FWD QEII Cup June Take June Take conducted a final workout on the turf track with jockey Joao Moreira in the saddle, clocking 1m 18.4s (29.4, 25.7, 23.3) over 1200m. Trainer Hidenori Take said: “After the exercise in the trotting ring, I instructed Joao to gradually pick up the pace from around 1200m, adjusting to the horse’s condition, and to finish in approximately 25 seconds. The horse had been in very good condition up to that point, with a strong appetite and a relaxed demeanour, so I told Joao to train the horse according to how he felt on the day. I also noted that it would be fine to push him in the final stretch, or to leave him as he was if the response was good. “He moved nicely, and he showed smooth acceleration even after changing leads. When working alone, he can sometimes lose focus, but in races, he tends to become eager, so I believe being settled is a positive. “Although the workout went as planned, there was some concern about the horse’s condition after the jockey dismounted. However, after returning to the stable, the horse was thoroughly examined by veterinarians and no issues were found. As this was likely his first time on a turf course and he was working alone, the unfamiliar surroundings and equipment might have distracted him. There were no problems with his legs, and overall the horse remained in good condition.” Masquerade Ball Masquerade Ball had a solid, fast work session on turf, clocking 1m 20.4s (30.5, 25.0, 24.9) over 1200m with trainer Takahisa Tezuka supervising him. Trainer Tezuka said: “Although he was a bit edgy, his work went smoothly overall. As this will be his first race in five months, we have put in solid preparation in Japan, both in terms of workload and quality. “After arriving in Hong Kong, he seemed slightly unsettled, perhaps due to the heat, so we instructed the work rider to go easier than originally planned today. He hasn’t often breezed alone at home, and it appeared that he might not fully focus without a partner. However, he is well-prepared, and I have no concerns about his condition. “We are not particularly worried about racing right-handed, but with Hong Kong’s rainy season likely to produce softer ground, and the forecast suggesting unsettled weather over the weekend, that could be a challenge. “He has matured not only physically but also mentally. Being a sensitive horse, we feel he has become more composed, and his core strength has improved compared to when he was three, which we see as a positive. “Romantic Warrior is a true hero in Hong Kong, and we are the challengers here, but we hope to make it a competitive race and, if possible, make the most of the opportunity.” Royal Champion Royal Champion was sighted for the first time at trackwork. The G1 Neom Turf Cup (2100m) winner had his ears pricked and looked comfortable during a light circuit of the all-weather track. Stable representative Jack Lander said: “He’s travelled very well. He’s very professional and he’s done it before in Bahrain and Saudi. He’s eight, so he’s done it all before. He’s got such a good attitude towards it all so it’s very handy to have a horse who takes it all in his stride. Hopefully, if he’s in the same form as his other international starts, he can put up a good fight.” FWD Champions Mile Docklands The G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) fourth took to the all-weather track for the first time this week, leading Royal Champion in a steady piece of exercise. He arrives here fit after a win in the Listed Doncaster Mile (1600m) on 28 March. Stable representative Laura Pike said: “He’s great, as always. He loves travelling and he knew where he was when he got off the horsebox. It was his first day out on track today just to freshen him up a bit. He was in the ring in the stables yesterday and Monday. This was just to freshen him up as usually he’s here for 10 days or more, whereas it’s only a week this time and he only ran recently. He just did a canter around. He’ll probably go on the grass on Friday.” Jantar Mantar Jantar Mantar had a steady workout for 1200m on the turf track under his exercise rider Takashi Matsui, clocking 1m 18.9s (30.0, 27.4, 21.5) over 1200m. Matsui said: “I am relieved that the workout was completed safely and that he was confirmed to be in good condition. I rode him aiming to maintain a pace of around 15 seconds per furlong from the six-furlong (1200m) mark, then asked him to accelerate smoothly without pushing too hard for the last 400 metres. His reaction was great and he moved beautifully.”

Ronald Arculli’s connection to Hong Kong racing spans approximately six decades, and the former Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, alongside wife Johanna, can boost an already enviable ownership record when his defending champion returns at Sha Tin. Red Lion is one of Arculli’s foremost gallopers, and the seven-year-old gelding is chasing a second consecutive HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) success on FWD Champions Day (Sunday, 26 April). Arculli, 87, served as Chairman from 2002-2006. He has raced more than 80 horses since the 1970s in Hong Kong as a sole owner, partner and in syndicates, with the 1993/94 Triple Crown winner River Verdon – the first Hong Kong-trained horse to compete overseas in 1992 – his standout champion, co-owned by Sir Oswald Cheung. Arculli’s other big-race wins in his home city, including the 1991 Hong Kong Derby (1800m), have come via River Jordan, River Dancer, Go-Getter, Red Cadeaux – winner of the 2012 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) – and most recently Red Lion, who is bidding for a second Group 1 triumph when Andrea Atzeni hops up this weekend. Atzeni said: “His most recent trial and the trial before his last run were good, but he just didn’t run accordingly last start (14th in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy, 1600m). John (Size) put blinkers on him in his last trial (on 16 April). He trialled well with them and, hopefully, we get a lot of rain. It’s hard to know, and obviously, the track dries very quickly, too. “Any rain is welcome – hopefully there’s a bit of juice in the ground, and given a smooth run around, he could run very well.” The courageous Red Lion – trained by Australian Racing Hall of Famer Size – finished second in the 2024 FWD Champions Mile at odds of 29/1 before his 89/1 make-all victory over heavy favourite Voyage Bubble in 2025. “I felt like in his trial when he had a bit of room and he’s rolling along, that’s when he’s happy. It seems like he responds a bit better when he’s to the outside,” Atzeni said. “I just feel like he doesn’t like to be on the fence with horses surrounding him and that he needs his own space. He’s quick out of the gates and the blinkers seem to work on him.” Size is going for a sixth win in the race, having also prevailed with Electronic Unicorn (2003), Sight Winner (2009), Contentment (2017) and Beauty Eternal (2024). Red Lion is one of two defending champions reappearing this weekend along with Ka Ying Rising, who is aiming to win a second HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). Fellow hometown hero Romantic Warrior is trying to land a record fourth HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) after triumphs in 2022, 2023 and 2024. By Declan Schuster

Galaxy Patch has always displayed Group 1 qualities and trainer Pierre Ng is hopeful the bay gelding can secure a breakthrough when he contests the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) on FWD Champions Day (Sunday, 26 April) at Sha Tin. Twice Group 1-placed, Galaxy Patch is one of Hong Kong racing’s leading milers and is a dual winner at Group 2 and Group 3 level; however, an elite-level crown is all that’s missing from his solid 25-start record, which is headlined by eight wins. He was also a neck second behind Massive Sovereign in the 2024 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m). Galaxy Patch won November’s G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) when luck fell his way as he skimmed the rail from near-last on the turn while the field dispersed across the home straight, capturing his most important victory for Ng. Ng said: “He just needs everything to go right for him – there can’t be too much traffic, but he’s been doing well across the last few seasons and, hopefully, he gets his chance.” More recently, the six-year-old – showcasing his exciting get-back run-on style of racing – was fourth from barrier nine in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) on 6 April. “He’s doing well. He finished fourth and pulled up fine. He was three-wide and it wasn’t a very fast pace. He did make up a fair bit of ground,” Ng said. “Hopefully, we get a better draw next time.” Galaxy Patch finished fourth in a barrier trial last Thursday (16 April) in 1m 11.23s behind fellow FWD Champions Mile entrants Little Paradise, Red Lion and Invincible Ibis. “It will be normal training with him. He’ll probably have a gallop on Thursday (23 April) and then he’ll be ready for it. Karis Teetan rides. Generally, I’d like him to be wherever he wants to be – just not switched on. The horse needs to switch off in the run,” Ng said. Now in his fourth season as a trainer in Hong Kong, Ng is nearing the 200-win mark in the city. The 42-year-old is the son of former trainer Peter Ng, who earned three Hong Kong Horse of the Year titles with Mystic (1984/85) and Quicken Away (1988/89 & 1989/90). “We’ve won Group 2 races and Group 3 races. We’re just missing that Group 1. The team has been doing so well with the horses, so we’ll just keep trying. Hopefully, we don’t have to wait too long to get a Group 1,” Ng said. FWD Champions Day on Sunday (26 April) at Sha Tin also features the HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) and HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). By Declan Schuster

Track Spy Video Stars Race 1 – 7 SPANGLE FORTUNE He had no luck first-up 18 days ago, when a wide draw forced him to race three-wide without cover throughout. After covering the extra ground, he was entitled to weaken in the straight, finishing 12th, beaten eight lengths, over 1650m at this track. Stripping fitter second-up, he looks capable of finishing in the top three with a more economical run in transit. Race 8 – 2 LADY’S CHOICE His unplaced effort last start was better than it reads, as he was pressured early to settle on the speed in a strongly run race, with the first 400m and 800m covered in 23.27 and 44.96 seconds—well inside standard sectionals. Given the tough race shape, it was no surprise to see him weaken in the straight, and with a more favourable run, he could surprise at odds dropping back to Class 3. Sectional Stars Race 7 – 1 ARMOUR WAR EAGLE He has been racing consistently in Class 3, recording three placings from his past five starts. At his two most recent outings, he was disadvantaged by slow tempos but still finished off well, producing solid late sectionals. Dropping to Class 4 for the first time, he looks one to follow against weaker opposition. Race 11 – 4 PATCH OF COSMO His recent efforts in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and Hong Kong Derby (2000m) have been encouraging, producing strong late sectionals to finish third and fourth respectively. The return to handicap conditions looks ideal, and he shapes as a leading contender in Class 2.

Five-year-old ZED OR ALIVE has only scored once in 23 starts but is a chance to break his Malaysian duck in the 1700m Pasir Gudang Kite Museum Stakes (Race 2). With minor placings behind the likes of higher rated performers such as Banker’s Honor and Guru Fight in this distance range recently, the gelding could be a value selection on the six-day backup. FAMILY DELIGHT will be fourth up and appears better suited on the distance rise. Despite scoring only once in nineteen local starts, the former Macau galloper will break the 14-month winning drought very soon. BANKER’S CUTE, from the inform BT Lim stable, also steps out to a more favorable journey and is also coming off the six-day backup, third run in the country. HENNU STALL finally broke through for an overdue win and looks a chance in the slightly harder lineup. EASTERN BARRACKS put the writing on the wall with his fast finishing second behind handy mare, Banker’s Beautiful two runs ago and franked that form with a comeback victory in a 1400m Class 4B here three weeks ago. Both of his wins have been recorded over 1400m but he has placed over the mile previously and is a chance of going back-to-back in the Kedah Paddy Museum Stakes (Race 3). BANKER’S SUPER is a mile winner in Australia and is on target for a forward showing third up in Malaysia. STRONG WHITE has the potential to rise through the grades but his waywardness has cost him dearly in the past. The four-year-old grey still displayed those traits when resuming here last Sunday, closing off with a fast final sectional to finish runner up over 2000m and gains a big advantage on the minimum. PLATINUM EMPEROR continues to race well with the big weights and is a chance to deliver a return victory in the 1400m Supreme A contest (Race 4). The six-year-old reeled off the fastest final sectional when closing off to finish fourth in the 1200m G1 Tunku Gold Cup on March 29, beaten 1.75L. With a local record of 4 wins from 8 starts, the former Macau galloper strikes a winnable race with Benny Woodworth to retain the mount. Stable mates BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL and BANKER’S SMILE have both risen through the grades and are facing their toughest assignments since arriving from Australia. However, both runners cannot be discounted on the minimum weights and are capable of winning. ANTIPODEAN may not be the dominant force he was a couple of years ago but his excellent record over the 1400m trip keeps him under notice. With six wins from seven starts at the distance, the 5yo was never a threat from a wide draw in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup and is expected to improve against a slightly weaker lineup come Saturday’ Despite his failure in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup last start, three-year-old MEGA ACE will be seeking immediate redemption in the 1020m Class 3 contest (Race 7). The gelding yielded after racing on speed in the group feature when casting a plate during the run. His greatest asset is his early pace and if he finds the lead, he will be hard to run down. BANKER’S EMPEROR resumed with a second over 1200m three weeks ago and his excellent second up record (3:3-0-0) cannot be ignored either. FRIGHT and WITNESSIMPACT returned to winning form in Ipoh last month and are proven in Class 3 company.

There are some tough fields on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth for punters to sink their teeth into so it will probably be best to stick with the in-form yards of Snaith Racing and Candice Bass. Justin Snaith-trained Lyrical Gangster looks the part in Race 7, the Gallop TV Apprentice Stakes over 1000m. This Gimmethegreenlight gelding has taken a while to strike his best form, but he does look to be improving. Lyrical Gangster took four starts to break his maiden, but it is his latest start – his second run after being gelded – that caught the eye. The three-year-old gelding was narrowly beaten by Flying Finley. Being an apprentice race, regular rider JP van der Merwe is excluded from taking the ride, so he will be partnered by Varun Jodhee, who claims 4kg. Jodhee recently won on a 100-1 chance, Lucky Strike, at Fairview, and one thing that is certain is that there will not be any bookmaker offering 100-1 on Lyrical Gangster. Some big-field handicaps are on this card and, in Race 8, a Class 4 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1500m, Bass-trained Amayah could scrape out another victory. This daughter of South African-bred international superstar River Jetez has improved when stepped up in distance to 1600m. She has won her last two starts. The first of those wins came on her fifth start when beating Beautiful One by 0.50 lengths half a length on 21 January at this course. It is worth noting that she scored from a draw of No 12 in a 13-horse field that day. Amayah found betting support when following up and shortened from 8-1 to start at 9-2. Once again, her win was a close-run affair, and her three-point penalty looks fair. The Vercingetorix filly is well drawn, and Corne Orffer takes over riding duties from Van der Merwe.   Clive Robinson

The East Cape Nursery (Listed) over 1200m takes centre stage at Fairview on Friday and it looks to be a good race, albeit with a small field. Trainer Dean Smith has had his fair share of juvenile winners this season, but it does appear that Master Mtoto is the best of his juveniles. This Real Gone Kid colt was a narrow winner on debut and did look a lucky victor that day under Craig Zackey, as three runners went to the post together and only the photo showed that Master Mtoto had prevailed. Interestingly, the second runner home that day, Fyfield Legend, has yet to win a race. Only a head back and looking an unlucky loser, was Alan Greeff-trained and Richard Fourie-ridden US Ranger. The Act Of War colt was quick to make amends for that defeat when a comfortable winner second time out by 1.25 lengths, with another runner in this race, Just Carter, back in third. Master Mtoto and US Ranger were to meet again in the preparation race for this event. US Ranger was expected to overturn his earlier defeat and attracted all the betting support on the day, but it was not to be. Master Mtoto beat him again and did so impressively. So the score stands at 2–0 to Master Mtoto, but do not be surprised if US Ranger can pull one back on Friday. They also could have another danger in the race. Trainer Kelly Mitchley was expecting a good run from Into Red Space on debut, but even she must have been impressed with his victory. The Erik The Red colt was quick to gain a lead, and although Olaf The Stout threatened to challenge him during the race, he never got close. Into Red Space won by 2.25 lengths. Olaf The Stout bounced back from that defeat to win by more than eight lengths last Friday. It is worth noting the Greeff–Fourie combination had a good meeting last Friday with four winners, so one can expect more of the same at this meeting. It is never easy to pick which of their many runners look best on the day, so we may have to settle with bets on Dupont Emerald and Kleinzee. Greeff excels in getting runners from other yards to shine at this centre and both are in good form. Dupont Emerald is threatening to win a race, and although Race 7 is a tough MR 80 Handicap over 1400m, it is the first time Fourie rides her and that could make all the difference. Kleinzee also takes on the boys in Race 8, a Classified Stakes over 1600m, but there was a lot to like about her local debut victory on the Polytrack when quickening up nicely and getting up late. She could get the run of the race jumping from pole position.   Clive Robinson

Ascot’s richest sprint is again set to become a battleground between home-ground strength and interstate ambition, with Saturday’s $5 million BYD Quokka offering the locals the chance to defend their turf against a sharp group of raiders flying across the Nullarbor in search of Western Australia’s biggest prize.

Run over 1200 metres at weight-for-age, the Quokka has quickly established itself as a race that demands both class and adaptability, and this year’s field has no shortage of either.

The local brigade has genuine depth, and there is no shortage of horses who know exactly what Ascot sprinting is all about. Rope Them In comes into the race off a timely win in the Roma Cup, where he charged home to edge out Smooth Chino and Oscar’s Fortune, and that result only strengthened his standing as one of the key hopes from the west. Steve Wolfe’s gelding has already proven himself around Ascot, owns strong 1200-metre credentials and looks the sort of horse who can absorb the pressure of a big-race tempo before launching late.

Oscar’s Fortune also gives the locals a serious weapon. Dion Luciani’s sprinter has been a consistent presence in the better short-course races in Perth, winning the Rock Magic first-up before following it with a sound third in the Roma Cup. He has not yet won at 1200 metres, but he has repeatedly shown he belongs in these races and his Ascot record gives him every right to be in the conversation. He is the kind of horse who keeps turning up, keeps giving himself a chance and now gets another crack on the biggest stage in his home state.

Smooth Chino has emerged as one of the more fascinating runners in the race. The lightly raced gelding has built an outstanding record, winning six of his seven starts, and his first-up second in the Roma Cup suggested he has the talent to measure up in open company. He may lack the exposed résumé of some of the more seasoned stars, but his rise has been hard to ignore and the booking of Mark Zahra only adds further interest. If he can reproduce that fresh effort, he could give the locals another genuine reason to believe.

Then there is the established home-state form around horses such as Magnificent Andy, Talkanco and Luana Miss. Magnificent Andy has long been a reliable local performer and gets a soft draw, while Talkanco and Luana Miss bring the three-year-old filly angle and will carry just 54.5 kilograms. Neither has the profile of the main market elects, but both add another layer to a local challenge that is far from one-dimensional.

Still, for all the strength of the west, the eastern states have not come simply to make up the numbers. They are coming for the riches, and they are bringing proper Group 1 form with them. Jigsaw arrives with perhaps the most explosive winning profile in the race, having strung together victories in the McEwen Stakes, Meteorite, Railway Sprint, VOBIS Gold Sprint and most recently the William Reid Stakes. He has built his reputation around speed, aggression and the ability to sustain pressure at a high level, and while barrier 13 is awkward, his racing style ensures there will be no guessing about the plan. He will go forward, make his presence felt and try to break the locals’ hearts.

Caballus also brings heavyweight eastern form. Bjorn Baker’s gelding resumed with a strong second to Joliestar in the Expressway before producing a career-defining victory in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. That is elite sprint form, and it makes him one of the obvious threats to the WA defence. He has tactical speed, proven 1200-metre credentials and the sort of profile that says he has come west with a very serious chance of taking the money home.

Rey Magnerio may be an interstate horse on paper, but he is hardly a stranger to Western Australian success. He ran a close third in the Winterbottom before returning to win the Gold Rush at Ascot in December, and that form gives him a slightly different profile from some of the other eastern raiders. He has already handled the trip, he has already succeeded at Ascot and he gets William Pike in the saddle again. That combination alone will make plenty of local punters sit up and take notice.

Spywire and Jedibeel add further depth to the travelling party. Spywire comes off a win in the Discovery at Ballarat and draws ideally in barrier one, while Jedibeel was narrowly beaten in The Galaxy and has enough class to make his presence felt if the race is run to suit. They may not command the same spotlight as Jigsaw or Caballus, but both reinforce just how determined the eastern states challenge is this year.

That is what makes this edition of the Quokka so compelling. The local brigade is not relying on one standout to fend off the raiders. Instead, Western Australia comes armed with a cluster of genuine hopes, horses who know Ascot, know the conditions and know how to perform in the state’s biggest sprint races. Against them stands a powerful eastern assault led by Group 1 winners and proven open-class sprinters prepared to cross the Nullarbor in pursuit of a $2 million first prize.

Whether the west can hold firm or the visitors can pinch the prize, Saturday’s BYD Quokka promises another chapter in the growing interstate rivalry that has helped make the race such a major draw. The locals will back home-track advantage, race familiarity and the depth of their sprinting ranks. The invaders will trust the strength of their elite form and the belief that the riches on offer are worth the long trip west. One way or another, Ascot is set for another sprinting spectacle.

By Scott Bailey

The Group 1 features at Randwick this Saturday shape as two very different contests, but both carry the same sense of intrigue. The Champagne Stakes will test the staying promise of the juveniles as they stretch to the mile, while the All-Aged Stakes brings together a proven weight-for-age cast in what looks one of the stronger editions of the race in recent years. The Champagne Stakes often asks a serious question of two-year-olds at this stage of the season and this year is no different, with recent winning form giving the race a particularly strong shape. Campione D’Italia comes off a deserved breakthrough at the highest level in the Sires’ Produce Stakes and looks to have all the right pieces in place again for the powerful Chris Waller and James McDonald combination. The colt settled off them and finished over the top at Randwick last start, showing both quality and composure, and from barrier four he gets every chance to land in the right spot before launching late once more. For a horse already proven at Group 1 level, he brings the sort of profile that is hard to ignore stepping to the 1600 metres. Southend adds plenty of intrigue as the unbeaten runner on the rise. Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou’s colt has done nothing wrong in two starts, winning first at Newcastle before taking the Baillieu over 1400 metres at Rosehill in impressive fashion. He gave the impression there was still more to come there, settling back before finishing off strongly, and the extra trip now looks well within reach. His winning form is fresh, his progression is obvious and he comes into the race as the sort of colt who may still be short of the ceiling of his ability. Waller also holds a strong hand through Fireball and Diameter. Fireball has already won the Millennium and was solid again when third behind Campione D’Italia in the Sires’, while Diameter arrives off a last-start maiden win over the mile at Randwick and at least brings proven credentials at the distance. Persian Wonder and Miss Chanel have both been knocking on the door as well, but the spotlight naturally falls on the recent winners, with Campione D’Italia and Southend looking the two who have brought the sharpest upward momentum into Saturday’s assignment. The Schweppes All Aged Stakes, by contrast, is a ready-made headline act. It is a cracking race on paper and the depth is obvious, with proven Group 1 performers spread right across the field. Last years Caulfield/Melbourne Cup hero Half Yours returns for his winter campaign as Giga Kick returns to Randwick chasing another All-Aged Stakes success and his form still reads like that of a top-class sprinter-miler. The former Everest winner was excellent first-up in the TJ Smith when charging into second behind Joliestar, and the move to 1400 metres looks a major tick given he has already won this race at the trip. With Rachel King aboard from barrier seven, he is right in the finish if he sees clear air at the right time. Jimmysstar is impossible to dismiss after the season he has put together. Ciaron Maher’s gelding won this race last year, added Group 1 success again in the Oakleigh Plate earlier in the campaign and has been competitive in elite company throughout. He has already shown he can absorb pressure at the top level and still let down, and while the draw in 12 is no gift, his closing strength and proven Randwick record ensure he remains one of the central players.

Briasa also commands respect as one of the most dangerous runners in the field. The Hawkes-trained gelding was outstanding when winning the TJ Smith last autumn and has long looked a horse capable of mixing it with the best. His challenge at 1400 metres is whether he can bring that same sharp brilliance deeper into the race, but his class is undeniable and Zac Lloyd takes over from Tyler Schiller. If he can settle cleanly and conserve enough energy early, he has the turn of foot to make his presence felt in a major way. There is quality and depth beyond those headline names too. Fangirl gives Waller a high-class mare at weight-for-age and her first up record isn’t too bad, Lazzura comes in off a last-start win, while Angel Capital has been a horse in waiting to claim a feature, Pericles and Tom Kitten all bring genuine credentials to what is shaping as a truly searching contest from start to finish. Still, the market and the attention are likely to circle around the established stars, and deservedly so. Giga Kick has the profile of the horse to beat, Jimmysstar has the résumé of a returning titleholder and Briasa has the explosive talent to blow the race apart.   If the Champagne Stakes looks like a race built around untapped promise, the All-Aged Stakes is the finished article, a Group 1 loaded with proven class and genuine depth. Together they give Randwick a fitting centrepiece on Saturday, from the two-year-olds trying to prove they can see out a testing mile to the seasoned elite set to fight out one of the autumn’s most compelling weight-for-age contests. By Scott Bailey

Fans of charismatic star jockey Andrew Fortune will be glad to see his name in the race guide for Wednesday’s race meeting at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. The 2026 WSB Met winner rides Future Free, a half-brother to 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July runner-up Eight On Eighteen, in Race 8, a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m. He is one of the form choices on the day. Fortune had been riding a crest of a wave, hailed as one of the greatest comebacks in horse racing history, before an untimely fall saw him sidelined with injury for the last few months. But now that he is back, followers of top riders such as log leader Craig Zackey and record-breaking Richard Fourie now have Fortune to follow. Justin Snaith-trained Future Free is also on the up. He showed promise earlier but after being recently gelded caught the eye in his last start running on well but too late to catch bang on form Andre Nel horse Boogiefied. The gelding op looks to have done the trick as in his previous start Future Free reportedly showed no interest in running. He only just ran out of real estate a few weeks back and that was at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. He is now back at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth which, with its longer home straight, was where he shed his maiden tag. From gate one he rates the one to beat. Snaith also has an interesting debutante in Race 1, a 1000m Maiden Juvenile Plate. He sends out lone filly, Nadia Nerina, against the males but she could be the one to beat. She has lightning-fast pedigree being a What A Winter/Gimmethegreenlight cross and is related to Eastern Cape champion Anotherdanceforme and multiple Grade 1 winner Capetown Noir. Snaith has commented that she is a “nice type and will go close” and has booked Richard Fourie for the ride. Andre Nel also looks to have made good use of some of the top riders on the day. All of Theleia (Race 4), Candy Town (Race 6) and Phantom Man (Race 9) rate as strong form runners in their respective heats. Theleia and Phantom Man have been knocking at the door in their respective Maiden contests and Keagan De Melo (another champion rider) could be the one that gets them to open their accounts. De Melo has been in hot form and Theleia and Phantom Man have only just been battling to get the timing right. Candy Town, who was ridden by De Melo in her last two starts, is now partnered by Richard Fourie for the first time. Not only is she the best weighted horse in her heat but she had main rivals Elusive Winter, Flying Finley, North Point and Un Bel Di behind her when second to Sardinia Bay. The latter franked the form when second in the recent Easter Sprint which was a powerful affair. Clive Robinson

The midweek meeting at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth is set to favour horses with natural early speed, as firm track conditions persist before the anticipated seasonal rain. In this context, Candy Town emerges as the headline contender in Race 6 over 1000m. A naturally fast sprinter, she has previously defeated high-class opposition, including the accomplished Questioning, over the same course and distance. Although her career has been interrupted by lengthy breaks, her recent return—finishing a close second to Sardinia Bay—suggests she is nearing peak condition. With race fitness improving and a favourable setup, she is expected to utilise her early pace to full effect.

Her main rival, Elusive Winter, is another speedster but faces a tricky draw that could compromise his early positioning. Despite a weight advantage through jockey bookings, he is worse off at the weights relative to Candy Town based on prior form, which may prove decisive. North Point, though slightly below form recently, remains a capable runner and could rebound, especially returning to a straight track scenario more suited to his strengths.

Elsewhere on the card, Theleia is identified as the standout bet in Race 4 (1400m), having consistently produced strong form and narrowly missed last time. With top jockey engagement, she appears primed to break through. In Race 1, Magma Flow holds the best exposed form and is expected to shed maiden status if reproducing his previous efforts.

Race 3 features an intriguing rematch between From The Island and Hero’s Journey, with the former slightly disadvantaged at the weights despite a recent victory. That result could have implications for Race 5, where Le Concierge drops back in trip and may benefit from sprint conditions.

The later races present competitive matchups. In Race 8, Show Off and Future Free bring contrasting profiles, with the former unlucky in recent outings and the latter possibly better suited to longer distances. Race 7 sees South Of France narrowly preferred over stablemate Peaches And Cream based on recent consistency.

The meeting concludes with Race 9, where Masterofthemoon is tipped to prevail over 2000m if he stays the trip, having shown strong finishing ability in his comeback run.

Midweek racing on the Highveld rarely lacks betting intrigue and the eight-race Vaal programme on Tuesday 14 April has the makings of a punter-friendly affair with a few stable and jockey combinations likely to enjoy profitable doubles. Two riders in particular stand out – Serino Moodley and Muzi Yeni – both well positioned to play prominent roles on the day, while the powerful yard of Sean Tarry also appears poised to make an early statement. Moodley makes the trip north from his KwaZulu-Natal base for seven rides at the Vereeniging track and should get the afternoon off to the ideal start aboard Tarry-trained Northumberland in Race 1 over 1200m. This son of Visionaire outran market expectations on debut when finishing a promising second over this course and distance two weeks ago. With natural improvement expected from that initial outing, the two-year-old gelding looks the type worth sticking with as he learns his trade. Tarry will likely follow up in Race 2, again over 1200m, as Alice B Toklas fits a very similar profile. This daughter of Master Of My Fate caught the eye on debut when finishing strongly for third over the same track and trip. With that experience and Keratille Katjedi back in the irons, the stable should enjoy an early double. Race 3 presents an opportunity for Yeni to strike. Pompeii Shield has been costly to follow recently but trainer Phillip Labuschagne may have made a telling move by engaging the experienced jockey to ride his charge, a lightly raced four-year-old who disappointed when beaten at short odds over 1700m last time. However, the William Longsword colt is open to improvement stretching out to 1800m, so he deserves another chance – especially with Yeni aboard – to justify the faith that punters have repeatedly shown in him. Moodley could be back in the winner’s enclosure in Race 4 aboard Vixeninthevineyard, who has also tested the patience of followers but may finally be ready to deliver. The daughter of What A Winter has maintained admirable consistency, placing in each of her last three starts. Interestingly, trainer Alston Ndzilana removes the tongue-tie, a small but potentially significant adjustment given that her earlier form – before the equipment change – included three consecutive runner-up finishes. The return to 1800m also suits, with both of her previous attempts at the trip yielding second-place results. That reliability suggests her patience testing run may soon be over! Yeni is set to round off the meeting in style aboard Miss Novax in Race 8, and she shapes as one of the more interesting plays on the card. This Lucky Houdalakis-trained daughter of Flower Alley ran a respectable third over 1450m at a higher level last time and now drops to a sharper 1200m that should be more to her liking. She also benefits from a slight drop in grade and competes off a career-low rating after a frustrating 376-day winless run. Yet the numbers tell a different story: since winning her debut over this trip as a two-year-old, she has remained competitive in defeat, showing enough consistency to keep the handicapper cautious about dropping her mark too quickly. Now, with conditions more favourable and Yeni maintaining the partnership, Miss Novax looks attractively placed to finally return to the winner’s circle. Clive Robinson

Video Stars Race 4 – 5 GALLANT DESIGN After finishing a close second on debut, things didn’t quite go his way at his next two starts. Drawn wide on both occasions, he was disadvantaged by slow tempos yet still closed off strongly to finish seventh and fifth, suggesting a breakthrough win in Class 4 is not far away with a more economical run. In a wide-open field, he shapes as a leading contender this week. Race 7 – 3 FORZA TORO He had little luck last time out, with a tough run blunting his winning chances. From an awkward draw, he was trapped wide on the speed throughout before sticking on gamely in the straight to finish sixth, 2.5 lengths from the winner over 1600m. Prior to that, he recorded back-to-back third-place finishes following his drop to Class 4, and with better luck in running, he can make amends. Sectional Stars Race 2 – 1 GOOD FORTUNE His past two runs at the lower end of Class 4 have been encouraging, closing off strongly on both occasions to finish fifth over 1200m, beaten no more than two lengths each time. Dropping into Class 5 for the first time, where he meets weaker opposition, he should be right in the mix if he handles the step up to 1400m. Race 9 – 5 ALL’S WELL In a slowly run race last start, where the winner dictated throughout, he was forced to settle well back from a wide draw before producing a fast final 400m sectional to finish eighth over this track and distance. Given the circumstances, the performance was better than it appears on paper, and he warrants another chance this week.

Prominent owner, KK Yee has been enjoying a good run with multiple runners in recent weeks and is a chance of snaring the 1275m Class 5A contest (Race 1) with a couple of genuine contenders. FRIEND OF HONOR and WINNING SYMPHONY are likely to vie for favoritism. WINNING SYMPHONY will gain a weight advantage with the 4kg claim for apprentice M Zulhilmi and does look the one to beat on best form. FRIEND OF HONOR broke the maiden tag over this track and distance in January, and his recent Class 4 form has been solid. Despite the top weight (59kg) he appears to be a major player second run back in the grade. LIM’S SINAI backs up one week following his decisive 5.25L victory last Sunday and looks a likely prospect in this slightly harder lineup. The Banker’s Stable is currently striking at a respectable 13.8% this season and they will be represented by another debutant in the form of BANKER’S FIRST, engaged in the 1200m Class 3 (Race 6). The former Aussie is a metropolitan winner in Victoria and has been contesting some high benchmark races in his former home country. The five-year-old trialed well without being overtaxed here last month and is one to watch on Malaysian debut. PACIFIC PERY has shown gradual improvement following three starts this preparation and is due to break its Malaysian duck while HASTEN struck a purple patch of form towards the end of last year and is not without claims. BANKERSSWEETHEART has had excuses in two local runs but the mare’s trial during the week indicates a victory is coming in the near future and looks a value selection. The 2000m Supreme C contest (Race 7) contains two recent Group One winners which are expected to figure prominently over the staying trip. The G1 Perak Derby winner GURU FIGHT will clash with last year’s G1 Piala Emas winner KIM EMPEROR Derby place getter GUM KHOR can be thrown into the mix as well. GURU FIGHT has come a long way in the space of twelve months and produced a sterling effort in the derby when posted outside the leader throughout. The four-year-old responded well when required and looks the logical favorite in Sunday’s contest. KIM EMPEROR was only beaten 2.25L (7th) in the Perak Derby but appeared one-paced and never looked a threat. Apprentice Z Syafifie has not missed in two mounts aboard the gelding and can easily rebound to winning form back in home territory. GUM KHOR has only scored a maiden victory in his short career so far and nearly pulled off an upset in the Derby last month. The Irish bred five-year-old led and fought on gamely to run third after leading for most of the way to finish third, one length behind the winner. He is also bred to stay and is worth considering in future distance events in the country. BANKER’S HONOR can round out the trifectas on the upgrade and has placed over 2000m previously in Australia. STORM TITAN will be facing his toughest assignment as he aims for five successive wins in the 1500m Tattersall’s Ireland Breeze Up Trophy (Race 8). The four-year-old scored with authority when produced first up over 1100m here on March 15 after racing on speed. His early pace is a valuable asset and possesses the class to continue his progression through the grades as he races over the 1500m for the first time. BANKER’S VICTORY is coming off a short break and should break through at Class 3 level very soon. Stable mate, BANKER’S HAPPY produced a devastating eight length win over handy type Trees Of Valinor in a 1400m Class 4 contest a fortnight ago and looks capable of winning on the upgrade.