Turf Talk Newsletter – 14 March, 2025

One Stripe can say farewell to South Africa with a big money win in Sunday’s R5 million Big Cap (Picture: Wayne Marks).

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

South Africa’s Champion three-year-old, One Stripe, is set for the biggest payday of his career when he lines up for the final time on South African soil against nine rivals in the R5-million HSH Princess Charlene Big Cap over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday. One Stripe has won six races, including the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas (Gr1) and the L’Ormarins King’s Plate (Gr 1), from only eight starts to date for career earnings of close on R4,2-million. Victory on Sunday would add another R3-million to his bank balance and provide for a fitting “bon voyage” as the Drakenstein-bred son of One World jets off to further his career in the USA.

Now owned by Betting Entertainment Technologies International (Pty) Ltd in partnership with Rikesh Sewgoolam, One Stripe will join the stable of Graham Motion who already has Isivunguvungu, Beach Bomb and Gimme A Nother in his care, all of which have performed admirably since relocating to the States. Hollywood Racing’s Isivunguvungu, a Narrow Creek-bred son of What A Winter, is likely to fly South Africa’s flag at the Dubai World Cup race meeting over the first weekend of April but One Stripe’s main mission will surely be the Breeders Cup race meeting later this year.

As was the case with Eight On Eighteen and Gimme A Prince on SplashOut Cape Derby day three weeks ago, there is no logical case to be made for any of One Stripe’s rivals to knock him off his perch. Perhaps Great Plains comes closest if you isolate the Cape Guineas (Gr1) form. Great Plains finished third nearly three lengths behind One Stripe and is 2kgs better off but, more than that, the Guineas is run over 1600m, and Great Plains has proven to be something of a 1400m specialist with all four of his victories having been recorded over the “Big Cap” trip. Hypothetically, if the Guineas was run over 1400m, would Great Plains have been a lot closer to One Stripe? Perhaps, but brilliant horses – and there can hardly be any doubt that One Stripe fits that description – are equally versatile and I doubt the step back in distance, nor the weight turnaround with Great Plains, will prove enough to stop One Stripe from closing out his South African campaign on a high!

It’s going to be an emotional afternoon for trainer Vaughan Marshall and jockey Gavin Lerena. One can only imagine what will be going through Vaughan’s mind as he walks towards his Champ to saddle him for the final time. And then to give Gavin Lerena his final leg-up and then to watch him canter down. Experience has taught Vaughan that however much the odds are stacked in your favour, victory in racing cannot be taken for granted and his emotions will no doubt give way to anxiety as the gates are sprung! As true horse racing fans we can only hope that everything goes according to plan for One Stripe and Gavin Lerena, and that at the winning post Vaughan’s anxiety will transform into exhilaration and champagne-popping celebration for him, the Owners and his legion of fans and supporters in the grandstand and around the country.

The R1,5-million Cape Racing Sales Slipper for juveniles over 1200m, a race restricted to graduates of the Sponsor, sees a rematch between Clair de Lune and Black Cheetah, both from the stable of Champion Trainer Justin Snaith. Black Cheetah is unbeaten from two starts and Clair de Lune has yet to win from three starts but there was only a neck between the pair when they met on King’s Plate day. That was over 1000m, and I believe that over the extra 200m on Sunday Clair de Lune will have every chance of reversing the order with Black Cheetah, but that is certainly no foregone conclusion.

Dreamworld scored in workmanlike fashion on debut when strongly supported in the market and the son of One World appears to have plenty of scope for further improvement. Military Command was a dominant winner of his second start and should go well here for Craig Zackey and trainer Peter Muscutt and, while two-year-olds can improve rapidly from one run to the next, I do believe the winner should emerge from amongst this quartet.

The R200 000 Monaco Sport of Kings Kenilworth Cup (Listed) over 2400m has attracted a small but competitive 7-horse field with five of the runners coming from the stables of Justin Snaith and Glen Kotzen. Holding Thumbs is in very good form and goes well for Sean Veale and he could record back-to-back victories, but he is rising in the handicap, and he may not have matters all his own way. Triple Time looks ready to produce his best and should give a good account of himself, but he must concede 4,5kgs to Holding Thumbs and only the race will show whether the eye-catching grey is up to the task.

Nebraas showed signs of life when third behind Holding Thumbs last time and is now 1kg better off with Kotzen’s runner. Otto Luyken recently joined the back-in-form Brett & James Crawford team, and the son of Flower Alley is weighted to turn the tables on Triple Time. Bombers In The Sky and Groovejet are interesting off bottom weight of just 50kgs, although both race under sufferance in terms of official ratings. That said, Groovejet is bred on strong staying lines and could relish the trip which he tackles for the first time. Blackberry Malt makes up the field but will need to step up on his recent showings.

Not an easy race and the pace, or lack thereof, will as always play a role in the outcome, but preference is for Holding Thumbs who is still on the improve as he matures into his large frame.

Military Command has been tipped to win the CRS Cape Slipper. (Picture: Wayne Marks).

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Sunday Formguides and Selections

R1     10 FOLLOW YOUR HEART ran a lovely race on debut when finishing second behind Spacebound, he is a beautiful looking colt that will improve quite a bit in his second start, he will be hard to beat here. 2 CAPTAIN JON SNOW stayed on well for second behind Winter Snap on the 18th of January, he will keep improving with every run, include this colt into all bets. 5 NORTH POINT changed stables on the 7th of March, he was only beaten just over two lengths in his last start, he looks like the type that will get better with racing, on his best form, he should be in the places. 3 SLENDER SILHOUETTE was very green on debut behind Military Command, she is a well-bred filly that should improve here, watch her closely. (Brandon Bailey: 10 – 2 – 5 – 3)

R2     2 MILITARY COMMAND quickened up like a smart sort in the making when winning his maiden by just over two lengths on the 26th of February, he will love the step up in trip to 1200m, he should go very close in this competitive race. 3 DREAMWORLD won his debut exceptionally well on the 15th of February at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he arrived at the course with a massive reputation and delivered in good style, there is no doubt he will be right there in the finish. 11 BLACK CHEETAH comes back to the races from a small break of 71 days, he has won two very good races in succession, the yard thinks highly of this individual, he must go into all bets. 4 MALMESBURY MISSILE changed stables on the 25th of February, he fought hard to win a good race last time, he should be running on strongly late. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 3 – 11 – 4)

R3     3 RATTLESNAKE unfortunately lost his race in the boardroom last time, his recent form is really good, he loves the 1000m trip up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he must have a good winning chance here. 2 NIGHT TIGER ran a fair race on the 15th of February behind Empire State, on his best form at this level, he could certainly be very dangerous in the finish. 5 TOUGH TERRAIN carries a massive weight on his back for this race on Sunday, he ran a lovely race last time behind Bluff On Bluff, if the race works out for him and he gets some cover early, he will be flying at the finish, watch him closely. 9 GO IT ALONE ran a much-improved race on the 8th of February behind Un Bel Di, unfortunately he was penalised three points for running third, despite the negative, if he can build on that last performance, he could be some value in this tricky race. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 2 – 5 – 9)

R4     3 FIRST MASTERPIECE quickened up smartly to win going away in her last start on the 26th of February, her last two wins in succession have been impressive, she absolutely loves the sprint trips up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, even though she has gone up in the ratings, she must have a good winning chance again. 4 MAI SENSATION disappointed last time in the Listed Olympic Duel Stakes, she is much better than that performance, if she can build on that bad run, she could easily bounce back and be competitive here at a good price. 9 BABELICIOUS ran a lovely race behind her stable companion on the 11th of February, her form is good with the blinkers on, she must be respected. 5 BLUE HOLLY has done nothing wrong of late, she has been nice and consistent, she likes to race up on speed, include her into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 4 – 9 – 5)

R5     2 TENANGO ran on powerfully to win a super race on the 8th of February, he looks to be a smart sprinter in the making, this race is undoubtedly his toughest test to date, but he looks talented and should go very close to winning again. 6 LION RAMPART has been rested and gelded, he was very disappointing in the Winchester Sprint Cup last time, but a nice horse with lots of quality, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will be right there in the finish. 3 FUTURE VARIETY had absolutely no luck in his last start, he has run with lots of credit against some of the best sprinters in the land, this looks to be a nice race for him to go close. 4 UN BEL DI won well on the 8th of February, his form is good, he is still improving and can sneak into the places with no weight on his back. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 6 – 3 – 4)

R6     4 AHEAD OF THE FACTS quickened up from a long way back to win his maiden in style on the 5th of February, he will love the step up in trip to 2200m, there is no doubt he will have a big winning chance in this race. 3 UMFULA won his maiden well enough on the 26th of February, he looks like the type that will improve with every start, he should be staying on strongly late over this trip, include him into all bets. 7 ALADDIN’S LAMP ran a fair race behind My Bestie last time, he likes to race up on speed and then he grinds hard all the way to the line, on his best form, he could sneak into the places. 2 REPETITION ran a great race out of the maidens in his last start, he is still improving and he stays well, he could earn for the connections from a good draw. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 3 – 7 – 2)

R7     4 TRIPLE TIME stayed on well late in the Grade 3 event on the 25th of January, even though he carries top weight for this Listed race, he is a quality stayer and should go very close to winning with champion jockey Richard Fourie in the saddle. 5 HOLDING THUMBS never runs a bad race, he is as consistent as they come, jockey Sean Veale knows him well, there is no doubt he will have a serious winning chance on his best form. 1 NEBRAAS returned to form nicely on the 15th of February, even though he is eight years old, he stays well and should run a big race from a good draw. 3 BOMBERS IN THE SKY carries no weight on his back on Sunday afternoon, even though he will need to improve quite a bit to win a race like this, he is nowhere near the finished article, he could sneak into the places. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 5 – 1 – 3)

R8     2 ONE STRIPE comes back to the races from a small break of 71 days, his last win in the Grade 1 King’s Plate was nothing short of breath taking, he is a real super star and should win this race quite easily. 3 THE GREY KING ran a lovely race on the 25th of January behind his stable companion Let It Be Said, the form of that race has worked out well, Jockey Craig Zackey knows him well, he will be chasing hard. 8 ALL OUT FOR SIX ran a fair race in a strong field last time, he is a strong front runner on his day, there is no doubt he will be in it for a long way, include him into the places. 7 GREAT PLAINS has been rested for 71 days, he is much better than his last run, he should be stalking the speed and running on strongly late. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 3 – 8 – 7)

R9     9 MEU CAPITANO made up good ground late behind The Real Prince on the 22nd of February, unfortunately he has drawn wide again on Sunday for this race, but he will be switched off early and should be low flying late, with the right run in transit, he will be hard to beat. 7 GALLIC DREAM was given a great ride by Gavin Lerena on the 22nd of February, he quickened well and won impressively, with no weight on his back here, he will be a massive threat to all of them in the finish. 6 PROMETTERE barged his way through to win exceptionally well on the 18th of January, he was given seven points for that victory which means life will be tough for him now, but if he runs a similar race again on Sunday, he should be competitive. 2 BILLY BOWLEGS should be cherry ripe for this race, from a good draw, he must be respected. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 7 – 6 – 2)

R10    6 GREEN GARNET showed massive heart to win well last time, he went to the front and fought all the way to the line, he was given three points for that victory, from a decent draw, he should remain competitive in this tricky race. 1 INDUSTRIALSTRENGTH has been rested for 88 days, he ran a much better race last time on the 18th of December, he has tons of ability this individual, from a good draw, he must be included into all bets. 9 BOOGIEFIED ran a great second behind Please Be True on the 11th of February, with a similar performance in this race, he would have a massive winning chance. 7 HONOR OF KINGS ran well out the maidens last time, he looks progressive and must be respected. This looks to be one of the most difficult races on the card, you will need to go wide. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 1 – 9 – 7)

Almond Sea is the one to beat in the Gr 3 Sycamore Sprint. (JC Photos).

The Grade 3 Sycamore Sprint over 1160m is the headliner of the nine race meeting at Turffontein Standside on Saturday and Almond Sea could follow up on her last win.

Almond Sea has tended to start a bit slowly, which was problematic as she liked to be in the front and gallop the field into the ground. However, last time she was not able to get through and was forced to sit behind horses at the back. She proved to enjoy this tactic as she finished very strongly to win by 0.3 lengths. She beat the talented Poblano on that occasion, and the latter’s scratching has made her task easier here. However, this being a handicap is going to make it harder for Almond Sea all round as she was well weighted under the conditions of that last race. However, Almond Sea can do better this time, now that Gavin Lerena knows she is versatile in running style. Chrome Tourmaline is drawn on the right side and comes off a good win over 1200m and the form of that race has been franked. Andy’s Girl disappointed last time, but she has some class and is interesting over a sprint trip. Mia Moo was not disgraced in her last two starts in Cape Town, where the form tends to be stronger than Job’Burg, so she should do well in this handicap event with Piere Strydom up. Elegant Ice carries topweight but is capable, and did well last time considering she had to jump from the unfavourable draw one. She now has a nice high draw and with in-form Ryan Munger up, she could make an impact. Those are the ones that make most appeal.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 The Mightiest has a fair draw over a suitable trip and, having disappointed last time over 2000m, she should enjoy this step back down and trip. Aurora Green unfortunately has a wide draw, because she looks to be an improving sort who should go close if it does pan out well for her. City Lights is a long time maiden, but she is always thereabouts and from pole position she has a chance. Nkwenkwezi should be in the shakeup if able to reproduce her last good run over 1400m. On A Jet Plane was a well beaten second last time over 1450m, but should enjoy this step up and trip and she has a fair draw with Piere Strydom up.

In the second leg of the Pick 6, a strong pinnacle stakes race over 1800m, Hotarubi could be the one to side with. He is an enigmatic sort who can’t be relied on, but he is definitely capable, and from a draw of five out of eight with S’Manga Khumalo up he might be able to find cover before running on. Radiccio has plenty of ability and could still improve further because he has only run three times beyond 1475m, and his two runs over this trip were eyecatching. Tamarisk Tree is in fine form and is distance suited and well drawn and could claim a hattrick. Purple Pitcher is an effective front runner and should make his presence felt despite having to carry a big weight of 62kg. Champagne Cocktail bounced back to form last time when stepped up to 1800m and could be in the shakeup.

In the sixth race over 1400m, Pomodoro’s Jet has plenty of class and from a good draw over an ideal trip with Gavin Lerena up he could make it a hattrick. Gimmeanotherchance has always had plenty of class and this is likely his optimum trip, so he should go close from pole position under the good hands of Andrew Fortune. aboard, Ikigai won well last time over this course and distance, his first win for over three years, and his true ability is better tha his merit rating suggests so he could do well from a tricky draw. Infinite Wonder is well drawn and is capable but has not raced for over one and a half years. Captain Peg is course and distance suited, and has a good draw, returns from a layoff.

In the eighth race over 1400m, Just Be Lekker has a good draw and has the class to be a contender with S’Manga Kamalo up. Soldier’s Eye is effective over this trip and should be in the shake up despite having to overcome a wide draw. Mary’s Greenlight might enjoy the step down in trip and has a good draw. Pointer has plenty of ability and is effective over this trip but does have a tricky draw. Blue Horizon could be in the shake up of able to overcome a wide draw.

In the last race over 1400m Accept Cookies is capable of better than last time and can make amends over a suitable course and distance. Roaming Spirit brings good form and is distance suited and reasonably merit rated. Mocha Macaroon has been in fine form and should be thereabouts once again over an ideal trip. Last Ginger won well last time and could place here again although she has a wide draw to overcome. Perini Palace can be in the shake up if able to overcome a wide draw. Golden Moment has her third run after a rest and can go close if able to overcome a wide draw.

In the first race over 1100m One Fine Winter is well bred and the one to beat after a fine debut.

In the second over 1100m Tina Lovelace ran a fair fifth on debut and is drawn on the right side in this slight step up in trip, although the first-timers would not have to be great to feature here.

In the third over Apache has gone close in both Highveld starts and has a fair draw over a suitable trip with Lerena up. Sovereign Crown has improved with blinkers and could earn from a fair draw with Andrew Fortune up. Cronus made a good debut and has not been disgraced in two subsequent runs.

Lot 202, a Captain Of All colt vendored by Klawervlei Stud as agent, awaits his turn before going into the ring and relaising a successful bid of R125,000 sold to VHM Racing synicate.  (Ptcure: CRS).

Day 1 of the Cape Racing Sales March Yearling Sale is a select session and Day 2 was duly a lot quieter than Thursday’s high drama.

The highest priced lot today was for a Pomodoro colt vendored by Klawervlei Stud as agent and purchased by Jonathan Snaith for R525,000.

The colt is out of Captain Al three-time winner and Listed runner up War Path and he is a half-brother to the six time-winning Listed-winning Rafeef filly Bella Chica.

Snaith was the second highest buyer today by aggregate and his four lots aggregated R1,175,000 for an average of R293,750.

The highest buyer was Monden International Racing Stables, who spent R1,400,000 on five lots for an average of R280,000.

Narrow Creek Stud were the leading vendors with an aggregate of R2,050,000 for an average of R292,857.

The overall results for day 2 of the Sale were:

Sunlight Power is tipped to win tihe headliner. (Picture: HKJC).

Formguides and Selections for Hong Kong’s Saturday meeting 

Tim Carroll (At The Races)

This Saturday sees a competitive 10-race card from Sha Tin getting underway at 7.00am SA Time. The feature of the meeting is race 7, The Class 2 Kowloon Tong Club Trophy (Handicap), over 1 mile, offering prize-money more than £312,000.

Now onto this week’s selections:

Race 1: Class 5 Snapdragon Handicap (500am) (6 furlongs)
3 THE CONCENTRATION recorded just his second career success when winning over course & trip last time, but as highlighted in this article, he didn’t have a lot of luck the start prior, and the win certainly wasn’t unexpected. He does go up 6lb for that and he did benefit from a superb ride that day, but he’s the only recent winner in what is a moderate contest, he was strong through the line last time & he once again has a low draw.

Dangers:
2 Fairy Horse is a thirteen-start maiden that picked up the bronze last time at Happy Valley despite running keen throughout, but Hugh Bowman takes over from a claimer and he should have all the favours from the low draw.
7 Winning Heart is a bit of a non-winner with just one success from twenty-eight local starts, but he has hit the frame several times this season and he is now on a career low mark of 36 having won off 42 last season.
10 Speedy Smartie hasn’t won since his second start nearly two years ago, but he’s now on a career low mark and is likely to punch forward in a race offering only a honest gallop at best.

Race 2: Class 5 Dahlia Handicap (530am) (1 mile)
5 SOARING BRONCO is a fifteen-start maiden that hasn’t been a friend to punters after going off at single figures in ten starts this season, but he has a good opportunity to repay followers here. The Pierre Ng 4yo drops into Class 5 company for the first time having placed a few times at a level above this during the current season with two of those placed efforts coming from a 6lb higher mark over course & trip. He has proven to be tactically versatile, but I’d imagine they will look to be handy as there’s not much of a gallop on offer, and he should be a tough nut to crack at this level.

Dangers:
6 Manythanks Forever, who can be forgiven an unplaced effort last time when held up for a run in the straight, had been in good form prior that with a win and a silver over seven furlongs, and winning rider, Andrea Atzeni, is reunited.
2 Smart Beauty has been struggling at a level above this during the current campaign, but he should be included now that he drops in grade given, he was successful four times at this level last season, the most recent from a slightly higher mark.
3 Strongest Boys bare figures look average, but he drops into the bottom grade for the first time and should be able to win at this level, however he’ll need some luck as they usually ride him cold and there’s no more than a moderate gallop on offer.

Race 3: Class 4 Chinese Hibiscus Handicap (600am) (5 furlongs)
9 SUPER STRONG KID caught the eye when runner-up over course & trip on debut earlier this month despite finishing 3.75 lengths behind the winner. To be fair the winner was a debutant that was smashed in the market and looks to be a very exciting young horse, and this fellow was no match for him on the day. However, the selection was a tad tardy out of the stalls and was then badly bumped by a rival before being held up for clear running but ran through the line with plenty of purpose when the race was all over. He’ll probably be better over further, but he’s entitled to improve for the first-up run & he should get a strong gallop to aim at here.

Dangers:
7 Honest Witness is a debutant from a yard that like to have them ready to roll first-up and he showed good speed when making all to win a recent trial, thus a market watch is strongly advised.
1 Cheval Valiant is a very quick horse who can struggle the last bit, and whilst he doesn’t win too often, he takes a drop in grade, and he was successful over course & trip under the same claimer from a 3lb lower mark when last seen at this level in September.
4 Summit Cheers is a short course specialist that is yet to win this season, but he ran well enough in defeat when fourth last time, he’s won from higher marks in the past and he has a preferred high draw.

Race 4: Class 4 Azalea Handicap (630am) (6 furlongs)
2 CROSSBORDERPEGASUS was heavily supported when making a winning debut over course & trip last month and although he didn’t blow the door off the hinges that day, he won with more authority than the 0.75 length margin would suggest. Whilst his attitude looked straight forward enough, he did lay in down the straight which made it difficult for his rider to get at him, but in the end, he didn’t need to. He goes up 7lb for that, but he’s from the yard of John Size, a trainer that usually likes to bring them to the boil, so there’s likely to be plenty more to come and from the low draw with Bowman sticking solid, he should have all the favours.

Dangers:
3 Super Love didn’t run poorly, but at the same time didn’t show much on debut but left the run well and truly behind when winning over course & trip last month and although he goes up 7lb for that, he has scope for further improvement.
6 Dazzling Fit, who is a debutant from a yard having a very good first-season in Hong Kong, won a recent trial and any market moves for the son of Ribchester should be noted.
5 Dash is a debutant that finished third to Dazzling Fit in a recent trial and like his rival, he looked sharp that day and a market watch is advised on the well-bred son of Zoustar.

Race 5: Class 4 Association of Hong Kong Racing Journalists Challenge Cup (700am) (9 furlongs)
8 GOOD GOOD ran with merit in defeat in picking up the bronze over 1 mile 3 furlongs last time when just failing to see out the trip. He was 1.75 lengths behind Seragoon that day, who he now meets on 6lb better terms. However, the start prior that he made all to win over 1 mile 2 furlongs with several of these in behind, including Seragoon, and the drop back to 9 furlongs is a big plus. He draws high, but they have a long run to the first bend, and as the only natural leader in the race, he should get across easily enough under Brenton Avdulla, and there’s a fair chance he’ll be able to dictate under his own terms from there.

Dangers:
4 Gold Master was a surprise winner over the mile at just his fourth start two back before doing his best work late over the same trip when picking up the bronze last time without threatening, and he should enjoy the step up to nine-furlongs.
2 Volcanic Spark, who has a win & a silver from four goes over course & distance, was only beaten a lip over course & trip in second when last seen and could have easily been the on top selection if the race had a bit more pace.
3 Seragoon goes up 6lb having won over 1 mile 3 furlongs last time and he should be doing his best late, but the drop back in trip and lack of pace in the race won’t help him.

Race 6: Class 4 Hydrangea Handicap (735am) (7 furlongs)
9 MONARCH COUNTY is a four-start maiden that looks a work in progress, but he is heading in the direction and may be able to get away with this. The selection met with good support in picking up the bronze over course & trip last time when doing his best work late without threatening, which was his first try over this trip. He will need some luck as they tend to ride him cold, but with a solid gallop on offer, hopefully he’ll be afforded every opportunity.

Dangers:
5 Run Ran Run, who was a twice winner for Fozzy Stack, is yet to win on the domestic front but he ran a local best when beaten 0.5 lengths in second over six-furlongs last time and he could be starting to find his Hong Kong feet.
7 Win Speed was well held last time but covered plenty of ground that day, and he did finish a nose in front of the selection when runner-up the start prior, and he does have a low draw this time.
2 Excel Wongchoy has been snagged back from high draws his last two but ran through the line strongly when picking up the bronze last time and although he’s no leader, he should be able to grab a spot far closer to the front from the low draw.

Race 7: Class 2 Kowloon Tong Club Trophy (Handicap) (805am) (1 mile)
2 SUNLIGHT POWER finished in front of a few of these when a winning odds-on favourite over course & trip two back and ran to a similar level to grab the bronze over 9 furlongs last time behind a couple of smart types on their way to the Derby. He meets all of those he had in behind two back on worse terms, but he won very easily that day, and although it’s a small field, it’s a competitive open race, and he should have all the favours under Hugh Bowman from the inside draw.

Dangers:
6 Voyage Samurai is now zero from three at this level, but he has run well enough in defeat a couple of times, he’s rarely beaten far and he’s likely to try and make all.
5 Karma is a big horse with a big finish; thus, the small field will help as will the solid gallop on offer and keep an eye on the weather as the forecast is suggesting there is a possibility of rain, and he is proven on ground with a bit of give.
1 Nimble Nimbus is probably a tad more effective over slightly further these days, but he has kept some very good company mostly in Pattern company, and this will be his first spin at this level since October 2023.

Race 8: Class 3 Angelonia Handicap (835am) (6 furlongs)
4 LIFELINE EXPRESS continues to run well in defeat and although he’s been costly to follow, today could be his day. The selection, who has been runner-up over course & trip his last two, constantly runs through the line strongly in his races, and not that I’d every question the wisdom of John Size, but it does beg to question as to why he hasn’t been tried over further, perhaps its pace related?. He will need things to fall into place as he’s likely to be ridden cold again, but there’s a solid gallop on offer and Andrea Atzeni, who was on board last time when beaten a lip in a race than ran a tad deeper than this, maintains the faith.

Dangers:
6 Geneva won back-to-back races Clas 4 races over course & trip and shaped slightly better than the bare result last time when given plenty to do from a high draw, which was his first try at this level.
8 Fun Elite was 1.50 lengths behind the selection last time when picking up the bronze, and although all things being equal on the day, I don’t see why he’d turn the form around, he will look to punch forward and is well drawn up against the paint.
3 Moduleconstruction returns after a setback and will be having his first spin in eight months, but he a relatively low mileage 5yo that did win first up from a layoff last season and a market watch is advised.

Race 9: Class 3 Cosmos Handicap (910am) (7 furlongs)
5 JUNEAU PRIDE is a low mileage twice winning 3yo from a leading yard that’s yet to miss a place in six starts and although he goes up 6lb for a narrow win last time, there’s no reason to think he won’t keep improving. The form from the last race has plenty of shape and has already produced two winners, including the runner-up. The selection has drawn stall 2 here, the same gate he had when he broke his duck three back (from another subsequent winner), and from there, he should be able to grab the tail of the leaders with the run of the race.

Dangers:
10 Victory Sky, who won a 5 furlongs maiden at his third & final start in Australia, is yet to taste success in six local spins, but ran with promise last time at his first try over this trip when placed behind the selection who he now meets on 6lb better terms
2 Kaholo Angel, who can be forgiven an unplaced effort last time when planted wide from a high draw, had been runner-up over course & trip his previous two, and can bounce back from the low draw with a senior rider now back-on-board.
14 Master Of All will be moving into this grade for the first time after making all over course & trip last time and he’s likely to have competition for the lead, but he lurks from the foot of the handicap carrying 11lb less at this level.

Race 10: Class 3 Cosmos Handicap (945am) (7 furlongs)
7 SKY JEWELLERY is a promising 3yo that has won two of his three outings but should be three from three with genuine excuses for his one defeat. The selection will be moving up in grade under a 7lb penalty having won over course & trip last time, when coming from near last on the bend and widest of all, which was his first try over the 7 furlongs. He does have more on his plate here, but he carries 12lb less at this level, he gets over the ground in impressive style when he lets down, and he looks the type that could go through the grades quickly.

Dangers:
6 Hong Lok Golf won his first two starts before a luckless beat last time when runner-up and gives the impression he’ll enjoy going over this trip for the first time (sire has produced three individual Hong Kong winners, two of which have won at 7 furlongs and up).
1 Sky Trust goes form the top of the handicap and this looks a decent Class 3, but he was runner-up his last two over course & trip before a messy race in the Hong Kong Classic Cup when upped in trip, and he’ll find this more to his liking.
3 Beauty Crescent, who was a twice winning 2yo for Ger Lyons, is yet to break his local duck in twenty-seven starts but is only 6lb lower in the handicap after nearly two years, which is a testament to his consistency, and he’s one to include in any exotic type bets.

SATURDAY’S PLACEPOT
Today’s Place Pot will be races 5 through to 10. All up we will be playing 108 combinations (3x3x3x2x2x1), which will cost £10.80 for a 10p stake and so on.

LEG 1- 2 VOLCANIC SPARK 4 GOLD MASTER 8 GOOD GOOD

LEG 2- 5 RUN RAN RUN 7 WIN SPEED 9 MONARCH COUNT

LEG 3- 2 SUNLIGHT POWER 5 KARMA 6 VOYAGE SAMURAI

LEG 4- 4 LIFELINE EXPRESS 6 GENEVA

LEG 5- 5 JUNEAU PRIDE 10 VICTORY SKY

LEG 6- 7 SKY JEWELLERY

TIM’S BEST BETS (scale 1-5 points)
6.30am SHA TIN
2pts win CROSSBORDERPEGASUS

7.00am SHA TIN
2pts each-way GOOD GOOD

9.45am SHA TIN
4pts win SKY JEWELLERY

Luke Ferraris will ride his Hong Kong Classic Mile hero and Hong Kong Classic Cup runner up My Wish in Hong Kong’s biggest race, the HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby on March 23 at Sha Tin (Picture: HKJC).

South African-bred Flower Alley gelding has been made first reserve for Hong Kong’s traditionally biggest race, the HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby over 2000m, despite being higher rated than two horses who snuck into the final field ahead of him.

Luke Farraris’s mount My Wish is second on the Priority To Start list having won the HK$13 Million HK Mile and finished second in the HK$13 Million Hong Kong Classic Cup.

Sam Agarson of the South China Morning Post wrote the below article:

Lo Rider and Beauty Alliance sneak into Hong Kong Derby field as Mondial misses out
Classic Cup winner Rubylot and Classic Mile hero My Wish headline field announced on Friday morning

Swashbuckling Happy Valley winner Beauty Alliance and the improving Lo Rider have made the field for Sunday week’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) at Sha Tin, earning selection ahead of higher-rated pair Mondial and Sky Trust.

While Mondial sits on a mark of 80 and Sky Trust 79, the pair finished 11th and 12th, respectively, in the recent Classic Cup (1,800m) and officials opted to give the nod to those in better form.

Beauty Alliance improved his rating to 77 thanks to his three-and-a-half-length midweek romp over 1,800m, while Lo Rider sits on a mark of 78 after performing well without winning in recent starts, including a fourth behind Bundle Award last week.

Classic Mile 11th placegetter Markwin will re-enter the Classic Series after a last-start second behind Bundle Award improved his rating to 81.

The field, which was announced by Jockey Club officials at Happy Valley on Friday morning, is headlined by Classic Cup winner Rubylot, Classic Mile hero My Wish and Johannes Brahms.

“At the end of the day, I think if Mondial made his way into the race, he would have improved on his Classic Cup run and run well, but he needed to show us a little bit more in his first-up run,” said Greg Carpenter, the Jockey Club’s head of racing product.

“The case for Beauty Alliance was compelling after Wednesday night. He ran really well and beat a very good field with a lot of last-start winners in it, so there was depth and quality.

“Lo Rider lost his position before the turn and ran really well last start, almost snatching third. The other supporting argument behind Lo Rider was that he was narrowly beaten by Steps Ahead at his previous run and Steps Ahead came out and ran really well in the Classic Cup.”

Also in the field are Stunning Peach, Bundle Award, Packing Angel, Mickley, Noisy Boy, Cap Ferrat, Steps Ahead and Californiatotality.

Mondial, Sky Heart, Pray For Mir and Sky Trust are the four reserves, with the latter stepping out in this Saturday’s Class Three Cosmos Handicap (1,400m).

“I would like to congratulate all the owners of the 14 horses selected to run in the BMW Hong Kong Derby next Sunday, which we celebrate as the Hong Kong race which offers once-in-a-lifetime glory,” said Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.

“BMW Hong Kong Derby Day is one of the great sporting events and attractions in the city for our Hong Kong racing fans and our racing fans from around the world, with the race being broadcast in 26 countries.

“The Derby has a rich history stretching back more than 150 years to 1873. To have a runner in the Derby field is an ambition for every horse owner, trainer and jockey in Hong Kong and is already a great achievement. To win the BMW Hong Kong Derby is the ultimate.”

Priority to Start

Anotherdanceforme is out on her own at the finish of the Listed East Cape Fillies Nursery and she gives Richard Fourie and Alan Greeff a four-timer together. (Pauline Herman Photography).

Richard Fourie rode a four-timer for Alan Greeff on the Fairview turf today (Friday) and it took his tally for March to 19 wins and puts him just four wins behind national log leader Craig Zackey.

Fourie is now on 163 wins achieved at a strike rate of 26.16%.

Zackey is suspended from 9 March to 26 March excluding Royal Raceday on Sunday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, so Fourie should be on top of the log soon.

Fourie and Greeff had some eyecatching winners today.

In the day’s headliner,  the Listed East Cape Fillies Nursery over 1200m, the Varsfontein Stud-bred Master Of My Fate filly Anotherdanceforme cruised to a 5,25 length victory to remain unbeaten in three starts.

In the second race a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m, the first timer Hot Sauce, a Ridgemont homebred Canford Cliffs filly they own together with Devin Heffer, was backed in to 11/10 and beat the original favourite, the Cape raider Blown Away, by an easy 2,75 lengths. She looks to have a lot of promise.

In the third race, the Oaks Plate over 1800m, the Varsfontein-bred Master Of My Fate filly First Wish drifted from 17/10 to 4/1 as the Cape Raider Lady Springfield was backed in to 63/100. However, that did not stop First Wish cruising in by two lengths, despite giving weight to the rest of the field. She recorded a hattrick in the process and it was her fourth career win.

Greeff is now on 110 wins for the season, which is just four less than national log leader Justin Snaith has recorded, and he has done it at a strike rate of 18.06%.

Gavin Smith sent out a treble today and is on 80 wins at 12.88%.

What is the highest price for a yearling in world history?

The subject is pictured above. (Hermitagefarm.com).