Graeme Hawkins

The R650 000 Kwazulu-Natal Breeders Mile heads the 10-race programme at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday 22 June and the former East Cape star, Cherry Ano, looks set to take home the lion’s share of the purse for Owner-Breeder, Henning Pretorius. Cherry Ano, a 5yo son of Cape Town Noir, has won eight of his twenty five starts, with six of these victories coming over 1600 metres. Cherry Ano has had three starts in KwaZulu Natal since being relocated to the Summerveld-based stable of Wendy Whitehead and his last two starts have been most encouraging.

In his penultimate outing, Cherry Ano finished fourth behind the useful Underworld who has subsequently been supplemented for the Hollywoodbets Durban July after running a very close second in the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial (Gr3). Then a month ago, Cherry Ano took third spot behind multiple Grade 1 winner, Dave The King, and that level of form is surely strong enough to suggest he will prove a tough nut to crack in this 11-strong field.

Based on official handicappers’ ratings the Sean Tarry-trained Dantonfromsandton would appear the biggest threat to Cherry Ano’s supremacy but the 3yo son of Willow Magic has yet to win beyond 1200m and is not guaranteed to see out this trip. He was a remote fourth in the Byerley Turk (Gr3) over 1400m in March following which Dantonfromsandton won a very good race over 1200m when beating the talented Quantum Theory at the Vaal two months ago. Sean Tarry has over the years done remarkably well at the annual KZN Breeders’ Raceday but I fear that Dantonfromsandton’s lack of stamina might well be exposed here. 

Soldier’s Eye is a useful 4yo daughter of Rabada and she represents the Highveld-based stable of Weiho Marwing with reigning national Champion apprentice Kobeli James Lihaba in the saddle. Sporting the colours of Gerald Kalil, Lihaba rode Soldier’s Eye to victory in her most recent outing over 1600m at Turffontein and she could well finish in the money here. Hat’s Pride has been struggling to find his best form and has not won since 29 September 2023. However, Glen Kotzen’s charge showed very useful potential earlier in his career, including when finishing fifth in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas (Gr1) behind Snow Pilot. He is rated 18 pounds lower than Cherry Ano and given that in terms of the conditions of the KZN Breeders’ Mile he only receives 0,5kgs, it is a tall order to expect Hat’s Pride to have a clear winning chance.

A more interesting contender could be the relatively unexposed Legal Counsel from the stable of Champion trainer Justin Snaith. The 3yo son of Legislate has won three of his seven starts and could prove better than his current rating (98) suggests. Legal Counsel will have no problem with the trip and his last run, when second behind Thisiswhatitmeans just three weeks ago, suggests that Snaith has him in very good shape. Saxon Dynasty is another lightly raced 3yo, having only had four starts to date for two wins. By Querari, Saxon Dynasty will be ridden by championship-chasing Gavin Lerena but there is every chance that he will find 1600m very much on the sharp side, with his most recent victory having been recorded over 2200m.

As a 5-time winner African Skyline comes into the race with more than just a glimmer of hope. Trained by Garth Puller, African Skyline won a minor Feature over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in February but on the evidence of his last run in May, he should be safely held by Cherry Ano. Noble City, stable companion to Saxon Dynasty, has been struggling of late but two years back he ran second in this race behind MK’s Pride and then last year was certainly not disgraced when third behind the brilliant Mrs Geriatrix. He could prove a worthy inclusion in Trifecta and Quartet permutations.

Apache Son, Go Grayson Go and Kaygee’s Delight complete the line-up but it would come as something of a surprise if the winner was to emerge from this trio. In summary, Cherry Ano looks to carry too many guns for the opposition and is a confident selection to provide Henning Pretorius’ Summerhill Equestrian Stud with a Champagne-popping victory.

The first race on Sunday, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1400m, is due off at 11:40 and the popular “Win-If-You-Lose” on-course competition will afford 10 Couples the opportunity to win entrance tickets to the 2025 R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday 5 July.

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Royal Ascot (World Pool) and Wetherby – 19 June 2025.

Race 1     

1 PHIL THE FLUTER 2 MYSTIC VISION 5 BLUE QUARTZ 6 BATTLE OFTHE BULGE

Preview: 1 PHIL THE FLUTER is knocking hard and over an ideal trip he is the one to beat.2 MYSTIC VISION has run some fair races and if repeating his last run for the same rider he could be in the shake-up. 5 BLUE QUARTZ is always thereabouts and has a chance in this line-up. 6 BATTLE OFTHE BULGE improved last time and could earn if he confirms the form. (David Thiselton 1-2-5-6)

Race 2     

5 CARTAGENA 6 RAINY SEASON 3 NUCLEAR FORCE 2 FLAG BEARER

Preview: 5 CARTAGENA is a progressive sort who looks likely to enjoy a staying trip and he could claim the hat-trick. 6 RAINY SEASON can go close if repeating his last start.3 NUCLEAR FORCE won last time and off a three point higher mark could be in the shake-up. 2 FLAG BEARER is an honest galloper and if able to overcome a tricky draw under Gavin Lerena he should be right there. (David Thiselton 5-6-3-2)

Race 3     

1 HOTARU 2 EMPRESS WU 3 MISS TAKES 6 CHERICHERILADY

Preview: 1 HOTARU improved to go close last time when stepped up to this distance and looks the one to beat.2 EMPRESS WU has been knocking on the door and should be right there too, although she might prefer 1000m. 3 MISS TAKES drops down in trip and that could be to her benefit, so she could be a contender. 6 CHERICHERILADY has shown some ability and could earn here. (David Thiselton 1-2-3-6)

Race 4     

4 LIKE A PRAYER 5 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT 6 ALONE TIME 7 GOLDEN ASPEN

Preview: 4 LIKE A PRAYER won easily in the maidens last time and off a 71 merit rating could have a chance here. 5 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT is a consistent sort and with Gavin Lerena up he should go close again. 6 ALONE TIME has good pace and is in good form so he should be in the shake-up too. 7 GOLDEN ASPEN is not too consistent but at his best will be in the shake-up here. (David Thiselton 4-5-6-7)

Race 5     

2 GREAT NOTION 3 FLIGHT OF A CONDOR 10 VALIEVA 7 DEZIRE

Preview: 2 GREAT NOTION  is an improving sort who looks to have a fine chance here. 3 FLIGHT OF A CONDOR has plenty of ability and should be right there. 10 VALIEVA is distance suited and has a form chance with Gavin Lerena up being a bonus. 7 DEZIRE won well on debut and starts off handicapping on a reasonable merit rating. (David Thiselton 2-3-10-7)

Race 6     

5 VIBE SA 8 KING OF NUMBERS 10 PAUL REVERE 16 PRINCE OF KILDARE

Preview: 5 VIBE SA has a lot of ability and his previous start on the Highveld can be ignored because he had traffic problems (7:40) so with Gavin Larina up he should be hard to beat. 8 KING OF NUMBERS is knocking on the door and should be right there over a drop in trip that he won’t mind. 10 PAUL REVERE is an up-and-coming sort and he should be in the shake-up over a suitable distance.16 PRINCE OF KILDARE has gone close in his last two over sprints and should be right there under S’Manga Khumalo. (David Thiselton 5-8-10-16)

Race 7     

7 STORM AHEAD 4 ART NOUVEAU 1 MOLOTOV COCKTAIL 2 CHABAL

Preview: 7 STORM AHEAD has a good draw and with S’Manga Khumalo up should go close. 4 ART NOUVEAU won well last time out when stepped up to 1,700 metres and starts off handicapping on a reasonable merit rating, so could be in the shake-up.1 MOLOTOV COCKTAIL won well second time out and also starts off on a reasonable merit rating and with Gavin Lerena up can go close if able to overcome a tricky draw. 2 CHABAL went close last time over a middle distance and a repeat of that effort will see him in the shake-up. (David Thiselton 7-4-1-2)

Race 8     

12 INSTANT ATTRACTION 1 FREE IN SEATTLE 5 WAGRAM

Prevew: 12 INSTANT ATTRACTION is in good form and could have a chance if able to overcome a wide draw. is in fine form and off a four point higher mark he can be in the shake-up again from a good draw.1 FREE IN SEATTLE is a consistent sort and although a four point raise for her last win is quite tough she could earn again in this line up. 5 WAGRAM has the form to be a contender here but does have a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 12-1-5) 

Race 9     

9 CALIDA 13 LIBECCIO 15 WALLED GARDEN 6 AFTER HOURS

Preview: 9 CALIDA  has a fine form chance here and is the one to beat. 13 LIBECCIO can go close if repeating either of his last two starts. 15 WALLED GARDEN made a decent comeback after a long layoff and if confirming the form could be in the shake-up. 6 AFTER HOURS is a consistent sort and could be right there again. (David Thiselton 9-13-15-6)

David Thiselton

The Vaal has an eight race meeting today and in the races down the straight the low draws should be advantageous by trends with the outside rail in by 12m, although at the last meeting on this course, when the outside rail was in by a lesser amount, the high draws turned out to be advantageous, so it is not a given. 

The highest rated race of the day is a MR82 handicap over 1200m and if the high draws do not turn out to be disadvantageous then Vibe SA will be hard to beat. His last Highveld start can be ignored as he had traffic problems and Gavin Lerena is now aboard, so that will give him every chance. His last run was in KZN and he was not disgraced in the 1200m race around the turn at Hollywoodbets Greyville. King of Numbers is drawn number one, which will be an advantage by trends, and he will be ridden by the ever improving Malesela Katjedi. This hard-knocking sort lost by only a neck last time over 1400m and drops down to 1200m for the first time in quite a long time, but he has good 1200m form.  Paul Revere is an up and coming sort, who should be suited to this distance and he has a fair draw of six under the promising Kobeli Lihaba. Prince of Kildare has the in-form S’Manga Khumalo aboard from a nice low draw and he should be thereabouts as he has been in consistently good form for his last three runs. It’s personal runs from a middle draw and on form could earn another cheque.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Like A Prayer won a workrider’s maiden in easy fashion last time and off a reasonable 71 merit rating could follow up under Muzi Yeni from a middle draw. Captain Efficient is an ultra-consistent sort and with Gavin Lerena up from a draw which is just on the high side of middle she could be in the shake-up. Alone time has good pace and might be hard to catch if the low draws do turn out to be advantageous. Golden Aspen has dropped down to a competitive mark and might be ready to put his lacklustre recent form behind him. Nazare is drawn one, and after a good win last time could be in the shake-up off a three-point higher mark. 

In the fifth race over 1200m Great Notion is a progressive sort, who makes plenty of appeal. Callan Murray should be able to negotiate a draw of 11 out of 19. Flight Of The Condor has a very high draw, but looks to have plenty of ability. Valieva has Gavin Lerena albeit from a high draw, but she does have the form to be a contender. Dezire won well first time out, but is another one with a high draw in this tricky contest.  Alabama Anna is drawn number one and this might allow her to bounce back to form off an attractive merit rating. 

In the seventh race over 1800m Storm Ahead is in hard-knocking form and under in-form S’Manga Khumalo is the one to beat. Art Nouveau won nicely over 1700m last time and off just a two-point higher mark could be in the shake-up from a plum draw. Molotov Cocktail won well second time out when stepped up to 1600m and this well-bred sort by Danon Platina out of Nother Russia should relish the step-up in trip.  Chabal did well last time when stepped up to a middle distance for the first time,  so has a good chance here from a fair draw of six. Future Wolff is an honest sort who can be in the shake-up here if able to overcome a tricky draw of ten. 

In the eighth race, over 1800m Instant Attraction has done well in two starts since winning her maiden and she has a fair draw here, although her one-and-a-half-kilogram claiming rider rides 1kg overweight.  Free in Seattle is an ultra-consistent sort and after a win last time over 2000m she has a plum draw and a four-point higher merit rating, so it will be tough, but she could earn again. Wagram is a progressive sort who ran well when stepped up to a middle distance for the first time and she could be in the shake-up if able to overcome a tricky draw. Sneak Preview has the form to be a contender here. Elembee has Piere Strydom up and could earn. One Religion can’t be ignored, but will have to overcome a wide draw. 

In the ninth race, over 1500m​ Calida has a fine form chance and is the one to beat  from a low draw, which will be advantageous by trends. Libeccio has the form to contest this, but does have a tricky draw of 11 by trends. Walled Garden was not disgraced last time after a layoff of about a year and could come on from that run. After Hours is an honest old warrior and could earn again.  Unsolved Riddle has Strydom up and is capable of better than last time, but does have a high draw.

In the first leg of the PA, over 1200m, Hotaru ran well last time over this course and distance in her first start for the Klaasen Yard and can go one better if able to overcome a tricky draw. Empress Wu is knocking on the door and from a nice low draw and an in-form S’Manga Khumalo up should go close. Miss Takes has the ability to be in the first three, but does have a tricky draw of nine by trends.

In the first leg of the Bipot, Cartanega is a progressive sort who looks likely to enjoy a staying trip and she could claim a hat-trick. Rainy Season and Nuclear Force look to be the main dangers.  

In the first race Phil the Fluter is knocking hard and over an ideal trip is the one to beat. Mystic Vision looks to be the main danger.

Andrew Harrison

It was a day of contrasting finishes at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday, some horses winning by a street, others battling tight finishes.

Ziyan’s Pride enjoyed the step up in trip as MJ Odendaal’s colt powered home in the first under Marco van Rensburg with the balance of the field well beaten.

Nautical Landing was not for the catching in the second. Tristan Godden bounced Mike Miller’s filly out from her ten draw and took no prisoners. Leading from the jump, she quickened smartly at the top of the straight and was not for the catching.

Silver Platter finally got his consistency rewarded in the third. Serino Moodley took the big-striding gelding to the front and made a winning move at the top of the straight to easily hold off a late-charging Limelight Legend.

Silver Platter was the first of two winners for owner Sabine Plattner and trainer Andre Nel, who was on course to lead in Silver Platter but gave all credit to his Summerveld assistant Byron Forster and his team.

Plum Pudding and Serino Moodley had to work a little harder in the fourth for Nel and Plattner as she only got into top gear over the final furlong to touch off Sign Of Fate and Plum Pudding’s stable companion Spring Kiss.

It was a Garth Puller one-two in the fifth as Queue Wing as apprentice Mxolisi Mbuto made good use of his 4kg claim to pinch and lead and hold off a fast-finishing stable companion Imperial Power to deny Moodley a quick treble.

Malcolm’s Dream has hardly ever run a bad race for Mark Dixon and the Carlise family who bred the mare at their Kinmount Stud in the KZN Midlands. Named in memory of their good friend Malcolm Phillips, Malcolm’s Dream notched up the seventh win of her career when scoring convincingly on the poly.

Cole Dicken seems to get the best out of her and back in the saddle yesterday, Malcolm’s Dream responded with a sustained finish and was never for the catching.

It was a battle of the apprentices in the eighth, a Class 5 over 1400m, as Damyan Pillay got the best out of Darryl Moore’s gelding Danube to edge out Send Me to deny Mxolisi Mbuto a double. Ironically Mbuto was aboard Danube at his last start.

It was Pillay’s first win back after fracturing his hip in a fall at Summerveld that set him back six months. Serious injuries quite often have an adverse effect on a young riders confidence but Pillay appears up to making a confident comeback.

MJ Odendaal landed a double as Thisiswhatitmeans made it three on the bounce for Sean Veale and Hollywood Racing in the eighth. Racing well back in the early exchanges as Twenty One May and Good Traveller set solid early fractions, when it came to the sharp end of the race, Thisiswhatitmeans finished best of all as he reeled in the pacemakers to win going away with Good Traveller edging Twenty One May for the shallow end of the purse.

The win by Thisiswhatitmeans added to the form of Good Council who lines up in the KZN Breeders Mile at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.

Former jockey Piet Botha doesn’t look a day older than when he was a jockey back in the eighties of the last millennium. Taking on the best during Champions Season for the first time will have been a learning curve for the future but Papillon Blu certainly paid her way as she racked up her second win, first race out of the maidens, to round off the meeting. One never knows if Andrew Fortune is sitting with a ton in hand or an empty gas tank such is the way he rides. This tank was full crossing the subway and Papillon Blu floated home on gossamer wings.