Graeme Hawkins

Returning from a short break after running fourth in the Splashout Cape Derby (Gr 1) in February, Coastal Commander (28/10) turned in a 5-star performance to run out a comfortable winner of the sixth race, a Progress Plate over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth yesterday. My Golly Molly ensured a decent pace but Coastal Commander under Ashton Arries was always in his slipstream and the 3yo son of Lancaster Bomber took control halfway up the home stretch to win cosily. Trainer Vaughan Marshall describes Coastal Commander as the “most improved horse in my stable” and he looks an exciting prospect.

The favourite Port Louis chased in vain and finished a clear second ahead of We’re Jamming with My Golly Molly a distant fourth. Though comfortably beaten, Port Louis was far from disgraced as he was conceding 6kgs to Coastal Commander and his fourth career victory cannot be too far away.

The opening race and first leg of the Bipot, a Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1400m, looked a match race between Dixieland Band (2/1) and Babelicious (18/10) and so it turned out to be. Dixieland Band made an early dash for home shortly after straightening up but Babelicious was always poised to strike and the daughter of Var ran on strongly to score by half-a-length. Dixieland Band just held on to second spot ahead of the fast-finishing Pentolina. The latter recovered well from a slow start and is well worth following.

Tequila Sky was sent out a firm favourite to win the second race, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1100m, and the daughter of William Longsword finally shed her maiden ticket with a facile start-to-finish victory. The well-bred newcomer, Bela Vista, played up badly in the preliminaries but stayed on nicely to finish second and she should benefit enormously from the experience.

JP van der Merwe was seen to good advantage in the third race, a Maiden Plate over 1600m, when producing the tote favourite Daimyo with a well-timed challenge to overhaul the 16/1 chance Midway inside the final 100m. Runner-up in his previous two starts, Daimyo is improving steadily and will appreciate a further step-up in trip. Lightly-raced Midway is  one to keep an eye on as he should continue to progress and the 3yo son of Pomodoro should notch up his first career victory in the not too distant future.

The fourth race, an Open Maiden over 1800m, looked the right sort of race for the well-tried Lockheedlightning and he found plenty of betting support as race time approached. Richard Fourie, sporting the colours of David Ferraris, rode a peach of a race and it was clear some way out that the Mambo In Seattle gelding was travelling too well for the modest opposition. French Trip, always handy, stayed on for second with outsiders Pointdexter and Jovial completing the Quartet.

Following Babelicious’ success in the opener, Candice Bass-Robinson and Aldo Domeyer were back in the winner’s enclosure after the running of the fifth race, a Class 5 Handicap (F&M) over 1400m. Grandiosa was absolutely friendless in the market easing from 7/2 to 8/1, but she showed terrific resolution in the run to the line to hold out Veronique (33/10) in a repeat result of their previous encounter. Little Miss Pink rounded off her race really well to finish third within half-a-length of the winner.

Eric Sands and Sean Veale have proven to be a formidable combination and they were again on the mark in the seventh race, a very competitive Middle Stakes (F&M) over 1100m, as Pineapplemintgreen (10/1) turned on the jets to fly home an easy winner over Southern Skies and Winter Rainfall.

Fourie took another step closer to Anthony Delpech’s record when driving the favourite Wordsworth (2/1), owned and trained by Greg Ennion, to a comfortable victory over Shifting Path in the final race, a Class 5 Handicap over 1100m. Favourable results were generally the order of the day and the Pick 6 returned R13 986-20.

David Thiselton

The fifth race is the highest rated of a nine event meeting at Turffontein Inside today and Dreamland could claim a hattrick.

Dreamland is a superbly bred sort. He is by the late Lancaster Bomber out of Equus Champion Sprinter Val De Ra’s placed British-bred daughter Dream De Ra, who is bred in the purple. Val De Ra, who won the Gr 1 Computaform Sprint, the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint and the Gr 1 Cape Flying Championship, was by European champion sprinter Var and Dream De Ra was by another European Champion Sprinter in Oasis Dream, who has produced the winners of 27 Group 1 races. So the ingredients are all there and Dreamland, after showing initial promise before going a bit off the boil, appears to be coming into his own. He is going for a hattrick here and the 1000m trip around the turn from a draw of four should suit him down to the ground because he possesses both early pace and a nice kick. He only has to overcome a merit rating raise of three points. The one question is why Gavin Lerena, who rode him to both of those last two wins, has hopped off. Lerena is the first choice rider for Laurence Wernars, but is aboard Karangetang. The latter has come down to a 99 merit rating and this is his correct trip, but he is drawn five and carries 61,5kg which will be tough for a horse who has been seen to fade late in some of his races. Dreamland could have been a better option and Richard Fourie is in that case the beneficiary. Woman Of Power has a touch of class and should start progressing so will be dangerous from pole position. Halbardier is in good form and although half-a-kilogram under sufferance he has a good draw and should be thereabouts. Wind Water is well drawn but has 1,85 lengths to make up on Karangetang and they face on the same terms. 

In the first race over 1500m In A Blue Moon is consistent and has a good opportunity here from a good draw over a suitable trip. Pike Place is a battling long-time maiden but is better than his last start and under Chamu Mabaya he could be involved. Trombettista has a tricky draw but is improving and might enjoy the step up in trip being by New Predator out of a Fort Wood mare, although the mare’s only win was over 1000m. Irish Love has shown enough to be able to earn. Oklahoma Twister jumps from pole position and should earn a cheque here.

In the second race over 1200m Cosmic Speed looks hard to oppose, having finished a close second to Fire Attack on debut and the latter went on to win the Gr 2 SA Nursery. He is drawn well and the rest of the field are uninspiring. Dance King, who finished a nine length third to the promising Buffalo Storm Cody on debut, makes most appeal of the rest. 

In the third race over 1200m Magic Secret is no great shakes but from a good draw has a chance in this uninspiring event. Together Again is also a battler but can earn here from a fair draw. Dragon Dragon ran a close second in a similar field over course and distance last time, but she now has a wide draw. The Navy Lark is drawn very wide but does have early pace so could overcome it and can be involved here. Centrefold made a fair Highveld debut and has a chance here.

In the fourth race over 1200m And Action ran a cracker over this trip around the turn in his penultimate start under Kabelo Matsunyane, who is now back aboard. From draw three he should be able to lead like he did in that race. Gold Agent has been knocking on the door for a long time, but usually finds one or two too good. However, he has pole position and will be a threat in this line up. His Lordship has shown some promise and from draw two should be in the shake up. Two-year-old Waheed made a fair debut and the form has been franked with two winners coming out of that race. However, he is up against older horses and has a tricky draw. Bad Medicine finished a nine length second on debut to Buffalo Storm Cody, but is capable of improvement.

In the sixth race over 1600m Magical Flight went close last time to a decent sort over 1400m and enjoys this trip too, so can go close from a good draw. Kissing Machine has a tricky draw but looks to have scope for more improvement over this ideal trip. Work Of Time was on top of Magical Flight last time but now has a tough draw. Cape Lights has some fair form but is also drawn wide. Just Be Nice is drawn in pole and that could help her get home over a trip that might stretch her a little.

In the seventh race over 1450m MK’S Dreams is well regarded and has a plum draw over an ideal trip. He is better than his last run where he might have gone for home too soon after being dropped out from a wide draw. This looks to be an easier field. Max The Otter went close the last time he tried this trip and he has a fair draw. Bob’s Your Uncle has a fair draw and is off a competitive mark over a suitable trip. Arividicio sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and could earn. The Playboy Bomber won an uninspiring maiden well and represents an in form yard so could play a part off a 78 merit rating.

In the last race over 1450m Houston is talented and although not ultra reliable is distance suited and has a fair draw. Funky Music is capable over this trip and has an easier task than in his recent races so could represent good value. Bloomington is always capable of popping up, but does have a tricky draw. Pocket Watch is hard to ignore despite a tricky draw as he should start progressing. Just Nuisance has disappointed in his last two but this is an easier task, although he does have a tough draw.

RACE 1     

2 IN A BLUE MOON 5 PIKE PLACE 1 IRISH LOVE

Preview: 2 IN A BLUE MOON is knocking hard and has a good opportunity here over a suitable trip in an uninspiring field. 5 PIKE PLACE is capable of being a threat in this field. 1 IRISH LOVE also has the form to be in the shake up. (David Thiselton 2-5-1)

RACE 2     

2 COSMIC SPEED 3 DANCE KING 9 SENSORIA 7 SHINTO SHRINE 

Preview: 2 COSMIC SPEED came second on debut and the winner went on to win the Gr 2 SA Nursery. 3 DANCE KING was a well beaten third on debut but the winner looks promising. 9 SENSORIA can earn if producing her best. 7 SHINTO SHRINE is by Danon Platina out of a Captain Al one-time winner. (David Thiselton 2-3-9-7)

RACE 3     

1 MAGIC SECRET 3 TOGETHER AGAIN 7 DRAGON DRAGON 2 THE NAVY LARK

Preview: 1 MAGIC SECRET is no great shakes but from a good draw over a trip she should enjoy she has a chance. 3 TOGETHER AGAIN has fair form in the context of this race and has a fair draw. 7 DRAGON DRAGON came a close second last time over course and distance but now has a wide draw. 2 THE NAVY LARK has run fair races with blinkers but has a tough draw. (David Thiselton 1-3-7-2)  

RACE 4     

1 AND ACTION 5 GOLD AGENT 4 HIS LORDSHIP 8 WAHEED

Preview: 1 AND ACTION is course and distance suited and well draw. 5 GOLD AGENT has hard-knocking form and is drawn in pole. 4 HIS LORDSHIP has fair form and could still improve. 8 WAHEED made a fair debut and the form has been franked but he has a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 1-5-4-8)

RACE 5     

3 DREAMLAND 5 WOMAN OF POWER 8 HALBERDIER 2 WIND WATER 

Preview: 3 DREAMLAND is in fine form and can go in again off a three point higher mark from a fair draw. 5 WOMAN OF POWER has some class and is drawn in pole. 8 HALBERDIER won well last time and has a chance here although he is six points higher and half-a-kilogram under sufferance. 2 WIND WATER is well drawn over a suitable trip. (David Thiselton 3-5-8-2) 

RACE 6     

2 MAGICAL FLIGHT 5 KISSING MACHINE 6 WORK OF TIME 1 CAPE LIGHTS

Preview: 2 MAGICAL FLIGHT went close last time to a decent sort over 1400m and enjoys this trip too. 5 KISSING MACHINE has a tricky draw but looks to have scope for more improvement. 6 WORK OF TIME was on top of Magical Flight last time but has a tough draw. 1 CAPE LIGHTS has some fair form but is drawn wide. (David Thiselton 2-5-6-1)

RACE 7     

2 MK’S DREAMS 6 MAX THE OTTER 3 BOB’S YOUR UNCLE 9 ARIVIDICIO

Preview: 2 MK’S DREAMS is well regarded and has a plum draw over an ideal trip. 6 MAX THE OTTER want close the last time he tried this trip and he has a fair draw. 3 BOB’S YOUR UNCLE has a fair draw and is off a competitive mark over a suitable trip. 9 ARIVIDICIO sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and could earn. (David Thiselton 2-6-8-9)

RACE 8     

8 HOUSTON 1 FUNKY MUSIC 2 BLOOMINGTON

Preview: 8 HOUSTON is talented although not ultra reliable and is distance suited. 1 FUNKY MUSIC is capable over this trip and has an easier task than his recent races. 2 BLOOMINGTON is always capable of popping up. (David Thiselton 8-1-2)

The wave is building towards Saturday, 6 July! Winchester Mansion and See It Again, first and second in last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, head the nominations for this year’s event. First entries closed on Monday and 58 of the cream of the county’s middle-distance gallopers have been entered for a crack at the R5 million stakes purse in what is Africa’s greatest horseracing event. 

The Michael Roberts-trained See It Again, touched off in last year’s race as a three-year-old, is the highest rated of the nominations and early ante-post favourite at 7/2 with the title sponsor, Hollywoodbets. All things going well, he will be back to go one better.

Brett Crawford has again entered Winchester Mansion (10/1) who was narrowly beaten in the recent Gr1 Champions Challenge and is likely to be up against his recent nemesis, Royal Victory (7/1). Nathan Kotzen’s gelding has been a revelation since being sent over ground and is sure to be among the fancied runners for this year’s event should he be in the final field. 

 Three trainers are responsible for nearly half of the entries headed by Sean Tarry with 10, Justin Snaith eight and Mike de Kock six. 

Second highest rated of the Tarry entries is Lucky Lad (33/1), recent runner-up to Sandringham Summit in the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes over the Turffontein mile but is yet to show that he stays the 2200m of the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Also among the Tarry entries is Mid Winter Wind (50/1), winner of his last four races but yet to race beyond 1400m and the R9 million yearling purchase, Celestial City (150/1), full brother to Hawwaam, who famously blew his chances by refusing to load when favourite for the July in 2019. The Tarry stable also has last year’s facile winner of the World Pool Gold Cup, Future Pearl (250/1) among his nominations. 

Justin Snaith is likely to have another strong hand in the field with the likes of Royal Aussie, Without Question (25/1) and the three-year-olds Hluhluwe (66/1) and the feisty grey The Grey King (66/1) among his nominations.

Mike de Kock is a master at getting fillies primed for the big race and the hitherto unbeaten Gimme A Nother (7/1) heads his list of nominations. De Kock opted not to try for the final leg of the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara, the Gr2 SA Oaks over 2450m, despite two comfortable victories in the first two legs.

The Oaks was won in commanding fashion by Frances Ethel (50/1) from My Soul Mate (66/1) and Silver Sanctuary (50/1), all three among the entries. Should both Frances Ethel and Winchester Mansion make the final field, last year’s winning jockey Kabelo Matsunyane, will need to choose between Brett Crawford’s runners.

Other standouts among the De Kock entries are Oaks third Silver Sanctuary and the promising sophomore Marauding Horde (66/1) who ran up a string of three consecutive victories before coming unstuck on the SA Derby although only beaten three lengths.

One of those heading the ante-post market on the sponsor’s book is Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby winner Green With Envy (7/1). Dean Kannemeyer is no stranger to the July winner’s podium having won the race three times, his first coming with the superstar Dynasty in 2003. Green With Envy came from almost last to motor past a high-class field in the Derby and stable rider Craig Zackey will be looking forward to the ride. 

Robyn Klaasen will throw another curved ball the way of Matsunyane as he was aboard star three-year-old Purple Pitcher (16/1) who got the better of New Predator and the title chasing Richard Fourie in the Gr1 SA Derby and was also victorious in the Gr1 SA Classic where he beat hot favourite Sandringham Summit and William Iron Arm. Klaasen, who is a relatively new comer to the training ranks, has also entered Second Base (250/1) who did duty for her in last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July in her first year as a trainer.

Tony Peter is having a terrific season and has entered Main Defender (25/1) and William Iron Arm (33/1). Main Defender is the second highest rated horse among the nominations behind See It Again but has yet to race beyond 1600m. However, he was an eye-catching winner of the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes beating the De Kock-trained Dave The King by over two lengths. Now with the Peters stable is former Gr1 SA Derby winner Son Of Raj (75/1) who was also a runner last year when trained by Weiho Marwing.

Fanie Bronkhorst will have his first runner in the race should SA Derby runner-up Pure Predator (33/1) make the line-up. 

See It Again and Royal Victory will no doubt head the local challenge but Michael Miller has entered recent Listed Stakes winner Narina Trogon (200/1) along with Ancient World (200/1). Gareth van Zyl has entered Imilenzeyokududuma (100/1) who races in the yellow and purple silks of the Hollywood Syndicate, and Robbie Hill, a former winner of the race as a jockey aboard El Picha for Geoff Woodruff, will have his first runner in the race should Navajo Nation (200/1) make the final field. Encouraged by his recent victory over The Grey King has prompted Peter Muscutt to add Formagear (100/1) to the entry list. 

Lorenzo Karriem has two entries in River Romeo (200/1) and Indian Ocean (250/1) with Tony Rivalland entering the filly Celtic Beauty (150/1) and MJ Odendaal the mare Danse Milord (250/1).

Soccer10 on Friday, 26 February 2024, C/Over R100 000, Pool Closes at 20h30, Sport 7 and Pool 1, Estimated Pool: R 2 Million.

Soccer1 on Saturday, 27 April 2024, C/Over R5000, Pool Closes at 21h00, Sport 20 and Pool 1, Estimated Pool: R 15 000.

Soccer4 on Saturday, 27 April  2024, ADD-IN R 25 000, Pool Closes at 20h45, Sport 19 and Pool 1, Estimated Pool: R 100 000.

Soccer ANY 13Xtra on Saturday, 27 April 2024, C/Over R 150 000, Pool Closes at 13h30, Sport 13 and Pool 1, Estimated Pool: R 500 000.

RUGBY 8 WIN MARGIN on Saturday, 27 April  2024, C/Over R 59 943. Pool Closes at 14h00 Sport 65