Graeme Hawkins

Garrix stands on the threshold of completing a clean sweep in the Winter Series when he lines up against six rivals in the R350 000 Pocket Power Stakes (Listed) over 1950m on the winter course at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today. The talented Piet Steyn-trained 3yo son of Vercingetorix won the first leg, the Variety Club Mile over 1600m on 14 April carrying just 52,5kgs and followed that up with a narrow heart-stopping victory over Otto Luyken and Mucho Dinero in the second leg, the Legal Eagle Stakes over 1800m three weeks ago. 

Garrix carried 55,5kgs when scraping home in the Legal Eagle Stakes and is now set to carry 57kgs in the Pocket Power Stakes on Sunday, 1,5kgs worse off with both Otto Luyken and Mucho Dinero who re-oppose here. Pure mathematics suggest that Garrix will be hard pressed to confirm the form with Otto Luyken and Mucho Dinero, but Garrix now has his third run after being gelded and there is every reason to believe that he will strip even fitter on Sunday and appreciate the slight step up in trip.

Otto Luyken came oh so close to scoring a major 75/1 upset in the Legal Eagle Stakes but the 5yo son of Flower Alley is not the most reliable around and the 64-million-dollar question is; can he string two high class performances together? I harbour reservations in that regard andtherefore believe that the Justin Snaith-trained Mucho Dinero may prove a bigger threat than Otto Luyken. Mucho Dinero is a very useful and versatile 5yo son of Twice Over. He won the 2024 Premier’s Trophy (Gr2) over 1800m and more recently the Western Cape Stayers Championship (Gr3) over 2800m back in January, proving he has the class, the speed and the stamina to be taken very seriously.

Magic Verse cannot be lightly dismissed. He is also 1,5kgs better off with Garrix for a two-length beating in the Legal Eagle Stakes, but he need only recapture the form that saw him finish a short head second behind Rascallion in this year’s Premier’s Trophy (Gr2) in January to have a bright chance of adding the Pocket Power Stakes title to his resume. Being a 4yo, Magic Verse bridges the age gap between Garrix and the 5yo’s Mucho Dinero and Otto Luyken and there is a distinct possibility that he is possibly not yet the finished article. 

The Futurist would be a shock winner, but he has delivered major surprises in the past and is in fact the defending champion, having won this race last year by an astonishing nine lengths. In six of his seven subsequent starts he finished well down the field but sandwiched in between, he was a 66/1 winner of the Peninsula Handicap (Gr3) in December when beating Otto Luyken by half-a-length. The Futurist is now better off at the weights with Otto Luyken which suggests that this enigmatic 6yo son of Futura comes into Sunday’s race with winning claims. It’s impossible to predict what to expect from The Futurist but, on the positive side, he appears to have a strong affinity for the Winter course, having registered a victory and two seconds from only three starts on the “old” track.

Call To Unite and Billy Bowlegs make up the seven-horse party but victory for either appears unlikely on current form. In summary, victory for Garrix is not a foregone conclusion, particularly as he is untried on the tighter Winter course, but he has plenty of scope for further improvement and is given the benefit of the doubt to rise to the occasion and remain unbeaten since being gelded.

The R200 000 Stormsvlei Stakes (Listed) for Fillies and Mares over 1800m is the supporting Feature and Time For Love can build on her excellent victory over Callmegetrix in the Ladies Mile (Listed) earlier this month. The 5yo daughter of Time Thief is equally adept over this extended trip and the Harold Crawford/Michelle Rix training partnership has been in fine form recording a nice double at the midweek meeting on Wednesday, both of which were ridden by Championship-chasing Gavin Lerena. He also steered Time For Love to her hard-fought Ladies Mile success and will be optimistic of a repeat performance here.

Gold Poker Game and the relatively unexposed Beware The Bomb could prove her main dangers and warrant a fair measure of respect, particularly if the latter settles better in running that she did when over-racing in the Ladies Mile. That was Beware The Bomb’s first run since December and the imposing 3yo daughter of Lancaster Bomber appears to have plenty of upside.

The first of ten races, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m, is due off at 11:55 and an interesting newcomer is the Andre Nel-trained Chance Encounter. He is a full brother to Champagne Kisses who won the final race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday and Nel reports that the son of Vercingetorix has “had a gallop and should run well”.

Race 1

10 SARDINIA BAY ran a lovely race on debut behind Churchillian, he showed some great speed early, and only got tired very late to finish just over three lengths behind the winner, he is a lovely looking colt, there is absolutely no doubt that he will improve tremendously, include him into all bets. 8 GETUPANDGO has been rested and gelded, he is much better than his last run on the 16th of March, if he doesn’t need the run badly on Sunday, he should bounce back to his best form. 7 WORLD CHOICE ran against winners on debut, he was very green early, and then stayed on to finish just under ten lengths behind North Point, he has a great action, watch for big improvement here. 1 CASINO KING ran a much better race last time with the blinkers fitted, if he can build on that performance, he might be able to sneak into the places. Watch the first timers, they are well-bred, watch the market and watch them move down to the start. (Brandon Bailey: 10 – 8 – 7 – 1)

Race 2

2 INSIDE VOICE has run two great races in succession, she travelled really well in her race last time behind Match That, she moved up well enough and then got very tired late, she is a young filly with lots of ability, she will be right there in the finish. 15 DU MAURIER showed good speed on debut, she drifted quite badly in the market, but she stayed on nicely for second behind She’s My World, she can only improve from that performance, include her into all bets. 9 MARKETA was a lot more settled in her race last time, she sat just off the speed early and then stayed on for third in the same race as Du Maurier, if she can build on that run, she will be competitive. Again, watch the first timers and watch the betting closely. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 15 – 9 – 7)

Race 3

2 TUNGUSKA has shown good improvement in his last two races, he was drawn deep last time, and still managed to catch the eye late for second behind Show Off, he is getting better and stronger with more racing, from a good draw here, he should get the perfect run in transit, he will go very close to winning this race. 6 SIGNOR DANTE will be a huge threat for them all in the finish, he absolutely took-off late to run third behind Father Christmas on the 6th of May, he will love the step up in trip, include him into all bets. 4 MAGNUS THE GOOD improved nicely last time behind his stable companion, he tried to lead the field from start to finish, if he can build on that last run, he should be amongst the places from a good draw. 1 EXALTED LOVE was only beaten just over three lengths in his last start, he was green early and then tried to run on very late behind Thomas Jenkins, he could be some nice place value from a neat draw. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 6 – 4 – 1)

Race 4

5 PLEASE BE TRUE was definitely the eye catcher late last time behind Dumbledore, it was his first run back from a small break, he was just off the speed early, and then flew home to finish just over one length behind the winner, this is a much better trip for him on Sunday, he will be very hard to beat. 3 AIR RAID looks to be the nearest danger to Please Be True, he went a bit flat in his second start from a small break last time, even though he finished second, he didn’t quite finish as strongly as he did on the 14th of April when he won going away at the line, he should be cherry ripe for this, and he will enjoy the 1400m trip, include him. 2 WORLD OF PLEASURE has been rested for 64 days, he is in good form, and he gets a nice draw for this competitive race, he must have a good place chance. 6 GREEN GARNET won really well on the 28th of April, he was given four points for that victory, if he gets to the front, he will be quite dangerous. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 3 – 2 – 6)

Race 5

5 HAPPY VERSE quickened up like a really smart horse on debut, he was terribly green early, and then motored home to beat Bugle Boy, there is no doubt that he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, it’s never easy for a two-year old to beat older horses, but he looks the part and he looks to have serious ability, he will be right there in the finish from a good draw. 14 SUN DAZED had no luck in running up the straight last time, he was taken up for a number of strides at the 300m mark, and then finished strongly to run third behind Trippi’s Silk, unfortunately the bad draw here will make life tough for him, but he will be doing good work late. 4 FIRINGONALLENGINES is much better than his recent form, he can be a tricky customer, but the step up in trip should help him improve. 13 ISCHYRO made up lots of ground to win a good race on the 28th of April, he likes to be switched off early, and then he comes with a storming run late, watch him closely here. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 14 – 4 – 13)

Race 6

5 BATON ROUGE ran a much better race behind Dubbelosix on the 28th of April, he likes to race up on speed, Jockey Richard Fourie has been booked to ride him on Sunday afternoon, if he can build on that last performance, he will have a nice each way chance in this tough race. 4 COUNT WILLIAM improved in a big way to win a good race last time, he went to the front and pretty much lead the field from start to finish, Brevan Plaatjies the apprentice knows him well, he could certainly win again. 12 TOTHEMOONANDBACK drops in trip significantly for this D stakes, he has been in good form of late, despite the negatives of a wide draw and a big weight, he could be some serious value here, include him into all bets. 11 SPECTACULAR improved to run a fair race behind Jet A One on the 4th of May, he clearly enjoyed the step up in trip, if he can beat the draw, he will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 4 – 12 – 11)

Race 7

3 TIME FOR LOVE returned from a break to win the Listed Ladies Mile exceptionally well on the 4th of May, she has been super consistent at a high level through her entire career, she will love the 1800m trip, and she will definitely improve a few lengths from her last start, she can easily win again. 5 GOLD POKER GAME ran a terrific race behind Time For Love last time, she was dropped out early, and then finished like a train late, she should be cherry ripe for this race on Sunday, include her into all bets. 1 BEWARE THE BOMB needed her last run badly, she was quite strong early in her race last time, and then stayed on to be beaten just over one length behind Time For Love, she is classy, watch for major improvement from her. 7 FUN ZONE ran the race of her life in the Listed Ladies Mile on the 4th of May, she needs a particular ride, if she gets the right run, she could be amongst the places at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 5 – 1 – 7)

Race 8

4 MUCHO DINERO ran a terrific race in the Grade 3 Legal Eagle Stakes on the 4th of May at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, it was his first run back from a break, he was a long way back in running, and then quickened smartly to run third behind Garrix, he will love the step up in trip for this Listed event, and he will improve lengths from his last run, he could be hard to beat. 2 OTTO LUYKEN ran a great race with the blinkers on last time, he went to the front, and he fought really hard all the way to the line, he looks to be in a good space at the moment, include him into all bets. 7 GARRIX had to dig deep to win the Grade 3 on the 4th of May, he is still very immature, the only concern would be the trip of 1950m, he is classy, and he can definitely win a race like this. 6 BILLY BOWLEGS might be able to sneak into the Quartet on his best form. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 2 – 7 – 6)

Race 9

8 THE US OF A won in great fashion on the 4th of May, he sat just off the speed early, and then flew past them all to win going away at the line, he was given five points for that win, even though he carries a big weight on his back for this C Stakes, he is progressive, and he will be very hard to beat again. 1 TOUGH TERRAIN is as honest as they come, he ran a great race behind The US Of A last time, he can be a tricky ride, but jockey Muzi Yeni knows him well, he should run a good race. 7 COUNTER ATTACK ran a much better race on the 4th of May, he finished third and was beaten just over three lengths by the winner, on his best form, he can earn for the connections. 2 BLUFF ON BLUFF never runs a bad race, he has been quite busy over the last few weeks, if this race hasn’t come too soon for him, he could sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 1 – 7 – 2)

Race 10          

5 WAR CHARIOT finished second behind Green Garnet on the 28th of April at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he looked to have the race in the bag going past the 200m board, unfortunately he got nailed on the line in a driving finish, this looks to be the perfect race for him, he will go very close to winning the lucky last. 7 HAPPY DAYS made up good ground from a long way back last time, that was up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, and it was his first run after a gelding, he should really enjoy the 1400m trip on Sunday, include him into all bets. 11 TOUT A FAIT disappointed terribly in his last start, he never travelled well and just battled to get into the race, he has now dropped in the ratings, watch for major improvement at a decent price. 3 ICONIC DESTINATION has been rested for 81 days, ignore his last run on the 5th of March, he is much better than that, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will go close. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 7 – 11 – 3)

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Haydock and Salisbury (UK) – 24 May 2025.

Andrew Harrison

The Gr1 Daily News 2000 is always a guiding light as to the chances of three-year-old males going into the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July and at first glance the race looks to be something of a Justin Snaith/Nick Jonsson benefit. Snaith saddles four of the seven runners with three of them, including the 5-10 ante-post favourite Eight On Eighteen, carrying the Jonsson silks.

The presence of Eight On Eighteen in the field has likely scared off much of the opposition given that finishing in close proximity to Eight On Eighteen would see their handicap ratings ramped up but Mike and Mathew de Kock have risen to the challenge with their filly Spumante Dolce. 

Richard Fourie will be aboard  Eight On Eighteen who arrived in KZN for South Africa’s Champions Season on the back of wins in the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and Gr1 Splashout Cape Derby. He made his debut in the Gr2 WSB Guineas and fell just short of catching stable companion Sail The Seas, with Muzi Yeni pinching a break on Eight On Eighteen who was finishing best of all, a win possibly thwarted by a difficult passage at the top of the straight.

It was an excellent effort by Eight On Eighteen over a distance now possibly short of his best. With experience on the course and back over an ideal trip he is the worthy favourite.

The De Kock’s have spurned the Gr2 Tote Woolavington 2000 and are hunting Gr1 glory for their filly. She is currently 13^th on the Hollywoodbets Durban July log and as a three-parts sister to the former Mike De Kock-trained Durban July winner Sparkling Water, this trip should suit.

Spumante Dolce was running on strongly when second in the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas and De Kock seldom runs ‘no-hopers’ in feature company.  Spumante Dolce, would also be a first fairer sex winner of the Daily News this century with fillies enjoying a purple patch with Roland’s Song (1989), St Just (1990) and Star Effort (1991).

However, Snaith has indicated that the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July is not a cast iron option for Eight On Eighteen but rather the WFA Gr1 Champions Cup  while stable companions Okavango and Native Ruler are both July entries but will need to up their handicap ratings to make the field which may be what is behind Snaith’s thinking.

Okavango, the mount of Andrew Fortune, is currently joint second favourite along with Confederate  at 6-1 but is only merit rated 105 although nine points up through a 3,20 length fourth behind Selukwe in the Gr3 WSB 1900 when carrying just 52kg. He has won three races from 1600m to 1800m so today’s 2000m trip will be right up his alley and if he can finish within a reasonable distance of the 127 rated Eight On Eighteen, Okavango will get a further rise in the ratings, possibly high enough to gain a July berth.

The other joint second favourite is the classy Fabian Habib-trained Confederate, who won the Gr 1 TAB SA Classic on the first day in March over 1800m on the Turffontein standside track, beating subsequent Gr1 WFA Premier’s Champions Challenge winner and Highveld Horse of the Year, Fire Attack. That he returns  from a layoff of close to three months is a little concerning but he has won four races and has yet to finish further back than second in eight starts.

With Fire Attack sidelined with a hoof injury, Alec Laird has pinned his hopes on Gr2 TAB Gauteng Guineas winner Parisian Walkway. Also a July entry, he is the second highest rated runner on 121. He likes to race handy which will give some hope of a decent gallop although Snaith’s fourth entry, Makazole, racing in the Jonsson colours, may be sacrificed and given the role of pacemaker. He has won two races including the Champion Juvenile Cup at Fairview but has yet to race beyond 1400m.

The supporting feature, the Gr2 Tote Woolavington 2000 is wide open as the ante-post betting suggests.

But Dean Kannemeyer may hold the key with Give Me Everything. She caught the eye when closing fast from a wide draw and the back of the field when a two-length fourth in the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas. It snapped a four-race winning streak but the extra could see her back on track. Stuart Pettigrew is back for another bite with Beating Wings. She carries top weight but has been in good form on the Highveld and finished third in this race last year. Robbie Hill saddles the lightly raced but progressive Regeneration who was a close-up fifth in the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas. The step up in trip should suit and she has a handy galloping weight. Mocha Blend is a dark horse. On paper she looks held by the likes of Regeneration but she is an imposing filly who was possibly just in need of her last start when beaten by Mascherina. She found good market support that day and is better off at the weights with her rival.

There is an early start to the ten-race card, the first race off at 11.35.

The Pride Returns: Global Star Headlines a Blockbuster Doomben Cup Day – 24 May 2025

This time last year, Pride Of Jenni stood atop the racing world after delivering one of the most dominant performances in Australian turf history, blitzing an international field in the 2024 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick. That win not only shook the rankings but earned the Ciaron Maher-trained mare a place among the greats in one of the highest-rated races on the global calendar. Fast forward to today, and after flirting with retirement, Pride Of Jenni is back, and potentially stronger than ever. Now a global headline act once more, she heads north to Queensland to chase Group 1 glory in the $1 million Doomben Cup, drawing the coveted barrier 1. Her trademark jump-and-run style is set to shine as she looks to lead from the front in what promises to be one of the most anticipated contests of the season.

Lining up to chase her down is a stacked field of elite talent. Queensland’s own Antino, trained by Tony Gollan and piloted by Blake Shinn, is fresh off a return to winning form in the Group 2 A.D. Hollindale Stakes. Defending Doomben Cup champion Bois D’Argent returns, this time partnered with local gun Ryan Maloney, along with stable mate Fawkner Park, a Group 1 regular who’s already placed behind star Via Sistina this year.

A Stacked Undercard + World Pool Action

As if the Doomben Cup wasn’t enough, the supporting card is brimming with quality and the World Pool is in play across the final three races of the day.

Race 7: Group 2 The Roses
The traditional Queensland Oaks lead-up sees a full field of fillies chase glory. Leading the charge is Benagil, fresh off her victory in the Australasian Oaks. She looks tough to beat with champion jockey Mark Zahra aboard and big carnival ambitions ahead.

Race 9: Group 3 HKJC World Pool BRC Sprint
A cracking field of sprinters closes out the card, featuring Matcha Latte, a World Pool “Moment of the Day” winner from Randwick, and the electrifying Coleman, partnered with world number one James McDonald. Also watch for Rise At Dawn and War Machine from the Hayes stable, both with eyes firmly set on Group 1 targets to come.