No more racing at Borrowdale Park until January but the last race meeting of 2018 ended well with good racing, some exciting finishes and (so I am told) a holiday atmosphere in the Ipi Tombe Room.

Edward The Seventh won the feature race, the 1450m Zimbabwe Challenge, and it was good to see so many ardent supporters of Zimbabwe racing being rewarded with winners during the afternoon.

I wish everyone a happy and stress-free festive season – and more winners in the New Year.

FIRST UP – THE BAR

The three-year-old Noordhoek Flyer filly, The Bar, beat stablemates Blue Label, Prairie Sky and Crown Brewed to the line in the 1200m Maiden Plate.

Trained by Bridget Stidolph, The Bar was bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein. She is owned by Messrs S N Buchan, N Evans, K Hatendi, Duncan Jones, H D Parbhoo and C M Rambo. Calvin Habib was in the irons.

Well done everyone.

A GOOD DAY FOR SWANSON YARD

Heir Line, carrying top weight in the 2000m MR 85 Handicap, provided Kirk Swanson with the first of four winners on Sunday – with stable companions Amsterdam, Perfect Grace and Solinski also in the money.

Winning margins 3.50, 3.75 and 4 lengths.

Owned by Dave Ward, Gary Carter, Sean Gorringe, Vikas Patel, Paula Lewis and Paul and Ursula Gorringe, Heir Line was bred by Varsfontein Stud and is by Dynasty. He has now won five from 15 starts. Sherman Brown was in charge.

Congratulations!

PIRATE HUNTER CLOSED SO NICELY

Americans talk about ‘closers’ and Pirate Hunter filled the bill on Sunday coming from behind to snatch the honours in a 2000m Novice Plate. Innovation, the long-time leader, was three-parts of a length behind, followed by Bold Australienne and Hashtag Rounda.

This made it a quick double for the Kirk Swanson/Sherman Brown combo. By Mullins Bay (GB) and bred by Summerhill Stud, Pirate Hunter is owned by Anna Mason, Sheldene Chant, Merlyn Chant, Guy Martell and Sterling Miller.

Nice work team.

PEAPACK CAN PICK ‘EM

Peapack, a close second over 1600m on December 1, found the winner’s box on Sunday in the 1700m Maiden Plate. Jarryd Penny was riding for Penny Fisher and this pair scored again in the last race.

Yaqueen finished two lengths back and then came Akon Cagua and Coastal Attraction.

By Byword (GB) and out of a Fort Wood (USA) mare, Peapack was bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, and is owned by Dave Rosser and Gengiz Goksel.

Congratulations.

SILVANO(GER) FILLY SHOWS CLEAN PAIR OF HEELS

Penny From Heaven, having her first outing at Borrowdale Park in the 1700m Progress Plate, won comfortably with Wes Marwing up.

Peggson, giving away plenty of weight, was 3.50 lengths back. Israel and Yarraman were also placed.

Trained by Kirk Swanson, Penny From Heaven is owned by Dave Ward, Gary Carter, Sean Gorringe, Vikas Patel, Paula Lewis and Paul and Ursula Gorringe – all of whom were having a successful day.

The four-year-old, bred by Maine Chance Farms, has now won three from 11 starts – and there will surely be more to come.

EDWARD THE SEVENTH UP TO THE CHALLENGE

Edward The Seventh, bred in Zimbabwe by his owner Chris Peech at Rumbavu Stud, won the 2018 Zimbabwe Challenge over 1450 m.

The four-year-old son of Seventh Rock (AUS) out of a Kitalpha (USA) mare, has now won five and been placed four times from 12 starts. On Sunday Mathew Thackeray was riding for Kirk Swanson.

The winner finished two lengths clear of Twilight Trip, and then came Butchie Boy and Super Good. Kevin Barry, returning from a long break was fifth, followed by Road to Dubai.

For a while I thought Road To Dubai (5.75 lengths back) was going to do something but unfortunately the “saddle of ROAD TO DUBAI (W Marwing) slipped back in running as confirmed by a member of the Stipendiary Board”. A pity about that.

Hearty congratulations to the winning connections.

GET-OUT STAKES QUARTET ‘ONLY’ PAID $16 910.50

The fancied Cotton Rock won the last race, a 1260m MR 60 Handicap, but the inclusion of Silver Buck, Kilowatt Kid and Gateway Gamble in the placings resulted in a memorable Quartet dividend of $16 910.50.

A super Christmas Box for someone…or maybe the rest of us got lucky, no-one won, and all that money will be carried forward?

Owned by Gengiz Goksel and Dave Rosser, Cotton Rock has now won three races. This five-year-old mare is by Rock of Rochelle (USA) and was bred by Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud. Jarryd Penny was riding again for Penny Fisher and this completed the stables’ Sunday double.

Local apprentices Omeara Rusike, Rodgers Satombo and Walter Shumba all completed qualifying rides here.

Congratulations to all concerned.

Edward The Seventh with Mathew Thackeray up won the 1450m Zimbabwe Challenge at Borrowdale Park today.

This was the fourth win of the day for trainer Kirk Swanson.

By Seventh Rock (AUS) and bred by Rumbavu Park Stud in Zimbabwe, Edward The Seventh is owned by Christopher Peech.

Twilight Trip, Butchie Boy and Super Good were placed.

Congratulations to the winning connections.

The first race at Borrowdale Park today is due off at 12 50 pm.

One of the most interesting races on the seven-race card should be the second, a 2000m MR 75 Handicap. Solinski comes out for her second run after a long lay-off, and the field also includes Heir Line, Amsterdam, Roman Discent, Perfect Grace, Lava Flow and Detonation.

Borrowdale apprentice Omeara Rusike has her first race ride in the last race – a 1260m MR 60 Handicap – where she will be aboard Supa Memories.

The feature race is the 1450m Zimbabwe Challenge, scheduled for 15 40.

Life Is Good won the 1450m Zimbabwe Challenge at Borrowdale Park in 2017 but has not picked up the gauntlet this year. Super Good, only half-a-length off the winner on that occasion, and distance suited, probably has more counting against than for him on Sunday.

In 2017 Life Is Good carried 52 kgs in good to firm going, while receiving 1 kg from Super Good – half a length back. This time Super Good hefts 61.5 kgs and if the rain continues it could well be heavy underfoot.

The Announce gelding will be conceding 7.5 kgs to Road to Dubai, opposed to receiving 1 kg from Road To Dubai, who finished two lengths behind Super Good, in the 2017 Challenge.

Then there is Twilight Trip, winner of the 1200m HRIB Gold Cup Sprint on December 3. The extra 250m should not be a problem and that day Sunday’s runners Road To Dubai, Butchie Boy, Edward The Seventh, Super Good and Kingston Passage were behind him.

Of course, there has been some adjustment in weights. For instance, in the HRIB Twilight Trip, Butchie Boy and Edward The Seventh all carried 52 kgs. Both Butchie Boy and Edward The Seventh are now 3 kgs better off.

Even without concerns about changes in conditions underfoot, finding the winner of the 2018 Zimbabwe Challenge would be tricky enough!

The first race on Sunday is due off at 12.50 pm.

2018 ZIMBABWE CHALLENGE – 1450m – 15.40 PM

SUPER GOOD
Drawn 2 (61.5 kgs) MR96 – C Storey- Bridget Stidolph

6-y-o gelding by Announce out of a Dynasty mare.
Seven-time winner from 1000m to 1450m at Borrowdale. Generally consistent but has plenty to do here. Last victory was in the 1450m Breeders Sprint on July 29. Last start in the HRIB Gold Cup where he finished 4.50 lengths off the winner while conceding 8 kgs.

KINGSTON PASSAGE
Drawn 3 (57 kgs) MR87 – S Brown – Kirk Swanson

5-y-o gelding by Western Winter (USA) out of a Horse Chestnut mare.
This will be Kingston Passage’s third start at Borrowdale and his first further than 1200m. He won three over 1000m at Kenilworth but has yet to find form at Borrowdale.

TWILIGHT TRIP
Drawn 5 (55 kgs) MR83 – C Habib – Bridget Stidolph

5-y-o gelding by Trippi (USA) out of a Jet Master mare.
Recent winner of the 1200 HRIB Gold Cup – his fourth start and first win in Harare. He won three races over a mile in the Cape and despite a turnaround in weights could still be worth following here.

ROAD TO DUBAI
Drawn 6 (54 kgs) MR81 – Wes Marwing – Kirk Swanson

7-y-o gelding by The Sheik out of a Model Man mare.
Ran second in the recent HRIB Gold Cup and might be able to turn the tables here but has not shone to date over 1450m. Road To Dubai has won 9 times from 1000m to 1260m, including the HRIB Gold Cup, twice.

BUTCHIE BOY
Drawn 1 (52.5 kgs) MR78 – B McNaughton – Bridget Stidolph

4-y-o gelding by Crusade (USA) out of a Kahal (GB) mare.
Has won four races from 1200m to 1600m, including the Zimbabwe Guineas. His last start was in the HRIB Gold Cup, 2.60 lengths off Twilight Trip at level weights. May come to light here.

EDWARD THE SEVENTH
Drawn 4 (52 kgs) MR75 – M Thackeray – Kirk Swanson

4-y-o gelding by Seventh Rock (AUS) out of a Kitalpha (USA) mare.
Has won four races from 1200m – 1600m, including the 2017 Tote Free Handicap where he finished 2.50 lengths clear of Knuckleball when giving him 1 kg. His last start was in the HRIB Gold Cup where he was 4.35 lengths off the pace, but don’t entirely discount him here.

KEVIN BARRY
Drawn 7 (52 kgs) MR77 – J Penny – Penny Fisher

5-y-o gelding by Horse Chestnut out of a Sobieski (USA) mare
Kevin Barry’s last outing was in the Republic Cup on July 14. At his best he is a force to be reckoned with but will probably need this run. His last win was on June 3, 2017, over 1600m. He has the outside draw and his four wins include the 1200m Jacaranda Free Handicap in 2016.

The new Chairman of the Mashonaland Turf Club Board of Stewards, Gary Carter, has called for an informal meeting of MTC and MOTA members  on Wednesday, December 12. 

It will take place in the MTC board room at 5 pm.

Mr Carter was elected at the MTC AGM last Friday. The new Board of Stewards comprises Mr G. Carter (Chairman), Mr Albert Nduna (Deputy Chairman) and (in alphabetical order) Mr M. Chant, Mr K. Fallon, Mr P. Gorringe, Mr D. Machingaidzege,  Mr C. Peech, Ms K. Stidolph and Mr D. Rosser.

In terms of the MTC Constitution a minimum of 8 stewards are stipulated, and a maximum of 12.

It wasn’t all about the feature races at Borrowdale Park on Saturday – two visiting apprentices made their mark – and there were some interesting runners (and results) to add to the notebook.

ODEN BY A COUNTRY MILE
First-timer Oden, a three-year-old Oratorio (IRE) gelding out of a Var (USA) mare, won the first race at Borrowdale Park on Saturday by 6.50 lengths. The Bar was second and I won’t embarrass the other runners with further details about this Welcome To HRIB Gold Cup Day Maiden Plate over 1260m.

Bred by Mr A C Dickerson, Oden is owned by Gengiz Goksel. Hennie Greyling was riding for Penny Fisher.

Congratulations!

VISITING APPRENTICES SCORED

Apprentices Liam Tarentaal and Nathan Klink both rode two winners on Saturday’s Borrowdale Park card – including the two feature races.

First to score was Tarentaal on Bomber Pilot, riding for the Penny Fisher yard in the 2000m HRIB Life Assurance MR 55 Handicap. By Atso (USA) and bred by Scott Bros, Bomber Pilot is owned by Sandy Irvine, Richard Moor, Stuart Irvine and Doug Jaffray. Well done everyone.

This was an exciting finish – winning margins 0.50, 0.55 and 1.05 lengths. Minor places went to Finlay, Pirate Hunter and Bold Australienne. Pirate Hunter (Klink) came from last at the 100m mark – which is probably why I found this fascinating.

PAMPAS MAKES IT FOUR ON THE TROT

Pampas, owned by Newbury Racing (Pty) Ltd (nominee Mr D.E. Evans), was a comfortable winner of the 1900m Zimnat Insurance Company MR 75 Handicap, finishing three lengths clear of Bugatti Blue, who was followed by Perfect Grace and Wolves Among Sheep.

The son of Silvano (GER) out of a Candy Stripes (USA) mare has now won four of his five starts at Borrowdale. He is trained by Bridget Stidolph and Collen Storey was in the irons.
Pampas has now won six times from 15 starts – and there must be more to come. Congratulations to the winning connections.

RED POLLARD – IN A CLOSE FINISH
A close call in the Old Mutual Insurance Company 1600m Maiden Plate on Saturday when Red Pollard had the edge over Pea Pack – winning margin 0.25 lengths.

Deon Sampson was riding for Bridget Stidolph. The winner is owned by Robin Bruss and was bred by Northfields Stud. He is by Gitano Hernando (GB) and this was Red Pollard’s third outing.

Congratulations.

COOL SOLUTION CRUISED HOME

Cool Solution had the form and cruised home in the HRIB Medical Insurance 1100m MR Handicap. Apprentice Nathan Klink was riding for Kirk Swanson.

Cotton Rock, Coastal Torrent and Canadian Champion were placed.

By Mullins Bay (GB), the six-year-old Cool Solution is owned by Ron Mhizha, Gary Carter, Sean Gorringe, ZR Lusengo, Sterling Miller, Dave Ward, Mark Wood, Ursula Gorringe, Paula Lewis and Anna Mason. Bred by Summerhill Stud, Cool Solution is now a five-time winner.

Well done.

With the sting out of the ground, drawn on the outside and both carrying 52 kgs, Twilight Trip and Road To Dubai made a race of it at Borrowdale Park this afternoon.

The winner, Twilight Trip, is trained by Bridget Stidolph and visiting apprentice Liam Tarentaal had the ride. By Trippi (USA) and bred by Patricia Devine Investments (Pty) Ltd, the five-year-old gelding has now won four races. He is owned by Ryan Sherwood, Merlyn Chant, Scott Buchan, Neil Evans, Ash Dixon and Bryn Ressell.

Congratulations to all the winning connections.

Three To Tango, second to Sygone in the 1200m Jacaranda Free Handicap, went one better in the 1600m Tote Free Handicap at Borrowdale Park this afternoon.

Action Jackson was second and Sygone third.

Trained by Kirk Swanson and ridden by visiting Apprentice Nathan Klink, the son of Grey’s Inn (USA) was bred by Geoff Armitage. He is owned by Mr C.M. and Mrs E. B. Shepherd, Mrs K.M. Bonthrone and Mr J. Koumides.

Well done everyone.

There are seven races on the Borrowdale Park card today, beginning at 12 noon.

With rain about expect some sort of change in the going.

The first feature of the afternoon is the 1600 Tote Free Handicap for three-year-olds due off at 14.40 pm. The main race, the $15 000 HRB Gold Cup (Gr3) takes place at 15.25.

Have a great day.

 If everyone runs true to form it is difficult to look further than Coachella, Super Good, and possibly Flanders and Road To Dubai, in Saturday’s main feature, the $15000 HRIB Gold Cup.

However, several untried runners in this company have weight on their side, and the chances are we will be shocked somewhere along the line.

It is a competitive field which always makes for good racing.

HRIB GOLD CUP SPRINT (Grade 3) Open WFA: 3yrs-4.0kgs  – No Apprentice Allowance

COACHELLA Drawn 4 – 63 kgs – MR 103 – W. Marwing – Bridget Stidolph – 5-year-old gelding by Alado (GB) – 7 wins, 6 places, 16 starts. Winner of the 2018 HRIB Gold Cup (Gr3) in 2017 carrying 61 kgs. Super Good (55kgs) was 0.10 lengths behind, while Road To Dubai (57 kgs) and 1.10 lengths back ran fourth. Sprinting is Coachella’s game, he has seldom gone beyond 1260m and did not shine when doing so. Has a bit more to do this time but should still be hard to beat.

SUPER GOOD Drawn 7 – 60kgs – MR 97 – J. Sampson – Bridget Stidolph -5-year-old gelding by Announce – 7 wins, 21 places, 36 starts. Super Good and Coachella are old rivals and Super Good may require a bit more weight on his side to turn the tables. There has been rain about and if it continues this may suit Super Good in that he can handle a bit further. He won the 1450m Breeders Sprint on July 29. In any event Super Good is likely to give a good account of himself.

KINGSTON PASSAGE – Drawn 8 – 57 kgs – MR 91 – N. Takawira – Kirk Swanson -5-year-old gelding by Western Winter (USA) – 3 wins, 3 places, 10 starts. Kingston Passage won three of his nine races in the Western Cape, all over 1000m. In fact the only time this son of Western Winter has raced further was in September when he disappointed over 1200m. This was his only start at Borrowdale Park so he is difficult to assess. He is likely to strip fitter now.

TAR HEEL – Drawn 3 – 57 kgs – MR 91 – J. Greyling – Penny Fisher – 6-year-old gelding by Var (USA) – 4 wins, 8 places, 32 starts. Another dark horse who has not raced at Borrowdale Park. Won previously in the Cape over 1000m and 1200m but failed to shine in his three starts in Gauteng – last race on September 29. Must respect on breeding.

PEGGSON – Drawn 1 – 53 kgs – MR 83 – B. McNaughton – Bridget Stidolph – 4-year-old colt by Jay Peg – 3 wins, 7 places, 16 starts. Prominent in the 2017 three-year-old Classics and second to Simona in the 1800m OK Grand Challenge. Has won a race over 1200m but not in this class of field. Usually shines over more ground but who knows?

BUTCHIE BOY – Drawn 6 – 52 kgs – MR 78 – K. Derere – Bridget Stidolph – 4-year-old gelding by Crusade (USA) – 4 wins, 9 places, 13 starts. Won the Zimbabwe Guineas and beat stable mate Flanders in the 1200m Jacaranda Free Handicap in 2017, when in receipt of 3 kgs. Has more to do in this competitive field.

EDWARD THE SEVENTH (ZIM) Drawn 5 – 52 kgs – MR 76 – *N. Klink – Kirk Swanson – 4-year-old gelding by Seventh Rock (AUS) – 4 wins, 4 places 10 starts. Three of his four wins have been over the HRIB distance but like most of his peers he is taking on the big boys here. Claiming apprentice Nathan Klink has the ride but no allowances in this feature.

FLANDERS Drawn 2 – 52 kgs – MR 81 – C. Storey +1.0 – Bridget Stidolph – 4-year-old gelding by Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) – 6 wins, 8 places, 16 starts. Has won from 1100m to 1450m. On November 3 in a 1100m MR 97 Handicap he met Coachella, Road to Dubai and Super Good, starting favourite. Coachella won followed by Flanders (receiving 9kgs), Road to Dubai (also receiving 9 kgs) and Super Good who met the winner at level weights. Either one draws a line through that or assumes that Coachella will win. On that occasion Flanders was four lengths back.

ROAD TO DUBAI Drawn 9 – 52 kgs – MR 80 – M. Thackeray – Kirk Swanson – 7-year-old gelding by The Sheik – 9 wins, 14 places, 32 starts. Road To Dubai won the HRIB Gold Cup in 2015 and 2016, and finished fourth in 2017, 1.10 lengths behind Coachella when receiving 4 kgs. Drawn near the outside which usually helps in Borrowdale Sprints and has recently shown some signs of a return to form.

TWILIGHT TRIP Drawn 10 – 52 kgs – MR 73 – *L. Tarentaal – Bridget Stidolph – 5-year-old gelding by Trippi (USA) – 3 wins, 11 places, 18 starts. Twilight Trip has the outside draw. Has raced three times at Borrowdale, finishing a close second to Bush Pilot over 1200m and fourth to Knuckleball over 1800m. Judging by previous form in the Cape this five-year-old gelding prefers and has usually run further than Saturday’s distance.

With two feature races on the Borrowdale Park card, including the prestigious $15 000 HRIB Gold Cup, Saturday’s meeting won’t lack sparkle.

The minor feature is the 1600m Tote Free Handicap for three-year-olds and Mia Finola is set to carry top weight.

Coachella (seen here) won the 2017 HRIB Gold Cup and has been nominated again. According to the Weights & Draws Coachella will shoulder 63 kgs in Borrowdale’s most important sprint.

We will find out later today if both Coachella and Mia Finola stand their ground.