Turf Talk Newsletter – 02 May, 2025

Hollywoodbets Greyville will be abuzz on the opening day of Champions Season, whose highlight every year is the Hollywoodbets Durban July (pictured above), and there could not have been better timing for Hollywood’s long anticipated takeover. (Gameplan Media).

The Champions Season is always excitedly anticipated, but there is an extra dimension this year as Hollywood have now taken over KZN racing. This brings with it a wave of optimism as they have proven their passion for the sport and their commitment to excellence and have gained a reputation for their dynamic approach. Chairman designate Greg Bortz is equally dynamic, passionate and committed and this will be like a coming home opportunity for him as he grew up a stone’s throw from Hollywoodbets Greyville racecourse and will not only bring his expert business skills but an understanding of KZN racing and its passionate fans.

A press release by Hollywood on Thursday provided all the details (read below).

Durban – On the eve of the launch of the 2025 Champions Season this coming Saturday, South African horse racing awoke to a brand new chapter in its history on the Workers’ Day public holiday yesterday with the good news that the acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group (Hollywood/Hollywoodbets) has received the final stamp of approval of the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).

In a transaction that dates back to the commencement of negotiations in 2023, and culminating in a Special General Meeting of Members in September of that year, KZN racing is set to benefit from a R500 million (and rapidly escalating) rescue injection by Hollywood in a seriously ambitious and committed plan to resurrect the failing industry in the richly culturally diverse province that has enjoyed a passionate following of the sport for well over a century.

It is a reality that, given the combination of the prevailing economic climate and dramatic changes in the betting landscape, horse racing countrywide has languished in the doldrums for a large part of the 21st century.

It is a reality that, given the combination of the prevailing economic climate and dramatic changes in the betting landscape, horseracing countrywide has languished in the doldrums for a large part of the 21^st century.

The move by Hollywoodbets is thus seen as the dawn of a new era of management and capitalisation, that will introduce a focus on the best utilisation of resources, while embracing a wider universal appeal that will keep pace with ever evolving modern entertainment trends, directed at a wider customer market.

The investment by Hollywoodbets is set to ensure job security for the estimated 6,000 people employed directly and indirectly by the industry and peripheral services in the province, and foster broader stakeholder interest and incentive for investment through the modernisation of facilities in venues and training centres, while also upgrading prize money, which has lagged over the past 30 years.

The investment by Hollywoodbets is set to ensure job security for the estimated 6 000 people employed directly and indirectly by the industry and peripheral services in the province, and foster broader stakeholder interest and incentive for investment through the modernisation of facilities in venues and training centres, while also upgrading prize money, which has lagged over the past 30 years.

The operational aspect of the introduction of a new-look racing programme, coupled with incentives to promote racehorse ownership and boost field sizes, an important component of the key driver of improved betting turnovers, is already well advanced.

Whilst ownership transfers on 1 May, the investment began months ago. A huge leap of faith was required. Even before this final approval by the KZNERA, Hollywoodbets had confidently commenced its considerable investment. To date there has been extensive capital investment in facilities, which includes wide-scale renovation of buildings and equipment upgrades, as well as a revamp of the Hollywoodbets Greyville Polytrack.

Day-night racing has proved immensely popular in KwaZulu-Natal and a multi-million-Rand upgrade of the lighting facilities at the home of the historic Hollywoodbets Durban July, brings the Durban City racetrack on a par with leading night-racing venues internationally.

To have delayed these essential projects until formal approval had been given would have resulted in none of the work commencing until after the Champions Season.

The Summerveld Training Centre is also set for major improvements. Plans are well advanced for an extensive capital injection that will result in material upgrade of stabling, Grooms accommodation, roofing, roads and other infrastructure.

Hollywood CEO, Suren Rampersadh, welcomed the announcement and confirmed that it was now all systems go for the company’s game changing plans to revitalise a sport that enjoys a unique place in the hearts and minds of passionate locals and the whole Purple Team.

“We wish to reaffirm that we are fully committed to securing the future of the horse racing industry in KwaZulu-Natal and are privileged to be in a custodial position to carry the baton into what we firmly believe will be a bright and prosperous future for the sport and all stakeholders in the region and beyond. The investment that commenced some time ago will continue, with plans to change the face and broad appeal of the business that operates in one of the most exciting sports internationally, with a global reach of over 584 million households,” added Rampersadh. “This has been a long journey, and we are super-proud that our team has got it over the line. I am sure that our pride is more than matched by the relief and renewed enthusiasm of all stakeholders”.

https://stratus.campaign-image.com/images/1009175000025210336_zc_v1_1742213476623_the_r9_million_record_setter._a_drakenstein_bred_vercingetorix_colt_85_pic_chase_liebenberg_scaled_(2).jpg

The encouraging news comes in excellent time for the much-anticipated launch of the 2025 Champions Season at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

Three months of action-packed top-level horseracing will be headlined by the 129th renewal of the historic Hollywoodbets Durban July, which will be run over 2200m on Saturday 5 July 2025.

– Issued by Hollywoodbets
– Images by Candiese Lenferna

Cafe Culture, pictured winning last year’s Gr 2 Post Merchants, can land the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes to his Hollywoodbets Greyville CV. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Hollywoodbets Greyville Saturday May 3 Formguides And Selections

R1 Summary: Won and lost at the start. HURRICANE CAT (5) is quick and if her apprentice can get her out in terms she should go close with her light weight. HOLDS THE KEY (2) gets first time blinkers and looks the Miller stable elect. NO FILTER (9) is way better than her last effort in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint and gets first time blinkers. DONQUERARI (6) is seldom far off them and can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-9-6).

R2 Summary: All first timers barring INTENSITY (2) who started at long odds on debut. Richard Fourie rides. Watch the betting on the rest. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-1-3).

R3 Summary: Wide open where betting could be your best guide. Of those that have run, DARK MATTER (2) made a promising debut against males and that form could prove a lot better than what it appears given I’m A Fireball’s subsequent disappointing effort in the soft. ROYAL KAILANI (1) raced green on debut and likely to improve from the best of the draw. CARTEL QUEEN (9) and first timer KIM KAY (11) could be worth following in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-9-11).

R4 Summary: Tricky. MOCHA BLEND (7) has a touch of class and won her last two with plenty in hand. The form after her last win could be a little suspect but she does look to be out of the top drawer. FATAL GEM (8) comes with solid Cape form and gets first-time blinkers. SHE’S A BOMBER (12) is progressive and although taking on strong opposition she can finish in the money. HAT’S QUEEN (2) stays the trip well and was game in the Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift Oaks last time out. This could be a warm-up for the Gr2 Woolavington 2000. MASCHERINA (1) is now 1.5kg better off with TOMYRIS (11) in their Scarlet Lady showing and with a better draw, Peter Muscutt’s filly can turn the tables. (Andrew Harrison: 7-8-12-2).

R5 Summary: Cracking contest. Many are having a pipe-opener for the Hollywoodbets Durban July but it is a high class field. Those that are seemingly best suited to the 1400m trip are CAFE CULTURE (1) and QUESTIONING (7), both not entries for the July and over their preferred trip. The two last met with Lucinda Woodruff’s charge a length clear of his rival and also a winner over the distance. GLADATORIAN (4) has been giving away lumps of weight at recent starts and although he takes a jump in class he is fully effective over this trip. ROYAL AUSSIE (3) looks held by these two given his last showing but has had been trying further in his previous starts and may no be back over a better trip. MONTIEN (8) is hardly ever out of the money. A close-up third in the Cape Met, he is no slouch over this trip while THE REAL PRINCE (11) is lightly raced but classy. (Andrew Harrison: 1-7-4-8).

R6 Summary: Tremendous field. Mike and Mathew de Kock could hold the key to the Fillies Guineas with their combination of OXALIS GOLD (7) and SPUMANTE DOLCE (11). The former put a useful field of males to bed in the Byerly Turk at Hollywoodbets Scottsville at her last start. Cat’s Pajamas is a high-class winner and third-placed O’Tenikwa franked that form last Sunday. Spumante Dolce has a big reputation and with a tongue-tie fitted last time out, showed her better form in the Gr1 Empress Club behind Cape Fillies Guineas winner Fatal Flaw. MON PETIT CHERIE (2) boasts smart Cape form for Brett and James Crawford and has a favourable draw. GIVE ME EVERYTHING (14) has pulled the widest gate as she goes for five on the bounce. The draw has been the downfall of many a champion on this course but Dean Kannemeyer likes his horses to come on late so maybe the draw will not be too much of a factor. GREEN SAPPHIRE (12) and VJ’S ANGEL (1) are both in with chances. (Andrew Harrison: 11-2-14-7).

R7 Summary: North vs South with a supporting cast could be the best way to describe this race. EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (5) winner of the Gr1 Cape Met and the Gr1 Cape Derby with close-up finishes to One Stripe over a ‘mile’ is the ‘boom’ horse and likely favourite. However, FIRE ATTACK (4) ran a cracker to win the Gr1 Champions Cup beating Cup and Gr1 Betway Summer Cup winner Royal Victory. Both appear best over 10 furlongs so this is not a nailed-down contest. COSMIC SPEED (3) went down narrowly to champion Main Defender in the Hawaii Stakes and is more than at home over this trip. ISIVIVANE (7) was taken out of his intended race last week and although way out of contention on handicap ratings, he could be the surprise in the race. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-4-7).

R8 Summary: RODEO DRIVE (2) comes with solid Highveld form and with the best of the draw she could be one of the better bets on the card. LOCK AND KEY (11) is a smart filly who showed up well first run back from a lengthy break but the draw is against her as is KHETHIWE’S DESTINY (12) who has her third run after break and should strip at her peak and can deny the draw. THAT’S MY BABY (3) is not take to her trip to the Cape and can make marked improvement. Keep an eye on the market here. (Andrew Harrison: 2-12-11-3).

R9 Summary: RUN FOR COVER (13) will not have it easy from his wide draw but he does have Andrew Fortune in his favour. FUTURENAIRE (7) made major improvement when shedding his maiden when fitted with a tongue-tie. He could be way under the handicappers radar. BURNING MAN (10) has been consistent sine joining his new yard but also has a deep draw to contend with. However he loves this distance. SUPER FAST (4) has a light weight and a much better draw this time around. (Andrew Harrison: 13-7-4-10).

Bellezza relegates Beach Bomb to second place. The latter was going for a hattrick of Gr 3 victories and has now earned US$216,350 in 2025 (Picture: Adam Coglianese/NYRA).

The crack Mauritzfontein homebred filly Gimme A Nother represented South Africa in the Kentucky Derby & Oaks meeting at Churchill Downs today (Friday), running second in the Gr 3 Modesty Stakes over one mile and a eighth on the turf, while another dual Gr 1-winning SA-bred, the Drakenstein homebred filly  Beach Bomb, ran second in the Gr 3 Sheepshead Bay Stakes over a mile and three-eighths on the Gulfstream Park turf.

Gimme A Nother was on the rail in the running in the six horse field and reached the final turn in last place. Jose Ortiz swung her right to the outside and she ran on strongly before deilvering her usual late burst to grab second when looking booked for third. She was beaten 2,25 lengths by three time Gr 1 winner She Feels Pretty, from whom she received five pounds.

Beach Bomb was in second place in the running and produced a good turn of foot to hit the front under Javier Castellano, but a 10/1 shot called Bellezza, who was receiving four pounds from Beach Bomb, snuck through on the inside to beat her by 1,50 lengths.

Citizen Bull represents six-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert on his return after a three year ban from the big race. (Citizen Bull © Benoit Photo)

New York Times

After three years in exile from Churchill Downs, Bob Baffert is back. The famed trainer was banned from the Louisville track in 2021 after his Kentucky Derby winner, Medina Spirit, failed a post-race blood test. Now, the man who is tied for the most Kentucky Derby wins (six) is back, though one of his two entries was scratched Thursday. However, his remaining entrant still has a shot to win.

Analysing the Derby is unlike analysing pretty much any other race. None of the horses has run the 10-furlong distance. None of them has run in a 20-horse field. None of them has experienced the frenzy that is the Derby crowd. Pace scenarios can dissolve as soon as the gates open, traffic is virtually a given and, sometimes, you need more luck than skill to earn the blanket of roses.

So here, we’ll focus on running styles and performances in top-level races, in the hope of getting horses home at good prices.

In post-position order, here’s your look at the field for the 151st Kentucky Derby. Odds referenced are morning line odds from when the field was set April 26. For the most recent odds on the field, visit our updating odds page.

Now, on to the full field analysis.

1. Citizen Bull
Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert Masterson, Tom Ryan, Waves Edge Capital, and Catherine Donovan

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Martin Garcia

Morning line odds: 20-1

One of the standouts in this year’s crop of 3-year-olds, Citizen Bull had won four of five races, all comfortably, all in stakes races, before heading into the Santa Anita Derby earlier this month. But a puzzling fourth-place finish at Santa Anita certainly raises questions, as the inveterate frontrunner was in his customary place in the lead when he yielded down the stretch. Granted, the top two finishers in that race are very good horses — and both are entered here, with winner Journalism the favorite and Baeza joining the field as an alternate — but proceed with caution. If Citizen Bull doesn’t get to the lead right away, and that’s a big ask from post 1, he has no shot.

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2. Neoequos
Owner: C2 Racing Stable, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables, Stefania Farms, Ken Reimer, Paul Braverman, and Timothy Pinch

Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr.

Jockey: Luis Saez

Morning line odds: 30-1

He’s winless in graded stakes, and the speed figure in his last race, a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, is the lowest of any other entrant’s most recent performance. He’s another that needs the lead to be competitive, but even if he gets there, he doesn’t have enough speed to compete with the other horses. Flavien Prat was originally supposed to ride Neoequos, but switched to Baeza once he drew into the race. Luis Saez will now take the reins.

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3. Final Gambit
Owner: Juddmonte

Trainer: Brad Cox

Jockey: Luan Machado

Morning line odds: 30-1

Juddmonte’s racing and breeding operations are among the best on the planet, and they don’t mess around. Still, one wonders just what this horse is doing in this race. He’s never raced on dirt, his four races having been contested on turf and synthetic surfaces, and his lone start outside of the maiden ranks came in March. That was a Grade 3, sure, and he did win by 3 1/2 lengths, but I’m not seeing it.

4. Rodriguez
Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert Masterson, Tom Ryan, Waves Edge Capital, and Catherine Donovan

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Mike Smith

Scratched Thursday by Baffert, Rodriguez won’t run in the Derby. With this decision, Baeza enters the field and the other qualifiers will move one slot closer to the rail. More on Baeza below.

5. American Promise
Owner: BC Stables

Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas

Jockey: Nik Juarez

Morning line odds: 30-1

As his win in the Preakness with Seize the Grey last year demonstrated, never discount 89-year-old D. Wayne Lukas. A lot will have to go right for this horse and wrong with a lot of other runners, so I wouldn’t bet the farm on him, but the speed figure in his last start impressed. That said, he’s never even hit the board in a graded stakes race, he’s been beaten several times by other runners here and he’s another that’s going to want to get to the front. You want to root for a story and for Lukas to get his fifth Derby win? Wager lightly.

6. Admire Daytona
Owner: Junko Kondo

Trainer: Yukihiro Kato

Jockey: Christophe Lemaire

Morning line odds: 30-1

Over the last decade, U.S. racing entities have aggressively wooed international runners, many of which, like this one, boast American bloodlines. Admire Daytona earned his way into the race by winning the UAE Derby in Dubai, eking out a nose win in a race that carries Kentucky Derby qualifying points. There’s no doubt that Japanese-trained horses are on the rise, but the first Japanese Kentucky Derby winner will have to wait. The international travel is a drawback, as is a race record for Admire Daytona that, while respectable, doesn’t inspire confidence.

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7. Luxor Cafe
Owner: Koichi Nishikawa

Trainer: Noriyuki Hori

Jockey: João Moreira

Morning line odds: 15-1

This Japanese runner earned points in the Japan series of qualifying races, winning the Fukuryu and Hyacinth Stakes. He comes to the Derby with four straight wins, and he’s sired by 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. His record is impressive, and while I wouldn’t rule him out, this is a big ask.

8. Journalism
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith

Trainer: Michael McCarthy

Jockey: Umberto Rispoli

Morning line odds: 3-1

After finishing third in his first start last October, this $825,000 yearling purchase has reeled off four straight wins, three of them in graded stakes races. His speed figures tower over those of most of his rivals here, and he’s got a stalking running style that means that he can sit in the second tier of runners before finding space to run late. If Journalism makes the post-race headlines, it will be the first Derby win for both trainer and jockey.

9. Burnham Square
Owner: Whitham Thoroughbreds

Trainer: Ian Wilkes

Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.

Morning line odds: 12-1

Wilkes is one of those trainers who doesn’t run in big races just for the sake of it. Burnham Square turned in two impressive performances to earn his way here, a 1 3/4-length win in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park and a nose victory in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. He comes from off the pace, which is an advantageous running style, though he is perhaps not quite fast enough to hit the wire first.

10. Grande
Owner: Repole Stable (Mike Repole)

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: John Velazquez

Grande was the second horse from the field scratched, removed from the field Friday morning due to a foot bruise. There are no other alternates, so no other horse will draw into the field.

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11. Flying Mohawk
Owner: Two Eight Racing (Jayson Werth), Berry Family Racing, and Kaleta Racing

Trainer: Whit Beckman

Jockey: Joseph Ramos

Morning line odds: 30-1

Here’s another that squeaked his way into the Derby field at the last minute, running second in a qualifying race in March. That was his first test not on turf, but Turfway Park runs on a synthetic surface, meaning that this runner will be making his first start on dirt in a huge field with experienced, talented runners. Pass.

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12. East Avenue
Owner: Godolphin

Trainer: Brendan Walsh

Jockey: Manuel Franco

Morning line odds: 20-1

The buzz on this horse has run hot and cold since he debuted with an eight-length win at Ellis Park last August. In his second start, he won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity, then faltered badly in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the Risen Star Stakes. A narrow loss in the Blue Grass put him squarely back in the Derby picture, but as another need-the-lead type, I think he’s outclassed here.

13. Publisher
Owner: Gus King and Estate of Brereton C. Jones

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Morning line odds: 20-1

Anyone with me on the Journalism/Publisher exacta hunch bet? A hunch might be the only way to convince yourself to bet this horse, which has never — NEVER — won a race. In seven lifetime starts, he’s got two seconds and three thirds, and those finishes earned him enough points to get into the race. It would indeed be breaking news for a maiden to win the Derby.

14. Tiztastic
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Morning line odds: 20-1

After a couple of good races as a 2-year-old, this colt has made it to the winner’s circle only once in five races going back to last October. As the competition has gotten tougher, he’s found it hard to keep up, though his closing style may help him complete some vertical exotics.

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15. Render Judgment
Owner: Baccari Racing Stable, Dream Walkin Farms, MJM Racing, Rocket Ship Racing and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek)

Trainer: Ken McPeek

Jockey: Julien Leparoux

Morning line odds: 30-1

McPeek won both the Oaks and Derby last year, and he’s got runners in both again this year. This colt is unlikely to get him back to the Churchill winner’s circle on Saturday. Winless since breaking his maiden last October, he’s seldom been competitive, and while analyzing jockey changes can be a fool’s errand, the jockey who rode McPeek’s horses to Oaks and Derby victory last year is on another horse in the race this year.

Thursday morning, McPeek told Stephen Andress the colt is suffering from a quarter crack. While this is not a serious injury, keep in mind this is the ailment that plagued 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown ahead of his Triple Crown attempt in the Belmont Stakes. Big Brown ended up being eased in that race. Proceed accordingly.

16. Coal Battle
Owner: Norman Stables

Trainer: Lonnie Briley

Jockey: Juan Vargas

Morning line odds: 30-1

A pretty consistent runner in listed stakes races, Coal Battle impressed when taking the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs in his first jump into graded stakes company. He followed that up with a distance third-place finish last out, and while his versatile running style could be useful here, so would an additional burst of speed, which he’s thus far not shown in his eight-race career.

17. Sandman
Owner: D.J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds, and CJ Stables

Trainer: Mark Casse

Jockey: José Ortiz

Morning line odds: 6-1

This impressively bred colt brought $1.2 million as a 2-year-old a year ago March, and in eight races since then, he’s earned back his purchase price, winning the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby and placing in three other graded stakes. His late-closing style won’t be hampered by this outside post, and while two of his worst races have come over the Churchill Downs track, I expect him to be well in the mix and will try to beat Journalism with him.

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18. Sovereignty
Owner: Godolphin

Trainer: Bill Mott

Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Morning line odds: 5-1

Bill Mott isn’t the sort of trainer who will enter just to have a horse in the Derby, so even though this horse is fairly lightly raced, especially his campaign this year, he gets a long look from me. In his first start off a five-month layoff, he won the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes by a neck, then came back to finish second in the Grade 1 Florida Derby. He’s a closer in a race loaded with speed, and his connections are impeccable.

19. Chunk of Gold
Owner: Terry L. Stephens

Trainer: Ethan West

Jockey: Jareth Loveberry

Morning line odds: 30-1

This long shot is getting a lot of attention from racing insiders. He cost a mere $2,500 as a yearling, and he began his career on the synthetic surface at Turfway Park in December. After two starts (a win and a second), he headed to Louisiana and the Derby trail to run in two qualifying races, finishing second in both of them. He’s another one who likes to run from off the pace, and this is a big ask, but what a story it would be.

20. Owen Almighty
Owner: Flying Dutchmen

Trainer: Brian Lynch

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Morning line odds: 30-1

This promising colt looked great until his final prep, the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland in early April. He’d been first or second in five of six races, but a bad break in the Blue Grass left him with a sixth-place finish, not exactly how you want to head into the Derby. He’s also another speed horse, and this far outside post does him absolutely no favors. I’ll look for him down the road, not in this spot.

21. Baeza
Owner: C R K Stable and Grandview Equine

Trainer: John Shirreffs

Jockey: Flavien Prat

Morning line odds: 12-1

With Rodriguez scratching Thursday afternoon, Baeza has drawn in. He’ll break from post position No. 20, and given his frontrunning style, he won’t have any easy task getting to the lead from the far outside. He didn’t debut until last December, and it was an inauspicious debut at that, finishing ninth. But that race was on grass, and he was a different animal when he got on dirt, earning a win and two seconds in three starts. That included a runner-up finish by less than a length to Derby favorite Journalism in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. If Prat can harness that early speed while the others duel up front, he could easily be in contention at the end, given the impressive speed figure for Baeza’s last-out effort in the Santa Anita Derby. While I’d like to see more experience before he jumps into the madness that is the Derby field, he may well prove a formidable foe.

Field Of Gold winning the Craven Stakes impressively. (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

Horse-by-horse guide: Betfred 2000 Guineas

Sky Sports Racing’s Mike Cattermole delivers his verdict on a fascinating renewal of the first Classic of the campaign at Headquarters on Saturday.

A fascinating Betfred 2000 Guineas at 16H35 (SA Time) on Saturday even if we have lost Camille Pissarro, Cosmic Year, Henri Matisse and Jonquil at the declaration stage.

As trials go, Field Of Gold could not have been more impressive in the Craven, racing like a top horse while taking a grip off a good pace at the back and then unleashing a superb turn of foot when asked.

William Buick going for Ruling Court over Shadow Of Light is interesting and it could be that the Dewhurst and Middle Park hero might be a sprinter, or it might be that the former champion jockey thinks that Ruling Court is simply superior.

All three Irish colts deserve respect. For Expanded to go so close in the Dewhurst on just his second start, and indeed second outing in a week, marks him out as potentially tip-top, while Scorthy Champ is said to have done well, is already a Group 1 winner and has the pedigree of a miler.

Green Impact is also a likeable type who may end up running well here and going for the Derby.

1. BENEVENTO (9)
D Egan | Raphael Freire

Took a step forward to win a Listed event at Doncaster last September but progress has flattened out in two Group 3s subsequently. Admittedly, the ground was heavy in the Horris Hill at Newbury, which would be a legitimate excuse, but he was put in his place in the Craven Stakes and has a tough task to turn the form around with Field Of Gold who was over four lengths in front of him.

2. EXPANDED (3)
R L Moore | A P O’Brien

There should be loads more to come from this twice-raced son of Wootton Bassett who was not seen out until October when he won a 14-runner maiden at the Curragh before running an excellent second to Shadow Of Light in the Group 1 Dewhurst just a week later.

The Dewhurst only had the five runners but it was a strange affair with two groups racing apart and Expanded won his two-horse race against the ill-fated and then unbeaten Ancient Truth on the near side before being caught close home.

Has had a racecourse gallop to sharpen him up and even if he may excel over further in time, is a fascinating contender as we don’t know how good he may be.

Aidan O’Brien’s only representative as he goes for a record-extending 11th win.

3. FIELD OF GOLD (10)
K Shoemark | J & T Gosden

After a nice win in the Solario Stakes, which confirmed his promise, this grey son of Kingman (whose only defeat in an eight-race career came in the Guineas) ended his juvenile season when only fourth in the Jean Luc Lagardere on soft ground.

It was a different animal we witnessed in the Craven Stakes, however, when he produced an explosive turn of foot to settle the issue after travelling very strongly in behind. He is said to have done very well physically over the winter and that performance certainly backed that up.

The Craven form has depth to it, too, with Royal Lodge winner Wimbledon Hawkeye over three lengths away in second while both Aomori City (third) and New Century (fifth) made the frame in last autumn’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Must have a fine chance of completing John Gosden’s Classic Full House although is arguably short enough in the market.

4. GREEN IMPACT (7)
S Foley | Mrs J Harrington

Was twice too good for Derby trial-bound Delacroix at two, in a Leopardstown maiden and then in the Group 2 Champion Juvenile Stakes, both over a mile.

There is a strong chance that going further will see him in a better light but he arrives here on the back of some glowing reports from Jessica Harrington and he looks set for a very interesting campaign, whatever he does at HQ.

A lovely, big horse who will take the eye in the paddock and I note that he has been quietly sold to new connections since we last saw him.

5. RULING COURT (11)
W Buick | C Appleby

Bought for 2.3 million euros a year ago at the Arqana Breeze-Ups and got the pulse racing with a brilliant wide-margin debut win at Sandown. Only third, when favourite, to The Lion In Winter in the Group 3 Acomb at York next and was then put away for the winter.

Came back with another spectacular six-length stroll in the Jumeirah Guineas at Meydan on his warm-up for this and clearly has tons of potential, if somewhat tricky to weigh up at this stage.

However, the fact that William Buick sticks with him over dual Group 1 winner Shadow Of Light is telling.

6. SCORTHY CHAMP (1)
D McMonagle | J P O’Brien

Reversed earlier Futurity form with Henri Matisse when taking the Group 1 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh last September when the runner-up seemed to lose concentration. Was not seen again so we are still a little in the dark but is the subject of some upbeat reports from his trainer who says he has “done particularly well” over the winter.

You won’t miss his big white face in running and being a May 9 foal, will be the youngest in the line-up, turning three next week.

7. SEAGULLS ELEVEN (8)
Tom Marquand | H Palmer

Hugo Palmer trained his sire, Galileo Gold, to win the Guineas, but it would be a surprise to see this rangy colt follow up as all the signs are that he is just short of the highest level. Posted a series of decent efforts at two, making the frame in the National Stakes (hampered by Henri Matisse) and Dewhurst Stakes before being well held in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Makes his reappearance here after a racecourse gallop at the Craven Meeting.

8. SHADOW OF LIGHT (2)
M Barzalona | C Appleby

Became only the fifth colt to land the Group 1 juvenile double of Middle Park and Dewhurst on this course last autumn. Thrashed Whistlejacket by four lengths in the first named and then did extremely well to get up and beat Expanded a neck in the Dewhurst when he had to come across from the far side trio which had looked second best of the two small groups for much of the contest.

Both of those successes came on soft but two earlier wins were gained on good so it’s likely he will act on anything. However, William Buick deserts him for Ruling Court which is a touch concerning, so Mickael Barzalona deputises.

Perhaps he hasn’t impressed as much as his stablemate at home but there are also mixed messages about his pedigree which does have chunks of stamina, even if he is a three-parts brother to the sprinter Earthlight. Note he also holds a Commonwealth Cup entry.

9. TORNADO ALERT (6)
S de Sousa | S bin Suroor

Saeed bin Suroor won the Guineas twice in the 1990s, with Mark Of Esteem and Island Sands, but this son of Too Darn Hot needs to pull off one of the biggest shocks in the race’s history to take this, having only won a maiden (admittedly in good style) at Newcastle last October.

10. WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE (5)
Harry Davies | James Owen

Runner-up to The Lion In Winter in the Acomb Stakes at York, when Ruling Court was half a length behind him in third, and then went on to take the Group 2 Royal Lodge over this course and distance.

Ended his juvenile campaign with a well-held third in the Futurity at Doncaster and was no match for Field Of Gold in the Craven on his reappearance when he was a bit fresh, racing keenly, but still performed well. A consistent type who should run his race but will likely fall short before probably going up in trip.

11. YAH MO BE THERE (4)
J P Spencer | R Spencer

The lowest rated in the field but is a useful colt and a Listed winner at two who has a turn of foot. However, he was unable to land a blow when fifth in the Greenham and although a step up in trip might conjure up a little improvement, he is well up against it here.

Carries the colours of Phil Cunningham whose Cockney Rebel won this back in 2007.

MIKE CATTERMOLE’S VERDICT

It has to be FIELD OF GOLD after that brilliant Craven win and with the promise of more to come. He was described that day as “a monster” by Kieran Shoemark whose partnership with John and Thady Gosden can be properly cemented with success in this.

There will be no prouder man than Gosden senior if he finally completes his complement of British Classics while sharing the licence with his son.

Ruling Court is taken to chase him home and I also expect Scorthy Champ to be involved with Expanded and Green Impact shaping nicely for the season ahead.

A strong renewal of the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up and Horses in Training Sale on Thursday concluded with a 155,000 guineas CALYX filly heading eight lots to realise 100,000 guineas or more in the ‘breeze up’ section. A record 42 lots realised 50,000 guineas or more and the median was a record-equalling 30,000 guineas. The ‘horses in training’ section of the sale saw turnover of 1,442,700 guineas and a clearance rate of 91%.

Middleham Park Racing Strike for Albany Stud’s Calyx Filly at 155,000 Guineas

The highest priced lot of the day was the CALYX filly consigned by Albany Stud who was knocked down to Middleham Park Racing for 155,000 guineas with bloodstock agent Alex Elliott the underbidder.

Albany Stud’s Paul Commins was reduced to tears after the sale of the homebred filly which was the best breeze up result enjoyed by the stud to date. Albany Stud purchased the filly’s dam LAMSA for 3,200 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale and she has since bred four winners for the family-run operation, who have just a handful of mares and breezed only two two-year-olds this spring.

This sale was the conclusion of a long-term plan held by the family with Paul Commins, who works alongside his father Don on the Thurles farm, revealing:

“When this filly was a foal we decided to breeze her. We never entered in a foal or a yearling sale. Everything has always been so easy for her, she has never come off the bridle at home. When she came back from the breeze she bit me when waiting for her food! She is so laid back you would not think she is a sprinter, she is so laid back she goes to sleep.”

Of expectations, he revealed: “After her breeze we were quietly confident and knew that we had done ok, we were hopeful of a good time and it was better than expected. We didn’t really have a figure but the right people came to her door.”

“The second she was born my father said she was fast! He fell in love with her and almost lived inside her stable. I really do think she is good, and I have been saying all week she is an Ascot filly!”

That view was shared by purchaser Middleham Park Racing as Tom Palin joked: “We bought her from Albany Stud, let’s hope she wins the race of the same name in six weeks!”

He added: “She is a stunning filly, we thought she breezed particularly well. Sadly, we recently lost Malc, a Craven Breeze Up purchase and a Calyx colt we had with Richard Fahey. He finished second in the Norfolk Stakes for us and he is a sire we have always liked, Richard has done well with the sire, so we thought it was right to bring another back to Richard and by Calyx.

“She was an obvious one really, she has a lot of size and substance, timed well and ticked all the boxes. We had to stretch a bit more than we wanted, but this sales season has been very hard to get stuck in, so you have to be a bit punchy on the ones you want. She is a queen and is a standout physically.”

In addition to Group 2 Norfolk Stakes second MALC, Middleham Park Racing’s lengthy record of success from Tattersalls breeze up sales includes Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye winner THE PLATINUM QUEEN who was purchased for 57,000 guineas at the Guineas Breeze Up Sale and subsequently sold for 1,200,000 guineas at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale.

150,000 Guineas Ten Sovereigns Colt Leads Excellent Day for Knockgraffon Stables

Stephen Byrne’s Knockgraffon Stables enjoyed an excellent day in the Tattersalls sales ring headed by a colt by TEN SOVEREIGNS who realised 150,000 guineas to Rabbah Bloodstock. The March-born colt is a grandson of the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes winner LONG LASHES, a half-sister to the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap winner COMBATANT.

“He was bred by Michael Downey and he sent him to us in November, and we broke him and prepped him for the sale,” revealed Stephen. “Michael has been a great client for us over the years. The horse was very straightforward and has taken everything here like a champ, and did a savage breeze.

“We don’t clock them at home, but his work at home has always been very good and it was a pleasant surprise to see him go so well. We are just delighted that it all fell into place for Michael, and I’d just like to thank all who were bidding on him.”

Knockgraffon Stables had earlier enjoyed an excellent pinhooking result with their LOPE Y FERNANDEZ filly, purchased for 8,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale and sold for 92,000 guineas to Highflyer Bloodstock, and Byrne added: “She was brilliant over here, breezed great and is a queen. I am delighted Tessa Greatrex got her and hopefully she is lucky for them.”

The filly’s dam BURNT FINGERS is the dam of five winners from five runners and Byrne joked: “She will be six from six next, and will have a bit of black-type too!”

Knockgraffon also sold a SAXON WARRIOR filly for 80,000 guineas to Spanish Champion trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta and a KODI BEAR filly for 40,000 guineas to JS Bloodstock/Pythia Sports/T Clover Racing, concluding the sale as leading consignor with four lots sold for 362,000 guineas.

Ghrghar Strikes for Mehmas Colt at 145,000 Guineas

The GS Bloodstock consigned MEHMAS colt was predicted to be one of the day’s highlights and duly did not disappoint in the sales ring, selling for 145,000 guineas to an online bid by Omar Esmil Ghrghar and Global Equine. GS Bloodstock is comprised of jockeys Gary Halpin and Sean Davis with the duo making their consigning debut at the Craven Breeze Up Sale in 2023.

A delighted Davis reported: “He was bred by Noel O’Callaghan of Mountarmstrong Stud and he has been a massive supporter of us. We are delighted that the colt has rewarded his breeder, he has been a brilliant horse to do all winter. He clocked a good time and did a very good breeze – but he has been doing that all winter. We are excited about him and I really hope he goes on and is lucky for his purchaser – I think they have bought a very nice horse.”

He added: “The Mehmas horses have great minds, they are professional and are athletes. He has been so easy to do since he got here – made our job easy! I can’t thank his breeder enough for sending such a nice horse our way.”

The February-foaled colt is out of the SHOWCASING mare ORANGE BLOSSOM, a half-sister to the Group 3 Cornwallis Stakes winner GOOD VIBES and the Japanese Listed winner YAKUSHIMA.

Burke Secures Veblen Good for 110,000 Guineas

The highest priced lot of the Horses in Training section of the sale was the promising three-year-old VEBLEN GOOD who was offered by Consign Ltd. and knocked down for 110,000 guineas to trainer Karl Burke, bidding online.

Previously trained by Burke, the son of STARSPANGLEDBANNER finished second on debut at Sandown in September before breaking his maiden at Wolverhampton over five furlongs in October. He was beaten just a head on his only start this season at Pontefract in April over six furlongs by the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup entry STRONG WARRIOR.

“He ran great on his last start and is a real progressive sort,” Burke commented. “Hopefully he can step up to some black-type, and the plan is to go to Newbury in a couple of weeks for a Listed race.”

Bred by Mountarmstrong Stud & Alexander B/Stock and previously raced by Mountarmstrong’s Noel, Paul & Charles O’Callaghan, VEBLEN GOOD is a half-brother to the Group placed NOCHE MAGICA out of a half-sister Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes winner and dual Group 1 placed ANTHEM ALEXANDER and successful sire DANDY MAN.

Chairman’s Statement

At the conclusion of the 2025 Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up and Horses in Training Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented;

“The momentum from the recent, record-breaking Craven Breeze Up Sale has been well and truly carried into the Guineas Breeze Up and Horses in Training Sale, which has seen a record number of 50,000 guineas lots and a record-equalling median for the breeze up section. Buyers continue to be drawn to a sale whose recent results include three individual Group/Grade 1 winners and 42 Group or Listed performers since 2022 – arguably making it the best value breeze-up sale in Europe.

“We have welcomed a diverse and international group of buyers to Tattersalls – a hallmark of our sales at Park Paddocks. This follows promotional visits in recent months to America, Australia, Bahrain, Dubai, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Norway, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Sweden in conjunction with our extensive network of overseas representatives.

“We now look forward to the Tattersalls July Sale, Europe’s leading midsummer sale, which offers buyers an enticing mix of top-class horses in training and high-quality breeding stock on the eve of the July Festival at Newmarket Racecourse.”

Tattersalls.com

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The picture shows the last grey to win the Kentucky Derby. (Picture: The Vault: Horseracing Past and Present)