David Thiselton

The Listed Swallow Stakes over 1200m is the main race at the Vaal straight course meeting today.

One Fine Winter has class and speed and is a reliable sort. In her last five races she has only been beaten in respective Gr 1s over 1200m  and 1600m and by the Equus Champion filly Golden Palm in the Gr 2 SA Fillies Nursery. In her last start, she beat the boys in a Graduation Plate, despite returning from a layoff of over four months. She does have to carry a 2kg penalty in the Betway Swallow Stakes, but she should be up to it. The chief danger could be Anchorage who is quick and has class. She would certainly have finished better than third last time had she not attempted to savage the winner close to home. Hopefully her quirks will not hamper her run this time. The unbeaten Rifle Queen has impressed in both starts and returns from a five month layoff. It would be no surprise if she won the race as the Peter yard have them fit coming back from layoffs. Elegantrix has been disappointing considered that at one stage she looked to have a lot of class. She will have to bounce back if she is to win this race. Calantha beat Elegantrix by half-a-length last time but is now 2kg worse off.  Malibu has talent but was well beaten by Calantha the last time they met.

The second is an intriguing Graduation Plate over 1200m. Umzingeli Wenyathi won on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly on Wednesday having shown decent form in Cape Town, so can be a contender if lining up here as he looks capable of riding above his merit rating. The Last Duke is also a three-year-old who looks to have the ability to rise higher in the merit ratings. Chapbook is 1,5kg under sufferance with the two best weighted horses and made a good Highveld debut. Zalatoris is the joint best weighted but has been a touch disappointing. Kaalvoet is the other best weighted but is held by Chapbook on their last meeting.

In the first leg of the P6 over 1700m Buddy Boy improved last time and went close and with a repeat he is the one to beat. Zip Code finished strongly over 1475 meters in his penultimate start to make the frame but he is none too reliable and this longer trip is not certain to suit. Guerrilla Warfare has run two fine races in his last two starts, but those were both from good draws and he now has a wide draw. Force Publique gave the impression he would see out this trip in his last start over 1500m and if he does do so he should be in the shake up. Robert Browning can never be ignored, especially if he is able to get to the front and dictate.

In the fifth race over 2000m Crepuscolo ran a fine race last time to win and can handle a four point increase considering he sneaks into the handicap here with the minimum weight. Bellerophon has come down in the merit ratings slightly and has a 1,5kg claimer up, so can be competitive. Repetition went close over this trip last time, but does have a three point raise to contend with. Real Stunner s 1,5kg better off with Repetition for a 1,30 length beating. Gavin Lerena rides Romeo’s Magic and has a chance from a good draw on his home course.

The sixth over 1400m is a tricky race, but Commander Of All could be the one to side with over a step down in trip, because if bouncing back he has the ability to go close and this is his home course. Bloomington also has enough ability to be a threat and has the advantage of in-form Rachel Venniker’s 1,5kg gender claim. Carnelo is distance suited and can be in the shake up if repeating either of his last two starts. Golden Aspen has been enjoying running off his current merit rating and can be right there again. Northern Kitten can be in the shake up if repeating his last start.

In the eighth over 1000m Xenophon and Vanakkam will both enjoy the trip and both look to have plenty of upside. Plus Four won well when stepped down to this trip last time and Rafa Bay is 1kg better off with Plus Four for a 0,25kg beating if claims are ignored, so should be right there too. Kia Kaha is capable of being in the shake up if reproducing her best.

In the ninth over 1200m Play With The Eind looks to have plenty of ability and scope for improvement and can beat Captain Selvie and  Maverick Queen both of whom look to be capable of rising to higher merit ratings.

In the third race over 1700m Taegan’s Champ should take care of this field if producing his best. Hotarubi is the best weighted but is quirky and unreliable.

In the first over 1000m Catfish can come on from his decent debut and can confirm the form with Buffalo King Cody.

In the tenth race over 1200m Tiger Storm can beat Hathighwaytothesky.

RACE 1

2 CATFISH 1 BUFFALO KING CODY 6 FLOWER ISLAND 5 SHERLOCK HOLMES

Preview: 2 CATFISH made a good debut behind a top class prospect and should improve. 1 BUFFALO KING CODY was narrowly beaten by Catfish but that was his second run. 6 FLOWER ISLAND is by Rafeef out of Gr 1 SA Fillies Classic winner Orchid Island (Silvano). 5 SHERLOCK HOLMES is by What A Winter out of a twice-winning Black Minnaloushe mare. (David Thiselton 2-1-6-5)

RACE 2

6 UMZINGELI WENYATHI 3 THE LAST DUKE 2 CHAPBOOK 1 ZALATORIS

Preview: 6 UMZINGELI WENYATHI has good Cape Town form and looks the one to beat. 3 THE LAST DUKE is in fine form and should go close. 2 CHAPBOOK has a good win first time out on the Highveld and should be right there. 1 ZALATORIS won a Gr 2 over 1200m as a juvenile but has been a touch disappointing this season although the step back in trip should help. (David Thiselton 6-3-2-1)

RACE 3

1 TAEGAN’S CHAMP 2 HOTARUBI 3 BRISTOL HERCULES 6 MY LUCKY CHARM

Preview: 1 TAEGAN’S CHAMP disappointed last time but his previous two races suggest he has a fine chance here. 2 HOTARUBI has some class and is best in at the weights but is enigmatic and continually disappoints. 3 BRISTOL HERCULES has talent and could be in the shake up in this lne up. 6 MY LUCKY CHARM has some ability and still has scope for improvement (David Thiselton 1-2-3-6)

RACE 4

7 BUDDY BOY 6 ZIP CODE 8 GUERILLA WARFARE 9 FORCE PUBLIQUE

Preview: 7 BUDDY BOY went close last time and is the one to beat with a repeat. 6 ZIP CODE finished strongly for a place last time over shorter but should stay this trip from a good draw. 8 GUERILLA WARFARE has run two fine races in last two from good draws and now has a wide draw. 9 FORCE PUBLIQUE should be in the shake up if reproducing his last run over 1500m where he gave the impression he would see this out. (David Thiselton 7-6-8-9)

RACE 5

10 CREPUSCOLO 4 BELLEROPHON 3 REPETITION 2 REAL STUNNER

Preview: 10 CREPUSCOLO ran a fine race last time to win and can handle a four point increase considering he sneaks into the handicap here with the minimum weight. 4 BELLEROPHON has come down in the merit ratings slightly and has a 1,5kg claimer up, so can be competitive here. 3 REPETITION went close over this trip last time but does have a three point raise to contend with. 2 REAL STUNNER is 1,5kg better off with Repetition for a 1,30 length beating. (David Thiselton 10-4-3-2)

RACE 6

8 COMMANDER OF ALL 1 BLOOMINGTON 5 CARNELO 6 GOLDEN ASPEN

Preview: 8 COMMANDER OF ALL is capable of better than recent and doesn’t face an inspiring bunch over a step down in trip which should suit. 1 BLOOMINGTON can never be discounted in this sort of field especially with in form Venniker on who has the advantage of a 1,5kg claim. 5 CARNELO is distance suited and can be in the shake up if repeating either of his last two starts. 6 GOLDEN ASPEN has been thereabouts off her current mark and can be again. (David Thiselton 8-1-5-6)

RACE 7

1 ONE FINE WINTER 3 ANCHORAGE 4 RIFLE QUEEN 2 ELEGANTRIX

Preview: 1 ONE FINE WINTER won in fine style last time and is a reliable sort. 3 ANCHORAGE would have got closer last time if she had not tried to bite the winner so is a contender if behaving. 4 RIFLE QUEEN has impressed in both starts and this unbeaten filly returns from a five month layoff. 2 ELEGANTRIX has class and this might well be her best trip. (David Thiselton1-3-4-2)

RACE 8

4 XENOPHON 5 VANAKKAM 3 PLUS FOUR 2 RAFA BAY

Preview: 4 XENOPHON is talented and could get it right here. 5 VANAKKAM is on the up and should go close. 3 PLUS FOUR won well last time and has a chance with a repeat. 2 RAFA BAY is in good form and has a chance. (David Thiselton 4-5-3-2)

RACE 9

10 PLAY WITH THE WIND 7 CAPTAIN SELVIE 4 MAVERICK QUEEN 8 QUIET WINTER

Preview: 10 PLAY WITH THE WIND looks to have plenty of ability and now has Lerena up so should go close. 7 CAPTAIN SELVIE has been reliable to date and can still improve. 4 MAVERICK QUEEN ran cracker last time over course and distance, beating Play With The Wind, and should be in the shake up. 8 QUIET WINTER has the form to earn here. (David Thiselton 10-7-4-8)

RACE 10

5 TIGER STORM 1 HATHIGHWAYTOTHESKY 8 UNIVERSAL GIRL 9 TIME FOR CHARITY

Preview: 5 TIGER STORM has a form chance for an in form yard. 1 HATHIGHWAYTOTHESKY comes form some decent formlines and has a chance. 8 UNIVERSAL GIRL returns to the trip of her maiden win and can earn. 9 TIME FOR CHARITY can earn in this line up if reproducing best. (5-1-8-9)

Alistair Cohen

A rare twilight meeting will be held in Cape Town today at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. The late-afternoon vibe should allow for some excitement amongst racegoers just a week after the cream of the crop went around on L’Ormarins Kings Plate Day.

My Only Weakness is regally-bred. She is a half-sister to Grade 1 winning or placed fillies. Bless My Stars and Let’s Go Now are her siblings. She has showed signs of a return to form for a while before taking a backwards step. She comes from perhaps the most in-form yard in Cape Town, Adam Marcus. If she decides to bring her best, she could make this opposition look ordinary but it has been a while since she has been reliable and strung together some consistent performances. Keep an eye on her. She can threaten Carriacou.

In A Timely Manner and Primal Instinct have promised a lot but delivered little. They both have awkward draws to overcome but they could be dangerous and they are both horses to keep in mind. With luck in running, they could get into the action. Both are trained by Justin Snaith and both could use the confidence boost of a smart run.

Cardinal Point caught the eye on debut when doing best work late to finish 1,6 lengths behind Rockanrollin over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. There is any amount of progress to come and from a kind draw of No 4, he has every chance to exit the maidens in race 1 over 1250m.

Meet The King has had his fair share of chances and he has flattered to deceive. He might have found his best opportunity in race 2 over 1400m. His last run might look like his worst when he finished ninth, nearly five lengths behind Foudre. The form has produced a few winners with Give It Laldy, Gale Warning and Foudre himself becoming subsequent winners. There are also a few in and around the places from that run. Andrew Fortune is aboard for Justin Snaith.

Gqeberha ran a pleasing debut on Christmas Eve when finishing second behind Malibu Blitz. Friendless in the market, she drifted from 33/10 to 25/1 but she acquitted herself nicely to finish 1,75 lengths behind over 1200m. She tries an extra 200m which she is bred for being by Twice Over and she does not face the strongest field. She should take all the beating in race 3. Iona Castle is taken seriously for her consistency but she is an exposed maiden with a rough draw to overcome. If Gqeberha ran a fluke race on debut, Iona Castle could get it right.

The last progeny of the great Captain Al in circulation, All About Al could get it right in race 4 over 1000m. He loves it around Hollywoodbets Durbanville with a string of places. Craig Zackey takes the ride for Adam Marcus and both are in terrific form. Recent near misses to Demanding Dave, The Us Of A, Gold Giboski, Sardinia Bay and Palace Gift. He should get a due reward for consistency.

Hunga Tonga has reasonable form and she must be included in race 5 over 1600m. The imposing Ricky Maingard-filly was off colour in her last run when she failed to fire up behind the progressive Girl Magic but her penultimate run makes a ton of appeal. She finished second, 2,25 lengths behind subsequent two-time Grade 1 placegetter Reet Petite. That run came over this trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Andrew Fortune believes this girl has more to come so she could scoop her third career victory.

Money Extractor ran a close-up second in her last run behind Astronomical Boy a month ago over 1400m. She has been on an upward trajectory in this lowly level of competition and she seems like a win is just around the corner. She was a short head away last time. She has every chance of going a place better when she runs in race 6 over 1600m under Grant van Niekerk.

RACE 1

1 BIG DEAL must have a good winning chance in this field, he has run two excellent races in succession, he should be able to get the run of the race from a neat barrier draw, on his best form, he will be right there in the finish. 5 BEHAVE HARRIS ran third in the same race as Big Deal on the 21st of December behind Influence, the yard is in great form at the moment, if this gelding brings his last two runs to the track on Saturday, he will be hard to beat. 9 RED WAVE never runs a bad race, he is very consistent, if he gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, he will be competitive. 4 CARDINAL POINT caught the eye on debut when staying on well for fourth behind Rockanrollin, with natural improvement expected from this gelding, he will go close. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 5 – 9 – 4)

RACE 2

1 VOLEGOV ran a nice race for fourth behind Influence on the 21st of December, he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, from a neat draw, he must have a big winning chance in this open maiden event. 5 PRINCE OF EGYPT has been rested and gelded, he stayed on well for fourth behind Objet D’Art on the 8th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, on his best form, he can definitely trouble them in the finish. 8 MEET THE KING is much better than his most recent start, ignore that run completely, now that he is back at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he can improve, watch him closely at a fair price. 11 BLIZZARDBOY was beaten just over two lengths by Backinthefastlane on the 4th of January, unfortunately the wide draw here will make it tough for him, if he gets some luck in running, he should be able to sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 5 – 8 – 11)

RACE 3

4 SOUTH OF FRANCE will take lots of beating, she ran a great race for third behind Silver Salute on the 24th of December, the drop in trip to 1400m is key for this filly, and the blinkers have been fitted, she will be hard to beat from a good draw. 10 GQEBERHA ran a cracker on debut, she finished second behind Malibu Blitz on the 24th of December, the wide draw will make life difficult for her, but she will love the step up in trip, include her into all bets. 12 IONA CASTLE never runs a bad race, she is very consistent, if she gets some luck in running from a poor draw, she will be mighty competitive. 11 RED TAFFETY will need to improve on her last performance, she was beaten just under seven lengths by Kubu on the 17th of December, if she brings her run on the 10th of November to the races on Saturday, she could sneak into the places at a nice price. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 10 – 12 – 11)

RACE 4

1 KELP FOREST quickened up beautifully to win a good race on the 10th of January, he was given three points for that win, if this race hasn’t come too soon for him, he can definitely win again from a good draw. 6 ALL ABOUT AL stayed on well for third behind Palace Gift on the 24th of December, he is consistent and he tries hard, he will be right there in the finish again. 2 SOOTY is much better than his recent form, even though he wants a bit further than 1000m, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be running on powerfully late, watch him at a big price. 3 FLYING SOUTH finished just over three lengths behind True Horizon on the 4th of January, she won her maiden here at Hollywoodbets Durbanville beating a nice filly (Kattekwaadkwadraad) on the 18th of October, she is speedy, and she has a good draw, she might be able to get into the places with jockey Muzi Yeni. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 6 – 2 – 3)

RACE 5

2 HUNGA TONGA finished just over four lengths behind Girl Magic on the 17th of December, she will get every chance in running from a neat draw, jockey Andrew Fortune knows this filly well, on her best form, she can win a race like this. 5 KUBU won her maiden well on the 17th of December, she quickened away from her field impressively, she can only improve with more racing, include her into all bets. 6 BOOZY SUSIE stayed on well for second behind Diamond Bomber on the 17th of December, she is a young filly that is still improving, there is no doubt that she has a winning chance in this field, her form is good. 4 HAMPSTEAD HEATH is better than her recent start behind Girl Magic, she has dropped even further in the ratings, if she brings her best form to the track on Saturday, she can win. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 5 – 6 – 4)

RACE 6

5 GIN PALACE won her maiden in great fashion on the 26th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, she looks like the type that will keep improving with every start, jockey Andrew Fortune gets the ride on this well-bred filly on Saturday, she must have a big winning chance again. 7 SILVER SALUTE quickened up strongly to win a beautiful race on the 24th of December, she loved the step up in trip on that occasion, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be powering home late, include her into all bets. 1 LADY LOOK ALIKE ran a fair race for fourth behind True Horizon on the 4th of January, she will be cherry ripe for this race on Saturday, from a neat draw, she could be the value. 3 MONEY EXTRACTOR stayed on well for second behind Astronomical Boy on the 17th of December, if she can build on that performance, she will have a strong place chance. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 7 – 1 – 3)

RACE 7

8 DEVIL A SAINT won a good race on the 24th of December, he was given three points for that win, he is in great form at the moment, if he gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, he can definitely win again. 5 CARRIACOU is much better than his recent run, he absolutely loves the 1400m trip, he will be doing some good work late, watch him closely. 11 IN A TIMELY MANNER stayed on well for second behind Ignite The Fire on the 3rd of December, the wide draw in this race won’t make it easy for him, if he gets some luck early, he will be competitive. 3 SOMMERSTERN won impressively on the 3rd of December, he could be anything, he quickens well and he looks progressive, he can win again from a good draw. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 5 – 11 – 3)

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