The Turffontein Inside racecourse has never been an easy one for punters and most of the nine races at tomorrow’s meeting are of a competitive nature which will make it doubly tough.

However, this invariably increases the risk to reward ratio in the exotics and leads to open betting markets offering plenty of value.

One value bet on the day could be Nero, who runs in the fifth, a MR 64 Handicap over 1600m. This Gavin van Zyl-trained seven-year-old Modus Vivendi gelding was running off a 77 merit rating a year ago and is now down to a 61. Last time out off a 63 merit rating in a 1400m event on the Standside track he was bumped while making his run and subsequently had to be switched inward so could have finished a touch closer than a 2,7 length fourth.

Interestingly, that was his first run without headgear for over three years and it saw a good performance over too sharp a trip. The form of that race has worked out well too. He will enjoy the step up to 1600m and is drawn in pole position off a merit rating dropped by another two points. The Van Zyl Highveld satellite yard had a winner last weekend which could have signalled a kick into a higher gear after a slow start to the season. Nero’s rider Marco van Rensburg is in good form and has had seven winners in September at a strike rate of over 15%. However, it is a very open race and most punters will probably be looking to go wide in the exotics in this leg.

The best bet on the card comes in the first race, a Maiden over 1200m. The Stanley Ferreira-trained Bold Silvano colt Bold Coast made a smart debut over this trip at the Vaal when running on well to split two decent sorts in an event which had looked beforehand to be a match race. He is drawn well in three with Craig Zackey retaining the ride. There are three first-timers in this race and they could pose the main danger. Of these the Sean Tarry-trained Tilbury Fort is by Horse Chestnut out of a six-time-winning sprinter by Restructure called Colleen, who has produced four winners from six runners to date.

The Corne Spies-trained Surf’s Up is by Kahal out of a Manshood mare who won twice in Zimbabwe from 1600-1800m and has produced four winners from five runners, including Gr 3 Kenilworth Fillies Nursery runner up Florist Rose and the Cape Town sprinter-to-1400m filly Lola Bud, who had a career high merit rating of 86. Tendre is by Dan De Lago out of an Al Mufti placed maiden, whose two runners to date from four foals have both been poor. Of the others to have run Rock And Roll made a fair come back from a layoff of over a year to finish just 4,7 lengths behind Bold Coast and should have come on from that run. Call To Battle was backed to 13/10 favourite last time over 1160m at Turffontein, but after showing good cruising speed he faded tamely and was reported not striding out.

He should be given another chance but now has a wide draw to overcome. Time To Be Great’s best run was over 1000m and he has led in his last two over 1400m and 1450m respectively. He only just failed in the former of these races, so he should enjoy the 1200m trip from a fair draw, although he is no superstar. Mumster showed some zip on debut before fading. He should strip fitter and could possibly earn from draw two. Flying Russian showed pace over 1400m on debut in May before fading so will likely appreciate the step down in trip. Devious Xandre has been exposed as moderate.

The highest rated race on the card is the seventh, a Conditions Plate for fillies and mares over 1450m. The best weighted horse on official merit ratings is the Sean Tarry-trained Intergalactic. She would prefer further, but as one who is effective over a mile she should enjoy this trip running fresh and should go close with just 52kg on her back from a plum draw of two.

However, the tip to win is She’s A Dragon, who is officially 2,5kg under sufferance with Intergalactic. Only good horses win by eight lengths a she did over 1400m as a two-year-old in a Juvenile Plate. She proved her speed and class in her next start when receiving only 1kg from the year older Silver Class and giving her a two length beating. That start, last November, followed a four month layoff, so also proved she enjoys running fresh. She went on to finish a 0,8 length third in the Gr 1 SA Fillies Classic, showing her versatility. Tomorrow she is drawn in pole, which is a further bonus to her chances, and Ryan Munger, who rode her to fourth in the Gr 2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas, is aboard. The SA Fillies Classic and SA Oaks winner Juxtapose is 3,5kg under sufferance with Intergalactic and will find the trip too sharp, but her class could pull her through and she is tipped to finish third behind the aforementioned pair.

Joan Ranger, who finished an excellent third in the Gr 1 City Of Pietermaritzburg Sprint last time out, is the highest merit rated horse in the race and at the weights ias only 0,5kg under sufferance with Intergalactic. She has tended to over race in races beyond sprints, although this hasn’t stopped her from running into the places. She will probably go to the front from a wide draw and if settling will be in with a chance. Persian Rug has some class and this giant of a horse should be coming into her own now being a daughter of Ideal World. Her last win was over 1600m so she is interesting with first time blinkers on over this trip but her wide draw is a concern and she is also officially 5kg under sufferance.

David Thiselton

Race Previews Durbanville Saturday Sep 17 by Warren Lenferna

Race 1:

Preview: HELEN’S BAY has had her fair share of chances but is consistently in the money and should be able to win her maiden race very soon. Her positive draw of two today will be of a huge advantage. Her stable is in form and there is a lot pointing to her being able to win today. OLI MIRANDA will have it all to do from the worst draw. She is always slow out but was making strong late headway last time albeit in a weak work rider maiden race. If jumping well and overcoming the draw should go close again. LITTLE STAR was far from disgraced on debut and can improve to get a lot closer. (Warren Lenferna 2-1-5)

Race 2:

Preview: BISHOP’S BOUNTY is returning from a rest and might well need this run however he is loaded with ability and even if only three quarters ready could still win a race like this. He is drawn well and is my firm first choice. RODNEY has good form and should be right there at the finish and LA FAVOURARI is returning from a very long rest but he too, clearly has ability and if not in too much need of this run should be in the first three. (Warren Lenferna 5-1-2)

Race 3:

Preview: LADY DIDDEO is improving rapidly and ran well last time. She tried very hard and was outrun close to home. She is confidently selected to go one better this afternoon. SUNSTRIP did well under Lucian Africa last time and he has retained the ride – they get a neat draw today at Durbanville and if confirming and improving on the good run last time will be a huge threat. Include in the exacta. GOLD FORCE is taking time to get it right but does certainly pay her way – she has a strong place chance and should win one of these days. (Warren Lenferna 1-3-2)

Race 4:

Preview: A tough call to choose between ICON KING and KENNY TRIX! I have gone with ICON KING as he has had only two runs and did very well at the second attempt. He does have a wide draw to overcome but does race handy. KENNY TRIX has solid form and was game is defeat last time. I am expecting a match race between the two! Keep an eye on BLACK CAT BACK he is nicely bred and could do well first time at school. (Warren Lenferna 7-3-6)

Race 5:

Preview: REBEL ALLIANCE was running on, on debut to finish fifth. He has tons of scope to improve and comes into this race with strong each way claims. The combination of Donovan Dillon and Joey Ramsden are doing very well together. His biggest danger looks to be COCK-A-HOOP the son of Western Winter from the Snaith stable. He ran second last time and his winning turn is close – big runner. RULE ONE has shown some pace in his last race and based on that cannot be excluded from the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 9-4-3)

Race 6:

Preview: LIVE LIFE raced handy and lacked extra late last time – looking at her overall form, she is way better than that run suggests and deserves another chance. She is very well bred, gets a fair draw and is the firm first choice in the race. HARAKIRI and BOMBSHELL GIRL look set to fight out the minor money. I do like the way that Bombshell Girl has come to hand so quickly between races. (Warren Lenferna 3-4-8)

Race 7:

Preview: QING is returning from a rest and she may well be in need of this run but in saying that her form is excellent and she clearly has tons of ability, She gets a good draw and her last run is best ignored when she was reported to have felt amiss. The interesting runner that tops the best weighted column in the Computaform by a country mile is TAFFETY TART – She has a rating of 94 and comes into this Allowance Plate with 51,5kg’s – she should, on ratings and weight be able to win this race with ease – my only concern is the 90 day rest. FEAR NOT is a must for the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 3-9-5)

Race 8:

Preview: OVERSHADOW has won his last two impressively and he seems to be way above average. He gets a neat draw and is selected to reel off the hat trick. STAR CHESTNUT found more to win last time and based on that cannot be taken lightly here. SOLAR NIGHT is seldom far off, drawn the best, and has a light weight – money chance. (Warren Lenferna 2-1-6)

Race 9:

Preview: I TRAVEL LIGHT looks promising and is bidding for the hat trick – based on the way he has won his last two he should be a tough nut to crack. He is drawn very wide which is a concern but his ability should pull him through. NEW CALEDONIA won well last time asserting his authority at the finish – he looks useful and another big run looks on the cards. MAXIMUM FLO has been selected as the value bet on the card. (Warren Lenferna 2-3-12)

Race 10:

Preview: THE GREAT ONE made a fair debut and has tons of scope to improve to get much closer this afternoon. CRAVEN is well bred and might run well on debut – keep a close watch on the betting with regards to the confidence of his chances today. COME ON SONNY has shown that he can finish in the first four here. (Warren Lenferna 14-9-1)

Race Previews Turffontein Saturday Sep 17 by David Thiselton

Race 1:

Preview: BOLD COAST made a smart debut and will be hard to beat from a good draw here. TILBURY FORT is by Horse Chestnut and is a half-brother to a few winners. ROCK AND ROLL finished 4,7 lengths behind Bold Coast in a fair come back from a year’s layoff and should have benefitted from the run (David Thiselton 5-10-4).

Race 2:

Preview: END GAME is by Silvano out of an Argentinian-bred mare and Strydom is up from pole position. She wouldn’t have to be a champion to win this race. A WOMAN’S WILL returns to a trip she has done well over before. QUI TANGO is improving and should enjoy the step up in trip. NINE ‘O CLOCK NEWS could earn although her wide draw makes it tough. WRITTEN is by Western Winter and is a half-sister to two or three winners. HURRICANE BERTHA is by Western Winter and is a half-sister to South Atlantic, who in his second start beat Runalong by 3,5 lengths and the latter followed up by winning four in a row. ANGEL ON A MISSION is by Philanthropist out of a National Assembly mare who won once in only two starts. (David Thiselton 8-1-5)

Race 3:

Preview: APPLE CRUMBLE is lightly raced for a six-year-old and as a handy type who builds up to top gear the number three draw over this trip will be ideal. AWESOME ADAM has a high draw to overcome but should enjoy the trip as he won going away over 1450m last time, which also suggested he could handle the four point merit rating raise he was given. VEE MAN has always struck as one who is better than his current 71 merit rating and he has his third run after a rest over the trip of his last win and Strydom is up from a fair draw. ANALYSE THIS might set the pace but will stay on. SEVEN SINGLE is a handy or front running type and draw one is this ideal while he should enjoy this trip running fresh after a three month layoff.  (David Thiselton 10-1-11)

Race 4:

Preview: Not much between a number of horses with winning chances. ROSE WATER has been knocking on the door for a long time and being by Silvano should now be coming into her own, while being a full sister to Rudi Rocks, a Listed winner over 1900m, she should relish the step up in trip. FISH RIVER CANYON represents the in from Gary Alexander yard and she should enjoy the step up to 1600m being by Mullins Bay and having stayed on over 1450m last time. STRUT YOUR STUFF, who is bred to stay, made a reasonable debut over this trip at the Vaal considering she had to be switched from the back into the unfavourable going and with expected improvement she could go close here, although her wide draw is a concern. RUBYBAY has been knocking on the door and is distance suited but has a wide draw to overcome. OVER STATED ran a fair race with first time blinkers on last time and from draw two is another one who could go close over a trip which should suit. COSMO RUSSE returns from a six month layoff but has shown enough ability to have a chance here and she should enjoy the trip. (David Thiselton 2-9-8)

Race 5:

Preview: NERO has a good draw over this suitable course and distance and with the blinkers off again will appreciate the step up in trip from his last race over 1400m where he was a touch unlucky as he was bumped in the closing stages and subsequently had to switch inward. TRIP TO TROY won his maiden over course and distance in facile fashion and has dropped to a competitive merit rating so should go close from a good draw. ARPAD is well drawn for a change and can go close over an ideal course and distance off a competitive merit rating. DUZI MOON’s latest two attempts at 1600m were fair efforts and in his last race he was hampered so could have got closer. Strydom is up, albeit from a tough draw. TRIPLE BEAT has a shout over an ideal trip with second time blinkers on, but has a tricky draw to overcome again. CIAO-CIAO represents an in form yard and showed last time he is coming to hand. ZEN MASTER has a chance over a suitable trip if able to overcome the draw. KING GERARD enjoys this course and has dropped to a competitive merit rating, but the trip from a wide draw might stretch him. IMPERIAL PARTY stayed on over 1000m in her penultimate and might be looking for further now. She still has a stamina doubt, although the blinkers off will help. PRIVATE RULER can’t be ignored and CAPUCHE will be involved if able to get as good a spot in a held up position as he did last time. (David Thiselton 5-3-1-2-4)

Race 6:

Preview: SHAH’S STORM won a very weak maiden over 1400m last time, but before that ran a good race in a 1200m maiden which has worked out quite well so off a mere 61 merit rating she could do well here from pole position draw with Strydom up. ALLORA ran on well to win her maiden second time out after a slow start and should relish the step up in trip. Gavin Lerena is up from a fair draw. MONARCH AIR runs off a competitive merit from a fair draw over an ideal trip. Andrew Fortune was up for her maiden win in January and is back aboard for the first time since. SPRING DANCE did well over course and distance last time off this merit rating with first time blinkers on and from a good draw could be involved again. SAVE THE DAY could earn from a good draw over a suitable trip. (David Thiselton (6-4-2)

Race 7:

Preview: SHE’S A DRAGON is reasonably treated at the weights and has won well fresh before so has a chance from pole position over a suitable course and distance. INTERGALACTIC is best in at the weights on official merit ratings and should be effective running fresh over too sharp a trip. Gr 1 SA Classic and Gr 2 SA Oaks winner JUXTAPOSE will find this too sharp but running fresh from a good draw her class could pull her through. JOAN RANGER tends to over race over this trip so a wide draw in her first run for three-and-a-half months doesn’t augur well for her chances. However, although her best form has been over sprints, she is officially second best in at the weights and her class has pulled her into some decent placed efforts over this sort of distance before. PERSIAN RUG should start coming into her own being by Ideal World and is tried in blinkers over too sharp a trip in her second run after a rest. She has a wide draw to overcome. SHEPARD ONE and DRIFTING DUSK could pick up the pieces if the classier sorts all prove in need of it, while LAZER STAR could do well if bouncing back to her best over a suitable trip from a good draw with Delpech up. (David Thiselton 6-11-3)

Race 8:

Preview: FIELDMARSHAL FENIX won well on debut and can rise above a 67 merit rating so has a chance from a good draw over a step up in trip he should relish. ARTEMISIA should be coming into her own being by Silvano and has pole position over  a suitable course and distance. ONE YESTERDAY loves the course and distance and has been dropped to a competitive merit rating. INTANDOKAZI is drawn well and can produce a good finish if relaxing well in a held up position. DIVAR is three points higher for his win over this trip last time out at the Vaal and he won his maiden over course and distance from a similarly wide draw. (David Thiselton 2-6-4)

Race 9:

Preview: ARCTICA is distance suited and well drawn and although officially 3kg under sufferance is unbeaten as a gelding and could have more to come. WILL PAYS is officially second best in at the weights but his merit rating is likely capped as he won a Pinnacle over course and distance last time by four lengths. He was drawn in pole then and is now drawn ten but he was relaxed in the running and with a repeat this improved horse could make it a hattrick. ST, TROPEZ is classy and could still rise above his 99 merit rating. His fine turn of foot makes him suited to this course and although he would prefer further he should do well fresh over this trip from a good draw. CAPTAIN ALDO is best in at the weights and is course and distance suited but has a tough draw o overcome. FINCHATTON and MACDUFF can’t be ignored. (David Thiselton 11-2-9)

THE Racing Post has been sold to Exponent Private Equity in a deal that was completed on Thursday.

The business, which includes the Racing Post newspaper and its associated weekly print and book titles as well as a range of digital products, had been owned by a consortium led by Dublin-based private equity company FL Partners since 2007.

The Racing Post was launched as a daily newspaper by Sheikh Mohammed, who retains ownership of the trading name, in 1986 and has since developed into a multi-media business. It has offices in London, Newbury and Dublin and employs nearly 300 people.

Exponent is one of the preeminent private equity firms in London. Its investment portfolio includes Immediate Media (publishers of the former BBC magazines), Ambassador Theatre Group, Big Bus Tours, Photobox and Wowcher.

Racing Post chief executive Alan Byrne said: “We will continue our policy of investing to enhance the business and to provide our customers with the best possible service. We are excited by the prospect of working with Exponent whose experience in the media sector will be very helpful in growing our business.”

Oliver Bower, partner at Exponent, said: “We are delighted to be investing in the Racing Post. The brand is a market leader and has a pivotal position in an exciting and growing market. We are looking forward to working with Alan and the team to help the business to reach its full potential.”

Debt finance for the deal has been provided by Hayfin Capital Management, Lloyds Bank and Bank of Ireland.

RacingPost.com

Andrew Fortune has many admirers, also some detractors, but there is no doubting his talent.

Although it’s early days in the season he is pressing hard for his second National Jockeys title, already 21 winners ahead of his nearest rival, and if he keeps touring and riding the way he coaxed State Ballet to the line at Durbanville yesterday, barring suspensions he will finish streets ahead.

Carl Burger and Riaan van Reenen’s filly has been pressing hard for a win, leading for most of the journey before being caught at the death, but under Fortune she won rather cosily. The field was no worse than what she had had met in the past, indeed taking on males, but Fortune had them on a string from the start.

Leading from the jump as has been her want, challengers came thick and fast approaching the final furlong but Fortune did little but let out some rein and the chasing pack was left going up and down as the filly scored comfortably, seemingly never in trouble.

It was a riding lesson from a master.

Favourite Over Drive, having his first outing since January, was treading water inside the last 200m but should come on lengths from this outing.

Jockeys of old would never let a rival up their inside and those that dared going that route risked being stuck over the inside fence. As it was yesterday, Grant van Niekerk aboard favourite Ovar left the door wide open for stable companion Percival in the card’s top liner and Corne Orffer took full advantage. Slow out of the gate, Percival was amongst the back markers in a small field in the early exchanges but hugging the rail he came through smartly to win going away.

To be fair, Percival was always going the better and probably would have won where ever he made his run, but it could have been made a little more difficult.

It was a lot easier in the next as Lucky Tuesday followed up on the bounce with a facile win in the fifth. Van Niekerk always had the situation summed up although it turned into little more than a steering job as Candice Bass-Robinson’s mare was hardly off the bit.

Captains Companion, given a more patient ride after trying to make all the running in her two previous starts, finished a game winner of the sixth. Tucked in on the rail behind pace-making Hilaria, Orffer produced Brett Crawford’s runner when it mattered and she kept rolling strongly to win comfortably.

> Yorker found one better in the filly Quebee in a Listed feature in Sandown in the UK yesterday. Possibly undone by an early stroll in the mile race, Yorker fought on courageously. Just when he had it won, Quebee ran him down in the shadow of the post.

Andrew Harrison