Turffontein Standside stages an eight event meeting of maiden races and there look to be a few opportunities for punters.

Piere Strydom (Nkosi Hlophe)

Like A Panther looks to be the one to side with in the fifth race over 1600m, despite not having run since the first of April. This classy looking sort was green in that Juvenile Plate event over 1400m and only went down by 2,5 lengths to Aurelia Cotta, who followed up by winning his next start. He is drawn in pole position under Callan Murray and being by Captain Al out of a Galileo mare should relish the step up in trip. Llandudno could be a threat as he is a galloping sort who will love this course and distance. From a draw of six under Piere Strydom he will likely attempt to run Like A Panther off his feet and any lack of fitness in the latter might be found out. Those two should get punters through the exotics.

In the following race over 1600m, Cashel Palace was outpaced over 1400m last time and stayed on well despite the saddle having slipped. She will relish the step up in trip on both pedigree and running style and has a fair draw. Until Dawn was only half-a-length behind Cashel Palace in the aforementioned race and was staying on too, although Cashel Palace did overtake her late in the race. Until Dawn has pole position draw again, so could be a threat under S’Manga Khumalo. Exclusive showed good pace on debut over 1000m but on pedigree should prefer this trip so is of some interest with Gavin Lerena up. Queensberry Square ran a fair race over 1600m last time and looks capable of further improvement so is of some interest from a good draw of three. Nico’s Chick ran a fair race on Saturday over this trip and is drawn well too, so should be considered for exotics.

In the fourth race over 1400m Effortless ran well last time over 1200m on the Inside track when drawn nine out of nine and struck as one who would enjoy the step up to this trip. She has a fair draw under Mark Khan, the former champion jockey who will be looking for a winner in the first meeting of his comeback. Diva Faustina ran a good race over course and distance in her penultimate start from a good draw, so is a big runner here too from pole position, especially considering Weichong Marwing has stayed aboard for three runs in succession. Those two look enough to get through the exotics in an uninspiring race.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1400m, Ekuseni made a good debut over this course and distance and should go close from pole position as he is a big horse with scope for improvement. However, Stay With Me will be a threat as he was staying on well over 1400m last time and will likely enjoy this course and distance. Piaget Prince is also a big horse who will improve from his debut and will appreciate the step up in trip.

Callan Murray

In the first leg of the PA, Kutamba has hard knocking form against some good types over this 1000m trip and could be a banker. Ilha Da Var disappointed when starting at shorter odds than Kutamba last time and is the back up as she can do better.

In the first race Riding Shotgun is the one to beat having just failed to hold on last time over 1450m against Broadway Trip who went on to win a R1 million race. He drops back to 1000m but showed good pace in his penultimate start over 1160m when beaten by the promising Zerodarkthirty.

In the seventh over 1160m the Candice Dawson-trained first-timer Varsity Girl makes appeal being by Var out of a Grade 1 winner Give Me Five and thus a half-sister to the useful Myfunnyvalentine. She would not have to be great to beat this field. Forgimme, Sweet Juliet and Monarchy Mist are the backups as horses who have shown a touch of ability. Farsighted by Tiger Ridge is another interesting first-timer being a full-sister to an eye catcher from last season, Orapa.

In the last over 1160m, Mutuwaary disappointed with first-time blinkers on last time. The headgear stays on and if he recaptures his earlier form he is the one to beat. If he fluffs his lines King Of The Delta and Manitoba are the backups. Florentino by Silvano is an interesting first-timer, being a half-brother to the classy Grade winner Negroamara. Finding Troy by Go Deputy is also an interesting first-timer.

By David Thiselton

Head Honcho was earmarked as the bet of the day come the first Saturday in July but although Andre Nel’s runner landed the odds, it was not without some anxiety. It took all of Anton Marcus’s expertise to get him home, a ride that has been nominated as one of the “Rides of the Season” at the forthcoming KZN Racing Awards next week.

Head Honcho is back in action at Scottsville today in the Racing. It’s A Rush Divided Handicap over 1400m and he can follow up on his latest victory.

Head Honcho (Nkosi Hlophe)

Marcus, who had beaten Antony Delpech to the punch for the ride on Head Honcho, has been called upon by his retained stable to partner Captain Of Rock, and has been replaced by Gareth Wright, the fifth different jockey to ride Head Honcho in his six starts to date.

Head Honcho has a lot in his favour, notably the switch back to turf and a plum draw, but he does face a stern test.

Ashburton-based trainers were to the fore last Wednesday, winning five of the nine races, and Shane Humby has a chance of adding to that tally with Midnight Vision.

The gelding has had a single outing since moving up from the Cape with Humby’s string and it was a fair sprint although he was reported coughing post-race. He is lightly raced, having only had eight starts, but he was in sizzling form before his move, winning twice first up out of the maidens and failing narrowly in his last Kenilworth start. Given that form and a handy weight, Midnight Vision is likely to give Head Honcho something to go one with.

The first appearance on a racecourse by a daughter of Frankel out of the smart sprinting filly Val Da Ra was much anticipated and Miss Frankel was deep in the red when making her debut at Kenilworth back in January. One is not certain whether it was the hype or money, probably a combination of both, that saw her start 5-10 but it was a damp squib on both accounts as she faded tamely to finish six lengths off the winner.

Miss Frankel (Liesl King)

It’s now six months down the line and Miss Frankel makes her seasonal bow in the All To Come Maiden Plate, a five-furlong dash. The opposition does not look to be all that strong, although there are a number of first timers in the line-up, but Miss Frankel may be worth a second chance.

Paul Gadsby had a welcome double last Wednesday and saddles one of the better bets on the card in the filly Diamonds Forever who should be good enough the break her duck in the fourth. “She has the best form and even though she takes on the boys she rates the one to beat,” Gadsby said yesterday. “She has recovered from the virus but I would not run her if I thought she wasn’t ready. The two horses that had it the worst have both won,” he added.

The switch to turf has attracted competitive fields in all eight races, including a host of debutantes in the first two heats.

Stable companions Dame Commander and Continuum are the obvious pair in the card opener although Imagine That and Gimme Hope Johanna are likely to improve on their debut efforts. The betting should be a better guide here.

Mark Dixon’s Summerveld yard has come good in recent weeks as has Asian Star that will have a few supporters in the second. Wolf Killer, touched off at his last start at lengthy odds, has been declared in blinkers by Frank Robinson and can go one better but there are a couple of nicely bred first timers in the line-up so again one should keep an eye on the market.

By Andrew Harrison

Cape Town’s newest trainer has had occupations varying from car salesman to spa manager and restaurant owner yet Dan Katz revels in having the bit between his teeth in charge of a racing stable once more.

“Even at school I wanted to be a trainer,” he recalls. “The first I went to work for was Darryl Hodgson when he was at Philadelphia and I then spent quite a while with Guy Rixon before starting on my own at Philippi in 1989.”

Katz, now 52, shakes his head at the memory and at what he clearly regards as a mistake. “I was the youngest trainer in South Africa. I didn’t do badly considering I only had a small stable of moderate horses and I trained some 28 winners in around two and a half years – but I was too young. I didn’t know enough and I decided to get out of the game.”

Dan Katz (SportingPost)

He switched to selling Toyotas and when that paled he moved to Mthatha (then Umtata) where he found work running a spa before deciding to live in Israel. There he switched direction yet again, this time running his own bistro-cum-restaurant in Eilat and finding a wife.

After eight years the pull of South Africa in general, and racing in particular, brought him back. He joined Greg Ennion before becoming assistant to his original boss. With Hodgson switching to more of a racing manager role, Hassen Adams offered Katz the promotion that he had been aiming for ever since his return.

“He and Darryl have given me this huge opportunity,” says Katz feelingly. “”I will be forever grateful and certainly I am grasping it with both hands.”

He doesn’t expect it to be plainly sailing and he is prepared for the knockers. “Cape Town is a difficult centre in which to win races and there is no shortage of detractors. People approach Hassen or Darryl and say: ‘Why are you doing this or that? Are you crazy?’ But I’m ready for them. They, and their comments, only make me work all the harder.”

Lalena, Katz’s first winner in his new role, came home at 25-1 last Saturday with capable but out-of-fashion Jason Smitsdorff in the irons. “The boy is hungry but he is not getting the rides. I told him to come and ride work for me. Then I approached Hassen and Darryl – they gave me a chance and I saw this as an opportunity for me to give him one. I love the underdog in life.”

He is also keen on Lalena. “I like her a lot and another filly called Rocksette who is a half-sister to Gimme Six. I have some useful recently-turned three-year-old colts plus Shadow Warrior who was second on Saturday and Dex Dexter, a Dynasty who won the second of his two starts.

“At least I think they are nice – we will have to see if I’m right. This game tames lions and it can easily bring you down a peg. I just want to keep them sound and win some decent races for Hassen.”

By Michael Clower

This year marks the centenary of the birth of one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Man O’ War. To honour him, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted in 1957, opened a special exhibit in his honor, “Man o’ War at 100”, on his 100th birthday, March 29 this year.
Fittingly this year also marks the 150th anniversary of one of America’s greatest races, the Belmont Stakes, which is named after the family who bred Man O’ War. 
Man O’ War’s sire Fair Play was a good racehorse and was a three-time leading North American sire. His dam Mahubah by Rock Sand was no star, but was well thought of in breeding circles.

Man O’ War inherited the violent disposition of his grandsire, Hastings, and was a handful as a youngster.

However, after his trainer Louis Feustal had cooled his temper to a manageable level, he made a stunning debut at Belmont Park, winning a two-year-old maiden hard held by six lengths.

Man o’ War

His subsequent feats on the racecourse are best summed up by the National Museum Of Racing and Hall of Fame, who said:

“The 1920s are considered a golden age for sports heroes in America. However, no athlete in the land was more revered than horse racing’s greatest marvel, the mighty Man O’ War. Babe Ruth had charisma. Jack Dempsey had power, Red Grange had speed and was known as the “Galloping Ghost.” Man o’ War had all of those attributes. But instead of being a galloping ghost, Man O’ War was an equine freight train. In 1920, Man O’ War won all eleven of his starts to conclude a two-year run in which he won 20 of 21 starts and compiled an all-time earnings record of $249,645. When all was said and done, Man O’ War had established three world records, two American records, seven track records and equaled another track standard.”

In his only loss he was standing sideways when the tape was released and lost many lengths. He was then hampered in the closing stages. Fittingly the winner’s name was Upset, and legend has it that the race popularised the sporting term “upset”.

Man O’ War was not entered in the 1920 Kentucky Derby because his owner, Samuel Riddle, did not believe in racing at the distance of ten furlongs so early in a young horse’s career. However, he won the Preakness by 1,5 lengths, beating Upset, and won the Belmont Stakes by 20 lengths, setting a world record. 
Man O’ War was retired to stud after his dominant three-year-old year. He had already carried as much as 138 pounds (63kg) in a race and conceded as much as 34 pounds (15 kg). Had he raced at four he would have started at 140 pounds.

Riddle has often been criticised for the quality of mares he allowed to be bred to Man O’ War. However, according to “Thoroughbred Heritage”, this, in retrospect, appears to be as a result of a “sour grapes”. In actual fact Riddle had taken the advice of expert horsemen like John Madden and bloodlines specialist William Allison in selecting the broodmares that were to be his first mates. Consequently, the crop produced three champions, American Flag (Belmont, Dwyer, Withers Stakes), Florence Nightingale (C.C.A. Oaks) and Maid At Arms (Alabama Stakes, Pimlico Oaks).

Man O’ War was the leading sire in North America of 1926 and was runner-up in 1928, 1929 and 1937, despite Riddle restricting him to about 25 mares a year,
The Jockey Club credits him with 62 stakes winners from 381 named foals,

Man O’ War’s most successful sons at stud were War Admiral and War Relic. War Relic’s branch of the male line has survived today through the like of  Tiznow, one of the very few modern stallions who does not trace back on his sire line to Eclipse.

Man O’ War was bred by August Belmont Jr.

Belmont’s father of the same name financed the Jerome Park Racetrack which staged the first running of the Belmont Stakes in 1867. Belmont Jr was the first president of The Jockey Club and was chairman of the New York State Racing Commission. In 1905 he built a new racecourse on Long Island in New York and it was named Belmont Park. The Belmont Stakes is still held there today.

Belmont Jr inherited Nursery Stud, established in 1867 by his father in New York. Belmont Sr later leased a farm property in Kentucky, located about three miles outside Lexington, and after transferring all of the breeding business there, Belmont Jr developed a stud farm, Kentucky Nursery Stud, which bred 129 American Stakes winners. The greatest of these, Man o’ War, was born while Belmont Jr was serving overseas in World War I. In his absence, his wife Eleanor named the new foal “My Man o’ War”. However, Belmont Jr was in his mid-sixties and decided to disband the stable. The “My” was dropped from the name and Riddle bought Man O’ War at the Saratoga Yearling Sale for what turned out to be a bargain $5,000.

Man O’ War stood 16.2 ¹⁄₂ hands, with prominent withers and a high croup, but was sometimes faulted for a dipped back. He had virtually flawless legs and solid bone, traits he passed on to his offspring. He had a slightly Roman nose and notably high head carriage. His nickname was “Big Red”.

Man o’ War will be remembered for capturing the non-racing public’s attention in a way no horse had before and few have since. The men of the First Cavalry Division awarded him the rank of honorary Colonel, and upon his death accorded him full military honours. Man O’ War received up to a hundred visitors a day at Faraway Farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

His beloved stud groom Will Harbut introduced him as “The Mostest Hoss there ever was”. Harbut was buried alongside his great friend.

By David Thiselton

The Vaal stages an eight race meeting on the Inside track tomorrow and the last meeting indicated little draw bias on a track which usually favours low barrier positions so there look to be a few opportunities for punters.

Forest Fox (JC Photography)

The highest rated race is a MR 94 Handicap over 1400m and this an ultra competitive event in which any of the ten contestants could win. Forest Fox represents the in form Paul Peter yard. This horse used to be an enigmatic sort but has become consistent with age and is ideally distance suited. He is only three points higher than his last win, which was a 2,5 length romp over this course and distance last October, where he jumped from an unfavourable high draw. He has another tricky draw of eight by trends, but last week’s meeting gave horses a chance no matter where they were drawn. He will be ridden by in form Weichong Marwing, a further plus. National Key has dropped to a competitive merit rating and his penultimate start over this course and distance can be ignored as he pecked badly at the start and was never in it.

He followed with a fair run at Turffontein over this trip from a wide draw and is now drawn in the middle. Trading Profit has showed lately what can be done when a horse drops to an attractive merit rating and has reeled off two wins on the trot over 1400m and 1600m respectively. He has gone up seven points in total for the two wins but he is still 12 points lower than his highest winning mark. This is likely his ideal trip and he has a low draw of two. Kings Archer is another one who is ideally distance suited and he is knocking on the door off his current 89 merit rating.

Raymond Danielson

Another late charge can be expected in the cool hands of Raymond Danielson. Arctica returns from a layoff since March and this is an ideal course and distance for his return and Piere Strydom is aboard from draw one. This decent sort has won after a layoff before. Just As I Said is a speedy and ultra consistent sprinter and can’t be written off in the fast current conditions, despite 1400m likely stretching his stamina reserves. The rest of the field all have the ability to win but might need their respective runs.

Earlier, there is an interesting MR 84 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m. Jameson Girl has the speed and the ability to stay on so should go close carrying just 54,5kg from the number one draw. She is held by Lady Starlett on the form of their last meeting at Turffontein, but on the form of their last meeting over this course and distance Jameson Girl is comfortably ahead of the latter on paper. Levi Lady has a lot of speed and in the current fast conditions will be a threat carrying 54kg. Spring Wonder beat a good field last time over 1160m and has only been given a two point raise, but she has to carry 62,5kg which will not be easy against some of the speedsters here. La Roquette won her maiden well and her last run, after being backed, can be ignored, as she had no sort of luck.

Later there is a Graduation Plate over 1800m in which Jubilee Line is weighted to win. This horse was held in high regard by the Mike de Kock yard, but never fulfilled his potential and now has his first run for Scott Kenny. He is drawn in pole over an ideal course and distance as he winds up before staying on strongly so the long straight will suit him.

Sam Mosia

The meeting starts with a Workrider’s Maiden Plate over 1200m in which Tammany Hall will be hard to beat on the form of her debut when mixing it with the like of subsequent Grade 2 Golden Slipper runner up Let It Flow. Her rider Phelisile Mongqawa had a winner last month, so will be confident. However, the first-timer by Silvano Penny From Heaven, who is a full sister to the useful Penny Serenade, will have the good workrider Chamu Mabaya aboard and Orinoco Rock, who could be a threat if reproducing her Cape Town form, has former champion workrider Sam Mosia aboard.

In the third over 1400m, Kitty Pride was beaten just over three lengths by subsequent Grade 1 runner up Rockin’ Russian in a 1200m race on debut and the form has worked out exceptionally well. She showed pace there and in the current fast conditions can stay on despite debatably having a slight stamina doubt. Ninjara caught the eye staying on strongly over 1200m on debut after being slow away and outpaced, so will relish the step up in trip. San Fermin is a well-bred Australian-bred with Strydom up, so is another interesting runner.

In race five Goodytwoshoes has turned the corner and is still merit rated only 67 so can continue on her winning ways.

In race six Open Road has some decent form and was even tried in a Grade 2 race as a two-year-old. He has proved competitive off her current lowly mark of 65 and can score her second career victory over a suitable trip.

The meeting closes with a staying event over 2400m and Houston Rocket makes appeal here as a typically progressive son of Ideal World, who looks likely to relish the step up in trip having stayed on well over 2000m last time. His stablemate Inn A Million was ahead of him in that last mentioned race but is now 1,5kg worse off for a 0,75 length beating. Eastern Pearl ran well over 2450m last time and before that was a 1,25 length third to Inn A Million over 2000m and is now 1,5kg better off and carrying only 52,5kg, so will also be a big runner.

By David Thiselton