The Dean Kannemeyer-trained THE REAL PRINCE runs in Race 8 – the Grade 1 HKJC Champions Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.

Picture: Race Coast/Candiese Lenferna

 

Andrew Harrison

The racing season comes to an end next week when all thoroughbreds turn a year older but a fitting finale plays out at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday on World Pool Gold Cup day.

The meeting boasts four Gr1 features plus the Gr3 World Pool Gold Cup with the added bonus of the meeting being supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s World Pools that allows tote punters to bet into hugely inflated pools with a Pick 6 pool estimated to reach R10 million.

The World Pool Gold Cup underpins the meeting but most interest will center on the Gr1 HKJC Champions Cup to be run over 1800m where Hollywoodbets Durban July winner The Real Prince will be out to confirm that his July win was no flash-in-the-pan.

Dean Kannemeyer’s charge stayed the 2200m of the July to get the better of star colt Eight On Eighteen with the balance of a useful field strung out behind. The big question before the race was would he stay and only having one preparation run.

Kannemeyer said that The Real Prince had taken his July run well and ‘cleaned his manger’ the next morning. The July is always a testing race but considering that it was only the gelding’s second start after a break he should still be relatively fresh and the step down in trip is a bonus.

 He takes on last year’s winner Dave The King with Mike and Mathew de Kock following  exactly the same route into the race. However, last year he had it all his own way in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge but this year was hard-pressed to get the better of Oriental Charm. He has had nearly two months to recover so will strip fresh and ready. See It Again has a third go at winning; third last year and second before that. He was scratched after a setback before the July but Michael Roberts is quietly confident that he has his charge in peak condition.

Nathan Kotzen saddles Summer Cup and Champions Challenge  victor Royal Victory. He seems best on the Turffontein standside track with its long straight, however, he was finishing strongly in the July and Piere Strydom, who this week announced his retirement from riding after winning 5620 races, is a bonus.

Piet Botha made the trip up to KZN with this race specifically in mind for Montien but admitted that things had not worked out as planned. However, Montien finished second to One Stripe in the Gr1 King’s Plate and third behind Eight On Eighteen, beaten less than a length, in the Gr1 WSB Cape Met so if one takes those races into account, a win would not be out of turn.

Gareth van Zyl has all along prepared King Pelles for the Gr3 World Pool Gold Cup and it appears that the gelding is on track. He has done very little wrong in his last two, stays the trip well and has a smart turn of foot. However, he has jumped in the handicap that could be telling.

Frank Robinson is two-handed with Madison Valley, who ran an excellent race in the recent Hollywoodbets Durban July, running on stoutly in the finish, and Shoot The Rapids. Madison Valley won the 3000m Gold Vase beating Shoot The Rapids last season, the latter turning the tables in the Gold Cup, beaten a short head by Master Redoute. Both Robinson runners have more weight to carry this year. Alan Greeff sends out Bournemouth who boasts strong Fairview form over ground and has Richard Fourie up. Holding Thumbs is 1kg better off with King Pelles on their last meeting but that may not be enough while Weiho Marwing could saddle the joker in Navajo Nation who ran a cracker at long odds last time out and will be a threat if he stays the trip.

The Mercury Sprint is a highly competitive contest but Gr2 Golden Horse Sprint winner Tenango will have many supporters after a sparkling victory at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Racing off the early pace, jockey Andrew Fortune let the gelding build up into his stride and finish with relentless speed to win rather comfortably. Fortune is suspended and currently holidaying in Australia and his place in the saddle has been taken by his son Aldo Domeyer who knows the gelding well from his Cape Town exploits. Tenango does have a wide draw to contend with but came from well back to win last time out and his Cape sprint form is top drawer.

There are a number of fillies in the race including Mia Moo and Asiye Phambili, first and second in the recent Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint. Sean Tarry’s filly was a game winner that afternoon, just holding off a late-charging Asiye Phambili. The Duncan Howells-trained filly was a touch unlucky that day and subsequently ran a fair race in the Gr1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes over 1600m. She is back over what looks to be her best trip although a wide draw is a concern.

Hollywood Racing’s retained rider Sean Veale has chosen recent Gr2 Post Merchants winner I Am Giant ahead of Asiye Phambili. Stuart Ferrie’s runner found market support at long odds when surprising in the Merchants but that was his second run for the stable and he could possibly make further improvement.

William Robertson is way better than his last effort from a wide gate in the Merchants. Corne Spies’s gelding is a tough customer who seldom gives less than his best although his last two runs are a concern. He has won 15 races from 44 starts.

Chronicle King caused a major upset when winning the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe at long odds where he finished with a flourish and a win in the Gr1 World Pool Moment of the Day Champion Stakes will cement an Equus Award. Tin Pan Alley was staying on resolutely behind Chronicle King and has yet to run a poor race while Malmesbury Missile  was also finishing well in that race and this trip will suit.

Golden Palm looks to be one of the better bets on the card when she lines up in the Gr1 Douglas Whyte Stakes. She boasts cracking Fairview form and cruised to a 10-length win  when tried over 1400m. The extra furlong will hold no fears and she has the best of the draw. One Fine Winter could pose her biggest danger as she steps up to this trip for the first time. She has smart sprint form in strong company but finished second to Golden Palm in the Gr2 Fillies Nursery.

1

11 MAGICAL PALACE      5 SARDINIA BAY      9 WAROFDYNAMITE      8 WORLD CHAMPION

Preview: MAGICAL PALACE (11) ran a cracker on debut and with natural improvement, should be hard to beat. SARDINIA BAY (5) improved at the second run and has to be respected for all bets – strong each way chance. WAROFDYNAMITE (9) with weight off can earn and WORLD CHAMPION (8) can improve to get closer. (Warren Lenferna 11-5-9-8)

2

2 MEGHAN’S DIAMOND      3 NEBULOUS      6 HAZEL GREEN      7 WAIT FOR ME

Preview: MEGHAN’S DIAMOND (2) is showing some ability and can improve further and could be tough to get past. NEBULOUS (3) has not been far away in both her runs thus far and will be a huge chance. HAZEL GREEN (6) improved lengths wise last time and could be the place value. WAIT FOR ME (7) can build on the debut performance. (Warren Lenferna 2-3-6-7)

3

7 BEACH VERSE      8 CHICKASAW      1 PITERAQ      5 UP IN FLAMES

Preview: BEACH VERSE (7) improved at long odds last time and with further progression expected, can go very close to winning. CHICKASAW (8) caught the eye last time and can go one more. PITERAQ (1) was far from disgraced first up and can improve to earn her first cheque. UP IN FLAMES (5) is a must for trifectas and quartets. (Warren Lenferna 7-8-1-5)

4

3 RIKKITIKKITAVI      7 GOODNESSGRACIOUSME      4 MIRACULOUS      2 FUN ZONE

Preview: RIKKITIKKITAVI (3) never justified favoritism last time but was far from disgraced and can bounce right back to winning ways. The weight off will help. GOODNESSGRACIOUSME (7) can run fresh back in Cape Town from KZN and is a massive runner. MIRACULOUS (4) has a huge place chance and FUN ZONE (2) is ultra-consistent and can win – big chance as always. (Warren Lenferna 3-7-4-2)

5

3 ONCIDIUM      1 MISS NEW YORK      5 IM THE BUZZ      9 ANGEL’S OASIS

Preview: ONCIDIUM (3) caught the eye when trotting up in the maidens and could be anything – follow. MISS NEW YORK (1) is never far off the action and has each way claims. IM THE BUZZ (5) is taking time to win again but is running well and can place as always. ANGEL’S OASIS (9) has a quartet chance. Form is solid. (Warren Lenferna 3-1-5-9)

6

1 LANDOFTHERISINGSUN      3 CAPTAIN WEST      7 AIR RAID      5 SAN PEDRO

Preview: LANDOFTHERISINGSUN (1) has won his last two well and is confidently selected to reel off the hat trick. CAPTAIN WEST (3) is holding form and should be in the first four with a winning shout. AIR RAID (7) has won two out of his last three and can continue on these ways – serious chance. SAN PEDRO (5) could be the place value – respect and include. (Warren Lenferna 1-3-7-5)

7

4 WEHAVEASITUATION      11 BENEATH THE CLOUDS      6 TAKE IT AS RED      3 GOLDEN ANGEL

Preview: WEHAVEASITUATION (4) from gate 1 will have every opportunity to reel off the hat trick and is selected to do so. BENEATH THE CLOUDS (11) is another searching for the hat trick and will be very competitive for it – big danger to the first choice. TAKE IT AS RED (6) was far from disgraced last time and can get much closer – bright chance. GOLDEN ANGEL (3) must make the quartet shortlist. (Warren Lenferna 4-11-6-3)

8

2 LHASA      10 WILD APPLAUSE      8 SHE’S MY WORLD      7 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT

Preview: LHASA (2) ran a good race last time and has each way claims in a tough race. WILD APPLAUSE (10) ran an absolute cracker first time out the maidens and can go one more. SHE’S MY WORLD (8) has huge each way claims and MUSIC OF THE NIGHT (7) has a first four chance. (Warren Lenferna 2-10-8-7)

Ends

RACE 1

11 QUEENSLAND 7 UMZINGELI WENYATHI 3 FORCE PUBLIQUE 6 SEED SEEKER

Preview: 11 QUEENSLAND went close on debut and with Gavin Lerena up is the one to beat. 7 UMZINGELI WENYATHI has run three good races and should be in the shake-up. 3 FORCE PUBLIQUE could earn a cheque again here. 6 SEED SEEKER ran an improved race last time and could earn. (David Thiselton 11-7-3-6)

RACE 2

5 SISTERSHIP 2 GASLIGHT DANCER 6 STORMY DAY 4 KORCULA

Preview: 5 SISTERSHIP  only just failed on debut and could go one better here. 2 GASLIGHT DANCER was well beaten on debut but then improved to run a close third and should be in the shake up. 6 STORMY DAY is an Argentinian-bred and Gavin Lerena is an eye-catching booking.  4 KORCULA is by a Hawwaam out of a Dynasty mare. (David Thiselton 5-2-6-4)

RACE 3

4 CHIEFTAIN 8 HALBERDIER 1 KARATE KID 2 COSMIC STAR

Preview: 4 CHIEFTAIN won well last time and off a three point higher mark with Lerena staying aboard he could go in again. 8 HALBERDIER was disappointing last time but did beat Chieftain before that over this trip and he could be a factor if at his best. 1 KARATE KID is a talented sort who could be in the shake up. 2 COSMIC STAR also has the ability to be right there. (David Thiselton 4-8-1-2)

RACE 4

4 RAFA BAY 1 DONTSHOOTTHEBARMAN 3 ESPINOZA 5 BIOFARMER

Preview: 4 RAFA BAY won well last time and Lerena stays aboard. 1 DONTSHOOTTHEBARMAN enjoys this distance and if repeating his last start could be in the shake up. 3 ESPINOZA has a nice high draw with a 4kg claimer up and he could be right there. 5 BIOFARMER ran a good race last time and could be involved if repeating. (David Thiselton 4-1-3-5)

RACE 5

2 ELEMBEE 3 ART NOUVEAU 4 WAGRAM 1 TEO TORRIATTE

Preview: 2 ELEMBEE  is knocking on the door and with Piere Strydom up should make a bold bid. 3 ART NOUVEAU goes for a hat-trick but does have a wide draw to overcome. 4 WAGRAM was disappointing last time but with Gavin Lerena up he should be in the shake up from a good draw. 1 TEO TORRIATTE is in fine form although she might prefer a bit further. (David Thiselton 2-3-4-1)

RACE 6

2 DIMAKO’S JET 4 KISSHOTEN 5 ACCEPT COOKIES 1 LAST CAR TO PASS

Preview: 2 DIMAKO’S JET is ultra-consistent and from pole position should be right there. 4 KISSHOTEN is in fine form and should also be in the shake up. 5 ACCEPT COOKIES is in good form and should stay this trip.1 LAST CAR TO PASS won well last time and could follow up off a merit rating which she could still rise above. (David Thiselton 2-4-5-1)

RACE 7

9 ZANTHAR 2 VULCANITE 4 ARGO ALLEY 1 GRAND CRESCENDO

Preview: 9 ZANTHAR is in good form and if able to overcome a wide draw should be right there. 2 VULCANITE disappointed in a feature in February but before that had shown a lot of ability and she might have benefited from a rest. 4 ARGO ALLEY is course and distance suited and from a good draw could be involved. 1 GRAND CRESCENDO has plenty of ability and if bouncing back from a poor run at Hollywoodbets Greyville last time he could be a factor. (David Thiselton 9-2-4-1)

RACE 8

9 OPEN HIGHWAY 2 ZIP CODE 4 WILLOW EXPRESS 1 PRESSONREGARDLESS

Preview: 9 OPEN HIGHWAY has bounced back to form in his last two starts and looks the one to beat under Gavin Lerena. 2 ZIP CODE has a wide draw but if able to overcome it he should be right there.4 WILLOW EXPRESS has pole position and with Piere Strydom up he should be running on well. 1 PRESSONREGARDLESS can be a factor if bouncing back to his best over a more suitable trip. (David Thiselton 9-2-4-1)

Please note: Due to further overnight rain and inconsistent pen readings, Fairview turf meeting today, Friday 25 July has been moved to the poly.

Distance changes – Race 1 is now 2200m.

RACE 1

8 TEFLON MAN   1 I SALUTE YOU   7 BUSSTOPINONSLOW   5 CHERRY ANO

Summary: TEFLON MAN (8) was hard pressed to stay with the pace in his last start after a smart previous win where he came from well back. He steps up to a mile which could now be what he’s looking for. I SALUTE YOU (1) is a winner over course and distance and is in good form. He has the best of the draw and should be competitive. BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW (7) was a comfortable winner last time out but did get a six-point raise in the handicap. Strydom stays aboard. CHERRY ANO (5) is better than his last effort and has a good chance on his two previous showings. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-7-5).

RACE 2

6 ELEGANTRIX   1 PRINCESS OF GAUL   3 MYSTICAL MISS   5 SERENGETTI SUN

Summary: ELEGANTRIX (6) found her last start against Gr2 males out of her compass. She is back to a sprint against her own sex and can make amends. PRINCESS OF GAUL (1) hacked up on debut, easing up by nearly 10 lengths. She meets a lot stronger here but does have the best of the draw and could well start favourite. MYSTICAL MISS (3) landed the odds on debut with a comfortable win. Sean Tarry usually has all of his runners primed on the big days. SERENGETTI SUN (5) was a narrow winner on debut but sure to come on from that outing. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-3-5).

RACE 3

5 ARISTOCRATIC    4 ZALATORIS   8 SHADOWFAX   1 RACHEL WALL

Summary: ARISTOCRATIC (5) was running on late in feature company last time out. He is back to a sprint, a distance that he won over on debut. ZALATORIS (4) was not disgraced when trying 1600m last time out. He was close-up in the Gr1 Gold Medallion and rates a strong chance on that showing. Tony Peter has three runners, best of which could be the filly RACHEL WALL (1)with Gavin Lerena up. She hacked up on debut and was a close-up third when trying further next time out. SHADOWFAX (8) was a beaten favourite last run but is progressive and cannot be ignored. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-8-1).

RACE 4

1 GOLDEN PALM   3 ONE FINE WINTER   4 TINA LOVELACE   2 ALTA CAPITANA

Summary: GOLDEN PALM (1) has cracking Fairview form and cruised in by 10 lengths when tried over 1400m. The extra furlong will hold no fears and she has the best of the draw. ONE FINE WINTER (3) steps up to this trip for the first time. She has smart sprint form in strong company and will be a big threat if she stays. She finished second to Golden Palm in the Gr2 Fillies Nursery. Tarry has two others in the race. TINA LOVELACE (4) showed up well from a tough draw last start and can do better from this gate while ALTA CAPITANA (2) has put in two smart efforts since her debut win. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-4-2).

RACE 5

4 CHRONICLE KING   7 TIN PAN ALLEY   1 SOLDIER BOY   10 MALMESBURY MISSILE

Summary: Tricky. CHRONICLE KING (4) caused a major upset when winning the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe at long odds. He finished with a flourish that day so the extra furlong should suit. TIN PAN ALLEY (7) was staying on resolutely behind Chronicle King and has yet to run a poor race. MALMESBURY MISSILE (10) was also finishing well in that race and this trip will suit. SOLDIER BOY (1) was just behind the placed horses in that race but had it tough from a wide gate. He has a plum draw this time around. (Andrew Harrison: 4-7-1-10).

RACE 6

 13 TENANGO   11 ASIYE PHAMBILI   1 MIA MOO   14 SURJAY

Summary: Wide open. Gr2 Golden Horse Sprint winner TENANGO (13) has a wide draw to contend with but came from well back to win last time out and his Cape sprint form is top drawer. MIA MOO (1) was a game winner of the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint, just holding off ASIYE PHAMBILI (11) who was a touch unlucky that day. She ran a fair race in the Gr1 Ridgemont Garden Province over 1600m but is back to what looks to be her best trip. The draw is a concern. Last year’s winner SURJAY (14) has been winless since but never far back and can improve on his last effort. (Andrew Harrison: 13-11-1-14).

RACE 7

4 KING PELLES   12 NAVAJO NATION   11 HOLDING THUMBS   10 BOURNEMOUTH

Summary: KING PELLES (4) has done very little wrong in his last two. He stays the trip well and has a smart turn of foot. However, he has jumped in the handicap that could be telling. MADISON VALLEY (2) ran an excellent race in the recent Hollywoodbets Durban July, running on stoutly in the finish. He won the 3000m Gold Vase beating stable companion SHOOT THE RAPIDS (1) last season, the latter turning the tables in the Gold Cup, beaten a short head by Master Redoute. Both Robinson runners have a lot more weight to carry this year. BOURNEMOUTH (10) comes with strong Fairview form over ground and has Richard Fourie up. HOLDING THUMBS (11) is 1kg better off with King Pelles but that may not be enough. NAVAJO NATION (12) ran a cracker at long odds last time out. He will be a threat if he stays the trip. (Andrew Harrison: 4-12-11-10).

RACE 8

1 THE REAL PRINCE   4 DAVE THE KING   5 SEE IT AGAIN   7 ROYAL VICTORY

Summary: THE REAL PRINCE (1) stayed the 2200m of the Hollywoodbets Durban July to get the better of star colt Eight On Eighteen with the balance of a useful field strung out behind. He will enjoy this shorter and if the July has not taken too much out of him he should feature strongly. Last year’s winner DAVE THE KING (4) has followed exactly the same route into this race as he did last year. He was pressed hard to get the better of Oriental Charm in the Gr1 Holldwoodbets Gold Challenge but has had nearly two months to recover. SEE IT AGAIN (5) has a third go at winning, third last year and second before that. He was scratched after a setback before the July but should be thereabouts again. ROYAL VICTORY (7) seems best over Turffontein with its long straight but was finishing strongly in the July. Piere Strydom up is a bonus. (Andrew Harrison:  1-4-5-7).

RACE 9

3 MY SOUL MATE   7 RAINBOW LORIKEET   10 MOCHA BLEND   11 LITTLE SUZIE

Summary: Candice Dawson has opted for the Gr2 Gold Bracelet opposed to the Gold Cup for MY SOUL MATE (3) and it looks to be a sound decision. She has been close-up second in her last two and is much better off at the weights with both the winners. She met LITTLE SUZIE (11) at WFA in the Gr1 Woolavington and is now 4.5kg better off and is 5.5kg better off with SHE’S A BOMBER on their Tote Oaks meeting. MOCHA BLEND (10) was a length back to My Soul Mate in the Woolavington. Lightly raced, she has a touch of class and can finish closer in spite of being 3kg worse off. RAINBOW LORIKEET (7) was outclassed in the July but was also in the mix behind Little Suzie and is now 1kg better off with My Soul Mate with Aldo Domeyer declaring 0.5kg over weight. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-10-11).

RACE 10

11 KING OF THE GAULS   1 NO FILTER   6 RODEO DRIVE   7 OUTLAW KING

Summary: Wide open. KING OF THE GAULS (11) was most disappointing in the Gr2 Post Merchants and the run is best ignored. He had been showing improved form before that and the step down in trip could bring out the best. NO FILTER (1) has had two starts for her new stable and has come on nicely. She looks primed for this. RODEO DRIVE (6) takes on males but had a handy weight and should be in the shake-up. OUTLAW KING (7) is seldom too far back and has a strong money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 11-1-6-7).