Fourie Barometer 389 (updated after racing on 13/06/2024)
Cape Eagle Can Put Spanner In July Works
The Andre Nel-trained Cape Eagle has won four races on the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf before and proved he stays a mile-and-a-half last time out at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, so he should be a runner in the Gr 3 Tabgold Derby from pole position, despite officially being out at the weights (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Hollywoodbets Durban July entry Cape Eagle has class and stamina and can win the Gr 3 Tabgold Derby over 2400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday and in the next race the Gr 2 Tabgold Oaks can be won by My Soul Mate.
Cape Eagle won the Highland Night Cup over this trip at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last time out in his first attempt at a staying trip and that he won it augurs well for his chances in this race, especially as he is drawn in pole. He might be 8,5kg out at the weights with the best weighted Zeus, but staying races can throw anomalies as it is a specialist trip that some are tried and tested at, while others are still growing into.
Future Pearl did the Stayers Triple Crown last year and Sean Tarry said yesterday, “He had a few niggles and we just went slowly with him at the start of the season and we have built him up. Unfortunately, he ended up in front last time, which is not the way he runs, so we can ignore his last run, but he’s making good progress. I’m quite happy with him.”
He is drawn three with Richard Fourie up and can bounce back, although he does have to carry 1kg more than the rest of the field.
One Way Traffic has been in much better form this season than last.
He only just failed in his penultimate start over this trip at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and is now 1,5kg better off with Cape Eagle for a head beating. He was a touch disappointing last time when unplaced in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over this course and distance, but he now has his third run after a layoff and can bounce back.
Aragosta is a former SA Derby winner and won a Listed race over 2500m this season at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, so should be in the shake up.
Without Question is the second best in at the weights, just 1kg out with Zeus. This comes three weeks before his engagement in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and could be a preparation race. Or is it a test to see whether he stays? The way he found nothing in last year’s July over 200m shorter is a bit of a concern.
Zeus had to give 12kg to the field in the Listed Gold Bowl over 3200m at Turffontein Standside last time, except for three horses, to whom he gave 4kg, 6kg and 8kg respectively. He can perhaps be forgiven for running below par. However, he had previously given lumps of weight away and stilll won, so his 14,25 length defeat is cause for concern. He is also reportedly not a straight forward customer and this will be the fisrt time he has traveled to another province. At his best he will be a big runner.
Home Of The Brave has often caught the eye and comes off a win over this trip. He is 13,5kg out with Zeus, but Tyrone Zackey’s charges can never be ignored in feature races and this one is a dark horse.
Shoot The Rapids was not disgraced in either the SA Derby or the Lonsdale, but does have a wide draw.
Policy Of Truth and Future Saint both look outgunned.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July entries in the field are Cape Eagle, Future Pearl, Aragosta and Without Question.
The selection is Cape Eagle to beat Future Pearl with One Way Traffic, Aragosta and Without Question next best.
The Gr 2 Tabgold Oaks looks to be at the mercy of My Soul Mate, who was a 1,75 length second in the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks and has subsequently proved that to be no fluke by finishing a close second in the Gr 2 Igugu Stakes over 2000m and a 1,80 length fifth in the Gr 1 Woolavington 2000.
Saartjie will be the danger. She was beaten 3,90 lengths in the Woolavington but before that won the Listed KRA East Coast Cup over 2000m despite carrying 61.5kg. She beat Hold My Hand by 3,15 lengths in that race at level weights and the latter went on to finish a narrow second in the Woolavington, so perhaps Saartjie did not enjoy the soft going in the latter race.
Future Girl was a narrow second in the East Coast Cup, when receiving 3kg, and beat Saartjie in the Woolavington at level weights.
Neither Saartjie nor Future Girl have attempted a staying trip before, but being by Dynasty and his son Futura respectively gives them chances of seeing it out.
Red Maple ran disappointingly in the Gold Bowl and the Caradoc Gold Cup over 2850m, but has good form over this trip.
Lady Of Power is the third highest rated horse in the race and finished third in last year’s SA Oaks, so is an interesting runner, although she is not a reliable sort.
The selection is My Soul Mate to beat Saartjie, with Future Girl, Red Maple and Lady Of Power next best.
HWB Greyville Saturday Formguides And Selections
WSB Met winner Double Superlative appears in the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1500m in a warm up race for the Hollywoodbets Durban July (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Gold Circle
R1 Summary: AVERNIAN PRINCESS (3) has put in two smart efforts to date and Dean Kannemeyer’s charge looks the part here barring a first time ‘springer’ that could come in the form of Glen Kotzen’s SWEET DREAMER (4) who he says should run a good race if not too green. Richard Fourie rides. Michell Crawford saddles two runs. OH YOKO (2) found some market support last run but failed to feature. ROSA OSIRIA (12) was not far off on debut and should come on with the experience.
R2 Summary: VHAGAR (1) ran a cracking race on debut for MJ Odendaal. He steps up in trip but was finishing his race off well and should feature in a useful field. JAMES FITZJAMES (6) was a close-up second over a mile last time out. He was run out of it late and this shorter trip may suit better. FRENCH FLAME (4) has run two good races over the trip and was a narrowly beaten favourite last time out. FUTURE FLO (8) has been up and down in trip and is long overdue. He should be better suited to this distance. I SALUTE YOU (11) raced green in a promising debut. He comes from the strong Peter Muscutt yard and any market support must be taken seriously.
R3 Summary: Modest maiden field but TAXHAVEN (9) stays the trip well although he was a well-beaten second at Turffontein last time out. GIJIMA MFANA (8) has had many chances but has shown recent improvement. He just failed in first time blinkers and can gone better in this company. NOBLE WARRIOR (3) is way better than his last run. He could well prefer the extra. IRON MONGER (11) has shown some ability over the trip and must have a good chance in a weak field.
R4 Summary: DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE (5) was retired to stud after his Cape Met win but has come back for a crack at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. He is well in at these weights and if any where near his best he should be good enough. One word of caution is that he may be ‘ring-rusty and a strong showing is probably what Justin Snaith will be happy with. Snaith has three runners in the line-up to ensure a good pace. TRIPLE TIME (3) has been runner-up in his last two and could be the pacemaker as he does prefer further. LADY HEIST (1) has been in good form over the distance and comes in off a light weight which should make her competitive. SOVEREIGN STATE (4) has been most disappointing of late but the blinkers are back on and he could surprise with a big effort.
R5 Summary: Tricky sprint. KINDRED HEART (6) ran an excellent race in the Gr1 Allan Robertson and with only 52kg on her back she should be competitive in a useful field. PRITTI VICTORY (4) is on mustard form over a furlong further. Fourie rides the winner of three of her five races. ICE STAR (1) carries top weight. She is distance suited from the best of the draw and comes with some fair Highveld form. ON CUE (2) has a light weight and has finished close-up in her last two starts.
R6 Summary: WITHOUT QUESTION (10) just needed his last run in the WSB 1900 after a good third in the Cape Met. He should strip fitter now. ARAGOSTA (5) is well in at these weights. He is way better than his last run. ONE WAY TRAFFIC (2) was a little disappointing over course and distance last time out but was narrowly beaten over the distance at Hollywoodbets Scottsville prior to that. CAPE EAGLE (1) is holding form well and got the better of One Way Traffic in a close Scottsville finish. ZEUS (6) is the highest rated runner in the field. He is a top stayer on his day but appears to have lost his way a little of late.
R7 Summary: MY SOUL MATE (1) has been close up in feature company and stays the trip. She has the best of the draw and should finish in the mix. SAARTJIE (8) took on a useful Gr1 Woolavington 2000 field last time out and was not far back. Prior to that she finished off her race like a train. If she can reproduce that effort she will be a big runner. FUTURE GIRL (4) has gone close in both recent starts on this course. The stable is in mustard form and the extra should suit. RED MAPLE (9) stay well and is way better than her last two. She could struggle at these weights but has a money chance.
R8 Summary: STRATHCLYDE (13) enjoyed the drop in class when beating RALPH THE RASCAL (11). Alyson Wright’s charge is now 2kg better off and in theory should be able to turn the tables. JOSHUA HOTSNAKE (3) has run up a string of second placings and is due a change of fortune. He is over his favourite trip. MAX THE OTTER (6) has been knocking on the door of late. He has a handy galloping weight over what looks to be his optimum trip.
R9 Summary: PILOT FLAME (4) was a recent maiden winner but has made steady improvement and takes on some well-exposed older horses. KAILENE (1) has a big weight but showed up well against stronger last time out. She has the best of the draw and is back over her optimum trip. POURSOMESUGARONME (7) is holding form well. He best recent form has been on the poly but she goes equally well on turf. Stable companion PERILLA (2) has her first outing for Dennis Bosch. Calvin Habib stays with the ride as he knows her well.
Far Away Winter Can Bring Winter Cheer
Far Away Winter has speed and class and should have benefited from his last start, so can take the day’s highest rated race. (JC Photos)
Turffontein Standside stages a nine race meeting on Sunday and a Pinnacle Stakes race over 1160m is the headliner.
Far Away Winter is well regarded and showed glimpses of real speed and class and he should have benefited from his last start, which followed an eight month layoff. His middle draw of five out of nine should give him a fair chance. On his official merit rating of 102 he is 1,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted runner Anfields Rocket. The Africa House has been effective from 1160m up to 1600m and won for the second time in his career last time out, 18 months after his win on debut. Things have not often gone his way and that could have been the confidecne booster he needed, so he has a shout being also just 1,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted. Silent War is only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted and could be effective running fresh over a drop in trip, especially considering his Highveld debut started out with a one length second over 1100m and two runs later he won over this course and distance. He has drawn nine out of nine which is on the advantageous side by trends. Captain Hindsight is ultra consistent and is only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted and he should make a bold bid back in this class. He has a nice draw of seven. Power Broker is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and should make his presence felt from draw six. Mover And Shaker will appreciate the fast winter going as he has a lot of speed, although he would prefer it to be over 1000m. Anfields Rocket is best weighted but needs to bounce back to form.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Master Tik Tok is knocking on the door and is distance suited but has once again drawn wide. Muzi Yeni is in fine form though and rides him for the third time in succession. Douglas Dragon has a fair draw and has a chance if able to bounce back from a below par run last time when he hung badly in thge straight after being dropped out to last. He has a better draw this time and Richard Fourie rides. American Rebel is by speedster Rebel King, but his Silvano dam won over 2600m, so as he has been going close over 1600m he has chance over 1800m here. However, he does have to overcome a wide draw.
In the fifth race over 1100m What A Lucy has caught the eye in the maidens, including when winning easily over 1000m last time. She looks to have been given a reasonable 72 merit rating and should be able to get 1100m in the fast conditions and she has a nice high draw. Golden Chandelier has good consistent form over 1000m and should be right there again over 100m further in fast conditions. Simply Magic is in good form and is drawn on the right side. She beat Golden Chandelier by 2,25 lengths when receiving 2,5kg from the latter in April and she now receives 2kg from her. However, according to the weight for age scale Golden Chandelier should have improved by 2kg since then, so there shouldn’t be much in it. Enchanting Lady is consistent and has a fairly high draw of eight so also has to be considered. Raining Rubies is joint best-weighted and in good form and drawn on the right side so can also be considered.
In the sixth race over 1800m Mocha Frappe looks to have talent and with the blinkers removed bounced back last time. He now has another tricky draw but it looks to be a suitable step up in trip and he should be on the up. Trois Trois Quatre has overall been disappointing but is down to a competitive merit rating and should make his presence felt. Weather Wizard is a capable sort and went close in his only previous try at this course and distance and he is now just one point higher since then.
In the eighth race over 2400m Mambo Come Tesio is a progressive stayer and deserves a win having gone close in his last couple of starts. A chance is taken on making him a banker as he is progressive and should be coming into his own. Raiseahallelujah has had a tough campaign but is in good form. Breeze Over is a decent stayer who who might be viewing this as a warm up. Jet Dynasty is course and distance suited and is hard to ignore. Twenty Drachma’s is on the upo but does have a tricky draw.
In the ninth race over 1400m a chance is taken on bankering the in form Putins Promise, who is knocking hard off his current mark. Houston and Clarkson are both distance suited and have talent on their day. Viva de Janeiro has ability and is hard to ignore and Rossore Finale won his maiden well and is merit rated only 76, so could follow up.
In the first leg of the bipot Pointer looks to be promising and is made a banker.
In the first leg of the PA Tipperary, Whistledown and Chicago Lass should get punters through.
Highly Promising Second By Barnane/Heffer Colt
Wild Clary (green colours) is beaten by the highly touted Anno Domini at Newbury on Thursday Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
The Barnane Stud and Owen Heffer-owned Wild Clary only just failed at Newbury in the UK yesterday (Thursday) in just his second career start and this was a most encouraging run, especially when considering the credentials of the race’s winner.
Wild Clary was beaten 0,75 lengths in the Novice Stakes event over six-and-a-half lengths by the Charlie Appleby-trained William Buick-ridden Goldolphin colt Anno Domini at level weights.
Anno Domini, who cost 525,000 gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale, is by New Bay out of a Galileo mare who has not only produced two Listed winners but she also is the dam of the recent Gr 1 French 1000 Guineas runner up Kathmandu (Showcasing).
It has to be said Anno Domini was quite badly hampered, but still got up.
However, that should not take the gloss off Wild Clary’s performance because the winner is held in such regard the race made a Racing Post headline.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE RACING POST ARTICLE ABOUT THE RACE
Wild Clary made his debut in a twenty horse field over six furlongs at Newbury in May and stayed on well in that introduction to be beaten seven lengths.
Yesterday he travelled strongly early and was prominent. He pressed the leader from over two furlongs out, but then drifted left. He briefly led one furlong out and kept on well inside the final furlong.
He started 9/1 whilst the winner converted 11/8 favouritism.
Wild Clary is well bred himself and looks to have a bright future.
He is by Dark Angel, a Gr 1 Middle Park Stakes (6 furlongs) winner who has become known as a leading sire of sprinters.
He is out of the Danehill Dancer mare Chrysanthemum, who won two Gr 3s from seven furlongs to a mile and three Listed races from a mile to a mile-and-two-furlongs.
That makes him a half-brother to the four-year-old Joseph O’Brien-trained Frankel filly Maxux, who in six starts has already won a Gr 3 over a mile-and-a-furlong and has had an official rating as high as 109.
Wild Clary is also a half-brother to the former John Gosden-trained Frankel entire Cunco, who was in fact Frankel’s first ever foal, his first ever runner and his first ever winner, winning on debut at Newbury on May 13, 2016.
It is not surprising Wild Clary appeared at the Newbury meeting on debut last month, because he ran in exactly the same six furlong maiden race Cunco made his debut in.
Cunco went on to win a Gr 3 over a mile-and-a-half at Sandown as a three-year-old and today stands as a stallion in Chile.
Chrysanthemum has had five runners and four winners.
Wild Clary has been ridden by Sean Levey in both his starts.
Deryl Daniels Adds Ok Grand Challenge To Triple Crown Triumph
Deryl Daniels has Buster Barnes in charge (Pic – Zimbabwe Racing)
Deryl Daniels courage as a human being is well documented and his comeback to the saddle has reached next level, because he is currently a hero in Zimbabwe. He will be recognised as the man who rode the Ok Grand Challenge winner and the thousands who attended Zimbabwe’s version of the Hollywoodbets Durban July last Saturday would also have learned that he had ridden the same horse, Buster Barnes, to Triple Crown glory.
The Cantaurian wrote the below report on the great race:
The Centaurian
It was one of those remarkable days of racing that can only happen at Borrowdale Park. Packed stands, loud local music, 51 cars raffled and the nation’s best horses lined up for the Gr1 OK Grand Challenge over 1800 meters.
Amongst the fifteen contenders was the favourite, Raffles, recently imported from South Africa by his connections – at considerable expense – to compete in the nation’s big three, the Tankard, the OK and the Republic Cup.
He won the first leg convincingly with Gavin Lerena on board but the OK was going to be a bigger challenge – he was worse off at the weights carrying 62kg, he didn’t have Lerena as his pilot and there was a much younger pretender to his crown in the field.
Three year old, Buster Barnes had just nailed the Triple Crown and was now stepping up in class.
Buster is by a very underrated sire in RSA – the Maine Chance Farms-based Erupt by Dubawi – a horse that ran well in both the Prix de L’Arc De Triomphe and the Japan Cup – and was bought from Millstream Stud for R200,000. The winner is out of the Caesour mare, Servilia.
Lazarus man, Deryl Daniels wasted hard to get down to 52 kg so that he could ride without any overweight.
Throughout the race he had Buster positioned well and had him poised to strike as they entered the straight for the finish.
When he asked him for his effort, Buster Barnes obliged with enthusiasm cutting past the field of 14 in the last four hundred meters in effortless fashion and in doing so blowing away Raffles by an extending two lengths.
It is very rare that a three year old can take on the older and best horses in Zimbabwe and come out on top but Buster Barnes did so with consummate ease – he simply blew them all away – going away.
Centaur Chairman, “CJ” Smith said: “In truth I never had any doubt about the outcome of this this race, Buster Barnes is head and shoulders above every horse here. The exciting thing for us is that the boy is still totally unfurnished – his best years are ahead of him, as a three, four and five year old. But where should he race now? Prospects in Zim are a bit thin – so it will have to be elsewhere – RSA or even further afield.Well done to sponsors, OK, and to the MTC for keeping racing going – the future for Borrowdale Park is now very much assured – and for his sake, I hope Deryl’s future is assured too – he is certainly a jockey of immense skill and talent – his time has come”.
Sha Tin Saturday Formguides And Selections
Call Me Glorious looks to be a promising three-year-old and can go in again (HKJC)
Tim Carroll (At The Races)
This Saturday sees a strong 11-race card from Sha Tin on both the Turf and All-Weather tracks getting underway at 9.00am – live on Sky Sports Racing. There are four competitive Class 3 races with race 11, the Kat O Handicap over 1 mile, offering in more than £205,000 in prizemoney.
Now onto this week’s selections.
Race 1: Restricted Yan Chau Tong Plate (9.00am) (5 furlongs)
7 KA YING RESILIENCE is a debutant that looks like he could be one right out of the box. The selection is from the David Hayes yard, a trainer that does tend to have them ready to roll first up, and the son of Blue Point has won a couple of trials over four-furlongs, the most recent on this this track. The market will probably tell the story, but with Purton booked, Id be surprised if he if he wasn’t well supported.
Dangers:
11 Run Run Yes showed plenty of speed when picking up the bronze over six-furlongs last time and he was runner-up over this trip the start prior and is likely to bag the grandstand rail from the high draw.
4 Santorini was runner-up one spot in front of Run Run Yes over six-furlongs last time when sporting first time cheek-pieces, but he was over a length behind the same rival the start prior over course & trip when doing his best work late.
2 California Moxie didn’t have the rub of the green when in behind both Santorini & Run Run Yes last time and threw a plate the start prior when in behind the same pair, and it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if he were to turn the form around.
Race 2: Class 5 Port Shelter Handicap (9.30am) (6 furlongs)
5 COMMANDING MISSILE has recorded just one win from twenty-six starts, but that did come from a 7lb higher mark in a grade above this. The selection has only recently dropped down to this level, placed both times, including last time out when third, only a lip behind Tactical Command. However, despite having a tough trip planted wide without cover the entire way, he tanked through the race that day and looked the winner until the closing stages where the tough run took its toll, & a repeat performance & a bit more luck would see him go close here.
Dangers:
3 Tactical Command doesn’t do a lot of winning, but he has been placed his last two at this level and he should enjoy the run of the race from the low draw.
1 Colonel is a veteran that usually runs well at this level, and he is well drawn as he likes to punch forward, but he does concede up to 19lbs to his rivals.
7 Timestorm finally broke through at start twenty-four last time, but he had been placed from marks up to 22lb higher prior that and he did win with a bit in hand, but he goes up 5lb and has a tricky draw to contend with.
Race 3: Class 5 Tiu Chung Chau Handicap (10.00am) (1 mile)
4 SMART BEAUTY goes up 7lb having won over course & trip last time, which was his third win of the season, and that’s a strong form-line for this. The selection, who has now won on his last two visits to Sha Tin, draws the outside, but I’m not too concerned about that as they usually ride him cold these days and they have a long straight run before the first turn. The one negative is there’s not much of a gallop on offer, but provided they don’t walk, he should be hard to hold out.
Dangers:
2 Joyful Friendship is yet to break his local duck in fourteen starts, but he has run with merit in the two starts he’s had at this level and is on 7lb better terms with the selection having finished just under two-lengths behind him last time.
3 Reliable Profit is a ten-start maiden that ran a career best when runner-up on the dirt last time, thus he needs to replicate that form on turf, but he’s likely to sit handy in a race offering a moderate gallop.
6 Sunny Baby is hard to catch but he’s a thrice winner, twice from higher marks, and the race maps for him to grab a nice spot in behind the leaders.
Race 4: Class 4 Kau Sai Chau Handicap (10.30am) (6 furlongs)
1 GLORY ELITE had run with a bit of promise without winning at his first five starts but took a big step forward when making all over course & trip last time. He has been lumped with a 9lb penalty for that, but he won by three-lengths last time, running through the line strongly. The form from that race looks red-hot with the second an easy winner at his next start and the third also going in. He does go from the top of the handicap, but he has favourable draw and is likely to once again punch forward.
Dangers:
2 Happy Trio is usually kept to Happy Valley these days, but he has won on this track, and he takes a drop in grade having won two of his last four spins when seen at this level.
4 Brilliant Express, who represents a high-end combination, was doing his best work late when fifth on debut over course & trip earlier this month and should be sharper for the run.
3 Metro Warrior is a veteran that is more effective over five-furlongs, but with the 7lb claim he could run a cheeky race from up on the pace.
Race 5: Class 4 Kau Sai Chau Handicap (11.00am) (6 furlongs)
1 AWESOME TREASURE has one win and four silvers from his last five starts all over course and trip. Although he has been the bridesmaid plenty of times lately, this is a lessor race than a few of those races he’s contested. He was only beaten a lip last time under a senior rider, however, in a what looks a shrewd move, connections have opted for 7lb claimer Ellis Wong this time, meaning the selection is effectively running from the same mark as when he won two back.
Dangers:
3 Captain Win hasn’t delivered on the early promised he showed when winning at his second local start back in 2021, but this will be the first time he’s contested a Class 4, and he’ll find things a bit more to his liking at this level.
6 Fun N Fun Together was kept safe in the market when finishing midfield having shown signs of greenness on debut in what looked a far stronger Class 4 than this, and he’s entitled to improve for the spin.
2 Nebraskan, who won both starts in Australia, showed very little his first two local starts but ran better than the bare result last time when meeting trouble around the bend and the first-time booking of Purton does catch the eye.
Race 6: Class 3 Clear Water Bay Handicap (1130am) (6 furlongs)
2 CALL ME GLORIOUS is a promising 3yo that hacked up over course & trip last time when recording his second career success at just his fourth start. He has been handed a 10lb penalty for the win, but he’s a big lump of a horse (1242lbs) that has plenty of scope. The son of No Nay Never went from the front last time and dominated to win by a margin with what looked to be a bit in the locker, and I doubt the penalty will halt his progress.
Dangers:
3 Gracious Express, who strung together a three-timer (known as Sharp Power) when with Richard Hughes, broke his Hong Kong duck over course & trip last time at just his fourth local and should be in the mix, although he did run a slower time on quicker going than the selection that day.
8 Mighty Commander makes his local debut from a mark of 64 having hacked up in a maiden at Geelong at his third and final start in Australia, and he has looked sharp in all three local trials, thus a market watch is strongly advised.
5 Prestige Always, who was a winner at Galway (known as Mythology) for Joseph O’Brien ran with promise when in a four-way photo behind the selection over course & trip on his local debut last month, and he is on 10lb better terms, but like all the beaten brigade that day, he was well held.
Race 7: Class 4 Kiu Tsui Handicap (12.05pm) (6 furlongs) (dirt)
2 TOP SCORER is a six-start maiden that is yet to finish outside of the top four and he has been runner-up on four occasions. The selection will take a leap of faith as he’ll be having his first spin on the dirt, but he has trialled strongly on this track several times and his sire has produced dirt winners in the past. The draw in 4 should allow Hugh Bowman to grab a spot behind the leaders, and the cheek-pieces go on for the first time.
Dangers:
3 Everyone’s Victory doesn’t win out of turn, but he’s a dirt specialist well drawn that has been placed his last three spins over course & trip.
12 Daily Trophy moves up in grade having broken his duck over course & trip last time and whilst he doesn’t have the best strike rate, he does tend to run well on this track and carries 12lb less at this level.
5 Hinokami Kagura bombed with no excuses when a beaten favourite last time, but he’s a low mileage maiden that had been runner-up in two of his previous three spins over course & trip and could bounce back.
Race 8: Class 3 Grass Island Handicap (12.35pm) (6 furlongs) (dirt)
1 VICTORY MOMENTS was a comfortable winner over course & trip last time with four of these in behind. The Frankie Lor 4yo has been handed a 6lb penalty which sees him at the top of the handicap, which does make things a bit more challenging. But he won in good style having tracked the speed from a low draw, and he should get the same set up here from stall 2, and he looks the one to side with again.
Dangers:
5 Capital Delight has a win and two placings from four spins on this track and he does meet Victory Moments on 5lb better terms having finished just under two-lengths behind his rival when runner-up last time.
7 Self Improvement hacked up over course & trip last time when well supported and although he moves up in grade under a 9lb penalty, he did win at this level earlier in the season, albeit from a 5lb lower mark.
6 Hong Kong Hall was placed behind the selection last time but is on 6lb better terms here, and he’s likely to make a bold bid from the front.
Race 9: Class 3 Hoi Ha Handicap (1.05pm) (7furlongs)
6 SUNLIGHT POWER, who won back-to-back races over course and trip in February & March was beaten a nose when runner-up to Patch of Theta last time, and he does meet that rival on 5lb better terms with Gerry Chau (2lb claim) taking over from Harry Bentley. However, he should have won that day, having been held up a couple of times in the straight, thus he should turn the form around. He’ll probably be ridden to close out late, so he may need some luck, but there’s a solid gallop on offer, which will help.
Dangers:
1 Patch of Theta is a progressive type that has won three of his last four and he’s sure to run well again, but he does now go from the top of the handicap under a 6lb penalty.
4 Fantastic Fun, who won both his starts in Australia, makes his local debut having been runner-up in a hot trial recently, and a market watch is strongly advised.
3 Healthy Healthy, who was a thrice winner over six-furlongs at Happy Valley earlier in the season, will be having his first spin at Sha Tin this season & his first go beyond six-furlongs, but he has worked home without threatening recently, & is worth considering for any exotic type bets.
Race 10: Class 4 Mirs Bay Handicap (1.40pm) (7 furlongs)
8 FORERUNNER has just the one win from ten starts, but he has run with merit in defeat from high draws at his last three, including when runner-up over course & trip last time. The selection draws down on the inside this time, and to be fair, he may need a bit of luck as they do like to ride him cold. However, Hugh Bowman, who was aboard when he won on debut, is booked for the first time this season, and there’s a strong enough gallop on offer to hopefully ensure he is afforded every opportunity.
Dangers:
2 Owners Praise won over course & trip two back and ran well enough in defeat last time in a race that was dominated by the pace runners, and he should get a solid gallop this time.
7 All Riches has had a light campaign this season after a couple of setbacks, but he was runner-up over course & trip last time when he took up his customary front running role, and he’s still 6lb below his last win despite a 2lb rise.
3 Circuit Fiery is a four-start maiden that had run with a bit of promise before bombing last time, but he scoped poorly post-race and with Purton sticking solid, it would be no surprise if here were to bounce back.
Race 11: Class 3 Kat O Handicap (2.15pm) (1 mile)
4 KARMA came with a withering last to first burst when winning over course & trip at his most recent start on Champions Day, and that was in a race that ran deeper than this. The form from the contest has already been franked with the runner-up and fourth subsequent winners. Keep an eye on the weather as it was Yielding going that day and there is some rain being forecast, but he’s other two wins have come on Good. He goes up 7lb & I’d imagine he’ll be out the back again, but this looks an easier assignment.
Dangers:
6 Simple Hedge went around in the Derby in March and his last effort when fifth can be marked up as he was blocked when making a run, and he looks a big threat here.
11 Aeroinvincible, who is a low mileage 3yo with plenty of scope that won over course & trip in March at just his second start, ran well in defeat last time when placed over the mile and this looks a slightly softer assignment.
3 Ching, a four-time winner during his first season, has only had the two starts this year after a setback and will strip fitter after placing first up and a midfield effort last time when given plenty to do.
SATURDAY’S PLACEPOT
Today’s Place Pot will be races 6 through to 11. All up we will be playing 81 combinations (1x3x3x1x3x3), which will cost £8.10 for a 10p stake and so on. Good luck.
LEG 1- 2 CALL ME GLORIOUS
LEG 2- 2 TOP SCORER 3 EVERYONES VICTORY 12 DAILY TROPHY
LEG 3- 1 VICTROY MOMENTS 5 CAPITAL DELIGHT 7 SELF IMPROVEMENT
LEG 4- 6 SUNLIGHT POWER
LEG 5- 2 OWNERS PRAISE 7 ALL RICHES 8 FORERUNNER
LEG 6- 4 KARMA 6 SIMPLE HEDGE 11 AREOINVINCIBLE
TIM’S BEST BETS
10.30am SHA TIN
GLORY ELITE (NB2)
11.30am SHA TIN
CALL ME GLORIOUS (NAP)
1.05pm SHA TIN
SUNLIGHT POWER (NB)
BETTING ON HONG KONG RACING
Punters can bet into the Hong Kong pools online through Tote.co.uk
City Of Troy Joint Second In World Rankings
City Of Troy, ridden by Ryan Moore, on their way to winning the Derby. Photograph: John Walton/PA
City Of Troy Joins Rebel’s Romance In Second Slot Of World’s Best Racehorse Rankings
Betfred Derby winner at Epsom has 123 rating, five less than Dubai World Cup victor Laurel River
Press Release
World’s Best Racehorse
The fourth edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2024 features City of Troy (USA) [123], who has joined Rebel’s Romance (IRE) [123] in the co-second position behind the leader, Laurel River (USA), the son of Into Mischief who won the Dubai World Cup (G1) in March.
City of Troy (by Justify) earned his rating in the Betfred Derby (G1), which he won by 2 ¾ lengths to join the rankings. Undefeated as a 2-year-old, City of Troy was making his second start of 2024 in the Derby at Epsom.
Meanwhile, rankings stalwart Romantic Warrior (IRE) [121] has moved into the co-fourth position. He improved his rating to 121 from 120 following his victory in the Yasuda Kinen (G1) in Japan. Earlier this year, he won the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (G1) and FWD QEII Cup (G1) in Hong Kong.
Joining Romantic Warrior on a rating of 121 is White Birch (GB) [121]. He is ranked following his win in the Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1), which he took by 3 lengths over Auguste Rodin.
Another horse who has improved his position in the rankings is I Wish I Win (NZ) [120], who is now rated at 120 from 119 following his victory in the Eva Air Kingsford Smith Cup (G1). A number of rankings newcomers this month are also rated at 120. They include Audience (GB) [120], who won the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (G1); Cogburn (USA) [120], winner of the Jaipur Stakes presented by Resolute Racing (G1); Danon Decile (JPN) [120], who took the Tokyo Yushun (G1); Look De Vega (FR) [120], who was victorious in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (G1); and Luxembourg (IRE) [120], winner of the Holland Cooper Coronation Cup (G1).
The LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings are compiled by the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).
Mxothwa Treble, Kotzen, Fourie/Greeff Doubles
The Jacques Strydom-trained Oratorio mare Opera Swing converts a treble for Luyolo Mxothwa. (Picture: Racing Today)
Luyolo Mxothwa rode a treble on the Fairview poly today, two of them for Sharon Kotzen.
Richard Fourie rode a double for Alan Greeff.
Mxothwa is now on 75 wiwns for the season and has achieved it at a strike rate of 10%.
Fourie is on 339 wins at 23.17%.
Greeff is now on 124 wins at 16.27%.
He is eight wins clear of Gavin Smith in the East Cape championship.
Sharon Kotzen is on 34 wins at 8.97%.
Today’s Question
A horse swimming at Japan’s biggest training centre. (Ryan Goldberg)
What is the biggest training centre in Japan?
Today’s Question Answer
Miho is the biggest training centre in Japan and the below article, written close to ten years ago but still relevant, encompasses a visit to Miho whilst analysing why Japan has the best racing system in the world.
How Japan Built The World’s Best Horse Racing
