Turf Talk Newsletter – 10 April, 2026

One Stripe looked a picture in the preliminaries (via Keeneland video)

The Drakenstein Stud-bred One World colt One Stripe came close to capping a great day for Hollywood Racing, who reached 128 wins for the South African season earlier in the day, which is equal with their own record return they set last season.

The Graham Motion-trained One Stripe ran in the Gr 1 Makers Mark Mile at Keeneland and was up against the like of 2000 Guineas and Breeders Cup Mile winner Notable Speech in the turf event.

Flavien Prat is one of the best jockeys riding in America and he gave the winner, appropriately called Zulu Kingdom, a fine front-running ride.

One Stripe’s low draw of two was always going to be problematic for John Velazquez and after breaking well he was on the rail and was going to have to rely on luck to find a run in the straight as Prat dictated on Zulu Kingdom out in front.

Notable Speech’s jockey William Buick opted to take the favourite between horses approaching the final turn and Velazquez for a brief moment looked to be planning to follow him.

However, Notable Speech then became hopelessly hemmed in, which allowed Zulu Kingdom to steal a march out in front.

Velazquez angled back inward and managed to find a gap on the rail, which saw One Stripe charging home.

However, it was too late.

One Stripe, who is owned by Hollywood Racing in partnership with Rikesh Sewgoolam, was beaten by about 0,75 lengths.

The third-placed horse, Rhetorical, who was beaten about 1,25 lengths, also had a South African owner, the film producer Gary Barber.

Notable Speech managed fourth place after finally extracting himself from trouble and clearly had a lot left at the line.

Brilliant Berti, Aomori City and Tiz Dashing made up the rest of the field and finished in that order.

It was the Irish-bred Ten Sovereigns colt Zulu Kingdom’s second career Gr 1 win.

The victory gave top trainer Chad Brown his 3000th career win.

One Stripe has now finished second in two successive North American Gr 1s, which proves South African-breds can compete with the best under American conditions, in which the going is similarly on top like the tracks in South Africa, unlike the heavier tracks of Europe.

Equibase’s description of the race was thus:

ZULU KINGDOM (IRE) broke inwardly, set the pace along the inside, shook clear entering upper stretch then held sway. ONE STRIPE (SAF) saved ground off of the pace, awaited racing room behind foes in upper stretch, then sustained a rail rally in the final furlong, progressed to offer a late bid inside of the leader but needed more. RHETORICAL got fractious in the starting gate, stalked along the inside forged place while changing to his right lead nearing the furlong grounds, shifted out to the three path in pursuit shortly after, ran on but got outkicked for place by an inner rival. NOTABLE SPEECH (GB) got briefly antsy in the starting gate, rated at the rear two wide, awaited racing room reaching the lane, steadied when blocked behind and among foes in upper stretch, squeezed between rivals in the final furlong and ran on. BRILLIANT BERTI laid off of the pace while hung in the four path around teh turn, fanned to five path entering the lane then failed to menace. AOMORI CITY (FR) broke multiple lengths slow while tossing his head at the start, advanced outside of rivals approaching the first turn, pressed the eventual winner two wide into the backstretch, sustained pressure around the far turn, but yielded entering the lane then faded between horses. TIZ DASHING tracked in the three path and between horses, pursued within striking range outside of the top pair around the far turn, but chased in the four path in upper stretch then faded between foes.

Click here for a replay of the race and the post-race interview with winning connections.

Post-race comments:

Flavien Prat (winning rider of Zulu Kingdom-IRE)

“When I saw the scratches this morning, it sure changed the dynamic of the race. He’s very naturally fast, so (making the lead going into the first turn) was one of the options for sure. He was very brave. Honestly, I felt very comfortable on the lead. He gave me a good run when we turned for home. Obviously he hadn’t run for a while, so I knew he was going to be tired late, so I kept him busy and his talent showed.”

William Strauss (co-owner of the winner)

“Life doesn’t get better than this. I thought (Hot Rod) Charlie going to the (2021 Kentucky) Derby (G1 for Strauss and his brother Jeffrey) was great but this — having my brother here with me, and the partners I have are just great. That guy (jockey) Flavien (Prat), I just love him, he’s great. And (trainer) Chad (Brown) — Chad’s amazing. He’s a genius.  I appreciate my partners, especially Sol Kumin (of Madaket Stables) for letting me in on this horse. It’s just great, and hopefully we move forward from here. That’s a scary thought, if we can move forward from here. If I ever leave Southern California, I’m moving to Keeneland — well, not Keeneland — to Lexington, Kentucky. This is great, and I always enjoy (being interviewed) in the (winner’s) circle.”

John Velazquez (rider of runner-up One Stripe-SAF)

“Not the trip that I was expecting, but I feel like I ran a good race. I was hoping to be a little closer than that. But I’m proud of him today.”

Will Walden (trainer of third-place finisher Rhetorical)

“He had a pretty good trip through and through. Good first run off the (five-month layoff). With the (slow) pace with this caliber of horses, it is tough to get by (the pacesetter.) He ran home well. The long-range goal is Breeders’ Cup (at Keeneland Oct. 30-31), so we will pencil everything in around that.”

Irad Ortiz Jr. (rider of Rhetorical)

“I wish I had a little more pace in front of me, but I didn’t. I just rode my race. I got a good trip. I was inside, saving ground, keeping an eye on the stretch. Just not his race.”

Charlie Appleby (trainer of favorite and fourth-place finisher Notable Speech-GB)

“That’s racing. We had plenty of traffic in front of us. We could never get the run. We will just put a line through (the race) and do what we did with Modern Games (IRE) (Woodbine for the Rogers Mile-G1 in September) and then the Breeders’ Cup (at Keeneland Oct. 30-31).

William Buick (rider of Notable Speech)

“I just got stuck behind horses and it never really opened up until it was too late. He closed very well. It was a very unlucky loss.”

Malmesbury Missile has a fine record over the course and distance of the Big Cap and has been tipped to win it (Picture: Race Coast) 

By Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

There is big money at stake at Hollywoodbets Greyville tomorrow with the running of the R5 million Race Coast Sales Big Cap supported by the R3 million Race Coast Slipper that carries an added bonus of R100k for the winner.

In the Big Cap, Justin Snaith, who has had a sensational couple of weeks culminating in two Gr 1 wins at Turffontein last Saturday, looks to have a stand-out runner in MALMESBURY MISSILE.

The son of Gimmethegreenlight showed huge potential early in his career before losing his way towards the end of last season. He debuted as a gelding in the Bayerly Turk Gr 3 against his own age group last month and finished like a ‘missile’ for an impressive win. A repeat performance can see him home again.

Dom Zaki will have high hopes for TALK TO THE MASTER and he looks the leading threat to MALMESBURY MISSILE. He has won his last two, lastly beating RANDOLPH HEARST and is now 5.5kg better off in the weights which should tell a story. Dark horse could be Sean Tarry’s runner TIN TIN. He is way out at the weights, but is unbeaten since shedding his maiden. He was close-up to smart three-year-olds GRAND EMPIRE and SPLITTHEEIGHTS prior to that win and with only 50kg to shoulder he could be good value. Vaughan Marshall has an exceptional track record in KZN and sends out his first runners of KZN Champions Season. He saddles VAPOUR TRAIL who ran no sort of race in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas Gr 1, but both of his wins have come over this distance. He has a tricky draw but the services of Richard Fourie.

The RCS Slipper has attracted a competitive field where luck in running could play a big part. However, Sean Tarry holds a strong hand with four runners, best of which could be TURN IT UP, who has won two of his three starts both wins with Keagan de Melo aboard who could possibly have had the mount in the smart RED SPICE who has won his last two and gets the services of red-hot Craig Zackey. The filly CHAMPAGNE CASTLE blotted her copybook with a below par performance last run behind RED SPICE after beating her rival at their previous two encounters. The Snaith stable is in hot form which is a big plus in her favour.

WORLD SERIES may be held by RED SPICE on their last meeting but does look capable of further improvement. Tarry’s strong hand include the smart filly SECRETARY BIRD holds a strong hand with the smart filly who a feature race winner last time out although she faces a lot stronger this time around.

Possibly the best bet on the card comes in the fifth where Marshall saddles the smart QUESTIONING. He has the widest draw to contend with but this is only a nine-horse field. He has top class form at the highest level and although he has a big weight a repeat of his last effort should see him home. VIHAAN’S WEB could be a threat from the best of the draw and has shown much improved form in blinkers and beat a good one last time out. JERUSALEMA RAIN was a beaten favourite last run when back in blinkers and has a light weight and could make amends. GOOD TRAVELLER has won his last three on the poly and seldom runs a poor race but may now prefer the synthetic surface.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 is an open contest. AMELIA’S LEGACY got wacked up the handicap for her second in the FLAMBOYANT STAKES behind the smart LADYOFDESTINCTION, but she may still be under the handicappers radar. TULIP FIELDS makes her local debut. She had a promising warm-up run at Durbanville last time out and the stable is in good form of late. THAT’S MY BABY has the widest draw, but has been knocking at the door on the Highveld. She has top weight but should run a forward race. MISS LADYATERIX may be a threat as she may have found her last run a touch too far. She is back over what looks to be her best trip from a handy gate.

The final two races are competitive handicaps. In the eighth, BEYOND ALL DOUBT has a tricky draw to negotiate and was only a maiden winner last time out. However, he is progressive and has improved with each outing and won well over course and distance to shed his maiden and does not meet a strong field. Visiting Fostinovo will be a big runner as he is a solid veteran with excellent form of late. He is both course and distance suited and will be a big runner. COWBOY COUNTRY has been showing signs of improvement and the step up in trip could bring out the best.

In the last, PHUTULICIOUS is holding form and goes well this course and distance. From the best of the draw he should have a bright chance. SIGN OF FATE has been up against stronger of late and is down in class. With a useful 4kg claimer aboard he will be competitive from his inside gate. LUNCH MONEY has been improving with each run since his change of stable and looks primed for this race. DEFINITELY YES is holding form well and with Chad Little back on board the gelding has a winning chance in a wide open contest.

Questioning has been tipped to win the 5th race (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Greyville Saturday Formguides and Selections

R1 Summary: SMART CHOICE (2) did not appear to see out the extra last time out but had consistently improving form before that. She is back over what looks to be her optimum trip at this stage. Visiting NO DRAMA (6) was well beaten by the promising Secretary Bird last time out but had shown ability. Her experience will count in her favour. ASGARDIAN QUEEN (1) has the best of the draw and improved nicely at her second outing. Regular pilot Calvin Habib has deserted to ride No Drama which could be an indication of their respective chances. Of the unraced runners, Cape visitor Vaughan Marshall has his first runner in MOSAIC WORLD (7) and is one to follow in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-1-6).

R2 Summary: Tricky maiden with many in with chances. PRESSURE POINT (1) has the best of the draw and back over what looks to be his best trip with first time cheek pieces. TAKETHEGREENLIGHT (10) has been improving with each outing. He makes his local debut from a wide draw but can make further improvement. BOURBON’S BEAST (5) has run his two best races over course and distance. He has been consistent and should feature again. BLACK PLATINA (11) is a struggling maiden but seldom runs a bad race. He has the widest draw but is another in with a winning chance. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-5-11).

R3 Summary: GORGEOUS GIRL (3) won at long odds last time out but beat a competitive field. She has a handy weight with Richard Fourie up. RABBLE ROUSER (1) made a winning debut and well supported in the market. She faces a little stronger but does have the best of the draw and can follow up. AQUARIUS (7) has shown consistent Highveld form since shedding her maiden. Keagan de Melo stays with the ride. SHESHA NTOMBI (5) was not far back last time out and appears to be coming to hand again. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-7-5).

R4 Summary: AMELIA’S LEGACY (7) got wacked up the handicap for her second in the Flamboyant Stakes behind the smart Ladyofdestinction. She may still be under the handicappers radar. TULIP FIELDS (1) makes her local debut. She had a promising warm-up run at Durbanville last time out and the stable is in good form of late. THAT’S MY BABY (9) has the widest draw but has been knocking at the door on the Highveld. She has top weight but should run a forward race. MISS LADYATERIX (2) may have found her last run a touch too far. She is back over what looks to be her best trip. From a handy gate. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-9-2).

R5 Summary: QUESTIONING (9) has the widest draw but has top class form at the highest level. He has a big weight but a repeat of his last effort should see him home. VIHAAN’S WEB (1) has the best of the draw and has shown much improved form in blinkers. He beat a good one last time out. JERUSALEMA RAIN (3) was a beaten favourite last run when back in blinkers. He has a light weight and can make amends. GOOD TRAVELLER (6) has won his last three on the poly. He seldom runs a poor race but may now prefer the synthetic surface. (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-3-6).

R6 Summary: Competitive Slipper field. TURN IT UP (10) has won two of his three starts both wins with Kegan de Melo aboard who could possibly have had the mount in the smart RED SPICE (120 who has won his last two and gets the services of red-hot Craig Zackey. The filly CHAMPAGNE CASTLE (11) blotted her copybook with a below par performance last run after beating Red Spice at their previous two encounters. The Snaith stable is in hot form. WORLD SERIES (9) may be held by Red Spice on their last meeting but does look capable of further improvement. Sean Tarry holds a strong hand with the smart filly SECRETARY BIRD (8) a feature race winner last time out but faces a lot stronger this time around. (Andrew Harrison: 10-11-12-8).

R7 Summary: MALMESBURY MISSILE (9) showed huge potential early in his career before losing his way. He came out as a gelding in a small feature against his own age group and finished like a ‘missile’ for an impressive win. A repeat effort can see him home. TALK TO THE MASTER (2) has won his last two beating RANDOLPH HEARST (5) last time out and is out and is now 5.5kg better off in the weights. TIN TIN (7) is way out at the weights but is unbeaten since shedding his maiden. He was close-up to smart three-year-olds Grand Empire and Splitetheeights prior to that win and with only 50kg to shoulder he could be good value. VAPOUR TRAIL (10) ran no sort of race in the Cape Guineas but both of his wins have come over this distance. He has a tricky draw but has the services of Richard Fourie. (Andrew Harrison: 9-2-7-10).

R8 Summary: BEYOND ALL DOUBT (11) has a tricky draw to negotiate and was only a maiden winner last time out. However, he is progressive and has improved with each outing and won well over course and distance to shed his maiden and does not meet a strong field. Visiting FOSTINOVO (4) is a solid veteran and is excellent form of late. He is both course and distance suited and will be a big runner. COWBOY COUNTRY (6) has been showing signs of improvement and the step up in trip could bring out the best. GRAND APPEAL (13) has a wide draw to overcome but was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 11-4-6-13).

R9 Summary: PHUTULICIOUS (1) is holding form and goes well this course and distance. Front the best of the draw he should have a bright chance. SIGN OF FATE (2) has been up against stronger of late. Down in class with a useful 4kg claimer aboard he will be competitive from his inside gate. LUNCH MONEY (5) has been improving with each run since his change of stable and looks primed for this race. DEFINITELY YES (10) is holding form well. Chad Little is back on board and the gelding has a winning chance in a wide open contest. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-5-10).

Zalatoris beat Charming Cheetah in his third start for the Tony Peter yard and he could build on that form return (JC Photos)

The Non-Black Type Mythical Flight Sprint over 1100m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside on Sunday and Zalatoris could be the one to side with having bounced back to his best in his second run for the Tony Peter yard, but it is an ultra competitive race and the field should probbaly be included for the Pick 6.

Zalatoris beat Charming Cheetah by a length in the 1160m contest last time and is 1kg worse off but on paper that still keeps him marginally in front. It is a six horse field and he has the Standside draw, which means he could be helped by having the rail alongside him. Charming Cheetah actually beat Zalatoris in his penultimate start over this trip despite giving him 2kg, but Zalatoris was one of a number of horses who went too fast out in front that day in the Gr 3 TAB National Currency Sprint. Charming Cheetah should nevertheless make a bold bid. Umzingelu Umwhati was also ahead of Zalatoris in the National Currency Sprint and ran a fair race last time over 1160m. He is 3kg better off with Zalatoris from the National Currency Sprint, despite having beaten him, and he sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight, so he will be a big threat from draw five out of six with Muzi Yeni up. Miami Mountain won the National Currency Sprint after sitting in last behind the blistering pace before mowing them all down. However, in this small field the race is unlikely to pan out the same way. However, he will still be running on and has a chance despite being five points for the win and then disappointing over 1400m ast time. Kaalvoet was raised six points for his win last time, but that was his first ever run in alumites and it seemed to do the trick, so he could follow up. Stormy Day seemed headed for big things after winning her first two runs in fine style but two disappointing efforts followed. Keagan de Melo rides 1kg overweight, but if she bounces back she could be a threat.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1160m two-year-old filly Ruby Whisper has shown signs of good ability and although the form of her last run did not stand up on Saturday that was in Gr 2 races and this is an uninspiring maiden, so she has a chance from a nice high draw under Yeni. Erik’s Girl has improved in her last two starts ridden by the up and coming Blaine Marx-Jacobson both times and could earn here with him staying aboard, although jumping from draw one might pose some problems. Gathering Winter is an ex-Cape Town horse who has a chance after running second in her second Highveld start. Drachenfutter has run a couple of fair races, but has 2,75 lengths to find on Ruby Whisper. Destiny’s Dream returns from a short layoff and if at her best will be dangerous as she has shown ability in the strong centre of Cape Town.

In the fifth race over 1400m Michael Faraday has talent, but needs things to go his way and they could do from a fair draw over an ideal trip. Bay Empire is drawn well over an ideal trip. Southampton is also an ex-Cape Town horse and won on his Highveld debut. However, he has to now reverse form with Bay Empire fromhis second Hghveld outing over 1450m and that will be tough because he faces him on 1kg worse terms for a 1,30 length beating, although the 2,5kg claim of Samo-Burthia does alleviate that a bit and he has a good draw. Mocha Frappe has always created the impression that he is better than his form suggests, so he could be sparked by a drop in merit rating to a lowly 6, down from a high of 77. Kotinos has a good draw and he has won over this trip category so with Marx-Jacobson up he can’t be ignored.

In the seventh race over 1000m Poblano gets his ideal trip and a nice high draw and can beat who comes off two fair efforts in Gr 3 races. Capbook will also be a threat if able to produce his best from the possibly disadvantageous number one draw.

In the eighth over 1000m His Lordship looks tobe a progressive sort, but the handicapper has recognsed that and gave him a four point raise for his second place finish last time. However, he should still go close. Plus Four has proved suited to sprints and should be right there. Pivotal Role haa won two out of four and should be right there. Esquevelle is always capable of popping up. Halberdier ran a shocker last time over 1200m but beat His Lordship before that over this trip and is now only 1kg worse off a 0,0 length beating so has a chance if reproducing the run.

In the ninth over 1000m Zoombomber could be the one to beat unless low draws prove to be disadvantageous. He has proved to have a liking for this trip recently. Time Will Tell, Sergeant Soqrat and Waiting On Charlie should all be in the shake up. Oriental Bouquet beat Zoombomber when they last met over this trip by 0,25 lengths and they meet on the same terms but that is only if the gender claim of Mickaele Michel is included.

In the first leg of the PA over 1160m sabalenka made a good debut and should go close. Arizona Magic is improving and could be the chief threat.

In the first leg of the Bipot over 1000m Royal Tiara is by Rafeef out of Captain Al mare and woudn’t have to be a star to win this. Lady Harlequin finished second on debut and should improve. Unvarnished Gold is by Erik The Red and is a half-sister to three-time winner Pennsylvania, so she could be a threat.

The first race over 1000m has only three runners and the quick Heath House should romp home despite having to give 7,5kg to the other pair, as not many would be able to go with him over this trip.

Autumn Glow is bidding for her 12th consecutive victory ((Pic – Magic Millions)

 

Australia: The Perfect Autumn Glow To Close The Championships

Saturday’s 10-race program from Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse features four Group 1 races, led by the Queen Elizabeth Stakes

By Sky Racing World

The daughter of South African-bred Var mare Via Africa is bidding for her 12th consecutive victory

All eyes will be on unbeaten mare Autumn Glow as she looks to extend her perfect record in Friday night’s Group 1, $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse, headlining day two of The Championships.

Prepared by champion trainer Chris Waller and ridden by leading jockey James McDonald, Autumn Glow is striving for a 12th consecutive victory and has already drawn comparisons with legendary mare Winx, who famously won the race three times.

Installed a dominant 2-3 odds-on favorite, Autumn Glow faces a high-quality and internationally flavored field, including Dubai Honour, trained by William Haggas, who captured the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2023 and returns after finishing second in last year’s edition.

Haggas will also saddle up Caviar Heights in the feature, adding further strength to his two-pronged attack alongside Dubai Honour. Sir Delius and Aeliana ensure depth in a race that has long been a showcase for the nation’s elite middle-distance performers.

The Queen Elizabeth Stakes is one of four Group 1 features on a bumper 10-race program.

The Group 1, $1 million Queen of the Turf Stakes (R8) brings together a quality field of fillies and mares, headlined by the exciting front-runner Pride Of Jenni, who thrilled racing fans with her victory in the 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Renowned for her bold on-speed style, she also enters the race off a narrow photo-finish defeat in the Australian Cup at Flemington two weeks ago. She shares favoritism with Lady Shenandoah and Treasurethe Moment in what promises to be a highly competitive mile contest.

The Group 1, $2 million Sydney Cup (R7) shapes as an open staying contest over 2 mile, with a capacity field set to line up. Mr Monaco heads betting in a race where leading rider Jamie Melham will be chasing a notable long-distance feature double.

In the Group 1, $1 million Australian Oaks (R6), the Waller-McDonald combination again holds a strong hand with favorite Ohope Wins, who will look to continue the stable’s dominant run through the Sydney Autumn Carnival. Profoundly looms as the main danger.

Among the supporting races, the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint features boom filly Tempted, who has been heavily backed following her strong performances at the top level.

Pakistan Legacy has been tipped to win the features of the day (Picture: HKJC)

At The Races tipster Tim Carroll best bets won on Wednesday and he provides three more for Sha Tin on Sunday.

This Sunday sees a competitive 11-race card from Sha Tin getting underway at 06H30 SA Time and the feature is the finale, the Class 2 Pilkem Handicap over 6 furlongs, offering prizemoney of more than £280,000.

Now onto this week’s selections:

Click here for a comprehensive guide to the meeting