Turf Talk Newsletter – 15 May, 2026

Ferryman should go close in Race 7 (Wayne Marks)

Ferryman could provide a boost to his three-parts brother Hawwaam by following up on his maiden win in the 7th at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, although Alistair Cohen prefers Marcus Aurelius. Read Alistair’s preview for the meeting below:

Alistair Cohen (Race Coast)

From the flying yard of Candice Bass, Marcus Aurellius looks like he has found himself improving with every single run. He always showed a bit of promise but as he takes on stronger opposition, he acquits himself better and competitively. With that in mind, he faces the right field when he runs in race 7 over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

One has to be pleased with his last run. He finished 0,4 lengths behind Future Free over 1600m at this course last month and he filled the runner-up berth. Future Free showed his ability when he ran two lengths behind La Pulga in third in the Grade 3 Legal Eagle Stakes at this course last weekend. That was Marcus Aurellius’ first run with blinkers. It was a fair step in the right direction. Three runs back he was fourth behind the rapidly improving Sommerstern who hacked up subsequently at Hollywoodbets Scottsville a few weeks ago.

Those lines of form are huge pointers to the company that Marcus Aurellius has kept. Bass has kept him bubbling in good company and in good heart. Her yard is the most in-form in Cape Town at the moment which enhances confidence. Stable rider Aldo Domeyer is back from a layoff and he is carded to take the ride.

Ferryman moved yards to Eric Sands and he made a note when he won on stable debut. Sands has done wonders with the family being responsible for Rainbow Bridge, Golden Ducat and Foudre. It was a huge move from owner Sabine Plattner and her retained trainer Andre Nel to move the horse to Sands. It worked a charm. The brains behind the decision must be applauded. He could have much more to come and even though this is a fair step up from maiden level, he could have the tools to go on a streak. Craig Zackey is carded to ride. He rode most of those stars from this family.

Rockanrollin is trained by Nel for Plattner and he could be in contention too. He has always hinted as a slow burner who could have some good days to come. He might not have the same ability as those tipped ahead of him but a performance that sees him finish in the Quartet would be a neat effort.

The meeting could start with a good bet. Sparkling Star was a beaten favourite in her last start when finishing third behind Mystic Inferno who had valid excuses for her no show at the start of the month. Sparkling Star has the raced runners stacked so it will take a good first timer to turn her over. She is also from the Bass barn and Domeyer takes the ride.

Domeyer and Bass could strike again in race 2 over 1000m with Blackbird who made a pleasing debut. He finished fourth behind Rich Man’s World over this course and distance in March. He was well beaten. But, think of how impressive Rich Man’s World was at Hollywoodbets Scottsville a few weeks ago. He made a huge impression when he won the Grade 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes. He looks set to run at Grade 1 level later this month. 8,5 lengths behind him is hardly a disgrace. Blackbird also did well to scramble into fourth. He looked hugely green and inexperienced so that run could do him a world of good.

Race 3 over 1400m looks to be wide open with a few winning chances. Hilton Heads is not a confident selection but he leads the list of potential winners. He has crossed the line in fourth in his last three runs so hopefully he is able to step forward but he is relatively lightly raced which could help his cause. He comes from the Andre Nel yard which has found itself in good form lately after a frustrating string of good runs yet no wins. Protector Of Peace, The Big Bang, Whatwillbewillbe, Big Deal and Caesar’s Ransom are all respected.

Many expected Masteronthemoon to win his most recent outing but the trip over 2000m came too soon. Regardless, he still ran with credit when Phantom Man turned him over. He returned from a long break in his penultimate run when he finished strongly giving the hint that he would be hard to topple. He steps back to 1800m in race 4 and this should be the perfect storm for him to strike. Richard Fourie takes the ride for James Crawford. He should be peaking fitness wise. Everything looks to be in his favour.

Bass could be back at it in race 5 over 1600m. Backinthefastlane has brightened up since exiting the maiden ranks and he could turnover his stablemate, Sper Viking. The latter has recently exited the maidens while Backinthefastlane already has an appetite for what to expect at this level, despite the low grade of the event. Interestingly stable rider, Aldo Domeyer has opted for Super Viking. He should be able to ride 59kg of Backinthefastlane. Keep both runners in your plays.

Somebody Somewhere put up a pleasing post-maiden effort last time when she was narrowly beaten by South Of France who was the play of most. She meets Miss Attitude and Peaches And Cream on identical terms and she finished ahead of them both. Somebody Somewhere has given the impression that she has more to offer. Richard Fourie is up for James Crawford in race 6. She should reach 1500m which would be the biggest query.

Black Erika is not a confident top choice in race 8 over 1000m but she has found herself finishing closer and hinting that a win is just around the corner. Craig Zackey takes the ride for Adam Marcus who adds to her cause. Her last start was pleasing when she finished third behind Music Of The Night in a messy event at Hollywoodbets Durbanville over 1250m. Like a few in this race, she is low mileage so she might have some progress in the locker. Gin Palace, Worldcraft, William’s Woman, Pushing Limits, Saachi One and Peace Of Mind are not without hope.

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

Ziyasha has a chance in the 8th, a Pinacle Stakes event over  1100m (Pci

A Pinnacle Stakes event over 1100m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside on Saturday and it could go to Ziyasha.

The Clinton Binda-trained Rafeef gelding was backed at long odds in the Gr 2 TAB Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m but unfortunately overraced. He now gets Gavin Lerena up and will appreciate the slight step down in trip, even if it is just 60m shorter. His low draw of four is a bit of a concern but the straight course at Turffontein sometimes has no bias at all these days. On the other hand he is 3,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted horse Destiny Of Fire. The latter gets a 2,5kg gender allowance and is at least 2,5kg better off with any of the male runners, but it is never easy for the girls against the boys. Ziyasha is only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted male. However, a look at his run in the Computaform Sprint in which he was squeezed out at a vital stage before running on again, showed that he is capable of a high class performance. Slinky Mapimpi is full of talent too and bounced back to form last time. He is capable of a top run over this trip too and is 1kg better off than Ziyasha so should do well from a nice high draw with the in-form Mickaelle Michel up.  Destiny Of Fire ran a good fifth when stepped down to this trip last time in the Camellia Stakes and could make her presence felt. Almond Sea is second best in at the weights, 1,5kg under sufferance with Destiny Of Fire, and she can do better than she did in the Camellia if ridden more conservatively and then running on strongy, as she is capable of doing. Quantum Theory was in good form before going to Cape Town, where he ran well below par, and he might be ready to bounce back. Ziyasha is selected to beat Slinky Mapimpi with Dsetiny Of Fire, Almond Sea and Quantum Theory next best.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Celtic Manor made a fine debut over 1160m and this Master Of My Fate should relish the step up in trip and she is drawn in pole too. Be My Fate could be the main threat as she looks to be on the up, although she has a tricky draw. Gimmesumluv has been knocking on the door and should be in the shake up.

In the fifth race, a Middle Stakes race over 1600m, The Playboy Bomber is one of the best weighted males and he is at the top of his merit rated band off a 93, having won a Middle Stakes race last time when rated 88 and being one point off the top of his band. Tintin has an easier task than last time and is interesting stepped up in trip from a good draw as he has done well up to 1450m, although his dam was speedy, so this Rafeef filly is not garanteed to like the step up. Willy Meet Again is the best weighted runner and will be a big runner if able to overcome a wide draw and get to the front fairly easily as she is capable of kicking from the front. Erroll Flynn was most disappointing last time in a feature but there were excuses and he can bounce back. King’s Express is one of the best weighted males in the race and the form of his win last time has been franked.

In the sixth race over 2000m Instant Attraction is capable of going close here as she did well against the boys last time over course and distance and now has a plum draw as opposed to a wide draw. Thoonsil is four points higher after his maiden win but from pole position looks capable of following up. Full Go is in  good form and  distance suited but does have to overcome a wide draw. Terrence looks capable of earning in this line up. Romeo’s Magic can bounce back with a step down in trip from a fair draw.

In the seventh over 2000m Ariovistus won easily last time and can go close again despite being six points higher. Jordan is course and distance suited and he can do a lot better than last time, where he was drawn eleven and found nothing, as he is now drawn four.  Future Gamble is on the up and should be in the shake up too.

In the ninth over 1000m Umzingeli Wenyati should make a bold bid from a nice high draw. His Lordship has the ability to go close, but he has the number one draw. Lonely As A Cloud should be in the shake up here.

In the first leg of the PA over 1600m Rock My Boat is distance suited and can go one better than last time in an uninspiring field.

In the first leg of the Bipot over 1160m Gone Cold has fine form and will be hard to beat, although he does have a low draw which might be disadvantageous. Stormact is drawn high and should be right there.

In the first race 1160m the impressive grey Impressive will be hard to beat from a nice high draw.

 Cumbre Vieja can go in again. Picture: Mauritius Jockey Club

Graham Hawkins

Cumbre Vieja will be looking to preserve his unbeaten record when he takes on four rivals in the G3 Derby Trial over 1400m at Champs de Mars on Saturday. Not surprisingly Cumbre Vieja has been priced up deep in the red but he has to concede 5kgs to Havana Moon who also boasts a perfect record on the Island, having won all four of his starts last term. The Derby Trial is the first leg of the 4yo Championship Series with the second leg being the Mauritius Guineas over 1600m on Saturday 13 June and the final leg, the Mauritius Derby over 1850m, at the end of July.

The sponsors, Aqua Springs, have offered a bonus of Rs1-million to the connections of any horse that wins all three legs of the Championship.

Race 1 (10:30) – BM25 Handicap – 1400m:

This low-grade handicap presents a competitive start to the race meeting. Just a short-head separated Exalted Love and Ashikule when 2nd & 3rd behind Blackjack Randall on 25 April and there is every reason to expect a battle royale between the pair on Saturday. Having raced very green on that occasion, I do believe Ashikule may have more scope for improvement and I favour the son of Erupt to turn the tables here. The very well related Indigenous won his local debut at the end of the 2025 Season and should prove progressive through 2026. Spirito Selvaggio has useful form but may find this trip a little on the sharp side while Fire Starter is an interesting newcomer for the Carl Hewitson team and any market support must be respected.

Betting: 15/10 Ashikule; 18/10 Exalted Love; 6/1 Indigenous; 13/2 Fire Starter; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Ashikule; (1) Exalted Love; (3) Indigenous; (5) Fire Starter.

Race 2 (11:05) – BM36 Handicap – 990m:

Small field, but a trappy contest nontheless. Carl Hewitson holds a strong hand with Fencing Captain and Unsung Hero. Riding arrangements suggest that Unsung Hero may be the stable elect but the early betting suggests otherwise with Fencing Captain, twice a winner over course and distance, attracting solid ante-post support. The newcomer, Secret Passage, could spoil the Hewitson party. The 4yo son of Futura has been working well at home and with Donovan Mansour in the saddle, Secret Passage could trouble the judge despite the trip being a little on the sharp side. Global Warrior also makes his debut on the Island after showing useful promise in South Africa, but the 3yo son of Potala Palace could just be in need of this outing.

Betting: 14/10 Fencing Captain; 22/10 Unsung Hero; 5/2 Secret Passage; 8/1 Fine One; 20/1 Global Warrior.

Selection: (4) Unsung Hero; (2) Fencing Captain; (1) Secret Passage; (5) Global Warrior.

Race 3 (11:40) – BM41 Handicap – 1500m:

Courtly returns for his seasonal debut following a very successful 2025 campaign in which he recorded three victories from four starts – his only defeat coming at the hands of the useful Brave Bomber. He represents the powerful Soon Gujadhur/Raymond Danielson combination who celebrated RM2 with a quartet of winners. But there is plenty of depth to this handicap and both Sound Of The Sea and Master of Mystery bring useful form into the race. Master of Mystery closed off 2025 with back-to-back victories and has shown a fine turn of acceleration, but both his wins were recorded over more ground. Sound Of The Sea was beaten by stable companion Bounceback three weeks ago and he could go one better here. The presence of newcomer Happy Days adds interest and intrigue to the race as the quality of his track work and barrier trial suggests the 4yo son of One World should make his presence felt and he rates a lively chance from pole position. Happy Days has already found strong betting support and has displaced Courtly at the top of the boards in the early exchanges.

Betting: 2/1 Happy Days; 5/2 Courtly; 3/1 Master Of Mystery; 9/2 Sound Of The Sea; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) Happy Days; (1) Courtly; (5) Sound Of The Sea; (7) Master Of Mystery

Race 4 (12:15) – BM46 Handicap – 1365m:

Rich Folks Hoax did not enjoy the best of passages when fifth on his local debut three weeks ago. The 5yo son of Danon Platina has shown marked improvement in his work over the past three weeks and he should prove too strong for his four rivals in this mid-division handicap. Bounceback rates an obvious threat after posting a surprise victory at RM1 and there could be further improvement to come from Jevin Awotar’s runner, the mount of Grant Van Niekerk. Rich Folks Hoax apart, Carl Hewitson also saddles Alpine Challenge and Palermo in this small field but the former is clearly the stable elect. Comedy Club, the mount of Australian jockey Cody Collis, makes up the 5-horse party but will need to show significant improvement to trouble the principals here.

Betting:  7/10 Rich Folks Hoax; 4/1 Bounceback; 13/2 Palermo; 8/1 Alpine Challenge; 16/1 Comedy Club.

Selection: (1) Rich Folks Hoax; (5) Bounceback; (3) Palermo; (2) Alpine Challenge.

Race 5: (12:50) – Middle Stakes – 1500m:

Preetam Daby’s Bugalugs completed a hattrick of victories at the back end of last season and the 5yo son of Mambo In Seattle is being solidly supported to start his 2026 campaign in the same vein. Secret Oasis has been a model of consistency and is 1kg better off with Bugalugs for a one-length beating in December. It certainly counts in Secret Oasis’ favour that he has had a recent run under the belt when second to Cumbre Vieja in April. Solomons Seal has been a frustrating horse to follow but can never be ignored while the evergreen Transonic is very useful but at his best over a tougher test of stamina. Magnum P I is much better than his last two runs suggest and could go well fresh. Good race.

Betting: 1/1 Bugalugs; 3/1 Secret Oasis; 4/1 Solomons Seal; 14/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (6) Secret Oasis; (4) Bugalugs; (2) Solomons Seal; (3) Transonic.

Race 6: (13:25) – Derby Trial Handicap (G3) – 1400m:

Cumbre Vieja faces a tricky test in the Derby Trial but is widely expected to maintain his perfect record in Mauritius. He set a new track record when winning on his seasonal debut three weeks ago and was a convincing winner of the Princess Margaret Cup over this course and distance last season. Havana Moon is unbeaten from 4 starts on the Island but clearly takes a step up in class here. That said, the 4yo son of Last Winter receives 5kgs from Cumbre Vieja and he will no doubt have his band of supporters. Brave Bomber, stable companion to Cumbre Vieja, could be a surprise package off just 53kgs. His work has been exceptional coming into this race. Bacchus was placed in the season-opening Duchess of York while likely pace-setter Daring Dash went too fast last time when odds-on favourite and faded tamely.

Betting: 5/10 Cumbre Vieja; 28/10 Havana Moon; 8/1 Daring Dash, Bacchus; 25/1 Brave Bomber.

Selection: (3) Cumbre Vieja; (4) Havana Moon; (5) Brave Bomber; (2) Bacchus

Race 7: (14:00) – Pinnacle Stakes – 1400m:

Xavion launched his 2026 campaign in the best possible way with a fine start-to-finish victory in the Noble Salute Cup two weeks ago. He could certainly follow up. Zil Moris finished a career best runner-up behind Meridius in the G1 Duke of York Gold Cup on 21 December and a repeat of that performance will render the 5yo son of Fire Away a tough nut to crack. Formagear flopped when favourite for the Noble Salute but should do better here while Captain Lannister is a solid type who was twice a winner last season. Gimmeanotherchance makes his local debut under Kabelo Matsunyane and, while the 5yo son of Gimmethegreenlight failed to live up to expectations in South Africa, his track work here on the Island suggests we could see a different version of Arveen Nagadoo’s runner. Another very good race.

Betting: 12/10 Zil Moris; 33/10 Captain Lannister; 4/1 Xavion; 11/2 Formagear; 14/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Zil Moris; (3) Xavion; (6) Gimmeanotherchance; (2) Captain Lannister

Race 8: (14:40) – BM31 Handicap – 1450m:

A near-maximum field of ten runners for the lucky last. Iko Iko caught the eye on debut when winning by more than five lengths. He rises 6 points in the ratings and takes on stronger this time, so it will be a good test for the 4yo son of Fire Away. Canford Club is much better than his last start when a beaten odds-on favourite and I would not write him off yet. Mystery Cache has yet to run a bad race but stretches to 1450m for the first time. I fancy he will have no problem with the trip and will probably be ridden “cold” from the worst of the draw. Zooberi jumps out of gate 1, a big plus in a large field, and at 12/1 Daby’s runner could be the each-way value in the race. Royal Port Louis and Master Point have done enough to suggest they could have a say in the outcome. Lava County was a distant second behind Iko Iko last time but has scope for improvement. Iko Iko is clearly the key horse in the race and could well justify his position at the top of the boards, but victory in a competitive line-up is perhaps no foregone conclusion.

Betting: 2/1 Iko Iko; 7/2 Canford Club; 9/2 Royal Port Louis; 7/1 Lava County; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (2) Iko Iko; (5) Zooberi; (1) Canford Club; (3) Mystery Cache.

Betting correct as at 17:00 on Thursday 14 May.

Suggested Pick 6:  1,3 x 1 x 2,4,6 x 3 x 1,2,3,4,6 x 1,2,3,5,7,8,10 (R210)

Dave The King will be out to win the ‘A’ Stakes race at Hollywoodbets Scottsville for the third year in succession (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting of Sunday May 17 has some good horses involved, including former Equus Horse Of The Year Dave The King.

The big Global View gelding will be out to win an A Stakes race over 1400m for the third year in succession. He won this race by three lengths and 3,20 lengths respectively in the last two years carrying 62kg and 61,5kg respectively and he should be able to win it again carrying 61,5kg. Callan Murray was up last year and is so again from a similarly wide draw and he will be in the lead or up with the pace before kicking a long way from home, such is this horse’s famously long run in. Aristocratic, a three-year-old who has his third run after gelding, is capable of a strong finish so might be able to give some cheek if Dave The King is below par. Imposing is capable of turning it on too. Zeitz is consistent and should make the frame. On paper King Pelles is the only one who can challenge Dave The King, but even then he is officially 3kg under sufferance and will find the trip too sharp.

The fourth race is interesting as the R4,25 million National Yearling Sale top-priced horse October Rush makes his debut for Daen Kannemeyer under Craig Zackey over 1200m. The two-year-old Rafeef colt has a speedy pedigree and should go close with Pritti United being the main danger, having arrived with some good Cape Town form and Andrew Fortune riding.

In the third leg over 1750m of the Pick 6 Gimme The Truth made a good KZN debut after improving with cheekpieces in his previous two Cape Town starts and he should take a power of beating.

In the seventh over 1600m Capsaicin is a long-striding sort who deserves a win and he could make a bold bid off a competitive merit rating. Kanaal Skater showed signs of coming back to form last time and does have some class. The talented The Shepherd finished second to Dave The King at this meeting two years ago and has his third run after a layoff here off a competitve merit rating with Gavin Lerena up.

In the eighth over 1600m Taylor’s Version, formerly from Cape Town, can make it three wins at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on the trot.

In the last leg of the Pick 6 Tladi Mothwana has caught the eye on a couple of occasions and was outgunned in a Gr 3 last time, so could be hard to beat back in an ordinary race.

The best bet could be Scots Wae Hae in the second. He is powerfully built and caught the eye when running third on debut to the promising Kudikaran. He we will be hard to beat in this 1000m contest under Gavin Lerena, athough he will hopefully jump better than he did on debut.

Alan Greeff scored a treble on the Fairview poly on Friday, two of them ridden by Richard Fourie.

Chad Little rode a double for Juan Nel.

Craig Zackey rode a single winner to go to 223 wins for the season, 46 clear of Richard Fourie on 177.

Zackey has achieved it at a strike rate of 17.13%, while Fourie is going at a strike rate of 21.96%.

Chad Little is now on 62 wins at 9.79%.

Alan Greeff is on 119 wins at 16.15%.

Juan Nel is on 31 wins at 9.37%.

2000 Guineas and Breeders Cup winner Notable Speech was beaten by the SA-bred One World colt One Stripe the last time he ran (in the USA) and he can frank the form by winning the Lockinge at Newbury on Saturday (Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Racing Post)) 

HKJC

A red-hot G1 Lockinge Stakes (1600m) at Newbury on Saturday (16 May) is shaped by proven Group 1 winners at the mile, but a fast-improving Frankel colt adds intrigue.

Among the 10-strong field are a mix of established Group 1 performers and progressive challengers, with connections hoping to land Europe’s top early-season mile contest for older horses.

The three G1 winners at this trip are William Buick’s mount Notable Speech, Sahlan (Mickael Barzalona) and Cicero’s Gift (Jason Watson). By contrast, three major players yet to win a Group 1 over 1600m but with persuasive arguments over Newbury’s straight mile are Damysus (James Doyle), Zeus Olympios (Clifford Lee) and The Lion In Winter (Ryan Moore). Dancing Gemini, Jonquil, Mississippi River and More Thunder make up the field.

Notable Speech, the G1 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner in 2024, bounced back to his best last year with victories in the G1 Woodbine Mile (1600m) and Del Mar’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile (1600m). He might have completed a third straight North American G1 triumph in last month’s G1 Maker’s Mark Mile (1600m) had the five-year-old not suffered a nightmare passage up Keeneland’s home straight.

Charlie Appleby’s high-profile Godolphin stable is enduring a quiet spell, but victory for Notable Speech on Saturday would signal a return to form for the yard.

Sahlan comes from the all-conquering Chantilly stable of Francis-Henri Graffard, and the colt bagged his first Group 1 victory in a tense finish to last September’s G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (1600m) at ParisLongchamp.

Graffard said: “Sahlan is a true miler who has wintered really well. He is a good ground horse.”

Referring to Sahlan’s last 2025 start, when he finished around two-and-a-quarter lengths fifth to Notable Speech at Del Mar, Graffard said: “In America, he was a bit surprised by the track and the turns but he still ran very well. I think he just lacked some experience.”

The only previous Group 1 attempt by John & Thady Gosden’s Damysus was when he was well beaten in last year’s G1 Derby Stakes (2405m) at Epsom. He is unbeaten in three starts since, and was especially stylish when accelerating away from his rivals to win the G3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes (1800m) at Newmarket last month.

The Gosden stable is looking for its third straight Lockinge Stakes victory after Audience in 2024 and Lead Artist in 2025, and Damysus, a flashy son of Frankel, has been doing some smart work on Newmarket’s Al Bahathri gallop.

Thady Gosden said: “Damysus has an explosive turn of foot, which he put to good use when he won at Newmarket. He’ll be good at 2000m but he certainly has the necessary speed for the Lockinge.”

The G1 Lockinge Stakes (1600m) is carded as S2-3 and will be run at 15H35 SA Time on Saturday, 16 May.

Hollie Doyle gives insight on her weekend rides between York, Newbury and Naas.

Click here to read Hollie Doyle’s At The Races column