It has been a decade since Karl Neisius piloted the top-class Capetown Noir to victory in the Matchem Stakes.
Flashback – Karl Neisius steers Capetown Noir to victory in the 2013 Matchem Stakes
Dean Kannemeyer fields four of the seven runners in Saturday’s renewal of the Hollywoodbets-sponsored 1400m Grade 3 contest, where he takes on the might of Charles Dickens, in another mouthwatering Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series feature showdown.
The Milnerton trainer is a fine strategist and never goes in boots ‘n all. It’s certainly unusual to see him dominate any feature field in numbers, and he laughs when we suggest it’s a case of ‘no Kannemeyer, no Matchem’.
“I just feel it’s a perfect starting point for my quartet and maybe the presence of Charles Dickens scared some of the opposition off. He’s a top-class racehorse, but I have a plan for all of mine, and hopefully the weather stays good and it should be a great day of racing.”
Gimme A Prince – will need it but is classy (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The engagement of Craig Zackey indicates that the dual Gr1 winner Gimme A Prince is the stable elect.
“His form speaks for itself. He ran from a wide draw when beaten by a multiple Gr1 winner in the Drill Hall Stakes and never runs a bad race. I would have preferred to have had just one grass gallop under the belt. But it’s been a tough time weather-wise down here. I have, however, got as much sand work as has been possible into him. I know where I am going with him, and while he is far from ready, I will have plenty to work with.”
Unlike Gimme A Prince, Charles Dickens has had a grass gallop at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, and is clearly the horse to beat.
On the matter of the outlook and prospects of racing on Saturday, Cape Racing’s Dean Diedericks was bullish.
“We still have water gushing out of the drains, but it’s sunny today (Tuesday) and no rain is forecast in the build-up. In fact, the weather appears to be warming up, so given those factors there is no reason why we won’t be racing at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday,” said the vastly experienced track manager.
1st R178125, 2nd R57000, 3rd R28500, 4th R14250, 5th R7125, RCIS R15000
HOLLYWOODBETS MATCHEM STAKES (Grade 3)
Open at Weight For Age + Penalties
WFA: 3yrs-8kgs 4yrs-0.5kgs
No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance
| 1 | 1 | Gimme A Prince | 60 | 130 | A | Craig Zackey | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 2 | 2 | After The Rain | 57 | 104 | A | Luyolo Mxothwa | Gareth van Zyl | |
| 3 | 3 | Charles Dickens | 59.5 | 132 | A | Aldo Domeyer | Candice Bass-Robinson | |
| 4 | 4 | Cosmic Highway | 57 | 108 | A | Richard Fourie | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 5 | 5 | Bright Green | 56.5 | 101 | A | Juan Paul v’d Merwe | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 6 | 6 | Royal Aussie | 56.5 | 118 | A | Grant van Niekerk | Justin Snaith | |
| 7 | 7 | Runaway Song | 58 | 116 | A | Muzi Yeni | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| Same Trainer | ||||||||
| (1,4,5,7) | ||||||||
1st R118750, 2nd R38000, 3rd R19000, 4th R9500, 5th R4750, RCIS R10000
HOLLYWOODBETS DIANA STAKES (Grade 3)
Fillies and Mares at Weight For Age + Penalties
WFA: 3yrs-8kgs 4yrs-0.5kgs
No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance
| 1 | 1 | Who Do You Love | 60 | 99 | BA | Gareth Wright | Candice Bass-Robinson | |
| 2 | 2 | Miss Marguerite | 60 | 96 | A | Ashton Arries | Piet Steyn | |
| 3 | 3 | Gimme’s Lassie | 60 | 101 | TBA | Craig Zackey | Candice Bass-Robinson | |
| 4 | 4 | Cala Muretta | 55.5 | 101 | A | Richard Fourie | HWJ Crawford/M Rix | |
| 5 | 5 | Hierkommiebokkie | 60 | 86 | A | Oswald Noach | HWJ Crawford/M Rix | |
| 6 | 6 | Golden Hostess | 60 | 117 | TBA | Aldo Domeyer | Candice Bass-Robinson | |
| 7 | 7 | Silverlinks | 60 | 97 | A | Grant van Niekerk | Justin Snaith | |
| 8 | 8 | Happy Chance | 60 | 109 | Ae | Luyolo Mxothwa | Brett Crawford | |
| Same Trainer | ||||||||
| (1,3,6) (4,5) | ||||||||
The Bubbles And Blossoms raceday promises another festive cocktail of quality racing and family fun.
It’s a fabulous fusion of food, fashion and fun, with great racing, live music and a kids’ area that will keep the young set entertained.
There will also be a wide range of champagne, wine, cocktails and local beer to elevate the festivities.
