Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Ascot (World Pool) and Lingfield (UK) – 25 July 2026

Alistair Cohen

We are all human. Therefore, mistakes are made. A Champion Jockey in waiting about to be crowned for the first time would make less mistakes than his peers along the way. That is the nature of success. Spain made less mistakes than anybody else through the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Craig Zackey would probably acknowledge that he made the wrong decision when he rode One Magic in his last start. The racing public would easily forgive him for the many moments of superb riding over the last 12 months. Zackey is at Turffontein today so Richard Fourie takes the ride at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in race 6 over 1400m.

One Magic jumped slowly last time. As a result, he was left near the back of the field. When he started building up, he looked dangerous but the gap on the inside closed up and he had to take evasive action. It was not a bad ride. It was such hard luck. One must keep in mind that he is a two-year-old. Granted, he turns a year older in a week so that argument becomes moot. But he took on older, well grizzled opposition and he encountered the bend for the first time. He was beaten by 2,45 lengths by October Fest over 1250m.

His debut came at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth over 1000m down the straight and he always looked at ease beating My Bonny Boy by 1,75 lengths. My Bonny Boy has won subsequently. Trainer Justin Snaith referred to the fact that he “had to leave the sales with him”. He has so many pleasing physical attributes. It is impossible to judge where he fits in with so many youngsters yet to race but he could be targeting some lucrative races in the coming months.

Devil A Saint will be a useful horse to get a line from. Although he is very much in his place at this level, he has three career wins and crucially 13 places on his CV. This includes finishing runner-up in his last three runs. He would be a deserving winner if he got the job done. He will have his supporters. Plus, he comes from a yard in good heart of Des McLachlan. He will give One Magic something to think about. Two runs back he finished a length behind Clark Griswold who has a bright future. Sean Veale takes the ride.

Merriment must have a top chance of winning race 1 over 1250m. She has to compete with the deepest draw of No 8 but her debut saw her finish third, 3,25 lengths behind She’s Chosen over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Unless a first timer has some ability, she should step up and exit the maidens.

Landman sticks out as the best bet on the card when he runs in race 2 over 1250m. On debut he finished a close-up second behind My Bonny Boy. Despite not winning, he did most things correctly. He has found the right field to have confidence that he will follow up and do the job. Fourie is up for Snaith as they prepare for potentially a huge day tomorrow with Ahead Of The Facts and Eight On Eighteen.

One would probably be a little tentative with Royal Influencer who runs in race 3 over 1500m but his recent runs suggests that he will take all the beating. He has been costly to follow having been in this position before and leaving something out there when not winning. Again, Snaith appears to have found a suitable race. His last run came over this trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth when he finished close-up behind Superhero in second. Madra Rua looks like his only danger.

There are plenty of chances in race 4 over 2000m. A chance is taken on Echo Foxtrot who comes from an in-form yard of Adam Marcus. His best run was over this distance when he finished third behind Phantom Man. It has to be considered that he carried 52,5kg and received 9kg from the winner. After a slow start to his career, every run has been a building block seeing steady progress and even though taking seven runs to look this ready, he must be taken seriously in an event of this nature.

Bourbon King takes on a good field in race 5 over 1600m. He is on the up and he could be up to the task. Andrew Fortune is carded to ride for Andre Nel. His maiden win came in his penultimate effort when he smashed Royal Influencer. If he wins earlier that will give even more confidence. Bourbon King’s post-maiden effort was pleasing behind Walolo Yamoni. He finished third just over two lengths behind. He looks like the more he races and the further he goes, the better and more reliable be becomes. Captains Alliance, Marcus Aurelius, Bombers In The Sky, Spirit and Noble Hero are all respected. They are tried and tested and have some claims.

Fortune and Nel team up again in race 7 over 1250m. Blue Lagoon is consistent and she should not suddenly lose her way. She has the inside gate of No 1 and she should continue on her way to another pleasing run. If she does not win, she should go close which is on par with her form and expectations. My Only Weakness has been steadily dropping in class so must be due a bold run while Star World loves this course and must be considered as a danger.

David Thiselton

 

A Middle Stakes race over 1400m and a MR96 handicap over 1000m ensure some good quality racing at Turffontein Standside today.

 

In the Middle Stakes race over 1400m the filly Precocious has a nett  merit rating of 104, which puts her one point below the top of the highest merit rating band (102-106). The horses whose nett merit rating falls in that band are set to carry 62kg, but she gets a 2kg gender allowance, so carries 60kg. She is duly the best weighted horse in the race and is officially 1,5kg better off than any other runner. Furthermore, being by stamina influence Ideal World out of a Vercingetorix mare who won on debut over 1200m and subsequently ran two seconds from 1400m to 1450m, she should enjoy the step up in trip. She has actually run over this distance before in her second career start at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and from a tricky draw was not disgraced, finishing 3,25 lengths back after being caught without cover in second place in the running. It has since been discovered that she likes to be sat on before delivering her fine turn of foot and that is no doubt how Gavin Lerena will ride her from a plum draw of two.

 

Quickfreeze has a nett merit rating of 89, which puts him on top of the 86 to 89 band and carrying 54kg plus half-a-kilogram overweight for Craig Zackey he is only 2kg out with Precocious. He is 2kg better off with Bristol Hercules for a 1,80 length beating over this trip and he is drawn in pole, so should go close over a step down in trip which might suit.

 

Bristol Hercules comes back down to his favourite trip and off a 92 merit rating is one point lower than the highest mark in the 90-93 band, which corresponds with a 56kg weight. He is only 2kg out with Precocious and has good draw of four, so should be involved.

 

Tsar Bomba is joint second best in, being just 1,5kg out with Precocious. He was lowered two points to an 89 after his last two below par runs, both over this distance, but he ran down the inside last time which was not the place to be that day and he was eased when his chances were gone. He is capable of much better and can bounce back from a plum draw of three.

 

The other horse who is top of his band is the 93-rated Dantonfromsandton and he can earn if able to overcome a wide draw.

 

In the MR96 over 1000m the high draws proved to be advantageous down the straight at the last Standside meeting and this could see Just The Two Of Us going close from draw seven. She has proved she can run against the boys when finishing third over 1000m at the Vaal Classic track three runs ago. She has become consistent with cheekpieces on and goes well for Rachel Venniker, whose 1,5kg gender allowance is a bonus. Plus Four was cleverly given a slow start by Gavin Lerena last time from a draw of three so that he could come to the outside and he stormed through late on the outside rail for a two length win. He was given a seven point raise, but this time is drawn highest of all so will get there for free and Craig Zackey has replaced Lerena. Umzingeli Wenyathi, whom Lerena rides, is only 1kg better off with Plus Four for a two lengths beating. He did run down the unfavourable inside that day so could do better, but he is drawn low in two, so Lerena might have to try and make a plan like last time.

 

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 2000m Kudzu is a nice type and will have a chance if able to find cover from a wide draw. Robert Browning is in fair form and if reproducing his best recent runs from a good draw he should be right there under Gavin Lerena. Mount Darwin is five points higher for his win  over this trip last time but from pole position he might be able to be involved again.

 

In the next leg over 1160m Winter In Auckland might have needed his last run, his first on the Highveld, but he still won and could still be ahead of the handicapper despite having been raised seven points as he is a former Cape Town horse and they tend to have suppressed ratings. Kia Kaha is three points higher for his last win over course and distance but he looks to have begun fulfilling the promise he always had and has another plum outside draw, so he could possibly make it a hattrick. Geostorm is a full brother to Buffalo Bill Cody and looks capable of improvement, so could feasibly go one better than last time.

 

In the seventh over 1400m American Beauty should be cherry ripe to deliver from a fair draw over a suitable trip. Somebody Somewhere is also a former Cape Town-based horse and if able to overcome a wide draw she should be right there. Cape Saffron has a good draw and should finish on top of American Beauty going on their last clash.

 

In the last race over 1400m the decent sort Winds Of Grace lands a plum draw of two over an ideal trip under Gavin Lerena and this consistent sort can earn a  deserved third win. Two-year-old filly Winter Voice looks to have the ability to be a contender off an 85 merit rating. Fiery Frolic is by Querari out of a Silvano mare so is interesting stepped up in trip and Craig Zackey is an interesting booking, although she does have to overcome a wide draw.

 

In the second race over 1400m Lightinthewoods was beaten by a promising sort over 1160m last time and from a good draw should enjoy this step up in trip.

 

In the first race King Solomon makes most appeal from a good draw under Mickaelle Michel.

Andrew Harrison

The cream of the country’s equine talent line up at Hollywoodbets Greyville tomorrow in what is undoubtably the best afternoon’s racing on the South African calendar. The ten-race card is loaded with feature events including three Gr1’s along with the Gr3 World Pool Gold Cup, the defining staying race on the local calendar.

The meeting is boosted by the participation of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s co-mingling pools that often give rise to inflated dividends, most recently in the Hollywoodbets Durban July were third-placed King Pelles paid a healthy R11 for a place and the popular Pick 6 pool is expected to top R8 million boosted by a R1 million carry over.

The card is headed by the Gr1 HKJC Champions Cup WFA over 1800m where last year’s July winner The Real Prince was one of the defectors from the July and Dean Kannemeyer’s charge has been given a solid preparation into this race. He will strip at his peak and should be right there. See It Again, runner-up two years back and third last year, was a touch disappointing last time out but is due a change of fortune.

Last season’s ‘boom’ horse Eight On Eighteen has been relatively off the boil this season but this will have been his ultimate target for the season and could prove to be the best of Justin Snaith’s quartet. With Legal Counsel the likely Snaith pacemaker, given his Hollywoodbets Durban July role, the race should be run at a searching gallop. Last year’s winner Gladatorian has had a tough winter campaign but has never been disgraced. He may still have found the 2200m of the July a touch beyond his compass so could follow up over this shorter trip.

The Gold Cup has attracted a vintage field of stayers headed by last year’s winner King Pelles who has hardly put a foot wrong in his build-up to this race. He was out-paced late when staying on for third in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and over this trip he can go back-to-back for Gareth van Zyl.

Kannemeyer has a good record in this race and saddles Continentalexpress who could be the dark horse. He is at the bottom of the handicap and 1.5kg under sufferance, however, he stays well and Kannemeyer is hopeful that carrying joint bottom weight Continentalexpress can grind them down for an upset. Master Redoute, a winner of this race two years back, has come to hand at just the right time and was a game second in the 3000m Gold Vase behind Ahead Of The Facts who has also come well at the right time. The latter is 1.5kg worse off at the weights which could be telling in a tight finish. Shoot The Rapids and last year’s runner-up Holding Thumbs are both seasoned stayers and cannot be left out of any calculations.

There is plenty at stake in the Gr1 Mercury Sprint with a possible Equus crown on the line. Vaughan Marshal’s Questioning has a wide draw to contended with but has been in exceptional form of late from a sprint to a mile. He can put in another winning performance. Buffalo Storm Cody is the country’s highest rated runner and last year’s winner, went down narrowly to Jet Force in the Post Merchants over course and distance. He is now 2kg better off with the winner but he does appear to be at his ultimate best over a furlong shorter. The mare Asiye Phambili is exceptional having won her last two including the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint beating star mare Double Grand Slam. A win here will put her in contention for an Equus Award. Tenango, winless in over a year, has come back to his best at recent starts and is better off in the weights with both Jet Force and Taxi To The Moon and has the better draw.

RACE 1

Preview: ZEITZ (13) has a tough draw to negotiate but was strongly fancied to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July. It was his first try at 2200m which proved to be too far. He is back over a much more suitable trip and the blinkers are back on. He should be running at them late. ISIVIVANE (8) is back over what may prove to be a more suitable trip after a smart effort in the Hollywoodbets Durban July where he stayed on gamely for fifth place. He likes to race handy and could go all the way.  FIELD MARSHAL (3) was a touch disappointing at his last run but drops in trip and has run well against the best. He meets Zeitz on 1.5kg better terms than when last they met. TALK TO THE MASTER (1) has his first run for a new stable. He got a three-pound penalty for his game win over course and distance last time out and has the best of the draw which is a big factor in his favour.  GREEN GATEWAY (5) is 1.5kg better off with Talk To The Master on their last meeting  and Dean Kannemeyer’s runner has improved with the addition of blinkers. BETTER MAN (4) is 2kg better off with Talk To The Master where he started favourite for the race. He has a handy galloping weight and will be a contender. JP’S PALACE (12) has a tough draw to contend with but rarely misses a place. He likes to race handy but Rachel Venniker may have to change tactics from his wide gate. (Andrew Harrison: 13-8-3-1-4-5).

RACE 2

Preview: PALACE OF ARVERNIA (6) has won two of her three starts both on Hollywoodbets Greyville and was a comfortable winner in the Gr2 Golden Slipper last time out. She is smart and will be in the one to beat. OCEAN MISTRESS (11) finished just ahead of Palace Of Arvernia in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship but the tables were turned next time out. She also has the widest draw to contend with and although 1.5kg better off in the weights she faces a tricky task. THYME TO TALK (10) showed up well when taking on males at just her second start, leading for most of the way. That was on the poly but she shed her maiden on the turf and can feature. MENAGERIE (7) made steady improvement leading to her maiden win. She shows plenty of promise and can make the step up. Lyle Hewitson teams up with his old boss Sean Tarry with PERFECT SKY (4) who was a narrow winner last run. She does look held by Palace Of Arvernia on collateral form however, horses from this stable can never be ignored on big days. FARRARI FLAIR (3) is still a maiden but has not been disgraced when contesting Feature races and has a money chance from a handy gate. SWEET GREEN (8) has started favourite in all three of her starts and finally got it right last time out. That was her first run after a lengthy break and the form of that win has been franked.  (Andrew Harrison: 6-11-7-4-8-3)

RACE 3

Preview: Peter Muscutt could hold all the cards which could turn into a tricky affair should his runners not run up to expectations.  BENNY AND PAUL (6) looks the pick of the pair after accelerating smartly to shed his maiden in fine style. Prior to that he played second fiddle to the very highly rated Coast Of The Sun and that form could be good enough to see him home. Stable companion ST HARRY (5) is well thought of by the stable and will have needed his first run back from a break. He won his maiden in very good fashion which suggests that he has more to offer. GIMME SOME LUCK (11) is unbeaten in three and doddled in by five lengths but will need some luck from a wide gate. Fabian Habib has a second string tohis bow in CATFISH (10), a winner of his last two. However, his only poor run came when stepping up in trip. Judged on jockey bookings, Keagan de Melo will have had the pick of three rides and has elected WORLD SERIES (13) for Vaughan Marshal ahead of Sean Tarry’s runners he but will need some luck from his wide gate. US RANGER (8) comes with some smart Eastern Cape form, winning by over eight lengths last time put. The colt comes from a champion yard and a win would not be unexpected. (Andrew Harrison: 6-5-11-8-13).

RACE 4

Preview: ALICE B TOKLAS (3) found one better in Palace Of Arvernia when well supported in the market at her last start. The latter has gone back to a sprint while Sean Tarry’s filly steps up to a mile. The extra 200 should not be an issue and from a good draw she is the one to beat. ROYAL TIARA (4) has finished behind Alice B Toklas in both of her last outings but came in for a mountain of support. She ran out of steam the last bit after being up with the pace for most of the race. This will be her third run after a break and should strip at her peak. MARCHLAND (6) has been untested in her three Eastern Cape runs, winning comfortably. She is a bit of an unknow quantity as she takes on stronger here but could well prove up to the challenge. WITHIN REACH (7) will enjoy the step up in trip having won two of her three starts over 1400m. From a handy draw she will be competitive and the market could tell a tale between the two Tarry runners. IMPRESSIVE (1) is the most experienced runner in the field and has the best of the draw which will help her chances however, she was nearly three lengths back to Within Reach when last they met. DOESYOURMOTHERKNOW (5) took on males when making her course debut and lacked extra come the finish. She gets Lyle Hewitson aboard which is a plus. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-6-7-1-5).

RACE 5

Preview: GREEN ENERGY (9) does not have the best of draws but was closing fast on hot favourite VIBE CHECK (14) when last they met in the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe after a tardy start. Adam Azzie’s colt will see out the extra 200m but the extra furlong could fine Vibe Check out. However, Vibe Check has exceptional speed and he comes from a smart stable and could well sew up the Equus Two-Year-Old Championship. The filly MOANA (5) faces a strong field of males but has won her last two over the distance in facile fashion. On a line through another filly, SECRETARY BIRD (4), who finished a length behind Vibe Check and Green Energy last time out, Moana must have a strong winning chance at likely decent odds. KAZENOYONI (8) has been specifically aimed at this race. He had a tough draw last time out and although his form behind Vibe Check does not stack up on paper, he can surprise. ERIC DEBOIS (2) has run two promising races from trick draws at his last two. He has started in double figure odds in all of his four starts but from a better draw he could be worth an each way punt. (Andrew Harrison: 9-14-5-8-4-3).

RACE 6

Preview: QUESTIONING (11) has a wide draw to contended with but has been in exceptional form of late from a sprint to a mile. He should put in another winning performance which should see him crowned Equus Sprint of the Year. However, he does face the country’s highest rated horse and last year’s winner BUFFALO STORM CODY (4) who recently went down narrowly to JET FORCE (5) in the Post Merchants over course and distance. He is now 2kg better off with Jet Force but the chink in his armour, although having won last year, is that he does appear at his best over a furlong shorter and faces a very much in form Questioning. The mare ASIYE PHAMBILI (7) is exceptional having won her last two including the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint beating the champion Double Grand Slam. She rarely runs a bad race. TENANGO (2) has been winless since victory in the Gr2 Golden Horse Sprint back in June last year but is showing signs of his best form at recent starts. He is better of in the weights with both Jet Force and Taxi To The Moon and has the better draw. TAXI TO THE MOON (8) has won his last three including one over course and distance. He is no stranger to big weights but will need to step up a notch to win this at level weights. (Andrew Harrison: 11-4-7-2-5-8).

RACE 7

Preview: A top field of the country’s best stayers. Last year’s winner KING PELLES (6) has hardly put a foot wrong in his build-up to this race. He was out-paced late when staying on for third in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and over this longer trip he can follow up on last year. CONTINENTALEXPRESS (2) is at the bottom of the handicap and under sufferance. However, he stays well and comes from a stable that has won this race twice before. He can upset carrying joint bottom weight. MASTER REDOUTE (11) won this race two years back and has come to hand at just the right time. He was a game second in the Gold Vase behind AHEAD OF THE FACTS (7) who is many pundits choice. Justin Snaith’s runner has also come well at the right time but is 1.5kg worse off at the weights with Master Redoute which could be telling. SHOOT THE RAPIDS (12) is seldom out of the money when sent over ground and only weakened late when a length back to Ahead Of The Facts and Master Redoute. He is 1 kg better off with the winner. ENFLAME (3) is a seasoned stayer  having won the Gold Bowl over the distance beating Shoot The Rapids.  He is 4kg worse off on that run but cannot be left out of any calculations. HOLDING THUMBS (13) hit a purple patch last year at this time but always found King Pelles just too good, finishing second in this race. His recent form has not been inspiring but he is as game as they come and stays well. MAGIC VERSE (5) gave Zac Lloyd his first winner in South Africa when winning the Gr3 Campanajo 2200. However, he goes this trip for the first time which is a concern.  Andrew Harrison: 6-2-11-12-7-3-13).

RACE 8

Preview: THE REAL PRINCE (1) has had a solid preparation into this race and will strip at his peak. He will be out to turn the tables on last year’s winner GLADATORIAN (2) as he was a touch unlucky after being accidentally struck in the face. He has the best of the draw over an ideal trip.  SEE IT AGAIN (3) has taken a new lease on life since joining the Justin Snaith yard and with the help of a horse behavioralist has overcome his aversion to the starting stalls. However, he was a touch disappointing in his last start although his form prior to that was out of the top draw and he finished third behind Gladatorian last year and second the previous year so is due a change of fortune. Last year’s winner GLADATORIAN (2) has had a searching winter campaign but has never been disgraced. He has a strong finishing burst that he used to good effect last year and if he has not lost his edge he will be competitive. Last season’s sensation EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (4) has been relatively off the boil but this will have been his ultimate target for the season and could prove to be the best of Justin Snaith’s quartet. Certainly if back to his best form he will be a major contender. LEGAL COUNSEL (6) carried top weight in the recent Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July where he surprisingly set the pace. That may his task again but this time at level weights. DAVE THE KING (7) finished fifth in this race last year and has won once over the distance in three attempts. MAIN DEFENDER (5) steps up to this trip for the first time but does appear to be off the boil. MALMESBURY MISSILE (8) does appear to be outclassed in this line-up. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-3-2-6-7).

RACE 9

Preview: MINOGUE (1) did not get the best of passages in the Hollywoodbets Durban July from her wide draw and the run is best ignored. Prior to that she ran second-placed July runner Wish List to a head over course and distance. She has the best of the draw and will be a strong contender. MOCHA BLEND (12) also had a tough draw in the July and was not too far back although it was a somewhat below par performance. She carries top weight from another wide gate but should be competitive in this line-up. ANOTHERDANCEFORME (5) has started at cramped odds in all 12 of her starts and has only been beaten once and that was in her first foray out of the Eastern Cape. She is obviously exceptional and will likely start favourite again but the opposition is a little stronger this time around. RAINBOW LORIKEET (13) won this race last year and is always competitive. She is drawn one outside of Mocha Blend but both will be contenders. EDUCATOR (8) has been improving with every outing but this will be her toughest test to date which she could well pass. GERBERA (3) may have found her last start a touch out of her compass and was a winner over course and distance at her penultimate start. She is certainly not out of it. (Andrew Harrison: 1-12-5-8-13-3).

RACE 10

Preview: Wide open handicap. The filly HIERARCHY (10) has a tough draw as she takes on males but ran a cracker behind stable companion Asiye Phambili in the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint at WFA. She has a big weight but with some luck in running she may be the one to beat. Clinton Binda has two lively runners in CHAPBOOK (3) and KAALVOET (9). The former has come well since the blinkers have been restored and was narrowly beaten by the smart Taxi To The Moon last run although getting lumps of weight. He meets weaker in what is an open affair. Kaalvoet has been much improved since being shod for his races and was a touch unlucky in the recent Gr3 Post Merchants where he arguably faced a much stronger field. AFRICAN PRIDE (1) has won over course and distance and has the best of the draw but there should not be much between him and Chapbook given their last meeting where they were separated by less than a length. They meet on the same weight terms. CIRCUMBENDIBUS (11) has hardly been out of the money since arriving in KZN and was touched off by African Pride when last they met. The draw could be the deciding factor between these two. DAME OF TRIX (8) has consistent form over the trip and won well enough last time out. She is up in class but comes in with a handy galloping weight and can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 10-3-1-11-9-8).