Highveld Spring Features - Wednesday 02 September 2020 - Sporting Post
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Wednesday 02 September 2020
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Highveld Spring Features
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JC Photos
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Topweight Rebel’s Champ should go close
SPRING IS HERE!
Trainer Paul Peter leads the South
African Championship table after the
S’manga ‘Bling’ Khumalo has made a
flying start to the season and partners the
Seventh Rock faces his toughest test
to date, but he has a handy galloping
first month of the racing season and widely drawn Bohica who has won his last mass which should help his cause.
he teams up with reigning champion two starts over 1160m on the standside
jockey Warren Kennedy in the course and bids for the hat-trick here. Angel’s Power defends his title after
opening feature of the Highveld He showed plenty of speed last time and dead-heating with Prince Of Kahal in
Spring Season at Turffontein on won a lot easier than the official margin the 2019 renewal. He runs for Piere
Saturday. suggests. Strydom and is a quartet possibility at
worst.
The Paul Peter team and the Mike & Lyle Hewitson and Sean Tarry team up
Adam Azzie yard dominate the with distance suited Urban Rock. He It should be a cracker of a race and a
numbers in the R85 000 Listed Spring clearly enjoys racing on this course with a tricky test in the exotics.
Spree Stakes, with six of the ten record of one win and two second placed
runners between them. finishes from as many starts. The son of
The race has been downgraded from
Gr3 status.
Winning Form-sponsored rider Warren
Kennedy partners the game and
HIGH FIVE FOR TARRY
Trainer Sean Tarry saddles He chatted to SA Racing News’
consistent topweight Rebel’s Champ,
who has won twice, finished second
Urban Rock in Saturday’s Michele Wing and in a
twice and third once from seven at- Turffontein topliner. candid interview, he speaks of
tempts over this distance. his success, but also the future
Getting to the top is not easy – of horseracing in South Africa.
Gavin Lerena is in the saddle on his but staying there is even more
stablemate American Hustle is a course trickier! Tarry celebrated his fifth The Sprint is interactive
and distance winner and ran a fair race South African National Trainer’s please click here to watch
last time. The son of Sail From Seattle Championship last week.
has plenty of ability, and must come
the interview
into the reckoning.
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Paths Of Victory leads the way
Candiese Lenferna
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GREAT RIDE, BLING!
The 100th running of the R400 000
World Sports Betting Gr3 Gold Cup at
demonstrated his fine pace judgement on
a horse that was in a galloping mood.
His dam has also produced multiple
winners In Auro and Victory Trip, from
Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday the family of Spring Garland, SA export
produced a gun to tape shocker “At the 400m, I crouched low – he was and American winner Mahubo,
when the largely unconsidered 40-1 enjoying it and just wanted to go,” said Imbongi, William Longsword and
shot Paths Of Victory maintained his the elated ‘Bling’, who has made a nice Victory Moon.
momentum for every inch of the 3200m start to the new term, with a top four
marathon. position on the national log as the sun Paths Of Victory sold for R220 000 off
sets on the opening month. the 2017 National Yearling Sale and
While it has always been a shaky has won 5 races with 7 places from 23
platform for favourites, the 2020 With the field bearing down and starts for stakes of R647 450.
renewal of South Africa’s most threatening down the home straight, but
prestigious staying race produced the not really delivering, Paths Of Victory The SA Champion Stayer title is up for
biggest knockout in years, with a doggedly ground away to hold his grabs – it will be interesting to see how
Quartet dividend of R703 395 advantage to the wire in a time of 207,88 the Equus panel – whoever they may
illustrating the level of damage inflicted secs. be – vote after this result.
by the top three finishers, all starting at
odds of 40’s and above. Bred by Rathmor Stud, the previously
once stakes-placed winner is a son of Cover Image
Former SA Champion Jockey S’manga Millstream Farm’s Unbridled’s Song sire S’manga ‘Bling’ Khumalo
Khumalo, who won the race in 2016 on Noble Tune out of Solkjaer’s one-time celebrates his Gold Cup victory
Enaad for Mike de Kock, produced the winner, Victory Garden, who was Image Credit: Candiese Lenferna
magic on the Noble Tune gelding as he purchased specifically for this cross.
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Half-brothers Golden Ducat and Rainbow Bridge fight it out Candiese Lenferna
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SANDS OF TIME
WHAT A RACE
In a terrific emotionally charged climax registered the Champions Cup double for
to the 2020 SA Champions Season at the Rattrays, with two sons of Champion The Sands rollercoaster gathered
Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, Broodmare Halfway To Heaven – a racer momentum when the popular horse-
Cape trainer Eric Sands celebrated a that he once trained for his own loyal man saddled Rainbow Bridge to win
superb ‘family’ exacta for longstanding client and friend, Gavin Walker – fighting the 2019 Sun Met – and has taken a
SA racing patrons Mike and Norma out the finish of a memorable race. number of twists and turns along the
Rattray. yellow brick road.
Racing has a unique knack of creating
Their 4yo Philanthropist gelding Golden horror stories. But conversely, there are And while Rainbow Bridge was
Ducat snared his half-brother Rainbow plenty of true blue fairytales scripted undoubtedly the stable elect in his
Bridge in the shadow of the post to win along the way. bid to win the Champions Cup for the
the R425 000 World Sports Betting Gr1 second consecutive year on Saturday,
Champions Cup. And young rider Donovan Dillon’s tears Dillon’s perfectly timed ride from near
in the post-race interview of his first Gr1 the rear on Golden Ducat added the
Amid a dizzying tapestry of interwoven success put the cherry on top of a shiny dash of drama as the 6-1 shot shaded
emotions, Eric Sands, who trained his happy story, and an amazing few years his stablemate in a thriller of a finish.
first Gr1 winner over 30 years ago, for veteran Eric Sands.
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But Dillon had other ideas and he
Candiese Lenferna launched Golden Ducat (6-1) down the
middle to spoil the Rainbow Bridge
party by a whisker in a time of 108,09
secs.
The handsome Wilgerbosdrift &
Mauritzfontein-bred Philanthropist
gelding, the ‘next in line’ after
Rainbow Bridge (Ideal World) and the
now exported Hawwam (Silvano),
injured his hock as a youngster and
thus wasn’t considered for sale.
His champion dam Halfway To
Heaven – a daughter of Jet Master – is
out of the Rambo Dancer mare Pas De
Ros and Buyisile lead Golden Ducat in Basque and is inbred 3×3 to Northern
Dancer.
Dillon’s presence followed his largely, be able to tell his Grandkids about.
with respect, default Vodacom Durban Golden Ducat has won 3 races with 6
July engagement in the travel lockdown After Lyle Hewitson looked to have sealed places from 9 starts for stakes of R1
climate of the time. He was loyally the race by giving his field the slip on 20-1 104 375.
rewarded by Eric Sands for his shot Cirillo, Warren Kennedy produced
commitment (he lost kilo’s in a hurry to Rainbow Bridge with what looked to be a
make the July cut) with a race he will perfectly time effort down the inside.
Candiese Lenferna
From L to R: Peter Muscutt, Donovan Dillon, Mark Naidoo, Warren Kennedy and Eric Sands
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Van Halen (Craig Zackey) is lead in by Corne Spies & his team and owner Xander Spies
Chase Liebenberg
A ROCK CLASSIC!
It’s been some time between “He was completely closed off and Gold Medallion.
drinks for Corné Spies’ fine should have won last year,” said
sprinter Van Halen. Winless since Spies. “He is our superstar in the Corné knows the family well,
his unlucky sixth in last year’s yard and franked his Gr1 form.” having trained some of its most
Gr1 Mercury Sprint, the son of notable members, the first of which
Oratorio returned to top form with It was a second top level success the Lecture filly Rock Opera, the
an emphatic victory in the 1200m for the five-year-old, who as a full sister to Van Halen’s dam Rock
sprint at Hollywoodbets Greyville juvenile, came out tops in an Concert.
on Saturday. Oratorio one-two duel for the Gr1
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She sailed through her juvenile Corné also tightened the girth on stable late in her career.
season undefeated, culminating the Sail From Seattle filly Seattle
in a two-length defeat of Secret Of Singer. Out of Rock Opera’s Corné trains her first foal, the
Victoria (the dam of champion All Is three-part sister Royal Drummer, Gimmethegreenlight filly Me Time,
Secret) in the Gr1 Allan Robertson. this own sister to Gr1 Cape Flying who took a leaf out of her dam’s
Voted the Champion Juvenile filly, Championship winner and Gr1 book when second in the Strelitzia.
she was sold to Dubai interests but Tsogo Sun Sprint second Gulf Now back in training following
never regained that sparkle, her Storm proved herself a cracking injury, Corné is hopeful she will
best effort a third in the UAE juvenile, chasing home Janoobi in come back as good as ever.
Guineas. the Gr3 Protea Stakes before
finishing second, ahead of Gr1 Van Halen meanwhile has earned
However, she has transferred her winner Rivarine, in the Gr1 Tsogo a well-deserved rest. “Considering
racing brilliance to the broodmare Sun Medallion. he will probably get a merit rating
paddocks as the dam of unbeaten increase, we will have to pick his
Invincible Spirit colt Royal Meeting, At three, she got her due reward in next races carefully. Although it’s a
who captured the 2018 Gr1 the Gr3 Sycamore Sprint. fast and precocious family, I feel he
Criterium International at Chantilly may well stay 1400m.”
and will stand his first season in Van Halen is out of Rock Opera’s
Australia. younger own sister Rock Concert. Bred by Fito Englezakis’ Limpo
Trained by Geoff Woodruff, she Retail, Van Halen hails from a family
His older half-brother, the teak- narrowly failed to emulate her originating from Rose and Ashley
tough Exceed And Excel gelding champion sister when third in a Parker’s Ascot Stud.
Heavy Metal, initially put Rock pulsating three-way finish to the Gr1
Opera on the map when successful Allan Robertson, but has proved her It all started when the Mullineaux
in the Gr2 Richmond Stakes and equal in the broodmare paddocks mare Swinging Girl foaled the Al
would subsequently become a as a Gr1 producer. In addition to Mufti filly Drummer Girl in 1996,
formidable dual Gr2 winner in Van Halen, she is also the dam of who as Ashley recalls “was a good
Dubai. Gr3 Strelitzia Stakes third What looking filly, but never raced as she
About Me, who joined the Spies was bitten by a puffadder as a foal
FOALS
It’s Brag Time!
We would love to help you show
your foal pics off to the world!
Please send images, including breeding, sex, date of birth
and a brief background story if applicable, to
editor@sportingpost.co.za.
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Chase Liebenberg
Craig Zackey drives Van Halen to victory
which caused her to be lame all her Her legacy continues unabated, Nursery, Dahlia Plate, and most
life.” Little did he know what future for there appears to be another recently the Champion Juvenile
impact she would have as a budding star on the horizon in the Cup.
broodmare! shape of super-exciting three-year-
old Global Drummer, a half-brother Reflecting on the family’s growing
Drummer Girl was inbred to the to Gulf Storm and Seattle Singer. achievements, Corné mused: “It’s
mighty Roberto (the sire of Al Mufti) amazing, when I got Rock Opera,
and his lesser-performed full brother By Ascot’s leading freshman sire the pedigree was very moderate, yet
Mullineaux, hence she was retained Global View and trained by Gavin look at it now!”
for stud and became the dam of a Smith, he proved himself Port
champion and grandam of three Elizabeth’s outstanding juvenile with
Gr1 winners. dominant victories in the East Cape
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Brave Tin Soldier
S t o r m Ca t - B l e s s b y M r Pro s p e c t o r
(USA) v
N e w o w n e r Th e Fo r t S t u d
Sire-of-Sire
Sold for US$3-million as a foal
Timeform 115 at 2
Notable Progeny
Rabada
Won Gr1 Daily News 2000, Gr1 Premier Champions S,
Gatecrasher S (L), 2nd Gr2 SA Guineas, (sire)
Brave Mary
Won Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies (exported to France)
Running Brave
Won Gold Bracelet Gr2, 2nd Three Troikas Stakes Gr3, 2nd
Gauteng Fillies Guineas Gr2,
2nd Empress Club Stakes Gr1, KZN Breeders Mile (NBT)
ALSO Split the Breeze, Easy Street, Iwo Jima, Rosalie,
Merlin from Berlin, Red Hot Poker, Soldier On, Hidden Agenda,
Duzi Moon, Beretta
R5000 LFF
Contact Jill Fox
property of The Fort Stud
072 289 8471
10Candiese Lenferna
Erik The Red and Richard Fourie sail to victory
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SOHO SECRET
STILL MAKING NEWS
While South Africa’s reigning
Broodmare Of The Year Halfway To
(Jet Master) was responsible for no fewer
than four of the 14 runners in Saturday’s
Promisefrommyheart’s Gr1 Majorca
Stakes winning half-sister Covenant
Heaven made headlines at Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes, including (Western Winter) is another who has
Hollywoodbets Greyville with her Gr1 Golden Horse Medallion winner, and made her mark at stud. The four time
sons Golden Ducat and Rainbow favourite, Tempting Fate. However, the graded stakes winner’s son Erik The
Bridge running 1-2 in Saturday’s Gr1 race was won by his daughter Red (Captain Al) picked up his fifth win,
WSB Champions Cup, she was not Sentbydestiny, who became her sire’s from eight starts, when running out a
the only South African star matriarch second Gr1 winner in the process. stirring winner of Saturday’s Gr2 Epol
to make her presence felt on the day. Umkhomazi Stakes. Now a four time
Master Of My Fate, who has sired at least stakes winner, Erik The Red is bred on
The late Soho Secret (Regent Street) one graded stakes winner in each of his similar lines to the Captain Al sired Gr3
more than made her mark on the 2020 first three crops to race, is out of Soho Lonsdale Stirrup Cup winner Captain
Gold Cup day, with her descendants Secret’s champion granddaughter Splendid (who is out of
shining in a number of graded features Promisefrommyheart (Elliodor) - who Promisefrommheart’s stakes winning
on Saturday. ranks as either the dam of or granddam daughter Justthewayyoare).
of six stakes winners.
Her great grandson Master Of My Fate South Africa’s Broodmare Of The Year
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in 1995, Soho Secret also ranks as the to the Gimmethegreenlight sired stakes Secret’s winning Peacetime daughter
fourth dam of Saturday’s Gr2 Prosport winners Favorita and Hack Green, both of So Happy, who also ranks as the dam
International Debutante Stakes winner whom are descended in female line from of Gr2 Derby winner, and Gr1 Vodacom
Ecstatic Green (Gimmethegreenlight). Soho Secret. Durban July runner up, Superwood
(Fort Wood).
The latter is bred on very similar lines Ecstatic Green’s third dam is Soho
Candiese Lenferna
12Candiese Lenferna
Rampant Diego De Gouveia storms home on Anything Goes
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WHEN ANYTHING GOES
A terrific Gr1 win apiece at already a Gr1 title holder – as Van Halen Anton Marx’ first Gr1 winner,” said the
Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday stormed to victory in the R425 000 World talented rider.
for the Avontuur super sires Var and Sports Betting Gr1 Mercury Sprint.
Oratorio initiated a delighted smile Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer
on the face of the top farm’s General But the SA Champions Season plan Stuart Pettigrew sportingly also paid
Manager Pippa Mickleburgh, also really came together sweetly for Gauteng tribute to the runner-up War Of Athena.
placing the cherry on top of a an trainer Stuart Pettigrew when his super
unprecedented tough season for all, filly Anything Goes lived up to her name Part-owner Anton Marx must be
but launching a new term of hope in in fine style. wondering about how easy this game
dazzling style. is as he celebrated his first Gr1 winner
Anything Goes (16-10) fulfilled her big from his first Gr1 runner! He thanked
Avontuur’s evergreen champion Var reputation on her first trip to his partner Ian van Schalkwyk and his
produced his 12th individual Gr1 KwaZulu-Natal, when she accounted for jockey and trainer and the Pettigrew
winner when unbeaten daughter fast-finishing fellow raider War Of Athena staff.
Anything Goes won the Gr1 Thekwini (13-2) in 96,90 secs – rather more easily
Stakes and joined the almost century of than the 0,30 length margin suggests. A R275 000 National Yearling Sale
black type horses for the son of Forest graduate and unbeaten in four starts,
Wildcat, who has made an enormous It was a memorable first leg of a sensation Anything Goes has now banked R329
impact on SA racing in his 15 years Gr1 double on the for her regular pilot, 24 125.
in the stallion barn at the magnificent year old Diego de Gouveia, who called
ranch on the R44. his mount ‘an amazing filly’. The second of three feature winners on
the day for Varsfontein Stud, she is by
Just hours later, Var’s barn partner, the “She showed how good she is today. I evergreen champion producer Var
triple G1 winning stallion Oratorio, stuck to the inside as she is a bit green (Forest Wildcat) out of the Parade
celebrated his 58th stakes winner – still. I’m honoured to have ridden Mr Leader mare, Dance Domain.
13NIPPETS Number 1
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Only one horse has ever won the Kentucky Derby from the 1 gate in 56 years.
But the unveilling of newly created starting stalls manufactured by South
Australian company Steriline Racing means that connections will no longer
have to pray that they won’t draw the rail in the Run For The Roses.
Effectively, the rail became a minus 1 draw due to the reality that if every
horse ran a straight line out of the old setup, the pole position draw would
have crashed into the rail.That’s corroborated by just one horse – Ferdinand
in the 80’s – winning from barrier 1.
Gone
Delia Bushell, chief executive of the British Jockey Club has resigned after
an independent inquiry upheld allegations of bullying, racist comments and
the circulation of offensive material. She tendered her resignation on
Sunday, having been informed that disciplinary action had begun ‘on the
grounds of gross misconduct’.The Jockey Club's board concluded it was
‘untenable’ for her to remain in the position. In a letter published in the
Racing Post, Bushell expressed her ‘shock and sadness’ at the decision,
citing unmerited, dishonourable, bullying behaviour by people.
Why?
Jockey Ryan Hurdle has been suspended for ten meetings – the equivalent
of three weeks - in South Australia after he was found guilty of deliberately
striking a rival horse on the head with his whip in a race at Murray Bridge
last week. Hurdle was charged with improper riding for the incident that
took place in the final stages of a mile maiden, on Wednesday, 26 August,
in which he rode runner-up Conconi.
Swinger?
TAB and TABgold have announced that all Swinger pools on UK races
would be commingled with the UK Tote from Tuesday 1 September.
SA-based Swinger pools on UK races currently average some R2 500 but
TAB and TABgold customers can look forward to much bigger pools
going forward. Commingling will enhance liquidity and make payouts
more robust, enabling TAB customers to take bigger Swinger bets on UK
races without significantly impacting dividends.
Gold Circle
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NIPPETS Suspended
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KZN Farrier Shaun Leslie has had his licence cancelled for 90 days after he
was observed striking Big Hello’s with a lead rope at Hollywoodbets
Greyville Racecourse on 25 July. This, in the opinion of The NHA, was
conduct which discredited horseracing. Leslie pleaded not guilty to the
charge and has the Right of Appeal against the finding and the penalty
imposed.
Cyber Evil
A cyber attack on Gold Circle on the eve of Saturday’s SA Champions
Season finale has been averted but thrown their website, as well as the SA
Horseracing and National Horseracing Authority web platforms into
disarray. The matter is being investigated.
Sandile’s Okay
A frightening fall at Kenilworth on Sunday has seen talented young
jockey Sandile ‘Sanzi’ Mbhele emerge in plenty of pain, but with only
bruises to show for the incident. Approaching the 300m marker in the
seventh race, Sandile’s right foot slipped out of his stirrup iron, resulting
in him becoming severely unbalanced and being dislodged from Snaith
runner, August Leaves.
TRUE BLUE!
HEAVENLY BLUE(Aus)
Gr1 winning son of Snitzel
ex El Prado mare, Simply Carina
Fee – R8000 live foal 16
Enquiries: Dr Ashley Parker – Tel: 041- 366 1181 / 082 446 5287 | Email: ascotstud@agnet.co.zav
THE EVOLUTION OF THE
RIDGEMONT
HIGHLANDS
BRAND
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After a highly successful Talking to the Sporting Post on relocating to Robertson to oversee
2019/2020 racing season, where Wednesday, Wayne Kieswetter said the breeding operation.
they topped the owner that the new racing and breeding
championship table in their home term would ring in changes in the “We are very excited for the
province of the Western Cape, Ridgemont Highlands management continual evolution in
the powerful Ridgemont team with the emigration to Australia professionalism and success that
Highlands team are looking of Stud Manager Ross Fuller. Craig will bring to the day to day
forward to the challenges and running of the farm. He has been
thrills of the new term. “In the time Ross has spent with us an integral component from the
on the farm he has been very very beginning in helping to create
The burgeoning success story of effective in the growth and the Ridgemont Highlands brand
the Kieswetter family’s investment development of the Ridgemont High- and success, and I am very excited
in South African racing and lands brand and we wish him and for the next chapter.”
breeding turned the page to a Carla all the very best for their new
brand new chapter with the life in Australia. No doubt they are An extremely dedicated and
acquisition of the champion excited for the opportunity their new accomplished Stud Manager,
nursery of Highlands Stud in 2017. adventure brings them – and we will Ross Fuller wished the Ridgemont
be keeping in contact and Highlands team well, and thanked
And the powerhouse family watching closely as they will them for a ‘rewarding and profes-
business has developed into a key undoubtedly make it a success.” sionally stimulating’ experience in
player on the local scene over the Robertson.
past three years. He added that Craig Carey will be
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“We would like to take this gave us. It has been a great pleasure Highlands sires and said that any
opportunity to thank the Kieswetter working with them all.” enquiries with regards to bookings
Family and the whole team at could be referred to his son Craig
Ridgemont Highlands for the last “My son Ross will be taking control or Craig Carey.
year, and we wish them all the best of the Wellington Farm in the interim
for the coming season and for all and it is our intention to fill the right individual,” added Wayne
the winners to follow. manager’s position in the next few Kieswetter.
months. We will be talking to suitable
It’s been a pleasure and privilege candidates and, while the Ridgemont He thanked breeders for
to have been associated with what Highlands standards are exacting supporting the illustrious band of
is a world class breeding and the job is a demanding one, a Ridgemont Highlands sires and
operation with roots firmly superb career opportunity presents said that any enquiries with regards
embedded in African soil. We are itself for the right individual,” added to bookings could be referred to
moving to Australia to start a new Wayne Kieswetter. his son Craig or Craig Carey.
chapter in our lives and we will
always be grateful to the Kieswetter He thanked breeders for supporting
Family for the opportunity they the illustrious band of Ridgemont
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Simply
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Brand New
The first son of New Approach to New Predator is out of a winning the Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes and Gr2
stand in South Africa, the Bush Fastnet Rock mare, who is a Charity Mile, and placed in three
Hill Stud-based multiple Graded half-sister to Australian 10-time Gr1 races, including twice in the
Stakes winning New Predator winner (including three Listed races) Horse Chestnut Stakes and the
recently produced his first colt Presently, as well as Gr3 horse An- Mercury Sprint.
and filly for owner-breeder, other Time.
Laurence Wernars. New Predator placed second in the
Fastnet Rock, a sire sensation on Gr2 Dingaans and Hawaii Stakes.
Thanks to Anthony Joannides for both sides of the hemisphere is a His Gr1 form line was exceptional
submitting the pics. son of Danehill and has had a having defeated in Graded Stakes
brilliant start to his career as a races all of Vodacom Durban July
New Predator’s sire New broodmare sire. He has already winners The Conglomerate and
Approach, a champion colt in nicked exceptionally well with Galileo Legislate, as well as Gr1 sprinters
the UK with a Timeform Rating mares, producing 7 Gr1 winners Rafeef, Will Pays, Attenborough,
of 132 in 2008, is a son of World (25% Stakes Winners). Talktothestars and the likes of
super-sire Galileo and already has multiple Gr1 winners Abashiri,
over 44 stakes winners under his A versatile racehorse of the highest Rabada and Deo Juvente.
belt, 7 of them Gr1 winners. quality, New Predator is a winner of
Read more about New
Predator here
• Date of birth – ½ 1 week ago • Date of birth – ½ 1 week ago
• Pedigree – New Predator (Aus) out of Cold • Pedigree – New Predator (Aus) out of
Cash Culture Queen
• Sex – Filly • Sex – Colt
• Background – 1st foal born and 1st Filly • Background – 1st foal born and 1st Colt
foal for New Predator foal for New Predator, described by the
farm as a ‘Cracker’
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A WARRIOR
BORN!
Winterbach Stud proudly sent 2019-2020, produced his fifth his first crop, and sire of Gr1
us this image of the lovely first crop stakes winner when Allan Robertson Championship
athletic quality first foal of the Celtic Voyager won the Listed heroine Vernichey in his second,
Captain Al mare Xplosive Kiss, Terrance Millard Umngeni Vercingetorix looks on course for
bred by Laurence Wernars Handicap at Hollywoodbets another cracking season.
Greyville on Saturday.
Born on 7 August, he is by
Maine Chance Farms’ multiple The Silvano sire then dominated Read
Gr1 winning stallion at Kenilworth on Sunday, siring
Vercingetorix, who sired five four of the eight winners on the more about
winners this past weekend. card. Vercingetorix
here
Vercingetorix, South Africa’s Sire of graded stakes winners
Leading Second Season Sire of African Warrior and Ikigai in
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THE HAT’S OFF!
Owned and raced by Hat Puntano, who stands at Giboski (Philanthropist) is out of
Drakenstein Stud Farm in Summerhill Equestrian, has his Hosta, making her a half-sister
partnership with Jaime and first crop of foals on the ground to the Gr2 winner, Lanner Falcon
Mariza Vilela, Hat Puntano is and Drakenstein Stud have (Trippi) and Gr3 winner Silver
a son of Hat Trick and was a proudly submitted this pic of a Host (Silvano).
dual Gr1 winner in Argentina. beautifully filly ex Giboski who
He also won the Gr2 Charity was born on 21 August. Read more about Hat
Mile in his second start in SA. Puntano here
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WINNER
WARREN’S A
The National Punters’ Guide, which
showcases South Africa’s leading
tipsters under one banner, has proven a
winner with Sporting Post readers and is
published daily on
www.sportingpost.co.za.
On Saturday at Hollywoodbets Greyville,
celebrity tipsters joined our regulars in a
bumper show on World Sports Betting
Gold Cup day.
Congratulations to Gold Circle’s Warren
Lenferna, who came out on top of the
charts as the day’s leading tipster.
“I’m thrilled to have been acknowledged
in such illustrious company and thanks
to Avontuur and the Sporting Post for
supporting the drive to provide punters
with the tools so that we can create
more winners. I hope I get invited back
and keep up the great work,” said the
41 year old racing fanatic.
We thank all of those that gave up their
time to participate. Watch this space for
more!
25RUNNING FOR THE
ROSES!
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On Saturday Churchill Downs Forester Bourbon Turf Classic November at Keeneland.
hosts the 146th running of the $3 over 1800m on the Matt Winn Turf
million Gr1 Kentucky Derby Course for older horses and the GrI Other stakes on Kentucky Derby
presented by Woodford Reserve, $500,000 Derby City Distaff (formerly Day are the $500,000 Gr2
while the $1.25 million Gr1 known as the Humana Distaff) for Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile
Longines Kentucky Oaks will be fillies and mares over 1400m. for fillies and mares over one-mile
run on Friday. on turf; the $500,000 Gr2 American
A new addition to the revised Turf for 3-year-olds over 1700m on
Kentucky Derby Week was moved Kentucky Derby Day stakes turf; and the $500,000 Pat Day Mile
from an April 25-May 2 slot to this schedule is the $200,000 Iroquois presented by LG&E and KU (GII)
week due to the COVID-19 presented by Ford (GIII), the launch for 3-year-olds at one mile.
pandemic. of the Road to the 2021 Kentucky
Derby (Top 4 points: 10-4-2-1) and
The spectacular week of racing will a “Win and You’re In Breeders’ Cup Follow all the news on
feature 14 graded stakes, including Juvenile Division” race for 2-year- www.sportingpost.co.za
five Gr I races olds that will be run over 1600m.
Kentucky Derby Day will showcase The winner will receive an automatic
seven graded stakes races berth to the $2 million Gr1 Breeders’
including the Gr1 $1 million Old Cup Juvenile held scheduled for 6
27v 28
v
JC Photos
THE DAWSON
DESTINY!
29v
Randjesfontein trainer Candice Mauritius-based owner Mr Vicky “She ran in the Golden Slipper on
Dawson displayed her prowess Veeramootoo and, while she wasn’t Durban July day. She was under
as a tactician and horsewoman a big filly, everything was in the right the twitch on the way to the start.
of enormous talent when the place and she had something She spread a shoe and ran slightly
Master Of My Fate filly special about her,” she explained. wide. Yet finished fifth and just over
Sentbydestiny swept aside her three lengths off the winner. That
male counterparts to score a rare And how did she manage to buy was in the girls’ race, which was
victory for the fairer sex in such a well-related filly from a top run in faster time to the boys. So
Saturday’s R325 000 Gr1 farm like Varsfontein for just R80 considering all those factors, we
Premiers Champion Stakes at 000? By the way, Varsfontein bred felt we wouldn’t be biting off more
Hollywoodbets Greyville. two Gr1 winners and a Gr2 winner than we could chew when getting
on Saturday. 2,5kgs from the males.”
It was a dream plan come togeth-
er for the Durban-born Candice, “I really can’t explain how we got her Brave but logical thinking. But, as
whose bargain buy joined the so cheap! There was nothing unique they say, the rest is history, and
illustrious ranks of fairer sex stars about the timing of her coming up just four years after saddling her
Roland’s Song (1988) and Arabian on the sale. Hindsight is an exact first winner, Candice has elevated
Lass (1996) to have beaten the science and it’s great to reflect back herself into a unique space on the
boys in this premier test of talent now on what a great buy she was. South African racing landscape.
over the past 45 years.
All her sisters are stakes winners A daughter of Jet Master stallion
“That’s amazing. Wow!” Candice and she comes from one of the great Master Of My Fate, the
told the Sporting Post after being farms in South Africa. One needs a Varsfontein-bred Sentbydestiny is
informed of this historical rarity of bit of luck too,” she laughed. the fifth stakes winning filly out of
the achievement, and went on to Badger Land’s Listed Lady’s
explain how she had loved Candice explained how a decision Slipper runner-up Princess Tobin.
Sentbydestiny at the National 2yo was made to consider taking on the
Sale last year. colts if she pulled a wide gate in the She also produced recent East
“We had the mandate from our Thekwini Stakes. Cape Derby winner American
Candiese Lenferna
30
Winning team! Kathryn Ralphs, Tammi Dawson & Diego De Gouveia celebratev
Sentbydestiny storms to victory Hollywoodbets Greyville for the
past three years running.
The handsome son of Foxwedge
was another astute buy when
Derek and Lindsay Ralphs
purchased the soldier at the
Klawervlei Farm Sale.
Candice’s Dad owned a few horses
with Herman Brown and her entry
in racing dates back to the age of
6 when she was given the option
Candiese Lenferna
of either being Dad’s caddy or
Princess, the Gr2 Sceptre Stakes Candice said that the accolades watching his horses at the track at
winner Badger’s Cove, Gr3 The being dished out were rather to be Summerveld.
Debutante winner Princess Peach heaped on the team.
and East Cape Fillies Nursery One of three sisters who chose
winner Princess Alberta. She said that Racing Manager Summerveld ahead of Royal
Kathryn Ralphs, Assistant trainer Durban, Candice never looked
Candice feels that Sentbydestiny Tamarin Dawson, Stable Employees back!
will show her true colours as a and Head Grooms Shepard Ncube
late three year old and should go and Emanuel Supina, and She started her training with
2000m and further. Sentbydestiny’s Groom Lubabalo Michael Airey and then moved onto
Mzingeli, all deserved a special Geoff Woodruff before a stint with
And the timing of the top filly from mention in the Gr1 victory success Kumaran Naidoo who allowed her
the only fully female owned and story. free reign to fly his flag in
managed racing stable in South Johannesburg.
Africa downing the boys as the sun “Winning races is a serious team
set on National Women’s Month is effort. From our staff to our owners, Candice lives by the motto that
even sweeter! jockeys, farriers, feed merchants and ‘one never stops learning in
vets, everybody plays their part. If we racing’.
With dreams of taking on the fail in one area, it breaks the
world, CK Racing has grown to an momentum,”she adds seriously. Today Candice’s folks and her
85 strong string at Randjesfontein youngest sister are resident in
under Candice and her sister While the majority of Candice’s Scotland and she misses them.
Tammi, together with partner runners are in the Gauteng region,
Kathryn Ralphs KwaZulu-Natal has been a happy She is unmarried but ‘happily
hunting ground for her. partnered’ with leading racecaller
They have grown to four barns at Alistair Cohen.
the leading training centre after Her grey Aussie-bred flyer
having taken over two barns from Infamous Fox could be back to
Cape Town-bound Geoff Woodruff. defend his Listed Thukela
Their neighbours are fellow Gr1 Handicap title in 2021, having won
winner Stuart Pettigrew and Mike the Durban July day feature at
de Kock.
31v 32
v
DISQUALIFICATION:
HOLLYWOODBETS REFUND BACKERS
South Africa’s leading bookmakers have won and therefore we have and the logic behind the disqualification.
Hollywoodbets came to the aid of decided to treat the result like a
their customers who backed the Hollywoodbets Objection and we will “It was established the work rider
disqualified favourite Showdown Kid refund all single win bets on Showdown weighed in at more than 0.5kg below
in the opener at the Vaal on Tuesday. Kid. The affected accounts are currently the weight at which he was declared
being credited,” said Hollywoodbets out. He weighed out at 60.2kg and was
After passing the post first, an objection spokesman, Dermot O’Connell. declared out at 60kg, and weighed back
by the clerk of scales saw the 11-10 in 59.3kg.
favourite Showdown Kid disqualified as While there have been some bizarre
her rider weighed in under the carded suggestions as to the reasons for the As a result, the clerk of scales lodged
scale. weight variance, it appears that when an objection,” said Hyde.
work rider Vusunzi Sithetho weighed back
Showdown Kid carried the hopes of in, it was at 700 grams lower than his “Viewing the patrol films we cannot see
many punters and won the race with carded weight. anything dropping from the saddle, so
some ease. we’ll open an inquiry and get to the
Arnold Hyde, Racing Control Executive bottom of this unfortunate incident.”
“We believe that regardless of the lost for the National Horseracing Authority,
weight, this horse would most likely explained the rules governing the incident
33v 34
v 35
Gold Circle’s Michel Nairac – busy days
v
CONFUSION
ON RACING’S RUBY TUESDAY
Phumelela’s Business Rescue saga not to adjourn the meeting and, plan. We have an exciting journey
has gripped the interest of instead, voted heavily in favour of the ahead as we begin to manage and in-
horseracing stakeholders over the MOD offer. vest in the assets that MOD be acquir-
past three months and the process ing. We see a bright future for racing
reached another crunch point on The success of the MOD offer sees the in South Africa and MOD will need the
Tuesday. acquisition of key racing assets and support of the whole industry to deliver
secures the thoroughbred horse racing a strong, unified South African racing
Phumelela creditors voted industry in South Africa. product.” stated Charles Savage of the
overwhelmingly in favour of the RTT team.
Phumelela Business Rescue The Restructuring Task Team (RTT) which
Practitioner’s (BRP) Plan which sees represents MOD, have identified key He continued: “What is critical to our
Mary Oppenheimer and Daughters’ target areas for investment and success will be the reinvestment of
(MOD) offer hopefully secure the future development to ensure the South African profits into the industry, from
of horse-racing in South Africa. horse racing product improves and grass-roots up, to make racing a
transforms, becomes more relevant, broad-based, sustainable and relevant
The build-up to the creditor vote saw accessible, and is distributed both product for all South Africans.”
transaction interest and commentary nationally and internationally.
from diverse sectors of the industry; MOD has been the sole funding
however MOD prevailed by a large “We are very happy that creditors have supporter of the industry since
majority vote with creditors choosing voted in favour of the BRP’s MOD-backed Phumelela went into Business Rescue
36v
in May this year. They agreed to Early on Tuesday morning Gold Circle’s The high court application by the
provide post-commencement finance urgent application, brought against Durban-based company was a sequel
of up to R100 million to fund the Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Limited, to the rejection of their claim to 39% of
operations of the Company during the John Evans in his capacity as business the shares in Phumelela Gold
Business Rescue process. rescue practitioner of the Gauteng-based International Limited.
racing operator, MOD as well as
In order to facilitate an orderly sale alternative bidder, Betfred in the South The action was opposed by three of the
process, and on adoption of the Plan, Gauteng High Court this morning, was four respondents, bar Betfred, who
MOD will provide additional PCF dismissed with costs. undertook to abide by the decision of
funding of R550 million to pay creditors the court.
and allow the BRP time to sell Gold Circle were applying for an urgent
remaining Phumelela assets outside of interdict to halt any actions related to the So where does this really leave racing
a distressed sale, thereby maximising disposal of more than 61% of the issued – and have Gold Circle been left empty
value for creditors. shares of Phumelela Gold International handed?
Limited.
37Just Listed v
Drummond, KZN (15 min from Summerveld)
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38John Size can start on a winning note
HKJC
v
HONG KONG RACING RETURNS
SIZE COUNTS!
John Size will launch a
three-pronged attack on the Class 1
HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup when
similar situation (on Sunday), because in
the races when the tempo changes, he
can’t make the adaption quickly enough
when grabbing fifth behind
Japan’s Lys Gracieux in the Gr1 Cox
Plate (2040m) last October.
Hong Kong racing returns at Sha Tin to get comfortable and he puts in some
on Sunday. awkward strides,” Size said. The Kwok family’s galloper sported
ear plugs in a dirt track barrier trial on
The first feature of the 2020/21 season “But over 1200 metres the tempo should Tuesday, 25 August, crossing the line
is set to see the return of Beauty be fine for him, even if they run a slow third under a quiet Joao Moreira. The
Legacy (119lb), Champion’s Way section, it’s not going to be too slow for Brazilian ace, who finished last season
(126lb) and Shining Ace (118lb), with him.” with 138 wins and five Gr1’s, will
the 11-time champion trainer readying partner Champion’s Way from barrier
his trio against eight other entrants. The Australian-bred ran over no shorter three in Sunday’s contest, while
a distance than 1400 metres last term Irishman Neil Callan will take riding
Beauty Legacy will drop down to 1200 across seven starts, twice over 1800m, duties aboard Beauty Legacy and the
metres for the first time since he made twice over the mile and three times over pair will break from gate 11.
the move to Hong Kong; the 1400m.
five-year-old stormed into last term’s Since 1997, the HK$3 million sprint has
Four-Year-Old Classic Series picture “I think he’ll be ok; the tempo will be been the traditional season-opening
with an impressive rail-run to victory quick enough for him to get comfortable springboard toward December and
first-up over 1400m at Sha Tin in and I think he’ll run on ok,” Size said. other Gr1 riches: the likes of top-level
January but disappointed in six scorers Billion Win (2000), Lucky Nine
subsequent starts. Beauty Legacy was trained by David (2010) and Joy And Fun (2011) have
Hayes in Australia pre-import: the gelding landed the spoils this century.
The Fiorente gelding clearly has talent won the Gr2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) and
but also has a sparky temperament and then placed second in the G1 Australian Size suggested that, of his three,
has been known to fight for his head Guineas (1600m) behind Mystic Journey. Champion’s Way will be angling toward
mid-race – as he did in last season’s a possible Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong
Hong Kong Classic Mile – a trait that He closed out his Australian career with a Mile tilt at the LONGINES Hong Kong
has diminished his winning chances. seventh-place finish to that same mare in International Races in December as a
the All-Star Mile (1600m) and she added potential long-term goal.
“It’ll be highly unlikely that he has a further shine to Beauty Legacy’s résumé
39v 40
v
IF THE SHOE FITS
Summerveld-based farriers are
featured in a new book called ‘The
The photo-book is a departure from Dr
Curtis’s previous textbooks, some of
Simon is well-known in the farriery
world for his achievements and
Farrier’, a pictorial journey across which are staples for learning in the advancement of knowledge in the
the equine world, recording farriers farriery world. With ‘The Farrier’, Simon hoof-care field, and he has lectured
at work on six continents. has a new aim: to shine a light on the and taught all over the world.
hard work of farriers everywhere.
Here the variety of horse types, their He recently completed a PhD in Equine
diverse environs, and the farrier’s Dr Curtis says “Wherever there are horses Biomechanics and is a Fellow and Past
range of activities, are seen through the there are farriers. My photo-book Master of the Worshipful Company of
craftsman’s eye. Dr Simon Curtis celebrates the farrier’s role, the Farriers.
captures the essence of the farrier’s environment they work in, and the variety
world using his unequalled of horses they care for. The book is a
opportunities to photograph over 60 culmination of a 10 year project with one
More information and
farriers around the world. purpose: to share joy and pride for the ordering available at
craft of farriery.” curtisfarrierbooks.com
41v
End of 2019/20 season standings
TRAINERS
Name Runs Wins Win% 2nd 3rd Other Places Place
%
Win
Stake
Total
Stakes
Mr S G Tarry 934 120 12.8 113 82 291 486 52 9,386,500 14,551,988
Mr S J Snaith 997 122 12.2 129 115 194 438 43.9 7,392,000 11,950,175
Mr P A Peter 765 114 14.9 80 85 200 365 47.7 7,958,200 11,063,650
Mr M F de Kock 549 84 15.3 83 64 143 290 52.8 6,939,225 10,950,825
Mr A C Greeff 883 169 19.1 115 106 252 473 53.6 6,441,650 9,229,863
JOCKEYS
Name Runs Wins Win% 2nd 3rd Other Places Place
%
Win
Stake
Total
Stakes
Mr W B Kennedy 1165 209 17.9 142 145 285 572 49.1 14,204,775 19,495,850
Mr G M Cheyne 714 147 20.6 102 81 173 356 49.9 6,548,763 10,651,725
Mr K de Melo 716 101 14.1 84 88 146 318 44.4 5,784,000 9,095,563
Mr S Khumalo 845 96 11.4 105 100 248 453 53.6 5,267,025 9,587,975
Mr R D Fourie 533 94 17.6 78 71 110 259 48.6 5,978,750 10,117,875
BREEDERS
Name Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs
B.T. B.T.
Wins
Total
Stakes
Rnrs %
Klawervlei Stud 453 2115 43,812 152 206 33.6 966 9 13 19,846,863
Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein 259 1375 74,619 113 180 43.6 644 14 22 19,326,425
Summerhill Stud (Pty) Ltd 250 1403 39,439 82 117 32.8 614 0 0 9,859,738
Highlands Farms Stud (Pty) Ltd 137 801 59,883 72 110 52.6 364 6 10 8,203,925
Varsfontein Stud 122 660 66,254 53 74 43.4 320 8 10 8,083,000
SIRES
Name Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs
B.T. B.T.
Wins
Total
Stakes
Rnrs %
Silvano (GER) 179 897 73,504 76 115 42.5 393 12 18 13,157,238
* Captain Al 134 701 89,515 63 98 47 338 7 12 11,994,950
Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) 193 923 55,576 68 96 35.2 422 8 9 10,726,138
What A Winter 166 884 57,91 65 97 39.2 403 7 8 9,612,988
Var (USA) 154 792 57,939 65 103 42.2 379 6 7 8,922,575
See all the detailed standings - Click here
42v
UEFA NATIONS
LEAGUE KICKS OFF
International football in Europe
finally returns after Euro 2020, which
It’s been an incredible time for German
football in recent weeks. Since Hansi Flick
signs higher up the pitch. The key
battle here will be in midfield where
was scheduled to take place this left Joachim Low with the national team, Enrique will be hoping the likes of
year, has been postponed due to the he went on to join Bayern Munich, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Thiago
COVID-19 pandemic. winning the treble with the Bavarians Alcantara, who knows all about
for the first time since 2013. It remains German football, will come to his
Jesse and Chad Nagel write that with to be seen how Low will cope without rescue. Adama Traore and Ansu Fati
competitive football being a must, the Flick besides him, although, in terms have also been awarded a national
second season of the UEFA Nations of personnel, its pretty much the same team call-up for the first time after
League gets underway on Thursday. team. The likes of Leon Goretzka, Serge excellent individual seasons at Wolves
Gnabry, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz and Barcelona respectively. With
International coaches have opted to and many others are coming off the back Spain’s goalkeeping department
pick relatively strong squads for the of their best season in football. Germany giving me very little hope of stopping
upcoming Nations League games, so and Spain are two of the last three World the likes of Leroy Sane, Gnabry and
without further ado, let’s get straight Cup winning teams, and right now, you Werner, I’m putting my money on the
into the action! could argue that they boast the two best Home Totals – Over 1.5 Goals at 5/4.
managers in international football. Since
Thursday 3 September Luis Enrique’s return to Spain, the nation Friday 4 September
will be confident of competing for top
29/20 Germany | Draw 9/4 | Spain honours again. Their goalkeeping 7/4 Lithuania | 19/10 | Kazakhstan
37/20 (20:45) department looks atrocious at the 7/4 (18:00)
moment, but there’s plenty of positive
43v
Friday evening sees Lithuania and 47/10 (20:45) 31/20 Norway | 43/20 | Austria 18/10
Kazakhstan battle it out in a (20:45)
fiercely contested tie with both nations All eyes will be on Netherlands in the
desperate to get off to a perfect start. UEFA Nations League group games as Norway will be hoping the extended
they prepare for life after Ronald Koeman break of international football didn’t
In Group C4, they have it fairly who departed to join Barcelona as head disrupt their progress as the Lions
favourable alongside Belarus and coach. Dwight Lodeweges, who was were on an incredible run of nine
Albania, so early points on the board Koeman’s assistant, has worked with the games without defeat. The Norwegians
are key. Lithuania have won just one of team for over two years which means are also on an amazing run of four
their last 20 games, while Kazakhstan we could see more of the same from years without losing a home encounter.
have only beaten San Marino in their the Dutchmen. Jerzy Brzcczek, Poland’s
last six encounters. Perhaps the betting head coach, has decided to leave Robert Austria are also on a decent run
seems fair here as neither side are Lewandowski out of the team, giving him themselves, losing just one of their last
considered favourite. I’m backing a an extra rest after yet another eight matches, winning six times in that
draw. outstanding season at Bayern Munich. run. The Austrians haven’t named the
best of squads though, while Erling
7/20 Italy | 39/10 | Bosnia & Without him, Poland are not the same. Haaland will be raring to go for Norway.
Herzegovina 7/1 (20:45) My money is on Holland here at 11/20.
The home win seems the best bet at
Italy seem to be dark horses of the 12/10 Romania | 43/20 | Northern 31/20.
UEFA Nations League tournament. Ireland 49/20 (20:45)
8/10 Scotland | 24/10 | Israel 36/10
Roberto Mancini is slowly getting them Being the underdogs in Group B1, (20:45)
back to where they belong on the both Romania and Northern Ireland will
international stage, building an exciting be desperate to kick-start the Nations Scotland were starting to find form and
brand of football with the national League season off on a positive note. Of build momentum in the last
team, something that hasn’t always course, after a year without international international break, winning three
been likened with Italian football. The football, form cannot be taken matches on the bounce. It also helps
Azzurri are unbeaten in 14 matches seriously, but Northern Ireland did have a Steve Clarke’s case that many of his
and have won a staggering 11 games few positives results, including a win over players come off the back of a fantastic
in a row. Italy most recently met Bosnia Czech Republic, while they also held season, most notably Andy Robertson,
& Herzegovina in the qualifying stages Netherlands to a goalless draw. The Kieran Tierney and John Fleck. The
of Euro 2020, winning 2-1 in Turin, then Irishmen did win five in a row from March results certainly weren’t going Israel’s
3-0 in Sarajevo. The home win looks a to September as well. way before the last international break,
certainty here. with the Blue and Whites winning just
I fancy the visitors on the Win/Draw one of their last seven ties. Based on
11/20 Netherlands | 29/10 | Poland Double Chance at 6/10. that, its hard to see them getting
44v
anything against Scotland. Take the ties, beating Slovenia and Israel in the test on Saturday when they host
hosts at 8/10. UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers. Armenia have Roberto Martinez’s star-studded
lost their last three matches in a row, Belgium, the number one ranked team
33/20 Slovakia | 2/1 | Czech including a heavy 9-1 defeat away to Italy in the world. With the world class
Republic 17/10 (20:45) last time out. The home win is the way quality of Eden Hazard and Kevin De
to go. Bruyne and in-form Romelu Lukaku,
It’s always entertaining when Slovakia the Red Devils should oust their
and Czech Republic meet in 2/1 Cyprus | 39/20 | Montenegro 15/10 opponents and secure an 11th
competitive ties. Back in 2018, they (18:00) consecutive win.
were paired in the same Nations
League group with Czech Republic Cyprus host Montenegro at the GSP 36/10 Sweden | 24/10 | France 8/10
winning both ties 2-1 and 1-0. Stadium in Group 1 of League C. These (20:45)
sides have cancelled each other out in
Coming into the game, both nations each of their last three meetings and I France will travel to Sweden for their
have lacked consistency, although fancy that trend to continue. Back the opening Nations League game on
goalscoring hasn’t been a problem – stalemate at 39/20. Saturday. Unsurprisingly, Didier
even in some of their defeats. My Deschamps’ men head into the
money is on the Czechs to Win or 31/10 Estonia | 43/20 | Georgia 1/1 encounter as firm favourites at 8/10,
Draw & Both Teams to Score at (18:00) but the Swedes will relish the chance
17/10. to get a victory over the world
Georgia take on Estonia at the A. Le Coq champions. Both teams are in good
31/20 Belarus | 2/1 | Albania 19/10 Arena in Tallinn. The hosts are winless form, but Les Bleus have a
(20:45) in eight matches with seven defeats and star-studded squad, headlined by
should struggle against Georgia. The PSG’s Kylian Mbappe. A tight affair
Belarus host Albania at the Stadyen visitors ran out 2-0 winners when the is expected, with France tipped to
Dynama in Group 4 of League C. The sides last met in a friendly back in March grind out the victory.
Albanians – captained by Napoli’s 2018. Back the away win at even
Elseid Hysaj – sit 35th in the European money. 17/20 Portugal | 49/20 | Croatia
rankings and two places above the 32/10 (20:45)
hosts, but the Belarusians are 21/20 Azerbaijan | 21/10 |
favourites in this tie. The White Wings Luxembourg 29/10 (18:00) Holders Portugal will look to get their
won both of their friendlies in February Nations League on a winning note
against Uzbekistan and Bulgaria, both Azerbaijan host Luxembourg at the Baku when they take on Croatia on Saturday.
by 1-0 scorelines, while this will be Olympic Stadium in Group 1 of League
Albania’s first match in 2020 after their C. The hosts, who are on a three-match The Vatreni will be without Luka Modric
March friendlies against San Marino losing streak, are targeting their first and Ivan Rakitic, which makes facing
and Slovenia were cancelled. I’m win in Baku since beating Faroe Islands the Selecao an even tougher task.
backing a win for the hosts. 2-0 in the UEFA Nations League two
years ago. Gianni De Biasi’s side will be With Croatia’s key men missing and
Saturday 5 September confident of beating the Red Lions, who Portugal at full strength with the likes of
are winless in 10 matches – losing eight Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes,
7/20 Gibraltar | 36/10 | San Marino times. Back the home win at 21/20. Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix,
8/1 (15:00) Fernando Santos’ side should see off
9/1 Iceland | 15/4 | England 3/10 the Croatians in Porto. The home win
As much as San Marino are awful – (18:00) is tipped confidently.
they haven’t won a match since 2004
when they beat Liechtenstein 1-0 in a England are strong favourites to see off
friendly – Gibraltar shouldn’t be 7/20 Iceland on Saturday, but they’ll need to
against any team. They’ve lost their last be wary of the upset-threat posed by Erik
12 games in a row and found the net in Hamren’s side. Gareth Southgate’s team
just three of those matches. I suggest have won their last three matches
you steer clear of this one, but if without breaking a sweat, thrashing
you must have a punt, the Half Time Bulgaria, Montenegro and Kosovo in The Sporting Post Sprint
Draw looks a decent bet at 27/20. the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers. Iceland is interactive.
are also riding a three-match winning Click on the live links
15/20 North Macedonia | 47/20 | streak with wins over minnows Moldova, throughout
Armenia 39/10 (15:00) Canada and El Salvador. The hosts will and enjoy the read!
provide stern test for the Three Lions,
North Macedonia are favourites to see but I still can’t see anything other than
off Armenia, who are without their an England victory.
captain and talisman Henrikh 3/1 Denmark | 26/10 | Belgium 17/20
Mkhitaryan, at the Tose Proeski Arena. (20:45) SUGGESTIONS?
Please email editor@sportingpost.co.za
The Red Lions won their last two home The Danish Dynamite face a daunting
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