GOLD CIRCLE is extremely proud to announce that it has achieved the first-place award as the best managed company in the Top 500 Gaming and Leisure sector. To be nominated as a Top 500 company, a business has to excel in three key spheres, financial performance, people management which includes the development of staff and commitment to social transformation as well as policy or accreditation.

“The Horseracing Industry has been faced with many serious challenges in the recent past which have resulted in the need to focus on ensuring that we can sustain the future of our sport in KwaZulu-Natal and in South Africa.  Gold Circle is grateful to have been considered for this award, and we are honoured to be recognised as the leader in our industry.” Said Michel Nairac, Gold Circle CEO.

Top 500 is a professional publication directory of South African companies that encourages business-to-business exchanges. The Topco Research Unit closely monitors the business performance of over 3800 companies annually.  Companies are scored against defined criteria in order to identify the top five organisations across 100 business sectors; credible businesses that are good at what they do; and the major companies that are the driving force of the South African economy.

To read the latest edition of Top 500 please click on the following link: https://issuu.com/topcomedia/docs/top500_11th_edition

David Thiselton

KZN Champion Owners the Hollywood Syndicate have some interestingly named horses and Hollywoodbets’ Brand and Communications Manager Devin Heffer explained there is real purpose behind these names.  

A recent example is the Dean Kannemeyer-trained William Longsword colt Khuluma Nathi, who has been discussed at length during the morning show on East Coast Radio (ECR), and the video and commentary of his debut were also downloaded on to the ECR website.

ECR are not part of the Hollywood Syndicate but are a Hollywoodbets business partner and Khulumu Nathi was named in recognition of presenter Sky Tshabalala’s live on-the-air Zulu lessons.

ECR thus have an attachment to the horse and view him as their own.

Consequently, they are are not only following his career but sharing the experience with thousands of listeners.

Devin said, “We love to name our horses after our business partners and sponsored entities. We want people to resonate with them. The Khulumu Nathi segment Sky hosted on the morning show really brought KZN together and bridged the gap between cultures so we thought what a beautiful name for a horse.” 

He continued, “Hollywoodbets Dolphins Players can identify with ‘Kingsmead Krystal’ named after their bubbly staff member and we have also included our own staff in naming horses, for example Bhakka, who has recently won three races at Fairview, is named after our long-time tipster Peter Barker and Imbejeje was named by our jovial housekeeping team (a fun name referring to “love handles”).” 

However, the concept does not end with the names. The relevant business partner or Hollywoodbets department associated with the horse are then exposed to every aspect of the sport. They are taken to Summerveld or Randjesfontein where they first enjoy breakfast in the clubhouse before visiting both the training rings and the stables where they can get close to the horses, including their “own” horse, and can speak to the trainers and jockeys. They are also taken to the parade ring on racedays. These groups thus get an overall horseracing experience that is usually reserved for owners and they become genuinely attached to “their” horse. This has a knock on effect when they share the experience with family and friends.

Heffer said, “People who have never been exposed to the sport are thus sitting up and saying ‘wow, this looks like an interesting and fun sport’, so it is generating interest and might hopefully lead to a buy in. Even if just one of them buys a horse the experience will reach all of their family and friends, so the knock on effect is potentially great.”

The concept works two ways as jockeys, trainers and owners are also getting to meet sporting legends like Springbok captain Siya Kholisi. 

The naming drive, and knock on effect, is thus in line with another of Hollywoodbets’ goals of uniting various mainstream sports like football, rugby, cricket, netball and horseracing which will increase the support they currently each have.  

Heffer pointed out that commentators and presenters are never left guessing but are instead contacted and not only taught the correct pronunciation of the names, but also the meaning behind them. He praised commentators Craig and Sheldon Peters and Alistair Cohen as well as the Gold Circle TV and Tellytrack presenters for buying in to the concept. 

Imilenzeyokududuma, for example, is named after Hollywoodbets brand ambassador, Jerry Sikhosana, an Orlando Pirates legend who scored the winning goal in the 1995 African Cup of Champions Clubs Final. Sikhosana’s nickname during his playing career was “Legs Of Thunder”, but Hollywoodbets felt the Xhosa translation “Imilenzeyokududuma” would have more impact.

Heffer explained, “Not enough has been done to expose blacks to horseracing and giving a horse a Xhosa name could ignite interest among a community who generally know little about the sport.”

Ironically, Sikhosana was nicknamed after a racehorse called “Legs Of Thunder” who featured in a 1990’s TV program. The nickname was coined by the late football journalist Sibusiso Mseleku due to Sikhosana’s running action which resembled a galloping horse.

The Duncan Howells-trained Spydas Corner is named after another Hollywoodbets football-famous brand ambassador, the Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeping legend Brian Baloyi, who was nicknamed “Spiderman”.

Hollywoodbets asked brand ambassador Odwa Ndungane, a stalwart winger for the Sharks rugby team, for name ideas and stuck with his suggestion of “Isivunguvungu” which is the Zulu word for “storm”. Odwa said the name given to a Muscutt-trained gelding related to the feeling he had when running on to a rugby field. 

Brand Ambassador and cricketing legend Mike Procter named the Muscutt-trained Might Mashona. Procter played for Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in the Currie Cup while living in Mashonaland from 1970 to 1976 and during this spell he not only joined Sir Donald Bradman and CB Fry as one of the only players in history to record six successive first class centuries but he also recorded his best bowling figures of 9 for 71.  

Some of the names might be a mouthful but promoting horseracing is the purpose behind them.

Andrew Harrison

It was probably asking a little too much of Kingsmeads Krystl to take on winners in her first three starts, including two group races. She takes on maidens for the first time in the card opener on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville today and barring any springers amongst the first timers, she should take a lot of beating.

Alyson Wright’s filly was far from disgraced in any of those starts and in spite of finishing over a dozen lengths back to Desert Miracle in the Gr2 Golden Slipper, she was in the pack with the rest of them as Mike de Kock’s filly sauntered to an eight-length victory.

She makes her seasonal debut here coming off a 74-day break, and could prove a little too classy.

The scrap for the minor placings could be close. Sea Of Tranquility has come to hand of late and with the blinkers off she rates a strong chance in this line-up. Winter Journey has shown some recent improvement and was a beaten favourite last run. Fateful Mistress and Fearless Kitty are others to consider.

Duquesne Whistle finished runner-up on Monday but was still a runner here at time of writing. However, it would be a little surprising if she does make the start in the second and her defection would make it slightly easier for stable companion Claudina who has improved with every run. She is lightly raced and can bring some relief to the MJ Odendaal stable that has been finding the winner’s enclosure a little elusive in recent weeks.

Duncan Howells has opened the stable doors this afternoon and saddles 11 runners, starting with Sea Of Tranquility in the first. Next up is Shield Maiden in the opening leg of the Pick 6. The daughter of William Longsword is not half as talented as her half-sister Via Africa but she is lightly raced and appears to be improving with each outing. This step up in trip may be what she’s looking for. Indomavel may have found her last run too short and from a good draw will be a threat while New Orleans has not been far back in two sprints and should enjoy the extra furlong.

Howells saddles Naval Secret in the fourth and the gelding has come good for his new stable. He had a tough draw on the poly last time out and has pulled a better marble here although he will not be short of opposition in a race where most of the runners are in with a winning chance. Master ToBe has been much improved in blinkers and had tough draws at his last. Fromheretoeternity comes with some smart Highveld form over the trip but took a big jump in the handicap for her last win. Euphotic and Pink Floyd are others to consider.

A small field lines up in the fifth where Keep The Lights on reverts to Graduation company and looks the part. Sofia Erin is talented but has developed an aversion to the starting stalls. If the starter’s assistants manage to load her and she jumps she could be a threat. Mark Dixon sends out Vivid Jet who returns from a break. She is way better than her last two but may just need this outing.

Gavin van Zyl saddles River Doon in the sixth and it should pay to keep close tabs on the betting. She showed early ability and a promising return from a lengthy ten-month break after her maiden win. Roha has been taking on stronger on the Highveld and she was second best in a strong line-up last start and should make a bold bid here. Quepid has some useful form in strong company and Maris Corolina won well against weaker last start and although she steps up in class she is in good form and has another handy galloping weight.

Paul Peter has sent down a strong raiding party and Astrix can give a good account after running out a comfortable winner last time out. The blinkers seemed to have helped and from a good draw must have a strong chance. Native Tongue has smart form in good company. His last win was over this course and distance in a feature and at best should go close. Tristful is the best weighted runner and featured strongly in top company in Champions Season. He is likely to start favourite.

The Tony Nassif-trained Consol Queen is likely to start at long odds for the last where she faces a useful field. However, she has been showing steady recent improvement and off a light weight looks primed for this. Silver Maria is long overdue and has been costly to follow but she goes well over course and distance and must have a change of luck anytime soon. Princess Anastasia has threatened but yet to deliver but the blinkers come off and she steps up to what may be a more suitable trip and Aquae Sulis has come good of late and switches to what looks to be her preferred surface.

RACE 1: 3 KINGSMEADS KRYSTL   10 SEA OF TRANQUILITY   2 WINTER JOURNEY   6 FEARLESS KITTY

Preview: KINGSMEADS KRYSTL (3) contested two features last season. Her last run is best ignored and should go well if judged on her earlier form. SEA OF TRANQUILITY (10) has come to hand of late. The blinkers come off and she rates a strong chance in this line-up. WINTER JOURNEY (2) has shown some recent improvement and was a beaten favourite last run. FATEFUL MISTRESS (1) is a battling maiden but her recent form has been consistent and from a good draw can feature. FEARLESS KITTY (6) returns from a break but took on winners in her first two outings and was not too far back last run. (Andrew Harrison: 3-10-2-1-6).

RACE 2: 5 CLAUDINA   8 NOBLE NOVA   3 DUQUESNE WHISTLE   2 NATASHA ROSTOV

Preview: CLAUDINA (5) has improved with every run. Lightly raced and can make further improvement. Stable companion DUQUESNE WHISTLE (3) is long overdue. Consistent form and a 4kg claimer up should enhance her chances. NOBLE NOVA (8) has been holding form and stays the trip well. She must have a chance in this line-up, NATASHA ROSTOV (2) looks held by the first selection but is lightly raced and is up in trip for the first time. The stable is in form so cannot be written off. (Andrew Harrison: 5-3-8-2).

RACE 3: 5 SHIELD MAIDEN   4 INDOMAVEL   2 NEW ORLEANS   14 CASHEW

Preview: SHIELD MAIDEN (5) is coming along slowly and the step up in trip may be what she’s looking for. INDOMAVEL (4) may have found her last run too short. Better this trip from a good draw. NEW ORLEANS (2) has not been far back in two sprints and should enjoy the extra furlong. CASHEW (14) has a difficult draw but was narrowly beaten over course and distance last start and must have a decent chance on that showing. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-2-14).

RACE 4: 6 NAVAL SECRET   3 MASTER TO BE   7 FROMHERETOETERNITY   13 EUPHORIC

Preview: Tricky handicap. NAVAL SECRET (6) has comes good for his new stable and had a tough draw on the poly last time out. He has pulled a better marble here. MASTER TO BE (3) has been much improved in blinkers. Tough draws for his last two and has a much better gate here. FROMHERETOETERNITY (7) comes with some smart Highveld form over the trip. Took a big jump in the handicap for her last win but looks capable of following up. EUPHORIC (13) has drawn wide and was never in the hunt from a similarly wide draw on the poly last outing. He has smart form in blinkers other than his last run and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-7-13).

RACE 5: 4 KEEP THE LIGHTS ON   1 SOFIA ERIN   5 VIVID JET   6 FINDING FREEDOM

Preview: KEEP THE LIGHTS ON (4) has been rested but has some useful form in the best company. She may just need it but at best should go close. SOFIA ERIN (1) is not the easiest at the gate but is smart on her day. Will go close if she loads. VIVID JET (5) returns from a break. She is way better than her last two but may just need this outing. FINDING FREEDOM (6) contested two features before taking on maidens. Narrow winner but does looks promising. (Andrew Harrison: 4-1-5-6).

RACE 6: 3 RIVER DOON   6 ROHA   8 QUEPID   4 MARIA COROLINA

Preview: RIVER DOON (3) showed early promise. Made a promising return from a lengthy break and extra will suit. ROHA (6) has been taking on stronger on the Highveld. She was second best in a a strong line-up last start and should make a bold bid here. QUEPID (8) has some useful form in strong company. Stable has come out in force today. MARIA COROLINA (4) won well against weaker last start but although she steps up in class she is in good form and has another handy galloping weight. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-8-4).

RACE 7: 2 ASTRIX   4 NATIVE TONGUE   10 GURU’S PRIDE   3 CALIENTE

Preview: ASTRIX (2) is the best weighted here and was a comfortable winner last time out. The blinkers seemed to have helped and from a good draw must have a strong chance. NATIVE TONGUE (4) has smart form in good company. Last win this course and distance in a feature and at best should go close. GURU’S PRIDE (10) has been off form of late but caught the eye behind Captain Fontane last start and with a 4kg claimer up must have a shout. CALIENTE (3) is seldom far back on the poly. Switches to the turf from a good draw. Should be right there. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-10-3).

RACE 8: 9 CONSOL QUEEN   3 SILVER MARIA   1 PRINCESS ANASTASIA   10 AQUAE SULIS

Preview: CONSOL QUEEN (9) has been showing steady recent improvement. Light weight and looks primed for this. SILVER MARIA (3) is long overdue and has been costly to follow but she goes well over course and distance and must have a change of luck anytime soon. PRINCESS ANASTASIA (1) has threatened but yet to deliver but the blinkers come off and she steps up to what may be a more suitable trip. AQUAE SULIS (10) has come good of late. Switches back to what looks to be her preferred surface. (Andrew Harrison: 9-3-1-10)

Andrew Harrison

APPRENTICE RACHEL VENNIKER had an afternoon to remember as she booted home a treble for Michael Roberts at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday. Hardly more than three months into her professional career and she has tongues wagging and barring misfortune could well emulate the likes of Hollie Doyle and other outstanding internationally proven female riders that are easily holding their own in what used to be a male dominated profession.

Venniker still has to add polish and punch to her riding and her left hand but she does all the basics, placing her mounts and keeping her balance in the finish. It has worked for her so far and she hardly had to revert to the stick on the Roberts-trained Hatta, the first of her winners yesterday, as she went to the line basically hands-and-heels.

The combination was back in front of the microphone a race latter as Venniker produced another mature ride on the Roberts-trained Tupelo Honey.  It was Venniker’s third win in succession on the grey but instead of making all the running as in her two previous races, she was content to sit in off the pace as Philisande Mxoli set a good pace on Paul Peter’s runner Sacred Lotus.

The Highveld visitor looked to hang tough in the straight but Venniker always had the pacemaker in her sights as she moved off the inside rail on the turn, picked her spot and fired home.

Any doubts that Venniker was a one-trick pony where firmly put to bed two races later as she turned in another pearler for Roberts as she got Patronage to respond positively to her encouragement. No flailing whip needed even in the heat of the moment. Seemingly in trouble with challengers on all sides, Venniker kept her mount balanced and a few gentle right-handed reminders saw the gelding give of his best. 

In stark contrast to Venniker, Thabiso Gumede, soon out of his time, is equally talented but is all hustle, bustle and muscle and rarely gets beaten in a tight finish. He rammed it home on Not No Pussycat for Gary Rich as the filly looked to run in under pressure, winning in commanding fashion.

There is a hard truth in racing that a horse does not know its pedigree or its price. Tales Of Us has a blue-blood pedigree and cost a pretty penny at the sales but it took him four years to win his maiden and the prospects of another success seem limited going on the post-race comments of his connections.

Often a handful at home, the most damning indictment came from Keagan de Melo; “He doesn’t try too hard.”

That said, Byron Forster does a sterling job as Andre Nel’s KZN assistant for Sabine Plattner and does not often get the cream of the crop.

Ask any jockey who has been laid off for a length of time and they will tell you that it’s not easy getting back to full race-riding fitness.

Anton Marcus has still managed eight winners from just 45 rides this season and he showed that he was back in the groove on Bend The Rules in the second. In a ding-dong battle over the final furlong, Serino Moodley appeared to have got his measure as Royal Monarch edged ahead, but in one final desperate lunge, Marcus got Bend The Rules to respond one last time to get his nose in front.

Soft and still all leg according to Lorenzo Kariem who does a lot of the work for owner Mario Ferreira although Gareth van Zyl is carded as the trainer.

I’m not aufait with the rules regarding equipment changes but surely trainers should have it all in hand at declarations, well before the morning of the race. Rain Wear was carded to race in blinkers but yesterday at 8.16 am to be exact, race control was informed that the blinkers were coming off.

In the same race, although notified the day before, Roy’s Rocker was declared in blinkers. Roy’s Rocker improved to run third while Rain Wear was hesitant to go through a tight gap and finished out of the money. One cannot blame a trainer for playing by the rules, but surely the rules regarding late equipment changes should be tightened. It’s just not fair on the punter who does not have access to the late changes.

David Thiselton

THE DOUG CAMPBELL-TRAINED SIYA VUMA WON impressively at Hollywoodbets Greyville last week and it was revealed he was the subject of a rare mix up in the mating shed, which has led to some relatively small-time owners with a dream horse on their hands.

Siya Vuma was bred by Hartley SA, which was owned by a businessman from China named Mr Guo, whose breeding and racing interests in South Africa were looked after by long-time industryman Peter Gibson.

Gibson decided to send Hartley’s broodmare Reigning Queen, a placed horse by King Of Kings, to Mauritzfontein Stud-based stallion Byword.

The mare was brought back to Bruce Le Roux’s Spring Valley stud and gave birth to a big chestnut colt.

Byword was a chestnut himself so he looked to have stamped this one.

However, when the DNA analysis was done at Ondestepoort by Professor Alan Guthrie and his team, they quickly realised the foal could not have been sired by Byword.

Further analysis showed him to have in fact been sired by Ideal World, Mauritzfontein’s high profile and highly sort after stallion.

Mauritzfontein’s then Stud manager Guy Murdoch was contacted and upon checking his records realised there had indeed been a mix up and the mare had been sent by mistake to Ideal World.

Gibson said, “I am internally grateful to Guy Murdoch and Mauritzfontein for honouring the original transaction. It was a fortuitous mix up because Byword has subsequently been retired and Ideal World has continued to produced Group 1 winners. This is one of those stories that makes the dream industry so wonderful to be a part of.”

Hartley SA later had a dispersal of their bloodstock and Gibson and a racing friend of his Jan Scholtz bought the colt. 

They later put him on the CTS Premier Yearling Sale but he did not reach his reserve. 

Earlier, one of Doug Campbell’s owners Preggie Vandayar learnt in an article on Turf Talk that Doug’s greatest dream was to train a July winner. 

Later, when Vandayar’s Campbell-owned horse Eden Gardens Glitz was in the winner’s enclosure for the second time, he made a promise to Campbell that if this horse won a third race, he would buy him that July winner he dreamed of.

Eden Gardens Glitz has gone on to win six races but after the third of those wins Vandayar was true to his word and the search for the “July winner” was on. 

Gibson’s father Ian was one of Campbell’s first owners back in the early 1970s when he was training for gymkhana events, so he has had a long association with the family. 

Campbell mentioned in passing to Peter that he was looking for a “July winner” and shared the story behind it. 

Gibson recommended the big colt. 

Campbell was immediately interested as he had trained Siya Vuma’s talented half-brother Highway Eightyfive, a gelding by Kahal who was ultimately moved up to Johannesburg and won four races in total. 

Campbell also knew Siya Vuma’s maternal grandam Melting well as she had stood at the Somerset Stud of a good friend of his, the late Alan Sutherland.  

When Campbell saw the colt, he was so impressed he agreed to give Gibson and Scholtz three months free keep while he put together a partnership. 

He said, “It did not take long to put the partnership together.” 

Vandayar took the majority share but also gave Campbell a share and after listening to Gibson saying he had “a feeling about this horse” he allowed him and Jan Scholtz to keep a share and to bring Ian Gibson into the partnership as well. 

Nathan Godden, the father of jockey Tristan Godden, who lives across the road from Vandayar, also took a share. 

Vandayar named the horse after a crime-fighting group in the Empangeni-Richards Bay area and divulged that the Zulu name translates to English as “We agree.” 

He explained that during traditional healer consultations the doctor will continually ask the question, “Uyavuma?” and the patients will reply, “Siyavuma (we agree).”

Vandayar had often discussed with friends naming a horse Siya Vuma and when one of the latter, Yaseen Ebrahim, heard a horse had been thus named he asked for a share too, so he and his wife Fozia also became members of the syndicate. 

 All members have embraced the partnership with great enthusiasm and not only have a WhatsApp group but also have a song about Siya Vuma which they sang in the parade ring after his win last Wednesday. 

Gibson said Siya Vuma had always walked beautifully and stood over a lot of ground. When he runs these assets combine into a big action, which had jockey Warren Kennedy most impressed. 

“I think he is smart, he gave me a good feel”, he said after the win. 

Siya Vuma lengthened his big stride at the top of the straight after being taken to the front in the 1400m poly track maiden. For such a big, rangy horse he displayed an excellent kick at the 300m mark to draw clear of the only challenger Red Sole and beat him by 2,80 lengths with the third-placed horse beaten 9,30 lengths. 

The handicappers were impressed and awarded him a 93 merit rating which might give him a tough task if he runs in a handicap next. 

Time will tell but the owners are going to enjoy the ride wherever it takes them. 

David Thiselton

SOME changes recommended by the South Africa’s Pattern Committee have been put in place for the first part of the season and if they are viewed as positive might be included in the subsequent racing program too.

The first of the changes is aimed at aligning the class of a handicap pattern event to the class of the potential winners. 

To achieve this a benchmark of 52kg for pattern handicap events has been instituted.  

The hoped for effect is that a Listed class horse will have a better chance of winning a Listed handicap event, a Grade 3 class horse will have a better chance of winning a Grade 3 handicap event and a Grade 2 class horse will have a better chance of winning a Grade 2 handicap event, while the Grade 1 handicaps will favour the best horses.

Got The Greenlight is the highest rated horse on the Highveld. However, the introductions of the 52kg benchmark means that if he runs in a Listed handicap, where the 52kg benchmark will pertain to a merit rating of 98, he would have to carry 66kg; if he runs in a Grade 3, where the 52kg benchmark pertains to a 102 merit rating, he would have to carry 64kg; and if running in a Grade 2 where the 52kg benchmark pertains to a 106 merit rating, he would have to carry 62kg.

This means horses of lesser class will have a better chance of beating him the lower the status of the race. 

The committee recommended the 52kg benchamark to pertain to a 110 merit rating for Grade 1 handicaps but this will not effect the WSB Summer Cup.

Instead a change has been made to the Summer Cup whereby the weight range has been changed from 52kg-to-60kg to 54kg-to-60kg with the highest rated horse carrying 60kg.

This will obviously make it harder for a lesser horses to win Johannesburg’s traditionally biggest race.

In the last five renewals some of the results would have been effected if this change had been in place.

In 2017 the winner Liege carried only 53kg but won by 2,25 lengths so would have won the race if having to carry 54kg anyway and Fort Ember carrying 56kg would have also finished second. However, the next four finishers, Coral Fever (52kg), Pagoda (52.5kg), Girl On The Run (52.5kg) and Orchid Island (53.5kg), would have all been beaten on paper by French Navy, who carried 57.5kg and was beaten only 3,65 lengths. 

In 2018 the winner Tilbury Fort carried the minimum weight of 52kg and would have beaten the 0,60 length runner up Dawn Assault, who carried only 52.5kg. However, both of those horses would have been beaten on paper if they had had to carry 54kg by the 0,80 length third-placed Cascapedia, who carried 54.5kg.     

In 2019 the winner Zilzaal carried only 52kg and would have been beaten on paper by the runner up Soqrat, who carried 60kg and was beaten only 0,40 lengths. The next five runners, Al Mutakawel, Queen Supreme, Atyaab, Roy Had Enough and Green Haze,  all carried 52kg and on paper four of them would have been beaten by eighth-placed Barahin, who carried 59kg and was beaten only 2,85 lengths. 

In last year’s race the only significant change would have been Dance Class, who would have finished sixth instead of fourth, and Tierra Del Fuego and Atyaab would thus have come up a place to fourth and fifth respectively. 

The Pattern committee’s recommendations that a limit on the number of merit rated points a horse can be raised in the first two big feature races of both the Highveld and Cape seasons has also been implemented in order to attract three-year-old runners. 

Last year Mount Pleasant was raised to a 127 rating after winning the Grade 2 Jo’burg Spring Challenge. The hitherto unbeaten 112 merit rated horse was raised 15 points after beating the respectively 126 and 127 rated pair Cirillo and Chimichuri Run.  

The three-year-olds running in this year’s Grade 2 Jo’burg Spring Challenge will not have to fear being burdened with the huge merit raise that Mount Pleasant received. This year’s race allows a winner to be penalised a maximum of eight points and placed horses cannot be penalised at all.

Mount Pleasant’s next two poor performances after the Spring Challenge had nothing to do with his rating as they were three-year-old level weight classics, but the high merit rating did effect him in his next outing in the Grade 2 Senor Santa Stakes (merit rated band conditions), despite him by then having been lowered to a 120. The initial 127 merit rating would also have limited his options for preparation races into the Grade 2 WSB Gauteng Guineas. 

Another change recommended was to alter the conditions of all pattern races over 2400m to merit rated band conditions and limit the merit rating raise for the winner to a maximum of six points. It was also recommended placed horses should receive no merit rating raise at all. This would have the effect of encouraging stayers, some of whom might be average at lesser distances but have then been slapped with big raises for running second or third in a staying feature. Those big hikes would have then negated against them returning to lower division races over any distance. This recommendation has only been partially implemented.   

How long do you make excuses for a beaten favourite?  Many seasoned punters will tell you that a sure way to the poor house is making excuses for beaten horses, especially those that have let the side down on numerous occasions.

Rain Wear is one such horse. Tony Rivalland’s filly has been costly to follow, a beaten favourite at her last three and in the money at her last five starts. It was hoped that a tongue-tie would have the desired result. But prominent once again, she failed to finish off her race and it appears that first time blinkers and a drop to a mile is the last resort. She may be worth one more chance when she lines up in the third on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly today.

Blinkers have improved Sparkling Flame and Mike Miller’s filly goes well this trip and has the best of the draw. Princess Tea has drawn a little wide but has improved with every outing and should be primed for this.

The fifth is a seriously difficult handicap where one can make out a case for almost every runner. However, Fight Song finished with a rattle to win a good race last time out, getting the better of favourite Shavout who ran at Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday. He copped a 5-point penalty for that win but he has been improving steadily and Gareth van Zyl’s yard is red-hot at present.

Quick Star will be out to extract revenge for the defeat of stable companion Shavout. MJ Odendaal’s gelding is backed by some solid credentials having just found the smart Captain Fontane too good last outing. The blinkers come off as he steps up in trip but he was finishing his race off well behind Captain Fontane and the extra may now suit.

Donald McDonald has a bit of a reputation after winning four of his eight starts, but he was out of action from December last year before making a recent comeback where he showed signs of ring-rust in spit of the blinkers on to sharpen him up. That outing should have brought him on nicely and if anywhere ready he should have a big chance. Straight Up is a poly specialist and was a game winner last run but there should be little between him and Coup De Tete with the former possibly the pick with his light weight.

The Howells stable has come to hand nicely in recent weeks and he can get the afternoon off on a winning note with Bourbon Beat. He has been a slow starter but has made decent strides when switched to the poly and was closing fast when starting a long odds last time out.

Without Doubt is also showing signs of coming to hand and steps up in trip while Quality Joker has steady Highveld form to his credit and has done well over ground. He rates a strong chance in this field.

The second is a tricky maiden with a few stet to improve. Lucretius appeared to enjoy the extra last run and appears to have come to hand and can go close if putting in a repeat showing. Estival is lightly raced and has improved with each outing and Bold Premier ran a cracker from a difficult draw last run and the stable is hot.

There are three race restricted to apprentice riders starting in the fourth where Rachel Venniker will be looking to notch a treble aboard the Michael Roberts-trained grey Tupelo Honey.

The mare has won her last two from the front from poor draws and has a plum draw this time around so can go in again. Unconditional Love improved nicely to win her second start. The extra should suit and she can follow up. Paul Peter has booked Philisande Mxoli for Sacred Lotus who has taken on much stronger in the past. She was close-up last run and has a strong chance with the 2.5kg off her allotted weight. Jabu Jacobs stays with Indigo Moon who showed up well in her handicap debut and had consistent maiden form before that.

Jeffrey Syster was a regular for Tienie Prinsloo when the trainer was based in Kimberly and Syster rides all four of the Prinsloo runners on the day including Montana Sky in another difficult handicap.

Montana Sky did not enjoy the blinkers from a wide draw last start and with the blinkers off and the best of the draw he should be a factor. Bedazzled Jocker, down in the handicap, Brazil Nut and Knight Warrior are all in with winning chances.

In the seventh, visiting Space Race boasts some consistent Highveld form over the trip. She makes her poly debut but does have a strong chance. Paul and Beth Gadsby’s filly Conker The World  has come good with a drop in trip and blinkers. She met much stronger first up in a handicap. End Of Rock won well first up for her new stable after a lengthy break and could be anything while Beckoning has a tough draw but goes well for this apprentice and is holding form.

The last is a weak maiden where it may be best to fill up in the exotics if you have not already exceeded your budget.  Freedom Dancer took to the poly last run but there should not be much between him and Alma Mater who was much improved in blinkers and only a neck behind. Nigella Express and Phaka Imali are others to consider.

RACE 1: 3 BOURBON BEAT   7 WITHOUT DOUBT   9 QUALITY JOKER   11 A THOUSAND TUNES

Preview: BOURBON BEAT (3) has been coming to hand slowly. Narrowly beaten last start and looks to be the right one. WITHOUT DOUBT (7) is also showing signs of coming to hand. He jumps in trip. QUALITY JOKER (9) has steady Highveld form to his credit. He has done well over ground and he rates a strong chance in this field. A THOUSAND TUNES (11) looks held by Bourbon Beat on his last effort but can do better. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-9-11).

RACE 2: 8 LUCRETIUS   6 ESTIVAL   4 BOLD PREMIER   2 THE GREEN GALLANT

Preview: Tricky maiden with a few stet to improve. LUCRETIUS (8) appeared to enjoy the extra last run and appears to have come to hand. Go close if putting in a repeat showing. ESTIVAL (6) is lightly raced. Has improved with each outing and looks ready now. BOLD PREMIER (4) ran a cracker from a difficult draw last run. Improved last two. THE GREEN GALLANT (2) disappointed last run after a much improved previous showing. Must have a decent chance on that showing. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-4-2).

 RACE  3: 5 RAIN WEAR   1 SPARKLING FLAME   9 PRINCESS TEA   6 HATTA

Preview: RAIN WEAR (5) has been costly to follow but has been in the money in her last five starts. The blinkers go on which could see her home. Maybe worth one more chance. SPARKLING FAME (1) has been much improved in blinkers. She goes well this trip and has the best of the draw. PRINCESS TEA (9) has drawn a little wide but has improved with every outing and should be primed for this. HATTA (6) has been coming along the right way and looks primed for this event. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-9-6).

RACE 4: 1 TUPELO HONEY   9 UNCONDITIONAL LOVE   4 SACRED LOTUS   2 INDIGO MOON

Preview: TUPELO HONEY (1) has won her last two from the front from poor draws. She has a plum draw this time around and she can go in again. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE (9) improved nicely to win her second start. The extra should suit and she can follow up. SACRED LOTUS (4) has taken on much stronger in the past. She was close-up last run and has a strong chance if she takes to the poly. INDIGO MOON (2) showed up well in her handicap debut. Consistent maiden form before that. (Andrew Harrison: 1-9-4-2).

RACE 5: 2 FIGHT SONG   1 QUICK STAR   3 DONALD MCDONALD   4 STRAIGHT UP

Preview: FIGHT SONG (2) finished with a rattle to win a good race last time out. Has been improving steadily. QUICK STAR (1) found the smart Captain Fontane too good last outing. Useful form over shorter. DONALD MCDONALD (3) will have needed his last run. Has a reputation and if anywhere ready he should have a big chance. STRAIGHT UP (4) is a poly specialist and was a game winner last run. There should be little between him and COUP DE TETE (5) with the former possibly the pick with his light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-3-4).

RACE 6: 1 MONTANA SKY   6 BEDAZZLED JOKER   8 BRAZIL NUT   2 KNIGHT WARRIOR

Preview: Difficult apprentice handicap. Possibly a field race for the exotics. MONTANA SKY (1) did not enjoy the blinkers from a wide draw last start. Blinkers off and the best of the draw. BEDAZZLED JOKER (6) is never far back and has been coming down in the handicap. This looks to be an ideal race for his sixth win. BRAZIL NUT (8) has been taking on stronger at recent outings. Trip should suit. KNIGHT WARRIOR (2) has shown his best form on the poly over this trip. Should go well here. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-8-2).

RACE 7: 2 SPACE RACE   3 CONKER THE WORLD   6 END OF ROCK   11 BECKONING BEAUTY

Preview: Another difficult apprentice handicap. Visitor SPACE RACE (2) comes with some consistent Highveld form over the trip. Makes her poly debut but does have a strong chance. CONKER THE WORLD (3) has come good with a drop in trip and blinkers. Met much stronger first up in a handicap. END OF ROCK (6) won well first up for her new stable after a lengthy break. She could be anything. BECKONING BEAUTY (11) has a tough draw but goes well for this apprentice and is holding form well. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-6-11).

RACE 8: 5 FREEDOM DANCER   6 ALMA MATER   9 NIGELLA EXPRESS   7 PHAKA IMALI

Preview: Weak maiden. FREEDOM DANCER (5) took to the poly last run but there should not be much between him and ALMA MATER (6) who was much improved in blinkers and only a neck behind. NIGELLA EXPRESS (9) is showing signs of coming to hand and has first time blinkers. PHAKA IMALI (7) has her first run for a new stable and first time blinkers. Could surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 5-6-9-7).

Andrew Harrison

MJ Odendaal looks to hold all the aces in the fourth at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today but although he saddles four of the seven runners, it may not be that cut-and-dried.

That said, Shavout is likely to start a warm favourite. Odendaal has always had high regard for his charge and Shavout’s only poor run was in The Dingaans where nothing went to plan.

He has shown strong form in good company of late, third to Crown Towers in The Sledgehammer at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and a two-length third to the smart filly She’s A Keeper in the WSB 1900.

More recently he was a touch unlucky behind Fight Song, at Hollywoodbets Greyville, not doing himself any favours.

He stretched Anton Marcus’s arms but did look the winner as he hit the front two furlongs out. However, he had no answers to the late challenge from Fight Song.

He has earned a big weight but looks the part in this field.

Stable companion Wildlife Safari showed welcome signs of returning to form last start and with apprentice Wiseman Njokwe claiming his 4kg, the gelding only has 48kg to shoulder and may well be used as the hare.

Time Taker, who has also come good in blinkers, goes well this course and could be a threat.

Gareth van Zyl is having a good run of late and can start the meeting on a winning note where he saddles Ancient Epic. She gave the starter’s assistants a difficult time last start but showed good pace before being run out of it late. Prior to that she was touched off by Maquette who has subsequently franked that form.

Leopard Lady and Poppy Of Bayeux are both in good form and will make a race of it.

The second has many first timers in a field with thin form so keep an eye on the betting. Of those that have run, Proud Master showed up well on debut on this course and with the stable hitting form any market support must be taken seriously.  The Brief made a good enough debut over course and distance when running on late. That experience should count. Forest Phoenix is battling but goes well this trip and some give in the ground should suit.

The one-eyed Geronimo takes on many well-bred first timers in the third and was most disappointing last run. But he has shown some useful form over course and distance and can do better this time around. Napoleon is a smartly bred first timer from a strong stable as is Venerable and it should pay to keep an eye on the market.

The fifth could rest between African Skyline and Command Control.

African Skyline won well first run out of the maidens for Garth Puller and has improved with each outing. He should enjoy the step up in trip and can follow up. Shane Humby saddles Command Control who is lightly raced but is smart on his day and should make a bold bid. Walton Hall and The Bayou are others to consider.

The sixth is a tricky handicap. Umkhomazi has been taking on stronger at recent outings. She has drawn a touch wide but should have a strong chance in this field with a 4kg claimer up. Star Choice has gone close at her last two on the poly but must still have a big chance. Maidens Prayer has been a touch disappointing but the stable has hit form of late and the switch to the turf can suit.

October Song, backed as if the result was already known on debut, found one too good for her in Kitten’s Adventure. There were no mistakes from October Song at her next outing which bodes well for Gary Rich’s filly in the seventh.

Biggest threats could come from Sav’s Star who has been tumbling down the ratings but showed signs of life when close-up last time out, and Danse Milord, having her first outing for her new stable after two useful efforts in feature company.

The last is another difficult handicap. Camora has taken on solid company first two out of the maidens and must have a strong chance. Straight Six did well from a difficult draw last run but he is lightly raced and goes very well on the turf. With a 4kg claimer up he may be the one to beat.  Purple And Green returns from a lengthy break but has shown ability while So Var is an old campaigner. His best recent form has been on the ploy but not out of it here. High Velocity and Lunacam are others to consider.