David Thiselton

 

A Pinnacle Stakes event over 2400m and a MR 96 Handicap over 1160m are the two highlights of the Turffontein Standside meeting today.

 

In the Pinnacle event Breeze Over is the best weighted runner and will be advantaged by his wide draw of seven out of eight. His problem is he is a front runner but misses the break virtually every race. He then has to come around them so a wide draw will be to his advantage. However, a problem he has in this race is Poet’s Warrior is a frontrunner and there will be competition for the lead. Poet’s Warrior was back to his best when winning three runs ago, although that was in a small field and last time out he was tailed off when fatigued. Bellerophon is officially 4,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted runner Breeze Over. However, in his last three staying races he has won two of them and finished a far from disgraced 8,25 length 8^th in the Gr 2 SA Derby. He looks to be a progressive stayer and a bonus is that Mickaelle Michel, who is in high-flying form, gets a 1,5kg gender claim. On the downside he has a tricky draw of eight. Deception Pass is an interesting runner despite being 11kg under sufferance as he is by stamina influence Ideal World out of a Caesour mare and tries a staying trip for the first time. Taxhaven is well drawn and has the ability to pop up. With so many question marks in this race Bellrophone is taken to follow up on his last win.

 

In the MR 96 Handicap over 1160m Sosoru looks to be a promising sprinter who can rise above his 93 merit rating and he has the highest draw of all, which tends to be the favourable side on the Standside track. Captain Selvie is in fine form and has won his last three races with something in hand, so he can go close again. Xenophon was most disappointing last time at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, but that has turned out to be a strong race and he could bounce back here from a nice high draw. Those are the three that make most appeal.

 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 the winner could be Master’s Lady who has been knocking on the door for a long time and gets a good opportunity in this uninspiring event. Irish Wilma has finished 7,25 lengths behind Heath House in a three horse field and was 8,65 lengths behind Secretary Bird on debut, so could earn in this line up. Apparition is by Gimmethegreenlight and is a half-sister to a Vercingetorix filly who won on debut. Penny’s Choice could earn here under Mickaelle Michel. Elegant Edge has 4,25 lengths to make up on Master’s Lady but could earn here.

 

In the next race over 1000m Isaac Stephan was just 2,75 lengths behind Sosoru in his third start and Craig Zackey now takes the ride so he will be a big runner. Kwaito was beaten 10,60 lengths on debut but the winner, Haute Couture, went on to win the Gr 1 Gold Medallion, so he must have a chance in this line up. Berry Lancer can also earn here if able to repeat his last start.

 

In  the fifth race over 1400m Be All You Can Be made a fine debut and looks set to despatch this field from a plum draw. Brave Waam put in a brave front-running effort last time and should have come on from the run, so if able to overcome his wide draw without using up too much energy he could go close in this line up. Jimmy Vega has a form chance of earning here.

 

In the eighth race over 1400m Korcula has the form to go close. Gimmesumluv is usually thereabouts and in this line up must have a chance under Craig Zackey, although she does have to overcome a tricky draw. Beautiful One could also be a contender here from a fair draw.

 

In the first race Miss Dutton looks to have moderate form at first sight but on collateral formlines she comes out on top of those who have run. Elusive Dragon has beaten Hoc Est Vita before and those two should earn. Rafeef’s Queen was well beaten on debut but it was against subsequent Gr 1 winner Haute Couture so she could earn. Caladrius only has 1,5 lengths to make up on Miss Dutton on their only meeting. Del’s World is by One World and is a half-sister to the 104-rated Don’t Cry For Me.

 

In the second over 1000m Snowblade can do well over the trip of his good debut having disappointed over 1600m on Thursday, although he might not run with this race coming just three days later. Mfulathela could go close in this line up. Bisou Bisou makes appeal being by Querari and a half-brother to Gr 1 winner Mighty High and to the Gr 2 winner Gobsmacked.

 

Race 1

ELUSIVE DRAGON and HOC EST VITA have the form and experience to be competitive. However, this will likely go the way of a newcomer so the betting should be monitored closely. Respect any market support for debutantes BEAUTIFUL ROSIE, BELLFLOWER, DEL’S WORLD, MIDNIGHT SPECIAL and SOCIAL GRACES who are all bred to be useful. (Brendan Gaillard 1-14-9-10)

 

Race 2

SNOWBLADE outran market expectations on debut and will have benefitted from that experience. With natural improvement expected, he will be hard to beat. Well-bred ALL TIME LEGEND had excuses on debut and should be respected. MFULATHELA has shown enough to make his presence felt, though a bigger threat to the selection will likely come from one of the newcomers. BISOU BISOU, KING SOLOMON and RIVERA are of particular interest and warrant respect before any market clues. (Brendan Gaillard 9-11-2-7)

 

Race 3

MASTER’S LADY is overdue and likely to play another leading role but could be vulnerable to unexposed rivals. ELEGANT EDGE and MISS RIVER DANCER have the form and experience to make their presence felt too. Youngster IRISH WILMA was 2nd over track and trip last time so should have a say if building on that improvement. Newcomers APPARITION and MINERVA FAE won’t have to be special to run forward races on debut so betting support would be significant. (Brendan Gaillard 1-8-3-11)

 

Race 4

KWAITO was a well-beaten 3rd on debut over track and trip behind a subsequent Grade 1 winner and the strength of that form could be good enough in this lineup, especially with natural improvement on the cards. ISAAC STEPHAN and ECHOES OF WAR have shown enough to pose a threat to the youngster. Newcomer TORPEDO, well-related EVENING PARADE and Highveld newcomer GIVE ME A CHANCE complete the shortlist. (Brendan Gaillard 10-1-2-9)

 

Race 5

BE ALL YOU CAN BE was touched off on debut over this trip by a more experienced rival and she won’t have to improve much, if at all, to go one better. MASTER SMOKER fits a similar profile and will likely fight out the finish. THE REASON has the form and experience to stake a claim but will have to bounce back from a disappointing last start. BRAVE WAAM, JIMMY VEGA and SUTTER’S MILL also have the means to get involved. (Brendan Gaillard 5-7-6-10)

 

Race 6

BELLEROPHON won over this trip under a big weight at a slightly lower level last time so a class rise under a 4-point penalty, with the aid of his rider’s 1.5kg allowance, is unlikely to prevent another bold showing. POETS WARRIOR had excuses for a disappointing last start. He is unbeaten over track and trip so could bounce back to pose a threat. BREEZE OVER, HOTARUBI and MO MENT are proven stayers. They could get into the picture along with DECEPTION PASS who is dangerous to dismiss trying the trip for the first time. (Brendan Gaillard 4-1-8-2)

 

Race 7

SOSORU was only narrowly denied in his hat-trick bid in a similar contest over 1000m and a 4-point rise for that last-start 2nd might not be enough to prevent him from resuming winning ways. Last-start winner CAPTAIN SELVIE, course-and-distance specialist VIBE SA, and recent course and distance second MAX THE MAGICIAN should be competitive on current form. BANFF, STONEYWOOD, XENOPHON and DANTE’S BOND appeal most of the remainder. (Brendan Gaillard 7-5-3-1)

 

Race 8

KORCULA was desperately unlucky not to open her account last time out. She was subsequently rested and switched stables so is good value to make a winning start for new connections. GIMMESUMLUV and NICOLSON LANDING are those most likely to expose any chinks in the selection’s armour. HEAVENLY LACE and BEAUTIFUL ONE also have the means to stake a claim. (Brendan Gaillard 1-3-2-9)

Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Leicester and York (UK) – 13 June 2026.

David – Thiselton

 

Tenpenny has a crucial race on today in the Gr 3 Lucky Fish Winter Stakes over 2400m as he will probably need to win it to earn a berth in the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

 

If he does get in he will become the second runner trainer Paddy Kruyer has had in the big race in his career.

 

Tenpenny has been one of the most progressive horses of the season, rising from a 90 merit rating to 105 with four wins from 1600m to 2500m.

 

His win over the latter trip was in the Listed Masks Of Fire Kenilworth Cup.

 

He followed that with a 1,40 length third in the Gr 3 Variety Club Mile, beating the like of Viva’s Liberte and Legal Counsel, although he was receiving 6kg from the latter and only beat him by a longhead.

 

In his last run he was beaten by 12,24 lengths in the Gr 3 Legal Eagle Stakes over 1800m.

 

However, Kruyer said, “The ground was very bad, it was very, very heavy, and he also came back with a little bit of a dirty scope post race.”

 

He continued, “But we are very happy with where he is at the moment. There is a little bit of pressure as I am trying to get him into the July with a light weight. He has been with Michael Roberts at Summerveld for two weeks and I’ve been here too. He traveled very well and his workouts have been very good. Everything is in order and we are hoping for a nice run. He is a very nice horse, but this is a last chance saloon, he will need to win to get into the July.”

 

Paddy’s only previous July runner was At The Savoy (Dancing Champ), who finished 6th and 14th in 1994 and 1995 respectively and he was ironically ridden by Michael Roberts in the latter race.

 

Paddy said Tenpenny will love the faster ground he will get today compared to last time.

 

He is quoted at 5/1 in the nine horse field for today’s race and he is 75/1 with the sponsor for the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

 

Race 1

1 TENAREEF   4 LENOXX   3 DEONARIE   7 KID FROM THE SOUTH

Summary: Visiting TENAREEF (1) found good market support on debut. He was a well-beaten fourth but in excellent time and from the best of the draw from a top stable he should be right there. LENOXX (4) was narrowly beaten last time out but has improved with each outing and should now be at his peak. Just behind Lennox was DEONARIE (3) who made his debut at long odds. Drawn along side each other she should be little in it. KID FROM THE SOUTH (7) found some support on debut and was not far back on debut in soft ground. Any market support must be taken seriously. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-3-7).

Race 2

4 SWEET GREEN   11 PACIFIC MOOD   10 QUERARISTINYFERRARI   1 SWEET CHERRY

Summary: SWEET GREEN (4) was a beaten favourite at her last run after a smart debut. She has been rested but does look progressive. PACIFIC MOOD (11) has the widest draw but showed up well when racing green on debut. The experience should bring her on lengths. QUERARISTINYFERRARI (10) has only been firing on five cylinders and has been a beaten favourite at her last two. Her last run was on the poly and the switch back to turf could bring out the best. First timer SWEET CHERRY (1) has the best of the draw and one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 4-11-10-1).

Race 3

6 ZAGREB   4 LIGHT THE FIRE   7 BARRY’S BOY   3 UBUNTU OF PEACE

Summary: Ricky Maingard’s runners are unbeaten since arriving in KZN and ZAGREB (6) can continue that trend. The grey come from steady Cape form and will be a big runner if taking to the poly track. LIGHT THE FIRE (4) was not far behind recent Gr2 winner Viking Leader in his penultima start and was second behind Maingard’s Pretti United last time out. BARRY’S BOY (7) was caught late when trying the poly for the first time and gets some relief from the saddle. UBUNTU OF PEACE (3) started at long odds on debut on the poly and should come on from that effort from a favourable draw. DONMAGOO (1) has been holding form and from a plum draw should be competitive again. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-7-3).

Race 4

11 DEFINITELY YES   8 LITTLE BOY BLUE   5 BANGLADESH   1 GORGEOUS GUY

Summary: Wendy Whitehead holds a strong hand with three competitive runners in a wide open handicap. DEFINITELY YES (11) has a wide draw but has shown up well in both starts from similiter gates at his last two on the poly. With a useful 4kg claimer aboard he looks to be the stable elect. LITTLE BOY BLUE (8) enjoyed his poly debut and finished ahead of Definitely Yes last time out but is now 5kg worse off in the handicap for a two-length beating. BANGLADESH (5) won well first run back from a lengthy break. He does appear to have problems but fit and well he looks progressive. GORGEOUS GUY (1) has dropped in the ratings and has the best of the draw. He has been consistent on the turf and the switch to poly could bring out the best. (Andrew Harrison: 11-8-5-1).

Race 5

4 MOHAVE PRINCE   3 GIMMEFABULOUS   11 UZWANO   8 OFFICER IN COMMAND

Summary: MOHAVE PRINCE (4) has won three of his last four starts and second on the other. He got a five-pound penalty for his last win but Garth Puller as booked Rachel Venniker with her 1.5kg allowance and he can follow up. GIMMEFABULOUS (3) has been up against much stronger at recent outings. She takes on males again but looks capable in this field. UZWANO (11) is 1.5kg better off with Mohave Prince taking in Venniker’s allowance but he has drawn wide that could make the difference. OFFICER IN COMMAND (8) has been dropping slowly in the ratings but with a senior jockey aboard he should do better than his last two. (Andrew Harrison: 4-3-11-8).

Race 6

9 DAY TWO   13 NO PRESSURE   12 INTUITIVE SPIRIRT   11 GOLD GOLD BABY

Summary: Wide open handicap with only a few of the runners having tried the trip. DAY TWO (9) shed his maiden over the distance and is lightly raced. He showed up well first run out of the maidens on the poly and the switch back to turf could suit. NO PRESSURE (13) was touched off last run and has shown up well in two starts since his maiden win. He should stay this trip well. INTUITIVE SPIRIT (12) stays the trip and has a light weight. He could be the surprise package. GOLD GOLD BABY (11) was narrowly beaten first run out of the maidens. She does stay and has a light weight. ZENA ROSE (10) has improved on her last two but both were on the poly. She has won on the turf with Keagan De Melo aboard and can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 9-13-11-10).

Race 7

7 ENFLAME   6 TENPENNY   4 SHOOT THE RAPIDS   5 HOLDING THUMBS

Summary: Tough handicap. ENFLAME (7) has done very little wrong in recent starts over ground for Candice and Tammy Dawson. He should go close again. TENPENNY (6) disappointed last run in the soft but prior to that had smart Cape form. Contracted rider JP Van der Merwe rides ahead of NATIVE RULER (2) who has good form in strong company although yet to got this trip. SHOOT THE RAPIDS (4) stays well and runner-up at his last two. He needs a win as a Hollywoodbets July entry. HOLDING THUMBS (5) may just have needed his last run. This trip will suit and he is a big runner. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-4-5).

Race 8

6 CATS PAJAMAS   7 CIRCUMBENDIBUS   14 KING OF THE GAULS   4 TALK TO THE MASTER

Summary: Many in with chances. CATS PAJAMAS (6) will be in line for some of the features in the next two months but he is a class act and the drop in trip  and a big weight may not be enough to hold him back. CIRCUMBENDIBUS (7) has come good in KZN and has been in cracking form. The trip suits and he gets 2.5kg relief from the saddle in apprentice Sifiso Bungane who knows the gelding well. KING OF THE GAULS (14) has a difficult draw but is quick and cannot be written off. TALK TO THE MASTER (4) is another down in trip but also in mustard form with a handy weight. (Andrew Harrison: 6-7-14-4).

Race 9

11 SERENGETTI SUN   3 MISS WORLD   8 WARRIOR ROYALE

Summary: SERENGETTI SUN (11) is lightly raced and takes on males. However, she ran a smart race behind champion Asiya Phambili last time out and with a two-pound drop in the handicap she should at least be competitive in another tough race. MISS WORLD (3) made a winning debut for her new stable over course and distance and only got a three-pound raise in the ratings. She is ultra consistent and can go in again. WARRIOR ROYALE (8) was rested after her last win. She is smart but may just need it. (Andrew Harrison: 9-11-3-8).