The last race accomplished mare,
Olivia’s Way won was the 2025
Igugu Stakes, and she will try defending that honor on Saturday at Turffontein.
Indian Ocean nearly stole it last year under an inspired ride by since retired legend Piere Strydom and could again be a pace factor (though she is badly off form), together with questionable stayer
Callmegetrix s/s 103 and
Daisy Jones s/s 93.
Minogue who got a figure of 101 in
Wish List’s Paddock Stakes should contend, as can 3YO filly Charge It on her December win in the
Jacaranda s/s 97, though she’s not run back to that number since.
If
Olivia’s Way repeats her top figure of 104 in the Champions Challenge behind
See It Again, then she should justify 15/10 favoritism.
Fire Attack s/s 107 has much the best number in the
Colorado King Stakes over 2000m. That was earned coming from off the pace under Richard Fourie in the
Champions Stakes at Greyville in July 2025.
Alec Laird’s entry has endured some setbacks and not equaled that score since (103 being his subsequent best) and his last start was a total duff try early in April.
Fourie used hold- up tactics behind
Gladatorian when scoring that excellent 107 and maybe getting
Fire Attack to settle, then come on late, could see him to better effect than some of his more recent tries.
Stable mate
Atticus Finch s/s 102,
Choisaanada s/s 100,
The Ultimate King and
Field Marshal s/s 99 are next in line.
Buffalo Storm Cody s/s 110 is odds on to take out the
Senor Santa Stakes, carded as Race 8, off time 15h25.
His stellar record is hard to knock. Ten victories from 18 starts including a bunch of G1’s, with six wins from seven at the course plus the adaptable champ handles good to soft going. Draw 12, on the stand-side rail tends to be advantaged at Turffontein, and to cap it all, engaged jockey, Fourie is a perfect 2-2 on him.
So, what’s not to like? Well, his price is short enough at around 7/10 so value seekers may, perhaps inadvisably, look to get him beat.
Truth s/s 106 has suffered some tough trips lately and could be a menace with a smooth commute.
Low weights
The Specialist s/s 99 ++ and
Jerusalema Rain s/s 106 are in hot form and respected.
The erratic,
Ziyasha s/s 106; two-time winner,
Charming Cheetah s/s 99 + and the course and distance victor with dreary current form over further,
Cosmic Speed s/s 105 have less obvious claims but could get involved for a share of the prizes.
William Robertson s/s 107 will need to be breathing easier (respiratory noises last two) to run up to his true capabilities. If able to do so, then he might give
Buffalo Storm Cody a scare as he was only a length adrift at levels in a
Pinnacle Stake in February.
Talented 3YO,
Green Diamond appeals in the
Camellia Stakes having run 99 – 101 and 102 at her last three starts. She was hardly disgraced behind champion speedballs,
Buffalo Storm Cody and
William Robertson and now takes on less formidable fillies and mares in this 1160m G2.
Draw 2 is a slight concern but Craig Zackey (successful on her at three out of four rides) knows what to do with this tactically versatile filly who romped in the
Nursery over this C/D.
Looking beyond
Green Diamond’s persuasive claims,
Rachel Wall s/s 95 ++,
Almond Sea s/s 103,
Perfect Miracle s/s 99 and
Rifle Queen s/s 98 ++ all represent high percentage trainer, Tony Peter’s potent stable.
Slow starter,
Almond Sea can finish powerfully and already meets the par required to win this race, whilst his other fillies have sufficient upside potential to suggest they can hit the desired number of 100 or better.
Whistle the Tune s/s 99 from the Candice Dawson yard is also not out of it.
Rodeo Drive s/s 102 is a pace threat on the pick of her past performances.
This should be another tremendous spectacle, (and a good betting race, ) on a card laden with interesting Graded stakes!
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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