RACE 1

1 VOLCANIC HEAT 3 GRISELDA 5 RUBY WHISPER 6 SECRETARY BIRD

Preview: 1 VOLCANIC HEAT won well on debut and can follow up. 3 GRISELDA is an Erik The Red first-timer out of a Silvano mare and is running in the famous Beck colours. 5 RUBY WHISPER was beaten 1,70 lengths by Volcanic Heat on debut and is 3kg better off if apprentice claims are ignored but if they are taken into account she is 1kg worse off. 6 SECRETARY BIRD is by Rafeef out of a Captain Al mare. (David Thiselton 1-3-5-6)

RACE 2

1 HEATH HOUSE 6 THE BRONX BULL 4 PRAYERSANDPROMISES 2 GIMME A VODKA

Preview: 1 HEATH HOUSE is ultra quick and will be hard to catch despite a penalty for two wins. 6 THE BRONX BULL is by Buffalo Bill Cody out of an Elusive Fort mare. 4 PRAYERSANDPROMISES is by Gimmethegreenlight out of a Fort Wood mare. 2 GIMME A VODKA is by Gimmethegreenlight out of a Captain Al mare. (David Thiselton 1-6-4-2)

RACE 3

3 PRINCESS OF ALL 2 VARACHINO’S CHAMP 4 POWER OF TIGER 6 ELEGANT EDGE

Preview: 3 PRINCESS OF ALL has run three good races and improved to go close last time. 2 VARACHINO’S CHAMP comes from useful formlines and should be in the shake up. 4 POWER OF TIGER improved last time and has a shout with a repeat. 6 ELEGANT EDGE has 1,7 lengths to make up on Princess Of All and can improve. (David Thiselton 3-2-4-6)

RACE 4

4 STONEYWOOD 3 ROCKABILLY 5 FIERY ROSE 7 SURREAL SONG

Preview: 4 STONEYWOOD caught the eye last time as one who is on the up and being a full brother to Dyce his class should be ready to kick in. 3 ROCKABILLY has run two fair races and should earn. 5 FIERY ROSE is knocking on the door and should be right there. 7 SURREAL SONG was not disgraced on debut and could improve. (David Thiselton 4-3-5-7)

RACE 5

6 ALADDIN’S LAMP 2 OLIVIA’S WAY 3 BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW 5 NAVAJO NATION

Preview: 6 ALADDIN’S LAMP is slightly under sufferance but ran a quicker time than the Summer Cup winning time last time and did not endure as hard a race as some of those who ran in the latter race. 2 OLIVIA’S WAY ran a cracking second in the Summer Cup but this will be a preparation race for the WSB Met. 3 BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW ran a cracking fourth in the Summer Cup but would likely have been freshened up as that was a tough race. 5 NAVAJO NATION was beaten out of sight in the Summer Cup but made a good comeback last time over 2400m. (David Thiselton 6-2-3-5)

RACE 6

11 GRAND EMPIRE 4 CHRONICLE KING 1 CHOISAANADA 5 ARISTOTLE 7 PRESSONREGARDLESS

Preview: 11 GRAND EMPIRE looks top class and make it three races unbeaten. 4 CHRONICLE KING has class and over an ideal trip can bounce back although has a tricky draw. 1 CHOISAANADA also has plenty of class and is distance suited but has a tough draw. 5 ARISTOTLE is capable of better than last time and could earn. 7 PRESSONREGARDLESS has come into his own and can bounce back from a disappointing last start where it didn’t pan out well. (David Thiselton 11-4-1-5-7)

RACE 7

5 AMELIA’S LEGACY 3 WARM RECEPTION 2 TINA LOVELACE 7 AL GREENGA

Preview: 5 AMELIA’S LEGACY looks to be full of class and should enjoy the trip and the long straight. 3 WARM RECEPTION looks promising and should make a bold bid. 2 TINA LOVELACE has proven form against top horses and will have come on from her last start but does have a tough draw. 7 AL GREENGA won last two in fine style and could well be up to this class. (David Thiselton 5-3-2-7)

RACE 8

1 TRUST 4 ONE EYE ON VEGAS 9 AGOGE 7 WAYNE

Preview: 1 TRUST is an exceptional colt and is still learning, so will be hard to beat. 4 ONE EYE ON VEGAS won in fine style last time over this trip and is on the up. 9 AGOGE is an eye-catching sort and will enjoy this trip. 7 WAYNE has won his last two in fine style and can continue to progress. (1-4-9-7)

RACE 9

2 BARBARESCO 1 WILLIAM ROBERTSON 3 PISTOL PETE 5 GREATERIX

Preview: 2 BARBARESCO was most unlucky last time over course and distance and can make amends from a nice high draw. 1 WILLIAM ROBERTSON is a top class sprinter and should go close from a nice high draw. 3 PISTOL PETE is in fine form and should be right there. 5 GREATERIX disappointed last time but is better than that and should have come on from the run. (David Thiselton 2-1-3-5)

RACE 10

1 ABOUND 3 HIS LORDSHIP 4 SAKETINI 2 DEAL MAKER

Preview: 1 ABOUND has fine form and looks the one to beat. 3 HIS LORDSHIP is capable of going close here. 4 SAKETINI won easily last time and cheekpieces look to have done the trick. 2 DEAL MAKER won well last time and should be in the shake up over an ideal trip. (David Thiselton  1-3-4-2)

David Thiselton

The Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m heads the ten race meeting at Turffontein Standside today and Trust can prove how good he is a day after the L’Ormarins KIng’s Plate and ahead of the Gauteng Triple Crown series.

There are also two Listed raced, the Betway Mother Russia Stakes , in which the Frikkie Greyling-trained raider Amelia’s Legacy makes appeal, and the Wolf Power 1600, where the unbeaten three-year-old Grand Empire could beat his older rivals.

Trust has two give 2kg to the rest of the field in the Got The Greenlight as the winner of the Gr 2 Jackpot City Dingaans, but that should not stop him. He has an exhilarating turn of foot and from draw three will have every opportunity to relax in a good position in the running and then turn it on in the straight. His regular rider Serino Moodley is still on the sidelines after his Betway Summer Cup fall, but he has a good replacement in Ryan Munger, who was good before he went to Canada and has been on a continually upward trend since arriving there two-and-a-half years ago. One Eye On Vegas could be the chief danger as he won well over this trip last and is progressive, so could do well from pole position under Callan Murray. Agoge is way out at the weights on official merit ratings but caught the eye as one with plenty of scope when drawing away to win his maiden over 1600m, having gone close on debut over this trip. However, he does have a tricky draw of seven. His Lucky Houdalakis-trained stablemate Wayne looks promising too, so he could be involved despite also being out at the weights and having a wide draw. Charming Cheetah has proved himself up to his 110 rating and has a plum draw of two with Gavin Lerena up. He was unplaced in two starts beyond sprints but that was in a Gr 2 and Gr 1 respectively and on pedigree he should get this trip. Splittheeights was a beaten odds-on chance last time over 1160m first time out the maidens, but has promise judged on his good maiden win over 1160. The form of that maiden has worked out well and he is by Vercingetorix and is a half-brother to William Robertson, so should enjoy the trip. Yippee Kayay was not disgraced in the Grand Heritage off a 101 rating, but does have the widest draw to overcome. Shadowfax has 3,10 lengths to make up on Yippee Kayay on 1200m form and 5,40 lengths to make up on Trust, although he is 2kg better off this time. Golden Warrior had fine juvenile form but needs to bounce back from two poor runs this season.

In the Listed Mother Russia Stakes the Frikkie Greyling-trained Amelia’s Legacy is by Vercingetorix out of the smart Dynasty mare Hashtagyolo and has lived up to her pedigree to date with an eye-catching maiden win over this trip and then two close up finishes to the classy older filly Ladyofdistinction, including a 0,25 length defeat to her last time in the Listed Flamboyant Stakes over 1600m when receiving just 1,5kg. Amelia’s Legacy will relish the Standside track with it’s long straight and has a fair draw of four out of nine with Andrew Fortune up. Warm Reception also looks classy and this half-sister to the classy but ill-fated Heather’s Boy should make a bold bid, although she has a wide draw. Tina Lovelace can feature if bouncing back to her best form as a juvenile, but she does have a wide draw. Al Greenga has been eye-catching in two wins over this trip, but also has a tough draw. Mamlambo has shown class and her two wins have been over this trip, so she could have a shout from draw three.

In The Listed Wolf Power over 1600m the unbeaten three-year-old Grand Empire is officially 2kg under sufferance off his 102 merit rating, but he looks to be going places after three easy wins from 1160m to 1600m and he is also drawn well in barrier two. Chronicle King has proven class and represents an in-form yard so should make a bold bid over an ideal trip, but he does have a tricky draw of eight to overcome. Choisaanada has plenty of class and looks ideally distance suited, but he does have another tough draw to overcome, so might have to go to the front. Aristotle ran well last time over this trip from a wide draw and now has a good draw. Anfield’s Rocket was unlucky in the Summer Cup and will like this trip. Pressonregardless, Buster Barnes and Obsidian have to be considered too.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1000m Stoneywood is a full-brother to Dyce and caught the eye last time so could be a banker, although the number one draw is always a concern down the Turffontein Standside straight even in a small field like this. Rockabilly is the back up.

In the fifth over 2000m Aladdin’s Lamp interestingly ran a time about a second quicker than the Summer Cup on the same day and this progressive sort is thus taken to progress again. Olivia’s Way ran a cracker in the Summer Cup, although this is likely a preparation outing for the WSB Met, while Busstoptohounslow proved his class in the Summer Cup too, although he has likely been freshened up since as it was a tough race.

In the ninth over 1160m Barbaresco was most unlucky last time and can make amends from another nice high draw at the expense of the Gr 1-winner William Robertson.

In the first leg of the exacta over 1000m the ultra quick Heath House can likely give 5kg and more to the rest of the field and still prevail.

In the first leg of the PA Princess Of All and Varachino’s Champ can get punters through.

In the first race over 1000m Volcanic is 3kg worse off with Ruby Whisper for a 1,70 length win, but looks good enough to win it from a nice high draw.

In the tenth over 1000m Abound has turned the corner and can fight it out with the hard-knocking His Lordship and Saketini caught the eye in his maiden win.

Andrew Harrison

Royal Victory ran well below par in the soft in the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup on the Highveld, a race that he had won before, but can make amends when he lines up in the Michael Roberts Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today.

Nathan Kotzen’s charge has had his mental issues, at times refusing to go to the start, but a ‘re-education’ by horse behavioralist – read ‘horse whisperer’ – Glyn Redgrave, Royal Victory has learnt to behave.

This time around, in spite of top weight and the widest draw, he is the class act in the race and best weighted in the field by a long chalk. The 1750 m may be a touch on the sharp side but if he behaves his class should see him home comfortably.

If there is to be an upset it could come from another veteran galloper in Cape Eagle. He too did not take his trip to the Highveld well and back over a course where he has smart form he could be a threat. In the absence of injured stable rider Serino Moodley, Andre Nel has ‘imported’ Gareth Wright from the Cape which is an indication that they fancy their chances.

Imilenzeyokududuma  appears to be the pick of the Hollywood Racing’s runners if Sean Veale’s choice is anything to go by although he is way out in the handicap while Mike Miller will have a busy afternoon with a plethora of runners but Narina Trogon is always dangerous. It appears that he has been set up for this race and the step up in trip will suit.

In the first leg of the Place Accumulator Camogie has shown up well in both starts to date and was beaten by the promising Son Of Rafeef last time out. He started favourite on debut and with two runs under his girth he should know what’s it’s all about and could be a banker. Sargasso Sea disappointed last run when looking like a million dollars in the canter past. After an improved second start she has a light weight and can do better. Levitator has consistent form to his name and started favourite last time out. His recent form has been on the poly but he does have a light weight. First timer Etzabeth boasts a cracking pedigree and maybe he can cheer up his suspended namesake.

There is a tough start to the Pick 6 but Saudi Sweep could fit the bill. She was withdrawn from her last intended start on Stipes permission and has been in smart form since joining  Louis Goosen. This could be her day. Coccolina is lightly raced but caught the eye last run on the poly and could finally be coming to hand. Past Is Prologue made a fair debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last time out and makes her local debut. She started at long odds but is one to watch along with stable companion and first timer Scarlet Starlet the mount of S’Manga Khumalo, Gareth van Zyl’s go-to rider.

The fifth is another tricky handicap but Past And Present made a promising debut for his new stable and judged on his previous Cape form the step up in trip will suit. Stable companion Dee Dee’s Delight has improved with each outing and drops back in trip where she has done well before. Strutting was due to run on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Wednesday. She was run out of it late last time out and this trip from a plum draw should see her close if she makes the line-up.

The sixth is another competitive handicap. Jeanne Darc has been dropping rapidly in the handicap and although shouldering top weight she is down in class and possibly off a more competitive rating. Saint Brigid won well last time out and has come on progressively since arriving in KZN. She is 1.5kg better off with De Vlugge on their last meeting and should be able to confirm that form. Treasure Island looks to be coming to hand again and with a light weight and her best form she will be competitive.

Tristan Godden has jumped ship on Cleartherunway  to partner Plazza Accord  but Mark Dixon’s runner has only had three outings and was close-up in a strong field in his handicap debut. He looks more than capable of going in again. Plazza Accord has steady form over the trip but has to give Cleartherunway 3.5kg which may prove too much. Riccardo is down in class with a light weight and he could go all the way.

In the last of the exotics, Cowboy Country won well on debut and followed up with a smart handicap debut. He has a light weight and Tony Rivalland’s runner looks the part in this line-up. Mark Dixon will be hoping for a double as he sends out Captain’s Christy. The mare is never far back and is in good form of late as is the stable. First Origin has a big weight but is four-points down in the handicap and has not been far back of late.

Race 1

7 AMC ROY’S FANTASY   6 ODE TO THE SEA   9 SMART CHOICE   10 GREEN ENERGY

Summary: Many first timers so keep an eye on the betting. Of those that have run, AMC ROY’S FANTASY (7) has put up the best time and may be the one to side with but Mike Miller has his usual loaded card of which ODE TO THE SEA (6) with Tristan Godden up may prove the pick after making good improvement at his second outing. The filly SMART CHOICE (9) was hot on his heels that day and started favourite. Of the first timers GREEN ENERGY (10) strikes as a colt with a hot pedigree. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-9-10).

Race 2

1 JAPURA   10 LADY GODIVA   8 BETTER NEVER ENDS   TIMELESS WONDER

Summary: Many first timers. Of those that have run, JAPURA (1) made good progression after her debut effort and should put in an honest effort. LADY GODIVA (10) was a well beaten second on debut but the experience should count in her favour. BETTER NEVER ENDS (8) was not far back on debut and should come on with that experience. TIMELESS WONDER (5) with a claiming apprentice up can improve on a modest debut. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-8-5).

Race 3

4 CAMOGIE    10 SARGASSO SEA   11 LEVITATOR   1 FULL MONTY

Summary: CAMOGIE (4) has shown up well in both starts to date and was beaten by a promising Son Of Rafeef last time out. He started favourite on debut and with two runs under his girth he should know what’s it’s all about. SARGASSO SEA (10) disappointed last run after an improved second start. She has a light weight and can do better. LEVITATOR (11) has consistent form to his name and started favourite last time out. His recent form has been on the poly but he does have a light weight. FULL MONTY (1) has not been far off in two starts and can still improve. First timer ETZEBETH (7) boasts a cracking pedigree and maybe he can cheer up his suspended namesake. (Andrew Harrison: 4-10-11-1).

Race 4

12 SAUDI SWEEP   8 COCCOLINA   3 PAST IS PROLOGUE   2 MISS DANON

Summary: Tough start to the Pick 6. SAUDI SWEEP (12) was withdrawn from her last intended start by Stipes permission. She has been in smart form since joining  Louis Goosen and this could be her day. COCCOLINA (8) is lightly raced but caught the eye last run on the poly and could finally be coming to hand. PAST IS PROLOGUE (3) made a fair debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last time out and makes her local debut. She started at long odds but is one to watch along with stable companion first timer SCARLET STARLET (4) the mount of S’Manga Khumalo, Gareth van Zyl’s go-to rider. MISS DANON (2) made sudden improvement when dropped back to a sprint and could be the surprise package. (Andrew Harrison: 12-8-3-2).

Race 5

9 PAST AND PRESENT   7 BLACK PLATINA   5 DEE DEE’S DELIGHT

Summary: PAST AND PRESENT (9) made a promising debut for his new stable and judging on his previous Cape form the step up in trip will suit. Stable companion DEE DEE’S DELIGHT (5) has improved with each outing. She drops back in trip where she has done well before. BLACK PLATINA (7) is struggling but has been close-up of late and has a good chance in this field with a 4kg claimer aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 9-7-5).

Race 6

3 JEANNE DARC   8 SAINT BRIGID   4 DE VLUGGE   5 TREASURE ISLAND

Summary: Competitive handicap. JEANNE DARC (3) has been dropping rapidly in the handicap and although shouldering top weight she is down in class and possibly off to a more competitive rating. SAINT BRIGID (8) won well last time out and has come on progressively since arriving in KZN. She is 1.5kg better off with DE VLUGGE (4) on their last meeting and should be able to confirm that form. TREASURE ISLAND (5) looks to be coming to hand again and with a light weight and her best form she will be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 3-8-4-5).

Race 7

11 ROYAL VICTORY   3 CAPE EAGLE   9 IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA    6 NARINA TROGON

Summary: ROYAL VICTORY (11) ran well below par in the soft in the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup and can make amends this time around in spite of top weight and the widest draw. He is the class and best weighted in the field. CAPE EAGLE (3) did not take his trip to the Highveld well and back over a course where he has smart form he could be a threat. IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA (9) appears to be the pick of the Hollywood Racing’s runners if Sean Veale’s choice is anything to go by although he is way out at the handicap. NARINA TROGON (6) is always dangerous and the step up in trip will suit. (Andrew Harrison: 11-3-9-6).

Race 8

9 CLEARTHERUNWAY   1 PLAZZA ACCORD   6 RICCARDO   11 TOBACCONIST

Summary: Tristan Godden has jumped ship on CLEARTHERUNWAY (9) to partner PLAZA ACCORD (1) but Mark Dixon’s runner has only had three outings and was close-up in a strong field in his handicap debut. He looks more than capable of going in again. Plazza Accord has steady form over the trip but has to give Cleartherunway 3.5kg which may prove too much. RICCARDO (6) is down in class with a light weight. He could go all the way. TOBACCONIST (11) has been rested but had useful form before the lay-off. He could race fresh.  (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-6-11).

Race 9

2 COWBOY COUNTRY   7 CAPTAIN’S CHRISTY   8 FIRST ORIGIN   1 AGRADO

Summary: COWBOY COUNTRY (2) won well on debut and followed up with a smart handicap debut. He has a light weight and looks the part in this line-up. CAPTAIN’S CHRISTY (7) is never far back and is in good form of late as is the stable. FIRST ORIGIN (8) has a big weight but is four-points down in the handicap and has not been far back of late. AGRADO (1) won well enough last time out under a fair weight and although up in class, he can go in again. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-8-1).

Race 10

13 COUNTER ATTACK   8 LUNCH MONEY   6 YANNAKIS   1 MASK ON

Summary: Difficult handicap to round off the day. COUNTER ATTACK (13) has improved with each outing since arriving from the Cape and looks primed for this. LUNCH MONEY (8) is the first runner back for Dominic Zackey since his return from Mauritius. The gelding returns from a year-long break but boasts strong form in good company so one to watch in the betting. YANNAKIS (6) has always been rated by the stable but has had his problems. His last win was over course and distance and he gets a senior rider aboard. MASK ON (1) has steady form and a handy weight. All his recent form has been on the poly but he gets S’Manga Khumalo aboard which will help his chances. (Andrew Harrison: 13-8-6-1).

David Thiselton

Mike and Mathew de Kock will be heroes if they land the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate on Saturday with either Jan Van Goyen or Dave The King, which is as opposed to the yard’s first win in this prestigious mile race in 2011 with the top class mare Mother Russia, because she shattered the hopes of many by ending the great Pocket Power’s chances of equaling a modern day world record.

After the Mike Bass-trained Pocket Power had won his fourth successive L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate in 2010 pundits delved into the record books and discovered that in the modern era only one horse had ever won the same Gr 1 race five times in succession and that was the American legend Kelso, who won the Jockey Club Gold Cup over ten furlongs at Saratoga every year from 1960 to 1964.

Kelso’s feats happened before the pattern came into being in thoroughbred horseracing, so the Gr 1 status given to the Jockey Club Gold Cup behind Kelso’s name was retrospective.

So, Pocket Power would have in fact become the first to win the same actual Gr 1 race five times in succession.

The Jet Master gelding was bred by Zandvliet Stud and fetched the second highest price of R190,000 at the 2004 Grand West Yearling Sale.

He ran in the colours of March Shirtliff, who owned him in partnership with  Arthur and Rina Webber.

Pocket Power was gelded before he ever raced and Mike Bass said it was necessary due to his temperament and added without it he would not have been able to race beyond four years of age.

This was a particularly wise decision considering he only came into his own as a four-year-old.

His first win was in his fourth start on 15 November 2005 over 1600m at Kenilworth ridden by Gerrit Schlechter.

Subsequent to his maiden win he remained undefeated around the turn at Kenilworth until he was beaten into third place by his full-sister River Jetez in the 2010 Met.

He had an unbeaten ten race streak over the Kenilworth 1600m, which ended when finishing fourth in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate of 2011.

Pocket Power earned R25,000 in his last race, an  eighth place finish in the 2011 Met, and that left him about R32,000 short of R10 million in earnings.

He only failed to earn a cheque twice, in a Maiden Plate over 1400m in November 2005 and then almost five years later in the 2010 July.

Pocket Power had a massive stride, but became infamous for his “flat spot”. He took a long time to wind up into top gear, but his devastating kick, usually at roundabout the 200m mark, will always be part of his legend.

He usually idled when in front, but with his huge stride he was very difficult to pass.

In fact in the 2010 Met his full sister River Jetez became the first horse to ever overtake him in the straight.

His first Gr 1 was in the December 2006 Queen’s Plate and besides winning that race four times in succession he also won the Met three times in a row.

His other two Gr 1 wins were a dead-heat in the 2008 July and winning the Gold Challenge at Clairwood in 2009, a race he had been very unlucky to lose two years earlier.

Jeff Lloyd rode him for his first two Gr 1s and Bernard Fayd’Herbe was aboard for his other seven.

In fact Pocket Power and Fayd’Herbe became famously close companions.

Bernard knew all the tricks to coax his quirky friend to cooperate, such as feeding him a clump of grass before mounting him at home otherwise he would become difficult.

Pocket Power’s other quirks which endeared him to the public were his dislike of parading in front of the grandstand, meaning Bernard had to be alert for his habit of suddenly whipping around and making his way to the start, his refusal to enter the winner’s enclosure, his tendency to back up whenever encountering something he disliked, rushing into the starting stalls, only going into his stable at home when he was ready to do so and, despite his tremendous will to win, he liked to have a lead when going to track in the mornings. He also spooked at the slightest disturbance.

Mike Bass’s patience in his early years was part of the reason Pocket Power was so successful. He resisted the temptation to go to Durban in the 2006 winter, but it was actually during that winter the yard realised he was something special as he reeled off the Cape Winter Triple Crown.

The other masterful feat of Mike Bass and farrier Greg Dabbs was managing Pocket Power’s very soft feet, which bruised easily, specifically the inner corn of his near fore. They were treated with rubberised concussion pads apart from other caretaking measures.

The build up to the 2011 LQP was immense with everybody talking about Pocket Power’s bid to join one of the greatest thoroughbreds in history, Kelso, with a fifth successive win.

However, Mother Russia started 18/10 favourite from a pole position draw and Pocket Power, drawn 2, was at 3/1 together with the crack three-year-old filly Ebony Flyer.

Pocket Power’s stablemates Blue Tiger and Captain’s Secret ensured a blistering pace, but it might have actually played into Mother Russia’s hands because she managed to find a position one in front of Pocket Power on the rail in fourth place. She was able to use her stride and at the age of eight Pocket Power was always going to battle to match the mare’s turn of foot.

Mother Russia duly quickened superbly under Anton Marcus in the straight and went on to win by 2,25 lengths from Tales Of Bravery and Ebony Flyer.

Pocket Power staying on down the inside rail for a 4,25 length fourth.

Mike Bass admitted afterwards Pocket Power was probably better at that age over 2000m but the Met three weeks later proved to be his final race.

David Thiselton

The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained Jan van Goyen will be out to become only the sixth three-year-old to win the L’Ormarins King’s Plate since World War II, but he will on the other hand become the third three-year-old to do it this decade and the second three-year-old in succession.

He is a 2/1 chance with Hollywoodbets to pull it off.

He might be a twice Gr 1 winner already, but is in fact still relatively unexposed, because he won both of his Gr 1s by comfortable margins and without being put under undue pressure by his regular rider Callan Murray.

The winning margins were 3,70 lengths in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Premiers Champion Stakes and 2,75 lengths in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas.

In the Champion Stakes his time was 97,63 seconds, which was a touch slower than the 97,39 seconds recorded by the Gr 1 Douglas Whyte Stakes winner Golden Palm and was a lot slower than the 95,63 seconds recorded by I Salute You in the Listed Michel Nairac Stakes Darley Arabian, although the latter was carrying 4,5kg less than Jan van Goyen.

However, Jan van Goyen’s Cape Guineas time of 98.45 seconds was quicker than the Gr 2 Ridgemont Green Point Stakes time of 98.77 seconds by his stablemate Dave The King.

Furthermore, he looked to still have plenty in hand, while Dave The King was at the end of his reserves and being challenged on all sides.

Jan van Goyen’s only defeat over 1600m came in the Gr 2 Jackpot City Dingaans, but that was his first run for four months and he was caught wide without cover.

Jan Van Goyen will receive 5kg from the top rated horse Eight On Eighteen on Saturday, but off an official 118 he is 5,5kg under sufferance with the 129-rated Equus Horse Of The Year.

However, he has not yet had an opportunity to prove himself against older or higher rated horses. The LKP will be his acid test.

Eight On Eighteen, who achieved his high rating over 2000m and 2200m,  is making his reappearance and has in fact not run since finishing second in the Hollywoodbets Durban July six months ago. He would obviously prefer further, but did finish a 1,25 length second to One Stripe in last season’s Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and the latter then went on to win the King’s Plate.

However, Eight On Eighteen was beaten by Sail The Seas in the Gr 2 WSB Guineas the last time he came back from a layoff and he was only a long-head in front of Cosmic Speed in that race. He is a 5/1 shot with Hollywoodbets for the LKP, while Sail The Seas is 25/2 and Cosmic Speed is 33/1.

Dave The King won the Gr 1 wfa Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and the Gr 2 Ridgemont Green Point Stakes, despite carrying a Gr 1 penalty in the latter race and achieved his 128 rating over this trip and over 1800m.

He is a 10/1 shot whilst See It Again, whom he beat by 0,35 lengths in the Green Point and with whom he will now be 2kg better off with, is 6/1. However, See It Again was coming back from a long layoff in the Green Point and lost two lengths at the start after fly-jumping. Furthermore, See It Again’s downfield finish in the Gold Challenge was due to him being severely hampered. He did later beat Eight On Eighteen by 1,35 lengths in the Gr 1 wfa HKJC Champions Cup over 1800m. The bookmakers might also be viewing new trainer Justin Snaith’s Champion Trainer status as worth a point or two on the betting boards.

Dave The King beat The Real Prince by 2,50 lengths in the Green Point and will face him on the same terms in the King’s Plate and yet is 10/1 compared to The Real Prince’s 6/1. The 126-rated The Real Prince was returning from a four-and-a-half month layoff in that race and had caught the eye with an effortlessly fast finish in the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m before his Hollywoodbets Durban July win. He also beat Dave The King in the Champions Cup by 2,55 lengths. However, his 126 rating was achieved over that 1800m trip.

If the Champions Cup is a good measure of form for The LKP then it is questionable why the 127-rated Gladatorian is out at 14/1 odds. He won the Champions Cup but was already a 127 from his Gold Challenge run. He was said to have been unusually strong in the Green Point, where he was beaten 3,25 lengths. He was only 0,35 lengths behind Dave The King in the Gold Challenge and was closing fast. That should be a more accurate assessment of his mile ability and he should be more settled on Saturday having experienced the course.

Without delving any further into the form, it has become clear already from the above discussion that it is somewhat muddled among the older horses and they look to be ripe for a beating by a top newcomer.

On the other hand, the horses Jan Van Goyen beat in the Cape Guineas have the same sort of muddled form and the Dingaans form is not looking too good. Trust does look visually exceptional but was only 5,10 lengths ahead of an East Cape horse and 5,40 lengths ahead of Shadowfax, who was subsequently beaten 3,50 lengths in a Graduation Plate by a 98 rated horse at level weights.

In conclusion there are still question marks about Jan Van Goyen, but the visual appearance of his Guineas win make him an exciting prospect and he could give the De Kock yard a second win of the iconic L’Ormarins King’s Plate.

Andrew Harrison

With race meetings coming thick and fast over the holiday season, local trainers are running out of suitable horses as punters face a seven-race card on the poly today. However, it is a card that punters will need to do their homework.

The programme is headed by a B Stakes over 1200m where Glen Kotzen’s runner Circumbendibus tries for a winning hattrick. He has won comfortably at his last two but has gone up 12 points in the handicap for those wins. However, both were impressive and he can go in again. A likely danger is Mvelelo who is hunting his fourth straight win. He got a five-point shunt up the handicap  for his last effort which could be enough to halt his winning streak. Visiting Wild At War is the first KZN runner for the sister combination of Candice and Tammy Dawson and is their only runner on the day. The gelding has been making steady recent improvement and has come down in the ratings to what could be a more competitive mark. Buttercup Baby is a smart filly with a handy weight who goes well this course and distance. The form of her last win has been franked and one can expect another forward showing.

Best bet on a tricky card could come in the first where Mike and Mathew de Kock saddle Strutting. She was caught in the last strides last time out and drops back in trip. She looks the part in this mostly modest field.

Of the balance, Harpa was a close-up second last run without the blinkers but they are back on and this trip should suit. Anemie has patchy form but has shown some form over course and distance.

The second is a competitive handicap. Rafiki returns from a break and goes well on the poly. He was close-up under a big weight last start and has a better galloping weight here. Ibutho was due to run last Wednesday but won well last time out and can follow up depending on that latest outing. Stable companion Winter Waves meets him at level weights and should be able to turn the tables given their last meeting.  Another Alyson Wright runner Ultra Quick is back on his favourite surface and with a 4kg claimer up could be the stable pick.

The Pick 6 starts in the third where Isivivane finished second best last run in the Christmas Handicap but goes well on the poly. He steps up in trip but should see it out. Sundance Kid was back to best when an easy winner last time out. He goes well on the poly and again has the 4kg claimer aboard. Gotta Go Eddie was a touch disappointing last run but now has a light weight from the best of the draw and can do better. Eventidor has come good of late as he bids for a hattrick. He is up in class but should still be competitive. One to watch in the market is Star In Motion. Back in KZNB after some modest performances in Cape Town, he only has 52.5kg to shoulder and Cape form is often much stronger than local.

The fourth is a competitive sprint with many in with chances. Adam Azzie is still hunting his first KZN winner but it could come in the form of Summer Winter. She has the widest draw to overcome but has had two runs back from a break and should now be at her peak. She has also run well on the poly. Tienie Prinsloo saddles Miss Munroe who was disappointing first run for her new stable after two Highveld wins. The compression mask is back on and she can make amends. Louis Goosen has two chances. Arverni Princess who steps up in class but only got a one-point raise in the handicap for her last win. She only has 49.5kg to shoulder and is over her optimum trip. Stable companion Malshana Mou was a recent maiden winner and has a hefty handicap rating. However, she goes well over course and distance and can follow up.

The fifth is wide open. Grand Force took an age to shed his maiden but followed up with a solid handicap effort. He has a 4kg claimer aboard and should be competitive in a modest line-up. Cappellino was a neck behind Grand Force when last they met and meet on the same handicap terms and there should be very little between the two. Axis Power is lightly raced and has dropped significantly in the handicap and could be the surprise package while Trafalgar Square has not been far back at recent outings and goes well this course and distance.

The last is another open contest but although Izibulo has the widest draw he has come to hand of late when taking on stronger and should be a big runner. Copacabana was a game winner over the distance last time out and she only got a three-point raise in the handicap that has been offset by a 2.5kg claimer. However, there should be little between her, Blind Speed, Futano and Amafort who all should be considered in exotic calculations.

David Thiselton

The L’Ormarins King’s Plate meeting is one of the iconic meetings of the South African turf and features the country’s oldest race, which has been run annually since 1861.

The Pick 6 will be worth taking as the pool always reaches a decent size.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is the Gr 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes over 1200m. Gr 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas winner Quickstepgal carries a 2kg Gr 1 penalty. She was beaten 1,75 lengths over 1400m in her penultimate start by Princess Of Gaul, who carries a 1kg penalty as the winner of Gr 2s over 1200m and 1400m. However, Quickstepgal likely needed the latter race and beat Princess Of Gaul by 2,50 lengths in the Guineas. Quickstepgal had fine form in KZN too from 1200m to 1400m. Mia Moo is the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint reigning champion and come off a Listed win over 1160m. Mon Petit Cherie has blossomed into a classy sort and is a runner. Symphony In White and Lowveld Lily could be considered for wider permutations.

In the next leg, the Gr 2 Antonij Ruper Premier Trophy over 1800m, Okovango and Native Ruler are the best weighted pair according to official merit ratings and should fight it out with preference for the latter as he is drawn in pole and has been more eyecatching. Regulation is progressive and he can be considered too from a good draw, despite officially being 7,5kg under sufferance.

In the Cartier Paddock Stakes defending champion Double Grand Slam will go close from draw five out of ten. She comes off a win over 1600m and British Champion jockey Oisin Murphy is up with Andrew Fortune being jocked off. However, Fortune still has a fine chance aboard Double Grand Slam’s stablemate Wish List. This Legislate filly was finishing well from a wide draw in the Cape Fillies Guineas (CFG) for a two length third and on pedigree will relish the step up in trip. She has yet another tough draw of eight. Reet Petite finished strongly in the CFG and it appeared her loss by 0,75 lengths was only because she ran out of real estate. From pole position and with Richard Fourie up she is the choice to win over a step up in trip she should enjoy on pedigree. Rainbow Lorikeet is a reliable sort and is sure to thereabouts again from a good draw. Red Palace was runner up last year, but needs to bounce back from a shocker last time and that won’t be easy from the widest draw of ten. Her stablemate Keukenhof came from last in the Cape Fillies Guineas and was only 3,90 lengths back at the line and will relish the step up in trip. Sukhumvit was impressive last time out when romping home in the Gr 3 1Voucher Victress Stakes over 1800m. She will now be 9kg worse off with the 3,25 length runner up in that contest, Rainbow Lorikeet, so on paper the latter has her measure, but Sukhumvit has just never got going in her career and now that she is coming into her own she could be the surprise package from draw seven. Minogue is in tremendous form and tries a trip for the first time that she is actually bred for, so has a fine chance too from draw six.

Gr 1 Mercury Sprint winner Buffalo Storm Cody is unbeaten in three starts this season and is the highest rated horse in the country on 132, so will take a power of beating in the Gr 1 World Pool Cape Flying Championship. He is drawn 13, so hopefully there is not the bias towards the low draws that there has been on occasion. If there is a bias towards low draws then the second highest rated runner, Tenango, will not actually be favoured by barrier one because he is a hold up horse with a terrific finish and will have traffic problems if the field track over towards the inside. I Am Giant is drawn two and is one who likes to relax in midfield before unleashing his powerful finish. Asiye Phambili will love this distance and will be hoping the gaps open for her from a likely midfield position from draw five. Truth and Snow Pilot both have good pace and are outsiders to consider. Constellation is officially way out at the weights but this three-year-old is relatively unexposed and is on the up. Lucky Lad is a twice Gr 1-winning sprinter and although he might need luck from draw three he will enjoy the normal furious pace of this race. Richard Fourie is aboard Gr 1-winning three-year-old filly Direct Hit, whose first career defeat in six starts was last time out when beaten 2,60 lengths over this course and distance by  Asiye Phambili. She was only half-a-kilogram worse off than weight for age in that race, so is up against it with Asiye Phambili here, but that was also her second run after a layoff and she could bounce back.

In the King’s Plate Jan Van Goyen could be something special and will take a power of beating from draw two. The Real Prince can turn it on in fine style and will be a threat. Gladatorian is way better than his last run when unusually strong on the bit and if bouncing back to his best he will be a big runner. See It Again is fresh and a big runner if able to produce his best. Dave The King is always dangerous if able to dictate due to his long run in. Garrix impressed last time and must be a runner too and outsiders to consider are Cosmic Speed and Fire Attack.

The last race over 2500m is tough but the trio who make most appeal are Holding Thumbs, Ahead Of The Facts and Triple Time.