Turf Talk Newsletter – 30 October, 2026

Zeitz Could Be On The Verge Of A Big Season

Zeitz is progressive and Saturday’s Gr 2 Allied Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile will give a clue on whether he can step it up to the next level (Picture: Wayne Marks)

There is a big day at Turffontein Standside on Saturday featuring the Gr 2 Allied Steelrode-Onamission Charity Mile over 1600m, which is supported by two Gr 3s and three Listed races.

The Charity Mile has been avoided by some of the big guns due to the benchmark being 52kg for horses rated 106, meaning a horse rated above 122 would have to carry more than 60kg.

As it happened the highest merit rated entry was 121-rated Cosmic Speed, meaning he is dragged up from 59,5kg to 60kg and the rest of the field goes up with him.

Every single one of the 18 entries is in the handicap and the lowest weight being carried is 53,5kg.

Cosmic Speed has won a Gr 1 wfa race over the course and distance, the Wilgerbosdrif HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes, and caught the eye last time out when running on well from a wide draw for a 2,80 length fifth in the Gr 2 Joburg Spring Challenge, just a head behind Choisaanada.

Both Cosmic Speed and Coisaanada have the necessary class, but Busstopinhounslow also ran on well in that race and having finished just 0,35 lengths behind Cosmic Speed he is now 5,5kg better off with him and 5kg better off with Choisaanada.

On the downside Busstopinhounslow was drawn in pole that time and has now landed draw 18 of 18.

However, he is always dropped out so can make up some ground in the straight.

Pressonregardless has run two well below par races this season, having previously been ultra consistent. He proved he was up to this merit rating in the Gr 3 Jubilee over 1800m last season. If he gets cover from draw nine of 18 he could be a threat.

The potentially best handicapped pair are Grand Empire and Splittheeights as the first is a Gr 1 winner rated only 111 and the latter, who is rated 109, beat Grand Empire over this trip in the TAB Gauteng Guineas.

Grand Empire will have come on from his last run when fading late to be beaten 2,40 lengths by Calla Lagoon in a Pinnacle event over 1600m. He will also be 2,5kg better off with Calla Lagoon. On the downside he has a tough draw of 17.

Splittheeights put up a pleasing gallop with the Charity Mile reserve runner Immediate Edge at Randjesfontein in preparation for this event and the De Kocks were very pleased with him, but he will be ring rusty. Nevertheless, he has drawn well and is a contender.

Zeitz is on the up and comes into it off a 114 rating from draw eight.

Chronicle King is also course and distance suited, but he is merit rated 115 so does not look as well handicapped as his contemporaries Splittheeights and Grand Empire.

Zinovi has reeled off many wins in the East Cape, but this will be tougher.

Calla Lagoon is in devastating form, is course and distance suited and the handicapper might not have got hold of him yet.

I’m A Fireball is also in fine form, but the question is whether he will get the mile, as he is ideally suited to 1400m and has failed over this trip before.

I Salute You is capable of running on, but has a tough draw.

Otto Luyken is a dark horse foillowing a good run over 1400m and he should love the tough 1600m here and is well drawn, although Zeitz overtook him late in the aforementioned race.

Malmesbury Missile’s best form has been over the Hollywoodbets Greyville 1400m trip.

Greaterix also seems better at 1400m.

Holding Thumbs will find this too sharp, although h should be running on from a good draw.

Isivivane has a nice draw but it will be a tough ask as a handy to front-running sort to stay ahead for the whole long straight.

Kisshoten won’t have it easy against the boys carrying 54kg in a handicap.

The selection in an open race where it is difficult to eliminate a lot of the runners is Zeitz to beat Calla Lagoon with Grand Empire, Pressonregardless, Busstopinhounslow next best.

In the Gr 3 TAB Graeme Beck Stakes over 1400m Sheriff Bill Brown has been impressive and is taken to beat the progressive Bangkok Magic. The unbeaten Gr 2 winner FishTales, who has changed yards from James Crawford to the De Kocks because his owners live in Jo’Burg and James closed his satellite yard up there, is taken for third ahead of Gone Cold and Noble Saint.

The Gr 3 TAB Starling Stakes over 1400m could see Get Up bouncing back from a good draw and exacting revenge on Flower Island with Alice B Toklas, Doesyourmotherknow and Griselda next best.

In the Listed TAB Golden Loom over 1000m Catfish is favoured to beat City Of Love.

In the Listed 4Racing Yellowwood Handicap over 1800m Into Dancing is taken to beat First Wish.

In the Listed 4Racing Java Stakes over 2400m Corrupt can bounce back and is taken to beat Best Candidate and Utsaah should be right there too.

Fourie Makes A Surprising Switch Of Mount For Cape Classic

Richard Fourie has surprised many by jumping off the Vaughan Marshall-trained Rich Man’s World for the Gr 3 Cape Classic over 1400m on Sunday and riding the Justin Snaith-trained Reef Runner (Rafeef) instead as Rich Man’s World has always been held in high regard and is considered by most to be an exciting prospect for the season.

Fourie does have a ride for Marshall on the day, but not on Rich Man’s World (One World), who will now be ridden by Kabelo Matsunyane, and it must also be pointed out that Fourie is not retained by the Snaith yard or by the owners of Reef Runner.

Furthermore, Jonathan Snaith has pointed out Reef Runner is not strongly fancied and said, “He hasn’t run for five months, so will need this first run back, and although it a small field it is highly competitive with one or two Guineas contenders in the mix. We are just hopeful of a competitive run.”

He added, “Kalahari King (Vercingetorix) (to be ridden by Andrew Fortune) has got upset potential. He’s a bit of a dark horse, you just don’t know what to expect from him. He beat the second favourite (Aquae Calidae (Vercingetorix)) when they made their debuts (over 1200m) and he has subsequently been gelded. He’s a dangerous horse and if he fires up his engines he could pull off a surprise at 14/1. He’s not without a chance.”

Having said that Jonathan added, “Aquae Calidae (trained by Eric Sands and ridden by Craig Zackey) will take a world of beating. There is quite a lot of pace in the race with Vaughan Marshall’s two horses (Rich Man’s World and Vibe Check (Querari)).”

Rich Man’s World is the favourite at 15/10 with Hollywoodbets, although he does still have to prove he stays the trip and does have a lot of pace. Fourie admitted after his last start, in which he quickly opened up a big early lead over 1250m, that the big horse had not “switched off” either before the race or during it, although he was admittedly a fresh horse. A doubt about him appreciating the step up in trip is the best guess at Fourie’s reason for not sticking with him for this traditional classic pointer event.

AHS Case In Protection Zone Will Not Affect Racing, Says Todd

The Department of Agriculture has informed equine owners and other stakeholders via a press release published on 30 October 2026 that a case of African Horse Sickness (AHS) has been confirmed in a single animal on a property in the Cederberg Local Municipality.

The property is located within South Africa’s established African Horse Sickness Protection Zone, but the SAEHP Managing Director Adrian Todd said this case would not affect horseracing or exports.

The Department Of Agriculture’s press release can be read by clicking on the below link:

https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/agriculture-confirms-african-horse-sickness-case-cederberg-imposes-movement

Adrian Todd explained why there is no need for the racing community to be concerned, “The outbreak case lies within the AHS protection zone, not the surveillance or free zones, and is almost 200km from the free zone.

Maintaining this separation and demonstrating effective containment are critical to protecting the integrity of the AHS free zone and South Africa’s live-equid export capability.

Any trade impact will depend on the outbreak’s progression and extent, applicable export protocols, the effectiveness of containment, and each trading partner’s own risk assessment and import requirements. Trade partners will make their own decisions on adjusting import conditions.

SAEHP will continue working with Western Cape Veterinary Services and the national Directorate Animal Health to provide epidemiological, surveillance and movement-control information for national reporting, export-health purposes and trading-partner engagement.

There is no indication that horses already exported from the free zone were exposed.

The priority remains containment within the protection zone and preventing spread towards the surveillance and free zones.”

Hawkeye Fancies Superior Force For Saturday's Mauritius Headliner

COMPETITIVE 1850m MIDDLE STAKES TOPS THE BILL AT CHAMP DE MARS:

In the absence of a feature race, a highly competitive Middle Stakes over 1850m tops the bill at Champ De Mars on Saturday. The race has attracted eight runners, headed by the Carl Hewitson-trained Superior Force (Nunes) who is unbeaten in this class having won three on the bounce earlier this season. This time around the 7yo son of Pathfork bumps a more than useful field and he will need to bring his “A-game” to secure victory under 62kgs.

The first of seven races on the programme gets under way at 10:30 SA time.

Race 1: (10:30) – BM20 Handicap – 1600m (First Leg of the Place Accumulator):

Seven runners line up for this low-grade handicap over 1600m which features a rematch between Lunar Descent (Mjoka) and Captain Marsala (Joorawon). Last time out over 1450m, Lunar Descent came out on top by little more than a length but Captain Marsala now enjoys a 1,5kgs swing at the weights. The step up in trip could possibly favour Captain Marsala as I suspect that Lunar Descent may be more effective over slightly less ground. Amancio (Sooful) drops into this class for the first time and looks good each way value at current odds. Lava Burst (Aucharuz) has been runner-up in his last two starts and his winning turn cannot be too far off, particularly in this grade. Dance To The Sun, Grande Rosalie and Rainwater all have pieces of form which suggest they could upset calculations in this modest handicap.

Betting: 16/10 Lunar Descent; 3/1 Captain Marsala; 4/1 Lava Burst; 5/1 Rainwater; 8/1 Amancio, Dance To The Sun; 12/1 Grande Rosalie

Selection: (4) Lava Burst, (1) Amancio, (2) Captain Marsala, (5) Lunar Descent.

Race 2: (11:05) – BM31 Handicap – 1850m (First Leg of the Pick 6):

This race sets up beautifully for Royal Port Louis (Schwarz) from the in-form Vicky Ruhee and the 7yo son of Royal Mo should prove a tough nut to crack. He tackles the trip for the first time but should have no issues in that regard. The slow-starting Lava County (Chaves) rates the principle threat while Palermo (Juglall) plunges in class here and a much better showing can be expected.

Betting: 8/10 Royal Port Louis; 12/10 Lava County; 10/1 Palermo; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (2) Royal Port Louis; (3) Lava County; (1) Palermo; (5) Taking Silk.

Race 3: (11:40) – BM36 Handicap – 1500m:

Blackjack Randall (Mansour) continues to improve and the 4yo son of Danon Platina is bidding for his third consecutive victory. Trainer Arveen Nagadoo is well represented with Tsunami Warning (Chaves) and Zacatoo (Taka), either of which could seriously trouble Blackjack Randall. In fact, if one goes back to 18 July when Blackjack Randall and Zacatoo finished second and third behind Exalted Love over this track and trip, Zacatoo is now a whopping 5kgs better off for only a length. Tsunami Warning comes into the race off the back of four consecutive runner-up positions, so while Blackjack Randall is a short-priced favourite, this may be no walk in the park for Subu Gujdahur’s charge.

Betting: 8/10 Blackjack Randall; 4/1 Tsunami Warning, Zacatoo; 6/1 Not In Doubt; 12/1 Wugug.

Selection: (4) Zacatoo, (2) Blackjack Randall, (1) Tsunami Warning, (5) Not In Doubt.

Race 4: (12:15) – BM41 Handicap – 1365m (First Leg of the Jackpot):

Five runners line up for this BM41 Handicap but it is highly competitive with winning chances to each of the quintet. That’ll B The Day (Taka) is the market leader and on past form could certainly have the measure of Paved With Gold (Curatolo). Mystic Majesty (Schwarz) was unbeaten from four starts last term and was not disgraced on his seasonal debut in May when runner-up behind Stated over 990m. The 5yo son of Canford Cliffs clearly has issues as but Vicky Ruhee’s charge is highly talented and warrants huge respect. There is little to choose between Paved With Gold, There’s A Light and Ibhele based on the form over this trip on 28 August.

Betting: 15/10 That’ll B The Day; 5/2 Paved With Gold; 7/2 Mystic Majesty; 5/1 There’s A Light, Ibhele.

Selection: (3) That’ll B The Day, (1) Mystic Majesty, (4) Paved With Gold, (2) There’s A Light.

Race 5: (12:50) – BM51 Handicap – 1500m:

My Archangel (Nunes) is in the form of his life and is searching his fourth straight victory. The 5yo son of Soqrat likes to dominate from the front and Nunes is likely to adopt similar tactics, although there could be early pressure Menelaus. Monumental (Curatolo) has been touched off a whisker in each of his last two starts and will prove a threat to My Archangel in this 7-horse party. Zanthar (Van Rensburg) caught the eye on local debut when running on strongly to get within 2,30 lengths of My Archangel. Zanthar is now 2,5kgs better off and should have benefitted enormously from that first experience of Champ de Mars. Stated (Chaves) is useful at best and could certainly get into the mix while Captain Cola (Corrales) is very genuine and consistent and a minor placing is not beyond his reach.

Betting: 6/10 My Archangel; 3/1 Monumental; 4/1 Zanthar; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (2) My Archangel, (1) Monumental, (6) Zanthar, (3) Stated.

Race 6: (13:25) – Middle Stakes – 1850m:

Really good race with 8 runners carded to face the starter. Superior Force (Nunes) won three-in-a-row in this class between June and August and was certainly not disgraced when finishing fourth in the Maiden Cup. No doubt Carl Hewitson’s runner sets the standard but faces a stern test here. Arbitration was an impressive winner of his last start over 1650m and the rise in trip will pose no problem for the 5yo son of Vercingetorix. Arbitration (Schwarz) is in receipt of 6kgs from Superior Force and represents a real threat to the favourite. Incredibly Port Louis (Curatolo) has yet to win on the Island, despite many top class efforts in defeat. He proved his worth over the trip when third behind Tamarisk Tree in the Winter Stakes. The Soon Gujadhur-trained 7yo son of Gimmethegreenlight would not be a surprise winner here and looks incredible value at current odds. You could throw a blanket over Spelling Bee, Bacchus and Gimmeanotherchance when they recently filled the top three spots over this trip three weeks ago. Bacchus (Chaves) has yet to crack the ice in Mauritius but is weighted with a clear chance here.

Betting: 12/10 Superior Force; 7/2 Bacchus; 4/1 Arbitration; 8/1 Spelling Bee, Gimmeanotherchance; 12/1 Port Louis; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Superior Force, (2) Port Louis, (8) Arbitration, (4) Bacchus.

Race 7: (14:05) – BM26 Handicap – 1400m:

Boom Town (Curatolo) has an undeniable winning chance here but looks a little skinny in the market. Kaisarissa (Mansour) is knocking at the door and a bold showing can be expected from the 5yo son of Vercingetorix. Sovereign Command (Aucharuz) made a pleasing local debut when third to Master Point in a higher grade and can show further improvement. Nordic Prince (Van Rensburg) possibly found 1650m a little on the far side last time and will enjoy reverting to 1400m. The 5yo son of Legislate is limited but can make his presence felt. On best form Bugle Boy (Nunes) and to a lesser extent Dwight Eisenhower (Bheekary) both come into the reckoning, particularly the former whose last run when severely interfered with can be safely ignored. Krim (Juglall) is dropping in the ratings but needs to show more.

Betting: 9/10 Boom Town; 3/1 Bugle Boy; 4/1 Kaisarissa; 6/1 Nordic Prince; 8/1 Sovereign Command; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (6) Kaisarissa, (1) Boom Town, (3) Bugle Boy, (2) Sovereign Command.

Betting as at 17:00 on Thursday 29 October.

Suggested Jackpot (Races 4-7):

1,2,3,4,5 x 1,2,6 x 1,2,4,8 x 1,2,3,6 (R240)

Marshall Has The World In His Hands

Rich Man’s World will be out to justify the hype around him, but will he stay the trip of the Gr 3 Cape Classic over 1400m (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Alistair Cohen (Race Coast)

What a way to restart the action at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. As always, spring months see Cape Town racing move up the road to Hollywoodbets Durbanville which served as an appetizer for the Cape summer ahead. This season, racing fans were treated to Eight On Eighteen, Jet Force, Double Grand Slam and a handful of talented three-year-olds which serves as a reminder of the quality running around the country at the moment. On Sunday, racing at HQ kickstarts with the Grade 3 Cape Classic over 1400m and the Listed Southeaster Sprint over 1100m.

When heading into the Cape Classic, it is possibly advantage Rich Man’s World because he has had a run this season which he can only build from. He ran a ripper in the Grade 1 Gold Medallion at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in May when narrowly tipped out by Haute Couture. Given a break until last month, he returned at Hollywoodbets Durbanville under the hype he probably warrants. Off top weight against older horses he behaved like a fresh, keen horse. Richard Fourie described him in the post-race interview that “he reminded me that he is not a toy”. He tore away to the start. He tore away in the race. He did things opposite to what was required and he lasted long enough to beat Fox On The Run who was not far away the best three-year-olds of his generation last season.

His credentials in the Cape Classic are not bulletproof because he has to confirm that he can reach this trip. The way he ran in KwaZulu-Natal would serve as hope that he has the legs for middle distance racing but his last start would have given time to take stock and perhaps loosen some pressure on this talented son of One World. He should not step out as fresh as last time so he is unlikely to take the same keen hold. Vaughan Marshall would have worked on him being the experienced professional that he is. Kabelo Matsunyane is carded to take the ride with Richard Fourie serving loyal to Justin Snaith adding an extra crinkle to the race.

The run under his belt could be crucial because his main dangers, Aquae Calidae, Reef Runner and stable companion, Vibe Check will step out for the first time this season.

Aquae Calidae is the hunted because he won the Grade 3 Langermann over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in June. That race has a history of producing huge names. His unique head-in-his-chest running style does not inspire much comfort but there is ability in abundance. He had a gallop at Hollywoodbets Durbanville about two weeks prior so his fitness will not be too far behind ideal. He is clearly targeting races further down the line but he would not be a shock winner. Craig Zackey has the ride for Eric Sands.

Vibe Check has his supporters who reckon that he is headed to more heights this season. He was effective during KZN’s winter season when he won the Grade 2 Omoda Golden

Horseshoe over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville in July before an admirable fourth behind Erik Dubios in the Grade 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champions Stakes from a horror draw of No 13. He also galloped before a meeting two weeks ago and he looked in super shape. He too will have targets as the summer progresses but he is not short of ability and if his stable companion feels the sting late, he might pick up the pieces under Callan Murray.

Reef Runner has not been on track since May when he went from a debut win to runner-up in the Listed Somerset 1200 behind Catwalk King. He has also galloped in the lead-up. Trainer Justin Snaith holds Reef Runner in high regard. It will be a huge feat if he steps out and wins. He might be one-race further underdone than the rest.

The Us Of A won the Southeaster Sprint a year ago and he has a top chance to repeat with Richard Fourie in the irons for Paddy Kruyer. He is back at his best course after some pleasing performances up the road at Hollywoodbets Durbanville where his turn of foot is blunted on a fast-running track. His last run came over 1000m when he found proven feature performed horse, Café Culture too good by a neck. That was a near-perfect setup effort. He has been well placed and with 58,5kg on his back (he had 53,5kg last year) he must have a big chance.

All The Rage was just behind The Us Of A last time when Café Culture won. He is 0,5k worse off. He has slightly underdelivered through his career so maybe this is the season he comes to his best. Expect a good showing that sees him in and around the action.

There is very little compelling form on offer in race 1 over 1200m which could hand a first timer an opportunity to start with a bang. The best numbers to show belong to Mosaic World who has her first run in Cape Town after three fair efforts at Hollywoodbets Greyville on both surfaces. Any market support for a newcomer would be revealing.

Running Shoes hails from a well-performed family. His debut over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville was excellent when he finished 0,5 lengths behind Above The Law in second. Craig Zackey climbs aboard for Dean Kannemeyer in race 2 over 1200m. He hit the line with plenty in hand on debut as did the winner who Snaith thinks could pay to follow. This looks a far stronger maiden than the opener with Gimmethejackhemmer and Cardinal King having valid claims.

If Villeneuve is ready to handle 1950m in his second career run, he should take all the beating in race 3. On debut he ran over 1600m and although he did not threaten the judge, he stayed on strongly after being wayward throughout the running. He also made late gains when the race was over. He was 2,85 lengths behind Daley Park. Zackey and Kannemeyer

are flying and they team up again. It is too early to crow that he is heading towards any feature races but he could mould into an above average stayer in time.

There should be nothing to choose between Superhero, Gold Index and Run For Cover in race 4 over 1950m. On 4 October, Gold Index finished 0,4 lengths ahead of Run For Cover with Superhero a length in behind over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Superhero gets the positive swing at the weights. They are all considered as winning chances with Superhero having a narrow push under Serino Moodley for Andre Nel.

There is so much ability and unknown in race 5 over 1400m. The entire field have feature race capabilities, and the event gives the impression that if it were run 10 times, there would be 10 different results. Queen Regent ran like she needed her last run badly when she returned from a five-month rest behind Boozy Suzie. She can only kick on with the run under her belt and if she does not win, she should at least finish close.

Trois Sept Huit has developed into a horse to watch after a slow start to his career. He needed a very weak maiden to win before confidence grew and he became easier to recommend. He has been running against some good company recently and his last run was 0,5 lengths behind Magical Place, a formline which has shown to be worth punters’ time. He has 61,5kg to shoulder considering a class drop, but he could be up to the task in race 8 over 1200m. Callan Murray is up for Lucinda Woodruff.

The US Of A Can Win The Southeaster Sprint

Brandon Bailey’s formguides for Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday

Race 1

10 MOSAIC WORLD has been rested for 148 days. She was last seen finishing just under six lengths behind Alice B Toklas in the Listed Amusnet Devon Air Stakes on the 6th of June at Hollywoodbets Greyville. The drop in trip is key for this well-bred filly. She will go very close to winning with top jockey Richard Fourie in the saddle. 3 SENSUALITY ran a fair race on debut behind Nadia Nerina. She will love the step up in trip to 1200m. Watch for sharp improvement. 11 LILLIE LANGTREE stayed on well for second behind CAPTAIN’S ELECT last time. She will be right there in the finish again. Include her in all bets. 7 INVITATION ONLY ran a lovely race on debut from a wide draw. The form of her last run has worked out nicely. In the hope that she has made further improvement at home, she can sneak into the places late. Keep a close eye on the first-timers, watch the market closely, and watch them move down to the gates.

Race 2

1 CARDINAL KING has run two excellent races in succession. He will be just off the speed early, and he will be flying at them late. With some luck in running, he will go very close to winning. 8 RUNNING SHOES stayed on well to finish second on debut behind ABOVE THE LAW. He looks like a nice colt in the making. If he brings his first run to the track again, he will be super competitive. 9 GIMMETHEJACKHAMMER is much better than his last run. If he bounces back to his best form, he will make them all work for victory. 3 COSMIC DAN finished four lengths behind CONTINUE THE DREAM at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 4th of October. The drop in trip is not ideal, but he will be running on strongly late.

Race 3

5 VILLENEUVE must have a big winning chance in this field. He did well to finish just under three lengths behind DALEY PARK on the 7th of October. He will love the step up in trip to 1950m. With further improvement expected from this well-bred colt, he will be hard to beat from a good draw. 1 CAPTAIN’S ANGEL finished second in the same race as VILLENEUVE last time. That was his first run back as a gelding. He will be given every chance from a good draw. Watch him closely. 8 GROOVE MASTER caught the eye late in the same race as VILLENEUVE and CAPTAIN’S ANGEL on the 7th of October. The blinkers stay on. He could be the value play stepping up in trip to 1950m for the first time. 3 QUIET PLACE has been rested for 78 days. He looks best of the rest on form.

Race 4

3 GOLD INDEX quickened up well to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 4th of October. He was given three points for that impressive win last time. Trainer Robert Barrett has this 7-year-old gelding in terrific form. He will go very close to winning again from a neat draw. 8 RUN FOR COVER finished second behind GOLD INDEX last time. He is knocking on the door for his fifth career victory. With some luck in running from a tricky draw, he will be super competitive again. 5 THOMAS JENKINS stayed on well for third behind FOG IN FINLAND at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 14th of October. If he stays this trip of 1950m, he will be amongst the places late. 4 SUPERHERO never runs a bad race. Include him in all bets.

Race 5

2 VIVA LA VIDA finished just over three lengths behind DOUBLE GRAND SLAM in the Diana Stakes Gr 3 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 26th of September. She gets the blinkers fitted, and she has a good draw. Her chances need to be respected in this field. 7 QUEEN REGENT needed her run on the 14th of October. She will be much fitter going into this race. Include her in all bets. 3 DREAM SEARCHER finished third behind BOOZY SUSIE last time. She is honest and tries hard. With the right run here, she will be competitive again. 4 EDUCATOR has been rested for 98 days. She was last seen finishing just under four lengths behind MOCHA BLEND in the Bet With The World Gold Bracelet Gr 2 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 26th of July. Even though she might need this run back after a small break, she is classy, and she will be running on powerfully late. This is a tricky race. You can make a case for the entire field. Go wide.

Race 6

2 RICH MAN’S WORLD did everything wrong last time, and he still managed to win. He is a serious racehorse with tons of ability. In the hope that he settles early, he will be very hard to beat trying the 1400m trip for the first time. 7 AQUAE CALIDAE has been rested for 127 days. He was last seen winning the Langerman Gr 3 impressively at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 27th of June. The yard thinks highly of this colt. He will be motoring home late. Watch him closely. 3 RED SPICE could be the value play in this great race. He was very unlucky in the World Pool Moment Of The Day Premiers Champions Stakes Gr 1 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 26th of July. He will be given every chance from a good draw. Watch for that powerful turn of foot late. 1 REEF RUNNER has been rested and gelded. He looks progressive. He could sneak into the places from a neat draw. This is undoubtedly the best race of the day!

Race 7

6 THE US OF A won this race impressively in 2025. He ran a great race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 14th of October. He has a big winning chance now that he is back up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. 12 ALL THE RAGE powered home late for third in the same race as THE US OF A last time. That was his first run as a gelding. He will be much fitter going into this race. Watch him closely late. 7 OBJET D’ART has been rested for 81 days. This is a big step up in class for him, but he looks progressive, and he has no weight on his back. If the gaps open at the right time, he will be amongst the places. 4 O’TENIKWA needed his run on the 14th of October. He can sprint with some of the best in South Africa. Include him in all bets.

Race 8

1 LIKE DYNAMITE stayed on well for second behind GOLD DUST last time. He is a beautiful colt with a magnificent action. Even though this is a tricky race, he has the ability to win. 6 ONE MAGIC put his head down at exactly the right time to win well at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 25th of July. The yard thinks highly of this colt. He will be right there in the finish again. 5 SWAZILAND quickened up smartly to win impressively on debut. He could be absolutely anything. With further improvement expected from this gelding, he should go close to winning again. Watch him late. 4 CORK BAY gets the blinkers fitted, and he drops in trip to 1200m. His chances need to be respected at this level.

South African Owner/Breeder Antony Beck Wins Breeders Cup Race

The Brendan Walsh-trained Nyquist filly Emphatic, owned by South African Antony Beck’s Gainesway Stable in partnership with Andrew Rosen, won Friday’s Gr 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Stakes over one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt at Keeneland.

The dam of Emphatic, Convinced, is fittingly by Tiznow as this Breeders Cup meeting falls on the 25th anniversary of the latter becoming the first and only horse to ever win two succcessive Breeders’ Cup Classics.

Emphatic started 9/4 favourite and was ridden to an emphatic 1,5 length victory by Tyler Gaffalione, although it has to be said the unbeaten filly’s chief market rival, the Bob Baffert-trained Miss Monica (Early Voting), was unlucky.

Miss Monica was not well away and experienced traffic problems but finished full of running and was way clear of the third horse, who was beaten 9,75 lengths by the winner.

The victory gave Walsh his first Breeders’ Cup win

Click here to read all about it.

Comprehensive Guide To Breeders' Cup Saturday

Forever Young will be out to become only the second horse in history to retain his Breeders’ Cup Classic crown (Breeders Cup)

At The Races US Racing expert Barry Faulkner provides his analysis and picks for all nine major races at the Breeders’ Cup this Saturday, with the races starting at 19H10 SA Time.

Click here for a comprehensive Breeders Cup guide