Texas Missile will be on target
PUBLISHED: March 14, 2026
David Thiselton The Listed WSB Hawwaam Stakes over 2400m is the headliner of the Turffontein Standside ten race meeting today and it could be won by Texas Missile. The One World colt has been in fine form over this trip and last time out he was at the bottom of his merit rating […]
David Thiselton
The Listed WSB Hawwaam Stakes over 2400m is the headliner of the Turffontein Standside ten race meeting today and it could be won by Texas Missile.
The One World colt has been in fine form over this trip and last time out he was at the bottom of his merit rating band in a Middle Stakes event and yet only failed by 0,70 lengths to win it. He is now officially only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted runner, Copper Eagle, so he should be in the shake up if able to overcome a tricky draw of ten. Culturati has the form to be in the shake up here from pole position and he is still unexposed so can improve. Titans Of War is another with scope for improvement and should be a threat. Bellerophon stays well and it is not wise to leave out a son of Vercingetorix in a feature these days. Copper Eagle likely found the Guineas too sharp last time and con bounce back over this more suitable trip.
The Listed Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m is the other stakes race at the meeting and the progressive Aladdin’s Lamp could be the one to side with.
The Master Of My Fate gelding arrived on the Highveld just under a year ago with a merit rating of 75 and, as has often been shown, his Cape Town merit rating proved to be suppressed due to the general strength of the racing down there. The only time he has not placed in the first two since arriving was when running over a too sharp 1450m and he he is now rated 103. However, the reason he could still have more to come is that only one of those runs has been as far as 2400m and he won it. He might have been rated only 87 when he won that race, but he proved he stayed the trip and can be ridden confidently with that in mind this time. Navajo Nation has some class and proved last time out he stays by finishing second in the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers over 2800m. Breeze Over starts slowly but if able to get to the front relatively easily can still be a threat. He is in fact well weighted with Aladdin’s Lamp on their last clash over this trip, being 7kg better off for a mere 0,40 length defeat. Royal Invitation has the form to earn in this race and is going for a distance hattrick. Her last race was in a Listed event and was a comfortable victory so she could have a shout again. Enflame is also going for a distance hattrick and looks to be coming into his own. Battleground is a decent stayer and Richard Fourie is up which will help his cause.
In the Non-Black Type Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial Curious Girl is progressive and can go in again over a suitable trip. Reece’s Wish is promising and is reliable so should be right there. Into Dancing has the form to be a contender here. Special Star can earn if finding her best form. Babette’s Feast has ability, but has to overcome a wide draw.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1000m Sosoru made a fair debut behind a good sort and can win this with improvement. Slender Silhouette has always been thereabouts and should be a threat in this line up. Scorpio will be right there if reproducing his penultimate start.
In the eighth race over 1800m Olivia’s Way has plenty of class and will enjoy this trip at this tough course, so should go close especially considering she is officially the joint best-weighted along with Indian Ocean. Choisaanada has a lot of ability but still has to prove he stays this trip, although pole position and the 1,5kg gender allowance of Rachel Venniker will help. The Ultimate King is still coming into his own and he will be a threat. Legend Of Arthur needs to bounce back and could do so back in Jo’Burg after a disappointing Cape Town campaign, although he is likely not at his peak yet. Indian Ocean is a capable sort who didn’t enjoy much luck in her last few starts, so she could have benefited from a layoff.
In the ninth over 1400m Busstopinhounslow packs a strong finish and is versatile so will enjoy this trip. Almond Sea has speed and proved last time she stays this trip. Just Be Lekker has plenty of class and will relish this trip from a good draw. Miami Mountain was outpaced last time over 1100m in a Gr 3 and still won, so should enjoy this step up in trip. Greaterix has been a disappointment, but if bouncing back to his best he will be dangerous over an ideal course and distance.
In the first leg of the Bipot over 1000m Love Not War looks hard to beat.
In the first leg of the PA Wings Of Kildra should get punters through.
Turffontein Standside Saturday 14 March 2026 – Comments by David Thiselton
PUBLISHED: March 14, 2026
RACE 1 1 CATFISH 7 GOOD DAY SUNSHINE 4 LANCE ATTACK 6 THANKSGIVING DAY Preview: 1 CATFISH is knocking hard and can get it right this time unless there are some stars among the first-timers. 7 GOOD DAY SUNSHINE is a first-timer by Vercingetorix who is a half-sister to stakes winner Miami Mountain. […]
RACE 11 CATFISH 7 GOOD DAY SUNSHINE 4 LANCE ATTACK 6 THANKSGIVING DAYPreview: 1 CATFISH is knocking hard and can get it right this time unless there are some stars among the first-timers. 7 GOOD DAY SUNSHINE is a first-timer by Vercingetorix who is a half-sister to stakes winner Miami Mountain. 4 LANCE ATTACK is by Lance out of Sarge mare Formation, a dual Listed winner who won eleven races in all. 6 THANKSGIVING DAY is by Elusive Fort out of a Parade Leader mare who has produced a couple of multiple winners. (David Thiselton 1-7-4-6)RACE 25 LOVE NOT WAR 4 LET YOUR LOVE FLOW 7 MOONFACE 6 MOLTEN ROCKPreview: 5 LOVE NOT WAR made a fine debut and with expected improvement is the one to beat. 4 LET YOUR LOVE FLOW is by One World out of Gr 2-placed Gimmethegreenlight mare Crimson Causeway. 7 MOONFACE has 4,30 lengths to make up on Love Not War but could improve. 6 MOLTEN ROCK is by Erupt out of a Dynasty mare and she is a half-sister to Banyan who won on debut beating Miami Mountain. (David Thiselton 5-4-7-6)RACE 31 WINGS OF KILDRA 2 MASTER’S LADY 8 HUMAIRA 9 VYFSTERPreview: 1 WINGS OF KILDRA is knocking hard and can go on better than last time. 2 MASTER’S LADY has some fair form and could be a threat. 8 HUMAIRA is an Irish-bred by Frankel out of a Tamayuz mare. 9 VYFSTER was not disgraced on debut and could improve. (David Thiselton 1-2-8-9)RACE 46 SOSORU 8 SLENDER SILHOUETTE 1 SCORPIO 5 ISAAC STEPHANPreview: 6 SOSORU made a fair debut behind a good sort and can win this with improvement. 8 SLENDER SILHOUETTE has always been thereabouts and should be a threat. 1 SCORPIO will be right there if reproducing his penultimate start. 5 ISAAC STEPHAN finished last on debut but there was some good horses in the race and he could improve. (David Thiselton 6-8-1-5)RACE 52 CURIOUS GIRL 7 REECE’S WISH 5 INTO DANCING 8 SPECIAL STARPreview: 2 CURIOUS GIRL is progressive and can go in again over a suitable trip. 7 REECE’S WISH is promising and is reliable so should be right there. 5 INTO DANCING has the form to be a contender here. 8 SPECIAL STAR van earn if finding her best form. (David Thiselton2-7-5-8)RACE 64 TEXAS MISSILE 9 CULTURATI 5 TITANS OF WAR 6 BELLEROPHONPreview: 4 TEXAS MISSILE is on the up and should go close. 9 CULTURATI hs the form to be in the shake up. 5 TITANS OF WAR has scope for improvement and will be a threat. 6 BELLEROPHON has the form to earn here. (David Thiselton 4-9-5-6)RACE 72 ALADDIN’S LAMP 1 NAVAJO NATION 5 BREEZE OVER 7 ROYAL INVITATIONPreview: 2 ALADDIN’S LAMP has been in fine form and looks to still be ahead of the handicapper. 1 NAVAJO NATION has some class and run some good recent races so can be in the shake up again. 5 BREEZE OVER starts slowly but if able to get to the front relatively easily can still be a threat. 7 ROYAL INVITATION has the form to earn in this race. (David Thiselton 2-1-5-7)RACE 83 OLIVIA’S WAY 2 CHOISAANADA 1 THE ULTIMATE KING 4 LEGEND OF ARTHURPreview: 3 OLIVIA’S WAY has plenty of class and will enjoy this trip at this tough course. 2 CHOISAANADA has a lot of ability but still has to prove he stays this trip. 1 THE ULTIMATE KING is still coming into his own and will be a threat. 4 LEGEND OF ARTHUR needs to bounce back and could so back in Jo’Burg after a disappointing Cape Town campaign. (David Thiselton 3-2-1-4)RACE 93 BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW 1 ALMOND SEA 2 JUST BE LEKKER 8 MIAMI MOUNTAINPreview: 3 BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW packs a strong finish and is versatile so will enjoy this trip. 1 ALMOND SEA has speed and proved last time she stays this trip. 2 JUST BE LEKKER has plenty of class and will relish this trip from a good draw. 8 MIAMI MOUNTAIN was outpaced last time over 1100m in a Gr 3 and still won, so should enjoy this step up in trip. (David Thiselton3-1-2-8)RACE 103 PLAY WITH THE WIND 4 THERE SHE GOES 1 CAPTAIN SELVIE 2 MISS NOVAXPreview: 3 PLAY WITH THE WIND strikes as one who could go places and is the one to beat. 4 THERE SHE GOES is in fine form and should be right there. 1 CAPTAIN SELVIE is in good form and can still progress. 2 MISS NOVAX ran a cracker last time and can earn with a repeat. (David Thiselton 3-4-1-2)
South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Newcastle and Southwell (UK) – 14 March 2026
PUBLISHED: March 14, 2026
Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Newcastle and Southwell (UK) – 14 March 2026
Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Newcastle and Southwell (UK) – 14 March 2026
Soccer Updates and Carryovers – Saturday 14 March and Sunday 15 March 2026
PUBLISHED: March 11, 2026
Soccer10 Saturday 14 March 2026. ADD-IN R200 000. Estimated Pool: R2 Million. Pool Closes at 15h00.Sport 16 and Pool 1. Soccer Any 13Xtra Saturday 14 March 2026. Carryover R175 000. Estimated Pool: R500 000. Pool Closes at 15h00. Sport 13 and Pool 1 Soccer13 GUARANTEED JACKPOT Saturday 14 March 2026. R23 Million (If only One 13 […]
Soccer10 Saturday 14 March 2026. ADD-IN R200 000. Estimated Pool: R2 Million. Pool Closes at 15h00.Sport 16 and Pool 1.
Soccer Any 13Xtra Saturday 14 March 2026. Carryover R175 000. Estimated Pool: R500 000. Pool Closes at 15h00. Sport 13 and Pool 1
Soccer13 GUARANTEED JACKPOT Saturday 14 March 2026. R23 Million (If only One 13 of 13 Winner). Pool Closes at 16h30. Sport 10 Pool 1.
Soccer CORNERS Carryover R 2 421. Saturday 14 March 2026. Pool Closes at 16h30.
Soccer SCORES Carryover R 1 637. Saturday 14 March 2026. Pool Closes at 16h00.
Soccer4 Sunday 15 March 2026. ADD-IN R25 000. Estimated Pool: R 100 000. Pool Closes at 15h30. Sport 17 Pool 1.
Soccer6 Sunday 15 March 2026. ADD-IN R100 000. Estimated Pool: R 500 000. Pool Closes at 15h00. Sport 3 Pool 1.
Changes to the merit ratings
PUBLISHED: March 11, 2026
David Thiselton The new merit ratings are out from the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic and the handicappers look to have largely managed to get the merit ratings back to the way they had wanted them after the TAB Gauteng Guineas. The original line horse used for the Gauteng Guineas was Tin Pan […]
David Thiselton
The new merit ratings are out from the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic and the handicappers look to have largely managed to get the merit ratings back to the way they had wanted them after the TAB Gauteng Guineas.
The original line horse used for the Gauteng Guineas was Tin Pan Alley, who was rated 117, whilst the appeal panel decided a more appropriate line horse was the 108-rated Grand Empire.
However, both of those horses are now Gr 1 winners, with Grand Empire having won the SA Classic on Saturday by a short-head from Trust, and Tin Pan Alley having slammed some of the best in the country by 1,75 lengths when winning the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m.
The appeal panel’s overall rating of the race thus looked to be too low.
The handicappers have managed to use the evidence from the SA Classic, as well as other factors, to get Trust back to the merit rating they had him on after the Guineas i.e 119 and have changed the ratings of the other runners accordingly.
The ratings look to now have a realistic look to them.
Meanwhile, Tin Pan Alley has been raised ten points to 128 after his impressive Horse Chestnut Stakes victory.
Hazy Dazy remains unchanged on 117 after her cosy win in the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic.
The NHA press release explained all of the changes to the Gr 1 runners:
WILGERBOSDRIFT H F OPPENHEIMER HORSE CHESTNUT STAKES (GRADE 1)
Three-year-old TIN PAN ALLEY has been awarded a revised merit rating of 128, up from 117, following his emphatic victory in the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes run at weight-for-age over 1600m at Turffontein standside track on Saturday.
In assessing the race, the Handicappers identified the consistent TEXAS RED (third place) as the line horse, leaving his rating unchanged at 119.
TIN PAN ALLEY’S commanding win over 1600m on a yielding track dispelled any doubts about his aptitude for the trip. The Handicappers had already considered him suitable for the distance, having used him as the line horse in the original TAB Gauteng Guineas ratings. However, the TAB Gauteng Guineas was subsequently reduced to a level of 109 following an appeal.
The outcome of the TAB Gauteng Guineas appeal has had significant knock-on effects. The three-year-old cohort that dominated the Guineas was reduced from a level of 121 to 109. TIN PAN ALLEY, who finished fourth in that race, has now gone on to win a Grade 1 WFA event.
Effectively, based on the reduced Guineas level, his performance rating has risen from 104 to 128 in just 28 days. While the Handicappers clearly believe TIN PAN ALLEY improved in this race, the improvement would reasonably be measured from 117 to 128 based on the Handicapper’s original assessment of the Gauteng Guineas.
When rating the Guineas, the Handicappers considered the pecking order of the field, the quality of the race as a Grade 2 event, and fairness from a handicapping perspective to ensure horses would meet on proper handicap terms in future contests. The appeal outcome created distortions, including the subsequent reduction of TRUST’S rating from 119 to 108 – a decision made two runs after his Grade 2 Jackpot City Dingaans victory, which the Handicappers regard as contrary to the principles of handicapping.
TIN PAN ALLY’S performance in this WFA race highlights the strength of this year’s three-year-old crop.
No other horses received upward adjustments in this race. COSMIC SPEED’S rating was reduced slightly, from 124 to 122.
HKJC WORLD POOL SA CLASSIC (GRADE 1)
GRAND EMPIRE, winner of the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic over 1800m, has had his official merit rating raised from 108 to 120.
The Handicappers unanimously agreed that runner-up TRUST reaffirmed the 119 performance he achieved in the Grade 2 Jackpot City Dingaans last November, where he defeated the 118-rated JAN VAN GOYEN. The Dingaans level remains the officially adopted benchmark for that race.
In the assessment of this race, the Handicappers concluded that TRUST once again performed to that same level of 119. TRUST was used to that mark and was accordingly adjusted to 119.
A collateral line of form with TIN PAN ALLY’S win in the Wilgerbosdrift H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes (Grade 1) indicates that the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic is undervalued, however, the Handicappers do not practise retrospective ratings.
Furthermore, the TRUST appeal panel concluded with the following recommendation: “Following the running of the SA Classic, the Handicappers should re-evaluate the entire three-year-old crop.”
Three additional horses received merit rating increases in this race:
- SPLITTHEEIGHTS: 109 to 116
- ONE EYE ON VEGAS: 106 to 115
- RADIO STAR: 95 to 107
WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC (GRADE 1)
HAZY DAZY’S official merit rating remained unchanged at 117 after she held off her rivals to win the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic over 1800m. HAZY DAZY remains 3 points lower that her male counterpart GRAND EMPIRE, which is within the range of the filly’s allowance while keeping her equal to the Western Cape Leading filly WISH LIST, who is also rated 117.
The Handicappers identified LITTLEMISSMILLION as the line horse, leaving her rating unchanged at 107.
Two horses received rating increases based on their margins ahead of the line horse at level weights:
- SCARLETT HEART (third): 91 to 108
- DAISY JONES (fourth): 106 to 108
