RACE 1

1 JOKER MAN   4 ITSRAININGWILLIAM   2 GET IMPRESSED   9 THE GREY KING

Wide open race. JOKER MAN (1) bids for his sixth win on the bounce and has won his last two over a mile. He has handled every step up in the ratings with six pounds each for his last three including a further six-points for his recent win. This race will see just how much improvement there still is to come. He has the best of the draw and will be a worthy favourite on the day. ITSRAININGWILLIAM (4) has useful form in good company in the Cape and was far from disgraced last time out when giving the winner 10kg. He goes well over this trip and should be competitive from a good draw. There should not be much between GET IMPRESSED (2) and MONEY HEIST (11) the two having met last time out. Get Impressed is now 1kg better off at the weights which could be enough for him to turn the tables. He has won two of his four starts in Champions Season and with Keagan de Melo up he will be a strong contender. Money Heist comes from a strong Highveld stable and was narrowly beaten when jumping from a difficult draw. He cannot be left out of any calculations. THE GREY KING (9) has flattered to deceive on a number of occasions but has a hot temperament which is probably at the root cause of his problems. He ran the top class Green With Envy two within two lengths in his last Western Cape start and was only caught late by the much improved Flagman three runs back when giving the now 124-rated Flag Man and HKJC Champion Stakes contender 6kg.  One assumes that De Melo will be on the stable elect but if Kabelo Matsunyane can keep the lid on The Grey King he will be a major contender. The Peter Muscutt-trained FORMAGEAR (13) has a tricky draw to contend with as he did in the recent Thukela Stakes behind Narina Trogon with Money Heist and Get Impressed ahead of him. There is not likely to be much between this trio. MILENZEYOKUDUDUMA (3) (Legs of thunder) has been knocking at the door for some time now since being fitted with cheek pieces. He was a beaten luke-warm favourite at his last two outings but should be considered for the exotic bets. PRINCE OF TARANTO (5) started at long odds when beaten by the star filly Mrs Geriatrix last time out. He is useful on his day and has a definite place chance. MARY’S GREENLIGHT (6) looks held on current form but is another that has a money chance if things go her way. 

RACE 2

2 RODEO DRIVE   7 JUST RECKLESS   4 LITTLE BALLERINA   8 DARK WINTER

Sean Tarry could have a big day with strong runners in many of the race and will be attempting to edge out log leader Justin Snaith in the National Trainer’s Championship on what is essentially the last day of the current season. Tarry can start his charge with RODEO DRIVE (2) who was a close-up second to star filly Quid Pro Quo in the Gr1 Allan Robertson. She franked that form with an effortless romp next time out and she has not been out of the first two in five outings. She has a good inside draw and does rate the one to beat. JUST RECKLESS (7) is another that has been solidly consistent for Mike Miller and has only been out of the money once in seven outings. She has been up against Quid Pro Quo at her last two, including the Gr2 Golden Slipper over 1400m, and not beaten far. She should prefer this shorter trip. LITTLE BALLERINA (4) ran way below form when drawn wide on this course at her first attempt at seven furlongs. She has a much better draw over a more suitable trip and she now knows the course. The form behind her Kenilworth outings earlier in the season was nothing short of spectacular with winner after winner coming out of those form lines.  The Golden Slipper is the only real blemish on her record and she will be a strong contender. Gavin Lerena has opted to ride SIMPLY MAJESTIC (1) in preference to Little Ballerina, however, he does ride mostly for Johan Janse van Vuuren and he has ridden the filly in most of her races where she has started favourite in her last five outings. She goes the extra furlong for the first time but does have the benefit of pole position draw. DARK WINTER (8) had been disappointing for Justin Snaith in her three local starts after arriving off some solid Kenilworth form. She was fitted with blinkers for her last outing and she was a runaway winner. She does face a lot stronger here but the blinkers appear to have brought out her true potential. HAPPY HOLLY (3) comes off some excellent Fairview form and has never been beaten by more than a head in all five starts which must be something of a record. The Eastern Cape is regarded as something of a step sister to the big racing centres but their runners can never be ignored especially as Gavin Smith has saddled over 100 winners this term. Piere Strydom is reunited with KINDRED HEART (5) who goes well for the seasoned rider.

RACE 3

5 CATS PAJAMAS   7 DANTONFROMSANDTON   9 IMPACT INVESTOR   3 BUFFALO STORM CODY

Frank Robinson removed the blinkers when sending CATS PAJAMAS (5) over 1400m and the colt held on gamely for third in the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe behind Cosmic Speed and Proceed who both have strong feature race form and who have outstanding chances two races later. He is back over a sprint with the blinkers back on but does face some useful although not entirely exposed opposition.  DANTONFROMSANDTON (7) beat CHOCOLATE SOLDIER (2) when meeting winners in his maiden victory. The Willow Magic colt has come on in blinkers and won well on the poly last time out. He has the added backing of Sean Tarry and Richard Fourie. BUFFALO STORM CODY (3) cruised to a nine-length victory on debut for Tony Peter but then found subsequent Gr1 winning Proceed too hot to handle next time out finishing five lengths behind. That was only his second start and given his debut effort he should come on with the experience. Justin Snaith will be looking to IMPACT INVESTOR (9) to give him some breathing space in the national trainer’s title race. He was running on strongly when outpaced late over 1000m last time out and the extra furlong will be right up his alley. He improved nicely with each run in KZN and should strip at his peak. BJORN IRONSIDE (6) has not been out of the money in four outings and after a seven-length romp in his maiden victory he ran the speedy Pistol Pete to a length next time out. He has been around this turn which is a big factor in his favour. CHOCOLATE SOLDIER (2) has won his last two in open company and landed the odds on the poly last time out. He was holding on gamely in his most recent outing and the extra furlong will test his stamina. BOURBON WARRIOR (9) was allowed to start at lengthy odds when shedding his maiden on debut as the stable were quietly confident of his chances. One winner has come out of that race but he will need to pick up from that effort to have a winning chance. DARING DASH (10) has improved with every outing and was a six-length maiden winner over seven furlongs last time out. That run was on the poly track but he goes equally well on the turf.

RACE 4

12 QUID PRO QUO   7 FATAL FLAW   2 WORLD OF ALICE   9 SPIRIT OF LEVANA

QUID PRO QUO (12) will be a popular exotic bet banker on the card. She scored the first Grade 1 victory for seasoned trainer Barend Botes when winning the Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship at Hollywoodbets Scottsville over 1200m. Always a tricky track, Quid Pro Quo finished off her race well to beat Rodeo Drive who takes past in an earlier race. She had the best of the draw at gate 1 in the 1400m Gr2 Golden Slipper but in spite of that was caught well off the pace turning for home. S’Manga Khumalo managed to steer her through the pack and she won with authority. She has a wide draw to contend with this time around as she attempts to make this her fifth win in a row. Given that she came from a seemingly hopeless position to win the Golden Slipper displaying a tremendous turn of foot the draw should not be too much of a concern. FATAL FLAW (7) was ignored in the betting for the Golden Slipper but finished a creditable second from a wide draw. Brett Crawford has retained the wily Piere Strydom for the ride and she is proven over the trip.  Sean Tarry saddles WORLD OF ALICE (2) who has solid Highveld form, finishing runner-up at her last two over the Turffontein Stand Side 1400m. Her maiden win came over a mile against winners beating Fatal Flaw. She started a short-priced favourite that afternoon and the trip obviously suited her. She also has a plum draw to enhance her chances. Drawn one outside of Quid Pro Quo is the unbeaten LOCK AND KEY (13) who landed the odds on the poly at her second start. She gets Keagan de Melo aboard with regular pilot Richard Fourie opting to take his chances on stable companion WHISTLE THE TUNE (4) who was a well-beaten third behind Quid Pro Quo last time out. A better draw could have swayed Fourie in his choice of rides and his filly can finish a little closer to Quid Pro Quo. SPIRIT OF LEVANA (9) has won two of her three starts in yielding ground and after taking the lead a long way out, held on gamely to hold off a late charging French Flame who takes his chances in the World Pool Moment of the Day Champion Stakes a half-hour later. She was second best behind the highly rated Gimmie’s Countess on debut and beat subsequent winner Avernian Princess to shed her maiden. A win would not come as a surprise.

RACE 5

2 THE SPECIALIST  9 COSMIC SPEED   4 GREAT PLAINS 12 MOUNT PINATUBO   

Sean Tarry holds a strong hand in this contest. He saddles Gr2 Golden Horseshoe winner COSMIC SPEED (9) and LEGEND OF ARTHUR (13) a winner of two of his four starts. Richard Fourie will not doubt have been given the choice of rides and he has plumed for Legend Of Arthur in spite of a wide draw and his stable companions seemingly having the better feature race credentials. He was a beaten odds-on favourite when third behind MOUNT PINATUBO (12) in his most recent start. That run was a slightly below par effort after having beaten Mount Pinatubo by over five lengths at their previous meeting but he was one-paced in the finish. He has a tricky draw at 13 which will be against him. Grant van Niekerk is back aboard Cosmic Speed after finishing second to Proceed in the Gold Medallion. Cosmic Speed enjoyed the extra furlong last time out beating Proceed comfortably and he could well prove to be the best of the Tarry runners. MJ Odendaal sends out THE SPECIALIST (2) who finished three lengths off Cosmic Speed in the Golden Horseshoe. However, he had a difficult draw to overcome and some early scrimmaging and came from last in the home straight to run up to fourth. He has a plum draw this time around and he could land this at probably lengthy odds. Justin Snaith sends out the grey GREAT PLAINS (4) who ran no sort of race in the Golden Horseshoe but that effort is possibly best ignored as he was the ham in the sandwich out of the gate, this given his previous showing where he came from the clouds to win comfortably. He meets similar opposition but the extra furlong will suit and Keagan de Melo, fresh from his first stint in Hong Kong, will no doubt get the best out of him although the stable has been relatively quiet this winter. MOUNT PINATUBO (12) was still green when beating Legend Of Arthur and the two have drawn alongside each other. TRUTH (14) went into the Golden Horseshoe unbeaten and was well fancied. However, he didn’t finish his race off and looks held on that effort. Stable companion GRAND CRESCENDO (10) has won twice since being gelded but this will be his acid test although Muzi Yeni has jumped off WAHEED (11) who was not far off Cosmic Speed in the Horseshoe which may be significant. Tony Peter has opted to skip the Gr1 Douglas Whyte Stakes to take on males with VJ’S ANGEL (3). She was running on strongly behind Quid Pro Quo in the Golden Slipper and could be the joker in the pack. 

RACE 6

13 LUCKY LAD   5 AT MY COMMAND   3 I AM GIANT   12 CRUISE CONTROL

LUCKY LAD (13) will be one of the more fancied runners on the day and can cement himself as the country’s top sprinter if he can overcome a wide draw. He was pushed all the way to the line in a recent Pinnacle Stakes event but was giving the runner-up 6kg. Sean Tarry confirmed that he clearly did not stay the mile in the Gr1 Gold Challenge but his defining race could be the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. He was in all sorts of trouble with a furlong to run as the gaps snapped closed forcing Richard Fourie to take drastic action and Lucky Lad lived up to his name as he got up to win in the last strides.  A narrow second in the Golden Horse was AT MY COMMAND (5) who may have been a little flattered given the traffic that hindered Lucky Lad but he ran another cracker when second in the Gr2 Post Merchants last time out. Drawn wide and giving the winner 6kg he beat home a useful field on handicap terms. He has a much better draw this time around. Stable companion I AM GIANT (3) was not so lucky from his wide draw in the Post Merchants but was only four lengths back to the winner. In two previous starts he had run Lucky Lad to within a length and he too has a much more favourable gate. The filly GOLDEN SICKLE (1) didn’t feature in the Merchants but prior to that had run star sprinter Thunderstruck to a neck in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint. This course should suit from her pole position draw, the one concern being that most of her best form has been over 1000m. This season’s Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner SNOW PILOT (6) has been luckless since although running Green With Envy and Sandringham Summit to within a length in the Gr2 KZN Guineas. There is no doubting his class and Justin Snaith’s decision to drop him back in trip could be a master stroke.  Also drawn wide is CRUISE CONTROL (12). Duncan Howells had high hopes for his charge in the Post Merchants after a close-up fourth to Lucky Lad in the Gr1 Golden Horse. Up with the pace for most of the race, he was swamped over the last 100m. This will be his third start for Howells and he should strip a lot fitter this time around. QUASIFORSURE (9) was a candidate for the Hollywoodbets Durban July last season but clearly did not stay 2200m and the plans were scrapped. He has a touch of class and back to a sprint with a better draw he can make the frame. MRS BROWNING (10) ran an excellent race in the Gr1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes over a mile but he best current form has been in sprints. She was narrowly beaten in the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint at her penultimate start and she is not without a shout.

RACE 7

6 FUTURE PEARL   5 NEBRAAS   11 FUTURE SWING   3 MASTER REDOUTE

Sean Tarry can strike again as he saddles two of the country’s best stayers. FUTURE PEARL (6) has a commanding presence is the country’s top stayer. He won this race with ease last year jumping from gate 4. He was a long way back in the early exchanges before Fourie made his move approaching the final bend, 600m out. Rolling wide into the straight, Future Pearl accelerated away to win unchallenged. Sean Tarry has a knack of priming his runners for the big day and now that the gelding steps out over his optimum trip he could prove difficult to peg back. Tarry has a second string to his bow in the veteran stayer and also a previous winner in NEBRAAS (5). The seven-year-old has been improving with every run since being fitted with blinkers. He has dropped in the handicap and now looks to be off a competitive mark. SHOOT THE RAPIDS (15) was closing in quickly on stable companion MADISON VALLEY (7) in the Gr3 Gold Vase over 3000m. The extra furlong and the weight turnover should see him turn the tables on his stable companion and word from the stable is that Shoot The Rapids stays all day. MASTER REDOUTE (3) found plenty of trouble in the July and did well to finish five lengths off the winner. He won the Western Cape Stayers over 2800m for Andre Nel so this trip should suit. ZEUS (14) ran up a string of victories on the Highveld to much acclaim before his form tailed off when taking on stronger opposition. However, he was only two lengths off Future Pearl when last they met in a much better showing so he cannot be written off lightly. An interesting runner is FUTURE SWING (11). He won the Chairmans Cup at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth over 2500m and won the WSB 1900 beating subsequent Durban July winner Oriental Charm. He found some good market support in the July but was one of the chief sufferers in some scrimmaging at the 1400 m mark and was shunted into the fence. It would appear that he does stay the trip but Richard Fourie was committed to ride Future Pearl and his place has been taken by S’Manga Khumalo who currently is riding with renewed confidence. Dean Kannemeyer has twice sent out the winner of this race and saddles a pair in MASTER FUEGO (9) and PONTE PIETRA (12) both going the trip for the first time. Judged on stable bookings, Master Fuego is the stable elect who was running on stoutly in the July consolation race over 2200m. He is quite stoutly bred on his dam side and given his current form, if he stays the trip, he will be a factor. 

RACE 8

10 SEE IT AGAIN   6 FLAG MAN   8 ROYAL VICTORY   1 COUSIN CASEY

SEE IT AGAIN (10) will be looking for a change of fortune after finishing runner-up in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and The HKJC Champions Cup last year. He could well have finished third in this year’s ‘July’ but for interference in the closing stages and some scrimmaging at the 1400m mark where he was one of the chief sufferers. He does appear to have lost some of his finishing speed and has a tricky draw to contend with but being the best weighted runner in this WFA contest he could finally get just reward. Muzi Yeni has opted to partner July third ROYAL VICTORY (8) ahead of Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge winner DAVE THE KING (9) where Richard Fourie takes over in the saddle for Mike de Kock. Royal Victory looked to be caught a little flat-footed in the finish of the July but was staying on well enough to hold off the smart three-year-old Flag Man. This trip will suit and he will be a big runner. Dave The King is the likely pacemaker. He is a strapping gelding who is not easy to settle and made all when winning the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge in fine fashion. He was allowed to get away that day under Yeni and was not for the catching with See It Again making late headway. FLAG MAN (6) finished a creditable fourth in the July but he was ridden handy as opposed to his normal style of racing. He is sure to be dropped out this time around and given a half decent pace he should be running hard at the leaders. COUSIN CASEY (1) is something of a Greyville specialist and has finished runner-up in his last three races on this course. He was run out of it late in the July and is well suited to this shorter trip. He has the best of the draw and can break a string of three runners-up placings. BARBARESCO (5) was staying on nicely in the July, finishing just over three lengths back to the winner but meets most of the opposition on worse weight terms can should be hard-pressed to make the winner’s circle. Last year’s Durban July winner WINCHESTER MANSION (4) had a long break after finishing second to Royal Victory in the Gr1 Premiers Champion Challenge at Turffontein and may well have been short of a gallop or two leading into the July. He is sure to have come on from his July effort and can finish in the money. Gr1 Cape Met winner DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE (2) was put back into training after breeders showed little interest as a sire. He has had two runs back and is another with a money chance.

RACE 9

10 HAPPY CHANCE   9 RED PALACE   13 RASCOVA   6 BEATING WINGS

A wide open affair. Brett Crawford sends out HAPPY CHANCE (10) who was narrowly beaten by Humdinger in the Gr1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes and was closing quickly on the winner who held on gamely and has since been sent off to stud. The extra 400m will suit as she ran the now exported Beach Bomb to withing a length in the 1800m G1 Paddock Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Candice Bass-Robinson sends out RED PALACE (9) was not far off Humdinger in the Garden Province and is the only ride on the day for Cape Town-based Bass-Robinson and jockey Aldo Domeyer. The filly stays the trip well and with a local run under her girth she can make the required improvement. RASCOVA (13) is among the best of her generation and takes on older runners over a trip where she has yet to be tested. However, she has smart form over a mile and this extended trip should suit. Against her is that she has drawn wide which will test her stamina. BEATING WINGS (6) is well tried over the trip and was a close-up third in the Gr1 Woolavington 2000. Calvin Habib stays in the irons for Highveld-based Stuart Pettigrew who seldom makes the trip unless his charges have a good winning chance. SAARTJIE (15) has drawn wide out but she tends to come from well off the pace so the draw should not be a hinderance. Stable rider Corne Orffer is up from the Cape for his three rides on the day. Saartjie was narrowly beaten by RED MAPLE (12) last time out but Sean Tarry’s runner ran an absolute shocker at her next outing, hardly raising a gallop. She was examined post-race by the course veterinary surgeons but they could not find anything amiss. Her fitness must be taken on trust as she does have a history of patchy performances. Veteran SPECIAL CHARM (2) is seldom out of the money and was a length behind Red Maple and Saartjie when last they met. Rachel Venniker knows her well and they have a good draw. Highveld-based Joe Soma has only one runner on the day. BELLEVARDE (11) was a length off Beating Wings giving her 3.5kg at their penultimate meeting. There was 2.5kg difference in the Gr1 Woolavington 2000 with Beating Wings two lengths to the good so Beating Wings should have the measure of her older rival although she is not without a prayer.

RACE 10

1 DREAMLAND   5 PISTOL PETE   14 KING OF THE GAULS   8 UNDERWORLD

The last is another competitive handicap where plenty are in with chances. Lucky Houdalakis could hold the key with DREAMLAND (1) who is a short-cut specialist having won his last four on the bounce. He has the best of the draw and Richard Fourie up although he takes the bend for the first time. If he fails it leaves the race is wide open. Two-year-old PISTOL PETE (5) takes on older horses for Tony Peter but only has 52kg to shoulder and is lightning quick. He has strong form in juvenile company. KING OF THE GAULS (14) has another wide draw to contend with but appears to be over his optimum trip and is well regarded by his stable. UNDERWORLD (8) is relatively lightly raced but Justin Snaith says he is fit enough to make an impression. He has his second run after a break after starting favourite last time out and the drop in trip could suit at this stage of his preparation. DONQUERARI (13) is a solid handicapper and got home narrowly under a 4kg claiming apprentice last time out. LUNARCAM (9) is quick, having finished second in a 400m dash this season and can finish in the money. MAGIC TATOO (4) is never far back but was a touch disappointing when starting favourite first time out on the poly track over a furlong further than this race. HITHEMHARDSUNSHINE (6) is over his best course and has run King Of The Gauls close on two occasions. PRAY FOR RAIN (12) is a course and distance specialist and always game. SHAMPOMPO SHAMPIZI (11) may prefer it a touch further but only has 53kg to shoulder and is another that can trouble the judges. COIN SPINNER (2) has come down in the ratings and is also well regarded by his stable. He does look held on current form but all three of his recent efforts have been in yielding ground.

RACE 1     

8 TOWERS OF GOLD 3 TAXI TO THE MOON 5 COPPER CLIFF 1 KEY NEWS

Preview: 8 TOWERS OF GOLD has run two good races and is drawn on the right side. 3 TAXI TO THE MOON won well on debut before disappointing over 1400m in a Gr 2 but back to this trip could be a big runner. 5 COPPER CLIFF ran well on debut and was well beaten by two good sorts second time out. 1 KEY NEWS beat Towers Of Gold by 3,25 lengths when both made their debuts but now has to give the latter 3kg and he comes off a disappointing second run. (8-3-5-1)  

RACE 2     

3 POINTER 4 QUEEN OF FIRE 6 ICONIC WINTER 1 FORCE EIGHT

Preview: 3 POINTER has been knocking on the door and now runs over an ideal trip from a nice high draw. 4 QUEEN OF FIRE has faced two top sorts in last two and not been disgraced and had good form before that. 6 ICONIC WINTER made a fair debut and could improve. 1 FORCE EIGHT was beaten 1,25 lengths by Pointer last time and faces him on the same terms although the latter did have a 4kg claimer up on that occasion. (3-4-6-1)

RACE 3     

8 SALENIO PENINSULA 5 BELLISSIVAR 3 AUTUMN VAR 6 HEY HEY JULIA 

Preview: 8 SALENIO PENINSULA is by Vercingetorix and would not have to be as good as his half-brother Barbaresco to win this. 5 BELLISSIVAR is ideally distance suited and should be right there. 3 AUTUMN VAR beat Hey Hey Julia the last time they met. 6 HEY HEY JULIA has been facing fair sorts without being disgraced. (8-5-3-6)

RACE 4     

9 INSPECTOR JAMES 1 SECRET CHORD 5 KING HARRY 2 HAT MAN

Preview: 9 INSPECTOR JAMES is a What A Winter full-brother to a couple of dual winners and would not have to be too good to beat this field. 1 SECRET CHORD has hard-knocking maiden form but returns from a four month layoff. 5 KING HARRY has shown some ability and could earn. 2 HAT MAN could earn in this line up. (9-1-5-2)

RACE 5     

1 CHYAVANA 5 RAINBOW REWARD 4 DR FAUSTUS 3 ROLLWITHTHEPUNCHES

Preview: 1 CHYAVANA has hard knocking form and can win this despite being drawn on the right side. 5 RAINBOW REWARD is consistent but also has a low draw. 4 DR FAUSTUS has been well beaten in three starts out the maidens but has faced decent fields. 3 ROLLWITHTHEPUNCHES has gone off the boil but at his best will be a big runner as he has a lot of pace. (1-5-4-3) 

RACE 6     

3 LONGSWORD 4 LOVEGRASS 1 ESQUEVELLE 2 NKANDLA GOLD

Preview: 3 LONGSWORD is improving since his correct distance was discovered and he can mow them down here. 4 LOVEGRASS is capable of improving further and has a good draw off a three point higher mark for his win last time. 1 ESQUEVELLE has plenty of ability and this is an easier task than last time. 2 NKANDLA GOLD is capable of doing better than last time and beat Longsword before that  by 1,25 lengths and is now only 1kg worse off and has a better draw although the latter does now have a 2,4kg claimer up. (3-4-1-2) 

RACE 7     

1 TIME FO ORCHIDS 2 TROPPO VELOCE 3 EXCHANGE STUDENT 7 SO SEDUCTIVE

Preview: 1 TIME FO ORCHIDS is classy and has a nice high draw over a suitable trip and can mow them down. 2 TROPPO VELOCE has a good record down the straight at this track and should be right there. 3 EXCHANGE STUDENT is in fair form although she has to prove she enjoys this slight step up in trip. 7 SO SEDUCTIVE was well beaten by Exchange Student last time but had faced some good before that without being disgraced. (1-2-3-7)

RACE 8     

3 UNZEN 1 MAIN DEFENDER 4 TAIL OF THE COMET 2 BINGWA

3 UNZEN is very effective over this trip and from this good draw can beat the starts at the top of the weights receiving 8kg. 1 MAIN DEFENDER is top class but does have a big weight and a tricky draw and might be underdone. 4 TAIL OF THE COMET is ideally distance suited and if producing his best will be right there. 2 BINGWA is capable of top class performances and will enjoy this course and distance. (3-1-4-2)

RACE 9     

1 CLAW 9 SHINTO SHRINE 3 CELTIC RUSH 7 LAUGHING WILLIAM

Preview: 1 CLAW was not far back in a Gr 3 last time and has the class to carry topweight to victory here. 9 SHINTO SHRINE has shown promise and starts off a reasonable merit rating. 3 CELTIC RUSH is course and distance suited and has a fair draw. 7 LAUGHING WILLIAM is capable of earning if producing his best but he is not too reliable. (1-9-3-7) 

David Thiselton

A Pinnacle Stakes event over 1400m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside on Saturday and Unzen is taken to upset Main Defender.

Unzen is ideally course and distance suited and Main Defender could battle to give him 10kg considering he might need the run. Main Defender’s class could pull him through though. Tail Of The Comet is ideally distance suited too and should have come on from his last run. Bingwa can never be ignored as he is top class if things go his way. The Africa House has the ability to be a threat, although the 4kg claimer rides 2kg overweight.

The seventh is a conditions plate over 1100m and the Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained Time Fo Orchids can mow them down from a nice high draw. She was entered in the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint but that would have been a hard task and as a progressive sort, she could have a good next season ahead of her in female feature sprints. She is 1,5kg under sufferance with the best weight pair Troppo Veloce and Elegant Ice, but could rise above her current merit rating. Troppo Veloce has a good record down the straight at this track and should be right there from draw five out of seven. Exchange Student is in fair form, although she has to prove she enjoys this slight step up in trip. So Seductive was well beaten by Exchange Student last time, but had faced some good sorts before that without being disgraced. Elegant Ice has been in good form and has a form chance but against her is the number one draw.

The fifth race is a MR 96 Handicap over 1000m. Chyavana is ideally course and distance suited and doesn’t face an inspiring field. He can win this despite being drawn one. Rainbow Reward is consistent but also has a low draw. Dr Faustus has been well beaten in three starts out the maidens, but has faced decent fields. Rollwiththepunches has become disappointing. He will be a runner if bouncing back as one with exceptional early pace. Karangetang could earn a cheque again.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Secret Chord has the best form, but returns from a four month layoff. First-timer Inspector James is by What A Winter and is a half-brother to a pair of two-time winners, so from a plum high draw he is taken to beat Secret Chord. King Harry and Hat Man could earn in this line up and Espinoza is a Rafeef half-brother to a two-time winner so could earn here.

In the sixth race over 1000m Longsword is on the up and could mow them down, although his draw of four out of ten could be tricky. Lovegrass is on the up and from a good should be able to handle a three point raise for his win last time. Esquevelle drops into easier company and from a nice high draw with Piere Strydom up should make a bold bid.  Nkandla Gold might have been undone by a low draw last time as he was progressing nicely before that and he should finish alongside Longsword on the form of their previous clash, although the 2,5kg apprentice allowance for Longsword’s jockey Trent Mayhew could swing it in his favour. Munchkin can never be ignored as one who works like a top class horse at home.

In the ninth over 1600m Claw, Shinto Shrine and Celtic Rush should get punters through.

In the first leg of the Bipot over 1160m Pointer has been knocking on the door and now runs over an ideal trip from a nice high draw.  

In the first leg of the PA over 1000m Salenio Peninsula is by Vercingetorix and would not have to be as good as his half-brother Barbaresco to win this. Bellisivar is ideally distance suited and should be right there.

The World Pool Gold Cup on Sunday, 28 July 2024, brings down the curtain on the South African racing season. The Grade 3 World Pool Gold Cup over 3200m, headlines the meeting alongside four Grade 1 races, including the HKJC Champions Cup, the World Pool Moment of the Day Champion Stakes, the Douglas Whyte Stakes, and The Mercury Sprint.The race meeting will receive an exhilarating boost through the World Pool initiative. This unique international commingling concept merges top-tier races from across the globe with the renowned Hong Kong Jockey Club, which boasts the deepest and most liquid commingled pari-mutuel pools internationally.Regular and once-a-year punters will be able to bet with Tabgold into the Hong Kong World Pools on all ten races.  The World Pool includes four bet types, viz. Win, Place, Exacta, Quinella, and Swinger, which will be available to punters in over 28 countries worldwide. The place dividend will be payable on the first three horses home in each race and inflated pools will make this an attractive bet. “The massive liquidity injected by the national interest in this race meeting boosted by World Pool, will make for a fascinating finish to the season with South Africa’s top thoroughbreds in action on the day,” said Gold Circle’s Commercial and International Executive, Dean Sawarjith. “World Pool’s sponsorship of Gold Cup Day is not just about wagering, but also provides the opportunity to recognise the South African born Douglas Whyte, a 13-time Champion Jockey in Hong Kong, with the naming of a Group 1 race in his honour. Now a trainer in his own right, Douglas is the most high-profile connection between the South African and Hong Kong racing jurisdictions, but by no means the only one.” said Executive Director, Wagering Products of the HKJC, Michael Fitzsimons.

Please note.

We have received constant rain at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth this week.

A “level 5” storm warning has also been issued by local authorities for tomorrow.

We will evaluate both our race course surfaces once the storm has subsided and make announcements on which race course will host the race meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.