Small fields dominate Wednesday’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Durbanville as the summer-autumn season winds down, but competitive racing is still expected.

Signor Dante could offer value in race 7 over 1600m. His recent form reads well, most notably finishing 4,6 lengths behind Note To Self, who later ran second in the Grade 1 Cape Derby. That effort looks stronger in hindsight, and Signor Dante has previously beaten Note To Self when fresh at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. With Luyolo Mxothwa aboard for James Crawford, the combination looks well placed to strike.

Prairie Dawn shapes as the main danger after a maiden win over course and distance followed by a solid second to In A Timely Manner. The lightly raced runner has scope for improvement but faces tougher, more seasoned rivals. Stablemate Show Off is another contender, having been unlucky when second to Boogiefied two runs back before disappointing as favourite last time. Gareth Wright retains the ride and improvement is expected.

Earlier on the card, Snowbird should improve sharply in race 1 after an encouraging debut when doing too much early. Future Red also appeals in race 2 stepping up to 1400m after a promising first outing, though Hazel Green, Theleia and Little Nimbus have claims.

District Master seeks to follow up an impressive post-maiden victory in race 3 despite a wide draw, while Beautiful Side may edge a modest race 4 aided by a useful weight allowance.

Tothemoonandback looks one of the stronger chances on the programme in race 5 after a dominant staying win last time and arrives in peak form. Given To Fly rates a leading contender in a competitive race 6 after consistent recent efforts.

It is a very difficult card for the Vaal on Tuesday but there are a few runners that could be worth looking at. Trainer Sean Tarry has a decent hand in Race 6, a MR 85 Handicap over 1500m. Turbo Power is not reliable but is always capable of scoring, and the young and improving Golden Operator also makes some appeal. The Twice Over gelding has raced 25 times for four wins, with numerous minor places. His last win was at Hollywoodbets Greyville over 1200m on 24 May. The six-year-old did show improvement last time out when ridden by Ryan Munger and he retains the ride. Stable companion Holden Operator has the one victory to show for his five starts. He is rarely far off at the finish and blinkers have been fitted for the first time. His jockey, Craig Zackey, knows him well and was aboard him when he won. Play With Fire is clearly not an easy ride and is unreliable, but jockey S’manga Khumalo knows her well and they should contest the finish in Race 7, a FM 78 Handicap over 1600m. It is worth noting that Khumalo was aboard her when she last won and that was at Turffontein nearly a year ago. It does look an open race, so an each-way bet may be the way to go with her. The last race, a MR 66 Handicap over 1200m, is extremely open but it is Taking A Risk that catches the eye. This three-year-old filly is fit and she has improved in her last two starts. Clive Robinson

Mark Newnham could scarcely have hoped for a better lead-in to the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and was in buoyant mood after Invincible Ibis was handed the plum draw at Thursday’s (19 March) barrier draw. Fresh from a career-best quintet at Happy Valley in the penultimate meeting ahead of Sunday’s (22 March) blue-riband contest, the Australian handler’s charge gained a significant edge in drawing gate three. Newnham, who came within a short head of BMW Hong Kong Derby success at the first attempt last year with the mercurial My Wish, was asked if Invincible Ibis, to be ridden by Hugh Bowman, now has a good chance of providing him with a first Derby win. “He certainly does,” Newnham said. “The draw’s going to help him enormously. It just means that Hugh’s got options to put him where he wants to be, not where he’s dictated to by the barrier. With gate three, he can determine that on the pace of the race.” A four-time winner this season, Invincible Ibis was slightly disappointing when he ran sixth in the first leg of the Classic Series, the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), after going off as the 3.2 favourite, the first time he’d finished outside the frame in his nine-race career. However, he bounced back with a terrific run in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), dashing home late along the rail to finish second, a length behind deserved winner Stormy Grove, who was drawn in gate seven for Sunday’s race. “We’ve had a good look at that race,” Newnham said. “It’s a lot different going around the two bends. From the 1800-metre start, they go on a long straight line for a bit. But with the short run to the first turn here, there’s pressure on horses that are drawn wide and getting trapped wide into the first corner. From the good draw, he’s going to find a nice position without having to push forward or drag back. “The way he finished off on the 1800m (in the Hong Kong Classic Cup), he does look like he’ll run the trip. We can only prepare him as well as we can, and he’s going there in good order.” Reuniting with the Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Bolt, and filling James McDonald’s boots on the Kwok family-owned galloper, Brenton Avdulla was optimistic about the Night Of Thunder gelding’s chances. “I’m looking forward to getting on him,” Avdulla said. “He’s so far been racing really consistently, and from his debut run, I always thought he’d be a horse that measures up in the Four-Year-Old (Classic) Series. So it’s nice to get on him for the Derby.” Despite not yielding a win since the 2002 edition, when Olympic Express triumphed, Avdulla was upbeat about his prospects of tailing the presumed pace horse, Numbers, from gate 11. “I’ve not had a good look at the field yet,” Avdulla said, “but my immediate reaction would be: Numbers is actually pretty well drawn from 13, and he might be able to get along in his own pace. So, whether we follow him across or ride by him, I’m not sure – I’d have to ask Tony and the connections. But it’s a race that I don’t think has a lot of pace in it, with a lot of horses that want to be just behind the pace. “The main thing with my horse is to relax and help him run the trip. I think if he does that, he can run good.” One handler who cut a less confident figure was David Eustace, whose two runners, Dazzling Fit and Seraph Gabriel, were handed difficult assignments from gates 14 and 12, respectively. “Obviously, it’s frustrating. But we can’t control it,” Eustace said. “We’ll just have to make a plan as to how we ride them. “I think they’re probably horses that would have had place chances before the draw, and it makes it harder. But not impossible.” The remainder of the field features Little Paradise (drawn in gate 10), Sagacious Life (2), Patch Of Cosmo (6), Emblazon (8), Top Dragon (1), Regal Gem (4), Juneau Pride (5) and Pope Cody (9). Sunday’s (22 March) 10-race fixture at Sha Tin starts at 1pm with the Class 4 Luger Handicap (1600m). The 149th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) jumps at 4.05pm.

One of the highlights on the Malaysian racing calendar, the RM200,000 Group 1 Meru Valley Resort Derby (Perak Derby) (2000m) has attracted a field of nine runners this Sunday, with several contenders bringing closely matched collateral form into the race. Leading the charge is the Johnny Lim-trained BANKER’S TWO SIX, who has been in tremendous form and has climbed the ratings rapidly. Once a two-time placegetter from 15 starts in Australia, he has been a revelation since relocating to Malaysia. Four starts ago, he almost caused a major upset in the Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor, charging home to be beaten only a neck over 2000m. While some may have questioned that performance, he has since franked the form with a hat-trick of wins. On current form and under Set Weights conditions, he shapes as a leading contender. Reigning Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor winner KIM EMPEROR saw his winning streak end two starts ago, but as a son of Highland Reel, the rise to 2000m—where he boasts a perfect record—should suit him well. He has trialled in style leading into this assignment and, as a standout on collateral form, should play a major role if he brings his A-game. Another intriguing runner is LATIN LEGEND, who finished three lengths behind KIM EMPEROR when fourth in the Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor three runs back. He subsequently won a Supreme B Stakes in effortless fashion before finishing sixth in the Chinese New Year Prosperity Trophy, where he returned lame. He has proven competitive at the highest level, including a narrow second in the Group 1 Coronation Cup last November, and could finally break through for a Group 1 victory if things fall his way. Trained by Richard Lines, GOOD STAR has been disappointing in recent outings since claiming the Group 1 Coronation Cup (1600m) at this track in November. However, he could sneak into the placings at long odds in this relatively small field if he rediscovers his best form. MAN OF ACTION has struck a purple patch of form since December, winning twice and placing once from his past three starts. While the step up to 2000m remains a query, he should acquit himself well, and a top-three finish would not surprise. The same could be said of WINNING STRIDE, who boasts strong recent form but may lack the class on paper. However, his record of three placings from four attempts over 2000m suggests he is not one to overlook. Although the race conditions favour higher-rated runners, outsiders cannot be dismissed, as evidenced by the Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor, where lower-rated runners filled the quinella. GUM KHOR, GURU FIGHT and MIST THE DEDLINE, though seemingly better suited to Class 4 company on ratings, could still spring a surprise if the leading contenders underperform. While BANKER’S TWO SIX comes into this week’s feature in career-best form and is clearly the one to beat, there could be value elsewhere if he goes off overbet. KIM EMPEROR and LATIN LEGEND, both benefiting from favourable draws, look well-placed to challenge. GOOD STAR, to be ridden by top jockey Jose De Souza, shapes as a live outsider and shouldn’t be overlooked. Meanwhile, GURU FIGHT has been remarkably consistent; if he handles the 2000m trip, a Top 3 finish is well within reach, making him another appealing value option.

Rollo The Viking looks well placed to go one better in the Servotech B Stakes over 1400m, the feature on Sunday’s competitive ten-race card at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Now with a run under Nathan Kotzen’s care, he finished a close second to the useful Wild At War over course and distance and drops slightly in class. The booking of Muzi Yeni could prove decisive.

The opposition is strong. Uzwano reunites with Gavin Lerena after two wins together, while stablemate Kanaal Skater remains a lively contender. The Shepherd is a talented but unpredictable runner who could improve in quieter surroundings for his new yard. Wild At War must overcome a difficult draw, while Down By The River returns to a shorter trip after a solid effort behind King Pelles.

Red Taffety appeals in the opening leg of the Place Accumulator on local debut after useful Cape form, with Lilting Song and the improving Princess Trippi posing dangers.

The first Pick 6 leg looks wide open. Blind Speed should enjoy the step up in trip, Deepest Water can follow up her maiden win, and Mississippi Spice continues to improve with weight relief. Saint Brigid, a course-and-distance winner, also commands respect.

Psyche impressed when shedding her maiden and could follow up, though Sascha’s Dream, Zena Rose and Fine Wine are closely matched. Continental Express rates a strong chance in the sixth with his consistent staying form, while Tobacconist and Tee Dog add depth.

Prince Of Troy has claims in a competitive eighth, alongside My Lucky Charm, Next Of Kin and Dricus.

Blue Steel could be one of the better bets on the card after an authoritative maiden win and looks progressive despite a big weight. Definitely Yes and Kimball O’Hara are dangers should he falter.

Saturday’s nine-race programme on the Standside track at Turffontein Racecourse may lack Grade 1 headlines, but it presents strong betting opportunities, particularly in the late sprint features.

The Grade 3 Sycamore Sprint (Race 7) over 1160m for fillies and mares centres around the progressive Calantha, who appears to have returned from a lengthy break in peak form. The daughter of Querari has won two of five starts since her six-month layoff, highlighted by an authoritative victory over 1200m at the Vaal in February where she quickened impressively under 60kg.

Although raised three merit-rating points, the Mike de Kock-trained mare remains lightly raced for a five-year-old and could still be ahead of the handicapper. A three-time winner over this course and distance, she returns to favourable conditions with Jeffrey Syster retaining the ride and looks the runner to beat.

The closing Pinnacle Stakes (Race 9), also over 1160m, features veteran sprinter William Robertson, who continues to defy age. The son of Rafeef recorded his 17th career victory over 1000m at Turffontein two weeks ago, carrying 62kg and finishing strongly under Ryan Munger.

Their partnership has been highly productive, yielding seven wins from 15 starts together. The extra distance poses no concern, with William Robertson boasting an outstanding record over the course and distance, rarely finishing outside the placings. Racing off the same mark, he again sets the standard.

Earlier on the card, juveniles Kavady (Race 2) and Turn It Up (Race 3) both impressed when winning at their second starts and look capable of further improvement, offering punters early opportunities before the established sprint stars take centre stage.

The Alan Greeff-Richard Fourie partnership has been a bit quiet of late. Yes, they have been having winners, but not in the three and four a meeting to which we that we had become used to. They can have a good day this Friday and both Anotherdanceforme and Fairy Knight should win. The filly Anotherdanceforme has scared off most of her rivals and she is likely to be sent off at a very short price to take out Race 7, the East Cape Guineas (Listed) over 1600m. Only six go to post for this race and Greeff trains four of them. Visiting trainer Justin Snaith has one, a gelding called In A Timely Manner, and Juan Nel saddles Action America. Anotherdanceforme has only tasted defeat once in her seven starts and that was when she made the trip to Kenilworth and did not show her best at that track. Of her six successes, five of them were impressive and it was only her second start, when just getting home by a head, that she had a hard race. That was over 1000m back in February 2025. The Master Of My Fate filly has impressed the further she has gone and her win over this course and distance last month, when returning from a break, showed that she is back in form. It seems most trainers have decided not to take her on and it is left to Snaith Racing’s In A Timely Manner to challenge her. This Legislate gelding has won two of his seven starts and his latest win showed that he has turned the corner and he may prove second best. Snaith has a good record when attacking handicaps at this course so his runner, Mente Et Manu, could take out Race 8. It is a field in form and many have solid course-and-distance records, but they may battle to beat the Snaith entrant. This four-year-old gelding has won three of his last four starts. Earlier on in the card Fairy Knight could go for his fourth win in a row. He sometimes takes a while to hit his best stride but is good at finishing strongly and could score in Race 6, the East Cape Sprint Cup (Listed) over 1200m. Clive Robinson

By Scott Bailey The Golden Slipper has long stood as the race every juvenile stable wants to win, and this year’s running again shapes as a fascinating clash of proven form, untapped upside and raw two-year-old speed. Worth A$5 million and considered a major in the Australian big four Group Ones. The 1200m feature remains the world’s richest race for two-year-olds, and that alone gives it a status few juvenile contests anywhere can match. It is the sort of race that can define a horse, launch a stallion career, elevate a filly’s broodmare value and instantly turn a promising youngster into a headline act. This year’s edition has drawn together the key Sydney and Melbourne lead-up form, with the Blue Diamond, Reisling, Todman, Silver Slipper, Pago Pago, Skyline and Magic Night all feeding into what looks an open and deep renewal. The locally owned Chayan adds a strong Singapore angle to the race and comes into it on the back of a performance that demanded attention. Prepared by Annabel and Rob Archibald, the filly was dominant in the Reisling Stakes at Randwick, powering home to score by just under three lengths in a win that was far more convincing than the margin alone suggested. She travelled into the race with ease, quickened when asked and put the race away in the style of a filly peaking at the right time. That last start win also suggested Chayan is thriving back in Sydney after her Blue Diamond run. She had previously finished second to Streisand in the Blue Diamond Prelude before not quite featuring in the Group 1 itself, but her Reisling victory showed there was plenty of merit in her earlier work. Back to Randwick, back to 1200m and with a much sharper finish, she looked a different horse. From a Singapore perspective, it gives the Golden Slipper an added layer of intrigue, with owner Eric Koh represented in the biggest juvenile race on the Australian calendar if not the world. Streisand brings the standout Group 1 form into the race after her Blue Diamond triumph. She has now put together a very strong record and has already proven herself at elite level at 1200m. Her win at Caulfield had authority about it and she had already advertised her quality when taking out the Blue Diamond Prelude. She is clearly one of the major contenders and deserves that status. Closer To Free and Guest House also emerge from the Blue Diamond with strong claims. Closer To Free was excellent in finishing second in that race after winning the colts and geldings Prelude, while Guest House was right there again in third. Both have consistently measured up against good company, and both profiles suggest they can be competitive in a Golden Slipper of this nature. Among the Sydney colts, Paradoxium has done little wrong. His Todman Stakes win was sharp and professional, taking control of the race and holding his rivals at bay. Stretan Ruler, who chased him home there after winning the Silver Slipper at Rosehill by a widening margin, has also built a very solid case. He looks tough, adaptable and genuine, and he has already shown he can absorb pressure and still finish off. Campione D’Italia is the horse who may divide opinion. His Skyline Stakes win was achieved by the barest of margins, but it was still a Group 2 win at 1200m and that counts for plenty in this race. He remains lightly raced and may still have more improvement to come than some of the others around him. Fireball is another who cannot be dismissed. His Millennium win was strong and he clearly has talent, but his Skyline run was less decisive. The addition of blinkers and James McDonald being booked is an interesting move and one that suggests connections are looking to sharpen him for the big stage. If he improves off that latest effort, he is capable of bouncing back into serious contention. Warwoven arrives with winning momentum after taking out the Pago Pago Stakes and has now won three of four starts. If he was allowed to run in the Magic Millions Classic in January and won would be more in the conversation but he is a classy individual from a hot in form stable. Pembrey, too, comes through a key fillies’ lead-up after a commanding Magic Night Stakes success, while Spicy Miss stamped her credentials with victory in the Sweet Embrace. Then there is Music Time, whose Black Opal Stakes win was full of merit. Canberra form does not always get the same attention as the major Sydney and Melbourne lead-ups, but the manner of the performance was hard to ignore, especially given he dictated and kept going. What makes this year’s race particularly compelling is that there does not appear to be one completely dominant juvenile towering above the rest. Instead, there is a broad spread of genuine hopes from multiple form lines, which often makes for the most interesting Golden Slippers. From a tippingl viewpoint, Chayan is easy to warm to. She is lightly raced, progressive and comes into the race off one of the most visually impressive lead-up wins of the season. The step into the Slipper cauldron is never easy, but on recent form she has earned her place and looks capable of making her presence felt with champion rider Craig Williams taking the ride.  

Weekday racing on the Highveld rarely lacks betting intrigue and Thursday’s nine-race programme on the Inside track at Turffontein Racecourse is no exception. Beyond the four maidens, including the Work Riders’ opener, the card offers a handful of runners whose profiles scream follow, notably three last-start winners and a couple of progressive types knocking loudly on the door. Early value could lie with Terrence in Race 2. The Alec Laird-trained gelding shaped well when staying on for second over 1700m last time and the extra 100m looks right up his alley. As a son of New Predator, he should relish the step up to 1800m and with Gavin Lerena taking the ride it wouldn’t surprise to see Terrence open his account. Race 3 presents a similar opportunity for Major Arcana, whose form suggests a maiden win is imminent. The lightly raced four-year-old caught the eye when runner-up on debut and confirmed that ability when bouncing back from a below-par run to finish second again after a 16-week break. That comeback effort should have tightened the screws and Roy Magner’s charge looks poised to go one better under Muzi Yeni. One of the more reliable betting anchors on the card could be Fostinovo in Race 6. The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained gelding wasn’t winning out of turn when scoring over 1450m on this track four weeks ago and a three-point penalty shouldn’t be enough to halt his momentum. With two wins and three seconds from his last five starts, the six-year-old is thriving and it would take a brave punter to oppose him with Keagan de Melo aboard. Another recent winner who could be ahead of the handicapper is Kambati in Race 7. From the yard of Corrie Lensley, the improving son of Erupt powered home from the rear of the field to shed his maiden tag over the same 1450m course and distance. That late surge suggested a horse coming into his own and apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson, who partnered him to victory, keeps the ride, which is another positive given his current purple patch. The nightcap could see Status stamp himself as a horse worth following through the grades. The Tony Peter-trained gelding confirmed the promise of his debut third with a dominant front-running win over 1600m when returning from a lengthy absence (as a gelding). By The United States, the four-year-old should relish the step up to 1800m and looks the type who could prove well treated by the handicapper. Before that, Winds Of Grace deserves another chance to get her head in front. She took 13 starts to finally shed her maiden tag but has followed that breakthrough success up with two solid runner-up efforts – the sort of consistency that often pays dividends if punters remain patient. It may be a routine Thursday meeting on paper, but with several progressive types emerging and a few reliable betting anchors on show, the Inside track could provide punters with a profitable afternoon if they follow the right profiles. Clive Robinson

By Scott Bailey Singapore owner Eric Koh will have some nervous nights between now and Saturday. But he will put on his best suit and be proud that his name is the sole owner next to the recent Group 2 Reisling Stakes winner ‘Chayan’. That result that has now secured her place and early favouritism in the world’s richest race for juveniles, the Golden Slipper this weekend. For Koh, a well-known Singapore racing identity and former steward, the win carried added meaning. Since the closure of the Singapore Turf Club in 2024, many local racing figures have looked overseas to continue their involvement in the sport or gotten out of the game completely. Koh has been among the most active, building a small but ambitious international stable across Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. His decision to expand his racing interests abroad has already produced results in Queensland recently, but March 7^th marked a landmark moment for his stable. Koh celebrated two Group race victories on opposite sides of the Tasman. The first success came in New Zealand where Sweynesday captured the Group 3 King’s Plate at Ellerslie. Not long after, his full focus shifted to Sydney where Chayan delivered an even bigger result in the prestigious Group 2 Reisling Stakes over 1,200 metres at Randwick in very impressive style. She was ridden by champion jockey James McDonald and trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, the daughter of I Am Invincible finished strongly and won with authority to take the A$300,000 feature, stamping herself as one of the leading fillies of slipper contention. The victory carries enormous implications, as the Reisling Stakes serves as a key lead-up to the Golden Slipper, the A$5 million showpiece widely regarded as the best and richest two-year-old race in the world. Chayan’s performance has earned her a coveted start in the race at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday, giving Koh the chance to chase one of the sport’s most prestigious prizes. But winning jockey James McDonald will not be aboard her in the Australian major, she is to be ridden by champion jockey Craig Williams who is no stranger to winning these big races. At the barrier draw on Tuesday morning (17^th March) the blue racing silks will jump from gate 12 (10) after scratchings. A draw not too bad considering many of the fancied runners such as Warwoven have drawn out wider. Chayan was purchased by Koh for A$250,000 at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The filly had already shown promise early in her career, finishing runner-up on debut in the Blue Diamond Prelude before competing in the Blue Diamond Stakes itself. Koh’s international racing venture has quickly gathered momentum. Since shifting his focus overseas, he has assembled a team of horses competing across multiple jurisdictions, including Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. The results have followed, with several winners already recorded across the region. For Singapore racing followers, Koh’s success provides a reminder that local ownership can still make an impact on the global stage even after the end of domestic racing in his home country. And if Chayan can produce another standout performance this Saturday then the former Singapore steward may have a shiny slipper to add to the trophy cabinet.    

Apprentice riders take centre stage at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Wednesday, adding extra intrigue to a competitive card. In-form apprentice Sifiso Bungane looks particularly well placed with several strong rides.

The feature is a competitive B Stakes over 1600m where the progressive Yamazaki appears well weighted to strike. Despite just one win from 11 starts, his consistency stands out and his recent second behind the improving Foudre reads well, with the form already producing subsequent winners. Trainer Justin Snaith keeps him on home soil and his overall form lines compare favourably with his rivals.

Handsome Prince remains talented but faces stamina queries, while Boogiefied arrives off a narrow course-and-distance victory and commands respect under Keagan de Melo.

Among the apprentice contests, Gimme The Power looks the runner to beat in race four after two solid efforts over the same course and distance. Leading apprentice Mxolisi Mbuto partners Black Erika in race six; the Adam Marcus-trained filly has improved steadily since shedding her maiden and should be competitive again.

Bungane has another strong opportunity in race eight aboard Backinthefastlane, who continues to progress since leaving the maiden ranks and should appreciate the return to 1600m.

Earlier, Enticement sets a high standard in race one after an impressive debut second behind promising company and looks hard to oppose. Miss Smiley could capitalise on a light weight in race two if producing her best form.

Ready For The Road steps up to 2000m in race three after a career-best second and shapes as a major contender, while Palace Gift seeks a hat-trick in race five with a useful 4kg claiming apprentice booked.

Video Stars Race 10 – 1 ALL OUT FOR SIX Drawn wide in both local starts, he endured a tough trip first-up but still finished strongly for sixth. Last time out, he was urged forward early to settle on the speed before weakening late into fifth. With better draws on both occasions, he likely would have finished much closer. Now with two runs under his belt, he looks primed to peak third-up and should be right in the mix dropping back to Class 3. Race 11 – 2 MIGHTY MASTS He likely found the mile trip beyond his best last start, settling on the speed before weakening into sixth in a quality race. The form has since held up well, with multiple runners performing well subsequently, highlighted by the winner STORMY GROVE, who went on to claim the Hong Kong Classic Cup. Suited by the drop back to 1400m, he shapes as a strong contender in what appears an open contest this week. Sectional Stars Race 4 – 4 HAPPY BRETHREN His debut run three weeks ago was a pass mark after he was disadvantaged by a slow tempo when settling off the speed early. Despite the circumstances, he made good late ground to finish fourth over 1200m. With the benefit of that experience, he looks one to follow in what appears a below-par Class 4 field. Race 5 – 7 HAPPY UNIVERSE Despite drawing awkwardly last start, he was steadied early to settle off the pace before letting down sharply to find only one better over this track and distance, clocking the fastest final 400m of the race in 23.41 seconds. With a kinder run in transit, he looks capable of going one better.

Local trainer Kevin Coetzee will once again be represented by a large contingent of runners at the Perak Turf Club meeting on Saturday kicking off with SACRED SKY in the 1200m Class 5A (Race 1). The seven-year-old was unlucky not to win at his third start for the stable here a fortnight ago when beaten a short head.  Following a moderate beginning, the gelding closed off well to hit the lead momentarily in the home straight prior to being out pointed right on the post. FLYING FINN is still a maiden but has been improving with successive minor placings and is a chance to break through at start number eight. Trainer Yan Weng Kuan celebrated his first training double at the last meeting and FLYING FINN should pick up a race very soon. FOUNTAIN OF FAME has done little in recent weeks but may improve on the downgrade. WK Yan will be represented by a couple of genuine contenders in the 1400m Open Maiden (Race 3) with SUPER FAST and MAYMAY SUGAR attempting to open their winning accounts. SUPER FAST has performed well against Class 4 opposition lately, including a third placing in the grade on March 1. This will be the gelding’s first run back in maiden company and is on target to break through. MAYMAY SUGAR caught the eye with a fast finishing second on local debut prior to receiving no luck in that same Class 4 event contested by his stable mate. The grey mare was sent out favourite on that occasion and she may be suited by the longer trip. Former Hong Kong galloper HEAVENLY WARRIOR was heavily supported when finishing fourth on his local debut and will strip fitter from that run while TEN TEN trialed well during the week and could show up for the new stable. Former Australian galloper AI ROCKET looks a talented type capable of rising through the grades and will make his first visit to the Ipoh circuit in the 1300m Cosmo C contest (Race 6). Coming off successive Selangor victories, the most recent in a strong Class 3 lineup on February 15, AI ROCKET has the early pace to find a forward position if not lead and will take some catching. SECRET WONDER has appeared once on the Ipoh track which yielded an impressive win in the Listed Singapore Pools Trophy in November last year. The four-year-old has not scored since although he came close when beaten a neck in a Class 3 earlier this year. He hasn’t been blessed with decent barrier draws recently either and again may need luck from the gate 11 come Saturday. FLAWLESS returned to winning form here in a Class 4 race on February 1 prior to finishing five lengths (5th) behind AI ROCKET a fortnight later in that Class 3 contest. Promising performer, FRIGHT will resume and make his debut for the T Asogan yard. A first up winner from his last preparation, FRIGHT has appeared once previously on this track when finishing third behind SECRET WONDER in the Singapore Pools Trophy. In fact he is yet to miss a place when produced first up in three campaigns and looked sharp in a recent trial.

Hong Kong-trained horses dominate the March edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, which were released on Thursday, 12 March, occupying the top two spots. David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising maintained his position as the top-rated horse in training with an international rating of 128, while Danny Shum’s Romantic Warrior was ranked second with a rating of 124. Japan’s dirt giant Forever Young, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, was third with a rating of 123, while the Karl Burke-trained eight-year-old Royal Champion was fourth, rated 122. From the United States of America, Bob Baffert charge Nysos rounded out the top five of the March list, rated 121. Ka Ying Rising, raced by the Ka Ying Syndicate, broke the record for consecutive wins by a Hong Kong-trained horse when he added an 18th straight triumph to his already glittering CV with victory in the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 22 February. It was the five-year-old’s eighth Group 1 success and sixth win this season. Romantic Warrior was at his peerless best when the eight-year-old, owned by Peter Lau, blitzed the field to claim a record-extending 13th Group 1 victory in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 1 March. Both horses are focused on domestic glory for the remainder of this season: Ka Ying Rising is aiming to retain his Hong Kong Speed Series honours with victory in April’s G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), while the world’s highest-earning horse Romantic Warrior is looking to complete the Triple Crown with a win in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 24 May. Ka Ying Rising next races in Easter Monday’s (6 April) G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin when he goes for a 19th win in succession. Hong Kong boasts four entries in the top 20 of the March edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. Manfred Man’s Lucky Sweynesse is ranked joint-11th with an international rating of 118, while John Size-trained Helios Express is joint-15th with a rating of 117.

A couple of gallopers which displayed their true potential during their recent campaigns are set to clash when they resume in the 1100m Class 4A contest (Race 5). STORM TITAN, unbeaten in three starts last preparation, will be aiming for four on the bounce as he is pitted against another likely type in the form of CAPETIAN, which scored twice in three outings locally. The HY Cheng trained STORM TITAN led throughout in his three victories prior to spelling on January 3 and his early pace will prove to be a valuable asset in Sunday’s contest. CAPETIAN, for trainer Simon Dunderdale, was successful on his local debut in August last year but was lightly raced with only three starts for his first Malaysian preparation, culminating with a 1200m win on October 12. Both gallopers appear likely types capable of rising to the next level and will no doubt meet each other on several occasions coming off similar marks. Another horse to watch is former Australian galloper BANKER’S SWEETIE, which trialed impressively on Tuesday morning and does possess some early pace. A maiden winner back in August last year, the four-year-old mare raced nine times on the New South Wales provincial circuits and should run a forward race first up for five months. Talented four-year-old DUMA returned to racing in a big way scoring first up over 1200m on February 18 and is a chance of going back-to-back in the 1100m Class 3 contest (Race 6). It was the gelding’s first run since his narrow second to Antipodean in the Listed NZB Ready To Run Championship in October. However, the lineup on Sunday will be more competitive and from the outside draw, it may provide a true indication of the horse’s true potential as he enters the higher grades. BANKER’S PRETTY has been beaten by a neck at her past two starts and is a chance to break the Malaysian duck at start seven in the country. Runner up in the Listed Wilyah Silver Bowl a month ago, the five-year-old gets in well at the weights after the claim and deserves a win. BANKER’SSWEETHEART ran on resolutely in her trial on Tuesday and may be one to watch first up since August last year. SHIMI GO had no luck when caught wide throughout last time is a worthy trifecta based on previous Class 3 form. The French bred gelding, MEGA CAPTAIN looks a talented type based on his impressive trial win here earlier this month and will be making his debut in the 1200m Restricted Maiden (Race 7). Leading throughout to win the trial by 2.25L, he went to the line untouched and will no doubt attract interest in the local markets. Of the raced brigade, YES BOSS YES is due to strike after finishing runner up in two runs so far. The Jason Ong trainer three-year-old has shown the tendency to jump sideways at the start but does possess raw ability and will no doubt improve with further race experience. SKY KING has steadily improved in three runs for the inform Ooi Chin Chin stable, coming off a last start third in a 1200m Restricted Maiden two weeks back. MEGA RELIABLE finished fourth in that same race and looks a place chance for the exotics. The Banker’s Stable will supply half the field in the 1600m Supreme C (Race 8) with the likelihood of filling the trifecta. BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL and BANKER’S SECRET are coming off credible performances against Class 3 and Metro A company respectively and are likel to be well fancied in local markets. BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL already has the runs on the board with two wins from six local starts and is a previous Class 3 winner. The only query being she has never scored beyond 1300m and was unplaced in one attempt over the mile two starts back. BANKER’S SECRET is already proven himself at the trip when breaking his maiden tag in Australia over the mile last year. The four-year-old has maintained good form locally with one win from three starts and is coming off a third in a strong Metro A race taken out by Pacific Vampire last month. BANKER’S EMPRESS, runner up to BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL on local debut on January 3, defeated subsequent winner Guru Fight in a Class 4 contest over this track and distance three weeks later on January 24. The mare received no luck when badly checked in a Metro A contest last start and should figure in the placings. PACIFIC STAR is on the quick backup following his third behind the talented Banker’s Two Six last Sunday. The six-year old’s last win on January 17 was recorded from a six-day backup so the short space between runs should not be an issue.

The Highveld spotlight falls on the Standside track at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday where a bumper 10-race programme offers punters plenty to chew on, headed by two Listed contests – the WSB Aquanaut Handicap and the WSB Hawwaam Stakes – alongside the traditional Oaks pointer in the Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial. While the supporting Pinnacle Stakes add depth to the card, much of the betting interest could revolve around a progressive pair of three-year-old fillies from the yard of Mike and Mathew de Kock. The first of those is Curious Girl, who lines up in Race 5 over 2000m after quietly building an impressive profile in KwaZulu-Natal. The daughter of Futura has won three of her last four starts and appears to be improving with every step up in distance. She showed little when tried once on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville, but back on turf she has thrived, relishing 1950m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville before confirming her stamina credentials with a decisive 2400m victory at the same venue. Everything about her profile screams “stayer in the making”. If she reproduces that upward curve on her Highveld debut, she could easily extend the sequence under Gavin Lerena, who climbs aboard from a favourable draw in gate No 7. Stablemate Councillor could then make it a memorable afternoon for the De Kock camp in Race 6, the Listed Hawwaam Stakes over 2000m. The daughter of Rafeef has sharpened up noticeably since the application of blinkers. Her three starts in the headgear have produced two thirds in KwaZulu-Natal and most significantly, a last-start victory against the boys when returning to the Highveld. On that occasion at the Vaal Classic track she stormed home from well off the pace to score over 2000m under Jeffrey Syster. With just 51.5kg on her back this time and further improvement likely, she looks attractively treated and rates a confident win bet against male opposition. Veteran campaigner Nebraas may provide value in Race 7, the Listed Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m. Trained by Sean Tarry, the nine-year-old finished 6.30 lengths behind re-opposing Enflame over the same course and distance last time, but the handicapper has given him a fighting chance with a 4.5kg swing in the weights. Given the stable’s sizzling current form after last weekend’s Classic success, the old warrior could easily outrun market expectations. Race 8 over 1800m brings another intriguing rematch when The Ultimate King meets Olivia’s Way again. The pair were separated by the narrowest of margins over course and distance recently, with the former, trained by Tony Peter, getting the verdict. Although Olivia’s Way is 0.5kg better off and tries cheekpieces for the first time, that marginal pull at the weights and the application of first-time headgear may not be enough to reverse the form. Clive Robinson