At the eight-race Vaal Classic track meeting on Thursday 2 October, jockey Calvin Habib looks set for a strong showing with three standout rides, highlighted by two “kings” in consecutive races. His best chances come in Races 5 to 7, offering punters an opportunity to maximise returns.

In Race 5 over 1600m, Habib partners Tony Peter’s Kisshoten, with whom he has formed a solid partnership. The Erupt mare scored impressively two runs back over this track and trip and followed up with a close second despite carrying a hefty penalty and giving 5kg to the winner. Raised a further two points since, she still appeals as a solid each-way prospect in a competitive Fillies & Mares Handicap.

Race 6 sees Habib aboard Trident King for Dawid Nieuwenhuizen. The seasoned handicapper has been admirably consistent, finishing fourth in three recent starts at a higher level. Dropping in class with a slightly lower rating, the seven-year-old looks well placed to finally earn a deserved victory.

In Race 7, Habib takes over on The Ultimate King from Gavin Lerena, who is suspended. The progressive son of Vercingetorix was narrowly beaten by Luce Verde last time out over 2000m, finishing just 0.7 lengths adrift. With a 0.5kg pull at the weights and a drop to 1800m, conditions favour The Ultimate King, who is expected to turn the tables.

With Kisshoten, Trident King, and The Ultimate King all well-positioned, Habib’s strong book of rides could see him dominate the middle stages of the card and deliver a profitable treble for supporters.

Clive Robinson

The Malaysian racing circuit welcomes a familiar name with renewed credentials: Jason Lim has officially been granted his Professional Trainer License by the Malaysian Racing Association (MRA), marking a significant milestone in a career already distinguished by success across borders. Jason’s journey in horse racing began in Singapore, where he earned recognition for his hands-on horsemanship, strategic conditioning, and consistent results. His tenure there was defined by a commitment to excellence, with multiple winners and placings that reflected both his technical acumen and intuitive understanding of equine performance. Known for his calm demeanour and methodical approach, Jason built a reputation as a trainer who could bring out the best in his horses—whether seasoned campaigners or promising newcomers. Now, with MRA accreditation, Jason transitions into the Malaysian racing landscape equipped with regional experience and a fresh ambition. His licensing is not merely procedural—it is a testament to his professionalism, adaptability, and enduring passion for the sport. In a further vote of confidence, Jason Lim has been granted stabling facilities at Selangor Turf Club, where he will commence operations with a team of 17 horses in training. This allocation reflects both trust in his capabilities and anticipation of his contribution to the local racing calendar. “His training philosophy blends discipline with empathy, emphasizing tailored routines, nutritional precision, and psychological readiness. Horses under his care are known for their fitness, focus, and flair—qualities that reflect Jason’s belief in holistic preparation.” As Malaysian racing continues to evolve, Jason’s presence adds depth to the trainer ranks. His cross-border insights, familiarity with international bloodlines, and collaborative spirit position him as a valuable asset to owners, jockeys, and the broader racing fraternity. He has six horse entered this week & Selangor Turf Club wishes him the best .

It is Polytrack racing again at Fairview on Wednesday 1 October where there are some decent runners carded. Early on the card, Race 3, a Novice Plate over 1600m, should go the way of the Sharon Kotzen-trained Honorable Member. This daughter of Rabada has been very consistent of late and has, in fact, finished runner-up in all three her runs on the surface. Generally, she has been competing with merit in far better fields than this, and on official merit ratings she comes into this race very well weighted. In fact, she is a full 7.5kg in and will prove very hard to beat under these weight conditions. Jockey Louis Mxothwa knows her well and she really does deserve a winning turn. A couple of races later, the much-improved Hat Montera can go close to winning Race 5, a handicap over 1900m. Blinkers have certainly done the trick for her, as she has won twice in five starts with them on and was a bit unlucky not to win her latest start when caught late by rival in this race, A Bit Chilly. Jockey Muzi Yeni is again aboard the Hat Puntano filly and she can go one better. The Eric The Red filly Danish Dynamite obviously has her issues, but she is very speedy and can make all the running to take out Race 6, a FM Handicap over 1000m. She has won two of her four starts so far and had excuses for both defeats. She met a decent filly on debut when outpaced late by Sports Girl, who has progressed very nicely since then and was an impressive winner earlier this month. Danish Dynamite then thrashed Sylvan Mistress, who has won twice since. She followed that with a good win over useful yardstick Buffalo Bill. The three-year-old filly then went too quickly for her own good over 1200m on the turf last time out and hung late when clearly tired, but she still finished runner-up. She does meet some useful opposition in this race in the form of Hot Sauce, Symbol Of Love and Priscilla Maisey, but dropped to 1000m and back on the Polytrack she should make a bold bid for victory under jockey Craig Zackey. Clive Robinson

My Wish remains on course for a tilt at the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) in December after sweeping to an emphatic victory in the HK$4.2 million G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (28 September). Held up in the straight as jockey Luke Ferraris searched for clear running, My Wish (130lb) eventually weaved between runner-up Copartner Prance (134lb) and Pray For Mir (128lb) and powered to a length and a quarter margin in 1m 20.79s. Happy Together (135lb) finished strongly for third, a short head further away. Winner of the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) and second in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) last season, My Wish enhanced his overall record to five wins and five minor placings from 12 starts and prizemoney of HK$22.7 million. Ferraris believes My Wish is untapped. “The sky is the limit with him and whatever we throw at him, he takes and does better so it’s really exciting going forward,” the South African said. “(Last season) he’s finished a length behind Voyage Bubble and it probably wasn’t his best performance when beaten by Red Lion at the end of last ‘prep’ – which was a tough ‘prep’ – but with a freshen up and now that he’s filled out a bit, I don’t know where the ceiling is.” Settling fourth behind the leaders, My Wish was poised to strike as the field entered the home straight but initially had nowhere to go. “It just seemed like nothing was moving and then half a gap opened – and he’s as gutsy as ever – and I put him in it and he did the rest. He got me out of trouble,” Ferraris said. Newnham said: “He’s a really good, tenacious little horse. He certainly showed today that he’s made improvement from last season and he’s going to be a force the rest of the season. It was actually one of the last things I said to Luke. I said ‘just trust the horse – you know when you need him, he’ll be there’. “It did look a little complicated there for a few strides but once he got the gap, he put them away quite well. He’ll have the Group 2 miles – one next month (G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap) and one in November (G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile) – leading into December.” “It’s a good way to start the season but we’ve still got the A-graders to come yet, so he’s got to improve a little bit more. But I think it’s there.” Newnham also struck with Lucky Sam Gor (121lb), who was given a patient ride by Jerry Chau in landing the Class 4 Tailorbird Handicap (1400m). Brett Crawford broke through in spectacular fashion for his first Hong Kong wins, slotting a double when Speedy Smartie (129lb) triumphed in the Class 5 Tropicbird (1200m, dirt) and Ninja Derby (123lb) prevailed in the Class 5 Woodpecker Handicap (1600m). Fittingly, Crawford shared the milestone success with Karis Teetan (Speedy Success) and Lyle Hewitson (Ninja Derby), both of whom had forged strong links with Crawford in South Africa. “It’s amazing, he’s (Crawford) been a great help to my career. When I was in South Africa, he gave me a chance to put my name up there when I was back in Cape Town and he trusted me and put me on a lot of good horses,” Teetan said. “Hong Kong is a different place and I’ve been here for so long now and I just let Brett know that you just have to keep your head up and persist.” Crawford, 54, saddled more than 1,400 winners in South Africa, landing many of the country’s major races. He said: “Amazing day. I couldn’t be happier. I’m obviously very pleased. We’ve had a few horses run really good races so far. As long as we can keep horses running to their form – it’s nice to see a horse like this first run second and then build on that – that’s the goal for us. “Obviously, we (Crawford and Teetan) go back a long time and I think it was over 12 years ago when he had a winner for me, so it’s a fantastic feeling. He’s put in a lot of work and he’s helped me a lot, so for me it’s like a milestone to see him back in the saddle and winning for me. A big thanks to him and his family.” Reflecting on Ninja Derby’s performance, Crawford said: “Obviously from gate 14 it was a bit of a concern but I must give full credit to Lyle. I thought he rode an absolutely perfect race and gave the horse every chance.” Tomodachi Kokoroe (123lb) blasted to victory in the Class 2 Magpie Handicap (1200m), setting a Class record of 1m 07.79s in the process while easing to a two-length win for David Hayes and Harry Bentley. Covering the final 800m in 43.93s, the Written Tycoon gelding eclipsed Thanks Forever’s Class record gallop of 1m 07.89, set in 2019, prompting Hayes to compare the effort to course record-holder Ka Ying Rising (1m 07.20s). “This season, he’s given me the feeling that he’s really improved and can win in Class 1 now,” Hayes said. “That time and with the ease he won, is very impressive – that’s Ka Ying (Rising) time. He’ll keep going up in rating. He’s a good horse.” Jimmy Ting and Keith Yeung combined for their first wins of the campaign when Flowing Riches (127lb) edged to victory in the Class 4 Parrot Handicap (1000m) before Zac Purton snapped a rare 40-ride run of outs when Frankie Lor’s Fun N Fun Together (135lb) scrambled to victory in the Class 4 Swallow Handicap (1200, dirt). The eight-time Hong Kong champion sealed a race-to-race double when Packing Phoenix (128lb) scored on debut in the Class 4 Shrike Handicap (1200m) for Francis Lui and completed a treble on Ting’s Little Paradise (125lb) in the Class 3 Cuckoo Handicap (1200m). James Orman and Me Tsui also notched their first wins when Pope Cody (125lb) clinched the Class 3 Mesia Handicap (1600m) and earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Wednesday (1 October) with the National Day Raceday. By Leo Schlink

Avid form players have plenty to get their teeth into at the Vaal on Tuesday 30 September. Bellerophon should start things off nicely as hot favourite in the opener for trainer Fabian Habib, who also sends out unbeaten Taegan’s Champ after a long spell off the track in the best race of the day. Bellerophon confirmed a fair debut, showing stamina in testing conditions, when only just touched off by up-and-coming Amazon Queen (in receipt of 3kgs) over 1600m at the same venue last week. He lines up in a 1500m Work Riders Maiden with a field low on form. He’ll be difficult to beat. Both Duchess Of Paloma and Magic Carpet Ride return after a rest, so it could be worth rather siding with Paul Matchett’s four-year-old Iconic Winter in Race 2. She had been knocking hard at home before taking a trip to KwaZulu-Natal where she seemed to have run a slightly disappointing fourth. But a closer look suggests it was a creditable performance. Not only did she have to make the trip, but she met males giving weight to most including the first three finishers. Buddy Boy, who finished 1.2-lengths ahead of her, came out to win by 6 lengths straight after. This may also be a race to catch swingers, trifectas and quartets as Duchess Of Paloma and Magic Carpet Ride have decent form and should be right there at the business end. Corne Spies sends out highly regarded African Pride for his seasonal debut in Race 4, a 1200m Maiden Plate and this race could be another humdinger. At first glance Monkey Puzzle, who has met some flashy sorts, looks the one. In his last start he finished a solid second behind Candice Dawson trained Trust who looks a horse for the classics. But African Pride could be yet another to give him a hard time. The monster sized Rafeef gelding was, after a promising debut, tried in the Grade 1 Gold Medallion where he didn’t shine but he could be ready to battle after given time to mature. This exacta bet rates a solid option here. Another potential exacta comes up in Race 6 where two promising fillies should fight it out over 1000m. Vercingetorix filly Alpine Jet should be hard to outpace but Paradise Way was more than fluent last time and carries a full 7.5kg less so it could get close. Taegan’s Champ is a rare horse unbeaten in three starts and has always had a sparkling reputation but there are question marks as he has been off for just two under two years and there are plenty with chances in Race 7, a MR100 Handicap over 1400m. Pressonregardless has been hard to peg back winning two in a row and being super fit could see him back in the winners enclosure. This is, however, a race to include many in exotic bets. Clive Robinson

Video Stars Race 4 – 6 FORTUNE WARRIOR He pulled up with blood in the trachea last start, so that below-par run is best overlooked as it was no true reflection of his ability. Two outings back, he showed good tactical speed and boxed on gamely to finish fourth over this distance at Happy Valley. Having trialled well for his return, the son of Swiss Ace appears primed to deliver a much-improved performance first-up. Race 5 – 8 PATCH OF TIME It’s best to forgive his unplaced effort first-up two weeks ago, when he bounded out of the gates and lost significant ground early. Forced to settle well off the pace, he never threatened and finished tenth over this track and distance. A more positive ride is usually his pattern, and if he can jump cleanly this time, he shapes as a genuine knockout chance. Sectional Stars RACE 1 – 3 YEE CHEONG RAIDER He may have found Class 4 company a touch too strong over the past two seasons, yet still managed four placings from 14 starts, including a fast-finishing second over this track and trip two runs back. The drop to Class 5 looks a major positive, and he is expected to sprint well fresh against modest opposition. RACE 3 – 6 DRACO He was crunched into favouritism late in betting last start but endured a tough wide run on the speed from an awkward draw, fading to finish fifth over 1600m. With a softer run and a more patient ride, he looks capable of breaking through this time.

Romantic Warrior took a significant step towards a high-level return to racing when Hong Kong’s global champion breezed through a 1700m barrier trial at Happy Valley this morning (27 September). Ridden by Hugh Bowman in the absence of regular jockey James McDonald, Romantic Warrior pleased trainer Danny Shum ahead of a tilt at a record-extending fourth HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on 14 December and a second attempt at the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in Riyadh in February. Sidelined after undergoing fetlock surgery on his left foreleg in May, the 10-time Group 1 victor settled at the tail of the eight-horse field before closing impressively under little pressure to finish fourth behind Awesome Fluke (Andrea Atzeni) in 1m 48.51s. Shum plans to start Romantic Warrior in the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on 23 November – a race Romantic Warrior won in 2022 and 2024. “I’m very happy with him. Hugh said the horse was a little bit (eager) early but from the 1000m, he was very relaxed,” Shum said. “We want to do another trial or a gallop on the turf (before he races). The plan is on the 2000m (BOCHK Jockey Club Cup), then to December (LONGINES Hong Kong Cup) and then to the Saudi Cup – that’s the plan. “He had surgery five months and he’s okay. He’s been galloping well, trotting well, eating well. I’m very happy with him.” With world record earnings of HK$214.70 million, Romantic Warrior has not raced since a gallant second to Japan’s Soul Rush in the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m), having suffered narrow defeat to Forever Young in the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in February. Bowman was satisfied with Romantic Warrior’s trial performance today, having also trialled the Hong Kong International Sale graduate last season for Shum. “He’s great. He was bubbly prior to the jump. He came out with a fair bit of purpose but I relaxed him at the back,” Bowman said. “He wanted to get on with it, he was a bit keen the first quarter (400m), but from the 1000 metres, he settled into a really good rhythm and dropped the bridle. “I just let him work up within himself, the last 400m, and I think it was pretty obvious to see how well he was going. “Danny was keen not to do too much with him today because he’s had a fair time off, so we just relaxed him and let him do his work. He had a good blow afterwards so that will improve him from a fitness perspective. “He’s in good shape. His action is really good.” Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (28 September) with an 11-race card, starting with the Class 5 Tropicbird Handicap (1200, dirt) at 12.45pm. By Leo Schlink

By Nick Robson, PA Royal Fixation and America Queen will face off again in a top-class renewal of the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. The pair met in the Lowther Stakes at York, with Ed Walker’s Royal Fixation coming home a length to the good but that was just the second run in the career of Richard Hughes’ America Queen. It is far from a two-horse race though, with Aidan O’Brien fielding a pair of classy fillies. Queen Mary winner True Love needs to bounce back from a surprise defeat in the Phoenix Stakes, while her stable companion Beautify only gave best to another O’Brien inmate in Precise in the Moyglare Stud Stakes. Rod Millman’s Anthelia steps up to Group One company for the first time having won the Dick Poole at Salisbury last time out and Orion’s Belt, who chased her home there, will take her on again. Hugo Palmer’s Fitzella is another viable contender with Richard Fahey’s Golden Palace and the Donnacha O’Brien-trained Havana Anna completing the nine-strong field. Charlie Appleby’s Wise Approach heads the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes field, which also has nine declared. He was not beaten far in third in the Prix Morny last time out and was expected to meet the second home from France, Gstaad, once more. However, Aidan O’Brien has not declared him and will instead rely on Flying Childers second Kansas, First Approach and Brussels. Clive Cox’s Coppull has a solid profile having won the Vintage Stakes but he has plenty of ground to make up on Wise Approach based on their respective performances in France. Joseph O’Brien’s The Publican’s Son is an interesting runner having finished second on his only run to date in Group Three company. Sirenia Stakes winner Five Ways, Hilitany and Eve Johnson Houghton’s Havana Hurricane make up the field. Karl Burke’s pair of Boiling Point and Thunder Run head the weights for the bet365 Cambridgeshire, for which 24 have been declared, some way short of the 35 runner safety limit.

Mark Newnham is optimistic My Wish can make a triumphant start to an ambitious 2025/26 campaign when the rising star resumes in the HK$4.2 million G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (28 September). Newnham orchestrated My Wish’s stunning advance last season when the diminutive gelding progressed from a rating of 54 and Class 4 company to a mark of 105 and standing as a genuine Group 1 contender with four wins, two seconds, two thirds and a fourth from nine starts. The Australian horseman believes My Wish has benefited from a spell and natural maturity after the 2025 HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) winner and HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) runner-up’s rousing trial win at Sha Tin on 19 September. “I’m really pleased with him. He’s mentally and physically stronger and he’s more relaxed in the mornings. His appetite is better so I would say he’s made improvements in a lot of little areas,” Newnham said of My Wish. Drawn in barrier four for Luke Ferraris, My Wish will carry 130lb on Sunday when he faces 13 rivals – Happy Together (135lb), Copartner Prance (134lb), Patch Of Theta (134lb), Victor The Winner (134lb), Moments In Time (132lb), Packing Hermod (132lb), Sunlight Power (132lb), Rubylot (130lb), Divano (129lb), Pray For Mir (128lb), Light Years Charm (125lb), Johannes Brahms (120lb) and Markwin (116lb). “I would say he’d be very hard to beat,” Newnham said. “He’s a horse that doesn’t carry a lot of excess weight, so he gets himself fairly ready and he’s run well and won first-up last season. He’s a horse that performs fresh. He’s actually weighing at over 1,000 pounds at the moment and everyone will be happy with that. “He’s just strengthened up that much more and I think he’s got a good season ahead.” Fourth in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) in April behind Red Lion, My Wish is unbeaten in two attempts over Sha Tin’s 1400m course. Newnham plans to give My Wish another tilt at elite company when the five-year-old will be aimed at the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on 14 December. “The international mile is his main goal so this week’s race is three months before then with the two Group 2 miles (G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap and BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile) in between,” Newnham said. My Wish will renew a burgeoning rivalry this Sunday with David Hayes-trained Rubylot, who is also on a pathway to the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. The six-time Sha Tin winner – from 1000m to 1800m – reappears for the first time since running second in the HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) behind Voyage Bubble on 25 May. To be ridden by Hugh Bowman, Rubylot will start from gate 14. “He’s definitely improved. He’s a bigger, stronger horse. I thought his last trial was excellent and he never runs a bad race fresh,” Hayes said. “He’s got good form from 1000 metres to 2400. I have a concern for My Wish. “There wasn’t much between him and Rubylot last year and I was quite taken by My Wish’s trial from an opposition point of view.” Hayes said the HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) would be used to decide whether Rubylot is set for the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile or the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m). “The Sha Tin Trophy will be the race we decide which race we’ll target on international day – either the Mile or the Cup,” Hayes said. Sunday’s (28 September) 11-race card starts with the Class 5 Tropicbird Handicap (1200m, dirt) at 12.45pm. By Leo Schlink

This Saturday at Rosehill, the spotlight is firmly on the Group 1 Golden Rose, and all eyes are on Tempted, the Golden Slipper placegetter, ready to take on the colts. The Godolphin-owned, Ciaron Maher-trained filly has already proven she’s a class above. After finishing third in the world’s richest two-year-old race, Tempted claimed the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes and returned in emphatic fashion two weeks ago, taking out the Group 2 Run to the Rose first-up. Now rated as one of the top three-year-old’s in the country, she comes into Saturday’s feature as the one to beat. But she won’t have it all her own way. The Chris Waller-trained Autumn Boy brings a strong resume of two wins and a second from three starts and is building a reputation this spring. The colt who beat him last time out, Sixties, looks the likely leader again and retains the services of Rachel King, who controlled the race tempo beautifully last start. Will she attempt the same tactics with added pressure? Also lining up is Wodeton, another Waller colt and a Golden Slipper runner-up. He reunites with world-class jockey James McDonald and will be looking to turn the tables on Tempted in what shapes as a blockbuster contest.

The 1020m Magic Millions Horses In Training Sale Cup (Race 9) will headline the twelve-race card at Selangor Turf Club this Sunday. The high graded Metro A contest will feature talented sprinter PACIFIC VAMPIRE (1) heading the weights with a top rating of 107 points, 18 pts more than his nearest rivals in FILIAL DRAGON (2) and PLATINUM FORT (3). In fact these three gallopers filled the trifecta in a Supreme B contest on August 17 with PACIFIC VAMPIRE (1) leading throughout on that occasion scoring easily by 3.25 lengths over the 1020m trip. It may be a case of déjà vu come Sunday if PACIFIC VAMPIRE (1) replicates that form despite his last start defeat. It took a horse the calibre of Antipodean to run him down at his prior run in the 1400m Trinity Cup on August 31 and from barrier ten, he will take some catching. PLATINUM FORT (3) appeared to be disappointing on face value last start but he did cast an off-fore plate in the run when finishing unplaced over 1200m. He looks much better suited dropping back to this distance range and is a chance to break his Malaysian duck. STOP THE WATER (10) resumes since finishing unplaced in the 4YO Selangor Mile in July but enjoyed a fruitful campaign during his first Malaysian preparation posting three wins from seven starts. The five-year-old remains unbeaten in three starts over the 1020m on Track Two and looked sharp in his trial win here Wednesday week ago. BRANSOM (6) is rarely far off the mark and should be primed third up. The six-year-old received every chance last time but is honest and his two Malaysian victories were recorded over this track and distance, FILAIL DRAGON (2) may have peaked since winning the G1 Ipoh Gold Vase two months ago but remains competitive at this level. The six-year-old failed to run the trip in the 1600m G1 Selangor Gold Cup a fortnight ago and strikes an easier assignment. RACE 9 SELECTIONS: (1) PACIFIC VAMPIRE   (3) PLATINUM FORT   (10) STOP THE WATER   (6) BRANSOM DUMA returns from a short break and will be aiming for back-to-back wins in the 1200m Class 3 (Race 8). The Frank Maynard trained gelding had been racing well against his own age group in the 3YO features earlier this year but struck at his first foray into Class 3 company on August 9 with a resounding victory. Sprinting home from midfield in rainy conditions, DUMA announced his arrival against the top graders when scoring by 1.5 lengths and appears likely to continue his ascendency through the grades. HURRICANE finished 4th in that race and has shown potential in the past despite only winning once in nine starts in the country. He is a watch for trifectas while KONG FU PANDA has not won since taking out the G1 Ipoh Gold Vase in June last year but his good first up record keeps him under notice despite the big weight.

Saturday’s feature programme at Hollywoodbets Durbanville opens Cape Town’s summer season, but the focus shifts to Turffontein’s Inside track on Sunday, 28 September. While the eight-race card carries no black-type events, it offers valuable pointers for upcoming Highveld features, particularly among the three-year-olds.

Punters may want to keep a close eye on Philasande Mxoli and Calvin Habib, who look set to dominate the second half of the meeting. TAB’s Jackpot TWO could easily revolve around the pair, with strong rides in all four legs from Race 5 onwards.

Race 5 sees trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren unveil four exciting sophomores. Debut winner Stormy Day, impressive in July, will draw attention, though Habib’s mount Top Division appeals most. The well-bred gelding showed promise when fourth over this course and distance and looks primed to improve.

That form ties neatly into Race 6, where The Last Duke, narrowly ahead of Top Division last time, should be hard to oppose under Mxoli.

In Race 7, Habib partners Palace Dancer, who shaped well when runner-up over 1450m on her comeback and can go one better now.

Race 8 highlights Mxoli’s strong book. Chieftain’s Shield, revitalised since blinkers were reapplied, has won three of his last four. He defied a ratings hike last time and another penalty may not stop him extending his sequence.

Elsewhere, Race 4 could provide value through Avoontoast. Representing trainer Joe Soma and jockey Craig Zackey, the gelding stays the trip and connections boast a strong recent record together.

All told, the Mxoli–Habib axis looks poised to stamp its authority on Turffontein’s Sunday card, with Jackpot TWO the recommended betting play.

Hollywoodbets Durbanville stages its marquee meeting on Saturday with the Grade 3 Race Coast Matchem Stakes (1400m) the headline act. Often a stepping stone to bigger targets, the race has produced champions like Captain Al, Variety Club, Charles Dickens and Rainbow Bridge.

This year, Sugar Mountain could secure his career highlight. The Candice Bass-trained seven-year-old is thriving after three consecutive wins at his ideal distance. Though once considered for retirement, he revived his career in May with a decisive win and has since followed up stylishly. Drawn in pole with Aldo Domeyer aboard, he looks primed for a big effort.

Questioning, last year’s winner, returns and should be respected. He brings solid Cape Town form and a potent turn of foot, with Richard Fourie booked. Absolutely Yes, a lightly weighted three-year-old and Grade 3 Langerman winner, adds intrigue, though youngsters often struggle in this event.

The Grade 3 Schweppes Diana Stakes (1400m) for fillies could favour the promising Princess Of Gaul, unbeaten in two, including the Debutante at Greyville. She preps for bigger Cape targets under Sean Veale. Stormwatch, though less proven, is progressive and could surprise.

In the Listed Settlers Trophy (2000m), Congressman looks ready for a breakthrough season. Lightly weighted and consistent, he appeals most, though Ardabil, Voorloopertjie, and Landoftherisingsun are progressive dangers.

Earlier, Calanque should go close in Race 1 after an encouraging debut. Eisteddfod looks due in Race 2, while Primal Instinct can make amends in Race 3. Delta Pride, runner-up twice, is the day’s banker in Race 4 from the inside draw. Rockanrollin appeals over 1800m in Race 5, and Beneath The Clouds has everything in her favour in Race 9.

The finale may rest with Lyrical Gangster, who steps up after shedding his maiden tag impressively.

Camilo Ospina is poised to become Taif Winter Season champion jockey as ten weeks of racing come to an end with the King Khalid Racecourse Championships on Saturday. Although the Columbian rider is without a mount in the final event of the campaign, he has amassed 20 winners, and is seven clear of his nearest rivals, so victory looks assured. The SAR 300,000 King Khalid Racecourse Championship for older horses over 1600m brings the curtain down on the summer season before racing resumes in Riyadh on October 16, and many familiar names have been declared among the 17 runners. Adel Alfouraidi’s mount Waqtuk (USA) is top-rated with the Tuwaiq Cup runner-up on a hat-trick bid after his two Taif wins including when beating the reopposing Final Destination (GB) and Ibn Toulon (KSA) amongst others in the King Khalid Racecourse Championship Prep earlier this month. In addition to Final Destination, trainer Thamer Aldaihani also sends out Uncle (GB) for owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah, while the Red Stable team of Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz has four runners including the highly-rated Salfan (KSA) who makes a belated return to action. Nine will go to post in the SAR 300,000 King Khalid Racecourse Championship for fillies and mares over 1400m with Ospina primed to add to his seasonal haul on the White Stables of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz & Sons’ Aeadat (KSA). The six-year-old mare hasn’t tasted defeat since March of last year and looks for a remarkable 10th straight win and her third of the Taif campaign. Her main rival appears to be fellow White Stables runner and Alfouraidi’s mount Halaa (USA), who was fourth in the Group 2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint at The Saudi Cup meeting and had Ospina in the plate on her only start of this term when second on July 26. The King Khalid Racecourse Championship for Purebred Arabians is also worth SAR 300,000 and could be another big win for trainer Nasser Mutlaq with Mutwakel Alkhalediah (KSA) following on from Tilal AI Khalediah (KSA)’s triumph last weekend. Mutwakel Alkhalediah (KSA) is top-rated in the 10-strong field but hasn’t been seen since August 2023, with recent fitness and form resting with the Fahad Alfouraidi-ridden Turki Al Khalediah II (KSA) who beat several of his rivals on September 12. Ospina has another stand-out chance on Saturday with White Stable’s unbeaten Kanzie (USA) who looks for a third success in the SAR 150,000 JCSA Challenge, in which the Red Stables have Taif Sprint Cup winner Newtown Runner (USA) stepping back up to 1600m under Nawaf Almudiani. Friday’s card also has big prize money available to the sprint specialists with three races over 1200m each offering SAR 300,000. The final of those is the Sprint Championship for three-year-old colts and geldings and features Aldaihani’s Fouj (USA) who has won both starts this campaign, and Alexis Moreno’s mount, Riyadh Central (USA) who won an equivalent race for juveniles last year and shaped well on his recent return. Kawafill (KSA) has been progressive dropped back to 1200m on her last two starts and looks interesting in the three-year-old fillies’ event, with Sprint Championship Prep winner Baseqm And Bake (USA) looking set to go close under Moreno in the Purebred Arabian race

The combination of trainer Alan Greeff and stable jockey Richard Fourie continues to dominate racing in the Eastern Cape, and they picked up the first leg of the Nelson Mandela Bay Racing East Cape Polytrack Challenge when Mercantour won over 1200m on 22 August. He only just beat stable companion Fairy Knight that day, and his owner must be well pleased that Fairy Knight is not opposing him this time around, as that rival would likely have got up in one more stride. Jockey S’manga Khumalo did the job that day, but Fourie to ride him in the second leg, Race 7, over 1400m on the Fairview Polytrack on Friday. Mercantour is three from five for Greeff, all on the Polytrack, and Fourie is two from four on the six-year-old gelding. Mercantour is best weighted by some margin and will be a short-priced favourite. Looking for dangers to him is not an easy task. Five-year-old gelding Championelle did beat him over this course and distance in July when receiving 7kg and is only receiving 4kg this time around. In addition, Mercantour was badly drawn that day and was caught out by a slower than usual gallop. Championelle was well beaten in the first leg of this challenge when sixth, 4.35 lengths adrift. It is hard to see him reduce that deficit. It might be Mercantour’s stable companions that pose the biggest threat. More was expected from Guy Gibson on local debut when touched off by a rival in the Africa House. Both of them are talented and should come on from that first taste of the Polytrack. Trainer Gavin Smith likes nothing more than to beat his rival, and he has two entries. Yamadori has had two local starts on the turf and has not shown much, but is a winner on this surface and might surprise. USA’s Hope was only 1.10 lengths behind Mercantour when they last met and now gets the pole-position draw, so could be a threat. Clive Robinson

Serino Moodley finished in the Top 10 on the National Jockeys standings for the second successive season in the recently concluded 2024/25 campaign, confirming his status among the leading riders in the country. Hell-bent on bettering last term’s haul, the Durban-based jockey has hit the ground running in the early weeks of the current season, epitomised by his recent trips to ride at Highveld meetings that have been particularly productive. This trend looks set to continue for the visiting KwaZulu-Natal jockey at the eight-race Vaal fixture on Thursday 25 September, as Moodley’s seven rides on the card include three likely winners, including two for trainer Fanie Bronkhorst. That jockey-trainer combination should get the meeting off to a winning start with three-year-old filly Raceway in Race 1 over 1200m. This daughter of New Predator raced in first-time blinkers when staying on well to finish third over 1000m in her second start after a rest and, with improvement expected over the extended trip in her peak outing, Raceway should make sufficient progress to open her account at the seventh attempt. Moodley and Bronkhorst will likely bookend the meeting with Time For Charity good value to go one better after back-to-back recent seconds, the latest under the same rider over 1200m on Turffontein’s Inside track earlier this month. The in-form six-year-old Time Thief mare races off a two-point higher mark but won’t be winning out of turn and another bold bid is expected of her in Race 8 over 1100m. Before that, last-start winner Palace Prince should follow up an impressive recent success under Moodley by taking out Race 7 over 1200m, the same course and distance of his career-best victory under the same rider last month. St John Gray’s Potala Palace colt could hardly have been more impressive when cruising to a 4.25-length victory that earned him the maximum eight-point penalty but, on the evidence of that performance, it shouldn’t prevent him from going in again despite a racing off of a career-high mark. Clive Robinson