David Thiselton

 

A Pinnacle Stakes event over 1100m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside today and it could go to Ziyasha.

 

The Clinton Binda-trained Rafeef gelding was backed at long odds in the Gr 2 TAB Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m but unfortunately overraced. He now gets Gavin Lerena up and will appreciate the slight step down in trip, even if it is just 60m shorter. His low draw of four is a bit of a concern but the straight course at Turffontein sometimes has no bias at all these days. On the other hand he is 3,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted horse Destiny Of Fire. The latter gets a 2,5kg gender allowance and is at least 2,5kg better off with any of the male runners, but it is never easy for the girls against the boys. Ziyasha is only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted male. However, a look at his run in the Computaform Sprint in which he was squeezed out at a vital stage before running on again, showed that he is capable of a high class performance. Slinky Mapimpi is full of talent too and bounced back to form last time. He is capable of a top run over this trip too and is 1kg better off than Ziyasha so should do well from a nice high draw with the in-form Mickaelle Michel up.  Destiny Of Fire ran a good fifth when stepped down to this trip last time in the Camellia Stakes and could make her presence felt. Almond Sea is second best in at the weights, 1,5kg under sufferance with Destiny Of Fire, and she can do better than she did in the Camellia if ridden more conservatively and then running on strongly, as she is capable of doing. Quantum Theory was in good form before going to Cape Town, where he ran well below par, and he might be ready to bounce back. Ziyasha is selected to beat Slinky Mapimpi with Destiny Of Fire, Almond Sea and Quantum Theory next best.

 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Celtic Manor made a fine debut over 1160m and this Master Of My Fate should relish the step up in trip and she is drawn in pole too. Be My Fate could be the main threat as she looks to be on the up, although she has a tricky draw. Gimmesumluv has been knocking on the door and should be in the shake up.

 

In the fifth race, a Middle Stakes race over 1600m, The Playboy Bomber is one of the best weighted males and he is at the top of his merit rated band off a 93, having won a Middle Stakes race last time when rated 88 and being one point off the top of his band. Tintin has an easier task than last time and is interesting stepped up in trip from a good draw as he has done well up to 1450m, although his dam was speedy, so this Rafeef filly is not guaranteed to like the step up. Willy Meet Again is the best weighted runner and will be a big runner if able to overcome a wide draw and get to the front fairly easily as she is capable of kicking from the front. Erroll Flynn was most disappointing last time in a feature but there were excuses and he can bounce back. King’s Express is one of the best weighted males in the race and the form of his win last time has been franked.

 

In the sixth race over 2000m Instant Attraction is capable of going close here as she did well against the boys last time over course and distance and now has a plum draw as opposed to a wide draw. Thoonsil is four points higher after his maiden win but from pole position looks capable of following up. Full Go is in  good form and  distance suited but does have to overcome a wide draw. Terrence looks capable of earning in this line up. Romeo’s Magic can bounce back with a step down in trip from a fair draw.

 

In the seventh over 2000m Ariovistus won easily last time and can go close again despite being six points higher. Jordan is course and distance suited and he can do a lot better than last time, where he was drawn eleven and found nothing, as he is now drawn four.  Future Gamble is on the up and should be in the shake up too.

 

In the ninth over 1000m Umzingeli Wenyati should make a bold bid from a nice high draw. His Lordship has the ability to go close, but he has the number one draw. Lonely As A Cloud should be in the shake up here.

 

In the first leg of the PA over 1600m Rock My Boat is distance suited and can go one better than last time in an uninspiring field.

 

In the first leg of the Bipot over 1160m Gone Cold has fine form and will be hard to beat, although he does have a low draw which might be disadvantageous. Stormact is drawn high and should be right there.

 

In the first race 1160m the impressive grey Impressive will be hard to beat from a nice high draw.

Alistair Cohen

 

From the flying yard of Candice Bass, Marcus Aurelius looks like he has found himself improving with every single run. He always showed a bit of promise but as he takes on stronger opposition, he acquits himself better and competitively. With that in mind, he faces the right field when he runs in race 7 over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today.

One has to be pleased with his last run. He finished 0,4 lengths behind Future Free over 1600m at this course last month and he filled the runner-up berth. Future Free showed his ability when he ran two lengths behind La Pulga in third in the Grade 3 Legal Eagle Stakes at this course last weekend. That was Marcus Aurelius’ first run with blinkers. It was a fair step in the right direction. Three runs back he was fourth behind the rapidly improving Sommerstern who hacked up subsequently at Hollywoodbets Scottsville a few weeks ago.

Those lines of form are huge pointers to the company that Marcus Aurelius has kept. Bass has kept him bubbling in good company and in good heart. Her yard is the most in-form in Cape Town at the moment which enhances confidence. Stable rider Aldo Domeyer is back from a layoff and he is carded to take the ride.

Ferryman moved yards to Eric Sands and he made a note when he won on stable debut. Sands has done wonders with the family being responsible for Rainbow Bridge, Golden Ducat and Foudre. It was a huge move from owner Sabine Plattner and her retained trainer Andre Nel to move the horse to Sands. It worked a charm. The brains behind the decision must be applauded. He could have much more to come and even though this is a fair step up from maiden level, he could have the tools to go on a streak. Craig Zackey is carded to ride. He rode most of those stars from this family.

Rockanrollin is trained by Nel for Plattner and he could be in contention too. He has always hinted as a slow burner who could have some good days to come. He might not have the same ability as those tipped ahead of him but a performance that sees him finish in the Quartet would be a neat effort.

The meeting could start with a good bet. Sparkling Star was a beaten favourite in her last start when finishing third behind Mystic Inferno who had valid excuses for her no show at the start of the month. Sparkling Star has the raced runners stacked so it will take a good first timer to turn her over. She is also from the Bass barn and Domeyer takes the ride.

Domeyer and Bass could strike again in race 2 over 1000m with Blackbird who made a pleasing debut. He finished fourth behind Rich Man’s World over this course and distance in March. He was well beaten. But, think of how impressive Rich Man’s World was at Hollywoodbets Scottsville a few weeks ago. He made a huge impression when he won the Grade 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes. He looks set to run at Grade 1 level later this month. 8,5 lengths behind him is hardly a disgrace. Blackbird also did well to scramble into fourth. He looked hugely green and inexperienced so that run could do him a world of good.

Race 3 over 1400m looks to be wide open with a few winning chances. Hilton Heads is not a confident selection but he leads the list of potential winners. He has crossed the line in fourth in his last three runs so hopefully he is able to step forward but he is relatively lightly raced which could help his cause. He comes from the Andre Nel yard which has found itself in good form lately after a frustrating string of good runs yet no wins. Protector Of Peace, The Big Bang, Whatwillbewillbe, Big Deal and Caesar’s Ransom are all respected.

Many expected Masteronthemoon to win his most recent outing but the trip over 2000m came too soon. Regardless, he still ran with credit when Phantom Man turned him over. He returned from a long break in his penultimate run when he finished strongly giving the hint that he would be hard to topple. He steps back to 1800m in race 4 and this should be the perfect storm for him to strike. Richard Fourie takes the ride for James Crawford. He should be peaking fitness wise. Everything looks to be in his favour.

Bass could be back at it in race 5 over 1600m. Backinthefastlane has brightened up since exiting the maiden ranks and he could turnover his stablemate, Super Viking. The latter has recently exited the maidens while Backinthefastlane already has an appetite for what to expect at this level, despite the low grade of the event. Interestingly stable rider, Aldo Domeyer has opted for Super Viking. He should be able to ride 59kg of Backinthefastlane. Keep both runners in your plays.

Somebody Somewhere put up a pleasing post-maiden effort last time when she was narrowly beaten by South Of France who was the play of most. She meets Miss Attitude and Peaches And Cream on identical terms and she finished ahead of them both. Somebody Somewhere has given the impression that she has more to offer. Richard Fourie is up for James Crawford in race 7. She should reach 1500m which would be the biggest query.

Black Erika is not a confident top choice in race 8 over 1000m but she has found herself finishing closer and hinting that a win is just around the corner. Craig Zackey takes the ride for Adam Marcus who adds to her cause. Her last start was pleasing when she finished third behind Music Of The Night in a messy event at Hollywoodbets Durbanville over 1250m. Like a few in this race, she is low mileage so she might have some progress in the locker. Gin Palace, Worldcraft, William’s Woman, Pushing Limits, Saachi One and Peace Of Mind are not without hope.

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RACE 1

SAY A PRAYER was not disgraced on debut. She now has Richard Fourie in the irons and could score. CARNIVAL will carry the same colours as that rival but represents trainer Dean Smith. She makes her debut but would not be a surprise winner. RIVER VIEW and SEATTLE GLOW are both on debut for trainer Alan Greeff and can get involved with the finish. J LORDI showed pace on debut and could improve trying the Polytrack.

RACE 2

RULES OF CONDUCT is threatening a first success and should beat these rivals. APPLES AND TEA tries the Polytrack and could improve. GLOBAL THRILLER was not disgraced in both starts and could contest the finish. PROFUMO was not disgraced on debut but does try the Polytrack this time. BLAZING FLAME and ON THE OUTSIDE need to do more to score but can earn some money.

RACE 3

A competitive looking race. SATELLITE WORLD is threatening a winning turn. TRIP TO PEACE makes a local debut and would not be a surprise winner. GREY WARRIOR has been a disappointment so far but could earn some money. OSMIUM showed improvement on local debut and could score this time around. STRAIGHT RED and MEDITERRANEANFLAME both need to do more to win but can make the frame.

RACE 4

A very open leg of the Pick 6 and we may have to go very wide to get through this leg. GARDEN SUN was not disgraced last time out and could pop up. A BIT CHILLY has held form of late and would not be a surprise winner. HENRY’S HEDGE has run in better fields than this of late and must be respected. PAST AND PRESENT and DEANDRE’S DREAM both make their local debuts and must be included in all bets. SAN QUINTIN, MIGHTY MAC and REFLECT are others to consider.

RACE 5

Trainer Alan Greeff has 5 of the 9 runners so we will look to stable jockey Richard Fourie. STRAWBERRY THIEF was given a soft debut and looks likely to improve. ENCHANTING CHOICE is in very good form and will challenge her stable companion for victory. EPIKLEROS has had a very good season and is clearly not out of it. FAMILY POWER is consistent and must be considered a possible winner. GINGER DELIGHT could return to form on this surface.

RACE 6

DUPONT EMERALD has been in good form of late. She is not well drawn and has to prove herself on this surface but is clearly the right one on form. STAR IN MOTION makes his local debut and should show improvement. STRANGE MAGIC has not been reliable but would not be a surprise winner. EL CAPITAN and HONORINE’S GIMMIE are both capable of better than their last runs would suggest and are capable of getting into the mix of things.

RACE 7

TINTAMARRE clearly likes the Polytrack and now has four wins on the surface. Two of them were over this particular distance and he could prove hard to beat. GOLDEN PAVILON does not always show his best side but is not out of it. PRINCESS HANNAH and BLACK EGRET are both capable of improvement and could prove dangerous this time around. CHAMPONELLE, ALESIA’S LOVE and ONE TOO MANY are also capable of making the frame.

RACE 8

A very open looking last race handicap. ALEX MILLER is badly drawn and is a difficult filly to win with but does have claims in a tricky race. PARADISE WAY is capable of improvement from a good draw. AYUWI YUWI found betting support last time out and won so must be respected for that. GENOVEFA loves the Polytrack and is capable of another victory. JAMBO SANA, KENTUCKY LASSIE and MIDNIGHT MUSIC all seem better than their disappointing last runs.