Parterre may have Tony Millard’s Hong Kong stable on his long-term agenda but a more immediate objective is next month’s Cape Derby following his success In the Interbet.co.za Handicap at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Brett Crawford, whose yard is now sponsored by Interbet, said: “The Politician on Sun Met day would probably be the right route but I will have a good look at it because the conditions are a bit funny [although a Grade 3 the weights are largely determined by merit rating] and I need to make sure that he is well in.”

This was the middle leg of a Crawford treble and Count Jack, who spearheaded the stable’s one-two in the last under Keagan de Melo, will also be seen next on Met day – but in his case the considerably more lucrative CTS 1600 with R5 million split between the first five.

Smart William, ridden like Parterre by Corne Orffer, kicked off the treble when odds-on for the Tabonline.co.za Maiden Handicap. But he fly-jumped as the starter pressed the button, was left three lengths and only caught the pace-setting King Saladin in the dying strides. “Absolutely nerve-wracking – particularly at my age!” exclaimed owner Cheryl Gabler who has had to be ultra-patient with this horse – he sat out the whole of his two and three-year-old careers after fracturing a pedal bone.

Warren Kennedy has not got where he is today – top of the log and heading towards a first championship – by getting things wrong but apparently the Cape crawl caught him out when Miraculously Ours started favourite early last month. “He came in saying he didn’t ride that very well,” recalled Glen Kotzen but the four-year-old repaid the losses – punters’ as well as the owners’ – when justifying odds of 15-10 under Morne Winnaar in the TAB Telebet Handicap.

In the days before wooden rails were largely replaced by plastic, scribes were apt to write of winning jockeys riding so close to the inner that they came back with paint on their boots. Usually it was no more than literary exaggeration but when Sandile Mbhele returned on his winner number 57 – Mario Ferreira’s well backed (12-1 to 13-2) White Lace – interviewer Grant Knowles pointed out the tell-tale evidence of contact with the rails. “It was a terrific ride,” said an admiring Vaughan Marshall, “but he was damn lucky he didn’t go over them.”

Marshall also won the 1 200m maiden with the M.J. Byleveld-ridden Speed Of Night but some of the gloss was taken off Ken and Jane Truter’s celebrations by the filly being suspended for 60 days for bursting a blood vessel.

Bernard Fayd’Herbe made it look a good deal easier than it actually was when getting the Dennis Drier-trained Perfect Air home by a head in the 2 000m handicap – “With her 61.5kg weight I felt I would have to track M.J. (Fynbos) but I thought he would pull me through longer than he did,” explained the jockey. “And I knew that Richard Fourie (Rattle Mouse) was coming for me.”

Greg Cheyne, Kennedy’s nearest pursuer but some 30 winners adrift, had no such problems on Proclaimer in the first. He was well clear from before halfway and the 7-4 favourite came home under hands and heels to give Candice Bass-Robinson and Ridgemont the honour of Cape Town’s first winner of 2020.

BLOB Orffer, Fourie and Grant Behr were each fined R 1 000 for using their whips more than the 12-stroke limit and Anthony Andrews was fined R1 500 for the same offence. If the National Horseracing Authority officials mean business with this rule they need to look at it again. The present version is not working.

By Michael Clower

Chantyman, who wanders around his yard like a pet dog is a terrier on the track, making short work of a quick field in the African Holly Handicap (Non-Black Type) at a blisteringly hot and humid Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday.

Obviously a stable favourite, both Dennis Bosch and rider Anton Marcus were enamoured with the win. “He has the nicest disposition and one day will make someone very happy,” said Bosch obviously referring to the gelding’s retirement from the hard grind of the racecourse. “I’m not usually an emotional person,” said Marcus. “But this horse is close to my heart. He can’t breathe, you should hear it, (when under pressure in races) but he gives it his all.”

Chantyman has only twice been out of the money in 18 starts and yesterday’s win was one of his easiest.

It was always going to be a quick race with the likes of Effortless Reward and Calvary in the line-up, so Marcus tracked the pace on the outside where Calvary, with his 4kg claimer up, was cutting the pace. Pressing Chantyman to keep up with the pace a long way out, the cards folded up front and Chantyman was singing the right tune a long way out as Marcus geared him down to a comfortable win without calling for any extra encouragement.

Earlier, Brilliant Disguise was most pundits best bet on the card and he duly obliged, rollicking home under Marcus and leading from the jump. He went down to the start sporting red ear-muffs, now standard equipment for horses that may get upset in the preliminaries but removed at the start.

They worked a treat for Brilliant Disguise who ghosted to the start and was hardly off the bit in the race.

“He’s a bit hot,” said Duncan Howells, “but if we can keep his temperament under control, he will win a few.”

It was from high to low come the second for Howells as favourite Trip To Africa trailed in last. Solid Gold set a smart pace under Serino Moodley under instruction from Michael Roberts and the regally-bred son of Rock Of Gibraltar was never in danger. “He has a few issues at the gate,” confirmed Roberts when quizzed on the gelding’s temperament, “but otherwise he’s fine. You must just let hm do what he wants and Serino gets on well with him.”

Trip To Africa jumped awkwardly and was reported lame after the race.

Whether you are an owner, trainer or punter, close finishes are what make this sport what it is. Winter Retreat, in front, then behind and then in front, will have had many hearts pumping. In front for much of the race, replacement rider Gareth Wright got the best out of Shane Humby’s filly when it counted, snatching the decision on the line as the hard-charging Electric Surge was short-circuited one jump before it counted.

It was a trying afternoon for Marcus and more pertinently Robbie Hill, with Electric Surge beaten on the line and Moon In June and Marcus suffering a similar fate next up.

Red Al and Arizona Sunset looked to have it wrapped up going down the inside rail, but Escape Club and Moon In June roared home on the outside rail to run them out of it two jumps from the line.

Apprentice Denis Schwarz, out of his time after a five-year stint at the South African Jockey Academy, has been making a name for himself with a steady supply of winners for Gary Alexander and more recently with a variety of high-profile Highveld trainers as he has honed his talents.

He indicated that he will be a regular visitor to KZN and did his reputation no harm as he guided Celebration Rock to a narrow, if somewhat fortunate, win. “He’s not a horse that you can boss around, you just have to let him do it on his own,” said Schwarz.

Possibly unluck was Letaba who ducked off a straight course under relatively inexperienced apprentice Joshwin Solomons, but to his credit, he did gather his mount and come for a second bite, only to be denied by a piece of paper.

Beaten in a couple of close-up finishes, it was not all gloom and doom for Marcus who rounded off the meeting with a quick double, bringing his afternoon total to a healthy four wins as he obliged on favourites Divine High and Han Solo to round off the day.

By Andrew Harrison

Divine Hugh, second to subsequent Gr2 Dingaans winner, Shango, looked to be a fairly solid bet when taking on a modest maiden field over the Hollywoodbets Scottsville 1400m last month but was not able to match strides with Master Tobe inside the final furlong.

This was the geldings second outing after a fairly lengthy break and given that this should be his peak run come Sunday over what looks to be a more suitable trip, Divine Hugh rates the one to beat in the seventh.

Dangers! On The Bayou is starting to show better form as he goes further but Anton Marcus has forgone the ride to partner Divine Hugh which may be an indication of their relative chances.

Shane Humby had a winner with Suzie Woo on New Year’s Day and as a trainer who is not one to rush his charges, the five-year-old Double Gemini has only his eighth start but has been improving all the time and looks to be over his optimum trip so is a must inclusion in all exotics.

Marcus has stuck with Han Solo in the last where Glen Kotzen’s runner is likely to start at cramped odds in the last. Marcus has been aboard at his last three starts and was making late progress when four lengths back to favourite Themba last time out. The step up in trip should suit and Han Solo could prove a little too good for Bayview Express and Declaration Of War who, on recent form, look the obvious dangers.

Duncan Howells has been relatively quiet of late given his high standards and he could open with the first two winners on the card. Brilliant Disguise was probably just have needed his last run when a close-up third from a wide draw and should come on from that. A threat could come from Avro Lancaster who is well regarded but has been costly to follow. However, his new trainer may now be putting him over a more suitable trip.

Trip To Africa was a facile maiden winner on debut but the form behind him has been iffy and he takes on a useful Progress field in the first leg of the PA. However, given his pedigree, extended trip, draw and handy weight he could prove progressive enough to have the measure of the well exposed Exclusive Quantity. Caliente and Sea Dance are others to consider.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is an open affair with most of the runners in with a decent winning chance but Mark Dixon’s mare She’s A Dream has come good in a tongue-tie and was an excellent second last run. She has a big weight but has finally found her feet and could prove too good for the likes of Electric Surge, Winter Retreat and Arianos Spinner.

The fourth is another tricky affair but Connect Me failed narrowly when going 2000m for the first time. She is always game and can go one better. Railtrip has been disappointing but the blinkers are back on and at best she will be worth another chance.

In the fifth, another tricky handicap, Master Of Illusion has his third run after a break and is 1.5kg better off with course specialist Celebration Rock and can turn the tables. Tarsus showed up well first run for his new stable and is sure to come on from that effort and is 1.5kg better off with the unbeaten Pearl Of Asia who has won both starts in yielding going and beat the smart Mr Fitz last time out.

The sixth will be an all-out sprint with whoever last longest the winner. Coldhardcash, Chantyman and Effortless Reward are all quick but all have breathing issues while Cumulus is never-say-die and will test them all to the line.

By Andrew Harrison

To take a bet go to www.tabgold.co.za or www.trackandball.co.za

Image Caption: Paul Lafferty saddles ON THE BAYOU in the The White Horse Function Room Maiden Plate at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.

Candice Bass-Robinson, who finished up 2019 in style with three winners on New Year’s Eve, can score with her first Cape Town runner of the year in the opener at Kenilworth tomorrow.

Proclaimer started favourite when only fifth over 1 400 here a month ago but it could be significant that the Ridgemont runner drops in trip – remember this ownership is one whose aims include a high strike rate.

Greg Cheyne’s mount opened favourite at 17-10 with the Dean Kannemeyer newcomer Born To Be Queen on 33-10 along with Floatlikeabutterfly whose Glen Puller stable is doing well at the moment.

So is M.J. Byleveld who may take the next on Speed Of Night. The Vaughan Marshall colt has some smart form figures and that last run was better than it looked because he was carried wide and had to be straightened twice. The one negative is that he was difficult to load that day – and horses that do that can become unsettled and use up precious energy in the process.

The obvious danger is Lead Singer whose previous form would suggest is better than last time’s fourth of six over a furlong further at Durbanville. But Cyclonic Breeze also has strong claims with Bernard Fayd’Herbe in the irons.

Smart William is marginally odds-on for the Tabonline.co.za Maiden Handicap despite having to give weight all round. He got a bit far back when starting favourite over a furlong less last time but finished well and went under by less than half a length. The extra furlong looks made for him.

However one to consider, and possibly have a small saver on, is 8-1 shot Forbach because he was one of the victims of the false start on Cape Fillies Guineas day. He was upset about having to be pulled up and reloaded, as well as by the 12-minute delay, and he over-raced and refused to settle when the race finally got under way. Therefore that run is best ignored and his close third on his previous outing is a better indication of his chance.

The Vow, well drawn and with two good recent runs over a furlong less, looks the one they all have to beat in the Betting World Maiden and is understandably favourite at 17-10 but 15-4 shot A Moment Apart may again run her close. Byleveld’s mount was only half a length behind despite losing ground at the start and it being her first race for five months.

By Michael Clower 

Turffontein Standside hosts three feature races tomorrow which will provide pointers to the forthcoming feature season which begins in real earnest with the Gauteng Guineas meeting on February 8.

The Grade 3 Tony Ruffel Stakes over 1400m saw Hawwaam remaining unbeaten last year and Mike de Kock has another unbeaten runner taking part here, Alibi Guy. However, preference are for two classy distance suited horses, Ikigai and Got The Greenlight. Ikigai raced twice in November, so will be fit and his form reads well. Last time out this strongly built Vercingetorix colt beat Riverstown by 1,25 lengths over 1450m and the latter followed up by beating older horses in the Grand Heritage over 1475m off a merit rating of 104. Ikigai’s previous race over 1200m looks just as good on paper as he finished just a neck behind the filly True To Life when receiving only 0,5kg and the latter followed up with an impressive win in the Grade 3 Magnolia Handicap. Ikigai has a fair draw of four. Got The Greenlight was the Equus Champion two-year-old of last season after winning the Grade 1 Premier’s Champion Stakes over 1600m going away by three lengths. He has an impressive stride and has plenty of scope. On the downside this is his first start of the season and he has to give lumps of weight away, including 7kg to Ikigai. His class could pull him through over a trip which will suit him running fresh, although his draw of six is tricky. Alibi Guy would prefer further but the long straight will suit him and he should be staying on resolutely. Leopold, Westlife and the filly Gaian Glory could fight out the minor money.

In the Grade 3 Three Troikas Stakes over 1400m Wisteria Walk has fine form and is ideally course and distance suited. She went close to beating one of the best of the crop, Mill Queen, in the Starling Stakes over this course and distance at level weights in her penultimate start. Last time out she was run out of it when third to two classy older fillies, Ronnie’s Candy and Dancing Queen, in the Grade 2 Ipi Tombe Stakes over 1600m. She cast a shoe in that race and gave the impression that at this stage the 1400m would suit her better. Gin Fizz is also ideally distance suited and her draw of four is low enough to be an advantage for her front-running style. She is not a straight forward filly but has speed and class and is not going to be easy to catch. Magic School is a long-striding sort who proved her ability when finishing second to the top class gelding Frosted Gold in the Grade 3 Graham Beck Stakes over this course and distance. She has a tricky draw but with a good passage she would not be a surprise winner. Stage Dance is a progressive sort who finished close to the classy Snow Palace last time over 1600m and she could earn. There is not much between her and Victoria Paige on that last run. Spiritofthegroove won the Empress Palace Ready To Run Stakes over course and distance in good style, albeit in soft ground. There was some rain this week, which might aid her cause, and she has a plum draw of three. Mount Laurel won her first three starts and will improve as she matures. She is better than her last run and can’t be discounted back at a distance category she has won over. Shivers has a tough task with topweight and looks held by Wisteria Walk. Marygold finished a fine third in the Grade 3 Fillies Mile, beating Gin Fizz by over six lengths, but she looks likely to prefer further than this. Frosted Steel makes least appeal of the Tarry trio but ran well over this trip last time in a Graduation Plate and she could earn.

The Grade 3 London News Stakes over 1800m has only six runners and Gauteng Summer Cup third-placed Al Mutawakel is the one to beat. He runs on from behind which is not always easy in a small field, especially when a front runner dictates. Chijmes is a front-runner and will have a fine chance if able to dictate. However, the filly Return Flight has also won from the front before so Chijmes is unlikely to be given an easy lead. Jet Start is on the up and is tipped to finish third behind Al Mutawakel and Chijmes. The other two Divine Odyssey and Green Haze would not be surprise winners, so putting the field in the Pick 6 might be the way to go.

By David Thiselton

Image caption: The Mike de Kock-trained GIN FIZZ runs in the Three Troikas Stakes at Turffontein tomorrow.