Scottsville (Inside Track) Sun Dec 11 Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

Race 1

All first timers.

Race 2
Preview: Many first timers but of those that have run VARISCITE makes a comeback after a lengthy break but has improved with each outing and was a close-up second last start. She can go one better. OYSTER POND was disappointing on the poly after making a fair debut. Back on turf she can make amends. DAMALI made a promising debut but disappointed next time out in a weak field. Can do better. BEAU VAR has run her best races over course and distance and can improve on her last poly effort. Keep an eye on the market. (Andrew Harrison: 3-11-1-6).

Race 3
Preview: WILD WICKET has been gelded. He has shown some ability and can feature here. RACE MASTER has not been too far back in two sprints. He should prefer this trip. SCARRABEAST has a difficult draw but was a close-up second on the poly last time out and if carrying that form onto the turf must have a big chance. STORM OUTGOING has shown some ability with his new stable and can finish in the money. Keep a close eye on the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 6-15-5-7).

Race 4
Preview: CAPTAINS MOLL showed promise early in her career. She was a promising second last outing and has the best of the draw. PIPPIN has had no luck with her draws and is again drawn wide. But she has shown some promise on this course and Marcus rides. BURNT CHERRY found market support on her poly debut but was green. She should come on with the experience and the extra should suit.  Mark Dixon looks to have two runners with chances in the luckless DUNDRUM and DIAMANTE. The latter may prove the better of the two. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-9-10).

Race 5
Preview: DEEP DOWN REBEL ran well below best when sent to Jo’Burg for a feature. She has excellent form over this course and distance and should go close. RESPECT AT BAY also goes well over course and distance and has Marcus aboard. She should go close. HALLOWED SPRING was an easy maiden winner last start but has been thumped by the handicappers. She could find this tough going. FLY PEG FLY is another that ran below her best form last time out but was up against a strong field with an inexperienced apprentice aboard.  (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-5-2).

Race 6
Preview: Wide open handicap. MONTE CHRISTO finally got is act together when winning last time out over further. Has still has scope for improvement and with the blinkers on he can go in again. HIGHWAY EXPLORER has improved in blinkers and has gone close over course and distance. He scored in a useful field last start and is another that can follow up. SEA URCHIN has been lightly raced but has ability. He was much improved in blinkers when winning and has a chance again.

ROY’S AIR FORCE found plenty of traffic when running on late last Sunday. He is quite badly out at the weights but that was a good last effort. AL CIBERANO hardly ever runs a bad race but tends to lack extra under pressure. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-7-14).

Race 7
Preview: Another difficult handicap with a big field so luck in running will be crucial. Many of the more fancied runners have drawn wide to add to the puzzle. NICKLAUS lost his last race in the boardroom and seldom runs a bad race. He has a tricky draw but should be thereabouts. RUN RHINO RUN finally got his act together when a narrow winner. He is not the easiest of rides but has ability. GOLDEN FORT has been close-up at his last two and has a light weight. LAST TIGER has a coffin draw with top weight but can still feature. Not a race to go light in the exotics. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-12-1).

Race 8
Preview: SUN ON AFRICA has had three outings this term and should be at his peak now. He last win was over course and distance. CRIME VICTIM did not have the best of luck on the Highveld and is much better than his last effort. At best he will have a strong chance. OPEN HEIR goes for his fourth win on the bounce but has crept up the handicap and his run could come to an end here. DELIRIOUS NOMAD is at the bottom of the handicap This is his third run after a break and he looks ready to show his best. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-11-4).

Race 9
Preview: ST ELMO’S FIRE has her third run after a break. She is in good form and rates a strong chance. DRESS FOR SUCCESS won well first up out of the maidens and has done well since being stepped up in trip. She gets 4kg off her back and she could prove classy enough to go in again. MODERNISTA was a beaten favourite last run but not far behind. She has been consistent but has a difficult draw. ROY’S TWILIGHT has consistent form. She can do better over this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-5-8).

SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER KENILWORTH FIRST TIMER COMMENTS

GLEN PULLER
Race 1 – BUBZEE GIRL (3): Shows a bit of pace, is fit and well and if not too green – hoping she will run well.
Race 3 – XIBELANI (16): A nice filly, I have a little bit of hope with her, she has a lovely action but might need the experience and a touch further.

MARGOT STEYN
Race 3 – JASON’S SISTER (6): Quite precocious but could be green and need the run.

VAUGHAN MARSHALL
Race 1 – COSMIC DUST (5): Needs further.
Race 1 – ELSIE VEE (8): Is quick and in with a chance.
Race 1 – MADE THE GRADE (12): She will need further.
Race 2 – THE BORDER WAR (7): Shows speed but will be better over 1000m.
Race 2 – SUNDAY FALLS (6): Shows speed but will be better over 1000m.

PIET STEYN
Race 1 – DISCO WARRIOR (6): I am expecting a fair run.
Race 1 – JACINDA (10): I am expecting a fair run.

GLEN KOTZEN
Race 1 – SHERULESTHEWORLD (14): Is not a bad little filly but will need this experience as she is still a touch on the soft side.

GREG ENNION
Race 1 – STREAM OF KINDNESS (15): Will be scratched.
Race 2 – ZODIAC JACK (9): A nice colt but will be better over 1000m.
Race 2 – REGAL RUBY (11): A nice filly – I have gone with the fillies weight allowance and the claiming apprentice weight against the boys. She is very quick and if jumping well will be there.

BRETT CRAWFORD
Race 2 – BOLD RESPECT (3): Working well and if not too green, can place.

JONO SNAITH FOR JUSTIN SNAITH
Race 1 – LACERTA (11): Quite speedy at home and could run into the money.
Race 2 – LIBRA (10): A nice filly but taking on very strong colts.
Race 2 – THE JUDICATOR (8): Could need his first run.

HAROLD CRAWFORD
Race 3 – JEANS SONG (7): A nice filly but could be green and need the run.

ANDRE NEL
Race 3 – KNOW THE ROPES (9): Will more than likely be scratched. Keep an eye on the card changes closer to the time.
Race 3 – SILK TRIP (15): Not a bad filly and she could run a good race as she shows some speed.

MIKE ROBINSON
Race 3 – MISS MYMONEY (11): A small filly but she is very quick however she might need the experience.

Kenilworth (New Course) Sat Dec 10 Race Previews by Warren Lenferna

Race 1
Preview: Majority first timers – watch the betting and keep an eye on the first timer comments. (Warren Lenferna)

Race 2
Preview: All runners are making their debut – watch the betting and keep a close eye on the first timer comments from the trainers. (Warren Lenferna)

Race 3
Preview: GEOGRAPHE BAY made a smart debut a month ago finishing third – she was green but certainly caught the eye and with natural improvement can win. There are many unraced horses in the race – keep an eye on the betting and the first timer comments. (Warren Lenferna 5-14-1)

Race 4
Preview: PILLAR OF HERCULES has solid form and rates the one to beat. The Andre Nel pair should give plenty of cheek all the way home. LA FAVOURARI and OVAR have good form and ability. (Warren Lenferna 3-1-4)

Race 5
Preview: RED GRANITE has improved with each run and should take a power of beating – she improved over the 1400m last time and gets the same trip again today. STUNNING SEED returns from a rest but has the improving form to be concerned in the finish if not in too much need of the outing. AMAZINGLY tries blinkers which could make all the difference and it would be foolish to leave her out the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 2-3-4)

Race 6
Preview: PARTY CRASHER ran way below best last time – felt amiss by the jockey and was checked by the vets and nothing wrong was found. It will be best to draw a line through that run and she can bounce right back to best. Her stable is in mustard form at the moment and she has a winning chance. PRIMROSE LANE and KRYPTONITE have to be included – their form is good. (Warren Lenferna 6-3-2)

Race 7
Preview: SOMMERLIED took over and drew off in the closing stages of the race last time to win in the manner of a very good horse! She impressed me and I will be rather shocked if she does not go on and reel off the hat trick. TRIPPI’S GIRL ran well enough last time behind Sail but takes a drop in distance which could be the right move for now – massive runner. AL DANZA is lightly raced, ran a cracker to She’s A Giver last time and deserves respect. (Warren Lenferna 3-7-5)

Race 8
Preview: The defending champion CARRY ON ALICE lines up here and she looks to be very hard to beat. She is the best weighted in the race by many points and to call a spade a spade – should win. REAL PRINCESS is a top mare as well and was a touch unlucky last time. She became cramped for galloping room and when finding a split took off like an e-type rocket. She has a big chance and this looks to be the exacta of the year! ANIME has a place chance. (Warren Lenferna 1-2-10)

Race 9
Preview: GYRE is knocking very hard at the door and looks ready to go one better now. KENNY TRIX is so consistent that she always has to be given a chance – strong each way chance. THE SLADE is progressive and should be involved. (Warren Lenferna 2-4-3)

Race 10
Preview: Trainer Brett Crawford holds a strong hand here. ARABIAN DYNASTY has the form to be very competitive. He was a bit disappointing last time when beaten odds on favourite but he can make amends today. Stable mate GOLD COAST CAPTAIN should once again run well but one gets the impression that Arabian Dynasty has more scope. BARAK LAVAN has a strong place chance. (Warren Lenferna 8-1-2)

The Vaal has a ten race meeting on Saturday on the Inside Track, where low draws tend to be favourable and there are some interesting runners turning out.

Joan Ranger (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the sixth, an Allowance Plate over 1800m, two horses with similar records, Samurai Blade and Deputy Jud, clash. Deputy Jud finished third in the Gr 1 SA Classic last year and followed up by finishing second in the Gr 1 SA Derby. This year Samurai Blade finished third in both of those respective races. Samurai Blade disappointed in the Sansui Summer Cup, but was out a few days later and cruised to victory in a 1600m race at the Vaal. He will be the most race fit of all of the runners here and will relish this trip. He has Piere Strydom up and the only concern is the wide draw in the small eight horse field.

Deputy Jud is a horse who needs to have things go his way and he has landed the pole position draw, which gives him every chance of producing his best. He has had one run this season so will be more forward than the rest of the leading contenders. At the weights Samurai Blade is only 0,5kg under sufferance with Deputy Jud and Cool Chardonnay, who are the joint best-in. Cool Chardonnay prefers further but running fresh here could be interesting.

However, a horse who is under sufferance by 4,5kg, The Centenary, is preferred for a top three finish. She has a fine turn of foot and as one who stays further she should give a good account of herself over this trip despite having not run since the eLan Gold Cup on July 31. She has good form over middle distances too so is the dark horse, despite being the only female and having to carry top weight. Top Shot is 12kg under sufferance but is course and distance suited and can’t be ignored for the quartet.

Deputy Jud (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the ninth, a Progress Plate over 1200m, Joan Ranger looks to be the best bet on the card, although she is likely to go off at cramped odds. She was slow away in her penultimate start when carrying topweight over 1000m in the Listed Gardenia Stakes, and that cost her a top three finish. Last time out she finished just 3,3 lengths back in fourth against some of the best sprinters in the country, a fine effort. She has plenty of pace and should pack too many guns in this field where she is the joint best weighted horse together with Heaps Of Fun. The latter would prefer further, but is effective over this trip and she is in fact 1kg better off with Joan Ranger for a 1,65 length beating over 1160m in April in the Gr 2 Camellia Stakes. However, Joan Ranger will be more forward than Heaps Of Fun, who is having her second run after a layoff.

The eighth race is an interesting MR 89 Handicap for three-year-old fillies over 1400m. French Legend looks to have a lot of class and is the one to side with despite a tough draw. Her last run in the Gr 3 Fillies Mile was a decent performance considering she was caught wide from a wide draw. Favour’s Pride was well beaten by French Legend in the Fillies Mile and is now worse off at the weights, but will appreciate the step down to 1400m and could be the main danger alongside the unbeaten All Over The World.

The seventh over 1800m is a tricky leg of the Pick 6, but Military Award does look to be a horse who can go places. He is drawn in pole and if he settles again, like he did last time, he can follow up on his maiden win over 1700m.

Punters should get off to a good start with Princess Aurora in the first, a Maiden over 1200m. She was clear of the rest when chasing a runaway winner last time over 1160m and looks to be improving. Piere Strydom is up from a good draw.

By David Thiselton

Carry On Alice is hard to oppose in the CTS Southern Cross Stakes at Kenilworth tomorrow even though this is the star mare’s first race for six months.

S’Manga Khumalo’s mount was race fit when she won 12 months ago – admittedly she only got home by a short head – but she is 3kg (more than two lengths) better than the next best on ratings and she has three lengths-plus in hand over all the others.

Carry On Alice (Nkosi Hlophe)

“There is quite a bit to work with so she will need it,” cautions Sean Tarry who has his eyes on the Cape Flying Championship on Sun Met day. “But we are hoping that we can get away with it.”

Real Princess is the obvious danger as she is nearest on ratings and ran a cracker on her reappearance in a Pinnacle over this trip four weeks ago. She finished a length and a half second to Search Party who franked the form in no uncertain manner when so heavily backed in last Saturday’s Merchants.

Dean Kannemeyer’s charge missed that race because of an urticaria that now looks a blessing in disguise. “It was like a rash and she picked it up on the Friday evening,” explains the trainer. “She couldn’t run because I had to give her a shot of cortisone but she worked on Sunday. Ideally I would love to have another 100m or 200m for her here.”

Real Princess was beaten less than a length when third 12 months ago but she will be 2kg worse with the favourite this time.

Victoria Lavelle would be a major threat – she receives 2kg from the top two – but for the fact that this is her first race of the season. “She can still run a good race – she is a high class sprinter – but she might just need it,” says Justin Snaith whose Jo’s Bond is only rated a kilo below Aldo Domeyer’s mount. “We are just hoping for a place with her because at this level it could be a bit hard.”

Real Princess (Nkosi Hlophe)

Beach Goddess was a convincing winner of a competitive Laisserfaire over 100m further but still has something to find. “This is a bit on the short side for Beach Goddess but she is doing well,” reports Brett Crawford who feels that Carry On Alice is going to be very hard to beat and that her lack of a run may not make a significant difference over the minimum trip.

Scandal is on a hat-trick and has been raised 5.5kg for her last two Fairview wins. Theoretically that puts her into the shake-up but there is always a suspicion that Port Elizabeth ratings are suspect in Cape Town.

Rock On Baby beat only one home 12 months ago and, if Dennis Drier is going to cause an upset, it is more likely to be with Anime who won an FM 76 handicap over this trip in a manner that suggested she is capable of better.

BLOB Marinaresco has been installed favourite for the Sun Met ahead of his Green Point conqueror Legal Eagle. Betting World has him at 17-10 and Legal Eagle at 22-10 while World Sports Betting goes 2-1 and 22-10.

By Michael Clower

Gingerbread Man, unbeaten over course and distance, will be looking to keep that record in tact when he runs in the KZN Breeders Club Handicap over 1400m on the Greyville poly this evening.

Dean Kannemeyer (Nkosi Hlophe)

Gingerbread Man has taken to the poly and can go in again for his hat-trick even though he takes a rise in class as confirmed by Duncan Howells. “He’s a nice horse and is very well,” said Howells. “He does step up in class but should be right there.” However, the Ashburton trainer added a word of caution. “He’s no good thing!”

Newyorkstateofmind seems to be continually on the upgrade and is likely to be in the scrum again come the line. Sean Tarry’s runner came from well back to win again last time out and although he too takes on stronger he does have a claiming apprentice up. Charles Laird’s runner Dance On Air was a beaten favourite last start but did take on much stronger. He has also won over course and distance and is in with a definite chance. Bizjet most recent win was over course and distance beating Newyorkstateofmind and was narrowly beaten next time out so is another for the shortlist.

Howells has a second string to his bow and should Gingerbread Man disappoint, Roman Carnival could pick up the pieces. “He is well and very fit,” said Howells. “He has a decent draw and is over his best trip.”

In all the race looks wide open, as does the Synergy Marketing Partners Apprentice Handicap that precedes.

Des Egdes, with a winner on Wednesday in Dynamite Lady, saddles Just Rap under Julius Mphanya. “The draw is a bit of a concern especially in a race like this with all the apprentices. You never know what kamikazes will be out there. But she’s well and I think she has a decent chance,” he concluded.

Just Rap faced a good field last time out and prior to that was a close-up second over course and distance. Given some luck in running she should be right there. Stockade has consistent form over course and distance and from a good draw should also be there as Egdes intimated. A question mark hangs over Laird’s runner African Sunbird. She was given a stiff task first run out of the maidens and meets weaker here. She is back on the poly on which she shed her maiden. She may be worth another chance. Icy Spirit has been in good form since her maiden win and with a smart four-claimer in Denis Schwarz up she can go in again.

Gingerbread Man (Nkosi Hlophe)

Anton Marcus teams up with the Dennis Drier gelding Smart World in the CMH Kempster Ford Handicap that looks to be another tricky race. Smart World has shown his best form on the poly and a drop in class should at least make him competitive. Top weight Selvan’s Jet has taken to the poly and was up against stronger at his last two. He has a fair weight but will have a host of supporters. Tony Nassif arrives in town with Triple Beat who has improved since the blinkers were removed.

Nassif is one of the game’s eternal optimists but when he makes the journey from the Highveld it is worth taking note. Sambora let the side down in his six-week stint on the Highveld and has left Howells frustrated. “He doesn’t put in a lot of effort but has the ability. It’s a case of which Sambora arrives on the day.”

Place Accumulator punters can hopefully get through the opening leg with the Laird-trained Matresse. She was sent out an odds-on favourite on debut for her new stable debut but lacked extra late. The blinkers are back on over a shorter trip and she may be the one to beat although Gusheshe is much improved on the poly and was close-up from a wide draw last time out. The Kannemeyer yard has been on mustard form of late and the Australian import should prove the biggest threat. Arctic Swift has improved with each outing and found good market support last start. Marcus is off and rides Matresse but the blinkers are on.

By Andrew Harrison

Apprentice Callan Murray is off to Melbourne to spend the next seven weeks riding for Australian Hall-Of-Fame trainer David Hayes.

Murray secured this opportunity through former jockey and current riding master at the Australia Jockey Academy Matt Pumpa.

“I first met him two years ago when he came to South Africa with the Australian apprentices riding in the Asian Young Guns event. Then he came over to South Africa a couple of months ago, we spoke about it and he managed to organise the whole venture for me,” said Murray.

Callan Murray

“Of course, I’m very excited. I have only ridden in South Africa and Zimbabwe so the whole experience will be amazing.”

This is not the first time a South African apprentice will be riding for Hayes as Chad Schofield was also aligned to his stable.

“Obviously, I’m looking for riding experience and international exposure,” said Murray. I will try to pick up new things which I can use to my advantage.

“It will be interesting to be riding at tracks with different conditions, different horses and against other jockeys. They also have no false rail at their courses. “I know their stipes are very strict so I’m will need to be on my best behaviour.

“The last thing I want to do is get a suspension at my first meeting.”

In 2008, Hayes was the youngest trainer to be inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame, following in the footsteps of his late father Colin, who was an inaugural inductee seven years earlier.

Hayes made an immediate impact in 1991, taking out the Cox Plate and Japan Cup with Better Loosen Up and training a world-record six Group winners on Derby Day. Five years later Hayes accepted an invitation to train in Hong Kong which is still regarded as the most competitive racing jurisdiction in the world.

He again had immediate success, winning two trainers’ titles and finishing top four in each of his nine seasons. He trained more than 450 winners and multiple Group 1 winners before returning to Australia in 2005 to resume training there.

He has won all “Big Four” races in Australia, the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup (twice), Cox Plate (twice) and Golden Slipper.

Piere Strydom had some dealings with Hayes and was very complimentary about the Australian.

“I rode quite a bit for him when I was in Hong Kong. He’s a top-class guy to work for.

“This is a great opportunity for Callan and I’m sure he will learn a lot from the experience.”

-TABnews

Western Cape champion trainer Justin Snaith runs the pacey Victoria Lavelle in the Gr 2 Southern Cross Stakes over 1000m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

In the meantime tests are being done on Black Arthur and the yard are “under pressure” to have him ready in time for the Sun Met.

The Southern Cross Stakes looks to be a two horse race on paper and will see the Sean Tarry-trained Carry On Alice attempting to exact revenge on the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Real Princess, who beat the former when they last met in the Gr 1 City Of Pietermaritzburg Sprint over 1200m back in June.

Black Arthur (Nkosi Hlophe)

However, Carry On Alice looks to be the proverbial penalty kick as she has natural speed and has proven in the past to be as suited to 1000m as she is to 1200m, while Real Princess looks much better suited to 1200m. Carry On Alice was beaten in her comeback run last season over 1000m at Turffontein, but her rider might have been caught napping a touch as she had quickened and joined the lightning fast Little Genie in front and nobody, including the rider, would have expected the latter to then find another gear as she did.

Victoria Lavelle, who returns from a layoff since running fifth in the Gr 3 Champagne Stakes over 1200m at Kenilworth on July 30, is the “blitz” horse in the Southern Cross field who could potentially pull off a similar surprise. The 1000m is the Captain Al filly’s best trip, as she has speed to burn, but she hasn’t raced over this distance since winning a Novice Plate by 3,25 lengths in September last year. However, Snaith said although she had been doing well at home, he believed “something would need to go wrong” with both Carry On Alice and Real Princess for any of the other runners to win this race.

Black Arthur was eased out of the Green Point Stakes by Piere Strydom last weekend in order to protect him, as he felt something was amiss.

Snaith said he believed it might be a case of excessive haemo-concentrating.

A decision will be made within a week whether to geld the talented son of Silvano or not. Snaith added the yard in any event would be “under pressure” to have him ready for the Met.

However, Snaith is gearing up to have a big day at the Cape Guineas meeting on December 17, which will coincide with both the yard’s form return and a strong team of runners.

By David Thiselton

The Greyville turf is looking in magnificent shape at present and there are innovations afoot which aim to have it in as good condition during the winter months from now onward.

The city course’s turf track copped plenty of criticism during the last SA Champions Season, which takes place in the depth of winter in May, June and July.

Raf Sheik (Nkosi Hlophe)

Gold Circle’s new Racing Executive Raf Sheik revealed the full “spring treatment” given to Greyville every year would from next season onward take place in January and February. He pointed out currently the treatment takes place nine months ahead of KZN’s main season, meaning the track is already worn by the time this world class three month festival of racing begins. Furthermore, there are changing seasonal patterns all over the globe, including in Durban. January and February are now probably Durban’s two best months of the year for growth, as the climate during this period combines warmth with moisture.

In future there will also be plenty of turf racing at Greyville after the SA Champions Season. Depending on the condition of the track, it will either be rested in August for up to five weeks, or turf racing will continue unabated at Greyville right through until the end of the year.

Meanwhile, there is a plan from next season onward to have two separate “spring treatments” for Scottsville. The aim is to have either the Inside or the Outside track open at any given time. This will ensure there is turf racing in KZN throughout the year.

When the Scottsville Ïnside track is being treated, there will only be racing down the straight at Scottsville on the Outside track.

In order to achieve the two separate Scottsville Spring Treatments, their pull-up areas will have to be separated. Plans are in motion to achieve this.

The Scottsville Spring Treatments will take place in and around the month of October every year.

Sheik said the secret to the current top class condition of the Greyville turf track included bringing in expert advice during the Spring Treatment. Furthermore, torrential rain caused the cancellation of the earliest intended turf meeting, and this allowed the track an extra month of unhindered growth.

Early next year there will be full turf meetings at Greyville on January 1, January 22 and February 19.

Thereafter the track will be closed for six weeks in order to give it a “light treatment.” This should ensure it is in good shape for the 2017 SA Champions Season.

By David Thiselton