From The Horse's Mouth - Mark Van Deventer

The Byerley Turk and Umzimkhulu Stakes for 3YO’s signal the start of the KZN season. Both are classed as Grade 3’s, to be run over 1400m, on Friday night at Greyville.

Quickstepgal and Gimme What I Want s/s 104 dispute favoritism at slightly shorter than 2/1 for the Umzimkhulu, having clashed before in the Sceptre Stakes when Justin Snaith’s entry finished quicker to score by a neck receiving 2kg’s. She now gets 3kg’s from Tienie Prinsloo’s Cape Fillies Guineas heroine.

This will be a tactical battle – Quickstepgal s/s 103 could be the lone speed in a race devoid of other front runners. If allowed too much leeway she can blast away down the short Greyville straight.

Keukenhof s/s 100 has only won once from 10 starts, with a litany of hard luck stories. Drawn 10 she will probably be dropped out by Craig Zackey and come on powerfully.

Drawing just one stall inside her is the Gimmethegreenlight filly, Infinity Edge s/s 95. She’s been off track for six months having shown smart ability at her four starts, and a liking for the Greyville circuit.

This is a hard call to make given fitness queries about the principals. Quickstepgal (off for 76 days,) Gimme What I Want and Keukenhof (not raced for two months and relocated from the Cape to KZN) might not be fully tuned. Yet, they stand out on the ratings.

If the track is running fast and a tailwind is blowing, then Quickstepgal is the play. If “fairer” conditions prevail, Gimme What I Want would crack the nod.

There are no doubts about the pace in the Byerley Turk though as tearaway, Good for You s/s 96, seven-panel specialist, I’m a Fireball s/s 96 and well-drawn, antepost favorite at 18/10, Wild Justice s/s 103 are confirmed speedballs who should ensure a brisk gallop.

This could tee things up for the very talented closer, Green Gateway to make a bold late bid. He got a fine figure of 101 + when running down Roland Garros s/s 99 in November 2025 – a key race which has yielded subsequent victories by top notch sprinter, All the Rage s/s 106, Black Eagle s/s 98, Sardinia Bay s/s 98 + and Spirit s/s 93.

Dean Kannemeyer chose to put his highly regarded charge away (and be gelded) since that eye-catching win over the stiff 1200 at Kenilworth. So, Green Gateway has not raced for 125 days.

Wild Justice has proven fitness on his side and should get a perfect trip racing handy from gate 1 under Callan Murray. The Vercingetorix colt trained by Gareth van Zyl has already won four of six starts and is respected stretching out beyond sprints. But he will need to dig deep to stave off Green Gateway’s stretch run.

Ascalon Dancer (already backed in early trade down to 12/1) scored 92 + when sauntering to victory at his only start back in September 2025. He is open to any amount of improvement and rates a dark horse.

Fortress of Fire s/s 96 has confirmed fitness on his side after hitting a career top a month ago. But that 96 falls shy of what it will take to win this contest. Nevertheless, the 20/1 longshot is a reasonable inclusion underneath in trifectas/quartets.