Turf Talk Newsletter – 8 August, 2025

Warm Winter Nite To Prevail

Warm Winter Nite could bounce back at Turffontein Standside (JC Photos)

Turffontein Standside stages a nine race meeting on Saturday that should be full of interest.

The highest rated race at the meeting is the last race, a MR100 Handicap over 1160 meters. Warm Winter Nite looks to have a good chance from a nice high draw. Last time he bounced back to form with a good second over 1000 metres under Kabelo Matsunyane, who knows him very well and stays aboard. Blizzard Snow has been in fine form with two wins and a second in his last two starts, all over this course and distance. She had a 4kg claimer aboard last time and gets a 4kg claimer aboard here again and she has a nice high draw. Halberdier is not reliable but he is capable of popping up and from a middle draw he could be right there off a mark just one point higher than his last win. One fell swoop has been consistently thereabouts lately and should be in the shake-up again under in-form Chad Little. Passage of Power has a low draw to contend with, but with S’Manga Khumalo up, he can’t be discounted as he will appreciate the return to this course and distance.

In the first leg of the pick six over 2000m Art Nouveau looks the one to beat as she is in fine form with two wins and a second in her last three starts and now has a plum draw with Chad Little up over a suitable course and distance. Azaleas for All is in good form too and is distance suited. She should be right there if able to overcome a tricky draw. Teo Torriatte is in fine form and goes for a hattrick, but she does have to overcome a seven-point raise, although a 4kg claimer aboard will help. Fetching Flyer should appreciate the return to 2000, but does have a wide draw to overcome. Free In Seattle is a consistent sort and St. John Gray has been in good form, so she could be a contender if able to overcome a wide draw.

In the fifth race over 1,800m Bob Lee Swagger is drawn in pole and after a fine run first time out the maiden’s over 2000m with the blinkers on he should go close. Storm Ahead is in good form and from a good draw of three could be in the shake-up over an ideal course and distance. Instant Attraction disappointed last time, but if bouncing back to her best she could do well under 1.5 kilogram claimer Trent Mayhew. Gamer represents the in form Gray yard and from a good draw should be involved. Flag Bearer has disappointed in his last two starts, but if able to bounce back to his best he could place under a 4kg claimer.

In the sixth race over 1600m Laughing William has a pole position draw and has shown signs of coming to hand. He has won over this course and distance before and the blinkers seem to have woken him up in his last three starts, so he is an interesting runner. After Hours is an honest sort. who is capable of running on and he can possibly overcome a three-point raise for a start to finish win last time, which went against his normal way of racing which is to come from off the pace. Clarkson is capable of a strong finish, so could do well in this race after an easy win over this trip last time, although he does have to overcome a four-point raise. Last Ginger has been thereabouts in his last two starts and can earn again with a 4kg claimer up. Johnny Drama won well over this trip last time and only has a two-point raise to overcome and has a fair draw, although he does have to carry joint top weight with Laughing William.

In the seventh race over 1400m Phil The Fluter goes for a hat trick and from a plum draw of two could do it over this suitable trip. He is by Vercingetorix and looks to be on the up. Birthright usually runs handy, so should enjoy this slight step down in trip, although he does have to overcome a five-point raise for hi win over 1600m last time. Pressonregardless is a consistent sort and is ideally distance suited, but he does have a wide draw to overcome under Craig Zackey. Willow Express is capable of running on, so could do well under a 4kg claimer from a wide draw. Great Notion disappointed over 1200m last time, but will appreciate the step up in and could bounce back from a plum draw.

In the eighth race over 1160m Western Wishes should go close if repeating either of her last two starts over this suitable trip from a fair draw. Sunset Warrior appreciated the step down to 1200m last time and has the form to be a contender here. Micke’s Bomb is none too reliable, but she often takes takes advantage her good opportunities, such as this one, and she has a nice high draw. Oriental Bouquet looked to be headed for the top at one stage, so she could do with a feather weight, although she is officially under sufferance. Across the bow could earn from a high draw here with a light weight.

In the first leg of the PA Follow the Master has improved since being stepped stepped up to middle distances and staying trips and should go close again. Heroic Act is consistently thereabouts and looks to be the main danger.

In the first leg of the Bipot oer 1160m Quiet Winter has run two good races, but is coming off a four month break. Perfect Miracle is by Hawwaam out of a Tiger Ridge mare and Chad Little is aboard, albeit from a low draw. Forbidden Fruit is by Canford Cliffside out of a Silvano Mare and also makes some appeal.

In the first race over 1160m Clever Trevor made a fine debut and doesn’t look to have much to beat, although betting on the first-times should be monitored.

Karis Teetan Captains World Team And Can Win Shergar Cup Stayers

South African Jockey Academy Graduate Karis Teetan captains The Rest Of The World team at the Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday and has been tipped by At The Races to win the Stayers event

Click here to see all the Shergar Cup teams and for insight into the rides of the respective jockeys

At The Races formguides and selections for Shergar Cup below:

1 2:35 PM (SA Time) – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash (Handicap)
Vespasian looked set to go on after winning twice in Dubai but he has been off since March 2024 and it will be some training performance to win this. Venture Capital was beaten a neck off this mark at Hamilton and has to be a player, but a chance is taken on MANACCAN. Not at his best in two starts this year, he has two Listed and a Group 3 win in the bank and may prove too good for these.

Top Tip: Manaccan (1)
Watch out for: Venture Capital (9)

2 3:10 PM (SA Time) – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Spirit Mixer arrives on the back of a battling neck success in the Northumberland Plate, but he has an extra 5lb which clearly makes his task more difficult. Jessica Harrington won this in 2023 which makes the lightly-raced La Vita Nova interesting in first-time cheekpieces, but ALMUHIT gets the nod. Two wins at Newbury by a head and a neck have only seen him upped 3lb in total, but once he gets to the front he has proved difficult to pass.

Top Tip: Almuhit (8)
Watch out for: Spirit Mixer (4)

3 3:45 PM (SA Time) – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Insanity won this last year for Alan King and is back for more and although the five-year-old can be forgiven his last run, he does have 5lb more to carry in 2025. Dramatic Star is lightly raced and won at Newcastle last October, but the vote goes to CLAYMORE. A former winner at Royal Ascot in the Hampton Court in 2022, he was unlucky in a Racing League contest at Yarmouth last time and the return to 1m4f is certainly in his favour.

Top Tip: Claymore (2)
Watch out for: Dramatic Star (4)

4 4:20 PM (SA Time) – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint (Handicap)
Prince Of India impressed when landing a warm handicap at Newmarket’s July Festival and he must be respected, despite an 11lb rise in the handicap, but it is UP THE PACE that shades preference. The Sands Of Mali colt was picked up late on at Newmarket when going in search of a hat-trick. Connections reach for first-time cheekpieces today and further improvement could be forthcoming, especially now he’s back sprinting. Others to note include Flash Harry and Marchogion.

Top Tip: Up The Pace (9)
Watch out for: Prince Of India (1)

5 4:55 PM (SA Time) – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Topteam dug in gamely to complete his hat-trick at Thirsk and although a further 4lb rise is unlikely to prevent another big run, preference is for TENABILITY. William Haggas’ gelding bolted up at Windsor before defying an opening mark of 81 in fine style over C&D a fortnight ago. The son of Frankel is 7lb higher but he’s certain to have more in his locker. Prince Of The Seas struggled in a warm class 2 at Haydock recently but he should appreciate an ease in class, while the application of a first-time tongue-tie could also help.

Top Tip: Tenability (3)
Watch out for: Topteam (2)

6 5:30 PM (SA Time) – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile (Handicap) (Rnd)
Kensington Palace heroine Miss Information didn’t fare as well at Newmarket next time but she remains of interest back here, as does Urban Lion, who was last seen finishing fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup. However, a chance can be taken on EBT’S GUARD. The four-year-old posted yet another solid display when second in the Golden Mile at Goodwood latest and compensation could await him provided this doesn’t come too soon.

Top Tip: Ebt’s Guard (6)
Watch out for: Miss Information (2)

Hollie Doyle Looks Forward To Shergar Cup

At The Races ambassador Hollie Doyle looks forward to four rides at Ascot on Saturday as she captains Great Britain and Ireland in the Shergar Cup.

Click here to read her valuable insight

Yeni/Mitchley, Khumalo/Greeff, Gila Doubles

Kingdom Of Heaven (Dynasty) gave Muzi Yeni and Kelly Mitchley a double together (JC Photos)

Muzi Yeni rode a double for Kelly Mitchley on the Fairview poly today, while SManga Khumalo rode a double for Alan Greeff and Lunga Gila also had a double.

Turf Talk-sponsored jockey Chad Little also had a winner and he joins Khumalo and Serino Moodley on top of the national log in the early season, all with six wins apiece.

Yeni is one behind with five wins.

Greeff is on five wins already after just two meetings.

Mitchley is on three wins and Gila is on two wins.

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Beach Bomb And Isivunguvungu Face Important Tests On Saturday

Trainer Graham Motion is pointing Beach Bomb back at the Breeders Cup Filly And Mare Turf (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Beach Bomb races in the Gr 2 Beverly D. Stakes (11:17 p.m. SA Time) at Colonial Downs on Saturday and Isivunguvungu runs at the same meeting in the Van Clief Stakes (9:45 p.m. SA Time).

The Beverly D is an important pointer for the Breeders Cup Filly And Mare Turf and Isivunguvungu’s performance in the Van Clief will tell whether another crack at the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint is worthwhile.

Beach Bomb’s Breeders’ Cup Path Runs Through Beverly D.

There is a lot of alliteration surrounding the co-feature event at Colonial Downs Aug. 9. While Be Your Best brings the credentials to be the likely favorite, Beach Bomb boasts the brilliance to beware of in the Gr 2 Beverly D. Stakes.

One of the flagship races that originated at Arlington Park and is now run at Colonial, the Beverly D. is traditionally a stiff test for long-winded, top-shelf older fillies and mares.

Click here to read the rest of the article on Bloodhorse.com

Isivunguvungu and Nothing Better Clash Again

Last year’s Da Hoss Stakes one-two finishers, Isivunguvungu and Nothing Better, will square off again in the Van Clief Stakes. Run as race 8 at 5½ furlongs on the turf, the Van Clief attracted a field of 13 older males.

Click here to read the rest of the article

Treaty Of Paris Can Show Up His Elders

Treaty Of Paris won second time out as a juvenile and can win his first start as a three-year-old (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides and Selections

R1 Summary: Wengesai Masawi had his first runner as a trainer when MFETHU (2) finished runner-up when favourite behind the promising Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained Exocet. The colt has shown up well on both starts and can get Masawl off the mark. HOLY STAR (1) has gone close over course and distance before and has placed in all four starts, He rates a big threat. CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS (9) comes from a very much in form yard and has a strong money chance. HOLLYWOOD HEIRESS (4) has been rested but does show some ability although she drops in trip. She will be ridden by Qatar-based rider Saleh Salem Al-Marri. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-9-4).

R2 Summary: MASTER SILVANO (7) has been knocking at the door and looks the part here. BOARDWALK BREEZE (1) Has been placed in his last four wearing blinkers. He looks the biggest danger. SUSURRANDO (6) makes his debut for a strong stable and is one to watch in the betting. ROYAL SWORD (8) raced green in a fair debut at long odds but is likely to improve with the experience. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-6-8).

R3 Summary: FLAG CHAMP (12) has found market support in both starts and although well beaten last time out, the opposition does look limited although many go this trip for the first time. A wide draw is a concern so it is with CLINTOSTAR (11) who has drawn one inside. He was narrowly beaten on the poly last time out. That form has proved a little suspect but must have a strong chance in this line-up. LIGHTNINGFORK (7) has run well over course and distance and although struggling to improve this looks to be the right race for him. GOOD OMEN (5) looks the pick of Michael Roberts’s pair and can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 6-11-10-4).

R4 Summary: PEPPER TREE (11) has made steady improvement and was narrowly beaten last run on the Turffontein Inner track. She appears to have come to hand and she faces modest opposition. HARPA (9) is also lightly raced and coming on the right way. She should make her presence felt. TERMINAL VELOCITY (3) returns from a break. She has run well on this course and if not short of a run should go close. PRIVATE WORLD (1) jumps in trip but is bred to stay the distance and can surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 11-9-3-1).

R5 Summary: Wide open. PONGOLA (3) took on much stronger last time after coming off a win. He has consistent form and should feature in this company. CIRCLE OF GRACE (1) has not won from some time but has consistent Highveld form. He is also down in class and has a good draw to help his cause. GALAXY EXPLORER (2) has shown signs of coming to hand. He was much improved last run but that was on the poly. SAIL TO THE MOON (5) has his third run for his new stable and did show improvement last run. He has a useful 4kg claimer aboard and should be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-2-5).

R6 Summary: THE MASK (2) steps up in trip with a tongue-tie and has been showing signs of improvement. FUTURE SAINT (1) has the best of the draw and the drop in trip and handicap rating could see him home. MC DAZZLER (6) has his first outing for a new stable. He has been disappointing but the change in routine could be to his benefit. BRAVE VOYAGER (5) has come well at his last two. Distance suited and has a strong chance of making the frame. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-6-5).

R7 Summary: DARK MATTER (7) shed her maiden at third time of asking and appears to have plenty of scope. She made her debut over course and distance and should go well again. MISS KANSAS (8) has been a late starter and shed her maiden over course and distance last time out. That form has held up well and she can feature prominently. ARE YOU SURE (9) was also a recent maiden winner but had consistent maiden form leading up to the victory. She will have many supporters. This trio have drawn alongside each other so tactics will be interesting. Stable companion PRANKSTER (5) is up in class but has come good at recent outings and with a handy weight should make her presence felt. (Andrew Harrison: 7-8-9-5).

R8 Summary: A number in with chances with little separating them at the weights. SOHO STAR (6) is holding form well and loves this course and distance. He gets a useful 4kg claimer aboard which could see him home again. FUTURE FLO (9) is highly consistent. He is down in class and Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance will add to his chances. MISTER MASTER STARTER (5) my just have needed his last run. He has run well to stronger and if back to best he should be right there. There is nothing between WICCAN WARRIOR (2) and LICENCE TO THRILL (3) a short head separating them when last they met over course and distance and the latter 0.5kg better off. (Andrew Harrison: 9-6-5-2).

R9 Summary: TREATY OF PARIS (3) has been contesting features of late and not far back. He looks to be a standout bet. ELIZABEDI GOLD (5) has had one run back from the Cape and was probably in need of the outing his first back since December last year. KWAGGA BLITZ (8) is down from the Highveld and is one of only two Clinton Binda runners on the day. He was runner-up over course and distance last time out and can feature again. NOW I GOT YOU (2) is holding form well and although up in class he does have a 4kg claimer aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-8-2).

Records Shattered at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale

The top lot at the Saratoga Sale was Hip 218

Records fell across the board during the second session of The 104th Saratoga Sale, conducted Tuesday evening at the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, New York. The two-night sale shattered previously established records for gross, average, and median, including topping gross sales of $100,000,000 for the first time in the boutique sale’s considerable history.

The $4,100,000 sale topper was the most expensive Saratoga yearling sold since 2000, and the RNA rate was just 11.6% – the lowest at this sale since 1981. Sixteen yearlings (16) sold for seven figures during the Tuesday session – a record for single-session million-dollar sales – while a total of 25 million-dollar yearlings sold over the course of the two nights, annihilating the previous record of 14 million-dollar yearlings sold over two nights set in 2021.

The eventual sale topper came late in the second session when a colt by Into Mischief (hip 218) sold for $4,100,000 to Coolmore & White Birch Farm from the consignment of Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, agent for Don Alberto Corporation (video). The bay colt is the first foal out of the Grade 2 placed and three times graded stakes placed winning Tapit mare Stellar Sound. The immediate family includes multiple Grade 1 winning millionaire Versailles Treaty and Grade 1 winners George Vancouver, General Assembly, Boisterous, and Gold Fever. Hip 218 was bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation. The colt’s price was the third highest price for a yearling in the history of The Saratoga Sale, and the highest since 2000.

The second highest priced yearling of the evening was also a colt by multiple champion sire Into Mischief (hip 178), sold for $3,000,000 to Resolute Bloodstock from the consignment of Gainesway, agent for Stonestreet Bred for Brilliance (video). The bay colt is out of the Grade 1 placed winning Bernardini mare Lady Kate and was bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings.

“It was a remarkable two days,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “We’ve been selling at Saratoga for 104 years, so it’s not an overnight sensation. It’s the culmination of many years of hard work and sweat. We try to work hard and do the right thing and on nights like these it all comes together like magic.”

A Gun Runner (hip 179) half-brother to last year’s Demoiselle S. (G2) winner Muhimma sold for $2,900,000 to Donato Lanni, agent for Zedan Racing, from the consignment of Four Star Sales, agent. The gray or roan colt is out of the course record-setting Grade 1 placed Tapit mare Princesa Carolina, a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winning millionaire Pure Clan. Hip 179 was bred in Kentucky by Three Chimneys Farm.

Another colt by Into Mischief (hip 163), this out of the multiple Grade 1 winning multimillionaire I’m a Chatterbox, sold for $2,600,000 to Spendthrift Farm from the consignment of Warrendale Sales, agent for Spendthrift Farm and Grayson Farm. The bay colt was bred in Kentucky by Carolyn Gray, Fletcher Gray and Spendthrift Farm.

A filly by Gun Runner (hip 175) sold for $2,600,000 to Love/Linton, agent for Boyd Racing, from the consignment of Lane’s End, agent for Tranquility Lake Farms. The bay filly is out of the multiple Grade 1 winning Union Rags mare Paradise Woods, whose 11 ¾-length victory in the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) remains that contest’s largest margin of victory. The immediate family includes Eclipse Champion Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense. Hip 175 was bred in Kentucky by Pam & Martin Wygod & Oliver & Emily Bushnell.

“This is a glory night,” added Browning. “This is unbelievable success, unbelievable results, but it’s because of our people. We’ve developed a culture and earned the trust and confidence of the marketplace as a result of those every day efforts from our team.”

John Oxley and West Point Thoroughbreds teamed up to purchase a colt by Flightline (hip 176) for $1,800,000 from the consignment of Lane’s End, agent for Summer Wind Equine. The bay colt is the first foal out of the graded stakes placed stakes winning Quality Road mare Park Avenue. Hip 176 was bred in Kentucky by Summer Wind Equine and Sarah S. Farish.

Also sold for $1,800,000 was a colt by the late Uncle Mo (hip 219), purchased by Flying Dutchmen from the consignment of Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. The bay colt is out of the Grade 1 placed stakes winning Union Rags mare Still There, making him a full brother to multiple graded stakes placed winner Rothschild. Hip 219 was bred in Kentucky by PTK LLC.

A filly by Gun Runner (hip 200), the first foal out of speedy Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Shedaresthedevil, proved popular, eventually hammering down to Erdenheim Farm for $1,475,000. Gainesway consigned the Kentucky-bred filly on behalf of breeder Whisper Hill Farm.

A colt by successful young sire Not This Time (hip 150) sold for $1,400,000 to the partnership of Repole Stable & Grandview from the consignment of Denali Stud, agent. The dark bay or brown colt is the first foal out of the stakes winning Ghostzapper mare Mariah’s Princess. Hip 150 was bred in Kentucky by Rigney Racing.

Amo Racing went to $1,400,000 to secure a colt by Bolt d’Oro (hip 214) from the consignment of Bridie Harrison, agent for Kentucky breeder Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds. Out of the multiple stakes placed Speightstown mare Spark, the bay colt is a half-brother to current graded stakes placed stakes winner Launch.

In addition to the sale topper, Coolmore & White Birch Farm teamed up to secure a second colt by Into Mischief (hip 123) for $1,250,000 from the consignment of Denali Stud, agent for Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. The bay colt is out of the Grade 1 winning Arch mare It Tiz Well. Hip 123 was bred in Kentucky by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds.

Marquee Bloodstock, agent, went to $1,100,000 to secure a daughter of Gun Runner (hip 168) out of graded stakes placed stakes winner My Miss Tapit from the consignment of Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Hip 168 was bred in Kentucky by Breeze Easy.

A filly from the first crop of Life Is Good (hip 209) sold for $1,025,000 to Repole Stable from the consignment of Mill Ridge Sales, agent. The bay filly is out of the stakes placed Smart Strike mare Smart Shopping, making her a half-sister to last year’s Preakness S. (G1) victor and fellow Saratoga Sale graduate Seize the Grey. Hip 209 was bred in Kentucky by Jamm LTD.

A colt by Good Magic (hip 117) was the first in the session to reach seven figures when sold for $1,000,000 to Grandview Equine from the consignment of Gainesway, agent for Don Alberto Corporation. Out of the winning Uncle Mo mare Hoppa, the bay colt is a full brother to multiple Grade 1 winner Muth. Hip 117 was bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation.

Pin Oak Stud went to $1,000,000 to secure a son of Not This Time (hip 121) out of Impazible Woman from the consignment of Blake-Albina Thoroughbred Services, agent. The colt is a half-brother to multiple stakes winning juvenile Tyler’s Tribe. Hip 121 was bred in Kentucky by Newtownanner Stud Farm.

Midway through the session, Pin Oak Stud also laid down $1,000,000 for a first-crop son of multiple Grade 1 winner Mandaloun (hip 173). A half-brother to last year’s Champion 2YO Male Citizen Bull, the colt was bred in Kentucky by Robert Low and Lowana Low.

During the Tuesday session, 82 yearlings sold for $60,540,000, with an average of $738,294 and median of $512,500.

Over the span of two nights, 160 yearlings sold for $100,715,000, a sale record gross and an increase of 22.6% over the then-record gross established last year when 154 yearlings sold for $82,160,000. The average was $629,469, up 18% over the highwater mark set last year of $533,506. The median rose 5.9% to $450,000 to establish a new record over last year’s median $425,000. The RNA rate was just 12.3%, the lowest in this sale’s history since 1981.

Full results are available online.