Turf Talk Newsletter – 04 June, 2026

See It Again winning the WSB Met (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

The Justin Snaith-trained See It Again will be going for a fifth career Gr 1 victory at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday when he runs in the Gr 1 wfa Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1600m.

All four of his Gr 1 wins to date have been over 2000m, but he has had two seconds and two thirds in wfa Gr 1s over a mile in his career, so he is effective over the shorter trip too.

Andrew Fortune rides the six-year-old  Twice Over gelding from draw seven.

See It Again is at 7/2 with Hollywoodbets for the Gold Challenge, while the L’Ormarins King’s Plate winner The Real Price is at 4/1 and the reigning Equus Horse Of The Year Eight On Eighteen at also at 4/1.

Questioning will be out to land a first Gr 1 and is at 5/1.

Legal Counsel, runner up in the WSB Met to See It Again, is at 8/1.

Gr 1 wfa Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes-winner Tin Pan Alley is good value at 10/1 because all he needs to do is find cover and settle in order to have a fine chance. However, it won’t be easy from draw 11 out of 12.

Last year’s fast-finishing third placed finisher Gladatorian is at 10/1.

Dave The King is going for a third successive win of the race, but he is not being respected much out at 14/1.

Two former winners of the HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over a mile, Main Defender and Cosmic Speed, are also not being respected at 25/1 and 33/1 respectively.

Jet Force is the only horse in the field rated below 120 and is a 33/1 shot.

Fire Attack has had an overall disappointing season and is also at 33/1.

Questioning and Tin Pan Alley look to be the best value.

Saratoga Racecourse

Gavin Lerena rode the Graham Motion-trained Autonome to a running on fifth place finsh in a one mile and 110 yard race at Saratoga on Thursday.

It was Lerena’s first ride at the iconic racetrack and would have given him a valuable sighter ahead of his big engagement on Saturday.

He is there to ride the Hollywood Racing and Rikesh Sewgoolam-owned Klawerveli Stud-bred One Stripe in the US$630,000 Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes over one mile one furlong and 110 yards.

The race is the curtain raiser for the Gr 1 $1,260,000 Belmont Stakes, which is the final leg of the Triple Crown.

The Manhattan is the 12th race at Saturday’s meeting and the Belmont Stakes is the 13th.

A live stream can be found on youtube at America’s Day At The Races to watch the whole meeting uninterrupted and the races will also be shown on Gallop TV.

Andrew Fortune winning on Note To Self at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth earlier in the season (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Andrew Fortune’s ride on the Justin Snaith-trained Note To Self in a Conditions Plate over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on May 9 was the subject of an inquiry on Friday, but he was found not guilty.

The big Justin Snaith-trained horse has run on for third in both starts in KZN, the latest being in Saturday’s Gr 1 Daily News 2000, and he is joint second favourite for the Holllywoodbets Durban July together with his stablemate Wish List at 11/2.

It is clear he will need the pace to be searching in the July to be at his most effective as he has a big stride and it is questionable how quickly he can turn it on compared to some of the other contestants.

Only two of the Snaith-trained July entries have jockeys declared to date, with JP van der Merwe on Regulation and Keagan de Melo on Native Ruler.

However, Fortune has always spoken of riding Wish List in the July.

The details of the inquiry into the Note To Self ride are shown below:

INQUIRY – JOCKEY A FORTUNE

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) notes the outcome of an Inquiry Board convened to consider Jockey Andrew Fortune’s ride of NOTE TO SELF in Race 4 at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 9 May 2026.

The Inquiry was held in Durban on 1 June 2026 before an independent Inquiry Board chaired by Mr A Vlok, with Mr B A Reardon serving as a Board Member. Mr Fortune was legally represented throughout the proceedings.

Mr Fortune was charged with contravening Rule 62.2.2 in that he allegedly failed to ride NOTE TO SELF in a competent and professional manner from the 400m to the 200m mark. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

After hearing the evidence and considering all submissions placed before it, the Inquiry Board found Mr Fortune not guilty of the charge.

The NHA reiterates that Inquiries of this nature form part of its responsibility to uphold the integrity, transparency and public confidence in South African horseracing.

The convening of an Inquiry should not be interpreted as a presumption of guilt, but rather as part of the Authority’s obligation to ensure that matters raising legitimate concerns are properly investigated and independently adjudicated.

MICHAEL SHACKLETON
Legal Executive

Blaine Marx-Jacobson just gets the hard-pulling Late Bloomer up (JC Photos)

Blaine Marx-Jacobson rode a double at the Turffontein Inside meeting to open up a six win lead over Mxolisi Mbuto in the race for the Apprentice Championship.

Marx-Jacobson earned his riding fee in no uncertain terms in the second of the wins when riding the hard-pulling Querari filly Late Bloomer to a narrow victory.

The filly, who is out of the Gold Cup-winning Dynasty mare Dynasty’s Blossom, has obvious talent because despite pulling hard throughout she still found plenty in the straight.

Marx-Jacobson has fine hands and did outstandingly well to get her covered up early although that did not stop her from pulling and continuously throwing her head to the side and back.

She lost her cover for a little bit when the horse she was following went in but Marx-Jacobson still managed to have her under control.

In the straight she accelerated smartly and looked to be galloping to an easy win when she suddenly began hanging out badly.

However, when reaching the outward rail she accelerated again and just got up.

Marx-Jacobson said after the race, “This filly really ran her heart out today. Coming off the false rail I thought we were going to win by a lot, because I squeezed her and she just went past Calvin in the hands. But once I pulled my stick she decided to run away from the stick. I tried to take my reins and then change my stick to my left, but she was just hanging more and more, so I decided to just push her out. I’m very glad she got there today.”

Trainer Tony Peter confirmed she was such a difficult filly she caused the ring to be emptied of workriders every morning.

He said, “She has been a bit of a nightmare to train. The workrider’s go missing and then after she has finished her work they start reappearing, because she just pulls so hard.”

He said he had wanted to start her over 1400m, but she kept on drawing badly and he knew she was going to be a big problem over a mile.

This was her first start since arriving from Cape Town with her previous start being over 1200m in January.

However, she still won and will be an interesting filly to follow.

Marx-Jacobson will be the obvious one to partner her such was his skill on top today and hopefully she will calm down as the partnership develops.

Marx-Jacobson had won the previous race by an easy four lengths on the Fabian Habib-trained Winding Power.

This R600,000 KZN Yearling Sale purchase is by Trippi out of the dual Gr 1-winning sprint-miler Lady Windermere and he joined this Highveld yard after six runs in KZN, where he had one second and two fifths. With Habib he had run two thirds and two seconds before today’s success over 1600m.

He should pay to follow and his Nadeson Park-bred half-sister by Gimmethegreenlight, the Yogas Govender-trained R1.1 million KZN Yearling Sale purchase Trip To Venus, also looks promising having run on from last for fifth in a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1400m on the turf on Daily News 2000 day at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Marx-Jacobson is now on 37 wins for the season and has achieved it at a strike rate of 13.36%.

However, the interesting point is that 34 of those wins have come in the last four months, as he turned the corner at the beginning of February.

His strike rate from February 1 until now is 18.48%.

He will be hard to catch in the Apprentice Championship with almost two months to go as he is very much in demand and is being given some good rides.

Marx-Jacobson was one of three jockeys who scored doubles at Turffontein Inside today, the other two being Keagan de Melo and Calvin Habib.

De Melo is on 122 wins at 20.07% for the season.

Habib is on 115 wins at 11.29%.

Piere Strydom has always been known as an astute studier of form and the legendary jockey picks out some gems for Saturday’s iconic Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge day meeting.

Click here to watch the tipping podcast

Picture: Legacy Link wins the Musidora Stakes at York (Sky Sports Racing)

Oaks contender is from the bluest of blue-blooded families

At The Races

Legacy Link has the chance to justify the high expectations she has carried since birth when she lines up in the Betfred Oaks at Epsom on Friday.

As a daughter of a full-sister to horse of the century Frankel, the three-year-old was bred along the most vivid purple lines owners Juddmonte could plan – and naming her Legacy Link hardly lowered the bar at all.

But the John and Thady Gosden-trained filly can not only meet those expectations but start a legacy of her own should she be successful in the second fillies’ Classic of the season.

Gosden senior said: “There’s no more pressure that the dam is a sister of Frankel. The pedigree is very important, of course it is, but you try to train them in a normal fashion. You don’t try to reinvent the wheel, that’s for sure.”

Having won a Haydock novice on her second start, the daughter of Dubawi rounded off her juvenile campaign with a fourth-place finish in what now looks a deep edition of the Fillies’ Mile.

But it was her comeback success in the Musidora Stakes at York which really cemented her status as a major Oaks contender and she will head to the Surrey Downs as seemingly the biggest danger to likely favourite Amelia Earhart, who bids to provide Aidan O’Brien with a 12th victory in the race.

“She’s a Musidora winner and she won that well. She showed a good attitude and the extra distance seemed to suit her,” Gosden added.

“While they started the race a little early that day – Colin (Keane) said they started racing from a long way out – she finished well and we’ve been pleased with her since.”

The home team also features Charlie Johnston’s Venetian Lace, who brings Classic form to the table having finished third in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The Middleham-based trainer is confident of another bold showing on the Surrey Downs, with stamina limitations being his only doubt.

“We couldn’t really understand why we were 33-1 (in the Guineas), but she outran her odds and we were quite open in the build-up that we were going there as an Oaks trial” said Johnston.

“We said if she finished in the first four or five in Newmarket and hit the line strong that was going to be the perfect Oaks trial and that’s exactly what she did.

“For me the trip is a small question mark, but other than that I wouldn’t swap her for anything.”

Ralph Beckett has twice enjoyed success in the Oaks, having saddled the winner Look Here in 2008 and Talent in 2013, and he goes into this year’s contest with three arrows in his Kimpton Down quiver.

The Wathnan Racing-owned A La Prochaine, who finished third to Amelia Earhart at Chester, is joined by Musidora third K Sarra and On Message, third in the Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood.

“A La Prochaine took the preliminaries better than expected at Chester. She’s an unknown quantity still and anything might happen,” said Beckett.

“It would not surprise me if she’s in the first three but at the same time it wouldn’t surprise me if she’s in the last three and that has happened to me before.

“When they are as lightly raced as A La Prochaine, they have to be classed as an unknown quantity and you never know just how good they could become.”

Formguides and selections for Epsom Oaks meeting 

1 3:30 PM SA Time – Win With Zyn 3yo ‘Dash’ Handicap
This is open and only a tentative vote can be afforded to NAANA’S SHADOW, who followed up her Catterick win with a creditable third in a similar event to this at York three weeks ago. She had the measure of Shes Got A Brother (fourth) that day and is now 1lb worse off, but Oisin Murphy gets aboard for the first time and that might be a tip in itself. Wedonttelllies recorded a cosy success at Goodwood recently and must be respected, while Riley Rocks and Coyy are others to watch out for.

Top Tip: Naana’s Shadow (6)
Watch out for: Shes Got A Brother (5)

2 4:05 PM SA Time – Oddschecker British EBF Woodcote Stakes (Conditions Race) (GBB Race)
DANDYMAN DAN proved that his 40/1 debut win was no fluke when running with plenty of credit in the National Stakes at Sandown and he might still be worth keeping onside. Possessive is likely to prove popular following last month’s York triumph, as is Alpe d’Huez, who created quite the impression when winning cosily on his racecourse bow at Lingfield. Ardad Steve could also run well and Rlasthope is another to keep in mind.

Top Tip: Dandyman Dan (2)
Watch out for: Possessive (5)

3 4:40 PM SA Time – Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3)
PERSICA made it two wins from two starts at this venue when triumphant in this race 12 months ago. Richard Hannon’s gelding was not disgraced on his return in the Earl Of Sefton in April, but it would be no surprise to see him find some improvement here. Boiling Point claimed Listed honours at Goodwood last month and might represent the biggest danger, but last year’s shock Sussex Stakes winner Qirat should not be underestimated.

Top Tip: Persica (4)
Watch out for: Boiling Point (1)

4 5:15 PM SA Time – Betfred ‘Nifty 50’ Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
Having continued his upward trajectory with a third career victory at Chester last month, Respond isn’t easily dismissed. However, a 9lb hike could anchor the four-year-old, with SALLAAL taken to capitalise. Roger Varian’s gelding caught the eye when a never-nearer second over C&D in April and a 5lb higher mark may be workable. Tycoon and Hand Of God are others of interest in their current heart.

Top Tip: Sallaal (3)
Watch out for: Respond (4)

5 6:00 PM SA Time – Betfred Oaks (Fillies’ Group 1)
Amelia Earhart relished a step up in distance when making a winning return in the Cheshire Oaks and she must rank high on the shortlist. The daughter of Camelot appears to possess all of the attributes required to land a race of this nature and she isn’t taken lightly, but LEGACY LINK shades the vote. Having finished her juvenile campaign with a solid fourth in the Fillies’ Mile, the Gosdens’ inmate displayed a willing attitude when winning the Musidora and that form could prove to be stronger. Irish raiders Thundering On and Cameo add further spice to the mix.

Top Tip: Legacy Link (5)
Watch out for: Amelia Earhart (2)

6 6:40 PM SA Time – HKJC World Pool Handicap
Sterling Knight looked better than ever when regaining the winning thread at Newmarket last time, while Principality also enjoyed a drop in class when landing the spoils at Nottingham. However, that pair need more in these deeper waters, with STEM getting the vote. Richard Hannon’s gelding returned with a solid ninth in the Spring Cup at Newbury and any improvement could see him score. Mister Winston and Celeborn are also worth a second look in an open contest.

Top Tip: Stem (11)
Watch out for: Sterling Knight (8)

7 7:15 PM SA Time – Cygames Surrey Stakes (Listed)
ARDISIA was highly tried after he won the Redcar Two Year Old Trophy last year and ran with credit on multiple occasions. The son of Ardad has a wealth of experience and his commendable durability is persuasive. Northern Champion and Postmodern are closely matched based on their clash in a conditions event at Meydan in February. The former was last seen in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint and can confirm his superiority over the latter at this level. Oisin Murphy chases a hat-trick of wins in this contest and his presence in the saddle is a boost for Stellar Sunrise.

Top Tip: Ardisia (1)
Watch out for: Northern Champion (3)

8 7:50 PM SA Time – Debenhams Handicap
Rhoscolyn won this in 2021 and 2024 and his liking for Epsom is handy, while Pietro is another C&D winner that can put his experience to good use. However, the latter was no match for DANCE IN THE STORM at Chester’s May meeting and the Andrew Balding-trained filly shades the vote. Drawn wide that day, the daughter of Night Of Thunder showed her mettle under a skilful ride from the retained Oisin Murphy. A 6lb rise might not prevent the partnership from completing a brace. Hat-trick seeker, Zarathos, is another must for the shortlist.

Top Tip: Dance In The Storm (1)
Watch out for: Rhoscolyn (2)

Splicethemanbrace has been tiopped to win the 6th, a Pinnacle Stakes race over 1600m (Pauline Herman Photography) 

Fairview Poly Friday Formguides And Selections by Trevor Reid

RACE 1

An interesting start to the card. Visiting trainer Justin Snaith has only the one entrant for the day, LUCY’S WORLD. She can win a race of this nature. CLARA LUME has not been disgraced in her two appearances and should fight out the finish. NEW DAY is nicely bred and makes her debut for the Alan Greeff-Richard Fourie combination so would not be a surprise winner. MAKEOVER MAGIC and YOU’RE MY ANGEL are capable of improvement off modest debuts.

RACE 2

CHIEF MASTER showed good improvement to win his second start and could follow up. There are dangers though, and OLAF THE STOUT showed he is learning how to race. This Erik The Red colt was a very easy maiden winner and deserves the utmost respect. FIRST OFFICER is consistent and will not go down easily once again. JUST CARTER may have needed his last run, the first since being gelded, and has a win over OLAF THE STOUT so must be respected. RIVER VIEW was not disgraced on debut but does tackle stronger this time around.

RACE 3

A very open first leg of the Pick 6 and we may need to go as wide as possible in this leg. FRENCH FLAME is usually competitive and could be ready to score. Stable companion THE WINER LAKE is not reliable but could go start to finish. CHERRY OH BABY quickened nicely to win her latest start but this is a tougher bunch. GALE WARNING is capable of an upset after a change of trainer. ONE TOO MANY has run in better races than this and is clearly not out of it. BLAME IT ON ME is hat-trick-seeking after some solid wins. DIVO MONDO could be capable of an upset.

RACE 4

Another tough race. FANTINE does seem better than her last run and should be a threat to these rivals. STONE OF SCONE disappointed last time out but is capable of scoring. TOTAL ERUPTION is unreliable but can earn some money. AURELIAN has a chance in a race of this nature. WORLD OF DIAMONDS, GALACTIC BEAUTY and LOVELY DANCER can also be competitive and can be included in Pick 6 permutations.

RACE 5

PERFECT IMPACT was a wide margin winner on local debut. He looks well weighted off his current rating and although tackling a lot stronger, he may well double up. CIAN THE CONQUEROR showed improvement last time out and can contest he finish. DAS GUTE picked up a penalty for his good win last week. JOHNNY DRAMA is improving and is clearly not out of it. GLOBETONIC is unreliable but capable of scoring. ACTION AMERICA and SHOW OFF are both better than their last runs would suggest. PRINCE FLORIAN was unlucky last time out and is another to consider.

RACE 6

SPLICETHEMAINBRACE disappointed last time out. She is better than that and can bounce back to beat these rivals if at her best. ENCHANTING CHOICE continued to win her races and is the obvious danger. EPIKLEROS is better over further but cannot be ruled out from winning. WISHES AND DREAMS, ACCEPT COOKIES and EAST COAST GIRL are all capable of making the frame if showing their best sides.

RACE 7

Another very open-looking race. IM THE BUZZ is unreliable but clearly better than her last run and quite capable of winning at this level. LAYDELAY could be better than her most recent performance. QONDANEKUKHANYENI is in good shape and has claims for the victory. ROYAL MERMAID and AMAZING COLOURS are not reliable but are also not out of it. BLUE PALACE was an unlucky loser last time out and could go one place better. NAUTICAL LANDING and MEDITERRANEANFLAME are capable of earning some more money.

RACE 8

Another competitive handicap. AYUWI YUWI has shown good improvement of late but is badly drawn. EXCEEDINGLY GLAM may have needed her local debut and could be a threat. MYSTICAL BUTTERFLY scored on local debut and could have more wins in her tank. ICY LANCASTER has been a disappointment in her two local starts but is well drawn and might play a minor role. STRANGE MAGIC, JAPANESE GARDEN, CAPE CAPRI, WINTERONTHEGREEN and BENEATH THE MOON have all shown enough of late to be considered possible winners.