Andrew Harrison

LYLE HEWITSON gave the opposition a mountain to climb in the UmThombothi Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday and it proved just too high for the favourite Share Holder who finished a game but well beaten second.

Matterhorn had not been out since October last year but Alyson Wright had him stripped for this and Hewitson gave him a ride that one would expect from a jockey who took Japan by storm.

With only 53kg to shoulder and stable companion Flichity By Farr setting some rather sedate early fractions, Hewitson set off for the lead approaching the home turn. He then careered into the straight and went for broke.

Serino Moodley had it tough as Share Holder, as is his want, pulled hard in the opening exchanges and as such the early pace will not have suited him and he never really settled.

The Aussie-bred made up plenty of ground on Matterhorn up the home stretch and although Matterhorn was looking for the line over the last 50m, he found it in the nick of time.

“He’s a 2400m horse and I should never have got beaten last time,” confessed Hewitson.

This was Matterhorn’s fourth win from just eight starts and we could well see him lining up in the staying features during South Africa’s Champion Season.

Luke Ferraris, two months out of his time, has made a superb start to his professional career with the Cape Town Met and the WSB Gauteng Guineas already safely in his locker. He is fortunate to come from a family steeped in the sport but it still takes talent to have achieved what he already has.

His judgement was to the fore again on the Yogas Govender-trained Filippo in the opening leg of the PA. Although 3.5kg worse off in the weights with hot favourite Traces given their last meeting, Filippo was never in danger of defeat. Ferraris had Traces stone cold a long way out and won as he liked with Traces a well beaten second.

Marcus took Traces over to the rail early crossing Candy Galore but Warren Kennedy’s objection was rather hopeful given some of the recent stipendiary decisions.

Corrine Bestel does not have a big string but like Ferraris she comes from a family steeped in racing. Her mother Eileen was a top trainer in her day, the record-breaking galloper Sabre possibly her best horse. Well supported by Peter and Jenny Blythe of Clifton Stud, Bestel has her fair share of winners and the Clifton-bred Flying The Star sauntered to an easy win in the second.

Suzette and Basie Viljoen have taken the racing world by storm over the past couple of years with hardly a race going by without their familiar silks in the field. It was the turn over Legislate’s Dance yesterday as Serino Moodley got him up close home to collar long-time leader Secret Is Ours. Although winning, the vet will be called in shortly and his next start is likely to be as a gelding.

Well fancied at his last start, Serino Moodley was given the third degree by many a grandstand jockey made worse by the fact that stable companion Fat Cigar had won the race. But as he explained yesterday, Legislate’s Dance was still an entire and was not the easiest ride that day getting all his wires crossed in the race.

According to Moodley, Legislate’s Dance was still looking to shirk the issue yesterday and had one ear back and the other forward over the final furlong, a sure sign that he was not giving of his best.

Jackinapot, having his first outing since October last year, landed the odds with a smart win in the fifth. A full brother to SA Derby runner-up Rocketball and a half-brother to Blackball, both useful stayers, Jackinapot won well enough to suggest that he is a horse than can pay to follow.

“He has been off for a while so we brought him back to a mile,” explained Gavin van Zyl and from a seemingly hopeless position, he raced home through the traffic to deny Sonjador and Jacob’s Ladder.

The well-bred debutante Broadway was making late progress finishing just out of the money and is one for the notebook.

David Thiselton
THE Mike de Kock-trained Malmoos and the Paul Matchett-trained War Of Athena confirmed their class yesterday in the  Grade 2 WSB Gauteng Guineas and Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas respectively under high-flying jockeys Luke Ferraris and Muzi Yeni.
War Of Athena strikes as one who could have a tilt at the Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara if winning the second leg over 1800m while Malmoos has a chance of staying the Derby distance on pedigree so the WSB SA Triple Crown is still alive.   It was a fine day for Matchett, who had four winners in all, while Johan Janse van Vuuren won the last three races of the meeting, including the Grade 3 Wilgerbosdrift Tommy Hotspur Handicap with True To Life.  
Malmoos is now unbeaten in four starts at Turffontein and his only loss in six starts has been in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas. He was unlucky in the latter race and yesterday’s result puts him back in contention for Equus Champion Three-year-old. The two mid-season blips for the male sophomore crop, firstly Mount Pleasant’s flop in the WSB Dingaans and then 100/1 shot Russian Rock’s Cape Guineas win, have proven to be false alarms as the form coming out of both of those races, including in yesterday’s Guineas, has proven to be anything but weak.
Malmoos, a good looking Varsfontein Stud-bred bay, has a pedigree to match his record and could one day be in a stallion barn.
He is by Captain Al out of Fort Wood mare Justthewayyouare, who is a half-sister to prominent sire Master Of My Fate.
Justthewayyouare won the Listed Spook Express Handicap over 2600m, which gives Malmoos a shout of staying the Grade 1 WSB SA Derby distance, although he has inherited plenty of speed from his sire Captain Al.
He should enjoy the 1800m trip of the Grade 1 WSB SA Classic, but is going to face stiff opposition, particularly from yesterday’s runner up Catch Twentytwo.
Malmoos broke well from pole position and had the run of the race after the widely drawn Bingwa moved around him to take the lead.  
Catch Twentytwo, winner of the WSB Dingaans and Tony Ruffel Stakes, jumped from draw two and was initially caught outside of Malmoos before being shuffled back to fifth position. He sat behind outsider Kingsley’s Heart, who was running outside of Malmoos’ tail. Copper Mountain sat behind Malmoos on the rail. The latter’s more fancied stablemate Second Base sat in second last position in the nine horse field with Mount Pleasant outside of him.
In the straight Malmoos cruised up on the inside of Bingwa but Copper Mountain was soon challenging him further inside. These two became involved in a ding-dong battle and it was only at about the 150m mark that Malmoos was able to shake Copper Mountain off.
Meanwhile, the tall Catch Twentytwo had slowly wound up into top gear and began eating up the ground in the final two hundred metres. However, it was too late and he was a quarter-of-a-length shy at the line.
The gallant Copper Mountain was beaten 1,40 lengths into third, although he was eased up late. Second Base stayed on resolutely for a two length fourth and Bingwa repeated his WSB Dingaans finish exactly, a 2,50 length fifth.
Catch Twentytwo will relish the SA Classic trip and Second Base, winner of the Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m, should also. Copper Mountain, by Noble Tune out of a Fort Wood mare who won over 2000m,  should also enjoy the step up in trip.  
Mount Pleasant, who started odds-on for the Dingaans, flopped again and finished last, beaten 19 lengths. He is either a sprinter or is replicating  the career of his sire Vancouver, who was unbeaten at two but never got going as a three-year-old.  
War Of Athena was the star of the day and remains alongside Captain’s Ransom as the best of her crop. The R30,000 Summerhill Stud-bred daughter of Act Of War jumped well and was initially caught one wide. However, Muzi Yeni could afford to ease her back because stablemate Only The Brave was ensuring a strong pace in front. Another stablemate, Gee For Go, then moved around War Of Athena to give her a tow into the straight.
Anything Goes had meanwhile been dropped out and was in second last place on the rail, just a length off her arch rival War Of Athena.  
War Of Athena crept up under the hands in the straight. Anything Goes was unfortunately unable to find a gap to burst through and was forced to switch around War Of Athena just after the 300m mark. However, War Of Athena accelerated superbly at the same time leaving Anything Goes with too much ground to make up. It is unlikely she would have beaten War Of Athena in any event as she was two lengths shy at the line. Miss Elegance was third, beaten 6,50 lengths, and Castle Durrow and Only The Brave were next best. Caralluma failed for the third time over this trip and was sixth in the seven horse field with Fillies Mile winner Gee For Go last.
War Of Athena’s dam by Requiem has produced three middle distance to staying winners so the Triple Tiara is in her sights.
Malmoos did record the better time on the day 97,36 seconds compared to the filly’s 97.59 seconds.  
In the Wilgerbosdrift Tommy Hotspur Handicap, True To LIfe, a Northfields Stud-bred four-year-old filly by Duke Of Marmalade, produced a late rattle under Gavin Lerena to record her second Grade 3 win over this 1160m course and distance and sixth career win overall.

Andrew Harrison

MARCHINGONTOGETHER has always been on the verge of being one of the country’s top stayers, but whenever he has looked to have an outstanding chance, he has fluffed his lines. He appeared to have had the perfect prep for the WSB Gold Cup but came up short behind Paths Of Victory last season.

In his defence, the race was a peculiar affair, being run some seven seconds slower than average time, that suggests that he was beaten by a lack of pace rather than any lack of ability.

He is unlikely have things all his own way at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday but he does have a longer straight in which to wind up for his finishing effort and stable rider Warren Kennedy should have a good idea of what to expect.

Stuart Randolph was aboard in the Michael Roberts Handicap with Kennedy holed up in Cape Town, and the gelding was nearer last than first turning for home. But Marchingontogether got it all together in the home stretch, passing all but the two lightweights News Stream and Mr Fitz.

Van Zyl also has the game soldier Blackball in the race who races in the same silks as Marchingontogether, and he may well be used as the hare.

Marchingontogether stretches to a more suitable 1950m and given a decent gallop he should be running at them late.

But it will not be easy going. Paul Lafferty has always held Share Holder in high regard and while he may not have reached the heights expected he is more than just useful.

He got caught in the dying strides by Marchingontogether, beaten a head, and is now 3.5kg better off so in theory he should have his rival’s measure. What’s at play here is that Share Holder is untested over the trip while it holds no fears for Marchingontogether.

Alyson Wright has two live contenders in the mare Flichity By Farr and Matterhorn. The latter was in mustard form before a lay-off, his last run in October last year, but he has a handy weight and cannot be written off. Flichity By Farr needed her last run and will enjoy the extra. She has a handy weight and like Marchingontogether will benefit from a solid gallop.

The opening leg of the PA is a tricky sprint where the one-eyed Traces will be looking to get back on the winning trail.

It has taken time but Traces has finally produced the form he showed early in his career. He was a beaten favourite last run after winning two on the bounce but is now 4kg better off with the winner Fillipo and should be able to turn the tables. Winter Chill was quietly fancied in a tough handicap last time out but ran a ‘flat’ race. He could possibly prefer Greyville but is way better than that last showing. Louis Goosen is a master at training sprinters and veteran galloper Di Mazzio will think he’s running loose with only 48.5kg to shoulder. Although this is a fixed weights event, he has taken a further drop in the ratings and if he finds his best form the rest could be chasing shadows.

The opening leg of the Pick 6 will have punter’s treading warily after Legislate’s Dance let the side down. He started favourite last run but was upstaged by stable companion Fat Cigar. However, now that he has had a look at the Scottsville track, he can make amends in an open race. Dry Var finished ahead of Legislate’s Dance so that needs to be taken into consideration however, Legislate’s Dance should have improvement to come. Of the balance, Valencia has a tricky draw but has improved in blinkers and was narrowly beaten over the distance last time out.

The fifth is another competitive maiden. Jacob’s Ladder appears to have come to hand and showed up well over course and distance and with Goosen booking Anton Marcus for the ride, the inference is obvious. Let’s Go Fly has drawn wide and makes his turf debut but has put in two useful recent efforts. The blinkers go on so there could be more to come. Jackinapot found heavy market support at his second start when tried in blinkers and only just failed. A repeat should see him in the firing line but he has not been out since October last year which is a concern. The regally bred and cleverly named Broadway looks the pick of the Forbes pair, her comment being; “Very nice horse may just need the experience but could run in the money.”

The sixth has upset written all over it and punters may well be advised to load up in the exotics. Mambo Symphony appears to be coming along the right way and has his third run after a lengthy break but Techno Captain has been up against much stronger at recent outings and not been far back. He goes well this trip and at best should make a bold bid. Presumptuous disappointed last run after an improved previous effort and takes a slight drop in class. Rainbow Rising was a narrow maiden winner last start but that form has been franked. He jumps in trip from a difficult draw but on pedigree should see this out.

Another open affair faces punters in the eighth. Avenir enjoyed the extra last run and from a good draw so should at least be competitive. High Velocity has a difficult draw but won second time out and appears to have some scope which may be good enough to see him home. Tromso steps up in trip again after two good showings over shorter while the joker in the pack could be Greenlighttoheaven who has been a little disappointing but has shown flashes of ability and is one to keep an eye on.

If getting through to the last in the exotics, tighten your seat belt because you could be in for another torrid ride. Final Destiny, may be aptly named here, but has come on nicely in three starts. He was narrowly beaten over course and distance last run and can go one better. Cupid’s Song was close-up last start and is improving quickly. The blinkers go on and he can make further improvement. Casimiro made a cracking debut over course and distance at long odds and if he comes on from that he will be competitive again. Another with a chance is Cauldron who has come on nicely with blinkers and is another in with a strong winning chance.

David Thiselton

THE Grade 2 WSB Gauteng Guineas and the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas form the respective first legs of the WSB SA Triple Crown and Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara and both races are full of class and intrigue.

War Of Athena looks the one to beat in the fillies race where she faces arch rival Anything Goes. War Of Athena has more stamina in her pedigree than Anything Goes and takes a while to wind up in the straight so will want a fast pace. This is particularly in view of Anything Goes’ terrific turn of foot. War Of Athena has two stable companions in the race and all three of this coupling have the same ownership.

Therefore, it could be that the lowly rated Only The Brave is in to ensure a decent pace. War Of Athena has only beaten Anything Goes once in three outings and that was last time out in the Three Troikas over 1400m where she won by a cosy 1,75 lengths. However, she was giving the latter 1kg and Anything Goes probably needed it too as she was returning from a layoff. However, another clue to this race can be taken from the Grade 1 Thekwini over this 1600m trip. War Of Athena had a bad draw that day compared to Anything Goes’s good draw and the former simply ran out of straight in her bid to catch the latter.

This time War Of Athena has the better draw and the long straight will give her more time to make up the deficit. Miss Elegance is improving and has the form to fill the trifecta. Castle Durrow is a long-striding sort who is improving and she could also be in the shake up. Caralluma has some class but still has to prove she stays this trip. Gee For Go won the Grade 3 Fillies Mile over this course and distance but was beaten six lengths by Mis Elegance over this trip last time at these same weights. Only The Brave ensured a good pace in the Three Troikas by challenging Caralluma in front but as far as winning chances go she has a double figure number of lengths to find. 

In the WSB Gauteng Guineas Second Base is the selection. He might well have benefitted from the one week postponement because that means he has had a three week gap between races instead of two which was a bit close up. Thus he is promoted from third in last weekend’s selection to first. This Gimmethegreenlight gelding is a long-strider who showed a fine turn of foot when winning the Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m last time out, so this shorter trip should not bother him and neither should the tricky draw of seven as he can afford to be dropped out. Interestingly his only defeat was when beaten 5,5 lengths into fourth by his stablemate in this race Copper Mountain but that was over 1200m on the Inside track and he was outpaced. Catch Twentytwo is blossoming and proved his WSB Dingaans win was no fluke by following up in the Grade 3 Tony Ruffel Stakes over 1400m.

He will enjoy the step back up to the WSB Dingaans distance and has landed a plum draw. Copper Mountain was staying on in the Tony Ruffel where he finished a two length third to Catch Twentytwo at level weights. He is by Noble Tune out of a Fort Wood mare whose only win was over 2000m so should relish the step up in trip. He is drawn three and could be the surprise package. Malmoos has won all three of his starts at Turffontein impressively and followed up by winning the Grade 3 Concorde Cup over this trip at Kenilworth. He was then unlucky when unplaced in the Cape Guineas eight weeks ago although he did not look likely to win. He has pole position in his first start back at altitude.

Mount Pleasant is easily the highest rated horse in the race but the jury is out because he flopped in his first try at this trip having beaten older horses of the like of Cirillo over 1450m before that.  It might have just been an off day and he must be included in all exotics. Eliud has shown glimpses of class and could earn and Bingwa was a 2,50 length third in the WSB Dingaans but only fifth in the Tony Ruffel. Kingsley’s Heart looks held by Copper Mountain and this is a big step up in class for Namib Desert.   

GOLD CIRCLE is pleased to announce that at their AGM held on 28 January 2021, Members voted to approve a Member’s Resolution tabled by past Chairman, Robert Mauvis, for an extra allocation of R10 million from the Clairwood ring-fenced funds, towards stakes of minor races in KZN. From 1 March 2021, where stakes were R50 000 they will be increased to R60 000 and those that were R70 000 will be increased to R80 000.

“Gold Circle exists to sustain the Horseracing Industry in KZN”, said Neil Butcher, Chairman of Gold Circle. “To do that, we need to assist our stakeholders which include owners, trainers, grooms and breeders. This increase in stakes will benefit everyone directly, hopefully going some way to easing the economic impact which Covid-19 has had on our industry.”

Andrew Harrison

WHEN a fancied runner starts drifting in the betting, it is always a sign for the alert punter that all is not well with their fancy. That’s not to say that it could be a false drift, but more often than not there is a vital point that has been over-looked by many.

Television pundit Graeme Hawkins alluded to this when summing up the third race at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday. He pointed out that on the weight-for-age scale (WFA), hot favourite Rock Flight was way out at the weights on the WFA scale with her older rivals in spite of looking to have the better form.

He also alluded to the fact that Gavin van Zyl may have fitted blinkers to his charge to get Rock Flight into the race a little earlier. The half-cups were on.

He countered that by sticking with Rock Flight in his summation as he felt that Golden Duck had not been striding freely to the gate. That said, he also pointed out that her rider had been warming her up behind the gate before the start.

Post-race, trainer Paul Lafferty confirmed those observations, but also pointed out that it was normal for his charge and nothing untoward.

As they say in the Classics, ‘Rock Flight drifted like a loose barge’ in the market, from odds-on to a last call of close to 14-10 before the off with money coming for eventual winner Golden Duck.

The tired cliché of ‘weight stops trains’ held true in this case with Rock Flight struggling a long way out as apprentice Kyle Strydom, full value for his 2.5kg claim, skated home comfortably to smash the field out of the park with Rock Flight a distant second.

No doubt, Rock Flight will have her day but it does pay to take some not-so-obvious factors into account when things look obvious.

Turffontein-based Paul Peter was in town and his first-call hatchet man Warren Kennedy had little trouble executing the opposition in the first two races on the card with both Space Race and Queen Anne’s Lace winning comfortably. Both were maiden plates and although Space Race was slightly out at the weights her form was strong and Queen Anne’s Lace looked to be a penalty kick and the result expected.

The Peter-trained favourite Lotus came up short in the fourth when out-run by Wendy Whitehead’s mare Keep On Dancing. Again, the WFA scale came into play and the winner, according to the stats, had a 3.5kg weight advantage.

David Thiselton

THE Turffontein Inside track is never easy for punters to negotiate but there look to be some fair opportunities for them in today’s nine race meeting.

In the sixth race over 1600m Ivalo’s Prince should be good value. He has always struck as one who possesses ability but has faced some good sorts since his comeback from a nine-and-a-half month layoff. Last time he was stepped up to 1600m for the first time but had a wide draw so the rider opted to drop him to last. He stayed on and was doing some fair work late. He now not only has pole position but has been dropped two points in the merit ratings and has a 2,5kg claimer up. The Noble Tune gelding should make a bold bid and has been made a PA banker. However, there is stiff opposition and in the Pick 6 August Rain can be included. This big rangy type led over this trip last time and stayed on to be beaten by two promising three-year-olds. However, he is 1,5kg worse off with Ivalo’s Prince for a length beating. Elusive Force is three points higher for his last win over this course and distance but has a 4kg claimer up and could still progress. Crank It Up is well drawn over a suitable trip and this is the easiest field he has faced for a while. Against The Grain still needs to bounce back to his best and if he does he will be a big runner. Call Me Master is 1,5kg better off with Ivalo’s Prince for a 3,25 length beating so looks held but could earn. 

In the first leg of the PA over 1800m Heart Stwings thrived in Cape Town and went close in the Grade 3 Victress Stakes to Silvano’s Pride when receiving just 2,5kg. The rest of the field were well beaten and if she is in as good shape after the journey back she is the one to beat over this ideal trip. Sidonie is drawn in pole and this half-sister to the like of Viva Maria should handle the step up in trip. Spice Market will be dangerous from the front and might enjoy the step up in trip because she is a full-sister to SA Oaks runner up Pomander. 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1500m Kay Tee Perry is on the up and can follow up on her fluent last win over 1600m off a merit rating that has only been raised three points. Sparkling Water is a rangy and progressive sort with a good turn of foot and she can go close in just her third career start. Ululate is better than her last start and is also distance suited so can’t be ignored.

In the first leg of the Jackpot over 1600m Storm Commander ran well last time and is off a competitive merit rating despite being raised two points and he also has a plum draw. Banha Bridge has not been unduly punished for his last win and can be a threat. Waqaas, El Romiachi and Lear Jet are also worth including.    

In the seventh over 1200m Dubawi Princess has always had a touch of class and could still be ahead of the handicapper despite a win last time. Persica is distance suited and capable of turning it on so is the danger from a good draw.

In the eighth the exciting prospect Var’s Vicky faces some seasoned sorts and it will be challenging. Spring Break relishes any 1200m around the turn and comes off a good win over course ad distance. Down To Zero has mixed it with the best and is off a competitive merit rating over a suitable trip and he is well drawn.

The last race is a Classified Stakes race over 2000m and Governor’s Glory is interesting. He has caught the eye and although by Soft Falling Rain, who is a more of a speed influence, his dam is by Fort Wood and won the Grade 2 Gold Circle Oaks so he could do well off a reasonable opening merit rating of 80. Cairon has also struck as one with ability and could now show it with the yard having been in good form. Rabia The Rebel’s last win was over course and distance and she is better treated here than she was in that race. Twice The Act is the best weighted and also has a 2,5kg claimer up. In The Game has done well on the three occassions he has been tried over 1800m, so he is interesting stepped up even further. Romeo’s Magic looks held by In The Game but is drawn in pole and has a shout if bouncing back from a below par run.     

Andrew Harrison

RAIDERS have come to own today with Paul Peter, Corne Spies and Ashley Fortune all sending runners down from the Highveld.

Paul Peter and Warren Kennedy are often a deadly combination and they team up in the first three races on the Hollywoodbets Greyville card. The poly track is an obvious attraction for many out-of-province runners which gives an added dimension to the form.

The Peter-trained Space Race will have her supporters in the card opener after showing steady improvement in her three outings and she is the early 18-10 favourite with WSB.

However, this will be no push-over with the locals likely to provide plenty of opposition. Indigo Moon was narrowly beaten over course and distance at her last two starts and proven on the synthetic surface is always a tick in the right box. Umkhomazi is another that has been coming along the right way and from a good draw is sure to be in the mix.

These three would pear to be the principal contenders with Umkhomazi favoured ahead of Indigo Moon and Space Race.

Peter and Kennedy can have better luck on the second where Queen Anne’s Lace should have a bright chance. She was running on nicely over the distance in her last Turffontein outing and with a good draw she is heavily favoured by the books at 7-10.

Yogas Govender’s filly Siwa Oasis has pulled another wide marble but jumped from the same wide draw when going down narrowly over course and distance last time out. She has not been out since mid-December but fit and well she should make a bold bid.

Kennedy has another fine chance of making it into the winner’s enclosure when he partners Gavin van Zyl’s filly Rock Flight in the third, opening leg of the Pick 6. Lightly raced, she has finished in the money in all three of her resent starts, the last over course and distance when starting favourite. She can redeem herself here and is a strong fancy to get the better of the recently consistent Golden Duck who has had 17 starts with out a run on the board.

One generally ignores runners from the Spies Yard at your peril, regardless of their current form. Zernez is one of those runners whose recent form is moderate to say the least but she has been jumping from wide gates. She has a better draw this afternoon in her poly debut, a 2.5kg claimer up and the blinkers come off.

Peter and Kennedy team up with recent maiden winner Lotus who had been improving nicely with each outing before landing the odds in a work riders maiden. Peter appears to have picked the right race for her handicap debut and she should have a strong chance of following up on her maiden win.

Wendy Whitehead has been tasting success of late with the majority of her runners putting in forward showings. Monty Mariemuthoo, the principal behind Monty Racing, is a shrewd judge when it comes to buy horses in training and is also agent to Muzi Yeni who partnered the filly in her last two races.

In the fifth, Naoshima will try and make it four wins on the bounce and although useful this could be mission impossible. Both Wildly In Love and Magicallee are better off at the weights, especially Kom Naidoo’s filly Magicallee. She has been a touch disappointing since runner Naoshima to withing two lengths when last they met but is now 7kg better off. She is quick and the switch to the poly could bring out the best in her.

Wildly In Love has been dropping in the ratings but the experiment with blinkers last time out did not pay off and she was all at sea. The blinkers are off and a light weight coupled with a more experienced apprentice could pay off.

Umzinduzi has taken to the poly and Justin Snaith’s filly and take the step up in class in her stride in the sixth although she faces plenty of opposition. Ashley Fortune makes the trip from the Vaal with Raeesah, her only runner on the day, and she caught the eye when four lengths back to the winner over the Vaal short-cut. Lyle Hewitson stays aboard with a handy galloping weight.

The Spies-trained Decadent Lady is back over a sprint on the poly and must come into the reckoning as does Purple Moon Up.

The name General Franco, bought for a tidy sum given his pedigree, raised a few hackles with the inference that he was named in honour of the Spanish fascist leader. The early hype surrounding his ability has also quietened down and in 10 starts he has only managed a single victory.

However, he made a promising local debut when going down narrowly to the useful looking Spydas Corner and he could go on to pay some of his way this afternoon but is up against two hard-knockers in Good Rhythm and Coldhardcash.

Louis Goosen’s runner has been a model of consistency but lumps the grandstand in spite of apprentice Kyle Strydom giving him 2.5kg relief.

Coldhardcash had all the makings of a top sprinter before breathing problems surfaced but he loves the poly. Of concern is the 1200m-trip, which could find him wanting over the final furlong.

The last is an open handicap where iron horse Puchini steps out for the 120^th time looking for his twelfth win. He is over his best course and distance but the likes of stable companions Theravada and Gentleman’s Way could be a tad too quick for him.

David Thiselton

RAINBOW BRIDGE’S most recent victory saw him joining a 1930s great called Moonlit as the second most successful Cape Town Met horse in history behind the legendary three-time winner of the big race, Pocket Power. 

Rainbow Bridge’s Met record is virtually identical to Moonlit’s and another historical string which ties the two horses together is that the grandfather of Rainbow Bridge’s trainer Eric Sands rode in all three of the Mets won by Moonlit.

Sands reflected on Rainbow Bridge’s second Met win this week.

He said both he and respective jockeys Luke Ferraris and Warren Kennedy had been confident of the chances of Rainbow Bridge and Golden Ducat.” 

Sands added, “I felt if I supported Golden Ducat I would be betraying Rainbow Bridge and vice versa, so I wouldn’t have minded if either of them had won. It is great for the Rattrays and it is also great for breeder Mary Slack. The horses Mary breeds are like her children to her.”

Sands continued, “I said publicly before the race that the biggest danger was not Belgarion but Richard Fourie (unbeaten in four starts on Rainbow Bridge) as he knows both horses and might have known of a tactical plan (such as pace) that could have possibly affected Rainbow Bridge’s chances.”

Sands sent a message to Ferraris a day or two before the race reading, “I know I have the right jockey on Rainbow Bridge, you have convinced me.”

He said, “I meant it to and it gave him a bit of extra confidence.”

Sands had wondered before the season whether the many close fights Rainbow Bridge had been in had affected him mentally.

He had therefore told Ferraris that the Met was the aim, it was over his right distance, and that he should try and avoid getting him into a fight in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.  That might have been why Ferraris kept Rainbow Bridge on a lone path down the centre in the Queen’s Plate from where he stayed on well for second, although on the other hand Rainbow Bridge does have a tendency to hang to the right.

Sands continued, “Luke said he felt like a different horse by the time of the Met.”

Sands always tries to picture how the race is going to pan out and said, “African Night Sky had pulled when fancied in the 2018 July so I thought he was possibly going to set a suitable pace for Justin’s runners. I couldn’t imagine Running Brave leading in her first start around a left hand turn. Silver Operator was also a possible pacemaker as Mario Ferreira owns both him and Princess Calla.”

Sands’ only instruction to the two jockeys was to not cost each other the race in a situation where one of them was going nowhere.

That situation did in fact arise as Rainbow Bridge, having cruised up from last place in the straight, got stuck behind Golden Ducat and African Night Sky.

Sands was at that point focused on Golden Ducat because from his angle he he could not see Rainbow Bridge.

Ferraris coolly extracted himself from the situation by easing his mount and switching him outward.

Sands saw Golden Ducat was going nowhere so focused on Rainbow Bridge who was by now unwinding a devastating finish on the outside.

In his opinion the pace of the race had been good. He said, “The horses who came from the back came out in front.”

He added, “The fact Luke couldn’t get through when he wanted to probably worked in his favour.”

Rainbow Bridge still had plenty in the tank when finally starting his run at about the 300 metre mark, so it was going to now only be about his terrific turn of foot and he was not going to have to endure another fight like he did in the 2020 Met when going down by a neck to One World.

Sands said, “All credit to the kid. The result is in the frame and I look like a hero but all the credit must go to the horses and to that mare (Halfway To Heaven, record-breaking dam of Grade 1 winners Rainbow Bridge, Golden Ducat and Hawwaam).”

Sands felt the best explanation for Golden Ducat’s disappointing performance was that his victory in the Grade 2 Glorious Goodwood Premier Trophy had taken too much out of him as he had to fight back after being headed.  

Both horses are now resting on the farm and Sands will soon be discussing their SA Champions Season plan with owner Mike Rattray. He said he was going to try and keep them apart again until the Vodacom Durban July, as he had done last year.

In October 1936 the Syd Garrett-trained Moonlit, like Rainbow Bridge, won his first Met as a four-year-old, prevailing in the Handicap event over 1800m by 1,75 lengths carrying 111 pounds under Stanley Amos. The following year he was beaten half-a-length into second carrying 135 pounds and giving the victor Asbestos II 32 pounds. Stanley Amos ironically was aboard Asbestos II and his brother “Cookie” was aboard Moonlit. In the 1938 Met Moonlit produced one of the great weight carrying feats in SA racing history. He made light of his 145 pound (65.77kg) burden and won easily by 1,25 lengths under Cookie Amos.

Sands’ grandfather Arthur Edgar Saunders, who was to win the Met in 1940 on a horse called Ming, finished downfield in all three of Moonlit’s Met victories.  

The Australian-born Arthur Edgard later changed the surname to Sands and his son Arthur Harold also became a jockey before turning to training. Harold did not enjoy dealing with clients so passed the reins over to his son Arthur Eric at the Vaal in 1983. Eric had his first winner at Bloemfontein with his first ever runner and two years later moved to Milnerton where he has been ever since.   

RACE 1: Preview: Trainer Paul Peter is in town and will saddle SPACE RACE (8) here. This daughter of Master Of My Fate is improving and her last run was particularly very encouraging. INDIGO MOON (11) is running well and knocking at the door and seems desperate to win! Big runner! UMKHOMAZI (5) is one for the shortlist and should run into the money and AIRBUZZ (1) has a quartet chance. (Warren Lenferna 8-11-5-1) 

RACE 2: Preview: Trainer Paul Peter could have a quick double! QUEEN ANNE’S LACE (2) finished an encouraging second last time at Turffontein and might prove a hard horse to beat this time. SIWA OASIS (10) nearly caused an upset last time when showing huge improvement – the yard is in form and she should win her maiden very soon – respect. SIBERIAN SUNSET (8) and ROYAL COUTURE (6) have good enough form to be seen in the money and are musts for the trifecta and quartet. (Warren Lenferna 2-10-8-6)

RACE 3: Preview: ROCK FLIGHT (3) is improving with racing and looks the right one. She comes from an inform trainer / jockey combination and might well be a banker on the card! GOLDEN DUCK (7) has placed six times from seventeen races and should again be right there – more of a place chance than a winning one but she should win her race very soon. MAXINE DU MONDE (1) is starting to take time but is now improving – include. FLYMEFREE (9) if running here (carded to race last Sunday) is a must for most bets. (Warren Lenferna 3-7-1-9)

RACE 4: Preview: recent Highveld maiden winner LOTUS (6) beat Senescence whom has since come out and won – that form might be good enough for this Flower Alley filly to win first time in open company in this average handicap. Cheek can be expected from TOMBOLA (1) who has tons of scope to improve on her stable debut. The form of her last run has been franked – bright chance and a must for the exactas. KEEP ON DANCING (8) is never too far away from the action and has a place chance and although SANTA VITTORIA (11) is taking time to win again – should be in the mix. (Warren Lenferna 6-1-8-11)

RACE 5: Preview: CALULO (1) goes very well for apprentice Zuma and they look set to reel off the hat trick, but it is never as easy as that – it never is! Her last win was particularly gutsy and she is my narrow first choice. I say narrow as plenty of cheek is expected from NAOSHIMA (5) whom keeps winning and winning well. Sean Veale knows her like the back of his hand. HOPSKIPANDJUMP (6) can do much better than she did last time and is one for the shortlist. WILDLY IN LOVE (4) was badly affected by the start last time. Many thought it could have been a false one. A much better effort can be expected from the Howells in mate and she in fact is the value / lurker in the field. (Warren Lenferna 1-5-6-4)

RACE 6: Preview: an interesting contest and not so easy to predict the winner, never mind the first four past the post in order! UMZINDUZI (6) has won two out of his last three starts and can continue on winning ways. RAEESAH (3) is never too far off the action in Gauteng and could go very well on the surface – bright chance. PURPLE MOON’S UP (7) can serve up better than she did las time. BEAT IT (10) is taking time to win again but should be able to do so soon. (Warren Lenferna 6-3-7-10)

RACE 7: Preview: COLDHARDCASH (6) is talented but he has a few issues – on his day, he can go with the best of them and has an undeniable winning chance here. The 1200m is a small worry as recently he has been excelling over 1000m. GOOD RHYTHM (8) is a soldier of a horse – always doing of his best. His chances of winning despite the weight look bright. GENERAL FRANCO (2) bounced right back to near best last time and can go one better. SNIPER SHOT (9) is taking time to win again but has plenty of talent – respect and include in what looks a great and competitive event. (Warren Lenferna 6-8-2-9)

RACE 8: Preview: Trainer Dennis Bosch’s horses could finish one-two here! THERAVADA (2) deserves to win – knocking at the door. GENTLEMAN’S WAY (6) can pop up and must be respected. BORDEAUX (7) is never too far away from the action and is a must for the places and RUNNING FREELY (1) could be the value in the race for a place. (Warren Lenferna 2-6-7-1)