Turf Talk Newsletter – 22 May, 2026

The finish of last year’s Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint couldn’t have been closer with Mia Moo (Centre) winning by a shorthead from Asiye Phambili (far side) and Mrs Browning a shorthead behind the latter in third (Candiese Lenferna Photography) 

The Festival Of Speed meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville is always a much looked forward to meeting especially for its Jackpot of Graded races.

The Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint is certainly going to be a humdinger this year as it sees the clash of the top class and in-form pair Double Grand Slam and Asiye Phambili, while the reigning champion Mia Moo looks to have hit form at the right time and she also has another important factor on her side i.e. she is trained by Sean Tarry, otherwise known as The King of Pietermaritzburg, having plundered a record 21 Gr 1 victories at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

Double Grand Slam is in the form of her life and will be out to make amends for her bad luck in this race last year. She is drawn ten so Andrew Fortune should have time and space to produce her late.

Asiye Phambili has emerged from a hard knocker into the real deal and if ever a filly deserved a Gr 1 victory it s her. Sean Veale knows her well and her draw of eight should suite her style.

Mia Moo came into the race last year on the back of a 2,10 length victory in the Gr 2 Camellia Stakes, whereas this year she comes in off a 2,90 length third in the Gr 1 Computaform Sprint.

Interestingly Mia Moo beat Almond Sea by 4,80 lengths in the Camellia Stakes race and beat her by 3,35 lengths in the Computaform, so her form coming in is not actually much worse than it was last year.

However, it is her, and not Double Grand Slam, who has to contend with draw one this year and ironically Richard Fourie is up.

In another coincidental twist Mia Moo was drawn 8 last year, which is Asiye Phambili’s draw this year, and Asiye Phambili was drawn ten last year, Double Grand Slam’s draw this year.

Princess Of Gaul should be considered by the risk averse as she has a Gr 2 win over this trip as well as a Gr 2 and a Gr 3 over 1400m.

Perfect Miracle is an interesting runner too as she is by Hawwaam, whose progeny seem to improve continuously, just like his father Silvano’s progeny.

Perfect Miracle is proof of that. She has won a Gr 3 and a Gr 2 in her last two starts and the latter was the Camellia Stakes, which produced last year’s SA Fillies Sprint winner.

In this year’s Camellia Perfect Miracle faced Rodeo Drive on terms 1kg better than weight for age and beat her by 0,75 lengths, so on paper there should not be much between them now on wfa terms.

She was on wfa terms with all of Rachel Wall, Whistle The Tune, One Fine Winter and Almond Sea, whom she beat by 1,15 lengths, 2.05 lengths, 2,30 lengths and 3,80 lengths respectively, so has their beating on paper.

Symphony In White is a previous Gr 1 Allan Robertson third-placed achiever, but was beaten 4,55 lengths in this race last year and is well held by Asiye Phambili this year from their previous meeting.

Elegantrix was second in last year’s Allan Robertson, but ran a shocker last time out although she did win a Listed race well two runs before that over 1200m, so she could be a dark horse.

None of the others make much appeal.

The selection is Asiye Phambili to beat Double Grand Slam with Mia Moo , Princess Of Gaul and Perfect Miracle.

The Gr 1 Gold Medallion is the most expensive race at Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville Festival Of Speed meeting and although the Vaughan Marshall-trained Rich Man’s World looks hard to beat there could be some value for places on one other runner in particular.

The unbeaten Boland Stud-bred Rich Man’s World has got better and better with every start and last time out he treated the previously unbeaten Master Magician like a maiden plater. The lattter had attempted to kick away from the field, but Rich Man’s World just cantered up to him with Richard Fourie still sitting still and a shake of he reins saw the big horse accelerating before free-wheeling for the last 50m and winning by 7,50 lengths..

Fourie later admitted the horse had hardly come out of first or second gear.

He is 5/10 with Hollywoodbets.

Haute Couture’s looks to be a serious racehorse too. He showed good cruising speed and a magnificent turn foot and has a good action.

The place value could lie with the Sean Tarry-trained Egremont, who caught the eye showing a fine turn of foot on debut. The son of Skits Skizzle is out of a Captain Al mare Cals Crush, who won four races over 1000m.

Better Never Ends has a resolute finish and this Gr 2 TAB SA Nursery winner is on the up, so he could also possibly make the frame.

The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained Time Is Precious is by Querari out of Vercingetorix mare, Twilight Hour, who won on debut over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. He has a fairly big action and finished well when winning the Gr 3 Protea Stakes over 1100m. He could earn a cheque.

Kudikuran should appreciate the step up in trip and could earn.

Those are the ones who make most appeal and they are selected in the order mentioned.

In the first leg of the Jackpot, the Gr 1 Allan Robertson Championship, Querari Dancer would be fancied more if she had a better draw than one, which will be especially problematic for her style of running in which she comes from off the pace. The outside horses tend to drift inward and cause traffic problems for the lowly drawn horses who are being held up. The wily Fortune might concoct a plan though and this horse looks to have the class to win. Get Up showed a fine kick from a handy position over 1100m to win the Gr 3 Pretty Polly Stakes and has a form chance. If she can be in the leading line the draw of four should not be problematic and she has the Tarry factor. Secretary Bird is well regarded and Griselda beat Get Up in the SA Fillies Nursery, but the latter slammed the SA Nursery winner Good Day Sunshine in the Pretty Polly, so Get Up was probably below par in the Nursery. Griselda has a scurrying sort of action so is not as impressive as Get Up but they win in all shapes and sizes and she has a nice draw of seven out of 16. Flower Island won well in both starts, although her time was not noteworthy last time.  Ventura Boulevard won by ten lengths on debut in the East Cape and can’t be ignored.

The selection is Querari Dancer to beat Secretary Bird and Get Up with Flower Island and Ventura Boulevard next best.

In the Gr 2 Golden Horse Sprint Cosmic Speed bounced back when put over a sprint down the straight last time and, as he is a former Gr 1 Gold Medallion runer up, he will enjoy this course and distance, He has a nice draw of seven. One Eye On Vegas has speed and class and if able to overcome the troublesome number one draw he could be in the shake up. Taxi To The Moon is in devastating form and from draw five should make a bold bid. Texas Red is a 1400m specialist with consistent form and he should enjoy the tough Hollywoodbets Scottsville course and distance. Jerusalema Rain is in fine form and could still have more to come as he has found bis feet in the Tarry yard and he should be in the shake up. Cafe Culture has speed and class and should be right there. Fox On The Run has some class and is tough to ignore. Last year’s winner Tenango comes in fresh and could have benefited from the layoff.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Uzwano has a nice middle draw and with Gavin Lerena up he should be finishing strongly and will go close. He is just 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted pair Better Man and Diani. Guy Gibson is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance and with Fourie up should be runnin on well over a suitable trip. Better Man has class and could earn although he has a wide draw and the trip is sharper than ideal. Mohave Princess is in good form and should enjoy this course and distance. Diani could earn a place in this line up.

In the last leg of the Pick 6 Chapbook is only the reserve runner but if getting in he will go close as he caught the eye finishing strongly over 1100m at this course last time. Banff has interesting formlines and should be cherry ripe and in the shake up. Kaalvoet is well weighted and should go close. Green Gateway is also well weighted and if not needing it will be right there. Magic Surprise was not disgraced last time in the In Full Flight Stakes over 1100m and he has come into his own so should make a bold bid as the 1,5kg claim of Rachel Venniker can be taken this time. Saudi Sweep is not officially well weighted and returns from a long layoff but has a big reputation.

In the first leg of the PA Next Of Kin has been knocking on the door and should go close from a good draw.

In the second race the raider The Name Of Dladla looks ready to win and Andrew Fortune is up.

In the first race Enjoy The Ride was not disgraced on debut and with expected improvement should be thereabouts.

Future Free is a progressive sort who will enjoy the step up in trip (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Alistair Cohen (Race Coast)

There are often some treasures to be found during Cape Town’s winter series of feature races. There is often a long game in mind for horses with upside who are not quite ready for the warmer pleasures in Durban during winter. Future Free is a half brother to reigning Horse Of The Year Eight On Eighteen and he is likely nowhere near the same class. But, he is heading the right way and he could scoop the Listed Pocket Power Stakes over 1950m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.

His last run came in Leg 2 of this series which has produced Pocket Power, Marinaresco and African Night Sky. Over 1800m, the Listed Legal Eagle Stakes he finished a pleasing 2,05-length third behind La Pulga who is an entry for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, albeit optimistic. Future Free has always struck as a horse who will kick on as his career develops and as he is sent over further distances which he gets to venture over.

He is only three-years-old which suggests there is plenty left in the tank. He gives the impression that this is the start of good times to come and he could be a step higher up the ladder in a few months when the sun shines slightly warmer in Cape Town. Andrew Fortune takes the ride for Justin Snaith.

Snaith sends out the lightly raced Prairie Dawn who is the most interesting runner in the race. He showed tons of courage to worm through a tight gap last time at Hollywoodbets Durbanville when lesser heart would have seen him with a hard luck story. With only six career starts, this must be a signal of intent from Snaith. From beating Show Off who has been disappointing to running against some solid campaigners is a huge ask. Craig Zackey was complimentary about his future. Keep an eye on him as the months go by. A good showing would put him in place for high hopes in the future.

Otto Luyken holds an optimistic entry for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. A win here might not do his chances many favours but it would keep him alive to quality for Africa’s Greatest Race. His effort in the Legal Eagle Stakes was fair when he finished just under three lengths behind La Pulga. He seems held by Future Free. This extra distance is in his favour and he is a good horse when he decides to be at his best with a long, fluent stride.

Aquae Calidae ran a bold race on debut when he finished second behind Kalahari King. He showed a unique running style with his head low down demonstrating immaturity. He runs in race 1 over 1200m. His high number draw of No 10 down the straight is not ideal but he showed good pace first-up and experience could help his cause.

Spinnaker is a lovely looker and he also put up a sparkling first effort when he finished behind The Cullinan over 1200m. He steps up to 1400m in race 2. He is a half brother to Grade 2 over 1600m winner Sail The Seas. He hit the line with plenty in hand last time

behind an experienced horse who also has a touch of ability. This looks like a hot maiden so he could face equally stiff opposition but impressions were high after his debut and he could make enough progress to win.

Signor Dante plummets in class in race 3 over 1400m. The doubt attached to his chances is if he can handle the drop in distance. He hints that his next win would come over slightly further and his running style backs that idea up. He has run against Note To Self, Eric Liddell, Prairie Dawn and Future Free in his last four runs. All of those horses would be warm order favourites in a race of this nature.

Lava Strike improved in his last run when he finished close-up behind Vercicat. There is no evident reason for him showing zero to finishing second so perhaps natural progression served him well. He gets the services of Richard Fourie in race 4 over the same 1200m distance. There is a real paucity of compelling form in this event.

If Moody Blue has the legs to win over 1200m, he looks like he has the right form in race 5. Andrew Fortune is the man for the job to see if he can be as effective over this trip. His recent runs have come against stronger. There is not much predicted rain leading into this meeting which takes off some doubt. If he is rolled, just about anything in the race can win.

Eric Liddell trotted up in his last run. He is on the up. If Signor Dante wins a few races earlier, Eric Liddell becomes even more appealing. He runs in race 6 over 1950m. He faces a competitive field against some well-tried older hard knockers who will not be easy to fend off. He seems like he is maturing rapidly enough to give him the benefit of the doubt. Scottish Links, Gentleman Joe, Fort Liam and Song To The Moon all stack up as contenders.

Charlie Bucket is somehow still a maiden. He has finished in the runner-up spot in his last three runs. Horses who beat him have not looked out of place going a step higher. He might be his own worst enemy because he leaves himself too much to do but the extra trip to 1600m is worth a roll in race 8. This is not quite now or never because there seems to be a few runners of interest but he would be a popular and deserving winner.

Kelp Forest has been tipped to win the fifth race (Picture: Wayne Marks)

RACE 1

5 AQUAE CALIDAE ran a cracker on debut and will be hard to beat.

3 COPPER HEAD also has good debut form and should be right there.

4 ANOTHER HERO has run two good races and has a chance.

6 GODRIC GRYFFINDOR should be there or thereabouts.

RACE 2

7 MADE IN CHELSEA should be hard to beat considering his good formlines.

4 SPINNAKER made a good debut and with improvement could go close.

3 CAPTAIN’S ANGEL should be in the shake up.

1 HERO’S JOURNEY should earn again in this line up.

RACE 3

5 SIGNOR DANTE can bounce back as he has some fine form overall.

4 PACIFIC WATERS enjoyed the course and distance last time and has been given a reasonable merit rating.

1 FORT YUKON has a form chance.

3 RED DAWN could be in the shake up in this line up.

RACE 4

3 LAVA STRIKE has some fine formlines and is the one to beat.

5 COFFEE CRUNCH has 3,60 lengths to make up on Lava Strike.

2 THE MUFFIN MAN comes from that same race and has 3,8 lengths to make up on Lava Strike.

10 LOVE FROM AFAR has the ability to earn.

RACE 5

5 KELP FOREST has plenty of ability and is back to his last winning mark.

2 LOVING PRAGUE has some fine form and should go close.

1 WINTER PEARL is knocking on the door and should be right there.

8 OCTOBER STORM has the ability, but is not too consistent and needs to bounce back.

RACE 6

3 SCOTTISH LINKS is 2,5kg better off with Eric Liddell for a 2,25 length beating and there is a reversal in draw fortunes in his favour.

1 TUNGUSKA was well beaten by Eric Liddell last time when widely drawn but he is now drawn in pole.

9 ERIC LIDDELL is progressive and would not be a surprise winner, because he is a grinder who will relish the heavy winter conditions but he does have a tough draw.

10 TOTHEMOONANDBACK is capable of earning in this line up.

RACE 7

6 FUTURE FREE is a talented son of Futura and his progressive profile, plus a step up in trip, he will relish. Makes him the one to beat.

1 PAY THE PALACE has mixed with some of the best and should not been disgraced. He should be in the shake up over a trip, and should get there considering his fair run in the Lucky Fish Cape Derby.

5 PRAIRIE DAWN is a consistent sort who is on the up and he should enjoy the step-up in trip.

7 MAGIC VERSE has a touch of class and is distance suited. He should be in the shake up despite having the widest draw in the seven horse field.

RACE 8

5 FREQUENT TRAVELLER ran a good race over this course and distance last time out and is now two points lower in another maiden handicap.

2 CHARLIE BUCKET has been knocking on the door and from a good draw has a chance, although he has to prove he stays this trip.

7 FATE OF PACE has a tricky draw but has the form and distance suitability to be a contender.

11 QUIET PLACE has earned a cheque in the last three maiden handicaps he has run in.

Captain Mike relaxing at his stable in Mauritius (Racing And Sports) 

Graeme Hawkins Mauritius Formguides And Selections

A Middle Stakes over 990m tops the bill on a 7-race programme at Champ de Mars on Saturday 23 May and the in-form partnership of Raymond Danielson and Soon Gujadhar are represented by The Mauritian who was touched off in the last stride by United Prince a month ago. He could go one better here but huge respect for Vincent Allet’s Captain Mike who is at his very best over this track and trip.

Being a 7-race card, the Place Accumulator kicks off in the opener while the Pick 6 and Jackpot start in races 2 & 4 respectively.

Race 1: (10:30) – BM25 Handicap – 1500m:

Bugle Boy made a sparkling debut on the Island when touched off by The Centurion three weeks ago and the 3yo son of Elusive Fort is a warm order favourite to shed his maiden ticket for Carl Hewitson and Kersley Ramsamy. Trick Or Tequila was a distant third in the same race and while the 3yo son of Lance has shown good improvement in his subsequent track work, it appears unlikely that he can turn the tables on Bugle Boy. Lava Burst and Kola Tonic should make up the frame in this small field.

Betting: 9/20 Bugle Boy; 7/2 Trick Or Tequila; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Bugle Boy; (5) Trick Or Tequila; (2) Lava Burst; (4) Kola Tonic.

Race 2: (11:05) – BM25 Handicap – 1500m:

New World showed above average potential in South Africa and was not disgraced on his local debut when lining up in the Duchess Of York Cup four weeks ago. The 3yo son of One World plunges in class here and rates a genuine 4/10 chance against four rivals, the pick of which could be Love On Time who strips very fit, having already had two pipe-openers this season over 990m. Dance To The Sun is a very well-bred newcomer for the Arveen Nagadoo stable.

Betting: 4/10 New World; 9/2 Dance To The Sun; 7/1 Love On Time; 16/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) New World; (2) Love On Time; (1) Dance To The Sun; (5) Lingotto.

Race 3: (11:40) – BM51 Handicap – 1365m:

Jevin Awotar has his string in fine form and War Chariot will be a popular choice to follow up on his stylish victory a month ago. Grant Van Niekerk again takes the ride and the eye-catching 5yo son of Pomodoro certainly sets the standard. But this is a competitive handicap and Grand Bay, representing the Danielson/Gujadhur team, has to be respected and included as back up to War Chariot in all exotics. Roman’s Revenge makes his seasonal debut and is very genuine, but he does prefer a touch further than he gets here. Ampersand was fourth behind War Chariot last time and is unlikely to turn the tables here.

Betting: 1/1 War Chariot; 33/10 Grand Bay; 11/2 Ampersand; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) War Chariot; (5) Grand Bay; (2) Roman’s Revenge; (4) Ampersand.

Race 4: (12:15) – BM56 Handicap – 1450m:

Only 5 runners line up for this mid-division handicap but it is an evenly matched contest and a good finish could be on the cards. Captain Cola and Just Var lead the early betting exchanges but Vincent Allet’s Grand Vision may offer some value at around 7/1. On past form Captain Cola should just about have his measure, but Grand Vision is very game and should give a good account of himself on his seasonal debut. Blue Bay and Just Var rate obvious dangers and must be included in all Pick 6 and Jackpot permutations.

Betting: 17/10 Captain Cola; 18/10 Just Var; 33/10 Blue Bay; 7/1 Grand Vision; 33/1 Fateful Day.

Selection: (1) Captain Cola; (2) Grand Vision; (4) Just Var; (3) Blue Bay.

Race 5: (12:50) – BM61 Handicap – 1365m:

Hard to oppose the Danielson/Gujadhur combination here! They are represented by Crescent and the 4yo son of Legislate has won his last six races on the Island, his only blemish being when he ran second over 990m to Mind Map on his local debut back in August 2025. He was a convincing winner of his seasonal debut three weeks ago and a 5-point rise in the ratings is unlikely to interrupt his winning sequence. United Prince and Tyrion Lannister should follow him home.

Betting: 3/10 Crescent; 5/1 United Prince; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) Crescent; (4) United Prince; (2) Tyrion Lannister; (5) Van Hunks.

Race 6: (13:25) – Middle Stakes – 990m:

Looks a match race between The Mauritian and Captain Mike, both of which bring decent form into the race. Captain Mike has not raced over 990m since winning back in August 2025 but, going back through his record, his last five victories have all been recorded over this trip. He was placed in all five subsequent starts over 1365m and is as game as they come. The Mauritian was touched off by United Prince over this trip four weeks ago when looking all over a winner, and he could make amends here. Jewel Cat ran a much better race last time and could lead the charge for minor money. William Rufus is no slouch but he could just be in need of this run.

Betting: 13/10 Captain Mike; 15/10 The Mauritian; 13/2 William Rufus; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Captain Mike; (1) The Mauritian; (3) Jewel Cat; (2) William Rufus.

Race 7: (14:00) – BM41 Handicap – 1450m:

Sound Of The Sea has had a busy start to the new Season (this will be his third start in the space of four weeks) but he is knocking very loudly at the door and the 4yo son of Talk Of The Town could step up to the plate in this well-filled 8-horse line-up. Two runs back he finished second to stable companion Bounceback, who has subsequently franked the form, and last time out was runner-up behind the decent Courtly. Summer Snow was only half-a-length behind Sound Of The Sea when last they met and Hewitson’s runner poses an obvious threat. Zacatoo reeled off a hattrick at the back end of last season but he meets stronger here and is faced with the widest gate of all. Wugug, Tsunami Warning, Without Equal and Good Living have all done enough to suggest they are not without claims in a competitive handicap.

Betting: 16/10 Sound Of The Sea; 33/10 Summer Snow; 9/2 Wugug; 5/1 Zacatoo; 8/1 Tsunami Warning; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Sound Of The Sea; (3) Summer Snow; (2) Wugug; (7) Zacatoo.

Betting correct as at 17:00 on Thursday 21 May.

Suggested Pick 6 (Races 2-7):

3 x 2,3,5 x 1,2,3,4 x 3 x 1,4 x 2,3,4,7 (R96).

Gstaad is hard to oppose in Saturday’s Irish Guineas (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS
SELANGOR: DUMA LOOKS THE KEY PLAYER IN CUP
The Baby Pery Cup (Race 6, 1300m) headlines an 11-race programme and gives talented four-year-old Duma another opportunity to add a Listed feature to his record. Trainer Frank Maynard’s gelding announced himself when winning the NZB Ready To Run Graduate Cup as a three-year-old last season and has since compiled an impressive record of five wins from 15 starts. He went close in the Grade 1 Tunku Gold Cup this year after overcoming a wide draw and his strong Class 3 credentials – including two wins from three starts at the level – stand him in good stead. The meeting starts at 06:30.

MAURITIUS: CAPTAIN MIKE APPEALS OVER HIS BEST TRIP
A Middle Stakes over 990m tops the bill on a seven-race programme at Champ de Mars and the in-form partnership of Raymond Danielson and Soon Gujadhar are represented by The Mauritian, who was touched off in the last stride by United Prince a month ago. He could go one better, but many will prefer Vincent Allet’s Captain Mike, who is at his best over this track and trip. The Place Accumulator starts in the opener with Leg 1 of the Pick 6 and Jackpot on Races 2 and 4 respectively.

HOLLYWOODBETS SCOTTSVILLE: CARRYOVER JACKPOT LOOKS THE BET OF THE DAY
The bet of the day at this annual sprint feast has to be TAB’s Jackpot ONE, which comprises the four championship events and starts with a R250,000 carryover. That should yield a total pool of over R1 million and punters are in for an amazing day’s racing. Below is a race-by-race guide to the carryover pool.

Jackpot ONE Leg 1 (14:00): Race 5 – 1200m ALLAN ROBERTSON CHAMPIONSHIP (Grade 2)
There are four stakes’ winners and a minor feature winner in a field packed with talent. 1 QUERARI DANCER overcame traffic problems to land the recent Grade 3 Tote Strelitzia Stakes over 1100m at this track and had praise heaped on her by her jockey and trainer. She is clearly a filly blessed with natural ability. 5 FLOWER ISLAND produced an easy victory in the BSA Sales Cup over 16 KAVADY and the performance was full of merit. She was considered a few lengths short of peak fitness and should have come on from that effort. 13 GOOD DAY SUNSHINE beat 7 GRISELDA and 4 GET UP in the Grade 2 TAB SA Fillies Nursery, but GET UP reversed that form emphatically when defeating Good Day Sunshine by seven lengths in the Grade 3 TAB Pretty Polly Stakes. Three others make strong appeal. 2 TOP SECRET has the perfect pedigree profile. She is by Gimmethegreenlight and hails from the immediate family of several fillies who have enjoyed success in this race and the SA Fillies Sprint. 8 SECRETARY BIRD caught the eye when fifth behind exciting colt Turn It Up in the Race Coast Sales Slipper and has definite prospects on that effort. 15 PALACE OF ARVERNIA did not beat much on debut but won in the manner of a promising type. Take a chance with QUERARI DANCER as a banker in smaller perms, but all the mentioned runners deserve inclusion.

Leg 2 (14:35): Race 6 – 1200m GOLD MEDALLION (Grade 1)
This shapes as a three-cornered contest among Grade 3 TAB Protea Stakes winner 5 TIME IS PRECIOUS, facile Grade 3 Tote Godolphin Barb Stakes winner 6 RICH MAN’S WORLD and runaway debut winner 8 HAUTE COUTURE, who faces a far stiffer test here but could be anything. Having already won a juvenile feature at the track gives smart RICH MAN’S WORLD a definite edge on paper. He won with effortless authority and the step up to 1200m should be ideal.

Leg 3 (15:15): Race 7 – 1200m GOLDEN HORSE SPRINT (Grade 2)
In an open contest the value may lie with 7 COSMIC SPEED, a class act whose only outing over this course and distance produced a second behind Proceed in the 2024 Grade 1 Gold Medallion as a two-year-old. Cosmic Speed was campaigned over further as a three-year-old and the first half of his four-year-old career – with success at Grade 1 level – but recently showed that he retains the speed to compete at the highest level in sprints when finishing a close third in the Grade 2 TAB Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m. On that occasion he was narrowly beaten by 14 JERUSALEMA RAIN (0.5kg worse off) with subsequent winner 13 ZIYASHA and 10 WILLIAM ROBERTSON finishing well behind him. Most of the established sprinters bring winning credentials. They include last year’s winner 4 TENANGO, runner-up 2 O’TENIKWA, third-placed 16 KING OF THE GAULS and sixth-placed 11 OUTLAW KING, who has since added two stakes victories to his record. The depth does not end there. Quality three-year-old 1 ONE EYE ON VEGAS possesses a sharp turn of foot and could spring a surprise, while classy stablemate 8 MIAMI MOUNTAIN is unbeaten over 1200m. 12 CAFÉ CULTURE is capable and appears to have returned to form. It looks a case of COSMIC SPEED or the field.

Leg 4 (15:50): Race 8 – 1200m SOUTH AFRICAN FILLIES SPRINT (Grade 1) brought to you by The Witness
1 MIA MOO defeated 8 ASIYE PHAMBILI by a short head in last year’s contest with 14 WHISTLE THE TUNE (1.35 lengths), 10 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM (1.40 lengths), 9 MAI SENSATION (2.35 lengths) and 4 JUST BE LEKKER (3.20 lengths) further adrift. But champion filly DOUBLE GRAND SLAM would arguably have won had she enjoyed better luck in running. She is the standout runner in the field and arrives in hot form. If she stays out of trouble and secures a clear passage, she could give her rivals a galloping lesson.

SUGGESTED R270 JACKPOT ONE PERM (Leg 1 Race 5 @ 14:00):
Leg 1: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8
Leg 2: 5, 6, 8
Leg 3: FIELD (1-18)
Leg 4: 10

THE CURRAGH: GSTAAD HARD TO OPPOSE IN IRISH GUINEAS
There are three Group features and a Listed race on an excellent nine-race card including Race 5, the Group 1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas in which Aidan O’Brien-trained Gstaad is odds-on favourite. Gstaad has had a busy time of things as a juvenile and was second in three Group Ones before finally getting his day in the sun at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf last November. He was no match for Bow Echo in the English 2000 Guineas earlier this month but finished way ahead of the rest. “That was his first race this year and to go out and do what he did was great. The Irish Guineas is his next step,” said O’Brien.

SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS
SHA TIN: ROMANTIC WARRIOR HUNTS TRIPLE CROWN FAME
Romantic Warrior chases history as he tries to become only the third horse to take the Triple Crown in Race 8, the $HK13-million The Standard Chartered Champions and Chater Cup over 2400m. It will take a serious performance to beat him. His last defeat on home soil came in this race in 2023, when he was a much younger horse. He led that day and has not done so since, and barrier 4 should allow him to get the perfect run off stablemate Romantic Thor and Numbers. All TAB Win, Pl
/ace, Quinella and Swinger bets will go into the massive Hong Kong pools for Race 8. The meeting starts at 06:30.

HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH: FUTURE FREE LOOKS WELL WEIGHTED
Justin Snaith’s Future Free has shown steady improvement since gelding, recording three wins from 10 starts and making rapid progress through the ranks. He finished on the heels of Hollywoodbets Durban July hopefuls La Pulga and Viva’s Liberte in the recent Grade 3 Legal Eagle Stakes over 1800m, doing his best work late and finishing ahead of Otto Luyken, Sheriff John Stone and Magic Verse. He looks well placed under 55kg in Race 7, the Listed Pocket Power Stakes over 1950m, and could hand jockey Andrew Fortune another Graded success.

THE CURRAGH: O’BRIEN TARGETS A GROUP 1 DOUBLE
Aidan O’Brien looks set to dominate both Group 1 features on the programme. His runner Minnie Hauk is odds-on for Race 5, the Tattersalls Gold Cup over 2100m, and his charges Precisely and True Love head the betting for Race 6, the Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas over 1600m. TAB Win, Place, Exacta, Quinella, Swinger and Trifecta bets on the two Group 1 features will be commingled into the World Pool.

Dylan Mo believes Sunday’s HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) could provide Winning Wing with the ideal staying test at Sha Tin (HKJC)

Mo believes 2400m can unlock Winning Wing in Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup

By Paul Ryding

A slow early pace, a horse who needs time to find his rhythm and a trip that could play to his strengths – Dylan Mo has a clear picture of how the HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) could unfold at Sha Tin on Sunday (24 May).

Mo rides Francis Lui’s Winning Wing in his first appearance in Hong Kong’s staying feature and believes the maximum distance will play to the five-year-old’s strengths.

“I think he’s a long-distance horse,” Mo said. “I think 2400m is a good distance for him because, always at 2000m, he doesn’t have the gate speed to get a good position. And now, in 2400, I think the first section may be slow, and that can help him.”

Winning Wing’s last run was in the G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (2400m), where he finished one-and-three-quarter-lengths third, charging home late in yielding conditions, behind Romantic Thor, who will also line up in Sunday’s feature.

“Last time he ran over 2400m, and he gave me a good feeling. I think he can handle it this Sunday,” Mo added.

In March, Winning Wing made his Group 1 debut, finishing an admirable third behind Romantic Warrior in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m).

Sandwiched between those two strong Group-level performances, however, was a disappointing eighth-place finish in a Class 2 contest, something Mo was at a loss to explain.

“I don’t know what happened in that Class 2. I was a little bit disappointed,” he said.

With hindsight, the aberration could be explained by the 1800-metre distance, which might have been too sharp for Winning Wing; after all, he was charging home late, evidenced by his race-quickest penultimate 200m split of 11.0s, and finished just two and a quarter lengths off the winner.

A product of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School, Mo has enjoyed a long association with Winning Wing, piloting the Preferment gelding in all 18 of his outings to date in Hong Kong, for four wins, two seconds and four thirds.

He said he remains thankful that connections have entrusted him with riding a Group-level performer.

“I’m grateful to the owner and the trainer for giving me the chance to ride this Sunday in a Group 1,” the 32-year-old said. “This race is a big one, and it’s top-class horses in this race. So that I can get in this race… I’m very happy already! I don’t have any expectations, I’ll just try my best. I’ll enjoy the horse and enjoy the race.”

Winning Wing, drawn in barrier six, faces Triple Crown-chasing Romantic Warrior (four), Deep Monster (two), Cap Ferrat (nine), Rousham Park (three), Numbers (five), Ka Ying Generation (eight), Gentlemen Legacy (seven) and Romantic Thor (one).

Sunday’s (24 May) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin starts at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Standard Chartered Digital Assets Handicap (1600m).

Picture: Gihan Arnolda at Cadland Cottage Stables

‘I May Be The First Black Trainer In Britain’: Former Jockey Seeks History At Yarmouth

From homelessness as a teenager to a chef in a Gordon Ramsay kitchen, the 45-year-old is now launching his training career

By Kaitlyn Hill (Paulick Report)

Former jockey Gihan Arnolda could make history in England next week as the country’s first black trainer, according to a report by Racing Post.

“I believe I may be the first black trainer in Britain, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to do it,” Arnolda told Racing Post. “I wanted to inspire a different set of people to do it.”

Arnolda’s path to racing was different than most. As a teen, he was homeless in London for two years until he went into foster care. He rode a horse for the first time at age 18, and he went on to win four races as an apprentice jockey.

Arnolda left the racing industry for five years after he was injured in a spill at Yarmouth Racecourse – the site of his upcoming training debut on May 28.

“I retrained as a chef at York College and even worked for Gordon Ramsay at one point, but I always felt I was missing something,” Arnolda told Racing Post. Through the Jockeys Education & Training Scheme, he climbed through the ranks as an assistant to trainers Peter Chapple-Hyam and Denis Quinn.

Now running under his ‘Black Magic’ logo, Arnolda debuts his first runners next week.

“We’re starting at Yarmouth on Thursday with Stenmark,” Arnolda told Racing Post. “Two days later, we have our best horse at Haydock which is Cancan In The Rain, and on the Sunday we have Damascus Steel.”

With 18 horses currently in the yard, Arnolda is focused on growth and representation. “I’d like to think we can fill the yard and get to 27 by the end of the summer.”

Read more at racingpost.com.