Trainer Kelly Mitchley has her runners in good form and recent recruit One Dance should be a popular banker in most exotic bets. Blinkers have worked well for the One World filly and she can take out Race 4, a FM 72 Handicap over 1400m on the Fairview Polytrack. The four-year-old filly is very consistent and has only had seven runs, so there should be plenty of improvement to come. It is her first run on the Polytrack, but she has not had any issues with the distances over which she has raced and should be adaptable enough to handle it. It is Muzi Yeni’s first time aboard her and she does give weight to all her rivals. Champion Eastern Cape trainer Alan Greeff has had a tough last few weeks, but he can get back to his usual winning ways and could have a few winners at this meeting. King’s Again is not well drawn, but she is course and distance suited and should run well in Race 5, a MR 80 Handicap over 1000m. Richard Fourie will be aboard her. In Race 6, a FM 66 Handicap over 1200m, Izanami should go close to winning. The Danon Platina filly has shown improvement of late and is ready for a second victory. The best of the Greeff-trained runners could be Global Alley, who runs in Race 7, a Middle Stakes over 1600m. This game and consistent seven-year-old gelding has gone 693 days since his last win. He has, however, been running in stronger races and with merit in most of them. Interestingly, he has won on the Polytrack and over the distance on turf, but none of his wins has been over this course and distance. That should change on Friday, though. Clive Robinson

Thursday’s Inside track meeting at Turffontein may lack headline glamour but it more than compensates with depth and, crucially, opportunity. There are several solid betting angles on the card, with St John Gray and Muzi Yeni shaping as key allies, while classy Sean Tarry-trained Tin Pan Alley looks primed to reassert himself in the day’s most valuable event. The R200 000 Pinnacle Stakes over 1450m (Race 7) revolves around Tin Pan Alley, who has already shown he belongs well above this level. Grade 1 and Grade 2-placed as a juvenile, the son of The United States took a major step forward at three, reeling off back-to-back wins in the Grade 3 Graham Beck Stakes after landing the Grade 2 Joburg Spring Challenge – the latter over the same course and distance. His last-start effort in the Grade 2 Dingaans was too bad to be true, and the post-race report offered a legitimate explanation, with Tin Pan Alley found not to be striding out. Tarry wastes few bullets with his better horses, and the decision to bring him back here off an unchanged mark, fit a tongue-tie for the first time, and engage Keagan de Melo looks a confident reset. Back at the scene of his biggest win, he rates a value play to resume winning ways. Earlier on the card, St John Gray holds a strong hand with Future Date (Race 4) and Secret Chord (Race 6), who can land a neat stable double. Future Date, partnered by Yeni, is one of the most reliable propositions on the programme. The consistent Futura filly is thriving, with a win and two seconds from her last four starts, and she was desperately unlucky last time when only nailed late over 1800m after dictating most of the running. Importantly, she had the measure of Azaleas For All, Ancient Wisdom, Back From War and Art Nouveau that day, and there is little to suggest that quartet will reverse the form. Stablemate Secret Chord has also found his groove. The Bezrin gelding advertised his well-being with a close-up second in the Grand Heritage Consolation over 1475m, a performance that reads well in this context. Even off a two-point higher mark, a repeat of that run should see him bang there under Philasande Mxoli in the 1200m contest. Yeni’s book has further appeal in Race 2, where he reunites with Fanie Bronkhorst’s World Order. The son of One World caught the eye when an improved third over 1800m a fortnight ago, and the drop back to 1600m looks ideal. His record at the trip – which reads two seconds, a third and a fourth – suggests he is knocking loudly on the door. Clive Robinson

On a demanding card at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Wednesday, The Night Ferry looks a runner worth siding with in Race 6 over 1400m. Now firmly on the up for returning trainer Herman Brown, he has rediscovered form after a mid-year win and has been knocking hard on the door, finishing fourth, then runner-up twice in stronger company. A drop back in trip and the booking of René Piechulek could prove decisive.

Brown’s resurgence is also evident in Race 7, where Hiawatha Goldberg continues to thrive since being switched to sprinting. He was a winner two runs back and ran with credit behind Worldly last time, making him a live chance over 1000m if not taken on too early.

Earlier on the card, Gimme The Power may find her best opportunity yet in an open maiden over 1250m after returning to a sprint. Mercenary stands out as the best bet in Race 2 over 1600m, having been unlucky two starts ago and then finishing a solid second last time. He looks ready to break through under Keagan de Melo.

Greek Heiress is overdue a win in Race 3 over 1600m, with blinkers helping her close the gap, while Leif Erikson shapes as a lively contender in Race 4 over 2000m after an improved fourth last time in a race that has since produced a winner.

Tothemoonandback has been consistently finding stronger rivals too good and should have every chance of going one better in Race 5 over 2000m. The finale is open, with Eisteddfod, William’s Woman and recent winners True Horizon and Wyze Declaration all deserving consideration.

Zac Purton lauded Manfred Man’s horsemanship after Patch Of Cosmo successfully returned from injury to stake a claim for the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) as Akashvani and Emblazon also showcased Four-Year-Old Classic Series credentials at Sha Tin on Sunday (18 January). Sidelined since March, 2025 after suffering a tendon injury, Patch Of Cosmo (135lb) eclipsed a classy group of rivals to win by a neck from Aerodynamics (130lb) and Pope Cody (134lb) in 1m 34.53s after jumping from barrier nine. Rated 77 pre-race, the Super Seth gelding deserves his place in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, according to Purton, who will ride Sagacious life in the first leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, which also includes the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on 1 March and the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 22 March. “First of all, it was a really good training performance. This horse has been off from 10 months with a tendon (injury) and he’s come back at the top of Class 3, carrying a lot of weight, first-up at a mile and he’s won,” Purton said. “That’s not easy to do. “So, they want to take their place in the Four-Year-Old (Classic) Series now and he’s not going to be out of place. He’s a relatively lightly-raced horse, he’s got plenty more there.” David Hayes was similarly positive about Akashvani (128lb) after an emphatic all-the-way victory in the second section of the Class 3 Fencing Handicap (1400m) under Brenton Avdulla. Unlucky at his previous start, the 72-rater was well supported before forging clear in the straight after angling away from the fence and winning by three lengths in 1m 21.30s from Super Express (124lb). “I thought going towards the Classic Mile, it was a very, very good run. I think he’ll get eight or nine points and that will probably get him in the big race,” Hayes said. “That was his best win in Hong Kong and that was over 1400m and I would say he has a mile written all over him. If you look at his pedigree and racing style, I think if he draws well – he’ll run a good race. “He’s very fit and he’s got a nice gap now with two weeks to the race. We’re very excited.” Emblazon (120lb), made it three wins from six starts for Cody Mo and Chau when the 64-rater overhauled Flash Current (119lb) in the first section of the Class 3 Fencing Handicap (1400m). Fresh from reaching the 1,000-win milestone in Hong Kong on Wednesday (14 January), Francis Lui posted a running treble with Lucky Twin Stars (133lb) in the second section of the Class 4 Swimming Handicap (1400m) for Jerry Chau, Hot Delight (129lb) in the second section of the Class 4 Cycling Handicap (1200m) under Vincent Ho and Amazing Partners (127lb) in the first section of the Class 4 Swimming Handicap (1400m) for Ho. Both Lui and Ho were impressed with the effort of Too Darn Hot three-year-old Hot Delight. “He drew (barrier) 14, so that made things a bit harder but luckily it was the ‘A course’ and even though he was three-wide, we knew he was a nice horse,” Ho said. “He did everything right, so looking forward to the next start and hopefully he can learn more, stay calm and improve.” Lui said: “He’s a good horse. I like him a lot. The owner (Peter Law), always buys a good horse and he can spend to buy a good one. I wasn’t involved in buying him – I have known Mr Law for a long time and he met me and said ‘do you want to train my horse?’ Of course, I said yes. “When he came to me, he was very green, but a very strong horse and his barrier trials were good.” Jamie Richards slotted a double when City Gold Banner (119lb) swept to victory under Zac Purton in the Class 3 15th National Games Hong Kong Medallists Cup Handicap (1000m), clocking 56.83s in defeating fellow Hong Kong debutant The Unique Star (125lb). Formerly trained by Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou in Australia, the Starspangledbanner gelding was ridden patiently by Purton before extending impressively over the final 400m to earn a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. Richards also struck when three-year-old Cool Boy (135lb) prevailed in the first section of the Class 4 Cycling Handicap (1200m) for James Orman. “He’s been racing well, I thought it was a good effort considering he had to carry 135lb,” Richards said. “He was aided by a beautiful ride from James, who’s riding really well.” Dylan Browne McMonagle slotted his first winner in Hong Kong when he piloted John Size-trained Flow Water Flow (134lb) to victory in the Class 4 Triathlon Handicap (1600m). “Very happy and it’s a great place to be competing. I’ve been very lucky, I’ve been getting on some nice horses in the last few weeks. I’ve been getting plenty of support and massive thanks to John Size. He’s been extra special, he’s been throwing a lot at me and thankfully I can reward him with a winner,” the Irishman said. “He (Flow Water Flow) had a really good record coming into this race. He’d been hitting the crossbar (with three seconds) in his first three starts. Stepping up to 1600m was going to be a big help to him today and he was good and strong the last 100 metres – thankfully, he got his head in front.” Dennis Yip and Karis Teetan combined with Super Hong Kong (124lb) to land the Class 5 Rugby Seven Handicap (2000m). Now eight, Super Hong Kong improved his record to six wins from 58 starts and prizemoney of HK$5.64 million. Maxime Guyon and Me Tsui teamed with Pegas (123lb) in the Class 3 Sailing Handicap (1200m). A son of Encryption, the gelding’s brave triumph delivered a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin with an all-dirt meeting on Wednesday night (21 January). By Leo Schlink

Video Stars Race 8 – 8 PI LEGEND He was far from disgraced on his local debut 17 days ago, when he was urged early to cross and find the lead from a wide draw. After taking up that role, he stuck on well into the straight and was only swamped late, beaten 2.5 lengths into fifth. The form has since been franked, with the winner going on to finish second in Class 2 company, and with added fitness second-up he shapes as one to follow. Race 9 – 11 OUTGATE It pays to overlook his last start, where he was used up early from a wide draw before weakening in the straight to finish tenth over 1650m. Prior to that run, he had not been beaten far in Class 3 company despite facing strong opposition. Resuming from a two-month break, he has since made all in a recent trial ahead of his first-up assignment and could prove a value pick. Sectional Stars Race 6 – 5 AMAZING PARTNERS Having placed at both starts, he comes off a fast-finishing third over 1200m at this track after jumping from a wide draw. With a better gate on that occasion, he would likely have finished even closer. With those two runs under his belt, he shapes as a strong contender this week. Race 10 – 2 NEW FUTURE FOLKS From an awkward draw last start, he was steadied to settle well off the speed before letting down sharply in the straight to finish third over 1200m. With the early sectionals well outside standard, his performance was more impressive than the bare result suggests.

Cymric was among the better juveniles of his year but has not quite lived up to early promise, winning just three times from 15 starts. He makes his third appearance for Mike and Mathew de Kock when lining up in a Conditions Plate at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday. Well weighted and now third run after a break, he should be hard to beat if near his best. Stablemate Icy Blast was close up over course and distance last time, while Golden Rule chases a hat-trick, though now meets Icy Blast on 1.5kg worse terms. Wild At War has dropped in the ratings after a narrow poly defeat and could also feature.

Race 1 sees progressive Hammerhead step up in trip, but Bourbon’s Beast, who ran a cracker over course and distance last time from a good draw, sets a high standard. Flag Champ, Red Cardinal and Harpa all have claims.

The opening Pick 6 leg is a tricky maiden. Psyche should improve on a promising debut, Siyabambelela and Thought Control bring solid form, while Spirit Of Shimla could benefit from the drop back in trip.

Arverni Princess, winner of three of her last four, carries just 49.5kg despite stepping up in class and rates a big runner. Queen Braganza can rebound back on turf, while Duncan Howells’ pair Celestial Diamond and Perfume Power both warrant market attention.

Veteran Fate Of Fortune is in good form and can strike again in a competitive handicap, with Tam’s Delight, Blazing Fury and City Of Love among the dangers. Safe Travel looks a reliable option later on, aided by a good draw and a 4kg claimer, while Jazz Festival poses a threat back on his preferred surface.

The remaining races are open, with value runners including The Ghost, Fate Decreed, Lilac In Winter and Mountainsofthemoon, while Happy Fortune, Prom Queen and improving Blue Poppy headline a wide-open finale.

Summer is shining in Queensland and all roads lead to the iconic Gold Coast, where the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival reaches its glittering crescendo at the world-famous TAB Magic Millions Raceday. From the beach to the barriers, this is Australian racing at full throttle. This Saturday, the famous Glitter Strip plays host to a blockbuster 10-race card boasting more than AUD $13 million in prize money, making it one of the richest single race meetings anywhere on the planet. And there’s nothing quite like it. Magic Millions remains the only raceday in Australia to stage seven races worth a million dollars or more, a spectacle that stops the global thoroughbred world in its tracks. Centre stage belongs to the headline acts; the AUD $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas, races that don’t just crown winners, but launch legends. Alongside them, the Magic Millions Cup steps into a new stratosphere, doubling its purse to AUD $2 million and adding even more firepower to an already electric program. Win the 2YO Classic and you don’t just take home a trophy, you stamp your passport to racing superstardom. Past champions like Testa Rossa, Dance Hero, Phelan Ready, Driefontein, Capitalist, Houtzen and most recently Storm Boy have all used this stage as a springboard to greatness. For some, including Capitalist, Phelan Ready and Dance Hero, Magic Millions glory was just the beginning — completing the coveted Magic Millions–Golden Slipper double and etching their names into racing folklore. What unfolds this week on Australia’s Gold Coast won’t just be felt trackside, it will ripple through sales rings, breeding sheds and racing calendars across the globe for years to come. Fast horses. Big money. Global impact. This is the Magic Millions Race Day, where summer meets speed, and the world is watching.

Last year’s premiership trainer, Jason Ong is yet to open his winning account from the first couple of meetings at the Selangor Turf Club for the 2026 racing year. However, it appears he may have a couple of genuine chances which spring up early on the eleven-race card this Saturday. CHEVAL PEGASUS can bounce back to winning form on the downgrade in Race 1 (1150m Class 5A). This will be the four-year-old’s first appearance at Class 5 level, posting three wins since his local debut eleven months ago. Capturing a Restricted Maiden on his Malaysian debut, the gelding chalked up a further two wins against Class 4 opposition. IMPERIAL GENIE is travelling down a similar path as he is also making his Class 5 debut and was a winner twice in Class 4 company last year. The other down grader in this event is GOLDEN SENTIENCE but unlike the other couple, he has started numerous times in this grade for two wins. Another Jason Ong runner with claims is OUTFIT in Race 2 (1150m Class 5A). A winner in this grade two starts back, the gelding began awkwardly when a beaten favourite here three weeks ago but can quickly atone on best form. Along with OUTFIT, FROM THE NAVY possesses the best record at Class 5 level and his third placing at this track and journey a fortnight ago suggests he is ready to win also. STAR EXPRESS was well supported when breaking a winning drought over 1300m last start and despite his better form over longer trips, the gelding may be an outside chance of scoring again. MEGA CRUSADER finally came through for his followers with an easy Class 5 win over 1150m here on January 3 and is likely to repeat the dose in Race 5 (1275m Class 4A). The three-year-old dominated from the outset when leading throughout to record a resounding 3.75 length win from barrier eleven. The rise in class is the only query but that will be offset by a 6kg drop in the weights and he should be hard to beat again. THE STAR has won five from ten in Malaysia and will strip fitter following two runs this campaign. The seven-year-old draws wide but is a proven performer at this level and is a chance on the down grade. The horse to watch in this contest is SECTION EIGHTEEN, a former Australian galloper which has trialed well and resumes since winning a maiden at Gawler, SA in June last year. The stable of Ooi Chin Chin is in good form at the moment following a double at last Sunday’s meeting and SECTION EIGHTEEN will no doubt attract market support. The 1300m Max Two Stakes (Race 7) looks to be a match between the top two in the weights. ALWAYS A GENTLEMAN and BANKER’S EMPRESS are the highest rated candidates and under the handicapping conditions will gain a big weight advantage compared to their lesser rated rivals. ALWAYS A GENTLEMAN has been contesting the high graded races recently and also competed in the G1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor last month. This is massive drop in class and is a chance to break the Malaysian duck at start number seven in the country. However, BANKER’S EMPRESS created a big impression on his Malaysian debut with a fast finishing second in a Class 3 contest behind stable mate, Banker’s Beautiful over 1300m, beaten two lengths. Trainer Johnny Lim is currently enjoying regular success with the Banker’s Stable horses and BANKER’S EMPRESS has the potential to rise through the grades also. Race 8 (1200m Class 3) has attracted some progressive types with the Banker’s Stable / Johnny Lim combination represented by two genuine chances. BANKER’S EMPEROR displayed his true class and tenacity with a fighting win over handy type Elite Prince in a Class 3 contest over 1275m, his second run in the country. The Snitzel gelding arrived from Australia with high credentials recording a couple of placings against Metropolitan company in Victoria as a three-year-old and appears on track of going back-to-back. Stable mate BANKER’S PRETTY, a three-time winner in Australia, has not disgraced in three Malaysian starts and is ready to win with inform jockey, CK Khaw in the saddle. HASTEN is arguably in career best form at the moment and could provide former premiership jockey Jose De Souza with a return to the winner’s enclosure following his recent comeback to the local riding ranks.

Hollywoodbets Durbanville hosts a rare twilight meeting on Saturday, just a week after L’Ormarins Kings Plate Day. While picking winners won’t be easy, Carriacou looks the one to beat in the finale, race 7 over 1400m. His last run was eased, but trainer Eric Sands has him back on track, and nothing concerning was found by the NHRA vet. Previously, he ran strongly against talented three-year-olds like Happy Verse and Viva’s Liberte, and this field is far less testing. Sean Veale, who rode him to his last win in May 2024, is back aboard.

My Only Weakness, from Adam Marcus’ in-form yard, could threaten if she finds top form, though her recent performances have been inconsistent. In A Timely Manner and Primal Instinct hold potential but face awkward draws; both could impact the finish with the right luck.

The card opens with Cardinal Point, who showed promise on debut and could exit the maidens in race 1 over 1250m from a kind draw. Meet The King might find his best chance in race 2 over 1400m, while Gqeberha impressed on debut and should handle the extra 200m in race 3.

All About Al, the last progeny of Captain Al, is consistent at Durbanville and looks poised for a breakthrough in race 4 over 1000m, partnered by Craig Zackey for Adam Marcus. Hunga Tonga is respected in race 5 over 1600m after a strong penultimate run behind Grade 1-placed Reet Petite, with Andrew Fortune believing she can win again.

Finally, Money Extractor returns in race 6 over 1600m after a close second last start; she is showing steady improvement and could claim victory this time under Grant van Niekerk.

Bidding to equal Silent Witness’ long-standing record for the most consecutive wins by a Hong Kong, China-trained horse, Ka Ying Rising swept to an imperious barrier trial victory at Sha Tin this morning (Thursday, 15 January) ahead of his tilt at history on 25 January. Preparing to chase a 17th straight victory when he contests the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin next week, Ka Ying Rising cruised over 1200m on Sha Tin’s dirt course under Zac Purton, clocking 1m 10.36s, and beating stablemate Romantic Son by three-and-three-quarter lengths with Galax Patch third, while Helios Express was a sedate sixth. The six-time Group 1 winner pleased trainer David Hayes as he vies to match the towering winning streak of Silent Witness, who was unbeaten in 17 starts from December, 2002 to April, 2005, when he was toppled by Tony Cruz stablemate Bullish Luck in the Champions Mile (1600m) by a short head. “Ka Ying Rising was very good. That was probably the fastest I’ve seen him jump out of the gates,” Hayes said. “His gate speed was incredible and then he was happy to just cruise along and won as you would expect. “Zac said he had a healthy blow afterwards and that’s why he trials because he needs a tune-up before his race. He’ll have a bit of striding work next week and next Wednesday (21 January) he’ll do a bit of work and then he’ll be ready to go. “He’s giving the impression he’s not going backwards. It’s hard to say he’s better than the performances he’s been giving recently but he looks like he’s right on song for the 25th (of January).” Since losing twice by narrow margins to Wunderbar as a three-year-old, Ka Ying Rising has soared to dizzying heights in 16 subsequent starts since February, 2024 – annexing six Group 1s, including the world’s richest sprint race, the G1 The Everest (1200m), twice breaking Sha Tin’s 1200m record and rising from 69 in the ratings to 138 as Hong Kong’s highest-rated horse. Acclaimed as Hong Kong’s Horse of the Year for his unbeaten eight-win 2024/25 season, Ka Ying Rising returns to competition next week for the first time since surging to victory in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 14 December. If successful in the three-race Hong Kong Speed Series’ opening leg, the Centenary Sprint Cup, Ka Ying Rising would then have the chance to take outright ownership of the record for the most successive wins by a Hong Kong, China-trained horse in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m). G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) winner Red Lion limbered up for the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on 25 January by finishing second to David Eustace’s Greater Bae at Sha Tin this morning. Ridden by Hugh Bowman, the gelding finished three-quarters of a length behind Greater Bae, who clocked 1m 10.81s on the dirt. Red Lion will clash with Romantic Warrior, Voyage Bubble and My Wish in the Stewards’ Cup, which is the first leg of Hong Kong’s Triple Crown. Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (18 January), when the 15th National Games Hong Kong Medalists Raceday will be held.

By Scott Bailey The gavel has been knocked down hundreds of times during the week but 12 months ago the vast majority of the runners that line up for the $3 million TAB Magic Millions 2YO Classic on Saturday were in the same sales complex when the auctioneer dropped the hammer down to their new owners with this race in mind. Race 7 at 4:05pm Gold Coast time over 1200 metres is the meeting’s headline act and the kind of assignment that can start big things for stud prospects. The prizemoney does the talking, with $1,739,100 to the winner, but it is the reputations on the line that make this contest feel even bigger. A win here does not just pay, it stamps a colt or filly as a genuine feature race horse, and the Classic has long been a proven launchpad into the best juvenile races in the country. All eyes land on Warwoven, the short-priced favourite who was sold on the Gold Coast last year for $380,000 from the Kia Ora Stud draft arrives with the sort of wrap that punters latch onto early and seldom let go. And it has been his two impressive wins that has him in the spotlights. Bjorn Baker won this race last year with O’Ole and has him humming, Rachel King sticks, and the jockey’s own assessment has only added fuel to the hype. King has described him as “one of the better horses” she has ridden in her career, a statement that carries weight given the level she has operated at and the calibre she has partnered.

Warwoven has done little wrong, and more importantly, he has done it with authority. He won first up at Randwick over 1000 metres, showing a sharp turn of foot, then returned at Eagle Farm over 1200 metres and made it look like a mismatch. That second win was not just another tick in the form guide, it was a sign of a colt who can travel, settle, and put a race away when asked. Melbourne Cup winning trainer Tony McEvoy once said after Sunlights win back in 2018 “It’s hard travelling two year olds for this race, they need to handle the trip, the humidity and the crowd on the big day” He steps into the cauldron of a big field Classic from barrier six, which is just about ideal, close enough to hold a spot, flexible enough to ride with options, and far from the chaos that can come from the extremes. If you are looking for the horse most likely to test him, Zip Lock profiles as the obvious danger on exposed form. Chris and Corey Munce have a smart one who is unbeaten from two, including a Group 3 win in the BJ McLachlan at Eagle Farm where he accounted for several he meets again. From gate three, Martin Harley should be able to land in the first half without burning petrol, and the colt has already proven he can handle give in the track, a trait that matters in mid-summer when conditions can turn quickly. Tornado Valley is the type who can make this messy for the favourite if the gear change has the desired effect. Ciaron Maher reaches for blinkers first time, a move that often sharpens a young horse at the business end, and he has already mixed it with quality down south. His run behind Zip Lock in the BJ McLachlan reads well, and barrier five gives Ethan Brown a clean map to stalk and pounce. The local speed and strength comes via Itchintogo, who has been a winning machine in Queensland and arrives with confidence sky high after an authoritative victory at the Gold Coast earlier this month. He draws wide in gate eleven, which adds a layer of difficulty, but he is tough, genuine, and knows how to win. In a race where luck and timing can matter as much as talent, a colt with race craft can keep turning up when it counts. Then there is the Waterhouse and Bott battalion, always a factor in these high tempo two-year-old races, with Knightsbridge and Shiki headlining their chances. Knightsbridge gets James McDonald, draws eight, and has that stable’s trademark profile, early speed, strong through the line, and built to absorb pressure. Shiki, meanwhile, has proven class and a sharp finish, and while she is up against the boys at set weights, she has the quality to be competitive if she gets the right run from gate ten. In a race this rich, there is no shortage of stories waiting to happen. A perfect start, a clean lane, a moment of hesitation at the wrong time, the Magic Millions Classic is often decided by the smallest margins and the biggest nerves. But if Warwoven produces what he has hinted at so far, this could be the day he turns promising into proper. And twelve months from now a yearling purchased for $50,000 or $2,000,000 has a chance at the rich 2027 2yo Classic. Ranging from elite seven-figure prospects like Knightsbridge ($750k) to bargain buys such as Leaves Of Lorien ($8k), all lining up on the same $3 million stage. Here is a look at the purchase price of each runner from the 2025 Gold Coast Yearling Sale $AUSD 1 ZIP LOCK $160,000 2 TORNADO VALLEY $300,000 3 ITCHINTOGO $60,000 4 WARWOVEN $380,000 5 UNIT FIVE $80,000 6 KNIGHTSBRIDGE $750,000 7 SHIKI $420,000 9 BY CHOICE $220,000 10 MASVINGO $580,000 11 MYSTICAL $425,000 12 MAGRITTE $65,000 13 TIGRONI $85,000 14 LEAVES OF LORIEN $8,000 15 INHABIT $200,000 16 DOUBLE COOL $50,000 17 IRANSOFAR $50,000

A welcome return to the turf at Fairview on Friday and there are nine races carded. It is a tough card, but we should get a big run from the speedy filly Danish Dynamite, who runs in Race 5, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m. This Erik The Red filly has won four of her six starts with two of them over this course and distance. Her only defeat over this distance was on debut when beaten by rival Sports Fan. It is, however, worth noting that she turned the tables on that runner when slamming her by three lengths on 30 December. Jockey Craig Zackey, her current rider, has ridden her three times for two successes. She does, however, take on her elders this time around and her stable companion Song Of Myself has been very impressive since relocating to the Eastern Cape. The Canford Cliffs mare has won three of her last four starts and was too speedy for the decent sprinter Fairy Knight in September. She may just need this run. Rival trainer Alan Greeff has had a quiet time of things over the last four weeks, but he does have five of the nine runners in the race. Hot Sauce proved no match for Danish Dynamite when they met in October, but she was returning from a break that day. Stable jockey Richard Fourie is with her, but once again she is returning from a break and her fitness will need to be taken on trust. The feature race on this card is Race 7, the Lad’s Bracelet over 1600m. Once again, Greeff is well represented with four of the seven runners. This time, however, it may be worth siding with the Andrew Fortune-ridden Enchanting Choice. This five-year-old suffered her first defeat since joining his yard when third on the Fairview Polytrack over 1400m in November. She was returning from a break that day and looked in need of that run. The Rafeef mare was impressive in her hat-trick of wins before that. Stable companion and Fourie-ridden Hoerikwaggo has won her last two starts and will not go down easily. Visiting trainer James Crawford has his first runner in the Eastern Cape. Strawberry Thief has been unreliable, but she does have ability and would not be a surprise winner. Clive Robinson

Craig Zackey looks primed to turn Thursday’s midweek Vaal Classic fixture into a personal point-scoring exercise, and punters would be wise to ride shotgun. The leading jockey, already clear atop the national standings with 116 winners – a full 15 ahead of Richard Fourie – has a clutch of chances on a bumper 10-race card and could realistically add three more to his tally before the dust settles. He should strike early. Race 2 over 1200m revolves around Quickfreeze, and it’s hard to argue otherwise. The Lucky Houdalakis-trained three-year-old colt shaped with real promise on debut when finishing second behind a more streetwise rival boasting solid form. That was a run that screamed “education”, not limitation. A R450 000 yearling by Querari, Quickfreeze is bred to improve with racing and any natural progression from run one to run two should see him go one better. At likely backable odds, he makes plenty of appeal as a banker-type early in the card. Zackey can double up in Race 4 over 2400m with Cartagena, who did little wrong when winning over the same at the Vereeniging-based course less than a month ago. The Skit Skizzle mare powered clear to score by 2.70 lengths and, crucially, did it with something in hand. Heather Adamson’s charge cops a five-point penalty for that success, but she still looks well weighted under the conditions and the step back into similar company should see her right in the firing line again. If she repeats that last effort, the penalty won’t stop her fighting out the finish. There’s also a strong case to be made for sticking with Zackey later on the card, particularly with improving types whose profiles suggest more to come. Race 8 features two runners from the Mike and Mathew de Kock yard, but it’s Clever Trevor who catches the eye. The Hollywood Syndicate-owned son of Soqrat won over 1400m last time and the bare margin doesn’t do the performance justice. He travelled like a horse going places and only did what was required late. Now stepping into his peak run, he looks open to further improvement and could easily follow up. The De Kock influence extends to the finale, Race 10 over 1600m, where My Lucky Charm deserves another chance. Beaten by Clever Trevor last time, the Master Of My Fate gelding now returns to 1600m – a distance over which he is unbeaten from a single start. That form line suggests the extra 200m will play to his strengths, and with Callan Murray taking over in the saddle, a bold showing is on the cards. Beyond the headline acts, the meeting as a whole offers a healthy mix of progressive sorts and exposed runners, making it a card where disciplined punting – rather than scattergun betting – should be rewarded. Clive Robinson

Prolific winner Hong Lok Golf (124lb) faces his biggest test to date in Wednesday’s (14 January) HK$4.2 million G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m), and trainer Chris So is optimistic the seven-time victor can elevate his game to yet another level. Hong Lok Golf is the January Cup’s least experienced galloper. Having kicked off his career rated 52 in late 2024, the five-year-old has surged to a mark of 102 across 10 starts as he takes aim at 11 rivals in Happy Valley’s sole Group race. Raced by Jackie Wong, Hong Lok Golf steps from barrier eight under Harry Bentley when he makes his first appearance in the grade and over tomorrow night’s distance. “I spoke to the owner Mr Wong, and while he is a miler, we don’t have many options for him, especially as his rating is over 100,” So said. “We have to challenge him over different distances. He handles everything, but we don’t know how he will handle 1800 metres. I want to win the race, not just handle it. He handled Happy Valley last year. Let’s see how he performs.” Hong Lok Golf has won once at the city circuit. He faces Beauty Joy (135lb), Chancheng Glory (131lb), Moments In Time (128lb), last year’s winner Helene Feeling (125lb), Ensued (124lb), Encountered (123lb), Speed Dragon (115lb), Kaholo Angel (115lb), Huge Wave (115lb), Awesome Fluke (115lb) and Winning Wing (115lb). Trainer Francis Lui saddles Chancheng Glory, Speed Dragon and Winning Wing in search of a second January Cup after Doctor Geoff’s win in 2020. A Group 3 winner over 1800m, six-year-old Chancheng Glory has won eight times ahead of his first attempt at conquering Happy Valley’s unique contours. “He’s an honest horse. I think this is his type of race – it’s his level. He trialled well, and Maxime Guyon knows him. He’s consistent, and in South Korea he performed,” Lui said. Winning Wing slots in under Dylan Mo. The five-year-old, who has given away big margins during his races, seeks a third win this term. Lui said: “He’s OK – he has a light weight, and I think he can perform with a light weight; it’s a big help, and he’s an honest horse, too.” Regarding Speed Dragon, Lui said: “He’s good at Happy Valley, and I hope the handicap helps him.” Jimmy Ting, trainer of Huge Wave, said: “This horse is funny because he is improving with age as a six-year-old and even at the end of last season – it’s amazing. He was so-so over 1800 metres last time, but we can ride him quieter. Hopefully he can run well.” The HK$2.84 million Class 2 Cannes Handicap (1200m) tops the undercard, where Mark Newnham is represented by Crimson Flash (121lb) and Youthful Spirits (122lb). Emerging four-year-old Crimson Flash was crowded last start but goes for a fourth win tomorrow night when he makes his 10th start in Hong Kong. “He didn’t have much luck the other day. He just got bottled away in a slowly run race. He didn’t really get a lot of clear room. He’s a good Happy Valley horse, and I think he’s capable in Class 2. It’s a good opportunity for him to get another win,” Newnham said. Youthful Spirits chases a first 1200m win after twice prevailing over 1000m. “He hasn’t won beyond 1000 metres, but there are limited races for him. I’ve put a hood on. Let’s see if that helps him settle a bit. He’s a fast horse and he’ll run it his usual style, whether he’s good enough to hang on at 1200m. Well, we’ll wait and see,” Newnham said. So hopes The Boom Box (135lb) can bounce back in the Class 3 APM Monaco Cup Handicap (1650m). He said: “I still think he can handle the 1800 (metres), but last time he was very disappointing over it, so we’ve come back.”

Perfectday (123lb) goes for a hat-trick in the Class 3 Saint Tropez Handicap (1200m).

 So said: “He’s in good form. You can’t tell much about him, whether he’s improved or not, but he’s an honest horse, and his last win was amazing. I hope he runs a good race.”

Wednesday’s (14 January) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley begins at 6.35pm with the Class 5 Meteorites Handicap (1200m).

By Declan Schuster

Sean Veale returns to action aboard Maphaka in next Wednesday’s Class 4 (1200m) on the Greyville poly, and Dean Kannemeyer’s gelding looks the obvious choice after a close second to Fortress Of Fire. Stablemate Umzingeli Wenyathi rates a serious threat after winning his maiden and backing it up in handicap company, while Clever Trevor brings useful Highveld form to his poly debut. Rainbow Reward, a proven poly specialist with a claimer aboard, could upset.

Hollywood Racing also has a strong hand in the Middle Stakes (1400m) where recent maiden winner Tladi Mothwana faces tougher, but could still contend if fairly assessed. Back At The George is one to watch in the market, Sovereign Grant is consistent and close again, and One Smart Cookie is best judged back at this trip.

Race two is competitive, but progressive three-year-old Kanaal Skater looks capable of another big run despite the class rise. Imposing, winner of the Christmas Handicap, is a major danger, with Bourbon Warrior and Icy Blast also in the mix.

In the opener, Skipper O’Malley has improved on the poly and should go well despite top weight. Spanish Feud, Praise De La Rey and Cape raider Chasing Gold all have claims.

The fourth is wide open. Brave Voyager drops in class and appeals from a good draw, while Blazing Light and No I Got You are competitive on their preferred surface.

Sean Tarry’s raider Mystical Miss looks a key chance in the fifth on poly debut with Mickaelle Michel aboard. Versace Onthetrack has joined a new yard with blinkers on, and Mystic Dancer bids for a poly hat-trick after a lenient rise.

The finale is another tricky handicap. Dawn Surprise is holding form and well drawn, Quentasia is nicely weighted, while Greenlight Queen and Predatrice also feature in a wide-open finish.

Little Paradise and Invincible Ibis remain locked on course for a HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) showdown on 1 February after the pair posted emphatic victories at Sha Tin on Sunday (11 January) as Zac Purton dominated with five wins. Little Paradise (122lb) crowned Purton’s quintet and the eight-time champion Purton was effusive in his praise of the Toronado gelding after he earned a PPG bonus of HK$1 million with victory in the Class 2 Racing Club Cup Handicap (1400m) for Jimmy Ting, defeating Infinite Resolve (116lb) and Mid Winter Wind (117lb) in 1m 20.84s. “It was a really good effort. He’s progressive, a lovely horse to ride. He relaxes nicely. It was a good, strong field. He ran a good time, he did a good job,” said Purton, who has the choice of several Hong Kong Classic Mile rides, including Invincible Ibis and Beauty Bolt. Trainer Jimmy Ting is hopeful Purton will stay with Little Paradise in the Hong Kong Classic Mile after the classy four-year-old downed a string of older rivals. “He’s a very nice horse. After every race, he keeps improving. I’ve always thought the mile would be the horse’s best distance. He has been a bit keen before but now he’s much more calm,” Ting said. Purton (59 wins) stretched his lead to 33 over Hugh Bowman (26) in a remarkable display of sustained excellence – and it could have been six wins had he not honoured a pledge to partner Beauty Bolt (134lb) in the Class 3 (Restricted) Pak Shek Au Handicap (1600m), only to finish to second to another of his regular rides, Invincible Ibis (135lb), who was partnered by Bowman. Bowman was impressed with Mark Newnham’s rising star Invincible Ibis, who weaved his way into clear running after dropping to the tail of the field before finishing powerfully to defeat Beauty Bolt by a neck in 1m 34.18s. “Invincible Ibis was very straight forward. I didn’t expect to be so far back but I was reluctant to pressure him just to hold a position and he enjoyed being left alone,” Bowman said. “I was in a position – to avoid traffic – that I had to make a long run on him and he coped with that, too. “And when I needed his effort at the 100 metres mark, he did it with consummate ease.” Newnham said: “He’s putting up quite a good record now and the nice part about the race was when it got a bit tough and he had to stretch the last part to beat Beauty Bolt, he did. So, he’s got good ability, but he’s got good heart. “You can only keep winning and he’s put four together now, so he goes there (Hong Kong Classic Mile) in good form.” Newnham reclaimed top-spot in the trainers’ championship from Caspar Fownes to lead with 30 wins to 29 when fellow four-year-old Lucky Sam Gor (116lb) defied his rivals to clinch the Class 3 Stanley Gap Handicap (1400m) under Matthew Poon. Apart from Little Paradise, Purton also struck aboard Ricky Yiu’s Snowthorn (135lb) in the Class 5 Chek Keng Handicap (1200m), Pierre Ng’s Majestic Valour (135lb) in the second section of the Class 4 Wu Kai Sha Handicap (1200m), Robot Star (127lb) for Manfred Man in the second section of the Class 4 Wu Kau Tang Handicap (1400m) and David Hayes’ China Win (128lb) in the Class 4 Hebe Haven Handicap (1800m). “Robot Star was good, he probably wants further – seven furlongs was a bit sharp for him – and he was good through the line, he was unexposed,” Purton said. “China Win, he’s not an easy horse to manage in the mornings – very, very difficult. The boys are doing a good job to manage him as well as they are and on a race day, he doesn’t know what he wants to do in a race. One day, he wants to scream long, the next day he wants to drop out. “But when the penny drops, he’ll turn into a handy enough stayer. It was a good effort – he had the race run to suit.” Young Emperor (126lb) saluted at 67/1 for David Eustace and Luke Ferraris in the Class 3 Hung Mui Kuk Handicap (1200m) before Money Catcher (117lb) turned back the clock for Frankie Lor and Derek Leung with his first win in three years with success in the Class 3 Pak Sha O Handicap (1800m). Twice placed at Group 1 level, the eight-year-old finished third in the 2022 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) behind Romantic Warrior and Danon The Kid, but had not won since his G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) victory at Happy Valley in 2023. “It was worth the wait. When he came to Hong Kong, he kept placing and it was difficult to win. He won two races and after that, he was always close but did start to run some bad races and it allowed a drop down to Class 3,” Lor said. The pace was quick, so he could come from behind and win for his patient owner. I’m happy because he’s an eight-year-old who can still win and it’s great for the owner.” Three-year-old Elite Golf (127lb) impressively won the first section of the Class 4 Wu Kai Sha Handicap (1200m) under Harry Bentley for Chris So, while Rezeki (128lb) notched his first win in Hong Kong for David Hall with success in the first section of the Class 4 Wu Kau Tang Handicap (1400m) under a perfect ride by Andrea Atzeni. Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday (14 January) with the running of the HK$4.2 million G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m). By Leo Schlink