Bize, bred by Moutonshoek won her second start yesterday at Turffontein in the Oaks Trial Listed and is definitely on the list of a horse to following the future.

The three year old filly, out of a Goldmark mare is trained by Alec Laird and owned by Mr J Gerber.

Bize won by close to two lengths over the 2000m from favourite and well-bred Drakenstein filly Seville Orange.

Bize was bought back for R100 000 at the 2017 National Yearling Sale and debuted on 22 January, winning over 1600m by almost a length. Her dam has produced 1 previous 3-time winner in Mistaken Identity – this is the family that has both roots at KZN farms Clifton Stud and Rathmor.

With Mambo In Seattle standing at Clifton Stud, another great flashy chestnut to come from this farm and under the third dam of this pedigree was Gr2 winner Bezanova, who was also trained by Alec Laird for owner – the Late Chris Gerber.

It is also the damline of Malteme, the ill-fated Gr1 winner Wendywood and Vodacom Durban July winner Power King.

There was plenty of news yesterday for sire Mambo In Seattle, not only achieving a double at Turffontein with Mercer Girl winning over 1000m, but Majestic Mambo having his Dubai debut in the Gr1 Jebel Hatta last night.

At 40/1 and his first start since leaving South Africa immediately after his 4th place in the Vodacom Durban July, he impressed his connections and trainer Mike De Kock to finish strongly after sitting in third position until the turn, he finished midfield off the winner in 6th place under Bernard Fay’d Herbe – a good effort after 8 months of not seeing a racecourse and a tedious journey to Dubai.

Racing in the colours of Wilgerbosdrift, he is owned in partnership by Mrs Mary Slack and Mr J Peter, formerly trained by Paul Peter.

Mambo In Seattle who stands 16.3h, is no stranger to Gr1 horses with the likes of Same Jurisdiction and Saratoga Dancer, has had 46 wins this season and over R4,4-million in stakes earned.

Mambo In Seattle relocated to Clifton Stud in 2018 and stood his first breeding season in KZN for a fee of just R10 000.

Two KZN-breds impressed outside of South Africa’s borders – the first being Traffic Guard’s son Free Wheeler who won the Ngong Kenya Derby, whilst Curved Ball’s Zimbabwean champ Knuckleball, won yesterdays Zimbabwe Derby Listed.

Both races in Kenya and Zimbabwe respectively, were over a distance of 2400m.

Bred by Clifton Stud, Knuckleball has now won four races of six – never being out of the money, finishing second on two other occasions. In addition to yesterday’s victory in the Zimbabwe Derby, he has won the Gr3 Zimbabwe 2000, the Guineas Trial, and second to Butchie Boy in the Zimbabwe Guineas. Knuckleball, out of Bit Of Bizet, was not sold at the 2016 KZN Yearling Sale.

Kenya Derby winner, Free Wheeler, sold for R80 000 at the 2015 KZN Yearling Sale. [pictured above left]

Trained by Dr. Patsy Sombe, the Summer Ready To Run Sale graduate Free Wheeler led a top four sweep for the trainer, who entered six fillies in the race. This is the first time ever in the history of Kenya Derby for one trainer to scoop all the first four places.

Free Wheeler stayed close to he leading light Clothes Horse in the opening 400m before taking a length’s advantage. Competition between the two horses, Free Wheeler jockeyed by South African Francois Herholdt and Clothes Horse ridden by Richard Kibet, was neck and neck till the last turn.

At the final turn, Herholdt set Free Wheeler down, widen the gap as Kibet sought to have Clothes Horse close in but instead the former opened the distance to two and a quarter lengths at the finish line. Free Wheeler covered the 2,400m circuit in 2:42.1 minutes.

Pharaoh’s Advocate by James Muhindi came in third – four and a half lengths – behind Clothes Horse. White Dragon closed the top four places sweep by fillies trained by Karen-based Sercombe.

Oliver Mutua-trained Bulawayo ridden by Paul Kiarie closed the top five, crossing the finish line two and a half lengths behind White Dragon. Navy Seal ridden by Lance Pagel was sixth, Winter Comet by Patrick Mungai seventh and Omaha Beach came eighth.

“We had a perfect trip and when I needed, she was game. I was really happy with her. He’s got huge stride which quickened for me at the top of the lane,” said Herholdt. “When we took the lead, she kept kicking when Kibet aboard Clothes Horse came to me. Huge effort by the whole stable. It was great, everything worked out perfectly,” added the South African.

Congratulations to, Mr V. Gappah, Mr R.H.S and Mrs P. Beattie, and Mr D.H. and Mrs J.L. Cockedge, the owners of Knuckleball who ran a great race at Borrowdale Park on Sunday afternoon, as expected.

The son of Curved Ball (AUS) kept in touch with the pacesetter, Pirate Hunter, but coming into the home straight there was never any doubt about who would win the 2400m Zimbabwe Derby. Ryan Munger rode the winner for Penny Fisher.

Israel, second, was followed across the line by Peggson and Bugatti Blue.