Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday 24 August 2025 – Comments by Andrew Harrison

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8 ICONIC WINTER   11 HOLLANDIA BAKKERIJ    13 HIGHER LOVE   5 HAH LAH LAH

Summary: ICONIC WINTER (8) looks to be the obvious choice and barring a springer among the first timers should get the card off to a winning start. HOLLANDIA BAKKERIJ (11) raced green on debut and is likely to improve while HIGHER LOVE (13) is improving slowly and was not far behind the odds-on winner last time out. Keep a close eye on the market. (Andrew Harrison: 8-11-13-5).

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3 ROYAL SWORD   7 TWOCANTANGO   8 JET BLACKFIRE   10 CHEERSCHEERSCHEERS

Summary:  ROYAL SWORD (3) made marked improvement second time out in spite of drifting in the market. On exposed form he should take a lot of beating but there are a number of first timers to take note of in the betting. TWOCANTANGO (7) showed up well first run back from a lengthy break and the step up in trip will suit. JET BLACKFIRE (8) has found some market interest in his two starts and can improve over this trip. CHEERSCHEERSCHEERS (10) looks the pick of the Mike and Mathew de Kock pair. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-8-10).

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7 MRS STORMIATRIX   1 ACT OF GRACE   10 COOL WIND   6 TIPPARARY

Summary: MRS STORMIATRIX (7) made marked improvement with first time blinkers over course and distance in soft ground. She looks to have come to hand. ACT OF GRACE (1) has the best of the draw and was well supported in the market last time out. She has done well on the turf and should be a big threat to the selection. COOL WIND (10) has drawn widest but did find some solid long-shot support at just her second outing going a mile for the first time and this shorter trip may suit. TIPPARARY (6) is struggling on the Highveld but does show flashes of ability. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-10-6).

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6 WARRIOR ROYALE   3 ONE SMART COOKIE   2 SOVEREIGN GRANT   4 MAGICAL VIEW

Summary: Mike Miller holds a strong hand with three solid runners. Judged on jockey engagements, WARRIOR ROYALE (6) would appear to be the stable first choice. She goes well over course and distance but has not been out since March which is a concern. ONE SMART COOKIE (3) is way better than her last run when drawn wide in a big field. Her last win was on this course. SOVEREIGN GRANT (2) has useful recent form in good company and is way better than her last run. Stable companion MAGICAL VIEW (4) has been close-up at her last two but does appear to be better on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-2-4).

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8 PRANKSTER   6 QUENTASIA   9 JANE’S VISION   2 TIME IN PARIS

Summary: A few Qatari apprentices making their debut. PRANKSTER (8) has smart recent form over course and distance and rates the horse to beat. QUENTASIA (6) was a beaten favourite last run. Her recent form has been on the poly but she has a light weight and could go all the way. JANES VISION (9) takes on weaker and with a 4kg claimer aboard she should be competitive. TIME IN PARIS (2) has had one outing for her new stable. She is still a maiden but has a chance on this line-up. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-9-2).

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3 HODGEPODGE   9 PLUM PUDDING   2 QUEUE WING   5 ROYAL INVITATION

Summary: Competitive handicap. Stuart Ferrie’s yard has been in mustard for of late and his filly HODGEPODGE (3) could be the value bet in what looks to be a wide open contest. She has been consistent since her last win and gets first time blinkers. That coupled with a light weight could see her home. PLUM PUDDING (9) was narrowly beaten by TROIS TROIS QUATRE (6) on this course last time out and is now 1.5kg better off for a 0.5 length beating. ROYAL INVITATION (5) is similarly better off and was also close up in that contest. The apprentice did not give QUEUE WING (2) the best of rides last time out and has been replaced by a fellow 4kg claimer. The gelding has been consistent and is one for all bets. (Andrew Harrison: 3-9-2-5).

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5 QINN’S TIME   4 LA MADDALENA   2 ANGEL OF MY HEART  3 CANYOUDOTHEHULA

Summary:   It may be advisable to load up in this leg with many in with chances and apprentices at the helm. QUINN’S TIME (5) was disappointing first up out of the maidens but won well prior to that and can make amends for his last showing. LA MADDALENA (4) has smart form over course and distance and an experienced apprentice aboard. ANGEL OF MY HEART (2) has a handy galloping weight and the most accomplished apprentice aboard in James Lihaba. The mare could feature at generous odds.  CANYOUDOTHEHULA (3) has shown big improvement at her last two but both runs were on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-2-3).

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5 MOHAVE PRINCE   4 RUN TO RIO   6 WORLD OF OUR OWN   3 MVELELO

Summary: MOHAVE PRINCE (5) was a narrow maiden winner last time out but was hard-pressed by Master Du Rouvary who looks to be better than average. The balance of the field was a long way back. This trip will suit and Garth Puller’s colt can follow up. RUN TO RIO (4) was a close-up second to Wing Walker who returned to Cape Town after three straight wins. The Stuart Ferrie stable is on hot form. WORLD OF OUR OWN (6) has a fair weight but is better than recent efforts and should feature. MVELELO (3) was close-up last run when down in trip but that was on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-6-3).

Hodgepodge to muddy the waters

Andrew Harrison

Stuart Ferrie rounded off his season with a cracking win in the Gr1 HKJC Champions Stakes with Gladatorian getting the better of Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July winner The Real Prince and can continued his run of form when the filly Hodgepodge takes on her male rivals in the Gallop TV Middles Stakes that heads the card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today.

The race is a super competitive handicap but Ferrie’s yard has been in mustard for of late and Hodgepodge could be the value bet in what looks to be a wide open contest. She has been consistent since her last win and gets first time blinkers. That coupled with a light weight could see her home. Andre Nel saddles Plum Pudding was narrowly beaten by Trois Trois Quatre on this course last time out and is now 1.5kg better off for a 0.5 length beating so should be able to turn the tables. So to Royal Invitation who is similarly better off and was also close up in that contest. However, the apprentice did not give Queue Wing the best of rides last time out to the chagrin of Garth Puller and has been replaced by a fellow 4kg claimer. The gelding has been consistent and is one for all bets

On straight form Iconic Winter is the obvious choice in the card opener and barring a springer among the first timers should get the meeting off to a winning start. Of those that have run, Hollandia Bakkerij raced green on debut and is likely to improve while Higher Love is improving slowly and was not far behind the odds-on winner last time out. Keep a close eye on the market.

Similar sentiments apply in the first leg of the PA but Royal Sword made marked improvement second time out in spite of drifting in the market. On exposed form he should take a lot of beating but there are a number of first timers to take note of in the betting.

Cape-based Candice Bass-Robinson has left a few in charge of Summerveld assistant Terry Fripp before heading to a wet and soggy Cape and Mrs Stormiatrix made marked improvement with first time blinkers over course and distance in soft ground. She looks to have come to hand nicely and ward off Glen Kotzen’s filly Act Of Grace who has the best of the draw and was well supported in the market last time out. She has done well on the turf and should be a big threat to the selection. Cool Wind has drawn widest but did find some solid long-shot support at just her second outing going a mile for the first time and this shorter trip may suit.

Mike Miller holds a strong hand with three solid runners in the fourth. Judged on jockey engagements, Warrior Royale would appear to be the stable first choice. She goes well over course and distance but has not been out since March which may be a concern. One Smart Cookie is way better than her last run when drawn wide in a big field. Her last win was on this course and Tienie Prinsloo’s charge can put a spanner in the works give her lowly rating.

Other Miller runner’s, Sovereign Grant and Magical View are certainly not out of it.

Prankster would be one of the better bets on the card but this is an apprentice race where a few Qatari apprentices making their debut. Prankster has smart recent form over course and distance and Gareth van Zyl’s mare rates the horse to beat. Quentasia was a beaten favourite last run. Her recent form has been on the poly but Darryl Moore’s filly has a light weight and could go all the way. Janes Vision could be the dark horse. She takes on weaker and with a 4kg claimer aboard she should be competitive.

In the seventh it may be advisable to load up in this leg of the exotics with many in with chances and apprentices at the helm. Quinn’s Time was disappointing first up out of the maidens but won well prior to that and can make amends for his last showing. La Maddalena has smart form over course and distance and an experienced apprentice aboard. While Angel Of My heart has a handy galloping weight and the most accomplished apprentice aboard in James Lihaba. The mare could feature at generous odds.

In the last, Mohave Prince was a narrow maiden winner last time out but was hard-pressed by Master Du Rouvary who looks to be better than average. The balance of the field was a long way back. This trip will suit and Garth Puller’s colt can follow up. Run To Rio was getting lumps of weight when a close-up second to Wing Walker who returned to Cape Town after three straight wins but the Ferrie stable is on hot form. World Of Our Own has a fair weight but is better than recent efforts and should feature.

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TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE 129TH HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY!

Durban, South Africa – The countdown has begun! The 129th edition of Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacular, the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ), is set to take place on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. As the most anticipated fixture on South Africa’s racing calendar, the event seamlessly blends world-class horse racing with high fashion, entertainment, and a memorable social experience.

Staying true to the theme of “Marvels of Mzansi,” this year’s racing extravaganza promises an iconic line-up of South African talent, featuring a diverse array of artists set to captivate all attendees throughout the day. The national anthem will be beautifully performed by one of the country’s leading songstresses – look out for the reveal in May. With these performances, the thousands of attendees expected at Hollywoodbets Greyville will have a memorable experience. Stay tuned for the full artist line-up. All ticket holders can look forward to a day filled with live entertainment that will be talked about for years to come, as this year’s HDJ celebrates Mzansi’s vibrant spirit. 

Tickets for this outstanding event are now officially on sale via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za). Priced at R230 for general admission, your ticket grants access to a day of thrilling racing action, live entertainment, fashion showcases, gourmet food experiences, and an array of engaging activations from event partners. For added convenience, onsite parking is available for R170 per vehicle.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP hospitality packages provide exclusive access to luxurious enclosures, premium viewing areas, and top-tier catering. These options can be explored on the official event website (www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za). Please note that VIP hospitality packages do not include general admission tickets, which must be purchased separately via Ticketpro.

This year’s theme, “Marvels Of Mzansi”, was unveiled in late February, marking the official commencement of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience, presented by Durban Fashion Fair. The fashion programme includes the much-anticipated HDJ Young Designer Award, showcasing the best up-and-coming talents from KwaZulu-Natal. The winners will share the spotlight with the HDJ Invited Designers and DFF Rising Stars at the HDJ Fashion Preview Gala, set to take place at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in late June.

Racing enthusiasts can also look forward to the announcement of the first official entrants on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. With last year’s champion, Oriental Charm, emerging as the early ante-post favourite, excitement is already building. 

Secure your tickets today and experience Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July!

Soccer10 Price change on Wednesdays

Please Note: From December, Unit cost of all Soccer10 Pools closing on Wednesdays will be R3.

The R3 unit cost on Wednesdays is on a trial basis only & follows requests from many customers to increase the Soccer10 Unit.

The unit cost of Soccer10 Pools on all other days remains R2.

KZN Racing – The New Dawn Takes Shape

All systems go on 1 January 2025

Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.

The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).

Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.

Programme and related reading matter, click here.


Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.

The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.

Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.

“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.

“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddle-cloths. So, there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.

Veteran KZN trainer Garth Puller, who attended a recent stakeholder’s meeting at Summerveld hosted by Greg Bortz, Justin Vermaak, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets officials, enthused that he was thrilled by the news of the takeover by business-minded racing people who were brave and bold enough to step in and turn the ship around.

“This has come very late for me at my age, but it’s a lifechanger and the future is brighter than it was yesterday,” reflected a delighted Puller as he told the Sporting Post that the adjusted stakes and ‘very welcome’ incentives would boost cash-flows,  while also making it so much easier to help him and his colleagues market the basic ownership product.

“And we are getting draws after acceptances. Wonderful! I was calling for that 25 years ago at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Bigger fields mean a faster pace, means better form, means better truer results. It’s an ecosystem of positivity. It all feeds on itself,” added the horseman who is never scared to pass an opinion.

Puller said the repair of the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was ‘definitely quite overdue and welcome news’.

“That’s our stage. The track must be safe for horse and rider, be true and competitive, and have credibility with all role-players. That’s not a negotiable.”

On the ‘abolition’ of the committee structure to facilitate decision making and policy, Puller said that he was so pleased to hear that all reasonable suggestions will be considered by management.

“Wonderful! So there are no more long-winded committees to hide behind and to dither over. How refreshing.  I believe every stakeholder in this sport in KZN needs to doff a cap to Hollywoodbets and Mr Bortz. This investment and takeover is a brave move. But we know that with the passion for horse racing of the local population in this province, we can make it work. And by putting the structures in place they are making sure we have no excuses. Let’s look forward and get on with rebuilding KZN racing. I am absolutely thrilled. This is good news,” he concluded.

2024 Betway Summer Cup First Log

Johannesburg, 15 October 2024 – 4Racing in conjunction with the Handicappers have published the first log for the 2024 R6 million Gr1 Betway Summer Cup to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 30 November.

Second entries close at 11am on Tuesday 05 November, and final entries at 9am on Monday, 18 November 2024, after which weights will be announced. Declarations must be in by 11am on Wednesday, 20 November 2024 and barrier draws will be conducted at a Betway event on 20 November 2024. The final log will be published on Tuesday 05 November 2024.

Tabgold Media Release: Launch of Pick 6 QuickMix

TABGOLD have added a Pick 6 to their daily menu of QuickMix bets, which are popular with many customers because they combine races from different local and international meetings, and are completed much quicker than multi-race bets on single meetings.


The addition of the Pick 6 brings the number of QuickMix pools offered most days to six – three Jackpot QuickMixes and a QuickMix BiPot, Place Accumulator and Pick 6. Until further notice, the QuickMix Pick 6 will always be the last six legs of the Place Accumulator QuickMix.

To play the Pick 6 QuickMix, TABGOLD retail customers must mark VENUE SPM and RACE 2 on the betting form.

It must be noted that the Pick 6 first-timer rule will apply to South African races in the bet if these races form part of a South African Pick 6. The first-timer rule will not apply to all other races, including South African races that are not part of a local Pick 6.

SA Quartet pools on selected UK meetings – September 2024

Local Quartet pools with fractional betting on selected UK race meetings will return to the TabGold betting menu from this Thursday following a mixed reception from customers to the introduction of commingled Quartet pools on all UK and Irish race meetings last month.

Such commingled Quartet pools have been welcomed in some quarters, but many TabGold customers have complained that this has resulted in them being unable to play fractional Quartet bets on UK races.

TabGold have taken note of the complaints and from this Thursday 12 September customers can enjoy the best of both worlds. As before local Quartet pools with fractional betting will be offered on two UK meetings most days with commingled Quartet pools on all other UK and Irish meetings.

Whether an Irish or UK meeting has local or commingled pools will be displayed clearly on Tab sheet race cards in store and online.

Unfortunately for several reasons, including vast differences in exchange rates, it is not technically possible to offer fractional bets on pools commingled internationally.

The minimum unit for commingled bets is R1 (more in the case of countries like the USA) and this is itself a fractional bet in international tote pools.

As an example, the unit of a UK Tote Quartet is one Pound and a customer playing a R1-unit Quartet with TabGold on a UK race is buying about 1/24th of the bet, depending on the exchange rate on the day. And if that bet is the only winning ticket, the customer will get 1/24th of the pool and the remainder will be carried over. To get the full UK Tote payout on a commingled Quartet requires playing the bet to a R24 unit.

That aside, the introduction of commingled Quartet bets has given TabGold customers many more opportunities to play Quartets on UK and Irish races, and access to bigger pools and payouts.