Talk to the Master was sold as a horse in training with the original intention to campaign in Mauritius. When those plans did not materialize, a decision was made to race him in KZN. The very smart 4YO Master of my Fate gelding, now trained by Dominique Zackey, gets an ideal opportunity to lift a large bounty in the
Big Cap over 1400m at Greyville on Saturday.
Talk to the Master’s best speed figure is an excellent 107; he should obtain a smooth trip under Craig Zackey from draw 2 and, whilst he’s not raced at Greyville, he won well enough going right-handed at Scottsville. He ran a 99 + last time, a month ago, and should be primed to hit a career peak when the stakes are highest.
Improving,
Tintin looms a danger. Sean Tarry trains this
Rafeef 4YO who has run escalating figs of 88 +, 94 + and 97 +. He must only tote 50kg so rates a legit chance over a distance that suits.
What A Fortune s/s 99 represents each-way value at 17/1 ante-post. Typically, patiently handled by Bass Racing, he comes in off a career best at Durbanville three weeks ago and trucks up to Durban a fit horse. He carries just 50.5kg’s and if Ant Mgudlwa can get him into a stalking position from draw 8 then he should be in the fray at the finish.
As we’ve come to expect, Justin Snaith has a strong hand in lucrative contests, with top weight under 63kg’s,
Great Plains s/s 108 (a 1400m specialist with a powerful turn of foot who loves the Greyville circuit); talented 3YO grey,
Roland Garros s/s 100 who is advantaged by draw 1 and stretch-runner
Randolph Hearst s/s 102, though he looks safely held by
Talk to the Master on their recent clash.
Snaith also saddles
Malmesbury Missile s/s 105 who was an eye catcher after a rest and gelding when he gave
I’m A Fireball wind chill two weeks ago. He loves this track and is a must-use in exotic plays under the vigorous, Muzi Yeni.
Isivivane s/s 98 has really held form well since returning to racing in October 2025 under the diligent care of Peter Muscutt. He goes best racing handy, but does take on tougher rivals to what he is usually accustomed.
Vaughan Marshall and Richard Fourie team up with
Vapour Trail s/s 99. He, arguably, has a slightly better chance than
Randolph Hearst on these weight terms compared to their duel in the
Langerman as juveniles.
A wide barrier is a problem over seven panels at Greyville. Middle weight,
Bjorn Ironside s/s 101 will need to overcome gate 12 – on the pick of his form he could hit the frame under aggressive front running rider, Calvin Habib who understands the value of early speed.
Just be Lekker s/s 100 may be officially best weighted, but the mare needs to regain her mojo to shape here.
Pretty Persuasive s/s 94 and
Porridge Boy s/s 86 fall short on the speed scores, so must up their game to contend.
Selections for the
Big Cap – Race 7, off time 15h55:
2 TALK TO THE MASTER
7 TINTIN
8 WHAT A FORTUNE
1 ROLAND GARROS
3 GREAT PLAINS
Bio: Mark van Deventer has been refining his speed figures for thoroughbred racehorses over three decades. A full-time racing journalist since 2013, he’s known for his integrity and imaginative handicapping, adapting the principles of Andrew Beyer’s figures to South African racecourses.
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