David Thiselton

 

Summerveld trainer Stuart Ferrie only has one runner on Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge day and that is his stable star Gladatorian who was a somewhat unlucky 0,35 length third in the Gold Challenge last year and comes into the race off an equally good preparation this year.

 

The six-year-old Vercingetorix gelding had a most disappointing campaign in Cape Town, but Stuart pointed out he just did not enjoy it over there and it had been the same when he went there as a three-year-old. On that occasion he had won his pipe opener over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth when well weighted in a Progress Plate, but had then finished ten lengths back for his main target, the Gr 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes over 1200m.

 

Stuart surmised that when the tracks are different the horses have to lift their feet differently and it impacts on their race preparation.

 

The tracks at Milnerton are heavier than the ones at Summerveld.

 

Some horses actually enjoy being prepared in heavy conditions, with Gladatorian’s stable companion I Am Giant being an example.

 

Stuart likened Gladatorian’s dislike of the heavy conditions to a human being who believed he or she was fit before going for a run on the beach and finding out otherwise.

 

Gladatorian’s lack of his usual devastating turn of foot in his opening race at Holywoodbets Kenilworth, the Gr 2 Ridgemont Green Point Stakes over 1600m, was blamed on him being green around the turn in his first experience of a left-handed course, but nothing changed in his next two starts in the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate and the Gr 1 WSB Cape Town Met.

 

He put in decent performances in all three races, finishing a 3,25 length eleventh, a 3,95 length seventh and a 4,85 length seventh respectively, but he never put himself in with a chance of winning like he normally did. He usually creeps up before delivering a devastating kick halfway down the straight, although the kick does admittedly often come too late.

 

Wind forward to the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes on May 3 over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville and he put in a much better performance and it should bring him back to his best.

 

He won last year’s Drill Hall, but his performance this year was almost as good because he was carrying a Gr 1 penalty as the winner of last year’s Gr 1 HKJC World Pool Champions Cup over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Greyville, where for once his kick did not come too late and was in fact perfectly timed.

 

In comparison to the Drill Hall winner Questioning, he beat him by 2,15 lengths in last year’s Drill Hall at level weights and this year lost to him by 1,60 lengths giving him 1,5kg.

 

Stuart said he would come on from the run and added he had been doing well.

 

Gladatorian enjoys coming from off the pace and from draw 8 out of 12 will have little choice but to adopt the same tactics as last year when Sean Veale dropped him out to the back of the field.

 

Last year he steadily made up the ground in the straight before giving his customary late kick at the 200m mark and was a fast finishing 0,35 length third to Dave The King and Oriental Charm.

 

He could give a repeat performance this year.

 

However, on the other hand he is now a six-year-old and without doubt faces a stronger field.

 

The Real Prince avoided the race last year in order to protect his Hollywoodbets Durban July weight and went on to win the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate, which like the Gold Challenge is a weight for age mile. His presence alone makes it a stronger field this year as many viewed him as having a great chance last year if he was going to take part.

 

This year another Gr 1 wfa mile winner is also involved, Tin Pan Alley, who put in the performance of the season when winning the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes by 3,75 lengths, beating six Gr 1 winners in the process, they being Fire Attack, See It Again, Main Defender, Cosmic Speed, Atticus Finch and The Real Prince.

 

Other horses Gladatorian faces this year that were not in the race last year are the like of Questioning, who is in the form of his life and finished a shorthead second in the King’s Plate to prove his effectiveness over a mile, the reigning Equus Horse Of The Year Eight On Eighteen and the versatile Gr 1 winner Fire Attack.

 

Legal Counsel is also capable, while Main Defender is top class on his day and Jet Force is no slouch.

 

They are another three who were not in last year’s race.

 

It will be an intriguing race as always and many KZN supporters will be behind the only KZN-trained runner in the field, Gladatorian.

Alistair Cohen

Without beating about the bush, today’s card is not packed with anything that would stick up their credentials for any graded races. Seven maidens make up the card and this presents a golden opportunity for some battlers to exit the maidens. The pick on the card is race 9 over 1600m where Blind Date looks like he has some upside. He looks likely to take advantage and claim his second career win.

Blind Date returned from a five-month break in his last run over 1200m, a distance that should be too short for him. He stayed on nicely to finish a pleasing 1,75-length second behind Cork Bay at this course. He will only be a fitter horse for the outing and being by Futura, he must have plenty stacked in his favour.

He has been competitive at this level for a while without getting the job done. Maturity and confidence seem to be the factors that have stopped him from pulling it all off. The former will come into place soon enough. The former will hopefully happen with fitness on his side.

Craig Zackey is carded to take the ride. His easy, sympathetic hands could be the tool that he needs to go all the way. Justin Snaith trains Blind Date.

Stable companion, Cedar Point has good consistent, solid form and he must be respected. He takes a slight rise in class after an admirable second place finish behind Noon Day Gun last time. He has less weight to shoulder which is exaggerated by Mickaelle Michel’s 1,5kg claim. This is his first run over a mile. He is not bred to relish this trip but he runs like he will. It is always worth the experiment to work out if there are avenues to unlock.

Captains Alliance has probably underdelivered through his career but his last run shows he could be ready to take a step forward. He finished second behind Marcus Aureallius which was his best run in a while. That was over 1500m at this course. Vaughan Marshall has his string in good heart across the country.

Odds And Evens must have a top chance in race 1 over 1200m simply because he has the best form on offer in a field with very dubious offerings and first timers. Her last start was a satisfactory build from her debut more than halving the deficit of defeat to four lengths. If she improves again at her third career run, she should give a good account of herself. It would not take a world beating first timer to win though.

The same applies to El Cohete in race 2 over 1000m. Her three runs to date are simply a standard above the opposition who have seen a racecourse. So she would be the natural starting point. Her debut was especially pleasing when she ran second to Margate, beaten 2,5 lengths. She might not have been at the same level since but she has not been wayward. Again, a first timer would come into the picture with any ability.

Ruby Rex has not run since October but she takes on a field that will not get the blood flowing. She was defeated by a short head last time over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville by a filly who has come up short in Gqeberha and Durban in the form of Call Of The Karoo. Ruby Rex is not a confident choice for a number of reasons but there are serious queries about her competition. She can win race 3 over 1000m.

Witch Hazel makes her local debut in race 4 over 1200m on the back of three eyecatching runs in Johannesburg behind some serious horses like Splittheeights and Grand Empire. She has relocated from Mark Khan who sadly shut down his operation and now with Lucinda Woodruff. It is not her style to ready them up after a break of six months but Witch Hazel showed enough to suggest there are some wins in the locker. There is nothing near the class of Grade 1 winner Grand Empire or Grade 2 winner Splittheeights evident in this lineup.

Navasnine needs to show that he can reach 1400m in race 5 and if he does, he surely has the event at his mercy. After two near misses filling the runner-up spot, he looks set to exit the maidens under Zackey for Snaith. His last run came behind the highly talented Reef Runner over 1000m at this course. His dam was at her best over a mile. There should be no reason to look for other spooks.

Chinwag is going about her business in a good, promising manner and with two runs under her belt which have produced a nice fourth followed by a pleasing third, she could kick on and win race 6 over 1400m. Both of her runs have come down the straight and she runs like this extra trip will be what she needs. Callan Murray takes the ride for Michelle Rix. Her main danger is comfortably Peace Garland who should also come into her own over this trip.

Master Coiner was given no real chance in his last run when he plotted a wide berth around horses after being done at the start and he did not throw in the towel when he finished fourth. He is back just over a week later in race 7 over 1950m. He looks set to represent some value into the play. Gareth Wright is up for Des McLachlan.

Heavenly Prince has gone from what looked like an average maiden to having a fair future ahead completing another win in his most recent appearance. He lines up in a very uninspiring race 8 over 1950m. He has to shoulder 62,5kg which should not stop his chances. He is stepping up with every start and he is certain to see out this trip. Aldo Domeyer takes the ride for Candice Bass. He is likely the best bet on the card.

Race 1

5 SING FOREVERMORE and 6 ODDS AND EVENS should be much fitter going into this race on Tuesday, both horses will improve with the experience under the belt. There are some intriguing well-bred newcomers in the line-up and the market could tell the full story, watch them closely. (Brandon Bailey          6-5-3-4)

 

Race 2

9 EL COHETE showed plenty speed out the gates when finishing third behind In Hot Water on the 19th of May, the yard thinks highly of this filly, she will love the drop in trip to 1000m, she has a big winning chance here. 4 MY BONNY BOY has been rested and gelded, he should improve. Again, this looks a tricky contest with a number of well-bred first timers lining up. Keep a close eye on the market and the parade ring, both could provide the strongest clues. (Brandon Bailey 9-4-7-5)

 

Race 3

7 ROMAN BEAUTY didn’t find much under pressure when well beaten by Reef Runner on the 16th of May, she is much better than that performance, in hope that the conditions turn up on the good side, she will run a big race here. 4 PITERAQ is very hard to win with, the cheek pieces have been fitted, and top jockey Richard Fourie sticks with this filly, on her best form, she will be competitive. 1 RUBY REX has been rested for 240 days, her form is consistent, if she doesn’t need the run back after a lengthy break, she could trouble them all in the finish. 5 KEIRA ROSE has been rested for 62 days, she was a touch disappointing last time, if she bounces back to her best form, she can run a place. Watch the market closely with the first timer Red Flag, she wouldn’t need to be special to make a winning debut in this field. (Brandon Bailey 7-4-5-3)

 

Race 4

8 MADRA RUA has been rested and gelded, he has run some fair races to date, if he doesn’t need the run back after a lengthy break, he should be competitive. 4 FRACTAL has been rested and gelded, he ran a lovely race on debut when finishing just under four lengths behind Touched By Angels, the form of that race has worked out nicely, in hope that he doesn’t need the run back after a long break, he has a big winning chance. 7 WITCH HAZEL has changed stables, his Highveld form is very good, this will be his first run in the Western Cape, watch him closely, he has strong claims. 2 MONTESSORI was gelded on the 8th of April, the drop in trip can help him improve. (Brandon Bailey 8-4-7-2)

 

Race 5

4 NAVASNINE must have a big winning chance in this field, he stayed on powerfully for second behind his stable companion on the 16th of May, he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, include him into all bets from a nice draw. 7 OH SO ONEDERFUL has run two good races in succession, if he finds himself in a nice position turning for home, he will be competitive. 1 BIG DEAL could be the value horse in this tricky contest, he ran a fair race behind Caesar’s Ransom on the 16th of May, there should be no excuses for this gelding from a good draw on Tuesday, watch him closely at a fair price. 3 WATERFRONT has been rested and changed stables on the 20th of March, he looks to be improving with every start, he will run a big race from a neat draw. (Brandon Bailey 4-7         -1-3)

 

Race 6

4 PEACE GARLAND stayed on well for second behind Fog In Finland on the 3rd of May, she will love the step up in trip to 1400m, in hope that she has made further improvement back at home, she will be hard to beat from a good draw. 1 CHINWAG is a big filly with a beautiful action, she ran third in the same race as Peace Garland last time, she has a good draw, and she will love the step up in trip to 1400m, she must have a big winning chance in this field. 5 BEFORE SUNRISE ran a cracker for third behind Kituba on the 19th of May, she is making steady progress with every run, her chances must be respected. 6 GQEBERHA was only beaten just under three lengths in her last run, she can earn on her best form. (Brandon Bailey 4-1-5-6)

 

Race 7

4 ECHO FOXTROT stayed on well for third with the blinkers fitted last time, he has a low weight on his back again for this open maiden contest, this doesn’t look to be a strong race on paper, if he brings his last run to the track again on Tuesday, he will be hard to beat from a good draw. 8 GLENALMOND has run two nice races in succession, he ran a great race behind Spanish Verse on the 27th of April, with some luck in running from a tricky draw, he will be right there in the finish. 5 AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ has been rested for 73 days, she is improving with every start, she will enjoy the step up in trip to 1950m, include her into all bets. 6 QUIET PLACE hardly runs a bad race, he has a money chance on his best form. (Brandon Bailey 4-8-5-6)

 

Race 8

2 HEAVENLY PRINCE quickened up smartly to win a good race on the 19th of May, he was given five points for that impressive win, he looks progressive, there is no doubt that he has a big winning chance again. 1 TOTHEMOONANDBACK unfortunately has a big weight on his back, but he has run some fair races behind decent sorts in his last few starts, he will run a big race from a good draw, include him into all bets. 6 GOLD INDEX changed stables on the 11th of May, he didn’t stay the trip of 2500m last time, ignore that performance, he should run a much better race now that he drops in trip to 1950m. 7 BEER WITH THE BOYS never runs a bad race, he will be doing some good work late from a tricky draw. (Brandon Bailey 2-1-6-7)

 

Race 9

3 CAPTAINS ALLIANCE ran a great race for second behind Marcus Aurelius on the 16th of May, he was well supported in the market when doing some good work late on that occasion, he has a big winning chance from a good draw. 6 CHANCE ENCOUNTER was a touch disappointing on the 3rd of May, he will love the drop in trip to 1600m, if he bounces back to his best form, he will be super competitive. 5 BONELLI finished his race off smartly to win well on the 6th of April, he was given three points for that impressive win, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be flying at them late. 7 BLIND DATE ran second in a competitive sprint on the 3rd of May, he should make further improvement now that he steps up in trip to 1600m, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey 3-6-5-7)

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Lingfield and Wolverhampton (UK) – 01 June 2026

Andrew Harrison

Star Major put himself firmly into the picture for the R10 million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July with a smashing victory in the Gr1 Daily News 2000 run at Hollywoodbets Greyville this afternoon.

In a carbon copy of his victory in the Gr2 WSB Guineas, visiting French rider Mickaelle Michel held her nerve for her first Gr1 victory as Star Major swept past his rivals chased home by Happy Verse and favourite Note To Self with pacemaker Viva’s Liberte staying on for fourth.

Trainer James Crawford joins his father Brett in training a winner of the Daily News and he could follow in his footsteps in the July, Brett having trained Winchester Mansion to victory in 2023.

Craig Zackey set a solid early pace on Viva’s Liberte with two of the more fancied runners, Note To Self and Jan Van Goyen well back in the early exchanges.

Viva’s Liberte led into the straight chased by Chronicle King whose challenge soon petered out. Crossing the subway Happy Verse was making progress under Richard Fourie while Andrew Fortune had slipped Note To Self up the inside of the pack. All this time Star Major was making up ground quickly and swept past Happy Verse  to win going away.

Note To Self was running on but lacked the finishing speed of his two rivals while disappointment was Jan Van Goyen who was never in the race and finished in the pack. He may well be a better horse over much shorter.

 The betting for the Gr2 Lucky Fish Woolavington 2000 suggested that it would be a doddle. It eventually turned into a dog fight as short-priced favourite Wish List scraped home ahead of the mare Minogue.

In a race run at no great pace, Muzi Yeni took the initiative and sent Candice and Tammy Dawson’s mare to the front, gradually stepping up the pace until he had built up a commanding lead turning for home.

Andrew Fortune was content to sit back in the pack but the warning signs were up early as Wish List was in behind two runners. “I was stuck behind the two Candice Bass runners, who for some reason could not go anymore. So I circled them. But by then Muzi Yeni had gotten away on Minogue.” Fortune was eventually force to switch off their heels and run wide into the straight. Wish List appeared to be slow into gear but like all champions she gradually started to unwind and make up the leeway. She again showed a tendency to shift in under pressure with Fortune reluctant to break her stride and it was head-and-head over the final 100m with Minogue refusing to give in, in spite of Yeni losing his near side rein.

Much to many punter’s relief, the victory margin was a nose with Keukenhof coming from last for the minor money. In spite of the close finish, Fortune commented, “this girl is good and for now I am in her corner for the Hollywoodbets Durban July.”

Weichong Marwing is no stranger to the winner’s circle in big races, once being the regular pilot of the mighty Horse Chestnut, and although Dance King is hardly in the same league it was a win full of merit and emotion as his son Wesley steered the 20-1 outsider to an emphatic victory in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup (Listed).

Out for over nine months with a knee injury, this was the younger Marwing’s first winner since returning to the saddle. From his pole position draw, Dance King had the run of the race and Marwing was able to keep close tabs on the favourite Curious Girl.

The early pace was muddling with the lead changing on a number of occasions but Curious Girl was always in the firing line and Dance King stalking her.

The first worrying signs for the favourite came as the field climbed the hill with Sean Veale beginning to niggle at Curious Girl. Given that she was under pressure that early, she did well to  stay on for third. Dance King on the other hand was full of running and went to the line with lengths to spare while Ahead Of The Facts, who was giving away lumps of weight to almost the entire field, finished off strongly from near last to take second in a run full of merit.

The filly Alboran Sea was a top class filly trained by Sean Tarry so it was no surprise that owner Rakesh Singh had to go to R1 million to secure Coast Of The Sun and first up it looks to have been money well spent.

After a gentle introduction to racing, he showed his ability with a gallant maiden win where very little went his way.

Drawn wide, Michel had difficulty tucking him in as first he was kept out wide and then tended to over race. It certainly wasn’t a smooth early passaged and Michel pulled him out early and came wide into the straight. With a few shakes of the reins and a couple of backhands, Coast Of The Sun finished strongly to win impressively.

Although this was only a maiden event, second-placed Benny And Paul will not be long in winning and Tennie Prinsloo was confident that he has a star on his hands. Given this showing the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes at the end of the month is a likely target and will probably be one of the most hotly contested races of the season.