Ricky Yiu is confident Voyage Bubble can overcome stamina concerns and press for a rare clean sweep of Hong Kong’s Triple Crown series in the HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (25 May). Untried beyond 2000m, where he has won twice and finished second by a neck to Romantic Warrior at his only other start at the distance, Voyage Bubble extends to 2400m this weekend for the first time in a glittering career in the final Group 1 of the Hong Kong this season. Drawn in barrier three for jockey James McDonald, the four-time Group 1 winner faces nine rivals headed by Dubai Honour, a dual Group 1 winner at 2400m and second in December’s HK$24 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) to Giavellotto. Bidding to become the first horse since River Verdon in 1993/94 to complete the Triple Crown and snare a HK$10 million bonus by winning the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup in the same season, Voyage Bubble has pleased Yiu with his preparation. “He’s going really well. He hasn’t put a foot wrong,” Yiu said of the 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner. “The closer to the race and the more I look at this horse, I think he can absolutely handle the trip. Compared to last year or when he won the Derby over 2000m, he’s so relaxed now. “We’re only talking about 400m more in a small field with a jockey who knows him well. He’ll be a really good chance.” Yiu said he would entrust McDonald with tactics as the New Zealander bids for a sixth win on Voyage Bubble. “I’ll leave it to the jockey – he can read if they’re going quick or going slow,” the 2019/20 Hong Kong champion trainer said. Having excelled up to 2000m, Voyage Bubble reappears after a short-head second to Red Lion in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) on 27 April as Yiu acknowledged Dubai Honour’s formidable form at 2400m. “He’s (Dubai Honour) the main danger. He even did well when he was here last December. Hopefully we can beat him.” Dubai Honour returns to Hong Kong for a fifth time, having finished fourth to Japan’s Loves Only You in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) in 2021, third to Romantic Warrior in the G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) in 2023, seventh to Romantic Warrior in the 2024 FWD QEII Cup and second to Giavellotto in December. To be ridden by Tom Marquand, William Haggas’ globetrotter will bid for a third Group 1 at the distance, having landed the G1 Tancred Stakes on 1 April and the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud at Saint-Cloud on 30 June, 2024. Voyage Bubble and Dubai Honour will face HK$26 million 2025 BMW Hong Kong Derby victor Cap Ferrat, Ensued, Moments In Time, Rubylot, Five G Patch, La City Blanche, Winning Dragon and Bundle Award with all runners to carry 126lb. Several contenders for the HK$4.2 million G3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) and HK$4.2 million G3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m) on 31 May stepped out in dirt trials at Sha Tin this morning (Thursday, 22 May) with Beauty Waves leading home Patch Of Theta, Beauty Eternal, Taj Dragon, Red Lion and Chancheng Glory in a 1200m trial, clocking 1m 10.29s. Divano (second), Johannes Brahms (third) and Helios Express (fourth) featured in the second trial won by Target Audience in 1m 10.98s. Standard Chartered Day this Sunday (25 May) at Sha Tin features 11 races and starts with the Pakistan Star Plate (1200m) for Griffins at 12.30pm. By Leo Schlink  

There are some decent races at Fairview this Friday when they return to the turf track. The pick of the card is undoubtedly Race 6, the Fairview 1400 (Non-Black Type) over 1400m. Trainer Alan Greeff and jockey Richard Fourie team up with Mercantour. This five-year-old gelding arrived in Greeff’s yard as a six-time winner from 31 starts and it only took him three runs at Fairview to get off the mark. The Var gelding did so in style, drawing clear to an impressive 3.25-length win over Speed Racer on the Fairview Polytrack over 1200m. That was only his second run on the Polytrack, and he clearly enjoyed it. Now, stepping back up to 1400m and the turf, it is worth noting that he is yet to win over this trip in four previous attempts. However, the way he finishes off his races over sprint distances suggests that the course and distance may suit him better this time. Earlier on the card, the Justin Snaith-trained Wild Applause should prove a solid banker for all permutations. The Vercingetorix filly lines up in Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1200m. Although still winless after eight starts, she has finished second on three occasions and has been running well for jockey Muzi Yeni. She looks ready to break her maiden and should be tough to beat. Clive Robinson

A bumper 10-race card on Vaal’s Classic track on Thursday 22 May features several standout betting propositions for punters to cash in on, including four last-start winners that are good value to follow up. In Race 2, Tony Peter-trained Mighty Eagle and Alec Laird’s runner Tenjiku square off over 1500m after recent victories over slightly shorter distances. The former, a Danon Platina colt ridden by Gavin Lerena, won by four lengths in open company last time over 1450m and should have more to offer over the extended trip against two-year-old opposition. Chris Jonker’s rejuvenated Lancaster Bomber gelding Sail The Sky – whose Vercingetorix half-brother recently won the Grade 2 KZN Guineas – won for the second time in his last three outings at the same venue just seven days ago and will line up in Race 6 over 1600m under a resultant penalty with Muzi Yeni aboard. Be that as it may, Jonker’s charge could defy the handicapper’s revised assessment and win again on his quick reappearance. Familiar foes After Hours and Unsolved Riddle renew rivalry with their last-start conqueror and are worth including in Swinger, Exacta and Trifecta bets. In-form Captain Of All mare Pretty Analia lost little in defeat when finishing fourth against male opposition in her hat-trick bid 11 days ago but a return to winning ways looks likely for the Barend Botes-trained five-year-old in Race 7 over 1600m. Louis Nhlapo has ridden Pretty Analia in her last eight outings for two wins, two seconds, a third and two fourth-place finishes so, unsurprisingly, retains the ride. Fabian Habib is doubly represented in Race 8 over 1000m with Passage Of Power and Warm Winter Nite. Both runners have a winning chance, though preference is for the latter who fits a similar profile to Pretty Analia in the preceding event as this son of What A Winter also ran creditably in defeat last time after back-to-back wins. Warm Winter Nite easily won a similar contest over 1000m in his penultimate outing, beating re-opposing rival Master Casper (3kg better off) by 2.5-lengths. He finished behind stablemate Passage Of Power last time in a race won by Yamadori over 1160m but the return to this shorter trip will suit Kabelo Matsunyane’s mount. Promising two-year-old and last-start scorer One Tiger makes his handicap debut in Race 10 over 1000m and Mike & Adam Azzie’s runner looks good value to get the better of his older hard-knocking rivals. The One World colt opened his account at just the second time of asking and should improve appreciably with race experience, especially with blinkers fitted for the first time. Clive Robinson

Bidding to record a 1,600th training win in Hong Kong, Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductee John Size saddles an imposing team of nine runners spread evenly across tomorrow night’s (Wednesday, 21 May) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley. A master of his craft, Size, 70, is a 12-time champion trainer in Hong Kong, who landed a first title in his debut season (2001/02) in the city. He won it again in 2002/03, 2003/04 2005/06, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2011/12, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19 & 2022/23 and trails only former trainer John Moore (1,735 wins) for career victories in Hong Kong with 1,599. Size initially started out in Queensland working with Pat Duff and Henry Davis. He then trained there before transferring to the ultra-competitive Sydney circuit, achieving instant success by developing a reputation for rekindling the spark in his horses. Size has trained two Hong Kong Horse of the Year recipients: Electronic Unicorn (2001/02) and Grand Delight (2002/03). The record-breaker leads the 2024/25 trainers’ championship with 56 wins, six more than his nearest rival David Hayes, with 16 fixtures remaining. Preparing nine horses for Happy Valley’s midweek programme, Size’s representation includes A Americ Te Specso, who seeks a hat-trick of wins in the Class 3 On Lan Handicap (1650m) with in-form jockey Andrea Atzeni. Atzeni said: “He won over 1650 (metres) with near enough to bottom weight and then he backed up last time – up six pounds. But it was a very similar scenario to the time before when he won – the race set up quite similar and he won again. He’s a very straightforward horse, although the 1650 metres is really a maximum trip.” “He kept running well over 1200 and I’d say if there were 1400 metre races at the Valley, he would have won a bit more by now. He’s sort of in no man’s land, really, 1200 is sometimes a bit sharp for him and then 1650 can be a little far for him.” A Americ Te Specso has won six times at Happy Valley. The Per Incanto gelding will step away from barrier nine tomorrow night. “He’s still in Class 3 and obviously he’s carrying more weight but I’m confident he can get a similar scenario tomorrow night,” Atzeni said. Atzeni will ride Bundle Award for Size in Sunday’s (25 May) HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) against the likes of Dubai Honour and Triple Crown-seeking Voyage Bubble. “He’s (Bundle Award) quite lightly raced here and he won nicely last start in a Group 3 over the same trip (2400m). Hopefully he can get a nice trip around and it’s a very open race,” Atzeni said. Size also saddles Ensued in the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup. Trainer Me Tsui fields a strong team of seven runners at Happy Valley tomorrow night, led by Dragon Star in the second section of the Class 4 Glenealy Handicap (1650m) with jockey Karis Teetan. Consistent, Dragon Star has finished second in his past three appearances. “He ran great last time. He was just beaten on the line and I thought it was a great effort from the horse. I’m looking forward to riding him again – he’s a warrior,” Teetan said. “I think if he goes to the races with the same form and gets a softer run then it might just work out his way.” Tsui also saddles Thesis, Deal Completed, Sergeant Pepper, Candlelight Dinner, Another Zonda and Everstar at the city circuit. Wednesday night’s (21 May) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6.40pm with the second section of the Class 4 Cochrane Handicap (1200m). By Declan Schuster

On 28 April, Trip To Maputo won a hard-fought race, the form of that event will be put under the spotlight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday and all the mathematics add up to making Babelicous a hard horse to beat in race 8 over 1100m. Babelicious and Trip To Maputo are stable companions. In fact, Candice Bass-Robinson was openly confident about Babelicious in that start but she was outrun over the closing stages by her low-flying neighbour. She also erroneously ran without blinkers, which might have blunted any late effort. Miss Marguerite, Winter Rainfall, Back At The George and Worldcraft are all from that formline which makes up over half of the field. The nearest was Back At The George who was just over a length behind Babelicious and they meet on identical terms so without luck, there should be no motivation for that form to turn around. Aldo Domeyer is carded to take the ride for Bass-Robinson in the world-familiar Team Valor silks. Domeyer takes over from his father, Andrew Fortune who rode Babelicious at her last start. Back At The George is considered as a danger for the reasons given. She is yet to win at this class so she needs to step up but she has always hinted that she is capable of doing so. She has a propensity to give a sub-par effort occasionally but when looking past those runs, she has solid claims. Worldcraft is the most interesting runner in the race. She returned from a 10-month break for her last run when she was expectedly well beaten by Trip To Maputo, in turn 2,5 lengths behind Babelicious. After blowing off some cobwebs after a long break, she should finish closer. This race might be one run behind the curve. She beat Babelicious nearly a year ago. She is bred for much further but her short-distance form is good enough not to tinker the system yet. Father-daughter training combination Michelle Rix and Harold Crawford could be set for a good day with two huge winning chances. Both of whom are ridden by Gavin Lerena. Three Tigers looks well-placed to exit the maidens in race 3 over 1000m. His two runs to date have been pleasing yet perhaps frustrating but with this being his third career start, things might swing into his lap now. He was slow away on debut but he made up a ton of ground to finish less than a length behind Gimmeathrill. At his second run, he was run off his feet but made good late gains behind the smart Churchillian. He was 1,5 lengths behind on that occasion. If he finds a prominent spot in running, he should be hard to beat. Beneath The Clouds was collared late by English Mistress in her last start, when she led for 99.9% of the race. She has gradually built her form over her runs and has become wiser after starting her career with some uncertainty. Her last three starts have seen her hit the boards and go particularly close. She faces a fairly weak maiden field, not to say her last race will filled with any stars, but she should get it right in race 6 over 1800m. Lerena partners Vapour Trail in race 4 over 1400m and he should be tough to beat. Trained by Vaughan Marshall, the half-brother to One Stripe has form to Malmesbury Missile who is likely to feature in a Grade 1 next weekend. He was one length behind the subsequent Grade 3 placed horse when they met in February. He tried this distance for the first time at his most recent run when he was well beaten by Gold Dust, 4,75 lengths behind. Vapour Trail is worth another chance. There are so many well-bred two-year-olds in race 1 over 1200m which makes the event exciting because there could be some promising horses lining up. Star Major went off at 100/1 on debut but he ran a sparkling 1,75 lengths behind All The Rage in second. The winner has a ton of promise. Star Major was drawn on the wrong side of the track on that day. The straight has not been as biased since but high number draws up the straight were doomed on 14 April. All of Ashikule, Kanaal Skater, Bugle Boy and Follow Your Heart have solid form to recommend and they could pay to watch while first-timers Rockanrollin (Wootton Bassett) and Luca Da Wheels (Master Of My Fate out of Grade 1 winning mare, Field Flower) could be interesting in the market. Precocious looks like the horse to beat in race 2 over 1400m. She was scratched due to an elevated temperature for the meeting held last Tuesday which is a niggling feeling. She finished second on debut behind Amen Corner at Hollywoodbets Durbanville and that run is far better than any other form on offer. Miss William is surely due to win. She runs in race 5 over 1400m. In three career starts, she has placed on all three occasions. She had an awkward draw of No 11 at her last run when she finished a 0,75-length second behind Hunga Tonga over this course and distance. Hunga Tonga ran a good post-maiden last week which should give enough confidence about Miss William in this shallow race. On the subject of tricky draws, Strawberry Thief finally has a barrier at the postcode of the racecourse in race 7 over 1800m. She has been drawn No 9/11, 11/11and 11/14 and run with credit including a win at her penultimate start over this course and distance. Richard Fourie is carded to take the ride out of draw No 5. Races 9 and 10 are tricky with plenty of chances spread across both events. Champagne Mac is a tentative choice in race 9 over 1200m mainly due to the services of Richard Fourie. He rides Champagne Mac best and was last seen finishing second, 1,25 lengths behind Gravity. This is not a strong race. Race 10 over 1200m is open for other reasons. There are some useful fillies and mares in the field but muddled form all over the place. Pilot Flame should have won her last start but she missed the winner after clearing most of the field. She went down 0,3 lengths to My Only Weakness. Fourie takes the ride which is a positive move. All of Priscilla Maisey, Miraculous, October Fest, Maritzburg Memory and From A Distance are not runners to take lightly.

By Tim Rowe A race club in Malaysia has taken the extraordinary step of effectively forcing owners to back their horse every time they run in a bid to combat declining pari-mutuel betting turnover on its meetings. Perak Turf Club, soon-to-be just one of just two race clubs operating in the Asian country, has written to Malayan Racing Association-licensed trainers informing them that an extra 1000 ringgit (A$364) would be payable per horse when nominating for a race at the Ipoh-based racecourse. With the vast majority of betting on Malaysian racing taking place on illegal online betting sites such as Citibet, which undermine the totaliser pools in that country as well as other places such as Singapore, management of Perak Turf Club has taken the unconventional action in an attempt to stem the leakage of turnover away from the tote.

Video Stars Race 4 No 11 KASA PAPA His winning chances were hindered by a wide draw last start, forcing him to settle off the pace. Despite the slow tempo, he let down well late to finish sixth over this track and distance—a run with hidden merit. If he can settle closer to the speed, as he has done in the past, he looks a strong chance to finish in the top three. Race 6 No 1 AURORA PATCH After being caught in an early speed battle last start, he ran out of steam near the 200m and finished fifth over this track and distance. That form has since been franked, with runner-up CALL ME GLORIOUS going on to win in Class 3. He drops to Class 4 this week and, with a better-timed ride, could prove hard to run down. Sectional Stars Race 1 No 6 FAIRY HORSE After a slow start last time out, he settled too far back in a slowly run race but rattled home strongly to finish seventh over 1200m at this track.  In this week’s wide-open field, he shapes up as a strong winning chance, provided he jumps cleanly. Race 7 No 10 MR ENERGIA In his second start in Class 3 last time out, he was far from disgraced, charging home for fourth over this track and distance. Beaten only half a length, he may have finished in the top three had he not been hampered early. Well weighted this week, he looks one to follow.

Roger Teal has made the “very difficult decision” to give Ryan Moore the ride aboard Dancing Gemini in the Boylesports Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday. The Camelot colt has made a flying start to his campaign, with a runaway comeback victory in the Doncaster Mile under Kieran Shoemark followed by another impressive success in the bet365 Mile at Sandown in the hands of Rossa Ryan. Both riders were seemingly available for this weekend’s Group One feature, but after lengthy talks with owner David Fish, Teal confirmed Moore will take over in the saddle for the first time. Speaking at Chepstow on Tuesday, the trainer told Sky Sports Racing: “It’s been a very difficult decision, we’ve pondered all week. The discussions me and David have had have lasted an hour a day for the last four or five days. “It’s been very hard, but we came to that decision – when you get offered Ryan Moore, it’s very, very hard to say no. “No disrespect to Kieran or Rossa, there’ll be other days for those guys and it hasn’t been easy – it’s probably been more stressful than training the horse. “He (Moore) has ridden for us several times and we’ve got a good strike-rate together. I go back a long way with Ryan, from when he was in Brighton with his dad. We’re just doing what we think’s best.” The Lambourn-based trainer is unconcerned about the prospect of running on a quick surface at Newbury, adding: “I don’t think he’s ground dependent. He had to handle softer ground because that’s all he had last year with that wet summer, so he got labelled a soft ground horse. “It will be interesting, but it was decent ground at Doncaster and OK it was patchy ground at Sandown last time, but the straight was good ground and he handled that. “He’s got a very low action, so I’d be surprised if he didn’t go on it.” Teal is bidding to secure his third Group One success after former star sprinter Oxted landed the 2020 July Cup at Newmarket and the 2021 King’s Stand at Royal Ascot. He said: “We’re just doing what we can do and it is difficult when you’re up against the powerhouses. “I don’t know if someone up there is looking after me and tossing me a gold coin every now and then. We just do the best with what we can, we’ve dined on the big table a few times and it’s a nice place to be – there’s better steaks on that table!” By PA Sport Reporters

Bearing down on 100 wins in Hong Kong, Andrea Atzeni has clinched the HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) ride on 25 May on G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (2400m) winner Bundle Award. Atzeni will chase his first Hong Kong Group 1 trophy on Bundle Award, who became the first runner from this season’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) to win a Group 3 with success in the Queen Mother Memorial Cup at Sha Tin on 4 May under Zac Purton. With seven-time champion jockey Purton likely to partner Ensued in the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup, Atzeni took the opportunity to familiarise himself with the four-year-old in a 1200m dirt trial at Sha Tin this morning (Friday, 16 May). Pitted against fellow Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup contenders – four-time Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble and 2025 BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat – Bundle Award was not pressured to finish seventh behind Cap Ferrat in 1m 11.44s. “It’s a good ride to get,” Atzeni said. “He’s a horse that stays the trip and he’s only young. He’s done nothing wrong so far and it’s a really good ride. “He’s won over the mile and a half the last day. I know they didn’t go really quick and it turned into a bit of a sprint but, in these mile and a half races, they never go a gallop here anyway, so it could set up very similar and he’s a horse who has quite a bit of speed. “He stays but he’s got quite a bit of pace, so if it turns into a bit of a sprint like it did the last day it will suit him.” The 2025 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup features British globetrotter Dubai Honour, Cap Ferrat, Ensued, Five G Patch, La City Blanche, Moments In Time, Noisy Boy, Rubylot, Sword Point, Winning Dragon and Voyage Bubble, who is chasing a HK$10 million bonus as he attempts to sweep the Triple Crown series. Ensued finished fifth in this morning’s second batch of trials behind John Size-trained stablemate Super Express, who clocked 1m 11.01s. Already winner of the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), Voyage Bubble is bidding to join River Verdon in 1993/94 to win all three legs of the Triple Crown series. “Voyage Bubble has got to step up in trip, which is obviously a question mark, but with the class that he has, he probably doesn’t need to stay to win it,” Atzeni said. “Dubai Honour gets this trip very well and last time behind Via Sistina (in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 2000m at Randwick), although he had a bit of a tough trip he never gave up and kept going all the way to the line. He’s a very smart horse.” Needing only one more win to reach 100 wins in Hong Kong, Atzeni has a full book of 10 rides at Sha Tin this Sunday (18 May). Third in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship behind Purton (108) and Hugh Bowman (60), the Italian has 48 victories this season. Fresh from a Wednesday night (14 May) double, Matthew Poon leads the race for this season’s Tony Cruz Award as leading homegrown jockey with 34 wins, seven clear of 2021/22 winner Matthew Chadwick and injured Vincent Ho (both on 27). Poon, 31, has been a revelation this campaign as he sweeps toward bettering his personal-best haul of 37 wins in a season, a mark set in 2020/21. “Everybody will get a chance if they work hard. You just never give up, no matter how long it takes. You just have to be positive and you never know when the chance comes,” Poon said. “You have to be ready and well prepared and wait for the opportunity to come and try to take it.” Poon has eight rides at Sha Tin this weekend, including Mr Energia for David Hall in the HK$1.86 million Class 3 The Members Cup Handicap (1200m, dirt). Poon’s form has earned a ride in the A$1 million (approx. HK$5.025 million) G1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on Klondike for John O’Shea & Tom Charlton at Doomben Racecourse in Brisbane, Australia on 24 May. “I was really surprised. I was very happy to get the opportunity because this is one of my career goals to ride in a Group 1 overseas so I’m really keen on this opportunity and I really appreciate the opportunity,” Poon said. “I think this will be a really good experience to get rides, especially in a Group 1, in a different country.” Sunday’s (18 May) 10-race Sha Tin card starts with the Class 5 Celebrating Timeless Tradition Handicap (1400m) at 1pm. By Leo Schlink

Three of the last Doomben 10,000 winners have gone on to claim the Everest, that’s the kind of elite company we’re talking about as the Queensland Racing Carnival hits full throttle this week with one of the planet’s premier sprint showdowns: the $1.5 million Group 1 Doomben 10,000. This is no ordinary race. Its honour roll reads like a hall of fame: the explosive Apache Cat (twice), crowd favourite Hot Danish, international flyer Falvelon (twice), local legend Chief De Beers, and a name that still echoes through Australian racing folklore, the one and only Manikato. The Doomben 10,000 isn’t just the feature race of the world this week; it’s a true global benchmark for sprinters at this time of year. And this year? The 2025 edition might just be the best yet. Headlining the field is Overpass, a Group 1-winning gelding and previous Quokka champion for Bjorn Baker, a horse and stable who have made a habit of shining on the big stage. He’ll face off against Schwarz, the explosive winner of the Group 1 William Reid Stakes, with top jockey Craig Williams aboard. Mazu, the 2022 Doomben 10,000 champion and Everest placegetter, returns with Rachel King in the saddle. Add to that the 2024 George Ryder winner Veight, New Zealand’s Group 1 hero Desert Lightning, and Queensland’s homegrown superstar Rothfire, a King of the Mountain and former Group 1 champ. But that’s just the start. Golden Mile, last year’s Golden Eagle placegetter and a Group 1 winner for global powerhouse Godolphin, is in the mix. And then there’s Sunshine In Paris, winner of the Group 1 Champions Sprint during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, teaming up again with none other than James McDonald, the best jockey in the world. Stacked doesn’t even begin to describe this field. The winner of Saturday’s Doomben 10,000 won’t just pocket a hefty cheque, they’ll be catapulted into sprinting superstardom, a serious contender for feature races across the remainder of the Queensland Carnival and indeed for races like The Everest, the Champions Sprint, and global recognition as one of the fastest on turf. But that’s not all on offer at Doomben. The undercard is equally mouthwatering. The Group 2 Spirit of Boom Classic launches the QLD two-year-old Triple Crown, setting the stage for the stars of tomorrow. Then there’s the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate, a critical form guide for the Queensland Derby, now just two weeks away. The quality is so high that once again, the World Pool will be in action in Queensland, for the first time at Doomben racetrack. Combining pools from participating jurisdictions across the globe into one mega-market, offering unparalleled liquidity and showcasing the world’s best racing to an international audience. By Chris Court

The A6 course will be in operation for Races 1-8 while Races 9-11 will be contested on Track two with the program commencing at 12.45pm. The Jerome Tan trained BIG DAY could provide some each way value for punters in Race 1 at start four in the country. The eight-year-old is only a moderate beginner but has closed off well in his three local runs to finish not far from the winners. CROWN DANCING looks the logical leader and generally sets a genuine pace which should suit BIG DAY, who will be running on and should figure prominently at the business end. STARBOY was well supported to win at his most recent start and looks primed to break through in the country, fourth up this preparation. Already posting three minor placings from eight starts in Malaysia, the four-year-old had every chance when runner up here three weeks ago but will be looking to break the fifteen-month winning drought for the Johnny Lim stable. The main danger will be KING’S GAMBIT which is coming off two successive seconds and did a good job when failing by a head from a wide barrier and like STARBOY, is on the verge of breaking the Malaysian duck. The high grade 1600m Supreme A event (Race 5) is an even contest despite the small lineup of seven runners. MR BLACK BACK hasn’t looked threatening in three Malaysian starts but is due to display his true potential against a quality lineup. The seven-year-old was a perennial figure in the group races when based in Singapore and may pay to overlook his last start failure over 1300m a fortnight ago. The step up to his favorite journey should place him in good stead. Another galloper suited by the distance rise is RAISING SIXTY-ONE who will strip fitter second up from the seven-month break. The six-year-old’s final start in Singapore yielded a one length 2nd behind champion Lim’s Kosciuszko in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in September. Prior to that, he was placed at Group Two level behind MR BLACK BACK in July. The gelding did not disgrace to finish 4th behind promising sprinter Pacific Vampire when resuming here on April 20. PACIFIC PADRINO enjoyed a fast tempo to sprint sharply in taking out the Listed Chairman’s Trophy two weeks back while GOLDEN PEGASUS ran 5th in the same race and looks primed for a forward showing third up this campaign. The ever-consistent OUTFIT is a chance of breaking through in Class 4 company over 1020m on Track Two in Race 9. The six-year-old was successful over this track and distance at his first two Malaysian starts and has since chalked up five minor placings in Class 4 grade in succession. The gelding has been contending with wide barriers in his past two runs and from barrier five this week, a winning return is highly likely for leading trainer Jason Ong.

Last season’s Equus Horse of the Year Dave The King makes his return to racing after a six-month break when he lines up in the Sir Theophilus St George A Stakes over 1500m that headlines the card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. The race is a tricky affair with many warming up for the sharp end of Champions Season. Dave The King has been disappointing this season with two no-shows at Turffontein including the Charity Mile back in November last year. He has been rested since won over course and distance exactly a year ago before going on the garner his Equus accolades. Horses often show their best form in yearly cycles and if that holds true then Dave The King will be difficult to best. Trained by Mike and Mathew de Kock one would expect Dave The King to be ready for this contest but his fitness must be taken on trust and a warm-up for another crack at the Gr1 Holllywoodbets Gold Challenge. There are a  number of runners warming up for the season, with the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July in their sights but given that this 1500m should be on the short side for most of them it may prove prudent to side with a fit horse comfortable over the trip. Garth Puller saddles African Skyline who finished a creditable sixth, beaten three lengths by Ziyasha in a strong field over 1000m last time out and he did find some support in the market for that race. The blinkers come off and he is back over a more favourable distance where he won three runs back. He is one to watch in the market. Justin Snaith saddles Rapidash who may just have needed his last start in The Sledgehammer. He boasts some useful Cape form in strong company and gets first time blinkers which could prove significant. Nathan Kotzen will be hunting the Hollywoodbets Durban July with Royal Victory who ran a cracking race in the Gr1 Champions Challenge at Turffontein, just failing to get to Fire Attack. This will be a warm-up to keep his engine ticking but he does have enough class to keep the opposition honest. Pacaya showed signs in the Western Cape season that he is still capable at the top level and was just over a length behind stable companion Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 WSB Cape Met. This race is an obvious warm-up so a better proposition for the exotics could be the Piet Botha-trained Baratheon. The six-year-old has pulled the widest gate but made a promising local debut when five lengths back to the more than useful Underworld. He should come on from that effort and is a definite runner for a place on the podium. It’s a ten-race card with the PA starting off in the third where Tripping Thunder comes with some consistent Cape form. Glen Kotzen’s stable is in mustard form and Tripping Thunder should make a bold bid. Biggest threat could come from fellow Cape raider Victor Hugo. Lucinda Woodruff’s charge was a beaten favourite last run with first time blinkers. This shorter trip could suit. There are two well-bred first timers in Aristocratic and Light The Fire making their debuts against older horses but may be worth watching in the market. In the first leg of the Pick 6 Catch Penny from the Glen Kotzen yard has been a beaten favourite on a number of occasions but Cape form could be to the fore again. The blinkers come off but she goes well this trip. Michael Roberts sends out Miss Kanas who found some market support on debut and finished a close-up third on this course which is a benefit. Hazy Dazy started at long odds on debut over a furlong further but was not far off the winner. She must have a chance if she can improve on that effort. First timer Celestial Diamond is bred for speed and one to keep an eye on. Snaith saddles Indigenous in the sixth who takes on older runners but was a good second from a wide draw last time out when starting favourite. He has a better draw here and can make amends. Older Green Mile is lightly raced but never far back. He bumped a good one in Dancing On A Cloud last run and can do better in this field. Ubermensch made marked improvement first time out for his new stable when moving to the Highveld. He can build on that effort. In the seventh, Paul Lafferty could hold the key with Beach Palace who goes well on this course and was a close-up second behind Lake Como giving the winner 7.5kg. There is only 1.5kg this time around so the inference if obvious. L’Ultimo made a smart return last run after a lengthy break. His best form prior to that had been on the poly but a repeat of his last run can see him close again. Run To Rio is marginally better off at the weights with Beach Palace on their last meeting and does have the better draw. The eighth is wide open. Plaza Accord was not far back when taking to the poly last run and has won over course and distance which is in his favour. Tyrconnell is 1.5kg better off with Plaza Accord on their last meeting and has a better draw this time around so can turn the tables. Famous Warrior took on stronger last run and was not far back. He has a handy weight and a favourable draw while Mr Hotstepper  was eased out of the race last run on the old poly when favourite and that effort is best ignored. He shows plenty of promise. He is right up there with Plaza Accord and Tyrconnell and there should not be much between them. The last is another tricky handicap. Mojo Man won well last time out beating Jet Legacy and is now 1.5kg worse off at the weights. However, this will be his third run after a break and he could confirm that form. Twenty One May meets the pair on exactly the same terms but he goes very well over course and distance and could have their measure in spite of the result of their last meeting. Abaddon is lightly raced and unbeaten since returning from a beak of over a year. He has a handy weight and could follow up. Rainbow Reward has been rested and has his first run for a new stable. He gets first time blinkers and could surprise.

With just 12 winners between Craig Zackey (207), Richard Fourie (201) and Gavin Lerena (195), the race to be crowned this season’s National Champion Jockey is sure to go down to the wire. Zackey and Lerena renew acquaintance on a bumper 10-race weekend fixture on Turffontein’s Standside track on Saturday 17 May when the deficit will likely be reduced, as the latter’s competitive book of rides on the day includes several mounts with particularly strong winning chances. Elsewhere on the card, jockey Raymond Danielson is another jockey likely to visit the winners’ enclosure on more than one occasion. Last-start runner-up over 1000m Raceway need not improve much over the extra 160m to open her account at the third attempt in Race 2 and get Lerena off the mark for trainer Fanie Bronkhorst. On the evidence of her last outing, the extended will be more to the liking of this two-year-old New Predator filly. Bronkhorst’s stable could be onto a race-to-race double with Time Will Tell in Race 3 (Danielson), also over 1160m. However, any market support for one of the several well-bred newcomers in the contest could speak volumes for that runner’s chances on debut. Pay careful attention to Sean Tarry-trained Shadowfox (Zackey), a well-bred One World colt bought for a cool R900,000 at last year’s National Yearling Sale. With Zackey riding for Tarry throughout the card – expect Race 8 in which Piere Strydom is contracted to ride for owners ASSM Racing Syndicate – Danielson has picked up the ride on promising three-year-old Crescendo, a well-bred What A Winter gelding trained by Lucky Houdalakis, in Race 7 over 1600m. Zackey partners improving War Reporter after riding Crescendo in both starts, the latest a comeback victory over 1400m when Houdalakis’ charge was returning from a rest during which he was gelded. On pedigree, the extra 200m is expected to unlock any amount of improvement from Crescendo whose progress it could pay to follow. Pick 3 players will be tempted by Lerena’s rides in the remaining races and they could maximise their potential winnings by including Mastership (Race 8), Fastnet Filly (Race 9) and Hong Kong (Race 10) in a straight line permutation that could well please plenty punters. Clive Robinson

Tony Cruz became only the fourth trainer in Hong Kong racing history to saddle 500 winners at Happy Valley when the legendary horseman slotted a double with Californiatotality and Kingly Demeanor at the city circuit on Wednesday night (14 May). Cruz reached the landmark with Hong Kong International Sale graduate Kingly Demeanor’s (132lb) all-the-way success in the Class 5 Yue Wan Handicap (1800m) for Keith Yeung, joining Caspar Fownes (620 Happy Valley wins), John Moore (530) and George Moore (530) in one of Hong Kong racing’s most exclusive clubs. With an unmatched 2,502 Hong Kong wins as a jockey (946) and trainer (1,556), Cruz was elated to slot his 500th triumph as a trainer at Happy Valley, where he started his riding career as an apprentice jockey in 1973/74. “It’s great to get to 500,” Cruz said. “This is where I started my career and I’ve had a lot winners here, as a jockey and trainer, so it’s great. I had no idea I was close to 500 wins, so thank you for keeping count.” Cruz subsequently struck with Californiatotality (122lb) in the Class 2 Choi Hung Handicap (1650m) for Alexis Badel. Posting his fifth win for the season, the four-year-old has won twice since finishing 11th in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) behind Cap Ferrat in March and impressed Badel after surging past Soleil Fighter. “He’s lovely. He actually surprised me. I didn’t have such expectation and he did very well. He had a good draw (barrier two), so I had cover and he travelled lovely and waited for a signal and he quickened when I needed him to do it. It was a promising win,” Badel said. Cruz said: “He’s a versatile horse – this distance was a bit short but he had a good gate and had every chance to win. His next run will be in the Group 3 Premier Plate (1800m Handicap on 22 June at Sha Tin) – 1800m is the perfect distance for him.” Seasons Wit (124lb) returned to the winners’ list under Lyle Hewitson to land the Class 3 Choi Wan Handicap (1000m) for Jamie Richards. The winner of four races at Happy Valley in 2023, Seasons Wit reached a career-high rating of 99, but had not won in 21 ensuing starts until tonight. The Capitalist gelding was given a superb ride by Hewitson, who allowed the five-year-old to settle on the fence midfield before angling into the clear and accelerating sharply. Hewitson completed a brace aboard Mark Newnham-trained King Lotus (127lb) in the first section of the Class 4 Tin Sau Handicap (1200m). “Fortunately, I’ve stuck with him from day one – he’s always given me a nice feel,” Hewitson said. “We thought he would need 1400m, at least, before he wins and we thought he would be a nice miler. “On debut, he ran a nice race. He got held up over the last few strides, he could have run fourth, and with natural improvement, he showed a bit more today. He’s an uncomplicated horse who’s getting better so the fact he got it right today is pretty impressive.” Newnham was also to the fore in the Class 3 Hoi Lai Handicap (1200m) with Crimson Flash (130lb), who was too strong with Andrea Atzeni. Matthew Poon continued to bear down on a season-high haul with a double in tandem with Ricky Yiu. Poon struck first on Sure Joyful in the Class 4 Wu King Handicap (1650m) before piloting Hayday to victory in the second section of the Class 4 Tin Sau Handicap (1200m). Poon posted 37 wins in 2020/21 and tonight’s brace took his 2024/25 tally to 34. Zac Purton extended his lead at the top of the jockeys’ championship with victory on David Hayes-trained Bievenue in the Class 4 Tin Sau Handicap (1200m). With 108 victories, Purton holds a 48-win margin over Hugh Bowman (60) with 17 meetings left in the season. Cambridge struck form in style with victory in the Class 3 Nam Shan Handicap (1800m) for Pierre Ng, collecting a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. Ridden patiently by Jerry Chau, the Dubawi gelding got clear late to post his first win in Hong Kong. Formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien, the four-year-old was Group 3-placed at Leopardstown in Ireland in 2023. Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (18 May). By Leo Schlink

Bettors are facing a tough card on Friday when they race on the Polytrack, but trainer Alan Greeff is often a reliable source of winners at this venue. He could strike with both Baie Mooi in Race 4 and Sharapova in Race 6, who look strong contenders. Baie Mooi has only had one start but was very impressive on debut. Well backed on the day, she romped home to score by a wide margin. The runner-up from that race is a battling maiden who usually is not beaten far, which gives the form a bit more substance. Although Baie Mooi now steps into handicap company and is not well drawn, the Canford Cliffs filly should be capable of following up with another course-and-distance win. Sharapova, a well-bred daughter of Querari, so often finds one to beat her but is currently in excellent form. She appeared an unlucky loser just a week ago when losing ground at the start and was narrowly denied. Richard Fourie now takes the ride, replacing S’manga Khumalo, and he knows the mare well. She is clearly knocking on the door. If you are not keen to rely solely on the Greeff–Fourie combination, consider taking a chance on Red Sash in the opening leg of the Pick 6. The United States mare always gives her best and has contested stronger races than the field she will meet in Race 3. She is another drawn wide, but she is more than capable of making all the running and staying on strongly. Clive Robinson

Craig Zackey, Gavin Lerena, and Richard Fourie are embroiled in a titanic three-way fight for the 2024-25 National Champion Jockeys’ title and their hunt for honours is one of several fascinating sub-plots in the final months of the current campaign. Current log-leader Zackey, and leading Highveld rider Lerena, booted home two winners apiece at the midweek meeting in Gauteng at Turffontein last Thursday. Their dominance could spill over to the 10-race Vaal Classic track fixture on Thursday 15 May. Both riders have multiple winning chances on the day, though Lerena could have the edge with a potential three-timer as opposed to Zackey’s likely double on the card. With Race 1 being a Work Riders’ race, the title rivals square off for the first time on the day in Race 2 over 1600m and their mounts will likely fight it the finish. However, it is worth noting that Lerena rides Candice Dawson-trained Chronicle King instead of Fire Starter, who he steered to a very encouraging third on debut, so it could pay to follow the progress of the former whose debut second has been franked by subsequent winners from the same race. Lerena also has a good winning chance aboard St John Gray’s hard-knocker Gamer, whose consistency may well be rewarded with an overdue victory in Race 6 over 2000m. This Potala Palace-colt has held his form at a higher level recently after back-to-back seconds and drops in class off a slightly reduced mark. Ideal World filly Dimako’s Jet was a winner the last time Lerena sat on her back and the Weichong Marwing-trained filly is reunited with the in-form rider in Race 8 over 2000m. She won a stronger race in her most recent start at her first outing over the distance and a resultant three-point penalty isn’t likely to prevent the progressive four-year-old from following up. Elsewhere on the card, Zackey should find the target in Race 2 aboard Matcha Mint for trainer Paul Matchett and in Race 5 on Tyrone Zackey-trained Chieftain’s Shield. Clive Robinson