Justin Snaith | Horse Racing Free Tips

Win And You’re In: Defending Champion Jet Dark Headlines South Africa’s L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate

Messrs. C.T. Crowe & N. Jonsson's 4-year-old defending champion Jet Dark (SAF) is slated to face 10 rivals entered for Saturday's 1-mile R1.5 million L'Ormarins Queen's Plate (G1) at Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town. The race winner will earn an automatic berth into the US$2 million FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series. One race prior to the Queen's Plate, Mrs. S. Viljoen's 4-year-old filly Captain's Ransom (SAF) leads the 1 1/8-mile R1 million Cartier Paddock Stakes (G1) for a free starting position into the US$2 million Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).

Both races will be televised live on TVG, with approximate post time for the Cartier Paddock Stakes scheduled at 8:35 a.m. ET.

Now in its 15th season, the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is an international series of stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race in the Breeders' Cup World Championships, which is scheduled to be held this year at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky on Nov. 4-5.

As a part of the benefits of the Challenge series, the Breeders' Cup will pay the pre-entry and entry fees for the winners of Saturday's races to start in the World Championships. Breeders' Cup will also provide a US$40,000 travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 24 to receive the rewards.

Jet Dark, trained by Justin Snaith, slipped up the rail in the final furlong to win last year's L'Ormarins Queen's Plate at 12-1, defeating Rainbow Bridge (SAF) by three-quarters of a length. Since then, the son of Trippi has made three starts, which includes a victory on July 31 in the 1 1/8-mile HKJC World Pool Champions Cup (G1) at Greyville, and a recent fourth-place finish in the WSB Prive Greenpoint Stakes (G2) at Kenilworth on Dec. 4. Richard Fourie has the mount, breaking from post 5.

Mr. and Mrs. M.L.P. Rattray's 7-year-old gelding Rainbow Bridge has won 11 of 25 starts, including five Group 1 victories. Trained by Richard Sands, Rainbow Bridge reeled off three straight wins following his defeat in last year's Queen's Plate. He captured the Cape Town Met Stakes (G1) at Kenilworth three weeks later, and then scored two wins at Greyville, first taking the Independent on Saturday Drill Hall Stakes (G2) by 2 lengths and the Group 1 Hollywood Bets Gold Challenge. However, the streak ended with an eighth-place finish in the prestigious 1 3/8-mile Vodacom Durban July (G1) on July 3 at Greyville.

The first two finishers from the Durban July – Kommetdieding (SAF) and Linebacker (SAF) – have both been entered in the Queen's Plate. Nicknamed the “Cape Comet,” 4-year-old Kommetdieding, owned by Ashwin Reynolds and trained by the father-daughter duo of Henry Crawford and Michele Rix, broke from the outside post 18 in the Durban July and steadily worked his way to the front, passing Linebacker in the last 50 yards to prevail by a half-length at 10-1. He completed his 3-year-old campaign with four wins in six starts. In his first start this season, Kommetdieding finished a troubled third behind Warrior (SAF) in the Cape Mile on Nov. 6 at Kenilworth. Kommetdieding will be ridden by Gavin Lerena from post three.

Two-time Group 1 winner Linebacker, trained by Vaughn Marshall and ridden from post three by Craig Zackey, has finished first or second in nine of his 10 starts, with his Group 1 scores coming back-to-back in the Jonsson Workware Cape Derby last February and in the 1 ¼-mile Daily News 2000 in May, prior to his runner-up finish in the Durban July. Linebacker prepped for the Queen's Plate with a third-place finish in the Green Point Stakes, won by stablemate Seeking the Stars (SAF).

Also trained by Marshall, the 4-year-old old Seeking the Stars has won his last two races, taking the Matchem Stakes (G3) at Durbanville on Oct. 2, before his half-length triumph in the Green Point. Bernard Fayd'Herbe will ride, breaking from post four.

Captain's Ransom Faces She's a Keeper in Cartier Paddock Stakes

Eleven fillies and mares are scheduled to go to the post in the Cartier Paddock Stakes, led by Captain's Ransom and Missing U Syndicate's 5-year-old She's a Keeper (SAF). A very consistent eight-time winner in 10 starts, Captain's Ransom, trained by Justin Snaith, comes into Saturday's race off two 7-furlong victories, first winning the Diana Stakes (G3) at Durbanville on Oct. 2, and then the Dec. 4 Amy Miller Memorial Pinnacle Stakes by three-quarters of a length over Princess Calla (SAF), with She's a Keeper finishing third. Captain's Ransom also gained her second career Group 1-win last January when she captured the 1-mile Majorca Stakes by 3 ¼ lengths at Kenilworth. Richard Fourie has the mount, breaking from post four.

She's a Keeper, a six-time winner for trainer Gareth Van Zyl, was the odds-on favorite in her first six starts, and registered five victories, culminating with a 1-length triumph in the World Sports Betting 1900 (G2) at Greyville. She was next entered in the Vodacom Durban July against males, but was wide throughout, finishing 10th of 18 starters. She's a Keeper rebounded in her next effort, though, winning the Kuda Gold Bracelet (G2) at Greyville on July 31. In her most recent start, She's a Keeper finished third, beaten 2 lengths in the Pinnacle Stakes. Starting from post eight, She's a Keeper will be ridden by Bernard Fayd'Herbe.

Mr. M.J.A Ferreira's 4-year-old Princess Calla has finished second in her last four starts for trainer Adam Marcus. A 4-year-old daughter of Flower Alley, Princess Calla completed last season with a heartbreaking defeat by a nose in the Group 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes at Greyville on July 3. A winner twice in 10 starts, Princess Calla will be ridden by Anton Marcus from post five.

Mauritzfontein, and Messrs. M.W. Bass, F. Green and Re Byn's 4-year-old Marina (SAF), trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, has won four of five starts, with all four wins coming at Kenilworth. A chestnut mare by Silvano (GER), Marina's only defeat in that stretch was a fourth-place finish in the Diana Stakes. She won two starts after that, taking the Computaform Online Pinnacle Stakes and the Victress Stakes (G3) on Dec. 18. Marina, eight of 13 lifetime, will be ridden by Aldo Domeyer from post three.

Following her “Win and You're In” victory in the 2021 Cartier Paddock Stakes, Queen Supreme (IRE) was sent to the U.S. later in the year to compete in the Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar.

The post Win And You’re In: Defending Champion Jet Dark Headlines South Africa’s L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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South Africa: Trainer Snaith Chasing Fourth Straight Win In Historic Durban July Handicap

With Independence Day right around the corner, start your holiday weekend off right with some International horse racing on Saturday Morning, starting with the first post at 5:15am ET. Sky Racing World, the Louisville, Ky.-based distributor of International Thoroughbred racing content, is excited to announce coverage of the historic 125th Durban July Handicap at Greyville Racecourse in South Africa, The race will also be broadcast on TVG and be available on our new Sky Racing World App, which you can find here.

Justin Snaith is going all out with four entries among the 18 runners carded for Greyville on Saturday. He is coming off a hat-trick of wins, having saddled Belgarion to win last year and prior to that Do It Again to back-to-back victories. Both horses are in the line-up again this weekend and will spearhead Snaith's attempt to win Africa's greatest horse race for a fifth time, chasing the seven successes of the legendary Syd Laird and the six of Terrance Millard.

Raced on turf, the Durban July Handicap is open to horses of all ages, but all of them will be chasing after Rainbow Bridge from the off, as the gelding and rider Luke Ferraris have changed their running tactics, won their last three races, and claimed pole position for the upcoming race. Top weight Rainbow Bridge will be looking to win this one for owner Mike Rattray, who been competing in this prestigious race for over four decades.

Despite Rainbow Bridge's pole position, he isn't currently trading as the favorite with 5-1 odds, as it's Got The Greenlight who leads the way with 5-2 odds. The 4-year old was runner-up to Belgarion last year where he was beaten by just shy of one length. Trainer Joey Soma has had the Vodacom Durban July in his sights since Got The Greenlight's loss last year and the colt does appear to have had the ideal preparation. On the other hand, weight could be an issue and Ferraris will need to avoid traffic in a notoriously rough race from his pole position draw.

Even with the number 14 draw, Got The Greenlight's jockey, Muzi Yeni, said, “I was extremely happy with Got The Greenlight's gallop, which was outstanding. He gave me the feel that he has strengthened up even further and he is really in a good space, so it's all positive from my side. I am not too concerned about his No 14 draw as I would prefer not to be caught up in the scrimmage for position in the early stages. All the major players seem to have put up good gallops and all looked very well within themselves so it's going to be a great spectacle.”

Speaking of Belgarion, last year's winner is back again looking for the double, but this time with a different rider. This year he will be going for the win with S'Manga Khumalo, who won the race with steed Heavy Metal back in 2013. Belgarion is a 9-1 favorite to win and fans will be hoping he can go back-to-back.

Make sure not to forget about Do It Again, as he'll be in the race as well, with stable rider Richard Fourie. He'll be looking to make history as the only horse to have won the race three times, after winning in back-to-back years before losing to Belgarion last year. Currently at 8-1 odds, Do It Again last won the race two years ago, but can he follow his name and get it done again?

Also in the field is the three-year-old Linebacker, winner of the Grade 2 KZN Guineas and Grade 1 Daily News 2000, who is the clear second favorite at 7-2. Three-year old horses have an outstanding record in this race over the recent years, so maybe Linebacker can make his mark on the proceedings. Another factor going in the favor of three-year old horses is that they will all carry the minimum weight for their age group going into the race.

Who will win this historic event in 2021? Will it be favorite Got The Greenlight or another one of the horses in the field? Find out on July 3rd on Sky Racing World, our app and on TVG!

The Greyville card will be broadcast live on TVG this Saturday morning (First Post: 5:15 AM ET / 2:15 AM PT). All races will be live-streamed in HD on the new Sky Racing World App, skyracingworld.com and major ADW platforms such as TVG, TwinSpires, Xpressbet, NYRABets, WatchandWager, HPIbet, and AmWager. Wagering is also available via these ADW platforms. Fans can get free access to live-streaming, past performances and expert picks on all races at skyracingworld.com.

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Belgarion Favored in South Africa’s Cape Town Met

Belgarion, victor last year of the famous Vodacom Durban July, is the bookies' favourite at 22-10 to win the race that is so deeply lodged in the South African public's consciousness, the iconic “Met.” This 1 ¼ mile event with a proud history will be staged at Kenilworth on Saturday morning at 10:10 a.m. EST, together with other prestigious Group 1 contests. The five furlong Cape Flying Championships (WFA) for specialist speed merchants, and the Majorca Stakes (WFA) which has attracted a cast of fine fillies and mares over one mile.

Live stream all the action on the new Sky Racing World App or watch and wager with your preferred ADW.

Belgarion forms part of a three-pronged attack trained by dominant local conditioner, Justin Snaith — dual Durban July winner Do It Again and 2017 Winter Series star, African Night Sky are stable companions — and seems teed up for a peak performance. He was hugely impressive when defeating re-opposing Rainbow Bridge and Cirillo in the Green Point Stakes in mid-December, then hardly shamed when clocking in third at odds on in a falsely paced, L'Ormarins Queen's Plate. The Cape Town Met distance suits this proven winner better, he has competed with distinction against top-class rivals already and as a lightly campaigned 5-year-old can move forward towards another peak showing at only his twelfth start.

Queen Supreme looms a threat as she has repeatedly dismissed the best of her female contemporaries whilst also badly scaring outstanding colts like overseas-bound stable mate, Hawwaam. Mike de Kock's runner was a stylish winner of the G1 Paddock Stakes at Kenilworth three weeks ago and with further improvement expected, this Irish bred mare potentially has the natural ability to menace Belgarion.

Eric Sands presents two principal contenders, Rainbow Bridge (close second to One World in the 2020 Met) and Golden Ducat, who share the same prolific producing dam, Halfway to Heaven. They fought out a humdinger in the Champions Stakes in August 2019 to showcase their merits, though both finished a couple of lengths off Belgarion in the July. Rainbow Bridge is now significantly better off at the weight turnaround with the favourite however, whilst Golden Ducat is a tough scrapper bound to have progressed since the Durban winter season, so they should be accorded proper respect.

The sole 3-year-old filly, Princess Calla is interesting. There was honour in defeat 2.3 lengths off Queen Supreme in the Paddock Stakes in only her fifth career try and she finished the same distance behind arguably the best of the 3-year-old crop, Captain's Ransom, in the Fillies Guineas. That is strong form to put on her CV. Adam Marcus saddles her, and she'll be carrying just 113 pounds. The mercurial services of excellent jock Grant van Niekerk are an added bonus.

Do It Again has drawn a blank since his July heroics in 2019, the same year he was only just run out of it in the Met by perennial rival, Rainbow Bridge. The 6-year-old may not have won for 574 days, yet cannot be written off as he usually runs big second up after a break and there was much to like about his brisk finish from the back in the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate. The occasionally grumpy veteran now gets cheek pieces to enhance his concentration.

Silver Operator is trained by Vaughan Marshall who has won this race three times in the past with La Fabulous, Hill Fifty Four and One World. He saddles long shot Silver Operator, who clashed with Belgarion earlier in their respective careers and was only beaten three quarters of a length, admittedly when receiving 13 pounds in weight. It might be that the market is mistakenly underestimating him as a seemingly forlorn 50-1 outsider, given that he's stepping up in trip for the first time, which should be fine based on his pedigree (by Silvano). Silver Operator also has scope to develop having only raced eight times.

Cirillo is another trying a longer route. Sean Tarry's entry was only lumbered in deep stretch in the Green Point over one mile and suffered a similarly narrow reverse to Golden Ducat and Rainbow Bridge in the Champions at Greyville in August over 1 1/16 mile. On that basis it would be foolish to dismiss this 33-1 long shot as a no-hoper, especially if the early fractions are not too testing and he can employ optimal stalk and pounce tactics on a dry surface.

African Night Sky suffered an excruciating beat when stopped dead in his tracks on the rail in the Premiers. But for that traffic melee, he probably would have swept past Golden Ducat. Dedicated horseman Snaith is trying to work miracles in bringing this 7-year-old back from serious injury, towards the tremendous form he displayed when winning the Winter Series of 2017. The ante post market is somewhat leery of his prospects however and pegs African Night Sky as a 20-1 chance which translates into a mere 5% chance of winning.

Running Brave is a front running invader from Joburg that will be a significant pace factor. A bargain R30,000 buy who has earned close to R2 million in stakes, she will again run her heart out but could be found wanting when it counts. 100-1 rank outsider Sovereign Spirit makes up the 11 runner field – he's finished well adrift of Belgarion and Golden Ducat without obvious excuses, and seems unlikely to trouble the judge.

Though the Met is deeply contentious with plausible cases made for many in the field, the Majorca Stakes (G1) appears clear-cut. It pits up-and-coming star, Captains Ransom (firm even money favourite in early trade) vs defending champ, Clouds Unfold, quoted at 22-10.

They clashed in the Diana Stakes in October 2020 with Captains Ransom actually out-finishing the mare, which is a rare achievement in itself given that Clouds Unfold's swift turn of foot has propelled her to nine stirring victories against the best sprinter/milers in the business. There is unlikely to be much between them this time either, but the youngster, who can sit handy from a low draw then quicken up dramatically, is preferred.

Chat Ching is about four lengths inferior to the selection on exposed form, so is unlikely to win yet can clunk up for a place. Pace forcing, Silvano's Pride, and Brett Crawford's representatives, Pretty Young Thing and Sing Out Loud are others that might reasonably be used underneath in trifecta and quartet plays.

The Cape Flying Championship (G1) is dastardly difficult to decipher. It's a very powerful line-up of brilliant sprinters all rated within a few ticks of each other – whoever is in the sharpest physical condition on the day and gets the right split-second breaks will prevail.

Compiling a contender short list with any confidence is an awkward task given how clustered they are on ability ratings: Run Fox Run, Celtic Sea, Rio Querari, Kasimir, Russet Air, Erik the Red and Vernichey could, perhaps, be the ones to fight it out.

6-1 shot Run Fox Run and 5-2 ante post favourite Celtic Sea have engaged in spirited G1 sprint duels before and have proven credentials at the higher echelons over the short cuts; upwardly mobile, Rio Querari has been mighty impressive this Cape Summer; add fellow Snaith trained runners, Erik The Red (Merchants victor) and experienced champion sprinter, Kasimir as formidable foes with excellent winning records; Russet Air won the Flying Champs in 2020 with a surging closing sectional and is 7/1 to repeat, whilst well-travelled, Vernichey may be 20/1 yet is respected as a low weight representing the three year- old fillies crop. These seven thoroughbreds have between them won 48 races, including multiple G1 and G2 Stakes'. A fascinating, quality showdown!

You can live stream Cape Town Met Day at Kenilworth on your mobile device through the Sky Racing World Streaming App on iOS or Android. South African racing fans can also watch live via desktop at skyracingworld.com, and watch and wager with all major ADW platforms such as TVG, TwinSpires, Xpressbet, NYRABets, WatchandWager, HPIbet, and AmWager.

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