Anthony Delpech will be reunited with CTS Mile runner-up Copper Force in the Byerley Turk at Greyville on Sunday…

Delpech rode the gelding for the first time in the Met day $500,000 sales race and came from a bad draw to beat all except Cape Guineas winner William Longsword. “Anthony has other commitments but he comes to ride work for me every day at Summerveld,” said Snaith.

Vaughan Marshall will gallop The Secret Is Out tomorrow before deciding whether last season’s Allan Robertson winner contests the Umzimkhulu Stakes on the same card. The filly has only raced once since an epistaxis ruled her out of the Cape Fillies Guineas and she managed only fifth of eight despite starting favourite although, to be fair, she was giving weight all round.

Marshall said: “I was quite happy with that run. She had had no gallops and she was only beaten just over two lengths.”

Bernard Fayd’Herbe returns to South African action at Kenilworth tomorrow after stints in Mauritius and Dubai. He rides in all eight races with five mounts for Snaith, two for Joey Ramsden and one for Candice Bass-Robinson.

By Michael Clower

Mayfair Speculators racing manager Derek Brugman said the reigning Equus Horse Of The Year Legal Eagle, who won his sixth career Gr 1 at Turffontein on Saturday, would be “unlikely” to take part in the SA Champions Season.

Meanwhile, their best three-year-old William Longsword will not race again as it has been decided to retire him to stud.

Legal Eagle’s next race will be the defence of his Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge crown at Turffontein on May 6.

Brugman said he would thereafter follow the same route as he had done this season i.e. the L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate and the Sun Met.

If Legal wins the Premier’s Champions Challenge he would have successfully defended three separate Gr 1s in one season. On Saturday he defended his HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes crown, having defended his Queen’s Plate crown in January.

The last horse to successfully defend three Gr 1s in one season might well have been the immortal Sea Cottage, who in 1967 defended his crowns in all of the Queen’s Plate, the Newbury Stakes over 1200m at Greyville and in the Clairwood Winter Handicap over 1800m.

Legal Eagle remains unbeaten in six starts over a mile, and this includes four Gr 1 weight for age events and one Gr 2.

However, Brugman still rates the great Variety Club as Mayfair Speculators’ best ever horse and doubts whether they will ever have one as good as him again.

Variety Club was a facile winner of a Gr 1 overseas (in Hong Kong) and Brugman believes Legal Eagle could also win at the highest level overseas. However, unfortunately his efforts to get him to the Breeder’s Cup this year were thwarted by travel costs. Brugman has not given up on an overseas campaign for legal Eagle, but said the champion racehorse would never go the Mauritius route.

William Longsword’s retirement coincides with his sire Captain Al nearing the end of his stud career.

The latter did a lot to put Klawervlei Stud on the map. Markus Jooste, the owner of Mayfair Speculators, is a major shareholder in Klawervlei.

By David Thiselton

Life Life warmed up for her assault on Scottsville’s Poinsettia Stakes and South African Fillies Sprint by convincingly overcoming a rushed preparation in the Golden Bulls Allowance Plate at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Aldo Domeyer, riding the CTS Sprint winner for the first time for ten months, said: “She drops it in the first half of a race but the better she switches off the better she turns it on.”

Candice Bass-Robinson added: “She was classy enough to beat these even with top weight, she has a great turn of foot and she has improved tremendously. I will send her up to Durban a week to ten days before the Poinsettia. Scottsville is a tricky track but hopefully she will handle it.”

Piet du Toit’s filly will be on a four-timer in the April 30 Grade 3 and seemingly there is a possibility that she may not stay on in KZN after Scottsville’s Grade 1 meeting four weeks later as her trainer explained: “I don’t want to kill her for next season.”

Stable companion Extradite, less than a length back third, stays at home for the Sweet Chestnut on April 22.

Mike Stewart’s R5 000 bargain buy Icon King will be upped to Grade 3 in the Winter Guineas that day. He was receiving weight all round in the Bolands Promotions Pinnacle Stakes but Akshay Balloo was able to make all at 20-1.

“My stable is in shocking form and I don’t think my brother-in-law Hattie Zeppel had any faith in me,” said Mike Stewart, grinning as broadly as if he had won the Horse Chestnut. “He said ‘What are you doing, running him against a horse (Milton) who was second to the Met winner?’

“Indeed I wasn’t going to but the NRB rang me, said there were only seven in the race and asked me to put him in.”

Our Mate Art, who overcame a 19-week absence to grab second close home, will also be in the Winter Guineas line-up as will Elevated despite dropping out in the closing stages – “He needed it badly but it will be a different story next time,” said Riaan van Reenen.

The Craig Bantam-ridden Raya Baya became the first two-year-old in Cape Town to win first time out since Valedictorian six weeks earlier when coming home at 30-1 in the opener but seemingly Tap O’Noth 35 minutes later is the one for the notebooks.

The Fosters’ homebred Captain Al newcomer was heavily backed and, although MJ Byleveld only gained the advantage in the final furlong, Vaughan Marshall left no doubt, saying: “William Longsword goes to stud this week but I am hopeful that this one will follow the same route – I think he is very special.”

Domeyer made it 60 for the season on Waitingfortonight in the OFYT Maiden to leave owner Ron Caris wistfully reflecting that the only previous horse he had with Piet Steyn was Sanshaawes who he bought for R30 000 and sold to Mike de Kock for more than R1 million. As Caris indicated, this one has a bit to go to attract the maestro!

Mind you, he was breaking his duck at only the seventh attempt and the Eric Sands-trained Cautiontothewind had 17 races before finally getting her head in front in the Lavender Blue Maiden. She is the first winner for Belinda Edmonds and her son Justin Offord and was ridden by Donovan Dillon who doubled up in the last on the Shane Humby-trained Waywood while Gyre booked his Durban ticket by coming from the back under Corne Orffer in the Glasfit Handicap.

By Michael Clower

Sean Tarry’s seven winners at Turffontein on Saturday fell one short of Justin Snaith’s world record equaling eight winners at one meeting, which he achieved at the J&B Met meeting last year.

Both Tarry and Snaith won the first six races on the card on the way to their personal best hauls.

There were 12 races on both occasions and Snaith’s 32 runners on the day constituted 21,5% of the total of 149 runners at the meeting, while Tarry’s 23 runners constituted 21,1% of the 109 runners at Saturday’s meeting.

Tarry had no fewer than five seconds on Saturday, including in three races where his horse did not win. However, one of his winners, Brave Nomad, did not cross the line first but was on the right side of an upheld objection. Tarry’s haul with his 23 runners included seven wins, five seconds, one third, two fourths and a fifth. He won four features races, one Gr 1 and three Gr 3s, and his total earnings for the day were R2,294,375.

On Snaith’s record day he scored eight wins, two thirds, two fourths and five fifths.

He won two features on the day, a Listed event and a Gr 2, and his total earnings for the day were R741,450.

Tarry had previously regarded his career best day at the races as last year’s Champions Day in which he won three Gr 1s and a Gr 2. Considering his total stakes haul on that day was R5,047,000, it might still remain his best day.

Tarry is well on his way to breaking his own record of R27,999,562 stakes earnings in a season, which he set last season.

At this time last year he had earned R14,951,912.50 in the season, whereas his earnings this season stand at R21,627,700.

By David Thiselton

Sean Tarry, Mathew De Kock, Geoff Woodruff, Paul Matchett, Alson Ndzilana and Robbie Sage share their views on Classic Day runners – Turffontein Apr 1 – by Andrew Bon

 

SA CLASSIC 
Sean Tarry
Every run has got to help Al Sahem with regards to experience. He seems to have come on from a greenness aspect and fitness aspect. The distance is right up his alley. Ignore Furiosa‘s last run. It’s safe to say he ran below par. I’ve put a tongue tie on which did help.  The way Tilbury Fort ran his last race he could now looking for further. The Standside track seems to suit him better and he could improve a bit.

Mathew de Kock (for Mike de Kock)
Heavenly Blue’s preparation has gone 100% flawlessly. He’s now very close to his best and the 1800m is probably the minimum of his best distance. Janoobi was at a peak that day and is still doing just as well. I’m not saying he won’t stay, I just think Heavenly Blue will be more effective over the 1800m. Alaadel is in to set a true-run, honest pace. That will help my other two horses, Heavenly Blue and Janoobi. In this small field Randall Simons will have more control pace-wise.

Andre Nel
Kampala Campari is a very nice horse. We’ve been planning this raid for a while and have brought horses up to Joburg twice in preparation for this trip north.

Gary Alexander
Unagi is working well so I am hoping he earns a cheque.

Johan Janse van Vuuren
Crowd Pleaser is very outclassed here. With the work this horse shows at home, you’d be happy to take on any horse, any day and feel you have a chance. He’s thriving right now but I’d be happy with a minor stake.

WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC
Sean Tarry
Smiling Blue Eyes’ Guineas win was very good. She came into that race fresh following a rest and won so she should have come on since then. Improvement is expected. She will prefer this distance and should have no problem with the SA Oaks trip of 2450m. If anybody thinks Safe Harbour’s last run was an indication of her ability they are in for a surprise. I knew she would need it and has come on and I’m expecting her to run closer to her best. The two fillies have worked together and before the Guineas Smiling Blue Eyes would beat her easily. Now there is not a lot in it.

Mathew de Kock
Al Hawraa was a bit in-and-out earlier in her career but she’s doing well now she’s older and stronger. She’s showing us more at home, giving us confidence. It’s all positive for her. She’s at a peak and has a good draw. I expect her to be right there at the finish. Orchid Island has a hard task from draw No 13. Don’t get me wrong, she’s classy but it’s hard to give other classy fillies start. Belle Rose won the Oaks Trial last weekend and she’s come out of the race sound and happy. She should have a top-five chance.

Johan Janse van Vuuren
The decision to run Being Fabulous in the Fillies Guineas was probably not my finest moment as a trainer as she was severely underdone. She has improved a lot from that race, but I still feel she is only around 80% fit right now.

Andre Nel
Philae is a very nice filly, a bit of a late maturer which is why she didn’t get to run in the features during the Cape season. But I think her three starts to date have been good.

Ormond Ferraris
Babbling Brooke did not run badly in the Fillies Guineas and was running on at the finish. This longer distance will suit her and she has a bit of a chance.

Joey Ramsden
Captain Gambler is in a tough race but I am hopeful.

Robbie Sage
Oriental Oak is in a difficult race and might place. She did win a nice race last time out.

Lucky Houdalakis
My Friend Lee is taking a big jump in class and first time over 1800m so I am looking to see how she goes against this class.

Geoff Woodruff
Bi Pot takes a steep jump in class. She is working very well so I am hopeful of a good run.

HF OPPENHEIMER HORSE CHESTNUT STAKES 
Sean Tarry
Legal Eagle is the right horse in the race and everything is on track. The Champions Challenge is his main mission and there is still a bit to work with but I’m not saying he is not fit enough to win this race. This race is similar to last year’s Horse Chestnut and the Green Point Stakes at Kenilworth. He needed that run in the Cape but he still won. French Navy is doing very well, moving better than ever. I think he moved a little too early last week and got cleaned up. The mile is a bit short of his best, but I’m expecting a big run.

Mathew de Kock
Rafeef’s preparation has gone very well and I feel he’s made more improvement. Of course, it’ll be hard to beat Legal Eagle, but he’ll give it his best. Fareeq is in there as a pacemaker.

Johan Janse van Vuuren
New Predator is showing some of his best ever work at the moment, although it is a tough race.

Gary Alexander
Kangaroo Jack is doing well at home. It will be hard to beat Legal Eagle but I am hoping for a place or perhaps better.

Weiho Marwing
Mac De Lago is being prepared for the Presidents Champion Challenge later this season and this run will bring him on.

Ormond Ferraris
Romany Prince is in a tough field.

Paul Peter
Fort Ember has come through her prep very well and looking good. I feel she has a strong place chance.

PRETTY POLLY STAKES
Sean Tarry
Celestina – I’m hoping the tongue tie helps. She has shown us a lot more at home but I would be happy with a place. Desert Rhythm is doing well. I’m not sure whether up to these horses but she deserves a chance. I suppose the race depends on whether the right Kissable turns up. Green Plains is not out of it based on her run to Delightful Diva. We’ve been waiting for this race. Her previous run was over 1000m and this is over 1100m and she could prove to be a runner.

Paul Matchett
Kissable is working well. She got her tongue over the bit last time but we’ve used a different bit and it seems to be working well. She did slip coming out of the stalls last time and made up ground quickly but she choked up in the running and that is why she ran badly.

Mike Azzie
Spring Breeze won well last time out and Piere Strydom retains the ride. She’s stepping up in class and I’m hoping for a good run. This filly is doing well at home and I’ll be happy if she runs in the money.

Corne Spies
Outlander did well last time behind Daring Diva and should run well but has Kissable to beat. Star Profile ran on nicely last time. This extra distance will be better for her but she is looking for further.

PROTEA STAKES
Sean Tarry
Barrack Street is now carrying a bit of pudding, He’s doing well but he’s got so much speed, even with his pedigree not sure he will get six furlongs (1200m). This 1100m should be fine. The question is how much he had in hand last time. Silver God is doing very well and I’m not sure if Barrack Street can give him 5kg. It might be enough to sway the result.

Mathew de Kock
Alfolk should be right there, getting 2kg from Barrack Street.

Corne Spies
Laurent Du Var was full of running when winning last time and I give him a helluva chance. Obviously I do respect the opposition. Quinlan ran well enough behind Barrack Street and is better off at the weights so is not out of it.

Robbie Sage
Boatswain is having his first run and is against winners. This is an educational run but I do hope to see him doing his best work late and he could earn some money.

MAN O’ WAR SPRINT
Sean Tarry
Exquisite Touch was very impressive last time and she’s back on right track. This is a very strong race but I’m confident of a good run.

Mathew de Kock
I’m also looking for good runs from Raasmaal and Ektifaa.

Johan Janse van Vuuren
Green Pepper was one of the horses more severely affected by the virus, but we fortunately had a lot of time to get her over it. We’ve got two decent gallops in and she’s working really well. I’m expecting a big run from her. It’s a tough race for British Royale at the weights. He is working very well, but this race was not my first choice for him. He’s here because his owner Ian Levitan wanted him to run.

Mike Azzie
Aussie Austin once again is taking a step up in class and is in the company of a lot stronger on this occasion. He’s consistent, he’s working well at home however this asking for a win could be a little too much of an ask. I am expecting a decent run and will be happy if he too runs in the money.

Robbie Hill
Red Chestnut Road has come over his injury but is underdone for this race and his main targets are later this season.

Joey Ramsden
Pillar Of Hercules is a good sort and I am hopeful.

Stephen Moffatt
Clever Guy is very well. It is a competitive field but I am expecting a bold showing.

Corne Spies
Seattle Singer bounced back and showed us the ability we knew she had. Hopefully she repeats that run. No 11 Favour’s Pride has a tough task but she has a light weight and hopefully she can earn a cheque.

JACARANDA HANDICAP
Sean Tarry
We took a chance last time by running Inaninstant over 2450m last time based on pedigree but it was a bridge too far. She’s doing well at home and I would not be surprised if she gets a place. I think Redberry Lane has the class to win. The question mark is the distance.  I’m not sure if she finished it off last time over 2000m. She’s very effective over 1600m but this 1800m could be her limit.

Johan Janse van Vuuren
I’ve been battling to get Negroamaro’s red cell count where I want it – it’s been tough due to the constant loss of blood. She is still super-talented and on this merit rating, must always be competitive. But there’s no telling, with her condition.

Ormond Ferraris
Patchit Up Baby stays well enough so she must have a chance.

Lucky Houdalakis
Banking April is in a tough race but is a gutsy filly.

Candice Dawson
Polly Wolly Doodle is out at the weights but deserves a shot at getting Black Type behind her name.

CARADOC GOLD CUP
Sean Tarry
Supertube stays well so we will take our chances in staying races.

Paul Matchett
Royal Honour ran a good race last time and I expect him to be in the money again. He will enjoy the extra 400m.

Mathew de Kock
Smart Mart has reached his mark in the handicap.

Ormond Ferraris
Save The Rhino is a good horse and stays well so must have a chance.

Weiho Marwing
Zafira is running against the colts but stays well and I am hoping for a decent run. Let It Rain is trying this longer distance for the first time but has been running on well over shorter. Frikkie is a genuine stayer and is fit and well.

Gary Alexander
Coby always gives of her best and has a good Eachway chance

Jurgen van Heerden
Ilitshe is doing well and is fit. It is his first time this far but I am hoping for a good run.

TABNews