Turf Talk Newsletter – 9 October, 2026

Utsaah has come into her own since going over ground and should enjoy the 2200m of the Allez France Stakes. She officially has a hard task at the weights but could prove better than her rating over this trip (JC Photos)

The Turffontein Inside meeting on Saturday is headlined by the Non-Black Type Allez France Stakes over 2200m and the up and coming lightweight Utsaah could be the one to side with.

Utsaah only carries 50kg off her 84 rating and is officially 4,5kg under sufferance. However she has impressed since been stepped up to trips beyond 2000m,  winning easily over 2400m and 2600m respectively. She has a good draw and this progressive Capetown Noir filly should go close.

Hazy Dazy has a weight advantage and should go close. The stalwart Gr 1-winning filly by Act Of War carries 62kg off her 117 rating and is officially 2kg better off than any other runner in the field. She showed her well-being last time when finishing a neck second to the smart Flower Island in a 1450m event when giving the latter 9,5kg, meaning she was 3kg worse off than weight for age terms. That was her seasonal reappearance after a three month layoff and she was not given a hard time by regular pilot Trent Mayhew. She has a tricky draw of five out of six, but should be in the shake up.

Scarlett O’Hara is joint second-best in at the weights and is in good form, so should also be in the shake up.

Frangipani, who is 3,5kg out with Hazy Dazy, is drawn in pole and has been in good form. Kabelo Matsunyane is in good form and this filly has won well over 2000m before, so should handle the 2200m trip.

Into Dancing is in fine form and will also enjoy the trip, so should be right there. She is by Ideal World and so should be still improving.

Indian Ocean has been off form and has the widest draw of all. However, she can be very good either from the front or from the back if things go her way, so is always dangerous.

The Allez France forms the first leg of the P6.

In the second leg over 1600m Trombolines was a touch unlucky over 1200m last time when running on and losing by a neck to the smart Precocious. He will enjoy this trip and from draw three out of seven under Calvin Habib should be right there.

Tina Lovelace ran a fair race last time after a six month layoff and was staying on in that 1200m event, so should enjoy this trip from a fair draw.

Griselda returns from layoff of close to five months, but she has plenty of ability and from a good draw could make her presence felt.

In the sixth race over 1600m Calla Lagoon was impressive in her second start in South Africa and can follow up, despite having a tricky draw of seven.

Gr 1 SA Classic winner Grand Empire makes his reappearance here and he should be running on well after likely being dropped out by Keagan De Melo from a wide draw. He was rested for the season after running well below par in a minor race after his SA Classic win and he should have benefited from that layoff after a tough three-year-old campaign.

King Harald has the form to be a contender and Richard Fourie up will help him overcome a wide draw.

Pressonregardless is a lot better than his last start when beaten 15 lengths by Calla Lagoon and he can bounce back and be in the shake up from a fair draw.

Rule By Force has class, but has not raced since finishing third in the 2024 Summer Cup.

In the seventh race over 1450m Walkinginthewoods has to run off a 94 merit rating after romping home on debut, but he looks to be full of ability and with Keagan De Melo up from draw five he should be right there

Shoreybomba looks to be a progressive sort and running over a suitable trip from a good draw he should go close under Richard Fourie.

Protector Of Peace is in fine form and if able to overcome a wide draw should be in the shake up over a trip which he should enjoy, having stayed on over 1200m last time.

In the eighth race over 1800m One Eye On Dubai could prove his class by winning from a good draw. He impressed when stepped up to 2000m last time and winning by 8,5 lengths and he now runs off an 88 with Keagan de Melo up.

Rafe’s Oracle sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and jumps from pole position, so he will be dangerous from the front over a step up in trip which he should enjoy being by Rafeef out of a Silvano mare. He made his debut over 1600m, so must have always looked to need ground.

Calturati has the form to go close over an ideal trip

In the ninth over 1800m Knowmore has a good draw and should be ideally suited to this trip as he has been staying on over 1600m.

Steel Spring should also be right there as he was only just caught late over this course and distance last time and he runs off the same mark from a good draw.

Guerilla Warfare has been running well and is capable of better than last time

In the third over 1600m Great Rift Valley caught the eye on debut when staying on after being green over 1450m. He is now drawn in pole and Keegan De Melo rides.

In the second over 1600m Alittlebitoflove has a draw advantage over stablemate Pandora Fort. Those two should fight it out together with Champagne Air.

In the first race over 1450m Javelin Warrior has to overcome a wide draw, but if able to do so he should go close. Skitt smiling should be running on strongly and should also be right there.

Walkinginthewoods can follow up on his impressive debut win (JC Photos)

Brendan Gaillard formguides and selections for Turffontein Inside on Saturday

RACE 1

SKITT SMILING confirmed the promise of his debut with close-up finishes in subsequent outings and won’t need to improve much to open his account. BLUNDERBORE would have benefitted from the experience of his 1200m debut 3rd so should have a role to play with natural improvement expected over this extended trip. JAVELIN WARRIOR fits a similar profile after an eye-catching debut 2nd but he does resume after a lengthy layoff so may need the outing. INCLUSION and STORMACT have the form and experience to make their presence felt too.

RACE 2

ALITTLEBITOFLOVE and CHAMPAGNE AIR have improved after moderate introductions so could fight out the finish if making further progress. The former was 3rd over 1600m last time and that experience over this distance stands her in good stead. KNOCKIN’ BOOTS is held on that form but has the means to play a role in the outcome. FOREST ACT is better than her last start suggests and could get into the picture if bouncing back to earlier form. FIRST WHISPER (gin strike!) and PANDORA FORT are open to any amount of improvement after satisfactory introductory outings.

RACE 3

GREAT RIFT VALLEY was a beaten short-priced favourite on debut as a 2yo and that form has worked out well. He could reward followers on his reappearance after a subsequent rest and gelding, and with that experience to count on. BRIEF ENCOUNTER, GREEN FAIRWAY and SECRET GETAWAY are also open to improvement after encouraging introductory efforts. MIDNIGHT SHOW and Highveld newcomer WHATWILLBEWILLBE have shown enough to make their presence felt too.

RACE 4

HAZY DAZY gave the 3yo winner 9.5kg when 2nd in a 1450m Grade 2 on her seasonal reappearance last week so will be hard to beat with improved fitness on her side, provided this run doesn’t come too soon. INTO DANCING, SCARLET O’HARA and FRANGIPANI are consistent performers at a slightly lower level but could pose a threat in receipt of weight from the selection. Hat-trick seeking UTSAAH is a maturing stayer with more of a place chance than a winning one in this grade.

RACE 5

TROMBOLINES was 2nd at this level over track and trip last time with blinkers fitted so should play a leading role off an unchanged mark with the headgear retained. However, riding arrangements would suggest that stablemate YIPPEE KIYAY is the stable elect. The latter is unbeaten in two starts over this distance and open to improvement on his seasonal reappearance. Fillies GOOD DAY SUNSHINE and GRISELDA finished unplaced in a 2yo Grade 2 at the end of last season but are open to improvement, as is returning GIMME A VODKA on his reappearance after a rest and gelding.

RACE 6

RULE BY FORCE hasn’t been seen since finishing 3rd in the 2024 Grade 1 Summer Cup. He is classy but will need the outing. Grade 1 SA Classic winner GRAND EMPIRE has bigger fish to fry this season and is drawn wide on his reappearance but should make his presence felt. Versatile ALADDIN’S LAMP fits a similar profile. CALLA LAGOON was an authoritative winner at this level over 1450m last month and a 3-point penalty may not be enough to prevent him from following up, though KING HARALD and RADIO STAR are weighted to pose more of a threat.

RACE 7

WALKINGINTHEWOODS could hardly have been more impressive when justifying market support with a wide-margin debut victory over 1200m. He would have benefitted from that experience and could be even better over this extended trip, so it could pay to follow his progress. Last-start winner SUNSET WARRIOR remains competitive under a penalty, as do NEVER NEVER LAND and PROTECTOR OF PEACE over this distance after their encouraging 1200m comebacks. WINSTON’S WONDER and veteran AFTER HOURS also have the form and experience at this level to get involved.

RACE 8

CULTURATI and DARK SILVER are closely matched on the form of their 2000m meeting on 1 August so there shouldn’t be much separating them, although the former is weighted to confirm his superiority on these revised terms. IDEAL SUMMER and LONE HORIZON could be more competitive off reduced marks but a bigger threat will likely come from improving last-start maiden winners ONE EYE ON DUBAI and RAFE’S ORACLE. Both 3yo colts are progressive so could be leniently treated on handicap debut off their opening marks.

RACE 9

KNOWMORE was a staying-on 2nd at a higher level over 1600m on this course last time, so a repeat of that effort off a 3-point higher mark could suffice. NARETOI (2nd), STEEL SPRING (3rd) and GUERILLA WARFARE (4th) clashed recently in a course-and-distance contest and should be competitive if running to that form again. SNOW MOON, ROCK MY BOAT and EIFFEL TOWER also have earning potential.

At The Races ambassador Hollie Doyle previews a quintet of contests on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket on Saturday, including the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes, plus two competitive events over at York.

Castle To Give Appleby His Fourth Dewhurst

Charlie Appleby can enhance his great record in the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes (3.00) at Newmarket on Saturday with the unbeaten DESERT CASTLE .

Godolphin’s trainer has won it three times in the last seven years, most recently with Shadow Of Light in 2024, and has no qualms about pitching his exciting son of Frankel into the highest company for the first time.

He impressed me with his dominance in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last month – his first outing since stepping out of novice company – and can cement his place at the head of the 2,000 Guineas market.

Aidan O’Brien’s Ante-post Derby favourite Darkness Falls has already won at this level so poses a considerable threat, but I’m not convinced the drop back to 7f will be in his favour.

Click here to read the rest of Hollie Doyle’s Column

Mauritius hero Cumbre Vieja will be out to cement his claim for a second Horse Of The Year title (Picture: MTC)

Unbeaten in nine starts on the Island, Cumbre Vieja looks to cement his claims for back-to-back Horse Of The Year titles when he takes on seven rivals in the G1 WFA Princess Margaret over 1400m at Champs de Mars on Saturday.

With Manoel Nunes back from suspension to partner the 5yo son of Erupt, confidence is high that Cumbre Vieja will emerge victorious but he faces a quality field and victory cannot be taken for granted. At My Command won 1600m G1 Barbe Cup in June and followed that up with a good win over 1400m in August. On the evidence of that form there is not much to choose between At My Command and Underworld. Add into the mix Meridius and Air Raid and a keenly fought contest is on the cards, with victory for Cumbre Vieja no foregone conclusion.

The first of eight very competitive races is due to get under way at 10:30 SA time.

Race 1: (10:30) – BM25 Handicap – 1450m:

Competitive opener reserved for Mauritian riders. The Centurion (Sooful) was very disappointing in his last two starts but is capable of much better and has cracked a good draw in a large field. Jet Blackfire (Rama) was undone last week by impressive newcomer World Champion and rates the pick on form, but faces a tough draw. New York City (Ramsamy) has been knocking loudly at the door and rates an obvious threat. San Andreas (Juglall) has dropped in the ratings and could surprise, while three-time winner River Hawk (Sophie) is usually there and thereabouts.

Betting: 2/1 The Centurion; 5/2 New York City; 28/10 Jet Blackfire; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) The Centurion; (2) Jet Blackfire; (5) New York City; (6) San Andreas.

Race 2: (11:05) – BM31 Handicap – 1365m – (1st Leg Place Accumulator):

Carnarvon (Van Niekerk) sets the standard and is entitled to his position at the top of the boards. Last time out he was beaten by the useful Ashikule over 1450m and the 4yo son of Elusive Fort will appreciate stepping back in trip. Bugle Boy (Nunes) is holding form well and has been placed in all four starts since arriving in Mauritius. His form is not as strong as that of Carnarvon and Carl Hewitson’s runner may again have to settle for a minor placing. Blown Away (Mansour) and Fine One (Chaves) are more than capable of winning a race of this nature, particularly the former who was a good winner of his last start over the trip. The outsiders Mystery Cache, Master Point and newcomer Sovereign Command have all done enough to suggest that reaching the frame in a competitive heat is not beyond their reach.

Betting: 16/10 Carnarvon; 22/10 Bugle Boy; 6/1 Blown Away; 7/1 Fine One; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Carnarvon; (3) Blown Away; (7) Bugle Boy; (5) Master Point.

Race 3: (11:40) – BM46 Handicap – 1400m – (1st Leg Pick 6):

Only four runners line up for his middle division handicap over 1400m but each of the quartet have winning credentials. The obvious pick on current form is My Archangel (Nunes) who bids for three-in-a-row. In truth, he has not beaten much in his last two outings and takes a step up in class here. National Award (Mansour) was game in defeat behind the talented New World last time and a repeat of that performance could be good enough to win this. Zanthar (Van Rensburg) makes his local debut and brings decent South African form into the race. Sound Of The Sea (Van Niekerk) is the outsider of the party but three runs back was victorious over the progressive Summer Snow and his last run is best ignored. May be trickier than the betting suggests.

Betting: 6/10 My Archangel; 22/10 National Award; 6/1 Zanthar; 10/1 Sound Of The Sea.

Selection: (2) National Award; (1) My Archangel; (4) Sound Of The Sea; (3) Zanthar.

Race 4: (12:15) – BM51 Handicap – 1365m:

Salt ‘n Peppa (Nunes) was very badly hampered in his last start and is best judged on his previous two outings when beating Comedy Club and War Chariot respectively. Mauritius Kestrel (Schwarz) makes his local debut and there is a lot of confidence around that the Vicky Ruhee-trained 5yo son of Vercingetorix can get his Island career off to a winning start. Stated (Chaves) is in very good form and should prove competitive here. Grand Bay (Curatolo) often flatters to deceive but can get into the mix while Siriano’s last run, when running off the course around the home turn, must be ignored. Mfethu (Van Rensburg) has plenty of scope for improvement and would not be winning out of turn.

Betting: 15/10 Salt ‘n Peppa; 2/1 Mauritius Kestrel; 6/1 Stated; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Salt ‘n Peppa; (4) Mauritius Kestrel; (6) Mfethu; (2) Stated.

Race 5: (12:50) – BM61 Handicap – 1500m – (1st Leg Jackpot):

The improving Rich Folks Hoax (Nunes) is justifiably quoted in the red and I expect the 5yo son of Danon Platina to complete his hattrick. Monumental (Curatolo) was touched off by Isiwishikwishi a month ago and rates an obvious threat. The Grey King (Chaves) has run well below par in his last two starts but a repeat of his debut effort when a close second behind Boundless Energy in June would bring Arveen Nagadoo’s runner into the picture with a bright chance. Common Grounds (Orffer) was beaten more than three lengths by Rich Folks Hoax last time and a 2kgs swing should not be enough to turn the tables.

Betting: 7/10 Rich Folks Hoax; 7/2 Monumental; 13/2 The Grey King, Common Grounds; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Rich Folks Hoax; (5) Monumental; (1) The Grey King; (2) Common Grounds.

Race 6: (13:30) – The Princess Margaret Cup G1 (WFA) – 1400m:

Cumbre Vieja (Nunes) won this race last year when beating Meridius by close on two lengths and the 5yo son of Erupt will be a popular choice to remain undefeated. He has been freshened up since winning the Derby over 1850m and the step back in trip should not be a huge concern. Meridius, now back with the Nagadoo stable, reopposes but is arguably better over 1600m. The classy At My Command (Curatolo) won the G1 Barbe Cup in June and followed up with a good win over 1400m in August. Underworld (Joorawon) is not too far off the best and with a little luck in running could spring a surprise. Air Raid (Corrales) made a winning debut in the Hinterland Cup and is open to any amount of improvement. The only 4yo in the race, New World, has won his last five starts on the bounce but takes a steep rise in class and may find the task a little beyond him at this stage of his career. Form runs deep in this quality field but Cumbre Vieja remains the one they all have to beat.

Betting: 9/10 Cumbre Vieja; 9/2 At My Command; 5/1 Underworld; 8/1 Air Raid; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (4) Cumbre Vieja; (1) At My Command; (3) Underworld; (7) Air Raid.

Race 7: (14:05) – Middle Stakes – 990m:

Secret Passage (Mansour) goes for five-in-a-row but his last three victories were all recorded over 1365m and here the 5yo son of Futura steps back to the minimum trip. Secret Passage takes on the speedy That’ll B The Day (Chaves) who is unbeaten 3-from-3 at Champs de Mars. Chaves celebrated his arrival in Mauritius with a double last week and he will be hoping That’ll B The Day can run them ragged with only 53kgs to shoulder. Pennsylvania (Corrales) was a good second behind Solomons Seal over track and trip back in July and the 5yo son of Lancaster Bomber cannot be lightly dismissed. Captain Mike is very game and consistent and should make his presence felt.

Betting: 9/10 Secret Passage; 28/10 That’ll B The Day; 4/1 Pennsylvania; 7/1 Captain Mike; 20/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (7) That’ll B The Day; (4) Secret Passage; (3) Pennsylvania; (5) Captain Mike.

Race 8: (14:45) – BM26 Handicap – 1650m:

Nice race to close the card. On form there is nothing to choose between Fear Of Fire and Trick Or Tequila, but the latter has a trickier draw to contend with. Lava County (Chaves) is drawn worst but that is unlikely to overly affect the slow-starting 4yo son of Erupt. If Lava County does not give away too much ground at the start, he could well prove the one to beat. Kola Tonic (Schwarz) is in good form but takes on a little stronger here, while Fortune Hunter (Orffer) is clearly better than his last run when things went awry. Nordic Prince (Van Rensburg) now appears to be enjoying the extended trips and he should be running on well at the finish. Tough race, but Fear Of Fire, with only two local starts under the belt, appears to have more to come and gets the nod.

Betting: 22/10 Fear Of Fire; 3/1 Trick Or Tequila; 7/2 Lava County; 7/1 Kola Tonic; 10/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Fear Of Fire; (8) Trick Or Tequila; (2) Lava County; (7) Nordic Prince.

Betting correct at 17:00 on Thursday 8 October.

Suggested Pick 6 (Races 3-8):

1,2 x 1,4,6 x 4 x 4 x 3,4,7 x 1,2,7,8 (R72)

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

Master Du Rouvray ran a poor race when starting favourite behind stable companion Cleartherunway last time out but Mark Dixon’s runner can make amends in the Michaelmas Handicap over 1900m that heads the turf card at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.

In a five-horse field – the race moved to the poly track after torrential rain saturated the turf track – Master Du Rouvray was not suited to the slow pace set by Cleartherunway who made all the running under a clever ride by Calvin Habib and set pedestrian early fractions before quickening away to hold off all challengers. Master Du Rouvray faded tamely but is now 2.5kg better off and likely to get a much stronger pace given the presence of the front-running Go Grayson Go with Frikkie Greyling having booked Richard Fourie who won on the horse three runs back.

Garth Puller sends out Mohave Prince who had every chance behind Cleartherunway and is 2kg better off so can turn the tables. Mike and Mathew de Kock’s SA Derby winner Curious Girl makes her seasonal debut after being out-classed in the Hollywoodbets Durban July but may just need this run as it appears to be short of her best.

The eighth is an interesting Progress Plate over 1400m where Native Ruler warms up for a crack at the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup. He is the best weighted runner but this distance should find him and his connections will probably be looking for a forward showing rather than a win.

Interesting is Gareth van Zyl’s colt Ascalon Dancer. The lightly raced four-year-old will just have needed his last run in a competitive sprint that was his first outing since May where he finished two lengths back to Okavango. He has a light weight and can live up to his potential in this fixed weight contest where he is well in. The mare Scarlet Macaw has a wide draw but has more than useful form in good company. If she can overcome the draw, she will go close. Charge It has her first run for Alyson Wright but has not been out since April. She is smart on her day and if not short of a run she will be a contender and it could pay to keep an eye on the market.

It is a competitive card for exotic bet punters

Barry’s Boy can get the PA off to a solid start even though he was a recent maiden winner as his form leading up to that win has been franked and he can follow up in what looks to be a tricky handicap. Danger could be Phutulicious who is always game and won well at lengthy odds last time out. He enjoys the turf and is in good form. Cavalry Commander is seldom far back and was a winner last time under Richard Fourie.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is an open handicap. Scandalize is a lightly raced filly who has shown up well in her two outings since her maiden win. She gets a 4kg claimer up for some relief from the saddle and has the best of the draw. Lunch Money has been close-up in his last five starts and if holding form he should contest the finish. Champagne Mac had his consistency rewarded with a comfortable win against a few fellow veterans last time out. He only has 49.5kg to shoulder which should again make him competitive. French War Lord has a wide draw to contend with but was not far back first run out of the maidens where he showed some good form in promising company.

Mike Miller appears to have found the right race for Siesta Sunset in the fifth. She is down in class, has dropped two pounds in the handicap and gets a 2.5kg claimer aboard. She is quick and this could be her race for the taking although Highveld raider Mystical Miss is holding form well and took on a lot stronger last time out and will be a big runner. Lady Godiva has been runner-up at her last two and goes very well over course and distance and should again be a major contender.

Cape-based trainer Michelle Rix has one runner on the card and saddles Handsome Prince in the sixth who comes with some useful Cape form. He has a difficult draw to contend with but has Richard Fourie in the saddle. Hadrian’s Wall made all to score at long odds to shed his maiden but that form has held up with the second horse winning and with only 52.5kg to shoulder from a good draw he could follow up. Kalahari Roller seldom runs a bad race and gets a stronger apprentice aboard with a handy weight.

The last is a highly competitive handicap but Serpentine Fire has been knocking at the door for some time now and is over his ideal trip with a handy weight. Bombers In The Sky makes his local debut off some useful Cape form and although he has a tricky draw he is down in class and has also been dropping in the handicap. Dricus steps up in trip but is seldom out of the money and the stable is in form so he should feature prominently. Blizzard Quest found some market support on the Highveld last run and has shown some recent improvement. He could be worth including in all exotic bets.

Banff has a good chance in the eighth race (JC Photos)

Trainer Comments for Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday

Alyson Wright

Race 1 REMEMBER THE TIME and LONE RIDER will both need the run.

Race 2: APACHE BLESSING: Her first run was really disappointing, so hopefully she is going to do a bit better and hopefully she can run into the money.
LITTLE LOLLITA has unfortunately got a bad draw. so I think she’ll be coming from of them and she can just run into the middle of the pack.

Race 3: PHUTULICIOUS is obviously very fit, he got four point for his last win but I think he will run very well.

Race 4: PROFESSOR LUPIN is off form at the moment, so just looking for a better run from him.

Race 7: SAXON DYNASTY has also been a little bit disappointing, there hasn’t been any pace in his races. I am hoping for a bit more pace, but I think this is a much stronger field, so I just need to see him run a better race.

Race 8: CHARGE IT is coming back off a long break. She was sitting on the farm, so this is maybe a little bit soon, but there’s not a lot of suitable races so this is just a run to get her back going again.

 

Tony Rivalland:

Race 4: LITTLE CRACKER has always got some sort of chance.

Race 6: COWBOY COUNTRY is doing very well.

 

Tim Woodruff:

Race 3: BARRY’S BOY: It’s his first run out of the maidens, which is usually a step up in class, but he is in good form at home and we are hoping for a good performance.

 

Frank Robinson:

Race 8: BANFF ran on well from behuind in his last run. I think he has been looking for this further trip and he is in a very good place, I think he will be very competitive.

 

Stuart Ferrie:

Race 3: LUNELUCK won his maiden at this course. It’s competitive and he will need luck from a wide draw, but Ant Mgudlwa is back aboard which helps.

Race 4: LION’S EYE has been going through the motions, but I think he will be better around the turn, so he has a chance.
MASTER SILVANO: Richard Fourie is up and he has a good draw and is back on the grass, so he must have a chance.

Race 5: PREDATOR’S CROWN it’s her first run out of the maidens and I have dropped her back to 1200m, because I want to teach her to settle and not over race. I think she can place in this race.

Race 8: WAR EMPEROR is badly drawn so we will try something different and drop him out and see if he runs on. We will see if he stays the trip or wants further.

REAL STUNNER has run two honest efforts for us and he should run a good race.

 

Michael Roberts:

Race 1: GOOD OMEN is knocking on the door and is stepping up in trip and he will probably be better suited to this trip. I think he’ll be in the money.

Race 6: ERMELO ran the other day after a break of two-and-a-half years. He has come on a lot from that run, but we are still just building him up slowly.

 

MJ Odendaal

Race 4: FRENCH WAR LORD:  I just think 1200m might just be a bit short for him now, he got away with it at HWB Scottsville, but I think at HWB Greyville six furlongs might find him out. I think he’s looking for a bit more ground.

Race 6: INTENSITY is quite a nice horse, but they gave him a 106 which killed him for quite a while. He’s coming back from quite a lengthy layoff. He will run well but he will probably need this one.

Race 8: BEYOND ALL DOUBT and SERPENTINE FIRE will both be very, very competitive. If I had to stick my neck out I might go for BEYOND ALL DOUBT. He has proven himself against higher class horses and I’ve always though Serpentine Fire will eventually become a proper 2000m horse.

Turquoise Velocity has been tipped to win the last race, the the Class 2 Yuen Long Handicap over 6 furlongs (Picture: HKJC)

At The Races tipster Tim Carroll previews Sunday’s 11-race Sha Tin card, which gets underway at 06H30 SA Times, nominating his best bets.