Vaal Tuesday 19 March 2024 – Comments by David Thiselton
Published: 18 March 2024

RACE 1      9 DECEPTION PASS 5 PIKE PLACE 2 BREATH OF MAGIC 8 AL AKHTAAR  Preview: 9 DECEPTION PASS has run two good races and is the one to beat.5 PIKE PLACE is a long tome maiden but ran well last time over 1500m when beating Breath Of Magic by 3,20 lengths. 2 BREATH OF MAGIC ran on […]
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RACE 1     

9 DECEPTION PASS 5 PIKE PLACE 2 BREATH OF MAGIC 8 AL AKHTAAR 

Preview: 9 DECEPTION PASS has run two good races and is the one to beat.5 PIKE PLACE is a long tome maiden but ran well last time over 1500m when beating Breath Of Magic by 3,20 lengths. 2 BREATH OF MAGIC ran on well last time to beat Al Akhtaar by a lengths. 8 AL AKHTAAR is capable of further improvement after a fair second start. 4 VOLTE FACE and 3 SWORD OF MERCY have bits and pieces of form (9-5-2-8-4-3) 

RACE 2     

4 MOONLIGHT TRADER 3 LEAD THE CHARGE 5 PAGE BOY 1 ALCARAZ

Preview: 4 MOONLIGHT TRADER has run two good races and has a good opportunity here 3 LEAD THE CHARGE can improve on his fair Cape Town debut  5 PAGE BOY is by Flower Alley out of the Gr 2 WSB Fillies Guineas winner Fiorella (4-3-5)

RACE 3 

1 AFRICAN BEAUTY 7 OLIVIA’S WAY 6 INTRO 9 QUEEN OF FIRE  

Preview: 1 AFRICAN BEAUTY was not disgraced against a top horse on debut after a slow start and can improve and will enjoy the step up in trip.7 OLIVIA’S WAY was only beaten a quarter-of-a-length by Intro on debut over this trip despite being caught wide and she was doing strong late work 6 INTRO stayed on well in that race and has the form to earn. 9 QUEEN OF FIRE ran well from the front last time when stepped up to this trip category (1-7-6-9)

RACE 4     

9 SENSUAL KISS 1 SPRINGER 3 BLUE QUARTZ 2 ARCTIC VIXEN

Preview: 9 SENSUAL KISS is a half-brother to Second Base and can improve for the step up in trip 1 SPRINGER will enjoy this trip and from pole position has a form chance 3 BLUE QUARTZ can do better than last time 2 ARCTIC VIXEN has the form to earn here (9-1-3-2)

RACE 5     

6 TWENTY DRACHMA’S 5 POSITIVE ATTITUDE 4 PROFESSOR SNAPE 3 SLINKY MAPIMPI

Preview: 6 TWENTY DRACHMA’S stays and looks talented and progressive 5 POSITIVE ATTITUDE is in fine form and goes for a staying hattrick 4 PROFESSOR SNAPE has yhe ability to be involved here 3 SLINKY MAPIMPI is in fine form and from a plum draw tries a step up in trip (6-5-4-3)

RACE 6     

3 OPEN HIGHWAY 1 MIDNIGHT FUSION 6 LADY ELLIOT 2 FALCON STRIKE

Preview: 3 OPEN HIGHWAY has run two good races on the Highveld after having fair Cape Town form and has a fair middle draw. 1 MIDNIGHT FUSION has been in fine form over 1000m and tries a step up in trip 6 LADY ELLIOT has dropped to a dangerous mark 2 FALCON STRIKE might enjoy the step down in trip from a nice high draw (3-1-6-2)

RACE 7     

6 GREAT BARRIER 15 COUNT YOUR CHANCES 2 JJ’S EAGLE 9 SECRET RECIPE

Preview: 6 GREAT BARRIER should handle the step up in trip and starts handicapping off a reasonable merit rating 15 COUNT YOUR CHANCES is drawn on the right side and should be in the shake up 2 JJ’S EAGLE can go close if repeating her last start 9 SECRET RECIPE can also be right there if following up on her last run (6-15-2-9) 

RACE 8     

6 WORK OF TIME 5 TURBO POWER 11 MASTER CHRISTMAS 1 REAL RELIEF

Preview: 6 WORK OF TIME is progressive and has a fine chance from a favourable draw 5 TURBO POWER went close over 1200m last time and should enjoy the step up in trip 11 MASTER CHRISTMAS has a nice high draw and is interesting stepped down in trip  1 REAL RELIEF has some fair form over 1400m and can be involved. (6-5-11-1)

RACE 9     

6 LONGSWORD 7 NAZARE 10 CERULEAN DANCER 5 MESCAL

Preview: 6 LONGSWORD has ability and should be cherry ripe to deliver from a draw which is towards the right side. 7 NAZARE made a fair Highveld debut and should improve with the step up in trip 10 CERULEAN DANCER is in good form but the concern here is the low draw 5 MESCAL is drawn on the right side and with a 4kg claimer up can be involved (6-7-10-5)


Source: https://www.goldcircle.co.za/vaal-tuesday-19-march-2024-comments-by-david-thiselton/

Professor Snape could be in the shake up
Published: 18 March 2024

David Thiselton The Vaal straight course’s nine race meeting today is headed by a Middle Stakes event over 2400m and Twenty Drachma’s is fancied to boost sire Danon Platina’s profile. Twenty Drachma’s stayed on resolutely from last in a small field over this trip last time for second and can be dropped out from a […]
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David Thiselton

The Vaal straight course’s nine race meeting today is headed by a Middle Stakes event over 2400m and Twenty Drachma’s is fancied to boost sire Danon Platina’s profile.

Twenty Drachma’s stayed on resolutely from last in a small field over this trip last time for second and can be dropped out from a wide draw and run on again. He is progressive and should get better and better. Professor Snape has had one good run over this trip on the Highveld with blinkers on and ran below that when the headgear was removed, so he could be in the shake up with the headgear back on. Slinky Mapimpi has shown touches of class and now gets stepped right up in trip, but on pedigree being by Coup De Grace out of a Jet Master sprinter there is a stamina doubt. SA Oaks runner up Reny as well as Jet Dynasty, Mambo Come Tesio, Banha Bridge, Opera Glass and Afraad warrant consideration too.  

The meeting opens with a tricky workriders maiden around the turn over 1700m Deception Pass returns from a five month layoff and gelding, but has run two good sprints, finishing a three length third on debut over 1200m and then finishing a 3,20 length fourth over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. On pedigree he will relish the step up in trip being by Ideal World out of a Caesour mare whose only win was over 1600m. This mare has produced the useful 111-rated sprinter Kiss Me Captain (Captain Of All), but also Master Of My Fate gelding Master Of Coin, whose two wins were both over 2000m. However, Deception  Pass might need the run. His rider Vuzunzi Sithetho did ride Breath Of Magic recently, but now jumps aboard this one. Pike Place will be having his 15th start, but put in a solid effort last time over 1600m when finishing fourth and beating Breath Of Magic by 3,20 lengths, although he did have a 4kg claimer up. He has experienced Chamu Mabaya aboard. Breath Of Magic ran on well last time over 1600m to finish a 5,50 length third to Judgement Day and he was a length clear of Al Akhtaar.  The latter has only had two starts, so could start improving, but does have a wide draw under Anathi feni. Volte Face and Sword Of Mercy were exposed as moderate last time when beaten over ten lengths by the potentially useful To The Rescue, but they have bits and pieces of form and could earn.

The second race over 1400m is also tricky. Moonlight Trader stayed on fairly well last time over 1160m but was beaten 8,50 lengths despite the useful winner Proceed being eased late. He will enjoy the step up in trip though, being by Erupt out of a Silvano mare. Lead The Charge is by Lancaster Bomber out of the classy Australian-bred San Fermin (Charge Forward). He started 33/100 favourite over 1000m on debut at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, but faded after leading and was beaten 5,35 lengths. Furthermore, San Fermin’s five wins were from 1160m to 1400m and included the Gr 3 Sycamore Sprint over 1160m and Lead The Charge is also a half-brother to useful Gimmethegreenlight gelding Ready To Charge, who is best at sprints. So there might be a stamina doubt for Lead The Charge, although he will likely be ridden more conservatively and San Fermin did actually win her debut over 1400m. First-timer Page Boy would not be a surprise winner at all being by Flower Alley out of Gr 2 WSB Fillies Guineas winner Fiorella.  

In the third over 1400m African Beauty was beaten 12,50 lengths on debut, but it was in a Listed race and after being slowly away she ran on into third place behind the exciting prospect Almond Sea. She should enjoy the step up in trip and has a chance here. Olivia’s Way was caught wide on debut over this trip and was green, but finished strongly and can improve and has a good 4kg claimer up. Intro ran on well in that race and was narrowly in front of the latter. Queen Of Fire ran a fair second from the front over this trip last time. Radiant Heat could improve with blinkers and a compression mask now on.

In the fourth over 1700m Sensual Kiss is an interesting runner being by William Longsword and a half-brother to Graded performer Second Base. He is drawn well, but will need to step up from an 8,55 length beating on debut when outpaced. Springer is the favourite and is drawn in pole again, but only managed a moderate fifth from pole over 1600m last time. Blue Quartz was beaten 12,50 lengths when stepped up to 1600m, but the field was a lot stronger than this one.

In the sixth over 1200m Open Highway is in fine form but it remains to be seen whether high draws will be favourable on the day with the outside rail in by seven metres and a seven metre spur at the 600m mark. Midnight Fusion has a shout if able to produce her 1000m form and Lady Elliott has dropped to a dangerous mark.

In the seventh over 1400m Great Barrier has a chance if high draws are not unfavourable as she should enjoy the step up in trip and starts off handicapping off a reasonable mark. Count Your Chances could do well with a low weight if high draws are not unfavourable. JJ’s Eagle, Secret Recipe and Lorna Lilly make most appeal of the rest.

In the eighth over 1400m Work Of Time caught the eye last time staying on over 1200m and can beat Turbo Power and Master Christmas.

In the last over 1400m Longsword makes appeal as he caught the eye staying on last time and has dropped to an attractive mark. His high draw is hopefully not unfavourable. Nazare and Cerulean Dancer make most appeal of the others.


Source: https://www.goldcircle.co.za/professor-snape-could-be-in-the-shake-up/

HAPPY VALLEY SELECTIONS Wednesday 20 March 2024
Published: 18 March 2024

Race 1: #5 Go Go Go, #1 Nice Birdie, #11 Loyal Ambition, #12 Super Hornet Race 2: #2 Spicy Spangle, #1 Sky Song, #3 Universal Blaze, #5 Oversubscribed Race 3: #3 Super Elite, #1 Wind Speeder, #5 Double Show, #8 Viva A La Race 4: #1 Telecom Speed, #4 Glory Cloud, #2 Scotch Tycoon, #11 High Percentage Race 5: #10 Dan Attack, #12 My […]
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Race 1: #5 Go Go Go, #1 Nice Birdie, #11 Loyal Ambition, #12 Super Hornet 
Race 2: 
#2 Spicy Spangle, #1 Sky Song, #3 Universal Blaze, #5 Oversubscribed 
Race 3: 
#3 Super Elite, #1 Wind Speeder, #5 Double Show, #8 Viva A La 
Race 4: 
#1 Telecom Speed, #4 Glory Cloud, #2 Scotch Tycoon, #11 High Percentage 
Race 5: 
#10 Dan Attack, #12 My Intelligent, #7 The Khan, #1 Sports Legend 
Race 6: 
#7 Kasa Papa, #3 Gallant Valour, #5 All Riches, #4 Super Baby 
Race 7: 
#4 Dragon Star, #8 Young Victory, #6 Strongest Boy, #12 Courier Magic 
Race 8: 
#1 Hameron, #5 June Planet, #4 Eighteen Palms, #8 Samarkand 
Race 9: 
#12 Chain Of Gold, #3 Sugar Sugar, #10 Solar Partner, #5 Colourful Emperor

Race 1: Bowrington Handicap

#5 Go Go Go has been knocking on the door for some time. He pairs favourably with Zac Purton this week and shapes as the one they all must beat. #1 Nice Birdie has the class-edge and it wouldn’t surprise to see him return another win in this grade. He steps away from an ideal draw. #11 Loyal Ambition knows what to do over this course and distance. His last two starts have been solid and he’s capable of making a mid-race move as well. #12 Super Hornet slots in light. He’s yet to win but is worth respecting.

Race 2: Canal Handicap

#2 Spicy Spangle has looked seriously good ahead of his debut. Zac Purton hops aboard and the inside gate should allow him to roll forward with ease. One to beat. #1 Sky Song also makes his first start and he should receive a favourable run from gate one. #3 Universal Blaze is the third debutant in the field and his latest trial was outstanding. This trio appears set to fight it out. #5 Oversubscribed has the runs on the board and if they go quick then he will be the beneficiary from the tail of the field. Next in line.

Race 3: Leighton Handicap

#3 Super Elite has an ideal draw and can improve following his latest effort. He tends to mix his form but does rate strongly here with the runs on the board. #1 Wind Speeder is racing well in Class 5 and he has another winning chance under Zac Purton here. #5 Double Show is a winner already this term. He can prove competitive again in this grade after racing well all season. #8 Viva A La has returned to form across his most recent two starts. He’ll roll forward and give this group something to worry about.

Race 4: Wong Nai Chung Handicap (1st Section)

#1 Telecom Speed remains in Class 4 and gets a handy five pounds taken off his back with the apprentice up. He’s in the right vein of form and the inside gate is suitable. #4 Glory Cloud continues to advance. He caught the eye last start coming from well back in the field to finish in fourth position. Big chance. #2 Scotch Tycoon can find the front in a bid to offset the wide draw. He’ll look the winner at some stage. #11 High Percentage is without a win but has some ability. Don’t discount.

Race 5: The Craigengower Cricket Club Challenge Cup Handicap (2nd Section)

#10 Dan Attack won well two starts ago and he’s since remained in sound form. Expecting him to take another forward step here, especially as he’s lightly raced in the best form of his career. #12 My Intelligent slots in light and gets another chance to record a second win this season. #7 The Khan continues to develop and he’s open to further improvement this week. #1 Sports Legend makes the dip to Class 4, which appears incredibly suitable. Expecting him to try and make all from the gate.

Race 6: Percival Handicap (1st Section)

#7 Kasa Papa has the right draw and has been super consistent of late. He’s yet to win, however, his recent efforts have seen him go close and he’s worth taking a chance on here. #3 Gallant Valour has an ideal draw and the services of Zac Purton. He can easily return another win this season. #5 All Riches is a two-time winner who returns third-up this season. He’s racing well and should be fit enough to contend strongly. #4 Super Baby can roll forward under the apprentice. He’ll give them something to catch. 

Race 7: Percival Handicap (2nd Section)

#4 Dragon Star gets a favourable 10 pounds taken off his back with the apprentice aboard. Expecting him to cross early in a bid to offset the wide gate and from there take a bit of beating. #8 Young Victory has three runs under his belt this term and should be nearing his peak now. He’s capable on his day. #6 Strongest Boy is going for back-to-back wins after finally breaking through last time out. He should get a sweet run from gate one under Zac Purton. #12 Courier Magic is next in line. 

Race 8: Russell Handicap

#1 Hameron is much better suited to Class 3. He was sound last start, however, can improve away from runners after being crowded in the home straight last time out. He has the form and ability to return another win. #5 June Planet is going for consecutive wins and his fourth this season. Like the way he is progressing with Karis Teetan. #4 Eighteen Palms won two starts back and has continued to progress in the right manner. #8 Samarkand is a winning machine, although he rises in grade for this contest.

Race 9: Tin Lok Handicap

#12 Chain Of Gold is heading in the right direction and he’s suited under no weight with Karis Teetan aboard. He’s been competitive in this grade and is open to further improvement. #3 Sugar Sugar is a two-time winner from his last three starts. He draws ideally and should get a super run throughout. #10 Solar Partner is after back-to-back wins. He is favoured with champion jockey Zac Purton taking the reins. #5 Colourful Emperor is also a last-start winner. He can find the front easily enough.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Source: https://www.goldcircle.co.za/happy-valley-selections-wednesday-20-march-2024/

Lightning Jimmy gets Beau on the boards
Published: 17 March 2024

Andrew Harrison It is no secret in racing that gelding is often the making or breaking of a colt. Connoisseur had shown ability at home but his racecourse performances were in-and-out. After his runner-up effort at his last start, the owners finally conceded that the trainer knows best and on advice from Duncan Howells, Connoisseur […]
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The Siboniso Ngcobo-trained JIMMY LIGHTNING, with S’Manga Khumalo up, wins the
Download The Race Card Online www.goldcircle.co.za Maiden Plate at Hollywoodbets
Scottsville yesterday. Picture: Candiese Lenferna

Andrew Harrison

It is no secret in racing that gelding is often the making or breaking of a colt. Connoisseur had shown ability at home but his racecourse performances were in-and-out. After his runner-up effort at his last start, the owners finally conceded that the trainer knows best and on advice from Duncan Howells, Connoisseur stepped out two stones lighter at Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday.

The instructions to Muzi Yeni was to go to the front and if anything goes past, sit second. The horse is super fit and won’t stop.

The race worked out as predicted. Allrite tracked over from the widest draw and set a cracking pace with Connoisseur tracking in second ahead of a string-out field. Allrite threw in the towel at the top of the straight leaving Connoisseur to his own devices and all the opposition saw of the winner was his backside.

Black trainers are few and far between in this country but Siboniso Ngcobo, more commonly known as ‘Beau’ in the training ranks, got his first winner as Lighting Jimmy made most of the running to win the first under S’Manga Khumalo. The win came at the 11th time of asking but held on gamely from the favourite Trippi T, the two having the race to themselves over the final furlong.

Dawn Surprise was all the rage for the second and Gary Rich’s filly did not disappoint. The starter had his hands full at the gate with An Air Of Pride playing up in the gate and scratched by the vet and Copacabana also not making the jump as she refused to load.

Four of the five runners matched strides in the early exchanges but it soon became obvious that the favourite was travelling way better than her rivals. The instructions to Cole Dicken were to wait until it was time to go and then count to ten before asking for a final effort. But Dawn Surprise was never seriously challenged and won comfortably.

Yeni made it a quick double as he rode a confident race on Paul Lafferty’s charge Temperate Zone that had come in for some strong market support. Having his third run back after a tendon scare, Temperate Zone was spot on for the race and quickened through the opposition from midfield to win comfortably from the grey Every Cloud.

Serino Moodley took no prisoners in a hotly contested fifth race, taking the bull by the horns and making most of the running on the five-year-old Iron Will. Challenged from all side in the run for the wire, the well named Iron Will refused to give in, holding off Joshua Hotsnake and denying Calvin Habib his century of winners for the season.

Hardly a race meeting in the country goes by without Richard Fourie visiting the winner’s enclosure at least once in the afternoon. His supporters had to weight until the sixth as he scored a hat-trick of wins on Giambattista for Wendy Whitehead. The race developed into a boatrace between Giambattista and Lake Como as the two locked horns at the top of the straight with Giambattista running on the stronger of the two.

Favourite Ode To The Ocean refused to settle in the early exchanges and was in trouble a long way out and eventually eased out of the race.

The judges earned their afternoon’s stipend when having to separate Voldemort, Northern Warrior and Licence To Thrill. Voldemort and Northern Warrior where head-to-head up the inside rail before Licence To Thrill stormed up on their outside. There was little more than a piece of paper separating the three with the judges not able to separate Voldemort and Northern Warrior for a dead-heat for first with Licence To Thrill touched off in third.

The Pick 6 bomb landed in the final race of the day as Siphesihle Hlengwa keeping hard up the inside rail to get Noble Storm home for Michael Roberts who admitted post-race that Shona Kirsty Yves was the more fancied of his runners.  Noble Storm was chased home by Maggie Smith, Rani of Jhansi and Spirited Flight, the quartet paying a handsome R11934.30 and the Pick 6 a carry over.


Source: https://www.goldcircle.co.za/lightning-jimmy-gets-beau-on-the-boards/

Domeyer delivers for Peter Muscutt
Published: 17 March 2024

Graeme Hawkins Aldo Domeyer teamed up with Peter Muscutt to win the first race on the 8-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, getting Miss Argonaut (9/2) home by the narrowest of margins over the faster finishing Mauritius Kestrel. Miss Argonaut took command approaching the final 200m, but Mauritius Kestrel (10/1) then engaged top gear […]
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Graeme Hawkins

Aldo Domeyer teamed up with Peter Muscutt to win the first race on the 8-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, getting Miss Argonaut (9/2) home by the narrowest of margins over the faster finishing Mauritius Kestrel. Miss Argonaut took command approaching the final 200m, but Mauritius Kestrel (10/1) then engaged top gear under Louis Mxothwa and failed by just a whisker to overhaul the only filly in the race.

Aristotle (11/10) was a warm order favourite to win this richly endowed R200 000 Restricted Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m but was never traveling well and finished a distant and very disappointing fifth. On a line through his stable companion Stated, who finished fourth, Aristotle ran as much as six lengths below his debut effort.

Wissa’s On Fire ridden by Craig Bantam, sporting the Hollywood Syndicate silks, took out the opening leg of the Place Accumulator for Gareth Van Zyl to register a quick double for KZN-based trainers. The US Of A (5/1) made an early dash for home but then drifted off a straight course and Wissa’s On Fire (5/1) came forward to score in dominant fashion. Cliff Swallow (9/2) ran on well to relegate The US Of A into third spot and the son of Canford Cliffs should not be long in shedding his maiden ticket.

Ice Rain (5/4) was a short-priced favourite to win the first leg of the Pick 6 but after being dropped out towards the rear of the field from the start was never a factor and failed to make the frame. Sean Veale took the shortest way home on the very well-bred Three Coins (10/1) and the daughter of Gimmethegreenlight drew clear over the final 200m to win comfortably.

Café Culture (1/1) was backed to the exclusion of the field in the fourth race, The Cape A Stakes over 1400m, but found the useful Wecangoallnight in a galloping mood and the latter finished powerfully to outrun Café Culture and give Veale a quick race-to-race double. Look For Hounds stayed on for third with Port Louis rounding out the quartet.

After suffering defeat on Café Culture, Richard Fourie bounced back to winning ways with a fluent pillar-to-post victory on the well-supported Radicchio in the fifth race, a Class 5 Handicap over 1400m. Radicchio (33/10) was handed a soft lead from a wide draw while race favourite Master Of Paris unexpectedly gave away the benefit of a good barrier by dropping towards the rear. Radicchio maintained a solid gallop all the way to the line with the Snaith duo of Liketheclappers and Master Of Paris chasing in vain.

The sixth race, a Middle Stakes (F&M) over 1100m, produced a thrilling finish with Candy Town (5/1) just failing to go all the way into the teeth of a strong South Easterly headwind. She was collared in the very last stride by the Snaith-trained Distinction (25/1) for owner-breeder Pippa Mickleburgh with the favourite Kyalami Girl (9/4) just a head further back in third.

Fourie was back in the winner’s enclosure after steering Mighty Mac (16/10) to an effortless victory in the seventh race, a Cape C Stakes over 1100m. Tucked away for the first half of the race, Mighty Mac moved through under the hands to score by more than two lengths over Hammie’s Hero who finished a clear second.

After scoring narrowly on Distinction earlier in the day, Anthony Andrews delivered Winter Cloud (5/1) with a perfectly timed challenge to win the last race, the Cape A Stakes over 1000m, in stylish fashion. The ultra-consistent Dance Variety again gave of his best to finish second with the veteran warrior Rio Querari making up the Trifecta. The victories of Three Coins and Distinction in their respective races ensured a healthy Pick 6 return of R254 519.


Source: https://www.goldcircle.co.za/domeyer-delivers-for-peter-muscutt/

SA Fillies Sprint for the taking
Published: 17 March 2024

David Thiselton The Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint has been opened up by the export of last year’s winner Princess Calla overseas and there are a few horses who are putting up their hands as potential candidates. On Saturday at Turffontein Standside the Tony Peter-trained One Fell Swoop claimed her second successive Gr 3 when […]
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David Thiselton

The Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint has been opened up by the export of last year’s winner Princess Calla overseas and there are a few horses who are putting up their hands as potential candidates.

On Saturday at Turffontein Standside the Tony Peter-trained One Fell Swoop claimed her second successive Gr 3 when winning the Sycamore Sprint over 1160m, although on paper the horse to take out of the race is the runner up, the Mike de Kock-trained White Pearl. 

One Fell Swoop, a Varsfontein Stud-bred filly by Lancaster Bomber was handy in the running and travelling effortlessly before kicking on well. 

She runs in the colours of Suzette Viljoen, who won the SA Fillies Sprint with the superstar Captain’s Ransom two years ago. 

White Pearl, dropped in trip after being the bridesmaid to some top class sorts like Mrs Geriatrix, Gimme A Nother, Egyptian Mau and Let’s Go Now, ran on strongly to be beaten just 0,25 lengths under Piere Strydom. However, she was giving the winner 5kg. It was in fact her fourth Gr 3 runner up finish frustratingly enough for her breeders Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein who are still awaiting her popular sire Danon Platina’s first stakes winner.

Another contender Mrs Browning had to run from draw one on Saturday, which made it tough, and she had to give One Fell Swoop 6kg and was beaten 2,60 lengths.   

On the downside for the chances of those trio of horses in the SA Fillies Sprint is they were merit rated just 99, 106 and 109 before Saturday’s race.

This is well below the required class of a normal SA Fillies Sprint winner.

However, they are progressive and could still improve.

Down in Cape Town on Saturday the Candice Bass-Robinson Winter Cloud proved her credentials with a fine win over 1000m, bursting through the middle with a strong late run to win an A Stakes race by a cosy 0,75 lengths. She beat some good horses like Dance Variety, former Equus Champion Sprinter Rio Querari, Mufasa, Mr Cobbs and Jerusalema Rain. She only merit rated 108 but has always struck as one with plenty of class and she could start coming into her own.

Her stablemate Miss October beat her by 1,70 lengths at level weights in the Gr 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes over 1200m and looms capable of further improvement. She is merit rated 112.

Sceptre Stakes third-placed the Justin Snaith-trained Kwinta’s Light will also be a contender.

On the Highveld another filly who has caught the eye has been Time Fo Orchids since being run exclusively over sprints. She won her last race off only a 96 but she has been impressive and looks capable of competing at the highest level.

Last season’s Equus Champion two-year-old Mrs Geriatrix was very impressive when winning the Gr 1 Allan Robertson Championship over the SA Fillies Sprint course and distance last season as a two-year-old. She was beaten only 2.05 lengths in the Sceptre Stakes when giving the winner 2kg and that was when generally appearing to be way below her best during her stint in Cape Town. If she can bounce back to her best she will be a leading SA Fillies Sprint contender.

The like of Cold Fact, fourth in last year’s SA Fillies Sprint, and Gobsmacked have also been out of form and will need to bounce back as will Cape horse Distant Winter.

Kiss Me Captain would not be out of it this season.

The local hopes could rest with Asiye Phambili, who is currently trained by Gareth van Zyl. She is better suited to a mile, but finished a flying second in the Sceptre Stakes, beaten just 0,30 lengths.

Captain’s Christy, Oriental Bouquet, No Filter, Bomber Girl and Bevies Delight have shown ability but would need considerable improvement on current form. 

Considering the dearth of highly rated female sprinters around the land the SA Fillies Sprint will be tempting for horses who go a bit further.

Rascova is merit rated 115 and is ideally suited to 1400m, but she has plenty of speed and should be able to make the drop to 1200m.

The Gr 3 Prix du Cap winner Double Grand Slam is now merit rated 117 and would be a very interesting runner considering how easily she won the Prix du Cap.

Red Palace, Happy Chance, Just Be Lekker, Shantastic, Gimme A Shot, Marigold Hotel, Rapidash and Humdinger are others who could step down in trip as could Gqeberha’s Luna Halo , while the like of Iphiko will be stretched by 1200m.

There might be others who escaped the memory banks but the race looks there for the taking this season.


Source: https://www.goldcircle.co.za/sa-fillies-sprint-for-the-taking/

London News – 30 Years on From His Purchase at Nationals
Published: 14 March 2024

David Thiselton This year marks the 30th anniversary of the purchase at the National Yearling Sale of a horse called London News. The colt went on to join his father as a winner of the Durban July, among other world class achievements. Trainer Alec Laird recalled big owners Laurie and Jean Jaffee’s chief aim at […]
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David Thiselton

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the purchase at the National Yearling Sale of a horse called London News.

The colt went on to join his father as a winner of the Durban July, among other world class achievements.

Trainer Alec Laird recalled big owners Laurie and Jean Jaffee’s chief aim at that Sale was to buy a yearling by their own 1987 July winner, Bush Telegraph.

Alec recalled Harmony Forever being his number one choice at that Sale.

However, he remembered London News being “a nice horse.”

He added, “On the first day a Bush Telegraph colt called Mr Newspaperman went for about R300,000. London News looked more athletic and Jean Jaffee actually said to me, ‘What about this one?’ On the first day they didn’t get a horse, the second day they didn’t get one and the more they asked me about London News the nicer he got, because I was otherwise going to go home without a horse!”

The Jaffees managed to secure London News.

Alec recalled, “He was a light youngster and even as a three-year-old was quite light. He didn’t show immediately, but we always had the feeling that he would be a nice horse when he matured.”

In fact, London News made a particularly inauspicious debut, beaten no fewer than 16,5 lengths under Anton Marcus in a 1200m Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m at the Vaal on June 6, 1995.

Alec said, “It was a terrible run because he was green and didn’t know where to go. But Anton did say ‘I think this is a nice horse.’ Anton didn’t get the ride again because I said to him, ‘Come with me, let’s take London News and a few horses to Summerveld’, but Anton (Jo’Burg-based) didn’t want to come with. So that is how I found Douggie Whyte (Durban-based).”

Alec quipped, “When the horse turned out good Anton said to me, ‘I told you he was good’ and I said, ‘Ja, but I told you to come with me!’ The funny thing was when London News won the QE II Cup in Hong Kong, Anton finished second!”

Alec considered Clairwood a nice track to introduce a horse and he finished an improved fourth over 1200m there in his second start before being stepped up to a mile and winning at Scottsville on September 9, 1995 by 4,5 lengths.

He then reeled off three victories in succession on the Highveld over 1600m including the Gr 2 Dingaans by 5,40 lengths.

Alec said, “In those days, even today, if you win the Dingaans you know you have the chance of a July horse.”

Alec continued. “He was the short-priced favourite for the Cape Guineas, but he got stuck in a pocket. Ashtontown nailed him because he had his revs up when he passed us. But we got revenge a year later over the same course and distance (Queen’s Plate).”

The pace had been slow in the Guineas and it “killed him” again in the Gr 1 Cape Derby.

Laurie Jaffee put pressure on Alec to change jockeys when they returned to the Highveld, as Whyte could not ride work being a Durban jockey.

It was not something Alec liked to do, but Piere Strydom took over for the Gr 1 Administrator’s Classic over 1800m at Gosforth Park in March.

“Strydom galloped him a week before and we decided if there was no speed we would have to make our own pace. He picked it up at the 1000m mark, turned for home lengths clear and won by 7,25 lengths. So we thought we would go to the July with a similar tactic.”

London News was ironically beaten into third by Harmony Forever in the Gr 1 SA Guineas at Greyville, the latter trained by Alec’s cousin Dennis Drier.

However, in the Daily News he went to the front and won by 4,2 lengths from Harmony Forever, smashing the course record, which still stands today.

Running 2000m in course record time gave Alec the confidence he would stay the 2200m July trip.

Two wily racing men, Alec Laird and Piere Strydom, gathered on Friday to discuss big race tactics.

Alec recalled, “We drew 14, but there was a horse called Supa Dyce who was drawn six and liked to sit second and we knew trainer Mike Riley would like to sit second. That was also Weiching Marwing’s style. So we decided we were probably going to lead, but also decided we would just go up to the outside of Weichong, believing he would let us in.”

That was exactly how it panned out and London News was under a hard hold when he took over from Supa Dyce rounding the Drill Hall.

Alec recalled, “When he kicked away in the straight I thought he was going to win by five, but then they came flying. The horse who came second (Sleek Machine) was ridden by Douggie Whyte! He was trying to get revenge for losing the ride and he was actually unlucky because he had to ease and switch!”

Alec added, “Mike Rattray had invited me to watch in his box because it was on the line and he won by a neck but my eyes wouldn’t believe it because there was so much pressure. I wanted to see the number up!”

About three years earlier Alec had ordered a print of Henk Vos’s famous painting that depicted every July winner and which was set for completion in 1996 to coincide with the 100th running of the race. Vos joked that he would love it if an Alec-trained horses filled the final frame, frame 20. That wish not only came true, but London News was also fittingly saddle cloth number 20!

Alec described the emotion of being on the honour roll together with his late record-breaking seven-time July-winning father Syd.

London News is today one of only seven horses to have won the July and the Met and he achieved international fame by winning the QE II Cup in Hong Kong.

Famously, Doug Whye was back aboard for all of the Queen’s Plate, Met and QE II Cup.


Source: https://www.goldcircle.co.za/london-news-30-years-on-from-his-purchase-at-nationals/

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