Horse Racing News | Gold Circle Horse Racing And Betting

Turffontein Standside Sunday 11 January 2026 – Comments by David Thiselton

PUBLISHED: January 10, 2026

RACE 1 1 VOLCANIC HEAT 3 GRISELDA 5 RUBY WHISPER 6 SECRETARY BIRD Preview: 1 VOLCANIC HEAT won well on debut and can follow up. 3 GRISELDA is an Erik The Red first-timer out of a Silvano mare and is running in the famous Beck colours. 5 RUBY WHISPER was beaten 1,70 lengths […]

Trust gets the Greenlight

PUBLISHED: January 10, 2026

David Thiselton The Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m heads the ten race meeting at Turffontein Standside today and Trust can prove how good he is a day after the L’Ormarins KIng’s Plate and ahead of the Gauteng Triple Crown series. There are also two Listed raced, the Betway Mother Russia […]

David Thiselton

The Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m heads the ten race meeting at Turffontein Standside today and Trust can prove how good he is a day after the L’Ormarins KIng’s Plate and ahead of the Gauteng Triple Crown series.

There are also two Listed raced, the Betway Mother Russia Stakes , in which the Frikkie Greyling-trained raider Amelia’s Legacy makes appeal, and the Wolf Power 1600, where the unbeaten three-year-old Grand Empire could beat his older rivals.

Trust has two give 2kg to the rest of the field in the Got The Greenlight as the winner of the Gr 2 Jackpot City Dingaans, but that should not stop him. He has an exhilarating turn of foot and from draw three will have every opportunity to relax in a good position in the running and then turn it on in the straight. His regular rider Serino Moodley is still on the sidelines after his Betway Summer Cup fall, but he has a good replacement in Ryan Munger, who was good before he went to Canada and has been on a continually upward trend since arriving there two-and-a-half years ago. One Eye On Vegas could be the chief danger as he won well over this trip last and is progressive, so could do well from pole position under Callan Murray. Agoge is way out at the weights on official merit ratings but caught the eye as one with plenty of scope when drawing away to win his maiden over 1600m, having gone close on debut over this trip. However, he does have a tricky draw of seven. His Lucky Houdalakis-trained stablemate Wayne looks promising too, so he could be involved despite also being out at the weights and having a wide draw. Charming Cheetah has proved himself up to his 110 rating and has a plum draw of two with Gavin Lerena up. He was unplaced in two starts beyond sprints but that was in a Gr 2 and Gr 1 respectively and on pedigree he should get this trip. Splittheeights was a beaten odds-on chance last time over 1160m first time out the maidens, but has promise judged on his good maiden win over 1160. The form of that maiden has worked out well and he is by Vercingetorix and is a half-brother to William Robertson, so should enjoy the trip. Yippee Kayay was not disgraced in the Grand Heritage off a 101 rating, but does have the widest draw to overcome. Shadowfax has 3,10 lengths to make up on Yippee Kayay on 1200m form and 5,40 lengths to make up on Trust, although he is 2kg better off this time. Golden Warrior had fine juvenile form but needs to bounce back from two poor runs this season.

In the Listed Mother Russia Stakes the Frikkie Greyling-trained Amelia’s Legacy is by Vercingetorix out of the smart Dynasty mare Hashtagyolo and has lived up to her pedigree to date with an eye-catching maiden win over this trip and then two close up finishes to the classy older filly Ladyofdistinction, including a 0,25 length defeat to her last time in the Listed Flamboyant Stakes over 1600m when receiving just 1,5kg. Amelia’s Legacy will relish the Standside track with it’s long straight and has a fair draw of four out of nine with Andrew Fortune up. Warm Reception also looks classy and this half-sister to the classy but ill-fated Heather’s Boy should make a bold bid, although she has a wide draw. Tina Lovelace can feature if bouncing back to her best form as a juvenile, but she does have a wide draw. Al Greenga has been eye-catching in two wins over this trip, but also has a tough draw. Mamlambo has shown class and her two wins have been over this trip, so she could have a shout from draw three.

In The Listed Wolf Power over 1600m the unbeaten three-year-old Grand Empire is officially 2kg under sufferance off his 102 merit rating, but he looks to be going places after three easy wins from 1160m to 1600m and he is also drawn well in barrier two. Chronicle King has proven class and represents an in-form yard so should make a bold bid over an ideal trip, but he does have a tricky draw of eight to overcome. Choisaanada has plenty of class and looks ideally distance suited, but he does have another tough draw to overcome, so might have to go to the front. Aristotle ran well last time over this trip from a wide draw and now has a good draw. Anfield’s Rocket was unlucky in the Summer Cup and will like this trip. Pressonregardless, Buster Barnes and Obsidian have to be considered too.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1000m Stoneywood is a full-brother to Dyce and caught the eye last time so could be a banker, although the number one draw is always a concern down the Turffontein Standside straight even in a small field like this. Rockabilly is the back up.

In the fifth over 2000m Aladdin’s Lamp interestingly ran a time about a second quicker than the Summer Cup on the same day and this progressive sort is thus taken to progress again. Olivia’s Way ran a cracker in the Summer Cup, although this is likely a preparation outing for the WSB Met, while Busstoptohounslow proved his class in the Summer Cup too, although he has likely been freshened up since as it was a tough race.

In the ninth over 1160m Barbaresco was most unlucky last time and can make amends from another nice high draw at the expense of the Gr 1-winner William Robertson.

In the first leg of the exacta over 1000m the ultra quick Heath House can likely give 5kg and more to the rest of the field and still prevail.

In the first leg of the PA Princess Of All and Varachino’s Champ can get punters through.

In the first race over 1000m Volcanic is 3kg worse off with Ruby Whisper for a 1,70 length win, but looks good enough to win it from a nice high draw.

In the tenth over 1000m Abound has turned the corner and can fight it out with the hard-knocking His Lordship and Saketini caught the eye in his maiden win.

Royal Victory should take the salute

PUBLISHED: January 10, 2026

Andrew Harrison Royal Victory ran well below par in the soft in the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup on the Highveld, a race that he had won before, but can make amends when he lines up in the Michael Roberts Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today. Nathan Kotzen’s charge has had his mental issues, at times refusing […]

Andrew Harrison

Royal Victory ran well below par in the soft in the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup on the Highveld, a race that he had won before, but can make amends when he lines up in the Michael Roberts Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today.

Nathan Kotzen’s charge has had his mental issues, at times refusing to go to the start, but a ‘re-education’ by horse behavioralist – read ‘horse whisperer’ – Glyn Redgrave, Royal Victory has learnt to behave.

This time around, in spite of top weight and the widest draw, he is the class act in the race and best weighted in the field by a long chalk. The 1750 m may be a touch on the sharp side but if he behaves his class should see him home comfortably.

If there is to be an upset it could come from another veteran galloper in Cape Eagle. He too did not take his trip to the Highveld well and back over a course where he has smart form he could be a threat. In the absence of injured stable rider Serino Moodley, Andre Nel has ‘imported’ Gareth Wright from the Cape which is an indication that they fancy their chances.

Imilenzeyokududuma appears to be the pick of the Hollywood Racing’s runners if Sean Veale’s choice is anything to go by although he is way out in the handicap while Mike Miller will have a busy afternoon with a plethora of runners but Narina Trogon is always dangerous. It appears that he has been set up for this race and the step up in trip will suit.

In the first leg of the Place Accumulator Camogie has shown up well in both starts to date and was beaten by the promising Son Of Rafeef last time out. He started favourite on debut and with two runs under his girth he should know what’s it’s all about and could be a banker. Sargasso Sea disappointed last run when looking like a million dollars in the canter past. After an improved second start she has a light weight and can do better. Levitator has consistent form to his name and started favourite last time out. His recent form has been on the poly but he does have a light weight. First timer Etzabeth boasts a cracking pedigree and maybe he can cheer up his suspended namesake.

There is a tough start to the Pick 6 but Saudi Sweep could fit the bill. She was withdrawn from her last intended start on Stipes permission and has been in smart form since joining Louis Goosen. This could be her day. Coccolina is lightly raced but caught the eye last run on the poly and could finally be coming to hand. Past Is Prologue made a fair debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last time out and makes her local debut. She started at long odds but is one to watch along with stable companion and first timer Scarlet Starlet the mount of S’Manga Khumalo, Gareth van Zyl’s go-to rider.

The fifth is another tricky handicap but Past And Present made a promising debut for his new stable and judged on his previous Cape form the step up in trip will suit. Stable companion Dee Dee’s Delight has improved with each outing and drops back in trip where she has done well before. Strutting was due to run on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Wednesday. She was run out of it late last time out and this trip from a plum draw should see her close if she makes the line-up.

The sixth is another competitive handicap. Jeanne Darc has been dropping rapidly in the handicap and although shouldering top weight she is down in class and possibly off a more competitive rating. Saint Brigid won well last time out and has come on progressively since arriving in KZN. She is 1.5kg better off with De Vlugge on their last meeting and should be able to confirm that form. Treasure Island looks to be coming to hand again and with a light weight and her best form she will be competitive.

Tristan Godden has jumped ship on Cleartherunway to partner Plazza Accord but Mark Dixon’s runner has only had three outings and was close-up in a strong field in his handicap debut. He looks more than capable of going in again. Plazza Accord has steady form over the trip but has to give Cleartherunway 3.5kg which may prove too much. Riccardo is down in class with a light weight and he could go all the way.

In the last of the exotics, Cowboy Country won well on debut and followed up with a smart handicap debut. He has a light weight and Tony Rivalland’s runner looks the part in this line-up. Mark Dixon will be hoping for a double as he sends out Captain’s Christy. The mare is never far back and is in good form of late as is the stable. First Origin has a big weight but is four-points down in the handicap and has not been far back of late.

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday 11 January – Comments by Andrew Harrison

PUBLISHED: January 10, 2026

Race 1 7 AMC ROY’S FANTASY 6 ODE TO THE SEA 9 SMART CHOICE 10 GREEN ENERGY Summary: Many first timers so keep an eye on the betting. Of those that have run, AMC ROY’S FANTASY (7) has put up the best time and may be the one to side with but Mike Miller has […]

Race 1

7 AMC ROY’S FANTASY 6 ODE TO THE SEA 9 SMART CHOICE 10 GREEN ENERGY

Summary: Many first timers so keep an eye on the betting. Of those that have run, AMC ROY’S FANTASY (7) has put up the best time and may be the one to side with but Mike Miller has his usual loaded card of which ODE TO THE SEA (6) with Tristan Godden up may prove the pick after making good improvement at his second outing. The filly SMART CHOICE (9) was hot on his heels that day and started favourite. Of the first timers GREEN ENERGY (10) strikes as a colt with a hot pedigree. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-9-10).

Race 2

1 JAPURA 10 LADY GODIVA 8 BETTER NEVER ENDS TIMELESS WONDER

Summary: Many first timers. Of those that have run, JAPURA (1) made good progression after her debut effort and should put in an honest effort. LADY GODIVA (10) was a well beaten second on debut but the experience should count in her favour. BETTER NEVER ENDS (8) was not far back on debut and should come on with that experience. TIMELESS WONDER (5) with a claiming apprentice up can improve on a modest debut. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-8-5).

Race 3

4 CAMOGIE 10 SARGASSO SEA 11 LEVITATOR 1 FULL MONTY

Summary: CAMOGIE (4) has shown up well in both starts to date and was beaten by a promising Son Of Rafeef last time out. He started favourite on debut and with two runs under his girth he should know what’s it’s all about. SARGASSO SEA (10) disappointed last run after an improved second start. She has a light weight and can do better. LEVITATOR (11) has consistent form to his name and started favourite last time out. His recent form has been on the poly but he does have a light weight. FULL MONTY (1) has not been far off in two starts and can still improve. First timer ETZEBETH (7) boasts a cracking pedigree and maybe he can cheer up his suspended namesake. (Andrew Harrison: 4-10-11-1).

Race 4

12 SAUDI SWEEP 8 COCCOLINA 3 PAST IS PROLOGUE 2 MISS DANON

Summary: Tough start to the Pick 6. SAUDI SWEEP (12) was withdrawn from her last intended start by Stipes permission. She has been in smart form since joining Louis Goosen and this could be her day. COCCOLINA (8) is lightly raced but caught the eye last run on the poly and could finally be coming to hand. PAST IS PROLOGUE (3) made a fair debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last time out and makes her local debut. She started at long odds but is one to watch along with stable companion first timer SCARLET STARLET (4) the mount of S’Manga Khumalo, Gareth van Zyl’s go-to rider. MISS DANON (2) made sudden improvement when dropped back to a sprint and could be the surprise package. (Andrew Harrison: 12-8-3-2).

Race 5

9 PAST AND PRESENT 7 BLACK PLATINA 5 DEE DEE’S DELIGHT

Summary: PAST AND PRESENT (9) made a promising debut for his new stable and judging on his previous Cape form the step up in trip will suit. Stable companion DEE DEE’S DELIGHT (5) has improved with each outing. She drops back in trip where she has done well before. BLACK PLATINA (7) is struggling but has been close-up of late and has a good chance in this field with a 4kg claimer aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 9-7-5).

Race 6

3 JEANNE DARC 8 SAINT BRIGID 4 DE VLUGGE 5 TREASURE ISLAND

Summary: Competitive handicap. JEANNE DARC (3) has been dropping rapidly in the handicap and although shouldering top weight she is down in class and possibly off to a more competitive rating. SAINT BRIGID (8) won well last time out and has come on progressively since arriving in KZN. She is 1.5kg better off with DE VLUGGE (4) on their last meeting and should be able to confirm that form. TREASURE ISLAND (5) looks to be coming to hand again and with a light weight and her best form she will be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 3-8-4-5).

Race 7

11 ROYAL VICTORY 3 CAPE EAGLE 9 IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA 6 NARINA TROGON

Summary: ROYAL VICTORY (11) ran well below par in the soft in the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup and can make amends this time around in spite of top weight and the widest draw. He is the class and best weighted in the field. CAPE EAGLE (3) did not take his trip to the Highveld well and back over a course where he has smart form he could be a threat. IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA (9) appears to be the pick of the Hollywood Racing’s runners if Sean Veale’s choice is anything to go by although he is way out at the handicap. NARINA TROGON (6) is always dangerous and the step up in trip will suit. (Andrew Harrison: 11-3-9-6).

Race 8

9 CLEARTHERUNWAY 1 PLAZZA ACCORD 6 RICCARDO 11 TOBACCONIST

Summary: Tristan Godden has jumped ship on CLEARTHERUNWAY (9) to partner PLAZA ACCORD (1) but Mark Dixon’s runner has only had three outings and was close-up in a strong field in his handicap debut. He looks more than capable of going in again. Plazza Accord has steady form over the trip but has to give Cleartherunway 3.5kg which may prove too much. RICCARDO (6) is down in class with a light weight. He could go all the way. TOBACCONIST (11) has been rested but had useful form before the lay-off. He could race fresh. (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-6-11).

Race 9

2 COWBOY COUNTRY 7 CAPTAIN’S CHRISTY 8 FIRST ORIGIN 1 AGRADO

Summary: COWBOY COUNTRY (2) won well on debut and followed up with a smart handicap debut. He has a light weight and looks the part in this line-up. CAPTAIN’S CHRISTY (7) is never far back and is in good form of late as is the stable. FIRST ORIGIN (8) has a big weight but is four-points down in the handicap and has not been far back of late. AGRADO (1) won well enough last time out under a fair weight and although up in class, he can go in again. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-8-1).

Race 10

13 COUNTER ATTACK 8 LUNCH MONEY 6 YANNAKIS 1 MASK ON

Summary: Difficult handicap to round off the day. COUNTER ATTACK (13) has improved with each outing since arriving from the Cape and looks primed for this. LUNCH MONEY (8) is the first runner back for Dominic Zackey since his return from Mauritius. The gelding returns from a year-long break but boasts strong form in good company so one to watch in the betting. YANNAKIS (6) has always been rated by the stable but has had his problems. His last win was over course and distance and he gets a senior rider aboard. MASK ON (1) has steady form and a handy weight. All his recent form has been on the poly but he gets S’Manga Khumalo aboard which will help his chances. (Andrew Harrison: 13-8-6-1).