David Thiselton

The Dean Kannemeyer-trained Vercingetorix filly Palace Of Arvernia produced a fine performance on Hollywoodbets Durban July day to win the Gr 2 Amusnet Golden Slipper over 1400m from a tough draw of 13 under Craig Zackey.

Kannemeyer had spoken about the toughness of the draw in the build up saying going up there is not wise because the others in front have got there for free, while dropping out left one with too much ground to make up.

He said the only way was to attempt to slot in and hope one got lucky, but admitted there would be no luck “nine out of ten times.”

However he is fortunate to have the national champion jockey elect riding for him and it was a combination of skill and luck that did the trick.

Palace Of Arvernia jumped well and Zackey eased her as she reached midfield and shifted inward.

Fortunately, Too Fast To Fiesta just ahead of her was forced to shift outward at the same time and provided Palace Of Arvernia with cover, albeit in a three wide position.

Zackey had her nice and relaxed in the running and switched her to the outside in the straight. She accelerated smartly, although she did shift inward slightly.

This might have contributed to the unlucky horse of the race, Alice B Toklas, being squeezed out as she was moving through threateningly inward of Palace Of Arvernia.

The stipendiary steward report on the incident said:

“ At the 350m TOO FAST TO FIESTA, which commenced to hang in, brushed ALICE B TOKLAS inwards, onto LADY HARLEQUIN, which had to be steadied when awkwardly placed on the heels of FERRARI FLAIR, which was directed outwards when insufficiently clear. As a consequence VIKING LASS was directed inwards away from LADY HARLEQUIN, which was thereafter not persevered with. Jockey S Moodley was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7, in that as the rider of FERRARI FLAIR, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to LADY HARLEQUIN (Z Lloyd) at the 300m. Jockey S Moodley signed an Admission of Guilt and is suspended for 7 days (Dates to be advised) “

The stipes have a better view than the public video footage but from the angle provided with the latter it looked as if Palace Of Arvernia inward shift had caused Too Fast To Fiesta to hang inward.

Alice B. Toklas was completely squeezed out and had to re-gather, so did extremely well to eventually run a 1,10 length second.

Meanwhile, Palace Of Arvernia, who continued to shift in until Zackey changed whiphands to his right hand, had swept to the front and won comfortably.

The rematch between her and Alice B Toklas in the Gr 2 Thekwini Stakes will be interesting, although Palace Of Arvernia has unfortunately draw wide again at 20 out of 20, while Alice B. Toklas has drawn three.

Dean Kannemeyer revealed after the race he and Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock had spotted this filly at the National Yearling Sale and said, “We thought she was a well balanced rangy filly and was going for the right price. Sandy Irvine was on the phone and we were very fortunate to get her at the right price … well when they win they are always the right price! We are very excited about her.”

The Al Adiyaat-bred filly is out of the Gr 3 Pretty Polly Stakes winner (1100m) Palace Of Dreams and is from the family of the like of champion filly Kiss Of Peace (Fordham) and the Gr 1 Cape Guineas winner Kilindini (Silvano).

She was bought for R575,000 and has earned R415,625 for owners Sandy Irvine and Peter Moor courtesy of two wins and a fourth place finish in the Gr 2 Allan Robertson Championship over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

Andrew Harrison

SA Derby runner-up Salani Kahle drifted alarmingly in the betting for the Tote For The Win B Stakes that headed the card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday and the drift proved prophetic as he battled into fourth behind market rival Master Du Rouvray.

Mark Dixon’s gelding was looking for a third win on the bounce but as Dixon alluded to post race, Master de Rouvray was up ten pounds in the handicap and taking on stronger opposition so he could not be over confident of his horses chances.

Former champion jockey Keagan de Melo is in fourth place on the National log in spite of giving his rivals four months start and if things continue in this vein he will no doubt be contesting for another championship next season.

Sean Veale had no hesitation in taking Salani Kahle to the front and the son of Master Of My Fate simply floated along in the lead with a huge stride but De Melo keeping a close eye in second.

In the run for home, the 14-week break from the Derby caught up with Salani Kahle and although he stayed on, Master Du Rouvray always had his measure and going on to win comfortably. Uzwano came with a telling late run for second with Serpentine Fire edging Salani Kahle for the shallow end of the purse.

This was De Melo’s fourth win aboard the gelding who has come into his own as a late four-year-old.

Former head boy of the South African Jockey Academy, you will not meet a more polite person than Siphesihle Hlengwa. Garth Puller has taken him under his wing since coming out of his time and he will not get a better mentor. Known by most at Summerveld as ‘Spare’, he gave Anatoly the perfect ride in the first but it was not all easy going as the colt was always looking to hang in but Spare still managed to hold him off Trip To Venus and eventually win rather comfortably with favourite Putthelightsout having every chance in third.

There was plenty of opposition in the market for Glen Kotzen’s filly Christmas Rose in the second with both Soho Celebrity and Blenheim Palace attracting support, but come the race it was no race as Chad Little had the run of the race. Christmas Rose quickened up smartly to hold off both market rivals comfortably.

The first leg of the PA always looked to be a match race between Tiger Cody and Lenoxx as indicated by the betting and so it proved. Kom Naidoo made no secret that he was chasing the R100k Bloodstock South Africa bonus and Keagan de Melo delivered, bouncing Tiger Cody out of the gate with Lenoxx slightly slow tucking in behind. The pair pulled clear of the field but Lenoxx was not able to get onto terms with Tiger Cody and was a half-length behind at the line with stable companions Arkadin and African Ruby some way back in the minor money.

Paddy Kruyer, longtime assistant to the legendary Terrance Millard, arrived in KZN with high hopes for Ten Penny who has unfortunately injured a tendon. However, travelling companion Charlie Bucket paid some consolation with a smart win in the first leg of the Pick 6. The gelding is obviously something of a handful and raced in earmuffs and a compression mask to keep a lid on him, but all the planning looked to have gone pear-shaped as he was tardy out of the gate. Rachel Venniker was forced to look for the rails at the tail end of the field as Hadrian’s Wall set a searching gallop which was possibly in Charlie Bucket’s favour. Last in the straight and some way back, Charlie Bucket picked up his gallop as the pace took its toll on the opposition and he swept past to win comfortably.

Next up Venniker rode a similar race aboard Doug Campbell’s charge Peeping Tom to record a quick double. She was content to sit well off the pace along with Fire Force as two-year-old Action Thriller set a reasonably gallop. Taking the shortest way home up the inside of the field, Peeping Tom quickly reeled in the opposition to win comfortably ahead of a fast-finishing Fire Force and Mickaelle Michel, the girls finishing one-two.

Ricky Maingard is having a terrific run with the handful of horses that he brought up from the Cape for the winter season but favourite Tunguska came up just short as High Queue got the better of him in a tight finish to the seventh. Wengesai Masawi has been turning out the winners from his Ashburton base and Gavin Lerena provided the expertise from the saddle as he got High Queue to respond to his urgings and get up on the line.

The finish of the eighth was the proverbial cavalry charge with the big field spread across the track over the final furlong with the win up for grabs. The two Glen Kotzen runners Cassandra and Let It Roll were leading contenders inside the last 50 m before apprentice Damyan Pillay ran them all out of it as he slipped Gareth van Zyl’s runner Vencedor up of their inside to snatch victory with Red Coral arriving late for fourth.

Once a trainer gets a reputation for fixing up the lame, lazy and not so fast, it can count against you. The late Anne Upton lamented that her reputation of sorting out difficult horses saw her yard often filled with hospital cases. Gary Rich has done wonders with average horses and the gelding Yannakis, who had plenty of problems early in his career and was once on the list for PE has come good. Yannakis has teamed up with apprentice Divesh Ramkhalawon for the combinations third win on the bounce and the gelding showed pace throughout to close off the meeting in style.

Race 1

MAGIC DECLARATION looks the one to follow. He made a promising debut over 1200m and should relish the distance. He tries the turn but has drawn wide. TWO TIGERS didn’t disgrace himself on the Poly last time and looks a big threat. MEGA AWESOME has been gelded. He has a wide gate but can show more. SWORD OF LIGHT was beaten as favourite but another top rider gets aboard. He is back from a lengthy layoff and must be considered. Argentine import COVER is late on the scene as a three-year-old but could be one to watch. (Trevor Reid 11-12-13-2)

Race 2

Hawwaam filly KNOCKIN’ BOOTS made good progress from start one to two. She is back around a turn but is open to further improvement. SECRET LIFE got a lot closer in her last start when upped in distance again. NICOLSON LANDING is looking to go one better after just missing at her last start. Her stable is in good form and she can get the job done. TAKEACHANCEONME needs to find more to challenge for the win but has champion Craig Zackey in the irons and the pair jump from a plum stall. DESTINY’S DREAM, LANTERI and TEA FOR THREE add to a competitive race. (Trevor Reid 8-10-2-4)

Race 3

SAMUEL SHARPE ran a fair race in his first try over distance. He finished 3.30-lengths behind REPETITION over 2400m. He was an impressive winner in his penultimate with blinkers fitted and with the headgear reapplied he could be a big threat. REPETITION thoroughly enjoyed going ground and it could be a repeat performance if preferring the switch to the inside track at Turffontein. GREEN MACHINE beat SAMUEL SHARPE a few runs back and so his last run well behind the above mentioned wasn’t his best form. He must be respected. CORRUPT is back to best and has a say. (Trevor Reid 5-3-4-2)

Race 4

SCARLET O’HARA is on a roll and can make it three wins on the bounce. The Red Ray filly has got the timing right from wide draws and is unbeaten in two starts over 1800m. PALACE DANCER ran a cracker in her first run after a rest when beaten 0.25-lengths by SCARLET O’HARA and as she is 1.5kg better off at the weights must be given a fair chance of turning the form around. FRANGIPANI is unbeaten in two starts at this venue and could be the dark horse. She suddenly won easily in her last start and could be on the up having matured. DIMAKO’S JET can threaten from a plum gate. (Trevor Reid 5-3-8-2)

Race 5

Wide open. SIKELOI bounced back to form when only just ousted by useful Top Shelf Teddy. She could show the strength of the form but is upped in distance. THE MIGHTIEST was runner-up over 1600m last time. She ranged up dangerously then and having drawn well again should run another decent race. APOSTROPHE is one that should enjoy the drop in distance. She is holding consistent form and could get rewarded jumping from gate one. Well-bred ANAHITA rates the value proposition on her handicap debut. More in it. (Trevor Reid 4-11-10-7)

Race 6

ORANGE COUNTY has been holding form nicely since an easy win on the Standside track at this venue. He can get back to winning ways carrying a light weight after being beaten as favourite. PALACE PRINCE showed something like his best form at Hollywoodbets Greyville in a feature event. That kind of form entitles him to respect even if having yet to win over the trip. THAT’S MY BABY wasn’t far off some of the best fillies around last time. She has won over the distance and could be dangerous. WAYNE was unlucky last time. He will need to overcome a wide draw. (Trevor Reid 7-2-1-6)

Race 7

With many talented sprinters it could pay to go wide in the exotics. MRS STORMIATRIX was on a roll before having a valid excuse in her last start. She is back from a break and could attract support if all is well. Watch out for MANYELETI who is also back from a rest. She has ability and has been backed in all her starts. LOVABLE has race fitness on her side and was a promising second the only time she raced at this venue. She can get it right from a plum gate. TEMPRANILLO ran a cracker from a wide draw last time and could add to a solid record at this track. (Trevor Reid 6-4-5-1)

Race 8

STAGGERWING won as easily as expected after showing up against some high-class individuals in her prior starts. She has room for improvement and can make a winning handicap debut. POWER OF PEARLS followed up her Maiden win with a decent run and having drawn well could be in the fight. QUIET WINTER attracted some support last time and caught the eye making good progress. She must be respected too. MISTY METAL could make the exotics pay if anywhere near her best. She had valid excuses in her last two starts. JAZZ PIANIST is capable of better and can pop up. (Trevor Reid 7-6-5-2)

David Thiselton

The Vaughan Marshall-trained Vibe Check was one of the meeting bankers on Hollywoodbets Durban July day and he not only duly delivered, but likely won many new fans in the process as this strongly built, imposing colt has a rare presence about him.

Marshall has said the Maine Chance Farms-bred Querari colt would be even better suited to 1600m, so fans can possibly look forward to him running again on World Pool Gold Cup day, although he has unfortunately drawn very wide.

In the Gr 2 Omoda Golden Horseshoe over 1400m on Saturday the big horse jumped well from pole position under Sean Veale and was soon using his massive stride out in front with the rest of the field looking like whippets behind him.

Veale revealed later that Vibe Check had been very green and he had battled to get him to corner.

The big bay kept going well in the straight  and fended off late challenges from Green Energy, Secretary Bird and Red Spice to win by 0,40 lengths.

Veale pointed out Vibe Check was still growing and had put on 7kg since his last start.

He said, “There is a lot of improvement to come.”

What makes the Vibe Check story even more compelling is that he races in a famous set of silks that have resurfaced.

The colours white with red stars and a green cap used to be owned by two former Chairmen  of the Durban Turf Club Douglas Saunders and his son Chris, who won two Julys together with these colours, Jollify winning it for them in 1967 in the big race’s most famous finish, the dead-heat with the immortal Sea Cottage, and then ironically winning it with Sea Cottage’s half-brother Naval Escort in 1969.

The colours have been taken over by Irishman Seamus Burns, whose family own Lodge Park Stud,  a highly esteemed thoroughbred breeding farm and racehorse nursery situated in Freshford, County Kilkenny, Ireland.

Seamus apparently has an annual holiday to Cape Town, or at least used to, that coincides with the like of the Race Coast Sales Premier Yearling Sale and he is no stranger to big race success in South Africa, winning the Gr 1 Gold Medallion with the Vaugan Marshall-trained Ambiorix (Vercingetorix) in 2021.

In the Gr 1 Premiers Champion Stakes on World Pool Gold Cup day Vibe Check has drawn 34 out of the 36 entries.

Marshall did say on Saturday after the win that Vibe Check would take his place in the latter race, but he might think twice from a draw that is going to end up very wide. On the other hand the big horse’s front-running style might make it well worth having a go as his early pace could see him finding the rail in front without expending too much energy.

Vibe Check cost R650,000 at the Race Coast Summer Sale last year.

Please Note

The below pool time changes due to Match Time Change.

SOCCER 1: SUU: 08 JULY 2026

Match 1 (M1): LAUSANNE SPORT vs FLAMENGO RJ. Match Time Change To 21:30

New Pool closing time 21:30

Soccer4 Friday 10 July 2026. Carryover R25 000. Estimated Pool: R 75 000. Pool Closes at 20h45. Sport 23 Pool 2.

Soccer10 Friday 10 July 2026. ADD-IN R150 000. Estimated Pool: R1.8 Million. Pool Closes at 20h45. Sport 18 and Pool 1.

Soccer6 Saturday 11 July 2026.  ADD-IN R50 000. Estimated Pool: R 400 000. Pool Closes at 20h00. Sport 6 Pool 1.

Soccer10 Saturday 11 July 2026. ADD-IN R150 000. Estimated Pool: R1.8 Million. Pool Closes at 20h00. Sport 20 and Pool 1.

Soccer Any 13Xtra Saturday 11 July 2026. Carryover R100 000. Estimated Pool: R200 000. Pool Closes at 15h00. Sport 13 and Pool 1.

Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Catterick and Kempton (UK) – 8 July 2026.

David Thiselton

Summerveld trainer Gareth van Zyl was very excited by the third place finish of King Pelles in Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Durban July and added that the Equus Champion Stayer had come out of the race well, so will be defending his crown in the Gr 3 World Pool Gold Cup on the 25th.

The result showed that the older horses were out at the weights with the three-year-olds and Gareth mentioned that before adding, “To have split the three-year-olds showed that he has improved, so it is very exciting.”

King Pelles was actually a touch unlucky as he was sitting in what was in retrospect the perfect position behind Wish List approaching the straight, but lost that position when Gladatorian switched outward off the rail.

Nevertheless, after being shuffled backwards and having to come around the horses in front he showed a fine turn of foot and became a threat to the three-year-olds Note To Self and Wish List.

He clung on to third place, beaten 1,55 lengths, just ahead of another three-year-old Viva’s Liberte.

Australian-based Chad Schofield, the son of former top Durban-born jockey Glyn Schofield, said afterwards he felt he had a chance of winning and added that he could feel that had the race been over a touch further he would have had a very good chance.

It was another heady day for chief owner Ravi Padayachee, with this being the passionate Durbanite’s first July runner, and in the last few hundred metres he and his fellow owners would likely have just about lifted the roof off the grandstand from his private box. To win the Hollywoodbets Durban July is every owner’s dream and would be an especially auspicious achievement for a hometown owner.

Ravi’s Lucky Vest 12 CC owns King Pelles in partnership with Dave MacLean, Gary Player and N V Parmanand.

King Pelles put all of them in the spotlight last season by landing four Gr 3 staying events including the KZN Derby, the Gold Vase and the Gold Cup and walking away with the Equus Champion Stayer award.

He has taken them on another exhilarating journey this Champions Season and will put the cherry on the top if successfully defending his Gold Cup crown, although he is going to have stiff opposition from this year’s Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers and Gr 3 Durban Gold Vase winner, the Justin Snaith-trained Ahead Of The Facts.

David Thiselton

The Gr 3 Durban Gold Vase on Hollywoodbets Durban July day has always been a pointer to the Gr 3 World Pool Gold Cup and this year’s winner of the former race, the Justin Snaith-trained Ahead Of The Facts, will have a fine chance of landing a treble of staying events in the latter race as he also won the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers.

An interesting fact about the Futura gelding is that he is the first horse to be running in the colours of Garth Musikanth, whose brother Dean is also a part-owner along with Zev Blieden, Ryan Copeland, Darren Smith and J Murcia.

Ahead Of The Facts, ridden by the peerless Richard Fourie, was backed as if he couldn’t be beaten and the flood of money saw him starting at 15/10.

Fourie dropped the 110-rated gelding out from a wide draw of nine.

He was content to sit near the back before improving position around the final bend.

Fourie went for a run down the inside and Ahead Of The Facts showed a turn of foot that was reminiscent of last year’s Equus Champion Stayer King Pelles.

He made up the ground in a matter of strides and went on to win by half-a-length from Master Redoute and Shoot The Rapids, who were the winner and runner up in the Gold Cup two years ago.

The winning margins of 0,50 lengths and 1,30 lengths flattered Master Redoute and Shoot The Rapids as Fourie was easing Ahead Of The Facts up at the line.

However, Ahead Of The Facts was receiving 1,5kg from both of them and there will be a weight reversal in the Gold Cup considering Ahead Of The Facts was raised seven points to 117, while Master Redoute was raised three points to 115 and Shoot The Rapids remains on 117.

Fifth-placed Holding Thumbs, beaten 3,40 lengths, was lowered one point to 117.

The Gold Cup weights are subjected to the Operator’s Condition 2.1.2.10 which states:

Handicap Races of 2800m and further (including Graded, Listed and other Feature races): Weights may be compressed at the discretion of the Handicapper i.e. the Handicapper may depart from allocating 0,5 kg for each merit rating point.

Ahead Of The Facts will thus have it harder on paper, but Jonathan Snaith stated after Saturday’s race that the Gold Vase was actually just a stepping stone race to the Gold Cup.

He said, “The Gold Cup was his main mission. He has had three runs in Durban and the Gold Vase was the one in between. Hopefully his best run will be his third run.”

The owners were all ecstatic and Dean Musikanth said, “He is our first stakes winner and we have won Grade 3s with him on Met day and July day. He cost just R100,000 and considering his class that was for nothing! I am over the moon, I actually don’t know where to walk, but I do know where to have a drink!”

The Capetonian group of friends were looking forward to a celebratory toast to their champion and revealed that Richard had been very confident before the race.

Garth Musikanth confirmed he had got his colours completed about two years ago especially for this horse, who made his debut as a two-year-old on August 31, 2024, although he did own a handful of horses before that.

Ahead Of The Facts in fact finished a tailed off last on debut over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, beaten 17,95 lengths and it was only when stepping up to 2000m in his fourth start that he began to show what was to come.

That is not surprising considering he is by stamina influence Futura out of a one-time-winning mare by stamina influence Silvano.

 Saturday was his fifth career win.

Jonathan Snaith found Ahead Of The Facts at the 2023 National Yearling Sale and said, “We were fans of Futura. We had a good Futura in our yard at the time called Future Swing who was shaping up to be a stayer. Ahead Of The Facts was a magnificent horse, beautiful conformation and he moved like a dream. He was a bit light and immature and I think that is why no-one liked him. But he had the frame and he had the action and he had a beautiful temperament, which we noticed at the Sale. He’s been a wonderful buy and I think he’s a massive runner in the Gold Cup as well. Considering this was not his main mission it was an impressive win and it was the way he won … he went from second last to first in a matter of strides, an impressive turn of foot. Richard, more so than Justin, was very confident. He said he had been unlucky in his previous start when he ran second and he actually said in the parade ring to the owners, ‘What are you nervous about? He is going to win whether I go to the front or stay at the back. I’ve got this!’ He was extremely confident from weeks ago and I think it was reflected by the money that poured on and everybody bankered him in the Pick 6 … he was a lot of people’s Pick 6 banker, so we are delighted that the public have benefited.”

Andrew Harrison

With the Hollywoodbets Durban July done and dusted it’s back to bread and butter racing at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today where the card is headed by the Tote For The Win B Stakes over 2000m.

Gareth van Zyl thought enough of Salani Kahle to run him in the Gr2 SA Derby but he came up short against the filly Curious Girl who was a runner in the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Given the weights in the July, Curious Girl was an unlikely winner being 6kg out on the official handicap but that said, Salani Kahla takes on a lot weaker and although he has a big weight he shows lots of potential. This will be an acid test.

Dean Kannemeyer has stepped Uzwano up in trip but the gelding is in good form over shorter. He will see this out and should go close. Stuart Ferrie saddles the smart filly Hodgepodge who stays well and has a handy galloping weight. She should be competitive.

 Of the others, Queue Wing seldom runs a bad race. He is up in class and also in distance but has a light weight. One to watch.

Mike and Mathew de Kock can open the afternoon with Putthelightsout  who was a beaten favourite on the ploy last run but faces modest company here and should go close back on turf.

In the first leg of the Bi-Pot Christmas Rose was touched off second time out and has made steady improvement and should go close. She is the pick of the Glen Kotzen stable trio. Danger is Blenheim Palace who is making steady improvement and has found market support in the past. This trip should suit. America First took on older runners in an Open Maiden last start and can do better.

The opening leg of the PA has some well-bred first timers so keep an eye on the betting but Lenoxx  found all sorts of traffic last time out and shows some promise. He should put in a big effort. Tiger Cody has improved in blinkers and is back to shorter and looks the biggest threat.  First timers Hot Blooded and Bullet Catch are ones to watch in the market.

Charlie Bucket can kick off the Pick 6. Paddy Kruyer’s gelding has consistent Cape form over the distance and was a beaten favourite at his last two. He gets a 1.5kg allowance from the saddle and can make amends. Deonarie has shown up well in both starts and steps up in trip but has the best of the draw while Redoubt Express found market support when making a smart debut on the poly. The turf should not be an issue and he rates a strong winning chance.

In the fifth, Peeping Tom has been knocking on the door for some time for Doug Campbell. He stays the trip and should be one of the better bets on the card. Bourbon’s Beast tends to lack finish but is never too far back and should go well in this company. Augrabies was a beaten favourite last run. His best recent form has been on the poly but he is in modest company.

Ricky Maingard’s runners have won four of the six races that they have contested in Champions Season and Tunguska comes off some smart recent Western Cape form in the seventh. The stable has hardly missed since arriving in KZN. Blizzard Boy has shown up well in two starts on the poly since arriving in KZN. He shed his maiden on the turf and should run well in this field. Red Cardinal is down in class and handicap. If he stays the trip he will be a contender.

The eighth is wide open. Red Coral is a filly taking on males but was a beaten favourite last run on the poly and can make amends. Let It Roll was a recent maiden winner and takes on older runners. However, he has improved with each outing and has a handy galloping weight. Dancing On A Cloud was much improved last run after switching yards and has always shown promise while Radu has been consistent of late and now gets a 2.5kg claimer aboard.

In the last, Preacher Man is a two-year-old filly taking on males but was a beaten favourite last run. She is down in class with first time blinkers and looks the part. Diamond Maker won at long odds last start in first time blinkers and is back over a sprint. He could follow up. Yannakis has won his last two over course and distance and his 4kg claimer retains the ride. Princess Goldie is back on turf. Her poly form is consistent but she can do better here.

David Thiselton

Cape trainer Des McLachlan scored the first KZN Graded race win of his career on Saturday when landing the Gr 3 Post Merchants with Jet Force and it was his best KZN result since his Gr 1 Cape Guineas winner Ethno Centric placed in the Gr 1 SA Guineas in 2001.

McLachlan had formed a prolific partnership with Grant van Niekerk before the latter left to ride in Maurtitius and Van Niekerk flew over to ride Jet Force on Saturday.

It was Grant’s only ride on the day and he rode a pearler.

Jet Force was backed in from 20/1 to 5/1, which was not surprising as he came in with a record of two wins in three starts over the 1200m trip and his recent form over further was either wins or performances where not disgraced against the best of the best.

Jumping from a good draw of four Jet Force did not get the best of breaks but Van Niekerk managed too get him forward enough to find a position just backward of midfield.

After lifting his head momentarily he did settle well once he had cover.

At the top of the straight he still had plenty to do and had about five lengths to make up.

However, a nice gap opened for him and he ran on well through it to hit the front 100m out before fending off Buffalo Storm Cody and Tenango, beating them by half-a-length and 0,55 lengths respectively.

He had earlier overtaken the 7/2 favourite Buffalo Storm Cody as the latter was battling to get going on the outside. However, when Buffalo did find his big stride he was eating up the ground and, like last year, he put in a good preparation for the Gr 1 wfa Mercury Sprint over the same course and distance.

Des said he would also consider running him in the Mercury Sprint, which takes place three weeks after the Post Merchants on the 25^th of July.

He will only be 2kg worse off than Buffalo Storm Cody in the Mercury, so on paper will have a chance.

He has duly been nominated and is sitting with a fair draw at the time of writing of nine out of 26 horses still standing their ground, although there is a draw reversal against him with Buffalo Storm Cody as the latter was drawn nine on Saturday and is now drawn eight in the Mercury.

Jet Force will also be 2kg worse off with Tenango, who ran on superbly on Saturday from the back after jumping from draw five.

Tenango has landed a plum draw of two in the Mercury.

The Beaumont Stud-bred four-year-old Master Of My Fate gelding Jet Force was the last lot on the November Two Year Old Sale of 2023 and Des landed him for R350,000.

Des always goes to the stud farms before the Sales to look at horses and revealed, “I liked him all along and he just grew on you and grew on you, there was improvement all the time.”

He added, “Horses find you.”

He said, “He took a while to get going as he was very difficult, so we decided to cut him. We just gave him time to mature, we weren’t in a rush and he has done us proud up till now.”

Jet Force started his career in the February of his three-year-old year with a win over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and has won seven out of his 13 starts to date, including the Listed Jet Master Stakes over 1600m and the Gr 3 Variety Club Mile.

Van Niekerk has ridden him to five of his victories.

Des’s long term aim for Jet Force is to go give him a break in Cape Town and then go for the Green Point and the L’Ormarins King’s Plate.

He concluded, “He was still a little bit immature in this year’s Green Point and King’s Plate, he was very, very green, he didn’t know what it was all about as the Green Point was only his third run around the turn. It was quite difficult for him, a lot for him to take on and he didn’t disgrace himself. I think he has got the ability to be competitive in features.”

Jet Force is owned by Messrs Denis Le Breton & A L Taylor, Mr K & Miss K Geemooi & Mrs G C Hutchinson.