05-07-2025
July 6 South Africa (Turffontein) form analysis
Race 1 (1,400m)
(3) EIGHT HATS did not go unnoticed in a Grade 1 over 1,200m last time, staying on well after early interference to be beaten a little over five lengths. On the evidence of that performance, she could have more to offer stretching out to this distance.
(9) OPEN SESAME would have come on from her debut third in a 2YO fillies race over 1,160m at Turffontein, and should have a strong say in this.
(1) ALTA CAPITANA was outrun late by (7) PRINCESS KEIRA over course and distance last time but should turn the tables on 2kg better terms. The latter is a Reserve Runner in a 2yo Grade 2 on HWB Durban July day.
Race 2 (1,400m)
This extended distance will likely favour (4) SHADOWFAX who is good value to confirm his superiority over (2) JAN VAN GOYEN whom he beat late by three parts of a length over 1,160m at Turffontein last time even if the latter is weighted to avenge that defeat on 3kg better terms.
(1) BLIZZARD QUEST justified market support when stepped up in trip on his reappearance as a gelding at Greyville over 1,600m, and should have more to offer, even with the step back in trip.
Mike and Adam Azzie's maiden (7) RADIO STAR, second in both starts over this course and distance, is not taken lightly in receipt of 3kg. Gavin Lerena sticking with him is a solid pointer.
Race 3 (1,600m)
(4) RADICCHIO had excuses for finishing behind that rival last time and deserves a reward for his consistency.
(2) FIRE 'N FLAMES was outclassed in a KZN Grade 1 last month but will be more competitive at this level under these conditions.
(6) SILENT WAR has a bit to find at the weights but is dangerous to discount under 50kg.
(3) GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE has found form recently and another three-point drop in the ratings should stand him in good stead.
Race 4 (1,000m)
Promising 2yo (4) CONSTELLATION was not winning out of turn last time when fitted with a tongue-tie. With further headway, he could be leniently treated, so it could pay to follow his progress.
Older rivals (2) IT'S PERSONAL and (3) HEMISPHERE are closely matched. Both have form and experience to test the youngster.
Returning (1) SEA WOLF completes the shortlist.
Race 5 (1,100m)
(1) CHASING HAPPINESS and (8) WHISTLE THE TUNE acquitted themselves very well in a 1,200m Grade 1 five weeks ago. The latter finished a close-up fourth and 1.10 lengths ahead of her familiar foe who is 2.5kg better off. Both will play leading roles if reproducing those performances.
Consistent (7) QUANTUM THEORY deserves to get his head in front after three consecutive runner-up finishes, while course-and-distance winner (6) DREAMLAND also has legitimate each-way credentials.
Race 6 (1,800m)
(2) WAR REPORTER sparked signs of improvement last time when finishing fourth having dropped slightly in the ratings. So another forward showing is expected off a slightly reduced mark.
(6) ROSY LEMON should not be written off, especially over a distance she enjoys. She has been a real model of consistency.
(3) FUTUREWOLFF and (5) FLAG BEARER are also consistent and versatile hard-knockers with the form and experience over this trip to trouble the selection.
Race 7 (1,800m)
(1) FIRE ATTACK ran second in a course-and-distance Grade 1 before beating older rivals en route to Grade 1 glory in March. Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes is up his alley.
(3) CHOISAANADA is bidding to complete the Highveld's 3yo Winter Series clean sweep. On the evidence of his first and second leg victories over HWB Durban July runners Immediate Edge and Confederate, he could be better suited to this extended distance.
(4) KAMENSKY is a mile specialist who has always held his own in this type of company. There is no reason why he cannot handle the rise in distance by another 200m.
(6) PUMPKIN PIE is another progressive sort who is not without a say in this.
