Latest news with #Vercingetorix
New Paper
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Warrior Gladatorian finally takes Group 1 centre stage
The four Grade 1 races at Greyville in South Africa on July 27 were hotly contested affairs, even if they did not always deliver the hottest results. Top picks got off to a flying start when odds-on fancy Golden Palm ($7) scored an authoritative win under champion jockey Richard Fourie in the first of the quartet of elite contests, the Douglas Whyte Stakes (1,600m), to cement trainer Alan Greeff's reputation as this season's king of juveniles. That trend was, however, bucked in the next three events of the 10-race programme, with all favourites biting the dust. A two-time winner from three starts, Jan Van Goyen (Callan Murray) did draw some support ($38) in the Champion Stakes (1,600m), but the interest was centred more around Tin Pan Alley, Chronicle King and Malmesbury Missile. The Sean Tarry-trained Tin Pan Alley (S'manga Khumalo) briefly poked his head in front, but was left paddling away when Jan Van Goyen shot straight past for the Mike and Mathew de Kock father-and-son team. Grade 2 Golden Horse Sprint winner Tenango (Aldo Domeyer) was the overwhelming favourite in the next, the Mercury Sprint (1,200m), but was upstaged by Buffalo Storm Cody ($49) under an inspired ride by Gavin Lerena for trainer Tony Peter. With two race meetings left in the South African season, Lerena has all but clinched his second title. On 270 wins, he is 17 wins clear of Fourie (253) - despite a double by Fourie, having opened proceedings with I Salute You ($12) for ex-Kranji trainer Peter Muscutt in the Listed Michel Nairac Appreciation Stakes (1,600m). Fittingly, the Mauritian-born Nairac, who was being farewelled as the retiring chief executive officer of Gold Circle and one of South Africa's leading bloodstock agents over many decades, received the perfect send-off with a Group 1 win in the highlight of the day, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Champions Cup (1,800m). Under a vigorous ride by Sean Veale, Gladatorian ($53) came with a well-timed run to touch off Durban July winner and favourite The Real Prince (Craig Zackey) by a neck. Often unlucky with seconds and thirds in Grade 1 and 2 events, the Vercingetorix five-year-old finally beat the jinx in the one that mattered the most for Nairac. The latter shares the 10-time winner with fellow Mauritians, including the estate of late ex-trainer Agasthamuni Gujadhur, in whose burgundy and blue hooped colours the gelding races. When Tellytrack presenter Deez Dayanand referred to the Grade 1 victory as the cherry on the top, Nairac did not skip a beat by recalling a funny anecdote. "I don't like the expression 'cherry on the top'. A friend once pushed my head into the cake," he said. "But, I couldn't ask for better. You couldn't script this any better." The de Kocks would not quite agree with that statement, though. Saddling an unusually small squad of only two runners at the marquee KwaZulu-Natal day, a rare 100 per cent strike rate in Grade 1 events looked on the cards after Jan Van Goyen saluted. Their strongest card remained second favourite Dave The King in the Champions Cup. But, after leading, in search of a three-in-a-row under Murray, South Africa's Horse of the Year wilted to fifth. Much less used to Grade 1 accolades than the de Kocks, winning trainer Stuart Ferrie was having a first taste of such success since taking over his boss Dennis Drier - who bought Gladatorian as a yearling and was his first trainer - two years ago. "To win the Champions Cup, it's unbelievable," he said. "He's run against the best in all his starts since I took over him, except for a few prep runs. "You've got to have the horse. This guy has been our flag bearer, he's been a soldier. "He never puts a foot wrong. Every time you come, you're in with a shout. It's always a bit close, but that's him." manyan@
New Paper
20-06-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
June 21 South Africa (Kenilworth) form analysis
Race 1 (1,400m) (1) STAR MAJOR has gone close in both starts and could get it right. (2) GOLD GIBOSKI should be in the shake-up after two crackers. (5) DIAMOND DAYS relished the step-up to this trip last time. Can go close from a fair draw. (9) NEW WORLD is knocking on the door and Richard Fourie retains the ride, with blinkers on. Race 2 (1,400m) (6) SPLASH OF COLOUR has Gavin Lerena up from a middle draw of six and having gone close last time over this course and distance, she should be in the shake-up. (1) LOVE HER MADLY has run some good races and should relish the step-up in trip. She should be right there from pole position. (2) GREEK HEIRESS is a well-bred filly by far away out of a decent Fort Wood mare and Craig Zackey rides from a plum draw. (7) ONCIDIUM has Fourie up from a tricky draw of seven but she could improve on her first start. Race 3 (1,000m) (1) OCTOBER STORM is very well bred being by Vercingetorix out of the top broodmare Miss October. He should go close on debut. (4) FLEUR DE VILLE went close last time over course and distance and he should be in the shake-up. (6) IKO IKO is knocking on the door and should also be right there. (7) DIGBY is in good form and could be involved in the finish. Race 4 (1,400m) (1) MEG'S LEGACY ran a fine race over course and distance last time and is now drawn in pole and should be right there. (2) TAYLOR'S VERSION also went close last time and from draw two should be in the shake up. (5) RED CORAL improved second time and should enjoy this further step-up in trip. (10) RED STATE has run two good races in succession over 1,200m and should relish the step-up in trip but does have a wide draw. Race 5 (1,950m) (2) ARIOVISTUS won easily last time in an open maiden. Starts off on a fair rating of 73 with Fourie up over an ideal course and trip. (3) KWITE A KING ran well last time over 2,200m and from a good draw, will also enjoy this trip. (4) AHEAD OF THE FACTS has won two of his last three over middle distances and should be in the shake-up from a fair draw. (5) WOOD WORLD has been in good form and with Lerena up for the third time in succession, he has a chance. Race 6 (1,500m) (3) ELECTROMAGNETISM has won her last two and on pedigree, should relish the step-up in trip. (6) UKUDUMA is a well-bred Vercingetorix out of dual Group 1 winner Thunder Dance. She should go close after a good debut win. (7) LOWVELD LILY won well second time out and should enjoy the step-up in trip. (2) SHE'S MY WORLD is well drawn and should be thereabouts. Race 7 (1,500m) (5) HAPPY VERSE should enjoy the step-up in trip here and looks the one to beat. (6) ROLAND GARROS has won his last two in fine fashion and should be in the shake-up. (3) VAPOUR TRAIL is a half-brother to One Stripe and should enjoy this trip and is a contender from a good draw. (2) DREAMWORLD has fine form and tries a step-up in trip from a good draw, although the jury is out on whether he will stay. Race 8 (1,600m) (2) LADY LOOK ALIKE is in hard-knocking form. From a good draw over a suitable trip, should go close. (5) MIRACULOUS is knocking hard too and might enjoy the step-up and trip. (6) KAMCHATKA ran well last time over 1,400m and will enjoy this trip, but does have a tricky draw. (1) PENTOLINA has pole position and can be right there if repeating penultimate start. Race 9 (1,200m) (3) RIKKITIKKITAVI beat a good sort last time and is the one to beat. (4) OCTOBER FEST is well bred and is coming to hand. (2) MARITZBURG MEMORY has the form to be a contender. (8) HOPE CHEST has ability and could bounce back. Race 10 (1,200m) (1) BECKY SHARP is knocking hard and could get it right. (4) SAINT BRIGID ran a cracker last time when stepped down to 1,400m and is interesting over a further step-down in trip. (3) EASY MONEY beat Becky Sharp last time and is only 1.5kg worse off for a 1.75 length beating, so might confirm the form. (7) IM THE BUZZ has the form to earn a cheque. Race 11 (1,000m) (1) MISS WORLD is well regarded and Fourie could make all the difference. (3) DEAN STREET has the ability and can never be ignored. (5) TANNERON won well last time and looks to be coming into her own. (6) ELUSIVE WINTER is consistent and should be right there.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Piet Steyn's gelding Garrix aims for a clean sweep in the Listed Pocket Power Stakes
gelding Garrix The Piet Steyn-trained Vercingetorix gelding Garrix has the look of a winner at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday. Picture: Cape Racing Image: Picture: Cape Racing On Sunday, all eyes will be on Piet Steyn's outstanding three-year-old gelding, Garrix, when the prestigious Listed Pocket Power Stakes unfolds at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Garrix is striving for a remarkable clean sweep of the three-legged Winter Series. After two closely contested victories, Garrix is out to confirm his status against a competitive field over 1,950m. Garrix's trip in the series has already seen him clinch the first leg, the Variety Club Mile, with an effortless performance before edging out fierce contenders Otto Luyken and Mucho Dinero in the nail-biting Gr 3 Legal Eagle Stakes. Although he seems to hold an advantage in form, the stakes are higher as he now carries 57kg, 1.5kg heavier than his main rivals, Otto Luyken and Mucho Dinero, who are braced to take him on once more. Garrix appears to have every attribute necessary to succeed, and with Gavin Lerena in the saddle, this adds a layer of reassurance to the camp. However, punters will consider the weight differentials and the experience factor as Garrix seeks to navigate the unique challenges of the tighter Winter course. As the field narrows to just seven runners, the early pace promises to be a factor with Otto Luyken, who battled valiantly in the Legal Eagle Stakes, maintaining a commanding presence as he attempts to remain consistent, a crucial factor in this match-up. The Justin Snaith-trained pair, Mucho Dinero and Magic Verse are notable threats. Magic Verse was commendable when narrowly defeated by Rascallion in the Gr 2 Premier's Trophy. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Mucho Dinero finished strongly in the Gr 3 Legal Eagle Stakes, closing the gap on his competitors. With the distance extension favouring his staying prowess, he will be a force to be reckoned with. The Futurist enters the contest with a considerable reputation as last year's winner. Last year's victory by an astonishing nine lengths still lingers in the memories. Though inconsistent, The Futurist has shown flashes of brilliance, and could reclaim glory over the Winter course, where he has demonstrated prior success. In Sunday's other feature race, the Listed R200,000 Stormsvlei Stakes for fillies and mares over 1,800m, Beware The Bomb stands out as the serious threat. Beware The Bomb is one of four entries prolific trainer Justin Snaith will field in the seven-runner race. His other entrants are Lady Springfield, Lickety Split and Knockout. Time for Love, a mare trained by the duo of Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix, is sure to give a strong performance. The expectations will be high after an admirable victory in the Ladies Mile (Listed) earlier this month, particularly with the seasoned jockey Lerena on board.
