There is an active and exciting racing programme this festive weekend, starting with the Listed Flamboyant Stakes (Race 6, 1600m) and the Listed Christmas Handicap (Race 7, 1600m), on a nine-race card at
HWB Greyville on Friday afternoon.
Saturday sees the running of the Listed War Of Athena Handicap over 1800m at Turffontein’s standside track, followed by the Grade 3 Lebelo Handicap over 1000m. Richard Fourie has a number of good rides at the meeting, including the well-fancied Gerbera in the War Of Athena and recent Merchants Sprint winner Pistol Pete in the Lebelo.
The international fare includes a number of jumps highlights from the United Kingdom. The Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle (Race 3, 3200m) and the King George VI Chase (Race 4, 4800m), will be staged at Kempton on Friday. The Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle is the topliner at Aintree.
On Saturday, Leopardstown features the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase over 3300m and the PP Future Champions Novice Hurdle over 3200m. On Sunday, its back to the same track for the Christmas Hurdle over 4700m and the Savill’s Chase over 4900m.
Betway Ambassador Mike and Mathew de Kock have one runner at
HWB Greyville on Friday, 26 December. Icy Blast will go to post in Race 5 over 1400m and Mike said: “He’s an honest horse we’ve enjoyed training him, a gentleman. He’s a handicapper, the 1,5kg allowance may help, he needs things to go in his favour, but has a chance.”
Mathew de Kock commented on the other meetings:
Turffontein, Saturday, 27 December:
Race 3, 1000m: “Constellation is in good form. This is a small but quality race. We think he has what it takes to win it.”
Race 8, 1160m: “We’re trying a tongue-tie on
Universal Girl, who has been in and out with her form which as to do with her breathing. Hoping she can bounce back to her best and earn a stake.”
HWB Scottsville, Sunday, 28 December:
Race 3, 1500m: “Strutting looks ready to win and break her Maiden.”
Race 8, 1100m: “Khetiwe’s Destiny comes off a long rest, she is a capable filly and she’s had a lot of work coming into the race. We’re hoping she doesn’t need the run too much, she can feature in this field.”
Race 6, 1200m: “Cymric was eliminated from various events recently due to small fields, etc. This was probably our fourth-choice race for him, first-up after a rest and it’s not ideal after his break. He has been working nicely, but has a big weight and an apprentice on board, so we’d just like to see him come through this well, as the start of his campaign.”
Turffontein, 30 December:
Race 5, 1400m: “Trombolines was eye-catching on debut, doing his best work late. He is drawn one for this distance and must have a big chance of winning it.”
Race 10, 1400m: “Clever Trevor and
My Lucky Charm would have made some natural improvement from their runs last week, they needed their outings. We’d probably lean towards Clever Trevor over 1400m here, though it won’t surprise us if both run into the money.”
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