Turf Talk Newsletter – 17 October, 2025

Gr 1 SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur will be looking to bounce back to form ahead of the Betway Summer Cup (JC Photos) 

Sean Tarry has a potential team of six to try and land him a sixth victory in his hometown of Johanesburg’s traditionally biggest race, the R6 million Betway Summer Cup.

Tarry’s first win was with Aslan (Silvano) in 2009 and he later had a dominant period when winning it three times in a row and four times in five years with Liege (Dynasty) in 2017, Tilbury Fort (Horse Chestnut) in 2018, Zillzaal (Silvano) in 2019 and Flying Carpet (Judpot) in 2021.

His entries this year are the Gr 1 SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur (Lancaster Bomber), the Gr 2 Wilgerbsortsdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks runner up and third-placed pair World Of Alice (One World) and Cocomelon (Willow Magic), former Equus Champion Stayer Future Pearl and the two talented but enigmatic sorts Hotarubi and Don’t Cry For Me.

Legend Of Arthur ran two well below par runs after his SA Derby win and was then scratched from the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

However, he is now doing well and ready for his reappearance.

Tarry said, “ I’m happy with him, I’m just running out of time to find the right prep run for him. I might actually have to just step him out in an 1160, which is probably going to be way too short for him and then into the Victory Moon.”

He said World Of Alice was also doing well and added he would also have to try and squeeze a run in for her over a trip short of her best and she would then go for a fillies race over 1800m on Allied-Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile day and also possibly the Victory Moon. She is running in a 1450m Graduation Plate at the Vaal Classic race meeting next Thursday.

He sounded bullish about the well-being of Future Pearl, who hasn’t raced for close to nine months.

He said he had had a little bit of a hiccup and so it was decided to give him a long break.

He said, “It seems to have done him a world of good. He’s looking fantastic and moving fantastic. If I can have him better than I’ve had him in the past at this time of the year going into that race (the Summer Cup) it wouldn’t shock me. We’ve always had a high opinion of him but the last few years he’s only brought his A game in Durban. It is hard for me to accept something like that. This time we’ve given him a proper break and I just started again with him and it seems to be working well. We will also have to find a race for him over a distance short of his best.”

He said Cocomelon’s disappointing last run could be explained as she was found to have a bit of mucus after a scope and he said he would draw a line through that race. He added that as a horse who had now dropped to a 100 rating there would have to be reservations about her considering that if the highest rated entries run in the Summer Cup (the 125-rated pair See It Again and Royal Victory) a five-year-old  would have to be rated 113 to be in the handicap and a four-year-old like her would have to be rated 112. He said her preparation would have to be monitored before any confidence could be placed in her Summer Cup chances.

Sean said Don’t Cry For Me’s inconsistent form was due to him being one who took a bit of a hold, so his best form had been in the masterful hands of the now retired Piere Strydom.

Hotarubi is a talented horse, but unreliable and Tarry has admitted in the past to being frustrated by him.

Don’t Cry For Me is rated 104 and Hotarubi 106, so both have a bit to do to get into the big race.  

Mercantour cruises in to become the first locally-trained horse to win all three legs of the Poly Challenge (Pauline Herman Photography)

The six-year-old Alan Greeff-trained gelding Mercantour became only the second horse in history to win all three legs of the Nelson Mandela Bay Racing East Cape Poly Challenge in a season and he became the first locally trained horse to do it.

In the 1600m leg of the Challenge today he had to carry 62kg but Richard Fourie had him beautifully settled in a handy position over a trip he has actually never won over before and he ran on in his usual fine style to win easing up by half-a-length from Bingwa.

A good draw of two had helped his cause and the Varsfontein Stud-bred Var gelding landed the R250,000 bonus for owner Peter Moor.

Mercantour won the first leg of the Challenge over 1200m in August.

Last month, he had no problems winning the second leg over 1400m, and the R175,000 third and final leg today over 1600m also saw a comfortable victory.

The Polytrack was installed in 2013 (upgraded in 2022), and the Challenge was introduced three years later.

The Cape Town horse, King Regent, became the first to win the triple crown last year.

Outlaw King has been tipped to win the seventh race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

Alistair Cohen

There has always been something about Outlaw King and the way he has chased some feature races and gained a reward 10 months ago when winning the Grade 2 De Grendel Cape Merchants. Never disgraced, he could gain a much-deserved fifth career victory in race 7 over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.

It was refreshing how he ran in his last start in the Grade 3 Race Coast Matchem Stakes over this course and distance, the marquee event at this course. He finished third, three lengths behind course specialist Questioning. That was a superb effort, giving some assurances that he has the game to be effective over this distance. He was often pigeon-holed as a top sprinter. His time in KwaZulu-Natal during Champions Season was meritorious, with some excellent runs without a big reward. His best run was in the Grade 3 Post Merchants over 1200m in July when he finished fifth behind I Am Giant, who won last Sunday.

Regular rider Craig Zackey is carded to take the ride for Dean Kannemeyer. Although this run could be to angle him towards the Merchants in mid-December, he still looks like he has added a new dimension to his game, which could make him effective anywhere.

Zeitz is a very interesting runner. He won the Listed Thukela Handicap on the same day as the Post Merchants on Hollywoodbets Durban July Day. He is totally untapped and he could come into his own in the coming months because the handicapper has probably underrated him. He has been well placed by trainer Andre Nel. Serino Moodley is carded to take the ride. He seems to get the most out of Zeitz. Expect him to step forward with this run under his belt, but he can certainly feature.

Respect the chances of Let It Be Said and Gallic Dream. Both are hard-knockers who give a good shot whenever they run. They should be something in and around the action.

The rest of the card has a good feel to it with some promising horses in action. Hazel Green ran her career best last time in a weak Apprentice Maiden. She was touched off by a short head by Elusive Gift over 1400m at this course. She is back to the same course over 1250m. If she shows sufficient speed out of the gates, she could get her maiden reward in a fairly moderate-looking event.

Time For Love is such a gallant trier and she could be the right horse in race 2 over 1800m under Muzi Yeni for Michelle Rix. She had a wonderful summer last campaign when she pushed the likes of the high-quality Rainbow Lorikeet in feature races. She is a never-say-die filly and the conditions of the race give her a massive sex concession. It is a small field and her rivals have either lost their form or are back from a break. She could be in the right place at the right time.

There was a ton to like about the run from Got The Look in her last effort and she must have a huge chance of winning race 3 over 1250m. She was outrun by 0,4 lengths over this course and distance by Reet Petite. That might have been tough to swallow at the time, but Reet Petite has franked her own form in one of the more impressive wins this month. She has feature race ability all over her. Aldo Domeyer is up for Candice Bass.

Flying South is a very unconfident pick in race 4 over 1250m. She had a lucrative winter season in KZN with some promising places but she returned home with a thud, never raising a gallop against winners when Miss New York beat her into eighth by 7,95 lengths over this course and distance. This field does not inspire much, hence she is given another chance. Include a few into calculations.

Greenchoice would be an aimer in race 5 over 1400m but for an awkward draw of No 11. He is still selected to overcome the hindrance, but confidence is slightly tempered. He was touched off by a short head in his most recent start over 1600m at this course. He nearly got away with a bold, positive ride. In his penultimate run he was beaten by the impressive Viva’s Liberte who has emerged as a contender for Grade 1 races this summer. It all points to Greenchoice.

Kinda Wonderful has not had much luck of late but she might make amends when she runs in race 6 over 1250m. Her last run over this course and distance was her penultimate effort when she ran second, close-up behind Dumbledore. Then she had to encounter a wide draw of No 11 in the Schweppes Diana Stakes over 1400m at the end of September and she still gave a bold effort finishing fifth behind the lightly-weighted She’s My World. She has a feature race win to her name as a two-year-old so there is no doubting her ability. She should come back to winning ways.

There was a ton to like about the way Gallic Victor won on debut at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in July when beating Sally Port by nearly three lengths. He has not been seen since. He returns in race 8 over 1600m. He looks like a big, imposing horse with a ton of presence – a typical Dean Kannemeyer horse. He might need the run a bit but he was definitely exciting when winning on debut and he could climb through the divisions if he confirms what he did on debut.

There are a few winning chances in race 9 over 1600m. Lomu has improved in leaps and bounds since going further than a sprint, which he is bred for so he is given the verdict. But this looks to be a hot maiden so all of Chance Encounter, Greek Heiress, World First and Diogenes are given chances of getting into the winners’ box.

Kinda Wonderful has been tipped to win the 6th race (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday Formguides And Selections

Race 1

5 PANJANDRUM finally gets a decent draw at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, she stayed on really well for third last time behind Eisteddfod on the 27th of September, she is certainly improving with every start, she must have a good winning chance in this field. 10 HAZEL GREEN is as honest as they come, she never runs a bad race, she got pipped on the winning post by Elusive Gift on the 22nd of September, if she gets some luck in running from a poor draw, she will be right there in the finish. 2 BEAUTIFUL ONE has been disappointing, she finished just under five lengths behind Mighty Mary on the 7th of September, from a decent draw, she will get the run of the race, there should be no excuses for this filly, on her best form, she can win a race like this. 11 FANTINE will need lots of luck on debut from a bad draw, watch her closely in the parade ring and watch the market closely, she could sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 10 – 2 – 11)

Race 2

1 TIME FOR LOVE needed her last run in the Listed Settlers Trophy on the 27th of September, she ran a lovely race behind Landoftherisingsun, she has no weight on her back, and she has a good draw on Saturday, she will be very competitive here. 3 MAGIC VERSE has been rested for 105 days, he is a solid gelding with lots of potential, if he doesn’t need the run badly, he will have a good winning chance. 5 UNDERWORLD must be respected in a big way, he needed his last run in the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes behind Questioning, on his best form, he could trouble them all in the finish. 4 THE FUTURIST will need to drop a few points in the ratings before he gets back to winning ways, he was only beaten six lengths in the Listed Settlers Trophy on the 27th of September, if he can build on that performance, he could sneak into the Quartet in this small field. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 5 – 4)

Race 3

7 GOT THE LOOK ran a great race behind Reet Petite at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 9th of September, she jumped out the gates well and she kept fighting all the way to the line to finish second behind a smart filly, if she can bring that run to the track again, she will go close to winning. 1 DESTINY’S DREAM has been rested for 95 days, she ran a super race on debut behind her stable companion, she finished fifth behind Stormwatch and she was only beaten just over seven lengths, with natural improvement on the cards, from a good draw, she will trouble them all. 3 AUTUMN RUSH ran a much better race last time, she was beaten just over six lengths by Reet Petite in the same race as Got The Look, from a neat draw, she will have a good place chance in this field. 12 BOOZY SUSIE ran a fair race on debut from a wide draw on the 27th of September, she stayed on well to finish just under five lengths behind Calanque, if she can beat the poor draw, she will have a good each way chance. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 1 – 3 – 12)

Race 4

9 PITERAQ has been rested for 84 days, she improved nicely from her first run into her second run on the 26th of July at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, she stayed on strongly for third behind Splash Of Colour on that occasion, the wide draw in this race on Saturday will make it difficult for her, but she is clearly improving and must be respected. 12 BLUE LAGOON ran a great race behind Calanque on the 27th of September, she was drawn wide and she stayed on well to finish just under five lengths behind the winner, she is a nice filly, if she gets some luck in running from a wide draw again, she will go close to winning. 3 WYZE DECLARATION ran a much better race behind Queen Regent on the 9th of September, she ran fourth and she was beaten just under five lengths at the line, if she can build on that performance from a good draw, she could finish amongst the places. 2 PENNYS CHOICE ran a fair race behind Marketa on the 3rd of September, on her best form, she could certainly finish in the Quartet. Watch the first timers closely in this tricky race. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 12 – 3 – 2)

Race 5

11 GREENCHOICE must have a big winning chance in this field, he has run two excellent seconds in succession, he was touched off by Set To Music in a driving finish on the 22nd of September at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, even though the wide draw will make it hard for him, he is progressive, and he will be difficult to beat in this race. 3 OCEAN SKY finished like a train last time behind Primal Instinct, he was drawn poorly on that occasion, and he flew up late to run third, from a neat draw this time, he will certainly run a big race. 5 BLUE STEEL ran a much better race behind Delta Pride on the 27th of September, he flashed up for second, he is a lovely looking gelding that will improve with every start, include him into all bets. 6 GALE WARNING must have a good each way chance in this tricky race, he finished just behind Blue Steel last time, if he can build on that performance, he will be amongst the places from a good draw. (Brandon Bailey: 11 – 3 – 5 – 6)

Race 6

7 KINDA WONDERFUL ran a cracker in the Grade 3 Diana Stakes at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 27th of September, she was drawn wide and she still managed to finish just over two lengths behind She’s My World, she drops in trip for this Progress Plate on Saturday, if she gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, she will be hard to beat. 1 MISS WORLD ran a much better race behind All The Rage on the 8th of October, she ran third and was beaten just over three lengths at the line, she is a speedy filly, from a good draw, she could keep them all honest. 3 SYMPHONY IN WHITE has been rested for 83 days, she is a classy filly on her day, if she doesn’t need the run badly, she will be competitive. 5 LOWVELD LILY quickened up like a smart filly to win a good race last time, she was given six points for that impressive win, she will need a career best to win again, but she is progressive and must be respected. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 1 – 3 – 5)

Race 7

5 ZEITZ has been rested and gelded, he won a super race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 5th of July, he was given four points for that victory, he is packed with ability, if he doesn’t need the run on Saturday, he will go very close to winning again, watch him closely for the Cape Summer Season. 2 OUTLAW KING ran a great race in the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 27th of September, he absolutely took off late to run third behind Questioning, he will be much fitter on Saturday, from a neat draw, he can certainly win a race like this. 3 GET IMPRESSED stayed on strongly for second behind Pinot Grigio on the 13th of September, he would have needed that run back from a small break, there is no doubt he will keep improving as the season continues, he will run a big race here from a good draw, include him into all bets. 7 ROYAL AUSSIE quickened up well to win the Cradock Place Stakes in good fashion at Fairview Racecourse on the 3rd of October, on his best form, he will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 2 – 3 – 7)

Race 8

4 MENTE ET MANU won a good race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 22nd of September, he travelled well in his race, and he quickened away from the field in good style, he was given five points for that victory, from a good draw, he will be stalking the speed early, and he will be running on strongly late, include him into all bets. 1 UNITED FRONT had to work hard for his maiden victory on the 9th of September, he is a big horse with a beautiful action, the yard thinks highly of this individual, he can only improve with every run, watch him closely from a good draw. 9 KING’S QUEST flew home for second last time, he was eating up the ground late behind Better Man on the 3rd of September, the wide draw here and the big weight on his back won’t make life easy for him, but he is talented and he should run a brave race again. 7 GALLIC VICTOR has been rested for 87 days, he won his debut at Hollywoodbets Scottsville impressively on the 23rd of July, he could be absolutely anything, include him into all bets.(Brandon Bailey: 4 – 1 – 9 – 7)

Race 9

10 CHANCE ENCOUNTER got going very late last time behind Set To Music, he finished third and was beaten just over two lengths at the line, it was his first run back after a small break and gelding, he will improve tons from that performance, if he gets the right run and the gaps open at the right time, he will be hard to beat. 5 LOMU ran a super race on the 27th of September, he stayed on well for second behind Coco’s Hero, he drops in trip on Saturday, and he gets a good draw, he should be competitive. 13 WORLD FIRST could be some nice value in this race, he needed his last run after a small break, if he gets some luck in running from a wide draw, he should be amongst the places at a decent price. 2 GREEK HEIRESS steps up in trip now to 1600m, she ran a fair race behind Primal Instinct at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 27th of September, she was drawn wide and still managed to finish just over three lengths behind the winner, from a neat draw, she could sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 10 – 5 – 13 – 2)

Ten Einde’s draft will grab the attention of buyers (Picture Supplied)   

Connery has proven a standout for Ten Einde Stud, racking up five straight wins last season before notching his seventh career success to take earnings past R560 000. Building on that success, Ten Einde will showcase six well-bred thoroughbreds at the upcoming Two-Year-Old Sale, with Stefan Moller sharing his thoughts on the exciting draft:

Lot 42: Unnamed – Royal Mo – Missy J (colt):
Well grown, strong and very correct. He is a full brother to winner KVM Retrofit. The twice winning dam is a half-sister to Gr 3 placed La Luvia and this is the family of the very successful Knife Edge.

Lot 64: Unnamed – Rafeef – Rose In Bloom (filly):
This is a strong and athletic filly with a good hindquarter. Her Gr 1 placed dam Rose in Bloom (by Gimmethegreenlight) was herself a five-time winner of Gr 3 and Listed races. She should be a standout at the sale.

Lot 69: Unnamed – Royal Mo – Selkie (filly):
This Royal Mo filly moves well and is nicely balanced. With a strong hind quarter and high on the leg she could be a really nice type! The dam Selkie, a three-quarter sister to Champion 3YO filly Irridescence, has produced five winners from six foals.

Lot 84: Unnamed – Royal Mo – Spirit Of My Heart (colt):
A stunner of a colt, really impressed by his presence and movement. Out of a Silvano mare, Silvano currently tops the Broodmare Sires list for the season. From the family of such greats as Heart Ruler, Born To Be Queen, Coronation Day and Egg Tart.

Lot 89: Unnamed – Royal Mo – Tempest (filly):
This Royal Mo is a strong, good-sized filly that could come early. She is well put together and looks really smart. Out of a Captain Al mare from the fantastic family of Lightning Duel and Olympic Duel which includes the successful sire Gold Standard.

Lot 104: Unnamed – One World – Westerns (colt):
A One World colt out of a Western Winter mare that has produced seven winners from seven foals. These include Derby Trial Listed runner up Forafewdollarsmore and Western Fort, who ran fourth in the Gr 1 SA Derby, as well as recent winner Global Speak (a full-brother to the colt on sale). This colt moves well and looks athletic.

For more information on Ten Einde’s draft, please contact Stefan Moller on (082) 375 2849.

All horses purchased off the RCS Two-Year-Old Sale qualify for the RCS Slipper. The Slipper is run over 1200m for qualifying 2yo graduates of Race Coast Sales. This lucrative race will be run in mid-April for a purse of R3 Million in 2026 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Wild Justice has been tipped to remain unbeaten by winning the last race (Picture: Anneke Akal Kitching) 

Hollywoodbets Greyville Turf Sunday Formguides And Selections

R1 Summary: Mostly first timers so the betting should prove to be your best guide. Of those that have run, OKLAHOMA GIRL (6) made a smart debut at lengthy odds. She drops back to a sprint but a repeat should see her in the firing line. SAUDI SWEEP (8) made a promising debut for her new stable and also first run with a tongue-tie. With experience under her girth she must have a decent chance. LEVITATOR (1) has shown up well in two starts over course and distance and has the best of the draw. PENAN NOM (3) found some market support on the poly last outing. Switch to turf could prove beneficial. (Andrew Harrison: 6-8-1-3).

R2 Summary: BOMBARDIER BOY (8) was a touch disappointing in an Open Maiden last run after making his debut on the poly. He takes on this field on equal terms and can make amends. MFETHU (9) was a little disappointing last run after a smart effort behind the promising Exocet. Sean Veale should have had the pick of the rides. MYSTIC DANCER (4) comes off a lengthy break and takes on males. She made a smart debut and then ended her season a beaten odds-on favourite when finding Quickstepgal in the maidens. If not short of a run she will be competitive. AMBER ALERT (7) found long-shot market support last start and showed some improvement. (Andrew Harrison: 8-4-9-7).

R3 Summary: ANNIE’S SONG (7) is lightly raced but just needed her last run after returning from a lengthy break. She meets modest opposition. LEMON THYME (8) has shown some ability and the step up in trip should suit. MS GALORE (4) race too handy last run. Allowed to settle and run on she will be dangerous. SHEEZAROCKET (1) has come on at her last two and goes well for Rachel Venniker. (Andrew Harrison: 7-8-4-1).

R4 Summary: SEND ME (1) has been up against stronger at recent outings on the poly. He gets relief from the saddle in a 2.5kg claiming apprentice and from the best of the draw should be competitive. LOU LOU THE LEGEND (2) is reunited with Sean Veale after winning a sprint three runs back. He steps up to a mile this time around but will have no trouble seeing it out. GORGEOUS DUDE (6) has been in good form over shorter but does see out the trip and has a handy galloping weight. SAIL TO THE MOON (10) improved back in blinkers when just ahead of Gorgeous Dude but does have a tricky draw to contend with. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-6-10).

R5 Summary: Wide open. CONTINENTALEXPRESS (11) has come well of late winning his last two over 2400m. This shorter trip could find him out but the stable is in good form and he should put in another good effort. Judged on rider bookings, FRENCH TRIP (2) looks to be the pick of the Duncan Howells pair. His recent form is not inspiring but the step up in trip could be what brings out the best. Stable companion PAPA C (3) has been consistent of late and can follow up on his last win although he is 1.5kg worse off with RICCARDO (5) who made sudden improvement last run. SPECTACULAR (4) is back on the turf for the first time in a while and has been knocking at the door of late. (Andrew Harrison: 11-2-4-5).

R6 Summary: LA MADDALENA (5) steps up in trip but has been holding form well. She has a handy galloping weight and looks the part in a wide open race. OUR LADY FATE (3) is joint top weight but has also been in good form of late She stays the trip well. PRINCESS PALACE (2) is a game front runner and was outpaced late over shorter last outing. She can do better this trip. PINK DIAMOND (10) had her consistency rewarded last run but did get a three-point rise in the handicap. (Andrew Harrison: 5-3-2-10).

R7 Summary: TREATY OF PARIS (4) has a hefty merit rating to contend with but is down in class from his last run and if running up to his rating he could be hard to peg back. DAPPER (10) is also down in class and gets 2.5kg relief from the saddle. He has not been out of the money in his last four and can go one better. TOWN CRIER (11) is lightly raced but started favourite first up in handicap company. He is up in class but has a light weight and the stable is in good form of late. EL DANTE (12) showed up well over a distance short of his best last Sunday. He will prefer this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 4-10-12-11).

R8 Summary: Many warming up for the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup over a distance well short of their optimum. However, class will always out. SEE IT AGAIN (4) shoulders top weight and his struggling for his next win. However, he is effective over this trip and is never far back at the highest level. Former Summer Cup winner ROYAL VICTORY (8) has had his mental issues, sometime refusing to go to the start. He has had the attention of a ‘horse whisperer’ and has been passed fit to race. He is in the same category as Like See It Again but you take his behavior on trust. LICENCE TO THRILL (2) has been in excellent form down the Hollywoodbets Scottsville straight and the form of his last win has been franked. He takes the turn over an extra furlong and does look to be held given the conditions of the race. Adam Azzie has his first runners after his move to Summerveld and saddles the filly GIMMEFABULOUS (3). She has not been out since May but has obvious ability and a light weight to boot. (Andrew Harrison: 4-8-2-3).

R9 Summary: WILD JUSTICE (6) is unbeaten in two and appears to have a tough of class. He steps into the unknown in a useful field but he does look to be progressive. HIERKOMMIEBOKKE (1) has his first run for Dennis Bosch. She comes off some patchy Highveld form but is very well in at the weights and from the best of the draw could be the one to beat. ICY BLAST (2) followed up on his good second to Licence To Thrill by winning next time out. He appears to have appreciated the drop to a sprint and Muzi Yeni stays with the ride. SUPER FAST (3) had his consistency rewarded last outing after a string of runners-up berths. He is up in class but has a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-2-3).

R10 Summary: Wide open. FATE OF FORTUNE (8) has improved in blinkers and was only run out of it late by the unbeaten Cognac last Sunday. He is way down in class and should have a bright chance. NAVAJO DANCER (9) has his third run after a break and appears to be coming to hand. DOUBLE OLYMPIC (12) has a tough draw to contend with but was narrowly beaten down the straight last start. RUBY CLAIRE (7) was not far back last run and with a 4kg claimer aboard she can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 8-9-12-7).

Frankie fancies Ombudsman to win the Champion Stakes (Picture: Sky Sports Racing) 

Interview About Global Feast Of Racing With Frankie Dettori 

Frankie Dettori exclusive: My tips for Champions Day at Ascot, Ka Ying Rising’s chances in the Everest, Willie Mullins’ Caulfield Cup target, what makes Oisin Murphy a world-class jockey and I’ll be riding Khaadem at the Breeders’ Cup turf

In his latest Stake exclusive blog, legendary Frankie Dettori has reflected another another Grade 1 win he secured Stateside with Rebel’s Romance at Belmont

The jockey has also been speaking ahead of a big few weeks in Australia, with the Everest, the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup all looming on the horizon – and why Kay Ying Rising will win the Everest at Randwick on Saturday

Dettori also opened up on his relationship with Oisin Murphy,who is set to be crowned British champion jockey once again this weekend

The jockey has given his tips for Champions Day at Ascot, the Caulfield Cup and also the Shuka Sho Grade 1 out in Japan

Q: You’re proving that you can’t keep a good man down in America – with your big-race success on Rebel’s Romance in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby. How satisfying was that, and can we expect to see more of you in the famous Royal Blue for Sheikh Mohammed?

It was very satisfying. As a lot of people know, I worked for Godolphin for 18 years and rode over 110 Group 1 winners for them, so to add another one was really sweet. It was also a privilege to ride such a wonderful, consistent horse like Rebel’s Romance – a seven-year-old who’s won in Hong Kong, Dubai, and now America. I was lucky enough to get the ride, and we won in great style.

Horses like him are real fan favourites because they’ve been around so long and keep performing at the top level. I’ve got to take my hat off to the horse himself, but also to Charlie and the team for keeping him at his best every time. So, well done to everyone – and for me, it was an honour to be on board such an iconic horse.

Q: He’s remarkably consistent, especially given all the miles he travels. Do you think there’s something about his personality that helps him handle travelling so well?

Yes, some horses travel better than others, and he’s definitely one of them. He’s just like me, he travels a lot but always turns up and performs! He never seems to run a bad race. I was very proud to have the chance to ride such an iconic horse, as I said before. Now he’s heading for his third Breeders’ Cup, and it would be amazing if he could pull it off.

Q: On the subject of recent successes, how was it to ride Khaadem to victory in the Grade 2 at Keeneland?

Well, he can be a bit of a handful in the gates, or the stalls, as we call them in Europe. I always look forward to riding him, but not so much to the pre-race bit because it can get quite claustrophobic in there. You’d think at nine years old he’d be used to it by now, but no, he’s still ready to kick off! Luckily, it wasn’t too bad this time.

He fluffed the start a bit, but that doesn’t matter much because he likes to come from behind. When I turned for home, I couldn’t see many gaps, so I took him wide, and once he started rolling, I knew he was going to get there. It was great for the team. Jim Hay is a good friend of mine, and it’s brilliant to see a horse like Khaadem, a real warrior at nine, still showing his best. He’s got an invite for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, so we’ll roll the dice and give it a go.

Q: So you’ll be on board that day as well if he runs in the Breeders’ Cup?

Yeah, I suspect so. I think Chad Brown likes to have me on him. Those kinds of races, especially this year’s sprint division, there isn’t a dominant, standout sprinter in America right now, so it’s pretty open. He’s definitely got a chance.

Q: Do you think British trainers looking to the US realise that you’re in a unique position being based there, and that’s helping you get more opportunities?

It definitely helps. I know most of the English trainers from my years riding in Britain, and they know I’ve now got plenty of experience in America. So if they don’t already have a retained jockey, I’m often the one they call. I’ve been racing here a while now, I know the form, and I’d say if a horse isn’t already tied to someone else, I’m probably their first choice.

Q: What did you make of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe? Do you think Minnie Hauk was beaten fair and square, or could she have won on a different day with slightly different conditions?

I thought it was an amazing race. On the day, the Aga Khan’s horse prevailed, but the filly ran a superb race. If you take him out of it, she wins by seven! They’re both remarkable animals. It’s great news that he’s staying in training, we always love to see champions come back as four-year-olds.

And Minnie Hauk might be heading to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup, which would be fantastic news. Not great for me, because she’d be my opposition! But good for racing. It was a proper Arc this year, a race worthy of the name.

Q: We’ve got The Everest coming up this weekend – one of the great races with huge prize money, kicking off the spring campaign. How important are races like that, given it’s the richest turf race in the world, with around $7 million in prize money and $3 million to the winner?

I remember when I was a kid, the Arlington Million was the big one – no-one had ever heard of a race worth a million dollars! It held its appeal for a long time. Then the Breeders’ Cup came along, and we started to see multiple million-dollar races. But I never thought I’d see a Saudi Cup worth $20 million, an Everest worth $20 million, or a Dubai World Cup worth $12 million. It’s incredible.

The hardest part, of course, is having the right horse to run in them. Apart from the Melbourne Cup, most of the big Australian races are sprints. This year’s Everest doesn’t disappoint either. Everyone’s got their eyes on Ka Ying Rising, who is unbeaten in 16 or 17 starts, though it’s never raced outside Sha Tin. So it’ll be fascinating to see how he handles the test against the Australians. Definitely one to savour.

Q: Ka Ying Rising was third in a trial last week – are you vouching for his chances this weekend, or do you have your eye on someone else?

No, I’m sticking with him. Trials are just that, trials, they’re part of the process. Finishing third was just a step toward being ready for the big day. From what I’ve seen so far, I’m very impressed, so I’m backing him.

Q: We’ve also got the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne coming up. Willie Mullins has Absurde potentially running. How big a pointer is that race for the Melbourne Cup a few weeks later?

It’s one of the major trials, really. It’s run over a shorter distance than the Melbourne Cup, but it’s where the build-up begins. A lot of horses who run well there go into the Melbourne Cup with an even better chance. I’ve been looking through the field and chatting with a few Australian friends, and one on my shortlist is Middle Earth for Sheikh Fahad of Qatar. I remember him from when I was with John Gosden – he came from last to first at York with a brilliant turn of foot.

He’s been down there for a while now, acclimatised, and he’d be my pick for the race.

Q: Talking of Melbourne…are you still waiting for that call back from Chris Waller?

Yeah, I’m still waiting! We’ll see what happens. The phone’s been quiet so far, but you never know….maybe after this weekend.

Q: Looking back toward Newmarket and the Tattersalls Book 1 Sale — Amo made quite a splash. Are they on their way to joining the ranks of Godolphin and Coolmore?

There’s a lot of enthusiasm in that team. They’ve bought Freemason Lodge from Sir Michael Stoute and invested heavily in modernising it, buying quality stock, good mares, bringing in young people and a young trainer. They’ve got a bright future. You can’t buy success overnight, but the way they’re going about things, they’re going to be a major force in the years ahead. Definitely one to watch.

Q: Kia Joorabchian has moved into racing from football. Do you think that he’ll be grateful for having moved into racing?

I think the love for football will never go away from him. That’s where his roots are from. He’s been in racing a few years now. Like you see every year, he’s investing more and more. And yeah, it’s great to see. It’s not just two or three owners playing this game now. He’s adding to the pot. And like I said, the way that he’s investing at the moment, you would think that in the near future. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Q: With Champions Day coming up this weekend, Oisin Murphy is set to be crowned Champion Jockey again. In a recent interview, he paid tribute to you as a friend and mentor. How do you see your role in helping him reach this level of success?

Listen, of course I have known Oisin for a long time, I’m close to him too. You have to have a bit of a lull of a run, you know, because you can’t win all the time. So sometimes he reaches out to me and he asks me what he is doing wrong. So I just try to guide him and give him the right things to say at the right time.

He’s had an amazing season this year. He rode absolutely brilliantly. So he deserves the championship and in every level, really, not just in the big races, but also in the everyday stuff. He’s a natural rider. Like I said, this year he deserved the championship. He’s one of the best around.

Q: You’re good friends outside the weighing room as well, are you?

Yeah, of course. He’s had his troubles and I don’t judge him for that. Nobody’s perfect. Like I said, if he reaches out to me to give him some guidance, I’m always there for him.

Q: If you had to pick just one quality that makes him such a great jockey, what would it be?

It’s very hard to explain. I think he’s got a good natural pair of hands. I never see horses pulling with him. He always has horses in a good rhythm and tactically he’s very astute. His horsemanship is superb.

Q: On Champions Day itself, how important a day do you think it is in the UK’s flat racing calendar?

It’s super important. Like in every sport, it deserves a grand finale. We deserve a Super Bowl. Look at the races on Saturday, honestly, they are mind blowing.

Q: Do you think that the winner of the Champion Stakes will really showcase them as the best of that division? Or do you think that if the ground is softer than your typical flat season ground, that slightly throws things off?

I guess in the early years of Champions Day, I remember when Frankel won, we were knee deep, but then the last few years when we used the inside track, it made it more of a level playing field, so it wasn’t as soft.

But it’s nice to see the great races on the main track on decent ground. We can’t control the weather, but in the last few years, the alternative has been to switch to the side track. It was a great help for everyone. I’m eager to see the big races on Saturday from afar.

Q. Do you think that if we were to get soft ground, that would rule Trawlerman out of a chance to win?

When I won with Trawlerman, it was pretty soft. I’m already being biased, at the moment Trawlerman is the best out there.

I know he’s a very surprising favourite, but he’s beaten all these before, and if you’re Trawlerman, then we know he turns up. It’s for him to lose.

Q: Kalpana was arguably a little bit disappointing in the Arc. Do you think that run will have helped or hindered her chances in the Fillies & Mares this time?

Again, I was looking at the field, she was taking on the very best at the Arc. I would say she’d be one of the horses that will be featuring in the finish, that would be one of my selections.

You know, she had a couple of seconds running a bit short and I think she deserves to be one of the favorites.

Q: I know that the decision has been made now, but if you were Aidan O’Brien, would you have chosen to run Delacroix in the QE2 or the Champion Stakes?

If you look at the Eclipse, he only just got going at the end. So maybe a mile with a very decent Queen Elizabeth this year, it would have been quite tough.

So you try to play your hand in the best possible way. So it makes sense to keep him in the Champion Stakes.

Q: If Economics runs, do you think he will cause an upset, or will he be at a disadvantage from not having raced recently?

Match fitness is a big thing, especially in this kind of competition. It’s like any sportsman, boxer or soccer players, a year off and throwing yourself in the deep end for the first time… I’ve got every respect for Mr Haggas [William, trainer], but with the quality of race that we have this year, it’ll be quite difficult.

I’m there to be proven wrong, but my feeling is that it’d be a tough thing to do after a year out.

Q: What would be your leading fancy on the day and a long shot?

I’m a bit boring, right? So I’m going to go for the John Gosden double. Ombudsman in the Champion Stakes to beat Delacroix again.

And then I go for my old friend, Trawlerman. That’d be my selection.

A long shot that I think could run well, that really loves the track is Docklands. That’s my long shot because you know, Fallen Angel ran superbly last time, she’s taking on colts. It could be a very tactical affair again and Docklands has always run superbly. So that’s my long shot.

Q: What about the Shuka Sho in Japan – a tip for that?

I don’t really follow the Japanese form all the time. So I had to call and look at some replays and I’m going for Embroidery. She’s second favourite. She perhaps ran a bit too far in the Oaks and back to a mile and a quarter, she would be my selection.

“The police could not prevent the women from rushing the cordon and picking hairs out of his tail for momentoes.”

Which horse was being spoken about in the above quote?

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