David Thiselton

 

The WSB Grand Heritage to be run over 1475m at the Vaal today features the annual biggest field in South African racing and the winner this year might be Master Christmas.

 

The five-year-old Tony Peter-trained Master Of My Fate gelding has good form and is distance suited, so from a potentially favourable high draw he could go one better than last year. He is 2kg better off with Mastership for a 1,20 length beating over 1500m in his last start and carries a nice galloping weight of 55,5kg with Gavin Lerena up. Yippee Kiyay sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and this Buffalo Bill Cody three-year-old has done well this season in two runs as a gelding and looks to be progressive. He should enjoy this step up in distance being out of a Silvano mare whose three wins were from 1400m to 1450m and JP van der Merwe rides. He has a low draw but low draws have been the winning draws for the last two years. The five-year-old Diane Stenger-trained Master Of My Fate gelding Mastership is ideally distance suited and has always had a touch of class, so he could go close carrying 57,5kg off a 100 merit rating under Marco van Rensburg. The five-year-old Lancaster Bomber gelding Pressonregardless has come into his own recently and has a nice middle draw. He carries a big weight of 59,5kg, but Richard Fourie is aboard. Bristol Hercules has a touch of class and can make his presence felt over a suitable trip from a high draw carrying just 52kg under Mickaëlle Michel and being just half-a-kilogram under sufferance. Taegan’s Champ has the class to be a contender over a suitable distance. Bob’s Your Uncle is on his home course over a suitable trip and represents Lucky Houdalakis, who has a good record in this race. Obsidian is in fine form and will be going for his third win this season over a suitable trip and carries 56kg under S’Manga Khumalo. Birthright carries just 52,5kg under Chase Maujean and is a capable sort who should be prominent and will relish the distance. Open Highway is capable of running on but is officially 1kg under sufferance under Kabelo Matsunyane. Dylan’s Champ is also in fine form but is also 1kg under sufferance. Calantha has proven form over this distance and Callan Murray up is a bonus, but it’s never easy against the boys. The filly Care Forgot is 1kg better off with Mastership for a 2,30 length beating over 1500m so should not be far off. Fire ‘N Flames is joint topweight with 60kg and has the ability to be right there over what should be an ideal trip. Potberrie is also distance suited and this joint topweight is also a contender in this wide open race. Hotarubi has talent but is a problematic horse and has only made the frame once in six starts this season. Rollotheviking is an interesting raider over a suitable trip but does appear to be at his best on the poly. Skittle skies has ability but might find this on the sharp side. Sonic Jet has come down to a competitive merit rating and should be effective over this trip. Pumpkin Pie can’t be discounted as he has a chance if producing his best. Red Bomber ran a fine race last time which puts him right into the picture. Wiccan Warrior is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and will be right there if producing his best. Paul Revere can still improve but has a hard task being 2,5kg under sufferance. They are selected in the order mentioned.

 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Maverick Queen is on the up and is the one to beat under Richard Fourie even if having to overcome a seven point raise for her last win.

 

In the second leg over 2400m Copper Plate ran a cracker when stepped up to a staying trip last time. losing narrowly with the rest well beaten, so he should take a power of beating.

 

In the seventh race, the Grand Heritage Consolation race, Fully Loaded is the form Choice, although Tsar Bomba is off a nice mark and can go close if bouncing back to form.

 

In the eighth race over 1475m Drivelikeamaster relished the step up to 1450m last time and although given four points for the run he should go close.

 

In the ninth over 1400m Bloomington ran a cracker last time and with a 4kg claimer up could be involved.

 

In the first race over 1000m Heath House showed tremendous gate speed and natural speed on debut and should blitz them here.

 

In the second over 1200m Varachino’s Champ was due to run on Thursday but if still eligible here looks the one to beat.

 

In the third race over 1200m Tintin has plenty of ability and has a good opportunity to get off the mark.

 

In the tenth race over 1000m Inafix has consistent form over this trip and should be right there.

 

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Newcastle and Southwell (UK) – 19 December 2025.

RACE 1

4 DEE DEE’S DELIGHT   11 CALI  BULLET   8 MS GALORE   2 SKIPPER O’MALLY

   Summary: DEE DEE’S DELIGHT (4) has improved with each outing. If she stays the trip should should go close again. CALI BULLET (11) has also improved with each outing. She was run out of it late last run and the step up in trip should suit. MS GALORE (8) has patchy form but on her day will go close. The extra may suit. There should not be much between SKIPPER O’MALLEY (2) and CALL ME HARRIET (9) a neck separating them on the poly last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 4-11-8-2).

RACE 2

1 THE NILE BOSS   2 MOVING IN   7 AMAFORT  5 GOLDEN ANGEL

Summary: THE NILE BOSS (1) was not far back first up for her new stable. She has some fair Cape form over the distance and with a light weight and a good draw could go all the way. MOVING IN (2) is down in class with a big weight but a useful claiming apprentice will make it easier. 7 AMAFORT (7) has been knocking on the door for some time now and should be up there once again. GOLDEN ANGEL (5) was a beaten favourite first run out of the maidens. That was her first run for a new stable and she can come on from that showing. BLIND SPEED (3) has improved at her last two on the poly. Her recent turf form has not been great. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-7-5).

RACE 3

8 PLUM PUDDING   5 JP’S PALACE   4 FRENCH TRIP   6 TROIS TROIS QUATRE

Summary: PLUM PUDDING (8) goes well this trip and has solid recent form to commend her. She has started favourite at her last three. JP’S PALACE (5) steps up to what looks to be a more suitable trip. He is never far back and the stable is in good form. FRENCH TRIP (4) had his consistency rewarded last run with an easy win however, he did get a six-point raise in the handicap. TROIS TROIS QUATRE (6) has been a little off form at his last two but if finding his best he will be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 8-5-4-6).

RACE 4

3 CONTINENTAL EXPRESS   8 COUNCILLOR   12 HIGH QUEUE  5 RODRIQUEZ

Summary: Competitive. CONTINENTAL EXPRESS (3) is back over what looks to be his optimum trip and should make a bold bid. COUNCILLOR (8) was not far back first run out of the maidens in first time blinkers. She only has 48.5kg to shoulder and she will be a big runner if she stays the extra. RODRIQUEZ (5) is one-for-one over course and distance and wit a 4kg claimer up he should be competitive. HODGEPODGE (7) is never far off them. She stays the trip and can be concerned. (Andrew Harrison: 3-8-5-7).

RACE 5

5 GOTTA GO EDDIE   4 INDISTRIALSTRENGTH   3 NUMZAAN   1 JAZZ FESTIVAL

Summary: GOTTA GO EDDIE (5) has started favourite at his last five outings, his last win coming over course and distance. He has been consistent and has only once finished out of the money that when tried over further last time out. INDISTRIALSTRENTH (4) disappointed when starting favourite first up on the poly. He had useful Cape form prior to that and at best should be involved. NUMZAAN (3) has his second run after a break. He should come on from that effort although all of his recent form has been on the poly. JAZZ FESTIVAL (1) disappointed on the poly last run after two promising turf efforts. He has the best of the draw. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-3-1).

RACE 6

8 MISS MUNROE   3 CALL ME JANE   5 CRAFTY CROFTY   4 JANES VISION

Summary: Competitive. MISS MUNROE (8) has her first run for her new stable and comes off a Highveld double. She is lightly raced but goes well over this trip. CALL ME JANE (3) has come good with a tongue-tie since arriving in KZN from the Cape. Her last win was over course and distance and she only got a three-point raise in the handicap. CRAFTY CROFTY (5) is slightly down in class but has two smart recent efforts over course and distance to her name. JANE’S VISION (4) is seldom far off the winner and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 8-3-5-4).

7

1 I’M A FIREBALL   3 CURCUMBENDIBUS   2 CAPTAIN’S CHRISTY   4 FIRST ORIGIN

Summary: I’M A FIREBALL (1) returns from a lengthy break. He had been contesting features after his maiden win but could possibly need this run. If he can repeat his maiden effort he will be hard to beat. CIRCUMBENDIBUS (3) cruised to a comfortable win last time out. He drops back in trip but he should be competitive again. CAPTAIN’S CHRISTY (2) has always been smart and comes off back-to-back wins. She got four points in the handicap which could see her battle for another consecutive victory. FIRST ORIGIN (4) has taken on useful fields at recent outings. He has a fair weight here but the drop in class with a 4kg claimer up could see him home. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-2-4).

8

2 MUSIC IS LIFE   8 NOW I GOT YOU   10 ONE ARMED BANDIT   6 THE MASK

Summary: MUSIC IS LIFE (2) is holding form well and his last two wins have come over course and distance. He has a fair weight but should be competitive. NOW I GOT YOU (8) has been knocking on the door for some time now. He tried further at his last two and can be more effective over this shorter trip. ONE ARMED BANDIT (10) has had one run back after a lengthy break. He showed promise early in his career and although drawn widest, he is one to watch in the betting. THE MASK (6) was rested after his last win but has come to hand nicely of late and can follow up. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-10-6).

Andrew Harrison

I’m A Fireball makes a long awaited return with Mike and Mathew de Kock’s charge being off the course since contesting the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe back in July. Now gelded, the son of Vercingetorix was deemed good enough to contest a string of feature races after an eye-catching debut win.

Things didn’t work out as planned as all three of those run were in soft ground and his Golden Horseshoe was particularly disappointing.

So he will be out to make amends when he lines up in the Lucky Fish Power Pick B Stakes over 1000m that heads the card on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville this evening.

He could possibly need this run but if he can repeat his maiden effort he will be hard to beat. Should I’m A Fireball not run up to expectations, Circumbendibus will be there to pick up the pieces. Glen Kotzen charge cruised to a comfortable win last time out although he had plenty in his favour that day. He drops back in trip but he should be competitive again. Mark Dixon’s mare Captain’s Christy has always been smart and comes off back-to-back wins. However, she got four points in the handicap for her most recent effort which could see her battle for another consecutive victory. First Origin could be the surprise package. He has taken on useful fields at recent outings and although he has a fair weight he drops in class and Louis Goosen had engaged a 4kg claimer to ease the gelding’s burden.

It is an eight-raced card so the Bi-pot kicks off in the first where Dee Dee’s Delight has improved with each outing and if she stays the trip she should go close again. Cali Bullet has also improved with each outing and was run out of it late last start and the step up in trip should suit. Ms Galore has patchy form but on her day will go close as she has a good turn of foot. The extra may suit. There should not be much between Skipper O’Malley and Call Me Harriet with a neck separating them on the poly last time out.

The Nile Boss has her second run for MJ Odendaal and may just have needed her last outing. She has some fair Cape form over the distance and with a light weight and a good draw she could go all the way. Moving In is down in class with a big weight but a useful claiming apprentice will make it easier while Amafort has been knocking on the door for some time now and should be up there once again. Golden Angel was a beaten favourite first run out of the maidens but that was her first run for a new stable and she can come on from that showing.

Plum Pudding could get the Pick 6 off to a winning start but she does face competitive opposition. Andre Nel’s mare goes well this trip and has solid recent form to commend her and has started favourite at her last three. JP’s Palace steps up to what looks to be a more suitable trip and is never far back. Darryl Moore’s stable is in good form. French Trip had his consistency rewarded last run with an easy win however, he did get a six-point raise in the handicap.

The fourth is a C Stakes over 2400m and Continental Express is back over what looks to be his optimum trip and should make a bold bid. Councillor could be the biggest threat as she was not far back first run out of the maidens in first time blinkers. She only has 48.5kg to shoulder and will be a big runner if she stays the extra. Rodriquez is one-for-one over course and distance and with a 4kg claimer up he should be competitive along with Hodgepodge who is never far off them and stays the trip.

In the fifth, a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m, Gotta Go Eddie has started favourite in his last five outings, his last win coming over course and distance. He has been consistent and has only once finished out of the money, that when tried over further last time out. Industrialstrength disappointed when starting favourite first up on the poly. He had useful Cape form prior to that and at best should be involved. Numzaan has his second run after a break and should come on from that effort although all of his recent form has been on the poly. Jazz Festival disappointed on the poly last run after two promising turf efforts. Back on the turf he has the best of the draw.

Tienie Prinsloo is still on cloud nine after Quickstepgal’s recent Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas win and he saddles Miss Munroe in the sixth. In a competitive field Miss Munroe has her first run for her new stable and comes off a Highveld double. She is lightly raced but goes well over this trip. Call Me Jane has come good with a tongue-tie since arriving in KZN from the Cape. Her last win was over course and distance and she only got a three-point raise in the handicap. Crafty Crofty is slightly down in class but has two smart recent efforts over course and distance to her name.

Music Is Life can round off the evening for Gareth van Zyl. The gelding is holding form well and his last two wins have come over course and distance. He has a fair weight but should be competitive. Now I Got You has been knocking on the door for some time now. He tried further at his last two but could be more effective over this shorter trip. One Armed Bandit has had one run back after a lengthy break but he showed promise early in his career and although drawn widest, he is one to watch in the betting.

Soccer10 Friday 19 December 2025. ADD-IN R 200 000. Estimated Pool: R 2 Million. Pool Closes at 21h00.Sport 7 and Pool 1.

Soccer4 Saturday 20 December 2025. ADD-IN R 25 000. Estimated Pool: R 100 000. Pool Closes at 17h00. Sport 17 Pool 2.

Soccer6 Saturday 20 December 2025.  ADD-IN R 75 000. Estimated Pool: R 400 000. Pool Closes at 19h00. Sport 5 Pool 1.

Soccer10 Saturday 20 December 2025. ADD-IN R 200 000. Estimated Pool: R 2 Million. Pool Closes at 16h30.Sport 12 and Pool 1.

Soccer13 GUARANTEED JACKPOT Saturday 20 December 2025. R18 Million (If only One 13 of 13 Winner). Pool Closes at 16h30. Sport 10 Pool 1.

Soccer Any 13Xtra Saturday 20 December 2025. Carryover R 200 000. Estimated Pool: R 600 000. Pool Closes at 14h30. Sport 13 and

Pool 1.

Soccer CORNERS Carryover R 265. Saturday 20 December 2025. Pool Closes at 15h00.

Soccer SCORES Carryover R 101 291. Saturday 20 December 2025. Pool Closes at 16h30.