There look to be some fair opportunities for punters at the eight race Vaal Classic track meeting tomorrow.

The first race is a Workriders maiden over 1450m and Karakoram looks the one to beat. Last time over this trip on the Turffontein Inside track when wearing first-time blinkers he had to jump from draw ten of ten and was caught wide for a bit just before turning for home, so he did well to stay on for a three length fourth. He has a better draw this time and faces an uninspiring field. Latest Craze finished well back in his first two starts against good horses. He improved after gelding and with first time blinkers on last time to finish second and should earn again in this field. My Kingdom ran a fair race on debut over this distance and should improve.

In the second race over 1450m Constantia looks the part. She has improved in her last two starts and last time out over 1200m, despite a tardy start, she ran on strongly for a 0,90 length second. She looks likely to relish the step up in trip and she has a good draw. Empress Josephine was scalped on debut and caught without cover when making a fair debut over 1200m. She has a speedy pedigree being by Crusade out of a Listed-winning sprinter so this step up in trip is not certain to suit. However, she is drawn in pole and is sure to make a bold bid from the front or a handy position. Notquitethereyet ran on well for a place last time from well back and is interesting with blinkers on. 

In the third over 2000m Flaming Duchess looks ready to win. She stayed on well for a 1,40 length third from a wide draw over 1600m last time and, being by Duke Of Marmalade out of a five-time winning Jet Master mare who won up to 1800m, she should enjoy this step up in trip. She has a fair draw and Callan Murray has his third ride on her. Smiley River is by the Vodacom Durban July winner Pomodoro but she has a speedy female line. However, she stayed on late over 1600m in hr penultimate start after being slow away and was never a factor last time over 1450m, so might be looking for this trip. Nazareth was caught late over 1800m last time and being by Black Minnaloushe and a half-sister to a horse who won over 1800m she has a chance from a good draw.      

In the fourth race over 2000m Sell High has been knocking on the door over 1600m and has finished third over this trip before so looks the one to beat from a good draw. Arnica Montana has been expensive to follow but being by Flower Alley out of a placed full-sister to Mother Russia she might be looking for this trip. Turf Master has done well from the front before and in this uninspiring field he could earn if finding the front from a wide draw.

The fifth race over 1800m is wide open although Captain Flynt has a good chance. He has been knocking on the door over 1600m and should enjoy the step up in trip being by Captain Al out of a Silvano mare who won a Listed race over 1800m. He has a good draw too. Meeraas caught the eye when winning his maiden cosily over 2000m three runs ago. He has then disappointed twice over 2400m, so the step back to 1800m should see him firing again. He will be a threat from a fair draw. The consistent Hidden Agenda has been staying on over shorter and does have a good record over this trip, so he will be dangerous under an accomplished 4kg claimer, although he does have a tricky draw. March To Glory has become a bit in an out, but on his on days he is capable of staying on well. Warren Kennedy is the perfect jockey for him and proved this in his penultimate start when going close over 1600m, so him being back aboard is a bonus. Corrido is capable of being involved in the finish here and so is Zeal And Zest, while Snorting Bull is interesting dropped in trip as he can turn it on well. Bosphorous will also be a factor over this trip.

In the sixth race over 1600m At Hand stayed on strongly over this course and distance last time and Warren Kennedy is now up off the same merit rating and from a similar draw. In The Game stays this trip these days and gets his first good draw for a while, pole position, so he will be a threat. Youcanthurrylove won cosily third time out and the form was then franked so he also has to be included.

In the next race over 1000m Singforafa was a facile winner last time over course and distance when well weighted and she is well weighted again. Fly Away also won impressively last time over the same course and distance and recorded a faster time than Singforafa despite carrying more weight, so she has a big shout too. Tropic Sun made a promising debut and could also be involved.

In the last race of the day over 1200m Big Blue Marble is chosen as the best bet of the day. He has always been well regarded and was far from disgraced last time over this trip in a race where he had the like of Grade 1 winner Eden Roc behind him. He was dropped a couple of points by the handicappers and has pole position which will suit as he has won from the front before. Purple Diamond stayed on well over 1000 last time and will prefer this trip so has a shout from a good draw. Sporting Monarch has run well fresh before so he has to be considered from a good draw over an ideal trip. 

By David Thiselton

It was tough going at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Friday night and it could be equally testing for punters on the poly at the same venue this afternoon. That said, the harder the going the better the rewards for those who do their homework.

There are no obvious exotic bet bankers on the card and race-by-race may be the way to go.

Tuscan Kiss and Duran could be the exacta in the card opener in what is a tricky race with thin form. Tuscan Kiss ran a fair race behind his stable companion Kingston Rock last start and meets weaker here. Duran has disappointed Gary Rich on more than one occasion as he has expected more from his charge that has shown ability at home. The Rich stable is in form and Duran can improve on recent showings. Of the balance, Shining Bright has found market support at recent starts and reverts to a sprint which could help.

In the second, Irish Pearl was backed at long odds last start and made good improvement in cheek pieces. She has drawn wide but this is only her fourth start so could have more to come and offers more scope than Amberbell and Retrial. This pair look the more obvious but Amberbell is a long-timer battler although not far back at recent outings while Retrial was a short-head behind Amberbell when last they met so there should not be much between the two again although Amberbell has the better draw. Enrapture improved nicely second time out and has a winning chance in a weak field.

The lightly raced Gwendolyn won well second time out and looks progressive in a modest field when she lines up in the opening leg of the Pick 6. San’s Dancer has run two cracking races for her new stable and the step up in trip should suit so she could prove the biggest threat. Of the balance, season veteran Royal Kaitrina is never far back and comes from a form stable and although S’Manga Khumalo puts up 1kg over-weight that should not be enough to stop her putting in a big effort.

Velvet Season has a bright chance in the fourth and is overdue a first win as he is rated way better than the majority of this field. He has a good draw to boot. Biggest danger could come in the form of Smart Sox who has only had two starts for Dean Kannemeyer. He made a promising debut on the poly and although he was a distant fourth on the turf next up he can do better back on the synthetic surface.

The fifth is wide open but recent maiden winner Royal Kitty has shown ability and won unextended. That was a moderate maiden line-up and she meets a lot stronger this time around. Such A Rush has excellent form on the poly and Lowan Denysschen’s yard is in good form of late while Arrabiata, Stormborne Thunder, Blue Flower and Fire Faerie all warrant consideration in a difficult race.

Candle Rock showed signs of returning to form last start and Jeff Freedman’s filly was backed at long odds. She is down in class and although drawn a little wide she should put in a big effort. Track & Ball have her at 10-1 which are attractive odds. Smiley Kylie has been rested but Garth van Zyl’s filly has put in two smart efforts on the poly and if not short of a gallop will be right there. La Valette has been rested but was not far back in strong feature company last outing while Purple Persuasion is at the top of the ante-post boards with Smiley Kylie.

The seventh is another open handicap but Made In Hollywood has had two outings for his new stable and has made marked improvement. At 12-1 in the ante-post market he looks fair value. Favourite is recent winner Graduate who scored comfortably at his last two. He got a four-point penalty for that last win but should still be competitive. Hey Boy is quick and goes very well on the poly and gets weight from most of his biggest rivals.

Kom Naidoo sends out a steady stream of winners from his Ashburton yard and he could round off the meeting with Fives Wild who takes a big drop in class and with 4kg claimer Xola Jacobs up should have a big chance in this line-up. Others to watch are Jerry The Juggler, Alphamikefoxtrot and Ninotto in another wide open contest.

By Andrew Harrison

To take a bet go to www.tabgold.co.za or www.trackandball.co.za

Mike de Kock said Hawwaam would definitely be avoiding the Gauteng Summer Cup, for which he is the ruling favourite with bookmakers in the ante-post market.

De Kock said the champion Silvano colt was being targeted at the L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate and the Sun Met.

He plans to run him in two Pinnacle Stakes events in Johannesburg before taking him down to Cape Town.  

De Kock’s charge

Mike de Kock runs four horses in Saturday’s Grade 2 Peermont Emperor’s Palace Charity Mile, including topweight and favourite Buffalo Bill Cody.

This talented Irish-bred entire cost himself any chance last time in the Grade 2 Jo’burg Spring Challenge over 1450m, dwelling and losing a few lengths. 

De Kock said, “He has been flying out the gates at home and always works well and this is probably his best trip. But he is becoming quite coltish and we have no intention of gelding him as he has great potential at stud. So if he misbehaves again I will have to sit down with Mary (Slack) and reconsider his future.”

The Redoute’s Choice five-year-old is unbeaten in four starts over a mile and in his first attempt at black type in last season’s strong Grade 1 Champions Cup over 1800m he wasn’t disgraced, finishing 2,90 lengths behind Rainbow Bridge.

He is merit rated 125 so has to give 1,5kg to the second top weights on Saturday and he has to jump from a tricky draw of 12 too, so his odds of around 2/1 look a bit cramped.

All three of De Kock’s other candidates, Barahin, Cascapedia and Noble Secret, have the Gauteng Summer Cup as their main target.

De Kock said about Barahin, who carries 58,5kg off his merit rating of 122, “I was happy with his last run, although he wants a bit further and could do with another run under the belt. He is doing well but is another who needs gelding.”

He said about his six-year-old Irish-bred mare Cascapedia, “She needs another run to reach her peak as she had a long holiday on the farm. But I expect improvement on her last run.”

He said about Noble Secret. “His last run was his first after a wind op so he needs another run and he needs further.” 

By David Thiselton

Last Winter will have his second race in Britain in a 2 400m Listed event on the all-weather at Kempton next Monday.

According to Lady Laidlaw’s racing manager Jehan Malherbe, Sir Michael Stoute has yet to finalise riding arrangements as Ryan Moore – who rode last year’s Sun Met second on his British debut – will be in Australia for the Melbourne Cup.

The now six-year-old’s previous British run was in last month’s Chasemore Farm Fortune Stakes, a Listed race over a mile at Sandown, when he finished last of six but was beaten less than seven lengths – a reasonable effort considering he had been off for 20 months. He took a keen hold, was ridden two furlongs out but was unable to make much impression.

Bernard Fayd’Herbe, sidelined on medical advice since the end of last season, resumes at Kenilworth on Saturday when he has been booked for the first seven of the eight races including, somewhat appropriately, Bernie in the Tellytrack.com Handicap.

Kampala Campari, ruled out of the Durbanville pinnacle won by stable companion Head Honcho a fortnight ago because of a temperature, has been given top weight of 61kg in the Woolavington Handicap at Kenilworth on November 9. Candice Bass-Robinson, bidding to win the 2 400m test for the third year in a row, has the biggest entry with three – Pacific Chestnut, Celestial Prince and Ballad Of The Sea.

The Milnerton trainer is also responsible for nine of the 29 entries for the Laisserfaire Stakes on the same card including three of the four highest rated – Santa Clara, Freedom Charter and Nous Voila.

By Michael Clower

Sean Tarry has saddled the runner up for the last two year’s in the Grade 2 Peermont Emperor’s Palace Charity Mile and will be hoping to go one better this year with one of his four contestants.

Tilbury Fort made his seasonal reappearance in this race last year and finished a short-head second and he comes in fresh again. 

Tarry said, “He is doing very well but I would have liked another week or two with him. He is slightly underdone and I feel he was a little fitter last year but this can’t be quantified and we are mindful that he runs well fresh.”

The six-year-old Horse Chestnut gelding ran off a 103 merit rating last year, so off a 118 this year is effectively five points higher if the ten point across the board raise is taken into account. He is drawn one lower than last year in eight.

Four-year-old Zillzaal is merit rated 114 so carries 54,5kg, 2kg less than Tilbury Fort, and he is drawn well in seven. He is by Silvano so should be improving all the time and Tarry said recent gelding has also helped. He said, “He has always had the ability but he wasn’t producing in his races. Although he was running decent races he wasn’t finishing them off. So, it was nice in his last race to see the gelding had the desired effect. He was well weighted there but he did what he had to do at the business end of the race. I think he is competitively weighted on Saturday and has a lot in his favour. This is part of his preparation for the Summer Cup but that doesn’t mean to say he can’t win.”

Tarry’s exciting four-year-old filly In The Dance, merit rated 111, has as good a turn of foot as her half-brother Capetown Noir and being by miler Gimmethegreenlight should relish the step up to this trip. Tarry was not concerned about her draw of eleven, saying she was likely to be dropped out. He said, “We haven’t got to the bottom of her yet and she’s fit and well, but it would have been nice to have another run under the belt going into this tough mile.”

He runs the six-year-gelding Pilou from a draw of nine and he sneaks into the handicap with bottom weight off his 109 merit rating.

Tarry said, “He showed at Greyville he doesn’t have to lead, although he will like to be handy. He is doing very well and was short of his best in his last run so he has had a nice preparation.”

By David Thiselton

Celestial Storm at 11-2 could be the answer to the Interbet.co.za Pinnacle Stakes at Kenilworth today, particularly as the M.J. Byleveld-ridden bottom weight is so well treated.

The weights in pinnacles are determined by merit ratings, but in bands of five points at a time, and the best horses tend to come out marginally better than in a normal handicap. However fillies and mares receive a 2.5kg allowance which they don’t get in a handicap and on adjusted ratings here the selection comes out equal top with Bold Respect – and the pair are 2kg clear of the next best (Sergeant Hardy who doesn’t seem to be quite the force he was).

Bold Respect has not raced since the Mercury Sprint three months ago whereas Celestial Storm won a conditions race at Durbanville before taking third to Pacific Trader in a pinnacle there a month ago. She would probably have finished second had she had a clear run.

The danger could well be Bold Respect’s stable companion Traces, the mount of Anton Marcus. This one suffered serious interference in that pinnacle, not once but twice, and Brett Crawford said: “He was in need of the race – it was his first run since having a wind op – and he has come on a hell of a lot since.”

What A Flirt caught the eye on debut at Durbanville earlier in the month and gets the vote to reverse the placings with Silver Tiara in the Play Soccer 6 Maiden (race two). It might seem folly to suggest she can turn the tables on the in-form Glen Kotzen/ Morne Winnaar combination. However Greg Cheyne, who rode Silver Tiara last time, is now on the Paddy Kruyer runner who is bound to have come on from the run and has only half a length to make up.

It could pay to follow the Crawford-Marcus-Ridgemont combination in races three, four and five. It is unlikely that all three will win but they all have chances and the Crawford stable is in tremendous form with 14 winners at the last seven Cape Town meetings.

Duke Of Cards (33-10) in the 2 400m maiden (race three) has the weakest chance of the trio and, being out of a Trippi mare, there must be doubts about him getting the trip but his trainer says: “He is a big horse and he is relishing to go this type of distance.”

In the next Water Spirit (28-10) will be having her second run after an enforced rest (a bad sign!) when she had problems behind the saddle but apparently she has come on since her fourth-placed return seven weeks ago.

Flame Tree (22-10 for race five) was good enough to win first time out but lost ground at the off when tried in handicap company on Matchem day. Her trainer says: “Her work at home has been good.”

By Michael Clower

Turffontein Inside track has a nine race meeting tomorrow and there has been some welcome rain this week which should lead to easier going.

Three-year-old prospect Gin Fizz appears in the fifth race, a Graduation Plate over 1450m, and is best in at the weights. Last time out she just failed to beat the highly regarded Vistula in the Grade 2 Joburg Spring Fillies and Mares Challenge over this course and distance. The concern is that she threatened to over race on that occasion before a strong pacemaker allowed her to drop in and settle in second. There does not appear to be pace in this race and she is drawn wide so she might have to lead. Four-year-old filly Green Top is well regarded by Alec Laird and is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance. The blinkers are back on after she was beaten 9,5 lengths by Gin Fizz in that last race and she also has her third run after a long layoff, so hopefully can bounce back.

Against The Grain is 4kg under sufferance with Gin Fizz and has his second run after a long layoff, but is talented and the trip is ideal. Urban Rock is 11kg under sufferance with Gin Fizz but looks capable of rising above his merit rating and has a plum draw. However, on pedigree, being by Seventh Rock out of Black Minnaloushe sprinter Mary Stuart, there is a slight stamina doubt. Tiger’s Rock is a whopping 12,5kg under sufferance and does not make much appeal. Glider Pilot will find this too sharp and is returning from a 483 day layoff. Over Sharing’s recent form is uninspiring and Shadows Night will be outgunned.

The meeting starts with a Maiden over 1200m and Eppagilia makes appeal as one with plenty of scope and having his second run after gelding from a better draw than last time. 

In the second over 1600m Oyster King was caught in second place without cover last time and still stayed on for a close third so could prevail this time from a better draw. Cairon made a good front-running debut over 1450m and with expected improvement should go close from a plum draw. G I JOE quickened well to hit the front over 1200m last time before being run out of it and he has done well over this trip before, but it is his second run after a layoff and he has a tough draw.

In the first leg of the PA Eightfold’s Lass drops back to her favourite 1600m trip and is well drawn. The enigmatic Aurelia Cotta has been consistent over this trip lately and is drawn in pole. Evening Bell is talented and could run well fresh over a trip too sharp.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 2000m Atomic Blonde is well regarded so is interesting stepped up in trip. Festive Linngari will relish the course and distance from a good draw and Rocky Path is ultra consistent. Tough Choice is in good form but was given a four point raise last time and So Long Spring could be involved if reproducing her run in September over course and distance. In For A Penny could be dangerous from a good draw with a 1,5kg claimer up if taken to the front. 

In the sixth over 1450m Hartleyfour might well be looking for this trip and is well drawn. Category Four has a fine chance from a good draw and African Rock should also be involved. Pidgeon Rock must be included although he has to prove he stays the trip and Pop Icon can be considered despite a wide draw as he waltzed home in his first try at this trip. 

In the next Flash Burn has undoubted talent and is well drawn over an ideal course and distance. His stablemate Culture Trip won well last time and is the danger.

In the eighth over 1450m Marygold won well on debut and starts handicapping off a reasonable mark so can remain unbeaten. Golden Spiral is in fine form and Kapama emerges well on formlines, but both have tough draws. Querari Ferrari can be considered from a good draw off a reasonable opening mark and The Sash is capable so could bounce back with this good draw. 

In the last over 1000m Arikel’s form has been franked and she is taken to beat the consistent Claremorris and Black Ferrari, who is better than her last lacklustre outing.

By David Thiselton

Anton Marcus can return to Kenilworth in style tomorrow and win the Cape Classic for the fourth time in seven seasons. He also has a big chance on Pretty Young Thing in the Western Cape Fillies Championship.

His mount Silver Operator is favourite at 5-2 for the Classic, has 2kg in hand on ratings and would have beaten Snow Report (a big price at 12-1 here) in another two strides in the Langerman. He also went close in his prep.

His Achilles heel could be the distance because he has looked as if he needs a bit further, although the rain forecast for this morning should slow things down a bit. “I would say that he is best over 1 600m but this trip should be OK and he has done very well,” says Vaughan Marshall.

The other negative is the record of Cape Classic favourites  – only two of the last nine have won. General Franco comes out next best on official ratings but both bookmakers and the Snaith stable seem a lot keener on the unbeaten Sachdev who is second in the market 9-2.

The Dennis Bosch raider Padre Pio surely has it to do giving weight all round. Seventh Gear (5-1) has long been held in high regard but Snow Report and Sophomore Sprint winner Three Two Charlie have achieved more. “It could be close between them,” says Candice Bass-Robinson. “Three Two Charlie is pretty decent and I think the 1 400m should be OK for him as this is on the old course.”

The big drawback with Pretty Young Thing is her 17 draw. Greg Cheyne, who rode her when she won a fortnight ago, spoke of her good gate speed and Marcus’s unique starting method will ensure she gets over quickly, and with the minimum of exertion, but she will still have to cover more ground that her main rivals. “She has done well, is in good form and I am happy with her,” enthuses an optimistic-sounding Brett Crawford who was successful with Bad Girl Runs in 2005.

The last four favourites for this Grade 2 have all been beaten into second but the previous five all won. World Radar heads the market and, while she has only raced at Fairview, she has won both her starts by wide margins. “I think she is above average although time will tell,” says Alan Greeff who won the race with Tatler back in 2001.

Snaith, bidding for his sixth win, runs three with Casino Queen the shortest-priced at 10-1. Roll In The Hay has been backed from 11-1 to 6-1 and Mrs Bass-Robinson says: “I don’t think she will get further than 1 400 but she should get away with this on the old course from a one draw.”

Glen Kotzen has deliberately not given Third Runway a prep run, recalling that he did the same with Princess Victoria when she won in 2011 and adding: “She will be ready – her gallops have been phenomenal.”

By Michael Clower

After a two-month break and having various appendages stitched back together, multiple champion Anton Marcus is back in full-time action at Hollywoodbets Greyville this evening. Never one to sit back and let others dictate his course of action, Marcus has had two barrier trials to test fitness and booked himself some competitive rides that will hopefully announce his return.

First up he partners Valiente for Brett Crawford in the card opener where the switch back to the poly should prove beneficial after disappointing on turf last time out. Assistant Peter Muscutt has removed the blinkers and Valiente looks the part in a field that shows modest form.

Marcus has taken advantage of Warren Kennedys absence due to the latter’s seven-day suspension and partners a few hot runners for Gavin van Zyl including the first timer Whizz Of Odds in the second.

“Whizz Of Odds barrier trialled well but unfortunately has a bad draw. But we are taking our chances because she is very quick. I rate her and she has a good winning chance,” commented Van Zyl to colleague David Thiselton mid-week.

Vying for favouritism are Another Secret and Royal View, the two finishing within a head of each other when last they met. Another Secret has the better draw this time around and that may give her the edge. Also in the mix is Katie’s Treasure who makes her poly debut but has shown some ability. The switch of surfaces could bring out the best in her.

Marcus has another plum ride in Wave, also for Gavin van Zyl. Wave is another that makes his poly debut but although returning from a break he has strong form in feature company. He had the worst of the draw over a mile in the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes last start but prior to that was up with the best of his generation. Tonight’s trip is possibly on the short side but Van Zyl has declared blinkers and Wave could prove a little too smart for this line-up even though he is up against some useful opposition and Marcus will have to trim to 56kg!

Railtrip is another that Van Zyl is warming up for bigger things and he appears to have picked the ideal race for her second outing of the season in the Concorde Cranes Graduation Plate. Although taking on males, Railtrip is well in at the weights and is a smart filly who should come on lengths from her last run. About the obvious dangers; What A Blast is back on his favourite surface while Dennis Drier saddles a lively pair in Walterthepenniless, who is possibly the stable elect, and Bank Robber who has his third run after a break and improved nicely last time out.

If not making the winner’s enclosure by the fourth, Marcus should be on the mark in the fifth where he partners La Duchesse for Paul Gadsby. Placed in her last five starts, she is due a change of fortune and outside of a possible threat from the disappointing – to date at least – Tarocco, La Duchesse should be hard to beat.

The sixth is a tricky handicap with many in with chances but On The Double has her third run after a break and has been up against stronger in those two starts. She tries blinkers and should be cherry-ripe. Barinois has been consistent and her last win was over course and distance. She takes a small rating drop and with a claiming apprentice aboard will be a threat. One to watch is American Princess. She scrambled home on debut but was expected to do it a little easier so may have more to come.

The seventh has an impossible look about it but Agent Murphy is lightly raced and does appear to have some scope. He was in need of his last run when taking on stronger and can feature prominently in a tough contest. There is very little separating the likes of Grande Maestro, Sovereign Soldier, Roy’s Taxi, Rumbleinthejungle and Jonathan while the honest soldier Putchini, out for the 99^th time, hardly ever runs a bad race and was less than a length behind Sovereign Soldier last run. Do Or Dare let the side down last time out has been costly to follow but should be worth another chance in the last where Academy Award and Man In The Moon look the most likely dangers.

By Andrew Harrison

Adrian Todd’s bid to persuade the European Union to send officials to conduct an audit of protocols, and so pave the way for South Africa to be allowed to export horses direct once more, has run into problems from poultry.

Todd said: “The EU has stated that no audit regarding horses will be forthcoming while poultry exports to South Africa are closed after the 2017 Avian influenze outbreak.”

Todd is still convinced that he can succeed and has adopted a slogan from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, declaring: “Let’s push this over the line.”

By Michael Clower