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With such a rich heritage and steeped breeding tradition, it will be a sad day for South African Racing when we bid farewell to the end of a great breeding era as Odessa stud disperses their final band of mares on public auction this week.

Lionel Cohen, CEO of Equimark Equestrian Sales and owner of D Cohen & Sons, is a name that has become synonymous with achievement when it comes to breeding and racing in our country

The 135th running of the Kentucky Derby signalled the beginning of American racing’s annual quest for a transcendent star. It’s just possible they’ll die trying 

Given I am something of a devotee of horse racing, a woman I know asked me last year if I had an opinion on the harrowing scene that had occurred the week before in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs: The runner-up in the race, the filly Eight Belles, broke both front ankles and had to be euthanised as a capacity crowd and worldwide television audience looked on in horror.

Pocket Power’s scintillating debut performance in Kwa-Zulu Natal, has shot the champion gelding to 7th on the current world rankings.  

Dubai Duty Free winner, Gladiatorus was announced as the top ranked horse in the world, while the Mike De Kock trained Eagle Mountain was ranked 4th . Pocket Power joins the likes of the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and the Champion filly Rachel Alexandra, winner of this year’s Preakness Stakes in 7th position, just 6 points adrift.

A lineup of monstrous proportions awaits punters and racing fans tomorrow with the first 4x grade-1s of the season all crammed into one meeting. This is the annual Scottsville sprint-fest and the crowds come out in droves for the occasion. The 7th race is the SA Fillies Sprint and hot favourite 3year old Merlene De Lago is currently priced at 1/1 representing a 50% winning chance.

Nevvay put it all together to clinch his first group 3 on Sunday when triumphing in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup, with stable companion Thundering Jet running a much improved race to finish a close up third.

The well bred son of Western Winter has thrived since his arrival in Natal. His prep run over a mile at Scottsville two weeks prior was somewhat surprising considering his lengthy layoff, and to follow this up with another super win here is indicative that he has reached the potential we always thought he was capable of.

A field of 12 top horses, including 8 entries for the Vodacom Durban July, will contest the R750 000, Grade 1 Gold Challenge over 1 600m at Clairwood Racecourse in Durban on Saturday.

Pocket Power added the illustrious Gold Challenge to his trophy cabinet this Saturday when overcoming a top field in the group 1 classic, and now appears to have the Durban July at his mercy in three weeks time.

Back to two meetings for KZN racing this weekend, first up tonight - Greyville featuring the Post Merchants over 1200m, then to Scottsville Sunday for a meeting of the mundane and marginal.

The traditional Vodacom Durban July gallops will take place at Greyville Racecourse on the morning of Thursday, June 25, just over a week before the big event.

The gallops are a condition of entry for the country’s greatest horse race and the public will get a final chance to see all the runners in action.

Bank on the Smart money at Greyville

The Vodacom Durban July gallops were held on Thursday morning and gave little away with most of the contenders putting in similar workouts and 400m to finish times. The exception however has to be Smart Banker who put in the clear ‘best performance’ of the morning with an impressive galloping display, blitzing the final 400m in 21 seconds.

Unrivalled as Africa’s greatest sporting and social event, July 4 will again attract more than 50 000 of the country’s bold, brash and beautiful to Greyville Racecourse in Durban for the R3 million Vodacom Durban July.

It is in fact 112 years ago in July 1897 that seven runners faced the starter at the inaugural meeting of the new Durban Turf Club.

With the countries finest horses competing in the 12 carded races it provides spectators and fans a feast of equine excellence, and is unquestionably the greatest and most prestigious horse racing event on the continent.

John Botha has won week-2 of the Interbet return on investment competition to earn himself a cool R2k into his Interbet account.

Press Release: Three great July winning trainers of the past were asked yesterday who they thought would win this year’s Vodacom Durban July.

Ralph Rixon, who won the big race with Jamaican Music in 1976, believes it will be hard for any horse to beat Pocket Power this year.

South Africa’s Champion three year old Big City Life, superbly ridden by Greg Cheyne, ran an outstanding race to be crowned the Vodacom Durban July champion on Saturday. Zirconium and Forest Path, both De Kock stable inmates, were second and third while the Bass trained Thundering Jet held on gamely for fourth. Pocket Power ran on exceptionally well from the rear but could only manage fifth position despite the fastest 400 to finish.

After contesting last weekend’s Vodacom Durban July run over 2200m, Our Giant reverts to sprints next Sunday, July 19, where he is due to line up in the R600,000 The Mercury Sprint (Gr 1) to be run over 1200m at Clairwood.

This month Interbet will host an early morning 'behind-the-scenes' tour of Summerveld and the opportunity for racing fans to get a glimpse first hand into the world of thoroughbred race horse training.

Lion’s Blood, winner of the 2007 Dingaans, is back in SA after his overseas campaign and has now been gelded. He arrived at Summerveld 3 weeks ago and will remain with the Herman Brown yard where he will be prepared for the forthcoming JHB spring season. He’s likely to make his first appearance or two here in KZN before contesting the November Handicap en route to the Summer Cup.

Interbet's Summerveld breakfast tour is on for tomorrow (Thurs 23rd July) and all are welcome. The tour is free but please note :

booking is essential as we have a very limited number of places available due to cancellations.

Our Giant, The sensational winner of the Gr 1 Natal Mercury Sprint has been sold.

The sum is not known but it has been confirmed that the brilliant son of Giants Causeway has left the yard of Charles Laird and has already been moved to the yard of Mike de Kock.

The countries premium grade 1 event for stayers, resulted in an incredible feat for trainer Stephen Page who ran home first and second in the Cup for owner Bridget Oppenheimer.

It was a well deserved accomplishment for the modest Phillipi based trainer who demonstrated his capabilities at the highest level and one hopes he attracts the utmost recognition for this fine achievement.

University librarian Fareed Davids from Cape Town has emerged victorious for the 7th round of Interbet's weekly ROI competition and wins the R2000 weekly prize courtesy of Interbet and TAB.

THE 2009 Equus Awards, honouring the Champions of South African racing for the 2008/9 racing season, will be held on Thursday, 13 August at the Emperors Palace Entertainment Centre.

Equimark have two nominated graduates among these nominees including the 2009 Vodacom Durban July champion Big City Life (Equimark 2007 RTR sale).

International Breeders Seminar

26, 27 August 2009

Somerset College

Somerset West

So, after some deliberation, we decided to write to The Queen of England after Pocket Power’s third victory in The Queens Plate. After all, its not every day one finds a valid reason to communicate with Royalty.

Not expecting that the letter would so much as find the Royal mail box, it was a pleasant surprise for us when we eventually received correspondence from Buckingham Palace…

..and you don't need 20/20 vision to spot the hidden message that lurked across my two recent columns - 'The Kotzen concoction' and 'The 6's and the 8's'. The signs were there for none to see, all pointing to yesterday at Scottsville when Kotzen pounced on the 8th race with No.8, Lune De Miele at 25/1, tonking punters for the proverbial cricket 6!

The 2008/09 season has been a rewarding one for me in that I have managed to secure the Western Cape Jockey’s Championship for the seventh time – the sixth time in the past eight seasons. I owe a vote of thanks to all the Owners and Trainers who have made this possible and in particular a special mention the Bass Racing Stable, headed up by Mike, and the Plattner team headed up by Brett who have given me so many chances over the past season, not to mention the years gone by.

Read the article on www.equimark.co.za

A few snaps taken recently………

Winner Gr3 Colts Nursery and 2^nd in the Gr2 Southern Cross stakes to Lady Windermere

The Mike de Kock stable dominated Gold Circle’s KwaZulu-Natal Racing Awards held at a function at Greyville Racecourse on Thursday evening. 

Woolavington 2000 winner and Vodacom Durban July runner-up Zirconeum was crowned Horse of the Year as well as Three-year-old Filly of the Year.

• Five 2 year old's from Boland Stud
• 3 Horses in training

Welcome to the out-of-season long haul KZN.. in full swing and high time to whip out your formguide of choice and get down to some good old collateral form analysis. Local trainers have wasted no time springing into action now they have the playing field to themselves so there’s sure to be a few good things to lift spirits like only profit-making can.

Popular race horse owner and a 'voice of reason' to the industry John Finlayson, has won the R2k prize for week 4 of Interbet's ROI competition.

Only two weeks of Champion's season remain here in KZN before the cavalry roll on once again in relentless pursuit of graded stakes and black type. This weekend we have the Mercury Sprint at Clairwood on Sunday, then onto Champion's Cup the following Saturday and for the finale - Gold Cup day on the 1st August with almost R2mil in stakes money to bring season to a close in fine style. This day also ushers in the 2009/2010 season, resets the stats and is the official birthday for all racehorses.

Julie Reich has won Interbet's ROI competition No.5 and the R2000 weekly cash prize on offer. It was a case of first time lucky for Julie who only joined Interbet last week to catch some lucrative doubles for a 430% return on investment. Well done!

Pocket Power’s attempt at his ninth group 1 in the Champions Cup was not to be when he found one better in Ivory Trail at Clairwood on Saturday. The Champion gelding hit the front a furlong and a half out and looked to have done enough in the closing stages, but a late sustained run from Ivory Trail saw the Champion relegated to second position. In a tight knit finish, last years victor Buy And Sell got third while Blue Tiger ran a cracking race in fourth.

Media Release:

Avontuur Estate, the thoroughbred stud farm and wine estate between Stellenbosch and Somerset West announced an increased sponsorship for this year’s Grade 1 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas of R750 000. The race will be run on Saturday, 5 December at Kenilworth Race Course in Cape Town.

3 Horses for Sale from Reinels Stud

•         Shareeda’s Jet
•         Monseur Jay
•         Speed Of Light

Kenilworth 12th R 1800 Pick 6 Returned R 94 728.10

Scottsville 9th Pick 6 Returned R 82 720.40

Other highlights

Kenilworth 12th R150 Jackpot Returned R 1735.80

Turffontein 12th PA Returned R 769.00

Scottsville 9th Jackpot Returned R 1590.60

MBR.com value:

Turffontein 12th, Draw Bridge @ 5/1

MBR.com Best Bets:

Kenilworth 12th, Captain's Secret @ 2/1

Turffontein 12th, Valley Of Rubies @ 2/1

Vaal 10th, Ex Unitate Vires @ 2/1

Scottsville 9th, Secret Babe @ 2/1

After a record breaking 127 winners last season, Captain Al looks set to continue his march to the top of the sire’s championship. One of his many impressive progenies is Captain’s Secret. The talented gelding secured the first listed win for his sire this season when easily disposing of the Sophomore field in the listed sprint at Kenilworth.

We had an early new arrival to the Bass family on Wednesday night. Mark and Maree had a healthy baby girl, named Sienna. She weighed 2.5kgs at birth and is ever so cute. Maree and Sienna arrived home last night and the news this morning from a rather weary Mark was that they did not get much sleep, just a taste of what’s to come! Congratulations to them both and I am very proud to be an aunty.

FEW people will bet against three-time Horse of the Year Pocket Power scoring the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate-J&B Met double for the fourth consecutive time when the Cape’s premier events are run in January next year.

Those are the two primary objectives mapped out by ruling Cape champion trainer Mike Bass for the problematic seven-year-old son of Jet Master. First, Pocket Power will have a pipe-opener in the Diadem Stakes over 1200m at Kenilworth on Saturday 19 December.

A bumper line up awaits punters this Sunday at Clairwood and there’s surely something to suit every punting style across the ten race program. We have bags of info up and coming from Summerveld so be sure to catch Interbet’s racing preview on raceday mid-morning. Find it on a favourite Interbet affiliated news site near you and get notified when it becomes available by subscribing to the notification list here

Tote and fixed odds betting from one online account

Bill Of Rights could be considered unlucky not to have secured his Algoa Cup double but Sunday’s raid on Fairview was substantiated with a win and two places from our three runners. 

Interbet's Return on Investment competition week6 has gone to a well known racing personality from back in the day who wishes to remain anonymous but did reveal his racing heyday nickname - Tic Tac Man.

Racing at Scottsville today and it's the last KZN meeting for the

2008/2009 season so the plan is to see it off a winner. Who better to stick with then than trainer Glen Kotzen having the season of his life here in the Winter capital.

The privateer Motorite Racing team has completed the 2009 motor sport season with championships in both disciplines in which it competed and has taken its record to five national championships in five years.

The Gr 2 Betting World Merchants Stakes is the highlight of the Cape Race meeting to be run over spongy Kenilworth track this coming Saturday.

The stable mate pairing of Gaultier and Blue Tiger, who came first and second respectively in this same race last year, will have similar expectations again when they step out for their first major race of the season.

Also in this article

• Green Point Stakes  
• River Jetez returns
• 3 winners for MBR on Saturday

Pocket Power had his first gallop at Kenilworth over 1400m with Diamond Quest yesterday when they were sent from the 1400 m mark.

Besides the blustering winds (so excuse the amateur footage) both jocks were happy with their gallops.

In familiar fashion, so often seen executed by her brother, River Jetez produced a late charge to secure her first start of the season at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Gauteng’s premier racing event of the season has arrived, the Summer Cup now sponsored by Sansui and to be run as part of a 12 race day/night program at Turffontein tomorrow, the 28th Nov-09. The services of DJ Jazzy D and his famous friends have been engaged to provide entertainment for guests and all is now in place for Phumelela and the RA’s valiant effort to get people back to the races.

Media release

Avontuur Estate GM, Pippa Mickleburgh announced this week that the well-known winery and stud farm from the Somerset West area in the Western Cape,   has appointed 28 year old up-and-coming SA jockey, MJ Byleveld, as their new on-course ambassador.

Pocket Power delivered an astounding performance in his come back run at Kenilworth on Saturday when the champion easily romped home ahead of Big City Life and Air Combat over 1500m. He now remains unbeaten from 13 starts in excess of 7 furlongs around the turn at the Cape course.

Thousands of racing fans, celebrities, families and kids and wine lovers were on hand on Saturday, 5 December at Kenilworth race course in Cape Town to see complete outsider, Field Flower, win  the R750 000 Gr 1 Avontuur Fillies Guineas by a large margin in one of the most tightly contested races of the day!

The grade 2 Midmar Premier Trophy takes place on Sunday.

It is to some extent an early pointer towards the Met, with the winner virtually guaranteeing his position amongst the final line up.

This race is often difficult to assess at this time of year and it is historically renowned for upsets. This year appears no different and the race looks wide open.

The Grade 2 Midmar Premiers Trophy was won by the impressive front running galloper Red Rake who won a top race under the conditions. From the Mike Bass coupling, Fort Vogue ran on the best finishing second and has now established himself as a serious top division contender.

Piggs Peak Casino, home of All Africa Poker, will sponsor night racing at Turffontein in Gauteng and Greyville in Durban, as well as twilight meetings at Kenilworth in Cape Town, from January 2010.

Red Rake was the biggest points earner on the second weekend of the Cape Sizzling Summer’s Charity Turf Challenge as he gained 10 points for winning the Grade 2 Midmar Premier Trophy, while second placed Fort Vogue and third-placed Noblewood earned seven points and five points respectively. All three of these horses were on the original 100 horse guideline.

The Bloodstock SA Cape Guineas, the premier event for three year old colts on the Cape sizzling summer calendar, takes place this Saturday.

The Mike Bass trained Captain’s Secret will be among the well fancied individuals to capture his trainers first colts guineas crown, but is drawn widest of all in an outstanding line up of young colts.

“Mike Bass honoured”

“Guineas run to form”

With two of SA’s premier horse racing events, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and J&B Met happening in January, the story of Thoroughbred mare, Sawubona, and her foal, African Airways, sired by champion racehorse, Jet Master, seems appropriate.  

• TBA Paddock Stakes
• Queens Plate
• Peninsula Handicap

Vanilla Accounting Services

Press Release : 6 January 2009

Bass and Snaith Stable

Top 5 on the leaderboard: 12 January 2010

Fort Vogue’s scintillating victory in the Peninsula Handicap, capped off a superb day for owner Marsh Shirtliff who had the privilege of having four winners in his colours at Kenilworth yesterday.

Seasons greetings everyone and what better way to roar into the new-year than with the ensemble of champions that take their place in the big time at Kenilworth this weekend. Very little has been left to say about the historic moment awaiting Pocket Power when he attempts the astonishing - a forth consecutive win in the Queen's Plate and last stop before yet another record breaking attempt in the Met at month end.

Pocket Power, the three times defending champion of the J&B Met, will receive a unique "gift" from Gold Circle on Saturday 30th January as he receives his very own saddle cloth colour for the big race- a gesture never, to our knowledge, bestowed upon a defending champion of a Grade 1 race either in South Africa or internationally.

The stage is set for the 33rd running of the J&B Met with one of the finest fields to line up in this race for some time.

It will unquestionably be Pocket Powers toughest ask of his career to win it four times in succession, but trainer Mike Bass feels his Champion will be up for the challenge.

Pocket Power’s renowned jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe, has been undergoing an intense training regime with one of South Africa’s most legendary personal trainers and Muay Thai champions Winston Chong. The pair met at the Queens Plate and Fayd’Herbe has enlisted the services of the Dragon Power boss to strengthen and maintain his weight for the 2010 J&B Met, where he attempts to pilot Pocket Power into a world record fourth consecutive victory.

KZN racing returns to Greyville for night time action on Saturday where an 8 race program is scheduled at the city track. At this stage the weather forecast is all clear for a change so for those of you out on a limb, here’s to the trimming of losing streak wings! Cheers.

Trainers took full advantage of the ‘buyers’ market conditions at Sandringham Estate on Sunday. The sale average plummeted by 10 % on last years figures and buyers were quick to snap up the quality bloodstock at very sensible prices.

Saturdays feature is the Betting World Cape Flying Championships. A WFA grade 1 event over 1000m.

Press Release

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa is pleased to announce that Dr Len Konar, who has served on the National Board since June 1999, was elected as Chairman of the NHA on 18 January 2010.  Dr Konar replaces Larry Nestadt whose term of office has expired.

KZN racing takes a breather this weekend as all attention focuses on Cape Town for what must surely be the most anticipated J&B Met of all time. Not only are we to be entertained by an exceptionally strong field packed with the best South Africa has to offer, but the towering achievements of a once in-a-lifetime champion named Pocket Power, may soar to even greater heights should he emerge triumphant for a 4th consecutive time.

Sunsational capped off another big season for Mike Bass when running out a comfortable winner in the Kenilworth feature on Saturday.

The daughter of Windrush, has been a model of consistency throughout her career and this victory now moves her winning tally to 5 from 17 starts. This was her second grade 3 win, after clinching her first, the Final Fling Stakes, in August last year.

Not everything is glamorous when it comes to the sport of racing but here’s one humble hero who wouldn’t swap his lot for anything in the world

Adriaan Elijah fell just 10 points short from this season’s winner Sanjith Pancham who racked up 212 points with his selections.

Pocket Power will be bound for his 4th season in Kwa-Zulu Natal when he leaves with Mike’s string of 28 horses later next month.

Mike Bass Racing had a fantastic Cape season and at throughout February topped the National trainers log from Mike De Kock in second and Charles laird in third.

The Equimark Vintage yearling sale takes place this weekend which is one of the premier sale dates on the South African calendar. One graduate from the 2009 catalogue was Forbes who won a cracking race to break his maiden at Durbanville on Saturday.

The 2010 Vodacom Durban July is 149 days away and will take place on Saturday, 31 July 2010.

Every year the theme for Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event is eagerly awaited and enthusiastic callers badger Gold Circle’s Marketing Team from about August of the preceding year for an insight into the theme. 

With South Africa hosting the World Cup, the year 2010 has necessitated breaks in tradition and innovative thinking by administrators of many South African sporting codes; horseracing being no different. This year’s Champions Season sees the R1.2million Canon Gold Cup brought forward a month, and for this year only, will be run on Saturday, June 26.

Mike Bass has announced his string to race the Kwa-Zulu Natal racing season which will depart with assistant trainer Robert Fayd’Herbe on the 6 April.

The Herman Brown yard have been flying over the last couple of months to Dubai and have a weekend that could make their season with good feature chances in three centres around the world.

Since the Real Time Mobile partnership with Phumelela Gold some 6 months ago, the intuitive mobile operation has made strides in development. The company has accrued a dedicated band of followers to their Java application which provides subscribers with up to the minute odds and betting information for horseracing, football and sports betting.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES–Gloria de Campeao won the $10 million (all figures U.S.) Dubai World Cup on Saturday in a thrilling photo finish, nosing out South African hopeful Lizard's Desire to capture the world's richest horse race.

Easter weekend started off auspiciously for Avontuur and VAR’s incredible three-year-old daughter, Val de Ra, when she was unbeaten after five starts in the listed KwaZulu Natal Stakes over 1000 m at Greyville on Friday night.

Gold Circle advises that the racemeeting scheduled to take place at Greyville Racecourse on Sunday, 18 April 2010 has been moved to Friday, 16 April 2010, and will be a Night Racemeeting.

With our final load of horses bound for Durban this morning preparations for the KZN feature races are already underway.

Durban - With just over three months to the 2010 Vodacom Durban July, designers and fashionistas are trolling through the fabric isles and paging through the high-end fashion magazines following the announcement of this years theme "It's a Blooming Great Day".

Blue tiger, Rushing Wind and Gaultier will kick off our Durban campaign when they partake in a conditions race, over 1200m at Clairwood next week. Also carded on the same day are Grisham and Test Pilot who run in a graduation plate as well as Novelty in a MR 78 over 1900 m, so we are hopeful of a positive start to our 2010 Kwazulu-Natal campaign.

We have nominated for 4 feature races over the next few weeks including this years Vodacom Durban July where Mike has nominated 4 entries including back to back winners and siblings, Pocket Power and River Jetez ……

For KZN-based players of the Charity Turf Challenge, Gold Circle has kindly allowed Racing South Africa to use the Gold Circle Members Department as a reception area in the build up to the competition. Situated on the first floor of Greyville Racecourse, the venue is easily accessed via Gate 8 off Avondale Road.

Welcome to the 8^th edition of the 5 To Follow Competition KZN season. Competition commences on 21^st May (Betting World 1900 G2) and finishes on 7^th August (Umgeni Handicap L and The Darley Arabian L). Entries close noon, 19^th May. Entry is FREE. Only online entries will be accepted. Click here to enter.

Mike Bass has not yet made up his mind as to the route Pocket Power will take in the Kwa Zulu Natal feature race build up.

Strategise fell just short of the Snaith trained Robert The Bruce in the PE Derby on Sunday, but the Bass camp were happy with both of our runners performances.

Entries - Final Fling Stakes WFA (Gr3) at Kenilworth, Saturday 7^th July

Entries - Champagne Stakes (WFA) (Gr 3) at Kenilworth, Saturday 14^th Aug

The Betting World 1900 will be run over 1900 m at Greyville Racecourse on Friday evening, May 21. Mike will be sending out his ‘A’ team for their first outings on the east coast, including Fort Vogue in the 1900 feature, Pocket Power in the pinnacle and River Jetez over a mile. Mike Bass reports:

Pocket Power returned to the winning enclosure for the 19th time in his amazing career when he provided fans with a spectacular performance in the 1400m pinnacle stakes at Greyville racecourse on Friday evening.

Saturday’s big Golden Horse Casino Sprint Raceday at Scottsville Racecourse is looming large in the minds of Champions Season enthusiasts and it augurs well for the Clairwood-base trainers whose horses appear to thrive at this training centre at this time of the year. 

Charles Laird sends out the Grade 1 winning sprinter, Warm White Night, in the Golden Horse Casino Sprint over 1200m.

Six of Mike’s runners contest two features in the Cape and KZN this weekend. The Gr1 Golden Horse Casino Sprint and the Gr3 Cape Winter Classic.

Mike gives his website the rundown:

The KZN string, under Mike Bass and Robert Fayd’Herbe, are optimistic of a good weekend with our runners in both the Woolavington and Lonsdale Stirrup Cup this weekend.

Interbet users now have an added service of being able to watch live South African racing from the comfort of their computers. 

Interbet’s newly launched online service is free to Interbet customers and provides viewers with live feeds including Interviews, canter-pasts and racing from all South African racing centres.

Lionel Cohen has been granted his full, open training licence by Racing New South Wales in Australia.

Lionel, who still has a firm business interest in the South African racing industry from an Equimark and breeding perspective, will start his new training operation from the beginning of August from his allocated premises at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney.

From time to time, people tell me, 'lighten up, it's just a horse,' or, 'that's a lot of money for just a horse'. They don't understand the distance travelled, the time spent, or the costs involved for 'just a horse.'

The Rising Sun Gold Challenge has always been the focal point of Pocket Powers season. The defending Champion has come through his preparation run very well but this year’s field of 10 runners is particularly strong and the Power will have to bring his best form to the track on Saturday to secure the Gold double.

Big City Life returned with a bang in the KZN premier weight for age mile, the Rising Sun Gold Challenge, ahead of the hard knocking Blue Tiger and the Champion Pocket Power who ran well but finished third.

Now that you are safely in our country you are no doubt happily realising you are not in a war zone. This may be in stark contrast to what you have been bracing yourself for should you have listened to Uli Hoeness or are an avid reader of English tabloids, which as we all know are only good for wrapping fish ‘n chips and advancing the careers of large-chested teens on page three.

MUST GO, first come first serve

Shipment of quality horse shoes for sale at landed wholesale price

3000 sets (R45 per set)

Includes sole trading distribution agreement

Contact Mark 082 650 1442

mark@mikebassracing.com 

Post Race comments on the weekend’s runners

The Grade 1 Canon Gold Cup, to be run over 3200m at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, is usually a fight between out-and-out stayers and classier middle distance to staying types and this year, despite it being run unusually early, looks no different.

The Mike Bass-trained pair of Thanks John and Golden Parachute are both smart stayers and look to have bright chances in Saturday’s Canon Gold Cup to be run over 3200m at Greyville Racecourse.

The wonderful affinity Australian-bred horses have with the famous Royal Ascot carnival continued Sunday morning, with Starspangledbanner scoring a dominant win in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes.

Golden Parachute and Thanks John are both in good shape. The handicapper has them a pound apart and we expect both to run well.

It has been well documented that the Champions Cup has been prioritised as Pocket Powers main mission for the Durban season. Mike Bass has his Champion gelding in good shape ahead of Saturdays clash and says that he has stripped a much fitter horse since his last outing in the Gold Challenge.

They say the key to brilliant race horses is longevity and versatility. Well it is hard to believe that a nearly 7 year old mare can still be improving, but River Jetez is certainly an exception and when most mares of her age have already experienced the gift of motherhood her racing career is just beginning to peak.

With Mike away, Trevor and I have been holding the fort in Cape Town. 

The Grade 1 Champions Cup to be run over 1800m at Clairwood Racecourse on Saturday sees another top class field face the starter and with four other features on the card there will be a feast of action coming hard on the heels of last weekend's memorable Canon Gold Cup meeting.

Mike Bass was particularly impressed with Pocket Powers run in the Champions Cup when finishing third to Orbison and his trainer believes he still may be the horse to beat in this years Durban July.

Durban – With less than a month to go to Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event the chatter amongst the design enthusiasts and fashion followers is “who is going to win this year’s Vodacom Durban July Young Designers Award?”

Nicholas Robinson Bass (2 years Old)  sings the South African National Anthem ahead of the World Cup final on Sunday.

Brilliant!!

Click here to watch the clip

Durban July hopeful Fort Vogue was edged into second place by Flying Tristram in a pinnacle stakes over 1800 at Clairwood yesterday but Mike feels he was happy with his performance and he will come on well from that run.

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing on of loyal patron and long time owner Steve Phelps. Steve passed away unexpectedly in hospital this week from complications resulting from septicaemia and pneumonia.

Robert Fayd’herbe, assistant trainer to Mike Bass spoke about the yard’s three runners, Blue Tiger, Rushing Wind and Gaultier for this year’s Mercury Sprint which takes place on Sunday at Clairwood Racecourse.

Draws for the 2010 Vodacom Durban July took place at Greyville Racecourse at 12:50 today. There were mixed feelings in the Bass yard over the draws with the champ, Pocket, drawing 17, Fort Vogue - 11, River Jetez - 9 and Love Is In The Air - 5.

THE screen shot above shows the Interbet trading platform at 8am this morning, with increased betting activity reported on the 2010 Durban July. Interbet’s Johnny Stark reports: “Betting increases as July fever sets in over the next several days leading to the race.”

All 4 of our runners are in good shape for the July meeting, said Mike Bass from his Durban base in Clairwood. This years Durban July is as close to a true handicap as we can expect, and with no real stand out horse, racing fans could look forward to what may be the be the best we have had for many years.

Mike speaks to us about his other runners on July day:

Thanks John, Super Storm, Golden Parachute, Grisham, English Garden and We Have Lift Off ....

THE ROYAL FAMILY. Pocket Power and River Jetez have established themselves as the Vodacom Durban July’s reigning Royal family. Full brother and sister, they boost — between them — five previous runs in this great race. He is the returning King, having won in 2008. She is the Princess Royal having run a very close fourth in 2008. As they assert their right to the throne in 2010, is a Royal dead-heat impossible?

AFRICA’S GREATEST HORSRACING EVENT

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mr Graham Beck who died in his London home late last night at the age of 80. Graham's wife Rhona, was at his bedside to the end according to Etienne Haines, marketing manager of Graham Beck Wines. Graham Beck will be long remembered as our greatest supporter of South African horse racing.

Media Release: Avontuur Estate ended up in the Vendor List top 10 again with a sixth spot on aggregate  for the 2010 National Yearling sale which took place last weekend at Gosforth Park in Johannesburg.

For the second year running Pocket Power will miss the Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes, but Mike Bass feels he is still in with a big chance with this grey entire Blue Tiger as he explains.

Mike Bass was very satisfied with his National Yearling sale acquisitions, purchasing 10 horses over the 3 days of trading.  The TBA and Bloodstock SA should be pleased with the results which far exceeded expectations. The combined aggregate reached R160 million, a 4.5% improvement on last year’s figure while the average price of R326 378 was up 5.5% on last year’s R309 313.

Three-time J&B Met winner Pocket Power’s quest to win a historic fourth wasn’t supposed to end like this. But being a champion isn’t always about winning... even though we like to think it is.

The 2010 Equimark Vintage Sale was described by Lionel Cohen as a very positive sale in the current economic situation with the results portraying a fair trading market for both seller and buyer.

The improved and upgraded facilities of the sales ground brought about a very positive vibe throughout the two day sale.

A good sized attractive colt that stands over ground. A half brother to a 6 time winner out of the immediate family of Mythical Flight.

The penultimate feature on the Cape calendar is the Gr 3 Riverworld Prix Du Cap over 1400m at Kenilworth this Saturday. Mike Bass has two entries for the fillies feature but Sparkling Gem looks difficult to oppose in this event.

River Jetez ran the race of her life to win racings ultimate prize, the J&B Met.

The Bass trained own sister to Pocket Power dethroned her illustrious older brother’s reign on the great race, but he steps down gallantly defeated and with heaps of merit after finishing courageously into third position. Mike Bass accomplished an incredible training feat after booting home three of the first four past the post as well as back to back group 1’s, when  in the race before, Love Is In The Air dead heated in the Klawervlei Majorca stakes.

Despite a fast finish, Blue Tiger fell just short of Warm White Night in the running of the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship on Saturday.

Sanjith Pancham has taken a cushy 20 point lead heading into J&B Met day this Saturday. Behind Panacham there is a tightly bunched scramble with only 10 points separating the next 6 contestants.

The Mike Bass stable is still in fine form after the J&B Met last week with a win and five places from the Kenilworth card on Friday night.

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of our “A” division horse Air Combat who died on Wednesday morning after suffering a sudden bout of colic.

El Jadida displayed a touch of class in to win her second start over the  Kenilworth  mile on Saturday.

Thursday morning, and Pockets final workout was perfect reported Fayd’Herbe.

J&B brand manager Roland Jonathan has led from the front by initiating a press breakfast on behalf of his brand at the MBR stables. The King of the Turf, Pocket Power, was paraded for the plus minus 50 paparazzi members after a glitzy breakfast in the courtyard was served.

THERE are no half-measures when it comes to the Cape Breeders’ Club, who hosted Saturday’s meeting at Kenilworth. They sponsored two Listed features for fillies and entertained guests in a big way with novel ideas and no expenses spared. The theme was “green with envy” and for many racecourses in South Africa, this paradox may have rung true as a fabulous day of racing was laid out for the full house that attended.

Trainer Mike Bass was understandably pleased with his charges draws for the J&B Met next Saturday after drawing all five of his runners in the top 10 yesterday.

Pocket Power drew best off and will jump from barrier 2. Mike had his eye on draws 5-10 as ideal positions for his champion gelding, but “2 will do just fine” quipped Mike.

We are pleased to introduce Real Time Mobile as an affiliate sponsor to Mike Bass Racing and Mike Bass Racing.com.

Introducing the Bonus Bet

MBR.com will be introducing the bonus Bet which will be available for the weekend selections on Saturday morning.

The Bonus Bet is an all-on multiple weekend bet, consisting of a combination of wins and places and also includes the multiplied odds, suggested value and results of the previous week’s selections.

The bonus bet tip will be available on Saturdays only, and can be downloaded after 10:30 am.

sms  BONUS  to 42003

Commencement date: Saturday 12 December 2009

Welcome to the 7^th Edition of The Interbet/MBR 5 to follow competition

Entry is free

Great prizes to be won

SMS tipping investment and return - October

Since Interbet have launched their new mobile website and tote facility, I can't tell you how positive the response from owners and the public have been. Interbet have grown leaps and bounds through their aggressive marketing approach and deservedly so, they have a superior product to punt!

The Equimark Winter Mixed Sale held at Durbanville racecourse yesterday, produced very good trading amongst buyers and vendors. The pleasing results and positive feedback have prompted Equimark to continue the trend more regularly in future months.

Captains Secret, aka, Benny The Bull (so named after the top Dubai sprinter) secured the Grade 3 Cape Classic for Mike Bass for the 5th time from the previous 8 occurrences.

Two meetings in KZN over the weekend and although there's been no shortage of rain during the past week, this morning the sun is shining and windguru.com predicts the all clear for tonight's money making adventure at Greyville. Assuming that the track is not waterlogged and racing does go ahead, one thing is for certain - we're in for a sloppy meet with upset fare ready and waiting.

THE Equus Awards – known as the “Oscars” of horse racing in South Africa – will have an Oscar as guest of honour at the 2009 presentation ceremony: athletics superstar Oscar Pistorius.

The awards will be presented at a banquet at Emperors Palace in Gauteng on Thursday 13 August.

Rival sprinters and stable mates Blue Tiger and Gaultier meet in the Gr1 Mercury at Clairwood on Saturday. The 14 horse field rally at weight for age terms over the 6 furlong dash in what looks to be a fairly competitive line up.

The concluding weeks of the Kwa-Zulu Natal feature season always generates great interest with racing followers as one of the key highlights on our racing calendar. The Champions Cup, The Gold Cup and of course the Industry Racing awards all but bring to a close what has been another outstanding racing year for South Africans.

The Champions Cup is the last group 1 up for grabs in the 2008/09 racing season and this year, may be made special by the fact that it may well be the last time Pocket Power races on South African soil.

View articles and pictures from MBR from 1976 onwards. This week we feature "Groot oordragter die week op spel by toto"

Champion Season – For racing enthusiasts, this is what we’ve all been waiting for, South African racing at its best. The Mike Bass cavalry have settled in well and we are looking forward to this season with great anticipation. This year Mike trains a squad of 28. The captain - Pocket Power.

This week Interbet went live with their betting link-up to Phumelela which means you can now bet direct with the Tote using the funds in your Interbet account.

Horses for sale from the 2009 National Yearling Sale

Become a fan of Pocket Power on Facebook. View articles, videos and pictures following the champ’s career. Post your comments and join our discussion topics. Brought to you by Interbet and Mike Bass Racing.com

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It’s been a fair while since I have written for our website, so apologies. Things just seem to roll on continuously in this game, and after a thrilling summer season was topped off with Pocket’s awesome Met win, before you know it, the first July nominations are right on your door step. Isn’t it great!

SMS CAPE, KZN, PE or GAUTENG to 42003

For detailed results of all tippings visit the results tab on the main menu bar