David Thiselton

Isivivane has been raised four points to 108 for his win in the Gr 3 WSB 1900, while the second and third-place horses, Regulation and Trust, have both been raised one point apiece to 106 and 111 respectively.

Fourth-placed The Ultimate King was the line horse and remains on 117.

The Ultimate King faced Isivivane on half-a-kilogram terms better than he would have in a handicap and was beaten 0,85 lengths.

Regulation and Trust faced The Ultimate King on the same terms as they would have in a handicap and beat him by a quarter of a length and a neck respectively.

The only other change from the race was made to last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July sixth-placed Native Ruler, who was dropped two point from 123 to 121.

He faced The Ultimate King on 1kg better terms than he would have in a handicap and he was beaten by him by 1,10 lengths.

In the other relevant race on Sunday, a conditions plate over 1600m won by Okavango with July entries Eight On Eighteen, Note To Self and Mocha Blend running behind him in that order, the merit ratings of the runners were all untouched.

In Johannesburg Jan Van Goyen’s merit rating of 118 remained untouched after his second placed finish in a Pinnacle event over 1800m, but the winner of that race Pressonregardless, who is not a July entry, was raised two points from 113 to 115, and the last-placed runner in that six-horse field, Wild Intent, was dropped one point from 110 to 109.

The favourite for the Hollywoodbets Durban July is still See It Again which is somewhat surprising considering the big weight of 62kg he will carry as things stand and he will thus be giving the bottom weights 10kg.

Isivivane will be one of the bottom weights on 52kg and in fact as things stand he will be 1kg under sufferance.

Trust will also carry 52kg and will actually be 1,5kg under sufferance as things stand, considering the 2kg weight for age allowance there is for three-year-olds running over 2200m at the beginning of July.

Considering he was a narrow runner up in the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic over 1800m, it won’t be easy for See It Again to give 10kg to a horse of that calibre or to the SA Classic winner Grand Empire, who is also rated 111.

Eight On Eighteen is rated 129, so will get half-a-kilogram from See It Again.

An interesting comparison will be to compare the weight turnaround from last year of Eight On Eighteen and Native Ruler.

Eight On Eighteen carried 3kg more than Native Ruler last year and beat him by 3,70 lengths.

This year Eight On Eighteen will be giving Native Ruler only 4kg and considering he had a weight for age allowance of 2kg last year as a three-year-old, it means Eight On Eighteen is actually effectively 1kg better off than he was last year with Native Ruler. So considering Eight On Eighteen beat Native Ruler easily in last year’s race, the latter has very little chance of beating Eight On Eighteen in this year’s big race.

On the other hand Native Ruler did beat Eight On Eighteen in this year’s WSB Met, but the latter had an interrupted preparation into that race.

Star Major impressed when winning the Gr 2 WSB Guineas and was raised to 118, the same mark as both Jan Van Goyen and Note To Self.

They will all be carrying 54kg as things stand which should be manageable.

Wish List will also have a nice galloping weight of 53,5kg and she only looks to be getting better. She could be the fifth filly to win the big race this millennium.

RACE 1

5 POWER OF PEARLS   6 HIGHVELD STORM  4 DONMAGOO   1 CAPTAIN T

Preview: POWER OF PEARLS (5) makes her poly debut but comes off some solid Highveld form. With a 4kg claimer aboard she could prove difficult to beat in spite of taking on males. HIGHVELD STORM (6) was a beaten favourite last run. He has had two starts for his new stable and the switch to poly could be the answer. DONMAGOO (4) has improved in blinkers and should feature in this line-up. CAPTAIN T (1) has improved on the poly and has the best of the draw. SIERRA FOXTROT (3) comes from a strong Cape Town stable and makes her debut. Definitely on to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-1-3).

RACE 2

3 PRINS JASPAR   2 WINTER CIRCLE   9 OWNER OF CREATION   1 DIAMOND MAKER

Preview: PRINS JASPAR (3) was a beaten favourite first up on the poly in his KZN debut. The trip should suit. WINTER CIRCLE (2) was short in the betting when making his debut but finished well back. The betting and step up in trip could tell a story. OWNER OF CREATION (9) is a long-time maiden but has been paying his way. He should not be far off them again but has a wide gate. DIAMOND MAKER (1) has only had two starts and showed some improvement second run and he has the best of the draw. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-9-1).

RACE 3

1 INFINITY EDGE   6 VICTORY IN ORLEANS   4 BACK AT THE GEORGE   7 SOHOT SOWHAT

Preview: Competitive field. INFINITY EDGE (1) has been taking on top class company of late. She makes her poly debut under a big weight but gets first timer blinkers and she can run up to her rating. VICTORY IN ORLEANS (6) made a good start for her new stable when winning first time out. This trip should suit and she can go in again. BACK AT THE GEORGE (4) is in good form and goes well on the poly. Her last win was over course and distance. SOHOT SOWHAT (7) has consistent Cape form over shorter but the stable is in red-hot form. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-4-7).

RACE 4

7 TAM’S KNIGHT   1 GRAND APPEAL   2 SPAANE RIVER   8 IBUTHO

Preview: TAM’S KNIGHT (7) is lightly raced and made steady improvement leading into his last win. He has won on the poly and can follow up. GRAND APPEAL (1) has been consistent over the distance and has the best of the draw. He has run well on the poly and should be right there. SPAANE RIVIER (2) may just have needed his last run after a short break. He does appear to be useful and must rate a winning chance. IBUTHO (8) is always game over course and distance and tries for his 11^th win. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-2-8).

RACE 5

8 WINGS OF JOSEPHINE   6 BLAST FROM THE PAST   3 INTREPID   1 RAINBOW REWARD

Preview: Competitive handicap. WINGS OF JOSEPHINE (8) has a wide gate but goes well on the poly and has taken on stronger in recent starts. BLAST FROM THE PAST (6) made no show after winning on the poly on debut. He has been rested since  and any market support will be telling. INTREPID (3) is a solid galloper and the switch to the poly with blinkers removed can see him go close. RAINBOW REWARD (1) is seldom far back and his last win came over course and distance. He has a 4kg claimer aboard that should help his chances. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-3-1).

RACE 6

2 QHAWEKAZI    5 FLYING FATE   7 DECEMBER DAWN   1 CALL ME JANE

Preview: Wide open. QHAWEKAZI (2) was a close-up second to the much improved De Vlugge last time out jumping from a wide draw. She has a better gate here. DECEMBER DAWN (7) may just have needed a pipe-opener when making her local debut. Her Cape form was useful and a claiming apprentice will help her chances. FLYING FATE (5) won well on the poly last time out at only her second start. She is in modest company and can follow up. CALL ME JANE (1) may be the second string judged by jockey bookings but she does have the slightly better form than TEQUILA SKY (1) and also a better draw. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-7-1).

RACE 7

3 UNITED NATION   2 BLACK EAGLE   8 MAJOR TOMMIE   4 FORTRESS OF FIRE

Preview: UNITED NATION (3) has exceptional form on the poly and has won over the trip. He faces a smart field but should be right there again. BLACK EAGLE (2) is progressive and comes with excellent Cape form. He takes to the poly for the first time and will be a big runner if he does. MAJOR TOMMIE (8) has only twice been out of the money in 12 starts. His last win was over course and distance and he cannot be left out of any calculations. FORTRESS OF FIRE (4) is smart on his day but is 3kg worse off with United Nation given their last encounter on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-8-4).

RACE 8

7 LIONS EYE   6 GORGEOUS DUDE   11 DEFINITELY YES   10 KALI BWANA

Preview: LIONS EYE (7) took on much stronger last run and was not far back. He is back to a competitive mark. GORGEOUS DUDE (6) has his peak run after a break. He loves the surface and with only 51kg to shoulder he will be a big runner. DEFINITELY YES (11) has a tricky draw to negotiate but is holding form well and due a change of fortune. KALI BWANA (10) has shown up well in two outings since her maiden win and has a money chance again. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-11-10).

Andrew Harrison

A competitive card faces punters on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville today in spite of the relatively small fields. Exotic bet bankers are not easy to find and it could pay to add something to the wallet in the first where Candice and Tammy Dawson saddle Power Of Pearls.

The filly makes her poly debut but comes off some solid Highveld form and with a 4kg claimer aboard she could prove difficult to beat in spite of taking on males. Of those Highveld Storm was a beaten favourite last run and has had two starts for his new stable. The switch to poly could be the answer. Donmagoo has improved in blinkers and should feature in this line-up. First timer Sierra Foxtrot comes from a strong Cape Town stable and is definitely one to watch in the market.

Prins Jaspar could prove the pick of the second after being a beaten favourite first up on the poly in his KZN debut. This trip should suit. Winter Circle was short in the betting when making his debut but finished well back. The betting and step up in trip could tell a story. Owner Of Creation is a long-time maiden but has been paying his way and should not be far off them again but he does have a wide gate.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is a competitive handicap but Mike Miller’s charge Infinity Edge has been taking on top class company of late. Although she makes her poly debut under a big weight she does get first timer blinkers and can run up to her rating. Victory In Orleans made a good start for her new stable when winning first time out. This trip should suit and she can go in again. Back At The George is in good form and goes well on the poly and her last win was over course and distance. Sohot Sowhat has consistent Cape form over shorter but the Lucinda Woodruff stable is in red-hot form.

Robbie Hill sends out one runner on the day in Tam’s Knight. The gelding is lightly raced and made steady improvement leading into his last win. He has won on the poly and can follow up. Grand Appeal has been consistent over the distance and has the best of the draw. He has run well on the poly and should be a threat. Spaane Rivier may just have needed his last run after a short break and does appear to be useful. He must rate a winning chance. Ibutho is always game over course and distance and tries for his 11^th win.

The fifth is another competitive handicap but although Wings Of Josephine has a wide gate she goes well on the poly and has taken on stronger in recent starts. Danger could be Blast From The Past. He made no show after winning on the poly on debut and was rested. Any market support will be telling. Intrepid is a solid galloper and the switch to the poly with blinkers removed can see him go close while Rainbow Reward is seldom far back and his last win came over course and distance. He has a 4kg claimer aboard that should help his cause.

In the sixth, Qhawekazi was a close-up second to the much improved De Vlugge last time out when jumping from a wide draw. She has a better gate here. December dawn may just have needed a pipe-opener when making her local debut as her Cape form was useful and a claiming apprentice will help her chances. Flying Fate won well on the poly last time out at only her second start. She is in modest company and can follow up. Call Me Jane may be the second string from the Andre Nel stable judged by jockey bookings but she does have the slightly better form than Tequila Sky and also a better draw.

United Nation has been a revelation on the poly and Darryl Moores charge has only been beaten once on the synthetic surface. He has won over the trip and although he faces a smart field he should be right there again. Vaughen Marshall has started his Champions Season raid in fine form and saddles the progressive Black Eagle that comes with excellent Cape form. He takes to the poly for the first time and will be a big runner if he does. Major Tommie has only twice been out of the money in 12 starts and his last win was over course and distance and cannot be left out of any calculations. Fortress Of Fire is smart on his day but is 3kg worse off with United Nation given their last encounter on the poly.

In the last of the day, Lions Eye took on much stronger last run and was not far back and is back to a competitive mark. Gorgeous Dude has his peak run after a break and loves this surface. With only 51kg to shoulder he will be a big runner. Definitely Yes has a tricky draw to negotiate but is holding form well and due a change of fortune while Kali Bwana has shown up well in two outings since her maiden win and has a money chance again.

David Thiselton

The Hollywoodbets Durban July betting market had a it of a shake up with the Peter Muscutt-trained Isivivane being the biggest mover from 50/1 to 25/1 after winning the Gr 3 WSB 1900.

A win in the 1900 usually earns a place in the July final field, but competition will be stiff for a final field berth this year and Isivivane’s relatively lowly merit rating might work against him as things stand, although the handicapper has a few options.

Isivivane had a nett merit rating one point lower than both the second and third placed horses, Regulation and Trust, and carried the same weight as them under the merit rated band conditions and he beat them by 0,60 and 0,65 lengths respectively, so if either of them is used as the line horse he won’t go up by more than two points from his current 104 rating.

If The Ultimate King is used as a line horse Isivivane could get three points. The former was half-a-kg better off than Isivivane and was beaten 0,85 lengths.

Imilenzeyokududuma faced Isivivane on level terms and was beaten 1,95 lengths, so him as the line horse would mean 4 points for Isivivane and could mean one point for both Regulation and Trust.

Native Ruler was a tie 1,95 lengths fifth but was 1,5kg better off with Isivivane so him as the line horse could mean seven points for Isivivane as well as four points for both Regulation and Trust.

Native Ruler finished fifth in the WSB Met having finished sixth in last year’s July, so might be a suitable line horse.

On the other hand it was a comeback run, so he might have needed it, and The Ultimate King might in that case be a more appropriate line horse as he was fit from a 0,80 length third place finish in the Gr 2 Colorado King Stakes over 2000m having finished a 10,30 length six in the Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge.

If Isivivane gets seven points he will go up to 111, which will be interesting because last year’s WSB 1900 winner Selukwe ran in the July off a 111 and finished third. Furthermore, Selukwe was 2kg under sufferance carry 54kg, whereas, as things stand, Isivivane will be in the handicap carrying 52,5kg off a 111.

There was no pace in Saturday’s WSB 1900 and Trust was able to get over from the widest draw in the ten horse field to set a sedate pace.

However, he picked up the pace at the 800m mark, meaning he would have been used to some extent coming up the hill towards the straight, an underestimated energy sapper.

Trust stayed on gallantly in the straight under vigorous urgings from Serino Moodley, but Isivivane, who had sat it the box seat slowly wore him down to get up late.

Regulation ran on strongly from midfield and was unlucky as he was caught wide throughout. He looks underrated at 105 and is deserving of a place in the July field, but might now have to rely on the Gr 3 Cup Trial.

In a conditions plate over 1600m on the day involving a number of July horses Eight On Eighteen was the surprise early leader as Okavango was held up.

Okavango then moved around horses to take the lead while Note To Self was content to sit in fourth place in the six horse field while Mocha Blend was last.

In the straight Okavango continued to lead while Eight On Eighteen was waited with.

Note To Self was not asked any serious questions until the 200m mark by which time the bird had flown.

Mocha Blend moved up from last and let down well when asked at the 200m mark, a fine run after a long layoff.

Eight On Eighteen put in a bold bid after moving up well, but Okavango fought back to win by 0,30 lengths, with Note To Self beaten 0,90 lengths in third.

Mocha Blend was beaten two lengths in fourth and 102 rated Ascalon Dancer and 95 rated Down By The River were beaten 2.05 and 4,35 lengths respectively.

It seems unlikely the handicapper will touch any of the merit ratings in this race although Note To Self, rated 118, did run above his merit rating compared to Eight On Eighteen (129) as he would have received 8kg from him in a handicap and only received 6kg.

At Turffontein on Sunday Jan Van Goyen made a cracking comeback in a Pinnacle Stakes race won by the useful Pressonregardless.

He had traffic problems in the straight and only went down by 0,80 lengths.

It was his first run as a gelding and he was a touch out at the weights on official merit ratings, so considering he will come on from the run it was a run that put him back on track after a couple of disappointing runs.

Andrew Harrison

We are now at the sharp end of Champions Season and for all trainers that have hopes of landing the R10 million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July, it is a case of plotting each of their runner’s into the race with a competitive weight.

So it is tricky trying to second guess trainer’s plans but is makes for some head-scratching puzzles especially as the July is now a true handicap. The Gr2 WSB 1900 has waxed and waned as a lead-up race into the July but in recent years it has proved to be good pointer and it could again prove to be come today at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Peter Muscutt saddles July entry Isivivane who is still under the radar as far as a place in the July field is concerned but a win here will most likely earn him a gate.  Of concern is that his last two wins have come on the poly track but he has a handy galloping weight from a good draw. Justin Snaith is well on his way to another national Champions Trainer title and sends out three lively runners. Native Ruler has nothing to lose off his rating as he has top weight although contracted rider JP van der Merwe rides stable companion Regulation for Greg and Gina Bortz who gets 8kg from Native Ruler. The betting could tell a tail but Regulation will need a forward showing.

Candice and Tammy Dawson send out top class Trust, a winner of the Gr2 Dingaans. He has not been out of the money in six outings and his showing here will shed some light on what the current crop of three-year-olds are capable off. Given the conditions of the race, a victory will not come at any major cost to his handicap rating but would indeed almost cement his place in the July field.

Paul Peter gives The Ultimate King a look at Greyville and the gelding has solid Highveld form over the trip. He was narrowly beaten by Fire Attack last time out when racing in first time blinkers and has nothing to lose.

First leg of the Pick 6 is a Conditions Plate that has cut up from an original entry of 27 to just seven runners, dominated by Snaith who sends out four of the seven.

It is a high class field but Snaith’s intentions are not easy to decipher as most of the field is warming up for future features. All four of Snaith’s runners have the July penciled in behind their names and again the market could prove to be your best guide.

Likely pacemaker is Okavango who has run two cracking front-running races at his last two including a game second to stable companion See It Again in the Gr1 Premier’s Champions Cup at Turffontein. He gets the services of last Saturday’s Gr2 WSB Guineas winning rider Mickaella Michel – who incidentally came from last on Star Major – but gets the benefit of her 1.5kg allowance. The gelding is already among the top weights for the July so a win should not come at much cost in the handicap. Stable companion Legal Counsel will also not do his July weight much damage given his rating and was doing his best work late behind Questioning last time out and will strip a fit horse. Of bigger interest are Snaith’s other pair of Note To Self and Eight On Eighteen. Note To Self was runner-up to crack filly Wish List in the Gr1 Cape Derby and a forward showing will enhance his chances of making the July field but a jump in the handicap is a possibility. Eight On Eighteen, a game runner-up in last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July behind The Real Prince, makes his local debut after a disappointing Cape season. He may just need this to bring him on but he has more than enough class to pull this off. Craig Zackey is an interesting booking as the current log leading rider will surely be aboard The Real Prince in the July, all things going to plan.

Frank Robertson also has the July on the radar for his Gr1 Summer Cup winning filly Mocha Blend and she comes in with a realistic chance as she gets weight from all except the lightly raced and recent maiden winner Ascalon Dancer whose performance will be watched with more than just passing interest.

Andrew Harrison

Most jockeys will tell you that when their confidence is up, that confidence for some reason tends to transfer to their mounts. Some years back, Jeff Lloyd went through a three or four-month stint where he was almost invincible and attributed his winning streak to confidence in his ability.

Andrew Fortune is never short of confidence whether going through a lean patch or not, but he is currently in the prime of his life at 57 years old. “ I’m so confident that I think I’m the best jockey in the world,” he chimed after a typical Fortune display on Lucinda Woodruff’s filly Wedding Vow in the first.

Never in trouble as he navigated the early stages. At the top of the straight he was on the heels of favourite and pacemaker Siyabamelela who Sean Veale had pressed forward early for the lead, and he never broke his bridge as Wedding Vow sailed clear to win as she liked.

 Terry Fripp has been around the block more than once, from Summerveld to Dubai and back, and given the opportunity by Candice Bass he is doing a fine job in saddling winners for her KZN satellite yard. Whatastar added another to the stables growing list as Serino Moodley managed to keep his mount mostly clear of the pack in the charge for home. Whatastar hung badly towards the inside rail, momentarily forcing Craig Zackey to ease on the favourite De Gulden who held on for third as Futano slipped through on the inside rail for second.

Zackey said the check had not made any difference to the result but added that De Gulden will likely be avoiding the poly for the time being.

Young apprentice Damyan Pillay took a page out of the Andrew Fortune book of race riding as he got the promising Magical Sky home in the opening leg of the PA.

One could have thrown a blanket over the seven-horse field for most of the race and Alyson Wright admitted that she got a little anxious as Pillay sat motionless until the final furlong. “We told him to be patient  but I thought he was being a little too patient. But he knew what was under him.”

Poly specialist Magical Sky responded to Pillay’s late efforts and went on well to hold off Catch Penny and Kytheria.

The first leg of the Pick 6 developed into little more than an exercise canter for the Glen Kotzen-trained hot favourite Vixens War. She carted Craig Zackey to the front from the jump and extended in the straight to win easing up by nearly four lengths ahead of stable companion Takethegreenlight in a bloodless victory.

 Mohandas has seldom been far off the money in is 48 starts and added a fifth win to his credit when putting his best foot forward in the D Stakes over 200m. In a race run at no great pace, Tristan Godden time his assault on the finishing line to perfection and Yogas Govender’s charge responded to comfortably hold off a late challenge from Double Olympic and the grey Arctic Fury who battled home in third.

Master Du Rouvray has always been held in high regard by Mark Dixon although the gelding took some time to realise his potential. He shed his maiden back in September last year and yesterday racked up his fourth win as Keagan de Melo made light of the geldings 62.5kg, sweeping around the turn in an early move that paid off. The son of Master Of My Fate quickened past his rivals and then stayed on gamely to hold off a late-charging Syx Hotfix.

Serino Moodley was crowing from the roof tops as Stuart Ferrie’s charge Town Crier took advantage of a ‘long rein’ on Next Of Kin to win the seventh, a Class 4 over 1600m. Given a copybook ride from his inside gate, Town Crier accelerated out of the pack crossing the subway led by Pied Piper to win well. However, he may have been a tad lucky as Sean Veale appeared to have got his reins in a tangle and his left hand was ‘fishing a long line’ to prevent Next Of Kin hanging in under pressure. The grey closed in fast but not fast enough.

 With Mauritius racing seemingly back on an even keel after a couple of years of turmoil, the prospects of their apprentice riders taking advantage of the thoroughly professional grounding at the SA Jockey Academy is bright. Apprentices from the island granted the benefit of the SAJA generally take their opportunities seriously and Anaas Mosaheb rode his second winner when scooting home on ML Odendaal’s mare Mystique Rouge in the eighth. She burst clear of the pack two furlongs out and was not for the catching.

To press home the Mauritius point, Divesh Ramkhalawon and Iannish Taka fought out the last with Chara Sands getting the better of Yadav Singh’s Victor Rail. Ramkhalawon has burst onto the scene in the last four months and Michael Roberts has been quick to take advantage of his 4kg claim.

Andrew Harrison

The battle for a place in this year’s R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July began in earnest on Wednesday with the announcement of the first 63 entries. Given the that first entry fee is a modest R2 500 there are plenty of connections willing to take their chances at this early stage.

That said, two of the early entries line up on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville this evening, the three-year-old Count Of Rouen and Johnny The Thief although both may have to take a back seat in a competitive handicap where Dean Kannemeyer has two lively contenders in the Class 3 Handicap over 1900.

Kannemeyer sends out Continentalexpress and Uzwano. Continentalexpress is consistent but would probably be more effective over further and while Uzwano goes this trip for the first time his pedigree suggests that he should easily see it out and may be the pick of the pair with Hollywood Racing’s Sean Veale in the irons.

Peter Muscutt sends out Count Of Rouen who was in need of his last run. As a Hollywoodbets Durban July entry he will need to put in a forward showing. Go Grayson Go is the likely pacemaker. He has been caught late at his last two over 1950m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and may just last over this 50m shorter. Mohave Prince is unbeaten in two since the blinkers were added, has a handy weight helped by Rachel Venniker’s allowance.

MJ Odendaal has always held Johnny The Thief in high regard and he was running on well over a distance well short of his best last time out. Only time will tell whether his is good enough to make the July field.

Punters face a competitive field from the first race where most are first timers so the betting should prove your best guide.

The second could rest between Peace Rose and Peach Melba although Emerald Forge makes her local debut and has been expensive to follow on the Highveld where she has started favourite on numerous occasions only to disappoint but must have shown some ability.

Kiartay and Bison Warrior could suffice in the first leg of the PA. Kiartay made a smart debut before taking on winners in a feature next time out, both runs at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. He has the best of the draw in his first outing for Tienie Prinsloo. Bison Warrior was run out of it late last run and the step up in trip with some experience under his girth should see him close again.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Bai Yulu made a smart debut at long odds for Mike and Mathew de Kock. She is bred to stay this trip and any improvement can see her home. Gold Gold Baby has some promising Western Cape form and meets little of note in this line-up and is the one to beat. Surprise could come in the form of Flickering Light who showed signs of coming to hand  when stepped up to 1600m last run. This trip should suit.

Tough handicaps follow. In the fifth, Tobacconist has come well at his last two and is over his ideal trip and Veale stays with the ride in preference to top weight Trois Quatre. Stuart Ferrie’s filly Hodge Podge is in cracking form and she followed up two close-up finishes behind subsequent Gr2 SA Derby winner Curious Girl with a comfortable victory over Fine Wine who has since gone on to frank that form. Of the balance I’m Invictus won well second time of asking when tried in blinkers. He has a handy weight and looks promising. Leading rider Craig Zackey takes the ride on My Boy Lollipop who has no recent form over shorter. The step up in trip and jockey booking could be a pointer.

In the seventh, Silver Salute was a comfortable winner over course and distance in her local debut. She only got a three-point raise in the handicap and can follow up. Blue Poppy was well beaten by Silver Salute when last they met but it was a below par performance from a wide draw. She should finish closer. Grand Occasion has been in mustard form of late and won well from a tricky draw when beating Blue Poppy last time out. Michaelle Michel’s 1.5kg allowance offsets her rating increase and she can confirm that result. West Side Story showed some improvement when going a mile again. She has a light weight and has an upset chance.

The eighth is a wide open handicap but Tyroconnell  has been knocking at the door of late in useful company. He has no weight on his back and gets cheek pieces again which can see him go one better. Queue Wing is a veteran with 48kg to shoulder from a good draw. Judged by jockey bookings Green Glow would look to be Kannemeyer’s second string but Serino Moodley was aboard when shedding his maiden and the gelding is way better than his last effort. Stable companion Kanaal Skater s better than his last run from a wide draw and has a winning chance on his penultimate showing while Sundance Kid has been runner-up at his last three but all have come on the poly which is a concern.

The last is another tricky handicap but Take Your Place has shown up well in two recent outings against speedy opposition. She gets a three-point relief in the handicap that should see her competitive in another wide open race. Call Of The Karoo was a beaten favourite last start when taking on stronger. She has top weight but also a stronger rider aboard. Amafort is unbeaten in two with blinkers and a useful 4kg apprentice aboard and has a hattrick chance.