France Express Form & Race Previews (Deauville) – Thursday, October 22
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RACE 1: PRIX DE FIERVILLE MAIDEN STAKES (2YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 1) – 1500M | TIME: 21:57 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 27400
FRIAR TUCK A two-year-old colt by Persian King out of Lady Marian who is making debut. Dam was a Group 1 winner. Could make a winning debut. MONSIEUR CHARLIE (IRE) Came home fourth on debut in a Condition at Chantilly over 1600m on 29 September. Should fight out the finish. VALIANTUS (IRE) Not disgraced when third in a Maiden at Craon over 1600m on 27 September. Has run well in both starts and is not out of it. OURGAME (IRE) Improving and was runner-up in a Maiden at Chantilly over 1600m on 23 September. Can go one place better.
RACE 2: PRIX D’ARGENTAN MAIDEN STAKES (2YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 2) – 1500M | TIME: 22:32 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 27400
BUKORISHIA (FR) Not disgraced on debut when fifth in a Maiden at Clairefontaine over 1600m on 1 August. Can win a race of this nature with improvement expected. MATANA (FR) Finished fifth on debut in a Condition at Chantilly over 1600m on 29 September. Likely to improve and must be respected in this line-up. QUEEN OF DIAMONDS (FR) Finished seventh on debut in a Condition at Chantilly over 1600m on 29 September. Capable of improvement and is not out of it. BELLE DE REVE (FR) finished tenth on debut in a Condition at Chantilly over 1600m on 29 September. Capable of improvement and could make the frame.
RACE 3: PRIX DE VILLEPELEE STAKES (3YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 3) – 1500M | TIME: 23:07 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 21000
NADIR (FR) Outclassed the opposition in a Class 2 Handicap at ParisLongchamp over 1400m on 4 October. Can double up at this track. IMDALA (IRE) Successful in a Maiden at Le Lion D’Angers over 1400m on 20 August. Improving and could be capable to follow up. DELAJA (IRE) Very consistent and finished runner-up in a Claimer at this course over 1400m on 27 August. Can be a lively danger yet again. ARAYA (FR) Successful in a Handicap at Deauville over 1300m on 20 August. Tougher task but is clearly not out of it.
RACE 4: PRIX DU CANAL DU HAVRE HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 4) – 1300M | TIME: 23:42 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 20200
STAR FIXX (FR) Excellent runner-up in a Handicap at Saint-Cloud over 1400m on 11 September. Continues to hit the wood work and can go one place better. NAVACERRADA (FR) In good shape and finished fourth in a Handicap at Chantilly over 1200m on 7 October. Capable of contesting the finish once again. SBIKHA (FR) In good form and finished third in a Handicap at Les Sables D’Olonne over 1200m on 13 October. Can be competitive. KENDARO (FR) Victorious in a Handicap at Chantilly over 1200m on 7 October. Carries a penalty but might well double up.
RACE 5: PRIX DE L’ECLUSE FRANCOIS I ER HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 5) – 1300M | TIME: 00:20 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 18200
AVEC DESSI (FR) Excellent runner-up in a Handicap at Chantilly over 1200m on 7 October. Should mount a serious threat once again. DINA QUEEN (FR) Ran sixth in a Handicap at Marseille Pont De Vivaux over 1500m on 7 October. Will look to contend on the day. PERSIAN DEVA (FR) Runner-up in a Handicap at Clairefontaine over 1400m on 6 July. Can earn a cheque if fit enough. HATSLIANA (FR) Unplaced in a Handicap at Chantilly over 1200m on 7 October. Big drop off from penultimate but can improve.
RACE 6: PRIX DE CASTILLON HANDICAP (2YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 6) – 1900M | TIME: 00:55 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 25900
ARIZONA’S VICTORIA (IRE) Came home seventh in a Maiden at Chantilly over 1600m on 10 October. Could relish the step up in trip this time around. LAST CARAT FAL (FR) Finished fifth in a Maiden at Du Mans over 2000m on 5 October. Hasn’t been far off the action and is capable of showing good improvement. AFFIRMATIF (FR) Excellent runner-up in a Maiden at Toulouse over 2000m on 30 September. Can go one better on current form. DIVO TWO TIMES (FR) Victorious in a Claimer at Lyon-La Soie over 1800m on 2 October. Produced a career-best effort and will be involved.
RACE 7: PRIX DU CHATEAU D’AUVERS-SUR-OISE CLAIMING STAKES (3YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 7) – 1900M | TIME: 01:27 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 25000
ARLONG FAL Outclassed the opposition in a Class 2 at Vichy over 2000m on 21 September. Has a strong chance of repeating. HELLO JO (FR) Finished fourth in a Class 1 at Chantilly over 1600m on 4 September. Can bounce back to score this time around. OCEAN STAR (FR) Victorious in a Handicap at Les Sables D’Olonne over 2000m on 13 October. In winning form and is not one to dismiss. REVEBLEU (FR) Finished tenth in a Handicap at Deauville over 1800m on 13 August. Ignore latest performance and could be worth a place bet.
RACE 8: PRIX DE PUTANGES MAIDEN STAKES (3YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 8) – 1900M | TIME: 01:59 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 20100
SIRAT Not disgraced when third in a Maiden at Compiegne over 1800m on 9 October. In good form and sets the standard. MAGUELONE (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Maiden at Lyon-Parilly over 2000m on 8 September. Will be banging there at the finish. VALIKA (FR) Finished second in a Maiden at Compiegne over 2000 m on 15 September. Improved on penultimate and could earn here. INOUI (FR) Dam was a Group 3 winner with successes in Handicap and Listed races. This individual will make for an interesting watch.
RACE 1: PRIX DE FIERVILLE MAIDEN STAKES (2YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 1) – 1500M | TIME: 21:57 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 27400
FRIAR TUCK A two-year-old colt by Persian King out of Lady Marian who is making debut. Dam was a Group 1 winner. Could make a winning debut. MONSIEUR CHARLIE (IRE) Came home fourth on debut in a Condition at Chantilly over 1600m on 29 September. Should fight out the finish. VALIANTUS (IRE) Not disgraced when third in a Maiden at Craon over 1600m on 27 September. Has run well in both starts and is not out of it. OURGAME (IRE) Improving and was runner-up in a Maiden at Chantilly over 1600m on 23 September. Can go one place better.
RACE 2: PRIX D’ARGENTAN MAIDEN STAKES (2YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 2) – 1500M | TIME: 22:32 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 27400
BUKORISHIA (FR) Not disgraced on debut when fifth in a Maiden at Clairefontaine over 1600m on 1 August. Can win a race of this nature with improvement expected. MATANA (FR) Finished fifth on debut in a Condition at Chantilly over 1600m on 29 September. Likely to improve and must be respected in this line-up. QUEEN OF DIAMONDS (FR) Finished seventh on debut in a Condition at Chantilly over 1600m on 29 September. Capable of improvement and is not out of it. BELLE DE REVE (FR) finished tenth on debut in a Condition at Chantilly over 1600m on 29 September. Capable of improvement and could make the frame.
RACE 3: PRIX DE VILLEPELEE STAKES (3YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 3) – 1500M | TIME: 23:07 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 21000
NADIR (FR) Outclassed the opposition in a Class 2 Handicap at ParisLongchamp over 1400m on 4 October. Can double up at this track. IMDALA (IRE) Successful in a Maiden at Le Lion D’Angers over 1400m on 20 August. Improving and could be capable to follow up. DELAJA (IRE) Very consistent and finished runner-up in a Claimer at this course over 1400m on 27 August. Can be a lively danger yet again. ARAYA (FR) Successful in a Handicap at Deauville over 1300m on 20 August. Tougher task but is clearly not out of it.
RACE 4: PRIX DU CANAL DU HAVRE HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 4) – 1300M | TIME: 23:42 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 20200
STAR FIXX (FR) Excellent runner-up in a Handicap at Saint-Cloud over 1400m on 11 September. Continues to hit the wood work and can go one place better. NAVACERRADA (FR) In good shape and finished fourth in a Handicap at Chantilly over 1200m on 7 October. Capable of contesting the finish once again. SBIKHA (FR) In good form and finished third in a Handicap at Les Sables D’Olonne over 1200m on 13 October. Can be competitive. KENDARO (FR) Victorious in a Handicap at Chantilly over 1200m on 7 October. Carries a penalty but might well double up.
RACE 5: PRIX DE L’ECLUSE FRANCOIS I ER HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 5) – 1300M | TIME: 00:20 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 18200
AVEC DESSI (FR) Excellent runner-up in a Handicap at Chantilly over 1200m on 7 October. Should mount a serious threat once again. DINA QUEEN (FR) Ran sixth in a Handicap at Marseille Pont De Vivaux over 1500m on 7 October. Will look to contend on the day. PERSIAN DEVA (FR) Runner-up in a Handicap at Clairefontaine over 1400m on 6 July. Can earn a cheque if fit enough. HATSLIANA (FR) Unplaced in a Handicap at Chantilly over 1200m on 7 October. Big drop off from penultimate but can improve.
RACE 6: PRIX DE CASTILLON HANDICAP (2YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 6) – 1900M | TIME: 00:55 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 25900
ARIZONA’S VICTORIA (IRE) Came home seventh in a Maiden at Chantilly over 1600m on 10 October. Could relish the step up in trip this time around. LAST CARAT FAL (FR) Finished fifth in a Maiden at Du Mans over 2000m on 5 October. Hasn’t been far off the action and is capable of showing good improvement. AFFIRMATIF (FR) Excellent runner-up in a Maiden at Toulouse over 2000m on 30 September. Can go one better on current form. DIVO TWO TIMES (FR) Victorious in a Claimer at Lyon-La Soie over 1800m on 2 October. Produced a career-best effort and will be involved.
RACE 7: PRIX DU CHATEAU D’AUVERS-SUR-OISE CLAIMING STAKES (3YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 7) – 1900M | TIME: 01:27 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 25000
ARLONG FAL Outclassed the opposition in a Class 2 at Vichy over 2000m on 21 September. Has a strong chance of repeating. HELLO JO (FR) Finished fourth in a Class 1 at Chantilly over 1600m on 4 September. Can bounce back to score this time around. OCEAN STAR (FR) Victorious in a Handicap at Les Sables D’Olonne over 2000m on 13 October. In winning form and is not one to dismiss. REVEBLEU (FR) Finished tenth in a Handicap at Deauville over 1800m on 13 August. Ignore latest performance and could be worth a place bet.
RACE 8: PRIX DE PUTANGES MAIDEN STAKES (3YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 8) – 1900M | TIME: 01:59 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 20100
SIRAT Not disgraced when third in a Maiden at Compiegne over 1800m on 9 October. In good form and sets the standard. MAGUELONE (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Maiden at Lyon-Parilly over 2000m on 8 September. Will be banging there at the finish. VALIKA (FR) Finished second in a Maiden at Compiegne over 2000 m on 15 September. Improved on penultimate and could earn here. INOUI (FR) Dam was a Group 3 winner with successes in Handicap and Listed races. This individual will make for an interesting watch.
South Africa Express Form & Race Previews (Turffontein) – October 22
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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: TURFFONTEIN INSIDE@2026.10.22
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R75.000, 12:35GMT+2
Race Summary: ASTROPHILE ran well in defeat with blinkers fitted but her best form was achieved without headgear so she should play a leading role, especially with her rider’s 1.5kg allowance. Stablemate NICCI BEACH made a pleasing introduction and should improve to make his presence felt with that experience to count on. Newcomer FIRST FROST is bred to be useful and could be competitive on debut under an accomplished work rider. Recently gelded HATTORI HANZO and COUNT OF CAPRI appeal most of the remainder.
Selections: #6 Astrophile, #5 Nicci Beach, #7 First Frost, #3 Hattori Hanzo
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 2600m, Turf, R115.000, 13:10GMT+2
Race Summary: KZN raider FIRE FORCE is a long-time maiden whose proven stamina stands him in good stead. COMIC ARTIST has also been hard to win with but she has the form and experience up to 2400m to fight out the finish. JET PLATINO and LA PARISIENNE could improve to earn a cheque stretching out to this trip.
Selections: #1 Fire Force, #2 Comic Artist, #4 Jet Platino, #6 La Parisienne
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R115.000, 13:45GMT+2
Race Summary: BLUNDERBORE improved after an encouraging 1200m debut to finish second over track and trip last time, and with further progress could go one better. UNCLE BOB fluffed his lines over 1800m but should be competitive over this shorter trip with blinkers fitted. RANK AND FILE didn’t go unnoticed on debut over 1200m and will have more to offer over this extended trip with that experience to count on. INCLUSION, ECHO OF THE WILD and LANCE ATTACK have earning potential too. Watch the betting on newcomers BRAVE EAGLE and SNOWEDIN.
Selections: #6 Blunderbore, #2 Uncle Bob, #10 Rank And File, #1 Inclusion
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R110.000, 14:20GMT+2
Race Summary: VISION OF GOLD was returning from a break with a tongue-tie when finishing a close-up third over 1200m last time. She would have tightened up with the benefit of that comeback outing and, on pedigree, should be better suited to this extended trip. PURPLE RAIN has twice finished second over this track and trip, and she should play another leading role in her peak outing from a good draw. POLLY PLUMMER and returning BLOOMING LOVELY have also shown enough to make their presence felt. STANISLAVA is likely to improve after a satisfactory introduction. Newcomer OLDE WORLDE is another to keep an eye on.
Selections: #11 Vision Of Gold, #3 Purple Rain, #7 Polly Plummer, #1 Blooming Lovely
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R130.000, 14:55GMT+2
Race Summary: Thriving BRAVE WAAM has won 3 of his last 4 starts but is unfavourably treated by the conditions and must raise his game to complete the hat-trick. LEGEND OF ARTHUR and SCARLETT HEART are out of sorts but weighted to be competitive. RADIO STAR and PRETTY PERSUASIVE boast good recent form at this level and should have roles to play. However, preference is for GALLIC VICTOR whose last-start fourth over 1200m was encouraging. He will relish the extra 250m and could get the run of the race from gate 1. WHAT A WARRIOR and THE BRONX BULL have earning potential too.
Selections: #6 Gallic Victor, #3 Radio Star, #5 Pretty Persuasive, #1 Brave Waam
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R130.000, 15:30GMT+2
Race Summary: MISSION TO MARS was a beaten short-priced favourite at this level last time on yielding ground but is worth another chance in this small field. He is weighted to comfortably finish ahead of HOTARUBI and TEXAS MISSILE on the form of that race and firmer ground will be more to his liking. PRINCE OF KILDARE could pose the biggest threat on the form of an earlier meeting with the selection. DIWALI ROCKET and OPEN HIGHWAY can get into the picture too.
Selections: #2 Mission To Mars, #7 Prince Of Kildare, #1 Hotarubi, #5 Texas Missile
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R120.000, 16:05GMT+2
Race Summary: WAR REPORTER and INDUSTRIALSTRENGTH made eye-catching reappearances. Both finished second over shorter distances and will strip fitter this time, so they should be competitive over this extended trip. However, both are awkwardly drawn and will have to make up the ground late on. BOUNDLESS LOVE is unbeaten over this track and trip, ideally drawn in gate 2 and drops in class off an unchanged mark after finishing a game-in-defeat third last time behind a progressive 3yo. He could represent Eachway value under the conditions. SKY PILOT, SUNSET WARRIOR and returning HAT’S MAMBO aren’t taken lightly.
Selections: #6 Boundless Love, #4 War Reporter, #7 Industrialstrength, #5 Sky Pilot
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R90.000, 16:40GMT+2
Race Summary: DISDAIN was a dominant winner of a course-and-distance maiden in his first start as a gelding and is probably better than rated. He remains open to improvement and should play a leading role but could find conceding weight to class-dropper and fellow 3yo KOVIL a bridge too far. The latter attracted betting support when a fast-finishing third in stronger company last time and a repeat of that effort off an unchanged mark (with cheekpieces now fitted) could suffice. KING BLUETOOTH, COMMANDER OF ALL and FULL GO complete the shortlist, though SAIL THE SKY is another to consider for Quartet purposes.
Selections: #3 Kovil, #1 Disdain, #12 King Bluetooth, #8 Commander Of All
Best Win: #2 MISSION TO MARS
Best Value Bet: #6 BOUNDLESS LOVE
Best Longshot: #6 BOUNDLESS LOVE
RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: TURFFONTEIN INSIDE@2026.10.22
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R75.000, 12:35GMT+2
Race Summary: ASTROPHILE ran well in defeat with blinkers fitted but her best form was achieved without headgear so she should play a leading role, especially with her rider’s 1.5kg allowance. Stablemate NICCI BEACH made a pleasing introduction and should improve to make his presence felt with that experience to count on. Newcomer FIRST FROST is bred to be useful and could be competitive on debut under an accomplished work rider. Recently gelded HATTORI HANZO and COUNT OF CAPRI appeal most of the remainder.
Selections: #6 Astrophile, #5 Nicci Beach, #7 First Frost, #3 Hattori Hanzo
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 2600m, Turf, R115.000, 13:10GMT+2
Race Summary: KZN raider FIRE FORCE is a long-time maiden whose proven stamina stands him in good stead. COMIC ARTIST has also been hard to win with but she has the form and experience up to 2400m to fight out the finish. JET PLATINO and LA PARISIENNE could improve to earn a cheque stretching out to this trip.
Selections: #1 Fire Force, #2 Comic Artist, #4 Jet Platino, #6 La Parisienne
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R115.000, 13:45GMT+2
Race Summary: BLUNDERBORE improved after an encouraging 1200m debut to finish second over track and trip last time, and with further progress could go one better. UNCLE BOB fluffed his lines over 1800m but should be competitive over this shorter trip with blinkers fitted. RANK AND FILE didn’t go unnoticed on debut over 1200m and will have more to offer over this extended trip with that experience to count on. INCLUSION, ECHO OF THE WILD and LANCE ATTACK have earning potential too. Watch the betting on newcomers BRAVE EAGLE and SNOWEDIN.
Selections: #6 Blunderbore, #2 Uncle Bob, #10 Rank And File, #1 Inclusion
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R110.000, 14:20GMT+2
Race Summary: VISION OF GOLD was returning from a break with a tongue-tie when finishing a close-up third over 1200m last time. She would have tightened up with the benefit of that comeback outing and, on pedigree, should be better suited to this extended trip. PURPLE RAIN has twice finished second over this track and trip, and she should play another leading role in her peak outing from a good draw. POLLY PLUMMER and returning BLOOMING LOVELY have also shown enough to make their presence felt. STANISLAVA is likely to improve after a satisfactory introduction. Newcomer OLDE WORLDE is another to keep an eye on.
Selections: #11 Vision Of Gold, #3 Purple Rain, #7 Polly Plummer, #1 Blooming Lovely
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R130.000, 14:55GMT+2
Race Summary: Thriving BRAVE WAAM has won 3 of his last 4 starts but is unfavourably treated by the conditions and must raise his game to complete the hat-trick. LEGEND OF ARTHUR and SCARLETT HEART are out of sorts but weighted to be competitive. RADIO STAR and PRETTY PERSUASIVE boast good recent form at this level and should have roles to play. However, preference is for GALLIC VICTOR whose last-start fourth over 1200m was encouraging. He will relish the extra 250m and could get the run of the race from gate 1. WHAT A WARRIOR and THE BRONX BULL have earning potential too.
Selections: #6 Gallic Victor, #3 Radio Star, #5 Pretty Persuasive, #1 Brave Waam
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R130.000, 15:30GMT+2
Race Summary: MISSION TO MARS was a beaten short-priced favourite at this level last time on yielding ground but is worth another chance in this small field. He is weighted to comfortably finish ahead of HOTARUBI and TEXAS MISSILE on the form of that race and firmer ground will be more to his liking. PRINCE OF KILDARE could pose the biggest threat on the form of an earlier meeting with the selection. DIWALI ROCKET and OPEN HIGHWAY can get into the picture too.
Selections: #2 Mission To Mars, #7 Prince Of Kildare, #1 Hotarubi, #5 Texas Missile
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R120.000, 16:05GMT+2
Race Summary: WAR REPORTER and INDUSTRIALSTRENGTH made eye-catching reappearances. Both finished second over shorter distances and will strip fitter this time, so they should be competitive over this extended trip. However, both are awkwardly drawn and will have to make up the ground late on. BOUNDLESS LOVE is unbeaten over this track and trip, ideally drawn in gate 2 and drops in class off an unchanged mark after finishing a game-in-defeat third last time behind a progressive 3yo. He could represent Eachway value under the conditions. SKY PILOT, SUNSET WARRIOR and returning HAT’S MAMBO aren’t taken lightly.
Selections: #6 Boundless Love, #4 War Reporter, #7 Industrialstrength, #5 Sky Pilot
Turffontein Inside, 22.10.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R90.000, 16:40GMT+2
Race Summary: DISDAIN was a dominant winner of a course-and-distance maiden in his first start as a gelding and is probably better than rated. He remains open to improvement and should play a leading role but could find conceding weight to class-dropper and fellow 3yo KOVIL a bridge too far. The latter attracted betting support when a fast-finishing third in stronger company last time and a repeat of that effort off an unchanged mark (with cheekpieces now fitted) could suffice. KING BLUETOOTH, COMMANDER OF ALL and FULL GO complete the shortlist, though SAIL THE SKY is another to consider for Quartet purposes.
Selections: #3 Kovil, #1 Disdain, #12 King Bluetooth, #8 Commander Of All
Best Win: #2 MISSION TO MARS
Best Value Bet: #6 BOUNDLESS LOVE
Best Longshot: #6 BOUNDLESS LOVE
France Express Form & Race Previews (Deauville) – Wednesday, October 21
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MOUNTAIN BLUES (FR) Fifth in a Maiden at Lyon-La Soie over 2,150m on 2 4 February. Has been out of action for 9 months but he is expected to be highly competitive in this field. SIR PATRICK (FR) Finished 8th in a Handicap at Craon over 2,400m on 28 September. Has run well against better opposition and should be a strongco ntender droppping to this level. PASHANG (GER) Finished 8th in a Conditions race over over 2,000m at Mulheim, Germany, on 10 October. Put up a respectable effort in the Italian Derby earlier this year and looks an interestingr unner on his debut in France. MUST BE CRACKERS (FR) Unplaced in a Handicap at Strasbourg over 2,100m o n 4 October. Has top form at this level, including three wins, and beat ZOLIA D’oROUX (10) in June at Dieppe.
TIZIAN (FR) Came home 8th in a Class 3 Handicap at Chantillyo ver 1,600m on 14 September. Has excellent form on the sand at this course and that could give him the edge over his rivals. EN PLEIN AIR (FR) A moderate 11th in an event over 1,500m at Milan, Italy on 26 June. Won a Handicap over this course and distance in October last year with Cristian Demuro up. MASTER PAT (FR) Finished 11th in a Class 3 Handicap at Compiegneo ver 1,400m on 9 October. Finished a 0.75-length 2nd in his penultim ate start on this surface at Chantilly and must be a live threat in this. SPRING HEART (FR) Finished 5th in a Class 3 Handicap at Chantillyov er 1,600m on 23 September. Has good form on the surface and should contest the finish.
REKHALE (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Class 3 Handicap at Compiegne over 1,400m on 9 October. Very consistent performer and has a great opportunity to pick up a second victory. DRACO (FR) Finished 3rd in a Class 4 Handicap at Toulouse over 1,400m on 9 October. Showed marked improvement last time and Pi erre-Charles Boudot has been engaged to ride. NURTURE (FR) Runner-up in a Class 4 Handicap at Deauville over 1,300m on 5 October. She was touched off last time and should be further rewarded by the additional distance. LES DIGGERS (FR) Finished 8th in a Class 3 Handicap at Chantilly over 1,600m on 1 4 September. Her rating continues to fall and she n ow looks ready to be competitive again. Could provide some value.
JIJI MY LOVE (FR) Third in a Class 4 Handicap at Deauville over 1,30 0m on 5 October. That was a very decent performance and makes her the one to beat. FECAMP (FR) Finished 10th in a Class 3 Handicap at Chantillyo ver 1,900m on 29 September. Not always reliable but has ability and with Cristian Demuro up deserves respect. ZIPPERE (FR) Finished 2nd in a Class 4 Handicap at Craon over 1, 600m on 5 September. That was good return from her short layoff and her freshness could give her an advantage. ROCAMBOLESQUE (FR) Finished 4th in a Class 4 Handicap at Deauvilleov er 1,300m on 5 October. Is running well off his current rating and should feature prominently again.
PARISIAN BELLE (FR) Not reliable and finished 9th in a Class 4 Handicap at Chantilly over 1,600m on 14 September. Likes this surface and can bounce backto score. ASTERALE (FR) Not disgraced when fifth in a Class 4 Handicap at Deauville over 1,300m on 5 October. Can challenge for top honours this time around. LAGOA SANTA (FR) Not reliable and finished 6th in a Class 4 Handicap at this course over 1,300m on 5 October. Capableo fdoing better and is not out of it. ORLOVKA (FR) In good form and was third in a Class 4 Handicap a t Compiegne over 1,400m on 9 October. Better on the turf but can’t be ruled out.
LOOP (IRE) Outclassed the opposition on debut in a Conditions race at Chantilly over 1,600m on 29 September. Impressed on debut and could double up. DIVINO AMORE (FR) Successful on debut in a Conditions race at Saint-Cloud over 1,500m on 18 September. A promising debut and could follow up. DRIBBLE (IRE) Improving and outclassed the opposition in a Maiden at Craon over 1,650m on 27 September. Tougher task but must be respected. ASSEMBLAGE (USA) A two-year-old filly by Vino Rosso out of Questwh o is making her debut. Her dam never won after 5 starts. Could make the frame.
MAGIC INSPIRATION (FR) Consistent so far and finished 3rd in a Maiden at Compiegne over 1,800m on 15 September. Big chance dropping to this level. MEDRONHO Not reliable and finished 7th in a Class 2 Conditi ons race at Dax over 1,400m on 2 October. Capable of making the frame. OZARK JAMES (FR) Showed some improvement whena runner-up in a Claimer at Saint-Cloud over 1,400m o n 2 October. Can get involved with the finish once again. SHABAZI (FR) Finished 7th in a Claimer at Saint-Cloud over 1,40 0m on 2 October. Capable of doing better and is not out of it.
SPANISH BREEZE CEN (IRE) In good form and finished 3rd in a Class 3 at Lyon -Parilly over 1,600m on 26 September. Has claims in a competitive looking race . CENTRAL PARK WEST (FR) Came home 5th in a Class 2 Handicap at Chantilly over 1,900m on 29 September. Not disgr aced that day and should fight out the finish. ZAWAN (FR) Not reliable and finished 7th in a Class 2 Handicap at Longchamp over 1,400m on 10 September. Has won over this tra ck and trip and is not out of it. ABIAT (FR) Not reliable and was unplaced in a Class 1 Handicap at Longchamp over 1,600m on 3 October. Capable of making the frame.
RACE 1: PRIX DU BESSIN CLAIMING STAKES (3YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 1) – 2500M | TIME: 22:32 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 18200
RACE 2: PRIX DE LA FORET DE BORD HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 2) – 1500M | TIME: 23:07 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 21100
RACE 3: PRIX DE LA FORET DU ROUVRAY HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 3) – 1500M | TIME: 23:42 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 19200
RACE 4: PRIX DE LA FORET DE ROUMARE HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 4) – 1500M | TIME: 00:15 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 14400
RACE 5: PRIX DE LA FORET DE BIZY HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 5) – 1500M | TIME: 00:45 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 13000
RACE 6: PRIX DE CAEN STAKES (2YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 6) – 1500M | TIME: 01:15 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 31100
RACE 7: PRIX DU CHATEAU DE CREVECOEUR CLAIMING STAKES (2YO) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 7) – 1500M | TIME: 01:45 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 25000
RACE 8: PRIX DE LA LONDE STAKES (4YO+) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 8) – 1500M | TIME: 02:15 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 21000
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Hopes high for Bay City Roller’s Champion bid
Oisin Murphy may have to relinquish his champion jockey crown at Ascot on Saturday, but is “full of confidence” Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner-up Bay City Roller can still make him a headline act on Qatar Racing British Champions Day.
A Group One winner for the outgoing champion and George Scott at Epsom in the Coronation Cup earlier this year, only the all-conquering Daryz has finished ahead of the thriving four-year-old in his last two appearances, the latter when a gallant second in Europe’s richest middle-distance contest.
Buoyed by the son of New Bay’s proven ability to back-up quickly, the colt is now fancied to make his presence felt among an all-star cast for the Qatar Racing Champions Stakes, where the mighty Calandagan, another Aga Khan-owned and Francis-Henri Graffard trained operator, lies in wait.
Murphy said: “The Champion Stakes is an outstanding race in strength, depth and quality when you think of all the horses who are going to run in it.
“We’re going there full of confidence after the Arc and we know generally he backs up really well from run to run. He’s tough and I would be excited about him for sure.
“George is having an amazing season, but it’s not just been this season, he’s been doing it over the past few seasons and I’m delighted to be connected with him.”
Murphy and Scott will also team up in search of glory on Champions Day with the resurgent Prix du Cadran hero Caballo De Mar in the Qatar Racing British Champions Long Distance Cup.
Having shown he was finally over his Gold Cup exertions with a confidence-boosting victory in last month’s Doncaster Cup, he is firmly back to the peak of his powers having outbattled Scandinavia to defend his ParisLongchamp crown less than two week’s ago.
He will now seek what would be a third Group One of the season and fourth overall in a staying contest where Joseph O’Brien’s St Leger hero Highwayman provides intriguing opposition.
“Caballo was very good in France and seems to have come out of it really well,” continued Murphy.
“He travelled super in the Cadran and picked up when I asked him. He had the perfect prep and confidence booster before that in the Doncaster Cup and it felt like the real Caballo in Paris.
“In terms of the opposition though, you have to respect Highwayman in particular getting the weight-for-age. He looked very good in the St Leger and Dylan Browne McMonagle is going to enjoy riding him, I think.”
Like Murphy, Newmarket-based Scott is expecting a big run from Bay City Roller, despite Ascot’s proximity to the Arc.
He told talkSPORT2: “I’m not going to say it’s a free hit because I never see it quite like that, but at the same time I don’t feel like the pressure is on as it was going to Paris.
“It’s not a quick turnaround for him – he thrives on his racing. I’d say it’s a positive more than anything for him.
“If they don’t get the rain, a mile and a quarter on good ground would be a little way off where I’d choose to be, but I’m not making excuses. He’s going to run a big race, I’m sure.”
He added of Caballo De Mar: “He’s had a long year, you can’t get away from that, but he’s happy and is giving us all the right signs.
“He’s taking on a totally different pool of horses, a lot of whom I have a huge amount of respect for.
“I don’t think he likes the ground too soft, so he wouldn’t want too much rain. It’s the end of the year and let’s see what happens, but if he turns up anywhere near his best he should be in the mix.”
By Adam Morgan, Press Association
October 17 Selangor Preview By Mark Lydeamore
Like a popular song which continually rises to the top of the music charts, inform jockey Jimmy Wong continues his rapid ascension on the premiership ladder this season and is currently number five with a bullet. He has developed a big following with local punters since returning from Korea earlier in the year with 31 winners. With two and a half months remaining in the season, CC Wong is only seven winners in arrears of current leader Bernardo Pinheiro, who has since returned to the UAE.
However, it was slim pickings from the Penang-born hoop last Sunday with no winners from his eleven mounts but despite that, he is still striking at 25% and when he teams up with leading trainer Simon Dunderdale, that figure expands to 32%.
The formidable pair combine with six runners this Saturday at the Selangor Turf Club (seven if RAIL TRAIL gains a start in race six) with NAVARRE REGENT arguably their best chance of landing the major prize on the twelve-race program.
NAVARRE REGENT will be attempting to go two from two when he steps out in the 1100m Class 4 contest (Race 4) following his effortless win on debut back in August. The promising three-year-old treated his rivals with contempt in a 1200m Restricted Maiden by leading throughout to score by 5.25L virtually unextended. Despite the 5kg weight rise, he should prove hard to beat again on the upgrade.
An enthralling clash is expected in the 1100m Class 2 contest (Race 6) with progressive five-year-old DUMA expected to capitalize on his recent success. The Too Darn Hot gelding was not disgraced against a hot lineup in the NZB Open Championship on September 5 finishing 4th, beaten 3L and followed up in emphatic fashion with a 1.25L victory in a 1200m Class 2. Senior jockey Ruzaini Supien has a good record aboard the gelding with 3 wins from 5 rides and is well weighted compared to other seasoned rivals with 56.5kg. PACIFIC ENERGY returns back to the sprint journey following unsuccessful attempts over the mile in three of his past four starts and will be looking to bounce back to the form he displayed earlier this year which included winning the 4YO Sprint Championship back in June. Jockey Jose De Souza rides the gelding for the first time for trainer David Kok and will be better suited under Saturday’s racing conditions. 3YO Mile Championship winner BANKER’S BOSS also returns to the sprint trip and will be looking to rebound from his unplaced effort in the G1 Selangor Gold Cup contested three weeks ago. The Johnny Lim-trained performer is a versatile type capable of winning with 60.5kg and his record of 3 wins from 5 starts over 1100m places him in good stead.
Trainer David Kok will be represented by former Australian galloper, PACIFIC WAVE which looks a winning chance in the 1200m Class 3 contest (Race 8). Following a Class 3 win on local debut back in August, the four-year-old has retained good form in the high grades including falling a nose short in a Class 2 event on September 5. On the downgrade with Jimmy Wong reunited with the gelding, PACIFIC WAVE will be a major player. One galloper with a quick turn of speed in the race is PERFECT RETURN which is nearing a win following three runs in the country. However, his racing pattern can be a liability as he tends to give away big starts which places a huge reliance on the race tempo. His closing speed is an asset however and with 55.5kg to carry, he is a definite watch.
The Buffalo Stable-Simon Dunderdale association will have a strong two-pronged attack in the 1400m Class 2 (Race 10) with ERUPTION and ARTOIS expected to feature. ERUPTION will be looking to bounce back following his unplaced effort in the G1 Selangor Gold Cup where he set a ballistic speed whilst leading and no doubt contributed to the track record set in the race taken out by FORTUNE TREE. Eventually fading to finish 12th beaten 20.5L, the G1 Ipoh Gold Vase runner up earlier this year will be given a much easier trip and is a five-time winner over 1400m. Stable mate ARTOIS has picked up three wins this year and did have excuses when failing at his first run in Class 2 company three weeks ago. Casting a plate during the run, ARTOIS weakened to finish out of the placings after leading. The gelding should go around at a decent quote there on Saturday and is one to keep in mind.
Fillies to dominate on Algoa Cup day
Trainer Kelly Mitchley has been in a good vein of form since winning the Grade 2 Douglas Whyte Thekwini Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville with top filly Marchland.
The star three-year-old will be back on her home track at TAB Fairview on Sunday in the hope of keeping her unbeaten record on track when she lines up in the Listed SA Stakes for three-year-olds over 1600m.
Heading up the card is the Listed Algoa Cup over 2000m, which sees another top Eastern Cape filly, Anotherdanceforme, attempt to extend her unbeaten run at Fairview to 12.
Marchland is unbeaten in four starts, all with Muzi Yeni in the irons. After winning the 1200m East Cape Fillies Nursery, the filly, by SA Triple Crown winner Malmoos, went on to the Lady’s Slipper Stakes over 1400m even more impressively, even though switching to the Polytrack.
From there Marchland was taken to Durban where she gave the best two-year-old fillies in the country the same treatment.
There is no doubt that Marchland’s connection will be aiming their filly at the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth in December, so this race is a warm-up for that event.
However, despite this being her first run since July, Marchland has been a revelation and comes into this race as the best weighted runner by at least 4kg.
Race 7 is the TAB Casino Algoa Cup and Eastern Cape champion trainer Alan Greeff will be looking for another big run from Anotherdanceforme. While she is unbeaten at Fairview, Greeff’s champ does not travel well and has fluffed her lines in two of her three races outside the province.
She has an incredible turn of foot but she will be racing in a handicap and hands weight to all bar last year’s winner, Zatara Magic.
In her favour is that she has been dominant be it on turf or Polytrack against whatever the opposition, including Zatara Magic, and has shown stamina by winning both the East Cape Oaks over the same track and trip, and the 2200m World Sports Betting East Cape Derby which was run on the Polytrack this year.
She could be better than rated and also has master jockey Richard Fourie in the irons. In addition, she is well enough drawn in gate No 5.
The biggest threat is likely to come from Justin Snaith-trained Prairie Dawn. The four-year-old son of The United States finished third in the Pocket Power Stakes last season where he had subsequent Grade 3 Campanajo winner, Magic Verse, just behind and last time out was a game second after a layoff behind impressive Miami Summer.
That form line has also been franked.
Snaith has been shrewdly placing his charge who comes in with just 52kg, which means he will be getting 7.6kg from Anotherdanceforme.
Clive Robinson
O’Brien big guns in late Champions Day switch
Aidan O’Brien has reshuffled his Qatar Racing Champions Day plans, with Gstaad set to remain over a mile in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, while Constitution River will stick to 10 furlongs for the Champion Stakes.
Earlier this week O’Brien had supplemented Constitution River into the QEII for £70,000 having said “we think we might have been doing the wrong thing” with his two star three-year-olds.
However, speaking to www.coolmore.com O’Brien announced they would be staying at their regular distances, while also stating Scandinavia, favourite for the Long Distance Cup, would not be running at the weekend.
O’Brien said: “We’ve made a few changes to the weekend’s plans for Saturday. We were going to run Gstaad in the Champion but we’ve changed it now. We’re going to leave him at the mile. We think it might not be fair to him to run in the Champion Stakes first time out (at the trip) against older horses and such a seasoned bunch.
“We think the mile at Ascot will suit him (Gstaad) very well. We were very happy with all his runs over a mile and we think the track at Ascot is going to suit him very well.
“Also we were going to run Hawk Mountain with him, maybe going back in trip might suit him. We’re happy with him also.”
Ryan Moore will ride Gstaad with Colin Keane on Hawk Mountain.
He went on: “In the Champion Stakes we’re going to run Constitution River. All of his runs over a mile and a quarter have been very good.
“We feel and think maybe the last day when he ran at Leopardstown all our horses were a little bit sick and we think that could have been a major contributing factor to his run. He’s very well since. He’s obviously a very seasoned horse now and he’s run against these horses before and beaten a few already.”
Regarding Scandinavia, however, the Gold Cup winner is now finished for the year.
“We’re thinking of running two (in the Long Distance Cup). Queenstown, who was third in the Cadran and ran a very good race, and we’re going to run Amelia Earhart as well,” said O’Brien.
“We’re not going to run Scandinavia now. He came out of Arc weekend very well but we just felt with a view to next year and there’s a little bit of rain in the forecast, that we would probably leave him for the year and start his preparation early, like we always do, for the Ascot Gold Cup next year and then hopefully go from there.”
By PA Sport Reporters
Mercantour can get the consolation prize
The third and final leg of the Nelson Mandela Bay Poly Challenge over 1600m takes place at TAB Fairview this Friday. Although only seven runners have been declared, it promises to be a cracking contest.
Last year, Alan Greeff-trained Mercantour won all three legs of the series, and he struck again in the second leg over 1400m last time out. Rival trainer Dean Smith captured the opening leg with his crack sprinter Cruise Control.
Mercantour has clearly taken to the Polytrack, with his record now reading eight wins from 11 starts on the surface, along with two second-place finishes and a third. He has also won his only other start over this course and distance.
Jockey Richard Fourie knows exactly how to get the best out of the Var gelding, having partnered him to three victories in five rides. Significantly, both defeats came on the turf.
Backing Mercantour is rarely a straightforward exercise, as his victories are often narrow and hard fought. His easiest win came by just 1.25 lengths, and that pattern continued last time when he beat All Systems Go by 0.25 lengths.
That was All Systems Go’s first defeat on the Polytrack, and from the tricky No 7, jockey Craig Zackey may have to adopt front-running tactics or settle in second behind stable companion Silvonian, who is a strong front-runner.
Silvonian steps up in class but has won two of his last four starts, including one over this course and distance. Greeff is also unlikely to rely solely on Mercantour, dependable as he is, with Fairy Knight and Guy Gibson capable of making their presence felt on their day.
Fairy Knight has not been at his best recently but should appreciate the return to this distance and could earn a share of the prize money. Guy Gibson looked dangerous last time out and finished just 1.85 lengths behind Mercantour.
Another runner returning for another crack is the Cliffie Miller-trained Ingqwele, who exceeded expectations last time. He finished ahead of Guy Gibson and just 1.75 lengths behind Mercantour. This distance should also suit him better.
Trainers at TAB Fairview often seem to take turns enjoying successful days, and Miller is due a good one. Friday could be his opportunity, with Bai Yula capable of going close in the opening race and Capranica, who has experience on the Polytrack, a contender for a place in Race 3.
Stable companions Kwagga Blitz in Race 6 and Silvano’s Song are also capable of winning.
Clive Robinson
Ka Ying Rising the horse to beat despite rain and poor...
Chris Waller is plotting to halt Ka Ying Rising’s 21-race winning streak in the AU$20 million (approx. HK$109.5 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on Saturday (17 October), but the champion trainer believes the Hong Kong superstar remains the horse to beat, despite an awkward barrier draw and the prospect of a heavy track.
Waller will saddle Australia’s champion sprinter Joliestar and Angel Capital, last-start winner of the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, and believes the pair has the quality to test Ka Ying Rising, who will start from barrier 11 in the 12-horse field.
The Randwick track was downgraded from Good to Heavy this morning (Wednesday, 14 October) after 66mm of rain on Tuesday (13 October), but Waller says Ka Ying Rising – the world’s top-rated horse – is still the measuring stick ahead of the world’s richest race on turf.
“He’s a superstar, Ka Ying Rising, and superstars generally find ways to get themselves out of trouble and track conditions are one of those things, so he’s certainly the horse to beat,” Waller said.
“It’s just great for the race and great for Australian racing to have horses on the international stage competing with us. It makes our race better. It gives us the chance to beat the horse – it’s our home track compared to him having to travel, so that brings him back a little bit.
“Hopefully, one of the Australian horses can beat him, but it looks a tough ask.
“The weather is not ideal but I think come Saturday it will improve and the tracks in Sydney are racing well. Of course, it won’t be rock-hard but we don’t want that anyway. It will be a forgiving surface and should give all horses their best chance and I’ve got no concerns at all about the track.”
James McDonald will partner Joliestar from barrier five as the mare returns to Group 1 racing for the first time since finishing third behind winner Almeraq and Satono Reve in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot in England in June.
“She’s drawn well, which is great. We’ve got James McDonald on board, arguably the world’s best jockey, and she’s in fine form. Her first-up run was good and she’s ready to peak,” Waller said.
“James was disappointed that last year (in The Everest) that things didn’t work out for her (when fifth) and he’s probably thought about it since and we get our chance again this year and he knows her so well.”
Angel Capital will start from barrier two under Ben Melham after finishing sixth in last year’s The Everest.
“Angel Capital was a little bit unlucky in the race last year and he’s gone on and won a Group 1 since then and he’s in career-best form so he’s also drawn a good barrier and with good speed expected, that would really play into the hands of a horse like Angel Capital,” Waller said.
“He’s a big, strong horse. A high-pressure race is what he wants and last year you could say that they went a little bit slower than anticipated. He needs a really high-pressure race.
“Some of the better horses have drawn out wide. They’ll be surging across to find a position, to not cover too much ground. The horses on the inside will be making sure they’re holding their positions or they’ll get put out the back and it will be just a race for the frontrunners, so it’s setting up to be a good contest and it should suit a horse like Angel Capital.”
By Leo Schlink in Sydney






















