Fourie Barometer 382 (updated after racing on 24/07/2024)

Tarry Set To Dominate Gold Cup

Future Pearl stretching out impressively on his way to the defense of his Gr 3 DSTV Gold Vase crown (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The most popular exacta among the pundits in the build up to the Gr 3 World Pool Gold Cup meeting on Sunday has been the Sean Tarry-trained pair Future Pearl and Nebraas to finish one-two in the Gold Cup itself.

His reigning champion and hot favourite Future Pearl and his 2021 winner Nebraas are drawn nicely in six and five with Richard Fourie and Gavin Lerena aboard respectively.

Future Pearl is an impressive specimen and for a big horse has a fine turn of foot. He produced a flying finish from the back in the Hollywoodbets Durban July to finish a 2,10 length sixth and Tarry believes that had his regular pilot Richard Fourie been aboard he would have done even better.

Future Pearl had some issues in the first part of the season, but is now back to his best. As a four-year-old by the stamina influence Futura, he could well still be progressing. Futura is by Dynasty, who has sired three Gold Cup winners.

Nebraas is seven years old but has a fine chance on paper at the weights. A look at his staying race form this season sees him emerging ahead of a number of runners on paper (Future Swing, Master Redoute, Aragosta, Breeze Over, Madison Valley, Shoot The Rapids, One Way Traffic and Raiseahallelujah). Furthermore, he is effectively 5kg better off with Future Pearl on the form of last year’s Gold Cup and he only has to make up 2,65 lengths. He comes into the race off a good running-on 1,90 length third in the Gr 3 DSTV Gold Vase over 3000m. He did not receive a raise for that effort. He will be a big runner if able to run to his best. Six of his seven unplaced runs this season have been on the Highveld, whereas throughout his career his form in both Durban and Cape Town has been ultra consistent. Those below par runs on the Highveld has seen him come down nine points in the merit ratings over the season. That makes him potentially very well handicapped.

Justin Snaith will be out to keep Tarry at bay in the trainers’ championship race and he runs the talented One Way Traffic from pole position with Keagan de Melo up and Future Swing with S’Manga Khumalo up from draw eleven.

Future Swing won his only attempt at a staying trip, in a Listed race over 2500m. He looks held by Nebraas on collateral form, but could be anything over this trip.

One Way Traffic is a son of Dynasty, who has an outstanding Gold Cup record. He has not won for over two years, but on paper, looking at the weights and collateral form, he should finish alongside Future Pearl and not far behind Nebraas.

Mike de Kock runs former SA Derby winner Aragosta, who does not appear to particularly like Hollywoodbets Greyville, from draw ten with Serino Moodley up. However, if getting a good position, he is capable of doing well as is proved by his Gr1 Daily News 2000 third two years ago, his Gr3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup third over 2400m last year, his Gr 3 Splash Out 2200 second last year and his one-length second to Future Pearl in the Gr3 Tabgold Derby this year. Furthermore, Serino said during the week that they are on top of an issue he had and he gave him a nine out of ten chance of running a place.

Tony Peter runs another former SA Derby winner Son Of Raj for Durban owner Steven Chetty from barrier position four with Calvin Habib up. This horse was beaten by over 19 lengths in the July and is tough to fancy on current form. However, this is the first time he is going over a staying trip since his SA Derby win and it could bring out the best in him.

Frank Robinson runs the Gr3 DSTV Gold Vase winner and runner up Madison Valley and Shoot The Rapids from draw seven and draw 15 with Kaidan Brewer and Muzi Yeni aboard respectively. Shoot The Rapids is weighted to turn the tables on Madison Valley, but at the same time has a tough task at the weights with Gold Vase third-placed Nebraas. So they both have tough tasks at the weights, but Madison Valley is very progressive, while Shoot The Rapids will stay all day.

Mike and Adam Azzie’s charge Breeze Over is a big horse who is greatly benefited by a good draw, so draw two will do fine and Rachel Venniker replaces Muzi Yeni, who has jumped ship to ride Shoot The Rapids after Twice Over gelding Breeze Over’s 4,95 length eighth in the Gold Vase. Breeze Over has always struck as a staying type and the best might not have been seen of him yet.

The Andre Nel-trained Master Redoute has proven class over long distances as the winner of the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers over 2800m and he should be a big runner from draw three with Corne Orffer up. He is 3kg worse off with Nebraas for a mere 0,75 length beating in the latter race. However, as a horse who likes to run through gaps he should be a big player as he should get a good position in the running before the charge for home.

Piet Botha runs Baratheon, who was a fine third in the Listed Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m, beaten 1,35 lengths by Down To Business, who was unfortunately scratched from the Gold Cup early last week.

Baratheon’s only attempt beyond 2400m was in last season’s Western Cape Stayers, when a 4,40 length eighth to Salvatore Mundi. He was well beaten by Nebraas and Master Redoute, although he does now get a little bit of weight from both.

Master Fuego ran a fine 1,90 length third in the Gr3 Splash Out 2200 in his first attempt at a trip beyond 2000m, but this is a kilometre further. He is by Master Of My Fate out of a Fort Wood mare who won up to 1950m, but he nevertheless has plenty to prove from draw nine. However, his trainer Dean Kannemeyer has won this race three times and gets the impression he will see out the trip.

Kannemeyer also runs Ponte Pietra, who is drawn 12 and comes off a 3,30 length sixth in the Splash Out 2200, which was also his first attempt at a race beyond 2000m. He is by Vercingetorix, the sire of Gold Cup winner Nebraas, and he is out of a Galileo mare so is an interesting runner. He is not an easy ride but Sean Veale did settle him beautifully last time.

Raiseahallelujah ran a gallant 3,85 length fourth last year from pole position. He is under sufferance this year again and also has to overcome a wide draw of 13.

Zeus has a fine record over staying trips but does not have the rider, Gavin Lerena, who has been aboard for all ten of his wins. Lerena is sticking with Nebraas and Grant van Niekerk gets the ride on Zeus. This might be due to Zeus’s last two starts over staying trips with Lerena aboard. In the Listed TAB Gold Bowl over 3200m he was beaten 14,25 lengths by Crimson King, although he was carrying 62kg. In his last start he ran a 2,15 length third to Furture Pearl in the Tabgold Derby over 2400 and is now 1,5kg worse off with Future Pearl, despite being given a welcome three point drop by the handicapper. Zeus also has to overcome topweight of 60kg and a difficult draw of 14.

The selection is Nebraas to beat Future Pearl with Shoot The Rapids, Master Redoute and Breeze Over next best.

Dave Can Prove Himself King

Dave The King winning the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The weights point to See It Again winning the Gr 1 weight for age HKJC Champions Cup over 1800m at the big World Pool Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting on Sunday, but a good case can be made for Dave The King.

The big Mike de Kock-trained Global View four-year-old was beaten only a short-head by See It Again in last year’s race and that was when he was still an entire. As a gelding he has settled down a tad and although he still likes to use his massive stride, he does not take as strong a held as he used to. From a wide draw he will have plenty of room to get to the front or near the front and last time he was not bothered about being one out and one back without cover for much of the journey. He would probably prefer 1600m because Muzi Yeni went early in him in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge because he said he could no longer hold him. However, he stayed this trip well enough last year and was also a 0,70 length second to See It Again in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000. Fresh horses, as opposed to those who have run in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, are said to do well in this race. Dave The King is at a further advantage this year, in that case, because there is only three weeks between the July and the Champions Cup this year as opposed to the four weeks there was last year.

See It Again will come in to this race after just two runs as opposed to three last year, so that should stand him in good stead. He used to sometimes jump a tad slowly and that cost him last year, because he was too far back. However, he jumped on terms in the July. Hopefully, he can do the same again. It would be no surprise to see him land a third career Gr 1 over an ideal trip despite having to jump from the widest draw of all.

Flag Man was forced to go more handy than usual in the July from a wide draw. This time he can afford to be dropped out from draw five out of nine. He has a good turn of foot and a resolute finish so should be right there.

Cousin Casey has not won for 20 months. but is in fine form at present and loves this track. From pole position he is a big runner over what should be an ideal trip.

Royal Victory only had one run going into the July and is reported by trainer Nathan Kotzen to have come out of that race very well. He has been eating every morsel and is nice and fresh, so he should be cherry ripe over an ideal trip. Muzi Yeni is an expert at slotting in from wide draws and draw seven out of nine should not pose too much of a problem. Royal Victory has won over 1900m on this course coming from last before. He will likely come from off them again here.

Barbaresco is an interesting runner because the 2200m trip of the July could have blunted his finishing speed. He ran on strongly in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000, despite having been hampered halfway through the race, and this trip should be ideal.

Double Superlative would not be a surprise winner. He is the winner of two of the most prestigious races in the country, the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and the Gr 1 WSB Met. He was said to be a run short of his best going into the July so should be cherry ripe and he is impossible to ignore.

Purple Pitcher was off the bit a long way out in the July and, although a courageous sort who is diffcult to overtake when in the front, he is likely better suited to a galloping course.

Hluhluwe was thought at one stage to be crying out for middle distances. However, he has flattered to deceive on the three occasions he has run over trips of 2000m and beyond. However, he has not had much luck and might enjoy the drop down to 1800m too.

The selection is Dave The King to beat See It Again and Flag Man, with Cousin Casey and Royal Victory next best.

The bold need to include only Dave The King and See It Again in their Pick 6 but the risk averse will have to also include Flag Man, Cousin Casey, Royal Victory, Barbaresco and Double Superlative.

Rodeo Drive Looks To Be The Meeting Banker

Rodeo Drive cruising to victory at the end of last month at Turffontein Standside (JC Photos)

The Sean Tarry-trained The United States filly Rodeo Drive could be the meeting banker on World Pool Gold Cup day.

She runs in the Gr 2 World Pool With Gold Circle Debutante over 1200m and jumps from a plum draw of three.

She has early pace and an effortless gait and she duly finds plenty of extra in the closing stages.

Little Ballerina is the winner of the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Nursery over 1160m and also had outstanding Cape Town form against classy horses.

However, she will have to give Rodeo Drive 1,5kg and she also comes off a well below par run.

The 1400m of the Gr 2 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper might have stretched Little Ballerina and she should have come on from the run. She was beaten 9,80 lengths, but was not persevered with in the closing stages.

Little Ballerina jumps from a good draw of four, but with two pacey horses on her inside in Simply Majestic and Rodeo Drive, she might be caught one wide.

Rodeo Drive is fancied to convert current odds with Hollywoodbets of 8/10, having been backed in from 11/10.

World Pool Gold Cup Day Formguides And Selections

Joker Man could get punters off to a good start. (JC Photos)

Gold Circle

R1 Summary: JOKER MAN (1) bids for his sixth win on the bounce and has won his last two over a mile. He has the best of the draw and will be a worthy favourite on the day. ITSRAININGWILLIAM (4) has useful form in good company over this trip and should be competitive from a good draw. There should not be much between GET IMPRESSED (2) and MONEY HEIST (11) the two having met last time out. Get Impressed is now 1kg better off at the weights which could be enough for him to turn the tables. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-2-11).

R2 Summary: RODEO DRIVE (2) was a close-up second to star filly Quid Pro Quo in the Gr1 Allan Robertson and franked that form with an effortless romp next time out. She has not been out of the first two in five outings and from a good draw she rates the one to beat. JUST RECKLESS (7) has only been out of the money once in seven outings. She has been up against Quid Pro Quo at her last two and not beaten far. She should prefer this shorter trip. LITTLE BALLERINA (4) ran way below form when drawn wide on this course at her first attempt at seven furlongs. She has a much better draw over a more suitable trip and she now knows the course. SIMPLY MAJESTIC (1) has started favourite in all six of her starts but steps up in trip. DARK WINTER (8) had been disappointing in her three local starts but fitted with blinkers last time out she was a runaway winner. She does face a lot stronger here but the blinkers appear to have brought her on. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-4-8).

R3 Summary: Frank Robinson removed the blinkers when sending CAT’S PAJAMAS (5) over 1400m and the colt held on gamely for third in the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe behind Cosmic Speed and Proceed who both have strong chances two races later. He is back over a sprint with the blinkers back on. DANTONFROMSANDTON (7) beat CHOCOLATE SOLDIER (2) when meeting winners in his maiden victory. He has come on in blinkers and won well on the poly last time out. He has the added backing of Sean Tarry and Richard Fourie. BUFFALO STORM CODY (3) cruised to a nine-length victory on debut but then found Proceed too hot to handle next time out finishing five lengths behind. That was only his second start and should come on from that effort. IMPACT INVESTOR (9) improved nicely at his second run in KZN and should strip at his peak. He was a beaten favourite last start. (Andrew Harrison: 5-7-9-3).

R4 Summary: QUID PRO QUO (12) has a wide draw to contend with as she attempts to make this her fifth win in a row. However, she came from a seemingly hopeless position to win the Gr2 Golden Slipper displaying a tremendous turn of foot. She will undoubtably be ridden in similar fashion so the draw should not be too much of a concern. FATAL FLAW (7) was ignored in the betting for the Golden Slipper but finished a creditable second from a wide draw. The wily Piere Strydom stays with the ride and she is proven over the trip. Drawn one outside of Quid Pro Quo is the unbeaten LOCK AND KEY (13) who landed the odds on the poly at her second start. She gets Keagan de Melo aboard but regular pilot Richard Fourie has opted to take his chances on stable companion WHISTLE THE TUNE (4) was a well-beaten fifth behind Quid Pro Quo last time out, but was unlucky. She has the better draw and can finish a little closer. (Andrew Harrison: 12-7-13-4).

R5 Summary: Sean Tarry holds a strong hand in this contest. He saddles Gr1 Gold Medallion winner PROCEED (8), G2 Golden Horseshoe winner COSMIC SPEED (9) and LEGEND OF ARTHUR (13) a winner of two of his four starts. Richard Fourie will not doubt have been given the choice of rides and he has plumed for Legend Of Arthur in spite of a wide draw and his stable companions seemingly having the better feature race credentials. He was a beaten odds-on favourite when third behind MOUNT PINATUBO (12) but that run was a slightly below par effort after having beaten Mount Pinatubo by over five lengths at their previous meeting. Grant van Niekerk is back aboard Cosmic Speed after finishing second to Proceed in the Gold Medallion. Cosmic Speed enjoyed the extra furlong last time out beating Proceed comfortably. GREAT PLAINS (4) ran no sort of race in the Golden Horseshoe and that effort is best ignored. Prior to that he came from the clouds to win comfortably. The extra furlong will suit and Keagan de Melo, fresh from his first stint in Hong Kong, will no doubt get the best out of him although the stable has been quiet this winter. (Andrew Harrison: 13-9-4-8)

R6 Summary: LUCKY LAD (13) can cement himself as the country’s top sprinter is he can overcome a wide draw. He was pushed all the way to the line in a recent Pinnacle Stakes event but was giving the runner-up 6kg. He clearly did not stay the mile in the Gr1 Gold Challenge but his defining race could be the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint. He was in all sorts of trouble with a furlong to run as the gaps snapped closed forcing Richard Fourie to take drastic action and the horse good enough to win. A narrow second in the Golden Horse was AT MY COMMAND (5) who ran another cracker when second in the Gr2 Post Merchants last time out. Drawn wide and giving the winner 6kg he beat home a useful field on handicap terms. He has a much better draw this time around. Stable companion I AM GIANT (3) was not so lucky from his wide draw in the Post Merchants but was only four lengths back to the winner. In two previous starts he had run Lucky Lad to within a length and he too has a much more favourable gate. The filly GOLDEN SICKLE (1) didn’t feature in the Merchants but prior to that had run star sprinter Thunderstuck to a neck in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint. This course should suit from her pole position draw. (Andrew Harrison: 13-5-3-1).

R7 Summary: FUTURE PEARL (6) is the country’s top stayer and won this race with ease last year. Sean Tarry has a knack of priming his runners for the big day and now that the gelding steps out over his optimum trip he could prove difficult to peg back. Tarry has a second string to his bow in the veteran stayer and previous winner NEBRAAS (5). The seven-year-old has been improving with every run since being fitted with blinkers. He has dropped in the handicap and now looks to be off a competitive mark. SHOOT THE RAPIDS (15) was closing in quickly on stable companion MADISON VALLEY () in the Gr3 Gold Vase over 3000m. The extra furlong and the weight turnover should see him turn the tables on his stable companion. MASTER REDOUTE (3) found plenty of trouble in the July and did well to finish five lengths off the winner. He won the Western Cape Stayers over 2800m to this trip should suit. ZEUS (14) ran up a string of victories on the Highveld before his form tailed off. He was only two lengths off Future Pearl when last they met in a much better showing so he cannot be written off lightly. (Andrew Harrison: 6-5-15-3).

R8 Summary: SEE IT AGAIN (10) will be looking for a change of fortune after finishing runner-up in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and The HKJC Champions Cup last year. He could well have finished third in this year’s ‘July’ but for interference in the closing stages and some scrimmaging at the 1400m mark. He has a tricky draw to contend with but being the best weighted runner in this WFA contest he could finally get just reward. Muzi Yeni has opted to partner July third ROYAL VICTORY (8) ahead of Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge winner DAVE THE KING (9) with Richard Fourie taking over in the saddle for Mike de Kock. Both will be at home over this trip with Dave The King the likely pacemaker. FLAG MAN (6) finished a creditable fourth in the July but he was ridden handy as opposed to his normal style of racing. He is sure to be dropped out this time around and given a half decent pace he should be running hard at the leaders. COUSIN CASEY (1) is something of a Greyville specialist and has finished runner-up in his last three races on this course. He was run out of it late in the July and he is well suited to this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 10-6-8-1).

R9 Summary: Wide open. HAPPY CHANCE (10) was narrowly beaten by Humdinger in the Garden Province and was closing quickly. The extra 400m will suit. RED PALACE (9) was not far off the now retired Humdinger in the Gr1 Garden Province Stakes and is the only ride on the day for Cape Town-based Aldo Domeyer. The filly stays the trip well and should be a big runner. RASCOVA (13) is among the best of her generation and takes on older runners over a trip where she has yet to be tested. However, she has smart form over a mile and this extended trip should suit. However, she has drawn wide which will test her stamina. BEATING WINGS (6) is well tried over the trip and was a close-up third in the Gr1 Woolavington 2000. SAARTJIE (15) has drawn even wider out but she tends to come from well off the pace so the draw should not be a hinderance. (Andrew Harrison: 10-9-13-6)

R10 Summary: DEAMLAND (1) is a short-cut specialist having won his last four on the bounce. He has the best of the draw and Richard Fourie up although he takes the turn for the first time. Two-year-old PISTOL PETE (5) takes on older horses but only has 52kg to shoulder and is lightning quick. He has strong form in juvenile company. KING OF THE GAULS (14) has another wide draw to contend with but appears to be over his optimum trip and is well regarded by his stable. UNDERWORLD (8) is relatively lightly raced. He has his second run after a break after starting favourite last time out and the drop in trip could suit at this stage of his preparation. LUNARCAM (9) is quick and can finish in the money. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-14-8).

Great Expectations For Super Sunday

Some will be looking to banker Lucky Lad but from the widest draw of all over 1200m that would be brave (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Bravery With Bankers Could Open The Door To Big Payouts

Mike Moon (The Citizen)

An aggregate betting pool of well over R120-million is expected for Sunday’s Gold Cup Day at Greyville.

With World Pool status accorded to all 10 feature races on the programme, bettors around the world will be pouring money into the pots.

Win, Place and Swinger pools for each race are likely to be around R10-million, it is said. The Pick 6 pile is predicted to hit R15-million, while the Quartet on the main event, the Gold Cup, has a target of R5-million.

And there’s more…

The card itself is an enticing prospect for punters. Several short-priced favourites means there is an array of possible bankers to choose from – or at least to allow selections to be narrowed down – as players try to crack the code to a fortune.

Whereas the recent Hollywoodbets Durban July meeting was fiercely competitive throughout, with winners hard to find, this one – KwaZulu-Natal’s second-biggest annual fixture and the seasonal climax – is a tad more punter-friendly. But only a tad; one must still apply the mind and hope for a lick of luck!

Some of the races, including the grand old Gold Cup, are wide open and bravery with banker choices might be the way to go.

‘Pick 2’

Interestingly, along with trumpeting the Pick 6 and big-race Quartet, the Computaform guide is also heavily promoting a “Pick 2”.

It’s not a new bet type but a way to combine the familiar local Exacta and Swinger bets with the international Quinella – picking the first two horses past the post in any order. Pick two or more horses you fancy in any race and “have a full go” the ads suggest.

For the brave, a “white-knuckle” Pick 6 suggestion:

2,12 x 2,4,9,10,12,13 x 13 x 3,5,6,9,11,13,14,15 x 10 x 6,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 (R768)

BETTING

World Pool Gold Cup
12-10 Future Pearl
9-1 Future Swing
10-1 Nebraas
14-1 One Way Traffic
16-1 Madison Valley
18-1 Master Fuego, Aragosta
20-1 Master Redoute, Shoot The Rapids
25-1 Raiseahallelujah, Zeus, Ponte Pietra
33-1 Son Of Raj
40-1 Breeze Over, Baratheon

HKJC Champions Cup
19-10 See It Again
4-1 Dave The King
5-1 Cousin Casey
6-1 Flag Man, Royal Victory
14-1 Double Superlative
16-1 Barbaresco
33-1 Purple Pitcher, Hluhluwe

Weekend Racing Highlights 26 - 28 July

See It Again has been suggested as a banker in this column (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Danie Toerien (Tab4Racing)

STAR-STUDDED RACING AND A HUGE PICK 6 CARRY-OVER!

Sunday’s star-studded card for World Pool Gold Cup Day at Hollywoodbets Greyville features four mouthwatering Grade 1 races, three Grade 2s, one Grade 3 and two Listed races. To top it all, there is a Pick 6 carryover of R2-million to boost what is expected to be a R15-million pool, and a Quartet carryover to Race 7 of R1-million, expected to grow to R5-million. There is a possible Pick 6 banker in the HKJC Champions Cup, and a chance to win the big Quartet with a small perm. An exciting Juvenile feature starts the weekend of racing on Friday, followed by a competitive and well-supported meeting at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday (weather permitting). The international highlight is Saturday’s Group 1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot. This is also a Hong Kong World Pool meeting. As racing weekends go, they don’t come much better than this.

FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

FAIRVIEW: CAPE RAIDERS COULD FIGHT OUT JUVENILE CUP

Justin Snaith and Brett Crawford have entered a pair of well-performed, up-and-coming two-year-old colts to take on Gqeberha’s leading juveniles in the Listed Champion Juvenile Cup. Snaith’s Makazole finished second in the Listed Gatecrasher Stakes and wasn’t disgraced when beaten under five lengths in the Grade 2 Durban Golden Horseshoe at Hollywoodbets Greyville. He looks course and distance suited and will jump from an inside draw. Crawford’s Mauritius Kestrel was third in the Grade 3 Langerman at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, arguably the best form pointer in the race, but his wide draw is a concern. Best of a strong local brigade could be Gavin Smith’s Kingdundee, winner of the Listed Dahlia Plate, but he’ll be racing around the Fairview bend for the first time.

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS

HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH: WINTER COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS GO DOWN TO THE WIRE

The Winter Country Championships for lower-division runners draw to a close with the final legs of the respective series, Race 6 (1000m), Race 7 (1400m) and Race 8 (1600m). Points have been accumulated by all contenders over the last six months and the finals carry stakes of R200,000 each. Palo Queen goes into the 1000m race a few points clear of veteran runner Wordsworth, but they’ll both have to beat Swift Action, who ran a cracker in a stronger contest last time. Old rivals Kebonalesedi and Kelp Forest are ahead on points coming into the 1400m race, but they too can expect strong opposition. Wugug and Go Like Flo are both down in class and have strong claims. There are only a few points between Master Of Paris and Radicchio for the 1600m prize. They have useful opposition in the form of Steinbeck and Fly Futura. Captain West (Race 5) looks ready to win and has the makings of an exotic banker.

ASCOT: AUGUSTE RODIN SPEARHEADS O’BRIEN’S KING GEORGE ATTACK

Aidan O’Brien saddles three of the nine runners in Race 5, the Group 1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes over 2400m following Monday’s confirmation stage, with Ryan Moore’s mount, Auguste Rodin, set to lead the Ballydoyle team into battle. “He’s probably less complicated now,” said O’Brien about Auguste Rodin, who disappointed when he finished last of 10 in this race last year. “He’s in good form and everything has been good with him since Ascot.”

SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS

KRANJI: LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO BIDS FOR LION CITY CUP HAT-TRICK

Local star Lim’s Kosciuszko is looking to make it three straight victories in the Group 1 Lion City Cup over 1000m. He won this race with authority last year and is undefeated so far this term. He hasn’t raced since his dominant win the Group 1 Kranji Mile in May but has been kept on the boil and impressed in a recent trial. He should be able to slot into a comfortable position from barrier five. The two-time Singapore Horse of the Year is said to be tuned for the race. “’Kosi’ is fit and ready. He is the best horse in the race,” said trainer Daniel Meagher. The meeting starts at 6.30.

HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE: SEE IT AGAIN LOOKS A BANKER; TARRY BRINGS BIG GUNS

Trainer Sean Tarry is roughly R1.5-million in gross stake earnings behind log-leader Justin Snaith in the 2023/4 title race. He is bringing his A-team to this meeting for a powerful hand in all eight Graded races on this exceptional 10-race programme. Champion jockey in-waiting Richard Fourie has been booked to ride most of the Tarry runners. They include up-and-coming Rodeo Drive in Race 2, the Group 2 World Pool With Gold Circle Debutante Stakes over 1200m, promising Legend Of Arthur in the Grade 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes over 1600m, star colt Lucky Lad in the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint over 1200m and champion stayer Future Pearl in Race 7, the Grade 3 World Pool Gold Cup over 3200m. While Tarry is likely to have a number of winners, Michael Roberts-trained See It Again will be hard to beat in the topliner, the Grade 1 HKJC Champions Cup over 1800m. He is perfectly course and distance suited in his third run after a rest and following a close and decidedly unlucky fifth place in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. He finished second to Princess Calla in the Champions Cup last year and should go one better this time. He is the closest to a Pick 6 banker on the programme.

SUGGESTED R1080 PICK 6 (R360 for 33%)

Starts @13:50

Leg 1: 2, 7, 12

Leg 2: 3, 9, 11, 12, 13

Leg 3: 3, 5, 13

Leg 4: 5, 6, 9, 12

Leg 5: 10

Leg 6: 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 15

SUGGESTED QUARTET PERM (R288):
Race 7 @ 16:10
Triple Float 6, 9 and 12, with the field.

Distance Specialist Unzen Can Upset Main Defender

Unzen is ideally suited to the 1400m trip and has some class (JC Photos)

A Pinnacle Stakes event over 1400m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside on Saturday and Unzen is taken to upset Main Defender.

Unzen is ideally course and distance suited and Main Defender could battle to give him 10kg considering he might need the run. Main Defender’s class could pull him through though. Tail Of The Comet is ideally distance suited too and should have come on from his last run. Bingwa can never be ignored as he is top class if things go his way. The Africa House has the ability to be a threat, although the 4kg claimer rides 2kg overweitght.

The seventh is a conditions plate over 1100m and the Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained Time Fo Orchids can mow them down from a nice high draw. She was entered in the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint but that would have been a hard task and as a progressive sort, she could have a good next season ahead of her in female feature sprints. She is 1,5kg under sufferance with the best weight pair Troppo Veloce and Elegant Ice, but could rise above her current merit rating. Troppo Veloce has a good record down the straight at this track and should be right there from draw five out of seven. Exchange Student is in fair form, although she has to prove she enjoys this slight step up in trip. So Seductive was well beaten by Exchange Student last time, but had faced some good sorts before that without being disgraced. Elegant Ice has been in good form and has a form chance but against her is the number one draw.

The fifth race is a MR 96 Handicap over 1000m. Chyavana is ideally course and distance suited and doesn’t face an inspiring field. He can win this despite being drawn one. Rainbow Reward is consistent but also has a low draw. Dr Faustus has been well beaten in three starts out the maidens, but has faced decent fields. Rollwiththepunches has become disappointing. He will be a runner if bouncing back as one with exceptional early pace. Karangetang could earn a cheque again.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Secret Chord has the best form, but returns from a four month layoff. First-timer Inspector James is by What A Winter and is a half-brother to a pair of two-time winners, so from a plum high draw he is taken to beat Secret Chord. King Harry and Hat Man could earn in this line up and Espinoza is a Rafeef half-brother to a two-time winner so could earn here.

In the sixth race over 1000m Longsword is on the up and could mow them down, although his draw of four out of ten could be tricky. Lovegrass is on the up and from a good should be able to handle a three point raise for his win last time. Esquevelle drops into easier company and from a nice high draw with Piere Strydom up should make a bold bid. Nkandla Gold might have been undone by a low draw last time as he was progressing nicely before that and he should finish alongside Longsword on the form of their previous clash, although the 2,5kg apprentice allowance for Longsword’s jockey Trent Mayhew could swing it in his favour. Munchkin can never be ignored as one who works like a top class horse at home.

In the ninth over 1600m Claw, Shinto Shrine and Celtic Rush should get punters through.

In the first leg of the Bipot over 1160m Pointer has been knocking on the door and now runs over an ideal trip from a nice high draw.

In the first leg of the PA over 1000m Salenio Peninsula is by Vercingetorix and would not have to be as good as his half-brother Barbaresco to win this. Bellisivar is ideally distance suited and should be right there.

Hollie Doyle Gives Insight Into Her Weekend Rides

Hollie Doyle (At The Races)

Qipco King George day at Ascot on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Racing, is our ambassador’s destination on Saturday, followed by a trip to Germany on Sunday to ride for boss Archie Watson.

‘CRIMINAL’ ALBASHEER MY BEST ASCOT CHANCE

He may be a little criminal at times, but Archie Watson’s ALBASHEER is probably my best chance of a winner on a stellar Qipco King George card at Ascot on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Racing.

A talented sprinter, he isn’t always the easiest to predict but was back on song in a hot course and distance handicap two weeks ago, finishing second to the progressive Fair Wind.

You have to ride him for luck as he likes to get there late so I’ll be praying for those all-important breaks in the Whispering Angel Handicap (5.25).

Watch every race on Qipco King George Weekend from Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 519) on Friday 26th & Saturday 27th July.

TEMPUS OUT FOR HANDICAP REPEAT

TEMPUS returns to the scene of one of his most notable successes when he lines up in the Betfred Handicap (4.50) at Ascot – a race he won two years ago.

This track usually brings the best out of Archie Watson’s veteran who bounced right back to form with a narrow defeat in a 1m handicap at Newmarket’s July Festival.

It took him a long time to get into top gear that day but the ground should be more suitable for him at Ascot. He’s been raised 2lb which I thought was harsh, considering he hasn’t won for a long time, but I’m hopeful of another big run.

IMPRESSED BY CHAPPLE-HYAM COLT

Jane Chapple-Hyam’s enjoying a purple patch, winning the July Cup at Newmarket, and sends Too Darn Hot colt ECHALAR to Ascot for his debut in the British EBF Crocker Bulteel ‘Confined’ Maiden Stakes (1.15).

I popped into Rose Cottage to sit on him on Wednesday morning and really liked him. It’s his first day at school in what looks a good race but I think he’ll acquit himself well.

Later, I ride RIOT for David O’Meara in the Moet & Chandon International Stakes (3.00) at Ascot. The seven-year-old is among the outsiders but has won at York and Doncaster this season and also ran well in defeat on the Knavesmire earlier this month.

A hold-up performer, he’s got a light weight and will hopefully appreciate the stiff nature of the track. The quicker the pace the better for him.

AUGUSTE STILL THE ONE TO BEAT

Anyone who reads my blogs regularly will know that I just love Aidan O’Brien’s enigmatic AUGUSTE RODIN so I won’t see past him in Saturday’s big race at Ascot, the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (3.40).

You couldn’t fail to be impressed by the way he dug deep to win the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at the Royal Meeting and he’ll be hard to deny if he turns up in that frame of mind.

Godolphin’s six-year-old Rebel’s Romance is a serious horse who has won top races around the world so it’s exciting to see him putting his reputation on the line back in Britain. There’s nothing between him and Auguste on ratings but for me the Irish horse has that edge of class.

The filly Bluestocking could surprise a few, even though she has something to find. She’s still improving as she proved in the Group 1 Pretty Polly and Ralph Beckett’s horses are running really well.

BALL CAN BOUNCE BACK IN GERMANY

HAVANA BALL has already plundered a Listed prize in Germany this season so I’m hoping she can repeat the feat in the Listed Konrad Werner Wille-Memorial (12.23) at Munich on Sunday.

Archie Watson’s daughter of Havana Grey won over 7f in Hanover in May, securing some important black type for connections Lone Star Investments.

It didn’t work out when I rode her in Deauville last time but she’s back in calmer waters, taking on opposition she’s beaten before from a good draw.

Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.

Today’s Question

The picture is of the question subject.

Which stallion has been the leading sire of Great Britain and Ireland the most times?

Weekend FIELDS

Turffontein Standside, Saturday

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Saturday

Hollywoodbets Greyville, Sunday

Today’s Question Answer

Sadler’s Wells was the leading sire of Great Britain and Ireland no fewer than 14 times (1990, 1992-2004). He eclipsed the record of 13 which had stood for two centuries set by Highflyer, who was an undefeated son of the eight times leading sire Herod (1777-1784).

Third on the list is Sadler’s Wells’ son Galileo, who was a ten-times leading sire ( 2008, 2010–2020).

Galileo was prevented from landing an 11th title by his son Frankel, who won it in 2021 and 2023, with Dubawi beating him to it in 2022. Frankel was the leading earner for Galileo on two occasions during his 14 start undefeated career (Highflyer was also undefeated in 14 starts).