All eyes will turn to the Champ de Mars this Saturday for the Beauty Success Princess Margaret Cup. Long regarded as the island’s ultimate sprint classic, the race will be run over 1400 metres with eight runners — including two who remain unbeaten on Mauritian soil: At My Command, to be ridden by the newly-arrived Indian jockey Imran Chisty, standing in for the injured Manoel Nunes, and Cumbre Vieja, who will have Kersley Ramsamy aboard in place of Donavan Mansour, still sidelined through injury.

The clash promises fireworks, but punters would be wise not to overlook Sun Blushed (Roberto Perez), the Gujadhur stable’s second string, who has solid credentials of his own. The same applies to Meridius (Raymond Danielson), trained by the rising talent Arveen Nagadoo. Port Louis (Swapneel Rama) could also be a legitimate contender, but Ramapatee Gujadhur’s runner has the bad habit of leaving the gates slowly. Should he jump cleanly — especially in a fast-run race — he could very well upset the script.

On form, At My Command gets our vote, particularly with the advantage of gate one. Cumbre Vieja has been a revelation since arriving in Mauritius and his ceiling is still unknown, but he faces a tougher task this time as he climbs several classes. Sun Blushed should finish strongly, and Meridius, dropped sharply in distance, will also be coming late.

The 13th meeting of 2025 features nine races, and beyond the main event, Race 6 offers an enticing three-way duel over 1365 metres between Daring Dash (R. Perez), unbeaten in two starts; Warhead (Rye Joorawon), who lit up the stopwatch on debut; and Moonlight Trader (I. Chisty), the promising newcomer from Ramapatee Gujadhur. In our view, Moonlight Trader may need this run, while Daring Dash and Warhead look to be progressive types. It should be a tight finish, but Daring Dash gets the nod.

No fewer than four races have attracted just a quartet of runners but each appears competitive. Babylon (Race 1), Brave Bomber (Race 4), Captain Bombshell (Race 5) and Tsunami Warning (Race 9) could emerge victorious in their respective races but San Andreas (Race 1), Romans Revenge (Race 4), Captain Lannister (Race 5) and Lloyd Wright (Race 8) will be no pushovers.

In Race 2, trainer Amar Sewdyal has a golden opportunity to land his first win of the season with Cloud Seeder (K. Ramsamy), as the opposition looks decidedly ordinary. Raymond Danielson could well extend his winning momentum aboard Love On Time in Race 3, while in Race 8, Best Day Of My Life (I. Taka) appears well placed against a modest field.

Our Selections

Race 1: (1) Babylon – (3) San Andreas – (4) Colour of Money
Race 2: (2) Cloud Seeder – (4) River Hawk – (5) Celestial Magma
Race 3: (1) Love On Time – (2) Cybotix – (4) Secret Circle
Race 4: (4) Brave Bomber – (2) Romans Revenge – (3) Secret Oasis
Race 5: (1) Captain Bombshell – (2) Captain Lannister – (3) Cartel Boss
Race 6: (1) Daring Dash – (6) Warhead – (4) Moonlight Trader
Race 7: (1) At My Command – (8) Cumbre Vieja – (2) Sun Blushed
Race 8: (4) Best Day Of My Life – (3) Malinois – (1) Captain’s Consort
Race 9: (1) Tsunami Warning – (2) Lloyd Wright – (4) Arnica Montana

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Newbury and Southwell (UK) – 28 November 2025.

Andrew Harrison

 Henk Leyenaar, a Hollander resident in Zimbabwe, has been a staunch supporter of local racing going back to the years of now retired trainer Alistair Gordon.

Forthright in his views, especially when it comes to the pronunciation of his horses’ names, he has two lined up on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville tonight, each with different trainers.

Both Spaarne Rivier and Drielandenpunt appear to be progressive three-year-olds and just how progressive may be revealed in their respective races.

First up is Dean Kannemeyer’s charge Drielandenpunt. The son of, until now seemingly underrate sire with a magnificent pedigree, The United States, Drielandenpunt doddled home in a maiden at just his fourth start. In typical Kannemeyer fashion, the gelding progressed from one run to the next before shedding his maiden. However, a word of caution. The form of that maiden field was nothing to write home about so one goes on gut feel rather than anything else although his winning time was respectable. He does have plenty of scope and meets a field of aging handicappers. Syx Hotfix has started at long odds at his last two on the poly and was not disgraced behind the useful Sundance Kid last time out. He has a 4kg claimer aboard so should be competitive. Rodriguez enjoyed the extra when Louis Goosen sent him over the extra at his last start but he has consistent form over this trip and has a handy weight. Strapping Blazing Light should make light of the 50kg on his back and can be very dangerous if allowed to get away.

The second of the Leyenaar runners comes in the sixth where Spaarne Rivier likes up for Mike and Mathew de Kock. He made a smart handicap debut when run out of it late when trying a mile for the first time. Back to a trip over which he won his maiden he can make amends but faces a possible landmine in Kannemeyer’s charge Industrialstrength.  He is a fine specimen of a racehorse but has been a touch disappointing since his maiden win. However, he was staying on nicely over a mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last time out but sent back to KZN where he makes his debut in blinkers. Over what looks to be his preferred trip he should be a big threat to Spaarne Rivier. Of the balance Isikwishikwishi seldom runs a bad race and was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out and can go one better while Mvelelo who races in the same colours steps up in trip having won his last two over shorter. He is up in the handicap but is the pick of the Hollywood runners if one follows stable rider Sean Veale’s choice.

Rain has been the usual summer bugbear and trainers are caught between taking their chances on the poly or waiting for the turf to become raceable. Add that to the fact that the Summerveld training tracks have been under water, form becomes more difficult to decipher.

 It could pay to keep a weather eye on the debutantes in the first of the evening. Of those that have run, Susurrando has shown signs of improvement after just three outings and although he has a fair weight to shoulder in this Maiden Handicap he does look capable. The year older Fine Dining has been narrowly beaten at his last two on the poly and takes on weaker here but does step up in trip which may be a concern. Royale Jacket makes the trip from the Highveld and although he has modest form the switch to the poly could bring out the best. Mr Mcdonald could prove best of the first timers.

The first leg of the Place Accumulator could go the way of Quarter Master who found some market support on debut but raced very green. He has drawn wide but in a small field he can make the required improvement. Malongane was a good second last run after a break and may just have needed it and has placed in his last three. Omnia has run her two best races on the poly but drops in trip.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Spirit Of Shimla has the widest draw but was a beaten favourite over course and distance on debut. She can make the required improvement but will need to get the better of Queen Fenn who shows good pace and was only run out of it late at her last two and Champagne Problems who has been touched off at her last two including over course and distance. She has a good draw and can break the ice. Olive Grove is back to a sprint but has improved on the poly and can feature prominently.

In the fourth Queen Of The Air was a beaten favourite last run when run out of it late. This longer trip should suit. Intro is a long struggling maiden but has been in good form and will be a big runner in this line-up while Run For Peace improved last run and steps up in trip. One to keep an eye on in the betting. Crimson Typhoon made a promising debut on the poly but disappointed on the turf next time out. Back on poly and up in trip she cannot be ignored.

In the fifth Spectacular may have found his last start just out of his compass and should be better over this shorter trip. However, he is 2kg worse off with Continentalexpress on their last meeting which should bring them a lot closer together. Riccardo is back over what looks to be his optimum trip and he has been dropping in the handicap while the fillies Hodgepodge and Our Lady Fate both stay well and are in with winning chances.

Competitive race to end the evening and it may pay to load up in the exotics. Oh My Gucci Girl has been much improved with blinkers on the poly. She steps up in trip but has the best of the draw and should be competitive. Clickbait shed her maiden on the poly and has consistent sprint form. The step up in trip should suit. Blind Speed improved last run when taking on stronger and the form has held up. A repeat could see her home.

RACE 1

5 SUSURRANDO    8 FINE DINING   6 ROYALE JACKET   4 MR MCDONALD

Summary: Keep an eye on the first timers. Of those that have run, SUSURRANDO (5) has shown signs of improvement after just three outings and although he has a fair weight to shoulder in this Maiden Handicap he does look capable. The year older FINE DINING (8) has been narrowly beaten at his last two on the poly. He takes on weaker here but does step up in trip which may be a concern. ROYALE JACKET (6) makes the trip from the Highveld. He has modest form but the switch to the poly could bring out the best. MR MCDONALD (4) could prove best of the debutantes. (Andrew Harrison: 5-8-6-4).

RACE 2

7 QUARTER MASTER   2 MALONGANE   4 OMNIA   3 RAMBUNCTIOUS BOB

Summary: QUARTER MASTER (7) found some market support on debut but raced very green. He has drawn wide but in a small field and can make the required improvement. MALONGANE (2)  was a good second last run after a break and may just have needed it. He has placed in his last three. OMNIA (4) has run her two best races on the poly but drops in trip. First timer RAMBUNTIOUS BOB (3) has a smart pedigree and is one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-4-3).

RACE 3

8 SPIRIT OF SHIMLA   6 QUEEN FENN   2 CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS   1 OLIVE GROVE

Summary: SPIRIT OF SHIMLA (8) has the widest draw but was a beaten favourite over course and distance on debut. She can make the required improvement but will need to get the better of QUEEN FENN (6) who shows good pace and was only run out of it late at her last two. CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS (2) has been touched off at her last two including over course and distance. She has a good draw and can break the ice. OLIVE GROVE (1) is back to a sprint but has improved on the poly and can feature prominently. LEVITATOR (4) is back in blinkers and switches to the poly She is a struggling six-year-old. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-2-1).

RACE 4

6 QUEEN OF THE AIR   5 INTRO   9 CRIMSON TYPHOON  7 RUN FOR PEACE

Summary: QUEEN OF THE AIR (6) was a beaten favourite last run when run out of it late. This longer trip should suit. INTRO (5) is a struggling maiden but has been in good form and will be a big runner in this field. RUN FOR PEACE (7) improved last run and steps up in trip. One to keep an eye on in the betting. CRIMSON TYPHOON (9) made a promising debut on the poly but disappointed on the turf next time out. Back on poly and up in trip she cannot be ignored. (Andrew Harrison: 6-5-9-7).

RACE 5

4 SPECTACULAR   6 CONTINENTALEXPRESS   3 RICCARDO   1 HODGEPODGE

Summary: SPECTACULAR (4) may have found his last start just out of his compass and should be better over this shorter trip. However, he is 2kg worse of with CONTINENTALEXPRESS (6) on their last meeting which should bring them a lot closer together. RICCARDO (3) is back over what looks to be his optimum trip and he has been dropping in the handicap. HODGEPODGE (1) and OUR LADY FATE (2) are fillies that stay well and both are in with winning chances. (Andrew Harrison: 4-6-3-1).

RACE 6

6 DRIELANDENPUNT    SYX HOTFIX   4 BLAZING LIGHT   7 RODRIGUEZ

Summary: DRIELANDENPUNT (6) doddled home in a maiden at just his third start. However, the form of the position was nothing to write home about so one should be cautious. He does have plenty of scope and meets a field of aging handicappers. SYX HOTFIX (1) has started at long odds at his last two on the poly and was not disgraced behind the useful Sundance Kid last time out. He has a 4kg claimer aboard so should be competitive again. RODRIGUEZ (7) enjoyed the extra when winning his last start but has consistent form over this trip and has a handy weight. Strapping BLAZING LIGHT (4) should make light of the 50kg on his back and can follow up. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-4-7).

RACE 7

7 SPAARNE RIVIER    1 INDUSTRIALSTENGTH   3 MVELELO   2 ISIKWISHIKWISHI

Summary: SPAARNE RIVIER (7) made a smart handicap debut when run out of it late when trying a mile. Back to a trip over which he won his maiden he could make amends.  INDUSTRIALSTRENGTH (1) has been a touch disappointing. He was staying on nicely over a mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last time out. Sent back to KZN where he made his debut with blinkers over what looks to be his preferred trip he should be a big contender. ISIKWISHIKWISHI (2) seldom runs a bad race and was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out and can go one better. MVELELO (3) steps up in trip having won his last two over shorter. He is up in the handicap but is the pick of the Hollywood runners if one follows stable rider Sean Veale’s choice. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-3-2).

RACE 8

1 OH MY GUCCI GIRL   3 CLICKBAIT   6 BLIND SPEED   10 SIBERIAN WINTER

Summary: Competitive race to end the evening. OH MY GUCCI GIRL (1) has been much improved with blinkers on the poly. She steps up in trip but has the best of the draw and should be competitive. CLICKBAIT (3) shed her maiden on the poly and has consistent sprint form. The step up in trip should suit. BLIND SPEED (6) improved last run when taking on stronger and the form has held up. A repeat could see her home. SIBERIAN WINTER (10) steps onto the poly and has improved since returning from a break. She has a tricky draw but should be in the scrum come the finish. Not an easy race. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-6-10).

RACE 1

(6) OCEAN FLAME is holding form and was unlucky as she jumped awkwardly out the gates in her last start, she has a good draw and will take some beating here. (2) ICONIC WINTER has been racing consistently and another good run is expected. (4) FIVE STAR MAGIC is capable of better and should be included into the placings. (7) ENGELANDPARK wasn’t far on provincial debut and can get closer. Any support for the unraced runner (11) KENTUCKY LASSIE must be respected. (Devonne Govender 6-2-4-7).

RACE 2

(2) TERMINAL VELOCITY ran a cracker in the last start and will be a huge contender, she could be tough to beat from the ace draw. (1) ROYAL MERMAID ran well in the last start and a repeat of that will see her in the firing line. (4) RIPSNORTER has scope to improve and should be respected. (3) OH MANDY has been consistent and another honest run is expected. (Devonne Govender 2-1-4-3).

RACE 3

(1) SPLICETHEMAINBRACE packs plenty of class and with the claimer up she will be hard to beat in this line up. (5) WALKONTHEWILDSIDE is holding solid form and another decent run is expected. (3) EPIKLEROS is a very honest type and will be in the mix. (8) HONORABLE MEMBER is holding consistent form and must go into larger perms , she can challenge here. (Devonne Govender 1-5-3-8).

RACE 4

(1) LOTUS SILK won easily when shedding her maiden and has scope to go well here so needs to be respected. (9) CHRONICLESOFNANIA is holding solid form and will be in the mix, she can win this. (8) BRETTY is capable of a big finish on her day and needs to be included in all bets, she has the top draw and will have every chance. (11) PRESERVE FOREVER has never been far back in recent starts so include in larger perms. (Devonne Govender 1-9-8-11).

RACE 5

(9) RICHARDTHEFEARLESS impressed in his last win, with a claimer up once again he will have a big chance. (6) ANATOLIAN SILVER is very capable of running a big race in this line up especially with the fact that he goes 1900m now compared to his last race. From a decent tempo he will be flying late. (4) MAKHACHEV is never far back and cracks the ace draw so warrants huge respect. (2) WAZ WOUTER shoulders a big weight but is certainly capable here. (Devonne Govender 9-6-4-2).

RACE 6

(1) SWEET JULIA won a gutsy race in her last start and looks to have a solid winning chance here. (2) WORDSWORTH has never been far in recent starts and will run well here, he gets a much better draw this time and will be a strong contender. (3) B FIFTYTWO is always in the mix over this trip in KZN however does return from a rest, as this is a sprint he could go well fresh. (4) NOTORIX is another who goes well this trip and is a must include. (Devonne Govender 1-2-3-5).

RACE 7

(6) BUFFALO BILL is holding consistent form and looks a progressive type so he will be the banker in all bets. He ran a cracker in his last start and will be tough to beat here. (2) LAGUNA VERDE won a gutsy race in his last start and will run another honest race so must go into calculations but he will need to lift to beat the top selection. (10) BIG BOY BRUCE is a horse who is certainly capable of running a big race, he hasn’t been far in recent starts and can feature. (5) GLOBAL STATE gets the claimer up which makes him a runner here so can go into larger perms. (Devonne Govender 6-2-10-5).

RACE 8

(7) WILD FIG ran extremely well in the last start and is the horse to beat. (8) CAPTAIN CLEVER has scope to go well and should be included in all bets. (2) DAS GUTE won a decent race in the last start and another big run is expected with the claiming apprentice up. (1) BURNING MAN ran well at big odds and if repeating that run he will be a big runner. (Devonne Govender 7-8-2-1).