Winning Form bring you all of their tips for Saturday's Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge card.
Winning Form Best Bets
Race 3: CAPTAIN’S RUN (6)
Race 4: COSMIC HIGHWAY (3)
Race 6: WISTERIA WALK (5)
Race 7: RAINBOW BRIDGE (3)
Magic Tips Best Bets
Race 3: KAILENE (9)
Race 7: RAINBOW BRIDGE (3) Top bet for today
Race 8: SPYDAS CORNER (8)
Race 9: RADAMES (9)
Race 5: TRISTFUL (3) Value bet for today
Listen to Dom Zakis' preview of today's racing below:
Race 1: AmaZulu Community Trust Maiden Plate (1600m)
Selection: BACKSTOP (7)
Jockey: S Randolph – Trainer: J Rivalland
This is a competitive Maiden Plate for the girls with numerous horses having a decent chance of winning. The tentative first selection is BACKSTOP from the Tony Rivalland yard. She showed very good improvement when finishing second in her last start over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. The manner in which she stayed on at the finish that day was encouraging. The daughter of Pathfork is having her peak run and should be cherry-ripe. From her mid-field barrier position, she may be the one to side with.
INDIGO MOON ran on strongly over this C&D to finish second, four weeks ago. The slight concern is that she has to overcome the widest draw. Richard Fourie knows her well and the combination merit healthy respect.
DIAMOND GIRL ran a good race when finishing third with the blinkers fitted last time. It must be noted that there have been multiple winners from that form line. If seeing out the mile, she should be competitive.
REGINAS ANGEL finished 1.2 lengths behind the top choice last time. The pair meet on the same weight terms and she may have to settle for the same result.
Race 2: LaLiga MR 90 Handicap (1400m)
Selection: RALPH THE RASCAL (1)
Jockey: L Hewitson – Trainer: A Wright
RALPH THE RASCAL is much better than his last start over 1700m on the Polytrack. He has finished second once and third three times from as many starts over this C&D. The son of Gimmethegreenlight takes a drop back in class this afternoon and can return to winning ways.
KAROO LARK was given a peach of a ride to win his last start over a mile on the Polytrack. He was given the minimum penalty for that victory and may still be ahead of the handicapper. The hat-trick is very much on the cards for the son of Ideal World.
QUICK STAR should have won last time as he hung in the latter stages. The son of Oratorio is much better suited to this distance with a record of three wins, four seconds and two third-place finishes from 13 attempts. He does take a drop-in class and must be included in all bets.
PURPLE PERSUASION is a filly taking on the males. She was ridden to perfection when winning her last start over this C&D. The daughter of Master Of My Fate is in a good space and with a bit of luck in running, she should give the males a run for their money.
Race 3: The Lighthouse Foundation Devon Air Stakes (Listed)
Selection: KAILENE (9)
Jockey: G van Niekerek – Trainer: G Kotzen
KAILENE followed up her maiden win with an equally impressive victory over this distance on the Polytrack. She took the lead at the 200m mark that day and kept finding all the way to the line. The daughter of Jackson looks to have ability and with Grant van Niekerk in the saddle, she can notch up the hat-trick.
CAPTAIN’S RUN showed good pace last time, but found one too good in the form of Sound Of Warning. The daughter of Captain Of All tries the 1400m for the first time and if seeing out the extra distance on offer, she may be hard to peg back.
CIVIL RIGHTS finished 2.7 lengths behind the second choice last time. The pair meet on the same weight terms this afternoon and she may battle to turn the tables.
TWICE THE TRIP was ultra-impressive when winning her maiden over 1160m at Turffontein. She showed very good speed before getting geared down in the run down to the line. The daughter of Twice Over takes on stronger company this afternoon, but she looks to have scope and may be up to the task at hand.
Race 4: Cell C Sharks Gatecrasher Stakes (Listed)
Selection: COSMIC HIGHWAY(9)
Jockey: K de Melo – Trainer: D Kannemeyer
COSMIC HIGHWAY showed some signs of needing his last start in the Grade 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes. He was super-impressive when winning the Grade 3 Cape Nursery in his penultimate start. The manner in which he finishes off his races suggests that he will love the step up to the 1400m. The son of Gimmethegreenlight should strip much fitter this afternoon and from his good draw of three, he should be the one to beat.
AJ’S CAPTAIN won a good race when winning his last start over this C&D. He set the pace that day and cruised to victory. The son of Futura takes on stronger today, but he looks to have some ability and may be up to the task at hand.
IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA produced an eye-catching debut effort over 1200m on this course. He was drawn widest of all and finished his race off strongly. The son of Dynasty would have gained from the experience and with the natural improvement that is expected, he should give a good account of himself.
CONQUER THE ENEMY was friendless in the betting market when finishing second on debut. He would have come on from the run and should be right there.
Race 5: Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial (Gr 3) (1800m)
Selection: TRISTFUL (3)
Jockey: G Lerena – Trainer: A Rivalland
TRISTFUL is much better than his last start in the Grade 2 WSB 1900. He raced wide around the turn that day and understandably lacked a finish in the straight. All four of his career victories have come on this course. The son of Trippi is having his peak run today and should be cherry-ripe. He jumps from a good draw of three and Gavin Lerena may be able to get the best out of him.
CROWN TOWERS never had his own way in front in the Grade 2 WSB 1900. His two victories prior to that outing were eye-catching. If allowed to dictate matters this afternoon, he should be involved in the fight to the finish.
CAPOEIRA’S last start in the Grade 1 Horse Chestnut Stakes can be ignored as he was reported to be fatigued. He finished 0.2 lengths behind DOUBLEMINT in his penultimate effort. He is 2.5kgs better off at the weights today and that should be enough for the tables to be turned.
TREE TUMBO was given a peach of a ride when winning his last start over 1600m on the Vaal Classic course. He is in a good space and if all went well with his travels, he should earn a cheque.
Race 6: East Coast Radio Tibouchina Stakes (Grade 2) (1400m)
Selection: ZARINA (6)
Jockey: K de Melo – Trainer: C Bass-Robinson
ZARINA should have finished closer to Captain’s Ransom in the Grade 2 WSB Fillies Guineas. She was carried outwards at the 400m mark by FREESTATE STAR that day which didn’t help her chances. The daughter of Master Of My Fate has won twice and finished third once from as many starts over this distance. With a bit of luck in running, she can return to winning ways.
FREESTATE STAR was not disgraced when finishing third in the race referred to above. She has won once, finished second once and third once from as many starts on this course. Warren Kennedy takes the ride and the combination cannot be ignored.
FAVORITA should have won last time as she hung in the closing stages. It must be noted that the form of that race has been franked. She makes her course debut today and if suited to the track, she should be right there at the finish.
WYLIE WENCH hails from the visiting Mike and Adam Azzie stable. She raced from a handy position last time, but found one too good in the form of Way Of The World. She is having her second run after a rest and should strip much fitter.
Race 7: Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge (Grade 1) (1600m)
Selection: RAINBOW BRIDGE (3)
Jockey: L J Ferraris – Trainer: E Sands
The main event of the day sees RAINBOW BRIDGE and BELGARION renew their rivalry with the former being the first choice. The son of Ideal World has been super-impressive in his last two victories when ridden from off the pace. He loves racing on this course with a record of three wins, three seconds and a third-place finish from eight starts. He won this race in fine style last year and should defend his title.
BELGARION was due to run in the Grade 2 WSB 1900, but was scratched. The son of Dynasty has won three times and finished third once from four starts over this distance. S’manga Khumalo takes the ride aboard the classy gelding and if not in need of this outing, he should go close to winning.
JET DARK caught the eye when winning the Grade 1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate last time. He returns from a 22- week break today, during which time he would have strengthened up. The son of Trippi is loaded with class and merits healthy respect.
CIRILLO showed good signs of a form return in the Grade 1 Champions Challenge last time. The son of Pomodoro deserves a Grade 1 victory and cannot be left out.
| Number | Horse | Weight | MR | Jockey | Trainer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jet Dark | 58.5 | 130 | R. Fourie | J. Snaith | 9/2 |
| 2 | Seeking The Stars | 58.5 | 121 | G. van Niekerk | V. Marshall | 6/1 |
| 3 | Rainbow Bridge | 60.0 | 134 | L. Ferraris | E. Sands | 8/10 |
| 4 | Chimichuri Run | 60.0 | 125 | Raymond Danielson | S. Tarry | 33/1 |
| 5 | Cirillo | 60.0 | 120 | Lyle Hewitson | S. Tarry | 16/1 |
| 6 | Trip To Africa | 60.0 | 114 | *T. Gumede | D. Howells | SCR |
| 7 | Belgarion | 60.0 | 130 | S. Khumalo | J. Snaith | 11/2 |
| 8 | Sovereign Spirit | 60.0 | 124 | K. de Melo | C. Bass-Robinson | 25/1 |
| 9 | Catch Twentytwo | 58.5 | 123 | G. Lerena | P. Peter | 14/1 |
Race 8: Non-Black Rising Sun Durban Dash (1100m)
Selection: SPYDAS CORNER (8)
Jockey: K de Melo – Trainer: D Howells
SPYDAS CORNER is one of the better bets on this afternoon’s programme. He won a good race in his last start over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. He was accepted to race in the Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint, but did not make the cut. The son of What A Winter is clearly loaded with ability and should notch up his sixth career victory.
SPEED MACHINE was a tad disappointing in the Listed In Full Flight Handicap last time. The son of Legislate has class about him and if putting his best foot forward, he should pose a threat.
LIGHT THAT LOOSE finished 2.15 lengths behind the top choice last time. He is 2kgs better off at the weights today and should finish closer as a result.
CAPTAIN OUPIE’S last two starts can be ignored as he had excuses. The son of Captain Of All returns from a 10-week break, which would have done him the world of good. He won his only attempt over this C&D and if not in need of the outing, he can return to form.
Race 9: SuperSport Maiden Plate (1400m)
Selection: RADAMES (9)
Jockey: D Dillon – Trainer: S Humby
This is a weak Maiden Plate to close off the meeting and RADAMES is the horse with the best form. His last four starts before the 32-week break were good. The son of Ideal World has the perfect opportunity to shed his maiden tag and if not in need of the run, he should take a power of beating.
DOUBLE EDGE is an unraced son of Twice Over from the Gareth van Zyl stable with Lyle Hewitson in the saddle. He is related to two-time winner, Big Sky Country. He does not need to be a stable superstar to win in this type of field and the betting market will be the best guide with regards to his chances.
WHISPERS OF WAR caught the eye when running on from far back on debut over this C&D. He returns from a 34-week break, during which time he would have strengthened up. Warren Kennedy takes the ride and if not in need of the run, he should have improvement to come.
PURPLE DOMINANCE showed good improvement in his last start with the blinkers fitted. He will enjoy the extra furlong on offer and there should be more to come.
