Andrew Harrison

Punters face a competitive card on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville today but most interest will center around the first two races. There are a number of debutantes in the card opener where the exposed form is seemingly not too strong and given the trainers comments on the unraced runners, the winner could come from their ranks.

Glen Kotzen is on record that he has arrived in KZN with a strong string of juveniles and Spirit Of Levana makes her debut. The two-year-old daughter of the promising sire Fire Away got the thumbs-up from Kotzen and with Richard Fourie aboard she will start near the top of the boards. Gimmie’s Countess also makes her debut for Dean Kannemeyer. She has a cracking pedigree being by champion sire Gimmethegreenlight out of a former Kannemeyer-trained star Real Princess. Word from the yard is ‘include in all exotics’. Of those that have run, Madame Pompadour is back to a sprint but has let the side down on a number of occasions. Frosted Green was much improved second time out in a work riders Maiden Plate. She has the widest draw but does look progressive. 

The second is a tricky maiden but Mc Dazzler was much improved when making his poly debut at only his third start. A repeat should see Kannemeyer’s colt in the firing line. Dennis Bosch and jockey Rachel Venniker have struck up winning bond of late and they team up with Always Shining. The colt was a neck behind Mc Dazzler when last they met and given the stable’s form expect a good run. Run To Rio has been knocking on the door for some time now and his worst recent effort has been over the distance in soft ground. The switch to poly should suit. Red Mountain had shown promise before a lengthy lay-off but made a smart return to the track last time out.

In the opening leg of the jackpot, Michael Roberts has jumped Noble Warrior up in trip but the gelding did find some market support last run when tried in blinkers. He should be fit after racing once every month since January and the opposition is not strong. Ubukhwebenzana showed up well first run for her new stable but also steps up in trip. She is lightly raced and takes on males but looks set to improve. Ibiza Night is the form horse having been run out of it late in his last two. The blinkers go on and he should make another bold bid. 

The balance of the card is made up of tricky handicaps starting off in the fourth. Roy’s Rocker steps up in class but has been close-up in recent outings. She only has 52kg to shoulder and has Muzi Yeni in the saddle. Barend Botes has three runners in the race. Light Of Day won well at Turffontein last time out and has been improving all the while she may prove the pick but stable companion Kind Judy was narrowly beaten when trying further last time out but has been consistent and can go one better. 

In the fifth, Sundance Kid comes from a very much in form Wendy Whitehead stable. He was beaten two lengths in a Pinnacle Stakes last run by Formagear but his last three wins have been on the poly so he can return to winning ways. Bowie found one too good for him last run but he did have the widest draw to contend with. He goes well on the poly and should be competitive. Syx Hotfix has the widest draw to contend with but has been consistent leading up to his last win with Rachel Venniker retaining the ride while Lady Heist takes on males and is back on the poly. She shoulders a fair weight but is another with consistent recent form. 

Tienie Prinsloo only has one runner on the day and Rugger Lover goes well over course and distance. She was only run out of it late when taking on males last start and can go one better. Enchanting Lady had consistent maiden form over the distance before winning. She was not far back in her handicap debut and the switch to the poly could bring out the best in her. Arverni Princess returns from a short break but goes well over course and distance and also has the best of the draw. 

Paul Lafferty could provide one of the better bets on the card when he saddles Sleek As Silk in the seventh. She was not far back in a feature last time out and her two best recent efforts have been over course and distance. She is a strong contender. Zinikele has found her best form since Gareth van Zyl removed the blinkers. She has a fair weight but has a plum draw and is in fine form. Blue Horizon has been in the money in her last five outings including two wins for Weiho Marwing. She has a handy galloping weight and should be in the money again. Wonderful shed her maiden on the poly and was not far behind the useful Celtic Beauty last time out. The drop in trip on the poly should suit. 

Mr Molony can round off the card as he took on stronger last start from a tough draw so it could be wise to put a line through that effort. He had consistent form prior to that and this race looks tailor made. One Irish Rover is back in the right division and was a close-up second behind Bally Magic when they last met. Bally Magic is better off at the weights but Richard Fourie replaces the 4kg apprentice who was aboard One Irish Rover last time out. L’Ultimo has his third run after a lengthy break and showed signs of coming to hand last time out. He could surprise. 

RACE 1

5 SPIRIT OF LEVANA   7 GIMME’S COUNTESS   4 MADAME POMPADOUR   10 FROSTED GREEN

Summary: SPIRIT OF LEVANA (5) makes her debut but got the thumbs-up from trainer Glen Kotzen who has a smart string of juveniles this year. GIMMIE’S COUNTESS (7) also makes her debut for Dean Kannemeyer. She has a cracking pedigree and word from the yard is include in all exotics. MADAME POMPADOUR (4) is back to a sprint but has let the side down on a number of occasions. FROSTED GREEN (10) was much improved second time out in a workriders Maiden Plate She has the widest draw but does look progressive. (Andrew Harrison: 5-7-4-10).

RACE 2

4 MC DAZZLER   5 ALWAYS SHINING   8 RUN TO RIO   9 RED MOUNTAIN

Summary: Open maiden. MC DAZZLER (4) was much improved when making his poly debut at only his third start. A repeat should see him in the firing line. ALWAYS SHINING (5) was not far behind Mc Dazzler when last they met and the stable is in good form. RUN TO RIO (8) has been knocking on the door for some time now. His worst recent effort has been over the distance in soft ground. RED MOUNTAIN (9) has shown some promise and made a smart return to the take last time out after a lengthy lay-off. (Andrew Harrison: 4-5-8-9).

RACE 3

9 NOBLE WARRIOR   5 UBUKHWEBENZANA    6 IBIZA NIGHT   10 CALLABURN

Summary: NOBLE WARRIOR (9) jumps in trip but did find some market support last run when tried in blinkers. He should be fit after racing once every month since January and the opposition is not strong. UBUKHWEBENZANA (5) showed up well first run for her new stable. She also steps up in trip but is lightly raced and looks set to improve. IBIZA NIGHT (6) has been run out of it late in his last two. The blinkers go on and he should make another bold bid. CALLABURN (10) has consistent Highveld form. He stays the trip and can run into the money on his poly debut. (Andrew Harrison: 9-5-6-10).

RACE 4

1 ROYS ROCKER   5 LIGHT OF DAY   6 KIND JUDY   7 DOCTOR’S ORDERS

Summary: ROYS ROCKER (1) steps up in class but has been close-up in recent outings. She only has 52kg to shoulder and has Muzi Yeni in the saddle. Barend Botes has three runners in the race. LIGHT OF DAY (5) won well at Turffontein last time out and has been improving all the while she may prove the pick but stable companion KIND JUDY (6) was narrowly beaten when trying further last time out but has been consistent and can go one better. DOCTOR’S ORDERS (7) also steps up in trip but did show some improvement in blinkers last run and that form has since been franked. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-6-7).

RACE 5

5 SUNDANCE KID   6 BOWIE   9 SYX HOTFIX   2 LADY HEIST

Summary: SUNDANCE KID (5) comes from a very much in form stable. He was beaten two lengths in a Pinnacle Stakes last run by Formagear but his last three wins have been on the poly. BOWIE (6) found one too good for him last run but he did have the widest draw to contend with. He goes well on the poly and should be competitive. SYX HOTFIX (9) has the widest draw to contend with but has been consistent leading up to his last win. LADY HEIST (2) takes on males and is back on the poly. She shoulders a fair weight but is another with consistent recent form. (Andrew Harrison: 5-6-9-2).

RACE 6

10 RUGGER LOVER   7 ENCHANTING LADY   1 ARVERNI PRINCESS   2 VISION OF WILL

 Summary: RUGGER LOVER (10) has drawn widest but goes well over course and distance. She was only run out of it late when taking on males last run. ENCHANTING LADY (7) had consistent maiden form over the distance before winning. She was not far back in her handicap debut and the switch to the poly could bring out the best in her. ARVERNI PRINCESS (1) returns from a short break but goes well over course and distance and also has the best of the draw. VISION OF WILL (2) seldom runs a bad race and has shown her best form over course and distance. She should be right there again. (Andrew Harrison: 10-7-1-2).

RACE 7

6 SLEEK AS SILK   1 ZINIKELE   7 BLUE HORIZON   10 WONDERFUL

Summary: SLEEK AS SILK (6) was not far back in a feature last time out and her two best recent efforts have been over course and distance. She is a strong contender. ZINIKELE (1) has found her best form since the blinkers were removed. She has a fair weight but has a plum draw and is in fine form. BLUE HORIZON (7) has been in the money in her last five outings including two wins. She has a handy galloping weight and should be in the money again. WONDERFUL (10) shed her maiden on the poly. She was not far behind the useful Celtic Beauty last time out and the drop in trip on the poly should suit. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-7-10).

RACE 8

8 MR MOLONY   5 ONE IRISH ROVER   2 BALLY MAGIC   9 L’ULTIMO

Summary: MR MOLONY (8) took on stronger last start from a tough draw so it could be wise to put a line through that effort. He had consistent form prior to that and this race looks tailor made. ONE IRISH ROVER (5) is back in the right division and was a close-up second behind BALLY MAGIC (2) when they last met. Bally Magic is better off at the weights but Richard Fourie replaces the 4kg apprentice who was aboard One Irish Rover last time out. L’ULTIMO (9) has his third run after a lengthy break. He showed signs of coming to hand last time out and could surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 8-5-2-9).

David Thiselton

Deryl Daniels is not getting many opportunities in South Africa but on Saturday once again displayed what he can do when given a chance by riding the Erupt gelding Buster Barnes to Zimbabwe Triple Crown glory at Borrowdale.

Daniels rode the Debra Swanson-trained gelding in all three legs, which are all Gr 3s, winning the Zimbabwe Guineas by five lengths, the  Island Farewell Zimbabwe 2000 by two lengths and Saturday’s Coca Cola Zimbabwe Derby by ten lengths.

Deryl said, “Buster Barnes was my first winner after I had started riding again. I was aboard for his debut which he won by ten lengths. He was bought over here at the BSA August two-year-old sale for R200,000 with the idea of winning the Triple Crown and it has worked out nicely. He is a decent little horse. He is still very immature, still very soft and will be an even better horse next year.” 

Buster Barnes was an astute purchase.

He has a speedy female line with his Caesour dam Swervilia winning five times from 1000m to 1200m, including a Listed win and a Gr 2 second, while his second dam Lady Celeste (Amour Da Fleuve (USA)) won five times from 1000m to 1400m, including the Gr 2 Sceptre Stakes.

However, the Dubawi stallion Erupt won two Gr 1s over the Derby distance of a mile-and-a-half, so was going to impart the stamina.

Daniels was content to sit last early, about six lengths off the lead.

He moved into fifth place about a quarter of the way through the contest and into fourth place by the 1000m mark, still traveling sweetly.

Pair Of Aces had opened up a big lead, but when they turned for home Buster Barnes made up the ground effortlessly and was being eased up when winning by ten lengths from stablemate Follow The Band.

Deryl has now been left with a dilemma.

He rode the Swanson-trained Master Of My Fate gelding Majestic Warrior in the following race, Zimbabwe’s biggest horse race, the R900,000 Gr 1 Castle Tankard over 2000m, and finished a three length second to the Bridget Stidolph-trained Raffles, who was ridden by Gavin Lerena. 

He now has to choose between Buster Barnes and Majestic Warrior for the Gr 1 OK Grand Challenge over 1800m on June 8, which carries a purse of R1.8 million.

He said, “It’s a nice predicament to be in. I will probably end up on  Buster Barnes. Jackie and Duncan Cocksedge are like my adopted grandparents over there, I stay with them and ride their horses, and they own Majestic Warrior and have shares in Buster Barnes so won’t mind either way.”

Buster Barnes is owned by the Centaur Syndicate, whose chairman is C John Smith.

Smith said, “The Triple Crown has only been won about seven times in the history of the Zim. I and some good pals were very pleased and proud to win the big handicap, the 2023 Castle Tankard with Ideal View, but elusive Triple Crowns still remain our chief goal. And the current season has filled Centaur with much pleasure – no more so than when Buster Barnes cruised through to win the Zimbabwe Derby. To buy a yearling or two-year-old, bring it through the months soundly to the three different races of the Triple Crown is not easy. Not only does the horse have to be exceptional, but so too does the trainer. As for the jockey, he needs to ride his races in three different ways and be able to go to plan B with ease. What does surprise me a quite a lot is that the jockey we chose to ride Buster Barnes is not better supported in South Africa. I know there was a period when Deryl Daniels was not riding and for a variety of reasons but he is back now – in full command of himself and I am impressed. His style, his balance, his calmness and his overall riding skills are there in abundance – and he can ride at 53kg. Here is a jockey SA trainers should be using a lot more – but not until Buster Barnes retires!”   

Deryl shares the Swanson stable rides with Jeffery Syster, with himself tending to get the heavyweight rides and Jeffery the lightweights.

Well known jockeys agent George “Titch” Croucher approached Deryl when a jockey was needed for the Republic Cup in July last year. He accepted and on that day ran second on 2023 Castle Tankard winner Ideal View and also rode Buster Barnes to victory on debut.

He said, “From there it took off. It has been a wonderful blessing and I really enjoy going there.”

Deryl is not only full of praise for the “nice people” of Zimbabwean racing, but also regards Borrowdale as probably the best racetrack he has ridden on in Southern Africa.

He said, “It is probably the fairest and nicest track I have ridden on. Most giving, most fair, it has everything … beautiful track.”   

Just watching racing on TV at Borrowdale it is easy to see what a great racecourse it is and hopefully the glory days can return.

There is actually zero income from betting for Zimbabwean racing and most of the races are run simply for “bragging rights” by the passionate industrymen. 

Yet the club is now in decent health financial health through the development of a retail park as well as infield farming activities. There are also a number of other typically creative Zimbabwean initiatives about to bear fruit in the near future. It is also understood that discussions are underway to rectify the betting shortcoming too.

Things are looking up for Zimbabwean racing and next season races like the OK Grand Challenge will likely attract a few South African runners.

Soccer Any13xtra on Saturday, 18 May 2024 Add-In R 100 000 Pool Closes at 15h00 Sport 13 and Pool 1 Estimated Pool: R 500 000

Rugby 8 Win Margin on Saturday, 18 May 2024 C/Over R 71 845 Sport 65 Pool 1Pool Closes at 14h00

Recent Gr2 WSB Guineas winner and ruling ante-post favourite for the R5million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July, Green With Envy heads the list of a dozen high class nominations for the Gr1 Daily News 2000.

Dean Kannemeyer’s colt has impressed with every race as he has matured winning the Gr1 Splashout Cape Derby and showing a tremendous turn of foot to collar star performer Sandringham Summit in the Gr2 WSB Guineas, a distance many thought was now on the sharp side for the Derby winner.

Nine of the 12 nominations are rated 109 and better, an indication of the class of opposition Green With Envy will face should they all stand their ground at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, May 25. Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Snow Pilot may lead the charge ahead of Pure Predator and recent WSB 1900 runner-up, Oriental Charm.

The Gr1 Woolavington 2000 is open to older fillies and mares and the Andre Nel-trained Saartjie staked her claim with an emphatic victory in the Listed KRA East Coast Cup, coming from almost last to run down Brett Crawford’s filly Future Girl in the last few strides. Nel’s filly is among the 12 nominations and also holds an entry in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Leading the three-year-old entry is recent Gr2 SA Oaks winner Frances Ethel. Second over 1400m on debut, she has racked up four straight wins including The Oaks Trial and The Oaks for Brett Crawford. Barry Irwin, Astute principal of Team Valor, has bought into the filly and his judgement is rarely off the mark.

Race-6(Turf)  R 1,500,000  2000m     0

TABGOLD WOOLAVINGTON 2000 (Grade 1)

For Fillies & Mares at Weight-For-Age

WFA: 2yrs-12.5kgs 3yrs-2.5kgs 

No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance

11   BELLEVARDE         (5M) 60.0 110  AT  Joe Soma                     

 7   NONE OTHER         (4F) 60.0 110  A   Lucky Houdalakis             

 5   SAARTJIE           (4F) 60.0 110  A   Andre Nel                    

 6   GILDED BUTTERFLY   (5M) 60.0 108 CA   Stuart Pettigrew             

10   HOLD MY HAND       (4F) 60.0 108  A   Glen Kotzen                  

 3   PERFECT WITNESS    (5M) 60.0 105  A   Candice Dawson               

 4   FUTURE GIRL        (4F) 60.0  97  A e Brett Crawford               

 2   FRANCES ETHEL      (3F) 57.5 118  A   Brett Crawford               

 1   SILVER SANCTUARY   (3F) 57.5 116  A   Mike de Kock                 

 8   MY SOUL MATE       (3F) 57.5 115 CA   Candice Dawson               

 9   BEATING WINGS      (3F) 57.5 114  A   Stuart Pettigrew             

12   MINOGUE            (3F) 57.5 102  A   Wendy Whitehead  

   (12)

Race-7(Turf)  R 2,000,000  2000m     0

DAILY NEWS 2000 (Grade 1)

For 3 year-olds

No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance

 7   GREEN WITH ENVY    (3C) 60.0 123  A   Dean Kannemeyer              

12   SNOW PILOT         (3C) 60.0 120  A   Justin Snaith                

 4   PURE PREDATOR      (3G) 60.0 119  A   Fanie Bronkhorst             

 5   ORIENTAL CHARM     (3C) 60.0 118  A   Brett Crawford               

 8   HLUHLUWE           (3G) 60.0 117  A   Justin Snaith                

 1   WILLIAM IRON ARM   (3C) 60.0 117  A   Tony Peter                   

11   HOTARUBI           (3G) 60.0 116 CAT  Sean Tarry                   

 6   MID WINTER WIND    (3G) 60.0 116  A   Sean Tarry                   

 9   BARBARESCO         (3G) 60.0 109  A   J A Janse van Vuur           

 3   JORDAN             (3G) 60.0  97  AT  Sean Tarry                   

10   THE GREY KING      (3G) 60.0  96 HA e Justin Snaith                

 2   FLAG MAN           (3G) 60.0  92  A   Gareth van Zyl               

   (12)