Turf Talk Newsletter – 21 August, 2026

The Sales Topper named Ragazzino, which means little boy, lad or youngster in Italian (Candiese Lenferna Photography) 

Stallion phenomenon Vercingetorix has dominated another Sale, this time averaging R2,025,000 and also topping the aggregate column, despite only having eight lots on offer, and he had the Sale Topper too, a Varsfontein Stud-bred grey colt out of the Gimmethegreenlight mare Ciao Bella.

The Sale was the BSA August 2YO Sale, which took place on Thursday and Friday at the TBA Sales Complex.

Ciao Bella is out of the Champion Dynasty grey Bela-Bela, who is in turn out of the Champion Broodmare Mystic Spring, a celebrated matriarch and founder of one of the best families in the South African stud book.

There was always going to be a lot of competition for this beautifully bred filly.

She was purchased by Form Bloodstock, who were the top buyer with an aggregate of R14,505,000 for eight lots at an average of R1,813,125.

Vercingetorix’s eight lots fetched a total of R16,200,000.

The second top stallion on average was Gimmethegreenlight with his seven lots fetching an aggregate of R6,250,000 for an average of R892,857.

The third top was Legislate whose six lots averaged R741,667.

It was a fine Sale for Varsfontein Stud who were the leading vendor on both aggregate and average.

There 26 lots on offer were all sold and aggregated R21 million for an average of R807,692.

Click here for the details of the Sale

Picture: Ukuduma (BSA)

The BSA Virtual Filly And Mare Sale held on Thursday was also topped by Vercingetorix, with his four-year-old Listed-winning filly Ukuduma being bought by Ascot Stud for R2 million.

The Vaughan Marshall-trained filly won over 1100m on debut at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in the April of her two-year-old season and followed up by winning the Listed Irridescence Stakes over 1500m in June to highlight her classic potential.

She is out of the top class Jet Master mare Thunder Dance, who won the Gr 1 Paddock Stakes over 1800m and the Gr 1 Empress Club Stakes over 1600m.

Thunder Dance also produced the Listed-placed She’s A Rainbow.

Ukududuma started her three-year-old career running off a 95 merit rating and did not live up to expectations.

The details of the Sale can be viewed here

Catwalk King drops back to a sprint trip and will be out to prove he is worthy of a 97 rating (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Mark van Deventer

Punters got burnt last time when odds on favorite, AFRICAN WILD DOG, was toppled by IT’SGOOD IT’SNICE. The Querari gelding gets a chance to redeem himself in the opener at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.

This will be his first run at the course, but on a horse that can go handy or be conserved for a finish, jockey Serino Moodley has positional options from a favorable draw of 3.

There are some well-bred first timers in the full field, together with lightly raced types with scope to improve yet, of those with exposed form, Justin Snaith’s entry has the best credentials.

Snaith saddles LANDMAN in Race 2, and he is also on a retrieval mission having been capsized at 1/4 last time in a sprint. The 3YO colt fly jumped, hit the gate, then pulled and was caught wide. After all those blunders, it was hardly surprising he could only clock in fourth to RACHETTU.

LANDMAN now stretches out to 1600 which should suit much better. With Andrew Fortune recovering from shoulder surgery and Richard Fourie riding with renowned international jockeys in Japan, Moodley is the “super-sub” chosen by Snaith Racing.

In a short field of seven, WATERFRONT (placed third at his most recent three starts) and HAVOC are the principal threats. Race 2 is the first leg of the Place Accumulator.

Several promising thoroughbreds contest Race 3, a Middle Stakes over 1600m. They have equally strong claims and distinguishing between Snaith’s MIAMI SUMMER, IN A TIMELY MANNER and BLIND DATE is tricky. Not that this trio has the race completely sewn up as CLARK GRISWOLD and SOHO HEARTTHROB sport similarly strong speed figures in a deeply contentious start to the Pick 6.

Race 6, a Class 4 sprint, raises quite a few questions. Will CATWALK KING’s justify his official merit rating of 97, earned in the Somerset Listed? Will the fitting of a tongue tie help FOLLOW YOUR HEART regain the level of form which saw him down Grade 1 winner STAR MAJOR and subsequently compete with tough rivals, FLYING FINLEY, LYRICAL GANGSTER and GOLD GIBOSKI?

Quite whether VERCICAT can cope with a step up in class is another poser. Make no error, he is a fit horse, and with a lighter weight and low draw can get into the fray in another Snaith/Moodley collaboration.

And perhaps the most pertinent query is if BEHAVE HARRIS can overcome the widest gate of all, a difficult task over 1250m at this turning track?

Trainer Adam Marcus and Craig Zackey are a high percentage combination and experts at their craft. The feeling is BEHAVE HARRIS will run still boldly from gate 8, having given the rapidly progressive, LYRICAL GANGSTER a scare at level weights a month ago over this course and distance.

Marcus and Zackey team up with the consistent FORT YUKON in the following event, a C Stakes over 1400m. The son of Elusive Fort has natural gate speed and usually races in the front line but has been unable to quite press home the advantage of breaking from low gates and now finds his task complicated by starting stall 9/10.

The speed map indicates a true run contest – all of DEVIL A SAINT, UNITED FRONT, MEET THE KING, JET A ONE and ANOTHER HERO have previously led their races.

That may allow LOVING PRAGUE to turn around the form of their last meeting to MIAMI SUMMER. Andre Nel’s entry burnt plenty of fuel trying to get across from the outer and was caught wide. As a consequence of those early exertions, he caved in late. With a less taxing, stalking trip from Draw 2 combined with weight relief from claiming apprentice D D Louw, LOVING PRAGUE could reward each-way support.

The slow-starting closer, NOON DAY GUN is also respected. Especially if the front runners overdo the gallop, it could set things up for his stretch-running style. And he is now 3kg’s better off at the weights for a length beating with FORT YUKON on their meeting with SUPER VIKING.

Race 8, a Class 4 for fillies and mares over 1600m, will bring proceeding to a close. BOOZY SUZIE was added to some “Horse Watch” lists after an eye-catching closing sectional to re-opposing LADY VERITAS who shook loose on the lead to win in this grade 35 days ago.

BOOZY SUZIE was heavily punted on that occasion but unable to get the job done after a tardy start. With a clean break and trouble-free passage, she should give it a good shake as arguably her best run in the past performances was a second to well-performed, EDUCATOR (now rated 105) over this C/D at the beginning of the year. Sean Veale rides her again, for James Crawford.

That said, Pick 6 players may prefer to spread wide given how closely clustered these fillies are on ratings. Indeed, a legit case can be advanced for practically all the entrants.

Candice Bass has her string in fine fettle, and she sends out PEACHES AND CREAM (noted running on late last time after being forced to switch) and the sparingly campaigned and fickle, AMAYAH who has beaten stronger foes when all parts have been in working order.

Piet Botha’s EISTEDDFOD should get the run of the race following pace-pressing light weights ELUSIVE GIFT and TAKE IT AS RED. She goes on the short list, whilst Vaughan Marshall’s MIGHTY MARY and PENTOLINA don’t have flashy current form yet are not forlorn hopes on their best tries if delving a bit deeper into their CV’s.

Clark Griswold has been tipped to win the third (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Brandon Bailey’s formguides and selections for Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday 

RACE 1

3 AFRICAN WILD DOG must have a big winning chance in this field, he travelled like a winner in his last start when finishing second behind IT’SGOOD IT’SNICE on the 5th of August, now that he drops back in trip, he will be hard to beat from a good draw. 7 RABDAN has been rested and gelded, he was a touch disappointing on the 19th of May, in hope that he doesn’t need this run after a small break, he will be competitive on his best form. 2 THE BIG BANG will be given every chance from a nice draw, he runs his best races over the sprint trips, watch him closely. 4 TEQUILA TANGO ran a fair race on debut behind MY BONNY BOY; he can only improve going into his second start. Keep a close eye on 14 VIVA ASTERIX, he is very well-bred, unfortunately the bad draw will make life tough for him on debut.

RACE 2

1 HAVOC stayed on well for second behind ROYAL INFLUENCER on the 25th of July, the form of that race has worked out well. He will go very close to winning now that he steps up in trip, and he has a good draw. 7 LANDMAN was beaten at skinny odds in his last start, he was dropped out to last early, and he was doing some good work late for fourth behind his stable companion on the 25th of July. He will love the step up in trip, watch him closely from a tricky draw. 4 WATERFRONT finished like a train for third behind WARRIOR OF DESTINY on the 12th of August, in hope that this run hasn’t come too soon for him, he will be competitive on his current form. 5 GROOVE MASTER has run two fair races in succession, he could sneak into the places with further improvement expected.

RACE 3

1 CLARK GRISWOLD only got going when the race was over last time, he finished well for second behind MIAMI SUMMER on the 14th of July, the yard thinks highly of this gelding, he will go close to winning from a good draw. 2 MIAMI SUMMER was given three points for his good win at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 14th of July, he will be cherry ripe for this race on Saturday. There is no doubt that he can win again from a neat draw, include him into all bets. 7 BLIND DATE has been rested for 62 days, he was given a great ride by Jockey Andrew Fortune on the 21st of June, with some luck in running, he will be right there in the finish again. 4 IN A TIMELY MANNER never runs a bad race, he will be doing some good work late, watch him closely.

RACE 4

5 AVIGNON was heavily supported in the market when winning a good race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 5th of August. He was given five points for that impressive win, the yard is in great form at the moment, if he brings his best form to Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, he can win again. 6 SHIFTING PATH stayed on well for third behind AVIGNON last time, with no weight on his back here, he will be right there in the finish late, include him into all bets. 7 NAVASNINE has been rested for 81 days, he won his maiden well on the 2nd of June. The form of that race has worked out well, in hope that he doesn’t need the run after a small break, he will be competitive. 1 PARATROOPER always has a money chance at this level; he will get the run of the race from a good draw.

RACE 5

3 SPARKLING STAR has been rested for 98 days, she won her maiden in style on the 16th of May, this will be her first run at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. If she handles the track, she will be very hard to beat in this field. 6 BLACK NIGHTSHADE ran a terrific race in the Irridescence Stakes Listed on the 27th of June, she was only beaten just under two lengths by GRAPES OF WRATH, the drop in trip will be no problem for this filly, she will go close to winning on her best form. 5 FINAL CALL won a good race on the 14th of July, she was given two points for that victory last time, the blinkers stay on, she should be amongst the places here. 4 MEG’S LEGACY will be given every chance from a neat draw, her chances must be respected.

RACE 6

4 SUTHERLAND has been rested and changed stables on the 26th of June, he could be the value play in this tricky race, he has run some of his best races over the sprint trips, in hope that he handles the track, he should run a big race at a nice price. 6 CATWALK KING was a touch disappointing in the Langerman Gr 3 on the 27th of June, if he bounces back to his best form, he will go close to winning. 3 IRELAND FOREVER has been rested for 61 days, he has dropped two points in the ratings from his last run on the 22nd of June, he will be doing some good work late, include him into all bets. 2 VERCICAT never runs a bad race, he will be right there in the finish on his current form.

RACE 7

1 DEVIL A SAINT was touched off by ONE MAGIC in a driving finish on the 25th of July, he runs his best races over this trip of 1400m. He will be hard to beat in this field from a good draw. 2 LOVING PRAGUE has dropped in the ratings, and he gets 2,5kgs off his back from the apprentice claim. He will be very competitive from a neat draw, include him into all bets. 6 NOON DAY GUN is honest, and he tries hard, he will be doing some good work late, watch him closely at this level. 9 FORT YUKON stayed on well for fourth in a tough field last time, with some luck in running from a tricky draw here, he could surprise them all.

RACE 8

6 LADY VERITAS quickened up smartly to win a good race on the 18th of July, she was given three points for that win at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last time. She will be just off the speed early and she will be flying at them late, on her best form, she can win again. 3 BOOZY SUSIE ran second to LADY VERITAS last time, she is 1,5kgs better off at the weights on Saturday, her chances must be respected from a good draw. 7 ELUSIVE GIFT ran a great race for second behind MONEY EXTRACTOR on the 18th of July. She will be doing good work late, watch her closely off this rating. 2 MIGHTY MARY only ran a fair race behind LADY VERITAS on the 18th of July. She has dropped one point in the ratings from her last start, if she bounces back to her best form, she can win a race like this easily.

Cowboy Country has been tipped to win the fifth race (Candiese Lenferna Phorography)

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

Cowboy Country landed an old fashion coup last time out at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Backed in from 16-1 to 4-1 before the off as the money arrived in spades, Jabu Jacobs made no mistakes on Tony Rivalland’s charge, timing his run to perfection and kicking away to land the coup with the minimum of fuss.

Jacobs has been replaced by Serino Moodley on Sunday when Cowboy Country lines up over the same course and distance in the Middle Stakes over 1600m that heads the card. Lightly raced, Cowboy Country showed early that he was a horse with ability although losing his way a little after his maiden win. He is taking on stronger this time around but looks capable of following up.

Mike Miller has two lively runners in veteran Licence To Thrill and the filly Infinity Edge. Licence To Thrill is something of a Scottsville specialist and is always consistent He should put in another good shift. Soho Star shoulders top weight and is seldom far back. He goes very well over course and distance and should feature prominently.

The card opener could rest between Barry’s Boy and Enjoy The Ride. Barry’s Boy has run three promising races on the poly since arriving in KZN and came from a long way back when just failing to catch pacemaker Camogie last time out. The switch to turf could see him go one better. Enjoy The Ride was staying on doggedly behind Camogie and with only a neck separating him from Barry’s Boy, it should be close again. Kiartay was running on late over course and distance last start and may now be coming to hand and could be a threat to the first two. Annushka’s Pride is a well-bred first timer up from the Eastern Cape and may be worth following in the betting.

Alec Laird has made the trip from the Highveld with a posse of runners and he can get off the mark with Sistership in the first leg of the PA. She is a late starting four-year-old but has shown up well in both of her starts to date and should feature in an otherwise open contest. Secret Ambition has not been far back in her two starts to date and the form of her last outing has not been too bad. She looks to be the pick of Mike Miller’s runners. New Chapter ran below expectations for Stuart Ferrie on debut but raced very green. The experience should hold her in good stead. Mad About You started at long odds over course and distance on debut and was not far back. Expect good improvement form MJ Odendaal’s filly.

Tienie Prinsloo only has one runner on the day and Periwinkle will be one of the fancied runners in the opening leg of the Pick 6. She made a smart start to her career over mile finishing a good third behind Hazel Green. Given that she is likely to come on a length or two from that outing she looks the part in what could potentially be a tricky maiden if she fails. Vivien is a well-bred first timer out of the Sean Tarry yard and one to watch in the betting.

Rivalland can get off the mark with Lovecomesknocking in the fourth. She is a lightly raced four-year-old and her best showing has been over course and distance when beaten less than a length at long odds. She goes well for this rider and she should be right there. Predator’s Crown has run three promising races to date, close-up in all three. She steps up to what could prove a more suitable trip.

The sixth is a most competitive handicap. Fire Chief got a hefty rating after finishing a close-up seventh in a feature but he does look promising and can confirm the handicapper’s rating. Scots Wae Hae was a recent maiden winner but shows some promise. He takes on much stronger but looks capable of making the step up. Azzuri found Cowboy Country too strong last time out and just how Cowboy Country fares in race five could be a good indicator of his chances. Son Of Rafeef is useful on his day and gets first time blinkers which could bring out the best.

Nicolette Roscoe keeps the fires burning for Dean Kannemeyer in KZN and saddles Uzwano in the seventh. The gelding has been knocking at the door for some time now and Gavin Lerena knows him well. From a good draw he should have the run of the race. Beyond All Doubt is lightly raced but has only once been out of the money in five outings. The step up in trip should suit and he is still improving. City Of Love steps up to a mile for the first time. His sprint form is useful and if he stays the trip he will be a strong contender.

Laird can round off the afternoon with Ideal Summer. The gelding has been improving with each outing since being fitted with blinkers and Calvin Habib stays with the ride. From the best of the draw he should run a forward race. Charlie Bucket has his first run for his new stable with Paddy Kruyer having returned to Cape Town. The gelding has won his last two in good style since being fitted with a compression mask and can go in again. Pressure Point was not far behind Wiccan Warrior when first up out of the maidens. The form of that race has worked out and with a claiming apprentice up he could be the surprise package.

4RACING ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT OUT OF CYCLE STAKES INCREASE ACROSS THE EASTERN CAPE AND HIGHVELD

 

Johannesburg, South Africa – 4Racing today announced a substantial increase in stakes money across its Eastern Cape and Highveld regions, as part of a renewed investment in the growth and sustainability of horse racing in South Africa.

 

This significant out-of-cycle increase, to be applied over the next 5 months, totals R22 million, with the Eastern Cape stakes pot increase taking effect from 1 October 2026, and the Highveld programme boosted from 1 November 2026. The increases will be effective through to February 2027. Details for March, April and beyond will be confirmed in due course.

 

The 4Racing Owner Incentive will be discontinued. This will take effect in the Eastern Cape from 1 October and on the Highveld from 1 November. All other incentives remain unchanged.

“This is a massive investment in the future of racing,” said Patrick Duff, CEO at 4Racing. “Owners are a key stakeholder in the industry, and we want them to see tangible reasons to buy, race and stay in racing. This is about giving owners more chances to earn, coupled with a better overall experience in racing.”

 

Grooms

In addition to 4Racing’s current contribution to the Grooms of our industry, the portion of the stakes allocated to grooms will increase from 1% to 2%, effective from 1 October 2026.

 

What’s Changing

From October 2026, 4Racing’s stakes structure will focus on targeting races that matter most to owners starting off and building a string, namely maiden and juvenile races, while also providing a spread across the open divisions and top ups to respective feature races where applicable.

 

Representative examples of the increase include:

 

Highveld

 

Category	Current	New
Maiden (In Season)	R120,000	R170,000
Juvenile (In Season)	R150,000	R200,000
Maiden Juvenile (In Season)	R130,000	R185,000
Minimum (Off Season)	R80,000	R100,000
Minimum (In-Season)	R80,000	R120,000

 

Eastern Cape*

 

Category	Current	New
Maiden	R84,000	R100,000
Juvenile	R94,000	R106,000
Maiden Juvenile	R88,000	R100,000
Minimum	R78,000	R86,000

 

The full revised stakes schedule for each race category will be released in due course.

 

*Bear in mind that Eastern Cape stakes are year round and Highveld has in Season and out of Season stakes levels.

Effective Dates:

 

• Eastern Cape: stakes increase effective 1 October 2026
• Highveld: stakes increase effective 1 November 2026
• Duration: both increases run through the balance of the season to February 2027, with full-season stakes schedules to be confirmed prior.

 

ENDS.

Emit could go close in the Ebor (Irishracing.com)

At The Races

The Weekend Winners panel of Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix paid special attention to York’s feature event, the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap.

With a maximum field of 22 going to post, Willie Mullins attempts to make it three wins in four years in the Ebor on Saturday, with Love Me Tender and Mr Hollywood bidding to follow in the footsteps of subsequent Breeders’ Cup Turf hero Ethical Diamond in winning the York feature.

Click here to read their Ebor analysis