Andrew Harrison

The Gr1 Daily News 2000 is always a guiding light as to the chances of three-year-old males going into the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July and at first glance the race looks to be something of a Justin Snaith/Nick Jonsson benefit. Snaith saddles four of the seven runners with three of them, including the 5-10 ante-post favourite Eight On Eighteen, carrying the Jonsson silks.

The presence of Eight On Eighteen in the field has likely scared off much of the opposition given that finishing in close proximity to Eight On Eighteen would see their handicap ratings ramped up but Mike and Mathew de Kock have risen to the challenge with their filly Spumante Dolce. 

Richard Fourie will be aboard  Eight On Eighteen who arrived in KZN for South Africa’s Champions Season on the back of wins in the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and Gr1 Splashout Cape Derby. He made his debut in the Gr2 WSB Guineas and fell just short of catching stable companion Sail The Seas, with Muzi Yeni pinching a break on Eight On Eighteen who was finishing best of all, a win possibly thwarted by a difficult passage at the top of the straight.

It was an excellent effort by Eight On Eighteen over a distance now possibly short of his best. With experience on the course and back over an ideal trip he is the worthy favourite.

The De Kock’s have spurned the Gr2 Tote Woolavington 2000 and are hunting Gr1 glory for their filly. She is currently 13^th on the Hollywoodbets Durban July log and as a three-parts sister to the former Mike De Kock-trained Durban July winner Sparkling Water, this trip should suit.

Spumante Dolce was running on strongly when second in the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas and De Kock seldom runs ‘no-hopers’ in feature company.  Spumante Dolce, would also be a first fairer sex winner of the Daily News this century with fillies enjoying a purple patch with Roland’s Song (1989), St Just (1990) and Star Effort (1991).

However, Snaith has indicated that the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July is not a cast iron option for Eight On Eighteen but rather the WFA Gr1 Champions Cup  while stable companions Okavango and Native Ruler are both July entries but will need to up their handicap ratings to make the field which may be what is behind Snaith’s thinking.

Okavango, the mount of Andrew Fortune, is currently joint second favourite along with Confederate  at 6-1 but is only merit rated 105 although nine points up through a 3,20 length fourth behind Selukwe in the Gr3 WSB 1900 when carrying just 52kg. He has won three races from 1600m to 1800m so today’s 2000m trip will be right up his alley and if he can finish within a reasonable distance of the 127 rated Eight On Eighteen, Okavango will get a further rise in the ratings, possibly high enough to gain a July berth.

The other joint second favourite is the classy Fabian Habib-trained Confederate, who won the Gr 1 TAB SA Classic on the first day in March over 1800m on the Turffontein standside track, beating subsequent Gr1 WFA Premier’s Champions Challenge winner and Highveld Horse of the Year, Fire Attack. That he returns  from a layoff of close to three months is a little concerning but he has won four races and has yet to finish further back than second in eight starts.

With Fire Attack sidelined with a hoof injury, Alec Laird has pinned his hopes on Gr2 TAB Gauteng Guineas winner Parisian Walkway. Also a July entry, he is the second highest rated runner on 121. He likes to race handy which will give some hope of a decent gallop although Snaith’s fourth entry, Makazole, racing in the Jonsson colours, may be sacrificed and given the role of pacemaker. He has won two races including the Champion Juvenile Cup at Fairview but has yet to race beyond 1400m.

The supporting feature, the Gr2 Tote Woolavington 2000 is wide open as the ante-post betting suggests.

But Dean Kannemeyer may hold the key with Give Me Everything. She caught the eye when closing fast from a wide draw and the back of the field when a two-length fourth in the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas. It snapped a four-race winning streak but the extra could see her back on track. Stuart Pettigrew is back for another bite with Beating Wings. She carries top weight but has been in good form on the Highveld and finished third in this race last year. Robbie Hill saddles the lightly raced but progressive Regeneration who was a close-up fifth in the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas. The step up in trip should suit and she has a handy galloping weight. Mocha Blend is a dark horse. On paper she looks held by the likes of Regeneration but she is an imposing filly who was possibly just in need of her last start when beaten by Mascherina. She found good market support that day and is better off at the weights with her rival.

There is an early start to the ten-race card, the first race off at 11.35.

Race 1

4 DARK MATTER   6 WINTER BLESSING   7 CASSANDRA   2 MS SAKURA

Summary: Many first timers. Of those that have run, DARK MATTER (4) has gone close at both starts and was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out. Drawn well and should go close. WINTER BLESSING (6) has come on nicely at recent outings and should be competitive. CASSANDRA (7) got a cautious thumbs-up from her in form stable and is one to watch in the betting. MS SAKURA (2) has a blue-blood pedigree but may need further. (Andrew Harrison: 4-6-7-2).

Race 2

8 VANAKKAM   1 GOLDEN OPERATOR   13 ZIYAN’S PRIDE

Summary: Mostly first timers. Of those that have run, VANAKKAM (8) was a modest second at her second start but has been entered for the Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship. GOLDEN OPERATOR (1) has the best of the draw and comes from a strong stable. ZIYAN’S PRIDE (13) has the widest draw but does have some experience. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-13).

Race 3

2 RUN FOREST RUN   6 XENOPHON   4 BRUH   9 GOOD OMEN

Summary:  RUN FOREST RUN (2) made good improvement at his second start, running on strongly. The extra furlong will suit and from a good draw he should put in another strong showing. Visiting XENOPHON (6) found market support on debut and showed up well. That experience will count in his favour and he will be a big runner. BRUH (4) was a distant fourth on debut but should come on from that effort and should enjoy the extra. GOOD OMEN (9) raced green on debut and should come on from that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 2-6-4-9).

Race 4

6 DESTINY OF FIRE   2 WORLD OF OUR OWN   3 ARVERNI KING   14 JOHNNY THE THIEF

Summary: Open. DESTINY OF FIRE (6) takes on males but has good form in useful female company of late. She goes well this trip and should be in the shake-up. WORLD OF OUR OWN (2) is back over a more suitable trip and with only 52.5kg to shoulder he should be a big runner. ARVERNI KING (3) was a smart second behind the promising Regulation last time out. Richard Fourie replaces the apprentice rider. Stable companion JOHNNY THE THIEF (14) has the worst of the draw but has been in good form of late and can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 6-2-3-14).

Race 5

7 HOLDING THUMBS   8 MARAUDING HORSE   2 SHOOT THE RAPIDS   4 FUTURE SWING

Summary: HOLDING THUMBS (7) was making steady progress up the handicap before putting in a below par effort in the Gr3 WSB 1900. However, he did not get the best of passages and this step up in trip will be more to his liking. MARAUDING HORDE (8) Has consistent Highveld form over the trip and is a borderline case for a place in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. A win here will help his cause. SHOOT THE RAPIDS (2) was making late progress in the 1900 and will much prefer this trip. He has a big weight but looks capable. FUTURE SWING (4) was probably in need of his last effort. He shoulders top weight but is not out of it. (Andrew Harrison: 7-8-2-4).

Race 6

9 GIVE ME EVERYTHING   6 BEATING WINGS   8 REGENERATION   7 MOCHA BLEND

Summary: GIVE ME EVERYTHING (9) caught the eye when closing fast from a wide draw and the back of the field when a two-length 4^th in the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas. It snapped a four-race winning streak but the extra could see her back on track. BEATING WINGS (6) carries top weight but has been in good form on the Highveld and finished third in this race last year. REGENERATION (8) is lightly raced and was a close-up fifth in the recent Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas. The step up in trip should suit and she has a handy galloping weight. MOCHA BLEND (7) was possibly just in need of her last start when beaten by MASCHERINA (10). She found good market support that day and is better off at the weights. (Andrew Harrison: 9-6-8-7)

Race 7

7 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN   4 SPUMANTE DOLCE   1 OKAVANGO   3 CONFEDERATE

Summary: EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (7) is sure to start deep in the red given his record winning the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and the Gr1 Splashout Cape Derby and his fast-finishing effort in the recent Gr2 WSB Guineas. He is ideally suited to this trip and is the horse to beat. Mike and Mathew de Kock have avoided the Gr2 Tote Woolavington 2000 looking for a Gr1 win with the filly SPUMANTE DOLCE (4). She has shown her best form at recent outings and this trip will suit. OKAVANGO (1) was running on late in the Gr3 WSB 1900. He looks to be up against it in this company but is still improving. CONFEDERATE (3) has not finished further back than second in his eight starts. He won his last two including the Gr1 SA Classic and if not short of a run after a three month break he should be right there. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-1-3).

Race 8

10 SOHOT SOWHAT   1 BOSUM BUDDY   2 MALCOLM’S DREAM   4 WINGS WITHIN ME

Summary: South vs North. SOHOT SOWHAT (10) was narrowly beaten by the useful Bevies Delight on this course last time out. Title-chasing Gavin Lerena has jumped ship to ride BOSUM BUDDY (1) but weight could have been the decider. Bosum Buddy has the best of the draw backed up by some solid Highveld form. MALCOLM’S DREAM (2) is always dangerous and has dropped in the handicap. WINGS WHITHIN ME (4) has not been far back at recent starts and should be competitive off this rating. (Andrew Harrison: 10-1-2-4).

Race 9

5 DAPPER   7 PHUTULICIOUS   9 REAL WAR   8 HONOR OF KINGS

Summary: DAPPER (5) is a recent addition to the Duncan Howells yard. He was a well beaten third over a mile last run but does appear to be more at home over this shorter trip. PHUTULICIOUS (7) returns from a disappointing Cape trip and has a change of stable. His best recent form has been at Hollywoodbets Greyville  and that past form with a drop in trip could see him make big improvement. HONOR OF KINGS (8) is better than his last effort and shows some promise. REAL WAR (9) backed up on his maiden win with another narrow victory. He has been around the turn and can feature again. (Andrew Harrison: 5-7-9-8).

Race 10

2 VIRGIN RIVER   7 GOLDEN MOMENT   11 GETOFFOFMYCLOUD   8 THERE SHE GOES

Summary: VIRGIN RIVER (2) has only once been out of the money in 13 starts but has been restricted to 1000m. Hollywoodbets Greyville favours quick horses and she could handle the extra furlong.  GOLDEN MOMENT (7) has consistent Highveld form and stays the trip. She should put in a good showing. GETOFFOFMYCLOUD (11) was a little disappointing on the poly last run and can do better on the grass. THERE SHE GOES (8) has her 55^th start but has been in good form of late and with a 4kg apprentice up she only has 50kg on her back. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-11-8).

Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Goodwood and Pontefract (UK) – 23 May 2025.

RACE 1

(1) DANISH DYNAMITE made a smart debut and with natural progression she will take all the beating in this line up. (6) SILVAN MISTRESS has been running consistently and will be the main danger to the top selection. (5) RED LHASA wasn’t far on debut and will get much closer. (2) DARLINGBUDSOFMAY will love the extra 200m this time and should be involved with natural improvement to come. (Devonne Govender 1-6-5-2)

RACE 2

(11) STAR OF ELENA made good improvement in her last start, although she takes on older opposition she has just 57kgs to shoulder which makes her a serious contender hence she will be the firm first choice despite the fact that she drops in trip. (1) WILD APPLAUSE represents good Cape form which generally stands up strong in the province, she will be a huge contender and must be respected. (5) DANCING IN WINTER has been running consistently and is another to consider in larger perms. (3) MIDNIGHT MUSIC has made good progress and can continue to build on that. (Devonne Govender 11-1-2-5)

RACE 3

(14) ROYAL KINGDOM returns after a short break however looks the most progressive in this line up respectfully. (1) GREEN OKRA can improve in the province, he hasn’t been too far back and Cape form stands up well here so he must be considered. (9) ELUSIVE BLACK returns after a long break however cannot be ignored as he has plenty of scope to go well. (12) STAR TROOPER made massive improvement in the last start at big odds and can make the quartets pay. (Devonne Govender 14-1-9-12)

RACE 4

(3) SMASHING is holding solid form and rates a huge winning chance. (10) MEDITERANEANGODDES ran well at big odds in the last start and most importantly finished close up behind the top selection hence she must be included. (2) KILMONIVAIG is very capable on her day and warrants huge respect in this contest, must include in all bets. (1) FREE WORLD is another who is never far back and can get much closer. (Devonne Govender 3-10-2-1)

RACE 5

(1) ANUSCHKA’S WORLD is holding smart consistent form, although this is a strong race, the apprentice claiming a valuable 2.5kgs brings him right into this contest. (3) CLIFF TOP is very capable on his day, he packs class and will be a huge contender with Richard Fourie up. (7) EYJAFJALLAJOKULL is capable of a big finish on his day and with the fact that the speed is sure to be on in this contest he comes into this with a chance, include in everything. (6) FOREST SPY is a very honest type, he has never been far back and rates a chance here, must include for the placings. (Devonne Govender 1-3-7-6)

RACE 6

(1) MERCANTOUR was very impressive in all his starts in the province, he smashed the opposition in his last start and is expected to come out on top once again. (3) SILVER FALCON hasn’t been running to best form recently but he can never be ruled out, he has plenty of class and is capable of winning this if bringing his ‘A’ game. (5) GIMME’S LADDIE ran well enough in the last start and is very capable of fighting out the finish, a must include in everything despite the fact that he goes the 1400m trip now. (4) BUSH TRACKER is never far back, he is an honest type and a good run is expected. (2) FIREALLEY drops in trip after campaigning over much further in recent starts, he is very capable on his day and is a must include in larger perms. (Devonne Govender 1-3-4-2)

RACE 7

Very competitive race. (4) GIMME’S LASSIE won a gutsy race in the last start and will have a huge winning chance. (1) THREE ROCKS is very capable on her day, although she has been expensive to follow she will be in the mix. (8) WOMAN OF POWER has been running consistently and won’t be far so must be respected. (5) ELLORIX has been running extremely well in recent starts and isn’t one to totally ignore here. (Devonne Govender 4-1-8-5)

RACE 8

(5) VOLARE E MAMBO has faced some tough draws recently, once again she has a wide gate to negotiate however she is back on turf which is a massive positive. She has a powerful late burst of speed and if finding herself in a decent position she will run them down. (9) IN THE GREEN ZONE won a gutsy race in the last start and another huge run is expected. (11) COURAGEOUS is overdue for another career win, she is never far back and will be in the mix. (3) TREASURE HUNT ran a cracker in the last start and a repeat of that will see her in the finish. (Devonne Govender 5-9-11-3-2)

The Pride Returns: Global Star Headlines a Blockbuster Doomben Cup Day – 24 May 2025

This time last year, Pride Of Jenni stood atop the racing world after delivering one of the most dominant performances in Australian turf history, blitzing an international field in the 2024 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick. That win not only shook the rankings but earned the Ciaron Maher-trained mare a place among the greats in one of the highest-rated races on the global calendar. Fast forward to today, and after flirting with retirement, Pride Of Jenni is back, and potentially stronger than ever. Now a global headline act once more, she heads north to Queensland to chase Group 1 glory in the $1 million Doomben Cup, drawing the coveted barrier 1. Her trademark jump-and-run style is set to shine as she looks to lead from the front in what promises to be one of the most anticipated contests of the season.

Lining up to chase her down is a stacked field of elite talent. Queensland’s own Antino, trained by Tony Gollan and piloted by Blake Shinn, is fresh off a return to winning form in the Group 2 A.D. Hollindale Stakes. Defending Doomben Cup champion Bois D’Argent returns, this time partnered with local gun Ryan Maloney, along with stable mate Fawkner Park, a Group 1 regular who’s already placed behind star Via Sistina this year.

A Stacked Undercard + World Pool Action

As if the Doomben Cup wasn’t enough, the supporting card is brimming with quality and the World Pool is in play across the final three races of the day.

Race 7: Group 2 The Roses
The traditional Queensland Oaks lead-up sees a full field of fillies chase glory. Leading the charge is Benagil, fresh off her victory in the Australasian Oaks. She looks tough to beat with champion jockey Mark Zahra aboard and big carnival ambitions ahead.

Race 9: Group 3 HKJC World Pool BRC Sprint
A cracking field of sprinters closes out the card, featuring Matcha Latte, a World Pool “Moment of the Day” winner from Randwick, and the electrifying Coleman, partnered with world number one James McDonald. Also watch for Rise At Dawn and War Machine from the Hayes stable, both with eyes firmly set on Group 1 targets to come.