David Thiselton

The opening Highveld meeting of the new season is a nine race one at Turffontein Standside today and it is headlined by three Pinnacle Stakes events.

The first of these is over 1400m and forms the first leg of the Pick 6. Truth has the blinkers removed after a poor run in the Gr 3 Post Merchants at Hollywoodbets Greyville with first time blinkers and he should bounce back as he is effective over this course and distance with two victories in four starts. He has pole position which will give him the opportunity to dominate as he did the last time he won here. He is 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted horse Texas Red. Fire ‘N Flames is classy and is in good form and this is an ideal trip so he should be in the shake up from a fair draw. Texas Red won a Pinnacle Stakes event over course and distance in his last start, leading from pillar to post, and that confirmed that his runner up finish in the Gr 1 wfa Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m and his third place finish in the Gr 2 TAB Hawaii Stakes over this course and distance were no flukes. It won’t be easy to get to the front with Truth in the line up and he has a wide draw so Callan Murray has his work cut out. Melech has the class to be right there over a distance which is ideal considering his speed coupled with the fact he beat Main Defender over 1500m this season. He and Fire ‘N Flames are 1,5kg under sufferance with Texas Red. Bacchus and Chestnut Bomber are both only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and could be contenders, although the latter returns from a 126 day layoff.

The second Pinnacle is over 1800m and is the third leg of the Pick 6. The Equator was rumoured to have been working the lights out before his disappointing run in the Gr 3 Magical Zulu Kingdom 2200 on Hollywoodbets Durban July day. He seemed lost in that race, but he could bounce back at his home course and if repeating his best runs in the UK, the Galileo entire is the one to beat under Gavin Lerena, although his draw of five out of seven is tricky.  King’s Express is the joint best weighted together with Hotarubi and from a good draw over a suitable trip should be right there. Royal Edition is an honest sort who could do well in this race from a good draw, although he is a massive 6kg under sufferance with the best weighted. Hotarubi could upset if it is a going day, but he is unreliable and frustrating to follow. Wecangoallnight is, like The Equator, only 1kg under sufferance, so he could earn if bouncing back over a drop in trip he will likely appreciate.

The third Pinnacle is the eighth race over 1000m and William Robertson is weighted to win, but this comes quickly after the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint a week ago and the ever improving Mount Pinatubo, who is officially 3kg under sufferance with William Robertson, could upset the applecart. Chocolate Soldier is very quick and will relish the fast winter conditions over the minimum trip. William Robertson should be lifting late and must be included in all bets. Ready To Charge should be cherry ripe and can earn. The consistent Quantum Theory has a fine form chance and should be right there from the usually favourable standside draw and his last win was in fact a year ago down the straight on this course, albeit over 1160m.

In the fifth race over 2850m Damova will stay this trip and from pole position should be a big runner. Mo Ment was outclassed last time at Hollywoodbets Greyville, but does well in staying races on the Highveld and from a good draw should make a bold bid. Enflame has ability and being by Irish Flame should have a chance of staying this trip and could be in the shake up. Royal Mazarin is a honest stayer who could be right there. To The Rescue should come into his own this season and can’t be ignored.

In the seventh over 1600m Impact Investor is drawn well over a suitable trip and looks the one to beat. Unsolved Riddle went close last time after a good win and with Gavin Lerena up from a good draw should be right there. Eiffel Tower has been doing well lately but does have a tricky draw. Pocket Watch was not disgraced last time and might enjoy this trip too from a good draw.

In the last race over 1000m Valieva has been in good form and has a chance from a high draw here. Phala Millions won well last time and from a high draw has a chance. Captain Efficient has a low draw but the draw hasn’t always been significant lately and he could be right there. Golden Aspen has the ability to be a factor in this race. One Tiger needs to bounce back after a below par run first time out of the maidens.

 In the first race Master’s Lady makes most appeal having finished close to Alta Capitana on debut over 1160m and she is now back against the girls.

In the second race Brigitte Anne can reverse form with Bingo from a nice high draw on the presumption she improves.

In the third race over 1400m Heavenly Good should relish the step up in trip and Gavin Lerena stays aboard.

RACE 1

1 MASTER’S LADY 6 ON THE RUN 7 MIDNIGHT MIRACLE 2 DONDOYAKI

Preview: 1 MASTER’S LADY ran a good race against a classy sort on debut and was not disgraced second time out so has a chance in this line-up. 6 ON THE RUN  made a fair debut and beat Midnight Miracle by 0.65 lengths in that race so should have her measure again. 7 MIDNIGHT MIRACLE could earn a cheque here. 2 DONDOYAKI also has the ability to place in this race. (David Thiselton 1-6-7-2)

RACE 2

8 BRIGITTE ANNE 1 SIMBINE 2 BINGO 6 FIFTY WAYS

Preview: 8 BRIGITTE ANNE made a good debut and looks the one to beat from a nice high draw.1 SIMBINE is knocking on the door and gets a good opportunity here. 2 BINGO is showing ability and should be in the shake-up. 6 FIFTY WAYS was not disgraced on debut and could improve. (David Thiselton 8-1-2-6)

RACE 3

5 HEAVENLY GOOD 8 ZAHRA DOMINIA 6 KENSAL GREEN 1 LADY BLUNT

Preview: 5 HEAVENLY GOOD wasn’t disgraced over 1160m on debut and Gavin Lerena stays aboard over a step up in trip which should suit.  8 ZAHRA DOMINIA ran well second time out over this course and distance but has a much tougher draw. 6 KENSAL GREEN made a fair debut and should enjoy the step up in trip from a fair draw. 1 LADY BLUNT had some fair form in Cape Town and in the East Cape and could be right there. (David Thiselton 5-8-6-1)

RACE 4

3 TRUTH 4 FIRE ‘N FLAMES 1 TEXAS RED 2 MELECH

Preview: 3 TRUTH is much better than his last run and is effective from pole position over this course and distance.  4 FIRE ‘N FLAMES is ideally distance suited and should make a bold bid from a fair draw. 1 TEXAS RED has plenty of class and if having some luck from a wide draw could be right there. 2 MELECH is a useful sort and this trip looks ideal and is draw just outside of middle is not bad. (David Thiselton 3-4-1-2)

RACE 5

6 DAMOVA 2 MO MENT 3 ENFLAME 5 ROYAL MAZARIN

Preview: 6 DAMOVA will stay this trip and from pole position should be a big runner. 2 MO MENT was outclassed last time but does well in staying races on the Highveld and from a good draw should make a bold bid. 3 ENFLAME has ability and being by Irish Flame should have a chance of staying this trip and could be in the shake up. 5 ROYAL MAZARIN is a honest stayer who could be right there. (David Thiselton 6-2-3-5)

RACE 6

1 THE EQUATOR 3 KING’S EXPRESS 7 ROYAL EDITION 2 HOTARUBI

Preview: 1 THE EQUATOR was reportedly working very well before his disappointing first South African start where he was green and he could do better back up on the Highveld with Gavin Lerena up. 3 KING’S EXPRESS is in fine form and from a good draw over a suitable trip should be right there. 7 ROYAL EDITION is an honest sort who could do well in this race from a good draw. 2 HOTARUBI is unreliable but is good on his day and from a good draw could be in the shake-up. (David Thiselton 1-3-7-2)

RACE 7

9 IMPACT INVESTOR 5 UNSOLVED RIDDLE 4 EIFFEL TOWER 8 POCKET WATCH

Preview: 9 IMPACT INVESTOR  was drawn well over a suitable trip and looks the one to beat. 5 UNSOLVED RIDDLE went close last time after a good win and with Gavin Lerena up from a good draw should be right there. 4 EIFFEL TOWER has been doing well lately but does have a tricky draw. 8 POCKET WATCH was not disgraced last time and might enjoy this trip too from a good draw (David Thiselton 9-5-4-8)

RACE 8

4 MOUNT PINATUBO 3 CHOCOLATE SOLDIER 1 WILLIAM ROBERTSON 5 READY TO CHARGE

Preview: 4 MOUNT PINATUBO has a lot of class and from a wide draw should be a big runner. 3 CHOCOLATE SOLDIER is perfectly suited to this course and distance and to fast going and he could go close. 1 WILLIAM ROBERTSON is full of class and he reappears very soon after the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint, but he is a tough horse and should be right there. 5 READY TO CHARGE has been in fair form and over a suitable course and distance could be in the shake-up. (David Thiselton 4-3-1-5)

RACE 9

2 VALIEVA 5 PHALA MILLIONS 3 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT 6 GOLDEN ASPEN

Preview: 2 VALIEVA  has been in good form and has a chance from a high draw here. 5 PHALA MILLIONS won well last time and from a high draw has a chance. 3 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT has a low draw but the draw hasn’t always been significant lately and he could be right there. 6 GOLDEN ASPEN has the ability to be a factor in this race. (David Thiselton 2-5-3-6)

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Devonne Govender

Hollywoodbets Greyville hosts a ten-race programme this Friday, 1st August, kicking off the new racing season. The first race jumps at 15:10, with the final race scheduled for 20:25.

The Stuart Ferrie-trained Bank Street appears to have an outstanding chance of winning, with Serino Moodley aboard in race nine. The stable will be riding high after winning the HKJC Champions Cup (Grade 1) with Gladatorian last Sunday.

Bank Street ran on strongly to finish third from a wide gate and should be right in the mix again from a slightly better draw.

Teerex, from Wendy Whitehead’s stable, offers good value in this contest. Although he drew the widest barrier, he is capable of making an impact if he overcomes the draw. He travelled well in his last start and only lacked clear running at a crucial stage, so he must be included in all bets. With a bit of luck, he could very well win.

In race one, Emoyeni will be the firm first selection. The M J Odendaal-trained son of Rabada has been holding form well and finished strongly behind City Of Love last time out. A bold showing is expected.

Other horses to watch include Captain Clever, who is likely to improve after a decent provincial debut, as well as El Capitan, who is never far back, along with the consistent performer Carnarvon.

In race five, Record High impressed when winning his last start from a wide draw, he showed plenty of determination when powering home under Cole Dicken. Trained by Wendy Whitehead, this son of Gimmethegreenlight has every chance from the ace gate.

However, the race doesn’t end there. The Siboniso Ngcobo trained Eventidor will attempt to secure his fourth consecutive victory. Despite a challenging draw of 11, his recent form has been outstanding, so he must be included in all bets.

In the lucky last, ISIKWISHIKWISHI finished second in his previous outing, travelling smoothly into the straight before being edged out by Rollo The Viking late. He now gets the ace draw as well as the drop to 1200m so will be a major contender.

The main danger could come from She’s A Machine, from Stuart Ferrie’s yard. She ran a decent race last time and, from a good draw, will have a big say.

Overall, it looks to be a highly competitive card throughout and the Pick 6 could return a healthy dividend as there looks to be plenty of value available.

RACE 1

7 CARNARVON      5 EMOYENI       1 LITTLE CRACKER      9 PHUTHI

Preview: CARNARVON (7) brings solid Highveld form into the race and rates the one to fear the most. EMOYENI (5) is improving and running well – good last run and can go one more. LITTLE CRACKER (1) has a strong place chance and PHUTI (9) is not far off a winning run – respect and include. (Warren Lenferna 7-5-1-9)

RACE 2

4 GOTTA GO EDDIE      6 GREEN MILE      10 TAKEYOURBESTSHOT      1 FINE WINE

Preview: GOTTA GO EDDIE (4) is knocking loudly at the door and rates tough to oppose. GREEN MILE (6) is well tried and consistent – strong each way claims. TAKEYOURBESTSHOT (10) should get it all right soon but is a must for all bets – strong place chance. FINE WINE (1) can finish in the first four. (Warren Lenferna 4-6-10-1)

RACE 3

4 GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE      8 TWO MILES WEST      2 ROLLO THE VIKING      7 IMPERIAL POWER

Preview: GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE (4) ran an absolute cracker in Gauteng last time and is confidently selected to go one more here. TWO MILES WEST (8) is holding form, gets Gavin Lerena and can go very close – big chance. ROLLO THE VIKING (2) has to be respected again due to the manner in which he got the job done last time and IMPERIAL POWER (7) has a serious place chance. (Warren Lenferna 4-8-2-7)

RACE 4

2 BRAVE VOYAGER      1 PHAKA IMALI      4 PORFIRIO      8 CONNOISSEUR

Preview: BRAVE VOYAGER (2) bounced back to better form last time and has strong each way claims in a competitive line up. PHAKA IMALI (1) from gate 1 is the value suggestion in the race and can go close. PORFIRIO (4) caught the eye last time and can be expected to get way closer now. CONNOISSEUR (8) on his day, can win a race of this nature but has become hard to predict – chance, nevertheless. (Warren Lenferna 2-1-4-8)

RACE 5

11 EVENTIDOR       10 EL REY VIENE      5 MASTER BOMBER      8 GLOBAL IMPACT

Preview: EVENTIDOR (11) is on a winning spree which looks set to continue. EL REY VIENE (10) showed guts and determination to win last time and can follow up – could be a Hollywood one-two here. MASTER BOMBER (5) is showing enough post maiden to suggest another win is nearby. GLOBAL IMPACT (8) is a must for the quartet play. (Warren Lenferna 11-10-5-8)

RACE 6

12 CORRUPT      8 RICCARDO       2 PAPA C      1 TIN CUP

Preview: You have to be impressed in the manner that CORRUPT (12) finished his race of to win last time and he is selected to follow up. RICCARDO (8) the evergreen eight-year-old, went close last time and can never be ignored from any bets. PAPA C (2) is back in form and making loud threats for the next career win. If not today, then surely soon – respect and include. TIN CUP (1) should be right there at the finish. (Warren Lenferna 12-8-2-1)

RACE 7

10 VOLDEMORT      9 DAPPER      3 DANUBE      6 SPRING TRADITION

10 VOLDEMORT (10) gets valuable weight off from Apprentice Pillay but they will have to have their GPS’S set from the highest draw. Despite that, he is confidently selected to go one more. DAPPER (9) can give plenty cheek all the way home and is a danger and a bright chance. DANUBE (3) and SPRING TRADITION (6) look set to fight out the minor positions. (Warren Lenferna 10-9-3-6)

RACE 8

6 MR HENLEY      9 BOURBON WARRIOR      3 MEXICAN PETE      1 RAINBOW REWARD

Preview: MR HENLEY (6) ran a cracker last time, goes well this track and trip and might well be difficult to peg back. The weight off will also aid his chances. BOURBON WARRIOR (9) bounced back to better form last time and can place again. MEXICAN PETE (3) is the place value and RAINBOW REWARD (1) should be in the mix – quartet chance. (Warren Lenferna 6-9-3-1)

RACE 9

5 BANK STREET      8 XPLICIT CONTENT      2 BLUSH OF DAWN      4 DOUBLE OLYMPIC

Preview: BANK STREET (5) kicked on powerfully last time and caught the eye. He can go close to winning and is the firm first suggestion. XPLICIT CONTENT (8) ran a vastly improved race last time and can be expected to build on that – bright chance. BLUSH OF DAWN (2) is ultra-consistent and can finish in the top three and DOUBLE OLYMPIC (4) is bever far off and can threaten for the minor cash. (Warren Lenferna 5-8-2-4)

RACE 10

10 MASTERBLING      1 ISIKWISHIKWISHI      2 SHE’S A MACHINE       6 WISSA’S ON FIRE

Preview: MASTERBLING (10) nearly scored last time, has good overall form and rates the one to beat. ISIKWISHIKWISHI (1) has strong each way claims. SHE’S A MACHINE (2) caught the eye last time and can go one more. WISSA’S ON FIRE (6) was not far off last time and can threaten. (Warren Lenferna 10-1-2-6)

Ends