his mounts is impeccable. He was not deterred by bucketing rain and a sloppy track as he steered Solsbury Hill home for Alyson Wright followed by Collabro for Dennis Bosch. Favourite High Green again finished runner-up, his fifth in succession for Lowan Denysschen with Marcus tracking Collabro all the way but not able to find a way past.

Drier completed a double as Sean Veale got Forehand to skip clear at the top of the straight to comfortable hold the grey Kilmokea.

By Andrew Harrison

Anthony Delpech was one of the country’s great riders and his forced retirement through injury was not only personal but also a blow to his legion of followers.

Saturday, April 7, 2018 was the fateful career-ending day for Delpech. As he hunted a gap on the well-fancied Majestic Mambo in the SA Classic, his mount clipped heels dislodging Delpech who landed on his feet. It was a jackhammer-like landing that caused spinal compression that would eventually force the 49-year-old rider, still at the top of his game, to call time on his riding career.

The three-time South African Champion, whose record of 334 winners in a season is unlikely ever to be challenged let along broken, will be honoured by Gold Circle at Greyville on Sunday where fans will have the opportunity to have autographs signed.

But for a jockey who partnered some of South Africa’s equine greats, it is slim pickings where the Igugu Handicap, a lowly rated MR 81, is top of the menu.

It is an open affair but Lowan Denysschen’s gelding High Green has been knocking on the door for some time now and due a change of fortune. He goes well over course and distance and has a good draw to add to his appeal.

The Duncan Howells-trained Legend was hopelessly out at the weights in a conditions race contested by a smart field of three-year-olds last time out. Prior to that he was a fast-finishing third when coming from a long way back and from a better draw he should be a big runner.

Of the balance, Collabro, touched of last run, goes well on the poly and the extra will suit while Saltoro Ridge may find this mountain too high but has shown his best current form over course and distance.

In the card opener, Cosmic Cutter is the best rated and shows some promise. He was a close-up second when tried in blinkers for the first time and should make a bold bid. Winter Twilight, demoted from second when making his poly debut, is a possible threat.

One always needs to take cognisance of Highveld raiders and Clinton Binda saddles Sugoi in the second. He has useful Highveld form over the trip and although he makes his poly debut, he should have a big chance. Bravo Zulu goes well over course and distance and has a light weight while Spring Breeze takes on males but was a beaten favourite last run. She now tries a tongue-tie and drops in trip and rating. 

The opening leg of the Pick 6 is a wide open affair but Boeing City goes well over course and distance and with a 4kg claimer up should be right there. Bonnie Dawn was running on well behind Making Waves over course and distance last time out and is now 1kg better off and can turn the tables.

Dancing Princess and Elusive Diva will be popular choices in the fourth but a lively outsider is Misty Heath who has shown some recent improvement and from a good draw can feature prominently.

Stuart Pettigrew and Diego De Gouveia have gelled into a formidable combination and they team up with Oona in the fifth. She does take on males but has improved in blinkers and was narrowly beaten on this course last time out. Daredevil Aviator and Solsbury Hill are others to consider.

In the seventh, Pettigrew and De Gouveia team up with Zulu Dawn who is way better than her last run and goes very well over this trip. Adorable Analia and Forehand look the biggest dangers.

The last is another tricky affair but Gareth van Zyl is in good form and Second To None took on stronger at her last start. She has also shown up well in two outings since her maiden win and can still improve. Jo Mambo has improved steadily since arriving in her new stable and Louis Goosen’s mare looks primed for this race.

By Andrew Harrison

There are five Listed features at Turffontein Standside tomorrow as well as two Non-Black type races and they will provide pointers to some top forthcoming events. 

One of the most talked about youngsters of the season, Gin Fizz, makes her second racecourse appearance in the Listed Ruffian Stakes over 1000m and she will be hard to beat. This Mike de Kock-trained daughter of Soft Falling Rain has plenty of natural speed and a kick to match. She won effortlessly by 7,40 lengths on debut and the form was franked on Thursday when the third horse Makara was only just touched off by a well regarded sort in Mill Queen. Gin Fizz can be bankered in all bets. Considering Makara’s good run on Thursday then Allmloving, who was second to Gin Fizz, can be tipped to finish second to her again. She has plenty of scope for improvement and gets 3kg from Gin Fizz. Basadi Faith has won both of her starts in good style but as a two-time winner has to give Gin Fizz 2kg.

De Kock also has a live wire in the Listed Storm Bird Stakes over 1000m in the form of Frosted Gold. This New Zealand-bred colt by All Too Hard was green on debut but drew away to win easily. The form was then franked when the 2,20 length runner up Got The Greenlight won next time out beating a well regarded De Kock horse. Frosted Gold can be bankered in the first leg of the PA. Look To The Sky won easily on debut and could be the chief threat. The horse who Look To The Sky beat, Twlight Moon, is 3kg better off for a 1,50 length beating and could earn again.

The sixth race is the Listed Derby Trial over 2000m and Protea Paradise won comfortably over this trip last time from a wide draw. He has another wide draw but is capable of coming from off the pace. He looks to be promising and is improving in the typical fashion of a son of Dynasty. He will be ridden by Gavin Lerena, who is in top form and is made a banker. The risk averse might want to include more but beyond this horse it is wide open.

In the Listed Oaks Trial over 2000m Bize ran on well to win her debut over 1600m and on that evidence will relish the step up in trip. The wide draw should not be a concern as she can come from off the pace. However, her lack of experience is a concern so she can’t be a confident choice. African Daisy won her maiden well over 1800m under Luke Ferraris and was then not disgraced when finishing third, 5,40 lengths behind Protea Paradise, over this course and distance. She has a good draw of two and is reunited with Ferraris. The topeweight Seville Orange has to give lumps of weight away but has earned it as she has a touch of class. She should be thereabouts. However, the suggestion is to go as wide as possible in this race.

In the Listed Bauhinia Handicap over 1000m Lawdy Miss Clawdy is in fine form and can improve further with blinkers now on. Winter Watch has some class and is 1kg better off with Lawdy Mis Clawdy for a one length defeat last time so there is not much in it. Blonde Vision would have been the choice as she has obvious talent but her number one draw might be tricky.

By David Thiselton