The Independent on Saturday race day at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 4 May will get South Africa’s Champion Season off to a cracking start judged by the quality of entries for the three feature races.

The R500 000 Gr2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes is one of the first warm-up races for the R5 Million Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July and is supported by the R500 000 Gr2 World Sports Betting Guineas and the R500 000 Gr2 World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas. 

SplashOut Cape Derby winner Green With Envy and Highveld star, Sandringham Summit are both entered in the IOS Drill Halls Stakes but the pair have drawn wide which could see rather run in the Gr2 WSB Guineas where both have drawn better gates but will be up against recent Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes winner Main Defender. Should all three stand their ground in the Guineas it will make for a mouthwatering contest, a race not to be missed. 

Also nominated in the Drill Hall is former Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and L’Ormarins Queens Plate winner Al Muthana. At My Command along with former Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes winner Cousin Casey are possible July contenders. Cousin Casey lost his way a little but is now showing signs of a return to his best form.

Standout in the Gr 2 WSB Fillies Guineas is recent Gr3 Umzimkulu Stakes and Gr3 Prix Du Cap winner Double Grand Slam who put up a cracking display in both races which will have the opposition pondering their chances should Justin Snaith’s filly stand her ground. But she faces course and distance winner Mrs Geriatrix who is showing signs of returning to her best form after finishing third in the Gr1 Empress Club Stakes behind the unbeaten Gimme A Nother. Rascova was third in the Umzimkulu Stakes and second to the star mare Princess Calla in the Gr1 Majorca Stakes, when beating Double Grand Slam. She should also improve on her KZN debut. 

R 500,000 INDEPENDENT ON SATURDAY DRILL HALL STAKES (Grade 2)-1400m

Horses at Weight-For-Age + Penalties

WFA: 2yrs-11.0kgs 3yrs-2.0kgs 

5 COSMIC HIGHWAY     (5G) 58.5 121   Dean Kannemeyer    

9 GLADATORIAN        (4G) 58.5 120   Stuart Ferrie      

4 MAIN DEFENDER      (3G) 58.0 131   Tony Peter        

17 SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT (3C) 58.0 123   David Nieuwenhuizen 

18 GREEN WITH ENVY    (3C) 58.0 119   Dean Kannemeyer    

15 AL MUTHANA (AUS)   (6G) 57.0 125   Ricky Maingard     

 2 ROYAL AUSSIE       (4G) 57.0 124   Justin Snaith      

 3 COUSIN CASEY       (4C) 57.0 123   Sean Tarry         

10 AT MY COMMAND      (4G) 57.0 119   Brett Crawford     

19 WATERBERRY LANE    (5G) 57.0 112   Ricky Maingard     

 6 UNZEN              (4G) 57.0 109   Robbie Sage       

 8 ITSRAININGWILLIAM  (4G) 57.0 108   Justin Snaith      

 7 TEXAS RED          (4G) 57.0 104   Robyn Klaasen      

11 HUMDINGER          (5M) 56.0 116   Mike de Kock       

14 MID WINTER WIND    (3G) 55.0 114   Sean Tarry         

12 GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE (3G) 55.0 111   Mike de Kock       

13 ZINOVI             (3C) 55.0 108   Mike de Kock       

 1 TEFLON MAN         (3C) 55.0  99   Dean Kannemeyer    

16 WHITE PEARL        (3F) 52.5 112   Mike de Kock       

   (19)

R 500,000 WORLD SPORTS BETTING FILLIES GUINEAS (Grade 2)- 1600m

For 3 year-old Fillies

5 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM  (3F) 60.0 118   Justin Snaith      

 8 MRS GERIATRIX      (3F) 60.0 115 H Sean Tarry         

 4 RASCOVA            (3F) 60.0 115   Glen Kotzen        

 1 LET’S GO NOW       (3F) 60.0 114 B Sean Tarry         

 2 WHITE PEARL        (3F) 60.0 112   Mike de Kock       

 6 MINOGUE            (3F) 60.0 102   Wendy Whitehead    

 9 SOLDIER’S EYE      (3F) 60.0  98   Weiho Marwing      

 7 SOVEREIGN GRANT    (3F) 60.0  98   Michael Miller     

 3 BOMBER GIRL        (3F) 60.0  97   Michael Miller     

12 CELTIC BEAUTY      (3F) 60.0  94   Tony Rivalland     

11 CEUTA              (3F) 60.0  81   David Nieuwenhuizen 

10 MISS PLATINA       (3F) 60.0  75   Tienie Prinsloo    

   (12)

R500 000 WORLD SPORTS BETTING GUINEAS (Grade 2)- 1600m

For 3 year-olds

5 MAIN DEFENDER      (3G) 60.0 131   Tony Peter        

 6 SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT (3C) 60.0 123   David Nieuwenhuizen 

10 SNOW PILOT         (3C) 60.0 120   Justin Snaith      

 8 GREEN WITH ENVY    (3C) 60.0 119   Dean Kannemeyer    

13 LUCKY LAD          (3C) 60.0 119   Sean Tarry         

11 MID WINTER WIND    (3G) 60.0 114   Sean Tarry         

 1 ORIENTAL CHARM     (3C) 60.0 113   Brett Crawford     

 4 GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE (3G) 60.0 111   Mike de Kock       

 2 HLUHLUWE           (3G) 60.0 111   Justin Snaith      

 9 BARBARESCO         (3G) 60.0 109   J A Janse van Vuur 

 3 ZINOVI             (3C) 60.0 108   Mike de Kock       

12 NAVAJO NATION      (3G) 60.0 103   Robbie Hill        

 7 ANCIENT WORLD      (3G) 60.0  92   Michael Miller     

   (13)

David Thiselton

The Vaal Classic track has an intriguing eight race meeting today and there look to be opportunities for on the nose and exotic punters.

In the first race over 1000m the Fanie Bronkhorst-trained Var filly Valieva has some good form against decent opposition and from a high draw, which can often be favourable over this course and distance, looks to be the one to beat. Far Reaching is not big and imposing but showed she has ability when producing a strong late run on debut over 1000m on the Turffontein Inside track to be beaten just 0,60 lengths. Two winners have come out of that race and she could improve, so is not surprisingly the early favourite in the betting. Kindred Heart is knocking on the door but on collateral formlines Far Reaching emerges ahead. Take Your Place is well held on collateral formlines but has some ability and can earn. Stroopsoet is by Pomodoro and is a half-sister to the like of Encryption (Elusive Fort), who won on debut over 1200m.

In the second race over 1000m Ready Set Fire has a high draw and will be hard to beat considering that in his last two starts, both over this course and distance, he has finished second to Pistol Pete and third to Gr 2 SA Nursery winner Fire Attack. Beynac is an interesting first-timer being a full-brother to Invincabelle, who won his first two starts comfortably beating Hoedspruit and Jet Dark, before finishing a close second to Kommetdieding and then running a close seventh in the Cape Guineas and never running again. He is also a full-brother to Immortelle who won on debut at Scottsville, but ended up campaigning in Kimberley, and a half-brother to No Time Taken, who won debut at Turffontein, but he is also a full-brother to Champonelle, who is still a maiden. Piere Strydom is an interesting booking on Beynac. French Bolt is a first-timer by Var, who is a half-sister to Gr 2 SA Nursery winner Miss Cool. Chocolate Soldier was well beaten on debut but was considered good enough to run in the Gr 2 SA Nursery, where he was beaten 10,50 lengths by Fire Attack. Zafar is by Captain Of All out of a twice-winning Await The Dawn mare from 1200m to 1600m.

In the third over 1000m Enchanting Lady has been knocking hard and is improving so looks the one to beat despite draw number one, which can be unfavourable. What A Lucy has not run since last August, but might get away with it over this trip and has a chance on form. Magic Secret has early pace and although beaten comfortably by Enchanting Lady last time there is a potential reversal in draw fortunes, which could allow her to get closer than 2,25 lengths. Just The Two Of Us can improve on her debut when four lengths behind Enchanting Lady and she has a nice high draw. The first-timer Rise And Shine is by Canford Cliffs and is a half-sister to Red Chestnut Road who won his debut by over seven lengths and won his second start in a Gr 3 by over six lengths. 

Taxhaven is merit rated 96 after finishing a three length fifth in the Gr 1 SA Derby. However, that was a slow run race, so it might have flattered him and he is not a certainty in this maiden over 2000m. In fact he was only a short-head ahead of Dark Silver when they met over this trip. Taxhaven is the choice as there is a reversal in draw fortunes with Dark Silver that are in his favour. Karoo Gold is hard-knocking and not out of it from a fair draw. Callaburn is widely drawn but on form could earn. Douglas Dragon and Teo Torriate could earn cheques if producing their best. 

In the fifth over 2000m Donna Mo is consistent and will appreciate the step up to this trip.  Quiet Rebellion has a plum draw and is 2,5kg better off with Donna Mo for a 4,15 length beating over 1600m last month, although the latter would have improved since then being a three-year-old. However, Quiet Rebellion will relish the step up in trip and should have come on from that last run. I Am Regal beat Donna Mo by 1,90 lengths last time but is 2kg worse off and has a tougher draw. However, she sat at the back that day and won going away so it would be no surprise if she beat her again.  

In the sixth over 2000m Crimson Forest is drawn in pole and if repeating either of her last two starts, i.e. 3,10 lengths behind Frances Ethel in the Listed Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial and then a four length fourth to Rosy Leemon over 1800m, then she will be the one to beat. Ideal Future is a long-striding sort who is capable of a resolute finish and this 4kg claimer did well on her over 2600m last time. She should be as effective over this trip and can be dropped out from a wide draw. Gilda Gray has run well over this trip before and is competitively merit rated but does have a tricky draw. Pretty N’ Pearls shouldn’t be far off on formlines. Kakiebos was not disgraced when stepped up to 1800m last time and the form has been franked so she can improve again over this trip.

In the seventh over 1600m Fostinovo has dropped down from an 89 to an 84 and this trip might be what she has been looking for so she can do well from draw two in just her second attempt at it. Golden Pavilion should be distance suited to and if able to overcome a wide draw can be in the mix. Romeo’s Magic has dropped to a competitive mark and in form Raymond Danielson is up from a fair draw.  

Viva De Janiero was expected to win last time in a workriders race, but it did not pan out too well and he was overtaken late. The form has been franked and a chance is taken on bankering him despite a tricky draw of seven. Hakas Krakas  likes to lead and if doing so can stay on. JP Two Thousand is running off a competitive mark and has a plum draw. Kashkaval has a tough draw but is in fair form and Piere Strydom is up. Thambi won well on Saturday over 1800m and from a plum draw here has to be considered. 

RACE 1     

10 VALIEVA 3 FAR REACHING  6 KINDRED HEART 9 TAKE YOUR PLACE

Preview: 10 VALIEVA has run some useful races against good horses and should be right there. 3 FAR REACHING ran a good second on debut and the form has been well franked with two winners coming out of the race. 6 KINDRED HEART has ability but was beaten 0,75 lengths by Valieva when they met. 9 TAKE YOUR PLACE has shown enough to be able to earn here. (10-3-6-9)

RACE 2     

7 READY SET FIRE 1 BEYNAC  4 FRENCH BOLT 3 CHOCOLATE SOLDIER

Preview: 7 READY SET FIRE has hard-knocking form against good horses and should be right there. 1 BEYNAC is a full brother to Invincabelle, who won his first two starts comfortably beating Hoedspruit and Jet Dark, before finishing a close second to Kommetdieding and then running a close seventh in the Cape Guineas and never running again. 4 FRENCH BOLT is by Var and is a half-brother to Gr 2 SA Nursery winner Miss Cool. 3 CHOCOLATE SOLDIER has not been disgraced in two starts and could earn. (7-1-4-3)

RACE 3     

4 ENCHANTING LADY 3 WHAT A LUCY 5 MAGIC SECRET 1 BREGARDT

Preview: 4 ENCHANTING LADY is knocking hard and should be a big runner. 3 WHAT A LUCY was knocking hard before a long layoff but over this trip she could get away with it. 5 MAGIC SECRET is improving and could be thereabouts. 1 BREGARDT has been disappointing, but if recapturing his best could earn here. (4-3-5-1)

RACE 4     

1 TAXHAVEN 3 DARK SILVER 4 KAROO GOLD 5 CALLABURN

Preview: 1 TAXHAVEN showed some class by running fifth in the Gr 1 SA Derby and back in the maidens should take a lot of beating even if this is over a 450m shorter trip. 3 DARK SILVER has faced some good sorts and always been thereabouts, including finishing a short-head behind Taxhaven over this trip, so is a big runner here too. 4 KAROO GOLD is knocking hard and should be right there over a suitable trip. 5 CALLABURN is capable and only has a couple of lengths to make up on Taxhaven and Dark Silver so should earn. (1-3-4-5)

RACE 5     

3 DONNA MO 7 QUIET REBELLION 6 I AM REGAL 

Preview: 3 DONNA MO is consistent and distance suited so should go close from a fair draw. 7 QUIET REBELLION has ability and should have come on from her last start so can do well from a plum draw. 6 I AM REGAL beat Donna Mo by 1,90 lengths last time but is 2kg worse off and has a tougher draw. (3-7-6)

RACE 6     

1 CRIMSON FOREST 4 IDEAL FUTURE 5 GILDA GRAY 2 PRETTY IN PEARLS

Preview: 1 CRIMSON FOREST is drawn in pole and should be right there if repeating either of her last two starts. 4 IDEAL FUTURE has plenty of stamina and ability and her long stride could help her get close after likely being dropped out from a wide draw. 5 GILDA GRAY can be thereabouts if repeating her last start, but she does now have a much tougher draw, although she does have a 1,5kg claimer up.  2 PRETTY IN PEARLS shouldn’t be far off on formlines. (1-4-5-2)

RACE 7     

3 TWO MILES WEST 2 FOSTINOVO 6 GOLDEN PAVILION 8 ROMEO’S MAGIC 

Preview: 3 TWO MILES WEST won his maiden well but is a big, progressive sort and an 83 merit rating, although not easy, is not beyond him.2 FOSTINOVO has come down to a competitive mark and is distance suited and well drawn. 6 GOLDEN PAVILION is a fair sort who can be involved if able to overcome a tough draw. 8 ROMEO’S MAGIChas dfropped to a competitive mark and is not out of it.  (3-2-6-8) 

RACE 8     

6 VIVA DE JANEIRO 7 HAKAS KRAKAS 8 JP TWO THOUSAND 1 KASHKAVAL

Preview: 6 VIVA DE JANEIRO can make amends for defeat last time in a workriders race that did not pan out too well. 7 HAKAS KRAKAS likes to lead and if doing so can stay on. 8 JP TWO THOUSAND is running off a competitive mark and has a plum draw. 1 KASHKAVAL has a tough draw but is in fair form and Piere Strydom is up. (6-7-8-1)

Race 1: #1 Beauty Waves, #2 Heroic Master, #4 Harmony Fire, #3 Happy United 
Race 2: #8 Precision Goal, #6 Circuit Elite, #7 Loyal Ambition, #11 Brother Pearl 
Race 3: #3 Beau Gosse, #4 Mr Good Vibes, #1 Noble One, #2 Tactical Command
Race 4: #8 Great Achiever, #1 Ma Comet, #9 Lean Master, #11 Gorgeous Vitality 
Race 5: #2 Duke Wai, #9 Humble Star, #7 Harmony N Blessed, #1 Whizz Kid 
Race 6: #9 Young Victory, #2 Snowalot, #10 Can’t Go Wong, #4 Pegasus General 
Race 7: #7 Glory Cloud, #6 Sight Supreme, #4 Diamond Flare, #2 Our Lucky Glory 
Race 8: #4 High Percentage, #3 Togepi, #1 Golden Long, #12 Happy Feeling  
Race 9: #9 Flamingo Trillion, #3 Noble Pursuit, #1 Gallant Waking, #7 Intrepid Winner

Race 1: Jeju Handicap 

#1 Beauty Waves broke through in style last start. He’s a nice horse and further progression is expected here, especially with Zac Purton retaining the ride. He’ll take a bit of beating this week. #2 Heroic Master has been racing well of late. Hugh Bowman hops up and he gets his chance from an ideal gate. #4 Harmony Fire can find the front and give this group something to reel in. He gets a handy 10 pounds taken off his back with the apprentice up. #3 Happy United is next in line. 

Race 2: Hallasan Handicap 

#8 Precision Goal can find the front from gate one. He’ll give this group something to reel in from there, especially for an in-form David Hayes. #6 Circuit Elite turned his form around last start and can continue to perform at that level with the apprentice up. #7 Loyal Ambition steps out for a red-hot Caspar Fownes stable. He loves the Valley and can easily make his presence felt here under under Vincent Ho. #11 Brother Pearl slots in light and while hard to figure out, he definitely have a bit of ability. 

Race 3: Yeongcheon Handicap 

#3 Beau Gosse has improved significantly in Class 5 and he can continue to race well here, especially with Hugh Bowman engaged. He draws ideally and rates as the one they all must beat. #4 Mr Good Vibes is lightly raced and continues to make steady headway. He draws well and should roll forward in a bid to get his chance. #1 Noble One is suited in Class 5 and can contend against this group, even with top-weight assigned. #2 Tactical Command has some ability and warrants consideration. 

Race 4: Daegu Handicap 

#8 Great Achiever is better than his record suggests. He can surprise soon enough and this contest appears more than suitable. Take a chance on him this week with Jerry Chau retaining the ride. #1 Ma Comet is lightly raced and can improve with the step down in grade. #9 Lean Master was a tidy winner two starts back. He goes about his racing the right way and just needs to overcome the wide draw. #11 Gorgeous Vitality slots in light and has the runs on the board. He’ll find form again. 

Race 5: The Korea Racing Authority Trophy Handicap 

#2 Duke Wai ran well at Happy Valley earlier this season. If he manages to reproduce that effort then he’ll take a bit of beating here. His class will carry him a long way. #9 Humble Star returns from a setback after scoring back-to-back wins. He carries the featherweight and has a suitable draw for Karis Teetan. #7 Harmony N Blessed is after consecutive wins. Expecting he rolls forward from barrier three to get his opportunity. #1 Whizz Kid is next in line. 

Race 6: Incheon Handicap 

#9 Young Victory has returned to a seriously competitive mark. He’s racing well at present and Jerry Chau retains the ride this week. #2 Snowalot is in serious form as he seeks back-to-back wins. He carries a bit more weight, although does pair favourably with Zac Purton once again. #10 Can’t Go Wong has found his feet and can continue to take the right steps forward. He goes about his racing well and the inside draw is a plus. #4 Pegasus General has been consistent this season. Next best. 

Race 7: Busan Handicap (2nd Section)

#7 Glory Cloud has done well across four starts in Hong Kong. He’s showing the right signs of improvement and Hugh Bowman’s retention is a big advantage. One to beat. #6 Sight Supreme makes his debut after a solid recent trial. He draws ideally and makes his debut under Zac Purton. #4 Diamond Flare has the inside gate on his side and chances are he rolls forward to press for the lead. #2 Our Lucky Glory is after back-to-back wins. He’s found a return to form and can make his presence felt this week. 

Race 8: Busan Handicap (1st Section)

#4 High Percentage broke through for his first win last start. He was rewarded following a string of near misses with that win. Zac Purton stays up and he shapes as the one they all must beat. #3 Togepi has a powerful finish on his day and he gets his chance this week. #1 Golden Long has an inside gate and is racing well. Expecting he’ll take up a forward position here and get every opportunity. #12 Happy Feeling is after a first win and continues to make the right progress. Next best. 

Race 9: Seoul Handicap 

#9 Flamingo Trillion is suited with the forecasted rain throughout this week. He grows an extra leg on the surface and can easily thrive here, if he gets it. Take a chance on him if the rain continues. #3 Noble Pursuit is a nice horse and knows how to win. He’s won three races this season and is clearly much better suited to racing at Happy Valley. #1 Gallant Waking has a powerful finish and gets his chance here. #7 Intrepid Winner can mix his form but loves the course and distance. Next in line. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Please Note!

Soccer Corners: Sport 71 and Pool 1 – 21 April 2024

Match 5 (M5): FULHAM vs LIVERPOOL

Match 6 (M6): BORUSSIA DORTMUND vs BAYER LEVERKUSEN

All results (the field) will qualify for the above match.

In terms of Tabgold rules, all choices (the field) will apply in determining results and payouts.