FWD Champions Day Track Notes – Wednesday, 22 April, 2026
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Sha Tin Track Spy: Sunday, 19 April
April 18 Selangor Preview By Mark Lydeamore
Royal Champion seeks more overseas success in the FWD QEII Cup
He has taken on a new lease of life since arriving at Burke’s yard, including when finishing an honourable third in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) at Leopardstown, Ireland, in September last year, and the trainer believes the FWD QEII Cup will represent his ideal scenario.
Apprentice Jodhee is on Lyrical Gangster
Master Mtoto Can Remain Unbeaten
$5 Million BYD Quokka Preview
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

Champagne & All Aged Stakes Preview

Image: Sky Racing
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Sheer Speed Can Take Candy Town Home
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.
Doubles for Trio at Vaal Midweek Meet
Sha Tin Track Spy: Sunday, 12 April
Ka Ying Rising aims to extend streak as Romantic Warrior faces...
April 12 Selangor Preview By Mark Lydeamore
France Express Form & Race Previews (ParisLongchamp) – Thursday, April 23
RACE 1: DU PANTHEON HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) – 3000M – TIME: 19:55 PRIZE MONEY: EUR50900
Chess (FR) Three placed efforts this year, second on the most recent over 3000m at Fontainebleau in a Class 2 Handicap on 31 March. Key chance. Ephesus (FR) Three good runs of late, second on the latter over 2400m at Deauville in a Class 2 on 8 April. Hard to dismiss. Haviassor (FR) Two good placed runs of late, third on the latter over 3000m at Fontainebleau in a Class 2 Handicap on 31 March. Player. Dempy (FR) Ran well to be fourth last time over 2400m at this track in a Class 2 Handicap on 12 April. One to keep onside.
RACE 2: DE FERRIERES STAKES (TURF TRACK) – 2150M – TIME: 20:33 PRIZE MONEY: EUR25600
Rumoriste Narrow winner on his second start over 2000m in a Maiden at Saint-Cloud on 3 April. Looks progressive and can have a bright future. New Connection (IRE) Won by 2 lengths on his second start at Fontainebleau over 1800m in a Maiden on 6 March. Has a good deal more of improvement and warrants attention. Seneque (IRE) Two decent second place runs this year, the latter over 2000m at Chantilly in a Class 2 on 2 April. Ought to be thereabouts. Chamali Won by a narrow margin on his sole start over 1800m at Chantilly in a Condition on 27 December. One to pay attention to.
RACE 3: BOUFFES PARIS HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) – 1600M – TIME: 21:11 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200
Pamela Boum (FR) Two placed runs recently, third on the latter over 1600m at Chantilly in a Class 3 Handicap on 2 April. Solid credentials and can score. Missouri (GER) Two unplaced runs of late, sixth on the latter over 1800m at Chantilly in a Class 3 Handicap on 30 March. Leading contender. Autumn Twilight (IRE) Unplaced last time, a win before that over 1400m at Deauville in a Class 4 Handicap on 8 April. Capable of being involved. Fecamp (FR) Three unplaced runs this year, ninth over 1400m at this track in a Class 3 Handicap on 16 April. More can be expected this time.
RACE 4: PRIX MAURICE ZILBER LISTED STAKES (TURF TRACK) – 1400M – TIME: 21:49 PRIZE MONEY: EUR43900
Mandanaba (FR) Unplaced in the Prix Rothschild last time over 1600m in August, fourth before that in the Prix de Diane in mid-June. Back from a layoff but should be ready to go down in class. Godspeed (FR) Unplaced last time in a Group 1, and a good fourth in the Prix Rothschild before that over 1600m on 3 August. Player. Breckenbrough Two wins of late, the latter over 1600m in a Listed at Saint-Cloud on 3 October. Can be on the premises. Queen’s Reign Two placed runs of late, the most recent when second in a Listed at Deauville over 1500m on 13 December. Makes the trip from the.
RACE 5: PRIX DU PONT NEUF LISTED STAKES (TURF TRACK) – 1400M – TIME: 22:27 PRIZE MONEY: EUR50300
Synaran (IRE) Recent success over 1600m at Chantilly in a Class 2 on 12 March. Improving and looks like the one to beat. Sonatine (IRE) Got off the mark on her third start over 1400m at Saint-Cloud in a Maiden on 3 April. Was an easy winner and could be a smart filly. Take Me On (IRE) Unplaced last time in a Group 3 at Deauville over 1400m on 7 April. Nice win on debut at Deauville in October and warrants close attention. Alhaeba (USA) Two wins of late, the most recent over 1300m at Chantilly in a Class 2 on 3 March. Improving and is among the leading contenders.
RACE 6: COMEDIE FRANC HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) – 1600M – TIME: 23:05 PRIZE MONEY: EUR21100
Amouage (FR) Two placed runs of late, fourth on the latter over 1800m in a Class 3 Handicap at Chantilly on the PSF on 30 March. Player. Umami (FR) Three unplaced runs this year, seventh on the latter over 1600m at Saint-Cloud in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 April. Can bounce back to form and be involved. Honguemare (FR) Placed fourth on her latest start over 1600m at Saint-Cloud in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 April. Can make the top-three. Acclam (FR) Unplaced last time, third previously over 1800m at Lyon La Soie in a Class 4 Handicap on 21 March. Ought to be in the shake-up.
RACE 7: DU COLISEE HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) – 3000M – TIME: 23:43 PRIZE MONEY: EUR25900
Flamingway (FR) Placed fourth on his sole start this year over 3000m in a Class 3 Handicap at Fontainebleau on 31 March. Live chance. Glori Leader (FR) Placed third on his last two starts, the latter over 3000m at Fontainebleau in a Class 3 Handicap on 31 March. Hard to dismiss. Vendomya (FR) Unplaced last time, fourth at Chantilly previously over 3200m in a Class 3 Handicap on the PSF on 11 December. Player. Recoletty (FR) Three placed runs recently, second on the most recent over 3000m at Fontainebleau in a Class 3 Handicap on 31 March. One to pay attention to.
South Africa Express Form & Race Previews (Turffontein) -April 23
RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: TURFFONTEIN INSIDE@2026.04.23
Turffontein Inside, 23.04.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 3000m, Turf, R100.000, 12:00GMT+2
Race Summary: EUPHRATES has form up to 2600m and that proven stamina should stand him in good stead against rivals with doubts over this trip. Hard-knockers POMOZELOUS and CHABAL have won at this level and up to 2400m so they should be competitive. Maiden VIXENINTHEVINEYARD and class-dropper WE ARE THE LOGANS venture beyond 2000m for the first time but could do enough to earn a cheque.
Selections: #3 Euphrates, #2 Chabal, #5 Pomozelous, #1 We Are The Logans
Turffontein Inside, 23.04.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R120.000, 12:35GMT+2
Race Summary: IRISH WILMA and RUBY WHISPER have the form and experience to play leading roles but it could pay to side with the latter, whose consistency will be rewarded sooner than later. LIFE’S TREASURES will know more about it after a pleasing debut against older male rivals. Newcomers WESTERN MIRAGE and EMPRESS OF PEACE are worth a market check on debut.
Selections: #5 Ruby Whisper, #2 Irish Wilma, #8 Western Mirage, #3 Life’s Treasures
Turffontein Inside, 23.04.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R130.000, 13:10GMT+2
Race Summary: CATFISH would not be winning out of turn having finished second in 4 of his 5 outings. He won’t need to improve much after a recent gelding operation to open his account. WHATSDAMATTERWITHU should have more to offer with a full set of alumites and blinkers fitted for the first time. However, a bigger threat could come from well-bred newcomers KOVIL, LIGHTINTHEWOODS and IMYOURHUCKLEBERRY. Follow the betting moves for clues.
Selections: #1 Catfish, #9 Lightinthewoods, #3 Kovil, #7 Whatsdamatterwithu
Turffontein Inside, 23.04.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R105.000, 13:45GMT+2
Race Summary: THE REASON deserves to get her head in front after consecutive seconds over shorter distances. With any improvement over this extended trip, she should go one better. Highveld newcomer BEAUTIFUL ONE, IN BETWEEN (blinker strike) and UMAMI complete the shortlist.
Selections: #1 The Reason, #2 Beautiful One, #3 In Between, #4 Umam
Turffontein Inside, 23.04.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R120.000, 14:20GMT+2
Race Summary: Runner-up in 2 of his last 3 starts (latest over 1400m), MILLENNIUM WARRIOR won’t have to improve much back over 1600m to shed his maiden tag. ROCK MY BOAT has the form and experience to pose a threat but has less scope for improvement, so youngster THE NAME OF DLADLA could give the selection most to fear if building on the improvement of his last-start second over course and distance. WINDING POWER and RIVER KITTEN appeal most of the remainder.
Selections: #1 Millennium Warrior, #7 The Name Of Dladla, #3 Rock My Boat, #4 River Kitten
Turffontein Inside, 23.04.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R135.000, 14:55GMT+2
Race Summary: Tricky. CEUTA was a close-up third over 1400m recently off her current mark but has done most of her winning over 1600m, so a repeat of that performance over this trip could suffice. Consistent TOO LATE MY MATE has a bit to find on that form but should acquit herself competitively. BACK FROM WAR is closely matched with that rival so dangerous to discount with the benefit of her rider’s 1.5kg allowance. Last-start winner PALACE DANCER remains competitive under a penalty from gate No 1, as does WARNING SOUND who is unbeaten over track and trip. Lightly raced INTO DANCING isn’t taken lightly either.
Selections: #1 Ceuta, #3 Palace Dancer, #2 Warning Sound, #9 Too Late My Mate
Turffontein Inside, 23.04.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R105.000, 15:35GMT+2
Race Summary: KENSAL GREEN was an authoritative winner over 1450m last time so a resultant 4-point penalty is unlikely to prevent another forward showing over this extended trip. Consistent OPERA FAN has a bit to find on that form but is weighted to pose more of a threat off a reduced mark. FAIR PROPOSAL will strip fitter after a pleasing comeback run and should be competitive as a result. Recent maiden winner PALACE SCRIPT remains open to improvement so could make her presence felt, along with SOUTHAMPTON who reverts to same-sex company.
Selections: #2 Kensal Green, #4 Opera Fan, #1 Fair Proposal, #3 Blushing Bloom
Turffontein Inside, 23.04.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R90.000, 16:10GMT+2
Race Summary: ITSNOWORNEVER won easily for the late Jannie Borman when well supported. He is switching tracks but must be afforded the utmost respect. CASUS BELLI also won a nice race in his penultimate start. That was at this venue with Rachel Venniker up and the combo could get back to winning ways from a decent gate. CREPUSCOLO beat CASUS BELLI a few runs back and had valid excuses last time. He could bounce back and threaten. THAMBI caught the eye running an improved race. He loves the track and is looking to turn the form around with ITSNOWORNEVER. INSTANT ATTRACTION must have a say.
Selections: #2 Casus Belli, #3 Itsnowornever, #7 Crepuscolo, #10 Thambi
Turffontein Inside, 23.04.2026, Race 9, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R90.000, 16:45GMT+2
Race Summary: There wasn’t much to separate TIME WILL TELL and PLUMBAGO PARK as both ran decent races last time out. TIME WILL TELL can score his overdue second career win with in-form rider Muzi Yeni in the irons. PLUMBAGO PARK has improvement to come over the distance and having drawn well could take it to the wire. Wide open past these. PRINCESS LOLA turned in a decent effort over 1450m from a wide draw but will need a bit of luck over the shorter distance this time. ARIZONA MAGIC won in good style but he has drawn wider out. TIGER STORM and MICHAEL FARADAY must be respected.
Selections: #8 Time Will Tell, #2 Plumbago Park, #11 Princess Lola, #3 Arizona Magic
Best Win: #1 THE REASON
Best Value Bet: #1 CEUTA
Best Longshot: #1 CEUTA































