Turf Talk Newsletter – 3 July, 2026

The class and ultra tough filly Wish List has been selected to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July (Picture: Race Coast)

This year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July over 2200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville not only has a stake that has doubled to R10 million, but for the first time in many years it will be a straight handicap without any weight restrictions applying to horses of a certain age or gender.

The topweight is thus going to have a tougher task than usual as he carries 62kg and will have to give 10kg to the bottom weights, who carry 52kg.

The topweight is Legal Counsel and there are only two horses who are officially under sufferance, Regulation who is 1kg under sufferance and the second reserve runner Curious Girl, who came in after a second scratching and she is a whopping 6kg under sufferance.

Legal Counsel was a hair’s breadth away from being a Gr 1 wfa winner last time out when only just denied in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1600m and he was also runner up in the Gr 1 wfa WSB Met over 2000m. He has become a calm horse as he has matured and he will handle the razzmatazz of the day. He stays on well from handy positions. However, it will be a supreme weight carrying feat if he does it under Callan Murray, although his plum draw of five will help.

Regulation is well regarded and has put in some eye-catching performances in the past so was expected to qualify by winning the Gr 3 WSB 1900, but he was caught wide from a wide draw and worse was to come because when out to make amends in the Gr 3 Betgames Cup Trial over 1800m he was caught wide from a wide draw again and then choked up. He has landed a plum draw so should now be able to produce his best and he could defy his handicap mark. However, the one concern is he has had a wind operation and Justin Snaith did mention a breathing issue after the July Gallops, although he added he he been clear winded on that particular day.

The original favourite Star Major was scratched and that left two three-year-olds, the gelding Note To Self and the filly Wish List as the joint favourites.

Note To Self is progressive but is a big rangy type and the question is whether he can quicken quickly enough at the top of the relatively short straight. He did look trimmer at the July Gallops and more mature, but he would still like the pace to be as searching i.e. fast, as possible.

Wish List is a dual Gr 1 winner and will have come on from her last start. She is ultra tough and is “flying” at home and can make 59-year-old Andrew Fortune the oldest in history to win the July. She has a great draw of seven and this nuggety daughter of former July winner Legislate should be staying on strongly.

Gladatorian is capable of a strong finish and significantly has draw eight this year as opposed to 16 last year when not disgraced in a five length seventh. Last year there were no females in the race and he carried joint topweight of 60kg with the bottom weighted male older horse being on 54kg, and the bottom-weighted three-year-old male being on 53kg, while this year he carries second topweight of 61,5kg, so gets half-a-kilogram from the topweightand he has to give the bottom weights 9,5kg, so it could be argued he has a tougher task, but on the other hand the field doesn’t look as strong as it was last year.

Native Ruler has had a perfect preparation and struck as a classy customer when winning his last start over 2400m. He ran a fine race from a wide draw in last year’s race and jumps from draw ten this year under Keagan de Melo. He is merit rated only two points higher this year, so is a contender.

Mocha Blend has come in with a perfect preparation. She has run on in eyecatching fashion over shorter in her last two starts and this distance is her game. She should have come into her own too, so is a big runner, although her draw of 13 is tricky.

Zeitz looks to be on the up and is the choic of many a pundit. He has a nice galloping weight of 53kg. Draw 12 is tricky and an indication of the stamina doubt he has is that the blinkers have been removed.

King Pelles has a good turn of foot and is effective over this trip. He has had a fine preparation and carrying 59kg is not out of it. His draw of 17 will be viewed as tough by some but in the July wide draws have been doing well in ecent times.

Minogue stole a march in the Gr 2 Woolavington 2000 field and nearly held on. This is tougher and she will not be able to dictate on her own terms here and she also has a tough draw over a trip she has not been over before. However, she put up one of the most eyecatching July gallops, striding out powerfully.

The Ultimate King has been scratched.

Isivivane is drawn in pole and jumps well and is strong, so should be agble to hold his position. He has a chance on the form of his WSB 1900 win and on pedigree he should relish this step up in trip.

Hazy Dazy went close to landing the Triple Tiara. Her run in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 at Hollywoodbets Greyville might have been off putting to some as she was beaten 11,40 lengths and has a tougher task with the three-year-old males who beat her as she does not get a gender allowance here, but she was underdone for that race and will be at her peak for this one.

Aladdin’s Lamp is on the up and caught the eye with his Jubilee win and also put in one of the most eyecatching July gallops. He carries only 53kg and is in with a chance of giving the De Kock yard a sixth July victory, although he will have to do it from the widest draw of all.

Viva’s Liberte tends to take a bit of a hold which blunts his finish, but if getting covered up and relaxing he could earn from draw nine.

The yard are confident of a big run and he is probably the most backed horse in the field since the final field announcement.

Olivia’s Way should enjoy the trip but as one who often runs on too late it will be tough from draw 15.

I Salute You is weighted to reverse form with Zeitz and put in an eyecatching official gallop. However, it won’t be easy from draw 14.

Choisaanada comes in as first reserve and will give Rachel Venniker, who became the first woman to ever ride in the July, the opportunity to be the first to win it. He has some good Highveld form and stretched out superbly inhis official July gallop. He travels for the first time and is high in the weights. which will make it tough.

The Gr 1 SA Derby winner Curious Girl has an ultra tough task at the weights, but comes off a good run over 2400m. She is still maturing and would likely prefer further.

The selections Wish List to beat Gladatorian with Native Ruler and Mocha Blend next best and Isivivane and Aladdin’s Lamp could take the 5th and 6th places respectively.

Double Grand Slam will be out to defend her Gr 1 wfa Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes over 1600m and will be hard to beat if able to overcome a wide draw (Picture: Candiese Lenferna) 

Formguides and Selections for Hollywoodbets Greyville Saturday 

RACE 1

10 SOMMERSTERN 3 PLACE OF PRACTICE 8 SONG TO THE MOON 11 MAGMA MAGIC

Preview: Tough handicap. SOMMERSTERN (10) made a winning KZN debut in good fashion. He has a tricky draw and makes his poly debut which is a concern. PLACE OF PRACTICE (3) was a recent maiden winner but enjoyed the step up in trip and the poly track. SONG TO THE MOON (8) has consistent Cape form over further but is never far back and if taking to the poly he will be competitive. MAGMA MAGIC (11) has come well of late winning his last two and is unbeaten under Tristan Godden. If he takes to the poly he will be a factor. (Andrew Harrison: 10-3-8-11).

RACE 2

11 IMPERIAL POWER 3 PLEASE BE TRUE 8 ROYAL SWORD 12 SUN DANCE KID

Preview: IMPERIAL POWER (11) is back on his favourite surface. He has consistent form and should feature in a wide open race. PLEASE BE TRUE (3) has some useful Cape form in good company. His last two starts were in the soft so the poly should suit. ROYAL SWORD (8) is a poly specialist and started favourite at his last three. SUN DANCE KID (12) has the widest draw but has excellent poly form and a 1.5kg allowance from the saddle. (Andrew Harrison: 11-3-8-12).

RACE 3

10 LA PULGA 12 OTTO LUYKEN 3 MAGIC VERSE 5 IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA

Preview: LA PULGA (10) showed up well in his local debut from a wide draw. He boasts smart Cape form. OTTO LUYKEN (12) is a past winner of this race. He showed his best form last time out. MAGIC VERSE (3) has made steady recent improvement and should be cherry-ripe. IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA (5) is holding form well and was narrowly beaten last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 10-12-3-5).

RACE 4

8 SHOOT THE RAPIDS 1 CURIOUS GIRL 10 AHEAD OF THE FACTS 12 VIHAAN’S BOMB

Preview: CURIOUS GIRL (1) goes this trip for the first time but stays well has the best of the draw and a light weight. AHEAD OF THE FACTS (10) has shown up well in two warm-ups on this course. He should be right there. SHOOT THE RAPIDS (8) stays well and is in mustard form. He should be involved in the finish. VIHAAN’S BOMB (13) won well to much weaker last time out but he stays well and also has a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-10-12).

RACE 5

7 ALICE B TOKLAS 3 ROYAL TIARA 2 TUDOR ROSE 10 OCEAN MISTRESS

Preview: ALICE B TOKLAS (7) won well first up over course and distance. She has a decent draw and can follow up. ROYAL TIARA (3) was second best behind Alice B Toklas when last they met but is likely to have come on from that run. TUDOR ROSE (2) took on males when shedding her maiden on debut. The blinkers go one from a handy draw. OCEAN MISTRESS (10) shows promise and will enjoy the step up in trip. (Andrew Harrison: 7-3-2-10).

RACE 6

1 VIBE CHECK 10 KAZENOYONI 11 ST HARRY 7 RED SPICE

Preview: VIBE CHECK (1) has the best of the draw and is a strong front runner. He rates the one to eat. KAZENOYONI (10) was second best behind Vibe Check when last they met but expect a change of tactics coming from off the pace. PRAYERSANDPROMISES (12) was an easy winner when stepped up in trip. RED SPICE (7) may just have needed his last run. Up in trip but has smart Cape form. ST HARRY (11) returns from a break but shows promise and should put in a big effort. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-11-7).

RACE 7

13 MOCHA BLEND 17 KING PELLES 7 WISH LIST

Preview: MOCHA BLEND (13) showed her class when winning the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup. She was getting weight from most but won with authority. She has had a faultless preparation and should put in a big run. KING PELLES (17) has a tricky draw to overcome but stays well and was at his peak this time last year. WISH LIST (7) is at the top of the three-year-old fillies and is a class act. She won her last start from a seemingly hopeless position. (Andrew Harrison: 13-17-7).

RACE 8

10 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM 6 MON PETIT CHERIE 7 QUICKSTEPGAL 8 KEUKENHOF

Preview: DOUBLE GRAND SLAM (10) has a tricky draw to contend with as she tries for back-to-back Garden Province wins. She ran a cracked over a distance too short last outing and should go close again. MON PETIT CHERIE (6) just failed to catch QUICKSTEPGAL (7) when jumping from a wide gate. She has a better draw here and can turn the tables although it should be tight. KEUKENHOF (8) has been close-up to star filly Wish List at her last two and a win would not be out of order. (Andrew Harrison: 10-6-7-8).

RACE 9

9 BUFFALO STORM CODY 8 SPEED MAN 1 KAALVOET 6 JERUSALEMA RAIN

Preview: BUFFALO STORM CODY (9) has a big weight and was narrowly beaten by JERUSALEMA RAIN (6) last time out. He meets his rival on 4kg better terms and should turn the tables. The blinkers are back on. SPEEDMAN (8) has won four of his six starts and has a handy galloping weight. He has a fair draw and looks more than capable. KAALVOET (1) was a touch unlucky last run in the Gr2 Golden Horse, however, he got a hefty five-point jump in the handicap. (Andrew Harrison: 9-8-1-6).

RACE 10

5 GREEN GATEWAY 2 MOHAVE PRINCE 7 IMPOSING 14 JP’S PALACE

Preview: Wide open. GREEN GATEWAY (5) steps up to a mile but did finish strongly to win last time out with first time blinkers. MOHAVE PRINCE (2) has come good recently and his last win was over course and distance. He has a favourable draw. IMPOSING (7) was touched off by July runner Zeitz last time out. He has won over course and distance and has a fair draw. JP’S PALACE (14) has the worst of the draw but is never far back. With some luck in runner he will be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-7-14).

RACE 11

1 ANCHORAGE 3 BUTTERCUP BABY 6 ONE SMART COOKIE 11 MISS WORLD

Preview: ANCHORAGE (1) has improved in blinkers. If she takes to the poly from the best of the draw she will be a strong contender. BUTTERCUP BABY (3) took on much stronger from a tough draw last time out. Her last two wins were on the poly. ONE SMART COOKIE (6) is seldom far behind and should put in another honest run. MISS WORLD (11) has drawn wide but is seldom out of the money and is in good form. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-6-11).

RACE 12

12 CAPTAIN’S PRIDE 2 SCARLET STARLET 4 WHAT A STAR 9 THOUGHT CONTROL

Preview: CAPTAIN’S PRIDE (12) has a wide draw to contend with but has useful recent form and has done well on the poly. SCARLET STARLET (2) may just have needed her last run after making a winning debut. From a good draw she can feature. WHAT A STAR (4) is a poly specialist over course and distance and has a favourabe draw. THOUGHT CONTROL (9) has been knocking at the door and has shown up well in her last two over course and distance. (Andrew Harrison: 12-2-4-9).

Please Be True could get punters off to a good start (

Justin Snaith is excited about his chances on Hollywoodbets Durban July day and couldn’t be more pleased as the big day approaches. Here are his comments for the big day.

_Race 1_
– Song to the Moon has travelled well to KZN and is not without a place chance as he makes his Polytrack debut.
– Magma Magic looks the value bet in the opener at 10-1.

_Race 2_
– Please Be True is in great shape, has drawn well and, with Keagan de Melo aboard, should go very close.
– World Of Our Own also looks like value at 12-1.

_Race 3_
– Magic Verse has come to hand at the right time. He’s capable of causing an upset in an open race.
– Field Marshall looks a sneaker at 10-1.

_Race 4_
– Ahead Of The Facts’ last run was outstanding and eye-catching. If he has some luck from a wide draw, he’ll be the one to beat.

_Race 6_
– The Cullinan has settled beautifully in KZN and has an each-way chance at 14-1.
– Vibe Check will be the danger.

_Race 7_
– Regulation’s first four starts after his wind operation were outstanding, bar his last run where everything went wrong. He’s an incredibly well-weighted horse and, from draw No. 2, cannot be left out of any bets.
– Legal Counsel keeps improving and has earned his top weight. He has a mountain to climb, but he’s as game as they come. The weights are stacked against him, but he’s not without a winning chance. If they let him go his own tempo out in front, he’ll be a hard horse to peg back.
– Wish List beat the colts in the Gr1 Cape Derby and she goes for five in a row. She doesn’t like losing and will fight it out. She is a star in the making and is the one to beat.
– Native Ruler was unlucky in this race last year but showed he is very much up to this level. He’s not without a chance with the in-form Keagan de Melo aboard. He’s worth including in all bets, particularly if the race is run at a true pace.
– Note To Self didn’t run his race in the Gr1 Daily News, but that has worked in his favour as he is now better off at the weights. This race has always been his main mission and he’ll be right in the shake-up. He’s back to his best and is in with a huge shout. Richard Fourie has serious BMT and knows how to win Gr1 races.

_Race 8_
– Double Grand Slam has nothing more to prove and was unlucky in her recent Gr1. She’s been tremendous this season, having already won two Gr1 races. She’s undoubtedly the horse to beat if things go her way.

_Race 9_
– Great Plains loves Greyville but does prefer 1400m. He’ll need things to go his way from a wide draw.
– Jet Force looks like the dark horse in the race at 20-1.

_Race 10_
– Landoftherisingsun landed the plumb draw which will be a considerable advantage. He’s worth including in all exotic bets.
– ⁠~Powerandtheglory takes no part~

_Race 12_
– Clair De Lune is absolutely flying and will take some beating.

Saddadd has won a Gr 3 at Sandown before and could be a threat to the O’Brien string in the Coral-Eclipse (Picture: Racing And Sports)

Improving colt has plenty of smart Sandown form to his name already

At The Races

Denying Aidan O’Brien another Coral-Eclipse is the unenviable task facing Saddadd on Saturday – but Roger Varian is confident the “best days should still be ahead” of his star middle-distance performer.

The Sandown Group One feature has proven a Ballydoyle benefit in recent years, and O’Brien has once again assembled a crack team of Eclipse contenders as French Derby one-two Constitution River and Hawk Mountain are joined by stablemate Flushing Meadows.

However, buoyed by a fine first appearance at the top level in the Curragh’s Tattersall’s Gold Cup, Varian is optimistic his dual course scorer should not be underestimated.

Varian said: “We’re looking forward to it and I’m really happy with the horse. This has kind of been the plan since he won the Gordon Richards and he did nothing in Ireland to derail us thinking he could run well in an Eclipse.

“I thought he came out of Ireland with great credit although he didn’t win and he’s been good in his training ever since. We’ve minded him and his best days should still be ahead of him and in my opinion he belongs at this level. I just hope he proves that on Saturday.”

Saddadd may have had to settle for third in Ireland in a race won by Ed Walker’s Almaqam, but he finished ahead of the likes of O’Brien’s Minnie Hauk that afternoon, with runner-up Bay City Roller franking the form at Epsom on his next start.

“I thought the winner and second probably had track position on him throughout at the Curragh and for whatever reason Aidan’s filly didn’t give her true running,” continued Varian.

“It probably just left us with a bit too much ground to make up, but you had to be impressed with what he did late on in the home straight. It’s a hard place to make up ground I think from what I’ve seen watching racing there this year and from what people have said.

“I think you could upgrade that performance and given it was against a proper Group One field – often it can be a bit soft that race but it was a proper Group One this year – he emerged with great credit on what was only his eighth career start.”

O’Brien’s duo met in the French Derby last time out with little between them, although Constitution River did overcome a wide draw.

“They both ran really well at Chantilly but of course Hawk Mountain had a much better draw than Constitution River. There has been a smooth preparation for both since Chantilly so we are happy to let them take each other on again,” O’Brien said in a Hong Kong Jockey Club media release.

“Sandown and Chantilly are quite similar though Sandown is a bit stiffer but that shouldn’t be a problem for them.”

Also heading to the race boosted by a sterling effort in elite company are the connections of Gethin, after his first outing in the Wathnan silks saw him put up a tremendous fight to Ombudsman in the Brigadier Gerard.

He will make his first Group One start over the same track and trip after Owen Burrows resisted the temptation to move up to 12 furlongs, with his team hopeful of another bold showing.

“We were delighted with his first run for us in the Brigadier Gerard and he’s lightly raced having only run six times, so we think he is still open to progress,” said Richard Brown of Wathnan, who will also see Harry Charlton’s King’s Gambit don the old gold and peacock blue in the contest.

“He’s a big boy and we think he’ll only get better with age and experience and you’ve got to be looking forward to running him.

“I’m sure Ombudsman wasn’t properly would up when we met in the Brigadier Gerard, but I also think we’ll improve from that run. I know he was getting 7lb which is a lot of weight, but if you are somewhere within 7lb of Ombudsman at the moment then you are in a very good place.”

Supplementing the Irish challenge is A Boy Named Susie for Donnacha O’Brien, who like the Gethin team has elected to remain at a mile and a quarter having had the option to step up in trip for last weekend’s Irish Derby.

The son of Starspangledbanner was cramped for room when an eyecatching fourth behind Constitution River and Mountain Hawk in the Prix du Jockey Club, with the younger O’Brien hoping to prove a thorn in his father’s side having booked Oisin Murphy to do the steering.

He said: “I think he’s a horse that has been a bit unlucky and he’s certainly unlucky not to be a stakes winner somewhere along the way. I think he’s coming and mentally he’s starting to get it together.

“It’s hard to know if he’s improved since France. His weight is pretty similar and his work’s been good, but he’s always been a good work horse and there’s no metric that I can tell you he’s a 10lb better horse now than he was at Chantilly.

“I guess the question is whether he was unlucky in France or not. That is something we’ll figure out on Saturday, whether if we’d followed the pace we would have been able to beat them or whether we’d have paid for that late on. That is where you’re hoping the few lengths will come out of.”

Superb Spirit has been tipped to win Race 10 (Picture: HKJC)

At The Races tipster Tim Carroll returns with three best bets, Placepot picks and analysis of all 11 contests at Sha Tin on Saturday.

Saturday sees a competitive 11 race card from Sha Tin on both the Turf and All-Weather tracks.

It gets underway at 10H00 SA Time and the feature of the meeting is race 4, The Class 2 Li Cup handicap, over 6 furlongs, offering more than £280,000 in prizemoney.

Click here for a comprehensive guide to the meeting

Picture: Turffontein Standside hosts the Sea Cottage Stakes on Sunday (JC Photos) 

Johannesburg, South Africa — 4Racing’s 2026 Highveld Three Year Old Winter Series concludes on Sunday, 5 July with the running of Leg 3, the TAB Sea Cottage Stakes (Gr3).

The Winter Series is a three-part challenge, open to 3-year-old horses, comprising the following races:-

10 May – 1400m Betway Secretariat Stakes (NBT)

7 June – 1600m TAB Egoli Mile (NBT)

5 July – 1800m TAB Sea Cottage Stakes (Gr3)

The first leg was won by Messrs Peter Moor and Adrian Nydam’s King Harald (Erik The Red – Imperial State). King Harald was a R675,000 purchase from Varsfontein Stud’s 2024 National Yearling Sale draft. Trained by Roy Magner from his Randjesfontein base and ridden to victory by Richard Fourie, he crossed the line 2,20 lengths to the good of Fire Storm in a time of 86,56 secs for the Standside 1400m.

The second leg of the challenge was won by the Wernars Family, D Chinsammy & TKP Racing (Nom: Trevelen Pillay)’s Errol Flynn (Master Of My Fate – What A Player). Errol Flynn was bred by Sandra Michelle Ajax & Target Acquired of Paardeberg Stud and was a R400,000 purchase from the 2024 BSA National Yearling Sale. Trained by Joe Soma, Errol Flynn won the Egoli Mile by 2.6 lengths, covering the Standside 1600m in 96,43 secs under jockey Keagan de Melo.

The series concludes this Sunday with the running of the TAB Sea Cottage Stakes (Gr3) over 1800m.

The race is named after Syd Laird’s mighty champion, Sea Cottage (Fairthorn – Maritime). Bred by the Birch Bros’ Vogelvlei Stud in Dordrecht, Sea Cottage is widely regarded as one of the best horses ever to grace the South African turf. He made national headlines after being shot in the weeks leading up to the 1966 Durban July and still managing a 4th place finish, despite meeting interference in the race and having to run with the bullet still lodged in his hindquarter. Sea Cottage would go on to win 20 of his 24 career starts, including a dead-heat in the 1967 Durban July, two Queen’s Plates, two Clairwood Winter Handicaps and the 1967 Champion Stakes. A champion in each of his 4 seasons of racing, he was the first equine athlete inductee into the South African Hall Of Fame in 2019.

With the scratching of Mr M J A Ferreira & Klawervlei Stud (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mr J P Koster)’s Golden Operator (Sean Tarry), a 7-horse field will go to post in this Sunday’s race.

King Harald, winner of the Betway Secretariat Stakes and 3rd in the Egoli Mile, will not be contesting the third leg.

Errol Flynn didn’t participate in the Secretariat Stakes, but having won the Egoli Mile, is back to try his luck in the TAB Sea Cottage Stakes.

The only other horse to have participated in the earlier legs of the series is the Wernars Family’s Got The Feeling (Fanie Bronkhorst / Kyle Strydom). He finished 3rd in the Secretariat Stakes and was 2nd in the Egoli Mile – can he go one better on Sunday?

This year’s final field below:-

1 – 4 CHRONICLE KING (C/T Dawson) G Lerena 60.0 – 115

2 – 6 COPPER EAGLE (R Klaasen) C Habib 58.0 – 110

3 – 5 ERROL FLYNN (J Soma) K de Melo 58.0 – 108

4 – GOLDEN OPERATOR SCRATCHED

5 – 3 GOT THE FEELING (F Bronkhorst) K Strydom 58.0 – 93

6 – 1 WORLD OF ROYALTY (W C Marwing) R Venniker – 58.0 – 92

7 – 2 SCARLETT HEART (F Bronkhorst) J Penny – 55.5 – 108

8 – 7 SURPRISE PARTY (P Matchett) P Mxoli – 55.5 – 86

ENDS.

Errol Flynn can add the third leg of the Winter Series (JC Photos)

The Gr 3 TAB Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m is the headliner at Turffontein Standside on Sunday and the exciting prospect Errol Flynn could make another step towards a likely Gr 1 Betway Summer Cup long-term target.

The Master Of My Fate gelding bounced back from his Gr 1 SA Classic flop, for which he had genuine excuses, with two impressive victories over 1600m in which he put daylight between himself and the opposition. He now has another chance to prove he stays this trip. He should get stamina from his sire and although his dam was by sprinter What A Winter tha latter can throw some stamina and in this case the mare’s two wins were over 1400m and 1600m respectively. He has a fair draw of five in the eight horse field and Keagan de Melo is up.

Copper Eagle ran a fine second in the Gr 3 Jubilee over 1800m and if the winner Aladdin’s Lamp does well in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, then it will enhance his chances here, although he has a tricky draw of six.

Chronicle KIng has some class and should stay the trip, so has a shout from draw four under Gavin Lerena.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1400m Spirit Of Gabz is the form choice, but has a wide draw. The dangers could be Dear Doc and Snowblade, who are both well drawn.

In the fifth race over 1160m the one to beat in an uninspiring race could be Campo Formio, who wasn’t disgraced on debut behind a fair sort. WhatsdamatterwithU has been well beaten in all his starts but has faced quality opposition and has not been totally disgraced. Pole Position is a first-timer by Gimmethegreenlight out a Var mare who has produced  a couple of horses rated higher than a 100, so he could be a threat from a nice high draw.

In the sixth race over 1800m Hawkbill will enjoy the trip and is the selection in a wide open event with just six runners. Putting the whole fiield in the Pick 6 might be the way to go.

In the eighth race over 1160m the in-form pair Taxi To The Moon and African Pride could fight it out, with preference for the latter because he is on the up, while Taxi To Moon is likely using it as a preparation race for the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint.

In the ninth over 1400m Master Christmas is well drawn in three and should make a bold bid over a suitable trip. The fillies Kensal Green and Warning Sound, if she takes her place after running on Thursday, could be the chief dangers.

In the third race over 1400m Within Reach is the form choice. Impressive won in taking style over this trip last time and although officially having a hard task at the weights with Within Reach on their last meeting she looks to be on the up.

In the second race over 2400m Enflame has tremendous Highveld staying form and can carry topweight to victory from pole position under Gavin Lerena.

In the first over 1160m Irish Wilma can go close if able to reproduce her penultimate start.

In the tenth over 1600m the progressive War Reporter can continue on his winning ways from a plum draw.