The Tony Peter-trained One Fell Swoop can win a second Gr 3 sprint in succession at Turffontein Standside on Saturday (JC Photos)

There is some good racing at Turffontein Standside tomorrow (Saturday) which offers some opportunities for punters and it is headed by the Gr 3 Betway Sycamore Sprint over 1160m.

The Tony Peter-trained One Fell Swoop looks the one to beat. She has a middle draw of five in a ten horse field on a course which tends to favour high draws. She is merit rated 99 in the handicap event, but has won four of her six starts on the Highveld and looks capable of progressing further. She had a win and a narrow loss against Troppo Veloce in two of her last three runs and last time over 1100m here a draw of three in an eight horse field did not stop her from winning the Gr 3 Betway National Currency Sprint over 1100m, where she beat the like of Ziyasha, Cliff Hanger and the top class Lucky Lad, who was returning from a long layoff. However, the form was franked when Wyzeact, whom she beat by 5,30 lengths, came out and won over 1400m on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly. Mrs Browning has won a Gr 3 and a Pinnacle over course and distance in both of her last two starts, but against her is a draw of one, otherwise this progressive sort would likely be the choice. White Pearl is a courageous horse who has been bridesmaid over further to some top class horses. Her class might pull her through over this course and distance, although a draw of three is tricky even for the maestro Piere Strydom. In The Beginning is talented and is 4,50 length better off with One Fell Swoop for a 3,60 length beating over course and distance in December. The defending champion Alula’s Star has a nice standside draw. She carried 57,5kg last year off a 102 and this year has to carry 62kg off a 108. If repeating her penultimate start over 1000m she is in with a shout as she looks to be on top of One Fell Swoop on a line through Cliff Hanger. Flowerbomb can be right there too on a line through Troppo Veloce. Good Queen Bess has a nice high draw, but that didn’t help her when well beaten by Mrs Browning in the Gr 3 Carry On Alice Stakes over course and distance. Law Of Success is 1,5kg under sufferance, but is on the up and has a nice high draw. Gimmealight has only run over course and distance twice and they were both good runs, but she has a tricky draw of four and is 2,5kg under sufferance.

The following race is an MR 96 Handicap and Suryvarman should be cherry ripe. Last time out he had to be dropped out from a wide draw over 1200m on the Inside track and had too much ground to make up plus he likely still needed it. This impressive looking long-strider should relish going down the straight again and from draw six out of ten can mow them down. On of the three fillies in the race, Amber Rock, will attempt to convert her much vaunted status into a second career win. She might enjoy being on a straight course again having been a touch disappointing in third last time over 1200m on the Inside course, although she did beat Suryvarman by five lengths in that race. Cosmic Star is consistent and should be in the shake up from a high draw. Esquevelle is capable of earning from draw eight. Exchange Student makes most appeal of the rest in a tricky contest.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Humdinger runs over her ideal 1400m trip. However, Quantum Theory should also make a bold bid from a plum draw over an ideal trip as he is coming off a fine effort over 1200m in which he split Melech and Main Defender in the race where they had some argy bargy.

In the second leg over 1400m Vix Princess has been in fine form since arriving on the Highveld and is the one to beat from a good draw over the course and distance of her only win for Tony Peter. Just Be Lekker has her first run after finishing a fine fourth in the R7.5 million Gold Rush over 1600m and she has a fair draw. The form of that race has not worked out exceptionally well, but she was under sufferance with a few of the runners and runs off the same 97 merit rating.

In the 6th race over 1160m Elegant Ice makes most appeal from a high draw with a 4kg claimer up even if she is returning from a three month layoff. Mount Pilatus and Ready To Charge make most appeal of the rest. Zinovi has breathing issues but has plenty of class, so is one to consider and Princeofgreen is interesting stepped down in trip.

The last race is tricky and as many as possible must be included, although the three who make most appeal are Brosnan, In The Ether and Siberian Steel, although Dontshootthebarman and Kinshin Sha are interesting runners from high draws.

Richard Fourie has ridden a number of winners for the Hollywood Syndicate this season and he might be rewarded with a big payout from the latter at the end of the season (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Racing aficionado Robert Bloomberg is one of many around the country who have been watching Richard Fourie’s incredible progress towards breaking Anthony Delpech’s famous 334 record  and urging him on.

Bloomberg penned his feelings about his chances at the beginning of the season and after researching the statistics and considering other factors declared that the record was “well-nigh impossible to achieve in this day and age.”

However, he will be glad to be proven wrong and said, “It would appear that bar injury or suspension, Richard is an odds-on favourite to achieve what to me quite frankly looked impossible. It would be a remarkable feat considering the substantial amount of reduced meetings today as compared to when Bonji set the 334 record. With the amount of travel Richard has had to endure and will continue to do on an ever increasing basis as he nears his goal, the financial carrot that was dangled will be so well deserved. Everybody is rooting for him.”

Hollywoodbets will reward anybody who breaks the record with a  R1 million bonus.

Delpech’s 334 wins in the 1998/1999 season was for many years considered the safest record in South African sport.

However, Fourie’s projected number of wins for the season based on his  season’s rides-per-calendar-day rate and strike rate now stands at 347.

Robert’s research into the statistics at the beginning of the season and the subsequent article he put out now bears testament to the enormity of the task Fourie faced and the what an incredible achievement it will be if he does it.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE 

Can former Equus Champion Sprinter Rio Querari resume winning ways? (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

With Grant Van Niekerk sitting out a four-week suspension, the old firm of Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie could get punters off to a flying start at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth tomorrow when Aristotle lines up at 12:45 in the first of eight races, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m. Aristotle was a distant second behind the talented One Stripe on debut but the form has been franked and Aristotle will take a power of beating.

On what we have seen to date, Bagatelle Flash rates the principal threat. He finished second on debut behind Makazole over 1000m and Eric Sands’ runner should appreciate the step up in trip. Miss Argonaut has scope for improvement while Stated, Mauritius Kestrel and the newcomer Arctic Wizard should be considered for Trifecta and Quartet permutations.

The second race is a Maiden Plate over 1200m, and it may pay to follow Cliff Swallow who showed good improvement in his second career start when flashing up late to get within a neck of Kaapse Klopse. That was not the strongest of formlines but clearly Cliff Swallow is going the right way, and he could have the measure of the well-tried campaigners, Wissa’s Fire, The US of A, Igugulethu and Approach Shot.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is an Open Maiden (F&M) over 1400m and the consistent, but well-exposed, Ice Rain stands out and should carry top weight to victory, despite facing the widest draw of all. Jet Green has been there and thereabouts of late and in receipt of 8kgs from could land Lunga Gila his first winner since moving to the Western Cape. Three Coins has done enough to warrant respect in this class of field while both Blind Faith and Rocking Peonie must be considered for the minor placings.

The fourth race is an interesting and competitive Cape A Stakes over 1400m. Café Culture returned to winning ways over the course and distance on Derby Day under a forceful ride by Bernard Fayd’herbe. He was punished 5 points for a nose victory but with Fourie in the saddle the Lucinda Woodruff-trained son of Var could go back-to-back. Wecangoallnight fluffed his lines last time but is better than that while Look For Hounds always rates an upset possibility. Port Louis returns from the Eastern Cape and will jump from pole position. His form over track and trip is solid and he is certainly not without a winning chance here.

The fifth race is a lowly rated Class 5 Handicap over 1400m and Master Of Paris could go one better than his last two starts over course and distance. In his penultimate start Master Of Paris was runner-up in this class behind Kebonalesedi and he followed that up with a good second behind Aspect. His stable companion Liketheclappers ran below expectations last time but could bounce back.

Candice Bass-Robinson holds a strong hand in the sixth race, a Middle Stakes over 1100m. She saddles Winter Rainfall, whose last effort over 1600m can be safely ignored, and the very promising Kyalami Girl. The latter showed useful potential in two starts as a juvenile and returned from an 11-month injury-enforced absence to win her maiden two months ago in commanding fashion. She should have progressed nicely in the interim and is given the nod to beat Winter Rainfall in a useful field. Highly Confidential, Pacific Green, Porque Te Vas and Candy Town are all worthy of a mention.

The seventh race, a Cape C Stakes over 1100m, has attracted a very modest field but Hammies Hero, On Board and Mighty Mac make up a viable short-list. Winter Frolic has her first run for the Piet Botha stable and could surprise but, in all honesty, if Hammies Hero cannot beat this lot, then the chances of him ever registering a third career victory look slim.

Undoubtedly the best and most challenging race on the card is the final event, the Cape A Stakes over 1100m. Fourie re-unites with former Champion Sprinter, Rio Querari, on whom he has a fine record. Rio Querari always does enough to keep us interested and in this lower-class event he could find his way to the winner’s enclosure. Yellowporscheroad reverts to the minimum trip and could lead them a merry dance off bottom weight. Dance Variety, an ultra-consistent performer over 1200m, has his first ever run over 1000m, but he cannot be entirely dismissed while Jerusalema Rain, Mr Cobbs, Mufasa and Winter Cloud all have the ability, and the form, to win a race such as this. A definite field race for Jackpot and Pick 6 permutations.

Humdinger (white cap) runs over her optimum trip of 1400m in the 4th race and is the one to beat (JC Photos) 

R1     6 LETS PLAY POKER looks hard to oppose here after a good debut but does return from a layoff since October last year 5 HIS LORDSHIP is by What A Winter out of a High Chaparral mare 2 NKANDLA GOLD can earn if producing his best 7 MASTER FLOKI is by Coup de Grace out of a Western Winter mare (6-5-2-7)

R2     1 QUICK TRIP brings good Cape Town form and a close second start on the Highveld and can get it right this time 2 BILINGUAL improved in her second staert with blinkers and with a repeat can earn again. 3 GOLD AGENT has shown enough ability to earn here 6 DRAGON DRAGON is by Twice Over out of a Dynasty mare and is a half-sister to three time winner Dragonfly who reached a 91 merit rating. (1-2-3-6)

R3     7 MK’S DREAMS is well regarded and can improve in his third start for this new yard 8 ROYAL EDITION ran a blinder last time when out at the weights over 1500m and he should go close from a good draw 3 PRESLEY is talented and should be in the shake up 1 SCARLETT PIMPERNEL should be effective over this trip running fresh and is drawn in pole (7-8-3-1)

R4    5 HUMDINGER is ideally distance suited and showed her class last time when finishing second in a Listed race over 1400m 4 QUANTUM THEORY comes off a fine run to Melech over 1200m, beating Main Defender although the latter did almost come down, and he has won over this trip before. 10 GIMME A SHOT has talent and over a suitable trip could make her presence felt. (8-5-4-10)

R5     4 VIX PRINCESS has done well on the Highveld and should go close from a good draw over a suitable trip 3 JUST BE LEKKER showed her talent last time in Cape Town when fourth in the Gold Rush over 1600m 7 MAGICAL FLIGHT is in good form and the form of her last fourth place finish has been franked 2 BETULA is capable of better and is drawn in pole (4-3-7-2)

R6     7 ELEGANT ICE is in fine form and has a 4kg claimer up from a nice high draw over an ideal trip but she is returning from a three month layoff 5 MOUNT PILATUS lost three lengths at the start with first time cheekpieces on around the turn last time but the blinkers are now on and he should enjoy going down the straight again. 3 READY TO CHARGE has a fine chance on his sprint form but a low draw is a bit concerning. 2 ZINOVI should be effective down the straight over shorter as one with talent but with breathing issues (7-5-3-2)

R7     5 ONE FELL SWOOP is in fine form and is capable or pogressing again. 2 MRS BROWNING has progressed and can continue to do so, but her low draw is a bit of a concern 3 WHITE PEARL has a lot of courage and some class and it would be no surprise to see her enjoying the step down in trip 7 IN THE BEGINNING is well regarded and should enjoy the step down in trip, although she does have a tough low draw. (5-2-3-7)

R8     5 SURYAVARMAN might well enjoy the step down in trip and is drawn well near the middle 8 AMBER ROCK has speed and class and should start coming into her own 2 COSMIC STAR has the form to be in the shake up 4 ESQUEVELLE has the class to be involved in the finish (5-8-2-4)

R9     7 BROSNAN returns from a layoff and might well have benefitted from it. 8 IN THE ETHER is capable of a flying finish and can never be ignored 4 SIBERIAN STEEL is in fine form but the low 2 DONTSHOOTTHEBARMAN is a talented individual who could be in the shake up from a nice high draw. (7-8-4-2)

Jerusaleema Rain has been tipped to win the last race (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Gold Circle

R1   6 BAGATELLE FLASH caught the eye on debut when running on from quite far back to finish second on debut. He looked a picture in the parade ring and with natural improvement expected, he should be the one to beat. 2 ARISTOTLE was a well beaten second on debut behind One Stripe, who came out to win the Cape Nursery on Derby day. He’s the biggest danger and can be expected to fight out the finish. 8 MISS ARGONAUT managed to finish fourth on debut in a competitive line up and can make his presence felt. 5 STATED is held by Aristotle based on his last run but can still finish in the quartet (Devon Pretorius: 6-2-8-5)

R2  Competitive maiden plate and this could be a formline to follow. 10 IGUGULETHU has been the model of consistency in this field and is certainly overdue a win. However, a few runners are improving at a rapid rate includIng 3 CLIFF SWALLOW who just missed out in his last start behind Kaapse Klopse. If he shows further improvement from that run, he could just be able to come out on top. 7 THE US OF A was given a terrible ride in the work riders race and still managed to hold on to fourth placing. Now Richard Fourie is up and he must be respected. 2 WISSA’S ON FIRE and 11 APPROACH SHOT can’t be ignored for the minor placings. (Devon Pretorius: 10-3-7-2)

R3  10 ICE RAIN has to concede weight to the field but if the weight doesn’t get to her, she looks like one of the better bets on the card. She brings the best form to the race by some margin and should be hard to beat. The biggest danger is 9 ROCKING PEONIE who steps up to 1400m. With just 55,5kgs on the back and the jockeyship of Richard Fourie, she should be given every chance to give the favourite a run for her money. 6 JET GREEN as well as 2 THREE COINS haven’t been far off in recent starts and should be able to finish in the quartet (Devon Pretorius: 10-9-6-2)

R4  Competitive race and a case can be made for almost every runner. 8 WECANGOALLNIGHT disappointed in his latest start and is definitely capable of better. A chance is taken on him to bounce back to his best for the in form Mr Sands stable. 4 CAFE CULTURE was given a perfect ride by in his last start to win over track and trip from a wide draw. This is a tough task for him but Pomodoro’s Jet did frank that formline last week and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him win again. 7 WE’RE JAMMING ran well above his rating in a G2 sprint and was doing his best work late. He steps up to 1400m and could have the upset potential. 1 PORT LOUIS returns to the Cape after a short stint in PE. He cracks a good draw and is preferred over this distance (Devon Pretorius: 8-4-7-1)

R5   7 RADICCHIO looks to represent some good value on the day. On paper, 2 MASTER OF PARIS has finished second in his last two starts and looks the obvious choice but on revised weight terms, the former has the beating of Master of Paris based on the 13th of Jan formline behind Quatermain. Radicchio is stepping up to 1400m but that shouldn’t be too big of a concern as he has raced over further before. 4 LIKETHECLAPPERS is never far off the action and should be competitive once again. 5 IN THE BAG has his first run out the maidens with 62kgs on the back but this isn’t the strongest of fields and could represent some good value for a place. (Devon Pretorius: 7-2-4-5)

R6  10 KYALAMI GIRL won in no uncertain terms in her comeback run after a lengthy break. She only has 55,5kgs to shoulder and if she repeats her last run, she should be hard to beat. 8 CANDY TOWN might need the run after a break but she is a quality sprinter and if she can time her run right, she is more than capable of winning here. 9 JAPANESE ROSE last ran in the G1 Fillies Guineas over the mile and drops back to a sprint and drops drastically in class. If not in need of the run she can feature. 7 PORQUE TE VAS won impressively in her last start and can’t be ignored (Devon Pretorius: 10-8-9-7)

R7  After a four point drop in the ratings from his last start, 2 HAMMIES HERO looks like he is in the perfect race even with the 61,5kgs on the back. He should take a power of beating despite being known for his inconsistency at times. The biggest danger is 7 MIGHTY MAC and there wasn’t a lot separating them back on the 12th of Feb. However, there is a 1,5kgs swing in favour of Hammies Hero to reverse the form. 6 ON BOARD is the best weighted in the race as the only filly and must be respected. 9 CASINO ACE can place first run out of maiden company. (Devon Pretorius: 2-7-6-9)

R8  1 JERUSALEMA RAIN bounced back to his best form in a gutsy win over 4 DANCE VARIETY in his last start and there was barely anything separating them. However, the latter was a little unlucky after a sluggish start and with a 1,5kg turnaround at the weights in his favour, he can get the upper hand. 2 RIO QUERARI is never far off and should be competitive once again. 8 WINTER CLOUD is really well weighted as the filly taking on the boys. With feature races under her belt, she is more than capable of featuring in a competitive race to end off the racemeeting (Devon Pretorius: 1-4-2-8)

Paul Townend returns to a hero’s welcome on board back-to-back Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs © Ben Stansall / AFP

France24.com

Cheltenham (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Galopin Des Champs was described as a “superstar” by his trainer Willie Mullins after joining an elite club of horses to claim back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cups on Friday.

The odds-on favourite, trained by Mullins and ridden immaculately by Paul Townend, followed up his 2023 success in jump racing’s blue riband in emphatic fashion.

In second came the well backed Gerri Colombe with Grand National winner Corach Rambler in third.

Galopin Des Champs put up a performance fitting of the 100th anniversary of National Hunt’s premier prize to join Best Mate and Al Boum Photo as the only horses to win the Gold Cup in successive years this century.

Winning owner Audrey Turley described watching her pride and joy repeat his heroics of last year as “terrifying”.

“It does not get any easier, I will enjoy the race later on.

“I still cannot believe it. He is so special to us, he is so kind so loving.”

For Mullins this was the crowning glory of a remarkable week in which the Irish master trainer notched up his 100th Festival winner on Wednesday.

It took him a long time to finally get his hands on a Gold Cup, but now he has won four of the last six editions of the great race.

“All we were worried about was the loose horse over the last two fences.

“He made one mistake early on but that was it, phew!

“To win the 100th one, the week has been so good, it’s like a perfect storm,” said an emotional Mullins, who also won Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle with State Man.

“The third one would be the plan next year,” Mullins added of Galopin Des Champs, confirming his champion will return to try to make it three in a row.

Only Best Mate (2002-2004), Arkle (1964-1966), Cottage Rake (1948-1950) and five-time winner Golden Miller (1932-1936) have succeeded in conquering jump racing’s everest more than two years running.

Townend had Galopin Des Champs perfectly placed in third behind early leader The Real Whacker.

L’Homme Presse was prominent as one of the main dangers Fastorslow fell, the horse continuing to race riderless, posing a potential problem to Galopin Des Champs.

But Townend kept his cool, jumping to the front and surging up the famous Cheltenham hill to the line to beat Gerri Colombe by three and a half lengths, with a further nine and a half lengths back to Corach Rambler.

Corach Rambler is now destined to try to repeat his 2023 Grand National heroics at Aintree next month.

His trainer Lucinda Russell commented: “I am delighted with him, it’s fantastic. That was the perfect Grand National trial, I’m so proud of him.”

Silvestre De Sousa celebrates his Gr 3 win aboard Money Catcher in last year’s January Cup (Picture: Kenneth Chan)

Silvestre de Sousa has landed a winner on his first ride back from his 10-month suspension, with the Brazilian rider returning with a bang at Newcastle in England on Tuesday night.

Outed from Hong Kong in May last year, De Sousa enjoyed a successful comeback by steering the Andrew Balding-trained three-year-old Superb Force to a commanding two-and-a-quarter-length success on his only ride of the evening.

The 43-year-old, who rode 136 winners in Hong Kong, was hit with the lengthy ban after he pleaded guilty to betting offences relating to a race at Happy Valley on April 26.

Young Champion (Zoustar) has been tipped to win Race 9 (Picture: Kenneth Chan)

Race 1: #6 Prestige Moochi, #1 Spangle Fortune, #8 All Is Ready, #3 Happy Tango 
Race 2: #1 Flying Dragon, #9 Hinokami Kagura, #5 Triumphant Warrior, #4 Solid Shalaa 
Race 3: #3 Chateauneuf, #7 Ruby Sailing, #1 You’remyeverything, #2 Run Run Timing 
Race 4: #1 Devas Twelve, #10 Casa Cosmo, #2 Satirical Glory, #9 Fruity Warrior 
Race 5: #8 Parterre, #4 Ace Victory, #1 Enterprise Attack, #10 Beauty Missile 
Race 6: #2 Champion Instinct, #9 Packing Brilliant, #1 Super Goldi, #6 Great Spirit
Race 7: #3 Victory Moments, #10 Jolly Ruler, #1 Yellowfin, #4 Smokey Bear
Race 8: #14 Noble Win, #4 The Absolute, #7 Invincible Lucky, #5 Sunlight Power 
Race 9: #10 Young Champion, #6 Blue Marlin, #4 Keefy, #1 The Golden Scenery 
Race 10: #9 Sweet Briar, #7 Massive Action, #14 Windcheater, #8 Beauty Fit

Race 1: Castle Peak Handicap

#6 Prestige Moochi has improved this season. Expecting he can take the right step forward here from gate one and give this group something to worry about at odds. #1 Spangle Fortune is after back-to-back wins. He was brilliant last start and a return to that level of form here should see him be super competitive even under top weight. #8 All Is Ready can mix his form but he should get his chance on the pace. #3 Happy Tango will give this group something to reel in. He’ll look the winner at some stage.

Race 2: Lai Pek Shan Handicap

#1 Flying Dragon is unlucky not to have recorded a win this season. He’s been around the mark all term, twice missing by under half a length. He is the one to beat here, especially with five pounds coming off his back. #9 Hinokami Kogura turned his form around to finish in second spot last time out. He’ll make his presence felt. #5 Triumphant Warrior has done well across four starts in Hong Kong. #4 Solid Shalaa is next in line. He’ll get his opportunity.

Race 3: Needle Hill Handicap (2nd Section)

#3 Chateauneuf won well on debut and does look well placed to do the same again. Zac Purton rides again and he shapes as the hardest to beat. #7 Ruby Sailing has been knocking on the door across his entire career. He has the potential, however, is struggling to piece it all together. #1 You’remyeverything is looking to snap a run of two second placings. He’s favoured from the positive draw. #2 Run Run Timing won well two starts ago. He’ll bounce back.

Race 4: Sai Wan Shan Handicap

#1 Devas Twelve is after back-to-back wins. He remains in Class 4 following his most recent success and pairs favourably with Zac Purton. #10 Casa Cosmo is yet to win but has been around the mark for most of his career. He’ll break from an ideal draw this weekend. #2 Satirical Glory can mix his form but his last three runs have been sound. The inside gate should allow him to roll forward with ease. #9 Fruity Warrior is better than his record suggests. Next in line.

Race 5: The Heung Yee Kuk Cup Handicap

#8 Parterre can roll forward and give this group something to reel in. He won well two starts ago, doing exactly that, and is capable here. #4 Ace Victory is a one-time winner already from five starts in Hong Kong. He’s been competitive in this grade and can make his presence felt. #1 Enterprise Attack is steadily recapturing his best. It wouldn’t surprise to see him bounce out of the ground here. #10 Beauty Missile reversed his form last start and draws ideally this weekend. Next in line.

Race 6: Needle Hill Handicap (1st Section)

#2 Champion Instinct is after a hat-trick of wins. He continues to progress well this season and remaining in the same grade is an added bonus. He can win again. #9 Packing Brilliant can reverse his form after a few strong efforts at the trials. Zac Purton’s pairing bears close watching. #1 Super Goldi has struggled since winning on debut. Still, he’s shown his quality and is worth inclusion here. #6 Great Spirit finished second on debut. He can advance further forward this weekend.

Race 7: The Association Of Hong Kong Racing Journalists Challenge Cup Handicap

#3 Victory Moments has his fair share of quality and he was a tidy winner last time out. Like the way he is progressing and his best form remains in front of him. #10 Jolly Ruler is a winner on the dirt and his inclusion this weekend catches the eye, especially from a positive gate. #1 Yellowfin doesn’t know how to run a bad race. He has the draw to overcome but does get a handy 10 pounds taken of his back with Ellis Wong up. #4 Smokey Bear is consistent and deserves respect under Zac Purton.

Race 8: Shek Nga Shan Handicap

#14 Noble Win returns to a suitable course and distance. He slots in light and has been racing around the mark all season, enough so to suggest he can win this weekend. #4 The Absolute returns after being gelded. This guy was quality on debut and he can easily advance further forward here. #7 Invincible Lucky is lightly raced but has done very well so far. Zac Purton hops up and he just needs to overcome an awkward draw. #5 Sunlight Power is next in line. He’s been racing well of late.

Race 9: Sheung Yeung Shan Handicap

#10 Young Champion is shaping as a serious horse. He won well last start and slots in light here for his second outing in Hong Kong. He can easily defeat this group, especially with only 116lb assigned. #6 Blue Marlin has continued to meet every challenge. He’s still lightly raced and open to further improvement. He’s a five-time winner from 14 starts in Hong Kong. #4 Keefy has lost his way a touch, however, the good gate can afford him a chance. #1 The Golden Scenery is next in line.

Race 10: Wong Leng Handicap

#9 Sweet Briar has the runs on the board and breaks from an inside gate. Zac Purton hops up and his form all season has been sound, not counting his most recent blip. He’ll take beating. #7 Massive Action can assume his customary leading position. He’s tracking the right way and the inside gate should afford him a very, very soft lead. #14 Windcheater is lightly raced and doing plenty right, winning once from just two starts. #8 Beauty Fit is consistent and has that on his side. Next in line.

Fiery Duke (Duke Of Marmalade) gives Kelly Mitchley a five-timer and S’Manga Khumalo a treble (via Racing Today Tv youtube) 

Kelly Mitchley won the first four races at the Fairview meeting today and she added the last race too, to make it a memorable five-timer.

Three of her winners were ridden by S’Manga Khumalo.

Mitchley had her first runner on July 1, 2022,  less than two years ago, and this season her 46 wins at a strike rate of 10.22 puts her in 20th place on the national log and in 3rd place on the East Cape log.

Richard Fourie and Alan Greeff combined to win the www.soccer6.co.za Oaks Plate over 1800m with Joy And Peace  and the Listed East Cape Fillies Nursery with Splicethemainbrace.

Both of those winners are by Master Of My Fate.

Fourie gave the Varsfontein Stud-bred Splicethemainbrace a particularly fine ride as this filly, who is now unbeaten in three starts, has a tendency to hang to the right.

He had to first prevent her from ducking in behind a slowing pacemaker, then pick her up again and then keep her straight with two horses on her inside in a tight finish.

Yet he still managed to get her up by a head.

Fourie is now on 216 wins for the season and has achieved it at a strike rate of 21.88%.

His projected number of wins for the season is now 347.

Khuamlo is on 81 wins at 16.20%.

Greeff is on 81 wins at 15.08%.

He is now just five wins behind East Cape log leader Gavin Smith.

Secretariat’s first foal called Leola is pictured above (za.pininterest.com)

Secretariat is regarded by many as the greatest thoroughbred racehorse of all time, but why was his first foal not even classified as a thoroughbred?

When Secretariat first retired to Claiborne Farm, his sperm showed some signs of immaturity, so he was bred to three non-thoroughbred mares in December 1973 to test his fertility. One of these, an Appaloosa named Leola, produced Secretariat’s first foal in November 1974.