Turf Talk Newsletter – 26 September, 2025

Cafe Culture has a lot in his favour in the Matchem (Picture: Wayne Marks)

There are three features at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday and they should be crackers.

In the Gr 3 Race Coast Matchem over 1400m Stakes Cafe Culture could do it for the Lucinda Woodruff yard. He has drawn in pole and off his 124 merit rating he carries 61.5kg and is the best weighted runner in the field. Cafe Culture has the pace to be handy and has a fine turn of foot. Last time out in the Gr 1 Mercury he ran a fine two length fifth from a wide draw after having a shoe replaced. Over this distance category he has had two wins and a second from six runs so should be a big runner under Chad Little. Sugar Mountain has been in devastating form during the Cape winter, winning three on the trot from 1400m to 1600m. He has drawn well in three and is only half-a-kilogram under sufferance with Cafe Culture. He is by Silvano so is not slowing down as a seven-year-old and should produce another storming finish. Questioning did not enjoy much luck in KZN during the Champions Season, but won this race last year from draw nine and now has draw seven with Richard Fourie up. He should be taken handy and is officially just 1kg under sufferance. Absolutely Yes is officially 8kg under sufferance but looks to be a sort who can progress nicely. Muzi Yeni will likely try and get him to the front which is how he won the Langerman and his long stride could carry him close with just 51kg to shoulder provided he does not waste too much energy in the early stages. The other three-year-old is Aristocratic and he has been shown to have a fine turn of foot, so although officially 5kg under sufferance he could make a bold bid carrying just 50kg plus 1kg overweight for in-form Serino Moodley. Against the two three-year-olds is a three-year-old has not won this race since the great Variety Club prevailed way back in 2011. Underworld is a resolute galloper who should put in a game display over a suitable trip and he could earn. Those are the five who make most appeal.

In the Gr 3 Schweppes Diana Stakes over 1400m the unbeaten Princess Of Gaul faces an acid test against older fillies and mares. Off her 107 meit rating she carries 53,5kg and is officially 2,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted runners. However, she looks to be full of class and could be up to it from pole position under Sean Veale over a step up in trip she should enjoy, being by Vercingetorix out of a Duke Of Marmalade half-sister to the Equus Champion broodmare, Halfway To Heaven. However, her useful half-brother by The United States, Kingdundee, does seem to be an out and out sprinter, so there is a slight stamina concern. Swiatek comes off a hattrick of wins over this trip and should be involved under Richard Fourie. Sohot Sowaht could be involved if able to overcome a wide draw as she has caught the eye before. Scarlet McCaw is one of the best weighted horses and this Gr 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas runner up has a good chance from draw two under Andrew Fortune. Keukenhoff had some fine two-year-old form and from a good draw should be a runner.

In the Listed Settlers Trophy over 2000m Greenlightalltheway is drawn well and is on the up, so is taken to claim a wide open event.

It should be an intriguing day’s racing at a venue that always has a good vibe on days when good racing and big rugby matches combine on the agenda.

Swiatek has been selected to win the Gr 3 Schweppes Diana Stakes (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday Formguides And Selections

Race 1

1 WILLIAM’S WOMAN really caught the eye late last time behind Magical Place, she was terribly green early, and she absolutely flew home to run third, from a neat draw, with natural improvement expected, she will go very close to winning. 4 EBISU ran a great race at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on the 30th of July, she stayed on strongly for second behind Fascination, she is a young filly that is improving with every start, if she handles the track of Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, she will be right there in the finish. 5 LAYDELAY showed good improvement from her first run into her second run, she stayed on nicely for second behind Playful Joules on the 27th of August, she is certainly improving, watch her closely from a good draw in this race. 10 CALANQUE ran a cracker on debut behind Playful Joules here at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 27th of August, unfortunately the wide draw won’t make life easy for her, but she is a lovely filly and she will be running on strongly. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 4 – 5 – 10)

 

Race 2

2 EISTEDDFOD will be very hard to beat in this race from a good draw, she would have just needed her last run after a small break, she went to the front and showed plenty heart to run a great second behind Queen Regent on the 9th of September, she is improving, and she will be much fitter for the run on Saturday. 1 SWIFT SERENITY never runs a bad race, she is so consistent, from a good draw, she will get the run of the race, include her into all bets. 8 PANJANDRUM improved beautifully from her first run into her second run, she stayed on nicely for third behind Marketa on the 3rd of September, if she can beat the tricky draw on Saturday, she will have a good each way chance in this race. 13 ONE DANCE has run two very good races in succession, she moved up well to run second behind Miss William last time, the bad draw is the only negative, if she gets some luck in running, she will be mighty competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 8 – 13)

 

Race 3

2 PRIMAL INSTINCT ran a super race on debut behind Typically French on the 9th of September, he jumped out the gates well, he travelled beautifully in his race, and just got touched off at the line to run second in a driving finish, he should love the step up in trip to 1400m on Saturday, from a good draw, he will take a power of beating. 5 SUPER VIKING could represent some value in this race, he ran well on debut behind Pomp It Up on the 13th of August, he was green early, and he stayed on strongly to finish just over eight lengths behind the winner, the further he goes, the better he will be, watch him closely now that he steps up in trip. 9 GREEK HEIRESS finished her race off well enough last time, she came from a long way back to run second behind Red Coral, she is a lovely filly that will keep improving with every start, include her into all bets. 6 THAT’LL B THE DAY brings in some solid form into this race, he is very consistent, the blinkers stay on, he should be amongst the places again. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 5 – 9 – 6)

 

Race 4

1 DELTA PRIDE looks to be the best bet on the card, he has run two very good races in succession, the yard thinks highly of this individual, now that he steps up in trip from a good draw, he will take lots of beating. 3 ALESSIA ASHEVILLE was very disappointing in her last run behind Cape Captain on the 9th of September, she was extremely one paced up the lane, she has been well tried in the maiden ranks, hopefully she will improve now that she steps up in trip to 1400m again. 11 TIME HONORED disappointed in his last start behind Yamazaki, he is much better than that performance, if he can beat the draw on Saturday, he could certainly bounce back to his best form and finish amongst the places. 10 GALE WARNING ran a much improved race on the 9th of September, he ran fifth and was only beaten just over one length at the wire, if he can build on that run, he could sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 11 – 10)

 

Race 5

9 ROCKANROLLIN must have a serious winning chance in this field, he is extremely well-bred, he ran on powerfully for third last time behind Gallic Forge on the 9th of September, he should love the step up in trip to 1800m on Saturday, with some luck in running, he will be hard to beat. 12 FORT IMPREZA ran a great race behind Beautiful Side on the 9th of September, he had no luck early, and then stayed on well for third, the wide draw will make it tough for him, but he will be running on strongly late, watch him closely at a decent price. 7 WONDERFUL TONIGHT has run three fair races in KwaZulu-Natal at Hollywoodbets Greyville, if he can transfer that form to the Western Cape at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, he will have a good money chance in this field. 4 LOMU ran a much better race behind Smart Horse on the 7th of September, he ran third and was beaten just over five lengths by the winner, the step up in trip should unlock further improvement. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 12 – 7 – 4)

 

Race 6

7 LANDOFTHERISINGSUN has been rested for 63 days, he is a lovely looking gelding with tons of ability, he really caught the eye late last time behind Captain West on the 26th of July, he should love the step up in trip to 2000m on Saturday, if he doesn’t need the run badly from a small break, with no weight on his back, he will go very close to winning, watch him for the Cape Summer Season. 6 CONGRESSMAN has been rested for 95 days, he won a good race from the front at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 24th of June, he is very consistent, he could certainly lead this field from start to finish on Saturday with no weight on his back. 4 ARDABIL has been rested for 141 days, he ran a great race in the Listed East Cape Derby behind My Best Shot on the 9th of May at Fairview Racecourse, he is still improving and getting better with racing, there is no doubt he will be competitive on his best form. 1 VOORLOOPERTJIE quickened up in devastating fashion to win a good race on the 27th of August, if he brings that performance to the track again on Saturday, he could easily win again at a good price. You can make a case for Time For Love as well, it’s a tricky race, go wide. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 6 – 4 – 1)

 

Race 7

Great race! 4 SWIATEK quickened up like a smart filly in the making to win a good race on the 7th of September at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, this is undoubtedly a tougher task for her, she has gone up significantly in the ratings as well, but she has improved with every run, and she has a striking turn of foot late, she will be right there in the finish again. 11 KINDA WONDERFUL returned to racing with a cracking run behind Dumbledore on the 27th of August, she would have needed that run from a small break, the bad draw in this race will make it tricky for her, but she has lots of ability and she will be finishing like a train late. 2 SCARLET MACAW could be the value horse in this race, she has been rested for 84 days, from a neat draw over this trip of 1400m, she will get the run of the race, on her best form, she will make them all work for victory, watch her closely at a decent price. 1 PRINCESS OF GAUL has been rested for 62 days, she is a young filly that remains unbeaten, she steps up in trip on Saturday to 1400m, and she gets the perfect draw, she could be absolutely anything, include her into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 11 – 2 – 1)

 

 

Race 8

3 SUGAR MOUNTAIN has been rested for 74 days, he looks to be in a great space at the moment, he won so impressively last time, he will be stalking the speed early from a good draw, and he will be eating up the ground late, on his best form, he will be tough to beat. 9 ABSOLUTELY YES never runs a bad race, he is very consistent and he tries hard, he is definitely one of the better three year old’s in the country at the moment, if he gets to the front early with no weight on his back, he will certainly fight all the way to the line, include him into all bets. 6 UNDERWORLD has been rested for 84 days, he had a wonderful season in KwaZulu-Natal, he is gutsy, if he doesn’t need the run badly on Saturday, he will be competitive at a good price. 1 CAFE CULTURE has been rested for 62 days, he ran a great race in the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint from a wide draw on the 27th of July, he has tons of ability, he will be hitting the line hard, watch him closely from a good draw. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 9 – 6 – 1)

 

Race 9

5 WEHAVEASITUATION had absolutely no luck in running last time, she was caught wide and unfortunately became very one paced up the lane on the 27th of August behind Tap Shoes, she has a good draw on Saturday, and she has no weight on her back because of the apprentice claim, if she gets the cover early and she settles in running, she will be storming home late, include her into all bets. 1 BENEATH THE CLOUDS has been rested for 63 days, she ran fourth behind Lavender Bay on the 26th of July, she can be very dangerous from the front, from a good draw, her chances must be respected. 8 STRAWBERRY THIEF has been rested for 107 days, she is much better than her last run behind Beneath The Clouds on the 12th of June, if the race works out for her, and she bounces back to her best form, she can win a race like this easily. 11 TWO A PENNY has been rested for 67 days, she quickened up well to win a terrific race on the 22nd of July, even though she carries a big weight on her back for this race, she has lots of ability, if she gets some luck in running from a wide draw, she will be amongst the places. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 1 – 8 – 11)

 

Race 10

11 COUNTRY TIME finally got her head back in front on the 3rd of September, she won a good race last time, she was given five points for that victory, if champion apprentice Brevan Plaatjies can work some magic and get this mare into a good position from a wide draw on Saturday, she could certainly win again. 7 MELA STRENGTH drops in trip, he is very consistent, watch him closely moving down to the start, if he goes down well, he will be right there in the finish. 6 LYRICAL GANGSTER won his maiden impressively on the 13th of September, even though it wasn’t a strong race on paper, he won with lots in hand, and he is still improving, he will go very close to winning again. 10 FORT RED ran a fair race behind African Prince on the 30th of August, he was only beaten just over two lengths at the line, he has dropped in the ratings nicely, and he gets the services of top jockey Richard Fourie, he could be the value horse in this tough race. (Brandon Bailey: 11 – 7 – 6 – 10)

Mrs. Tarryn Mason (Pic – Supplied)

Media release by SA Jockey Academy on Friday 26 September 2025

The South African Jockey Academy (SAJA), Africa’s only institution for the education and training of professional jockeys, has proudly announced the historic appointment of Mrs. Tarryn Mason as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO).
This landmark appointment represents a defining moment in the Academy’s history, creating a strengthened executive structure that ensures excellence both on and off the track.

In this newly established role, Mason will provide strategic oversight across operations, finance, marketing, and stakeholder relations, working alongside the Headmaster to drive the Academy’s mission of developing world-class jockeys.

Tarryn Mason is no stranger to the Academy. With more than a decade of dedicated service, she has become an integral force behind its growth and modernization.

Her contributions have been wide-ranging and transformative: leading the multidisciplinary support team that underpins apprentice success, spearheading national recruitment efforts to secure the future of the sport, championing health and wellness research tailored to jockey athletes, and significantly elevating the Academy’s presence through communications, fundraising, and industry engagement.

In addition to her professional impact, Mason’s appointment is a historic milestone for SAJA, as she becomes the first woman to join the Academy’s executive leadership team, paving the way for greater representation at the highest levels of the institution.

Speaking on her appointment, Mason said:

“It is a true honour to step into this pioneering role. The Academy has been at the heart of my professional journey for more than ten years, and I am deeply proud of the role I have been able to play in shaping its path. To now serve as its first Chief Operating Officer is both humbling and inspiring, and I look forward to continuing to build on our proud legacy, together with our staff, apprentices, and partners.”

Speaking on behalf of the SAJA Board, its Chairman, Basil Thomas thanked the Board for supporting this hugely important restructure and expressed particular appreciation to the Headmaster, Mr Marius Nel for his enthusiastic support in recognising that the businesses of Academics and Operations need to be collaborative but essentially, separate.

“The South African Jockey Academy celebrates this milestone as a testament to Tarryn’s unwavering commitment, expertise, and vision. This appointment is so deserved, and we look forward to the continued growth and sustainability that her leadership will bring.”

Maine Chance Farms’ draft will be immaculately presented as usual (Picture: Supplied)

Grade One producers and star stallions are a striking factor of the consignment that Maine Chance Farms are bringing to the 2025 Two-Year-Old Sale.

This draft includes progeny of outstanding producers as well as two-year-olds by the likes of Japan, Legislate, Master Of My Fate, Querari and Maine Chance’s own champion sire Vercingetorix. Five likely standouts are:

Lot 49: Pearly Beach – Japan – Paulinia (colt):

By Galileo’s Gr 1 Grand Prix de Paris/Gr 1 Juddmonte International winning son Japan, Pearly Beach, a colt closely inbred to the legendary Urban Sea, is a half-brother to a winner, and his Sea The Stars sired dam is out of a stakes winning Red Ransom half-sister to Gr1 winning champion Potemkin.

 

Lot 59: Qilin – Master Of My Fate – Quena (filly):

By the same sire as such top-class fillies as Golden Palm, Anotherdanceforme, Zarina and Sentbydestiny, Qilin is a half-sister to two multiple winners. Her Silvano sired dam Quena hails from the same family as champion, and top-class South African sire, Querari among many others.

 

Lot 79: Fine Silver – Futura -Silver Stripe (colt):

By one of the best sons of star sire Dynasty, Fine Silver is a half-brother to both Equus Champion, and dual Gr 1 winner, One Stripe, and last season’s Gr 3 Langerman third Vapour Trail. His Listed Spook Express Handicap winning dam, a full sister to Gr 3 Winter Derby winner Gifted For Glory, was produced by Gr 1 Paddock Stakes winner Badger’s Gift.

 

Lot 81: Snowblade – Vercingetorix -Slalom Queen (colt):

By South Africa’s reigning champion sire, Snowblade, bred on the same cross as the likes of Chansonette and Peach Daiquiri, is out of speedy Gr 3 Strelitzia Stakes runner up Slalom Queen. Snowblade, a three-parts brother to Vercingetorix’s stakes placed son The Mauritian, has black-type performers as his first three dams, with his third dam Bardot having produced three graded stakes winners led by Gr 1 winners Viva Maria and Warrior’s Rest. Viva Maria produced impressive debut winner Viva’s Liberte to the cover of Vercingetorix.

 

Lot 132: Cherryblossompink – Vercingetorix –Champery (filly):

A full sister to Gr 1 World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas winner Chansonette, Cherryblossompink was produced by Querari’s stakes placed daughter Champery. The blue blooded Champery is out of the Mr. Greeley mare Celigny, a half-sister to Gr 1 Las Virgenes winner Eden’s Moon. This is the family of outstanding international gallopers Theatrical, Paradise Creek, Wild Event and David Junior among others.

 

For more information on this draft, please contact Ross Fuller on (082) 587 7045

All horses purchased off the RCS Two-Year-Old Sale qualify for the RCS Slipper. The Slipper is run over 1200m for qualifying 2yo graduates of Race Coast Sales. This lucrative race will be run in mid-April for a purse of R3 Million in 2026 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Accept Cookies is progressive and could follow up on her last win (JC Photos)

The highest rated event at the eight race meeting at Turffontein Inside on Sunday is a MR 92 handicap for fillies and mares and Accept Cookies could go marching on.

This Gimmethegreenlight filly has progressed nicely and became a three time winner at the Vaal last time out when easily despatching a fillies and mares handicap field over this trip by an easy one-and-a-half lengths under Gavin Lerena. She did have draw two on that occasion and she now has draw six and is five points higher in the merit ratings, but she looks to be coming into her own and with Muzi Yeni aboard she should find a nice position in the running. Palace Dancer has plenty of ability and the trip of 1450m is perfect for her. However she does have the widest draw of all to overcome. Jingleberry has only had two starts and has not raced for five months. She is a half-sister to the useful sprinter, Coin Spinner, and to date she has raced over sprints, winning first time out over 1160m and then finishing 4,5kg behind the talented One Fine Winter over 1100m in the Gr 3 TAB Pretty Polly Polly Stakes. It remains to be seen whether she will stay this trip, but from pole position she will be given every chance of doing so, although on the downside she is 1kg under sufferance on official merit ratings. Valieva is another one who could possibly be stretched by the trip on the evidence of her form to date, but she is more mature than when last trying the trip in May this year, so she could possibly get it and Serino Moodley will no doubt give her a patient ride. Two Step Queen is well drawn and has won over the course and distance before and she might put in a bold bid from the front.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 2000m Asiah’s Tiara has been running some fair races over shorter and being by Rabada out of a mare whose three wins included two over 1600m she should get this trip. She does have a tricky draw, but should make a bold bid in this uninspiring field. Military Moves met a good sort on debut in Tenjiku and the form of that race has worked out well, so he could improve over this trip being by Fire Away out of an Oasis Dream mare who won over 1600m and placed second over 2400m. Gift Of Royal disappointed last time when stepped up to this trip, but in the context of this race she could be a contender based on her run in July when 3.7 lengths back over 1800 metres.

In the second leg of the P6 over 2000m Future Date could be the one to beat from a pole position draw. She finished 3.95 lengths behind the talented Accept Cookies last time but had a tricky draw then and on pedigree she could stay the trip being by the stamina influential Futura out of a five time-winning Announce mare from 1200m to 1600m. Free In Seattle won a nice race last time over 1800m and this consistent sort could still earn here despite copping a three point raise, although she does have a tricky draw to overcome. Kissing Machine is 2kg better off with Free In Seattle for a 2.7 length beating and has another wide draw to contend with. Avoontoast beat Future Date by a head last time and faces her on the same terms but there is a reversal in draw fortunes. Arctic Silver looks to be capable of improvement and has a good draw under the in-form 4kg claimer Samo-Burthia so could be a contender here if bouncing back from a run last time over too sharp a distance.

In the fifth race, a Novice handicap over 1200m, Stormy Day made a fine debut and could follow up off a reasonable 90 merit rating with Craig Zackey aboard from a pole position draw. Blushing Bloom is another stablemate with a chance as she has good form over this trip, although she does have to overcome a tricky draw of five. Merryweather is yet another stablemate and she won well last time over 1600m and could be a contender here if able to overcome a wide draw over this drop in trip. Fifty Ways won easily second time out over 1000m and runs off an 89 merit rating in a much stronger field, but he can’t be discounted. Spy Story ran a well beaten third on Thursday, but if taking his place he could earn.

In the sixth race over 1200m Vibe SA is a talented sort and has a good draw here which should play into his hands. This looks to be an ideal trip and he should be right there under Calvin Habib. Ensuing goes for a hattrick and the eight point raise he was given for his easy win last time is alleviated by the 4kg claim of in-form Samo-Burthia and he is drawn well too, so should make a bold bid. Got The Feeling has won two out of three starts and looks to be talented, so can’t be ignored, although it will be tough from draw eight. Longsword disappointed last time but is always capable of running on strongly over this trip so can’t be ignored under Craig Zackey, despite a tricky draw of six. The Last Duke ran a cracker first time out the maidens last time and although he has got a 93 merit rating to contend with he should make his presence felt from a fair draw of four.

In the 8th race Sea Shanty ran on well last time for third place over this 1450m trip and he could be a contender, but the problem is the wide draw he now has. Jarryd Penny will have his work cut out. Chieftain’s Shield is a progressive sort who has won his last three and he should be running on strongly as usual after being dropped out from draw six, although it won’t be easy off a four point higher mark. Clarkson is talented and distance suited and he should be running on if able to overcome the widest draw of all. Fully Loaded is drawn in pole and has the form to be a contender here. Laughing William beat Sea Shanty by 0.85 lengths last time but is 1.5kg worse off now, so there won’t be much in it.

In the first race over 1450m Councillor is by Rafeef out of a Jay Peg mare and a half-sister to Lunch Money, who won second time out over 1200m, so she should make her presence felt, although she does have a tricky draw of six on debut. Flying World ran a cracker second time out to be narrowly beaten over this trip and she came from a wide draw that day and will have to overcome another wide draw. Anahita is an interesting runner being by Vercingetorix and being a full sister to the top class Rascallion and she has a good draw with the in-form 4kg claimer Samo-Burthia up.

In the second One Eye On Vegas put up a good performance first time out against a well-regarded sort and should improve with the step up in trip and has pole position. Green Machine is by Gimmethegreenlight and is a half-brother to the useful Beating Wings. Texas Missile is by One World and is a half-brother to the four-time winner Hawkbill.

Bow Echo has been tipped to win the Gr 2 Royal Lodge Stakes (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

Newmarket Saturday Formguides And Selections

At The Races

1 2:50 PM – Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2)
BOW ECHO arrives with strong claims of keeping his unbeaten record intact. The Night Of Thunder colt showed a determined attitude to land a Listed contest at Haydock three weeks ago, and is fancied to take this step up in class in his stride. There was little to separate runner-up Humidity and Pacific Avenue (fourth) in the Solario Stakes at Sandown but the former is marginally preferred over this extra furlong, while Ballydoyle colt Action is another to note.

Top Tip: Bow Echo (3)
Watch out for: Humidity (5)

2 3:25 PM – Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes (Fillies’ Group 1)
Royal Fixation landed the Lowther Stakes at York in the manner of a high-class filly. It’s difficult to envisage runner-up America Queen turning the tables, but BEAUTIFY poses a much bigger threat. A Group 2 winner over 6f at the Curragh in June, Aidan O’Brien’s charge then cruised into contention in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes before finding the 7f trip just beyond her, but she can resume winning ways back sprinting. Stablemate True Love is not out of this either.

Top Tip: Beautify (3)
Watch out for: Royal Fixation (8)

3 4:00 PM – Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes (Group 1)
Listed winner Wise Approach found further improvement to finish third in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville. Representing last year’s winning yard, he will likely prove hard to stop, but a chance is taken on THE PUBLICAN’S SON. Thrown in at the deep end when contesting a Group 3 at the Curragh on his debut, Joseph O’Brien’s charge caught the eye, weaving through runners to finish a strong second, so he may well prove competitive at this level. Coppull and Hilitany are others to consider.

Top Tip: The Publican’s Son (8)
Watch out for: Wise Approach (9)

4 4:40 PM – bet365 Cambridgeshire (Heritage Handicap)
Champion jockey elect Oisin Murphy rode Treble Tee and FORT GEORGE to their most recent victories, but the fact he is on the latter might be a clue in itself. He’s 9lb higher than for last month’s Newbury triumph but given the rate at which he is progressing it might not halt further improvement. He is narrowly preferred to Fifth Column, who could be a Group horse in waiting, having landed valuable handicaps on the July Course and York over the summer. Stablemate Westridge is another to note, along with recent Goodwood winner Tribal Chief, and Boiling Point, who represents last year’s winning connections. Others to consider include the likes of Erzindjan, Great Chieftain and Real Gain.

Top Tip: Fort George (14)
Watch out for: Fifth Column (10)

5 5:15 PM – British Stallion Studs EBF ‘Jersey Lily’ Fillies’ Nursery
GWEN JOHN struck the woodwork in a valuable nursery at Doncaster recently and is likely to progress further over 7f. She is taken to score off 4lb higher, but Beverley maiden winner Secret Echo looks a big threat, even allowing for the fact that she is 1lb out of the handicap on her nursery debut. Similar comments apply to Chepstow scorer Quiescent, while the hat-trick seeking Just Call Me Angel appeals as another leading contender.

Top Tip: Gwen John (4)
Watch out for: Secret Echo (9)

6 5:45 PM – Blandford Bloodstock Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (GBB Race) (Div 1)
ACT OF KINDNESS fetched a staggering 3,700,000gns purchase at the sales, but perhaps for good reason as her pedigree is laden with Group 1 winners. The daughter of Siyouni gets the vote ahead of fellow debutant Shady Dame, whose dam California scored first time out before landing the Lille Langtry as a four-year-old. Cherry Baker outran odds of 50-1 to finish a highly encouraging second at Sandown last time out, and she can prove that was no fluke.

Top Tip: Act Of Kindness (1)
Watch out for: Shady Dame (9)

7 6:20 PM – Blandford Bloodstock Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (GBB Race) (Div 2)
There are plenty of flashy pedigrees being showcased and the betting should prove informative. However, it is OTTOMAN EMPRESS that gets the vote. As her name suggests, she is a half-sister to the classy Ottoman Fleet, who has registered some of his most notable successes on the Rowley Mile. A 550,000gns purchase, there is plenty recommend her on paper. Golden Orbit and Summer In Paris are others that need to be monitored in the market, while Zabeel Flower sets the form standard.

Top Tip: Ottoman Empress (5)
Watch out for: Golden Orbit (4)

8 6:55 PM – Ambassador Cruise Line Handicap
INDIAN SPRINGS looks a smart prospect. A C&D maiden winner in April before following up at Haydock in July, this looks a natural stepping stone for the son of Too Darn Hot, for all that an opening mark of 96 doesn’t leave much room for error. Those with more experience such as Mr Chaplin and Zoulu Chief can make this a good test, while Completely Random and Aalto are just two others to consider.

Top Tip: Indian Springs (4)
Watch out for: Mr Chaplin (6)

Tristan Godden clinches a four-timer as the Mike Miller yard run first, second and fourth with Gimmethegreenlight pair Infinity Edge and Sovereign Grant and Magical View (Captain Of All) (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Alan Greeff scored a four-timer on the Fairview poly with Richard Fourie riding two of them and Kendall Minnie the other two and there were also individual doubles for Sharon Kotzen and Luyolo Mxothwa.

On the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf Tristan Godden scored a four-timer.

Gareth van Zyl scored an individual treble, two of them ridden by S’Manga Khumalo.

Richard Fourie’s double took him into the lead in the national jockeys championship, one ahead of Craig Zackey.

Fourie has 34 wins achieved at a strike rate of 26.77%

Khumalo is on 24 wins at 18.60%.

Godden is on 17 wins at 23.29%

Mxothwa is on 15 win at 15.96%.

The double was Kendall Minnie’s first two wins of the season.

Greeff is now on 31 wins at 20%.

Van Zyl is on ten wins at 18.81%.

Sharon Kotzen is on eights wins at 12.50%.

Who is the most famous winner of the Royal Lodge Stakes?

The picture is of the subject