Turf Talk Newsletter – 17 July, 2026

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

Alistair Cohen (Race Coast)

Flying Finley is in the form of his life. He has sailed through the divisions and showed himself to be capable every time he takes another step into good company. He does not look out of place against a good field in race 8 over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.

Unseen in two months should not be a concern. He has been shrewdly placed by trainer Paul Reeves. He seems to have no issue stepping out fresh. The engagement of Keagan de Melo is also a huge benefit. Not only is de Melo trading at a great percentage on his return but he gets the best tune out of this son of Oratorio.

His last three runs have come under de Melo and his tale of the tape reads two wins and an admirable second, all at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth over 1000m. Three runs back he beat Lyrical Gangster. It was tough to predict his rise on the evidence of that performance but that gave him so much confidence. Plus, his versatility is another tool at his disposal. He can race with the speed and he is just as effective coming from off them.

His second run under de Melo was a good runner-up finish behind Magical Place. He followed up with a commanding win over Gold Giboski. That win is made more appealing because Gold Giboski beat a good field at Hollywoodbets Durbanville nearly two weeks ago. He was given a five-point penalty for that win but if he is to keep feature race company this summer, he ought to handle the handicapper’s new rating.

Sardinia Bay suggests that he has lost some of his sparkle but he grows an extra leg at this course as opposed to down the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. The revision to this trip should give him further potency and the booking of Richard Fourie catches the eye. For that reason, he must be respected. He is three runs unbeaten at this course. Last time he was here was on a lightning fast running track and he beat the well performed Candy Town and had her beaten for speed. That is what he is capable of.

Elusive Winter is also a 1000m specialist and is not to be taken lightly. The lack of a deluge of rain in Cape Town this winter will help his cause because he battles to see it out when the going becomes soft. There is rain forecast from next week so this race looks to be coming in time. Sifiso Bungane takes 2,5kg off his back and that weight swing puts him into the picture. He does need things to go his way but he is capable. Michelle Rix has her runners in top shape which is another plus.

Un Bel Di was a fluent winner last time but he will need to confirm. He is the opposite to the runners mentioned. The likely steaming hot speed could play into his favour. He does have a good turn of foot.

Senorita Lolita made a pleasing debut when she finished second behind Dream Trip over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. From gate No 2 in race 1 over 1250m, she must have

every chance to step forward and go one place better. She hails from the yard of Lucinda Woodruff.

Woodruff has a top chance in race 2 over the same trip. Winterworldoflove hails from a family that comes into their own with a few runs under the belt and time does them no harm either. She is related to Bunker Hunt, Salvator Mundi, My Soul Mate and Gimme What I Want who are all feature race performers. Winterworldoflove ran third on debut behind Supreme World in bottomless going. Callan Murray takes over. She could be the best bet on the card.

Ready For The Road and Masteronthemoon look set to fight out race 3 over 1600m. Ready For The Road has 0,5 lengths in hand over his main rival so it is hard to suggest that form will turnaround if all things are equal. They easily have the best form on offer and a Boxed Exacta is suggested for punters.

Mighty Mary gave a huge effort in her last run when she finished second behind Cutie Patootie over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. She should kick on and go close in race 4 over the same trip under Richard Fourie. That was in April so fitness is to be taken on trust but Vaughan Marshall knows how to keep them fit. Expect a good challenge from Vroom Vroom who has been coming to hand and has form that puts her a shade behind Mighty Mary.

The next two races are not easy. Race 5 over 1500m a slight persuasion is for Mon Papillon who stepped up in trip last time and she acquitted herself well to finish second at this course over 1600m behind Before Sunrise. She had the worst of the draws and that was a good step in the right direction. She does need to confirm the run but she could be up to the task. Fourie rides for Paul Reeves.

Race 6 over 1250m is a stronger event but with no less knots to untie. Lyrical Gangster has been runner-up in his last two efforts and looks set to be on the premises again. Runs to All About Al and the hugely progressive Witch Hazel should set him up with a good winning chance. Two-year-old Another Hero has no weight to shoulder and he is an interesting runner.

Heritage Ridge was one of the wins of the winter when she was shoved out deep and forced to cover extra ground when successful over 1000m at this course last month. She is back over the same track and trip in race 7 under Gareth Wright for Michelle Rix. She had no right to win but she overcame all angles for a gallant victory. The confidence boost should make her the horse to beat

Heritage Ridge has been tipped to win the seventh race

Brandon Bailey’s formguides and selections for Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday

RACE 1

3 JULIET OF VERONA must have a big winning chance in this field, she stayed on really well for second behind Peace Garland on the 16th of June, she will be given every chance from a good draw. 2 SENORITA LOLITA ran second on debut behind Dream Trip on the 23rd of June, she can only improve, include her into all bets. 1 RED FLAG finished fourth in the same race as Senorita Lolita last time, in hope that she handles the track, she will be amongst the places from a neat draw. 13 MARY CASSATT has run two lovely races in succession, if she gets some luck in running from a bad draw, she will trouble them in the finish.

RACE 2

1 WINTERWORLDOFLOVE ran a great race on debut, she stayed on beautifully for third behind Supreme World on the 23rd of June, she will love the step up in trip here, in hope that she has made further improvement at home, she will be hard to beat from a good draw. 10 PEACH COBBLER finished second in the same race as Winterworldoflove last time, she has solid form, the only negative is the bad draw, with some luck in running, she will go close to winning. 5 SPURIOUS just needed her run back after a break on the 16th of June, she will be much fitter going into this race on Saturday, watch her closely. 2 LANA’S GAL showed good improvement from her first run into her second run, she will love the step up in trip, include her into all bets from a neat draw.

RACE 3

5 MASTERONTHEMOON ran a great race for third behind Master Coiner on the 16th of June, he finds himself in the right race here, top jockey Richard Fourie sticks with this gelding, he will be hard to beat. 6 READY FOR THE ROAD finished second in the same race as Masteronthemoon last time, on his current form, he has a big winning chance. 8 BIG DEAL ran a fair race behind Navasnine on the 2nd of June, he could sneak into the places on his best form, watch him closely. 2 FATE OF PACE ran a shocker behind Mutiny In Heaven on the 24th of May, she is much better than that, if she bounces back to her best form, she could make the Quartet pay from a nice draw.

RACE 4

6 MIGHTY MARY has been rested for 91 days, she was very unlucky in her last start behind Cutie Patootie on the 18th of April, in hope that she doesn’t need this run back after a small break, she will go close to winning from a good draw. 8 EISTEDDFOD ran a great race for second behind Beneath The Clouds on the 21st of June, her form is solid, and she gets 2.5kgs off her back, she will run a big race here, include her into all bets. 7 VROOM VROOM moved up to a point when finishing fifth in her last start, she will be cherry ripe for this race on Saturday, watch her closely at a decent price. 9 UNA THE UNICORN has been rested for 110 days, she is much better than her last run, ignore that performance on the 30th of March, she has dropped further in the ratings, on her best form, she will be competitive.

RACE 5

2 MON PAPILLON finished like a train for second behind Before Sunrise on the 27th of June, the blinkers stay on, and she has a good draw, she will be very hard to beat in this field. 11 GIVEN TO FLY finished third in the same race as Mon Papillon last time, her form with the blinkers fitted is very good, unfortunately she has a big weight to shoulder, and she is badly drawn, with some luck in running, she will be amongst the places. 4 ELUSIVE GIFT has dropped even further in the ratings, she will be competitive from a good draw, watch her closely at a decent price. 9 MEG’S LEGACY finished just over two lengths behind Raffish Trend on the 27th of June, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be flying at them late.

RACE 6

1 SOOTY has been rested for 76 days, he was beaten just over three lengths by Cork Bay on the 3rd of May, he absolutely loves this track and distance, he will go close to winning from a good draw. 2 CORK BAY was heavily supported in the market when finishing third behind Witch Hazel on the 27th of June, the yard thinks highly of this gelding, he has a big winning chance from a neat draw. 7 LYRICAL GANGSTER has run two nice races in succession, he will be right there in the finish, include him into all bets. 9 ANOTHER HERO won a good race on the 23rd of June, he will need lots of luck in running from a bad draw, watch him closely.

RACE 7

6 HERITAGE RIDGE won a good race on the 27th of June, she was given two points for that win last time, at this level, she will always be competitive, include her into all bets, she can win again. 11 HIAWATHA GOLDBERG finished second behind Heritage Ridge last time, with some luck in running from a bad draw, he will trouble them in the finish. 8 SHIFTING PATH might be the value play in this tricky race, he finished just over five lengths behind Gold Dust on the 16th of June, he has dropped even further in the ratings, and he gets 2.5kgs off his back, watch him closely at a decent price. 4 PEACE OF MIND changed stables on the 22nd of June, she is very fast, on her best form, she can win a race like this.

RACE 8

7 SARDINIA BAY is much better than his last run, he was well beaten by Un Bel Di on the 21st of June, now that he is back at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he will be very hard to beat. 10 FLYING FINLEY is in great form at the moment, he won a super race on the 19th of May, the form of that race has worked out well, with some luck in running from a bad draw, he will go close to winning again. 9 UN BEL DI quickened up smartly to win impressively last time, he was given four points for that win, if he brings that run to the track again on Saturday, he will trouble them in the finish. 8 ELUSIVE WINTER is very fast, he has dropped a point in the ratings from his last run, and he gets 2,5kgs off his back, he could sneak into the places from a tricky draw.

• Adults: R750pp
• Kids U-12: Half price
• Reservations are essential: nomzamon@racecoast.co.za / innocentiak@racecoast.co.za / 031 314 1973 / 1960

Moutonshoek’s resident stallion The United States has enjoyed a wonderful season in 2025-2026.

The blue blooded son of Galileo has already been responsible for six stakes winners, with his offspring having won eight black type races this season. Among The United States’ top current performers are the G1 winners Kingdundee and Tin Pan Alley, G2 Mike De Kock Ipi Tombe Challenge winner Rodeo Drive and G3 Umzimkhulu Stakes winner Keukenhof.

Moutonshoek will be offering five well related two-year-olds by their star sire at this year’s August Two Year Old Sale.

Sunset Strip (Lot 35) is a half-brother to three winners, and this well bred colt’s dam Grecian Dancer is a half-sister to champion Consensual, herself the dam of a fellow Equus Champion in the form of Just Sensual.

Two fillies bound to catch attention are Dreaming (Lot 106) and Giannina (Lot 195). The former is a full-sister to multiple stakes winner Khaya’s Hope and the latter is a half-sister to the smart performer Champion Warrior.

Other appealing two-year-olds by The United States are Queen Abigail (Lot 250), a filly bred on the same cross as Khaya’s Hope and Scarra (Lot 266). The latter is a full-brother to two winners including Big Joe, who made a big impression when winning on debut.

This draft can be found in Block E at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

Classy racemares and outstanding female lines are a striking feature of Ndoro Stud’s draft for the 2026 August Two Year Old Sale.

While this draft includes the offspring of such popular and promising stallions as Buffalo Bill Cody, Fire Away, Jet Dark, Legislate, Malmoos and The United States, it is the quality of female line which is the standout aspect.

Champion Legislate has had a wonderful season in 2025-2026, and the sire of Wish List and Legal Counsel has two lots on offer. The stakes placed Expedite, a half-sister to G1 Betway Summer Cup winner Atticus Finch, has a Legislate colt (Lot 18) on offer, as does Rose Dancer (Lot 161). The latter, dam of useful filly Fiery Rose, is a half-sister to the smart Legislate filly Arashi and Listed Storm Bird Stakes winner War Room.

High-class racemare Caya Coco, winner of both the G2 East Coast Radio Tibouchina Stakes and Listed Prince Florimund Irridescence Stakes, has a Malmoos colt (Lot 309) on offer, while Andermatt, the dam of Listed Durbanville Cup hero Thefutureisbright, has a colt (Lot 270) from the first crop of champion Jet Dark on sale.

Mistressofmyfate, a winning three-parts sister to G1 winner Stratos, is represented here by a Buffalo Bill Cody filly (Lot 109), while Fire Away (whose progeny include the Ndoro bred G1 winner Fire Attack) is the sire of a half-brother (Lot 105) to both Zimbabwe champion Dindingwe and G3 Politician Stakes winner Rockpool.

This draft can be found in Block F at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

Narrow Creek Stud bred horses have enjoyed another wonderful time of it this year.

From the Narrow Creek bred champion Isivunguvungu winning in North America, to the farm’s star sprinter Buffalo Storm Cody landing the G1 TAB Computaform Sprint, Narrow Creek star thoroughbreds have shone in both hemispheres. The farm also bred this season’s G3 World Sports Betting 1900 winner Isivivane, who put up a bold showing when fifth in the G1 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Buyers will have their chance to acquire the next Narrow Creek Stud bred superstar when John Everett brings four classy two-year-olds to the August Two Year Old Sale.

Narrow Creek has an excellent record with Buffalo Bill Cody, and that son of Redoute’s Choice is represented here by Texas Smile (Lot 282). A half-sister to the promising filly Let It Roll, Texas Smile hails from the family of the Narrow Creek bred graded stakes winners Big Burn and Catch Twentytwo, among others.

Triple Crown winner Malmoos has made a promising start to his stud career, and the regally bred son of Captain Al is responsible for a filly (Lot 103) whose relatives include Canadian champion King Ruckus and G1 Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile runner up Repent, among others.

No Name (Lot 185) is a colt from the first crop of G1 Computaform Sprint winner Master Archie, and this colt is a three-parts brother to two winners and a half-brother to B Fiftytwo, who recently won again.

Digital Age is another G1 winning young stallion represented here. The son of Invincible Spirit is the sire of a colt (Lot 191) whose stakes placed dam hails from the immediate family of 2026 G2 Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks winner Littlemissmillion as well as G1 World Sports Betting SA Derby hero Son Of Raj.

This quartet can be found in Block C at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

The Centurion has been tipped to win The Sophomore Challenge Cup (Picture: MTC)

EMERGING STARS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD IN 1500m SOPHOMORE CHALLENGE CUP

Five three-year-olds stood their ground for the 2026 renewal of the Sophomore Challenge Cup at Champs de Mars on Saturday and it’s fair to suggest that all are likely to progress through the divisions over the coming months. The Centurion from the powerful Gujadhur Stable has found the early market support, but the presence of Zacatoo, Exalted Love and Blackjack Randall will keep him honest as The Centurion attempts to maintain his unbeaten start to life on the Island.

The MTCJC presents an 8-race programme with the first race kicking off at 10:30 South African time. The Place Accumulator gets under way in Race 2, the Pick 6 in Race 3 and the Jackpot in Race 5 – and punters are reminded that these exotics are all commingled with the Mauritian pools.

Race 1: (10:30) – BM36 Handicap – 1500m:

Only four runners contest the opener but as the betting suggests, it is nonetheless highly competitive. Dalmeny Factor (Grant Van Niekerk) made a pleasing local debut when second to Master Point three weeks ago and is expected to show further progress. My Archangel (Manoel Nunes) is coming to hand nicely and appears ready to deliver a peak performance. The slight step back in trip should suit. Canford Club (Iannish Taka) finished half-a-length in front of My Archangel last time and even rank outsider here, All About Love (Donovan Mansour), was not far behind the pair in the race won by the talented Master Of Mystery, suggesting there is little to choose between the trio.

Betting: 13/10 My Archangel; 18/10 Dalmeny Factor; 28/10 Canford Club; 10/1 All About Love.

Selection: (4) Dalmeny Factor; (2) My Archangel; (3) Canford Club; (1) All About Love.

Race 2: (11:05) – BM31 Handicap – 1650m:

Rising star New World (Raymond Danielson) has been smashed in the early betting exchanges and the 3yo son of One World is widely expected to complete a hattrick. He has admittedly beaten little of note in his last two starts, but the manner of victory suggests there may be a lot more to come from Soon Gujadhur’s inmate. Jevin Awotar-trained Lava County (Van Niekerk) presents the only threat to the favourite’s dominance. The 3yo son of Erupt has plenty of scope for further improvement and should appreciate the step up in trip.

Betting: 4/10 New World; 3/1 Lava County; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (2) New World; (4) Lava County; (3) Zooberi; (1) High Key.

Race 3: (11:40) – BM26 Handicap – 1365m:

On form it is very difficult to oppose Carnarvon (Van Niekerk) but there is shrewd early support for Vicky Ruhee’s only runner on the day Jet Blackfire (Denis Schwarz). Carnarvon has won and placed over the minimum trip of 990m but given his style of racing he should relish going the extra as he steps up to 1365m. Jet Blackfire was all at sea on his local debut over 990m and his form in South Africa suggests that he will be ideally suited here. He is capable of taking a huge step forward. Midnight Flyer’s last run was too bad to be true and the well bred 3yo son of What A Winter should do significantly better here.

Betting: 8/10 Carnarvon; 7/2 Jet Blackfire; 5/1 Dwight Eisenhower; 7/1 Midnight Flyer; 14/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Carnarvon; (3) Jet Blackfire; (4) Midnight Flyer; (5) Cape Cannery.

Race 4: (12:15) – BM41 Handicap – 1365m:

Iko Iko (Nunes) is a short-priced favourite to follow up on his last victory over Diamond Days, but from Gate 8 over 1365m, things can go awry and I would not be rushing to claim the even-money on offer. His market rival Ibhele (Curatolo) is also faced with a tricky draw but he will improve on his local debut when a promising fourth behind Mind Map over 990m. From pole position Babylon (Perez) could be the lurker in the pack and should be included in all exotics. Siriano (Van Niekerk) has proved an awkward ride in both his first two starts at Champs de Mars but the penny will drop one of these days and the 3yo son of Querari has plenty of upside. On best form Not In Doubt would be a definite inclusion but he has been struggling with soundness issues. Iko Iko clearly rates the one to beat but, given his draw, this is a favourite that may be worth “taking on”.

Betting: 1/1 Iko Iko; 33/10 Ibhele; 7/1 Babylon, Iditarod Trail; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (7) Iko Iko; (1) Babylon; (8) Ibhele; (5) Siriano.

Race 5: (12:50) – BM46 Handicap – 1500m:

Summer Snow (Nunes) was an easy course and distance winner a month ago when beating Tsunami Warning by more than four lengths. Tsunami Warning is clearly limited and Summer Snow (Nunes) may have been flattered by the margin of victory, but the eye-catching 4yo son of What A Winter is very genuine and another bold performance can be expected. Comedy Club has his third run of the Season and should strip very fit. His last run behind Salt ‘n Peppa was a promising effort and Comedy Club should make his presence felt in a big way. View Of The World is a newcomer for the Gujadhur/Danielson but he is friendless in the early market exchanges and the 4yo son of Ideal World may need the run and further than he gets here.

Betting: 5/10 Summer Snow; 7/2 Comedy Club; 13/2 Opague; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (2) Summer Snow; (5) Comedy Club; (1) Opague; (3) Sea Dance.

Race 6: (13:25) – The Sophomore Challenge Cup – 1500m:

The early betting exchanges paint an interesting picture in this keenly contested event for 3yo’s. Zacatoo (Taka) was the initial favourite but bucket loads of cash has come for The Centurion (Danielson) and the 3yo son of Gimmthegreenlight quickly shortened into 12/10. The Centurion has won both his starts on the Island, beating Bugle Boy on each occasion. The strength of that form comes under the microscope here as all of Zacatoo, Exalted Love (Van Niekerk) and Blackjack Randall (Mansour) have shown above average potential. Hard to nail one’s colours to the mast here and I would be playing wide, but it is worth noting that the Gujadhur team runs The Centurion in this Feature in preference to New World who has already proven himself over the trip.

Betting: 12/10 The Centurion; 5/2 Zacatoo; 28/10 Blackjack Randall; 6/1 Exalted Love; 33/1 Boom Town.

Selection: (4) The Centurion; (3) Blackjack Randall; (1) Zacatoo; (2) Exalted Love.

Race 7: (14:00) – Middle Stakes – 1500m:

This Middle Stakes event shapes up as a very intriguing clash between Havana Moon (Mansour), The Grey King (Van Niekerk) and Zoomie (Danielson). Cumbre Vieja is the only horse to have lowered Havana Moon’s colours on the Island and the 4yo son of Last Winter could resume winning ways, but he will need to be at his absolute best. The Grey King only just failed to make a winning local debut when second to Boundless Energy and he rates an obvious lively threat in this class. Zoomie has to concede 5,5kgs to Havana Moon which may be a tall order, but he is a quality son of Querari and cannot be summarily overlooked. Watch out for huge improvement from Gimmeanotherchance. He has not been seen for two months but the 5yo son of Gimmethegreenlight is quite capable of causing a major blow-out here.

Betting: 14/10 Havana Moon; 18/10 The Grey King; 33/10 Zoomie; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Havana Moon; (3) The Grey King; (1) Zoomie; (2) Gimmeanotherchance.

Race 8: (14:40) – Pinnacle Stakes – 1400m:

Good quality race to close the card. Boundless Energy (Nunes) caught everyone napping when scoring at long odds on his local debut, just holding off the persistent challenge of The Grey King. That form-line comes under scrutiny in the previous race. The 4yo son of Vercingetorix is likely to have made significant improvement with the benefit of that run under the belt and may prove difficult to beat. Captain Lannister found 1600m just beyond him when trying to make all in the Barbe Cup and he should run a solid race here. Unzen showed signs of life last time but should be held by Boundless Energy while Captain Bombshell needed his last run badly and will improve. Royal Wulff, Quasiforsure and Betathantherest rate upset chances but the form book points to Boundless Energy. If, for whatever reason, the favourite fluffs his lines then any kind of result can be expected.

Betting: 8/10 Boundless Energy; 5/1 Unzen; 6/1 Captain Lannister; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (5) Boundless Energy; (4) Captain Lannister; (7) Royal Wulff; (8) Betathantherest.

Betting correct at 17:00 on Thursday 16 July.

Suggested Pick 6 (Races 3-8):

1,3 x 1,5,7,8 x 2 x 1,2,3,4 x 1,2,3,4 x 5 (R128)

Buddy Boy has been tipped to win Race seven

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

Buddy Boy could be the punters friend at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday when he lines up in the seventh, a Class 4 handicap over 1600 m.

Out of the Mike and Mathew de Kock’s yard, Buddy Boy was a fair third behind the useful Fortress Of Fire in a poly sprint last time out. He will enjoy the switch to turf back over what may be a more suitable trip and looks to be the horse to beat and a possible exotic bet banker.

He will face stiff opposition from Glen Kotzen’s runner Fast And Free who has been trying much further but has not been far back. He could do better over this shorter trip.

Gareth van Zyl saddles two contenders in I Am Invictus and Wiccan Warrior. I Am Invictus was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out and is lightly raced. He can go one better. Stable companion Wiccan Warrior started at long odds when second last time out and a second recent run in blinkers back on turf.

The De Kock’s could have a say in the card opener where they have two first timers in Ibhola Lomlilo and Sparrow Man ridden by their retained riders. Both fillies have exceptional pedigrees but they will first have to get by some experienced runners. Of those that have run, Dancing Party has made steady improvement and was close-up on this course last time out while Mekong has seldom been far back and gets first time blinkers which could see her improve. Pacific Mood found some market support last run when trying further in the soft and can improve.

Mike Miller’s charge Steamy Windows could get the Bi-pot off to a winning start. He has been trying further but his two post maiden runs have been in feature company and looks the part although he is not short of opposition. Kid From The South shed his maiden last run but does look progressive and should be a factor along with the filly Tyme To Talk who took on males on the poly last time out and has run two smart races. Omkulu Boss is a maiden, who was scratched from his recent intended start, but has found betting support at his last two and could surprise.

Andre Nel gave Theleia a short break and makes her local debut from a wide draw in the first leg of the PA. However, she boasts some smart Cape form and should make a bold bid. Lovecomesknocking has made steady improvement for Tony Rivalland and was a close-up second over course and distance last time out. A favourable draw adds to her appeal. Indignation has made recent improvement and was not far back over course and distance last time out and gets a useful 4kg claimer aboard from a good draw. Gimme The Power has been knocking at the door for some time now but her last two starts have been on the poly and she can run into the money again. (

Highveld visitor Paul Matchett only has one runner on the card and Give Me A Chance found some market support in his last Highveld sprint. He has champion elect Craig Zackey aboard and can pay his way. Old Harry Rocks showed up well on debut although starting at long odds. The run should have brought him on a few lengths along with the filly Bai Yulu who made marked improvement in first time blinkers over course and distance but does have a fair weight in this Open Maiden. Hadrian’s Wall was run out of it late last start after contesting a suicidal pace and his best two runs

have been over course and distance and he gets a 1.5kg allowance from the saddle but still has a big weight.

The Middle Stakes for the fairer sex is wide open. Dean Kannemeyer sends out Tulip Fields who has a big weight but has been in good form of late and her last win came over the distance. A wide draw does not help but horses from this yard are generally dropped out to run on. Ladyofdestinction is back over what might be a more suitable trip and she is seldom out of the money. De Vlugge is interesting and she has been rocketing up the ratings as she bids for her fifth successive win. However, all have bene on the poly which is a concern. Miss World has run two smart races for her new stable and now steps up in trip.

Lucinda Woodruff has had a fine winter season and sends out Hop Hop Spinnekop who came from a mile back when touched off over course and distance last time out. Her apprentice does not claim but is riding with confidence. The Candice Bass stable saddles Taylor’s Version who has been much improved back in blinkers and her last three runs have been on this course. She has the best of the draw and should feature along with stable companion Lilac In Winter whose latest win was on this course and has since put in two fair efforts on the poly. She has a more than capable claiming apprentice aboard.

Yogas Govender sends out Flamethrower in the eighth. The two-year-old has a big weight in spite of a claiming apprentice but he took on a strong feature race field first time out of the maidens and could prove too classy for this line-up. Iron Will lives up to his name as he bids for his eighth win from 51 starts. He is quick and with a 4kg claimer aboard he must have a strong chance. Lunch Money has smart poly form and should make a bold bid in spite of switching to turf while Diamond Maker showed up well first run out of the maidens and has a chance in this line-up

In the last, Arverni Princess has won her last three over course and distance for Louis Goosen and can follow up, however, she has an apprentice hunting his first winner aboard while biggest danger Fleu De Ling, a length behind when last they met, has Rachel Venniker riding. The latter is 1kg better off in the handicap which could make the difference. Captain Ventura is quick and should be right there while Ruby Rising is way better than her last run and is a must inclusion in all calculations.

Epsom Oaks winner Thundering On will be looking to bounce back to her best in the Irish Oaks (Picture: Sky Sports Racing) 

Filly seemed hugely exciting in her Classic breakthrough but has since been beaten.

At The Races

Joseph O’Brien is optimistic the return to a mile and a half will see Thundering On return to her dazzling Epsom best in the the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday.

There have been few more visually impressive winners of the Oaks recently than the Frankel filly, who blew the field away with a devastating burst from the furlong pole to the line.

She then had her colours lowered by the five-year-old Estrange in the 10-furlong Pretty Polly Stakes three weeks ago, but while the likely favourite has some work to do to restore her reputation, Dylan Browne McMonagle has stayed loyal instead of switching to one of her two stablemates.

“I don’t think Dylan had any doubts about sticking with her and she has trained well since,” said O’Brien.

“The Irish Oaks has been an obvious target ever since then. Going back up in trip should suit her well hopefully.”

Thundering On is joined the unbeaten Rebel Moon and Johanna Walsh, who finished a head second to the reopposing Earth Shot in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.

Of the latter, O’Brien added: “She had a good run at Royal Ascot and has had a good preparation since then. We think she will enjoy the fast ground and the Curragh and we are looking forward to seeing how she goes.

“There was only a head between them at Ascot so they will both be big contenders this weekend.”

Earth Shot is bidding to give Newmarket trainer William Haggas a second Irish Oaks win following the victory Sea Of Class in 2018 – and while connections would prefer to see a slightly easier surface, they are confident of a bold showing under big-race pilot James Doyle.

“It’ll be quick ground and I’m sure she might prefer it a bit easier, but it was quick when she won at Ascot and I don’t think it will make much difference,” said Richard Brown, racing manager to owners Wathnan Racing.

“She would have been unlucky if she didn’t win at Ascot as there was a loose horse which made it difficult and Ryan (Moore, riding Composing) went wide, which meant James had to go even wider and give her a chance to level off and get rolling.

“She showed signs of greenness in the closing stages and it took her a bit of time to gain momentum but she was strong at the line and it was a very pleasing performance.

“I think she could probably go further than this, but it’s a long way home and an uphill finish at the Curragh and I think this distance is perfect for her for now at a track which will suit her.”

The unbeaten Munster Oaks winner Sparan Nua is an intriguing runner for Jim Bolger and Maurice Regan, owner of Newton Anner Stud Farm, having been supplemented at a cost €50,000 on Tuesday.

Newtown Anner Stud’s racing manager, P J Colville, said: “She has a Group Three in the bag so you can have a go at the bigger races.

“While Joseph’s filly that won the Oaks sets the bar high and the Wathnan filly that won the Ribblesdale, the trainer is very confident and thinks she is a smart filly.”

Another to go down the slightly more pricey supplementary route was David Menuisier, who parachuted French Oaks third Inis Mor in to the race at the eleventh hour.

He said: “In the Guineas she wasn’t quite herself that day for whatever reason, but she put things right afterwards at Goodwood and then at Chantilly.

“She seems in good order and if she stays then hopefully she can deliver the goods.”

Aidan O’Brien’s Amelia Earhart spearheads a five-strong battalion from Ballydoyle.

Having finished a disappointing sixth at Epsom, the the hood and blinkers combination are removed from the daughter of Camelot and replaced by cheekpieces.

Speaking in his World Pool blog, jockey Ryan Moore said: “While it was disappointing that she finished down the field that day given she was favourite, it was unusual conditions this year and I’d be hopeful we’ll see a different filly this time.

“The Oaks was a funny race, we didn’t go that quick, and I’m not sure how literally you should take the form. It was messy and I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do this time.

“She’s still got plenty to prove but she’ll like being back at the Curragh and the headgear could help too.”

Stablemates Sugar Island, Beautify, Cameo and Composing make up the 11-strong field.