FRace 1

(1) King Of Queen (10) Sweet And True (7) Call To Glory (4) Potent Captain

(1) King Of Queen has been running consistently and will have a decent winning chance from a reasonable draw. The Craig Zackey and Gavin Smith combination are in hot form.

(10) Sweet And True is a massive runner and only shoulders 56kgs. He has run well in both starts and should have tightened up well however the draw makes things difficult. (7) Call To Glory can fill in the placings on best form. (4) Potent Captain has a quartet chance, beyond the top two selections it becomes very open. ( Devonne Govender 1-10-7-4)

Race 2 

(9) Million Reasons (10) Queen Of Jazz (3) Seaside Trip (1) Hanging Rock

This is going to be a cracking race. (9) Million Reasons is knocking on the door and could deliver here. The form lines look good however there could be dangers. (10) Queen Of Jazz comes of similar form lines as the top selection so there wouldn’t be much to choose however Million Reasons could have a slight edge over (10) Queen Of Jazz but both are lively contenders based on the improvement factor which cannot be measured. (3) Seaside Trip ran a cracker in her last start and is a massive contender, if she repeats that performance she will be fighting out the finish. (1) Hanging Rock can get into the money here with a top rider up. She has never been far in recent starts in the Cape but will jump from a tough draw. ( Devonne Govender 9-10-3-1)  

Race 3 

(5) Millennium Dancer (3) Sundrop (6) Whatchmytail (1) Hallowed Secret

(5) Millennium Dancer carries 56.5kgs which makes her a serious contender here. She has a top rider up and an outstanding winning chance in a race where there isn’t much depth to the from respectfully. (3) Sundrop is an honest type however has had many chances. She will be in the frame and can be rewarded for consistency. (6) Whatchmytail can get into the placings however is unreliable. (1) Hallowed Secret gets a much better draw now compared to the last start.  ( Devonne Govender 5-3-6-1)

Race 4 

(4) Forest Spy (2) Aadehya (9) Great Times (7) Warm Winter Nite

(4) Forest Spy won well in the last start and can repeat that here from a good draw. (2) Aadehya runs well on the poly and must be respected with the claimer up despite the return from a break. (9) Great Times is a very honest type and will be flying late. (7) Warm Winter Nite is never too far back and can get much closer here. (Devonne Govender 4-2-9-7) 

Race 5 

(1) Cruise Control (6) Evies First (2) Cliff Top, (5) Inherit The Rain

(1) Cruise Control is in excellent form and his last win was very impressive. He will take a power of beating here and is a banker in all bets. (6) Evies First ran a cracker in the last and will be in the frame. (2) Cliff Top is capable and can make the frame with a top rider, he has the ability to challenge strongly here. (5) Inherit The Rain is holding form and won’t be far. ( Devonne Govender 1-6-2-5) 

Race 6

(3) You Win Again (5) State Of Mind (4) Sea Of Tears (1) Midnight Crystal

(3) You Win Again won extremely well in the last start and can repeat here, however does have a tough draw. (5) State Of Mind is holding form well and has a chance. (4) Sea Of Tears gets a top rider up and will be the mix. (1) Midnight Crystal will be a massive contender if repeating that last run. ( Devonne Govender 3-5-4-1) 

Race 7 

(6) Charlie Malone (2) The Charioteer (3) Masked Vigilante (5) Fujisan

(6) Charlie Malone ran a very good race in his last and could take some beating if repeating that run from the best draw. (2) The Charioteer has plenty ability and will win very soon, his recent runs are good. (3) Masked Vigilante wasn’t far in the last start can get much closer. (5) Fujisan is capable of popping up here on best form. ( Devonne Govender 6-2-3-5)

Race 8 

(8) Guerra (6) Path Of Choice (11) Gunsmoke (1) Jaspero

(8) Guerra has a much better draw now compared to the last start and will be a massive contender here. (6) Path Of Choice is holding consistent form and rates a winning chance. (11) Gunsmoke run well here and is capable of a powerful finish. (1) Jaspero gets the claimer up which brings him right into the action. ( Devonne Govender 8-6-11-1) 

Graeme Hawkins

Champions Season 2024 gets under way at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday and the high quality racing aside, fans can look forward to a fabulously entertaining afternoon. Fantastic prizes will be up for grabs in the popular “Win-if-you-Lose” competition and the Independent on Saturday are offering a grand prize in their Race&Win competition, a 3-night stay for two people at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Umhlanga with access to the Executive Lounge and all meals included – valued at R50 000!

The ever popular KidsZone will ensure that the young ones are well catered for and with Chilla Nathi operating their famous “Cookout Experience”, it promises to be a grand day out for the whole family. And to put the cherry on the cake, the weatherman is forecasting a gloriously warm afternoon. While entry to Hollywoodbets Greyville Race Course and the general facilities, including parking, is free, entrance tickets for the Chilla Nathi enclosure will be available on course.

The refurbished Shorthead Bar is freely open to the public and the famous Hollywood Bunny Chows will be on sale in this venue. And to cap it all off you can test your race-riding skills on the Virtual Jockey Experience and gain further insight into the challenges our professional jockeys face every time they enter the starting gates!

But while there is plenty to do for the whole family, the high quality horse racing takes centre stage and the presence of the country’s leading 3yo’s, Main Defender, Sandringham Summit and Double Grand Slam in each of the Feature Races only adds to the sparkle. Champions Season, also known as the National Championship of Horse Racing in South Africa brings together all the top horses, trainers and jockeys from around the country and, with vastly increased prize money on offer, the competition for top honours will be tough and exciting.

The brightest jewel in the Champions Season crown is clearly the R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday 6 July. 59 initial entries were received for Africa’s greatest horse racing event and their progress towards the first Saturday of July will be monitored with keen interest during the months of May and June. Tickets for the 2024 HDJ are already on sale and available from TicketPro, selected Spar Payzone Kiosks and Sasol stores.

As has been tradition for many years, Champions Season takes off with the running of the Independent on Saturday (IOS) Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m, backed up by the World Sports Betting (WSB) Guineas and the WSB Fillies Guineas, both of which are run for three year olds over 1600m.

The race meeting on Saturday starts at 11:15 with the running of the novel WSB Dash over 400m down the Hollywoodbets Greyville straight and is always a crowd favourite. The race has attracted a field of twelve speed merchants, including last year’s winner Trafalgar Square. Gates to Hollywoodbets Greyville will open at 10:00.

INDEPENDENT ON SATURDAY DRILL HALL STAKES 1400m

There can be no opposing Main Defender for the 2024 renewal of the R500 000 IOS Drill Hall Stakes. The Tony Peter-trained son of Pathfork has cracked an inside barrier, comes into the race as a winner of seven of his nine starts and an official rating of 131. Last time out he floored the opposition in the 1600m Horse Chestnut Stakes (Gr 1) on the Highveld and the 1400m here at Hollywoodbets Greyville will be right up his alley. It would come as something of a shock if he met with defeat on Saturday.

So who will chase Main Defender home? Gladatorian looks the obvious choice as his recent form is top class and there is no reason to believe another honest performance from Stuart Ferrie’s charge won’t be forthcoming. Mike De Kock’s two runners, Humdinger and Gimmeanotherchance, can be involved for the minor placings while Grade 1 winner Al Muthana has often done well at the Durban City track and he could bounce back to best form. Royal Aussie has place claims from pole position and it will be interesting to see how Cousin Casey fares after his blow-out in the Champions Challenge at Turffontein.

There is no such thing as a racing certainty, but victory for Main Defender looks as assured as it can possibly be, and he will be a popular banker in all exotic bets.

WORLD SPORTS BETTING GUINEAS 1600m

The long awaited rematch between Main Defender and Sandringham Summit will have to wait for another day. Main Defender has side-stepped the WSB Guineas to run in the Drill Hall Stakes which leaves the way clear for Sandringham Summit to notch up his sixth career victory from eleven starts. In his most recent start, Sandringham Summit took out the Hawaii Stakes over 1400m at Turffontein when beating Lucky Lad comfortably and the latter franked the form by winning the Senor Santa Sprint in dramatic fashion last weekend.

Perhaps the biggest danger to Sandringham Summit will be in-form Sean Tarry’s Mid Winter Wind who steps up to 1600m for the very first time. Unbeaten in his last four starts, Mid Winter Wind looks very progressive and could be equal to this rise in class. Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner, Snow Pilot, has obvious claims while SplashOut Cape Derby winner Green With Envy may just need this run and he would certainly appreciate a tougher test of stamina. He is one of the early favourites for the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July and his progress from here will be monitored with keen interest.

Hluhluwe showed terrific potential earlier this season but he might just need this run and appears held by Snow Pilot. On paper it is very difficult not to cast your vote for Sandringham Summit and he is expected to win, but Mid Winter Wind’s presence adds a measure of intrigue.

WORLD SPORTS BETTING FILLIES GUINEAS 1600m

Runaway Umzimkhulu Stakes winner, Double Grand Slam, will be a popular choice to follow up in Saturday’s WSB Fillies Guineas. In that race she finished more than five lengths ahead of Rascova and Minogue and the daughter of Vercingetorix should not be troubled by the extra 200m here.  

While both Rascova and Minogue may get a little closer to Double Grand Slam in Saturday’s WSB Fillies Guineas, one can’t ignore the chances of the Highveld raiders, Let’s Go Now and White Pearl. The latter has been frustratingly close in many Feature races without popping the Champagne but she is clearly talented and victory on Saturday would be just reward for her consistency. On past form there is not much to choose between White Pearl and Let’s Go Now and they are both expected to be in the mix.

It is not easy to measure the Western Cape form against the Highveld form insofar as the three year old fillies are concerned, but Double Grand Slam has earned the highest rating heading into the Fillies Guineas and she gets the benefit of the doubt to score for owners Gary Player, Dave MacLean and Suzette Viljoen.

RACE 1 

1st Pick: DIAZ (4)

Makes his class five debut after being a scratching two weeks ago in this grade. He was favored to win there and gets a great draw in barrier two for the inform Curatolo.

2nd Pick: OUR SECRET WEAPON (5)

Gets the advantage of a low draw for Ruan Maia and the blinkers have been applied to spark him up a bit. Loves this course and distance and must be respected.

3rd Pick: SUPER POSH (9)

The old boy caught the eye finishing second last start at a trip where he has a career best record. Is getting on in his career but deserves a top four pick here.

4th Pick: SUPERMAX (10)

Doesn’t win all that often but continues to run consistently at this grade. Champion jockey Nunes knows him well and draws well in five.

RACE 2

1st Pick: TOMMY GUN (1)

Formerly raced in Australia named Canyonlands trained by Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. Has shown speed in his Australian runs and gets the blinkers on from a wide draw. Half brother to proven Singapore winner Baffert. Watch betting.

2nd Pick: LUCKY WARRIOR (9)

Gets a nice draw in barrier three and will be nice and positive in the run for the in form Curatolo. Looked sharp winning a recent trial.

3rd Pick: CHEVAL PEGASUS (12)

The only two-year-old in the field and gets in very low at the weights for leading jockey Bruno Queiroz. Will need to jump sharply from a wide alley. Related to a one-time winner over 1000m in Australia.

4th Pick: LUCKY GOAL (2)

Boxed on well to finish second to the speedy Blackbuck last start. Nunes sticks aboard and seemed to appreciate having the blinkers on last start.

RACE 3

1st Pick: DIAMOND RING (2)

Wasn’t at his best last start finishing sixth over 1100m. Looks well placed here over 1000m and will be nice and positive in the run for comeback jockey Simon Kok. Expect support.

2nd Pick: BIZAR WINS (9)

Proven winner in this grade and has plenty of positives that include blinkers on and the inside draw for lightweight rider Zyrul. Looks a solid each way play at a price.

3rd Pick: HAPPY FRIDAY (7)

Ran a strong second and well held in his most recent trial. Would have been more confident if he drew a lower barrier but he could be the one to surprise.

4th Pick: GOLDEN WAY (4)

Stable have reapplied the blinkers for this week’s assault. From the low draw expect him to bounce quickly and be present nice and early. One for the quartets.

RACE 4

1st Pick: FREE AND HAPPY (6)

Meets a very open race here and gets in very well at the weights for our leading jockey. Will settle back but watch him sweep over them late like he did two starts back in similar conditions.

2nd Pick: STAR NORTH (4)

Finished 1.5 lengths behind Free And Happy two starts back over this same trip and course. Proven winner having beat a Group 3 winner in Ace Of Diamonds. Can bounce back here.

3rd Pick: MESMERIZING (2)

Hasn’t been in the Le Grange stable for long but loves these middle distance Polytrack races. Expect him to roll forward from the wide draw.

4th Pick: VITTORIA PERFETTA (5)

Looks the value runner in this race. If you go back to his last win he won impressively over this course and distance under Vlad Duric in a brave front running display. He has been ordinary lately but can bounce back here.

RACE 5

1st Pick: STARBOY (4)

Gets back to class five where he recorded his most recent win back in February. Drawn midfield in barrier seven and will need to break cleanly to roll forward. Leading trainer and apprentice combine.

2nd Pick: GUN (2)

Makes his class five debut for the Donna Logan stable and he has been treading towards this grade for a while now. Hard to believe he is at this level after running a strong second to Aniki back in December. Apprentice claim of four kilograms a big plus.

3rd Pick: KICK (6)

Draws well for the Bulldogs racing outfit and caught the eye running on behind the handy galloper Sacred Buddy last start. Should be well fancied in the betting but finds it very hard to win.

4th Pick: THE SHADOW (11)

He is a get back and run on style galloper who will look to snag back from a wide draw. If the speed is hot early in the race this gelding can flash home and finish in the money.

RACE 6

1st Pick: CENTURION (4)

Brings consistent form over mixed distances from his last six outings. His range is huge from placing over 1000m to winning over this trip in the past. Draws well and his best performance puts him in contention.

2nd Pick: TIGAROUS (2)

Jumped and led over 2000m last outing boxing on strongly to finish third. Wasn’t beaten far on this surface two starts back and gets a few kilograms off for our leading and reigning champion apprentice.

3rd Pick: TWO MILLION (3)

Bruno Queiroz takes the steer for Richard Lim and has a way of getting these out of form gallopers to lift. Will need luck from the wide draw but his last four runs he hasn’t been beaten far.

4th Pick: RAGING RABBIT (1)

Finding it hard to break through this USA bred gelding. Nunes gets back in the saddle after he steered him to a third placing two runs back. Better suited here on the Polytrack.

RACE 7

1st Pick: JIN SAKAMOTO (5)

Nunes booked to ride from barrier four. Blinkers go back on and caught the eye winning a trial breaking the 59 second barrier. Should bring his A Game here.

2nd Pick: PACIFIC ATLANTIC (2)

Just his third run in Singapore this week and was well supported in betting coming from well back to finish third behind Stop The Water. Wide draw is a concern.

3rd Pick: COOL SIXTY-ONE (1)

Rises up in the weights after a respectable second placing behind Stop The Water. A repeat performance puts him right into the mix here. The James Peters stable having a good run lately.

4th Pick: LIM’S CRAFT (6)

Has been a while since this talented eight-year-old has scored but connections must think he has something to offer between now and October. Two wins and two minor placings over this course and distance.

RACE 8

1st Pick: FORTUNE STAR (11)

Gets in low at the weights and Bruno Queiroz takes the reins. Expect him to position up nicely on the first corner and make use of the lightweight. Big chance here with great stats.

2nd Pick: ENGINE START (1)

Thrives at this level and proven at the trip with two wins in these conditions. Marc Lerner booked to ride and expect plenty of market support from our leading stable.

3rd Pick: KINABALU LIGHT (4)

Got the win last start from a great ride scoring over 1700m on this surface. He has finished in the money in three of his last six starts. Consistent class five performer.

4th Pick: KHAO MANEE (7)

Struggling to claim another win but is always running on in these middle-distance races at this level. If the speed is hot early, he can be catching the eye at the finish.

RACE 9

1st Pick: MAKIN (3)

Talented four-year-old who is looking to make it four wins on the bounce. Proven at the mile after a dominant win in this grade back in March. Freshened up for this and the four-year-old series is coming up for him.

2nd Pick: CAVALRY (4)

Just his third run for the season but stable have been spacing his runs and a possible G1 Kranji Mile run could be on the cards if he performs well here. Draws well and trialed well behind the likely favorite Makin.

3rd Pick: ROCKET STAR (2)

Multiple group performer who has run behind some of Singapores best for many years. Has found it hard to win but still has plenty to offer. Looked sharp at trackwork during the week.

4th Pick: ISTATABA (6)

Finished third in last years Singapore Gold Cup and with not many staying races on the program she will have to tackle the mile. Looks hard for her to win but can run on into some minor money.

RACE 10

1st Pick: BRANSOM (1)

Joins the James Peters stable after the departure of Stephen Gray last weekend. Doesn’t get any favors in the barrier department drawing ten this week. If he finds the lead easy he can skip away. Sharp sprinter at this grade.

2nd Pick: SURREY HILLS (3)

Nunes and Ong combine on this gelding who was grinding away at the winner Pacific Angel last start but had to settle for second. He’s drawn well to take a sit and pounce on them late.

3rd Pick: BABY TWINS (7)

Drops back to 1000m where he is better suited this former UK trained entire. Shows electric speed out of the gates but can knock up quickly. Needs everything to go right.

4th Pick: PACIFIC ANGEL (8)

Looking to make it three wins on the bounce. Very consistent mare who has had a great career here at Kranji and the low draw boosts her hopes in this.

Race 1: #8 La Forza, #5 Santorini, #9 Run Yes Run, #4 Meaningful Dragon
Race 2: #7 Arthur’s Kingdom, #1 Colourful Baron, #3 Superb Daddy, #10 Green Laser 
Race 3: #8 Speedy Smartie, #3 Circuit Eleven, #1 Must Go, #10 Joyful Life 
Race 4: #1 Packing Hurricane, #4 Holy Lake, #6 Sunstrider, #3 Star Mac 
Race 5: #9 Yoda’s Choice, #5 Bottomuptogether, #2 Multisuper, #12 Ruby Sailing 
Race 6: #9 Joy Of Spring, #13 Chilli Baba, #2 Aestheticism, #1 Laugh Tale 
Race 7: #4 Ariel, #7 Call Me Supreme, #8 Storming Dragon, #12 Top Peak
Race 8: #4 Five G Patch, #9 Ka Ying Generation, #1 Russian Emperor, #11 Unbelievable 
Race 9: #2 Victory Moments, #9 Nebraskan, #6 Monta Frutta, #3 Capital Delight 
Race 10: #8 Ka Ying Rising, #11 Gorgeous Win, #3 Packing Treadmill, #2 Bundle Of Charm 
Race 11: #3 Superb Kid, #9 Super Goldi, #4 Golden Artie, #8 Magnificent Nine 

Race 1: The Argonaut Plate

#8 La Forza finished second on debut. He ran well that day and will have taken plenty of improvement from that effort. He’s the one to beat here, especially with Zac Purton retaining the ride. #5 Santorini finished third in the same race. He’ll roll forward once more and give this group something to worry about. #9 Run Yes Run is another with race experience on the board. #4 Meaningful Dragon is first-up. He comes from the right stable and is worth keeping safe. Next best. 

Race 2: Special Cargo Handicap

#7 Arthur’s Kingdom is still yet to win in Hong Kong. He’s done his best racing this season and the weekend’s course and distance could be exactly what he is after to finally win, especially if there’s rain around. Taking a chance on him. #1 Colourful Baron is in superb form and he returns after narrowly missing last start. #3 Superb Daddy knows what it’s all about and he steps away from a favourable draw. He goes about his racing well. #10 Green Laser mixes his form but the featherweight impost has him fancied.

Race 3: Manicou Handicap

#8 Speedy Smartie is only a one-time winner but he doesn’t know how to run a bad race. Expecting him to lead here and the return to his preferred course and distance is a big advantage. #3 Circuit Eleven floundered on debut, however, he can improve significantly by switching to the dirt course. He showed plenty of prowess in his trials on the surface and Zac Purton’s services are noteworthy. #1 Must Go is in sound form and his win two starts back was solid. #10 Joyful Life is next in line.

Race 4: Insular Handicap

#1 Packing Hurricane is a nice horse and he gets a handy 10 pounds removed from his back here with Ellis Wong engaged. The inside gate suits and he was a winner in this grade three runs back. #4 Holy Lake is after back-to-back wins. He continues to improve and is usually underestimated. He gets his chance here. #6 Sunstrider is lightly raced but does appear to be coming to hand nicely. #3 Star Mac is racing well and he has a powerful finish on his day. He gets an opportunity.

Race 5: Isle Of Man Handicap

#9 Yoda’s Choice did incredibly well last time out and that sort of performance has him favoured this weekend. He can take another step forward and Vincent Ho’s retention is ideal. #5 Bottomuptogether makes his debut. His latest trial was super impressive and he appears well placed to contend first-up. Zac Purton takes the ride. #2 Multisuper scored a well-deserved victory last time out. He knows how to win now and gets his chance this weekend. #12 Ruby Sailing is next in line.

Race 6: Norman Conqueror Handicap

#9 Joy Of Spring is in superb form. He’s so close to a first win and once again he gets a great chance to score breakthrough victory. One to beat, even from the wide gate. #13 Chilli Baba slots in light. He tends to mix his form, although his runs this campaign have been solid. He closed off nicely last start and can make his presence felt here. #2 Aestheticism has the wide draw to overcome. He’s a two-time course and distance winner already this season. #1 Laugh Tale is lightly raced but does have the scope to improve.

Race 7: Monaveen Handicap

#4 Ariel gets the 10 pounds taken off his back. He’s racing well and should be able to roll forward with ease here from gate five. One to catch. #7 Call Me Supreme again draws awkwardly but his latest effort for fourth was solid. He can improve and the services of Hugh Bowman once again are worth consideration. #8 Storming Dragon grabbed third on debut. He’s another who can improve significantly with more experience. #12 Top Peak slots in light and should get a sweet run from gate three.

Race 8: G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap

#4 Five G Patch is on the quick back-up. He’s a nice horse and his run at Group 1 level last Sunday was very, very good. This is the sort of race he can make his presence felt in, especially over this sort of trip. #9 Ka Ying Generation was superb last start in the BMW Hong Kong Derby when finishing third. He’s an improving horse and he has run well over this trip before in Ireland. #1 Russian Emperor has the class to win. The hefty impost is the concern. #11 Unbelievable is improving and deserves respect.

Race 9: Game Spirit Handicap

#2 Victory Moments is a classy operator and he’s a winner already this season. He boasts some strong form behind Sing Dragon, enough so to suggest that he could win this weekend’s test. #9 Nebraskan returns for his second start. He trialled well on the dirt prior to his debut and has a suitable gate here. #6 Monta Frutta needs to overcome the barrier, although his recent form has been superb. #3 Capital Delight is next in line for an in-form Fownes/Ho combination.

Race 10: Brandy Snap Handicap

#8 Ka Ying Rising is a seriously smart horse. He’s won three times from five starts in Hong Kong and will make his Class 2 debut this weekend. The step up appears well within his grasp, especially from gate five under a low weight. #11 Gorgeous Win slots in light and continues to race well. He can test this group. #3 Packing Treadmill will get his shot on the speed or even in the leading position. He’ll get the right run from gate one. #2 Bundle Of Charm is in career-best form this season. Keep safe.

Race 11: Inch Arran Handicap

#3 Superb Kid is a talent and his last-start victory was superb. Zac Purton retains the ride and he should find a soft lead from gate one. He’ll take beating if can maintain his upward trajectory. #9 Super Goldi returned to his best in fine style last start. He has the gate to overcome, although he is open to improving again. #4 Golden Artie narrowly missed last start. He’s drawn poorly but this contest isn’t an overly strong one. #8 Magnificent Nine is progressing well and he can do the same again this weekend.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Andrew Harrison

Hot Pearl often lives up to her name and Wendy Whitehead was having anxious moments as the course ambulance came to a halt before the start of the second race at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday. “I was having heart failure because she doesn’t like to wait for anyone. She’s very impatient and it was a long wait for the ambulance.”

Regular rider Calvin Habib had it all under control and managed to keep her quiet. “She handled herself professionally behind the gate,” he said post-race.

However, neither jockey or the filly’s connections needed to worry once the gates opened as Hot Pearl streaked clear and was not for the catching as she put five lengths on her nearest rival, Rapid Fire who just got the better of favourite Vision To Achieve. 

If you want to know why Richard Fourie is champion jockey elect and well on his way to breaking Anthony Deplech’s record of 334 winners in a season, watch the head-on replay of the Fillies Maiden Plate, third race on yesterday’s card won by Canford Queen.

Always handy and on the quarters of pacemaker Lemon Scent, the race was unfolding as expected until Lemon Scent lost her compass under pressure. Fourie found himself hunting running room as Lemon Scent continued to drift outwards and Canford Queen continually blocked.

“She was dead,” commented Gavin van Zyl, assistant to his son Gareth, post-race but Fourie finally managed a clear run and his filly responded gamely, taking off over the final 100m to snatch the decision ahead of City Lights. “You can’t get there without the horse,” said Fourie in a typical understatement. 

Down in class but carrying the ‘grandstand’ Rachel Venniker rode a patient race on Chara Sands from his wide draw in the sixth and gave the gelding a copybook ride as he glided to victory with Venniker posing like a statue. Michael Roberts, recognizing talent, took Venniker under his wing from her first days in the Jockey Academy. A better mentor she could not have asked for. A champion rider on two continents, Roberts is a hard task master but Venniker has repaid with hard work and yesterday rode her 100^th winner for the stable, fittingly aboard a horse bred and owned by Michael’s wife Verna.

The Little Ballerina form lines have been some of the hottest in recent memory with a host of winners finishing behind her. The Mask was another as Glen Kotzen opened his Champion’s Season account, the son of Gimmethegreenlight bounding clear in the straight to win the first unchallenged.

Gelded after his debut behind Little Ballerina where he ran into traffic to finish nine lengths off the winner, there were no mistakes yesterday as Athandiwe Mgudlwa steadied him around the turn. A sling-shot into the straight saw the traffic melt away and The Mask was not for the catching. Always Shining tried gamely but was hard-pressed to hold debutante Bound By Destiny, Dean Kannemeyer’s runner definitely one for the notebook.

Muzi Yeni is possibly the hardest rider to get past in a tight finish. His low centre of gravity allows him to keep balance when throwing the kitchen sink as he showed on Tom’s Act. He had Doug Campbell’s runner poised in midfield before making his challenge and the son of Act Of War responded to Yeni’s vigorous urgings to get his head in front of a closing pack headed by San Marzano.

Lucky Dollar backed up on his recent victory with a strong finish to land the fifth for Stuart Ferrie. The lightly weighted Action Stations with 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies aboard, was always in front until challenged by Lucky Dollar, Tristan Godden timing his run to perfection.

The combination of Venniker and Dennis Bosch have been in good form of late and it was back-to-back wins for Venniker as she sent favourite Poursomesugaronme up the inside rail to score a bloodless victory in the seventh.