From the highs of four Grade 1 races and the R1.25 million eLan Gold Cup, it’s back to bread-and-butter racing at Greyville this evening where the card is headed by a lowly MR 80 Handicap.

A Monday night meeting for Greyville is out of the ordinary but with Gold Circle part of an international agreement to provide race meetings to fit the international programme, it was at the behest of France that this meeting was scheduled.

Dean Kannemeyer

No matter, it’s a chance for punters to either capitalise on Saturday’s winnings or make up on losses and the horse to do it for them could be Dynasty’s Boy in the Durban View Restaurant Handicap.

Dean Kannemeyer signed off this term with It’s My Turn winning the eLan Gold Cup on Saturday and Dynasty’s Boy can properly round of his season that ends tomorrow.

Dynasty’s Boy is a lightly raced gelding and has been up against strong company in his two starts since shedding his maiden. His last run came in MR 90 company after a four-month break. With that run under his girth, blinkers on for the first time over what should be a more suitable trip, he could be too much of a handful for the current ante-post favourite Fieldmarshal Fenix.

Apprentice Luke Ferraris is one of the bright stars on the horizon and booted home another treble at Turffontein yesterday, two for his grandfather Ormond who is a notoriously difficult taskmaster.

Fieldmarshal Fenix is long overdue a third win and Sean Tarry’s runner was a neck back in second to Trippi’s Girl over course and distance last time out.

He does get the 2.5kg claim from Ferraris but on the balance of probabilities, Dynasty’s Boy should have more improvement to come than this seasoned campaigner.

The Dennis Drier yard has had a slew of scratchings over the past week, abnormal blood count being the official reason, so it would appear that the yard has a problem of sorts. However, Escape Club is most unlikely to be a runner in the fifth if she was not cleared fit by a highly professional stable.

She bids for a third straight win from a good draw and could have the measure of Dark Chocolate, narrowly beaten by the useful Pearl Glow last time out, recent winner Zinzara and Pink Cadillac, whose form has panned out well, beaten a length by Escape Club in the maidens and then beating Silver Raisin who herself followed up with a six-length romp.

Duncan Howells has booked young Ferraris for top weight Barinois in the Soccer 6 Handicap and she caught the eye with a cracking effort behind Kilmokea at Scottsville last time out. She takes on males here but if anything this is a weaker field.

Internet Kid has been expensive to follow but Garth Puller’s charge is sure to come good at some stage after a string of close-up finishes. However, he could find another too good for him in the last of the evening in the form of Robbie Hill’s gelding Final Assembly. He steps up to a mile for the first time after two warm-up sprints and Donovan Dillon, up from Cape Town, has been pencilled in for the ride.

By Andrew Harrison

Watch out Oh Susanna and Snowdance – here I come. Brave Move served notice that she is going to be a force to reckon with in next season’s top fillies races by making it six off the reel in the Final Fling Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday.

The Armitage-bred Horse Chestnut filly didn’t just win either. She overcame early interference as if it was nothing more than a minor inconvenience, swept to the front a furlong out and after one tap with the whip she literally coasted home.

Anton Marcus (Liesl King)

“She deserves a rest now but she will be back to take on the big guns next season,” said a justifiably well-satisfied Adam Marcus. “She will have a couple of prep runs before the obvious races like the Paddock Stakes and the Majorca.

“She has improved since her last win in the Ladies Mile and the way she finished off after being forced wide was sensational. Hats off to Aldo for making the decision to sit up handy and take the race by the scruff of the neck.”

This was the first Final Fling for Domeyer as well as for the evens favourite’s trainer and he reported: “Sometimes horses have a chink in their armour but this one doesn’t seem to. She helps you with everything – she settles after coming out quickly, she has a good turn of foot and I can’t fault her.”

It really wasn’t Joey Ramsden’s day and, while Fresnaye did her best to put up a fight, she was totally outpointed. Like Attenborough in the Mercury Sprint, she had to put up with a gallant second place.

Domeyer has had his best season numerically and he was completing a four-timer to take his tally to 132. He also landed his first Champagne, getting up on the line on Freedom Charter for his boss Candice Bass-Robinson to shade last year’s winner Nordic Breeze.

Goodtime Gal returned to something like her best to take third and will race on as a six-year-old. “She had to check and otherwise she might just have won,” said owner Juan van Heerden.

Domeyer, incidentally, reckons that the first of his quartet, the R3.6 million Var daughter of 2007 Cape Fillies Guineas winner Captain’s Lover, is one to note.

Varsity Lover started 15-10 favourite to make a winning debut in the TAB Telebet Maiden Juvenile and she led inside the final furlong to score with little more pressure than hands and heels.

“I was impressed,” said her jockey. “I had slight reservations beforehand because her gallops were a bit green and this was really too sharp for her. I feel we need to give her one more sprint and then we can go where we want with her.”

Sandile Mbhele, riding for the first time without his 4kg claim, showed he has what it takes to continue his winning streak by making all on the Marcus-trained Prince Alfred in the Supabets Handicap. “If you’ve got the talent and the ability it doesn’t matter about the claim,” said Academy riding master Terrance Welch who should know.

By Michael Clower

“It was a long time between drinks,” 27 years to be exact, but Anton Marcus celebrated in style as he drove favourite It’s My Turn to a superb victory in the R1.25 million Gr3 eLan Gold Cup at Greyville on Saturday.

“It was also a long wait then,” quipped Marcus post-race. “I had to wait 25 minutes because of an objection. Icona and Castillian Dancer.”

Second was last year’s winner Hermuso Mundo with outsider Wild Wicket running a cracker in third.

The race panned out perfectly for It’s My Turn who staked his claim as Equus Stayer of the year after winning the KZN Derby and the Gold Vase leading up to yesterday’s win. It was also the third win in the race for Dean Kannemeyer after Colonial Girl and In Writing.

Let It Rain and Royal Utopia set solid early fractions and Marcus was able to settle mid-field. Up the hill and heading for the home turn, Marcus pulled wide to avoid the traffic on the inside rail. It’s My Turn responded smoothly to his rider’s urgings, hitting the front crossing the subway and going on to win comfortably.

It’s My Turn (Candiese Marnewick)

Hermuso Mundo came from last up the hill and was running on strongly to snaffle a game Wild Wicket for second.

Duncan Howells was well satisfied with Wild Wicket. “He’s finally showing us what he is capable off.

“He will only be five next year and last year’s winner ran second.”

Captain America has been a tremendous servant to Brett Crawford and his owners and the game son of Captain Al rounded off a superb career with a fitting victory in the Gr1 World Sports Betting Champions Cup, the final Gr1 of the current season.

An emotional Crawford was lavish in his praise of Captain America who was recording his 10^th victory and stake earnings of over R6 million.

It was a superb ride by stable rider Corne Orffer who has been aboard the gelding for almost his entire career. “He’s the best horse that I have ridden in my career so far. He is also a best friend.”

Captain America didn’t let him down as Orffer rode a clever tactical race.

The gelding pulled himself to the head of affairs as is his want and once clear, Orffer slowed the pace with nothing in the race willing to take him on.

Orffer kicked for home at around the 700m mark and went five or six lengths clear with no chasers.

With a good lead at the top of the straight, nothing was going to get past. Eyes Wide Open looked a possible threat a furlong out but he never got to Captain America and was swamped on the line by Undercover Agent, one of three Crawford runners in the race, and Top O’ Noth who also rattled home.

“He ran a great race,” said Marcus of second-placed Undercover Agent. “I knew the older horses would be tough to beat because he is still a big baby. He’ll be much better next year.”

Will Pays and Craig Zackey took full advantage of a break-neck early pace to snatch the Gr1 Mercury Sprint from a brace of fast-finishers, Attenborough and the notoriously slow starter Trip To Heaven.

Sunset Eyes and Back Cat Back set quick early fractions and approaching the final furlong is looked as if the two stable companions would contest the finish. However, their early exertions took their toll and they were treading water as Will Pays took the shortest way home to score the 12^th win of his career for father and son combination of Mike and Adam Azzie.

“I knew this 12 was going to be quick and if I was within five or six lengths turning for home I would win the race,” said Zackey.

“He deserved this Gr1. He’s been a great soldier,” he added.

Earlier Mike de Kock celebrated equalling the legendary Terrance Millard’s record of 117 Gr1 victories as he saddled the first two past the post in the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes.

Recently appointed stable jockey Randall Simons has had a dream run for his new stable and crowned his season with an audacious ride on hot favourite Soqrat who came home clear of Alyaasaat, both racing in the internationally famous colours of Sheik Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Simons turned for home with plenty of horse under him and elected to go wide on the turn, a move that either elicits praise if you win or derision if you lose.

There were no worries for Simons as Soqrat motored home. Bernard Fayd’Herbe, who had been the architect of Soqrat’s defeat when riding Barahin in the Golden Horseshoe on July Day, had it all to do from his outside draw. He elected to drop Alyaasaat out from the jump and was last turning for home. He got a dream split up the middle of the field but the bird had flown.

Apprentice Lyle Hewitson, the first apprentice since the legendary Michael Roberts to win the National Jockey’s Championship, was honoured by Gold Circle but he would have been happier had he been aboard Gr1 Thekwini Stakes winner Return Flight instead of receiving his gold watch with his leg in a brace.

Marcus made the most of the pick-up ride for Sean Tarry as he produced Return Flight with a well-timed run to hold off the attentions of Railtrip and Can You Feel It to score the 101^st Gr1 victory of a remarkable career.

Return Flight was also the first Gr1 winner for former Vodacom Durban July winner Pomodoro who also triumphed in the colours of Chris van Niekerk. “My day is done,” said an emotional Van Niekerk who has placed enormous faith in his champion who stands at Klawervlei Stud although ironically Return Flight was a R20 000 yearling buy, having been bred by Highlands Farm stud manager Mike Sharkey.

Justin Snaith, crown his second National Trainer’s Championship with a one-two in the Gr2 Kuda Gold Bracelet as Miyabi Gold scraped home ahead of stable companion Gimme Six with Epona the meat in the sandwich, a head back in third.

By Andrew Harrison

Turffontein Standside stages an eight race meeting on Sunday and there look to be some fair opportunities for punters.

In the first race over 1600m Chitengo was doing her best work late over 1450m last time and is now drawn in pole over a step up in trip she will relish. As a maiden she will be receiving 3kg from the main danger I Like It, so should get punters off to a good start.

Soqrat (JC Photographics)

In the second race over 1600m Mogok gelding Master Magic has some substance and plenty of scope for improvement. He was stubborn loading and still green in the running over this trip last time but was doing his best work late. He does have a tricky draw now but has a 2,5kg claimer up and if it pans out well for him he will go close. Affranchi led last time when beaten 5,25 lengths by the top class Soqrat over 1400m. Being by Elusive Fort out of a mare who has produced an 1800m winner he should enjoy the step up in trip so can be effective from the front this time and is the main danger.

In the third race over 1160m Causeway Cruiser hasn’t been seen out since his debut on Summer Cup day but the form of his fourth place there after a slow start has worked out well and he is the one to beat, considering none of the first-timers make much appeal on pedigree. Two-year-old Chijmes made a pleasing debut over course and distance and was green so can improve. Billy The Kid found some support on debut over 1400m but over raced before fading, so he will relish the step down in trip. Arrows Of Desire faced a stronger field on debut and can improve. The Mackem Slayer by Horse Chestnut is a half-brother to Grade 1 SA Fillies Classic third-placed She’s A Dragon (Jay Peg) and can improve after being green on debut.

In the fourth race over 1160m Twelve Oaks takes a drop in class and has been given another four point drop by the handicap so she should be ready to go close again. Maple Syrup has also been given a four point drop and has blinkers on over a drop in trip, while Inyanga should be right there too over a course and distance she enjoys,

In the fifth the up and coming Rebel’s Champ will be hard to beat at the weights and returning from layoffs Tar Heel and Mawsoof are selected to be the chief threats.

In the sixth over 1400m Infamous Fox’s hattrick of victories over 1600m have good form around them and he can continue on winning ways from a good draw over a trip he should also enjoy. Purple Diamond is ideally suited to this trip and on the weight turnaround with Infamous Fox has a good chance. Shukamisa is a typically improving son of Silvano so must also be included.

In the seventh over 1600m Make Me Happy is beginning to fulfil her potential and can follow up on her recent win. Hafla beat her last time they met over this trip and they face on the same terms but the latter has a worse draw.

In the eighth over 2850m Fortune Fella is in fine form and can fight it out with Brand New Cadillac and Tapanzee.

By David Thiselton

The remarkable Brave Move can make it six in a row in the Final Fling Stakes at Kenilworth tomorrow.

The four-year-old’s winning run has been one of the stories of the season – albeit one of the least highlighted – yet she has climbed in the ratings from 74 to 105, each time scoring with something in hand.

Justin Snaith

“She showed us a lot of ability from very early on and she has got just got better and better, mentally as well as physically,” Adam Marcus recalls. “Having won so many times, she goes into her races with so much confidence and she came through her win in the Ladies Mile very well. She had her head in the manger the next morning and since then she has freshened up nicely.”

But this is her toughest task yet. She has to give Fresnaye a kilo and a half and yet the Joey Ramsden charge – good enough to take third in the Fillies Guineas and the Paddock Stakes – is rated a kilo better than her.  Can she do it?

“I think she can,” says Marcus. “Fresnaye is obviously an exceptionally talented filly and the weights are not in our favour but Brave Move has matured quite a lot and she is doing exceptionally well.”

Brave Move is still favourite at 11-10 with World Sports Betting and Fresnaye is second in the market at 22-10 with the statistics more in her favour – there has only been one winning favourite in the last five years.

Ramsden, curiously, has not won this race in any of the last 17 runnings but he also fields a formidable second string in 5-1 shot Dynasty’s Blossom who ran Fresnaye to a neck in the Winter Oaks over 400m further 13 days ago. She is a kilo worse here.

Justin Snaith has won three of the last five Final Flings but it is hard to enthuse about either Konkola or Red Ginger. Both are in double figures.

Lady Of The House looks a much more potent threat even though she is as big as 10-1 and has to give away lumps of weight all round.

The Woolavington winner was due to come under the hammer at Durbanville yesterday but there was a lot to like about the way she returned from a seven-month absence to run on into third in the Ladies Mile. It maybe her second run after a rest but she is a class act.

Call To Account, beaten only by Brave Move in the Ladies Mile, has smart form over 1 200m and stands out in the Champagne Stakes.

By Michael Clower

Motor racing and horse racing may be poles apart as far as the participants are concerned but it will be a ‘Day of Thunder’ at Greyville tomorrow with probably the finest day’s thoroughbred racing on the national calendar.

Made To Conquer (Candiese Marnewick)

Ironically the eLan Gold Cup has been steadily down-graded to it’s current status of Gr3 but that has not detracted from it’s status as the most prized staying race on the calendar and this year has attracted a high class field headed by Vodacom Durban July runner-up, Made To Conquer who heads the weights.

Made To Conquer picked up a six-point penalty for his July efforts and will carry top weight of 60kg while in contrast, Gold Vase winner It’s My Turn, possibly a little unlucky not to have cracked an invite to run in the VDJ, was given a two-point relief by the handicappers after his convincing victory and is in receipt of 0.5kg.

It’s My Turn’s Gold Vase win over 3000m is proof that he stays the trip which is a big mark in his favour. Made To Conquer on the other hand is untried over the trip although he has smart staying form up to 2500m. Made To Conquer carried Jeff Lloyd to his best ever finish in the VDJ and the seasoned rider was of the opinion that his mount was a dower stayer and that the Gold Cup would be right up his alley.

Two others that will have their supporters are last year’s winner Hermoso Mundo and Strathdon. Weiho Marwing is an astute trainer of stayers and Hermoso Mundo has only had four outings this term. After a failed crack at the Summer Cup, the gelding was rested for some six months and has put in two promising comeback runs. However, he has 3kg more to shoulder this year and arguably meets a much stronger field.

Strathdon ran an indifferent race in the July consolation behind Head Honcho but did jump from the widest draw.

Prior to that he ran Made To Conquer to a neck in the 2400m Lonsdale Stirrup Cup, giving the winner 2kg. Grant van Niekerk earned a 10-day suspension for leaning on his rival for much of the way up the straight that day but there is a 4kg turn around in the weights and Strathdon should stay the extended trip which will make him many a punter’s first choice.

It’s My Turn (Liesl King)

Last year’s winner and runner-up in the Gr1 Champions Cup, Sail South and Captain America respectively will do battle again. Couple them with Rising Sun Gold Challenge winner, Undercover Agent, Investec Cape Derby winner Eyes Wide Open, Cape Guineas winner Tap O’ Noth, Perovskia, Crowd Pleaser and Heavenly Blue on the comeback trail, victory will be hard-earned. However, Derby winner Eyes Wide Open has had an easy build-up and caught the eye when rattling home in the Thukela Handicap on July day and looks primed for this event.

The Gr1 Mercury Sprint has been moved from a standalone meeting to the Super Saturday undercard and again an Equus award could be on the line with some top sprinters in the line-up.

Victory for Pinnacle Peak, second in both the Gr1 Computaform Sprint and the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint, could well earn national honours for Dorrie Sham’s gelding

With only two Grade One races each for Juvenile males and fillies, the Premier’s Champion Juvenile Stakes and the Thekwini Stakes for fillies are of premium importance.

Soqrat fought a titanic duel against stable companion Barahin in the finish of the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe on July day, touched off in a photo finish. He has the best of the draw and a win will be of paramount importance for Mike de Kock’s colt. De Kock saddles another Australian-bred in Alyaasaat and another one-two is on the cards.

The absence of Gr2 Golden Slipper winner Celtic Sea has detracted a little from the Thekwini Stakes line-up and with Gr1 Allan Robertson winner Mighty High also a non-starter the door is open, but just who will be first home it is anyone’s guess.

By Andrew Harrison

South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP), led by Adrian Todd, was charged with spearheading the equine industries efforts to implement long term sustainable export protocols in 2017. The equine industry has suffered due to onerous export requirements and SAEHP has been working hard in conjunction with the South African Dept. of Agriculture (DAFF) to improve exports for horses.  South Africa has been unable to export directly to most countries and horses currently have to embark on an arduous journey that takes a minimum of three months via Mauritius to reach Europe.

SAEHP and DAFF have made great strides towards resolving the issues and the onerous export requirements. Improvements in disease control and reporting have been made at home, and scientific advancements coupled with international lobbying and awareness campaigns are starting to show results.

“We are now in the audit process. RSA DAFF has officially communicated with the EU with an update on the implementation of recommendations from the 2013 audit. Furthermore there have been no cases of AHS within the control zone for a period of two years”, said Todd

“A new EU Commission Implementing Regulation has recently been published in the official journal of the EU. The existing protocol requires 40 days of quarantine in the free zone.  Once direct trade between South Africa and the EU resumes, direct export to the EU will require either 40 days quarantine in a vector protected quarantine station or 14 days in a vector proof (lockdown) quarantine station. This is keeping in line with the OIE recommendations and the risk assessment study and is a major achievement towards our goal. We are confident of the improvements that have been made and our efforts are ongoing”, he added.

Todd concluded by confirming that the intention is for horses to be exported directly to the EU in 2019.

By Liesl King

Featured Image: Adrian Todd (hamishNIVENPhotography)

The Grade 3 eLan Gold Cup is always a thrilling race to watch and is the highlight of the purists’ favourite SA Champions Season meeting, Super Saturday.

Made To Conquer will be attempting to be the first horse for 27 years to carry topweight to victory but he is up to it as he has a perfect racing temperament and plenty of class. He will stay the trip on pedigree being by Dynasty out of SA Oaks winner Festive Occasion. His rider Piere Strydom need no introduction, although he has only won the Gold Cup once.

It’s My Turn, also by Dynasty, showed in the Gold Vase when running on strongly that staying is what he has always been looking for and he has come down two points in the merit ratings. Anton Marcus’s only win in this race was 27 years ago on topweight Icona but he knows It’s My Turn well.

Made To Conquer (Candiese Marnewick)

Let It Rain was unable to get to the front in the Gold Vase from pole position and had to sit one wide. If he finds the lead, or the rail behind a good pace, he will be a runner as he likes to stride out and stays well.

Hermoso Mundo defends his title, although he has to lug 3kg more than last year and has a tougher draw. However, he has his third run after a long layoff and comes in relatively fresh so has a fine chance.

Witchcraft is talented and on a line through Flichity By Farr has a fine chance on paper against the like of It’s My Turn. She has a big weight for a mare and appears to be at her best at Scottsville, but if she has a confident air about her before the start, like she did before her T&B Oaks win at Scottsville, she will likely run accordingly.

Strathdon disappointed in the Betting World 2200 on July day but that was partly due to him fighting during the attempt to drop him out from a wide draw. This time he is well drawn so there is unlikely to be a repeat and he is 3,5kg better off with Made To Conquer for a neck beating in the Lonsdale over 2400m at Greyville so is a huge runner.

Dark Moon Rising was well beaten in the VDJ but the muddling pace was against him. He has struck both his trainer and a couple of top jockeys as a stayer and could well relish this trip and is well drawn.

Wild Wicket is capable of a strong finish if left alone in the running and his draw of two will allow him to be ridden like that. His second dam produced a Gold Bowl winner and his sire Dynasty produced a Gold Cup winner and his damsire Jallad produced two Gold Cup winners, so he has the pedigree and is a dark horse.

Kitty’s Destiny has a wide draw and looks held by Let It Rain and Hermoso Mundo, although not by far and on Gold Bowl evidence he will be handy and staying on.

One Man Show had every chance in the Gold Vase but after quickening well was beaten 1,6 lengths by It’s My Turn and is now 0,5kg worse off. However, he now has his third run after a layoff.

Dark Moon Rising (Candiese Marnewick)

Desert Wisdom is 3,5kg worse off than he would be if this was a normal handicap and he faces stronger than he has been in Port Elizabeth. The same can be said of Frikkie, who is 5kg worse off than he would be in a normal handicap.

One Direction stayed on well in the Gold Vase after going handy and has a chance as he is 1kg better off with It’s My Turn for a 1,55 length beating and is now drawn in pole.

Royal Utopia is 6kg better off with Witchcraft for a 4,5 length beating in the T&B Oaks and being by Ideal World out of a Fort Wood dual Grade 3 winner over 1800m she looks to have the class and the stamina in her pedigree. She does have a tough draw though.

The only three-year-old, Ballymaine would officially be 8,5kg under sufferance if this was a normal handicap. However, he is 4,5kg better off with It’s My Turn for a 3,25 length beating in the T&B Derby. If weight for age changes are included he is actually 5,5kg better off. That puts them together on paper. Furthermore, Ballymaine looks to be an out and out stayer who will relish the step up to 3200m. In his last start, an excellent preparation run over 1950m at Scottsville, he produced a good finish from off the pace.

Sheet Weaver is 2kg worse off with It’s My Turn from the Gold Vase despite being beaten 1,3 lengths, so has a tough task. However, he ran all the way to the line from a handy position and could earn.

It is an interesting race but Justin Snaith could make history by doing both the July and the Gold Cup trifecta as Made To Conquer, One Direction and Strathdon are selected to run one-two-three. It’s My Turn and Hermoso Mundo should also be included in the Pick and Jackpot. However, for back end of trifectas and quartets Ballymaine, Let It Rain, Dark Moon Rising, Wild Wicket, One Man Show, Witchcraft and Royal Utopia cab be considered in that order.

By David Thiselton

Four-time champion Anton Marcus, for so long first jockey to Markus Jooste and his Mayfair Speculators team, will be retained by Ridgemont from the start of next season. The expanding operation already retains Greg Cheyne whose contract will be continued.

Ridgemont’s Craig Kieswetter, still best known for his cricketing prowess- he was a member of England’s T20 team until injury ended his career, said: “Bringing Anton on board is another step in the right direction. We have an exciting crop of young horses entering the training yards and having both Anton and Greg on our team provides us with invaluable experience and expertise.”

By Michael Clower

Featured Image: Anton Marcus (Liesl King)

The prolific-scoring Brave Move warmed up for her showdown with Fresnaye in the Final Fling Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday with an impressive piece of work yesterday.

Adam Marcus said: “It was her final work before the race. She went beautifully and I couldn’t be happier with her.”

Aldo Domeyer’s mount has been installed 11-10 favourite with World Sports Betting which has Fresnaye on 22-10. The latter’s stable companion Dynasty’s Blossom is on 5-1 and it’s 10-1 and upwards others.

By Michael Clower