Scottsville Sunday Oct 16 Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

1

Preview: Many first timers but of those that have run SIR EDMUND has yet to finished unplaced but now tries blinkers and should be thereabouts again. LIL RED ROOSTER made major improvement at his last start but has been rested since. That form has held up so he must rate a strong chance if ready. VARADISO has run his best race over course and distance and a repeat should see him in the firing line. Of the first timers ARABIAN EMPEROR and OLIVER QUEEN have strong sprinting pedigrees. (Andrew Harrison:  4-5-6-13).

2

Preview: Open. Duncan Howells has two runners with promising form. DANISH CROSS made a smart debut behind stable companion Blaze Of Mystery but has not been out since May and may need this run. RAINBOWINTHESKY caught the eye on debut and there doesn’t look to be much in this line-up. CAPTAINS MOLL has been disappointing since two excellent efforts to start with. Her best form is on this course and she will be competitive if finding her best. BUBBLY NIGHT didn’t feature first up on the turf but she has some fair poly form. (Andrew Harrison: 14-12-7-6).

3

Preview: TROPICAL BLOW came from well back to take second to favourite Accidental Tourist on debut. She should appreciate the extra ground and with a claiming apprentice up and a plum draw she should go close. MALHAMA raced green on debut and will much prefer this trip although she has a difficult draw to overcome. EXPRESSO MARTINI found inspired market support at her second outing but found one too good. She has a chance to go one better. MADAME EXPRESS has not been far back in two starts and looks set to improve. (Andrew Harrison: 15-12-9-11).

4

Preview: WELL IN FLIGHT was close-up in a strong sprint field last time out. She has been kept to sprints but should not have any trouble seeing out the extra. WAITY KATIE caught the eye when making her local debut and will much prefer this trip. She had some useful Cape form. SEEK THE SUMMIT has come consistent form on the Greyville poly. She has a light weight and a good draw.  LALA is a smart filly and goes well this trip. She has a big weight but four-claiming apprentice Dennis Schwarz will ease her burden. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-11-1).

5

Preview: MISS TEE has been threatening for some time now. She was a close-up second when taking on stronger last time and rates a strong chance. JUDS EXPRESS has improved with each outing of late and should be at her peak here. She was running on strongly from a tough draw last time out. ROY’S TWILIGHT needed her last run. She has a tricky draw here but goes well this course and distance. B TWENTY ONE returns from a break and is lightly raced. She shows some ability and could improve after being given time to mature. (Andrew Harrison: 7-12-8-9).

6

Preview: SYLVESTER THE CAT is not particularly well weighted here but goes very well over course and distance. He can be difficult so not always reliable. LONDON CALL is top class on his day and was an easy winner last time out. He does step up in trip but if he puts it in her should be right there. NO WORRIES has shown himself to be very versatile. He is quite well weighted here and has a good draw. Even though he returns from a short break he should at least be competitive.  ASHTON PARK made a smart local debut on the poly. He had consistent Cape form and Marcus sticks with the ride. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-3-6).

7

Preview: ROY’S MAGIC won well at second time of asking. He looks progressive and can follow up. GUNNER was a Gr1 winner last time out but returns from a break and gives weight all round. He may just need it. MARSHALL THAT impressed as a very easy maiden winner last time out and that form has been franked although he does take on much stronger here. SCENT OF THE TIGER has improved with every run. He shed his maiden in good fashion beating the luckless Cabinda who was also beaten by Roy’s Magic. (Andrew Harrison: 4-1-6-3)

8

Preview: AMAZON KING has improved with each outing. He was close-up behind the promising Roy’s Magic at his second start and looks to have more to come in a weak field. ARAMOUSE has put in two big efforts on the poly but has also done well on the turf and looks a threat. The veteran ALBERT is always dangerous and back on the turf could upstage them all. SEMONKONG has not been far back at recent outings and with a light weight rates a strong chance. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-7-13)

9

Preview: Open. GOOD TO GIVE appeared in need of his last outing. He has shown some promise and meets a weak field. LILY GRAY takes on males but has been knocking on the door for some time now and is due a change of fortune. BECKEDORF showed his best form with the blinkers removed for his last start. He can follow up. PANGA PANGA was not far back when making his local debut. The was his first outing in three months and he rates a chance in this weak field. (Andrew Harrison: 5-6-3-1)

First Timer comments Scottsville Sunday Oct 16 by Warren Lenferna

DUNCAN HOWELLS:

Race 1 – ARABIAN EMPEROR (8): Quite a speedy horse but could be green – could run into the back end of the quartet if not too green.

MARK DIXON:

Race 1 – ASIAN STAR (9): Very quick but will need the experience.

Race 3 – DIAMANTE (8): Nice filly but will need the experience.

LLOYD LUNN FOR PAT LUNN:

Race 1 – KILDONAN GOLD (10): Is speedy but will be very green.

CORRINE BESTEL:

Race 1 – KINGS CUP (11): Is looking for much further but I need to start racing with him. He will need the experience.

GARTH PULLER:

Race 1 – SHANTYTOWN (14): A nice big horse with a big action. He will need a few runs and a bit further.

MICHAEL ROBERTS:

Race 1 – LEAGUE OF SHADOWS (12): A nice type but is bred for further.

Race 2 – HURRY HOME (13): Speedy but will benefit from this outing.

Race 2 – SUMMER FASHION (15): Speedy but will benefit from this outing.

DENNIS BOSCH:

Race 1 – OLIVER QUEEN (13): A very nice horse, I would have preferred the poly – Anton Marcus likes him but I am of the opinion that he might just need it.

PAUL GADSBY:

Race 2 – VISION TO KILL (16): Will need one run and will be better over 1200m.

IVAN MOORE:

Race 3 – DAZZLING TOKEN (7): I really think she will need the run and be green – she will need a trip hence her making her debut over 1400m. I am just hoping she runs a decent race.

WEIHO MARWING:

Race 3 – FLOWEROFEDINBURGH (10): Will need the run.

DES EGDES:

Race 3 – REMEMBERING RUTH (13): Is a nice staying type of filly but will be in need of the run and it will be very tough from the draw. She should be finishing well.

 

A New Dawn, the forgotten member of Joey Ramsden’s powerful three-year-old line-up, takes on Lord Balmoral when he reappears in the All To Come Graduation Plate at Durbanville today – and it won’t be easy.

Donovan Dillon’s mount has to overcome a near six-month absence and, although the handicappers rated him 4kg behind Vaughan Marshall’s hope, he has to give his rival half a kilo.

Looking at what the R2 million Australian-bred beat over the Kenilworth 1 400m that day in April you might not rate him even as high as the official assessors but trainer and jockey left no-one in any doubt about the colt’s potential.

“He is a smashing horse, looking for this trip and more,” said Ramsden while Dillon added: “There is a lot of improvement to come. After every race he will get better and better.”

But the lesson of recent weeks is that the Ramsden class acts are vulnerable on their first runs back, particularly when they are conceding weight. Attenborough looked a certainty a furlong out only to falter and Table Bay could only manage third. Both started favourite and this time it could be the turn of Lord Balmoral to inflict the defeat

Also Australian-bred, but a fair bit cheaper at A$53,000, this colt justified odds of 1-3 on his second start in the manner of a future star, coming right away in the final 300m to win by four lengths easing up.

True, he was a big disappointment when he reappeared seven weeks ago, starting at even money and finishing a well-beaten sixth to a 25-1 shot. But he should be a different proposition this time.

In terms of sheer class these two dominate the race but Edict Of Nantes has done everything right in his last two starts, his stable is on song and if he were to complete the hat-trick it wouldn’t exactly be a shock of earthquake proportions.

Stable jockey Corne Orffer again has the mount but, a little surprisingly, he partners Varonella in the first while Greg Cheyne comes in for the mount on Brett Crawford’s other runner Varsity Cup whose form reads much better and is the selection.

Richard Fourie is on the sidelines after that horrific fall here on Wednesday when his mount Rock Stewart suffered a fatal cranial trauma. He had a number of fancied rides and Aldo Domeyer may benefit on Midtown Manhattan in race four. This one has the Crawford-trained Lady Diddeo to beat.

Michael Clower

 

Durbanville Saturday Oct 15 Race Previews by Warren Lenferna

1

Preview: MIGHTY HASH has consistent form but is taking time to win. His last run suggests that his winning turn could be today. VARSITY CUP returns from a rest but has run two good races thus far – if he is not in too much need of this run he should go very close – stable in form. VARONELLA returns from an even longer break but was seldom far off the action in his runs before. He could run into a quartet position. (Warren Lenferna 1-9-4)

2

Preview: LORD BALMORAL disappointed last time but I am most certainly not writing him off based on that – his maiden win was oh so impressive and he clearly has tons of ability and should be better suited to the extended trip he gets today – hard to beat. EDICT OF NANTES has won his last two in fine style and should once again be a big runner. A NEW DAWN returns from a rest but won at only the second time of asking. He should be included despite coming back from a rest. (Warren Lenferna 5-2-3)

3

Preview: GLENNIE is improving with each start and her last run she nearly won. Jockey Lucian Africa should know her well now and she rates the one to beat. Her biggest danger is QUIPPI whom made an eye catching debut when outrun very late in the race to finish second – with natural improvement she should supply plenty of cheek all the way to the wire but because Glennie has a bit more racing experience she will still be the one to beat. TIME TO THINK has a definite quartet chance. (Warren Lenferna 4-3-5)

4

Preview: MIDTOWN MANHATTAN made a cracking good debut and seems to have a bright future – to keep it short, sweet and simple, I will be disappointed if she does not go one better and win. LADY DIDDEO and THE WIDOW’S CLUB could fight out the minor money. (Warren Lenferna 7-1-10)

5

Preview: CROMPTON COURT is beautifully bred and made a fair debut. He gets extra distance today but sadly a wide draw to deal with. He should improve a lot from his debut effort and comes into this race with very strong each way claims. BRAAISTIN is taking time to win but the signs are there in a big way – he should win very soon. PURE LOGIC is improving with racing and it would be silly to ignore his chances for a bet like the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 9-1-2)

6

Preview: HAMMIE’S GAME is holding his form and went very close last time – a similar if not better run can be expected today and I have made him my first choice. SOLAR NIGHT is ultra consistent and his chances also look very bright here. MAJOR JAY, if not in too much need could finish in the first four. (Warren Lenferna 6-1-8)

7

Preview: A tough race with some exciting youngsters lining up here. All of: GIMME SIX (good form), DON’T STOP DANCING (returns from a rest but won so well on debut) and PARTY CRASHER (made an impressive winning debut) all have chances. Include as many as your budget will allow but if I were forced to choose a first selection I would go with GIMME SIX but I do have healthy respect for DON’T STOP DANCING. (Warren Lenferna 2-4-8)

8

Preview: SEATTLE GOLD ran on well last time to finish seconds and she looks cherry ripe to go one better. QUENA improved last time and based on that, has to be given a bright chance. TREASURE TOOL could do even better over the mile she gets today and is a must in the quartet – bad draw to overcome. (Warren Lenferna 5-4-16)

Two sprint races are the highlights of a nine race Turffontein meeting today, which falls three weeks before the real fireworks of the Highveld Spring season begin.

British Royale won a fine race over 1200m on the Vaal Classic course last time, especially considering he had to race wide on the turn from draw 6 out of 7. He has plenty of speed and in tomorrow’s third race, a MR 98 Handicap over 1000m, he jumps from pole position. He has scraped into the handicap with the minimum weight. He is on the up and is selected to make it three on the trot. Trip Tease has run a bit below par in his last two. However, he has now dropped to an attractive merit rating and the Louis Goosen yard have shown signs of a form return in the last couple of Highveld meetings. He should make a bold bid from a good draw over a course and distance he has one win from one run. However, it won’t be easy having to carry 64,5kg and give British Royale 12,5kg. Furthermore, Isphan is 4kg better off with Trip Tease for a 0,2 length beating in the race on Grand Heritage day. Isphan had to jump from the worst draw of all that day too. He is off an attractive merit rating and is tipped to run second with Trip Tease third.

The sixth is a Progress Plate over 1200m and the topweight Buckland looks to have it at his mercy. He is officially 5,5kg better off with any other horse according to the official merit ratings. He likely needed it in the Spring Spree Stakes over course and distance last time as it was his first outing since June and also his first after gelding. He was far from disgraced in finishing three lengths behind the top class Kangaroo Jack. His low draw of three will be particularly advantageous due to his speed and Piere Strydom up is another bonus. He is well regarded and should be capable of carrying 61kg to victory. His younger stablemate Penultimate did not have his last race pan out well for him and is a lot better than the bare form suggests. It will only be his third career start and he has to race off an 86 merit rating, so it will not be easy. However, his debut was impressive and he should be given a chance to redeem himself here from a fair draw. Duke Nukem is a consistent sort who is should be capable of running on from behind, which he might have to do from a wide draw. He is the second best in at the weights but the drawback is the breathing noises he makes. Front Rank ran on strongly from the back in the Grand Heritage, having had to track over from the inside to the standside, and finished second. He should be running on again, but this is a touch on the sharp side and he is 9kg under sufferance with Buckland on official merit ratings. Call Kelly is a capable sort and is well drawn over a suitable trip. However it is his second run after a five month layoff.

Buckland has to be considered a banker.

At first sight there could be another fair bet in the seventh, despite it being a MR 82 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1800m. Fortissima is held in high regard and proved her class when finishing second in the Gr 2 SA Oaks. She needed her seasonal reappearance, when finishing second. She was confidently expected to win that MR 76 2000m race, despite carrying 62kg, and the slow pace did her no favours. However, she now faces stronger opposition. For example Inaninstant also looks capable of rising above her current merit rating of 84. Proof of that is she beat Intergalactic in the Listed Oaks Trial over 2000m in April. She was receiving 4kg that day, but if they faced each other today she would receive 9kg, so that was a good performance and she certainly looks the part too. On the downside she is returning from a five-and-a-half month layoff. However, coming from the Sean Tarry yard, she should be fit enough. Angelic Appeal, Gain Ground and Bajan Fantasy make most appeal of the rest.

Another horse who initially struck as a possible Pick 6 banker was Bold Coast in the last race over 1600m. After winning his maiden in commanding style over 1200m, he stayed on well in a strong Graduation Plate over 1450m and on paper ran a little bit above his 77 merit rating. He was a touch outpaced in that race and this son of Bold Silvano should relish the step up in trip. However, his maiden win over 1200m has not worked out at all well and there must then be a few question marks. The solid sort Hawaiian Sun thus becomes the selection, despite having to carry top weight, and the four-year-old Rownak, who was green on debut before running on strongly to win over 1600m, is tipped for second with Bold Coast third. Street Flyer and Nawra make some appeal too and can also be included in the Pick 6.

A race which at first sight appeared to be a Pick 6 stumbling block was the eighth, a MR 68 fillies and mares handicap over 1800m. However, a closer look reveals Tambalang to be a reasonable  banker prospect on a difficult card. She starts handicapping off a reasonable looking merit rating, considering she won her maiden easing up by 4,3 lengths over course and distance. Tricia Dupont was done no favours by a slow pace over 2000m last time and can also be included in the exotics.

David Thiselton