David Thiselton

Stuart Ferrie is bullish about the chances of Gladatorian in the postponed Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville today.

He pointed out the horse’s liking for the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf, on which he has raced four times for two wins, a second and one unplaced run.

His first win there was in the Gr 2 Post Merchants over 1200m on Hollywoodbets Durban July day last year, where he beat the twice Gr 1-winning sprinter Thunderstruck by a neck receiving only 2kg.

His other win was last time out over that same 1200m course and distance in a Pinnacle event and his only unplaced run was in the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint, also over 1200m, when finishing just 2,60 lengths behind the winner Isivunguvungu on weight for age terms.

The Vercingetorix four-year-old gelding has only had 15 starts and has only twice run over further than sprint distances. He finished second on the poly track over 1400m in his fifth career start and in his penultimate start over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville he carried topweight of 62kg in a Pinnacle Stakes event and won it despite the going being soft.

Stuart said, “He seems to want further now . He has come in to a decent draw as long as the 70 rated horse doesn’t get in the way!”

Ferrie was asked whether he gave Gladatoriaan a chance and replied, “Definitely. He has run against the best for a number of starts and he certainly wasn’t stopping when he won over 1400m. He’s bred to go a little bit further too.”

Gladatorian’s sire Vercingetorix produces more speed and precocity than his famous six-times national champion sire Silvano. However, Vercingetorix did win the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 and the Gr 1 Jebel Hatta over 1800m at Meydan, among other Graded race victories.

Gladatorian’s dam Harvard Crimson is by Dynasty, who won the Durban July among other races.

Harvard Crimson herself won from 1200m up to 2000m, including a Listed race over 2000m.

So to say Gladatorian is “bred to go a little bit further” is an understatement.

He could have an interesting career ahead of him if winning today.

The favourite with Hollywoodbets is Royal Aussie at 28/10, with Cousin Casey and Gladatorian next best, both  at 7/2.

Royal Aussie showed a tremendous turn of foot when running third in the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate behind Charles Dickens and See It Again and should enjoy this course and distance, considering he did not appear to see out the WSB Met trip.

Cousin Casey had a fantastic record at Hollywoodbets Greyville as a two-year-old, winning a Listed race and a Gr 2 over this trip and a Gr 1 over 1600m. He appears to need gelding and has not been settling well in some of his starts. However, a drop in trip from a plum draw of two could bring out the best in him. 

The Ricky Maingard-trained pair Al Muthana and Waterberry Lane are the longest-priced of the recognised runners and are draw seven and eight respectively in the eight horse field.

However, they can’t be ignored as they are both capable of producing performances out of the top drawer. Al Muthana has one the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville before, while Waterberry Lane has won his last three attempts at this course and distance, although the last of those in September last year was the last time he finished in the money in any race, so his recent form is uninspiring.

The Mike de Kock pair Humdinger and Gimmeanotherchance are both course and distance suited too  and not out of it.

Double Grand Slam will be very hard to beat in the Gr 2 WSB Fillies Guineas. She is at cramped odds of 3/10 with Hollywoodbets.

Rascova should enjoy the course and distance and could give some cheek and White Pearl should give another good account of herself.

The next race, the Gr 2 WSB Guineas, is a touch more open although the 12/10 favourite Sandringham Summit will have plenty of supporters.  

The Gimmethegreenlight colt has proved his liking for the WSB Guineas course and distance with a facile win in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes last season, where he easily beat Main Defender. However, the latter has improved since then. Sandringham Summit jumps from a plum draw of two.

Green With Envy will prefer further, but is a highly progressive sort, so he could upset the applecart.

Mid Winter Wind is improving all the time too and represents the flying Tarry yard, although he does have a tricky draw of 6 out of 7.

Snow Pilot is the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner and will have come on from his Champions Season pipe opener. He will be dangerous in a small field as he can kick well from handy positions.

Hluhluwe is highly regarded and has been gelded so could be dangerous from pole position.

Navajo Nation has a wide draw and looks to have it all to do.

Andrew Harrison

The three feature races from the weekend have been rescheduled to Wednesday’s meeting, which now boasts an eleven-race card. The three features will be run on the turf track with the balance of the card on the poly.

The Gr2 Independent On Saturday Dill Hall Stakes, supported by the Gr2 World Sports Betting Guineas and Gr2 World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas, is the traditional start to South Africa’s three-month Champions Season where most of the country’s top horses are out to round off their season on a high.

The scratching of Main Defender from the Drill Hall has thrown the race wide open. Justin Snaith got his winter campaign off to a cracking start but the stable has had a few hiccups of late. However, Royal Aussie is useful on his day and the absence of Main Defender enhances his chances. 

Mike de Kock sends out the smart mare Humdinger who has finished runner-up in her last three in feature company. She is no stranger to this course and goes well this trip. Stuart Ferrie’s runs Gladatorian who is unbeaten since returning from a break but does take on top class opposition. 

Veteran trainer Ricky Maingard saddles former Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge winner Al Muthana and Waterberry Lane. Current form is not inspiring but both are capable of a big effort on their day and are worth keeping an eye on in the market.

In the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas Double Grand Slam will be a warm favourite after demolishing a useful field in the Gr3 Umzimkulu Stakes, her first look at Hollywoodbets Greyville. The opposition is a lot stronger here but Justin Snaith’s filly has come into her own of late and a repeat will see her difficult to beat. Tony Rivalland’s filly Celtic Beauty has the worst of the draw but shows plenty of promise. She may prefer it a touch further but should give a good account. A possible threat to Double Grand Slam could be Mike de Kock’s charge White Pearl. She boasts consistent Highveld feature form and was only three lengths back to the crack colt Sandringham Summit in the G2 Hawaii Stakes. She has drawn well and the step up in trip could now be what she is looking for. Rascova looks well held by Double Grand Slam on their recent meetings but she does appear to be capable of improving on those efforts. 

The Gr2 WSB Guineas has attracted a cracking line-up and the race should give an indication of what to expect over the next three months. The David Nieuwenhuizen-trained Sandringham Summit was a convincing winner of the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes beating Lucky Lad who has since franked that form. He is a top class galloper and the mile is right up his alley. Mid Winter Wind faces something of an acid test as Sean Tarry’s gelding comes off a string of four straight wins. His rating jumped from 96 to 114 after his most recent success and the extra furlong should suit. He could give Sandringham Summit a testing race. Green With Envy was a spectacular winner of the Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby, coming from way off the pace to win going away. However, he faces a crack miler in Sandringham Summit and the Gr1 Daily News 2000 is a more likely target for Dean Kannemeyer’s charge. That said he boasts plenty of class. Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Snow Pilot was in need of his local debut effort and with that run under his girth he should strip a lot fitter tomorrow.

A competitive card faces punters on the poly. 

In the opening leg of the Pick 6, Ideal Gift only got a two-point raise in the handicap for her narrow recent win but looks capable of following up in this company. Summer Song was a recent maiden winner but that was her local debut and her first outing on the poly. Her Cape form was useful. English Primrose has her first outing for Gary Rich. She has not been far back of late and the step up in trip will suit. Natalia sees Rachel Venniker down to her absolute minimum weight of 52kg and from a good draw her filly must be a runner in a wide open contest. 

In the eighth, Benni In The Area took time to shed his maiden but showed up well when a close-up third behind stable companion Phaka Imali last time out. He is now 1.5kg better off in the handicap and can turn the tables and it could be a Gary Rich exacta. However, visiting Mescal has a pencil behind his ear as he hardly misses in a month. He has some useful form to stronger and as an obviously sound horse the poly will suit. Veteran Knight Warrior has a wide draw to contend with but is way better than his last effort and is reunited with Muzi Yeni. 

Rosh Kadesh has improved in blinkers and can make a winning local debut in the ninth with trainer Dean Kannemeyer back from the Cape to oversee the yard. The gelding has useful Cape form and will make a bold bid. Common Grounds did not fare well in his only start in the Cape but he had smart form prior to his departure. He has the best of the draw and Richard Fourie to help him home. Time Together goes well on the poly and has been holding form. He is back a furlong in trip but is down in class which puts him in with a strong chance. 

Duncan Howells sends out Purple Operator who has put in two smart efforts over a furlong shorter and has his third run after a break. The trip will suit and with Venniker riding at the top of her game with a 1.5kg allowance the gelding will be a big runner. Mike de Kock sends out Arividicio down to sample the poly track. He is well tried but improved last run and the synthetic surface could be what he is looking for. Jet Legacy has the plum draw and has his second run after a lengthy break. He has ability and is one to watch in the market. Joshua Hotsnake has the worst of the draw but is in hot form over the distance. With some luck in running he can finally earn his sixth victory. 

The last is another wide open fillies and mares handicap. Rani Of Jhansi was deemed good enough to be on the float for the Cape season but did not feature. However, she was much improved in her first run back. Conta Fiscum has put up two promising showings on the poly and although drawn a touch wide she is capable. Littleblackvelvet got a three-point raise in the handicap when beating Contra Fiscum last time out with the runner-up getting a point. Gareth van Zyl has penciled in 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies to balance out the weight. The combination of Dennis Bosch and Rachel Venniker has been to the fore in recent weeks. They again team up with Copacabana who was successful second time out when stepped up to a mile and the daughter of Querari can follow up. 

RACE 1

8 UNITED NATION   9 KOLA TONIC   5 LAVA BURST   6 NEW FRONTIER

Summary: UNITED NATION (8) was tossed in at the deep end when making his debut in feature company. He is sure to make big improvement on that showing and the stable says that they have a smart raiding party of younger horses. KOLA TONIC (9) was in the same race and finishing ahead of United Nation. However, the experience could favour the latter although Kola Tonic was much improved with a tongue tie in his return to home soil, also against winners.  LAVA BURST (5) was not far back on debut and sure to improve on that showing. NEW FRONTIER (6) found some market support on debut but raced very green. (Andrew Harrison: 8-9-5-6).

RACE 2

1 PILOT FLAME   2 NAUTICAL LANDING   5 DEE DAY   9 GLAMORZ

Summary: PILOT FLAME (1) was all at sea first time around the bend when starting favourite. That run should have brought her on and she rates the one to beat from the best of the draw. NAUTICAL LANDING (2) has drawn alongside and was narrowly beaten when trying a mile on the poly at just her second start. She should be a big threat to the top selection. DEE DAY (5) has been much improved since arriving in her new stable. She was second best over course and distance last time out but could still have more to come. GLAMORZ (9) has had a few chances but has been taking on older runners and the form has worked out quite well. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-5-9).

RACE 3

9 BREATH OF MAGIC   5 RAINWATER   3 MISTER NIBBLES   4 JAMES FITZJAMES

Summary: BREATH OF MAGIC (9) seldom runs a bad race but has been struggling to shed his maiden. He makes his poly debut from a wide draw but goes the trip and should make a bold bid. Glen Kotzen sends out three runners with Richard Fourie and Calvin Habib booked on two. However, Jabu Jacobs is part of the stable and partners RAINWATER (5) who showed up well in his poly debut at just his second start. He gets first timer blinkers and could be the stable pick although it may be best to keep a close eye on the market. MISTER NIBBLES (3) takes to the poly for the first time. He has placed in his last three starts and should go close while JAMES FITZJAMES (4) steps up to a mile with Richard Fourie aboard and the trip will suit. NTOMBENHLE (2) was given an indifferent ride last start and should improve. (Andrew Harrison: 9-5-3-4).

RACE 4

10 IDEAL GIFT   8 ENGLISH PRIMROSE   7 SUMMER SONG   2 NATALIA

Summary: Competitive handicap. IDEAL GIFT (10) only got a two-point raise in the handicap for her narrow recent win and looks capable of following up in this company. SUMMER SONG (7) was a recent maiden winner but that was her local debut and her first outing on the poly. Her Cape form was useful. ENGLISH PRIMROSE (8) has her first outing for a new stable. She has not been far back of late and the step up in trip will suit. NATALIA (2) sees Rachel Venniker down to her absolute minimum weight of 52kg and from a good draw her filly must be a runner in a wide open contest. (Andrew Harrison: 10-8-7-2).

RACE 5

7 MAIN DEFENDER   1 ROYAL AUSSIE   7 HUMDINGER   6 GLADATORIAN

Summary: MAIN DEFENDER (3) was a cracking winner of the recent Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes at WFA. He will be hard to beat given that form. ROYAL AUSSIE (1) is useful on his day but will need to be at his best to match Main Defender. HUMDINGER (7) is a smart filly and has finished runner-up in her last three in feature company. She is no stranger to this course and goes well this trip. GLADATORIAN (6) is unbeaten since returning from a break but does take on top class opposition. However, he should not be far off them. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-7-6).

RACE 6

5 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM   2 WHITE PEARL   10 CELTIC BEAUTY   4 RASCOVA

Summary: DOUBLE GRAND SLAM (5) has come into her own of late and was a runaway winner when making her local debut. A repeat will see her difficult to beat. CELTIC BEAUTY (10) has the worst of the draw but shows plenty of promise. She may prefer it a touch further but should give a good account. WHITE PEARL (2) has consistent Highveld feature form and was only three lengths back to the crack colt Sandringham Summit in the G2 Hawaii Stakes. She has drawn well and the step up in trip should suit. RASCOVA (4) looks well held by Double Grand Slam on their recent meetings but she does appear to be capable of improving on recent showings. (Andrew Harrison: 5-10-2-4).

RACE 7

2 SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT   6 MID WINTER WIND   3 GREEN WITH ENVY   4 SNOW PILOT

Summary: SANDERINGHAM SUMMIT (2) was a convincing winner of the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes beating Lucky Lad who has since franked that form. He is a top class galloper and the mile is right up his alley. MID WINTER WIND (6) comes off a string of four straight wins and his rating jumped from 96 to 114 after his most recent success. The extra furlong should suit and he could give Sandringham Summit a testing race. GREEN WITH ENVY (3) was a spectacular winner of the Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby, coming from off the pace to win going away. However, he faces a crack miler in Sandringham Summit and the Gr1 Daily News 2000 is a more likely target for Dean Kannemeyer’s charge. Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner SNOW PILOT (4) was in need of his local debut effort and with that run under his girth he should strip a lot fitter. (Andrew Harrison: 2-6-3-4).

RACE 8

4 MESCAL   7 BENNI IN THE AREA   3 PHAKA IMALI   9 KNIGHT WARRIOR

Summary: Competitive handicap. BENNI IN THE AREA (7) took time to shed his maiden but showed up well when a close-up third behind stable companion PHAKA IMALI (3) last time out. He is now 1.5kg better off in the handicap and can turn the tables and it could be a Gary Rich exacta. Visiting MESCAL (4) has a pencil behind his ear as he hardly misses in a month. He has some useful form to stronger and as an obviously sound horse the poly should suit. Veteran KNIGHT WARRIOR (9) has a wide draw to contend with but is way better than his last effort and is reunited with Muzi Yeni. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-3-9).

RACE 9

9 ROSH KADESH   1 COMMON GROUNDS   6 TIME TOGETHER   4 VOLDEMORT

Summary: ROSH KEDESH (9) has improved in blinkers and can make a winning local debut. He has useful Cape form and will make a bold bid. COMMON GROUNDS (1) did not fare well in his only start in the Cape but he had smart form prior to his departure. He has the best of the draw and Richard Fourie to help him home. TIME TOGETHER (6) goes well on the poly and has been holding form. He is back a furlong in trip but is down in class which puts him in with a strong chance. The striking grey VOLDEMORT (4) finally had a change of fortune when a narrow winner last time out but the drop in trip may have been what he was looking for. (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-6-4).

RACE 10

2 PURPLE OPERATOR   1 JET LEGACY   3 ARIVIDICIO   10 JOSHUA HOTSNAKE

Summary: PURPLE OPERATOR (2) has put in two smart efforts over a furlong shorter and has his third run after a break. The trip will suit and with Rachel Venniker riding at the top of her game with a 1.5kg allowance he will be a big runner. Mike de Kock sends ARIVIDICIO (3) down to sample the poly track. He is well tried but improved last run and the synthetic surface could be what he is looking for. JET LEGACY (1) has the plum draw and has his second run after a lengthy break. He has ability and is one to watch in the market. JOSHUA HOTSNAKE (10) has the worst of the draw but is in hot form over the distance. With some luck in running he can finally earn his sixth victory. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-1-10).

RACE 11

6 RANI OF JHANSI   5 LITTLEBLACKVELVET   10 CONTRA FISCUM   9 COPACOBANA

Summary: A wide open fillies and mares handicap. RANI OF JHANSI (6) was deemed good enough to be on the float for the Cape season but did not feature. However, she was much improved in her first run back. CONTRA FISCUM (10) has put up two promising showings on the poly and although drawn a touch wide she is capable. LITTLEBLACKVENVET (5) got a three-point raise in the handicap when beating Contra Fiscum last time out with the runner-up getting a point. Gareth van Zyl has penciled in 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies to balance out the weight. The combination of Dennis Bosch and Rachel Venniker has been to the fore in recent weeks. COPACABANA (9) was successful second time out for the combination when stepped up to a mile and the daughter of Querari can follow up. (Andrew Harrison: 6-10-5-9) 

RUGBY 8 WIN MARGIN on Saturday, 11 May 2024 C/Over R 61 759 Pool Closes at 14h00

SoccerAny13Xtra on Saturday,11 May 2024 Carry Over R 100 000 Pool Closes at 13h30 Sport 13 and Pool 1 Estimated Pool: R 400 000

Race 1: #1 My Intelligent, #10 Double Show, #6 Hero Star, #9 General Ace 
Race 2: #8 Lean Master, #1 Chateauneuf, #2 Ace One, #12 New Power 
Race 3: #12 Hang’s Choice, #3 Charming Steed, #7 Smart Beauty, #8 Asian One 
Race 4: #7 Wood On Fire, #10 Dan Attack, #11 Valhalla, #12 Multidarling 
Race 5: #6 Sea Sapphire, #8 Party Warrior, #9 Roaring Bebe, #1 Righteous Arion 
Race 6: #10 Kyrus Unicorn, #2 Serangoon, #7 Forever Glorious, #5 Storm Winner 
Race 7: #1 Hameron, #2 Red Hare King, #10 Chain Of Gold, #4 Giddy Up 
Race 8: #5 Sure Joyful, #6 Can’t Go Wong, #10 Atomic Beauty, #1 Sixth Generation 
Race 9: #8 Super Joy N Fun, #2 Sports Legend, #4 Wings Of War, #6 Happy Fat Cat

Race 1: Cochrane Handicap

#1 My Intelligent is a massive chance in this grade. He was racing well in the class above and his best form holds him in good stead for this contest. He shapes as the one they all must beat. #10 Double Show has a favourable draw and is a winner already this season. He does his best racing over this course and distance. #6 Hero Star has been consistent all season without winning. He can improve in this grade. #9 General Ace is next in line, that is, if he manages to find his best.

Race 2: Wyndham Handicap (3rd Section)

#8 Lean Master has tremendous gate speed and he is capable of finding an early lead. He gets a favourable seven pounds taken of his back and this contest is well within his grasp. One to catch. #1 Chateauneuf won well on debut. He’s a nice horse, although he will have to overcome the wide gate this week. #2 Ace One is worth consideration. He’s lost his way a touch but is clearly much better than Class 5. Hugh Bowman’s booking is a decent push with regard to his chances. #12 New Power has been competitive of late. 

Race 3: D’Aguilar Handicap

#12 Hang’s Choice needs plenty go his way, but the low impost and potential pace in this race brings him right into contention. He’s been racing well and gets his chance to win again this week. #3 Charming Steed is after back-to-back wins. He’s in the right vein of form and the inside gate is ideal for him to find a prominent position without using too much petrol. #7 Smart Beauty gets the services of Zac Purton. His latest effort was sound and he returns here as a two-time winner this season. #8 Asian One is next best.

Race 4: Wyndham Handicap (1st Section)

It wouldn’t surprise in the slightest to see #7 Wood On Fire bounce back. Expecting him to fire forward to try and lead here or sit prominent, especially from an inside gate with Karis Teetan up. He’s worth taking a chance on. #10 Dan Attack is in solid form and he continues to race well. He’s a winner this term and should be able to make his presence felt. #11 Valhalla rarely runs a bad race. He’s placed in all three of his most recent runs and this contest shouldn’t be an exception. #12 Multidarling is next best.

Race 5: The Sports Club Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup Handicap (2nd Section)

#6 Sea Sapphire has led and won already this season. He’ll find the front again here and his catch me if you can tactics could easily be rewarded. #8 Party Warrior debuts for the new stable as a two-time winner under his previous handler. He’s always been a solid competitor. #9 Roaring Bebe caught the eye late last start, closing into sixth spot. Zac Purton is up and he gets his chance to improve this week. #1 Righteous Arion continues to perform. He does need to overcome an awkward draw.

Race 6: Glenealy Handicap

#10 Kyrus Unicorn has raced well all season. He could get a reward for consistency here, especially under the lighter weight from gate four. This shapes as a suitable contest for him. #2 Serangoon is in superb form. He has the barrier to contend with this week, although he doesn’t know how to put a foot wrong. #7 Forever Glorious can roll forward and give this group something to reel in. He tends to mix his form, although shapes as a leading player here. #5 Storm Winner is improving and can do so once more.

Race 7: Graham Handicap

#1 Hameron caught the eye late last start. He’s a nice horse and he does his best racing over this course and distance. Hugh Bowman’s booking is suitable once again. #2 Red Hare King is in career-best form and he’s already netted a pair of wins this campaign. He should receive a sweet run from the inside gate. #10 Chain Of Gold slots in light and is making steady improvement. Zac Purton hops up and he’s engaged to ride two pounds over his assigned impost. #4 Giddy Up is next in line.

Race 8: On Lan Handicap

#5 Sure Joyful has hardly put a foot wrong all season. He’s collected a pair of wins already and is most deserving of another, which could easily come here. He’ll roll forward and get his opportunity from there. #6 Can’t Go Wong is another who will take up a forward position. He’s in the mix. #10 Atomic Beauty has consistency on his side, as well as a favourable draw. #1 Sixth Generation has improved with the class-drop. Vincent Ho has won on him before and he takes the reins again this week.

Race 9: Shelley Handicap

#8 Super Joy N Fun is unbeaten across two starts in Hong Kong. He’s a serious talent and is capable of adding a third here, especially with gate one on his side as well as the hands of Zac Purton. Hard to beat, even up in grade. #2 Sports Legend is seeking a hat-trick of wins. He’ll make his own luck by racing on the speed again. #4 Wings Of War just can’t quite crack it for a first win in Hong Kong, although he has shown that his day will come. #6 Happy Fat Cat will lead and give this group something to reel in.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club