The new South African racing season kicks off with plenty of promise, and one to watch is Justin Snaith’s Happy Verse, making his seasonal debut in Race 5 over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. A powerful three-year-old at 519kg, Happy Verse last ran in June’s Grade 3 Langerman, finishing just under three lengths behind Absolutely Yes. On that soft track, he never found his stride, but jockey Andrew Fortune believed a stronger pace would have seen him closer. With Aldo Domeyer now in the saddle and 62.5kg to carry, he still shapes as a contender for bigger features this season.
Stablemate Mente Et Manu returns fitter after a seven-month break and an eye-catching run last time, while Golden Angel remains a threat despite a run of bad luck since her debut win.
Marketa, a consistent performer with five placings from six runs, looks ready to break through in Race 1, though Penny’s Choice could challenge if producing her best. In Race 2, Beach Verse — by champion mare Beach Beauty — tackles 1400m for the first time and should relish the trip.
Sugar Mountain, now boasting a merit rating of 123 after three commanding wins, heads Race 3, with Promettere again his main rival. Gentleman Joe lines up in Race 4 over 1950m and could benefit from trainer Andre Nel’s winter preparation.
She’s My World, unlucky in the Listed Somerset 1200m earlier this year, faces older rivals in Race 6, while Lady Look Alike bids to continue her resurgence in Race 7.
The day could close with fireworks from Wander Dune in Race 8. Impressive on debut, she has the look of a future feature-race contender and another win could cement her rising status.
