Andrew Harrison

When you have nearly every horse in the province stabled and working in close proximity, it is difficult for trainer’s to keep anything ‘secret’. The Summerveld dogs were barking early that Dean Kannemeyer had a smart filly in his yard in Gimmie’s Countess and she will have them barking even louder after she put daylight over her rivals in the card opener on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday.

A magnificent specimen and bred in the purple, stable rider Craig Zackey wasted no time in bustling his mount to the head of affairs and was up-sides the blinkered Mother India turning for home. Richard Fourie had Spirit Of Levana tracking the favourite but once Zackey turned his filly loose, it was always going to be a matter of how far. Spirit Of Levana tried gamely to make a race of it but was four lengths adrift at the line and Fourie knew a long way out that he was chasing shadows.

 The expected Kannemeyer double didn’t materialize in the second as favourite Mc Dazzler was run out of it by the frustrating Run To Rio who finally got his act together for Stuart Ferrie. Placed in six of his 10 outings that included a run of three runner-up berths, Run To Rio finished strongly up the outside of his rivals to catch Mc Dazzler on the line with pacemaker Captain Marsala hanging on for third.

Kannemeyer intimated in his first-race interview that win-lose-or-draw the vet was on call for Mc Dazzler which is a bit of a shame as he is a magnificent son of Rafeef but not too genuine at this stage. Stable companion French Flame came from well off the pace to take fourth and is one for the notebook.

First time blinkers don’t always have the desired effect of getting a horse to improve on his form as sometimes they have a detrimental effect. No so with Ibiza Night who went one better after two seconds with Garth Puller’s gelding leading the field a merry dance, Jabu Jacobs letting his mount stride from the jump. The chestnut was not for the catching in the straight and was chased home by Noble Warrior and Ubukhwebezana.

Reckless Love was having her 52nd start for Wendy Whitehead yesterday and the mare rewarded her with her sixth win, holding off late challenges from Light Of Day, the lessor fancied of the Barend Botes runners – in the betting anyway – and the under sufferance Roy’s Rocker.

Calvin Habib has ridden Reckless Love in most of her recent starts so is well acquainted with her does and don’ts. Not a mare with a turn of foot, Habib made an early move on the turn as the pace slowed up and Reckless Love galloped all the way to the line.

Glen Kotzen round off his day as Lady Heist gave weight and a hiding to the lads. Hanging on gamely she held off the challenges from Pas De Nom and favourite Sundance Kid in the fifth. It was a quick double for Habib who slipped his filly through a gap up the inside rail, stealing a march on her rivals. Pas De Nom came from almost last to range up along side but was unable to get past, so too Sundance Kid who was given every chance but also had no answers as the filly kept rolling courageously.

Not too many will get the drop on any of Mike Miller’s runners as they step out in the dead of night. Miller and assistant Craig Eudey are back in bed before many have heard the cock crow. With the pace on from the jump stable rider Tristan Godden sat in just off the leaders on the six-year-old mare Hereinafter and peddeled for home when it counted. The mare was going back-to-back and again having the wood on Rugger Lover who finished with a late rattle but too late.

The late addition of blinkers saw Zinikele back in the winner’s enclosure as Gareth van Zyl’s filly kept rolling hard under Gavin Lerena. A little unlucky when touched off at her last start, she made amends with a sterling effort to hold off the challenges from a late-finishing Wonderful and Richard Fourie was a fisherman confronted with a blank day.

But a fisherman’s day is never over until the last cast and Fourie remedied a potential blank as he punched out One Irish Rover to a comfortable winner of the last. The former outstanding jockey and now trainer MJ Odendaal may have some unconventional training methods according to his Summerveld colleagues but they work for him and One Irish Rover bares testament.  

RACE 1     

5 THE NAVY LARK 4 GOLD AGENT 1 TRIP TO STATES  3 SOLAMENTE

Preview: 5 THE NAVY LARK is usually thereabouts and is drawn on the right side. 4 GOLD AGENT is a hard-knocker who get a good opportunity here to get off the mark. 1 TRIP TO STATES could earn if producing his best. 3 SOLAMENTE is a first-timer by Skit Skizzle who would not need to be special to place here. (5-4-1-3)

RACE 2     

8 RODEO DRIVE 10 VALIEVA  6 JILTED 5 HEY HEY JULIA

Preview: 8 RODEO DRIVE has pace and has gone close in both starts to date so can go close from a favourable high draw. 10 VALIEVA has hard knocking form and his second last time over this trip has worked out well. 6 JILTED made a fair debut and can improve. 5 HEY HEY JULIA was beaten five lengths by Valieva on debut but should improve. (8-10-6-5)  

RACE 3     

7 WOLF MOUNTAIN 2 FRENCH BOLT 8 ZAFAR 3 HOWZIT BOET

Preview: 7 WOLF MOUNTAIN made a fine debut and looks hard to beat here. 2 FRENCH BOLT made a fair debut behind a speedy sort and could improve. 8 ZAFAR was only 1,25 lengths behind French Bolt on debut. 3 HOWZIT BOET was beaten 7,75 by Wolf Mountain on debut but could earn with improvement. (7-2-8-3)

RACE 4 

13 GREEN LIGHTNING 10 JUST THE TWO OF US 1 DRAGON DRAGON 3 GOLDEN ARGO has the form to earn here. (13-10-1-3)

Preview: 13 GREEN LIGHTNING made a good debut and looks the one to beat. 10 JUST THE TWO OF US has run two fair races and should be in the shake up. 1 DRAGON DRAGON has run second in last two in similar fields. 3 GOLDEN ARGO has the form to earn here. (13-10-1-3)

RACE 5     

5 MUNCHKIN 1 NKANDLA GOLD 4 LULU’S BOY 3 PRIZED PLATINUM

Preview: 5 MUNCHKIN is on the up and this looks to be his best trip so he can follow up on his recent win off a three point higher mark. 1 NKANDLA GOLD has improved and should make a bold bid. 4 LULU’S BOY is 3,5kg better off with Nkandla Gold for a 0,75 length beating but that is only if the latter’s 4kg claim is ignored. 3 PRIZED PLATINUM beat Lulu’s Boy last time when ridden by a 4kg claimer. (5-1-4-3)

RACE 6 

1 TO THE RESCUE 3 VESUVIO 2 LEESON 11 IDEAL FUTURE

Preview: 1 TO THE RESCUE is an up and coming sort who should relish this course and distance. 3 VESUVIO is by Galileo sire Erupt so is interesting stepped up to this trip having once won by more than six lengths over 2000m off a mark that was only four points higher than his current mark. 2 LEESON has gone close in his last two starts over this trip. 11 IDEAL FUTURE is a long-striding sort who is capable of a resolute finish and he stays this trip. (1-3-2-11)

RACE 7     

7 VOLTE FACE 2 FUSHIMI INARI 10 FLAG BEARER 11 CARNELO

Preview: 7 VOLTE FACE looks to have improved and is distance suited and well drawn. 2 FUSHIMI INARI is always thereabouts and has been given some relief by the handicapper. 10 FLAG BEARER is a capable sort who can do well if finding cover and he should do from a fair draw of five. 11 CARNELO is capable of finishing well so can possibly overcome a wide draw, although his rider is 1kg overweight. (7-2-10-11)

RACE 8     

7 REDCHERRY LANE 9 ZENOBIA’S GOLD 11 CITYSCAPE 3 GRAPE SHOT

Preview: 7 REDCHERRY LANE won on debut despite being ridden by a workrider having his first ride and this Vercingetorix filly is out of Gr 1 Garden Province winner Redberry Lane (Western Winter) 9 ZENOBIA’S GOLD ran well first time out the maidens with second time blinkers on. 11 CITYSCAPE has always been thereabouts in sprints in cape Town and on the Highveld and now tries a step up in trip. 3 GRAPE SHOT won out of the blue last time and the progeny of Fire Away appear to improve continually and she should get this trip too. (7-9-11-3)

David Thiselton

The Vaal straight course has an intriguing eight race meeting today and high draws should be favoured down the straight with the outside rail at zero.

The obvious horse in the first race, Gold Agent, will give the Okapi Ladies International champion Savanna Valjalo an opportunity to make it two wins from two career race rides. However, she does have to contend with the number one draw, which is on the wrong side by trends. The Navy Lark is thus preferred as she put in a decent effort last time from draw nine of nine over 1200m on the classic track and now has a favourable draw of seven under experienced Chamu Mabaya. Trip To States is drawn three out of eight and in his last two starts has shown signs of a form return. He had some decent early form at the Vaal, before losing his way in his first three runs this calendar year. His last two runs have been fair efforts and he should be staying on over this trip. . 

In the second race over 1000m Valieva has a tricky draw of three and on form should finish together with Rodeo Drive. The latter is less exposed too and not only has good pace, but has a favourable high draw, so she is preferred. Jilted ran a fair fifth on debut in a decent field and can build on that from a favourable high draw.

In the third race over 1000m Wolf Mountain has a tricky low draw of three out of  eight, but he is a stand out on form and should still go in under Piere Strydom. French Bolt was not disgraced on debut against the speedy Chocolate Soldier when likely drawn on the wrong side and he could be a threat here from the standside draw. Zafar was only 1,25 lengths behind French Bolt in that race and also has a nice high draw.

In the fourth race over 1000m two-year-old Green Lightning finished 2,50 lengths in third behind Kindred Heart over 1000m and the latter was subsequently close up behind the SA Fillies Nursery winner Little Ballerina. However, she has a tricky draw of five out of 14. Just The Two Of Us has had two good runs over 1000m but has an even worse draw odds of one. Dragon Dragon has run three fair races and from draw six with Gavin Lerena up should be in the shake up. Golden Argo can earn if reproducing her penultimate start. Scarlet is drawn on the right side and was not disgraced last time, but overall she appears to be moderate. Centrefold has some pace and has a 4kg claimer up and a high draw.

In the fifth race over 1000m Munchkin looks should be a much higher merit rating if it went on his homework, but he has found his right trip and can follow off a three point higher mark. Nkandla Gold has improved and has a definite chance on recent form with a 4kg claimer up, but he does have a low draw. Lulu’s Boy is 3,5kg better off with Nkandla Gold for a mere 0,75 length beating, but that is only if the 4kg claim is ignored. Prized Platinum beat Lulu’s Boy in his penultimate start before running  below par last time. In The Ether is capable of a flying finish and has a high draw. 

In the sixth race over 2400m To The Rescue has always struck as one who needs a bit of time and ground and has a chance here, although under the Classified conditions he is 3,5kg under sufferance with the best rated pair. Vesuvio looks to be one who will enjoy the step up in trip being an Erupt gelding who stayed on nicely over 1800m last time. He is 2,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted. Leeson is also 2,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted but has done well in both starts. Ideal Future is a long-striding sort who stays the trip and is joint best in. She does have to overcome a wide draw though. Mount Etna, joint best in, needs to bounce back. All of One Religion, Royal Mazarin, Nuclear Force, Dungeons and Angel’s Wish can also be considered for the Pick 6. 

In the seventh over 1800m Volte Face is on the up and is drawn well over a trip which should suit. Fushimi Inari has been knocking on the door for a long time and his best recent run was over this trip. Flag Bearer has ability but can be unsettled in the running. However, if he finds cover from a fair draw he will be a contender. Carnelo has the form to be right there too. Dark Silver has the form to be involved. Romeo’s Magic has come down to a competitive mark and has a good draw.

In the last race over 1400m Redcherry Lane is well bred being by Vercingetorix out of a Gr 1 Garden Province winner by Western Winter. She caught the eye last time winning a workriders maiden under a rider who was having his first race ride. She is drawn on the right side over what should be an ideal trip.  Zenobia’s Gold ran well first time out the maidens and is drawn on the right side. Cityscape has always been thereabouts in sprints in Cape Town and on the Highveld and now tries a step up in trip but draw one makes it tough. Grape Shot won out of the blue last time and the progeny of Fire Away appear to improve continually and she should get this trip too. Whorly Whorly only has to overcome a two point raise for his win last time and Piere Strydom keeps the ride. He is drawn on the right side too.

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Recent Gr2 WSB Guineas winner and ruling ante-post favourite for the R5million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July, Green With Envy heads the list of a dozen high class nominations for the Gr1 Daily News 2000.

Dean Kannemeyer’s colt has impressed with every race as he has matured winning the Gr1 Splashout Cape Derby and showing a tremendous turn of foot to collar star performer Sandringham Summit in the Gr2 WSB Guineas, a distance many thought was now on the sharp side for the Derby winner.

Nine of the 12 nominations are rated 109 and better, an indication of the class of opposition Green With Envy will face should they all stand their ground at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, May 25. Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Snow Pilot may lead the charge ahead of Pure Predator and recent WSB 1900 runner-up, Oriental Charm.

The Gr1 Woolavington 2000 is open to older fillies and mares and the Andre Nel-trained Saartjie staked her claim with an emphatic victory in the Listed KRA East Coast Cup, coming from almost last to run down Brett Crawford’s filly Future Girl in the last few strides. Nel’s filly is among the 12 nominations and also holds an entry in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Leading the three-year-old entry is recent Gr2 SA Oaks winner Frances Ethel. Second over 1400m on debut, she has racked up four straight wins including The Oaks Trial and The Oaks for Brett Crawford. Barry Irwin, Astute principal of Team Valor, has bought into the filly and his judgement is rarely off the mark.

Race-6(Turf)  R 1,500,000  2000m     0

TABGOLD WOOLAVINGTON 2000 (Grade 1)

For Fillies & Mares at Weight-For-Age

WFA: 2yrs-12.5kgs 3yrs-2.5kgs 

No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance

11   BELLEVARDE         (5M) 60.0 110  AT  Joe Soma                     

 7   NONE OTHER         (4F) 60.0 110  A   Lucky Houdalakis             

 5   SAARTJIE           (4F) 60.0 110  A   Andre Nel                    

 6   GILDED BUTTERFLY   (5M) 60.0 108 CA   Stuart Pettigrew             

10   HOLD MY HAND       (4F) 60.0 108  A   Glen Kotzen                  

 3   PERFECT WITNESS    (5M) 60.0 105  A   Candice Dawson               

 4   FUTURE GIRL        (4F) 60.0  97  A e Brett Crawford               

 2   FRANCES ETHEL      (3F) 57.5 118  A   Brett Crawford               

 1   SILVER SANCTUARY   (3F) 57.5 116  A   Mike de Kock                 

 8   MY SOUL MATE       (3F) 57.5 115 CA   Candice Dawson               

 9   BEATING WINGS      (3F) 57.5 114  A   Stuart Pettigrew             

12   MINOGUE            (3F) 57.5 102  A   Wendy Whitehead  

   (12)

Race-7(Turf)  R 2,000,000  2000m     0

DAILY NEWS 2000 (Grade 1)

For 3 year-olds

No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance

 7   GREEN WITH ENVY    (3C) 60.0 123  A   Dean Kannemeyer              

12   SNOW PILOT         (3C) 60.0 120  A   Justin Snaith                

 4   PURE PREDATOR      (3G) 60.0 119  A   Fanie Bronkhorst             

 5   ORIENTAL CHARM     (3C) 60.0 118  A   Brett Crawford               

 8   HLUHLUWE           (3G) 60.0 117  A   Justin Snaith                

 1   WILLIAM IRON ARM   (3C) 60.0 117  A   Tony Peter                   

11   HOTARUBI           (3G) 60.0 116 CAT  Sean Tarry                   

 6   MID WINTER WIND    (3G) 60.0 116  A   Sean Tarry                   

 9   BARBARESCO         (3G) 60.0 109  A   J A Janse van Vuur           

 3   JORDAN             (3G) 60.0  97  AT  Sean Tarry                   

10   THE GREY KING      (3G) 60.0  96 HA e Justin Snaith                

 2   FLAG MAN           (3G) 60.0  92  A   Gareth van Zyl               

   (12)

David Thiselton

Justin Snaith had a strong hand in the Gr 2 WSB 1900 on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Greyville, and duly won it with the Drakenstein Stud- homebred Futura gelding Future Swing, and the yard have subsequently released the possible routes of their Hollywoodbets Durban July runners into the big race. 

Mucho Dinero gave the winner 2kg in the 1900 and was beaten 2.30 lengths into fifth and Without Question gave the winner 6kg and was beaten three lengths into seventh. 

Jonathan Snaith said, “Future Swing came through his race particularly well and he’ll most likely not run again before the Hollywoodbets Durban July where he will carry 54kg, most likely under sufferance. No jockey has yet to be confirmed.

Mucho Dinero improved dramatically (from his  run and Kabelo said he was a little unlucky and the slower pace cost him. He is going straight into the Cup Trial as part of his final preparation for the HWB Durban July. This will be his third run after a rest, and he’s expected to produce a tremendous effort. He’s a monster runner in the Cup Trial!

Without Question was blowing heavily after his race and was clearly in desperate need of this run. The connections have not yet decided on his next mission before embarking on the HWB Durban July.”

Snaith has won four out of the five WSB 1900s run this decade (Belgarion (2020), Do It Again (2022), Pacaya (2023) and Future Swing (2024)).

Belgarion went on to win the July and dual July winner Do It Again was an ultra unlucky fourth in the big race in 2022.

Ravi Naidoo’s Kalinga is a part-owner of Future Swing, together with Drakenstein and Pam Isdell, and the horse runs in Naidoo’s French grey and violet cap colours. Naidoo might be double-handed in the July because he is the outright owner of the champion Cousin Casey.

Another Snaith July entry, The Grey King, also ran at Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting and with first-time cheekpieces on this three-year-old Vercingetorix gelding put up a good front-running display. He had to carry joint topweight of 61,5kg in the Middle Stakes event over 1900m and finished a 1,40 length second. The winning time of the race was 1,38 seconds slower than the WSB 1900, but The Grey King was carrying 7,5kg more than what Future Swing carried to victory in the 1900. Jonathan pointed out that he was arguably the most successful syndicated horse in the country, having had just eight starts for two wins, three seconds, including in a Gr 3, and one third. He runs for The King’s Club and has about 30 partners or syndicate members in all. Sean Veale will be riding him in the Daily News 2000. 

Meanwhile, the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes winner Royal Aussie will go for the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and also the Gr 1 Champions Cup on the last day of the season. However, a run in the July has not been decided on yet. The four-year-old Royal Mo gelding’s below par 9,05 length eighth in the WSB Met was his only race to date beyond a mile, so there is a stamina question mark. 

Jonathan said Triple Time Triple had had a minor setback and he would most likely be taking the Gr 3 Gold Circle Derby route into the July. This Twice Over gelding had been in fine form, finishing a 1,50 length second to Future Swing in the Gr 3 Glorious Goodwood Chairman’s Cup over 2500m when giving the latter 4kg, a shorthead second in the Gr 2 New Turf Western Cape Stayers over 2800m and then, in his KZN pipe opener, a 2,80 length second in a Progress Plate over 1750m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. 

The Snaith’s Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Snow Pilot comes off a decent 0,60 length third to July favourite Green With Envy in the Gr 2 WSB Guineas with the top class Sandringham Summit splitting them. He will either be going for the Gold Challenge or Daily News 2000. A decision will only be made one the connections have seen the nominations.

The highly regarded Trippi gelding Hluhluwe ran a decent two length fourth in the WSB Guineas in his first outing as a gelding. He will be going for the Daily News 2000 over a much more suitable trip and Grant van Niekerk will be up.