Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior has been acclaimed as one of the world’s elite horses, ranking joint fifth in the 2024 LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings (WBRR) while Ka Ying Rising has been recognised as the world’s joint best sprinter. Romantic Warrior, the world’s highest-earning racehorse in history with record prize money of HK$177.32 million, is among 12 Hong Kong-trained horses to achieve an international rating of 115 or higher in the LONGINES WBRR, released by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) on Tuesday, 21 January. The winner of nine Group 1 races, in three separate countries and regions, Romantic Warrior achieved a career-high international mark of 125 in 2024 to rank equal fifth with Calandagan, Do Deuce, Fierceness and Sierra Leone behind City Of Troy and Laurel River (both 128), Via Sistina (127) and Goliath (126). Romantic Warrior was unbeaten in five races during the designated ratings period – from January, 2024 until the end of December, 2024 – snaring four Group 1s and a Group 2 for owner Peter Lau, trainer Danny Shum and jockey James McDonald. With Group 1 victories in the 2024 HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and 2024 HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), 2024 HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) and Japan’s G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in Tokyo, Romantic Warrior is now among the very best horses in the world. A year after Lucky Sweynesse was acclaimed the world’s leading sprinter on a mark of 125, David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising shares the 2024 sprint mantle with American speedster Cogburn and Australia’s I Wish I Win on 121. Having lowered Sacred Kingdom’s 1200m Sha Tin record set in 2007 to 1m 07.43s last November, Ka Ying Rising followed record-breaking success with a first elite level victory in December’s HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m). Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising’s effort to achieve a mark of 115 or higher was matched by follow Hong Kong-trained gallopers Voyage Bubble (120), California Spangle (119), Straight Arron (118), Beauty Eternal (117), Lucky Sweynesse (117), Beauty Joy (116), Galaxy Patch (116), Victor The Winner (116), Helios Express (115) and Invincible Sage (115). Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, said: “Hong Kong racing has once again performed incredibly with the accomplishments of our elite horses, particularly when it is considered we have about 1,200 horses in training – or about 0.7% of the world’s active thoroughbred population. “The achievements of Romantic Warrior, in particular, fill Hong Kong with pride and his efforts to win Group 1s in three separate racing jurisdictions, including his Yasuda Kinen triumph against the very best of Japanese milers, is simply outstanding and he is a tremendous credit to Peter, Danny and James. “The emergence of Ka Ying Rising under David Hayes and Zac Purton for the Ka Ying Syndicate has been a wonderful success. Starting out as an unraced import, Ka Ying Rising has surged through Hong Kong’s always competitive sprint ranks to stand as our premier sprinter with his incredible performances, including the setting of a new Sha Tin course record for 1200m, to now be acknowledged as one of the world’s premier sprinters.” Trained by Aidan O’Brien, City Of Troy raced five times during the designated ratings period, winning the G1 Epsom Derby (2405m), G1 Eclipse Stakes (1990m) and G1 International Stakes (2051m) before retiring after finishing eighth in the G1 LONGINES Breeders’ Cup Classic (2000m, dirt). Laurel River’s sole Group 1 appearance in 2024 yielded a record eight and a half-length victory in the Dubai World Cup (2000m, dirt) at Meydan for the United Arab Emirates based combination of trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Tadhg O’Shea. World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races Eight of Hong Kong’s elite races have been included in the 2024 LONGINES World’s Top 100 Group 1 races. The 2024 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, won by Romantic Warrior with Japanese star Liberty Island second and Tastiera third, returned a figure 119.5. Remarkably, Romantic Warrior won all three of Hong Kong’s top-ranked races – the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and FWD QEII Cup. The LONGINES Hong Kong Cup rated joint 26th in the ranking. Hong Kong’s tally of eight places it sixth overall behind Australia, Great Britain, Japan, the United States and France but ahead of Germany, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Each accredited Group 1 is ranked based on the average rating of the first-four finishers from that year’s race, as determined by the panel of international handicappers. Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said: “With eight of our 12 Group 1 races in the World’s Top 100 G1 races, the enduring quality of Hong Kong’s racing has again demonstrated. The 2024 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup featured five international Group 1 winners and produced an extraordinary contest. It was an incredible contest, which was brilliantly won by Romantic Warrior from Japanese Group 1 winners Liberty Island and Tastiera. “Fittingly for our flagship December meeting, all four Group 1 races at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races – the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, LONGINES Hong Kong Cup and LONGINES Hong Kong Vase – are all ranked in the World’s Top Group 1 Races for 2024. “Personally, I regard the meeting as one of the best LONGINES HKIR’s we have ever staged. International competition is an abiding priority for the Club and, along with our world-class domestic racing, we are delighted with what Hong Kong racing continues to deliver on the world stage. “The 2024 figures for both the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings and World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races underscores the tremendous work undertaken by the Club along with the significant ongoing investments it makes in facilities and personnel to maintain our position as a world leader of racing. “I also acknowledge the substantial efforts of our loyal owners in securing the best available equine talent to race in Hong Kong, which keeps our racing at the forefront of international competition.” Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Andrew Harding, said: “International racing continues to showcase the very best of Hong Kong. The 2024 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races were a triumph for the Club and our owners and it was also historic with the staging of the meeting under the World Pool banner for the first time. “With more than 20 overseas contenders across the four Group 1 races, the meeting was broadcast live into 29 countries and regions and, with an overall attendance of more than 80,000 – the largest LONGINES HKIR attendance since 2018 – it was truly an international success. “None of this would have been possible without the support of local and international owners, trainers and jockeys. Similarly, FWD Champions Day also displays the strength and quality of Hong Kong racing. “Domestically, the ongoing support of our owners is crucial and, from this viewpoint, the 2024 LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings and World’s Top 100 Group 1 races amply reflect the outstanding quality of Hong Kong racing.”

Romantic Warrior will face only seven rivals when Danny Shum’s globetrotter contests the AED1.85 million (approx. HK$3.92 million) G1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Friday night (24 January). The world’s highest-earning racehorse will challenge last season’s Jebel Hatta winner and 1800m course record-holder Measured Time, who will bid to give trainer Charlie Appleby his fifth victory in the race since 2016. Appleby will also field Ottoman Fleet on Friday night, aiming to give Godolphin its tenth Jebel Hatta triumph, while jockey William Buick is attempting to snare his fifth Jebel Hatta victory on dual Group 1 victor Measured Time. Preparing for the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in Riyadh on 22 February, Romantic Warrior will also face Ancient Rome, Holloway Boy, Poker Face, Royal Dubai and San Donato on Friday in quest of an 18th win. The earner of a record HK$177.3 million, Romantic Warrior worked at Meydan this morning (Tuesday, 21 January) under James McDonald, effortlessly cruising clear of stable companion and workmate Romantic Charm over the final 200m. “He was really good, had only a light piece of work and breezed home nicely, so very happy,” McDonald said. “He was just breezing – not fast for him. He’s really good – (in) good form. “He’s obviously got a big challenge ahead, but he’s in good form.” Romantic Warrior has not raced since recording a record third consecutive win in the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on 8 December. McDonald is expected to have three other rides at Meydan on Friday. Shum, who has successfully campaigned Romantic Warrior in Australia and Japan with victories in the 2023 G1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) and the 2024 G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m), is pleased with his charge’s preparation. “It’s almost the same, not much difference,” Shum said when asked to compare previous overseas ventures. “He’s good, healthy, happy and strong. He’s now used to all the trips overseas. He’s a tough horse. “He has our stable team and Romantic Charm with him, so he understands he is safe. The idea of his work under James is just to get him used to the turf. He is good.” The barrier draw for the Jebel Hatta will be announced tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 January). By Leo Schlink

Top jocks Gavin Lerena and Piere Strydom will likely dominate the next midweek Highveld fixture at Turffontein on Thursday 23 January and head to Cape Town for the weekend’s big Met meeting brimming with confidence. Lerena has hit the ground running this season, booting home winners with regularity across the country. At the time of writing, his haul of 111 winners this season is just five shy of the mark set by log-leading Craig Zackey, whose 116 wins have come from 221 more rides. Veteran Strydom, who only recently returned to the saddle after a nasty New Year’s Day fall, has kept his powder dry but boasts impressive statistics too. Striker has ridden 44 winners from 154 rides this campaign (since 1 August) at a healthy rate of 29%, the highest among the Top 20 jockeys. Strydom marked his comeback from the injury-enforced layoff with two wins and two narrowly beaten seconds from four rides at last Thursday’s Vaal meeting, and his good form should continue with a double on Turffontein’s Standside track. Dylan’s Champ should find the target for Striker in Race 2 over 1600m and the Fabian Habib-trained three-year-old wouldn’t be doing so out of turn. This Rafeef gelding has finished second in four consecutive outings, once under Strydom over 1600m on the straight Vaal course three starts back.  Chase Maujean and Muzi Yeni have ridden Dylan’s Champ in subsequent starts. With Strydom back aboard, a wide 12 draw holds no fears for Dylan’s Champ who has sufficient gate speed to overcome his awkward starting berth and find the lead from where his veteran rider can dictate and showcase his mastery of race pace. Strydom teams up with old ally Willow Express in Race 8 and their reunion should bring success in the Lucky Last for trainer Sean Tarry whose seven-year-old grey gelding has scored in both appearances with Striker aboard. Lerena, who has been in the headlines recently for his back-to-back Grade 1-winning feats on rising star One Stripe, should head to Cape Town after taking a chunk out of Zackey’s lead atop the National Log standings. He continues his partnership with improving last-start winner Twelve Oclock High in Race 3 over 1600m and with any improvement over the extended distance, Stuart Pettigrew’s charge should follow up his recent 1450m Vaal Classic victory with a third win from his last four starts – each with Lerena in the irons. Lerena has picked up the ride on progressive Destiny Of Fire for Mike de Kock in Race 5 over 1600m and this Master Of My Fate filly is hard to oppose in what looks a very winnable contest. She is a lot better than rated and should give weight and a beating to her seven rivals. Habib-trained Confederate is another plum ride for Lerena and this Fire Away gelding should be rewarded for his consistency with a third career victory in Race 6, also over 1600m. Clive Robinson

Fresh from Ka Ying Rising’s stunning triumph in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on Sunday (19 January), David Hayes hopes Sight Happy can propel Zac Purton closer towards Hong Kong history at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (22 January). Purton, 42, needs only two more wins to overtake Douglas Whyte’s tally of 1,813 Hong Kong victories and takes seven rides at Happy Valley tomorrow night – John Size-trained Spirit Of Peace and Beauty Alliance, Firefoot for Chris So, Aestheticism for Pierre Ng, David Eustace’s Riding Together, View Of The World for Dennis Yip and Sight Happy for Hayes. Hayes, who has provided 10 of Purton’s 72 winners this season, including five with record-breaking sprint star Ka Ying Rising, is optimistic Sight Happy can snare his second victory this campaign when he contests the Class 4 Kowloon Park Handicap (1200m) from barrier two. “Zac can hopefully settle midfield and, with a bit of luck, he can put his run up,” Hayes said. “He’s had some bad barriers but the last couple of runs, he’s been able to show what he’s capable of. He’s a healthy little horse and very sound, so hopefully he’ll keep putting the runs up.” Purton believes another solid book of rides has the potential to deliver the record tomorrow night. “We’ll see how we go, Happy Valley is always a little bit tricky. You need to get the right run and a few things go your way, but I’ve only got two (wins) to go now, so nearly there,” the seven-time Hong Kong champion said. “View Of The World won nicely last time, but he drew the right gate (one), had a soft run behind the leaders and skipped home against an average field, so he had all the favours but I like the way he did it and he gets around the Valley nicely, so I’m hoping he can go on with it.” With a Sha Tin double last Sunday leaving Purton with 1,812 wins, the Australian is spearing towards an eighth Hong Kong championship with 72 wins for the season – 39 clear of Hugh Bowman (33) – after 39 of 88 scheduled meetings. Whyte’s 1,813 Hong Kong winners came from 12,269 mounts with 1,241 at Sha Tin and 572 at Happy Valley with an overall winning strike rate of 14.78%. Purton’s 1,812 winners have come from 10,351 rides with 1,125 at Sha Tin and 687 at Happy Valley with an overall winning strike rate of 17.5%. Champion sprinter Lucky Sweynesse continued his comeback from an injury with a 1000m turf trial at Sha Tin this morning (Tuesday, 21 January), finishing second of eight runners, as he heads towards the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 30 March. Ridden by Matthew Poon, the four-time Group 1 winner finished a length and a half behind California Touch, who clocked 58.62s. Mark Newnham confirmed Ramadan, who ran 14th in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), would miss the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 31 January after the five-time winner in France finished sixth over 1600m behind Moments in Time. “He’s not quite there yet and that’s what I expected it. He hasn’t had the ideal preparation, probably since he left France. He went from France to England to Hong Kong, quick preparation into the international race and since then, he had time in quarantine, so he’s only been in our system a short while,” he said. “I’ve ridden in him in a couple of gallops and his fitness isn’t there yet and he’s probably still making adjustments to the firmer ground here. He wouldn’t be ready to run in the Classic Mile, so he won’t go there. I’ll just run him when he’s ready.” Currently fourth in the Hong Kong trainers’ championship with 24 wins behind Danny Shum (28), Pierre Ng (27) and Hayes (25), Newnham hopes to gain starts in the first leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series with My Wish and Talents Ambition, who runs in a Class 3 1650m race on the dirt at Sha Tin this Sunday (26 January). Wednesday night’s (22 January) nine-race Happy Valley card starts with the Class 5 Shan Kwong Road Park Handicap (1000m) at 6.40pm. By Leo Schlink

David Hayes anointed Ka Ying Rising as “probably the best horse” he has trained, while Zac Purton described the speedster as a “really special horse” after the four-year-old’s incredible record-breaking win in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (19 January). Clocking 1m 07.20s in a phenomenal display of sustained speed, Ka Ying Rising lowered the track record for the second time this season, eclipsing the 1m 07.43s he posted on 17 November, to secure his 10th win from 12 starts and leaving Hayes and Purton awestruck. Pitted against seven rivals, all drawn to his inside, Purton drove Ka Ying Rising out of the barriers and crossed the face of the field inside 200m to lead Magic Control and Victor The Winner – and was never headed – clocking 23.30s for the first 400m before unleashing a devastating mid-race split of 21.54s to have the race at his mercy. Rounding the home turn, Purton flicked Ka Ying Rising into overdrive and the gelding responded with a blistering 10.59s burst from the 400m mark before easing down the 1.1 favourite to finish three and a quarter-lengths ahead of Helios Express, with Howdeepisyourlove a neck further back. “He did surprise Zac when he jumped well and then went to the lead – to lead those fast horses so easily just shows his versatility. He can take a sit, or he just leads. He’s certainly the best sprinter I’ve had anything to do with and probably the best horse,” Hayes said. “He’s quite freakish what he does. The last 100m today, Zac switched the engine off, so in the two track records he’s broken, he’s actually eased him down the last 100m or 80m. “He just doesn’t lose – and I know he lost twice when he was immature – but now he’s mature, he’s just got that ability to win. He’s got amazing cruising speed and he’ll quicken off it, which is very hard to compete against.” Purton, who has ridden a string of champion Hong Kong sprinters during a glittering career, said facts and figures underscored Ka Ying Rising’s extraordinary talent. Asked if the four-year-old was the best sprinter he had ever ridden, Purton said: “He’s right up there. He’s doing things that other sprinters haven’t done, winning with the ease he’s winning with, running the times, he’s running. “We’ve had a lot of champion sprinters grace our turf here and they’ve all had the chance to run the times, he’s run. So, yeah, he’s starting to become a really special horse.” Desperate to avoid a repeat of the HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) in December when Ka Ying Rising triumphed by half a length in his slowest time of the season – 1m 08.15s – Purton enacted a simple plan. “Jump, be positive and just work it out as we go,” he said. “They went too slow in December and it allowed the horses to be too close, so today I made sure the man was going to take care of the boys. “He can run sectionals comfortably and kick off it. It’s very unique to have a horse that can do that, but he can. But when you go too slow, it allows the other horses a bit of an opportunity. Today, we made a statement again.” The Centenary Sprint Cup is the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, Hayes confirmed Ka Ying Rising would chase a HK$5 million bonus by winning the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February and the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April. Longer term, Hayes is contemplating a tilt at G1 The Everest (1200m) – worth a staggering AU$20 million (approx. HK$96.4 million) – at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia on 18 October. “It’s the richest turf race in the world, it’s at his distance, so it’s getting more realistic every month we go on. We’ll really start thinking about a pathway towards it after the international race here in April and then after that, he’ll probably just be set for the big sprint,” Hayes said. Purton finished meeting with 1,812 wins – one shy of Douglas Whyte’s Hong Kong record – having also scored on David Hall’s Mr Energia in the Class 4 Seasons Bloom Handicap (1400m), while James McDonald took riding honours with a treble. The New Zealander claimed the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on Ricky Yiu’s Voyage Bubble, the Class 4 Beat The Clock Handicap (1200m) on Danny Shum-trained Blazing Wind and the Class 3 Mr Vitality Handicap (1400m) for John Size on Bundle Award, who claimed a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. Andrea Atzeni slotted a double with Manfred Man’s lightly-raced Gold Master, who won the Class 4 Helene Paragon Handicap (1600m) and Noisy Boy, who enhanced HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) credentials, with victory for Dennis Yip in the Class 2 Able Friend Handicap (2000m). Man also sealed a brace when Patch Of Cosmo clinched the Class 3 Sound Print Handicap (1400m) for Matthew Chadwick, while Craig Williams posted his first Hong Kong winner since 2016/17 when Cody Mo’s Forerunner triumphed by a head in the Class 4 Waikuku Handicap (1400m). “It’s great to be here, it was a home away from home for a long period of my life, my riding career and I was very grateful for the opportunity I had many years ago to make me the rider and the person I am today, so it’s nice to come back,” he said. Three-year-old Sky Joy continued his impressive progress with victory under Jerry Chau in the Class 4 Peniaphobia Handicap (1200m), posting his second victory for Ricky Yiu, before Prince Of Porty’s success in the Class 3 Aerovelocity Handicap (1200m) under Matthew Poon gave Hall a double. Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (22 January). By Leo Schlink

At time of writing, halfway through the season, Highveld based riders Craig Zackey with 116 winners and Gavin Lerena with 111 head up the National Jockeys Log. But it is Lerena who looks to have the best of the rides at the Vaal on Tuesday. It is, nevertheless, a day of competitive racing but Tyrone Zackey-trained Silvano’s Song, ridden by Philasande Mxoli, stands out as the best bet on the card. Silvano’s Song has always been held in high regard by previous trainer Stuart Pettigrew but for the most part he had been something of a frustration for the yard with a record of one win from 18 starts. He can claim to have one of the best pedigrees around, being a son legendary stallion Silvano out of a daughter of Captain Al, one of the best sires bred in South Africa. But he is one from one for his new yard, at the end of the year Silvano’s Song thrashed the opposition, including re-opposing Flag Bearer, and is looking a like an up-and-coming sort in the making. It may be the change of scenery that did it as Pettigrew is a true horseman, but Zackey is a trainer also known for getting the best out of problem racehorses. Zackey is also a dab hand and producing hardy stayers and the way Silvano’s Song won suggests he could be looking for some tough tests. He lines up in Race 3, a Classified Stakes over 2400m, where most of his opposition are not proven over eth distance. Only A Poet has been staying on, but he doesn’t boast a strong finish. Silvano’s Song looks well poised for another impressive display. Gavin Lerena is looking for that next championship win and all of Hat’s Queen (Race 4), Corrupt (Race 7) and Dancing Dora (Race 8) look to have winning chances in their respective heats. Hat’s Queen looks to have needed time to mature and should be cherry ripe in her third run after a rest, having finished runner up in her last two starts. The Tony Peter-trained filly was beaten three lengths by Mount Etna after her break, but she looked in desperate need of the run and can turn the form around at the revised terms. Corrupt could be one for the future. Trained by leading Highveld conditioner Johan Janse Van Vuuren, the gelding is an exciting half-brother to Grade 1 Derby winner Out Of Your League and Grade 1 Derby runner up Zeus. He is by Erupt, so it was no shock that he won his debut over 1160m. He should relish the 1450m he tries in Race 7 and could be one to follow in the upcoming Classic races. It has been a while since we saw the amazing finish that Dancing Dora is capable of. But she has been knocking at the door for a while now and is back to her best track. She could be best over 1000m but has won over the course and distance and looks very well placed in Race 8, a MR 65 Handicap, where main dangers Oriental Bouquet, Sail The Sky and Written In Stone have drawn wide. Clive Robinson

Video Stars Race 4 No2 LESLIE It’s worth overlooking his unplaced effort last start, where he was caught wide throughout, leaving him with little left for the straight. Additionally, the slow tempo, evident in the blanket finish, didn’t align with his preferred racing style. Now dropping to Class 4, where he boasts a solid 54 percent Top 3 strike rate, he looks well-placed to make amends. Race 9 No 4 BUNDLE AWARD Despite being overlooked in the market, he delivered a strong third-place finish last time out, charging home powerfully in the closing stages. With a clearer run, he might well have won, finishing just 1.25 lengths off the winner. While this week’s field is competitive, he could offer good value against some of the more fancied contenders. Sectional Stars Race 3 No 13 SUNDAY’S SERENADE His fifth-place finish last start carried hidden merit, as he was forced to settle off the pace from a wide draw before making a strong late run in a race dominated by on-pace runners. Adding to the strength of the form, both the winner and runner-up have since performed impressively. Race 7 No 2 GRACIOUS EXPRESS He likely found the extended mile too testing last time out, fading late in a slowly run race despite showing early speed. Dropping back to 1400m—a distance where he performed well in his previous starts—works in his favour, making him a genuine knockout chance.  

Unbeaten 3yo DUMA (2) will be targeting the winning hat trick when makes his racetrack return in the 1400m Max Two Stakes (Race 7) this Sunday at Selangor Turf Club. First up since October 27, the Frank Maynard trained gelding may be facing his toughest test to date but his quick turn of acceleration in both victories suggests he is capable of overcoming his older opposition. Former Macau galloper, PLATINUM GLORY (4) resumes from a ten month break and is coming off an eye catching trial run here Tuesday week ago. The gelding posted two wins from three starts prior to spelling and did carry 60kg when he broke through earlier last year. SABAH WIN (6) has finished close up behind the inform Red Dragonfly in both Malaysian starts, the latest when runner up over Sunday’s track and distance on December 28 and will be primed third up. WONDERFUL BOSS (5) and TOP SHOW (3) filled the minor placings behind subsequent winner, Contarelli over 1200m in a Max Two event here three weeks ago and are worthy trifecta plays. Former Australian galloper, ONG MARI (1) came with a late flourish down the outside rail to score comprehensively by 3.75L at his local debut and is sure to attract market support this time around. Race 7 Selections: (2) DUMA   (4) PLATINUM GLORY   (6) SABAH WIN   (5) WONDERFUL BOSS

Despite not winning since taking out the G1 Perak Coronation Cup – Ipoh Charity Cup double in November 2023, it appears GOOD FIGHT (4) is returning to form gradually following his recent 2nd in the Penang Gold Cup last start. The 7yo gelding strikes a handy field in the 1400m Supreme B contest (Race 8) which also includes impressive Class 3 winner PACIFIC VICTORY (5), who is capable of going back to back while ELLIOT NESS (6) can bounce back and quickly atone for his slow movement from the barriers on his Malaysian debut. Successive Kranji wins in September keeps him under notice as he steps up to the 1400m trip for the first time in his 32 start career. WINNING STRIDE (8) posted numerous minor placings prior to spelling in March last year and is a previous first up winner while PASIR PINJI (1) was slow away when resuming over 1200m last week and can improve on the seven day backup. DRAGON CLAW (7) has a good second up record and will no doubt go around at much shorter odds compared to his win here a month ago. Race 8 Selections: (4) GOOD FIGHT   (5) PACIFIC VICTORY   (6) ELLIOT NESS   (8) WINNING STRIDE Despite her age it is safe to say that 8yo mare BIG BAD MAMA (10) is racing in career best form as she steps up to Class 3 company for the first time in Race 10 over 1020m. BIG BAD MAMA (10) has taken a real liking for the inner track recently chalking up four wins from four starts over the 1020m journey on Track Two and she is likely to repeat the dose with 3kg less to carry. Trainer Nick Selvan has found the key to this mare with her devastating barrier speed plus ability to run the opposition off their feet, recording three wins from five starts for the stable. However HEART OF FIRE (2) recaptured his best form with an impressive 4.75L win over this track and distance two weeks back and is also a fast beginner, so BIG BAD MAMA (10) may not receive an easy lead. Also worth considering is the ultra consistent ITALIAN REVOLUTION (5), a reliable beginner yet to miss a place in six Malaysian runs while PACIFIC FLASH (3) had every chance when runner up to HEART OF FIRE (2) last start but is racing well and should be prominent for a long way. PACIFIC MV (4) trialed well here on December 31 and is one to watch first up from Singapore. Race 10 Selections: (10) BIG BAD MAMA   (2) HEART OF FIRE   (5) ITALIAN REVOLUTION   (3) PACIFIC FLASH

Zac Purton is confident Ka Ying Rising’s sheer talent and versatility will enable the crack sprinter to overcome another challenging barrier in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (19 January) as history beckons for the seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey. Needing only three more wins to equal Douglas Whyte’s record of 1,813, Purton has seven rides across the 11-race card, headed by Ka Ying Rising and Beauty Eternal in the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m). Purton, 42, will bid to land the Centenary Sprint Cup for the third time after victories on Aerovelocity (2016) and Lucky Sweynesse (2023) as Ka Ying Rising chases a ninth consecutive win from the outside barrier in the eight-horse field. The 128-rater has drawn barriers nine, 10 and 11 at his past three outings, winning on each occasion, but Purton sounded a note of caution ahead of Sunday’s contest. “Obviously he (Ka Ying Rising) has got good gate speed, so that’s an asset. There’s a little bit of speed inside him. Being drawn outside in a small field is always tricky because the runners to the inside generally try to hold a more prominent position than they might normally in a bigger field,” Purton said. “So, I would expect a few horses to do that and it might not be easy to get across, so I’ll need a little bit of luck. “He’s got a really good brain, so that certainly helps. I just hope there’s a spot for me to get in behind Victor The Winner (barrier one) or Magic Control (barrier four) and I can get the one off. We’ll see how we go early.” Purton believes Ka Ying Rising’s effort to contest the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) last month was a feat in itself – much less comfortably defeating a world-class field. “I think people forget that he’s only a young four-year-old and that’s he’s come a long way in only a short period of time,” Purton said. “It was not only a year to the day that he had his first start, and first win, to then lining up in an international sprint, so he did a really good job just to get there – he did an even better job to win, drawing out (barrier 11) that day as well. “He’s the only horse in history to come from barrier 11 to win the (LONGINES Hong Kong) Sprint, so he had that against him. He was a little bit slow to step and he was taken on by Victor The Winner, sitting outside him, eye-balling him in front so he never got a chance to relax and he still gave a good kick and won. “There was a lot of merit to the win and I think he will continue to get better as well.” Ka Ying Rising will be challenged this weekend by Victor The Winner, Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Invincible Sage, Lucky With You, Beauty Waves and Magic Control. The Centenary Sprint Cup marks the start of the three-race Hong Kong Speed Series, which carries a HK$5 million bonus for any horse which wins all three races. The HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February and the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April complete the series. Purton has also drawn barrier eight in the Stewards’ Cup on Beauty Eternal, who is bidding to return to winning form against Voyage Bubble, California Spangle, Beauty Joy, Galaxy Patch, Chancheng Glory, Red Lion and Patch Of Theta. “He (Beauty Eternal) beat Golden Sixty last season and he’s come back this season and been really disappointing. He’s been his own worst enemy, pulling himself into the ground and he wouldn’t relax at all,” the Australian said. “Last time, he had the ear plugs and the Norton bit on and he relaxed much better and gave himself a chance but didn’t perform. He continues to trial well, but he’s just not producing it on race day. “He won’t be able to lead this race because California Spangle is in (barrier) two, so I’ll probably have to sit outside him. Voyage Bubble looks like he’s going to be in the right spot and he’s going to have the race at his mercy. “He (Voyage Bubble) is not over the line because there are some handy horses in it and Galaxy Patch is obviously one of those. Galaxy Patch could jump out of the ground on his day, but Voyage Bubble is going to be in the right spot.” The Stewards’ Cup is the first leg of the Triple Crown series with a HK$10 million bonus on offer to any horse who can also win the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 23 February and HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 25 May. Sunday’s (19 January) Sha Tin card starts with the Class 4 Beat The Clock Handicap (1200m) at 12.30pm. By Leo Schlink

A major stakes increase and a revamp of the handicapping conditions has seen the numbers swell at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. All races, barring a competitive top-liner with only six runners, are loaded with near maximum fields on the nine-race card which does not make easy pickings for punters but in turn, dividends should be attractive. The smallest field on the card makes up the opening leg of the Bi-Pot and it turn into a match  race between Quasiforsure and Cats Pajamas. Peter Muscutt’s veteran was a close-up second behind the smart William Robertson last time out and although he has won over a sprint, he does seem to be more effective over slightly further with this race right up his alley. In contrast, Cats Pajamas is a smart sprinter and Frank Robinson could be testing his charge in useful company to see if he will stay any further. Of the balance, Diani was a smart third in the Christmas Handicap and that form has since been franked. He has a light weight and Dennis Bosch’s runner could upset the more fancied pair. Mike de Kock’s charge Tyroconnell could prove to be one of the better bets on a difficult card and open up the PA. He is relatively lightly raced and won well enough when getting the better of Capsaicin over course and distance last time out. Stuart Ferrie’s charge has since franked that form. With a light weight Tyrconnell looks capable in a tricky handicap. Mr Hotstepper takes another rise in class after a comfortable recent win and Frikkie Greyling’s charge boasts a record of two wins from four starts. He looks progressive and only has 52.5kg to shoulder. Mr Master Starter has been frustrating to follow and was again a beaten favourite last outing. However, he is never far back and should have a lively chance in this line-up. In the first leg of the Pick 6, Bevies Delight has come back well from setbacks early in her career and Peter Muscutt’s mare is versatile enough to make a big effort in a tricky handicap. She was not disgraced in the Flamboyant Stakes behind Mary’s Greenlight over a mile but some of her better form has been over sprints and she clearly enjoys some give in the ground which she is likely to get. Patants Heir is smart and although a narrow winner last time out she was finishing well and the little extra should suit although that form has been a little muddling since. Horses making their local debut after a spell in the Cape often win first time out for their new yards. King Of Spin makes his debut for Stuart Ferrie and comes off some useful Cape form. He has had a short break but looks the part in a competitive handicap in the fifth. Yannakis has had his issues but showed up well when coming off a lengthy break for Gary Rich. He has shown promise and on best form can be in the mix. Fanie Bronkhorst raids with veteran galloper Coming In Hot who boasts consistent Highveld form. The gelding has a 4kg claimer up who has won on him before. Happy Fortune has been brought on progressively by Darryl Moore and shed her maiden in good fashion when sent over ground. Her form has been franked where she is again up against Woza Nawe who could be her chief danger. She went on to win smartly after her defeat to Happy Fortune and was a beaten favourite last time out. She does have the best of the draw but could play second fiddle in a difficult handicap. Hodgepodge looks progressive and showed up well when second to The Ghost last time out. Muzi Yeni replaces Sean Veale who is now tied to Hollywood Racing as first call to their runners and he partners Woza Nawe. In the seventh, Famous Warrior has his third run after a break for Michael Roberts and looks primed for this race with Rachel Venniker’s allowance adding to the gelding’s appeal. Mvelelo was a beaten favourite last run for Mike de Kock and the blinkers go on. From a favourable draw he can make amends. Arverni King tried much further last time out but has not been far back at recent outings. He will certainly strip a fit horse and can get home for MJ Odendaal. Ralph The Rascal was the subject of a big gamble last time out with first time blinkers and his supporters only just failed to collect. However, he will need to repeat. The form behind One Irish Rover will be what puzzle’s form studiers in the eighth, as seven of the 12 runners finished behind MJ Odendaal’s gelding last time out. However, Top Gun was not in that race and was much improved when Paul Lafferty decided on blinkers and his charge won readily enough to suggest that he can follow up in this company with Rachel Venniker’s allowance. Sorting out the rest is tricky. Now I Got You was touched off by One Irish Rover and can turn the tables while there should be little separating stable companions El Draque and Whereverilaymyhat. It could pay to go wide in the exotics in this race. Icy Lancaster could round off the card at decent odds. She ran well below par in two Kenilworth starts and is now back in her original Summerveld yard of Gareth van Zyl. She had excellent form before her move to the Cape and if finding her best form she should make a bold bid. Amafort found strong market support after finishing second at long odds behind Blowin In The Wind who has since franked that form. There should not be much between the two again and both need to be included in all permutations as should Jeanne Darc who has also franked the Amafort/Blowin In The Wind form with an easy maiden win last time out and is another to add to a list of possible winners.

There are some decent animals on display at Turffontein on Saturday and Almond Sea is probably the best of them. This Tony Peter-trained sprinter will line up in Race 7, the Listed Betway Swallow Stakes over 1160m on the Turffontein Standside track. The three-year-old Canford Cliffs filly has won four of her seven starts and does have valid excuses for the three defeats. Slow starts in her last two performances have led to defeats, but not by very far. Almond Sea returned from a break when third and 1.25Lengths behind Ice Star over 1000m at Turffontein in November after being slowly away. The three-year-old filly chased home the speedy Chocolate Soldier on a soft track again after losing ground at the start. Interestingly, all three of her defeats have come in soft going and the good news for her connections is that good weather is predicted for the next few days so the track should have dried out immeasurably. It is the third run back for her and the first time jockey Gavin Lerena gets aboard. He is riding at the top of his game and that could make all the difference. Earlier on the card, in Race 2, the highest-rated maiden in South Africa will runs in a Maiden Plate over 1160m. Winds Of Change has a merit-rating of 107 after some good efforts in Grade 1 races last year. The What A Winter colt has not run since July but his trainers, the father and son team of Michael and Adam Azzie, will never run an unfit horse and he should finally win. Clive Robinson  

Blake Shinn is optimistic Galaxy Patch is poised for a peak performance in the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (19 January) when the Australian reunites with one of Hong Kong’s most exciting horses. With three Group 1 victories among his 79 wins in Hong Kong, Shinn is hopeful Pierre Ng-trained Galaxy Patch can return to winning form after a string of luckless runs this season, including a last-start seventh in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) behind Voyage Bubble on 8 December. “He’s such a talented horse, as we all know. He’s been running well all season. His run in the Hong Kong Mile – despite having no luck at a vital stage from barrier 14 – was phenomenal. “So, it’s great to be back aboard. Obviously, I ran second on him in the (BMW Hong Kong) Derby and I’ve ridden him a couple of times. He’s trialled nice since his last run, looks to be going well and I’m just grateful to Pierre and the owners for asking me to ride him.” One of Hong Kong’s most versatile horses with seven wins from 1200m to 1800m, a Group 1 second at 1400m and a neck second in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), Galaxy Patch will jump from barrier three on Sunday, when he reopposes Voyage Bubble, California Spangle, Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Chancheng Glory, Red Lion and Patch Of Theta. The Stewards’ Cup is the first leg of the Triple Crown series with a HK$10 million bonus on offer to any horse who can also win the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 23 February and HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 25 May. Shinn will ride Beauty Waves for Ng in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), where the consistent speedster will face track record-holder Ka Ying Rising, Victor The Winner, Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Invincible Sage, Lucky With You and Magic Control. Beauty Waves followed his sixth to Ka Ying Rising in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) last month with a third to Howdeepisyourlove in the G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) on 1 January, taking his overall record to four wins and eight minor placings from 16 starts in Hong Kong. “My horse is very honest. You only have to look at his form, he never runs a bad race and his run in the Hong Kong Sprint was really good after drawing a wide barrier – he hit the line really well,” Shinn said. “I know we’re meeting an absolute superstar in Ka Ying Rising but hopefully we have a nice run and get some prizemoney for the owners.” The Centenary Sprint Cup marks the start of the three-race Hong Kong Speed Series, which carries a HK$5 million bonus for any horse which wins all three races. The second leg is the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February, while the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April is the third leg. Apart from his Group 1 rides on Galaxy Patch and Beauty Waves, Shinn will partner Cambridge, Prestige Always and Divine Moonlight for Ng. The Australian also teams with Caspar Fownes-trained Fantastic Fun, Galvanic and Flying Luck and Jamie Richards’ Storming Dragon and Seasons Wit. “It’s exciting, it’s good,” Shinn said of his bookings. Shinn will again return to Hong Kong to partner Divano for Francis Lui in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 31 January. New Zealander James McDonald returns to Hong Kong for the first time since December, bidding to add to his 19 wins from only 89 rides for the season. Apart from Voyage Bubble, McDonald partners Howdeepisyourlove, Blazing Wind, Matsu Victor, Leslie, Jolly Ruler, Gracious Express, Bundle Award, Romantic Thor and Lady’s Choice. Australian Craig Williams, who has 123 Hong Kong wins to his credit, takes the mount on Magic Control for Cody Mo as well as Talents Supremo, Chater Gold, Forerunner, Chain Of Gold, Lost Child, Noble Pursuit and Aurio. Sunday’s (19 January) 11-race card at Sha Tin starts with the Class 4 Beat The Clock Handicap (1200m) at 12.30pm. By Leo Schlink

Trainers Alan Greeff and Gavin Smith have been slugging it out all season and both can get their fair share of winners on the turf track at Fairview on Friday The Alan Greeff-Richard Fourie combination can get things started with My Best Shot in Race 3, the Sophomore Plate over 1400m. The Fire Away gelding has won five of his 11 starts and has four wins in just five starts over this course and distance. Fourie has been aboard him for four of those wins, having ridden him in 10 of those starts. My Best Shot was a bitter failure in his penultimate start, over 1600m on the Fairview Polytrack 1600m but made amends for that with his most impressive win to date when threshing them last time out over the same track and trip. Only five runners take him on but two of them have some class about them too. Golden Link, trained by Sharon Kotzen, and has three wins in his 11 starts. It is worth noting he was 2.75lengths behind My Best Shot when they met over this course and distance in September and is now 2.5kg worse off. Golden Ruler, the Kelly Mitchley-trained colt, made his debut in a smart field at Kenilworth and was not disgraced when finishing fourth. He impressed when scoring in his second start over 1200m at Fairview. That was back in March and the next we saw of him was in July when he took a shot in Group 2 company in the Golden Horseshoe over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Durban July day. But, after suffering interference, he dropped away to finish well beaten. He returns from a 195-day break but would not be a surprise winner with jockey Muzi Yeni in the irons. Mr Maloney runs in a competitive Race 6, a MR 68 Handicap over 1600m. The six-year-old gelding won on local debut for trainer Gavin Smith and has not been disgraced in his three starts since then He clearly found 2000m a step or two too far last time out. Back on the turf and over this distance he can keep rolling to score. Clive Robinson

It is always great to see a top horse run during a midweek meeting. Main Defender, a super athlete, lines up at the Vaal on Thursday in Race 5, a Pinnacle Stakes. Despite his credentials, however, he may not have things all his own way, even being best weighted. Still, he appeals as one of the best bets on the card. It is interesting that trainer Tony Peter didn’t give Main Defender a go at the recent King’s Plate at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. He is rated 130 and being a similar high cruiser with a strong finish like eventual winner and exciting three-year-old One Stripe, it could have been the race of the year. Yes, he brings that kind of credentials to the Vaal and straight off a scintillating performance at Turffontein over 1600m, he finds himself the one to beat. His rivals aren’t really in his league, but some are not far off, and a wide draw may perhaps make things tricky. Melech famously beat Main Defender around the same time last year and the latter could be a threat again as he too is proven over the longer distance. He beat the mighty Pathfork-gelding by 1.25 lengths, is now 4kg better off and jumps from a slightly better gate. But it must be remembered that Main Defender had very valid excuses then, as he was dropping to 1200m which suited Melech better and was also likely in need of the run as he was prepping for the Grade 1 Horse Chestnut Stakes which he duly won impressively. Rider Gavin Lerena is not a champion for nothing and will know that with the Vaal Classic track being less testing than Turffontein, he will need to get Main Defender into a decent position from the jump and the rest should fall into place. Up and coming three-year-old One More Star could be the horse to take multiples with. He lines up in Race 6, a MR74 Handicap. Trainer Sean Tarry will be hoping that his young charge has luck in running. Tarry has had a stop-start season to date, but it is about time his yard kicks into gear and One More Star, like One Stripe, is by smashing freshman stallion One World. One More Star is out of blue-blooded mare Justthewayyouare, which makes him a half-brother to Triple Crown winner Malmoos. Unlike the latter and One Stripe, he hasn’t been unbeatable from the start though as he hasn’t yet shown the same cruising speed, but he stayed on strongly to win his maiden at the fourth attempt, enjoying the hike to 1600m. He gives the impression that he will be a better horse in time, but more so runs like he wants more ground. He now gets to travel a more suitable 2000m. It could be a good day for Tarry as Mountain High (Race 2) and Silver Tudor (Race 8) rate big chances in their respective heats as well. Clive Robinson

Chris So’s stable is on fire at present and the trainer is optimistic of carrying forward his recent form when he takes five runners to Happy Valley on Wednesday night (15 January).

So has six wins from the past four fixtures or six from his last 20 runners in Hong Kong. Unbeaten talents The Boom Box, Hong Lok Golf and Mask Rider have each pitched in with wins, vaulting So to 17 this term after 37 of 88 scheduled race meetings for season 2024/25.

“Since the start of 2025 everything is going smoothly with a few winners and some of the new horses have started to run and race well – I’m very happy,” So said.

“The Boom Box and Hong Lok Golf have had two starts for two wins each. Pakistan Legacy is another one running well, last time he ran second. The Boom Box will run again on the 26th of January. The stable is doing well so far.”

Sporting the renowned red, white and pink colours of the Leung family, The Boom Box has dazzled across two appearances by weaving passages between runners from well back both times with jockey Vincent Ho at Sha Tin to maintain his perfect record.

So saddles Go Go Go, Jubilation, Panda Legend, Owners’ Praise and Turf Phoenix at Happy Valley tomorrow. Panda Legend is a one-time winner for the trainer, featuring in the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Murray Handicap (1650m) under Keagan De Melo, who has four wins for So this campaign.

“We’ll see how he (Panda Legend) goes. We’re stepping him up in distance and it seems like he can handle it but we’ll see how he goes,” So said.

So’s highest-rated horse is the injured Super Sunny Sing, winner of the 2023 HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), who remains restricted to light work at Conghua.

“We’ll give him another month to rest and let’s see because he was injured (right fore ligament) last season. He’s still doing easy work. We’ll see how he is and is recovering – it’s hard to tell,” So said.

Purton’s record chase continues

Positioned on 1,808 Hong Kong wins, just behind Douglas Whyte’s record 1,813, Zac Purton takes eight rides at Happy Valley after posting a double last Sunday (12 January) at Sha Tin.

Purton partners Kasa Papa, Me Time, Happy Daily, Bottomuptogether, Happy United, Northern Fire Ball, Pray For Mir and Aurora Lady. Bottomuptogether features with Purton in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Jackson Handicap (1000m) for trainer Frankie Lor.

“Like a few horses he (Bottomuptogether) has just hit a little bit of a plateau. He’s been going quite hard in some of his races and maybe back to 1000 metres and at Happy Valley is going to suit him.

“He’s got plenty of speed and those type of horses are generally suited there. Hopefully he’s one of them,” Purton said.

Bottomuptogether (124lb) breaks from barrier one against Majestic Knight (135lb), Whizz Kid (131lb), Harmony N Blessed (130lb), Tomodachi Kokoroe (128lb), Brave Star (125lb), Stellar Express (120lb), Healthy Healthy (117lb) and Youthful Spirits (115lb).

Bidding for a first HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) triumph on 31 January at Sha Tin, Purton has opted to ride Packing Hermod for trainer Francis Lui.

“He was always sort of right at the top of the list. I was just giving every horse their opportunity but on ratings he picks himself. He’s done nothing wrong and all of his runs have been good, I’ve been on him and I know him well,” Purton said.

Wednesday’s (15 January) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Ice House Handicap (1800m).

By Declan Schuster

Richard Fourie cruises around, riding his winners, quietly and professionally, and goes about his business. He seems happy with life on the back of his record-breaking season through 2023-24. As opposed to riding every day in the pursuit of breaking the longstanding South African record, he is keeping things tidy but staying between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, for now. When the features come around across the rest of the country in the coming months, expect airfare bills to mount up. When he takes the ride for a trainer he does not take many rides for, punters need to take heed. On Wednesday, he rides Furious Queen in race 8 over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Trained by Eric Sands, Furious Queen started her career on a pleasing note, taking out a pleasing win during winter. Perhaps the handicapper was too harsh on her because she felt the brunt of the 87 rating she was burdened with. Her performance has gradually improved since racing more frequently and her rating dropped down to 83. For the first time though, she gets Fourie on board. Her last run was a welcome return to form. At odds of 25/1, she ran 1,25-length second behind Love Shack over this course and distance. Fitness is no issue. That race came at the end of 2024. Sands’ yard has come to hand with winners starting to flow for the veteran trainer responsible for many champions over the years. The conditions of the race suit the fairer sex too. This is a benefit that cannot be overlooked. Barney Mcgrew is a crowd favourite. The seven-year-old has his 41^st start and this out-and-out sprinter has not lost any zest for racing. He does his job, runs consistently and comes back the next time a race presents itself. He has made his connections so proud. On the evidence of what he has shown lately, he cannot be dismissed. Casino Ace returned to winning ways at his last run. He is very quick and the fast-running nature of the track could help him again. He will need to confirm that was no flash in the pan. He will have a fighting chance and he will not be far away from the action. On a hugely tricky card, the best bets come in races 1 and 5. Bar a first timer being very smart, Master Bomber should win the opener. With two good runs under the belt and taking on a largely moderate field, he is expected to get the job done. Manikongo is by American Pharoah so his performance and expectations need to be noted. Race 5 has What A Fortune line up against potentially weaker than what he beat at his last start when winning as a maiden. He has the burden of 62,5kg to shoulder but draw No 1 over 1400m will make him a very hard horse to beat. Gavin Lerena comes to town and his best chance is in race 2 over 1400m. He rides Victor Hugo, a horse he has been open that he rode work on during a visit to Cape Town during the festive season. He has jumped ship from his main danger, Bel Canto Dream. Victor Hugo might have seen daylight too soon last time. The extra distance should suit so he gets the vote. Both runners should be included. Supreme Fate and Sweet Connifer should fight out race 3 over 1600m with a slight preference for the former. Both runners are trained by Brett and James Crawford. Jockey arrangements cannot be taken as gospel because Richard Fourie is obliged to fulfill all rides for the Ridgemont team. Supreme Fate seems to have a little more scope to improve and she is related to a few Black Type earners over the seasons over slightly further. Hence the two runs over 1200m and 1400m might not have suited as much. Gran Caneria stuck out as a horse to take seriously when she next ran after her last start. Race 4 over 1600m is her next start and she is tipped to win but it is a hot field. Draw 1 will be a big advantage. Her debut was fair when she ran 0,55 lengths behind King Viserys in fourth. That piece of form does not inspire much but her last start over this course and distance is the key. She ran a length behind Native Ruler from a deep draw. If she stays on that curve which has her improving rapidly, she should win under Corne Orffer. The list of dangers is lengthy, headed up by Afrique. Nile The Boss could lead them home in race 6 over 1200m. Her last run is the evidence to the motivation. She finished a 1,75-length second behind Hang Out The Stars. On that run she beat Lady Loxton and Black Path, two rivals again who would be considered to have some hope. It is not a race which lends itself to anybody being confident. Trainers Michelle Rix and Harold Crawford have winning chances in race 7 and 9. She’s My Captain once turned over Roccapina who was a short-head behind Asiye Phambili in the Grade 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes at this course 10 days earlier. Although Richard Fourie is the most prolific jockey for She’s My Captain, the services of Rachel Venniker could prove vital. She is well balanced and strong plus she claims 1,5kg. She’s My Captain is a real salt of the earth trier and all those attributes weigh in her favour in race 7. Electric Feels represents the yard in race 9. She has such a short run-in so Mpumi Mjoka needs to time her perfectly. But he knows her well. That short, sharp burst has helped her overachieve and there is every reason she could go in again and score her third career win adding to her seven career places from 22 starts.