David Thiselton

 

Saturday’s racing at Turffontein Standside saw an amazing victory by Miami Mountain in the Gr 3 TAB National Currency Sprint over 1100m as nobody would have given him much chance before the halfway mark of the contest.

 

In other big racing news the world’s best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, made history at Sha Tin in Hong Kong when bettering the legendary Silent Witness’s sequence of 17 successive wins by easily winning the Gr 1 The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup over 1400m to make it eighteen wins in a row.

 

Both of the features on the day at Turffontein Standside proved that the course’s perceived bias towards the higher drawn horses appears to have now been ironed out as both winners made their runs on the inside of the field and both came from low draws.

 

In the National Currency Sprint the Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained Hollywood Racing-owned Canford Cliffs colt Miami Mountain was drawn one out of 12 with Jeffery Syster retaining the ride.

 

The race is for three-year-olds and has merit-rated band conditions with a benchmark of 60kg equalling a 110 rating and more, and there was a spread of five points for every 2kgs below that i.e. 58kg = 105 to 109, 56kg = 100 to 104 etc.

 

Miami Mountain was near the top of the 95 to 99 band off a 98 merit rating, but carrying 54kg made him officially 1kg under sufferance with the favourite Wild Justice, a Gareth van Zyl-trained KZN raider, who had been impressive in compiling a record of four wins from five starts.

 

Miami Mountain was wearing blinkers for the first time and started at 25/2 odds as Wild Justice shortened from 33/10 into 18/10 as the two other initial market leaders Zalatoris and One Fine Winter drifted out from 7/2 to 7/1 and 6/1 to 8/1 respectively.

 

Miami Mountain did not get the best of breaks and was soon tailed off by  few lengths in last place, although in his favour was that there was a blistering pace up front being set by Vanakkam.

 

By the 500m mark Miami Mountain had overtaken One Fine Winter, whose rider felt something amiss, but he was still probably about eight lengths off the pace and about five lengths behind Wild Justice, who was moving in well on the outside.

 

As the horses up front wilted as a result of the fast pace, Miami Mountain’s resolute finish with a nice big action saw him suddenly appearing as a big contender right on the inside.

 

Wild Justice was under pressure to keep going and he could not keep Miami Mountain at bay.

 

Miami Mountain won by 0,80 lengths from Wild Justice with Pop Chart third, beaten 1,40 lengths.

 

The Louis Goosen-trained KZN raider Blazing Fury stayed on well from a handy position for a two length fourth and in fifth place was the Last Duke, with topweight Charming Cheetah just behind him.

 

If there was sectional timing on the race, Syster would have been shown to have ridden a fine race as most of the rest of the field went too fast, including Wild Justice, whose second place finish might just have been earned in the end by him stopping less than the other prominent runners.

 

Miami Mountain is interestingly out of the first ever Gr 1 winner that prolific Durban-based owner Nick Jonsson ever owned, the Gr 1 Allan Robertson-winning Captain Al filly Miss Florida.

 

He was a R275,000 purchase and should win more races.

 

Considering he was 1kg under sufferance with the 104-rated Wild Justice, who looks to be the likely line horse, Miami Mountain looks set to be raised to a merit rating of 102.

 

In the Non-Black Type Bidvest Bauhinia Stakes over 1000m, the Sean Tarry-trained Green Diamond was not the only Highveld horse who did not seem to enjoy Cape Town this Summer as both her runs were way below par.

 

However, she bounced back with a fine win on Saturday.

 

She sat behind the seven horse field after Craig Zackey had taken a hold after jumping from draw three and dropped her out.

 

The seven-horse field congregated towards the outside and Zackey had to ease her slightly and switch her inward for a run, but she then found a strong finish to beat the number one draw Poblano by 1,80 lengths with a yawning 2,90 lengths back to third-placed Chasing Happiness, who was the 60kg topweight.

 

The race was also a merit rated band race with a benchmark of 118 = 62kg and more, with each 2kg decrease from there having a five point spread.

 

Green Diamond, a three-year-old Drakenstein Stud-bred homebred daughter of Gimmethgreenlight, carried 54,5 off her 105 rating and started at odds of 6/1.

 

The disappointment of the race was the 91/100 favourite Rifle Queen, who was prominent from a standside draw before fading tamely to finish last.

 

In Hong Kong on Sunday Ka Ying Rising got his usual good break in the Gr 1 over 1400m and sat in second place traveling comfortably throughout. Zac Purton switched him on to the quarters of the leader before the final turn and there was the familiar sight of him moving up under the hands as he passed the statue of Silent Witness, which is situated at a point on the public forecourt that is adjacent to the top of the straight. He then powered clear and won effortlessly by 3,50 lengths, exactly 7,629 days after Silent Witness had recorded his 17^th successive triumph.

Andrew Harrison

The so-called ‘off season’ generally gives the lessor lights a chance to earn their keep but at the same time the majority of the runners are close in the handicap, with very little separating most of the field. An example was at Hollywoobets Scottsville last Wednesday with most of the results separated by a few short-heads.

Punters face a similar card on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville today with the majority of races likely to result in tight finishes.

That said, MJ Odendaal has a smart gelding in Thisiswhatitmeanstome in the Middles Stakes that heads the nine-race card.

Thisiswhatitmeanstome has taken to the poly and is unbeaten in his last four on the surface. He got a further five-point raise in the handicap for his last win and has to shoulder the ‘grandstand’ but he has carried big weights at his last two so could stretch his winning streak to five. Gareth van Zyl saddles Good Traveller who has an iron constitution and lines up for the 52^nd time. He comes off a pair of victories on the poly and has crept up the handicap but still looks competitive off his new mark. Red Bomber has had one promising outing for his new stable and now takes to the poly while Tony Peter’s runner Gimmethegoodlife has consistent Highveld form and the switch to the poly could be what he’s looking for.

Peter could have a quick double with Hathighwaytothesky in the eighth. The filly has earned in four of her five starts that includes two wins. If she takes to the poly she should put in a big effort. Biggest threat could come from Wengi Masawi’s Tladi Mothwana who surprised on debut and then showed up well first run in a handicap on the poly. This is only her third start and she does look progressive. She’s A Machine has been trying further of late and has been in good form. In this small field the drop in trip could be in her favour. Poursomesugaronme is always dangerous and is back over course and distance where she won two runs back.

In the card opener, Saudi Sweep is overdue her maiden win and has only been out of the money three times in 14 outings. She goes well on the poly and if this trip is not too short, she should make a bold bid. Lou Lou was a well-beaten second last run over course and distance but meets some modest opposition and should be in the shake-up.

The first leg of the Bi-Pot sees a competitive maiden field. Blue Steel will be a contender after making a smart local debut over the distance. He takes to the poly for the first time. Xiphos has been costly to follow as he tends to lack extra when challenged but he comes back after a short break and goes well on the poly. Owner Of Creation is a struggling maiden but has some decent recent form and could finally get it right. Brigette Anne has been scratched.

In the first leg of the PA Lilting Song disappointed last run in the Cape but had some useful form before that. She goes well this trip and should make a bold bid in this field. She may be one of the better bets on a competitive card. Praise De Le Ray has drawn wide but has been running well of late and should put in a good effort

The start of the Pick 6 is a competitive handicap. Garth Puller’s charge Kumemori has started at long odds at his last two but has been narrowly beaten in both. The removal of blinkers appears to have done the trick and he should be competitive. Fair Advantage has a tricky draw to contend with but goes well on the poly and has been knocking on the door for some time now while El Rey Viene has the best of the draw and has been close up in all of his recent outings. Sean Veale will have had the choice of three runners in the race.

In the fifth, Saint Brigid makes her poly debut but has shown good form since her arrival from the Cape. She seems better than her last run but that form has worked out. Distance suited and if she takes to the poly she could be the horse to beat. La Maddalena was a beaten favourite last start on the turf but she showed up well at her previous outing on the poly. She meets weaker here and can make amends. Izibulo got a hefty seven-point raise in the handicap for her last win but she is in good form and enjoys the poly while Peggy Sue Shake jumped from a 58 to a 70 rating after her Open Maiden win and has come on with blinkers.

The sixth is another competitive handicap but Imperial Power is holding form well and loves the poly. The apprentice is replaced by Keagan de Melo which could make all the difference. Chill In The Air takes to the poly and tried much further last time out but has a handy weight. Isivivane is relatively lightly raced and has been in good form on the poly and showed up well behind the smart King Pelles last time out. Sundance Kid has come to hand since his switch to the poly and with a claiming apprentice up he must also have a strong chance.

Acacia’s Blossom can round off the day. Louis Goosen’s mare is always dangerous and has shown some recent improvement over course and distance. Jazz Diva made no show back on soft turf last time out. She showed up well in two poly runs over course and distance prior to that and both from tricky draws. She has a better gate now and should feature. Scarlet Starlet got home narrowly in the soft on debut but does look capable of improving. Darryl Moore had a double at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last Wednesday and he saddles Queen Fenn who is quick and showed up well in her handicap debut. There should be little between her and Jazz Diva on their last meeting.

Race 1

6 SAUDI SWEEP   1 LOU LOU   2 ROY’S BLOSSOM

Summary: SAUDI SWEEP (6) is over due her maiden win and has only been out of the money three times in 14 outings. She goes well on the poly and if this trip is not too short she should make a bold bid. LOU LOU (1) was a well-beaten second last run over course and distance but meets some modest opposition and should be in the shake-up. ROY’S BLOSSOM (2) showed some improvement in first time blinkers but does look held by Lou Lou on their last meeting. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-2).

Race 2

3 BLUE STEEL  6 OWNER OF CREATION 2 XIPHOS

Summary: BLUE STEEL (3) will be a contender after making a smart local debut over the distance. He takes to the poly for the first time and has to give lumps of weight to the filly. XIPHOS (2) has been costly to follow as he tends to lack extra when challenged. He comes back after a short break and goes well on the poly. OWNER OF CREATION (6) is a struggling maiden but has some decent recent form. He could finally get it right. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-5).

Race 3

2 LILTING SONG   10 PRAISE DE LA REY   8 CALI BULLET

Summary: LILTING SONG (2) disappointed last run in the Cape but had some useful form before that. She goes this trip well and should make a bold bid in this field. PRAISE DE LA REY (10) has drawn wide but has been running well of late and should put in a good effort. CALI BULLET (8) is lightly raced and was a beaten favourite last run. She has gone well over course and distance and if putting in her best she has a definite chance. (Andrew Harrison: 2-10-8).

Race 4

8 KUMEMORI   11 FAIR ADVANTAGE   1 EL REY VIENE   3 RECORD HIGH

Summary: KUMEMORI (8) has started at long odds at his last two but has been narrowly beaten in both. The removal of blinkers appear to have done the trick and he should be competitive. FAIR ADVANTAGE (11) has a tricky draw to contend with but goes well on the poly and has been knocking on the door for some time now. EL REY VIENE (1) has the best of the draw and has been close up in all of his recent outings. Sean Veale will have had the choice of three runners in the race. RECORD HIGH (4) was beaten by the progressive Salani Kahle last time out after a smart previous effort from a difficult draw. (Andrew Harrison: 8-11-1-3).

Race 5

9 SAINT BRIGID   8 LA MADDALENA   5 IZIBULO   3 PEGGY SUE SHAKE

Summary: Wide open. SAINT BRIGID (9) makes her poly debut but has shown good form since her arrival from the Cape. She seems better than her last run but that form has worked out. Distance suited and if she takes to the poly she could be the horse to beat. LA MADDALENA (8) was a beaten favourite last start on the turf but she showed up well at her previous outing on the poly. She meets weaker her and can make amends. IZIBULO (5) got a hefty seven-point raise in the handicap for her last win but she is in good form and enjoys the poly. PEGGY SUE SHAKE (3) jumped from a 58 to a 70 rating after her Open Maiden win and has come on with blinkers.  She could follow up. (Andrew Harrison: 9-8-5-3).

Race 6

3 IMPERIAL POWER   4 CHILL IN THE AIR   8 SUNDANCE KID   5 ISIVIVANE

Summary: Competitive handicap. IMPERIAL POWER (3) is holding form well and loves the poly. The apprentice is replaced by Keagan de Melo which could make all the difference. CHILL IN THE AIR (4) takes to the poly and tried much further last time out. He has a handy weight. ISIVIVANE (5) is relatively lightly raced and has been in good form on the poly and showed up well behind the smart King Pelles last time out. SUNDANCE KID        (8) has come to hand since his switch to the poly and with a claiming apprentice up he must have a strong chance. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-8-5).

Race 7

4 THISISWHATITMEANS    8 GOOD TRAVELLER   1 GIMMETHEGOODLIFE   6 RED BOMBER

Summary:  THISISWHATITMEANS (4) has taken to the poly and is unbeaten in his last four on the surface. He got a further five-point raise in the handicap for his last win and has to shoulder the ‘grandstand’  but he has carried big weights at his last two. GOOD TRAVELLER (8) has an iron constitution and lines up for the 52^nd time and comes off a pair of victories on the poly. He has crept up the handicap and still looks competitive off his new mark. RED BOMBER (6) has had one promising outing for his new stable and now takes to the poly. GIMMETHEGOODLIFE (1) has consistent Highveld form and the switch to the poly could be what he’s looking for. (Andrew Harrison: 4-8-1-6).

Race 8

4 HATHIGHWAYTOTHESKY    5 TLADI MOTHWANA   2 SHE’S A MACHINE   1 POURSOMESUGARONME

Summary:  HATHIGHWAYTOTHESKY (4) has earned in four of her five starts that includes two wins. If she takes to the poly she should put in a big effort. TLADI MOTHWANA (5) surprised on debut and then showed up well first run in a handicap on the poly. This is only her third start and she does look progressive. SHE’S A MACHINE (2) has been trying further of late and has been in good form. In this small field the drop in trip is not could be in her favour. POURSOMESUGARONME (1) is always dangerous and is back over course and distance where she won two runs back. (Andrew Harrison: 4-5-2-1).

Race 9

11 ACASIA’S BLOSSOM   3 JAZZ DIVA   5 SCARLET STARLET 8 QUEEN FENN

Summary: ACACIA’S BLOSSOM (11) is always dangerous and has shown some recent improvement over course and distance. JAZZ DIVA (3) made no show back on soft turf last time out. She showed up well in two poly runs over course and distance prior to that both from tricky draws. She has a better gate now and should feature. SCARLET STARLET (5) got home narrowly in the soft on debut but does look capable of improving. QUEEN FENN (8) is quick and showed up well in her handicap debut. There should be little between her and Jazz Diva on their last meeting. (Andrew Harrison: 11-3-5-8).

 

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Hereford (UK) – 22 February 2026

Alistair Cohen

Trainer Eric Sands has done wonders with what many must have thought a hopeless task. Foudre spent nearly two years off the course with injury and Sands was given a chance to “see what he could do” with the exceptionally well bred son of Fire Away. He has scooped three wins in succession and even though his level of competition increases, there is no reason to think that his form will suddenly halt. He could complete a quadruple in race 7 over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today.

As his tasks become harder, his wins become more impressive. Winning a maiden after nearly two years is a huge ask and some might have imagined that his mission was accomplished. Then he stepped into handicap company when he beat Smarten Up by 0,3 lengths over this course and distance nearly two months later. On World Sports Betting Cape Town Met Day he took another big step forward against better with more weight to shoulder and he defeated United Front by a length. United Front holds an optimistic entry into the Grade 1 Lucky Fish Cape Derby next Saturday. With that said, he still beat a horse held in high regard. And he beat him smartly.

Craig Zackey has done duty in those three starts and he is back aboard. Sands has mentioned that there is no way he will run when the rains arrive in Cape Town so he will either rest him through winter or head to the warm, dry Durban climate for a few months to keep his wheels spinning. For now, while Cape Town is dry, there is no reason for Foudre to go into cotton wool.

He takes on rivals who have competed at feature race level so nothing is taken lightly as he rises in class. Dawn Till Dusk is a good doer and he could get involved. He spent an extended time in KwaZulu-Natal at the end of last winter until he arrived home with two decent efforts where he was beaten 2,25 lengths and 2,8 lengths respectively behind highly regarded three-year-olds All The Rage and Roland Garros. He is useful on his day and he could get into the action.

Handsome Prince could be tested over this trip but if one likes Major Master, who is a big chance, then this son of Querari must come into the reckoning. He is 4,5kg better off for a 1,9-length deficit. Handsome Prince gets Muzi Yeni aboard. He will need the race to be run perfectly to be effective but if it does, he has solid claims.

Chasingtherainbow also has a distinct style. He loves to be switched off near last and make his effort away from the opposition towards the outside. He does have a good turn of foot and he will be effective if the race is run to suit.

Nordic Chief has consistent form but a horror draw of No 13 to overcome while Touched By Angels drops from the Grade 3 HKJC Politician Stakes over 1800m last month to a more suitable level. That trip stretches him too. He is not easy to handle with a few quirks but he clearly has no shortage of ability.

Keep tabs on Sheriff John Stone under Marco van Rensburg. The Kenyan champion makes his South African debut. He has galloped at the course. He is likely to need the run but he could fit in anywhere. He is now trained by Paddy Kruyer who has the highest win rate in the country.

Ironically, Foudre’s half brother, Ferryman sticks out as the best bet on the card in race 5 over 1400m. He was nowhere in the early part of his debut effort but he took the bit late to charge and finish a 1,25-length second behind Wave Of Glory over 1200m. This extra trip should suit. It would be a surprise if he gets beaten.

Trainer James Crawford has a strong hand in races 8, 9 and 10. Dame Of Trix ran a ripper in the Listed Windhoek Olympic Duel Stakes on World Sports Betting Met Day. That was her stiffest task to date because she had been effective in mild handicaps until then. She acquitted herself well to finish 3,25 lengths behind Babelicious in third. She is back to a good level in race 8 over 1100m and she should take some beating under Luyolo Mxothwa.

Raven Black also ran a great race on Met Day when he stepped up to 1400m and despite receiving tons of weight, he finished 0,7 lengths behind the resurgent Snow Pilot. He is back to a more favourable trip as far as his overall record is concerned in race 9 over 1200m. He has been sparingly raced through his career with 12 starts as a six-year-old. Crawford holds the opinion that he can still mix it with the best around. He will be tested by some good opposition led by Gold Giboski but he must have an outstanding chance.

Crawford is back at it in race 10 over 1200m with Whirlwind who looked the part when winning on Met Day from far back over this course and distance. That win seems to have broken her through. Jockey Richard Fourie mentioned on the World Sports Betting Met panel discussion that she had to get into a racing routine because targets have been planned. This seems like part of her process.

Races 1 and 2 are total guesswork. Race 1 is a field made of only first timers with only two reserve runners having experience, and nothing to get excited about at that. La Boheme is trained by Vaughan Marshall who is a whizz with two-year-olds. He is bred to be fast and Richard Fourie takes the ride.

Benny And Paul could be the right horse in race 2. Peter Muscutt trains and this juvenile debutant has galloped at the course a few times, impressively. Callan Murray is up. Keep an eye on the markets of both races for any clues.

Fast Train is overdue a maiden exit. He will not have it easy in race 3 over 1200m with a high number draw of No 12. He was touched off by a short head by Different World over 1000m in his last start and he has the best form on offer. Different World is held in high regard despite the fact he was returning from a long break. Added to this, retained jockey by owned Greg and Gina Bortz, JP van der Merwe has taken the ride with Zagreb for the same owners having an obvious chance.

Swift Serenity is from the same formline with Different World where she finished third. She has had her chances but she has never run below par so she would be deserving of a win. She finds a rather shallow field in race 4 over 1000m. Corne Orffer rides for Michelle Rix.

Race 6 over 1400m is a trappy contest. A chance is taken on District Master who won hos most recent start in fluent fashion when he mercifully exited the maidens at the 16^th attempt. He has always seemed short of confidence so hopefully the win came bring him on the right track. He is by no means a good thing so a few horses must be considered. The Night Ferry, Klein Karoo, Winter Pearl, Rockanrollin and Man Of Consequence are considered.

Another chance is taken on Spirit who runs in race 11 over 1200m. He runs in a race with so much muddled form and woven formlines that if this was run a few times, you would find a different result each time. He hints that he has untapped potential and the fact he is still lightly raced with the promise of slightly more to come, he could get his head in front.