Turf Talk Newsletter – 04 September, 2026

The African Betting Clan 20th Anniversary Pinnacle Stakes has a lot of pace and could pan out well for Cosmic Speed (JC Photos)

The African Betting Clan 20th Anniversary Pinnacle Stakes over 1450m is the headliner at Turffontein Inside on Saturday and Cosmic Speed could be the one to beat.

Cosmic Speed is a Gr 1 wfa winner over a mile and is full of class. He has speed and is ideally distance suited. He is only 1 kg under sufferance with the best weighted males in this race. This is his seasonal reappearance and he did well last year in the equivalent outing, although that was a much easier race than this one. However, he does have a good draw and it could pan out well for him as there is a lot of speed on his inside. Mastership is the only one who can scupper his chances of getting into the box seat behind Parisian Walkway and I’m A Fireball. If it pans out well for Cosmic Speed, which it should do, then he should go close under Keagan de Melo.

The five-year-old Ideal World gelding Parisian Walkway is having his third run after a long rest and has run very well in his last two starts over 1600m. He looks to be ideally suited to this course and distance as a strong front running type and he should be cherry ripe. He looks to be off a competitive mark and under the Pinnacle Conditions of the race is one of the joint best-weighted male runners. He has pole position and should be a big runner under a jockey who knows him well, Diego De Gouveia. The concern is whether the other front-running types in the race, I’m A Fireball, will take him on.

I’m a fireball is ideally suited to this distance and has a good draw.
He has not un for three months, but has a has run well fresh before. He is also a front-running to handy sort and there is the worry that there will be a duel up front with Parisian Walkway.

Texas Red is another classy sort who is likely ideally distant suited, but he does make his seasonal reappearance and he has a wide draw. He has run well fresh before over this trip.

Money Heist has some class but has a tricky draw and also makes his seasonal reappearance.

The best weighted runner is Indian Ocean, who will likely find this too sharp. She is running fresh and could cause problems by going to the front to join Parisian Walkway and I’m A Fireball. If she does it would play further into the hands of Cosmic Speed and Mastership.

Mastership is a nice type who is ideally distance suited and he has a plum draw of two. He could end up in the box seat and in that case his big stride could carry him into contention.

There is also a MR96 handicap over 1600 meters and in this race Ariovistus can make amends for his narrow defeat last time. He looked the winner in that race until Olympian Gold rallied to overtake him again and the latter franked the form by winning next time out. Ariovistus was given a three point raise, but he is only 2kg worse off with Master Christmas for a 4,70 length beating. Master Christmas ran a good second subsequent to that race and could be the main danger with Keagan de Melo up, although he does have a tricky draw of six. Prince Of Kildare is in fine form and should be in the shake up despite a tricky draw. World Of Royalty has some class and should be coming into his own. He is making his seasonal reappearance, but running fresh over a trip on the sharp side augurs well, although he does have a tough draw. Secret Chord one in good style from the front last time and from a good draw off a three point higher mark he should make a bold bid over an ideal course and distance. Command Pilot and Robert Browning can’t be ignored in this line up.

In the first leg of the pick 6 over1800m Life And Letters is a hard-knocking, improving sort who should go close from a nice draw. Sword of Light should relish the step up in trip and should be running on from a wide draw. Nikki’s Law is by Legislate out of a Silvano mare and should enjoy the step up in trip, so is interesting in her second start on the Highveld, having had some decent form in the strong centre of Cape Town.

In the fifth race over 1500 meters Brave Waam is a progressive sort who should be ideally distance suited and he could be hard to catch from the front over this course and distance. Winds of Grace is way better than her last start and could make a bold bid from pole position with Gavin Lerena up over a suitable course and distance. Bay Empire is in fine form and should be right there again, although he does have to overcome a tricky draw and a four point raise for finishing second last time.

In the seventh race over 1000m Sergeant Soqrat has been knocking hard and from a good draw and with a 2,5kg claimer up he should be right there. Echoes Of War is better than his last start and with in-form 4 kg claimer Anaas Mosaheb up he could be a big runner. Taking A Risk is knocking on the door and can be in the shake up if overcoming a wide draw.

In the eighth over 1200 meters Sakura Hanami is a consistent sort who could be on the up and from a good draw she should make a bold bid off a five point higher mark as the form of her last win has worked out well. Keagan de Melo up is a bonus. Highwayman Harry is a nice progressive of sort, but does have a tough draw to overcome. Stoneywood is off a competitive mark over a suitable trip and from a plum draw with a 2,5kg claimer up he can be in the shake up. Traditional Belief is half-a-kilogram better off with Stoneywood for a one length beating and she has pole position, so should be right there. Lonely As A Cloud is in good form and has in-form 4kg claimer Anaas Mosaheb up, but he does have a tough draw.

In the first race over 1450m Celtic Manor should fight it out with Empress Of Peace.

In the second over 1800m Uncle Bob is in hard-knocking form and from a wide draw over an ideal trip can be dropped out before running on under Gavin Lerena.

Turffontein Inside Saturday 5 September 2026 – Comments by Brendan Gaillard

RACE 1

CELTIC MANOR showed enough promise as a 2yo to suggest she will be winning soon. She acquitted herself well in defeat against winners when last seen and won’t have to improve much to make a winning reappearance. EMPRESS OF PEACE and NORTHERN EUROPEAN have both the form and experience to expose any chinks in the selection’s armour. CHAMPAGNE AIR caught the eye on her 1200m comeback and should make her presence felt with this extended trip likely to suit. BE THE ONE completes the shortlist.

RACE 2

UNCLE BOB wouldn’t be winning out of turn after three consecutive seconds, the latest over this trip, and a repeat of that performance could suffice. DISDAIN and CLAIRWOOD BREEZE are lightly raced but have shown enough to be competitive, though the latter may be better over further. ECHO OF THE WILD can get into the picture too.

RACE 3

SWORD OF LIGHT stayed on well to finish a close-up 2nd over 1600m last time and need only confirm that improvement over this extended trip to go one better. LIFE AND LETTERS and LANTERI also filled the runners-up berth recently and should have roles to play with similar efforts. However, a bigger threat will likely come from experienced versatile maiden COMIC ARTIST whose rider’s 1.5kg allowance stands her in good stead. NICCI’S LAW made a pleasing Highveld debut and should improve to make her presence felt.

RACE 4

SECRET CHORD bounced back to form with a last-start victory over 1400m but runner-up MASTER CHRISTMAS is weighted to turn the tables over this extended trip on 1.5kg better terms. The latter’s stablemate, ARIOVISTUS, was 2nd at this level over the same trip last month and should be right in the thick of it once more. Hard-knockers COMMAND PILOT, ROBERT BROWNING and PRINCE OF KILDARE also have the means to make their presence felt.

RACE 5

FOSTINOVO deserves to get his head in front after back-to-back seconds but is worth opposing under top weight. Last-start winners BRAVE WAAM and REDLIGHTGREENLIGHT remain competitive under resultant penalties and can play leading roles. AINT NO DOUBT is closely matched with the latter on recent form and is weighted to pose more of a threat. BAY EMPIRE has been in good form at a slightly lower level but should acquit himself well, despite a 4-point penalty for his last-start 2nd.

RACE 6

COSMIC SPEED ran well in defeat from a wide draw in a 1200m Grade 1 at the end of last season and a repeat of that performance over this extended trip should suffice on his reappearance. Sparingly raced CHRONICLE KING has a good record racing fresh so must be respected. Last-start winner MONEY HEIST, runner-up PARISIAN WALKWAY and versatile TEXAS RED also have the means to make their presence felt. Recently gelded LEGEND OF ARTHUR and freshened MASTERSHIP are others to consider.

RACE 7

HAMMER BLOW and TAKING A RISK have solid form credentials over this trip at a higher level so both should have roles to play. The former is closely matched on recent form with SERGEANT SOQRAT who is weighted to be competitive with his rider’s 2.5kg weight allowance. However, preference is for TIME WILL TELL who was 2nd over track and trip in a stronger race recently and races off an unchanged mark.

RACE 8

Well-related STONEYWOOD returned to form with a good 2nd at this level last time off his current mark under the same rider and should fight out the finish with a similar performance. Recent winner SAKURA HANAMI carries a 5-point penalty but should remain competitive, along with BLINDFIRE who is most effective over 1000m but wouldn’t be winning out of turn after consecutive seconds. Stable companion LITTLE BOY BLUE is an interesting proposition on his Highveld debut so warrants respect. TRADITIONAL BELIEF bounced back to form last time and will have a role to play if confirming that improvement

World Series has been tipped to win the last race (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Alistair Cohen (Race Coast)

Some of the best two-year-old form from last season will be put to the test at a high level at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday in race 9 over 1250m. World Series had his fair share of hard luck during the KwaZulu-Natal winter season without ever being disgraced. He will run for the first time as a three-year-old against some classy individuals and a pleasing performance will go a long way to giving some long-term hints.

In fact, World Series has had an obscure career. Not many horses bluff trainer Vaughan Marshall but this guy did when he finished tailed off on debut when he was reported to show above average work. Second-up the mood was cooled and he romped taking winning jockey Gavin Lerena to the backstraight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. That is how well he won.

His KZN campaign was solid without a win to show for some excellent showings with all runs at Hollywoodbets Greyville. In the Race Coast Sales Slipper over 1200m he stayed on from near last to finish second behind the hugely talented Turn It Up. He then finished fourth in the Listed Ridgemont Gatecrasher Stakes behind Viking Leader. That was his flattest effort during winter but he finished ahead of Erik Dubios and Green Energy and on the coattails of Kazenoyoni who either won at Grade 1 level or was just off them at the highest scale. His third and final run in KZN in winter he jumped from a terrible gate of No 13 in the Grade 2 Tote Stakes and he still finished just over a length behind the unbeaten Fish Tales over 1200m.

Keagan de Melo has started the season with a point to prove. He rode World Series when last in action. He is back aboard. Vaughan Marshall has his string in great heart at the moment.

Witch Hazel clearly has a ton of ability. Trainer Lucinda Woodruff has dropped him back to 1250m after he fluffed his lines over 1400m last time, a trip he is yet to prove himself as effective over. His last win came over this course and distance when he accounted for double subsequent winner, Lyrical Gangster. He has looked impressive when he seals his wins and he must be taken seriously as a big danger.

Absolutely Yes won the Grade 3 Langermann as a two-year-old but he has not won since. A race that has traditionally given a big name. Over a year down the line he is hinting that he can come back to winning ways. At his best, he is more than capable. One would probably argue that he has not quite trained on.

Tag And Release is another newly turned three-year-old with some good numbers to boost his chances. Muzi Yeni with 52kg makes him an interesting proposition. However, his form might not be at the level of World Series. One can expect a decent effort nevertheless.

There is a mix of maidens on the card. Races 1 and 2 look fairly shallow and first timers could pick up success with any ability while race 3 looks very strong.

Le Soleil was smashed on debut by 11,15 lengths by subsequent Langermann winner, Aquae Calidae who looks sure to train on as opposed to the winner a year earlier. Le Soleil has not

been seen since his debut in late May so his fitness must be taken on trust. Richard Fourie is on this son of Vercingetorix out of Clouds Unfold in race 1 over 1250m. Any improvement would give him a chance.

Gunner Galactico looks like the horse to beat in race 2 over 1250m after running third on debut, 7,35 lengths behind the useful Like Dynamite. That was on a particularly soft track. The meeting did not finish. He has a neat draw of No 5 and being open to progress, he could be the right one. First timers in this race look more appealing so check the market on them.

Verse For Suzanne could be one of the best bred around. Also by Champion Sire, Vercingetorix, he is out of the mare, Oh Susanna who was Equus Horse Of The Year nearly a decade ago. Her debut was pleasing when third less than a length behind Merriment over 1250m at this course. She steps to 1400m in race 3 having given signs that she would relish an extra trip and she was dumb so she should come on plenty. Fourie is up for Snaith again.

The combination could score again in race 4 over 1400m with the handsome Mente Et Manu who is popping to win. His career was compromised slightly with breathing issues but those do not seem to hamper him anymore. They might have stopped him from being a top horse. His last run came over this distance at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth when he was just denied by Voorloopertjie. On that run he has Promettere, Three Tigers and It Is My Time well held.

Lovers Lane ran his best race for a while last time. He gets Craig Zackey in the irons and he must be given a good chance in race 5 over 1400m. He finished second behind October Fest over 1250m at this course. He went down by a head. This D Stakes has attracted the same regulars which often gives a taste of “if the race was run 10 times, it would produce 10 different results”. He just has most going for him with the Champion Jockey engaged.

Gin Palace was touched off by a short head by South Of France last time she was seen over this distance, down the road at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. She can go one better in race 6 over 1400m. Her trainer Piet Botha has turned his form around and comes into this meeting on the back on a wonderful August. Dezhan Louw is carded to ride. He is worth his 2,5kg claim.

Trainer Robert Barrett has started his career showing that he knows exactly what he is doing. He saddled Gold Index in race 7 over 2000m. His last win was easily his career best. From Draw No 13 he dropped in and he sauntered away in style. He has more in his favour taking on a similar field with draw No 4 and Richard Fourie aboard. It is tough to stamp a bread and butter seven-year-old as the best bet on the card. Gold Index stands out above his rivals.

Botha sends out Fog In Finland in race 8 over 1250m and she could show her credentials. Her last start came in the Listed Iridescence Stakes over 1500m at this course. She was not disgraced when she finished sixth, 4,4 lengths behind Grapes Of Wrath. She faces a decent field but the Louw claim could be the factor that swings things her way.

Star World could notch another win for Richard Fourie in Race 8 (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Mark van Deventer (Race Coast)

The official handicapper, understandably so, is criticized when getting ratings badly skewed. But, in principle, accurate handicapping makes for more competitive racing and a stimulating betting product. From an owner’s perspective it helps to prolong the careers of regressive horses as they drop down to lower levels where they still have a chance of earning stake money.

GOLD INDEX is a case in point. His highest merit rating was 84; he has won from marks of 53 and 59 recently and will be trying for a fifth career victory off a figure of 64. That task seems within his capabilities, given the fluency of his victory a month ago. Some rain before the weekend would give his claims a further boost.

Excellent, emerging trainer, Robbie Barret and established world class hoop, Richard Fourie click at a 60% win and 80% place strike rate, albeit from a small sample. They have teamed successfully before with GOLD INDEX and the seven-year-old Silvano gelding (not many of the great sire’s progeny are left) is well placed in a D Stakes over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. It is carded as Race 7 on Sunday.

He will again need to get past likely leader, PHANTOM MAN, whilst RUN FOR COVER (who suffered a terribly wide trip last time) and the deep closer, MELA STRENGTH are weighted to get near to the selection.

Fourie, a 22% rider, has a strong book of rides. STAR WORLD in Race 8 looks like an especially live runner as Vaughan Marshall’s stable gets underway after a quieter spell during Winter, his One World filly ran on purposefully behind OCTOBER FEST 25 days ago; goes nicely at this venue and sports par numbers to win a Class 4 sprint.

FINAL CALL could be her biggest threat, having dashed home swiftly from dead last to stable mate, SPARKLING STAR. If positioned slightly closer to the speed, then Bass Racing’s What a Winter filly, ridden by apprentice Bungane, is entitled, on collateral form dating back to a clash in March over the course and distance, to give STAR WORLD a scare.

There are a few others in the lineup with legit claims. But going with those two is an exotic gamble which might just pay off.

BLACK CHEETAH is the tip in Race 9, a Class 3 over 1250m. The potential winning factor, a smooth trip stalking the pace from gate 2, the ideal tactical profile at this course.

BLACK CHEETAH should be primed third after a rest and Justin Snaith’s charge is by no means harshly treated off his current OMR of 88. His last start was a fine one when just mugged on the line by CHURCHILLIAN and represented a career top speed figure.

He is going around the Hollywoodbets Durbanville bends for the first time, though. And he faces some daunting opposition from WITCH HAZEL, WORLD SERIES, ABSOLUTELY YES, FIERY ROSE and OLIVER.

WITCH HAZEL was toppled at odds on last time by VOORLOOPERTJIE is a torridly run 1400 on a soft Hollywoodbets Kenilworth surface. Turning back to 1250m will suit as he was an impressive winner over LYRICAL GANGSTER in June over this C/D.

OLIVER won stylishly at this grade three weeks ago, finishing far too strongly for his sprint rivals after being held up to close late. He is drawn wide so will be conserved for a stretch run – executing those tactics requires luck in running. That said, in form trainer, Adam Marcus’s entry has a fine record at this course.

FIERY ROSE and ABSOLUTELY YES are front running speedballs. They will be pace factors, for sure.

WORLD SERIES is a smart 3YO, not far off the best of his generation despite being prejudiced by wide draws at Hollywoodbets Greyville. He is shortlisted.

Race 4 is a contentious B Stakes. Cases can be made for nifty Gimmethegreenlight filly, VIVA LA VIDA (officially best weighted) plus the pace pressers, MENTE ET MANU and IT IS MY TIME who come out of the afore-mentioned VOORLOOPERTJIE formline.

However, a spec bet is suggested on POMP IT UP, despite the obvious hindrance of the outside stall (8). There is plenty of speed signed on, (THREE TIGERS has also led in the past) and it may set up for a closer.

MARCUS AURELIUS has a zippy turn of foot and could also benefit from a pace meltdown, yet POMP IT UP gets the marginal verdict.

He has run good races to TOUCHED BY ANGELS, JET FORCE and GOLD GIBOSKI between 1200 and 1600m. A fast run seven panels should tee things up nicely, and his condition is liable to be much sharper at this, his second run after a rest and gelding.

Craig Zackey, as skilled a hold-up jockey as can be found in SA, rides. Powerhouse, trainer Justin Snaith has started the 2026/27 season with intent and can always be counted upon having at least a couple of winners on any day when meetings are scheduled at the Country Course.

Good Council wins last year’s Maiden Cup (MTC) 

GOOD COUNCIL BIDS FOR BACK-TO-BACK MAIDEN CUP GLORY:

Graeme Hawkins

A full field of 11 runners, including defending champion Good Council, line up for Sunday’s 2026 renewal of Mauritius’ most sought after trophy, the Phoenix Maiden Cup (G1). Uniquely, the Maiden Cup is the only race over 2400m on the annual racing calendar and this year’s field includes several entries who are unproven over the trip. That, however, is obviously not the case in respect of last year’s winner Good Council or the current market leader Future Swing, whose record in South Africa included a third-place finish in the 2025 World Pool Gold Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Although Future Swing is a firm favourite to land top honours, I am leaning towards Good Council but clearly neither would be winning out of turn.

Rapidash, stable companion to Future Swing, completed his preparation with a good second behind Tamarisk Tree in the 2200m Golden Trophy with Future Swing finishing further back in fourth spot. However, that was Future Swing’s first run since November last year and his first on the tight Champ De Mars layout. He is likely to improve significantly with the benefit of that run under the belt, but he can at times be a little head-strong which could potentially make life difficult for jockey Donovan Mansour.

Tamarisk Tree unfortunately suffered a setback following his victory in the Golden Trophy and the Foo-Kune family’s hopes of securing their first ever Maiden Cup success now lie with Superior Force and Selukwe.

The first of eight very competitive races is due to get under way at 10:15 SA time.

Race 1: (10:15) – BM26 Handicap – 1650m:

Lava County has the form and ability to win a race of this nature but needs to jump on terms. The 4yo son of Erupt has been reschooled after losing many lengths at the start last time but only the race will show whether this has had the desired effect. Indigenous (Orffer) was a good winner of his most recent outing and can follow up here. The step-up in trip should prove ideal for the very well-bred son of Danon Platina. Lomu (Schwarz) is improving steadily and is likely to take another step forward in this limited company. Brand New World (Joorawon) looks safely held by Lava County provided the latter gets away to a reasonable start. Grande Rosalie (Sooful) is none too consistent but can make the frame.

Betting: 15/10 Lomu; 2/1 Indigenous; 7/2 Lava County; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) Indigenous, (1) Lava County, (4) Lomu, (5) Grande Rosalie.

Race 2: (10:50) – BM41 Handicap – 1450m – (1st Leg Place Accumulator):

A small but evenly matched field of six runners face the starter for the opening leg of the Place Accumulator. There appears little to choose between the consistent performers Warbird (Van Niekerk) and Tsunami Warning (Orffer) while Iko Iko (Nunes), a beaten odds-on favourite last time, has a bright chance of making amends here. Zacatoo (Brandon Louis) is very useful at best, while both Ibhele (Curatolo) and the improving Boom Town (Sooful) are not without winning claims in what should be a keenly contested finish.

Betting: 17/10 Iki Iko; 33/10 Warbird; 9/2 Ibhele, Boom Town; 7/1 Tsunami Warning, Zacatoo.

Selection: (2) Tsunami Warning, (3) Iko Iko, (1) Warbird, (4) Ibhele.

Race 3: (11:25) – Lower Division Stakes – 990m – (1st Leg Pick 6):

That’ll B The Day (Taka) is very quick and reverts to the minimum trip following consecutive victories over 1365m. Mind Map (Curatolo) is a very genuine three-time winner and is ideally distance suited. Siriano (Van Niekerk) looks a decent sort in the making and was a good winner of his last start over further. He may be a little outpaced early but should be running on strongly at the finish. Smith And Wesson has cracked pole position and has done enough recently to suggest his first win on the Island is not too far away. William Rufus (Schwarz) is seldom far back and could have a say in the outcome while Grand Bay (Danielson) was a good second over track and trip a month ago and rates an obvious threat in another very competitive heat.

Betting: 28/10 Siriano, That’ll B The Day; 7/2 Smith And Wesson; 13/2 Grand Bay, Mind Map; 7/1 William Rufus; 33/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (8) That’ll B The Day, (7) Mind Map, (6) Siriano, (5) Smith And Wesson.

Race 4: (12:00) – BM56 Handicap – 1400m:

Salt ‘N Peppa (Nunes) is very highly regarded by the stable and bids for his third consecutive victory. Most recently, Salt ‘N Peppa just held off War Chariot (Louis) by a rapidly diminishing nose and on 1kg better terms War Chariot will have every chance of turning the tables. Monumental (Danielson) was third in that same race and could be held again while Isikwishikwishi (Van Niekerk) was a touch unlucky in his most recent outing and would not be winning out of turn. Singleton Sam (Curatolo), a winner over 1600m in South Africa, makes his local debut for the Allet stable and the market may be the best guide to his chances.

Betting: 13/10 Salt ‘N Peppa; 16/10 War Chariot; 5/1 Isikwishikwishi; 10/1 Monumental; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Salt ‘N Peppa, (2) War Chariot, (5) Isikwishikwishi, (3) Monumental.

Race 5: (12:40) – BM31 Handicap – 990m – (1st Leg Jackpot):

Holds The Key (Van Niekerk) scored a last gasp victory over the trip last week and clearly came out of that race in fine fettle. In his previous start Holds The Key was narrowly denied by Bombardier Boy who re-opposes here under Ryan Curatolo and there should again be little to choose between the pair. Diamond Days (Danielson) was ultra impressive when winning over the minimum trip on his local debut back in May. In his subsequent three outings over 1365m, Diamond Days tended to over-race and the decision to revert to 990m may prove decisive. Mystery Cache (Louis) has ability but can ill afford to give ground at the start, as has been the case in his last two outings, while Not In Doubt (Ramsamy) has a clear chance of making the frame from a neat draw.

Betting: 18/10 Bombardier Boy; 22/10 Holds The Key; 28/10 Diamond Days; 6/1 Not in Doubt; 14/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Diamond Days, (7) Holds The Key, (5) Bombardier Boy, (3) Not In Doubt.

Race 6: (13:20) – The Phoenix Maiden Cup G1 (WFA) – 2400m:

Defending Champion Good Council (Schwarz) has enjoyed a good prep leading into the 2026 renewal of the Phoenix Maiden Cup and it’s fair to suggest that the 7yo son of Oratorio sets the standard. It’s very much in his favour that Good Council is a straight forward and uncomplicated ride, and his followers should get a solid run for their money. Future Swing (Mansour) proved his worth as an above average stayer in South Africa and, as the betting suggests, is widely expected to make a bold bid for top honours. Stable companion Rapidash (Orffer) was not disgraced in the 2200m Golden Trophy when runner-up to Tamarisk Tree and is clearly one of the leading lights in this maximum field of 11 starters. Tamarisk Tree is unfortunately an absentee from the Maiden Cup and the Hewitson stable’s hopes now rest with the bang-in-form Superior Force (Nunes) and the talented but seemingly out-of-form Selukwe (Ramsamy). Superior Force takes a steep rise in class here but has continued to catch the eye in training while Selukwe can bounce back if he can be settled and ridden with restraint. Bacchus (Louis), Bounceback (Van Niekerk) and Courtly (Danielson) appear the pick of the balance.

Betting: 12/10 Future Swing; 33/10 Rapidash; 5/1 Good Council, Superior Force; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (2) Good Council, (1) Future Swing, (3) Rapidash, (6) Superior Force.

Race 7: (14:05) – BM71 Handicap – 1400m:

This high level handicap has attracted a good field of 8 runners but on best form the market leader Zoomie (Danielson) could prove a tough nut to crack. The 6yo son of Querari was a facile winner of his penultimate start over 1400m and subsequently lost nothing in defeat when runner-up to the classy Havana Moon over 1500m. Zoomie’s cause is assisted by the fact that both Gimmeanotherchance and The Grey King are poorly drawn but either of Arveen Nagadoo’s runners could prove good enough to upset the favourite. Formagear (Orffer) is usually there and thereabouts while Royal Wulff (Curatolo) tends to be slow away, but possesses a fine turn of acceleration and he should be storming home in the closing stages. Captain Lannister (Mansour) has been below par in his last two starts but there were valid excuses and he could bounce back here.

Betting: 13/10 Zoomie; 9/2 Royal Wulff; 6/1 Formagear; 7/1 Captain Lannister; 15/2 The Grey King; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (5) Zoomie, (4) Royal Wulff, (3) Formagear, (6) Gimmeanotherchance.

Race 8: (14:45) – BM26 Handicap – 1650m:

Fear Of Fire (Nunes) caught the eye on his local debut when second to Blown Away over 1365m and the 4yo son of Fire Away is likely to progress nicely over this trip. Trick Or Tequila (Mansour) is very consistent and ideally distance suited. He should make his presence felt in a big way. Dance To The Sun (Louis) was only half-a-length behind Trick Or Tequila a month ago and the 4yo son of Trippi is open to further improvement. Amancio (Danielson) is limited but could make the frame in this line-up.

Betting: 8/10 Fear Of Fire; 5/2 Trick Or Tequila; 8/1 Amancio; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (2) Fear Of Fire, (5) Dance To The Sun, (6) Trick Or Tequila, (1) Amancio.

Betting correct at 17:00 on Thursday 3 September.

Suggested Pick 6 (Races 3-8):

5,6,7,8 x 2,4,5 x 4,5,7 x 1,2,3,4,6 x 5 x 2 (R180)

The At The Races ambassador unpacks four big handicaps at Ascot on Saturday plus the two feature events at Haydock and Kempton.

EASIER GROUND THE KEY TO ALMERAQ

ALMERAQ is on a retrieval mission after flopping in the July Cup, but he can clinch his second Group 1 of the season in the Betfair Sprint Cup (16H40 SA Time) at Haydock Park on Saturday.

A combination of the fast ground on an undulating track may have been his downfall at Newmarket, but my husband Tom (Marquand) reports his mount fresh and well for an assignment he should relish.

Shadwell’s colt came of age in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and has proven form on soft ground, which I expect will bring the best out of him.

Clive Cox’s Coppull looked a colt going places when stepping up to 7f to win the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury and arrives at Haydock in rude health. He’s a Group 1 winner in waiting but he’s never encountered soft ground before which will raise a question mark if he takes his chance.

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Winning Ovation has been tipped to win the 7th (Picture: HKJC)

At The Races’ racing expert Tim Carroll has selections, analysis and a tricast for Sunday’s opening meeting of the Hong Kong season at Sha Tin.

This Sunday sees the opening meeting of the season in the shape of a highly-competitive 10-race card at Sha Tin which starts at 6H30 SA Time

The feature of the meeting is race 3, the Group 3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup over 6f, which sees the return of the world’s best horse in Ka Ying Rising, who will be using the race as a springboard before heading over to Australia to defend his Everest crown.

Now onto this week’s selections…

Click here for a detail analysis on the entire meeting

Urban Sea, dam of the great stallion Galileo and of the Arc winner Sea The Stars, wins the Arc in 1993 

European Pattern Committee approve major change to ParisLongchamp showpiece.

At The Races

Next year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be open to geldings after the European Pattern Committee approved a proposal from France Galop that will see a significant change to Europe’s premier middle-distance contest.

Staged on the first Sunday in October, the ParisLongchamp showpiece attracts some of the best horses from around the world, but the decision to bar geldings from the race has been the subject of much debate for several years.

High-profile recent examples of top-class geldings who may have otherwise run in the race include Francis-Henri Graffard’s pair of Goliath and Calandagan, with the latter ending last year as the world’s highest-rated racehorse after winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, the King George and the Champion Stakes at Ascot and becoming the first overseas runner in 20 years to win the Japan Cup.

“The European Pattern Committee’s decision is an important milestone in the consultation and decision-making process initiated by France Galop,” said France Galop president Guillaume de Saint-Seine in the wake of the meeting in Berlin.

“The EPC’s support confirms the soundness of our approach. Opening the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to geldings is driven by a straightforward objective: to ensure that France’s greatest race brings together the best horses – colts, fillies and, from 2027, geldings. We are convinced that this change will make the race even more compelling on the track and further strengthen its international profile and media appeal.”

Despite the confidence of France Galop officials, leading figures in the racing world such as Aidan O’Brien, Andre Fabre and John Magnier spoke out against it when news of the proposal first emerged.

Speaking after seeing Benvenuto Cellini win the Irish Derby at the Curragh, Magnier said: “I hope they don’t let the geldings into the Arc. I think most of the purists would be against it.

“There are two sides to every coin, but I’m only giving it from the breeding side and from the breed as a whole. The Arc is one of the real races and it won’t be any more if you include geldings.

“My father-in-law (Vincent O’Brien) used to always say that if he was training a yard of geldings the bookmakers would be in worse trouble!”

Fabre has won the Arc on a record eight occasions. Speaking after France Galop board members have voted to remove the restrictions from 2027 in June, he told the Press Association: “I am firmly against it – I cannot see any benefit.

“It is true that the last few winners have not gone on to be successful stallions, apart from Sea The Stars (2009), but we need more stallions not less.

“The Arc is always a big field so that is not the reason and will agree that a gelding is much easier to train than a colt – it is an advantage.

“I’m a big fan of tradition and do not like to break it without a serious reason. Just because there are one or two horses horses who are better gelded, it would be a shame.”