Gavin And One Stripe Ready To Fly In Pegasus Turf
Gavin Lerena was thrilled to be reunited with One Stripe this week and is excited about his chances in the Gr 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational at Gulfstream Park on Saturday (Picture Supplied)
Gavin Lerena will partner dual Gr 1 winning SA-bred One Stripe in the US$ 1 Million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.
The race is the supporting feature to the Pegasus World Cup and the Graham Motion-trained Drakenstein Stud-bred One World colt, who is owned by Hollywood Racing and Rikesh Sewgoolam, is prominent in the betting at 6/1 joint third favourite in the 13 horse field.
The Pegasus World Cup Turf is run as race 12 on the 13 race programme, and jumps at 23h54 SA Time.
It is over a distance of one mile and one furlong.
One Stripe has landed barrier position four, which should allow him a good position without being trapped on the rail.
A preview of the big race can be read below:
RaceBuzz: (Click here for original article)
Six millionaires, four Grade 1 winners and a trio of Hall of Fame trainers chasing history ensure Saturday’s Pegasus World Cup Turf will once again stand as one of the most compelling grass races of the winter at Gulfstream Park. The $1 million Grade 1 contest, run over 1⅛ miles, brings together proven American stars, accomplished international runners and rising talents eager to measure themselves at the top level.
Introduced in 2019, the Pegasus World Cup Turf has quickly built a roll of honour befitting its purse. Bricks and Mortar, Warm Heart and dual winner Colonel Liam have all left their mark, and this year’s eighth running promises to add another high-class name to that list. It sits prominently on a blockbuster card featuring 10 stakes races worth $5.675 million, headlined by the $3 million Pegasus World Cup on dirt.
Post time for the first of 13 races is 11 a.m. ET, with the Pegasus World Cup Turf scheduled as Race 12 at 4:54 p.m. ET. NBC will carry live national coverage during the latter stages of the program.
Pegasus World Cup Turf: Depth, Class and Proven Winners
Trainer Graham Motion seeks his first victory in the Pegasus World Cup Turf and saddles a formidable pair in Test Score and One Stripe. Amerman Racing’s homebred Test Score enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, capturing the Belmont Derby (G1) among three graded wins and earning more than $1.3 million. Consistent throughout the year and never beaten far, the classy four-year-old now takes on older rivals for the first time.
Stablemate One Stripe brings international credentials. A dual Group 1 winner in South Africa, he has been gradually finding his footing in North America and arrives off a confidence-boosting allowance victory over the Gulfstream turf in December.
Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey is also double-handed as he hunts a first Pegasus Turf success. Millionaire Fort Washington, a Grade 1 winner of the Arlington Million, returns fresh after a brief layoff, while Cugino comes in razor-sharp following a narrow second in the Fort Lauderdale (G3), the traditional local prep for this race.
The likely favourite is Chad Brown’s Program Trading, a three-time Grade 1 winner whose résumé includes elite performances on both sides of the Atlantic. Lightly raced and immensely talented, the six-year-old has finished first or second in eight of 10 starts and represents formidable opposition if back to his best.
Mike Maker and Todd Pletcher both bid to become the first trainer to win the Pegasus Turf three times. Maker relies on the durable Chasing the Crown, unlucky in defeat in last year’s renewal, while Pletcher sends out Major Dude, a model of consistency who tends to produce his best when fresh.
Depth is further enhanced by proven graded performers Cabo Spirit, Call Sign Seven, Almendares, Astronomer and Beach Gold, each bringing a different profile and running style to a field where tactical speed and finishing punch will be at a premium.
Buster Barnes Could Open His SA Account
Buster Barnes was impressive when capturing Zimbabwe’s Triple Crown (Picture: Racing At Borrowdale Park In Harare)
The Listed TAB Dr Richard Maponya Handicap over 1800m at the Vaal’s main track on Saturday could see a first South African victory for Buster Barnes, while the Listed Spook Express Handicap could go to Woman’s World.
In the Richard Maponya Handicap the Zimbabwe Triple Crown hero Buster Barnes has his third run in South Africa and although it will be his second run after a rest he has plenty of class and could be proven to be well handicapped off a 102 merit rating. On the downside, he does have a wide to overcome. The Ultimate King comes off a fine third in the Summer Cup. However, that was an ultra tough race and he would likely have had to be freshened up, so might not be quite at his peak. He also has to carry topweight and has a wide draw. Willy Meet Again ran well in first time blinkers and she is in pole position over a step up in trip she should enjoy. Aristotle will relish this trip being by Rafeef out of the Gr 1 SA Fillies Classic winner Athina. Copper Eagle will be right there if able to repeat his penultimate start and he has a good draw.
In the Listed Spook Express Handicap over 2400m Woman’s World won easily over 2000m last time and is proven over this trip. She does have to carry. the second top weight of 58kg, but looks to be at the top of one of the merit rating bands. However, she does have a wide draw to overcome. Soldier’s Eye is knocking on the door and on pedigree should relish the step up in trip. She also comes from the Marwing yard, known for their expertise with stayers. Royal lnvitation won over this trip in fine style last time, but that did take her merit rating into a higher band and she thus carries joint topweight despite being rated two points lower than Soldier’s Eye. Teo Torriate is in the same boat at the weights but is a consistent sort and she should be right there. Poplar Park is 2kg better off with Royal Invitation for a two length beating, so should be right there.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Rockaroundtheclock was a touch disappointing last time, but on previous form has a fine chance here. Peregrine Falcon is in good form and has a shout. One Tiger should be in the shake up on form. Sea Shanty has had bad luck with draws but is interesting dropped in trip here down the straight with cheekpieces on because he does pack a strong finish. Prized Platinum has the form to be a contender.
In the fifth race over 2400m Arlington Action is a reliable stayer and was only beaten last time when carrying 60.5kg by a filly who benefited from the Classified Conditions of the race, so he should be in the shake up. Top Shelf Teddy has plenty of ability and is interesting over this trip being by Master Of My Fate out of a Captain Al mare who won over 1800m. Military Moves has fair form over 2000m and should enjoy this trip being out of a daughter of Front House, who won twice over this trip. Euphrates won well in the maidens when stepped up to this trip with blinkers on and starts handicapping off a reasonable 67 merit rating. Banha Bridge stays the trip and could earn again.
The eighth over 1700m should be fought out by Trombolines and Jaffa, who have both shown themselves to be sorts who could be going places. Trombolines’ form has been franked so he gets the vote. Tommy Atkins has shown a lot of ability and could earn. Prince Of Kildare has the form to earn. Page Boy has been disappointing, but from pole position could earn. Birthright has the ability to have a shout.
In the first leg of the PA over 1200m Stoneywood is a full brother to Dyce and will be hard to beat unless his high draw of nine turns out to be disadvantageous. Balule showed promise before a long rest and can’t be ignored.
In the first race over 1200m Gimme A Vodka just failed on debut and should go one better.
In the second over 1200m Master’s Lady is knocking on the door and gets a good opportunity here.
In the tenth over 1400m Mattiazo won easily last time and although now having an eight point raise to overcome Zackey has stayed aboard.
Wild Justice Is Given The Verdict
Picture: Wild Justice will be out to score a fourth win in his fifth start (Anneke Akal Kitching)
Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections
R1 Summary: MASTER MAGICIAN (8) was super impressive when winning on debut and was well supported in the market. He could prove hard to beat. SPIRIT OF GABZ (3) has had plenty of experience and shed his maiden against winners. He just got home last time out. BETTER NEVER ENDS (6) improved nicely at second time of asking over course and distance. JAPURA (4) has finished in the money at her last two and should be thereabouts again. (Andrew Harrison: 8-3-6-4).
Del 2 Summary: BEST OF ALL (4) found strong market support on debut over course and distance but found one too good. With that experience he can make amends. The filly WINTER BLESSING (1) has not been out of the money since raced in blinkers. She has a handy weight with a 4kg claimer aboard. WINTER IN LONDON (8) was a little disappointing in the soft last run after a promising previous showing. He gets cheek pieces and a tongue-tie.. GREEN TICKET (9) has put in two fair efforts to date and has a money chance again. (Andrew Harrison: 4-1-8-9).
R3 Summary: BLUE STEEL (7) arrives with some promising Cape form and could prove too strong for this field although it is a competitive line-up. DUBAI DUDE (3) made good improvement over course and distance second time out from a deep draw. He has a plum draw with a 1.5kg allowance from the saddle. EASTERN HIGHLANDS (4) steps up in trip but has some solid recent form over shorter. This trip should suit. TASK FORCE (2) improved in blinkers and a tongue-tie last run on the poly and could show more. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-4-2).
R4 Summary: Open maiden. DAY TWO (8) has only had three starts and steps up in trip. He was not far back in a useful maiden field last run and if he stays he should at least be in the placings. PEEPING TOM (1) has shown signs of coming to hand at his last two and the step up in trip may suit. WINDOW TO MY SOUL (6) has been consistent over shorter of late. If he stays the extra he will be a big runner. MAGIC HAT TRICK (10) has shown some ability and this extended trip could see him improve further. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-6-10).
R5 Summary: LA MADDALENA (3) has improved since being tried over ground. She comes from an in form stable with a handy galloping weight. CURIOUS GIRL (1) disappointed when favourite first run out of the maidens but that was on the poly. She can make amends back on turf. ZENA ROSE (5) is back on turf but caught the eye last run with the compression mask removed. FINE WINE (8) caused a major boil-over when winning first up out of the maidens but she has made recent improvement. She gets a 4kg claimer aboard and could follow up again. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-8-5).
R6 Summary: MASTER DU ROUVRAY (1) has not been out of the money in his last five starts including two wins. He has a fair weight but looks capable of going in again. HIGH QUEUE (7) has been in good form for his new stable since arriving in KZN and finished runner-up at his last two. The blinkers are back on and this trip suits. SPECTACULAR (2) is seldom far back and with a 4kg claimer aboard he should be competitive in this line-up. SHINY BOB (8) may have found his last run too far and is back over a more suitable trip. (Andrew Harrison: 1-7-2-8).
R7 Summary: Cracking sprint. CATS PAJAMAS (2) is the second-best weighted in spite of the 62.5kg on his back. He has his first run for a new stable and is smart on his day. WILLIAM ROBERTSON (5) is something of a course specialist and has good form in strong company. He should be right there. KING OF THE GAULS (4) finally showed his true ability last time out but that was on the poly. If he can carry that form back onto the turf he should also be in the firing line as he is super quick. CONVOCATION (1) is seldom far back but jumps in class. However, she does have a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-4-1).
R8 Summary: WILD JUSTICE (8) has won three of his four starts and still looks to be under the radar. However, he is 3kg worse off with MAJOR TOMMIE (2) on their last meeting and will need to up his game if he is going to confirm the placings although the trip also seems to be in his favour. CIRCUMBENDIBUS (1) was a winner all the way to the line before being caught late. He has come good of late and should be a contender. COWBOY COUNTRY (3) is lightly raced and has shown some promise. He has a handy weight and should at least feature prominently. (Andrew Harrison: 8-2-1-3).
R9 Summary: Open handicap. FASCINATION (13) was caught late at her last two. She only has 51kg to shoulder here and can go one better. LIGHT OF GABRIEL (2) came from a long way back to snaffle Fascination on the line. She is now 2kg worse off but given her style of racing, she could deny the handicap as she is lightly raced and still improving. TOMYRIS (14) goes back to sprinting but is smart. This may be on the short side but she is definitely not out of it. WINTER RAINFALL (5) has not been out of the money since arriving in KZN. She too is better off at the weights with Light Of Gabriel and rates a strong chance. (Andrew Harrison: 13-2-14-5).
R10 Summary: Tough handicap to finish off the day. MOHAVE PRINCE (9) steps up in trip but is useful. He has a big weight but should be competitive. CHRISTMAS CACTUS (4) shed his maiden in a competitive line-up and has improved with each step up in trip. He looks progressive. SWORD SPEED (15) shed his maiden at second time of asking at cramped odds. He has been rested and has a deep draw but also looks progressive in a well exposed field. MOHANDAS (10) won well in a race he should have won given the opposition last time out but he is holding form and his chances cannot be ignored. (Andrew Harrison: 9-4-15-10).
Greeff Treble, Fourie And Mitchley Individual Doubles
Global Alley gives Alan Greeff a treble and Richard Fourie a double (Pauline Herman Photography)
Alan Greeff scored a treble on the Fairview poly today (Friday) and two of them were ridden by Richard Fourie.
Kelly Mitchley scored an individual double.
Fourie closed the gap on Craig Zackey in the national jockeys championship to 25 wins.
Zackey rode at the meeting but had a rare blank.
He is on 133 wins at 17.27%.
Fourie is on 108 wins at 22.22%.
Muzi Yeni went to lone third place on the national log with a single win and is on 73 wins at 11.37%.
Greeff is on 74 wins at 16.52%.
Mitchley is on 29 wins at 11.89%.
Race Coast Sales To Host Black Swan Stud Dispersal
Peter de Beyer of Black Swan Stud (Picture: Race Coast)
RACE COAST SALES TO HOST MIXED SALE FEATURING BLACK SWAN STUD DISPERSAL ON 7 MAY
Race Coast Sales will host a quality Mixed Sale, incorporating the dispersal of Black Swan Stud, on Thursday 7 May 2026 in Robertson, Western Cape. The sale will offer a diverse and appealing catalogue, featuring mares, weanlings, yearlings, and horses in training, catering to breeders, owners, and trainers seeking opportunities across all sectors of the industry.
A major drawcard of the sale is the eligibility of the yearlings offered, which will qualify for the Race Coast Sales incentives, including 2027 RCS Slipper, 2028 RCS Mile, and 2028 RCS Sprint. In addition, these yearlings will be eligible for the Big Cap Slot Race from 2028 onwards, adding significant future racing value for purchasers.
The inclusion of the Black Swan Stud dispersal presents a rare opportunity to acquire stock from a respected breeding operation, further enhancing the appeal of this important sale on the bloodstock calendar.
Additional information regarding the catalogue and sale details will be released by Race Coast Sales in due course.
For more information, please contact:
Pippa Mickleburgh: pippa@racecoast.co.za
Vicky Minott: vicky@racecoast.co.za
MJ Byleveld: mj@racecoast.co.za
Des Scott's Family Pay Tribute To A Great Man
Des Scott and his son David lead Jumbo Line (Felix Coetzee) in at Milnerton in 1989 (Pic – Supplied)
Des Scott and brother Robin of Scott Brothers are remembered not only for their feats in owning and breeding racehorses, but also as two of the finest gentlemen to ever grace the South African turf, and the family of the recently late Des have paid tribute to him via a letter to the Sporting Post which can be read at the bottom of this article.
Des and Robin’s horseracing achievements are many and below are some of the highights:
They bred the mighty Politician at their Highdown Stud in the KZN Midlands. The Syd Laird-trained superstar won 11 Gr 1s including the 1978 July, two Mets and two Queen’s Plates. He is regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest ever thoroughbreds. His second Met win in 1979 is particularly celebrated. He was so boxed in he was written off by the commentator but somehow managed to extract himself before charging home in spine-tingling fashion.
Click here to watch Politician’s most memorable victory
Des and Robin owned the imported British-bred 1984 July winner Devon Air and Des was a part-owner of the Argentinian-bred 1990 July winner Illustrador. Both of those horses were trained by Terrance Millard and both ran in Des’s famous colours, black with a white Maltese cross, red sleeves, and a white cap, and both of them went on to win the once prestigious Gold Cup.
The Scott Brothers stood another mighty horse in the British-bred Foveros. He was an eight-times national champion stallion.
The letter sent out by Des’s family to the racing community via the Sporting Post is published below:
To our friends, colleagues, and the wider racing fraternity,
The passing of Des Scott on 3 January 2026 marks the loss of a man whose presence in the racing world was defined not by noise or self-promotion, but by substance, integrity, and quiet authority.
For us, he was our father, brother, grandfather, and uncle – roles he carried with the same dedication and commitment that characterised his life.
Des’s contribution to the sport, in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and beyond, is well documented and deeply respected. Alongside his brother Robin, he helped shape a legacy founded on patience, belief in the Thoroughbred, and respect for the people who work within racing. His achievements spoke for themselves, never seeking the spotlight, yet earning admiration wherever he went.
Those who knew Des closely will recognise that his influence extended far beyond racecourses and results.
He was a highly recognised and respected businessman in South Africa. In whatever Des achieved during his life, he remained a thoughtful, principled man, deeply loyal, and guided by a strong internal compass. He valued fairness, kindness, and quiet perseverance, and he treated people with respect regardless of status or acclaim.
As a family, our reflections on Des are deeply personal. They are shaped by love, memory, and loss, and by the understanding that some bonds and losses are best carried quietly. Our enduring memory of Des lies in the values he lived by, values that remain with us and will continue to guide us.
We have been deeply moved by the tributes shared from across the racing community. They affirm what we have always known: that Des Scott mattered, that he was respected across continents, and that his legacy rests not only in the record books, but in the hearts of those who truly understood him.
With much love, appreciation and respect,
The Scott Family
See below for a couple of tributes to Des Scott
Tribute upon announcement of Des Scott’s passing
Des Scott’s Royal Ascot winner and a tribute from William Haggas
Ka Ying Rising Ready For His Date With Destiny
Picture: Ka Ying Rising surges to G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) victory (HKJC)
David Hayes supremely confident with Ka Ying Rising ahead of G1 Centenary Sprint Cup
By Leo Schlink
David Hayes is confident Ka Ying Rising remains in peak form as the world’s highest-rated sprinter chases history in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (25 January).
Unbeaten in 16 starts since 12 February, 2024, Ka Ying Rising will equal Silent Witness’ record for a Hong Kong-trained horse of 17 victories in a row if he eclipses six rivals in this weekend’s Group 1 double-header, which also features Romantic Warrior’s clash with Voyage Bubble in the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m).
Acclaimed last week as Timeform Horse of the Year (2025) as well as being acknowledged this week as both the world’s premier sprinter and joint second-best horse in the 2025 LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, Ka Ying Rising has won 17 of 19 starts, including six at Group 1 level.
Hayes is adamant Ka Ying Rising, who broke his own Sha Tin 1200m track record in the 2025 Centenary Sprint Cup with a winning time of 1m 07.20s, has not regressed since his devastating G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) triumph in December.
“Last start was probably his best win and he seems no worse and what’s so special about him is that he just keeps putting up consistent ratings that are exceptional. Everything tells me that he’s the same,” Hayes said.
“I would say (his form is) very similar. It’s hard to say better, isn’t it?”
A dual Hong Kong champion trainer, Hayes said he never expected to have a horse capable of threatening Silent Witness’ record, which has stood since 2005.
“I never thought that would happen but it’s looking very realistic and if trackwork and trials are any guide, he’s (Ka Ying Rising) held his form and it’s exciting for the weekend,” Hayes said.
Ka Ying Rising will jump from barrier four under Zac Purton, while Hayes will also be represented by Tomodachi Kokoroe (Harry Bentley) against Helios Express (Hugh Bowman), Fast Network (James McDonald), Raging Blizzard (Brenton Avdulla), Beauty Waves (Matthew Chadwick) and Lucky With You (Luke Ferraris).
“Tomodachi Kokoroe needs to improve. He was fantastic until he got up to the upper class and then when he got into the Group 1s, he struggled. But he’s healthy and well and I’m hoping he can run a place,” Hayes said.
Thirteen-time Hong Kong champion trainer John Size is represented in the Centenary Sprint Cup by Raging Blizzard, who ran second to Ka Ying Rising in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, while Helios Express was fifth in the same race.
“I don’t think there’s much between them at this stage of their careers; it just depends on the circumstances of the race, the tempo and the track conditions of the day to split them,” Size said.
“Raging Blizzard ran a big race on international day to finish second and Helios Express has been consistent, too.”
Size will pit 2025 G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) winner Red Lion against Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble in the Stewards’ Cup, which is the first leg of the Triple Crown.
To jump from barrier one under Hugh Bowman, Red Lion ran third to Voyage Bubble and Soul Rush in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on 14 December.
“You never know what can happen on a racetrack and that’s how we live but, as we know, he’s beaten the great horse (Voyage Bubble) once and that was a good example that on any given day, something can work in your favour,” Size said.
“His run on international day was near his best and he’s fit and well.”
Last season’s Triple Crown winner Voyage Bubble will start from barrier six in his bid to win a third consecutive Stewards’ Cup, while Romantic Warrior will jump from gate seven. Apart from fellow Group 1 winners Red Lion and Lucky Sweynesse, the decorated pair will also face Beauty Joy, Galaxy Patch, Straight Arron, My Wish and Sunlight Power.
“The horses are fine and I’m expecting them all to run their usual races. They’ve been in very good shape and they’ve been racing well on the track, too,” Size said.
“They all ran well on international day and now they’ve had some time to recuperate, I think they’re ready to run very well again.
“I can’t ask for anything more from them in their preparation, but you also can’t expect too much when you’re racing three champions like Ka Ying Rising, Voyage Bubble and Romantic Warrior. It could all go according to plan, or there could be an upset – you never know until they cross the line.”
Sunday’s (25 January) 11-race Sha Tin meeting starts with the Class 4 Peniaphobia Handicap (1000m) at 06H30 SA Time.
Today's Question
How many fillies have won the Met in the last 50 years?
The picture is of Oh Susanna, who was the last female to win the Met in 2018
Today’s Question Answer
Olympic Duel (1991), Empress Club (1993), Imperious Sue (1998), River Jetez (2010), Igugu (2012), Smart Call (2016) and Oh Susanna (2018) are the seven females to have won the Met in the last 50 years.
There are no females in this year’s WSB Met but their have been nine female runners in the race this decade, Red Palace in 2025, Make It Snappy, Rain In Holland, Marina and Sparkling Water in 2023. Marina in 2022 and Princess Calla, Running Brave and Queen Supreme in 2021.
