May 29 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
Race 1 (1,700m)
This will not take much winning, so (1) BRIGHAM need not improve much on recent form and consistency to break his duck.
(4) ALAKANANI, (7) ART NOUVEAU and (8) BLUE QUARTZ also have the form and experience to play leading roles.
Race 2 (1,000m)
Promising (1) SYLVAN WARRIOR gave weight and a beating to older rivals on his handicap debut last time and, even under top weight, could prove hard to beat back in 2yo company.
(3) CONSTELLATION is 3kg better off last-start winner (2) NYAKA NYAKA, so could give the selection most to fear. Nyaka Nyaka is improving and likely to acquit himself competitively.
Recent runner-up (8) ANCHORAGE should make her presence felt too with any improvement.
Race 3 (1,200m)
(18) JAPANESE GARDEN built on an encouraging debut to finish second over 1,450m last time and showed enough pace that day to suggest that this shorter trip could be more to her liking.
(1) DESERT CLOUD has the form and greater experience to expose any chinks in the selection's armour.
Watch the betting on well-bred debutants (13) AL GREENGA and (10) DEZIRE.
Race 4 (1,200m)
Last-start runner-up (15) TIME WILL TELL has scope for improvement, so could have the measure of his rivals.
(1) MIZZEN SWORD needs only produce a similar performance to be in the shake-up once more.
Younger rival (17) WALL STREET also has plenty of upside. Keep safe.
(10) OKLAHOMA SMOKESHOW would have benefited from her introductory outing and should not be underestimated.
Race 5 (2,000m)
It could pay to follow the progress of class-dropper (2) ALADDIN'S LAMP who caught the eye on his Highveld debut and would have benefited from that comeback.
Hard-knocker (3) BANHA BRIDGE is proven at this level and likely to be in the shake-up, too.
(1) THE ULTIMATE KING is progressive and unbeaten as a gelding. He won a similar race on his handicap debut and a five-point penalty is unlikely to halt his momentum.
(9) COPPOLA and (6) FUTUREWOLFF are 2kg better off with their last-start conqueror, so should pose more of a threat.
Race 6 (1,800m)
(3) INSTANT ATTRACTION was runner-up on handicap debut at a higher level. She races off an unchanged mark and will benefit from her rider's 1.5kg allowance.
(2) STORM AHEAD would not be winning out of turn after consecutive seconds but deserves another chance.
Recent runner-up (9) VIVA DE JANEIRO completes the shortlist.
Veterans (4) CARNELO and (5) CALL ME MASTER continue to hold their own in this grade and will likely acquit themselves competitively.
Race 7 (1,600m)
A slight ease in the ratings and return to this distance will suit (3) CAPE LIGHTS who could represent the value in a tricky handicap.
(8) AVOONTOAST had legitimate excuses for a disappointing last start and could make amends.
(6) BLIND AMBITION has thrived since relocating to the Highveld and this step-up in class is unlikely to prevent another bold showing.
(12) LAST CAR TO PASS and (14) I AM REGAL are others capable of playing a role.
Race 8 (1,400m)
(2) KING OF NUMBERS and (3) PAUL REVERE are closely matched on the form of a recent meeting over this trip and there should not be much separating them on these terms.
Last-start winner (4) DYLAN'S CHAMP is also a genuine candidate for honours.
(8) NEW MEXICO did not go unnoticed last time when returning from a break and should improve to make his presence felt too.
Race 9 (1,200m)
(15) ALONE TIME ran well above his rating last time when third at level weights to a 108-rated 3yo rival and a repeat of that performance in this weaker company should suffice.
(2) VEGAS HI RISE, (13) MICKE'S BOMB and (14) GOLDEN ASPEN will be competitive for the places if also reproducing their recent performances.
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2 days ago
- New Paper
May 29 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
Race 1 (1,700m) This will not take much winning, so (1) BRIGHAM need not improve much on recent form and consistency to break his duck. (4) ALAKANANI, (7) ART NOUVEAU and (8) BLUE QUARTZ also have the form and experience to play leading roles. Race 2 (1,000m) Promising (1) SYLVAN WARRIOR gave weight and a beating to older rivals on his handicap debut last time and, even under top weight, could prove hard to beat back in 2yo company. (3) CONSTELLATION is 3kg better off last-start winner (2) NYAKA NYAKA, so could give the selection most to fear. Nyaka Nyaka is improving and likely to acquit himself competitively. Recent runner-up (8) ANCHORAGE should make her presence felt too with any improvement. Race 3 (1,200m) (18) JAPANESE GARDEN built on an encouraging debut to finish second over 1,450m last time and showed enough pace that day to suggest that this shorter trip could be more to her liking. (1) DESERT CLOUD has the form and greater experience to expose any chinks in the selection's armour. Watch the betting on well-bred debutants (13) AL GREENGA and (10) DEZIRE. Race 4 (1,200m) Last-start runner-up (15) TIME WILL TELL has scope for improvement, so could have the measure of his rivals. (1) MIZZEN SWORD needs only produce a similar performance to be in the shake-up once more. Younger rival (17) WALL STREET also has plenty of upside. Keep safe. (10) OKLAHOMA SMOKESHOW would have benefited from her introductory outing and should not be underestimated. Race 5 (2,000m) It could pay to follow the progress of class-dropper (2) ALADDIN'S LAMP who caught the eye on his Highveld debut and would have benefited from that comeback. Hard-knocker (3) BANHA BRIDGE is proven at this level and likely to be in the shake-up, too. (1) THE ULTIMATE KING is progressive and unbeaten as a gelding. He won a similar race on his handicap debut and a five-point penalty is unlikely to halt his momentum. (9) COPPOLA and (6) FUTUREWOLFF are 2kg better off with their last-start conqueror, so should pose more of a threat. Race 6 (1,800m) (3) INSTANT ATTRACTION was runner-up on handicap debut at a higher level. She races off an unchanged mark and will benefit from her rider's 1.5kg allowance. (2) STORM AHEAD would not be winning out of turn after consecutive seconds but deserves another chance. Recent runner-up (9) VIVA DE JANEIRO completes the shortlist. Veterans (4) CARNELO and (5) CALL ME MASTER continue to hold their own in this grade and will likely acquit themselves competitively. Race 7 (1,600m) A slight ease in the ratings and return to this distance will suit (3) CAPE LIGHTS who could represent the value in a tricky handicap. (8) AVOONTOAST had legitimate excuses for a disappointing last start and could make amends. (6) BLIND AMBITION has thrived since relocating to the Highveld and this step-up in class is unlikely to prevent another bold showing. (12) LAST CAR TO PASS and (14) I AM REGAL are others capable of playing a role. Race 8 (1,400m) (2) KING OF NUMBERS and (3) PAUL REVERE are closely matched on the form of a recent meeting over this trip and there should not be much separating them on these terms. Last-start winner (4) DYLAN'S CHAMP is also a genuine candidate for honours. (8) NEW MEXICO did not go unnoticed last time when returning from a break and should improve to make his presence felt too. Race 9 (1,200m) (15) ALONE TIME ran well above his rating last time when third at level weights to a 108-rated 3yo rival and a repeat of that performance in this weaker company should suffice. (2) VEGAS HI RISE, (13) MICKE'S BOMB and (14) GOLDEN ASPEN will be competitive for the places if also reproducing their recent performances.
New Paper
23-05-2025
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May 24 South Africa (Greyville) form analysis
Race 1 (1,200m) Many first-timers. Of those who have run, (4) DARK MATTER has gone close at both starts and was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time. Drawn well and should go close. (6) WINTER BLESSING has come on nicely at recent outings and should be competitive. (7) CASSANDRA got a cautious thumbs-up from her in-form stable and is one to watch in the betting. (2) MS SAKURA has a blue-blood pedigree but may need further. Race 2 (1,200m) Mostly first-timers. Of those who have run, (9) HAWKSDALE found some market support on debut and finished close-up. She takes on males but looks forward enough to take this race. (8) VANAKKAM was a modest second at her second start but has been entered for the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship. (1) GOLDEN OPERATOR has the best of the draws and comes from a strong stable. (13) ZIYAN'S PRIDE has the widest draw but does have some experience. Race 3 (1,400m) (2) RUN FOREST RUN made good improvement at his second start, running on strongly. The extra furlong will suit and from a good draw, he should put in another strong showing. Visiting (6) XENOPHON found market support on debut and showed up well. That experience will count in his favour and he will be a big runner. (4) BRUH was a distant fourth on debut but should come on from that and should enjoy the extra. (9) GOOD OMEN raced green on debut and should come on from that effort. Race 4 (1,800m) (6) DESTINY OF FIRE takes on males but has good form in useful female company of late. She goes well this trip and should be in the shake-up. (2) WORLD OF OUR OWN is back over a more suitable trip and with only 52.5kg to shoulder he should be a big runner. (3) ARVERNI KING was a smart second behind the promising Regulation last time. Richard Fourie replaces the apprentice rider. (14) JOHNNY THE THIEF has the worst of the draws but has been in good form of late and can feature. Race 5 (2,400m) (7) HOLDING THUMBS was making steady progress up the handicap before putting in a below-par effort in the Grade 3 WSB 1900. However, he did not get the best of passages and this step-up in trip will be more to his liking. (8) MARAUDING HORDE has consistent Highveld form over the trip and is a borderline case for a place in the Durban July. A win here will help his cause. (2) SHOOT THE RAPIDS was making late progress in the 1900 and will much prefer this trip. He has a big weight but looks capable. (4) FUTURE SWING was probably in need of his last effort. He shoulders top weight but is not out of it. Race 6 (2,000m) (9) GIVE ME EVERYTHING caught the eye when closing fast from a wide draw and the back of the field when a two-length fourth in the Grade 2 WSB Fillies Guineas. It snapped a four-race winning streak but the extra could see her back on track in the Grade 2 Woolavington. (6) BEATING WINGS carries top weight but has been in good form on the Highveld and finished third in this race last year. (8) REGENERATION is lightly raced and was a close-up fifth in the recent Grade 2 WSB Fillies Guineas. She will enjoy the step-up in trip and handy galloping weight. (7) MOCHA BLEND was possibly just in need of her last start when beaten by (10) MASCHERINA. She found good market support that day and is better off at the weights. Race 7 (2,000m) (7) EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN is sure to start deep in the red given his record winning the Grade 1 WSB Cape Met and the Grade 1 Cape Derby and his fast-finishing effort in the recent Grade 2 WSB Guineas. He is ideally suited to this trip and is the horse to beat. Mike and Mathew de Kock have avoided the Grade 2 Woolavington 2000 looking for a Grade 1 win with the filly (4) SPUMANTE DOLCE. She has shown her best form at recent outings and this trip will suit. (1) OKAVANGO was running on late in the Grade 3 WSB 1900. He looks to be up against it in this company but is still improving. (3) CONFEDERATE has not finished further back than second in his eight starts. He won his last two including the Grade 1 SA Classic. If he is ready after a three-month break, he should be right there. Race 8 (1,200m) (10) SOHOT SOWHAT was narrowly beaten by the useful Bevies Delight on this course last time. Title-chasing Gavin Lerena has jumped ship to ride (1) BOSUM BUDDY but weight could have been the decider. Bosum Buddy has the best of the draws backed up by some solid Highveld form. (2) MALCOLM'S DREAM is always dangerous and has dropped in the handicap. (4) WINGS WITHIN ME has not been far back at recent starts and should be competitive. Race 9 (1,200m) (5) DAPPER is a recent addition to the Duncan Howells yard. He was a well beaten third over a mile last run but does appear to be more at home over this shorter trip. (7) PHUTULICIOUS returns from a disappointing Cape trip and has a change of stable. His best recent form has been at Hollywoodbets Greyville and that past form with a drop in trip could see him make big improvement. (9) REAL WAR backed up on his maiden win with another narrow victory. He has been around the turn and can feature again. (8) HONOR OF KINGS is better than his last effort and shows some promise. Race 10 (1,200m) (2) VIRGIN RIVER has only once been out of the money in 13 starts but has been restricted to 1,000m. Greyville favours quick horses and she could handle the extra furlong. (7) GOLDEN MOMENT has consistent Highveld form and stays the trip. She should put in a good showing. (11) GETOFFOFMYCLOUD was a little disappointing on the Poly last run and can do better on the grass. (8) THERE SHE GOES has her 55th start but has been in good form of late. With a 4kg apprentice up, she has only 50kg on her back.
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10-05-2025
- New Paper
May 11 South Africa (Turffontein) form analysis
Race 1 (1,160m) Both (1) CHARMING CHEETAH and (3) TIN PAN ALLEY confirmed the promise of debut victories by acquitting themselves well in subsequent features, so should run well. Fellow first-start scorer (4) ZALATORIS could be anything after scoring a debut win, so is not to be underestimated. Last-start winner (2) RED PENNY and debutant (8) BLUSHING BLOOM complete the shortlist. Race 2 (1,160m) Recent runners-up (6) LAVA COUNTY and (8) SOHO HEARTTHROB need not improve much to fight for victory. But preference is for the latter, who ought to have come on appreciably from the experience of his promising debut. Well-related newcomers (5) XENOPHON and (7) PALACE ATTACK are worth a market check. (1) MIZZEN SWORD and (3) OLD FASHIONED have the form and experience to trouble their younger rivals. Race 3 (1,800m) (1) PARISIAN WALKWAY had excuses for a disappointing last start and, on the strength of his earlier form, is worth another chance under a 4kg claimer. Recent hat-trick scorer (2) TAMARISK TREE is performing at the top of his game and should remain competitive off a career-high mark under a handy galloping weight. (3) NAVAJO NATION and (4) SILENT WAR will not be far off the mark, while stablemates (6) MISS SCALETTA and (7) KEY ELEMENT also have earning potential. Race 4 (1,600m) (1) THE ULTIMATE KING was not winning out of turn on his reappearance as a gelding last month. He looks good value to follow up on his handicap debut, with further improvement expected. Hat-trick seeking (3) PRETTY ANALIA, consistent (5) FUTUREWOLFF and rejuvenated (7) COPPOLA seem the most likely dangers. Race 5 (1,400m) High-class (1) MAIN DEFENDER has only once been beaten in six starts over this distance. He is weighted to win, so is almost impossible to oppose. A big threat could be posed by (5) TRUTH, Grade 1 winner (2) PURPLE PITCHER and (6) WHITE PEARL, though. (3) ATTICUS FINCH and (4) LEGEND OF ARTHUR are most effective over further. Race 6 (1,400m) (1) ROYAL FORCE showed his class and well-being by winning over track and trip last time. A six-point penalty for that victory is unlikely to halt his progress. Fellow last-start winners (6) DANCE KING and filly (8) MOUNTAIN HIGH also remain competitive for top honours under resultant penalties. Recently gelded (2) IMMEDIATE EDGE, consistent (3) POTBERRIE and returning (5) KEY NEWS appeal most of the remaining opponents. Race 7 (1,000m) Top-weight (1) DREAMLAND bounced back to form last time and will be competitive with a repeat of that performance. (4) COSMIC STAR and stable companion (6) MOUNT PINATUBO fit a similar profile and are distance-suited. Consistent (2) QUANTUM THEORY and versatile last-start winner (8) BOB'S YOUR UNCLE are others with genuine each-way chances. Race 8 (1,000m) Lightly raced (6) VIRGIN RIVER is ideally distance-suited and probably better than rated, so it could pay to side with her. Class-dropper (2) NIGHT VIGIL concedes 5.5kg to her older rival but can still overcome that handicap. (3) SIMPLY MAJESTIC and stable companion (4) COSMIC QUEEN are above-average three-year-old fillies with the form and experience to trouble the leading prospects.
