Turf Talk Newsletter – 29 May, 2026

Note To Self is the ruling Hollywoodbets Durban July favourite and can land his first Gr 1 in the Daily News 2000 (Picture: Wayne Marks)

The Daily News 2000 meeting is one of the most important of the season as the Daily News 2000 itself is the biggest three-year-old pointer race to the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The one to beat in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 is Note To Self, who is the ruling favourite for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. He will relish the 2000m trip and has a fair middle draw of six. His massive stride can carry him home after being relaxed in a handy positioin by Andrew Fortune. The best weighted runner is Hazy Dazy who is rated 117 and gets 2,5kg gender claim. She is distance suited and has an electric turn of foot, so should go close after not having to be used early due to her good draw. Star Major will have to be dropped out to the back from a wide draw, but he willl enjoy the step up in trip, so he should be able to make up a lot of ground in the straight, as he did in the WSB Guineas when coming from last to win. Jan Van Goyen ran a fine first race after gelding and was a touch unlucky. This race will tell whether he gets 2000m and if he does his class and lovely action can carry him close. Happy Verse has not fulfilled the potential he seemed to show as a youngster, but this is his second run after gelding and with Richard Fourie up he has to be respected despite a wide draw. Master Spy has a big stride and ran on well for third in the SA Derby. He will need a big run here to qualify for the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

In the Gr 2 Woolavington 2000 Wish List will be hard to beat and can score a fourth big race win in succession. She won both the Gr 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes over 1800m and the Gr 1 Lucky Fish Cape Derby over 2000, so will have no problem with the trip. She is improving all the time and is a potential superstar, so is difficult to oppose, although draw five out of seven in a small field is not easy to negotiate. Keukenhof should  enjoy the step up in trip and should be running on after being dropped out from a wide draw. Callmegetrix proved herself over this trip last time and should be in the shake up. Minogue was second to Callmegetrix in that race but is now 1kg worse of for a length beating. Rainbow Lorikeet has class but might need it having been freshened up after a below par last run. Beach Verse can do better than last time and should be coming into her own. Kissing Machine is outclassed here.

In the Listed Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m Curious Girl is a progressive type who has a beautiful action and this Gr 2 SA Derby winner can make it five in a row having to carry just 53,5 kg from a good draw of two. Saxon Dynasty was eyecatching in victory over 1900m at this course last time and should relish this trip. Royal Invitation is a good stayer with a nice big action and althouh he prefers a more galloping track he can do well from draw three under Fortune. Dance King has been knocking on the door and has the form to be a contender. Continentalexpress should be right there if able to overcome a wide draw.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1400m Impressive caught the eye the last time she ran over this trip and from a plum draw is the one to beat.

In the eighth race over 1200m on the poly Tripoffaith has caught the eye before and has speed and plenty of ability. She will enjoy the step down in trip and from a good draw can go close. Captain’s Pride came from well back to run a good third last time and in this smaller field could go close after being dropped out from a wide draw. Whatastar should be involved in the finish too.

In the ninth race over 1200m on the poly the talented Gallic Victor is dropped in trip and the blinkers are fitted. He ran a good third at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth the last time he ran over this trip and from a good draw should be in the shake up here. Black Frost ran a cracker at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last time out and from pole position should make a bold bid here. Winter In London has a better draw than last time and looks capable of earning. Mickaelle Michel has her third successive ride on him.

In the first leg of the PA over 1400m on the poly Juliet Tango won well last time and looks to be coming back to her best so can handle a five point raise. Mano Pandaram has been doing well with his raiders lately. De Vlugge comes off a hattrick and this progressive sort could make another bold bid from the front off a four point higher mark. Perilla has been in good form. He is capable of going close and Gavin Lerena is up.

In the second race over 1600m Captain T ran on well over 1000m last time, but being by Captain Of All, who can get them to stay despite having been a sprinter, out of a Horse Chestnut mare who won up to 2000m, he should enjoy the step up in trip and he is a contender if able to overcome a wide draw. Brightsunnyday ran close up behind the promising Hop Hop Spinnekop and should be in the shake up. Quandura ran well last time over 1800m and has a chance with a 4kg claimer up.

In the first race over 1200m on the poly, Bangkok Magic looks to be a better horse than his debut appears to be on paper and he should be right there in an un inspiring field. Two Tigers ran a cracker over this trip at Turffontein Inside last time and the pole position draw will suit because he tended to hang in. First-timer Scotch Again is by Querari and is a half-brother to SA Oaks winner Secret Potion. Free Roaming was not disgraced in a fair field last time. Brigitte Ann has some fair Highveld form and could be a threat.

The horses are selected in the order mentioned in each event.

Star Major has been tipped by Jack Milner to win the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Jack Milner (Tab4Racing)

The Grade 1 Daily News 2000 is one of the most important features for three-year-olds in the country and is often a good pointer to the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

A field of 11 runners will be lining up for Daily News 2000 over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday and it does look quite competitive.

Heading up the field is Justin Snaith-trained Note To Self, whose best performance so far is a 0.75-length second behind Wish List in the Grade 1 Lucky Fish Cape Derby over 2000m at the end of January, giving her 2.5kg.

He made his comeback in a Conditions Plate over 1600m at this course and ran on strongly to finish a 0.90-length third behind stablemates Okavango and Eight On Eighteen.

This race has always been one of the goals for this Futura gelding and there is little doubt he will be better over this trip. The only concern is he takes time to get going and might not be ideally suited to the short straight at this course.

But there is confidence oozing from the stable about his chances, and jockey Andrew Fortune does not believe he can lose – but there is nothing new about that.

However, could face a serious challenge from James Crawford-trained Star Major who threw his name into the hat when storming to victory in the Grade 2 World Sports Betting Guineas at this course over 1600m.

Ridden by Mickaëlle Michel, he came from last to beat Tin Pan Alley going away and his connections will be out to prove that the win was no fluke.

While there is concern in some quarters about the additional 400m this time, he is out of a Silvano mare so there should be staying ability in his blood.

What is also worth mentioning is that he was a very late foal, only born on 9 November, which makes him some four month younger than Happy Verse, who he has beaten, and two months younger than both Note To Self and Jan Van Goyen.

He clearly is a late developer and there could be a lot more to come from him. Michel takes the ride again and as was the case last time, from the widest draw, he is likely to come from behind once again.

It is also worth noting that his 22.6secs for the final 400m in the Guineas is an outstanding time, compared with the 24secs it took Note To Self to cover the same distance.

Michel takes the ride again.

Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained Jan Van Goyen was a dominant winner of the Cape Guineas and then had a bit of a hazy period where his form dropped off. He has since been gelded and clearly needed the run when narrowly beaten last time in his first run back. He is a class act, the stable is in top form and a massive run is expected.

Hazy Dazy is the only filly in the race and has the benefit of a 2.5kg sex allowance. She won the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic over 1800m and comes in as the best weighted runner in the field.

Although she could struggle against the colts, she has only once finished outside the top three and is one to include in Swingers, Trifectas and Quartets.

There is also a carryover Pick 6 at the meeting with R500,000 kicking off a pool which is likely to reach R2 million.

Everybody will be looking for a banker and the most popular will be Wish List in the Grade 2 Lucky Fish Woolavington 2000.

She proved her wellbeing with an easier victory than the 0.30-length margin may suggest and this three-year-old daughter of Legislate will be very hard to beat over 2000m.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 2 Scotch Again, 1 Two Tigers, 7 Brigitte Anne, 5 Free Roaming, Bangkok Magic

Race 2: 7 Brightsunnyday, 9 Captain T, 3 Quandura, 2 Bourbon’s Beast

Race 3: 8 Sovereign Grant, 5 Perilla, 6 Bright And Brazen, 7 De Vlugge

Race 4: 2 Impressive, 10 Benny And Paul, 11 Coast Of The Sun, 4 Navigation

Race 5: 2 Curious Girl, 11 Ahead Of The Facts, 9 Continentalexpress, 3 Royal Invitation

Race 6: 5 Wish List, 1 Beach Verse, 7 Keukenhof, 3 Rainbow Lorikeet

Race 7: 11 Star Major, 6 Note To Self, 7 Jan Van Goyen, 3 Hazy Dazy

Race 8: 5 Whatastar, 7 Captain’s Pride, 6 Ruby Rising, 8 Plumbago Park

Race 9: 7 Winter In London, 2 Gallic Victor, 11 Definitely Yes, 1 Black Frost

BEST BET

Race 6: 5 Wish List

VALUE BET

Race 9: 7 Winter In London

BEST SWINGER

Race 7 6×11

BIPOT

R81

Leg 1: 3, 7, 9

Leg 2: 5, 6, 8

Leg 3: 2, 10, 11

Leg 4: 2

Leg 5: 5

Leg 6: 6, 7, 11

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R144

Leg 1: 5, 6, 8

Leg 2: 2, 10

Leg 3: 2

Leg 4: 5

Leg 5: 6, 11

Leg 6: 5, 6, 7

Leg 7: 1, 2, 7, 11

PICK 6

R2016

Leg 1: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11

Leg 2: 2

Leg 3: 5

Leg 4: 3, 6, 7, 11

Leg 5: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Leg 6: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11

JACKPOT 1

R36

Leg 1: 2

Leg 2: 5

Leg 3: 3, 6, 7, 11

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

JACKPOT 2

R288

Leg 1: 5

Leg 2: 3, 6, 7, 11

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11

The Daily News panel discussion with Mike de Kock, Andrew Fortune and Deez Dayanand, anchored by Alistair Cohen, is well worth watching.

Click here to watch the panel discussion

Underworld has been selected to win the Bicentenary Cup (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)

NUNES IS BACK FOR THRILLING BICENTENARY CUP

A full field of 10 runners will face the starter at 13:25 SA time for the G2 Bicentenary Cup over 1500m as the Island’s big guns rev up their engines for the G1 WFA Barby Cup over 1600m at the end of June. Last season’s Champion jockey, Manoel Nunes, returned this week to ride for the Carl Hewitson stable in the wake of Ivaldo Santana’s departure and he climbs aboard Selukwe, but faces a touch passage from a very deep draw.

Selukwe is the early favourite, but the race has a wide open appearance and punters are advised to cast their nets as wide as possible, especially as many of the higher-rated runners have awkward draws to overcome.

Race 1: (10:30) – BM31 Handicap – 1365m:

Diamond Days made an impressive start to his career in Mauritius when storming home to a comfortable victory over 990m on local debut. The 3yo son of Rafeef steps up here to a potentially more suitable 1365m and is widely expected to follow up under Raymond Danielson for the Gujadhur outfit. Iko Iko jumps out of pole position for Manoel Nunes and he should improve on his last effort when not enjoying the best of luck in running. Future Frequency makes his seasonal debut for the Gujadhur team and although Diamond Days is clearly the stable elect, Future Frequency has shown above average ability and could run a forward race. Cider House Rules is game and consistent but may lack the class to trouble Diamond Days on even terms. Cybotix has won twice in his last five starts and there is not much to choose between him and Cider House Rules.

Betting: 5/10 Diamond Days; 33/10 Iko Iko; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Diamond Days; (5) Future Frequency; (1) Iko Iko; (2) Cider House Rules.

Race 2: (11:05) – BM25 Handicap – 990m:

A well-filled field of 9 runners line up for this low-grade dash and Arveen Nagadoo could land his first blow for the Season with Holy Star. Ianish Taka takes over the reins and Holy Star should progress from his decent local debut when finishing second behind Diamond Days. Nordic Prince is overdue to find the winner’s enclosure and will have every chance from the best gate. The presence of three newcomers, Carnarvon; Jet Blackfire and Midnight Flyer complicates affairs, as all three have shown enough back home to suggest they could get involved. Blown Away needed his first run at Champ de Mars when racing very green and the 3yo son of Fire Away has room for improvement.

Betting: 2/1 Holy Star; 33/10 Midnight Flyer; 11/2 Carnarvon; 6/1 Nordic Prince; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (2) Holy Star; (8) Nordic Prince; (4) Midnight Flyer; (1) Carnarvon.

Race 3: (11:40) – BM41 Handicap – 1365m:

Only five runners line up for this BM41 Handicap but it looks competitive. Secret Passage was ultra impressive when scoring on local debut over 990m and the Subu Gujadhur/Donovan Mansour team look to have an exciting prospect on their hands. Happy Days (Nunes) needed his first run and has plenty of scope for improvement. Expect much better here. Siriano is a newcomer for the Jevin Awotar/Grant Van Niekerk combination and the 3yo son of Querari has enjoyed a fine prep leading into this race. He has decent SA form to his credit and any market support must be taken seriously. My Archangel has not been seen since debuting in the Duchess of York Cup at the end of April when badly hampered and nearly dislodging his rider. Given that he drops steeply in class here, a positive run cannot be ruled but Happy Days appears the stable elect. Global Dollar was a well beaten runner-up last time and looks held once again.

Betting: 9/10 Secret Passage; 2/1 Siriano; 4/1 Happy Days; 33/1 Global Dollar, My Archangel.

Selection: (2) Secret Passage; (1) Happy Days; (3) Siriano; (5) My Archangel.

Race 4: (12:15) – BM46 Handicap – 990m:

Vicky Ruhee-trained Mystic Majesty is unbeaten from four starts on the Island, including two victories over track and trip, and makes his first appearance for 2026. His work at home has been pleasing and the 4yo son of Canford Cliffs looks hard to oppose here. Stated is coming along the right way and together with Grand Bay rate the principal dangers but, over this trip, Mystic Majesty should have their measure and is a worthy odds-on favourite. Alpine Challenge has only previously raced once over the minimum trip but that was three years ago when beating Captainofthesea.

Betting:  5/10 Mystic Majesty; 9/2 Stated; 11/2 Grand Bay; 10/1 Alpine Challenge; 33/1 Cool Cat.

Selection: (5) Mystic Majesty; (1) Grand Bay; (4) Stated; (2) Alpine Challenge.

Race 5: (12:50) – BM51 Handicap – 1450m:

Isikwishikwishi is Hollywood Racing’s first runner on the Island but the 4yo son of Alado could be in need of this pipe-opener. That said Isikwishikwishi has been priced up at 10/1 in the early exchanges and any market move must be respected. There is plenty of form to go around amongst his four rivals and none of the quintet can be ruled out. Superior Force (Nunes) and Let’s Play Poker (Sooful) were both winners of their last starts, the latter over further than he gets here, while Monumental (Danielson) and National Award (Mansour) seldom put a foot wrong and either could emerge victorious. Not an easy race and I have elected to put all five into my suggested Pick 6 perm.

Betting: 18/10 Superior Force; 2/1 Monumental; 33/10 National Award; 10/1 Isikwishikwishi, Lets Play Poker.

Selection: (5) National Award; (4) Monumental; (1) Superior Force; (2) Isikwishikwishi.

Race 6: (13:25) – Bicentenary Cup G2 – 1500m:

What a race this promises to be! The barrier draw has complicated matters for most of the higher-rated runners, including most significantly for Selukwe and At My Command who are drawn on the extreme outside of this maximum field of 10 runners. Selukwe has been priced up favourite at around 2/1 but, while he is a class act and has had the benefit of a run this term, I see very little value there. Given the quality of his track work leading into this race, I fancy Underworld will go really well on local debut for the Awotar/Van Niekerk team and he narrowly gets my vote, but without a great deal of confidence. Last year’s winner, William Iron Arm, is looking an absolute picture and will no doubt be the parade ring standout. He, along with many of the contenders, have not been seen since last Season and current fitness levels and a slice of luck in running will determine the outcome. Duke of York Gold Cup winner, Meridius, makes his debut for the Shirish Narang stable and I suspect he may just need this run in preparation for the Barby Cup at the end of June. I have taken no chances and included the “field” in my suggested Pick 6.

Betting: 2/1 Selukwe; 4/1 Underworld; 13/2 At My Command; 10/1 Port Louis; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (7) Underworld; (6) William Iron Arm, (5) Selukwe; (2) At My Command.

Race 7: (14:00) – BM61 Handicap – 1500m:

The Preetam Daby trained Bugalugs (Corrales) looks a standout in this 5-horse party and a confident Pick 6 banker. He has been a model of consistency, has had the benefit of a run this season, and is ideally course and distance suited. He is likely to attempt to dominate matters from the front. Join The Dots is a fair sort and in receipt of 4kgs from Bugalugs, poses the biggest threat. Soon Gujadhur’s 5yo son of Vercingetorix may just need this run but the stable is in such good form that it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Join The Dots could upset the favourite. Menelaus defeated Bugalugs back in September last year but his subsequent form has been below par. He could have benefitted from a rest and could run well fresh.

Betting: 6/10 Bugalugs; 9/2 Menelaus; 5/1 Join The Dots; 7/1Princeofgreen, 25/1 Jewel Cat.

Selection: (1) Bugalugs; (3) Join The Dots; (5) Menelaus; (4) Princeofgreen.

Race 8: (14:40) – BM26 Handicap – 1450m:

A nice race to close the card with three principal contenders amongst the 7-horse line-up. Blackjack Randall (Mansour) won first up for the Subu Gujadhur stable and the form of that victory has since been franked. Bugle Boy (Nunes) was a costly failure last week but the cheek pieces have been removed and over a slightly shorter trip, the big 3yo son of Elusive Fort may be worth another chance, particularly if ridden with some restraint. The Centurion (Danielson) conquered Bugle Boy narrowly three weeks ago and at the weights there should not be much to choose between the pair. That said, The Centurion leaves the impression that there is a lot more to come and he could well confirm that form. Lomu makes his local debut for the Ruhee/Santos combination and could go well here.

Betting: 11/10 The Centurion; 28/10 Blackjack Randall; 3/1 Bugle Boy; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (7) The Centurion; (5) Bugle Boy; (2) Blackjack Randall; (6) Lomu.

Betting correct at 17:00 on Thursday 28 May.

Suggested Pick 6 (Races 3-8):

1,2,3 x 5 x Field x Field x 1 x 2,5,7 (R450)

Reef Runner has been tipped to win the Listed Somerset 1200 on Sunday after impressing on debut (Picture: Chase Liebenberg)

REEF RUNNER made a positive impression at a winning debut two weeks ago and might prove best in the Somerset 1200 Listed at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.

The Rafeef juvenile colt went straight to the front and galloped on powerfully in an assertive defeat of Navasnine down this straight track.

Dam, SAILS SET was a talented, if unsound sprinter, and REEF RUNNER has inherited the favourable traits from high class sire (Rafeef who won the Computaform Sprint Gr 1) and dam, of natural speed.

Richard Fourie, on board in that debut demolition job, with a 24% winning strike rate on Justin Snaith’s entries, sticks solid.

GRAPES OF WRATH looms as a major danger. This Gimmethegreenlight ex Demanding Lady filly (and thus a half sister to awesome miler, Charles Dickens) made an eye-popping debut towards the end of February. Slow out, she quickened up with alacrity to draw clear of Enticement and subsequent winner, DE GULDEN.

That was three months ago so her fitness is a query, as well as her capacity to handle soft ground. But she is clearly imbued with natural talent, coming as she does from such a gifted family with Lucky Fish Cape Derby Gr 1 second, Charles and Somerset Maugham (Winter Mile victor) amongst her other siblings.

Greg Ennion’s smart Canford Cliff’s 2YO colt TAG AND RELEASE fought out the Winter Nursery in early May with SHEZARIPPER, prevailing by three quarters of a length after getting first run on James Crawford’s filly.

It’s quite possible that the order of finish is reversed as faster finisher SHEZARIPPER (by Rafeef ex hot- shot sprinter, Schippers) is 3kg’s better off and now gets an extra 100m to run down her foe.

Those four make the primary contender shortlist.

THE CULLINAN improved after finishing behind reopposing EARN THE WEEKEND on debut to score a month ago, when supported. Craig Zackey retains the ride for Snaith Racing on this Legislate chestnut out of well performed race mare, Lesedi La Rona.

If the track is biased towards the inside which is often the case on soft going, then The Cullinan’s chances should be upgraded.

MAGMA FLOW for Piet Botha’s Dare to Dream Racing Syndicate, and partners, led for a long way in the Winter Nursery before finding Tag and Release and Shezaripper to quick when it counted. Calvin Habib, a noted speed rider, will again utilize Magma Flow’s early toe.

FROM THE ISLAND is on a hat-trick after narrow victories over Hero’s Journey (a subsequent winner) and It’sgood It’snice. Improvement is required to mix it with the best of these rivals, though he too likes to race handy and will be a pace factor.

Keagan de Melo rides CATWALK KING for trainer, Glen Kotzen. Despite loading as a 25/1 outsider, he was only 2.85 lengths off Red Spice in the Cape of Good Hope Nursery when last seen three months ago. Gelded a few days after that solid try, and liable to have strengthened up in the interim, this son of Buffalo Bill Cody may be able to hit the board at long odds.

To conclude, REEF RUNNER is the narrow pick in Race 7 over GRAPES OF WRATH and SHEZARIPPER.

Players of single race exotics might use TAG AND RELEASE, THE CULLINAN and CATWALK KING in combinations “underneath.”

The progressive Whirlwind has been tipped to win Race 2 (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Brandon Bailey’s Formguides For Hollywoodbets Kenilworth On Sunday

Race 1

1 NADIA NERINA ran a great race on debut, with natural improvement expected from this well-bred filly, she will be hard to beat. This race is packed with some nicely bred newcomers, keep an eye on the betting trends, any market confidence could prove crucial.

Race 2

3 WHIRLWIND quickened up like a smart filly in the making when beating her field impressively on the 1st of April, she was given five points for that good win up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, even though she tackles a stronger field here, she looks progressive and should go very close to winning again. 6 PINK PIGEON never runs a bad race, she is honest, and she tries hard, on her current form, she must have a serious each way chance. 5 BERRY’S BOOGIE won a gutsy race on the 27th of April, she was given three points for that win last time, if the conditions turn up on the soft side, she will run a massive race, watch her closely. 1 SHESGOTCLASS is much better than her last run, in hope that she bounces back to her best form, she will be competitive.

Race 3

5 CRAZY LITTLE THING travelled like a winner when finishing third behind Vercicat on the 27th of April, the form of that race has worked out well with Lava Strike winning recently, if she brings her recent form to the races again on Sunday, she will go close to winning. 4 SWIFT SERENITY is in great form, she steps up in trip now to 1200m, on her current form, she must have a good place chance. 1 AUTUMN RUSH is much better than her recent start behind Kituba, the drop in trip might help her improve, watch her closely at a fair price. 7 LOVE HER MADLY has run three nice races in succession, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be doing some good work late.

Race 4

4 SPARKLING SKY has run two excellent races in succession, she is a big filly with a big action, this looks to be the perfect race for her to exit the maiden ranks, she will be hard to beat from a good draw. 7 UP IN FLAMES ran a great race with the blinkers fitted last time, if she gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, she will be competitive, include her into all bets. 5 LIEFLING improved to run a much better race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 15th of April, she will love the step up in trip to 1600m. 3 GIDDY UP GRACE never runs a bad race, the blinkers have been fitted, and she steps up in trip again to 1600m, she will be right there in the finish from a neat draw.

Race 5

1 JOU LEKKER DING has been rested for 62 days, she quickened up well to win a good race on the 30th of March, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be storming home late, watch her closely from a good draw. 3 PENTOLINA is much better than her recent run, top jockey Richard Fourie sticks with this filly, she should have no excuses from a good draw on Sunday, include her into all bets. 6 MY ONLY WEAKNESS didn’t have much luck late in running last time, she is consistent at this level, if she finds herself in a good position turning for home, she will have a nice winning chance. 9 CUTIE PATOOTIE won a super race on the 18th of April, she is still improving, if she beats the bad draw, she will make them all work for victory.

Race 6

1 HAMPSTEAD HEATH is much better than her last run, she has dropped even further in the ratings, jockey Calvin Habib knows this mare well, in hope that she bounces back to her best form, she will go close to winning. 11 CLAIR DE LUNE has run two lovely races in succession, she is very speedy out of the gates, she will be right there in the finish again on her current form. 7 GIRL LIKE US could be the value play in this tricky race, her form is solid, if the gaps open at the right time for this individual, she will be competitive in the finish. 4 GIN PALACE needed her last run, she will enjoy the 1200m trip.

Race 7

9 SHEZARIPPER ran a great race in the Grade 3 Winter Nursery on the 3rd of May, the yard thinks highly of this filly, with the right run in transit, she will go close to winning. 3 TAG AND RELEASE won a super race last time, he is very quick out of the gates, even though he carries top weight for this listed race on Sunday, he has lots of quality, he will try and lead them from start to finish. 4 GRAPES OF WRATH has been rested for 92 days, she quickened smartly to win a good race on debut, there is no doubt that she will love the extra 200m, she looks like a serious filly in the making. 8 REEF RUNNER powered away from his field impressively on the 16th of May, Richard Fourie sticks with this unbeaten colt, he could be anything, watch him closely here.

Race 8

7 MEG’S LEGACY was given a terrific ride by Jockey Calvin Habib on the 1st of April, she was given four points for winning a good race last time, she looks progressive, if she brings her last run to the track again, she will go close to winning. 6 BLUE LAGOON was just touched off in a driving finish by Easy Money last time, she is in a good space, and her form is super consistent, there is no doubt that she will be right there in the finish. 13 ENTICEMENT won her maiden impressively on the 18th of April, she has a good cruising speed, if she has made further improvement at home, she can win again. 10 FOG IN FINLAND has improved with every start, she won with absolute ease on the 3rd of May, her chances must be respected in this tricky race.

Race 9

12 STARTING POINT has been rested for 62 days, she was mighty unlucky in her last start, if she gets some cover early, and the gaps open at the right time, she will go very close to winning. 6 LOVE SHACK has been rested and changed stables on the 27th of March, she has dropped nicely in the ratings, if she doesn’t need the run badly after a small break, she will be competitive at a decent price. 7 HERITAGE RIDGE moved up well to run a good race behind Easy Money on the 3rd of May, she will be cherry ripe for this race on Sunday, include her into all bets. 11 COUNTRY TIME is in great form at the moment, Trainer Paul Reeves has done a wonderful job with this mare, she always has a money chance at this level.

Okavango was a surprise scratching from the Gr 1 R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July on Tuesday (26 May) as he had been in fine form and was in position five on the first Hollywoodbets Durban July log.

The Master Of My Fate gelding had won the Gr 2 Anthonij Rupert Premier Trophy over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, before running fourth in the WSB Met, and he then won the Listed Kings Cup over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, before running a fine second to Met winner See It Again in the Gr 1 wfa Premier’s Champions Challenge at Turffontein, and he followed that with victory over high profile stablemate Eight On Eighteen in a Conditions Plate over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Jonathan Snaith said about the four-year-old Master Of My Fate gelding, “He is unsound and will return to racing in the Cape Summer and will be aimed at the WSB Met.”

Patch Of Stars has been tipped to win the Sha Tin Vase (Picture: HKJC)

At The Races Tipster Tim Carroll hit the Nap in midweek and returns with three bets plus analysis for Sunday’s Sha Tin Vase card.

This Sunday sees an exciting 11-race card from Sha Tin getting underway at 06H45 SA Time and the two features of the meeting are both Group 3 contests, race 7, The Lion Rock Trophy, over 1 mile, and race 9, the Sha Tin Vase, over 6 furlongs, with both offering prize-money of more than £400,000.

Now onto this week’s selections:

Click here for a comprehensive guide to the meeting