Andrew Harrison

Friday the 13^th is not a good day for the superstitious but there is money to be made at Hollywoodbets Greyville this evening with eight races on the turf.

The first race is off at 4.30, a Maiden over 1400m. Star Of The Future is a lightly raced four-year-old who has shown some promise. Frank Robinson’s charge is having his third run after a break and takes a drop in trip. He was beaten less than a length by Captain Oliver last time out and Frikkie Greyling’s charge has since put in a smart handicap effort albeit over much further. Paul Lafferty saddles Good Living who is seldom far off the pace but battling to win. However, he has done well over this distance and could get it right this time around. Emoyeni was a distant second on debut but given his pedigree MJ Odendaal has stepped him up in trip and he is certain to improve. Prince Florian has not been far back in both starts but the stable is a little cold at present. However, the gelding does show some promise and a win would not be out of turn. 

In the second, Qondanekukanyeni has come on nicely at her last two and is well tried over ground. She took on much stronger at her last two and Garth Puller’s filly looks primed for this. The Ghost steps up to a mile for the first time after showing some steady form over shorter in useful company. Paul Lafferty has engaged a four-claiming apprentice and from pole position draw the striking grey can pull this one off. Lizwile Ilali got a hefty shunt up the handicap after her maiden win. She was then rested and was in need of the run when making her poly debut. She too steps up to a mile and Rachel Venniker’s allowance can make all the difference. Spring Kiss is seldom too far back and goes well over course and distance. She met a good one in Ladyofdistinction last time out and can finish a lot closer in this line-up. 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Richardthefearless was run out of it late when trying a mile for the first time and the extra furlong should suit Frank Robinson’s charge. He meets a fairly modest line-up and can go one better. One Armed Bandit jumps in trip after showing consistent sprint form. Deryl Daniels stays with the ride and no doubt it was on his recommendation that he tries this trip for the first time. Master Of Mystery also takes a big jump in distance after showing good improvement second time out over a sprint. If he stays the trip Mike Miller’s charge could go all the way. You could write your own ticket about King Celtillus last time out and although well beaten into fourth he did show improvement and the winner looks promising. 

In the fourth, View of The World looks useful, winning first up out of the maidens and then third in a tough handicap behind the promising Artists Model. He shoulders top weight but all of his recent starts have been in soft ground and he could well improve further on firmer going. Nightjar has been holding form since returning from a break. He was close-up last run and the Van Zyl stable is in good form of late. Shotgun Willie has consistent recent form but Andre Nel’s runner did get a two-point drop in the ratings and from the best of the draw should be competitive. 

Van Zyl has booked a 4kg claimer for Prankster in the fifth. She has been consistent in recent months and will only have 49.5kg on her back and from a good draw she could be difficult to peg back. Hereinafter is the veteran in the race but Mike Miller’s seven-year-old has lost none of her ability. She has a deep draw to contend with but Tristan Godden replaces the apprentice and Hereinafter could go with her age and notch the seventh win of her career. Hurricane Cat is not the biggest but is super quick. However, she does appear to be better suited to the faster synthetic surface but she does get 4kg relief from the saddle. Sweet Julia appears to be something of a poly specialist but is never far back. Her two worst recent efforts have been in blinkers and Wendy Whitehead has discarded them for this race. 

The sixth is a competitive  handicap but Mister Master Starter has been close-up at recent outings and Dean Kannemeyer’s charge is distance suited and overdue. He was beaten by the much improved Connery last time out giving the winner 7kg. Connery has since franked that form. Frank Robinson has been testing Mexican Pete over ground in feature company but he made a smart return to form in a competitive sprint last time out. If he can build on that he will be a big runner in this line-up. Veteran Cabinet Shuffle has been in good form of late for Louis Goosen and the five-time winner only has 52.5kg to shoulder

The seventh is a tricky handicap but Michael Roberts saddles Imposing who has been taking on much stronger at recent outings. He takes a two-point rating drop and coupled with Venniker’s allowance it could be enough to see him home. Dapper has the widest draw and just scrapes in, in the official handicap. However, Paul Lafferty has engaged a 4kg claimer and although drawn widest, Dapper only has 48.5kg to shoulder. Ibutho is drawn one inside of Dapper and has to shoulder 1kg off top weight. Of concern is that his recent form has been on the poly. 

In the last, JP’s Palace has made steady improvement, shedding his maiden at his third attempt. He looks progressive and can follow up. Comedy Club has only had three starts, winning second time out and not disgraced in his handicap debut in a strong field. He has the best of the draw and a 4kg claimer up. Dark horse is Wendy Whitehead’s charge Chinaberry. The son of Fire Away has not been out since July and makes his seasonal debut. However, he was deemed good enough to run in feature company early in his career. He has been gelded since and is one to watch in the betting. Benni In The Area has scored two ‘goals’ in his last three starts over the distance. However, he has been racing exclusively on the poly which may be a concern. 

RACE 1

3 STAR OF THE FUTURE   7 GOOD LIVING   6 EMOYENI   9 PRINCE FLORIAN

Summary: STAR OF THE FUTURE (3) is a lightly raced four-year-old who has shown some promise. Frank Robinson’s charge is having his third run after a break and takes a drop in trip. He was beaten less than a length by Captain Oliver last time out and Frikkie Greyling’s charge has since put in a smart handicap effort albeit over much further. Paul Lafferty saddles GOOD LIVING (7) who is seldom far off the pace but battling to win. However, he has done well over this distance and could get it right this time around. EMOYENI (6) was a distant second on debut but given his pedigree MJ Odendaal has stepped him up in trip and he is certain to improve. PRINCE FLORIAN (9) has not been far back in both starts but the stable is a little cold at present. However, the gelding does show some promise and a win would not be out of turn. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-6-9).

RACE 2

5 QONDANEKUKHANYENI    1 THE GHOST   6 LIZWILE ILALI   2 SPRING KISS

Summary: QONDANEKUKHANYENI (5) has come on nicely at her last two and is well tried over ground. She took on much stronger at her last two and Garth Puller’s filly looks primed for this. THE GHOST (1) steps up to a mile for the first time after showing some steady form over shorter in useful company. Paul Lafferty has engaged a four-claiming apprentice and from pole position draw the striking grey can pill this one off. LIZWILE ILALI (6) got a hefty shunt up the handicap after her maiden win. She was then rested and was in need of the run when making her poly debut. She too steps up to a mile and Rachel Venniker’s allowance can make all the difference. SPRING KISS (2) is seldom too far back and goes well over course and distance. She met a good one in Ladyofdistinction last time out and can finish a lot closer in this line-up. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-6-2).

RACE 3

4 RICHARDTHEFEARLESS   2 ONE ARMED BANDIT   8 MASTER OF MYSTERY   5 KING CELTILLUS

Summary: RICHARDTHEFEARLESS (4) was run out of it late when trying a mile for the first time and the extra furlong should suit Frank Robinson’s charge. He meets a fairly modest line-up and can go one better. ONE ARMED BANDIT (2) jumps in trip after showing consistent sprint form. Deryl Daniels stays with the ride and no doubt it was on his recommendation that he tries this trip for the first time. MASTER OF MYSTERY (8) also takes a big jump in distance after showing good improvement second time out over a sprint. If he stays the trip Mike Miller’s charge could go all the way. You could write your own ticket about KING CELTILLUS (5) last time out and although well beaten into fourth he did show improvement and the winner looks promising. (Andrew Harrison: 4-1-8-5).

RACE 4

3 VIEW OF THE WORLD   5 NIGHTJAR   1 SHOTGUN WILLIE   9 RED MOUNTAIN

Summary: VIEW OF THE WORLD (3) looks useful, winning first up out of the maidens and then third in a tough handicap behind the promising Artists Model. He shoulders top weight but all of his recent starts have been in soft ground and he could well improve further on firmer going. NIGHTJAR (5) has been holding form since returning from a break. He was close-up last run and the Van Zyl stable is in good form of late. SHOTGUN WILLIE (1) has consistent recent form but Andre Nel’s runner did get a two-point drop in the ratings and from the best of the draw should be competitive. RED MOUNTAIN (9) has improved in blinkers although Robbie Hill’s charge has drawn widest of all in a competitive handicap. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-1-9).

RACE 5

2 PRANKSTER   8 HERINAFTER   7 SWEET JULIA   4 HURRICANE CAT

Summary: Gareth van Zyl has booked a 4kg claimer for PRANKSTER (2) who has been consistent in recent months. She will only have 49.5kg on her back and from a good draw she could be difficult to peg back. HERINAFTER (8) is the veteran in the race but Mike Miller’s seven-year-old has lost none of her ability. She has a deep draw to contend with but Tristan Godden replaces the apprentice and Hereinafter could go with her age and notch the seventh win of her career. HURRICANE CAT (4) is not the biggest but is super quick. However, she does appear to be better suited to the faster synthetic surface but she does get 4kg relief from the saddle. SWEET JULIA (7) appears to be something of a poly specialist but is never far back. Her two worst recent effort shave been in blinkers and Wendy Whitehead has discarded them for this race. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-4-7).

RACE 6

5 MISTER MASTER STARTER   7 MEXICAN PETE   11 CABINET SHUFFLE   12 SHANTA’S PRIDE

Summary: Competitive handicap. MR MASTER STARTER (5) has been close-up at recent outings and Dean Kannemeyer’s charge is distance suited and overdue. He was beaten by the much improved Connery last time out giving the winner 7kg. Connery has since franked that form. Frank Robinson has been testing MEXICAN PETE (7) over ground in feature company but he made a smart return to form in a competitive sprint last time out. If he can build on that he will be a big runner in this line-up. SHANTA’S PRIDE (12) has the worst of the draw and Peter Muscutt has pitted her against males. However, she has won her last two in good fashion back in blinkers and she should be competitive. Veteran CABINET SHUFFLE (11) has been in good form of late and the five-time winner only has 52.5kg to shoulder. (Andrew Harrison: 5-7-11-12).

RACE 7

3 IMPOSING   10 DAPPER   9 IBUTHO   7 BOWIE

Summary:  Trickey handicap. Michael Roberts saddles IMPOSING (3) who has been taking on much stronger at recent outings. He takes a two-point rating drop and coupled with Rachel Venniker’s allowance it could be enough to see him home. DAPPER (10) has the widest draw and just scrapes in, in the official handicap. However, Paul Lafferty has engaged a 4kg claimer and although drawn widest, Dapper only has 48.5kg to shoulder. IBUTHO (9) is drawn one inside of Dapper and has to shoulder 1kg off top weight. Of concern is that his recent form has been on the poly. Top weight BOWIE (7) has not been far back at recent outings and with some luck in running will make his presence felt. (Andrew Harrison: 3-10-9-7).

RACE 8

4 JP’SPALACE   1 COMEDY CLUB   10 CHINABERRY   9 BENNI IN THE AREA

Summary: JP’S PALACE (4) has made steady improvement shedding his maiden at his third attempt. He looks progressive and can follow up. COMEDY CLUB (1) has only had three starts, winning second time out and not disgraced in his handicap debut in a strong field. He has the best of the draw and a 4kg claimer up who could make the best of it. Dark horse is Wendy Whitehead’s charge CHINABERRY (10). The son of Fire Away has not been out since July and makes his seasonal debut. However, he was deemed good enough to run in feature company. He has been gelded since and is one to watch in the betting. BENNI IN THE AREA (9) has scored two ‘goals’ in his last three starts over the distance. However, he has been racing exclusively on the poly which may be a concern. (Andrew Harrison: 4-1-10-9).

RACE 1

(1) MISS PRIOR has been holding solid form and is knocking on the door for that first career win, she ran extremely well in her last appearance and is expected to run a cracker here. Strong first choice. (2) PINK MOON is never far back and may get much closer so include. (4) FEEL THE WIND makes her provincial debut and could go extremely well, she hasn’t been far in recent starts. (6) TUNE AGAIN is holding form well but has had many chances hence it’s hard to be confident with her. ( Devonne Govender 1-2-4-6)

Del       2          

(4) HER ROYALTY ran extremely well in her last start in the province and is expected to go very closer here. She has a better draw compared to her last start which will enhance her chances. (1) OPERA VERSE is a very interesting runner, she has run some good races in the past and can win this, she isn’t one to discount. (10) CHLOE’S DANCER is improving with every run and can get a lot closer. (8) TO BE FREE is another that is improving and may well get much closer. ( Devonne Govender 4-1-10-8)

Del       3          

(2) SEE YOU IN A BIT won impressively in her last start and is capable of following up here, although this is a very competitive contest she is very fast. (9) MEDITERANEANGODDES won a gutsy race in her last start and will be a big challenger to the top selection however will have the draw to beat. (3) SHARAPOVA ran a gutsy race in the last start and will be in the firing line again, big chance. (4) JADE’S CABERNEIGH has been consistent and will have a big winning chance, she is very capable on her day and must be included. (Devonne Govender 2-9-3-4)

Del       4          

(10) WORDSWORTH was narrowly beaten in the last start, his form is solid and he should take some beating with the inform jockey and trainer combination. (3) IGUGULETHU is capable of winning this contest so is a must include in all bets, he wasn’t far in the last start and can deliver. (7) LEGAL THRILLER was very disappointing in the last start and can do much better, respect. (1) EUROPEAN SUMMER can produce a big finish on her day, although she shoulders a big weight she can pop up here. ( Devonne Govender 10-3-7-1)

Del       5          

(7) ICE CAP represents some good form-lines and will have a huge winning chance. (12) COLORAMA is never far back and rates a big winning chance. (4) VOORSMAAKIE won her maiden on provincial debut and will have the scope to build on that performance hence she must be respected. (2) GREENLIGHT DANCER is another who has scope to go well so must be respected here. (Devonne Govender 7-12-4-2)

Del       6          

(11) ABSOLU NOIR is knocking on the door for that next career win and although has a tough draw the light weight puts him right into this contest and this 8 year old seems to be thriving. (10) WAR LAUNCH is capable of producing a big finish on his day and won’t be far. (2) FUJISAN wasn’t beaten far in the last start and can feature as he generally races forward so the draw isn’t a concern. (8) LADY LUCK is better than her last run and should be respected here, she has a winning chance. ( Devonne Govender 11-10-2-8)

Del       7          

(1) CATCH YOUR BREATH has the stable rider Richard Fourie aboard hence she is the first choice. Her form is good and she will have a huge winning chance. (2) YOU WIN AGAIN has been in outstanding form recently and will be the biggest danger to the top selection which is her stable companion. (10) FLOWER FESTIVAL has been racing consistently and is another that must be respected on form. (12) RAIN BIRD is holding solid form and isn’t out of this competitive contest, she gets the best draw and will be a factor. ( Devonne Govender 1-2-10-12)

Del       8          

(6) ROLL OF THE DICE is in top form and goes for his third win on the bounce, he has a decent draw and will be the firm first selection. (8) LADY WRITER is capable of much better, her form prior to her last start was good and she can deliver a big challenge. (9) PUERTO PLATA can produce a big finish on his day and must be included in everything with Richard Fourie aboard. (3) PAINITE has ability and is very capable of winning this contest on best form so must go into everything. ( Devonne Govender 6-8-9-3)

David Thiselton

The Vaal Classic track meeting could be kicked off by the tried and tested combination of Mike de Kock and Chamu Mabaya with the Danon Platina filly Great Notion.

This filly showed improvement last time and faces an uninspiring field over a step up in trip she should manage, although a wide draw makes it tougher. Lacewing has shown glimpses of ability and could earn. Lady Sabrina ran a fair third when stepped up to this trip last time and is well drawn.

In the second race over 1600m Dylan’s Champ has been backed and gone close in his last two starts and now has another good draw over the same trip category so should go close again. Flight Engineer wasn’t disgraced against a top class prospect last time and from a good draw over a step up trip he could handle he has a chance. Pioneer Square went close when stepped up to this trip last time and Lerena stays aboard, but he does have a wide draw to overcome. Beynac has been going close over 1400m and with Strydom staying aboard tries a step up in trip and as this Querari gelding’s Var dam won over 1600m he could get it. Asiah’s Tiara is the only filly in the race, but has the form to earn.

In race 3 over 2000m Towers Of Gold faced a top sort in Heather’s Boy last time and back in this company from pole position over a suitable trip he could go close. Guy Alexander has come into his own, but has to overcome a four point raise for his latest win and has a tricky draw, although it is an ideal trip. Whispers Of War is always thereabouts and should enjoy the further step up in trip. Romeo’s Magic disappointed last time over this trip, but is off a competitive mark and can do better over a suitable trip. Japanese Maple has been dropped five points and if bouncing back could be in the shake up.

In Race 4 over 2000m Fetching Flyer has relished the step up to this trip and goes for a hattrick, albeit off a merit rating increased by seven points. Mount Etna won well last time and could do well over a further step up in trip from draw two being by Erupt out of a Dynasty mare. Kadizora is hard knocking and distance suited and has a chance being 1,5kg better off with Mount Etna for a 0,75 length beating, but has a tough draw. Hat’s Queen is drawn in pole and is in good form so should be thereabouts over a suitable trip with Lerena up. A Place In The Sun is capable of better than recent.

In race 5 over 2000m Flamboyant Flyer has bounced back with cheekpieces on and has a good draw off just a three point higher mark after a win over 1800m last time. He should get the extra trip being by Erupt out of a Silvano mare. Play With Fire is in consistent form and from a good draw over a suitable trip should be staying on as usual. Cartagena has looked to be one with ability and proved it last time, so can continue to improve and will likely not be as big a price as last time. Stormy Sunday has shown ability and should enjoy the course and distance but has a tough draw. Have A Party should be right there over a suitable trip if able to overcome a wide draw.

In race 6 over 1500m Ombudsman ran well against a most promising sort in Confederate last time, but does have a tough draw, although Calvin Habib is back aboard. Twelve OClock High won well in the maidens over 1450m, so will enjoy this trip and can do well with Lerena up albeit off quite a tough  86 merit rating.  Princess Iliara is well drawn and a repeat of her last start could see her go close. 

In race 7 over 1450m Francilien’s dam by Var won over this trip so this What A Winter mare will enjoy the step up to this trip. The form of her last start has been well franked and she represents one of the most in form yards in the country, albeit from a tricky draw. Honorable Member has a form chance here over an ideal trip. However, she has a wide draw to overcome. Cocomelon looks to be a talented three-year-old and faces her easiest task since her first win and it is from a good draw over a suitable trip. It’s Her Way has a wide draw but has shown good ability before and could surprise. Accept Cookies is well drawn and drops back to her winning trip.

In race 8 over 1200m Sail The Sky ran well last time and is at home over this trip and well drawn. Written In Stone is likely to be given another fine ride by Louis Nhlapo and can earn again despite a tricky draw. Midnight Fusion has the ability to go close from a good draw. Call Me Master has a wide draw, but has the form to go close and has Lerena up. Pendragon is capable of producing a strong finish and has the advantage of a plum draw of two.

David Thiselton

Oriental Charm has gone top of the WSB Met ante-post betting market after his eye-catching win in the Gr 2 WSB Green Point Stakes, although on paper this means he would have had to have improved considerably since his Hollywoodbets Durban July win.

Meanwhile, the leading female horse in the Met betting, the Candice Bass-Robinson-trained Red Palace, comes under the hammer at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth after racing on Wednesday in order to dissolve a partnership.

Oriental Charm was 5kg better off than weight for age with the topweight See It Again when winning the July and only beat him by 1,80 lengths. 

That is not to mention that he hampered See It Again as well and the latter would have otherwise finished considerably closer.

The Met is run on weight for age terms so it means that Oriental Charm would have needed to have improved by 4kg to 5kg since the July to reverse form with See It Again.

The latter was slightly disappointing in the Betway Summer Cup in the views of most pundits, but jockey Piere Strydom did not see it that way.

He said, “He beat Royal Victory and they sort of ran to form. Always giving away weight when there are young horses coming through is not easy and is not ideal for him. Maybe he will race fresh in the King’s Plate and then go for the Met, where he will be well handicapped (he will be the highest rated horse under weight for age conditions).

See It Again had a nightmare in last year’s Met when odds on favourite.

However, he was not himself in either that race or the L’Ormarins King’s Plate.

However, he has since been gelded and the Met will provide an ideal opportunity for him to show how good he is.

Some members of the racing pubic have become a bit tired of him losing as favourite and could well abandon him.

However, they might then be doing it at the wrong time when considering his two Gr 1 victories have both been over 2000m and his only defeats over that trip have been when below par in last year’s Met and when having to give weight away in the Summer Cup.

Oriental Charm is currently a 33/10 shot for the Met and See It Again is 11/2.

The third favourite is Green With Envy, who is under a cloud after finishing tailed off last in Saturday’s WSB Green Point Stakes.

Trainer Dean Kannemeyer said, “He was coughing after the race, but pulled up sound. I had four runners on Saturday who coughed after the race and am busy now with lung washes and blood counts.”

If Green With Envy is able to bounce back he will become one of the horses to beat again in the Met considering his impressive win in last season’s Splashout Cape Derby, which he followed with good wins in the Gr 2 WSB Guineas and Gr 1 Daily News 2000.

Dave The King also has a cloud over his head following disappointing runs in his last two starts and the Met trip will stretch him.

However, his Mike de Kock-trained three-year-olds stablemates Heather’s Boy and Greaterix are both interesting Met entries. Heather’s Boy is unbeaten in three starts and as a big scopey sort should continue to improve and Greaterix is better than his last run in the Betway Dingaans when finding himself in front, which was unlikely to be ideal.

Snow Pilot has come into his own this season, but odds of 10/1 are too skinny for a horse who has stamina doubts.

Gimme A Prince has never been this far either and is a twice Gr 1 winner over sprint trips so is also a risky play at 16/1.

Red Palace is better value at 16/1 as she has class and will see out the trip. 

Frances Ethel is also a fascinating runner at 25/1 as she is definitely better than her Summer Cup effort, although she will have a harder task at the weights in the Met.

Eight On Eighteen is a highly regarded three-year-old whose 20/1 odds include a doubt he will even line up.

Silver Sanctuary did not scope well after her last place finish in the Summer Cup and could bounce back.

Rascallion can never be ignored as he proved last year when a narrow runner up.

Without Question was third last year and is capable, so his odds of 67/1 look to be fair value.

Meanwhile, Flag Man has been scratched from the Met and will be out for the season as he requires surgery to a fetlock.