David Thiselton

The Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes is an important pointer to the Betway Summer Cup and Legend Of Arthur could bounce back in this 1800m event today at Turffontein Standside.

Sean Tarry said recently Legend Of Arthur’s downturn in form last season was due to an allergy problem which was likely bought on by all the winter dust and he added he seemed to be over it. He made his reappearance over a way too sharp 1160m and was not at all disgraced in finishing 5,65 lengths behind the Gr 1-winning sprinter Buffalo Storm Cody. Legend Of Arthur carries 59kg on Sunday and if this Gr 1 SA Derby winner is at his best then he should run on well after being dropped out from a wide draw of ten. However, he is definitely not a confident choice and punters will have to go wide in the Pick 6 for this race. The Ultimate King is held in high regard, but he will have to prove he is up to it, because on official merit ratings he is 3,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted pair Thunee Playa and Money Heist. Wild Intent, who is only 2kg under sufferance, was a narrow runner up in the SA Derby and he will have benefited from his last run over 1450m and could be in the shake up. Navajo Nation has been in fair form and could earn again from pole position, although he is 2,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted pair. Field Marshall is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and has a fair draw and he comes off  good run in the Michaelmas over 1900m at Hollywoodbets Greyville. His stablemate Shoot The Rapids has some class too and is also only half-a-kilogram under sufferance, although he does have a tricky draw of eight. Thunee Playa comes off a win over 2000m where he ran on well. He carries only 51kg and will have to run on strongly again as he will likely be dropped out from a wide draw. Money Heist is in good form too. He is generally kept to a mile, but he has run twice over middle distances before and he went close in one of them and was well beaten last time he tried. His dam by Lecture was a sprinter, so this Gimmethegreenlight gelding has a slight stamina doubt. Son Of Raj enjoys this course and distance but will have to bounce back from his last run in which he was beaten 8,10 lengths by Thunee Playa, with whom he is now 1kg worse off. Don’t Cry For Me is a bit in and out and this is because he tends to take a strong hold. He is only 2kg under sufferance and could be involved if finding cover from a wide draw. Two Miles West was beaten 5,70 lengths by Thunee Playa last time and is now 2kg worse off. Solar Sail was third in the SA Derby and has the ability to be a player, but he has a wide draw. It is a tough race and going as wide as possible is the suggestion.

The Listed Betway Summer Pudding Handicap is also wide open. Mocha Blend has a lot of class and should be coming into her own, so has a chance from a good draw despite having to carry joint topweight. Gerbera comes off a fine run when beaten just 1,75 lengths against a strong field of males, so will go close if repeating that effort, although she has a tricky draw of seven. Twostep Queen won well last time out just eight days before this race and will be right there with a repeat. Tomyris has class and should be cherry ripe so can go close over an ideal trip. Sukhumvit beat Gerbera by 1,65 lengths last time and is only 1kg worse off, but she does have a tough draw. Kisshoten is in fine form but has to carry joint topweight from a wide draw.

In the Listed Betway National Colour Stakes over 1000m Whistle The Tune has speed and class and is the one to beat if close to her best after a three month layoff, although it won’t be easy carrying 61kg off a 112 merit rating. Alpine Jet looks to have plenty of ability and is a big threat, despite officially being 3,5kg under sufferance, because she should rise above her 103 rating. Frozen Fantasy has the ability to earn here and has a potentially favourable high draw. Almond Sea starts slowly, which makes it tough for her being a sprinter, but she certainly has the ability to be thereabouts if breaking better than usual. Sonic Jet is in the handicap and could earn if low draws do not turn out to be a big disadvantage.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1160m Buffalo Storm Cody impressed in his comeback and will be hard to beat. William Robertson is the back up.

In the eight race over 1800m Taegan’s Champ bounced back last time and if building on that can get back to winning ways. Mastership is a decent sort who might be ready to step up to this trip. Aladdin’s Lamp has the form to be a contender here and should have come on from his last start. Pioneer Square is in good form and should be right there. Birthright is a capable sort and could also be included.

In the ninth over 1600m Impact Investor is knocking hard and could get it right this time from pole position with Lerena up. Dark Silver is in fine form and also has a good draw and he enjoys this trip. Buddy Boy is still learning so could improve on his last start. Dance King has the ability to be in the shake up. Player could be a factor if bouncing back for an in form yard.

In the first leg of the PA Milan’s World and Taskmaster could fight it out.

In the first leg of the Bipot Amazonian looks the one to beat, but Inspiration and Hathighwaytothesky must be included too.

South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Doncaster and Wolverhampton (UK) – 8 November 2025

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.