Andrew Harrison

There were a number of grumpy supporters and punters after Gr1 Betway Summer Cup hopeful See It Again was scratched from his last intended start. None more so than trainer Michael Roberts who was of the opinion that his charge was not given a reasonable chance to load by the assistant starter.

Ruling after an official complaint was lodged by Roberts, the NHA dismissed his complaint and declared his deposit forfeit.

That said, a number of his local Cup rivals got a run under their girth and patrons face a fascinating Conditions Plate over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville  tonight.

No doubt Roberts will have been instructed to pass See It Again through the barriers before lining up again and the gelding is classy enough to run a big race with stable rider Rachel Venniker there to coax him home.

There are a number of runners warming-up for the Summer Cup including Gareth van Zyl’s King Pelles. The gelding burst onto the scene with commanding victories in the staying races at the back end of Champions Season and he should be well suited to the stamina-sapping 2000m of the Turffontein Standside track. That said, he ran a cracker in a sprint behind Gr2 Post winner I Am Giant last time out and although he obviously prefers further he must have a decent chance on that showing. Nathan Kotzen with the help of ‘horse whisperer’ Glyn Redgrave appear to have cured former Cup winner Royal Victory of his quirky behavior and the gelding was running on late behind Madison Valley over 1400m last time out. His connections were well satisfied with that showing and should that outing will have brought him on although this is also well  short of his best. Adam Azzie, who recently started up at Summerveld after parting ways with his Gauteng-based father Michael, saddles Claw who is not a Cup entry and over his preferred trip which will make him dangerous. On My Honour was the beaten favourite  but not disgraced behind Madison Valley so is another to work into the equation.

One of the better bets on the Card could be Frank Robinson’s Cats Pajamas who steps out in another Condition Plate, this time over 1200m. He ran a cracker behind I Am Giant in his comeback run after a break and although he has drawn on the outside he is well in at the weights with a useful 4kg claimer aboard and he rates the horse to beat. He faces two class acts in former Equus Champion Dave The King and  Gr1 Champions Cup winner Gladatorian.  This pair would prefer further but their class can carry them through. Gladatorian should be the fitter of the two but this is sure to be keeping him ticking over before he heads to the Cape with Stuart Ferrie’s small string for a crack at the Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate and the Gr1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met.

Dave The King is a smart front-runner on his day but the distance of this race could find him out although he is fully capable racing fresh. Soho Star is course and distance suited and should put in a strong showing.

Ferrie saddles another of his Cape raiders in Cognac in the sixth. The son of Rafeef looks to be top class, winning both of his starts to date. But this is his first try at 1400m with top weight and the worst of the draw. Possibly just a warm-up before heading to the Cape and to give Ferrie as line on whether the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas is within his compass. He will face opposition in the form of Safe Travel who showed up well in his handicap debut behind what looks to be a more than useful winner in Kanal Skaater. He has a fair draw and should be a big threat. Duncan Howells sends out Rooster Bradshaw who was in need of his last run but not far back and should run another good race. Given the riding engagements, Dricus could be the best of Andre Nel’s trio as he started favourite in his local debut and should come on from that.

The PA opener is a tricky Maiden. Sugar Baby Love has only had two starts and was not far back last time out. With a 4kg claimer up she should be in the shake-up. Queen Of The Air has been a little disappointing and may prefer the poly but can feature in this line-up but Baltic Assayer can do some damage if allowed to get too far clear  and get away from his field.

Fine Wine and Intro should be the pick of the first leg of the Pick 6. Fine Wine has been knocking at the door for some time now and will never get a better opportunity to shed maiden while Intro was a beaten favourite last run but did not go on with her effort. That was on the poly and the switch back to turf could suit.

The fifth is wide open but Harun Al Rashid is well thought of by his connections but obviously has some issues given that he is lightly raced. He is down four pounds in the ratings and is one to watch in the market. Querari’s Dream  has the best of the draw and has been close up in his last two and gets a stronger rider aboard. There should be very little between Papa C and Riccardo, the former looking to be the better proposition  given the he meets his rival at the same weights as when they met two runs back.

Dark Matter does not have the best of draws in the seventh but was close-up in a strong field last time out even though carrying a light weight. Down on class she should make a fist of it. Shipindani needed her last run at Durbanville and was not far back. Lightly raced she can go close here. Crafty Crofty was close-up in a useful field over course and distance last time out. She gets the benefit of a useful 4kg claimer and should run well.

The ninth is a difficult race to round off the Pick 6 but Phutulicious  is showing signs of coming to hand again and has dropped to a more competitive rating while Rhythm was finishing well under a big weight last time out and appears to have come to hand again and could be the biggest threat.

1

3 SON OF RAFEEF   8 THE MARQUEE   4 CHRISTMAS CACTUS   7 GREATEST HIT

Summary: SON OF RAFEEF (3) has had the misfortune of finding two prospective top class performers  in his two starts to date and unless there is a ‘spring’ among the first timers he should get the job done. THE MARQUEE (8) looks to be the biggest threat after being narrowly beaten in two smart efforts and should be running on strongly. CHRISTMAS CACTUS (4) was some three lengths back to The Marquee at their last meeting but he should improve on his debut effort with a 4kg claimer up adding to his chances. GREATEST HIT (7) raced green in a fair debut and did find some market support. One to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 3-8-4-7).

2

2 ROYAL VICTORY   6 SEE IT AGAIN   3 CLAW   4 ON MY HONOUR

Summary: Fascinating Conditions Plate being a warm-up for the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup for some of the runners. KING PELLES (1) ran a cracker in a sprint behind I Am Giant last time out and although he will prefer further he must have a decent chance on that showing. ROYAL VICTORY (2) was running on late behind Madison Valley over 1400m last time out and should come on from that outing although this is short of his best. SEE IT AGAIN (6) was controversially scratched after refusing to load at his last intended start. If he goes in he has a chance. CLAW (3) is not a Cup entry and over his preferred trip. ON MY HONOUR (4) was a beaten favourite last run and not disgraced behind Madison Valley. (Andrew Harrison: 2-6-3-4).

3

9 SUGAR BABY LOVE   7 QUEEN OF THE AIR   8 BALTIC ASSAYER   3 COOL WIND

Summary: Tricky open Maiden. SUGAR BABY LOVE (9) has only had two starts and was not far back last time out. With a 4kg claimer up she should be in the shake-up. QUEEN OF THE AIR (7) has been a little disappointing and may prefer the poly but can feature in this line-up. BALTIC ASSAYER (8) can do better than his last effort and has a chance of he can get away from his field. COOL WIND (3) is struggling but has shown flashes of ability and at best has a winning chance. (Andrew Harrison: 9-7-8-3).

4

5 FINE WINE   7 INTRO   8 SHEEZAROCKET   3 SKIPPER O’MALLEY

Summary: FINE WINE (5) has been knocking at the door for some time now and will never get a better opportunity to shed maiden. INTRO (7) was a beaten favourite last run but did not go on with her effort. That was on the poly and the switch back to turf could suit. SHEEZAROCKET (8) is seldom too far back and the step up in trip could bring out the best. (Andrew Harrison: 5-7-8-3).

5

Summary: HARUN AL RASHID (4) has not shown since his maiden win but obviously has some issues given that he is lightly raced. He is down four pounds in the ratings and is one to watch in the market. QUERARI’S DREAM (1) has the best of the draw and has been close up in his last two. He gets a stronger rider aboard. There should be very little between PAPA C (5) and RICCARDO (2) the former looking to be the better proposition  given the he meets his rival at the same weights as when they met two runs back. (Andrew Harrison: 4-1-5-2).

6

12 COGNAC   5 SAFE TRAVEL   3 DRICUS   8 ROOSTER BRADSHAW

Summary: COGNAC (12) looks to be top class, winning both of his starts to date. But this is his first try at 1400m with top weight and the worst of the draw. Possibly just a warm-up before heading to the Cape. SAFE TRAVEL (5) showed up well in his handicap debut behind what looks to be a more than useful winner. He has a fair draw and should be a big threat. ROOSTER BRADSHAW (8) was in need of his last run but not far back and should run another good race. Given the riding engagements, DRICUS (3) could be the best of Andre Nel’s trio. He started favourite in his local debut and can come on from that. (Andrew Harrison: 12-5-3-8).

7

9 DARK MATTER   4 SHIPINDANI   1 CRAFTY CROFTY   8 AMEN CORNER

Summary: DARK MATTER (9) does not have the best of draws but was close-up in a strong field last time out even though carrying a light weight. Down on class she should make a fist of it. SHIPINDANI (4) needed her last run at Durbanville and was not far back. Lightly raced she can go close here. CRAFTY CROFTY (1) was close-up in a useful field over course and distance last time out. She gets the benefit of a useful 4kg claimer and should run well. AMEN CORNER (8) makes her local debut. She had modest Cape post maiden form but has a light weight and is one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 9-4-1-8).

8

8 CATS PAJAMAS   7 GLADATORIAN   6 DAVE THE KING   1 SOHO STAR

Summary: CATS PAJAMAS (8) ran a cracker behind I Am Giant in his comeback run after a break. He has drawn on the outside here but is well in at the weights with a useful 4kg claimer aboard and he rates the horse to beat although he faces two class acts in former Equus Champion DAVE THE KING (6) and  Gr1 Champions Cup winner GLADATORIAN (7) this pair would prefer further but their class can carry them through. SOHO STAR (1) is course and distance suited and should put in a strong showing. (Andrew Harrison: 8-7-6-1).

9

7 PHUTULICIOUS   5 RHYTHM   8 IN THE BAG  2 BARRY DU GROND

Summary: Difficult race to round off the Pick 6. PHUTULICIOUS (7) is showing signs of coming to hand again and has dropped to a more competitive rating. RHYTHM (5) was finishing well under a big weight last time out and appears to have come to hand again. IN THE BAG (8) has been knocking on the door for his second win and has much in his favour. BARRY DU GROND (2) found his best form on the poly last run. He has always struck as something of an under achiever. (Andrew Harrison: 7-5-8-2).

10

2 MOUNTAINSOFTHEMOON   1 COPACABANA   5 QUEEN OF PEARLS   7 DE FLUGGE

Summary: MOUNTAINSOFTHEMOON (2) has run three forwards races since returning from a lay-off. She gets a handy galloping weight from a good draw. COPACABANA (1) is a winner over this course and distance beating Mountainsofthemoon. She gets a highly rated apprentice aboard from the best of the draw. QUEEN OF PEARLS (5) shed her maiden at second time of asking and got a hefty rating for her troubles. She makes her local debut and the betting should be your best guide. DE VLUGGE (7) showed up well first up out of the maidens and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-5-7).

RACE 1

1 ICONIC WINTER 4 OCEAN FLAME 5 PRICELESS TREASURE 9 ENGELANDPARK

Preview: 1 ICONIC WINTER had useful form on the Highveld and in one run in KZN and could be the one to beat. 4 OCEAN FLAME ran second first time out in the East Cape after arriving from Cape Town and has a good chance. 5 PRICELESS TREASURE has been knocking on the door and from a plum draw should be right there. 9 ENGELANDPARK has not been disgraced in three races in Cape Town and KZN and can’t be written off. (David Thiselton 1-4-5-9)

RACE 2

2 ENCHANTING CHOICE 1 SPLICETHEMAINBRACE 3 ARABIAN RED 4 MONTELENA

Preview: 2 ENCHANTING CHOICE comes off a hattrick and the ease of her last win suggests she can progress further. 1 SPLICETHEMAINBRACE’s top class form has tailed off a little bit, but if bouncing back she will be right there. 3 ARABIAN RED has the form to earn here. 4 MONTELENA is not far off Enchanting Choice on form. (David Thiselton 2-1-3-4)

RACE 3

3 CLIFFIE CLAVIN 1 PROLIFIC STAR 5 GREY WARRIOR 2 BOMBER BAY

Preview: 3 CLIFFIE CLAVIN has hard-knocking form over 1400m and should be ready to do well over this trip. 1 PROLIFIC STAR has been knocking on the door and should appreciate the step down to 1600m. 5 GREY WARRIOR has a plum draw over an ideal trip and should be in the shake up. 2 BOMBER BAY disappointed last time but has a fair draw and should bounce back. (3-1-5-2)

RACE 4

1 TERMINAL VELOCITY 5 GOLDEN CROC 3 AM STILL WINNING 2 GLOBAL SCENE

Preview: 1 TERMINAL VELOCITY has not been far off them in KZN and has a big chance. 5 GOLDEN CROC Is knocking hard and is drawn in pole over an ideal distance. 3 AM STILL WINNING has fair form up to 1400m and being by Pomodoro might enjoy this step up in trip. 2 GLOBAL SCENE never runs a bad race and from a fair draw should earn. (David Thiselton 1-5-3-2)

RACE 5

7 HONORABLE MEMBER 2 EPIKLEROS 4 FIRST WISH 1 FLIGHT DISPLAY

Preview: 7 HONORABLE MEMBER Is knocking hard and this distance looks ideal. 2 EPIKLEROS is out to score a hattrick, but at the weights does not have an easy task with Honorable Member. 4 FIRST WISH is currently only two points higher than her last winning mark, and she should give a good account of herself. 1 FLIGHT DISPLAY Comes off a good win over this distance, but does have a four point raise to contend with. (David Thiselton 7-2-4-1)

RACE 6

3 LAGUNA VERDE 1 DOWSER 8 DYNALLEY 10 SILVANO’S SONG

Preview: 3 LAGUNA VERDE Is an unreliable sort, but showed signs last time of bouncing back to his best. 1 DOWSER has some class and if repeating his last start, he should be right there. 8 DYNALLEY has been in good form and is a contender here. 10 SILVANO’S SONG Comes back from a layoff, but if close to his best, he should be right there. (David Thiselton 3-1-8-10)

RACE 7

2 CHERRY OH BABY 4 SPOIL YOURSELF 10 DARLING GIRL 5 GENOVEFA

Preview: 2 CHERRY OH BABY has talent but is hard to win with although with Richard Fourie up she should have a chance. 4 SPOIL YOURSELF won 1900m in September, but is effective over this trip too and can’t be ignored. 10 DARLING GIRL won an open maiden last time, but does sneak into the handicap yard with the minimum weight so can’t be written off. 5 GENOVEFA Should be a big runner here with a return to the poly as she won her first start in the East Cape on this surface. (David Thiselton 2-4-10-5)

RACE 8

2 HOSPICES DE BEAUNE 4 RAVILIOUS 5 THE ROARING ROCK 3 LUCKY SPIRIT

Preview: 2 HOSPICES DE BEAUNE a repeat of his last start should see him going close here. 4 RAVILIOUS is in fine form and should be right there. 5 THE ROARING ROCK has the form to be a contender here and Richard Fourie up is a bonus. 3 LUCKY SPIRIT could be a contender if able to overcome a wide draw.(David Thielton 2-4-5-3)

Please Note :  Turffontein received 20mm rainfall in the hour and it continues to rain.

Based on the forecast and another storm approaching, a decision has been made to abandoned today’s Turffontein race meeting.

 

Please Note : South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Newcastle and Sedgefield  (UK) – 6 November 2025