Andrew Harrison

Plotting a way into the Hollywoodbets Durban July can be a tricky road. For some the challenge is to make it into the field, for others it’s a case of ticking over without incurring any unwanted penalties that would affect their weight.

The Pinnacle Stakes that heads-up the card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today has both elements and one that will keep punters guessing. Some of the big guns warm up for a crack at the South Africa’s ‘big one’ but with little to lose except the winner’s cheque is Glen Kotzen’s runner Grinkov. 

He has no July aspirations and was a close-up third to smart miler Royal Aussie over the Kenilworth 1400m last time out. If he can reproduce that form, he could be the horse to beat.  Justin Snaith has six runners included in the preliminary Hollywoodbets July log. Itsrainingwilliam is not one of them! The gelding has won his last two and comes into this race off some cracking Cape form so looks to be the most likely danger to the selection. 

Locally, The Shepherd is progressive and although he jumps in class, he only has 52kg to shoulder and with many of his rivals ‘practicing’ he could be the surprise package. Mike de Kock’s runner Shoemaker is a July entry but this trip could be more up his alley ahead of head-strong stable companion Dave The King and Summer Cup and Champions Cup winner Royal Victory who has the class but this should be far too short to show his best. That said, top horses are capable whatever the trip.

The first two races are difficult with many first timers in the line-ups and the betting should be your best guide. The first stable comments are mostly non-comital but that said, Mark Dixon gave a positive comment on Master Du Rouvray who could prove best of the debutantes. Those that have raced, Commanding comes off some smart feature race form in Cape Town including a close-up fourth to Little Ballerina. That form has been exceptional. Barring a springer, he looks the ‘right’ one for Glen Kotzen.  My Boy Lollipop disappointed when an odds-on favourite on the poly at his second outing. He made a smart debut over course and distance and experience could count for Frank Robinson’s gelding. Paul Lafferty’s runner Dapper has put in two smart efforts over course and distance and must have a decent chance. 

Kotzen looks primed for a lucrative afternoon as he has given positive comments about Laugh Till You Cry in the second. ‘Smart filly, will be in the shake-up,’ was his comment. Of those that have run, Hurricane Cat found some market support on debut and although well back, that was in the soft. Cape Capri disappointed in the soft after a promising debut and can do much better this time around.

Kotzen could possibly be in line for a treble as he sends out debutante Facile from a plum draw in the third. The comment, ‘nice filly, if not too green will be in the money’. But she faces a stiff test with Care Forgot running two close-up seconds since returning from a break after her debut and Tipperary who makes her way down from the Highveld for Paul Matchett.

The fourth is a trick handicap where Tony Rivalland’s charge Strathclyd makes most appeal. He was in need of the run behind stable companion King Of The Gauls when back on home soil after showing promise before making a trip to the Cape. With a run under his girth and an extra two furlongs to travel he can make the required improvement. El Rey Viene has been knocking at the door for some time now but Duncan Howells has dropped his charge down another furlong which could see him home. Licence To Thrill has been close-up at his last three. He should have strengthened up since he last tackled this trip and should be a big runner. Phutulicious has won twice over course and distance and is still improving so is a must inclusion in all exotic bets

The fifth is a difficult handicap. Shipholia appears to be something of a poly specialist, her last three wins coming on the synthetic surface. However, Gareth van Zyl has booked Richard Fourie for the ride and she should be a lively contender. Stormy Choice has had three starts for Tienie Prinsloo and is way better than her last tun over a mile. Back to a sprint with blinkers can see her surprise. Shanta’s Pride has her third run after a break. She is never far back and with a light weight Peter Muscutt’s charge should be in the firing line. Reefway got absolutely hammered in the ratings after her distant third in the Poinsettia Stakes, going up 14 points. Kom Naidoo has booked 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies but that may not be enough to see her home. 

Dean Kannemeyer sends out the progressive Teflon Man in the sixth. He started a warm favourite in a Pinnacle Stakes over course and distance last time out but takes on lessor company here and the colt may just have needed the outing. Donquerari stormed home last outing for Louis Goosen and is never far off them. 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies keeps the ride and a repeat showing could have the same result. Beechamwood Boy has been racing in the soft at his last three. This is his best course and distance and given firmer ground he could notch his eighth win. 

In the last, Trustova goes this trip for the first time and was a close-up second to the useful Wiccan Warrior last run in a stronger field. If he stays the trip he should be right there. Pongola has been consistent over shorter and did well from a wide draw last time out. This extended trip may now be what he is looking for. Querari’s Dream is lightly raced and showed up well first run out of the maidens when going this trip for the first time and is a big runner.

RACE 1

7 COMMANDING   13 MY BOY LOLLIPOP   9 DAPPER   16 MASTER DU ROUVRAY   

Summary: Mostly first timers where stable comments are mostly non-comital. That said, Mark Dixon gave a positive comment on MASTER DU ROUVRAY (16) and he could prove to be the best of the debutantes. Those that have raced, COMMANDING (7) comes off some smart feature race form including a close-up fourth to Little Ballerina. Barring a springer, he looks the ‘right’ one for Glen Kotzen.  MY BOY LILLIPOP (13) disappointed when and odds-on favourite on the poly at his second outing. He made a smart debut over course and distance and experience could count for Frank Robinson. Paul Lafferty’s runner DAPPER (9) has put in two smart efforts over course and distance and must have a decent chance. (Andrew Harrison: 7-13-9-16).

RACE 2

9 LAUGH TILL I CRY   2 CAPE CAPRI   15 HURRICANE CAT   8 TAKE NOTE

Summary: Mostly first timers but Glen Kotzen has given positive comments about LAUGH TILL I CRY (9). Smart filly, will be in the shake-up. Of those that have run, HURRICANE CAT (15) found some market support on debut and although well back, that was in the soft. CAPE CAPRI (2) disappointed in the soft after a promising debut and can do much better. TAKE NOTE (8) improved nicely second time of asking and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 9-15-2-8).

RACE 3

8 CARE FORGOT   5 TIPPERARY   1 FACILE   3 SAFE AND SOUND

Summary:  Glen Kotzen could possibly be in line for a treble as he sends out FACILE (1) from a plum draw in the filly’s first outing. The comment: Nice filly, if not too green will be in the money. But she faces a stiff test with CARE FORGOT (8) running two close-up seconds sine returning from a break after her debut and TIPPERARY (5) who makes her way down from the Highveld for Paul Matchett. SAFE AND SOUND (3) improved nicely second time out for Duncan Howells and the extra furlong from a good draw should see her competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 8-5-1-3).

RACE 4

7 STRATHCLYDE   4 EL REY VIENE   6 LICENCE TO THRILL   9 PHUTULICIOUS

Summary: Tricky handicap. STRATHCLYDE (7) was in need of the run behind stable companion King Of The Gauls when back on home soil. He had shown promise before making a trip to the Cape. With a run under his girth and an extra two furlongs to travel he can make the required improvement. EL REY VIENE (4) has been knocking at the door for some time now.  Duncan Howells has dropped his charge down another furlong which could see him home. LICENCE TO THRILL (6) has been close-up at his last three. He should have strengthened up since he last tackled this trip and should be a big runner. PHUTULICIOUS (9) has won twice over course and distance and is still improving. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-6-9).

RACE 5

1 SHIPHOLIA   11 STORMY CHOICE   7 SHANTA’S PRIDE   14 REEFWAY

Summary: SHIPHOLIA (1) appears to be something of a poly specialist, her last three wins coming on the synthetic surface. Gareth van Zyl has booked Richard Fourie for the ride and she should be a lively contender. STORMY CHOICE (11) has had three starts for Tienie Prinsloo and is way better than her last tun over a mile. Back to a sprint with blinkers can see her surprise. SHANTA’S PRIDE (7) has her third run after a break. She is never far back and with a light weight Peter Muscutt’s charge should be in the firing line.  REEFAY (14) got absolutely hammered in the ratings after her distant third in the Poinsettia Stakes, going up 14 points. Kom Naidoo has booked 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies but that may not be enough to see her home. (Andrew Harrison: 1-11-7-14).

RACE 6

8 TEFLON MAN   7 DONQUERARI   1 BEECHAMWOOD BOY   12 COMMON GROUNDS

Summary: Dean Kannemeyer sends out the progressive TEFLON MAN (8) who started a warm favourite in a Pinnacle Stakes over course and distance last time out. He takes on lessor company here and the colt may just have needed the outing. DONQUERARI (7) stormed home last outing and is never far off them. 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies keeps the ride and a repeat showing could have the same result. BEECHHAMWOOD BOY (1) has been racing in the soft at his last three. This is his best course and distance and given firmer ground he could notch his eighth win. COMMON GROUNDS (12) was a comfortable winner on the poly last run. He is up in class but Richard Fourie has stayed with the ride. (Andrew Harrison: 8-7-1-12).

RACE 7

5 GRINKOV   2 ITSRAININGWILLIAM   1 THE SHEPHERD   9 SHOEMAKER

Summary: An interesting race where some of the big guns are warming up for a crack at the Hollywoodbets Durban July which makes things a little tricky. However, GRINKOV (5) has no such aspirations and was a close-up third to Royal Aussie over the Kenilworth 1400m last time out. If he can reproduce that for, he could be the horse to beat.  ITSRAININGWILLIAM (2) has won his last two and comes into this race with some cracking Cape form. THE SHEPHERD (1) is progressive. He takes a jump in class here but only has 52kg to shoulder and could be the surprise package. SHOEMAKER (9) is a July entry but this trip could be more up his alley ahead of DAVE THE KING (8) and ROYAL VICTORY (6). (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-1-9).

RACE 8

11 TRUSTOVA   4 PONGOLA   12 QUERARI’S DREAM   6 FUTURE SAINT

Summary: TRUSTOVA (11) goes this trip for the first time. He was a close-up second to the useful Wiccan Warrior last run in a stronger field. If he stays the trip he should be right there. PONGOLA (4) has been consistent over shorter and did well from a wide draw last time out. This extended trip may now be what he is looking for. QUERARI’S DREAM (12) is lightly raced and showed up well first run out of the maidens when going this trip for the first time. FUTURE SAINT (6) has been consistent on the poly. He stays the trip well and can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 11-4-12-6).

PLEASE NOTE!

Soccer 6: Sport 2 Pool 1 – 19 MAY 2024

Match 2 (M2): DEPORTIVO ALAVES vs GETAFE. New Match Date: 18 MAY 2024

The Match Will Be Played One Day Earlier Than Originally Scheduled.

Soccer 10: Sport 7 Pool 1 – 19 MAY 2024

Match 2 (M2): DEPORTIVO ALAVES vs GETAFE. New Match Date: 18 MAY 2024 The Match Will Be Played One Day Earlier Than Originally Scheduled

Graeme Hawkins

Zapatillas returns to racing action at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in the seventh race today, the R165000 Cape A Stakes over 1400m, after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following knee surgery as a result of an injury sustained in the Champions Cup (Gr 1) on 30 July 2023.

“He is doing well at home but there is a chance he may be a little “ring-rusty”,” trainer Brett Crawford advised when I contacted him during the week. “He has had one grass gallop and has done a lot of work on the treadmill coming into the race tomorrow, and his vital signs are all positive,” he added. “But, there is always the possibility he could just need the run,” he warned. Clearly as a former winner of the WSB Guineas in 2022, Zapatillas is the class package in the race, is very well handicapped and has pole position as an added advantage. Stable jockey, Louis Mxothwa, has opted to partner the son of Master Of My Fate but Crawford suggested that both stable companions, Future Prince and Port Louis, are very much “alive” in a highly competitive event.

Port Louis has been runner-up in his last two starts behind the talented sorts, Rascallion and Coastal Commander. He is probably at his very best over this track and trip but does have a tricky draw to contend with. Future Prince has been knocking at the door but the three-time winner has been absent from the winner’s circle for 817 days, no doubt much to the frustration of his connections. That said, he must have a chance of breaking the drought tomorrow with just 54kgs to shoulder.

But while Crawford clearly holds a very strong hand, there are a number of others who could spoil his party. San Pedro rises in class but he has enjoyed a good season thus far and with the very low weight of 52,5kgs could lead them all a merry dance. That, coupled with the fact that Vaughan Marshall and Ashton Arries are in very good form, suggests that you cannot ignore San Pedro when it comes to formulating your exotic permutations.

Wecangoallnight is another who is capable of rising to the challenge over this track and trip. He does occasionally throw in a below-par effort, but on top form would have a chance of troubling the best of them here. Two runs back Wecangoallnight beat Café Culture by just over a length but is now 2kgs worse off and the swing in the weights should bring them closer together. Richard Fourie takes the ride on Café Culture and the combination warrant utmost respect, although both Wecangoallnight and Café Culture could be held by Port Louis.

Sugar Mountain is interesting. He is unbeaten four-from-four over the course and distance but returns from a disappointing raid on the Highveld. Chatting to Candice Bass-Robinson, she is concerned that, although he has recovered nicely from his foray to Turffontein, he may well just need this run. But if one is going to play wide in this leg then, given Sugar Mountain’s form over the track and the trip, it would be silly to leave him out of yourcalculations. Another with an outstanding record over the Kenilworth 1400m is Silver Operator. He has not been seen since January and will find it tough with 61,5kgs to shoulder from the worst of the draw but, as the only “millionaire” in the race, victory would not come as a complete surprise. We’re Jamming hinted at a return to form last time and rates an upset chance from a handy draw.

To summarise, the outcome of this very intriguing contest hinges on Zapatillas. He is weighted to win comfortably, but returning from a ten-month absence levels the playing field somewhat and it may be wise to hedge your bets.

Be Merry appeals as a potential banker in the opening leg of the Pick 6, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1200m. The 2yo daughter of Lancaster Bomber has shown terrific promise in her first two starts and could have the edge over the well-tried Charlene and Ellorix, both of which bring consistent maiden form into the race. Stu’s Girl could be the improver in this line-up, but I am going to take my chances with Be Merry.

Hampstead Heath and Plum Pudding renew rivalry in the eighth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1800m, and on past form hat-trick seeking Plum Pudding may once again have the measure of Adam Marcus’ runner. A bigger threat to Plum Pudding could be Summer Night City who brings good form into the race and is now 4kgs better off with Plum Pudding for a two-length beating last month. I am hoping this trio will prove sufficient to carry us through.

Marshall Field was penalised 3kgs for his last win but he could follow up in the ninth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 2000m. One has to respect the consistent Sudden Song, recent maiden winners Daimyo and Blue Bay and the ratings-dropper Diamond Rock, but Marshall Field may have more to come and is a fairly confident selection to win the final race on the programme.

RACE 1

12 BANK STREET showed good improvement in his second start when running on strongly to finish second behind O’Tenikwa. From that run, he holds 10 LATE DECEMBER despite there only being 0,3 lengths of a difference between the two. 7 TURBO TWENTY drops in distance and should improve from his last start over 1400m. 4 UNSUNG HERO has been gelded and should improve. Watch out for any betting support for the first timers. 5 EXPRESS YOURSELF is well bred and could be forward enough to place on debut (Devon Pretorius: 12-10-7-5)

RACE 2

10 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN fluffed his lines in his last start after finding heavy support in the betting. He is better than that run and if he can repeat an effort similar to his debut run, he should be the one to beat. 3 CUMBRE VIEJA finished fourth on debut and is open to further improvement as well as the well bred 7 KRIM who was not disgraced on debut. 11 LA PULGA raced in older company on debut and is now against juvenile company. Expect a better run from him (Devon Pretorius: 10-3-7-11)

RACE 3

4 DIXIELAND BAND found one better in her last start and had to finish runner up again. She is overdue a win and from a good draw, she should have every chance. She just touched off 11 PENTOLINA in that race and it could get close between these two once again. Interesting to see that Richard Fourie has opted to ride 5 WHITE WATERS. She flew up on debut before being well beaten in her second start by a smart sort called Kinda Wonderful. She finished 0,6 lengths behind Dixieland Band on that occasion but now tries 1400m for the first time. 10 DARLING GIRL is the lurker in the pack. She came from far back on debut from a wide draw and ran on strongly despite not being ridden out by her jockey. Expect big improvement from her (Devon Pretorius: 4-11-5-10)

RACE 4

The two Drakenstein runners 6 BE MERRY and 7 CHARLENE should fight this out. The former is the recipient of 3kgs as a juvenile and that could be the difference between the two. Charlene is a model of consistency and lost last time out when giving the winner 8kgs. 9 ELLORIX is never far off and should be involved once again. 4 STU’S GIRL can finish in the back end of quartets (Devon Pretorius: 6-7-9-4)

RACE 5

15 TSUNAMI WARNING has the widest draw to overcome but has been one of the more consistent runners of late. If he can overcome the wide draw he must be a huge runner in an open field. 4 GREENLAND has been costly to follow but he is the highest rated horse in the race and has the notable jockey booking of Richard Fourie. 10 AZZURI has been the most progressive in this field with improvement shown in every run especially over this distance. 12 GOLDEN GREY steps up in trip to 1600m which should suit him. He’s been finishing off his races really well and has a light weight of 54kgs to shoulder. (Devon Pretorius: 15-4-10-12)

RACE 6

It’s not often to follow up with a win first run out of the maidens but a case can be made for 3 MONT LOISIR. He’s been steadily improving and won with plenty more in hand when he won by 2,5 lengths in his last start. A chance is taken on him to make it two wins in a row. Another runner who is looking for consecutive wins is 4 STEADFAST. He won over track and trip last time out and a three point penalty might not be enough to stop him from winning again. 6 CARRIACOU is inconsistent at times but on his day, he is a hard horse to beat. Don’t leave him out. 7 DRAGONFLY can finish in the back end of quartets as he steps up to 1400m (Devon Pretorius: 3-4-6-7)

RACE 7

8 SUGAR MOUNTAIN returns after a break but should be good enough to win a race like this. He’s won his last two starts over this distance and finished 5th in the WSB Cape Town Met. A chance is taken on him to win despite a concern over racing fitness. A runner that suits the racing fitness box is certainly 10 FUTURE PRINCE. He is well weighted on collateral formline with a few runners and with just 54kgs on the back, he could be a good each way prospect. 4 SAN PEDRO has bottom weight to shoulder and is a runner that has to be respected with front running tactics. 3 WECANGOALLNIGHT must always be respected and can’t be left out. 1 ZAPATILLAS returns after a lengthy break and is the best weighted in the race (Devon Pretorius: 8-10-4-3)

RACE 8

3 PLUM PUDDING is improving at a rate of knots having won two in a row in no uncertain terms. She is more than capable of following up once again. 8 LICKETY SPLIT won easing up at the line in her last start and is distance suited. With just 56,5kgs to shoulder this is the ideal first run out of maiden company. 7 HAMPSTEAD HEATH has beaten Plum Pudding before and followed up that victory with a third and a second. Richard Fourie takes the ride. 5 SUMMER NIGHT CITY is 4kgs better off than Plum Pudding when finishing runner up last time and with that weight difference, she should finish a lot closer this time round (Devon Pretorius: 3-8-7-5)

RACE 9

4 MARSHALL FIELD won in a facile manner in his last start over 2200m. He received a six point penalty for that win however, it still looks like there is more to come from him over ten furlongs and further. 11 BLUE BAY was beaten by Green Mandarin in his last start who has won two in a row. Considering he was giving Green Mandarin 4kgs, there could be more to come from Blue Bay who ran in the Politician Stakes earlier this year. 5 DAIMYO won well when winning in a maiden plate in his last start. He steps up in trip to 2000m and should continue his progress he has shown. 7 SUDDEN SONG is honest and drops in class. Interesting to see that L Mxothwa has opted to ride him instead of Blue Bay (Devon Pretorius: 4-11-5-7)