Dennis Drier will tomorrow be going for his seventh Grade 1 Golden Horse Medallion win since 2010 and his eighth overall and he has a strong coupling this year in Tempting Fate and Pray For Rain. 

Later in this Hollywoodbets Festival of Speed meeting he has a chance of winning the Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint with Cartel Captain. 

Tempting Fate by Master Of My Fate is out of the speedy Drier-trained filly Miss October whose Trippi daughter Spring Break ran a 4,20 length eighth against the boys in last years Medallion before going on to finish a close second in the Umkhomazi Stakes over this same 1200m distance at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Tempting Fate is unbeaten in two starts and last time out showed good pace and a strong kick to win the Grade 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in a time 0,30 seconds quicker than the Strelitzia on the same day. His stablemate Pray For Rain by Soft Falling Rain was a 0,60 length second at level weights after playing up at the start. 

Drier said, “Both came out of that last race superbly and I couldn’t be happier with them going into this race.” 

He put Pray For Rain’s antics at the start down to ring rustiness.

He added, “Tempting Fate is the choice on what they have shown.”

However, he concluded by saying they were two-year-olds so it was difficult to say and they would show what they were made of in the race. 

The pair face a strong field and are priced up as 7/2 second favourite and 16/1 with Track And Ball. The favourite Erik The Red is at 23/10.

Tempting Fate is ridden by stable jockey Sean Veale from draw 12 and Pray For Rain has Ant Mgudlwa up from draw one. 

Cartel Captain has come into his own this season. Drier said he was in a “tough” renewal of the Golden Horse Sprint but on the other hand had a light weight “along with most of the field.” He said he also could not be happier with his preparation. He has Sean Veale up from draw eight. 

Vaughan Marshall has two runners in the Medallion, Joseph Barry and No Laying Up. 

Both have been at Summerveld since March. 

He said Joseph Barry had come on a lot from his third place finish in the Godolphin Barb and he believed he could “definitely” reverse form with Tempting Fate and Pray For Rain. 

He agreed No Laying Up would be suited to Hollywoodbets Scottsville based on his debut win over the tough Kenilworth 1000m when showing good pace and then fending off the horse he became involved in a dual with to win cosily. However, No Laying Up suffered a “hiccup” after arriving at Summerveld and is a “bit behind” Joseph Barry. Nevertheless, Marshall said he had been doing very well and could finish in the frame. 

Joseph Barry has Anton Marcus up from draw eleven and it looks likely that Keagan de Melo will get the ride on No Laying Up, who jumps from draw six. 

Gareth van Zyl has a chance of landing his first Grade 1 in the Allan Robertson with the second favourite Vernichey. He said he had been surprised how green she had been last time when winning the Strelitzia over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville as he had regarded her as a “forward” filly. He added she had come on a lot from the run but acknowledged that most of the opposition would also have improved. 

Vernichey has a good action which is suitable for the tough Hollywoodbets Scottsville course and the most pleasing aspect of her Stelitzia win was that she had come from off the pace to win going away. 

Van Zyl mentioned the Ashley Fortune-trained favourite Winter Smoke as the one he had been hearing a lot about.

Warren Kennedy retains the ride on Vernichey who is drawn ten. 

Van Zyl runs the biggest outsider Princekresh in the Medallion. He will have to do a lot to reverse a 4,75 length defeat by Tempting Fate in the Godolphin Barb. Van Zyl said fitting blinkers could help his cause but admitted he would be very happy if he just made the frame. 

Donovan Dillon rides from draw seven.

By David Thiselton

RACE 1: Preview: TAKE TO WAR (1) made an impressive debut and can improve to win. BON VOYAGE (2) improved from run to run and should be right there. HOLLOW POINT (8) made a sparkling debut to finish second and can improve to win in an open looking race as there are others that have bright chances too. (Warren Lenferna 1-2-8)

RACE 2: Preview: I’M IN LOVE (12) is coming along the right way and has a bright chance of going one better. GOING UP (11) is making her debut and could be absolutely anything – might be worth including on debut. NIPPY WINTER (1) has placed seven times from as many runs and should get it all right one of these days. (Warren Lenferna 12-11-1)

RACE 3: Preview: I WANT IT ALL (11) is well bred and gets the services of Grant Van Niekerk – he could be anything and be able to make his presence felt on debut – respect and include. GEM KING (1) can be forgiven for his disappointing last effort and can go close, like he did in his penultimate race. DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE (8) made a sparkling debut and is a must for most bets. (Warren Lenferna 11-1-8)

RACE 4: Preview: It looks as if LEGITIMISE (1) can finally get rewarded for all his consistency and is the firm first choice. FLOW FOREVER (9) finished midfield in a field of eight on debut and is surely going to build on that – big runner and KING SALADIN (3) was involved in a nail biting finish last time and even though he is well tried, can run into the quartets. (Warren Lenferna 1-9-3)

RACE 5: Preview: LIDL MISS SUNSHINE (9) showed encouraging improvement from run one to run two and even more improvement can be expected – she is the first choice but there are others with bright chances too. NAME OF THE GAME (10) should relish the extra distance today and can finish in the first three. WILDEST DREAMS (12) should also relish the step up in distance and must be better than her last effort. She must be given another chance and should be right there this time. RAZZLE DAZZLE EM (1) can be forgiven her last run – chance. (Warren Lenferna 9-10-12-1)

RACE 6: Preview: if you do not banker KASIMIR (1) then you will have to include quite a few – for structure and budget purposes I am all in with KASIMIR (1) he should be able to win this and win it nicely. WORLDS YOUR OYSTER (3), SKIDOO (6), BARNEY MCGREW (7) and FATEFUL (8) are all in tremendous form and should again run very good races but they might all have to go some to beat the first choice. (Warren Lenferna 1-7-6)

RACE 7: Preview: A case can be made for each and every one of these runners and a thrilling race looks on the cards! Here is my shortlist for the race: ZAPATILLAS (7) impressed when making a winning debut and can improve to go on to being anything. He won so easily first time of asking. SAFE RETURN (1) did oaky in KZN during the season and should be involved in the finish – bright chance. KEEP IT SECRET (4) has won his last two and his most recent was in Gqeberha and a gutsy performance too. He has an undeniable hat trick chance. (Warren Lenferna 7-1-4)

RACE 8: Preview: CAPTAIN DIZZY (1) has solid enough form to warrant giving him a bright winning chance here. Trainer Piet Botha has his horses in a very good space and their good form looks set to continue. VARISTOCRACY (9) has only raced three times and caught the attention – he makes his Cape debut and should run an absolute cracker – respect! PARIS RIX (5) and WORDSWORTH (6) have place chances. (Warren Lenferna 1-9-5-6)

RACE 9: Preview: HILARITY (3) more than likely needed her SA introduction and a lot more can be expected from this Twilight Son filly this time – strong each way chance. Her stable companion might prove to be her biggest threat. BLACK SILVER (5) returns from a bit of a rest and seems to be progressive – forget and forgive her last effort and she should be right there at the business end of affairs. FUSILLADE (4) is lightly raced and has done well thus far – she has a bright chance too. (Warren Lenferna 3-5-4)

RACE 10: Preview: CHANSONETTE (8) should enjoy the extra distance and has done well in both races thus far. Her chances of winning are bright. GOLDEN DAH (2) is holding form and despite being drawn wide is my place value selection in the race. WINTER SCOUT (12) is consistent and should be in the first four. (Warren Lenferna 8-2-12)

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)

THE National Horseracing Authority confirms that the Inquiry which was scheduled to take place on Friday, 20 November 2020 in Durban, has been postponed.

The subject matter of the Inquiry is alleged racist comments made on social media by Trainer Mr Frank Robinson.

Mr Robinson has requested to be legally represented at the Inquiry, which the Inquiry Board has agreed to.

The rescheduled date and time for the Inquiry is Thursday, 26 November 2020 at 10h00.

The interim suspension imposed on Mr Robinson in terms of Rule 91.2 remains in place.

This interim suspension prevents Mr Robinson from entering or declaring horses under his licence until such time as the Inquiry is finalised.

In the interests of horse welfare, Mr Robinson will be permitted access to horses in his care during the period of interim suspension.

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that it has opened an Inquiry into alleged racist comments made on social media by Trainer Frank Robinson.

After careful consideration of the social media post and the prima facie evidence, the Chief Executive and Racing Control Executive have placed an interim suspension on Trainer Robinson in terms of the provisions of Rule 91.2.

This interim suspension prevents Trainer Robinson from entering or declaring horses under his licence until such time as the Inquiry is finalised.

In the interests of horse welfare, Mr Robinson will be permitted access to horses in his care during the period of interim suspension.