Johannesburg, South Africa — The Highveld Feature Race Season concludes with the 2026 Championships Finale on Saturday, 25 April. The card boasts seven features of which there are four Gr2 contests (TAB Senor Santa Stakes, TAB Colorado King Stakes, TAB Camellia Stakes, TAB Igugu Stakes), two Gr3 contests (TAB Protea Stakes, TAB Pretty Polly Stakes) and the TAB Gold Bowl (Listed). TAB SENOR SANTA STAKES The Senor Santa Stakes is named in honour of that game little galloper, Senor Santa, remembered as one of South Africa’s greatest sprint champions. A bright chestnut with a white blaze, the colt bred by Dr. Frank Freeman’s Boland Stud from the Mexico II mare, Mexican Charm, was arguably the finest son of Summerhill’s champion sire, Northern Guest. Selected by Tony Rivalland at the National Yearling Sales, the little horse raced in the interests of Messrs. F.P. and H.J. Cawdry. The colt was trained by Rivalland for his 2 and early 3 year career before passing into the care of Willie Pieters. He raced for 7 seasons, proving effective from 1000m to 1600m, winning at five different racetracks: Clairwood Park, Gosforth Park, Greyville, Scottsville and Turffontein, retiring as a 15-time winner. He is remembered for wins in the G1 Smirnoff Plate, the Gr1 Computaform Sprint (twice), the Gr1 Star Sprint (twice), the Gr1 Natal Flying Championship (now the Mercury Sprint), and the Gr1 First National Bank 1600. The champ also made history when taking on Northern Princess (also a daughter of Northern Guest) in a match race over 1600m, and while the filly won thanks to an inspired ride by Michael Roberts, Senor Santa proved doubters wrong by showing he stayed the mile. His drawing power was such that on a day when there was a cricket test at Kingsmead, a surfing international at North Beach, and the usual distractions of New Year’s Day, Senor Santa packed them into Greyville for the “match” so that only July outpointed him for attendance. The measure of greatness is not always in what you won, but in who you beat and Senor Santa disposed of the likes of such outstanding performers and Gr1 winners as Blue Cossack, Goldmark, Harry’s Echo, Miss Averof, Roland’s Song, Simonside, Speak No Evil and Cape Guineas winner St. John’s Wood, as well as record-breaking Queen’s Plate-winning filly, Wainui. He was the first sprinter to earn over R1 million and ultimately retired with earnings of over R1,7 million. He earned three ARCSA awards and was named South Africa’s Champion 2YO Colt of 1987, as well as Champion Sprinter for 1989 and 1990. Senor Santa retired to Summerhill Stud in KZN and lived out his days as a yearling nanny, but remained a public hero. He was humanely euthanized on June 23, 2014, at the ripe old age of 29. TAB COLORADO KING STAKES By Grand Rapids out of Courageous, Colorado King was bred by Birch Bros at their Vogelvlei Stud in Dordrecht in 1959. ‘The King’ won ten races in South Africa, including the Cape Derby and Durban July, before being campaigned in the USA. At 2, he joined a young Syd Laird, just going out on his own right after the death of his uncle, Syd Garrett, and campaigned in the interests of Mr. P. S. Louw. Colorado King finished 2nd in his first three starts, but finally tasted victory at the 4th attempt, making all to win a 5 f Juvenile Stakes by 1½ lengths without coming off the bit. He added the 1962 Cape of Good Hope Nursery at Milnerton followed by the Stewards Handicap and African Breeders in Durban, closing the season as Champion 2yo. Colorado King was 3¼ lengths 5th to the good colt Loge in the first week of his 3yo season. Returning four months later in a 5f B Division sprint at Kenilworth, he took on a field of older horses, sauntering home on the bit by four lengths. Thus began a six-race win streak that would mark him out as one of our greats. He toyed with a group of top-class 3yos in the 7f Guineas Trial at Kenilworth on January 23, then started as a 6/4 favourite against 12 leading 3YO’s for the Cape Guineas 9 days later. The King made fun of them all. Taking the lead on the turn at the halfway mark, he beat Sea Rover and Majorca by 4½ and 6½ lengths, respectively, in a new track record time. However, he is best remembered for his performance in the Cape Derby. Stan Amos stole the lead on Majorca and was 8 lengths clear with 400 metres to go. However, jockey Robbie Sivewright asked and Colorado King found an astonishing burst, catching the filly to win by 1/2 length, going away. The King beat a strong field of older horses in the Clairwood June Handicap by 3¾ lengths before tilting at the 1963 Durban July. His supporters never had an anxious moment and he won by the best part of two lengths against the likes of Speciality, Jerez and Majorca. Closing his South African account a week later with a respectable 3¼ length 3rd in the Durban Merchants, Colorado King was named Champion 3yo for the season. Sold to an American racing partnership led by Fritz Hawn, Colorado King resumed his career in California in 1964. Under the care of trainer Wally Dunn, he won six races in his first US season, including the Gr1 Hollywood Gold Cup, the Gr2 American Handicap (equalling the world record for 1800m), and the Gr1 1700m Sunset Handicap by seven lengths. In 1965, he won once from nine starts before being retired to stud, but found limited success as a sire. Jockey Robbie Sivewright rated the Colorado King higher than the mighty Sea Cottage. Syd Laird was more reticent, but considered him at least as good as Sea Cottage at 3. He stated, “His tremendous fighting spirit and determination, combined with the fact that he was such a resolute galloper, made him the perfect racing machine.” TAB IGUGU STAKES She may have hailed from Australia, but Igugu was South Africa’s original Triple Tiara Princess. Born on September 16, 2007 at the Kia Ora Stud, Igugu (Galileo-Zarinia) was purchased unnamed by Mick Goss at the 2009 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. Christened Igugu (the Zulu word for jewel), she joined Summerhill’s Emperor’s Palace Ready To Run sale draft in November, where the little filly with the big action was knocked down to Andre Macdonald for R1 million. Trained by Mike de Kock, Igugu debuted on August 26, 2010, astounding everyone by winning by 2.75 lengths. She romped home by 4.5 lengths at the Vaal in September, then stepped out in the Gr3 Joburg Spring Mare & Fillies Challenge for a third consecutive victory. Narrowly beaten in the 2010 Emperor’s Palace Ready To Run Cup, Igugu ran such a courageous 2nd to Ebony Flyer in the Cape Filllies Guineas that in the weeks to follow, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum purchased a 50% share. Igugu launched her 2011 offensive in style, trouncing Hollywoodboulevard by 4 lengths in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas. She beat Las Ramblas home by 10.25 lengths in the SA Fillies Classic and sealed her place at the top of her class by storming home the best part of 6 lengths in the SA Oaks to be crowned South Africa’s first Triple Tiara princess. Igugu closed her 3YO campaign in Durban, winning the Gr1 Woolavington and bringing down the house by winning the 2011 Vodacom Durban July by the best part of a length. At 4, she made 2 more starts in South Africa, winning both (the Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge and the 2012 J&B Met), before heading abroad. She finished 3rd in the Gr2 Balanchine Stakes in Dubai, was tried in Hong Kong’s 2014 QEII Cup, and had two starts in the UK for a 2nd place in the Rosemary Stakes. She retired as a 10-time winner (4 at the Grade 1 level) from 18 lifetime starts. Her wins were achieved from 1200m to 2450m and included the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic, the Gr1 Woolavington Stakes, the Gr1 Durban July, and the Gr1 J&B Met. Her accomplishments included being South Africa’s first Triple Tiara winner, 2011 Equus Champion 3YO Filly, 2011 Equus Champion Middle Distance Horse, 2011 Equus Horse of the Year, and 2012 Equus Champion Older Filly/Mare. Igugu retired to stud, leaving behind two foals: a 2015 Dansili filly named Atlaal and a 2016 Dansili colt named El Misk. The Australian Stud Book reported that Igugu died on November 24, 2016. TAB PRETTY POLLY STAKES Arguably one of the greatest race fillies as well as one of the most influential broodmares of the 20th century, Pretty Polly was bred by Major Eustace Loder and foaled at his Eyrefield Lodge Stud near the Curragh in Ireland in March 1901. By Gallinule out of Admiration, Pretty Polly was a chestnut filly with a star and a white sock on her near fore.  She was a quirky type, narrowly escaping serious injury with some of her early capers.  Trained by Peter Gilpin at his Clarehaven Stables in Newmarket, she raced at 2, 3, 4 and 5 over distances from 5f to 2 ¼ miles, garnering 22 wins (of which 15 were consecutive) and 2 seconds from 24 times of asking, including the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks, St. Leger, Coronation Cup, Champion Stakes and Jockey Club Cup. Pretty Polly’s unique personality endeared her to the racing public. After each victory, she came to expect a lump of sugar from her trainer’s wife to be given to her in the winner’s enclosure. She developed a strong attachment to a cob named Little Missus, who became her inseparable companion during her racing days. Little Missus would create a good deal of amusement by cantering with Pretty Polly to the start of many of her races. There were times when after a win, Pretty Polly would whinny for her friend, the two would affectionately rub noses, and then Little Missus would accompany Pretty Polly, her lad and her trainer, back to the stable. Pretty Polly’s stud record is equally prodigious.  Although her colts proved modest, she produced 4 daughters: Molly Desmond, Dutch Mary, Polly Flinders and Baby Polly, through which her influence still continues strongly. Dutch Mary was the first to make her mark through her great-grandson Donatello, an Italian Derby winner and important sire, and her branch of the family also produced Epsom Derby winner, Psidium. Via Molly Desmond, she is responsible for the mighty Brigadier Gerard, arguably the best horse bred in Britain in the 20th century, as well as Derby winners St Paddy, Workforce and Wings Of Eagles; important sires such as Nearctic, Great Nephew and Luthier, and top-ranking fillies Flying Water, Shadayid and Russian Rhythm as well as 2015 Oaks victrix, Qualify. The Polly Flinders branch is responsible for Supreme Court, winner of the first running of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Eclipse Stakes winner, Arctic Explorer. Later stars included crack sprinter Marwell and her daughter Marling, Gold Cup victor Paean and Oaks heroine Unite. Baby Polly had fewer opportunities at stud, with only two effective daughters, but through one came Vaguely Noble’s sire Vienna, and Arc de Triomphe hero Carroll House descended from the other. Pretty Polly died at the grand age of 30 in August 1931. TAB GOLD BOWL The TAB Gold Bowl has long been one of South Africa’s premier staying events and its honour roll is the preserve of such doughty names as Furious, Gigantic, Aquanaut (who won back-to-back renewals in 1987 and 1988) and more recently, international campaigner Hermoso Mundo. It is one of only 4 feature events on the calendar staged over the testing distance of 3200m and with a very attractive stake cheque of R400,000, ranks among the richest Listed race contests in the country.

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Final fields below:  TAB SENOR SANTA STAKES (Grade 2) (Open) R500000 1160m 1 – 12 BUFFALO STORM CODY (A P Peter) R Fourie 62.0 – 132 2 – 5 WILLIAM ROBERTSON (C Spies) T Mayhew 62.0 – 124 3 – 9 COSMIC SPEED (S G Tarry) C Zackey 60.0 – 120 4 – 6 TRUTH (C/T Dawson) S Moodley 60.0 – 119 5 – 3 ZIYASHA (C Binda) C Habib 60.0 – 118 6 – 11 MOUNT PINATUBO (J J van Vuuren) K de Melo 58.0 – 113 7 – 8 BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW (G J Maroun) M V’Rensburg 56.0 – 110 8 – 4 ANFIELDS ROCKET (G J Maroun) R A Venniker 54.0 – 106 9 – 2 CHARMING CHEETAH (R Klaasen) M Yeni 54.0 – 106 10 – 1 THE LAST DUKE (P F Matchett) P Mxoli 52.0 – 102 11 – 10 THE SPECIALIST (S G Tarry) M K Katjedi 52.0 – 101 12 – 7 JERUSALEMA RAIN (S G Tarry) M Michel 52.0 – 100 Same Trainer: (3,11,12) (7,8)   TAB COLORADO KING STAKES (Grade 2) (Horses at Weight for Age + Penalties) R500000 2000m 1 – 1 FIRE ATTACK (A G Laird) R Fourie 60.0 – 124 2 – 5 ATTICUS FINCH (A G Laird) C Habib 59.0 – 127 3 – 3 CHOISAANADA (E Verdonese) R A Venniker 58.0 – 121 4 – 6 THE ULTIMATE KING (A P Peter) T Mayhew 58.0 – 117 5 – 2 FIELD MARSHAL (N Kotzen) C Zackey 58.0 – 110 6 – 4 BAKWENA (J J van Vuuren) K de Melo 55.5 – 97 7 – 7 COPPER EAGLE (R Klaasen) S Moodley 54.5 – 97 Same Trainer: (1,2)   TAB CAMELLIA STAKES (Grade 2)(For Fillies and Mares) R350000 1160m 1 – 4 RODEO DRIVE (S G Tarry) P Mxoli 60.0 – 113 2 – 6 ALMOND SEA (A P Peter) R Fourie 59.0 – 119 3 – 8 WHISTLE THE TUNE (C/T Dawson) M Yeni 59.0 – 116 4 – 9 CHROME TOURMALINE (F P Habib) R A Venniker 59.0 – 107 5 – 3 DESTINY OF FIRE (M/M de Kock) C Murray 59.0 – 100 6 – 2 GREEN DIAMOND (S G Tarry) C Zackey 58.0 – 111 7 – 5 ONE FINE WINTER (S G Tarry) K de Melo 57.0 – 105 8 – 7 RACHEL WALL (A P Peter) S Moodley 57.0 – 105 9 – 10 RIFLE QUEEN (A P Peter) C Habib 57.0 – 105 10 – 1 PERFECT MIRACLE (A P Peter) M V’Rensburg 57.0 – 96 Same Trainer: (1,6,7) (2,8,9,10)   TAB IGUGU STAKES (Grade 2) (For Fillies and Mares at Weight for Age + Penalties) R350000 2000m 1 – 4 OLIVIA’S WAY (R R Magner) M V’Rensburg 60.0 – 114 2 – 6 CALLMEGETRIX (S G Tarry) C Zackey 60.0 – 113 3 – 2 MINOGUE (C/T Dawson) M Yeni 59.0 – 114 4 – 3 INDIAN OCEAN (M Pandaram) T Godden 59.0 – 105 5 – 8 DOITWITHDIAMONDS (A P Peter) C Habib 59.0 – 99 6 – 1 SOLDIER’S EYE (W/W Marwing) K J Lihaba 59.0 – 94 7 – 5 CHARGE IT (A Wright) R Fourie 55.5 – 113 8 – 7 DAISY JONES (M G Azzie) R A Venniker 55.5 – 108 TAB GOLD BOWL (Listed)(Open) R400000 3200m 1 – 3 SHOOT THE RAPIDS (N Kotzen) C Zackey 62.0 – 117 2 – 1 POETS WARRIOR (M G Azzie) R A Venniker 60.0 – 114 3 – 2 ALADDIN’S LAMP (M/M de Kock) C Murray 56.0 – 106 4 – 7 ENFLAME (C/T Dawson) S Moodley 56.0 – 104 5 – 10 NEBRAAS (S G Tarry) M Michel 54.0 – 101 6 – 5 HOTARUBI (C I Jonker) M Yeni 54.0 – 97 7 – 9 TAXHAVEN (P F Matchett) P Mxoli 52.0 – 96 8 – 8 MO MENT (B Webber) J R Syster 52.0 – 93 9 – 4 BATTLEGROUND (M N Houdalakis) C Maujean 52.0 – 92 10 – 6 ROYAL INVITATION (B Webber) J Gates 51.5 – 99 Same Trainer: (8,10)   TAB PROTEA STAKES (Grade 3) (For 2 yo R100 000 Win BSA / CRS Bonus) R300000 1100m 1 – 3 TIME IS PRECIOUS (J J van Vuuren) C Murray 60.0 – 92 2 – 7 GIMME A VODKA (S G Tarry) C Zackey 58.0 – 97 3 – 1 GIMME SOME LUCK (F P Habib) M Yeni 58.0 – 92 4 – 6 SHERLOCK HOLMES (A P Peter) K Strydom 58.0 – 86 5 – 2 STATUS SYMBOL (S G Tarry) K de Melo 58.0 – 88 6 – 5 THE BRONX BULL (A P Peter) C Habib 58.0 – 96 7 – 4 KAVADY (M Pandaram) T Godden 55.5 – 88 Same Trainer: (2,5) (4,6)   TAB PRETTY POLLY STAKES (Grade 3)(For 2 yof R100 000 Win BSA / CRS Bonus) R250000 1100m 1 – 5 GOOD DAY SUNSHINE (M/M de Kock) R Fourie 60.0 – 99 2 – 2 CUSTODIAN (R Klaasen) C Habib 58.0 – 84 3 – 1 GET UP (S G Tarry) C Zackey 58.0 – 97 4 – 3 LANZAROTE (J J van Vuuren) K de Melo 58.0 – 87 5 – 4 LOVE NOT WAR (S T Pettigrew) C Murray 58.0 – 81 6 – 7 NO DRAMA (P F Matchett) M Yeni 58.0 – 83 7 – 6 QUEEN LEILA (P F Matchett) P Mxoli 58.0 – 88 8 – 9 USHOULDBEDANCING (R Klaasen) K Strydom 58.0 – 82 9 – 8 LADY HARLEQUIN (C/T Dawson) S Moodley 55.0 – 0 Same Trainer: (2,8) (6,7)   TAB GOLD BOWL (Listed) (Open) R400000 3200m 1 – 3 SHOOT THE RAPIDS (N Kotzen) C Zackey 62.0 – 117 2 – 1 POETS WARRIOR (M Azzie) R Venniker 60 – 114 3 – 2 ALADDIN’S LAMP (M/M de Kock) C Murray 56 – 106 4 – 7 ENFLAME (C/T Dawson) S Moodley 56 – 104 5 – 10 NEBRAAS (S Tarry) M Michelle 54 – 101 6 – 5 HOTARUBI (C Jonker) M Yeni 54 – 97 7 – 9 TAXHAVEN (P Matchett) P Mxoli 52 – 96 8 – 8 MO MENT (B Webber) J Syster 52 – 93 9 – 4 BATTLEGROUND (L Houdalakis) C Maujean 52 – 92 10 – 6 ROYAL INVITATION (B Webber) J Gates 51.5 – 99 Same Trainer: (8,10)      

April 23rd 2026 The international stars stepped out for their final serious pieces of work on Thursday morning ahead of FWD Champions Day, with several of the headline acts giving a timely reminder of their class at Sha Tin. Japanese sprint hope Satono Reve was one of those to catch the eye, working strongly on the course proper in his final major tune-up before Sunday’s assignment. There was a minor mishap as he went past the winning post, losing a shoe in the process, but his work itself was sharp and added to the sense that the overseas raiders have arrived ready to make their presence felt. Another Japanese runner was Strauss who had the services of Joao Moreira in the saddle as we was allowed to stroll out on the turf course. The recent Abu Dhabi Gold Cup winner looked fit and seemed to recover well after his workout.

Local superstar Romantic Warrior was one of the early workers, on the track shortly after the sun came up, and trainer Danny Shum later struck a confident tone when speaking with Andrew Le Jeune at the morning press conference. Asked whether it had been a perfect build-up to match his horse’s perfect season so far, Shum was positive in his assessment. “Yeah, he galloped really well. Every time Hugh (Bowman) rides, he really, really tries. He galloped the horse for me and two trials, and he always gave me very, very positive reports.” Romantic Warrior heads into the FWD QEII Cup looking for his fourth win in the race with enormous local support, but Shum knows the challenge is a deep one this year, with quality visitors joining the home team in what shapes as one of the strongest renewals in recent memory. “I think in the last 15 or 20 years, this is the the strongest QE2 probably in Hong Kong,” Shum said. “We are very happy so many good horses to come. It’s going to be good fun. He’s the horse I cannot tell you, but I love him, and he loves me too.”

There was also plenty of focus on sprinting sensation Ka Ying Rising, who continues to build a formidable reputation with every run. Trainer David Hayes gave media a glowing report on the star sprinter’s preparation, describing a horse who has done everything right throughout the campaign. “Just hasn’t put a foot wrong,” Hayes said. “Probably since the press conference in the Everest, it’s gone very smooth… He is trainer proof.” When asked if there had been any issues at all with the horse this season, Hayes made it clear Ka Ying Rising has been the ultimate stable star. “He always pulls up fine, he’s good in the mornings, he’s very straightforward, he’s never given any problems at all,” Hayes said. “He’s trained aggressively. His weight last season, he weighed probably 15, 20 pounds lighter. And this season, he’s consistently held ever since the Everest, the 1150. I think he’ll be around that when he’s weighed today, if not, he’ll be very close. So he really hasn’t given us a headache. He’s very straightforward.”

Champion jockey Zac Purton echoed that confidence when he discussed Ka Ying Rising’s condition after partnering him in his recent work. Purton said the gelding had come through his latest run in terrific order and looked primed to produce again on Sunday. “He’s been really good,” Purton said. “He put up a career-best performance last start in what I thought were difficult conditions. We had a very strong headwind out of the gates and then a tailwind pushing us up the straight, so it was surprising he could run that time because the times on the day were generally slow. “Since that run, Dave hasn’t had to do too much with him. He just walked around on the grass last week, then we fired him up and he was a little bit fresh, which was to be expected because he hadn’t done much since the race. “I rode him the week before he went to the track and he was really on song. He skipped up the straight comfortably, extended nicely and ran a good time, especially over the last furlong. “I jumped on him again on Tuesday on the dirt and after that hit-out he was more relaxed and back to his normal self. He pulled up very clean in the wind, as you’d expect from a very fit horse. He’s fresh, he looks good and he’s ready to go on Sunday.” By Scott Bailey Barrier Draw Positions 

Chairman’s Sprint Prize

1. Ka Ying Rising — Barrier 3
2. Satono Reve — Barrier 8
3. Helios Express — Barrier 6
4. Fast Network — Barrier 2
5. Raging Blizzard — Barrier 7
6. Comanche Brave — Barrier 4
7. Tomodachi Kokoroe — Barrier 1
8. Beauty Waves — Barrier 5

FWD QEII Cup

1. Masquerade Ball — Barrier 6
2. Romantic Warrior — Barrier 5
3. Royal Champion — Barrier 1
4. Sosiie — Barrier 2
5. Giovanni — Barrier 8
6. June Take — Barrier 7
7. Rubylot — Barrier 3
8. Numbers — Barrier 4

FWD Champions Mile

1. Jantar Mantar — Barrier 6
2. Voyage Bubble — Barrier 12
3. Docklands — Barrier 1
4. Lucky Sweynesse — Barrier 4
5. My Wish — Barrier 10
6. Red Lion — Barrier 8
7. Galaxy Patch — Barrier 13
8. Strauss — Barrier 7
9. Cap Ferrat — Barrier 14
10. Invincible Ibis — Barrier 5
11. Sunlight Power — Barrier 3
12. Chancheng Glory — Barrier 9
13. Copartner Prance — Barrier 11
14. Little Paradise — Barrier 2

   

FWD QEII Cup Giovanni Cantered for one lap on the all-weather track. Trainer Haruki Sugiyama said: “To be honest, I was hoping for an inside draw, but with a small field, it’s not a big concern. It’s his first trip overseas, so we’ll do everything we can to have him in the best possible shape on raceday.” Royal Champion The eight-year-old took to the dirt track for the second day in a row, but this time he was given a faster piece of work, clocking 1m 22.6s (32.2, 27.5, 22.9) over 1200m. He pulled hard under his rider and proved difficult to ease down. Stable representative Jack Lander said: “He had a canter around and a breeze up the straight. We won’t do much with him tomorrow. We’ll just try and freshen him up.” FWD Champions Mile Strauss Galloped with Joao Moreira in the saddle on the turf track, clocking 1m 22.0s (32.0, 27.4, 22.6) over 1200m. Trainer Ryo Takei said: “He’s in excellent condition. Joao even said, ‘Not just good, he’s at his best.’ We’ve been using a strong bit to control him and Joao is handling him very well. “Abu Dhabi was not a main target for him. He was in good condition there, but probably not quite at 100%. This time, however, this race has been the main target, and he’s come here in very good shape. “In his previous overseas trips, the fields were small, but here in Hong Kong there are plenty of Japanese runners, which has helped him relax and settle into his routine. We had already done the necessary work back in Japan, so I didn’t feel we needed to push him too much here. I told Joao to let him run naturally and only ask him if needed. “He won his debut on a heavy track, so I don’t think the ground will be an issue this time either. Joao also mentioned that he’s adapting well to the surface here. “With top-class competition, including Japan’s mile champion Jantar Mantar, it would be a fantastic result if we could win this race. “(Regarding the draw) I’m leaving that to Joao, so I’m not too concerned. He was a bit on edge when he first arrived, but he’s gradually settled in and is adapting well.” Chairman’s Sprint Prize Comanche Brave Comanche Brave’s travelling head lad Darragh Dwan said: “We are jumping back to six furlongs (1200m) for the first time in a while and we will give it our best shot. He is a very versatile horse.” Dwan said they would be trying their best against Ka Ying Rising, who has taken the world by storm and looks “a bit of a freak”. Satono Reve Satono Reve exercised in the trotting ring in the international stable area and moved to the turf track for a gallop under his regular exercise rider Ryusuke Saito. After warming up in front of the grandstand, he worked from the 1600m mark, clocking 50.0s (25.5, 24.5) over 800m. Saito said: “He showed an appropriate level of eagerness and was not affected by the heat, maintaining good energy throughout. He moved satisfactorily, as he felt really good all the way to the finish. He changed leads smoothly and his overall balance was at the same level to how he was in Japan. It turned out to be a productive piece of work.”

The road to the Hollywoodbets Durban July, South Africa’s premier race with a R10 million purse, officially began with the release of first entries. With an affordable initial fee, a wide pool of hopefuls has emerged, signalling another competitive renewal.

Two early entrants, Count Of Rouen and Johnny The Thief, step out at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday, contesting a strong Class 3 Handicap over 1900m. Trainer Dean Kannemeyer holds a solid hand with Continentalexpress and Uzwano. While Continentalexpress is consistent, Uzwano—trying the trip for the first time—appears the more progressive, with his pedigree suggesting he will stay.

Count Of Rouen is expected to improve on a needed last run, while Johnny The Thief, highly regarded, was finishing well over an inadequate distance and could feature if stepping up. Mohave Prince, unbeaten in two with blinkers, carries a light weight and is a major contender, while front-runner Go Grayson Go could prove dangerous if left alone in front.

Earlier races present tricky betting heats. Many first-timers in the opener make market moves key. Peace Rose and Peach Melba headline Race 2, though Emerald could surprise if reproducing her Highveld promise. Kiartay and Bison Warrior look solid for exotic bets, both showing progression and suited by the step up in trip.

The Pick 6 begins with Gold Gol Baby, who brings strong Western Cape form and sets the standard. Bai Yulu impressed on debut and can improve, while Flickering Light is an outsider with upside over this distance.

Mid-card handicaps remain competitive. Tobacconist is consistent and well suited at the trip, while Hodge Podge arrives in top form after a convincing win. I’m Invictus looks progressive in blinkers, and My Boy Lollipop could improve significantly over further.

Later, Silver Salute is well positioned to follow up her course-and-distance win despite a small rating rise. Gran Occasion and Blue Poppy are dangers, while West Side Story is a lightweight outsider.

The finale is wide open. Take Your Place benefits from a rating drop, Call Of The Karoo carries top weight but has strong rider support, and Amafort, unbeaten in blinkers, looks the one to beat in pursuit of a hat-trick.

FWD QEII Cup June Take June Take conducted a final workout on the turf track with jockey Joao Moreira in the saddle, clocking 1m 18.4s (29.4, 25.7, 23.3) over 1200m. Trainer Hidenori Take said: “After the exercise in the trotting ring, I instructed Joao to gradually pick up the pace from around 1200m, adjusting to the horse’s condition, and to finish in approximately 25 seconds. The horse had been in very good condition up to that point, with a strong appetite and a relaxed demeanour, so I told Joao to train the horse according to how he felt on the day. I also noted that it would be fine to push him in the final stretch, or to leave him as he was if the response was good. “He moved nicely, and he showed smooth acceleration even after changing leads. When working alone, he can sometimes lose focus, but in races, he tends to become eager, so I believe being settled is a positive. “Although the workout went as planned, there was some concern about the horse’s condition after the jockey dismounted. However, after returning to the stable, the horse was thoroughly examined by veterinarians and no issues were found. As this was likely his first time on a turf course and he was working alone, the unfamiliar surroundings and equipment might have distracted him. There were no problems with his legs, and overall the horse remained in good condition.” Masquerade Ball Masquerade Ball had a solid, fast work session on turf, clocking 1m 20.4s (30.5, 25.0, 24.9) over 1200m with trainer Takahisa Tezuka supervising him. Trainer Tezuka said: “Although he was a bit edgy, his work went smoothly overall. As this will be his first race in five months, we have put in solid preparation in Japan, both in terms of workload and quality. “After arriving in Hong Kong, he seemed slightly unsettled, perhaps due to the heat, so we instructed the work rider to go easier than originally planned today. He hasn’t often breezed alone at home, and it appeared that he might not fully focus without a partner. However, he is well-prepared, and I have no concerns about his condition. “We are not particularly worried about racing right-handed, but with Hong Kong’s rainy season likely to produce softer ground, and the forecast suggesting unsettled weather over the weekend, that could be a challenge. “He has matured not only physically but also mentally. Being a sensitive horse, we feel he has become more composed, and his core strength has improved compared to when he was three, which we see as a positive. “Romantic Warrior is a true hero in Hong Kong, and we are the challengers here, but we hope to make it a competitive race and, if possible, make the most of the opportunity.” Royal Champion Royal Champion was sighted for the first time at trackwork. The G1 Neom Turf Cup (2100m) winner had his ears pricked and looked comfortable during a light circuit of the all-weather track. Stable representative Jack Lander said: “He’s travelled very well. He’s very professional and he’s done it before in Bahrain and Saudi. He’s eight, so he’s done it all before. He’s got such a good attitude towards it all so it’s very handy to have a horse who takes it all in his stride. Hopefully, if he’s in the same form as his other international starts, he can put up a good fight.” FWD Champions Mile Docklands The G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) fourth took to the all-weather track for the first time this week, leading Royal Champion in a steady piece of exercise. He arrives here fit after a win in the Listed Doncaster Mile (1600m) on 28 March. Stable representative Laura Pike said: “He’s great, as always. He loves travelling and he knew where he was when he got off the horsebox. It was his first day out on track today just to freshen him up a bit. He was in the ring in the stables yesterday and Monday. This was just to freshen him up as usually he’s here for 10 days or more, whereas it’s only a week this time and he only ran recently. He just did a canter around. He’ll probably go on the grass on Friday.” Jantar Mantar Jantar Mantar had a steady workout for 1200m on the turf track under his exercise rider Takashi Matsui, clocking 1m 18.9s (30.0, 27.4, 21.5) over 1200m. Matsui said: “I am relieved that the workout was completed safely and that he was confirmed to be in good condition. I rode him aiming to maintain a pace of around 15 seconds per furlong from the six-furlong (1200m) mark, then asked him to accelerate smoothly without pushing too hard for the last 400 metres. His reaction was great and he moved beautifully.”

Ronald Arculli’s connection to Hong Kong racing spans approximately six decades, and the former Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, alongside wife Johanna, can boost an already enviable ownership record when his defending champion returns at Sha Tin. Red Lion is one of Arculli’s foremost gallopers, and the seven-year-old gelding is chasing a second consecutive HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) success on FWD Champions Day (Sunday, 26 April). Arculli, 87, served as Chairman from 2002-2006. He has raced more than 80 horses since the 1970s in Hong Kong as a sole owner, partner and in syndicates, with the 1993/94 Triple Crown winner River Verdon – the first Hong Kong-trained horse to compete overseas in 1992 – his standout champion, co-owned by Sir Oswald Cheung. Arculli’s other big-race wins in his home city, including the 1991 Hong Kong Derby (1800m), have come via River Jordan, River Dancer, Go-Getter, Red Cadeaux – winner of the 2012 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) – and most recently Red Lion, who is bidding for a second Group 1 triumph when Andrea Atzeni hops up this weekend. Atzeni said: “His most recent trial and the trial before his last run were good, but he just didn’t run accordingly last start (14th in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy, 1600m). John (Size) put blinkers on him in his last trial (on 16 April). He trialled well with them and, hopefully, we get a lot of rain. It’s hard to know, and obviously, the track dries very quickly, too. “Any rain is welcome – hopefully there’s a bit of juice in the ground, and given a smooth run around, he could run very well.” The courageous Red Lion – trained by Australian Racing Hall of Famer Size – finished second in the 2024 FWD Champions Mile at odds of 29/1 before his 89/1 make-all victory over heavy favourite Voyage Bubble in 2025. “I felt like in his trial when he had a bit of room and he’s rolling along, that’s when he’s happy. It seems like he responds a bit better when he’s to the outside,” Atzeni said. “I just feel like he doesn’t like to be on the fence with horses surrounding him and that he needs his own space. He’s quick out of the gates and the blinkers seem to work on him.” Size is going for a sixth win in the race, having also prevailed with Electronic Unicorn (2003), Sight Winner (2009), Contentment (2017) and Beauty Eternal (2024). Red Lion is one of two defending champions reappearing this weekend along with Ka Ying Rising, who is aiming to win a second HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). Fellow hometown hero Romantic Warrior is trying to land a record fourth HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) after triumphs in 2022, 2023 and 2024. By Declan Schuster

Galaxy Patch has always displayed Group 1 qualities and trainer Pierre Ng is hopeful the bay gelding can secure a breakthrough when he contests the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) on FWD Champions Day (Sunday, 26 April) at Sha Tin. Twice Group 1-placed, Galaxy Patch is one of Hong Kong racing’s leading milers and is a dual winner at Group 2 and Group 3 level; however, an elite-level crown is all that’s missing from his solid 25-start record, which is headlined by eight wins. He was also a neck second behind Massive Sovereign in the 2024 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m). Galaxy Patch won November’s G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) when luck fell his way as he skimmed the rail from near-last on the turn while the field dispersed across the home straight, capturing his most important victory for Ng. Ng said: “He just needs everything to go right for him – there can’t be too much traffic, but he’s been doing well across the last few seasons and, hopefully, he gets his chance.” More recently, the six-year-old – showcasing his exciting get-back run-on style of racing – was fourth from barrier nine in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) on 6 April. “He’s doing well. He finished fourth and pulled up fine. He was three-wide and it wasn’t a very fast pace. He did make up a fair bit of ground,” Ng said. “Hopefully, we get a better draw next time.” Galaxy Patch finished fourth in a barrier trial last Thursday (16 April) in 1m 11.23s behind fellow FWD Champions Mile entrants Little Paradise, Red Lion and Invincible Ibis. “It will be normal training with him. He’ll probably have a gallop on Thursday (23 April) and then he’ll be ready for it. Karis Teetan rides. Generally, I’d like him to be wherever he wants to be – just not switched on. The horse needs to switch off in the run,” Ng said. Now in his fourth season as a trainer in Hong Kong, Ng is nearing the 200-win mark in the city. The 42-year-old is the son of former trainer Peter Ng, who earned three Hong Kong Horse of the Year titles with Mystic (1984/85) and Quicken Away (1988/89 & 1989/90). “We’ve won Group 2 races and Group 3 races. We’re just missing that Group 1. The team has been doing so well with the horses, so we’ll just keep trying. Hopefully, we don’t have to wait too long to get a Group 1,” Ng said. FWD Champions Day on Sunday (26 April) at Sha Tin also features the HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) and HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). By Declan Schuster

Track Spy Video Stars Race 1 – 7 SPANGLE FORTUNE He had no luck first-up 18 days ago, when a wide draw forced him to race three-wide without cover throughout. After covering the extra ground, he was entitled to weaken in the straight, finishing 12th, beaten eight lengths, over 1650m at this track. Stripping fitter second-up, he looks capable of finishing in the top three with a more economical run in transit. Race 8 – 2 LADY’S CHOICE His unplaced effort last start was better than it reads, as he was pressured early to settle on the speed in a strongly run race, with the first 400m and 800m covered in 23.27 and 44.96 seconds—well inside standard sectionals. Given the tough race shape, it was no surprise to see him weaken in the straight, and with a more favourable run, he could surprise at odds dropping back to Class 3. Sectional Stars Race 7 – 1 ARMOUR WAR EAGLE He has been racing consistently in Class 3, recording three placings from his past five starts. At his two most recent outings, he was disadvantaged by slow tempos but still finished off well, producing solid late sectionals. Dropping to Class 4 for the first time, he looks one to follow against weaker opposition. Race 11 – 4 PATCH OF COSMO His recent efforts in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and Hong Kong Derby (2000m) have been encouraging, producing strong late sectionals to finish third and fourth respectively. The return to handicap conditions looks ideal, and he shapes as a leading contender in Class 2.

Five-year-old ZED OR ALIVE has only scored once in 23 starts but is a chance to break his Malaysian duck in the 1700m Pasir Gudang Kite Museum Stakes (Race 2). With minor placings behind the likes of higher rated performers such as Banker’s Honor and Guru Fight in this distance range recently, the gelding could be a value selection on the six-day backup. FAMILY DELIGHT will be fourth up and appears better suited on the distance rise. Despite scoring only once in nineteen local starts, the former Macau galloper will break the 14-month winning drought very soon. BANKER’S CUTE, from the inform BT Lim stable, also steps out to a more favorable journey and is also coming off the six-day backup, third run in the country. HENNU STALL finally broke through for an overdue win and looks a chance in the slightly harder lineup. EASTERN BARRACKS put the writing on the wall with his fast finishing second behind handy mare, Banker’s Beautiful two runs ago and franked that form with a comeback victory in a 1400m Class 4B here three weeks ago. Both of his wins have been recorded over 1400m but he has placed over the mile previously and is a chance of going back-to-back in the Kedah Paddy Museum Stakes (Race 3). BANKER’S SUPER is a mile winner in Australia and is on target for a forward showing third up in Malaysia. STRONG WHITE has the potential to rise through the grades but his waywardness has cost him dearly in the past. The four-year-old grey still displayed those traits when resuming here last Sunday, closing off with a fast final sectional to finish runner up over 2000m and gains a big advantage on the minimum. PLATINUM EMPEROR continues to race well with the big weights and is a chance to deliver a return victory in the 1400m Supreme A contest (Race 4). The six-year-old reeled off the fastest final sectional when closing off to finish fourth in the 1200m G1 Tunku Gold Cup on March 29, beaten 1.75L. With a local record of 4 wins from 8 starts, the former Macau galloper strikes a winnable race with Benny Woodworth to retain the mount. Stable mates BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL and BANKER’S SMILE have both risen through the grades and are facing their toughest assignments since arriving from Australia. However, both runners cannot be discounted on the minimum weights and are capable of winning. ANTIPODEAN may not be the dominant force he was a couple of years ago but his excellent record over the 1400m trip keeps him under notice. With six wins from seven starts at the distance, the 5yo was never a threat from a wide draw in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup and is expected to improve against a slightly weaker lineup come Saturday’ Despite his failure in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup last start, three-year-old MEGA ACE will be seeking immediate redemption in the 1020m Class 3 contest (Race 7). The gelding yielded after racing on speed in the group feature when casting a plate during the run. His greatest asset is his early pace and if he finds the lead, he will be hard to run down. BANKER’S EMPEROR resumed with a second over 1200m three weeks ago and his excellent second up record (3:3-0-0) cannot be ignored either. FRIGHT and WITNESSIMPACT returned to winning form in Ipoh last month and are proven in Class 3 company.

There are some tough fields on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth for punters to sink their teeth into so it will probably be best to stick with the in-form yards of Snaith Racing and Candice Bass. Justin Snaith-trained Lyrical Gangster looks the part in Race 7, the Gallop TV Apprentice Stakes over 1000m. This Gimmethegreenlight gelding has taken a while to strike his best form, but he does look to be improving. Lyrical Gangster took four starts to break his maiden, but it is his latest start – his second run after being gelded – that caught the eye. The three-year-old gelding was narrowly beaten by Flying Finley. Being an apprentice race, regular rider JP van der Merwe is excluded from taking the ride, so he will be partnered by Varun Jodhee, who claims 4kg. Jodhee recently won on a 100-1 chance, Lucky Strike, at Fairview, and one thing that is certain is that there will not be any bookmaker offering 100-1 on Lyrical Gangster. Some big-field handicaps are on this card and, in Race 8, a Class 4 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1500m, Bass-trained Amayah could scrape out another victory. This daughter of South African-bred international superstar River Jetez has improved when stepped up in distance to 1600m. She has won her last two starts. The first of those wins came on her fifth start when beating Beautiful One by 0.50 lengths half a length on 21 January at this course. It is worth noting that she scored from a draw of No 12 in a 13-horse field that day. Amayah found betting support when following up and shortened from 8-1 to start at 9-2. Once again, her win was a close-run affair, and her three-point penalty looks fair. The Vercingetorix filly is well drawn, and Corne Orffer takes over riding duties from Van der Merwe.   Clive Robinson

The East Cape Nursery (Listed) over 1200m takes centre stage at Fairview on Friday and it looks to be a good race, albeit with a small field. Trainer Dean Smith has had his fair share of juvenile winners this season, but it does appear that Master Mtoto is the best of his juveniles. This Real Gone Kid colt was a narrow winner on debut and did look a lucky victor that day under Craig Zackey, as three runners went to the post together and only the photo showed that Master Mtoto had prevailed. Interestingly, the second runner home that day, Fyfield Legend, has yet to win a race. Only a head back and looking an unlucky loser, was Alan Greeff-trained and Richard Fourie-ridden US Ranger. The Act Of War colt was quick to make amends for that defeat when a comfortable winner second time out by 1.25 lengths, with another runner in this race, Just Carter, back in third. Master Mtoto and US Ranger were to meet again in the preparation race for this event. US Ranger was expected to overturn his earlier defeat and attracted all the betting support on the day, but it was not to be. Master Mtoto beat him again and did so impressively. So the score stands at 2–0 to Master Mtoto, but do not be surprised if US Ranger can pull one back on Friday. They also could have another danger in the race. Trainer Kelly Mitchley was expecting a good run from Into Red Space on debut, but even she must have been impressed with his victory. The Erik The Red colt was quick to gain a lead, and although Olaf The Stout threatened to challenge him during the race, he never got close. Into Red Space won by 2.25 lengths. Olaf The Stout bounced back from that defeat to win by more than eight lengths last Friday. It is worth noting the Greeff–Fourie combination had a good meeting last Friday with four winners, so one can expect more of the same at this meeting. It is never easy to pick which of their many runners look best on the day, so we may have to settle with bets on Dupont Emerald and Kleinzee. Greeff excels in getting runners from other yards to shine at this centre and both are in good form. Dupont Emerald is threatening to win a race, and although Race 7 is a tough MR 80 Handicap over 1400m, it is the first time Fourie rides her and that could make all the difference. Kleinzee also takes on the boys in Race 8, a Classified Stakes over 1600m, but there was a lot to like about her local debut victory on the Polytrack when quickening up nicely and getting up late. She could get the run of the race jumping from pole position.   Clive Robinson

Ascot’s richest sprint is again set to become a battleground between home-ground strength and interstate ambition, with Saturday’s $5 million BYD Quokka offering the locals the chance to defend their turf against a sharp group of raiders flying across the Nullarbor in search of Western Australia’s biggest prize.

Run over 1200 metres at weight-for-age, the Quokka has quickly established itself as a race that demands both class and adaptability, and this year’s field has no shortage of either.

The local brigade has genuine depth, and there is no shortage of horses who know exactly what Ascot sprinting is all about. Rope Them In comes into the race off a timely win in the Roma Cup, where he charged home to edge out Smooth Chino and Oscar’s Fortune, and that result only strengthened his standing as one of the key hopes from the west. Steve Wolfe’s gelding has already proven himself around Ascot, owns strong 1200-metre credentials and looks the sort of horse who can absorb the pressure of a big-race tempo before launching late.

Oscar’s Fortune also gives the locals a serious weapon. Dion Luciani’s sprinter has been a consistent presence in the better short-course races in Perth, winning the Rock Magic first-up before following it with a sound third in the Roma Cup. He has not yet won at 1200 metres, but he has repeatedly shown he belongs in these races and his Ascot record gives him every right to be in the conversation. He is the kind of horse who keeps turning up, keeps giving himself a chance and now gets another crack on the biggest stage in his home state.

Smooth Chino has emerged as one of the more fascinating runners in the race. The lightly raced gelding has built an outstanding record, winning six of his seven starts, and his first-up second in the Roma Cup suggested he has the talent to measure up in open company. He may lack the exposed résumé of some of the more seasoned stars, but his rise has been hard to ignore and the booking of Mark Zahra only adds further interest. If he can reproduce that fresh effort, he could give the locals another genuine reason to believe.

Then there is the established home-state form around horses such as Magnificent Andy, Talkanco and Luana Miss. Magnificent Andy has long been a reliable local performer and gets a soft draw, while Talkanco and Luana Miss bring the three-year-old filly angle and will carry just 54.5 kilograms. Neither has the profile of the main market elects, but both add another layer to a local challenge that is far from one-dimensional.

Still, for all the strength of the west, the eastern states have not come simply to make up the numbers. They are coming for the riches, and they are bringing proper Group 1 form with them. Jigsaw arrives with perhaps the most explosive winning profile in the race, having strung together victories in the McEwen Stakes, Meteorite, Railway Sprint, VOBIS Gold Sprint and most recently the William Reid Stakes. He has built his reputation around speed, aggression and the ability to sustain pressure at a high level, and while barrier 13 is awkward, his racing style ensures there will be no guessing about the plan. He will go forward, make his presence felt and try to break the locals’ hearts.

Caballus also brings heavyweight eastern form. Bjorn Baker’s gelding resumed with a strong second to Joliestar in the Expressway before producing a career-defining victory in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. That is elite sprint form, and it makes him one of the obvious threats to the WA defence. He has tactical speed, proven 1200-metre credentials and the sort of profile that says he has come west with a very serious chance of taking the money home.

Rey Magnerio may be an interstate horse on paper, but he is hardly a stranger to Western Australian success. He ran a close third in the Winterbottom before returning to win the Gold Rush at Ascot in December, and that form gives him a slightly different profile from some of the other eastern raiders. He has already handled the trip, he has already succeeded at Ascot and he gets William Pike in the saddle again. That combination alone will make plenty of local punters sit up and take notice.

Spywire and Jedibeel add further depth to the travelling party. Spywire comes off a win in the Discovery at Ballarat and draws ideally in barrier one, while Jedibeel was narrowly beaten in The Galaxy and has enough class to make his presence felt if the race is run to suit. They may not command the same spotlight as Jigsaw or Caballus, but both reinforce just how determined the eastern states challenge is this year.

That is what makes this edition of the Quokka so compelling. The local brigade is not relying on one standout to fend off the raiders. Instead, Western Australia comes armed with a cluster of genuine hopes, horses who know Ascot, know the conditions and know how to perform in the state’s biggest sprint races. Against them stands a powerful eastern assault led by Group 1 winners and proven open-class sprinters prepared to cross the Nullarbor in pursuit of a $2 million first prize.

Whether the west can hold firm or the visitors can pinch the prize, Saturday’s BYD Quokka promises another chapter in the growing interstate rivalry that has helped make the race such a major draw. The locals will back home-track advantage, race familiarity and the depth of their sprinting ranks. The invaders will trust the strength of their elite form and the belief that the riches on offer are worth the long trip west. One way or another, Ascot is set for another sprinting spectacle.

By Scott Bailey

The Group 1 features at Randwick this Saturday shape as two very different contests, but both carry the same sense of intrigue. The Champagne Stakes will test the staying promise of the juveniles as they stretch to the mile, while the All-Aged Stakes brings together a proven weight-for-age cast in what looks one of the stronger editions of the race in recent years. The Champagne Stakes often asks a serious question of two-year-olds at this stage of the season and this year is no different, with recent winning form giving the race a particularly strong shape. Campione D’Italia comes off a deserved breakthrough at the highest level in the Sires’ Produce Stakes and looks to have all the right pieces in place again for the powerful Chris Waller and James McDonald combination. The colt settled off them and finished over the top at Randwick last start, showing both quality and composure, and from barrier four he gets every chance to land in the right spot before launching late once more. For a horse already proven at Group 1 level, he brings the sort of profile that is hard to ignore stepping to the 1600 metres. Southend adds plenty of intrigue as the unbeaten runner on the rise. Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou’s colt has done nothing wrong in two starts, winning first at Newcastle before taking the Baillieu over 1400 metres at Rosehill in impressive fashion. He gave the impression there was still more to come there, settling back before finishing off strongly, and the extra trip now looks well within reach. His winning form is fresh, his progression is obvious and he comes into the race as the sort of colt who may still be short of the ceiling of his ability. Waller also holds a strong hand through Fireball and Diameter. Fireball has already won the Millennium and was solid again when third behind Campione D’Italia in the Sires’, while Diameter arrives off a last-start maiden win over the mile at Randwick and at least brings proven credentials at the distance. Persian Wonder and Miss Chanel have both been knocking on the door as well, but the spotlight naturally falls on the recent winners, with Campione D’Italia and Southend looking the two who have brought the sharpest upward momentum into Saturday’s assignment. The Schweppes All Aged Stakes, by contrast, is a ready-made headline act. It is a cracking race on paper and the depth is obvious, with proven Group 1 performers spread right across the field. Last years Caulfield/Melbourne Cup hero Half Yours returns for his winter campaign as Giga Kick returns to Randwick chasing another All-Aged Stakes success and his form still reads like that of a top-class sprinter-miler. The former Everest winner was excellent first-up in the TJ Smith when charging into second behind Joliestar, and the move to 1400 metres looks a major tick given he has already won this race at the trip. With Rachel King aboard from barrier seven, he is right in the finish if he sees clear air at the right time. Jimmysstar is impossible to dismiss after the season he has put together. Ciaron Maher’s gelding won this race last year, added Group 1 success again in the Oakleigh Plate earlier in the campaign and has been competitive in elite company throughout. He has already shown he can absorb pressure at the top level and still let down, and while the draw in 12 is no gift, his closing strength and proven Randwick record ensure he remains one of the central players.

Briasa also commands respect as one of the most dangerous runners in the field. The Hawkes-trained gelding was outstanding when winning the TJ Smith last autumn and has long looked a horse capable of mixing it with the best. His challenge at 1400 metres is whether he can bring that same sharp brilliance deeper into the race, but his class is undeniable and Zac Lloyd takes over from Tyler Schiller. If he can settle cleanly and conserve enough energy early, he has the turn of foot to make his presence felt in a major way. There is quality and depth beyond those headline names too. Fangirl gives Waller a high-class mare at weight-for-age and her first up record isn’t too bad, Lazzura comes in off a last-start win, while Angel Capital has been a horse in waiting to claim a feature, Pericles and Tom Kitten all bring genuine credentials to what is shaping as a truly searching contest from start to finish. Still, the market and the attention are likely to circle around the established stars, and deservedly so. Giga Kick has the profile of the horse to beat, Jimmysstar has the résumé of a returning titleholder and Briasa has the explosive talent to blow the race apart.   If the Champagne Stakes looks like a race built around untapped promise, the All-Aged Stakes is the finished article, a Group 1 loaded with proven class and genuine depth. Together they give Randwick a fitting centrepiece on Saturday, from the two-year-olds trying to prove they can see out a testing mile to the seasoned elite set to fight out one of the autumn’s most compelling weight-for-age contests. By Scott Bailey

Fans of charismatic star jockey Andrew Fortune will be glad to see his name in the race guide for Wednesday’s race meeting at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. The 2026 WSB Met winner rides Future Free, a half-brother to 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July runner-up Eight On Eighteen, in Race 8, a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m. He is one of the form choices on the day. Fortune had been riding a crest of a wave, hailed as one of the greatest comebacks in horse racing history, before an untimely fall saw him sidelined with injury for the last few months. But now that he is back, followers of top riders such as log leader Craig Zackey and record-breaking Richard Fourie now have Fortune to follow. Justin Snaith-trained Future Free is also on the up. He showed promise earlier but after being recently gelded caught the eye in his last start running on well but too late to catch bang on form Andre Nel horse Boogiefied. The gelding op looks to have done the trick as in his previous start Future Free reportedly showed no interest in running. He only just ran out of real estate a few weeks back and that was at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. He is now back at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth which, with its longer home straight, was where he shed his maiden tag. From gate one he rates the one to beat. Snaith also has an interesting debutante in Race 1, a 1000m Maiden Juvenile Plate. He sends out lone filly, Nadia Nerina, against the males but she could be the one to beat. She has lightning-fast pedigree being a What A Winter/Gimmethegreenlight cross and is related to Eastern Cape champion Anotherdanceforme and multiple Grade 1 winner Capetown Noir. Snaith has commented that she is a “nice type and will go close” and has booked Richard Fourie for the ride. Andre Nel also looks to have made good use of some of the top riders on the day. All of Theleia (Race 4), Candy Town (Race 6) and Phantom Man (Race 9) rate as strong form runners in their respective heats. Theleia and Phantom Man have been knocking at the door in their respective Maiden contests and Keagan De Melo (another champion rider) could be the one that gets them to open their accounts. De Melo has been in hot form and Theleia and Phantom Man have only just been battling to get the timing right. Candy Town, who was ridden by De Melo in her last two starts, is now partnered by Richard Fourie for the first time. Not only is she the best weighted horse in her heat but she had main rivals Elusive Winter, Flying Finley, North Point and Un Bel Di behind her when second to Sardinia Bay. The latter franked the form when second in the recent Easter Sprint which was a powerful affair. Clive Robinson

The midweek meeting at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth is set to favour horses with natural early speed, as firm track conditions persist before the anticipated seasonal rain. In this context, Candy Town emerges as the headline contender in Race 6 over 1000m. A naturally fast sprinter, she has previously defeated high-class opposition, including the accomplished Questioning, over the same course and distance. Although her career has been interrupted by lengthy breaks, her recent return—finishing a close second to Sardinia Bay—suggests she is nearing peak condition. With race fitness improving and a favourable setup, she is expected to utilise her early pace to full effect.

Her main rival, Elusive Winter, is another speedster but faces a tricky draw that could compromise his early positioning. Despite a weight advantage through jockey bookings, he is worse off at the weights relative to Candy Town based on prior form, which may prove decisive. North Point, though slightly below form recently, remains a capable runner and could rebound, especially returning to a straight track scenario more suited to his strengths.

Elsewhere on the card, Theleia is identified as the standout bet in Race 4 (1400m), having consistently produced strong form and narrowly missed last time. With top jockey engagement, she appears primed to break through. In Race 1, Magma Flow holds the best exposed form and is expected to shed maiden status if reproducing his previous efforts.

Race 3 features an intriguing rematch between From The Island and Hero’s Journey, with the former slightly disadvantaged at the weights despite a recent victory. That result could have implications for Race 5, where Le Concierge drops back in trip and may benefit from sprint conditions.

The later races present competitive matchups. In Race 8, Show Off and Future Free bring contrasting profiles, with the former unlucky in recent outings and the latter possibly better suited to longer distances. Race 7 sees South Of France narrowly preferred over stablemate Peaches And Cream based on recent consistency.

The meeting concludes with Race 9, where Masterofthemoon is tipped to prevail over 2000m if he stays the trip, having shown strong finishing ability in his comeback run.