Turf Talk Newsletter – 20 June, 2025

Legend Of Arthur opened at 33/1 for the Hollywoodbets Durban July in the sponsor’s pre-nomination betting, but shortened dramatically upon winning the Gr 1 TAB SA Derby, but he is unfortunately now scratched. (Picture: JC Photos)  

It was no great surprise to see the Sean Tarry-trained Lancaster Bomber colt Legend Of Arthur scratched from the Hollywoodbets Durban July today (Friday) following his lacklustre last start in the Egoli Mile in which he was beaten 19.05 lengths.

This has opened up one more place in the top 18 before the final field selection ceremony next Tuesday as he was in 13th place on the last Hollywoodbets Durban July log.

There are now 27 horses still standing their ground for the big race.

That means seven will miss out, as things stand, when the final 18 plus two reserves are announced on Tuesday.

However, being announced as one of the reserves is not what connections will want to be hearing, although there have been top 18 scratchings in the final week in recent years.

A top 18 incumbent has to be scratched before 8:15 a.m. on Friday morning, July 4, for a reserve to get in.

Legend Of Arthur’s scratching led to a slight change in the betting with the sponsor as he was a 25/2 shot at time of scratching.

Joy And Peace is also a scratching this week (Thursday).

The previous betting and current betting is displayed below (with weight, merit rating and trainer also shown):

Eight On Eighteen – 57 – 129 – Justin Snaith – 18-10   17-10

Oriental Charm – 60 – 127 – James Crawford – 11-2   11-2

Immediate Edge – 53 – 108 – Mike/Mathew de Kock – 7-1   7-1 

See It Again – 60 – 127 – Michael Roberts – 10-1   25-2  

Legend Of Arthur – 53 – 117 – Sean Tarry – 25-2   Scratched

The Real Prince – 56.5 – 120 – Dean Kannemeyer – 14-1   14-1

Selukwe – 54 – 111 – Andre Nel – 17-1   17-1

Royal Victory – 59 – 125 – Nathan Kotzen – 17-1   17-1

Gladatorian – 60 – 127 – Stuart Ferrie – 20-1   17-1

Okavango – 54.5 – 120 – Justin Snaith – 20-1   20-1

Confederate – 53.5 – 118 – Fabian Habib – 33-1   25-1

Atticus Finch – 57 – 121 – Alec Laird – 33-1   25-1

Underworld – 54 – 109 – Justin Snaith – 25-1   25-1

Native Ruler – 54 – 119 – Justin Snaith – 25-1   25-1

On My Honour – 53 – 116 – Glen Kotzen – 40-1   33-1

My Best Shot – 53 – 116 – Alan Greeff – 33-1   33-1

Holding Thumbs – 54 – 108 – Glen Kotzen – 33-1   33-1

Madison Valley – 54 – 115 – Frank Robinson – 40-1   40-1

Future Swing – 55 – 117 – Justin Snaith – 40-1   40-1

Pomodoro’s Jet – 55.5 – 118 – James Crawford – 67-1   50-1

The Equator (IRE) – 54 – 110 – Tony Peter – 50-1   50-1

Purple Pitcher – 57.5 – 122 – Robyn Klaasen – 50-1   50-1

Magic Verse – 54 – 113 – Justin Snaith – 50-1   67-1

Rainbow Lorikeet – 53 – 111 – Candice Bass-Robinson – 67-1   67-1

Beating Wings – 53 – 113 – Stuart Pettigrew – 100-1   100-1

Son Of Raj – 56 – 119 – Tony Peter – 100-1   100-1

Litigation – 54 – 113 – Sean Tarry – 100-1   100-1

Joy And Peace – 53 – 110 – Alan Greeff – 150-1 – Scratched

Thunee Playa – 54 – 104 – Mano Pandaram – 150-1   150-1

Randolph Hearst wins second time out over 1400m. (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Graeme Hawkins (Race Coast)

Champion trainer Justin Snaith sends out four very smart and regally bred two-year-olds in the Grade 3 R500 000 Langerman over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. Greg Bortz’s retained rider JP van der Merwe has opted to ride Randolph Hearst in preference to either Absolutely Yes or Roland Garros, but it could not have been any easy decision to reach. Last time out, over the course and distance, Roland Garros edged out Randolph Hearst by the narrowest of margins but the latter was doing his best work at the finish and would have got up in another stride.

While obviously respecting JP’s decision, Richard Fourie is no doubt delighted to retain the ride on Roland Garros as the grey son of Vercingetorix is improving with each run and is now bidding for a hat-trick. In the end, it may all come down to which of the pair will better cope with the expected testing track condition. Tuesday’s midweek race meeting was run in deteriorating conditions as the afternoon progressed, and the track would have taken a pounding. With further rain forecast heading into Saturday’s race meeting the going is almost certain to be on the heavy side.

Absolutely Yes has his peak run after being rested and gelded and is a winner of two of his four starts to date. He was a good second behind Dreamworld in the Winter Nursery over 1100m on 4 May and followed that up with a fluent but hard-fought victory over Churchillian in the Sophomore Stakes over 1200m three weeks ago. The 2yo son of Danon Platina will strip a very fit horse but has yet to be tested around the turn and he may have to take a backseat behind Randolph Hearst and Roland Garros. The Snaith quartet is completed by Happy Verse who looks to be a very exciting prospect in the making. He won his debut at long odds over 1200m and then stepped into open company a month ago and carried a big weight to victory over 1400m in very pleasing fashion. Andrew Fortune has ridden the imposing son of Vercingetorix to both his victories and is once again in the plate on Saturday. It would come as no surprise to see Happy Verse retain his unbeaten record.

Standing in the way of complete Snaith domination are Vaughan Marshall, who saddles Dreamworld and Vapour Trail, and Piet Steyn who is represented by Pay The Palace in the small field of seven starters. As is the case with Absolutely Yes, Dreamworld steps into unchartered territory having won two of his three starts to date over sprint distances. There is a lot of speed on the dam side and only the race will show whether the son of One World will be effective over this trip, but it is interesting that Marshall side-stepped the Sophomore Sprint in favour of the Langerman. Vapour Trail is a half-brother to One Stripe and was a good winner over 1400m last time, but he takes on considerably stronger here. Pay The Palace should be well held by both Roland Garros and Randolph Hearst on the evidence of their recent encounter but pole position is an advantage for the son of Potala Palace.

There is no shortage of class in this year’s renewal of the Langerman but banking on JP’s judgement has served me well in recent race meetings and I am happy to throw my lot in with Randolph Hearst in what should be fascinating contest.

The R250 000 Listed Irridescence Stakes for two-year-old fillies over 1500m appears wide open and up for grabs. Of the seven fillies carded, only Take It As Red has won beyond 1200m and the daughter of Hawwaam enjoys the added benefit of being drawn in the plum gate. Last time out Take It As Red won her maiden over 1400m on a soft track but one gets the feeling that she will need to take another step forward as she bumps a smart bunch of fillies, albeit untried over the trip.

Ukuduma caught the eye when beating a limited field over 1100m on debut and is bred to much more effective over further. Being by Vercingetorix out of Jet Master’s multiple Grade 1-winning daughter Thunder Dance, Ukuduma certainly has the right profile to land a race of this nature and is the hesitant top selection. Legislate is represented by two interesting fillies both of which should enjoy stepping up in distance. Lowveld Lily won over 1200m at the second time of asking after finishing third behind Ukuduma on debut, while recent winner, Paralegal, is out of a Dynasty mare and should have no problems in handling the extra.

The fast-improving Electromagnetism has won her last two starts in stylish fashion, while She’s My World is highly regarded and may have further scope. Mrs Claus makes her debut here and is expected by the Snaith team to need the experience and the daughter of Futura is unlikely to prove competitive. From a Jackpot and Pick 6 perspective, this looks a “field” race as there are too many unknowns to make a definitive selection, but my gut suggests that Ukuduma may have the most scope for improvement over this course and distance in soft conditions.

With 11 races on the programme, Cape Racing is offering three Jackpots and two Bipots on the Tote betting menu, with Jackpot One commencing in the first race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1400m, which is due off at 11:20.

Electromagnetism (Gimmethegreenlight) follows up on her maiden win in a class 5 handicap against older horses. (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday Formguides, Selections And Permutations

Race 1

1 STAR MAJOR has gone close in both starts and could get it right here. 2 GOLD GIBOSKI  has also run two crackers and should be in the shake up. 5 DIAMOND DAYS is an improving sort who relished the step up to this trip last time and a with a repeat can go close from a fair draw. 9 NEW WORLD is knocking on the door and Richard Fourie retains the ride in his second start with Blinkers on. (1-2-5-9)

 

Race 2

6 SPLASH OF COLOUR has Gavin Lerena up from a middle draw of six and having gone close last time over this course and distance she should be in the shake up. 1 LOVE HER MADLY has run some good races and on pedigree should relish the step up in trip so she should be right there from pole position. 2 GREEK HEIRESS is a well-bred filly by Fire Away out of a decent Fort Wood mare and Craig Zackey rides from a plum draw. 7 ONCIDIUM has Richard Fourie up from a tricky draw of seven but she could improve on her first start. (6-1-2-7)

 

Race 3

1 OCTOBER STORM is very well bred being by Vercingetorix out of the top broodmare Miss October and he should go close over 1000m on debut. 4 FLEUR DE VILLE went close last time over course and distance and he should be in the shake up. 6 IKO IKO is knocking on the door and should also be right there.7 DIGBY is in good form and could be involved in the finish. (1-4-6-7)

 

Race 4

1 MEG’S LEGACY an a fine race over course and distance last time and is now drawn in pole and should be right there. 2 TAYLOR’S VERSION  also went close last time and from draw two should be in the shake up. 5 RED CORAL improved second time out and should enjoy this further step up in trip and has a chance. 10 RED STATE has run two good races in succession over 1200 meters and should relish the step up in trip but does have a wide draw. (1-2-5-10)

 

Race 5

2 ARIOVISTUS won easily last time out in an open maiden and starts off on a fair merit rating of 73 with Richard Fourie up over an ideal course and distance. 3 KWITE A KING ran well last time over 2200 and from a good draw will also enjoy this trip. 4 AHEAD OF THE FACTS has won two of his last three over middle distances and should be in the shake-up from a fair draw. 5 WOOD WORLD has been in good form and with Gavin Lerena up for the third time in succession he has a chance. (2-3-4-5)

 

Race 6

3 ELECTROMAGNETISM has won her last two and on pedigree should relish the step-up in trip. 6 UKUDUMA is a well-bred sort being Vercingetorix out of dual Gr 1 winner Thunder Dance and she should go close after a good debut win.7 LOWVELD LILY won well second time out and should enjoy the step-up in trip. 2 SHE’S MY WORLD is well drawn and should be thereabouts.

(3-6-7-2)

 

Race 7

5 HAPPY VERSE is a talented horse and should enjoy the step up in trip here and looks the one to beat. 6 ROLAND GARROS has won his last two in fine fashion and should be in the shake up. 3 VAPOUR TRAIL is a half brother to One Stripe and should enjoy this trip and is a contender from a good draw. 2 DREAMWORLD has fine form and tries a step up in trip from a good draw, although the jury is out on whether he will stay. (5-6-3-2)

 

Race 8

2 LADY LOOK ALIKE  is in hard knocking form and from a good draw over a suitable trip should go close. 5 MIRACULOUS is knocking hard too and might enjoy the step up and trip. 6 KAMCHATKA Ran well last time over 1400m and will enjoy this trip, but does have a tricky draw.
1 PENTOLINA has pole position and can be right there if repeating penultimate start. (2-5-6-10)

 

Race 9

3 RIKKITIKKITAVI beat a good sort last time and is the one to beat. 4 OCTOBER FEST is well bred and is coming to hand. 2 MARITZBURG MEMORY has the form to be a contender. 8 HOPE CHEST has ability and could bounce back. (3-4-2-8)

 

Race 10

1 BECKY SHARP is knocking hard and could get it right here. 4 SAINT BRIGID ran a cracker last time stepped down to 1400m and is interesting over a further step down in trip. 3 EASY MONEY beat Becky Sharp last time and is only 1,5kg worse off for a 1,75 length beating so might confirm the form. 7 IM THE BUZZ has the form to earn a cheque. (1-4-3-7)

 

Race 11

1 MISS WORLD is well regarded and Richard Fourie could make all the difference. 3 DEAN STREET has the ability and can never be ignored. 5 TANNERON won well last time and looks to be coming into her own. 6 ELUSIVE WINTER is consistent and should be right there. (1-3-5-6)

 

Place Accumulator: (R216)
Leg 1: 1,4,6
Leg 2: 1,2,5
Leg 3: 2,3
Leg 4: 3,6
Leg 5: 5,6
Leg 6: 2,5,6
Leg 7: 3

Pick 6: (R729)
Leg 1: 1,2,5
Leg 2: 2,3,4
Leg 3: 3,6,7
Leg 4: 5,6,3
Leg 5: 2,5,6
Leg 6: 3,4,2

Jackpot: (R81)
Leg 1: 2,3,4
Leg 2: 3,6,7
Leg 3: 5,6,3
Leg 4: 2,5,6

Best Bet:
Race 9: 3

Value Bet:
Race 11: 1

The former East Cape star Cherry Ano is the joint best-weighted runner in the KZN Breeders Mile, according to official merit ratings. (Pauline Herman Photography)

Graeme Hawkins (Race Coast)

The R650 000 Kwazulu-Natal Breeders Mile heads the 10-race programme at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday 22 June and the former East Cape star, Cherry Ano, looks set to take home the lion’s share of the purse for Owner-Breeder, Henning Pretorius. Cherry Ano, a 5yo son of Cape Town Noir, has won eight of his twenty five starts, with six of these victories coming over 1600 metres. Cherry Ano has had three starts in KwaZulu Natal since being relocated to the Summerveld-based stable of Wendy Whitehead and his last two starts have been most encouraging.

In his penultimate outing, Cherry Ano finished fourth behind the useful Underworld who has subsequently been supplemented for the Hollywoodbets Durban July after running a very close second in the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial (Gr3). Then a month ago, Cherry Ano took third spot behind multiple Grade 1 winner, Dave The King, and that level of form is surely strong enough to suggest he will prove a tough nut to crack in this 11-strong field.

Based on official handicappers’ ratings the Sean Tarry-trained Dantonfromsandton would appear the biggest threat to Cherry Ano’s supremacy but the 3yo son of Willow Magic has yet to win beyond 1200m and is not guaranteed to see out this trip. He was a remote fourth in the Byerley Turk (Gr3) over 1400m in March following which Dantonfromsandton won a very good race over 1200m when beating the talented Quantum Theory at the Vaal two months ago. Sean Tarry has over the years done remarkably well at the annual KZN Breeders’ Raceday but I fear that Dantonfromsandton’s lack of stamina might well be exposed here.

Soldier’s Eye is a useful 4yo daughter of Rabada and she represents the Highveld-based stable of Weiho Marwing with reigning national Champion apprentice Kobeli James Lihaba in the saddle. Sporting the colours of Gerald Kalil, Lihaba rode Soldier’s Eye to victory in her most recent outing over 1600m at Turffontein and she could well finish in the money here. Hat’s Pride has been struggling to find his best form and has not won since 29 September 2023. However, Glen Kotzen’s charge showed very useful potential earlier in his career, including when finishing fifth in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas (Gr1) behind Snow Pilot. He is rated 18 pounds lower than Cherry Ano and given that in terms of the conditions of the KZN Breeders’ Mile he only receives 0,5kgs, it is a tall order to expect Hat’s Pride to have a clear winning chance.

A more interesting contender could be the relatively unexposed Legal Counsel from the stable of Champion trainer Justin Snaith. The 3yo son of Legislate has won three of his seven starts and could prove better than his current rating (98) suggests. Legal Counsel will have no problem with the trip and his last run, when second behind Thisiswhatitmeans just three weeks ago, suggests that Snaith has him in very good shape. Saxon Dynasty is another lightly raced 3yo, having only had four starts to date for two wins. By Querari, Saxon Dynasty will be ridden by championship-chasing Gavin Lerena but there is every chance that he will find 1600m very much on the sharp side, with his most recent victory having been recorded over 2200m.

As a 5-time winner African Skyline comes into the race with more than just a glimmer of hope. Trained by Garth Puller, African Skyline won a minor Feature over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in February but on the evidence of his last run in May, he should be safely held by Cherry Ano. Noble City, stable companion to Saxon Dynasty, has been struggling of late but two years back he ran second in this race behind MK’s Pride and then last year was certainly not disgraced when third behind the brilliant Mrs Geriatrix. He could prove a worthy inclusion in Trifecta and Quartet permutations.

Apache Son, Go Grayson Go and Kaygee’s Delight complete the line-up but it would come as something of a surprise if the winner was to emerge from this trio. In summary, Cherry Ano looks to carry too many guns for the opposition and is a confident selection to provide Henning Pretorius’ Summerhill Equestrian Stud with a Champagne-popping victory.

The first race on Sunday, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1400m, is due off at 11:40 and the popular “Win-If-You-Lose” on-course competition will afford 10 Couples the opportunity to win entrance tickets to the 2025 R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday 5 July.

Fortress Of Fire won in the manner of a smart horse on debut and can bounce back dropped back to the 1200m trip. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

R1 Summary: Keep a close eye on the betting. BLACKJACK RANDALL (1) has been knocking at the door and stays the trip. He has the best of the draw and gets first timer blinkers. EASTERN HIGHLANDS (4) showed up well at long odds on debut. The stable is in good form at present and expect a big effort. FLAG CHAMP (5) comes from a very much in form stable. He found good market support on debut and could well be the horse to beat. Stable companion DIRECTOR (7) finished up alongside Flag Champ on debut but judging by the betting was the lesser fancied of the pair. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-5-7).

R2 Summary: CHARGE IT (9) raced green in the soft over the distance on debut. She is sure to have come on with the experience. ACT OF GRACE (8) made good improvement second time out and her first in KZN. The stable is in good form. ANEMIE (10) has run two fair races over shorter. This trip should suit. SOL NOMARA (12) has the worst of the draw but has not been far back in two starts and Fortune stays with the ride. (Andrew Harrison: 9-8-10-12).

R3 Summary: CASSANDRA (3) started at long odds on debut but showed up well, finishing close up behind Dark Matter. She takes on males and makes her poly debut but looks the part. QUEEN OF THE AIR (7) was a beaten short-priced favourite at just her second start and comes off a lengthy break. Last run was possibly too far. BLATIC ASSAYER (5) has been much improved at recent outings and has a money chance as does THE GOLDEN GOAL (1) who is struggling but was running on late on the poly last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-5-1).

R4 Summary: Tricky Pick 6 opener. FORTRESS OF FIRE (4) was a smart winner on debut but has disappointed since in two feature races. Down in class, if he can reproduce his debut effort he could prove difficult to beat. MASTER SILVANO (8) has a wide draw but was close-up in his debut. This trip will suit. Sean Tarry has an enviable record at this meeting and WAR TALK (3) should come on from her promising debut effort. DUNGEON MASTER (6) made good improvement at his second start and should enjoy the extra furlong. (Andrew Harrison: 4-8-3-6).

R5 Summary: WINDOW TO MY SOUL (10) was touched off when going ground for the first time and on his poly debut. He looks the part here. TEE DOG (4) has shown some promise of late and stays the trip. The switch to poly could be in his favour. HUNTERS ARROW (7) has improved form on the poly and can finish in the money. POSSIBLE BOMBER (5) has not shown much in two sprints but jumps in trip and is one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 10-4-7-5).

R6 Summary: HAT’S QUEEN (1) looks very well in at these weights and from the best of the draw she could take a lot of beating. QUEEN AMINA (2) has shown consistent form since shedding her maiden. She goes well on the poly and stays the trip. She looks the biggest threat to the top weight. GIVERS GRACE (7) is never far back and although well out at the handicap he only has 52kg to shoulder and Muzi Yeni in the saddle. AFRICAN DUSK (6) is seldom too far back and given some luck in running he can make a fist of it. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-7-6).

R7 Summary: AGRADO (3) shows promise and is hardly ever out of the money. He should go well this course and distance. DISTING (1) has some fair form in useful feature company. She has the best of the draw and should go close. SILVER TUDOR (9) is way better than his last effort although not beaten far. He boasts some useful Highveld form and cannot be ignored. PROUD MASTER (2) is way better than his last two runs would suggest. He looks well weighted here in spite of 62kg and the poly will suit. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-9-2).

R8 Summary: LEGAL COUNCIL (10) has a wide draw to contend with but has shown some class in the strong centre of Cape Town. CHERRY ANO (2) has been racing in top company of late and was just over three lengths back to recent Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge winner Dave The King. He has good form in blinkers and should fight out the finish. DANTONFROMSANDTON (3) won at this meeting last year and was narrowly beaten by Cats Pajamas in a feature on July day at his next start. He was friendless in the market last time out but at best will have a strong chance in this line-up, although he still has to prove he stays the trip. AFRICAN SKYLINE (6) is up-and-down in trip but was not far off Dave The King last time out and must have a shout. (Andrew Harrison: 10-2-3-6).

R9 Summary: Tricky. WILLOW EXPRESS (2) has had four attempts at the KZN Breeders Mile without success and Sean Tarry has him taking on a lesser field in the KZN Breeders 1600 where he should be competitive. He is way better than his last run. ACTOR (1) is lightly raced and was returning from a lengthy break when badly in need of the outing last time out. He has the best of the draw. RADU (3) looks to be the pick of Wendy Whiteheads coupling. All of her recent form has been at Hollywoodbets Scottsville where she has been close-up in recent exchanges. Stable companion JOSHUA HOTSNAKE (7) is always dangerous and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-3-7).

R10 Summary: AMONG THE CLOUDS (10) has a wide draw but has come on nicely since arriving in KZN. She won with authority last time out over course and distance and can follow up. MISS PAGET (1) has the best of the draw and has been close-up in her last two over course and distance. She looks well in. HAPPY FORTUNE (2) shows some promise and goes well this trip. THE QUEEN BEE (7) goes well for Cole Dicken and is never far off the winner. (Andrew Harrison: 10-1-2-7).

Turf Talk-sponsored rider Chad Little gets Sweetie Darling up on the line to win the East Cape Breeders Stakes  (1st Leg Eastern Cape (F and M) Challenge – Non-Black Type) over 1200m at Fairview today (Friday).

The Glen Kotzen-trained three-year-old Royal Mo filly Sweetie Darling illustrated how Cape Town horses’ merit ratings can be misleading when running in other centres as she was officially 9kg under sufferance in the Non-Black Type East Cape Breeders Stakes over 1200m on the Fairview turf on Friday and yet still got up to win under Chad Little.

The action was all on the stand side of the track as something went amiss with the hot favourite Splicethemainbrace on the far side and she was eased out of the race, while the winner on the far side, the Gauteng raider Winter Greeting, coul only manage an overall 3,40 length sixth.

Sweetie Darling, a  started at odds of 40/1 and beat the 20/1 shot Montelina by a short-head with the fancied Gimmie’s Lassie beaten a long-head at odds of 5/1.

Priscilla Maisey at odds of 33/1 was next best beaten just 0,65 lengths and there was then a 2,35 length gap back to fifth-placed Song Of Myself.

The quartet paid a whopping R33,580.20.

Sweetie Darling was bred by Patricia Devine Investments (Pty) Ltd and is owned by Messrs B J Fegen & R Fegen.

Justin Snaith and Muzi Yeni had a double together at the meeting and there were doubles too for Alan Greeff and Kelly Mitchley.

Richard Fourie and Craig Zackey only had one winner each, so the situation in the national jockeys championship is Fourie 233 wins, Lerena, 227 and Zackey 226.

Alan Greeff is now on 155 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 17.96%.

Justin Snaith is on 153 wins at 14.74%.

Kelly Mitchley is on 46 wins at 6.82%.

Muzi Yeni is on 136 wins at 12.76%.

Topgear has been tipped to win the only Gr 1 on Saturday at the Royal Ascot meeting. (Picture: Coolmore.com)

Royal Ascot Saturday Formguides And Selections

1 3:30 PM SA Time – Chesham Stakes (Listed)
TREANMOR hardly came out of first gear when making an impressive debut at Newmarket last month and this son of Frankel, who cost 2,000,000 euros as a yearling, could be something special if he continues to flourish. This is obviously a stiffer test and Moments Of Joy stands out as a higher calibre opponent. A game winner on her debut at Leopardstown just 16 days ago, the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly merits serious consideration as the sole Ballydoyle representative. Humidity was privately purchased by Wathnan Racing after his game winning debut at Newbury and is another serious player.

Top Tip: Treanmor (5)
Watch out for: Moments Of Joy (8)

2 4:05 PM – Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)
Always highly regarded by connections, AL RIFFA didn’t shape without promise when rallying for fourth in the Prix Ganay. It was only last July when he ran City Of Troy to a length in the Coral Eclipse and, already a Group 1 winner over 1m4f, the son of Wootton Bassett looks the value play in this prestigious contest. Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf last November and a determined scorer on his return to British shores at York last month, Rebel’s Romance should go very close. Now owned by Amo Racing, Ghostwriter remains a capable sort at this level, while Space Legend should improve for going back up in trip.

Top Tip: Al Riffa (2)
Watch out for: Rebel’s Romance (9)

3 4:40 PM – Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)
Last year’s Commonwealth Cup hero Inisherin is back for more and showed more than enough when victorious in the Clipper at York to suggest he is set for a big run. French raider Lazzat romped home in Listed company at Chantilly last time and took the Prix Maurice de Gheest with the minimum of fuss last August, so he commands huge respect. However, a chance can be taken on TOPGEAR. Christopher Head’s six-year-old comfortably struck in a Group 3 at Longchamp on his return and the drop back to this distance looks a good move. He may get the race run to suit and could be the one to beat.

Top Tip: Topgear (13)
Watch out for: Inisherin (5)

4 5:20 PM – Jersey Stakes (Group 3)
A strong Irish challenge will perhaps be headed by Comanche Brave, who chased home Field Of Gold when fifth in the Irish 2,000 Guineas last month. Saracen and California Dreamer are two others who bring high-class form to the table, but REMMOOZ could be the answer. A winner of two novice events at Doncaster, the latest of those coming in fine style under a penalty, he has the potential to be a real star performer and may well prove capable in these deeper waters. Seagulls Eleven struggled in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket but should not be underestimated.

Top Tip: Remmooz (10)
Watch out for: Comanche Brave (4)

5 6:00 PM – Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
JARRAAF, a previous course-and-distance winner, failed to land the odds on his return in Listed company at Salisbury last month, but he could prove better with that outing under his belt and his stable’s runners are going well at present. The hat-trick seeking More Thunder, Aramram and Woodhay Wonder are all closely matched and are shortlisted, while Get It impressed in scoring over track and trip last time and cannot be left out of calculations.

Top Tip: Jarraaf (5)
Watch out for: More Thunder (21)

6 6:35 PM – Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap)
SALLAAL beat only four rivals when scoring easily over the extended mile at Hamilton, but both the second and third have boosted that form subsequently. Pedigree suggests the son of Frankel will relish this extra distance and Roger Varian’s charge looks on a potentially lenient mark now handicapping. Seraph Gabriel also steps up in trip, having finished second in a competitive contest at Sandown on his handicap bow, and he warrants serious consideration. Fast ground is an unknown for the French challenger Best Secret, with Ernst Blofeld, who also sports the Wathnan colours, preferred on his respectable fourth at Newbury last month.

Top Tip: Sallaal (2)
Watch out for: Seraph Gabriel (5)

7 7:10 PM – Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race) (GBBPlus Race)
Master trainer Willie Mullins rarely leaves Royal Ascot without a winner and SOBER looks to have been laid out for this unique test following a comfortable success over hurdles at Killarney last month. Formerly with Andre Fabre in France where he landed a pair of Group 2’s over staying trips, he may have too much class for most of the opposition. Third in the Copper Horse Stakes earlier in the week, Samui should relish going up in trip and looks the main danger, along with Dallas Star, who has strong claims on his penultimate second to Kyprios at Leopardstown.

Top Tip: Sober (1)
Watch out for: Samui (3)

How many race meetings per year were held at Ascot racecourse up until 1939?

Picture: Ascot Train station on Royal Ascot week.

The Royal Ascot meeting was the only meeting held at Ascot per year up until 1939.

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