Andrew Harrison

Championship leader Justin Snaith can strike first run out of the box when he starts his Champions Season raid with Roland Garros in the March Stakes that heads the card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today.

He boasts smart Cape form but does shoulder top weight against some useful opposition. Just how he shapes should give Snaith an early indication of what his three-year-olds are  up against this winter. Sean Veale is Hollywood Racing preferred rider but although his choice Gotta Go Eddie has hardly been out of the money stable companion I’m A Fireball could prove the stable pick if one ignores his run behind Splittheeights in the Gauteng Guines where he had to contend with a wide gate. Kanaal Skater was disappointing on the poly last time but is smart on his day and will have a good chance on his best showing.

In the first, opening leg of the Bi-Pot, Paul Lafferty was confident that Mekong would put up a forward showing but she raced green in a smart debut. She is sure to come on with the experience. So to Garth Puller’s fill Anushka who started at long odds on debut but showed up well and only run out of it late. The more exposed Japura has consistent form over course and distance and will be one of the fancied runners. There are a number of debutants with smart pedigrees so the betting could be a valuable guide.

In the first leg of the PA, Durban Diamond won well on debut for Dennis Bosch and runner-up Japura had solid form prior to that. She should come on with the experience and can follow up. Miller has his usual contingent of smart runners best of which may be the filly Global Trend with stable rider Tristan Godden aboard. She won well on debut in good time and should run a big race. Stable companion Ode To The Sea improved with each outing to win last time out and a 1.5kg allowance will add to his cause.

Psyche was strongly fancied to shed her maiden last run after two smart efforts. She was narrowly beaten last outing on this course but looks progressive and should have a big say in the first leg of the Pick 6. Skyline Bell disappointed first up on the poly last start when starting favourite. The switch to turf could bring out the best while Skipper O’Malley has been knocking at the door at recent starts in Open Maidens. She must have a strong chance in this line-up. Crimson Typhoon steps up in trip with the blinkers staying on. She could be the upset package.

The fifth is an oOpen handicap but JP’S Palace is never far back and was narrowly beaten in the Fever Tree Stakes over course and distance last time out. He comes from the in-form yard of Darryl Moore  with the best of the draw and a 1.5kg allowance. Tyrconnell was a neck behind JP’s Palace in the Fever Tree and they meet on the same terms but are drawn on opposite sides of the barrier which could be the deciding factor between the two. Queue Wing has been in good form in blinkers and has a handy weight helped by a 1.5kg claimer and he will be dangerous. Mister Nibbles has shown steady recent improvement and although he is up in class he takes the corresponding trop in weight along with a 2.5kg claimer.

Fortress Of Fire made an eye-catching debut for Michael Roberts last season but didn’t build on that effort as expected. He now appears to have got his ‘mojo’ back after that spell in the doldrums winning his last two. He is progressive and although he takes on stronger in the March Stakes that heads the card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday he does look capable of making it three on the bounce.

It will not be easy. Vihaan’s Web has been in good form on this course at his last two and gets the benefit of a 2.5kg claimer aboard. Gareth van Zyl’s runner may prefer it a touch shorter which could give Fortress Of Fire a small edge. Mike Miller has a ton of talent in his yard and the smart gelding Licence To Thrill is over his favourite course and distance. He was close-up behind the smart and progressive Wild Justice last time out and should be right there again. The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained Cymric has been a major disappointment of late but back over a sprint on a course where he has won before he could be the surprise package.

The sixth is a competitive handicap but Littleblacknumber  has been threatening for some time now. She is better than her last run and the step up in trip could suit. Ethereal View is struggling for her next win but has been coming down in the ratings and may now be off a more competitive mark. Greenlight Queen has been showing consistent form on the poly but the step up in trip on the turf could be what she is looking for.

The last is another open handicap where Queen Braganza found it tough going after her second win but was not far back over course and distance when facing stronger last time out. She gets the benefit of a 4kg claimer and can feature. Dawn Surprise is in cracking form but got an eight-point raise in the handicap for her last win. Although she still has the benefit of a 4kg claimer, she does step up in class. Sugarbush returns from a long break and makes her local debut but her Cape form was useful and it could pay to follow the money on this one.

RACE 1

3 MEKONG   6 ANUSHKA   9 JAPURA   8 FLOWER TRYST

Summary: MEKONG (3) raced green in a smart debut. She is sure to come on with the experience. ANUSHKA (6) started at long odds on debut but showed up well and only run out of it late. JAPURA (9) has consistent form over course and distance and will be one of the fancied runners. There are a number of debutants with smart pedigrees so the betting could be a valuable guide. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-9-8).

RACE 2

3 DURBAN DIAMOND   2 GLOBAL TREND   1 ODE TO THE SEA   5 SILENT WORLD

Summary: DURBAN DIAMOND (3) won well on debut and runner-up Japura had solid form prior to that. She should come on with the experience and can follow up. Mike Miller has his usual contingent of smart runners best of which may be the filly GLOBAL TREND (2) with stable rider Tristan Godden aboard. She won well on debut in good time and should run a big race. Stable companion ODE TO THE SEA (1) improved with each outing to win last time out and a 1.5kg allowance will add to his cause. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-1-5).

RACE 3

4 PSYCHE   8 SKYLINE BELL   1 SKIPPER O’MALLEY   5 CRIMSON TYPHOON

Summary: PSYCHE (4) has put in three smart efforts to date and was narrowly beaten last outing on this course. She looks progressive and should have a big say. SKYLINE BELL (8) disappointed first up on the poly last start when starting favourite. The switch to turf could bring out the best. SKIPPER O’MALLEY (1) has been knocking at the door at recent starts in Open Maidens. She must have a strong chance in this line-up. CRIMSON TYPHOON (5) steps up in trip with the blinkers staying on. She could be the surprise package. (Andrew Harrison: 4-8-1-5).

RACE 4

1 JP’S PALACE   12 TYRCONNELL   2 QUEUE WING   5 MISTER NIBBLES

Summary: Open handicap. JP’S PALACE (1) is never far back. He was narrowly beaten in the Fever Tree Stakes over course and distance last time out. He comes from an in form stable with the best of the draw and a 1.5kg allowance. TYRCONNELL (12) was a neck behind JP’s Palace in the Fever Tree. They meet on the same terms but are drawn opposite sides of the barrier which could be the decided between the two. QUEUE WING (2) has been in good form in blinkers. He has a handy weight helped by a 1.5kg claimer and he will be dangerous. MISTER NIBBLES (5) has shown steady recent improvement. He is up in class but takes the corresponding trop in weight along with a 2.5kg claimer.  (Andrew Harrison: 1-12-2-5).

RACE 5

5 ROLAND GARROS   1 I’M A FIREBALL   4 GOTTA GO EDDIE   2 KANAAL SKATER

Summary: Justin Snaith can strike first run out of the box as he starts his Champions Season raid with ROLAND GARROS (5). He boasts smart Cape form but does shoulder top weight against some useful opposition. Just how he shapes should give Snaith an early indication of what his three-year-olds are  up against this winter. Sean Veale is Hollywood Racing preferred rider but although GOTTA GO EDDIE (4) has hardly been out of the money stable companion I’M A FIREBALL (1) could prove the stable pick if one ignores his run behind Splittheeights in the Gauteng Guines where he had to contend with a wide gate. KANAAL SKATER (2) was disappointing on the poly last time put but is smart on his day and will have a good chance on his best showing. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-4-2).

RACE 6

5 LITTLEBLACKGEM   4 ETHEREAL VIEW   3 GREENLIGHT QUEEN   7 FLYING REIGN STORM

Summary: Competitive handicap. LITTLEBLACKGEM (5) has been threatening for some time now. She is better than her last run and the step up in trip could suit. ETHEREAL VIEW (4) is struggling for her next win but has been coming down in the ratings and may now be off a more competitive mark. GREENLIGHT QUEEN (3) has been showing consistent form on the poly but the step up in trip on the turf could be what she is looking for. FLYING REIGN STORM (7) has been in good form of late and has won over course and distance. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-3-7).

RACE 7

7 FORTRESS OF FIRE   6 VIHAAN’S WEB   1 LICENCE TO THRILL   5 CYMRIC

Summary: FORTRESS OF FIRE (7) has got his ‘mojo’ back after a spell in the doldrums winning his last two. He is progressive and although he takes on stronger this time around he does look capable. VIHAAN’S WEB (6) has been in good form on this course at his last two and gets the benefit of a 2.5kg claimer aboard. He may prefer it a touch shorter. LICENCE TO THRILL (1) is over his best course and distance. He was close-up behind the smart Wild Justice last time out and should be right there again. CYMRIC (5) has been a major disappointment of late but back over a sprint he could find his best form. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-1-5).

RACE 8

6 SARAGOSSA CAT   1 QUEEN BRANZA   5 DAWN SURPRISE   9 SUGAR BUSH

Summary: Open handicap. SARAGOSSA CAT (6) has her first outing for Tinnie Prinsloo . She has smart Highveld form and rates a strong chance. QUEEN BRAGANZA (1) found it tough going after her second win but was not far back over course and distance when facing stronger last time out. She gets the benefit of a 4kg claimer and can feature. DAWN SURPRISE (5) is in cracking form but got an eight-point raise in the handicap for her last win. Although she still has the benefit of a 4kg claimer aboard, she does step up in class. SUGARBUSH (9) returns from a long break and makes her local debut. He Cape form was useful and it could pay to follow the money on this one. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-5-9).

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The quality of the three-year-old colt division is such an intriguing debate. There is little consistency across the country and a standout is not evident for now. That adds some excitement because something will step forward in the coming months. Star Major could be the one. He will be sufficiently tested in the Grade 1 Lucky Fish Cape Derby over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

Always held in high regard, Star Major has not necessarily had the rub of the green. A combination of wide draws and traffic problems had halted him from announcing himself among the main three-year-old campaigners this season. He showed his class when he won the HKJC World Pool Politician Stakes over 1800m at this course in late January. The most taking aspect of that he ran past the strongly fancied Happy Verse with ease. He hit the line with tons in hand.

His hard-luck stories along the way started in the Grade 2 Cape Punters Cup when he was supported in the market and got tight for room up the inside rail. He still finished 2,55 lengths behind Good For You. A terrible draw of No 12 in the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas proved too hard an ask when he got into the action but plodded late to finish 3,45 lengths behind runaway winner, Jan Van Goyen. He still finished sixth, close-up behind the placegetters.

Luyolo Mxothwa is carded to take the ride for James Crawford. This son of Querari seems to be peaking at the right time. He could follow in impressive footsteps. Last year, this race was won by subsequent Equus Horse Of The Year, Eight On Eighteen.

The last time a filly won this race was in 1999. Dog Wood claimed victory for Mike de Kock. Wish List is the best chance the fairer sex has had of winning this race since. She won the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes over 1800m in mid-January in emphatic style. She finished ahead of Reet Petite and Double Grand Slam who subsequently won the Grade 1 Maine Chance Farms Majorca Stakes.

Ironically, Wish List is by star sire Legislate who won this race in 2014. He was ridden by Richard Fourie. He was trained by Justin Snaith. Wish List is trained and she will be ridden by the same men. Perhaps it is written in the stars. The three-year-old fillies’ form is more reliable than the colts. She could fit into the picture as a winner so she warrants respect.

Note To Self could be a top horse in the making. One grapples with themselves whether he is ready to win a Grade 1 in February. He is clearly on his way through the divisions and he is impressive. His last win came against far weaker but he has all the attributes of a brilliant horse. A place would be acceptable but a win would send him through the glass ceiling. Grant van Niekerk gets the chance to ride for Snaith.

Happy Verse is considered as an alternative option. He needs to prove he can reach this distance. He could ultimately be waiting to be gelded. He too has loads of ability. Gavin Lerena takes the ride for Snaith.

The Grade 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes over 1200m is always a competitive affair. The race often points to Grade 1 paths around the country for the rest of the season. Instinct suggests that Outlaw King could be perfectly setup to win after his World Pool Cape Flying Championship effort. He flashed up late to finish third, less than a length behind Kingdundee. Trainer Dean Kannemeyer was noted that he was unsure whether 1000m last time would be to his liking. His best form is over this trip. He runs like he will get this trip. His running style takes a brave punters to label him as a good thing because he drops in and finds his feet late, but this could be his biggest moment. Craig Zackey takes the ride.

Questioning, All The Rage, Asiye Phambili and I Am Giant figure into the play as his main dangers.

The only form to work with in race 1 over 1000m is hugely unconvincing so a first timer is the likely winner. Grapes Of Wrath is a half-sister to Charles Dickens and she had a gallop at this course just over a month ago. She galloped smartly. Candice Bass trains and Aldo Domeyer, the Charles Dickens team, combine.

The first feature is the Listed Masks Of Fire Kenilworth Cup over 2500m, race 2. There are stamina queries in this small field. A chance is taken on Landoftherisingsun. He has hinted that he has not unlocked his full potential. Perhaps this extra distance will open a few more doors for him.

Race 3 over 1600m sees Phantom Man as the most likely to exit the maiden ranks. He has been runner-up in his last two runs when favourite to get the job done. There are a few with pleasing form in the race so it will not be a procession. Serino Moodley is up for Andre Nel.

Trainer Alan Greeff was in the headlines for his exploits with his two-year-olds last season. He won the Ridgemont Cape Of Good Hope Nursery last season with Direct Hit. He is back for more with Casperita who was one of the most impressive two-year-old winners to date this season. It will take something special for Greeff to repeat what he did between February 2025 and July 2025 but this is his start. She dotted up by 6,75 lengths at Fairview earlier this month. Richard Fourie is carded to ride.

The OTT Cape Fillies Classic over 1800m, race 5, is not easy to decipher despite a small field. Kattekwaadkwadraad could be maturing at the right time and set to emerge for Mxothwa and Crawford. She has always been immature and playful which has settled down gradually over her runs. If she is not ready for a stakes feature yet, she will surely get there. Keep an eye on her. When she is the finished article, she could become smart. She just needs to make slight improvement to win. She might possess that progress.

The Grade 2 Splashout Prix Du Cup, race 6, over 1400m looks tailormade for Stormwatch. Trainer Eric Sands commented on Perfectly Placed before her last run that he was going back to basics and educating her how to race again. That worked a charm. Dropped in she motored by aiming at horses. She lengthened to beat Air Raid by a length over this course and distance. In the post-race interview, Gavin Lerena basically booked the ride for her in this race. She is the only certainty in the event to relish this distance.

Snow Pilot came back to his best in a strong race last time. When in form, he is among the best around. He could back that up in the Listed Play ‘N Go Jet Master Stakes over 1600m. A known frontrunner, Richard Fourie dropped him behind the pace at the end of January. He stormed to victory. The former Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner ought to have his confidence back. Expect some stiff competition from Garrix who is back to his best distance. He is an excellent horse.

Prince Of Tibet loves Hollywoodbets Durbanville but he has remained consistent at HQ. He could maintain those good numbers in race 10 over 1600m under Aldo Domeyer.

RACE 1

The majority of the field step out for the very first time, so the market will be our best guide-watch for any strong support late on. With no exposed form to go on, breeding, stable confidence and parade ring impressions could prove crucial. The only runner with race experience didn’t show much on debut and was well beaten, that said, natural improvement second time out is always possible. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 7 – 3 – 1)

RACE 2

1 TENPENNY won a great race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 11th of February, he was given six points for that victory, provided that he stays this trip of 2500m, he will be hard to beat. 5 ERIC LIDDELL stayed on nicely for third behind Note To Self on the 31st of January, he is a big horse with a great action, he will love this trip, watch him closely, he can definitely win a race like this. 6 GENTLEMAN JOE finished just over two lengths behind Eric Liddell last time, he carried top weight on that occasion, and still managed to run a super race, he is honest, and he tries hard, there is no doubt that he will be competitive on his best form. 2 LANDOFTHERISINGSUN ran third behind Tenpenny on the 11th of February at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he likes to be on speed early, if he stays this trip, he can finish amongst the places. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 5 – 6 – 2)

RACE 3

5 FREQUENT TRAVELLER is much better than his last start, he finished just under seven lengths behind Fort Liam on the 11th of February, in hope that he is ridden positively on Saturday afternoon, he will be competitive at a decent price, include him into all bets. 6 PHANTOM MAN never runs a bad race, he finished second in the same race as Frequent Traveller last time, he will be on speed early, and he will try and get away from the field at the right time, watch him closely. 10 ROYAL INFLUENCER must have a big winning chance in this field, he ran a super race for third behind Klein Karoo on the 11th of February, that was his first run back from a small break, he will love the step up in trip to 1800m, if he gets some luck in running from a bad draw, he can make them all work for victory. 3 SPANISH VERSE caught the eye late for third behind Fort Liam last time, he should get the run of the race from a good draw. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 6 – 10 – 3)

RACE 4

1 CASPERITA won impressively at Fairview Racecourse on the 6th of February, she could be absolutely anything, there was plenty to like about the way she hit the line, she looks smart, and she looks progressive, include her into all bets. 7 QUERARI DANCER had no luck last time, she finished just under two lengths behind Red Spice on the 31st of January, she is a decent filly with lots of ability, if the gaps open at the right time on Saturday, she will be competitive. 5 RED SPICE quickened up smartly to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 31st of January, the yard thinks highly of this colt, he can definitely win again. 9 LADY NANCY ran a great race behind Red Spice on the 31st of January, she was flying at the finish when beaten just under two lengths at the line, the extra 100m on Saturday will help her chances. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 7 – 5 – 9)

RACE 5

1 QUEEN REGENT stayed on well for third behind Time For Love on the 31st of January, she never runs a bad race this filly, the drop in trip to 1800m is key for this individual on Saturday, there should be no excuses from a good draw, include her into all bets. 2 BEACH VERSE travelled like a winner last time when finishing second behind Rose Woott in the Clapham Stakes, she is extremely well-bred, if she stays the 1800m, she will go close to winning. 7 KATTEKWAADKWADRAAD finished third in the same race as Beach Verse on the 4th of February, she is in a great space at the moment, her form is very good, she will be competitive again. 4 KUBU ran a lovely race for third behind Educator on the 17th of January, she is a young filly that is still improving with every start, she might be able to sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 2 – 7 – 4)

RACE 6

1 SWIATEK is much better than her last run in the Grade 3 Summer Fling Stakes, she didn’t stay last time, jockey Richard Fourie gets the best out of this filly, from a neat draw, she will run a big race, watch her closely at a decent price. 5 PRINCESS OF GAUL stayed on well for second behind Babelicious on the 31st of January, the step up in trip to 1400m on Saturday will help this filly, she is packed with class, and she has a sharp turn of foot late, she will go close here. 4 STORMWATCH won a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 4th of February, she was given four points for that win last time, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be running on strongly late. 2 BABELICIOUS won in great fashion at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 31st of January, she was given six points for that impressive win, she will run a cracker here from a good draw. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 5 – 4 – 2)

RACE 7

13 ALL THE RAGE quickened up super impressively to win a good race on the 31st of January, he was given three points for that win, even though the race didn’t go according to plan early for this colt last time, he still managed to win going away at the line, he is packed with class, there is no doubt he can win again. 1 TEFLON MAN had absolutely no luck in the Winchester Sprint Cup on the 31st of January behind All The Rage, he will be switched off early, and he will be low-flying late, include him into all bets. 8 I AM GIANT must have a good each way chance, he ran a blinder for second in the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship on the 10th of January, if the gaps open at the right time for this gelding, he will be competitive. 2 OUTLAW KING finished third in the same race as I Am Giant last time, top jockey Craig Zackey sticks with this gelding, he will right there in the finish. (Brandon Bailey: 13 – 1 – 8 – 2)

RACE 8

5 NOTE TO SELF won like a smart horse in the making on the 31st of January, he is a beautiful horse with a big action, even though this is a big step up in class for him, he looks progressive, and he looks exciting, he should be right there in the finish. 1 STAR MAJOR had to work hard to win the Grade 3 Politician Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 31st of January, the yard thinks highly of this colt, he should love the step up in trip to 2000m, watch him closely at a decent price. 2 WISH LIST was given a terrific ride by jockey Andrew Fortune in the Grade 1 Paddock Stakes on the 10th of January, she quickened up beautifully to beat a good field on that occasion, if she stays the 2000m trip on Saturday, she has a big winning chance. 6 HAPPY VERSE travelled like a winner behind Star Major in the Grade 3 event on the 31st of January, he moved up at the right time, and he was nailed on the post in a driving finish, if he behaves going down to the start on Saturday, he will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 1 – 2 – 6)

RACE 9

9 GARRIX must be the value horse in this tricky race, he was only beaten just over three lengths in the Grade 1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met on the 31st of January, the drop in trip is key for this gelding on Saturday, and the blinkers have been fitted, he will be low-flying late. 10 JET FORCE quickened up like a smart horse to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 14th of February, he will be switched off early from a wide draw, and he will be storming home late, include him into all bets. 4 ZEITZ was a touch disappointing in the Grade 2 Premier Trophy on the 10th of January, he finished just over four lengths behind I Salute You, he could bounce back to his best form now that he drops in trip to 1600m. 8 I SALUTE YOU must have a good each way chance in this field, Trainer Peter Muscutt has done a wonderful job with this gelding, if he gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, he will make them all work for victory. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 10 – 4 – 8)

RACE 10

2 TRIP TO CAMELOT has been rested and gelded, he caught the eye late when finishing just over five lengths behind Chance Encounter on the 10th of December, even though he is a maiden running against winners, he looks progressive, top jockey Richard Fourie has been booked to ride this individual from a good draw, he will go close. 5 MIDWAY is much better than his recent start, he finished just under five lengths behind Double Dash on the 11th of February, the drop in trip to 1600m will help this gelding on Saturday, he should be competitive on his best form. 1 PRINCE OF TIBET has been rested for 110 days, he was last seen running third behind Boundless Love on the 10th of November, he always has a winning chance at this level. 4 DOUBLE DISTILLED has run two excellent races in succession, he should be able to sneak into the places on his current form. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 5 – 1 – 4)