Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday 9 February 2025 – Comments by Andrew Harrison
PUBLISHED: February 9, 2025
1 4 ZACATOO 6 LIKE FIRE 1 BLACK FROST 3 TREATY OF PARIS Summary: ZACATOO (4) was a beaten favourite last run. Has run three promising races at Turffontein and can go one better. LIKE FIRE (6) made good improvement at his second start and has the benefit of having run at […]
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4 ZACATOO 6 LIKE FIRE 1 BLACK FROST 3 TREATY OF PARIS
Summary: ZACATOO (4) was a beaten favourite last run. Has run three promising races at Turffontein and can go one better. LIKE FIRE (6) made good improvement at his second start and has the benefit of having run at Scottsville. BLACK FROST (1) was a little disappointing last run after a useful debut and can improve. TREATY OF PARIS (3) should improve on his debut effort. (Andrew Harrison: 4-6-1-3).
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2 ROYAL VICTORY 3 SELUKWE 1 SILENT WAR 4 MISS PLATINA
Summary: ROYAL VICTORY (2)is likely to start a short priced favourite as he has much in his favour. Small field so Muzi Yeni will have to judge pace carefully. SELUKWE (3) is held by Royal Victory on current showings but is holding form well. SILENT WAR (1) Has come to hand nicely and failed narrowly last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-1-4).
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8 LAVA BURST 10 KWAGGA BLITZ 4 MASTER DU ROUVRAY 7 ZYAKALA
Summary: Tricky. LAVA BURST (8) may just have needed his last run although not beaten far. KWAGGA BLITZ (10) has some patchy Highveld form but the step up in trip could now be what he’s looking for. Deep draw is a concern. MASTER DU ROUVRAY (4) is reported to be working well at home after a break and he has shown some promise. ZYAKALA (7) has improved with a tongue-tie and is not out of it. (Andrew Harrison: 8-10-4-7).
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2 OUR LADY FATE 5 LIKE A PRAYER 8 ZENA ROSE 11 TAKATALVI
Summary: OUR LADY FATE (2) has been much improved in a tongue-tie and this trip is right up her alley. LIKE A PRAYER (5) is lightly raced an appears to have come to hand. She comes with promising Highveld form to back her claims. ZENA ROSE (8) is way better than her last run. She goes well this distance and should run well. TAKATALVI (11) has a tough draw but ran a cracker at long odds last time out against a winner who looks useful. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-8-11).
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5 IMPOSING 1 BOWIE 6 TRYCONNELL 7 SAVANTRIX
Summary: Open. TYRCONNELL (6) will have plenty of supporters given his recent form and given the jockey bookings, Sean Veale will have had the pick of the four Hollywood Racing horses. However, Tyrconnell got a four-point rise in the handicap for his last win which sees IMPOSING (5) 4.5kg better off, taking Rachel Venniker’s allowance into account, for a length beating which could be enough to turn the tables. Also better off is BOWIE (1) who has the benefit of a pole position draw. SAVANTRIX (7) won well to weaker last run but is lightly raced and possibly still on the up. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-6-7).
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7 BEACH PALACE 10 CONNOISSEUR 2 ATTABOY 8 PONGOLA
Summary: BEACH PALACE (7) takes a big drop in class and the corresponding jump in weight may not be an issue. CONNOISSEUR (10) is struggling for his second win but has made some recent improvement and has been dropping in the handicap. ATTABOY (2) may just have needed his last run and has a 4kg claimer aboard from a favourable draw. PONGOLA (8) returns from a break but is capable on his day. (Andrew Harrison: 7-10-2-8).
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3 HODGEPODGE 7 BUTTERCUP BABY 4 RADU 9 TOMYRIS
Summary: HODGEPODGE (3) has run to smart races since shedding her maiden. The form of her last effort over course and distance has worked out well. BUTTERCUP BABY (7) won well at just her second start and looks progressive. Rachel Venniker stays with the ride and her 1.5kg claim. RADU (4) has been consistent and although seemingly held by Hodgepodge on their last meeting she is not without a squeak. TOMYRIS (9) has come good at her last two and if overcoming the draw, can go one better. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-4-9)
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7 PRIZED PLATINUM 9 COTTON RON 5 EL DRAQUE 6 NOW I GOT YOU
Summary: PRIZED PLATINUM (7) has hit form on the Highveld and looks capable in this line-up. COTTON RON (9) has been a soldier for Louis Goosen and ran out a comfortable winner over course and distance last time out. He took a five-point rise in the handicap but that may not be enough to stop him from another win. EL DRAQUE (5) is never far back and is now 3kg better off with Cotton Ron for a two length beating on their last meeting which should see him closer. NOW I GOT YOU (6) is in good form and has a 2.5kg claimer up to help his chances. (Andrew Harrison: 7-9-5-6).
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12 ABADDON 10 MAGMA MAGIC 1 WHO BLINKED 2 PROFESSOR LUPIN
Summary: Wide open. ABADDON (12) is lightly raced and although a narrow maiden winner last run he does have some scope. MAGMA MAGIC (10) was touched off at long odds first up out of the maidens and can go one better. WHO BLINKED (1) made steady improvement leading into his maiden win. He also looks progressive. PROFESSOR LUPIN (2) is way better than his last run. Trip may be on the sharp side but he does have a useful 2.5kg claimer aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 12-10-1-2).
Royal Victory should prove hard to beat
PUBLISHED: February 9, 2025
Andrew Harrison Punters face a competitive nine-race card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today where the headliner is the umThombothi Stakes a non-black type race over 1950m with a healthy stake of R200k. However, the presence of Nathan Kotzen’s champion Royal Victory appears to have chased most opposition away in spite of potentially juicy rewards. Royal Victory […]
Andrew Harrison
Punters face a competitive nine-race card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today where the headliner is the umThombothi Stakes a non-black type race over 1950m with a healthy stake of R200k.
However, the presence of Nathan Kotzen’s champion Royal Victory appears to have chased most opposition away in spite of potentially juicy rewards. Royal Victory is likely to start a short priced favourite as he has much in his favour but in a small field Muzi Yeni will need to judge pace carefully. Andre Nel’s assistant Byron Forster saddles Selukwe who is held by Royal Victory on current showings but is holding form well. Silent War has come to hand nicely and failed narrowly last time out and while Miss Platina looks to be out of her depth even off a light weight she can earn a slice of the pie.
The opening leg of the PA is tricky. Lava Burst may just have needed his last run although not beaten far he should feature. Kwagga Blitz has some patchy Highveld form but the step up in trip could now be what he’s looking for. A deep draw is a concern but he is a big runner. Mark Dixon reports that Master Du Rouvray is working well at home after a break and he has shown some promise while Zyakala has improved with a tongue-tie and is not out of it.
Our Lady Fate has been much improved in a tongue-tie and this trip over 1400m in the opening leg of the Pick 6 is right up her alley. Like A Prayer is lightly raced an appears to have come to hand. She comes with promising Highveld form to back her claims and will be a big threat. Zena Rose is way better than her last run and goes well this distance and should improve on her last effort. Takatalvi has a tough draw but ran a cracker at long odds last time out against a winner who looks useful.
Tyrconnell will have plenty of supporters in the sixth, another competitive handicap, given his recent form and given the jockey bookings as Sean Veale will have had the pick of the four Hollywood Racing horses. However, Tyrconnell got a four-point rise in the handicap for his last win which sees Imposing 4.5kg better off, taking Rachel Venniker’s allowance into account, for a length beating which could be enough to turn the tables. Also better off is Bowie who has the benefit of a pole position draw. Savantrix won well to weaker last run but is lightly raced and possibly still on the up.
Beach Palace takes a big drop in class but the corresponding jump in weight may not be an issue in the sixth and he could be one of the better bets on the card along with Hodgepodge in the next. Connoisseur is struggling for his second win but has made some recent improvement and has been dropping in the handicap while Attaboy may just have needed his last run and has a 4kg claimer aboard from a favourable draw.
Hodgepodge has run two smart races since shedding her maiden and the form of her last effort over course and distance has worked out well. Danger could be Buttercup Baby who won well at just her second start and looks progressive. Rachel Venniker stays with the ride and her 1.5kg allowance will help. Radu has been consistent and although seemingly held by Hodgepodge on their last meeting she is not without a squeak.
In the eighth, Prized Platinum has hit form on the Highveld and looks more than capable in this line-up. Cotton Ron has been a soldier for Louis Goosen and ran out a comfortable winner over course and distance last time out. He took a five-point rise in the handicap but that may not be enough to stop him from another win. El Draque is never far back and is now 3kg better off with Cotton Ron for a two length beating on their last meeting which should see him closer. Now I Got You is in good form and has a 2.5kg claimer up to help his chances.
The last is another wide open handicap. Abaddon is lightly raced and although a narrow maiden winner last run he does have some scope. Magma Magic was touched off at long odds first up out of the maidens and can go one better while Who Blinked made steady improvement leading into his maiden win. He also looks progressive. Professor Lupin is way better than his last run. Trip may be on the sharp side but he does have a useful 2.5kg claimer aboard.

Soccer10 Price change on Wednesdays
PUBLISHED: December 4, 2024
Please Note: From December, Unit cost of all Soccer10 Pools closing on Wednesdays will be R3. The R3 unit cost on Wednesdays is on a trial basis only & follows requests from many customers to increase the Soccer10 Unit. The unit cost of Soccer10 Pools on all other days remains R2.
Please Note: From December, Unit cost of all Soccer10 Pools closing on Wednesdays will be R3.
The R3 unit cost on Wednesdays is on a trial basis only & follows requests from many customers to increase the Soccer10 Unit.
The unit cost of Soccer10 Pools on all other days remains R2.
KZN Racing – The New Dawn Takes Shape
PUBLISHED: November 28, 2024
All systems go on 1 January 2025 Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape. The […]
All systems go on 1 January 2025
Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.
The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).
Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.
Programme and related reading matter, click here.
Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.
The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.
Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.
“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.
“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddle-cloths. So, there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.
Veteran KZN trainer Garth Puller, who attended a recent stakeholder’s meeting at Summerveld hosted by Greg Bortz, Justin Vermaak, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets officials, enthused that he was thrilled by the news of the takeover by business-minded racing people who were brave and bold enough to step in and turn the ship around.
“This has come very late for me at my age, but it’s a lifechanger and the future is brighter than it was yesterday,” reflected a delighted Puller as he told the Sporting Post that the adjusted stakes and ‘very welcome’ incentives would boost cash-flows, while also making it so much easier to help him and his colleagues market the basic ownership product.
“And we are getting draws after acceptances. Wonderful! I was calling for that 25 years ago at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Bigger fields mean a faster pace, means better form, means better truer results. It’s an ecosystem of positivity. It all feeds on itself,” added the horseman who is never scared to pass an opinion.
Puller said the repair of the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was ‘definitely quite overdue and welcome news’.
“That’s our stage. The track must be safe for horse and rider, be true and competitive, and have credibility with all role-players. That’s not a negotiable.”
On the ‘abolition’ of the committee structure to facilitate decision making and policy, Puller said that he was so pleased to hear that all reasonable suggestions will be considered by management.
“Wonderful! So there are no more long-winded committees to hide behind and to dither over. How refreshing. I believe every stakeholder in this sport in KZN needs to doff a cap to Hollywoodbets and Mr Bortz. This investment and takeover is a brave move. But we know that with the passion for horse racing of the local population in this province, we can make it work. And by putting the structures in place they are making sure we have no excuses. Let’s look forward and get on with rebuilding KZN racing. I am absolutely thrilled. This is good news,” he concluded.
2024 Betway Summer Cup First Log
PUBLISHED: October 16, 2024
Johannesburg, 15 October 2024 – 4Racing in conjunction with the Handicappers have published the first log for the 2024 R6 million Gr1 Betway Summer Cup to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 30 November. Second entries close at 11am on Tuesday 05 November, and final entries at 9am on Monday, 18 November 2024, after which […]
Johannesburg, 15 October 2024 – 4Racing in conjunction with the Handicappers have published the first log for the 2024 R6 million Gr1 Betway Summer Cup to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 30 November.


Second entries close at 11am on Tuesday 05 November, and final entries at 9am on Monday, 18 November 2024, after which weights will be announced. Declarations must be in by 11am on Wednesday, 20 November 2024 and barrier draws will be conducted at a Betway event on 20 November 2024. The final log will be published on Tuesday 05 November 2024.