Andrew Harrison

JUST how good is Belgarion was the question that came to mind after bowling home from last to nail Rainbow Bridge and Cirillo in the WSB Green Point Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday?

The Gr2 Green Point is widely regarded as a pipe-opener for the L’Ormarins Queens Plate and the Cape Town Met next month but punters will have been left with a few points to ponder.

Belgarion is not a ‘miler’, but nor is Rainbow Bridge in spite of his successes in the Gold Challenge at Hollywoodbets Greyville, the final leg of the unofficial Gr1 WFA mile series that encompasses the HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes and the L’Omarins Queen’s Plate.

The Green Point field was given a good lead by the ever-game Cirillo, arguably at his best over seven furlongs, but he stayed on in a sweaty finish, beaten less than a length by the two big guns.

With the two aforementioned races in the offing where Cirillo, a Queen’s Plate maybe and the Met unlikely, is it possible to unpick the form with any certainty.

Both Belgarion and Rainbow Bridge would hardly have been at their peak given their programme leading into the Western Cape’s two biggest races, but just who put in the better showing?

Nothing splits them except the neck at the line on Saturday.

Belgarion may have been the more impressive, coming from off the pace to snaffle Rainbow Bridge and Cirillo without seemingly working up a sweat as Richard Fourie gave his mount a clear passage to the line and pulled off what was basically a hands-and-heels victory.

The run by Rainbow Bridge was more difficult to work out. From his inside draw he jumped into the race early and although not particularly aggressive, Luke Ferraris, aboard for the first time, had to keep him hard into the bit before Cirillo made his play out front at a decent gallop.

Two furlongs out, Rainbow Bridge looked to have run his race and in danger of finishing out of the money, but he then kept plugging away to come back at Cirillo and edge into second.

Cirillo, a little suspect over the mile, may have run out of gas over the last 50m but Rainbow Bridge came back stoutly and although Belgarion made up many lengths on him to win the race, there was only a neck separating them at the line, Rainbow Bridge ever game in defeat.

Justin Snaith was not to be drawn on whether Belgarion would contest the Queen’s Plate with the Met the obvious target but I suspect both winner and runner-up will be in the line-up.

With Golden Duct definitely in the mix for the Met, we are in for a big one.

It was another red-letter day for Snaith as Captain’s Ransom added to his growing feature race list and gave Suzette and Bassie Viljoen their first Grade 1 success as the daughter of Captain Al made hacks of the Gr1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas.

Viljoen and her husband, unheard of two seasons back, have burst onto the scene and have horses in training throughout the country so it was more than fitting that they should finally have Grade 1 success with a filly that certainly looks to be going places.

The 1800m Paddock Stakes on Queen’s Plate day is an obvious target and a race that has been a happy hunting ground for sophomore fillies in recent seasons. Both Snaith and pilot Richard Fourie were cautious with their summation but the Paddock Stakes is an obvious target as is the Gr1 Majorca Stakes on Met day should they choose to by-pass the Paddock Stakes.

Mark van Deventer

CAPTAIN’S RANSOM justified market support as 5/2 favourite in the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas (Grade 1) romping to victory over Princess Calla with Chat Ching clunking up for the trifecta spot in the 1600m contest staged at Kenilworth on a firm surface. The daughter of Captain Al looked much the best on her stirring juvenile and early three year- old form – this was one of those cases where the racing script is followed perfectly.

In a race run at only a steady tempo early on, she was ideally positioned in a stalking role before quickening up under the hands to win convincingly. Jockey Richard Fourie described her afterwards as a “star, an exceptional horse,” whilst conditioner Justin Snaith said the freakish filly confounded him in the build up as she put on weight despite a tough training regime.

Her next assignment, still to be determined, is awaited with great anticipation. Snaith intimated that a dramatic showdown with unbeaten older filly, Summer Pudding is a distinct possibility as the Cape season unfolds.

The same trainer/jockey combo were on the mark when 2020 Durban July victor Belgarion made a victorious comeback in the prestigious, 1600m Green Point Stakes (G2) coming from the back of the field with a sustained rally to deny Rainbow Bridge and front runner, Cirillo. The son of Dynasty may have a placid temperament when in training but knows how to crank it up when competing on race-day. Gelding has been the making of this horse who has now won six on the bounce since the procedure.

Richard Fourie guided the long striding thoroughbred through a closing sectional of 35.5 seconds in a true run contest. Justin Snaith declared, “It’s unbelievable to win the Green Point first up after the July.” Indeed, Belgarion is a perfect five from five running fresh after a break but only a top horse can win at such a high -class level on resumption.

Champion mare Celtic Sea was also super-impressive in the Southern Cross Stakes (G2) as she out-finished odds-on rival Run Fox Run in a time significantly quicker than that recorded by up- and- coming speedball, Rio Querari in the preceding Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m.

Celtic Sea, who trainer Sean Tarry declared, “is a different filly in the Cape” has compiled a formidable record over extended sprints up to a mile all around the country. However, sceptics thought she might be vulnerable first try over 1000m on a fast track. The 33/10 second fave disproved doubters with an emphatic score – this brilliant daughter of Captain Al was recording her 11^th win from 25 starts and is still performing at the peak of her considerable powers.

11/2 middle pin, Crome Yellow came from dead last to win the Cape Summer Stayers (G3) over 2500m Trainer Andre Nel paid tribute to his giant 560kg charge who has recovered from a tendon injury sustained early in his career to establish himself as one of the best endurance runners around, able to lug heavy weights and still finish with determination. Lightly weighted, Retro Effect kept on from off the pace to snare Azores for the second slot.

Following heavy rains at Hollywoodbets Scottsville racing has been moved to Hollywoodbets Greyville Turf

Andrew Harrison

THE eighth is a 97MR Handicap over 1400m where Baby Shooz can turn the tables on Frank Lloyd Wright. Baby Shooz – in spite of his demeaning name – is more than useful and ran a cracker behind Frank Lloyd Wright when returning from an eight-month break. Justin Snaith’s runner found his best form when winning but Baby Shooz was finishing his race in eye-catching fashion and on the evidence of that outing, I am fairly confident of Peter Muscutt’s runner turning the tables.

One that could put a spanner into predictions is Mr Fitz. Shane Humby, well known for the sparing racing programmes for his horses, has had problems sorting a hoof abscess but the gelding was running on well at the sharp end of his comeback run and with stable rider Donovan Dillon back in the irons he should not be left out of any calculations.

Nathan Kotzen, long-time assistant to Mike de Kock, has built up a useful string at his Summerveld base. Star Of Joburg hasn’t lived up to his name but he could become the ‘star of Scottsville’ when he lines up in the ninth on the ten-race card.

The lightly-raced six-year-old has had two outings for his new yard and was close-up behind the more than useful Good Rhythm las time out. It was good improvement on his stable debut and he looks primed for this.

That said, there are a few others in with a shout. Kayson has won three of his five start but got a hefty shunt up the ratings after his last win and the form has not worked out that well. But he is smart and can go in again. Louis Goosen’s veteran Di Mazzio is never far back and is always game. He prefers the poly but can be effective here while Woodstock Festival was badly in need of his last effort. He has been dropping in the ratings and is smart on his day.

The opening leg of the Pick 6 is a tricky affair. Flying Peter was returning from a lengthy break when probably in need of his seasonable debut. He will enjoy the extra given his pedigree. Burning Wings will have plenty of supporters. He has been doing well over shorter but should prefer this trip and from a good draw rates a strong chance. Mondovi is way better than his last effort from a wide draw and the drop in trip and a better draw can see him improve.

If looking to cut down on expenses Emerald Palace and Quepid could fit the bill. Emerald Palace has come on nicely at recent outings while Quepid comes from a very much in form stable and came close to causing an upset last run and a repeat should see her close again. If there is an upset, Choo Ching Chow has shown signs of coming to hand since a lay-off. She should be close to her peak now and can feature prominently.

Giving up on a tote cash-cow can prove disingenuous but Lady Of Lutetia has had plenty of chances. One cannot look past her as a possible winner of the sixth but it may prove better to side with Kom Naidoo’s filly Badrah. She is way better than her last run after going close from a wide draw at her previous start. The step up in trip from a better draw should suit. Lady Of Lutetia has been costly to follow but will get it right at some point. She may be worth another chance although Paul Lafferty thinks she may just need it after a short break.

In the final leg of the Pick 6 Purple Persuasion has improved with each step up in trip and should make a strong challenge but Diamondsandpearls is a quirky but talented mare. She is more than capable on her day but may need a touch further to come into her own.

Mark van Deventer

COMMITTED horseplayers will savour a mouth-watering menu on Saturday at Kenilworth with a stakes-laden card of Graded races. Top billing is the Grade 1 World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas, backed up by a couple of potent Gr2’s – the historic, Green Point Stakes and Southern Cross Stakes. By throwing in additional Pinnacle and Conditions events catering for quality thoroughbreds, programmers have enticed many of the Cape’s best horses with high level aspirations into action.

These superior showdowns are staged over a variety of distances. The Southern Cross (which appears at the mercy of outstanding mare, Run Fox Run) is a 1000m dash for speedballs; the Fillies Guineas and Green Point are staged over the Classic trip of 1600m, with the Gr3 Cape Summer Stayers giving hardy local endurance runners a chance to shine over 2500m.

Trainer Justin Snaith, who has his string in fine fettle (8 of the last 30 saddled have won), holds a strong hand in the Fillies Guineas. Captain’s Ransom looks especially formidable after outrunning multiple Gr1-winning mare, Clouds Unfold in the Diana Stakes over 1400m two months ago. This daughter of Captain Al now stretches out over a slightly longer trip – should she cope with that task and be able to produce the same sizzling come-home sectionals set over extended sprints, then she may well prove best.

Stable companion Dazzling Sun (by Camelot) duffed her penultimate when physically out of sorts, then quickly redeemed herself by pulverizing subsequent winner, Pink Tourmaline over the course and distance in mid-November. She has serious upside potential.

Princess Calla is also a live threat. She was visually impressive in the Fillies Classic when cruising to a facile victory over another re-opposing Snaith entry, the pacesetting, Trickster. Jockey Craig Zackey should be able to work out a favourable trip on this Flower Alley filly from draw 2.

Zarina, was another left gurgling in Princess Calla’s wake in that same October showdown, yet it may be an error of judgement to downgrade her claims too harshly. She possesses great determination and has potent acceleration – Candice Bass-Robinson rates her as marginally the best of her three entries. Young apprentice, Joshwin Solomons has the uncanny knack of getting horses to really run for him so he deservedly gets his shot at Gr1 glory on this feisty daughter of Master Of My Fate.

Lemon Delight and Chat Ching are Bass-Robinson’s other runners. The former ran on best of all from a hopeless position clocking in five lengths off Seeking The Stars in the RTR Stakes. She is again drawn out wide which makes life awkward even with the longer 600m run-in on the Summer course, but based on steady collateral form behind Captain’s Ransom, Zarina and Princess Calla are entitled to get into the fray.

Chat Ching, a winner of two from three starts, is harder to assess. Despite a tardy start, she won fluently over the course and distance just a month ago, albeit it in a lower grade handicap. Senior pilot, Aldo Domeyer, who has won both times on her, will be looking to extend their perfect sequence – a daunting mission though, against far stronger rivals.

Master conditioner, Mike de Kock, has a tremendous record in Gr1’s. He raids from Johannesburg with Due Diligence who has run her best races pressing the pace. The Silvano filly appears slightly shy on the speed figures required to actually win this, and might be vulnerable over the final stages to superior finishers, yet it’s conceivable that she keeps on for a medal if the early fractions are soft.

David Thiselton

LUKE FERRARIS was at his South African Jockeys Academy residence two or three weeks ago when receiving a phone call out of the blue from trainer Eric Sands to ask him to ride Rainbow Bridge in the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes.

It was a big moment for the twice South African champion apprentice, who will become a fully fledged jockey on January 10 next year.

Sands, the ultimate professional, plans his big horses’ chief targets from a long way out and whilst he could have kept Rainbow Bridge’s incumbent jockey Warren Kennedy aboard for the Green Point he knew the latter would likely be unavailable for the Sun Met due to his association with the Paul Peter yard and Equus Horse Of The Year Summer Pudding.

Six-year-old Rainbow Bridge has only had 18 career starts and Ferraris will become the seventh jockey to ride him.

Sands made his point about jockey changes quite clear earlier this year.

He said, “If jockeys don’t come and ride work or put in the work I will take them off and I will also take them off if they are not suited to the horse. I don’t pay their rent and they don’t pay mine.”

Young Ferraris has a chance to grab a golden opportunity with both hands because Sands has already displayed his loyalty to  jockeys who fulfill his criteria.

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic Sands had to look beyond the top echelon to find a rider for Golden Ducat and after two great rides in the Vodacom Durban July and the Grade 1 WSB Champions Cup Donavan Dillon has been kept aboard.

Ferraris has already fulfilled the first criterium by going down to Cape Town to ride Rainbow Bridge in work “a few times”.

If he passes the acid test in Saturday’s race he could find himself aboard the Ideal World gelding for two of the country’s biggest races, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and the Sun Met.

Rainbow Bridge could well be the best horse in the country over 2000m and this opinion is backed up by a fascinating fact unearthed by racing statistician Jay August.

The Hollywoodbets Greyville course record for 2000m of 119.6 seconds has stood for more than 20 years, set by London News in 1996, but August measured Rainbow Bridge going through 2000m in a similar time in this year’s blisteringly fast Vodacom Durban July, and if anything it was marginally quicker. Those who believe he did not stay the 2200m trip will have to absorb that statistic and reassess his performance.

Ferraris, commenting on Rainbow Bridge’s main Green Point preparation gallop, said, “He felt good and finished the gallop well.”

Sands spoke earlier this week to Michele Wing Of Racing News Social TV and said Rainbow Bridge would be fitter than he was when winning the Grade 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge but with the Queen’s Plate and the Met his main aims he would not be at his peak. He said his career showed that his second run after a layoff tended to be flat and this would unfortunately coincide with the Queen’s Plate as he missed an intended race two weeks ago due to a skin rash. He expected Rainbow Bridge to give a good account of himself on Saturday.

Ferraris has won one Grade 1 to date, the Allan Robertson on Miss Florida, but will have more than one opportunity to add to that number this Summer as he has kept the ride on the Mike de Kock-trained star Malmoos for the Grade 1 Cape Guineas.

He said this Captain Al colt’s recent work had been good and his win last time out in the Grade 2 Avontuur Estate Concorde Cup had been particularly impressive as he “was still green”.

Ferraris is hoping to land the South African Apprentice Championship for a third time and looks likely to do so.

With a month to go before his apprenticeship ends he has ridden 49 winners and is 30 clear of the pair in joint second place, Joshwin Solomons and Kyle Strydom. The latter pair will have the opportunity to make up the leeway from January 10 next year until July 31, but both will have to increase their respective strike rates to overtake the target Ferraris will set.

Ferraris’ ultimate aim is to ride in Hong Kong but he called that a “long term goal.”

His parents David and Pam follow his career very closely from Hong Kong where David is a prominent trainer.

However, his chief critic is his legendary grandfather Ormond.

The unflappable Luke was asked to confirm that the latter’s criticism was constructive and he replied, “Sometimes”.

So, it would appear he has a good mixture of willingness to learn and self-confidence, two normal ingredients in the making of a champion.