Turf Talk Newsletter – 10 March, 2026

The Corne Spies-trained Potala Palace filly Singforafa wins the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint in 2021 and now has her first foal, a Rafeef colt, at the Race Coast Premier Yearling Sale Day 1 on March 13 (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Ten Potential Premier Sale Stars!

Sarah Whitelaw

The 2026 Premier Yearling Sale has attracted some very well bred yearlings indeed, and there will no doubt be plenty of interest in the two day auction.
With South Africa’s leading stallions and many outstanding broodmares represented on the Premier Sale it is not easy to single out a few individual lots, but the ten lots selected could perhaps pay to follow:

Lot 12: Dark Storm c Jet Dark -Lady In Black
Dark Storm hails from the first crop of multiple Equus Champion and five time G1 winner Jet Dark, whose yearlings made up to R450 000 at the recent Cape Yearling Sale. This colt, bred on a similar cross to another multiple Equus Champion in the form of Charles Dickens, is a half-brother to G3 Byerley Turk winner and Hong Kong scorer Mid Winter Wind, and his dam is a champion daughter of outstanding sire and broodmare sire Dynasty. Jet Dark’s sire Trippi has already enjoyed success with this family, through his Listed Lady’s Slipper Stakes winning daughter Jane S Piddy.

Lot 30: Mongolian Quest c Querari -Marcheline
Querari, whose progeny include such G1 winners as Bavarian Beauty, Cosmic Speed, Querari Falcon and champion Rio Querari, is enjoying another fine season in 2025-2026 thanks to his high-class offspring Star Major, Rainbow Lorikeet, and Questioning.  The versatile Querari, whose progeny range from champion sprinter Rio Querari to G3 World Pool Gold Cup winner Master Redoute, also ranks as one of the leading sires of 2YOs in South Africa. Mongolian Quest is a half-brother to seven runners including Listed Lonsdale Stirrup Cup winner Field Marshal and impressive recent debut winner Marchland.

Lot 94: Rafa’s Tune c Rafeef -Singforafa
Redoute’s Choice horse Rafeef continues to go from strength to strength as a sire, and is also poised to make his mark as a sire of sires through his G1 Computaform Sprint winning sons Master Archie and Thunderstruck. Rafa’s Tune is out of a top-class racemare in the form of Singforafa, whose six career wins (four black type) included a victory in the G1 South African Fillies Sprint. Singforafa is closely inbred to Sadler’s Wells, whose influence shows no sign of waning.

Lot 112: Mystic Flame c Fire Away -Sweet Ohanna
Fire Away is a stallion who has made a big impression with his first three crops of racing age. His small first crop produced a pair of graded stakes winners in the form of Egyptian Mau (subsequently a winner in the US) and My Golly Molly, as well as star Eastern Cape runner Luna Halo.  Fire Away’s second crop produced a pair of G1 winners in the form of Confederate and Fire Attack, as well as another top-class Eastern Cape performer in the form of My Best Shot, while his third crop includes the likes of Warm Reception, Coco’s Hero and the promising Pop Chart. His son Mystic Flame is out of a half-sister to G1 Hollywood Gold Cup winner Rail Trip, with Mystic Flame’s numerous other high-class relatives including US classic winner and sire Palace Malice, Japanese star Justin Palace and G1 King’s Stand Stakes winner Flirting Around (the sire of South African legend Wolf Power).

Lot 113: f Jet Dark -Sweet Repeat
By one of South Africa’s most exciting young stallions, and multiple Equus Champion, in the form of Jet Dark, this filly is from one of the best families in the South African stud book. She is out of Sweet Repeat, a Twice Over full-sister to Horse Of The Year, and dual G1 Vodacom Durban July winner, Do It Again and three-parts sister to this season’s G1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met winner See It Again. Sweet Repeat, also a half-sister to dual Hong Kong G3 winner Horse Of Fortune (Strongman), and Listed East Cape Oaks winner Virginia Sweet, is out of triple graded stakes winner Sweet Virginia and this is the family of such top-class fillies as Dancewiththedevil, Mill Hill and Smart As Paint.

Lot 115: f Kommetdieding -Sylvie
From the first crop of charismatic G1 Vodacom Durban July/G1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met winner Kommetdieding (who was unbeaten at two), this filly is a half-sister to no fewer than three stakes winning fillies (by three different stallions). Her dam Sylvie, a winning three-parts sister to multiple graded stakes winner Depardieu, is the dam of G2 Betway Joburg Spring F and M Challenge winner Celtic Rumours, Listed Swallow Stakes winner Sarah and the speedy dual Listed winner Almond Sea. This is the family of champion fillies Mother Russia, Nother Russia and Gimme A Nother as well as this season’s G3 1Voucher Victress Stakes winner Sukhumvit.

Lot 144: Windmeetsfire c Rafeef -Wind Chill
This colt is a half-brother to two winners notably this season’s G1 Lucky Fish Cape Derby/G1 Cartier Paddock Stakes winner Wish List. Bred on the same cross as G3 TAB J J The Jet Plane Stakes winner Mover And Shaker, Windmeetsfire is out of the Silvano sired G2 SA Oaks winner Wind Chill. The latter, in turn, is out of a four time winning full-sister to G2 John Skeaping Trophy winner Grey Arrow. Further back, this is the family of legendary sire Zabeel as well as Arc winning mother and son Detroit and Carnegie.

Lot 158: Uvongo c Vercingetorix -Amanzimtoti
A three-parts brother to impressive recent Listed OTT Cape Fillies Classic winner Beach Verse, Uvungo is out of G2 Western Cape Fillies Championship winner Amanzimtoti, a full-sister to G2 World Sports Betting Guineas winning sire Wild Coast. The pair are two of five stakes winners produced by five time G1 winner, and dual Equus Champion Beach Beauty, whose progeny not only include the aforementioned Beach Verse, but also star racemare Beach Bomb. The latter won the G1 Cartier Paddock Stakes and G1 World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas in South Africa before going to the US where she won the G3 The Very One Stakes and G3 Orchid Stakes.

Lot 197: Caesar’svastghost c Vercingetorix -Come Fly With Me
By the sire of such stars as Double Grand Slam, Quickstepgal, Oriental Charm, Gladatorian, and Cousin Casey, this colt is a half-brother to four winners notably G1 Cape Guineas/G1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met winning sire Double Superlative.  Bred on the same Vercingetorix/Jet Master cross as the likes of African Warrior and Rascallion, Caesar’svastghost is out of a G3 placed full-sister to G1 Mercury Sprint winner Fly By Night.

Lot 218: Call To Arms c Gimmethegreenlight -Eros’s Girl
By multiple champion sire Gimmethegreenlight, Call To Arms is a three-parts brother to the Gimmethegreenlight sired G3 Politician Stakes winner and G1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby runner up Universal. Out of a stakes winning daughter of Captain Al (closely related to the Captain Al sired champion Captain’s Lover), Call To Arms’ Listed East Cape Oaks winning dam is a half-sister to champion, and G1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate winner Vardy. This colt is bred on the same Gimmethegreenlight/Captain Al cross as champions Proceed and Sandringham

Grand Empire just pips Trust in the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic (JC Photos) 

The three-year-old male ratings appear to have a more realistic look to them after the running of the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic.

The handicappers original rating of the Gr 2 TAB Gauteng Guineas used 117 Tin Pan Alley as the line horse and the outcome was horses with high ratings from 121 downward.

However, after a couple of panels upheld appeals for certain horses, the ratings looked too low at 109 and downward.

In retrospect the handicappers have pointed out that not only have the latter ratings been proven to be too low, but the SA Classic ratings, which were similar to the Gauteng Guineas ratings, now actually look undervalued too, considering Tin Pan Alley went out and won the Gr 1 wfa Wilgerbosdrift Horse Chestnut Stakes by 3,75 lengths.

Furthermore, the replacement line horse used by the appeal panel for the Gauteng Guineas, the previously 108-rated Grand Empire, is now a Gr 1 winner too.

However, the handicappers do not practice retrospective ratings.

The handicappers’ analysis of all of Saturday’s Classic day stakes races can be read below:

 

Press Release

Handicapping Ratings Update

 

 WILGERBOSDRIFT H F OPPENHEIMER HORSE CHESTNUT STAKES (GRADE 1)

 Three-year-old TIN PAN ALLEY has been awarded a revised merit rating of 128, up from 117, following his emphatic victory in the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes run at weight-for-age over 1600m at Turffontein standside track on Saturday.

In assessing the race, the Handicappers identified the consistent TEXAS RED (third place) as the line horse, leaving his rating unchanged at 119.

TIN PAN ALLEY’S commanding win over 1600m on a yielding track dispelled any doubts about his aptitude for the trip. The Handicappers had already considered him suitable for the distance, having used him as the line horse in the original TAB Gauteng Guineas ratings. However, the TAB Gauteng Guineas was subsequently reduced to a level of 109 following an appeal.

The outcome of the TAB Gauteng Guineas appeal has had significant knock-on effects. The three-year-old cohort that dominated the Guineas was reduced from a level of 121 to 109. TIN PAN ALLEY, who finished sixth in that race, has now gone on to win a Grade 1 WFA event.

Effectively, based on the reduced Guineas level, his performance rating has risen from 104 to 128 in just 28 days. While the Handicappers clearly believe TIN PAN ALLEY improved in this race, the improvement would reasonably be measured from 117 to 128 based on the Handicapper’s original assessment of the Gauteng Guineas.

When rating the Guineas, the Handicappers considered the pecking order of the field, the quality of the race as a Grade 2 event, and fairness from a handicapping perspective to ensure horses would meet on proper handicap terms in future contests. The appeal outcome created distortions, including the subsequent reduction of TRUST’S rating from 119 to 108 – a decision made two runs after his Grade 2 Jackpot City Dingaans victory, which the Handicappers regard as contrary to the principles of handicapping.

TIN PAN ALLY’S performance in this WFA race highlights the strength of this year’s three-year-old crop.

No other horses received upward adjustments in this race. COSMIC SPEED’S rating was reduced slightly, from 124 to 122.

 

HKJC WORLD POOL SA CLASSIC (GRADE 1)

GRAND EMPIRE, winner of the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic over 1800m, has had his official merit rating raised from 108 to 120.

The Handicappers unanimously agreed that runner-up TRUST reaffirmed the 119 performance he achieved in the Grade 2 Jackpot City Dingaans last November, where he defeated the 118-rated JAN VAN GOYEN. The Dingaans level remains the officially adopted benchmark for that race.

In the assessment of this race, the Handicappers concluded that TRUST once again performed to that same level of 119. TRUST was used to that mark and was accordingly adjusted to 119.

A collateral line of form with TIN PAN ALLY’S win in the Wilgerbosdrift H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes (Grade 1) indicates that the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool SA Classic is undervalued, however, the Handicappers do not practise retrospective ratings.

Furthermore, the TRUST appeal panel concluded with the following recommendation: “Following the running of the SA Classic, the Handicappers should re-evaluate the entire three-year-old crop.”

Three additional horses received merit rating increases in this race:

• SPLITTHEEIGHTS: 109 to 116
• ONE EYE ON VEGAS: 106 to 115
• RADIO STAR: 95 to 107

WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC (GRADE 1)

 

HAZY DAZY’S official merit rating remained unchanged at 117 after she held off her rivals to win the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic over 1800m. HAZY DAZY remains 3 points lower that her male counterpart GRAND EMPIRE, which is within the range of the filly’s allowance while keeping her equal to the Western Cape Leading filly WISH LIST, who is also rated 117.

The Handicappers identified LITTLEMISSMILLION as the line horse, leaving her rating unchanged at 107.

Two horses received rating increases based on their margins ahead of the line horse at level weights:

• SCARLETT HEART (third): 91 to 108
• DAISY JONES (fourth): 106 to 108

WILGERBOSDRIFT ACACIA STAKES (LISTED)

CARE FORGOT’S official merit rating has been raised from 97 to 102 after winning the Listed Wilgerbosdrift Acacia Stakes over 1600m.

In this race, KISSHOTEN (third) was deemed the most suitable line horse, with her rating left unchanged at 107.

Under race conditions, the maximum increase for placed runners is limited to three points. Accordingly, runner-up WARNING SOUND could only be raised from 87 to 90, despite achieving a higher performance level.

Three horses received rating reductions:

• WILLY MEET AGAIN: 104 to 102
• LADY FALLON: 102 to 100
• DOITWITHDIAMONDS: 100 to 99

 

TAB J J THE JET PLANE STAKES (Grade 3)

 

WILLIAM ROBERTSON’S official merit rating remains unchanged at 124 following his 17^th career victory, achieved in the Grade 3 TAB J J The Jet Plane Stakes over 1000m.

WILLIAM ROBERTSON, who was rated 105 as a one time winner at age 3, went up to a rating of 125 from 117 following his 2^nd place run in the 2022 Grade 1 Mercury Sprint and has now accumulated 5 Graded race wins.

He was deemed the most suitable line horse for this race, hence his unchanged rating. By rating the race in this manner, MOVER AND SHAKER also ran to his mark of 109, effectively making him a line horse as well.

Upward adjustments were made for the following horses:

• TAXI TO THE MOON (runner-up): 117 to 119
• RAFA BAY: 94 to 97
• CONSTELLATION: 113 to 114

Two horses received rating reductions:

• COSMIC STAR: 106 to 105
• MOUNT PINATUBO: 110 to 109

Enquiries:

The Handicapping Team

Apprentice Wilmien Fourie scored her first win as a professional rider on the Fairview poly today on Visionaire gelding Flash Lightning, who had a chance on certain formlines, despite starting at 50/1. The win gave trainer Jacques Strydom a treble on the day (Pauline Herman Photography)

Jacques Strydom scored a treble on the Fairview poly today with two of them ridden by Chase Maujean and the other ridden by apprentice Wilmien Fourie.

It was Wilmien Fourie’s 26th ride since joining the South African Jockeys Academy, although she did win one of two amateur races she took part in.

Click here to read Wilmien’s story before she had joined Academy

Chase Maujen is on 22 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 8.59%.

Jacques Strydom is on 24 wins at 8.76%.

He is in 6th place on the East Cape log behind Alan Greeff on 90 wins, Kelly Mitchley on 39 wins, the late Gavin Smith as well as his son Dean Smith are on 26 wins apiece for the season and Tara Laing in on 24 wins.

Ladyofdistinction is full of class and is likely still ahead of the handcapper. She can claim a hattrick in the sixth race (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Wednesday Formguides and Selections

R1 Summary: Mostly first timers. BISON WARRIOR (2) was not far behind the placed runners on debut with the winner Master Magician looking to be something special at this stage. KIKI U BEAUTY (1) found plenty of support on debut but was all at sea finishing a long way back. The outing should have brought him on. Mike Miller is having a stellar run with his two-year-olds and ACTION THRILLER (13) is the choice of stable rider Tristan Godden, Action Thriller well beaten by stable companion Steamy Windows on debut. A close eye on the betting may prove to be your best guide. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-13-4).

R2 Summary: Many first timers. Of those that have run, FLAMETHROWER (7) was a promising fourth on debut in soft ground. He is sure to have come on from that run. QUEST OF VALOUR (9) was narrowly ahead of Flamethrower also on debut and there should not be much between the two again. RIFF RAFF BOY (5) looks to be the pick of the Miller runners although he was disappointing behind Steamy Windows last time out after a promising previous effort. Of the first timers. ONE PEPPER (3) has a blue-blood pedigree and may be worth watching. (Andrew Harrison: 7-9-5-3).

R3 Summary: Justin Snaith can get his winter season ball rolling with RANDOLPH HEARST (2). He has been up against the cream of the Cape Town crop and not far behind. He looks the part in this field. Dominic Zaki had his first KZN winner in TALK TO THE MASTER (3) in the Fever Tree Stakes where he was weighted to win. He is more than useful but could find it difficult giving his younger rival 6kg. Zaki has declared two others to keep the race alive so the inference so obvious. These two look set to fight things out. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-5-6).

R4 Summary: HIGHVELD STORM (1) has his second run for his stable and make a promising local debut in first time blinkers. He has a useful apprentice up and should feature. WAR EMPEROR (8) has been improving with each outing and was a close-up second last run when returning from a break. He should give a good account. GOOD OMEN (3) has finished runner-up over course and distance at his last two. He gets a 4kg claimer aboard this time around. XIPHOS (9) has been a major disappointment although never far back and stable companion FROSTBITE (7) could prove pick of the Frikkie Greyling pair. Although well beaten on debut he is likely to come on from that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 1-8-3-7).

R5 Summary: Puzzling handicap with many going the trip for the first time. CAN WE START (5) improved second start behind a short-priced favourite. She is bred to go this trip and any further improvement could see her home. STAMPEDE AHEAD (2) goes this trip for the first time and has been disappointing. The step up in trip with the blinkers off and a tongue-tie on could do the trip. FIRE FORCE (4) is the only one tested over the trip and ran on well for second last time out. He is a long-time battler but has come well at his last two over the trip. OSMIUM (1) is another stepping up in trip but has shown some ability over shorter and Craig Zackey stays with the ride. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-4-1).

R6 Summary: LADYOFDISTINCTION (3) has a touch of class and has won her last two in good fashion since returning from a break. She goes well this trip and should make a bold bid. MISS TWINKLE (4) steps up in class and appears to be the pick of Andre Nel’s pair. ICE RAIN (7) is slightly better off with Ladyofdistinction on their most recent meeting but both of her recent wins have come on the poly. ONE SMART COOKIE (6) steps up in trip again. She has useful current sprint form and looks to have a strong winning chance. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-4-7).

R7 Summary: Louise Gooden’s mare ACACIA’S BLOSSOM (7) has been narrowly beaten at her last two on the poly. She now gets a 4kg claimer aboard who is riding with some confidence but the switch to turf is a cautionary note. Stable companion HEARTS ON FIRE (2) was a little unlucky last run on the poly. GRUE OF ICE (3) has her measure at the weights on their last meeting but the tables can be turned. AMAFORT (8) is long overdue but tends to lack extra under pressure. However, she can feature on her best showing. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-3-8).

R8 Summary: MAPHAKA (6) was a little disappointing on the poly last time out. He has shown good form in stronger company than he meets here and should go very close. TAM’S KNIGHT (7) is lightly raced and showed some promise in his comeback run after a long lay-off. He has ability and one to watch in the betting. COWBOY COUNTRY (5) has been consistent since his maiden win and has a money chance while CHICARTIO (8) surprised on debut over course and distance and is likely to come on from that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 6-7-5-8).

R9 Summary: Wide open handicap. Veteran galloper SUN DAZED (12) has steady form of late and the drop in trip with blinkers could finally see him home for his fifth success. INTREPID (6) got a three-point raise in the handicap for his recent win on this course under a big weight. The extra will suit. TRIPPI’S SILK (1) has been rested but comes off some promising recent Cape form. DEFINITELY YES (4) was narrowly beaten on this course last run. His last win was over course and distance. Andrew Harrison: 12-6-4-1).