Andrew Harrison

You know when South Africa’s Champion Season is on the horizon when the out-of-province raiders start arriving and the first feature warm-up races headline the cards.

It starts at Hollywoodbets Greyville this evening with the running of the Gr3 Byerley Turk and the Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes for fillies, both races for three-year-olds over 1400m. It must also be noted that races 3,4 and 5 will be run on the poly track.

The Byerley Turk has attracted a small but competitive field but first blood can go the way of local hope Wild Justice. Gareth van Zyl’s colt only made his debut in September last year and the son of Vercingetorix was quick to make a name for himself, winning three of his first four starts before finishing second, touched off by shock winner Miami Mountain in a Turffontein feature last month. Wild Justice goes this trip for the first time and takes on some smart opposition but will be racing fit whereas some of the most likely opposition are returning from breaks.

Not so I’m A Fireball who was a winner over the distance last run and currently looks to be over his best trip. His one poor run was in the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas where he was never in the hunt from a wide draw behind stable companion Splittheights.

Dean Kannemeyer has arrived with an armada from his Cape Town base and Green Gateway arrives off the back of a recent victory. He won well on debut and won well last time out but has not been out since November last year. However, fit and well he will go close.

The Michael Roberts-trained Fortress Of Fire is out at the weights but has consistent form over shorter and the step up in trip could see him in with a shout.

Last season’s Gold Medallion winner Good For You has been off the boil at his last two and has to give 6kg to the opposition. He doesn’t make much appeal but is capable.

The Umzimkhulu Stakes has attracted a high class field which will shed some light on the way forward for the season. Justin Snaith opened his winter season account with Okavango at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last Sunday and saddles the progressive Gimme What I Want. She just caught Quickstepgal in the Sceptre Stakes  over 1200m back in January and now meets her rival on 1kg better terms. She followed up with a close-up fourth in the Gr1 Majorca Stakes jumping from a wide draw.

Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner Quickstepgal ran a cracker for Tienie Prinsloo in the Sceptre Stakes, making most of the running before being collard late by Gimme What I Want. She is better suited to this extended trip and should go close in spite of being 1kg worse off with Gimme What I Want.

Kannemeyer saddles the daughter of United States Keukenhof who has not been disgraced in Cape feature company over their season and was running on late behind Double Grand Slam in the Majorca Stakes and was less than a length behind Gimme What I Want. She is now 3kg better off at the weights which puts her in with a strong winning chance.

Mike Miller saddles the relatively unexposed Infinity Edge who has a high rating courtesy of her close-up third to Princess Of Gaul in the Gr2 Debutante Stakes at the end of last season and could surprise.

Best bet could come in the card opener where Glen Kotzen saddles Lady Nancy who has the widest draw but arrives in KZN with some solid Cape Town form against winners including the smart Red Spice and should prove hard to beat.

The second could see Viking Leader home in a competitive maiden. He looked a possible winner on debut before Kazenoyoni swept past. He started at long odds and with expected improvement he should go close again.

Better Never Ends started favourite in the race won by Kazenoyonibut has run two promising races to date and has a good draw. Bright Blue started at long odds on debut but was under four lengths behind Kazenoyoni . Serino Moodley stays with the ride.

Mike Miller has a host of runners, best of which could be Royal Sceptre the mount of in-form stable rider Tristan Godden. He finished just ahead of Bright Blue but did have a 4kg claimer aboard.

The first leg of the Pick 6 has a modest Maiden field on the poly. Higher Love has solid poly form over the trip and looks the part in this line-up with a 4kg claimer aboard. Tickalox has been rested and struggling for his first win. However, his recent form over 1400m is solid enough and if not in need of the outing he will be a factor. Levitator is another long-time maiden but the switch back to the poly saw improvement last outing and he gets lumps of weight from his two more fancied rivals. Give Me A Chance is a well-bred first timer and one to watch in the market.

In the fourth, Sail The Horizon gives weight all round but was a close-up second first up on the poly and over a mile. Garth Puller has declared blinkers so one can expect further improvement. Light The Fire was a neck behind Sail The Horizon when they met last time out. He is now 0.5kg better off and there should not be much between the two again. Wonderful Tonight made his local debut over 2400m. He was not far back but the drop in trip could bring out the best.

Louis Goosen sends out Acasia’s Blossom in the fifth who  has been touched off at her last three over 1200m and is the obvious choice. She goes very well on the poly and the extra furlong should not be an issue. Sanbeenee also goes well on the poly and has not been far back at recent outings. She gets first time blinkers and can make further improvement. Goosen has a second string in Saudi Sweep who had been contesting Open Maidens on the poly under fair weights before her maiden success. She appeared to enjoy the extra furlong and Rachel Venniker stays aboard.

The last is a competitive handicap. Blue Poppy has the widest draw to contend with but has been narrowly beaten at her last two over the distance. She has a big weight but looks progressive and can go one better. Gulf Of America is one of two of Sean Tarry’s raiders on the night. She is a recent maiden winner and was not far back in her handicap debut when stepping up in trip. Silver Salute comes off steady Cape form and shed her maiden over this distance. Cape form has generally proven to be a touch stronger than local which puts Kannemeyer’s filly right into the picture.

RACE 1

11 LADY NANCY   7 FLOWER TRYST   9 MEKONG   3 QUERARISTINYFERRARI

Summary: LADY NANCY (11) has the widest draw but arrives in KZN with some sild Cape Town form against winners. She could prove hard to beat. FLOWER TRYST (7) showed up well behind the more experienced winner when making her debut. She should come on with the experience. MEKONG (9) has raced green in both starts, both runs in the soft. She has not been far behind and should go well again. QUERARISTINYFERRARI (3) has not been far back at her last two but appeared to lack a finish at her last run although she was drawn on the ‘wrong’ side of the course last outing. (Andrew Harrison: 11-7-9-3).

RACE 2

11 VIKING LEADER   2 BETTER NEVER ENDS   7 BRIGHT BLUE   9 ROYAL SCEPTRE

Summary: VIKING LEADER (11) looked a possible winner before Kazenoyoni swept past. He started at long odds and with expected improvement he should go close again. BETTER NEVER ENDS (2) started favourite in the race won by Kazenoyonibut has run two promising races to date and has a good draw. He can make amends. BRIGHT BLUE (7) started at long odds o/n debut but was under four lengths behind Kazenoyoni . Serino Moodley stays with the ride. Mike Miller has a host of runners, best of which could be ROYAL SCEPTRE (9) the mount of in form stable rider Tristan Godden. He finished just ahead of Bright Blue but did have a 4kg claimer aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 11-2-7-9).

RACE 3

11 HIGHER LOVE   8 TICKALOX   4 LEVITATOR   2 GIVE ME A CHANCE

Summary: Modest maiden field on the poly. HIGHER LOVE (11) has solid poly form over the trip and looks the part in this line-up with a 4kg claimer aboard. TICKALOX (8) has been rested and struggling for his first win. However, his recent form over 1400m is solid enough and if not in need of the outing he will be a factor. LEVITATOR (4) is another long-time maiden but the switch back to the poly saw improvement last outing and he gets lumps of weight from his two more fancied rivals. GIVE ME A CHANCE (2) is a well bred first timer and one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 11-8-4-2).

RACE 4

8 SAIL THE HORIZON   2 LIGHT THE FIRE   4 WONDERFUL TONIGHT   5 CATRIEN

Summary: On the poly. SAIL THE HORIZON (8) gives weight all round but was a close-up second first up on the poly and over a mile. Garth Puller has declared blinkers so one can expect further improvement. LIGHT THE FIRE (2) was a neck behind Sail The Horizon when they met last time out. He is now 0.5kg better off and there should not be much between the two again. WONDERFUL TONIGHT (4) made his local debut over 2400m. He was not far back but the drop in trip could bring out the best. CATRIEN (5) is the only filly in the race and was much improved when switched to the poly and stepping up in trip. (Andrew Harrison: 8-2-4-5).

RACE 5

7 ACACIA’S BLOSSOM   2 SANBEENEE   4 SAUDI SWEEP   5 DI ROSA

Summary: On the poly. ACACIA’S BLOSSOM (7) has been touched off at her last three over 1200m and is the obvious choice. She goes very well on the poly and the extra furlong should not be an issue. SANBEENEE (2) also goes well on the poly and has not been far back at recent outings. She gets first time blinkers and can make further improvement. DI ROSA (5) steps up in trip and has not been far back in the three starts since her maiden win that came at her 17^th visit to the track. SAUDI SWEEP (4) had been contesting Open Maidens on the poly under fair weights. She appeared to enjoy the extra furlong when shedding her maiden last time out and Rachel Venniker stays aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-4-5).

RACE 6

7 GIMME WHAT I WANT   6 QUICKSTEPGAL   10 KEUKENHOF   9 INFINITY EDGE

Summary: Back on turf. Justin Snaith opened his winter season account with Okavango last Sunday and saddles the progressive GIMME WHAT I WANT (7). She just caught Quickstepgal in the Sceptre Stakes  over 1200m and now meets her rival on 1kg better terms. She followed up with a close-up fourth in the Gr1 Majorca Stakes jumping from a wide draw. Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner QUICKSTEPGAL (6) ran a cracker in the Sceptre Stakes, making most of the running. She is better suited to this trip and should go close in spite of being 1kg worse off with Gimme What I Want. KEUKENHOF (10) has not been disgraced in Cape feature company and was running on late behind Double Grand Slam in the Majorca and was less than a length behind Gimme What I Want. She is now 3kg better off at the weights which puts her in with a strong winning chance. INFINITY EDGE (9) is relatively unexposed with a high rating and could surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-10-9).

RACE 7

1 WILD JUSTICE   4 I’M A FIREBALL   3 GREEN GATEWAY   8 GOOD FOR YOU

Summary: Small but competitive field. WILD JUSTICE (1) goes this trip for the first time and takes on some smart opposition. He was touched off by rank outsider Miami Mountain at Turffontein last month and should be racing fit whereas some of the most likely opposition are returning from breaks.  I’M A FIREBALL (4) was a winner over the distance last run and currently looks to be over his best trip. GREEN GATEWAY (3) won well on debut and won well last time out but has not been out since November last year. However, fit and well he will go close.  FORTRESS OF FIRE (6) is out at the weights but has consistent form over shorter and the step up in trip could see him in with a shout. Last season’s Gold Medallion winner GOOD FOR YOU (8) has been off the boil at his last two and has to give 6kg to the opposition. He is capable. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-3-6).

RACE 8

10 BLUE POPPY   8 SILVER SALUTE   2 GULF OF AMERICA   9 JAZZ CAFÉ

Summary: BLUE POPPY (10) has the widest draw to contend with but has been narrowly beaten at her last two over the distance. She has a big weight but looks progressive and can go one better. GULF OF AMERICA (2) is one of two of Sean Tarry’s raiders on the night. She is a recent maiden winner and was not far back in her handicap debut when stepping up in trip. SILVER SALUTE (8) comes off steady Cape form and shed her maiden over this distance. Cape form has generally proven to be a touch stronger than local which puts Dean Kannemeyer’s filly right into the picture. JAZZ CAFÉ (9) seldom runs a bad race and has a strong money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 10-8-2-9).

RACE 1

(1) TURBULENT represents Cape form which stands up strong in the province hence he will be the top selection in a race that lacks depth. (5) BUGLE is holding form however has had many tries, he can win. (4) AETHELWULF hasn’t been far, can get involved. (2) MONKEY’S WEDDING is capable of improving in the province so needs to be kept safe. (Devonne Govender 1-5-4-2).

RACE 2

(4) BLUE DAME represents Cape form and hasn’t been far in recent starts, she can win this contest. (2) GALACTIC BEAUTY ran well on debut and will likely improve hence she is a serious contender. (7) DELAROCHE is another who represents Cape form and is likely to go very well. (6) TIPSY is getting closer with every run and must be respected. (Devonne Govender 4-2-7-6).

RACE 3

(1) FLIGHT DISPLAY is holding form and will be a lively challenger hence she will be the narrow top selection in this open looking contest. (2) FIRST WISH is another who is holding form and there won’t be much to choose between the top two selections on collateral form. (3) EPIKLEROS is capable of big finish on her day and things could map out well for her here in this contest, she needs to be respect. (4) GREEN ISLE is always there and is another with a big winning chance, include in everything. (Devonne Govender 1-2-3-4).

RACE 4

(1) SIXTYZERO ran well in his last start and can build on that run hence he is the top selection. (5) SABRAGE made solid improvement in his last start and should be there again. (7) LADY LIMONCELLO hasn’t been far so needs respect. (6) SALAGADOOLA is holding form but has had many tries. (Devonne Govender 1-5-7-6).

RACE 5

(1) DESERT CLOUD is holding solid form and will be a massive contender here, Her last win was ultra-impressive and she could be a tough nut to crack. (7) POMEROL is a progressive type and ran well in her last start, she will be there so needs respect. (8) IZANAMI is capable of much better and is another that can never be ignored. (10) POTENZA hasn’t been far in recent starts and can get into the action. (Devonne Govender 1-7-8-10).

RACE 6

(2) HAZE AND SMOKE is holding good form and looks to have a lively chance in this contest. (9) DONNY’S BOY won a good race at decent odds in his last start and should be a challenger once again. (12) O SPACE O ran a cracker in his last start behind the 2nd selection at huge odds and should be in the firing line. (3) SUPREME JUDGE ran well in the last start and should be in the mix once again. (Devonne Govender 2-9-12-3).

RACE 7

(1) ALEX MILLER has been holding decent form, she goes very well on the poly and should take some beating here hence she will be the Pick 6 banker. (6) BLOWIN IN THE WIND is capable of running a good race here and can be included for the exacta play. (8) PENNY’S WORLD hasn’t been far in recent starts and can get into the placings. (9) VOORSMAAKIE is another that’s capable of getting much closer and can be included in larger perms. (Devonne Govender 1-6-8-9).

RACE 8

Open race. (1) RAVILIOUS is holding solid form and will be a big runner here from a decent draw. (11) KING RAHUL is very capable of winning this and needs to be respected. (3) GALE WARNING wasn’t far at decent odds in his last start and must go into everything. (7) LUCKY SPIRIT goes well on the poly and gets the claiming apprentice up, he is another with a big winning chance. (Devonne Govender 1-11-3-7).

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