Turf Talk Newsletter – 15 October, 2026

The Herman Brown-trained Jay Peg (Camden Park) wins the Gr 1 Dubai Duty Free under Anton Marcus (Picture: Dubai Racing Club) 

Sarah Whitelaw

Earlier this year, it was announced that Mike and Mathew De Kock would be reopening its yard in Dubai for the 2026-2027 Dubai Racing  Carnival.

The long-term vision is to return South African thoroughbreds to the global marketplace while also sourcing quality horses from other racing jurisdictions to compete in the Middle East, with an eventual eye on the United States. The USA is of particular interest for South African-bred turf performers, who have demonstrated that they can compete at the highest level while racing for its massive prize money.

South Africa is no stranger to enjoying success at the Dubai Racing Carnival. Southern African bred thoroughbreds have won the Al Quoz Sprint three times, the Dubai Duty Free (now Dubai Turf) twice, the Jebel Hatta three times, the UAE Derby  once, the UAE 2000 Guineas twice, the Godolphin Mile three times, and the Al Fahdi Fort twice.

South African bred runners have also gone close to landing the G1 Dubai World Cup.

In 2010, the humbly bred Lizard’s Desire was beaten just a short-head when second in the Dubai World Cup, while Victory Moon ran third, to US stars Pleasantly Perfect and subsequent star sire Medaglia D’Oro, in the 2004 World Cup.

A few memorable Southern African bred runners to grace Dubai include:

 

Victory Moon c. Al Mufti – Dancing Flower
Winner of his only start in South Africa, Victory Moon campaigned with great success in Dubai.

His six wins in Dubai included the G2 UAE Derby, G2 Maktoum Challenge (Round 3), G3 UAE 2000 Guineas and G3 Maktoum Challenge (Round 2). He also ran third, behind US stars Pleasantly Perfect and Medaglia D’Oro, in the 2004 G1 Dubai World Cup. Victory Moon was crowned Champion 3YO Miler in the UAE in 2003.

 

Grand Emporium g. National Assembly – Whistling Dixie
The classy Grand Emporium, winner of both the 2004 G1 Triple Crown 1600 and 2004 G1 Daily News 2000 in South Africa, showed top-class form in Dubai. After winning the 2005 G3  Maktoum Challenge, Grand Emporium went on to claim the same year’s G2 Godolphin Mile.

He was crowned UAE’s Horse Of The Year for 2004-2005.

 

Ipi Tombe: Manshood -Carnet De Danse
One of the finest fillies bred in Southern Africa, Ipi Tombe won 12 of 14 starts, and won major races in South Africa, Dubai and the USA. After winning eight of her first ten starts, including the 2002 G1 Vodacom Durban July, Ipi Tombe was unbeaten in her final four starts. She won all three of her starts in Dubai culminating in a spectacular victory in the 2003 G1 Dubai Duty Free.

 

Jay Peg c. Camden Park –Laptop Lady
An Equus Champion in South Africa, Jay Peg would retire to stud having earned more than $6.818 million in stakes money. He would win G1 feature races on three different continents, with Jay Peg victorious in both the G1 Bloodstock SA Cape Guineas and G1 Investec Cape Derby in South Africa, the G1 Dubai Duty Free in Dubai and G1 Singapore Airlines International Cup in Singapore. When victorious in the 2008 Dubai Duty Free, Jay Peg accounted for such outstanding international campaigners as Darjina, Archipenko, Vodka and Finsceal Beo.

 

Lizard’s Desire g. Lizard Island – Annsfield
The humbly bred Lizard’s Desire proved himself a world-class racehorse when he finished second, beaten just a short-head, in both the 2010 G1 Dubai World Cup and 2010 G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup. The globetrotting gelding would go on to enjoy success at the highest level when Lizard’s Desire stormed home to win the 2010 G1 Singapore Airlines International Cup. In a brief career, Lizard’s Desire earned around $4.5 million, while accounting for such high-class performers as Al Shemali, Presvis, Gio Ponti, and Mastery.

 

Shea Shea g. National Emblem – Yankee Clipper

Shea Shea was a top-class sprinter, who showed high-class form in Britain, Dubai and South Africa. In South Africa, Shea Shea reeled off eight wins including the 2011 G1 Golden Horse Sprint and 2012 G1 Computaform Sprint. Sent to Dubai, Shea Shea would go on to land the G1 Al Quoz Sprint in 2013.  He would confirm his status as a world-class sprinter when finishing an unlucky second, beaten just a neck, in the 2013 G1 King’s Stand Stakes.

 

JJ The Jet Plane g. Jet Master – Majestic Guest
One of the finest sprinters ever bred in South Africa, J J The Jet Plane won 14 of 26 starts, with thistally including six G1 victories. Not only did J J The Jet Plane win two runnings of the Al Quoz Sprint, but he also scored a memorable win in the 2010 G1 Hong Kong Sprint.

 

Soft Falling Rain c. National Assembly – Gardeners Delight

An unbeaten champion at two in South Africa, Soft Falling Rain would go on to win notable races in both Dubai and Great Britain. He won his first seven races in a row, with this streak including wins in the G1 SA Nursery, G2 Godolphin Mile and G3 UAE 2000 Guineas.  In five Dubai starts, Soft Falling Rain won three and ran second to Variety Club in the 2014 G2 Godolphin Mile.

 

Variety Club c. Var- La Massine
Variety Club was South Africa’s Horse Of The Year in both 2012 and 2013. He won seven graded stakes races in South Africa, four at G1 level, before being exported to Dubai. The chestnut won the G3 Firebreak Stakes, before suffering a surprise defeat in the Burj Nahaar. However, Variety Club would never taste defeat again. After accounting for fellow South African bred champion Soft Falling Rain in the G2 Godolphin Mile, Variety Club made history when romping home to win Hong Kong’s G1 Champions Mile by four lengths.

 

Vercingetorix c. Silvano – National Vixen

An unbeaten champion in South Africa, Vercingetorix went on to enjoy considerable success on the international stage. He won three of five starts in Dubai, including the 2014 G1 Jebel Hatta, and was runner up in the 2014 G1 Dubai Duty Free (where Vercingetorix accounted for such top-class performers as Dank, Mshawish, and The Fugue among others). Vercingetorix would go on to finish third in the 2014 G1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup before returning to South Africa where he has become a champion sire.

On A Jet Plane completes a treble for St. John Gray and a double for Philasande Mxoli

St John Gray and Calvin Habib both enjoyed individual trebles at Turffontein Inside today (Thursday), which ensured they are both in the top 10 on the respective Lucky Fish Trainers and Jockeys Logs.

Robyn Klaasen and Philasande Mxoli both had individual doubles.

Gray has been on an amazing roll that has seen him operating at a very high strike rate.

The first leg of his treble today began in Race 3 over 1200m.

In this MR 66 Handicap he ran his 66-rated Bezrin homebred gelding Spy Story.

This five-year-old had been in good form except for his last run, where the jockey felt something amiss over 1400m and he found no extra to be well beaten.

He was backed into 5/2 today as a drop down to 1200m might well have been deemed by some to be suitable considering he had pulled early in his previous start.

This time he broke well, but Philasande Mxoli made the astute decision to drop him back to last rather than risk being caught wide.

He loped along around the first turn, but clearly had plenty still in hand and when Mxoli switched him out early he made up ground rapidly before going all out to catch Stage One, which he did just before the line to win cosily by 0,30 lengths.

St, John’s next win was in the sixth race over 2000m.

In this MR 91 handicap for fillies and mares he ran his 91-rated homebred Futura mare Future Date and she was backed into 9/2 having been close up in her last two starts over 2000m and 1800m respectively.

Jason Gates was up from pole position and he had her nicely settled in third place on the rail as Winter Rainfall opened up a gap out in front.

Future Date swept to the front between the 400m and 300m marks and got into a tussle with Anahita over the last 200m.

Gates rode her vigourously and she won cosily by 0,40 lengths with the rest of the field 2,60 lengths further back.

Gray had a a coupling in the last race over 1450m for fillies and mares with Gates on the more fancied Secret Life, who went off at 5/1, and Mxoli on the 7/1 shot On A Jet Plane.

On A Jet Plane, a homebred by Bezrin, was interesting because she had beaten Lightinthewoods by 4,50 lengths over 1450m in August and she was now only 3kg worse off, although Lightinthewoods is a three-year-old and would have improved since that run.

Nevertheless, the latter’s odds of even money looked too short, and On A Jet Plane’s 7/1 odds looked generous.

Mxoli skillfully found the rail on On  A Jet Plane from a wide draw of seven, but she nevertheless only had two horses behind her.

However, she accelerated smartly in the straight and still clearly had a ton in hand as Mxoli looked for a gap.

He found one on the inside and burst through to beat Lightinthewoods by 4,10 lengths.

In the fourth race Calvin Habib took the Robyn Klassen-trained speedster Antonio Gaudi straight to the front from a tricky draw of five out of eight in the Middle Stakes event over 1000m. Habib allowed the speedy Chocolate Soldier to go ahead of him and then drove his mount down the centre. The 89-rated five-year-old Erupt gelding kept going well to win by a length from African Prince with Chocolate Soldier next best.

In the next Habib was aboard the Heather Adamson-trained Royal Mo filly Elisa Mbali and the latter made it a hattrick, ridden by Habib in all three races, when producing a late run to win the MR 72 Handicap for fillies and mares over 2000m by 0,70 lengths.

Antonio Gaudi had converted 2/1 odds and Elisa Mbali 5/2.

Habib’s mount in the seventh race, the Roy Magner-trained Legislate filly Fair Proposal represented tremendous value at 16/1 as she had finished second to Got The Look last time and was now 4kg better off for a 4,75 length beating. Furthermore, she looked likely to enjoy the step up to 1450m. She was well drawn too and Habib placed her in a position from where she could strike and she ran on resolutely to beat 2/1 shot Jack’s Legacy by a length with Got The Look next best.

Habib has had 22 wins this season at a strike rate of 10.43%.

He is 31 wins behind log leader Keagen de Melo, whose 53 wins have come at a strike rate of 20.95%.

Mxoli is on 16 wins at 13.68%.

Gray has had 15 wins at 21.74%.

In the top 20 on the log only Alan Greeff has a higher strike rate, with his 33 wins coming at 21.85%.

Klaasen  is on 8 wins at 17.78%.

Mr Incredible impresses with Karis Teetan in the saddle (Picture: HKJC)

By Declan Schuster (HKJC)

The HK$56 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series – worth record prizemoney across the three-race challenge – doesn’t commence until 31 January next year, but talented hopeful Mr Incredible (135lb) makes his return on Monday (19 October) at Sha Tin.

After bursting onto the scene last term with three wins by a combined six and three-quarter lengths, Mr Incredible will begin his march towards the HK$14 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) after finishing third in a barrier trial at Conghua on 28 September.

Brett Crawford, who secured 28 wins and captured Group 3 success in his first season training in Hong Kong, said: “He’s definitely matured. He’s going along the right path, and he’s always looked like a horse who will be able to step up in distance as well.

“The plan we’ve got for him works out well. Each race he will step up and, ultimately, we get to the Four-Year-Old Classic Series and go right through it.”

Mr Incredible’s rapid rise last season vaulted him to an 80 rating as a Class 3 victor, the grade he’ll return in on Monday under Karis Teetan in the Lek Yuen Handicap (1200m).

The Toronado gelding clocked 57.21s in his 28 September barrier trial behind Eternal Fortune, while subsequent winner Ka Ying Attack was second. Mr Incredible breaks from barrier 11.

“I’ve been happy with him. He has a long season ahead of him. I think whatever happens next Monday, he will certainly continue to improve,” Crawford said.

“I was really happy with his trial and the speed he showed in that trial, and he’s a big horse; he will carry the weight – I’m not worried about that.”

Teetan is looking forward to reuniting with Mr Incredible: “He’s a bit older now, so we expect him to improve a bit more with his age. We’re looking forward to going back to the races.”

The Four-Year-Old Classic Series is the testing ground for Hong Kong racing’s up-and-comers. The Series begins with the Hong Kong Classic Mile, followed by the HK$14 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on 28 February before the 150th HK$28 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 21 March.

Galaxy Patch next runs in the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) before the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), with Crawford opting against Monday’s HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m).

“He’ll run in November,” Crawford said. “We took the view that to run him in another handicap would be another hard race for him. Whereas in November and December – both races are similar conditions to weight-for-age, and we thought it would be more beneficial for him there.

“I thought third run for December would be ideal and that’s the route we’ve chosen. He will trial before November. The two runs he’s had for the yard over seven furlongs have been good. When he steps up to a mile, he’ll be even better.”

Teetan combines with trainer David Eustace aboard Group 3 winner Light Years Charm (115lb) in the Sha Tin Trophy, drawn in barrier two.

“He’s got no weight on his back. He trialled really well at Happy Valley – he gave me a good feel,” Teetan said. “I think with that weight on his back, he has a fresh set of legs after the break, and David’s had him feeling good – I’m looking forward to riding this horse.”

Teetan has won the Sha Tin Trophy twice, with Designs On Rome in 2016 and Panfield in 2021.

Monday’s (19 October) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Shek Mun Handicap (1800m).

Narrow Creek Stud has been enjoying a wonderful run of form over the past few months, and they enjoyed more success at this year’s Equus Awards ceremony. The Narrow Creek bred Buffalo Storm Cody, winner of both the TAB Computaform Sprint Gr 1 and Mercury Sprint Gr 1 in 2026, was crowned South Africa’s Champion Sprinter for 2025-2026.

He follows the globetrotting Isivunguvungu as a champion sprinter bred by Narrow Creek Stud. The farm will be offering a five strong string at the upcoming October Two Year Old Sale, with their draft made up of two-year-olds sired by Hawwaam, Malmoos, Querari and Real Gone Kid.

Lot 13: SUMMER SMILE – Querari ex Lotus (F)
By the sire of such stars as Star Major, Rio Querari, and Questioning, Summer Smile, a half-sister to the useful Mordechai, is a three-parts sister to the Querari sired Poinsettia Stakes Gr 3 winner Marigold Hotel.

Lot 34: TENNESSEE WHISKEY – Hawwaam ex Passion Peach (F)
By an exciting young sire in the form of five time Gr 1 winner Hawwaam, this filly is out of a four time winning half-sister to Cape Merchants Gr 2 runner up New Caledonia. The family of Gr 1 winning filllies Brave Mary and Takingthepeace.

Lot 53: TALKALITTLESMACK – Malmoos ex Sassy Sal (F)
A half-sister to five winners, this filly is by Triple Crown winner Malmoos, South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2025-2026. Out of a mare by outstanding sire High Chaparral (the broodmare sire of more than 100 stakes winners), her third dam won the Irish Oaks Gr 1.

Lot 78: MARGARITAVILLE – Real Gone Kid ex The Gardener Girl (F)
By a speedy son of legendary sire Snitzel, Margaritaville is a half-sister to two winners including the useful Cold Shine. Her dam is a winning full-sister to Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic Gr 1/Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas Gr 2 heroine Takingthepeace, and this is the family of high-class fillies Brave Mary, Fanzene and Joan Ranger.

Lot 90: ARROWTOWN – Querari ex Zeta Jones (F)
This filly shares her sire with such Gr 1 winning fillies as Bavarian Beauty and Querari Falcon and like Gr 1 winners Bavarian Beauty, Cosmic Speed and Star Major is bred on the potent Querari/Silvano cross. Her winning dam is a three-parts sister to July winning champion Marinaresco.

 

For more information on this draft, please contact John Everett on (082)377 2912.

Zagreb (Vercingetorix) has been tipped to win the third race (Picture: Race Coast) 

Hollywoodbets Greyville Friday Night Poly formguides and trainers’ comments

Race 1:

MEGHAN’S DIAMOND has some good Highveld form and went close on her KZN debut, so she is the one to beat from pole position on her poly debut.  FLICKERING LIGHT ran a cracker last time out over course and distance and on formlines there is nothing to separate her and MEGHAN’S DIAMOND. It is a maiden handicap so all horses theoretically have a chance and CHOCTAW RIDGE, who will be ridden by talented 4kg claimer Quaada Leung, has shown enough ability to be able to earn here with a light weight, although she does have a tricky draw of ten.

Trainer’s comments: Stuart Ferrie: It is too short for WHAT AN ACT and he is a horse who needs racing experience.

Race 2:

PEACH MELBA has been staying on in her last two starts over 1200m and 1400m respectively and from a fair draw she should be in the shake up over a suitable trip. PENNY’S CHOICE has some close up Highveld form and receives 1,5kg from Peach Melba. She didn’t settle percetly last time over 1450m and if she settles well here from a plum draw she should go close. DEE DAY has some close up open maiden form from 1200m up to this 1400m trip. She has the decent 1,5kg claimer Dezahn Louw up and in this open maiden she receives 5kg from Peach Melba even without the claim, although she does have a tough draw.

Trainer’s comments: Tony Rivalland: PEACH MELBA is having her first run for me, but seems to be in a good space. On her work I expect a decent run. From what I have seen she is very well.

Race 3:

ZAGREB has a fine turn of foot and looks to be progressive, so can win again from a good draw over an ideal trip, despite being raised 6 points for his win over course and distance last time. MEERKAT MOON ran well over course and distance last time, despite casting a shoe and has a fair draw of 6 out of 13. RED BOMBER is drawn in pole over an ideal course and distance and should be right there.

Trainer’s comments: Mark Dixon: MEERKAT MOON is doing veery well, he worked very well on Tuesday and I’m just ticking him over until Friday. He is back on his best surface and he should do well.
Alyson Wright: RED BOMBER will definitely run well. He carries a big weight and is not a big horse, but I think he will run into the money.
JABARI THIMBA has his first run for us and I don’t know much about him. It’s his first run on the poly so I would rather just watch and see how he goes.
Nicolette Roscoe (Dean Kannemeyer): GURKHA is coming back from a lengthy layoff, we just gave him a nice complete break durung the Champions Season, which has done him a world of good. He’s a different type of horse, he’s doing very well and I don’t think he is a horse who wil need the run, because he’s had his grass gallops and everything’s been going well with him. I expect a nice run from him.

Race 4:

UMZNGHELI WENYATHI is a talented and consistent sprinter who is ideally suited to 1000m. He has won on the poly before and he is drawn in pole with the blinkers, which he runs well in, back on. He is officially only half-a-kilogram under sufferance with the best weighted male, CHICARITO, and he is 2kg under sufferance with the two best weighted runners, the females KYTHERA and CLAIR DE LUNE. KYTHERA was just pipped over course and distance last time in a B Stakes race off the same merit rating and she is drawn four now as opposed to two in that race. CHICARITO goes for a poly hattrick and although he is five points higher than his last win he is officially the best weighted male runner in this race., although his two previous wins were over 1200m and he is officially 1,5kg under sufferance with the two best-weigted females. CLAIR DE LUNE showed a lot of speed when winning in eyecatching style over this trip at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last time. That was in a fillies and mares handicap, so although she was given a five point raise that is alleviated by the 2,5kg gender allownce she receives here, although it is always tough against the boys. BLAZING FURY has been in fine form and has a 4kg claimer up, so has a chance. ST HARRY is talented and should be charging late.

Trainers comments: Byron Forster (Andre Nel): KYTHERA has good form and has been working well. She loves the surface and loves the trip, so there is a lot in her  favour. We had to make a jockey change with Serino still suspended, but Ant (Mgudlwa) rode her the other morning and was very pleased with her. It is never easy to take on the boys, but she gets her gender allowance and is in a good space.
Nathan Kotzen: CHICARITO has won his last two on the poly, he seems to like the poly. I’ve brought him back to 1000m which I think he should be alright with because he has got a lot of speed. He’s coming off a bit of a break after his last run, because he hasn’t got the best of legs, so we just have to look after him. But he is well at the moment and sound and I expect a nice run.
Louis Goosen: BLAZING FURY is a big runner if he settles. DONQUERARI is the dark horse in this race. SMORGASBORD is an old battler, but if he gets cover he can run a place.

Race 5:

ANGEL’S OASIS ran well last time over this trip on the turf, despite flyjumping at the start and losing a couple of lengths. She has a fair draw for her poly debut and can go close if jumping better. YOUR LADYSHIP is in fine form and goes for a distance hattrick. She won over this course and distance last time when only just lasting long enough and it will be tougher off a four point higher mark. However, she does have a better draw and has 4kg claimer Ngcobo up as opposed to 1,5kg claimer Louw last time.  FORTHEGOODTIMES just failed over course and distance in her penultimate start before winning over this trip on the turf last time. She won going away and starts off handicapping on a reasonable 78 merit rating, so should be running on strongly, although she has a tricky draw of seven out of eight.

Trainer comments: Darryl Moore: QUEEN FENN, we are just hoping for improvement.
Nicolette Roscoe (Dean Kannemeyer): FORTHEGOODTIMES is a recent maiden winner. She won quite nicely on that day, she did it quite easily, and she has come out of the race well, I am happy with her, she is nice and fresh. It wil be interesting to see how she does first time out of the maidens, but she is doing very well.

Race 6:

SUTTER’S MILL seemed to relish being at the coast in his first start for Kom Naidoo and won easily, although he was carrying just 55kg and had the 1,5kg claimer Damyan Pillay up. The latter keeps the ride, but this is tougher and off his 80 merit rating he is 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted males, RUN TO RIO and GARDENER’S PRIDE, and 3,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted female NILE THE BOSS. However, although he has everything against him, including being drawn ten out of ten, he could progress again. ROYALE JACKET won an open maiden well over 1400m and will enjoy this trip. Quaada Leung’s 4kg claim will help and she runs off a reasonable 70 merit rating. THAT’S A GIMME won a maiden in her third start in KZN and her first try at this trip. She starts off on a reasonable 77 andf 4kg claimer Sesingi rides.

Trainers comments: Michael Roberts: I AM CLASSY is doing fine and it is nice to see he has dropped a couple of points in the merit ratings, which he needed. He will run an honest race.
Stuart Ferrie: RUN TO RIO, old faithful, will run an honest race like he always does.
Duncan Howells: PRINCESS PALACE has lost her best form and she is trying shorter with blinkers on.

Race 7:

COGNAC has plenty of ability and looks to be coming back to his best, so can do well off a 92 merit rating, down from a high of 98, although he has a tough task at the weighhts under the conditions of this race as he is sofficially 2,5kg under sufferance with the two best weighted runners Imposing and Thisiswhatitmeans. AMOR FATI is also officially 2,5kg under sufferance, but went close the last time he ran on the poly, which was over 1600m, although he is effective over this 1400m trip too. IMPOSING is the joint-best weighted and has pole position, so should go close over an ideal trip as he has been threatening to bounce back to his best.

Trainers comments: Stuart Ferrie: COGNAC is hopefully back to his best and if he handles the polytrack he is a big runner. KING OF SPIN has a good draw this time, that is why I am running him, and his last run was also much better.
Duncan Howells: FRENCH TRIP can give a good account of himself if reproducing his last poly run.

Race 8:

HEARTS ON FIRE is 2,5kg better off with Red Coral for a half-a-length beating, but only if apprentice claims are ignored, because she is otherwise 1,5kg worse off. She is in hard knocking form and over a suitable trip should be right there. RED CORAL goes for a hatttrick and can do it as she looks progressive. SESAME enjoys the poly and is interesting stepped down in trip for the first time in a long while.

Trainers comments: Louis Goosen: HEARTS ON FIRE has been coughing this week, so we will scope her closer to race day and see. She has good form, but she is up to a class 4 now from a class 5.
Terry Fripp (Candice Bass): RED CORAL – there is a turnaround at the weights with two horses, which is against her, but horses don’t run on paper and as an individual she’s coming on with each run and she’s doing nicely. I expect her to stay on the upgrade and can hopefully claim a hattrick. She’s by no means a good thing, but she will accredit herself well and if she wins I won’t be surprised.
Michael Roberts: SIBERIAN WINTER is coming off a little break, but she is well and I’m expecting a nice run. She might just need it, but she is working nicely.
Tim Woodruff: WEDDING VOW seems to be a better filly on the poly and we are hoping for a good run.

Cognac has a tough task at the weights in the seventh, but can threaten if producing his best (Picture: Race Coast)

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

Punters face a competitive card on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday night where a pair of horses that looked destined for bigger things than lowly handicaps could show that they are not write-offs.

The first of these is the Stuart Ferrie-trained COGNAC who lines up in the seventh, a Middle Stakes event over 1400m.

After winning his first two races, COGNAC looked to be progressive, which earned him a trip to the Cape Summer season. However, things did not work out, and he ran two modest races before being shipped back to KZN.

He does appear to have some issues, but his first two wins are still in the memory, and his recent form suggests that he is getting back to that form. He has been disappointing but the switch to the poly could bring out the best.

He does face some stiff opposition that includes FRENCH TRIP who has improved at his last two, and his best recent effort has come on the poly. He has a good draw, and the shorter trip should suit. AMOR FUTI has useful form over course and distance and was narrowly beaten last run. He gets a stronger rider aboard. THISISWHATITMEANS is way better than his last run. He has run well on the poly and the step up in trip should not be a problem.

ST HARRY fits into the mold of COGNAC in that he showed heaps of talent early in his career but has been off form since his return from the Cape last season. Peter Muscutt has given him a break, and he does have the worst of the draw when he starts in the second leg of the Pick 6 but the stable, after a relatively quiet period, is showing signs of warming up which could be ominous for their rivals.

If ST HARRY is not up to scratch the race could fall the way of veteran DANGER could be veteran galloper STREET OUTLAW. Ricky Maingard’s charge makes his poly debut and was a beaten favourite last time out. He has a light weight and a top rider aboard. Of the balance, CLAIRE DE LUNE finally converted favoritism last run but has seldom been far back and goes well on the poly. She also has a light weight and can follow up. UMZINGELI WENYATHI comes with as useful Highveld form over the trip for Clinton Binda. The blinkers are back on as he makes his poly debut from the best of the draw.

As mentioned, the card is tricky from the get-go so it could well pay to follow the market trends to give an extra perspective, though not always reliable.

In the first, an Open Maiden, TP THUNDERCHILD has hardly been out of the money in a dozen starts and has useful Fairview form. She has a light weight and should be in the money again. MEGHAN’S DIAMOND has shown recent improvement in blinkers and makes her poly debut. If she takes to the surface, she will be right up there While ROCCO’S PEACE is lightly raced and has been rested. However, the stable is showing signs of coming to life.

The second is another tough Open Maiden but GEZOUTEN HARING has been improving slowly and off a light weight and the best of the draw with first time cheek pieces she could feature at good odds. PINK BLOSSOM makes her stable debut and has shown some promise over the distance in the Cape. One to watch in the betting. DEE DAY is a battling maiden but has shown some recent improvement for her new stable and has a handy weight while PEACH MELBA is lightly raced but showed up well last run over the distance and has run well on the poly.

In a tricky start to the Pick 6, the grey ZAGREB’s two wins have come on the poly and was a comfortable winner last time out. That form has been franked however; he is 3kg worse off with third placed on the day PLAZA ACCORD who was beaten just over three lengths on the poly but does have a tricky draw to contend with. RED BOMBER is back from a short break but goes well over course and distance and has the best of the draw while TROIS TROIS QUATRE has been dropping in the handicap and the veteran galloper gets blinkers. He is way better than his last effort.

Mike and Mathew de Kock could hold the key in the fifth with ANGEL’S OASIS who has consistent Highveld form and makes her poly debut. She is down in class with a big weight but looks capable in this line-up. FORTHEGOODTIMES was a recent maiden winner and is lightly raced from a strong stable. She has done well on the poly. YOUR LADYSHIP has won her last two and although she got a four-pound penalty off her recent success this is not a strong field.

The sixth is another wide-open handicap. RAGNAR THE KING has put in three good recent shifts on the poly and will have a strong chance in this line-up from the best of the draw. SUTTER’S MILL has the worst of the draw but won well on debut for his new stable although he got a hefty shunt up the handicap. He obviously enjoyed the synthetic surface and, being lightly raced he can make further improvement. GARDENER’S PRIDE is likely to ensure a searching pace and could go all the way while RUN TO RIO ran well below form last run and although shouldering top weight, he will be competitive on his best form.

The last is another competitive handicap but Louis Goosen’s runner HEARTS ON FIRE has come good at her last two on the poly and has a light weight. She should run another competitive race. WEDDING VOW ran well below form on the turf last run, and her poly form is hard to fault. From a good draw she must be a strong contender. SPIRIT OF SHIMLA seldom runs a bad race and was touched off last run. She goes well on the poly and with a claiming apprentice up she will be dangerous again. RED CORAL bids for a hat-trick but has gone up three pounds in the handicap which could see the tables turned. Advice is to include as many as you can in your exotics.

Mercantour has been tipped to win the final leg of the Nelson Mandela Bay Racing Poly Challenge (Pauline Herman Photography)

Trevor Reid’s Fairview Poly Friday formguides and selections

RACE 1

TRICKLE CHARGE quickened up nicely last time out. That was an improved performance and she is getting better the further she goes. BAI YULU is threatening a first success and would not be a surprise winner. BURNING DESIRE is clearly better than her last run would suggest. ALMOST UNREAL makes her debut and could place. MATTER OF TRUST and STORM BALLET have both been disappointing of late but are capable of earning money. LYRICS AND SONGS and WEEKEND IN ASPEN are in good form and not out of it.

RACE 2

A weak race and anything is possible. INDESTRUCTABLE seems to be improving and from a good draw looks capable of scoring. MONKEY’S WEDDING is consistent and clearly not out of it. PLAYMAKER could surprise returning from a break. GEORGE REX does his best work late and could earn some more money. GIMMETHEGOLD and NORSE WARRIOR are battling to get out of the maiden ranks but could make the frame. RUSSIAN FORT returns after gelding and could be a threat. QUEEN OF CASTILLE has been unreliable but is another to consider.

RACE 3

An interesting race as there are some runners who could score making their local debuts. SCOTT’S BAR put in an improved performance last time out so it is a bit of a surprise to see him at this centre. He could prove to be the right one on his Poly debut. Former stablemate TARANAKI NOMAD was behind him but more was expected from him and he too could win on local debut, trying the surface. CAPRANICA is knocking on the door and could take advantage of his Poly experience. GOOD SHINE and LUCA DA WHEELS are clearly just modest but could earn some money. GIMMEAGAMBLE improved and benefit from the longer distance.

RACE 4

HONORABLE MEMBER was not disgraced in a better field than this last time and should go close to scoring. GREEK HEIRESS only tired late last time out and clearly likes this surface so must be respected. Stable companions representing Alan Greeff, AUGUSTA ROSSO and CASPERITA, have shown promise when in the right mood and would not be surprise winners. TOKYO PRINCESS and DESERT CLOUD are not reliable but can earn some money as well.

RACE 5

A very open leg of the Pick 6 and a wide spread of runners is best advised. MARKETA has a tricky draw but was a solid enough winner last time out and could have more to offer. DANCING IN WINTER is not reliable but won well in her penultimate start and gets a good draw. BLAZING FLAME seems to prefer this surface and should be a threat form a good draw. DAFFODIL DELIGHT could be better on the turf but does have Richard Fourie up. BASINGSTOKE likes the Poly and should be included in all perms. TIPSY, WINTERONTHEGREEN, JAPANESE GARDEN, LILAC SNOW and PLAYFUL JOULES are also worth considering.

RACE 6

STOKESY clearly likes the Polytrack and from a good draw could score. Stable companion FOREST SPY has run in better fields than this but is hard to be with on recent form. CHAMPONELLE showed improvement last time out and must be respected for that. KWAGGA BLITZ has improved at this centre and can follow up on a solid last win. COASTAL PATH is often competitive and has a place chance. SOUNDSOFSYMPHONIES is better than his last run suggests and would not be a surprise winner. WORLDLY could improve after a change of trainer and must be respected.

RACE 7

The final leg of the Nelson Mandela Bay Racing Poly Challenge. Trainer Dean Smith won the first leg with Cruise Control and Alan Greeff the second with MERCANTOUR. Smith could win with ALL SYSTEMS GO this time. He may be best suited to the distance and did try hard behind MERCANTOUR last time. MERCANTOUR must be respected as he has won 4 of the last 5 Poly Challenge races and Richard Fourie does get the best out of him. The gap did shrink last time, so it could be open. SILVONIAN is at the top of his game and will give his rivals something to catch. INGQWELE finished closer than the weights suggested and could be better over 1600m. GUY GIBSON and FAIRY KNIGHT need to be considered.

RACE 8

A very open looking race. Something was clearly amiss with AMANZIMTEXAS last time out. He could be a real threat to these rivals if showing his best form. SILVANO’S SONG has improved of late and should be a real threat. FLASH LIGHTNING is not reliable but is also not out of it. OSMIUM likes the Polytrack and could run well from a good draw. ROYAL CELEB makes a local debut and would not be a surprise winner. TORI’S GIRL showed his best side with a game win last time out and can follow up. PRESERVE FOREVER is very unreliable but might earn some money.