The Vaal meeting tomorrow features the Listed Spook Express Handicap over 2400m and purists will also be looking forward to race three of the eight events as this sees the promising Ehsaan attempting to exact revenge on another potentially good horse, Got The Greenlight.

Got The Greenlight was defeated by the prospect Frosted Gold on debut and second time out beat Ehsaan over 1200m down the Vaal straight when stealing a march. Ehsaan got going late that day and was finishing fast. Ehsaan duly followed up with a win over 1200m on the Turffontein Inside track. Gavin Lerena will know this time what he has underneath him and will know something about his chief opponent. So Ehsaan is given the nod although there won’t be much in it. De La Cruz could also have a say having won well on debut over 1000m and being one who should relish the step up in trip.

The Spook Express could also turn into a match race between Forest Express and Gottalottaluv. Forest Express is a rangy daughter of Oracy out of a Fort Wood mare. She is improving all the time and has come into her own since being sent back over staying trips, winning two of her last three starts comfortably and narrowly beaten in the other. Her draw of seven out of seven will be tricky and she will require a bit of luck, but if things go her way she is the one to beat. Gottalottaluv has always struck as one with some class but needed maturing. She has now come into her own and has proved she stays this trip when winning her penultimate start over 2400m comfortably.

Last time she was not herself but she is now reunited with Diego De Gouveia, who has been aboard for both of her last two wins. Topweight Silver Thursday has overall been a disappointment since finishing a narrow second in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas last season. The reason why that run was so promising was that she had seemed to be staying type. However, she disappointed in both the SA Fillies Classic and the Oaks when stepped up in trip. She has won over 1800m this season though and has been one-paced in the finish in her last two over 1600m and 1800m respectively in feature races, so she might now be ready to take on a staying trip again.  

Earlier in race six Galactic Warrior should get it right over his favourite 1000m trip. This horse was well regarded from day one so has turned out to be a touch disappointing. However, he has not been at all disgraced in his last two races over this trip in stronger fields than this one and he remains on his same 75 merit rating with the same 4kg claimer in the saddle. What A Captain could provide fair value in this race. He has got some pace and as a typically long-striding son of What A Winter he should also be improving. He finished six lengths back to Donny G when he last tried this trip and could have got closer but for having to be switched late. He is now 14 points lower in the merit ratings, so could have a say.

The last leg of the Pick Six looks to be the trickiest race on the card. In this MR 74 Handicap over 1800m Defy Gravity comes out best on formlines. Verdier is not far behind and if Wild Fire settles better than he did last time he can go close from pole position having been transformed by blinkers. However, Kurt’s Approval, Manitoba, Street Flyer, Mambo Symphony and Storm Outgoing also need to be included.

The second leg of the Pick 6 over 1800m could be fought out by Jive Express and Flirty Girty. The former is a three parts sister to Dancewiththedevil, whose multiple Grade 1 victories included the Summer Cup over 2000m, so this filly should relish the step up in trip. Flirty Girty has proven her stamina capabilities and is well drawn.

The next race looks to be a three cornered contest between three improving sorts, Maroon Bells, Lasair and Movie Magic, who should all enjoys the step up to 1800m. They should be enough to get punters through.

By David Thiselton

Do It Again will after all attempt to become the first since El Picha at the turn of the century to win the Vodacom Durban July two years running. The stable had previously been hesitant, suggesting the four-year-old would have too much weight, and indicating that the Rising Sun Gold Challenge and the Champions Cup would be more likely targets.

But Justin Snaith, boldly and typically, nailed the horse’s colours to the July mast in a revealing interview with James Goodman on Monday evening’s Winning Ways programme.

The champion trainer, in response to a direct ‘will he run?’ question from Goodman, said: “I think definitely. He just gets better and better, and he is improving all the time. He is one of those horses – and we said it when he won the July last year – that whatever he does at three he will be better next year and, wow, is he doing well. He is kicking out every five minutes. I have to keep him as chilled as possible until the big day.

“I think he can run the July with 60kg on his back and still be very competitive. I have seen the betting (Do It Again is 15-2 with Rainbow Bridge favourite at 6-1 and Buffalo Bill Cody second best on 7-1) and it won’t be that come raceday. Do It Again is a horse you have got to follow – in the Sun Met he was unlucky – everything that could possibly have gone wrong for this poor horse happened in those two minutes.”

Snaith did not have much to say about last year’s runner-up Made To Conquer (currently 28-1) – “It depends how he is weighted” – but he recommended Doublemint (14-1) and 55-1 shot Magnificent Seven. “They are two that you are not going to see much of in the winter season but they will be there on the right day. For those who want a bit of value for money these are two, not just of my runners but of the race in general.”

He also suggested backing Crown Towers next time despite the gelding finishing with only one behind him in last Sunday’s Byerley Turk. “He was fighting at the back, they slowed up the pace and he fought the whole way round the turn. Next time out in a 1 400m or a mile I will send him handy and I think we will see the best of him. Certainly a horse to follow.”

By Michael Clower

A winner on debut, Petra was launched straight into the deep end early in her career and Robbie and Shannon Hill were vindicated in their assessment as the filly got off to a quick start when beaten a length into third in the Strelitzia Stakes.

However, from there on she was against the tide but the memory of her early promise lingers on.

Those that kept faith were nearly rewarded when she was touched off in a desperate finish to her last start by Diamond Noir who held on by the shortest of short heads.

That was Petra’s third run after a break and only the seventh of her career. Doing her best work late, she can go one better when she goes the extra furlong in the fourth on the Greyville poly this afternoon.

Should she fail to run up to expectations then Ooh La La and Heart Of A Legend are the pair mostly likely to pick up the pieces.

Ooh La La is a smart filly who at her last outing, slowly wore down Generous Lady to get up close home in spite of losing a couple of lengths at the start. She has been mostly kept to the turf by Doug Campbell but goes very well over this trip.

Anton Marcus and Glen Kotzen teamed up with Temple Grafin and Hugo Hattingh’s Chrigor Stud to win the Gr3 Umzimkulu Stakes on Sunday and that combination hook up again with ante-post favourite Heart Of A Legend.

Taken to the front by Keagan de Melo over the poly track mile last time out, Heart Of A Legend was caught late by Komeshans Flight. She is drawn on the paint today and with Marcus aboard she could start a lot shorter than the current 33-10 on offer.

Exotic bet punters have not had it easy these past few weeks and it doesn’t get any easier this afternoon where the nine-race card is littered with pitfalls and another substantial Pick 6 dividend is on the cards.

It’s 5-1 the field in the opening leg of the Jackpot with The Private, Philos, March Preview and Grande Maestro all joint favourites.

March Preview won well to stronger last outing but took a five-point rise in the ratings for his efforts. That may not be enough to stop him but Pantsula has come to hand again with the blinkers off and was close-up in a useful field last run. Philos took to the poly last run and could prove even more effective over this shorter trip while The Private is overdue another win. He has smart form over course and distance and apprentice Jason Gates takes over in the saddle from Ashton Arries who is on the side-lines after a car accident.

Chesney van Zyl has had a bit of a slow start since re-locating to KZN with his yard in the grip of a virus but Miss Jagger could break the ice in the sixth. The highest rated runner in this maiden field, she was improving nicely on the Highveld before being shipped to the coast. She has had a barrier trial and will much prefer this trip.

Of the balance, Apple Magic shows some promise and improved nicely second time out while Orient Express is holding form although she was a well beaten second last run.

The seventh is another wide open affair but Paul Peter saddles Quebec Queen who could be good value at 8-1 in the ante-post market. She has been busy, having run nearly every fortnight on the Highveld since late December so will be super fit. She steps up in trip and could defy top weight. Stormborne Thunder has come well for her new stable and has a handy weight while Lady Abigail landed a bit of a coup last start and although she steps up in trip and can go in again. Ante-post favourite is Imperial Royal after her two recent wins. She goes well over the trip and is possibly still improving and cannot be left out of any calculations.

The eighth is another difficult handicap where any number have chances. Oratorina is lightly raced but shows some promise. She was possibly in need of her last sprint and should much prefer this trip. Sweet Preserve was a narrow winner last start with a number of today opposition close-up. However, she looks to have some scope and can follow up. Purple And Gold has gone close at her last two while Josephine Baker is long overdue another win.

By Andrew Harrison

Attention: All Fashion Enthusiasts

It is with great excitement and pleasure that Golden Horse invites you to this year’s Tsogo Sun Sprint Fashion Competition. 

This competition is open to all aspiring, emerging and established fashonistas in the Midlands, Pietermaritzburg and Durban areas and offers the public a wonderful opportunity to be part of the oldest, biggest and richest sprint event in the country.

To be spotted on the day, wear a Race Day Ensemble that is stylish, fashionable and encompasses the spirit of this prestigious horseracing event, The Tsogo Sun Sprint. All aspects of the look, the hat, accessories, shoes and overall grooming are very important, as this is part of the judging criteria.

The theme, ‘Vintage Flair’ must be reflected in your fashion ensemble. It is essential that you understand that this is a fashion competition. Stay away from anything that is too theatrical or Avant Garde and definitely nothing gimmicky. However, the ‘unexpected’ would score you points. The theme ‘Vintage Flair’ will give you freedom to express your individuality without holding back and take us down memory lane to the essence of race day fashion.

Spotters and Judges will be looking for garments that are beautifully executed, with an emphasis on being beautifully dressed. The design is for an upmarket raceday, not an evening event. Please keep this in mind.

Please read through the following information:

1. There are only two categories:

• Classic Race wear – female
• Classic Race wear – male

• Each participant must wear a Race Day Ensemble that is stylish, fashionable and encompasses the spirit of a prestigious horseracing event. The work must be innovative and forward thinking, judges will be looking for a solid interpretation of the theme, which combines creativity with a distinct fashion edge. This is an essential part of the judges’ brief
• During the selection process and final judging, judges will be looking at a finished, complete outfit and will look closely at the following:

• Visual impact, design integrity, originality
  • Is it fashionable and in line with current trend
  • Suitability to the event and theme – it’s a race day not a cocktail function!
  • Interpretation of the brief – this is very important and should be thoughtful
  • Fit / finish / quality
  • Attention to detail

• Finalists must be aware of event sponsors and refer to the event by the correct name in any interview: The Tsogo Sun Sprint Fashion Competition and the race name i.e. The Tsogo Sun Sprint. Participants will be required to make themselves available for shoots for the press, television, and electronic media. Please note that any images taken will be used for editorial and electronic purposes only and remain the property of the event and will be used free of charge

• The panel of spotters and judges will be carefully selected and their knowledge of fashion, the brief and theme and the event will be of prime consideration. Their decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into under any circumstances.

• The winners in each Classic Race Wear category (male and female) will receive R3000.00, the first runner up R2000.00 and the second runner up R1000.00. A total prize money of R12 000 will be won at this year’s competition.

• By entering The Tsogo Sun Sprint Fashion Competition, participants give the organisers, owners and sponsors of the Tsogo Sun Sprint, permission to use any image taken of their work or themselves, before, during and after the event, in editorial and advertorial content and on all official online platforms.

For any additional information on The Tsogo Sun Sprint Fashion Competition contact Merlyn Taylor on 033 395 8126 or merlyn.taylor@tsogosun.com

Glen Kotzen was surprised his Duke Of Marmalade filly Temple Grafin had been overlooked by on course television pundits before winning the Grade 3 Umzimkhulu Stakes over 1400m at Greyville on Sunday and he was looking forward to a good SA Champions Season for her and others in his string, including former Cape Derby winner Eyes Wide Open.

He said, “I thought Temple Grafin could have been mentioned considering she won the Grade 3 Debutante over 1200m at this course last season and she finished second to the highest rated three-year-old filly in the country, Clouds Unfold, over this trip in the Grade 2 Western Cape Fillies Championship.”

He continued, “This filly never cracks a draw and we imagined she would have to go to the front from her draw but Anton Marcus then suggested instead of making it so hard on her why not give her a chance and drop her out.”

He duly dropped her into a midfield position and when he found himself caught one wide he accelerated past Ella’s World and managed to slot her in behind Runaway Gal. So he was in joint fourth place one wide with cover, without having given the filly much to do. She then ran on strongly to win by 0,40 lengths, despite being one of only two contestants to be carrying a 1,5kg penalty.

It was a triumph for Drakenstein Stud stallion Duke Of Marmalade as another of his daughters, Santa Clara, finished runner up.

The Duke Of Marmalades appear to get better with age and Kotzen said, “Ant Mgudlwa rode Temple Grafin in work last season and he couldn’t believe how much she had matured when he saw her for the first time at Summerveld this season. She has really matured and grown bigger and stronger.”

The aim is now the Grade 2 KRA Fillies Guineas.

Kotzen is adamant she will stay the trip.

He said, “She is out of a Grey’s Inn mare who won third time out over 1900m. We just hope she cracks a draw for a change.”

The Grade 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas was her only attempt at the mile and she was rushed to the front from draw 13 of 13 and then began over racing a touch when she was reined back to allow two other horses to go past her. Not surprisingly she compounded in the straight and finished a 7,60 length eleventh.

The SA Fillies Sprint could also be on the menu for Temple Grafin, as she has plenty of speed, and Kotzen said he would be discussing this possibility with owner Hugo Hattingh of Chrigor Stud.

Santa Clara and third-placed Silvano’s Pride can also be taken out of the Umzimkhulu as ones to follow. Santa Clara will be improving continuously, especially as she is out of a full-sister to champion stallion Silvano, whose progeny mature like fine wines. Silvano’s Pide is by Silvano and as one who takes a strong hold she only knows one way of running, from the front, so she did well to finish third in her first KZN start and should come on plenty from it.

Kotzen said Eyes Wide Open, who also runs in the familiar Chrigor Stud colours, had been “cruising” in his work and he will make his first Champions Season appearance in the Sledgehammer. The aim is to get him into the Vodacom Durban July with a nice galloping weight.

He said, “He battled in the Cape Season with haemoconcentration but we have been working on his bloods and he is back to his best.”

He was also hoping to get Herodotus into the July, whom he rates as a “proper” horse. This Trippi colt, who finished third in the Grade 1 GBets Cape Derby, is back in Cape Town and would likely run in the first two legs of the Cape Winter Series before heading for KZN, although Kotzen said he would play it by ear.

Kotzen has a feeling there will be a number of hitherto unknown three-year-olds emerging from various yards during the Champions Season.

He mentioned two among his string could be the promising Ideal World colt Cat Daddy, whom he reckoned would improve as he went over more ground, and the What A Winter gelding Spring Fling, whom he has hopes for over a mile and beyond.

By David Thiselton