Good Council winning the Listed Aquanaut Handicap (Picture credit: JC Photos).

Fortune And Munger Have To Ensure SA Derby Is Test Of Stamina

Trainer and jockey need a strategy with their big race runner Good Council

David Mollett (Business Day)

Football pundits discussing Premier League matches in the UK often refer to tactics likely to be used, this also applies in racing. For Saturday’s WSB SA Derby at Turffontein, trainer Ashley Fortune and jockey Ryan Munger need a strategy with their big race runner, Good Council.

Fortune, tenth in last season’s trainers championship, has come a long way since she was in her twenties and assistant to Noelene Peech in Zimbabwe. In those days, she probably only dreamt of being a trainer — never mind having a runner in the grade 1 SA Derby.

The 41-year-old will saddle Good Council in Saturday’s race knowing she has one major factor in her favour — her runner will stay every metre of the 2,450m trip. The three-year-old proved that when beating older horses in the Aquanaut Handicap.

So the tactics Munger has to employ is to make the race a test of stamina — quite possibly he will have to make the running if the pace is slow.

Alec Laird has done a fine job with Billy Bowlegs and the Sea Cottage Stakes winner, and SA Classic third deserves his position as favourite.

In the 1,800m SA Classic, Billy Bowlegs was drawn 14 out of 16 so it was a good performance to get as close as he did to Anfields Rocket. Gavin Lerena will fancy his chances of taking top honours.

So will young Rachel Venniker who will travel to the city track knowing she’s got a big shout on Paul Matchett’s Gauteng Guineas winner, Eye Of The Prophet. The only worry is that — like Billy Bowlegs — her mount is yet to race beyond 1,800m.

Weiho Marwing will be more than happy that Keagan De Melo tuned up for the race with a four-timer at Scottsville on Wednesday and his Derby trial winner will try to follow in the hoofprints of the stable’s ill-fated Derby hero, Samurai Warrior.

The “joker in the pack” could be the Azzie stable representative, African Torrent, who was in the front rank for much of the way in the Derby Trial. Ridden with more restraint, he’s capable of finding a minor place.

After her game win in the SA Fillies Classic, Bless My Stars is understandably favourite for the Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer Oaks — a race named after a lady who graced the sport with such enthusiasm and dignity for so many years.

Bless My Stars finished two lengths in front of the Wilgerbosdrift owned and bred, None Other, in the Fillies Classic and the outcome hinges on who stays the 2,450m trip the best.

As this column has been in None Other’s corner throughout her career we’re not going to desert her now and — being out of a Dynasty mare — she should relish the step up in trip. The booking of Richard Fourie is another plus factor.

Bless My Stars’ dam, Star Express, retired a six-time winner and won from 1,200m-2,000m. Can her daughter stay the extra 450m? The person who can probably answer that question is jockey S’manga Khumalo as he’s ridden both fillies including a win over 1,800m on None Other.

Piere Strydom rides Lady Of Power and the Azzie inmate bids to turn it around with her SA Fillies Classic conqueror, Bless My Stars. There are positive vibes coming out of the stable but — examining her pedigree — there’s no indication she’ll get the trip.

Her dam, Duchess Delight, was unplaced in five starts and her half-sister, Glamorous Life, won three races between 1,300m and 1,600m.

Anfields Rocket looks like a shrewd purchase by the Hollywood Syndicate and the year can get even better for Grant Maroun if the son of Coup De Grace can land the R625,000 first cheque in the grade 1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes.

The problem for Maroun’s three-year-old is that he’s taking on two seasoned campaigners in Golden Ducat and Trip Of Fortune. On King’s Plate running, the former has the measure of his Cape opponent and his Met run — finishing ninth but only three lengths adrift of Jet Dark — suggests he’s a major player.

Then one has to factor in Sean Tarry’s runner, Under Your Spell, so the conclusion is that the 1,600m contest is best watched with three or four needed for jackpot and Pick 6 perms.

Meanwhile, there’s talk in the UK that Equinox — regarded as the best horse on the planet — may take in the Juddmonte International at York in August en route to the Arc in Paris. This writer has already witnessed wins by Frankel and Baaeed on the Knavesmire — this might top the lot.

SELECTIONS

1st Race: (4) Cosmic Star (2) Mayor Of Merrivale (9) Mia Fiore (1) Fort Lauderdale

2nd Race: (5) Climate Control (6) Zuzan (3) Tamarisk Tree (1) Supreme Dance

3rd Race: (4) Big Burn (1) Master Archie (2) Bartholdi (7) Hitemhardsunshine

4th Race: (5) Supreme Quest (7) Queen Of Shadows (3) Whafeef (4) Bard Of Avon

5th Race: (2) Quantum Theory (3) Gobsmacked (1) Mercantour (4) Maharanee

6th Race: (7) Anfields Rocket (3) Golden Ducat (9) Under Your Spell (5) Trip Of Fortune

7th Race: (5) Good Council (1) Billy Bowlegs (2) Eye Of The Prophet (10) Son Of Raj

8th Race: (5) None Other (1) Bless My Stars (6) Silver Hills (2) Lady Of Power

9th Race: (1) Shangani (2) Nebraas (3) Zeus (5) Flashy Apache

10th Race: (5) Ramchandani Road (8) Tiz Magic (4) Storm Dictator (1) Black Egret

Cousin Casey has shown a distinct liking for the tight Hollywoodbets Greyville turf track (Candiese Lenferna).

Cousin Casey Heads Byerley Turk Field

Cousin Casey’s ultimate mission this season is the Hollywoodbets Durban July and he starts off his SA Champions Season campaign in the same race Big City Life started in 2009 when giving trainer Glen Kotzen his first and only July victory.

Big City Life, who was coning off a win in the Cape Derby, finished a narrow second in the Byerley Turk, before winning the KRA Guineas, the Daily News 2000 and the Durban July.

Kotzen now starts Cousin Casey off in the Byerley Turk, run over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.

Cousin Casey will not have it easy keeping his unbeaten record at the city track.

The 122-rated son of Vercingetorix has drawn well for a change in two and Grant van Niekerk will be aboard as usual.

However, he has to give every other runner in the field 6kg.

An eyecatching runner among the opposition is the Erico Verdonese-trained 116-rated Jimmy Don, a Pathfork colt who possesses a blistering turn of foot.

He ran a four length fourth from a wide draw in the Grade 2 WSB Gauteng Guineas and followed that with a one length second in the Grade 1 WSB Classic over 1800m, when charging home from last place in the running.

The chief local hopes probably rest with the Mike Miller-trained Strawberry Bear, a grey gelding by Flying The Flag who is gaining a fan club such is the enthusiasm with which he runs.

However, there are other decent horses involved like Kitchakal (Duncan Howells), Imposing (Michael Roberts) and Captain Casey (Tony Rivalland), so it will be an intriguing contest.

Hollywoodbets have Cousin Casey at around 5/10, Jimmy Don at 3/1, Kitchakal at 10/1, Imposing and Captain Casey at 14/1 and Strawberry Bear at 17/1 with the other two in the race, Gold Index and Aerial Display, 40/1 and 50/1 respectively.

The At The Races tipster has selected Anfields Rocket to win the Grade 1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes (Picture: JC Photos).

Turffontein Standside Saturday April 1 Formguides, Selections

www.attheraces.com

1 11H50 – Spin With The Best WSB Maiden Plate

COSMIC STAR took a walk in the betting on debut but did well to run 2nd. With the experience gained could open the card on a favourable note for punters. FORT LAUDERDALE was just behind him then but needed the run and should give him a go. SAGAN and stablemate MAYOR OF MERRIVALE cannot be ignored for money. Filly MIA FIORE was beaten when hot favourite in her post-debut and warrants respect. Other filly HAPPY VIBES could make the Quartet. Watch newcomer ROYAL GUIDE.

Top Tip: COSMIC STAR (4)

Watch out for: FORT LAUDERDALE (1)

2 12H20 – World Sports Betting Spina Wina Mr 93 Divided Handicap

CLIMATE CONTROL and ZUZAN renew rivalry. On their recent meeting over 200m less, ZUZAN proved the better, beating his rival by just over a length but is 1kg worse off. It could get very close. TABEBUIA found problems last time so expect a big run. TAMARISK TREE attracts money but has let down followers before. SUPREME DANCE and CAPTAIN CHORUS are looking for minor money.

Top Tip: ZUZAN (6)

Watch out for: CLIMATE CONTROL (5)

3 12H55 – Citizen Pinnacle Stakes

BIG BURN is back over the minimum trip and the combo is on a hat-trick. With 2.5kg off her back could hold off ex-stablemate MASTER ARCHIE who races in new surroundings. BARTHOLDI was just in front of WINTER STORIES when they met in December a little over 2 lengths behind BIG BURN (1.5kg worse off) but WINTER STORIES bled and comes off a rest. HITHEMHARDSUNSHINE and FAUSTINO also race in new surroundings and both have ability – watch. BELLA CHICA can improve more.

Top Tip: MASTER ARCHIE (1)

Watch out for: BIG BURN (4)

4 13H30 – World Sports Betting Bet With The Best Middle Stakes

Good race. QUEEN OF SHADOWS gets the nod. She was runner-up in her last three starts and deserves her just reward. WHAFEEF needed his first run as a gelding and will come on heaps. HOME OF THE BRAVE and TIRPITZ meet stronger but looks to come on. Couplings INDLAMU and WILLOW EXPRESS as well as BARD OF AVON and MERIDIUS warrant inclusion in all bets. SUPREME QUEST has a chance if confirms form. There was something amiss with GLOBAL IMPACT last time.

Top Tip: QUEEN OF SHADOWS (7)

Watch out for: WHAFEEF (3)

5 14H05 – Europa Point Man O’ War Sprint (Grade 3) (3 Year-Olds)

The Europa Point Man O’ War Stakes (Grade 3) over 1100m for 3 year-olds opens up Jackpot 1 and punters need to include as many as they can afford. QUANTUM THEORY showed good early toe last time and will kick on. GOBSMACKED was 2nd on debut and has reeled off 4 straight wins subsequently. She is backed-up with MAHARANEE who has come right at the right time. FAR AWAY WINTER is ripe and ready. MERCANTOUR has matured but gives weight to all. MISS DAISY and KZN raider RULERSHIP can earn.

Top Tip: GOBSMACKED (3)

Watch out for: MERCANTOUR (1)

6 14H40 – HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes (Grade 1)

The HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes (Grade 1) over 1600m attracted a competitive field and many with claims. UNDER YOUR SPELL is back to best and on a hat-trick. She meets RED SAXON on 1kg worse terms for a length beating. It could go either way. PUERTO MANZANO had issues last time when with stablemate BINGWA were well behind the above mentioned two. ANFIELDS ROCKET surprised most over a longer trip but could prefer this distance. Others with claims.

Top Tip: ANFIELDS ROCKET (7)

Watch out for: RED SAXON (6)

7 15H15 – World Sports Betting SA Derby (Grade 1) (3 Year Olds)

The 3 year olds will need to prove their stamina in the World Sports Betting SA Derby (Grade 1) over 2450m. GOOD COUNCIL is the only one that has won over a marathon distance and gets the vote. BILLY BOWLEGS, EYE OF THE PROPHET, ELECTRIC GOLD, PARIS PIKE, TOP SAIL, AFRICAN TORRENT, FUTURE PEARL, RULE BY FORCE and SON OF RAJ are all bred to stay but will need to prove it

Top Tip: EYE OF THE PROPHET (2)

Watch out for: BILLY BOWLEGS (1)

8 15H50 – Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer Oaks (Grade 2) (3 Year-Old Fillies)

BLESS MY STARS is maturing and should make a gallant effort to capture the Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer Oaks (Grade 2) over 2450m. NONE OTHER was well beaten by her in the Classic and LADY OF POWER, RENY, SILVER HILLS and EMIRATE GINA appear held on that form line. Stablemates RARATONGA ROSE and NAMAQUA BLOSSOM have proven stamina but other inmate NONE OTHER is preferred. IPSO FACTO holds LITTLEMARYSUNSHINE and LIGHT OF DAY on recent form.

Top Tip: BLESS MY STARS (1)

Watch out for: NONE OTHER (5)

9 16H25 – World Sports Betting Caradoc Gold Cup (Grade 3)

The World Sports Betting Caradoc Gold Cup (Grade 3) could see a renewed battle between SHANGANI and NEBRAAS. Back in July they met over 2400m where SHANGANI beat his rival by a length but now meets him on 4kg worse terms. RAISEAHALLELUJAH does his best and could make the Trifecta. FLASHY APACHE, ZEUS, ARUMUGAM and IMPERIAL MASTER are looking for Quartet money.

Top Tip: NEBRAAS (2)

Watch out for: SHANGANI (1)

10 17H00 – Berry Blaze Mr 76 Handicap

BLACK EGRET wasn’t disgraced in his post-maiden but has drawn on the inside rail. TIZ MAGIC has drawn a little better but appears to be troubled by her breathing. LIL MISS MONEYBAGS found problems last time but could take advantage of a good draw. STORM DICTATOR is having his peak run after a rest and gelding. RAMCHANDANI ROAD and DARK TIDE could get into the reckoning.

Top Tip: STORM DICTATOR (4)

Watch out for: TIZ MAGIC (8)

Canadian Summer is the one to beat in the Grade 3 Umzimkhulu Stakes (Picture: Candiese Lenferna).

Hollywoodbets Greyville Sunday April 2 Preview

Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)

Most of the better horses are starting to warm up with Champions Season on the horizon. Many have not run for a while and are unlikely to be anywhere near their peak when they line up on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday so it should pay to follow the money.

Glen Kotzen saddles Cousin Casey in the Gr3 Byerley Turf who if anywhere near racing fit should have this race at his mercy. He has won two Graded features on this course and has cracking Cape Town form against the country’s best finishing under two lengths back to Jet Dark in the Gr1 Cape Met at his last outing. He does face some up-and-coming rivals but they will need to make big improvement if they are to beat him. Erico Verdonese is a rare visitor to KZN but he looks to have a competitive runner in Jimmy Don. He has cracking Highveld form and placed in the Gauteng Guineas and SA Classic from tough draws. He has a handy weight and could be a threat. Of the balance, Strawberry Bear is lightly raced and on the up while Kitchakal is back home with consistent Cape form to his credit and a handy weight.

Darryl Moore and jockey Jason Gates landed the first Grade 1 of their careers when Canadian Summer won the Thekwini Stakes last season. The filly has had two outings since for a second on her seasonal debut but followed up with a comfortable win next time out. She has yet to finish out of the money in seven starts and does seem to race fresh. She also has the best of the draw so looks a live contender for the Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes. Highveld-based Candice Dawson sends down Miss Cool who has been contesting Highveld features. She has a good draw and is distance suited and could be a threat. Glen Kotzen could be in for a feature double with Ameena. She has not been out since July last year but has won three of her four starts. Her stable is in cracking good form so the betting may be your best guide as to her wellbeing.

Supporting feature is the KwaZulu-Natal Stakes (Listed) Peter Muscutt could hold the cards. Bevie’s Delight has the widest draw but has been campaigning in the highest level in the Cape. She is lightly raced and has taken a five-point drop in the handicap. Craig Zackey rides and Muscutt has booked another Highveld jockey for Sashay Away with Gavin Lerena in the saddle. She has been disappointing at her last two but is back home on her best course. Amarandi has been consistent for Wayne Badenhorst and was a comfortable winner over course and distance last time out. She does take on stronger but is no slouch.

There is some competitive racing on the menu and it all starts in the first.

Paris Rain was narrowly beaten over a mile on this course last time out. This will be his third run after a break and the MJ Odendaal stable has come good. Stuart Ferrie sends out Flaming Dum, his first runner under his own name after taking over the yard from his retired boss Dennis Drier. Flaming Dum was a fair third at long odds over course and distance last time out but no doubt Ferrie will be hoping that he gets the monkey off his back asap. Power Star gets first time blinkers and has not been far back at his last two. Labrausco is a long-time Highveld maiden but has shown signs of improvement at his last two and must also have a decent chance

The second is an open handicap. Alyson Wright sends out Beyondtheboundary who was a narrow winner first time back from Cape Town over seven furlongs. He will prefer this longer trip and can go in again. News Stream has improved since Mark Dixon declared him in blinkers and he is in

consistent form. He goes well this course and distance and has a 1.5kg allowance in the saddle. Sunday Island comes from a very much in form stable and has his third run after a break and is far from out of it.

Rise steps up in trip in the third and Carl Hewitson does well with staying horses so she could be the one to be with. Rock Fall stays the trip well and was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out. A repeat should see him in the money while Johnny’s Hope was a recent maiden winner but stays the trip and has a chance again in this line-up.

The fourth is a wide-open handicap. Maquette has dropped further in the handicap and Duncan Howells has re-fitted her with blinkers. She could make it in a difficult race. Trip To Royalty has been up against stronger of late and the drop in trip could suit. Victory Belle caught the eye last run. She is lightly raced but comes from a very much in form yard. Vision Of Will has also dropped in the handicap and Paul Gadsby has booked Muzi Yeni for his first ride back since his suspension

The last is a tough one to round off the day. Intrepid has put in two smart efforts of late and gets 1.5kg off his back. The drop in trip should not be a problem. Valiente has the worst of the draw but is quick and gets first time blinkers. He could make all the running. Chara Sands is always there abouts and from a plum draw with Rachel Venniker up, the pair should make them run. Stanley Park has patchy form but is useful on his day and finished ahead of Valiente when last they met. It could pay to go wide in the exotics.

Bridget Oppenheimer with daughter Mary and grand-daughter Jessica (4Racing).

Celebrating An Icon On Derby Day – Bridget Oppenheimer

4Racing

As a special part of Derby Day at Turffontein tomorrow (Saturday 1 April) we are proud to host the R750 000 Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer Oaks (Grade 2).

Bridget Oppenheimer played a massive role in the history of Turffontein and as owners the Oppenheimer family won the SA Oaks as follows:

1962 – Dame De Coeur

1963 – Baccarat

1964 – Julie Andrews

1967 – Little Audrey

1970 – Angelina

1971 – Free Style

1972 – Murena

1975 – Vicereine

1978 – Grease Paint

1979 – Torpedo Boat

As Breeders, HF Oppenheimer can also claim:

1966 – Tsessebe

Winners just in Mrs Oppenheimer’s name are:

2001 – Idle Fancy

2002 – Monyela

2013 – Cherry On The Top

And Mauritzfontein won it in 2020 with the iconic Summer Pudding.

We look forward to saluting Mrs O – a legend of the Turffontein Turf.

In The Congo (Picture: aro.co.za)

Via Afrika Son Retired To Stud

www.aro.co.za

In The Congo, a son of South African champion Via Africa, has been retired. Golden Rose winner and high-class 3YO sprinter In The Congo has been retired to stand at Newgate for the 2023 season.
A son of four times Australian champion sire Snitzel out of Champion sprinter Via Africa, In The Congo retires to stud as the highest Timeform rated three-year-old by Champion sire Snitzel in the last five years

In The Congo possessed blazing gate speed, exceptionally high cruising speed, and was consistently one of the top colts of his generation at three. His crowning moment was defeating Anamoe in the Group 1 Golden Rose and in doing so, running the fastest time in the history of the race.
“In The Congo was a high-class and fast Group 1 winning three-year-old by Champion sire Snitzel out of a Champion sprinting race mare. His three-year-old form from the start of the season until the end was nothing short of outstanding,” said Newgate Stud Manager Jim Carey.

Alistair Cohen – still doesn’t understand what happened – but he’s moved on (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)

Goodbye Dubai – Alistair Tells How It Happened

How SA’s number 1 went from hero to zero

Sporting Post

Dubai’s loss is our gain and it will be good to have South Africa’s hottest property new generation racecaller back in the Turffontein eagle’s nest for The Championships Day 3 on Saturday.

There is no question that 2023 has been a watershed character-building year for the 32 year old commentator, widely regarded as our number one caller and a man who has grown in stature since Phumelela took a chance on him as a greenhorn some 14 years ago.

A career defining opportunity, and well deserved international recognition, saw Alistair appointed the Emirates Racing Authority’s English-language race caller at all five UAE tracks at the start of the 2020-21 season, when succeeding the Australian Craig Evans.

Enjoying his second stint in the UAE, and widely regarded for his professionalism behind the binoculars, Alistair was shockingly summararily dropped at short notice by the Dubai Racing Club for last Saturday’s Dubai World Cup racemeeting and replaced by well experienced US caller Larry Collmus.

Chatting to the Sporting Post on Tuesday, the philosophical Durbanite has taken the bolt-from-the- blue knife in the back in his professional stride, but admits he had to call on the decorum of all of his impeccable upbringing, and bite both lip and tongue, initially.

“After every racemeeting, I analyse my personal performance. Nobody is ever too old or smart to learn and the best tool for a commentator is self and external criticism, and admitting one could have done this or that better. Ironically, I felt chuffed and genuinely thrilled after the World Cup curtain-raiser on Super Saturday that it was probably one of my best call days ever. Everything fell into place. As it turns out, the decision had already been made to bullet me for World Cup day, so it had nothing to do with my performance at all,” he muses as he puzzles over something he may never know the truth about.

It was just 24 hours after Super Saturday that Alistair heard from a source that the American caller was going to take the hotseat on World Cup day.

“I was told in confidence and it seems that the decision was known to only a handful of people. I hadn’t been informed prior to Super Saturday as I believe there was concern that it could have impacted on my performance. I discovered that week that the everyday folk in the structures knew nothing – I mean, for goodness sake, I had been involved in the planning for the barrier draw ceremony as I had been in 2022. The commentator is allowed to select the co-host. It was all happening – but somewhere, somehow, the rug had been pulled from under my feet.”

A disappointed Alistair who had left behind his life, his wife, his dogs, his home, his Sunday braai routine and a host of friends, to build his international career, and enjoy the honour and privilege that few get to call a Dubai World Cup, admits that he was wounded emotionally.

He had worked his literal butt off to immerse himself in his new job. To master tongue-twisting names and new silks, and to punt the UAE on his extensive social media network, to become a part of a team. And then they gave him the middle finger.

“For my own pride and dignity, I resigned. My contract was meant to run until 7 April, but they were in breach in view of the World Cup turnaround, and I asked them to kindly release me so that I could return to South Africa. I was very worried about the collateral damage to my reputation. But given the support and communication I have subsequently received from so many corners of the globe from highly respected racing folk, a lot of my anxiety has been laid to rest and the issue has been put into perspective in my head. Bottom line is I personally did nothing wrong, I was never late or contravened any aspect of my contractual requirements. And they have said nothing and can’t tell me anything. In fact when I went to bid everybody farewell, they said they wanted me back next season! Go figure!” he laughs bravely as his brow reflects his puzzlement.

Despite the essentially bizarre decision made by the DRC, Alistair is adamant that it remains an experience of a lifetime and one he will treasure forever.

“To be afforded the rare honour of being the Emirates based caller for nearly two full seasons was sensational. And the friends I made are for life. I will not let a decision that was made behind my back, without the courtesy of consultation, that I had no control over or understanding of, poison my life. It is great to be back home with Candice and we have the Champions Season on the East Coast and The Championships up North to look forward to in the next few months. I can’t wait!”

As to his own plans, Alistair says he would like to call as many meetings as possible countrywide and is keen to impart some of the technical skills he learnt with his colleagues here, in terms of on-course presenting and other communication aspects.

“Being exposed internationally opens the mind. One learns without even realising it. It was great to be back at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last Saturday with their team. What a great vibe and morale!”

As for South African racing into the future, Alistair says his dream and wish is to have unity under one single umbrella.

“We shouldn’t be competing internally. We should be united and taking on the world. South Africa is not far behind Hong Kong, Australia and Japan. We are right up there. Just because things go wrong here and there, don’t believe the same issues aren’t happening elsewhere in the world. This is a beautiful country, with good horses, great breeders, top jockeys, serious trainers and some of the most beautiful racecourses. There is really no excuse to move forward!”

Mr Fayez, pictured with trainer Dylan Cunha, provided Kyle Strydom with his first ride in the UK today and he made the frame at 125/1 odds (Picture Supplied).

Kyle Strydom Fourth On UK Debut

Former SA apprentice champion Kyle Strydom made his debut in the UK today and fittingly it was for former Summerveld trainer Dylan Cunha on the soldier of a horse called Mr Fayez (Alaya) (pictured).

Mr Fayez was caught wide in the six furlong handicap event, but stayed on well for fourth despite odds of 125/1.

Crowd Of 10,000 For Student Day At Limerick Yesterday

Ireland’s Limerick racecourse had a student race day yesterday and a huge crowd, including many students, attended and clearly enjoyed themselves.

The Lincoln run over a mile always has a big field (timeform.com)

Today’s Question

Of what significance is “The Lincoln” in British racing?

Turffontein Standside Fields, Saturday

Hollywoodbets Greyville Fields, Sunday

Baradar has a fine chance in the Lincoln tomorrow (Saturday). (Picture: varianstable.com)

ANSWER TO TODAY’S QUESTION:

The Lincoln Handicap always marks the first day of the British flat racing season (i.e when turf racing on the flat start) and it takes place tomorrow (Saturday, April 1) at its usual venue of Donaster.

Turf Talk Newsletter – 31 March 2023