Turf Talk Newsletter – 19 August, 2025

Race Coast was launched in May and the upward trend of horseracing in both KZN and the Western Cape has gathered further momentum since (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The new online gaming site Lucky Fish will join the traditional Tote as a profit-making mechanism from which a dedicated share of profits will be returned to South African horseracing and it should be noted a Tote option is available on the site.

A media release by Race Coast on Monday, 18 August 2025, explained what the Lucky Fish gaming site consists of and how it will contribute to horseracing’s costs and to the sport’s long term vitality (read the press release below).

Race Coast, the powerhouse behind South Africa’s premier horse racing brands Gold Circle (Race Coast KwaZulu-Natal) and Cape Racing (Race Coast Western Cape) debuts Lucky Fish, a fresh digital-first gaming experience that dives deep into modern online entertainment.

Available now across South Africa, Lucky Fish offers an electrifying mix of online casino thrills, immersive slot adventures, in-play sports betting and more.

What’s inside Lucky Fish?

Massive Game Library: Hundreds of video slots, live casino classics, virtual table games – even exclusive titles powered by CGI-driven interactive providers.

High-Energy Sportsbook: From soccer and rugby to cricket and horse racing, fans can seamlessly move from pre-match bets to in-play action—following the industry’s 2025 trend toward real-time, AI-personalized betting experiences.

Next-Level UX: Sleek, mobile-first interface with lightning-fast access, intuitive bet slips, instant withdrawals, and smart odds insights.

TOTE: Tote betting is live on Lucky Fish, place your tote bets directly into the pools on local and select international races.

Distinctive Purpose

While Lucky Fish delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment, it carries a bold mission: a dedicated share of profits will cycle back into South Africa’s horse racing ecosystem—fuelling racetrack development, protecting jobs and securing the sport’s long-term vitality.

“Lucky Fish is our boldest fusion yet: it’s not just a betting brand—it’s a movement. We’re innovating for today’s digital generation while reinvesting in the sport that built Race Coast,” said Vishen Naidoo, Commercial Manager, Lucky Fish.

Why It’s a Game-Changer:

Youthful & Exciting, Think bold visuals, gamified experiences, special challenges, delivering the spark that modern players demand.

Tech-Driven: Powered by AI-backed personalization, secure cloud architecture and real-time data analytics, Lucky Fish is built for performance and trust.
Responsible & Transparent: Instant payouts, robust player protection, ethical marketing which are aligned with 2025’s strongest trends for digital betting platforms.

SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur is a half-brother to this year’s Gold Cup winner King Pelles and is a potential stamina sire (JC Photos)

Sarah Whitelaw

It is safe to say that champion King Pelles, winner of the 2025 G3 World Pool Gold Cup, has the bloodlines befitting a Gold Cup winner.

He was sired by champion Duke Of Marmalade, whose more than 50 other black type winners include Big Orange, winner of the G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot back in 2017.

Another son of Duke Of Marmalade (whose sire Danehill sired the wonderful stayer Westerner among others) is Marmelo, who ran second in the 2018 G1 Melbourne Cup (over 3200 metres).

A half-brother to the G1 SA Derby winners Hero’s Honour (by Await The Dawn) and Legend Of Arthur (by Lancaster Bomber), King Pelles was produced by Grail Maiden, a four time winner, who won up to 2500m and who ran third in the Listed Winter Oaks (over 2200m). Coincidentally, Grail Maiden’s third dam Sorbus (disqualified after finishing first in the 1978 G1 Irish Oaks) also ranks as the third dam of Oasis Dream. The latter is the sire of Querari, whose son Master Redoute won the G3 World Pool Gold Cup in 2024.

Grail Maiden’s legendary sire Galileo has made a big impression on the Gold Cup at Ascot. Not only is Galileo the sire of Gold Cup winners Order Of St George (2016) and Kyprios (2022,2024), but his sons Teofilo (Subjectivist) and Frankel (Courage Mon Ami) have also sired winners of the Royal Ascot showpiece. Galileo’s supersire Sadler’s Wells was responsible for four time Gold Cup winner Yeats.

With Duke Of Marmalade now deceased, and commercial demands ensuring that speedy, precocious stallions are all the rage, one can but help wonder which South African stallions are most likely to come up with Gold Cup winners today.

Of the past ten Gold Cup winners, no fewer than six (Enaad, It’s My Turn, Dynasty’s Blossom, Paths Of Victory, Shangani and King Pelles) were sired by stallions now deceased. Current active sires responsible for siring at least one Gold Cup winner include Querari, Futura, Vercingetorix, and Ideal World.

Only two stallions, Erupt and Vercingetorix, had two runners apiece in the 2025 Gold Cup, with Erupt’s pair including 2024 runner up Shoot The Rapids and Vercingetorix’s runners led by 2025 runner up Holding Thumbs.

The late Dynasty and his sire Fort Wood both made a considerable impact on the Gold Cup. Dynasty’s progeny included the Gold Cup winners Ancestral Fore, Dynasty’s Blossom and It’s My Turn, while his sire was responsible for the Gold Cup winning champion Thundering Star.

Dynasty is also the sire of Futura, whose son Future Pearl won the 2023 G3 Gold Cup.

It’s My Turn was produced by Jallad’s Queen, whose sire Jallad sired the Gold Cup winners Major Bluff and Jeppe’s Reef.

Silvano was another star sire to make his mark on the Gold Cup. Not only is Silvano the sire of Gold Cup winners Aslan and Wavin’ Flag, but his son Vercingetorix is the sire of Nebraas.

A number of female lines have also made their presence felt in the Gold Cup. Royal Prerogative mare Wild Hyacinth ranks as the third dam of Gold Cup winners Future Pearl and Paths Of Victory, while the mighty Drohsky is ancestress of a number of Gold Cup winners including Aquanaut, Brave Persian and Speciality.

It is a sign of the times that the last Gold Cup winning colt in South Africa to retire to stud was Tropicante, winner of the 1989 Gold Cup. Hopefully, with a number of classically bred young stallions retiring to stud in this country, there will be more stallions capable of coming up with top-class runners over ground in the years to come.

Editor: King Pelles is a gelding, but his SA Derby-winning full brother Legend Of Arthur is still an entire and being by the successful late stallion Lancaster Bomber he could possibly make it as a stamina sire one day.

Trainer Tienie Prinsloo congratulates his filly Quickstepgal after she had won the Listed Ridgemont Devon Air Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville under Kabelo Matsunyane (Candiese Lenferna Photography) 

The crack Vercingetorix filly Quickstepgal has been sold by Rakesh Singh to Laurence Wernars and Harry Wilson, but the good news for Summerveld-based Tienie Prinsloo is he will continue to be the trainer.

Tienie said the sale had not come as a surprise to him and revealed, “We all along knew what we were going to do, so we just sat back and relaxed and thought that is what we are going to do one day. When Laurence approached us we said, ‘Ok, let’s do it.’ It was so quick, 1, 2, 3 and it was all over.”

Tienie was not surprised to stay on as trainer and explained, “I knew the filly would stay with me, because Laurence also sent me two babies. Very nice babies, a Trippi filly and a New Predator filly who is from the family of True To Life, Deo Juvente, Zebra Crossing, African Lion, Tecla Bluff etc. But just looking at both of them you can see there is class in them, they are not going to be running as maidens. They are very well put together. They came off the farm and they had a little bit of long hair, but now they have started shining and they are in work already.”

Tienie is not sure of the route Quickstepgal will be taking yet, but he has eyed a nice reappearance opportunity.

He said, “At the end of October there is a nice race over 1600m for her.”

He continued, “At the moment I am just playing with her, but Laurence said to me Justin Vermaak will phone me and then we will sit down and discuss what we are going to do and we’ll take it from there.”

Quickstepgal, who was bred by Marsh Shirtliff’s Greenacres Trust, was purchased for R450,000 at the BSA KZN Yearling Sale last year and has won three times from five starts, including the Gr 3 Tote Strelitzia Stakes over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and the Listed Ridgemont Devon Air Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville, in which she waltzed in by 2,60 lenghs.

She followed the Devon Air win with a 1,40 length second to the crack Alan Greeff-trained unbeaten filly Anotherdanceforme in the Gr 2 Splashout Golden Slipper over 1400m. She was a touch unlucky not to get closer in that race as she was carried across the course.

Tienie said about Quickstepgal, “She’s a very nice filly and still growing a lot. She is getting a bit rangy and 1600m will be a perfect distance for her. But she is just lovely. She is just doing everything right. There is a lot more to come from her.”

The question is whether she will go the Gr 1 WSB Cape Guineas route or the Jo’Burg route, where lesser races like the Gr 3 Fillies Mile will be her options until the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara series gets under way in roundabout February.

Tienie said he would not like to run her in Jo’Burg on hard ground if the rains have not arrived, but on the other hand the Cape route entails a long journey and facing stronger opposition, the like of the Equus Champion Two-year-old filly Golden Palm.

Things are looking up for the Prinsloo yard and Flamingo Park, where he was once champion but where trainers battled along with throwout horses from the chief centres, is now a distant memory. He appreciates his time at Flamingo and said he would never put it down, but he is now relishing competing with the best in KZN.

He said, ” I think I’ve proved myself. If I can get a nice horse, then I can also do it.”

He added, “Sometimes you feel this horeracing is too much, but then you get these horses who can prove to you they are good horses and it’s awesome. I’m blessed to have somebody like Rakesh and you know all these big okes like Laurence in my stable because it just helps a lot. Rakesh has a baby with me now who is by Hawwaam out of Alboran Sea and he is a lovely colt, who I am looking forward to. Every morning he does his light work, because he has just got into training and the way this horse moves, I don’t know if I am right or wrong, but my gut feeling is telling me this is my next champion. He is stocky and built like a proper sprinter. Everybody is saying the Hawwaams can be a bit hot, but he’s calm and relaxed and is a very, very nice horse.”

Tienie now has 19 horses in his yard and is building.

He said, “It’s just amazing how this game can turn around for you sometimes. At one stage the horses were just going out the yard as I was getting rid of the bad ones and then all of a sudden the horses just start winning and then people are coming back to you. It’s nice when people believe in you. That’s the main part, if they believe in you and can trust you. That’s all you need. If they give you the stock you can work with, then we have shown we can produce. You just have to work.”

Tiene was due to fly up to Jo’Burg last night (Tuesday) to atttend the BSA August Two-year-old Sale and is hoping to pick up oneor two there, although he predicted the prices would be high.

At the end of the month he will be attending the KZN Awards, which he has been invited to as there is little doubt he will collect the KZN Champion Two-year-old award with Quickstepgal.

The Prinsloo yard have an exciting season ahead of them and look to be one to follow.

Diego Velazquez just helds off Notable Speech to win the Gr 1 The Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois over a straight mile at Deauville (via youtube)

Cape Breeders

Top-class four-year-old Diego Velazquez, a three-parts brother to Maine Chance Farms’ exciting new stallion Point Lonsdale, picked up the biggest win of his career when he won the G1 The Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on Sunday.

The colt had been bought by Sam Sangster Bloodstock ahead of the race, with the expectation that he would stand at the National Stud following this season.

It was a first Group 1 win for Aidan O’Brien’s four-year-old and the trainer’s first victory in the Marois since Excelebration in 2012.

Diego Velazquez, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, stayed wide out of the stalls before settling behind The Lion In Winter and Dancing Gemini.

The Lion In Winter cut out the early running but faded badly in the final furlong, providing Charlie Appleby’s Notable Speech with a late gap under William Buick. However, the line came too soon, with the winner holding on by a head.

O’Brien said: “He’s always looked a smart horse. He had good two- and three-year-old form; he’s determined. His last run was very good, and it’s all come right in the last week or so.”

A son of Frankel, Diego Velazquez has won six of 11 starts, with his victories including five group victories.

Diego Velazquez is the second G1 winner produced by the Acclamation mare Sweepstake. Winner of both the Listed National Stakes and Listed Bedanken Stakes, Sweepstake is also the dam of champion, and G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winning sire, Broome, as well as the well performed Point Lonsdale.

Point Lonsdale, whose sire Australia, like Frankel, was sired by Galileo, was a group winner at two, four and five, and earned £724,572 in prize money.

By the same sire as this season’s dual Derby winner Lambourn, Point Lonsdale stands his first season at Maine Chance Farms in 2025.

AN EXCITING RACING PROPERTY FOR SALE IN RANDJESFONTEIN AH

This is a premier residential estate offering a tranquil and secure environment that boasts expansive open spaces, as well as a host of outdoor lifestyle opportunities which include cycling, jogging, and walking trails. For the equestrian enthusiasts, there is a 26km network of bridle trails, winding through this estate which is perfect for horse lovers.

Listing Number:           116177908
Listing Price:                  R6 800 000
Property Type:              House
City:                                   Midrand
Suburb:                            Randjesfontein AH
Agency:                            Real Estate Services

Click here to view listing.

This Real Estate listing has been recommended to you by phillipprop8101@realestateservices.co.za

Hollie Doyle and big owner Imad Al Sagar (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

By Marcus Armytage (Daily Telegraph Sport Racing Correspondent)

Hollie Doyle, the most successful British female rider on the Flat, has expressed her surprise at losing her role as Derby-winning owner Imad Al Sagar’s retained jockey.

It emerged yesterday that Al Sagar had replaced Doyle with champion jockey Oisin Murphy. The change was with immediate effect and Murphy’s first ride for Al Sagar resulted in a victory, when Gamrai won at Windsor last night.

The owner-breeder, who has about 25 horses split between a number of trainers, helped Doyle become the first female jockey to ride a European Classic winner when his homebred Nashwa won the Prix de Diane, the French Oaks, in 2022, two weeks after finishing third at Epsom.

Doyle spent five years in the job and was informed of the decision on Friday. In her column for At The Races, she said: “It came as a bit of a shock, particularly at this stage of the season.

“I’ve been a part of Imad’s operation for five years, riding 38 winners, including at the highest levels. We’ve enjoyed numerous stakes winners, a Royal Ascot winner and a Classic winner with the wonderful Nashwa.

“I have nothing but the utmost respect for Imad and would like to thank him for giving me such an amazing opportunity at such a formative stage of my career. I wish him and the team the very best of luck in the future.”

Explaining the thinking behind the decision, Al Sagar’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said: “Imad is extremely fond of and very grateful to Hollie for all the work she did for us. I would hope the relationship will continue in one form or

Murphy’s first ride for Al Sagar resulted in a victory, when Gamrai won at Windsor last night

another and from what I understand from both parties that’s a possibility.

“Racing is a competitive business in every way. When the possibility that the champion jockey, Oisin Murphy, might be available was thrown into the mix, it was a big draw. Changing jockeys is not always the panacea we hope for but if we don’t strive for excellence, we stand still at best.”

Al Sagar has been having a quiet time of it and if he has a half-decent horse it will be an unearthed twoyear-old – Murphy rides May Angel for him in tomorrow’s Acomb Stakes at York – and, in lean times, it is a fact of life that the jockey usually cops it first, followed by the trainer.

It is, of course, disappointing for Doyle, who still rides mainly for Archie Watson, and no consolation that she has been replaced by Murphy who, behind Ryan Moore, is one of the world’s finest jockeys. But it is a good policy not to burn bridges and Murphy has so many other retainers he will not always be available, so it is likely that Doyle will ride for Al Sagar at some point.

Fireblade wins the stayers race at the Shergar Cup and can follow up in the fifth race at York on Wednesday (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

The focus at the York meeting on Wednesday will be on the Gr 1 Juddmonte International, which features a return clash between the eclipse one-two Delacroix and Ombudsman, but in the fifth race at the meeting, the Sky Bet Stayers Handicap over two miles and 56 yards, former Summerveld-based South African trainer Dylan Cunha has a lively chance with Frankel gelding Fireblade, who won the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers over a distance just short of two miles last time out and will now be ridden by James Doyle.

Heritage Handicap | GBBPlus Race | Class 2 | 3YO plus

Winner £51,540

York Wednesday Formguides And Selections

1 2:50 PM SA Time – Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
The Man returned to the fray with an impressive display over 5f at the Dante meeting, while Trefor finished a fine second at Windsor and may also feature. Vintage Clarets landed the Shergar Cup Dash in good style last time, but could only manage eighth in this last year behind the runner-up JORDAN ELECTRICS. Jim Goldie’s sprinter found the smart Jm Jungle too good on that occasion and another bold bid looks likely with a couple of recent runs under his belt. Brazen Bolt and Squealer are others to consider.

Top Tip: Jordan Electrics (2)
Watch out for: The Man (10)

2 3:25 PM SA Time – Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group 3)
Italy separated a couple of Godolphin runners when finishing a creditable second in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket. That form should give Charlie Appleby a good handle on the chances of DISTANT STORM and the latter could prove the one to side with. The son of Night Of Thunder beat a couple of subsequent winners when making a winning debut in a hot maiden at Newmarket and can take this step up in class in his stride. Goodwood Galaxy’s fourth in the Vintage Stakes can be marked up as he missed the break, while May Angel is another to note.

Top Tip: Distant Storm (1)
Watch out for: Italy (4)

3 4:00 PM SA Time – Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2)
Aidan O’Brien has won the last two renewals and LAMBOURN looks set to retain the prize for the Ballydoyle handler. The Derby winner was less impressive when landing the Irish equivalent at the Curragh, but will be fresher for this and is difficult to oppose, despite a 5lb penalty. Pride Of Arras has been gelded after a couple of poor displays behind the selection. He won the Dante on the Knavesmire in fine style back in May and could launch a challenge if returning to that level, while the progressive Carmers won the Queen’s Vase at Ascot and is preferred to Arabian Force.

Top Tip: Lambourn (1)
Watch out for: Pride Of Arras (3)

4 4:35 PM SA Time – Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1)
This year’s renewal might be short on numbers but there is no doubting the quality on show, and OMBUDSMAN is fancied to get his revenge having been touched off by Delacroix in the Eclipse last month. Although arguably worth more than the winning margin would suggest that day, the Gosdens’ colt is now 3lb better off. His Prince Of Wales’ triumph still lives fresh in the memory and if returning to that level of form, he could prove a tough nut to crack. Japanese raider Danon Decile was last seen defeating the classy Calandagan in the Sheema Classic so he merits plenty of respect, while the unbeaten Daryz can’t be overlooked either.

Top Tip: Ombudsman (3)
Watch out for: Delacroix (6)

5 5:10 PM SA Time – Sky Bet Stayers Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Last year’s Cesarewitch hero Alphonse Le Grande wasn’t beaten far into eight in the Ascot Stakes last time out and is entitled to plenty of respect from an unchanged mark, as is Dancing In Paris, who hit the woodwork in a similar contest at Goodwood latest. That being said, a chance can be taken on TERRORISE. This is undoubtedly tougher than last month’s C&D triumph, especially now 8lb higher. However, he is completely unexposed over staying trips on the Flat and may have much more in the locker. Fireblade is suited by a sound surface, is effective from 12 to 16 furlongs and is progressive and not fully exposed as a stayer

Top Tip: Terrorise (13)
Watch out for: Alphonse Le Grande (8) and Fireblade

6 5:45 PM SA Time – IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
SARAHMAE travels over from Ireland after a comfortable victory at the Curragh recently and although she has a lot more to do here, a fast-run five furlongs could see her finishing her race better than most. Luna A Inbhir Nis won here at the end of July when holding on narrowly to score by a neck but she has 5lb more here in better company which makes her task more difficult, so Galaxy Zoo is preferred as the main threat after coming from off the pace to win comfortably at Ascot.

Top Tip: Sarahmae (8)
Watch out for: Luna A Inbhir Nis (12)

7 6:20 PM SA Time – Sky Bet Nursery
Trainer Richard Fahey has won this three times in the last 10 years and he relies on UTMOST RESPECT. The son of Invincible Spirit got off the mark at the third attempt with an easy win at Hamilton, when coming from off the pace, and a mark of 87 looks fair enough. Dublin Bay is looking for his hat-trick but an added 10lb makes his life difficult, while Old Is Gold and Temple Of Athena are others to consider.

Top Tip: Utmost Respect (5)
Watch out for: Dublin Bay (20)

Lion Rampart has been tipped to win the seventh race (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

Further back than most care to remember, the universal cry across the board was always, ‘we need a stakes increase to stay viable’. That issue has been addressed by newly formed Race Coast with lucrative stake pots now on offer in conjunction with recently announced incentives for most participants.

However, there is still a hangover as far as the horse population is concerned given the dwindling numbers due to Covid and also the once poor potential returns. No doubt that situation will be remedied in time but those still in the game can make hay.

But for Hollywood Racing, who notched up their 700^th winner last week, today’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville may not have made muster as their runners make up a significant number in many of the races. Only eight runners were carded to face the starter in the Gallop TV A Stakes – worth R185 000 – that heads the card and perennial raider Clinton Binda could have taken home the lion’s share of the purse with Ziyasha. However,  the wheels have come off, literally, with the gelding scratched because of no transport.

Ziyasha ‘s defection has left the way open for Gareth van Zyl’s gelding Lion Rampart. He is having his third run after a break since returning from the Cape and should strip close his peak with S’Manga Kumalo in town to enhance his chances.

Stable companion Luhamba Phambili has been scratched leaving just six runners in the contest. Hithemhardsunshine didn’t feature from a wide draw in a small feature last time out but did run Ziyasha to within a length three runs back so he could pop up. Fabian Habib saddles Mover And Shaker, the highest rated runner in the field. He has shown up well in useful company but needs to improve on his last effort. With these defections, Donquerari could earn the biggest pay cheque of his career. He is always game and although he may be outclassed he only has 48.5kg to shoulder which should make him competitive.

Priory Terrace looked the part in the first but has since been scratched leaving the way clear for the lightly raced Call Me Jane. She makes her local debut for Andre Nel and Byron Forster and has found solid market support over this trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. She has not been out since May but looks more than capable in this line-up. Queen Fenn is seldom far back and Callan Murray stays with the ride.

First up in the Place Accumulator should see Flying South a safe banker. Glen Kotzen’s filly has improved with every run and was narrowly beaten at her last two. She gets first time blinkers which could see her home. Peace Rose made an eye-catching debut for Duncan Howells on this course and is sure to improve. Gorgeous Cape raced green on debut over course and distance and is sure to come on from that effort. Any market support for Dean Kannemeyer’s filly must be respected.

Punters face a tricky opening leg of the Pick 6 and it doesn’t look to get any easier in the follow races. Dawn Till Dusk has the best of the draw in the opening leg and improved nicely second time out in KZN. He will enjoy the extra furlong and should put in a bold effort. Uzwano tries for four wins on the bounce and has progressed steadily up the handicap. He appears to have improved in blinkers and could still be under the handicapper’s radar. Paul Lafferty has pitted Forward Motion against males but she is in good form on this course. She also has a light weight and must have a decent winning chance. Tirptiz has been consistent since joining the Gary Rich stable. He has a handy galloping weight and cannot be discounted lightly.

Miss Twinkle has her third run in the second leg of the Pick 6 and has shown up nicely in her first two. The extra will suit. Danger could be Nkwenkwezi who is long overdue and way better than her last effort. Binda has solid raiding form and his filly should go close again. Cassandra was a beaten favourite last run when tried in first time blinkers. The blinkers come off and from the best of the draw she will be a big runner. Dee Day is struggling but was only run out of it late last start. The 4kg claimer stays aboard and she could pinch it.

The fifth sees many in with chances and it could pay dividends to load up in this leg. Lucrative has a big weight but her last win was over course and distance and she is seldom far back. Captain’s Christy looked the winner before being caught late by Russian Doll on this course last time out. The extra 100m could see her vulnerable again but there should be precious little between these two. Jeanne Dark could be the dark horse. She  has been trying further in strong company but is effective over this shorter trip and takes a three-point drop in the handicap. Convocation is another to consider as she has come good at recent outings and although behind both Russian Doll and Captain’s Christy last time out she cannot be discounted lightly.

In the sixth, Captain Efficient is struggling for his second win but has been knocking hard on the door and could pay for Fabian Habib’s raid. Prized Platinum has gone close over course and distance and is holding form in an open race. One Irish Rover was close-up again last run and goes well over course and distance. He has a 4kg claimer aboard which should help his chances. Yannakis has issues but goes well at home. Cheek pieces go on and he can surprise.

In the last, French Trip is holding form and looks primed for his next win. The Howells stable is also in good form. Lexican Point is slowly coming to hand and was a beaten favourite last run and should be close to his peak. Gotta Go Eddie finally got it right when stretch to a mile. He has a light weight and should be even more effective over this trip.

Brough Scotts said this about which famous grey, “He is a ham. He may not be able to read all those gushing superlatives in the cuttings book, but he knows that when he walks towards a crowd wild-eyed people jump in front of him with clicking cameras.”

The picture is of the subject