Latest news with #Highveld
New Paper
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
July 26 South Africa (Turffontein/Kenilworth) form analysis
Race 1 (1,160m) Well-bred (11) QUEENSLAND outran market expectations when finishing second on debut over track and trip. She would have benefited from that experience and with any improvement could go one better. (7) UMZINGELI WENYATHI has shown enough to make his presence felt and should acquit himself competitively. Newcomers (2) CLEVER TREVOR and (10) MEMPHIS are all respected on debut, especially if the market speaks in their favour. Watch the betting. Race 2 (1,160m) Well-related (5) SISTERSHIP caught the eye on debut when a fast-finishing second over track and trip, despite drifting in the betting and suffering interference at the start. She would have come on nicely with that experience and it should pay to follow her progress. Imported debutant (6) STORMY DAY should not be ignored. (2) GASLIGHT DANCER was a game-in-defeat when third over this course and distance last time in open company. So she should have a role to play if confirming that improvement. (7) VAMANOS has not been seen since making her debut in March but she was fancied that day, so is respected on her reappearance. Race 3 (1,000m) (11) MAGICAL PALACE ran a cracker on debut. With natural improvement, should be hard to beat. (5) SARDINIA BAY improved at the second run and has to be respected for all bets - strong each-way chance. (9) WAROFDYNAMITE with weight off can earn and (8) WORLD CHAMPION can improve to get closer. Race 4 (1,000m) (4) CHIEFTAIN beat several re-opposing rivals over this course and distance when an authoritative winner of a similar event last time. He carries a three-point penalty for that success but is progressive and could improve sufficiently to confirm his superiority over his familiar foes, despite the unfavourable weight turnarounds. Stablemate (2) COSMIC STAR and speedy (5) ONE FELL SWOOP should pose more of a threat on these terms. Hard-knocker (8) HALBERDIER will not be far off the mark. Race 5 (1,200m) (2) MEGHAN'S DIAMOND is showing some ability and can improve further and could be tough to get past. (3) NEBULOUS has not been far away in both her runs thus far and will be a huge chance. (6) HAZEL GREEN improved length-wise last time and could be the place value. (7) WAIT FOR ME can build on the debut performance. Race 6 (1,000m) (4) RAFA BAY confirmed the promise of his Highveld introduction (third) with a dominant start-to-finish victory at this level over track and trip last month and with any improvement in his peak outing, the resultant six-point penalty should not halt his momentum. (13) NAZARE should not be taken lightly. (7) TIGER STORM had excuses last time and is capable of having a say too. Last-start winner (11) FAITHFUL NEO also remains competitive despite penalties. Race 7 (1,200m) (7) BEACH VERSE improved at long odds last time and with further progression expected, can go very close to winning. (8) CHICKASAW caught the eye last time and can go one more. (1) PITERAQ was far from disgraced first-up and can improve to earn her first cheque. (5) UP IN FLAMES is a must for trifectas and quartets. Race 8 (1,800m) Hard-knockers (2) ELEMBEE has the form and experience at this level to play a leading role, especially off current ratings. (3) ART NOUVEAU beat male rivals when winning on her handicap debut over this trip and even under a five-point penalty, another bold showing is expected in her hat-trick bid against female-only opposition. Top-weight (1) TEO TORRIATTE has improved with cheekpieces fitted and confirmed by winning at a higher level last time. She too races off a career-high mark but should remain competitive. (4) WAGRAM is better than her last run suggests. Best kept onside. Race 9 (1,400m) (3) RIKKITIKKITAVI never justified favouritism last time but was far from disgraced and can bounce right back to winning ways. The weight off will help. (7) GOODNESSGRACIOUSME can run fresh back in Cape Town from KZN and is a massive runner. (4) MIRACULOUS has a huge place chance and (2) FUN ZONE is ultra-consistent and can win - big chance as always. Race 10 (1,800m) (2) DIMAKO'S JET has winning form at this level and has a better record over 1,800m, so is preferred, despite Gavin Lerena opting to ride (4) KISSHOTEN. Both were beaten by It's Her Way recently but Dimako's Jet gave 3.5kg to that rival when second over track and trip whereas Kisshoten received 0.5kg when third over 1,600m. (1) LAST CAR TO PASS has made giant strides in three starts with this headgear configuration and the five-point penalty for her dominant last-start success over 1,600m should not prevent her from making another bold bid. (5) ACCEPT COOKIES will not be far off. Race 11 (1,400m) (3) ONCIDIUM caught the eye when trotting up in the maidens and could be anything - follow. (1) MISS NEW YORK is never far off the action and has each-way claims. (5) IM THE BUZZ is taking time to win again but is running well and can place as always. (9) ANGEL'S OASIS has a quartet chance. Form is solid. Race 12 (1,400m) (7) MAX THE MAGICIAN ran on powerfully from the rear (wide draw) to finish ahead of (6) FRENCH BOLT. On the evidence of that performance, this is a good opportunity for him to bounce back to winning ways. After an encouraging and close-up seventh on the Inside track last time, French Bolt is also of interest. (1) GRAND CRESCENDO is talented but plagued with issues, so he is best watched for now. (2) VULCANITE is the only filly in the race and one to watch on her reappearance for a new stable. Race 13 (1,400m) (1) LANDOFTHERISINGSUN has won his last two well and is confidently selected to reel off the hat-trick. (3) CAPTAIN WEST is holding form and should be in the first four with a winning shout. (7) AIR RAID has won two out of his last three and can continue on these ways - serious chance. (5) SAN PEDRO could be the place value - respect and include. Race 14 (1,400m) Several who have legitimate chances in a tricky contest but it could be worth siding with (9) OPEN HIGHWAY whose consistency could finally be rewarded, especially given his slightly reduced mark after close-up recent finishes. (1) PRESSONREGARDLESS had legitimate excuses for his last start at a higher level and is capable of bouncing back in this grade. Youngster (13) NYAKA NYAKA will be tested from a wide draw and against older opposition but he is open to improvement, so must be respected under 54.5kg. (6) SHINTO SHRINE is not to be taken lightly. Race 15 (1,600m) (4) WEHAVEASITUATION from gate 1 will have every opportunity to reel off the hat-trick and is selected to do so. (11) BENEATH THE CLOUDS is another searching for the hat-trick and will be very competitive for it - big danger to the first choice. (6) TAKE IT AS RED was far from disgraced last time and can get much closer - bright chance. (3) GOLDEN ANGEL must make the quartet shortlist. Race 16 (1,200m) (2) LHASA ran a good race last time and has each-way claims in a tough race. (10) WILD APPLAUSE ran an absolute cracker first time out of the maidens and can go one more. (8) SHE'S MY WORLD has huge each-way claims and (7) MUSIC OF THE NIGHT has a first-four chance.
New Paper
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
July 24 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
Race 1 (1,200m) (3) EMPRESS WU is overdue for a maiden win. She would not be winning out of turn after four second-place finishes in a row. (1) TRAIL RUNNER was recently gelded and has the form and experience to fight out the finish. (4) SHIMMERING also has a role to play. (2) FIRE STARTER will not need to improve much over this shorter trip to make his presence felt too. Race 2 (1,600m) (5) TRIP TO STATES was a well-beaten second last time but needs only to repeat that performance over this extended trip to play another leading role. (4) CODEWORD finished a career-best second in this headgear three weeks ago under the same rider and could fight for victory if confirming that improvement. (6) WINCHESTER and (1) JOHNNY DRAMA appeal most of the remainder. Race 3 (1,600m) Last-start scorer (8) TOMMY SHELBY and debut winner (7) COPPER EAGLE are promising 2yo colts with scope to improve over this extended trip that should suit. (2) WAR REPORTER confirmed his previous outing by running second over 1,800m recently. He should go well again over a course and distance he is unbeaten. Hard-knocker (3) LAUGHING WILLIAM bounced back to form last time and could be hard to peg back if adopting similar tactics. Race 4 (1,000m) Consistent (5) KIA KAHA fared slightly better than (1) COSMIC QUEEN in a stronger 1,000m race last time but the latter was drawn wide around the turn that day and with any improvement should turn the tables. (2) BOSUM BUDDY had excuses for a disappointing last start and should not be underestimated on her Highveld return. (4) STARS AND BRA'S is not taken lightly off her reduced mark. Race 5 (1,200m) (4) FALCON STRIKE took advantage of a drop in the ratings when winning last time and a four-point penalty is not likely to prevent another forward showing. Runner-up (3) ALONE TIME is 1.5kg better off, so he could avenge that 1.10-length defeat. Highveld newcomer (1) PEREGRINE FALCON should not be underestimated on his reappearance off a career-low mark. Hard-knockers (8) PHALA MILLIONS has the form and experience at this level to also acquit himself competitively. Race 6 (2,400m) Progressive (4) LAVA LAMP and the thriving (7) CARTAGENA are both last-start winners, though preference is for the latter whose experience over this distance will stand her in good stead. (2) ARTIC SILVER finished third in her sole 2,400m appearance at a higher level and won her only start on this course, so she is not taken lightly either. (1) ORDER OF HOPE has claims. Race 7 (2,000m) Top-weight (1) SNEAK PREVIEW will appreciate the step-up to this distance and is worth siding with off her career-low mark. (2) HAT FURIOUS and (3) RED SPARROW have performed moderately since opening their accounts but are not underestimated off their reduced marks. (4) CREPUSCOLO has earning potential too. Race 8 (1,450m) (4) RED AMBER got going late to finish a close-up third in a stronger race over 1,400m against male opposition last time and this extended trip will be more to her liking. Will be hard to beat against female-only rivals. (5) GHOSTBUSTER will likely pose the biggest threat, as she remains open to improvement on her return from a break. (6) SHEETS AND GOGGLES and (9) LADY LOXTON complete the shortlist.
New Paper
11-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
July 12 South Africa (Turffontein) form analysis
Race 1 (1,600m) (1) DAISY JONES confirmed the promise of her debut fourth over 1,500m by finishing second over 1,400m in her last start and this extended trip should unlock further progress. (2) MATCHA MINT would not be winning out of turn after three consecutive seconds, including back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1,600m. (3) REJUVENATE is closely matched with that rival, so she should play a leading role too. (6) STAMPEDE AHEAD has also shown enough to have a say in the outcome. Race 2 (1,160m) (9) SURPRISE PARTY did not go unnoticed on debut over this track and trip, despite showings signs of her inexperience. Newcomers (7) HEAVENLY GOOD, (4) COMIC ARTIST and (3) BABETTE'S FEAST are worth a market check. (1) CYBER SPIRIT has the form and experience to acquit herself competitively but is vulnerable to less-exposed rivals. Fellow 3YO filly (2) ICONIC WINTER would have benefited from a recent comeback and should have more to offer, especially on the evidence of her course-and-distance debut. Race 3 (1,160m) Well-bred newcomers (4) ECHO CHECK, (5) ECHOES OF WAR, (3) BEST CANDIDATE will not need to be special to play leading roles on debut. The same applies to (10) ONCEINABLUEMOON, who is not underestimated under bottom weight. Returning (1) AMANDLA NGAWETHU and Highveld newcomer (2) MONKEY PUZZLE are experienced older geldings vulnerable under top weight. (9) LANNYBOY would have come on from his course-and-distance debut fourth and ought to acquit himself competitively. Race 4 (1,160m) Unexposed (2) MISS ARGONAUT defied a market drift when winning at this level on her Highveld debut. She remains open to further progress and should have a bright future in the province. (1) ONE FELL SWOOP sets a good standard and boasts both the form and experience over track and trip to trouble the selection. (6) BLIZZARD SNOW and (4) KOMATI RIVER also have the means to get involved. Race 5 (1,160m) Last-start winner (8) BLINDFIRE, (7) GOLDEN ASPEN and (3) LADY OF MEMPHIS will be competitive if building on improved recent efforts. (2) VALIEVA was supported last time and had legitimate excuses for that disappointing performance, so she cannot be overlooked. (1) WE WILL ROCK YOU is out of sorts but dangerous to discount off a career-low mark and over this shorter trip under a 1.5kg-claiming apprentice. Race 6 (2,000m) (1) MOLOTOV COCKTAIL confirmed the promise of his fast-finishing debut fifth over 1,400m by winning from the front over 1,600m in his only subsequent appearance. This extended trip should be more to his liking, so it could pay to follow his progress. Well-bred class-dropper (3) DUAL PROPHECY caught the eye over track and trip last time and in his peak outing should pose a threat to the selection. (4) VOLTE FACE is another with earning potential. (5) FLAG BEARER and (9) GAMER are honest hard-knockers with the form and experience to make their presence felt too. Race 7 (1,600m) Course-and-distance specialist (9) JURY'S OUT would have tightened up after a much-needed comeback run over 1,160m and will likely fare better over this trip. (2) BACCHUS, (7) PRESLEY and (5) COMMAND PILOT are better than recent performances suggest and can take home a cheque. (1) WECANGOALLNIGHT acquitted himself competitively under 50kg in a stronger race over track and trip recently. He should have a role to play if reproducing that effort off an unchanged under 60kg. Race 8 (1,600m) Stablemates (3) BIRTHRIGHT and (7) THE PLAYBOY BOMBER are undefeated over track and trip. The latter overcame a wide draw when winning over course and distance last time in impressive fashion and is all set for another forward showing. However, preference is for the consistent former, who caught the eye with a fast-finishing fourth over 1,450m on the Inside track last month and will prefer the Standside track. (5) KING OF NUMBERS and (9) EIFFEL TOWER should be competitive for the places.
New Paper
08-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
July 9 South Africa (Scottsville) form analysis
Race 1 (1,600m) (1) OPERA FAN made a smart debut for her new stable but has had her chances, although she had some promising Highveld form. Dean Kannemeyer has a stable of promising juveniles and the unraced (2) GIMMEANOTHERVIKING is bred in the purple. (5) OMNIA was much improved second time when trying a little further on the Poly. She should come on from that effort. (4) GATHERING WINTERcompletes the shortlist. Race 2 (1,600m) Paul Lafferty's runner (10) BRUH has come on with each outing and looks primed for this. (2) FRENCH WAR LORD has shown up well in two sprints and the step up in trip from a plum draw can see him home. (4) MASTER SPY was a well-beaten fourth over the trip last time, but he can improve on that effort. (1) PIED PIPER showed up well on debut and steps up to a more suitable trip. Race 3 (1,200m) (10) XENOPHON looks primed to fire after two smart efforts. Narrowly beaten last run and he should go close again. (4) NEXT OF KIN showed up well on debut over course and distance, and one can expect good improvement from him. (8) CARDINAL CHIEF ran on strongly on debut and the extra furlong should suit. (9) RAGING MOON has not been far back in two outings and has a money chance. Race 4 (1,200m) (9) CELESTIAL DIAMOND was a beaten even-money favourite last start. She has shown up well in both starts and should run another good race. (16) LUCIENNE has put in three good efforts and should be involved in the finish again. (5) TRAIL RUNNER was a beaten favourite at her last two on the Highveld. She was not far behind and should feature. (1) CHIMES AT MIDNIGHT made a smart debut at long odds and is one to watch in the betting. Race 5 (1,600m) (5) WORLD OF ROYALTY steps up to a mile but has two good sprints in the bag. Beaten favourite last run but this trip should suit. (1) EL CAPITAN has the best draw and has not been out of the money in four starts since his return from the Cape. (8) LIMELIGHT LEGEND has been runner-up in his last three and stays the trip well, so he has a strong chance. (9) QUEEN OF THE AIR showed up well in her first run back from a lengthy break and is one to watch. Race 6 (1,750m) (5) PRINCESS PALACE is seldom far behind and steps up in trip. She has a handy weight and rates a strong winning chance. (3) HODGEPODGE shoulders top weight but has consistent form and should be in the firing line again. (10) ELEMBEE should not be far off. (9) ANOTHER DREAM is a recent maiden winner but won well from a wide draw and can be involved in the finish. Race 7 (1,750m) (4) DANCING ON A CLOUD has been a touch disappointing since running out an easy maiden winner on this course. He does seem better than his last two and gets another chance. (6) LOCK AND KEY has been a beaten favourite at her last two but has been runner-up and can go one better in this line-up. (2) ROYAL INVITATION has improved at her last two and comes from a Cape stable that does not have many runners up for the season. (5) TIRPITZ steps up in trip. One to watch in the betting. Race 8 (1,000m) (4) MAJOR TOMMIE is lightly raced and was not far behind in his handicap debut. He has a big weight but should be right up there. (12) B FIFTYTWO was close-up at long odds last start. He should be competitive. (11) RHYTHM is holding form and goes well on this trip. Not out of it. The form behind (10) RAFA'S BOY could be the key. He jumped seven points in the handicap for his last win but now gets a 4kg claimer aboard.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How 'Madiba Magic' inspired Boks to 1995 World Cup glory
Nelson Mandela's decision to wear a green Springboks jersey at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final proved to be a symbolic moment in uniting a deeply divided nation [Getty Images] Three decades since some 'Madiba Magic' inspired South Africa to their seminal win over New Zealand in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, a Springboks legend has predicted the side are on course for an unprecedented third straight title at the next tournament in Australia. Standing 6ft 7in tall, Mark Andrews was one of the pillars of that World Cup success on 24 June 1995, but even he would admit it was the towering presence of statesman Nelson Mandela that loomed largest on the day. Advertisement "He was worth putting our bodies on the line for because of what he'd done," said Andrews of the political prisoner turned South African President. The final, played at Johannesburg's Ellis Park, around 1,800m above sea level, was going to be about the survival of the fittest in the rarefied Highveld air. The game was eventually settled in extra time by a drop goal from Springboks fly-half Joel Stransky, as the hosts edged it 15-12. Years later, when speaking to All Blacks great Ian Jones, who also played in the final, Andrews recounted the theory that the fitter Springboks had outlasted the visitors. Advertisement Jones shook his head and told Andrews why he thought South Africa won: "'You guys had 16 men on the field. You had Nelson Mandela.'" The Madiba effect Mandela had spent 27 years in prison but, after his release in 1990, he played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition from apartheid to democracy and was elected President in 1994. His impact on the Springboks during the 1995 Rugby World Cup was immeasurable. Mandela's friendship with captain Francois Pienaar would later come to life in the 2009 film Invictus, which starred Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon as President and player respectively. Advertisement During the final Madiba, the clan name by which he was affectionately known, wore the Springboks colours which had long been seen as a vestige of apartheid. This gesture was a masterstroke as he sought to recast the emblem for all South Africans, sprinkling his charisma, known as 'Madiba Magic', on the momentous occasion. "I think back to what Mandela did, how he united a country by wearing that green Springbok jersey - the jersey of his oppressors - into the stadium," recalls Sean Fitzpatrick, who captained New Zealand in the final that day. "I don't think anyone else could have done what he did in terms of uniting a country." Advertisement Inspiring a nation South Africa's success resonated with a new generation of supporters, and on that historic day a young schoolboy by the name of Bryan Habana happened to attend his first ever game of rugby. "Getting to experience the euphoria of the Springboks overcoming the incredibly talented All Blacks with rugby's first global superstar in Jonah Lomu, and witnessing Nelson Mandela walk out there in that number six Springbok jersey lit a dream and an inspiration in a 12-year-old boy who'd never played the game of rugby before," Habana reminisced. Habana went on to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy in 2007 and, with his 15 tries across all tournaments, the winger sits alongside Lomu as the joint record holders for the most tries scored at Rugby World Cup finals. Advertisement "I get to tell everyone 1995 was a watershed moment in my life. For me 2007, winning the World Cup, was by far the pinnacle," Habana said. "But I honestly believe that 2019 was our proudest moment as a South African sporting country." Up until 2019, Chester Williams (1995), Habana and JP Pietersen (both 2007) were the only players classified as coloured, under South Africa's apartheid-era racial laws, to feature for the Boks in a final. Habana believes that the class of 2019 allowed the team to "speak to a community and a population of 60 million South Africans". Advertisement That side, under Siya Kolisi's captaincy, contained no fewer than six players of colour in the starting line-up and one more on the bench, showing that diversity can bring success. The Springbok 'must fall' Left-wing South African politician Julius Malema says the Springboks emblem "represents white supremacists" [Getty Images] However, not everyone shares Habana's sentiments. Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa's far-left opposition party, has described the Springbok emblem as "an apartheid symbol" which "represents white supremacists". The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) commander-in-chief said "the springbok must fall" and that the national rugby team needs a new jersey, colours and name. Advertisement Last week the United Kingdom denied Malema a visa to enter the country, ruling he was "non conducive to the public good" and citing remarks he has made calling for violence against white South Africans. Andrews believes that Mandela's vision of unity is what the Springboks stand for, and suggests that politicians like Malema "are trying to marginalise and divide". "I don't think they have what's best for South Africa at heart," the 53-year-old former number eight added. "They have what's best for them - to try and target and to make people angry and bitter." Advertisement The EFF has been approached for comment. Bidding for three in a row Siya Kolisi, the first black man to captain the Springboks, lifted the William Web Ellis trophy in 2019 and 2023 [Getty Images] The 1995 win set the tone for South African rugby and the country boasts a record four Rugby World Cup wins, including back-to-back triumphs in 2019 and 2023. Mandela might not be around to be the 16th man, but under coach Rassie Erasmus it is South Africa's powerful bench, nicknamed the 'bomb squad', which gives Andrews confidence that the Boks are on track for a hat-trick of titles in 2027. "No other nation has two equally strong packs like we have," he smiled. "It gives us an unfair advantage because of our depth of talent in those positions. I mean, if we have it, use it. Advertisement "If Rassie balances experience and youth - where you have the experience to just guide that ship, and then you have youth that just brings that energy and drive - absolutely, yes, they can [win the title again]."
