RACE 1

5 OMKHULU BOSS    1 NAUTICAL FIRE   4 MOLTEN ROCK   8 FREE ROAMING

Preview: OMKHULU BOSS (5) takes to the poly for the first time but has been improving all the while. MOLTEN ROCK (4) is a filly taking on males. She has been consistently placed in her last three starts and the switch to poly could bring out the best. NAUTICAL FIRE (1) made a smart debut at lengthy odds. He gets 1.5kg relief from the saddle and any improvement can see him close. FREE ROAMING (8) found some market support first up on the poly but was a well beaten fourth. The stable has come to hand. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-4-8).

RACE 2

4 THE SWAN SONG   7 OWNER OF CREATION   8 DONMAGOO   2 QUEEN OF DENMARK

Preview: THE SWAN SONG (4) showed up well on debut first up on the poly. He is likely to come on from that effort. DONMAGOO (8) has been knocking on the door of late and although he has the widest draw he should feature in this line-up. OWNER OF CREATION (7) is a battling maiden but his best recent form has been on the poly track. With a 4kg claimer up he can finally break his duck. QUEEN OF DENMARK (2) was not too far back on debut starting at long odds and can run into the money. (Andrew Harrison: 4-7-8-2).

RACE 3

4 AYZAL   2 GOLDEN DIOGO   1 GREEN COMMANDER   6 FORT USHER

Preview: The filly AYZAL (4) steps up to a mile at just her third start and makes her poly debut. The trip should suit and she only has 49kg to shoulder. GOLDEN DIOGO (2) was not far back at just his second start and he can still improve on that effort. GREEN COMMANDER (1) has been a beaten favourite at his last two on the poly. He was just behind Golden Diogo when last they met but the latter should have some improvement to come. FORT USHER (6) steps up in trip after making a fair debut behind the promising Benny And Paul. He is one to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-1-6).

RACE 4

7 CITY OF LOVE   5 POWERANDTHEGLORY   6 MAPHAKA   10 GOLDEN RULE

Preview: CITY OF LOVE (7) makes his poly debut but has been consistent over shorter and the step up in trip could see him home. POWERANDTHEGLORY (5) has a big weight but was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out. He will be a big runner. MAPHAKA (6) also steps up in trip but he form on the poly is cause for concern. However, he has a handy weight and cannot be written off. GOLDEN RULE (10) has the widest draw to contend with but his best recent effort has been over course and distance although well beaten. (Andrew Harrison: 7-5-6-10).

RACE 5

2 LAST MARGARITA   4 MYSTIC DANCER   6 LA LANDONNE   1 MISS LADYATERIX

Preview: LAST MARGARITA (2) has won her last two on the poly and only has 49.5kg to shoulder. A third win is on the cards although she does take on much stronger. MUSTIC DANCER (4) was touched off in a tight finish last time out. She goes well on the poly and the extra furlong should not trouble her. MISS LADYATERIX (1) takes a big drop in class and although she has a fair weight to shoulder she does have the best of the draw. LA LANDONNE (6) was a beaten favourite over course and distance last time out.  She is never far off and should feature prominently. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-6-1).

RACE 6

6 HOODIA   5 BLUE STEEL   2 THE GLIDING FISH   9 STATUS

Preview: HOODIA (6) has been dropping in the ratings and it has been some time since his maiden win. However, he made marked improvement when tried in a tongue-tie and is 1kg better off with BLUE STEEL (5) who was a game winner last time out. Candice Bass’ gelding is talented but not the easiest ride. Athandiwe Mgudlwa got the best out of him and he can follow up. THE GLIDING FISH (2) has been close-up at his last two on the poly.  He does take on stronger but only has 51.5kg to shoulder and a top rider. STATUS (9) has been rested and changed stables. He is lightly raced but does appear to be useful. (Andrew Harrison: 6-5-2-9).

RACE 7

9 CONNERY   10 INSIDE VOICE   1 BLAZING FURY   2 POSITION OF POWER

Preview: Wide open. CONNERY (9) gets the benefit of a useful 4kg claimer aboard but is seldom far back and can prevail from his wide gate. INSIDE VOICE (10) takes on males but was not far back first up on the poly and has only once finished out of the money in six starts. BLAZING FURY (1) has the best of the draw and has shown up well over course and distance. He has a handy galloping weight and should be competitive. POSITION OF POWER (2) is lightly raced but seldom out of the money. His last win was on the poly and he cannot be left out of anything. (Andrew Harrison: 9-10-1-2).

RACE 8

1 BILLY COOL   2 SUMMER WINTER   7 MOJO MAN   4 CHARA SANDS

Preview: BILLY COOL (1) has been rested since November last year but horses from this stable has been in red hot form since arriving in KZN and has a master trainer at the helm. SUMMER WINTER (2) has run two smart races on the poly and goes well this trip. MOJO MAN (7) is back on his preferred surface and although shouldering a big weight he should be competitive. CHARA SANDS (4) looks held at the weights by Summer Winter but goes well this course and distance and has found his best form of late. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-7-4).

RACE 9

9 YOUR LADYSHIP   7 INNERBLOOM   2 WINTER BLESSING   8 SAUDI SWEEP

Preview: Wide open. YOUR LADYSHIP (9) has been dropping in the ratings but has been consistent of late. The trip suits and she should go close. INNERBLOOM (7) is lightly raced but won well first run on the poly and although she has a big weight she can follow up from an in form stable. SAUDI SWEEP (8) found her best form when winning comfortably last time out and a repeat performance should see her in the mix again. WINTER BLESSING (2) meets Saudi Sweep on equal terms and is 1.5kg better off in the handicap. There should be little between them again. (Andrew Harrison: 9-7-2-8).

Andrew Harrison

Punters face a competitive card on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville today and punters will need to do their homework with no standout runners on the card.

The first is a tricky maiden where Omkhulu Boss takes to the poly for the first time but has been improving all the while. Molten Rock is a filly taking on males but she has been consistently placed in her last three starts and the switch to poly could bring out the best. Nautical Fire made a smart debut at lengthy odds and now gets 1.5kg relief from the saddle. Any improvement can see him close.

Justin Snaith had a red letter day last Saturday and saddles the two-year-old The Swan Song in the first leg of the Bi-Pot. The colt showed up well on debut first up on the poly and is likely to come on from that effort. Donmagoo has been knocking on the door of late and although he has the widest draw he should feature in this line-up while Owner Of Creation is winless after 31 stars but his best recent form has been on the poly track. With a 4kg claimer up he can finally break his duck.

In the first leg of the PA the filly Ayzal steps up to a mile at just her third start and makes her poly debut for Glen Kotzen. The trip should suit and she only has 49kg to shoulder. Golden Diogo was not far back at just his second start and he can still improve on that effort. Green Commander has been a beaten favourite at his last two on the poly and was just behind Golden Diogo when last they met. However, the latter should have some improvement to come. Fort Usher is another that steps up in trip after making a fair debut behind the promising Benny And Paul. He is one to watch in the betting.

The first leg of the Pick 6 could rest between the trio of City Of Love, Powerandtheglory and Maphaka. City Of Love makes his poly debut but has been consistent over shorter and the step up in trip could see him home. Powerandtheglory has a big weight but was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out while Maphaka also steps up in trip but his form on the poly is cause for concern. However, he has a handy weight and cannot be written off.

In the fifth, Last Margarita has won her last two on the poly and only has 49.5kg to shoulder. A third win is on the cards although she does take on much stronger. Mystic Dancer was touched off in a tight finish last time out. She goes well on the poly and the extra furlong should not trouble her. Miss Laydaterix takes a big drop in class and although she has a fair weight to shoulder she does have the best of the draw. La Landonne was a beaten favourite over course and distance last time out but is never far off and should feature prominently.

In the sixth, Hoodia  has been dropping in the ratings and it has been some time since his maiden win. However, he made marked improvement when tried in a tongue-tie and is 1kg better off with Blue Steel who was a game winner last time out. Candice Bass’ gelding is talented but not the easiest ride but Athandiwe Mgudlwa got the best out of him and he can follow up. The Gliding Fish has been close-up at his last two on the poly and although he does take on stronger he only has 51.5kg to shoulder and a top rider. Status is a dark horse. He has been rested, changed stables and is lightly raced but does appear to be useful.

Connery gets the benefit of a useful 4kg claimer in the seventh but is seldom far back and can prevail from his wide gate. Inside Voice takes on males but was not far back first up on the poly and has only once finished out of the money in six starts. Blazing Fury has the best of the draw and has shown up well over course and distance. He has a handy galloping weight and should be competitive. Position Of Power is lightly raced but seldom out of the money. His last win was on the poly and he cannot be left out of anything.

Veteran trainer Ricky Maingard had no stars in the string that he brought up to KZN but they have all paid their way. Billy Cool has been rested since November last year but horses from this stable have been red hot have a master trainer at the helm. Summer Winter has run two smart races on the poly and goes well this trip. Mojo Man is back on his preferred surface and although shouldering a big weight he should be competitive. Chara Sands looks held at the weights by Summer Winter but goes well this course and distance and has found his best form of late.

The last is another wide open handicap Your Ladyship has been dropping in the ratings but has been consistent of late. The trip suits and she should go close. Innerbloom is lightly raced but won well first run on the poly and although she has a big weight she can follow up from an in form stable. Saudi Sweep found her best form when winning comfortably last time out and a repeat performance should see her in the mix again while Winter Blessing meets Saudi Sweep on equal terms and is 1.5kg better off in the handicap. There should be little between them again.

Soccer6 Saturday 11 July 2026.  ADD-IN R50 000. Estimated Pool: R 400 000. Pool Closes at 20h00. Sport 6 Pool 1.

Soccer10 Saturday 11 July 2026. ADD-IN R150 000. Estimated Pool: R1.8 Million. Pool Closes at 20h00. Sport 20 and Pool 1.

Soccer13 Carryover R 972 540 Sunday 12 July 2026. R 2.5 Million  (All 13 Correct Jackpot Pool). Pool Closes at 13h30. Sport 12 Pool 1.(If only One 13 of 13 Winner)

David Thiselton

The Gr 3 Durban Gold Vase on Hollywoodbets Durban July day has always been a pointer to the Gr 3 World Pool Gold Cup and this year’s winner of the former race, the Justin Snaith-trained Ahead Of The Facts, will have a fine chance of landing a treble of staying events in the latter race as he also won the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers.

An interesting fact about the Futura gelding is that he is the first horse to be running in the colours of Garth Musikanth, whose brother Dean is also a part-owner along with Zev Blieden, Ryan Copeland, Darren Smith and J Murcia.

Ahead Of The Facts, ridden by the peerless Richard Fourie, was backed as if he couldn’t be beaten and the flood of money saw him starting at 15/10.

Fourie dropped the 110-rated gelding out from a wide draw of nine.

He was content to sit near the back before improving position around the final bend.

Fourie went for a run down the inside and Ahead Of The Facts showed a turn of foot that was reminiscent of last year’s Equus Champion Stayer King Pelles.

He made up the ground in a matter of strides and went on to win by half-a-length from Master Redoute and Shoot The Rapids, who were the winner and runner up in the Gold Cup two years ago.

The winning margins of 0,50 lengths and 1,30 lengths flattered Master Redoute and Shoot The Rapids as Fourie was easing Ahead Of The Facts up at the line.

However, Ahead Of The Facts was receiving 1,5kg from both of them and there will be a weight reversal in the Gold Cup considering Ahead Of The Facts was raised seven points to 117, while Master Redoute was raised three points to 115 and Shoot The Rapids remains on 117.

Fifth-placed Holding Thumbs, beaten 3,40 lengths, was lowered one point to 117.

The Gold Cup weights are subjected to the Operator’s Condition 2.1.2.10 which states:

Handicap Races of 2800m and further (including Graded, Listed and other Feature races): Weights may be compressed at the discretion of the Handicapper i.e. the Handicapper may depart from allocating 0,5 kg for each merit rating point.

Ahead Of The Facts will thus have it harder on paper, but Jonathan Snaith stated after Saturday’s race that the Gold Vase was actually just a stepping stone race to the Gold Cup.

He said, “The Gold Cup was his main mission. He has had three runs in Durban and the Gold Vase was the one in between. Hopefully his best run will be his third run.”

The owners were all ecstatic and Dean Musikanth said, “He is our first stakes winner and we have won Grade 3s with him on Met day and July day. He cost just R100,000 and considering his class that was for nothing! I am over the moon, I actually don’t know where to walk, but I do know where to have a drink!”

The Capetonian group of friends were looking forward to a celebratory toast to their champion and revealed that Richard had been very confident before the race.

Garth Musikanth confirmed he had got his colours completed about two years ago especially for this horse, who made his debut as a two-year-old on August 31, 2024, although he did own a handful of horses before that.

Ahead Of The Facts in fact finished a tailed off last on debut over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, beaten 17,95 lengths and it was only when stepping up to 2000m in his fourth start that he began to show what was to come.

That is not surprising considering he is by stamina influence Futura out of a one-time-winning mare by stamina influence Silvano.

 Saturday was his fifth career win.

Jonathan Snaith found Ahead Of The Facts at the 2023 National Yearling Sale and said, “We were fans of Futura. We had a good Futura in our yard at the time called Future Swing who was shaping up to be a stayer. Ahead Of The Facts was a magnificent horse, beautiful conformation and he moved like a dream. He was a bit light and immature and I think that is why no-one liked him. But he had the frame and he had the action and he had a beautiful temperament, which we noticed at the Sale. He’s been a wonderful buy and I think he’s a massive runner in the Gold Cup as well. Considering this was not his main mission it was an impressive win and it was the way he won … he went from second last to first in a matter of strides, an impressive turn of foot. Richard, more so than Justin, was very confident. He said he had been unlucky in his previous start when he ran second and he actually said in the parade ring to the owners, ‘What are you nervous about? He is going to win whether I go to the front or stay at the back. I’ve got this!’ He was extremely confident from weeks ago and I think it was reflected by the money that poured on and everybody bankered him in the Pick 6 … he was a lot of people’s Pick 6 banker, so we are delighted that the public have benefited.”

Andrew Harrison

With the Hollywoodbets Durban July done and dusted it’s back to bread and butter racing at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today where the card is headed by the Tote For The Win B Stakes over 2000m.

Gareth van Zyl thought enough of Salani Kahle to run him in the Gr2 SA Derby but he came up short against the filly Curious Girl who was a runner in the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Given the weights in the July, Curious Girl was an unlikely winner being 6kg out on the official handicap but that said, Salani Kahla takes on a lot weaker and although he has a big weight he shows lots of potential. This will be an acid test.

Dean Kannemeyer has stepped Uzwano up in trip but the gelding is in good form over shorter. He will see this out and should go close. Stuart Ferrie saddles the smart filly Hodgepodge who stays well and has a handy galloping weight. She should be competitive.

 Of the others, Queue Wing seldom runs a bad race. He is up in class and also in distance but has a light weight. One to watch.

Mike and Mathew de Kock can open the afternoon with Putthelightsout  who was a beaten favourite on the ploy last run but faces modest company here and should go close back on turf.

In the first leg of the Bi-Pot Christmas Rose was touched off second time out and has made steady improvement and should go close. She is the pick of the Glen Kotzen stable trio. Danger is Blenheim Palace who is making steady improvement and has found market support in the past. This trip should suit. America First took on older runners in an Open Maiden last start and can do better.

The opening leg of the PA has some well-bred first timers so keep an eye on the betting but Lenoxx  found all sorts of traffic last time out and shows some promise. He should put in a big effort. Tiger Cody has improved in blinkers and is back to shorter and looks the biggest threat.  First timers Hot Blooded and Bullet Catch are ones to watch in the market.

Charlie Bucket can kick off the Pick 6. Paddy Kruyer’s gelding has consistent Cape form over the distance and was a beaten favourite at his last two. He gets a 1.5kg allowance from the saddle and can make amends. Deonarie has shown up well in both starts and steps up in trip but has the best of the draw while Redoubt Express found market support when making a smart debut on the poly. The turf should not be an issue and he rates a strong winning chance.

In the fifth, Peeping Tom has been knocking on the door for some time for Doug Campbell. He stays the trip and should be one of the better bets on the card. Bourbon’s Beast tends to lack finish but is never too far back and should go well in this company. Augrabies was a beaten favourite last run. His best recent form has been on the poly but he is in modest company.

Ricky Maingard’s runners have won four of the six races that they have contested in Champions Season and Tunguska comes off some smart recent Western Cape form in the seventh. The stable has hardly missed since arriving in KZN. Blizzard Boy has shown up well in two starts on the poly since arriving in KZN. He shed his maiden on the turf and should run well in this field. Red Cardinal is down in class and handicap. If he stays the trip he will be a contender.

The eighth is wide open. Red Coral is a filly taking on males but was a beaten favourite last run on the poly and can make amends. Let It Roll was a recent maiden winner and takes on older runners. However, he has improved with each outing and has a handy galloping weight. Dancing On A Cloud was much improved last run after switching yards and has always shown promise while Radu has been consistent of late and now gets a 2.5kg claimer aboard.

In the last, Preacher Man is a two-year-old filly taking on males but was a beaten favourite last run. She is down in class with first time blinkers and looks the part. Diamond Maker won at long odds last start in first time blinkers and is back over a sprint. He could follow up. Yannakis has won his last two over course and distance and his 4kg claimer retains the ride. Princess Goldie is back on turf. Her poly form is consistent but she can do better here.