Check out our weekly catchup of horseracing action between Monday and Thursday, including all four local meetings.
Another enjoyable weekend of racing is behind us and it was pleasing to watch the progressive Mary O go all the way to win the Beach Beauty Mile at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday. Brett Crawford’s Durbanville treble brought his own 1000 winner milestone up, while Yvette Bremner and owner Braam van Huyssteen enjoyed a terrific five-timer at Fairview on Friday.
The week’s racing action gets underway today at Flamingo Park at 12h20 when the first of eight sand races are contested.
The programme is a typically tricky one with handsome exotic dividends looking very likely.
Steph Miller saddles the veteran ZIP LINE in the second race, a low-key 1000m handicap, where the hardknocking son of Rebel King could register his seventh career victory. He is in good form and loves the track and trip.
Racing is at Durbanville on Tuesday, with eight races carded at the country course.
Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie could once again be the combination to side with and the Judpot gelding IMPERIAL RAGE looks overdue to shed his maiden when he steps out in the seventh.
Glen Kotzen’s LIT, a son of Soft Falling Rain, who ran second over the course and distance at his second start last time, could be the main danger.
Hollywoodbets Greyville is the midweek venue and Wednesday’s programme is another nice card with lots of competitive racing.
Raymond Danielson is enjoying one of his best seasons in years and the Gauteng-based rider partners Alyson Wright’s ROYAL KITTY in the seventh.
The well-bred daughter of Duke Of Marmalade has shown good pace in her last few starts on the Polytrack and may have found the right race to escape the non-winner ranks.
The Workriders have Thursday’s Vaal Classic meeting to themselves, with all eight races on the card.
Mike de Kock and Chamu Mabaya could have the winning recipe in the sixth with the Flower Alley gelding, ARNICA MONTANA, a strong fancy to win after three placed efforts at his opening three starts.
This will be his first start at the Vaal after two good runs at Turffontein and one at Hollywoodbets Greyville. He looks the standout.
First entries for the R1 million Gr2 Emperors Palace Charity Mile closed at 11h00 today and the mile contest can be an important indicator to next month’s Summer Cup.
Have a look at the Summer Cup ante-post market here.
The Springboks take on hosts Japan in what should be a cliffhanger of a Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
The action is hotting up and there is still time to have a bet – see the RWC odds here.
Here’s to a big week of winners and lots of thrills.
Till next time.
Wednesday 16th October 2019
Hollywoodbets Greyville Polytrack
Race 3 – 13:10
1900m – MR 68 Handicap
12 – Purple Powahouse
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Raymond Danielson
Wgt: 59.0kg
Draw: 1 (12-Runners)
Predicted Betting: 5/1
One of our better 2018 purchases, he is one of the more laid back horses around. He has had his name changed since his barrier when he was called Winters Calling and with the Hollywoodbets Marketing Team firmly behind him, we hope he lives up to his new name.
He has shown plenty of ability at home and despite the fact that he has taken a while to come to hand, we are expecting a decent showing from him on debut. He has come a long way since that promising barrier trial a few months back, but he may still need the run and we’ll be happy with a top 4 finish.
PeTeBe’s Top Bet for Flamingo Park (14/10)
Race 8: TAKATUL (9)
Jockey: Ryan MUNGER – Trainer: Stephanie MILLER
TAKATUL has consistent formlines to his name and will jump from a handy draw. Two of his four wins to date have been posted over this distance and he seems to have struck up a solid partnership with today’s jockey.
PeTeBe’s Top Bet for Turffontein (15/10)
Race 3: BELLINGHAM BAY (4)
Jockey: Warren KENNEDY – Trainer: Eric SANDS
BELLINGHAM BAY attempts his hat-trick here and jumping from a handy draw, with red-hot Warren Kennedy retaining the ride, this is very much on the cards. He likes to set the pace in his races and then seems to be able to find that little bit extra to keep the challengers at bay in the closing stages.
PeTeBe’s Top Bet for Hollywoodbets Greyville (16/10)
Race 7: ROYAL KITTY (3)
Jockey: Raymond DANIELSON – Trainer: Alyson WRIGHT
ROYAL KITTY’S two runs on the Poly have beed solid. She set the pace in her latest start over the mile and was only run out of it late. A repeat of that effort would make her a massive runner in this weak field. She starts from a mid-field draw.
PeTeBe’s Top Bet for Vaal Classic (17/10)
Race 6: ARNICA MONTANA (6)
Jockey: Chamu MABAYA – Trainer: Mike DE KOCK
ARNICA MONTANA was a big disappointment when starting a very short priced favourite last time out on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville. He clearly did not take to the surface and looks extremely difficult to oppose back on grass and on the Highveld.
