Expert - Andrew Harrison

After graduating with an Honours Degree in Journalism from Stellenbosch University in 1980, Andrew Harrison immediately started as a cub reporter on The Natal Witness, a leading KwaZulu Natal newspaper in the same year. Andrew moved to the sports department covering (cricket/hockey) before taking over as Racing Editor in 1982. He was the Racing Editor for 25 years before being head-hunted by Gold Circle to head up their newly created Publishing Department after the company had signed a contract to supply Independent Newspapers with their racing content. Andrew held this position for 16 years before reaching retirement in February this year, however is still responsible for the editorial and tipping content for all Gold Circle tracks for both local and international customers.

 

Expert Column for Champions Cup Day (S2) (Andrew Harrison)

 

S2-1     World Pool with TabGold Darley

 

The Listed 1,600m World Pool with TabGold Darley is a wide open race.

 

JOKER MAN bids for his sixth win on the bounce and has won his last two over 1,600m. He has handled every step up in the ratings with six points each for his last three including a further six-points for his recent win. This race will see just how much improvement there still is to come. He has the best of the draw and will be a worthy favourite on the day.

 

ITSRAININGWILLIAM has useful form in good company in the Cape and was far from disgraced last time out. He goes well over this trip and should be competitive from a good draw.

 

There should not be much between GET IMPRESSED and MONEY HEIST the two having met last time out. GET IMPRESSED is now better off at the weights which could be enough for him to turn the tables. He has won two of his four starts in Champions Season and with Keagan de Melo up he will be a strong contender. MONEY HEIST comes from Tony Peter, a strong Highveld stable, and was narrowly beaten when jumping from a difficult draw. He cannot be left out of any calculations.

 

THE GREY KING has flattered to deceive on a number of occasions but has a hot temperament which is probably at the root cause of his problems. He ran the top class GREEN WITH ENVY within two lengths in the G3 Politician Stakes on 27 Jan and was only caught late by the much improved FLAG MAN in another race in May. One assumes that Keagan de Melo will be on the stable elect but if Kabelo Matsunyane can keep the lid on THE GREY KING, he will be a major contender.

 

SELECTIONS: 1. JOKER MAN, 4. ITSRAININGWILLIAM, 2. GET IMPRESSED, 9. THE GREY KING & 11. MONEY HEIST

 

1ST DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S2-1: Multiple – 1. JOKER MAN & 4. ITSRAININGWILLIAM
S2-2: Multiple – 2. RODEO DRIVE & 7. JUST RECKLESS

 

S2-2     World Pool with Gold Circle Debutante

 

Sean Tarry could have a big day with strong runners in many of the race and will be attempting to edge out log leader Justin Snaith in the National Trainer’s Championship on what is essentially the last day of the current season. Tarry can start his charge with RODEO DRIVE who was a close-up second to star filly QUID PRO QUO in the G1 Allan Robertson Championship. She franked that form with an effortless romp next time out and she has not been out of the first two in five outings. She has a good inside draw and does rate the one to beat.

 

JUST RECKLESS is another that has been solidly consistent for Michael Miller and has only been out of the top two twice in eight outings. She has been up against QUID PRO QUO at her last two, including the G2 Golden Slipper over 1,400m, and not beaten far. She should prefer this shorter trip.

 

LITTLE BALLERINA ran way below form when drawn wide on this course at her first attempt at 1,400m. She has a much better draw over a more suitable trip and she now knows the course. The form behind her Kenilworth outings earlier in the season was nothing short of spectacular with winner after winner coming out of those form lines. The Golden Slipper is the only real blemish on her record and she will be a strong contender.

 

DARK WINTER had been disappointing for Justin Snaith in her three local starts after arriving off some solid Kenilworth form. She was fitted with blinkers for her last outing and she was a runaway winner. She does face a lot stronger here but the blinkers appear to have brought out her true potential.

 

HAPPY HOLLY comes off some excellent Fairview form and has never been beaten by more than a head in all five starts which must be something of a record. The Eastern Cape is regarded as something of a step sister to the big racing centres but their runners can never be ignored especially as Gavin Smith has saddled over 100 winners this term.

 

SELECTIONS: 2. RODEO DRIVE, 7. JUST RECKLESS, 4. LITTLE BALLERINA, 8. DARK WINTER & 3. HAPPY HOLLY

 

2ND DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S2-2: Multiple – 2. RODEO DRIVE & 7. JUST RECKLESS
S2-3: Multiple – 5. CATS PAJAMAS & 7. DANTONFROMSANDTON

 

S2-3     @Worldpool Twitter Stakes

 

Frank Robinson removed the blinkers when sending CATS PAJAMAS over 1,400m and the colt held on gamely for third in the G2 Golden Horseshoe behind COSMIC SPEED and PROCEED who both have strong feature race form. He is back over a sprint with the blinkers back on but does face some useful although not entirely exposed opposition. 

 

DANTONFROMSANDTON beat CHOCOLATE SOLDIER in May. The WILLOW MAGIC colt has come on in blinkers and won well on the poly last time out. He has the added backing of Sean Tarry and Richard Fourie.

 

BUFFALO STORM CODY cruised to a nine-length victory on debut for Tony Peter but then found subsequent G1 winning PROCEED too hot to handle next time out finishing five lengths behind. That was only his second start and given his debut effort he should come on with the experience.

 

Justin Snaith will be looking to IMPACT INVESTOR to give him some breathing space in the national trainer’s title race. He was running on strongly when outpaced late over 1,000m last time out and the extra 200m will be right up his alley. He improved nicely with each run and should strip at his peak.

 

BJORN IRONSIDE has not been out of the money in four outings and after a seven-length romp in his maiden victory he ran the speedy PISTOL PETE to a length next time out. He has been around this turn which is a big factor in his favour.

 

SELECTIONS: 5. CATS PAJAMAS, 7. DANTONFROMSANDTON, 9. IMPACT INVESTOR, 3. BUFFALO STORM CODY & 6. BJORN IRONSIDE

 

3RD DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S2-3: Multiple – 5. CATS PAJAMAS & 7. DANTONFROMSANDTON
S2-4: Multiple – 12. QUID PRO QUO & 7. FATAL FLAW

 

S2-4     Douglas Whyte Stakes

 

QUID PRO QUO will be a popular exotic bet banker on the card. She scored the first G1 victory for seasoned trainer Barend Botes when winning the G1 Allan Robertson Championship at Scottsville over 1,200m. Always a tricky track, Quid Pro Quo finished off her race well to beat RODEO DRIVE who takes past in an earlier race. She had the best of the draw at gate 1 in the 1,400m G2 Golden Slipper but in spite of that was caught well off the pace turning for home. S'Manga Khumalo managed to steer her through the pack and she won with authority. She has a wide draw to contend with this time around as she attempts to make this her fifth win in a row. Given that she came from a seemingly hopeless position to win the Golden Slipper displaying a tremendous turn of foot the draw should not be too much of a concern.

 

FATAL FLAW was ignored in the betting for the Golden Slipper but finished a creditable second from a wide draw. Brett Crawford has retained the wily Piere Strydom for the ride and she is proven over the trip. 

 

Sean Tarry saddles WORLD OF ALICE who has solid Highveld form, finishing runner-up at her last two over the Turffontein Stand Side 1400m. Her maiden win came over a mile against winners beating FATAL FLAW. She started a short-priced favourite that afternoon and the trip obviously suited her. She also has a plum draw to enhance her chances.

 

SPIRIT OF LEVANA has won two of her three starts in yielding ground and after taking the lead a long way out, held on gamely to hold off a late charging FRENCH FLAME. She was second best behind the highly rated GIMMIE'S COUNTESS on debut and beat subsequent winner AVERNIAN GODDESS to shed her maiden. A win would not come as a surprise.

 

Drawn one outside of QUID PRO QUO is the unbeaten LOCK AND KEY who landed the odds on the poly at her second start. She gets Keagan de Melo aboard may have a chance.  

 

SELECTIONS: 12. QUID PRO QUO, 7. FATAL FLAW, 2. WORLD OF ALICE, 9. SPIRIT OF LEVANA & 13. LOCK AND KEY

 

4TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S2-4: Multiple – 12. QUID PRO QUO & 7. FATAL FLAW
S2-5: Multiple – 2. THE SPECIALIST & 9. COSMIC SPEED

 

1ST DOUBLE TRIO SELECTIONS (36 unit bets):
S2-4:   
Banker – 12. QUID PRO QUO
Selections – 7. FATAL FLAW, 2. WORLD OF ALICE, 9. SPIRIT OF LEVANA & 13. LOCK AND KEY
S2-5:   
Banker – 2. THE SPECIALIST
Selections – 9. COSMIC SPEED, 4. GREAT PLAINS, 12. MOUNT PINATUBO & 11. WAHEED

 

S2-5     World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes

 

Sean Tarry holds a strong hand in this contest. He saddles G2 Golden Horseshoe winner COSMIC SPEED and LEGEND OF ARTHUR a winner of two of his four starts. Richard Fourie will not doubt have been given the choice of rides and he has plumed for LEGEND OF ARTHUR in spite of a wide draw and his stable companions seemingly having the better feature race credentials. He was a beaten odds-on favourite when third behind MOUNT PINATUBO in his most recent start. That run was a slightly below par effort after having beaten MOUNT PINATUBO by over five lengths at their previous meeting but he was one-paced in the finish. He has a tricky draw at 13 which will be against him.

 

Grant van Niekerk is back aboard COSMIC SPEED after finishing second to PROCEED in the G1 Gold Medallion. COSMIC SPEED enjoyed the extra 200m last time out beating PROCEED comfortably and he could well prove to be the best of the Tarry runners.

 

MJ Odendaal sends out THE SPECIALIST who finished 3.15 lengths off COSMIC SPEED in the G2 Golden Horseshoe. However, he had a difficult draw to overcome and some early scrimmaging and came from last in the home straight to run up to third. He has a plum draw this time around and he could land this at probably lengthy odds.

 

Justin Snaith sends out the grey GREAT PLAINS who ran no sort of race in the Golden Horseshoe but that effort is possibly best ignored as he was the ham in the sandwich out of the gate, this given his previous showing where he came from the clouds to win comfortably. He meets similar opposition but the extra 200m will suit and Keagan de Melo will no doubt get the best out of him although the stable has been relatively quiet this winter.

 

MOUNT PINATUBO was still green when beating LEGEND OF ARTHUR and the two have drawn alongside each other.

 

Muzi Yeni has jumped off WAHEED who was not far off from COSMIC SPEED in the Horseshoe which may be significant.

 

SELECTIONS: 2. THE SPECIALIST, 9. COSMIC SPEED, 4. GREAT PLAINS, 12. MOUNT PINATUBO & 11. WAHEED

 

5TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S2-5: Multiple – 2. THE SPECIALIST & 9. COSMIC SPEED
S2-6: Multiple – 13. LUCKY LAD & 5. AT MY COMMAND

 

S2-6     Mercury Sprint

 

LUCKY LAD will be one of the more fancied runners on the day and can cement himself as the country’s top sprinter if he can overcome a wide draw. He was pushed all the way to the line in a recent Pinnacle Stakes event but was giving the runner-up 6kg. Sean Tarry confirmed that he clearly did not stay the mile in the G1 Gold Challenge but his defining race could be the G1 Golden Horse Sprint Handicap at Scottsville. He was in all sorts of trouble with a 200m to run as the gaps snapped closed forcing Richard Fourie to take drastic action and LUCKY LAD lived up to his name as he got up to win in the last strides. 

 

A narrow second in the G1 Golden Horse Sprint was AT MY COMMAND who may have been a little flattered given the traffic that hindered LUCKY LAD but he ran another cracker when second in the G2 Post Merchants last time out. Drawn wide and giving the winner 6kg he beat home a useful field on handicap terms. He has a much better draw this time around.

 

Stable companion I AM GIANT was not so lucky from his wide draw in the G2 Post Merchants but was only 4.15 lengths back to the winner. In two previous starts he had run LUCKY LAD to within a length and he too has a much more favourable gate.

 

Also drawn wide is CRUISE CONTROL. Duncan Howells had high hopes for his charge in the G2 Post Merchants after a close-up fourth to LUCKY LAD in the G1 Golden Horse Sprint. Up with the pace for most of the race, he was swamped over the last 100m. This will be his third start for Howells and he should strip a lot fitter this time around.

 

MRS BROWNING ran an excellent race in the G1 Garden Province Stakes over 1,600m but his best current form has been in sprints. She was narrowly beaten in the G1 South African Fillies Sprint at her penultimate start and she is not without a shout.

 

SELECTIONS: 13. LUCKY LAD, 5. AT MY COMMAND, 3. I AM GIANT, 12. CRUISE CONTROL & 10. MRS BROWNING

 

6TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S2-6: Multiple – 13. LUCKY LAD & 5. AT MY COMMAND
S2-7: Multiple – 6. FUTURE PEARL & 5. NEBRAAS

 

S2-7     World Pool Gold Cup

 

Sean Tarry can strike again as he saddles two of the country’s best stayers. FUTURE PEARL has a commanding presence is the country’s top stayer. He won this race with ease last year jumping from gate 3. He was a long way back in the early exchanges before Fourie made his move approaching the final bend, 600m out. Rolling wide into the straight, FUTURE PEARL accelerated away to win unchallenged. Sean Tarry has a knack of priming his runners for the big day and now that the gelding steps out over his optimum trip he could prove difficult to peg back.

 

Tarry has a second string to his bow in the veteran stayer and also a previous winner in NEBRAAS. The 7YO has been improving with every run since being fitted with blinkers. He has dropped in the handicap and now looks to be off a competitive mark.

 

An interesting runner is FUTURE SWING. He won the G3 Chairmans Cup at Kenilworth over 2,500m and won the G2 Greyville 1900 beating subsequent Durban July winner ORIENTAL CHARM. He found some good market support in the July but was one of the chief sufferers in some scrimmaging at the 1,400 m mark and was shunted into the fence. It would appear that he does stay the trip but Richard Fourie was committed to ride FUTURE PEARL and his place has been taken by S’Manga Khumalo who currently is riding with renewed confidence.

 

MASTER REDOUTE found plenty of trouble in the July and did well to finish 4.95 lengths off the winner. He won the G3 Western Cape Stayers over 2,800m for Andre Nel so this trip should suit.

 

Dean Kannemeyer has twice sent out the winner of this race and saddles a pair in MASTER FUEGO and PONTE PIETRA both going the trip for the first time. Judged on stable bookings, MASTER FUEGO is the stable elect who was running on stoutly in the G3 Splashout 2200 over 2,200m in early July. He is quite stoutly bred on his dam side and given his current form, if he stays the trip, he will be a factor.

 

SELECTIONS: 6. FUTURE PEARL, 5. NEBRAAS, 11. FUTURE SWING, 3. MASTER REDOUTE & 9. MASTER FUEGO

 

7TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S2-7: Multiple – 6. FUTURE PEARL & 5. NEBRAAS
S2-8: Multiple – 10. SEE IT AGAIN & 6. FLAG MAN

 

2ND DOUBLE TRIO SELECTIONS (36 unit bets):
S2-7:   
Banker – 6. FUTURE PEARL
Selections – 5. NEBRAAS, 11. FUTURE SWING, 3. MASTER REDOUTE & 9. MASTER FUEGO
S2-8:   
Banker – 10. SEE IT AGAIN,
Selections – 6. FLAG MAN, 8. ROYAL VICTORY, 1. COUSIN CASEY & 9. DAVE THE KING

 

S2-8     The HKJC Champions Cup

 

SEE IT AGAIN will be looking for a change of fortune after finishing runner-up in the G1 Durban July and The HKJC Champions Cup last year. He could well have finished third in this year’s ‘July’ but for interference in the closing stages and some scrimmaging at the 1,400m mark where he was one of the chief sufferers. He does appear to have lost some of his finishing speed and has a tricky draw to contend with but being the best weighted runner in this contest he could finally get rewarded.

 

FLAG MAN finished a creditable fourth in the July but he was ridden handy as opposed to his normal style of racing. He is sure to be dropped out this time around and given a half decent pace he should be running hard at the leaders.

 

Muzi Yeni has opted to partner July third ROYAL VICTORY ahead of G1 Gold Challenge winner DAVE THE KING where Richard Fourie takes over in the saddle for Mike de Kock. ROYAL VICTORY looked to be caught a little flat-footed in the finish of the July but was staying on well enough to hold off the smart 3YO FLAG MAN. This trip will suit and he will be a big runner.

 

COUSIN CASEY is something of a Greyville specialist and has finished runner-up in his last three races on this course. He was run out of it late in the July and is well suited to this shorter trip. He has the best of the draw and can break a string of three runners-up placings.

 

DAVE THE KING is the likely pacemaker. He is a strapping gelding who is not easy to settle and made all when winning the G1 Gold Challenge in fine fashion. He was allowed to get away that day under Muzi Yeni and was not for the catching with SEE IT AGAIN making late headway.

 

SELECTIONS: 10. SEE IT AGAIN, 6. FLAG MAN, 8. ROYAL VICTORY, 1. COUSIN CASEY & 9. DAVE THE KING

 

8TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S2-8: Multiple – 10. SEE IT AGAIN & 6. FLAG MAN
S2-9: Multiple – 10. HAPPY CHANCE & 9. RED PALACE

 

TREBLE SELECTIONS (27 unit bets):
S2-8: Multiple – 10. SEE IT AGAIN, 6. FLAG MAN & 8. ROYAL VICTORY
S2-9: Multiple – 10. HAPPY CHANCE, 9. RED PALACE & 13. RASCOVA
S2-10: Multiple – 1. DREAMLAND, 5. PISTOL PETE & 14. KING OF THE GAULS

 

S2-9     Riding High Together Gold Bracelet

 

A wide open affair. Brett Crawford sends out HAPPY CHANCE who was narrowly beaten by HUMDINGER in the G1 Garden Province Stakes and was closing quickly on the winner who held on gamely and has since been sent off to stud. The extra 400m will suit as she ran the now exported BEACH BOMB within a length in the 1,800m G1 Paddock Stakes at Kenilworth.

 

Candice Bass-Robinson sends out RED PALACE was not far off HUMDINGER in the G1 Garden Province and is the only ride on the day for Cape Town-based Bass-Robinson and jockey Aldo Domeyer. The filly stays the trip well and with a local run under her girth she can make the required improvement.

 

RASCOVA is among the best of her generation and takes on older runners over a trip where she has yet to be tested. However, she has smart form over 1,600m and this extended trip should suit. Against her is that she has drawn wide which will test her stamina.

 

BEATING WINGS is well tried over the same course and distance and was a close-up third in the G1 Woolavington 2000. Calvin Habib stays in the irons for Highveld-based Stuart Pettigrew who seldom makes the trip unless his charges have a good winning chance.

 

SAARTJIE has drawn wide out but she tends to come from well off the pace so the draw should not be a hindrance. Stable rider Corne Orffer is up from the Cape for his three rides on the day.

 

SELECTIONS: 10. HAPPY CHANCE, 9. RED PALACE, 13. RASCOVA, 6. BEATING WINGS & 15. SAARTJIE

 

9TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S2-9: Multiple – 10. HAPPY CHANCE & 9. RED PALACE
S2-10: Multiple – 1. DREAMLAND & 5. PISTOL PETE

 

S2-10    LHKIR in December Umngeni Handicap

 

The last is another competitive handicap where plenty are in with chances.

 

Lucky Houdalakis could hold the key with DREAMLAND who is a short-cut specialist having won his last four on the bounce. He has the best of the draw and Richard Fourie takes the bend. If he fails it leaves the race wide open.

 

2YO PISTOL PETE takes on older horses for Tony Peter but only has 115lbs to shoulder and is lightning quick. He has strong form in juvenile company.

 

KING OF THE GAULS has another wide draw to contend with but appears to be over his optimum trip and is well regarded by his stable.

 

UNDERWORLD is relatively lightly raced but Justin Snaith says he is fit enough to make an impression. He run after a break after starting favourite last time out and the drop in trip could suit at this stage of his preparation

 

COIN SPINNER has come down in the ratings and is also well regarded by his stable. He does look held on current form but all three of his recent efforts have been in yielding ground.

 

SELECTIONS: 1. DREAMLAND, 5. PISTOL PETE, 14. KING OF THE GAULS, 8. UNDERWORLD & 2. COIN SPINNER

 

 

 

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