Turf Talk Newsletter – 25 September, 2026

Adam Moore, Director of Racing Partnerships at TPD, and Dean Sawarjith, Chief Operating Officer at Race Coast (Race Coast)

TPD, the global leader in live horse racing data, has further expanded its global presence after signing an agreement with Race Coast to service their four iconic racecourses in South Africa – Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Hollywoodbets Durbanville, Hollywoodbets Greyville and Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

The partnership will bring new and improved real-time GPS tracking, sectional timing, fan insights and advanced performance data solutions to racing in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, with all racecourses expected to be live and fully operational later this year.

Race Coast operate several of the most prestigious races and events in the South African racing calendar including the richest race of the year, the Hollywoodbets Durban July at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Other iconic Group 1 highlights include the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, LÓrmarins King’s Plate, and WSB Cape Town Met, with the latter two being hosted at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Today’s announcement marks another significant step in Race Coast’s ongoing commitment to innovation and elevating the fan experience, laying the groundwork for enhanced race insights and the future rollout of in-running betting opportunities powered by TPD’s sophisticated AI models and real-time positional data generated through GPS tracking technology.

For TPD, this major announcement represents another significant milestone, extending its global live data coverage by an additional 160 racedays annually, and further strengthening its international racecourse partner network across 17 countries worldwide.

Adam Moore, Director of Racing Partnerships at TPD, said:

“Our new partnership with Race Coast marks an important step forward in the evolution of South African racing data and another important milestone for TPD. Together, we will unlock new opportunities for broadcasters, bookmakers, analysts, racing professionals and fans alike, all powered by the rich race insights that real-time tracking data will provide. We are delighted to welcome four new premier racecourses and many of South Africa’s most iconic races to our growing international portfolio and would like to thank the Race Coast and Hollywoodbets teams for their trust, collaboration and shared commitment to innovation. We look forward to building a successful long-term partnership together.”

Dean Sawarjith, Chief Operating Officer at Race Coast, said:

“Race Coast is committed to continually improving the quality of our racing product and ensuring that we keep pace with developments across the international racing industry. Our partnership with TPD builds on tracking and sectional timing capabilities already in place across our racecourses, while giving us access to richer data, enhanced analytics and new opportunities around broadcasting, fan engagement and wagering. We look forward to working with TPD as we continue to evolve the Race Coast offering.”

About Total Performance Data
Total Performance Data (TPD) is a global leader in live horse racing data covering 17 countries globally. Using pioneering live GPS tracking technology, TPD delivers live and post-race performance data, including sectional times, stride metrics and in-running odds to broadcasters, bookmakers, analysts and racing professionals worldwide. TPD’s data powers betting markets, performance analysis and next-generation fan engagement products. Since TPD was founded, the company has maintained an exclusive partnership with Gmax Technology Ltd. Designed and developed in Cambridge (UK), the agile Gmax Race System is the most accurate and widely adopted system of its kind in global racing.

About Race Coast

Race Coast was created with the vision to revitalise the sport and redefine racehorse ownership. Through delivering premium experiences, building an inclusive community, and growing a new generation of fans, members, and owners across the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, our mission is to create unforgettable experiences for both seasoned enthusiasts and new fans. A dynamic brand that honours tradition while embracing innovation, we’re committed to making racing accessible and exciting for all – celebrating the rich racing cultures of KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, two iconic regions that define South African horse racing. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or discovering the sport for the first time, Race Coast aims to reignite interest and reframe the experience while maintaining the integrity of a rich legacy.

For more information: info@totalperformancedata.com

Double Grand Slam will be hard to beat in the Gr 3 Diana Stakes (Picture Wayne Marks)

Mark van Deventer (Race Coast)

11 x winning wonder-mare, DOUBLE GRAND SLAM has a huge class edge over her rivals in Saturday’s Diana Stakes at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

She ticks all the important boxes: highest OMR 125, clear best weighted by ten points, course and 1400m distance form, handles any type of ground, top connections (Justin Snaith/ Keagan de Melo) and she has won fresh before so the 84-day gap since her KZN campaign should not be an issue.

The accomplished multiple Grade 1 winning daughter of Vercingetorix has gone off as favorite in most of her starts and will do so again. It is hard to envisage her getting beaten.

STORMWATCH, who packs a potent turn of foot and now comes back from her annual break, and 4YO filly KEUKENHOF are next best in the official rankings, together with BABELICIOUS, who has a place chance if transferring her best sprint form to seven furlongs.

Des McLachlan’s stable star JET FORCE is the pick in the Matchem Stakes Gr 3. Grant van Niekerk jets in to ride this high-class Master of My Fate gelding who loves a true run 1400m and does well at this venue.

JET FORCE scrapped with ace sprinter BUFFALO STORM CODY in Durban during the Winter – beating his foe in the Post Merchants Gr 3 then succumbing (narrowly) in the Mercury Spring Gr 1. That level of form makes him the one to beat in Race 7.

Rob Barrett’s CHASINGTHERAINBOW is a late running “swooper” to be respected. Most impressive when sweeping clear of GALLIC DREAM in the Winter Mile he resumes 97 days after that eye-catching score.

SUGAR MOUNTAIN, a winner of 12 of 43 races and a specialist over seven panels is another legit contender. So too is LEGAL COUNSEL who ran strongly in big races between 1600 and 2000m. He is a mighty-tough customer to pass when in a galloping mood, but the fleet-footed JET FORCE may be able to accelerate by over this distance.

CAFÉ CULTURE relishes the Hollywoodbets Durbanville layout and should get a smooth run in transit from draw 1. He was second to QUESTIONING in the 2025 Matchem Stakes Gr 3, ahead of the reopposing OUTLAW KING.

O’TENIKWA could also be dangerous pressing the pace from a low gate. He races fresh, gets a change of equipment and has held his own in races at this class level so could supporters give a good sight.

Candice Bass reckons LA PULGA should go nicely first up after a freshening. That gives him a place shake though his absolute best ratings have come over 1800m

GOLD GIBOSKI enjoyed a productive Winter which yielded two wins and two seconds, albeit at a lower level. He comes in with just 54kg’s to compensate for the big step up in class.

Low weight 3YO, MAGMA FLOW makes up the ten-runner Matchem field. Usually ridden handy, he employed hold up tactics last time from a wide draw and ran nicely behind MAGICAL PLACE. This is altogether way harder, though.

Trainer, Justin Snaith is teed up for a successful day and could also have the Settlers Trophy Listed in his grasp. He saddles MIAMI SUMMER and PRAIRIE DAWN as principal candidates in this 2000m contest carded as Race 5.

BILLY BOWLEGS, CONGRESSMAN and DOUGLAS DRAGON should ensure a true run heat which will set things up for Snaith’s strong finishing duo.

The stable reports that PRAIRIE DAWN is “doing great and will run to form” whilst the rapidly progressive, MIAMI SUMMER has specifically targeted this race and could run to a much higher mark now that he gets his optimal trip.

SOHO HEARTTHROB is another stretching out after competing over 1600m. On collateral form with IN A TIMELY MANNER and PRAIRIE DAWN, he has a shout. Dean Kannemeyer’s entry has scope making just his 13^th career start and will be delivered late by fine judge of pace, Craig Zackey. They must be used in single race exotics.

LEGAL DANCER appeals as one of the better bets on the undercard. Des McLachlan and Grant van Niekerk team up on this Legislate 3YO who need only come on slightly from an excellent second to WREATH OF SNOW 24 days ago to see off Maiden rivals in Race 2.

The speed figure and finishing fraction were better than standard for this type of race, plus the form has been bolstered by third place finisher, TIME OF OUR LIVES romping at Hollywoodbets Durbanville’s midweek meeting.

Brandon Bailey’s formguides and selections for Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday

RACE 1:

12 LANDMAN stayed on well for second behind HAVOC on the 22nd of August, the blinkers have been fitted to this gelding, with some luck in running from a bad draw, he will go close to winning. 1 BULLET TOOTH TONY improved nicely from his first run into his second run, he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, he should run a big race from a good draw. 5 PREMIER WINTER tried to lead the field from start to finish on the 6th of September, he did well to finish second behind LE SOLEIL on that occasion, if he brings that run to the track again, he will be super competitive. 9 SUKHOI drifted in the market on debut, he ran a great race behind ULEZ CAMERA on the 12th of August, in hope that he has made further improvement at home, he will be right there in the finish late.

RACE 2

9 LEGAL DANCER quickened smartly late to finish two lengths behind WREATH OF SNOW on the 2nd of September, he looks progressive. If the race works out for him from a bad draw, he will be hard to beat here. 13 BART NEL had absolutely no luck in running last time, he did well to finish two lengths behind SWAZILAND on the 6th of September, the bad draw will make it tough for him, but he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, include him into all bets. 6 OCTOBER RUSH has been rested for 90 days, he is very well-bred, he finished just under ten lengths behind BENNY AND PAUL on debut, watch for sharp improvement from this beautiful colt. 5 ROYAL CLINTON never runs a bad race; his chances must be respected from a decent draw.

RACE 3

8 FIRST BLOOM finished strongly for second behind SABRE WING on debut, she will love the step up in trip to 1400m, with natural improvement expected from this well-bred filly, she will go close to winning. 3 PEACE MOON finished just under six lengths behind THELEIA up the straight at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on the 30th of August, she is open to any amount of improvement, watch her closely from a good draw. 4 WHAT THE FLUFF never runs a bad race, she is honest, and she tries hard, her chances must be respected in this tricky race. 6 ROCK THE ROAD gets the services of top jockey Keagan de Melo, she ran a lovely race behind OVER MY SHOULDER on the 5th of August, she can only improve stepping up in trip to 1400m. 5 GETORIX PRINCESS could be anything, watch the market closely.

RACE 4

5 ONE LINER was a touch unlucky behind BLACK CHEETAH on the 6th of September, he will be cherry ripe going into this race, include him into all bets at a decent price. 3 ABSOLUTELY YES finished second in the same race as ONE LINER last time, on his best form, he has a big winning chance from a good draw. 4 IRELAND FOREVER quickened up smartly to win going away on the 22nd of August, he was given three points for that impressive win. Watch him late, he will be low flying at the finish. 9 OLIVER is in great form at the moment. If the race works out for him, and the gaps open at the right time, he will be competitive.

RACE 5

2 MIAMI SUMMER won well on the 22nd of August, he was given five points for that impressive win last time. The yard thinks highly of this gelding, he will go very close to winning again from a neat draw. 5 PRAIRIE DAWN has been rested for 125 days, he stayed on well for third behind FUTURE FREE in the Pocket Power Stakes Listed on the 24th of May, he looks progressive, in hope that he doesn’t need the run after a lengthy break, he should be right there in the finish again. 4 SOHO HEARTTHROB has been rested for 74 days, he won a gutsy race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 14th of July he was given four points for that win. The step up in trip to 2000m will be no problem for this gelding, he can definitely win again. 8 BILLY BOWLEGS might be the value play in this race, he was only beaten just under two lengths by MIAMI SUMMER on the 22nd of August, he will be cherry ripe for this race, include him into all bets.

RACE 6

5 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM has been rested for 84 days, she is an absolute champion, her form is faultless, if she is anywhere near her best, she will beat this field easily. 4 KEUKENHOF has been rested for 84 days, she ran a great race for fourth in the Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes Gr 1 on the 4th of July, she has a big winning chance from a good draw, include her into all bets. 6 STORMWATCH has been rested for 146 days, she won the Ladies Mile Listed impressively on the 3rd of May. She will be competitive on her best form, watch her closely here. 1 BEWARE THE BOMB has been rested for 97 days, she loves this track, she could sneak into the Quartet from a neat draw.

RACE 7

7 JET FORCE has been rested for 62 days, he was gutsy when finishing fast for second in the Mercury Sprint Gr 1 on the 26th of July, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be flying at them late, include him into all bets. 5 LEGAL COUNSEL has been rested for 62 days, he finished just over three lengths behind EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN in the HKJC Champions Cup Gr 1 on the 26th of July, he can be very dangerous from the front, his chances must be respected. 9 CHASINGTHERAINBOW has been rested for 97 days, he won well at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 21st of June, he looks progressive. He will be working into the race late, watch him closely here. 8 SUGAR MOUNTAIN won a top race up the straight last time, he could sneak into the places on his best form.

RACE 8

6 STAR WORLD quickened up beautifully to win well on the 6th of September, she was given three points for that win last time, she absolutely loves this track, she will go close again, include her into all bets. 10 OVER MY SHOULDER won impressively on the 5th of August, the form of that race has worked out well, even though she is drawn badly here, she looks smart and she can definitely win again. 9 SING FOREVERMORE did well to finish second behind OCTOBER FEST on the 12th of August, she will be running on strongly late with no weight on her back, watch her closely. 7 WYZE DECLARATION has been rested for 63 days, she was only beaten one length by CLIFFSCAPE on the 25th of July, in hope that she doesn’t need the run after a small break, she has a good place chance in this field.

RACE 9

5 PEACE OF MIND stayed on nicely for second behind EASY MONEY on the 15th of August, she is very fast, even though she has a big weight on her back here, she will be hard to fetch late. 4 BARNEY MCGREW quickened up well to win nicely on the 2nd of September, he was given two points for that win last time, his form is very good, he has a big winning chance again from a good draw. 8 AXIS POWER finished second behind BARNEY MCGREW last time, that was his first run in the Western Cape at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, if he gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, he will be competitive. 1 WORLD OF SECRETS has been rested for 81 days, she won her maiden well on the 7th of July, she will be given every chance again from a neat draw, watch her closely.

Gavriel has been tipped to win The Cambridgeshire (Picture: Sporting Life)

At The Races

Formguides and selections for the big Newmarket meeting on Saturday

1 2:22 PM SA Time – British Stallion Studs EBF ‘Jersey Lily’ Fillies’ Nursery
William Haggas has won this twice since 2017 and although Next Of Kin was beaten four lengths at Newbury on her nursery debut, she ran out of racing room and should do better now. The unbeaten POLYXENA has won both her starts at Windsor by narrow margins, staying on strongly over 6f suggesting there is improvement to come over the added distance here, and she could land her hat-trick. Al Samsama might also get involved in the finish if she learns to settle after her solid Goodwood second.

Top Tip: Polyxena (2)
Watch out for: Next Of Kin (8)

2 2:55 PM SA Time – Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2)
Bow Echo won this last season but only time will tell if there is anything of that calibre here. Burning Up is unbeaten after two wins at Haydock and he looks the sort to keep on improving, though further rain would aid his cause. First Law battled on to win again at Haydock and may try to make all, but QUICKEN AWAY is preferred. He won a Goodwood maiden on his second start and could pounce late if he gets a good tow into the final furlong.

Top Tip: Quicken Away (6)
Watch out for: Burning Up (1)

3 3:27 PM SA Time – Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes (Fillies’ Group 1)
Five of the six runners won on their latest start with Sun Goddess making it four in a row when taking the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh by over six lengths. She is improving race on race and is clearly a class act, but she was a length behind LIBERTANGO in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and George Boughey’s filly may be the better suited to 6f. Senorita Bonita and Moonrise are also on the upgrade and could well get involved.

Top Tip: Libertango (2)
Watch out for: Sun Goddess (6)

4 4:00 PM SA Time – Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes (Group 1)
PUSH THE BOAT OUT heads the shortlist after he gamely won the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh. Bearing in mind the runner-up in that race won the Coventry at Royal Ascot, Michael O’Callaghan’s unbeaten colt has solid credentials, despite stepping up in grade. Inner City Blues also boasts an unblemished record and must be feared with his yard chasing a third consecutive winner in this race. He cosily held his two rivals when winning the July Stakes at Newmarket. His winning form over 6f makes him more of a danger than the Norfolk Stakes winner, Orthodox, who was well beaten on his first try over this trip in the Prix Morny at Deauville last month.

Top Tip: Push The Boat Out (7)
Watch out for: Inner City Blues (4)

5 4:40 PM SA Time – bet365 Cambridgeshire (Heritage Handicap)
John & Thady Gosden certainly know how to prepare one to win this race this and GAVRIEL, who is 2lb well in under a penalty for a ready success at Ascot three weeks ago, is a highly appealing contender for the yard. Gosden senior first won this in 1994 with Halling, who was a shade more experienced but there are similarities in that this son of Frankel is on an upwards curve and should have no issues with the trip. Erzindjan won a heritage handicap on the Rowley Mile in May and a repeat of that level would see him go close, while the long list of alternatives is spearheaded by Indalo, Crest of Fire and Bourbon Blues.

Top Tip: Gavriel (11)
Watch out for: Erzindjan (4)

6 5:15 PM SA Time – Blandford Bloodstock 25th Anniversary EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (GBB Race)
It’s very possible that the benefit of experience will help Ozone Friendly go one better than her debut second at Lingfield. However, this is an intriguing maiden and some of the newcomers could be well placed to have a big impact. QUEEN OF THE GULF, who cost 265,000gns as a yearling and is related to a handful of winners, is suggested as the first one to consider, although betting market support for Roger Varian’s stable companions Out Late and Miss Jane Hadley would be noteworthy. Via Star is another well-bred debutant to keep an eye on.

Top Tip: Queen Of The Gulf (8)
Watch out for: Ozone Friendly (7)

7 5:50 PM SA Time – Hunt Family Fund Handicap
ADDISON GREY is unexposed over 7f and, having gone well over this trip the last twice, the consistent four-year-old could be tough to deal with here. The hat-trick seeking pair Huscal and Dapper Guest are dangerous to underestimate and are capable of being on the premises. However, Sword Maker is a progressive three-year-old with an attractive profile and it’s noteworthy that his connections have earmarked this for the son of Pinatubo’s return from a break.

Top Tip: Addison Grey (4)
Watch out for: Sword Maker (5)

Sporting Life

Middle Park Stakes: Timeform Preview

David Cleary
Timeform Analyst

Timeform’s David Cleary casts his eye over the Middle Park Stakes field and shares the Timeform view on all the key metrics.

Middle Park Stakes, six furlongs, 2yo colts
The Middle Park regularly brings together the best of the sprinting two-year-old colts, with the winners of races such as the Coventry, Gimcrack, Richmond, Phoenix Stakes and Prix Morny often taking their chance in the first Group 1 for two-year-old colts in Britain.

Aidan O’Brien has been the winning-most trainer in the race’s history, with seven successes having come his way; Minardi was the first in 2000. Ad Valorem, in 2004, rates the best of the Ballydoyle winners, on 121. He was placed in the St James’s Palace and Sussex Stakes at three, but had to wait until the 2006 Queen Anne to gain his only subsequent victory.

Best winning performances on Timeform ratings since 2001
129 Dream Ahead

121 Ad Valorem Dutch Art Oasis Dream

120 Shalaa

119 Ten Sovereigns Vandeek

Dream Ahead’s performance in winning the 2010 Middle Park was one of the greatest by a two year old in the twenty-first century. He won the race by nine lengths from Strong Suit, who went on to show himself top class at three (Timeform rating 131). The winners of the Gimcrack and Robert Papin took third and fourth.

The race was run on soft ground, the most testing for the race in the last 25 years, which might have contributed to the size of Dream Ahead’s winning margin. However, he demonstrated at three that he was capable of even better than he had shown that day and didn’t need soft going to give of his best. Dream Ahead won the July Cup, Sprint Cup and Foret as a three year old and improved his Timeform rating to 133.

Prior to the Middle Park, Dream Ahead had won the Prix Morny at Deauville, which has often provided the key to the Middle Park. Earthlight, Perfect Power, Blackbeard and Vandeek all completed the Morny-Middle Park double in the last decade. Last year’s Middle Park victor Wise Approach – the lowest-rated winner since 2001 – had finished third in the Morny.

Upsets are rare in the Middle Park. Five of the last eight winners have been sent off favourite, while two others in that period were second in the market. The last to win at a double-figure price was US Navy Flag in 2017. He was sent off at 10/1, the supposed Aidan O’Brien second string behind the Phoenix Stakes winner Sioux Nation.

The previous year, the 25/1-chance The Last Lion came out on top ahead of the Gimcrack winner Blue Point. The Last Lion was gaining a fourth win from 10 starts as a two year old, his campaign having begun with victory in the Brocklesby.

Tactics
Carry The Flag was the one confirmed front runner among those left in the race at the start of the week, but he is taking up a more appealing engagement in the Goffs Million at the Curragh.

The likely market leaders are set to rely on something else to tow the field along. Inner City Blues has been held up on both his starts; Orthodox raced mid-division in both the Norfolk and the Morny.

Push The Boat Out has raced prominently on both his starts, so might end up in front, or at least close up, in a race where a good gallop isn’t guaranteed.

The outsider Hell of A Spin, third in the Gimcrack, is one likely to be ridden to the fore.

Trip/Ground/Draw
With the majority of the main contenders having shown their form in pattern events over six furlongs on ground on the firm side, the prevailing conditions are likely to pose little problem for them.

The draw isn’t really a factor either, though where the jockeys choose to race can play a part, particularly if there is a perceived advantage. The policy of the current clerk of the course of having the stalls in the centre has tended to cancel that out in fields the size of the one lining up on Saturday.

The track can be an issue, and none of these has raced on the Rowley Mile. Inner City Blues showed what looked like greenness on the July course when winning the July Stakes. However, the history of the Middle Park doesn’t suggest the track is regularly a factor in preventing the best horses coming to the fore.z

Pedigree
The Dewhurst and Futurity are, for obvious reasons, generally much more significant in terms of next year’s classics than the Middle Park. In the absence of Great Barrier Reef, there isn’t an obvious potential Guineas candidate in the field, the majority looking likely to prove best around six or seven furlongs on paper. It’s possible that Inner City Blues, whose sire was runner-up in the Middle Park, could be aimed at the Guineas though a mile would be the limit of his stamina judged on pedigree.

Confucius is a son of the Cheveley Park winner Millisle.

Form
Of those still entered at the five-day stage, only Folsom Blues had run to a level good enough to have won the Middle Park this century. Folsom Blues has been very progressive and his six-length win in the National Stakes was the clear pick of the form shown by this field. Prior to that, he had been second to Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes, an effort that would still have him close up on Timeform ratings.

Folsom Blues isn’t the only notable absentee. Aidan O’Brien relies on a pair, Confucius and Marco Polo, that were at much longer odds ante post than Great Barrier Reef and Man’s Best Friend, winners of the Coventry and Richmond respectively. It’s worth noting, however, that Marco Polo was sent off favourite for the Gimcrack, not long after his debut second to Push The Boat Out at the Curragh. Confucius has been sent off favourite in defeat on all three starts in pattern company, including behind Great Barrier Reef in the Coventry.

With several leading contenders failing to take up their engagement, the race could prove to be a bit substandard. Inner City Blues’s win in the July Stakes is about the best form on offer, and he holds a leading chance of giving his stable a third successive win in the race.

The Norfolk winner Orthodox failed to give his running on soft ground in the Morny, but conditions should be fine for a bounce back on Saturday. He’s got about the speediest pedigree in the line-up but should be effective at six furlongs.

Paddock
Confucius looked a better type than Great Barrier Reef in the paddock for the Coventry, so it will be interesting to see how he has developed since.

Inner City Blues is another who might well have developed since mid-summer, though he had plenty about him as a type then.

Orthodox is a strong colt, just the sort of sprint type that might be expected from his pedigree.

Case For The Contenders
Inner City Blues: unbeaten in a maiden at York and the July Stakes, where he overcame inexperience to beat two rivals; one of the least exposed of these and with just about the best form claims; stable going as well as it has all summer.

Orthodox: won the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot; had the ground as an excuse in the Morny on his only start since; speedily bred, but should have no trouble with 6f; Ascot form gives him every chance.

Push The Boat Out: unbeaten in two starts, a maiden at the Curragh – in which he beat Marco Polo – and the Round Tower Stakes, in which he edged out Great Barrier Reef; conditions will be fine and he might get first run if, as seems likely, he’s ridden more prominently than his market rivals.

Marco Polo: went off a short price for the Gimcrack after a highly promising debut second to Push The Boat Out, but finished down the field; made short work of his rivals in a maiden at Cork next time; was due to run at Fairyhouse last Monday, so slight concern that this is an afterthought.

Confucius: beaten favourite on all three starts in pattern company, including when a 2/1-chance in the Coventry; still wouldn’t need to find much improvement to get involved; missed a run in the Acomb at York; a good-looking colt and as well bred as any of these.

Perfect Sky has been tipped to win the headliner at Turffontein Inside (JC Photos)

A MR 98 handicap for fillies and mares is the headliner at Turffontein Inside on Sunday and it could be won by the Sean Tarry-trained Perfect Sky.

Craig Zackey takes the ride on this Vercingetorix filly, who finished a 0,80 length second to Equus Champion Two-year-old filly Palace of Avernia in the Gr 2 Debutante over 1200m at Hollywood Greyville last time out. Good three-year-olds have been dominating handicaps recently and she should be able to handle a merit rating of 100, which gives her a nice galloping weight of 54,5kg.

Doesyourmother know finished second in the Gr 1 Douglas Whyte Thekwini Stakes over 1600m last time out, so this will likely be a touch on the sharp side, but she runs fresh off a 99 merit rating giving her a weight of 54kg and she has the class to be involved.

Trip of Faith is a progressive four-year-old filly and has been in fine form. She has a chance over a suitable distance, although she will have to overcome a wide draw.

Tara Star has good form in KZN and makes her debut for Tyrone Zaki. She has a tricky draw of six, but she has the form to be in the shake up.

Bright And Brazen has not been overly reliable lately, but if she produces her best she could earn from a good draw of three under Gavin Lerena.

Tina Lovelace had been taking on strong opposition and has not raced for 6 months, although she has ability and might be able to earn if overcoming a wide draw.

Blizzard Snow is distance suited, but has a very wide draw to overcome.

Blushing Bloom won over 1450m in June and is interesting running fresh over this trip from a good draw.

Miraculous Moment won her maiden over 1600 by seven lengths and is interesting coming back from a five month layoff over a trip too sharp, because she has pole position and sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is a maiden plate over 1000m And Astrophile could be the one to beat. He has gone close twice over this trip and and now has a plum draw of three. Two Tigers is distance suited and has been knocking on the door. He has a manageable draw of six under Muzi Yeni, who is an expert at overcoming tricky draws. Chestnut Verse is an interesting first-timer as he is by Vercingetorix out of Gr 1 Golden Slipper winner Chestnuts N Pearls.

In the third race over 1600m Up And Up must have a fine chance, because her last second place finish over this trip has been franked by the winner Me And You coming out to win in fine stayle next time out on Tuesday off an 85 merit rating. Purple Rain is knocking on the door and is drawn in pole, so should be in the shake up. Life And Letters also has the form to be involved in this line up.

In the next race race over 1800m Frangipani is in fine form and has pole position over an ideal trip. Surprise Party beat her by 0,60 lengths last time, but there is a draw reversal in Frangipani’s favour. Onetwobucklemyshore is a talented sort who should make her presence felt. Merryweather has the form to be a contender too. Tomyris has plenty of ability and can’t be ignored on her Highveld debut for the Tony Peter yard.

In the fifth race over 1800m Chariklo is knocking on the door and can go close if able to overcome a wide draw over a suitable trip. Nicci’s Law won her maiden easily last time when stepped up to this trip, so is an interesting runner off a reasonable 73 merit rating. Be May Fate is knocking on the door and should be in the shake up too. Rosy Lemon is drawn in pole and can be involved in this line. Pretty Analia is capable of a strong finish, but does have a tricky draw.

In the last race over 1200m Social Graces looks to be a decent and consistent sort and can go close if able to overcome a tricky draw of seven. Kylie’s Angel has a chance from a good draw if repeating her last start. Navigatrix won well on debut and has a chance here off a reasonable merit rating of 87, but she does have to overcome a high draw.

In the first race over 1000m The Bachelorette will appreciate the course and distance and is the one to beat on form, although she does not have an easy draw at five out of eight.

Aeroinvincible is the one to beat in the last race (Picture: HKJC)

At The Races Tipster Tim Carroll has selections, analysis and a tricast for Sunday’s 11-race card at Sha Tin.

This Sunday sees a competitive 11 race card from Sha Tin on both the Turf and All-Weather tracks getting underway at 6.45am SA Time and the feature of the meeting is race 8, The Group 3 Celebration Cup (handicap), over 7 furlongs, offering more than £420,000 in prize money.

Now, onto this week’s selections:

Click here for a comprehensive guide to the meeting