Turf Talk Newsletter – 10 July, 2026

Max The Magician was most unlucky last time out and can make amends despite being drawn one (JC Photos)

The Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday is headlined by a MR 100 Handicap and Max The Magician could be the one to side with presuming his number one draw is not disadvantageous.

The straight course used to favour high draws but seems to have ironed out lately and the five-year-old What A Winter gelding was unlucky in his last start when full of running and having nowhere to go. He eventually switched in for a run and was beaten 0,90 lengths into fourth. Gavin Lerena keeps the ride and the horse is 1,5kg better of with the winner of that race Vibe SA for the 0,90 length beating. Vibe SA was held up that day and ran on very well and Kyle Strydom is back aboard. He should make a bold bid although considering Max The Magician was unlucky and has a weight turnaround the latter is preferred. Antonio Gaudi is tipped to finish second ahead of Vibe SA, because he looks to be coming into his own, although he does have a five point raise to overcome and he also won’t have the 1,5kg gender claim of Mickaelle Michel that he had last time. Echo Check looked promising at one stage before going off the boil, but headgear has helped and a drop in merit rating should help him too, so he will be a threat. Pumpkin Pie has some class and ran a good second on debut over this trip, so returning from a seven month layoff he could be effective running fresh over this trip. Dante’s Bond ran on well over course and distance last time and meets Vibe SA on the same terms for a neck beating but he is officially 1,5kg under sufferance, although the 1,5kg gender claim of Mickaelle Michel will help.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Boundless Love has a better draw than last time when caught wide early and maybe wasting some energy. He will also prefer this slght step down in trip. The Playboy Bomber is in  fine form and has a chance off a three point higher mark for a good win last time, although he has a tricky draw. Best Candidate was game in victory last time and the form has been franked, although the concern is he did make a respiratory noise and he was also raised seven points. He sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and has a plum draw of two.

In the fifth race over 1800m Heal And Soul had some decent middle distance form in Cape Town and should have come on from his Highveld debut when running on well for third over a too sharp 1450m. In December he finished just a neck behind Note To Self over this distance and he has got pole position. Dr Strangelove won well when stepped up to 2000m third time out and he starts off on a reasonable 78 merit rating, so will be a threat from a fair draw. Page Boy has always looked to be a promising sort, so now that he won nicely last time, his second career win, he could have a chance of following up. However, he does have a tough draw.

In the sixth over 1600m Brave Waam looks to be a progressive sort and can do well from a good draw off an opening handicap mark of 79 in his fifth career start.  Knowmore stayed on resolutely to win his maiden over this trip and he should be staying on from a wide draw off an opening mark of 74, because the form has worked out well. Redlightgreenlight is a nice sort who is beginning to mature and his last run looks worse on paper because he ended up right at the back from a wide draw. If he breaks better than in his penultimate start, when third over this course and distance, then he could go close from a plum draw of two under Rachel Venniker, whose 1,5kg gender claim will be handy.

In the eighth over 1160m Gunboat has a fine chance as he beat Ready Set Fire in his penultimate start giving the latter 4,5kg and now gets half-a-kilogram from him. He didn’t have much room last time when fifth and is better than that form appears and the winner was the decent Catfish, so he has a good chance in this field. Geostorm is a full-brother to champion sprinter Buffalo Storm Cody and has his third run after a layoff here so should go close off an 80 rating as he has scope for improvement. Evening Parade came through to win comfortably second time out and this two-year-old can do well under Gavin Lerena off an 84 merit rating.

In the ninth over 1400m Winston’s Wonder ran on well from the back in first-time blinkers last time after being dropped out from a wide draw and he is now well drawn. Life In Colour is 1kg under sufferance but this well related two-year-old, who is by Malmoos and is a half-sister to the high class Duke Of Marmalade sprinter True To Life, can do well here over a suitable trip from a fair draw. Drivelikeamaster hit the front too soon down the Vaal straight last time and can do better.

In the third race over 1000m Umzngeli Wenyathi is in fine form and with Rachen Venniker’s 1,5kg claim can go close.

In the second over 1160m Rivera made a good debut and will be hard to beat.

In the first over 1160m Rising Eagle is the one to beat after making a good debut from this same number one draw over course and distance.

Doctor Strangelove has been tipped to win the 5th (JC Photos)

Trevor Reid Formguides And Selections For Turffontein Standside Saturday

RACE 1

Two well-bred sorts, RISING EAGLE and OCTOBER REEF, should fight out the first race on the day. Vercingetorix colt RISING EAGLE was unlucky not to win on debut as he lost ground and found only one better in a more experienced sort. Rafeef colt OCTOBER REEF was only a length behind when also in need of the experience and both look to have much more to come. There are first-timers in this one, follow the betting moves closely. BERRY LANCER and ELUSIVE DRAGON have run some decent races and must be considered for prize money.

RACE 2

RIVERA must rate the one to beat after a promising second place finish behind speedy colt Bisou Bisou. She finished clear second best and should make the required improvement. Watch out for ARABELLA FIGG who was not disgraced finishing a decent third behind winner Perfect Sky in her first outing. She can only improve and has a pedigree for more ground. LIGHTINTHEWOODS has shown useful ability. She could show more back from a break and the 1160m trip could suit.

RACE 3

UMZINGELI WENYATHI is in solid form at present. The son of Buffalo Bill Cody turned in a creditable effort in a strong race and could add another win to his tally. TWENTYTWENTYVISION looks a bit better than his last run when having things go wrong. It was not a bad run and he was beaten only 0.20 lengths by the former and is 3.5kg better off so must have a big say. But it doesn’t end there. If speedy PIVOTAL ROLE is ready after a rest he could be hard to catch. PLUS FOUR and STONEYWOOD aren’t ones to take lightly either.

RACE 4

The form of BEST CANDIDATE was franked when Sky Pilot came out to win recently. BEST CANDIDATE has shown versatility and even though his merit rating has been upped he still carries bottom weight and could go on to win again. BOUNDLESS LOVE was on a roll before coming up short over 2000m last time. Expect a better performance back over 1800m. THE PLAYBOY BOMBER’s last two wins have come on the inside track, but he has also won two on the Standside track. He has made good strides as a five-year-old but has a bit to find with top weight. JORDAN could be the dark horse.

RACE 5

DOCTOR STRANGELOVE took a big jump in distance in his stride, winning as he liked. He didn’t beat a strong bunch but the late maturing son of Master Of My Fate is only just getting the hang of things and could make a decent handicap debut. PAGE BOY will test him. He showed his wellbeing last time with a good win from a wide draw and goes well for rider Keagan de Melo. HEAL AND SOUL could also be dangerous. He has fair Western Cape form and wasn’t disgraced on local debut. THOONSIL was gutsy on the Poly and must also be respected.

RACE 6

The race has a wide-open look. NARETOI came in for support and had a ‘look in’ last time. Blinkers may do the trick this time. SPACE MISSION turned in a fluent performance on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville. A wide draw is a worry. BRAVE WAAM suddenly got into the swing of things with a change of headgear. He can step up on his form at this venue. ITSNOWORNEVER wasn’t far off in stronger contests before striding short in his last start. He could prefer the drop in distance. GUERILLA WARFARE could suddenly pop up. More with upset claims.

RACE 7

VIBE SA won a cracker getting the better of DANTE’S BOND and the pair could fight it out again. MAX THE MAGICIAN was most unlucky in that race but will be drawn in gate No 1. ANTONIO GAUDI confirmed betting support with a good performance round the turn last time but has won down this straight too. He comes into it. ECHO CHECK tired late after showing good pace over 1000m. This is a better distance for him. It would be encouraging to see CHARMING CHEETAH come back to best. He had excuses in his last two and gets some reprieve at the weights with a 1.5kg claim.

RACE 8

WINTER IN AUCKLAND brings fair Western Cape form into the race and could be anything. She makes her debut for in form trainer Tony Peter. READY SET FIRE has figured it all out and won two in a row at the Vaal. He should have a big say even if switching to Turffontein this time. TIME WILL TELL has finished runner-up in his last three and could finally turn the form around with READY SET FIRE. He deserves a change of luck. Juvenile EVENING PARADE won in good style and is one to watch for more improvement. GEOSTORM, GUNBOAT and NKANDLA GOLD all can earn.

RACE 9

Two-year-old LIFE IN COLOUR lacked extra after setting the pace in the Highveld Winter Juvenile Stakes. It was, nevertheless, a fair run and he should improve on his handicap debut. He takes on many hard-knocking older rivals. But a big threat could be lightly raced WILD AS THE WIND who could be flying under the radar. He is worth another try over the extra. DRIVELIKEAMASTER can take advantage as he has all the experience needed to win a race like this and can finally reward his followers. SATYAGRAHA’s merit rating has dropped, and he can pop up one of these days.

Tamarisk Tree photographed in Mauritius (MTC)

FUTURE SWING DEBUTS IN 1850m WINTER STAKES:

Former Justin Snaith inmate and winner of last year’s World Sports Betting 1900, Future Swing makes his local debut at Champ de Mars under top weight in the 1850m G3 Winter Stakes, with the 6yo son of Futura’s sights firmly set on the Maiden Cup during the first week of September. Future Swing meets a competitive field and may just come up a little short in the fitness department, having had a minor setback which ruled him out of the Barbe Cup.

Raymond Danielson, Grant Van Niekerk and Iannish Taka are all absent for due to copping 1-meeting suspensions, but Ryan Curatolo is back from injury and Denis Schwarz returns to ride for the Vicky Ruhee stable.

The first of 8 races is due off at 10:30, with the Place Accumulator getting under way with the running of Race 2 at 11:05.

Race 1: (10:30) – BM31 Handicap – 1400m:

On a generally well-filled card, the first race is the exception as only four horses head to post for this BM31 Handicap over 1400m. Upwardly mobile Ashikule, a 3yo son of Erupt, is a very short-priced favourite to complete a hattrick of victories on the Island and he looks to have the race at his mercy.

Betting: 3/10 Ashikule; 6/1 Cybotix, Cider House Rules; 14/1 Captain Marsala.

Selection: (3) Ashikule; (1) Cider House Rules; (2) Cybotix; (4) Captain Marsala.

Race 2: (11:05) – BM25 Handicap – 1450m:

Competitive start to the Place Accumulator. Newcomer World Warrior, who ran second to Note To Self over 1200m back in July last year, heads the early market but the 3yo son of One World has it all to do from the widest gate of all. Paved With Gold has ability but is also drawn wide and preference is for Amandla who may have just needed his last run when running out of puff late and finishing third behind Trick Or Tequila. Gang Leader has won twice on the Island from 26 starts but the 8yo is none too reliable these days. New York City has not been seen since October last year and the betting may be the best guide to his chances, while both Gun Barrel and Spirito Selvaggio have done enough to suggest they can get involved in this low-grade handicap restricted to Mauritian Jockeys and Apprentices.

Betting: 28/10 World Warrior; 4/1 Gang Leader, Paved With Gold; 9/2 Amandla; 6/1 Gun Barrel; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (8) Amandla; (4) World Warrior; (3) Paved With Gold; (6) Gun Barrel.

Race 3: (11:40) – Middle Stakes – 990m:

The very talented Warhead returns from a lengthy injury-enforced lay off but the 4yo son of Lancaster Bomber looks set to go close under returning jockey Denis Schwarz. Captain Mike is a course and distance specialist and his last run over 1365m is best ignored. Ryan Curatolo returns to ride the smart 7yo son of Captain of All for Vincent Allet. Daring Dash has been running himself into the ground in recent races but reverting to 990m might be a smart move by trainer Sam Mahadia. The 4yo son of Rabada could certainly surprise. William Rufus was only a length behind Captain Mike when last they met and cannot be lightly discarded. Pennsylvania debuts for the Preetam Daby stable and is finding some market support in the early betting exchanges. Solomons Seal has been a source of frustration for punters and connections alike, and the drop back in trip is an experiment that may yield dividends.

Betting: 11/10 Warhead; 3/1 Pennsylvania; 5/1 Captain Mike; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (5) Warhead; (6) Captain Mike; (4) William Rufus; (1) Daring Dash.

Race 4: (12:15) – BM41 Handicap – 1600m:

Could be a match race between Happy Days and Tsunami Warning. Happy Days has had two nice preps leading into this race and strips a very fit horse for the potent Hewitson/Nunes combination. Likewise Tsunami Warning has his third run of the season and is likely to take another step forward. Wugug has been a little lack-lustre in recent races but is equipped with blinkers for the first time in her career. Fireflare needed his last run and is probably better over slightly further, but the 5yo son of Futura would not be a shock winner.

Betting: 1/1 Happy Days; 2/1 Tsunami Warning; 5/1 Wugug; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) Happy Days; (5) Tsunami Warning; (4) Wugug; (1) Fireflare.

Race 5: (12:50) – Middle Stakes – 1850m:

Superior Force was very impressive when slamming Bacchus over 1650m last time and the step up in trip is unlikely to pose any problems for the 6yo son of Pathfork. The ever-consistent and useful Courtly rates the obvious threat and is at his absolute best when allowed to dictate from the front. Secret Oasis fluffed his lines last time but is best judged on his previous effort when beating Bugalugs comfortably, with the latter having come out to finish a close second in the Barbe Cup. Join The Dots goes well over track and trip and is not without winning claims.

Betting: 8/10 Superior Force; 7/2 Courtly; 7/1 Secret Oasis; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) Superior Force; (6) Courtly; (5) Join The Dots; (4) Secret Oasis.

Race 6: (13:25) – The Winter Stakes (G3) – 1500m:

The spread of weights makes for an interesting renewal of the Winter Stakes. Future Swing has been set to carry 61kgs, conceding 8kgs to both Spelling Bee and Bacchus, which may prove a tough task given that Future Swing has not raced since November last year. Tamarisk Tree has his third run of the season and steps up to a more suitable trip. Given his record in South Africa and his promising start here in Mauritius, it is fair to suggest that the 6yo son of Ideal World sets the standard and is the one they all have to beat. Formagear and Port Louis venture into unknown territory having never raced beyond 1600m previously, but there is no questioning their ability. Tough race, but Tamarisk Tree may just have the edge.

Betting: 2/1 Tamarisk Tree; 9/2 Spelling Bee, Future Swing; 5/1 Bacchus; 13/2 Port Louis; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (2) Tamarisk Tree; (6) Spelling Bee; (5) Bacchus; (1) Future Swing.

Race 7: (14:00) – BM26 – 990m:

Bombardier Boy and Holds The Key made their local debuts in the same race on 13 June and were separated by a little more than a length behind Carnarvon. Both are popular in the market and either could have made the necessary improvement to win a race of this nature. Simbine, stable companion to Bombardier Boy, makes his first appearance with the same comment applying to the Carl Hewitson-trained Fire Starter. The market will be the best guide as to their chances here. Blown Away has had two fair runs over track and trip but leaves the impression that he would appreciate a touch further.

Betting: 14/10 Holds The Key; 2/1 Bombardier Boy; 5/1 Fire Starter; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Holds The Key; (1) Bombardier Boy; (6) Fire Starter; (2) Simbine.

Race 8: (14:40) – BM56 – 1365m:

Very competitive handicap to round off the race meeting. Hollywood Racing’s Isikwishikwishi made an eye-catching local debut when second to Monumental at the end of May. The 4yo son of Alado has obvious scope for further improvement. Hollywood Racing are also represented by Mfethu who was seen to good advantage when finishing third to Ashikule over track and trip and the good-looking 3yo son of Vercingetorix is open to significant improvement. Secret Passage has won both his starts in impressive fashion but steps up in class here and faces his toughest test to date. Spirit’s Unite was badly in need of his last run and is likely to improve on that effort. Van Hunks has cracked pole position, critical over this distance, and possibly represents good each-way value.

Betting: 22/10 Spirits Unite; 5/2 Secret Passage; 3/1 Isikwishikwishi; 8/1 Mfethu; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (7) Secret Passage; (1) Spirit’s Unite; (5) Isikwishikwishi; (4) Van Hunks.

Betting correct at 17:00 on Thursday 09 July.

Suggested Place Accumulator (Races 1-7):

3,4,8 x 5,6 x 3 x 3 x 1,2,5,6 x 4 x 1,4,5,7 (R96)

Lightweight Spoil Yourself is brought home by Yuzae Ramzan (Pauline Herman Photography)

2026 PORT ELIZABETH GOLD CUP – HOMETOWN WIN FOR STRYDOM TEAM!

The Eastern Cape racing programme has been bedevilled by weather and the 10 July Port Elizabeth Gold Cup meeting was another to fall foul of rain and have to be moved to the polytrack.

However, racing went ahead and the 2026 PE Gold Cup produced an emotional victory for Messrs R J Munien, C C M Do Carmo, J V A Strydom, Mesdames Cecilia Trickett, M O Strydom & Money Talks Syndicate (Nom: Mr J V A Strydom)’s 4yo filly, Spoil Yourself (Futura – Winter Retreat) and hometown team, trainer Jacques Strydom and locally based apprentice, Yuzae Ramzan.

Content to track the field from the back of the pack for most of the race, Ramzan made a dramatic move at the 500m mark, sending the filly on her way, looping the field and finishing strongly to register a thrilling1.5 length victory.

It was a first win in the East Cape feature for resident apprentice, Yuzae Ramzan who told Neil Pretorius it hadn’t been easy. He joked, “My chest is so heavy, my heart’s pounding, my legs are weak.” He admitted he didn’t have high hopes going into the race, but once the horses around him started to tire, he realised the filly still had a lot in hand. Sending her on her way at the top of the straight, she ran on strongly all the way to the line and he was full of praise for the manner in which she won.

With one hand on the ornate cup he added, “I’m just very happy I could win this trophy. It’s my first time, hopefully I can win it again in the future.”

Thanking Mr Strydom, all the owners and everyone on course for their support, he said, “A lot of people congratulated me. It makes my heart warm.”

Winning trainer Jacques Strydom is no stranger to lifting the magnificent trophy, but was nonetheless emotional in the post race interview. He admitted the race hadn’t been on the programme for Spoil Yourself, but once the criteria changed so that only the winner would incur penalties, he encouraged the owners to have a go.

He added that his 2019 winner Onesie had been the first filly in the Eastern Cape to win the Port Elizabeth Gold Cup and he was proud that he had repeated the feat with Spoil Yourself.

Spoil Yourself (Futura – Winter Retreat) was bred by the Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud and was a R300,000 purchase from the 2023 Bloodstock South Africa National Yearling Sale. She now has 4 wins and 5 places from 26 career starts.

Final result below:-
Race-6 R 175,000 3150m 15:30
PORT ELIZABETH GOLD CUP (NBT)
Stake Breakdown
Total Stakes: R 175,000.00
1st : R103,906 2nd: R33,250 3rd: R16,625 4th: R8,312 5th: R4,156

Horse Age Sex Dr Wgt LBH Time MR Trainer Jockey
1 Spoil Yourself 4 F 5 51.0 200.97 72 J Strydom Y Ramzan
2 Gentleman Joe 7 G 1 53.5 1.50 201.24 83 A Nel S Moodley
3 Home Reef 4 G 2 55.0 3.50 201.60 87 S Kotzen C Maujean
4 Anatolian Silver 5 G 9 53.5 6.00 202.04 80 J Nel E Webber
5 Flight Display 5 M 8 49.0 8.50 202.49 80 D Smith G Dookhit
6 Garden Sun 4 G 3 50.0 11.25 202.98 69 J Strydom C Ndlovu
7 Darling Girl 4 F 7 47.5 11.50 203.02 66 J Strydom B Soodoo
8 Bad Medicine 4 G 4 61.0 13.50 203.38 106 K Mitchley M Yeni
9 Bournemouth 6 G 6 61.0 16.00 203.83 107 A Greeff R Fourie

It was a day of dramatic finishes and fans were treated to another spectacle in the 2026 East Cape Paddock Stakes (Listed), the second leg of the 2026 Nelson Mandela Bay Racing Fillies & Mares Challenge, when Richard Fourie adopted heart-stopping tactics to get Mr P J Moor’s Anotherdanceforme (Master Of My Fate – Destiny Dancer) home in the second of the day’s features.

Jumping from the 12 draw, Fourie tried to settle at the back of the field, but the filly was having none of it, fighting him right out of the gates. He said this was not unusual for her, so he didn’t panic and made the decision to let her have her head. She took full advantage, passing the entire pack to sweep into a 1 length lead by the 500m marker. There were a few nervous moments when first Roccapina, then Splicethemainbrace and Enchanting Choice mounted spirited challenges, but the 3yo daughter of Master Of My Fate was just gathering herself for a final kick and drew clear of the field to register her 5th win in a row by 1.25 lengths.

Pressed as to whether the result had ever been in doubt, trainer Alan Greeff joked ‘in Richard we trust’. He confirmed that he would be taking the filly to KZN for her next outing, saying he was pleased with the East Cape Paddock Stakes win and hoped it would set her up for the final ask of the season.

Anotherdanceforme (Master Of My Fate – Destiny Dancer) was bred by Varsfontein Stud and was a R650,000 purchase from the 2025 National Yearling Sale. She now has 11 wins from 12 career starts.

Full result below:-

Race-7 R 175,000 1600m 16:05
EAST CAPE PADDOCK STAKES (Listed)
Stake Breakdown
Total Stakes: R 175,000.00
1st: R103,906 2nd: R33,250 3rd: R16,625 4th: R8,312 5th: R4,156

Horse Age Sex Dr Wgt LBH Time MR Trainer Jockey
1 Anotherdanceforme 3 R 12 60.0 94.26 110 A Greeff R Fourie
2 Epikleros 5 M 1 59.0 1.25 94.49 96 T Laing W Agrella
3 Enchanting Choice 5 M 6 58.0 1.30 94.50 105 A Greeff K Strydom
4 Roccapina 4 F 4 58.0 2.05 94.62 105 C Bass JP v/d Merwe
5 Splicethemainbrace 4 F 2 58.0 2.15 94.65 108 A Greeff C Habib
6 Honorable Member 4 F 7 58.0 2.40 94.70 86 S Kotzen C Maujean
7 Bakwena 4 F 8 58.0 3.90 94.95 6 A Greeff M Yeni
8 Ice Rain 5 M 3 58.0 4.00 94.96 101 A Nel S Moodley
9 Desert Cloud 4 F 5 58.0 5.75 95.24 78 D Smith C Zackey
10 East Coast Girl 3 F 9 57.0 8.00 95.63 87 D Smith Y Ramzan
11 Silva City 3 F 11 57.0 9.00 95.78 99 A Greeff K Minnie
12 Doitwithdiamonds 5 M 10 58.0 22.50 97.95 99 A Greeff C Ndlovu

ENDS.

The promising Papaya Brose has been tipped to win Race 9 (Picture: HKJC)

At The Races Tipster Tim Carroll tipped two Wednesday winners and returns with best bets, Placepot picks and analysis of Sha Tin’s final fixture of the season on Sunday.

Sunday sees a competitive 11-race card from Sha Tin getting underway at 10H00 SA Time.

The feature of the meeting is race 8, the Class 1 Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association Trophy (handicap), over 1 mile, offering prizemoney off more than £400,000.

Click here for a comprehensive guide to the meeting

Connery has been tipped to win the 7th race (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

Punters face a competitive card on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday and punters will need to do their homework with no outstanding runners on the card.

The first is a tricky maiden where Omkhulu Boss takes to the poly for the first time but has been improving all the while. Molten Rock is a filly taking on males but she has been consistently placed in her last three starts and the switch to poly could bring out the best. Nautical Fire made a smart debut at lengthy odds and now gets 1.5kg relief from the saddle. Any improvement can see him close.

Justin Snaith had a red letter day on Saturday and saddles the two-year-old Swan Song in the first leg of the Bi-Pot. The colt showed up well on debut first up on the poly and is likely to come on from that effort. Donmagoo has been knocking on the door of late and although he has the widest draw he should feature in this line-up while Owner Of Creation is winless after 31 stars but his best recent form has been on the poly track. With a 4kg claimer up he can finally break his duck.

In the first leg of the PA the filly Ayzal steps up to a mile at just her third start and makes her poly debut for Glen Kotzen. The trip should suit and she only has 49kg to shoulder. Golden Diogo was not far back at just his second start and he can still improve on that effort. Green Commander has been a beaten favourite at his last two on the poly and was just behind Golden Diogo when last they met. However, the latter should have some improvement to come. Fort Usher is another that steps up in trip after making a fair debut behind the promising Benny And Paul. He is one to watch in the betting.

The first leg of the Pick 6 could rest between the trio of City Of Love, Powerandtheglory and Maphaka. City Of Love makes his poly debut but has been consistent over shorter and the step up in trip could see him home. Powerandtheglory has a big weight but was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out while Maphaka also steps up in trip but his form on the poly is cause for concern. However, he has a handy weight and cannot be written off.

In the fifth, Last Margarita has won her last two on the poly and only has 49.5kg to shoulder. A third win is on the cards although she does take on much stronger. Mystic Dancer was touched off in a tight finish last time out. She goes well on the poly and the extra furlong should not trouble her. Miss Laydaterix takes a big drop in class and although she has a fair weight to shoulder she does have the best of the draw. La Landonne was a beaten favourite over course and distance last time out but is never far off and should feature prominently.

In the sixth, Hoodia has been dropping in the ratings and it has been some time since his maiden win. However, he made marked improvement when tried in a tongue-tie and is 1kg better off with Blue Steel who was a game winner last time out. Candice Bass’ gelding is talented but not the easiest ride but Athandiwe Mgudlwa got the best out of him and he can follow up. The Gliding Fish has been close-up at his last two on the poly and although he does take on stronger he only has 51.5kg to shoulder and a top rider. Status is a dark horse. He has been rested, changed stables and is lightly raced but does appear to be useful.

Connery gets the benefit of a useful 4kg claimer in the seventh but is seldom far back and can prevail from his wide gate. Inside Voice takes on males but was not far back first up on the poly and has only once finished out of the money in six starts. Blazing Fury has the best of the draw and has shown up well over course and distance. He has a handy galloping weight and should be competitive. Position Of Power is lightly raced but seldom out of the money. His last win was on the poly and he cannot be left out of anything.

Veteran trainer Ricky Maingard had no stars in the string that he brought up to KZN but they have all paid their way. Billy Cool has been rested since November last year but horses from this stable have been red hot have a master trainer at the helm. Summer Winter has run two smart races on the poly and goes well this trip. Mojo Man is back on his preferred surface and although shouldering a big weight he should be competitive. Chara Sands looks held at the weights by Summer Winter but goes well this course and distance and has found his best form of late.

The last is another wide open handicap Your Ladyship has been dropping in the ratings but has been consistent of late. The trip suits and she should go close. Innerbloom is lightly raced but won well first run on the poly and although she has a big weight she can follow up from an in form stable. Saudi Sweep found her best form when winning comfortably last time out and a repeat performance should see her in the mix again while Winter Blessing meets Saudi Sweep on equal terms and is 1.5kg better off in the handicap. There should be little between them again.

Blue Bolt ridden by Colin Keane coming home to win the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

Newmarket: (Sky Sports Racing)

Blue Bolt took her game to a new level with a dazzling display on the Newmarket July course to down the four-time Group One winner Precise for her first success at the top level in the Falmouth Stakes.

Blue Bolt remained unbeaten this season when following up her Royal Ascot triumph with a brilliant display to down Precise in the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.

Andrew Balding’s daughter of Blue Point was second to Fallen Angel in the Sun Chariot last October – her only other previous appearance in Group One company – but has proven unstoppable since and was notching her third win of the calendar year having landed the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at the Royal meeting.

Sent off the 85-40 second-favourite, Colin Keane had the four-year-old tracking Ballydoyle pacemaker Venosa among a group of four in the centre of the track that also included Aidan O’Brien’s Irish 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes winner Precise, who was the 4-5 favourite.

With Venosa unable to take the field any further than six furlongs, the race began to quickly unfold with a quarter of a mile to run and although at one stage there were four in a line with jockeys urging on their mounts, inside the final furlong there was only one winner, with Blue Bolt surging two-lengths clear of Precise to edge the battle of the generations.

Balding said: “She’s quality, she looked good at Ascot and it was just good to see her do it today in that style.

“She was just getting a bit lonely there at the end and she’s just got that amazing cruising speed and ability to sustain it and she is exceptional.

“Colin has absolutely mastered her and I was saying earlier, since her debut at Southwell which feels a long time ago now, she has barely put a foot wrong on the racecourse. We’re thrilled to have her.

“I think it was a deep race, definitely, and I think my concern today was the quick ground might have caught her out.

“I did think we would get a little further, but I think it’s obvious after today a mile is her trip.

“Alcohol Free won a Cheveley Park, July Cup, a Sussex Stakes and a Coronation and she was unbelievably versatile, whereas this filly is just an exceptional miler.

“I think the Matron Stakes (at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend) is the obvious one, but whether we look at Deauville in between, we will have to see.”

Although beaten when facing her elders for the first time, O’Brien refused to be despondent with the performance of Precise.

The master of Ballydoyle is now considering a step up in trip for the daughter of Starspangledbanner, something that was first pondered when the four-time Group One winner was talked of as an Oaks candidate following her Classic victory at the Curragh.

O’Brien said: “She ran very well, obviously she looked like she will stay further but we always thought that was going to happen anyway.

“We left her at a mile because there was no reason to move her up, but looking at her today, the older filly was a bit quicker through the middle of the race than her and just got away from her a little bit and she was coming back again at the line.

“We’ll see, she still ran a very good race. It’s possible we’ll step up in trip now, but Diamond Necklace is going to Goodwood for the Nassau, so she won’t go there.”

 

Senorita Bonita shines in Duchess of Cambridge Stakes

Senorita Bonita gained compensation for her Royal Ascot near-miss when flying home impressively in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.

Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, who won this race with Arabian Dusk in 2024, the 900,000 guineas purchase was top lot at the Craven Breeze-Up sale and made a winning start at Nottingham in early June.

She found just Aidan O’Brien’s Victorious too good in the Queen Mary Stakes at the Royal meeting, but was sent off 9-4 to go one better in the hands of Oisin Murphy on the July course, stepping up in distance to six furlongs.

Having raced somewhat keenly following an early bump, she soon settled down and after tracking the early pace, Senorita Bonita found herself ideally placed to demonstrate her electric turn of foot, lowering the colours of Albany Stakes winner and 10-11 favourite Libertango by three-quarters of a length.

Ed Crisford said: “They went no pace early, she got a bit of a bump and that set her alight a bit, but Oisin settled her lovely.

“Her turn of foot was electric today – once he said go, she picked up seriously well.

“It was a very good performance. After Ascot we felt like she definitely wanted six furlongs and we weren’t really ever worried about that.”

Crisford is now planning a step up to Group One level in France, adding: “I’d say we’ll go for the Prix Morny. She has a penalty in Group Twos now and she showed today she’s a very good filly, so I think we’ll give her a go in Deauville.”

George Boughey was not too disappointed with the performance of the vanquished favourite Libertango.

He said: “It’s hard to know exactly how quick they went, but they looked to go slow early doors.

“She quickened off a very fast pace at Ascot and today I think she just got a little bit lost, not necessarily through the dip, but she didn’t quite have that finishing kick she had at Ascot.

“Arguably she might have hit the front too soon because there wasn’t a huge amount of pace to take her there, but I think to be a Royal Ascot winner and second in a Group Two behind a very good filly who came here with a huge reputation, she’s not lost a huge amount in defeat.

“We’ll get her home and see where we are and make a plan going forward. It (Lowther Stakes at York) is certainly a possibility, but we’ll let the dust settle and she has had three relatively quick runs.

“She lost very little in defeat behind a good horse today – it’s not like she was fifth beaten six lengths. She’s run a good race but possibly slightly below what she did at Ascot.”