Race Previews Turffontein Saturday Nov 12 by David Thiselton…

Race 1
Preview: SECRET STAR put in a bold bid against a promising sort last time and can win as long as the number one draw does not turn out to be too disadvantageous on the day. SEEKING GOLD made a good debut over 1450m when showing pace so might enjoy this trip. SHEPHERD’S DELIGHT is by Warm White Night and is a half-sister to three multiple winners. OROBLANCO lost at odds on last time over 1400m and returns to a sprint trip. KANTARA QUEEN by Elusive Fort is a half-sister to a horse who won his first two starts in Cape Town. (David Thiselton 5-15-16)

Race 2
Preview: ENBHARR went close over this trip last time and this son of top sire Fastnet Rock is only one point higher in the merit ratings. FRONT RANK has been knocking on the door and should stay this trip. CHEPARDO is a fair sort and is drawn well over a suitable trip. (David Thiselton 4-5-6)

Race 3
Preview: BABBLING BROOKE impressed last time and is likely running off a capped merit rating after being raised the maximum eight points so could follow up over an ideal trip, although her last run was just over two months ago. NTOMA should have come on from her last run and has the ability to be a contender off a competitive merit rating. CAPE MARIGOLD is only one point higher than her last winning mark. FEATHERFOOT can do better than her last few starts. COBY would prefer further but has some class which could pull her into the places. (David Thiselton 5-7-8-3-2)

Race 4
Preview: MISTY ROLLER caught the eye running on strongly from way back on debut over 1400m from a wide draw and he is now well drawn over a step up in trip he will appreciate. PAJAMA PARTY went close over 1400m last time and returns to a trip he has done well over before. He over raced the only time he tried this trip but that was in his second run after gelding and he might have settled down by now. JUST CRUISED IN had good form in KZN as a two-year-old and makes his seasonal reappearance. (David Thiselton 10-1-8)

Race 5
Preview: TALKTOTHESTARS is the highest rated sprinter in the country and is weighted to win this comfortably. BUCKLAND is an up and coming sort with fine gate speed and early pace and he should love this fast course and distance. TRIP TO HEAVEN is full of speed and class and he should be a factor. OOMPH gave signs he was ready to return to his best last time out and should enjoy the course and distance. ABASHIRI needs no introduction and although this is on the sharp side his class could pull him into the places. (David Thiselton 1-7-11)

Race 6
Preview: JOAN RANGER has speed and class and is drawn high as she was when winning the Camelia Stakes over 1160m. CROWN OF ROSES will appreciate the step back to 1000m and this talented sort is only 2kg out at the weights with Joan Ranger. KILAUEA has her second run after a layoff but on Cemelia Stakes form should finish close to Joan Ranger. GREEN PEPPER is an up an coming sort who could rise above her current merit rating, although on official merit ratings she is 6,5kg out at the weights with Joan Ranger so it won’t be easy. EXQUISITE TOUCH has talent although on official merit ratings she is 4,5kg out at the weights with Joan Ranger. (David Thiselton 1-2-3-12-6)

Race 7
Preview: LIEGE is drawn in pole over an ideal course and distance and should be coming into his own being a four-year-old by Dynasty. ST TROPEZ appeared to need his last run and is ideally course and distance suited but he does have a tricky draw. Marcus is back aboard which is a plus. MASTER SWITCH should be coming into his own this season and proved it last time so he could follow up. PRINCE OF ORANGE won on Grand Heritage day from a tough draw and should stay this trip. JUDICIAL has a good record on this track but this is likely a preparation for the Summer Cup. COLTRANE did well over this trip last time and the blinkers stay on. MASTER N’ COMMANDER is well weighted on official merit ratings and has proved he stays the trip before so could be a big runner if producing his best in his third run after a layoff. (David Thiselton 4-7-5-10-1-8)

Race 8
Preview: ARPAD’s only win was over course and distance and he has dropped to a competitive merit rating. He has a plum draw and a jockey who knows him. His last below par run was with cheek pieces on and they have been dispensed with. GOLDEN MAN is drawn in pole with Strydom up so he could go one better than his five seconds from five starts over course and distance. SLEEPINSEATTLE stayed on over this trip last time to finish close and can earn with a repeat. THE SHREDDER was not disgraced against a top class sort last time out over course and distance. KONCEALED is a nice type of horse who likes doing it from the front. He has tired late over 1800m recently, but the question is whether he has the pace to improve over this trip. (David Thiselton 6-5-11-2-1)

Race 9
Preview: EBONY KNIGHT won his maiden in commanding style but as a four-year-old his merit rating is likely capped, so he could well have a weight advantage. A low draw on this track is sometimes a disadvantage but not always so earlier races must be monitored. DOLPHIN is a speedy sort whose high draw could well be favourable and Strydom is aboard. He disappointed last time over 1000m when favourite, but that was from a wide draw on the Inside track. RONIN WARRIOR has not had much luck at the start in his two post maiden runs and if producing his best he could be a big runner here. He appears to be the stable elect. HARRY SILVER is interesting stepped down in trip as he appears to have some talent but makes breathing noises. However, he comes from off the pace over 1200m so might be left too far out of his ground here. JUST A JAG ran an amazing race in his penultimate start in a Graduation Plate over 1200m on the Vaal Classic track, considering he was way out at the weights. A repeat from a high draw could see him earning. MASTER BOULDER beat a fair sort when winning his maiden over course and distance and a repeat could see him being a factor. (David Thiselton 6-3-2-9-14-7)

Race 1
Preview: LAUREN OF ROCHELLE made a smart debut but followed that up with a below par effort second time out. She maybe was tried over ground a bit too quickly and now back over a sprint could be very hard to beat. HERACLES returns from a rest but did finish second before that – he has had a few bites at the cherry but should win his maiden one of these days. TIGER WARRIOR has been close up in his last two and could make the frame today. (Warren Lenferna 7-1-2)

Race 2
Preview: CAPE SPEED is a very good horse but is returning from KZN and a rest. He is the best horse in the race if ratings are anything to go by and despite this possibly being a prep run, his ability and class should pull him through – winning selection but with caution. KILRAIN and SOLAR NIGHT should get into the mix in a small field. (Warren Lenferna 1-2-5)

Race 3
Preview: COPPER FORCE applied lots of pressure to Star Of Joseph last time all the way to the wire and he now looks ready to go one better. There is opposition and the biggest threat looks to be SCRIPTWRITER who has finished second in his last two – he has a massive winning chance. PLANO caught the eye on debut and with natural improvement should be able to get into the first four. (Warren Lenferna 8-4-10)

Race 4
Preview: MOON PRINCESS is a winner without a penalty. She won last time but was demoted in the board room for shifting around in the closing stages of the race. She has improved with each and every run and looks very hard to beat here. SIXTH STATION improved last time and now tries 1400m for the first time and gets the services of KZN based jockey Anthony Delpech – these are positive factors and she could improve some more and go very close. CURATRIX misbehaved on debut but ran a fair race – she should relish the extra distance and can improve to place. GET YOUR GUN gets some extra distance and she too can improve big time to get into the action at what could be a nice price. (Warren Lenferna 2-12-9)

Race 5
Preview: BARITONE was eating up the ground last time to finish close up to Captain America. He has been selected as the best bet on the card and he should be much fitter than he was last time now being his second run back from a rest. MIDNITE ZONE has consistent form and it would be simply silly to not give him a strong chance – but he will have to run some to beat Baritone! BLACK ARTHUR is returning from KZN and a rest – he is tops and can turn it on. This distance now is more than likely too short for him and he is one to follow for the season. He should be running on powerfully and can place. (Warren Lenferna 3-4-2)

Race 6
Preview: TIN SOLDIER is coming back to form steadily and looks ready to score his second career win. CUDUIARI is ultra consistent and should be right there once again. BANNER HILL was one paced last time but he is better than that and can bounce right back to best here. (Warren Lenferna 5-9-3)

Race 7
Preview: An exciting feature race where the three year olds look set to dominate! MIRANDA FROST has shown that she has ability and is an exciting prospect for the future. Her come back run the other day was good and she should be much sharper now – light weight, fair draw and she looks very hard to beat. LIVE LIFE was an expensive purchase and she is coming along the right way – she asserted herself to win well last time and she has a big chance once again. PRIMROSE LANE has solid form and only tasted defeat for the first time last time finishing second. She looks good and has a chance. TWINKLE TOES must be included in the quartet but they will all have to run some to beat talented MIRANDA FROST!

Race 8
Preview: HACK GREEN is confidently selected to remain unbeaten. REAL PRINCESS can turn it on in the closing stages of a race and has class about her – big respect and big chance. PERCIVAL is going for four in a row but has more to do against these – in saying that he has a quartet chance. (Warren Lenferna 10-7-11)

Race Previews Greyville Sunday Nov 13 by Andrew Harrison

Race 1

Preview: Desperately poor field. GONDWANA has run two fair races at Durbanville and makes his poly debut. He doesn’t have to be too good to win here. STREET BOY has improved at recent outings over further. Best effort on the poly over a mile. LORD LUTON is along-time battling maiden but is better than his last two and should feature in this company. ROMAN EMPEROR is a well-bred first timer and possibly one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 8-2-1-12).

Race 2

Preview: Another poor field. STARWIN has shown some promise and now starts in blinkers. Distance suited and rates the one to beat. SOMNIUM disappointed at her second outing after making a promising debut. She tries blinkers and must have a strong chance in a poor field. The stable thinks ARRAN ISLES will run a good race and worth including in all bets. Anton Marcus rides the well-bred VARSONIC and is one to watch in the betting although the stable believes she needs further. (Andrew Harrison: 2-11-8-12)

Race 3

Preview: RED MOON AT NIGHT has been a touch disappointing at her last two but is back in blinkers and can make amends. LUNAR RUSH returns from a break. She has done well to stronger but may need the run. SEATOPS makes her poly debut. She was favourite for her first run out of the maidens and can still improve. TIMEOUS goes well over course and distance and can place. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-6-2)

Race 4

Preview: SPECIAL ENCOUNTER was close-up in a modest field last time out but has improved at recent outings. The extra should suit. ELYSIAN PARK has not been far back in two local starts and takes a big drop in class. He has a fair weight but meets very little of note. EL BOMBERO has been trying further on the Highveld and but has not been far back. The switch to poly in a poor field could do the trick. TRINITY HALL has improved at his last two in blinkers. He is down in class from his last run and can feature. MARRON was a recent maiden winner but has shown some promise in good company. However, he has a tough draw and a big weight. (Andrew Harrison: 6-2-9-11).

Race 5

Preview: AFRICAN SUNBIRD won well on debut and although she takes a steep rise in class she looks capable of following up. WELL IN FLIGHT has been consistent on the turf of late. She handles the poly and rates a strong chance. MUSIC WORLD won her last two over course and distance. She has drawn well and at best is another in with a strong winning chance. FANTASY LADY won well first time back from a break. She is lightly raced and can follow up. RUBY GEM has a light weight and is another to consider. (Andrew Harrison: 8-4-5-3).

Race 6

Preview: SEVEN SINGLE has some useful Highveld form. He is well drawn and if he takes to the poly he will be a big runner. SILVER ROSE takes on stronger here but won very well in blinkers last time out and with a light weight can follow up. RUN RHINO RUN has been consistent. He steps up in trip and is overdue another win. RIKITIKITANA found his best form when winning last time out, this third run after a break. There should be little between him, OLE GUNNAR, RAP ATTACK and OPEN HEIR. (Andrew Harrison: 7-11-4-2)

Race 7

Preview: FRENCH REVOLUTION has been knocking at the door and is due a change of fortune. He is a little out at the weights but should be right there. DOUBLE CLUTCH is well in with his apprentice allowance and is also in good form. He should be right there. SIRISSA ran well below best when sent up to the Highveld. He is a dangerous front runner. ROYAL NAVY SHIP needed his local sprint debut and will much prefer this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 4-3-1-2).

Race 8

Preview: SHINE UP is long overdue. He stays the trip and goes well on the poly. He should be right there again. BLACK FOREST has shown up well in his last two and is stil improving. He looks a lively threat. HANDSOME HARVEY is struggling to improve but is another with consistent form. He has a tough draw to overcome. FIRE BOLT caught the eye when running on late over shorter. He should prove better this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 1-7-4-11).

Heavy rain and a dodgy pull-up area saw the last two races abandoned last Sunday. But given that the KZN 3YO Series races play an integral role in preparing for the summer Classics, the race was rescheduled and takes centre stage at Greyville this evening.

Run over 1 600m, brought to you by SPAR Central Office, the race has attracted a small but quality field where the filly Dawn Calling could put one over the colts.

Dawn Calling (Nkosi Hlophe)

The race was originally scheduled for the Greyville turf, but as the grass has not fully recovered from its spring treatment and with rain the order of the day the event was switched to the poly track.

The Duncan Howells-trained Dawn Calling has taken to the synthetic surface and although unlikely to be anywhere close to her peak with the Cape Summer of Champions a possibility, she could still prove a cut above her male rivals.

Dawn Calling recently made her seasonal debut in a 1 200m sprint against some useful older fillies where she was not well in at the weights and over a trip that already appears to be well short of her optimum.

However, she was all over a winner except at the line as Impala Lily got up to deny her victory.

Although taking on some smart males Dawn Calling is nicely in at these weights and will much prefer today’s trip. With the G1 Cape Fillies Guineas on the agenda, just how she fares will give some indication of her chances should she take her place in that race come early December.

Howells will have a line on most of the field with Palladium, Highway Eightyfive, My Pal Al and The King Of Random all behind the Howells-trained Roy’s Magic at Scottsville last month.

It was a desperately close finish but Roy’s Magic came from off them to nail My Pal Al and Palladium on the line. On that showing there should be very little between My Pal Al and Palladium again today but both could find the filly too hot to handle.

Palladium (Nkosi Hlophe)

Something of an unknown quantity is the Frank Robinson-trained Winter Is Coming. The colt took time to come to hand but once stepped out on the poly his form improved dramatically.

His last run was super impressive as he put a maiden field to the sword, winning by eight lengths easing up. The handicappers were also impressed and he earned a 94 rating. Whether that rating is justified, we will know by this evening.

Outside of the Series Race, the balance of the seven races have full fields and punters will not find things easy – the bonus being that you will get a decent price whatever your fancy.

All the noise surrounding Donald Trump’s election as US President this week could prove an omen for Media Circus In the opening leg of the Pick 6. Sean Tarry’s runner is lightly raced on the Highveld but has always been relatively short in the betting. He could make major improvement racing on the poly track for the first time. Likely favourite is Vested Interest who was a game second last time out. He has improved in blinkers and rates a strong chance if he stays the trip. Portman Square is seldom far back over shorter and this longer trip could bring out the best in him.

Second leg of the exotic bet s an absolute nightmare although Selvan’s Jet is back over his best course and distance and he has been up against slightly stronger of late. Lady Linda takes on males but is in good form and has shown up well in useful company while Dhaamer has finished like a bullet at his last two since returning from a break and is definitely one for the short list.

The fifth is another wide-open affair by Silver Inspiration comes from an inform yard and should be right there from an inside draw. Roy’s Dancer has improved in blinkers and was not far off from a tough draw last start. The extra should also suit while Jazz Bar has a wide draw but showed up well first up on the poly after a returning from a lengthy break. She is sure to improve.

It doesn’t get any easier in the sixth where Bagger Vance is taken to get back to something like his better form from Newyorkstateofmind who is highly consistent but has an inexperienced apprentice aboard here. Given the benefit of the doubt he should be thereabouts again. Capel Top heads the handicap but is returning from a break. He is more effective over further but could race fresh.

By Andrew Harrison

Extended betting hours by Michelle Wing