
Vaal Thursday 20 November – Comments by David Thiselton
PUBLISHED: November 19, 2025
Race 1 1 AMANDLA NGAWETHU 6 WORLD ORDER 7 BIG SKY RANGER 2 ARIZONA MAGIC Preview: 1 AMANDLA NGAWETHU has not been disgraced in some decent fields. 6 WORLD ORDER was caught wide over 1800m last time and will enjoy the step down in trip. 7 BIG SKY RANGER is by Last Winter […]
Race 1
1 AMANDLA NGAWETHU 6 WORLD ORDER 7 BIG SKY RANGER 2 ARIZONA MAGIC
Preview: 1 AMANDLA NGAWETHU has not been disgraced in some decent fields. 6 WORLD ORDER was caught wide over 1800m last time and will enjoy the step down in trip. 7 BIG SKY RANGER is by Last Winter out of a Bold Silvano mare and would not have to be a star to earn here, so Muzi Yeni is an eye-catching booking. 2 ARIZONA MAGIC has a chance if bouncing back to the form of his penultimate start. (David Thiselton 1-6-7-2)
Race 2
10 LANCE ALOT 12 TOMMY ATKINS 6 AGOGE 8 GIMMETHESPOTLIGHT
Preview: 10 LANCE ALOT made a fair debut and should improve over this trip. 12 TOMMY ATKINS made a fair debut over this trip and should improve. 6 AGOGE is by Gimmethegreenlight out of a Jet Master mare and Craig Zackey is up. 8 GIMMETHESPOTLIGHT is by Gimmethegreenlight out of a Querari mare and would not have to be a star to win with a 1,5kg claimer up. (David Thiselton 10-12-6-8)
Race 3
1 WINDS OF GRACE 11 AL GREENGA 3 ONCEINABLUEMOON 7 PLEIADES STAR
Preview: 1 WINDS OF GRACE is knocking on the door and has a good opportunity here. 11 AL GREENGA made a good debut and will go close with expected improvement. 3 ONCEINABLUEMOON has shown some ability and can earn here. 7 PLEIADES STAR can earn if producing her best. (David Thiselton 1-11-3-7)
Race 4
10 BABETTE’S FEAST 2 DELAWARE RIVER 4 NOTHING COMPARES 1 LADY LIMONCELLO
Preview: 10 BABETTE’S FEAST has a good form chance over a suitable trip. 2 DELAWARE RIVER went close last time and is on the up and has Lerena aboard. 4 NOTHING COMPARES can earn if producing her best. 1 LADY LIMONCELLO can earn if repeating last start. (David Thiselton 10-2-4-1)
Race 5
9 DOUGLAS DRAGON 1 HOTARUBI 4 IMPERIAL MASTER 3 ROYAL EDITION
Preview: 9 DOUGLAS DRAGON is a touch under sufferance but is an honest sort who should give a good account of himself despite a wide draw. 1 HOTARUBI is talented but a frustrating sort who can’t be relied on, but can’t be ignored because he might decide to run. 4 IMPERIAL MASTER is capable of being involved in this line up. 3 ROYAL EDITION could be right there if producing his best but not too reliable. (David Thiselton 9-1-4-3)
Race 6
5 HAZY DAZY 7 NKWENKWEZI 2 KISSING MACHINE 9 CARTAGENA
Preview: 5 HAZY DAZY has talent and plenty of scope for improvement so might prove hard to beat from a good draw over an ideal trip. 7 NKWENKWEZI goes for a hat-trick and on pedigree should enjoy the step up in trip. 2 KISSING MACHINE has the form to be a contender. 9 CARTAGENA is progressive and distance suited but will have to run on after being dropped out from a wide draw. (David Thiselton 5-7-2-9)
Race 7
1 MATCHA MINT 3 ETHICAL 8 REJUVENATE 6 POMOZELOUS
Preview: 1 MATCHA MINT was defeated at odds on last time but should have benefitted from the run and is interesting from pole position over a step up in trip. 3 ETHICAL won easily in the maidens and is progressing. 8 REJUVENATE won over 1800m on the poly in the maidens and should enjoy this trip. 6 POMOZELOUS can be right there if bouncing back to her best after a disappointing last start. (David Thiselton 1-3-8-6)
Race 8
1 MICHAEL FARADAY 2 SCARLETT HEART 4 GAMER 3 THE MIGHTIEST
Preview: 1 MICHAEL FARADAY has the ability to beat this field over an ideal trip from a good draw. 2 SCARLETT HEART won easily in the maidens and starts off handicapping on a reasonable mark. 4 GAMER is capable of earning from a fair draw. 3 THE MIGHTIEST can earn of producing her best. (David Thiselton 1-2-4-3)
Race 9
4 COSMIC SPEED 11 SHADOWFAX 1 TEXAS RED 3 MOUNT PILATUS
Preview: 4 COSMIC SPEED is top class and is the one to beat over an ideal trip. 11 SHADOWFAX is an exciting prospect and should be thereabouts. 1 TEXAS RED is capable of a top class performance over this trip. (David Thiselton 4-11-1)
Race 10
8 SHE’S ALL MINE 9 PEREGRINE FALCON 14 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT 5 CAPTAIN SELVIE
Preview: 8 SHE’S ALL MINE has fine form and will go close. 9 PEREGRINE FALCON won well last time and off a three point higher mark can earn again. 14 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT can be in the shake up if repeating his last start. 5 CAPTAIN SELVIE has the form to be a contender. (David Thiselton 8-9-14-5)

Soccer Updates and Carryovers: 21- 22 November 2025
PUBLISHED: November 19, 2025
Soccer10 Friday 21 November 2025. ADD-IN R125 000. Estimated Pool: R 1.6 million. Pool Closes at 21h00. Sport 15 and Pool 1. Soccer4 Saturday 22 November 2025. ADD-IN R25 000. Estimated Pool: R 100 000. Pool Closes at 17h00. Sport 19 Pool 2. Soccer10 Saturday 22 November 2025. ADD-IN R125 000. Estimated Pool: R 1.6 million. […]
Soccer10 Friday 21 November 2025. ADD-IN R125 000. Estimated Pool: R 1.6 million. Pool Closes at 21h00. Sport 15 and Pool 1.
Soccer4 Saturday 22 November 2025. ADD-IN R25 000. Estimated Pool: R 100 000. Pool Closes at 17h00. Sport 19 Pool 2.
Soccer10 Saturday 22 November 2025. ADD-IN R125 000. Estimated Pool: R 1.6 million. Pool Closes at 15h00.Sport 16 and Pool 1.
Soccer Any13X on Saturday 22 November 2025. ADD-IN R150 000. Estimated Pool: R 500 000. Pool Closes at 14h30. Sport 13 and Pool 1
Soccer SCORES Carryover R 94 179. Saturday 22 November 2025. Pool Closes at 15h30.
Soccer CORNERS Carryover R 812. Saturday 22 November 2025. Pool Closes at 16h30.
Soccer13 Saturday 22 November 2025. (All-13-Correct Jackpot Pool). Pool Closes at 16h30. Sport 10 Pool 1. R18 Million (If only One 13 of 13 Winner)
Soccer13 Sunday 23 November 2025. Carryover R4 360 590 (All-13-Correct Jackpot Pool). Pool Closes at 15h30. Sport 11 Pool 1.
R9 Million (If only One 13 of 13 Winner)

South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Ffos Las and Kempton(UK) – 19 November 2025
PUBLISHED: November 19, 2025
South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Ffos Las and Kempton(UK) – 19 November 2025
South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Ffos Las and Kempton(UK) – 19 November 2025

Battle for the KZN championship
PUBLISHED: November 18, 2025
David Thiselton The KZN trainers championship was for a number of years fought out by the Mike de Kock and Dennis Drier yards and so it was no coincidence that before yesterday’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville got under way Mike and Mathew de Kock shared the early lead in this year’s championship with Stuart Ferrie, […]
David Thiselton
The KZN trainers championship was for a number of years fought out by the Mike de Kock and Dennis Drier yards and so it was no coincidence that before yesterday’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville got under way Mike and Mathew de Kock shared the early lead in this year’s championship with Stuart Ferrie, Drier’s former assistant who then took over the yard.
The remarkable part of this fact is that neither yard has had a multitude of runners.
They had both had 15 wins in KZN this season before yesterday’s meeting with the De Kocks operating at a strike rate of 20% and Ferrie at 17.86%.
The Andre Nel and Dean Kannemeyer yards were also operating at high strike rates.
The Nel yard’s win with their only runner at yesterday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting took them to 13 wins and they have done it at a strike rate of 21.31%.
Kannemeyer’s 13 wins before yesterday’s meeting had come at 19.12%.
However, the highest strike rate on the log at that stage was in fact Hollywood Racing’s Ashburton trainer Vengi Masawi, whose seven wins in KZN this season had been achieved at a strike rate of 31.82%, while the Darryl and Ivan Moore yard deserve more support considering they had had seven wins from just 35 runners for a strike rate of 20%.
In third place on the log with 14 wins before yesterday’s meeting was the reigning KZN champion trainer Gareth van Zyl.
Kannemeyer shared fourth place with Alyson Wright and Nel.
Former KZ Champion trainer Duncan Howells was on eight wins and that put him in joint seventh position together with Mike Miller, MJ Odendaal and Glen Kotzen.
Former KZN Champion trainer Garth Puller will no doubt mount a challenge for the title as usual although before yesterday’s meeting he had only had six win this season.
The KZN Trainers title is always a close fought affair and is usually full of intrigue right up until the final few meetings.
This season should be no different.
However, Ferrie said it was unlikely he would hold on to the lead as he just did not have the numbers.
Nevertheless, he is sure to have an exciting season as his KZN Horse Of The Year Gladatorian began the season in magnificent style with a thrilling victory over 1200m in which he gave Gr 2 winner Cats Pajamas 10kg, if apprentice claims are included, and a shorthead beating.
Gladatorian has travelled well down to Cape Town together with Gr 2 Post Merchants winner I Am Giant and the promising three-year-old Cognac, where they will be staying with Lucinda Woodruff. He will be a big runner in the Gr 2 WSB Green Point Stakes next up before taking in the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate.
There is also going to be an intriguing battle for the KZN jockeys championship.
Serino Moodley led the race and after winning yesterday’s second race he upped his KZN tally to 30 wins and it was in fact his 50th win of the season countrywide.
Tristan Gooden was next best in KZN on 24 wins.
He was followed by Sean Veale, Callan Murray and Craig Zackey on 19, 18 and 17 respectively.
Sean Veale is the reigning champion, having had 70 wins in KZN last season.
As Hollywood Racing’s first choice jockey he should be the favourite to take the title again.
Hollywood Racing are way out in front in the KZN Owners championship.
They are national champion owners and had had 29 wins in KZN this season already before yesterday’s meeting started.
Sabine Plattner’s victory in yesterday’s second race took her KZN tally to 13 for the season, comfortably second place on the log.
Hollywood lead the national championship with 57 wins and look well set to beat the record they set last season of 128 wins in a season.

Stand to attention for His Majesty
PUBLISHED: November 18, 2025
Warren Lenferna There are eight competitive races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth to proceedings get under way at 13:05 and conclude at 17:15. A competitive start to the day with Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Welcomes You Maiden Plate and it may pay to include as many as the budget allows in the opening leg of the Bi-pot. Gale Warning […]
Warren Lenferna
There are eight competitive races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth to proceedings get under way at 13:05 and conclude at 17:15.
A competitive start to the day with Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Welcomes You Maiden Plate and it may pay to include as many as the budget allows in the opening leg of the Bi-pot. Gale Warning would not be a shock winner. Pritti United improved dramatically at the second outing, and the form line has sparked up very well. Theshowmustgoon returns from a 10-week break, but his debut effort was eye-catching and the form has been franked. Foudre, brilliantly bred and related to champions, returns after a very long 94-week layoff but cannot be ignored—though he may need the run. Barry’s Boy debuted 15 weeks ago and could improve, while Meet The King should be competitive. Eugenius can be forgiven the last poor run, and Gallic King has claims if recapturing debut form.
In the Join The Race Coast Turf Club Maiden Plate, Perfect Impact is improving with every outing and may simply be too strong today. He has a cosy draw and looks a solid banker for the Bi-pot and Place Accumulator—if he doesn’t win, he should certainly finish in the money.
In the third a possible Pick Six banker emerges here. Ms Sakura made many stand up and take notice at Hollywoodbets Greyville 26 weeks ago. She is a sister to the late, great Summer Pudding and caught the eye when finishing second to Dark Matter, who has since won again. Trainer Dean Kannemeyer wastes no time stepping her up to 1600m, which she should relish. She looks hard to oppose.
In Race 4 the Jackpot Starts in the Jazz Syndicate Maiden Plate. In Motion has been knocking loudly and is overdue for the maiden win. Chance Encounter must be respected, having placed in all four career starts. Quiet Place can improve, and Fort Liam is not without hope—though they may all have to go some to topple In Motion, who has Gavin Lerena aboard for Justin Snaith.
Three runners could suffice in the fifth. Time Honoured is consistent and should get it right soon. Greenchoice should relish the step up in distance and gets weight relief from visiting rider Nichola Yuen—likely the biggest danger. Cassandra, who has been campaigning in KZN, comes from a form line packed with winners and has strong claims.
In the sixth, The Night Ferry, from the Herman Brown yard, gets Richard Fourie and the inside draw. The son of Twice Over enjoys running handy and may prove hard to peg back—include him in everything. Wehaveasituation and Tothemoonandback are big runners and genuine threats.
Race seven is a Progress Plate and despite returning from a 16-week rest, travelling from KZN and likely wanting further, Little Suzie is not to be ignored and can run well fresh and win.
The most intriguing runner on the day lines up here. His Majesty, from the Vaughan Marshall yard. A five-year-old entire by No Nay Never out of a Sixties Icon mare, he boasts a superb pedigree and has the profile of a future stallion prospect. He raced eight times overseas for one win and four places and brings a lofty rating of 109. With Richard Fourie aboard, he may simply be far better than this field. A win on South African debut would not surprise in the slightest.
A wide-open finale at 1400m, and those still alive in the exotics will want to be well covered. The list of legitimate chances includes La Landonne (excellent last run), Pentolina (reunites with Fourie), Tulip Fields (good last run with a valid excuse), Red Beryl (capable of much better), and the promising Saachi One, who quickened smartly on debut.
Others to consider are Act Of Grace, Catch A Penny, Apricity, Diamond Bomber and Queen Regent. Pressed for a top choice in a race that screams “load up”, the lightly exposed Saachi One gets the nod—but it promises to be a cracking finish to the day.
