Hong Kong’s jockey ranks are set for a further injection of star power this winter, with the staggered arrival of four highly decorated international riders – Saffie Osborne, Maxime Guyon, Dylan Browne McMonagle and Rossa Ryan – each of whom has been granted a Visiting Jockey’s licence.
History-making British Classic winner Osborne will be the first to arrive in November, followed by Guyon and Ryan in December, while Browne McMonagle joins the roster in January.
The quartet brings an exceptional combination of Classic and Group 1 success, championship honours and international experience to Hong Kong, with all four set to add further depth and global star appeal to the city’s racing scene.
Daryz Leads Arc Contenders As Field Takes Shape
The field for Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) is taking shape, with 19 horses remaining after Monday’s first forfeit stage at ParisLongchamp.
Defending champion Daryz heads the list. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, he returned to winning form over the Arc course and distance in the Prix Foy after a below-par run at Royal Ascot. A second victory on Sunday would put him among the race’s rare back-to-back winners.
Graffard also has Varandir, who won the Prix Niel on Arc Trials Day. The three-year-old has lost only once, when favourite for the Grand Prix de Paris, and gives the Aga Khan Studs another serious chance. Stablemate Sunly remains entered but is expected to run in Saturday’s Prix Royallieu instead.
Britain’s challenge is led by Maltese Cross and Kalpana. William Haggas-trained Maltese Cross finished second in the Derby before winning the Grand Prix de Paris over Sunday’s course and distance. He then added the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, giving him two wins from two starts since Epsom.
Kalpana has put together an outstanding season for Andrew Balding. Her victory over Calandagan in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes was followed by another Group 1 success in the Yorkshire Oaks. She now has the chance to add Europe’s biggest middle-distance prize to that record.
Aidan O’Brien has reduced his Arc team to three: last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk, Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini and Diamond Necklace. Minnie Hauk came closest to Daryz 12 months ago, while Benvenuto Cellini will need to improve on his fifth in the Prix Niel.
Diamond Necklace brings a different point of interest. The French Oaks and Nassau Stakes winner has yet to race over 2400m, and the Prix de l’Opéra remains an alternative target. O’Brien’s stated intention is to run all three in the Arc, with the ground likely to influence the final decision on Diamond Necklace.
His son Joseph O’Brien has left Oaks heroine Thundering On in the race. She would welcome some ease in the ground, making the weather an important part of her connections’ decision in the days ahead.
The British-trained group also includes Bay City Roller, whose emphatic Coronation Cup victory marked him as a top-class stayer, Roger Varian’s recent German Group 1 winner Saddadd, and Ralph Beckett’s Tattycoram.
Japan has two remaining hopes in Admire Terra and Meisho Tabaru, while Germany could be represented by Bright Light. Among the French entries is Arrow Eagle, who is set to give Jean-Claude Rouget a final runner in the race before the trainer ends his long career.
There may yet be another name added. Friendly Soul earned a free supplementary entry with her Prix Vermeille victory, and her connections have until Wednesday to decide whether she will take her place.
The barrier draw will be conducted on Thursday, October 1, at 8:45pm local Paris time. Before then, supplementary entries and decisions shaped by the weather will determine exactly which of the 19 remaining contenders meet Daryz on Sunday.
By Scott Bailey
Diamond Necklace will lead Ballydoyle’s Arc challenge
Diamond Necklace looks set to spearhead the Ballydoyle challenge in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk and Benvenuto Cellini joining her at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien stated it was the intention to run all three and the champion trainer indicated he expected stable number one Ryan Moore to pick the four-times Group One winner in the feature.
“We do intend to run all three. Obviously Diamond Necklace has an option of going for the fillies race on the same day (Prix de l’Opera) but at the moment we are looking at going with the three,” said O’Brien.
Diamond Necklace wrapped up her two-year-old career with a win in the Prix Marcel Boussac on last year’s Arc undercard and completed the French Guineas-Oaks double at Longchamp and Chantilly earlier in the season.
She followed that double up running out an impressive winner of the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood before suffering her only career defeat when second behind Aventure in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet as her Arc warm-up over one mile and two furlongs at Deauville last time.
O’Brien admitted he felt he could have been harder on the filly in the build-up to that race but suggested all has gone well since as she prepares to step up to a mile and a half for the first time.
“She obviously hasn’t run a mile and a half before. We always had it in our mind that she would and I suppose we are going to wait and see what the ground is going to be,” he said.
“We would want it to be on the nice ground going a mile and a half first time. It is possible that Precise could run in the fillies race – the Prix de l’Opera. We need to get a little bit closer to the weekend before we say for definite.”
On that Deauville defeat, O’Brien added: “The ground was a bit softer than we thought it was going to be and Christophe (Ferland) had his filly Aventure in very good form. It is possible that I hadn’t been hard enough on her.
“I was looking for a race that would fill in between this weekend and that weekend (Goodwood) and I didn’t really want to go a mile and a half which is why she didn’t go to the Prix Vermeille (at ParisLongchamp).
“Things have gone very well since and we are very happy with her. She will have one more piece of work to do this week but we are very happy. Ryan has the choice of the three but I would probably think she would be (his pick) but I couldn’t be sure.”
By Gideon Brooks, Press Association
It could be Mitchley’s turn at Fairview
Polytrack racing at Fairview has another meeting on Wednesday, and most of the races look highly competitive.
Two weeks ago, trainer Dean Smith had six winners in the eight races and last Friday Alan Greeff led in a number of winners.
This meeting could be shared between a few of them but perhaps it is the turn of Kelly Mitchley to shine.
She does not have the numbers in her yard as the other two trainers, but she does have a steady flow of winners and a decent strike rate.
There are four runners from her yard on which we will concentrate for the purpose of this preview.
They are Highway Code in Race 1, Soundsofsymphonies in Race 4, Warofdynamite in Race 5 and Vila Vicosa in Race 8.
Gold Standard gelding Highway Code has his first run for her, and it is also his first taste of the Polytrack. The three-year-old was gelded in April after having been placed in two of his three starts.
His two runs since that operation have been below-par, but often a break after that operation is beneficial. Stable jockey Muzi Yeni gets the ride, and blinkers are tried on him.
Soundsofsymphonies, a Master Of My Fate colt, had two unplaced runs in the Western Cape before making his debut for the yard.
Mitchley put him on the Polytrack for his debut with her, and he ran out a 12.25-length winner.
He impressed in that victory, and she decided to take a crack at a feature race in KwaZulu-Natal, but he hung badly and had problems with his bit, so was well beaten.
A return to his home track and his first time in a handicap may well see him prove ahead of the handicapper.
Yeni gets his first ride on the three-year-old col and he will definitely be trying to prove a point with his next mount, Warofdynamite.
This very consistent gelding has been runner-up four times this year under him. The Declarationofpeace gelding also looked the likely winner of his most recent start but was worried out of it at the finish to finish third.
Vila Vicosa has only won three of his 17 starts, but two of those wins have come in his last three starts, with both of them being over this particular course and distance.
Yeni does get the best out of him, as he was runner-up in his first start under him.
Clive Robinson
British Champions Day – What To Expect
The Everest & Caulfield Cup will command Australia’s attention on Saturday, October 17. As the evening arrives, the focus shifts to Ascot, where Qatar Racing British Champions Day brings together some of Europe’s best horses for the finale to the British Flat season.
The seven-race programme carries £4.35 million in prize money and features five Group 1 races. Four span the distances from six furlongs to two miles: the British Champions Sprint, Fillies & Mares Stakes, Long Distance Cup and Champion Stakes. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes adds a fifth Group 1 for the milers.
The fields are still taking shape, but the early entries have already raised the possibility of returning champions, fresh rivalries and another international showdown.
Fillies and mares: Kalpana’s hat-trick bid
The British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2400m) could give Kalpana the chance to win the race for a third consecutive year.
Andrew Balding’s mare was an emphatic winner in 2024 and 2025, quickening clear of Estrange in last year’s renewal. She has since added the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes to her record, making her one of the most accomplished horses among the early entries.
Estrange, Minnie Hauk, Thundering On and Johanna Walsh were also entered, though their autumn plans will determine whether they meet at Ascot. For Kalpana, the prospect of a hat-trick gives the race a compelling story before declarations are made.
Stayers: another chapter for Trawlerman and Scandinavia?
Promoted to Group 1 level in 2025, the British Champions Long Distance Cup (3200m) has become a fitting final test for the season’s leading stayers.
Trawlerman won the race in 2023 after a memorable duel with Kyprios, then returned to take its first Group 1 running last year. He beat stablemate Sweet William on that occasion to cap a campaign that also included the Ascot Gold Cup.
Scandinavia, Caballo De Mar and Limestone feature among this year’s early entries. A meeting between Trawlerman and Scandinavia would bring two leading staying campaigns together, though connections still have time to settle their plans.
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes: milers take centre stage
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1600m) will bring together the leading milers on the straight course.
Last year’s running showed how unpredictable Champions Day can be. Cicero’s Gift started at 100/1 but surged through to beat a field containing some of Europe’s most highly regarded milers. It was one of two major upsets on the card, alongside Powerful Glory’s victory in the Sprint.
Blue Bolt, Docklands, Gstaad, Precise and True Love are among this year’s early entries. Their paths to Ascot are still to be decided, but the race offers a final opportunity to settle the season’s mile division. With a £1.1 million prize fund, it is also the second-most valuable contest on the day behind the Champion Stakes.
Sprint: expect the unexpected
The British Champions Sprint Stakes (1200m) produced the day’s biggest shock in 2025 when Powerful Glory, sent off at 200/1, caught favourite Lazzat in the final strides. It was a reminder that even a race bringing together the season’s established sprinters can produce a new name at the top.
This year’s early entries include Almeraq, Comanche Brave, Mission Central and Venetian Sun, all Group 1 sprint winners in Britain during 2026. The straight six furlongs should provide a sharp conclusion to a division in which no single horse has yet put the title beyond doubt.
Champion Stakes: Calandagan and Ombudsman could meet again
The Champion Stakes (2000m) is the £1.3 million centrepiece, and a rematch between Calandagan and Ombudsman would give the day a headline contest.
Calandagan finished second in the race in 2024 before returning last year to beat Ombudsman by more than two lengths. His success completed a King George–Champion Stakes double achieved by few horses; the last to do it in the same season had been Brigadier Gerard in 1972.
Ombudsman remains a possible opponent, although suitable ground will be important to his participation. Constitution River and Diamond Necklace were among the other high-profile early entries. With several major autumn races still to be run, the final shape of the Champion Stakes remains open.
The race has long provided a stage for defining performances. Frankel ended his unbeaten career with victory in the 2012 Champion Stakes, while Calandagan’s win last year helped the contest earn joint top billing in the World’s Best Horse Race rankings.
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1600m) deserves attention too. Last year, Cicero’s Gift caused a 100/1 upset in Ascot’s championship mile. Its early entries this year include Blue Bolt, Docklands, Gstaad, Precise and True Love.
From the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne to five Group 1 races at Ascot, October 17 promises to keep racing fans in the southern hemisphere engaged well into the night. The entries offer plenty to anticipate; the coming weeks will decide which of those prospective clashes make it to the starting stalls.
By Scott Bailey
France Galop expecting Arc ground to be good to soft
Officials at ParisLongchamp say they are expecting “good to soft” ground for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
An unusually dry spell has offered the promise of much quicker conditions than can usually be expected for the European middle-distance showpiece.
Giving an update in a statement on Saturday afternoon, France Galop said: “Conditions are evolving, but the weather has remained unusually dry for this time of year, with no rain since September 8, the day after the Qatar Arc trials.
“As of Saturday, the forecast is for light showers on Monday followed by heavier rain overnight from Wednesday into Thursday, with further showers possible during the day on Thursday.
“On Friday the going at ParisLongchamp was good to soft (3.3). The track was watered on Friday evening to maintain the going at good (3.2) through to Monday, when showers are expected.
“Further watering may be carried out in the middle of next week, depending on the weather.
“Charles de Cordon (clerk of the course) and his team are expecting the going to be good to soft for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.”
By Press Association Sport Reporters
Weekend Racing Review
From Newmarket’s juvenile Group 1s to the first major spring clashes in Australia, the weekend gave racing fans plenty to take into the months ahead. Sun Goddess strengthened her claim as Europe’s leading two-year-old filly, Warwoven announced himself in Sydney, and Jimmysstar produced the finish of the weekend at Caulfield. South Africa’s Durbanville meeting also offered an early look at contenders for the Cape summer.
At Newmarket, Sun Goddess made it three Group 1 wins for the season in the Cheveley Park Stakes. Just 13 days after winning the Moyglare Stud Stakes over seven furlongs on soft ground, Aidan O’Brien’s filly dropped back to six on a much quicker surface and still proved too strong. Ryan Moore brought her through to beat Libertango, with Alwaysanangel third. The result gave O’Brien a record seventh win in the race.
The Middle Park Stakes provided a sharp change of fortune for Orthodox. Clive Cox’s Norfolk Stakes winner had struggled on soft ground in the Prix Morny, but looked at home again on Newmarket’s fast turf. Rossa Ryan produced him late to catch Force Noir by a neck, while Hell Of A Spin finished third. Both Newmarket winners now head into the closing weeks of the European juvenile season with their reputations enhanced.
Sydney’s Golden Rose belonged to Warwoven. Rachel King settled the Bjorn Baker-trained colt before asking him to go after the leaders at Rosehill, and he swept clear to beat St Gotthard by three and a quarter lengths, with Under Focus third. It was a commanding Group 1 follow-up to his Run To The Rose victory. The Caulfield Guineas is among the options being considered, though his next target has yet to be settled.
At Caulfield on Sunday, Jimmysstar saved his best for the Manikato Stakes. Ethan Brown took his time at the rear, brought him wide into the straight and let him run down Extragalactic in the closing stages. Charm Stone was close behind in third. The last-to-first win returned the Ciaron Maher-trained sprinter to Group 1 form at an important point in the Australian spring.
Maher had another familiar star to celebrate in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes. Pride Of Jenni, now nine, resumed with the bold front-running display that has made her such a draw. Declan Bates let her stride, and she held off Treasurethe Moment by a length and a half to win the Feehan for the third year running. The race was at Caulfield this time, but the change of venue did little to alter the result.
There was no Group 1 on South Africa’s Durbanville card, but its two Grade 3 races carried plenty of interest for the season ahead. Four-time Group 1 winner Double Grand Slam returned with an emphatic victory over Babelicious in the Diana Stakes for Justin Snaith and Keagan de Melo. Jet Force then took the Matchem Stakes for Des McLachlan and Grant van Niekerk, edging Legal Counsel in a close finish.
Newmarket supplied two young stars, Sydney produced a decisive Golden Rose winner, and Caulfield showed that Jimmysstar and Pride Of Jenni remain forces to reckon with. At Durbanville, the focus is already turning towards the Cape summer.
By Scott Bailey
Sha Tin Track Spy: Sunday, 27 September
Race 9 – 10 NUCLEOZOR
He has taken some time to find his form in Hong Kong but has shown encouraging improvement in his past two starts. After charging home strongly to finish fifth two starts ago, he made a mid-race move and stuck on fairly for fourth over 2000m last time out.
Having trialled well ahead of his return, he appears well weighted and capable of making an immediate impact first-up.
Race 11 – 6 CIRCUIT CHAMPION
This lightly raced five-year-old has plenty of ability, but little has gone his way in his past two starts. Drawn wide on both occasions, he was crowded early before finishing a luckless third two starts ago, then endured a wide run that compromised his chances last time out.
Stripping fitter second-up, he looks capable of making amends with better luck in running.
Sectional Stars
Race 3 – 2 DOUBLE BINGO
After his last start, the trainer noted that he had settled further back than intended, yet he still made significant late ground, recording the fastest final sectional to finish fifth, only two lengths from the winner. With his recent form remaining consistent, he shapes as a strong contender this week.
Race 5 – 6 BRIGHT MORTAR
He caught the eye when flashing home late to finish second over 1200m on turf first-up two weeks ago, posting the fastest final sectional in 22.26 seconds. The switch back to the AWT, where his sole career win came, should suit him even better, and he can make his presence felt late.
The Golden Rose, battle for Australia’s best three-year-old
This Saturday’s card at Rosehill is shaping up as one of the most open and hotly contested Golden Roses in recent memory and it’s just the headline act in a stacked afternoon of Group racing.
The one to beat in the Group 1 Golden Rose is Golden Slipper winner Guest House, who has well and truly shaken off the “Golden Slipper curse” with an impressive rails-hugging win in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes on his return. He steps up to 1400m for the first time on Saturday in a race that will go a long way to settling the debate over this year’s premier three-year-old. He’ll need to hold off fellow Group 1 winner Campione D’Italia, already proven at the distance, and master trainer Chris Waller’s well-stocked hand of Tron Bolt, Stormy Marco (Craig Williams), Central Europe and St Gotthard (James McDonald). It’s a genuinely open renewal which is hard to split.
The World Pool is live across the full ten-race program including the HKJC Shannon Stakes. Private Eye is no stranger to big-race day success, but Skyhook arrives on the back of back-to-back wins and looms as a serious danger. The fillies and mares get their moment in the Golden Pendant, where Lazzura is poised for another victory. A strong first-up finish and a map that sees her sitting closer to the speed, paired with James McDonald back in the saddle for Chris Waller, make her one to watch closely.
Saturday at Rosehill decides who’s really the best three-year-old in the country right now, on a card packed with Group-class action from start to finish. Spring is in the air, the form is red-hot, and this is one meeting you won’t want to miss.
Four international stars to join Hong Kong’s world-class jockey ranks through...
The riders enter the fray in Hong Kong’s most thrilling period of the season, with Osborne, Guyon and Ryan eligible to participate in LONGINES Hong Kong International Races week, which kicks off with the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship on Wednesday, 9 December at Happy Valley.
Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “Hong Kong’s jockey ranks are among the strongest in world racing and the arrival of Saffie, Maxime, Dylan and Rossa this winter underlines how highly regarded our racing is internationally. Between them, they bring a British Classic, a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and multiple championship titles, and each has earned this opportunity through outstanding achievement at the highest level.”
Fast-rising British star Osborne joins Hong Kong’s ranks from Sunday, 8 November until Wednesday, 23 December 2026.
Earlier this month, Osborne, who has a career strike rate of 12%, made racing history by becoming the first female jockey to win a British Classic when Highwayman claimed the 250th running of the G1 St. Leger (2905m) at Doncaster for trainer Joseph O’Brien. The 24-year-old, daughter of British former jump jockey and current trainer Jamie Osborne, has ridden 394 winners in an incredible career so far, which includes Group race wins in her native England and Italy.
She is a two-time Shergar Cup winner and captained the Great Britain & Ireland team to victory over Team Hong Kong at Ascot in August.
“It’s a real honour to have been invited, and I’m really looking forward to it,” Osborne said.
“I’ve watched a huge amount of racing in Hong Kong. It’s something that, over here, we will follow very closely, and it’s somewhere I’ve always dreamed of being able to go and ride. To be able to go and do that this winter is really special.
“I’ve been very lucky to ride in lots of different countries, and I think each place you go, you learn new things, and it makes you a better jockey. But obviously I would love to bang in a few winners. I’m just really excited to experience the atmosphere. I’ve never been to Hong Kong, but the atmosphere at the races looks incredible,” she added.
Frenchman Guyon is a superstar of world racing. He has ridden almost 3,400 winners – including 58 Group 1 victories – during a glittering 21-year career in the saddle. He will ride in Hong Kong between Wednesday, 2 December 2026 and Monday, 8 February 2027.
The four-time French Champion Jockey has extensive international experience, including in Hong Kong, where he rode 15 winners last season and has become a familiar face to racing fans. He partnered Ambitious Dragon to Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) success in 2011 and has been a regular visitor since. He has won the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) three times aboard Flintshire (2014), Junko (2023) and Sosie (2025).
“I’m lucky because I’ve won some good races in Hong Kong,” Guyon said. “I love to ride in Hong Kong because it’s a very good place to be a jockey. The racing is very good there.
“If I can win any big races – a Group 1 or something, it’s very important for me. If I can ride between 10 and 20 winners over the winter there, it’s really good.”
At 23, Browne McMonagle is one of the most exciting prospects in world racing. Already an Irish Champion Jockey, the Donegal native has begun racking up global Group 1 crowns in Ireland, Great Britain, the United States, France and Germany, the latest of which was a G1 Irish Oaks (2400m) victory at the Curragh aboard Johanna Walsh for trainer Joseph O’Brien in July.
He enjoyed a fruitful stint in Hong Kong last season, slotting 10 wins. Alongside Osborne, he was also part of the Great Britain & Ireland team that triumphed at this year’s Shergar Cup. He will compete in Hong Kong from Wednesday, 6 January to Sunday, 28 February 2027.
2024 G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-winning rider Ryan brings a wealth of international experience to Hong Kong between Wednesday, 2 December 2026 and Sunday, 28 February 2027 (excluding the Saturday, 26 December meeting). The Irishman is a five-time Group 1 winner, listing the G1 July Cup (1200m) at Newmarket, the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (1000m) at Del Mar and the G1 Prix Vermeille (2400m) at ParisLongchamp among his international highlights.
The 26-year-old, a former British All-Weather Champion Jockey, can boast a record featuring 1,201 career wins at a strike rate of 15%. He is well known for his association with leading Juddmonte-owned filly Bluestocking, with whom he claimed prizemoney totalling £3.24 million (approx. HK$33.96 million).
“It’s definitely an adventure I’m excited to get on,” Ryan said. “I’m kind of at that stage now where I like to hope I’m ready and I know how to hold my own. I’m ready for the next chapter, you could say.
“It’s all about learning the other jockeys’ characters and how they ride, and what could be the best way of beating them. But also for me, going to Hong Kong this winter, it’s the first time since I started riding where I can actually go somewhere and focus on my weight and my fitness. I can enjoy it and try to do as well as I can,” he added.
Between them, the quartet has won championships in France, Britain and Ireland, Classic races in Britain and major Group 1 prizes including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Their arrival adds another layer of international depth to Hong Kong’s fiercely competitive riding ranks, which feature nine-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey Zac Purton, 2017 LONGINES World’s Best Jockey Hugh Bowman, and Vincent Ho, a graduate of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School and four-time winner of the Tony Cruz Award as the leading homegrown rider.
“Saffie’s historic St. Leger win earlier this month captured the imagination of the entire sport; Maxime is one of the finest riders of his generation, Dylan is the reigning Irish champion, and Rossa has proven himself on the biggest stages,” Mr Harding added. “Their presence will add another layer of competition and excitement at Sha Tin and Happy Valley, and I have no doubt our fans will relish witnessing them in action. And with their stints spanning from November through to the end of February, including the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, our fans will have plenty of opportunities to see them.”
Talk Of New York looking to bounce back at Newmarket
As racing on the Rowley Mile returns it is no surprise to see Charlie Appleby at the heart of the action and before Inner City Blues goes for Middle Park glory on Saturday, Talk Of New York and Rebel’s Romance’s unbeaten brother Fortitudine take centre stage at Newmarket on Friday.
Always held in the highest regard, Talk Of New York held his own against the best of his generation when third to Bow Echo at Royal Ascot, but saw momentum checked when only second at Goodwood in his most recent outing.
He is primed to show his true colours in the Group Two Betway Joel Stakes back at the scene of a statement win in April and Appleby said: “I’ve been very pleased with him and I think you just have to put a line through his last run.
“I’m very happy with him and he comes here in great order. I think the make-up of the race will suit him and on what he has achieved, if he is anywhere near the level he was earlier in the summer, he should be the one to beat.”
Appleby will saddle half of the field in the Betway Godolphin Stakes, where regally-bred pair Fortitudine and Castlemont will both attempt to remain unbeaten, in a race also featuring Roger Varian’s improving Kokbastau seeking a four-timer.
After wowing with a 21-length success at Kempton on debut, Fortitudine returned to Sunbury to readily make all on his second start and now encounters grass for the first time as he makes the leap up to Listed level.
“We’ve got two, two from two horses in there and you can’t forget Roger’s horse who is on an upwards curve as well,” continued Appleby.
“Fortitudine is a horse who, and you can’t get away from it, we never fancied first time out and then he went out and did what he did. Without being as impressive the second time the figures stacked up nicely and he now goes in there as one of the highest rated in the race off 105.
“I think the quick ground will suit him out there and turf doesn’t worry me, if anything it brought out the best in Rebel’s Romance. It’s exciting and I’m very open minded about him.”
Castlemont, meanwhile, is another brother to a Group One winner in Bay Bridge and like his stablemate arrives having done little wrong in two appearances to date.
Appleby added: “He won on the turf first time at Windsor and backed it up at Southwell. He’s a stronger individual and more of a galloper.
“The ground might be a little bit tighter for him, but it’s just a nice opportunity for these three-year-olds to run at this level on turf at this time of year.”
By Press Association Sport Reporters
Sun Goddess part of mouthwatering Cheveley Park line-up
Sun Goddess, Senorita Bonita and Libertango are among six fillies declared for what could be the juvenile race of the season so far in the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
Aidan O’Brien’s Sun Goddess is the marginal favourite to claim her third Group One success following previous wins in the Phoenix Stakes and Moyglare Stud Stakes on home soil, victories which sandwiched a stunning display in a valuable sales race at York.
However, her last defeat came at the hands of Libertango in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and George Boughey’s filly is in opposition again after winning the Lowther at York.
Simon and Ed Crisford’s Senorita Bonita also has huge claims as she beat Libertango in the Duchess of Cambridge on the July course before seeing off the colts when opening her top-level account in the Prix Morny.
Sun Goddess’ stablemate Snowing, Joseph O’Brien’s Alwaysanangel and Moonrise from Andrew Balding’s yard complete the line-up.
Seven colts are set to go to post for the other Group One on Cambridgeshire day, the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes.
While Aidan O’Brien has not declared ante-post favourite Great Barrier Reef, he is still doubly represented as Marco Polo and the blinkered Confucius have stood their ground, while Irish hopes are also carried by Michael O’Callaghan’s unbeaten youngster Push The Boat Out and the Robson De Aguiar-trained Force Noir.
The home team is headed by Charlie Appleby’s dual winner Inner City Blues and Clive Cox’s Norfolk Stakes victor Orthodox, who bids to put a disappointing effort in the Prix Morny behind him. Adrian Keatley’s outsider Hell of A Spin completes the septet.
A field of seven is also set to go to post for the Group Two Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes, with Karl Burke’s Burning Up and Appleby’s pair of First Law and Quest For Stars among the leading contenders, while the Burke-trained Thunder Run heads a 28-strong field for the bet365 Cambridgeshire.
Heading the betting for the first leg of the ‘autumn double’ is John and Thady Gosden’s Gavriel.
By Press Association Sport Reporters
Tarry doubles down at Turffontein
Turffontein’s Inside track stages a compact seven-race card on Saturday, but there is no shortage of betting interest, with several highly rated fillies returning to action and trainer Sean Tarry holding particularly strong cards at opposite ends of the programme.
Tarry should strike first in Race 1 over 1000m with The Bachelorette, a well-related three-year-old daughter of William Longsword who has already shown enough to suggest she can open her account.
She caught the eye when second on debut over this trip, only to disappoint when seventh of eight over 1200m three months later. However, she bounced back to something closer to her best when fourth over this distance against male opposition last month following another 12-week break.
That comeback should have sharpened her considerably, and a return to female-only company could see The Bachelorette take another step forward. She looks a worthwhile opener.
Tarry’s second major contender comes in Race 6 over 1200m, where stable companion Perfect Sky makes her eagerly anticipated seasonal reappearance.
The beautifully bred Vercingetorix filly, a R1.7-million yearling purchase, ended a promising juvenile campaign with a determined second to Equus Champion Two-Year-Old Filly Palace Of Arvenia in a Grade 2 over this distance. She improved with a hood fitted last time and retains the headgear in her comeback.
Perfect Sky is unlikely to be fully wound up with bigger targets surely in the programme, but she has enough class to make her presence felt immediately. She won’t need to have improved much during her nine-week absence to make a winning reappearance.
There is another pair of particularly appealing fillies to keep on the shortlist, although there is some uncertainty over the jockey arrangements at the time of writing. Gavin Lerena suffered a fall at last Tuesday’s Vaal meeting and it remains unclear whether he will be able to fulfil his riding commitments on Saturday.
Clive Robincon
Selangor Gold Cup Previews
TOP CONTENDERS SET FOR CLOSE SELANGOR GOLD CUP BATTLE
The RM300,000 Group 1 Hygain Horse City Selangor Gold Cup (1600m), the second leg of the Triple Crown Series, has attracted a high-class field of 13 runners at Selangor Turf Club this Sunday afternoon. With several proven Group performers lining up alongside a number of progressive gallopers, the mile feature promises to be one of the most competitive races on the card.
PLATINUM EMPEROR produced a strong late effort to finish fourth in the Group 1 Tunku Gold Cup (1200m) in March and has since maintained excellent form, collecting two wins and two placings from his next four starts. As the highest-rated runner under Set Weights conditions, he appears ideally placed to break through for his first Group 1 victory in Malaysia. The step back into elite company should hold no fears given the consistency he has shown throughout the season.
BANKER’S FIRST is still relatively lightly raced in Malaysia but has already built an impressive local record with five wins from seven starts. He heads into this feature on the back of a hat-trick and continues to progress with each appearance. A son of So You Think, he should have no trouble handling the step up to 1600m, making him one of the more interesting runners in the field. This will be his toughest local test to date, but his upward profile suggests there could still be further improvement to come.
The reigning Tunku Gold Cup winner FORTUNE TREE has been ultra-consistent and was last seen demolishing a Class 1 field by five lengths. However, he remains winless from four attempts over 1600m, despite finishing in the placings on three occasions, and his stamina over the mile will again come under scrutiny this weekend. His class is not in doubt, but the final stages could prove decisive.
BANKER’S BOSS claimed the Three-Year-Old Championship (1600m) in July, but this represents a significant step up in class. He will have to overcome a wide draw while taking on a number of seasoned, top-class older rivals.
AQUITAINE, BANKER’S HONOR, BANKER’S KINGDOM and ANJOU CROWN are closely matched on collateral form, with just 1.5 lengths separating the quartet when they met in the RM1 million Selangor Mile in July. With some changes at the weights this time, it would be no surprise to see the finishing order reversed.
Group 1 winner OMNIARCH had shown signs of recapturing his early brilliance with three encouraging performances between May and July, but disappointed in his last two starts after being slow away on both occasions. If he can rediscover his best form, he could prove a value chance in this Group 1 feature.
Formerly known as BRAVEHEARTS in Hong Kong, THIS TIME MY TIME managed only seventh on his Malaysian debut a fortnight ago and was found to be lame after the race. However, the step up in distance should be more to his liking, and he could add an element of intrigue to this week’s feature if he has fully recovered from that setback.
ERUPTION and HEAVENLY WARRIOR have both been in excellent form, but this week’s assignment may prove a little tougher. Their relatively low ratings leave them poorly treated at the weights, making their task considerably harder against several higher-rated rivals.
With proven Group 1 quality, progressive newcomers and several closely matched contenders in the line-up, the Selangor Gold Cup shapes as an intriguing contest. PLATINUM EMPEROR may hold a slight advantage under the Set Weights conditions, but there appears to be very little separating a number of his main rivals.
Jet Force can stake his claim
Hollywoodbets Durbanville is packed with quality racing this Saturday, highlighted by the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes, Grade 3 Diana Stakes and Listed Settlers Trophy.
The Matchem Stakes over 1400m brings together two exciting performers from last season. Jet Force progressed impressively, winning the Grade 2 Post Merchants before finishing second to the country’s highest-rated horse, Buffalo Storm Cody, in the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint. Grant van Niekerk takes the ride for trainer Des McLachlan.
Legal Counsel was desperately unlucky not to land a Grade 1 last season. He finished a close second to See It Again in the Cape Town Met before going even closer when Questioning narrowly denied him in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge. Gavin Lerena was originally booked but fractured his foot on Tuesday, so a replacement rider will be confirmed. Over 1400m at Durbanville, Jet Force could have the advantage, but Legal Counsel is unlikely to surrender easily.
Sugar Mountain was expected to retire after his previous start, but his impressive victory has earned him another chance at graded success. Candice Bass has guided him to 12 wins, with Aldo Domeyer aboard.
The Diana Stakes, also over 1400m, features Equus Champion Double Grand Slam. She has won twice in four starts at Durbanville and should benefit from a recent gallop. Keukenhof is improving and could emerge as a serious contender after showing good form in KwaZulu-Natal. Craig Zackey rides for Dean Kannemeyer.
The Listed Settlers Trophy over 2000m could reveal some useful future contenders. Justin Snaith saddles Miami Summer and Prairie Dawn, with Miami Summer particularly interesting after winning two of his three starts since returning from a break.
Several races earlier on the card also feature promising runners. Sukhoi should improve on his debut fourth behind Ulez Camera and could prove difficult to beat in his next outing. Bart Nel was unlucky last time after encountering traffic and now steps up to 1400m, which could suit him perfectly.
In Race 3, First Bloom showed plenty of promise when finishing second on debut. Much interest will surround R3.25-million yearling Getorix Princess, a daughter of champion sire Vercingetorix and Grade 1 winner Zarina, who makes her debut for Dean Kannemeyer.
Lyrical Gangster arrives in strong form after two consecutive victories and faces his toughest test yet over 1250m. A win could put him on the path towards feature-race company.
In Race 8, highly regarded filly Over My Shoulder faces a tricky draw from gate 10 but could strengthen her credentials for bigger races later in the season.
Axis Power rounds off the preview in Race 9. He faded late last time but receives a 1kg pull in the weights and should be competitive if producing his best.
Demuro Takes Up Japan’s Arc Challenge With Admire Terra
Japan has spent decades trying to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This year, its challenge includes a rider who already knows how to win it.
Cristian Demuro will partner Admire Terra in the Group 1 contest over 2400m at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, October 4. The Italian jockey has won the Arc twice, aboard Sottsass in 2020 and Ace Impact in 2023, and took his first ride on the Japanese contender during a racecourse gallop on Tuesday.
Admire Terra covered around a mile in the workout and quickened along the home straight. Demuro was pleased with how the five-year-old balanced himself around ParisLongchamp, an encouraging first look at a course that can be demanding for visiting horses. A gallop cannot settle the question of how he will perform in the Arc, but it gave horse and rider a chance to learn about each other before race day.
Trained by Yasuo Tomomichi, Admire Terra brings proven stamina to France. The son of Rey de Oro won the Group 2 Hanshin Daishoten over 3000m in March and finished a close third in the Group 1 Tenno Sho (Spring) over 3200m in May. His most recent run, a ninth in the Sapporo Kinen over 2000m in August, leaves him with form to improve upon. The Arc’s longer trip may offer a better test of his strengths.
Demuro’s booking gives the Japanese team valuable local experience. He is the reigning French champion jockey and has handled two very different Arc winners: Sottsass prevailed on testing ground, while Ace Impact produced a powerful late run in 2023. His knowledge of ParisLongchamp could matter as much as Tuesday’s positive workout once the draw, pace and ground come into play.
Japan has come agonisingly close before. El Condor Pasa finished second in 1999, Nakayama Festa repeated that placing in 2010, and Orfevre was runner-up in both 2012 and 2013. Those four near misses have kept the country’s pursuit of the Arc alive, even as its horses have won major races across the rest of the world.
Admire Terra is not Japan’s only hope this year. Meisho Tabaru also galloped at ParisLongchamp on Tuesday and is set to be ridden by Yutaka Take. The pair give Japan two contrasting chances, with Admire Terra’s stamina and Demuro’s course knowledge at the heart of one campaign.
There is still much to prove against Europe’s leading middle-distance horses. Yet Admire Terra has now seen the track, his rider likes how he handled it, and the team can turn its attention to the final stages of preparation. For Japan, the aim remains the same: to turn years of near misses into a first Arc victory. By Scott Bailey
Middle Park Stakes Sets Up Royal Ascot Rematches
Newmarket’s Group 1 Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes (1200m) on Saturday, September 26, brings together several of the season’s leading juvenile colts, with Great Barrier Reef looking to return to winning form after his first defeat.
Aidan O’Brien’s colt won his first three starts, including the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, before being caught late by Push The Boat Out in the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh. The margin was only a neck, and the pair could meet again on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile.
Push The Boat Out has made rapid progress for Michael O’Callaghan. He won on debut at the Curragh and stepped straight into Group company to beat a proven Royal Ascot winner. Saturday would be his first attempt at Group 1 level, with another victory confirming him among the best sprinting colts of his generation.
O’Brien also has Marco Polo, Confucius, Man’s Best Friend and Carry The Flag among his options. Carry The Flag ran a much better race when second in the Prix Morny at Deauville, while Great Barrier Reef gives the Ballydoyle team an established six-furlong performer at the head of its challenge.
His son Joseph has left Folsom Blues in the race after the colt swept clear to win the Group 1 National Stakes over seven furlongs at the Curragh. Whether he returns to six furlongs is still uncertain, with the Dewhurst Stakes over seven furlongs also under consideration. His decision could have a major bearing on the strength of Saturday’s field.
The home challenge includes the unbeaten Inner City Blues, who has not raced since winning the July Stakes at Newmarket. Charlie Appleby has given the colt time between races and will now test him against deeper opposition on the Rowley Mile.
Orthodox also returns with something to prove. Clive Cox’s colt produced a striking performance to win the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot but finished sixth on testing ground in the Prix Morny. A sounder surface at Newmarket could give him the chance to show that Ascot form again.
Force Noir is a further contender after Amo Racing paid a £20,000 supplementary fee to add him to the race. Trained by Robson de Aguiar, he won at Dundalk last week, although this represents a substantial rise in class. The final declarations will establish which of the remaining colts take their place.
First run in 1866, the Middle Park Stakes remains one of Britain’s major tests of two-year-old speed. Recent winners include Vandeek in 2023, Shadow Of Light in 2024 and Wise Approach last year. Its position alongside the Cheveley Park Stakes on the final day of Newmarket’s Cambridgeshire meeting gives racing fans two Group 1 contests over the same straight six furlongs.
For Great Barrier Reef, Saturday offers a chance to answer his Curragh defeat. For Push The Boat Out, it is an opportunity to show that result was the start of something bigger. And if Folsom Blues joins them, the Middle Park could become one of the strongest juvenile races of the autumn.
By Scott Bailey
France Express Form & Race Previews (Toulouse) – Wednesday, September 30
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WHAKA (FR) A decent 5th in a Divided Handicap over 1,600m at Deauville on 23 August. Conditions of this race could suit and she could have the edge. LADY SOFIA (IRE) Not beaten far when 3rd in a Divided Handicap over 1,400m at Saint-Cloud on 11 September. Still a maiden but has run some decent races and could appreciate the longer trip. GUNS AND ROSES (FR) An improved 3rd in a Handicap over 1,800m at Dieppe on 17 September. Ran on nicely and should be competitive in this line-up. ALL IN PINK (FR) Finished 4th in a Handicap over 1,800m at Dieppeo n 17 September. Beaten 0.75 lengths by GUNS AND ROSES (7 ) in that event and should be up there again.
JUST JIM (FR) Came home 4th in a Class 1 Handicap at Longchampo ver 2,000m on 13 September. He is improving with each run and has good form overt he distance. ESCAPE GAME (IRE) Ran 7th in a Class 3 at Chantilly over 1,900m on 14 September. Has run well in bothh is races at this course. XILOFONO (FR) Not disgraced when third in a Class 3 Handicap at Toulouse over 2,400m on 2 Septe mber. Has good form at this level and should contest the finish. LOREEN (GER) Winner of a Claimer over over 2,100m at Tarbes on 29 August. In good form but now goes up in class.
GOLEM (FR) Unraced 2yo colt by Wooded out of Kamsin mare Rive r Plate trained by Adrien Fouassier. He has been entered for the Group 1 Critériumde Sa int-Cloud next month must be showinga lot at home. ALPSEE (IRE) Finished 7th in a Conditions race over 1,500m at Sa int-Cloud on 18 September. His debut race was in a quitea strong field so he could progress from that effort. DRONGO (FR) A promising 4th in a Conditions race over 1,600m a t Bordeaux-Le Bouscat on 12 September. That was a decent debutef fort and he deserves respect. AFFIRMATIF (FR) Finished 2nd in a Claimer over 1,600m at La Teste on 5 September. He was beaten 3.5 lengths but continues to show progress.
CARMENNA (FR) Third in a Maiden at Craon over 1,650m on 5 Septem ber. she was not beaten far in that debut run and with natural improvement looks the ru nner to beat. WILDCATTING (IRE) Unraced 2yo filly by Saxon Warrior out of Reliable Man mare Rely On Me Man and Francois Rohaut. Is related to Gr1 runner-up Tamahere. MARIBELLA (FR) Unraced 2yo filly by Galiway out of Raven’s Pass ma re Marelle trained by Christophe Escuder. Relatedt owell-performed Makeno and Markus. PINK CHAMP AGNE (FR) Unraced 2yo filly by Goken out of Motivator mare P hoebe Buffay trained by Francois Monfort. She has been supplemented intoth is race and comes froma mare who is producing early winners.
SILGREYPIT (FR) Has only been modest of late and finished 11th in a handicap at Vichy over 1600m on 25th July. Capable of scoring on best form. ETERNEL (FR) Finished 11th in a handicap at Lyon-Parilly over 1 350m on 8th September. Not reliable but is also not out of it a tthis level. MANA MAHA (FR) Finished 9th in a handicap at Tarbes over 1400m on 29th August. In good form before that and could be a threat. ALEXEI (FR) Finished 13th in a handicap at Tarbes over 1300m on 29th August. Capable of better and ca nmake the frame.
PEYRASSOL (FR) A runner-up in a handicap at Bordeaux-Le Bouscato ver 2400m on 12 September. Can go one place better this time. GOUVERNE (FR) Came home 4th in a Class 4 Handicap at Bordeaux-Le Bouscat over 2,400m on 12 September. Can get involved with the finishonce again. EYE OF THE TIGER (FR) Finished 4th in a Class 4 Handicap at Toulouse over 3,000m on 23 September. Just as good this distance and is a threat. TAMAGHU (FR) Came home 9th in a Class 4 Handicap at Toulouse over 2,0 00m on 16 September. Capable of doing better and ca nmake the frame.
RACE 1: PRIX SHARAAF HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM TOULOUSE RACE 1) – 1600M | TIME: 22:32 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 17300
RACE 2: PRIX DU ROYAUME WISIGOTH HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM TOULOUSE RACE 2) – 2000M | TIME: 23:07 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 19200
RACE 3: PRIX DU CHATEAU NARBONNAIS MAIDEN STAKES (2YO) (FROM TOULOUSE RACE 3) – 2000M | TIME: 23:42 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 21000
RACE 4: PRIX DU MINOTAURE MAIDEN STAKES (2YO) (FROM TOULOUSE RACE 4) – 2000M | TIME: 00:20 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 21000
RACE 5: PRIX ALBERT LABORDE CLAIMING STAKES (4YO+) (FROM TOULOUSE RACE 5) – 1400M | TIME: 00:55 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 12500
RACE 6: PRIX DE BELLERIVE HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM TOULOUSE RACE 6) – 2400M | TIME: 01:27 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 16300
United Kingdom Express Form & Race Previews (Musselburgh/ Kempton) – Wednesday,...
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WALSINGHAM (IRE) Held up, closed 400m out, led 200m out, headed, lo st second inside final 200m, finished third, 2.5 lengths behind winner at Pontef ract 1600m Handicap. KALEIDO Mid-division, fourth at 600m out, pushed at 400m, stayed on, finished 3rd, 2 lengths behind Hot And Cold at Southwell 1600m Handicap. PRIAPOS (IRE) Held up in rear, pushed 600m out, weakened over 400 m, finished 6th, 12 lengths behind Crazee Icon in 1 600m Handicap. SUNRISEONTHEBOYNE (IRE) Prominent led after 400m, ridden past 400m, hungl eft near 200m, rallied to win Musselburgh 1800m Selling Handicap by head.
FILEY BEACH (IRE) Mid-pack, advanced over 400m out, switched rightn ear 200m, led final 100m, won by head at Catterick 1400m Handicap. MISEMERALD (IRE) Midfield, moved up to third 400m out, chased leaders inside final 200m, held third, 2.75 lengths behind winner at Thirsk 1600m Handicap in Aug. MONHAMMER Raced mid-division, moved up to third with 200m to go, ridden final 100 m, finished 3rd, 1.5 lengths behind winner at Musse lburgh 1400m Handicap. JKR COBBLER (IRE) Wore hood, midfield, ridden 600m out, switched rig ht final 200m, kept pace, finished 9th, 9 lengths behind Ice Cube at Ayr 1400m Handicap.
ROCK STEADY BEAT (IRE) Raced near side, midfield, strong finish in last 4 00m, led near finish, won at Redcar 1200m 2yo Stakes beating Bigalo by 0.5 length. BRANDENBURG Chased leaders, weakened in final 200m, finished 12th, 8 lengths behind winner Henley On Th ames at York 1200m 2yo Handicap in Aug. INNS AND OUT (IRE) Held up in rear, switched right and ridden 400m out, no impression last 200m, finished last, 16 lengths beh ind winner at Ayr 1200m 2yo Handicap. BEAUTY FOR LOVE (IRE) Always behind, finished last 14 lengths behind Inf luencer Man at Carlisle 1000m 2yo Handicap in Aug.
STARTLING Led from start, easily won 1000m Handicap at Redcar, beating All Good by 2 lengths. ANAISA Chased leaders, ridden 400m out, kept on, finished 4th, 3.5 lengths behind winner Return Of The Gods at Redcar 1200m Handicap. AZUINTHEJUNGLE Led nearing 200m, driven inside final 200m, comfor tably won 5f Handicap at Newcastle, beating Bonnie’s Boy by 0.75 length. SHES GOT A BROTHER Led early, pressured; weakened final 400m, finished last, 22 lengths behind Fluorescence at Ay r 1000m Listed Stakes.
CALEF (IRE) Led until 200m out, hung left, headed near finish, narrowly held third, 1.25 lengths behind El Lambo at Wolverhampton 1000m 2yo Handicap. TRICKY JENNY Pressed leader early, weakened 400m out, finished last, 8 lengths behind Space Dreamer in 1000m 2yo Maiden Stakes at Brighton in Aug. LAIRY MARY Keen raced closely, led until 400m out, overtaken inside last 200m, weakened to finish fourth, 7 lengths behind Flower Youmzain. STAY ON TAB Held behind leaders, pushed past 400m, weakened pas t 200m, finished 5th, 9 lengths behind Sod Hall Lan e at Hamilton 1000m 2yo maiden.
ARCTIC TSAR (IRE) Led early, challenged over 400m out, stayed strong to win Leicester 1400m 2yo Handicap by 1.75 lengths over Perfect Hope. LOUIS THE FIFTH (IRE) Midfield, pushed 400m out, chased leaders 200m out, weakened final 100m, finished 5th, 4.5 lengths behind Quite Cheeky at 1400m Novice Stakes. ROLL THEDICEBABY (IRE) Midfield, led 600m out, no extra, finished 6th, 9 lengths behind Speed of Sound at Doncaster 1200m 2y ofilly Handicap. BULLRIDER (IRE) Tracked mid-division, challenged 600m out, weakened in last 200m, finished 6th, 10 lengths behind Solar Major at Southwell 1400m Novice Stakes .
MUQARRABIN Wootton Bassett colt out of Angel Power. WOOTTON KING Wootton Bassett colt out of Here To Eternity. AL THARA (IRE) Ghaiyyath colt out of Efaadah. KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Slow start, pushed past 400m, never competitive, finished 8th, 17 lengths behind National Honour in 1400m Novice Stakes at Kempton.
LAST HORIZON Dubawi colt out of Silent Escape. JINMAN (FR) Slow start, held at rear, ridden 400m out, gained third placing, 1.25 lengths behind Magic Har ry at 1400m Novice Stakes. VOTADINI Make Believe colt out of Switching. MONTGOMERY BELL (IRE) Raced at rear, pushed 400m out, no threat, finished 4th, 14 lengths behind Midgham Man in Chepstow 1400m 2yo Novice Stakes.
HOVE RANGER (FR) Led early, headed, stayed behind midfield, surged strongly over final 100m to win by neck at Lingfield 1800m Handicap in Aug. AMBER HONEY Tracked leader early, led over 200m out, stayed on well to win 1600m Handicap by 0.75 length at Lingfield. KARAKULA DANCER Mid-division, improved final 400m, finished third, 6 lengths behind winner Wind Summer over 1600m handicap at Kempton. SQUIFFY (IRE) Stayed near rear, no chance, finished 11th, 21 lengths behind Mertoun over 1600m Handicap at Windsor.
RACE 1: WEATHERBYS RACING BANK SELLING STAKES (4) (FROM MUSSELBURGH RACE 2) – 1800M | TIME: 21:13 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 10000
RACE 2: INVADES DAY PARTY HANDICAP (6) (FROM MUSSELBURGH RACE 3) – 1422M | TIME: 21:48 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 7000
RACE 3: DROPKICKS SPLIT THE G NURSERY (5) (FROM MUSSELBURGH RACE 4) – 1422M | TIME: 22:23 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 8000
RACE 4: WEATHERBYS STALLION BOOK HANDICAP (4) (FROM MUSSELBURGH RACE 5) – 1007M | TIME: 22:58 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 10000
RACE 5: GLOBAL HOME OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING NURSERY (6) (FROM MUSSELBURGH RACE 6) – 1007M | TIME: 23:33 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 7000
RACE 6: TRY UNIBET’S NEW SMARTVIEW RACECARDS NURSERY (5) (FROM KEMPTON RACE 2) – 1408M | TIME: 23:55 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 8000
RACE 7: BET 20 POUND GET 20 POUND WITH UNIBET MAIDEN STAKES (3) (FROM KEMPTON RACE 3) – 1609M | TIME: 00:30 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 12000
RACE 8: BET 20 POUND GET 20 POUND WITH UNIBET MAIDEN STAKES (3) (FROM KEMPTON RACE 4) – 1609M | TIME: 01:00 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 12000
RACE 9: UNIBET MORE EXTRA PLACE RACES HANDICAP (6) (FROM KEMPTON RACE 5) – 1609M | TIME: 01:30 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 6000
South Africa Express Form & Race Previews (Fairview) – September 30
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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: FAIRVIEW POLYTRACK@2026.09.30
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1600m, Poly, R84.000, 11:55GMT+2
Race Summary: HIGHWAY CODE makes his local debut. He is trying the Polytrack and wears blinkers for the first time. He could prove a bit better than these rivals. Stable companion GIMMEAGAMBLE has not shown much but can improve trying the Polytrack. SEATTLE GLOW is threatening a first success and will be doing her best work at the finish. Stable companion SILVER VISION needs to find a few lengths to score but can earn some minor money. WEEKEND IN ASPEN has run well in both starts and should be right there at the finish yet again.
Selections: #1 Highway Code, #4 Seattle Glow, #6 Weekend In Aspen, #5 Silver Vision
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R80.000, 12:30GMT+2
Race Summary: BAI YULU only found one better in her local debut. This distance might suit her and she can go one place better. LADY LIMONCELLO may be better on the turf but she should be a real threat to these rivals. HARPA does appear a lot better than her last run would suggest and could make the frame. APPLES AND TEA has lacked a strong finish but is well drawn and can get involved with the finish. JAZZ AWAY does like the Polytrack but has been a disappointment of late.
Selections: #1 Bai Yulu, #4 Lady Limoncello, #6 Apples And Tea, #5 Harpa
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R106.000, 13:05GMT+2
Race Summary: LADY ELLIOT makes a long trip for this race. It will be her first taste of a Polytrack but she is consistent and can score. LOTUS SILK has taken a while to get used to this surface but her last win was solid and she may well follow up. LADY BOMBER is better than her last run would suggest and she needs to be included in all Pick 6 permutations. HAZE AND SMOKE is battling to regain her best form but could surprise. DETAILED FORECAST steps up in distance and is not well drawn but can earn some money. FIERY COUNTESS and DESERT CLOUD are unreliable but not out of it.
Selections: #8 Lady Elliot, #1 Lotus Silk, #2 Lady Bomber, #6 Desert Cloud
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1000m, Poly, R92.000, 13:40GMT+2
Race Summary: SOUNDSOFSYMPHONIES was a wide-margin winner on this surface in his penultimate start. He has struggled on the turf in his other starts but perhaps his last run in a feature race is best ignored. He may well be ahead of his handicap rating. HONORINE’S GIMMIE broke a stream of placed runs with a winning turn last time out. He was given a positive ride that day and is capable of doubling up. CALL OF THE KAROO has struggled in three starts on this surface but could benefit from a change in trainers. BANDMASTER and WORDSWORTH are both in good shape and would not be surprise winners.
Selections: #3 Soundsofsymphonies, #2 Honorine’s Gimmie, #6 Wordsworth, #1 Call Of The Karoo
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1200m, Poly, R100.000, 14:15GMT+2
Race Summary: ROAMING SPIRIT was well beaten off last time out but she jumps from a good draw and an improved run from her is very likely. IMAGINABLE did not show his best last time out but was a good winner before that and should be threat. SILVA CITY is not reliable and jumps from a tricky draw but is quite capable of winning a race of this nature. TINTAMARRE, SPORTS FAN and FRENCH FLAME disappointed in their last starts but are capable of earning some money. WAROFDYNAMITE looked the likely winner 200m from home last time and also deserves a winning turn.
Selections: #9 Roaming Spirit, #1 Imaginable, #2 Silva City, #5 Warofdynamite
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 2200m, Poly, R88.000, 14:50GMT+2
Race Summary: MASTEROFTHEBAROQUE has clearly appreciated the step up in distance. There is no real reason to suggest he cannot pull off a deserved hat-trick. SABRAGE is in very good form and should be right there at the finish yet again. THE MIKADO travels a long way for this and could be a threat at this level. FLASH LIGHTNING and GLOBAL DRUMBEAT are both capable of playing minor roles. ALADO’S PRIDE is carded to have run on Friday so that run will need to be looked at before going for him.
Selections: #1 Masterofthebaroque, #2 Sabrage, #3 The Mikado, #6 Global Drumbeat
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 2000m, Poly, R84.000, 15:25GMT+2
Race Summary: A competitive looking race. SAN QUINTIN remains at the top of his game and can score again. GARDEN SUN is carded to have run on Friday but does like this course and distance and could be a lively danger. SILVANO’S SONG returns from a break but is capable of winning at this level. OSMIUM likes the Polytrack and the last run is clearly worth ignoring. AMANZIMTEXAS packs a decent finishing punch and could have more wins in his tank. TORI’S GIRL disappointed last time out but is consistent and can earn some more money.
Selections: #2 San Quintin, #1 Garden Sun, #5 Osmium, #6 Amanzimtexas
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1600m, Poly, R96.000, 16:00GMT+2
Race Summary: BLACKBERRY BREEZE seems to prefer this distance these days and could bounce back to score for an in-form trainer. DYNALLEY is not reliable but is capable of earning some money when in the right mood. VILA VICOSA is not reliable but has some solid wins of late and is clearly a real danger. So too, for that matter should be KING VISERYS if he turns up for this as he is also carded to run on Friday. HOODWINKED is in good form and is not out of it. KALEESH CYBORG might earn some minor money this shorter distance.
Selections: #5 Blackberry Breeze, #4 King Viserys, #3 Vila Vicosa, #6 Hoodwinked
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 9, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R90.000, 16:35GMT+2
Race Summary: BLOOD OF EDEN flew up from an impossible position last time out. Jockey Richard Fourie gets the ride this time and she can score if much handier this time around. ENDEARED found the distance too short last time out but does give weight away to all her rivals. She does finish off her races well and is not out of it. POINTER has made the trip from the Highveld and must be respected for that. MORFELIHA, POTENZA, ALEX MILLER and GREEK HEIRESS are all in good shape and are possible winners.
Selections: #9 Blood Of Eden, #1 Endeared, #4 Potenza, #2 Pointer
Best Win: #9 BLOOD OF EDEN
Best Value Bet: #5 BLACKBERRY BREEZE
Best Longshot: #5 BLACKBERRY BREEZE
RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: FAIRVIEW POLYTRACK@2026.09.30
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1600m, Poly, R84.000, 11:55GMT+2
Race Summary: HIGHWAY CODE makes his local debut. He is trying the Polytrack and wears blinkers for the first time. He could prove a bit better than these rivals. Stable companion GIMMEAGAMBLE has not shown much but can improve trying the Polytrack. SEATTLE GLOW is threatening a first success and will be doing her best work at the finish. Stable companion SILVER VISION needs to find a few lengths to score but can earn some minor money. WEEKEND IN ASPEN has run well in both starts and should be right there at the finish yet again.
Selections: #1 Highway Code, #4 Seattle Glow, #6 Weekend In Aspen, #5 Silver Vision
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R80.000, 12:30GMT+2
Race Summary: BAI YULU only found one better in her local debut. This distance might suit her and she can go one place better. LADY LIMONCELLO may be better on the turf but she should be a real threat to these rivals. HARPA does appear a lot better than her last run would suggest and could make the frame. APPLES AND TEA has lacked a strong finish but is well drawn and can get involved with the finish. JAZZ AWAY does like the Polytrack but has been a disappointment of late.
Selections: #1 Bai Yulu, #4 Lady Limoncello, #6 Apples And Tea, #5 Harpa
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R106.000, 13:05GMT+2
Race Summary: LADY ELLIOT makes a long trip for this race. It will be her first taste of a Polytrack but she is consistent and can score. LOTUS SILK has taken a while to get used to this surface but her last win was solid and she may well follow up. LADY BOMBER is better than her last run would suggest and she needs to be included in all Pick 6 permutations. HAZE AND SMOKE is battling to regain her best form but could surprise. DETAILED FORECAST steps up in distance and is not well drawn but can earn some money. FIERY COUNTESS and DESERT CLOUD are unreliable but not out of it.
Selections: #8 Lady Elliot, #1 Lotus Silk, #2 Lady Bomber, #6 Desert Cloud
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1000m, Poly, R92.000, 13:40GMT+2
Race Summary: SOUNDSOFSYMPHONIES was a wide-margin winner on this surface in his penultimate start. He has struggled on the turf in his other starts but perhaps his last run in a feature race is best ignored. He may well be ahead of his handicap rating. HONORINE’S GIMMIE broke a stream of placed runs with a winning turn last time out. He was given a positive ride that day and is capable of doubling up. CALL OF THE KAROO has struggled in three starts on this surface but could benefit from a change in trainers. BANDMASTER and WORDSWORTH are both in good shape and would not be surprise winners.
Selections: #3 Soundsofsymphonies, #2 Honorine’s Gimmie, #6 Wordsworth, #1 Call Of The Karoo
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1200m, Poly, R100.000, 14:15GMT+2
Race Summary: ROAMING SPIRIT was well beaten off last time out but she jumps from a good draw and an improved run from her is very likely. IMAGINABLE did not show his best last time out but was a good winner before that and should be threat. SILVA CITY is not reliable and jumps from a tricky draw but is quite capable of winning a race of this nature. TINTAMARRE, SPORTS FAN and FRENCH FLAME disappointed in their last starts but are capable of earning some money. WAROFDYNAMITE looked the likely winner 200m from home last time and also deserves a winning turn.
Selections: #9 Roaming Spirit, #1 Imaginable, #2 Silva City, #5 Warofdynamite
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 2200m, Poly, R88.000, 14:50GMT+2
Race Summary: MASTEROFTHEBAROQUE has clearly appreciated the step up in distance. There is no real reason to suggest he cannot pull off a deserved hat-trick. SABRAGE is in very good form and should be right there at the finish yet again. THE MIKADO travels a long way for this and could be a threat at this level. FLASH LIGHTNING and GLOBAL DRUMBEAT are both capable of playing minor roles. ALADO’S PRIDE is carded to have run on Friday so that run will need to be looked at before going for him.
Selections: #1 Masterofthebaroque, #2 Sabrage, #3 The Mikado, #6 Global Drumbeat
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 2000m, Poly, R84.000, 15:25GMT+2
Race Summary: A competitive looking race. SAN QUINTIN remains at the top of his game and can score again. GARDEN SUN is carded to have run on Friday but does like this course and distance and could be a lively danger. SILVANO’S SONG returns from a break but is capable of winning at this level. OSMIUM likes the Polytrack and the last run is clearly worth ignoring. AMANZIMTEXAS packs a decent finishing punch and could have more wins in his tank. TORI’S GIRL disappointed last time out but is consistent and can earn some more money.
Selections: #2 San Quintin, #1 Garden Sun, #5 Osmium, #6 Amanzimtexas
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1600m, Poly, R96.000, 16:00GMT+2
Race Summary: BLACKBERRY BREEZE seems to prefer this distance these days and could bounce back to score for an in-form trainer. DYNALLEY is not reliable but is capable of earning some money when in the right mood. VILA VICOSA is not reliable but has some solid wins of late and is clearly a real danger. So too, for that matter should be KING VISERYS if he turns up for this as he is also carded to run on Friday. HOODWINKED is in good form and is not out of it. KALEESH CYBORG might earn some minor money this shorter distance.
Selections: #5 Blackberry Breeze, #4 King Viserys, #3 Vila Vicosa, #6 Hoodwinked
Fairview Polytrack, 30.09.2026, Race 9, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R90.000, 16:35GMT+2
Race Summary: BLOOD OF EDEN flew up from an impossible position last time out. Jockey Richard Fourie gets the ride this time and she can score if much handier this time around. ENDEARED found the distance too short last time out but does give weight away to all her rivals. She does finish off her races well and is not out of it. POINTER has made the trip from the Highveld and must be respected for that. MORFELIHA, POTENZA, ALEX MILLER and GREEK HEIRESS are all in good shape and are possible winners.
Selections: #9 Blood Of Eden, #1 Endeared, #4 Potenza, #2 Pointer
Best Win: #9 BLOOD OF EDEN
Best Value Bet: #5 BLACKBERRY BREEZE
Best Longshot: #5 BLACKBERRY BREEZE
Australia – Sunday 27 September
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| Caulfield | |
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Australia – Saturday 26 September
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| Belmont | |
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| Rosehill | |
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| Toowoomba | |
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Australia – Sunday 20 September
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| Kalgoorlie | |
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| Sunshine Coast | |
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