The return of last season’s Equus Champion Sprinter Buffalo Storm Cody is the principal attraction come the eight-race Vaal meeting on Thursday 8 October, with the Tony Peter-trained five-year-old making his seasonal reappearance in Race 5, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1100m.
The son of Buffalo Bill Cody has not raced since producing a high-class performance to win the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 26 July under Gavin Lerena. He defeated Jet Force by 0.90-lengths at level weights, with the form strengthened by the runner-up subsequently winning the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last weekend.
Buffalo Storm Cody is the best-weighted runner in Thursday’s field and, despite a 74-day absence, his rating leaves him with a clear advantage. He does not need to return at peak fitness to be competitive at this level, and his first start with Kabelo Matsunyane in the irons could provide the jockey with an immediate reward.
The champion therefore sets the standard.
A potential jockey-trainer double could be completed in Race 7, where Caladrius looks well placed to follow up a last-start victory. The progressive three-year-old Rafeef filly won a similar contest over 1000m last time, beating male opposition by 0.25-lengths. She meets her own sex this time and, although raised three points in the handicap, appears capable of confirming that recent improvement.
Rafeef’s Queen has another opportunity to convert admirable consistency into maiden success in Race 2 over 1000m. The Stuart Pettigrew-trained three-year-old has finished second in each of her last three starts and does not appear to need significant improvement to go one better. With leading rider Keagan de Melo aboard, she has strong claims to finally open her account.
Ruby Whisper presents a similar form profile, having also been runner-up in her last three starts, but her 135-day absence introduces a fitness variable. On balance, Rafeef’s Queen makes more appeal.
Dreadnought is another last-start runner-up with a favourable opportunity in Race 3 over 1800m. The Clinton Binda-trained son of Gimmethegreenlight was finishing strongly when narrowly beaten over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville last month. The additional 200m should suit, and further improvement could be enough for the three-year-old colt to shed his maiden status under Calvin Habib.
The meeting is built around Buffalo Storm Cody’s comeback, however, and the betting case is straightforward. His Mercury Sprint victory, the subsequent success of Jet Force and favourable weight terms all point towards a horse who remains some way ahead of this opposition on established form. The 74-day layoff is the only obvious question mark.
If he returns anywhere near his best, Buffalo Storm Cody should take plenty of stopping – while Rafeef’s Queen, Dreadnought and Caladrius offer sound supporting plays for multiples on a card where proven form could prove more reliable than speculation.
Clive Robinson
Ka Ying Rising, the world’s highest-rated horse, will contest a vital barrier trial at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday (6 October) in preparation for the AU$20 million (approx. HK$108.9 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) on 17 October.
Ka Ying Rising is due to face four potential The Everest rivals – Joliestar, Angel Capital, Ninja and Headwall – in the 1000m barrier trial, while G1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) contenders Amazing Journey and Apocalyptic have also been nominated.
Nine-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey Zac Purton has travelled to Australia to partner Ka Ying Rising in the barrier trial, while trainer David Hayes will also be at Randwick to oversee the hit-out.
Ka Ying Rising last season finished third in the corresponding barrier trial before becoming the first overseas horse to win The Everest, the world’s most lucrative turf race.
If successful on 17 October, Ka Ying Rising will extend his Hong Kong record winning streak to 22 races and claim a 10th Group 1 title, matching the haul of Golden Sixty.
Ka Ying Rising works at Canterbury in preparation for Tuesday’s (6 October) barrier trial ahead of The Everest.
The barrier trial is scheduled to start at 9am (6am Hong Kong Time) and will be broadcast live on the Club’s online platforms, including HKJC Racing Facebook page, HKJC Racing Sports Facebook page, @HKJC_Racing on X, and the HKJC Entertainment Facebook page.
Daryz appears unlikely to race again after joining an elite band of dual Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winners with a historic success at sun-soaked ParisLongchamp.
A narrow winner of Europe’s premier middle-distance contest over Minnie Hauk 12 months ago, the son of 2009 Arc hero Sea The Stars became just the ninth horse in history to repeat the dose.
A few doubters emerged after he was beaten into third place in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, but with a dominant display in the Prix Foy four weeks ago restoring any lost confidence, the four-year-old carried the hopes of a nation on his back as he met with a formidable raiding party in Europe’s most prestigious middle-distance contest.
All the big guns were in the mix rounding the final bend, but there was a sense of inevitability about the result when Mickael Barzalona produced Daryz down the outside of the field – and just as Francis-Henri Graffard predicted, his lightning acceleration proved too much for the opposition to handle.
“It was beautiful to witness such a great straight and a great champion, winning with all his power and showing the world how good this horse is,” said the trainer, whose stable star was becoming the first colt to go back-to-back in the Arc since Vincent O’Brien’s Alleged in 1977 and 1978.
“It was a big challenge as the odds were against us as a four-year-old colt and I have to thank Princess Zahra (owner) for allowing me to try it for the horse, because we always believed he was a true champion and last year he was really coming to his best when he won the Arc. It was a big decision to make and I had to put a lot of pressure on Princess Zahra to make it possible.
“There was a lot of pressure, but during the race when I saw him moving with ease on the outside I knew he was going to accelerate really strongly and he did.”
Princess Zahra leads the Aga Khan team and her late father the Aga Khan IV, who died in February of last year, was at the forefront of her mind following the latest big-race success for the famous green and red silks.
“Last year I was really caught up in the moment because I was still suffering loss. This year I just know that he’d be so proud to see a homebred do that twice in a row,” she said.
“Mickael knows the horse very well, he comes to the gallops almost every morning, which is a real positive for an owner-breeder.”
No horse has ever won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe three times, but it seems there will be no hat-trick bid for Daryz, who is clearly a hugely valuable stallion prospect.
“Look, we’re breeders right, and you get to the point where you’re taking a risk every time you run the horse,” Princess Zahra added.
“His mother (Daryakana) improved with age, that’s true, but would we want him to train on for another year? I’m not sure – I think he has other things to do.”
By Ashley Iveson, Press Association
Video StarsRace 4 – 9 COLOURFUL WINNER
His first-up effort three weeks ago had plenty of merit, having been pushed forward from a wide draw to stalk the leader. The early and mid-race sectionals were well inside standard, yet he still stuck on bravely to finish fourth, beaten just 1.75 lengths over this track and distance.
With that run under his belt, he should strip fitter second-up and, granted a smoother trip in transit, looks to have a strong chance of finally breaking through.
Race 6 – 3 POSITIVE SMILE
A change of tactics failed to pay off last start, when he settled on the speed from an inside draw before weakening in the straight to finish ninth, beaten 6.25 lengths over this track and distance. That effort may not have been a true reflection of his ability, given the uncharacteristic racing pattern.
A proven performer in Class 4 company, he looks capable of bouncing back with a more patient ride this week.
Sectional StarsRace 7 – 11 HAPPY PROMISE
Drawn wide last start, he was steadied early to settle off the pace before rattling home strongly to finish fifth over this track and distance. He has since attacked the line well in a recent trial and, with a further drop in the ratings during the off-season, looks well placed to run a big race first-up.
Race 8 – 4 GLITTERING LEGEND
He was last seen producing a strong third over 1800m at Happy Valley in July. The form from that race has since been franked, with winner LE ZONDA going on to score again, adding further merit to the performance. Returning from an 88-day break, he looks capable of making his presence felt fresh and should be primed for another bold showing.
Meet three of this year’s Arc contenders ahead of Sunday’s big race at ParisLongchamp. Defending champion Daryz returns after another impressive season, while 2025 Polish Derby winner Chestnut Rocket heads to the Arc following a Listed win at Vichy and a close second in the Grand Prix de Deauville. Arrow Eagle, sixth in last year’s Arc and subsequent Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak winner, is also back for another tilt at the Paris showpiece.
Caspar Fownes has made a strong start to the new season and the 2025/26 Hong Kong Champion Trainer is aiming to keep the ball rolling on Sunday (4 October) at Sha Tin.
Fownes, now a five-time title winner in Hong Kong, has fired in five winners through the term’s first seven fixtures. The 59-year-old has trained in the city since 2003/04 after taking over from his late father Lawrie, winning 1,240 races and being renowned for handling Group 1 winners Lucky Nine, Southern Legend and The Duke, among others.
“Five wins coming off a big season (69 wins) – I’m very happy with the stable, and we should be competitive again. We’ll certainly be putting up some good numbers – where it takes us, we don’t know, but we’ll certainly be having another crack at it,” Fownes said.
The trainer’s quintet is bettered by Cody Mo (eight wins) and notorious quick-beginner Pierre Ng (eight), who top the table, while Manfred Man (seven) and David Hall (six) trail. Like Fownes, Danny Shum also has five wins.
“We’ve restructured a bit and we have quite a few new horses in there. We had a few horses last year that were pretty immature; hopefully in their second prep they can improve and add some winners to the tally,” Fownes said. “It’s very competitive now – there are so many big stables and so many have full barns, but we’ll be doing our best.”
Fownes takes six runners to Sha Tin, spearheaded by Sky Vino (115lb) in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Muk Min Ha Handicap (1650m, dirt). The gelding rises in grade following a pair of course and distance wins last season.
The 79-rated five-year-old links with Alexis Badel and comes up against Chancheng Glory (135lb), Talents Ambition (128lb), Sing Dragon (127lb), Gorgeous Win (122lb), Awesome Fluke (120lb), Definitive (115lb) and Loch Tay (115lb).
“It’s going to be a little bit rich for him running in Class 2, but he carries a nice light weight which gives him a chance to show something,” Fownes said. “There are a few really good dirt horses in the race that might be just a bit better than him.
“He’s prepared well, he’s fit and he looks good. I’m happy with him and he’ll be racing consistently because he’s that type of horse – he doesn’t know how to run a bad race.”
Alpha Strike (131lb) will attempt to secure consecutive victories for Fownes when the gelding carries an extra 11lb in the Class 3 Shing Mun Handicap (1000m).
Alpha Strike scores first-up for Caspar Fownes.
“It was a nice win. He kept running away from the outside rail, so hopefully that doesn’t happen. He’s up in weight, and Ellis (Wong) is suspended – Jimmy Orman will ride. He’s in good form and there’s no reason why he can’t be competitive again,” Fownes said.
Hong Kong International Sale graduate Corleone (134lb) resumes in the Class 3 Shek Wai Kok Handicap (1650m, dirt) after an impressive three-win 2025/26 campaign.
“Nice horse. He just trialled earlier in the week, and he’s probably got race-fitness to come. He will be improving off the run and hopefully he runs a nice race,” Fownes said.
Fownes saddles Hymnbook (119lb) in the Class 3 Chinese Recreation Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1800m). Silver Spurs and Perfect Team also represent the trainer.
Sunday’s (4 October) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Chai Wan Kok Handicap (1650m, dirt).
By Declan Schuster
Senior jockey Jimmy Wong has been maximizing his opportunities since arriving back from his Korean stint and continues his rapid ascension on the premiership following his seven winners over the two days of racing at the Selangor Turf Club last weekend.
Rising to sixth place on the jockey’s ladder with 28 winners, CC Wong has nine riding engagements on the twelve-race program this Sunday commencing with last-start winner PACIFIC SOLDIER, which remains in Class 5C company and is a chance of going back-to-back in Race 1.
WEALTHYNESS drops back to Class 5 grade in Race 2 and despite his recent failure, the gelding chalked up successive minor placings in Class 4 events prior. It will be CC Wong’s first ride on the gelding which has never missed a place in three appearances at Class 5 level.
CC Wong is currently striking at 26% overall but when he teams up with leading trainer Simon Dunderdale, that figure rises to an impressive 33%. The formidable pair combine with progressive four-year-old MEGA ACE which will be produced second-up in the 1020m Class 1 contest (Race 4). This year’s 3YO Sprint Championship winner appeared short of a run when resuming in the 1400m NZB Open Championship on September 5 and looks better suited on the distance drop. In a race that contains an abundance of early speed, MEGA ACE will be clashing with another promising type in YES MAN, which possesses a good first-up record and will also supply the speed influence for the 1020m contest. YES MAN has been sparingly raced this year with only four starts to its credit for two wins, which included the Listed Bunga Raya Vase back in January. Seven-year-old gelding, PACIFIC VAMPIRE is another with barrier speed capable of matching the opposition for early pace. However, PACIFIC VAMPIRE races best if he receives a soft lead and will have to withstand some early pressure from the likes of YES MAN and MEGA ACE which both like to roll forward at barrier rise and are best suited when able to dictate the pace.
Wong combines with Dunderdale in the 1200m Restricted Maiden (Race 6) with NAVARRE CROWN which looks hard to beat under weight-for-age conditions. NAVARRE CROWN should benefit from his recent debut which yielded a 0.75L 2nd behind STRATEGISE, which has since franked that form by winning a Class 4 contest last weekend. NAVARRE CROWN had the tendency to hang in over the concluding stages and considering his last trial was nearly two months earlier, the son of Yes Yes Yes should be more tractable at start number two.
From the recent Selangor trials, LEGENDS NEVER FADE (Trained by Lawson Moy) and SUPERPOWER (trained by Frank Maynard) are both gallopers to keep an eye on in the 1200m Class 3 contest (Race 7). LEGENDS NEVER FADE, formerly known as Denfield, was a three-time winner in Hong Kong and defeated YES MAN in an impressive trial display last month. The seven-year-old will be first-up since December and his three career victories have been recorded over the 1200m trip. SUPERPOWER is a former Australian galloper with a maiden win to its credit and is coming off a thirteen-month break. The five-year-old looked sharp in his 2.5L trial win over Mega Khan on September 8 and the stable is enjoying some success lately from limited runners, especially with recent newcomers. TO REMEMBER has been a black-booker for several weeks now and has the hoof on the till. The five-year-old has caught the eye with some fast-finishing performances, especially his last two efforts when closing off well to finish runner up over 1020m. The step up to the 1200m looks ideal and looks a big chance despite coming from the outside draw.
TRIDENT RISING is on track to maintain an unbeaten local record in the 1200m Class 3 event (Race 8). The four-year-old lived up to his impressive trial form prior and local punters jumped on board backing the former Aussie into even money favorite. TRIDENT RISING was able to stave off all challengers when leading throughout over 1200m here three weeks ago and is well drawn to score again. The danger appears to be NIMBUS STAR which is coming off successive Class 3 placings and draws deep in barrier 10. NIMBUS STAR was a Class 4 winner three starts back and has trained on well judging by his trial performance behind Selangor Mile winner Aquitaine on September 15.
The best quinella pairing for the afternoon comes up in the 1400 Class 2 contest (Race 9) where ANJOU CROWN and COME ON BANKER’S appear to be the major players. ANJOU CROWN has a good record at Class 2 level (2:1-1-0) and is coming off an encouraging 5th (beaten 1.75L) in last Sunday’s G1 Selangor Gold Cup. The five-year-old came off a six-day break when scoring in that Class 2 contest on July 11 so the short break between runs should not pose a problem. COME ON BANKER’S came with a late surge to break his Malaysian duck over 1200m here on September 5, his third start in the country. COME ON BANKER’S scored twice over 1400m in Australia and he looks a winning chance again in the same grade.
The first Grade 2 doubleheader of the new Highveld season takes centre stage at Turffontein on Saturday 3 October, with the R550,000 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge and R450,000 Betway Joburg F&M Spring Challenge providing the feature-race fireworks over 1450m on the Inside track.
Last year’s renewals produced a red-letter afternoon for Sean Tarry, who saddled both winners – Tin Pan Alley and Callmegetrix – and Tony Peter and jockey Kabelo Matsunyane have a realistic chance of matching that feat 12 months on.
Peter-trained Main Defender has unfinished business in the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge. The 2023 winner returns bidding to reclaim his title in Race 7 and, despite gate No 12, looks attractively placed to do so.
The six-year-old Pathfork gelding signalled a return to his best form when finishing a creditable third in the Grade 1 Champions Cup at the end of last season and reproducing that effort would put him right in the firing line to finally end a 553-day drought stretching back to his Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes success in March 2025. Matsunyane knows him well, and this looks a case of Main Defender’s class outweighing the draw.
Stablemate Kisshoten could strike first for the Peter-Matsunyane partnership in Race 6, the fillies and mares’ equivalent.
The versatile six-year-old Erupt mare finished second in the Grade 2 Gold Bracelet over 2000m at the end of last season after an excellent sixth in the Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes over 1600m on July day, where she was beaten just 3.95 lengths despite starting from the widest draw.
Her earlier Standside victory over 1400m is the key pointer. The return to 1450m should present no problem after a 69-day break, and if she reproduces her best form, Kisshoten has every chance of delivering the first half of a Peter-Matsunyane feature double.
With that in mind, the same combination could enjoy a Pick 3 beginning with One State in Race 5 over 1600m. This progressive son of One World has flourished since being gelded, following a 1700m maiden success by winning on his handicap debut over the same distance. There is little reason to believe his upward trajectory will be halted.
For Pick 6 players, however, the biggest question may be where to find the banker. The R500,000 carryover and likely R3-million pool add serious spice to the nine-race programme, and one dependable anchor could make all the difference between a costly permutation and a potentially life-changing dividend.
Enter Bisou Bisou. The Corne and Xander Spies-trained Querari gelding has the profile of the banker punters are looking for. A juvenile winner over 1000m and subsequent Grade 2 runner-up over 1200m, Bisou Bisou confirmed his promise by finishing a close-up third on his three-year-old return 21 days ago.
He reappears in Race 8 off the same mark and returns to the scene of that encouraging comeback. With natural improvement expected from that outing, and Craig Zackey in the saddle, Bisou Bisou has plenty going for him.
Clive Robinson
Europe’s middle-distance championship returns to ParisLongchamp on Sunday, October 4, when 16 runners contest the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m).
Defending champion Daryz heads the field for the €5 million showpiece, with Thursday’s draw strengthening his position. Stall five gives Mickael Barzalona options as the Aga Khan homebred bids to become the first male horse since Alleged in 1978 to win successive Arcs.
His latest appearance supplied the strongest evidence that he remains the horse to beat. After finishing third in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained four-year-old returned to winning form in the Prix Foy, comfortably accounting for Bay City Roller.
Yet this is far from a one-horse race. Maltese Cross brings progressive three-year-old form, Kalpana arrives as the reigning King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner, and Classic-winning fillies Thundering On and Diamond Necklace add further depth.
The draw produced contrasting fortunes for Aidan O’Brien. Ryan Moore partners Benvenuto Cellini from stall one, William Buick rides Minnie Hauk from ten, and Christophe Soumillon faces a more demanding assignment aboard Diamond Necklace from the outside gate.
Reports heading into the weekend point towards relatively quick autumn conditions, although the final going remains important.
A sound surface would suit Maltese Cross, while Bay City Roller would welcome rain. Thundering On has also shown her best with some give underfoot.
With Friendly Soul and Meisho Tabaru capable of racing prominently, the tactical picture could be lively. The key for those drawn wide will be finding cover without spending too much energy before the field turns for home.
Kalpana winning the Yorkshire OaksNumbers below are race numbers; stalls are shown separately. Assessments reflect the available form and draw.1. Daryz — Stall 5Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard | Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
The champion has won the Prix Ganay, Prix d’Ispahan and Prix Foy this season. His trial suggested the Royal Ascot defeat had left no lasting mark. Proven over this course and distance, with an economical draw, he sets the standard. Verdict: The horse to beat.2. Saddadd — Stall 9Trainer: Roger Varian | Jockey: Ray Dawson
Earned his first Group 1 in the Grosser Preis von Baden, proving himself at 2400m. That success gives him a credible staying platform, although this demands another improvement. Verdict: An interesting outsider.3. Chestnut Rocket — Stall 2Trainer: Alicja Karkosa | Jockey: Marvin Grandin
Last year’s Polish Derby winner finished second in the Grand Prix de Deauville. The inside draw helps, but he faces a considerable rise in class. Verdict: A difficult assignment.4. Admire Terra — Stall 12Trainer: Yasuo Tomomichi | Jockey: Cristian Demuro
One of two Japanese challengers, with more to prove at Group 1 level than his compatriot. Stall twelve adds another complication. Verdict: Needs a career-best performance.5. Meisho Tabaru — Stall 13Trainer: Mamoru Ishibashi | Jockey: Yutaka Take
Back-to-back Takarazuka Kinen victories establish his top-level credentials. His prominent racing style could influence the pace, but the outside draw makes securing position important. Verdict: Japan’s stronger contender.6. Arrow Eagle — Stall 14Trainer: Jean-Claude Rouget | Jockey: Ioritz Mendizabal
Sixth in last year’s Arc and third in the Grand Prix de Deauville on his latest start. Experience helps, but his recent form leaves improvement necessary. Verdict: An outsider with place ambitions.7. Bay City Roller — Stall 15Trainer: George Scott | Jockey: Oisin Murphy
The Coronation Cup winner chased home Daryz in the Prix Foy. Rain would strengthen his case, but stall fifteen makes the task harder. Verdict: More appealing if conditions soften.8. Minnie Hauk — Stall 10Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: William Buick
Last year’s runner-up has struggled to reproduce that level consistently. Third behind Kalpana in the Yorkshire Oaks offered encouragement. Verdict: Dangerous if returning to her best.9. Kalpana — Stall 6Trainer: Andrew Balding | Jockey: Colin Keane
The King George and Yorkshire Oaks winner appears stronger than when seventh here last year. Her draw provides a good opportunity to secure a comfortable passage. Verdict: A major threat to the favourite.10. Friendly Soul — Stall 7Trainer: John and Thady Gosden | Jockey: James Doyle
Made all in a record-breaking Prix Vermeille on her first attempt at 2400m. Already a Prix de l’Opéra winner here, she has clear course credentials. Verdict: A credible contender in a tougher field.11. Varandir — Stall 4Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard | Jockey: Clement Lecoeuvre
The Prix Niel winner gives the champion’s connections another serious chance. Fourth behind Maltese Cross in the Grand Prix de Paris, he remains lightly raced and well drawn. Verdict: A progressive each-way contender.12. Benvenuto Cellini — Stall 1Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: Ryan Moore
The Irish Derby winner finished third in the King George before disappointing in the Prix Niel. Moore’s booking and the inside stall add interest, but he must rebound. Verdict: Capable of better than his latest run.13. Bright Light — Stall 8Trainer: Andreas Suborics | Jockey: Benjamin Marie
Third behind Saddadd at Baden-Baden, he has Group 1 placing credentials in Germany. This field presents a substantially tougher test. Verdict: Has plenty to find.14. Maltese Cross — Stall 11Trainer: William Haggas | Jockey: Tom Marquand
The Derby runner-up subsequently won the Grand Prix de Paris and Great Voltigeur, prompting connections to target Paris rather than the St Leger. His combination of stamina and improving speed makes him a leading challenger. Verdict: The strongest three-year-old colt on recent form.15. Thundering On — Stall 3Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: Pierre-Charles Boudot
The Oaks heroine returned to winning form in the Blandford Stakes after a midsummer break. Proven stamina, a low draw and the three-year-old filly’s allowances make her dangerous. Verdict: A serious challenger, especially with some give.16. Diamond Necklace — Stall 16Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
The French 1,000 Guineas, Prix de Diane and Nassau Stakes winner brings outstanding shorter-distance form. However, her first attempt at 2400m comes from the widest stall. Verdict: Classy, with stamina and tactical questions to answer.
The Verdict
Daryz is the selection. His successful trial, proven Arc ability and favourable draw give him the most convincing overall case.
Kalpana looks the strongest older challenger, while Maltese Cross brings the progressive profile to threaten both. Varandir earns the fourth spot through his course form, improvement and inside draw.
Saturday’s Group 1 Prix de Royallieu (2800m) at ParisLongchamp will bring together a new contender and a returning champion, with Sunly switching from the Arc and Consent preparing to defend her crown.
The €300,000 contest on Saturday, October 3, provides the leading fillies and mares with a staying test on the opening day of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.
Juddmonte has opted to keep Kalpana on course for Sunday’s Arc, leaving Sunly to tackle the longer distance of the Royallieu.
Connections believe the daughter of Night Of Thunder will appreciate the additional 400m, giving her an opportunity to secure Group 1 success against her own sex.
The decision also leaves Kalpana as Juddmonte’s sole Arc representative. The Andrew Balding-trained mare has earned her place with victories in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks this season, having finished seventh behind Daryz in last year’s Arc.
For Consent, a return to ParisLongchamp could provide the ideal setting to finish her racing career.
The Sir Mark Prescott-trained four-year-old defeated Santorini Star and Rabbit’s Foot in the 2025 Royallieu, a performance that encouraged connections to consider an Arc campaign this season.
Those ambitions faded after an underwhelming return in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, but her subsequent efforts have offered more encouragement.
An improved showing at Goodwood was followed by third place in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster, suggesting she is working her way back towards the form that delivered her biggest success.
Ground conditions could be crucial. Consent is at her best with plenty of give underfoot, and connections will be hoping for rain before Saturday’s defence.
A decision on her future has yet to be finalised, although a move to the broodmare paddocks is likely after this season. Another Royallieu victory would provide a fitting farewell.
The Royallieu has developed into an important autumn target for fillies and mares, with its promotion to Group 1 and extension to 2800m in 2019 strengthening its place on Arc weekend.
Anapurna, that year’s Epsom Oaks winner, claimed the first running under the new conditions. She was followed by Wonderful Tonight in 2020, Loving Dream in 2021 and Sea La Rosa in 2022.
The race has also produced winners who went on to make their mark internationally. Daryakana won in 2009 before travelling to Hong Kong and defeating the males in the Hong Kong Vase.
More recently, Grateful secured the 2024 renewal for Aidan O’Brien. A daughter of American champion Tepin, her success added another chapter to the legacy of a mare whose victories included the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Now Sunly has the chance to add her name to that roll of honour, while Consent returns seeking a second victory on the stage that brought her finest moment.
By Scott Bailey
The Blue Point filly is on a five-race unbeaten run this season.
Blue Bolt will attempt to go one better than 12 months ago and keep her phenomenal 2026 winning run going in the BetMGM Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
Second to an on-song Fallen Angel on the Rowley Mile last year, Andrew Balding’s four-year-old has improved tenfold since, racking up a five-race unbeaten sequence that includes a win at Royal Ascot with her last three victories all coming at Group One level.
Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte, said: “The plan is the Sun Chariot and she’s in good shape and Andrew is happy with her. All being well she will be there.
“I think last year finishing second in it was her emergence into the Group One sphere and we were knocking on the door. She has done nothing but improve since then and it would be nice to go back and go one better if we can.
“As always I’m sure it will be a good race, but she has done nothing wrong all year and if she is in the same form, hopefully she will be OK.”
The Blue Point filly was one of 12 to confirm on Monday, with Ballydoyle master Aidan O’Brien entering Precise and True Love.
Another Irish raider comes in the form of Paddy Twomey’s City Of Memphis, whose only defeat this season came against Blue Bolt in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown earlier this month.
Karl Burke is also double-handed with last year’s winner Fallen Angel and Evolutionist, Atalanta Stakes winner Love Dynasty goes for Kevin Ryan and Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes victor Pina Sonata lines up for James Fanshawe.
Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Kon Tiki, the Owen Burrows-trained Calendar Girl, Moon Target, trained by Sir Mark Prescott and Ralph Beckett’s Secret Of Life complete the list.
By Adam Morgan, Press Association
Europe’s leading stayer Scandinavia could face defending champion Caballo De Mar in Saturday’s Group 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran (4000m) at ParisLongchamp, with the marathon shaping as a major attraction on the opening day of Arc weekend.
Both feature among the 11 horses currently listed for the race on Saturday, October 3, alongside Queenstown, Double Major and French Master. Scandinavia heads the betting, although ground conditions remain important to his participation.
A superb season has established Scandinavia as the horse to beat in the staying division.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained four-year-old proved his stamina with victory in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and arrives following another Group 1 success in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh on September 13.
That latest victory extended his winning sequence to eight, underlining the consistency that has accompanied his rise to the top. He defeated stablemate Queenstown, with Jan Brueghel completing a Ballydoyle sweep of the placings.
The British Champions Long Distance Cup had been his expected next target, but suitable ground could bring him to Paris instead.
Connections have indicated that a significant deterioration in conditions would make the Cadran less appealing. If he takes his chance, the return to 4000m gives him an opportunity to reproduce the stamina that carried him to Gold Cup glory.
The strongest challenge outside Ballydoyle could come from Caballo De Mar, who returns to defend the title he won last autumn.
The George Scott-trained five-year-old has already demonstrated his effectiveness at ParisLongchamp, adding the Group 1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier earlier this season to his 2025 Cadran success. Those victories give him a strong course record to bring into Saturday’s contest.
His campaign has included setbacks, but he returned to winning form in the Doncaster Cup on September 11.
Fitted with blinkers and a tongue-tie, Caballo De Mar travelled strongly under Oisin Murphy before defeating Beylerbeyi by just over a length. The performance restored momentum after disappointing efforts at Royal Ascot and York, setting him up for another attempt at the Cadran.
Stablemate Queenstown provides O’Brien with another serious contender.
The six-year-old finished third in last year’s Cadran and was runner-up to Scandinavia in the recent Irish St Leger. He brings experience of the distance and arrives with encouraging form following a winning seasonal return at the Curragh in August.
Queenstown had initially been earmarked as Ballydoyle’s main representative in Paris and remains an important part of the challenge regardless of whether Scandinavia lines up.
Among the French contenders, Double Major comes into the race after finishing second to Odemar in the Group 3 Prix Gladiateur (3100m) at ParisLongchamp on September 10.
The Christophe Ferland-trained six-year-old finished strongly that day, offering encouragement ahead of the longer test. Saturday will demand another step forward against the leading visitors.
French Master, trained by John and Thady Gosden, also remains in the current line-up, while Willie Mullins has Mr Hollywood engaged.
The other listed contenders are Wintertraum, Waldadler, Anspruch, Emmeci and Sheema’s Rose, giving the race an international field for one of the toughest assignments of the weekend.
For Scandinavia, the Cadran offers another opportunity to strengthen his standing as the season’s outstanding stayer. For Caballo De Mar, it is a return to the course where he has delivered two of his biggest victories and a chance to remind the new champion that this is familiar territory.
By Scott Bailey
Trainer Dean Smith has his runners in very good shape and star sprinter Cruise Control looks the right one in Race 7, the Betway Cradock Place Stakes over 1200m.
The seven-year-old gelding won the first leg of the Nelson Mandela Bay Polytrack Challenge over 1200m a few weeks back but was a noticeable absentee from the second leg last Friday.
Smith clearly felt the 1400m of that second leg would have stretched the Querari gelding, but it is worth noting Cruise Control has been impressive on the Polytrack.
He is no slouch on the grass either and his record is very good. He has won 16 of his 34 starts, including nine of 23 on turf, and his course-and-distance record reads one win, one second and one third from just four races.
Surprisingly, it is not stable jockey Craig Zackey aboard the gelding this time, with Callan Murray getting his first ride on him.
Cruise Control is at level weights with three of his rivals, and it is only stable companion and Zackey-ridden Astronomical Boy to whom he has to give chunks of weight.
That should make Cruise Control hard to beat.
There are only seven runners carded for this, and he faces three possible dangers.
Astronomical Boy showed talent but was unreliable when trained in the Western Cape and arrived at his current yard with a record of two wins from seven starts. The well-bred Gimmethegreenlight gelding won on his local debut.
It was a narrow win, but he was well backed, and it is interesting to note that the runner-up that day, Kwagga Blitz, did win his next start.
That win of his was over this course and distance, and the quicker they go, the more he will enjoy it, as he packs a strong late kick.
Trainer Kelly Mitchley continues to have a steady stream of winners, and she has done a very good job with Anushka’s World.
This gelding has won five of 31 starts, but his last two wins were this year and over this course and distance.
Trainer Alan Greeff’s runners must always be considered at this track, and Fairy Knight gets to represent him under Richard Fourie.
He has not been at his best of late but was still not far behind in those performances and is well suited to this track and trip.
On the day, it will probably see some more winners for the Greeff-Fourie combination, as Kleinzee will be defending an unbeaten run of six starts for the yard in Race 5.
All those wins for Greeff have been on the Polytrack, but she did win on the grass twice in the Western Cape, so she cannot be faulted on that ground.
In the last race, it might be a Greeff 1-2 finish, as the bang-in-form Wild Fig may have to dig deep to fight off Silvan Mistress.
Clive Robinson
Walker is open to keeping one eye on the Breeders’ Cup Turf later in the autumn.
It is a familiar feeling for Ed Walker as he looks to the skies and prays for rain ahead of Almaqam’s intended outing in the Qatar Racing Champion Stakes next month.
Attempting to better last year’s third in Ascot’s 10-furlong showpiece has long been on the agenda for the Tattersalls Gold Cup winner who went so close to supplementing that Curragh Group One in a titanic finish to the Juddmonte International Stakes at York last month.
Walker is open to keeping one eye on the Breeders’ Cup Turf later in the autumn, but is hopeful conditions will fall in his star colt’s favour on British Champions Day.
“At the moment it feels like if he retires it will rain for five years and it’s just brutal,” said Walker.
“We had the option of the Arc but it was never really going to be his race and the Champion Stakes is like his Derby. We just need a bit of luck and he deserves a bit of luck.
“We’ll have to weigh it up and we have the Breeders’ Cup Turf as a plan B but we will run him at Ascot on good, it would have to be good to firm not to run. We just know he can win it on good to soft – he could even win it on good, but a bit of dig in the ground would see him hard to beat.”
Another of Walker’s aces, Ten Bob Tony, will also be in action on October 17 when the Queen Anne winner returns to the scene of his Royal Ascot heroics for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes having finished second in the Prix du Moulin last time.
Walker continued: “He’s A1 for the QEII touch wood and conditions wouldn’t overly bother him. I would probably question a mile on really heavy ground but he’ll run there regardless.
“He’s fresh as paint and Ascot couldn’t come soon enough. It’s amazing how well he is taking his races this year and he’s in great form. He’s been a legend this year.”
By Adam Morgan, Press Association
Three-time French champion won the race on Waldgeist in 2019.
Pierre-Charles Boudot has picked up the ride on Thundering On in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after Dylan Browne McMonagle failed to pass the doctors in time to return to the saddle for the ParisLongchamp spectacular.
Boudot’s agent Herve Naggar confirmed to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast that the three-time French champion jockey who won the race on Waldgeist in 2019, beating Enable, has been snapped up by trainer Joseph O’Brien.
“He is very excited. He loves the filly and she has everything to (run well). She looks a bit like Minnie Hauk last year and to ride the best three-year-old filly in an Arc with the weight advantage and being in good form is really exciting for him,” said Naggar.
Thundering On, an impressive winner of the Oaks at Epsom on soft ground, disappointed in the Pretty Polly Stakes behind Estrange in June but returned to form on good ground over one mile two furlongs at the Curragh in the Group Two Blandford Stakes last time.
It is generally felt she would be better suited with a rain-softened surface but it looks as though she will not get that on Sunday.
“The forecast has been changing in the last few days,” said Naggar. “We are waiting for some rain tomorrow. I would say it is not going to be as fast as the day of the prep races but it is going to be French good ground.”
Boudot looks set to have a decent weekend of rides and Naggar picked out Christopher Head’s unbeaten two-year-old Avec Toi in the Jean-Luc Lagardere and Pink Panthera in the Prix de l’Opera as two highlights.
Naggar also represents Christophe Soumillon who has been booked for one of the Ballydoyle trio, Minnie Hauk, Benvenuto Cellini or Diamond Necklace depending on which way stable number one Ryan Moore elects to go.
“We are waiting for Ryan to make a choice,” said Naggar. “He has ridden the three of them and won a Group One with Diamond Necklace so she is a princess for him and he is unbeaten with her,” said Naggar.
“Minnie Hauk was beaten just a head in last year’s Arc. One of the two fillies would be his preference I would think.”
By Press Association Sports
STREET SHOW (FR) Fair 6th last time on September 11, 2nd before tha t at Deauville in a handicap over 1300m on August 6. Key chance. ETCHEBASTER (FR) Three placed runs of late, 4th at Saint-Cloud over 1400m in a handicap on September 11 last time. Likes the PSF a nd can be competitive. VIVA LA SKIDS (FR) Not disgraced when third in a Listed at Saint-Cloud over 1,400m on 2 October recently. Can not be ruled out. DACHKOVA (IRE) Ran 6th in a Listed at Deauville over 1,500m on 8 August on her last start . Ought to be in the shake-up.
RACE 2: PRIX DU GRAND VIVIER MAIDEN STAKES (2YO) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 2) – 1400M | TIME: 18:17 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 27400
MAYF AIR TIME (IRE) Finished 7th in a Maiden at Saint-Cloud over 1,400 m on 11 September aftera 2nd on debut. Key chance. PERFECT PITCH Finished 6th on his debut at Saint-Cloud on Septem ber 18 over 1500m in a conditions race. Loft price tag of 400,000 euros as a yearling and he will know more this time. CAL YX EXPRESS (FR) Finished 6th in a Group III at Chantilly over 1,200m on 19 September aftera second on debut. Warrants respect back in calmer waters. WILD TRUE (FR) Colt by Sealiway, the dam ran a few times. Stable runners are well prepared and this colt is one to consider if the betting vibes are positive.
RACE 3: PRIX DES TERROIRS DE FRANCE MAIDEN STAKES (2YO) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 3) – 1400M | TIME: 18:52 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 27400
RING JOY (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Maiden a t Saint-Cloud over 1,400m on 11 September. Looks like she can get off the mark. LATISANAH (FR) Excellent runner-up in a Maiden at Salon-De-Provence over 1,100m on 14 September. Open to progress and c an feature. WHY NOT (FR) Finished 3rd in a Maiden at Saint-Cloud over 1,400m on 11 September and consistent beforet hat. Player. MUHAATHER (FR) Debut run was good when stormed home to finish 4th over 1500m. Strip fitter and loo ks ready.
YOUM IN LOVE (FR) Excellent runner-up in a Class 3 Handicap at Chant illy over 1,600m on 23 September last time. Player. RIVER DAVEN (FR) Runner-up in a Class 4 Handicap at Longchamp over 2,000m on 2 July and a win before that. In form and can feature. BAILEYS ECLAIR (FR) Showed promise and was third in a Class 4 Handicap at Compiegne over 1,800m on 24 September last time. Ea ch-way contender. QUI EVIDAMENT QUI (FR) Showed promise and was third in a Class 3 Handicap at Deauville over 1 ,900m on 27 August when last appearing. Enters calc ulations.
RACE 5: PRIX DU BOIS LARIS HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 5) – 1900M | TIME: 20:12 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 19200
MELANIES JOY Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Class 3 Handicap at Saint-Cloud over 2,000m on 7 September. Key chance. BELLA CIAO (FR) Showed promise and was third in a Class 4 Handicap at Vichy over 2,400m on 22 September. Consistent and can make an impact. WILLOWER (FR) Finished 4th in a Maiden at Dieppe over 1,800m on 9 September on his last run. Back in a handicap and warrants respect. HARTWOOD MAN (FR) Finished 10th in a Class 3 Handicap at Saint-Cloud over 2,000m on 7 September and several unplaced runs before that. Well handica pped on his best form.
RACE 6: PRIX DE L’HOTEL DE VERMANDOIS HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 6) – 1200M | TIME: 20:47 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 20200
NAVACERRADA (FR) Nice effort when third in a Handicap at Deauville over 1,200m on 30 August. Top jockey booked to ride and she can win again. POSSI (FR) Runner-up in a Handicap at Angers Eventard over 1, 350m on 21 September. She can playa leading role. AVEC DES SI (FR) Second in a Handicap at Dieppe over 1,100m on 17 S eptember. Threatening to win and can be involved. KENDARO (FR) Came home 7th in a Handicap at Dieppe over 1,100m on 17 September. Better than his latest two runs and can not be discounted.
RACE 7: PRIX DU BOIS BOURILLON HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 7) – 1900M | TIME: 21:22 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 21100
NEUSCHWANSTEIN (FR) Finished 12th in a Class 3 Handicap at Chantillyo ver 1,600m on 14 September and four placed runs before that. Can bounce backa nd be competitive. PIERRE LE GRAND Finished 7th in a Class 3 Handicap at Deauville over 1,900m on 27 August when last racing. Among the leading chances. BRAVE SHIINA (FR) Finished 5th in a Class 4 Handicap at Strasbourgov er 2,000m on 13 September on his last start. In the mix. NOOTKA BAY (FR) Finished 7th in a Class 3 Handicap at Chantillyov er 1,600m on 14 September last time. One to keep on side.
MARBELLESA (FR) Outclassed the opposition in a Maiden at Fontaineb leau over 1,200m on 20 September and consistent before that. Key chance. ZENADIA (FR) Tad low key on September 21 at Angers, solid effort previously when 2nd at Deauville in a handicap over 1200m on August 30. Player. OSHIA (FR) Not disgraced when third in a Class 3 Handicap at Compiegne over 1,400m on 24 Sep tember. Ought to be in the shake-up. ADONIDE (FR) Came home 6th in a Class 2 at Chantilly over 1,200m on 23 Sep tember and a win before that. Hard to ignore.
RACE 9: PRIX DU PORT DE BANC HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM PONT DE VIVAUX RACE 1) – 2000M | TIME: 22:32 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 14400
SEKKU (FR) Two recent 2nd placings over this trip suggest str ong distance affinity and solid prospects if reproducing that form. SANKA CHOP (FR) Provence over 1,800m on 25 September. Likes thisc ourse and is a threat. ROSISSIM (FR) Fair 1600m and 1800m efforts; no recent Top 3 fini shes, so needs improvement to feature. MAGIC TREVILLE (FR) 2000m Handicap may stretch stamina but prior 1600m run was sound; needs improvement on recent finishes yet slight step up in trip could help.
RACE 10: PRIX DES TROIS PONTS HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM PONT DE VIVAUX RACE 2) – 2000M | TIME: 23:07 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 16300
SIR GARSING (FR) Finished 5th in a Class 4 Handicap at Marseille-Bo rely over 2,600m on 29 September. Loves this course and could bounce back to score. ATAVAMADA (FR) Narrowly beaten last start when only 0.25 lengths over 1800m. Big chance to score here. MOKKA LATTE (FR) Came home 4th in a Class 4 Handicap at Salon-De-Pr ovence over 1,800m on 25 September. Not reliable but is a danger this track and trip. RABBAH (FR) Better run last start, beaten 1.75 lengths into over 1800m. Genuine chance on the back of the last effort.
RACE 11: PRIX TWIG MAIDEN STAKES (2YO) (FROM PONT DE VIVAUX RACE 3) – 2000M | TIME: 23:42 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 21000
ROMANUS PONTIFEX (FR) Excellent runner-up on debut in a Maiden at Lyon-P arilly over 1,600m on 15 September. Should makea bold bid trying the PSF . WATCHMAN (FR) Didn’t inspire again last start, beaten 11.31 leng ths over 1600m. Better than recent runs suggest. JEMAA EL FNA (FR) Three-start maiden who has been improving witha 2 th position last start over 1800m. This looksa suitable race. CORBUSIER (FR) Better run last start, beaten 1.25 lengths into over 1800m. Genuine chance on the back of the last effort.
RACE 12: PRIX DE L’ILE DE TIBOULEN HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM PONT DE VIVAUX RACE 4) – 1500M | TIME: 00:15 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 19200
TAMISE (IRE) Solid recent 1400m efforts; previous 1st over 1500 msuggests conditions workable, though improvement on recent finishes required. ZARWAL YAH (FR) Earlier 1500m 1st; recent 1400m runs below thatst andard, but prior 1200m 2nd suggests genuine ability. DINA QUEEN (FR) 1500m Handicap suits after solid 2nd over 1600m on 12 June; recent shorter run fair and can be competitive in this class. ORYA (FR) 1st over this trip; recent 1300m and 1400m runs fair, and prior 1800m 3rd suggests versatility .
RACE 13: PRIX DE LA MADRAGUE STAKES (4YO+) (FROM PONT DE VIVAUX RACE 5) – 1500M | TIME: 00:45 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 12800
HALL OF F AME (FR) Strong recent 1400m Handicap Top 3 efforts; proven at this trip and current class, should be competitive. SWEEP AWAY (FR) Recent 1400–1600m Handicap form; earlier 2nd and 3 rd suggest place hopes if bouncing back. DON F ALCO (FR) 2nd and fair June effort; recent longer Hcp runsw eaker, but drop back to 4YO+ class helps. CAYSSIE MA STAR (FR) 1500m 4YO+ race suits, with earlier 1st and 2nd ov er 1500m this year. Forgive recent 1600m run; capable of sharper showing.
RACE 14: PRIX DE TOURNEFORT CLAIMING STAKES (2YO) (FROM PONT DE VIVAUX RACE 6) – 1500M | TIME: 01:15 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 14400
LOVEL Y WARRIOR (FR) Has only been modest of late and was 8th in a clai mer at Saint-Cloud over 1400m on 2nd October. Capable of doing better and couldw in a race of this nature. MARCH MADNESS (FR) Three-start maiden who has been improving witha 4th position last sta rt over 1300m. This looksa suitable race. BINOTTO (FR) Didn’t inspire again last start, beaten 11.50 lengths over 1800m. Better than recent runs suggest. SAOUDIENNE (FR) Average effort last start when 7th from 10 runners and beaten 2.38 leng ths over 1600m. Expect to improve here.
