By Adam Morgan, Press Association Francis-Henri Graffard is out to add the Boyles Sports Lockinge to his ever-growing CV after Sahlan brought a touch of French flavour to the 10 declarations for Newbury’s Group One centrepiece. As well as being the dominant force on home soil, wins in Japan and at the Breeders’ Cup prove Graffard is a growing presence on the world stage and he will now head to Newbury with his Prix du Moulin scorer fresh from having landed the French Guineas with Rayif last Sunday. “Francis-Henri Graffard is in top form at the moment and we hope we can take advantage of that and Sahlan can run a good race on Saturday,” said Violaine de Barmon, head of racing operations for owners Al Shaqab in France. “Sahlan has had a good winter and has been working well. Francis said he did a good piece of work on the grass last week and afterwards he was very happy so decided to go for the Lockinge. “It will be his comeback so we will see how it goes, but he’s in good form and we hope it will bring a good result.” Sahlan claimed the scalp of reopposing The Lion In Winter (third) and Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini (ninth) when claiming Group One honours at ParisLongchamp last September and he went on to finish a respectable fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar. That race Stateside was won by another Lockinge candidate in last year’s fourth, Charlie Appleby’s Notable Speech, while he prepares to lock horns with a red-hot cast headed by John and Thady Gosden’s Damysus and Karl Burke’s Zeus Olympios. However, a strong showing will cement Sahlan’s position as one of the leading miler’s in Europe and will potentially tee up the French raider for a trip to Royal Ascot. “Francis was thinking of giving him a run before but the programme didn’t prove suitable,” continued De Barmon. “He could have run in the Prix du Muguet at Saint-Cloud on May 1 but the team thought it was a little close to this so we decided to come directly here. “Royal Ascot is a possibility after this and then in the summer we will target races like the Prix Jacques le Marois, all going well.” As well as The Lion In Winter, O’Brien runs the supplemented Mississippi River, who was last in action on Sunday. The in-form William Haggas will start one of his most likeable performers, More Thunder, at a mile having excelled over slightly shorter last season, while Andrew Balding’s Jonquil returns to the scene of his Greenham victory last term having served a reminder of his class in the Paradise Stakes at Ascot. A stacked field is rounded off by Charles Hills’ shock Queen Elizabeth II Stakes scorer Cicero’s Gift who was not disgraced in fourth in his comeback run at Sandown in the bet365 Mile.

Ka Ying Rising has maintained his position as the top-rated horse in training after returning an international rating of 130, rising two points from March, after April’s LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings were released on Thursday, 14 May. The David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising, a winner of his past 20 consecutive races, currently sits four points clear at the head of the standings, while fellow Hong Kong-trained 14-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior also climbs two points to 126 after securing his fourth G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) on FWD Champions Day (26 April). Superstar eight-year-old Romantic Warrior is joined in second place by Bow Echo and Daryz. The world’s richest horse, who has 23 wins and HK$271.46 million in prizemoney for owner Peter Lau, now sits on a career-high mark on turf following the 127 he achieved on the dirt behind Forever Young in the 2025 G1 Saudi Cup (1800m). Charlie Appleby’s Group 1 winner Opera Ballo is fifth with a rating of 124, equal to Saffie Joseph Jr’s White Abarrio, who is trained in the United States of America and rounds out April’s top five. Forever Young trails on 123, while Croix du Nord, Magnitude, Masquerade Ball, Royal Champion and Sovereignty each rated 122. Five-year-old Ka Ying Rising broke his own track record twice in April. Having already held the best 1200m time at Sha Tin (1m 07.20s set in 2025), the now nine-time Group 1 winner returned a 1m 07.12s in the G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 6 April before his improved 1m 07.10s in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 26 April. Ka Ying Rising closed his second successive undefeated season by claiming another HK$5 million Hong Kong Speed Series, following wins in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and Chairman’s Sprint Prize. Hong Kong International Sale graduate Romantic Warrior is aiming to close out his 2025/26 campaign by becoming the third horse – after River Verdon (1993/94) and Voyage Bubble last season – to secure the Triple Crown when he lines up in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m), on Sunday, 24 May at Sha Tin. Voyage Bubble is Hong Kong’s next highest-rated horse on 119.

Trainer Simon Dunderdale has a good record when it comes to producing former Australian gallopers first up in Malaysia and four-year-old Exceed And Excel gelding ANJOU CROWN (1) fits the bill when he makes his local debut in the 1200m Open Maiden (Race 6) on Sunday. Formerly prepared by Australia’s leading trainer Chris Waller, ANJOU CROWN (1) arrives with a record of seven minor placings from ten starts during three preparations and looks the horse more likely to open its winning account on exposed form. MEGA BLAZE (7) received no luck when caught wide throughout last Sunday but was placed in three of four efforts prior to that and has improved with race experience. Former Irish galloper LIMITLESS DRAGON (4) was only beaten 4.5L when placed in a Class 4B contest last month, his first run in nearly nine months and will strip fitter. AI PHANTOM (2) is another former Aussie debuting for the HY Cheng yard and arrives with only the four starts to its credit for the one placing. The four-year-old wasn’t overly taxed in a trial on Tuesday morning and is a definite watch for trifecta players. AIR MOBILTY (3) has done little wrong in two outings so far and returns after pulling up with a lameness issue last start. Race 6 Selections: 1 – 7 – 4 – 2 The 1400m Max Two Stakes (Race 8) has attracted a lineup of progressive performers but judging on recent form, it is hard to go past NAVARRE (1) and BANKER’S WARRIOR (2) who appear to be the major players. Both horses are fast beginners and from barrier seven and nine respectively, they should provide the speed influence in the 1400m contest. NAVARRE (1) has scored twice in three starts locally and absolutely obliterated his rivals when leading throughout to win by 7.25L in this grade on March 28. BANKER’S WARRIOR (2) is unbeaten in two Malaysian runs following his Restricted Maiden victory on April 11 followed by an even more impressive display when taking out a Class 4B contest by 4.25L a fortnight later. The three-year-old led all the way on both occasions and will be a force to be reckoned with again as he attempts to keep his unbeaten Malaysian record intact. AQUITAINE (5) was never in danger when sent out as the RM7 favorite last start and duly saluted in a 1300m Open Maiden here on April 26, scoring by 4.25L. This may be a harder contest but is hard to leave out of calculations with visiting Australian jockey Liam Riordan in the saddle. Along with NAVARRE (1) and AQUITAINE (5), ARTOIS (6) will also be representing the Buffalo Stable and has performed well in three runs at Class 4 level since winning his maiden on local debut back in February. He normally liked to settle on the pace and with luck from the wide draw, he could provide the value. With only a New Zealand maiden win to its credit back in February last year, CHOICE IS MINE (7) debuts for the Lawson Moy stable and looked sharp in its trial win last Tuesday week. Coming off a long break, that maiden win was recorded in soft going so may be one to watch if a wet track prevails this Sunday. Race 8 Selections: 1 – 2 – 5 – 6 The Irace best bet is BANKER’S GLORY (2), engaged in the 1400m Class 4A contest (Race 10) for the leading owner / trainer combination of  Banker’s Stable and Johnny Lim. BANKER’S GLORY (2) looks ideally placed to break his Malaysian duck at start number nine in the country and benefits from the 3kg claim for apprentice G Farhan. With five minor placings from eight starts locally, the four-year-old has scored up to 1373m in Australia so is looking for this journey now and is a chance to break through on the seven-day backup. EASTERN BARRACKS (11) closed off well when finishing fourth here last Sunday and was a winner at this track / distance three starts ago. Bernardo Pinheiro retains the mounts and will carry 3kg less from that run seven days ago. CAMPIONESSA (3) has furnished into a nice four-year-old and also looks a winning chance despite the wide barrier. Going down by a short head behind his promising stable mate TREES OF VALINOR last start, CAMPIONESSA (3) looks a progressive type in the making for the Frank Maynard stable. ANIKI (6) is a fast beginner but is yet to break through in eighteen Malaysian starts. The six-year-old showed a return to form when placed third behind RED SUN (8) over 1400m three weeks ago and may be one to throw in at the minor end of the exotics. Race 10 Selections: 2 – 11 – 3 – 6         

The Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting of Sunday May 17 has some good horses involved, including former Equus Horse Of The Year Dave The King. The big Global View gelding will be out to win an A Stakes race over 1400m for the third year in succession. He won this race by three lengths and 3,20 lengths respectively in the last two years carrying 62kg and 61,5kg respectively and he should be able to win it again carrying 61,5kg. Callan Murray was up last year and is so again from a similarly wide draw and he will be in the lead or up with the pace before kicking a long way from home, such is this horse’s famously long run in. Aristocratic, a three-year-old who has his third run after gelding, is capable of a strong finish so might be able to give some cheek if Dave The King is below par. Imposing is capable of turning it on too. Zeitz is consistent and should make the frame. On paper King Pelles is the only one who can challenge Dave The King, but even then he is officially 3kg under sufferance and will find the trip too sharp. The fourth race is interesting as the R4,25 million National Yearling Sale top-priced horse October Rush makes his debut for Dean Kannemeyer under Craig Zackey over 1200m. The two-year-old Rafeef colt has a speedy pedigree and should go close with Pritti United being the main danger, having arrived with some good Cape Town form and Andrew Fortune riding. In the third leg over 1750m of the Pick 6 Gimme The Truth made a good KZN debut after improving with cheekpieces in his previous two Cape Town starts and he should take a power of beating. In the seventh over 1600m Capsaicin is a long-striding sort who deserves a win and he could make a bold bid off a competitive merit rating. Kanaal Skater showed signs of coming back to form last time and does have some class. The talented The Shepherd finished second to Dave The King at this meeting two years ago and has his third run after a layoff here off a competitive merit rating with Gavin Lerena up. In the eighth over 1600m Taylor’s Version, formerly from Cape Town, can make it three wins at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on the trot. In the last leg of the Pick 6 Tladi Mothwana has caught the eye on a couple of occasions and was outgunned in a Gr 3 last time, so could be hard to beat back in an ordinary race. The best bet could be Scots Wae Hae in the second. He is powerfully built and caught the eye when running third on debut to the promising Kudikaran. He we will be hard to beat in this 1000m contest under Gavin Lerena, although he will hopefully jump better than he did on debut.

Racing is back on the Polytrack for the third successive meeting at Fairview on Friday and the best advice for bettors is to get in early. Life has been tough for punters recently in the Eastern Cape but that is because the weather has been abysmal over the past few weeks and it has made life tough for trainers and jockeys. Heavy rain last week forced last Friday’s meeting to be transferred from the turf to the Polytrack while gale force winds made riding tricky for jockeys at the meeting on Monday. In addition, the constant rain meant trainers were battling to work their horses and their fitness going into those two meetings was questionable. If the weathermen have got it right the clouds will clear by Wednesday and the sun will come out which will improve the conditions significantly. Race 1 is a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m and only six runners are carded to go to post and of them, only half have raced. However, while two of them have done little to give them any hope of winning, Say A Prayer from the Alan Greeff yard had a really promising debut outing in which she finished third. There was no money for her and she drifted out to go off at 14-1 but showed good pace and only faded late to go down 4.75 lengths to stable companion This Or That who was ridden by Kyle Strydom. Richard Fourie now takes the ride on Say A Prayer and in what looks a weak field, the daughter of Real Gone Kid could prove hard to beat. That first race was over 1200m in soft going on the turf but she now drops back to 1000m on the Polytrack. The three unraced runners could provide a threat but one would need to keep an eye on the betting. Of particular interest is River View who is owned by Tony Millard who was a leading trainer in both South Africa and Hong Kong. Greeff trains the daughter of Visionaire who has engaged log-leading jockey Craig Zackey for the ride. While Fourie is the first-jockey jockey for the stable the horse he rides, Say A Prayer, is owned by Ridgemont for whom Fourie is contracted to ride. Zackey is first-choice jockey for Dean Smith in the Eastern Cape, and that trainer has engaged Gareth Wright to ride his first-timer, Carnival, who is also owned by Ridgemont. So, keep a close eye on any betting moves.   Clive Robinson

The Doomben 10,000 has always carried more than just Group 1 status. It is one of Queensland racing’s great sprinting prizes, a race that has stood the test of time and built an honour roll filled with genuine stars of the Australian turf. This Saturday’s edition at Doomben again brings together a strong mix of proven Group 1 performers, rising talent and horses looking to re-establish themselves at the top level. With $1.5 million in prizemoney and weight-for-age conditions over 1200 metres, it shapes as one of the key races of the Brisbane Winter Carnival. The history of the Doomben 10,000 gives the race its weight. Dual winners such as Black Onyx in 1969 and 1970, Prince Trialia in 1990 and 1991, Chief De Beers in 1995 and 1998, Falvelon in 2001 and 2002, and Apache Cat in 2008 and 2009 all helped shape the race’s reputation. Add in other famous winners including Bernborough, Manikato and Takeover Target, and it is clear this is a race that has often rewarded toughness and talent. This year, Jimmysstar arrives as the early favourite and the horse most rivals will be trying to bring undone. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding has already shown he belongs at the highest level, and while his recent runs have not delivered another win, they have still been full of merit. He was not beaten far in the William Reid Stakes, was again competitive in the T J Smith Stakes, and then produced a strong closing effort when third in the All Aged Stakes. The question for Jimmysstar is whether the drop back to 1200 metres around Doomben is ideal. He has the class to overcome it, but from barrier 11, Ethan Brown will need to give him a well-timed ride. Brown jets back from Hong Kong to continue his association with the horse, and that is significant. He knows when to let Jimmysstar build into his races, and in a Group 1 sprint where small margins can decide the result, that understanding could be important. Brown will not be the only Hong Kong-based rider adding interest to the race. Zac Purton also returns to Australia to partner Grafterburners, who sits prominently in the market and brings a strong local profile into the contest. Grafterburners is one of the most interesting runners in the field. He is still a three-year-old, but his record already demands respect. He has won six of his 13 starts, has proven himself at Doomben, and has already shown he can measure up against quality opposition. His third in the Arrowfield Sprint behind Tempted and Devil Night was a strong enough lead-in to suggest he is ready for another crack at elite company. With barrier seven, 57kg and Purton booked, Grafterburners looks to get his chance. He has the tactical speed to be in the right part of the race, and unlike some of the older horses, he still has the upside of a sprinter on the way through. If he handles the pressure of a Group 1 weight-for-age race, he can be right in the finish. Private Eye brings a very different profile. He is the seasoned campaigner, the horse who has already banked more than $12 million and continues to race with great honesty. His third in the Hall Mark Stakes showed he still has the desire and ability to compete at this level. From barrier three, Nash Rawiller should be able to have him travelling in a perfect spot. There is no mystery with Private Eye. He is tough, experienced and versatile. He has been effective from sprint trips through to a mile, and if this race becomes a genuine test late, he is one runner you can trust to keep fighting. He may not have the same hype as some of the younger sprinters, but he has the race sense and class to make his presence felt. Another Wil adds a different layer to the race. On talent alone, he is good enough to be competitive, and his Group 1 C F Orr Stakes win showed what he can do when he gets into the right rhythm. The concern is the setup. He is drawn wide in barrier 19 and comes back sharply in distance to 1200 metres, a trip that is short of his best-known form. That does not mean he can be dismissed. He has class, and if the tempo is strong, he could be one of the horses finishing late. The first-time tongue tie is also worth noting, suggesting the stable is looking for an extra edge. But from the outside draw, Ryan Maloney will need luck and a clear plan. Private Harry is perhaps the most intriguing runner in the race because of what he once looked capable of becoming. Earlier in his career, he had the profile of a genuine sprinting star on the rise. His win in the Sunlight was impressive, and his Group 1 Galaxy victory confirmed him as one of the most exciting young sprinters in the country. Since then, however, he has not quite gone on with it. His spring form was below the level expected of him, and his return in the Victory Stakes did not fully answer the questions around where he sits now. Barrier four gives Tommy Berry the chance to ride him positively, and if Private Harry can find his best again, he is certainly good enough to be dangerous. But this race feels important for his reputation. He needs to show he is still the horse many thought he could become. The supporting cast gives the race further depth. Devil Night has been racing well and comes through the Arrowfield Sprint formline. Warnie was solid in the Victory Stakes and has Mark Zahra in the saddle. Payline has been around the mark and continues to run honest races. Zarastro has speed and trial form that suggests he can be competitive, while Spicy Martini draws well and brings winning form into the race. The tactical picture could decide the result. Grafterburners, Zarastro, Spicy Martini, Devil Night and Private Harry all have the ability to be forward or handy, which should ensure the race is run at a genuine speed. That would suit horses like Jimmysstar and Another Wil if they can find clear running, while Private Eye looks the one most likely to get a soft run just behind the pressure. Jimmysstar deserves his place at the top of the market because he brings the strongest recent Group 1 profile. Grafterburners is the emerging local threat with the right jockey and draw. Private Eye is the reliable veteran who maps beautifully. Another Wil has the class but must overcome several obstacles. Private Harry is the wildcard, a horse with the talent to win but now needing to rediscover the spark that once made him look like one of Australia’s next leading sprinters. For a race with the history of the Doomben 10,000, this year’s edition feels fitting. It has proven Group 1 horses, emerging talent, international jockey storylines and several runners with something to prove. That combination should make Saturday’s feature one of the most important sprint races of the Brisbane carnival. By Scott Bailey

The National Jockeys’ Championship is increasingly becoming a one-horse race, with Craig Zackey holding a commanding lead of 215 winners, 46 clear of defending champion Richard Fourie. Thursday’s eight-race meeting at Vaal Racecourse presents another excellent opportunity for Zackey to extend that advantage.

Zackey’s first standout ride comes in Race 3 aboard Princess Of All, a filly who has repeatedly threatened to win without delivering. Trained by Lucky Houdalakis, she has finished second in two of her last three starts, including over this course and distance. Against modest opposition over 1000m, she appears to have every chance to finally break through.

Race 7 features one of the strongest bets on the card in Dimako’s Jet. The lightly raced daughter of Ideal World returns from a 14-week break after two consecutive wins over 1800m, including a decisive course-and-distance success. Blinkers have transformed her, and despite a four-point ratings increase, she still appears ahead of the handicapper. Trainer Weichong Marwing has placed her carefully, and Zackey looks set to complete at least a double.

While Zackey dominates the title race, Jeffrey Syster could provide punters with attractive value.

In Race 4, veteran sprinter Jet Cat appeals as a solid each-way prospect. The 10-year-old remains competitive and was far from disgraced when fourth over the same course and distance last time. Racing off the same mark, another honest effort could see him in the finish once more.

Syster’s strongest winning opportunity may come in the final race aboard Scarlet O’Hara. The Stuart Pettigrew-trained filly caused a surprise when winning her maiden at 25-1, and subsequent runs suggest that success was no fluke. She has held her own in stronger company and now drops in class over 1800m off a reduced rating, making her a major contender.

Although Thursday’s Vaal meeting lacks feature-race glamour, it offers several appealing betting opportunities. Yet the main storyline remains Zackey’s relentless pursuit of a first national title. With momentum firmly on his side and a powerful book of rides, he looks well placed to tighten his grip on the championship even further.

Clive Robinson

Punters face a tricky betting card on the polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday, with competitive fields throughout and few obvious bankers for exotic bets.

The opener could provide an early opportunity with Power Of Pearls, trained by Candice and Tammy Dawson. The filly makes her polytrack debut after solid Highveld form and benefits from a valuable 4kg apprentice claim. Despite taking on males, she looks hard to oppose. Highveld Storm may improve switching to the poly after two runs for his new stable, while Donmagoo has shown improvement since blinkers were fitted. Cape raider Sierra Foxtrot is a notable first-timer worth watching in the betting.

In Race 2, Prins Jaspar is expected to improve after finishing a beaten favourite on his local poly debut. The extra distance should suit. Winter Circle and long-time maiden Owner Of Creation also hold chances.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is an open handicap where Infinity Edge brings strong recent form against quality opposition. She tries the poly for the first time under top weight but gains blinkers, which could spark improvement. Victory In Orleans impressed on stable debut and looks capable of following up, while Back At The George and Sohot Sowhat are respected.

Trainer Robbie Hill relies solely on Tam’s Knight, a progressive gelding who has already won on the poly and can follow up. Grand Appeal, Spaane Rivier, and durable veteran Ibutho all enter calculations in another deep contest.

Race 5 is similarly competitive. Wings Of Josephine has solid recent form against stronger company and handles the surface well. Blast From The Past is a danger if attracting market support after a break, while Intrepid and Rainbow Reward also appeal.

In Race 6, Qhawekazi rates highly after a close second to improving rival De Vlugge despite a difficult draw. Better gate conditions enhance her prospects. Flying Fate impressed winning on the poly at just her second start and can progress further.

Feature betting interest may centre on United Nation, who has excelled on the synthetic surface, losing only once there. However, progressive Cape visitor Black Eagle brings strong form and could prove dangerous if handling the poly. Major Tommie remains ultra-consistent.

The final race is wide open. Lions Eye drops in class after stronger opposition, while lightweight Gorgeous Dude looks dangerous back on his preferred surface.

Trainer Candice Bass continues to dominate the Cape racing scene and her progressive gelding Marcus Aurellius looks ready to reward supporters when he lines up in Race 7 over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday.

The improving runner has taken significant strides with each outing and arrives off a strong second to Future Free over 1600m last month. That form received a major boost when Future Free finished third behind La Pulga in the Grade 3 Legal Eagle Stakes. Earlier form behind the rapidly progressive Sommerstern also reads well, underlining the quality of opposition Marcus Aurellius has faced. Blinkers appeared to sharpen him considerably last time and, with stable jockey Aldo Domeyer returning to the saddle, he rates a leading chance.

A major threat could come from Ferryman, now trained by Eric Sands after switching from the Andre Nel yard. He made an immediate impact by winning on stable debut and comes from the same family as stars Rainbow Bridge, Golden Ducat, and Foudre. With Craig Zackey booked, Ferryman looks capable of further improvement despite stepping out of maiden company.

Stablemate Rockanrollin also has claims and could earn a placing if continuing his gradual progress.

Earlier on the card, Bass and Domeyer may strike in the opener with Sparkling Star, who was narrowly beaten as favourite last time and sets the benchmark among the raced runners.

Race 2 sees another Bass runner, Blackbird, looking to improve on a promising debut behind Rich Man’s World, who has since franked the form with a Grade 3 victory. Blackbird showed inexperience that day and should come on sharply.

Race 3 appears wide open, with Hilton Heads narrowly preferred after three consecutive fourth-place finishes. Protector Of Peace, The Big Bang, and Caesar’s Ransom are among several with chances.

In Race 4, Masteronthemoon looks well placed to score after shaping well over unsuitable distances recently. Dropping back to 1800m with Richard Fourie aboard could prove ideal.

Bass again holds strong claims in Race 5 with Backinthefastlane and Super Viking, while Somebody Somewhere appeals in Race 7 after a solid post-maiden effort.

The finale could go to Black Erika, who has shown improving form and may finally break through under Zackey for the in-form Adam Marcus stable.

The Alan Greeff – Richard Fourie combination is in full stride at the moment, so we will look to them to provide bankers for the Pick 6 and Jackpots. The two, to be specific, are Hoerikwaggo and Homing Pigeon. Hoerikwaggo runs in Race 4, a MR 92 Handicap on Monday. This four-year-old filly has won three of her 12 starts and has been runner-up in her last three starts. Looking at her form, it is noticeable that Fourie does get the best out of this filly, and he has been aboard her in all three of her wins. She is suited to the Polytrack, having won once and finished runner-up twice. Those runner-up efforts were behind some talented stable companions in the form of Virgin River and Avernian Goddess. Drawn in pole position, she could get the run of the race. Her stable companion, Homing Pigeon, is set to take out the lucky last race, a MR 76 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1900m. It took this Hawwaam filly nine starts to break her maiden, but she is clearly improving. The three-year-old filly has progressed well at this centre and opened her account in March when a 7.25-length winner over Missouri Flame, who won just last week to frank that form. Homing Pigeon was next seen when a gallant third behind stablemate Anotherdanceforme. Trying the Polytrack for the first time, she was successful by 0.50 lengths over San Quintin. She was always travelling well and won with something in hand. Homing Pigeon only picked up a two-point penalty for that win and really ought to beat these rivals.   Clive Robinson

The Hong Kong racing season has moved into its final quarter, and there’s plenty on the line between now and the concluding meeting on 15 July, with nothing currently commanding more attention than the mouthwatering battle for the trainers’ championship.

There are five trainers within eight wins of the pace-setting Mark Newnham’s 52 victories, with Caspar Fownes and Danny Shum sitting on 51 successes and David Hayes (48) and John Size (44) also lurking.

Veteran Francis Lui is also among the chasing pack after amassing 45 winners through the season’s 69 meetings so far.

While Lui admits “it won’t be easy” to prevail, he is no stranger to coming from behind to claim championship success after winning four of the final five races of the 2023/24 season to pip Pierre Ng to the title by one win.

Lui sat five wins adrift of Ng after 69 meetings of the 2023/24 season, and while it came down to the final day and he had to orchestrate one of the all-time great finishes to snare victory, he believes this year’s task is greater still.

“Last time I was only in competition with Pierre, but this time as many as five other trainers can win it. They are all so close and I’m sure they will have plenty of winners,” he said.

“Of course, I will try hard to win my second premiership but it won’t be easy.”

While Lui started the season slowly, he warmed up through October and November before a quiet December gave way to a fruitful start to 2026, with January (10 winners), February (eight) and March (10) his biggest months of the campaign so far.

 April was tougher going for Lui; he banged in a timely double late on last Sunday’s (3 May) Sha Tin card, grabbing the final two races with Baby Sakura and Turquoise Velocity to begin May on a high.

The lightly raced pair look capable of winning again this season, as do the undefeated Hot Delight and the in-form Gold Patch.

“I have quite a few horses who can win more races but I can’t say that I am confident of winning the premiership,” Lui said.

“It’s very close. It all depends on how they run. I will take it step by step. To have so many trainers fighting it out is great competition.”

Hot Delight and Gold Patch are among Lui’s 10 runners at Sha Tin this Saturday (9 May), with the former looking to make it four wins from four starts in the Class 2 Sai Wan Shan Handicap (1200m) and the latter chasing a hat-trick in the Class 3 Lei Yue Mun Park Handicap (1200m).

Amazing Partners in the Class 3 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Handicap (1600m) is another in-form Lui galloper heading to Sha Tin this weekend, while the handler will be eager to see what debutants Almighty Warrior, Spirited Steed and Winalot can produce.

Trainers’ Ranking (Top 6) – As of 7 May, 2026

	Trainer	Win	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Total runs
1st	M Newnham	52	43	42	46	29	450
2nd	C Fownes	51	36	35	32	33	437
3rd	D Shum	51	32	29	35	28	405
4th	D Hayes	48	36	36	43	39	534
5th	F Lui	45	35	52	26	33	409
6th	J Size	44	52	48	35	49	484

Promising four-year-old STORM TITAN can quickly bounce back from his recent defeat when he lines up in the 1100m Class 3 contest at Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. The New Zealand-bred gelding entered his latest outing on the back of four consecutive victories, including three in Class 4 company, and lost little in defeat when stepping up to Class 3 for the first time. Tackling 1500m for the first time, STORM TITAN showed plenty of grit to stick on for second, beaten only a neck, and may have finished even closer had he not shifted out under pressure in the closing stages. The drop back to 1100m looks likely to suit, and while he does face a competitive field, STORM TITAN still profiles as a progressive type with further upside. The booking of Dubai-based jockey Bernardo Pinheiro adds further intrigue as he partners the gelding for the first time.Former Hong Kong galloper LUCKY EIGHT ONE will be out to make amends when he lines up in the 1200m Class 4B at Kuala Lumpur this Sunday. Sent out as a short-priced favourite on his Malaysian debut, LUCKY EIGHT ONE overcame a slow start to score impressively over 1200m on March 28, highlighting his class. The six-year-old was again heavily backed at skinny odds (RM6) in the same grade a fortnight ago and performed creditably despite not enjoying the smoothest of runs. After shifting outwards in the closing stages, he stuck on gamely to finish third. Drawn favourably this weekend, LUCKY EIGHT ONE looks well placed to bounce back. With the in-form Bernardo Pinheiro taking the ride, he should prove highly competitive once again.

Champions Season has reached a crucial stage as trainers begin fine-tuning their paths toward the Hollywoodbets Durban July, balancing form with the challenge of securing a favourable handicap weight. Saturday’s WSB 1900 at Hollywoodbets Greyville could once again provide key July clues.

Peter Muscutt saddles Isivivane, still on the fringe of the July field but likely to secure a berth with victory here. While his recent wins have come on the polytrack, he has a favourable draw and workable weight.

Champion trainer Justin Snaith fields several major contenders. Native Ruler carries top weight and has little to lose ratings-wise, while stablemate Regulation, ridden by stable jockey JP van der Merwe, receives a significant weight advantage. Betting support may prove revealing. Snaith also unleashes Legal Counsel, who finished strongly behind Questioning last time and should improve for the run.

Of greater interest are Note To Self and Eight On Eighteen. Note To Self was runner-up to top filly Wish List in the Cape Derby and a bold showing would strengthen his July claims, though it could result in a ratings increase. Eight On Eighteen, runner-up in last year’s Durban July behind The Real Prince, makes his local debut after an underwhelming Cape campaign. He may need the outing but possesses the class to feature prominently.

Candice and Tammy Dawson saddle classy three-year-old Trust, winner of the Dingaan’s and never out of the money in six starts. His performance will provide a strong measure of the current three-year-old crop. The Ultimate King, from the Paul Peter stable, also enters calculations after a narrow defeat to Fire Attack when fitted with blinkers for the first time.

The Pick 6 opener, a Conditions Plate, has shrunk to seven runners, four from the Snaith yard. Likely pacemaker Okavango has been excellent in front-running efforts, including a brave second in the Premier’s Champions Cup. He benefits from Mickaella Michel’s 1.5kg allowance and already sits high enough in the July weights to avoid a harsh penalty.

Elsewhere, Mocha Blend, winner of the Summer Cup, represents Frank Robertson and receives weight from most rivals, making her a serious contender. Lightly raced Ascalon Dancer, a recent maiden winner, also commands attention in a high-quality contest loaded with Durban July implications.

Longchamp stages two of the key European Classics this weekend, with the Poule d’Essai des Poulains and Poule d’Essai des Pouliches taking centre stage. Better known as the French Guineas, the two Group 1 mile contests bring together the next generation of elite three-year-olds, and this year there is again a strong international feel around both races. Aidan O’Brien looks set to have a major hand in both features, and after recently ending a five-year Classic wait at Newmarket, the Ballydoyle stable arrives in France with confidence. Paris, Longchamp has been a happy hunting ground for O’Brien in recent seasons, with Henri Matisse winning the Poule d’Essai des Poulains last year. In the colts’ race, Puerto Rico looms as the main Coolmore runner. He had been a possible Newmarket horse, but the decision to head to France now looks a logical move given what he has already done on French soil. His juvenile form gives him a strong platform. He won both the Prix Jean Luc Lagardere and the Criterium International in France last autumn, and that experience around the French pattern gives him a different profile to some of his rivals. He is not coming here to learn about the environment. He has already shown he can travel, handle the conditions and perform at the right level. That matters at Longchamp. The French Guineas can be a different test to Newmarket. It is not just about raw ability. Position, tempo, adaptability and how a young horse handles the occasion all come into play. Puerto Rico has enough racecraft and proven quality to make him a serious player. He is not the only O’Brien runner still in the mix, with Ballydoyle strongly represented among the remaining entries. The depth of the race is also helped by the possible rematch with some of his French form rivals, including Christopher Head’s Nighttime and Francis Henri Graffard’s Rayif. The home team will not be short of confidence either. French trained three-year-olds are always dangerous in their own Classic, particularly when they have already been aimed at this race from a long way out. The likes of Nighttime and Rayif bring local knowledge, and they will be trying to turn the tables if they meet Puerto Rico again. From Britain, Karl Burke’s Hankelow adds another angle. His Autumn Stakes win showed he has the quality to be respected, and Burke has built a reputation for travelling horses with purpose. If Hankelow makes the trip, he gives the race another proper international layer. The fillies’ race, the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, looks just as intriguing. Diamond Necklace is the obvious starting point. Her win in the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp last autumn marked her down as a filly of real Classic potential, and she returns to the same track with the chance to confirm herself as one of the leading three-year-old fillies in Europe. There was a lot to like about that Marcel Boussac performance. She looked professional, she quickened when asked, and she gave the impression there was more to come with maturity. For a filly going into a Classic, that is exactly the type of profile you want. O’Brien looks likely to have more than one option in the Pouliches, but Diamond Necklace is the one that gives the race its headline. She has already produced a Group 1 performance at the course, and that previous Longchamp success is a major tick. The challenge is that this does not look a one-dimensional race. There is real depth among the fillies still engaged, especially from Britain and Ireland. Richard Hughes could be represented by America Queen, who was runner up in the Nell Gwyn, while John and Thady Gosden have Fashion People in the picture. Kevin Ryan’s Isle Of Fernandez and Willie McCreery’s Skydance add further depth. Karl Burke also has Half Sovereign, a filly who has already won in France in the Prix Miesque, so she is another with experience of the local scene. Simon and Ed Crisford’s Zanthos is also entered, although she has another possible option in the Chartwell Stakes at Lingfield. What makes both French Guineas races so appealing is the clash of form lines. You have the Ballydoyle strength, the French home defence, and the British runners trying to measure up away from home. For punters, that creates a proper puzzle. The Poulains may revolve around whether Puerto Rico can repeat his French juvenile form against improving colts who have been trained with this one mile Classic in mind. The Pouliches may come down to whether Diamond Necklace can carry her Marcel Boussac brilliance into her three-year-old season. For O’Brien, it could be another major weekend in France. For the French Classics, it is exactly what they need. Strong home opposition, serious travelling contenders and two Group 1 races that should tell us a lot about where the European Classic generation sits. By Scott Bailey

The Goodwood has long been and is South Australia’s greatest sprint race. and this Saturday’s edition has all the right ingredients for a proper Group 1 contest. Previous winners include the globe trotting star Takeover Target and one of Australia’s greatest ever in Black Caviar. Run over 1200 metres at Morphettville, the $1 million Goodwood has brought together a deep field of seasoned sprinters, emerging talents and runners coming through the key lead up races. It is a race with genuine pressure, plenty of different form lines and enough market interest to suggest punters are still working out where the value sits. One of the key chances Rey Magnerio was a scratching on Thurdsay due to elevated blood levels. He was the early favourite so this opens up the race even more now. One of the biggest talking points will be the barrier draw. In a Goodwood with this much depth, luck in running is going to play a major part. Several key chances have drawn awkwardly, while others have landed gates that could make their task a lot more straightforward. At the top of betting, the support has come for Flying For Fun and it is easy enough to see why. Bryce Heys has booked Zac Lloyd who retains the ride, and that alone adds plenty of confidence around her chances. She was terrific in the Robert Sangster when flashing home into fourth, beaten just 0.10 lengths behind Geegees Mistruth. The barrier is the interesting part. From gate 10, she will need the race to unfold properly, but she also looks the type of mare who can be ridden with patience and saved for one strong late surge. There is a sense that the market has latched onto the right profile. She is a mare with a strong turn of foot, she has already measured up in Group 1 company and she gets in with 54 kilograms. The Goodwood can often suit the horse that gets the right smother into the race and finishes hard late, and Flying For Fun looks to have that exact pattern if Zac Lloyd can find the right back to follow. Grand Larceny is another major player and looks one of the more progressive horses in the field. He was strong winning the Hawkes Stakes at this track on 25 April, beating Watchme Win and New York Lustre, and that form has a big influence on this race. The concern is barrier 14. He has the talent and the upside, but Ben Melham will need to make a decision early, either press forward and risk covering ground, or go back and rely on tempo. Watchme Win deserves respect as the local hope with strong Morphettville credentials. He has had 11 starts at the track for four wins and four placings, and his last two runs have been excellent. He was second to Super Smink in the R N Irwin Stakes and then second again to Grand Larceny in the Hawkes Stakes. Barrier 12 is not ideal, but he is honest, race fit and proven at the course. Super Smink also has a winning chance on her best form, but barrier 13 makes things tricky. She beat Watchme Win in the R N Irwin before finishing midfield in the Robert Sangster. That Sangster run was not poor, and coming back to this race she gets the chance to bounce back, but Jacob Opperman will need to give her a smart ride from the draw but he knows her well. Tycoon Star adds a strong three-year-old angle. He won the Tobin Bronze impressively over this track and distance, and he has the right racing style to make his own luck. The big negative is barrier 16. He has tactical speed, but from out there he may have to do early work to find a position. If he gets across cheaply, he can run well. If he is posted wide, the final 200 metres could tell. Talkanco is the lightweight runner who could easily be underestimated. She was third in The Quokka behind Jigsaw and Rey Magnerio, and that gives her a very strong reference point. The barrier draw has been a big help, with gate 2 and only 51.5 kilograms giving Lucy Fiore the chance to be economical, save ground and look for the gaps late. Extragalactic is the other lightweight with upside. She has only had six starts and was second to Tycoon Star in the Tobin Bronze. This is a sharp rise in grade, but with 50 kilograms and barrier 6, she has drawn to get a much softer run than some of the better fancied runners. That gives her a chance to outperform her price. Meridius has also drawn well in barrier 1 and could get the type of soft run that brings him into exotics. He is a last start Group 3 placegetter over 1400 metres and has won at 1200 metres, so if the inside section is holding up, he can get every possible chance from the draw. It would be a fitting win for the former South Australian trainer Lloyd Kennewell winning a Group 1 feature in his home state. The Goodwood looks a terrific betting race because there are so many different angles. Flying For Fun has the market support, the Zac Lloyd booking and the Group 1 last start flashing light. Grand Larceny has the winning Morphettville lead up but must overcome barrier 14. Watchme Win has the local profile but also draws wide. Talkanco has the lightweight and barrier 2. For mine, barriers Talkanco particularly dangerous, while Flying For Fun still looks the horse with the right set up if they run along at a genuine tempo. The market move makes sense, and with Zac Lloyd booked to ride, she gets her chance to turn a narrow Group 1 defeat into a Group 1 win. By Scott Bailey