Turf Talk Newsletter – 19 September, 2025

Greeff's Big Guns Shine On Reappearance

My Best Shot is an easy winner of the Friendly City Stakes (Pauline Herman Photography)

The Gr 1 Allan Robertson Championship winner Direct Hit had no easy task in her reappearance today over 1200m at Fairview, as she was coming back from a three-and-a-half month layoff and was going to be required to run to a mark of about 114 to beat a couple of decent 100-rated older females, and yet she made it look easy despite not jumping well.

Later, Greeff’s East Cape Horse Of The Year My Best Shot beat a good field with consummate ease in the Non-Black Type Friendly City Stakes over 1800m and that gave Greeff and Richard Fourie a four-timer on the day.

Direct Hit was carrying 61kg in her first race as a three-year-old, the same weight carried by the 100-rated older pair Sweetie Darling and Ellorix, while the 95-rated Montelana was carrying 59,5kg.

Direct Hit would have received 6.5kg from the older horses in a weight for age race and the latter had had the benefit of recent runs.

She was thus going to have to run to a 113 rating to tie with the 100-rated pair, presuming they were going to run to their ratings.

The Canford Cliffs three-year-old filly jumped awkwardly but quickly made up the leeway and went to the front with her wonderful action that makes the opposition look ordinary.

In the latter stages the others closed in on her but she found extra to win cosily by 0,75 lengths from Sweetie Darling.

She will come on a ton from the run.

Her season ahead is very exciting for the Alan Greeff yard and for breeders and part-owners Ridgemont and for part-owner Devin Heffer.

Richard Fourie revealed in the winning interview Direct Hit had had an 800m gallop recently and was “very aggressive (in the gallop).”

“She is full of energy at the moment and just wants to get going,” he added.

He continued, “She has filled out and matured, which is good news for all of us.”

Direct Hit was aggressive going down today too, which is why Fourie took her for a long canter before loading. He calmed her down as much as he could.

She does not like being in the gates and Richard said she was up against the front of the gate, so came out “a bit sluggish”.

He said she was relaxed in the early stages until seeing a stable companion alongside her.

“She then latched on to me and said ‘it’s let’s go time” and she bolted with me! By the 400n mark she had already had enough. It was just her ability that carried her through.”

There was a fair to strong tailwind and she stopped the clock in 67.66 seconds.

The proximity of the 83-rated Alesia’s Love, who carried 56,5kg, does put a bit of a dampener on the form as she was beaten only 1,25 lengths. It begs the question whether there could have been a different outcome without the tailwind.

However, Direct Hit did win easing up in the end, despite being out of petrol, and the main points to take out of it are the growth and strengthening up that happened during her layoff and her wonderful action having shown no change from last season.

She will be hard to peg back at the highest level when she is at her peak.

Direct Hit opened at 1/6, but drifted out to 1/3 by the off and she did not give her supporters too many anxious moments.

In The Friendly City Stakes the Fire Away gelding My Best Shot relaxed beautifully in midfield and showed his customary turn of foot at the right time to run away a comfortable 2,25 length winner from Global Ally with Royal Aussie third. The 116-rated My Best Shot was officially 2kg under sufferance with Royal Aussie, so it was a good performance, although it has to be said the latter is stretched by a mile.

Earlier, the well bred Greef-trained What A Winter three-year-old filly Sports Fan, who is out of the crack racehorse Hammie’s Hooker (Trippi), won a 1000m handicap ultra impressively off an 82 merit rating, cruising in by 3,25 lengths. She is owned by Peter Moor, who also owns the Greef-trained Equus Champion Golden Palm as well as her unbeaten Gr 2-winning stablemate Anotherdanceforme, so Peter has an incredibly exciting season ahead of him with that trio of Greeff-trained three-year-old filly stars.

Tara Laing scored a double on the day.

Fourie rockets into joint second place on the national jockeys log, joining Calvin Habib on 24 wins, eight wins behind Craig Zackey, who had a blank today.

Fourie has achieved it at a strike rate of 24%.

Greeff is also on 24 wins, at 18.75%, and Tara Laing is on six wins at 15.79%.

Parisian Walkway Set To Bounce Back

Alec Laird hopes to have Parisian Walkway back to the form of his Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas win (pictured above) (JC Photos)

A Graduation Plate over 1600m is the highest rated race at the Turffontein Inside meeting on Saturday and Parisian Walkway is the one to side with.

The Ideal World gelding went off form after a fine performance to win the Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas, but trainer Alec Laird believes he has found where the problem lay. The yard found a very resistant worm in the stool and after thorough treatment they believe they have got rid of it. Parisian Walkway is a front-runner who won many admirers in his Guineas win for the way in which he fought back after being overtaken by Greaterix, although the latter does have a suspect stamina capacity. Parisian Walkway is drawn five which should provide him with a good launching pad to get to the front. He returns from a layoff of close to four months but can get away with it as he is well weighted. Solar Sail is officially 2kg under sufferance with Parisian Walkway but did finish well ahead of him when third in the SA Derby and has the advantage of a recent run. He would prefer further but his first win was over 1400m and he does have decent mile form so will be a threat. Chestnut Bomber has class but has gone off form, so will need to bounce back to the form that saw him finish second in the Listed Wolf Power 1600 in January. This is his third run after a layoff but he does have a wide draw. Cocomelon is the second best in at the weights but returns from a five month layoff and would prefer further, considering she finished third in the SA Oaks. She should be effective over this trip running fresh and has a 4kg claimer up, but does have a tricky draw. Gerbera makes most appeal of the rest as she has some class and although returning from a four month layoff she has a fair draw with Craig Zackey up.

The sixth is a Graduation Plate over 1200m and the classy Bjorn Ironside is well drawn over a suitable trip and should go close as he is the best weighted and he did well in a recent comeback from a six month layoff. Poblano also has some class and is distance suited so should be running on from a wide draw as he is officially just 0,5kg under sufferance with Bjorn Ironside. Mystical Miss is officially 8kg under sufferance with the best weighted but looks to have some class and should be progressing, so could earn in her third career start.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 2600m Mo Ment is an honest stayer who had a runaway win last time and he should give another fine account of himself off a capped merit rating. Vesuvio has some good form over staying trips and for an in-form yard can be in the shake-up, although he does have a tricky draw. Teo Torriate has been in good form and is interesting over this trip as he has won over 2400m before.

In the second leg over 2000m Robert Browning impressed last time over 1800m and with a further step up in trip he should be right there. He is a good looking sort who went through a bad six month patch, but it looks as if the problem has been found and he is now potentially still well handicapped as he dropped from an 82 to a 70 during his bad patch and is now on 75. Eiger Sanction has a fair draw and has the form to be a big runner and has a better draw than last time. He has won twice on the Inside track. Gimmeachoice won easily last time when stepped up to this trip and although having to run off a seven point higher merit rating and from a wide draw he could be in the shake-up again. American Rebel is well drawn and could be a contender here. Street Art has plenty of ability and has pole position off an attractive merit rating.

In the fifth race over 1800m King’s Express has a tricky draw but has the form to be right there. Silent Warrior has the form to be a contender in this race from a fair draw with Rachel Venniker’s 1,5kg claim being an advantage. Infinite Wonder could be in the shake-up here if bouncing back. Soldier’s Eye has some useful form and should relish this course and distance although she does have a tricky draw. Fire ‘N Flames has the ability to run on strongly but will have to settle well from a good draw over a trip which will stretch him.

In the seventh race over 1600m Max The Magician bounced back with a good run last time and has a chance over a suitable trip from a fair draw. Curtiss Condor is progressive and should be in the shake-up from a good draw. Paul Revere has done well in his last two starts and looks capable of staying this trip. Player has been a touch disappointing and now has a wide draw, but he is capable of earning. Potberrie has the class to carry topweight from a good draw and on pedigree should get the trip.

In the first race Banyan looked a decent sort when winning on debut and could handle a 90 merit rating, but does have a tricky draw of five out of eight in the 1000m contest. Dontshootthebarman should do well from a good draw but does have to boiunce back from a poor effort.

In the second over 1000m Karate Kid has some class and can mow them down in a small field where he will likely be dropped out from a draw of fiive out of seven.

Wild Justice Can Follow Up On Debut Win

Wild Justice has been tipped to win the ninth race (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections

Race Coast

R1 Summary: Mostly first timers so keep an eye on the betting. Of those that have run, WHAT A PASSION (10) improved at her third outing over course and distance. She gets first time blinkers and show further improvement. WINTER BLESSING (8) has been consistent and was close-up last run in first time blinkers. She should run another forward race. AURELIAN (16) showed up well over course and distance on debut and is sure to have come on with the experience. (Andrew Harrison: 10-16-8-2).

R2 Summary: Many first timers. JOHNNY BOY (11) finished close-up from a wide draw when making his debut starting at long odds. That effort should have brought him on. A neck behind that day was DRIELANDENPUNT (10) who was also making his debut. The pair have drawn alongside each other and the result could depend on which horses has come on best. AMBER ALERT (4) reverts to sprinting with first time blinkers. WILLIAM OF ORANGE (2) showed some improvement second time out and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 11-10-4-2).

R3 Summary: Many first timers but SON OF RAFEEF (5) was running on well behind the promising Hah Lah Lah on debut. That form has since been franked. WINTER IN LONDON (4) was not too far back on debut and should some on from the outing. Andrew Harrison: 5-4-6-2).

R4 Summary: JET BLACKFIRE (5) made marked improvement over course and distance with first time cheek pieces. A repeat should see him in the firing line again. MASTER SILVANO (3) has not been far back in any of his four starts. This trip on the turf should suit. PIED PIPER (4) has shown up well in two starts over a mile. This shorter trip could be more suitable. WINDING POWER (9) raced green in a promising debut and the extra furlong should suit. (Andrew Harrison: 5-3-4-9).

R5 Summary: Competitive. SCHIPOLE (4) takes on males and was a little disappointing last time out. However, she does appear to be progressive and maybe worth another chance. TOWN CRIER (3) was well supported in the market at just his second start and he duly obliged. If he can build on that win he will be a runner. ROY TAKING OFF (1) tends to take off a little too late but he has the best of the draw and a handy weight. Include in all bets. GORGEOUS CAPE (10) is another filly taking on males but won well enough second timeout and does show some promise. (Andrew Harrison: 4-3-1-10).

R6 Summary: FACINATION (7) was a recent maiden winner but has done well on this course and the form of that win has been franked. She gets a 4kg claimer aboard and can follow up. CAPPELLINO (1) has improved without the blinkers and was close-up over course and distance last time out. He gets the services of Richard Fourie. NAVAJO DANCER (2) has improved in blinkers and is down in class. He has a 4kg claimer aboard who has not had many chances. ARVERNI PRINCESS (4) is never far back. She is down in class and has a handy galloping weight. (Andrew Harrison: 7-1-4-2).

R7 Summary: Competitive. HIERARCHY (6) was narrowly beaten in a Gr2 feature last time out. She got a hefty shunt up the ratings for that effort but carries bottom weight in this set weights sprint. LUHAMBA PHAMBILI (8) shoulders top weight but has smart form over course and distance and should go close again. MAJOR TOMMIE (2) could find it tough at these weights but he was a tad unlucky last time out. He has shown steady form since returning from a lengthy break. Lightly raced BLAZING BEAUTY (7) has made marked improvement for her new yard. She was only a maiden winner last start but can surprise. DARK MATTER (5) has won her last two comfortably. She is up in class but has the benefit of a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 6-8-2-7).

R8 Summary: MASTER BOMBER (3) showed signs of a return to form over course and distance last time out. He is down to a more competitive mark. TERMINATOR (1) is something of a course and distance specialist have place in all of his last four starts. He has the best of the draw and should have every chance. GOLDEN RULE (7) surprised last run when returning from a break and from a tricky draw. He can build on that effort and follow up. GLOBAL MOVEMENT (9) has been a beaten favourite at his last three starts. He is up in class but gets the corresponding drop in the weights. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-7-9)

R9 Summary: Competitive. WILD JUSTICE (8) won well on debut on this course and looks progressive in a field of well exposed runners. Candice Bass has two runners fresh up from the Cape where the form is often a lot stronger than local. Sean Veale stays aboard COUNTER ATTACK (7) who showed improved form in a Hollywoodbets Durbanville sprint and should start at shorter odds than 20-1. CIRCUMBENDIBUS (11) won first time out on his arrival from the Cape where he had steady form over this trip. He only got a three-point raise in the handicap and can follow up. NOW I GOT YOU (4) is never too far back of late and has a light weight. He should be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 8-7-11-4).

Rock On Thunder Can Win The Mill Reef

Rock On Thunder has been tipped to win the Gr 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Racingfotos.com)

At The Races

1 2:30 PM SA Time – Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes (Group 3)
The value may lie with RAGE OF BAMBY on the drop in distance following a creditable fourth in the Sprint Cup recently. A winner of a Group 3 here in July over 6f, the daughter of Saxon Warrior clearly goes well at the Berkshire track and may have too much for Rumstar, who has already won at this level twice this season. A taking winner of the Beverley Bullet last month, Shagraan must enter calculations, along with the returning Montassib.

Top Tip: Rage Of Bamby (6)
Watch out for: Rumstar (1)

2 3:05 PM SA Time – Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
Narrowly denied by a progressive stablemate in the Old Borough Cup recently, DRAMATIC STAR sets the standard on form and Tom Marquand returning to the saddle is a major plus. A respectable seventh in the Ebor, Majestic Warrior can follow the selection home, along with Castle Cove, who is bred to improve for this step up in trip. An eye-catching third on his first run since March at Goodwood latest, Majestic is another to consider.

Top Tip: Dramatic Star (7)
Watch out for: Majestic Warrior (3)

3 3:40 PM SA Time – Dubai Duty Free Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
Formerly tried at Group 2 level last year, THEORY OF TIDES is bred to be better than a handicapper and he caught the eye on his first run in almost a year after being gelded when fourth at York recently. Ahead of him on that occasion was Dante’s Lad (second), who is expected to be thereabouts again, along with Defiance, who bids to end a losing run dating back to August 2023.

Top Tip: Theory Of Tides (3)
Watch out for: Dante’s Lad (5)

4 4:15 PM SA Time – Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) (In Honour Of Geoff Lewis)
Into The Sky sprung a 80/1 surprise to make a sparkling debut at this track last month and the son of Starman will be looking to prove that was no fluke. This is a much warmer assignment, though, so it may pay to side with ROCK ON THUNDER. Kevin Ryan’s youngster finished well clear of the third when taking the silver medal home in the Gimcrack at York and that form reads well. Words Of Truth completes the shortlist.

Top Tip: Rock On Thunder (4)
Watch out for: Into The Sky (3)

5 4:50 PM SA Time – Metro Rod Pump Technology Partnership EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
STICKTOYOURGUNS made a strong impression when beating a subsequent winner on debut at Sandown last month and is likely to take a step forward. Owen Burrows’ colt could carry his penalty to success and remain unbeaten. Castle Rock changed hands for 650,000gns in April and makes his introduction for the Godolphin team, so has to be considered. Any market confidence behind newcomer Masked Warrior would also be interesting.

Top Tip: Sticktoyourguns (1)
Watch out for: Castle Rock (2)

6 5:25 PM SA Time – Conundrum Consulting Handicap
Having finished third on his two visits to Goodwood last month, compensation could be on the cards for LINWOOD. A 2lb higher mark looks workable for Richard Hannon’s colt and he is fancied to repel chief threat Akkadian Thunder. The five-year-old races off the same mark as his recent close-up third at Doncaster and another bold bid is forecast. Mirabeau may fare best of the remainder.

Top Tip: Linwood (6)
Watch out for: Akkadian Thunder (2)

7 6:00 PM SA Time – Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Handicap (Str)
Eternal Force had little difficulty in justifying cramped odds at Redcar last month and he merits consideration venturing into handicap company. However, HERCULEUS might prove too strong. The son of Expert Eye proved a different proposition in first-time cheekpieces over C&D 23 days ago and could defy an 8lb rise in the handicap. Woroodd and Stem are worth a second look as well.

Top Tip: Herculeus (4)
Watch out for: Eternal Force (7)

Black Path Could Follow Up

Black Path has been tipped to win Race 6 (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Durbanville Monday Formguides and Selections

Race Coast

R1 6 SIRIANO ran a great race last time behind Viva’s Liberte, he stayed on well at the finish for third, he is certainly improving with every start, from a decent draw, he should get the run of the race, he will go very close to winning. 11 MIAMI SUMMER ran a super race on debut, he was only beaten just over six lengths by the winner, unfortunately the wide draw won’t make life easy for him, but he should make good improvement into his second start, watch him closely late. 12 PRINS JASPAR was gelded on the 15th of August 2025, he found lots of betting support in the market on the 13th of August when well beaten by Pomp It Up, he is much better than that poor performance, if he can beat the draw, he could finish amongst the places. 4 GALACTUS needed his last run, he is well tried in the maiden ranks, on his best form, from a neat draw, he could sneak into the Quartet. Watch the first timers closely, this is not a strong race on paper, if they have ability, they can absolutely win on debut. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 11 – 12 – 4)

R2 1 GOLD GIBOSKI will be very hard to beat in this race, he drops in trip, the blinkers have been fitted, and he gets the services of Richard Fourie from a good draw, he ran a lovely race last time behind a top sort, he could easily be the best bet on the card. 10 DIGBY stayed on nicely for second on the 30th of August behind Magical Place, the wide draw here won’t make it easy for him, but if he gets some luck in running, he should finish in the places. 5 MEET THE KING was very green on debut, he was beaten just under six lengths by Nightrain, he will probably want a bit further in time as well, watch him closely, if he has made any improvement back at home, he could sneak into the places at a big price. 3 FOX ON THE RUN is impeccably bred, he could certainly trouble the field on debut, keep a close eye on this colt. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 10 – 5 – 3)

R3 5 CHANCE ENCOUNTER has been rested and gelded, he has run two lovely races in succession up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, the yard thinks highly of this individual, he should love the step up in trip to 1600m, if he handles Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he will go very close to winning. 9 WORLD FIRST has been rested for 69 days, he is a lovely looking horse with lots of ability, if he doesn’t need the run badly, and he can get some luck in running from a tricky draw, he could be dangerous in the finish. 8 GREENCHOICE showed good improvement from his first run into his second run, he stayed on nicely for second last time behind Viva’s Liberte, he will absolutely love the step up in trip to 1600m, include him into all bets. 10 SET TO MUSIC has been rested for 90 days, he ran a cracker last time behind Captains Alliance, he will be doing some good work late, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 9 – 8 – 10)

R4 5 ELUSIVE GIFT really enjoyed the step up in trip on the 27th of August, she was very gutsy in the finish when running second behind Beach Verse, the yard is in great form, and she is improving with every start, from a neat draw, she will have a massive winning chance. 9 SOUTH OF FRANCE may be lightly raced, but she has shown glimpses of real ability, the extra distance looks tailor-made for her, if she can negate the awkward draw on Monday, she could easily win a race like this. 7 HAZEL GREEN has improved beautifully in her last two starts, she stayed on really well last time behind Miss William, the 1400m trip should suit her perfectly, there is no doubt she will be competitive. 6 SWEETSUMMERLOVE might be able to sneak into the Quartet on her best form. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 9 – 7 – 6)

R5 11 GIMMIE RULES has been rested for 100 days, he quickened up like a smart horse in the making to win a good race on debut, even though he has drawn poorly for this Class 4 event, he looks progressive and he possesses an exceptional turn of foot, he is definitely a horse to follow leading up to the Cape Summer Season. 4 SOOTY finished with a powerful late surge behind Black Eagle on the 3rd of September, he was just off the speed early, and really caught the eye late when flying for second at the line, he has run some great races at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he could be some value in a tricky race. 5 SAUDI CAT was gelded on the 19th of August, the yard thinks highly of this individual, he is speedy and he is classy, there is no doubt he will be very competitive and his chances must be respected. 1 BOOGIEFIED never runs a bad race, he is the definition of consistent, the drop in trip and the good draw should help his chances. (Brandon Bailey: 11 – 4 – 5 – 1)

R6 3 BLACK PATH quickened up nicely to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 27th of August, she was given two points for that impressive victory, although she is getting older, she remains in good form and shows great versatility, with no weight on her back here, she will be storming home late, include her into all bets. 2 ANGEL’S OASIS looked as if she had the race in the bag last time, she ran a courageous second behind Lowveld Lily on the 3rd of September, there should be no excuses for this filly from a good draw on Monday, she definitely has a big winning chance. 4 EASY MONEY ran a lovely race behind a smart filly on the 30th of August, she settled for second and was only beaten just under one length by She’s My World, her form is good, she will be super competitive from a neat draw. 7 LA LANDONNE drops in trip for this Class 5 event, she is a young filly that is still improving, if she gets some luck in running, she could finish amongst the places. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 2 – 4 – 7)

R7 5 MAGICAL PLACE won a terrific race on the 30th of August at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he showed good speed out the gates, and quickened off that to win by just under five lengths at the wire, he is progressive, jockey Richard Fourie knows him well, he could certainly win again from a good draw. 2 SHIFTING PATH returned to form last time, he stayed on strongly for second behind African Prince on the 30th of August, even though he would appreciate 200m further, he is currently racing off a good rating of 72, and he has a good draw, he should be dangerous in the finish. 1 OCTOBER STORM has been rested for 69 days, he won well on debut, and then followed that up to run a decent race behind Escarpment on the 15th of July, he is very well bred, and he has lots of ability, include him into all bets. 6 AFRICAN MEMOIR disappointed terribly last time, he showed tremendous speed early, and then flattened out to a walk late, he is much better than that performance, if he can bounce back to his best form, he can easily win a race like this. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 2 – 1 – 6)

R8 7 LAVENDER BAY ran a fair race behind Tap Shoes on the 27th of August, she went hard out in front and only got caught very late, she likes to race on speed, if she gets away from the field at the right time, she could be very hard to peg back, watch her closely in this tricky race. 1 HUNGA TONGA has been rested for 132 days, her recent form is excellent, if she doesn’t need the run badly on Monday, she could be right there in the finish from a neat draw. 6 HAMPSTEAD HEATH returned to form in a big way last time, she finished second behind Tap Shoes and was only beaten just over one length at the line, her rating looks to be in the right place at the moment, if she can build on her last run, she will be very competitive. 2 LADY LOOK ALIKE is as honest as they come, she tries hard, and her form is solid, she will always have a good each way chance at this level. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 1 – 6 – 2)

R9 1 INDUSTRIALSTRENGTH just needed his last run on the 9th of September, he was drawn poorly and he absolutely took off late to run second behind Major Master, he is a smart sort with a terrific turn of foot, from a neat draw, he could be very hard to beat here. 10 KING’S QUEST finished like a train last time, he was just off the speed early, and he motored home for second behind Better Man on the 3rd of September, even though he has drawn wide for this Class 4 event, he will be storming home late, watch him closely. 6 CAPTAINS ALLIANCE ran a lovely race out of the maidens on the 27th of August, he finished second behind It Is My Time, his form is faultless and he is getting better with more experience, he should be amongst the places. 3 MENTE ET MANU had absolutely no luck in running on the 30th of August, he could be a nice Quartet horse at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 10 – 6 – 3)

Ka Ying Rising Primed For Everest Mission (+ Sunday Formguides)

Ka Ying Rising departs for Sydney, Australia, after a flawless preparation (Picture HKJC)

Ka Ying Rising primed for Everest mission after Sha Tin send-off

By Paul Ryding (HKJC)

David Hayes said no stone has been left unturned in the preparation of his stable star Ka Ying Rising as he galloped at Sha Tin on Friday (19 September) ahead of his trip to Australia to tackle the world’s richest turf race, The Everest (G1, 1200m).

In his final workout on the grass before leaving Hong Kong, the world’s top-rated sprinter clocked 56.9s over 800m – completing the final 400m in 23.6s – in a showing that his Australian handler called “a good piece of work”.

“He looked like he probably finished off (the final 200m) in about 11.5 (seconds), doing it very easy. And when he came back, he didn’t blow a candle out,” Hayes said.

“We weighed him and he’s thriving. He’s at about 1,164 (lb) this morning, and he raced (in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap) at around 1,150, so that’s a good sign. They normally drop about 10 pounds when they travel, so he’ll be right on his winning weight when he gets there.”

Ka Ying Rising, Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year, is being kept in quarantine ahead of his departure for Sydney on Sunday (21 September). The five-year-old, who has won his last 13 races, including four Group 1 victories, will compete overseas for the first time.

For regular rider Zac Purton, it’s been a long road to the Sydney showdown.

“It’s been a big build-up – nearly 11 months in the making, really. So, it’s been a topic of discussion for a long time now,” said the eight-time Hong Kong champion jockey.

“It’s exciting to go down there, obviously, back to Australia and Sydney’s sort of where I’m from,” Purton added. “There’s going to be a lot of people going down there with the horse.”

The 2025 edition of the AU$20 million (approx. HK$102.8 million) The Everest at Royal Randwick on 18 October is hugely anticipated by racing fans across the world, but Hayes said the excitement hasn’t been limited to the racing public.

“The staff are very excited. He’s getting the rockstar treatment! He’s travelling with his vet, his farrier, his riding boy, his mafoo, and just to make it a good thing, my assistant trainer’s going down to make sure everything goes smoothly when he walks in the quarantine, so we’re not leaving a stone unturned,” he said.

Closer to home, the feature race of this Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting is the Class 2 Yi Tung Shan Handicap (1200m), and Hayes, who has started the season with three winners from the opening four meetings, fields two runners in the contest.

Former DBS x Manulife Million Challenge winner Tomodachi Kokoroe (123lb) and veteran Harmony N Blessed (122lb) both finished off last season in good form and will be ridden by Harry Bentley and Purton, respectively.

“Tomodachi Kokoroe ran brilliantly at the end of last season and his trial form suggests he’s at that level again, so I’m expecting a really good run,” Hayes said. “Harmony N Blessed ran in Ka Ying Rising’s race (the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup) the other day and was a bit underdone, but he gets Zac Purton. I think that race has tightened him up and his work has been very good. I’d probably lean towards Tomodachi Kokoroe of the two, but Harmony N Blessed won this race last year with the same prep so he could improve a lot.”

Caspar Fownes leapt to the top of the trainers’ rankings with a four-timer at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (17 September), and he’s hoping Dancing Code (129lb) can land him another winner in the same race.

The seven-year-old, owned by Hong Kong entertainer Aaron Kwok, has amassed over HK$10.6 million in total stakes and ended last term with two second-place finishes before a win over course and distance with apprentice Ellis Wong in the saddle.

“(Dancing Code) remains in good form. He had a lovely trial in Conghua last week down the straight, and we know he’s got a pretty good record on the 1200 (metres) at Sha Tin so we’re looking forward to the race. He got a nice soft draw – I’m sure he’ll be competitive,” Fownes said.

Wong takes the ride on Dancing Code after delivering Fownes two of his four winners at Wednesday night’s Happy Valley meeting.

“Ellis has a good record on him,” Fownes added. “He’s won a few races and they get on well together.

“Any time you can do three or four winners in Hong Kong, it’s always something to be proud of, and on that night it was good for the kid (Wong). He rode both horses well in the first two races – they won nicely.”

Sunday’s (21 September) 10-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 1pm with the Class 5 Kowloon Tsai Handicap (1800m).

Click here for a guide to the Sha Tin meeting

Dylan Kitts and John Higgins Found To Have Stopped Hillsin

Picture: Dylan Kitts

Dylan Kitts and John Higgins have been found to have deliberately stopped Hillsin from winning at Worcester in 2023, but trainer Chris Honour was cleared of all charges except misleading the stewards.

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Today's Question

Which Triple Crown winner was paraded in front of 60,000 fans upon being retired?

The picture is of the subject (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

FIELDS, Saturday, 20 September

Turffontein Inside

FIELDS, Sunday, 21 September

Hollywoodbets Scottsville

FIELDS, Monday, 22 September

Hollywoodbets Durbanville

Today’s Question Answer

Orfevre (foaled May 14, 2008) is a retired Japanese Thoroughbred racehorse and active breeding stallion. In 2011 he won the Japanese Triple Crown and was voted Japanese Horse of the Year.

Click here to read about Ofevre