Horse racing is a sport of incredible highs but mostly lows. For owners the highs are intoxicating but the lows take faith, patience and quite often deep pockets, and sometimes even that is not enough!

But when it all comes together the sport is even more rewarding as Lynn and Garth Towell celebrated a second win as Before Noon carried Lynn’s royal blue and grey silks to victory in the sixth at Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday.

A buy-back on a dispersal sale, Sean Tarry recommended the gelding to the Towell’s. “About ten days later Sean phoned and said ‘I don’t know how to tell you this but your horse fractured a hind leg in work’,” recounted Garth yesterday.

“He fractured a left hind leg in about January last year but Sean had it x-rayed and the vet said he thought the horse had a chance.”

“He was sent to Karen Eekman in Kyalami for re-hab. Karen spells a lot of Sean’s horses and I must thank both Karen and Sean for their dedication and care,” said Garth.

The faith, patience and not inconsiderable expense all paid dividends as after a year off, Before Noon made it back to the track in February. He won at his third comeback race at Greyville and had placed three times more before adding another winner to champion jockey Lyle Hewitson’s growing total in his title defence.

With a double yesterday, both for Tarry, Hewitson extended his lead in his title chase and has now racked up 205 winners so far. Nearest rival Muzi Yeni picked up one winner yesterday to take his total to 196. With three weeks of the season left, Hewitson is odds-on to retain the title that he won as an apprentice last year and will head to Hong Kong safe in the knowledge that if all goes pear-shaped in the notoriously hard school that is Hong Kong, he can always return to a safe haven.

Tarry has played no small part in Hewitson’s success, having picked up on the youngster’s talent when champion work rider and it was again on display as Hewitson got favourite Shango home from a testing draw to win the fourth. Tarry obviously has high hopes for Shango who is amongst his nominations for the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes at the end of this month along with last Saturday’s Gr2 Golden Horseshoe winner Eden Roc.

Hewitson was thwarted in his bid for a treble as another young gun, Luke Ferraris, got the better of him in the last. Riding for Michael Roberts, Ferraris got Winter Sun’s head down on the line to edge out Wishful Girl Linn with favourite Innogen under pressure a long way out.

Garth Puller was one of the finest ever to grace a racing dock and is also a fine horseman and trainer. Given his background he also knows the struggles that all participants in a tough sport face and is not averse to giving jockey’s chances. Athandiwe Mgudlwa is one of the fortunate few riders that does not have to battle the scale and Puller regards him as ‘under rated’. “He just needs to get his confidence back,” he said after Mgudlwa had got home on Simply Russian for Puller in the third. The race before he had finished runner-up on Puller’s short-priced favourite Winter Chill where he had to play second fiddle to the R40k purchase Candle Cove that gave Yeni his winner for the afternoon for Frank Robinson.

Robinson had favourite World Cruise in the fifth but was not overly confident of his chances.  In the money at his last five outings, World Cruise looked the right one in the 2400m contest but, “he’s a bit of a brass,” cautioned Robinson. “He’s always trying to get out of it.”

Whether he could have beaten the Puller-trained Belle Of Paris is debateable as apprentice Jabu Jacobs took full advantage of his 4kg claim and the filly made short work of her male rival.

By Andrew Harrison

The Vaal straight course stages an eight race meeting tomorrow and there are one or two opportunities for punters. 

In the first over 1000m, Sarah has won easily in her last two starts against her own gender and is the one to beat for the flying Paul Peter yard. The Tobie Spies yard are also in form and facile Flamingo Park debut winner True Charm could be a danger. 

In the second over 1000m, Dublin Quays is the one to beat as his debut win has worked out well and Marcus is now up. He can beat Astrix and De La Cruz.

The third over 1000m is likely to be contested by first-timers. The best of those to have raced is Rainbow Haze, who ran on over 1000m on debut in a fair field and was not disgraced. However, Scarlet Tiger is tipped to win. This first-timer is by Captain Al and is a half-sister to Mela Stregata, who was expensively purchased and has speed and talent but has hitherto been disappointing. The other first-timers to consider could be Pachal’s Samore, who is by promising new sire Vercingetorix out of a four time-winning Victory Moon mare from 1200-1400m, Musaytara, who is by Var out of the Grade 2 Debutante runner up Dijla (Elusive Quality), although the latter has not produced a winner yet, and Sasskia, who is by Master Of My Fate out of a one-time winning Dubawi mare.

The fourth over 1600m should be a duel between On My Mind and Blue Spark and the former is given the nod as one who has more experience and better time figures.

In the fifth over 1600m Ronnie’s Candy is talented and is well in at the weights. She has the ability to easily beat this field but this is her first run after a suspension for epistaxis. Scent Of Evening has beaten Ronnie’s Candy before over 1400m at level weights so must have a shout receiving 3kg here. However, Ronnie’s Candy was likely using that aforementioned race as a preparation. Furthermore, Scent Of Evening, although undoubtedly talented does have issues. So Pretty Border might also have to be included in the Pick 6 and Jackpot.   

In the sixth race over 1600m Zabarjad won his maiden easily over this trip last time. It was an improved performance and he looks capable of progressing off his opening handicap mark of 69. Gavin Lerena is an eyecatching booking although it won’t be easy carrying topweight. Oh Yeah will appreciate the step up in trip and has been dropped two points after his disappointing handicap debut. He is capable of better than that last run. Riga D’Oro ran a fair race first time out the maidens last time over this trip at Scottsville and could earn. However, many others will have to be considered if Zabarjad is not bankered. 

In the seventh over 1400m Monopolize ran a flat race in his second run after a layoff over 1200m last time. Over this ideal trip he should bounce back. Greenwood Drive will be dangerous from the front and proved last time this trip is not too sharp for him. Rocky Night also represents the Peter yard and should enjoy this course and distance from a middle draw, Count Tassilo beat both Greenwood Drive and Rocky Night last time over 1450m and this six-year-old Silvano gelding has won over the course and distance before. Nordic Rebel enjoys this course and distance and has dropped to a competitive mark.         

In the last race over 1200m the two-year-old Lighthearted is an imposing sort and could not find a gap when appearing to be travelling well last time over this trip and this followed a good win over 1000m. He represents the flying Paul Peter yard and should be in the shake up. However, he does have a big weight and a high draw and it remains to be seen which draws will be favourable on the day. Steffi’s Graft has a lot of natural speed and probably found the 1400m a touch beyond her last time. Back over this trip she must have a shout and in that last race over 1400m a low drawn horse won so the number one draw here should not be a disadvantage. Pretty Jolly moved up well over 1400m last time but found no extra late and she might appreciate the step down in trip. Baahir can go close if repeating his penultimate run, although he did disappoint last time. Category Four was not disgraced over 1000m over the weekend and should appreciate the step up in trip.

By David Thiselton

Rainbow Bridge has been installed 15-10 favourite by the sponsors to gain July compensation in the World Sports Betting Champions Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday fortnight.

But the runner-up in the Vodacom Durban July has enjoyed mixed fortunes in recent runnings of the Champions Cup. Marinaresco won it 2016 but the previous year Punta Arenas finished second last and in 2014 Wylie Hall (relegated to second in the July) managed only third last in the Champions Cup. In 2017 and 2018 the July second did not even run in the Champions Cup.

Last Sunday’s Turffontein winner Buffalo Bill Cody is 3-1 second favourite for the nine furlong R1 million Grade 1 with 12-1 quoted about July third Twist Of Fate, Soqrat, Oh Susanna and Cirillo. Eyes Wide Open, third in last year’s Champions Cup and fourth in the July, is next on 14-1 together with Undercover Agent whose trainer Brett Crawford has won four of the last six runnings of the Champions Cup.

Sean Tarry is now considered by the bookmakers to be virtually unassailable in his bid to become champion trainer for the fourth time in five seasons. He leads current champion Justin Snaith by some R2.5 million and is variously quoted at 1-2 and 7-20. Snaith and Mike de Kock (close behind Snaith) are both between 3-1 and 15-4.

The championship is decided on NHA figures which exclude sales races. The Sporting Post considers this unfair and its statistics (which put Tarry nearly R6 million clear) include these high value races. The racing paper has a point – the sales races are worth so much that they have become prime targets for all owners and trainers with eligible horses.

By Michael Clower

Highveld trainers are putting pressure on the locals, especially at the bottom end of scale and Paul Matchett is another trying to make hay when he runs Informative in the card opener at Hollywoodbets Scottsville this afternoon.

Placed in all three starts to date, Informative shows good pace and was only touched off late when coming up empty over the final 100 m in his last start.

However, the Scottsville track is a little more testing than Turffontein and he could face serious opposition from Paul Lafferty’s first timer On The Bayou who has had the benefit of a gallop over the course and distance.

On The Bayou rocketed out of the gate and although this was only a barrier trial, the balance of the runners were left treading water. Stable companion Burmese Ruby made an early attempt to go with his stable companion but the others were left trailing nearly 13 lengths behind.

Time for the trial was not particularly fast but then On The Bayou was never put under pressure and cruised home under Mark Khan who will be in the hot seat again.

 Of the balance, Man Of Action was not too far back in open company last outing and can feature again while Live By Night and Mister Minister must also be considered.

In the second, Winter Chill showed up well in his barrier trial behind the filly Maidens Prayer. The latter finished runner-up to recent Gr2 Golden Slipper winner Cockney Pride in her debut which augurs well for the chances of Winter Chill but 9-10 are skinny odds.

Puller holds a strong hand in the seven-horse line-up with Double Espresso and Krisnies Jet also in the field. The betting should provide some indication as to the stable fancy.

Kom Naidoo was a little miffed that Rainbow Unicorn did not make it into the field for the Gr2 Golden Slipper ahead of a couple of maidens and will be looking to make a point in the third.

Castellano and Rainbow Unicorn look principal protagonists in the third. Rainbow Unicorn opened her account from a poor draw last time out but is three gates better off here.

Glen Kotzen is in a terrific vein of form at present and Castellano looks the biggest threat to Rainbow Unicorn. She is drawn even wider than her rival but came from well back when shedding her maiden over 1600m at Greyville and her turn of foot should hold her in good stead.

The fourth is a touch tricky with many going the trip for the first time. Favour (9-2) was not far back in a promising debut and put in a good trial before that. He has the best of the draw and Dean Kannemeyer’s string is hitting its straps. Lyle Hewitson is slowly edging clear in the defence of his national jockey title and teams up with his staunch supporter Sean Tarry with 14-10 ante-post favourite Shango. In spite of having the worst of the draw he has shown up well in two Highveld sprints.  The step up in trip should be right up his alley. Duncan Howells can put a spanner in the works with his two runners, All The Way Up and Saipan, both capable of improving on recent form.

Banking in a maiden event over 2400m is a risk but World Cruise (16-10) could fit the bill for the exotics in the fifth. Frank Robinson’s runner is consistent and more importantly proven over the trip. He may be the one to beat. What A Blast has not been far back since Dennis Bosch tried blinkers at his last two but has yet to go the trip. Just Prime and Belle Of Paris also warrant attention.

Don Pierro (7-1) has always been a bit of a handful but Tessa Rich did sterling work to get him settled before winning for her father Gary and his subsequent move to Bosch. The Australian-bred still has his quirks but is talented. He enjoyed the extra ground last start and with a light weight can follow up – but it will be close.  Before Noon (4-1) was narrowly beaten by Don Pierro when last they met but was subsequently a touch disappointing on the poly. He can do better here. Brighteyebushytail (14-1) is dropping in the handicap and has improved in blinkers while Walterthepenniless (9-2) has yet to run a bad race in blinkers and should be thereabouts again.

The seventh is wide open. Dallas (5-1) has been consistent and has improved further with blinkers and should go close here. Fives Wild (5-1) is in cracking form for his new stable and was game in defeat last time out. Luke-warm favourite Celebration Rock and Written look pick of the balance.

Finally, Rampancy was green and not far back when starting favourite on debut and could be good value at 5-1 in the ante-post market as she should come on with the experience. Ante-post favourite Innogen (2-1) ran in feature company last start, all of her runs being around the turn. She can improve down the straight course. Wishful Girl Linn has placed in all three starts and has gone well this trip. One to watch is Golden Syrup who has shown signs of coming to hand and can feature with Bernard Fayd’Herbe aboard.

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

By Andrew Harrison

The South African national jockeys championships is heading for an exciting conclusion, while Sean Tarry looks unlikely to be caught for the trainers championship after enjoying a good day on Vodacom Durban July day.

Justin Snaith’s win with Do It Again in the R4,25 million Vodacom Durban July and his second and third places with Oh Susanna and Snowdance in the R1 million Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes saw him sneaking past Mike de Kock into second place on the trainers log.

However, Sean Tarry won the R500,000 WSB 2200 with Shenanigans, finished one-two with Eden Rock and Putontheredlight in the R600,000 Durban Golden Horseshoe and won the R1 million Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes with Celtic Sea.

Tarry is now on R24,886,825 which is just over R2,5 million clear of Snaith on 22,347,663, who is a mere R3,600 ahead of De Kock who is on R22,344,063.

The only major race day left on the calendar is Gold Cup day, which includes the R1,25 million eLan Gold Cup, the R1 million WSB Champions Cup, the R1 million Mercury Sprint, the R750,000 Premier’s Champions Stakes, the R750,000 Thekwini Stakes, the R400,000 Gold Bracelet, the R300,000 Umkhomazi Stakes, the R300,000 The Debutante as well as two R150,000 Listed races.

Snaith or De Kock would have to win a number of the biggest stakes races on that day to stand a chance and Tarry would have to have a bad day, which is unlikely considering he will probably have Eden Rock and Put On The Red Light in the Premier’s.

Meanwhile defending champion Lyle Hewitson reached the 200 winner mark for the season on Sunday at Turffontein with a double.

Closest rival Muzi Yeni had one winner and is now six behind on 194. Anton Marcus now has a mountain to climb as he is 18 behind on 182.

Tack And Ball have Hewitson at 11/20, Yeni at 17/10 and Marcus at 4/1.

Luke Ferraris, on 77 winners, is 17 clear of Dennis Schwarz in the Apprentice Championship.

Chris van Niekerk owns all of Shenanigans, Eden Rock and Putontheredlight so forged ahead in the Owner’s Championship on Saturday. His nearest rival Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s chances were dented by the unfortunate scratching of Hawwaam from the Vodacom Durban July.

Van Niekerk is on R15,030,913 and the Sheikh is on R12,101,788.

Maine Chance Farms sire Silvano has wrapped up the Sires Championship. This will be his third title in succession and his fourth overall. His earning of R20,261,425 is just over R4,5 million clear of the late Captain Al on R15,729,938. Var is in third place on R13,439,988.

Mary Slack and Jessica Gell’s Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein Stud operation have wrapped up the Breeders Championship. Their earnings of R27,557,153 are well clear of defending champions Klawervlei Stud on R19,835,888. Summerhill Stud are in third place on R15,845,600.

By David Thiselton