RACE 1

7 HAMMERHEAD   1 BOURBON’S BEAST   3 FLAG CHAMP   8 RED CARDINAL

Summary: HAMMERHEAD (7) has improved with each outing and the step up in trip will suit. BOURBON’S BEAST (1) has been making steady improvement and ran a cracker over course and distance last time out in soft ground. He has the best of the draw and has plenty in his favour. FLAG CHAMP (3) has run two smart races over the distance but was beaten just over a length by Bourbon’s Beast when last they met. Flag Champ has a better draw this time around. RED CARDINAL (8) was a close-up second on the poly last run and can feature. The filly HARPA (9) has been close-up at recent outings but a wide draw against males is against her. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-3-9).

RACE2

2 CYMRIC   5 ICY BLAST   8 GOLDEN RULE   4 WILD AT WAR

Summary: CYMRIC (2) has his third run after a break for his new yard. He is well weighted in this race and if anywhere near his best he will be hard to beat. Stable companion ICY BLAST (5) was not far back over course and distance last time out and meets GOLDEN RULE (8) on 1.5kg better terms. Peter Muscutt’s runner is banking on a winning hattrick, the last over course and distance beating Icy Blast by nearly two lengths. WILD AT WAR (4) was touched off on the poly last run. He has come down in the ratings and can prove dangerous. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-8-4).

RACE3

4 PSYCHE    2 SIYABAMELLELA   5 THOUGHT CONTROL   3 SPIRIT OF SHIMLA

Summary: Tricky maiden. PSYCHE (4) was well supported on debut over course and distance and finished a close-up third. She should have come on from the experience. SIYABAMBELELA (2) was friendless in the market on debut but was beaten just over a length in an Open Maiden. That run should have brought her on. THOUGHT CONTROL (5) has finished runner-up in both starts but well beaten. She should however, feature prominently. SPIRIT OF SHIMLA (3) tried a mile last time out after two good efforts on the poly. The drop back in trip should suit and she cannot be written off lightly. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-5-3).

RACE4

2 AVERNI PRINCESS   7 QUEEN BRAGANZA   8 PERFUME POWER   5 CELESTIAL DIAMOND

Summary: ARVERNI PRINCESS (2) has won three of her last four over the trip and is in good form. She is up in class but only has 49.5kg to shoulder which should make her a big runner. Duncan Howells has two runners. QUEEN BRAGANZA (7) disappointed when favourite after winning her first two. Back on turf over a shorter trip she can make amends. Based on jockey bookings, CELESTIAL DIAMOND (5) would be the preferred choice but she has been rested and her last run was over a mile. PERFUME POWER (8) ran a smart race first time out of the maidens. She goes well this trip and the betting could tell a story. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-8-5).

RACE5

2 FATE OF FORTUNE   6 TAM’S KNIGHT   BLAZING FURY   1 CITY OF LOVE

Summary: Competitive handicap. FATE OF FORTUNE (2) has been in cracking form over course and distance and did not get a penalty for his runner-up berth when favourite last time out. Given his good form he can go in again. TAM’S KNIGHT (6) is lightly raced but has won both starts for Robbie Hill since arriving from the Cape. However, he has not been out since May last year. He obviously has issues so Hill is unlikely to run the gelding if not close to peak fitness. BLAZING FURY (10) has a wide draw to contend with. He looks held by stable companion SMORGASBORD  (8) on their last meeting but he has only had three runs and should have scope for improvement. CITY OF LOVE (1) was not far behind the promising Exocet last run although on the face of it his current form does not look promising. But he gets first time blinkers and from a good draw he could surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 2-6-10-1).

RACE6

1 SAFE TRAVEL   4 JAZZ FESTIVAL   5 NUMZAAN   6 ERIC’S LEGACY

Summary: SAFE TRAVEL (1) has been close-up in two races since arriving in KZN. He has the best of the draw with a 4kg claimer aboard and can give Adam Azzie his first winner since relocating from the Highveld. JAZZ FESTIVAL (4) is back on his favourite surface and was running on late behind NUMZAAN (5) when beaten two lengths. He is now 4 kg better off and should be able to turn the tables on his front-running rival. ERIC’S LEGACY (6) was not far back first up out of the maidens in soft ground. The step up in trip will suit and he shed his maiden with authority even though it was against moderate opposition. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-5-6).

RACE7

2 THE GHOST   7 FATE DECREED   5 LILAC IN WINTER   3 MOUNTAINSOFTHEMOON

Summary: THE GHOST (2) has come down dramatically in the ratings and although shouldering a hefty 62kg she improved over course and distance last time out. FATE DECREED (7) has come on nicely in her last two and looks primed for this race. LILAC IN WINTER (5) shed her maiden first up on this course. She has improved in blinkers and the step up in trip could see her go in again. MOUNTAINSOFTHEMOON (3) is never far back. She has also dropped in the handicap and could now be off a more competitive mark. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-5-3).

RACE8

4 HAPPY FORTUNE   2 PROM QUEEN   10 BLUE POPPY   8 SNEEUWITJIE

Summary: HAPPY FORTUNE (4) has been holding form well. She meets PROM QUEEN (2) at the same weights but the drop in trip could see the tables turned. Prom Queen’s win was not out of turn and there should not be much between the pair. BLUE POPPY (10) has the widest draw but has made steady improvement leading to her maiden win. She does appear to have some scope and has a chance again in this line-up. SNEEUWITJIE (8) has caused major boil-overs in both of her wins but she did appear to get on well with visiting French rider Mickaelle Michel and can feature again with a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-10-8).

Andrew Harrison

Cymric was one of the better juveniles of his year and although only a three-time winner from 15 starts he has been something of an under achiever.

That said, he has his third outing for Mike and Mathew de Kock when he lines up in a Conditions Plate on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville today.

This will be his third run after a break for his new yard and is well weighted. If anywhere near his best he will be hard to beat. Stable companion Icy Blast was not far back over course and distance last time out and meets Golden Rule on 1.5kg better terms. Peter Muscutt’s runner is banking on a winning hattrick, the last over course and distance beating Icy Blast by nearly two lengths. Wild At War was touched off on the poly last run and has come down in the ratings. He can prove dangerous.

In the first, Hammerhead has improved with each outing and the step up to a trip that will suit but he will face stiff opposition from the likes of Bourbon’s Beast who has been making steady improvement and ran a cracker over course and distance last time out in soft ground. He has the best of the draw and has plenty in his favour. Flag Champ has run two smart races over the distance but was beaten just over a length by Bourbon’s Beast when last they met. Flag Champ has a better draw this time around. Red Cardinal was a close-up second on the poly last run and can feature while the filly Harpa been close-up at recent outings but a wide draw against males is against her.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is a tricky maiden but Psyche was well supported on debut over course and distance and finished a close-up third. She should have come on from the experience. Siyabambelela was friendless in the market on debut but was beaten just over a length in an Open Maiden. That run should have brought her on. Thought Control has finished runner-up in both starts but well beaten. She should however, feature prominently while Spirit Of Shimla tried a mile last time out after two good efforts on the poly. The drop back in trip could suit and she cannot be written off lightly.

It doesn’t get any easier from here on. Arverni Princess has won three of her last four over the trip and is in good form. She is up in class but only has 49.5kg to shoulder which should make her a big runner. Queen Braganza disappointed when favourite after winning her first two. Back on turf over a shorter trip she can make amends. Duncan Howells has two runners. Based on jockey bookings, Celestial Diamond would be the preferred choice but she has been rested and her last run was over a mile. Stable companion Perfume Power ran a smart race first time out of the maidens. She goes well this trip and the betting could tell a story.

The fifth is a competitive handicap but veteran Fate Of Fortune has been in cracking form over course and distance and did not get a penalty for his runner-up berth when favourite last time out. Given his good form he can go in again. Tam’s Delight is lightly raced but has won both starts for Robbie Hill since arriving from the Cape. However, he has not been out since May last year. He obviously has issues so Hill is unlikely to run the gelding if not close to peak fitness. Blazing Fury has a wide draw to contend with and looks held by stable companion Smorgasbord on their last meeting but he has only had three runs and should have scope for improvement. City Of Love was not far behind the promising Exocet last run although on the face of it his current form does not inspire any confidence. But he gets first time blinkers and from a good draw he could surprise.

Safe Travel looks to be one of the safer bets on the card. He has been close-up in two races since arriving in KZN and with the best of the draw and a 4kg claimer aboard he can give Adam Azzie his first winner since relocating from the Highveld. Danger could be Mark Dixon’s runner Jazz Festival. He is back on his favourite surface and was running on late behind Numzaan when beaten two lengths. He is now 4 kg better off and should be able to turn the tables on his front-running rival. Eric’s Legacy was not far back first up out of the maidens in soft ground. The step up in trip will suit and he shed his maiden with authority even though it was against moderate opposition.

The grey, The Ghost is well named and has come down dramatically in the ratings. Although shouldering a hefty 62kg she improved over course and distance last time out and could provide some value for punters in the seventh. Fate Decreed has come on nicely in her last two and looks primed for this race while Lilac In Winter shed her maiden first up on this course. She has improved in blinkers and the step up in trip could see her go in again. Mountainsofthemoon is never far back. She has also dropped in the handicap and could now be off a more competitive mark.

The last is another tricky handicap. Happy Fortune has been holding form well and meets Prom Queen at the same weights. However, the drop in trip could see the tables turned. Prom Queen’s win was not out of turn and there should not be much between the pair. Blue Poppy has the widest draw but has made steady improvement leading to her maiden win. She does appear to have some scope and has a chance again in this line-up. Sneeuwitjie has caused major boil-overs in both of her wins but she did appear to get on well with visiting French rider Mickaelle Michel and can feature again with a light weight.

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Lingfield and Southwell (UK) – 17 January 2026

Alistair Cohen

A rare twilight meeting will be held in Cape Town today at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. The late-afternoon vibe should allow for some excitement amongst racegoers just a week after the cream of the crop went around on L’Ormarins Kings Plate Day.

My Only Weakness is regally-bred. She is a half-sister to Grade 1 winning or placed fillies. Bless My Stars and Let’s Go Now are her siblings. She has showed signs of a return to form for a while before taking a backwards step. She comes from perhaps the most in-form yard in Cape Town, Adam Marcus. If she decides to bring her best, she could make this opposition look ordinary but it has been a while since she has been reliable and strung together some consistent performances. Keep an eye on her. She can threaten Carriacou.

In A Timely Manner and Primal Instinct have promised a lot but delivered little. They both have awkward draws to overcome but they could be dangerous and they are both horses to keep in mind. With luck in running, they could get into the action. Both are trained by Justin Snaith and both could use the confidence boost of a smart run.

Cardinal Point caught the eye on debut when doing best work late to finish 1,6 lengths behind Rockanrollin over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. There is any amount of progress to come and from a kind draw of No 4, he has every chance to exit the maidens in race 1 over 1250m.

Meet The King has had his fair share of chances and he has flattered to deceive. He might have found his best opportunity in race 2 over 1400m. His last run might look like his worst when he finished ninth, nearly five lengths behind Foudre. The form has produced a few winners with Give It Laldy, Gale Warning and Foudre himself becoming subsequent winners. There are also a few in and around the places from that run. Andrew Fortune is aboard for Justin Snaith.

Gqeberha ran a pleasing debut on Christmas Eve when finishing second behind Malibu Blitz. Friendless in the market, she drifted from 33/10 to 25/1 but she acquitted herself nicely to finish 1,75 lengths behind over 1200m. She tries an extra 200m which she is bred for being by Twice Over and she does not face the strongest field. She should take all the beating in race 3. Iona Castle is taken seriously for her consistency but she is an exposed maiden with a rough draw to overcome. If Gqeberha ran a fluke race on debut, Iona Castle could get it right.

The last progeny of the great Captain Al in circulation, All About Al could get it right in race 4 over 1000m. He loves it around Hollywoodbets Durbanville with a string of places. Craig Zackey takes the ride for Adam Marcus and both are in terrific form. Recent near misses to Demanding Dave, The Us Of A, Gold Giboski, Sardinia Bay and Palace Gift. He should get a due reward for consistency.

Hunga Tonga has reasonable form and she must be included in race 5 over 1600m. The imposing Ricky Maingard-filly was off colour in her last run when she failed to fire up behind the progressive Girl Magic but her penultimate run makes a ton of appeal. She finished second, 2,25 lengths behind subsequent two-time Grade 1 placegetter Reet Petite. That run came over this trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Andrew Fortune believes this girl has more to come so she could scoop her third career victory.

Money Extractor ran a close-up second in her last run behind Astronomical Boy a month ago over 1400m. She has been on an upward trajectory in this lowly level of competition and she seems like a win is just around the corner. She was a short head away last time. She has every chance of going a place better when she runs in race 6 over 1600m under Grant van Niekerk.

RACE 1

1 BIG DEAL must have a good winning chance in this field, he has run two excellent races in succession, he should be able to get the run of the race from a neat barrier draw, on his best form, he will be right there in the finish. 5 BEHAVE HARRIS ran third in the same race as Big Deal on the 21st of December behind Influence, the yard is in great form at the moment, if this gelding brings his last two runs to the track on Saturday, he will be hard to beat. 9 RED WAVE never runs a bad race, he is very consistent, if he gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, he will be competitive. 4 CARDINAL POINT caught the eye on debut when staying on well for fourth behind Rockanrollin, with natural improvement expected from this gelding, he will go close. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 5 – 9 – 4)

RACE 2

1 VOLEGOV ran a nice race for fourth behind Influence on the 21st of December, he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, from a neat draw, he must have a big winning chance in this open maiden event. 5 PRINCE OF EGYPT has been rested and gelded, he stayed on well for fourth behind Objet D’Art on the 8th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, on his best form, he can definitely trouble them in the finish. 8 MEET THE KING is much better than his most recent start, ignore that run completely, now that he is back at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he can improve, watch him closely at a fair price. 11 BLIZZARDBOY was beaten just over two lengths by Backinthefastlane on the 4th of January, unfortunately the wide draw here will make it tough for him, if he gets some luck in running, he should be able to sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 5 – 8 – 11)

RACE 3

4 SOUTH OF FRANCE will take lots of beating, she ran a great race for third behind Silver Salute on the 24th of December, the drop in trip to 1400m is key for this filly, and the blinkers have been fitted, she will be hard to beat from a good draw. 10 GQEBERHA ran a cracker on debut, she finished second behind Malibu Blitz on the 24th of December, the wide draw will make life difficult for her, but she will love the step up in trip, include her into all bets. 12 IONA CASTLE never runs a bad race, she is very consistent, if she gets some luck in running from a poor draw, she will be mighty competitive. 11 RED TAFFETY will need to improve on her last performance, she was beaten just under seven lengths by Kubu on the 17th of December, if she brings her run on the 10th of November to the races on Saturday, she could sneak into the places at a nice price. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 10 – 12 – 11)

RACE 4

1 KELP FOREST quickened up beautifully to win a good race on the 10th of January, he was given three points for that win, if this race hasn’t come too soon for him, he can definitely win again from a good draw. 6 ALL ABOUT AL stayed on well for third behind Palace Gift on the 24th of December, he is consistent and he tries hard, he will be right there in the finish again. 2 SOOTY is much better than his recent form, even though he wants a bit further than 1000m, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be running on powerfully late, watch him at a big price. 3 FLYING SOUTH finished just over three lengths behind True Horizon on the 4th of January, she won her maiden here at Hollywoodbets Durbanville beating a nice filly (Kattekwaadkwadraad) on the 18th of October, she is speedy, and she has a good draw, she might be able to get into the places with jockey Muzi Yeni. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 6 – 2 – 3)

RACE 5

2 HUNGA TONGA finished just over four lengths behind Girl Magic on the 17th of December, she will get every chance in running from a neat draw, jockey Andrew Fortune knows this filly well, on her best form, she can win a race like this. 5 KUBU won her maiden well on the 17th of December, she quickened away from her field impressively, she can only improve with more racing, include her into all bets. 6 BOOZY SUSIE stayed on well for second behind Diamond Bomber on the 17th of December, she is a young filly that is still improving, there is no doubt that she has a winning chance in this field, her form is good. 4 HAMPSTEAD HEATH is better than her recent start behind Girl Magic, she has dropped even further in the ratings, if she brings her best form to the track on Saturday, she can win. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 5 – 6 – 4)

RACE 6

5 GIN PALACE won her maiden in great fashion on the 26th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, she looks like the type that will keep improving with every start, jockey Andrew Fortune gets the ride on this well-bred filly on Saturday, she must have a big winning chance again. 7 SILVER SALUTE quickened up strongly to win a beautiful race on the 24th of December, she loved the step up in trip on that occasion, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be powering home late, include her into all bets. 1 LADY LOOK ALIKE ran a fair race for fourth behind True Horizon on the 4th of January, she will be cherry ripe for this race on Saturday, from a neat draw, she could be the value. 3 MONEY EXTRACTOR stayed on well for second behind Astronomical Boy on the 17th of December, if she can build on that performance, she will have a strong place chance. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 7 – 1 – 3)

RACE 7

8 DEVIL A SAINT won a good race on the 24th of December, he was given three points for that win, he is in great form at the moment, if he gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, he can definitely win again. 5 CARRIACOU is much better than his recent run, he absolutely loves the 1400m trip, he will be doing some good work late, watch him closely. 11 IN A TIMELY MANNER stayed on well for second behind Ignite The Fire on the 3rd of December, the wide draw in this race won’t make it easy for him, if he gets some luck early, he will be competitive. 3 SOMMERSTERN won impressively on the 3rd of December, he could be anything, he quickens well and he looks progressive, he can win again from a good draw. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 5 – 11 – 3)