There’s plenty of fascinating feature racing action to look forward to this weekend coming your way from the biggest horse races at Turffontein, Kenilworth, and Scottsville.
Turffontein (Saturday)
Race 5 – Flying First Class
One of the best bets on the card in Joburg on Saturday comes in Race 5 in the form of Flying First Class. The Silvano mare gets the services of Calvin Habib once more and cruised in last time to notch up her eighth career victory. She’ll carry just 53.5kgs on her back and will have no issues with the distance. I’d go as far as making this a banker in the Pick 6.
Race 6 – Reny
Since her four-month break, Reny has come on from that to win both her races and now seeks a hat-trick of wins. Both those runs have been won by a good couple of lengths, and with the step up in trip to a mile, the daughter of Gimmethegreenlight should take the power of beating. Randall Simons is riding at the top of his game and could be another possible Pick 6 banker.
Race 7 – Bonete
Bonete was the talk of the town on her debut and went on to produce a cracking run, winning by over four lengths. She didn’t beat the most competitive field, but the manner in which she geared down showed that the daughter of Querari has plenty of ability. Randall Simons retains the ride for Mike De Kock and should be difficult to oppose.
Kenilworth (Saturday)
Race 7 – Pomp And Power
Pomp And Power make his comeback run since running in the Durban July earlier this year. He didn’t settle in the race and has been known to play up in his races. The son of Vercingetorix does show good early speed and with Gareth Wright aboard, the pair should be able to get back into the winners’ enclosure. Certainly the value bet of the weekend.
Race 8 – Ciao Bella
Trainer Justin Snaith could have a profitable day at Kenilworth on Saturday. Horses from his stable just know when to step out on the big days, especially in The Mother City. In this Grade 2 Western Cape Fillies Championship, Ciao Bella gets the top selection and was ultra-impressive in her last start over 1250m. The daughter of Bela-Bela will be fitter now and should come out on top.
Race 9 – Champion Warrior
Champion Warrior, without the pun intended, looks like a champion in the making after winning both his races to date. He’s shown that he has class about him and could be a future Grade 1 winner for Brett Crawford. Kabelo Matsunyane gets the ride for the first time and should keep this colt’s unbeaten record intact.
Scottsville (Sunday)
Race 1 – I Like It Hot
I Like It Hot has been in incredible form, finishing in the money in all of her starts to date. With Sean Veale aboard from draw three, the pair do look the one to beat in this contest. She comes back off a short break and that should be able to be the difference here.
Race 3 – Flirty Dancer
Flirty Dancer should come out of the maidens in what looks like a relatively weak field on Sunday. She was trapped wide in her last start and will hope to tuck in to get a good rail run and finish off strongly. She’ll be back in Scottsville, where she finished runner up on debut and is expected to get another win for the Mike Miller and Serino Moodley combination.
Race 6 – Party Time
Party Time is a renowned frontrunner and with Serino Moodley taking the ride from draw three, he should be able to get to the front with ease. With the form that he is in, he should be able to get there with ease and go on to win this quite comfortably and hopefully enjoy a profitable day for the Miller yard.