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

Milton ticks all the boxes in the Boland Promotions Pinnacle Stakes at Kenilworth tomorrow and Billy Prestage’s admirably consistent five-year-old should win for the first time in almost a year.

He is officially the best horse in the race, he comes out top (admittedly by the narrowest of margins) at the weights and he has shown good class form this year – he beat all except Whisky Baron in the Peninsula Handicap when was receiving only 1.5kg from the subsequent Met winner.

The one negative is that he seems to be marginally better over a furlong further even though he frequently makes the running. “I would have preferred 1 600m,” his trainer confirms. “But he is working well, I think he has an outstanding chance and I’m debating whether to send him to Durban.”

Perhaps the most intriguing of his seven rivals is Our Mate Art who was expected to challenge for the Guineas and Derby but chipped a splint bone when bumped in the Selangor and hasn’t been seen since. Potentially he is a fair bit better than his rating.

“He was out of work for quite a while after chipping that bone but he has been gelded and is doing really well,” says Candice Bass-Robinson. “I think he will run well too but he will need it a bit.”

The Selangor was 19 weeks ago, Turbulent Air has been off for 17 weeks and Dynamic for 15. Elevated is also expected to need the outing, Catkin won over the trip two races back but finished last on his most recent start. African Night Sky, who goes particularly well for Craig du Plooy, could prove a threat but, according to the handicappers, the hat-trick seeking Icon King has the worst chance of the eight.

Live Life faces a stiff task at the weights in the Golden Bulls Allowance Plate – China Pearl comes out her equal and Miranda Frost half a kilo better than either of them – but her own stable companion Extradite looks the biggest threat of all and may well beat her.

Sihle Cele’s mount was five lengths behind Live Life at levels in the CTS Sprint and receives 6kg here, theoretically evening out their respective chances. But it is Extradite who has had the better lead-up.

“Live Life had a break after the CTS and it has been a rushed preparation. I am throwing her in here for a gallop,” says Mrs Robinson. “Extradite, who always tries hard, is a bit more ready.”

By Michael Clower

The big Turffontein meeting on Saturday gives a chance for punters to fight back after a spate of rough results recently as there look to be a few stand out horses on the card.

On the other hand if these horses fail, the dividends are likely to be handsome.

The Gr 1 SA Classic over 1800m looks to be a two horse race between Heavenly Blue and Al Sahem, although the courageous Janoobi can’t be ignored either. The latter beat the former pair in the Gr 2 Betting World Gauteng Guineas, but despite being by Silvano out of a Rakeen mare he has a stamina doubt. His second dam Scented Royal is an influential speedster and Janoobi has inherited some of this speed. He led from start to finish in the Guineas and held on bravely to beat Al Sahem by 0,2 lengths. However, it will be harder to go from pillar to post over this trip, especially from his wide draw. Furthermore, both Al Sahem and Heavenly Blue will both relish the step up in trip. Al Sahem had an interrupted preparation into the Gauteng Guineas, so will likely have come on from the run and being by Silvano is likely improving all the time. He has a good draw too and has been priced up favourite. However, Heavenly Blue has struck as one with a lot of scope and caught the eye with his powerful finish in the Gauteng Guineas. He does have quite a tough draw but has been crying out for middle distances and is selected to beat Al Sahem with Janoobi third. Tilbury Fort is an honest sort who will enjoy the step up in trip and he could earn a cheque too and so could Unagi.

In the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic Smiling Blue Eyes sauntered to an impressive win in the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas and looks to have a chance of landing the Triple Tiara, such is her class. She is well drawn this time, as opposed to her wide draw in the Guineas. Bi Pot impressed with a facile win last time out. She should enjoy this trip and is tipped to be the main danger as she is still unexposed. Safe Harbour could also be a danger as she went close to beating the champion filly Bela-Bela in the Gr 1 Paddock Stakes over this trip. Her last start in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas can be ignored as she did not have an ideal preparation, but she is reported to be back to herself now. Al Hawraa was unlucky in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas, otherwise would have got closer than 2,6 lengths and she should enjoy the trip so also has a chance from pole position. Orchid Island will enjoy the step up in trip but has a tough task reversing form with Smiling Blue Eyes especially as the reversal in draw fortunes favours Smiling Blue Eyes. Babbling Brooke and Belle Rose could also earn over this suitable course and distance.

Legal Eagle looks hard to oppose in the Gr 1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes as a horse who is unbeaten over a mile and three of those wins have been in Gr 1 weight for age events. Rafeef is full of class and is not yet fully exposed so poses the main danger, while classy four-year-old New Predator should now be ideally suited to the mile, having probably been a touch better at 1400m as a younger horse.

Green Pepper is the most exciting three-year-old female sprinter in the land and the conditions of the Gr 3 Man O’ War Sprint favour females, so she looks hard to oppose. Two other females Ektifaa and Exquisite Touch look the main dangers. Chesnut Road is much vaunted and has been ultra impressive in both his career starts down the straight. However, he won’t be quite at his peak and has topweight to carry. Pillar Of Hercules is an interesting Cape Town raider who could earn.

In the Gr 3 Protea Stakes over 1100m Silver God gets weight from the winners and caught the eye on debut, so could be a PA banker, although the speedy Barrack Street and the classy Alfolk would have to be included in the Pick 6.

The last leg of the Pick 6 is the Listed Jacaranda Handicap and Negroamara is tipped. She has dropped to a competitive merit rating and this is an ideal course and distance. The classy Patchit Up Baby will love the course and distance, so looks a big threat. The best has probably not been seen of the well regarded Redberry Lane. It is also hard to ignore Banking April, Parisienne Chic and topweight Polyphonic. Skip a Beat has a tough task as a coastal horse raiding at an altitude venue over an 1800m trip, although on pure form she has a definite chance.

By David Thiselton

Just nine horses will line up for the R2-million SA Classic at Turffontein on Saturday and quite a few experts will be keeping in mind the racing adage, the smaller the field, the bigger the upset when making their selections.

Assistant trainer Mathew de Kock, in charge of Mike’s powerful string until his dad returns from Dubai, says, “Small fields equal exciting finishes” – and he’s hoping for just that, only in his favour, on Saturday. Upset results in small fields are often due to a muddling or slow pace, but De Kock junior is taking no chances and has put Alaadel 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,” he said. Alaadel should have no problems carrying out his task. He’s certainly fit enough, having raced last weekend at Turffontein in the Derby Trial where he finished fourth behind Pagoda.

Janoobi and Heavenly Blue finished first and third respectively in the Betting World Gauteng Guineas a month ago. They were separated by Sean Tarry-trained Al Sahem, Betting World’s even-money favourite for the SA Classic. Heavenly Blue is second favourite at 18-10, with Janoobi next on offer at 5-1.

Said 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.”

In the Gauteng Guineas Heavenly Blue was returning from a rest following a quick trip to Cape Town in December and De Kock admitted beforehand that he was slightly shy of peak fitness.

Janoobi, he said, “Was at a peak that day and is still doing just as well”. However, Janoobi would need to learn to settle before he’d put much faith in his chances over further than 1600m. “I’m not saying he won’t stay, I just think Heavenly Blue will be more effective over the 1800m,” he confirmed.

Al Hawraa, Orchid Island and Belle Rose run for the stable in the R1-million Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic (Grade 1) over 1800m. Al Hawraa and Orchid Island finished second and third behind Smiling Blue Eyes in the Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas with Belle Rose fifth.

“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, the 11-2 second favourite behind Smiling Blue Eyes, has enjoyed a smooth preparation and is much fitter than in the Fillies Guineas, but De Kock said she’d have 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, with De Kock confirming he’d had utmost faith in her that day. He said afterwards he would see how she took the race before making a decision on her participation in the SA Fillies Classic. At this point she is a definite runner. “She’s come out of the race sound and happy and she should have a top-five chance in the SA Fillies Classic,” he said.

The R1-million HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m is the third Grade 1 race on the programme and De Kock fields two horses – Fareeq, “who is in there as a pacemaker, to keep them honest”, and Rafeef, a classy individual whose biggest win to date came in the Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes over 1400m this month.

“His 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,” said De Kock.

Of his other runners at the meeting, he said: “I’ve got a nice card.” He rates Like A Panther in Race 1 over 1400m, while another of the stable’s two-year-olds, Alfolk, “should be right there, getting 2kg from Barrack Street” in the R200,000 Grade 3 Protea Stakes over 1100m.

De Kock is also looking for good runs from Raasmaal and Ektifaa in the Man O’ War Sprint but says Smart Mart, who runs in the R250,000 Grade 3 Caradoc Gold Cup, “has reached his mark in the handicap”.

The other horse he will saddle is Jubilee Line, who he expects to also do well in Race 12. His return to action after a slight fracture of his pelvis in September will be watched with interest, particularly given his supplementation into the Premier’s Champions Challenge in a month’s time.
– TABNews