SP SPRINT - 1 FEBRUARY 2023

Wednesday 01 February 2023

IT’S THE ROAD TO GLORY!

Nathan Kotzen's Royal Victory starts his bid for SA Triple Crown glory on Saturday

JC Photos

The feature focus swings North this weekend and Saturday sees the first leg of the World Sports Betting SA Triple Crown and the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara with the running of the Gr2 World Sports Betting Gauteng Guineas and the Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas respectively over 1600m on the Turffontein Standside track.

Both fields have attracted strong entries with a full complement of 16 runners in the R1-million World Sports Betting Gauteng Guineas and 15 runners in the R750,000 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas. The World Sports Betting SA Triple Crown for 3-year-olds is the richest series of races in Africa and comprises Saturday’s feature as well as the R1 5 million WSB Gr1 SA Classic to be run over 1800m at Turffontein on Saturday 4 March. The third leg is the R1,5 million WSB Gr1 SA Derby to be run over 2450m at Turffontein on Saturday 1 April.

A bonus of R2 million will be paid to connections of the horse that wins all three legs of the WSB SA Triple Crown.

The Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara for 3-year-old fillies is the richest series of races for fillies in Africa and comprises Saturday’s feature and then the R1,25 million Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic run over 1800m at Turffontein on Saturday 4 March.

The third leg is the R750 000 Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 SA Oaks run over 2450m at Turffontein on Saturday 1 April. A bonus of R1 million will be paid to the connections of the filly that wins all three legs of the Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara. There will also be a R500 000 Pick 6 carryover at the meeting with the pool like to reach R3 million.

The Sprint is interactive - please click here to see the fields.

‘THANK-YOU SOUTH AFRICA’

Candiese Lenferna

‘South African jockeys are known to be tactically, technically and in terms of strength, amongst the best in the world. I rode against the likes of Dougie Whyte, Felix Coetzee and Anton Marcus in Hong Kong in years past. Interestingly, I came up against the new generation on Saturday…’ –

Christophe Soumillon

Christophe on the podium after his opening win

A ten-times champion jockey of France, Christophe Soumillon flew out of Cape Town with his former beauty queen wife Sophie on Tuesday en route to his home just outside of Paris, packing the newest of his 120 odd Grade 1 trophies and a suntan that suggests he could well be back to enjoy the 2023 Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Summer Festival.

As the sun set on a memorable South African summer holiday, the Soumillons were looking forward to returning home to Chantilly and regrouping with their 17 year old daughter Charlie, and sons Mika (14) and Robin (5), who had

returned to start school three weeks earlier.

The family holiday had started in November, continued through the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, was punctuated with a trip home and a few rides in Dubai, and culminated with a dazzling day on Saturday.

“The WSB Cape Town Met day was the icing on the cake of our wonderful holiday travels, and we have had a really great time of it here in South Africa with warm hospitality wherever we went, and hosted by wonderful friends, doing all the ‘touristy’ things like the wine routes and game farms,” smiled the 41 year old

Belgian-born rider who has won some of the great races of the world, from the Prix de la Arc de Triomphe to the Breeders’ Cup, as he chatted in his near perfect English to the Sporting Post just prior to his departure from South Africa.

While the enormity of the presence of one of the world’s great jockeys may have been lost on the social and fashionista portion of the 10 000 crowd that quaffed their Pongracz and braved a typically four-seasons-inone day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth for the 2023 WSB Cape Town Met celebration, the Belgian-born star

delighted the local racing elitists with his velvet-smooth saddle-craft, in the process harnessing a treble, including a maiden SA Gr1 winner for his old mate, Mike de Kock.

In something reminiscent of a North Sea storm, the man who has ridden Gr1 winners in ten countries around the globe, swept across Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and booted home his first three rides of the day. He was to ride two more seconds and a third from his remaining four engagements.

Seasoned local breeder

Duncan Barry and his Bishops matric classmates of 1978 were the first to enjoy the Soumillon silver service when their Riverton-bred and Eric Sandstrained maiden Carriacou powered home to shed his maiden in good style in the second. After a few frustrtaing places, the victory for the son of Captain Of All was sweetand having a top international jock aboard means that the winning photo will take pride of place in the braai room on the fabulous Robertson farm.

Then it was more vintage Soumillon as he produced an

emotional first SA Gr1 strike for the Slack family and Mike de Kock as Desert Miracle beat SA Horse Of The Year Captain’s Ransom in the prestigious Majorca Stakes.

The trauma of his 2022 SaintCloud suspension seemed light years away as the broadsmiling rider clearly enjoyed the moment, delivering on his promise to win a race in South Africa for his good friends.

This undertaking was apparently made during the Dubai Carnival a few years ago, when he and Mike de

Chase Liebenberg

Christophe hugs trainer Eric Sands

Kock had teamed up ‘to achieve great things’ – not to mention a jolly social life.

So warm was the family atmosphere that Christophe declared that Mike de Kock ‘is the best trainer in the world!’

His third victory came aboard Lancaster Bomber’s daughter Rascova, who beat off male rivals to land the City Of Cape Town Listed Summer Juvenile Stakes, for Glen Kotzen and the Arundels.

In the R7,5 million WSB Gold Rush, his mount Dave The King just failed to get to Royal Aussie, while the Hollywood Syndicate’s Isivunguvungu was third in the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship. Set for a fourth victory, the fancied Nebraas ran second in the Western Cape Stayers, falling victim to a determined Gavin Lerena, still smarting from his WSB Cape Town Met heartbreak.

Labelling his wife Sophie his ‘lucky charm’, Christophe told the Sporting Post that having three winners in the Cape was an amazing moment in his distinguished career.

“South African jockeys are known to be tactically, technically and in terms of strength, amongst the best in the world. I rode against the likes of Dougie Whyte,

Felix Coetzee and Anton Marcus in Hong Kong in years past. Interestingly, I came up against the new generation on Saturday and they are very talented! Your jockeys are in demand the world over. Certainly a tribute to the SA Jockey Academy and the industry here,” he added.

He said that the L’Ormarins King’s Plate experience had taught him a lot about the track conditions and the wind.

“I felt better physically and more at home on Saturday. One takes a few rides to settle in. The pace is different – most racetracks around the world have their unique characteristics,” he added.

Coming from a racing background, Soumillon is the son of jump jockey JeanMarc Soumillon. He rode in pony races and left Belgium at fifteen to attend the racing school in Chantilly, France, where he was apprenticed to trainer Cédric Boutin.

He rode his first Group race winner at eighteen when Berine's Son, trained by André Fabre, won the 2000 Prix de Fontainebleau. The following season he won four Gr1 races, including the Prix du Jockey Club on Anabaa.

Soumillon won the cravache

d'or - the golden whip or French champion jockey title - for the first time in 2003 and won his tenth title in 2018.

Although a flat jockey, he has also ridden over hurdles, winning the 2010 French Champion Hurdle on Mandali.

We asked where to now?

“Back to France today to see the family and then in February I will be riding in Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia,” he reflected.

And when will he consider slowing down?

“You do know I am only 41? As long as my mind and my body are loving it and I am able to do the job, I will continue to ride. I’d like to think I still have many years left!”he laughs.

As he bids us farewell, he asks that we extend a word of thanks to South Africa.

“You have a beautiful country with wonderful people. The hospitality extended to me was world-class. I am fortunate to have made such great friends here and I hope to be back. Please tell everybody that the Soumillons thank you all – from the race fans to the stakeholders. Au revoir!”

THAT WAS A THRILLER!

Chase Liebenberg

The WSB Met class of 2023 stampede home

In a dramatic finish in front of an excited crowd at a buzzing Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, the R2 million World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Town Met was fought out by two swansong stars, with Snaith hero Jet Dark pipping the gallant defending champion Kommetdieding in the shadow of the post.

What a race! in a thrilling finish to the Cape flagship, Gavin Lerena and defending champion Kommetdieding looked to have done enough, and were being hailed the winners.

But Richard Fourie had other ideas and determined to register his first victory in the prestigious race after four seconds, he unleashed Jet Dark with a menacing run up the wide outside.

In a matter of strides, Jet Dark capped a historic occasion as two top athletes destined for stud paid tribute to their fans by providing a thrilling climax to their individual illustrious careers.

At the line, with only two lengths separating the top six horses home, Jet Dark (4-1) finished like an express train to pip the gallant Kommetdieding (8-1) by 0,20 lengths in a time of 123,44 secs and make it five Gr1 successes.

Uncharacteristically dropped out to last, the enigmatic former Cape Derby winner

Pomp And Power (66-1) finished with an enthusiastic rattle to bank third cheque, with Nexus (66-1) capping a 1-3-4 finish for the victorious Snaith team in their second Met victory.

The smart 3yo Cousin Casey ran his heart out, but could only finish fifth and will probably be back for a better effort next year.

A delighted Richard Fourie, who was thrilled to register an overdue Met win, said that he ‘was never confident’.

“It was a slow-run race. Jet Dark jumped a patch and lost a bit of momentum. He took me to the rail. We got bumped a few times. But he got there. Well done to everyone!” he said.

Justin Snaith labelled Jet Dark ‘beautiful, elegant, magnificent.’

“He’s a winner on the track and in our hearts. Thanks to Gaynor (Rupert) for bringing in horses like Trippi. Jet Dark is

off to stud. What a pity to lose him, but he deserves it and I have no doubt he will make us all proud,” added the Cape champion trainer.

In a magnanimous sporting gesture, Jet Dark part owner Tommy Crowe acknowledged the runner-up Kommetdieding. A R200 000 buy from the 2019 Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale, Jet Dark is by Drakenstein Stud’s longstanding champion producer Trippi (End Sweep) and was bred by the champion farm out of the one-time winning Jet Master mare Night Jet, a half-sister to Thukela Handicap winner Brown Penny and Gr1 Mercury Sprint runner-up Night Trip (Trippi).

Jet Dark has now won 9 races (five Gr1’s, as we pointed out) with 7 places from 19 starts and took his stakes bank to R5 697 850.

The Pick 6 paid a massive R644 153.

Justin Snaith receives his trophy from WSB’s Bob Yearham

Chase Liebenberg

MET JOCKEYS’ HIGHS – THEN THE LOWS

After playing their part in providing one of the most exciting Met finishes in recent years at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, jockeys Richard Fourie and Gavin Lerena will face Stipendiary Board inquiries into their respective use of the crop.

Fourie produced Jet Dark with a storming burst down the outside to catch Lerena and Kommetdieding, who looked to have done enough. A quick count confirms that neither rider appears to have much exceeded the 12 strikes limit.

And in what has become the norm this summer – although the inside seem 100% fine on Tuesday afternoon- it was sadly also yet another rather untidy affair up the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth home straight. Jockey Grant van Niekerk was called to the principal’s office, picking up a 14 day suspension for causing interference at the 400m on the fancied 3yo Cousin Casey.

The ‘victims’ were eventual winner Jet Dark and Zapatillas. The Stipes reported that at the 400m Jet Dark (R Fourie), which made its run on the outside running rail shortly after entering the straight, was severely unbalanced when turned inwards after being bumped by Zapatillas (L Mxothwa), which was carried

outwards by Cousin Casey (G van Niekerk), which was directed outwards shortly after entering the straight. As a consequence, Nexus (M Yeni), which was racing behind Jet Dark(R Fourie) , was shifted inwards to continue its run. At the 250m Rascallion (S Veale), which initially shifted inwards, was carried outwards by Make It Snappy (K de Melo), which shifted out sharply under pressure and had to be straightened.

In the concluding stages, the unlucky horse of the race, Pomp And Power (K Matsunyane), Zapatillas (L Mxothwa) and the gallant Nexus (M Yeni) raced in restricted galloping room on the outside running rail which led to Zapatillas (L Mxothwa) becoming unbalanced when brushed on either side by Nexus (M Yeni) and Pomp And Power (K Matsunyane), which was held up and shifted in into clear running.

The false rail on the day was in the original position with a 3m spur at the 600m marker. Winning rider Richard Fourie declared it a slow-run race, with the 2023 WSB Cape Town Met ranking third in the past five years’ renewals.

One World (2020 – 122,48 secs) was the fastest in that time, followed by Rainbow Bridge (2019-122,96 secs), Jet Dark (2023 – 123,44 secs), Rainbow Bridge (2021 – 123,51 secs) and Kommetdieding (2022 – 123,80 secs) the slowest.

Face of a winner! Jet Dark is enjoying it

Chase Liebenberg

‘MET DAY A WINNER’ – GREG BORTZ

With Hong Kong World Pool turnovers on the WSB Met day racemeeting at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday rocketing to a new record high of HK$ 279,3 million, Kenilworth Racing Chairman Greg Bortz

has declared the first flagship day under the new team a great success with plenty of scope for growth in the years to come.

Turnovers on the World Pool for Met day in 2022 was

HK$257,9 million and the near 9% increase year-on-year put a smile on the energetic boss’ face.

“We are very pleased with these numbers. This is slap bang in the middle of their

Cape Racing boss Greg Bortz and trainer Mike de Kock

Chase Liebenberg

Stewards’ Cup being run at Sha Tin today. That is why any comparisons to the Marshalls World Of Sport Gold Cup racemeeting at the end of last season, for instance, are not meaningful as that was in the Hong Kong off-season, and when they are hungry for quality international racing. This was great and we are all very thrilled,” Greg Bortz confirmed in a chat with the Sporting Post on Sunday.

Met day attendance was purposely limited to 10 000 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday and Bortz was pleased to inform the Sporting Post that the cap had been reached.

“We made the shift from corporate hospitality to

focussing on the owner on the day. That’s why we aimed at the service being top-class and thus we employed a number of extra personnel. And by limiting crowd numbers we are ensuring that demand exceeds supply – much as we did at the recent Cape Premier Yearling Sale – and this is part of the strategy to build momentum with the public and sponsors for next year.”

The charismatic financial whizz also enjoyed a great day at the

4Racing boss Fundi Sithebe and friends

The party went on till late!

Cape Racing

Cape Racing

races on a personal front with Salvator Mundi winning the New Turf Carriers Gr2 Western Cape Stayers, while Nevada King enjoyed a peach of a ride from Richard Fourie to win an MR74 handicap earlier – in the process stamping himself a Cape Derby possibility.

But it was Bortz’ 2022 Cape Derby winner Pomp And Power’s flying third after traffic issues in the WSB Cape Town

Met that probably gave the avid racing man the most pleasure.

Pomp And Power is winless since his Derby success eleven months ago and head issues have plagued the progress and dependability of the talented son of Vercingetorix, who went off at 66-1 from the widest draw under Kabelo Matsunayane.

“We can’t complain – two winners on Met day is an honour and privilege in anybody’s book. But yes, Pomp had some bad luck in running, as did a few others. But it’s very encouraging and let’s hope he is back on track for better things again. And well done to all our winners. I think we have plenty of very happy owners after the day,” he added.

THEY WORE IT WELL!

The coveted best dressed title at the Cape Town Met has gone to Angelique David and Jody Alexander.

Alexander is no stranger to winning the Best Dressed man honours. In fact, this is his third win. He previously won the title in 2019 and 2020, before Covid-19 brought all events to a halt.

Wearing a Presidential Shirt, his outfit was inspired by the colours of Mardi Gras.

Alexander commented: I loved the colours the Mardi Gras brought with it, the gold, the purple, blue and green, it all encapsulated the theme.

Lee-Charl Fraser and Jody

Alexander were the finalists in the Best Dressed Man category.

“The designer who did this suit is the same designer who designed my wedding suit. The fabric is fine and breathable and not too much to battle the weather.

“In Cape Town, we have four seasons of weather in a day, so one always needs to be prepared properly for these challenges. I’m glad I have won, I was even more surprised that I won for the third time.

“My husband Lee-Charl Fraser also entered and so its a win for both of us at the end of the day.

Taking the Best Dressed Woman accolade, David, who is from Mauritius, wore a black feather detail body-hugging dress by Priscilla Michelle.

Meanwhile, fashion designer Laverne Turner Manual, wearing a sustainable gown by Nadia Block Couture from Kuilsriver, looked breathtaking. She said each motive was taken from dresses she designed before.

Amanda Peter, the bronze goddess, wearing a dress by Prisca Wear, looked stunning. She added a touch of purple to bring in the Mardi Gras theme.

Cape Racing

CHAMPAGNE FOR KHAYA, KANNEMEYER, KEAGAN

Chase Liebenberg

Gimme A Prince is led in by Alfred Skeyi and Lady Christine Laidlaw

Despite running over a distance short of his best, Gimmethegreenlight 4yo Gimme A Prince produced a career peak performance as he resisted a late challenge from past SA Champion Sprinter Rio Querari to win the R1 250 000 Pongracz Gr1 Cape Flying Championship at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

Milnerton master trainer Dean Kannemeyer had the lightly campaigned Gimme A Prince in prime condition just six weeks after his Gr2 Cape Merchants success, and regular pilot, the Winning Form sponsored, Keagan de Melo did the rest, timing his run to perfection to hold off a determined challenge from the revistalised Snaith challenger.

At the line, Gimme A Prince

(7-2) had 0,30 lengths to spare in a time of 58,04 secs.

Isivungvungu (7-2) ran his best race to run third, with Gauteng challenger Bartholdi overcoming his travel issues to run a game fourth.

The Khaya Stables bred winner is a 4yo gelded son of champion sire Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) out of the smashing their Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint winner Real Princess.

Like Gimme A Prince, the Klawervlei daughter of Trippi was raced by Khaya Stables for Dean Kannemeyer.

Real Princess was the most expensive filly sold at the 2013 Cape Premier Yearling Sale (Book 1) when knocked down to Form Bloodstock for R2,7

million. Gimme A Prince is her first foal, with the unraced The Real Prince currently in training with the powerful yard. This was Gimme A Prince’s maiden Gr1 success and his second victory on Cape soil. He took his tally to 5 wins and a place from 7 starts for stakes of R1 217 888.

A passionate and well-invested owner, race sponsor and a benefactor of the sport via the Star Grooms initiative, Lady Laidlaw has enjoyed her racing in South Africa since 2008 when purchasing the subsequent dual Guineas winner and sire, Noordhoek Flyer. She has since celebrated multiple Gr1 success, including a Durban July victory with Power King in 2015.

Team snap! Keagan de Melo, Lady Christine Laidlaw and Morris Mgcube celebrate the top win

Chase Liebenberg

GIMME’S FIFTH GR1 WINNER

Varsfontein Stud’s champion resident sire Gimmethegreenlight came up with a fifth Gr1 winner when his progressive son Gimme A Prince scored a thrilling win in Saturday’s Gr1 Pongracz Cape Flying Championship (1000m) run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

A smart winner of the G2 Cape Merchants last time out, four-year-old Gimme A Prince

defied a drop back in trip with a courageous win in Saturday’s R1 250 000 sprint.

Out of the G1 winning Trippi mare Real Princess, Gimme A Prince is bred on the same Gimmethegreenlight/Trippi cross as Gr1 Brentford FC Garden Province Stakes queen She’s A Keeper.

His sire Gimmethegreenlight, South Africa’s Champion

Sire of 2020-2021, is also responsible for the Gr1 winners Gunner, Yulong Prince and multiple Equus Champion Got The Greenlight.

Currently the sire of 49 stakes winners, Gimmethegreenlight is currently heading the General Sires List, by stakes, for the 2022-2023 South African season.

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!

The hopes and dreams of a number of WSB Met Day Pick 6 players were left blowing in the south-easter that swept across Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday when Gauteng visitor Desert Miracle found her winning form again to topple local star Captain’s Ransom in the R1 million Scheweppes

With the R1 million carryoverboosted exotic pool reaching R10 291 322, over 8 million combinations went south with the world’s hopes resting on the Snaith star. Set for her third straight victory in the prestigious mile, Captain’s Ransom faced only

five opponents after probably scaring off much of the rest, but she had no answers for a scintillating performance by French Champion jockey

Christophe Soumillon on De Kock visitor Desert Miracle, who showed none of her respiratory issues that have plagued her career.

Gr1 Majorca Stakes.

Christophe Soumillon steers Desert Miracle to victory

Chase Liebenberg

After being settled five lengths off the pace set by Chansonette and Silver Darling, Desert Miracle unwound up the straight as the sextet ducked for the sheep track up the outside. While Captain’s Ransom was given every chance by Richard Fourie, she had no answer to the beautifully-bred visitor, who bounded clear to give Soumillon a double.

Clocking 99,56 secs for the mile, Desert Miracle (112) beat the 4-10 Captain’s Ransom by 1,25 lengths, with Golden Hostess (25-1)

a further 1,25 lengths back in third.

It was Desert Miracle’s first win since her success in the Gr3 Graham Beck Stakes in October 2021.

Bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, Desert Miracle is a daughter of late champion Dynasty (Fort Wood) and out of the seven time winning Oasis Dream mare, Welwitschia.

Now a winner of 5 races with 9 places from 14 starts, Desert Miracle took her stakes earnings to R1 463 250.

With owner and breeder Mary Slack on course, Mike de Kock reminisced about the days of old in Dubai with Soumillon and assistant Trevor Brown, amongst some other of the old faithful, on the stage for the winner’s celebration pic.

OLD TEAM IS BACK!

Mike de Kock last won the Gr1 Schweppes Majorca Stakes in 2010 with Gluwein, and he was able to chalk it up once more at Saturday’s WSB Met extravaganza at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

This prestigious WFA 1600m success came courtesy of Desert Miracle, the high class daughter of Dynasty who had been knocking at the door of major race glory for the

last two seasons and finally bagged it stylishly, and at the expense of Equus Horse Of The Year, Captain’s Ransom. “She’s an awesome horse with a helluva finish,” said Mike on his website www. mikedekockracing.com about Desert Miracle and, having always sung her praises, was finally vindicated.

“We’ve always thought of her as a miler, but she has had

She was talented and won 7 races, including two Gr2 sprints. Her quirkiness probably cost her a Gr1 win, but now her daughter has done it

bleeding issues so we kept her to sprinting for a while. But she’s done really well in Cape Town and when things go her way, like it did on Saturday,

Mike de Kock hugs owner Mary Slack, while her son-in-law Steven Jell looks on

Chase Liebenberg

she’s as competitive as they come.”

Mike praised X-factor jockey Christophe Soumillon, his erstwhile Dubai stable jockey, for a super ride and said: “It was like having our old team back together again today with Christophe here, Trevor (Brown, assistant trainer) and Steven (Jell, former assistant). We’re like a family and Christophe is a family member.”

Soumillon expressed similar sentiments and said: “It’s always been my dream to win a Gr1 for Mike here in South Africa and to have done it now is fantastic, extra special because it’s for friends like Mary (Slack), Steven and Jessica. I kept Desert Miracle covered behind the favourite so she could run on. A gap appeared at the 250m mark and she quickened away very well. I am thankful.”

Mike added: “Mary is a wonderful owner because she understands racing and she’s been very patient with Desert Miracle and I am so pleased she has got this Gr1 to her name now. We bought her dam, Welwitschia, at Goffs. She was talented and won 7 races, including two Gr2 sprints. Her quirkiness probably cost her a Gr1 win, but now her daughter has done it. So, again, a bit of a family affair.”

‘Champion Gimmethegreenlight surrendered his crown to Silvano last season, but the Varsfontein stallion has bounced back with a vengeance and looks well on his way to reclaiming the sires title’

Gimmethegreenlight son Gimme A Prince (Keagan de Melo) beats Rio Querari (Grant van Niekerk) to win the Pongracz Gr1 Cape Flying Championship

THAT’S HALF THE SEASON GONE!

Chase Liebenberg

How time flies. The Cape Town Met has come and gone, and so has the first half of the racing season. This stakes rich meeting always has a profound impact on the sire lists and as the latest NHRA stats show, our leading stallions consolidated their current standings.

Champion

Gimmethegreenlight surrendered his crown to Silvano last season, but the Varsfontein stallion has bounced back with a vengeance and looks well on his way to reclaiming the sires title.

He was already at the head of affairs prior to the start of the weekend and victory by

Gimme A Prince in the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship has extended his lead to R9.4 million, to the extent that he is almost R2 million clear of second-placed Vercingetorix.

By the way, one simply cannot ignore former champion Trippi.

At the advanced age of 25, the Drakenstein veteran is enjoying another exceptional season and on Saturday, his champion son Jet Dark provided him with a first Met success. Runner-up in 2022, the five-year-old overcame a troubled stretch run to turn the table on defending champion Kommetdieding in a humdinger finish.

The rich stake further

embellished Trippi's already glowing stats. Sire this season of six stakes winners amongst just 50 runners, Trippi's average earnings stand at an eye-popping R131,151, more than double that of Gimmethegreenlight and Vercingetorix. In addition, his strike rate of 48% is streets ahead of any of his peers.

The Met marked Jet Dark's swansong, and he is slated to return to birthplace Drakenstein to stand alongside his sire. Sadly, racing needs its champions and his retirement, together with that of Kommetdieding, leaves a huge void for the remainder of the season.

Incidentally, Jet Dark is out

of a mare by the mighty Jet Master, who also featured as the broodmare sire of fourthplaced Nexus.

The country's dominant broodmare sire of recent times, Jet Master's fine run continued at the next day's Turffontein race meeting. The Allez France Stakes was won in fluent fashion by Silvano mare Flying First Class, who just happens to be out of a Jet Master mare.

While the 2400m race is no longer a black type stakes race, the subsequent Wolf Power 1600 carried Listed status, and went the way of grandson Savannah Storm. Significantly, the Phillip Vermeulen-trained fiveyear-old is by Jet Master's unheralded and now retired sire son Sudden Storm.

Dynasty too, continues to cast a long shadow over South African racing. He celebrated his 18th Gr1 winner when four-year-old daughter Desert Miracle captured the Gr1 Schweppes Majorca Stakes at the expense of reigning Horse of the Year Captain's Ransom. Fittingly, Desert Miracle won in the silks of owner/breeder Mary Slack, who also bred her late lamented sire.

Dynasty went on to add a second stakes success on the day, courtesy of Salvator Mundi's fine win in the Gr2 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers.

The meeting also witnessed

the first stakes winner for deceased freshman sire Lancaster

Bomber, whose daughter Rascova led home an all-female finish to the Listed City Of Cape Town Summer Juvenile Stakes.

The Glen Kotzen-trained juvenile, who was her sire's first runner, won on debut and was scoring for the second time in three starts. Her victory propelled Lancaster Bomber to the top of the first-season sires list, but things are sure to hot up as the season progresses and he can expect fierce opposition from his fellow freshmen.

On that note, Fire Away and New Predator have both registered a double, with the former siring two impressive winners in quick succession. Fire 'N' Flames was never headed and hacked up by just over four lengths at the Vaal and three days later, newcomer Luna Halo sizzled to an impressive five-length debut win up the Fairview straight.

As befits a relentless frontrunner with a sharp turn of foot, Galileo's grandson New Predator is also off to a flying start with two winners from three runners to date, while barn mate Hat Puntano has scored with his sole runner.

With a winner and several placed runners to his name, Mauritzfontein's Danon Platina is sure to add to his tally as we enter the second half of the season.

DOUBLE FOR WILLIAM

Klawervlei Stud’s resident Cape Guineas winner William Longsword has made a strong start to 2023, and he was at it again on Tuesday when responsible for two smart looking winners at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

William Longsword’s threeyear-old daughter Kennedy kicked off Tuesday’s racemeeting when she won the first race on the card, the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Welcomes You Maiden Plate (1000m).

William Longsword’s second success on Tuesday came

when his Klawervlei Stud bred daughter Betty Boop flew up late to land the Follow Cape Racing On Social Media FM 81 Handicap (1400m) in exciting fashion.

William Longsword also received a handsome boost to his pedigree page when close relative Gimme A Prince captured the recent Gr1 Pongracz Cape Flying Championship. The latter, also victorious in this season’s Gr2 Cape Merchants, is out of William Longsword’s Gr1 winning half-sister Real Princess.

JET DARK STAYS ON 130

Jet Dark remains unchanged on a rating of 130 after winning the Gr1 WSB Cape Town Met on WFA terms over 2000m on the summer course at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday 28 January.

The Handicappers took the view that GOLDEN DUCAT made for the most suitable line horse, which leaves him unchanged on a mark of 120. In assessing the race this way JET DARK only runs to a rating of 126, hence his unchanged mark.

There were ratings increases also for 3rd placed POMP AND POWER, who was picked up from 114 to 124, for 4th finisher NEXUS, who goes up to 122 from 114, for COUSIN CASEY, who goes up from 115 to 122, for WATERBERRY LANE, who was raised from 116 to 118, and lastly for WARRIOR, who finished 0.10 of a length behind WATERBERRY LANE and who accordingly goes up from 112 to 117.

Four horses were given a rating’s drop. DO IT AGAIN is down from 126 to 124, RAIN IN HOLLAND drops from 116 to 114, UNIVERSAL also drops

from 116 to 114, and lastly LINEBACKER goes from 122 to 120.

Gr1 Schweppes Majorca Stakes

DESERT MIRACLE has had her merit rating upped from 113 to 124 after she won the Grade 1 Schweppes Majorca Stakes for fillies and mares over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. Here it was runnerup CAPTAIN’S RANSOM who was deemed to make for the best line horse, leaving her unchanged on a rating of 124. In assessing the race this way DESERT MIRACLE actually runs to a rating of 126, but the Handicappers opted to give her a rating not higher than that of CAPTAIN’S RANSOM at this stage.

3rd finisher GOLDEN HOSTESS was raised from 108 to 115. She in fact ran to a mark of 121, but the Handicappers were unwilling to take this literally and gave her half the achieved increase, while waiting to see whether she can confirm this level of improvement going forward.

There were no other ratings increases, but two horses were given a drop. SILVER

DARLING is down from 122 to 120, while CHANSONETTE drops to 113 from 116.

Gr1 Pongracz Cape Flying Championship

GIMME A PRINCE has had his rating raised from 114 to 123 after winning the Grade 1 Pongracz Cape Flying Championship (WFA) over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. Here the Handicappers believed that 4th placed BARTHOLDI made for the best line horse, leaving him unaltered on a mark of 119.

Aside from the winner, there were increases for three other horses. 2nd placed RIO QUERARI is up from 120 to 122, 3rd finisher ISIVUNGUVUNGU goes from 110 to 119, and lastly SURJAY is up from 112 to 117.

There were ratings drops for three horses. BATTLE FORCE was trimmed from 112 to 111, MASTER ARCHIE drops from 125 to 122, and lastly HITHEMHARDSUNSHINE drops from 107 to 105.

Gr2 New Turf Carriers

Western Cape Stayers

SALVATOR MUNDI has seen his rating climb from 99 to 109 after he won the Grade

2 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers over 2800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the unanimous view that CROME YELLOW would not have run below his best in a race of this nature and elected to use him as the line horse, leaving him unchanged on a mark of 109.

There were increases for two other runners. 3rd placed SENSO UNICO is up from 106 to 111, while

6th finisher ARCTIC DRIFT was raised from 93 to 97 to make him one pound higher than the 96-rated 7th placed BARATHEON.

Three horses were given a drop. Runner-up NEBRAAS was cut from 118 to 116, 4th finisher SILVER HOST is down from 115 to 113, and lastly REX UNION drops from 101 to 99.

Listed Wolf Power 1600 (Handicap)

SAVANNAH STORM has had his rating raised from 98 to 101 after winning the Listed Wolf Power 1600 (handicap) over 1600m on the standside

track at Turffontein on Sunday 29 January. Here it was 3rd placed VANDERBILT who was used as the line horse, but as he carried half-a-kilo overweight his rating goes up from 100 to 101.

The only other increase was for runner-up PYROMANIAC, who was raised from 105 to 106.

Two horses were given a rating’s drop. 4th placed IRISH TRACTOR is down from 103 to 102, while PERFECT WITNESS drops from 101 to 99.

· Media release by NHA on Tuesday 31 January 2023

SALVATOR MUNDI IN THE FRAME!

John Freeman and the happy connections lead Salvator Mundi in

Candiese Lenferna

BOMBS AWAY!

A rampant Christophe Soumillon, enjoying a busman’s holiday in the fairest Cape, made it three winners from three rides when he produced the Lancaster Bomber filly Rascova with an impressive turn of foot to win the R500 000 City Of Cape Town Listed Summer Juvenile Stakes at a buzzing Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

The second leg of the Summer Juvenile Series, with a substantially Increased stake

from R175 000 in 2022 up to R500 000 for this renewal, the traditional Met day 2yo feature attracted a capacity field and produced a finish to match.

Unfancied in the betting, the Cheveley Stud-bred Rascova (33-1) enjoyed the honour of becoming her sire Lancaster Bomber’s first stakes winner –she was also his first winner on cracking her maiden on debut in December – when she came out of the pack to run the leaders down and hold off a late challenge from Distant Winter (16-1) by 1,25 lengths

in a time of 66,07 secs. The winner’s more fancied stablemate Golden Tatjana (8-1) was a half length back in third to make it a top three clean sweep for the fairer sex.

A son of War Front, the ill-fated Gr1 winning Lancaster Bomber joined the Drakenstein stallion roster after spending one season at the National Stud in Newmarket, and with his first crop racing, he has been touted as serious player for freshman stallion honours.

Christophe again! Rascova charges clear to give the Belgian champ a treble on the day

Chase

For French champion Soumillon, it was a day to remember with an earlier Gr1 winner in the bag, and he joked that he may consider applying for a visa!

The World Sports Bettingsponsored Glen Kotzen saddled four runners in the feature and said that he was ‘collecting the Lancaster Bombers’ A R260

000 Cape Yearling Sale graduate, the winner is raced by Sandy and Eugene Arundel, who have enjoyed a welcome change in fortunes, celebrating their second feature success in a flying start to 2023 after Miss Cool won the Gr3 Three Troikas Stakes at Turffontein on 2 January.

Rascova has won 2 of her 3 starts for stakes of R415 625.

We now head into the third leg of the Summer Juvenile Series – that is the Cape Racing Gr3 Cape of Good Hope Nursery on Cape Derby Day, 25 February 2023.

Glen Kotzen and breeder Vaughan Koster show their delight

Chase Liebenberg

WAR FRONT ATTACKS FRESHMAN SIRE CHARTS

Candiese Lenferna

Rascova makes it a milestone day for Lancaster Bomber

Sons of the Claiborne Farm based War Front have made news in South Africa over the past ten days. His Gr3

Dixie Stakes winning son Fire Away came up with two eye catching first crop winners over the period, while another son, the late Lancaster Bomber, made his presence felt on Met day when his first-crop daughter Rascova captured the Listed City Of Cape Town Summer Juvenile Stakes on Saturday.

Fire Away got off the mark when his two-year-old son Fire ‘N Flames romped home to

a four length maiden score at the Vaal last Tuesday and followed that up on Friday when his first crop daughter Luna Halo made a five and a quarter length winning debut at Fairview.

Fire Away, who never won at two, has now been responsible for two winners from his first five runners.

A half-brother to Gr1 Belmont Derby winner Mr Speaker (sire of 2022 Gr1 Hollywood Derby winner Speaking Scout), Fire Away is out of Gr2 Demoiselle Stakes runner up Salute.

His paternal half-brother Lancaster Bomber looks a sad loss to the South African breeding industry if Rascova’s win on Saturday is anything to go by.

Rascova was both her sire’s first winner and first stakes winner, with the Lancaster Bomber daughter having won on debut before finishing seventh next time out.

One of more than 20 Gr1 winners for his sire, Lancaster Bomber was a top-class performer whose victories included a triumph in the Gr1

Tattersalls Gold Cup of 2018. The bay also finished runner up in five Gr1 races, including the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Among the top performers beaten by Lancaster Bomber during his career was Gr1 Qipco 2000 Guineas/ Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas winner Churchill, whose first crop to race was headed by Gr1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club/Gr1 Coral Eclipse winner Vadeni.

Both Fire Away and Lancaster Bomber have some very well bred two-year-olds yet to grace the track, suggesting they could yet enjoy plenty more success this season.

There is a chance, thus, that War Front stallions could dominate the First Season Sires title in South Africa this season.

Sire of more than 100 stakes winners, War Front is a proven sire of sires with his sons Declaration Of War and The Factor both proven sources of Gr1 winners.

Declaration Of War’s total of near 50 stakes winners include French classic winner Olmedo, Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare and Breeders’ Cup victor Fire At Will, while The Factor has supplied such US Gr1 winners as Noted And Quoted and Cistron.

With his multiple Gr1 winning sons Omaha Beach and War Of Will (a half-brother to inform Cape sire Pathfork) yet to be represented on the racetrack, War Front’s impact as a sire of sires looks yet to grow further.

War Front is a son of Danzigthe unbeaten son of Northern

Dancer having more than made his mark in South Africa.

Danzig’s son National Assembly sired 16 Gr1 winners, including champions National Emblem, National Colour and National Currency, and ranks as broodmare sire of prominent local sires Rafeef and Vercingetorix.

Other sons of Danzig to leave behind Gr1 winners while standing at stud in South Africa include Allied Flag, Freedom Land, Lustra, Qui Danzig, and Shoe Danzig.

Danzig is also broodmare sire of outstanding sire Distorted Humor, whose sons Flower Alley and Pathfork have both enjoyed success while standing in SA.

Fire 'N Flames romps home for Fire Away's maiden strike last Tuesday at Vaal

JC Photos

SHOW ME THE MONEY!

Dr Jill Warner and her hubby Prof John Warner, together with happy partner Suzette Viljoen, enjoy the celebrations

Chase Liebenberg

After a testing start to the big day, Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie pulled one back when Royal Aussie won the inaugural running of the R7,5 million World Sports Betting Gold Rush at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

The Klawervlei-bred Royal Aussie is a son of Royal Mo (USA) and was originally pinhooked for R300 000 at the 2021 Cape Premier Sale by Grant Knowles and then sold at the Ready To Run Sale.

He races for Suzette and Basie Viljoen and Dr Jill Warner in partnership with Australianbased Dane Squance.

The 3yo became the richest

non-stakes winner in South Africa as his earnings rocketed to R5 291 050 with his third victory from just eight starts.

After tracking the leaders Asiye Phambili and Winter Greeting, Fourie had Royal Aussie in full flight up the outside, with the omnipresent Christophe Soumillon producing the widely drawn Dave The King challenging into a tight looking gap between the eventual winner and the rail.

But there was no question about who was in control and the consistent Royal Aussie (33-10) went on to strongly to beat Dave The King (4-1) in a time of 98,14 secs.

Piere Strydom produced the winner’s stable Itsrainingwilliam (40-1) for third and a R600 000 cheque.

King Regent (7-2) started tote favourite and was a half length back, banking R500 000, with yet another Snaith charge in Triple Time (40-1) getting his share, his fifth place earning Nic Jonsson R400 000.

All grooms in the 1600m race received a R10 000 cheque, with the winning groom Lucky awarded R50 000, courtesy of World Sports Betting. The winning owners then double the elated Lucky’s bonus, giving him the richest raceday payday of his career!

Alistair Brown

Richard Fourie drives Royal Aussie to a big win as Dave The King (Christophe Soumillon) plugs on well

Chase Liebenberg

MORE GOLD FOR SUZETTE & BASIE

WSB Cape Town Met fever eclipsed most of what was happening around us this weekend, including a near 600-1 Fairview feature double on Friday saddled by Zietsman Oosthuizen for leading owners Suzette and Basie Viljoen.

The Cape flagship race dominated the headlines this past week and rightly so. But even if the Viljoens would have been over the moon with the massive R5 million first cheque earned by Royal Aussie for their partnership in the WSB Gold Rush, it’s the bread-and-butter fare

that is the backbone of the game – and worth a mention, after the charismatic former Northern Cape legend Zietsman celebrated a rare non black-type feature double in Gqeberha.

In-form Ryan Munger rode a cracker in the R175 000 Fairview Mile to keep the 14-1 Tarantino going to beat Celtillus (5-2) by a quarter length in a time of 96,84 secs.

The winner, a Nutfield Studbred 5yo son of Jet Master stallion Master Of My Fate, is out of the game five-time winning Hard Up mare Size Em

Up, and has now won 5 races with 16 places from 28 starts for stakes of R486 513. He cost R100 000 at the National Yearling Sale and started out his career with Justin Snaith.

A half hour later, Philasande Mxoli rode a strong finish to get the 25-1 Jacob’s Ladder up in the last stride of the R175 000 Lakeside Handicap, to nab the 4-1 Peace In Our World and Cape raider Chewbaca (11-2).

The winning margin was a head and the longshot clocked 150,61 secs for the 2400m to complete the

Ryan Munger gets Tarantino in front to register his second consecutive win

Viljoen-Oosthuizen double.

A R50 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Jacob’s Ladder was bred by Maine Chance Farms and is a son of the late Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill)

out of the three-time winning Silvano mare, Jolie Angelina.

Jacob’s Ladder is now a six-time winner with 10 places from 32 starts for stakes of R456 843.

The next Fairview racemeeting is on Friday 3 February.

Jacob’s Ladder sneaks up the inside to fend off Peace In Our World

Pauline Herman

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE!

Keagan de Melo chats to happy owner Lady Christine Laidlaw

Candiese Lenferna

The Kannemeyer, Khaya Stables and Keagan de Melo combination celebrated one of their most memorable Met days at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday when recent maiden winner USA’S Hope crowned their success in the Pongracz Gr1 Cape Flying Championships with a courageous victory in the R200 000 World Pool The Invitational.

Allowed to start at 10-1 in a fair quality field, USA’S Hope

built up smartly and plugged away doggedly down the inside rail to register an encouraging post-maiden win as he held off the year older Swift Action (25-1) by a head in a time of 72,38 secs.

A R400 000 purchase by Form Bloodstock off the 2021 BSA August 2yo Sale, USA’S Hope is a good looking chestnut and stepped up smartly from his recent maiden win to make it 2 wins from just 4 starts and stakes of R200 000.

Bred by Wicklow Stud, USA’S Hope is another promising son of Moutonshoek’s Galileo stallion The United States.

He is out of the four-time winning Trippi mare, Mysterio.

THE UNITED STATES DOUBLES UP

Part owner Gina Goldsmith welcomes Richard Fourie and Nevada King back after his smart win

Moutonshoek’s resident Galileo horse The United States has been enjoying a purple patch of late with his runners winning good races all over South Africa.

The flashy chestnut was at it again on Saturday, when The United States supplied a pair of winners on WSB Cape Town Met day.

His three-year-old son Nevada King showed his class when storming home from near the back of the field to win the fifth race run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Met day. Dropped out back by jockey Richard Fourie, the Justin Snaith trained gelding came with a late rattle to get up and win nearly half a length.

Bred by Moutonshoek, Nevada King looks to be a potential candidate for the G1 Cape Derby at the end of February.

The gelding has proved ultra consistent, having yet to finish out of the money in ten career starts.

The United States, currently above the likes of Master Of My Fate,Trippi, Dynasty and Vercingetorix on this season’s Leading Sires of 3YOS log, has a very exciting crop of threeyear-olds representing him this season.

Among his notable sophomores in 2022-2023 are recent Gr3 Sea Cottage Stakes winner Billy Bowlegs, brilliant Listed Racehorse Owners Association Stakes hero Khaya’s Hope, Gr3 TAB4Racing Victory Moon Stakes runner up East Coast, and the exciting Without Question.

The latter stamped himself a likely Derby contender when finishing a close up second in the recent

Gr3 Politician Stakes.

By the same sire as outstanding stallions Frankel (Champion Sire in France in 2022), New Approach and Teofilo, The United States hails from the immediate family of hugely influential champion sire Last Tycoon.

The latter sired a pair of top-class sire sons in Marju and O’Reilly and also ranks as broodmare sire of multiple champion sire King Kamehameha among others.

The United States, a fullbrother to dual Guineas winner Hermosa and dual Gr1 winner Hydrangea, is bred on the same Galileo/Pivotal cross as fellow Gr1 winners Rhododendron (dam of G1 winner Auguste Rodin), Love and Magical.

WORLD POWER

Moutonshoek’s resident Galileo horse The United States has been enjoying a purple patch of late with his runners winning good races all over South Africa.

The flashy chestnut was at it again on Saturday, when supplied a pair of winners on WSB Cape Town Met day.

His three-year-old son Nevada

King showed his class when storming home from near the back of the field to win the fifth race.

Bred by Moutonshoek, Nevada King looks to be a potential candidate for the G1 Cape Derby at the end of February.

His inform sire struck again when The United States

gelding USA’s Hope won the 11th and penultimate race on Saturday.

The United States, currently above the likes of Master Of My Fate,Trippi, Dynasty and Vercingetorix on this season’s Leading Sires of 3YOS log, has a very exciting crop of threeyear-olds representing him this season.

STORM WARNING!

Bryanston Auctioneers-sponsored Ryan Munger is flanked by owner Jeannique Vermeulen and trainer Phillip Vermeulen

The omens were there as an electric storm delayed proceedings at Turffontein on Sunday, with the Vermeulen family celebrating a courageous victory by their gallant 6yo Savannah Storm who held on doggedly to win the R175 000 Listed Wolf Power 1600.

Beautifully ridden by the Bryanston Auctioneerssponsored Ryan Munger, the 2021 Listed Drum Star winning Savannah Storm has maintained a consistent form profile and was always in the firing line with the free-striding Vanderbilt making most of the running.

Going into the final 200m, Raymond Danielson ranged up dangerously on Pyromaniac (10-1), but the talented Munger had kept something in reserve and Savannah Storm (8-1) produced a meritorious performance from his wide gate to win by a quarter length in time of 100,27 secs.

The pacemaking Vanderbilt (15-2) found extra to hold on for third, a further length back.

The tote favourite Paisley Park (3-1) never showed and finished over 11 lengths back.

The winner is trained by Phillip Vermeulen for his wife Jeannique.

The Riverworld-bred gelding is by the tough-as-teak Jet Master stallion Sudden Storm, who had a limited career at stud. The winner is out of the

one-time winning Jallad mare, Slinky Jalinky and made it 5 wins with 4 places from 23 for stakes earnings of R406 000.

Phillip Vermeulen is on record in an earlier interview with the Sporting Post that he trains by the guiding principles of a fascinating book – Backyard Race Horse – written by trainer Janet Del Castillo with Lois Schwartz. The book describes how to condition horses naturally at home or off-track in one’s own environment. Without medication.

Earlier on the weather interrupted afternoon, the Silvano mare Flying First Class won the R150 000 non blacktype Allez France Stakes for David Niewenhuizen and Avontuur-sponsored Calvin Habib.

The next Gauteng racemeeting is on the Vaal classic course on Thursday 2 February.

FIVE FOR FOURIE!

Winning Form-sponsored rider Richard Fourie built on his maiden WSB Cape Town Met winner on Saturday when he booted home five winners at a sun-drenched Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday.

On an afternoon where the top rider gloriously showcased his skills in the saddle, Fourie rode a quintet that included a victory in the feature, the inaugural running of the non black-type R175 000 The Clapham Stakes. The 1800m is an add-on to the new looks Cape summer programme as a prep for the staying 3yo fillies.

Four of his five winners were for the Snaith team, with Justin paying tribute and saying that just hours after winning the Met on Saturday, Fourie was at work in Philippi.

“Ï have not had an apprentice at work since Bernard Fayd’herbe, and we make a lot of use of the top-class workriders. But it shows Richard’s work ethic that he was there to pull our runners out on Sunday,”added Snaith.

In a slow-run race, Fourie dictated on Silver Links, gave him mount a breather as the pack loomed, and then came right back at them to hold a sustained late challenge by the well-weighted Hold My Hand (15-10) by 0,40 lengths in a time of 115 secs.

Fun Zone (11-2) looked a winner but was outrun late and had to be content with third, a further three quarters of a length back.

Second placed jockey Grant van Niekerk, who found his

own form with two winners on the afternoon, was clearly aggravated by the slow pace. “It spoils our racing. The best horses should be winning,”he said, clearly disenchanted by the Fourie tactics.

It was also interesting to see how the inside going was good enough to win on – just days after they were hunting the outside strip!

Bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, Silverlinks is a daughter of late multiple champion Silvano (Lomitas) out of the three-time winning Fort Wood mare, Close The Gap.

An astute buy at R200 000 on the National Yearling Sale, Silverlinks has now won 3 races with 2 places from 7 starts for stakes of R248 726.

Silverlinks is too strong as she wins well under Richard Fourie.

Almost a year to the day since his sensational performance when winning the Listed Summer Juvenile Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Met day 2022, Canford Cliffs’ smart son

Cliff Top registered his second consecutive win with a smart effort in the R175 000 Fairview Merchants on Friday.

Ridden by the bang in-form

Richard Fourie, Cliff Top tracked the leader, quickened

up well and was geared down at the line to register a 5,25 length win in the non blacktype 1200m contest.

The 3yo registered a time of 67,10 secs and beat the 5yo Spring Awakening (16-1) easily.

The winner is a son of Europe’s dominant miler at three and four Canford Cliffs, who won five consecutive Gr1 races over the trip. He has produced winners in over 30 countries, including more

than 40 stakes perfomers.

The winner was bred by Ridgemont Highlands out of the Western Winter one-time winner Bacqueira.

Cliff Top has now won 4 races with 4 places from 11 starts for stakes of R453 313.

Canford Cliffs has 3 lots on the BSA Cape Yearling Sale which will be held on 26 February at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Pauline

BACK ON TOP!

KAH LAUDS SHA TIN

Jamie Kah celebrates victory aboard Voyage Bubble

‘It’s a beautiful racecourse (Sha Tin), I’ve only ridden at Happy Valley and it’s a very similar track to Flemington here, it feels like riding at home…’ – Jamie Kah

Jamie Kah savoured sweet victory at Sha Tin on Sunday aboard Voyage Bubble in the HK$12 million Hong Kong Classic Mile for trainer Ricky Yiu.

Rated beautifully in the lead by Kah, the 26-year-old found the front and that was where she remained aboard the Deep Field gelding – extending over the closing stages to prevail in the first leg of Hong Kong’s three-race Four-YearOld Classic Series ahead of Tuchel and Packing Treadmill, clocking a winning time of 1m 34.58s.

“I’m pretty speechless, it’s been a very special day. I’ve

had such a great experience here with some beautiful horses I have ridden. I was speechless after and I got goosebumps – it’s hard to make me speechless, it was a very exciting day,” Kah said.

Challenged late by Tuchel and Luke Currie over the concluding stages, Voyage Bubble dug deep under the Australian’s urgings to post an official margin of one and a quarter lengths.

“He was mapped to get a really nice, sweet run in the race and I was confident. I was just worried about him late as he has the tendency to lay in and I just thought something’s

going to swoop him late but he just built and built, he got stronger and stronger and probably at the 200 (metre mark) I thought we were never in doubt – it was a really impressive win going forward,” Kah said.

The triumph was Voyage Bubble’s second over a mile in as many starts and Kah is buoyant of his ability to continue raising the bar across the remaining two legs of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.

“I was a bit concerned, he actually sat back in the gates and missed the start. I definitely didn’t want to get in behind them and I had to

use him a little bit but then he comes back to you and that’s why I think he’ll get further.

“Because in front I could have gone a lot slower than that, I think he is still a free-rolling horse but over further I think he’s going to have that tactical change-up speed and I think that’s going to win him races over a trip if I can bring him back and get him to settle –he’s very easy to ride,” Kah said.

Yiu will set Voyage Bubble for next month’s HK$12 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) – the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series – with Kah engaged to ride once more on 26 February. The third and final leg is the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 19 March.

“For the time being, I think the mile would be his best trip. It’ll (Hong Kong Classic Cup) be a bigger task for him but we will go for it, I think he keeps improving. We have to take a chance, mile or 1800 (metres), he has a lot of improvement in him and I have a lot of faith in this horse,” Yiu said.

The victory was Voyage Bubble’s fourth of his career and enhances his earnings to HK$10.61 million. He also collected a further HK$1 million bonus for the Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate.

“I was a bit unsure before today but after today I think if he can get the run nice and cheaply in front like he did then further is not going to worry him, he was only getting stronger on the line and he has a few little quirks to iron out too, so with a bit more racing and maturity he’ll turn into a better horse,” Kah said. “He’s a very easy horse to ride and that’s what wins races in the end.”

The win capped a double on the programme for Kah, who earlier scored atop Royal Bomb in the Class 3 Able Friend Handicap (1650m, dirt) for trainer Caspar Fownes.

“It’s a beautiful racecourse (Sha Tin), I’ve only ridden at Happy Valley and it’s a very similar track to Flemington here, it feels like riding at home – it's a beautiful surface, a really big track and it gives

every horse their opportunity and I’ve had a great day of racing here today.

“I might be racking up some frequent flyer points soon, I’m very happy with today and I’ll be back for sure, especially for the bigger races, I’ll make time to come back because I’ve had such a great day here and everyone has been so welcoming,” Kah said.

Fownes was all praise for Kah after her win aboard Royal Bomb this afternoon.

“It was a beautiful ride – she’s a great jockey and I hope we can get her here,” Fownes said.

“We need someone like her. I’ve been watching her career for a long time and she’s gifted. Hong Kong could benefit from having her here, riding at 115 pounds. Horses run for her, it’s wonderful to see how well she’s done and hopefully she can have Hong Kong on the radar for a stint in the near future.”

WELLINGTON CHASES WITNESS

The HK$12 million Gr1 Centenary Sprint Cup continues a blockbuster stretch of Hong Kong racing ON Sunday at Sha Tin when the might of Wellington – Hong Kong Champion Sprinter (2021/22) – takes centre stage.

Richard Gibson’s star speedster will be looking to join elite company by becoming only the second horse in history to win all three top-level sprint contests in Hong Kong as well as the Gr1

Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) – a remarkable feat achieved by only the immortal Silent Witness.

All that’s missing from Wellington’s haul is success in the Centenary Sprint Cup to go along with his victories in the 2022 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), 2021 and 2022 G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) and 2022 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup.

A 12-time winner from 19 starts in Hong Kong,

Wellington boasts earnings of HK$56.58 million and will reunite with familiar ally Alexis Badel this weekend after the Frenchman was forced to miss his LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint success last month due to injury when Ryan Moore deputised.

“It was a tough moment. I decided to go to the races and support the team because that’s how it works – it’s a team effort and I did that instead of watching the race at home.

Wellington is a four-time Group 1 winner

“He’s such a talented horse, so there was no surprise to see him win it, considering he’s beaten a lot of those horses in the past. So he was just doing what he can do – his best,” Badel said.

Prior to last month’s LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, Badel had partnered Wellington to each his toplevel wins in Hong Kong.

“The life of a jockey is up and down, it’s never smooth and that’s what it is and you have to accept it. I’m just happy to be back, I’m very motivated and hungry.

“It’s never easy as a jockey because you become a spectator and it’s not ideal but on the other side it’s just a job, if you focus on your whole career, it’s only a minor, small event and if you put it

in perspective, it’s quite easy to move forward and bounce back,” Badel said.

Wellington won the Gr2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) first-up this term before suffering defeat in the Gr2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m).

“He’s super talented, he’s got the confidence and he’s just too good – he’s just a great horse.

“He trialled alright, he’s had a little bit of holidays since the Hong Kong Sprint. I was very happy to see him back at the trials and that was pretty satisfying – I’m happy,” Badel said.

Sunday’s Centenary Sprint Cup will kick off Hong Kong’s threerace Speed Series, which also features the Queen’s Silver

Jubilee Cup run on 19 March and closes with the Chairman’s Sprint Prize on 30 April at FWD Champions Day.

If successful in all three legs, the connections of Wellington or the winning connections of the triumphant horse will receive a HK$5 million bonus for their efforts.

Courier Wonder, Duke Wai, Lucky Sweynesse, Master Eight, Sight Success, Sky Field and Super Wealthy also hold entries for Sunday’s Centenary Sprint Cup.

“Lucky Sweynesse is the rising star and he was unlucky in the Hong Kong Sprint. Sight Success has always been a tough competitor too – I always try to not underestimate these horses,” Badel said.

Racing TV / Francesca Altoft / focusonracing.com

DRAMA AT CHELTENHAM

Wellington is a four-time Group 1 winner

Last season’s Clarence House Chase was one for the history books when Shishkin finished with a sustained run after jumping the last two lengths down to catch the top-class Energumene near the line.

This year was slightly different. Due to the frozen ground at Ascot the previous weekend, the fixture was re-routed to Cheltenham on Saturday. However, those on track were treated to another dramatic finish with Editeur Du Gite fending off a late surge by Arkle winner Edwardstone to prevail by a head in a photo-finish.

Odds-on favourite Energumene was not his usual self over his fences and never really got into the contest. A bad blunder at the last left him in a disappointing third, nearly seven-lengths behind the first two home.

The winner, a nine-year-old, was a shock winner of the Desert Orchid at Kempton over Christmas but proved that was no fluke when given a fine front-running ride in the Group One, defeating Festival winners Edwardstone and Energumene.

The victory was that much better due to the fact that Editeur Du Gite was not in the original lineup and was only added into the mix when supplemented by his connections earlier in the week.

He is now a general 5/1 fourth favourite for the day two feature at Cheltenham, with only Edwardstone and the Willie

Mullins-trained duo of defending champion Energumene and Blue Lord ahead of him in the betting.

“He was very good, and it was a good result for everyone – I was very pleased,” said his trainer, Gary Moore.

“He’s earned his place (in the Champion Chase), 100 per cent, definitely. I’m sure Willie will find improvement in Energumene, and Alan King will do the same with his fella, so it’s not going to be easy, but we will give it our best shot.”

Editeur Du Gite was briefly headed by Edwardstone after they both jumped the final fence before fighting back to get his head in front where it mattered most. His handler was delighted to see the son of Saddex not only build on his Kempton display but demonstrate plenty of resolve to secure victory on Saturday afternoon.

Moore was also keen to praise the ride given by Niall Houlihan while confirming the Irishman is in line to keep the mount for the Champion Chase.

“I would say he would do (keep the ride). Niall got him into a nice rhythm, and he knows the horse really well now,” added Moore.

He sagely concluded: “The track on Saturday I think would suit him better, but he’s won on the Old Course before. He won’t get it all his own way in a Champion Chase though, will he.”

results up to: 2023-02-01

TRAINERS

JOCKEYS

BREEDERS

SIRES

See all the detailed standings - Click here

DUBAI WORLD CUP PREP ON FRIDAY

Exciting Algiers - a proper dirt horse

The exciting Algiers is just one of the star turns as Meydan Racecourse hosts five Group races on a superb Dubai World Cup Carnival card on Friday.

The feature race is the Gr2 Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (Presented by Emaar), a prep for the Dubai World Cup, which Moon Ballad in 2003 and Thunder Snow in 2018 won on route to success in the big one.

A strong field of nine run this time, including Gr1 winners Salute The Soldier, First Constitution and Atletico El Culano. Taking them on is the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained

Algiers (pictured), who bolted up by six and a half lengths in Round 1, over a mile, a month ago.

“We’re extremely pleased with the way Algiers won Round I in such good style,” said Ed Crisford. “He’s really taken to the dirt well and racing and training on it last year stood him in good stead.

“He’s a gelding, which has helped him, but he’s turned into a proper dirt horse. He’s stepping up to 1900m but that shouldn’t be a problem as he’s quite versatile and has won from a mile to a mile and a half. He’s a Shamardal out of a Platini mare, so there’s plenty

of stamina on the dam’s side. If he can overcome the draw [8] and get a good position then I’m sure he’ll run another very good race.”

Algiers’ rivals include Remorse, sixth in the World Cup and impressive when returning with a win in the Listed Entisar in December, while Salute The Soldier, winner of this in 2021, also heads here in good form, having won the Thunder Snow Challenge last time out.

Trainer Salem Bin Ghadayer is yet to win this race and he sends out First Constitution, who made an eye-catching local debut when third to Remorse, before being

well beaten last time out.

“First Constitution is a nice horse,” said Muammer Abdulla, Racing Manager to owners RRR Racing. “You can throw out his last run when he had cheekpieces on which he didn’t like, so he didn’t want to pass horses. He was also a little coltish, but if he runs like he shows us in the mornings then he’s capable of finishing in the frame.”

The main turf event is the Gr2 Singspiel Stakes, over 1800metres, which has a field of 10, including two for Charlie Appleby, who is yet to win this race. He runs Valiant Prince and Ottoman Fleet, first and third in the Gr2 Al Rashidiya last time out.

“Valiant Prince has a penalty for the Al Rashidiya win but has a nice draw in two and should be competitive based on what he achieved last time out,” said Appleby, adding: “Ottoman Fleet has come forward since the Al Rashidiya, when he travelled well before getting a bit tired in the last 100 yards. He’s better at the weights with Valiant Prince this time which should put him bang there.”

Saeed Bin Suroor has won this race a record four times and he saddles Al Rashidiya second Dubai Future, as well as Desert Fire, seventh in the Zabeel Mile two weeks ago.

California-based trainer Doug O’Neill had a successful 2022 Carnival with four winners and

he has three runners on Friday, including Sifting Sands, a new recruit to RRR Racing.

“Sifting Sands is our best one on the night, although it will be difficult for him here against Godolphin,” said Abdulla of the five-year-old, who was purchased out of the Chad Brown stable. “He’s working really well on dirt but we didn’t want to start him in the Maktoum Challenge; we want to get him ready here and then switch to dirt. The Godolphin Mile or even the Dubai World Cup is the aim, as Doug’s team are very excited about him.”

Godolphin run four in the Gr2 Cape Verdi (Presented by Emaar) with Ipi Tombe Stakes winner Soft Whisper facing a rematch with second White Moonlight and fourth Wild Beauty, although William Buick has opted to ride With The Moonlight for Appleby.

“Soft Whisper is a tough filly who always tries in her races,” said Bin Suroor. “She has been going well at home and I am looking for another success from her.

“White Moonlight is a big strong filly who is improving all the time. The step back up in trip will suit.”

Of his pair, Appleby said: “With The Moonlight is clear on ratings and, while the trip will be on the sharper side, I feel the style of racing at Meydan will suit her.

“Wild Beauty has definitely come on from her first start of the year and will hopefully be very competitive.”

There is a strong international contingent, with French-based trainer Pia Brandt sending out Katoucha, winner of her last two starts in France, and In Time, who runs for the first time since August.

“Both fillies have acclimatized really well,” said Brandt. “Katoucha last ran in December, when she won a Listed race in Deauville, so she is in good form. The trip is a little bit short for her, though, and it’s a very good field.

“In Time is a nice filly who has put on a lot of weight since she got here. She’s not 100 per cent, she will be better in the Balanchine, but she likes it here. What’s against her is that she hasn’t raced in a long time, but that means she is fresh.”

Bolstering the European challenge is Ascot Brass, runner-up 12 months ago. “It seems to be a different class of race this year,” said trainer Niels Petersen. “There’s always the hope that we can nick some prizemoney and at least she has a good draw [1] this time, after she was a little bit unlucky last time.”