Trainer Dean Kannemeyer has an embarrassment of riches in his yard. It has been awesome to watch some among his crop of three-year-olds step out at Hollywoodbets Durbanville over the past few weeks. The form of the yard has been consistent and that could continue with lightly raced five-year-old Industrialstrength in race 7 over 1600m.
This is the penultimate meeting at Hollywoodbets Durbanville this spring so it offers the last of those course specialists a chance to spin extra money before returning to HQ down south at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth from 2 November. Although Industrialstrength is yet to win at the course, he is yet to miss earning a cheque in four starts. His last two runs have spun two runner-up finishes, made even more eye-catching by the horse that beat him in his last run.
On 22 September over this course and distance, he gave Mente Et Manu 4kg and he was turned over by 0,75 lengths. Mente Et Manu franked that form emphatically just a week ago beating another interesting horse trained by Kannemeyer, Gallic Victor. This is only Industrialstrength’s 11th career start as a recently turned five-year-old so it is conceivable that we have not seen the best of him. He could have a little more to offer in upcoming runs. His upward turn lately hints that is the case. Craig Zackey leads the Jockeys’ log at this very early stage and he is carded to take the ride.
There is no way this is a one-horse race. A few rivals are worth respecting. Voorloopertjie is a tough campaigner who ran a solid race in the Listed Settlers Trophy at this course over 2000m last month, beaten by Landoftherisingsun who surely has a big win to come this season. He drops in distance to what might be below his most effective but he puts in honest efforts more often than not so he cannot be ignored.
Umfula caught the eye in his last effort when he stayed on nicely to finish two lengths behind Handsome Prince over 1500m after a five-month rest. They reoppose on 1,5kg better terms for Umfula, plus he should strip fitter. The only doubt is whether he is looking for a longer trip.
Handsome Prince added a new dimension to his game when he won that start over 1500m. Having shown his best in sprints until then, he might step up again with confidence on his side. He was a seriously talented two-year-old who lost his way. The new trainer, Michelle Rix, seems to have gotten him back on track.
Two very smart three-year-olds in race 5 over 1800m seem to be playing the long game into February for the Lucky Fish Cape Derby. Better Man and Future Free have attributes to furnish into smart horses. Better Man grinds out results having done so when holding off King’s Quest in his most recent run over this course and distance at the start of September. Future Free is a half-brother to current Horse Of The Year, Eight On Eighteen. Although he has Everest to climb to attain those heights, he seems to be a nice horse in his own right. His big weapon is his turn of foot. They seem to be the only winning chances.
William’s Woman looks ready to win when she lines up in race 1 over 1000m. She has had two starts and she hit the frame on both occasions. Her last start was behind the useful-looking Calanque. She has 52,5kg to shoulder courtesy of being a filly against mostly male opposition and she has the services of apprentice Sifiso Bungane.
Race 2 over 1500m is wide open and it looks like a hot event. One Dance is taking her chances extending from 1250m to 1500m after showing three runner-up finishes on the spin. Her kind draw of No 2 is a positive too. It will not be easy with the evident winning form on offer from Lady Veritas, Swift Serenity, Gin Palace, Future Gamble and Somebody Somewhere.
Konnichiwa is from the hugely in-form yard of Ricky Maingard and he will be ridden by the hugely in-form Serino Moodley in race 3 over 1800m. He too takes a step up in distance but he runs like it will aid him in exiting the maiden ranks. His last run came nearly two months ago when he finished second behind Yamazaki. That is easily the best form on offer.
Beneath The Clouds was bold from the front in her last start when she just fell short from winning, collared late by Princess Of Bayeux at this course over 1800m. She is back over the same course and distance in race 4. She is 1kg better off with Princess Of Bayeux which should turn the tables. Craig Zackey is carded to take the ride for Michelle Rix. Dangers include Pentolina and Hunga Tonga who are also old sparring partners. Pentolina is 1,5kg better off for 0,5 lengths when they met last month over 1600m.
A chance is taken on the enigmatic Gentleman Joe in race 6 over 2400m. He seems to raise his game when outclassed and better horses help lift his game while he can drop his good work against weaker opposition who do not give him the pace and tow through that he needs. The only time he went this trip was in 2022 when he ran in the then Grade 3 Pocket Power Stakes behind subsequent Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Winchester Mansion. Serino Moodley rides for Andre Nel.
Some interesting dynamics are at play in race 8 over 1500m. Some promising three-year-olds make appeal but it could be worth siding with Prince Of Tibet who loves this course and he receives chunks of weight from Delta Pride and Astronomical Boy. The latter named pair both have something to like about them and one will learn a lot more.
October Storm went down a short head in his last run which was at this course over 1000m. He is back over the same course and distance in race 9 and he should take all the beating. He is also a youngster with the promise of numerous wins in the locker. Richard Fourie is up for Vaughan Marshall.
CAPTION: Trainer Dean Kannemeyer runs INDUSTRIALSTRENGTH in Race 7 – THE LUCKY FISH TURF LUCK B STAKES at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday 25 October 2025.
