Visitors to the winner’s enclosure at Scottsville on Sunday October 16: 

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 1 [WEBBWASTE 101 MAIDEN PLATE 1000m R85 000] 1ST: 5 LIL RED ROOSTER (3 Ch g Noordhoek Flyer (SNL) – Chantal) (W Kennedy; 7/1).
Owned by: Mr B D Burnard. Trained by: Gavin van Zyl. Bred by: Gary Player Stud (Pty) Ltd.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 2 [HELI ENGINEERING MAIDEN PLATE (F & M) 1000m R85 000] 1ST: 16 VISION TO KILL (3 B f Kildonan – Royal Vision) (S Veale; 16/1).
Owned by: Messrs M J R Mauvis & Sam Osman. Trained by: Paul Gadsby. Bred by: Mr M J R Mauvis.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 3 [MICHAEL AZZIE RACING STABLES MAIDEN PLATE (F & M) 1400m R85 000
1ST: 14 SPRING IN SEATTLE (3 B f Mambo In Seattle (USA) – Spring Lilac) (E S Ngwane; 50/1).
Owned by: Mr V W Koster. Trained by: Alistair Gordon. Bred by: Cheveley Stud.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 4 [SYSPRO FM 84 DIVIDED HANDICAP (F & M) 1600m R98 000] 1ST: 3 FANTASY LADY (4 B f Kahal (GB) – Silver Fantasy) (K de Melo; 14/1).
Owned by: Messrs G N Cumming, C N Larsson & R D Samuelson. Trained by: Mark Dixon. Bred by: Mr Bruce Le Roux.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 5 [MOUNT EDGECOMBE RETIREMENT VILLAGE FM 67 DIVIDED HANDICAP (F & M) 1600m R75 000] 1ST: 10 LUNA SEA (4 Ch f Admire Main (JPN) – Bellucci) (S Moodley; 16/1).
Owned by: Messrs C Gordon, T Quigley & TMR Syndicate (Nom: Mrs T A Mitchley). Trained by: Therese Mitchley. Bred by: Summerhill Stud (Pty) Ltd.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 6 [GARTH PULLER RACING PINNACLE STAKES 1400m R120 000] 1ST: 2 LONDON CALL (6 B g Kahal (GB) – Fancy Fantasy) (B Lerena; 4/1).
Owned by: Messrs C N Larsson, G N Cumming & R D Samuelson. Trained by: Mark Dixon. Bred by: Mr & Mrs Bruce Le Roux.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 7 [KZN 3YO SERIES 1400 (Non-Black Type) brought to you by ASHBURTON TRAINERS 1400m R150 000] 1ST: 4 ROY’S MAGIC (AUS) (3 Br c Foxwedge (AUS) – Wild Storm (CHI)) (W Kennedy; 6/1).
Owned by: Mr Roy Moodley. Trained by: Duncan Howells. Bred by: S F Bloodstock L L C, NSW.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 8 [KAJAL BUNWARIE TRUST & MR NAGESUR DHEORAJ MR 74 HANDICAP 1200m R80 000] 1ST: 7 ALBERT (7 B g Albert Hall (GB) – Tempter (ARG)) (A Delpech; 6/1).
Owned by: Messrs A Sukhraj & S Sukhraj. Trained by: Kumaran Naidoo. Bred by: Dr G Baitz & Mr C Baitz.

SCOTTSVILLE RACE 9 [GADSBY TEAM RACING MR 74 HANDICAP 1200m R80 000] 1ST: 7 ROY’S AIR FORCE (4 B g King’s Apostle (IRE) – Middle East) (D De Gouveia; 14/1).
Owned by: Mr Roy Moodley. Trained by: Paul Lafferty. Bred by: Wicklow Stud.

Free State has a point to prove when she lines up in the Association Of Clean Communities Graduation Plate over 1200m at Greyville on Wednesday, a race that has attracted some crack fillies.

Three weeks back Free State was deemed to be the main culprit in some late scrimmaging down the Scottsville straight and demoted in the boardroom where Shezaleader was the beneficiary but A Womans Way the chief sufferer, squeezed out of the back door and eventually finishing fifth.

Duncan Howells said last week that he was reluctant to run A Womans Way on the poly but when another meeting was added to the Scottsville programme with a suitable race, he gained permission to scratch for today leaving accomplished stable companion Dawn Calling representing the yard.

Dawn Calling has not been out of the money in seven starts, finishing runner-up in both the Gr2 Golden Slipper and the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes at the end of last season. That form has held up well but this will be Dawn Calling’s first outing since the end of July.

The daughter of Trippi is obviously top class but the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas will be on the agenda and 1200m on the quick poly surface does already look to be on the short side. Her proven class could see her through but she may be hard pressed to hold a fit and distance suited Free State.

Wendy Whitehead’s runner is lightly raced and was returning from a three-month break when demoted at Scottsville. That she was running around in the finish could be attributed to her being leg-weary over the final 50m but it was still a cracking run.

Shezaleader (left) and Free State (Nkosi Hlophe)

The second-run-after-a-layoff theorists will be having a field day with this one. A hard run back may well take the edge off the filly but she has earned a cheque at every start which is in her favour and she is also proven on the poly.

Dean Kannemeyer’s runner Impala Lily is also a winner on the poly but like Dawn Calling is returning from a break and does appear to be looking for further at this stage of her career. She has not been out since the first week in July and the fitter Free State could also have here measure.

Cosmic Burst would appear to be the only other runner with winning credentials but does look outclassed.

The race would appear to rest between Free State and Dawn Calling but racing fitness and a suitable distance could give Free State the edge.

Fashion Quest enjoyed the step up in trip when runner-up at her last start over course and distance and is a possible banker in the opening leg of the PA.

The first leg of the Pick 6 looks more tricky. Distant Place caught the eye behind the promising Scent Of The Tiger on debut and is sure to improve while Brave Knight, back from a wind op, made major improvement last time out. Zloty Potok and Ice Emperor look pick of the balance.

The form behind Accidental Tourist is proving to be fairly solid so Go With The Flo is expected to come on nicely from her debut when three lengths back to Accidental Tourist. But if anything, this is an even more open race and the best advice is to fill up in the exotics as far as finances allow bringing all of Even Tempo, Swiss Note, Jollerie and At Variance into the equation.

The same goes for the sixth where the entire field is not without a squeak. Roman Carnival could cut expenses in the seventh as he was a touch unlucky last time out but the lightly raced Sea Urchin steps out over a more suitable trip and is having his third run after a break and is from an in form yard.

Kannemeyer could round off the meeting with Tanjiro in the eighth who takes a major drop in class after finishing a close-up third in a competitive handicap last time out.

Andrew Harrison

Greyville polytrack Wednesday Oct 19 Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

1

Preview: TERABYTE made good improvement at his second start. Will enjoy the extra and has a plum draw. STORM OUTGOING over raced when tried in blinkers last time out. He had made a promising debut for the stable before that. The blinkers come off and he can make amends. Stable companion COSSACK GUARD improved in blinkers and makes his poly debut. PATROL MISSION made a promising sprint debut. He has a tricky draw but should enjoy the extra. (Andrew Harrison: 11-2-1-7).

2

Preview: FASHION QUEST improved when stepped up in trip and can go one better.  QUEEN DIVA caught the eye after a break when beaten a length in her comeback run. She should be in the shake-up. MAXIMUM REFUND jumps from a tricky draw but came on well from her debut effort. MERMAID SIREN can do better than her last effort on the turf. She races in a tongue-tie for the first time and is set to make good improvement. SHE’S A JO also has a difficult draw but also improved on her debut effort. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-6-7).

3

Preview: DISTANT PLACE caught the eye on debut behind the promising Scent Of The Tiger. If he can improve on that effort he will be in with a big chance. BRAVE KNIGHT made good improvement after a wind op. This is his second run after a lengthy break. ZLOTY POTOK has had to deal with two tricky draws in his first two outings. He has pulled another wide gate but is on the up.  SCARRABEAST is improving and looks ready now. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-12-10).

4

Preview: GO WITH FLO was close-up on debut in a competitive maiden. She meets little of note here and from the best of the draw should be right there. EVEN TEMPO found good market support on debut but raced green. She should come on with the experience. SWISS NOTE has been knocking on the door for some time now. This is a weak field and she should finish close-up.  JOLLERIE was possibly in need of her last start. She has shown some ability and tries blinkers for the first time. (Andrew Harrison: 11-10-2-1).

5

Preview: FREE STATE lost her last start in the boardroom and was the chief offender in putting paid to A Womens Way’s chances. However, she is much better off at the weights here and can confirm that form. Duncan Howells saddles two smart fillies. A WOMENS WAY was the meat in the sandwich when fifth last time out. That was her first run back from a break. She is a smart filly and can defy the weights. DAWN CALLING is Gr1 placed but returns from a break and should need further. However, she has class and that could carry her through. COSMIC BURST was second best last run and has the best of the draw. She can place again. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-9-3).

6

Preview: TRIPLE O SEVEN has shown up well in two starts since returning from a lengthy break. She should be at her peak now and has a light weight in a tricky race. SPECIAL ENCOUNTER drops in class and caught the eye over course and distance last time out. He has a big weight but a good draw. KING DJANGO has shown up well in two recent starts over further. He was narrowly beaten last run and can go close again. BUBKA was backed at long odds when put back over a sprint and sent out in blinkers for the first time. He could feature again. (Andrew Harrison: 10-1-6-3)

7

Preview: Wide open. ROMAN CARNIVAL was a touch unlucky last run when hampered. His best recent effort has been over course and distance and he rates a strong chance. SEA URCHIN has had two outings since a lengthy break. He has ability and looks ready now. AIR CHIEF MARSHAL has been a beaten favourite at his last two. He could prove better this trip. FIREWOOD is never far back. He takes a step up in trip and should be competitive again. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-3-8).

8

Preview: Tricky race. TANJIRO showed up well to much stronger last start. He may just have needed the outing and should make a bod bid here. THIRTYTWO SQUADRON was up against stronger last start but was close up at his previous two. He will go close on his best form. PURE VALOR’s last win was over course and distance and he was running on late last outing when trying further. He does not have the best of draws but is in good form. BORN TO RULE is a strong front runner but had no chance with the lightly waited Newtons Spark last run. He goes well on the poly but also has a difficult draw. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-4-3).

Anton Marcus is rated the 18^th most successful jockey in the world in the global rankings published last week by the Thoroughbred Racing Commentary website which also classifies trainers and owners.

Markus and Ingrid Jooste come in number nine in the owners’ category – Coolmore and their partners head the list followed by Godolphin – but otherwise South Africans have been placed a long way down the various logs.

Six times champion Piere Strydom (91^st) is the only other South African-based jockey to be rated in the top 100 and Hong Kong’s  multiple champion Dougie Whyte has been put only two places higher.

The refusal of European interests to relax the African Horse Sickness quarantine regulations probably has more to do with the lowly treatment of the South Africans than any real assessment of their ability. As our horses cannot compete on the international stage, except by sacrificing a significant part of their racing careers to overseas quarantine, few of our jockeys and trainers have much opportunity to show the rest of the world what they are capable of.

Mike de Kock is rated only 80^th in the trainers category (which is headed by Aidan O’Brien) despite his ground-breaking successes around the world with horses far cheaper and nothing like as well bred as those handled by many of those above him. One owner-breeder with close Coolmore connections and who sometimes has horses at Ballydoyle told me last year “We rate De Kock one of the best trainers in the world.”

Current champion Sean Tarry is rated 83rd, the now-retired Mike Bass is 115^th, Dennis Drier and Joey Ramsden are joint 125^th, Justin Snaith 134^th and Brett Crawford 167^th.

Frankie Dettori, who captains the visitors in the Air Mauritius International Jockeys’ Challenge at Fairview on November 18 and Turffontein two days later, is rated second only to Ryan Moore. The other members of his team are Robert Havlin (104), Pat Cosgrave (166), Aurelian Lemaitre (172), Fergus Sweeney and Hayley Turner.

The last two are not in TRC’s top 200 and nor are S’Manga Khumalo, Andrew Fortune, Muzi Yeni and Gavin Lerena. The other two South African team members are Anthony Delpech (121) and Grant van Niekerk (144). It will be interesting to see if TRC revises its estimations of the South Africans after next month’s competition which, sadly, has given Cape Town the cold shoulder for the second successive year.

Michael Clower

Summerveld-based Mark Dixon would not have been training the classy gelding London Call had it not been for a phone call from London by one of his most loyal patrons, Clint Larsson, and hence the naming of the lightly raced six-year-old Kahal gelding.

This horse started the ball rolling in a fairytale story which provides proof there are still bargains to be found in South Africa for owners with limited budgets.

At Scottsville on Sunday London Call notched up his sixth win in just his 11^th career start when holding on in a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1400m under Brandon Lerena. It completed a memorable day for the connections, consisting of trainer Dixon, breeder Bruce Le Roux, and owners Clint Larsson, Gary Cumming and Rex Samuelson, as London Call’s three-parts sister Fantasy Lady had won in good style for them just two races earlier.

Retrospectively, Lerena’s decision to allow London Call to stride out freely in front, rather than fight him, probably won him the race. In June London Call had fought a rider who had attempted to rein him back in the Gr 2 Post Merchants over 1200m and he had consequently faded tamely in the straight.

However, on Sunday, despite a welter burden of 61,5kg and the race being 200m further, London Call stayed on doggedly to win by half-a length from the evergreen 110 merit-rated eight-year-old Punta Arenas. He wasn’t stopping at the line either.

London Call was officially 2,5kg under sufferance with Punta Arena, but started 28/10 favourite as the latter prefers further. The merit of the performance can be adjudged in that the other two joint-second best weighted horses, No Worries and Sylvester The Cat, sat behind him in the running but were unable to make inroads and were beaten 2,5 lengths and 9,25 lengths respectively.

London Call (Nkosi Hlophe)

However, Dixon said there would be no big plans for London Call until next year’s SA Champions Season as he does not travel well. He is not the soundest type, but the yard have learnt how best to deal with his issues. He fortunately does not take a lot of work, so after giving him a couple of gallops, and hoping he stays sound, Dixon has always been able to arrive on course confident of victory.

The connections were furious when London Call was omitted from last season’s Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Sprint, despite having been merit rated higher than a couple who were included. However, the panel will have difficulty leaving him out next year as he has won his last two and his merit rating has increased by a few points. The Tsogo Sun Sprint is his chief target for the season.

Passionate racing man Clint Larsson had earmarked the son of Kahal in the catalogue of the 2012 National Yearling Sales. However, Dixon, with a limited amount left in his budget, felt he had zero chance of securing him and decided to fly home early from the Sale. This was not surprising considering the horse is a half-brother to Gr 1 Cape Fillies Guineas-winner Indiscreet Fantasy and to Listed-winner Silver Fantasy. However, shortly after landing in Durban, Dixon received a phonecall from Larsson, who was in London at the time. The latter had noticed on the internet the colt had gone through the ring unsold. Dixon immediately phoned vendor Bruce le Roux and made an offer. He is grateful Le Roux stood by his word as another offer was apparently made five minutes later. The colt thus received a fitting name. A portion of the R120,000 purchase price must have been recouped when he won on debut over 1200m at Scottsville, by no fewer than 5,5 lengths, at odds of 33/1.

The connections did not make the same mistake at the National Two-year-old Sales of 2014, where they secured London Call’s three parts sister Silver Fantasy for R130,000. She is also by Kahal and is out of London Call’s half-sister, the Silvano filly Silver Fantasy. She had earlier been a vendor buy back at the National Yearling Sales, which is amazing considering the close up black type she has in her pedigree.

On Sunday, Fantasy Lady, who has always been well regarded by Dixon, returned from a layoff of three-and-a-half months to win a MR 84 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m under Keagan de Melo. Interestingly, she also did it from the front after jumping from a wide draw, although she relaxed superbly in the running and was able to dictate. She quickened well and just had to be driven out to win cosily by a length. The four-year-old has won three from eight. She did it off an 80 merit rating on Sunday. Dixon believes she still has improvement in her and is hoping to clinch some black type somewhere along the line.

Dixon and connections have certainly been making hay while the sun is shining because they were able to clinch yet another three-parts sister to London Call at this year’s National Yearling Sales. This Kahal filly went for just R70,000, despite the dam Dream And Fancies being a twice-winning half-sister to London Call by the outstanding broodmare sire Fort Wood.

The connections are certainly enjoying their run with this family and long may it continue.

David Thiselton