Alistair Cohen

One of the world’s great race days is the L’Ormarins Kings Plate at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The Weight For Age 1600m event is one of three races on the card which carries a ticket for the Breeders Cup. As always, it has attracted a stacked field packed with Grade 1 winners. Last year saw the boom three-year-old One Stripe graduate from the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas to this great race and the same sequence is taken by Jan Van Goyen.

With 55kg on his back by virtue of being a three-year-old, this son of Master Of My Fate is seeking his third Grade 1 victory. His season has given the impression that he should peak for this race. His first run after a four-month spell produced a cracking second behind Trust in the Grade 2 Jackpot City Dingaans at Turffontein over 1600m in November. Two weeks later, he took the roughly 16 hour roadtrip to Cape Town and he trotted up in the Guineas beating Happy Verse 2,75 lengths over this course and distance.

That win took his price in this race from double figures to 2/1 favourite. He stayed in Cape Town over the month duration between races. Mike and Mathew de Kock train Jan Van Goyen and there is always a doubt about whether a horse can back up a performance two runs apart after travelling. If any team can pull it off, it is the De Kock’s. Crucially, Callan Murray had the choice of rides with the former Horse Of The Year, Dave The King. He chose Jan Van Goyen.

The Real Prince is a brilliant horse in his own right. He must be a live chance. He won the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July earlier this year, proving his capabilities at the highest level. He had a quiet reintroduction in the Grade 2 Ridgemont Green Point Stakes over 1600m when behind a few of his rivals here. He will improve in bounds from that last run when 2,5 lengths behind Dave The King. Craig Zackey is carded to take the ride.

Dave The King is also tried and tested and successful at Grade 1 Weight For Age level. His last win was full of merit with the race not being run to suit. He loves to cruise in the lead but he had early heat from Snow Pilot who faded away at the top of the straight so he was exposed and had to gallop relentlessly to the line. He was empty at the end but he is tough to pass when he gets in the mood. Ryan Munger takes the ride for Team de Kock.

Reigning Horse Of The Year, Eight On Eighteen makes his seasonal reappearance under Oisin Murphy. He has had a gallop at the course to brush off the cobwebs, having been rested since July. He should step forward with this run under his belt and be a true force in the Grade 1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met on 31 January. But champions can overcome the odds and he would not be a shock winner.

All of Gladatorian, See It Again and Garrix are capable of winning high class races and they have to be respected.

The Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes over 1800m is race 6 and also qualifies the winner for a trip to the Breeders Cup. Double Grand Slam won this race last year. She is the best filly in the country and she gets the services of Murphy for Justin Snaith. Her win from a break was hard-fought, perhaps more of a stretch than expected because Swiatek ran her to a short head. If at her best, Double Grand Slam should have no issues taking out her third career Grade 1 victory.

Rainbow Lorikeet ran flat last time but her yard of Candice Bass had turned for the better. She is best suited to this trip so she could be the main danger. Reet Petite is a top filly in the making. She is a three-year-old so she carries only 54kg. She should stay this trip. She ran second in the Grade 1 World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas in her last run which was the fourth in her career. That race should bring her on a long way. Minogue gets a mention. She is in the form of her life. Muzi Yeni drops her in and her finishing efforts are encouraging. If she can unlock that big late effort, she could be climbing all over them.

The other Breeders Cup qualifying race is the Grade 1 World Pool Cape Flying Championship over 1000m. Buffalo Storm Cody is the highest-rated horse in the country, off 132. He also has to travel from Johannesburg. Tony Peter trains him. He is easily the best horse in the race. He won the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint in July, showing his value. He has a couple of issues to overcome. He might be a fraction better over 1200m. Plus, the entire circumstances and the course are foreign to him. If they go fast enough, he will be running them down.

Truth has been aimed at this race for six months. He had a run two weeks earlier when he gave a ton of weight to Taxi To The Moon in the Grade 3 Betway Lebelo Sprint over this distance at Turffontein. He finished second, less than a length behind. Ryan Munger takes the ride for Candice and Tammy Dawson.

Tenango also had a pleasing prep two and a half weeks ago when he gave chunks of weight to Elusive Winter and finished second over this course and distance. He too could be more effective over 1200m but he is packed with class and he is among the most improved horses in the country over the last six months.

Champagne Castle could win race 1 over 1000m in a wildly open event. She looked impressive when winning her last start by 2,25 lengths over this course and distance. There are a few likely improvers so it will not be as easy but she looks solid and wise so she could have the tools in the Charles Dickens Stakes.

Pink Pigeon is due a reward for consistency in race 2 over 1200m. Trainer Justin Snaith has always held this filly in high regard but perhaps left him frustrated that winning does not come easily. She should go close again if she does not win.

A stab is taken on Follow Your Heart in race 3 over 1200m. He has always hinted at a fair amount of ability but not given much away on raceday. His last effort was encouraging when he finished third behind Gold Giboski over this course and distance. He has been sparingly raced with three runs since May. He should be a fitter horse now and he should provide some value in an open race. Andrew Fortune rides for Bass.

Mia Moo won brilliantly at Turffontein in late November when she won the Magnolia Stakes over 1160m. She was drawn on the wrong side of the course and found gaps in a maximum field to stride away from Almond Sea. She is a Grade 1 winner when she saluted in the SA Fillies Sprint in June. She looks hard to beat in the Grade 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes over 1200m, race 4. Oisin Murphy is up for Sean Tarry.

Regulation is truly in the swing of things as he seeks a hat-trick of wins in race 5, the Anthonij Rupert Premiers Trophy over 1800m. Halted by wind problems, that issue was sorted out during a break between winter and summer. He suddenly looks like a contender to compete at the highest level. His last win was hard fought when he got the better of Major Master late. He might have run flat being his second run after a long break. He could have the goods to do the job.

Holding Thumbs is such a gallant solider for Glen Kotzen and he could earn another massive win in race 9, the Cape Of Good Hope Chairmans Cup over 2500m. Somehow he got across the line most tenaciously last time when he shouldered 63,5kg to beat Ahead Of The Facts when the runner-up had him beaten at the 100m. That heart is admirable and for that reason, he is hard to write off. He meets Ahead Of The Facts on 1,5kg  better terms too.

Roland Garros could be a very smart 1400m horse in the making. He runs over that trip in race 10. His last run in the Cape Guineas was encouraging ending up 4,45 lengths behind Jan Van Goyen.

RACE 1

2 SWEET GREEN was heavily backed in the market when finishing second on debut, she ran a cracker behind Catwalk King on the 6th of December up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, with natural improvement expected from this well-bred filly, she will be hard to beat. 10 CHAMPAGNE CASTLE won a good race on the 13th of December, she quickened away from her field like a nice filly in the making, she could be anything, include her into all bets. 5 CATWALK KING finished like a train to beat Sweet Green impressively last time, he is a lovely colt with a beautiful action, watch him closely, he will be running on strongly late. 6 AFRICAN WILD DOG is well bred, jockey Andrew Fortune has been booked to ride this colt on debut, watch him move to the gates, and watch the market closely. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 10 – 5 – 6)

RACE 2

13 VROOM VROOM sprinted away from her field to win a super race on the 10th of December, even though this race is a big step up in class for her, she has no weight on her back, and she looks very progressive, she will run a huge race. 1 SHESGOTCLASS stayed on well to win a good race on the 21st of December, she was given three points for that win, she is exceptionally fast, on her best form, she will make them all work hard for victory. 2 MISS WORLD ran a cracker in the Grade 3 Southern Cross Stakes on the 6th of December, she was only beaten just over two lengths by Asiye Phambili, her sprinting form is good, she must have a nice place chance in this field. 10 PINK PIGEON never runs a bad race, she was caught very late last time, she ran second behind Catch A Penny on the 6th of December, top jockey Richard Fourie gets the ride, she will go close to winning. (Brandon Bailey: 13 – 1 – 2 – 10)

RACE 3

13 IRELAND FOREVER won a good race over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 22nd of November, he was given four points for that impressive win, he will be switched off early, and he will be storming home late, watch him closely at a decent price. 3 MAURITIUS KESTREL finally got his head back in front last time, it was a good ride from jockey Craig Zackey on the 13th of December, he was given three points for beating a decent field, if he brings that run to the track again on Saturday, he will be competitive. 9 AZZURRI was doing some good work late for second behind Mauritius Kestrel last time, his form of late is very good, he will be right there in the finish, include him into all bets. 8 FOLLOW YOUR HEART ran a much better race behind Gold Giboski on the 3rd of December, he ran third and was only beaten two lengths at the line, he is a young horse that will keep improving with every start. (Brandon Bailey: 13 – 3 – 9 – 8)

RACE 4

10 QUICKSTEPGAL won the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas impressively on the 6th of December, she was given six points for that win, she is packed with class and ability, even though she drops in trip for this Grade 2 event on Saturday, she will run a big race. 1 MON PETIT CHERIE is much better than her run last time in the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes, ignore that completely, she drops back in trip to 1200m, if she bounces back to her best form, she will be very hard to beat. 13 PRINCESS OF GAUL ran a great race in the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas behind Quickstep Gal, she ran fourth and was only beaten just over two lengths at the line, she should love the drop in trip to 1200m, include her into all bets, she will be storming home late. 2 MIA MOO finished powerfully to win the Listed Carry On Alice Stakes well at Turffontein Racecourse on the 29th of November, she is very good, she will get some cover early, and she will be running on strongly late. (Brandon Bailey: 10 – 1 – 13 – 2)

RACE 5

2 REGULATION won the Grade 3 Peninsula Handicap in good fashion on the 13th of December, he was given six points for that victory, he is a lovely gelding with a huge action, from a neat draw, he will go close to winning again. 3 ZEITZ travelled really well in his race last time, he finished third behind Regulation on the 13th of December, the blinkers have been fitted, he should be cherry ripe to run a cracker, include him into all bets. 10 MAJOR MASTER finished second in the same race as Regulation and Zeitz at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 13th of December, the bad draw is not a worry at all, he wants to be ridden quietly, and he will unleash a big finish late. 1 NATIVE RULER ran a fair race in the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes, he was only beaten just over two lengths by Dave The King, from a good draw, he should get the perfect run, there is no doubt that he has the class to be competitive in a race like this. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 3 – 10 – 1)

RACE 6

5 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM won a cheeky race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 22nd of November, it was a great ride by jockey Andrew Fortune, she is a superstar, she is packed with tons of class and ability, she will be very hard to beat again. 4 RAINBOW LORIKEET stayed on well for second behind Sukhumvit in the Grade 3 Victress Stakes on the 13th of December, this will be her third run back after a small break, she will run a big race, include her into all bets. 1 REET PETITE tried really hard in the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas on the 6th of December, she ran second behind Quickstepgal, she is a classy filly that is still improving, she will love the step up in trip to 1800m, watch her closely from a good draw. 7 SUKHUMVIT quickened away from her field impressively last time, she won the Grade 3 Victress Stakes with absolute ease, she was given six points for that win, if she brings that run to the track again on Saturday, she might be hard to fetch late. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 4 – 1 – 7)

RACE 7

13 BUFFALO STORM CODY quickened up smartly to win a good race at the Vaal on the 11th of December, he is very good, there is no doubt that he is one of the best sprinters in South Africa, it’s great to have him in Cape Town, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be powering home late, on his current form, he will be hard to beat. 5 ASIYE PHAMBILI was impressive in the Grade 3 Southern Cross Stakes on the 6th of December, she absolutely loves the straight track at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, watch her closely, she will be eating up the ground late. 1 TENANGO should be cherry ripe for this Grade 1 event, he was doing some good work late for second behind Elusive Winter on the 24th of December, if the gaps open at the right time, he will be right there in the finish. 4 O’TENIKWA stayed on well for third behind Outlaw King in the Grade 2 Cape Merchants on the 13th of December, he will be a much fitter horse going into this race, he could trouble them all at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 13 – 5 – 1 – 4)

RACE 8

2 JAN VAN GOYEN showed his class in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas on the 13th of December, even though the race didn’t go according to plan, he still managed to make light work of a good field, he looks to be a superstar in the making, from a good draw, he definitely has a big winning chance again. 1 DAVE THE KING showed tremendous heart to win a gutsy race last time, he likes to race on speed, from a good draw, he could be hard to fetch late. 8 GARRIX had absolutely no luck in the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes on the 13th of December, the gaps didn’t open at the right time, and he was flying late for second behind Dave The King, just on ability alone, he can win a race like this. 7 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN has been rested for 189 days, he ran a terrific race in the Hollywoodbets Durban July on the 5th of July, he is the class package, if he doesn’t need this run after a long break, he could be hard to beat. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 8 – 7)

RACE 9

8 AHEAD OF THE FACTS stayed on well for second behind Holding Thumbs in the Listed Cape Summer Stayers Handicap on the 6th of December, unfortunately he was given three points for that effort, he looks to be a progressive stayer in the making, he will go close to winning with no weight on his back. 4 HOLDING THUMBS showed tremendous heart to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 6th of December, he was given four points for that win, he stays well, and he tries hard, he can definitely win again. 7 MASTER OF PARIS quickened up beautifully to win a good race on the 3rd of December, he never runs a bad race, and he has no weight on his back, he could be dangerous for the places at a fair price. 5 TRIPLE TIME ran a much better race last time, he ran third behind Holding Thumbs, if he can build on that performance, he will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 4 – 7 – 5)

RACE 10

5 MENTE ET MANU won a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 13th of December, he was given three points for that win, he looks progressive, and he should love the drop in trip to 1400m, from a good draw, he can win again. 2 ROLAND GARROS ran a fair race in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas on the 13th of December, he only finished just over four lengths behind Jan Van Goyen, the drop in trip to 1400m will help his chances, include him into all bets. 1 BEWARE is much better than his last run, ignore that completely, if he bounces back to his best form from a perfect draw, he can win a race like this. 13 TOUCHED BY ANGELS won impressively on the 6th of December, he was given five points for that victory, if he gets some luck in running from a poor draw, he could be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 2 – 1 – 13)

RACE 1

(2) TERMINAL VELOCITY is holding consistent form and must be respected in this field. (4) MONT TREMBLANT ran extremely well in his last start and will give the top selection plenty to think about, include in all bets. (1) TWO FOR THE BOYS hasn’t been far and can get closer. (3) AETHELWULF is another who is always in the mix and can get involved, include in larger perms. (Devonne Govender 2-4-1-3).

RACE 2

(3) GREAT NOTION is in top form and will be the firm first selection. (4) HAPPY WIVES won a gutsy race in the last start and could challenge so needs to be respected. (5) KINGS AGAIN is holding consistent form and another honest run is expected. (1) SMASHING is another who is never far back and will be in the mix. (Devonne Govender 3-4-5-1).

RACE 3

(6) KING RAHUL has been racing well and gets the claimer up which brings him right into this. (1) WAROFDYNAMITE is holding solid form and gets the claiming apprentice aboard hence he must be respected. (5) CADENZA had a tough draw in the last start and now gets a much better draw, he will be there. (7) NOTORIX is capable on his day and can go into larger perms. (Devonne Govender 6-1-5-7).

RACE 4

(1) CLIFFIE CLAVIN is holding consistent form and cracks the ace draw, massive runner here. (3) WARRIOR’S SWORD ran well on provincial debut and will build on that, include in everything. (2) BUGLE is capable of running into the money so needs to be respected. (4) BLAME IT ON ME has an eye catching jockey booking, he now goes 1400m and is certainly one that can win this. (Devonne Govender 1-3-2-4).

RACE 5

(5) ANDY COOGLE has been impressive in both his recent wins and is expected to go close again. (4) SILVONIAN is another who is in top form and in with a bright chance. (6) FRENCH FLAME has been consistent and must be included in all bets. (2) MR FOX is very capable on his day and can challenge here but has a big weight to shoulder. (Devonne Govender 5-4-6-2).

RACE 6

(5) RHYTHM is holding solid KZN form and will be a strong contender in this line up respectfully. (1) AADEHYA is very capable over this trip and will be a big runner here, respect. (4) GENERAL PARDON won impressively when exiting the maiden ranks and has scope to go well. (7) FLIGHT ENGINEER hasn’t been far and can get into the placings. (Devonne Govender 5-1-4-7).

RACE 7

Open race. (3) ROYAL CITY GIRL is holding consistent form and rates a strong winning chance. (1) FAMILY POWER returns after a break but if fit will be tough to beat here. (6) WHITE WATERS is in top form, she won a gutsy race in her last start and should be right there again. (2) EXQUISITE won well in her last start and is another that can challenge here. (Devonne Govender 3-1-6-2).

RACE 8

(6) LADY BOMBER is holding excellent form, she won well in her last start and could prove tough to beat. (4) JAMBO SANA is a very honest type and another good run can be expected. (3) SAIGON SUZIE ran a cracker in her last start and will be a big challenger if repeating that performance. (5) UMZOLOZOLO is capable of better and can run into the money. (Devonne Govender 6-4-3-5).

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.

David Thiselton

The national trainers championship is particularly intriguing this season, because it is closer than it was last season at this stage and the R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July also has the potential to bring about a dramatic change in the standings in just one race.

Last season Justin Snaith was well over R7 million clear of his chief rival for the title every season, Sean Tarry, at this same stage, while another perennial contender, Mike de Kock, was R8 million behind and the championship-winning Peter yard were more than R6 million behind.

This season Snaith is only about R2.8 million clear of both Peter and Tarry and the Mike and Mathew De Kock yard are less than R100,000 behind the latter pair.

Snaith has an even money chance, with Hollywoodbets, of adding R593,750 to his tally with Double Grand Slam in the Gr 1 R1 million Cartier Paddock Stakes on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Tony Peter has a 25/20 chance of adding R890,625 in the Gr 1 World Pool Cape Flying Championship with the highest rated horse in the land,  Buffalo Storm Cody.

The De Kocks have a 2/1 chance of adding a big R1,781,250 to their tally with Jan Van Goyen in the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate (LKP).

Of course there can be upsets and the De Kocks also have the 10/1 chance Dave The King in the LKP, while the Snaiths have a strong hand with 5/1 chance Eight On Eighteen and 6/1 shot See It Again as well as 10/1 chance Sail The Seas and 33/1 chance Legal Counsel.

Sean Tarry has the 33/1 Cosmic Speed in the LKP and he could be fair value as he is a Gr 1 weight for age winner over a mile and has champion jockey Gavin Lerena up. His form in the Gr 2 WSB Guineas and Gr 1 wfa Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over this 1600m trip also puts him close to Sail The Seas, Eight On Eighteen and See It Again. Cosmic Speed was a 2,95 length tenth in the Gr 2 Ridgemont Green Point Stakes but that was his second run after a five-and-a-half month layoff and his first run in Cape Town, so he was entitled to need it.

In the Cape Flying Tarry has the 25/1 and 67/1 outsiders Lucky Lad and Quantum Theory.

Snaith has the 20/1 shot Snow Pilot, while the De Kocks have the exciting three-year-old Constellation, who is rated a 25/2 chance.

In the Paddock Stakes Snaith also has the 25/2 shot Wish List and the 33/1 chance Little Suzie.

The Gr 1 wfa WSB Met carries a R5 million stake and Snaith could get a massive boost towards retaining his championship in that race.

He has the defending champion Eight On Eighteen, who will be hard to beat.

Eight On Eighteen will have some competition from a plethora of stablemates i.e See It Again, Sail The Seas, Regulation, Happy Verse and Native Ruler.

Dean Kannemeyer will have a strong hand in the Met with the Hollywoodbets Durban July winner The Real Prince and his talented full-brother Gimmie Rules.  Kannemeyer does not have the numbers to be a fancied championship contender, but he does have a lot of quality and as he has the potential to do the  Met/July double he has to be an outsider to take note of.

Tarry’s Met challenge relies on Legend Of Arthur, who has been disappointing since his SA Derby win, and Cosmic Speed, who might be stretched by the 2000m trip, although this Querari gelding’s dam is by Silvano, which makes it interesting.

The De Kock’s Dave The King will be stretched by the Met trip.

Tarry’s perennial opportunity to plunder comes in the Highveld feature season and the De Kocks could also rake in a lot of stakes money there.

Tarry has an exciting unbeaten three-year-old in the Vercingetorix colt Grand Empire and he has plenty of hard knockers for the Highveld season.

Tarry is famously prosperous at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Festival Of Speed meeting and his promising two-year-old colt Turn It Up, a half-brother to Gr 1 Gold Medallion winner Proceed, is an obvious candidate, as is the like of Mia Moo, who will be out to defend her SA Fillies Sprint crown, while stablemate One Fine Winter will be one of Mia Moo’s chief dangers. The like of Lucky Lad will be a Gr 2 Golden Horse Sprint contender and Tarry is likely to have contenders for the top two-year-old fillies race, the Allan Robertson.

Jan van Goyen is not an entry for the WSB Met and the De Kocks might be eyeing the Highveld Triple Crown events with him.

They have plenty of promising three-year-olds like Miami Mountain, One Eye On Vegas, Constellation, Splittheeights, Trombolines and fillies like Drumnadrochit.

Tony Peter could also have a good Highveld season with his established stars being joined by the like of exciting two-year-old Heath House.

However, the July is going to be the big one and it looks like the Snaith yard will hold the aces for that race with a host of contenders like Eight on Eighteen, Native Ruler, See It Again, Regulation, Okovango, Happy Verse, Legal Counsel, Magic Verse, Randolph Hearst etc.

The Snaith yard have the numbers and the all round strength in all divisions and crucially they are likely to have to have the strongest hand in the July.

Hollywoodbets have them at 4/10 to defend their title and that looks to be a fair price for those brave enough to take it.

Sean Tarry and the De Kocks are at 6/1 and the Peter yard is at 8/1 with James Crawford and Dean Kannemeyer next best on 25/1 respectively.