Scottsville Sunday Oct 22 Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

1

Preview: RAW COURAGE failed narrowly at his second outing. The form has been franked and a repeat showing will see him go close.  You could write your own ticket about SEATTLE SKYLINE on debut but he finished a close-up third. He should have benefitted from that outing and rates a strong chance. RAND HEDGE has disappointed too many times to be relied on but he has always been close-up and will crack it soon. GUNPOWDER PLOT raced very green on debut and looks set to improve. ROY’S STORMER made a promising debut and with a four-claimer up can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 14-16-4-11).

2

Preview: Tricky. STARWIN improved nicely at her second outing when tried in cheek pieces. Delpech rides and she can go one better. BEAU VAR has shown consistent form and has some ability. Marcus rides for the first time and can get her home. HALLOWED SPRING was a distant third on debut but should come on strongly from that effort and any market support could be significant. AMADORA caught the eye on debut. She has a tricky outside draw but is another who can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 15-3-11-7).

3

Preview: OLE GUNNAR has some good form in useful company. He takes a big drop in class and a claiming apprentice will ease his weight problems. He rates the one to beat. RIKITIKITANA has his third run after a break. He had a tough task from a wide draw on the poly last start and can do better here. FANTASY ART has had two good warm-up runs since returning from a break and his form has been consistent. UNBELIEVABLE CHAD has been a touch disappointing but this is his third run after being gelded and on his best form can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-6-3).

4

Preview: ROY’S PAST has been up against stronger maiden fields than this and will never get a better chance to win. COURAGEOUS KING is much better than his last two on the poly and at best rates a strong chance in this company. PORTMAN SQUARE is struggling but has done well over this trip. He has a wide draw to contend with. ROY’S EAGLE steps up in trip. He did show some improvement last run after returning from a break and could surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-3 -14).

5

Preview: ENIGHTENMENT was left with too much to do when sent out favourite last time out. She had smart form before that and rates a strong chance. INGA shed her maiden at third time of asking and looks to have some scope. She races in blinkers for the first time. DANCE CITY QUEEN needed her last run, her first in blinkers. She will prefer the extra. CHARISMA has had one sprint on the poly since arriving from the Cape. She will much prefer this trip and is one to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 2-6-1-3).

6

Preview: Difficult. ALL TRUE MAN has improved in blinkers and is in good form.  ROY’S MARCIANO has his third run after a break. He improved nicely last start and meets a weak field. SKYFIRE is taking on males but has taken a big drop in the ratings. With Tajesh Juglall taking four kgs off her back she should be competitive. CAPTAIN ELLIO has some fair Highveld form. He is lightly raced but is likely to feature strongly here. RISKY ROSCO has not been far back at recent outings and can surprise on his best effort. (Andrew Harrison: 6-5-4-2).

7

Preview: EXECUTIVE POWER seldom runs a bad race and was not disgraced in a useful field last time out and that form has since been franked. BUDAPEST showed up well first up from a lengthy break. At best he will go very close. HIGHWAY EXPLORER has been knocking at the door for some time now. He has a handy weight and with Delpech up is a likely winner. PIANO MAN loves this course and is especially effective if the ground comes up soft. JUST ASK ME has put up two smart recent efforts on the poly and now switches to the turf. (Andrew Harrison: 5-9-8-4).

8

Preview: A WOMANS WAY won a Gr2 at second time of asking. She was arguably desperately unlucky at her last start against much stronger than she meets today and should take a power of beating. ISINGAMOYA has a big weight but also a touch of class. She shed her maiden ove course and distance and is a big runner.  RESPECT AT BAY is never far back and has useful form over course and distance. She looks the most likely danger. DEEP DOWN REBEL has come good in blinkers but takes a rise in class here but can still place. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-8-7).

9

Preview: Difficult in a poor field. MILLRACE has been consistent and with Marcus replacing a four-claiming apprentice he must have a decent chance in this company. WESKUS KLONG was not too far back in his local debut and can improve on that effort. BLUNDERBUSS took on stronger last start and appears to have found some form. The blinkers are back on. CHILL is never far back and has a big chance in a race of this nature. SEMONKONG did not feature against stronger last outing even with a light weight but can do better here. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-5-2).

First timer comments: Turffontein and Kenilworth Saturday

Turffontein

DAVID NIEUWENHUIZEN:

Race 1 – HWAY THE LADS (8): I was hoping for this horse to debut over shorter but the race programme did not suit – I hope that 2000m is not going to be too far but in saying all of that, I am expecting this horse to be very green today.

MATTHEW DE KOCK ON BEHALF OF MIKE DE KOCK:

Race 4 – UNREHEARSED (10): He is showing me nice work at home but my small concern is horses sometimes tend to be greener when going this distance at this track on debut – however, if he is not too green, I am expecting a big run!

GRANT MAROUN:

Race 4 – GOLDEN BABE (13) Is a reserve runner at this point but if she gets in I expect her to be green – she is a nice filly.

Kenilworth 

CANDICE BASS – ROBINSON:

Race 1 – AGENCYFRANCEPRESSE (4): Will be a nice horse but not too sure what to expect on debut – will be green.

DAN KATZ FOR DARRYL HODGSON:

Race 1 – COUNT DU CAP (6): Will need the run.

VAUGHAN MARSHALL:

Race 1 – FORT DIVA (7): Will need a lot further and is expected to be very green.

JUSTIN SNAITH:

Race 1 – JABU (8): Very well bred but meets a very strong field – small quartet chance.

DENNIS DRIER:

Race 1 – LLOYD’S LEGACY (9): He is a hellava nice horse but might just need it – a nice colt – I am taking time with him.

HAROLD CRAWFORD:

Race 2 – DAISEY’S DOCK (8): Unable to contact the trainer therefore no comment received.

DEAN KANNEMEYER:

Race 2 – THE FAMOUS HAMMER (11): Was a December foal and will need more ground.

Disclaimer: A Gold Circle information initiative. The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the quoted author and stable represented. None of Gold Circle, the author, trainer or trainer representative, accept liability for any damages that may arise from any reliance placed on the views expressed therein.

 

The much-improved Francia can take the Woolavington Handicap – despite a stiff 3kg penalty for her Settlers Trophy win – when racing returns to Kenilworth tomorrow.

The Dynasty four-year-old had already been raised 4kg for her Winter Oaks victory but, although stamina is her forte, she may be more effective over this mile and a half than the two class acts above her.

“It will make things harder for her but she is very well,” says Justin Snaith referring to the 3kg. He is bidding for his third win in this race and also runs forecast favourite Ovidio who triumphed 12 months ago when winning his fourth race off the reel. Favourites have won three of the last five runnings.

Ovidio also triumphed in the J & B Stayers on Met day but he hasn’t raced since finishing fourth in the Gold Cup nearly three months ago. With Richard Fourie still on the sidelines, the in-form Aldo Dromeyer comes in for the mount on the top weight but will the six-year-old need the race?

“Probably, he has only had one gallop and he has a hell of a weight (62kg), ” answers his trainer. ”But with a rating of 105 there is nowhere else to go with him. He will run a good race.”

Kingston Mines has also been off since the Gold Cup but he has changed stables in the interim, leaving Mike de Kock to join Brett Crawford, and seemingly he won’t be in need of the outing. “I have had him since August and he has done his work well since he has been down here,” says Brett Crawford.

Donovan Dillon’s mount won last year’s J & B Stayers and, although his form suggests he is more effective over further than this trip, he should go close. Surprisingly the sahorseracing computer has him finishing last – with victory going to Francia from My World.

The last-named is 3kg better with Francia for 3.4 lengths in the Settlers but that was his first run of the season. “I think he will be slightly fitter this time but whether he is up to the class of horses like Ovidio I am not sure,” says Candice Bass Robinson.

A little surprisingly, Grant van Niekerk has preferred to ride stable companion Three Balloons who was second in the Chairman’s Cup in February but was last in a sprint in his first race of the season 12 days ago.   “It has been a bit of a rush and I think he will probably need his second run back,” is his trainer’s opinion.

Cigar Boy is effective over this trip but not in this class – he is 6kg under sufferance – while Hilaria is more than twice as badly off.

Michael Clower

There is a quality ten race meeting at Turffontein Inside track on Saturday and a number of big guns are stepping out.

Juxtapose is one of them and could get punters off to a good start in race 2, a conditions plate for fillies and mares over 1600m. This four-year-old by Judpot is drawn widest of all, but it should be no problem as she likes to come from off the pace. She is full of class and could mow them down in the straight, the only slight concern being this is her second run after a five month layoff. The dangers are the three-year-old Querari Falcon and the four-year-old Negroamara. Small field races like this one, in which there are only seven runners, tend to favour front runners. Querari Falcon used this to her advantage on 27 September over course and distance, dicating and then stealing a march on Negroamara to win comfortably by 2,75 lengths.

However, Negroamara is now 3kg better off and the highly professional Anton Marcus, who replaces the equally astute Gavin Lerena, will have a reference point from which to work. The wily Marcus is likely to do all in his power to prevent a repeat. However, if the end result is a faster paced race, it will play into the hands of Juxtapose. It is sure to be an intriguing race, one for the purist, and it looks to lie between those three runners. On paper Negroamara is the one to beat, being 3,5kg better off with Juxtapose on official merit ratings. She is also 4kg better off with latter for a mere 0,4 length beating in last season’s Gr 1 SA Classic over 1800m. Querari Falcon is the highest merit rated horse in the field, but taking the weight for age scale into account she is a whopping 7kg under sufferance with Negroamara. However, Juxtapose is the choice as it the race could pan out in her favour and she looks to be the one who could ultimately be the best of the three this season.

There are some good sorts turning out in race 5, a MR 90 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m. The Great Britain three-year-old filly Wrecking Ball looks to have plenty of class and is interesting with a first-time tongue tie on. She is the selection to beat the pole position-drawn top weight Easy Game, who has dropped to a competitive merit rating and has Anthony Delpech up. There is very little between Easy Game and her Mike Azzie-trained stablemate Announcing Rain on their last meeting over 1000m down the straight at Turffontein. The latter was undone by a tough draw on Grand Heritage day and could make amends here from a plum draw. The in-form Johan Janse van Vuuren is represented by Seattle Lady, who won comfortably over 1200m on rand Heritage day from a plum draw. Her merit rating was not effected as she was well weighted in that race. She is held by Easy Game and Announcing Rain on a 1000m event down the straight, but her draw could well have been against her that day and is now drawn five, which is better but still tricky. Bonnie Dawn won her first two races over this trip and the form looks strong, but she disappointed on Grand Heritage day over this same trip and has a tough draw to overcome here.

In race 6, a MR 91 Handicap over 1450m for three-year-old fillies, the Mike de Kock-trained Australian-bred New Approach filly Dame Eleanor has her second start after winning in eye-catching style on debut from a tough draw over 1200m at Scottsville. She will relish the step up in trip and can follow up from a good draw under Anthony Delpech.

In race 7, a MR 96 Handicap for three-year-olds over 1450m, De Kock runs a classy Australian-bred colt by Redoute’s Choice called Al Fahad. His maiden win is probably the form race of the season to date. He beat Doosra by 0,2 lengths, with the promising Matador Man 2,45 lengths back, and there was then more than ten lengths back to the rest. Doosra has since won impressively and had the field spread out like the washing. Mexican Sun, who was beaten 12,25 lengths by Al Fahad, has also won. Al Fahad should be up to his 89 merit rating and is drawn well over a step up in trip he should relish with Delpech aboard.

In race 8, a MR 100 Handicap over 1450m, Lunar Approach looks to be back to himself and is well drawn off what could prove to be an attractive merit rating.

David Thiselton

Kenilworth Saturday (old course) Race Previews by Warren Lenferna

1

Preview: LLOYD’S LEGACY is by a very good stallion and could well be anything – trainer Dennis Drier has not taken him to the Cape to see Table Mountain! He must be there for business – watch the betting – he could make a winning debut. SCRIPTWRITER showed good improvement last time and of the raced runners looks the right one. GLORIOUS GOODWOOD returns from a rest but does have the form to be competitive if not in too much need of the run. (Warren Lenferna 9-10-1)

2

Preview: COUNT HENRY has run two good races thus far and now looks ready to score. COPPER FORCE returns from a rest but did make a good debut before that – he came back from well off the pace to finish fourth – big runner. The exact same thing can be said about VERDIER. (Warren Lenferna 7-6-12)

3

Preview: PRIMROSE LANE clearly has tons of ability as she is unbeaten in two starts. She has an incredible turn of foot and I can find no reason why she cannot reel off the hat trick and remain unbeaten. MAKE IT RAINE has won two from three and also clearly has tons of ability. She is returning from a rest and if not in too much need of this run should be able to go very close once again. ROCK ON BABY was impressive when winning her penultimate start but disappointed last time – she is in Cape Town for the season and whatever happens today she will be one to watch for the future. (Warren Lenferna 8-7-4)

4

Preview: ROYAL GINGER has been knocking hard at the door recently and today looks to be his day – he should be very hard to beat in this field. PADDINGTON can improve to find a place and SEA PASS improved when tried over this trip and is a must for the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 1-10-6)

5

Preview: STAR CHESTNUT has very consistent form, the best draw and a lot points to him winning this race – he is the firm first choice. He also seems best over this distance. If he does not win – he should be right there. BRILLIANT CRIMSON got going when the race was over last time and the extra distance today should suit him down to the ground – big runner. ROYAL BADGE ran a cracker last time but has been rested since. If he is not too much in need of the run he should be very competitive – blinkers helped last time. (Warren Lenferna 4-5-3)

6

Preview: AFRICAN NIGHT SKY was very impressive when making a winning debut 24 days ago and should be even better over the distance he tries today. He has been confidently selected to remain unbeaten after this race today. FREE AGENT and SUMMER SKY have solid form and they both have undeniable chances – it would be silly to ignore their chances for the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 6-1-8)

7

Preview: COLOUR MAGIC is holding her form well and has a very strong each way chance and could well be the horse they all have to fear most. ESSENCEOFLIFE has improved with racing, won well last time and if she were to follow up it would be no shock at all. TENDER TRIP did okay in KZN – she will have to do a bit more to win this race but nevertheless she can be given a very strong place chance. (Warren Lenferna 1-10-3)

8

Preview: FRANCIA has won two out of her last three starts and looks very much on the up – she could be a hard horse to beat this afternoon. MY WORLD is always there and thereabouts and nothing should be different today – strong chance. CIGAR BOY is coming to form again and is worth including in the quartet in a small but fairly competitive race. (Warren Lenferna 3-4-6)

9

Preview: CORKER has solid form and has shown in her last two starts that she is ready to win her second career start. HARAKIRI gets four valuable kg’s off her back from the apprentice and this should put her right there at the finish – chance. STATE BALLET is lightening fast and bidding for the hat trick – if she were to win it would be no shock at all. (Warren Lenferna 7-2-1)