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His recent form suggests he is beginning to fulfil that promise. Earlier this year he was competitive against stronger opposition, finishing behind July hopeful I Salute You in the Premiers Trophy and later chasing home subsequent winner Chasingtherainbow. After a short break, he returned with an impressive 1.75-length victory over the reliable Boogiefied on soft ground over 1600m. With Aldo Domeyer aboard, Major Master looks well placed to score again.
Handsome Prince rates a serious threat. His rating has gradually dropped and recent performances indicate a return to form could be imminent. He was a solid fourth behind Chasingtherainbow over this course and distance and should be competitive again. Stablemate Roccapina also warrants respect. Drawn in gate one, the mare has proven Grade 1 and Listed form, although her inconsistency remains a concern.
Race 1 looks a golden opportunity for Peace Garland to break through. The Vaughan Marshall-trained filly has finished placed in all four starts, including a runner-up effort over this course and distance. Under Mickaelle Michel, she sets the standard.
Marshall could complete an early double with It’sgood It’snice in Race 2. The colt has finished second in both starts over 1400m and appears ready to go one better after two encouraging efforts.
Madra Rua is preferred in Race 3 over 1000m after a career-best second behind Witch Hazel. Conditions should suit, while Swift Serenity, who continues to find one too good, remains a major danger. Well-bred newcomer Sierra Nevada is worth monitoring.
Jewel Mule gets another chance in Race 4 after a promising debut third behind Sparkling Star. A small step forward could be enough to beat more exposed rivals.
Master Coiner appeals in Race 5 despite dropping from 1950m to 1600m. He improved markedly when runner-up to Glenalmond last time and can continue his progress if the shorter trip poses no issue.
Signor Dante seeks back-to-back victories in Race 7 after a dominant 2.5-length win over Devil A Saint following a class drop.
Race 8 is highly competitive, but Winter Pearl gets a tentative vote. With Craig Zackey aboard and consistent recent form, he should once again be in the mix.
| Trainer | Win | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Total runs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | C Fownes | 62 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 40 | 509 |
| 2nd | M Newnham | 58 | 49 | 49 | 49 | 38 | 514 |
| 3rd | D Shum | 57 | 37 | 34 | 40 | 32 | 472 |
| 4th | F Lui | 51 | 42 | 60 | 36 | 39 | 481 |
| 5th | D Hayes | 50 | 42 | 43 | 48 | 44 | 613 |
| 6th | J Size | 48 | 62 | 54 | 41 | 53 | 548 |
Race 2 features one of the stronger prospects on the card in Snowblade. The Mike Azzie-trained son of Vercingetorix produced a promising runner-up effort on debut over this course and distance. Expected natural improvement makes him a leading contender to break his maiden at the second attempt.
Zackey’s first major chance comes in Race 4 aboard Isaac Stephan for Tony Peter. Another son of Vercingetorix, the three-year-old has improved with each run and produced a career-best second before a 73-day break. Returning with scope for further progress, he looks well placed to shed his maiden tag.
Race 6 could see Lerena and Azzie complete a double with proven stayer Poet’s Warrior. The six-year-old boasts a perfect three-from-three record over 2400m and is unbeaten in two starts over this course and distance. He has also thrived under Lerena, suffering only one defeat from four rides together. His latest run over 3200m can be forgiven, and the return to his preferred distance makes him a major contender to end a lengthy win drought.
Zackey has another strong opportunity in Race 7 aboard Gimmesumluv for Lucky Houdalakis. The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight has improved since cheekpieces were fitted and confirmed that progress with a close fourth over 1600m on the Inside Track. The drop back to 1400m and return to the Standside course could suit perfectly, and another step forward may be enough to see her return to winning form.
With Lerena and Zackey partnered with several of the card’s leading chances, punters have a straightforward approach to the meeting. Snowblade, Isaac Stephan, Poet’s Warrior and Gimmesumluv all make strong appeals on recent form, while any significant betting support for Beautiful Rosie could signal the arrival of another smart De Kock import. Following the country’s top riders may prove the key to finding winners on Sunday.
The Gr3 Lucky Fish Winter Stakes over 2400m headlines Saturday’s mixed turf and polytrack meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville and could play a key role in determining the final Hollywoodbets Durban July field.
Candice and Tammy Dawson’s Enflame has done little wrong in recent staying races and should be a major contender, while Patrick Kruyer’s Tenpenny looks capable of bouncing back after a disappointing run on soft ground. Prior to that effort, he had produced strong Cape staying form and retains the services of JP van der Merwe. Native Ruler has been competing well in stronger company and remains an interesting prospect despite being untested at the distance.
Shoot The Rapids is another July hopeful. Nathan Kotzen’s gelding has finished runner-up in his last two starts and gets a major boost with Richard Fourie booked. Holding Thumbs should improve over this trip after a needed comeback run, while Sean Tarry’s Future Pearl could surprise off a much-reduced rating if returning to his best form.
The supporting card is highly competitive with few standout bankers. In the opener, Highveld raider Tanareef should improve on a promising debut, while Lenoxx and Deonaire appear closely matched after recent efforts. Kid From The South is another to monitor, particularly if supported in the betting.
Sweet Green rates one of the better bets on the card. The Justin Snaith-trained filly was a beaten favourite after an encouraging debut but remains progressive. Pacific Mood should improve significantly after a green first outing, while Queraristinyferrari may benefit from switching back to turf.
Former champion trainer Ricky Maingard has enjoyed immediate success since relocating to KZN and his runner in the opening PA leg warrants respect. Light The Fire brings strong recent form, while Barry’s Boy remains a danger after a solid polytrack effort.
The Pick 6 opener is wide open. Wendy Whitehead’s Definitely Yes looks the stable elect despite a wide draw, aided by a 4kg claim. Little Boy Blue and Bangladesh are key rivals, while Gorgeous Guy could improve on the switch to polytrack.
Mohave Prince seeks a fourth win from his last five starts and remains the one to beat in race five despite a penalty. Gimmefabulous, Uzwano and Office In Command all have claims.
Day Two, No Pressure and outsider Intuitive Spirit head the selections in a competitive sixth race. Later, class performer Cats Pajamas looks capable of overcoming top weight despite a drop in trip. Circumbendibus and King Of The Gauls are respected rivals.
In the finale, Black Eagle brings strong Cape form and can make amends for a recent defeat. Serengetti Sun and the consistent Miss World also have strong winning claims.
French jockey Mickaëlle Michel continues to make headlines in South Africa following her historic Grade 1 victory aboard Star Major in the Daily News 2000. She heads to Thursday’s Turffontein Inside meeting with another strong book of rides and realistic prospects of adding further success.
Champion sire Vercingetorix could also dominate the card, with two of his offspring holding leading claims in the opening races.
Race 1 sees Snowblade emerge as a standout contender. The Mike Azzie-trained juvenile caught the eye on debut when finishing second over 1000m despite drifting to 25-1 in the betting. He finished strongly and shapes as though the step up to 1600m will suit perfectly. Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg claim further enhances his chances and natural improvement could be enough to see him break through.
Another Vercingetorix runner, Feast Of Berries, looks poised to improve sharply in race 2. The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained filly showed promise when fourth on debut over 1160m and now steps up to 1600m. Her pedigree strongly suggests the extra distance will suit, with her dam Redberry Lane a multiple winner over the trip, including the Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes.
Michel’s strongest ride may come in race 4 aboard Future Gamble. The progressive James Crawford-trained daughter of Futura seeks a fourth consecutive victory over 2000m after an impressive four-length win against male rivals. Michel has partnered the filly to two victories already and, despite an eight-point penalty, the manner of her latest success suggests she remains ahead of the handicapper. With Crawford’s stable in top form and Michel riding with confidence, another win looks within reach.
Michel could complete a double in race 7 on Power Of Pearls. The Candice and Tammy Dawson-trained filly opened her account over the Durban Polytrack last month and now enters handicap company off what appears a workable mark. Her previous Turffontein form is solid, the 1000m trip suits, and Michel’s claim adds further value.
National jockeys’ championship leader Craig Zackey is also expected to feature prominently. He has strong claims aboard Falconfly in race 5 and Ringa Ringa Roses in race 8, both trained by Lucky Houdalakis. The stable could easily emerge with a double of its own on a card where Michel, Zackey and the offspring of Vercingetorix are likely to command most of the attention.
Clive Robinson
RACE 1: L’ESSOR STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM STRASBOURG RACE 2) – 1400M – TIME: 17:46 PRIZE MONEY: EUR21000
Skyridge (FR) Good 2nd on his debut over 1200m at Saint-Cloud in a Class 3 race on May 29th. He should enjoy the step up in distance and is open to progress. Player. Phoenix Bay Ran with promise to be 4th on her sole start over 1400m at Saint-Cloud in a conditions race on June 2nd. Open to improvement and can feature. Sweet Rose (FR) Showed clear talent when 5th in a conditions race over 1400m at Saint-Cloud on June 2nd. One to keep onside. Ukiyo (FR) Unraced filly by Almanzor, the dam won 2 races. From a respected trainer that can ready one to strike on debut. The betting can be informative.
RACE 2: R. STEIDEL HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM STRASBOURG RACE 4) – 1400M – TIME: 18:50 PRIZE MONEY: EUR16300
Knossington (FR) Recent winner over 1550m in a Class 4 handicap on May 27th at this racecourse. Can make his presence felt. Best Looking (FR) Placed on all three runs this year, the latter when 4th over this track over 1550m on May 27th in a Class 4 handicap. Live chance. Maavah (FR) Finished 5th last time over 1550m at this track in a Class 4 handicap on May 27th. One to consider each-way. Vicky (FR) Placed 3rd last time over 1400m at Compiegne in a Class 3 handicap on June 5th. Ought to be involved at the finish.
RACE 3: PAYS DE HANAU HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM STRASBOURG RACE 6) – 2350M – TIME: 20:00 PRIZE MONEY: EUR14400
An Christine (FR) Placed 3rd last time over 2000m at this track in a Class 4 handicap on May 8th. Ran well on her handicap bow last time and has more progress to come. Vitaly (GER) Two unplaced runs this year, 7th over 2500m at Nancy in a conditions race on April 20th last time. Handicap debut and could be well treated. Rolexxa (FR) Fair 4th last time over 2000m at this track in a conditions race on May 27th. One to pay close attention to. Lady Madeira (FR) Placed 4th last time over 2000m at Nancy in a Class 4 handicap on June 5th. Can make her presence felt.
RACE 4: L’ACKERLAND HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM STRASBOURG RACE 8) – 2350M – TIME: 21:10 PRIZE MONEY: EUR16300
Hansottogruber (GER) Three solid runs of late, 2nd on the latter over this track and trip in a Class 3 handicap on April 18th. Can not be ignored. Tharpe (FR) Three recent placed efforts, the latter when 2nd at this track over 3000m in a Class 3 handicap on May 27t. Red Nureyev (GER) Two unplaced runs since a 3rd over this track and trip in a Class 3 handicap on April 18th. Can make an impact. Jazzmen (FR) Unplaced last time, a win before that over this track and trip on April 18th in a Class 3 handicap. Ought to be thereabouts.
RACE 5: VERMOUT MAIDEN STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 1) – 2400M – TIME: 23:56 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200
Powder (FR) Two second placed efforts, the latter over 2650m at Chateaubriant in a maiden on May 24th. Live chance of scoring. Oser Rose (FR) Creditable 6th in a maiden race over 2100m at Cholet on June 1st. Open to improvement and can be competitive. Valentia (FR) Showed promise to be 4th on the one run in a conditions race at Fontainebleau on November 22nd. She will know more this time and warrants respect. Epona Des Mottes (FR) Filly by Hunter’s Light, the dam won 1 race. From a respected stable that can produce winners on debut. The betting can indicate expected performance.
RACE 6: GARDEN PARTY HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 2) – 1600M – TIME: 00:40 PRIZE MONEY: EUR50900
Ciccio Boy (FR) Unplaced last time on April 28th, 4th before that over 1900m at Deauville on the PSF in a Class 2 handicap on April 7th. Can be effective on turf. Grandpa Cen (IRE) Ran well to be 2nd over 1600m in a Class 2 handicap at Bordeaux Le Bouscat on April 27th last time out. Live chance. Felix Aux Ormes (FR) Fair 5th last time over 1400m on May 23rd, a win before that in a Class 2 handicap at Parislongchamp on April 16th. Honest performer who warrants respect. Serines (IRE) Fair 4th last time out over 1600m at Compiegne in a Class 2 handicap on May 25th. Ought to be in the shake-up.
RACE 7: BELLAMY HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 3) – 1600M – TIME: 01:13 PRIZE MONEY: EUR25900
Great Art (FR) Placed 2nd on the latest start over this track and trip in a Class 4 handicap on May 29th. Can get back in the winner’s enclosure. Marsiho (IRE) Three solid efforts of late, a win two runs back over 1400m in a Class 3 handicap at Parislongchamp on May 3rd and a 2nd over the same track/trip last time on May 24th. Ought to be thereabouts. Saxon Village (IRE) Placed 2nd last time out over 1600m at Compiegne in a Class 3 handicap on May 25th. One to pay close attention to. Chester Sky Recent success over this track and trip in a Class 4 handicap on May 29th when last appearing. Hard to rule out.
RACE 8: PETIT-PORT HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 4) – 1600M – TIME: 01:45 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200
Toocoolforschool (FR) Likes this track, with a win three runs back in April and a recent 3rd over this track and trip in a Class 4 handicap on May 29th. Key chance. Pomme Surette (FR) Creditable 4th over this track and trip in a Class 4 handicap on May 29th last time. Solid course form and is hard to rule out. Beautifoal (IRE) Three unplaced efforts of late, the most recent over this track and trip on May 29th in a Class 4 handicap. Each way aspira-tions. Cour Du Roi Ran well to be 3rd over 1400m at Saint-Cloud in a Class 3 handicap on May 29th on his latest start. Can make the top four.
RACE 9: DES SORINIERES CLAIMING STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 5) – 1600M – TIME: 02:15 PRIZE MONEY: EUR11500
Near Fly (FR) Unplaced in a handicap on June 2nd last time, a win before that over 1600m at Nantes in a handicap on May 11th. Down in class and can feature. Sociando (FR) Below par last time on June 2nd, 2nd before that in a handicap over this track and trip on May 11th. Live contender. Best Sister (FR) Placed 3rd at Argentan in a claimer over 1300m on June 10th. Out again quickly and can play a leading role. Donnalucata (FR) Ran well to be 2nd last time over 1800m in a claimer at Evreux on May 26th. Ought to be in the shake-up.
RACE 10: D’ANCENIS CLAIMING STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 6) – 1400M – TIME: 02:45 PRIZE MONEY: EUR14400
Gypsea (FR) Finished 8th in a Class 3 race on her second start over 1200m at La Teste on June 3rd last time out. Lightly raced and has more to come. Mazatlan (FR) Finished 6th on the last run over 1200m in a claimer at La Teste on May 15th. Placed efforts in claimers in April and can give a good account of herself. Ultimo Minuto (FR) Ran with promise when 7th at La Teste over 1200m in a Class 3 race on his sole start on June 3rd. One to look at each-way. Moro Naaba (FR) Colt on debut by Taj Mahal, the dam won 1 race. Stable runners warrant respect on debut and the betting can be the most informative guide.
RACE 11: MARATHON HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 7) – 3700M – TIME: 03:15 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200
Lofsongur Islande (FR) Solid effort when 2nd in a Class 4 race at Saint-Cloud on May 22nd last time out over 3100m. Up in trip and can be effective. Flamingway (FR) Recent win over 3100m by 3.5 lengths at this track in a Class 3 handicap on May 29th. Can be expected to stay and is one to keep onside. Kando (FR) Ran well to be 2nd over 3100m at this track in a Class 3 handicap on May 29th behind FLAMINGWAY (4). Hard to rule out. Roatan (FR) Finished 3rd over 3100m in a Class 3 handicap on May 29th behind FLAMINGWAY (4 ) when last seen. Has a few lengths to find but warrants respect.
RACE 12: GD PX DES AQPS STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 8) – 3100M – TIME: 03:45 PRIZE MONEY: EUR20000
Lili Star (FR) In good form with two recent wins, the latest success over 3100m at Saint-Cloud in a Class 4 race on May 22nd, and Group 3 PA win before that at the same track in April. Live contender. Madrinha Rosa (FR) Ran well two runs back when 2nd behind LILI STAR (1) over 2500m at Saint-Cloud in a Group 3 PA race on March 24th. Player. Montvalezan (FR) Two placed efforts of late, 4th on the latter over 2700m at Vichy in a conditions race on May 24th. Hard to rule out. Merci Gaby (FR) Fair 5th last time over 2400m in mid-May and a win before that over 2400m at Lignieres on April 7th in a conditions race. Enters calculations.
RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: KENILWORTH@2026.06.16
HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH, 16.06.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R125,000, 12:50GMT+2Race Summary: JULIET OF VERONA stayed on well for second behind In Hot Water on the 19th of May, she will love the step up in trip here, she has a big winning chance from a good draw. PEACE GARLAND only got going very late last time, she is very consistent, she has a winning chance on her current form. OH ISABELLA has run two decent races in succession, she will enjoy the step up in trip to 1400m, watch her closely from a good draw. GOLDEN SHIMMER ran a fair race on debut, with natural improvement expected from this well-bred filly, she can earn for the connections.
Selections: #2 JULIET OF VERONA, #3 PEACE GARLAND, #1 OH ISABELLA, #4 GOLDEN SHIMMER
HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH, 16.06.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R140,000, 13:25GMT+2Race Summary: IT’SGOOD IT’SNICE has run two lovely races in succession, there should be no excuses for this colt from a good draw, he will be hard to beat. UNCLE SAM has been rested for 62 days, he ran a great race on debut behind From The Island on the 15th of April, top jockey Richard Fourie sticks with this colt, he will improve big time going into his second start, include him into all bets. AFRICAN WILD DOG will love the step up in trip to 1400m, he ran a much better race on the 19th of May, with some luck in running, he will be right there in the finish. ROYAL LIGHT showed further improvement in his second start behind Bachata last time, he has a good place chance from a neat draw.
Selections: #1 IT’SGOOD IT’SNICE, #3 UNCLE SAM, #6 AFRICAN WILD DOG, #2 ROYAL LIGHT
HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH, 16.06.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R120,000, 14:00GMT+2Race Summary: MADRA RUA would have needed his run last time when finishing second behind Witch Hazel on the 2nd of June, he will be much fitter going into this race on Tuesday, the drop in trip is key for this gelding, he has a big winning chance in this field. SWIFT SERENITY was a touch unlucky in her last start behind Autumn Rush on the 31st of May, the blinkers have been fitted, she has a good winning chance on her best form, include her into all bets. SICILY never runs a bad race, he needs a particular ride, if the race works out for him, he will be storming home late. THE BIG BANG will enjoy the drop in trip, he has a place chance at best. SIERRA NEVADA is well-bred, watch the market closely.
Selections: #4 MADRA RUA, #8 SWIFT SERENITY, #5 SICILY, #2 THE BIG BANG
HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH, 16.06.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R100,000, 14:35GMT+2Race Summary: JEWEL MULE stayed on beautifully for third on debut when beaten five lengths by Sparkling Star, she will love the step up in trip to 1200m, in hope that she has made further improvement back at home, she will be hard to beat. SCANDALIZE never runs a bad race, the drop in trip is key for this filly on Tuesday, she will be right there in the finish late. ROCK THE ROAD has been rested for 76 days, she ran a great race on debut behind Iona Castle on the 1st of April, she will improve tremendously going into her second start here, watch her closely. PITERAQ stayed on well for third behind Ruby Rex on the 2nd of June, her form is consistent, she has a place chance.
Selections: #4 JEWEL MULE, #8 SCANDALIZE, #3 ROCK THE ROAD, #9 PITERAQ
HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH, 16.06.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R90,000, 15:10GMT+2Race Summary: MASTERONTHEMOON was a touch disappointing on the 16th of May, he didn’t find much under pressure last time, again he finds himself in a winnable race, he has a big winning chance on his best form. MASTER COINER was well supported in the market when finishing second behind Glenalmond on the 2nd of June, he has improved with every start, the drop in trip should be no problem for this gelding, he has a good winning chance from a neat draw. READY FOR THE ROAD stayed on well for second behind Mutiny In Heaven on the 24th of May, if he brings that run to the track again on Tuesday, he will trouble them in the finish. QUIET PLACE should have no excuses from a nice draw, he has a place chance in this field.
Selections: #7 MASTERONTHEMOON, #4 MASTER COINER, #6 READY FOR THE ROAD, #2 QUIET PLACE
HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH, 16.06.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R150,000, 15:45GMT+2Race Summary: MAJOR MASTER won a good race on the 27th of April, he was given four points for that impressive victory, even though he carries top weight here, he will go very close to winning again from a good draw. MENTE ET MANU is much better than his last run, the apprentice unfortunately went way too fast in front on the 19th of May, Richard Fourie knows this gelding well, with some luck in running from a tricky draw, he will run a big race. ROCCAPINA is a smart filly, she has dropped even further in the ratings, watch her closely, she has a winning chance from a nice draw. HANDSOME PRINCE runs his best races over this trip, he will be competitive at a decent price.
Selections: #2 MAJOR MASTER, #8 MENTE ET MANU, #1 ROCCAPINA, #4 HANDSOME PRINCE
HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH, 16.06.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R125,000, 16:20GMT+2Race Summary: SIGNOR DANTE won a good race on the 24th of May, he was given five points for that impressive win last time, even though he has gone up in the ratings, he has a big winning chance again. CLARK GRISWOLD should be cherry ripe going into this race on Tuesday, he has dropped three points in the ratings from his last run, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be rattling home late. DEVIL A SAINT ran a great race behind Signor Dante last time, he will be right there in the finish with no weight on his back. MIAMI SUMMER has been rested and gelded, the yard thinks highly of this individual, if he doesn’t need the run back after a long break, he will be super competitive.
Selections: #7 SIGNOR DANTE, #3 CLARK GRISWOLD, #5 DEVIL A SAINT, #6 MIAMI SUMMER
HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH, 16.06.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R100,000, 16:55GMT+2Race Summary: WINTER PEARL stayed on well for third behind Fast Train on the 24th of May, he is honest, and he tries hard, he will be competitive on his current form. PRINCE OF TIBET quickened up smartly to win a good race on the 19th of May, he was given five points for that win last time, in hope that he gets cover early, he will be finishing like a train late, watch him closely. AVIGNON absolutely loves the conditions being soft, he will jump out the gates and try lead the field from start to finish, include him into all bets. OZARK was unfortunately given one point for running third behind Prince Of Tibet last time, Richard Fourie sticks with this gelding, he always has a money chance at this level.
Selections: #6 WINTER PEARL, #3 PRINCE OF TIBET, #4 AVIGNON, #5 OZARK
Best Win: #2 Juliet Of Verona
Best Value Bet: #7 Signor Dante



























