Turf Talk Newsletter – 26 June, 2026

Catwalk King should enjoy the step up in trip in the Langerman (Picture: Wayne Marks)

The Gr 3 Langerman is a two-year-old event that is often a good pointer to the classic races of the following season and the 1500m race  could be won this year by Catwalk King, who caught the eye last time when coming from off the pace to win the Listed Somerset 1200.

The Langerman is the seventh race on Saturday of the meeting which has been moved from Hollywoodbets Kenilworth to Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

On pedigree Catwalk King should enjoy this step up in trip being by Bufffalo Bill Cody out of a High Chaparral mare who won over 2000m. He has a good draw of two with Keagan de Melo staying up.

Kalahari King won well on debut over 1200m and looked to be a horse looking for further next time out when staying on over 1100m. He will relish this step up in trip and will be a threat under Richard Fourie despite a tricky draw of six.

Aqua Calidae was beaten 1,25 lengths by Kalahari King on debut but improved to win over 1200m next time out and this superbly bred colt will relish the step up in trip and is drawn well in three.

From The Island has the widest draw of all to overcome but this big horse won well over 1400m last time when giving weight all around and must be a player here.

Uncle Same could earn a cheque here.

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

The Listed Irridescence Stakes over 1500m could see Grapes Of Wrath making amends as she was unlucky behind Catwalk King last time. The half-sister to Charles Dickens is drawn in pole and can beat home the widely drawn Enticement, who should enjoy the step up in trip.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Cork Bay won well on May 3 and the form has been well franked, so he could beat Kelp Forest and Volegov, who should enjoy the step back up in trip.

In the next race over 1200m Music Of The Night is in fine form and can follow up her last win off a three point higher mark and with the 4kg claimer staying aboard. Raffish Trend should enjoy the course and distance at this time of year and Star World has the form to be a contender.

In the fifth race over 1400m Prince Of Tibet has a tricky draw but should enjoy the trip and can run on to go close. Super Viking should be right there and Noon Day Gun is always capable of winning a 1400m race of this nature.

In the ninth race over 1600m Peaches And Cream stayed on well last time over 1500m and from a good draw should go close.

In the first race over 1000m My Bonny Boy went close over course and distance last time and is the one to beat.

In the second over 1000m Hiawatha Goldberg is interesting stepped back down in trip and should be right there under Richard Fourie.

Grapes Of Wrath has a fine chance of scoring black type in her third career start in the Listed Irridescence Stakes over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday having been most unlucky in the Listed Somerset 1200 

 

Brandon Bailey’s formguides and selections for Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday

RACE 1

2 MY BONNY BOY ran a great race up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 2nd of June, that was his first run back after a rest and gelding, in hope that he has improved further back at home, he will be hard to beat. The well-bred newcomers add plenty of intrigue, keep a close eye on them in the market and parade ring.

RACE 2

8 HERITAGE RIDGE has run four lovely races in succession, she stayed on well to finish just over four lengths behind HAMPSTEAD HEATH in her last run on the 21st of June, the drop in trip is key for this filly, she will run a big race here. 4 BARNEY MCGREW improved to run a much better race last time, even though he carries top weight in this race, he loves the conditions being on the softer side, he will go close to winning. 6 MAJOR APOLLO continues to slide in the ratings, he should be amongst the places on his best form, watch him closely at a decent price. 7 GALACTUS ran a fair race behind AFRICAN MEMOIR on the 31st of May, he could sneak into the places.

RACE 3

2 CORK BAY quickened smartly to win a good race on the 3rd of May, he was given five points for that impressive win, he loves the conditions being on the soft side, the form of his last race has worked out well, he has a big winning chance again. 5 KELP FOREST stayed on well to finish second behind FAST TRAIN on the 24th of May, he was unfortunately given two points for being a loser last time which is not ideal, in hope that the speed is good early, he will be low flying at them late. 7 WITCH HAZEL absolutely bolted up to win his maiden in style on the 2nd of June, he looks highly progressive, he has a big winning chance. 8 YAMAZAKI has been rested and gelded, he may find this trip on the short side, but he will be doing some good work late, watch him closely.

RACE 4

4 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT fought hard to win a good race on the 31st of May, she was given three points for that win last time, on her current form, she has a big winning chance again. 6 GIRL LIKE US finished second behind MUSIC OF THE NIGHT on the 31st of May, she needs a particular ride, if the gaps open at the right time, she will be right there in the finish, include her into all bets. 13 BLUE LAGOON was given a top ride by jockey Aldo Domeyer on the 31st of May, she was tough in the finish when beating ENTICEMENT, even though she has gone up in the ratings, she will run a big race again with the blinkers fitted. 9 RAFFISH TRENDwon well on the 16th of May, the drop in trip is the only concern, she will be doing some good work late.

RACE 5

8 ONE MAGIC sprinted away from the field in good style on debut, he potentially looks like a smart horse in the making, this will be tough for him as he takes on older horses out of the maidens, but if he finds himself in a good position turning for home, he can absolutely win again. 6 SUPER VIKING was just touched off by TRIP TO CAMELOT last time, it won’t be easy for him with the big weight on his back, but he is very consistent, and he should run a big race again. 2 FORT YUKON stayed on well for third in his last run on the 24th of May, he never runs a bad race, from a neat draw on Saturday, his chances must be respected. 3 GIVETHATMANABELLS has dropped a point in the ratings from his last run on the 24th of May, he will be cherry ripe going into this race, include him into all bets at a decent price.

RACE 6

1 GRAPES OF WRATH was very unlucky last time in the Somerset 1200 Listed, she is way above average this filly, she will be hard to beat now that she steps up in trip from a good draw. 3 CHINWAG stayed on well for third behind BEFORE SUNRISE on the 2nd of June, she is a big filly with a big action, she will love the extra 100m, include her into all bets. 5 FOG IN FINLAND ran a great race behind BLUE LAGOON on the 31st of May, she found some traffic problems early, and then finished her race off well late, with some luck in running, she should be amongst the places. 7 SHEZARIPPER is much better than her last run, ignore that completely, in hope that she stays this trip of 1500m, she will run nicely.

RACE 7

3 AQUAE CALIDAE won like a smart colt in the making on the 24th of May, the yard thinks highly of this individual, he will love the step up in trip, he has a big winning chance again from a good draw. 2 CATWALK KING powered home to win the Somerset 1200 Listed impressively on the 31st of May, that was his first run back from a rest and gelding, he can only improve, include him into all bets. 9 FROM THE ISLAND has been rested for 73 days, he won a good race last time, with some luck in running from a bad draw, he should be right there in the finish. 6 KALAHARI KING was a touch disappointing in the Winter Nursery Gr 3, in hope that he relaxes in the parade ring, and moving down to the start, he can bounce back to his best form and be super competitive.

RACE 8

1 GIVEN TO FLY was beaten just over seven lengths by LARK’S SONG on the 3rd of May, the drop in trip is key for this filly on Saturday, she will go close to winning from a good draw. 5 SPECIAL GLAMOUR has run two excellent races in succession; she will be right there in the finish again on her current form. 2 KISSES won well on the 31st of May, even though it wasn’t a strong field, she won with plenty in hand, she can be very hard to peg back if she gets away from the field at the right time, watch her closely. 3 PEACHES AND CREAM never runs a bad race, she tries hard, she will be given every possible chance from a neat draw.

Precocious has been tipped to win the headliner under Champion Apprentice elect Blaine Marx-Jacobson (JC Photos)   

The highest rated race at Turffontein Standside on Saturday is a MR101 Handicap over 1160m and Precocious could be the one to beat.

The talented three-year-old grey Ideal World filly finished second last having won her first four starts on the Highveld. The form of that last run has been franked and she can bounce back to winning ways. She has a low draw but the bias does not seem to be significant in most meetings. Blizzard Snow ran a cracker last time and with a repeat will be a threat. A Bit Of Class has some class so is interesting put back over a sprint and should be running on.

The fifth race over 2400m could be fought out by Corrupt and Bellerephon.Corrupt has 4,70 lengths to make up on Bellerephon from their last meeting over this trip at the Vaal, but he now has his third run after a layoff and is now 3kg better off. He does have a tricky draw of five out of eight but can be dropped out in this small field as he is capable of a strong, resolute finish down the long Turffontein Standside straight.

Bellerephon ran on well last time when drawn widest of all in a seven horse field over course and distance. He didn’t have the best luck in running and can do better, so would not be a surprise winner.

One More Star is by One World and is a half-brother to Triple Crown winner Malmoos so will stay the trip and he has the advantage of Mickaelle Michel’s 1,5kg gender claim, although he does have to overcome draw eight of eight.

Those three make most appeal.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1160m Highwayman Harry has been knocking on the door and is the one to beat. Berry Lance is on the up and could be the main threat.

In the sixth race over 1400m Tracksuit Dave is in good form and from a good draw over a suitable trip should go close. Trombolines will enjoy the step up in trip but does have to overcome a wide draw. Quevano should be in the shake up if able to overcome a wide draw.

In the eighth over 1160m Dad’s Dream will enjoy the drop back in trip and should go close. Play With The Wind has disappointed in her last two starts but with second time blinkers on she could bounce back. Cold Shine goes for a hattrick and off a three point higher mark could be in the shake up again.

In the ninth over 1160m Kia Kaha bounced back with a good win last time with first time cheekpieces and that might have done the trick as she has always struck as one with plenty of ability. She can follow up off a merit rating she can rise above. Pointer ran a cracker last time and with the draw bias not really noticeble down the straight anymore can go close from a low draw.

In the third race over 1160m Rendezvous In Rio is knocking hard and is the one to beat.

In the second over 1160m Perfect Sky should be right there.

In the first race the horse to beat is Gimme Some Luck who is unbeaten in two starts, including a Sales Cup, and looks to be a decent sort. Fierceness looks a decent sort too and should be right there.

The 4Racing SA Sales Cup winner Gimme Some Luck has been tipped to win the opener (JC Photos)

Turffontein Standside Saturday 27 June 2026 – Comments by Brendan Gaillard

RACE 1
Great start to the race meeting with some smashing youngsters taking on each other. Well-bred GIMME SOME LUCK can’t be faulted having won well over 1000m and 1160m straight after. The form lines are proving strong and he could be hard to peg back again. But he meets FIERCENESS who won as he liked on debut. He too is well bred, should appreciate the step up in trip and has much more to come. CATFISH impressed against his elders last time. He has a second go over the longer distance and can get closer but is carded to run earlier.

RACE 2
PERFECT SKY did what was required to win her second start and first at this track before a smart effort in the Devon Air Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville. The youngster tired late after showing good pace then and should prefer being back over the straight sprint. STAGGERWING looks a big threat. She is consistent and after winning her last start easily looks to be getting better with racing. ELUSIVE DRAGON needs to find more to win but has a say at the weights. TAX FREE made no show on the Polytrack but he penultimate run on the turf was decent.

RACE 3
There are first-timers in the race and as always keep an eye on betting movements. Lightly raced four-year-old RENDEVOUS IN RIO has decent form and is overdue to win. She ran a fair race in her first run after a long layoff and could get the job done for a stable in good form. FALLODON has been getting better with each start. She could give of her very best in her outing and go close. HOC EST VITA didn’t run to form last time. Her penultimate effort entitles her to serious respect in this line up. One to watch out for is well-related NEW YORK GROOVE who can only improve.

RACE 4
More newcomers to watch out for including CHANCELLOR from the yard of Tony Peter, OCTOBER REEF, a Rafeef/Trippi cross and Vercingetorix colt RISING EAGLE from the powerful Mike and Mathew de Kock yard. HIGHWAYMAN HARRY met a decent two-year-old youngster last time, the form has been franked, and he must be in with a winning chance. A 1.5kg claim should boost his chances. Many with earning potential. TIGER’S CAPTAIN is back from a rest but should be right there. GIVE ME A CHANCE ran a decent race last time finishing just ahead of BERRY LANCER and ECHOES OF WAR.

RACE 5
HOTARUBI edged out BELLEROPHON in a recent course-and-distance meeting but the latter is weighted to avenge that defeat on 2kg better terms. BATTLEGROUND and DAMOVA are hard-knocking stayers with the form and experience to be competitive off their current marks. ONE MORE STAR, CORRUPT and CHABAL have good recent form over the distance so could make their presence felt too. Maturing SAMUEL SHARPE also warrants respect under a light weight.

RACE 6
TROMBOLINES and WINSTON’S WONDER are better than their recent comeback efforts suggest – both will strip fitter and should be competitive. They are closely matched on the form of a 1600m meeting earlier this year but the latter (2kg better off) could have the edge on these revised weight terms. Last-start winners ONETWOBUCKLEMYSHOE and ONE OF THOSE DAYS are open to improvement after respective absences so are best kept safe. QUEVANO, TRACKSUIT DAVE and ELUSIVE RED can get into the picture too.

RACE 7
PRECOCIOUS lost little in defeat when beaten on the Highveld for the first time in 5 starts since relocating from Cape Town. She returns fresh after 13-weeks, racing off a 2-point higher mark but remains open to improvement, so it could pay to follow her progress. KOMATI RIVER is capable on her day but is inconsistent, while A BIT OF CLASS and UNITED OFFER could get involved if bouncing back to earlier form. Versatile VALENTINA BALDUCCI has feature-race form so warrants respect on her reappearance after a lengthy layoff. Course-and-distance specialists BLIZZARD SNOW and LOST FOR WORDS aren’t ignored.

RACE 8
COLD SHINE has won both Highveld appearances, the latest at this level over a track and trip under a 3-point penalty. His rider’s 2.5kg allowance negates another 3-point rise so, with any improvement in his peak outing, he should complete his hat-trick and remain unbeaten in the province. Promising 2yo DADS DREAM will enjoy being back in a sprint but carries 60kg against older hard-knocking rivals. Consistent MAVERICK QUEEN would have tightened up after a pleasing comeback run and could improve to pose the biggest threat, especially off a reduced mark. SAKURA HANAMI and NKANDLA GOLD can earn too.

RACE 9
POINTER has held her own at a higher level and made an encouraging return to form last time off her current (career-low) rating in a stronger race over 1200m, and a similar performance could suffice at this level and end a long winless spell. Last-start scorers SHE’S ALL MINE, CRYSTAL GROVE and KIA KAHA remain competitive under resultant penalties and could trouble the selection. MALSHANA MOU will enjoy reverting to sprints after a game-in-defeat 2nd from the front over 1450m last time, so she isn’t taken lightly either. QUIET WINTER and ADA LOVELACE are others with earning potential.

Underworld has been tipped to win the Barbe Cup (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)

2026 BARBE CUP (G1) SET TO BE A THRILLER:

First run in 1902, the Barbe Cup (WFA) G1 over 1600m ranks as one of the long-standing major highlights on the racing calendar in Mauritius and the 2026 renewal has attracted a maximum field of 11 runners. Last year’s winner, Itsrainingwilliam, is an absentee but Iannish Taka, the 2025 winning rider, will be aboard the Arveen Nagadoo-trained Good Council who makes his seasonal debut. The Gujadhur stable is well represented by At My Command, Port Louis and Zil Moris – all of which cracked good draws – and Raymond Danielson has opted to partner Zil Moris but, by his own admission, it wasn’t an easy choice to make.

Underworld faces a tough trip from a wide gate but confidence abounds that Grant Van Niekerk will weave his magic and find a way to steer the 4yo son of Querari to a momentous maiden Grade 1 victory for the Jevin Awotar team.

Being a 7-race programme, the Place Accumulator kicks off in Race 1, the Pick 6 in Race 2 and the Jackpot in Race 4.

Race 1: (10:30) – BM25 Handicap – 1365m:

Looks a match race between Exalted Love (Van Niekerk) and the well fancied newcomer Boom Town (Danielson). Exalted Love brings solid form into the race having finished runner-up in his last two starts behind the useful pair Blackjack Randall and Ashikule, and Boom Town will have to be above average to lower his colours. Boom Town’s two runs in South Africa can best be described as “fair” but he has been working well and is attracting market support. The fight for minor money rests between Indigenous, Nordic Prince and William Blake.

Betting: 12/10 Exalted Love; 16/10 Boom Town; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (2) Exalted Love; (1) Boom Town; (3) Indigenous; (4) Nordic Prince.

Race 2: (11:05) – BM56 Handicap – 1450m:

Only four horses contest this mid-division handicap but the small field includes three last-start winners. War Chariot (Van Niekerk) has won both his starts on the Island and is open to further improvement. Monumental (Danielson) won a good race over track and trip last time and was beaten less than a length by War Chariot in his penultimate start. Monumental is now 2kgs better off which could be enough for Soon Gujadhur’s runner to turn the tables. Salt ‘n Peppa (Nunes) takes a step up in class following his comfortable victory two weeks ago but has scope for further progress. Captain Cola (Corrales) is a seasoned campaigner and has been consistent of late. War Chariot is a warm-order favourite but can expect stiff opposition from Monumental who looks good value in the market.

Betting: 5/10 War Chariot; 3/1 Salt ‘n Peppa; 5/1 Monumental; 10/1 Captain Cola.

Selection: (2) War Chariot; (3) Monumental; (4) Salt ‘n Peppa; (1) Captain Cola.

Race 3: (11:40) – BM36 Handicap – 990m:

Competitive handicap over the minimum trip but the luckless Cliff Swallow (Mansour) gets another opportunity to crack the ice and shed his maiden ticket. This time the 5yo son of Canford Cliffs jumps from a good gate and he should turn the tables on Mystery Cache (Taka) who finished just ahead of Cliff Swallows in that cliffhanger won by Carnarvon on 13 June. Vincent Allet saddles two livewires in the form of good-looking newcomer Ibhele (Bheekary) and last-start winner Mind Map (Joorawon). Fencing Captain (Nunes) is twice a course and distance winner and needed his last run badly when a distant third behind the progressive Secret Passage.

Betting: 14/10 Cliff Swallow; 28/10 Mind Map; 9/2 Mystery Cache; 6/1 Fencing Captain, Ibhele; 33/1 Global Dollar.

Selection: (6) Cliff Swallow; (5) Mystery Cache; (4) Mind Map; (3) Ibhele.

Race 4: (12:15) – BM46 Handicap – 1365m:

Selvom Mootien has had a tough start to the Season but the tide could turn here with Smith And Wesson. The 6yo son of The United States has only had two starts in Mauritius and is not without his problems, but his preparation coming into this race has been good and I expect him to run well. On past collateral form he looks held by Grand Bay but the latter’s last two runs have been somewhat lack-lustre and he needs to regain his form of last season. Alpine Challenge (Nunes) has also been below par recently but he has dropped in the ratings and meets a shallow field here. He could certainly bounce back in a race of this nature. Ampersand has not won since December 2024 but he drops in class here and can improve on his recent efforts behind War Chariot.

Betting: 12/10 Alpine Challenge; 22/10 Smith And Wesson; 33/10 Grand Bay; 10/1 Nou Praat Jy; 12/1 Ampersand.

Selection: (3) Smith And Wesson; (4) Alpine Challenge; (1) Ampersand; (2) Grand Bay.

Race 5: (12:50) – BM31 Handicap – 1365m:

Another competitive race but I am going to row in with Future Frequency (Danielson) who needed his first start back from injury when third behind Iko Iko. His form last season was highly promising and although the trip is potentially on the sharp side, the 4yo son of Futura should go well here. Holy Star (Taka) beat subsequent winner Carnarvon over 990m four weeks ago and steps up to this trip for the first time. He has plenty of speed but needs to prove he can handle the extra. Unsung Hero (Nunes) never fails to make his presence felt and is another who steps in trip from his last five starts. Fine One (Collis) ran on stoutly from off the pace last time and a reproduction of that effort will see him challenge for top honours – but he is none too genuine. Master Point is consistent and not without a chance of upsetting his more fancied rivals.

Betting: 18/10 Holy Star; 5/2 Future Frequency; 3/1 Unsung Hero; 8/1 Dalmeny Factor; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) Future Frequency; (2) Holy Star; (1) Unsung Hero; (7) Master Point.

Race 6: (13:30) – The Barbe Cup (WFA) G1 – 1600m:

Cracking renewal of the Barbe Cup featuring quality horses who made their mark to varying degrees in South Africa. Selukwe (Nunes) was of course third in last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July but the 6yo son of Pomodoro has once again cracked an awful draw and is certainly better over further. The Maiden Cup on 6 September remains his mission. Stable companion, Xavion (Juglall), was a surprise winner of the Bicentenary Cup but I would expect Underworld (Van Niekerk) and Meridius (Collis) to reverse that form on this occasion. Soon Gujadhur saddles three runners and Raymond Danielson has elected to partner Zil Moris from a decent draw. Zil Moris ended last Season with a creditable second behind Meridius in the 1600m Duke of York Gold Cup (G1) and began his 2026 campaign with a good victory over Xavion in a 1400m Pinnacle on 16 May. Meridius is very classy and will progress nicely from his third-placed finish in the Bicentenary. He looks really good each-way value at 14/1. Rapidash is a tricky customer but will appreciate stepping up in trip and rates an undeniable threat. Whatever the outcome this should be a terrific race with winning chances not confined to those mentioned above.

Betting: 5/2 Underworld; 28/10 Rapidash; 3/1 Zil Moris; 9/1 Selukwe; 14/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (5) Underworld; (1) Meridius; (9) Zil Moris; (10) Rapidash.

Race 7: (14:10) – BM26 – 1450m:

Lava County (Van Niekerk) looks impossible to oppose in this limited low division handicap and the 3yo son of Erupt rates the nap-of-the-day. He will have gained plenty from the experience of his two placed runs at Champ de Mars and is not surprisingly deep in the red in the betting market. Gun Barrel (Mansour) could be the right Exacta horse with the 4yo son of Fire Away having finished less than a length behind Lava County back in April. River Hawk (Danielson) and Global Warrior (Joorawon) appear to be the pick of the balance.

Betting: 9/20 Lava County; 11/2 River Hawk; 15/2 Gun Barrel; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Lava County; (7) Gun Barrel; (5) River Hawk; (6) Global Warrior.

Betting correct at 17:00 on Thursday 25 June.

Suggested Place Accumulator (Races 1-7):
2 x 2,3 x 5,6 x 3,4 x 1,2,3 x 1,5,9,10 x 4 (R96)

The exciting Brett Crawford-trained three-year-old Mr Incredible (Toronado) has been tipped to win the tenth race over 1200m under Karis Teetan (Picture: HKJC)

At The Races tipster Tim Carroll landed his NAP (5/2) at Happy Valley on Wednesday and now has Saturday selections and a placepot perm for Sha Tin – live on Sky Sports Racing from 9.00am.

Educator has been tipped to win the 5th race (Picture: Race Coast)

Race Coast (Andrew Harrison)

It’s back on the Hollywoodbets Scottsville turf on Sunday and trainer’s that have bottled up their runners for the turf have come out in force. So punters face a highly competitive nine-race card kicking off with two juvenile maidens where many runners are making their debuts and where the market will be an indicator – caution is advised.

In the card opener, of those that have run, Dancing Partner improved nicely second time out and coming on the right way. The experience will count in her favour. Iceberg Rose was a beaten favourite last run when trying further but has run well on this course and can make amends. Asgardian Queen found market support at her last two and is well experienced which is in her favour. Lady Jerome disappointed on the poly last run after an improved previous effort and the switch to turf could see her improve on that last run.

Again there are many first timers in the first leg of the Bi-Pot but Benny And Paul may just have needed is last run after returning from a break and the drop in trip should not be a concern. Biggest threat could come from Prized Possession who found strong market support on debut and should come on with the experience down the straight course. Old Harry Rocks raced green in a promising debut and any market support must be respected along with Yukinko who should come on from his poly debut and is another one to watch.

Red Hot Miss will be a popular banker in the first leg of the PA as she was runner-up at her last two on the poly. She stays the trip and has the best of the draw. Indignation was much improved when tried over a mile last run. She was well beaten but can come on from that effort. Anything But Love is an older filly that has been close-up in all three starts and should feature in this line-up.

The first leg of the Pick 6 could rest between Day Tow and Princess Palace. Day Two is lightly raced but stays well and was a good second when taking on stronger last time out. He has the best of the draw and should be in the shake-up. Princess Palace was up against stronger last run but ran way below best. She can do much better in this line-up.

The fifth is an intriguing race. Ovation Star is lightly raced but has garnered a hefty merit rating. She was a close-up second last run but takes on two Gr1 Garden Province hopefuls in Ladyofdistinction and Educator. Dean Kannemeyer’s filly is the highest rated and won well enough on the poly last time out. She is still improving and may be the one to beat. Ladyofdistinction ran well below best last start and should do better here. Gran Occasion may be a touch out-classed but is in good form and can upset.

The last three are competitive handicaps and it will pay to load up in exotics. Hunga Tonga won well over course and distance at her penultimate start and followed up with another strong effort on the poly. She should put in another strong performance in the sixth. Open Sesame has improved in blinkers and has a favourable draw while Blue Poppy is never far back and only once out of the money. With a 1.5kg allowance She will be in the firing line. Past Is Prologue has a tough draw to contend with but her two wins have come on this course and she was narrowly beaten last time out.

Garth Puller could hold the key to the seventh with Major Tommie who is way better than his last two. He goes well over this course and is seldom far back. Hah Lah was a touch disappointing last run when starting favourite but shed his maiden over course and distance on debut and a repeat can see him close again. Best Of All is lightly raced and was a good second last run over course and distance although under a light weight while Military Command has improved in blinkers and Gavin Lerena stays with the ride.

In the eighth Cavalry Commander has been in good form since a change of stables to Mark Dixon. He has won over course and distance. Street Outlaw does not have the best Cape form to recommend him but Ricky Maingard is a master of his craft and the gelding is not up from Cape Town to sample the air. Little Boy Blue has a useful 4kg claimer aboard and should be competitive off a light weight while Luneluck returns from a lengthy break but had good form before that and he will have a chance if racing fresh.

The last is another tough handicap but Arverni Princess is quick and loves this course and distance. She has a 4kg claimer aboard and should be competitive. Jane’s Vision will start at lengthy odds but is seldom far back and her last win was over course and distance. Night Tiger has patchy form but never far back of late and can surprise while Bless Me Fred is always in the game and another with a