Video Stars Race 4 – 5 GALLANT DESIGN After finishing a close second on debut, things didn’t quite go his way at his next two starts. Drawn wide on both occasions, he was disadvantaged by slow tempos yet still closed off strongly to finish seventh and fifth, suggesting a breakthrough win in Class 4 is not far away with a more economical run. In a wide-open field, he shapes as a leading contender this week. Race 7 – 3 FORZA TORO He had little luck last time out, with a tough run blunting his winning chances. From an awkward draw, he was trapped wide on the speed throughout before sticking on gamely in the straight to finish sixth, 2.5 lengths from the winner over 1600m. Prior to that, he recorded back-to-back third-place finishes following his drop to Class 4, and with better luck in running, he can make amends. Sectional Stars Race 2 – 1 GOOD FORTUNE His past two runs at the lower end of Class 4 have been encouraging, closing off strongly on both occasions to finish fifth over 1200m, beaten no more than two lengths each time. Dropping into Class 5 for the first time, where he meets weaker opposition, he should be right in the mix if he handles the step up to 1400m. Race 9 – 5 ALL’S WELL In a slowly run race last start, where the winner dictated throughout, he was forced to settle well back from a wide draw before producing a fast final 400m sectional to finish eighth over this track and distance. Given the circumstances, the performance was better than it appears on paper, and he warrants another chance this week.

Prominent owner, KK Yee has been enjoying a good run with multiple runners in recent weeks and is a chance of snaring the 1275m Class 5A contest (Race 1) with a couple of genuine contenders. FRIEND OF HONOR and WINNING SYMPHONY are likely to vie for favoritism. WINNING SYMPHONY will gain a weight advantage with the 4kg claim for apprentice M Zulhilmi and does look the one to beat on best form. FRIEND OF HONOR broke the maiden tag over this track and distance in January, and his recent Class 4 form has been solid. Despite the top weight (59kg) he appears to be a major player second run back in the grade. LIM’S SINAI backs up one week following his decisive 5.25L victory last Sunday and looks a likely prospect in this slightly harder lineup. The Banker’s Stable is currently striking at a respectable 13.8% this season and they will be represented by another debutant in the form of BANKER’S FIRST, engaged in the 1200m Class 3 (Race 6). The former Aussie is a metropolitan winner in Victoria and has been contesting some high benchmark races in his former home country. The five-year-old trialed well without being overtaxed here last month and is one to watch on Malaysian debut. PACIFIC PERY has shown gradual improvement following three starts this preparation and is due to break its Malaysian duck while HASTEN struck a purple patch of form towards the end of last year and is not without claims. BANKERSSWEETHEART has had excuses in two local runs but the mare’s trial during the week indicates a victory is coming in the near future and looks a value selection. The 2000m Supreme C contest (Race 7) contains two recent Group One winners which are expected to figure prominently over the staying trip. The G1 Perak Derby winner GURU FIGHT will clash with last year’s G1 Piala Emas winner KIM EMPEROR Derby place getter GUM KHOR can be thrown into the mix as well. GURU FIGHT has come a long way in the space of twelve months and produced a sterling effort in the derby when posted outside the leader throughout. The four-year-old responded well when required and looks the logical favorite in Sunday’s contest. KIM EMPEROR was only beaten 2.25L (7th) in the Perak Derby but appeared one-paced and never looked a threat. Apprentice Z Syafifie has not missed in two mounts aboard the gelding and can easily rebound to winning form back in home territory. GUM KHOR has only scored a maiden victory in his short career so far and nearly pulled off an upset in the Derby last month. The Irish bred five-year-old led and fought on gamely to run third after leading for most of the way to finish third, one length behind the winner. He is also bred to stay and is worth considering in future distance events in the country. BANKER’S HONOR can round out the trifectas on the upgrade and has placed over 2000m previously in Australia. STORM TITAN will be facing his toughest assignment as he aims for five successive wins in the 1500m Tattersall’s Ireland Breeze Up Trophy (Race 8). The four-year-old scored with authority when produced first up over 1100m here on March 15 after racing on speed. His early pace is a valuable asset and possesses the class to continue his progression through the grades as he races over the 1500m for the first time. BANKER’S VICTORY is coming off a short break and should break through at Class 3 level very soon. Stable mate, BANKER’S HAPPY produced a devastating eight length win over handy type Trees Of Valinor in a 1400m Class 4 contest a fortnight ago and looks capable of winning on the upgrade.

Sunday’s nine-race Standside track meeting at Turffontein may not carry any Black-Type fireworks across the programme but it does present punters with several attractive betting propositions, headed by a fascinating rematch in the Betway-sponsored Mythical Flight Stakes (Race 6) over 1100m. The Non-Black Type sprint for three-year-olds (known formerly as the Gold Rush Sprint) is effectively a rematch of the Grade 3 TAB National Currency Sprint, run over the same course and distance on 21 February, though the evidence points strongly toward Miami Mountain confirming his superiority. The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained son of Canford Cliffs overcame a sluggish start that day before unleashing a devastating turn of foot – with first-time blinkers applied – to win going away under Jeffrey Syster. An underwhelming subsequent display over 1400m can safely be forgiven. Without the headgear fitted, Miami Mountain over raced early and ran out of fuel long before the business end, leaving little for the finish. Returning to the sharper 1100m with the blinkers reapplied, the key ingredient to his Grade 3 success over track and trip, the stage is set for Miami Mountain to resume winning ways. Stable jockey Callan Murray takes over the reins this time and even off a five-point higher mark, the De Kock inmate rates the horse to beat. Familiar rivals Charming Cheetah and Zalatoris will not go down without a fight. Both were hot on his heels in the National Currency Sprint and met again recently over 1160m. Zalatoris had the edge but the revised weight terms in favour of Charming Cheetah puts him firmly into contention. Even so, if Miami Mountain reproduces the same late surge that carried him to Grade 3 course-and-distance glory, the rest will again be left fighting out the minors. Another runner worth strong consideration back over the preferred trip is Vanakkam in Race 7. The Mano Pandaram-trained daughter of Vercingetorix looks ideally placed to strike under favourable conditions in this Middle Stakes over 1000m. Her last two appearances came in stronger Grade 3 company over slightly further and the drop back to 1000m, a distance over which she has been beaten only once in four starts, is a strong positive. With the useful 1.5kg allowance of French rider Mickaëlle Michel, Vanakkam is one of the better value bets on the card. Earlier, Heath House should get punters off to a winning start in Race 1. The unbeaten youngster returns from a 16-week break and is open to any amount of improvement in his first appearance as a gelding. His perfect record looks set to remain intact. Later, highly regarded Pivotal Role is another progressive type whose upward trajectory it should pay to follow in Race 8, even under a penalty for his last-start victory. Clive Robinson  

Completing a triumphant return to Hong Kong racing with a superb four-timer at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (8 April), Joao Moreira reunited with long-time ally Caspar Fownes in brilliant fashion as the battle for the 2025/26 trainers’ championship intensified. Taking nine rides for Fownes, Moreira finished the evening with four wins and a second as Fownes erased Mark Newnham’s four-win lead in the championship to join the Australian horseman on 47 wins, and trail only by virtue of minor placings with 31 second placings to Newnham’s 36. “Dream night. It’s nice to get a few wins on the board, Caspar said he was going to have a few horses ready to run well on this meeting and he’s done an amazing job,” Moreira said. “I just finished it off. He’s (Fownes) done everything and given me nice horses. When you, as a rider, are riding nice horses, your life is much easier.” Starting his role as the Fownes’ stable retained jockey in supreme style, Moreira struck with Decision Link, Golden Brilliant, Sky Cap and Perfect General to thrust Fownes closer to a fifth trainers’ championship. The Brazilian’s spree began with Decision Link’s (132lb) powerful finish to land the Class 5 Cochrane Handicap (1200m) after jumping from gate 12. Later, he scored aboard Golden Brilliant (125lb) in the first section of the Class 4 D’Aguilar Handicap (1650m) before leading all the way on Sky Cap (133lb) in the second section of the Class 4 Wyndham Handicap (1200m). Narrowly denied by Hugh Bowman’s calculated patience aboard David Eustace’s Silvery Breeze (135lb) to land the Class 3 Glenealy Handicap (1650m) by a head over Moreira’s Sky Vino (127lb), the ‘Magic Man’ completed his quartet when Hong Kong International Sale graduate Perfect General (128lb) clinched the first section of the Class 3 On Lan Handicap (1200m). “It’s fantastic. I’m so happy and glad to be back, especially in the winning circle,” the South American said. “It’s a pleasure to be back – I’m so pleased and proud to back. “I’ve got to be clear, it’s a bit different now because I’m in a different position (retained stable jockey) because I’m tied into a stable. It feels like people are warming up to having me back, I feel it, and I’m very pleased and proud.” Winner of four Hong Kong jockeys’ championships – in 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2020/21 – Moreira believes he can enhance Fownes’ hopes of landing a fifth trainers’ championship. “I guess that’s the reason Caspar has been asking me for so long to come back and give him some help. It worked out pretty good. I was supposed to come back earlier in the season, but it didn’t work out, but I’ve come back to a crossed line where the championship is really on fire,” Moreira said. “Caspar is probably having the best shot by having me on the team to back him up. That’s why I’m here, to support him and hopefully to get the best results.” Fownes lauded Moreira’s ride on Decision Link: “What a ride. He’s got it one off the fence from gate 12 and it was a beautiful ride. It certainly got us yelling – it was nice to see him finish off like that. It’s a wonderful way to start the partnership.” Angus Chung slotted a double, successfully combining with Danny Shum’s General Redwood (123lb) to land the second section of the Class 4 D’Aguilar Handicap (1650m) and Tony Cruz’s Tycoon Resources (125lb) in the Class 4 Graham Handicap (1000m). A half brother to dual Australian Group 1 winner Hungry Heart, Tycoon Resources provided Chung with his first double since February. “It’s been a tough time, so happy for the double. I try my best – it’s been a difficult run – but it’s nice to get two winners,” Chung said, while Cruz believes Tycoon Resources has a bright future. “It was his debut run tonight and he won very well. I think he’s a horse that’s got some ability. He travelled here very good, everything was very good,” Cruz said. “I think he’s got a good future.” Zac Purton edged closer to another century of winners in a season when Ricky Yiu’s Smart Fighter (125lb) gave the eight-time Hong Kong champion jockey his 95th of the campaign with success in the Class 4 Sports Club Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m). Bowman regained second spot in the jockeys’ championship by sealing a double aboard John Size-trained Sight Hermoso in the second section of the Class 3 On Lan Handicap (1200m), taking his tally to 47 wins for the season – two more than Andrea Atzeni. Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (12 April). By Leo Schlink

Short fields but competitive racing await punters at Hollywoodbets Scottsville next Wednesday, where betting moves could prove significant across the nine-race card.

The opener is particularly intriguing as recent winner Green Energy meets Kazenoyoni again. Green Energy, trained by Adam Azzie, improved sharply to win well at his second start and looks progressive. However, Kazenoyoni produced a stunning late surge to score on debut and should improve further over the extra distance. Pink Skies, carrying a light weight after a solid effort behind Master Magician, also has claims.

Race two features several first-timers, but Royal Crest looks progressive despite taking on older rivals, while Winter Blessing, with blinkers reapplied, should be competitive.

In the first leg of the PA, Quest Of Valor has shown promise against his own age group and now meets older horses, while Mastercrafter is expected to improve after a green debut. Consistent Xiphos could finally find the right opportunity.

Roy’s Grace appeals in the Pick 6 opener after two encouraging comeback runs and benefits from a 4kg claim. Greenlight and last-start winner Lilac In Winter look closely matched at the weights.

Peter Muscutt holds a strong hand in race five with Touched By Angels, Dylan’s Champ and Rollo The Viking all holding winning chances, while consistent filly Forward Motion can earn again despite tougher opposition.

Later on, Donquerari’s consistency and a rating drop make him competitive, though recent winner Circumbendibus and lightly raced Position Of Power pose threats.

The staying handicap over 2400m looks wide open, with Star Of The Future expected to improve over the longer trip alongside Basie Raakvat and Mary Read.

Dean Kannemeyer’s lightly raced Gallic Victor can close the meeting on a winning note, with in-form Next Of Kin the main danger.

Race 2 – 1 ALWAYS FLUKE Since finishing a solid second to the rapidly improving SHOTGUN in Class 5 three starts ago, he has held his own in Class 4 company, placing third in his penultimate outing before a luckless sixth last time out when held up at a crucial stage. Dropping back to the cellar grade, he looks well placed to return to the winner’s list against moderate opposition. Race 10 – 10 AKASHVANI He likely found the 1600m and 1800m trips in the Classic Mile and Classic Cup beyond his optimum in his last two starts, but he still showed good early speed and was not beaten far on either occasion. Three runs ago, he led throughout to score comfortably in Class 3, suggesting he should handle the rise to Class 2 this week. Having trialled well since his last start, he appears ready to produce an improved performance against what looks a more manageable field. Sectional Stars Race 5 – 10 LITTLE MONSTER He is better than his last two starts suggest, having had his chances significantly hindered by wide trips from awkward draws. Three runs ago, he charged home strongly to finish second behind recent Class 3 winner AURIO, indicating he is capable of breaking through in Class 4 if things go his way. Race 6 – 1 GLOWING PRAISES His two local starts over 1000m have yielded a win and a close third, most recently flashing home with the third-fastest final 400m to be beaten only a nose. Racing over his preferred distance again this week, he shapes as a strong contender despite carrying top weight.

Jet Force has emerged as an exciting horse to follow after proving he can mix it with top Weight-For-Age performers. His authoritative Listed Jet Master Stakes victory suggests he can make a bold bid in Monday’s Grade 3 Variety Club Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

His standout effort came in the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes, finishing close behind Dave The King and just behind future Grade 1 Cape Town Met winner See It Again, while beating Durban July hero The Real Prince home. Despite a tough draw in the Grade 1 L’Ormarins Kings Plate, he held his own, confirming his rise through the ranks. Trainer Des McLachlan has his yard firing, with Grant van Niekerk booked to ride.

Legal Counsel commands respect after pushing See It Again to under a length in the Cape Town Met and looks set for another strong showing before likely heading to Durban for Champions Season. Viva’s Liberte, eye-catching in the Cape Derby after doing the early work, carries a light weight and could be dangerous against older rivals.

In the Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes, Stormwatch appears at peak fitness after a win and close second in the Prix Du Cap and may prove hard to beat, though Roccapina is better off at the weights and rates a threat.

Among the supporting races, One Spirit is the runner to beat in the opener after a promising debut, while improving filly Shesgotclass can follow up her recent win. Who Is She looks a winner in waiting after an unlucky last run, and La Pulga drops into calmer company over 1800m.

Noble Hero, thriving with two wins from his last three starts, has strong claims again, while Rattlesnake’s inside draw could prove decisive in the finale, with One Liner the main danger.

Doncaster Day at Royal Randwick on Saturday, April 4 again delivered one of the biggest programs of the Sydney autumn, with Day 1 of The Championships built around four Group 1 features run in succession through the heart of the afternoon. The official Group 1 schedule had the Inglis Sires, the T J Smith Stakes, the Doncaster Mile and the Australian Derby, giving the meeting the kind of shape and momentum that always makes this day feel important. There is always a little extra around Randwick on this day because the program gives you a bit of everything. You go from the juveniles in the Inglis Sires’, straight into the elite sprinters in the T J Smith, then into one of the most recognisable handicap miles in the country before finishing with the staying test of the Australian Derby. The Australian Turf Club also framed the day as the arrival of The Championships and highlighted it as one of the major centrepieces of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, which felt about right given the depth across the card. The Inglis Sires’ was the first of the four Group 1s and it was Campione D’Italia who gave Chris Waller and James McDonald another major Randwick result. He took out the 1400-metre feature on a Soft 7 surface in 1:24.80, beating Miss Chanel with Fireball in third. It was the kind of win that suggested he had a bit more than just raw two-year-old speed, and on a day like this that usually matters because the better juveniles need to absorb pressure as much as produce it.

The T J Smith Stakes again looked every bit the sprint feature it is meant to be and Joliestar was the one who stood up when it counted for the in-form combo of Chris Waller and James McDonald. The mare won the 1200-metre Group 1 in 1:09.58, defeating Giga Kick with Skybird running third, while the Australian Turf Club also noted this year’s race as the 30th running of the T J Smith. It is a race that does not leave much room to hide, and Joliestar’s performance had the authority you want to see in a weight-for-age sprint at this level.

The Doncaster Mile was always going to be one of the headline acts and Sheza Alibi made sure it became her race in no uncertain terms. She won the $4 million feature as the $1.90 favourite for Peter G Moody and Katherine Coleman, with Jamie Melham aboard, stopping the clock at 1:35.62 on the Soft 7. She was the first three-year-old filly to win the classic mile since the champion mare mare Sunline won it in 1999. Melham had to get down to a light 49kgs but stated after the race “She gave me goosebumps” & “I’d starve every week to ride a horse like her”. Autumn Boy ran second and Militarize filled third, but the performance of the winner was the one that gave the race its statement. With just 49kg, she took full advantage and turned one of the toughest miles on the calendar into a very one-sided result.

The Australian Derby then closed out the Group 1 sequence and shifted the conversation from speed and handicaps to stamina. Green Spaces gave Bjorn Baker and Rachel King a major result in the 2400-metre classic, scoring in 2:32.84 on the same Soft 7 track. King also became the first female jockey to win the ATC Australian Derby. Dezignation was second at a massive price and Storm Leopard was third, with the Derby once again asking the proper staying question of the three-year-olds and getting a winner who looked up to the task. Trainer Bjorn Baker was quick to comment “What date is the Melbourne Cup?” as feature staying events are now on the radar for the son of Street Boss. It capped the elite stretch of the afternoon in the right way and gave the meeting that strong staying finish the program is known for.

Taken as a whole, Doncaster Day again showed why it remains one of the standout afternoons of the Australian racing season. The four Group 1s all brought something different, from juvenile class to sprint pressure, a new star of Australia and Melbourne Cup hopes after Derby glory., and that mix is what gives the meeting its identity. Randwick on April 4 had all of that, and the card again lived up to the weight that comes with Day 1 of The Championships. By Scott Bailey  

4Racing continues its Championships journey on Saturday, 4 April, offering a bumper card of nine feature races for Day 3. There is additional gloss for this year’s event with the Corne Spies-trained Hazy Dazy being a lively contender for the Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks, Triple Tiara honours and that attractive R1 million bonus.

While the Triple Crown saw Mr P Murugasa’s Splittheeights take the TAB Gauteng Guineas for the Mike & Mathew de Kock stable under Raymond Danielson and Mrs Heinrich Kuhn’s Grand Empire (Sean Tarry / Craig Zackey) take the World Pool HKJC SA Classic in a tussle, there will be no series winner this year, but nevertheless, an intriguing field has assembled for the 2026 World Pool HKJC SA Derby. Mr M Havenga’s Diogenes has thrived since moving to the Highveld and the care of Weichong Marwing and the 3yo son of Hawwaam announced himself as a Derby contender when he ran out a fitting winner of the WSB Hawwaam Stakes on 14 March.

There are three entries from KZN – Salani Khale (Gareth van Zyl / Sean Veale), Sword Speed (Alyson Wright / Keagan de Melo) and Reign On Impact (Frikkie Greyling / Athandiwe Mgudlwa). While Gavin van Zyl won the race with Seal in 2011, the horse had been based at his Highveld satellite yard under the care of son Chesney and one has to go all the way back to 1986 when Terrance Millard raided with Potomac to find the last winning raider.

This year has one filly in the race, Hollywood Racing’s Curious Girl from the Mike & Mathew de Kock stable, who will be partnered by Gavin Lerena. While the Derby has been won by fillies in the past, the feat has not been achieved since Noble Lady in 1917.

The SA Derby originates in Port Elizabeth, with the inaugural event, run for a stake of 400 sovereigns, dating back to Saturday, 17 October 1885, when it was won by Mr Hilton Barber’s Oxygen (Plunger). By the turn of the century, Johannesburg had become the racing centre of South Africa in the wake of the gold rush and the race relocated to Turffontein where it has remained ever since and with its rich history and illustrious honour roll, the SA Derby remains one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious racing events.

WILGERBOSDRIFT BRIDGET OPPENHEIMER SA OAKS

The South African Oaks over 2450m is the oldest and most demanding classic race for three-year-old fillies in the country and dates back to 1914 when it was won by a filly named Pendant (by Sidus), trained by Fred Murray and ridden by William Watson. Murray was a trainer of some repute – the only one so far to have won four successive Durban July Handicaps (1910-1913).

Like its counterpart, the race has a rich and colourful history, with the 1916 running a particular stand-out. The winner was Opera Cloak, a filly bred by AE Passmore by St Maurice out of Pellerine. The same mating had produced Passmore’s 1912 SA Derby winner, Van Raalte. Opera Cloak was a diminutive individual. So much so that she was eligible for Galloway races. Accordingly, ‘AE’ chose to keep and race her for his own account and trained her himself. After a good win in a Flying Handicap at the Johannesburg Turf Club on 23 December 1916, ‘AE’ entered her for the Oaks, to be run over a mile and a half on 30 December. While it is fairly remarkable for a mare to produce full siblings who both go on to be classic winners, the story gets more remarkable still. ‘AE’, who was in his fifties by now, held a gentleman rider’s license and is down in the history books as the breeder, owner, trainer AND rider of the 1916 Oaks winner, beating in the process, Ike Strydom, the champion jockey of his day.

The late Mrs Bridget Oppenheimer accumulated a phenomenal SA Oaks record, having won it a total of 14 times, so it is fitting that the race carries her name.

With impressive wins in the first two legs, the connections of fairytale filly Hazy Dazy are confident of another good effort and she will be partnered by her regular jockey, apprentice Trent Mayhew.

There have been 5 winners of the SA Triple Tiara to date (Igugu in 2011, Cherry On The Top in 2013, Summer Pudding in 2020, War Of Athena in 2021 and Rain In Holland in 2022) and there will be a R1 million bonus if Hazy Dazy can add her name to the list on Saturday.

There are three Group 1’s on the day’s card, the TAB Empress Club Stakes, the World Pool HKJC Premier’s Champions Challenge and the TAB Computaform Sprint.

TAB Computaform Sprint

The TAB Computaform Sprint is one of only two Group 1 contests on the SA calendar. It was first run as the Castrol National Sprint in 1970, a race which virtually overnight became SA’s premier test of speed and its honour roll is a true embarrassment des riches, littered with the names of SA turf greats such as Sentinel, Senor Santa, Taban, Tommy Hotspur, dual winner Golden Loom, National Colour, J J The Jet Plane and recent winners Shea Shea and Isivunguvungu. Comptutaform added its name to the race and it has stayed there ever since.

Corne Spies ward, 7yo William Robertson, teams up with jockey Ryan Munger to defend their 2025 title, but there will be plenty trying to deny them the double, including Buffalo Storm Cody, one of the highest rated horses in the country, and East Cape raider Kingdundee, who is currently on a four race winning streak.

TAB Empress Club Stakes

The Empress Club Stakes, previously run as the Turffontein Fillies and Mares Stakes, was renamed for one of the greatest female talents to grace the South African turf. Bred in Argentina by Haras Abolengo, Empress Club was foaled in 1988. She was a daughter of Farnesio out of the El Gran Capitan mare Elysee, making her a half-sister to Gr1 fillies, Ecurie and Epoque. Empress Club raced in the interests of Laurie and Jean Jaffee and was trained in South Africa first by Terrance Millard and from her 3yo career onwards by his son, Tony.

Nicknamed ‘The Galloping Goldmine’, she was nothing short of a phenom on the track, concluding her career with 16 wins – which included a staggering nine Gr1s – from 26 starts in South Africa and the USA. She was ARCSA Champion 3yo Filly as well as SA Horse Of The Year for 1992 and ARCSA Champion Older Female in 1993, retiring with record earnings of R3.1 million.

The 2026 renewal of the TAB Empress Club Stakes has attracted a high quality 10 horse field representing some of the best distaff talent from around the country. There is a dual threat from the Western Cape comprising SA Champion Trainer Justin Snaith’s recent Majorca Stakes winning charge Double Grand Slam and Candice Bass’s narrow Majorca Stakes bridesmaid, Rainbow Lorikeet. From the Eastern Cape, Alan Greeff returns his Equus Champion 2YO filly Golden Palm, while Gareth van Zyl represents KZN with Past Is Prologue. The Highveld is represented by big race heavyweight Sean Tarry who saddles stablemates Callmegetrix and Rodeo Drive, the Candice and Tammy Dawson training team with Minogue, Tony Peter saddles Kisshoten, David Nieuwenhuizen fields Famous Lady and Fanie Bronkhorst completes the field with Scarlett Heart.

World Pool HKJC Premier’s Champions Challenge

The Premier’s Champions Challenge is something of a melting pot, having evolved from remnants of the ‘old’ Summer Handicap. It has been run as a conditions race and latterly at WFA plus penalties, has moved around the calendar and even alternated venues between Turffontein and the old Gosforth Park before disappearing from the calendar completely for a number of years. When the calendar was restructured in the late 1990’s, the race was reimagined as the Champion Stakes (WFA) and included as part of the newly launched Champions Day line-up. It underwent a few more changes before finally settling as the Premier’s Champions Challenge.

This year’s event promises a clash for the ages and features defending champion Fire Attack (Alec Laird / Calvin Habib), 2025 Premier’s Champions Challenge runner up Royal Victory who will be aiming to go one better for his new conditioner Weichong Marwing, 2026 WSB Cape Town Met hero See It Again (Justin Snaith / Craig Zackey), 2024 Betway Summer Cup victor Atticus Finch (Alec Laird / Gavin Lerena), 2025 Betway Summer Cup runner up Olivia’s Way (Roy Magner / Marco van Rensburg) and Sean Tarry’s 2026 TAB SA Classic winner Grand Empire (Ryan Munger) among others.

And it doesn’t end there. The card also offers the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes (named for George Azzie’s globetrotting champion – read more about him in last week’s edition of Off The Record – https://news.4racing.com/off-the-record-115), the Gr2 SA Nursery, Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery and 2850m Caradoc Gold Cup (Listed), named for another George Azzie star whose big race wins included the 1966 Summer Cup and 1968 Gold Cup. He retired to become a lead horse at Turffontein and was fittingly laid to rest in the Champions Graveyard in the Turrfontein infield.

Darryl Moore’s JP’s Palace stayed competitive until the closing stages of the Listed Kings Cup at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and looks well placed under another favourable weight in Sunday’s World Sports Betting Sledgehammer at the same venue. With slightly weaker opposition, he is expected to produce another bold showing.

I Salute You, returning from a successful Western Cape campaign, must concede 9.5kg to JP’s Palace which may prove decisive. Bruh, fitted with first-time blinkers and carrying a light weight, could surprise, while Field Marshal should improve after a promising comeback run behind Okavango and JP’s Palace.

In the fillies and mares’ WSB Scarlet Lady, Ice Rain carries top weight but meets Rahhabba on 1.5kg better terms after a narrow defeat and can reverse the result. Ladyofdistinction should improve on firmer ground, while Miss Twinkle also enjoys a pull at the weights, though stable rider Serino Moodley’s choice of Ice Rain is notable.

The Scottsville straight often suits inexperienced runners, and both opening races feature large juvenile fields where betting will be key. De Gulden impressed when third on debut in the Cape and could be the one to beat, while Iceberg Rose, Sei Bella, and Liz Hurley are capable of improvement. In race two, Predator’s Crown and Bison Warrior bring strong form, while Tommy Greaney is expected to progress from a green debut.

Lilting Song looks a solid Place Accumulator option after consecutive runner-up finishes, with Lolly Willowes and improving Chooks Kiss among the dangers.

Quarter Master can open the Pick 6 despite a wide draw, while Good Omen is overdue a win and Taylor’s Version, with blinkers reapplied, can bounce back.

Over 2400m, Continentalexpress has strong course-and-distance form but faces serious threats from Royal Invitation and in-form Plum Pudding, while Son Of Raj adds class despite recent struggles.

Arverni Princess rates a chance in a competitive eighth, alongside last-start winner Jane’s Vision.

The meeting may conclude with City Of Love, who drops sharply in class and is well suited to course and distance, though Who Blinked and Military Command could challenge.

After setting a new record for consecutive wins by a Hong Kong-trained horse, Zac Purton remains supremely confident Ka Ying Rising (128lb) can extend his unbeaten streak in Easter Monday’s (6 April) HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin. Having surpassed Silent Witness’ previous record of 17 successive victories by landing a second HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m), Ka Ying Rising returns bidding for a 19th successive win against six rivals at the public holiday Group 2 double-header, which also features the HK$5.35 million G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m). Acclaimed as the world’s top-rated horse after the March edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings was released, eight-time Group 1 winner Ka Ying Rising clocked 23s in a dirt course gallop on Monday (30 March) in preparation. Purton said: “I can’t see why he can’t continue to keep doing what he is doing. I just take every race as it comes and for him it’s all the same, right? Hopefully, he handles himself on race day, gets out of the gates clean and gets himself into the right spot – if those things happen, then he does the rest.” Ka Ying Rising – trained by David Hayes – is a dual G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) winner (2024 & 2025). He also won the 2025 G1 The Everest (1200m), forming part of his 18-race unconquered run, which began in February, 2024 in Class 3. “We all know what he can do and we all know what he’s about – he’s a very straightforward horse,” Purton said. “Everything is ticking over with him, and his trial was good. It seems like he’s in good form and good spirits as he always is.” Ka Ying Rising steps from gate five under Purton, who rides Dennis Yip’s Fast Network (123lb) in the Chairman’s Trophy when the horse rises to a mile for the first time this season after connections opted against racing in Saturday’s (28 March) G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m). Purton said: “It’s a good chance to see him over the mile as to where they’re going to go on (FWD) Champions Day. His win last start was very good, but he had the right barrier, and the race was run to suit – it’s exactly the way he likes to race. “It’s a bigger field than what I was expecting, but he’s a quality horse and it’s a bit of trial and error. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go to Dubai, which is a shame, because as it turns out, I think he would have been very hard to beat.” Hayes saddles Storm Rider and Rubylot (123lb) in the Chairman’s Trophy, and said: “Storm Rider will appreciate the drop in weight (135lb to 123lb). He’s never been tried at the distance, but he gives me the impression with the way that he’s finishing over 1400 metres that he’ll run a mile.” Rubylot returned from injury in March, finishing 10th first-up, and Australian Racing Hall of Famer Hayes believes “he’s improved significantly” ahead of Monday. Purton, 43, heads to Sydney, Australia, for Saturday’s (4 April) World Pool fixture at Royal Randwick, booked to ride Evaporate in the G1 Doncaster Mile Handicap (1600m) and Giga Kick in the G1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m), among others. “It’s good to be back on him (Giga Kick). I ran second on him in this race. They’ve done a really good job to get him back after such a long time off, and his runs this time have shown that he’s heading the right way. “He loves Randwick, which is a big plus, and it’ll be good to get another look at the other horses close up as well, because obviously we’ll (Ka Ying Rising) be going back down there in the spring to try and defend our title (in The Everest),” Purton said. Purton is a triple Doncaster Mile winner with Sacred Falls in 2014, It’s Somewhat in 2017 and Mr Brightside in 2023. He’ll team with Ben, Will & JD Hayes, who saddle Evaporate. Evaporate holds a nomination for the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), and Purton said: “He ran well in the All-Star Mile (G1, 1600m), and then he was a bit disappointing the other day, I thought, but he gets back to a handicap where he should be better suited. It is going to be hard to beat the three-year-olds, especially Sheza Alibi, with no weight on her back.” Monday’s (6 April) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm with the Class 4 Lugard Handicap (1000m). By Declan Schuster

Former Class 3 galloper NAUGHTY KID has been languishing near the bottom of Class 5 for several months now but does get his opportunity to break a fifteen-month winning drought in the 1020m Rebound Stakes (Race 1). Coming off three minor placings in a row, the nine-year-old should deliver with Jarrod Mallyon astride for the first time. CC (Jimmy) Wong returns to Malaysia with a handy book of rides and PACIFIC SOLDIER can start the day on a positive note for the former Penangite. PACIFIC SOLDIER is also due to strike and despite finishing out of the money as a beaten favourite last start, he has scored over the track and distance previously. A couple of runners engaged in the 1020m Class 4B contest (Race 4) have got their hoof on the till with BANKER’S BABY and IRON SAMURAI drawn barriers one and two respectively. BANKER’S BABY has missed a place once in five local starts without a win but the mare receives a perfect opportunity to break her Malaysian duck. IRON SAMURAI has finished runner up at his past three outings and is bursting to break through. The seven-year-old has the early speed to lead but may be pressured early by OUR SECRET WEAPON which is also likely to roll forward over the shorter trip. RHYTHM OF ZEN received no luck on the upgrade last start but has won at this level before and is one to watch at good odds. The 1400m NZB Ready To Run Graduate Cup (Race 7) will highlight the ten-race program with the Mega Stable represented by five of the twelve runners in the RM 150,000 Listed Feature. MEGA VALOR enters the race with perfect lead up form and if anything, has improved with race experience. With two wins from seven starts, MEGA VALOR was dominant in a Class 4 contest here three weeks ago when leading throughout by 2.25L. However, MEGA CRUSADER also possesses an abundance of early pace and will resume from a 78-day break. He wasn’t overtaxed in a recent trial and his initial preparation suggests he is one galloper capable of progressing through the grades. YES BOSS YES broke his maiden tag in unusual circumstances when leading all the way here on March 15. Jockey I Fikri lost the use of his iron soon after the start and took evasive action to release the opposite iron. Hence Fikri rode the entire race without a foot in the stirrups and displayed good horsemanship in guiding YES BOSS YES to a 1.25L victory over the 1200m trip. CAPETIAN won twice from three starts for his initial campaign and will strip fitter from his first up performance here three weeks ago. He looks better suited against his age group and should pick off a few more races for the Buffalo Stable. MEGA MAXIMUS has had the name change and is a galloper which has shown ability missing a place once from six runs. The horse formerly known as Maximus Pegasus is only a moderate beginner but his quick turn of acceleration is his valuable asset and could strike a blow if the pace is fast early. Five-year-old RUMEUR put the writing on the wall with an encouraging second placing behind the promising youngster MEGA VALOR here on March 15 and is likely to go one better in the 1300m Class 4A contest (Race 9). Having its second run back in the grade, RUMEUR is drawn to settle on pace and should prove hard to beat with Jose de Souza on board the gelding for the first time. SAKURA resumes from an 84 day break and he does possess a handy first up record (3:1-1-1). The four old will gain a big weight advantage with 52kg to carry after the M Ekdihar apprentice claim and looks well placed for a comeback win. KIM EMPIRE won well from a wide gate over this track and journey two runs back and must not be left out of calculations.

Punters face a competitive programme on the Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack on Friday evening, where an early highlight could come in race 1 with Dean Kannemeyer’s Flying Fate. The daughter of Master Of My Fate showed greenness on debut but finished strongly and is expected to improve. Peace Rose, who has progressed with each run and was narrowly beaten last time, looks the main danger, while Siyabamelela and Vaan’s Spirit also hold claims from favourable circumstances.

Dream Decision can start the Place Accumulator after consistent runner-up finishes in open handicaps and now meets modest opposition. Can We Start may improve switching to the poly, while Cali Bullet has place prospects.

Master Du Rouvray is a strong contender in the first Pick 6 leg. Despite top weight, he is consistent and suited to course and distance. High Queue is ultra-reliable, while Sesame steps up after a solid win but must overcome a ratings rise.

Competitive handicaps follow. Magic Maverick looks well weighted with an apprentice allowance and top rider aboard, though Takeyourbestshot and Chasing Gold remain threats. National Dream, now fitted with blinkers, could surprise.

Race 5 is wide open. My Lucky Charm impressed on local debut and drops in class, while Ragnar The King could feature at odds and Deandre’s Dream returns to more suitable company.

In race 6, Thought Control makes her poly debut after a promising post-maiden effort and meets Spirit Of Shimla on better terms. Oklahoma Girl is improving, while lightweight Oh My Gucci Girl could attempt to dictate from a good draw.

Queen is well suited in race 7 over her preferred course and distance, with consistent Grue Of Ice, improving Time In Paris, and Rafeef’s Choice all in contention.

The meeting may conclude successfully for Catch A Penny, who brings solid Cape form and was narrowly beaten last start. Magical Sky, a dual course-and-distance winner, along with Summer Winter and Ruby Rising, complete the main chances.

Racing fans are in for a blockbuster afternoon at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday 4 April when 4Racing stages Champions Day, a spectacular 12-race programme stacked with elite competition and irresistible betting opportunities. The Highveld’s premier meeting boasts three Grade 1 contests and five Grade 2 features, with four races run under the Hong Kong World Pool banner, giving TAB punters the rare chance to bet into enormous international pools. Add to that multiple carryover incentives, including a massive Pick 6 injection, three Jackpots and two BiPot carryovers, and the stage is set for a day where serious money will be in play. At the centre of the card stands the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge (Race 8) over 2000m, where a field of 11 lines up for the meeting’s headline act. Leading the charge is See It Again from the yard of Justin Snaith. The multiple Grade 1 hero arrives with the strongest credentials after landing the 2000m Cape Town Met in January and producing a storming late run when second in the Grade 1 Horse Chestnut Stakes on his Highveld reappearance. The return to 2000m on the Standside track looks ideal, and if he reproduces that familiar late surge he will take plenty of beating. Among those standing in his way is last year’s winner Fire Attack, trained by Alec Laird, and Royal Victory (now in the care of Weichong Marwing), runner-up in the race 12 months ago. Adding further intrigue is a rematch between progressive three-year-olds Grand Empire and Trust. The Sean Tarry-trained former edged out Trust in a gripping finish to the Grade 1 SA Classic over 1800m, the second leg of the Triple Crown. Both promise further improvement over the extra trip, but they now meet a battle-hardened older champion in See It Again. Earlier on the card, the Grade 1 TAB Empress Club Stakes (Race 6) over 1600m sees star mare Double Grand Slam make her eagerly anticipated Highveld debut. Snaith’s runner, a three-time winner at the highest level, arrives fresh from her Majorca Stakes triumph in Cape Town where she denied re-opposing Rainbow Lorikeet over the same distance. With championship-chasing rider Craig Zackey partnering both Double Grand Slam and See It Again, the Snaith–Zackey combination looks primed to strike a Grade 1 double. The speed merchants take centre stage in the 1000m Grade 1 Computaform Sprint (Race 7), where defending champion William Robertson returns to defend his crown for trainer Corne Spies. However, the veteran’s task looks far tougher this year with explosive Buffalo Storm Cody and his conqueror in the Cape Flying Championship, Kingdundee, both bringing serious firepower to the dash. Triple Tiara glory could also be sealed later in the afternoon when Hazy Dazy lines up in the Grade 2 SA Oaks (Race 10). The Act Of War filly has been a revelation for Spies this season and steps up to 2450m in pursuit of a series cleansweep after victories in the 1600m Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas (Leg 1) and Wilgerbosdrift Grade 1 SA Fillies Classic over 1800m. Another fascinating subplot unfolds in the Grade 2 TAB SA Derby (Race 9) where the powerhouse stable of Mike and Mathew de Kock run recent Oaks Trial heroine Curious Girl to tackle colts and geldings. The daughter of Futura receives a handy 2.5kg sex allowance and could etch her name into the history books with victory over her male opposition in the 2450m stamina test under Gavin Lerena. Punters hunting value beyond those contests would do well to follow Tarry’s Gimme A Vodka in Race 3 and Laird’s last-start winner Daimyo in Race 4, as both seem likely to land feature-race success for their powerful stables. With championship-level racing, massive betting pools and several intriguing storylines unfolding across the afternoon, Champions Day promises to deliver a fitting climax to the Highveld season – and a punting spectacle to match! Clive Robinson