Consent Eyes Prix de Royallieu Repeat
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
Blue Bolt bids to extend phenomenal 2026 in Sun Chariot
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
Scandinavia Test In Prix de Cadran Showdown
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
Smith is back in Cruise Control
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 praying for rain for Almaqam’s Champion Stakes assignment
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
Boudot handed Arc ride on Thundering On
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
British Champions Day: Fifteen Years Of Stars, Shocks And Farewells
British Champions Day has become a fitting final act to the British Flat season. Stayers, sprinters, milers and middle-distance stars gather at Ascot in October, often with a championship still to settle or one last race to define a career.
The meeting began in 2011. Some of its feature races are much older: the Champion Stakes was first run at Newmarket in 1877 before moving to Ascot as the centrepiece of the new fixture. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes also brought an established reputation to the card. Champions Day put those races alongside major contests for stayers, sprinters and fillies and mares on one afternoon.
Frankel gives the meeting its defining moment
The new fixture could hardly have asked for a better early ambassador. Frankel won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at the inaugural meeting in 2011, then returned a year later for the final start of his unbeaten career.
Rain had softened the ground before the 2012 Champion Stakes, adding one last question for Sir Henry Cecil’s champion. Frankel answered it with his 14th victory from 14 starts, beating Cirrus des Aigles before an Ascot crowd that knew it was watching a farewell.
There was a poignant sequel in 2014. Frankel’s younger brother Noble Mission, trained by Lady Jane Cecil after Sir Henry’s death, fought off Al Kazeem to win the Champion Stakes. Two brothers had now claimed the meeting’s main event, each with a different story attached to the victory.
Champions keep returning
A victory on Champions Day can settle an argument about a season. Winning there twice gives a horse a place of its own in the meeting’s history.
Cracksman achieved that in the Champion Stakes in 2017 and 2018, both times with Frankie Dettori aboard for John Gosden. His commanding wins made him the first horse to retain the race since its move to Ascot.
The staying races have produced their own enduring names. Stradivarius added the 2018 Long Distance Cup to a remarkable campaign, while Kyprios rounded off an unbeaten seven-race season by winning the same contest in 2024. Trawlerman had beaten Kyprios in a memorable 2023 finish and returned to win again in 2025, by which time the Long Distance Cup had been promoted to Group 1 status.
The days that did not follow the script
The promise of a champion does not guarantee a coronation. Baaeed arrived for the 2022 Champion Stakes unbeaten and expected to finish his career with another victory. Instead, Bay Bridge won for Sir Michael Stoute, bringing one of the sport’s great winning sequences to an unexpected end.
Two years later, Anmaat caught Calandagan close to the line to take the 2024 Champion Stakes at long odds. In 2025, the same race belonged to Calandagan, who returned to Ascot and beat Ombudsman decisively. His victory gave French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard the meeting’s headline prize and completed a rare same-season double with the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The 2025 card also showed just how unpredictable the supporting races could be. Powerful Glory sprang a 200-1 upset in the British Champions Sprint, while Cicero’s Gift won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at 100-1. Later, Kalpana brought some order back to proceedings by winning the Fillies & Mares Stakes for the second consecutive year.
Dettori’s Ascot farewell
Few people have given Champions Day more theatre than Frankie Dettori. The 2023 meeting was billed as his final day riding in Britain, and he delivered a finish worthy of the occasion.
Dettori won the Long Distance Cup on Trawlerman, then produced a late surge on King Of Steel to claim the Champion Stakes. For a jockey so closely associated with Ascot, it was an extraordinary way to say goodbye to a British crowd.
Champion Stakes winners since British Champions Day began
The Champion Stakes has been the meeting’s headline race since 2011. Its winners trace much of the story, from Frankel’s farewell to Calandagan’s return to the top in 2025.
As British Champions Day approaches its 16th edition, its appeal remains simple: the biggest names arrive with reputations made during the season, then Ascot gives them one more chance to strengthen them. Sometimes, as Frankel and Cracksman showed, the champion delivers. Sometimes Bay Bridge or Anmaat changes the story altogether.
By Scott Bailey
| Year | Winner | Trainer | Jockey |
| 2011 | Cirrus des Aigles | Corine Barande-Barbe | Christophe Soumillon |
| 2012 | Frankel | Sir Henry Cecil | Tom Queally |
| 2013 | Farhh | Saeed bin Suroor | Silvestre de Sousa |
| 2014 | Noble Mission | Jane Cecil | James Doyle |
| 2015 | Fascinating Rock | Dermot Weld | Pat Smullen |
| 2016 | Almanzor | Jean-Claude Rouget | Christophe Soumillon |
| 2017 | Cracksman | John Gosden | Frankie Dettori |
| 2018 | Cracksman | John Gosden | Frankie Dettori |
| 2019 | Magical | Aidan O’Brien | Donnacha O’Brien |
| 2020 | Addeybb | William Haggas | Tom Marquand |
| 2021 | Sealiway | Cédric Rossi | Mickaël Barzalona |
| 2022 | Bay Bridge | Sir Michael Stoute | Richard Kingscote |
| 2023 | King Of Steel | Roger Varian | Frankie Dettori |
| 2024 | Anmaat | Owen Burrows | Jim Crowley |
| 2025 | Calandagan | Francis-Henri Graffard | Mickaël Barzalona |
Vaal Value with Drakenstein duo and De Kock double
Bettors seeking an edge to Thursday’s 1 October Vaal fixture have plenty to work with as there are several enticing betting propositions throughout the card – with two Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained fillies, a pair of Drakenstein Stud homebreds, and a potential double for champion jockey Craig Zackey all worthy of betting interest.
De Kock-trained Vision Of Gold could set the tone in Race 1 over 1200m. The well-related Gold Standard filly, a half-sister to Horse-Of-The-Year See It Again, returns from a 14-week break having shown promise when fourth over this same distance on debut as a two-year-old. That experience should stand her in good stead, and natural improvement could make her a worthwhile bet on her reappearance.
Zackey will partner Clinton Binda’s Whatsdamatterwithu for the first time in Race 3, also over 1200m, and could make the most of the opportunity. The progressive Fire Away gelding has really turned the corner since being gelded and remains open to further improvement. He won’t need to find much to go one better after finishing second in a similar contest last time off the same mark.
Zackey has another strong chance in Race 5 over 1000m when he takes over from the injured Gavin Lerena aboard Mike Azzie’s Taking A Risk. This Fire Away filly has filled the runner-up berth in each of her last three starts, all off her current rating, and another honest performance could finally see her rewarded.
Returning Future Gamble provides an appealing each-way alternative in Race 6 over 1500m. The Drakenstein-bred-and-owned Futura filly progressed through the divisions during her three-year-old campaign with James Crawford and could be even better in the care of Sean Tarry.
While the trip is shorter than ideal, she is probably better than her rating suggests so looks well weighted under just 52kg. Her 112-day absence could also ensure an attractive price, making a speculative each-way wager worth considering.
The De Kocks take the wraps off a three-year-old exciting prospect in Race 7 over 1600m, in the shape of Feast Of Berries – a R3-million Vercingetorix filly bred for the big time, being a daughter out of Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes winner Redberry Lane.
Feast Of Berries improved with every juvenile appearance, progressing from a debut fourth over 1160m to finish second over 1600m before getting off the mark in determined fashion over the same trip on Turffontein’s Inside track.
Given 93 days to strengthen and mature, she should have plenty more to offer this season and makes considerable appeal on her handicap debut, especially as the form of her last-start victory has received a significant boost by runner-up Me And You winning both subsequent outings.
There is enough quality and upside here to make the Vaal card a punter’s playground rather than a guessing game. Follow the De Kock fillies, keep Zackey firmly onside, and don’t ignore the value angles where fresh legs and lenient weights could turn promise into profit.
Clive Robinson
Daryz Leads Arc Contenders As Field Takes Shape
The field for Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) is taking shape, with 19 horses remaining after Monday’s first forfeit stage at ParisLongchamp.
Defending champion Daryz heads the list. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, he returned to winning form over the Arc course and distance in the Prix Foy after a below-par run at Royal Ascot. A second victory on Sunday would put him among the race’s rare back-to-back winners.
Graffard also has Varandir, who won the Prix Niel on Arc Trials Day. The three-year-old has lost only once, when favourite for the Grand Prix de Paris, and gives the Aga Khan Studs another serious chance. Stablemate Sunly remains entered but is expected to run in Saturday’s Prix Royallieu instead.
Britain’s challenge is led by Maltese Cross and Kalpana. William Haggas-trained Maltese Cross finished second in the Derby before winning the Grand Prix de Paris over Sunday’s course and distance. He then added the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, giving him two wins from two starts since Epsom.
Kalpana has put together an outstanding season for Andrew Balding. Her victory over Calandagan in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes was followed by another Group 1 success in the Yorkshire Oaks. She now has the chance to add Europe’s biggest middle-distance prize to that record.
Aidan O’Brien has reduced his Arc team to three: last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk, Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini and Diamond Necklace. Minnie Hauk came closest to Daryz 12 months ago, while Benvenuto Cellini will need to improve on his fifth in the Prix Niel.
Diamond Necklace brings a different point of interest. The French Oaks and Nassau Stakes winner has yet to race over 2400m, and the Prix de l’Opéra remains an alternative target. O’Brien’s stated intention is to run all three in the Arc, with the ground likely to influence the final decision on Diamond Necklace.
His son Joseph O’Brien has left Oaks heroine Thundering On in the race. She would welcome some ease in the ground, making the weather an important part of her connections’ decision in the days ahead.
The British-trained group also includes Bay City Roller, whose emphatic Coronation Cup victory marked him as a top-class stayer, Roger Varian’s recent German Group 1 winner Saddadd, and Ralph Beckett’s Tattycoram.
Japan has two remaining hopes in Admire Terra and Meisho Tabaru, while Germany could be represented by Bright Light. Among the French entries is Arrow Eagle, who is set to give Jean-Claude Rouget a final runner in the race before the trainer ends his long career.
There may yet be another name added. Friendly Soul earned a free supplementary entry with her Prix Vermeille victory, and her connections have until Wednesday to decide whether she will take her place.
The barrier draw will be conducted on Thursday, October 1, at 8:45pm local Paris time. Before then, supplementary entries and decisions shaped by the weather will determine exactly which of the 19 remaining contenders meet Daryz on Sunday.
By Scott Bailey
Diamond Necklace will lead Ballydoyle’s Arc challenge
Diamond Necklace looks set to spearhead the Ballydoyle challenge in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk and Benvenuto Cellini joining her at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien stated it was the intention to run all three and the champion trainer indicated he expected stable number one Ryan Moore to pick the four-times Group One winner in the feature.
“We do intend to run all three. Obviously Diamond Necklace has an option of going for the fillies race on the same day (Prix de l’Opera) but at the moment we are looking at going with the three,” said O’Brien.
Diamond Necklace wrapped up her two-year-old career with a win in the Prix Marcel Boussac on last year’s Arc undercard and completed the French Guineas-Oaks double at Longchamp and Chantilly earlier in the season.
She followed that double up running out an impressive winner of the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood before suffering her only career defeat when second behind Aventure in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet as her Arc warm-up over one mile and two furlongs at Deauville last time.
O’Brien admitted he felt he could have been harder on the filly in the build-up to that race but suggested all has gone well since as she prepares to step up to a mile and a half for the first time.
“She obviously hasn’t run a mile and a half before. We always had it in our mind that she would and I suppose we are going to wait and see what the ground is going to be,” he said.
“We would want it to be on the nice ground going a mile and a half first time. It is possible that Precise could run in the fillies race – the Prix de l’Opera. We need to get a little bit closer to the weekend before we say for definite.”
On that Deauville defeat, O’Brien added: “The ground was a bit softer than we thought it was going to be and Christophe (Ferland) had his filly Aventure in very good form. It is possible that I hadn’t been hard enough on her.
“I was looking for a race that would fill in between this weekend and that weekend (Goodwood) and I didn’t really want to go a mile and a half which is why she didn’t go to the Prix Vermeille (at ParisLongchamp).
“Things have gone very well since and we are very happy with her. She will have one more piece of work to do this week but we are very happy. Ryan has the choice of the three but I would probably think she would be (his pick) but I couldn’t be sure.”
By Gideon Brooks, Press Association
It could be Mitchley’s turn at Fairview
Polytrack racing at Fairview has another meeting on Wednesday, and most of the races look highly competitive.
Two weeks ago, trainer Dean Smith had six winners in the eight races and last Friday Alan Greeff led in a number of winners.
This meeting could be shared between a few of them but perhaps it is the turn of Kelly Mitchley to shine.
She does not have the numbers in her yard as the other two trainers, but she does have a steady flow of winners and a decent strike rate.
There are four runners from her yard on which we will concentrate for the purpose of this preview.
They are Highway Code in Race 1, Soundsofsymphonies in Race 4, Warofdynamite in Race 5 and Vila Vicosa in Race 8.
Gold Standard gelding Highway Code has his first run for her, and it is also his first taste of the Polytrack. The three-year-old was gelded in April after having been placed in two of his three starts.
His two runs since that operation have been below-par, but often a break after that operation is beneficial. Stable jockey Muzi Yeni gets the ride, and blinkers are tried on him.
Soundsofsymphonies, a Master Of My Fate colt, had two unplaced runs in the Western Cape before making his debut for the yard.
Mitchley put him on the Polytrack for his debut with her, and he ran out a 12.25-length winner.
He impressed in that victory, and she decided to take a crack at a feature race in KwaZulu-Natal, but he hung badly and had problems with his bit, so was well beaten.
A return to his home track and his first time in a handicap may well see him prove ahead of the handicapper.
Yeni gets his first ride on the three-year-old col and he will definitely be trying to prove a point with his next mount, Warofdynamite.
This very consistent gelding has been runner-up four times this year under him. The Declarationofpeace gelding also looked the likely winner of his most recent start but was worried out of it at the finish to finish third.
Vila Vicosa has only won three of his 17 starts, but two of those wins have come in his last three starts, with both of them being over this particular course and distance.
Yeni does get the best out of him, as he was runner-up in his first start under him.
Clive Robinson
British Champions Day – What To Expect
The Everest & Caulfield Cup will command Australia’s attention on Saturday, October 17. As the evening arrives, the focus shifts to Ascot, where Qatar Racing British Champions Day brings together some of Europe’s best horses for the finale to the British Flat season.
The seven-race programme carries £4.35 million in prize money and features five Group 1 races. Four span the distances from six furlongs to two miles: the British Champions Sprint, Fillies & Mares Stakes, Long Distance Cup and Champion Stakes. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes adds a fifth Group 1 for the milers.
The fields are still taking shape, but the early entries have already raised the possibility of returning champions, fresh rivalries and another international showdown.
Fillies and mares: Kalpana’s hat-trick bid
The British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2400m) could give Kalpana the chance to win the race for a third consecutive year.
Andrew Balding’s mare was an emphatic winner in 2024 and 2025, quickening clear of Estrange in last year’s renewal. She has since added the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes to her record, making her one of the most accomplished horses among the early entries.
Estrange, Minnie Hauk, Thundering On and Johanna Walsh were also entered, though their autumn plans will determine whether they meet at Ascot. For Kalpana, the prospect of a hat-trick gives the race a compelling story before declarations are made.
Stayers: another chapter for Trawlerman and Scandinavia?
Promoted to Group 1 level in 2025, the British Champions Long Distance Cup (3200m) has become a fitting final test for the season’s leading stayers.
Trawlerman won the race in 2023 after a memorable duel with Kyprios, then returned to take its first Group 1 running last year. He beat stablemate Sweet William on that occasion to cap a campaign that also included the Ascot Gold Cup.
Scandinavia, Caballo De Mar and Limestone feature among this year’s early entries. A meeting between Trawlerman and Scandinavia would bring two leading staying campaigns together, though connections still have time to settle their plans.
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes: milers take centre stage
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1600m) will bring together the leading milers on the straight course.
Last year’s running showed how unpredictable Champions Day can be. Cicero’s Gift started at 100/1 but surged through to beat a field containing some of Europe’s most highly regarded milers. It was one of two major upsets on the card, alongside Powerful Glory’s victory in the Sprint.
Blue Bolt, Docklands, Gstaad, Precise and True Love are among this year’s early entries. Their paths to Ascot are still to be decided, but the race offers a final opportunity to settle the season’s mile division. With a £1.1 million prize fund, it is also the second-most valuable contest on the day behind the Champion Stakes.
Sprint: expect the unexpected
The British Champions Sprint Stakes (1200m) produced the day’s biggest shock in 2025 when Powerful Glory, sent off at 200/1, caught favourite Lazzat in the final strides. It was a reminder that even a race bringing together the season’s established sprinters can produce a new name at the top.
This year’s early entries include Almeraq, Comanche Brave, Mission Central and Venetian Sun, all Group 1 sprint winners in Britain during 2026. The straight six furlongs should provide a sharp conclusion to a division in which no single horse has yet put the title beyond doubt.
Champion Stakes: Calandagan and Ombudsman could meet again
The Champion Stakes (2000m) is the £1.3 million centrepiece, and a rematch between Calandagan and Ombudsman would give the day a headline contest.
Calandagan finished second in the race in 2024 before returning last year to beat Ombudsman by more than two lengths. His success completed a King George–Champion Stakes double achieved by few horses; the last to do it in the same season had been Brigadier Gerard in 1972.
Ombudsman remains a possible opponent, although suitable ground will be important to his participation. Constitution River and Diamond Necklace were among the other high-profile early entries. With several major autumn races still to be run, the final shape of the Champion Stakes remains open.
The race has long provided a stage for defining performances. Frankel ended his unbeaten career with victory in the 2012 Champion Stakes, while Calandagan’s win last year helped the contest earn joint top billing in the World’s Best Horse Race rankings.
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1600m) deserves attention too. Last year, Cicero’s Gift caused a 100/1 upset in Ascot’s championship mile. Its early entries this year include Blue Bolt, Docklands, Gstaad, Precise and True Love.
From the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne to five Group 1 races at Ascot, October 17 promises to keep racing fans in the southern hemisphere engaged well into the night. The entries offer plenty to anticipate; the coming weeks will decide which of those prospective clashes make it to the starting stalls.
By Scott Bailey
France Galop expecting Arc ground to be good to soft
Officials at ParisLongchamp say they are expecting “good to soft” ground for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
An unusually dry spell has offered the promise of much quicker conditions than can usually be expected for the European middle-distance showpiece.
Giving an update in a statement on Saturday afternoon, France Galop said: “Conditions are evolving, but the weather has remained unusually dry for this time of year, with no rain since September 8, the day after the Qatar Arc trials.
“As of Saturday, the forecast is for light showers on Monday followed by heavier rain overnight from Wednesday into Thursday, with further showers possible during the day on Thursday.
“On Friday the going at ParisLongchamp was good to soft (3.3). The track was watered on Friday evening to maintain the going at good (3.2) through to Monday, when showers are expected.
“Further watering may be carried out in the middle of next week, depending on the weather.
“Charles de Cordon (clerk of the course) and his team are expecting the going to be good to soft for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.”
By Press Association Sport Reporters
Weekend Racing Review
From Newmarket’s juvenile Group 1s to the first major spring clashes in Australia, the weekend gave racing fans plenty to take into the months ahead. Sun Goddess strengthened her claim as Europe’s leading two-year-old filly, Warwoven announced himself in Sydney, and Jimmysstar produced the finish of the weekend at Caulfield. South Africa’s Durbanville meeting also offered an early look at contenders for the Cape summer.
At Newmarket, Sun Goddess made it three Group 1 wins for the season in the Cheveley Park Stakes. Just 13 days after winning the Moyglare Stud Stakes over seven furlongs on soft ground, Aidan O’Brien’s filly dropped back to six on a much quicker surface and still proved too strong. Ryan Moore brought her through to beat Libertango, with Alwaysanangel third. The result gave O’Brien a record seventh win in the race.
The Middle Park Stakes provided a sharp change of fortune for Orthodox. Clive Cox’s Norfolk Stakes winner had struggled on soft ground in the Prix Morny, but looked at home again on Newmarket’s fast turf. Rossa Ryan produced him late to catch Force Noir by a neck, while Hell Of A Spin finished third. Both Newmarket winners now head into the closing weeks of the European juvenile season with their reputations enhanced.
Sydney’s Golden Rose belonged to Warwoven. Rachel King settled the Bjorn Baker-trained colt before asking him to go after the leaders at Rosehill, and he swept clear to beat St Gotthard by three and a quarter lengths, with Under Focus third. It was a commanding Group 1 follow-up to his Run To The Rose victory. The Caulfield Guineas is among the options being considered, though his next target has yet to be settled.
At Caulfield on Sunday, Jimmysstar saved his best for the Manikato Stakes. Ethan Brown took his time at the rear, brought him wide into the straight and let him run down Extragalactic in the closing stages. Charm Stone was close behind in third. The last-to-first win returned the Ciaron Maher-trained sprinter to Group 1 form at an important point in the Australian spring.
Maher had another familiar star to celebrate in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes. Pride Of Jenni, now nine, resumed with the bold front-running display that has made her such a draw. Declan Bates let her stride, and she held off Treasurethe Moment by a length and a half to win the Feehan for the third year running. The race was at Caulfield this time, but the change of venue did little to alter the result.
There was no Group 1 on South Africa’s Durbanville card, but its two Grade 3 races carried plenty of interest for the season ahead. Four-time Group 1 winner Double Grand Slam returned with an emphatic victory over Babelicious in the Diana Stakes for Justin Snaith and Keagan de Melo. Jet Force then took the Matchem Stakes for Des McLachlan and Grant van Niekerk, edging Legal Counsel in a close finish.
Newmarket supplied two young stars, Sydney produced a decisive Golden Rose winner, and Caulfield showed that Jimmysstar and Pride Of Jenni remain forces to reckon with. At Durbanville, the focus is already turning towards the Cape summer.
By Scott Bailey
Sha Tin Track Spy: Sunday, 27 September
Race 9 – 10 NUCLEOZOR
He has taken some time to find his form in Hong Kong but has shown encouraging improvement in his past two starts. After charging home strongly to finish fifth two starts ago, he made a mid-race move and stuck on fairly for fourth over 2000m last time out.
Having trialled well ahead of his return, he appears well weighted and capable of making an immediate impact first-up.
Race 11 – 6 CIRCUIT CHAMPION
This lightly raced five-year-old has plenty of ability, but little has gone his way in his past two starts. Drawn wide on both occasions, he was crowded early before finishing a luckless third two starts ago, then endured a wide run that compromised his chances last time out.
Stripping fitter second-up, he looks capable of making amends with better luck in running.
Sectional Stars
Race 3 – 2 DOUBLE BINGO
After his last start, the trainer noted that he had settled further back than intended, yet he still made significant late ground, recording the fastest final sectional to finish fifth, only two lengths from the winner. With his recent form remaining consistent, he shapes as a strong contender this week.
Race 5 – 6 BRIGHT MORTAR
He caught the eye when flashing home late to finish second over 1200m on turf first-up two weeks ago, posting the fastest final sectional in 22.26 seconds. The switch back to the AWT, where his sole career win came, should suit him even better, and he can make his presence felt late.
The Golden Rose, battle for Australia’s best three-year-old
This Saturday’s card at Rosehill is shaping up as one of the most open and hotly contested Golden Roses in recent memory and it’s just the headline act in a stacked afternoon of Group racing.
The one to beat in the Group 1 Golden Rose is Golden Slipper winner Guest House, who has well and truly shaken off the “Golden Slipper curse” with an impressive rails-hugging win in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes on his return. He steps up to 1400m for the first time on Saturday in a race that will go a long way to settling the debate over this year’s premier three-year-old. He’ll need to hold off fellow Group 1 winner Campione D’Italia, already proven at the distance, and master trainer Chris Waller’s well-stocked hand of Tron Bolt, Stormy Marco (Craig Williams), Central Europe and St Gotthard (James McDonald). It’s a genuinely open renewal which is hard to split.
The World Pool is live across the full ten-race program including the HKJC Shannon Stakes. Private Eye is no stranger to big-race day success, but Skyhook arrives on the back of back-to-back wins and looms as a serious danger. The fillies and mares get their moment in the Golden Pendant, where Lazzura is poised for another victory. A strong first-up finish and a map that sees her sitting closer to the speed, paired with James McDonald back in the saddle for Chris Waller, make her one to watch closely.
Saturday at Rosehill decides who’s really the best three-year-old in the country right now, on a card packed with Group-class action from start to finish. Spring is in the air, the form is red-hot, and this is one meeting you won’t want to miss.
United Kingdom Express Form & Race Previews (Ascot/Newcastle) – Friday, October...
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RACE 1: AUTUMN RACING WEEKEND AMATEUR JOCKEYS’ HANDICAP (MALE AMATEURS) (4) (FROM ASCOT RACE 1) – 1408M | TIME: 20:50 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 25000
TEX (FR) Slow start, held at rear, made progress 400m out, switched right 200m out, challenged 100m, led at finish, won 1600m in September. DOCUMENTING Prominent led entering final 100m, won 1400m Handicap at Doncaster by 1 length over Starliner in August. KALEIDOSCOPE EYES (IRE) Wore hood, stayed mid-pack, led 200m out, won comfortably by 2 lengths at Ffos Las 1600m Handicap in September. KIMEKO GLORY Prominent led after 400m, ridden past 400m, finished strong 3rd, beaten by 0.5 lengths at Sandown 1600m Handicap in September.
RACE 2: BETMGM EBF FILLIES’ NOVICE STAKES (GBB RACE) (2) (FROM ASCOT RACE 2) – 1408M | TIME: 21:25 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 30000
LEARNING Led, ridden over 200m out, headed 200m out, kept on, held by winner, finished 2nd, 0.5 lengths behind Sorrengail at Newbury 1400m 2YO Filly Novice Stakes in September. PINK LARKSPUR (IRE) Slow start, improved from 400m out, finished 2nd, 4 lengths behind Lex Victoria over 1400m at Kempton in September. CONCURRENT Held back at rear, slight progress in last 200m, finished 5th, 6 lengths behind Miss Miniver at Salisbury 1400m in September. IBTEKAR (IRE) Night Of Thunder filly out of Lovely Pass.
RACE 3: COLLIERS BUSINESS RATES EXPERTS CLASSIFIED STAKES (STR) (3) (FROM ASCOT RACE 3) – 1609M | TIME: 22:00 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 30000
COCKADE Tracked 2nd, moved left near final 400m, one-paced last 200m, finished 3rd, 3.5 lengths behind Alfaraz in 1600m Novice Stakes at Newmarket in June . DRYMEE Wore hood, held up last, moved smoothly over 200m, led and won comfortably by 5 lengths at Sandown 1600m Handicap in August. FINAL NIGHT Towards rear, improved over 200m out, kept on well, finished 4th, 3 lengths behind Monoceros in 1600m Handicap at Haydock in September. MONARCH’S GOLD Held midfield, ridden 400m out, kept on final 200m , finished 6th, 4.5 lengths behind Storm Free at Sandown 1400m Handicap in August.
RACE 4: BETMGM NOEL MURLESS STAKES (LISTED) (LR) (FROM ASCOT RACE 4) – 2847M | TIME: 22:35 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 100000
INFRAAD (IRE) Wore earplugs, chased leaders, led 400m out, pushed 200m out, ridden last 200m, won by 2 lengths at York 2800m Handicap in August. GALIYAN Took keen hold, held midfield, moved up over 400m, ridden over 200m, no extra in last 50m; finished 5th, 8 lengths behind winner at Doncaster 2900m Group 1 in September. GALILEAN QUALITY (IRE) Held rear, improved over 200m out, strong finish inside last 200m, finished 2nd by 1.25 lengths behind Asia Force at Haydock 2800m Handicap in September. GONE BY (IRE) Prominent raced 2nd, weakened over 200m out, finished last, 12 lengths behind Romantic Symphony at Newmarket 2400m Novice Stakes in August.
RACE 5: BETMGM HANDICAP (2) (FROM ASCOT RACE 5) – 1207M | TIME: 23:10 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 45000
GOLDMOYNE (IRE) Led far side, challenged in final 100m, narrowly 2nd by nose to Station X at Ayr 1200m Handicap in September. NORTHCLIFF (IRE) Switched left after start, led from 600m out, ridden from 200m, won by 2.5 lengths at Newmarket 1200m Handicap in September. PILU (IRE) Broke well wearing hood, prominent on far side, led final 200m, won Yarmouth 1200m Handicap by 1 length in September. BADRI Midfield early, pushed and gained ground over 400m out, switched left in final 200m, finished 2nd by a neck at Beverley 1000m Stakes in September.
RACE 6: MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL HANDICAP (GBBPLUS RACE) (3) (FROM ASCOT RACE 6) – 3209M | TIME: 23:45 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 30000
CRANACHAN Midfield, improved from 600m out, led 200m out, won by 6 lengths at Chester 3200m Handicap in August. JUST AN HOUR (IRE) Disputed lead early, challenged over 320m out, led final 200m, narrowly won at Ffos Las 2800m Handicap in September. SHIPSHAPE (IRE) Held in mid-division, outpaced 600m out, steady progress over 200m, finished 3rd, 2.75 lengths behind Pole Star at Chester 3200m Handicap in September. VAGUEL Y ROYAL (IRE) Held up at rear, weakened after 600m out, finished 6th, 10 lengths behind Gallus Norman over 3600m Handicap in August.
RACE 7: H. MALONE & SONS 100TH ANNIVERSARY NURSERY (6) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 3) – 1421M | TIME: 00:15 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 6200
SON OF A FISH Tracked midfield, advanced over 200m out, finished strong to place 2nd, 1 length behind winner at Redcar 1600m Handicap in September. PERFECT HOPE Held behind leaders, chased winner over 200m out, strong finish, narrowly 2nd by nose to Printing Money at Wolverhampton 1400m 2YO Handicap in September . CALLISTERRA (IRE) Chased leaders, pushed over 400m out, finished 3rd , 5 lengths behind winner at Thirsk 1200m 2YO Novice Stakes in September. CLARET TIME Slow start, midfield, gained ground over 400m, weakened over 200m, finished 4th, 7 lengths behind Bladey Lady at Thirsk 1200m in September.
RACE 8: AALBERTS INTEGRATED PIPING SYSTEMS FILLIES’ NOVICE STAKES (GBB RACE) (4) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 4) – 1614M | TIME: 00:45 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 10000
MANEUVER Led steady pace, pushed clear inside final 400m, headed inside last 200m, weakened to finish 3rd, 5 lengths behind winner at 1600m in September. NOOZHAA Started towards rear, pushed over 400m out, gained 200m out, finished 2nd by 3.5 lengths to Enchanted Queen over 1400m in September. STAR MIRAGE (USA) Led, headed before 200m, held till last 100m, finished 2nd, 0.7 5 lengths behind Gilding The Lily at Kempton 1600m in September. ALWAYS SUNNY (IRE) St Mark’s Basilica filly out of Opera Society.
RACE 9: INSULATION CONTRACTORS MAIDEN STAKES (GBB RACE) (4) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 5) – 1207M | TIME: 01:15 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 10000
ASHEYRA (IRE) Started last, pushed from 400m out, 3rd at 200m, finished 2nd by 1.75 lengths to Pensando A Te at Ascot 1200m in September. PRINCELAND (IRE) Led early, faded 400m out, weakened final 200m, finished 4th, 6 lengths behind Varzi at 1200m 2YO Novice Stakes in August. BIG TRIBE (IRE) Sioux Nation colt out of Roseau City. MOLLISHA (IRE) Wore hood, midfield, moved up over 200m out, finished 4th by 12 lengths at Chester 1200m 2YO Filly Novice Stakes in September.
RACE 10: ARMAH SWITCHGEAR HANDICAP (6) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 6) – 1421M | TIME: 01:45 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 6200
FINN IRONSIDE Led early, pushed 400m out, ran on strongly to win unchallenged at Newcastle 1400m Handicap, beating Anthropologist by 1.25 lengths in September. SPARTAN FIGHTER Led, pushed from 400m out, faced challenges from 200m, stayed determined, won at Newcastle 1400m Handicap by a head in September. CABLE BEACH Midfield, advanced 600m out, ridden over 400m out, finished 2nd, 2.5 lengths behind easy winner Heretic at Southwell 1400m Handicap in August. AGE OF BAROQUE (FR) Tracked leaders, ridden over 400m out, weakened over 200m out, finished 10th, 13 lengths behind Gladiadora at Southwell 1600m Handicap in September.
RACE 11: SMITH BROTHERS / H. MALONE HANDICAP (6) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 7) – 1421M | TIME: 02:15 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 6200
SOUL WARRIOR (IRE) Midfield, led over 200m out, stayed well, comfortably won at Redcar 1400m Handicap, beating Pedro The Poet by 1 length in September. LANARRA (IRE) Mid-pack, steady progress over 400m out, edged left in last 200m, finished 3rd, 3 lengths behind winner at 1400m Handicap in September. TRUCIAL PEARL Started slowly, held at rear, never competitive, finished 5th, 15 lengths behind Rogers Dream over 2000m at Ripon in August. CLAYTONS KOLATONIC Dropped to last and struggled over 600m out, finished last by 28 lengths at Bath 1400m Handicap in September.
RACE 12: H. MALONE MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL HANDICAP (6) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 8) – 1614M | TIME: 02:45 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 6200
KING SHARJA Tracked leaders, led over 200m out, stayed strong to win 1600m Handicap at Southwell by 0.75 lengths in September. IZZARI (GER) Held up at rear, strong finish over last 400m, switched sides, led final 200m, won 1600m Handicap beating R P McMurphy by 0.75 lengths in September. JAMAICAN STORM Slow start, stayed rear, rallied last 200m, finished 2nd by head to Spartan Fighter at Newcastle 1400m Handicap in September. CORAMENTO Mid- division, challenged for 2nd 200m out, weakened last 100m, finished 4th, 2.75 lengths behind Finn Iron side over 1400m Handicap at Newcastle in September.
RACE 1: AUTUMN RACING WEEKEND AMATEUR JOCKEYS’ HANDICAP (MALE AMATEURS) (4) (FROM ASCOT RACE 1) – 1408M | TIME: 20:50 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 25000
TEX (FR) Slow start, held at rear, made progress 400m out, switched right 200m out, challenged 100m, led at finish, won 1600m in September. DOCUMENTING Prominent led entering final 100m, won 1400m Handicap at Doncaster by 1 length over Starliner in August. KALEIDOSCOPE EYES (IRE) Wore hood, stayed mid-pack, led 200m out, won comfortably by 2 lengths at Ffos Las 1600m Handicap in September. KIMEKO GLORY Prominent led after 400m, ridden past 400m, finished strong 3rd, beaten by 0.5 lengths at Sandown 1600m Handicap in September.
RACE 2: BETMGM EBF FILLIES’ NOVICE STAKES (GBB RACE) (2) (FROM ASCOT RACE 2) – 1408M | TIME: 21:25 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 30000
LEARNING Led, ridden over 200m out, headed 200m out, kept on, held by winner, finished 2nd, 0.5 lengths behind Sorrengail at Newbury 1400m 2YO Filly Novice Stakes in September. PINK LARKSPUR (IRE) Slow start, improved from 400m out, finished 2nd, 4 lengths behind Lex Victoria over 1400m at Kempton in September. CONCURRENT Held back at rear, slight progress in last 200m, finished 5th, 6 lengths behind Miss Miniver at Salisbury 1400m in September. IBTEKAR (IRE) Night Of Thunder filly out of Lovely Pass.
RACE 3: COLLIERS BUSINESS RATES EXPERTS CLASSIFIED STAKES (STR) (3) (FROM ASCOT RACE 3) – 1609M | TIME: 22:00 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 30000
COCKADE Tracked 2nd, moved left near final 400m, one-paced last 200m, finished 3rd, 3.5 lengths behind Alfaraz in 1600m Novice Stakes at Newmarket in June . DRYMEE Wore hood, held up last, moved smoothly over 200m, led and won comfortably by 5 lengths at Sandown 1600m Handicap in August. FINAL NIGHT Towards rear, improved over 200m out, kept on well, finished 4th, 3 lengths behind Monoceros in 1600m Handicap at Haydock in September. MONARCH’S GOLD Held midfield, ridden 400m out, kept on final 200m , finished 6th, 4.5 lengths behind Storm Free at Sandown 1400m Handicap in August.
RACE 4: BETMGM NOEL MURLESS STAKES (LISTED) (LR) (FROM ASCOT RACE 4) – 2847M | TIME: 22:35 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 100000
INFRAAD (IRE) Wore earplugs, chased leaders, led 400m out, pushed 200m out, ridden last 200m, won by 2 lengths at York 2800m Handicap in August. GALIYAN Took keen hold, held midfield, moved up over 400m, ridden over 200m, no extra in last 50m; finished 5th, 8 lengths behind winner at Doncaster 2900m Group 1 in September. GALILEAN QUALITY (IRE) Held rear, improved over 200m out, strong finish inside last 200m, finished 2nd by 1.25 lengths behind Asia Force at Haydock 2800m Handicap in September. GONE BY (IRE) Prominent raced 2nd, weakened over 200m out, finished last, 12 lengths behind Romantic Symphony at Newmarket 2400m Novice Stakes in August.
RACE 5: BETMGM HANDICAP (2) (FROM ASCOT RACE 5) – 1207M | TIME: 23:10 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 45000
GOLDMOYNE (IRE) Led far side, challenged in final 100m, narrowly 2nd by nose to Station X at Ayr 1200m Handicap in September. NORTHCLIFF (IRE) Switched left after start, led from 600m out, ridden from 200m, won by 2.5 lengths at Newmarket 1200m Handicap in September. PILU (IRE) Broke well wearing hood, prominent on far side, led final 200m, won Yarmouth 1200m Handicap by 1 length in September. BADRI Midfield early, pushed and gained ground over 400m out, switched left in final 200m, finished 2nd by a neck at Beverley 1000m Stakes in September.
RACE 6: MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL HANDICAP (GBBPLUS RACE) (3) (FROM ASCOT RACE 6) – 3209M | TIME: 23:45 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 30000
CRANACHAN Midfield, improved from 600m out, led 200m out, won by 6 lengths at Chester 3200m Handicap in August. JUST AN HOUR (IRE) Disputed lead early, challenged over 320m out, led final 200m, narrowly won at Ffos Las 2800m Handicap in September. SHIPSHAPE (IRE) Held in mid-division, outpaced 600m out, steady progress over 200m, finished 3rd, 2.75 lengths behind Pole Star at Chester 3200m Handicap in September. VAGUEL Y ROYAL (IRE) Held up at rear, weakened after 600m out, finished 6th, 10 lengths behind Gallus Norman over 3600m Handicap in August.
RACE 7: H. MALONE & SONS 100TH ANNIVERSARY NURSERY (6) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 3) – 1421M | TIME: 00:15 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 6200
SON OF A FISH Tracked midfield, advanced over 200m out, finished strong to place 2nd, 1 length behind winner at Redcar 1600m Handicap in September. PERFECT HOPE Held behind leaders, chased winner over 200m out, strong finish, narrowly 2nd by nose to Printing Money at Wolverhampton 1400m 2YO Handicap in September . CALLISTERRA (IRE) Chased leaders, pushed over 400m out, finished 3rd , 5 lengths behind winner at Thirsk 1200m 2YO Novice Stakes in September. CLARET TIME Slow start, midfield, gained ground over 400m, weakened over 200m, finished 4th, 7 lengths behind Bladey Lady at Thirsk 1200m in September.
RACE 8: AALBERTS INTEGRATED PIPING SYSTEMS FILLIES’ NOVICE STAKES (GBB RACE) (4) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 4) – 1614M | TIME: 00:45 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 10000
MANEUVER Led steady pace, pushed clear inside final 400m, headed inside last 200m, weakened to finish 3rd, 5 lengths behind winner at 1600m in September. NOOZHAA Started towards rear, pushed over 400m out, gained 200m out, finished 2nd by 3.5 lengths to Enchanted Queen over 1400m in September. STAR MIRAGE (USA) Led, headed before 200m, held till last 100m, finished 2nd, 0.7 5 lengths behind Gilding The Lily at Kempton 1600m in September. ALWAYS SUNNY (IRE) St Mark’s Basilica filly out of Opera Society.
RACE 9: INSULATION CONTRACTORS MAIDEN STAKES (GBB RACE) (4) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 5) – 1207M | TIME: 01:15 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 10000
ASHEYRA (IRE) Started last, pushed from 400m out, 3rd at 200m, finished 2nd by 1.75 lengths to Pensando A Te at Ascot 1200m in September. PRINCELAND (IRE) Led early, faded 400m out, weakened final 200m, finished 4th, 6 lengths behind Varzi at 1200m 2YO Novice Stakes in August. BIG TRIBE (IRE) Sioux Nation colt out of Roseau City. MOLLISHA (IRE) Wore hood, midfield, moved up over 200m out, finished 4th by 12 lengths at Chester 1200m 2YO Filly Novice Stakes in September.
RACE 10: ARMAH SWITCHGEAR HANDICAP (6) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 6) – 1421M | TIME: 01:45 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 6200
FINN IRONSIDE Led early, pushed 400m out, ran on strongly to win unchallenged at Newcastle 1400m Handicap, beating Anthropologist by 1.25 lengths in September. SPARTAN FIGHTER Led, pushed from 400m out, faced challenges from 200m, stayed determined, won at Newcastle 1400m Handicap by a head in September. CABLE BEACH Midfield, advanced 600m out, ridden over 400m out, finished 2nd, 2.5 lengths behind easy winner Heretic at Southwell 1400m Handicap in August. AGE OF BAROQUE (FR) Tracked leaders, ridden over 400m out, weakened over 200m out, finished 10th, 13 lengths behind Gladiadora at Southwell 1600m Handicap in September.
RACE 11: SMITH BROTHERS / H. MALONE HANDICAP (6) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 7) – 1421M | TIME: 02:15 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 6200
SOUL WARRIOR (IRE) Midfield, led over 200m out, stayed well, comfortably won at Redcar 1400m Handicap, beating Pedro The Poet by 1 length in September. LANARRA (IRE) Mid-pack, steady progress over 400m out, edged left in last 200m, finished 3rd, 3 lengths behind winner at 1400m Handicap in September. TRUCIAL PEARL Started slowly, held at rear, never competitive, finished 5th, 15 lengths behind Rogers Dream over 2000m at Ripon in August. CLAYTONS KOLATONIC Dropped to last and struggled over 600m out, finished last by 28 lengths at Bath 1400m Handicap in September.
RACE 12: H. MALONE MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL HANDICAP (6) (FROM NEWCASTLE RACE 8) – 1614M | TIME: 02:45 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 6200
KING SHARJA Tracked leaders, led over 200m out, stayed strong to win 1600m Handicap at Southwell by 0.75 lengths in September. IZZARI (GER) Held up at rear, strong finish over last 400m, switched sides, led final 200m, won 1600m Handicap beating R P McMurphy by 0.75 lengths in September. JAMAICAN STORM Slow start, stayed rear, rallied last 200m, finished 2nd by head to Spartan Fighter at Newcastle 1400m Handicap in September. CORAMENTO Mid- division, challenged for 2nd 200m out, weakened last 100m, finished 4th, 2.75 lengths behind Finn Iron side over 1400m Handicap at Newcastle in September.
France Express Form & Race Previews (Saint-Cloud) – Friday, October 2
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RACE 1: PRIX DE CONDE JOCKEY CLUB DE TURQUIE STAKES – GROUP 3 (2YO) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 1) – 2000M | TIME: 19:43 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 73200
TORTSANLOT Outclassed the opposition in a Class 2 at Saint-Cloud over 2000m on 11 September on latest start. Key chance. JULIAN SCHNABEL (IRE) Won nicely in a Class 2 at Dieppe over 1800m on 24 August on latest start. Capable of more progress and can feature. CATCH MY EYE (FR) Finished off strongly in a Maiden at Saint-Cloud over 1600m on 31 August. Has more improvement to come and can be involved. KRITIC (IRE) Victorious in a Maiden at Saint-Cloud over 1600m on 31 August on second start . One to pay attention to.
RACE 2: QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES POULAINS STAKES – ARAB GROUP 1 (G1) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 2) – 2000M | TIME: 20:18 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 100000
ALMOSHAHAR (FR) Unbeaten in two runs, the latest success over 2000 m in a Group 2 PA at La Teste on 26 August. Player. SPAREO (FR) Two second-placed efforts of late, the most recent in a Group 2 PA at La Teste over 1600m on 11 June. Hard to overlook. MSAIEED (FR) Won on last start over 2100m at Tarbes in a Condition on 29 August. Can be on the premises. KAMBELL DE GHAZAL (FR) Ran with promise to be second at La Teste in a Group 2 PA on debut behind ALMOSHAHAR (5) on 26 August. Will improve and warrants respect.
RACE 3: PRIX SOYA CLAIMING STAKES (2YO) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 3) – 1400M | TIME: 20:53 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 23000
AZAMRA (FR) Came home sixth in a Listed at Lyon-Parilly over 1600m on 8 September, and a win before that in a Class 2 in late July. Drops in class and can feature. SHABAZI (FR) Two wins of late, the latter over 1600m in a Claimer at Chantilly on 4 September. Hat-trick of wins is on the cards. LOVELY WARRIOR (FR) Finished sixth in a Maiden at Salon-De-Provence over 1100m on 14 September last time. Drops in class and merits consideration. BHASKARI (FR) Filly by Al Wukhair, the dam never raced in France. From a top trainer that does not run many in claiming races. The betting can be the most informative guide to expected performance.
RACE 4: QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES POULICHES STAKES – ARAB GROUP 1 (G1) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 4) – 2000M | TIME: 21:28 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 100000
BALSAM (FR) Two second-placed efforts of late, the latter in a Group 1 PA at Deauville over 2000m on 4 August. Key player. NEILA AL MAURY (FR) Veered and unseated rider close to the finish when looked like scoring on the latest start in a Group 2 PA at La Teste over 2000m on 26 August. Cannot be ignored. AYLA (FR) Two decent runs, second on the most recent over 2000m in a Group 2 PA at La Teste on 26 August. One for the shortlist. SI CHIC AL MAURY (FR) Unbeaten in two starts, the latest success over 2000m at Le Teste in a Condition on 26 August. Can continue the momentum.
RACE 5: PRIX MATCHEM LISTED STAKES (3YO) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 5) – 1400M | TIME: 22:03 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 50300
SYNARAN (IRE) Finished eleventh in a Group 3 at Deauville over 1600m on 9 August, and fourth in a Group 3 previously in June. Key chance. NO TUNE In good form and finished third in a Listed at ParisLongchamp over 1600m on 3 September when last seen. Hard to ignore . GO MAN (FR) Finished fourth in a Listed at La Teste De Buch over 1600m on 26 August when last seen. Not to be taken lightly. NO TURNING BACK (FR) Victorious in a Class 1 at Chantilly over 1600m on 4 September on latest start. Progressive and can make presence felt.
RACE 6: PRIX DAHLIA LISTED STAKES (4YO+) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 6) – 2000M | TIME: 22:38 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 43900
RHAPSODY (IRE) Recent fourth at Yarmouth, UK in a Listed over 2000m on 16 September. Met trouble in running last time and can make amends. AZANIYA (IRE) Finished sixth last time in a Group 3 at Carlisle, UK over 2200m on 30 May. Listed winner in France twice in 2025. Can make the frame. LIGHT THE GHOST (GER) Ran well to be second on latest start over 2400m in a Group 2 at Baden-Baden, Germany on 5 September. Ought to be thereabouts. INDALIMOS (FR) Finished third in a Group 2 at Deauville over 2400m on 15 August when last seen. In the mix.
RACE 7: PRIX CORONATION LISTED STAKES (3YO+) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 7) – 1600M | TIME: 23:14 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 47600
CERAMIC (IRE) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Listed at ParisLongchamp over 1600m on 3 September. Live chance of scoring. LADY ILZE Finished seventh last time in a Listed on 3 September, fourth before that over 1600m in a Class 1 at Mont-De-Marsan on 26 July. Hard to ignore. VATICANA (FR) Finished seventh in a Group 3 at Deauville over 1600m on 15 August last time. Can bounce back and be competitive. QUIESCENT Unplaced on the latest start at Deauville in a Group 3 over 1400m on 7 April. Listed win at this track over 1400m last November. Returns from a break and is one to look at each-way.
RACE 8: PRIX DU VERT CLOS HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 8) – 2500M | TIME: 23:48 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 22100
MIYALAA (FR) Ran well to be fourth in a Class 3 Handicap at Saint Malo over 2400m on 28 August when last seen. Leading contender. FORNALI (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Class 3 Handicap at Saint-Cloud over 2400m on 18 September. One to pay close attention to. LOFSONGUR ISLANDE (FR) Outclassed the opposition in a Class 3 Handicap at Saint Malo over 2400m on 28 August. Hard to dismiss. RECOLETTY (FR) In good form and finished third in a Class 3 Handicap at Senonnes-Pouance over 3000m on 31 July. Holds top-three claims.
RACE 1: PRIX DE CONDE JOCKEY CLUB DE TURQUIE STAKES – GROUP 3 (2YO) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 1) – 2000M | TIME: 19:43 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 73200
TORTSANLOT Outclassed the opposition in a Class 2 at Saint-Cloud over 2000m on 11 September on latest start. Key chance. JULIAN SCHNABEL (IRE) Won nicely in a Class 2 at Dieppe over 1800m on 24 August on latest start. Capable of more progress and can feature. CATCH MY EYE (FR) Finished off strongly in a Maiden at Saint-Cloud over 1600m on 31 August. Has more improvement to come and can be involved. KRITIC (IRE) Victorious in a Maiden at Saint-Cloud over 1600m on 31 August on second start . One to pay attention to.
RACE 2: QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES POULAINS STAKES – ARAB GROUP 1 (G1) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 2) – 2000M | TIME: 20:18 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 100000
ALMOSHAHAR (FR) Unbeaten in two runs, the latest success over 2000 m in a Group 2 PA at La Teste on 26 August. Player. SPAREO (FR) Two second-placed efforts of late, the most recent in a Group 2 PA at La Teste over 1600m on 11 June. Hard to overlook. MSAIEED (FR) Won on last start over 2100m at Tarbes in a Condition on 29 August. Can be on the premises. KAMBELL DE GHAZAL (FR) Ran with promise to be second at La Teste in a Group 2 PA on debut behind ALMOSHAHAR (5) on 26 August. Will improve and warrants respect.
RACE 3: PRIX SOYA CLAIMING STAKES (2YO) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 3) – 1400M | TIME: 20:53 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 23000
AZAMRA (FR) Came home sixth in a Listed at Lyon-Parilly over 1600m on 8 September, and a win before that in a Class 2 in late July. Drops in class and can feature. SHABAZI (FR) Two wins of late, the latter over 1600m in a Claimer at Chantilly on 4 September. Hat-trick of wins is on the cards. LOVELY WARRIOR (FR) Finished sixth in a Maiden at Salon-De-Provence over 1100m on 14 September last time. Drops in class and merits consideration. BHASKARI (FR) Filly by Al Wukhair, the dam never raced in France. From a top trainer that does not run many in claiming races. The betting can be the most informative guide to expected performance.
RACE 4: QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES POULICHES STAKES – ARAB GROUP 1 (G1) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 4) – 2000M | TIME: 21:28 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 100000
BALSAM (FR) Two second-placed efforts of late, the latter in a Group 1 PA at Deauville over 2000m on 4 August. Key player. NEILA AL MAURY (FR) Veered and unseated rider close to the finish when looked like scoring on the latest start in a Group 2 PA at La Teste over 2000m on 26 August. Cannot be ignored. AYLA (FR) Two decent runs, second on the most recent over 2000m in a Group 2 PA at La Teste on 26 August. One for the shortlist. SI CHIC AL MAURY (FR) Unbeaten in two starts, the latest success over 2000m at Le Teste in a Condition on 26 August. Can continue the momentum.
RACE 5: PRIX MATCHEM LISTED STAKES (3YO) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 5) – 1400M | TIME: 22:03 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 50300
SYNARAN (IRE) Finished eleventh in a Group 3 at Deauville over 1600m on 9 August, and fourth in a Group 3 previously in June. Key chance. NO TUNE In good form and finished third in a Listed at ParisLongchamp over 1600m on 3 September when last seen. Hard to ignore . GO MAN (FR) Finished fourth in a Listed at La Teste De Buch over 1600m on 26 August when last seen. Not to be taken lightly. NO TURNING BACK (FR) Victorious in a Class 1 at Chantilly over 1600m on 4 September on latest start. Progressive and can make presence felt.
RACE 6: PRIX DAHLIA LISTED STAKES (4YO+) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 6) – 2000M | TIME: 22:38 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 43900
RHAPSODY (IRE) Recent fourth at Yarmouth, UK in a Listed over 2000m on 16 September. Met trouble in running last time and can make amends. AZANIYA (IRE) Finished sixth last time in a Group 3 at Carlisle, UK over 2200m on 30 May. Listed winner in France twice in 2025. Can make the frame. LIGHT THE GHOST (GER) Ran well to be second on latest start over 2400m in a Group 2 at Baden-Baden, Germany on 5 September. Ought to be thereabouts. INDALIMOS (FR) Finished third in a Group 2 at Deauville over 2400m on 15 August when last seen. In the mix.
RACE 7: PRIX CORONATION LISTED STAKES (3YO+) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 7) – 1600M | TIME: 23:14 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 47600
CERAMIC (IRE) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Listed at ParisLongchamp over 1600m on 3 September. Live chance of scoring. LADY ILZE Finished seventh last time in a Listed on 3 September, fourth before that over 1600m in a Class 1 at Mont-De-Marsan on 26 July. Hard to ignore. VATICANA (FR) Finished seventh in a Group 3 at Deauville over 1600m on 15 August last time. Can bounce back and be competitive. QUIESCENT Unplaced on the latest start at Deauville in a Group 3 over 1400m on 7 April. Listed win at this track over 1400m last November. Returns from a break and is one to look at each-way.
RACE 8: PRIX DU VERT CLOS HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 8) – 2500M | TIME: 23:48 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 22100
MIYALAA (FR) Ran well to be fourth in a Class 3 Handicap at Saint Malo over 2400m on 28 August when last seen. Leading contender. FORNALI (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Class 3 Handicap at Saint-Cloud over 2400m on 18 September. One to pay close attention to. LOFSONGUR ISLANDE (FR) Outclassed the opposition in a Class 3 Handicap at Saint Malo over 2400m on 28 August. Hard to dismiss. RECOLETTY (FR) In good form and finished third in a Class 3 Handicap at Senonnes-Pouance over 3000m on 31 July. Holds top-three claims.
South Africa Express Form & Race Previews (Fairview) – October 2
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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: FAIRVIEW@2026.10.02
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R100.000, 12:15GMT+2
Race Summary: A very open looking first event. HERE COMES JOHNNY has proven to be better on the grass and is overdue a first win. ALESIAN BEAU is knocking at the door and could score. PRETTY BOY has not enjoyed the Polytrack of late and could surprise. NORSE WARRIOR liked the Polytrack but might play a minor role. PALME D’OR showed vast improvement last week and could have more to offer. AMERICAN GEM liked it back on the turf and could earn some money. NORMA DELPHINE and RUSTIGE KRACHT also have scope for improvement.
Selections: #1 Here Comes Johnny, #2 Alesian Beau, #5 Palme D’Or, #3 Pretty Boy
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R92.000, 12:50GMT+2
Race Summary: MY SUNSHINE is raiding from the Western Cape and should make a bold bid at beating these rivals. BURNING DESIRE has been knocking loudly at the door and could go one place better. LADY OF FATE has improved of late and might earn some minor money. RARE EARTH has struggled on the Polytrack and could surprise back on the grass. WITCHING HOUR and TOTAL ERUPTION can earn some minor money. CAMDEN SQUARE has improved of late and must be respected. COCO BEACH is better than her last run would suggest and should fight out the finish.
Selections: #4 My Sunshine, #9 Coco Beach, #1 Burning Desire, #8 Camden Square
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R100.000, 13:25GMT+2
Race Summary: TAKEACHANCEONME makes a local debut. She has some fair form and could be ready to score. HOT BLOODED is improving and would not be a surprise winner. TIME HONORED is threatening to win a race and must be respected for that. MONKEY’S WEDDING is consistent and could do even better back on the turf. SCENTED PATH has improved of late and has a place chance. So, too, for that matter does RUN JOHNNY RUN. TRICKLE CHARGE can improve this distance.
Selections: #10 Takeachanceonme, #6 Hot Blooded, #1 Time Honored, #2 Monkey’s Wedding
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R90.000, 14:00GMT+2
Race Summary: PRETTY AWESOME won well on debut and was not disgraced in her second start. She steps up in distance which she should be looking for. BOSNAY is not reliable but is quite capable of contesting the finish. FONTE and PRICELESS TREASURE are both coming off maiden success and could be better than rated. TOKYO PRINCESS has been good of late and should fight out the finish. MY AMI BEACH could run on into minor money.
Selections: #2 Pretty Awesome, #9 Tokyo Princess, #3 Bosnay, #5 Fonte
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R108.000, 14:35GMT+2
Race Summary: KLEINZEE is unbeaten in six starts on the Polytrack. Her record on the grass is clearly not as good but she can add another win to her tally. ONCIDIUM does look to be improving and was a solid winner last time out. STREISAND makes a local debut and could improve. WISHES AND DREAMS and stable companion FANTINE are back up for trainer Alan Greeff and look course and distance suited. ROYAL MISSY has a place chance back on the grass. HONORABLE MEMBER is well weighted for this race but has struggled in her last two turf starts.
Selections: #1 Kleinzee, #2 Oncidium, #3 Streisand, #4 Wishes And Dreams
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R112.000, 15:10GMT+2
Race Summary: ABOVE THE HORIZON did not show his best last time out. He is better than that and has a chance in a very open-looking race. JOKER MAN has not won for some time now but will be given every chance by jockey Richard Fourie. LAGUNA VERDE and ACTION AMERICA are clearly better than their last runs would suggest and could be included in larger exotic permutations. ANATOLIAN SILVER and TOO LATE MY MATE are both threatening a winning turn. POLICY OF TRUTH was given a soft lead when an easy winner so it will be interesting to see what happens on the turf this time.
Selections: #3 Above The Horizon, #5 Action America, #6 Anatolian Silver, #7 Too Late My Mate
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R200.000, 15:45GMT+2
Race Summary: Trainer Dean Smith has a very strong hand in this race. CRUISE CONTROL impressed in his latest win on the Polytrack and can follow up over a course and distance that holds no fears for him. ASTRONOMICAL BOY quickened well when scoring over this course and distance last time out and jockey Craig Zackey gets the ride. ANUSCHKA’S WORLD has won his last start this course and distance and does not go down easily. FAIRY KNIGHT has not been at his very best of late but always remains a danger. MOUNT PILATUS should improve on his local debut and could surprise.
Selections: #1 Cruise Control, #7 Astronomical Boy, #3 Anuschka’s World, #4 Fairy Knight
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R112.000, 16:20GMT+2
Race Summary: SILVAN MISTRESS seemed to find the distance too short last time out. she has won over this course and distance before and deserves respect for that. Stable companion and richard fourie ridden WILD FIG has won four of his last five starts and must be respected for that. WORLD OF ROYALTY has struggled of late but has made the trip from the Gauteng and could be a threat. TERMINATOR, GEORGE HANDEL and HOLLANDIA BAKKERIJ are others that could get involved with the finish
Selections: #3 Silvan Mistress, #1 Wild Fig, #2 World Of Royalty, #4 Terminator
Best Win: #2 PRETTY AWESOME
Best Value Bet: #3 SILVAN MISTRESS
Best Longshot: #3 SILVAN MISTRESS
RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: FAIRVIEW@2026.10.02
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R100.000, 12:15GMT+2
Race Summary: A very open looking first event. HERE COMES JOHNNY has proven to be better on the grass and is overdue a first win. ALESIAN BEAU is knocking at the door and could score. PRETTY BOY has not enjoyed the Polytrack of late and could surprise. NORSE WARRIOR liked the Polytrack but might play a minor role. PALME D’OR showed vast improvement last week and could have more to offer. AMERICAN GEM liked it back on the turf and could earn some money. NORMA DELPHINE and RUSTIGE KRACHT also have scope for improvement.
Selections: #1 Here Comes Johnny, #2 Alesian Beau, #5 Palme D’Or, #3 Pretty Boy
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R92.000, 12:50GMT+2
Race Summary: MY SUNSHINE is raiding from the Western Cape and should make a bold bid at beating these rivals. BURNING DESIRE has been knocking loudly at the door and could go one place better. LADY OF FATE has improved of late and might earn some minor money. RARE EARTH has struggled on the Polytrack and could surprise back on the grass. WITCHING HOUR and TOTAL ERUPTION can earn some minor money. CAMDEN SQUARE has improved of late and must be respected. COCO BEACH is better than her last run would suggest and should fight out the finish.
Selections: #4 My Sunshine, #9 Coco Beach, #1 Burning Desire, #8 Camden Square
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R100.000, 13:25GMT+2
Race Summary: TAKEACHANCEONME makes a local debut. She has some fair form and could be ready to score. HOT BLOODED is improving and would not be a surprise winner. TIME HONORED is threatening to win a race and must be respected for that. MONKEY’S WEDDING is consistent and could do even better back on the turf. SCENTED PATH has improved of late and has a place chance. So, too, for that matter does RUN JOHNNY RUN. TRICKLE CHARGE can improve this distance.
Selections: #10 Takeachanceonme, #6 Hot Blooded, #1 Time Honored, #2 Monkey’s Wedding
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R90.000, 14:00GMT+2
Race Summary: PRETTY AWESOME won well on debut and was not disgraced in her second start. She steps up in distance which she should be looking for. BOSNAY is not reliable but is quite capable of contesting the finish. FONTE and PRICELESS TREASURE are both coming off maiden success and could be better than rated. TOKYO PRINCESS has been good of late and should fight out the finish. MY AMI BEACH could run on into minor money.
Selections: #2 Pretty Awesome, #9 Tokyo Princess, #3 Bosnay, #5 Fonte
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R108.000, 14:35GMT+2
Race Summary: KLEINZEE is unbeaten in six starts on the Polytrack. Her record on the grass is clearly not as good but she can add another win to her tally. ONCIDIUM does look to be improving and was a solid winner last time out. STREISAND makes a local debut and could improve. WISHES AND DREAMS and stable companion FANTINE are back up for trainer Alan Greeff and look course and distance suited. ROYAL MISSY has a place chance back on the grass. HONORABLE MEMBER is well weighted for this race but has struggled in her last two turf starts.
Selections: #1 Kleinzee, #2 Oncidium, #3 Streisand, #4 Wishes And Dreams
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R112.000, 15:10GMT+2
Race Summary: ABOVE THE HORIZON did not show his best last time out. He is better than that and has a chance in a very open-looking race. JOKER MAN has not won for some time now but will be given every chance by jockey Richard Fourie. LAGUNA VERDE and ACTION AMERICA are clearly better than their last runs would suggest and could be included in larger exotic permutations. ANATOLIAN SILVER and TOO LATE MY MATE are both threatening a winning turn. POLICY OF TRUTH was given a soft lead when an easy winner so it will be interesting to see what happens on the turf this time.
Selections: #3 Above The Horizon, #5 Action America, #6 Anatolian Silver, #7 Too Late My Mate
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R200.000, 15:45GMT+2
Race Summary: Trainer Dean Smith has a very strong hand in this race. CRUISE CONTROL impressed in his latest win on the Polytrack and can follow up over a course and distance that holds no fears for him. ASTRONOMICAL BOY quickened well when scoring over this course and distance last time out and jockey Craig Zackey gets the ride. ANUSCHKA’S WORLD has won his last start this course and distance and does not go down easily. FAIRY KNIGHT has not been at his very best of late but always remains a danger. MOUNT PILATUS should improve on his local debut and could surprise.
Selections: #1 Cruise Control, #7 Astronomical Boy, #3 Anuschka’s World, #4 Fairy Knight
Fairview, 02.10.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R112.000, 16:20GMT+2
Race Summary: SILVAN MISTRESS seemed to find the distance too short last time out. she has won over this course and distance before and deserves respect for that. Stable companion and richard fourie ridden WILD FIG has won four of his last five starts and must be respected for that. WORLD OF ROYALTY has struggled of late but has made the trip from the Gauteng and could be a threat. TERMINATOR, GEORGE HANDEL and HOLLANDIA BAKKERIJ are others that could get involved with the finish
Selections: #3 Silvan Mistress, #1 Wild Fig, #2 World Of Royalty, #4 Terminator
Best Win: #2 PRETTY AWESOME
Best Value Bet: #3 SILVAN MISTRESS
Best Longshot: #3 SILVAN MISTRESS
Australia – Sunday 4 October
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| Townsville | |
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Australia – Saturday 3 October
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| Kalgoorlie | |
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| Randwick | |
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Australia – Sunday 27 September
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| Caulfield | |
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| Sunshine Coast | |
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