Turf Talk Newsletter – 30 May, 2025

King Of The Gauls has always been highly regarded and looks cherry ripe to deliver. (Candiese Lenferna Photograhy).

Andrew Harrison (Gold Cicle)

Nothing went right for the Tony Rivalland-trained King Of The Gauls on a recent trip to Cape Town for their summer season. The stable rate him as more than useful and the two below par efforts at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth could well have played in his favour for the Gr2 Golden Horse Sprint, fourth leg of the R500 000 Jackpot 1 carryover at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today.

Had King Of The Gauls finished close-up in the two Cape Town feature sprints that he contested, he would have incurred a penalty. As it now stands he still races off a 109 rating which could still be below his true potential and as this race is a handicap he has a relatively handy galloping weight.

What is more encouraging is that on his comeback run in KZN he finished a creditable fifth behind O’Tenikwa, running on strongly without being unduly pressed in the finish. Granted, this is a much stronger field but given that it is a handicap, some expected improvement should at least see King Of The Gauls in the shake-up if not winning.

But he faces a daunting task as one can make out a case for most of the runners. Biggest threat could come from Tenango who has smart form over the trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and should make a bold bid. He will be ridden by Andrew Fortune who was aboard King Of The Gauls last time out but surely not able to make the weight.

Outlaw King finished a neck ahead of King Of The Gauls when last they met and there should not be much between the two again although I expect more to come from the latter. Surjay seldom runs a bad race. He has run two smart races in Group company of late and this course will suit while Ziyasha  is highly regarded by Clinton Binda and won well last time out. However, his best form has been over 1000m and he was beaten four lengths in this race last year.

The Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint sees Double Grand Slam and Rascova renew rivalry and both are top class fillies. However, all of their recent meetings have been over a mile and further and although class always comes through it may prove prudent to look for the tried and tested over the trip.

Asiye Phambili was a game second last run over course and distance. The jockey dropped the rein when changing his stick and this saw her hanging inward across the course. She might well have otherwise won as she only lost by 0,40 length to three-year-old Mai Sensation, to whom she gave 8,5kg. Unlucky last year when losing her rider at the start, she comes with strong Cape form and Duncan Howells knows what it takes to win this race having saddled the smart mare Via Africa to victory. Sean Tarry has an exceptional feature race record at this track and saddles Mia Moo who is unbeaten in two since returning from the Cape and is sure to have been aimed at this race.

It is seldom that fillies take on males in the Gr1 Gold Medallion but Tarry scratched Green Diamond with an abnormal blood count on Thursday leaving the way open for the colts as the filly looked to have most of them stone cold.

Local hopes could rest with Peter Muscutt who saddles a brace in Military Command and Little Boy Blue, with the former likely the stable elect . Military Command was disappointing last run but may have needed the outing after his trip back from the Cape where he reeled off two straight victories. Mike and Mathew de Kock send out I’m A Fireball  who ran a disappointing race after winning smartly on debut. He is likely to improve on that showing and may be worth watching in the betting. There should not be much between Highveld raiders Zalatoris and Charming Cheetah. Both looked held by Green Diamond on their SA Nursey showing so their respective trainers will be more than happy at Green Diamond’s absence.

Fairview is no longer the backwater of South African racing that it was in the past and Alan Greeff can ram home the point with Direct Hit in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship. She is unbeaten in three starts  including the scalps of some of the most forward of the Western Cape runners in the Cape Nursery. She has hardly been tested in her three starts and looks to be a serious filly. If she handles the sometimes tricky Hollywoodbets Scottsville straight she should be right there again although she takes on another Tarry filly with useful Highveld form in One Fine Winter. She was a comfortable winner of her last start but Greeff will know what he is up against as One Fine Winter played second fiddle to the Greeff filly Golden Palm in the SA Nursery. Mike Miller sends out the unbeaten Comic Relief who goes the extra furlong but is unbeaten in two on this track which is in her favour. Justin Snaith had a red letter day at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Saturday with Eight On Eighteen and Little Suzie landing the features and he pins his hopes on Wild Wild Green who may just have needed her last run on this course and should benefit from the outing. She looks more than useful.

Direct Hit has been tipped to win the Gr 1 Allan Robertson Championship. (Picture: Wayne Marks)

RACE 1

6 THAT’LL BE THE DAY   9 LET’S GO LOLA   8 WORLD OF ROYALTY   7 MFETHU

Summary: Mostly first timers but of those that have run, THAT’LL BE THE DAY (6) was well supported on debut but that was on the poly and she finished down the field. She can make the required improvement on turf. Visiting LET’S GO LOLA (9) started at long odds on debut but was narrowly beaten into third. She should come on from that effort. WORLD OF ROYALTY (8) found some market support on debut and finished a respectable third. She too should benefit from having a run. MFETHU (7) is a well-bred first timer and may be worth following in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 6-9-8-7).

RACE 2

12 ALEX MILLER   3 PROMISE OF FIRE   5 TERMINAL VELOCITY   2 FINE WINE

Summary: ALEX MILLER (12) has been costly to follow for her supporters, a beaten favourite at her last two. She has drawn wide but gets first time blinkers. PROMISE OF FIRE (3) was run out of it late with first time blinkers. She has shown steady improvement and has a good draw. The extra furlong should also suit. TERMINAL VELOCITY  (5) is way better than her last run from a wide draw. She may also have needed the outing and is sure to improve. FINE WINE (2) is a late starter but has shown up well in her two outings to date. She is bred to stay this trip and from a handy draw she is one to keep an eye on in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 12-3-5-2).

RACE 3

5 ONE SMART COOKIE   2 PRINCESS ILARIA   10 FAIZAH   9 ZENA ROSE

Summary: Tough race to start the PA with many in with chances. ONE SMART COOKIE (5) has come well of late and tries for a winning hat-trick. She steps up to a mile from a decent draw and only got a two-point raise in the handicap for her last win. PRINCESS ILARIA (2) is in good form on the Highveld. She stays the trip well and from a handy draw should be right there. FAIZAH (10) is always game and her last win was over course and distance. ZENA ROSE (9) was narrowly beaten last run and got a four-point raise in the handicap. Duncan Howells stays with her 4kg claiming apprentice. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-10-9).

RACE 4

7 TERMINATOR   11 GURKHA   8 INGQWELE   5 FORWARD MOTION

Summary:  Wide open. TERMINATOR (7) comes from a very much in form stable and has been narrowly beaten at his last two over the trip. INGQWELE (8) was a runaway winner of his last start beating favourite that day, GURKHA (11) by over six lengths. The latter is now 4kg better off which should bring them closer together although both at still improving three-year-olds. FORWARD MOTION (5) is a smart filly. She is up against it in this field but with a 4kg claimer aboard she can make her presence felt. (Andrew Harrison: 7-11-8-5).

RACE 5

10 DIRECT HIT   5 ONE FINE WINTER   4 COMIC RELIEF   2 WILD WILD GREEN

Summary: The unbeaten DIRECT HIT (10) has hardly been tested and has also made the trip to Kenilworth for the Cape Nursery. She looks to be a serious filly and if she handles the sometimes tricky Hollywoodbets Scottsville straight she should be right there. Sean Tarry’s runners have a superb record  on this track and he pins his hopes on ONE FINE WINTER (5), a comfortable winner of her last start but Alan Greef will know what he is up against as One Fine Winter played second fiddle to the Greeff filly Golden Palm in the SA Nursery. COMIC RELIEF (4) goes the extra furlong but is unbeaten in two on this track which is in her favour. WILD WILD GREEN (2) may just have needed her last run on this course and should benefit from the outing. She looks more than useful. (Andrew Harrison: 10-5-4-2).

RACE 6

7 MILITARY COMMAND   9 I’M A FIREBALL   1 ZALATORIS

Summary: MILITARY COMMAND (7) was disappointing last run but may have needed the outing after his trip back from the Cape. I’M A FIREBALL (9) did not appear to handle the soft ground of his last start after winning smartly on debut. He should improve on his last showing. There should not be much between ZALATORIS  (1) and CHARMING CHEETAH (8) although both look held by Green Diamond on their last showing. (Andrew Harrison: 7-9-1-8)

RACE 7

10 ASIYE PHAMBILI     5 RASCOVA   1 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM   8 MIA MOO

Summary: DOUBLE GRAND SLAM (1) and RASCOVA (5) renew rivalry and both are top class fillies. However, all of their recent meetings have been over a mile and further and although classy always comes through it may prove prudent to looks for the tried and tested over the trip. ASIYE PHAMBILI (10) was a game second last run over course and distance giving the winner 8.5kg. She comes with smart Cape form and Duncan Howells knows what it takes to win this race. MIA MOO (8) is unbeaten in two since returning from the Cape and is sure to have been aimed at this race by Tarry. (Andrew Harrison: 10-5-1-8).

RACE 8

9 KING OF THE GAULS   16 TENANGO  15 SURJAY  5 OUTLAW KING

Summary: Wide open handicap. Nothing went right for KING OF THE GAULS (9) when making the trip to the Cape. He caught the eye when just out of the money last time out and looks cherry-ripe for this race with a light weight. TENANGO (16) has smart form over the trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and should make a bold bid. OUTLAW KING (5) was a neck ahead of King Of The Gauls when last they met and there should not be much between the two again although there may be more to come from the latter. SURJAY (15) seldom runs a bad race. He has run two smart races in Group company of late and this course will suit. ZIYASHA (13) is highly rated and won well last time out. However, his best form has been over 1000m and he was beaten four lengths in this race last year. (Andrew Harrison: 9-16-5-13).

RACE 9

15 ISIVIVANE    5 UN BEL DI   3 GUY GIBSON   10 LICENCE TO THRILL

Summary: ISIVIVANE (15) won well first run back from a long break and was then tried over a mile in the Gr2 WSB Guineas. He was well beaten over the trip behind Sail The Seas and Eight On Eighteen but still incurred an eight-point penalty. He looks to be back over a more suitable trip. UN BEL DI (5) has useful Cape form in good company and should be in the firing line. The grey GUY GIBSON (3) was close-up when back to a sprint after a break and can feature. LICENCE TO THRILL (10) has not been far back since his last win and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 15-5-3-10).

RACE 10

5 PRICELESS PEARL   6 COTTON RON   4 ONE IRISH ROVER   7 NOW I GOT YOU

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Saturday Formguides and Selections

Summary:  Competitive handicap to round off the day. PRICELESS PEARL (5)  is still a maiden and returns from a length break. He has been tried over further but faces modest company here and will not have to have improved much to have a good chance. COTTON RON (6) seldom runs a bad race but is struggling for his third win. ONE IRISH ROVER (4) and NOW I GOT YOU (7) are old rivals. One Irish Rover is 1kg better off with Now I Got You who has an inexperienced apprentice aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 5-6-4-7).

Absolutely Yes has been tipped to win the Listed Somerset 1200. (Picture: Cape Racing).

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

The R250 000 Somerset 1200 (Listed) for two-year-olds heads a very competitive 10-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, with She’s My World the sole rose amongst the thorns in the seven-runner field. She’s My World showed potential from the outset, finishing second behind Parental Guidance on debut over 1000m back in December. Then followed two further placed runs before the 2yo daughter of One World shed her maiden ticket four weeks ago with a stylish three-length victory over the improving Du Maurier.

Whether that form is strong enough to carry She’s My World to victory in Sunday’s Somerset 1200 is open to question, but she is one of a trio of last-start maiden winners who have been declared. Churchillian, an own brother to Grade 1 winner Master Archie, won his maiden over 1000m on 6 May when coming home more than a length ahead of Three Tigers who re-opposes here on even terms. That form was franked when Three Tigers re-appeared ten days ago as a short-priced favourite and easily accounted for Iko Iko by more than two lengths.

Strictly on form, Churchillian should have the measure of Three Tigers but will the 1000m form of their last meeting be replicated over the extra 200m on Sunday? I harbour a suspicion that Three Tigers may appreciate the step up in trip a little more than Churchillian at this stage of their careers, but that thought is purely subjective. Churchillian will be ridden by Aldo Domeyer for the Candice Bass-Robinson stable while Gavin Lerena has been engaged to partner Three Tigers for the Michelle Rix/Harold Crawford team.

She’s My World (Richard Fourie) is one of four runners from the Justin Snaith yard, and the stable elect could well be Absolutely Yes with JP van der Merwe in the irons. Following an impressive first-up win in December, Absolutely Yes disappointed badly in the R1-million Cape Nursery on 22 February when unplaced behind Direct Hit. He was gelded immediately after that below par run and was subsequently seen to good advantage when runner-up behind the talented Dreamworld in the R300 000 Winter Nursery over 1100m four weeks ago. The progressive 2yo son of Danon Platina will relish the extra 100m, and I fancy he might be up to the task of claiming his first Stakes success. Snaith’s other two runners are both newcomers and are expected to be green and ultimately need further.

Greg Ennion’s entry, Bugle Boy, was heavily backed to shed his maiden ticket when fourth behind Follow Your Heart over 1200m ten days ago. Prior to that, he finished second behind impressive midweek winner, Happy Verse, and with Craig Zackey in the saddle, Bugle Boy may have a lot more to offer.

It’s tricky to nail one’s colours to the mast when assessing relatively unexposed juveniles, but I am leaning towards Absolutely Yes to come ahead of Three Tigers and Churchillian. That said, from a Jackpot and Pick 6 perspective, I would also throw She’s My World and Bugle Boy into the mix.

Racing on Sunday gets off to an early start with the first race, a Juvenile Plate over 1400m due off at 11:25. All The Rage looks set to run a huge race from pole position, but Snaith sends out two promising recent 1400m winners in the form of Randolph Hearst and Roland Garros. Notably, Greg Bortz’ retained rider, JP van der Merwe, has opted to partner Randolph Hearst in preference to Roland Garros.

Major Master has been a touch disappointing, but has a good draw for a change and has been tipped to win the last. (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Sunday Formguides And Selections

 

R1 4 RANDOLPH HEARST won super impressively last time, he sat just off the speed early, and really finished well to win a good race on the 21st of April, he will love the step up in trip, he looks classy, and should take lots of beating in this race. 1 ALL THE RAGE ran a great race in the Grade 3 Winter Nursery on the 4th of May, he was still green and still managed to stay on nicely for third behind Dreamworld, he steps up in trip now, from a good draw, he will be right there in the finish. 3 ROLAND GARROS caught the eye last time, he quickened up beautifully to win his maiden in style, he will get better and stronger with more racing, watch him closely, he could trouble them late. 2 SIERRA SAGRADA was very disappointing on the 13th of May, he is much better than that, he could sneak into the places from a good draw. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 1 – 3 – 2)

R2 3 GIMMETHATPEARL ran a cracking race in the Listed Ladies Mile on the 4th of May, she ran third behind Time For Love, she can be a tricky ride, but she is packed with ability, this looks to be the perfect race, she will go very close to winning here. 6 MY ONLY WEAKNESS won really well last time, she is so consistent this filly, even though she was given five points for that win on the 28th of April, she will remain competitive at this level. 5 KAMCHATKA returns from a small break of 77 days, she is a big filly with lots of potential, if she doesn’t need the run on Sunday, she will be amongst the places. 2 ROYALS is much better than her recent form, she could certainly surprise on her day. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 6 – 5 – 2)

R3 3 SONG TO THE MOON showed tremendous heart to win last time, even though it was a small field, he was towards the back early, and really quickened smartly on the inside fence to win well, he was given four points for that victory, but he is progressive and should love this trip of 1950m on Sunday. 1 WE HAVE TOUCHDOWN is slowly starting to show his true potential, he ran a great race behind La Pulga on the 14th of April, if he can build on that performance, he should be right there in the finish from a good draw. 5 PINOT GRIGIO ran on strongly to win going away at the line on the 6th of May, he was given five points for that win, he is still improving, watch him closely, he will be doing some good work late. 4 DUBBELOSIX powered away from his field to win like a smart horse on the 28th of April, he was given six points for that win, he must have a solid winning chance again in this tricky race. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 1 – 5 – 4)

R4 2 PAST AND PRESENT had no luck in running on the 4th of May, there was a false start called, which got him fired up quite early, he then raced freely throughout the race, and only the last 150m did he become one paced, he has been so consistent, he will take lots of beating in this open maiden race. 3 BEAUTIFUL SIDE ran a top race from a wide draw on the 21st of April, the blinkers stay on, and she gets a nice draw on Sunday, she must be respected. 7 COPPER PLATE showed absolutely no speed last time in the 1200m race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he should appreciate the step up in trip here, even though he will need to improve quite a bit to win, he could be the dark horse for the places at a big price. 10 MOMENT OF TRUTH is much better than his recent form, ignore his last run completely, if he gets some cover early, he will be running at them late. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 3 – 7 – 10)

R5 1 LA DIVINA showed massive heart to win a lovely race on the 13th of May, she was only given two points for that win, she likes to race up on speed, she will go very close to winning again from a good draw. 3 ONI SAN is slowly starting to drop in the ratings, she has dropped two points again from her last run behind La Divina, everything is in her favour here, jockey Gavin Lerena knows her well, she must have a solid each way chance. 2 SWIATEK ran a fair race behind My Only Weakness on the 28th of April, she was drawn wide on that occasion, she has also dropped in the ratings, watch for a much better run from this filly. 4 KAMAKAZI ran a better race last time, if she can build on that performance, she might be able to sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 2 – 4)

R6 6 BOOGIEFIED returns from a small break of 77 days, he won a super race on the 16th of March, he was given three points for that win, if he doesn’t need the run on Sunday, he will take lots of beating again. 3 RHYDIAN quickened up nicely to win a good race on the 13th of May, he will need to improve now that he steps up from maiden company, but he looks progressive and he should love this trip of 1400m, include him into all bets. 1 TRIPPI’S SILK has run two cracking races in succession, he has the ability, but he is also very tricky, from a good draw, he will get the run of the race, watch him closely at a fair price. 2 ARBITRATION ran an absolute cracker behind Chasingtherainbow on the 16th of April, he finished third in a driving finish, he looks to be getting better with more racing, he definitely has a winning chance in this field. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 3 – 1 – 2)

R7 2 ABSOLUTELY YES ran a terrific second behind Dreamworld in the Grade 3 Winter Nursery on the 4th of May, it was his first run back after gelding, he looks to be a smart type, he will take lots of beating in this Listed event. 6 SHE’S MY WORLD won her maiden well on the 4th of May at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, she is extremely progressive, there is no doubt that she will be right there in the finish on her best form, include her into all bets. 7 CHURCHILLIAN was given a good ride by Jockey Aldo Domeyer to win his maiden in style on the 6th of May, he is well related, he looks to be a nice sprinter in the making, watch him closely here. 5 THREE TIGERS finished his race off beautifully last time, he was on speed early, and then quickened away to win his maiden like a very nice horse, he can only improve from that dominant performance. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 6 – 7 – 5)

R8 3 ONE LINER has been rested and gelded, his form is solid, the yard thinks highly of this individual, if he doesn’t need the run on Sunday, he will go very close to winning. 5 CIRCUMBENDIBUS moved up like a winner in his last start, he had to settle for second behind the talented Jet Force, even though he was penalised one point for finishing second, it’s very hard to fault his recent form, he should be right there in the finish. 14 ESCARPMENT has run some fair races of late, he is slowly starting to slide in the ratings, with the right run in transit, he could certainly be in the money here at a nice price. 6 STREET OUTLAW ran no sort of a race last time behind Paratrooper, he was beaten just under six lengths by the winner, he is much better than that, if he can bounce back to form, he could sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 5 – 14 – 6)

R9 3 BECKY SHARP has run two terrific seconds in succession, she can be a difficult filly, but her recent form is good, she must have a nice winning chance in this field. 9 ELECTROMAGNETISM won her maiden in style on the 13th of May, she is a young filly with lots of ability, she is still improving with every start, there is no doubt she will go close to winning again. 15 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT has been rested for 79 days, she ran a fair race in the Listed East Cape Nursery on the 14th of March, if she doesn’t need this run on Sunday, she will be right there in the finish. 10 COLD BREEZE quickened up beautifully to win her maiden quite well on the 13th of May, she likes to race just off the speed early, and then she charges at them late, include her into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 9 – 15 – 10)

R10 4 MAJOR MASTER had no luck in running on the 6th of May behind Pinot Grigio, he was taken up for a number of strides at about the 300m mark, once the gap opened, he absolutely took off to run fourth, he looks to be a nice horse in the making, from a good draw here, he will go close to winning the lucky last. 11 CHASINGTHERAINBOW finished like a train to win a good race on the 16th of April, he could be anything, he has a striking turn of foot, he will be finishing powerfully again, include him into the play. 3 CONGRESSMAN comes back to the races from a break of 71 days, he has won his last two races in excellent fashion, he can be very strong from the front, if he gets away from the field early, he will be hard to catch. 1 HOODIA looked like he had won the race last time, he did everything right, and got nailed on the post by Chasingtherainbow, from a good draw, he will run a massive race again, don’t leave him out any bets. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 11 – 3 – 1)

Hollie Doyle (At The Races)

Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle has six rides at York on Saturday, including Archie Watson’s sprinter Zayer and his well-regarded stable companion Tadej.

KNAVESMIRE TEST IDEAL FOR SPEEDY ZAYER
ZAYER looks set to be sent off a double-figure price in the William Hill More Top Prices Handicap (2.40) at York on Saturday, but we’re expecting a big performance from the speedy son of Starspangledbanner.

Fast enough to shatter the track record at Ripon last year, he should be ideally suited by the speed test on The Knavesmire.

He got a bit lost at Sandown on his return from a six-month break but still finished a creditable fourth, and he has been working well since for trainer Archie Watson and the team at Saxon Gate in Lambourn.

EXPERIENCE THE KEY FOR IMPRESSIVE TADEJ
If TADEJ can build on his impressive homework, he could take all the beating in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (2.05) at York.

I put him through his paces in Lambourn earlier this week and feel he could be ready to put it all together after two starts.

His debut run at Ascot on Trials Day was hugely promising, but he wasn’t ready to capitalise on that in another York novice earlier this month. Again, he wasn’t beaten far, so I’m hoping his experience will give him that vital edge on his return to the same track.

WARRIOR UP FOR THE FIGHT
ASMEN WARRIOR is progressive enough to give me a shot at winning the Royal Yorkshire Regiment Handicap (4.25).

Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole’s gelding was green under pressure and didn’t get the clearest of runs on his handicap debut in the valuable London Gold Cup at Newbury, but he had run well prior to that.

Second in both starts in novice and maiden company on turf, he has the ability to run well, though Roger Varian’s unbeaten colt Munsif sets a demanding standard with Ryan Moore on board.

ALFA OUT TO GAIN FIRST TURF SUCCESS
ALFA WHITEBURD (1.30) has enjoyed a productive time on the All-Weather, with four wins since September, and now needs to transfer that ability to turf.

Ivan Furtado’s gelding hasn’t run since December but will hopefully be straight enough to have a crack at a first win on grass when he takes his chance in the William Hill Keep Your Raceday Positive Handicap (1.30). It’s a typically competitive, big-field York sprint, but we’re drawn among the fancied runners in stall 18.

Ed Walker’s maiden HUNKY DORY needs to step up from a terrible draw to play a part in the Reg Bond “Always And Forever” Handicap (3.50). He was well held on his only run this year at Newmarket and will need a lot of luck to find his way into the race from such a wide posting in stall 22.

The cheekpieces go on ARCTIC DAWN in the William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap (5.00). Dan and Claire Kubler’s four-year-old has run well on the All-Weather this year, but his third at Doncaster last October, albeit on soft ground, suggests he can show up well if able to overcome another tricky draw in gate 19.

PLEASING RUN FROM DUTY FIRST
I was happy with Duty First’s run in the Irish 1,000 Guineas last weekend. Her fourth in the Curragh Classic was a big step forward on her disappointing performance in the English version at Newmarket.

Whether she stays at 1m or drops back to 7f will be up to her trainer Archie Watson and owners Victorious Racing, but I’d like to think she can go on to supplement her impressive win in the Group 3 Fred Darling at some stage.

Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.

CrossBorderPegasus has been tipped to win the ninth race. (Picture: Kenneth Chan). 

Sha Tin Saturday Formguides And Selections

Tim Carroll (At The Races)

Tim landed his NAP (7/4) at Happy Valley on Wednesday and now has selections and a placepot perm for Sha Tin this Saturday

This Saturday sees an exciting 11-race card from Sha Tin, run on both the Turf and All-Weather tracks, getting underway at 6.30am SA Time. The features of the meeting are the two Group 3 handicaps in race 6 – the Lion Rock Trophy over 1m – and race 8 – the Sha Tin Vase over 6f – with both races offering more than £420,000 in prize-money.

Now onto this week’s selections…

Race 1: Class 5 Shing Mun River Channel Handicap (6.30am SA Time) (7f)
8 FLYING ROMANTIC is an 11-start maiden, but he has run with some promise with two placed efforts on the turf and is entitled to strip fitter having had a recent run off a light campaign. The David Hall-trained 4-year-old was placed over 6f last time, and whilst not a luckless loser, he was checked at the 900m mark when the pace steadied. The selection steps up to 7f, which looks the logical move after his most recent effort and give his sire had produced nine winners in Hong Kong and all but one of them have only won at 7f or further, he should enjoy going overt this trip.

Dangers:
1 Circuit Mighty hasn’t won for two-years, but he is now 20lb below his last winning mark and ran far better than the bare result when fifth last time (planted wide, rider pulled in for a please explain), with Zac Purton taking over from a claimer.

2 Lucky Man is a 10-start maiden that had no luck from a high draw when unplaced last time, but he was runner-up only beaten a nose over course and trip the start prior from a similar low draw top what he has here.

6 Foremost Teddy is a 17-start maiden, but he’s only had two runs at this level, two back when he ran fourth from the front at Happy Valley and a luckless unplaced effort last time when caught wide, but he should have a far more favourable commute here from the low draw.

Race 2: Class 4 Sha Tin Hoi Handicap (7.00am) (6f)
1 COURIER ALADDIN has had just the two starts and makes his return having not been sighted since bombing badly when a beaten favourite in October last year, but he was found to be a roarer and makes his return having had a wind op. The Jamie Richards-trained 4-year-old won over course and trip prior that on debut last July and obviously has plenty of untapped potential. Whilst the enforced break is a concern, he has been tuned up for this with five trials, the most recent of which he was runner-up when asked no questions, and Purton sticks solid for his return.

Dangers:
5 Flowing Riches is a debutant that has had plenty of winners in Hong Kong and he has looked sharp when winning two of his last three trials, thus a market watch is advised.

3 Lucky Archangel is in the veteran stage now and although he hasn’t won during the current campaign, he is now 7lb below his last win having been placed his last two, and he should have all the favours from the low draw.

6 Straight To Glory ran well enough in defeat when fourth on debut over 5f earlier in the month, he should be suited by the step up in trip and the first time booking of Hugh Bowman would suggest that a forward showing is expected.

Race 3: Class 4 Sha Tin Hoi Handicap (7.30am) (6f)
1 LUCKY SYMPHONY goes from the top of the handicap, and he does have to concede 8-15lb to his rivals which is no easy task, but he arrives having broken his duck over course and trip in good style last time when having just his third run of the season. The Jamie Richards-trained 4-year-old jumped from the outside draw last time and was forced to work across before cutting the breeze outside the leader, but he ran through the line strongly, seemingly with a bit in the locker. He goes up 8lb for that, and he does draw on the high side again, but he looks an improving type headed for higher grades.

Dangers:
9 Ka Ying Warrior was a tad disappointing in fifth last time, but he broke his duck over course and trip the start prior when having his first spin on turf this season, Purton now takes the ride and the low draw will allow them to utilise his natural pace.

3 Diriya, who draws the inside here, ran well enough when fourth on debut having gone off second favourite, and whilst certainly not a luckless loser, he was slightly tight for room that day and is entitled to improve for the run.

7 Prestige Hall is a debutant and on pedigree he’ll probably want a bit further (sire has had six local winners, with five at 7f+), but he did win a trial over this trip recently and he represents a high-end combination, thus a market watch is advised.

Race 4: Class 4 Pai Tau Handicap (8.00am) (1m) (Dirt)
9 MEEPMEEP has had just the four runs on the dirt, breaking his duck over course and trip at a level below this two back, before a strong effort in defeat last time when runner-up to Charming Steed, who he meets on 3lb better terms. Although the leader went like a rat up a drainpipe that day, the first six across the line, bar the selection, came from the bunch chasing the leader. The selection was snagged back to last from a high draw and rattled late to miss by half-a-length. He is once again drawn toward the outside, so they may need to ride for luck again, but he sat handy the start prior when he won, and if Brenton Avdulla can slot him in here, he should give this a shake.

Dangers:
2 Charming Steed is a veteran 7-year-old with just five wins in a long career, but as I mentioned in this article when tipping him up before he won last time (11.00 – thank you very much), if you go back to January last year, his record on dirt reads 2-3-1-1-2-1, but he does have more on his plate under a 6lb penalty for his latest success.

4 Fashion Legend was a beaten favourite behind Charming Steed, who he meets on 6lb better terms last time, and that with the fact he was set-alight to chase a tear-away leader last time, suggests he has a strong case here, but the high draw looks tricky.

5 Precision Goal had to chase a couple of speedsters last time when picking up the bronze behind Charming Steed, and although effectively on slightly worse terms with the winner as a senior rider takes over, he runs his best races when he can be bang there on the front end, which he should be able to do here.

Race 5: Class 4 Tin Sam Handicap (8.30am) (7f)
1 DAZZLING FIT is a low-mileage 3-year-old that looks to have a bright future having been runner-up over 6f two back before shedding his maiden tag in good style when stepped up to this trip last time. The selection had plenty to do at the top of the straight that day, but the way he got over the ground to win running away would suggest he’s well above average. He does go from the top of the handicap under a 7lb penalty, but I’d suggest the handicapper hasn’t been overly harsh, and although he concedes weight, I’m a firm believer that these young progressive types are usually good enough to win at this level when lugging weight.

Dangers:
4 Mr Cool, who won over course and trip two back at just his second career start, ran well enough in defeat last time from a high draw and still has plenty of scope for improvement.

11 California Star is a low-mileage 4-year-old that recorded a win on the dirt track in March, but he has a strong turf pedigree, and he has been doing his best work over 6f his last three and should enjoy stepping up to this trip.

7 Fun Together hasn’t won since last season, but he is 12lb below his last win, he finally has a decent draw having had a run of high gates during the current campaign, and the top three selections aside, he lands in a Class 4 with very little recent form.

Race 6: Group 3 Lion Rock Trophy (Handicap) (9.00am) (1m)
6 SUNLIGHT POWER has had a productive season, successful three times with all three wins coming over course and trip. The selection ran a belter when last seen to finish third behind Red Lion, who he meets on 11lb better terms, and Voyage Bubble, in the Champions Mile, and given he was only half-a-length behind the winner, the turnaround in the weights is enough to reverse the form all things being equal on the day. It’s worth noting that the weather forecast is suggesting rain over the next few days and on race day, and the selection hacked up, albeit in a lower grade, on good to yielding in February and was a winner on soft in June of last year.

Dangers:
11 Pray For Mir runs from 17lb out of the handicap, but he has run strongly in defeat several times recently and although it’s difficult to say with any certainty, given the lightweight, they may try to nick this from the front.

3 Beauty Eternal wouldn’t be the most obvious play on recent efforts, but he was a Group 1 winner last year with Golden Sixty, Voyage Bubble and Red Lion in behind, and whilst that win was on the back of a front running master class from Purton, it was on yielding going, and as forementioned, there is a decent amount of rain in the forecast.

1 Red Lion caused a massive upset at 90.00 on the tote when defeating the local champ Voyage Bubble in the Champion Mile last time, and this represent a softer target, but he goes up 7lb into handicap company meaning he must give away up to 20lb.

Race 7: Class 3 Tai Wai Handicap (9.35am) (6f)
1 MASTEROFMYUNIVERSE is on the small side by Hong Kong standards (973lb), but what he lacks in size he makes up for in ability. The John Size-trained 3-year-old has won three of his eight career starts, including last time out when a ready winner over course and trip with a couple of these in behind. He does go up 7lb for that, and he will be conceding up to 19lb to his rivals, but he ran through the line with plenty of purpose last time, winning with a bit in hand and he should have all the favours from the inside draw, with Purton sticking solid.

Dangers:
3 Super Legends, who was beaten 1½ lengths when in behind the selection two back and with the claim he is on a massive 15lb better terms, and he should be able to grab his favoured front running spot here, but the selection won a tad cute when they met.

7 Righteous Arion is hard to catch with all four career wins followed by an unplaced effort, but he ran well enough in defeat when placed here last time when a couple of spots in front of Super Legend, but he will need a career best off his current mark.

4 Infinite Resolve makes his local debut from a mark of 71 having won a maiden form six starts in Australia, but he was tried to Group 2 level Down Under, and he has looked sharp in a couple of his trials, thus a market watch is advised.

Race 8: Group 3 Sha Tin Vase (Handicap) (10.05am) (6f)
2 HELIOS EXPRESS finally gets into a race that doesn’t have his rival and the world’s best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, and given this fellow would be a three-time Group 1 winner this season if it weren’t for his nemesis, he should be able to take advantage here. This is run under handicap conditions, so it’s no given despite the form, but I think he’s better than his current mark (would have loved to have seen him at the Royal meeting) he’s a stretch runner, there’s a strong gallop on offer and with what should be a perfect set-up, he has a golden opportunity to get back into the winners circle.

Dangers:
5 Patch Of Theta will be going over this trip for the first time since February of last year, but he’s rating has shot up 23lb this season off a couple of wins (including a Group 3 over 7f), he should relish the gallop on offer and if the rain does come, although we haven’t seen him on anything other than good+, it won’t hurt his chances if becomes a tough 6f contest.

7 Invincible Sage has been disappointing since his last win in the Group 1 Chairmans Sprint last year, but he ran his best for a while when fourth in the same race last time out, and getting back to the rain, he loves plenty of cut in the ground.

1 Lucky Sweynesse has had his problems but it’s only just over a year ago he was considered the world’s top sprinter and although he has to give away plenty of weight here, he drops 3lb in the handicap and should come on a bundle having run a honourable sixth in the Chairmans Sprint last time when having his first start in over a year.

Race 9: Class 3 Fo Tan Handicap (10.40am) (7f)
1 CROSSBORDERPEGASUS is a nice prospect that has won three of his four starts and with an ounce of luck and slightly better manners, he should have an unblemished record. The selection had a tough trip then lugged in badly when beaten a nose by Aeris Nova two back, who he meets on 3lb worse terms, but he should be able to turn that form around. He does go up 7lb for his last win, but he should enjoy stepping up to 7f for the first time, but there is one concern is, and that is he has lugged in down the straight his last two, winning on one rein last time, however connection add blinkers with one cowl here, and if on his best behaviour, he’s the one they all have to beat.

Dangers:
3 Everyone’s Star, who hacked up in a maiden at his only start in Australia, broke his local duck at the fourth time of asking when winning over course and trip last time, and although he benefited from a rail hugging ride that day, he was strong through the line and has plenty of upside.

5 Yeun Long Elite, who won over course and trip in January, has been runner-up his last two and although he goes up a further 1lb, he is well drawn given he’s likely to have a crack at making all.

2 Aeris Nova, as forementioned, had the selection back in second here three runs back and is on 3lb better terms, but the selection should have won that day and this fellow, whilst running well enough, has been turned over in two subsequent starts.

Race 10: Class 2 Penfold Park Handicap (11.15am) (1 mile) (Dirt)
10 MUST GO will be the play in what I believe is the most difficult race on the card to solve, simply because you have so many decent turf horses lining up that are complete unknowns on this track. The selection is a dirt specialist and although moving up in grade under a 7lb penalty for his latest success, he has won three of his last four on this track and carries 14lb less at this level. The other point that’s worth making is that there’s a very strong gallop on offer, a few of the likely market principles have high draws, and I think the John Size-trained 4-year-old should be able to slot in with some cover and a nice tow into the race under Andrea Atzeni, who has been on board for his last three wins.

Dangers:
6 Soliel Fighter hasn’t been outside of the top three in his last eight starts including three wins and he arrives having finished a nose behind Californiatotality last time who he meets on 6lb better terms, but he’s one of several with no dirt form, however, Purton sticks solid.

2 Californiatotality has recorded five wins this season and arrives on a three-timer under a 7lb penalty for his latest success, however, like many of these, all his form is on turf, so he will require a leap of faith from a career high mark.

9 Sing Dragon has a tricky draw but he does enjoy this track having won four from eight starts on it, but he does try the mile for the first time and it’s difficult to say if he’ll see out the trip, but the yard have had a fantastic season with his trainer proving to be extremely skillful at placing his horses.

Race 11: Class 3 Ma Liu Shui Handicap (11.50am) (1m)
9 FLYING LUCK is a low-mileage, twice-winning 4-year-old that goes from toward the foot of the handicap in what is a tricky closer. The Caspar Fownes inmate, who won over course and trip in March, has been seen twice at this level, running with merit in defeat on both occasions when doing his best work late, including last time out when beaten a nose with Winning Gold (subsequent winner) who he meets on the same terms, a few spots in behind. The selection is usually held up, and there is a solid gallop on offer, but they may be looking to sharpen him up a tad with a first-time visor fitted.

Dangers:
1 Winning Gold goes up 6lb having won over course and trip last time with a few of these in behind when he was put on the front end through shape necessity for the first time in his career, and they may elect to try the same tactics after that.

7 Magnificent Nine is yet to win in 18 attempts at this level (one win in a Class 4) but he’s so consistent that he currently 4lb above his starting mark in Hong Kong and is likely to once again be around the mark.

14 Oriental Smoke arrives with a 7lb penalty having won over 9f here last time and although he moves up in grade and doesn’t win out of turn these days, he does carry 12lb less than last time and goes from the foot of the handicap.

SATURDAY’S PLACEPOT
Saturday’s placepot will be races 6 through to 11. All up we will be playing 108 combinations (3x3x1x1x4x3), which will cost £10.80 for a 10p stake and so on. Good luck!

LEG 1 – 3 BEAUTY ETERNAL 6 SUNLIGHT POWER 11 PRAY FOR MIR

LEG 2 – 1 MASTEROFMYUNIVERSE 3 SUPER LEGENDS 7 RIGHTEOUS ARION

LEG 3 – 2 HELIOS EXPRESS

LEG 4 – 1 CROSSBORDERPEGASUS

LEG 5 – 1 CALIFORNIATOTALITY 6 SOLEIL FIGHTER 9 SING DRAGON 10 MUST GO

LEG 6 – 1 WINNING GOLD 7 MAGNIFICENT NINE 9 FLYING LUCK

TIM’S BEST BETS (scale 1-5 points)
7.30am SHA TIN
5pts win DAZZLING FIT

9.05am SHA TIN
3pts win HELIOS EXPRESS

9.40am SHA TIN
2pts win CROSSBORDERPEGASUS

Which horse won the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, was US Champion two-year-old colt, co-US champion three-year-old colt, American Horse Of The Year and he beat the Epsom Derby winner in a match race?