Fresh from the recent stakes boost announcement, the Independent on Saturday race day at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 4 May will get South Africa’s Champion Season off to a cracking start judged by the quality of entries for the three feature races.
The R500 000 Gr2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes is one of the first warm-up races for the R5 Million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July and is supported by the R500 000 Gr2 World Sports Betting Guineas and the R500 000 Gr2 World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas.
SplashOut Cape Derby winner GREEN WITH ENVY and Highveld star, SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT are both entered in the IOS Drill Halls Stakes but the pair have drawn wide which could see them rather run in the WSB Guineas where both have drawn better gates but will be up against recent Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes winner MAIN DEFENDER. Should all three stand their ground in the Guineas it will make for a mouthwatering contest, a race not to be missed.
Also nominated in the Drill Hall is former Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate winner AL MUTHANA. AT MY COMMAND along with former Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes winner COUSIN CASEY, are possible July contenders. Cousin Casey lost his way a little but is now showing signs of a return to his best form.
Standout in the Gr 2 WSB Fillies Guineas is recent Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes and Gr3 Prix Du Cap winner DOUBLE GRAND SLAM who put up a cracking display in both races which will have the opposition pondering their chances should Justin Snaith’s filly stand her ground.
But she faces course and distance winner MRS GERIATRIX who is showing signs of returning to her best form after finishing third in the Gr1 Empress Club Stakes behind the unbeaten Gimme A Nother. RASCOVA was third in the Umzimkhulu Stakes and second to the star mare Princess Calla in the Gr1 Majorca Stakes, when beating Double Grand Slam. She should also improve on her KZN debut.
To celebrate the opening of Champions Season, on-course racegoers can win fabulous prizes. The Independent on Saturday Race&Win competition offers a 3-night stay at the luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel in Umhlanga for 2 people in the executive suite including all meals, valued at R50 000. In addition, Gold Circle will be offering R40 000 worth of prizes in its popular win-if-you-lose draws.
To satisfy everyone’s culinary tastes, Chilli Nathi are partnering with Gold Circle to ensure a great family day out at the races and the KidZone will provide plenty of entertainment for the young ones.
Take a look at Hollywoodbets’ ante-post being for the WSB Guineas and WSB Fillies Guineas below:
World Sports Betting Guineas
Grade 2 – R500 000 – 1600m
Saturday 4 May 2024
| No | HORSE | TRAINER | FIXED WIN |
| 2 | SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT | D Nieuwenhuizen | 9 / 4 |
| 1 | MAIN DEFENDER | T Peter | 7 / 2 |
| 4 | GREEN WITH ENVY | D Kannemeyer | 9 / 2 |
| 3 | SNOW PILOT | J Snaith | 11 / 2 |
| 9 | HLUHLUWE | J Snaith | 7 / 1 |
| 5 | LUCKY LAD | S Tarry | 8 / 1 |
| 8 | GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE | M de Kock | 8 / 1 |
| 6 | MID WINTER WIND | S Tarry | 10 / 1 |
| 10 | BARBARESCO | J A Janse v/Vuuren | 16 / 1 |
| 7 | ORIENTAL CHARM | B Crawford | 25 / 1 |
| 11 | ZINOVI | M de Kock | 40 / 1 |
| 12 | NAVAJO NATION | R Hill | 66 / 1 |
| 13 | ANCIENT WORLD | M Miller | 75 / 1 |
World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas
Grade 2 – R500 000 – 1600m
Saturday 4 May 2024
| # | HORSE | TRAINER | FIXED WIN |
| 1 | DOUBLE GRAND SLAM | J Snaith | 4 / 10 |
| 5 | WHITE PEARL | M de Kock | 9 / 2 |
| 3 | RASCOVA | G Kotzen | 7 / 1 |
| 2 | MRS GERIATRIX | S Tarry | 8 / 1 |
| 4 | LET'S GO NOW | S Tarry | 25 / 2 |
| 7 | SOLDIER'S EYE | W Marwing | 20 / 1 |
| 6 | MINOGUE | W Whitehead | 25 / 1 |
| 8 | SOVEREIGN GRANT | M Miller | 25 / 1 |
| 10 | CELTIC BEAUTY | T Rivalland | 33 / 1 |
| 9 | BOMBER GIRL | M Miller | 40 / 1 |
| 11 | CEUTA | D Niewenhuizen | 50 / 1 |
| 12 | MISS PLATINA | T Prinsloo | 75 / 1 |
