Turf Talk Newsletter – 16 October, 2026

Star Major (Querari) wins the 2026 Gr 1 WSB Guineas from Tin Pan Alley (The United States) and One Eye On Vegas (Buffalo Bill Cody). The trio ended the season rated 122, 128 and 116 respectively (Picture: Race Coast)

NHA Press Release

Further to our previous Press Release regarding the South African Graded Races of 16 September 2026, I am pleased to inform that the APC has approved the NHA’s application for the upgrading of the World Sports Betting KZN Guineas from Grade 2 to Grade 1 status.

The upgrade was subsequently ratified by the Asian Racing Federation Executive Council and notified to International Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC), which is responsible for providing reports of significant decisions made by regional pattern committees to the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA).

The World Sports Betting KZN Guineas will be run under its new status in the 2026/27 season and will be updated in the 2027 edition of the International Cataloguing Standards Book (Blue Book).

Updated SA Pattern Table:

Full Pattern	2yo	3yo	3yo+	Total
Grade 1	2	7	16	25
Grade 2	8	8	19	35
Grade 3	8	10	29	47
Listed	11	9	46	66
	29	34	110	173

The NHA extends its sincere appreciation to the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), the APC, the IRPAC, and SITA for their careful consideration of South Africa’s application and their continued support for international racing standards and best practices. Their commitment to safeguarding the integrity and quality of global thoroughbred racing has contributed significantly to South Africa’s retention of its Part I status in the International Cataloguing Standards Book.

Vee Moodley

Chief Executive & Chairperson of the Graded Races Committee

Last week Turf Talk carried an article about the the work being done to care for equines which has been brought to the public through a heart-warming, documentary series, Equine Welfare – A Life Worth Caring For, which premiered on 8 October 2026.

The four-part series has been screened on YouTube, Gallop TV, and the Hollywoodbets blog, and was made possible through the support of Hollywood Foundation, Hollywoodbets, and Race Coast.

Click here to read that article

Hollywoodbets have now published all of the episodes based on each of the organisations involved in the equine welfare drive.

The organisations are:

• Coastal Horse Care Unit – KwaZulu-Natal;
• Highveld Horse Care Unit – Gauteng;
• Eastern Cape Horse Care Unit;
• Tom Ro Haven – Western Cape;
• BlindLove – Eastern Cape;
• South African Riding for the Disabled Association Durban, KwaZulu Natal; and
• Hollywoodbets Life After Racing – Ashburton, KwaZulu Natal

Today Turf Talk puts the focus on The Coastal Horse Care Unit in KZN

Click here to watch the episode about The Coast Horse Care Unit

Eight On Eighteen wins the Gr 1 Splashout Cape Derby (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Mark van Deventer (Race Coast)

EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN makes his seasonal return in Race 5, an A-Stakes contest over 1400 on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

The former Horse of the Year is an outstanding performer at middle distances and returns after an 83-day break, having last been seen winning the HKJC Champions Cup at Greyville over 1,800 metres when outduelling elite rival, SEE IT AGAIN.

His upcoming summer campaign is eagerly anticipated, though this race looks very much like a preparatory outing for Justin Snaith’s champion who won the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met Gr 1 and Lucky Fish Cape Derby Gr 1 as a three-year-old in 2025.

He is weighted a comprehensive ten points ahead on official ratings. However, it may not quite be a casual stroll in the park, as EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN is yet to win from five tries returning after a break and 1400m is below his optimal distance range.

GALLIC DREAM is a somewhat underrated exponent over seven furlongs who might have won more than just four races from 22 starts if things had panned out better. He will be receiving seven and a half kilograms from EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN, which brings Eric Sand’s tough pace presser into the reckoning, especially on a fast-running track.

HAH LAH LAH has won four of five races with escalating speed figures. This very promising 4YO Hawwaam gelding is trained by Dean Kannemeyer.

Justin Snaith also saddles BEWARE THE BOMB as a stable companion to EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN. The Lancaster Bomber mare comes off the good third behind multiple Grade 1 winning stable star, DOUBLE GRAND SLAM over the course and distance in the Diana Stakes Gr 3 just three weeks ago.

It promises to be an intriguing contest.

HEY JACK YOU’RE LATE is a strong contender in Race 4, the first leg of the Pick 6, a 1250m sprint.

He made an excellent debut, finishing particularly powerfully behind BIG CITY ROLLER, after being positioned in midfield for much of the race. BIG CITY ROLLER has given the form a nice sheen by subsequently nearly toppling highly rated, VIVA ASTERIX on Wednesday. With expected improvement from that first outing, HEY JACK YOU’RE LATE could prove hard to hold off.

Adam Marcus trains; Kabelo Matsunyane rides.

The horse he’ll have to run down is BULLET TOOTH TONY, who just succumbed to SOSSUSVLEI at its most recent start three weeks ago. That contest was briskly run in the early stages, but the finishing fraction was relatively slow so HEY JACK YOU’RE LATE might just be able to out finish Lucinda Woodruff’s charge.

CONTINUE THE DREAM steps out in Race 6 over 1400m, a C Stakes. He was hugely impressive on debut. Despite being somewhat lost early on, he quickened like a proper racehorse when rushing by GODRIC GRYFFINDOR, clocking 22.3 seconds for the come-home sectional.

This Gimmethegreenlight colt, out of Real Princess, and thus a regally bred sibling to champion, GIMME A PRINCE and Durban July victor, THE REAL PRINCE, is making his second start.

He takes on LOVING PRAGUE, a solid performer in these lower-grade handicaps who loves this course and distance, together with emerging three-year-olds, IT’S GOOD IT’S NICE and LE SOLEIL.

FERRYMAN showed signs of rounding back into form last time and could play a minor role with further progression.

That said, CONTINUE THE DREAM should handle this steppingstone if coming forward from that eye-catching debut. Dean Kannemeyer’s charge appeals as a banker for exotics on Saturday’s card. Craig Zackey, fresh off a midweek four-timer at the course, boosts confidence in the selection.

Race 8 is a brain teaser, with quite a few live chances in this Class 4 over 1000 meters.

TAKE THAT hints at well-above above average ability and comes back after 151 days off track during which time she would have strengthened. James Crawford is the conditioner. Draw 1 at this venue is an advantage in sprints.

ULEZ CAMERA was punted with some fervor after winning its maiden and only just got run out of it by veteran, SHIFTING PATH at the course just 24 days ago. Richard Fourie is booked to try make amends on the son of Erik the Red, prepared by canny horseman, Patrick Kruyer.

Each way value could lie with ALL ABOUT AL who has really been a credit to Adam Marcus’s training skills. He’s kept this nine-year-old Captain Al gelding full of energy and in competitive spirits over many seasons. The ensuing, rewarding tally is eight wins, nine seconds, 13 thirds and seven fourths from 58 starts.

Claim 2.5kg apprentice Bungane slightly offsets the top weight’s assignment. And consistently strong speed figures at his three most recent efforts give him a serious chance dropping down in class.

PEACE OF MIND is a speedy mare, who’s done well since switching yards to Ashley Fortune. Back from injury, bionic-man, Andrew Fortune is reunited on this 5YO mare. She has been raised in the handicap and goes up the rungs of the class ladder. A wide draw of eight complicates matters further, but she should still give a good sight.

MEXICAN PETE is interesting on back form, witness a neat try to FUTURE VARIETY in 2025, but that was in the distant past. The son of Master of My Fate, who last won 1090 days ago, is now with Rob Barrett, who is maintaining an excellent strike rate of 23%.

He saddled GEORGIE GIRL to double up on Wednesday at this venue and maintain that impressive winning streak. It would be a feather in Barrett’s cap if he could somehow revive this one’s fortunes, too, though MEXICAN PETE is expected to need the run after such a long layoff.

Continue The Dream (Gimmethegreenlight) is a full brother to multiple Gr 1 winners Gimme A Prince and The Real Prince and won impressively on debut (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Brandon Bailey Formguides And Selections For Hollywoodbets Durbanville On Saturday

RACE 1

6 GIMMETHEJACKHAMMER stayed on well for second behind TIME OF OUR LIVES on the 23rd of September, he looks progressive, on his best form, he will be hard to beat in this field. 7 FAIR FATE ran a great race behind AFRICAN WILD DOG last time, he will be doing some good work late, include him into all bets. 1 MERCURY improved beautifully from his first run into his second run, he will be given every chance from a good draw, watch him closely. 2 PREMIER WINTER gets the cheek pieces fitted for the first time, he will be right there in the finish from a neat draw.

RACE 2

1 SAUTERELLE did well to finish just over two lengths behind CAPTAIN’S ELECT on debut, she is a beautiful filly with a great action, with natural improvement expected from this well-bred individual, she will go close to winning from a good draw. 4 CAPTAIN’S LASS needed her run on the 4th of October, she was bumped out the gates when staying on for fourth behind NADIA NERINA last time. In hope that she has made further improvement at home, she will run a big race from a decent draw. 5 VENUS and 6 ARCTIC FLOW look best of the rest, both horses will need to improve significantly to have a winning chance in this field.

RACE 3

5 GETORIX PRINCESS finished like a train for third on debut behind FIRST BLOOM, with natural improvement expected from this filly, she will be hard to beat from a good draw. 10 CYDONIA ran a lovely race on debut behind GEORGIE GIRL, with some luck in running from a wide draw, she will be super competitive, include her into all bets. 4 CAPE TOWN DEERN has run two fair races in succession, she will love the step up in trip to 1250m, watch her closely at a decent price. 9 SENORITA LOLITA could sneak into the places on her best form.

RACE 4

9 HEY JACK YOUR LATE finished strongly for second on debut behind BIG CITY ROLLER, the yard thinks highly of this colt, if the gaps open at the right time, he will be hard to beat. 7 BULLET TOOTH TONY ran a great race for second behind SOSSUSVLEI on the 26th of September, he will be right there in the finish on his current form. 10 VELORIAN KING showed good improvement from his first run into his second run, watch him late, he will be running on powerfully from a wide draw. 8 SKYTURA finished just under six lengths behind BIG CITY ROLLER on debut, he can sneak into the places with further improvement expected. Watch the first timers closely in this race.

RACE 5

3 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN has been rested for 83 days, he was last seen winning the HKJC Champions Cup Gr 1 in great fashion at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 26th of July, this trip of 1400m will be on the short side for him, but his class should pull him through, it’s great to have the champ back in action! 4 GALLIC DREAM has been rested for 118 days, he stayed on well for second behind CHASINGTHERAINBOW last time. He will be just off the speed early, and he will be running on strongly late. 5 RANDOLPH HEARST has been rested for 189 days, the yard thinks highly of this gelding, his chances need to be respected after a small break. 6 HAH LAH LAH has been rested for 87 days, he was super impressive at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on the 22nd of July. This is a big jump in class for him, but he looks progressive, watch him closely.

RACE 6

6 CONTINUE THE DREAM won his debut impressively at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 4th of October, he was heavily supported in the market when powering away from his field in style, he will be hard to beat again in this field. 9 LE SOLEIL won his maiden well on the 6th of September, he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, watch him late from a bad draw. 7 LOVING PRAGUE has run two excellent races in succession, he will be right there in the finish on his current form, watch him closely. 5 IT’SGOOD IT’SNICE was given a terrific ride by jockey Kabelo Matsunyane last time. He fought hard to beat AFRICAN WILD DOG in a tight finish on the 5th of August, if he doesn’t need the run after a rest and gelding, he will be competitive.

RACE 7

7 LARK’S SONG needed the run when finishing third behind STAR WORLD on the 6th of September, she will love the step up in trip to 1600m, and she will be much fitter going into this race on Saturday, on her best form, she has a big winning chance. 4 VERSE FOR SUZANNE won her maiden well on the 6th of September, she has lots of ability, her chances need to be respected now that she steps up in trip, and she has no weight on her back. 3 WHO IS SHE stayed on nicely for third behind BOOZY SUSIE last time, that was her first run back after a 3-month break, she will be given every chance from a good draw. 6 MISS ATTITUDE finished second in the same race as WHO IS SHE on the 23rd of September. She is honest, and she tries hard, include her into all bets.

RACE 8

3 MAGMA FLOW was well beaten in the Matchem Stakes Gr 3 on the 26th of September, ignore that run completely, the drop in trip to 1000m will be key for this individual on Saturday, he will run a big race from a good draw. 5 ALL ABOUT AL didn’t have much luck in running on the 16th of September, he loves this course and distance, in hope that he settles early, he will go close to winning at a decent price. 2 ULEZ CAMERA stayed on well for second behind SHIFTING PATH last time, the yard thinks highly of this colt, he will be given every chance with top jockey Richard Fourie in the saddle from a neat draw. 8 PEACE OF MIND quickened away from her field impressively on the 26th of September, she was given four points for that win, if she finds herself in front, she will be hard to fetch late, watch her closely.

RACE 9

10 TURN TO THE LAW has been rested for 111 days, she won her debut impressively at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on the 28th of June. The form of that race has worked out well, in hope that she doesn’t need the run badly after a small break, she will go close to winning again. 1 AXIS POWER wasn’t given the best of rides on the 4th of October, the blinkers have been fitted, and top jockey Andrew Fortune now gets the ride, he will be given every chance from a neat draw. 4 RUBY REX finished second behind her stable companion on the 16th of September, she never runs a bad race, her chances need to be respected at this level. 6 HERITAGE RIDGE finished second behind PEACE OF MIND on the 26th of September, if she brings that run to the track again, she will be right there in the finish.

Ka Ying Rising wins last year’s Everest and will be out to defend his crown at 07H15 SA Time at Randwick in Australia (Picture: HKJC)

By Jasper Cormick (sen.com.au)

With the TAB Everest being run on Saturday (07H15 SA Time), many of the competition’s trainers joined Giddy Up with Gareth Hall on SEN Track & RSN to discuss their horse’s chances.

The best sprinter in the world, Ka Ying Rising, once again spearheads a stacked field for the 10th edition of the richest show on turf.

David Hayes
Ka Ying Rising

Ka Ying Rising’s return to Sydney has involved a trial defeat at the hands of Ninja, and worries surrounding weather, but the champion is still extremely well backed to win back-to-back TAB Everests.

Trainer David Hayes too shares the confidence of the punters but is fearful of sustained rain and a heavy track.

“He did his final piece of work this morning … he worked well,” he said.

“The ground was probably yielding, and he moved beautifully on it, wanting to go faster.

“Two minutes after the piece of work you wouldn’t know he worked.

“We can’t have him better … he is absolutely perfect.

“We are just sort of keeping one eye on the weather.

“If the track is like it was this morning, then not at all concerned.

“Probably the one thing we are worrying about and can’t do anything about it is the weather.

Zac Purton was described by Hayes and Hall with love as a bit of a pessimist eying down the negatives of any given situation, which also attributes to why he is so calculated on the saddle of Ka Ying Rising.

“Zac (Purton) is less confident on slow to heavy then I am,” Hayes said.

“I think he is pretty good on everything.”

“The good thing about Zac (Purton) is that he rises to the occasion, and the occasion doesn’t get to him.”

“Once I put Zac (Purton) on I try to relax, because he gets the job done.

“He’s done it 21 times in a row.

“He gets it right, and I wouldn’t want anyone else on the horse.”

Ka Ying Rising is the short price favourite at $1.50 to win the richest race on turf for the second consecutive year.

Jack Turnbull – Assistant Trainer Ciaron Maher Racing
Tempted

Tempted is the most liked chance to rival Ka Ying Rising, Gareth Hall asked Turnbull if he was happy with the draw of barrier 1.

“I guess we are,” he said.

“My query would be that time of the day (Race 7), where do you want to be, is that (the inside) inferior ground.

“She is a freak and she is going really well; she is second favourite only to the best sprinter in the world.

“She gets through soft ground so there is plenty to like.” Tempted is the second favourite for the TAB Everest quoted at $5 to dethrone the Hong Kong champion.

Jimmysstar

Jimmysstar returns to the track off a three-week back-up from the Group 1 Manikato Stakes win to contest the TAB Everest.

“Jimmy is good, he has had a carbon copy lead up to this race as he did with his win last start,” Turnbull said.

“The team is very happy, blinkers stay on.

“I think we are better off being out there (barrier 8), if he does step a bit slow, which he can, we can dictate.

“He generally quickens better around horses than inside.”

Jimmysstar is currently quoted at $13 to win the TAB Everest.

Clayton Douglas
Giga Kick

“He seems like he is in good order,” he said.

“I can’t fault him, and hopefully this rain keeps coming.

“He probably is (the forgotten horse), on this wet ground if it does come, that will probably spike a bit more interest.

“We know he loves soft ground and he will hopefully get that Saturday.”

For the first time in his legendary career, Giga Kick will have the gear change of blinkers.

“First time with the blinkers on,” Douglas said.

History tells you that putting the blinkers on a horse that hasn’t needed it in its career at this age, it can be a recipe for success, Hall suggested.

Douglas remains confident that his champion can run well Saturday.

“He is obviously coming in off two inconclusive runs, but I can’t fault him,” he said.

“It all depends how much rain we get.

“I am sure he will run very well, he has never let me done before.

“He has got a great record at 1200m at Randwick. But obviously we have a fair mountain to climb with Ka Ying Rising.”

Giga Kick is paying $35 to win and $5.50 a place.

Bjorn Baker
Blue Door

Bjorn Baker has given his three-year-old filly a good wrap for Saturday but acknowledges she is swimming in deep waters.

“She’s thrown in the deep end, but she is the youth in the race.”

“Only the four starts, she won first start of one trial at 1100m in the (Group 3) Kindergarten (Stakes) on a soft track.

“I do think she gets through a wet track pretty well.

“She’s been on firm tracks and been close to the track record in the last couple at Rosehill.

“I do think she has had a perfect preparation up to the 1200m.

“Gets in with no weight, of course Jamie Melham who is one of the top jockeys in the country and one of the best jockeys undoubtedly that can ride the weight.

“I have got a bit of confidence, she’s got a real fitness base and she has got speed.

“If she doesn’t lead, I expect she will be very close to it.”

Blue Door is paying $21 to win and $3.50 to place in the TAB Everest.

Caballus

The Group 1 Newmarket winner will run in the TAB Everest Saturday, and trainer Bjorn Baker thinks at his best he can run well.

“(It is a) big weather watch,” Baker said.

“I think he is going better than his first up run.

“He looks great, I would prefer to see him on a good track.

“A lot will depend on how the next two days go (weather wise).

“I think even prior to the Newmarket he was very good when he came second to Jolliestar, if we can get back to that sort of form.

“I have got a feeling he is building that way and he might not be completely out of it for a first half finish.”

Caballus is the widest horse in the field at $126 to win and $15.25 to place. But if you like Bjorn Baker’s front half of the field bet (Top 6) it is quoted at $5.25.

 

HKJC Tips

An end of an era occurred earlier this year, when it was announced that the famed Klawervlei Stud had been sold to Laurence Wernars. The transaction marks one of the most significant developments in the local breeding industry in recent years, with stewardship of one of South Africa’s most successful thoroughbred operations passing to a new owner committed to preserving its rich legacy and reputation for excellence.

Almaqam could upset the applecart in the Gr 1 Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday (Picture: Racing TV)

A blockbuster card at Ascot is on Saturday’s (17 October) agenda with six World Pool races – five of which are Group 1s – and ground conditions are expected to be much less testing than is often the case on Champions Day, the British flat season’s finale.

Calandagan and Ombudsman are two of the best middle-distance horses in the world, and some of their peak performances have been over the course and distance of tomorrow’s G1 Champion Stakes (1993m).

Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Calandagan landed the third of his extraordinary five successive Group 1s in this race last year with Ombudsman second.

Few will be shocked if both are battling for glory again.

Christophe Soumillon takes over as Calandagan’s rider – with Mickael Barzalona suspended – and William Buick is looking to partner Ombudsman to victory for an eighth time.

However, trainer Ed Walker, who sent out Almaqam to finish third to these elite-level achievers last year, believes the story might have a different ending this year.

Walker, who has elevated his Upper Lambourn base into one of the leading British yards, declared: “Saturday is potentially the biggest day of my career.”

He added: “Almaqam has proved to be better in the 12 months since this day last year, winning the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup (2100m) in May and going agonisingly close in the Juddmonte International (G1, 2051m) at York in August. Don’t hold his performance (fourth in September’s G1 Irish Champion Stakes, 2000m) against him as the drying ground and nature of the track didn’t help him at Leopardstown. Things will be much more in his favour over the stiff track here; in fact it is tailor-made for him.”

Walker sounds equally buoyant about a big show from Ten Bob Tony, who faces 10 rivals under Kieran Shoemark in the earlier straight-course G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1600m).

Walker said: “This stiff mile is ideal as he showed when getting up in the closing stages to win Royal Ascot’s Queen Anne Stakes.”

Ferocious opposition in what looks to be a wide-open contest includes the supplemented Talk Of New York, to be ridden by William Buick, as well as three-year-old Classic winners Gstaad and Rayif. This hugely talented pair will be partnered by Ryan Moore and Christophe Soumillon, respectively.

Perhaps the biggest threat comes from Zavateri. Charles Bishop’s mount was a Group 1 winner last year and, though he took time to confirm his credentials in 2026, he made Group 1 winner Qirat look ordinary with a winning burst of acceleration in the G2 Celebration Mile Stakes (1600m) at Goodwood in August. Zavateri has been freshened up since that run for this very clear target.

Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton said: “People started to doubt Zavateri but he showed at Goodwood just how good he could be. He’s tough, he loves racing and he’ll find a gap when he needs to.”

The G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1600m) is carded as S3-4 and will be run at 10.20pm (Hong Kong time) on Saturday, 17 October; the G1 Champion Stakes (1993m) is carded as S3-5 and will be run at 11pm.

Anotherdanceforme (Master Of My Fate) is unbeaten in 12 starts in the East Cape and can add to her record in the provinces’s most prestigious race (Pauline Herman Photography) 

Fairview Turf Sunday 18 October 2026 Comments by Trevor Reid

RACE 1

Day 2 of Eastern Cape’s FESTIVAL OF RACING – great racing on Sunday, don’t miss out. The day begins with a tricky race and it could pay to catch TAB’S exotics such as the Exacta, Trifecta and Quartet. DIGITIAL WARFARE made good improvement in his second run after gelding and looks to have more to come. He has drawn ideally in gate No 2. MONKEY’S WEDDING has been knocking at the door and should go close, but along with capable DOUBLE DISTILLED has a prior engagement-those runs must be watched. There shouldn’t be much to choose between WITCHING HOUR, TOTAL ERUPTION and WINDOW TO MY SOUL.

 

RACE 2

NANNIE GOLD just missed when dropping to 1000m in the Western Cape last time. The Gold Standard filly looks to have a bright winning chance on local debut. PRINCESS CHANTE was a bit unlucky not to reward followers last time. She was pipped at the post but this longer trip should suit and she can make amends. LOLLY WILLOWES and STONE OF SCONE must have claims on form. Alan Greeff debutantes GIMMETHEBEATBOYS (Richard Fourie up) and CHAMPAGNESUPERNOVA are well bred and well drawn and betting support for either could be telling. More with earning potential.

 

RACE 3

VENTURA BOULEVARD was second to classy All Systems Go last time and the Heavenly Blue filly looks the one to beat. She was an impressive winner of her only start over the trip. GASLIGHT DANCER is better than her last two runs on the poly. She is back on turf and could show her best form and is one to watch. INSTAWORTHY showed improved pace in her last start and was then rested. She has run in strong races and has her big weight lightened with a 4kg apprentice claim so must be respected. SPORTS FAN and SYMBOL OF LOVE have fair form this track and trip. Both can pop up.

 

RACE 4

ANUSCHKA’S WORLD has shown himself to be one of the top sprinters around and is deserving of his place at the top of Computaform’s best weighted column. The only concern is his last three wins have come over 1200m. U S RANGER won by a street in his last race at his home base and has very good form. While he also takes a drop in distance he has been gelded and could be fresh enough to win after a rest. IMAGINABLE has turned in some eye catching finishes and could be the dark horse if not minding the switch to turf. DANISH DYNAMITE has beaten ANUSCHKA’S WORLD and must have a say.

 

RACE 5

Nice race. ASTRONOMICAL BOY showed good resolve to fight off KWAGGA BLITZ (won since) on local debut which came after quite a layoff. He has more to come and has won over the extra in the Western Cape. Stablemate ROOSTER BRADSHAW is another who won on local debut and the form was franked straight after. He can make more progress. LOTUS SILK has decent form on the poly but is arguably even better on the turf. She is best weighted and has drawn well to boot. KING VISERYS, CIAN THE CONQUEROR and BLAME IT ON ME must be respected on recent form too.

 

RACE 6

MARCHLAND took home the Grade 2 Thekwini Stakes in KwaZulu-Natal on ‘Gold Cup’ day showing how good she is. She meets more of her kind, talented up-and-coming individuals, but looks to have the class to remain unbeaten. FROM THE ISLAND brings fair form from the Western Cape. He finished third in the Grade 3 Langerman, a race that has been a pointer to future stars, and he could be dangerous. GIMMETHATWORLDCUP is another with more to come. He got going too late on the poly last time and should relish the extra on the turf. Nicely bred BELLO GALLICO could be the dark horse.

 

RACE 7

Smashing race! Star filly ANOTHERDANCEFORME is bidding to make it nine wins from nine tries at this track. She is back up in distance but was an easy winner of the Oaks and could reign supreme again for East Cape champion Alan Greeff. PRAIRIE DAWN could be a thorn in her side with just 52kg. He was only just beaten in two strong Western Cape features and looks a worthy contender for national champion trainer Justin Snaith. ZATARA MAGIC won the 2025 Cup easily but has a bit to find with ANOTHERDANCEFORME. He is not out of it. BAD MEDICINE is unbeaten at this track but will be tested. More in it.

 

RACE 8

Wide open – include as many as the budget allows. FANTINE finished second behind poly star Kleinzee who takes her place in the Algoa Cup and could show the strength of that form. She has drawn widest but is a strong frontrunner with Richard Fourie up. ASINANTANGA with Craig Zackey up came from far back to win his seasonal return over the track and trip showing his well being but will need to repeat from another wide draw. Zackey is now aboard BLACKBERRY BREEZE who having drawn well could take advantage and score on the turf. HOODWINKED, HALF MOON ISLAND and LOVE FROM AFAR can take it.

 

RACE 9

BEL CANTO DREAM ran on nicely in his last two starts on the Polytrack. He has good form on the turf as well and this looks the right opportunity for him to notch up another win. MADRA RUA got his confidence boosted, winning easily on local debut. He was well regarded earlier and could realise his true potential. A wide draw is a concern. QUINN’S TIME is back from a long break but is one to keep an eye on. He was the fastest finisher of his last start in KwaZulu-Natal. FORTUNE ONE hails from the Western Cape and could step up on his form now at this track with it’s right-handed turn.