SANSUI SUMMER CUP 2012 SET TO BE A CRACKER!

Michael Roberts (left) and Muzi Yeni (right) at the 2011 Sansui Summer Cup
(Photo : Peter Morey Photography)

SANSUI SUMMER CUP (Grade 1)
Turffontein, Turf, 2000m
1 December 2012

Mike Moon
The TimesSomething unusual occurred this week. I had several requests for hospitality tickets for the races at Turffontein tomorrow.

This hasn’t happened in ages and I’m not sure what it signifies. It might be that it’s the day of the R2million Sansui Summer Cup and the venerable event has recaptured some of the prestige and allure it once had as Johannesburg’s premier horse race and a social occasion of note. On the other hand, demand might be driven by the plethora of non-equine entertainment on offer on the course - a R100,000 lucky-draw giveaway, R30,000 in jewellery prizes for “best dressed” racegoers, the Sansui Sound Experience with popular artists rocking on into the night, and more. Perhaps people are just looking for a distraction from the all-pervasive Mangaung circus. Or perhaps the promise of winning wagers offers relief from dreary austerity. The cynical might suggest ticket requests have something to do with the R50 entry charge on Summer Cup day - after free entry to racecourses has become the norm.

But, optimist that I am, I prefer to think racing is regaining some of the popularity it lost to rival attractions like casinos, Lotto, shopping malls, cellphones and satellite television. Whatever is pulling folk to the Big T, it’s no bad thing in my book. The more people we get there the better; some of them might well enjoy the experience and become regulars.

For established racing fans, the 2012 Sansui Summer Cup is all about champion trainer Mike de Kock aiming to register his 10th victory in the race. The maestro has a rather good chance of doing this as he saddles seven of the 20 runners.

Having 35% of the contenders in a marquee feature is no mean achievement in itself, but his yard also having the first three in the betting is, well, astonishing. Mujaarib tops the boards at 22/10, with Silver Flyer at 4/1 and Vettel at 8/1.

The former is unbeaten in four starts and looks something special. But this is a bigger test than any the colt has faced and doubts have been raised about his capacity to stay the 2000m distance. A handy galloping weight of 53.5kg and a favourable No 8 draw might help him overcome stamina limitations and he’s a worthy favourite.

But something those newcomers to racing will find out tomorrow is that unpredictability is the name of this game. A determined bunch of trainers and jockeys are set on frustrating the De Kock bid for glory.

Among them is pint-sized rider Muzi Yeni, who partners Astro News (20/1) from the Brian Wiid yard. What a great news story it’ll be if the lad from Umlazi becomes the first black rider to win one of the country’s “majors”. It’ll also be great news for my bank balance. Go Muzi.

SELECTION: Sansui Summer Cup (Race 7): 13 Astro News, 18 Mujaarib, 3 Smanjemanje, 6 Silver Flyer

Extract from The Times

THE SANSUI SUMMER CUP... DON'T MISS IT!

Andrew Bon discusses Mujaarib with Mike de Kock post Charity Mile
(Image : Phumelela - Footage : Andrew Bon)

SANSUI SUMMER CUP (Grade 1)
Turffontein, Turf, 2000m
1 December 2012

The R2 million Sansui Summer Cup day/night race meeting at Turffontein this Saturday has every ingredient horseracing fans could wish for - from one of Joburg’s greatest races, celebs and top horses to huge betting pools, between-races entertainment and many chances to win big.

Nicci Garner reports : What a meeting it’s going to be and the highlight will be champion trainer Mike de Kock’s bid to win the Summer Cup for an amazing 10th time.

De Kock won the “old” Summer Cup three times and he’s won it six times in 13 years since Phumelela reintroduced the race in its traditional format on its traditional date back in 1999. That’s a phenomenal record and De Kock is bringing an army of horses to Turffontein in a bid to win it yet again. He will saddle seven of the 20 runners in the Cup and they include Mujaarib and Silver Flyer, who are dominating the betting at 3-1 and 33-10 respectively at the time of writing. Both have powerful claims.

Australian import Mujaarib has won all four of his races and his most recent success was at top level - he charged through late to beat Whiteline Fever by a head in the 1600m Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile at Turffontein a few weeks ago. That was an outstanding performance and given his inexperience, Mujaarib could easily improve four or five lengths on Saturday. He looks close to a good thing, but the one worry is the testing 2000m distance. The indications are that he will stay and it’s in his favour that he has won over 1800m. But that was against weaker opposition and it would be no surprise on his pedigree if 1600m turned out to be his best distance.

Silver Flyer has benefited from a long break and is back to best. He didn’t finish as fast as Mujaarib in the Charity Mile, but ran on well and was only two lengths back in fourth. He would have been third but for being hampered late and is 2kg (the equivalent of two lengths) better off with Mujaarib. Like his stablemate, he has yet to prove he gets a tough 2000m, but he ran on well at the finish of the 1800m SA Classic here last season and that’s pretty good evidence that he should stay.

Vettel (good run in Victory Moon Stakes after a rest), Ilsanpietro (second last year) and oft-disappointing Ilha Bella look the pick of the rest of the De Kock army.

What are the chief obstacles between De Kock and another Cup win? Whiteline Fever (1kg better off with Mujaarib for the Charity Mile) spearheads the opposition in spite of worries that 1600m might his best distance.

Vodacom Durban July runner-up Smanjemanje and Pierre Jourdan are class acts, while Victory Moon runner-up Astro News, Brooks-Club and Wagner, who trainer Joe Soma rates highly, are others to shortlist.

It’s going to be fabulous. Don’t miss it!

Extract from Tab News

www.sansuisummercup.co.za

HOW THE 2012 DURBAN JULY RUNNERS SHAPE UP

VODACOM DURBAN JULY (Grade 1)
Greyville, Turf, 2200m
7 July 2012

1 - PIERRE JOURDAN

Trainer Gary Alexander’s charge ran second to Igugu in the Durban July last year. He has been a hard act to follow this season, winning the Charity Mile early in the campaign but running poorly in the Sansui Summer Cup and the Horse Chestnut Stakes. Showed signs of renewed enthusiasm when third to Variety Club and Castlethorpe (1kg better off) in recent 1600m Gold Challenge. Wide draw and big weight, but enters the reckoning.

Record: 21 runs; 9 wins; 9 places. Stakes R4,580,675.

2 - TALES OF BRAVERY

One of trainer Vaughan Marshall’s runners, his preparation has gone to order with a win over Chesalon (1.5kg better off) in the 1400m Drill Hall Stakes and a fourth behind Variety Club in the Gold Challenge to show from two runs in KwaZulu-Natal this season. Cherryripe now, but has a wide draw and might have stamina limitations, having placed only once in five runs beyond 1800m.

Record: 26 runs; 9 wins; 9 places. Stakes R1,351,770.

3 - CASTLETHORPE (AUS)

One of Mike Bass’ three runners, he ran his best race to date when second to 1.25 length winner Variety Club in the Gold Challenge over 1600m at Clairwood recently after which his merit rating was increased three points. Was hampered when 12th in this race last year under a lighter weight and from a much better draw. His overall form suggests he is better over shorter distances and others make more appeal.

Record: 20 runs; 7 wins; 6 places. Stakes R653,635.

4 - BEACH BEAUTY

Talented filly trained by Dennis Drier. Cleverly campaigned, she ran several good races in Cape features this summer and has done well in her two races so far this winter, going down 1.50 lengths to Princess Victoria over 1200m at Clairwood and then beating subsequent KZN Derby winner Master Plan in the Greyville 1900. Close between her, Chesalon and Solo Traveller on Greyville 1900 form. First time this far.

Record: 14 runs; 7 wins; 6 places. Stakes R1,120,850.

5 - CHESALON

This Mike Bass-trained runner has run well over 2400m before so he will stay this 2200m. Two promising recent runs, finishing a 1.75-length second to Tales Of Bravery (1.5kg worse off) in the 1400m Drill Hall Stakes and a 1.55-length third behind Beach beauty (1.5kg worse off) in the Greyville 1900. Jeff Lloyd returns from Australia to ride him and he is drawn midfield. Sound prospects of finishing in the placings.

Record: 15 runs; 5 wins; 7 places. Stakes R615,786.

6 - JACKSON

The champion three-year-old and many experts would rate trainer Brett Crawford’s runner a certainty if he had not drawn wide in the ballot for starting gate positions. Theoretically he has two lengths in hand over the rest of the field and should only have to run to form to win. But he will be racing against the best older horses for the first time and could easily run into traffic problems from No 16 draw. Worthy favourite, the one to beat.

Record: 7 runs; 5 wins; 1 place. Stakes R1,256,205.

7 - POLAR BOUND

The second runner from the Crawford stable, he will have to improve on his recent form if he is to make an impact. Never got into the race when downfield from a wide draw in the Greyville 1900 and then hung and had to be checked when sixth to Gold Onyx (2.5kg worse off) in the Cup Trial last time out. Has drawn well and has won at this track before, but tries further than 1900m for the first time and looks out of his depth.

Record: 20 runs; 6 wins; 6 places. Stakes R455,310.

8 - SMANJEMANJE

Tyrone Zackey’s charge sometimes pops up when you least expect him to, as in the Victory Moon Handicap and the London News Stakes this season. Has finished third in his last two runs, the first when beaten a length behind Europa Point after trying to make all in the President’s Champions Challenge and the latest when beaten three lengths by Eton Square (4.5kg worse off) in the Jubilee Handicap. Not out of it.

Record: 39 runs; 5 wins; 14 places. Stakes R996,700.

9 - ENGLISH GARDEN

Mike Bass’ charge finished a great third behind Igugu and Pierre Jourdan (0.5kg worse off) in the Durban July last year. Disappointing on the Highveld this autumn, but two fair preparatory races in Durban recently, beating Whiteline Fever (1.5kg better off) over the Greyville 1800m before finishing fast for third behind Gold Onyx (2.5kg worse off) in the 1800m Cup Trial. Could prove a profitable Eachway bet if he runs to form.

Record: 18 runs; 4 wins; 6 places. Stakes R2,077,340.

10 - TOP SELLER

The Cape Derby winner of January 2011 hails from the Vaughan Marshall stable. Hasn’t done that much racing since and might have been flat in his second run after a layoff when eighth behind Beach Beauty (1.5kg worse off) in the Greyville 1900 last time. Only 0.50 lengths behind Gold Onyx (3kg worse off) over 1800m before that. Choice of stable jockey and has claims, but not well drawn and has obviously had his problems.

Record: 17 runs; 3 wins; 8 places. Stakes R1,088,630.

11 - GOLD ONYX (NZ)

One of three runners from the Sean Tarry stable, he has recovered his early promise recently and has won three of his last four starts in good fashion, including trouncing stablemate Buy And Sell in an oddly run Cup Trial. Only seventh behind Beach Beauty (1kg better off) in the Greyville 1900 and has his work cut out at the weights. But he’s on a roll and has a good draw so it will be no surprise to see him do well.

Record: 24 runs; 6 wins; 4 places. Stakes R833,325.

12 - SOLO TRAVELLER

One of four runners from the stable of champion trainer Mike de Kock, he has been disappointing since winning the Guineas at Greyville last year and will be equipped with blinkers for the first time in an apparent bid to rekindle his enthusiasm. Did not do badly when fourth behind Beach Beauty (1.5kg worse off) in the Greyville 1900 and was striding short when seventh in the Cup Trial after that. Stablemates make more appeal.

Record: 20 runs; 5 wins; 10 places. Stakes R1,363,225.

13 - SAGE THRONE

Trainer Colin Scott has been campaigning this gelding in Durban and Johannesburg with some success. Finished fourth behind Europa Point in the President’s Champions Challenge over 2000m at Turffontein before finishing powerfully and failing by a neck to land the 2400m Lonsdale Stirrup Cup at Greyville. Weighted to turn the tables on Smanjemanje on Champions Challenge form and looks fair value at 33-1.

Record: 14 runs; 4 wins; 3 places. Stakes R392,400.

14 - POMODORO

Dead-heated for first with Royal Bencher in the SA Derby in April, but the Sean Tarry-trained runner was then somewhat disappointing in the Daily News 2000 in his first run at Greyville, where a never-nearer fifth behind Jackson (2kg worse off). Hampered late that day, but that was of little significance. Has the worst draw but is much better than his last run suggests and will be ridden by top jockey Piere Strydom. Can shape.

Record: 10 runs; 5 wins; 3 places. Stakes R1,369,250.

15 - ROYAL BENCHER

Trainer Alec Laird’s runner held on to share first prize with Pomodoro in the 2450m SA Derby at Turffontein in April, but then flopped in the Daily News 2000 in which he raced wide in a small field after a slow start and trailed in seventh behind Jackson (2kg worse off). May not be suited to Greyville and will have to make huge improvement on his last effort if he’s to shape in the toughest test of his career.

Record: 10 runs; 4 wins; 1 place. Stakes R768,275.

16 - VETTEL (ARG)

Hails from the powerful Mike de Kock yard and has landed two of his three wins over long distances, so this 2200m should be sharp for him. But he is 3.5kg better off with Jackson for a 3.75 length beating in the Daily News 2000 at this track last time and that effort brings him into the reckoning. Is much better drawn than Jackson and could make a bold bid with a light weight if he can break clear of the field at the top of the straight.

Record: 8 runs; 3 wins; 5 places. Stakes R384,650.

17 - GORONGOSA (IRE)

Another Mike de Kock runner, she has the best winning average of any runner in the line-up, having won nine of her 12 career starts including both her outings at Greyville. She is at her best over much longer distances, but if there is a strong pace and the race becomes a test of stamina it will be no surprise to see her challenging the leaders at the finish. Well drawn and a must for Trifectas and Quartets.

Record: 12 runs; 9 wins; 2 places. Stakes R846,611.

18 - ILHA BELA

Arguably the stable elect of Mike de Kock’s four runners, this highly rated filly placed in the first two legs of the Triple Tiara before crushing the opposition in the SA Oaks over 2450m at Turffontein in April. Then beaten four lengths by stablemate Viva Maria when odds-on favourite in the Woolavington 2000 at Greyville, but will be fitter now. Likes to race from off the pace so a wide draw should not prove disastrous and is expected to make a bold bid.

Record: 11 runs; 4 wins; 4 places. Stakes R921,200.

19 - WHITELINE FEVER

Sean Tarry gave him a confidence-boosting run in a Graduation Plate last month and he duly obliged over 1400m at Scottsville. Should have no problems with the distance in his first start beyond 2000m because he did finish second to English Garden (1.5kg worse off) over 1800m at Greyville and then a 4.50 length fourth behind Jackson (4kg worse off) in the Daily News 2000. No 1 draw and looks a lively contender at the weights.

Record: 11 runs; 3 wins; 5 places. Stakes R339,475.

20 - ETON SQUARE

Trainer Gavin van Zyl’s runner has raced only four times and has a mountain to climb here, especially because he is carrying 1.5kg more than should be the case in terms of merit ratings. Will also be racing at Greyville for the first time, but his trainer has a huge opinion of him and he is ideally drawn in No 5 stall in the starting gate. Will be ridden by top Cape jockey Glen Hatt and could shape if he’s as good as Van Zyl thinks.

Record: 4 runs; 2 wins; 2 places. Stakes R207,875.

www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za

Extract from Tab News

JACKSON STRIKES IN DAILY NEWS 2000

Click above to watch Jackson winning the Daily News 2000…
(Image : Gold Circle - Footage : Tellytrack)

DAILY NEWS 2000 (Grade 1)
Greyville, Night, Turf, 2000m
2 June 2012

David Thiselton
Gold CircleJackson (SAF) justified his short odds at Greyville Saturday when powering clear to win the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 in emphatic fashion under jockey Karis Teetan and he stamped his Vodacom Durban July credentials in the process.

The Brett Crawford-trained Dynasty colt has only had seven career starts but has now won five races in all including two Grade 1’s. Jackson has been the ruling July favourite since the betting opened and the bookmakers shortened him into 16-10 after Saturday’s race.

Jackson started the Daily News 2000 at cramped odds of 1-3, not surprisingly considering he was merit rated eight points higher than any other horse in the field. He jumped well from his number two draw to get the rail and was soon tracking the pacemaker, the Mike de Kock-trained Vettel. Karis Teetan switched Jackson out in the straight and he had soon drawn along side Vettel before kicking again at the 200m mark to draw clear and win comfortably. The Sean Tarry-trained Whiteline Fever had run on well from the back, moving into second place at one stage, but Vettel fought back well to be second at the line, while the Gavin van Zyl-trained Shogunnar ran on strongly to pip Whiteline Fever for third place. Shogunnar had only had three starts before this race and this excellent effort might see him start favourite for his next intended target, the Grade 2 Gold Circle Derby over 2400m at Clairwood on June 24. The Sean Tarry-trained SA Derby dead-heater Pomodoro ran on in eye catching style from the back and this was an excellent July preparation outing.

Jockey Teetan praised Crawford for having Jackson “spot on” for the race and the bay colt certainly impressed in the pre-race parade. Teetan added that Jackson had quickened very well in the straight.

Jackson is going to be a hard horse to beat in the July, especially considering the July second favourite Ilha Bela was unable to win the Woolavington, the previous race, although Pomodoro could be a threat as he will be receiving weight from Jackson in the July.

Extract from Gold Circle