TAndrew Harrison

The Gr2 World Sports Betting 1900 has always been a weathervane as to the make-up and result of the R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban July. One turns instantly to WSB 1900 and July winner Bulgarian, Justin Snaith planning his assault on the big race to perfection. He looks to have a similar plan regarding Future Swing.

Today’s contest has turned into a ‘mini’ July with all 14 runners entries in the big race to be run on Saturday, 6 July but it is a tough race to work around the form and runners returning from lay-offs.

Future Swing made his local debut in the Listed The Sledgehammer where he finished fourth behind Narina Trogon. In a race run at a pedestrian pace, he looked dangerous a furlong out before being out-paced in the sprint for the line. Expect a much better showing this time around and Snaith could have an ace up his sleeve! 

However, Brett Crawford, successful with Winchester Mansions in last year’s WSB 1900 building into victory in the Hollywoodbets Durban July could trump him as he saddles Oriental Charm who has shot up the handicap after his third place in the Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby. Crawford is executing a similar campaign and Oriental Charm will be a big runner.. 

Snaith also saddles Without Question who has not been out since finishing third in the Gr1 WSB Cape Town Met and may need the run. A win could also see his handicap rating increase. Stable companion Mucho Dinero, both owned by prolific owner Nic Jonsson, was most disappointing in his local debut behind Formagear but was reported to have been changing legs throughout. From the head-on replay he appeared to lose his action coming over the subway which is a worry for his supporters. 

Narina Trogon, named after a colourful but elusive bird, has come well for his new stable and according to assistant trainer Craig Eudey, nothing went to plan in The Sledgehammer as the gelding fought for his head but kept running to win a smart race. This will be a further test and to see if the form holds any water. Imilenzeyokududuma was closing late on Narina Trogon in that same race but it was run at a pedestrian gallop so the form could prove suspect. 

With ten races carded, punters will have plenty of chances to fill their wallets and the Peter Muscutt-trained Rototo in the first leg of the PA fits the bill. Although one must keep an eye on a number of well-bred first timers, the comments from their trainers suggest that they are all out for the experience. 

On the other hand, Rototo made a smart debut at relatively long odds given the stable. That run should have brought him on lengths. Greenlight Express had one start in the Cape and should come on with the experience. 

Policy Of Truth steps out for the first time for Tienie Prinsloo in the opening leg of the Pick 6 and he could prove to be a fair bet. He comes with some useful Highveld form and in modest company and Richard Fourie aboard he should have a big say. A danger could be Iron Monger was closing quickly on stable companion Basie Raakvat last Saturday and has a strong chance on that showing. 

The fifth looks to be a bit of an open affair but Mascherina has been a beaten favourite in her two starts since shedding her maiden. She had a tough draw behind a promising filly last time out and can make amends. My Lady Soul has her first outing for a new stable but comes with some solid Highveld form to back her chances. An upset possibility is Bosnay who has been dropping in the handicap and starts for a new stable. 

Glen Kotzen has already started his Champions Season campaign with a win and sends out Hold My Hand in the sixth. She did not feature when returning from a lengthy break and starting at a short price in a PE Pinnacle Stakes. However, her form before that was excellent in top company but she will need to run up to that form in a tricky handicap. Donna Mo has a wide draw to contend with but has a long back straight to find position. She has smart Highveld form and a handy weight and could be a threat to the favourite. 

The Grey King is also a Hollywoodbets Durban July Entry and a win here will enhance his chances of making the final field. He has a big weight to shoulder but showed plenty of promise when runner up to stronger last time out where he raced very green. Royal Swan Master came from a seemingly hopeless position to edge out Ancient World last time out. The latter is 1kg better off in the handicap but the former does appear to be capable of further improvement. Golden Peace has improved with every step up in trip and was a comfortable winner last time out. He should be a big runner. 

Hitemhardsunshine could round off the Pick 6 in a tricky contest as he has been holding form well and has been close-up to the more than useful King Of The Gauls at his last two. He was finishing strongly last time out the Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance could swing it her way. Coin Spinner took on stronger last start in a set weights event and was not far back. His best recent effort has been over course and distance and he has Richard Fourie to help him home. The filly Shantastic is way better than her last run while Diani has been consistent of late and has a light weight. 

RACE 1

7 TAMBOURINE MAN has been a model of consistency and has placed in his last six starts. This looks like the right field for him and is overdue to shed his maiden tag. 1 WORLDY ran on well to finish third in his last start. Now he takes on older horses and tries six furlongs for the first time. 9 KING VISERYS moved up like he was going to win in his last starts but found one better on the day. In an open maiden again, he should finish in the quartet as well as 11 SONG TO THE MOON who has been gelded and drops in distance (Devon Pretorius: 7-1-9-11)

RACE 2

Competitive race despite the small field. 5 BEREAVE finished third in the G2 Diadem Stakes in his last start but that was over two months ago. He is one of the better weighted horses in the race and if he does not need this run, his class could prevail. 1 QUESTIONING flew up in his last start when dropped back to a sprinting trip. With racing fitness on his side, he is expected to fight it out with Bereave. 4 MUFASA beat 3 RIO QUERARI in the Easter Sprint by 0,75L. This time round, Rio Querari is 1,5kgs better off at the weights which should bring them closer (Devon Pretorius: 5-1-4-3)

RACE 3

5 MR BELVEDERE has been gelded after a very disappointing run last start. He is bound to improve and has shown the best form to date in this field. 6 CLIFF SWALLOW steps up in trip to 1400m for the first time and has placed in three of his four starts to date. Will be interesting to see how he takes the step up in distance. 8 PRINCE OF TIBET is never far off the action and should be involved in the finish. 1 GROOVEJET has only had three starts to date and is open to further improvement. (Devon Pretorius: 5-6-8-1)

RACE 4

1 WATER DRAGON is having his third run after a lengthy break and steps up in trip to 1800m. The stable is in hot form and from barrier one he should have the run of the race. 3 ETOILEFILLANTE disappointed in his last start and is capable of a better run. He is still the highest rated runner in the race. 7 ALADDIN’S LAMP has shown improvement in every start and in a field of this calibre, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him win. 9 FRENCH TRIP is back in a normal maiden and has more of a quartet chance than a winning one (Devon Pretorius: 1-3-7-9)

RACE 5

2 NAUSHON is the value bet for the day. He was incredibly unlucky not to have won in his last start when he had to check for a run, switch out and flew up from quite far back to finish fourth. With luck in running, he can be the one they all have to beat. 4 MASTER OF PARIS won his last start but is capable of following up. He’s in good form and should be right there in the finish. 1 FAIRE ADVANTAGE could be the lurker in the pack. His rating continues to drop and this is one of the weaker fields he has raced in. 5 AUGUSTA BLUE is better than his recent couple of starts and is another runner whose rating continues to fall (Devon Pretorius: 2-4-1-5)

RACE 6 Tricky race and a few horses on their best day are more than capable of winning. 2 BIG UNIT ran a top race last time when he found one better on the day over track and trip. This is a tougher field here but a chance is taken on him to run another good race from an inside gate. 9 QUATERMAIN is in consistent form of late and has finished in the quartet in his last five starts. He does have a wide draw to overcome but he should be involved in the finish. 6 LE LEGIONNAIRE disappointed in a competitive race last start. He is better than that run and if he can repeat his penultimate start, he has to be a lively contender. Respect for 4 HOLDING THUMBS; 5 NEVADA KING and 7 KITCHAKAL (Devon Pretorius: 2-9-6-5)

RACE 7

A few fancied runners have to overcome wide draws. 13 SENHORA VICTORIA arguably brings the best form to the race with runs behind Callmegetrix and Rainbow Lorikeet who came out to place in the listed Ladies Mile. She is better than her last start and she can bounce back in a field of this quality. 7 LITTLE MISS PINK flew up in her last start to finish third despite the jockey dropping the crop at the 100m mark. She always gives her best and she’ll be running on strongly in the finish. 14 DOUBLE DREAM has decent form over 1400m but is drawn widest of all. There was a bit of betting support for her in her last start and must be respected. 2 TRIED AND TRUE finished off his race well and should enjoy the step up to 1400m. He could be the lurker in the pack (Devon Pretorius: 13-7-14-2)

RACE 8

5 O’TENIKWA was an impressive winner on debut against his juvenile rivals but he now steps up to older company with 61kgs to shoulder. It’ll be tough but over a sprinting trip, it shouldn’t be too big of a concern. He looks like a top sort in the making. 6 GRAVITY could be the lurker in the field. He drops in distance, his merit rating has dropped again and he takes a drop in class. Blinkers go on and back down the straight, he certainly can win at good each-way odds. 8 SHIFTING PATH was unlucky not to have finished closer in his last start. He had to switch out too late and ultimately ran on too late. 7 LOOK FORWARD has finished third in his last two starts and should be able to finish in the back end of the quartet (Devon Pretorius: 5-6-8-7)

RACE 9

Tricky race to assess. 2 NIGHT TIGER if timed right with front running tactics he could skip clear and be hard to catch. 4 NIGHT BOMBER finished 2nd in his last start and has steadily been improving in his last three starts. 6 GO IT ALONE lost a few lengths coming out of the starting stalls and ran on well to finish a few lengths off a comfortable winner. 5 ESCARPMENT drops in class after racing in a middle stakes and wasn’t too far back. He finished third the last time he ran over track and trip and should bounce back to that sort of form in a weaker field. 3 BOOGIEFIED is having his third run after a rest and should show significant improvement from his last run. 11 GRAND BAY can’t be left out either (Devon Pretorius: 2-4-6-5)

RACE 10          

A final chance is taken on 2 PALO QUEEN who continues to find one better. She needs to be timed perfectly to win but she is well overdue. 8 STRATA beat her on the line in her last start and should be involved once again. 5 NIGHT VIGIL should be better over the minimum trip and despite top weight she’ll be involved. 4 SILVER SCREEN wasn’t far off in her latest start and one can expect a closer finish. Respect for the juvenile 6 TANNERON as well as recent maiden winner 7 TEQUILLA SKY in an open race to end the meeting (Devon Pretorius: 2-8-5-4)

Graeme Hawkins

In the absence of a Feature race, the R165 000 Cape Racing Sales “A” Stakes over 1100m, heads a 10-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today. Billed as Race 2 – the opening leg of the Bipot – the race has brought a small but highly competitive field of seven runners together, but trainer Adam Marcus’ ultra-consistent Bereave could land his first victory since taking out last season’s Diadem Stakes. Since that victory Bereave has continued to hold his form well and was not disgraced when third in the Cape Flying Championship (Gr 1) in January and then under a length behind Thunderstruck in this year’s renewal of the Diadem in February.

The weather forecast suggests there will be some rain around ahead of tomorrow’s race meeting and there’s no doubting that Bereave will enjoy a little cut in the ground. He gets the vote to score but is certainly no stand out bet in a highly engaging contest. Fellow top-weight Questioning was an eye-catching third behind Winter Cloud over 1200m three weeks ago and with Vaughan Marshall and Ashton Arries enjoying a rich vein of form it would be unwise to discount his chances. He might prefer a touch further but he is a class act and it would come as no surprise to see him come out on top here.

Questioning’s stable companion, Icy Blast, is a model of consistency but has also gone without a visit to the winner’s enclosure since February of 2023. He receives 7,5kgs from both Questioning and Bereave and this must bring the son of Erupt into the race with a chance of scoring an overdue victory. Mufasa was a good second behind Dance Variety over this track and trip last month but is not always the most consistent around. Tough Terrain must rate a threat with the postage stamp of 51kgs on his back. He possesses a fine turn of acceleration and a quick early gallop could play into his hands.

Rio Querari is getting on in years but he always does enough to keep one’s interest alive. I was a touch disappointed with his most recent effort but Aldo Domeyer, who rides the former Equus Champion for the first time, might be able to get the right tune out of Rio Querari and it would come as no surprise if he were to register his eighth career success tomorrow. Jerusalema Rain has been declared to race with blinkers and on best form could certainly trouble his more fancied rivals.

One can make a case for each of the seven runners, but I am going to side with Bereave to come out on top ahead of the Marshall pair, Questioning and Icy Blast, but the selection is made without a great deal of confidence.

Marcus also saddles the consistent but long-time maiden, Tambourine Man, in the first race, an Open Maiden over 1200m, and the son of Twice Over could finally get across the line with his nose in front. He comes back fresh off a short break and will need to be at the top of his game to hold out the promising 2yo Worldly who is likely to be sent out a warm order favourite. Although Tambourine Man clearly has his limitations, he meets the vastly less experienced Worldly on 12,5kgs better terms than weight-for-age and I am happy to take my chances with Marcus’ runner.

The lightly-raced and well-bred Groovejet has his third run as a gelding and could step up on in his promising form to take out the third race, a Maiden Plate over1400m. Cliff Swallow and Prince of Tibet bring good form into the race but Groovejet is drawn in pole position and may just have the edge. With most of the legs of the Pick 6 made up of very competitive handicaps and Cape Stakes races, bankers are not easy to pinpoint, but we can perhaps take a chance with the fast-improving Water Dragon in the fourth race, a Maiden Plate over 1800m. Water Dragon ran on well over 1400m when second to Mont Loisir last time and he appears to have plenty of scope for further improvement. Etoillefillante is quite possibly his biggest danger but I expect Water Dragon to give us a very good run for our money.

Big Unit from the Brett Crawford stable was denied victory three weeks ago by a very narrow margin and he could go one better in the sixth race, a Cape B Stakes over 1600m. The interesting runner here is Holding Thumbs who has always been highly regarded by Glen Kotzen, but he may need just one more run before reaching his peak and Big Unit could have  his measure this time around. Crawford also holds a very strong hand in the ninth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1200m. Grand Bay and Night Bomber finished one-two over this track and trip a month ago and we could see a similar result here, although I fancy Night Bomber might reverse the order. Night Tiger from the Candice Bass-Robinson cannot be discounted and it’s worth including the son of Rafeef in all Jackpot and Pick 6 permutations.The consistent Oliver steps back in trip but is fitted with blinkers for the first time and he could again make  his presence felt.

RACE 1

4 MOUNTAIN HIGH   13 SORCERESS SUPREME   5 PRINCESS PALACE   11 LIZWILE ILALI

Summary: MOUNTAIN HIGH (4) was a beaten odds-on favourite over the Turffontein inside track after a good showing behind Little Ballerina in the SA Fillies Nursery. This trip should suit from a favourable draw. SORCERESS SUPREME (13) has some useful Cape form to her credit but goes the turn for the first time from a wide draw which could cost her. PRINCESS PALACE (5) was all at sea on debut. She should make the required improvement and is one to watch in the betting. LIZWILE ILALI (11) was a well beaten fourth on debut but should come on from that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 4-13-5-11).

RACE 2

4 GREAT PLAINS   6 FIELD MARSHAL   7 MAKAZOLE   3 WOZA NAWE

Summary: GREAT PLAINS (4) franked the Little Ballerina form when willing well over the Hollywoodbets Scottsville 1400m. He has a favourable draw here and can follow up. FIELD MARSHAL (6) won well in the soft at just his second start. The trip suits and he must have a good chance. MAKAZOLE (7) won well after making a good debut against winners. He goes this trip for the first time but should see it out comfortably. WOZA NAWE (3) is still a maiden but has shown up well in two starts and in receipt of 6kg from the above three could be telling. (Andrew Harrison: 4-6-7-3).

RACE 3

4 ROTOTO   13 GREENLIGHT EXPRESS   14 FUTURE FLO   10 TERIYAKI

Summary: Keep an eye on the first timers in the market with a number of well-bred individuals in the field. ROTOTO (4) made a promising debut at relatively long odds give the stable. That run should have brought him on lengths. GREENLIGHT EXPRESS (13) had one start in the Cape and should come on with the experience. FUTURE FLO (14) has a tough draw to contend with but is seldom out of the money. TERIYAKI (10) has been knocking on the door for some time now and should be close up in the finish. (Andrew Harrison: 4-13-14-10).

RACE 4

5 POLICY OF TRUTH   9 IRON MONGER   4 LEMON SCENT   7 EXQUISITE DAWN

Summary: POLICY OF TRUTH (5) has his first run for a new stable. He comes with some useful Highveld form and in modest company and Richard Fourie aboard he should have a big say. IRON MONGER (9) was closing quickly on stable companion Basie Raakvat last Saturday and has a strong chance on that showing. LEOMON SCENT (4) is showing signs of coming to hand and was not far back on the poly last run. There should not be much between her and EXQUISITE DAWN (7) who was making her poly debut after some modest efforts on the Highveld turf. (Andrew Harrison: 5-9-4-7).

RACE 5

5 MASCHERINA   3 MY LADY SOUL   7 BOSNAY   6 JAZZ CAFÉ

Summary: MASCHERINA (5) has been a beaten favourite in her two starts since shedding her maiden. She had a tough draw behind a promising filly last time out and can make amends. MY LADY SOUL (3) has her first outing for a new stable but comes with some solid Highveld form. From a good draw she must have a strong chance. BOSNAY (7) has been dropping in the handicap. She starts for a new stable and can upset on her best form. JAZZ CAFÉ (6) won well first time out of the maidens. She is up in class but still improving. (Andrew Harrison: 5-3-7-6).

RACE 6

6 HOLD MY HAND   15 DONNA MO   5 AFRICAN BEAT   11 LUCKY MISS

Summary: HOLD MY HAND (6) did not feature when returning from a length break and starting at a short price in a PE Pinnacle Stakes. However, her form before that was excellent in top company but she will need to run up to that form in a tricky handicap. DONNA MO (15) has a wide draw to contend with but has a long back straight to find position. She has smart Highveld form and a handy weight. AFRICAN BEAT (5) has only missed a place once in 15 starts. She has a handy galloping weight and should feature again. LUCKY MISS (11) is always dangerous but just below top class. (Andrew Harrison: 6-15-5-11).

RACE 7

3 FUTURE SWING   4 ORIENTAL CHARM   7 NARINA TROGON   5 WITHOUT QUESTION

Summary: A mighty tough race. All 14 runners are entries in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, many of them looking to cement a place in the big race line-up. WITHOUT QUESTION (5) has not been out since finishing third in the Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby and may need the run. Stable companion MUCHO DINERO (6) was most disappointing in his local debut behind FORMAGEAR (8) but was reported to have been changing legs throughout. NARINA TROGON (7) has come well for his new stable and although nothing went to plan last time out he kept running to win a smart race. This will be a further test. IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA (14) was closing late on Narina Trogon last time out but the race was run at a pedestrian gallop so the form could prove suspect. FUTURE SWING (3) was in that same race and after looking dangerous a furlong out he ran out of steam. Expect a much better showing. ORIENTAL CHARM (4) has shot up the handicap after his third place in the Cape Derby and has a solid chance in this field. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-7-5).

RACE 8

3 THE GREY KING   1 ROYAL SWAN MASTER   5 ANCIENT WORLD   7 GOLDEN PEACE

Summary: THE GREY KING (3) has a big weight but showed plenty of promise when runner up to stronger last time out where he raced very green. ROYAL SWAN MASTER (1) came from a seemingly hopeless position to edge out ANCIENT WORLD (5) last time out. The latter is 1kg better off in the handicap but the former does appear to be capable of much improvement. GOLDEN PEACE (7) has improved with every step up in trip and was a comfortable winner last time out. He should be a big runner. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-5-7).

RACE 9

Summary: HITEMHARDSUNSHINE (4) has been holding form well and has been close-up to the more than useful King Of The Gauls at his last two. He was finishing strongly last time out the Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance could swing it her way. COIN SPINNER (7) took on stronger last start in a set weights event and was not far back. His best recent effort has been over course and distance and he has Richard Fourie to help him home. The filly SHANTASTIC (5) is way better than her last run while DIANI (3) has been consistent of late and has a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 4-7-5-3).

RACE 10

7 LOVE IN WINTER   4 DONQUERARI   5 BLESS ME FRED   3 STANLEY PARK

Summary:  Difficult handicap to round off the day. LOVE IN WINTER (7) has made steady improvement and looks primed for this event after a close-up third over course and distance last time out. DONQUERARI (4) seldom runs a bad race and goes well over course and distance. He has a 4kg claimer up to help his chances. BLESS ME FRED (5) is quick and his last win was over course and distance. Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg claim will enhance his chances. STANLEY PARK (3) is dropping in the handicap and from a good draw should be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-5-3).

Paul Lally:

R1 8-11-4-6

R2 5-1-6-9

R3 1-2-5-3

R4 2-9-1-6

R5 3-1-6-2

R6 1-4-3-11

R7 2-5-7-4

R8 3-2-7-10

R9 8-4-5-3

R10 1-2-5-10

Best Bet R9 N8 Sky Trust

Longshot R4 N2 Panda Legend

Play R7 QQP 2-5-7

Nick Child:

R1 | 8-13-4-6

R2 | 2-5-3-4

R3 | 2-1-3-6

R4 | 5-6-8-1

R5 | 6-3-7-10

R6 | 3-7-1-4

R7 | 2-4-3-7 

R8 | 3-4-7-2

R9 | 2-4-8-5

R10 | 7-1-2-5 

BEST BET | R6 N3 LO PAN SPIRIT

LONGSHOT | R2 N2 APACHE PASS

PLAY | R3 (W/P 2)

Mark McNamara:

R1  8.4.6.11

R2  6.5.4.1

R3  1.2.5.6

R4  8.6.2.1

R5  10.6.3.8

R6  5.3.7.1

R7  4.5.7.2

R8  3.5.2.13

R9  8.4.2.11

R10 1.3.2.5

Best Bet:  R2 N6 So We Joy

Longshot: R5 N10 Crazy Treasure

Play: R5 Q/QP 3.6.10

The Hong Kong Jockey Club