Stormy Grove delivered a sensational run at long odds to score an upset and claim the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic series, the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), at Sha Tin on Sunday (1 March). Ridden by Harry Bentley, the son of Toronado made it two wins in a row and landed the Hong Kong Classic Cup with a performance reminiscent of his explosive 1600m showing at Sha Tin two weeks ago, when, after being drawn 14, he surged from last to first to claim his first Hong Kong win. Having jumped from barrier 12 at odds of 21/1 for Sunday’s race, the chestnut broke well and settled at the rear of the field. After enjoying a problem-free passage, he was called upon for an effort as they turned for home with 500 metres to go. Bentley drew Stormy Grove wide and urged the Frankie Lor-trained gelding to challenge, and once again he swooped home in a race-fastest final 400m sectional of 23.04s, finishing a length clear of the fast-closing Invincible Ibis, who led home Patch Of Cosmo and Numbers. “This feels extremely special,” said Bentley, who has been in the saddle for each of Stormy Grove’s seven Hong Kong runs. “I’ve liked this horse throughout, and I’ve struck up a good partnership with him. I was extremely impressed with the way he won last time. I had to come into this race with a certain level of expectation and hope. But to do it the way he did was pretty breathtaking.” It was Stormy Grove’s first run over 1800m, and he’ll need to break new ground again when he goes for BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) glory on 22 March. “This ranks very highly on my wins in Hong Kong, and it’s very special,” said the Englishman. “He’s stepped up again, and he can do it. Same again, now, to the Derby.” Frankie Lor felt a suitable pace aided his charge, and said a similarly run race on BMW Hong Kong Derby day might lead to further glory for the Australian-bred Stormy Grove: “I thought if the pace was suitable for him, he could do the same thing as last time at 1600 (metres). “Next is 2000 (metres), and I think if the pace is suitable for him, then he can do the same thing. I think if he can settle, like today – he settled real good, and also the jockey – he knows the horse, he can have a very strong finish.” It was a standout day for Jerry Chau, who continued his fine form this year as he registered his 10th, 11th and 12th winners since the beginning of February, and surpassed 200 Hong Kong winners. His treble began with victory aboard three-year-old Chill Partners (126lb) after a thrilling finish to the Class 4 Citi Private Bank Handicap (1400m), which provided Francis Lui with his 31st winner of the season. “All I was thinking in that race was getting a smooth run,” Chau said. “Whether he was a little bit back or in the lead, as long as he has a comfortable race, I trusted he would finish well.” Chau, 25, partnered with Lui to good effect again when Galactic Voyage (128lb) prevailed in the Class 3 Citi Wealth Advisory Services Handicap (1200m). “He is a very good horse and in trackwork, he’s just very settled and relaxed,” said the 25-year-old. “He just does his own work and on race day, he wants to win.” He sealed his treble with a surging win aboard the Cody Mo-trained Emblazon (119lb) in the card-closing Class 2 Citi Credit Card Handicap (1400m). It was the talented four-year-old’s fifth win from six outings this term and his fourth win in a row. “He’s a very, very good horse,” said Chau, who is currently fourth in the jockeys’ championship standings. “In the beginning, he didn’t show his heart yet, but when he was ready, he’s improved with every race. After every race, and when I ride him at trackwork, I feel him improving, and I’m grateful every time he shows me his best.” Of reaching the 200-win landmark, Chau, a product of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School, said: “After I graduated in 2021, everything was more of a challenge, and I had to fight for it … I’m really happy with 200 winners. I need to thank the trainers who have supported me and the owners as well. If not for their support, I can’t reach that milestone.” Three-year-old Conrad Patch (129lb) built on two good runs and several promising barrier trials to register his first win for Mo, who completed a brace, in the first section of the Class 4 Citi Ultima Handicap (1200m), with Hugh Bowman, who also claimed a double, grabbing his 36th winner of the campaign. Bowman’s second winner came courtesy of Tony Cruz’s Gentlemen Legacy (135lb) in the Class 3 Citi Investment Services Handicap (2000m). Andrea Atzeni and Pierre Ng struck in the Class 4 Citi Wealth Handicap (1800m) with Storm Runner (120lb), who has now won twice in succession after blanking in his first 16 starts in Hong Kong. Short-priced favourite Circuit Fiery (123lb) continued a strong run of form with a one-and-three-quarter-length victory in the Class 4 Citigold Private Client Handicap (1400m) for Chris So and champion jockey Zac Purton. So made it a pair when Pakistan Legacy (132lb) made all ridden by James Orman in the second section of the Class 3 Citi Insurance Services Handicap (1200m). Brett Crawford’s impressive debut season continued when Warriors Dream (124lb), ridden by Lyle Hewitson, broke through in the Class 4 Citigold Handicap (1200m), claiming a first win in 11 outings. Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday (4 March). By Paul Ryding

iRACE is pleased to announce the expansion of our racing coverage to include Victoria and South Australia, marking a major step forward for our print and digital platforms and delivering even greater depth and value for racing fans worldwide. This expansion comes on the back of the latest broadcast and rights developments across Australian racing, with Sky Racing now holding the rights to Victorian and South Australian racing. Sky Racing, alongside Tabcorp, has been a major partner of iRACE for many years, and this next phase reflects the continued strength of that long-standing relationship. Victoria and South Australia are home to some of the sport’s most recognisable racecourses, elite trainers, and high-quality racing programs. By bringing these regions into iRACE, punters can now analyse a broader racing landscape, compare form across jurisdictions, and follow horses and stables as they compete at the highest level. The new regions will be implemented across both iRACE print magazines and the iRACE digital platform, ensuring fans can access comprehensive form and data wherever and however they choose to engage. Our approach focuses on maintaining the clarity and usability iRACE is known for, while expanding coverage in a way that enhances the overall racing experience. For punters, this is a significant win. The addition of Victoria and South Australia provides deeper form lines, stronger data comparison, and more informed wagering decisions. For racing fans, it offers richer storytelling and a more complete view of Australian racing, from metropolitan features to key provincial meetings. Importantly, this expansion is not just for local audiences. iRACE continues to serve a global racing community, and the inclusion of Victoria and South Australia further strengthens our position as an international racing resource for fans, professionals, and industry participants around the world. As Australian racing continues to evolve, iRACE remains committed to growing alongside it, delivering trusted form, quality data, and meaningful coverage that supports the sport and the people who love it.

Video Stars Race 3 – 10 SWAGGER BRO Things didn’t go his way last start, as a wide trip on the All-Weather surface significantly blunted his winning chances and the 1650m stretched his stamina, making it a run best overlooked. The drop back in distance and return to turf are both positives this week, and with a drop in the ratings, he is expected to show improvement. Race 4 – 10 VICTORY CHAMPION He had a genuine veterinary excuse last start (blood in the trachea), and that unplaced effort is best overlooked. Prior to that, he closed strongly to finish third in a slowly run race, with the winner AURIO since performing well in Class 3. Drawn favourably this week, he should settle closer to the speed and looks well weighted to make his presence felt. Sectional Stars Race 9 – 14 STORMY GROVE He overcame a slow tempo and the widest draw to record an impressive victory over 1600m last start, charging home to reel in his rivals with the fastest final 400m of 21.85 seconds. Although he faces a stronger line-up this week, he profiles as a progressive type and should acquit himself well. Race 10 – 14 AGENDA His last start was uncharacteristic yet still encouraging. He failed to show his usual tactical speed and settled off the pace, but finished off well to claim fifth over this distance. Ideally weighted this week, he should be highly competitive if he returns to a more positive racing style.

After an emphatic victory in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup, superstar galloper ROMANTIC WARRIOR looks primed to capture the second leg of the Triple Crown series — the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin this Sunday. Despite its lucrative HK$13 million purse, the Hong Kong Gold Cup has drawn a compact field of six, with all eyes firmly on ROMANTIC WARRIOR as he bids for a Group 1 hat-trick. The Danny Shum-trained champion has been flawless in three local starts since returning from his Middle East campaign early last year. He comfortably accounted for a similar line-up in the Stewards’ Cup last time out and should prove extremely hard to beat if he reproduces that form. Last season’s Triple Crown hero VOYAGE BUBBLE shapes as the main danger, although he has been defeated by ROMANTIC WARRIOR in each of their past four meetings. Meanwhile, Group 2 winner MY WISH appears capable of filling a minor placing, but would need to lift sharply to challenge for the feature, having yet to finish in the placings from three previous Group 1 attempts.

With the first two months of the 2026 racing season nearing completion, the Banker’s Stable have created a huge presence on the local scene with numerous newcomers, especially from Australia. With 14 winners so far this year striking at 17.5%, Malaysia’s current leading owners could add to the tally with one-time winner, BANKER’S PAIR FOUR engaged in the opening race at the Selangor Turf Club on Saturday. The four-year-old will be looking to reverse the result on WINS EIGHT, which took out a 1020m contest on February 7 finishing two lengths in front of BANKER’S PAIR FOUR, which ran third. Both gallopers failed at their most recent starts since but they look better suited on the descent to the “B” division. One to watch is PACIFIC SOLDIER, a track and distance winner previously and drops 6kg after the apprentice claim. Seven-year-old performer TANGESH is starting to attract the bridesmaid tag after finishing runner up at his past three outings but is ready to land a victory. Engaged in the 1275m Rebound Stakes (Race 2), he has scored twice over the track/distance and strikes a winnable contest from pole position. DREAM KING has only scored once in twenty-seven local runs but was well supported in Ipoh two weeks back and is a chance to double that win tally while JAZZ BAND can improve on the six-day backup. Former Australian galloper, PACIFIC ENERGY is on the verge of contesting group races in the near future and goes into the 1020m Class 3 (Race 5) as the one they have to beat. With three wins from seven starts this year, the four year old seems to thrive with race experience and his last start win with 58kg was arguably his most impressive. HASTEN, which was placed behind PACIFIC ENERGY in January, was far from disgraced in the Listed Wilyah Silver Bowl on February 15 and is a four-time winner on Track Two, including three times at the journey. BANKER’S EMPEROR was successful over the trip in January and is one to watch on the freshen up while three-year-old, MEGA ACE is capable of picking up a race at this level. SECRET WONDER came within a neck of defeating PACIFIC ENERGY earlier this year but hasn’t been blessed with decent barrier draws recently. With luck in running, he can provide the value for the exotics. The old adage of “where there’s smoke there’s fire” may come into play following the local debut of SUPERIOR SIXTY-ONE here a fortnight ago. The former UK galloper attracted massive support in the local markets to start favourite and appeared to receive every chance when placed third over the 1150m trip on Track Two. Despite the wider draw, the five-year-old may be better suited on the more spacious main course and will derive a lot of benefit from that first up performance. With Oscar Chavez to retain the mount, the gelding is a big chance of breaking the Malaysian duck in the 1200m Class 4A contest (Race 7). BANKER’S GLORY has recently been placed behind progressive types in Singha Bay and Strong Dragon, and is one for the trifectas. KOONDAKAARA has been ultra consistent of late and is on the six-day backup. The outside gate is the concern but his early pace could negate that problem.  TAU KEH SOH closed off when finishing third, beaten 1.5L, behind Kim Empire and is due to strike back at this level.

Championship leader Justin Snaith can make an early Champions Season statement when he saddles Roland Garros in the March Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. The colt brings strong Cape form but carries top weight against capable opposition, making this a key early-season test.

Sean Veale sides with Gotta Go Eddie, though stablemate I’m A Fireball could be forgiven his Gauteng Guineas effort after a wide draw. Kanaal Skater is better than his last poly run and is dangerous at his best.

The opening leg of the Bi-Pot looks competitive. Mekong should improve after a green debut, while Anushka showed promise at big odds first time out. Japura has consistent course-and-distance form and rates highly. Watch the betting on well-bred newcomers.

In the first leg of the PA, Durban Diamond impressed on debut and can progress further. Mike Miller’s Global Trend won well first-up and looks a big runner, while Ode To The Sea is improving and benefits from a claim.

Psyche appears ready to shed her maiden after a narrow defeat last time. Skyline Bell switches back to turf, Skipper O’Malley is knocking at the door, and Crimson Typhoon could surprise stepping up in trip.

JP’s Palace was narrowly beaten in the Fever Tree Stakes and, with a good draw and claim, holds strong claims again. Tyrconnell meets him on the same terms, while Queue Wing and the improving Mister Nibbles add depth.

Fortress Of Fire has regained form with two straight wins and now tackles stronger company in the feature. Vihaan’s Web, Licence To Thrill and the enigmatic Cymric ensure it won’t be straightforward.

Littleblacknumber heads a competitive sixth, while Ethereal View and Greenlight Queen could improve. In the finale, Saragossa Cat makes her debut for Tienie Prinsloo and brings solid Highveld form. Queen Braganza and in-form Dawn Surprise are contenders, while Sugarbush’s Cape form makes her an interesting local debutante.

The three-year-old colt division lacks a clear standout, and Saturday’s Grade 1 Lucky Fish Cape Derby (2000m) at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth could provide answers. Star Major may be ready to step forward. Highly regarded all season, he has endured wide draws and traffic issues but showed his class when winning the Politician Stakes over 1800m, quickening smartly past Happy Verse. Earlier Grade 1 and Grade 2 efforts were better than they read. With Luyolo Mxothwa up for James Crawford, the son of Querari looks to be peaking at the right time. Filly Wish List adds intrigue. The Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes winner represents the stronger fillies’ form line and is by Legislate, who won this race in 2014 for Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie — the same team now behind her. She commands serious respect. Note To Self is progressive and talented, though this may come slightly soon, while Happy Verse must prove he stays. In the Grade 2 Diadem Stakes (1200m), Outlaw King looks primed after a strong Cape Flying Championship third. The step back to 1200m should suit, though Questioning and All The Rage pose dangers. Landoftherisingsun is a value shout in the Kenilworth Cup (2500m), while Phantom Man can finally shed his maiden tag over 1600m. Promising juvenile Casperita bids to enhance Alan Greeff’s strong two-year-old record. Stormwatch appears ideally suited in the Grade 2 Prix Du Cap (1400m) after an eye-catching win, and Snow Pilot, back in form, is a major player in the Jet Master Stakes. Prince Of Tibet can round off the card with another consistent showing.

The unbeaten streak of Anotherdanceforme ground to a halt at Kenilworth Racecourse in November, but she returns to her home track and should win Race 5, the Breeders Plate over 1600m at Fairview on Friday. The Master Of My Fate filly won her first six starts, and some of those victories were impressive. She was sent out favourite at Kenilworth but never travelled well in the race and was soon beaten. It is worth noting that her trainer reported she had been coughing. She has been given a break since then, and this will likely serve as a warm-up race for her. Whatever she does on Friday, she should improve on it next time. Only six rivals are set to take her on, and three of them are her stable companions, who are unlikely to beat her. Of the remaining three runners, two of them – Royal City Girl and East Coast Girl – are decent enough, but both have been at their best on the Polytrack. That could leave the visitor, Match That, as the possible threat. Trainer Justin Snaith does not send runners to the Eastern Cape unless they have a winning chance. This Gimmethegreenlight filly has won two of her six starts. Both of those wins were over the straight, and she is untested over this 1600m trip, but she may well stay it. The Alan Greeff and Richard Fourie combination could shine brightly on the day, and both Green Isle in Race 4 and North Star in Race 9 could also be victorious. Green Isle has done well since joining Greeff’s yard, winning twice on the Polytrack. This five-year-old mare did win twice on the grass before moving to this centre and can take out Race 4, a MR 72 Handicap for fillies and mares over 2000m. North Star carries the same silks as Anotherdanceforme, but unlike her Group 2-winning stable companion, North Star has just her debut win to show from eight starts. She is, however, very consistent and should be well suited to this course and distance. Clive Robinson

The second Highveld meeting of the week takes place at Turffontein’s Inside track on Thursday 26 February, and while five of the eight races are maidens – including a Work Riders opener – there’s enough exposed form later on to play with confidence rather than hope. This is a card where patience and profile matter. Two runners look primed to atone for narrow defeats, while a long-suffering grinder may finally get his overdue reward. Race 7 is the race that could anchor exotics. Stuart Pettigrew saddles a potent coupling over 1600m, both lightly raced and trending the right way, and it may pay to side with the upward curve of three-year-old Never Never Land. His last-start second over 1450m at the Vaal had “step me up” written all over it. He hit the line with purpose under a three-point penalty and now stretches to 1600m – a move that looks tailor-made. The son of Ideal World reunites with Philasande Mxoli, who partnered him to a debut second and a fluent 1400m maiden win. That familiarity counts. He’d previously justified strong market support when scoring cosily over 1200m under Gavin Lerena, and confirmed his progress when flashing home for second back at the Vaal. A two-point rating rise to a career-high mark shouldn’t halt the momentum. With natural improvement and the extra 200m to suit, Never Never Land is the one they have to beat. Race 6 offers a similar “back me next time” angle with Corne Spies’ Pomodoro mare Golden Aspen. She was desperately unlucky not to follow up her Turffontein Standside win when beaten narrowly over 1450m at the Vaal under a three-point penalty. From a wide draw she was forced to concede ground early, yet still rattled home for a close-up third. Now ideally berthed in gate three over 1600m and racing off an unchanged mark, she looks poised to recapture the winning thread. Marco van Rensburg knows her well, and 1600m on the Inside track should allow her to settle closer without expending petrol. At what should be generous eachway odds in a competitive field, Golden Aspen is a proper value play rather than a sentimental one. Then there’s Race 5, where consistency screams for reward. Bristol Hercules hasn’t won for 596 days, but the market often over-penalises that stat while ignoring the detail. The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained son of Lancaster Bomber has finished third four times and second on another three occasions in his last 10 starts, and he chased home a highly rated progressive three-year-old over 1450m here last time at level weights. That was no hollow second. Off an unchanged mark and back over 1600m, he meets nothing of that calibre. With Callan Murray booked, this looks a winnable assignment if he reproduces that figure. He’s the type punters often desert out of frustration, and precisely the sort who pops up at an inflated price. Clive Robinson

By Scott Bailey Randwick serves up a proper Group 1 this weekend with the TAB Verry Elleeegant Stakes over the mile carrying a million dollars and bringing together an intriguing blend of proven weight for age performers, emerging stars and a couple with genuine spring narratives already attached. Autumn Glow is the obvious focal point and there is no getting around how strong her profile reads. Nine starts for nine wins, a stable that knows how to place them, and James McDonald booked to do the steering from barrier three. At 57kg she is beautifully weighted against the older males and the map looks ideal. She can settle with cover or hold a spot closer if the tempo is moderate and when she has been asked to extend, she has simply put races away. The Apollo Stakes win last start at 1400 metres on a good track was another reminder that she is not just unbeaten, she has been doing it with authority and doing it against quality. The interesting point for punters is that this is a mile again and she has already ticked that box, winning the Epsom at 1600 metres, and doing it in a way that suggested the extra trip was never going to be an issue. From a betting perspective the short price is built on the fact she does not need luck, and she does not need the race run to suit. She can win off different patterns and that is often the separator at weight for age level. But the race is not just a procession and the name that adds genuine intrigue is Sir Delius. It is not often you see a horse with his background arriving in a Randwick Group 1 at this stage of the season with the kind of reputation he carried before injury interrupted the build-up. His record is outstanding and his form line has genuine depth. He has mixed it with high end company, he has won at Group 1 level over 1800 and 2000 metres, and he has proven he can be effective at Randwick, finishing a close second to Lindermann in the Chelmsford over this course and distance. Barrier six is perfectly workable and Craig Williams is the type of rider who will not panic if the favourite turns the screws early. The key with Sir Delius is the mile. His best work has been through the middle distances and beyond and this shapes as a fitness and sharpness test as much as it is a pure class test. If he is ready to sprint at the end of 1600 metres against Autumn Glow, then we may be looking at a horse who can re-enter the spring conversation quickly. If he needs the run and wants further, then he still has the profile to be a major factor later as the distances step out. Lindermann is the other runner who demands respect because he is the mile specialist in this line up and he has already shown he can run a high-level mile at Randwick. Nash Rawiller rides and barrier eight means he may have to do a touch more work early but his recent form around these horses reads well, including that narrow defeat to Fangirl where Ceolwulf was third and Sir Delius is familiar opposition from last spring. He is not the flashy headline act but if the favourite has an off day and the race becomes a genuinely run weight for age mile then Lindermann is the one who can be in the right spot and keep finding. Ceolwulf adds another layer because his recent profile includes a Group 1 win at the mile and he is drawn to get a cosy run from barrier two with Chad Schofield. He comes off a plain run in the Apollo behind Autumn Glow and Aeliana, but his best is good enough and his record at 1600 metres is strong. If he is forward enough and closer in the run than last start, he is capable of being a genuine factor. Even after the drama of his recent run where there was blood found in the nostril and his autumn campaign was in a nervous wait until vets officially declared there no blood in the trachea, so it was external and not internal. Aeliana is drawn the rails and that alone makes her interesting from a map perspective. She ran second to Autumn Glow in the Apollo and Zac Lloyd keeps the ride. From barrier one she should be economical and if the tempo is strong, she is the type who can travel into it. The challenge is that she meets the favourite again and needs to turn the tables at weight for age, but she is consistent and she does not do much wrong. Most roads still lead back to Autumn Glow, and it is easy to see why the market has her pinned as the standout. The draw is kind, the weight is in her favour, and her turn of foot has been decisive. Sir Delius is the horse that creates the talking point and the one that gives the race a narrative beyond the favourite, while Lindermann and Ceolwulf bring the proven Randwick mile form that can keep everyone honest if there is any weakness to expose late.

Sommerstern has long hinted at higher potential and, after back-to-back wins, he looks well placed to complete a hat-trick in race 6 over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday. Though not yet a feature contender, he is progressing steadily and carving his own path.

Victories over 1400m and 1500m suggest the step up to a mile should suit, especially with his sharp turn of foot. He beat Prairie Dawn by 1,25 lengths two starts back and is 0,5kg better off at the weights, while drawing pole position further boosts his case. Lucinda Woodruff’s yard is in good form and Chad Little retains the ride.

Delta Pride, drawn wide, has kept strong company and could improve with luck in running under Keagan de Melo. United Front, once highly regarded, also warrants consideration if bouncing back.

Earlier on the card, Winter Pirate should strip fitter in race 1 after an encouraging debut. Trois Sept Huit can build on a close third over course and distance in race 2. Race 3 looks open, but consistent Tothemoonandback appeals in a competitive 2500m contest.

Kituba can improve in a shallow maiden in race 4, while Pacific Waters may finally shed her maiden tag in race 5. Lovers Lane gets the nod in a modest apprentice event in race 7, and Splash Of Colour could edge Act Of Grace in the finale.

The Highveld midweek double-header opens at the Vaal Racecourse on Tuesday 24 February, and punters would do well to keep two stables front of mind – Alson Ndzilana and Tony Peter. Between them, they hold a vice-like grip on an eight-race Classic track card bristling with betting opportunities. Ndzilana, who schooled under masters Mike de Kock and Joey Ramsden, has been quietly building momentum and his juveniles look ready to cash in again. He made headlines when winning with his first two-year-old runner back in December 2023 – no small feat – and Race 3, a 1450m Maiden Juvenile Plate sets up as another statement. He saddles four runners and should dominate. Nightshine, a Rafeef colt with two runner-up finishes, has done little wrong in sprint company and shapes as though the extended trip will unlock the improvement needed to win. He’s marginally preferred to Heavenly Blue colt Dear Doc whose third-place finishes in both starts have given every indication that the step up in trip is what he’s been crying out for. Stablemate Ehhfifteenkjoe, twice fourth and by Declarationofpeace, isn’t far behind and can easily round out a stable Trifecta. The stable’s momentum should not stop there, as Blood Of Eden can atone in Race 4 over 2000m. She fluffed her lines with blinkers over 1600m last time but the headgear comes off and the extra 400m looks a plus. Her previous narrow defeat over 1800m on this track reads well, and under Muzi Yeni she has the profile of a filly able to settle, stay the trip and strike late. At the right price, she’s a confident inclusion in all bets. Then there’s Vixeninthevineyard (Race 5) who has been knocking loudly at the door of a maiden career victory. Three consecutive seconds, two of them over this very course and distance, tell you she’s primed. The booking of S’manga Khumalo catches the eye and suggests intent. She won’t get many better chances to shed the maiden tag and can anchor the third and final leg of the Pick 3 if Ndzilana’s earlier runners deliver. Tony Peter, though, is unlikely to wait around. He can strike in the opener with Mrs Stormiatrix over 1000m. The Vercingetorix filly finished second over this course and distance last time, her best Highveld effort since relocating from Candice Bass’ KwaZulu-Natal base. With natural improvement in her peak outing, Mrs Stormiatrix should go one better under work rider Phenisile Mongqawa. Precocious looks the banker for Peter in Race 7. This Ideal World filly has thrived since joining his Turffontein base, winning both Highveld starts with authority. Her handicap debut win over this 1000m strip was particularly taking, and apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson’s 4kg claim once again makes her dangerously well weighted. She’s unbeaten in the province and there’s every chance that record remains intact. Straight bets and rolling exotics should revolve around her. Rafa Bay in Race 6 may need to reverse form with Mover And Shaker, but consistency counts for plenty in these sprints. With Kabelo Matsunyane aboard for the first time, he’s no forlorn hope and can reward each-way players if the favourite stubs a toe. Clive Robinson

The “off season” often produces tightly matched handicaps, and Monday’s nine-race poly card at Hollywoodbets Greyville looks no different. With most runners closely rated, punters can expect another afternoon of narrow margins.

The feature Middles Stakes could revolve around Thisiswhatitmeans, who is unbeaten in four starts on the poly. Despite another five-point ratings hike and a big weight, he has proven capable under similar burdens and can stretch his winning run to five. Good Traveller arrives in form after two poly wins and remains competitive despite climbing the handicap, while Red Bomber and Gimmethegoodlife are capable of improving on the surface.

Tony Peter may strike with Hathighwaytothesky in race eight. She has two wins from five starts and, if suited to the poly, should go close. Progressive Tladi Mothwana, consistent She’s A Machine, and course specialist Poursomesugaronme add depth.

In the opener, Saudi Sweep is overdue a maiden win and boasts solid poly form, while Lou meets modest opposition. The Bi-Pot leg is competitive, with consistent Brigette Anne well drawn and receiving an allowance, though Blue Steel and poly-suited Xiphos pose threats.

Lilting Song appeals in the first PA leg, returning to her preferred trip. The Pick 6 begins with a wide-open handicap where Kumemori, Fair Advantage, and El Rey Viene all hold claims.

Later, Saint Brigid could shine if handling the poly, while La Maddalena and in-form Izibulo are dangers. Imperial Power headlines another tight handicap, with Isivivane and Sundance Kid in the mix.

Acacia’s Blossom can close the card strongly, though Jazz Diva, Scarlet Starlet, and Queen Fenn ensure a competitive finale on a card likely defined by tight finishes.

Track Spy Video Stars Race 6 – 13 PROUD BOX Luck hasn’t been on his side recently. Two runs ago, he was caught in an early speed battle and faded late in the straight, and last time out a horrid wide trip over this track and distance blunted his chances, leaving him ninth and beaten 6.5 lengths. With a drop in the ratings, he now looks well weighted to produce a strong performance this week—provided he enjoys a kinder run in transit. Race 7 – 8 TOP PEAK Trapped wide just off the speed in a fast-run race last start, it was no surprise to see him weaken in the straight, eventually finishing eleventh, beaten 6.25 lengths, over this track and distance. Prior to that, he had adopted a more positive racing style and went close at this level. In what looks a wide-open contest this week, he could prove a surprise packet if allowed to dictate terms up front. Sectional Stars Race 5 – 7 SEA DIAMOND From a slightly awkward draw on debut 42 days ago, he was forced to settle off the pace before producing a strong burst from the 300m to finish fourth over this distance. He has since trialled well and, with natural improvement, should be prominent in the finish second-up. Race 10 – 13 SHAMUS STORM He may have needed his first-up run two weeks ago, when he finished fifth over 1400m after letting down sharply in the straight, ending up just two lengths from the winner. The step up to a mile should suit his racing pattern, and with added fitness on his side, he looks one to watch second-up.

As the Sydney Summer Festival of Racing gathers momentum, all eyes turn to Rosehill Gardens for Silver Slipper Stakes Day, reserved for precocious talent and raw, untapped brilliance as a stepping stone to the grand prize. Run at Group 2 level over 1100 metres (5 ½ furlongs), the Silver Slipper Stakes is a test of juvenile speed and professionalism. Australia’s most promising two-year-olds will charge down the famous Rosehill straight chasing their share of the $300,000 purse and, just as significantly, a golden ticket into the world’s richest race for juveniles, the Golden Slipper. Since first being run in 1963, the Silver Slipper has served as a crystal ball for those watching closely. It has long been a proving ground for champions in waiting, with graduates such as Luskin Star (1976) and Pierro (2012) going on to Slipper glory and etching their names into Australian racing folklore.