Turf Talk Newsletter – 23 October, 2026

Frank Robinson has avoided the Gr 2 Allied Steelrode-Onamission Charity Mile with his reigning Betway Summer Cup champion Mocha Blend in favour of a Conditions Plate over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.

He said, “It’s just a final prep before the Summer Cup. She’s not fully wound up, but she’s about 90%. She is very well in at the weights and I think she will be very competitive under the conditions. This will be a nice stepping stone, an easier race into the Summer Cup without traveling. It will just make up that last bit. I am very happy where she is at.”

Mocha Blend is 7,5kg better off than any other horse in the race, so will be hard to beat.

There are four other Summer Cup entries in the race, Madison Valley, Field Marshall, Magic Verse and Go Grayson Go.

Madison Valley’s has not placed in his last seven runs.

However, his merit rating has come down to 113 and his last run when a 2,55 length eighth to the champion fillly Quickstepgal over the too sharp 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville was an encouraging effort.

The Mambo In Seattle gelding has run over the Summer Cup course and distance three times before, finishing a 2,35 length fourth to Atticus Finch in the 2024 Summer Cup, but last year he was beaten 24,50 lengths behind Mocha Blend and he was beaten 23,30 lengths in this year’s Gr 1 HKJC World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge.

Trainer Nathan Kotzen said last week, “He had a few back issues, but he’s doing very well actually, he has improved a lot. I’ve been very happy with his last two runs.”

Field Marshall has won a Listed race over 2400m before and he ended last season well with a a 0,80 length fourth to Zeitz in the Listed Tote Stakes Darley Arabian over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the turf when carrying topweight of 60kg.

The Lancaster Bomber gelding ran in the Summer Cup Consolation race last year and finished a 2,50 length second to Aladdin’s Lamp to whom he gave 4,5kg. Before that he had finished a 1,10 length second to The Ultimate King in the Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m when giving the latter 0,5kg and the latter went on to finish a two length third in the Summer Cup despite being 2kg under sufferance.

Nathan said, “Field Marshal’s doing well but we just battled to find prep runs into the Summer Cup. The program isn’t suited for a horse with this merit rating (110).”

However, this Conditions Plate provides a good preparation opportunity for both of his hopefuls.

He concluded, “We will see how they go and then decide whether they are going to run in the Summer Cup or not.”

The Justin Snaith-trained Magic Verse won the Hollywoodbets Durban July Consolation race last season under Zac Lloyd and the best might not yet have been seen of this five-year-old Vercingetorix gelding. He is second best in at the weights in the Conditions Plate on Sunday and could be a Summer Cup dark horse.

The Frikkie Greyling-trained Go Grayson Go is a whopping 11,5kg out at the weights with Mocha Blend on Sunday, but he has shown hints of class when things have gone his way.

Salani Kahle runs in the Conditions Plate and he has plenty of class. He will have to bounce back from a below par run last time, but he should blossom this season as a four-year-old and he could give some cheek on Sunday if the race pans out well for him.

Whispering Death showed signs of a form return last time and is another interesting runner, because he looked to be on his way to the top early in his career.

Bruh will enjoy this trip and is no slouch, but he looks a bit outclassed here.

Winter In Auckland has been tipped to win the sixth race (JC Photos)

The highest rated race at the Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday is the sixth, a MR 96 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1160m, and earlier in race four there is also an intriguing Graduation Plate over 1000m.

In the former race Winter In Auckland is blossoming into a useful sort and won easily over 1200m last time, beating stablemate Jack’s Legacy by 2,20 lengths and the latter has gone on to win and finish second in her next two starts. The What A Winter four-year-old filly has only had three starts in Gauteng for two wins and a close up fourth. She was given six points for her last win, but having come from the strong centre of Cape Town her merit rating might have been suppressed at 74.

Captain Selvie might well have benefited from a layoff as she was ultra consistent until her last start in June. Regular pilot Calvin Habib is up and she could go close if the two draw doesn’t cause her any serious problems.

Ocean Mistress has the unwanted number one draw, but this filly has class having finished close up to Palace Of Avernia in both the Gr 2 Golden Slipper over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville and in the Gr 2 Debutante over 1200m at the same course.

Willy He Meet Again is an interesting runner having her first start for Sean Tarry as she shows good early pace over further and now runs fresh from draw seven of seven over a shorter trip.

Lost For Words was given eight points for an easy win over course and distance in June and went close in two subsequent starts, so she could make another bold bid from draw three with Muzi Yeni keeping the ride.

There She Goes is officially 1,5kg under sufferance, but this is alleviated by the 4kg claim of promising apprentice Quaada Leung. This eight-year-old Time Thief mare is in fine form and has draw six out of seven.

She’s All Mine is off form but if able to bounce back she could earn.

In the Graduation Plate over 1000m, the first leg of the Pick 6, Perfect Sky can do better than last time when found to be coughing. Before that she finished a close second in the Gr 2 Debutante over 1200m at HWB Greyville. Alpine Jet is officially the best in at the weights, but has not raced since April and is drawn number 1. Status Symbol has pace and is drawn on the right side, so could make his presence felt despite offcially being 6.5kg under sufferance with the best-weighted Alpine Jet. Believe In Fate is capable of better than last time and could be involved if at his best. Trajanus is distance suited, but needs to bounce back from three below par efforts. Molten Rock has a tough task at the weights.

In the fifth race over 2400m Samuel Sharpe has pole position and on his last run he has a fine chance. Euphrates is well drawn and there is not much between him and Sanuel Sharpe. Naretoi is by Danon Platina, which does not agur well for this staying trip, but on the other hand he is out of the useful Tiger Ridge mare Meryl, who performed well up to two miles.

In the seventh race over 1160m Matinee looks to be a filly who is going places after an eyecatching win on debut, when unconsidered at 25/2, and she is drawn on the right side. Traditional Belief looks to have the ability to be in the shake up here. Play With The Wind is a promising type and the best has probably not been seen of her, so she could have benefited from her layoff. Go Gucci Go ran a cracker to win second time out and could be in the shake up off an 81 merit rating. Greenandgold won well from the front over 1400m third time out and could make her presence felt. Love Not War and Plumbago Park could earn too.

In the eighth race over 1160m Anadioo won well second time out and can continue to improve. She has the promising 4kg-claiming apprentice Quaada Leung up and can folow up off a reasonable 83 merit rating jumping from a nice high draw of nine out of nine. Taking A Risk has hard-knocking form and is usually running on strongly over 1000m, so she could get this trip. She does have a potentially disadvantageous draw of two though. Minervae Fae looks to be promising and can get away with a layoff over this trip. She is the only runner for the Dawsons today and can be involved.

In the ninth over 1160m Time Will Tell has been knocking on the door and should be running on as usual from a middle draw. Iconic Winter faced a fair sort in Winter In Auckland last time and was not disgraced. Now she has a 4kg claimer up but on the downside she has a low draw. Matroosberg has a nice high draw and could be running on late under Craig Zackey off an attractively lowered merit rating.

In the third race over 2000m Palace Prince is capable of a lot better than last time when caught wide and fading. He now has a plum draw and a nice galloping weight. Main Defender tries 2000m and if settling from draw four out of six he will make his presence felt. The Ultimate King has not raced since May so might need it, but he should go well in his likely preparation outing for the Summer Cup. Aladdin’s Lamp is capable of doing better than last time and can bounce back.

In the second race Clairwood Breeze is better than her last start and from pole position can make amends.

In the first race over 1600m Storm Cyclone improved when stepped up to this trip second time out and can improve again with Zackey now taking the ride.

Gr 1 wfa winner Main Defender is the class act in the third race, but he has to prove he stays 2000m (JC Photos)

Brendan Gaillard’s formguides and selections for Turffontein Standside Saturday 

RACE 1

STORM CYCLONE was an unlucky 3rd when improving over this trip in KZN last time and won’t need to make a great deal of further progress to make a winning Highveld debut. CAPABILITY BROWN and RAFEEF’S VICTORY should have more to offer with the experience of an introductory outing to count on, while MADRID need only confirm the improvement of his last start to have a say in the outcome. STORMACT and POGINI GREINE have the form and experience to make their presence felt too.

RACE 2

WHATWILLBEWILLBE caught the eye when staying on to finish 3rd in his first start for the yard and on the evidence of that performance this extended trip should suit. COMIC ARTIST, SIVAJI and GUS ON THE BUS have less scope for improvement but the form and experience to trouble the selection. However, a bigger threat will likely come from lightly raced CLAIRWOOD BREEZE whose form and consistency stands him in good stead.

RACE 3

Classy MAIN DEFENDER is favourably treated by the conditions but better suited to a shorter trip. Stablemate THE ULTIMATE KING returns from a layoff but runs well fresh and is distance suited. ALADDIN’S LAMP would have tightened up with the benefit of a 1600m season pipe-opener and this extended trip will be more to his liking. PALACE PRINCE ventures beyond 1800m for the first time so is best kept onside.

RACE 4

TRAJANUS and ALPINE JET are smart sprinters with low mileage. Both are weighted to be competitive after long absences but PERFECT SKY, also favorably treated by the conditions, could have the edge with the benefit of a recent comeback outing under her belt. MOLTEN ROCK has shown enough to hold her own in this company under bottom weight.

RACE 5

GOLDEN WARRIOR bounced back to form (was well-backed to do so) when 2nd off his current rating with blinkers refitted last time, so a repeat of that performance off the same mark with the headgear retained could suffice. His conqueror Utsaah boosted that form by winning subsequently, beating EUPHRATES and SAMUEL SHARPE as well as EPIDAURUS whose equipment change and rider’s 4kg allowance makes him a runner to respect. Maturing filly TWELFTH OF NEVER could have more to give trying the trip so is also worth respecting. Hard-knockers FUTUREWOLFF and ITSNOWORNEVER have earning potential too.

RACE 6

OCEAN MISTRESS was placed at Grade 2 level during a promising juvenile campaign and acquitted herself well in defeat from wide draws in back-to-back Grade 2 events at Hollywoodbets Greyville late last season. She is unbeaten over track and trip, open to improvement as a 3yo and is probably better than rated, so it could pay to follow her progress. She will be tested by maturing LOST FOR WORDS who will be fitter and should

have more to offer after an encouraging comeback 2nd. CAPTAIN SELVIE and WINTER IN AUCKLAND are also course-and-distance suited and capable of making their presence felt.

RACE 7

MATINEE quickened in the manner of a smart sort when making a winning debut over 1000m and she is open to any amount of improvement over the extra 160m with that experience to count on. LOVE NOT WAR and TRADITIONAL BELIEF have shown enough to trouble the selection, especially from their favourable inside barriers. Last-start winners GO GUCCI GO and GREENANDGOLD are other improving sorts with the means to have a say in the outcome.

RACE 8

MINERVA FAE confirmed the promise of her debut 2nd by winning her last start over a similar trip on this track. Runner-up STAGGERWING is 0.5kg better off for that 0.50-length beating but has had the benefit of a recent comeback run which could give her the edge. Like those rivals, debut scorer STEEL AND SATIN and fellow last-start winner AMADIOO are open to any amount of improvement so will likely make their presence felt. Consistent TAKING A RISK, returning MISS FANTASTIC and TREASURE STATE complete the shortlist.

RACE 9

Sparingly raced MAJOR ARCANA was an eye-catching 2nd over 1200m at a higher level last time when resuming after a break so could be hard to beat in this grade, even off a 1-point higher mark, if building that comeback effort. WILLOW CHARM and BERRY LANCER are in good form and could acquit themselves competitively, though the latter will need things go his way from the widest draw. NKANDLA GOLD is thriving but will find it tough in his hat-trick bid under a 7-point penalty. ICONIC WINTER and SURREAL SONG are favourably positioned in the stalls and should have roles to play. Get Quartet bets on!

Major League has been tipped to win the last race (Picture: Race Coast) 

Smell the coffee with MOCHA BLEND

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

Punters face some intriguing races on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday on a nine-race card headed by a Conditions Plate that sees a number of runners warming up for the Betway Summer Cup Gr 1.

Former Summer Cup winner MOCHA BLEND comes into the race very well in at the weights and was doing her best work late over a too-short 1400m last time out behind the smart QUICKSTEPGAL. She will much prefer this trip and should strip a lot fitter.

A potential trip-up could be the Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained WHISPERING DEATH who caught the eye in his comeback run after a lengthy break. He showed early potential and if the rest has got him back to his former self a handy galloping weight could see him upset all calculations.

Nathan Kotzen knows what it takes to win the Betway Summer Cup Gr 1 and saddles two potential contenders in MADISON VALLEY and FIELD MARSHAL. MADISON VALLEY was in the same race as MOCHA BLEND and finished ahead of the mare so he too will prefer this trip with eyes on the Cup. MAGIC VERSE is also a Betway Summer Cup Gr 1 entry but has not been out since finding the 3200m HKJC World Pool Gold Cup Gr 3 out of his compass. He comes from the Justin Snaith stable so will be well prepared.

GO GRAYSON GO has an outside chance of making the Cup field, but a win here will enhance his chances while FIELD MARSHAL has had a lengthy break but is re-united with Craig Zackey who has won on him before and is possibly his Summer Cup mount.

The third is a tricky start to the PA but IN A TIMELY MANNER has consistent Cape form and makes his local debut. He stays the trip and should be competitive. Tony Peter is down from the Highveld with a trio of runners and saddles ARIOVISTUS who has solid Joburg form over the trip. He has a handy draw and should feature. NEXT OF KIN was a beaten favourite last run over course and distance last run and although he takes on stronger, he does have a handy galloping weight. BLUE STEEL is not the easiest of rides and although he does appear to prefer the poly he has done equally well on the turf.

The first leg of the first Jackpot is a wide-open handicap, but MASTER BOMBER was a beaten favourite at his last two and has been holding form well. The step up in trip may suit. LAST OVATION takes on males but stays the trip well and has the benefit of a 4kg claimer aboard while BOMBERS IN THE SKY has been struggling for his second win but makes his local debut and judged on jockey bookings looks to be the pick of the Glen Kotzen pairing. JAZZ FESTIVAL is down to a more competitive mark and with a handy galloping weight and a good draw he should be in contention.

The sixth is another competing handicap where most of the runners have been competing on the poly. GOT THE WORD has been doing most of his recent racing on the poly and although it has been some time since he shed his maiden, he has a light weight and can finally get another on the board. THE GLIDING FISH has been taking on stronger of late and not far off. He too is back on the turf but over his ideal distance. HEARTS ON FIRE has a tricky draw to overcome but has been close-up at her last two on the poly and should go well again while POURSOMESUGARONME is always dangerous, but Keagan de Melo will have to navigate from a wide gate.

In the seventh veteran galloper TRAFALGAR SQUARE can add an eighth win to his CV as he is in top form of late and is over his best trip. He is 2.5kg better off with CHAMPAGNE MAC on their last encounter and can turn the tables while CHAMPAGNE MAC is quick and only has 49.5kg to shoulder from a good draw he is back over his favourite trip. PROPHET has had two smart runs for his new stable. He is 2kg worse off with TRAFALGAR SQUARE. BARRY’S BOY was a beaten favourite last run but stayed on nicely. He is down in class and can make amends.

In the eighth RUSHING CHIMES had been contesting races at the highest level in her juvenile career and made a cracking seasonal debut when touched off by veteran CHARA SANDS so with Richard Fourie up from a plum draw she should be the one to beat. BLIND FIRE had her consistency rewarded last run. She boasts consistent Highveld form and comes from a strong stable. SCANDALIZE has been in good form since her maiden win. She is slightly up in class but will be competitive with a 4kg claimer aboard. INNERBLOOM has yet to run a bad race in KZN. She goes well over the distance and should be competitive again.

In the last of the afternoon MAJOR LEAGUE was a recent maiden winner at just his third start but has been improving with every start. He takes on some modest handicappers and can round off the day.

Interesting is EDWARD RYE. The Argentina-bred gelding has not been out since January last year and is a lightly raced seven-year-old who obviously has issues but is talented. He has shown up well to much stronger and his racing fitness must be taken on trust although Tony Peter is unlikely to have him half-baked for a trip to KZN. THE SWAN SONG has a difficult draw but was not disgraced behind the highly rated COAST OF THE SUN last outing. Interesting is HADRIAN’S WALL who made all the running to win at long odds to shed his maiden. The form behind him looks promising and he can follow up.

Ka Ying Attack has been tipped to win the day’s feature (Picture: HKJC)

At The Races’ stalwart tipster Tim Carroll has selections, analysis and a tricast perm for Sunday’s 11-race card at Sha Tin.

Click here for a comprehensive guide to the meeting

Today Turf Talk continues to give exposure to the organisations involved in Equine Welfare.

The work being done to care for equines 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 Hollywoodbets Life After Racing – Ashburton, KwaZulu Natal

Click here for documentary about Hollywoodbets Life After Racing

Click here for newer documentary about Hollywoodbets Life After Racing