David Thiselton

Small horses are every now and then able to overcome their lack of size with other special attributes and the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Jan Van Goyen appears to be such a horse.

His special attribute is his fine action in which he has a good length of stride and a very quick stride. It was actually stride-frequency which separated the great Winx from the rest as she was able to do 170 strides per minute compared to the average racehorse’s 130 to 140 per minute.

It will be interesting when the sectional timing data is out to check the number of strides statistic relating to Jan Van Goyen.

What is without question though is his ability to relax in the running and his ability to quicken seemingly effortlessly. He does not look to be under any stress whether just relaxing in the running, accelerating  or going at full tilt.

This points to a horse with a magnificent action i.e it covers plenty of ground in quick time while being uncomplicated and smooth. It can be described as a machine-like action with each stride the same as the other and it has a rhythmical frequency.

However, it is always easy to get carried away when a three-year-old wins an iconic, stallion-producing race like the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas convincingly.

The one man who is not getting carried away by the current three-year-old crop is one of the country’s most respected racing analysts, Karel Miedema.

Previous examples of Ability Ratings (AR) Karel has given Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winners are 109 for One Stripe last year, 97 for Snow Pilot in 2023, 110 for Charles Dickens in 2022, 113 for Double Superlative in 2021 and 99 for Russian Rock in 2020.

He has only awarded Jan Van Goyen an AR of 100 for Saturday’s run.

Jan Van Goyen ran a better time than Dave The King did in the Gr 2 Ridgemont Green Point Stakes with both carrying 60kg, but interestingly Karel awards Dave The King an AR of 110 for his win.

Jan Van Goyen is currently the 3/1 favourite for the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate and his fans will be snapping that up as he is potentially a special horse.

Aldo Domeyer’s comments after the Guineas were interesting as Happy Verse had moved up well and he confirmed,  “I had a great deal of confidence entering the final  two furlongs.” He concluded by saying, “He (Jan) won like a really good horse, I believe a decent horse beat us today.”

Mathew de Kock believes there is improvement to come from Jan Van Goyen, so was looking forward to seeing where he stood by taking on older horses.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, but the three-year-old vs older horse debate in this year’s L’Ormarins King’s Plate will pivot around Jan Van Goyen and it is going to be a particularly fascinating race.

See It Again has burst right back into the picture after losing ground at the start and storming through to finish a 0,35 length third in the Gr2 Green Point Stakes. Every cloud has a silver lining and trainer Michael Roberts and owner Nick Jonsson might now be glad that See It Again’s loading shenanigans cost him participation in the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup as the humid conditions on the day seemed to take a lot out of a lot of the runners, not to mention the oft stated difficulty of traveling to Johannesburg and then down to Cape Town. Instead, they have a fresh horse who has two big races in Cape Town plus a R10 million carrot (the Hollywoodbets Durban July) to look forward to.

Garrix was a much talked about horse last season and he proved his supporters correct by producing a flying finish to be beaten by just a long neck in his second run of the season in the Green Point.

Eight On Eighteen makes his seasonal reappearance in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate and has drifted to 9/2 second favourite, which is not surprising considering it is on the sharp side for him, while See It Again and Garrix are 6/1 joint third-favourite. Dave The King is 7/1 along with Green Point fourth-placed Sail The Seas.

The best value is Gladatorian at 17/1. He can be forgiven for running slightly below par in his first run at Hollywoobets Kenilworth and this usually ultra consistent horse should bounce back. It seems a bit of a knee jerk reaction by the bookmakers to have written him off so quickly as his trainer, Stuart Ferrie, was more than happy with his first run in the Cape.

Alistair Cohen

After the highlights of a Grade 1 meeting at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, we revert to some stock-standard racing today when an opportunity presents for some tried and tested contenders’ connections to earn some Christmas cash.

Wehaveasituation is in the form of her life. Paddy Kruyer (20.83%) is trading at a high win percentage this season and Andrew Fortune has been booting home winners with the click of his fingers. They combine in race 6 over 1800m.

Fortune rode Wehaveasituation to victory over this course and distance when she was last seen at the races to a fluent 1,5-length victory over The Night Ferry. She has been expertly placed by Kruyer because she was a maiden at the start of the year but her three wins and handful of places are testament to her consistency. She is in a similar class of race as her last victory and despite 61kg to shoulder, she looks easily capable of going back-to-back. Conditions of this race also suit the fairer sex. They receive a 2,5kg sex allowance due to the privilege of their birth.

Balzi Rossi exited the maiden ranks in his last run and he could have more to offer being less exposed than his rivals. He beat District Master by 0,4 lengths to get the job done at this course over 1400m. He tries this extended trip which remains to be seen whether he has the legs but he is bred to have a chance of reaching. Vaughan Marshall trains and Richard Fourie takes the ride.

Midway has been costly to follow. He has somehow failed to win races that he has at his mercy, going to the final few strides. He does run close-up therefore he always has a shot of getting right into the mix. Although one can not be confident about him, he should be around the action and run into the top four.

Up In Flames seems to have found the right opening in race 1 over 1800m. Her penultimate effort was pleasing at Hollywoodbets Durbanville when she finished second, 1,5 lengths behind Sesame. She did not have the best luck in running in her last run when she had to angle out for a run and got going too late. More should go according to plan. She has always offered hope that she will get better as her career goes on. JP van der Merwe is carded to ride for Michelle Rix.

Hazel Green has been stuck in the runner-up box and this is the best opportunity of her career. She should be very hard to stop in race 2 over 1400m. Although her formlines are not bulletproof, she has easily the most compelling form on offer. Van Der Merwe is aboard for Justin Snaith.

Snaith sends out Kubu in race 3 over 1400m under Callan Murray. Her two runs to date have been pleasing in that she has not been beaten by far. On debut she was 3,65 lengths behind Saachi One and she followed up with a solid third behind Kattekwaadkwadraad over 1400m. She has found her feet at the end of those races giving the hint that the more she races, the more comfortable she will be.

District Master could give a sign to how Balzi Rossi runs when he lines up in race 4 over 1400m. He is an exposed maiden, but he has been banging at the door lately. He is due a victory. Grant van Niekerk takes the ride for Des McLachlan.

There are some interesting jockey bookings in race 5 over 1000m. Panjandrum jumps off the page as the horse to beat for Ridgemont but first-choice retained rider, Richard Fourie has opted to ride Whirlwind who has not been seen since September when she ran a fair third behind Demanding Dave who has won twice subsequently. Fitness must be taken on trust. Her debut run is patently good enough to have a winning chance but there are no red flags about Panjandrum either. Both are trained by James Crawford Neither of them would be surprise winners.

Hampstead Heath has been costly to follow despite the occasional classy run. She has her best chance in a while to scoop success when she runs in race 7 over 1600m. Her last run was one of those classy efforts. She ran third, 2,65 lengths behind Reet Petite over this track and trip. Reet Petite placed at Grade 1 level last weekend so the form looks as solid as one can hope. After a quiet winter, she seems to be thriving during summer and she might be in the right place at the right time. Callan Murray is carded to ride for Adam Marcus.

The same comment applies for Commanding in race 8 over 1400m. So close yet so far, the big, imposing son of William Longsword has been hinting that a win is just around the corner. His penultimate start took him to Fairview where he was an unlucky loser behind Das Gute over this distance. He followed up with a fair fourth behind Paratrooper over 1200m on his return to more familiar surroundings. It is a shallow field so he would not be winning out of turn. Chad Little is up for Glen Kotzen. Count William is considered as his main threat.

Oncidium failed to fire up in her last run but she is given the benefit of the doubt and she could bounce back in race 9 over 1400m. She was outrun by Beach Verse who has some potential and she could be winning at a higher level than this in the future. Andrew Fortune takes the ride for Justin Snaith.

RACE 1

2 LA PATRONA ran a great race for second behind Rose Woott at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 19th of November, she will love the step up in trip to 1800m on Wednesday, from a neat draw, she will go close to winning. 5 WOMAN IN GOLD ran fourth in the same race as La Patrona last time, she was drawn wide on that occasion, and she absolutely flew home late to finish just over two lengths behind the winner, now that she steps up in trip, she will run a big race. 4 UP IN FLAMES ran a fair race behind Special Glamour on the 2nd of November, if she can build on that performance, she will be amongst the places here. 1 WAIT FOR ME finally gets a good draw, there should be no excuses for this filly on Wednesday, she must be included into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 5 – 4 – 1)

RACE 2

4 WYZE DECLARATION stayed on strongly for third behind Gin Palace on the 26th of November, she was drawn awkwardly on that occasion, she is clearly improving with every start, from a neat draw on Wednesday, she will go close to winning. 5 DESTINY’S DREAM ran fourth in the same race as Wyze Declaration last time, she was only beaten just over four lengths by the winner, in hope that she gets some cover early in this race, she will be dangerous in the finish. 7 HAZEL GREEN never runs a bad race, she ran a good race for second behind Saachi One at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 18th of October, she will love the step up in trip to 1400m again, include her into all bets. 6 LARK’S SONG has been rested for 73 days, she is much better than her last run, if she doesn’t need the run badly on Wednesday, she will be competitive at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 5 – 7 – 6)

RACE 3

2 SEVEN NO TRUMP ran a great race behind One Dance on the 22nd of November, she ran second and was beaten just over four lengths at the line, she will love the step up in trip to 1400m, from a good draw on Wednesday, she will go close to winning. 1 IONA CASTLE stayed on well for third behind Given To Fly on the 26th of November, she was drawn awkwardly on that occasion, now that she gets a good draw, there should be no excuses for this filly, include her into all bets. 7 BLUE LAGOON has run to excellent races in succession, she ran second behind Gin Palace on the 26th of November, if she can build on that performance, she will have a big winning chance. 5 KUBU ran a beautiful race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 10th of November, she ran third and was beaten just over four lengths at the line, she is a young filly that will keep improving with every start, watch her closely. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 7 – 5)

RACE 4

3 OCEAN SKY ran a great race behind Signor Dante on the 19th of November, the form of that race has worked out well, he is honest and he tries hard, from a good draw on Wednesday, he will go close to winning. 2 MADRA RUA was heavily supported in the market on the 26th of November, he ran fourth behind Kliptown, he should love the step up in trip to 1400m, there is no doubt that he will run a cracker here. 5 DISTRICT MASTER was touched off in a close finish by Balzi Rossi on the 26th of November, he is in good form at the moment, if he brings his last performance to the track again on Wednesday, he will be dangerous in the finish. 4 BLIZZARDBOY ran a fair race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 26th of November, he was beaten just over two lengths by Balzi Rossi, the blinkers have been fitted to this gelding, watch for sharp improvement. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 2 – 5 – 4)

RACE 5

3 WHIRLWIND has been rested for 101 days, she caught the eye late on debut, she ran third behind Demanding Dave on the 7th of September, with natural improvement expected from this filly, she will be hard to beat in this field. 5 PANJANDRUM stayed on nicely for second behind Playing Trix on the 26th of November, she was doing some good work late on that occasion, there is no doubt that she will be competitive again on her best form. 6 THELEIA was heavily supported in the market on the 22nd of November, she was disappointing behind One Dance, if she can put that run behind her, she will have a big winning chance. 2 LATE BLOOMER has been rested for 182 days, she was last seen running fourth at Hollywoodbets Greyville (Poly) on the 18th of June, she might be able to sneak into the Quartet if she doesn’t need the run badly after a long break. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 5 – 6 – 2)

RACE 6

7 WEHAVEASITUATION quickened up beautifully to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 19th of November, she was given three points for that impressive win, top jockey Andrew Fortune sticks with this mare, she will be switched off early, and she will be thundering home late. 1 ROSE WOOTT won her maiden well on the 19th of November, she is very well-bred, she will love the step up in trip to 1800m on Wednesday, from a good draw, she will be competitive. 5 BALZI ROSSI won a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 26th of November, he now steps up in trip, and he takes on a stronger field, if he has made further improvement back at home, he could pop up and win again. 3 MIDWAY stayed on well for second behind Boundless Love on the 10th of November, he is in good form at the moment, he can certainly earn again for the connections. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 1 – 5 – 3)

RACE 7

7 HUNGA TONGA ran a great race behind Reet Petite on the 10th of November, she ran second and was beaten just over two lengths at the line, jockey Andrew Fortune knows this mare well, she will be running on strongly late, include her into all bets. 2 HAMPSTEAD HEATH has run two excellent races in succession, she ran third last time in the same race as Hunga Tonga on the 10th of November, she must have a good winning chance from a neat draw. 5 ACT OF GRACE could be the value play in this tricky race, she was eating up the ground late behind Tulip Fields on the 19th of November, if the gaps open at the right time for this filly on Wednesday, she will go close at a decent price. 3 BENEATH THE CLOUDS is much better than her last start, she can be dangerous from the front, watch her closely. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 2 – 5 – 3)

RACE 8

2 COUNT WILLIAM fought hard to win a super race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 15th of November, he was given six points for that win, he loves racing handy, if he brings that last run to the track again on Wednesday, he will go close to winning from a decent draw. 4 BOUNDLESS LOVE was very disappointing on the 3rd of December, the race didn’t go according to plan early, if he bounces back to his best form, he will be competitive in a race like this. 3 ASTRONOMICAL BOY ran a great race behind Pomp It Up on the 22nd of November, he was only beaten just over two lengths at the line, the form of that race has worked out well, even though he carries top weight for this Class 5, he has lots of ability and can win quite easily. 8 COMMANDING stayed on well for fourth behind Paratrooper on the 26th of November, he has dropped two points in the ratings from that run, if he gets some luck in running from a wide draw, he should be right there amongst the places again. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 4 – 3 – 8)

RACE 9

8 FLYING SOUTH stayed on nicely for third behind Count William on the 15th of November, she is very consistent, the yard is in great form at the moment, if she can beat the draw, she will go close to winning. 2 BOOZY SUSIE ran a fair race behind Girl Magic on the 26th of November, she was only beaten just under three lengths at the line, top jockey Richard Fourie has been booked to ride this filly, from a neat draw, she will be competitive. 4 IM THE BUZZ ran a much better race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 26th of November, she ran third in the same race as Boozy Susie last time, on her best form, she definitely has a winning chance. 5 ONCIDIUM is much better than her form suggests, she was beaten just over six lengths by Beach Verse on the 29th of October, she has dropped in the ratings, watch her closely, if she bounces back to her best form, she will go close to winning at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 2 – 4 – 5)

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!