Feature Edition

03/11/2008 Author : Mike Bass Racing The Cape summer season is upon us and all eyes will be on Pocket Power trying to achieve the impossible treble in the J&B Met.   We took some time to chat to Mike regarding his main feature race contenders, their well being and his plan of action for the Cape season.   Feature Race contenders   African Appeal : Has come good and sound again after returning from Dubai and is working well. He will probably run in the Green Point Stakes. He has the Second highest rating in yard of 108. so will have to find races to suit him. Difficult to say if he can win the weight for age races, so no particular races picked out. Weight for age and conditions races between a mile and 2000m. Breeding: Model Man out of Kentucky Lass by Kentucky Slew (USA) Age: 7 Bred By: D Cohen & Sons (Pty) Ltd MR: 108 Runs: 42 Wins: 7 Places: 13 Earnings: R 1 019 100 Cost: Homebred Owners: S Mackenzie and M Mason   Pocket Power : Will be having a similar preparation to last year but he is a bit more advanced in his prep this year. Will run in either The Merchants or Green Point Stakes or may even run in both, then the Queen’s Plate and then the Met. He Will trying to win either of those races for the 3rd time. He’s doing well so far and is in great shape and we are very happy with the way things are going. Breeding: Jet Master out of Stormsvlei by Prince Florimund Age: 5 Bred By: Zandvliet Stud MR: 120 Runs: 24 Wins: 11 Places: 10 Earnings: R 5 334 790 Cost: R 190 000 Owners: N M Shirtliff and Mr. & Mrs. A D Webber   Floatyourboat : I like the Premium Stakes for him. Have to go with the conditions races as his merit rating is still very high. He hasn’t won for a long while so he might have a few races that he comes into well like the Premium Stakes and One or two of the conditions races where you have to have won in the last year to get penalties. Breeding: Jet Master out of Foverington by Foveros (GB) Age: 6 Bred By: Mr. & Mrs. C F de Vos MR: 107 Runs: 24 Wins: 5 Places: 8 Earnings: R 969 025 Cost: R 240 000 Owners: N M Shirtliff and E A Braun   Bill Of Rights : Will contend the feature races in the season 1800m – 2400m. He usually wins a feature race each season. Won Lonsdale last season and now the Algoa Cup. He’s a light framed horse with a lot of talent so he doesn’t race often, but when he does he runs well. We will probably have a bash at the Met with him this year or the J&B reserve stayers on the same day. Breeding: Saumarez (GB) out of Fine Series by Fine Edge (GB) Age: 5 Bred By: D Cohen & Sons (Pty) Ltd MR: 107 Runs: 20 Wins: 6 Places: 7 Earnings: R 588 460 Cost: R 22 000 Owners: T F Smith, D C Baron and J R C Harris   Hilgrove : He will be running in a few of the features. Not sure if he’s up to group 1’s so group 2’s and 3’s from 1400m – 1800m. May still be competitive and have another small feature to come from him.  Breeding: Casey Tibbs (IRE) out of Leap To Fame by Truely Nureyev (USA) Age: 6 Bred By: Beaumont Stud MR: 102 Runs: 29 Wins: 5 Places: 12 Earnings: R 509 280 Cost: Homebred Owners: Lady Lilford   Road To Reason : Just off the top not too far back in the guineas as a 3yo, so he’ll also be going for the minor features from 1200m – 1600m. Breeding: Joshua Dancer (USA) out of Treasure Teft by Goldmark Age: 4 Bred By: D Nel & L Theron MR: 94 Runs: 9 Wins: 4 Places: 1 Earnings: R 169 510 Cost: Homebred Owners: L A G Theron and D Nel   Meteor Shower : He is still and entire and is very lazy in his work. He too will go for the minor features from 9 – 12 furlongs. Breeding: Danehill (USA) out of Teslemi (USA) by Ogygian (USA) Age: 6 Bred By: Western Bloodstock MR: 91 Runs: 18 Wins: 5 Places: 5 Earnings: R 226 960 Cost: N/A Owners: Mrs. L De Haast, Anfield Sport (Pty) Ltd (Nom: M Aronstam) and G L Blank, D I Scott   Thundering Jet : His first run for us, He won the Matchem Stakes. He more than likely will have a crack at the Queen’s Plate, Green Point Stakes and, if he gets the trip, the Met. Best suited to a mile and may surprise us this year. Breeding: Jet Master out of Bar The Shouting by Hobnob (FR) Age: 4 Bred By: Mrs. P J Devine MR: 103 Runs: 14 Wins: 4 Places: 5 Earnings: R 310 705 Cost: R 225 000 Owners: Mr. I W Longmore   Sky Blaster : Will race in smaller features between a mile and 2400m. Has a few niggly problems as he is a very large framed horse. Breeding: Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd Age: 5 Bred By: Jet Master out of Sweet Antonia (USA) by The Prime Minister (USA) MR: 94 Runs: 18 Wins: 4 Places: 10 Earnings: R 268 300 Cost: R 1 050 000 Owners: G N Shirtliff, N M Shirtliff and M A Govender   River Jetez : Will probably be confined to the fillies staying races this season. She has weight now after her successful season last year. Will probably run in the Paddock Stakes, this being her main objective, and perhaps also staying handicaps against the colts. Breeding: Jet Master out of Stormsvlei by Prince Florimund Age: 5 Bred By: Out Of Africa Stud MR: 102 Runs: 17 Wins: 5 Places: 10 Earnings: R 814 680 Cost: R 230 000 Owners: Mr. and Mrs. C A Amm and Mr. N M Shirtliff   4 year olds   Judged Excellent : Looks to be an up and coming staying type. He has ability and will compete in all the staying races.  Breeding: Jallad (USA) out of Gushing by Secret Prospector (USA) Age: 4 Bred By: Highlands Farms Stud (Pty) Ltd MR: 93 Runs: 11 Wins: 2 Places: 5 Earnings: R 144 630 Cost: R 650 000 Owners: Mrs. J D Jaffee   Blue Tiger : Up and coming 4yo sprinter/miler. We will have a go at the sprints such as Merchants/Diadem and could perhaps go up to a mile. He ran 2nd in the Diadem as a 3yo last year. Breeding: Counter Action out of Manuka by Rainbow Dream (FR) Age: 4 Bred By: D Cohen & Sons (Pty) Ltd MR: 101 Runs: 16 Wins: 3 Places: 11 Earnings: R 381 530 Cost: R 120 000 Owners: G Viljoen, E A Braun and N M Shirtliff   Gaultier : Similar to Blue Tiger and will maybe try the Cape Flying Championship over 1000m.There are no 1400m races for colts this season so we are restricted to sprints. Breeding: Jallad (USA) out of Elegantly (USA) by Danzig (USA) Age: 4 Bred By: The Alchemy MR: 103 Runs: 15 Wins: 5 Places: 6 Earnings: R 331 600 Cost: R 350 000 Owners: K P Truter and N M Shirtliff   3 year olds:   Noble Act : Is a 3yo sprinter. His Form as a 2yo was quite strong. Best distance 1000m and will maybe also try the Cape Flying Championships if he shapes. Breeding: Doowaley (IRE) out of Roll Call by Model Man Age: 3 Bred By: D Nel & L Theron MR: 98 Runs: 10 Wins: 3 Places: 5 Earnings: R 174 130 Cost: Homebred Owners: D Nel & L Theron   Consensual : Reigning 2yo Champion Filly. Will obviously contest in all the major features this year. Leading towards the Guineas, Paddock Stakes and Majorca. Breeding: Camden Park (USA) out of Isadora Duncan by Dancing Champ (USA) Age: 3 Bred By: Late Mr L & Mrs J Jaffee MR: 102 Runs: 7 Wins: 5 Places: 2 Earnings: R 432 250 Cost: R 250 000 Owners: Mrs J D Jaffee   Rose Reserve : Will be contesting in the same fillies features, working towards the Guineas and if she proves good enough the Paddock and Majorca Stakes. Breeding: Lake Coniston (IRE) out of Grand Reserve by Elliodor (FR) Age: 3 Bred By: D Cohen & Sons (Pty) Ltd MR: 96 Runs: 5 Wins: 3 Places: 1 Earnings: R 251 450 Cost: R 200 000 Owners: N M Shirtliff, Bryn Ressell and B Riley   Rushing Wind : Finished 3rd in the stakes race in Port Elizabeth.  He Looks to be a fair sort and if he shows enough will contend the 3 year old colts features in the season Breeding: Windrush (USA) out of Nordic Vine by Northern Guest (USA) Age: 3 Bred By: Normandy Stud MR: 84 Runs: 5 Wins: 1 Places: 2 Earnings: R 60 750 Cost: R 500 000 Owners: Mrs. I Jooste and Mr. M J Jooste   Victoriana : On the strength of the Champagne Stakes run may well prove to be worthy of the fillies features. Not sure yet if she stays Breeding: Jet Master out of Gem Queen by Damascus Gate (USA) Age: 3 Bred By: Zandvliet Stud MR: 93 Runs: 5 Wins: 1 Places: 2 Earnings: R 73 600 Cost: R 380 000 Owners: N M Shirtliff, L Behrmann and Sir William Pigott-Brown   Fort Vogue : Lovely big colt who shows ability at home and although he will improve with time we have high hopes for him in the future. He has only had one run so will find out how good he is after a few more, but looks promising. Breeding: Fort Wood (USA) out of Vogue by Model Man Age: 3 Bred By: Clifton Stud MR: 0 Runs: 1 Wins: 0 Places: 1 Earnings: R 5 800 Cost: R 2 200 000 Owners: N M Shirtliff, C J H van Niekerk and M J Jooste   Others to consider and possibly include:   Empress Crown : Will try the Scepter Stakes, Odessa Fillies and all the fillies sprints. Breeding: Caesour (USA) out of Fire Tread by All Fired Up (USA) Age: 3 Bred By: Gary Player Stud (Pty) Ltd MR: 90 Runs: 7 Wins: 2 Places: 2 Earnings: R 117 820 Cost: R 275 000 Owners: D Nel, N M Shirtliff, L A G Theron and T J Kerkmann   Temair : Comment: Had a nice break after niggling foot problems. Wasn’t too far off them in the Juveniles and should be effective up to a mile. If she’s up to the task we’ll take on the features. Breeding: Tara’s Halls (SNL) out of Rock And Roll by Rakeen (USA) Age: 3 Bred By: Hyjo Stud Close Corporation MR: 84 Runs: 4 Wins: 1 Places: 2 Earnings: R 53 200 Cost: R 340 000 Owners: Mrs. Vanashree and Mr. Anant Singh and Team Valor International (Nom: B Irwin)

Tipping Corner

03/11/2008 Author : Tammi Eastland SMS Tipping Highlights for October 2008     Greyville 31 Best Bet (Seven Veils) Paid R 2.10 Vaal 30 Pick 6 Returned R 4 182.80 Vaal 30 Jackpot Returned R 551.60 Scottsville 29 Best Bet (Just Jettin' Along) Paid R 1.60 Durbanville 28 Best Bet (Miss Olympic) Paid R 2.30 Durbanville 28 Value Bet (Road To Reason) Paid R 2.70 Durbanville 28 Value Bet (Silent Warrior) Paid R 2.60 Clairwood 26 Best Bet (Asian Affair) Paid R 1.80 Durbanville 25 Value Bet (Captain's League) Paid R 21.20 Turffontein 25 PA Returned R 1 531.20 Turffontein 25 Best Bet (Academy Colours) Paid R 2.60 Fairview 24 PA Returned R 1 556.80 Turffontein 19 Best Bet (Prince Asad) Paid R 1.50 Durbanville 18 PA Returned R 342.00 Greyville 18 Best Bet (La Beau Jolais) Paid R 1.50 Vaal 16 Pick 6 Returned R 15 480.60 Vaal 16 Jackpot Returned R 412.80 Vaal 16 Best Bet (Pasadora Fizz) Paid R 1.70 Vaal 16 Value Bet (Galahad) Paid R 2.80 Durbanville 11 Value Bet (Air Combat) Paid R 4.10 Greyville 10 Best Bet (Saubestre) Paid R 2.40 Fairview 10 PA Returned R 1 196.80 Fairview 10 Pick 6 Returned R 6 224.80 Fairview 10 Value Bet (Eagle's Nest) Paid R 3.20 Vaal 9 Best Bet (Sofala) Paid R 1.40 Greyville 8 Pick 6 Returned R 38 098.90 Greyville 8 Jackpot Returned R 990.50 Durbanville 7 Pick 6 Returned R 4 192.60 Turffontein 5 PA Returned R 507.60 Turffontein 5 Value Bet (Sandown Bay) Paid R 4.00 Durbanville 4 Best Bet (Rushing Wind) Paid R 2.60 Clairwood 4 PA Returned R 408.20 Clairwood 4 Best Bet (Humberstone) Paid R 2.40 Arlington 3 Pick 6 Returned R 75 622.20 Arlington 3 Jackpot Returned R 4 842.90     Subscribe for SMS tipping by purchasing 20 race meetings for R350.00 and the tips will be sent directly to your phone. To Subscribe please click here .     SMS CAPE, KZN, PE or GAUTENG to 42003   11 Winners this month for MBR     RUSHING WIND        04-Oct-08          DURBANVILLE    MAIDEN PLATE 3YO; 1800M         MRS I JOOSTE ; MR M JOOSTE SWINGER       07-Oct-08          DURBANVILLE    FM 78 HANDICAP; 1600M            M MASON   GOLD MAN     07-Oct-08          DURBANVILLE    STAYERS NOVICE PLATE; 2000M P BAMFORD ; LADY LILFORD   AIR COMBAT             11-Oct-08          DURBANVILLE    RACED MAIDENS & 1 - 3 TIME WINNERS; 1600m  M SHIRTLIFF ; G SHIRTLIFF ; G KAHAN ; W BRITS   GRISHAM       21-Oct-08          DURBANVILLE    MAIDEN PLATE; 1400M   R BLOOMBERG ; G WILSON   RUSHING WIND       24-Oct-08          FAIRVIEW          RA LISTED; 1600M (3RD)            MRS I HOOSTE ; MR M JOOSTE   TOLEDO SWORD      26-Oct-08          FAIRVIEW          ALLOWANCE PLATE; 1400M         M GOVENDER ; L PHELPS ; M SHIRTLIFF   RUB A DUB DUB       26-Oct-08          FAIRVIEW          MR 83; 1400M    M SHIRTLIFF, N KRITSIOTIS, D NEL ; L THERON   BILL OF RIGHTS       26-Oct-08          FAIRVIEW          ALGOA CUP (GR3); 2000M          T F SMITH ; D C BARON ; J R C HARRIS   MISS OLYMPIC         28-Oct-08          DURBANVILLE    MAIDEN PLATE (F&M); 1400M      MR & MRS A GEORGIOU ; B TABERER   ROAD TO REASON     28-Oct-08          DURBANVILLE    RACED MAIDENS & 1 - 3 TIME WINNERS; 1400m  L THERON ; D NEL

Joke of the Month

03/11/2008 Author : Tammi Eastland Once upon a time, in a village, a man appeared and  announced to the villagers that he would buy monkeys for $10 each.     The villagers, seeing that there were many monkeys around, went out to the forest and started catching them. The man bought thousands at $10.     And, as supply started to diminish, the villagers stopped their effort.     He further announced that he would now buy at $20 for a monkey.     This renewed the efforts of the villagers and they started catching monkeys again.     Soon the supply diminished even further and people started going back to their farms.     The offer increased to $25 each, and the supply of monkeys became so small that it was an effort to even find a monkey, let alone catch it!     The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at $50! However, since he had to go to the city on some business, his assistant would now buy on behalf of him.     In the absence of the man, the assistant told the villagers. "Look at all these monkeys in the big cage that the man has collected. I will sell them to you at $35, and when the man returns from the City, you can sell them to him for $50 each."     The villagers rounded up all their savings and bought all the monkeys.     They never saw the man nor his assistant again, only monkeys everywhere!     Now you have a better understanding of how Wall Street works.