Horse Racing News | Gold Circle Horse Racing And Betting

Soccer Updates and Carryovers – Friday 13 March, Saturday 14 March and Sunday 15 March 2026

PUBLISHED: March 11, 2026

Soccer10 Friday 13 March 2026. ADD-IN R200 000. Estimated Pool: R2 Million. Pool Closes at 19h30.Sport 14 and Pool 1. Soccer10 Saturday 14 March 2026. ADD-IN R200 000. Estimated Pool: R2 Million. Pool Closes at 15h00.Sport 16 and Pool 1. Soccer Any 13Xtra Saturday 14 March 2026. Carryover R175 000. Estimated Pool: R500 000. Pool Closes at […]

South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Cheltenham and Southwell (UK) – 11 March 2026

PUBLISHED: March 11, 2026

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Cheltenham and Southwell (UK) – 11 March 2026

Changes to the merit ratings

PUBLISHED: March 11, 2026

David Thiselton The new merit ratings are out from the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic and the handicappers look to have largely managed to get the merit ratings back to the way they had wanted them after the TAB Gauteng Guineas. The original line horse used for the Gauteng Guineas was Tin Pan […]

David Thiselton

The new merit ratings are out from the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic and the handicappers look to have largely managed to get the merit ratings back to the way they had wanted them after the TAB Gauteng Guineas.

The original line horse used for the Gauteng Guineas was Tin Pan Alley, who was rated 117, whilst the appeal panel decided a more appropriate line horse was the 108-rated Grand Empire.

However, both of those horses are now Gr 1 winners, with Grand Empire having won the SA Classic on Saturday by a short-head from Trust, and Tin Pan Alley having slammed some of the best in the country by 1,75 lengths when winning the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m.

The appeal panel’s overall rating of the race thus looked to be too low.

The handicappers have managed to use the evidence from the SA Classic, as well as other factors, to get Trust back to the merit rating they had him on after the Guineas i.e 119 and have changed the ratings of the other runners accordingly.

The ratings look to now have a realistic look to them.

Meanwhile, Tin Pan Alley has been raised ten points to 128 after his impressive Horse Chestnut Stakes victory.

Hazy Dazy remains unchanged on 117 after her cosy win in the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic.

The NHA press release explained all of the changes to the Gr 1 runners:

WILGERBOSDRIFT H F OPPENHEIMER HORSE CHESTNUT STAKES (GRADE 1)

Three-year-old TIN PAN ALLEY has been awarded a revised merit rating of 128, up from 117, following his emphatic victory in the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes run at weight-for-age over 1600m at Turffontein standside track on Saturday.

In assessing the race, the Handicappers identified the consistent TEXAS RED (third place) as the line horse, leaving his rating unchanged at 119.

TIN PAN ALLEY’S commanding win over 1600m on a yielding track dispelled any doubts about his aptitude for the trip. The Handicappers had already considered him suitable for the distance, having used him as the line horse in the original TAB Gauteng Guineas ratings. However, the TAB Gauteng Guineas was subsequently reduced to a level of 109 following an appeal.

The outcome of the TAB Gauteng Guineas appeal has had significant knock-on effects. The three-year-old cohort that dominated the Guineas was reduced from a level of 121 to 109. TIN PAN ALLEY, who finished fourth in that race, has now gone on to win a Grade 1 WFA event.

Effectively, based on the reduced Guineas level, his performance rating has risen from 104 to 128 in just 28 days. While the Handicappers clearly believe TIN PAN ALLEY improved in this race, the improvement would reasonably be measured from 117 to 128 based on the Handicapper’s original assessment of the Gauteng Guineas.

When rating the Guineas, the Handicappers considered the pecking order of the field, the quality of the race as a Grade 2 event, and fairness from a handicapping perspective to ensure horses would meet on proper handicap terms in future contests. The appeal outcome created distortions, including the subsequent reduction of TRUST’S rating from 119 to 108 – a decision made two runs after his Grade 2 Jackpot City Dingaans victory, which the Handicappers regard as contrary to the principles of handicapping.

TIN PAN ALLY’S performance in this WFA race highlights the strength of this year’s three-year-old crop.

No other horses received upward adjustments in this race. COSMIC SPEED’S rating was reduced slightly, from 124 to 122.

HKJC WORLD POOL SA CLASSIC (GRADE 1)

GRAND EMPIRE, winner of the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic over 1800m, has had his official merit rating raised from 108 to 120.

The Handicappers unanimously agreed that runner-up TRUST reaffirmed the 119 performance he achieved in the Grade 2 Jackpot City Dingaans last November, where he defeated the 118-rated JAN VAN GOYEN. The Dingaans level remains the officially adopted benchmark for that race.

In the assessment of this race, the Handicappers concluded that TRUST once again performed to that same level of 119. TRUST was used to that mark and was accordingly adjusted to 119.

A collateral line of form with TIN PAN ALLY’S win in the Wilgerbosdrift H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes (Grade 1) indicates that the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic is undervalued, however, the Handicappers do not practise retrospective ratings.

Furthermore, the TRUST appeal panel concluded with the following recommendation: “Following the running of the SA Classic, the Handicappers should re-evaluate the entire three-year-old crop.”

Three additional horses received merit rating increases in this race:

SPLITTHEEIGHTS: 109 to 116
ONE EYE ON VEGAS: 106 to 115
RADIO STAR: 95 to 107

WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC (GRADE 1)

HAZY DAZY’S official merit rating remained unchanged at 117 after she held off her rivals to win the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic over 1800m. HAZY DAZY remains 3 points lower that her male counterpart GRAND EMPIRE, which is within the range of the filly’s allowance while keeping her equal to the Western Cape Leading filly WISH LIST, who is also rated 117.

The Handicappers identified LITTLEMISSMILLION as the line horse, leaving her rating unchanged at 107.

Two horses received rating increases based on their margins ahead of the line horse at level weights:

SCARLETT HEART (third): 91 to 108
DAISY JONES (fourth): 106 to 108

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Wednesday 11 March 2026 – Comments by Andrew Harrison

PUBLISHED: March 11, 2026

RACE 1 2 BISON WARRIOR 1 KIKI U BEAUTY 13 ACTION THRILLER 4 MASTERCRAFTER Summary: Mostly first timers. BISON WARRIOR (2) was not far behind the placed runners on debut with the winner Master Magician looking to be something special at this stage. KIKI U BEAUTY (1) found plenty of support on debut but was […]

RACE 1

2 BISON WARRIOR 1 KIKI U BEAUTY 13 ACTION THRILLER 4 MASTERCRAFTER

Summary: Mostly first timers. BISON WARRIOR (2) was not far behind the placed runners on debut with the winner Master Magician looking to be something special at this stage. KIKI U BEAUTY (1) found plenty of support on debut but was all at sea finishing a long way back. The outing should have brought him on. Mike Miller is having a stellar run with his two-year-olds and ACTION THRILLER (13) is the choice of stable rider Tristan Godden, Action Thriller well beaten by stable companion Steamy Windows on debut. A close eye on the betting may prove to be your best guide. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-13-4).

RACE 2

7 FLAMETHOWER 9 QUEST OF VALOUR 5 RIFF RAFF BOY 3 ONE PEPPER

Summary: Many first timers. Of those that have run, FLAMETHROWER (7) was a promising fourth on debut in soft ground. He is sure to have come on from that run. QUEST OF VALOUR (9) was narrowly ahead of Flamethrower also on debut and there should not be much between the two again. RIFF RAFF BOY (5) looks to be the pick of the Miller runners although he was disappointing behind Steamy Windows last time out after a promising previous effort. Of the first timers. ONE PEPPER (3) has a blue-blood pedigree and may be worth watching. (Andrew Harrison: 7-9-5-3).

RACE 3

2 RANDOLPH HEARST 3 TALK TO THE MASTER 5 REGENERATION 6 TOWN CRIER

Summary: Justin Snaith can get his winter season ball rolling with RANDOLPH HEARST (2). He has been up against the cream of the Cape Town crop and not far behind. He looks the part in this field. Dominic Zaki had his first KZN winner in TALK TO THE MASTER (3) in the Fever Tree Stakes where he was weighted to win. He is more than useful but could find it difficult giving his younger rival 6kg. Zaki has declared two others to keep the race alive so the inference so obvious. These two look set to fight things out. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-5-6).

RACE 4

1 HIGHVELD STORM 8 WAR EMPEROR 3 GOOD OMEN 7 FROSTBITE

Summary: HIGHVELD STORM (1) has his second run for his stable and make a promising local debut in first time blinkers. He has a useful apprentice up and should feature. WAR EMPEROR (8) has been improving with each outing and was a close-up second last run when returning from a break. He should give a good account. GOOD OMEN (3) has finished runner-up over course and distance at his last two. He gets a 4kg claimer aboard this time around. XIPHOS (9) has been a major disappointment although never far back and stable companion FROSTBITE (7) could prove pick of the Frikkie Greyling pair. Although well beaten on debut he is likely to come on from that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 1-8-3-7).

RACE 5

5 CAN WE START 2 STAMPEDE AHEAD 4 FIRE FORCE 1 OSMIUM

Summary: Puzzling handicap with many going the trip for the first time. CAN WE START (5) improved second start behind a short-priced favourite. She is bred to go this trip and any further improvement could see her home. STAMPEDE AHEAD (2) goes this trip for the first time and has been disappointing. The step up in trip with the blinkers off and a tongue-tie on could do the trip. FIRE FORCE (4) is the only one tested over the trip and ran on well for second last time out. He is a long-time battler but has come well at his last two over the trip. OSMIUM (1) is another stepping up in trip but has shown some ability over shorter and Craig Zackey stays with the ride. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-4-1).

RACE 6

3 LADYOFDISTINCTION 6 ONE SMART COOKIE 4 MISS TWINKLE 7 ICE RAIN

Summary: LADYOFDISTINCTION (3) has a touch of class and has won her last two in good fashion since returning from a break. She goes well this trip and should make a bold bid. MISS TWINKLE (4) steps up in class and appears to be the pick of Andre Nel’s pair. ICE RAIN (7) is slightly better off with Ladyofdistinction on their most recent meeting but both of her recent wins have come on the poly. ONE SMART COOKIE (6) steps up in trip again. She has useful current sprint form and looks to have a strong winning chance. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-4-7).

RACE 7

7 ACASIA’S BLOSSOM 2 HEARTS ON FIRE 3 GRUE OF ICE 8 AMAFORT

Summary: Louise Gooden’s mare ACACIA’S BLOSSOM (7) has been narrowly beaten at her last two on the poly. She now gets a 4kg claimer aboard who is riding with some confidence but the switch to turf is a cautionary note. Stable companion HEARTS ON FIRE (2) was a little unlucky last run on the poly. GRUE OF ICE (3) has her measure at the weights on their last meeting but the tables can be turned. AMAFORT (8) is long overdue but tends to lack extra under pressure. However, she can feature on her best showing. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-3-8).

RACE 8

6 MAPHAKA 7 TAM’S KNIGHT 5 COWBOY COUNTRY 8 CHICARITO

Summary: MAPHAKA (6) was a little disappointing on the poly last time out. He has shown good form in stronger company than he meets here and should go very close. TAM’S KNIGHT (7) is lightly raced and showed some promise in his comeback run after a long lay-off. He has ability and one to watch in the betting. COWBOY COUNTRY (5) has been consistent since his maiden win and has a money chance while CHICARTIO (8) surprised on debut over course and distance and is likely to come on from that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 6-7-5-8).

RACE 9

12 SUN DAZED 6 INTREPID 4 DEFINITELY YES 1 TRIPPI SILK

Summary: Wide open handicap. Veteran galloper SUN DAZED (12) has steady form of late and the drop in trip with blinkers could finally see him home for his fifth success. INTREPID (6) got a three-point raise in the handicap for his recent win on this course under a big weight. The extra will suit. TRIPPI’S SILK (1) has been rested but comes off some promising recent Cape form. DEFINITELY YES (4) was narrowly beaten on this course last run. His last win was over course and distance. Andrew Harrison: 12-6-4-1).

Randolph Hearst can make headlines

PUBLISHED: March 11, 2026

Andrew Harrison Punters are faced with a mixed bag at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Wednesday. The first two races on the card are laced with first timers and any serious punter will avoid the pitfalls. However, you ‘pays your money and you takes your chances’ as the saying goes. A better option could be Randolph Hearst […]

Andrew Harrison

Punters are faced with a mixed bag at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Wednesday. The first two races on the card are laced with first timers and any serious punter will avoid the pitfalls. However, you ‘pays your money and you takes your chances’ as the saying goes.

A better option could be Randolph Hearst in the first leg of the PA on the card nine-race card. Justin Snaith nearly got the ball rolling when the grey Roland Garros came up just short last Sunday but Randolph Hearst has been up against the cream of the Cape Town sophomore crop this season and not far behind. He makes his local debut and looks the part in this field. But Dominic Zaki had his first KZN winner in Talk To The Master in the Fever Tree Stakes where he was weighted to win. He is more than useful but could find it difficult giving his younger rival 6kg. Zaki has declared two others to keep the race alive and ‘honest’ so the inference so obvious.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Highveld Storm has his second run for his stable and made a promising local debut in first time blinkers. He has a useful apprentice up and should feature. War Emperor has been improving with each outing and was a close-up second last run when returning from a break. He should give a good account. Good Omen has finished runner-up over course and distance at his last two. He gets a 4kg claimer aboard this time around. Xiphos has been a major disappointment although never far back so stable companion Frostbite could prove pick of the Frikkie Greyling pair. Although well beaten on debut he is likely to come on from that effort.

The fifth is a puzzling handicap with many going the 2400m trip for the first time. Can We Start improved second start behind a short-priced favourite. She is bred to go this trip and any further improvement could see her home. Stampede Ahead goes this trip for the first time but has been disappointing. The step up in trip with the blinkers off and a tongue-tie on could do the trick. Fire Force is the only one tested over the trip and ran on well for second last time out. He is a long-time battler but has come well at his last two over the trip. Osmium is another stepping up in trip but has shown some ability over shorter and Craig Zackey stays with the ride.

In the sixth, Ladyofdistinction has a touch of class and has won her last two in good fashion since returning from a break. She goes well this trip and should make a bold bid. Miss Twinkle steps up in class and appears to be the pick of Andre Nel’s pair judging on jockey bookings. As Ice Rain is slightly better off with Ladyofdistinction on their most recent meeting but both of her recent wins have come on the poly. One Smart Cookie steps up in trip again and has useful current sprint form. She looks to have a strong winning chance.

Lous Goosen Could hold the key here. Acasia’s Blossom has been narrowly beaten at her last two on the poly and now gets a 4kg claimer aboard who is riding with some confidence but the switch to turf is a cautionary note. Stable companion Hearts On Fire was a little unlucky last run on the poly. Grue Of Ice has her measure at the weights on their last meeting but the tables can be turned. Amafort is long overdue but tends to lack extra under pressure. However, she can feature on her best showing.

Maphaka was a little disappointing on the poly last time out but has shown good form in stronger company than he meets here and should go very close. Tam’s Knight is lightly raced and showed some promise in his comeback run after a long lay-off. He has ability and one to watch in the betting. Of the others, Cowboy Country has been consistent since his maiden win and has a money chance while Chicarito surprised on debut over course and distance and is likely to come on from that effort.

Punters are faced with a wide open handicap in the last but veteran galloper Sun Dazed has steady form of late and the drop in trip with blinkers could finally see him home for his fifth success. Intrepid got a three-point raise in the handicap for his recent win on this course under a big weight but the extra furlong will suit. Trippi’s Silk has been rested but comes off some promising recent Cape form while Definitely Yes was narrowly beaten on this course last run. His last win was over course and distance.

The first two races have a number of debutants so caution is the best advice.

Of those that have run in the first Bison Warrior was not far behind the placed runners on debut with the winner Master Magician looking to be something special at this stage.

In the second, Flamethrower was a promising fourth on debut in soft ground. He is sure to have come on from that run. Quest Of Valor was narrowly ahead of Flamethrower also on debut and there should not be much between the two again. Of the first-timers, One Pepper has a blue-blood pedigree and may be worth watching.