Turf Talk Newsletter – 24 April, 2026

Symphony In White Could Take The Gr 3 Dennis Drier Poinsettia Stakes (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Race Coast

A competitive ten-race programme awaits racing enthusiasts and punters this Sunday at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

The headline races on the card are undoubtedly the Dennis Drier Poinsettia Stakes Gr 3 and the In Full Flight Handicap Listed.

In Race 7, the Dennis Drier Poinsettia Stakes Gr 3, SYMPHONY IN WHITE is a leading contender. She has been in solid form lately and was very impressive when winning at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in her last start. She also performs exceptionally well at this track, with a standout run on the 31st of May 2025 in the South African Fillies Sprint Gr 1. She appeared to be traveling well when hampered at a crucial stage, ultimately finishing just 4.55 lengths behind the winner. Andrew Fortune knows her well, and she could take some beating here.

But the race doesn’t end there, as several others are in good form. Stablemate BABELICIOUS is a must-include in all bets. She has shown she can finish strongly on her day and will be right there with Serino Moodley aboard.

MAI SENSATION, trained by Lucinda Woodruff and ridden by Juan Paul V’D Merwe, commands respect. She hasn’t been far off in recent outings and will be a serious contender if bringing her best form. Another runner to consider is ASIYE PHAMBILI, trained by Duncan Howells. She performs very well at this track and packs plenty of class. With Sean Veale aboard, she’s sure to be a massive runner.

Race 8, the In Full Flight Handicap Listed, this looks set to be another fiercely contested race with many runners holding solid form.

SPEEDMAN from the Sean Tarry yard stands out on current form. The son of Vercingetorix was highly impressive when winning his last start and appears destined for bigger things. With Craig Zackey in the saddle, who knows him well, another big performance is expected. His versatility across different distances is a sign of a very smart horse.

KAIBOY, trained by Candice Bass, is another to keep an eye on. He outran his odds last time out, finishing a close-up fourth behind DANCE VARIETY at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. He has always been highly regarded, he’s sure to make his presence felt in a big way with Serino Moodley aboard.

I’M A FIREBALL from the Mike and Mathew de Kock yard is another lively contender. He secured a gutsy win at Hollywoodbets Scottsville when beating the classy Roland Garros on 01 March 2026. His last run was outstanding, finishing second behind MALMESBURY MISSILE, and he’s definitely one to watch.

All in all, it looks to be a mouth-watering card for punters, and the Pick 6 could be the way to go, with massive pools expected.

Good For You won the Gr 1 Gold Medallion last season and can bounce back to form in the Listed In Full Flight Stakes. In his last start he was asked to give 108-rated Malmesbury Missile 6kg and was beaten 4,60 lengths, meaning he ran to roundabout his 110 rating, so on paper he could go close in this handicap (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

RACE 1

1 ANUSHKA has been knocking on the door and should go close over a suitable trip from pole position.

2 SMART CHOICE has fine form over 1000m and has a plum draw.

4 ROYAL CREST has run two crackers over 1000m and has a fair draw.

7 YUKINKO is a first-timer by New Predator out of a Duke Of Marmalade mare who is from the good Circle Of Life family.

(1-2-4-7)

RACE 2

5 STRONGER TOGETHER went close on debut and with expected improvement should be right there.

7 AMBER ALERT has a chance of repeating his penultimate start over this trip.

1 TIGER CODY is a first-timer by Buffalo Bill Cody out of a Var mare.

2 BILLY LOVER BOY is by Declarationofpeace out of a Right Approach mare.

(5-7-1-2)

RACE 3

6 QUERARISTINYFERARI went close last time and is on the up so looks the one to beat over an ideal trip.

5 CARTEL QUEEN has been thereabouts recently and has a chance with a 4kg claimer up.

2 BERRINGTON BLEW can earn if repeating her last start.

7 WINTER MIRACLE has some ability and tries a drop in trip.

(6-5-2-7)

RACE 4

9 VIKING LEADER has placed third in both starts and is the one to beat over a suitable trip.

8 LIGHT THE FIRE has the form to be a contender in this line up.

2 ETZEBETH is a big one-paced sort but if sent forward to the front could plug on into a place.

3 FULL MONTY ran an improved race last time in an open maiden and could earn from a good draw.

(9-8-2-3)

RACE 5

2 MASTER BOMBER won well last time and can go close off a three point higher mark if repeating.

9 THE GLIDING FISH looks to have dropped to a competitive mark and should be in the shake up.

6 MEERKAT MOON won well with the blinkers on and can follow up off a three point higher mark from a fair draw.

14 BEACH PALACE is usually thereabouts and is off a competitive mark but has a wide draw to overcome.

(2-9-6-14)

RACE 6

2 DYLAN’S CHAMP disappointed on the poly last time but before that ran a cracker at this course and has a plum draw here.

10 GALLIC VICTOR is a talented sort and the best might not have been seen of him yet so he should be right there despite having to overcome a wide draw.

7 SOMMERSTERN has hard-knocking form in Cape Town and should go close here despite having a tricky draw.

3 MY LUCKY CHARM is in good form and should be right there from a good draw under a 4kg claimer.

(2-10-7-3)

RACE 7

11 SYMPHONY IN WHITE has a lot of class and comes off two fine wins.

9 SWEETIE DARLING gets 3kg from Symphony In White for a mere 1,10 length beating so she should be right there.

2 BABELICIOUS went close to Princess Of Gaul in a Listed race when last tried over this trip so should be in the shake up here.

1 TARA STAR is ultra consistent and should make a bold bid.

(11-9-2-1)

RACE 8

8 GOOD FOR YOU has a lot of class and has won a Gr 1 over 1200m here so he should enjoy this 1100m trip.

14 SPEEDMAN has won four out of five and looks to be an exciting prospect.

12 CIRCUMBENDIBUS is in devastating form at present and will be out to land a hat-trick and he should handle the extra 100m.

13 KAALVOET went close in a Non-Black Type sprint last time over this trip at Turffontein Standside.

(8-14-12-13)

RACE 9

11 BEST OF ALL won easily and impressively last time and starts off with a reasonable merit rating.

4 XENOPHON is talented and should start coming into his own.

7 ROCK MUSIC can earn again after a fair second over 1000m on the poly last time.

8 GORGEOUS GUY is an honest sort who should be in the shake up.

(11-4-7-8-9)

RACE 10

7 MIDNIGHT LADY went close over 1200m in Cape Town last time and has a big shout.

8 CELESTIAL DIAMOND has been knocking hard and should be right there.

9 CALL ME JANE has been ultra consistent over 1000m and tries 1100m.

2 VICTORY IN ORLEANS was not disgraced last time in a Plate race against Zalatoris and could earn here.

(7-8-9-2)

Demanding Dave has been tipped to win the Gr 3 Champagne Stakes (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Race Coast

Trainer Mike Stewart has done a super job placing Demanding Dave to rise through the divisions and emerge as a sprinter capable of claiming a race of substantial standard. He has his first dip into stakes level at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday and he could claim the Grade 3 Champagne Stakes over 1200m.

Demanding Dave has become a crowd favourite in Cape Town. He has been in firing form over the past few months landing four wins in his last six runs. He has a fantastic turn of foot which makes him a joy to watch as he weaves his way through when he tastes success. Sadly, that running style broke him last time but there are reasons to believe he can turn that form around.

Jockey Andrew Fortune has ridden Demanding Dave three times and booted him to victory in all three starts. Fortune is sweating to 54kg to ride him on this public holiday.

Last time out he finished 1,3 lengths behind Dance Variety over 1100m in the Easter Sprint. He finds himself 0,5kg worse off but he ran into traffic problems when he was unwinding and becoming a threat. Some of the pace fell into his lap which took away some momentum.

His sequence of wins came over 1000m but his running style should give hope that he can be as effective over slightly further. This is probably his ceiling as far as stamina is concerned.

Sardinia Bay is also a promising three-year-old sprinter in the making. He finished just ahead of Demanding Dave in the Easter Sprint and they meet on identical terms. He has buckets of early pace but rain has arrived in Cape Town which might test his fluent stride. He cannot be ignored.

Dance Variety has a target on his back having defeated these lively chances last time. He does have his issues which cause him to be hit and miss so he is hard to rely on. If he is in the same mood as earlier this month, he could easily claim back-to-back wins. Calvin Habib has taken his chances with an in-form Adam Marcus yard and they combine.

The Cullinan put up a pleasing debut earlier this month and if he builds on that performance, he could exit the maiden ranks at his second attempt in race 1 over 1200m. He finished a length behind Earn The Weekend over this course and distance. Godric Gryffindor stands out as a major threat but he has not been seen since January so his fitness must be taken on trust.

Tristan Godden has found himself in the right place at the right time riding some work for Justin Snaith in Durban and he receives his second call-up from the Champion Trainer in

the space of a month. He rides Vercicat in race 2 over 1200m. His first run after being gelded was full of promise when he finished second behind Earn The Weekend. If the formline is franked a race earlier, his chances will enhance. There is no depth to form and filling the runner-up spot sets an uninspiring standard.

Pay The Palace has been tested against the best three-year-olds in Cape Town and he did not disgrace himself. Then he turned up in the Grade 3 Variety Club Mile earlier this month and was not far behind the promising Jet Force. He is back over the same course and distance in race 3. This is a drop in class and he gets Richard Fourie aboard. If he gets anywhere near his run in the Grade 2 Cape Punters Cup in November when close-up behind Good For You, he would take a power of beating.

There are a few runners who are ready to win in race 4 over 1600m. Spanish Verse could have found himself with an opportunity shed his maiden tag which would be overdue. He was touched off in his last two runs. Blizzardboy got his number last time narrowly. He seems to be weary when off the bit so when he glides into contention unextended, he is probably more appealing to the eye than the feel. He must have a top chance. Zagreb and See The Sign must have good chances.

Spirit Of Nical could the one to side with in race 5 over 1500m. Her last two runs suggest some life having finished fourth and third after some rather uninspiring early form. If she confirms the improvement and there is no reason to doubt that, she could get the job done. Up In Flames is better than her recent runs and she could bounce back to life and give Spirit Of Nical a run for her money.

There are plenty with chances in race 6 over 1400m. Devil A Saint has a pleasing turn in the weights in his favour. His last start saw him finish 1,75 lengths behind Klein Karoo over this course and distance. He is 2,5kg better off which should be enough to turn the form around. His hard knocking form could be rewarded.

Oliver showed signs of life in his last run when he returned from a break and flew at the end to finish 1,75 lengths behind What A Fortune. That piece of form has been well looked after with the winner finishing third in the Race Coast Sale Big Cap a few weeks ago behind Roland Garros who would be an aimer in this field. Oliver has a good turn of foot and if the pace is on, he will be seen to best effect. He comes from the yard of Adam Marcus which has been sending out a litany of winners lately.

Star World arrives in good form and she could complete back-to-back wins when she runs in race 9 over 1200m. She turned over South Of France last time by a length at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. South Of France has won subsequently. Richard Fourie is

carded to ride for Vaughan Marshall. Her main danger is Iona Castle who is fresh out of the maidens but it seems that James Crawford has worked out what makes her tick.

Buffalo Storm Cody should win the Gr 2 Senor Santa Stakes (JC Photos)

The Championships Finale has been postponed from Saturday to Tuesday, but is still relevant to this newsletter, because Monday is a public holiday.

There are four Gr 2s and three Gr 3s to look forward to at the meeting as well as the Gold Bowl, which is now a Listed race having once been an iconic Gr 1 event, such has been the concentration on speed over stamina in world racing in recent decades.

In the Gr 2 Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m the Tony Peter-trained dual Gr 1 winner Bufallo Storm Cody should stamp his status as the highest rated thoroughbred in training in South Africa at present. The merit rated 132 horse is 4kg better off than any other runner and has Richard Fourie up. If there is a bias on this track it usually favours the high draws and he has drawn 12 out of 12.

William Robertson is the joint second-best weighted horse and will not ony enjoy the slight step up in trip from his disappointing run in the Computaform Sprint, where he was beaten 4,55 lengths by Buffalo Storm Cody, but he can possibly be ridden a bit less handy than he was there too.

Cosmic Speed is interesting because he has not run in a sprint for close to 18 months, but he had a fine record over sprints and he has a nice high draw of nine under leading rider Craig Zackey.

Mount Pinatubo ran a good fifth in the Computaform and has a nice high draw here over a step up in trip he should enjoy.

Truth has speed and the ability to kick on and should earn from draw six.

The Specialist has won his last three starts nad this once high profile horse is on his way back.

In the Gr 2 TAB Colorado King Stakes over 2000m Fire Attack is 2,5kg under sufferance with stablemate Atticus Finch on official ratings but he has the class to prevail from pole position under Richard Fourie. A line can be draw through his Premier’s Xhampions Challenge run as it panned out terribly when he was forced out wide and began overracing. Fourie should have him settled and he can bounce back to his best with a strong finish. Field Marshal is 7,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted, but he is on the up and has Zackey up from draw two so should make a bold bid. Atticus Finch is top class on his day, but has had epistaxis before and is none too reliable. Choisaanada won well last time and gave the impression he would enjoy this trip and he will have be out to put his hand up for a place in the Hollywoodbets Durban July field. The Ultimate King has ability but will need to improve on his Champions Challenge run.

In the Gr 2 Igugu Stakes over 2000m Minogue has a lot of class and was not only close up in the Gr 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes over 1800m but should also stay this trip on pedigree being by Vercingetorix out of a Go Deputy mare who won over 1900m. Olivia’s Way went close in the Betway Summer Cup over course and distance suited and has a chance from draw four. Daisy Jones ran well in all three legs of the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara and can earn here. Callmegetrix has some good form but this Vercingetorix filly is out of a Kabool sprinter, so there could be a stamina doubt.

In the Gr 2 Camelia Stakes over 1160m Whistle The Tune has a nice high draw and should be right there. Rodeo Drive has speed and class and should make a bold bid. Green Diamond ran a cracker in the Gr 1 wfa Computaform Sprint over 1000m and will enjoy this trip too, soshould be right there.

In the Gr 3 Protea Stakes over 1100m Gimme Some Luck won by eight lengths on debut and the form has been franked. Time Is Precious is on the up and can go close to making it a hattrick, despite having to carry 2kg more than the other runners. Sherlock Holmes is improving and could earn here.

In the Gr 3 Pretty Polly Stakes over 1100m Get Up should make a bold bid as she is a well bred sort and is 2kg better off with Good Day Sunshine for a 0,90 length beating plus she has the advantage of Craig Zackey up. Good Day Sunshine has to give the others 2kg but looks up to it and can go close to remaining unbeaten in three starts. Love Not War looks capable of improving and can earn.

In The Listed Gold Bowl over 3200m Shoot The Rapids bolted in by 9,50 lengths the last time he ran over course and distance and can give weight away here and still win. Enflame is on the up and is a threat receiving 6kg from Shoot The Rapids. Aladdin’s Lamp is in good form and should be in the top three too. Poet’s Warrior was well beaten by Enflame and Aladdin’s Lamp last time ove 2850m , but he can be dangerous from the front and has pole position this time. Royal Invitation is suited to this galloping track so could earn over a suitable trip.

Picture: Thistle Ask can progress yet again at Sandown (via youtube)

Ladbrokes ambassadors Dan Skelton and Sean Levey discuss their respective Saturday chances at Sandown and Doncaster.

Dan Skelton Saturday runners blog: ‘This ground is tailor-made for this horse’

Wednesday was icing on the cake of an amazing season

We’re really looking forward to Sandown on Saturday. I’m excited to be going there and honoured to be picking that [Trainers’ Championship] up. Obviously, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I don’t know exactly how it’s going to feel to be honest, although obviously it’s going to be a very special moment for me and the whole team. There are going to be lots of people down there; owners, long-term supporters, friends and family… I think we’ve got about 60 or 70 people coming down for it. All of the staff are coming down, so we’re going to get a big team photo to remember it all.

It’s been an amazing year… absolutely incredible. And then, Wednesday was the icing on the cake really, to go and win a race at every track in the UK. That’s never been done before, so to have achieved that is an amazing feeling.

This year, we’d planned to hit that £4m mark, which we thought would be enough for the title, although I don’t think there was a specific point in the season I’d look back at and say ‘that’s the moment that changed things’, or ‘that’s where we became champions’… it doesn’t work like that. It’s been a gradual thing this year. You know, I’m sure if we’d have won it last year on the last day, you’d have felt like one victory was the one that did it, whereas that hasn’t been the case this year. So I can’t really pick out a moment and say ‘that’s where it happened’, but I can say I’ve felt like it’s been happening all season. That really kicked off with the absolutely unbelievable November we had. We won the Haldon Gold Cup, the Paddy Power, the Betfair, and the Coral Gold Cup all in one month – as well as a load of other races. To do that in one month was pretty incredible.

The team around me is very, very special. it’s the owners, the supporters, of course the staff, but the physios, the vets… the everyone. Everyone who has been with us from the start has got us to this point today. Now that I can reflect on it a little more, I realise how much fun it’s been, to do it with the people we have. The head staff are just amazing; their leadership is incredible. Most of them have been with us for many years – some from way back when we started 13 years ago. They’ve just got the same attitude I have; get out there, do our best, run horses and make it as much fun as possible. The atmosphere we’ve created, collectively, is probably the thing that I’m most proud of. It’s something I hope will give us longevity.

Celebration-wise, we’re going to plan something in the summer. We’ll try and do something with all of the staff, as well. But obviously, at the moment, it’s about finishing off the season. If we could get through £5m, that would be another amazing thing, and we will obviously give it our best. It won’t make or break our season, but it’ll be a cool thing to do, of course.

Click To Read About Dan Skelton’s And Sean Levey’s Saturday runners 

Ka Ying Rising will be going for his 20th successive victory

At The Races’ tipster Tim Carroll has selections, analysis and a placepot perm for Sunday’s FWD Champions Day card at Sha Tin which kicks off at 06H30 SA Time.