Turf Talk Newsletter – 07 August, 2026

Ariovistus will appreciate the step up in trip to 1600m and can follow up on his win over 1400m last time (JC Photos)

One of the highest rated races at the Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday is a MR 95 Handicap over 1600m and Ariovistus could follow up on his last win over 1400m.

Ariovistus’ two wins in the Cape before joining the Tony Peter yard on the Highveld were over 1950m and he duly won on debut over on the Highveld over 2000m. However, last time out he was put in a 1400m race and led from start to finish. He won by 1,50 lengths and looked to have a bit in hand at the finish, so the three point raise he was given could have been lenient. He jumps from pole position, so if jumping well will have the opportunity to repeat the front-running tactics. Trombolines is in good form and jumps from draw two. He could build on his win over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last time, especially considering he finished three lengths behind the talented Erroll Flynn the last time he ran over 1600m. On some collateral formlines he has Arivistus’s measure, but the question is how much in hand the latter had last time. Oklahoma Smokeshow led last time over this trip and only just failed. He might come over from draw six and give Ariovistus a tow. The latter is quite versatile in running style and can come from off the pace. Those are the three who make most appeal.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is over 1800m and Philasane Mxoli has opted to ride The Equator at the expense of Palace Prince. He partnered The Equator to victory over this course and distance last time. The Equator is known as a one-paced sort, but when held up in that last race time he turned it on well and can repeat the feat from a pole position draw. The concern is he is 1,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted horse’s King’s Express and Royal Invitation. Palace Prince fought well last time to get up over 1600m from Oklahomo Smokeshow. He is by Potala Palace out of a Jam Alley mare who won five times from 1600m up to 2000m, so this first attempt beyond a mile will be interesting. Carrying just 50kg he is only half-a-kilogram out with the two best-rated horses. Hawkbill is 2kg better off with The Equator for a 0,80 length beating, so has a fine chance if able to overcome a a tricky daw of six out of seven.

In the fifth race over 1160m Kudikaran was unfortunately scratched from a Gr 2 Juvenile race over 1200m on World Pool Gold Cup day after getting loose at the start and he could prove his ability here. He finished third in the Gr 1 Gold Medallion over 1200m last time and although he was beaten 6,40 lengths the two in front of him, Haute Couture and Rich Man’s World, look to be top class. The form of that race has worked out well too and he has a middle draw. Vibe SA is drawn on the right side for a change and will have a fine chance over an ideal course and distance. He is three points higher than his last win, but he was drawn low on that occasion. Espinoza ran well from a high draw last time over course and distance and he has another high draw, so should be in the shake up.

In the sixth race over 1600m Secret Life had to be used to some extent to overcome a wide draw over 1400m last time and she nearly made all. She wasn’t stopping and looks likely to enjoy the step up in trip from a plum draw this time of two. The winner of that race, Concordia, has a tricky draw of six this time and is 2kg worse off for a 1,40 length beating. However, she did run on well in that race and looks to have turned the corner. Pretty Analia is drawn well and can usually be relied on to produce a strong finish from well off the pace.

In the eighth over 1600m, American Beauty has a plum draw of two and can be another horse to follow up on her win last time over 1400m for which she got a four point raise. She has won over 1800m before and should relish the step up in trip. It is her third run after a layoff and she won from start to finish last time and is now better drawn, so should go close. Into Dancing is in fine form and looks to be coming into her own so can overcome a four point raise over a trip which is just as much to her liking as the 2000m was last time. Sikeloi is knocking hard and if able to overcome a tricky draw should be right there, although she has been given four points in all for her two successive second place finishes.

In the last race over 1400m Zip Code has pole position and is ideally distance suited, so could make a bold bid off a merit rating which looks competitive. Bay Empire won well last time and looks capable of overcoming a three point raise, but he would probably prefer 1600m. Spy Story should have come non from his last run and shoulkd enjoy the step up in trip so can do well off a mark which has come down a lot from when he last ran over this trip.

In the third race over 1160m Hot Choice made a good debut and can go close from a nice high draw. Be All You Can Be should be in the shake up and Destiny’s Dream went close in her only run over this course and distance so also has a chance.

In the second over 1400m From The Get Go has some fair Cape Town form and looks the one to beat, although he will have to overcome as tricky draw. Royale Jacket makes most appeal of the rest.

In the first over 1000m Meghan’s Diamond will enjoy the step down in trip and should go close.

Max The Magician is in good form but looks to have another tricky draw (JC Photos)

Turffontein Standside Saturday formguides and selections

At The Races

1 12:10 PM – 4Racing & ROA Wishes The Ladies Happy Women’s Day Maiden Plate (F & M)
MEGHAN’S DIAMOND may have found 1300m a touch too far last time after an encouraging Highveld debut over 1160m, so this shorter trip should be more to her liking. MIDNIGHT SPECIAL showed promise in both starts over this distance as a 2yo and won’t need to improve much to fight out the finish. ELEGANT EDGE and MASTER’S LADY have the form and experience to be competitive, while PLATINUM SHAY need only confirm the improvement of her last start to make their presence felt too.

Top Tip: Meghan’s Diamond (1)
Watch out for: Elegant Edge (2)

2 12:45 PM – Candice Dawson Maiden Plate
SHINING SUN was gelded after an underwhelming 2yo debut but made an encouraging reappearance as a gelding in a winners’ race last season. He won’t need to improve much on that effort to open his account, with the step up to this trip likely to suit. ROYALE JACKET and SEVENTH FLEET have the form and experience to trouble the youngster but less scope to improve. Highveld newcomer FROM THE GET GO and recently gelded MOETHEMONEYMAN warrant respect, as does first-timer MIRUM who is worth a market check on debut.

Top Tip: Royale Jacket (1)
Watch out for: From The Get Go (2)

3 1:20 PM – Tammy Dawson Maiden Plate (F & M)
HOT CHOICE outran market expectations when staying on to finish 2nd on debut over 1160m. On the evidence of that performance she should have more to offer over this extended trip with that experience to count on. EMPRESS OF PEACE, DESTINY’S DREAM and BE ALL YOU CAN BE have shown enough to challenge the selection, so they should be competitive. Highveld newcomers FUTURE RED and NICCI’S LAW also have the means to make their presence felt.

Top Tip: Future Red (1)
Watch out for: Nicci’s Law (2)

4 1:55 PM – Dianne Stenger Pinnacle Stakes THE EQUATOR won a similar contest over track and trip last month. HAWKBILL and FIRE ‘N FLAMES are weighted to turn the tables on their last-start conqueror but the selection remains open to improvement in his peak outing so is taken to defy the 4-point penalty by winning again. KING’S EXPRESS is held on recent form but should make his presence felt, along with last-start winner PALACE PRINCE who benefitted from the fitting of a tongue-tie (retained).

Top Tip: The Equator (1)
Watch out for: King’s Express (2)

5 2:30 PM – Jeannique Vermeulen Mr 96 Handicap
MAX THE MAGICIAN, ESPINOZA, VIBE SA and ANTONIO GAUDI are closely matched on the form of a similar course-and-distance meeting recently, and there shouldn’t be much separating them again. DANTE’S BOND had legitimate excuses for finishing behind those rivals that day and remains capable of better, especially under last season’s champion apprentice. However, it could pay to follow the progress of newly turned 3yo KUDIKARAN whose last-start 3rd in a 2yo Grade 1 last terms reads well in the context of his handicap debut. He could be better than rated and is open to improvement. Good race!

Top Tip: Max The Magician (4)
Watch out for: Vibe Sa (5)

6 3:05 PM – Robyn Klaasen Fm 70 Divided Handicap (F & M)
Top-weight KORTVANDRAAD has performed consistently out of the maidens and wouldn’t be winning out of turn. She is closely matched with veteran mare PRETTY ANALIA on recent form so they could fight out the finish. Last-start winner CONCORDIA has a 4-point penalty to carry and has yet to prove effective over this trip, so a bigger threat to the principals could come from SECRET LIFE who is unexposed over this distance. EIGHT HATS and MASTER’S ROSE have earning potential too.

Top Tip: Kortvandraad (1)
Watch out for: Pretty Analia (2)

7 3:40 PM – Avory Shlain Wishes The Ladies Happy Women’s Day Mr 95 Handicap
TROMBOLINES has got his career back on track recently since fitted with a tongue-tie. He scored over 1400m in KZN last time and a 3-point penalty over this extended trip is unlikely to halt his progress. MASTER CHRISTMAS, ARIOVISTUS, OKLAHOMA SMOKESHOW and GRAN CANARIA boast solid form credentials and will keep the selection honest. OLYMPIAN GOLD and TEXAS MISSILE have scope to improve and can get into the picture too.

Top Tip: Master Christmas (1)
Watch out for: Texas Missile (2)

8 4:15 PM – Heather Adamson Fm 91 Divided Handicap (F & M)
Progressive INTO DANCING won over this trip in her penultimate start and defied a 3-point penalty to win over 2000m at this level last time. She copped another 4-point rise for that performance but that may not be enough to prevent her from completing a hat-trick. Fellow last-start scorer AMERICAN BEAUTY remains competitive and will likely pose a threat, with the shortlist completed by FIRE IN HER SOUL, MERRYWEATHER and SIKELOI.

Top Tip: Into Dancing (1)
Watch out for: American Beauty (2)

9 4:50 PM – Next Turffontein Racemeeting Sunday 16 August Mr 66 Handicap
This won’t take much winning so a 3-point penalty for his last-start success over 1600m should not halt the momentum of BAY EMPIRE, even over this shorter trip. ZIP CODE and MICHAEL FARADAY are hard-knockers with the form and experience at this level to trouble the selection. Filly DONDOYAKI, veteran mare CAN’T CATCH ME and SIX OF ALL (career-low mark) appeal most of the remainder.

Top Tip: Dondoyaki (2)
Watch out for: Michael Faraday (3)

Thunder Call is pictured winning under Zac Lloyd and has now been tipped to win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint under Jerry Chau of the Hong Kong team (Picture: Racing And Sports)

At The Races

1 2:35 PM SA Time – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash (Handicap)
Having produced another career-best triumph over C&D a fortnight ago, All Ways Glamorous must enter calculations in his bid to complete a hat-trick. However, a 5lb higher mark does demand more of the five-year-old, with reopposing sixth BOLO NEIGHS preferred. Ralph Beckett’s charge fared best of those racing on the near side that day and may exact his revenge off an unchanged mark. Tuco Salamanca is also of interest, for all that a drop in distance isn’t certain to suit.

Top Tip: Bolo Neighs (9)
Watch out for: All Ways Glamorous (6)

2 3:10 PM SA Time – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
MOUNTAIN ROAD relished a greater emphasis on stamina when scoring over 2m at Thirsk 69 days ago. The veteran scored with enough in hand to suggest that a 4lb rise from the assessor is workable and he’s relatively lightly raced for his age. Fellow seven-year-old Oneforthegutter lurks on a dangerous mark and he shouldn’t be underestimated, while the down-in-distance Lavender Hill Mob showed up well for a long way over 2m4f in the Ascot Stakes in June.

Top Tip: Mountain Road (6)
Watch out for: Oneforthegutter (8)

3 3:45 PM SA Time – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Insanity should appreciate this drop into 0-100 company and is fancied to prove a lot more competitive than his latest effort in the Duke Of Edinburgh at the Royal meeting. However, NIGHT BREEZE boasts a more consistent profile and sets the standard on his recent third in the Chesterfield Cup at Glorious Goodwood. Frances Ethel ended last year’s campaign with a good second at Lingfield and William Haggas’ mare could also play a part if performing to a similar level on her return.

Top Tip: Night Breeze (4)
Watch out for: Insanity (2)

4 4:20 PM SA Time – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint (Handicap)
THUNDER CALL’s winning run may have come to an end when third at Newmarket last time, but that was still an effort full of promise. William Haggas’ colt did best of those held up on that occasion and he makes plenty of appeal off the same mark. Red Spells Danger, who was fourth that day, is closely matched with the selection and is an obvious threat once again. May Angel is another to consider.

Top Tip: Thunder Call (9)
Watch out for: Red Spells Danger (4)

5 4:55 PM SA Time – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Hoseki merits the utmost respect following a hat-trick in recent months, although a 5lb rise for her latest win over C&D in July demands more from her. With that in mind, preference is for ARCHERS BAY. Marco Botti’s colt has been highly tried this year and caught the eye when fourth on his return to handicap company over 1m2f at Newmarket last month. He is likely to relish this step up in trip and a mark of 92 is clearly workable. Others to note are Blue Hercules, Royal Poetry and Level Look.

Top Tip: Archers Bay (1)
Watch out for: Hoseki (2)

6 5:30 PM SA Time – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile (Handicap) (Rnd)
Cerulean Bay has run well in defeat in some top handicaps this year, including when second in the Golden Mile at Goodwood last time, and he is likely to be in the mix once again. That said, he may have to settle for second behind EBT’S GUARD like he did in this contest 12 months ago. The latter got no luck in running when ninth in the same Goodwood contest eight days ago, but his fourth in the Hunt Cup here in June is a very strong piece of form. Bullet Point has yet to show his best this year but first-time cheekpieces may spark a revival.

Top Tip: Ebt’s Guard (5)
Watch out for: Cerulean Bay (1)

Picture: Scarlet McCaw has been tipped to win Race 7 (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday formguides and selections

R1 Preview: SCOTT’S BAR (7) has been up against tough opposition in his first two starts. He has had a short break but unless there is a first time ‘springer’ he rates the one to beat. The mare TIPPERARY (2) is a battling maiden but is better than her last effort and can run into the money. PRAETORIAN GUARD (6) has been well beaten in his two starts but faced a progressive colt in his second start and can improve. Of the first timers, ELUSIVE DIAMOND (5) could prove the pick. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-6-5).

R2 Preview: Many first timers. Best of those that have run may be ROCCO’S PEACE (1) who has improved with each outing and has run well on this course. XIPHOS (4) has been costly to follow and tends to lack extra when it counts. MAJESTIC LIMPOPO (6) showed some improvement in blinkers behind the promising Gimme A Fireball and can do better in this line-up. The well-bred BELLE GALLICO (9) could prove best of the debutantes. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-6-9).

R3 Preview: Competitive handicap. HOP HOP SPINNEKOP (6) came from well off the pace to fail narrowly last on this course. She has been in good form since her maiden win and should go close again. GOLD GOLD BABY (3) won well with first time blinkers last start on the poly. She has been in good form since her maiden win. TAYLOR’S VERSION (2) has useful form over course and distance and improved in blinkers. Another in with a strong winning chance. PRINCESS TRIPPI (5) was a recent maiden winner in modest company but had useful Maiden form to stronger. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-2-5).

R4 Preview: The betting should be your best guide with a number of runners stepping up in trip for the first time. However, JUDICIARY (8) made a promising debut over course and distance when finishing strongly behind the equally promising Sparrow Man. Visiting DREADNOUGHT (5) was a well-beaten second in his debut sprint but will much prefer this trip. DEONARIE (6) has been ultra consistent and yet to finish out of the money. This trip should suit. OLD HARRY ROCKS (3) was a beaten favourite last run. He is another to show promise and another that should be suited by a step up in trip. (Andrew Harrison: 8-5-6-3).

R5 Preview: Visiting PARISIAN WALKWAY (3) is by far the best weighted. He made a smart return after a lengthy break and if anywhere near his best he should be hard to beat. POWERANDTHEGLORY (4) has run two smart races on the poly and won well under a big weight last run. He should feature. BANGLADESH (5) has it all to do at the weights. He makes his turf debut but could still be under the handicappers radar. CAPTAIN WEST (6) was close-up behind Zeitz in a useful field last time out and has some smart Cape form over the trip. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-6-5)

R6 Preview: Wide open. JAZZ FESTIVAL (5) is long overdue another win. He runs well on this course and although shouldering a fair weight he takes a big drop in class and he can finally get rewarded. MISTER NIBBLES (2) also takes a big drop in class and gets a 4kg claimer aboard. He showed up well in first time cheek pieces and can feature. RUN TO RIO (11) steps up in trip but has gone close on this course and has a good chance in this line-up. GALAXY EXPLORER (1) needed his last run after a lengthy break and has a chance on his previous showings. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-11-1).

R7 Preview: SCARLET MACAW (3) has a big weight but has been up against much stronger at her last two and could prove difficult to beat. Stable companion LILAC IN WINTER (6) has won her last two on this course and has a handy weight which could make her a danger. LA LANDONNE (2) has been a beaten favourite at her last two but both races were on the poly and she can do better on the turf. LIMITLESS SKY (4) is showing signs of coming to hand and caught the eye last run on this course. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-2-4).

R8 Preview: Can ARVERNI PRINCESS (7) score another win over her favourite course and distance? She has won four of her last five starts and with a 4kg claimer aboard she must have another good chance. CLAIR DE LUNE (11) was narrowly beaten last run on the poly. She comes with smart Cape form and will be a threat. DURBAN DIAMOND (12) gets first time blinkers and was up there behind Arverni Princess last time out. She is lightly raced and has a handy weight. SCARLET STARLET (3) is lightly raced but yet to run a bad race in her three starts. She shed her maiden on debut on this course and is one to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 12-11-7-3).

Picture: Tamarisk Tree relaxing in Mauritius (Picture: MTC)

The G2 SuperTote Golden Trophy is the traditional pathway to achieving victory in Mauritius’ most sought after trophy, The Maiden Cup, but Subu Gujadhur has elected not to run Future Swing here, preferring to go straight into the big race on Sunday 6 September. Nonetheless, the stable is represented by the highly talented, but enigmatic Rapidash, who showed in South Africa that this trip is not beyond his range.

Carl Hewitson saddles Selukwe and Tamarisk Tree, the latter being the choice of Champion Jockey Manoel Nunes. Selukwe finally gets the trip he has been looking for since arriving on the Island but Tamarisk Tree’s victory in the Winter Stakes was eye-catching and Nunes’ decision must be respected.

Last year’s Maiden Cup winner Good Council may be one run short of his absolute best but would not in any way be a surprise victor.

The MTCJC hosts an 8-race programme with the first off at 10:30 South African time.

Race 1: (10:30) – BM26 Handicap – 1650m:

Trick Or Tequila sports blinkers for the first time and he looks set to make amends for a narrow defeat last time when meeting with some interference. Trick Or Tequila is not the easiest of rides but the addition of blinkers could make life a little more comfortable for Donovan Mansour. Dance To The Sun (Taka) is gradually getting to grips with the unique Champ de Mars configuration and the 4yo son of Trippi should be competitive here. Royal Port Louis (Schwarz) was a winner over track and trip last term and will strip a lot fitter in this his third run of the current campaign. Amandla and Rainwater both rate place chances in this class.

Betting: 8/10 Trick Or Tequila; 22/10 Royal Port Louis; 7/1 Dance To The Sun; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) Trick Or Tequila; (2) Dance To The Sun; (1) Royal Port Louis; (5) Rainwater.

Race 2: (11:05) – Low Division Stakes – 1850m – (1st Leg Place Accumulator):

Master Of Mystery (Schwarz) has won three of his six starts on the Island and was seen to good advantage last time when flying home to beat Canford Club over 1600m. The step up to 1850m will be right up the 5yo son of Danon Platina’s alley. View Of The World (Danielson) made a smart local debut when third to Opague over 1500m last month. This looks a more suitable trip for the son of Ideal World and he should go well. Palermo (Nunes) drops in class and will look to dominate from the front. The 6yo son of Vercingetorix appears limited but he is not without winning claims. All About Love (Mansour) is 3kgs better off with Master Of Mystery for a 2,5 length beating in June and could upset his more fancied rivals here.

Betting: 18/10 View Of The World, Master Of Mystery; 5/2 Palermo; 8/1 All About Love; 50/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Master Of Mystery; (2) View Of The World; (3) Palermo; (5) All About Love.

Race 3: (11:40) – Low Division Stakes – 990m – (1st Leg Pick 6):

This is a highly competitive line-up with chances to most of the field. Holy Star (Taka) reverts to the minimum trip after patently failing to see out 1365m last time and from pole position will prove the one to beat. He was very impressive when beating subsequent multiple winner Carnarvon in his previous outing. Mind Map (Sooful) has won his last two course and distance starts but the extreme outside barrier could make things difficult for the 5yo son of Master Of My Fate. Grand Bay (Danielson) may find the trip a little on the sharp side but cannot be ignored while Ampersand (Joorawon) is coming to form and could have a say in the outcome. Gavin Lerena rides Old Fashioned for the Hollywood team and will have needed his local debut when finishing behind Solomons Seal in a higher grade a month ago. Smith And Wesson (Orffer) has changed stables and will enjoy stepping back in trip while both Danilo Danilovitch and Military Force have scope for improvement. To sum up, you either take your chances with Holy Star as a possible banker or go the field!

Betting: 2/1 Holy Star; 9/2 Grand Bay, Mind Map; 6/1 Ampersand; 13/2 Smith And Wesson; 7/1 Old Fashioned; 16/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (8) Holy Star; (1) Ampersand; (7) Mind Map; (5) Old Fashioned.

Race 4: (12:15) – BM56 Handicap – 1400m:

Isikwishikwishi (Lerena) was badly hampered dislodging his jockey last time, but the 5yo son of Alado caught the eye on his local debut in May when second to Monumental who re-opposes here. Isikwishikwishi is now 1,5kgs better off suggesting there should not be much to choose between the pair. Spirit’s Unite (Nunes) was also badly hampered last time, but the 6yo son of The United States is very decent and is the strong market leader to regain winning form. Stated (Orffer) has shown very good improvement this season and warrants obvious respect.

Betting: 9/10 Spirit’s Unite; 28/10 Isikwishikwishi; 4/1 Stated; 7/1 Monumental; 20/1 William Rufus.

Selection: (4) Isikwishikwishi; (1) Spirit’s Unite; (2) Monumental; (5) Stated.

Race 5: (12:50) – Hollywoodbets Middle Stakes – 2050m – (1st Leg Jackpot):

Superior Force (Nunes) is in terrific form having won his last two starts beating Bacchus and Magnum P I respectively, both of which re-oppose here. Stepping up to 2050m for the first time should not prove an obstacle for the 7yo son of Pathfork but I believe the value lies with Bacchus (Taka) and am leaning towards the 5yo son of Master Of My Fate. Magnum P I (Schwarz) is 1,5kgs better off with Superior Force for a 1,25 length beating last time which suggests there may not be too much to choose between the pair. As a 9-time winner on the Island, Magnum P I is a seasoned campaigner but he has yet to be tested over this extended trip. Join The Dots (Danielson) is not without a chance but looks held by Superior Force on the evidence of their last run, as they meet again on the same terms.

Betting: 8/10 Superior Force; 22/10 Magnum P I; 6/1 Bacchus; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Bacchus; (3) Superior Force; (2) Magnum P I; (5) Join The Dots.

Race 6: (13:25) – The SuperTote Golden Trophy G2 – 2200m:

Last year’s 2400m G1 Maiden Cup winner Good Council (Taka) wraps up his preparation for the defense of his crown in a competitive renewal of the Golden Trophy. Last season he finished third in this race but the 7yo son of Oratorio showed his current well being when finishing on the heels of the placed runners in the recent 1600m Barbe Cup. That said, Tamarisk Tree (Nunes) has been beautifully teed up by Carl Hewitson and the son of Ideal World will prove a tough nut to crack. His last win in the 1850m Winter Stakes was full of merit and he should continue to progress. Rapidash (Mansour) is interesting. The 6yo son of Danon Platina flew up late to finish a close fourth in the Barbe Cup and this trip could be exactly what he has been looking for. Selukwe (Ramsamy) needs no introduction and races here over the same trip which saw him finish third in last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July. Bugalugs (Danielson) has taken a massive step forward this season but he ventures beyond 1600m for the first time in his career.

Betting: 1/1 Tamarisk Tree; 7/2 Rapidash; 9/2 Good Council; 11/2 Bugalugs; 15/2 Selukwe; 66/1 Prime Example.

Selection: (4) Tamarisk Tree; (2) Selukwe; (3) Rapidash; (1) Good Council.

Race 7: (14:00) – BM71 Handicap – 1400m:

Crescent (Danielson) goes for his ninth consecutive victory and is a red-hot favourite to get the job done. He does take a step up in class and jumps from the outside gate, but the 5yo son of Legislate has been dominant and may be equal to the task. His five rivals here, led perhaps by stable companion Port Louis, all have decent credentials and there is no doubt that Crescent faces by far his toughest test to date.

Betting: 5/10 Crescent; 6/1 Port Louis; 7/1 Royal Wulff; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Crescent; (2) Port Louis; (3) Royal Wulff; (5) Gimmeanotherchance.

Race 8: (14:40) – BM25 Handicap – 1400m:

This should prove an interesting clash between Jet Blackfire (Schwarz), Cape Cannery (Nunes) and Boom Town (Danielson). Jet Blackfire was desperately unlucky to go down a nose last time and is worth another chance. Hopefully he is not too slowly away and races in a more relaxed fashion than last time. Cape Cannery ran into traffic problems last time and is very much alive to turn the tables on Jet Blackfire. Boom Town is a lightly raced 4yo son of Talk Of The Town who appears to have some scope for improvement. He raced in a minor Feature last time and should do better in this class.

Betting: 11/10 Jet Blackfire; 13/10 Cape Cannery; 7/1 Boom Town; 16/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Jet Blackfire; (4) Cape Cannery; (2) Boom Town; (7) William Blake.

Betting correct at 17:00 on Thursday 6 August.

Suggested Pick 6 (Races 3-8):

8 x 1,2,4,5 x 1,2,3 x 4 x 4 x 1,2,4 (R36)

Luke Ferraris (far right) alongside (from left) Nick Smith, director of racing and public Affairs at Ascot, Andrew Harding, executive director racing at Hong Kong Jockey Club, and jockeys Vincent Ho and Jerry Chau. Photo: Kenneth Chan.

Shergar Cup a ‘pinch-me moment’ for Luke Ferraris as he prepares for first British rides

The South African rider will take on the likes of Ryan Moore, Christophe Lemaire and Yutaka Take at the prestigious team event

by Owen Gouldingon of the South China Morning Post

Luke Ferraris will reach another big milestone in his career at the Shergar Cup on Saturday, when he represents Hong Kong at Ascot alongside Jerry Chau Chun-lok and Vincent Ho Chak-yiu.

The city will field its own full squad for the first time in the team event, facing Great Britain and Ireland, Europe and the Rest of the World in the points-based competition.

Of the three jockeys, only Ho has competed in the event before, riding for the Rest of the World squad that won in 2019, and guiding Power Of Darkness to victory to help the points tally.

Ferraris, meanwhile, comes into the Shergar Cup on the back of 35 winners last season, and the 24-year-old South African is relishing the chance to represent Hong Kong this weekend.

Luke Ferraris (far right) alongside (from left) Nick Smith, director of racing and public Affairs at Ascot, Andrew Harding, executive director racing at Hong Kong Jockey Club, and jockeys Vincent Ho and Jerry Chau. Photo: Kenneth Chan.

“It’s been amazing in Hong Kong and I’ve been incredibly lucky with the people I’ve met along the way and the help I’ve had,” Ferraris said.

“I pinch myself now and then just to remind myself how lucky I am, and to just keep my head down and keep working hard. I think as long as I can do that, the rest should take care of itself.

“It does give you the feeling of having made it, but you’ve also got to be careful. You’ve never really made it in this game and as long as you can remind yourself of that, then hopefully you keep getting picked for events like this.

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“It was a huge pinch-me moment when I was asked to represent Hong Kong alongside Vincent and Jerry. It’s a big milestone in my career.”

Ferraris is no stranger to competing against the world’s best riders, facing the likes of Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman in Hong Kong on a weekly basis.

This year’s Shergar Cup field has brought together the likes of Ryan Moore, Christophe Lemaire and Yutaka Take, who all have elite status in the jockey ranks.

There is one man that Ferraris is hoping to beat, however, when he faces him again – this time on unfamiliar ground.

“Ryan Moore springs to mind, just with his reputation and how he goes about his business. He’s the best in the world, in my opinion,” Ferraris said.

“We’ve locked horns at Sha Tin but to do it here will be special, as it’s his backyard this time, so it should be very interesting.”

In terms of British racing, many would consider Ascot the pinnacle, despite Newmarket being the unofficial home of flat racing in the region.

Ferraris got his eye in for Ascot by riding out in Newmarket for George Boughey and will not be daunted by Ascot’s “bright lights”, with the huge grandstand sharing plenty of similarity to Sha Tin.

That said, Ascot presents a challenge that Sha Tin and Happy Valley do not.

“Ascot takes your breath away – it looks like a carpet and then you realise it’s grass, which I think sums it up very well,” Ferraris said.

“Watching it on TV and from the grandstand, you don’t notice that the undulations are quite big, which has changed the mindset of how I’m going to ride the races. It’s not something we really face in Hong Kong.

“You have to look at the fields and where your horse likes to be, but that has to be taken into consideration, just in terms of energy conservation and being able to produce them at the right time so they’re not coming up for oxygen too soon.

“It’s not daunting – I think the right word would be excitement. There’s a bit of anxiousness as you just want to get out there and do it. This is the time where they build the anticipation and the suspense becomes annoying because you just want to get to the day.”

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Winners are what keep the world spinning for jockeys, so Ferraris’ Saturday goal is obvious without asking the question, but he also is making sure to stay grounded and to savour the occasion.

“I think you’d be silly not to have the goal of a winner or two, but I think enjoying the day and enjoying a course like Ascot, which is so well kept and holds so much history and prestige, is important. Of course a winner would be the cherry on top,” Ferraris said.

Picture: Over My Shoulder wins impressively (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Maine Chance Farms’ champion sire Vercingetorix has made a pleasing start to the new season, and the Equus champion was at it again on Wednesday.

Vercingetorix’s blue blooded daughter Over My Shoulder made the perfect start to her career when she made a winning debut at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

The Justin Snaith trained three-year-old was always prominent in Wednesday’s Lucky Fish Book Of Poseidon Maiden Plate (F and M) (1200), and duly stayed on well, under Gavin Lerena, to win by a length,

A half-sister to 2024-2025 Horse Of The Year Eight On Eighteen and Listed Pocket Power Stakes winner Future Free, Over My Shoulder is owned by her breeders Drakenstein Stud.

Bred on similar lines to Vercingetorix’s smart sons Aquae Calidae, Roland Garros and Roman Agent, Over My Shoulder is out of the Captain Al mare Sempre Libre.

Her champion sire Vercingetorix is also the sire of 2025 Premier Yearling Sale topper Wreath Of Snow.

The latter, a R9 000 000 purchase, made a pleasing debut on Wednesday when finishing fourth over 1000m and he should go close next time out.

Recently crowned South Africa’s Champion Sire for a second year running, Vercingetorix enjoyed a fantastic season both in the sales ring and on the racecourse in 2025-2026.

Vercingetorix ended last season with his runners having earned more than R40.77 million, with Vercingetorix runners claiming no fewer than 34 black type races in South Africa during the past season.