Short fields but competitive racing await punters at Hollywoodbets Scottsville next Wednesday, where betting moves could prove significant across the nine-race card.
The opener is particularly intriguing as recent winner Green Energy meets Kazenoyoni again. Green Energy, trained by Adam Azzie, improved sharply to win well at his second start and looks progressive. However, Kazenoyoni produced a stunning late surge to score on debut and should improve further over the extra distance. Pink Skies, carrying a light weight after a solid effort behind Master Magician, also has claims.
Race two features several first-timers, but Royal Crest looks progressive despite taking on older rivals, while Winter Blessing, with blinkers reapplied, should be competitive.
In the first leg of the PA, Quest Of Valor has shown promise against his own age group and now meets older horses, while Mastercrafter is expected to improve after a green debut. Consistent Xiphos could finally find the right opportunity.
Roy’s Grace appeals in the Pick 6 opener after two encouraging comeback runs and benefits from a 4kg claim. Greenlight and last-start winner Lilac In Winter look closely matched at the weights.
Peter Muscutt holds a strong hand in race five with Touched By Angels, Dylan’s Champ and Rollo The Viking all holding winning chances, while consistent filly Forward Motion can earn again despite tougher opposition.
Later on, Donquerari’s consistency and a rating drop make him competitive, though recent winner Circumbendibus and lightly raced Position Of Power pose threats.
The staying handicap over 2400m looks wide open, with Star Of The Future expected to improve over the longer trip alongside Basie Raakvat and Mary Read.
Dean Kannemeyer’s lightly raced Gallic Victor can close the meeting on a winning note, with in-form Next Of Kin the main danger.
Race 2 – 1 ALWAYS FLUKE
Since finishing a solid second to the rapidly improving SHOTGUN in Class 5 three starts ago, he has held his own in Class 4 company, placing third in his penultimate outing before a luckless sixth last time out when held up at a crucial stage.
Dropping back to the cellar grade, he looks well placed to return to the winner’s list against moderate opposition.
Race 10 – 10 AKASHVANI
He likely found the 1600m and 1800m trips in the Classic Mile and Classic Cup beyond his optimum in his last two starts, but he still showed good early speed and was not beaten far on either occasion. Three runs ago, he led throughout to score comfortably in Class 3, suggesting he should handle the rise to Class 2 this week.
Having trialled well since his last start, he appears ready to produce an improved performance against what looks a more manageable field.
Sectional StarsRace 5 – 10 LITTLE MONSTER
He is better than his last two starts suggest, having had his chances significantly hindered by wide trips from awkward draws. Three runs ago, he charged home strongly to finish second behind recent Class 3 winner AURIO, indicating he is capable of breaking through in Class 4 if things go his way.
Race 6 – 1 GLOWING PRAISES
His two local starts over 1000m have yielded a win and a close third, most recently flashing home with the third-fastest final 400m to be beaten only a nose. Racing over his preferred distance again this week, he shapes as a strong contender despite carrying top weight.
Jet Force has emerged as an exciting horse to follow after proving he can mix it with top Weight-For-Age performers. His authoritative Listed Jet Master Stakes victory suggests he can make a bold bid in Monday’s Grade 3 Variety Club Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
His standout effort came in the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes, finishing close behind Dave The King and just behind future Grade 1 Cape Town Met winner See It Again, while beating Durban July hero The Real Prince home. Despite a tough draw in the Grade 1 L’Ormarins Kings Plate, he held his own, confirming his rise through the ranks. Trainer Des McLachlan has his yard firing, with Grant van Niekerk booked to ride.
Legal Counsel commands respect after pushing See It Again to under a length in the Cape Town Met and looks set for another strong showing before likely heading to Durban for Champions Season. Viva’s Liberte, eye-catching in the Cape Derby after doing the early work, carries a light weight and could be dangerous against older rivals.
In the Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes, Stormwatch appears at peak fitness after a win and close second in the Prix Du Cap and may prove hard to beat, though Roccapina is better off at the weights and rates a threat.
Among the supporting races, One Spirit is the runner to beat in the opener after a promising debut, while improving filly Shesgotclass can follow up her recent win. Who Is She looks a winner in waiting after an unlucky last run, and La Pulga drops into calmer company over 1800m.
Noble Hero, thriving with two wins from his last three starts, has strong claims again, while Rattlesnake’s inside draw could prove decisive in the finale, with One Liner the main danger.
Doncaster Day at Royal Randwick on Saturday, April 4 again delivered one of the biggest programs of the Sydney autumn, with Day 1 of The Championships built around four Group 1 features run in succession through the heart of the afternoon.
The official Group 1 schedule had the Inglis Sires, the T J Smith Stakes, the Doncaster Mile and the Australian Derby, giving the meeting the kind of shape and momentum that always makes this day feel important.
There is always a little extra around Randwick on this day because the program gives you a bit of everything. You go from the juveniles in the Inglis Sires’, straight into the elite sprinters in the T J Smith, then into one of the most recognisable handicap miles in the country before finishing with the staying test of the Australian Derby.
The Australian Turf Club also framed the day as the arrival of The Championships and highlighted it as one of the major centrepieces of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, which felt about right given the depth across the card.
The Inglis Sires’ was the first of the four Group 1s and it was Campione D’Italia who gave Chris Waller and James McDonald another major Randwick result. He took out the 1400-metre feature on a Soft 7 surface in 1:24.80, beating Miss Chanel with Fireball in third.
It was the kind of win that suggested he had a bit more than just raw two-year-old speed, and on a day like this that usually matters because the better juveniles need to absorb pressure as much as produce it.
Campione D’Italia takes out the Inglis Sires. Photo Courtesy of Sky Racing International
The T J Smith Stakes again looked every bit the sprint feature it is meant to be and Joliestar was the one who stood up when it counted for the in-form combo of Chris Waller and James McDonald.
The mare won the 1200-metre Group 1 in 1:09.58, defeating Giga Kick with Skybird running third, while the Australian Turf Club also noted this year’s race as the 30th running of the T J Smith. It is a race that does not leave much room to hide, and Joliestar’s performance had the authority you want to see in a weight-for-age sprint at this level.
Joliestar wins the TJ Smith Stakes. Image courtesy: Sky Racing International
The Doncaster Mile was always going to be one of the headline acts and Sheza Alibi made sure it became her race in no uncertain terms. She won the $4 million feature as the $1.90 favourite for Peter G Moody and Katherine Coleman, with Jamie Melham aboard, stopping the clock at 1:35.62 on the Soft 7.
She was the first three-year-old filly to win the classic mile since the champion mare mare Sunline won it in 1999. Melham had to get down to a light 49kgs but stated after the race “She gave me goosebumps” & “I’d starve every week to ride a horse like her”.
Autumn Boy ran second and Militarize filled third, but the performance of the winner was the one that gave the race its statement. With just 49kg, she took full advantage and turned one of the toughest miles on the calendar into a very one-sided result.
Sheza Alibi storms home to win the Doncaster Mile for Jamie Melham. Photo Courtesy of Sky Racing International
The Australian Derby then closed out the Group 1 sequence and shifted the conversation from speed and handicaps to stamina. Green Spaces gave Bjorn Baker and Rachel King a major result in the 2400-metre classic, scoring in 2:32.84 on the same Soft 7 track.
King also became the first female jockey to win the ATC Australian Derby. Dezignation was second at a massive price and Storm Leopard was third, with the Derby once again asking the proper staying question of the three-year-olds and getting a winner who looked up to the task. Trainer Bjorn Baker was quick to comment “What date is the Melbourne Cup?” as feature staying events are now on the radar for the son of Street Boss.
It capped the elite stretch of the afternoon in the right way and gave the meeting that strong staying finish the program is known for.
Rachel King & Green Spaces win the ATC Australian Derby. Photo courtesy of Sky Racing International
Taken as a whole, Doncaster Day again showed why it remains one of the standout afternoons of the Australian racing season.
The four Group 1s all brought something different, from juvenile class to sprint pressure, a new star of Australia and Melbourne Cup hopes after Derby glory., and that mix is what gives the meeting its identity. Randwick on April 4 had all of that, and the card again lived up to the weight that comes with Day 1 of The Championships.
By Scott Bailey
4Racing continues its Championships journey on Saturday, 4 April, offering a bumper card of nine feature races for Day 3. There is additional gloss for this year’s event with the Corne Spies-trained Hazy Dazy being a lively contender for the Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks, Triple Tiara honours and that attractive R1 million bonus.
While the Triple Crown saw Mr P Murugasa’s Splittheeights take the TAB Gauteng Guineas for the Mike & Mathew de Kock stable under Raymond Danielson and Mrs Heinrich Kuhn’s Grand Empire (Sean Tarry / Craig Zackey) take the World Pool HKJC SA Classic in a tussle, there will be no series winner this year, but nevertheless, an intriguing field has assembled for the 2026 World Pool HKJC SA Derby. Mr M Havenga’s Diogenes has thrived since moving to the Highveld and the care of Weichong Marwing and the 3yo son of Hawwaam announced himself as a Derby contender when he ran out a fitting winner of the WSB Hawwaam Stakes on 14 March.
There are three entries from KZN – Salani Khale (Gareth van Zyl / Sean Veale), Sword Speed (Alyson Wright / Keagan de Melo) and Reign On Impact (Frikkie Greyling / Athandiwe Mgudlwa). While Gavin van Zyl won the race with Seal in 2011, the horse had been based at his Highveld satellite yard under the care of son Chesney and one has to go all the way back to 1986 when Terrance Millard raided with Potomac to find the last winning raider.
This year has one filly in the race, Hollywood Racing’s Curious Girl from the Mike & Mathew de Kock stable, who will be partnered by Gavin Lerena. While the Derby has been won by fillies in the past, the feat has not been achieved since Noble Lady in 1917.
The SA Derby originates in Port Elizabeth, with the inaugural event, run for a stake of 400 sovereigns, dating back to Saturday, 17 October 1885, when it was won by Mr Hilton Barber’s Oxygen (Plunger). By the turn of the century, Johannesburg had become the racing centre of South Africa in the wake of the gold rush and the race relocated to Turffontein where it has remained ever since and with its rich history and illustrious honour roll, the SA Derby remains one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious racing events.
WILGERBOSDRIFT BRIDGET OPPENHEIMER SA OAKS
The South African Oaks over 2450m is the oldest and most demanding classic race for three-year-old fillies in the country and dates back to 1914 when it was won by a filly named Pendant (by Sidus), trained by Fred Murray and ridden by William Watson. Murray was a trainer of some repute – the only one so far to have won four successive Durban July Handicaps (1910-1913).
Like its counterpart, the race has a rich and colourful history, with the 1916 running a particular stand-out. The winner was Opera Cloak, a filly bred by AE Passmore by St Maurice out of Pellerine. The same mating had produced Passmore’s 1912 SA Derby winner, Van Raalte. Opera Cloak was a diminutive individual. So much so that she was eligible for Galloway races. Accordingly, ‘AE’ chose to keep and race her for his own account and trained her himself. After a good win in a Flying Handicap at the Johannesburg Turf Club on 23 December 1916, ‘AE’ entered her for the Oaks, to be run over a mile and a half on 30 December. While it is fairly remarkable for a mare to produce full siblings who both go on to be classic winners, the story gets more remarkable still. ‘AE’, who was in his fifties by now, held a gentleman rider’s license and is down in the history books as the breeder, owner, trainer AND rider of the 1916 Oaks winner, beating in the process, Ike Strydom, the champion jockey of his day.
The late Mrs Bridget Oppenheimer accumulated a phenomenal SA Oaks record, having won it a total of 14 times, so it is fitting that the race carries her name.
With impressive wins in the first two legs, the connections of fairytale filly Hazy Dazy are confident of another good effort and she will be partnered by her regular jockey, apprentice Trent Mayhew.
There have been 5 winners of the SA Triple Tiara to date (Igugu in 2011, Cherry On The Top in 2013, Summer Pudding in 2020, War Of Athena in 2021 and Rain In Holland in 2022) and there will be a R1 million bonus if Hazy Dazy can add her name to the list on Saturday.
There are three Group 1’s on the day’s card, the TAB Empress Club Stakes, the World Pool HKJC Premier’s Champions Challenge and the TAB Computaform Sprint.
TAB Computaform Sprint
The TAB Computaform Sprint is one of only two Group 1 contests on the SA calendar. It was first run as the Castrol National Sprint in 1970, a race which virtually overnight became SA’s premier test of speed and its honour roll is a true embarrassment des riches, littered with the names of SA turf greats such as Sentinel, Senor Santa, Taban, Tommy Hotspur, dual winner Golden Loom, National Colour, J J The Jet Plane and recent winners Shea Shea and Isivunguvungu. Comptutaform added its name to the race and it has stayed there ever since.
Corne Spies ward, 7yo William Robertson, teams up with jockey Ryan Munger to defend their 2025 title, but there will be plenty trying to deny them the double, including Buffalo Storm Cody, one of the highest rated horses in the country, and East Cape raider Kingdundee, who is currently on a four race winning streak.
TAB Empress Club Stakes
The Empress Club Stakes, previously run as the Turffontein Fillies and Mares Stakes, was renamed for one of the greatest female talents to grace the South African turf. Bred in Argentina by Haras Abolengo, Empress Club was foaled in 1988. She was a daughter of Farnesio out of the El Gran Capitan mare Elysee, making her a half-sister to Gr1 fillies, Ecurie and Epoque. Empress Club raced in the interests of Laurie and Jean Jaffee and was trained in South Africa first by Terrance Millard and from her 3yo career onwards by his son, Tony.
Nicknamed ‘The Galloping Goldmine’, she was nothing short of a phenom on the track, concluding her career with 16 wins – which included a staggering nine Gr1s – from 26 starts in South Africa and the USA. She was ARCSA Champion 3yo Filly as well as SA Horse Of The Year for 1992 and ARCSA Champion Older Female in 1993, retiring with record earnings of R3.1 million.
The 2026 renewal of the TAB Empress Club Stakes has attracted a high quality 10 horse field representing some of the best distaff talent from around the country. There is a dual threat from the Western Cape comprising SA Champion Trainer Justin Snaith’s recent Majorca Stakes winning charge Double Grand Slam and Candice Bass’s narrow Majorca Stakes bridesmaid, Rainbow Lorikeet. From the Eastern Cape, Alan Greeff returns his Equus Champion 2YO filly Golden Palm, while Gareth van Zyl represents KZN with Past Is Prologue. The Highveld is represented by big race heavyweight Sean Tarry who saddles stablemates Callmegetrix and Rodeo Drive, the Candice and Tammy Dawson training team with Minogue, Tony Peter saddles Kisshoten, David Nieuwenhuizen fields Famous Lady and Fanie Bronkhorst completes the field with Scarlett Heart.
World Pool HKJC Premier’s Champions Challenge
The Premier’s Champions Challenge is something of a melting pot, having evolved from remnants of the ‘old’ Summer Handicap. It has been run as a conditions race and latterly at WFA plus penalties, has moved around the calendar and even alternated venues between Turffontein and the old Gosforth Park before disappearing from the calendar completely for a number of years. When the calendar was restructured in the late 1990’s, the race was reimagined as the Champion Stakes (WFA) and included as part of the newly launched Champions Day line-up. It underwent a few more changes before finally settling as the Premier’s Champions Challenge.
This year’s event promises a clash for the ages and features defending champion Fire Attack (Alec Laird / Calvin Habib), 2025 Premier’s Champions Challenge runner up Royal Victory who will be aiming to go one better for his new conditioner Weichong Marwing, 2026 WSB Cape Town Met hero See It Again (Justin Snaith / Craig Zackey), 2024 Betway Summer Cup victor Atticus Finch (Alec Laird / Gavin Lerena), 2025 Betway Summer Cup runner up Olivia’s Way (Roy Magner / Marco van Rensburg) and Sean Tarry’s 2026 TAB SA Classic winner Grand Empire (Ryan Munger) among others.
And it doesn’t end there. The card also offers the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes (named for George Azzie’s globetrotting champion – read more about him in last week’s edition of Off The Record – https://news.4racing.com/off-the-record-115), the Gr2 SA Nursery, Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery and 2850m Caradoc Gold Cup (Listed), named for another George Azzie star whose big race wins included the 1966 Summer Cup and 1968 Gold Cup. He retired to become a lead horse at Turffontein and was fittingly laid to rest in the Champions Graveyard in the Turrfontein infield.
Darryl Moore’s JP’s Palace stayed competitive until the closing stages of the Listed Kings Cup at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and looks well placed under another favourable weight in Sunday’s World Sports Betting Sledgehammer at the same venue. With slightly weaker opposition, he is expected to produce another bold showing.
I Salute You, returning from a successful Western Cape campaign, must concede 9.5kg to JP’s Palace which may prove decisive. Bruh, fitted with first-time blinkers and carrying a light weight, could surprise, while Field Marshal should improve after a promising comeback run behind Okavango and JP’s Palace.
In the fillies and mares’ WSB Scarlet Lady, Ice Rain carries top weight but meets Rahhabba on 1.5kg better terms after a narrow defeat and can reverse the result. Ladyofdistinction should improve on firmer ground, while Miss Twinkle also enjoys a pull at the weights, though stable rider Serino Moodley’s choice of Ice Rain is notable.
The Scottsville straight often suits inexperienced runners, and both opening races feature large juvenile fields where betting will be key. De Gulden impressed when third on debut in the Cape and could be the one to beat, while Iceberg Rose, Sei Bella, and Liz Hurley are capable of improvement. In race two, Predator’s Crown and Bison Warrior bring strong form, while Tommy Greaney is expected to progress from a green debut.
Lilting Song looks a solid Place Accumulator option after consecutive runner-up finishes, with Lolly Willowes and improving Chooks Kiss among the dangers.
Quarter Master can open the Pick 6 despite a wide draw, while Good Omen is overdue a win and Taylor’s Version, with blinkers reapplied, can bounce back.
Over 2400m, Continentalexpress has strong course-and-distance form but faces serious threats from Royal Invitation and in-form Plum Pudding, while Son Of Raj adds class despite recent struggles.
Arverni Princess rates a chance in a competitive eighth, alongside last-start winner Jane’s Vision.
The meeting may conclude with City Of Love, who drops sharply in class and is well suited to course and distance, though Who Blinked and Military Command could challenge.
After setting a new record for consecutive wins by a Hong Kong-trained horse, Zac Purton remains supremely confident Ka Ying Rising (128lb) can extend his unbeaten streak in Easter Monday’s (6 April) HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin.
Having surpassed Silent Witness’ previous record of 17 successive victories by landing a second HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m), Ka Ying Rising returns bidding for a 19th successive win against six rivals at the public holiday Group 2 double-header, which also features the HK$5.35 million G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m).
Acclaimed as the world’s top-rated horse after the March edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings was released, eight-time Group 1 winner Ka Ying Rising clocked 23s in a dirt course gallop on Monday (30 March) in preparation.
Purton said: “I can’t see why he can’t continue to keep doing what he is doing. I just take every race as it comes and for him it’s all the same, right? Hopefully, he handles himself on race day, gets out of the gates clean and gets himself into the right spot – if those things happen, then he does the rest.”
Ka Ying Rising – trained by David Hayes – is a dual G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) winner (2024 & 2025). He also won the 2025 G1 The Everest (1200m), forming part of his 18-race unconquered run, which began in February, 2024 in Class 3.
“We all know what he can do and we all know what he’s about – he’s a very straightforward horse,” Purton said. “Everything is ticking over with him, and his trial was good. It seems like he’s in good form and good spirits as he always is.”
Ka Ying Rising steps from gate five under Purton, who rides Dennis Yip’s Fast Network (123lb) in the Chairman’s Trophy when the horse rises to a mile for the first time this season after connections opted against racing in Saturday’s (28 March) G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m).
Purton said: “It’s a good chance to see him over the mile as to where they’re going to go on (FWD) Champions Day. His win last start was very good, but he had the right barrier, and the race was run to suit – it’s exactly the way he likes to race.
“It’s a bigger field than what I was expecting, but he’s a quality horse and it’s a bit of trial and error. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go to Dubai, which is a shame, because as it turns out, I think he would have been very hard to beat.”
Hayes saddles Storm Rider and Rubylot (123lb) in the Chairman’s Trophy, and said: “Storm Rider will appreciate the drop in weight (135lb to 123lb). He’s never been tried at the distance, but he gives me the impression with the way that he’s finishing over 1400 metres that he’ll run a mile.”
Rubylot returned from injury in March, finishing 10th first-up, and Australian Racing Hall of Famer Hayes believes “he’s improved significantly” ahead of Monday.
Purton, 43, heads to Sydney, Australia, for Saturday’s (4 April) World Pool fixture at Royal Randwick, booked to ride Evaporate in the G1 Doncaster Mile Handicap (1600m) and Giga Kick in the G1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m), among others.
“It’s good to be back on him (Giga Kick). I ran second on him in this race. They’ve done a really good job to get him back after such a long time off, and his runs this time have shown that he’s heading the right way.
“He loves Randwick, which is a big plus, and it’ll be good to get another look at the other horses close up as well, because obviously we’ll (Ka Ying Rising) be going back down there in the spring to try and defend our title (in The Everest),” Purton said.
Purton is a triple Doncaster Mile winner with Sacred Falls in 2014, It’s Somewhat in 2017 and Mr Brightside in 2023. He’ll team with Ben, Will & JD Hayes, who saddle Evaporate.
Evaporate holds a nomination for the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), and Purton said: “He ran well in the All-Star Mile (G1, 1600m), and then he was a bit disappointing the other day, I thought, but he gets back to a handicap where he should be better suited. It is going to be hard to beat the three-year-olds, especially Sheza Alibi, with no weight on her back.”
Monday’s (6 April) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm with the Class 4 Lugard Handicap (1000m).
By Declan Schuster
Former Class 3 galloper NAUGHTY KID has been languishing near the bottom of Class 5 for several months now but does get his opportunity to break a fifteen-month winning drought in the 1020m Rebound Stakes (Race 1). Coming off three minor placings in a row, the nine-year-old should deliver with Jarrod Mallyon astride for the first time. CC (Jimmy) Wong returns to Malaysia with a handy book of rides and PACIFIC SOLDIER can start the day on a positive note for the former Penangite. PACIFIC SOLDIER is also due to strike and despite finishing out of the money as a beaten favourite last start, he has scored over the track and distance previously.
A couple of runners engaged in the 1020m Class 4B contest (Race 4) have got their hoof on the till with BANKER’S BABY and IRON SAMURAI drawn barriers one and two respectively. BANKER’S BABY has missed a place once in five local starts without a win but the mare receives a perfect opportunity to break her Malaysian duck. IRON SAMURAI has finished runner up at his past three outings and is bursting to break through. The seven-year-old has the early speed to lead but may be pressured early by OUR SECRET WEAPON which is also likely to roll forward over the shorter trip. RHYTHM OF ZEN received no luck on the upgrade last start but has won at this level before and is one to watch at good odds.
The 1400m NZB Ready To Run Graduate Cup (Race 7) will highlight the ten-race program with the Mega Stable represented by five of the twelve runners in the RM 150,000 Listed Feature. MEGA VALOR enters the race with perfect lead up form and if anything, has improved with race experience. With two wins from seven starts, MEGA VALOR was dominant in a Class 4 contest here three weeks ago when leading throughout by 2.25L. However, MEGA CRUSADER also possesses an abundance of early pace and will resume from a 78-day break. He wasn’t overtaxed in a recent trial and his initial preparation suggests he is one galloper capable of progressing through the grades. YES BOSS YES broke his maiden tag in unusual circumstances when leading all the way here on March 15. Jockey I Fikri lost the use of his iron soon after the start and took evasive action to release the opposite iron. Hence Fikri rode the entire race without a foot in the stirrups and displayed good horsemanship in guiding YES BOSS YES to a 1.25L victory over the 1200m trip. CAPETIAN won twice from three starts for his initial campaign and will strip fitter from his first up performance here three weeks ago. He looks better suited against his age group and should pick off a few more races for the Buffalo Stable. MEGA MAXIMUS has had the name change and is a galloper which has shown ability missing a place once from six runs. The horse formerly known as Maximus Pegasus is only a moderate beginner but his quick turn of acceleration is his valuable asset and could strike a blow if the pace is fast early.
Five-year-old RUMEUR put the writing on the wall with an encouraging second placing behind the promising youngster MEGA VALOR here on March 15 and is likely to go one better in the 1300m Class 4A contest (Race 9). Having its second run back in the grade, RUMEUR is drawn to settle on pace and should prove hard to beat with Jose de Souza on board the gelding for the first time. SAKURA resumes from an 84 day break and he does possess a handy first up record (3:1-1-1). The four old will gain a big weight advantage with 52kg to carry after the M Ekdihar apprentice claim and looks well placed for a comeback win. KIM EMPIRE won well from a wide gate over this track and journey two runs back and must not be left out of calculations.
Punters face a competitive programme on the Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack on Friday evening, where an early highlight could come in race 1 with Dean Kannemeyer’s Flying Fate. The daughter of Master Of My Fate showed greenness on debut but finished strongly and is expected to improve. Peace Rose, who has progressed with each run and was narrowly beaten last time, looks the main danger, while Siyabamelela and Vaan’s Spirit also hold claims from favourable circumstances.
Dream Decision can start the Place Accumulator after consistent runner-up finishes in open handicaps and now meets modest opposition. Can We Start may improve switching to the poly, while Cali Bullet has place prospects.
Master Du Rouvray is a strong contender in the first Pick 6 leg. Despite top weight, he is consistent and suited to course and distance. High Queue is ultra-reliable, while Sesame steps up after a solid win but must overcome a ratings rise.
Competitive handicaps follow. Magic Maverick looks well weighted with an apprentice allowance and top rider aboard, though Takeyourbestshot and Chasing Gold remain threats. National Dream, now fitted with blinkers, could surprise.
Race 5 is wide open. My Lucky Charm impressed on local debut and drops in class, while Ragnar The King could feature at odds and Deandre’s Dream returns to more suitable company.
In race 6, Thought Control makes her poly debut after a promising post-maiden effort and meets Spirit Of Shimla on better terms. Oklahoma Girl is improving, while lightweight Oh My Gucci Girl could attempt to dictate from a good draw.
Queen is well suited in race 7 over her preferred course and distance, with consistent Grue Of Ice, improving Time In Paris, and Rafeef’s Choice all in contention.
The meeting may conclude successfully for Catch A Penny, who brings solid Cape form and was narrowly beaten last start. Magical Sky, a dual course-and-distance winner, along with Summer Winter and Ruby Rising, complete the main chances.
Racing fans are in for a blockbuster afternoon at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday 4 April when 4Racing stages Champions Day, a spectacular 12-race programme stacked with elite competition and irresistible betting opportunities.
The Highveld’s premier meeting boasts three Grade 1 contests and five Grade 2 features, with four races run under the Hong Kong World Pool banner, giving TAB punters the rare chance to bet into enormous international pools. Add to that multiple carryover incentives, including a massive Pick 6 injection, three Jackpots and two BiPot carryovers, and the stage is set for a day where serious money will be in play.
At the centre of the card stands the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge (Race 8) over 2000m, where a field of 11 lines up for the meeting’s headline act.
Leading the charge is See It Again from the yard of Justin Snaith. The multiple Grade 1 hero arrives with the strongest credentials after landing the 2000m Cape Town Met in January and producing a storming late run when second in the Grade 1 Horse Chestnut Stakes on his Highveld reappearance.
The return to 2000m on the Standside track looks ideal, and if he reproduces that familiar late surge he will take plenty of beating.
Among those standing in his way is last year’s winner Fire Attack, trained by Alec Laird, and Royal Victory (now in the care of Weichong Marwing), runner-up in the race 12 months ago.
Adding further intrigue is a rematch between progressive three-year-olds Grand Empire and Trust.
The Sean Tarry-trained former edged out Trust in a gripping finish to the Grade 1 SA Classic over 1800m, the second leg of the Triple Crown. Both promise further improvement over the extra trip, but they now meet a battle-hardened older champion in See It Again.
Earlier on the card, the Grade 1 TAB Empress Club Stakes (Race 6) over 1600m sees star mare Double Grand Slam make her eagerly anticipated Highveld debut. Snaith’s runner, a three-time winner at the highest level, arrives fresh from her Majorca Stakes triumph in Cape Town where she denied re-opposing Rainbow Lorikeet over the same distance.
With championship-chasing rider Craig Zackey partnering both Double Grand Slam and See It Again, the Snaith–Zackey combination looks primed to strike a Grade 1 double.
The speed merchants take centre stage in the 1000m Grade 1 Computaform Sprint (Race 7), where defending champion William Robertson returns to defend his crown for trainer Corne Spies. However, the veteran’s task looks far tougher this year with explosive Buffalo Storm Cody and his conqueror in the Cape Flying Championship, Kingdundee, both bringing serious firepower to the dash.
Triple Tiara glory could also be sealed later in the afternoon when Hazy Dazy lines up in the Grade 2 SA Oaks (Race 10). The Act Of War filly has been a revelation for Spies this season and steps up to 2450m in pursuit of a series cleansweep after victories in the 1600m Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas (Leg 1) and Wilgerbosdrift Grade 1 SA Fillies Classic over 1800m.
Another fascinating subplot unfolds in the Grade 2 TAB SA Derby (Race 9) where the powerhouse stable of Mike and Mathew de Kock run recent Oaks Trial heroine Curious Girl to tackle colts and geldings. The daughter of Futura receives a handy 2.5kg sex allowance and could etch her name into the history books with victory over her male opposition in the 2450m stamina test under Gavin Lerena.
Punters hunting value beyond those contests would do well to follow Tarry’s Gimme A Vodka in Race 3 and Laird’s last-start winner Daimyo in Race 4, as both seem likely to land feature-race success for their powerful stables.
With championship-level racing, massive betting pools and several intriguing storylines unfolding across the afternoon, Champions Day promises to deliver a fitting climax to the Highveld season – and a punting spectacle to match!
Clive Robinson
Champions Day Countdown
Punters have many unwritten rules, and two of them are: do not back horses returning from a break, and do not back two-year-olds in handicaps at this time of the year. This time, however, we are going to ignore both rules.
Johan Janse van Vuuren is a smart trainer and when he enters a runner in a handicap, we have to take notice. Time Is Precious can win Race 9, a MR 66 Handicap over 1000m on the Vaal Classic track on Thursday.
This two-year-old gelding has had just two starts. The Querari gelding was third on debut behind Status Symbol over 800m on 7 December. He improved on that when beating Buffalo King Cody by 0.40 lengths on 29 January. That was a game victory for jockey Keagan de Melo, who retains the ride. Interestingly, Time Is Precious lacked betting support that day, so the win was full of merit.
Trainer Sean Tarry has a decent hand in Race 8, a Graduation Plate over 1000m, with Banff and Rondebosch. Rondebosch is weighted to win the race and does have log-leading jockey Craig Zackey in the irons, but this four-year-old gelding has flattered to deceive on many occasions. One cannot write him off, but the value might lie with Banff.
This four-year-old gelding has only had five starts and has won two of them. Banff returned from a four-month lay-off and a gelding operation to win at Turffontein over 1160m on 15 June, beating an in-form Black Egret by 1.20 lengths.
He was full of running that day and may have many more wins in his tank
Trainer Mike Azzie must be scratching his head in frustration as his four-year-old filly Winds Of Change continues to find one better on the day and has finished runner-up in her last three performances
She can win Race 7, an Apprentice Handicap for fillies and mares over 1450m.
Clive Robinson
The Non Black-Type Easter Sprint over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday pits progressive three-year-olds against seasoned older sprinters in an intriguing contest.
Teflon Man looks the one to beat. The four-year-old has held his own during the Cape Summer Festival features and now drops into a more suitable assignment. Trained by Dean Kannemeyer and ridden by Craig Zackey, he finished a solid fourth in the Grade 2 Cape Merchants before chasing home promising sprinter All The Rage. His latest seventh in the Diadem Stakes reads better than it looks given the dominance of winner Questioning, and this race appears a realistic target.
Promising youngster North Point is capable of bouncing back after a below-par Durbanville effort and is favourably weighted to reverse recent form. Kaiboy, lightly raced but talented, could represent value for the places in a competitive field.
Earlier on the card, Sparkling Star sets the standard in race one after a strong debut second and should prove hard to beat for the in-form Candice Bass yard.
Race two may finally see one of the consistent fillies score, with Swift Serenity narrowly preferred to Iona Castle over 1000m.
Sommerstern drops back to a preferred 1400m in race three and has strong winning claims, while Pentolina looks competitive in race four following several encouraging near misses.
William’s Woman should be in the mix in race five despite strong opposition from Final Call. Race six is open, but recent winner Country Time could follow up.
In race eight, Whirlwind gets a chance to make amends after a narrow defeat and can return to winning ways over 1100m.
Vaughan Marshall has made no secret of what he thinks of his easy debut winner Rich Man’s World.
The colt is headed for much better things to come and he rates as the best bet of the day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday in Race 4, a 1000m Juvenile Plate.
Rich Man’s World has one of the best pedigrees around being by the great One World whose champion son One Stripe from crop one has been impressive on the world stage. Rich Man’s World came in for support on debut, and the big strapping two-year-old colt made it look easy galloping away easily over 1000m.
He should relish going further as he is also out of a mare by Silvano and the upcoming 1200m Grade 1 Gold Medallion at Hollywoodbets Scottsville must be his target. Whatever the case, he is a horse that can be followed until beaten.
While Bonny Boy was beaten 8.20-lengths by the Marshall budding star, he could nevertheless be the one for the exacta. He had an issue with the bit in that debut run and is also now 3kg better off so could get to within a reasonable distance this time.
Margate (Race 2) could be the other juvenile to follow on the day. The Candice Bass trained filly is from the family of Beach Bomb, a Grade 1 winner locally who has also done well at a high level overseas. Margate caught the eye with a good finish (5th) on debut despite the 1000m trip being too short considering her pedigree. Like Rich Man’s World she meets a field low on experience and the extra 200m could see her get away.
All of Volegov (Race 1), Blue Lagoon (Race 5) and Celtic Chief (Race 7) look to be well placed by trainer Andre Nel.
Volegov’s last run is best ignored as he had the worst draw. Earlier he wasn’t far off Foudre and Give It Laldy who have won again since and not only is Volegov the best horse on merit ratings but he has drawn well too.
Blue Lagoon is also top of the lot on official ratings in her heat. She was ready to win after finishing runner-up in her last two starts but was given a break. At first glance it seems that she will have to concede fitness to her main rival but it turns out that improving Liefling who has a decent Highveld performance to her name is back from a slightly longer break.
Celtic Chief could be the one that is easiest to back as his Class 4 1000m handicap appears wide open. The Vercingetorix gelding has been carrying big weights in his last four starts, but is finally given some reprieve and carries one of the lowest this time.
He also caught the eye over the distance in his penultimate start and was not disgraced in his second run after a rest, tiring late into third. Both form lines have been franked. Third time out he should fighting fit for the win.
Clive Robinson
The RM300,000 Group 1 Equine Sanctuary Tunku Gold Cup (1200m) has drawn a quality field of 16 runners at Selangor Turf Club this Sunday, with several genuine contenders in what shapes as a wide-open premier sprint.
Under set-weight conditions, the higher-rated runners are expected to hold a slight advantage on paper, and PLATINUM EMPEROR, ANTIPODEAN, and PACIFIC VAMPIRE headline that group. The trio bring closely matched form into the race, highlighted by ANTIPODEAN finishing fourth, three lengths behind PACIFIC VAMPIRE, when they last met. While there is only a 0.5kg weight swing in ANTIPODEAN’s favour, the anticipated strong tempo from a large field should suit his running style and give him every chance to turn the tables—particularly with PACIFIC VAMPIRE profiling as a one-dimensional leader. PLATINUM EMPEROR, meanwhile, overcame a wide draw to edge out PACIFIC VAMPIRE by a head at their most recent clash, and with his explosive turn of foot and outstanding record of five wins and three placings from 12 starts over 1200m, he looks a major player again.
An eight-time winner from 19 starts, YES MAN has been dominant in recent outings, leading throughout in four of his past five starts for a combined winning margin of 13.5 lengths. His strong first-up record (two wins from three attempts) suggests he will perform well fresh off an 85-day break. However, this marks his Group 1 debut, and he faces a significant rise in class against proven top-level performers.
Since capturing the Group 1 Perak Gold Vase last July, FILIAL DRAGON has been below his best and was hampered by a bleeding episode two runs ago. He returned with a respectable sixth in the Charity On The Turf Trophy over 1300m 35 days ago and is expected to strip fitter second-up.
FORTUNE TREE has been remarkably consistent, missing the placings just twice from nine local starts, including four wins. After a solid fifth in the Group 1 Coronation Cup four starts ago, he bounced back with a win in easier company and was last seen finishing runner-up over a mile in January. He has trialled well since and, with just 53kg, looks capable of making an impact fresh.
Although still chasing his first Malaysian win, former Singapore galloper CAVALRY has been ultra-consistent, placing in five of six starts. He finished a solid third behind YES MAN last time and had excuses after returning a bleeding attack. While 1200m may be short of his optimal distance, he should be finishing strongly if the pace is genuine.
FRIGHT and AI ROCKET emerge as lightweight hopes after finishing first and second respectively at their last meeting, where FRIGHT made all to win by three lengths over 1300m. However, leader-favouring conditions that day may have exaggerated the margin, and the gap between them could be narrower than it appeared.
One of the standout four-year-olds last season, DUMA brings strong form against quality opposition. He finished a close second to ANTIPODEAN two starts back and appears well weighted to challenge him again. After a four-month break, he returned with an impressive Class 3 victory 39 days ago and, with further improvement likely, commands respect despite the rise in class. The only three-year-old in this week’s lineup, MEGA ACE is sure to attract attention with an impressive record of four wins from six starts. However, he profiles as a catch-me-if-you-can type, and the final 200m may prove testing.
Girl power could hold the key to punters’ wallets when the Race Coast caravan rolls into Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday 29 March for a competitive nine-race programme split between four turf races and five Polytrack contests.
The card presents several attractive betting angles, most notably the prospect of doubles for trainer Wendy Whitehead and jockey Rachel Venniker, while a pair of out-of-town raiders also look poised to make their presence felt.
Venniker could get punters off to a flyer aboard Lady Godiva in the opening juvenile contest over 1200m. The rider knows the filly inside out, having partnered her in all three career outings, including a deserved maiden breakthrough at Hollywoodbets Scottsville over 1100m last time.
The improving daughter of Captain Of All landed a tidy betting coup when backed from 8-1 into 7-2 on that occasion, suggesting connections have always held her in high regard. With natural progression expected and the extra 100m likely to suit, she looks capable of following up.
Few trainers stretch a modest budget as effectively as Whitehead, whose knack for sourcing value purchases regularly allows her to punch above her weight in KwaZulu-Natal racing. Her Skipper O’Malley could be reward for consistency in Race 2 over 1900m.
This daughter of Fire Away has been knocking on the door and may finally shed her maiden tag, even against male opposition, with Kabelo Matsunyane retaining he ride.
Whitehead and Venniker team up in Race 6 over 1400m with the progressive Buttercup Baby, a lightly raced What A Winter filly at the peak of her powers. She produced a career best effort when making all over 1200m last time, blasting across from the widest gate before finding extra under pressure to repel the closers – a gutsy display that earned a five-point ratings hike.
Sunday’s step up to 1400m presents a fresh challenge, and rivals Back At The George and Sovereign Grant enjoy favourable weight adjustments, but Buttercup Baby’s progressive profile and improved No 2 draw this time round could prove decisive.
In keeping with the theme of the afternoon, World Of Our Own is another last-start scorer capable of defying a penalty. The runner from the yard of Alyson Wright scored stylishly over 1600m on the Polytrack five weeks ago under Keagan de Melo.
The son of One World only rises four points in the ratings and, on the evidence of that display, looks more than capable of keeping his winning momentum intact.
Elsewhere on the card, leading Highveld conditioner Sean Tarry rarely sends runners south without purpose and his Sakura Hanami makes plenty of appeal in Race 3 over 1200m.
Meanwhile Mauritian apprentice Anaas Mosaheb could break his duck on South African soil in the closing race over 1200m aboard One Irish Rover from the yard of MJ Odendaal.
If the script unfolds as expected, Sunday’s Greyville meeting may well belong to the ladies — and the punters savvy enough to follow them.
Clive Robinson
Saturday’s nine-race Standside meeting at Turffontein offers punters a card loaded with betting angles, not least a trio of last-start winners ideally placed to follow up. Two hail from the powerful Sean Tarry stable, whose exciting juveniles Within Reach and Prayersandpromises make for a potential early double after encouraging recent maiden victories.
Within Reach made an eye-catching introduction when scoring over 1450m on the Inside track a little over a fortnight ago. Despite losing ground at the start, she travelled like a filly with above-average ability under Keagan de Melo before asserting late, suggesting there was more in reserve than the margin indicated.
The move to the Standside course with its testing 600m run-in should play further to her strengths in Race 1 over 1400m, and the daughter of Malmoos sets a solid standard.
Familiar rivals Moana and Doesyourmotherknow, second and third behind her that day, meet the winner on 3kg better terms, tightening the equation. That weight swing makes the trio tricky to split entirely, so Exacta and Trifecta players would do well to keep the trio firmly in the mix.
Stablemate Prayersandpromises goes in Race 2, also over 1400m, and this son of Gimmethegreenlight looks another with a clear upside. He was well supported on debut and ran with promise despite greenness probably costing him a first-up score.
With that experience under his belt, he improved markedly second time out when only getting the hang of things late over 1160m, while still looking far from the finished article under Ryan Munger.
On that evidence, the step up to 1400m looks tailor-made for Tarry’s charge whose progress it should pay to follow. Later on the card, another progressive type likely to extend a winning sequence is Precocious, a Tony Peter-trained three-year-old filly who has thrived since relocating to the Highveld late last year.
The daughter of Ideal World has been a revelation for her new stable, rattling off four wins from four starts. Promising apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson has partnered her to three of those victories and retains the ride aboard the filly in Race 8 over this sharp 1000m.
Her latest success, an emphatic course-and-distance win off a career-high mark, suggested she still has more to offer.
With Tarry’s progressive juveniles setting the tone early and Peter’s flying filly primed to strike late, Saturday’s Turffontein programme presents punters with a meeting where stable momentum and progressive form could prove decisive, and where backing the right last-start winners might once again be the key to unlocking the card.
Clive Robinson
Download your daily France express form for FREE:RACE 1: AMOUR HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM SENONNES-POUANCE RACE 7) – 2300M – TIME: 20:47 PRIZE MONEY: EUR13400Stepaside Bell (FR) Fair 6th last time in a Class 4 handicap, and 4th before that at Deauville in a Class 4 handicap on January 9th over 2500m. Bold show expected. Liberte Cherie (FR) Ran well to be 2nd at this track on March 13th in a Class 4 handicap over 2300m when last appearing. Can make her presence felt. Tenyearsafter (FR) Below par 4 days ago in a Class 4 handicap at Le Croise-Laroche, 3rd previously at Pornichet in a Class 4 handicap over 2400m on March 25th. Each -way angle. In The Army Now (FR) Recent winner over 2400m at Pornichet in a Class 4 handicap on March 25th, and placed at this track before that on March 13th. Player.
RACE 2: M. THIBAULT HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM SENONNES-POUANCE RACE 8) – 2300M – TIME: 21:22 PRIZE MONEY: EUR15400Vasigreen (FR) Nice 2nd behind NICE RULER (2) last time over 2300m at this track in a Class 4 handicap on March 13th. Capable of going one place better today. Nice Ruler (FR) Recent success over 2300m at this track in a Class 4 handicap on March 13th by 3 lengths. Leading contender. Daddy Joy (FR) Fair 2nd at Saint-Cloud on his last start over 2500m in a Class 4 race on March 5th. Capable of playing a prominent role. Lempira (FR) Won last time over 2300m in a Class 4 race at Durtal on March 22nd. Ought to be involved in the shake-up.
RACE 3: DU MOULIN BRULE HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 1) – 2000M – TIME: 21:57 PRIZE MONEY: EUR20200Saint Laurent (FR) Credible 5th in a Class 3 Condition over 1800m at Lyon La Soie on the 21st of March 2026. Has a massive winning chance here. Diva Chiquita (IRE) Pleasant 5th in a Handicap over 1900m at Chantilly on the 30th of March 2026. Will be a solid contender. Aqua Aura (FR) A firm winner in a Handicap over 1800m at Croise-Laroche on the 20th of March 2026. Bold each way chance. Voyage Olympique (FR) Decent 4th in a maiden over 2150m at Cagnes-Sur-Mer on the 24th of February 2026. Good place chance.
RACE 4: CAP DE LA HEVE HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 2) – 1400M – TIME: 22:32 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200Lord Asriel D Alme (FR) Persuasive winner in a Class 4 Handicap over 1400m at Chantilly on the 26th of March 2026. Solid winning chance. Crack City (FR) Positive 4th in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at Chan- tilly on the 26th of March 2026. Minor each way chance. Wakai Go (CZE) Polished into 2nd in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at Chantilly on the 26th of March 2026. Place chance on form. Hall Of Fame (FR) Forgivable 10th in a Class 4 Handicap over 1350m at Senonnes on the 13th of March 2026. Will be in the thick of things.
RACE 5: DE LA VERONNE HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 3) – 2000M – TIME: 23:08 PRIZE MONEY: EUR24000Maria Apollonia (FR) Solid 3rd in a Class 2 Condition over 1900m at Chantilly on the 19th of Decem- ber 2025. Can deliver a smart comeback freshener. Jabracadabra (FR) A winner in a maiden over 1600m at Le Mans on the 20th of March 2026. Can boldly follow up with confidence at hand. In Care Of (FR) Improved 3rd in a maiden over 2000m at Durtal on the 22nd of March 2026. Can continue improving here. Entlebuch (FR) Was not disgraced in 6th in a Class 2 Condition over 1600m at Chantilly on the 12th of March 2026. Place chance.
RACE 6: RAZ BLANCHARD HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 4) – 1400M – TIME: 23:42 PRIZE MONEY: EUR21100Batesca (FR) Good 3rd in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400 at Chantilly on the 26th of March 2026. Strong winning chance. Happy Again (FR) Not in the best shape of late finishing 8th in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at Chantilly on the 26th of March 2026. If he finds earlier form, he can be joyous here. Intuition (FR) Motored into 4th in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at Chantilly on the 26th of March 2026. Each way chance. Cayssie Ma Star (FR) Smart 2nd in a Class 4 Condition over 1500m at Marseille Pont De Vivaux on the 22nd of March 2026. Include in all plays.
RACE 7: VIEUX MARONNIER STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 5) – 1600M – TIME: 00:15 PRIZE MONEY: EUR17400Chirimiri Credible 3rd in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at Le Mans on the 20th of March 2026. Strong winning chance. Showpower A firm winner in a Class 4 Claimer over 1600m at Chantilly on the 23rd of March 2026. Bold each way chance. Laurent (FR) Hearty 7th in a Class 3 Handicap over 1600m at Saint-Cloud on the 24th of March 2026. Can go close here. Freja (FR) Good 3rd in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at Saint-Cloud on the 5th of March 2026. Must be included in everything.
RACE 8: LESSARD-CHENE CLAIMING STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 6) – 2000M – TIME: 00:45 PRIZE MONEY: EUR18200Haricot (FR) Holding form and finished 4th in a Conditions race at Salon-de-Provence over 2000m on 9 June. Big chance in this line-up. Alkidan Victorious in a claimer at Le Mans over 1950m on 20 March. Tougher task this time but is not out of it. Saturday Night (FR) Unreliable and was 8th in a handicap at Chantilly over 1900m on 23 March. Victorious in January and can contest the finish. Liseo (IRE) Succesful in a claimer in a claimer at Chantilly over 1900m on 27 February. Should fight out the finish.
RACE 9: CAP LEVY HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 7) – 1400M – TIME: 01:15 PRIZE MONEY: EUR14400Autumn Twilight (IRE) In good shape and was 3rd in a handicap at Fontainebleau over 1400m on 31 March. Has claims in a very open race. Jiji My Love (FR) Not disgraced when 5th in a handicap at Saint-Cloud over 1500m on 19 March. Fitter this time and should be a threat. El Professor Chop (FR) Victorious in a handicap at Saint-Cloud over 1500m on 19 March. Carries a penalty for that win but could follow up. Gin Gembre (FR) Usually competitive and was 5th in a handicap at Chantilly over 1400m on 26 March. Clearly not out of it in this line-up.
RACE 10: D’YPORT STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 8) – 2500M – TIME: 01:45 PRIZE MONEY: EUR24700Pay To Learn (FR) Returns from a lengthy break but was runner-up in a handicap at Chantilly over 2400m on 1 June. Consistent and has claims if fit enough. Karla Jet Needed her only run of this year when 8th in a handicap at Saint-Cloud over 2400m on 15 March. Fitter this time and could contest the finish. Ephesus (FR) Victori- ous last time out in a Conditions race at Saint-Cloud over 3100m on 19 September. Returns from a break but can score if fit enough. Kliff Bere (FR) In good shape and finished 3rd in a Conditions race at Deauville over 2500m on 23 December. Distance suited and should contest the finish once again.
Race Summary: GREEN ENERGY is a quality colt who was a touch unlucky on debut and won well second time of asking. Should go close. KAZENOYONI came from the clouds to win on debut. The extra will suit and he can show further improvement. PINK SKIES was not far back to smart stable companion Master Magician last run when taking on winners. She has a light weight and is not out of it. GREEK HERITAGE takes on males but made a promising debut and the extra from a good draw should suit.
Race Summary: Moderate field with many first timers. Of those that have run, ROYAL CREST takes on older horses but looks progressive. WINTER BLESSING has seldom been far off and the blinkers are back on. She should go close. JENNY DARLING is struggling but did show some improvement last outing.
Selections: #5 WINTER BLESSING, #4 ROYAL CREST, #9 JENNY DARLING, #6 DANCING PARTY
Race Summary: QUEST OF VALOR takes on older runners but has put in two smart efforts to date. MASTERCRAFTER found some market support on debut but raced green and was run out of it late. He is sure to come on from that effort. XIPHOS has been frustrating to follow. He is consistent but tends to lack extra when it counts. He may just have met the right field. AMBER ALERT has improved in blinkers and not far back at his last two.
Race Summary: ROY’S GRACE had a long break after her maiden win. She has shown up well in her two runs back and with a useful 4kg claimer aboard she should punt in a good showing. GREENLIGHT QUEEN has been in good form of late and was a good second last run. She is now 2kg better off in the handicap with LILAC IN WINTER who was a comfortable winner last time out and there should not be much between the pair. FATE DECREED is struggling for a second win but has shown recent improvement and has a light weight.
Race Summary: Peter Muscutt holds the aces with three runners. TOUCHED BY ANGELS comes off some useful Cape form and was narrowly beaten last time out. His best form is over this distance. Stable companion DYLAN’S CHAMP has improved with blinkers and from the best of the draw and Muzi Yeni staying with the ride he must have a good chance. ROLLO THE VIKING does seem to show his best on the poly but his recent turf form is good. This is his best distance and he should be in contention. The filly FORWARD MOTION is hardly ever out if the money of late but does take on some useful male opposition. Has a definite money chance.
Selections: #6 TOUCHED BY ANGELS, #1 DYLAN’S CHAMP, #3 ROLLO THE VIKING, #11 FORWARD MOTION
Race Summary: CAVALRY COMMANDER made a smart debut for his new stable. He had patchy Cape form but a repeat of his last effort makes him capable in this line-up. COWBOY COUNTRY has been a little disappointing since shedding his maiden but has shown useful ability. He gets a rating drop and first time blinkers which could bring out the best. ROCK MUSIC debuts for Gary Rich. He had some promising Highveld form and alumites on and a 4kg claimer aboard should make him competitive. The filly CARIBBEAN GOLD won well over Hollywoodbets Durbanville last run. She looks useful.
Race Summary: DONQUERARI seldom runs a bad race and goes well over course and distance. He takes a further rating drop and now looks competitive. CIRCUMBENDIBUS has come well since arriving in KZN and was an easy winner over course and distance last time out. He got a six-point hike in the ratings for that win but can still deny the handicapper. POSITION OF POWER is lightly raced and only once out of the money. He should be right there. VISION TO ACHIEVE is quick and a game winner last time out. She jumps in class but has a handy weight and cannot be written off.
Selections: #4 DONQUERARI, #5 CIRCUMBENDIBUS, #2 POSITION OF POWER, #9 VISION TO ACHIEVE
Race Summary: STAR OF THE FUTURE has had two starts over shorter for his new stable. He carries top weight but he should be ready for the step up in trip. BASIE RAAKVAT is seldom too far back and should be competitive in this line-up. MARY READ improved in blinkers last outing and could prefer this trip while INTUITIVE SPIRIT took on stronger at his last start. He has shown some recent improvement and has a light weight.
Selections: #5 STAR OF THE FUTURE, #4 BASIE RAAKVAT, #2 MARY READ, #1 INTUITIVE SPIRIT
Race Summary: GALLIC VICTOR is lightly raced and shows promise. Last outing was possibly too short and he can do better here. NEXT OF KIN appears to be the most likely threat. He has been in good form with the cheek pieces removed. SERPENTINE FIRE showed up well from a tough draw last time out and has been consistent of late. NUMZAAN is way better than his last run and can finish in the money.
Selections: #6 GALLIC VICTOR, #5 NEXT OF KIN, #7 SERPENTINE FIRE, #2 NUMZAAN
