Andrew Harrison

The switch from turf to poly after the weekend’s rain put the kybosh on Hollywoodbets Scottsville, Garth Puller was left in two minds whether to run Major Tommie in the Class 3 Handicap that headed the card at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday.

With all the withdrawals, Major Tommie only had five in the opposing ranks but he delivered in emphatic fashion vindicating Puller’s decision.

At the back of the field in the early exchanges, Serino Moodley – three from three on Major Tommie – looked to have made a fatal error trying for a rails run. But when the gap failed to open, he switched early and Major Tommie responded with a tremendous turn of foot, skipping clear to win as he liked.

 It was a day of favourites as late market support for the Robbie Hill-trained Mystic Dancer proved on the mark in the first as Kabelo Matsunyane kept her hard to her task to get the better of long-time leader Malshana Mou in a driving finish with Coccolina some way back in the minor placing.

Eric’s Legacy, hot favourite in the second, looked to be in a scrap crossing the subway as War Emperor and William Of Orange stuck to his heels, but once Moodley asked his mount to get serious, Andre Nel’s gelding responded like a horse with a future, lengthening his stride to waltz clear of the pair. It was not a field of any strength but Eric’s Legacy won well enough in spite of racing green to give Moodley his fiftieth winner of the season.

Greatest Hits scored a bloodless victory in the third for Wengi Masawi. Sean Veale always had the pacemakers in his sights and when it came to the business end, the son of Canford Cliffs had little trouble holding off Bourbons Beast with the balance well beaten.

The run of winning favourites continued into the first leg of the Pick 6  as Green Glow  landed the odds for Dean Kannemeyer. With the field reduced to five runners, pace was always going to be an issue and they dawdled the early fractions with Veale taking the initiative on High Queue.

Coming up the hill Moodley and Craig Zackey started to hustle their mounts and the two charged to the front crossing the subway. But there was always only going to be one winner in spite of Master Du Rouvray’s game effort as Green Glow got his big frame into action and won rather comfortably. The son of Gimmethegreenlight gave plenty of cheek in the preliminaries but does appear to be going places as a colt winning off a slow pace and the runner-up no slouch.

Wendy Whitehead’s filly Buttercup Baby led from start to finish in the fifth under Rachel Venniker but was kept honest by favourite Light Of Gabriel with Zackey pressing hard up his rivals inside. The pair raced close together for most of the way up the straight with the stipendiary stewards calling for a race review. The two came together around the 150m mark with Buttercup Baby shifting onto Light Of Gabriel but the contact appeared to be minimal with no further action.

Moodley had a fine afternoon as he rode a tremendous race on Mark Dixon’s mare Captain’s Christy for this third winner. Patient off a strong early pace, he sat in behind runners for many strides up the straight before pouncing and getting the better of a game Convocation.

In spite of returning from a lengthy break, Position Of Power found solid support in the eighth and  Alyson Wright’s gelding charged home to snaffle long-time pacemaker Luneluck.

Fate Of Fortune didn’t enjoy the best of luck out of the gate to be shuffled back in the pack but when asked the question he made light work of his 63kg, streaking home win going away to give Wright and Venniker a closing double.

David Thiselton

The KZN trainers championship was for a number of years fought out by the Mike de Kock and Dennis Drier yards and so it was no coincidence that before yesterday’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville got under way Mike and Mathew de Kock shared the early lead in this year’s championship with Stuart Ferrie, Drier’s former assistant who then took over the yard.

The remarkable part of this fact is that neither yard has had a multitude of runners.

They had both had 15 wins in KZN this season before yesterday’s meeting with the De Kocks operating at a strike rate of 20% and Ferrie at 17.86%.

The Andre Nel and Dean Kannemeyer yards were also operating at high strike rates.

The Nel yard’s win with their only runner at yesterday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting took them to 13 wins and they have done it at a strike rate of 21.31%.

Kannemeyer’s 13 wins before yesterday’s meeting had come at 19.12%.

However, the highest strike rate on the log at that stage was in fact Hollywood Racing’s Ashburton trainer Vengi Masawi, whose seven wins in KZN this season had been achieved at a strike rate of 31.82%, while the Darryl and Ivan Moore yard deserve more support considering they had had seven wins from just 35 runners for a strike rate of 20%.

In third place on the log with 14 wins before yesterday’s meeting was the reigning KZN champion trainer Gareth van Zyl.

Kannemeyer shared fourth place with Alyson Wright and Nel.

Former KZ Champion trainer Duncan Howells was on eight wins and that put him in joint seventh position together with Mike Miller, MJ Odendaal and Glen Kotzen.

Former KZN Champion trainer Garth Puller will no doubt mount a challenge for the title as usual although before yesterday’s meeting he had only had six win this season.

The KZN Trainers title is always a close fought affair and is usually full of intrigue right up until the final few meetings.

This season should be no different.

However, Ferrie said it was unlikely he would hold on to the lead as he just did not have the numbers.

Nevertheless, he is sure to have an exciting season as his KZN Horse Of The Year Gladatorian began the season in magnificent style with a thrilling victory over 1200m in which he gave Gr 2 winner Cats Pajamas 10kg, if apprentice claims are included, and a shorthead beating.

Gladatorian has travelled well down to Cape Town together with Gr 2 Post Merchants winner I Am Giant and the promising three-year-old Cognac, where they will be staying with Lucinda Woodruff. He will be a big runner in the Gr 2 WSB Green Point Stakes next up before taking in the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate.

There is also going to be an intriguing battle for the KZN jockeys championship.

Serino Moodley led the race and after winning yesterday’s second race he upped his KZN tally to 30 wins and it was in fact his 50th win of the season countrywide.

Tristan Gooden was next best in KZN on 24 wins.

He was followed by Sean Veale, Callan Murray and Craig Zackey on 19, 18 and 17 respectively.

Sean Veale is the reigning champion, having had 70 wins in KZN last season.

As Hollywood Racing’s first choice jockey he should be the favourite to take the title again.

Hollywood Racing are way out in front in the KZN Owners championship.

They are national champion owners and had had 29 wins in KZN this season already before yesterday’s meeting started.

Sabine Plattner’s victory in yesterday’s second race took her KZN tally to 13 for the season, comfortably second place on the log.

Hollywood lead the national championship with 57 wins and look well set to beat the record they set last season of 128 wins in a season.

Warren Lenferna

There are eight competitive races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth to proceedings get under way at 13:05 and conclude at 17:15.

A competitive start to the day with Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Welcomes You Maiden Plate and it may pay to include as many as the budget allows in the opening leg of the Bi-pot. Gale Warning would not be a shock winner. Pritti United improved dramatically at the second outing, and the form line has sparked up very well. Theshowmustgoon returns from a 10-week break, but his debut effort was eye-catching and the form has been franked. Foudre, brilliantly bred and related to champions, returns after a very long 94-week layoff but cannot be ignored—though he may need the run. Barry’s Boy debuted 15 weeks ago and could improve, while Meet The King should be competitive. Eugenius can be forgiven the last poor run, and Gallic King has claims if recapturing debut form.

In the Join The Race Coast Turf Club Maiden Plate, Perfect Impact is improving with every outing and may simply be too strong today. He has a cosy draw and looks a solid banker for the Bi-pot and Place Accumulator—if he doesn’t win, he should certainly finish in the money.

In the third a possible Pick Six banker emerges here. Ms Sakura made many stand up and take notice at Hollywoodbets Greyville 26 weeks ago. She is a sister to the late, great Summer Pudding and caught the eye when finishing second to Dark Matter, who has since won again. Trainer Dean Kannemeyer wastes no time stepping her up to 1600m, which she should relish. She looks hard to oppose.

In Race 4 the Jackpot Starts in the Jazz Syndicate Maiden Plate. In Motion has been knocking loudly and is overdue for the maiden win. Chance Encounter must be respected, having placed in all four career starts. Quiet Place can improve, and Fort Liam is not without hope—though they may all have to go some to topple In Motion, who has Gavin Lerena aboard for Justin Snaith.

Three runners could suffice in the fifth. Time Honoured is consistent and should get it right soon. Greenchoice should relish the step up in distance and gets weight relief from visiting rider Nichola Yuen—likely the biggest danger. Cassandra, who has been campaigning in KZN, comes from a form line packed with winners and has strong claims.

In the sixth, The Night Ferry, from the Herman Brown yard, gets Richard Fourie and the inside draw. The son of Twice Over enjoys running handy and may prove hard to peg back—include him in everything. Wehaveasituation and Tothemoonandback are big runners and genuine threats.

Race seven is a Progress Plate and despite returning from a 16-week rest, travelling from KZN and likely wanting further, Little Suzie is not to be ignored and can run well fresh and win.

The most intriguing runner on the day lines up here. His Majesty, from the Vaughan Marshall yard. A five-year-old entire by No Nay Never out of a Sixties Icon mare, he boasts a superb pedigree and has the profile of a future stallion prospect. He raced eight times overseas for one win and four places and brings a lofty rating of 109. With Richard Fourie aboard, he may simply be far better than this field. A win on South African debut would not surprise in the slightest.

A wide-open finale at 1400m, and those still alive in the exotics will want to be well covered. The list of legitimate chances includes La Landonne (excellent last run), Pentolina (reunites with Fourie), Tulip Fields (good last run with a valid excuse), Red Beryl (capable of much better), and the promising Saachi One, who quickened smartly on debut.

Others to consider are Act Of Grace, Catch A Penny, Apricity, Diamond Bomber and Queen Regent. Pressed for a top choice in a race that screams “load up”, the lightly exposed Saachi One gets the nod—but it promises to be a cracking finish to the day.

RACE 1

2 PRITTI UNITED has been rested for 67 days, he flew home late to run a cracking fourth behind Astronomical Boy on the 13th of September, he is a lovely colt with a great action, if he doesn’t need this run back after a small break, he will go close to winning. 7 BARRY’S BOY has been rested and gelded, he stayed on well for fifth on debut at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 3rd of August, he should improve nicely into his second start on Wednesday, watch him closely. 9 MEET THE KING moved up like a winner last time going through the last 300m of the race, unfortunately he didn’t find much under pressure, and he had to settle for fourth behind Ignite The Fire on the 29th of October, the drop in trip here will help his chances. 13 GALLIC KING ran a fair race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 2nd of November, even though he wants more ground, he looks like a nice horse that will keep improving with every start, include him into all bets. Watch Number 12 (Give It Laldy) closely, he is well-bred, and he gets the services of top jockey Richard Fourie. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 7 – 9 – 13)

RACE 2

4 SKY PILOT ran a terrific race on debut at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 8th of November, he was green early, and he certainly finished powerfully late behind Navaseven, he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, from a neat draw, he can win. 3 PERFECT IMPACT ran a much better race on the 29th of October, he stayed on beautifully for second behind Miami Summer, if he can build on that performance, he will go very close to winning a race like this. 5 TRIP TO CAMELOT has been rested for 73 days, he ran fifth on debut behind Demanding Dave on the 7th of September, there is no doubt that he will enjoy the step up in trip on Wednesday, watch him closely, there will be lots of improvement from his first run into his second run. 8 WHATWILLBEWILLBE ran a great race on debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 27th of September, he was only beaten just over four lengths by Primal Instinct, if he gets some luck in running from a bad draw, he will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 3 – 5 – 8)

RACE 3

6 ROSE WOOTT only got going late last time, she finished fourth and was beaten just over two lengths by Boozy Susie on the 2nd of November, she will love the step up in trip to 1600m, from a decent draw, she has a good winning chance. 3 MS SAKURA has been rested for 179 days, there was lots of money around for this individual on debut, she ran a great race for second behind Dark Matter on the 24th of May, if she doesn’t need the run back after a long break, she can definitely win. 2 LILTING SONG ran a good race from a wide draw last time, she was forced to do work early, and she stayed on well to finish just under three lengths behind Lady Veritas on the 25th of October, the blinkers have been fitted, and she has a good draw, watch her closely. 5 HER WORLD ran a much better race on the 25th of October, if she can bring that performance to the races on Wednesday, she can sneak into the places at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 3 – 2 – 5)

RACE 4

4 CHANCE ENCOUNTER never runs a bad race, he has been so consistent, the blinkers have been removed, there should be absolutely no excuses for this gelding on Wednesday, from a good draw, he can definitely win. 6 IN MOTION ran a cracker last time, he fought hard all the way to the line to run a great second behind Beware on the 8th of October, he is in good form at the moment, and he is still improving with every start, if he stays the 1600m trip, he will go close to winning. 5 TUNGUSKA has been rested and gelded, he was very disappointing on the 25th of May at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, ignore that run completely, if he doesn’t need the run after a long break, he will be competitive on his best form. 2 QUIET PLACE did everything right on debut, he stayed on well to finish just over two lengths behind Diogenes on the 18th of October, he can only improve, include him into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 6 – 5 – 2)

RACE 5

3 WORLD FIRST could be some serious value in this race, the bad draw at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 18th of October didn’t help him at all, ignore that run completely, he gets a good draw on Wednesday, and he will love the step up in trip to 1950m, watch for sharp improvement from this beautiful gelding. 7 TIME HONORED ran a great race behind Joshua on the 25th of October, he ran third and was beaten just over one length at the line, the form of that race has worked out well, he definitely has a winning chance in this field. 9 GREENCHOICE is as honest as they come, he stayed on well for third behind Konnichiwa on the 8th of November, he now steps up in trip, and he gets the 1.5kg apprentice claim off his back, he will be right there in the finish. 10 CASSANDRA has been rested for 91 days, her form in KwaZulu-Natal is good, if she can beat the tricky draw, she might be able to sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 7 – 9 – 10)

RACE 6

3 WEHAVEASITUATION got going when the race was over on the 27th of September at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, she finished powerfully for third and was only beaten just under one length by the winner, jockey Andrew Fortune knows this mare well, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be running on strongly late. 7 SPECIAL GLAMOUR won a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 2nd of November, she quickened up well to win by just over one length at the line, if she gets some luck in running from a bad draw on Wednesday, she will go very close to winning again. 8 TOTHEMOONANDBACK must have a good each way chance in this field, he has run two very good races in succession, the drop in trip will help his chances, watch him closely at a decent price. 2 RED STATE quickened up from a long way back to win impressively on the 15th of October, she might be able to sneak into the places on her best form. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 7 – 8 – 2)

RACE 7

8 POWERANDTHEGLORY showed tremendous heart to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 29th of October, he was given five points for that win, the yard thinks highly of this gelding, he should improve even further now that he steps up in trip to 1400m, include him into all bets. 3 LITTLE SUZIE has been rested for 115 days, she ran a cracker in the Grade 2 Gold Bracelet at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 27th of July, she ran second and was beaten just over two lengths by Rainbow Lorikeet, she is a top filly with lots of ability, there is no doubt that she can win a race like this from a neat draw. 2 HAT’S PRIDE needed his last run, it was great effort from him to finish fourth behind Native Ruler on the 2nd of November, he will be much fitter on Wednesday, watch him closely at a decent price. 9 HIS MAJESTY could be absolutely anything, top jockey Richard Fourie has been booked to ride this import. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 3 – 2 – 9)

RACE 8

6 SAACHI ONE won a super race on debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, she quickened up smartly to win going away at the line, she should improve even further now that she steps up in trip to 1400m, with some luck in running, she can certainly win again. 4 TULIP FIELDS has been rested for 67 days, she stayed on well for fifth when beaten just over three lengths by Gimme What I Want on the 13th of September, she is still improving, include her into all bets. 1 LA LANDONNE ran a great race for second behind Dream Searcher on the 29th of October, she is in good form at the moment, and she gets a good draw on Wednesday, she will be competitive. 8 ACT OF GRACE didn’t have much luck in running last time, she was taken up for a few strides in the straight, she will run a big race on her best form. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 4 – 1 – 8)

David Thiselton

See It Again has been scratched from the Betway Summer Cup, but there will still be plenty of raiders with former winner Royal Victory still standing his ground alongside Madison Valley, King Pelles, On My Honour, Mocha Blend and Shoot The Rapids as well My Best Shot from the East Cape and Otto Luyken from the Cape.

Frank Robinson was not tempted to supplement Field Marshall after his runner up finish in the Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes as he said he would not beat Madison Valley.

However, he said, “I may run the filly Mocha Blend, although I don’t know whether she is going to make the final field. She’s good but very laid back and she walked out the pens in her last start in Jo’Burg, that’s what beat her.”

Mocha Blend was carrying join topweight in the Listed Summer Pudding Handicap over 1600m and was beaten 0,30 lengths by joint topweight Kisshoten.

Frank will school her in the pens and she will stand her ground as he pointed out the good record of fillies in the Summer Cup. There have been nine female winners in the last 50 years, including Roland’s Song winning it twice.

The four-year-old Mocha Blend is rated 105 and will be 5,5kg under sufferance as things stand, but Frank believes she is capable of running above her rating.

Frank revealed, “I am going to take Shoot The Rapids and am probably going to run him in the Stayers race on the day (The R350,000 ROA Stakes over 3200m).”

Frank said Madison Valley was very well and had been “flying” at home.

Five-year-old Madison Valley is rated 116, which sees him only having to carry 54,5kg.

He was beaten 2,35 lengths into fourth last year by the winner Atticus Finch and will now be 5,5kg better off and he beat Royal Victory by 0,65 lengths and will now be 1,5kg better off.

However, on Hollywoodbets Durban July form Royal Victory comes out ahead of Madison Valley as Royal Victory gave the latter 5kg and a 0,30 length beating and he now only has to give him 4,5kg.

Nathan Kotzen is equally happy with Royal Victory, who has benefited from his sessions with the “horse whisperer” Glyn Redgrave, who has solved the issues the six-year-old was having in the preliminaries such as “sticking up” on the way to the start.

Nathan was happy with the final preparation run of Royal Victory in a Conditions Plate event over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville in which he finished 0,95 lengths back in fourth place.

He did lament the slow place of the race but his new jockey Chad Little ensured he was driven hard all the way up the straight and he should be at his peak on the big day.

Asked whether Royal Victory was as good as he was when winning the race in 2023, Nathan mentoined his turn of foot not being as instantaneous.

However, in the long Turffontein straight that should not be too detrimental with the main thing being he still possesses a resolute finish, which he proved in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, coming from near the back for a 2,85 length fourth.

Royal Victory is one of the most consistent horses in training and only twice in his 29 start career has he finished more than 3,75 lengths behind the winner.

Therefore, he represents good each way value at 20/1, despite having to carry 59kg off his 125 rating.

The Gareth van Zyl-trained King Pelles was the most eye-catching runner in the aforementioned Conditions Plate race at Hollywoodbets Greyville over 1600m and was comfortably the best performed horse in the race at the weights. He ran on strongly from last without being given a hard time at all..

King Pelles biggest career successes have come over staying race trips. However, he has an exceptional turn of foot and has proved in his last couple of starts he is not a one trick pony.

He will carry 57,5kg and has been backed into 11/2 with the sponsor and will still have plenty of supporters at those skinny odds.

The winner of the aforementioned conditions race at Hollywoodbets Greyville was the Glen Kotzen-trained On My Honour, although he was well in at the weights under Serino Moodley.

He was strongly fancied for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, but it did not pan out well for him.

In the Gr 3 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial over 1800m before that he was beaten 0,3 lengths by Madison Valley when receiving half-a-kilogram.

He will carry half-a-kilogram less than him in the Summer Cup too.

Off his 116 rating the four-year-old sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight of 54kg and represents fair value at 16/1, especially considering Madison Valley is 10/1.

My Best Shot should relish the long straight of the Turffontein Standside course as he is very effective at Fairview, which also has a long straight.

Richard Fourie will ride the Alan Greeff-trained stalwart, who is an interesting each way prospect at 20/1.

The James Crawford-trained Otto Luyken won the July consolation race on Hollywoodbets Durban July day, albeit in  slow time, and he will enjoy the step up in trip from his preparation race when a far from disgraced 5,25 length fifth in the Gr 2 Allied-Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile over 1600m. He will be 3kg better off with Atticus Finch from that race off his 116 rating, so will be up against it on that evidence, but as one who represents the Garrix form over 1800m in Cape Town he could be a dark horse and the sponsor is treating him with respect as they have him as a 14/1 chance.