David Thiselton

The Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday has nine races and is headlined by a Graduation Plate over 1000m and a MR 101 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1160m.

The Graduation Plate is the first race and the Mike Azzie-trained Winds Of Change is 6,5kg better in at the weights than any other horse according to official merit ratings. He should have come on from his last when a close up third and although drawn on the wrong side by trends he has Gavin Lerena up and the draw should be manageable in this small field. Trajanus is officially 12,5kg under sufferance with Winds Of Change, but is very quick and looks to be on the up. African Pride was a touch disappointing last Saturday over this course and distance in the Sophmore 1000, but is now drawn on the right side and could do better considering his narrow third in the Listed Golden Loom over this course and distance. Kaalvoet had some reasonable form in Cape Town behind the like of Good For You and The US Of A, but he finished last in the Sophomore 1000 last Saturday also needs to bounce back. Chapbook has shown some ability and could earn from the favourable standside draw. I’m A Fireball is the second best in at the weights and can boast a 1,95 length sixth in the Gr 1 Gold Medallion last season. He wasn’t disgraced in his reappearance last time out over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Greyville and is a player if able to overcome the number one draw. That leaves Clever Trevor who has a tough task at the weights but could still improve.

 

In the MR 101 Handicap over 1160m for fillies  and mares, Elegantrix has plenty of speed and class, but is another one who will have to overcome a low draw. Tuscan Romance sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and is another low drawn runner who makes appeal. Poblano caught the eye last time and would have been fancied if this had been over 1000m, but she does stay this trip and could represent good value. Blizzard Snow is better than her last run, which did not pan out well and can make amends from a nice draw under in-form visiting rider Mickaelle Michel. Green Flash has a nice high draw and is in hard-knocking form, so should be a player.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1800m The Playboy Bomber has a plum draw over a trip which should be ideal.  Jordan ran well last time and is ideally distance suited, but does have a tough draw to overcome. Vesuvio ran a cracker last time over this trip and has a similar draw of six. Skittle Skies missed the break in the Grand Heritage and lost many lengths, but is a contender here if jumping on terms. Banha Bridge sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and has Yeni up from a good draw, so can’t be ignored.

In the fifth race over 1600m Speedman has impressed in both starts over 1160m and 1400m respectively and could have a chance if able to overcome a wide draw, although he was due to run on Tuesday so is not sure to line up. Tommy Atkins will also be a runner over a step up in trip he should relish and he has a fair draw. Guerilla Warfare is capable of earning here from pole position. Page Boy has been a touch disappointing, but has the ability to earn if able to overcome a wide draw. Spy Story has won over 1600m before so is interesting stepped back up to that trip from a good draw as he has fair recent form over shorter.

In the sixth over 1400m Peregrine Falcon enjoys this trip and is a big runner from a good draw. Fostinovo is knocking on the door and is ideally distance suited and well drawn. Legendary rallied well to win on Grand Heritage day over this trip and will be a player if able to overcome a wide draw and a three point higher mark. Oklahoma Smokeshow won his maiden well over 1500m and off a reasonable merit rating of 72 can make a bold bid from pole position. My Lucky Charm has a chance if bouncing back from his disappointing last start.

In the eighth over 1160m Xenophon is a talented sort who is knocking on the door and can record a third career win from a middle draw. . It’s Personal is in fine form and off a three point higher mark for his latest win should be in the shake up from a nice high draw. Mister Wilson has 1,90 lengths to make up on Xenophon and should be in the shake up from a high draw. His Lordship has plenty of ability and can make his presence felt if low draws prove to not be disadvantageous. Top Division could earn from a high draw.

In the ninth over 1160m Waiting On Charlie went close when stepped down to 1000m and can go one better here. Whirlybird should beat Maverick Queen on the weight turnaround and is a contender. Maverick Queen ran a cracker over 1200m last time and this consistent sort should be right there. United Offer has some class and is interesting stepped back down to this trip. Angel’s Oasis is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and had some fair Cape Town form, so is interesting from a high draw.

The second race over 1160m could go to Gulf Of America from a nice high draw.

The third race over 1160m could go to Trombolines and Lovable must not be ignored.

 

RACE 1

1 WINDS OF CHANGE 3 TRAJANUS 2 AFRICAN PRIDE 5 KAALVOET 6 CHAPBOOK

Preview: 1 WINDS OF CHANGE is classy and bounced back to his best in his second run after gelding when still possibly needing it so he should take a power of beating. 3 TRAJANUS is quick and can make it three wins over this trip in succession. 2 AFRICAN PRIDE will appreciate the step down in trip. 5 KAALVOET has shown some ability and has some form in the strong centre of Cape Town. 6v CHAPBOOK is capable of being in the shake up here. (David Thiselton 1-3-2-5-6)

RACE 2

1 GULF OF AMERICA 2 FIERY FROLIC 5 POWER OF TIGER 13 TREASURE STATE

Preview:  1 GULF OF AMERICA has run two good races over 1160m and looks the one to beat. 2 FIERY FROLIC ran a good race last time over 1160m when the blinkers were removed and could follow up by going close in this uninspiring field. 5 POWER OF TIGER was a fair third last time over 1000m last time and can earn again. 13 TREASURE STATE is by The United States out of a Spectrum mare and she is a half-sister to twice winner Empress Josephine (Crusade) who reached a merit rating of 86. (David Thiselton 1-2-5-13)

RACE 3

9 TROMBOLINES 12 LOVABLE 11 POWER OF PEARLS

Preview: 9 TROMBOLINES was due to run earlier but if still eligible will take a power of beating in this contest. 12 LOVABLE made a good debut in a strong field and should improve. 11 POWER OF PEARLS has shown enough to be in the shake up. (David Thiselton 9-12-11)

RACE 4

8 THE PLAYBOY BOMBER 5 JORDAN 4 VESUVIO 1 SKITTLE SKIES

Preview: 8 THE PLAYBOY BOMBER has a plum draw over a trip which should be ideal. 5 JORDAN ran well last time and is ideally distance suited but does have a tough draw to overcome. 4 VESUVIO ran a cracker last time over this trip from a similar draw.  1 SKITTLE SKIES is a contender if jumping on terms. (David Thiselton 8-5-4-1)

RACE 5

1 SPEEDMAN 9 TOMMY ATKINS 6 GUERILLA WARFARE 2 PAGE BOY

Preview: 1 SPEEDMAN was due to run earlier but if still eligible is the one to beat having won his first two starts in impressive style and running off a reasonable 88, although he does have to overcome a wide draw. 9 TOMMY ATKINS was due to run earlier, but if still eligible will also be a runner over a step up in trip he should relish. 6 GUERILLA WARFARE is capable of earning here from pole position. 2 PAGE BOY has been a touch disappointing but has the ability to earn if able to overcome a wide draw. (David Thiselton 1-9-6-2)

RACE 6

8 PEREGRINE FALCON 2 FOSTINOVO 9 LEGENDARY 10 OKLAHOMA SMOKESHOW

Preview: 8 PEREGRINE FALCON has shown enough over this trip category to be a big runner from a good draw. 2 FOSTINOVO is knocking on the door and is ideally distance suited and well drawn. 9 LEGENDARY rallied well to win on Grand Heritage day over this trip and will be a player if able to overcome a wide draw. 10 OKLAHOMA SMOKESHOW won his maiden well over 1500m and off a reasonable merit rating of 72 can make a bold bid from pole position.

Preview: (David Thiselton 8-2-9-10)

 

RACE 7

2 ELEGANTRIX 11 TUSCAN ROMANCE 6 POBLANO 9 BLIZZARD SNOW

Preview: 2 ELEGANTRIX has plenty of speed and class and make it tell here and although she has a low draw the draw bias has not been too evident lately at Turffonein Standside. 11 TUSCAN ROMANCE sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and is another low drawn runner who makes appeal. 6 POBLANO would prefer 1000m but if ridden conservatively could get home as she possesses plenty of ability. 9 BLIZZARD SNOW is better than her last run and can make amends. (David Thiselton 2-11-5-9)

RACE 8

6 XENOPHON 4 IT’S PERSONAL 3 MISTER WILSON 10 HIS LORDSHIP

Preview: 6 XENOPHON is a talented sort who is knocking on the door and can get it right here to record a third career win. 4 IT’S PERSONAL is in fine form and off a three point higher mark for his latest win should be in the shake up. 3 MISTER WILSON has 1,90 lengths to make up on Xenophon and should be in the shake up. 10 HIS LORDSHIP has plenty of ability and can make his presence felt if low draws prove to not be disadvantageous. (David Thiselton 6-4-3-10)

RACE 9

9 WAITING ON CHARLIE 7 WHIRLYBIRD 4 MAVERICK QUEEN  2 UNITED OFFER

Preview: 9 WAITING ON CHARLIE went close when stepped down to 1000m and can go one better here. 7 WHIRLYBIRD should beat Maverick Queen on the eight turnaround and is a contender. 4 MAVERICK QUEEN ran a cracker over 1200m last time and this consistent sort should be right there. 2 UNITED OFFER has some class and is interesting stepped back down to this trip. (David Thiselton 9-7-4-2)

RACE 1

8 SARGASSO SEA   1 CAPTAIN VENTURA   3 SOVEREIGN GEM   6 WINTER BLESSING

Summary: Tricky maiden field. SARGASSO SEA (8) made good improvement at her second start from a wide draw. She should come on further. CAPTAIN VENTURA (1) shows good pace, her last two on the poly. She gets cheek pieces and likely to improve. SOVEREIGN GEM (3) starts over shorter. She has been steadily supported in the betting and can still improve. WINTER BLESSING (6) is seldom out of the money. Distance suited she rates a winning chance. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-3-6).

RACE 2

4 HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE   2 WAR EMPEROR   6 NEBULOUS   3 GREEN TICKET

Summary: HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE (4) takes on males and although well beaten on debut she did race green and is likely to improve. WAR EMPEROR (2) was a well beaten third at just his second start but the winner won by a street. He can finish closer here. Cape form is generally stronger than local and although the form behind NEBULOUS (6) is not strong, it could be strong enough to land the honours. GREEN TICKET (3) was a fair third on debut at long odds and should improve with the experience. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-6-3).

RACE 3

9 FORTRESS OF FIRE   8 MAPHAKA   7 BEAMONESQUE   6 MUSIC IS LIFE

Summary:  Open handicap. FORTRESS OF FIRE (9) won well last run and is now running up to early promise. He will need to keep MAPHAKA (8) at bay who is now 2.5kg better off on their last meeting. BEAMONESQUE (7) is way better than his last run behind Fortress Of Fire and can finish a lot closer. MUSIC IS LIFE (6) was beaten by the weight last run when starting favourite and can make amends. (Andrew Harrison: 9-8-7-6).

RACE 4

1 DOUBLE CAUSEWAY   6 RUN TO RIO   7 MASTER DU ROUVRAY   8 HARUN AL RASHID

Summary: Plenty in with chances. DOUBLE CAUSEWAY (1) shed his maiden at second time of asking. S’Manga Khumalo will need to waste to make the weight which may be an indication of the colt’s chances. RUN TO RIO (6) has been consistent of late. He has a handy galloping weight with a claiming apprentice up and could oblige at good odds. MASTER DU ROUVRAY (7) may prefer it a touch further but has useful recent form. He should contest the finish. HARUN AL RASHID (8) is well thought of by the stable. He has had issues but was back to best last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-7-8).

RACE 5

1 ACTOR   7 RED BOMBER   3 MOHAVE PRINCE   4 ROOSTER BRADSHAW

Summary: ACTOR (1) has consistent recent form and should be competitive from the best of the draw. RED BOMBER (7) was not far back in the 21 runner Grand Heritage. He should be a factor here. MOHAVE PRINCE (3) took on a useful field over shorter last run and can do better over this trip. ROOSTER BRADSHAW (4) has patchy form but shows pace and will be dangerous. (Andrew Harrison: 1-7-3-4).

RACE 6

3 SONATA SAMARITAN   10 PRINCESS GOLDIE   11 SIBERIAN WINTER   4 UBUKHWEBEZANA 

Summary: SONATA SAMARITAN (3) was touched of by the highly rated Ladyofdistinction last time out. The latter runs on Boxing Day so one can get another line of form. PRINCESS GOLDIE (10) is never far back and goes well this course and distance. SIBERIAN WINTER (11) had her consistency rewarded last run and is 1kg better off with UBUKHWEBEZANA (4) on their last meeting with the latter carrying a big weight but going for her fourth win in her last five starts. (Andrew Harrison: 3-10-11-4).

RACE 7

2 GRAND APPEAL   3 GORGEOUS DUDE   6 DRICUS   8 SUN DAZED

Summary: GRAND APPEAL (2) has a big weight but meets little of note and should go one better. GORGEOUS DUDE (3) has shown consistent recent form and has a handy weight. He should be in the firing line. DRICUS (6) found his best with the blinkers removed and gets some relief from the saddle. SUN DAZED (8) has not been far back at recent outings and did well from a tough draw last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-6-8).

RACE 8

4 TRIPPI’S SILK   10 HEAVEN’S WILL   1 TOWN CRIER   6 ONE ARMED BANDIT

Summary:  TRIPPI’S SILK (4) comes with some solid recent Cape form. He is up in trip but could prove too good in this line-up. HEAVEN’S WILL (10) is down in class and has a 2.5kg claimer aboard. He can go close. TOWN CRIER (1) is lightly raced and gets first time blinkers. One to watch in the betting. The blinkers come off ONE ARMED BANDIT (6) as he steps up in trip and he can surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 4-10-1-6).

Andrew Harrison

 

Punters face a competitive card in the first KZN meeting of the New Year with some tricky maidens and competitive handicaps.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Fortress Of Fire won well last start and is now running up to early promise. However he will need to keep Maphaka at bay who started favourite that afternoon and is now 2.5kg better off on that encounter. Beamonesque is way better than his last run behind Fortress Of Fire and Maphaka and can finish a lot closer while Music Is Life was beaten by the weight last run when starting favourite and can make amends.

The fourth sees plenty in with chances but Double Causeway shed his maiden at second time of asking and S’Manga Khumalo will need to waste to make the weight which may be an indication of the colt’s chances. Run To Rio has been consistent of late and has a handy galloping weight with a claiming apprentice up. He could oblige at good odds. Master Du Rouvray may prefer it a touch further but has useful recent form and should contest the finish. 

The fifth is wide open but Actor has consistent recent form and should be competitive from the best of the draw. Red Bomber was not far back in the 21-runner Grand Heritage. He is Johan Janse van Vuuren’s only runner on the day and the gelding should be a factor. Mohave Prince took on a useful field over shorter last run and can do better over this trip while Rooster Bradshaw has patchy form but shows pace and will be dangerous if allowed to get away.

Sonata Samaritan could be one of the better bets on the card but it will not be easy going but Paul Gadsby’s filly was touched off by the highly rated Ladyofdistinction last time out. The latter runs on Boxing Day so one can get another line of form. Princess Goldie is never far back and goes well this course and distance while Siberian Winter had her consistency rewarded last run and is 1kg better off with Ubukhwebezana on their last meeting with the latter carrying a big weight but going for her fourth win in her last five starts.

Grand Appeal has a big weight in the seventh but meets little of note and should go one better. Main danger could be Gorgeous Dude who has shown consistent recent form and has a handy weight. He should at least be in the firing line. Dricus found his best with the blinkers removed and gets some relief from the saddle.

In the last, Trippi’s Silk comes with some solid recent Cape form. He is up in trip but could prove too good in this line-up. Heaven’s Will is down in class and has a 2.5kg claimer aboard. He has drawn widest but can go close. Town Crier is lightly raced and gets first time blinkers and is one to watch in the betting. 

The first leg of the Bi-Pot is a tricky maiden field. Sargasso Sea made good improvement at her second start from a wide draw and should come on further. Captain Ventura shows good pace, her last two on the poly. She gets cheek pieces for the first time and is likely to improve. Sovereign Gem starts over shorter but has been steadily supported in the betting at each start and can still improve while Winter Blessing is seldom out of the money. She is distance suited she rates a winning chance. 

Punters face a similar dilemma in the first leg of the Place Accumulator where Hey Diddle Diddle takes on males and although well beaten on debut she did race green and is likely to improve. War Emperor was a well beaten third at just his second start but the winner won by a street. He can finish closer here. Cape form is generally stronger than local and although the form behind Nebulous is not strong, it could be strong enough to land the honours.