Warren Lenferna

Racing in the Western Cape has returned to headquarters — Hollywoodbets Kenilworth — and on Saturday, four of the ten races are features, promising quality racing and plenty of betting opportunities. Race 1 is scheduled for 12:45 p.m., with the final race off at 5:48 p.m.

The first feature comes up in Race 5 over 2500m at 3:00 p.m. — the Listed Woolavington Stakes. Triple Time, for Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie, ran an absolute cracker in his comeback run three weeks ago, finishing second to Magical Verse over 1800m at the country course. He should relish the rise in trip and rates the one they all have to fear the most. Congressman finished a close second in a Listed race on the 27th of September and, with 52kg, can go close. If the ultra-consistent Time For Love stays the extra distance, she could also be very competitive.

The Listed Laisserfaire Stakes is next on the menu. A big field will face the starter, and it’s a competitive line-up sure to produce an excellent contest. Symphony In White, for Candice Bass, Aldo Domeyer and Drakenstein Stud, has strong overall form and caught the eye in her comeback run when second to Scarlet Macaw. She moved up menacingly and was only run out of it late. She should have tightened up off that run and can be expected to bounce back to winning ways.

The interesting runner is the KZN challenger Hierarchy from the Duncan Howells barn. Her trainer has made no secret of the fact that this daughter of Erupt has ability. She is revving up for the season and, while still improving, can be expected to give a very good account of herself.

The seventh race, the Western Cape Fillies Championship over 1400m at 4:10 p.m., is simply mouth-watering! The line-up is full of quality, and all deserve a mention. She’s My World has won her last two and can complete the hat-trick — the form lines have sparked well. Princess Of Gaul can be forgiven her last run; she was unbeaten before that and clearly has ability. Gimme What I Want should relish every inch of the extra distance and has as good a chance as any. Lowveld Lily needs to break smartly — she cost herself last time by hanging in late and being slightly sluggish out — but she’s capable of much better. Electromagnetism ran on encouragingly last time (albeit in a Class 4) and could sneak into the quartet. Keukenhof caught the eye finishing strongly in a Grade 3 last time and makes the shortlist.

Trainer Tienie Prinsloo sends out his first-ever Western Cape runner, Quickstepgal. She’s a top filly who keeps improving and will have the services of Gavin Lerena — a massive runner.

Then there’s Anotherdanceforme, who needs no introduction. The unbeaten Eastern Cape star (six from six) looks set to keep her perfect record intact. Alan Greeff has some very smart horses, and she’s certainly one of them. Stormwatch nearly won the Diana last time and clearly has ability, though she’ll need to overcome an awkward gate — something Callan Murray is more than capable of handling. Wish List has done little wrong so far, comes from an in-form yard, and could be right there at the finish.

The race does look to be between Quickstepgal and Anotherdanceforme.

The final feature of the day, the Grade 3 Cape Mile, is carded for 4:45 p.m. over 1600m. Two horses stand out — Zeitz and Garrix. Zeitz, from the Nel yard, again gets Serino Moodley in the saddle. You had to be impressed with how he finished off his last run — his first after a rest and return from KZN. With 54kg to shoulder, he rates a huge winning chance. Garrix, from the Piet and Elbert Steyn yard, returns from a 24-week break. His form before that was solid, and if he’s not in need of the run, he can win — he’s a smart, progressive sort. Both Zeitz and Garrix can be followed with confidence through the summer.

RACE 1

1 MADRA RUA has been rested for 194 days, he was well supported in the market on debut when finishing just over five lengths behind Happy Verse on the 28th of April, he is a lovely looking colt, there is no doubt that he will improve quite a bit from his first run into his second run, include him into all bets. 7 RED WAVE stayed on well for third last time behind Caribbean Gold at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 5th of October, he is very consistent, on his best form, he will go close to winning. 11 BONELLI has been rested and gelded, he ran a fair race on debut against winners, he can only improve with every start, if he doesn’t need the run badly after a long break, he could be competitive at a decent price. 9 CAESAR’S RANSOM has been rested for 105 days, he was green on debut when finishing just over eight lengths behind Sardinia Bay on the 26th of July, the blinkers have been fitted for his race on Saturday, if he has made the necessary improvement back at home, he could sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 7 – 11 – 9)

RACE 2

Watch the first timers closely in this race, this doesn’t look to be the strongest Maiden Plate, and the raced runners don’t have much form to talk about. 2 VROOM VROOM and 11 GIMMEANOTHERVIKING are both very well-bred individuals, if they have any sort of ability, they can certainly win on debut, watch the market closely and watch them move down to the start. 7 TRIPLEBELL has run two fair races in succession, she was beaten just over six lengths by Eisteddfod at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 27th of September, if she can improve from that performance, she could finish in the money. 4 REFLECT was green on debut when finishing just under eight lengths behind Midnight Lady on the 18th of October, she can only improve with every start, watch her closely. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 11 – 7 – 4)

RACE 3

Again, It is a difficult race, watch the first timers closely, they can certainly win on debut if they have ability. 7 INNERBLOOM could be some value in this tricky race, she had absolutely no luck on debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 18th of October, she was drawn wide and she was a long way back when they turned for home, even though she was well beaten at the line, she was doing some good work late, she could improve enough to be competitive at a decent price, watch her closely. 5 FANTINE should improve quite a bit from her first run into her second run, she was very green on debut when finishing just over nine lengths behind Saachi One on the 18th of October, she will love the straight track at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, include her into all bets. 10 WINTER IN AUCKLAND has been rested for 179 days, she finished just over seven lengths behind Electromagnetism on the 13th of May, if she has made any improvement back at home, she could sneak into the places. 1 LITTLE NIMBUS has run two fair races in succession, she is well-bred, she might be able to get into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 5 – 10 – 1)

RACE 4

1 OBJET D’ART has run three great races in succession, he stayed on well for third last time behind Fox On The Run, the form of that race has worked out well, he will be very hard to beat in this Open Maiden. 6 FORT YUKON ran a lovely race on debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 22nd of September, he was only beaten just over four lengths at the line by Siriano, even though he wants further, he should improve enough to be competitive on Saturday. 10 PRINCE OF EGYPT is much better than his recent start, he finished three lengths behind Marcus Aurelius on the 8th of October, the wide draw on that occasion made it tough for him, he could easily bounce back to his best form here, include him into all bets. 9 SICILY stayed on well for fifth in his last start behind Caribbean Gold on the 5th of October, on his best form, he definitely has a money chance in this field. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 6 – 10 – 9)

RACE 5

1 TRIPLE TIME can be frustrating at times to follow with confidence, in saying that, he ran a great race last time when finishing second to his stable companion (Magic Verse) on the 18th of October, it was his first run back from a long break, there is no doubt that he will be much fitter on Saturday, if he can bring his best form to the track, he will have a massive winning chance here. 6 CONGRESSMAN is as honest as they come, he stayed on strongly for second behind Landoftherisingsun on the 27th of September, he likes to go out there and make the running, if he stays the 2500m trip, he could be competitive with no weight on his back. 7 TIME FOR LOVE should be cherry ripe for this Listed race on Saturday, she is extremely honest and she tries hard, the step up in trip could unlock further improvement for this mare, include her into all bets. 8 AHEAD OF THE FACTS could be some decent value for the places, he needed his last run badly when finishing just over four lengths behind his stable companion (Master Of Paris) on the 5th of October, he stays well, watch him closely with no weight on his back. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 6 – 7 – 8)

RACE 6

2 CANDY TOWN has been rested for 287 days, she might just need this run on Saturday after a long break, but she is very fast, and she is classy, on her best form, she will be hard to catch, include her into all bets. 10 ARTISTE needed her last run when finishing just over one length behind Festival Chic on the 15th of October, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be running on strongly late, include her into all bets. 1 SYMPHONY IN WHITE stayed on strongly for second behind Scarlet Macaw on the 18th of October, it was her first run back after a long break, she will be much fitter on Saturday, she is packed with ability, watch her closely. 3 HIERARCHY won impressively at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 3rd of October, she is a young filly that keeps improving with every start, there is no doubt that she will be right there in the finish on her best form. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 10 – 1 – 3)

RACE 7

8 ANOTHERDANCEFORME looks to be an absolute super star! she has done nothing wrong in her career, she won impressively at Fairview Racecourse on the 3rd of October, that was her first run back after winning the Grade 2 Golden Slipper easily at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 5th of July, she will be hard to beat here. 7 QUICKSTEPGAL won a good race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 12th of October, the yard thinks highly of this filly, she is definitely getting better with more racing experience, include her into all bets. 3 GIMME WHAT I WANT quickened up like a smart filly to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 13th of September, she will love the step up in trip on Saturday, even though it is a massive jump in class for this filly, she looks progressive, and she could trouble them all from a good draw. 10 WISH LIST has been rested for 62 days, she was mighty unlucky not to get her head down at the right time on the 7th of September, she finished second to Stormwatch in a driving finish, unfortunately the bad draw here will make life hard for her, but she is packed with ability, she will be running on strongly late. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 7 – 3 – 10)

RACE 8

4 GARRIX has been rested for 167 days, he ran a cracker in the Listed Pocket Power Stakes on the 25th of May, he was touched off in a close finish by Otto Luyken, if he doesn’t need the run badly on Saturday, he will be hard to beat, follow him closely for the Cape Summer Season. 3 MAGIC VERSE quickened up impressively to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 18th of October, that was his first run back after a small break, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be storming home late, include him into all bets. 6 ZEITZ stayed on strongly for second last time, he was doing some good work late behind Outlaw King on the 18th of October, it was his first run back after a rest and gelding, he will be right there in the finish. 7 RED PALACE might just need the run after a long break of 287 days, she was last seen in the Grade 1 Cape Town Met on the 25th of January, she ran a great race behind Eight On Eighteen on that occasion, on her best form, she could make them all work for victory. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 3 – 6 – 7)

RACE 9

9 VIVA’S LIBERTE remains unbeaten, he won a super race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 8th of October, he is a lovely looking colt with a great action, there is no doubt that he will love the step up in trip to 1600m on Saturday, if he gets some luck in running from a bad draw, he will be very hard to beat. 4 NOTE TO SELF has been rested and gelded, he was a touch unlucky in his last start behind Turbo Twenty on the 13th of August, from a good draw, he will be competitive. 5 CAPTAINS ALLIANCE stayed on well for third behind Mente Et Manu on the 22nd of September, he looks progressive, watch him closely, he will be doing some good work late. 3 BEWARE quickened up well to win his maiden in style on the 8th of October, it was a brilliant ride by Richard Fourie, this individual will get better and better with more racing, include him into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 4 – 5 – 3)

RACE 10

12 FAST TRAIN ran a great race behind Fox On The Run last time, he stayed on powerfully for second, the yard is in good form at the moment, he will love the step up in trip to 1600m, if he gets some luck in running from a bad draw, he will be hard to beat in the lucky last. 8 GREENCHOICE never runs a bad race, he is super consistent, he was forced to do some work early from a wide draw at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 18th of October, and he still managed to run a good second behind Smarten Up, he will be right there in the finish on Saturday. 13 SUPER VIKING will love the step up in trip to 1600m, he certainly caught the eye late for second last time behind Primal Instinct on the 27th of September, he will be doing some good work late from a bad draw, watch him closely. 3 KONNICHIWA has been well tried in the maiden ranks, he is consistent, he should run a brave race again. (Brandon Bailey: 12 – 8 – 13 – 3)

Andrew Harrison

There were a number of grumpy supporters and punters after Gr1 Betway Summer Cup hopeful See It Again was scratched from his last intended start. None more so than trainer Michael Roberts who was of the opinion that his charge was not given a reasonable chance to load by the assistant starter.

Ruling after an official complaint was lodged by Roberts, the NHA dismissed his complaint and declared his deposit forfeit.

That said, a number of his local Cup rivals got a run under their girth and patrons face a fascinating Conditions Plate over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville  tonight.

No doubt Roberts will have been instructed to pass See It Again through the barriers before lining up again and the gelding is classy enough to run a big race with stable rider Rachel Venniker there to coax him home.

There are a number of runners warming-up for the Summer Cup including Gareth van Zyl’s King Pelles. The gelding burst onto the scene with commanding victories in the staying races at the back end of Champions Season and he should be well suited to the stamina-sapping 2000m of the Turffontein Standside track. That said, he ran a cracker in a sprint behind Gr2 Post winner I Am Giant last time out and although he obviously prefers further he must have a decent chance on that showing. Nathan Kotzen with the help of ‘horse whisperer’ Glyn Redgrave appear to have cured former Cup winner Royal Victory of his quirky behavior and the gelding was running on late behind Madison Valley over 1400m last time out. His connections were well satisfied with that showing and should that outing will have brought him on although this is also well  short of his best. Adam Azzie, who recently started up at Summerveld after parting ways with his Gauteng-based father Michael, saddles Claw who is not a Cup entry and over his preferred trip which will make him dangerous. On My Honour was the beaten favourite  but not disgraced behind Madison Valley so is another to work into the equation.

One of the better bets on the Card could be Frank Robinson’s Cats Pajamas who steps out in another Condition Plate, this time over 1200m. He ran a cracker behind I Am Giant in his comeback run after a break and although he has drawn on the outside he is well in at the weights with a useful 4kg claimer aboard and he rates the horse to beat. He faces two class acts in former Equus Champion Dave The King and  Gr1 Champions Cup winner Gladatorian.  This pair would prefer further but their class can carry them through. Gladatorian should be the fitter of the two but this is sure to be keeping him ticking over before he heads to the Cape with Stuart Ferrie’s small string for a crack at the Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate and the Gr1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met.

Dave The King is a smart front-runner on his day but the distance of this race could find him out although he is fully capable racing fresh. Soho Star is course and distance suited and should put in a strong showing.

Ferrie saddles another of his Cape raiders in Cognac in the sixth. The son of Rafeef looks to be top class, winning both of his starts to date. But this is his first try at 1400m with top weight and the worst of the draw. Possibly just a warm-up before heading to the Cape and to give Ferrie as line on whether the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas is within his compass. He will face opposition in the form of Safe Travel who showed up well in his handicap debut behind what looks to be a more than useful winner in Kanal Skaater. He has a fair draw and should be a big threat. Duncan Howells sends out Rooster Bradshaw who was in need of his last run but not far back and should run another good race. Given the riding engagements, Dricus could be the best of Andre Nel’s trio as he started favourite in his local debut and should come on from that.

The PA opener is a tricky Maiden. Sugar Baby Love has only had two starts and was not far back last time out. With a 4kg claimer up she should be in the shake-up. Queen Of The Air has been a little disappointing and may prefer the poly but can feature in this line-up but Baltic Assayer can do some damage if allowed to get too far clear  and get away from his field.

Fine Wine and Intro should be the pick of the first leg of the Pick 6. Fine Wine has been knocking at the door for some time now and will never get a better opportunity to shed maiden while Intro was a beaten favourite last run but did not go on with her effort. That was on the poly and the switch back to turf could suit.

The fifth is wide open but Harun Al Rashid is well thought of by his connections but obviously has some issues given that he is lightly raced. He is down four pounds in the ratings and is one to watch in the market. Querari’s Dream  has the best of the draw and has been close up in his last two and gets a stronger rider aboard. There should be very little between Papa C and Riccardo, the former looking to be the better proposition  given the he meets his rival at the same weights as when they met two runs back.

Dark Matter does not have the best of draws in the seventh but was close-up in a strong field last time out even though carrying a light weight. Down on class she should make a fist of it. Shipindani needed her last run at Durbanville and was not far back. Lightly raced she can go close here. Crafty Crofty was close-up in a useful field over course and distance last time out. She gets the benefit of a useful 4kg claimer and should run well.

The ninth is a difficult race to round off the Pick 6 but Phutulicious  is showing signs of coming to hand again and has dropped to a more competitive rating while Rhythm was finishing well under a big weight last time out and appears to have come to hand again and could be the biggest threat.

Soccer4 on Saturday, 8 November 2025. ADD-IN R 25 000. Pool Closes at 17h00. Sport 17 and Pool 2. Estimated Pool: R 100 000

Soccer ANY 13Xtra on Saturday, 8 November 2025. ADD-IN R 250 000. Pool Closes at 14h30. Sport 13 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 750 000

Soccer6 on Sunday, 9th November 2025. ADD-IN R 100 000. Pool Closes at 15h00. Sport 5 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 500 000

Soccer SCORES on Saturday, 8 November 2025. C/Over R 92 105. Pool Closes at 15h30

Soccer13 GUARANTEED JACKPOT on Saturday, 8 November 2025. Pool Closes at 16h30. Sport 10 and Pool 1. ALL 13 CORRECT JACKPOT POOL: R 32 million (If only One 13 of 13 Winner)

Soccer13 GUARANTEED JACKPOT on Sunday, 9 November 2025. Pool Closes at 15h30. Sport 11 and Pool 1
ALL 13 CORRECT JACKPOT POOL: R9 million

David Thiselton

The Tawny Syndicate have two lively contenders for classic trophies in their homebreds Valentino Balducci and Trust, with the former winning the Gr 3 TAB Starling Stakes on Saturday and the latter running a somewhat unlucky second in the Gr 3 Betway Graham Beck Stakes.

Valentino Balducci was bred by Tawny Syndicate co-founder “JJ” van der Linden and is part-owned  by him together with another Tawny Syndicate co-founder Larry Nestadt and also with Tawny Syndicate member Martin Lieveaux.

Trust was bred by Larry Nestadt under the Tawny Syndicate banner and he part-owns him together with Gary Player and Ralphs Racing.

The Valentino Balducci story started when Tawny Syndicate bought the Bosworth Farm Stud-bred Byword filly for R105,000 at the National Two-year-old Sale in 2016.

Goede Hoop was owned by “JJ” and Larry together with SM Nathan and CL Clucas.

Trained by Robbie Sage, Goede Hoop, who was out of Fort Wood maiden Nautical, won four races from 1800m up to 2400m.

Goede Hoop was sent back to Bosworth Farms Stud and covered by their underrated resident stallion Skit Skizzle, who is by the legendary Jet Master.

The first foal was Gideon’s Daughter, who is owned by Fellsmere Pty Ltd (Nom: Ms N Zwane) and trained by Alan Greeff. She won four times in the East Cape before fetching R10,000 at an August Online Sale this year, purchased by Leon Lotter.

Robbie Sage trains the second foal, Valentina Balducci, who is also by Skit Skizzle.

She won her first two starts over 1160m and 1450m before finishing an 8,95 length sixth in the Gr 2 Betway Jo’Burg Fillies and Mares Spring Challenge over 1450m. However, she jumped from a wide draw that day and had too much to do in the straight after being dropped out.

On Saturday in the Gr 3 TAB Starling Stakes over 1400m on Turffontein Standside she had another tough draw of eight out of ten and started at 14/1 odds.

The difference was this time Kaidan Brewer, who has ridden her in all four of her starts, decided to take her to the front.

She enjoyed herself in front and set a fair clip and then kicked well at the top of the straight.

Ovation Star came to challenge her and there was a prolonged tussle between the pair.

Brewer managed to change whip hands in the final stages and after giving her a smack with the left hand she found extra and won by a length.

The Gr 3 Fillies Mile on Betway Summer Cup day looks the obvious target for the filly, who has now accumulated R270,156 with her three wins in four starts and she has already got valuable bold black type.

Trust is by Heavenly Blue and is out of the Frankel may Frankly.

He is a full brother to his useful Candice Dawson-trained stablemate Truth.

Trust won by a length on debut over 1200m on the Turffontein Inside track and the form worked out well as the promising pair Monkey Puzzle and One Eye On Vegas have both come out and won since.

On Saturday, Trust, who was drawn eleven out of 15 in the Gr 3 Graham Beck over 1400m, was taken out early by the favourite Tin Pan Alley, who jumped inwards.

The stipendiary steward report stated, “Shortly after the start, MIAMI MOUNTAIN (C Murray) and TRUST (S Moodley) were bumped in by TIN PAN ALLEY (G Lerena), which jumped inwards leaving the stalls. As a consequence of this, MIAMI MOUNTAIN (C Murray) became momentarily unbalanced.”

This forced Serino Moodley to drop Trust to the back, although he then found the rail and made up a few places.

Trust had to negotiate quite a lot of traffic in the straight coming from near the back, but when seeing daylight at the 250m mark he lengthened his stride impressively and began making inroads in to Tin Pan Alley’s lead.

He was catching Tin Pan Alley fast, but it was too late and he had to settle for a 0,60 length second, a fine run in just his second career start.

The Betway Dingaans over 1600m looks the obvious target for Trust.

His sire Heavenly Blue won the Gr 1 SA Classic over 1800m, but Trust’s full brother Truth has turned out to be a sprinter.

However, Trust does look a different type to Truth with not as much speed and he gave the impression on Saturday that he would see out the mile. He is an exciting classic prospect at present.

The Tawny Syndicate have a lot to look forward to with these two horses, while the 119-rated Truth, whose ownership partners are the same as Trust’s, won a 1000m Pinnacle Stakes event in fine fashion last time out and looks set to have a good sprint campaign.