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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
06-06-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
June 7 South Africa (Greyville) form analysis
Race 1 (1,600m) (3) BLIZZARD QUEST has found market support in both starts. He steps up to a more suitable trip. (4) LUNAR DESCENT has improved with each outing and was close-up at long odds when going a mile for the first time. (2) MATCHA MINT comes with smart Highveld form. She has a good draw and Richard Fourie. (1) BLACKJACK RANDALL goes this trip for the first time. He took on what has panned out to be a fair field over a sprint last time. Race 2 (1,600m) (7) RICH FOLKS HOAX has started a beaten favourite at his first two KZN starts. He shed his maiden over a mile blinkers are on. (5) PLUS FOUR has run two smart races for his new stable since moving up from the Cape. Stable jockey Sean Veale has plumped for the well-drawn (1) TYRCONNELL. (3) MASTER CHRISTMAS is way better than his last effort and makes the trip from the Highveld. Race 3 (1,900m) (11) AFROPOLITAN stayed on stoutly last run on the Poly. Though he has top weight, he should be competitive. (6) BOMBERS IN THE SKY only recently shed his maiden but was staying on well in his first local start over course and distance. He should turn the tables on (7) CHILL IN THE AIR who finished 0.5 length ahead of Bombers In The Sky last time. (10) AFRICAN DUSK looks held by Afropolitan on their last meeting but he is also down in class. Race 4 (1,200m) (1) VIBE SA may have needed his first run back after a three-month break. He has the best of the draws. (3) POSITION OF POWER won well on debut over this course. He looks useful and can follow up. (7) AFRICAN PRINCE was a beaten favourite in his Poly debut but was not far back. The switch to the turf could bring out the best. (6) HOPE IS POWER finished ahead of African Prince when they last met and from the widest draw. Little between these two. Race 5 (1,400m) (1) EDUCATOR was well supported in the market on debut and won comfortably. She stays the trip and has the best of the draws. (5) CAPTAINS ENVY is now 2kg better off than (3) QUICKSTEPGAL who touched him off in the Strelitzia Stakes. Mike Miller's charge can turn the tables. (4) LITTLEMISSSPLENDID went close when stepping up in trip. Race 6 (1,400m) (8) WHISPERING DEATH finished runner-up on debut and is unbeaten in two since. He looks progressive. (1) TENJIKU beat Whispering Death when shedding his maiden and followed up with another comfortable victory. (9) VIKINGS REVENGE won well at long odds on debut. He will come on from that run. (11) AVERSATOR won well over course and distance when shedding his maiden. Still can win this with natural improvement. Race 7 (1,600m) (2) DAVE THE KING made all to show that he was back to best when winning last time. He has the ideal draw and all should be chasing him come the final furlong. (5) COSMIC SPEED finished close behind Eight On Eighteen in the Group 2 WSB Guineas over course and distance. As one of the best 3YOs, he can test Dave The King. (3) SEE IT AGAIN showed signs of his best when touched off by Gladatorian in the Drill Hall Stakes. Extra 200m suits. (8) GLADATORIAN came from well back to win the Drill Hall and must certainly have a chance. Race 8 (1,400m) (9) BE MERRY stayed on gamely in the WSB Fillies Guineas and this shorter trip should suit despite wide gate. (8) CALLMEGETRIX has finished runner-up at her last three and meets Be Merry on similar terms as to when last they met. (5) GREEN SAPPHIRE was never in the hunt from her wide draw in the WSB Fillies Guineas. She won well over course and distance at her penultimate start. (1) LUCRATIVE has shown steady improvement of late and has the best of the draws. Race 9 (1,800m) (1) POMODORO'S JET steps up in trip but is unbeaten since being fitted with cheek pieces. Fair weight on his back but he will go close. (5) ON MY HONOUR was just over three lengths off Eight On Eighteen in the Group 2 WSB Guineas. He has been taking on top company in the Western Cape. (13) ZEITZ flopped in the Group 1 Cape Derby. Not seen since. He will need to win or run up close to have a chance on a run in July. (10) WILD INTENT has come well since his below-par trip to the Cape. He got a 17-point jump in the handicap for his second to Legend Of Arthur in the Gr1 SA Derby. Race 10 (1,000m) (7) AYUWI YUWI was narrowly beaten by the veteran sprinter Trafalgar Square last time. (4) TARA STAR has found form. Apprentice is replaced by Fourie. (6) GOLDEN CHANDELIER has lost her way of late but gets first-time blinkers. She can pop up at long odds. (12) MILLION VOICES resumes and is the choice of stable rider Tristan Godden. She will go close on her best form.
New Paper
14-05-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
May 15 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
Race 1 (1,000m) (2) ACT ON SNOW has the form and experience to play a leading role while youngster (7) BLINDFIRE is improving and is also likely to be competitive. (3) EMPRESS WU should also be prominent. Watch well-bred newcomer (8) HURRICANE POWER. Race 2 (1,600m) (3) CHRONICLE KING and (4) FIRE STARTER showed promise on debut and would have come on with that experience. Both could well fight out the finish. (5) GOLDEN WARRIOR and (6) SERGEANT SOQRAT have also shown enough to run a place. Race 3 (1,600m) (5) MATCHA MINT and (9) WITCHING HOUR have shown promise over shorter distances and are likely to improve over this extended trip. (6) OPERA FAN and (8) REJUVENATE fit a similar profile but have more of a place chance than a winning one. Race 4 (1,000m) (8) EIGHT HATS and (7) SUNSET WARRIOR have twice run well over this trip and neither would have to improve a great deal to open their account. Keep an eye on any betting support for newcomer (6) CAPTAIN FRANK. (4) SUMMER WINTER is worth a shot. The unexposed (1) JET QUERARI and the experienced (2) RINGHO are not to be underestimated. Race 5 (1,600m) (9) MOLOTOV COCKTAIL caught the eye on debut when running on well from a long way back. With that run under the belt, it should pay to follow his progress over this extended trip. (4) CHIEFTAIN'S SHIELD, (2) BRIGHAM and (1) PHIL THE FLUTER have the means to trouble the selection, ahead of (6) MISS TAKES and (5) FOLLOW THE MASTER. Race 6 (2,000m) (4) GAMER is consistent and will be rewarded sooner rather than later. Last-start winner (10) BOB LEE SWAGGER and class-dropper (3) SNEAK PREVIEW are genuine candidates for honours. (9) THE MERCIFUL is to be included in calculations while recent maiden winners (1) BLURRED VISION, (6) STOP THE TRAFFIC and (8) CITY LIGHTS remain competitive on their handicap debut. Race 7 (2,000m) Well-bred (1) WAGRAM is open to any amount of improvement over this trip and it could pay to follow her progress. Hard-knockers (2) IDEAL FUTURE and (4) ROSY LEMON have the form and experience to trouble the selection, as does (12) SILVER FLARE. Race 8 (2,000m) (1) AVOONTOAST sets a good standard and ought to remain competitive despite a penalty for an emphatic last-start success. Fellow recent scorer (2) DIMAKO'S JET is progressive and could have the edge over a distance that she is unbeaten. (7) I AM REGAL and (4) KEY WORKER are not taken lightly. Race 9 (1,500m) This is a tricky handicap, but it could pay to side with class-dropper (4) KOTINOS who races off a reduced mark. (6) SAIL THE SKY and (8) PERINI PALACE will be competitive if taking their place in the line-up. (12) STROKE OF MERCY appeals most of the remainder. Race 10 (1,000m) A tricky last race in which last-start scorers (1) ARILENA, (3) IN THE ETHER, (7) SYLVAN WARRIOR and (9) INAFIX should remain competitive off their revised ratings. (8) GAELIC DANCER and (5) LONELY AS A CLOUD also have legitimate each-way chances.
New Paper
23-04-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
April 24 SA (Turffontein) form analysis
Race 1 (1,200m) (5) MATCHA MINT attracted outside betting support on debut and ran with promise against winners over a similar trip, and will likely play a leading role with natural improvement expected. (3) BRIGHT AND BRAZEN and (2) BACK FROM WAR will be more competitive at this level after running in a feature last time. (8) WAITING ON CHARLIE completes the shortlist. Race 2 (1,200m) Fillies (9) VIPINGO and (8) PRINCESS KEIRA receive a handy 2.5kg sex allowance and have both the form and experience to give their male rivals something to fear. Well-bred first-timers (4) GEOSTORM and (1) ALPHA WORLD must be monitored in the betting and market support would speak volumes of their chances on debut. Race 3 (1,450m) (7) CONCORDIA and (2) WINDS OF GRACE appeal most of those with experience, though preference is for the younger latter who need not improve much over this extended trip to score. Newcomer (10) WITCHING HOUR and (3) MILO'S MILLIONAIRE complete the shortlist in a race that will not take much winning. Race 4 (1,450m) (2) CURTISS CONDOR ran a fast-finishing third on debut over 1,200m and on the evidence of that display, this extended trip with that experience to count on should serve his interests. (5) GOLDEN ALEXIA and youngster (8) MIGHTY EAGLE have shown enough to trouble the selection while (4) MISS TAKES is another open to improvement, especially over the longer trip he is bred to appreciate. Race 5 (1,600m) (3) TOO LATE MY MATE acquitted herself well at a higher level against males last time. She needs only to produce a similar performance against her own sex to resume winning ways. (5) GLAMOROUS LADY also bounced back to form last time and will likely have a role to play if repeating that display. (1) MISS HANNIGAN and (2) SOLDIER'S EYE are consistent hard-knockers with the ability to trouble their younger rivals. Race 6 (1,600m) Improving last-start winners (3) WAGRAM and (5) TANA MAREE are genuine candidates for success on handicap debut. The latter opened her account over track and trip last month so is slightly preferred with that experience to count on. Fellow recent scorers (4) SECRET RECIPE and (7) GHOSTBUSTER are lightly raced 5YO mares with the form and experience to make their presence felt. Race 7 (2,000m) (4) WHISPERS OF WAR has found form and consistency since dropped in the ratings and has won over this distance. He gets the nod ahead of hard-knockers (2) CARNELO and (6) GAMER. Last-start scorer (7) HAT FURIOUS landed a betting coup on his reappearance and cannot be underestimated. Race 8 (1,200m) Consistent (1) BOSUM BUDDY has the form and experience to fight out the finish but concedes weight to all. Fellow 3YO filly (4) HEAVYLIESTHECROWN showed a willing and professional attitude when making a winning track-and-trip debut and she would have come on appreciably, so it could pay to follow her progress. (3) HALCYON and the returning (2) PENNSYLVANIA (gelded) are lightly raced male rivals with scope to improve so they could also have roles to play. Race 9 (1,200m) Race 9 (1,200m) (7) THERE SHE GOES can be rewarded for consistency, especially after consecutive unlucky third-place finishes. She is awkwardly drawn but the addition of first-time pacifiers could prove a masterstroke. (12) TWICE AS WILD and (10) ORIENTAL BOUQUET are consistent with the ability to have a say in the outcome. The former is ideally positioned in gate 1 whereas the latter is unfavourably drawn in the widest stall. (5) KOTINOS appeals most of the remainder.
