Craig Williams produced one of the finest rides of a decorated career to guide Cap Ferrat to a narrow victory in a gripping HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on a day of triumph for Francis Lui at Sha Tin on Sunday (23 March). Winless in 13 Australian starts and three more in Hong Kong until today, the Snitzel gelding hugged the rail throughout in fourth position after jumping from barrier two and never went around another horse before holding off My Wish (Luke Ferraris) by a short head, with Packing Angel (Joao Moreira) a further head away third in 2m 00.67s. Hong Kong Classic Mile winner My Wish was taken back to last from gate 14 and was forced to make a sustained sprint from the 800m, clocking a race best 21.39s for the final 400m. Lo Rider (Hugh Bowman) finished fourth after attempting to lead all the way, closely followed by Rubylot (Brenton Avdulla), Johannes Brahms (Andrea Atzeni) and Bundle Award (Ben Thompson), who all finished within two lengths of Cap Ferrat. Hong Kong’s reigning champion trainer, Lui dominated the meeting with a treble – scoring with Cap Ferrat, Packing Hermod and Invincible Shield. Formerly trained by Chris Waller in Sydney, Cap Ferrat was twice Group 1-placed in Australia behind Tom Kitten and Riff Rocket but was sent off as a 25/1 chance after moderate efforts in finishing 12th and ninth in the first two legs of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series – the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) and the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m). Williams, 47, praised Lui for the four-year-old’s stunning form reversal. “He’s never won a race ever until today, full credit has got to go to Francis Lui and his team and the owners of this horse for entrusting Francis with him because I rode him three weeks ago and I said ‘You have a lot of work to do’ (because) I thought he was really gross, really full of himself,” the Australian said. “It’s certainly a special win. It’s such a prestigious race in Hong Kong. Francis rang me, he was at the Sydney yearling sales and I was on the Gold Coast and he said ‘Would you like to come ride Cap Ferrat?’. I rode him when he was in Australia and I liked the horse. He had good 10-furlong form, he had two runs in Hong Kong – one was really good and one not so good – and I said ‘I’d love to come over and ride him for you’. “I rode him a few weeks ago and said ‘if you get him right, Francis, we know he’s got the right form and the capability’, but it’s clearly up to Francis and his stable. When he walked into the yard, the way he performed and he won, that’s why Francis is such a great trainer. Full credit has got to go to Francis Lui, his team and obviously the horse. “To win this great race, with my wife (Larysa) here for trainer Francis Lui who gave me such a great opportunity when I first started here, and of course being such a great race here in Hong Kong, it’s very, very special.” Williams, who has snared most of Australia’s most prestigious races as well as riding successfully in Japan, Great Britain, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore and Malaysia, took his Hong Kong tally to 126 wins. “It’s great riding all around the world, Hong Kong is a place where I was very fortunate to get a contract and it made me the rider and the person I am today,” Williams said of stints in 2003 to 2005 and 2018/19. Triumphant with Golden Sixty in the 2020 BMW Hong Kong Derby, Lui said: “I still feel very excited. The last two runs he (Cap Ferrat) had bad draws and bad luck. I checked his record and Craig rode this horse (in Australia), so he knew the horse. “Today, he also has a good draw, he was very lucky and Craig knows how to ride this horse. He did a good job.” Lui’s Packing Hermod equalled Encouraging’s Sha Tin 1400m course record, clocking 1m 19.92s in winning the Class 2 Rapper Dragon Handicap (1400m) under Joao Moreira before stablemate Invincible Shield landed the Class 3 Werther Handicap (1200m) for Ryan Moore. Moreira sealed a double with Frankie Lor-trained Master Trillion’s success in the Class 4 Fay Fay Handicap (1600m) after Cody Mo-trained Lucky Planet dictated from the front to win the Class 4 Ping Hai Star Handicap (1200m) under Matthew Chadwick. Antoine Hamelin piloted Sky Deep to victory in the Class 4 Sky Darci Handicap (1400m) for Caspar Fownes and Antoine Hamelin. Sky Deep is raced by the Kwan family, who also owned 2001 BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Sky Darci. Size (46 wins) extended his lead in the Hong Kong trainers’ championship to six over David Hayes (38) with a double, combining with Moore to win the Class 4 Luger Handicap (1400m) with three-year-old debutante Super Express and Williams with Endeared in the Class 3 Ambitious Dragon Handicap (1400m). Michael Chang and Derek Leung joined forces with Lady’s Choice to win the Class 3 Furore Handicap (1200m) before Pierre Ng closed the meeting with Packing Turbine’s victory under Andrea Atzeni in the Class 3 Designs On Rome Handicap (1800m), earning a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Wednesday night (26 March). By Leo Schlink

Trainer Candice Dawson must be getting frustrated with her charge Pioneer Square as he has threatened to win a race but has yet to get the job done. Blinkers were reached for last time out and the Querari gelding finished third behind Gamer. The three-year-old gelding does look hard to oppose in Race 4, a Maiden Plate over 1600m on the Vaal Classic track on Tuesday. Jockey Gavin Lerena has ridden Pioneer Square in all four of his starts and he will know how to get the best out of him by now. It is a tough card but jockey Ryan Munger has picked up some good rides and could win Races 1, 4 and 8. The best of them looks to come up in Race 1, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1200m, where Munger rides Sean Tarry-trained Tana Maree. This filly is knocking hard at the door with two recent runner-up performances and should go one better. Munger also rides the filly Instant Attraction for father-in-law Craig Mayhew and this filly is overdue for her first victory. In Race 8, a MR 78 Handicap over 1200m, Paul Revere is an improving sort and should give a very good account of himself in a weak race. Clive Robinson

The highly anticipated Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill Gardens is upon us, promising one of the most thrilling and prestigious days in global racing. With five Group 1s lighting up the track, it’s an unmissable racing event for fans across the world! The highlight of the day is the Golden Slipper, the richest prize in two-year-old racing, featuring a field of the 16 best young horses in the region. Wodeton, tipped as the early favourite before even making his debut, will look to finally live up to the hype, with powerhouse connections including Coolmore Stud, legendary trainer Chris Waller, and the world’s best jockey, James McDonald, in his corner. With a favourable draw in barrier 2, Wodeton looks set to shine although he’ll need to be at his best after suffering two defeats in his recent starts, despite valid excuses. He faces stiff competition in a race that promises no easy victories. Taking him on is the undefeated Rivellino, trained by Kris Lees and ridden by the incomparable Hugh Bowman, who returns from Hong Kong to mount a challenge from barrier 3. Bowman, will bring his trademark confidence and expertise to this thrilling contest on a horse that hasn’t been beaten home by one horse in his career to date. The fillies have been leading the charge this season, with Bjorn Baker’s Within The Law standing out as a top contender. Baker has been on fire this year, training winners at a blistering strike rate. SKY Racing’s form expert Brad Gray teams up with Kiersten Duke to offer an in-depth race preview and provide their expert insights on who will take home the coveted prize. To help you make sense of the action, Brad has also crafted a detailed speed map to show how the runners are likely to line up.

Malaysian racing makes its return to Selangor on Sunday, March 23rd, with an exciting 12-race card and highly competitive action expected throughout the day. Seven-year-old galloper OUR SECRET WEAPON looks primed to claim the major prize in the 1020m Class 4 contest at Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Having arrived with consistent form from Singapore, OUR SECRET WEAPON has maintained that standard since joining the in-form Nick Selvan stable. The gelding has recorded one win and three minor placings from six Malaysian starts, including a breakthrough victory in Class 4 company over 1200m on February 2. A reliable beginner, OUR SECRET WEAPON is expected to be prominent from the outset in a race that lacks early pace. With two placings over Sunday’s track and distance, and the stable coming off a winning double last weekend, he should prove to be the one to beat. In the opening event, seven-year-old KHAO MANEE piques plenty of interest. Last seen finishing fifth at Kranji on Grand Singapore Gold Cup Day last October, he was forced to settle off the speed and attacked the line strongly late in a slowly run 1600m race. Resuming after a 169-day break, he has trialled well and looks capable of making a winning start to his Malaysian racing career in Class 5B. There was hidden merit in LIM’S CRAFT’s fifth-place finish at Supreme B level last time out. After overcoming a slow start and being urged early to stay in touch with the field, he finished strongly in the straight, closing to within four lengths over 1200m. With a clean jump, he is poised to make amends in Race 7.

Eager to repay owner and trainer loyalty, Ben Thompson aims to complete a remarkable chapter in his career when Bundle Award chases victory in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (23 March). Thompson clinched the mount on Bundle Award with a patient and perfectly-timed ride on the Shamus Award gelding over 1800m at Sha Tin on 9 March to secure a crucial rise in the handicap to 86 and a place in the Derby field. “It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m very grateful to his owner, Colin Lo, and John Size for the opportunity,” Thompson said. “To pick up the ride on him last time after riding him in his first start here, he was a horse that I was very, very hopeful of getting back on and to do that and to win and be in Hong Kong’s biggest race is a huge thrill. “He was fantastic last time and it came as no surprise, given his credentials before landing in Hong Kong, his win two starts prior and runs behind some nice horses in each of his five runs here. There were plenty of merit to all of those performances.” Ridden quietly last start, Bundle Award steamed home over the final 400m in 22.11s to down fellow BMW Hong Kong Derby aspirants Markwin (second) and Lo Rider (fourth) and, after drawing barrier nine this weekend, Thompson could adopt similar tactics on Sunday. “Unlike most draws leading into a feature race, I really wasn’t too concerned. I’m not sure how John Size or connections were thinking or hopeful for, but I think he showed off his turn of foot the other day, it’s not essential to draw a certain alley,” Thompson said. “Barrier nine’s nice. Actually, it’s funny on the way over I said to my wife Steph that I just want a number that feels lucky and my brother’s born on the 9th, so hopefully that brings us some luck.” Echoing Thompson’s hopes of maiden BMW Hong Kong Derby success is his Australian compatriot Brenton Avdulla, who partners HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) victor Rubylot from barrier four. “He begins, switches off and he’s got a change-up speed, so he’s got three brilliant things going for him. It will be interesting to see how he handles the 2000m – I think he will (handle it),” Avdulla said. “He’s a lovely-moving horse and the way he finished in the Classic Cup should hold him in good stead for the 2000m. Anyone who comes to Hong Kong wants to win a Derby, so it would be a massive thrill. “Obviously, California Spangle has been a pin-up horse for me since I’ve been here, but Rubylot is getting there and if he can win a Hong Kong Derby, it would be very special.” Bundle Award and Rubylot face 12 rivals in the third and final leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series – My Wish, Johannes Brahms, Stunning Peach, Packing Angel, Mickley, Noisy Boy, Cap Ferrat, Steps Ahead, Californiatotality, Markwin, Lo Rider and Beauty Alliance. Seven-time champion jockey Zac Purton took another crucial step forward in his return to race riding this morning (Friday, 21 March) when he partnered Ka Ying Rising to an impressive 1200m barrier trial win on dirt at Sha Tin. Sitting in second place until well into the straight, the world’s highest-rated sprinter cruised past Sword Point to win by one and three-quarter lengths in 1m 10.24s ahead of his start in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on 30 March. “I wouldn’t say I’m fully recovered, but I’m a long way down the track,” Purton said. “I’m gearing up for a return next week. (Ka Ying Rising) just did what we expect from him this morning – he just keeps improving all the time. “He seems to do it easier all the time. His mental attitude, he seems to be handling it better all the time. He enjoyed himself. I’m looking forward to the races ahead.” Subject to a medical clearance, Purton is expected to have a full book of rides on his return, including Galaxy Patch in the HK$5.35 million G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m). Purton guided Pierre Ng’s galloper into second place behind He Was You in this morning’s second batch of trials. Sunday’s (23 March) BMW Hong Kong Derby Day meeting starts with the Class 4 Luger Handicap (1400m) at 1pm. The BMW Hong Kong Derby is carded as Race 7 and will be run at 4.05pm. By Leo Schlink

The Kings Cup to be run over a mile at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday is always a reminder that South Africa’s Champions Season is on the horizon and with a healthy stake on offer it is an opportunity for some to warm up their engines and for others, possibly lessor lights, to grab a slice of the stake before the big guns are in action. Narina Trogon and Formagear fall into the latter category although they may still prove me wrong. On current form there was not much more than a head separating the pair when last they met in the Fever Tree Handicap at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Mike Miller’s runner was finishing his race off the better of the pair to snaffle third close home and as they meet on the same weight terms and jumping off alongside of each other there should not be much between them again with Narina Trogon just earning the nod. Tienie Prinsloo is never afraid to pit his fillies against males and Miss Platina won well enough last start and escaped the handicappers. She has another light weight and Muzi Yeni stays aboard which is always a bonus. Gladatorian is the class horse in the race but has not been out since December. Stuart Ferrie’s charge will have bigger fish to fry come Champions Season but he is not without a chance. There is an early start to the meeting with a ten-race programme and the first off at 11.40, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1400m. Gotta Go Eddie was sent out a short-priced favourite on debut but had to play second fiddle to the Michael Roberts-trained Fortress Of Fire who looks to be at least useful at this stage. The step up in trip should suit Gotta Go Eddie and barring a ‘springer’ he should get the meeting off to a winning start. In the second, Broadway Girl showed up nicely first run back from a short break and Stuart Ferrie’s mare goes well this trip. Palermo has been improving steadily and is seldom far back. This trip should suit although he has it all to do at the weights. Shoot The Rapids has been rested and gelded and although the class horse in the race he will probably need this outing over a trip well short of his best. Bad Medicine has his first run for Alyson Wright and comes with some useful Highveld form where he has been well supported in the market. Gavin Lerena stays with the ride which is a bonus. Silver Platter returns from a break but is lightly raced and he has improved at recent outings while Fire Force has not been far back at his last two and can improve on his last run when returning from a short break. JP’s Palace has yet to run a bad race for Darryl Moore but has a fair weight to shoulder in the opening leg of the Pick 6. However he will benefit from Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance. Arverni King seldom runs a bad race and has been knocking at the door for late. He is course and distance suited while National Dream has his third run after a break and should strip at his peak The fifth is an open handicap but Future Saint has been improving slowly and this looks to be the right race. Animal Impact is way better than his last effort when ridden by an apprentice and has his third run after a break. Run To Rio is having his third run after a rest and has not been far back of late. Field Marshal looked to be out of his depth in a feature last time out but ran a cracker for Frank Robinson, only being run out of it late. He takes on weaker in the sixth and has a corresponding jump in weight to contend with but has the best of the draw. Kitchakal is never far off them but got a two-point raise in the handicap for his last effort. However, he has been consistent for Duncan Howells. Of the balance, Sign Of Fate needed her last run over a sprint and can do better over this trip with a handy weight while Mascherina returns from a break but is useful and one to watch in the market although she does seem to prefer Hollywoodbets Scottsville. In the eighth, Burning Man has been in good form since being fitted with blinkers but was a beaten favourite at his last two. He can make amends for Frikkie Greyling. Danger could be Sonata Samaritan who although taking on males has yet to run a bad race. She has taken a two-point drop in the handicap which will help her cause. Rooster Bradshaw was not far back in his handicap debut and does show some promise while The Gliding Fish is way better than his last run and steps up to a more suitable trip. He could be the surprise package. The last leg of the Pick 6 is a tricky affair but Festival Of Magic has run two promising races since arriving in KZN. He has been dropping in the handicap and from a handy draw he should be a contender. Papa C has shown up well since returning from a break and has his third run since the lay-off. He was a close-up second last start but has drawn a little wide. Jazz Festival and Red Mountain are others to consider. The tenth is an open sprint but Twenty One May was touched off last run and has been consistent over the distance. He has a handy galloping weight and should be a contender. Gavin Lerena replaces the apprentices aboard Connery who although drawn wide does appear to enjoy the turn to the Scottsville straight which could see him to his sixth win. Vision To Achieve is battling for her next win but has been dropping in the handicap and with only 50kg to shoulder she could finally notch her third success. Andrew Harrison

There is an eight-race programme at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday and both Justin Snaith and Glen Kotzen have strong form runners and could be the trainers to follow. Snaith sends out two royally bred horses who could finally reward followers while Kotzen has the best bet on the card. Good For You who runs in Race 2, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1250m, stands out as the banker on the day. The Legislate gelding earlier showed fair potential over 1000m, a distance that looked short considering his pedigree and then was beaten in a close finish by Vaughan Marshall’s smart colt Dreamworld over the more suitable 1200m. The latter has since come out to run a cracking second in the Cape Racing Sales Slipper behind Military Command and had classy Black Cheetah and Clair De Lune among others beaten. Good For You went on to run fourth in the Grade 3 Cape Of Good Hope Nursery. It is strong form but keep an eye out for the first-timers, although it will take a hot sort to beat him. Kotzen-trained filly Golden Angel started off her career in decent style, running third behind Mai Sensation who dominated a good field last weekend. She went on to win with a powerful finish thereafter but then seemed to battle through a few assignments and those races looked to have to come too soon. She is running in a wide-open 1400m heat but is taking a steep drop in class in Race 5, a Class 5 Handicap, where she is taking on males but could nevertheless be a cut above her field. Snaith has already had a great season so far in the Western Cape which culminated in his winning the Grade 1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met with exciting colt Eight On Eighteen who then went on to capture the Grade 1 Splashout Cape Derby. But in Races 4 and 6 respectively he sends out two more three-year-olds that could be under the radar. Powerandtheglory is a gelded Gimmethegreenlight half-brother to Snaith’s Cape Guineas and Met hero Double Superlative, but while he came home an impressive winner in his second start he didn’t step up on that. Nevertheless, he has not finished far off Eric Sand-trained Gallic Dream and in his last start, his first after gelding, he seemed to settle better and made some progress. He has been given the best of the draws in Race 4, a B Stakes, and it could be his time to stake his claim for the upcoming big races. The same can be said of Regulation who could be hard to beat in Race 6, a Class 4 Handicap. He is related to Snaith’s well-handicapped Durban July winner Belgarion and he has won more races, admittedly when not fancied. But he was heavily fancied when unlucky in his last two. It is obvious that he is also showing a lot more now matured. Clive Robinson

David Hayes is aiming to scale a familiar peak when Rubylot lines up in Sunday’s (23 March) HK$26 million 148th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin. Hayes trained 458 winners from 1995/96 to 2004/05 – a period when he was also twice Hong Kong Champion Trainer (1997/98 & 1998/99) in an era against the likes of Ivan Allan, John Moore and Brian Kan, and Hayes also famously won the 2003 Hong Kong Derby with Elegant Fashion – the first filly to land the Classic since Corvette in 1976. Returning for his second Hong Kong training stint in 2020/21, Hayes – a proven winner everywhere he has gone – encountered a slower comeback to the city than anticipated, scoring 32 wins (2020/21), 36 (2021/22) and 34 (2022/23) in the seasons that followed. The Australian Racing Hall of Famer moved closer to the heights he is accustomed to with 47 wins last campaign – led by Ka Ying Rising (five wins), Tomodachi Kokoroe (four), Samarkand (four), Lucky Encounter (three) and Rubylot (three), who has excelled with three more victories in 2024/25 including this month’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m). “I’ve got a really good group of horses spread across all grades, and the horses aren’t moving anymore and that’s a huge help,” Hayes said. “When horses move (stables) after they’ve dropped in class it can really slow you up. We’re loving Hong Kong and it has been a good season – maybe there’s a little bit more to come.” Hayes is on track to eclipse last season’s total. He has 38 wins through 54 of the 88 race meetings, four shy of championship leader John Size (42 wins). Hayes has also netted HK$91.54 million in earnings – the highest in any season he has trained in Hong Kong, primarily from the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising’s three Group 1 triumphs. Saddling Rubylot in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby against 13 rivals, Hayes put the Rubick gelding through a turf gallop on Monday morning (17 March) in preparation, clocking 1m 23.0s (29.7, 29.1, 24.2) under big-race rider Brenton Avdulla. “Brenton was very happy with him. He’s a fit horse and in great shape. He’s had a perfect preparation and like a lot of them he’s unknown at the distance, but the way he finished the 1800 (metres) off tells me that it won’t be a problem,” Hayes said. Owned by the HK Football Club Horse Racing Syndicate and rated 100, Rubylot is a six-time winner in Hong Kong, including once at Class 2 level. The trainer is wary of HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) winner My Wish this weekend. “We couldn’t have asked him to do much more in his four-year-old year. Obviously, Mark Newnham’s horse (My Wish) is a quality horse and he’s shown consistent form through the main lead ups,” Hayes said. “What you have to weigh up is how much more improvement those progressive Class 3 and Class 2 horses have. It’s the same every year, some years they step up and other years they don’t.” Across his first term training in Hong Kong, Hayes enjoyed four 50-plus win seasons, while his career-high 62 came in his championship year of 1997/98 with a 12.4%-win strike rate. Rapper Dragon (2017) and Golden Sixty (2020) are the only Hong Kong Classic Cup winners over the last 10 years to also capture the BMW Hong Kong Derby. By Declan Schuster

Trainer Alan Greeff seems to hold all the aces ahead of Friday’s race meeting at Fairview, where two Listed features, the East Cape Guineas and East Cape Sprint Cup, headline the nine-race card. The East Cape Guineas is also the second leg of the East Cape Sophomore Challenge, and after romping to a 2.25-length victory in the opening leg, the Ibhayi Stakes over 1400m, My Best Shot looks hard to oppose. A seven-time winner from 13 outings, My Best Shot already boasts a victory over 1600m and having completed a hat-trick in the Ibhayi Stakes, should keep his momentum going. Rather disappointingly, he will face only five challengers, with two of these his stable companions Splicethemainbrace and Master Forester. Splicethemainbrace is a nine-time winner from 11 runs and arguably by far the best three-year-old filly in the Eastern Cape, so watching her go head-to-head with My Best Shot is a race to look forward to. Richard Fourie has been the regular jockey on both of Greeff’s star three-year-olds, and he will be aboard My Best Shot on Friday, with in-form Ryan Munger contracted to steer Splicethemainbrace. While Greeff holds the aces, it could be Zietsman Oosthuizen who produces the joker in the form of Waheed. This Time Thief gelding will be making his Fairview debut having relocated to the Eastern Cape from the Highveld yard of Mike and Mathew de Kock. Waheed has contested five graded races without being disgraced, so there’s no denying he is held in high regard. In the East Cape Sprint Cup, the Greeff-trained Fairy Knight is sure to attract cash in heaps. This gelded son of Global View won both the Ibhayi Stakes and the East Cape Guineas last season. He has, however, been doing his best work over 1200m recently and will be aiming to complete a 1200m hat-trick. The only concern is that Fairy Knight is coming off a break, which opens the door for Gavin Smith’s three-year-old Kingdundee. A three-time winner as a juvenile, Kingdundee cantered in to take the honours in a Pinnacle Stakes in his first outing after turning three, beating the likes of Cliff Top by 2.25-lengths If that run is any indication of his ability, he could well take this race in his stride and prove he is the young prince of Fairview ready to challenge for the crown. Clive Robinson

The weekday race meeting at Turffontein on Thursday 20 March promises to be highly competitive with four Class B events on the eight-race card. The first of these is Race 2, a Graduation Plate over 1200m, where Grand Crescendo appeals most. This gelded son of One World started his career in Cape Town when still a juvenile but did not make any impact. Brought up-country, he scored a quick-fire double over 1400m. So impressive was his development that trainer Candice Dawson entered him in the Grade 1 Champion Stakes for two-year-olds at Greyville, where he finished third, beaten less than a length by VJ’s Angel. After that run he was given a break. His comeback run was in the Grade 2 Joburg Spring Challenge, but on that day everything that could go wrong, did. Last time out he showed why he is so highly rated and was just pipped by Winds Of Change, another runner who has placed in a Grade 1 race. On Thursday Grand Crescendo should get back to winning ways being the best weighted and stripping fitter. He should, however, expect both Musical Score and Buffalo Storm Cody to breathe down his neck all the way. Musical Score, trained by Lucky Houdalakis, drops back to his best distance after trying his luck in the Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas last time out. It will be his first run since being gelded, and that may just bring about more improvement. Buffalo Storm Cody, from Tony Peter’s yard, also makes his comeback as a gelding and looks ready to prove his class. In Race 7, a FM88 Handicap over 1000m, lightly raced Fastnet Filly is the one to be with as she continues her hot streak for the father-and-son team of Brett and James Crawford now that she races on the Highveld. Five of her nine career runs have come since she turned five and they have yielded three victories and two close runner-up finishes. This daughter of Fastnet Rock also started her career in Cape Town without success but has been on a tremendous upward trajectory since relocating to the Highveld. She is now rated 20 points higher at 87 since her move up-country and has taken every ratings increase in her stride. From gate 3, and with Kabelo Matsunyane again in the saddle, she will take a power of beating. Clive Robinson

Aurora Lady (128lb) and Beauty Destiny (125lb) are two of this season’s success stories at Happy Valley and tomorrow night (Wednesday, 19 March) the duo clashes for a second time in a hotly contested HK$2.84 million Class 2 Sports Handicap (1200m). Both four-time winners at city circuit this term, Aurora Lady and Beauty Destiny have consistently raised the bar throughout the 2024/25 campaign. The pair met last December for the only time with Aurora Lady successful over a fast-closing Beauty Destiny by a short head. Pierre Ng trains Aurora Lady, who will be ridden by James Orman from barrier one. Beauty Destiny pairs with trusted accomplice Andrea Atzeni for trainer Frankie Lor in stall 10. Atzeni, who coincidentally rode both horses to their last-start victories, said: “They’re two completely different horses. Aurora Lady has beaten me before but only because the two of them race differently – one goes forward and one goes back. “Aurora Lady is obviously going to get his chance because he jumps and gives himself that opportunity by going forward to lead or sit second. With my horse, Beauty Destiny, he’s a horse who you can’t force early and he needs luck in running. He might be the better horse but he does need more luck than Aurora Lady.” Son Pak Fu (135lb), Full Credit (130lb), Brave Star (126lb), Superb Capitalist (125lb), Swift Ascend (124lb), Harmony N Blessed (123lb), Gustosisimo (121lb), Stellar Express (121lb), Bundle Of Charm (120lb) and Wings Of War (119lb) complete the quality line-up, which has collectively accumulated 21 wins this season from 10 of the 12 runners in total. Since reverting to being ridden conservatively, Beauty Destiny has thrived and he will aim to continue a productive season when he makes the leap in class on Wednesday evening. “Beauty Destiny has been very consistent but he’s up into Class 2 now and against a very competitive field. Stepping up to Class 2, I was thinking hopefully there aren’t too many runners but it’s a very tough field – horses who are competitive and winning at the level,” Atzeni said. “He’s going to have to up his game again but he’s done nothing wrong so far and he’s entitled to take his chance.” Hailing from Sardinia, Italy, Atzeni partners Ng’s Johannes Brahms in Sunday’s (23 March) HK$26 million 148th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin. Atzeni and Ng teamed with Ka Ying Generation to finish third in the 2024 running of the race. “He’s (Johannes Brahms) a good ride to get. It looks like a very competitive field and a very open race but he has the form in the book,” Atzeni said. Johannes Brahms is a two-time winner in Hong Kong. The 95-rating Siyouni gelding finished third in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) last start behind Rubylot and My Wish, both of whom reoppose in Sunday’s blue riband at Sha Tin. Lyle Hewitson rides Full Credit from barrier seven in Happy Valley’s finale. Mark Newnham’s consistent Va Pensiero galloper has won once this season and placed six times over a variety of course and distances. “I think he’s shown his versatility – he’s run well at Happy Valley and Sha Tin, on the turf and the dirt, and over the 1000 (metres) or 1200,” Hewitson said. “His only go at Happy Valley, I thought, was a decent effort. He was pressured getting to the lead and he had to do quite a bit of work. He was there for a long time, he looked good at the top of the straight and he was only collared late. “He should be better for that experience and he’s maintained a good level of form.” Wednesday’s (19 March) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.35pm with the Class 5 Bowrington Handicap (1650m). By Declan Schuster

Trainer Garth Puller has some interesting runners at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Wednesday. Beautifully bred Izibulo beat a horse that has gone through the divisions and that could be the form line to be with. As to the best race of the day, Mike Miller’s Abaddon, one of the best finishers around, could make in three wins in a row. Not only is Izibulo by stallion of the moment, Lancaster Bomber, but she is out of an Ideal World mare, so is bred in the purple. As a juvenile she took a few runs to get the hang of things but once she did, she showed decent potential. She beat Warrior Royale then, and while Izibulo has dropped in ratings, the latter has since gone through the divisions winning three from her last four (won easily last week), sitting with a merit rating of 96 with more to come. Izibulo, who travelled smoothly when winning her maiden run over 1400m at Scottsville, never looked like weakening, she must be underrated with a rating of 79. She dropped a few points after needing her last two and having secured a plum gate in Race 6 could remain unbeaten now back to her best track and trip. For good measure Puller has also engaged the services of up-and-coming apprentice Jacey Botes, who claims 4kg. Puller also has Sanbeenee, in the race before (Race 5). The Futura filly has yet to show at Scottsville but her last run on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was amazing to see. She came from an impossible position to run second, beaten 0.90 lengths by Flying Reign Storm on the Polytrack and it may be that she has needed time to mature. She has run well over 1800m and 1900m and but the slight drop to 1750m could be ideal. Like Izibulo she runs in a competitive race and could jump as something of a value proposition. Both Master Du Rouvray (Race 4) and Abaddon (Race 8) appeal as possible bankers on the day. The former runs for trainer Mark Dixon who hasn’t had the best of starts to the year. But his Master Of My Fate gelding whom he has rated in the past finished 12 lengths clear of the third-placed runner Tickalox when second to Highveld form horse Kwagga Blitz and he could turn things around. Miller, on the other hand, has had one of his better seasons. He is the trainer of earlier-mentioned Warrior Royale, and in Abaddon he has a horse who could also be headed for better things. The Flying The Flag gelding is a lightly raced four-year-old who has produced outstanding finishes to win two difficult races in a row. In Race 8 which is a Class 4 run over 1200m he is running in the toughest field on the day but the fact that he beat hard knockers All The Time, Gorgeous Guy and Masterbling in his first run out of the maidens in his first run at the track on soft ground coming from the worst draw must say something about his ability. Clive Robinson

Thirteen races took place on Sunday the 16th of March at the Selangor Turf Club with three feature races taking place including the first leg of the Triple Crown series, the Equine Sanctuary Tunku Gold Cup for RM300,000. The first of the features took place in race 7, the UPBH Platinum Horse Club Trophy, contested over 1400m. Achilles Pegasus jumped as a short priced favourite and managed to shrug off the only danger, Pulse Bomb, despite coming together in the closing stages and an objection being laid against the winner. However, the objection was overruled and the result stood as the W Lim trained runner took home the RM62,000 race and was a good win for jockey A Azizi. The Equine Sanctuary Tunku Gold Cup took place in race 9 on the program and racegoers would have noticed the important scratching of Golden Pegasus which allowed the emergency acceptor Noah Khan, from the S Siva stable, to gain a run which certainly opened the race up. Based on the  formline of a Supreme A Stakes race from three weeks ago , Noah Khan had to be considered a big runner as he had beaten all of Witnessimpact, Pacific Vampire, Super Salute and Good Fight from that race. There was plenty of pace on from the moment the gates opened as Pacific Vampire tried to set the track record with a blistering pace up front and pretty much set up any horse that had settled midfield to be able to finish off strongly. Al Da Silva had the perfect run in transit and was able to quicken turning for home to win by over a length. Antipodean ran another honest race in second and Platinum Emperor flew up from almost last turning for home to finish third. Stable companion Platinum Fort completed the quartet in fourth. The last of the feature races took place in race 10 which was the Equine Sanctuary Trophy over 1200m and ended up as the Pacific Stable exacta as Pacific Victory took home the honours with stable companion from the J Ong stable, Pacific Master finishing runner up. This was PH Seow’s second winner for the day as she rode Pacific Beauty in the second for the same owner and trainer combination. Overall it was a mixed day results wise with a few big upsets but it was a fantastic occasion for trainer S Siva with his first Tunku Gold Cup victory and certainly a day he won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Bidding for a record-extending 13th Hong Kong trainers’ championship, John Size forged to a four-win lead in the 2024/25 standings with a treble at Sha Tin on Saturday (15 March) as the master horseman targets a fourth BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) triumph next weekend. Size boosted his tally to 42 wins and cemented his place at the top of the trainers’ standings over David Hayes (38) after striking with Crossborderpegasus, Lifeline Express and Juneau Pride – eight days out from saddling Bundle Award, Mickley and Beauty Alliance in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby. The Australian combined with Crossborderpegasus under Hugh Bowman in the Class 4 Azalea Handicap (1200m) and also scored with Lifeline Express for Andrea Atzeni in the Class 3 Angelonia Handicap (1200m) and Juneau Pride under Brenton Avdulla in the second section of the Class 3 Cosmos Handicap (1400m). In a familiar scenario, Size’s stable has hit its straps after a sedate opening to the season. In five meetings this month alone, Size has slotted 10 wins, including a treble and three doubles in a powerhouse surge. Bowman boosted his tally to 48 wins – a haul bettered only by sidelined Zac Purton (84) – with wins on Crossborderpegasus, Sunlight Power for Ricky Yiu in the Class 2 The Kowloon Tong Club Trophy Handicap (1600m) and Monarch County for Caspar Fownes in the Class 4 Hydrangea Handicap (1400m). “It’s been a good day. I had some nice rides. Take it when you can,” Bowman said before praising Sunlight Power’s effort. “It was a pretty solid speed set up front that suited him and obviously he’s performed well on rain-affected ground before and he just got into a beautiful rhythm and his class shone.” Bowman was similarly effusive about Crossborderpegasus, a Rich Enuff three-year-old who is undefeated in two starts. “He (Crossborderpegasus) is an exciting horse, he’s got plenty of points in hand and he does have that tendency to lay in – which he needs to overcome as he goes up in the rating points – but we won’t be too critical of him at his second run in a race,” Bowman said. Size said: “He’s going well. He’s certainly got a bit of ability and it’s just a matter of developing that. If he can improve on that, it will be promising for his future.” Having finished second four times narrowly this season – twice by a short head and twice by a head – Lifeline Express improved his overall record to two wins, six seconds and three thirds for prizemoney of HK$4.36 million with a deserved victory. Relishing rain-affected conditions, Hong Kong International Sale graduate Monarch County claimed his first win at his fifth attempt for Fownes in the Class 4 Hydrangea Handicap (1400m). Manfred Man claimed a double with Super Strong Kid, who impressed with victory in the Class 4 Chinese Hibiscus Handicap (1000m) under Matthew Chadwick, and Gold Master, who finished powerfully under Atzeni to win the Class 4 The Association Of Hong Kong Racing Journalists Challenge Cup Handicap (1800m). David Hayes scored with three-year-old World Hero, who broke through at his 10th start under Luke Ferraris in the Class 5 Snapdragon Handicap (1200m) to stay within striking distance of Size in the trainers’ championship. “He (World Hero) is only three, so I’d expect him to have his better seasons next year and the year after. It just seems like he’s been here a long time as he came here as a two-year-old. Physically, he’ll get better as he matures. I’ve always thought he’s a 1400m (horse) and miler.” Avdulla strengthened his grip on third place in the jockeys’ championship with 33 wins after a double, having successfully joining forces with Pierre Ng’s Soaring Bronco to land the Class 5 Dahlia Handicap (1600m) before Harry Bentley guided Hong Lok Golf to a brave victory over Size-trained Sky Jewellery in the first section of the Class 3 Cosmos Handicap (1400m). Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (19 March). By Leo Schlink

The RM300,000 Group 1 Equine Sanctuary Tunku Gold Cup (1200m), the first leg of the Triple Crown Series, will feature a full field of 14 contenders this Sunday afternoon at Selangor Turf Club. No. 1 AWESOME STORM: A seasoned campaigner, his recent form has been mixed, with a third-place finish at Supreme A company in his last start. However, carrying top weight remains a significant concern. No. 2 SUPER SALUTE: This former Singapore galloper has shown promise in all three of his starts in Malaysia, though he is yet to win. If he can recapture the form that saw him win feature races at Kranji, he will be a strong contender. No. 3 ANTIPODEAN: With an impressive record of nine wins from 12 starts, he is undoubtedly the most progressive horse in Malaysia in recent years. He is well weighted against most of his rivals in this feature and looks on track to claim his second victory at the highest level. No. 4 PLATINUM EMPEROR: Formerly racing in Macau, he exceeded expectations with a dominant win in a 5YO race on his local debut. Since then, he has trialled impressively and looks to be a strong contender to give trainer Ricky Choi his first Group 1 victory. No. 5 PLATINUM FORT: The other runner from Ricky Choi’s stable, he faces an uphill task to make his local debut in a Group 1 event. A place finish seems his best chance. No. 6 ARIGATO: Blessed with great early speed, he made all with an effortless victory in a Supreme A race last time out. However, with a larger field this time, the expected fast pace may not play to his advantage. No. 7 CHINESE TEA: A consistent front-runner, he may struggle against the tougher competition in this week’s field, having failed to place in five previous starts at Group 1 level. No. 8 SHIRVO: He has shown promise, finishing second in both of his local starts. Despite facing tough competition this week, a Top 3 finish would not be surprising. No. 9 CHEVAL BLANC: One of the most versatile horses in Malaysia in recent years, he has claimed victories over distances ranging from 1200m to 2000m, including three Group 1 wins. If he is overlooked in the market this week, he is certainly worth considering. No. 10 PACIFIC VAMPIRE: He is likely to be the first to reach the 400m mark, but his ability to sustain the effort in the straight is highly questionable, as indicated by his recent performances. No. 11 WITNESSIMPACT: Although winless from nine overseas starts, he has been a revelation since moving to Malaysia, with five victories from eight outings. Given his rapid progress, he must be considered one of the better chances. No. 12 TE AKAU BEN: His recent form has been promising, although he typically performs best over 1400m or above. However, if the pace is set too fast up front, he could sneak into the placings at long odds. No. 13 GOOD FIGHT: He finished a solid third in the Group 1 Perak Derby two weeks ago, but the significant drop in distance from 2000m to 1200m may raise concerns. No. 14 GOLDEN PEGASUS: This quality five-year-old has been placed in both of his Group 1 starts, so he should not be overlooked, despite being poorly weighted under this week’s racing conditions. No. 15 NOAH KHAN (EA1): He scored a 5.25-length victory at big odds in Supreme A company last time out. If he can replicate that performance, he will be a genuine contender here. No. 16 RENZO (EA2): After an all-the-way victory in a small field of three last week, he will face much tougher competition at Group 1 level this time. No. 17 EMERALD LISI (EA3): Given his narrow win in Class 3 last start, it will be a challenge for him to finish in the Top 3. Given the size of the field, a fast pace is expected, which could benefit horses like ANTIPODEAN, SUPER SALUTE, PLATINUM EMPEROR, WITNESSIMPACT, and TE AKAU BEN. Other contenders, including SHIRVO, CHEVAL BLANC, and GOOD FIGHT, are also in the mix. Additionally, the race conditions favour higher-rated horses over their lower-rated counterparts.

My Wish and Rubylot head an enthralling group of 14 selected runners for the HK$26 million 148th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin next Sunday (23 March) – the supreme test for Hong Kong’s four-year-old bracket all chasing once-in-a-lifetime glory. Victorious in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), the first leg of the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series, My Wish shoots for a fifth Hong Kong win and first in the city’s most sought-after contest for his trainer Mark Newnham. Rubylot is the highest rated runner in the field on 100. Successful in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, Rubylot will aim to give two-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer (1997/98 & 1998/99) David Hayes a second Classic win in Hong Kong after super filly Elegant Fashion captured the 2003 edition. First run in 1873, the BMW Hong Kong Derby is restricted to four-year-old runners over 2000m. Past winners of the coveted crown include River Verdon (1991), Oriental Express (1997), Vengeance Of Rain (2005), Viva Pataca (2006), Ambitious Dragon (2011), Designs On Rome (2014), Werther (2016), Rapper Dragon (2017), Golden Sixty (2020), Romantic Warrior (2022) and Voyage Bubble (2023). Last year’s BMW Hong Kong Derby was won by Massive Sovereign. Joining the winners of the first two legs of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series – My Wish and Rubylot – is a cavalcade of stars compiling form references from many corners of the globe. Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said at today’s (Friday, 14 March) selection announcement: “I would like to congratulate all the owners of the 14 horses selected to run in the BMW Hong Kong Derby next Sunday, which we celebrate as the Hong Kong race which offers once-in-a-lifetime glory. “BMW Hong Kong Derby Day is one of the great sporting events and attractions in the city for our Hong Kong racing fans and our racing fans from around the world, with the race being broadcast in 26 countries. The Derby has a rich history stretching back more than 150 years to 1873. To have a runner in the Derby field is an ambition for every horse owner, trainer and jockey in Hong Kong and is already a great achievement. And to win the BMW Hong Kong Derby is the ultimate. “The Derby has produced a string of world-class horses who have advanced to greatness on the world racing stage, none more so than our global champion Romantic Warrior who won the Derby in 2022. Romantic Warrior also holds the world record for prize money earned after winning Group 1 races in four separate jurisdictions. “This year’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series has been incredibly competitive with My Wish winning the Hong Kong Classic Mile and Rubylot winning the Hong Kong Classic Cup with both horses aim for a double in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series but they will be challenged by many rising stars. It is fair to say this year’s Derby is one of the most open in memory. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank BMW and Sime Motors Group (Hong Kong & Macau), which has been the Hong Kong Derby’s sponsor since 2013.” Second in the 2024 version with a fast-finishing Galaxy Patch, Pierre Ng will chase BMW Hong Kong Derby glory with two-time winner Johannes Brahms, who managed to close off for third in the Hong Kong Classic Cup. Legendary racing figure Tony Cruz and the BMW Hong Kong Derby have been intertwined since Cruz tasted his first success in the race as a jockey in 1983. He won the race three more times in 1987, 1988 and 1995, while as a trainer he has prevailed with Lucky Owners (2004) and Helene Mascot (2008). Cruz, 68, saddles Stunning Peach and five-time winner Californiatotality. Stunning Peach, formerly based in Ireland, made ground to finish sixth in the Hong Kong Classic Cup. Cruz’s wins as a jockey came aboard Co-Tack (1983), Tea For Two II (1987), Clear City (1988) and Makarpura Star (1995). Francis Lui swept all three legs of the 2020 Four-Year-Old Classic Series with Golden Sixty, who is only the second horse to achieve that feat after Rapper Dragon (2017), and Lui is represented by Packing Angel, Cap Ferrat and Steps Ahead. John Size has won the BMW Hong Kong Derby three times with Fay Fay (2012), Luger (2015) and Ping Hai Star (2018). Hong Kong’s master horseman – a 12-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer – fields Bundle Award, Mickley and Beauty Alliance this year. Bundle Award raced into contention for Size after posting a last-to-first Class 2 success earlier this month at Sha Tin under jockey Ben Thompson, who rides the horse again, while a pair of brilliant wins at Happy Valley, including last Wednesday (12 March) by over three lengths, sees an exciting Beauty Alliance complete Size’s trio. Following Massive Sovereign’s success in 2024, trainer Dennis Yip is going for a second straight triumph with Noisy Boy in the BMW Hong Kong Derby. A course and distance winner two starts ago in Class 2, Noisy Boy is aiming to bounce back after fading to 13th in the Hong Kong Classic Cup. A graduate of the 2024 Hong Kong International Sale, Markwin will be trainer Cody Mo’s first runner in the BMW Hong Kong Derby. The son of I Am Invincible has earned HK$4.4 million across nine runs headlined by two wins – including a last-start second to Bundle Award at Class 2 level to enhance his rating to 81. Caspar Fownes is a dual BMW Hong Kong Derby-winning trainer after Super Satin (2010) and Sky Darci (2021). The 57-year-old is represented by Harzand gelding Lo Rider – a two-time winner in Ireland at Cork and The Curragh before arriving in Hong Kong. Mr Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “The BMW Hong Kong Derby is one of the most prestigious races on the calendar – a once-in-a-lifetime challenge that every owner aspires to have a runner in, or better still, win. We are expecting 2025 to provide another memorable chapter to an enduring story of excellence, and as the 148th edition of the race in Hong Kong, we are immensely proud of its history.” “The honour roll speaks for itself. In recent years we have seen the likes of Golden Sixty, Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble follow BMW Hong Kong Derby glory with Group 1 successes at Sha Tin and, overseas in the case of Romantic Warrior. The 2025 renewal is shaping as another remarkable edition with a host of incredible talents converging on Sha Tin next Sunday.” The race, which is limited to 14 runners, has four reserves: Mondial, Sky Heart, Pray For Mir and Sky Trust.