The Alan Greeff – Richard Fourie combination is in full stride at the moment, so we will look to them to provide bankers for the Pick 6 and Jackpots. The two, to be specific, are Hoerikwaggo and Homing Pigeon. Hoerikwaggo runs in Race 4, a MR 92 Handicap on Monday. This four-year-old filly has won three of her 12 starts and has been runner-up in her last three starts. Looking at her form, it is noticeable that Fourie does get the best out of this filly, and he has been aboard her in all three of her wins. She is suited to the Polytrack, having won once and finished runner-up twice. Those runner-up efforts were behind some talented stable companions in the form of Virgin River and Avernian Goddess. Drawn in pole position, she could get the run of the race. Her stable companion, Homing Pigeon, is set to take out the lucky last race, a MR 76 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1900m. It took this Hawwaam filly nine starts to break her maiden, but she is clearly improving. The three-year-old filly has progressed well at this centre and opened her account in March when a 7.25-length winner over Missouri Flame, who won just last week to frank that form. Homing Pigeon was next seen when a gallant third behind stablemate Anotherdanceforme. Trying the Polytrack for the first time, she was successful by 0.50 lengths over San Quintin. She was always travelling well and won with something in hand. Homing Pigeon only picked up a two-point penalty for that win and really ought to beat these rivals.   Clive Robinson

The Hong Kong racing season has moved into its final quarter, and there’s plenty on the line between now and the concluding meeting on 15 July, with nothing currently commanding more attention than the mouthwatering battle for the trainers’ championship.

There are five trainers within eight wins of the pace-setting Mark Newnham’s 52 victories, with Caspar Fownes and Danny Shum sitting on 51 successes and David Hayes (48) and John Size (44) also lurking.

Veteran Francis Lui is also among the chasing pack after amassing 45 winners through the season’s 69 meetings so far.

While Lui admits “it won’t be easy” to prevail, he is no stranger to coming from behind to claim championship success after winning four of the final five races of the 2023/24 season to pip Pierre Ng to the title by one win.

Lui sat five wins adrift of Ng after 69 meetings of the 2023/24 season, and while it came down to the final day and he had to orchestrate one of the all-time great finishes to snare victory, he believes this year’s task is greater still.

“Last time I was only in competition with Pierre, but this time as many as five other trainers can win it. They are all so close and I’m sure they will have plenty of winners,” he said.

“Of course, I will try hard to win my second premiership but it won’t be easy.”

While Lui started the season slowly, he warmed up through October and November before a quiet December gave way to a fruitful start to 2026, with January (10 winners), February (eight) and March (10) his biggest months of the campaign so far.

 April was tougher going for Lui; he banged in a timely double late on last Sunday’s (3 May) Sha Tin card, grabbing the final two races with Baby Sakura and Turquoise Velocity to begin May on a high.

The lightly raced pair look capable of winning again this season, as do the undefeated Hot Delight and the in-form Gold Patch.

“I have quite a few horses who can win more races but I can’t say that I am confident of winning the premiership,” Lui said.

“It’s very close. It all depends on how they run. I will take it step by step. To have so many trainers fighting it out is great competition.”

Hot Delight and Gold Patch are among Lui’s 10 runners at Sha Tin this Saturday (9 May), with the former looking to make it four wins from four starts in the Class 2 Sai Wan Shan Handicap (1200m) and the latter chasing a hat-trick in the Class 3 Lei Yue Mun Park Handicap (1200m).

Amazing Partners in the Class 3 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Handicap (1600m) is another in-form Lui galloper heading to Sha Tin this weekend, while the handler will be eager to see what debutants Almighty Warrior, Spirited Steed and Winalot can produce.

Trainers’ Ranking (Top 6) – As of 7 May, 2026

	Trainer	Win	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Total runs
1st	M Newnham	52	43	42	46	29	450
2nd	C Fownes	51	36	35	32	33	437
3rd	D Shum	51	32	29	35	28	405
4th	D Hayes	48	36	36	43	39	534
5th	F Lui	45	35	52	26	33	409
6th	J Size	44	52	48	35	49	484

Promising four-year-old STORM TITAN can quickly bounce back from his recent defeat when he lines up in the 1100m Class 3 contest at Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. The New Zealand-bred gelding entered his latest outing on the back of four consecutive victories, including three in Class 4 company, and lost little in defeat when stepping up to Class 3 for the first time. Tackling 1500m for the first time, STORM TITAN showed plenty of grit to stick on for second, beaten only a neck, and may have finished even closer had he not shifted out under pressure in the closing stages. The drop back to 1100m looks likely to suit, and while he does face a competitive field, STORM TITAN still profiles as a progressive type with further upside. The booking of Dubai-based jockey Bernardo Pinheiro adds further intrigue as he partners the gelding for the first time.Former Hong Kong galloper LUCKY EIGHT ONE will be out to make amends when he lines up in the 1200m Class 4B at Kuala Lumpur this Sunday. Sent out as a short-priced favourite on his Malaysian debut, LUCKY EIGHT ONE overcame a slow start to score impressively over 1200m on March 28, highlighting his class. The six-year-old was again heavily backed at skinny odds (RM6) in the same grade a fortnight ago and performed creditably despite not enjoying the smoothest of runs. After shifting outwards in the closing stages, he stuck on gamely to finish third. Drawn favourably this weekend, LUCKY EIGHT ONE looks well placed to bounce back. With the in-form Bernardo Pinheiro taking the ride, he should prove highly competitive once again.

Champions Season has reached a crucial stage as trainers begin fine-tuning their paths toward the Hollywoodbets Durban July, balancing form with the challenge of securing a favourable handicap weight. Saturday’s WSB 1900 at Hollywoodbets Greyville could once again provide key July clues.

Peter Muscutt saddles Isivivane, still on the fringe of the July field but likely to secure a berth with victory here. While his recent wins have come on the polytrack, he has a favourable draw and workable weight.

Champion trainer Justin Snaith fields several major contenders. Native Ruler carries top weight and has little to lose ratings-wise, while stablemate Regulation, ridden by stable jockey JP van der Merwe, receives a significant weight advantage. Betting support may prove revealing. Snaith also unleashes Legal Counsel, who finished strongly behind Questioning last time and should improve for the run.

Of greater interest are Note To Self and Eight On Eighteen. Note To Self was runner-up to top filly Wish List in the Cape Derby and a bold showing would strengthen his July claims, though it could result in a ratings increase. Eight On Eighteen, runner-up in last year’s Durban July behind The Real Prince, makes his local debut after an underwhelming Cape campaign. He may need the outing but possesses the class to feature prominently.

Candice and Tammy Dawson saddle classy three-year-old Trust, winner of the Dingaan’s and never out of the money in six starts. His performance will provide a strong measure of the current three-year-old crop. The Ultimate King, from the Paul Peter stable, also enters calculations after a narrow defeat to Fire Attack when fitted with blinkers for the first time.

The Pick 6 opener, a Conditions Plate, has shrunk to seven runners, four from the Snaith yard. Likely pacemaker Okavango has been excellent in front-running efforts, including a brave second in the Premier’s Champions Cup. He benefits from Mickaella Michel’s 1.5kg allowance and already sits high enough in the July weights to avoid a harsh penalty.

Elsewhere, Mocha Blend, winner of the Summer Cup, represents Frank Robertson and receives weight from most rivals, making her a serious contender. Lightly raced Ascalon Dancer, a recent maiden winner, also commands attention in a high-quality contest loaded with Durban July implications.

Longchamp stages two of the key European Classics this weekend, with the Poule d’Essai des Poulains and Poule d’Essai des Pouliches taking centre stage. Better known as the French Guineas, the two Group 1 mile contests bring together the next generation of elite three-year-olds, and this year there is again a strong international feel around both races. Aidan O’Brien looks set to have a major hand in both features, and after recently ending a five-year Classic wait at Newmarket, the Ballydoyle stable arrives in France with confidence. Paris, Longchamp has been a happy hunting ground for O’Brien in recent seasons, with Henri Matisse winning the Poule d’Essai des Poulains last year. In the colts’ race, Puerto Rico looms as the main Coolmore runner. He had been a possible Newmarket horse, but the decision to head to France now looks a logical move given what he has already done on French soil. His juvenile form gives him a strong platform. He won both the Prix Jean Luc Lagardere and the Criterium International in France last autumn, and that experience around the French pattern gives him a different profile to some of his rivals. He is not coming here to learn about the environment. He has already shown he can travel, handle the conditions and perform at the right level. That matters at Longchamp. The French Guineas can be a different test to Newmarket. It is not just about raw ability. Position, tempo, adaptability and how a young horse handles the occasion all come into play. Puerto Rico has enough racecraft and proven quality to make him a serious player. He is not the only O’Brien runner still in the mix, with Ballydoyle strongly represented among the remaining entries. The depth of the race is also helped by the possible rematch with some of his French form rivals, including Christopher Head’s Nighttime and Francis Henri Graffard’s Rayif. The home team will not be short of confidence either. French trained three-year-olds are always dangerous in their own Classic, particularly when they have already been aimed at this race from a long way out. The likes of Nighttime and Rayif bring local knowledge, and they will be trying to turn the tables if they meet Puerto Rico again. From Britain, Karl Burke’s Hankelow adds another angle. His Autumn Stakes win showed he has the quality to be respected, and Burke has built a reputation for travelling horses with purpose. If Hankelow makes the trip, he gives the race another proper international layer. The fillies’ race, the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, looks just as intriguing. Diamond Necklace is the obvious starting point. Her win in the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp last autumn marked her down as a filly of real Classic potential, and she returns to the same track with the chance to confirm herself as one of the leading three-year-old fillies in Europe. There was a lot to like about that Marcel Boussac performance. She looked professional, she quickened when asked, and she gave the impression there was more to come with maturity. For a filly going into a Classic, that is exactly the type of profile you want. O’Brien looks likely to have more than one option in the Pouliches, but Diamond Necklace is the one that gives the race its headline. She has already produced a Group 1 performance at the course, and that previous Longchamp success is a major tick. The challenge is that this does not look a one-dimensional race. There is real depth among the fillies still engaged, especially from Britain and Ireland. Richard Hughes could be represented by America Queen, who was runner up in the Nell Gwyn, while John and Thady Gosden have Fashion People in the picture. Kevin Ryan’s Isle Of Fernandez and Willie McCreery’s Skydance add further depth. Karl Burke also has Half Sovereign, a filly who has already won in France in the Prix Miesque, so she is another with experience of the local scene. Simon and Ed Crisford’s Zanthos is also entered, although she has another possible option in the Chartwell Stakes at Lingfield. What makes both French Guineas races so appealing is the clash of form lines. You have the Ballydoyle strength, the French home defence, and the British runners trying to measure up away from home. For punters, that creates a proper puzzle. The Poulains may revolve around whether Puerto Rico can repeat his French juvenile form against improving colts who have been trained with this one mile Classic in mind. The Pouliches may come down to whether Diamond Necklace can carry her Marcel Boussac brilliance into her three-year-old season. For O’Brien, it could be another major weekend in France. For the French Classics, it is exactly what they need. Strong home opposition, serious travelling contenders and two Group 1 races that should tell us a lot about where the European Classic generation sits. By Scott Bailey

The Goodwood has long been and is South Australia’s greatest sprint race. and this Saturday’s edition has all the right ingredients for a proper Group 1 contest. Previous winners include the globe trotting star Takeover Target and one of Australia’s greatest ever in Black Caviar. Run over 1200 metres at Morphettville, the $1 million Goodwood has brought together a deep field of seasoned sprinters, emerging talents and runners coming through the key lead up races. It is a race with genuine pressure, plenty of different form lines and enough market interest to suggest punters are still working out where the value sits. One of the key chances Rey Magnerio was a scratching on Thurdsay due to elevated blood levels. He was the early favourite so this opens up the race even more now. One of the biggest talking points will be the barrier draw. In a Goodwood with this much depth, luck in running is going to play a major part. Several key chances have drawn awkwardly, while others have landed gates that could make their task a lot more straightforward. At the top of betting, the support has come for Flying For Fun and it is easy enough to see why. Bryce Heys has booked Zac Lloyd who retains the ride, and that alone adds plenty of confidence around her chances. She was terrific in the Robert Sangster when flashing home into fourth, beaten just 0.10 lengths behind Geegees Mistruth. The barrier is the interesting part. From gate 10, she will need the race to unfold properly, but she also looks the type of mare who can be ridden with patience and saved for one strong late surge. There is a sense that the market has latched onto the right profile. She is a mare with a strong turn of foot, she has already measured up in Group 1 company and she gets in with 54 kilograms. The Goodwood can often suit the horse that gets the right smother into the race and finishes hard late, and Flying For Fun looks to have that exact pattern if Zac Lloyd can find the right back to follow. Grand Larceny is another major player and looks one of the more progressive horses in the field. He was strong winning the Hawkes Stakes at this track on 25 April, beating Watchme Win and New York Lustre, and that form has a big influence on this race. The concern is barrier 14. He has the talent and the upside, but Ben Melham will need to make a decision early, either press forward and risk covering ground, or go back and rely on tempo. Watchme Win deserves respect as the local hope with strong Morphettville credentials. He has had 11 starts at the track for four wins and four placings, and his last two runs have been excellent. He was second to Super Smink in the R N Irwin Stakes and then second again to Grand Larceny in the Hawkes Stakes. Barrier 12 is not ideal, but he is honest, race fit and proven at the course. Super Smink also has a winning chance on her best form, but barrier 13 makes things tricky. She beat Watchme Win in the R N Irwin before finishing midfield in the Robert Sangster. That Sangster run was not poor, and coming back to this race she gets the chance to bounce back, but Jacob Opperman will need to give her a smart ride from the draw but he knows her well. Tycoon Star adds a strong three-year-old angle. He won the Tobin Bronze impressively over this track and distance, and he has the right racing style to make his own luck. The big negative is barrier 16. He has tactical speed, but from out there he may have to do early work to find a position. If he gets across cheaply, he can run well. If he is posted wide, the final 200 metres could tell. Talkanco is the lightweight runner who could easily be underestimated. She was third in The Quokka behind Jigsaw and Rey Magnerio, and that gives her a very strong reference point. The barrier draw has been a big help, with gate 2 and only 51.5 kilograms giving Lucy Fiore the chance to be economical, save ground and look for the gaps late. Extragalactic is the other lightweight with upside. She has only had six starts and was second to Tycoon Star in the Tobin Bronze. This is a sharp rise in grade, but with 50 kilograms and barrier 6, she has drawn to get a much softer run than some of the better fancied runners. That gives her a chance to outperform her price. Meridius has also drawn well in barrier 1 and could get the type of soft run that brings him into exotics. He is a last start Group 3 placegetter over 1400 metres and has won at 1200 metres, so if the inside section is holding up, he can get every possible chance from the draw. It would be a fitting win for the former South Australian trainer Lloyd Kennewell winning a Group 1 feature in his home state. The Goodwood looks a terrific betting race because there are so many different angles. Flying For Fun has the market support, the Zac Lloyd booking and the Group 1 last start flashing light. Grand Larceny has the winning Morphettville lead up but must overcome barrier 14. Watchme Win has the local profile but also draws wide. Talkanco has the lightweight and barrier 2. For mine, barriers Talkanco particularly dangerous, while Flying For Fun still looks the horse with the right set up if they run along at a genuine tempo. The market move makes sense, and with Zac Lloyd booked to ride, she gets her chance to turn a narrow Group 1 defeat into a Group 1 win. By Scott Bailey  

Fairview hosts another big day of racing in the Eastern Cape on Friday, and the East Cape Derby (Listed) over 2400m takes centre stage. Trainer Alan Greeff has bagged a few winners of this trophy, and he must be very confident for this race as he has his star filly, Anotherdanceforme, carded. She has been building up to this particular race all year, and it is now time for her to prove that she stays this distance. The Master Of My Fate filly has won nine of her 10 starts. Her only defeat came when she raided the Western Cape and was unplaced in November. Her nine wins have ranged from 1000m on debut back in January 2025 to her most recent success, which was over 2000m in April. Her current rider, Richard Fourie, has been aboard the three-year-old filly for eight of her wins, with Andrew Fortune riding her other victory. The recent countrywide rains have not been a problem for her, as she has been very impressive on soft tracks, winning five times. She will be sent out as possibly the shortest-priced favourite in this race. Anotherdanceforme has scared away her rivals, as normally there are challengers from Gauteng and the Western Cape, and at the time of writing, the only Western Cape entrant, Eric Liddell, is an early scratching. Just in case she does not get the distance, her trainer Alan Greeff has good backup in the form of Silvan Mistress. This filly has really shone of late and has two good recent successes behind her. She will challenge Anotherdanceforme and make her work for victory. Trainer Alan Greeff and jockey Richard Fourie could have another good meeting, and earlier on the card in Race 4, Detailed Forecast could shine. This Gimmethegreenlight filly made a pleasing local debut and is back on the grass, ready to go one place better. Clive Robinson

Don’t be fooled by the modest look of Thursday’s seven-race Inside track card at Turffontein. This is the kind of weekday meeting that rewards sharp punting and a willingness to side with form, fitness, and familiarity. In that regard, all roads point to apprentice ace Blaine Marx-Jacobson. The young rider has quietly edged ahead of Mxolisi Mbutho in the National Apprentice title race, and this compact programme offers him a golden opportunity to stretch that advantage. More importantly for punters, he arrives with a book that screams value rather than hype – that’s where the money is made. Marx-Jacobson’s growing understanding with trainer Fabian Habib has become one of the more reliable angles on the Highveld. Seven winners and six places from their last 25 runners together tells its own story, this is a partnership worth following blind, especially in races lacking depth. Their first major play comes in Race 3 with Samuel Sharpe, an improving son of Flower Alley who looks ready to peak over this longer trip. His last start, a career-best third over 1800m, had the right kind of shape, staying on with purpose under the same rider. The extra meters now looks a plus, not a query, and with the 2.5kg claim factored in, he rates as one of the better bets on the card at what should be a workable price. The stable elect to double up with in Race 5 is Oklahoma Smokeshow, and the case is just as compelling. This son of Erik The Red was caught late when second over 1450m in stronger company last time, but lost nothing in defeat after doing the donkey work up front. Dropping in grade off the same mark is the key angle. If Marx-Jacobson controls the tempo again, this could turn into a one-horse race late. He’s a confident inclusion for all exotics and a solid win play. Away from the Habib yard, there’s further value to be found in the lucky last where Craig Zackey partners Mattiazo for David Nieuwenhuizen. This mare’s last run can be marked up significantly as she finished a close-up fourth over the same trip despite being found to be not striding out freely post-race. Crucially, she still finished ahead of Bay Empire, who has since franked the form with back-to-back runner-up efforts. Now better off at the weights with that rival, Mattiazo looks poised to turn the tables decisively if returning to full fitness. She’s the kind of runner the market may underestimate, which is exactly the kind of runner bettors want on their side from an each-way angle. In a meeting light on numbers but not on opportunity, the edge lies in trusting combinations that are firing and runners that are trending upward. Marx-Jacobson fits both categories and by the end of Thursday, his grip on the apprentice title could look a whole lot firmer.   Clive Robinson

Track Spy Video Stars Race 2 – 9 MALPENSA Heavily backed last start, he settled off the speed from a slightly awkward draw and made late ground to finish eighth over 1400m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed blood in the trachea, making that effort best overlooked. With solid form around quality types such as HOT DELIGHT and EMBLAZON, he looks ready to produce a forward showing first-up. Race 9 – 4 PRESTIGE GOOD A change of tactics didn’t pay off last time, as he was restrained early to settle at the rear and never threatened. His earlier runs were more encouraging when racing on the speed, including a close second over this track and distance four starts ago. If he reverts to more positive tactics, he could take catching and shapes as a potential value selection. Sectional Stars Race 1 – 2 AUTUMN VIBES He has been holding his own in Class 4 company, recording three placings from 12 starts, and was last seen finishing a strong third over this distance at Happy Valley 67 days ago. Following a couple of eye-catching trials, he appears primed to break through as he drops to Class 5 for the first time. Race 10 – 9 RED MAESTRO On his local debut 35 days ago, he settled off a slow early pace before finishing fifth over 1200m, producing the second-fastest final 400m sectional. Based on his overseas form, the step up in distance should suit him, and with that run under his belt, he looks capable of finishing in the top three.

By Press Association Sport Reporters George Boughey’s Betfred 2000 Guineas favourite Bow Echo has had a “totally faultless spring” as he builds up towards his day of destiny. Boughey, who won the 1000 Guineas with Cachet in 2022, decided against running the Royal Lodge winner in a trial in preference of a racecourse gallop on the Rowley Mile. Having come through that with flying colours, confidence in the camp is high ahead of the first Classic of the season. “To have a colt who’s favourite for the Guineas is very special. I think we’ve done it with some fillies so far, and he’s been the best colt we’ve had. I’ve been pretty clear to say that. It’s exciting,” said Boughey at a media morning organised by the Jockey Club. “We had him ready pretty early and realised that he doesn’t actually need a huge amount of work, he just does one canter on a daily basis and breezes once a week, so we’ve been kind of freshening him up. I think the fact that he’s been so straightforward has afforded us that luxury. “I think when Cachet won the Guineas, she had a totally faultless spring and so has he.” Reflecting on his racecourse gallop before the Craven meeting Boughey said: “It was good. It was a more end-to-end gallop, and Billy (Loughnane) was in the middle of a two-week ban and possibly had a few days on holiday, so he might have been carrying a few extra pounds. Billy was happy, I was happy and it was backed up by the clock. It’s only a very small part of the puzzle but it’s certainly a part of the puzzle.” Loughnane is the rising star of the weighing room but he is still searching for a first British Classic. “I can’t remember how many times I’ve said it, but Billy is the full package really for me,” said Boughey. “We work very well together. As well as being a brilliant jockey, he’s got a great mind and I consider him to be a friend. He talks to me about anything and that I think gives him the freedom to ride with complete confidence. “We walked the track the other night and it was more than anything to give him the confidence that he can ride the horse as he finds him. I won’t tie him down to any instructions, he’s unbeaten on the horse, he’s ridden him in all of his work this year, no one knows him better. “Whether it’s Wolverhampton or Newmarket he’s a pretty cool customer.” One person who sadly will not be able to see Bow Echo line-up on Saturday is his late owner-breeder Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, who died at the end of 2025. Paying tribute, Boughey said: “It was a life-changing thing when he sent us 10 homebreds and enabled us to go after winning the Guineas. “I’m sure he’ll be watching and it’s just something that sometimes, when the year after someone passes, you know they have an amazing year. We saw it with the Aga Khan, we saw it with Sheikh Hamdan, and he’s got a lovely team of horses all around the country this year.”

The Hong Kong racing season has moved into its final quarter and there’s plenty on the line between now and the concluding meeting on 15 July, headlined by what Caspar Fownes has described as “the most exciting trainers’ championship ever”.

Rarely has the fight for the trainers’ premiership been so evenly poised so deep into a campaign, with Fownes and Mark Newnham level in the lead on 50 winners and Danny Shum (49), David Hayes (48), Francis Lui (43) and John Size (41) in striking distance.

Fownes is no stranger to premiership success, bagging the title on four previous occasions, and he revealed just how much he is relishing the fight for a fifth crown.

“I’m really enjoying it. I’m enjoying the competition, and I’m so glad there’s six guys fighting it out. The pressure is constant, and I’m just enjoying the fact it’s game on and everyone is having a go,” he said.

“I would say it’s the most exciting trainers’ championship ever. When you’ve got that many in the hunt – normally a couple clear out from the rest and fight it out – it’s really up for grabs.”

Fownes, who last took the title in 2020/21, finished third last season with 52 winners and is confident he has a nice spread of young horses on the up and older horses on the right ratings.

“I’ve got many winners left. I’m not going to let my competitors know what they are but I’ve got quite a few that can win two or three,” he said.

“I’ve just got to see if there are enough to get done what I want to get done – I want to win a fifth title. I’m in for the fight.

“I’m happy where I’m sitting. I’m sure someone will overtake me and I will overtake them and it will go back and forth and people will have a run. It’s going to be hard fought and it’s really exciting.”

Fownes has had a consistent season, starting strongly with seven winners in each of September and October and really putting his foot down with nine victories in December.

He kept things ticking over with half a dozen winners in February and March, and he has reeled off seven successes in April, thanks to a little help from none other than the “Magic Man”, Joao Moreira.

Moreira wasted no time after coming on as Fownes’ retained rider in early April, steering home a four-timer for his new boss at Happy Valley on 8 April to add another layer to the title race.

“It’s great to have Joao on board and I really want to win it this year. It would mean a lot. I’m focused and I’m putting everything into it,” Fownes said. “I’m working hard and I just hope I can get it done.”

Fownes saddles up nine runners at Sha Tin this Sunday, including Joy Of Spring in the G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) and Kaholo Angel in the Class 2 Members Cup (1600m).

Trainers’ Ranking (Top 6) – As of 30 April, 2026

	Trainer	Win	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Total runs
1st	M Newnham	50	42	41	44	28	437
2nd	C Fownes	50	34	35	31	32	420
3rd	D Shum	49	31	28	32	27	391
4th	D Hayes	48	33	34	43	39	519
5th	F Lui	43	35	50	26	33	398
6th	J Size	41	50	46	34	46	469

Former Irish galloper, JINLING STARBLITZ (1) captured the attention of local race goers with a sterling victory on his Malaysian debut three weeks ago and is capable of going back-to-back in the 1400m Open Novice (Race 4) this Sunday. The four-year-old closed off well from midfield to defeat subsequent winner, Aquitaine by 0.75L in an Open Maiden contest over 1250m. The Ricky Choi trained gelding strikes another winnable race and looks hard to beat with the top weight of 59kg. PACIFIC FIGHTER (2) has been performing well against Class 4 opposition recently, coming off three minor placings in succession and is due to break his Malaysian duck at start number four in the country. HELLO HERO (4) has chalked up a couple of thirds in Open Maiden company and received no luck when checked mid-race in the contest won by JINLING STARBLITZ (1) last start. BANKER’S CUTE (7) has been racing against tougher opposition in three local starts but is due to improve on the distance drop. Race 4 Selections: 1 – 2 – 4 – 7 Talented sprinter YES MAN (2) progressed rapidly through the grades and struck career best form recording six wins during the 2025 racing year and will strip much fitter second up in the 1200m Supreme A (Race 7). The four-year-old resumed and led from gate eleven in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup to finish 7th, but was only beaten 2.75L. There is no doubt YES MAN (2) will benefit from that performance and should find the lead from barrier three with Jose De Souza on bored for the first time. However, he strikes a horse in peak form and that is recent Tunku Gold Cup place getter PACIFIC ENERGY (8), which is coming off an impressive Class 3 victory on April 11. The David Kok trained runner has already established himself in the high grades locally with four wins from ten starts and with the advantage of race fitness on his side, the gelding also carries 3kg less from that last start win. BANKER’S FIRST (7) scored at big odds for his Malaysian debut when leading throughout over 1200m from pole position and will need to repeat the dose from the ten barrier on this occasion. BIG UNION (6) only produced the one win from his first Malaysian preparation and normally goes well second up from a spell. The five-year-old had no luck when resuming from the outside draw on March 29 when trapped wide all the way. BIG HEARTED (9) is a moderate beginner which may be preferable over the longer trip. However, the nine year old still possess that quick turn of speed and has proven to be quite versatile throughout his long career. Race 7 Selections: 2 – 8 – 7 – 6           An enthralling clash is expected in the 1200m Class 3 contest (Race 8) as recent G1 Tunku Gold Cup runner up, DUMA (1) will clash with the talented three-year-old STRONG DRAGON (11) and the speedy inform four-year-old NAVARRE (4). DUMA (1) has already proven himself in the grade with two wins from three starts and his eye-catching effort in the group feature from barrier fifteen suggests the Frank Maynard trained gelding can quickly atone for his narrow neck defeat. However, STRONG DRAGON (11) will carry 6kg less than his more seasoned opponent and is capable of scoring second up. The New Zealand bred juvenile does possess a sharp turn of acceleration and finished runner up at this level back in December. NAVARRE (4) will be facing his toughest assignment at start four in Malaysia but the manner in which he has taken care of his rivals suggests another forward showing is expected. Scoring comprehensively by 7.25L in a 1300m Max Two Stakes race here four weeks ago, NAVARRE (4) will utilize his early pace and could prove hard to beat at his Class 3 debut. Others worth considering for the exotics are HASTEN (3) and BANKER’S SWEETHEART (2), which finished 3rd and 4th respectively in a 1200m Class 3 won by Banker’s First on April 12. Race 8 Selections: 1 – 11 – 4 – 3

The WSB Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville headlines the opening of Champions Season, alongside the Fillies Guineas and Drill Hall Stakes—three key races that launch a prestigious three-month carnival. All eyes will be on Tin Pan Alley, who aims to justify his lofty rating after a dominant victory in the HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes. There, he routed See It Again by four lengths, earning a sharp ratings jump. On that performance alone, he sets the standard. However, earlier defeats in the Dingaan’s and Gauteng Guineas raise minor concerns, suggesting he is not entirely bombproof. Still, with Keagan de Melo unbeaten aboard him, a repeat of his best form should make him hard to beat. The biggest threat could come from the powerful Mike and Mathew de Kock yard, represented by One Eye On Vegas. He finished ahead of Tin Pan Alley in the Gauteng Guineas and followed up with a solid fourth in the SA Classic, showing consistency against top company. If fully primed, he is capable of capitalising on any vulnerability. Star Major and Happy Verse renew their rivalry, having been closely matched in recent feature races, including the Politician Stakes and Cape Derby, where margins between them were minimal. Both are genuine contenders in a competitive field. In the WSB Fillies Guineas, Quickstepgal bids to add to her Cape Fillies Guineas success. She produced a strong prep run and returns to her ideal distance, making her a leading player. However, she faces a serious challenge from dual Grade 1 winner Wish List, though the latter may find the trip slightly sharp. Princess Of Gaul and Beach Verse also bring solid form and add depth to the race. The Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes features Questioning, who impressed over course and distance last time and looks well suited to the extra furlong. Gladatorian, last year’s winner, returns to a favoured track and could pose a threat, while Outlaw King brings consistent Cape form. Others to note include Cats Pajamas, revitalised with blinkers, and Jet Force, chasing a fourth straight win. With elite fields assembled, the stage is set for a thrilling start to Champions Season.

The Legal Eagle Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth offers an important stepping stone toward the Hollywoodbets Durban July, with half the field holding entries for the country’s premier contest.

Viva’s Liberte, trained by Candice Bass, profiles as the horse to beat. Lightly raced and still developing, he has had a less-than-ideal preparation this season but has shown promise against strong opposition. His third in the Cape Derby behind Wish List and a solid effort in the Variety Club Mile suggest he is nearing peak fitness. With leading rider Craig Zackey aboard, this could be his moment to deliver a statement win and strengthen his July credentials.

Tenpenny, from the Paddy Kruyer yard, is another serious contender. He finished narrowly ahead of Viva’s Liberte last time and is arguably better suited to the step up in trip, despite a slight weight disadvantage. La Pulga, a consistent performer, is rarely far behind Tenpenny and should again be competitive, though he may need to find extra to match the top contenders.

Elsewhere on the card, Peace Garland looks ready to break through in Race 1 after two promising runs against useful juveniles. In Race 2, Swift Serenity—a consistent maiden with multiple placings—may have found her opportunity in a suitable sprint.

Race 3 could offer value through Signor Dante, who has faced stronger company in recent starts and may appreciate the drop in class. In Race 4, Lark’s Song, twice runner-up recently, appears poised to shed her maiden tag under Andrew Fortune.

The Listed Ladies Mile (Race 5) sees Swiatek as a lively contender, proven over the course and distance and capable of bouncing back in slightly easier company.

Among the juveniles, Kalahari King stands out in the Grade 3 Winter Nursery, having impressed with a fluent and professional victory last time.

Later, Sooty brings consistent if unpredictable form into Race 8, while Final Call looks progressive and could outclass her rivals in the finale.

With several runners eyeing bigger targets, Sunday’s meeting provides both competitive racing and key clues ahead of the winter feature season.

As with most Friday race meetings in the Eastern Cape, trainer Alan Greeff and his stable jockey Richard Fourie look to have very good prospects. Zinovi in Race 4 and Fairy Knight in Race 7 look the best of them. The five-year-old gelding Zinovi runs in Race 4, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1600m on the Polytrack. The Heavenly Blue gelding has only raced once on this surface, and that was on his debut for this trainer. Zinovi finished seventh, 5.75-lengths behind Kingdundee. That runner has won a couple of decent races since then, and Zinovi has won 4 of his 7 starts since. A closer look at the form shows Richard Fourie has won twice in three starts aboard him. Zinovi does look hard to oppose, as he is suited to the distance. Fairy Knight, in Race 7, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m, faces a tougher task. The Global View gelding has won 3 of his last 4 starts and was third last time out, 4.00-lengths behind Anuschka’s World on a soft track. It is worth noting that although Fairy Knight has won on a soft track, it does appear he is not at his very best under those conditions. On the Polytrack, his record is very good, with 7 wins in 11 starts, and he has only suffered one defeat in five starts over the course and distance. Fairy Knight has drawn pole position but he has been slow away a couple of times in the past, so that might actually be an advantage to him. He has some in-form rivals taking him on. Cruise Control was only 0.25-lengths adrift of that rival when they last met over this course and distance, and he showed his wellbeing with a good win in his latest start. Another Greeff entrant, Mercantour, was victorious in all three legs of the Polytrack Challenge and will be a threat.   Clive Robinson

There’s a jockey title race on paper, and then there’s reality. Right now, reality belongs to Craig Zackey. The country’s leading rider heads to Thursday’s nine-race Standside track meeting at Turffontein with 203 winners on the board – a full 50 clear of Richard Fourie – and riding with the authority of a man who knows the door to a maiden National Jockey’s title is no longer ajar: it’s swinging wide open. With eight rides on the card and a stacked book, this looks less like another meeting and more like a statement, and Zackey could easily walk away with a handful of winners. The engine room of his afternoon lies in a potent alliance with Sean Tarry, and the pair look primed to strike early and often, potentially stringing together a Pick 3 that punters can build around. It starts in Race 2, where Storm Avalanche offers the perfect launchpad. The Rafeef filly was found to be not striding out on debut just nine days ago, yet still stayed on for third over 1200m – a run that reads better than it looks. The quick turnaround is telling. If she’s over those early issues, natural improvement should do the rest. This is a filly to follow, not oppose. Stablemate Snap Your Fingers can take the baton in Race 3. Her debut over 1400m against males was quietly full of promise, and now she steps up to a 1600m, a move that screams intent. The Futura filly meets winners but gets weight where it matters, and with that first run under the belt, she profiles as a proper each-way play. Zackey retains the ride, and that’s rarely by accident. By Race 4, the Tarry-Zackey partnership could be in full flow, with War Reporter ready to deliver. The Vercingetorix gelding shaped with real encouragement when third at the Vaal after eight months off. He’ll strip fitter now, jumps from a kind gate, and remains open to further improvement in just his 11th start. That treble is very much in play. But Zackey’s reach extends beyond one yard. Quickfreeze in Race 7 is the wildcard with upside. The Lucky Houdalakis-trained colt has done little wrong in four starts (two wins, two placings) and returns off a break that could prove the making of him. If he’s strengthened as expected, he slots straight into the “value with teeth” category. The market may underestimate him; Zackey probably won’t. Then comes Race 8, where Traditional Belief could put the polish on a big afternoon. She emptied out late over 1400m last time, but that run reads like a clear case of stretching beyond her limits. Back to 1160m, the scene of her course-and-distance maiden win, she’s far more at home. With Zackey aboard, she looks a live chance to cap the day. Five winners is not a reach, it’s a realistic target. At this stage of the season, momentum is everything, and Zackey has it in spades. While others chase, he dictates. While rivals look for opportunities, he’s creating them. Turffontein on Thursday isn’t just another meeting, it’s another step in a procession that’s starting to look inevitable.   Clive Robinson