Turf Talk Newsletter – 25 June, 2026

Mocha Blend exits the chute under Tristan Godden and minutes later put in one of the most eyecatching gallops of the morning (Picture: Race Coast)

Listening and watching a thoroughbred approaching and then galloping past, the drumbeat of hooves and the immense latent energy packed into an athletic machine, not to mention the horse’s general intelligence and affinity with man, is one thing in life that never becomes tiring and so it was at Hollywoodbets Greyville this morning as specators clutched their coffees and compared notes on  the Hollywoodbets Durban July runners that were put through their paces.

The official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops attracted a huge crowd to Hollywoodbets Greyville this morning and it was an upbeat one too with Bafana Bafana having lifted the spirits of the nation a couple of hours earlier.

The changes Hollywoodbets have brought to the racecourse added to the spectacle with an example being the interactive advertising on the far rail, which flashed up the name and other details of the horse that was galloping.

The sectional times were also put on the big screen immediately.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July runners were all turned out in immaculate condition, but opinions varied on which of them had put in the best gallops.

The topweight Legal Counsel got the ball rolling under Callan Murray and put in a nice relaxed gallop and stretched out nicely in the straight. Murray said the son of Legislate had “picked up sharply for a big boy” and he added he was excited going into the race.

Gladatorian was next out and stood stock still at the 1400m mark and surveyed his surrounds, which is always the sign of a horse who is full of well-being. He then let himself down beautifully throughout the gallop. Muzi Yeni described him as going so well it felt as if he was floating and said his quality was akin to “Ronaldo on the pitch”. He jumps from a better draw this year than last and has enjoyed a fine preparation. Gladatorian has to be hugely respected despite having to carry 61,5kg.

Viva’s Liberte strode out well, but the question was whether he did too much. He does tend to take a strong hold in his races and consequently draw three is perfect for him as he should find cover. If he does settle better than normal he will be a runner as he is 4kg better off with the favourite Star Major for a four length beating.

The Ultimate King worked on the Highveld and impressed with his big stride as he drew away from his companion.

I Salute You jumped from the 1400m mark with Richard Fourie up and galloped resolutely in a nice relaxed manner. He let himself down beautifully and threw his front feet out well. Zeitz is fancied by a few but I Salute You is actually weighted to beat him on the weight turnaround from the Betgames Cup Trial.

On the Highveld the favourite Star Major put up a workout over 1000m under big race rider Mickaelle Michel and picked his legs up nicely in a pleasing gallop.

Isivivane relaxed well in his gallop under big race rider Sean Veale and quickened superbly at the top of the straight. He impressed in the straight and put in a quick 400m to finish time.

Regulation, with Tristan Godden up, strode out well throughout but didn’t give much away. Trainer Justin Snaith mentioned afterwards the breathing isues this horse has, but said he had sounded fine today.

On the Highveld Hazy Dazy stretched out well on a gallop on the sand under big race rider Trent Mayhew.

Note To Self looked to be in fine fettle and used his big action well throughout while looking nice and relaxed. His big race rider Richard Fourie said afterwards this horse was no longer a “big puppy” and was now “a proper horse who had woken up and was in the right space.” He made him a big runner at the weights, considering he had come on from the Daily News 2000 and was 2kg bettter off with Star Major for a three length beating.

On the Highveld Olivia’s Way strode out well on the grass under Blaine Marx-Jacobson, although she did seem to held her head slightly to the left hand side.

Minogue strode out imrpreesively on the grass on the Highveld in what was one of the most eyecatching gallops of the day.

Native Ruler strode out well and quickened well in the straight although he did have his normal relatively high head carriage with the head held to the left hand side.

Aladdin’s Lamp caught the eye with his effortlessly big stride in a workout on the sand on the Highveld.

Wish List worked under big race rider Andrew Fortune with companion Kubu and moved well before quickening nicely at the top of the straight. Fortune said later, “She couldn’t blow out a candle and she just does it so easily.”

Zeitz worked with stable companion Ice Rain and strode out well before quickening well and putting in a good finish under big race rider Serino Moodley. Later Moodley said tthe striking grey was “spot on” and added he wished the race was this weekend.

The first reserve runner Choisanaada stretched out superbly in an eyecayching grass workout on the Highveld.

King Pelles was ridden by Nicolas Patel and sat behind stable companion Dubai Dude before turning it on nicely in the straight and galloping al the way to the line.

Mocha Blend put in a fine gallop with stable companion Son Of Raj and it put the cherry on the top of what looks to have been a fine preparation.

Second reserve Curious Girl was not asked to gallop having raced last Saturday.

July Fever could be felt on course and the build up from now on in to July the 4th will see it soaring in the race that grips the nation.

 

Choisaanada won all three legs of the Highveld Winter Series last season and is seen above completing it by beating Fire Attack in the Gr 3 4Racing Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m (JC Photos)

The Choisaanada saga was prominent in conversations on July Gallops day and the theme that is emerging is that the criteria for selecting horses into the Hollywoodbets Durban July final field needs to be made a touch clearer.

Controversy erupted when the 121-rated Erico Verdonese-trained horse was left out of the final HDJ field of 18 and only made first reserve, despite having been higher rated and higher on the final July log than horses who were put in the field ahead of him.

The most controversial leapfrog over him was the one done by the 106-rated Regulation.

The pro-Choisaanada camp are pointing out his high merit rating of 121 and some hard-knocking recent form.

The pro-Regulation camp point out that he has only had one bad race, his last one, and some of his form gives him a real chance of winning the race.

Most acknowledged that Regulation had not enjoyed much luck in a number of recent starts, but most agreed that making an analysis of the effect of luck in a race should not be included in the decision making process.

So, is it the higher rated horse who deserves a place or is it the horse whose weight gives him or her more chance of winning the race according to the formlines?

It should be pointed out that the July field used to be decided simply on weights order, but this caused a furore in 1980 when the second favourite, the Mike Bass-trained Cracker Lily, was eliminated from the final field at the expense of horses who were simply higher in the weights, some of whom were well past their best.

The condition whereby the field can be chosen at the discretion of the powers that be came into being the following year.

But currently one big question is how important is the Hollywoodbets Durban July log?

The Choisaanada saga has shown that the logs are not chosen with the same finality about them that surrounds the final field selection process on the Monday before the final field announcement.

The log seems to be the centre of controversy quite often in the build up to the July, but devising the equivalent of “the road to the Kentucky Derby”, i.e. a system whereby winning certain races gives contenders a number of qualifying points, which then decide the final field, would not be feasible for a handicap race.

There has been a suggestion that an overseas set of experts should choose the final field for the reason that there would then be no influence exerted on panelists by “the noise” leading up to the final field selection process.

Disgruntlement in the couple of days after the final field announcement is part and parcel of the great race and happens in every year in which a contentious situation arises.

However, has a 121 rated horse ever been left out before?

Another question which arose was whether certain types of horses are preferred to others.

If the distance of the July is an in-between distance i.e. 2200m, why do stayers seem to be shunned more readily than horses who have run up to 1800m and no further?

Although most of the of the post-final field announcement furore has centred around Choisaanada, his connections were actually not the only ones who felt aggrieved as there was at least one other highly rated horse who was left out.

The controversy that surrounds this week usually fades in the final week of the build up to the Hollywodbets Durban July.

There is also more chance than ever before of the reserve runners  getting into the final field due to the mandatory veterinarian inspection that has been introduced.

All horses in the final field plus the two reserves have to have this inspection within 72 of hours of the race and some are predicting Choisaanada, who looked to be in fine fettle for his official gallop, will be lining up for the big race on the fourth of July.

Picture: The immortal Sea Cottage gets up to dead-heat with Jollify in the 1967 July  

In the first weekend in July, eighteen horses will have a date with destiny for the 2026 running of the crown jewel of South African racing, the iconic Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July.

Spanning three centuries, it boasts an unbroken heritage of highs, lows, drama and sadness, all of which makes up the fabric of the race that is still regarded as the holy grail of local racing.

Where to start?

As far as drama goes, surely nothing beat the much publicized shooting of the legendary favourite Sea Cottage three weeks before the 1966 July, exactly 60 years ago.

Bookmakers stood to lose a fortune and one of them hired a hit man to ‘take care of Sea Cottage’.

The foul deed occurred early one morning on the beach at Blue Lagoon.

Sea Cottage was shot in the quarters and what followed was a frenzy seldom seen.

Every small detective had a theory, the press produced reams of copy, arrests were made, and speculation was rife that Sea Cottage would not make it to the July.

The colt’s progress was followed with more interest than shareholders follow the stock exchange and amazingly, he recovered to take his place in the race.

Despite meeting with interference at the subway, he finished a gutsy fourth behind stable companion Java Head.

Twelve months later, the champion was vindicated in a grandstand finish, when he deadheated with the Fred Rickaby-trained Jollify who was in receipt of almost 13 kg. The bullet was only recovered from the champion’s rump following his death.

Sea Cottage was one of seven July winners trained by the great Syd Laird, whose father Alec had ridden the 1911 winner Nobleman, the only two-year-old ever to win the July, a record unlikely to be broken, as juveniles are not allowed to run.

Laird’s son Alec emulated his father as the trainer of the great London News, who appropriately, cruised to victory in the Centenary July of 1996.

The fashionadas never fail to add to July day.

From the sublime to the ridiculous, provocative to outrageous, the ladies pull out all the stops, sometimes with the strangest results.

In 1977, an unknown lady in a silver see-through outfit made her way into the winner’s enclosure where she hugged the winner Lightning Shot before being led away. Ironically, she ended up in hospital with a severe rash, as she was allergic to horses.

The weather too, has played its part to add to July history.

In 1989, a rain sodden Greyville attracted only the die-hards who milled around the waterlogged lawns and flooded tents.

Officials were faced with the decision of whether or not to postpone the meeting, but at the last minute it was announced that the first six races would be abandoned, and for the only time in modern history, the July featured as the first race on the programme!

It was Right Prerogative who proved impervious to the underfoot conditions and ploughed through the wet turf to give trainer Terrance Millard a fifth July success.

Sadly, the grey was one of several Millard horses tragically killed when the float transporting them back to Cape Town overturned eight kilometers from Touwsrivier near Worcester.

His demise was preceded by that of the champion In Full Flight, who had stamped himself a worthy champion in the 1972 July. He was to win another three races before he suddenly died from a ruptured lung in January 1973.

Affectionally called I’Kunzi, IsiZulu for ‘the bull’ by the stablehands, the premature death of this immensely talented colt robbed the South African racing industry of one of its superstars.

Another July winner whose life came to a tragic end was 2009 July winner Big City Life. In the 2011 July, Glen Kotzen’s warrior had to be euthanized after he fractured a fetlock just past the finish line.

Arguably the most surreal running of the great race occurred in 2020. At the time, the world was firmly in the grip of the Covid-19 epidemic and racing had come to a virtual standstill.

The unthinkable was going to happen, there would be no July. Fortunately, permission was granted to run the race, but only behind closed doors and not on the traditional first, but last, Saturday of July.

Who will ever forget Belgarion streaking past eerily empty stands to claim the honours under Richard Fourie and give trainer Justin Snaith a third consecutive July victory and fourth overall.

Disappointments?

There have been plenty. In 1952, the spectacular finish between Mowgli and Radlington was one for the ages, the pair flashing cross the line as one.

The judges spent all of 10 minutes studying the photograph before awarding the race to Mowgli.

The owners of Radlington would have to wait another 22 years before their 20-1 outsider Riboville claimed the honours in 1974.

The 2000 July also proved somewhat controversial.

Defending champion El Picha and Young Rake were locked together at the line and again, the judges took their time before declaring the former the winner.

El Picha broke a 50-year drought as the first dual July winner since Milesia Pride completed the double in 1950.

When Mazarin romped to victory in 1970, wild scenes took place in the winning enclosure. Owners Mr and Mrs Eric Tenderini were mobbed by the yelling crowd, trainer Syd Laird kissed jockey Bert Hayden and the horse, and the crowds kissed Laird.

The following year was a totally different story and showed just how fickle racing followers can be.

Mazarin again started a hot 6-4 favourite but ran a dismal race to finish ninth behind In Full Flight. Sadly, it brought out the worst in a section of the crowd who had ‘done their money’.

They hurled abuse at an obviously upset Syd Laird and one punter even attacked his then assistant and nephew Dennis Drier, hitting him in the face with a pair of binoculars, cutting him over one eye.

He was taken to the first-aid room with blood streaming down his face, while the hooligans who had caused the trouble disappeared into the crowds.

Racing folk are notoriously superstitious, some avoid wearing a particular colour and should you forget anything on the way to the races, you never go back to fetch it!

Former Durban Turf Club chairman, the late Mike Rattray favoured red socks, yet he must rate the unluckiest owner in recent times.

A July winner was his most fervent wish, yet he had to settle for second three times, with Celtic Grove (2001), Yard Arm (2003) and Rainbow Bridge (2019).

Objections too, add a sense of drama to the country’s premier race. Only three have been successful, the first back in 1975, when the winner Gatecrasher was demoted to third on the grounds of bumping.

It took the stipes all of half an hour to award the race to Principal Boy, who had run second, while the ‘victim Distinctly, was promoted to second.

In 1994, the dreaded hooter sounded again as the connections of fifth-placed Pas De Quoi lodged an objection against the winner Surfing Home on the grounds of interference. The objection was upheld, with second-placed Space Walk declared the winner.

As recently as 2014, the July was decided in the boardroom.

Unfancied Wylie Hall (33-1) just shaded favourite Legislate at the line, but immediately thereafter the latter’s jockey Richard Fourie lodged an objection on the grounds of interference in the straight.

The general consensus on course was that the result would stand but after lengthy deliberation by the stipendiary stewards, the race was awarded to the runner-up. A controversial outcome which to this day, ignites considerable debate.

This year’s July will come together in two minutes and who knows, could result in yet another bit of history, for should Legislate’s three-pronged attack of daughter Wish List or his sons Legal Counsel and Regulation come up trumps, they will be the third in an unbroken line of Durban July winners stretching back to grandsire Dynasty, who triumphed in 2003.

Native Ruler put up a good gallop despite his head being held slightly to the left as is his habit (Picture: Race Coast)

Mike Moon (The Citizen)

Have official gallops for the Hollywoodbets Durban July ever given punters a clear, unambiguous, sure-fire pointer to the winner of Africa’s greatest horse race?

Nope.

The eventual winner of the July has generally put up a pleasing exercise outing – as have at least a dozen others, and the occasional iffy gallop seldom translates into glory on the big day.

But most of the time, all the carefully groomed, finely tuned thoroughbreds look spectacular as they stretch their athletic limbs up the Greyville greensward in the early-morning seaside sunshine. How does one choose between them?

Some canter through with minimal effort and the relaxed demeanor is seductive, others are hurried up and look irresistibly powerful as they cross the finishing line; it all depends on trainers’ private, closely guarded preparation strategies.

Most watchers come away with more questions than answers. So, why has the compulsory gallops event, 10 days before the first Saturday in July, survived as part of the big race for more than 60 years – and, indeed, grown in popularity?

Vibes are the answer. Real horses and jocks on the real track translate abstract form study and theory into vibrant life and underline that the action is almost upon us. Plus, fashion designers get to preview their loonier ideas as assorted celebs preen for cameras.

The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July gallops on Thursday morning ran true to form. Those who went in with an open mind about various horses’ relative merits probably came away with a wider range of possibilities than before.

In a quick summary of what they’d seen, a pundit panel of just three (trainer Lucinda Woodruff, former champion jockey Anthony Delpech and TV presenter Alistair Cohen), between them mentioned no fewer than NINE standout runners: Mocha Blend, Wish List, I Salute You, Minogue, Note To Self, Isivivane, Star Major, Viva’s Liberte and Zeitz.

There’d have been little argument if they’d added King Pelles, Native Ruler, Gladatorian and The Ultimate King to the long shortlist.

To narrow things down (or maybe complicate them!), yours truly liked Zeitz, I Salute You, King Pelles and Note To Self.

A look at odds movements for the Grade 1, R10-million showpiece is another guide to the chances of the various hopefuls.

Horses attracting the most interest from the betting public in recent days are Wish List (from 5.56 to 5.00), Viva’s Liberte (from 14.29 to 12.50), Zeitz (from 16.67 to 14.29) and Aladdin’s Lamp (20.00 to 16.67).

JULY BETTING:
3.57 Star Major
4.55 Note To Self
5.00 Wish List
7.14 Regulation
12.50 Viva’s Liberte
14.29 Zeitz
16.67 Native Ruler, Aladdins’s Lamp
20.00 Gladatorian
25.00 Kings Pelles, Isivivane, Legal Counsel
33.33 and upwards the others

Supreme World won his debut in eyecatching fashion on Tuesday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Drakenstein Stud’s top-class sire One World came up with an eye catching debut winner at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday.

His daughter Supreme World defied her 33-1 starting price when she won the Lucky Fish Maiden Dash Maiden Plate (F and M) (1000m)
under Callan Murray.

The Justin Snaith trained filly pulled clear in the closing stages of Tuesday’s race to make a winning debut by two lengths.

Bred and owned by Mr Bailes, Supreme World is out of the Western Winter Supreme Sunset.

Her G1 Sun Met winning sire One World has some cracking two-year-olds this season including G3 Tote Godolphin Barb Stakes winner Rich Man’s World and Listed TAB Storm Bird Stakes hero World Attraction.

South Africa’s Leading First and Second Season Sire of 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, One World has five lots on offer at the KZN Yearling Sale.

Cruise Control has been tipped to win the third race (Pauline Herman Photography)

Trevor Reid’s Formguides and Selections for Friday’s Fairview Poly Meeting

RACE 1

FYFIELD LEGEND has been runner-up in six of his last seven starts. He deserves a winning turn and could like this longer distance. MAESTRO AZUL has been well beaten in both starts so far but can improve this course and distance. SILVA STREAKER showed improvement on the Polytrack and could be a threat to these rivals. TRICKLE CHARGE is likely to improve after a modest debut and does have Richard Fourie aboard. WEEKEND IN ASPEN makes a debut but could need this run. YOU’RE MY ANGEL is improving and might play a minor role.

RACE 2

A weak race. SATELLITE WORLD has been consistent without scoring but really does get an ideal opportunity to get a first win. TOTAL ERUPTION is unreliable but can earn some money. DEAD POETS SOCIETY has some fair recent form and could like this course and distance. STRAIGHT RED and PEEKABOO have shown some improvement and are not out of it. NIGHT IN JAPAN has shown improvement of late and could do even better for Richard Fourie. CAN WE START could improve and is also not out of it.

RACE 3

A small field but some decent sprinters. CRUISE CONTROL has won 5 from 7 over this particular course and distance so sets the standard. FAIRY KNIGHT is lethal over a bit further than this but would not be a surprise winner. ANUSCHKA’S WORLD is hat-trick seeking after some game wins and will not go down easily. CLIFF TOP has been at his very best on the Polytrack so his connections will be hoping for a switch to that surface. INSTAWORTHY and GALILEO STAR tackle tough opposition but might earn some minor money.

RACE 4

ZINOVI continues with his impressive form and has now won 6 of his last 8 starts. He was solid again on the Polytrack last time out but is just as good on the turf and should prove hard to beat. ZATARA MAGIC has ability but is returning from a break and is better over a bit further than this. LANCIAFIAMME has a victory over ZINOVI but that was on a soft track and he has a few losses to that rival as well. MR FOX showed improvement last time out and can contest the finish. BRENDAN JAMES and GLOBAL STATE need to find a few lengths to win but might earn some minor money.

RACE 5

A very open looking race and it might pay to go very wide in the Pick 6 in this leg. JOHNNY DRAMA is in good form and could be ready to score. ACTION AMERICA showed a return to form in his latest start and could have more to offer. QONDANEKUKHANYENI and IM THE BUZZ have both been consistent of late and are in with a winning chance. CHEERFUL CHARLIE B and PARDON ME are unreliable but capable of scoring. SILENT TRIGGER, MELA STRENGTH and BLACK PATH all return to the turf and could surprise.

RACE 6

Another very open race. VILA VICOSA may have needed his last two starts and should be a threat to these rivals with Muzi Yeni in the irons. CIAN THE CONQUEROR did not like the Polytrack last time out and could bounce back to score. STOKESY showed improvement last time and should have more to offer. CORAL CREEK is course and distance suited and looks the one to beat. HOODWINKED and AWAY WITH RED are others to include in large Pick 6 permutations.

RACE 7

The TAB Dahlia Plate (Listed) sees some promising juveniles. US RANGER put it all together with an impressive victory last time out. That was over this course and distance and it was the first time he has beaten rival MASTER MTOTO. Jockey Craig Zackey was aboard MASTER MTOTO for both of those wins and he did not ride him last time out so it should at least be interesting to see who gets the success this time. FIRST OFFICER is consistent but does usually finish behind both those rivals. VENTURA BOULEVARD was a wide margin winner on debut but did not repeat it when trying Group 1 company last time out.

RACE 8

A competitive last race. SLASH ‘N BURN (IRE) may have needed the experience on the Polytrack last time out. He has improved with blinkers on and could score. OVERTURE shows promise but may well be looking for further. RHYTHM is consistent and will not go down easily. RHYDIAN has looked unlucky not to have won both recent starts and should fight out the finish once again. POLICY OF TRUTH, BELCANTO DREAM and TIGER STORM all make their local debut after changing trainers and could improve. FLIGHT ENGINEER is a difficult ride but capable of earning some money.

Definitive wins the last and clinches a double for Luke Ferraris (HKJC) 

Luke Ferraris rode a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday to go to 34 wins for the season, which puts him in ninth place on the log.

He combined with Cody Mo to win the Class 4 Racing World 50th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1200m) with Meowth and he closed the card impressively with a measured ride on David Eustace’s Definitive (132lb) to topple Romantic Gladiator (128lb) and Fivefortwo (132lb) in the Class 3 King’s Road Handicap (1650m).

Meowth started favourite, paying 2,70, and he took an early lead from draw four. However, Ferraris then reined him back as a group on the outside came across going at a good pace. Meowth got good cover from them and then crept up into a striking position rounding the turn. When Ferraris gave him a crack of the whip at the 200m mark he shot forward impressively to open up a gap and he went to the line 1,50 lengths clear.

Ferraris said, “It was a really good win, he had shown he was coming back into form and he pulled the right gate (barrier four) and the right race with a nice amount of speed and he got into a lovely spot. He did it really confidently, so well done to Cody and his team, they turned him out in great order today.”

Definitive paid a dividend of 13 for a win on the Tote. From draw 6 he broke well and Ferraris then settled him and he ended up in a one wide position with cover in midfield, although the only three horses behind him were detached as the pace was good. Nevertheless, Ferraris began his run before the final turn and came around horses. Under a hard drive he slowly wore the front runners down having come wide into the straight. Definitive just got up to win by a neck.

Meanwhile, the focus for the six meetings remaining will be on the intriguing race for the trainer’s title.

Caspar Fownes is in the lead and the below article focused on his chances:

The race for the Hong Kong trainers’ championship is the gift that keeps on giving as the season enters its final six meetings, with Caspar Fownes confirming he is “not taking anything for granted” despite holding a five-win advantage.

Danny Shum, on 59 victories, is Fownes’ closest rival, and Mark Newnham (58) is hot on Shum’s heels, while Francis Lui (54), David Hayes (52) and John Size (50) have also cracked the half-century but would require a near-miracle to seize the title at this point.

One thing that could work against Fownes is the split of fixtures in the last few weeks of the campaign, with four meetings at Sha Tin and only two at Happy Valley due to the staging of the Hong Kong Reunification Raceday at the New Territories venue on Wednesday, 1 July.

Fownes has trained a record 43 winners at Happy Valley this season compared to only 21 at Sha Tin, but the 58-year-old isn’t concerned about having only two more opportunities to strike gold at the city circuit.

“It is what it is. I’ve given it 110 per cent and hopefully we can continue to find the winners,” said Fownes.

“I’m happy with where I’m at, and it should be fine. We’re ticking off the winners, but it’s still game on and there’s still a long way to go. As long as we keep training winners, we will be fighting on until the end.

“Hopefully, I can get it done but I’m not taking anything for granted. Anyone could land three or four winners in a day and change the whole dynamic of things.”

Fownes praised star Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira for adding impetus to his title push since he came on board as his stable rider in April, with the pair combining for 23 wins from 133 attempts this season.

“He’s been great and he’s the only one who can compete against Zac (Purton) – if he came here full-time, he would probably beat Zac,” Fownes said.

Looking ahead, last-start third-placegetter Elegant Life in the first section of the Class 4 Lam Tsuen River Handicap (1200m) is among Fownes’ leading hopes at Sha Tin this weekend (Saturday, 27 June), while he’s looking forward to running a host of other in-form gallopers between now and the end of the season on 15 July.

After finishing third in his first start for Fownes on 13 June, Sagacious Life will line up in a Class 1 (1600m) contest at Sha Tin on 12 July, while Pejibaye is targeting the Class 4 1200m dirt race on 4 July after returning from a six-month lay-off with a nice second on the dirt earlier this month.

Last-start winner Target Audience will also be deployed as Fownes continues his title push, lining up in a Class 3 1200m race at Happy Valley on either the 8 or 15 July after saluting on his city circuit debut on 10 June.

“He’s in good form and has pulled up well. He was impressive last start so he will go back to the Valley,” said Fownes, adding that he is still deciding whether another last-start winner, Love Together, lines up in the Class 3 1000m contest on 1 July.

“We’ve also got a few more that I think have got great winning chances, so we are programming them to best effect. It’s very tactical right now and I’m enjoying it.”

Trainers’ Ranking (Top 6) – As of 25 June, 2026