Punters will be looking to round off the year with a bulging wallet or at least some cash in their accounts to start the New Year but they face a competitive card on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly track on New Year’s eve. Many will be banking on a trio of three-year-olds to see off what is an eight-raced card of mostly geriatrics, or to be more politically correct, seasoned veterans. The first of these comes in the fifth, a Class 4 Handicap over 1800m where Gareth van Zyl saddles Salani Kahle. The three-year-old son of Master Of My Fate made a fairly inauspicious debut behind Pied Piper but turned on the afterburners second time out as he smashed the opposition by six ever-increasing lengths. Admittedly it was not the strongest of line-ups but Salani Kahle lived up to his name as he said good bye to the ever consistent but luckless Intro. He does look progressive but should he not run up to expectations then things get tricky. The year older Out Of This World goes well on the poly and was narrowly beaten last time out and the step up in trip will suit. Fellow sophomore Green Glow disappointed last run after two good wins for Dean Kannemeyer but he did have the steadier f 62 kg to shoulder and can make amends. Garth Puller saddles the dark horse in Fine Admiral who has improved recent form and has his peak run after a lengthy break. He could feature at long odds. Mike and Mathew de Kock will be hoping for a New Year send-off with a double with Curious Girl in the sixth and Kanaal Skater in the next. Curious Girl shed her maiden at second time of asking also beating the luckless Intro, but by under a length. However, this was just her second outing after making a promising debut and the switch of surface could see her improve even further. Danger could be Andre Nel’s charge Spring Kiss who is seldom too far back and has dropped further in the ratings. She is generally consistent and should be competitive again. Zena Rose is one to watch as she has come down four points in the handicap and drops in class. Hearts On Fire is another who has come down in the handicap and her best recent effort has been on the poly. Finally the De Kock’s send out the three-year-old Kanaal Skater in the seventh who has won three of his last four. He does take on stronger opposition but they are mostly well exposed older runners and he looks progressive. Best of them could be El Rey Viene and Bank Street. El Rey Viene is holding form for Duncan Howells and he could be better suited to this shorter trip and rates a strong winning chance along with Bank Street who disappointed in the soft turf last run and Stuart Ferrie has him back on his preferred surface. A tough handicap rounds off racing for the year and veteran eight-year-old Count Marsh could oblige. Robbie Hill’s charge goes well on the poly and S’Manga Khumalo replaces a string of apprentice riders which should help his cause. Cappallino has consistent form over shorter for Wendy Whitehead  but meets a modest line-up from the best of the draw. Nine-year-old Purple Powahouse is struggling for his next win but is over his preferred course and distance and should feature.

In the second instalment of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Road to the Derby series, we unpack the claims of in-form Mark Newnham-trained galloper Invincible Ibis.

With less than five weeks until the first leg of the 2025/26 Four-Year-Old Classic Series – the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 1 February – and with the 149th HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 22 March on the horizon, Invincible Ibis is on the march after recently posting his third successive victory.

While only relatively new to the Hong Kong scene, Newnham knows what it takes to give the Classic Series a shake after he prepared My Wish to snare last season’s Hong Kong Classic Mile before running second in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and the BMW Hong Kong Derby.

“You’d say he’d have to be in the top three (favourites for the Hong Kong Classic Mile) at the moment. He’s improved every run and that’s what you need to keep doing,” said Newnham.

“I was in a similar position last year with My Wish and he improved all the way through, so we’re hopeful that we can do the same thing this year.”

 Secured by Newnham for the Ibis Syndicate from the 2023 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka in New Zealand, Invincible Ibis posted two seconds from as many starts as a three-year-old in his debut season before returning a more mature animal this season.

After finishing third on the opening day of the 2025/26 season, Invincible Ibis has reeled off three straight victories culminating in a one-and-three-quarter-length victory under Zac Purton in the Class 3 Poinsettia Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on 20 December.

It was that most recent victory over a mile that gives Newnham confidence that his son of Hellbent will be competitive deep into the Four-Year-Old series.

 Settled on the fence behind midfield by Purton, $2.95 chance Invincible Ibis took ground off his rivals on turning before coming off the rail soon after straightening, attacking the gap when it presented and striding clear of his rivals, which included fellow Four-Year-Old Classic Series hopefuls Fortune Boy and Dazzling Fit.

“That was important because as we work through the whole four-year-old series he’s going to have to go past a mile,” said the trainer. “He’s got the right racing pattern for it – he relaxes well during his races so he gives himself every opportunity to finish the race off if he’s conserved energy.

“He gives himself every opportunity to run further than a mile. They went fairly steady the other day but he still had to finish the race off.

“He looked like he still had more to give over the last 100m, so things are trending in the right direction.”

Before trying to emulate the feats of My Wish, who has gone on to be a strong Group 1 performer, Invincible Ibis will have one more chance to add to his mark of 83 when he runs in a Class 3 1600m contest restricted to four-year-olds at Sha Tin on 11 January.

The Contenders

Name	Rating	Trainer	Owner	Record	Country of Origin	Import Type
Sagacious Life	90	Pierre Ng	Leslie Lui Chi Yuen	1-0-0-2	Brazil	PP
Invincible Ibis	83	Mark Newnham	Ibis Syndicate	3-2-1-6	Australia	PPG

Trainer Sean Tarry looks to turn up the heat from the word go at Turffontein on Tuesday 30 December. In the card opener, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m, he has tasked jockey Keagan de Melo with taking the reins aboard Turn It Up. De Melo has only had six rides for Tarry since returning from a premature-ending campaign in Hong Kong at the beginning of the month, and they are yet to taste success when teaming up this year. However, Turn It Up, a Querari two-year-old colt, should see them shaking hands in the winner’s circle after the running of the Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m. Turn It Up was rather unfortunate to bump into Heath House on debut. Despite going down by 3.5-lengths, Tarry must have all the confidence in the world in his charge as the form of that race has been thoroughly franked. Heath House not only went on to win again, but ran out a 7-length winner in his second start. Status Symbol, who finished 2-lengths behind Turn It Up on debut, also went on to score second time out. With that form line as guide, it is very difficult to oppose Turn It Up. Reopposing Buffalo King Cody has a prior engagement, but even if he does face the starter, it is unlikely that he can reverse the almost 2-lengths between him and Turn It Up given the same conditions. In Race 6, a Graduation Plate for maidens, one- and two-time winners over 1600m, Speedman is set to have his name inked in the record-books. This gelded son of Vercingetorix will be boxing way above his weight as he takes on Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas winner Parisian Walkway and Solar Sail, who ran third in the Grade 1 SA Derby over 2450m. Unbeaten after two starts, Tarry is throwing Speedman into the deep end, but champion trainers don’t let their best drown. What counts most in Speedman’s favour, is the fact that he is a rising star. Parisian Walkway’s form, on the other hand, has been erraticly mediocre to put it mildly, as attested by his 6-point drop in ratings since his last victory in the Guineas back in February. Solar Sail, who has a prior engagement, took an unfortunate tumble in the Betway Summer Cup, and it remains to be seen how he recovers from that emotional stress. Considering that he went into the Summer Cup at 100-1, and now has to carry emotional baggage, it’s hard to see him bouncing back to winning ways should he take his place his place in this line-up. This all plays perfectly into the hands of the young Speedman, despite being way out at the weights. Clive Robinson

It is a very busy month of racing at Fairview, with a Polytrack meeting taking place on Monday. It looks a tricky card overall, but there are a few runners that certainly catch the eye. Lana View, who contests Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1600m, stands out as one of the stronger fancies on the programme. While she is not going to Hollywood Racing, nor likely to be bought by them, she does look hard to oppose in this line-up. The Visionaire filly is still a maiden after 13 starts, but she produced the best run of her career last time out when finishing runner-up in a handicap over this course and distance on 28 November. That effort marked her third second-place finish from her last five starts on the Polytrack, suggesting a maiden victory is not far away. The highlight of the card is Race 7, the Fairview 1900m, where My Best Shot takes on nine rivals. The Fire Away gelding may have finished downfield in the two biggest features of the year — the Hollywoodbets Durban July and the Betway Summer Cup — but he is a different proposition on his home track. He has already recorded six victories at Fairview this year, and his Polytrack record is very strong, with three wins from just five starts. My Best Shot was particularly impressive when last seen on this surface, easily accounting for Golden Link over 1400m. Jockey Richard Fourie knows how to get the best out of him. He did, however, suffer defeat at the hands of rival Zatara Magic in this year’s running of the Algoa Cup on the turf over 2000m, and that gelding has gone on to win again. Zatara Magic is in the form of his life and is very consistent on the Polytrack, so he will pose a serious threat. Trainer Dean Smith also holds a decent hand in the lucky last, where Silvonian could prove the one to beat. Jockey Calvin Habib gets a good tune out of the Horizon gelding, who picked up a confidence-boosting win last time out over this course and distance. Well drawn once again, he looks capable of following up with another victory. Clive Robinson

Mark Newnham hopes Bravehearts can capitalise on favourable handicap conditions and reprise winning form when the Group 1-winning Argentine import contests the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Long Ke Handicap (2000m) at Sha Tin on Saturday (27 December). Twice a winner over this course and distance, Bravehearts has not won since triumphed in 11 starts since winning this race at the corresponding meeting last season but Newnham is optimistic this weekend’s impost of only 115lb will spark a return to form. “He won this race last year, so he’s down low in the weights, which will suit. He needs a truly run race because just with his racing style he gets back but he’s racing well enough and I think coming back down in weight will suit him,” the Australian said. “He just needs the right circumstances. Two starts back, he ran really well. He just sort of lost sight of the ‘bunny’ a bit his previous start. In the small field, he won’t have as many to get past.” Bravehearts carried 118lb to victory in the Class 2 Buffalo Bill Handicap (2000m) on 29 December, 2024 and meets only eight rivals on Saturday – Sword Point (135lb), Lo Rider (124lb), Ka Ying Generation (122lb), Awesome Fluke (119lb), Numbers (117lb), Winning Wing (117lb), Noisy Boy (115lb) and Gentlemen Legacy (115lb). Perched on 499 Hong Kong career wins as a trainer, Frankie Lor will field Four-Year-Old Classic Series aspirant Numbers, whose creditable third on debut in Hong Kong to Helene Feeling was further franked on Wednesday night (23 December) when Helene Feeling dead-heated with Kaholo Angel. Rated 82, Numbers ran second in the G1 Queensland Derby (2400m) in June when he raced as King Of Thunder and was trained by John O’Shea & Tom Charlton. The Tivaci gelding will be ridden by Derek Leung from barrier four this weekend, while Pierre Ng’s 2024 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2400m) third placegetter Ka Ying Generation jumps from gate three for Luke Ferraris. Ng believes Ka Ying Generation will continue to improve with age and is optimistic the gelding can contend strongly after his last-start eighth to Sosie in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) at Sha Tin on 14 December. “He’s getting more mature but we have to make sure we don’t ride him aggressively and keep him calm,” Ng said. “He will be carrying 122lb and with the small field, hopefully he can manage to bring his best form.” David Hall hopes Magnifique (134lb) can reprise top form when the talented four-year-old resumes under James Orman in the Class 3 Sham Chung Handicap (1000m). The Charm Spirit gelding won three of his first four starts but was sidelined after triumphing at Sha Tin on 5 July when he bled from both nostrils. He has since trialled impressively under Orman, most recently winning a 1000m turf barrier trial at Sha Tin on 16 December. “He’s had a long time to get over his bleeding, but there’s only so much you can do with those bleeds,” Hall said. “It just comes down to whether he gets back under race pressure and can handle the stress. “His trials have been strong, as they were previously, so now it’s time to get back to the races and see where we are – fingers crossed he brings his best form.” Saturday’s (27 December) Sha Tin meeting starts with the Class 4 (Restricted) Wong Chuk Wan Handicap (1400m) at 1pm. By Leo Schlink

Another Malaysia racing season draws to a close with a marathon twelve race program to be conducted at the Perak Turf Club this Sunday commencing at 12.30pm. It is also a challenging card for punters, especially in the Class 5 events. However, a couple of gallopers engaged in the lower classes are aiming for winning hat tricks and both are genuine chances of achieving that feat in their respective contests. THUNDERGOD took several runs to strike back after demotion from Class 4 and has delivered two successive wins for trainer Kevin Coetzee. The winning margin for both performances was 2.25 lengths over the mile in soft going and if the rain arrives prior to the second division of the 1600m Class 5B which is Race 2, the gelding’s chances will be enhanced. Another galloper aiming for three on the bounce is GOLDEN CUP, engaged in the 1200m Class 5A (Race 5). Trainer T Asogan is coming off a season best 32 winners for the year striking at a respectable 14.2% and GOLDEN CUP has scored twice in six runs for the stable. The seven-year-old was able to lead throughout on both occasions over 1400m, scoring by a nose on November 16 before a comfortable 5.5 length victory at the last meeting on December 6 and is another which relishes the wet going. Despite the 4kg weight rise he may take some beating again. The high-grade race for the day is the 1200m Enrich Stakes A contest (Race 4) and the Trips D Stable will be well represented with two winning chances in the form of GROOVY and NO MORE DELAY. GROOVY, prepared by Lawson Moy, has been racing well against the top graders in Selangor since his effortless 6.25L win here on October 4 and is a four-time winner over the trip. The Wayne Lim trained NO MORE DELAY is yet to miss a placing in five runs at Ipoh which includes one win recorded just over twelve months ago in Clas 4 company. His only win for the year so far was a Class 3 contest on his home track back in June, scoring at the luxurious odds of RM 287 for the win. The seven-year-old’s best performance since then was his third placing in the G1 Ipoh Gold Vase in July and has maintained solid form in three starts this preparation. SUPERB LUCK is a trifecta chance in this race following his third placing in a Cosmo C here three weeks ago and the booking of Troy See to ride is a plus also. THUNDER SPIRIT and FOUNTAIN OF FAME finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the race won by Superya at the last meeting and the pair are set to clash again in the 1400m Class 4B (Race 11). THUNDER SPIRIT has only scored once from twenty starts in Malaysia but deserves a win following four successive seconds and should prove hard to beat. The seven-year-old has had to overcome wide draws in recent starts but from barrier two on Sunday, he may finally break through. FOUNTAIN OF FAME lowered the colours of THUNDER SPIRIT back in October, scoring by six lengths and is a chance to repeat the dose with the 57kg after the A Suriya claim. DAYLIGHT picked up a minor feature at Ipoh earlier this season and could provide the value. TALKINGTALKINGGURU is in career best form as he targets five successive wins in the 1400m Class 4A (Race 12). The five-year-old arrived as an eighteen-start maiden from Singapore but chalked up a couple of wins for trainer Brian Dean prior to joining the stables of Kevin Coetzee back in May where he’s won five times from eleven starts for the camp, all up making it seven wins from eighteen runs in the country. The gelding will strike a handy field however with the likes of seasoned campaigner SOUSUI, which is coming off an unplaced run in the G1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor and has won four times this year. SACRED COMMAND has won two from three on the Ipoh circuit and can easily bounce back from his recent failure when unplaced as a beaten favourite behind Superya over 1600m.

Quarter Master looks set to get punters off to a good start on Sunday, 28 December, at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in Race 1, which gets under way at 12:45 pm. The son of The United States is trained by Robbie Hill and will be ridden by Craig Zackey. He was well backed on debut but failed to deliver; however, he showed huge progression at the second time of asking when finishing second to Prince Of Troy over 1200 m. He is the firm first choice. Saudi Sweep is the first choice in the second race, an Open Maiden over 1200 m, which also marks the start of the Place Accumulator at 1:20 pm. The Louis Goosen-trained filly will be partnered by Craig Zackey and jumps from draw two. She was nearly a winner last time out, running an absolute cracker and going down by just a head. She looks cherry-ripe and ready to scoop the first purse. In the fourth race, Fate Of Fortune, who is trained by Alyson Wright and will be ridden by Keagan de Melo, is in mustard form and has an undeniable hat-trick chance. He is loving life at present, clearly in a very good space, and can be followed again. Major Tommie is an exciting and progressive individual from the yard of Garth Puller. He has won two of his last three starts and looks to have plenty more to offer. The race is competitive, but the suggestion is Major Tommie to beat Wild Justice and Cymric.

Michael Roberts has always held Ladyofdistinction in high regard and his judgement has been spot on to date with the filly never out of the money in six starts that includes three wins. His judgement will be further tested when Ladyofdistinction lines up in the Flamboyant Stakes (Listed) joint feature on the nine race card at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Boxing day. The card also includes the tradition Christmas Handicap (Listed) for males, both races over 1600m. Ladyofdistinction scrambled home last start but that was her second run after a long break and she can come on from that run from a good draw. She does face more seasoned runners and the likes of Ice Rain and Tomyris will be no pushovers. Ice Rain has won three of her last five for Andre Nel, all three being on the poly. However, she has some useful turf form to her credit and she should be right there again. Tomyris was not far back in a Highveld feature last start and from her pole position draw she rates a winning chance. Paul Lafferty’s filly Forward Motion is in very good form of late and goes well over the trip and can feature from a good draw. The Christmas Handicap is a more competitive affair with any number of runners in with winning chances. Frank Robinson sill bathing in the afterglow of his Summer Cup victory will be looking to Field Marshal to carry on the stables winning form. Filed Marshal contested a Highveld feature on the same afternoon as Mocha Blend’s cup victory but finished runner-up when starting favourite. He stays well but the drop back to a mile should still be well within his compass. Imposing has shown his better recent form over shorter but he comes in with a handy weight from a good draw so should at least be competitive. Capsaicin improved last run over course and distance under Rachel Venniker and she retains the ride. Off bottom weight a repeat showing could see him home. Adam Azzie is still hunting his first win since moving to KZN and Claw could provide that illusive win. He  ran a little below form first up on the poly and has gone close over course and distance which puts him in with a chance.  If there is to be an upset it could come in the form of Narina Trogon. Mike Miller’s gelding seldom runs a bad race and although finishing last of the eleven runners in his most recent start it was over a trip well short of his best and more like an exercise gallop. He will much prefer this trip and gets first time blinkers. Not one to leave out of any exotic bets. Best bet on the card should come in the opening leg of the Pick 6 where Dean Kannemeyer’s filly Spirit Of Shimla should be difficult to beat. She has put in two smart sprints on the poly and goes this trip for the first time. That sprint form has held up quite well and she should make prefer the mile of this race and she looks the part. Chooks Kiss has raced green in both starts and should come on from her last run while Pretty Kara improved second time out and should come on further. However, it is a maiden handicap that can often favour older runners so the likes of Echo and Roy’s Blossom could surprise should Spirit Of Shimla fluff her lines.

Trainer Candice Bass may not have had runners for recent Grade 1 three-year-old races, but her stable has, nevertheless, been in hot form, the yard coming away with a four-timer last week. At Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday she again looks to have some big winning chances. Top-class speedster Tenango looks hard to beat in Race 5, a Conditions Plate over 1000m and stands out as banker in all bets. The Canford Cliffs gelding’s winning form started around this time last year. He produced some dominant displays showing a love for Kenilworth and then went on to demonstrate he could be the best around with a smooth performance in the usually difficult-to-win 2025 Golden Horse Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. He followed that up with a great second in the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint where a wide draw didn’t help his chances. The horse that won, Buffalo Storm Cody, got first run on Tenango and he has gone on to become one of the highest rated sprinters in the land. Third-placed Asiye Phambili came back from a six-month break to frank the form last week, winning the Southern Cross Stakes with a massive 63.5kg on hi back. Until he meets Buffalo Storm Cody again, Tenango should add more to his tally and must be followed. Watch out for Alec Laird’s charge Fire Attack. The Grade 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge winner must find it short but with 54kg is very well weighted and could threaten. Sean Tarry’s 2024 Golden Horse winner Lucky Lad who has an amazing turn of foot on his day. is another using this as a stepping-stone. Bass’ runner in the next race, Rattlesnake, also boasts strong form lines. The useful Buffalo Bill Cody gelding had a bright start to the season winning on his return in August and then followed that with two cracking efforts at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. He gave horses that finished ahead of him loads of weight while a wide draw was another hurdle, but importantly, the form of those runs has been well franked. Back at this venue at which both of his wins have come, he didn’t draw well and yet ran another cracker, finishing not far off Touched By Angels and importantly ahead of Astronomical Boy and Mauritius Kestrel, both of whom have won since. In Race 6, a C Stakes over 1000m, not only has he drawn well in gate No 2, but he is the only runner with a 4kg apprentice claim, and on paper that makes him the best weighted runner in the race. The Stakes race appears competitive, but Rattlesnake looks to have much in his favour and appeals as the value bet of the day. Clive Robinson

Tuesday’s pre-Christmas eight-race Vaal Classic fixture has all the hallmarks of a one-man show, and it is hardly a surprise that champion jockey Gavin Lerena looms as the dominant force on the card. With a full book of rides and genuine winning chances scattered throughout the programme, punters will once again be building their bets around the sport’s most reliable big-race pilot. While Lerena is rarely a bad option at the Vaal, this particular meeting sets up especially well for him, with three mounts standing out as strong betting propositions and a couple of others capable of keeping him in the thick of the action all afternoon. The day could not be scripted much better for the champion rider, who looks poised to strike early with Winds Of Grace in the opening race over 1600m. Trained by Mike Azzie, the Act Of War filly has tested the patience of her supporters but has been knocking loudly on the door for some time now. Winds Of Grace has finished second in five of her last eight starts, to go with two thirds and a fourth, and those numbers alone suggest a win is overdue. Her latest effort, when runner-up over 1450m at this venue, was another honest performance that confirmed her consistency. Importantly, she has already proven herself over 1600m, finishing second in her only previous attempt at the trip. She does not need to find much to finally shed her maiden tag, and with Lerena taking the reins, she looks well placed to give the champion jockey a winning start to the afternoon. Lerena’s influence should again be felt in the early part of the card with Gavius Maximus (Race 2) and Banha Bridge (Race 3), both of whom have already shown their affinity for racing under his guidance. Neither is a certainty, but both have found the frame with Lerena aboard and rate as solid inclusion material for exotics and multi-race bets, particularly on a day where banking the right rider could be key. The jockey’s next major winning opportunity comes in Race 6, a 1450m contest that brings together a number of lightly raced fillies with chances. Improving Saragossa Cat makes strong appeal. Trained by Johan Janse van Vuuren, the Argentinian-bred daughter of Hurricane Cat announced her arrival last time out when stepping up to 1400m on the Vaal straight. That performance was full of promise. Saragossa Cat made all the running and never looked in danger, relishing the extra ground and finding plenty when asked. A five-point penalty was the inevitable consequence, but it looks a manageable impost for a filly who appears to be learning quickly. The move to 1450m should suit her even better, and her record under Lerena – two wins from two starts – adds further confidence. If she continues on her upward curve, she will be hard to contain once again. The meeting closes with what could be Lerena’s most exciting ride of the day in Tempranillo in Race 8 over 1000m. Well related and clearly held in high regard by the Van Vuuren stable, this Querari filly has attracted support in all three career starts, and she rewarded that confidence emphatically last time out. On that occasion, Tempranillo brushed aside male opposition over the minimum trip, drawing right away to score by an impressive 5.75 lengths with Lerena in the saddle. The authority of that win suggests her opening merit rating of 80 could prove lenient, and she now takes her place in handicap company with plenty of scope for improvement. If she reproduces anything close to her last effort, she will take a power of beating and could ensure Lerena signs off the card in style. Clive Robinson

Mark Newnham reached a significant milestone on Saturday (20 December) at Sha Tin as leading Four-Year-Old Classic Series prospect, Invincible Ibis (130lb), passed yet another crucial test on his march towards the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) – the opening leg of the three-race age-restricted challenge – on 1 February. Celebrating his 100th Hong Kong training win with the young gun’s victory in the Class 3 Poinsettia Handicap (1600m), Newnham joined Caspar Fownes at the top of the trainers’ championship on 25 victories this term over Danny Shum (23 wins) and David Hayes (21). “It’s good to get the 100 out of the way. We’ve been stuck on 99 – I felt like a bad cricketer. It was going to come; I’m just pleased it came with this horse in this race. He’s a nice, progressive horse,” Newnham said. “That should see his rating lift to get him into the Four-Year-Old Classic Series. He’ll need another race before then, but he’s on his way and he’s improving every start.” Stepping from barrier three, Invincible Ibis hugged the rail while midfield. The field fanned across the straight turning for home as the Hellbent gelding stole ground under a cool Zac Purton ride, before saluting by one and three quarter lengths in 1m 34.97s. “He’s always given that indication that he’s going to run 1600 (metres) out strongly, but first run you need to see them do it. Zac gave him a perfect ride, the gaps opened up for him, so he had the advantages with an inside gate (three), but he still had to put them away and he did it well,” Newnham said. After success earlier with Hong Kong International Sale graduate Circuit Fiery (135lb) in the first section of the Class 5 Amaryllis Handicap (1400m) for trainer Chris So, Purton became the first to reach 50 wins for the campaign with his bookending double. Purton said: “He (Invincible Ibis) keeps improving which is a nice thing. He did it a different way today, coming inside and through them. He keeps doing what we ask him to do.” The Four-Year-Old Classic Series also features the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on 1 March and ends with the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 22 March. So banked an early double as Manythanks Forever (120lb) landed the second section of the Class 5 Amaryllis Handicap (1400m) with Andrea Atzeni. Sky Trust (118lb) earlier propelled Caspar Fownes to the top of the trainers’ standings – before Newnham levelled up – with a smart victory in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Ivy Handicap (1200m) under jockey Maxime Guyon. Having trained seven winners this month, Fownes is aiming to carry today’s momentum into Tuesday’s (23 December) fixture at Happy Valley, where he has nine entries. “It’s nice to see a horse like this perform at this Class 2 level,” Fownes said. “He’s a horse that can go further – he’ll be better at 1400 (metres) – so there’s some races coming up and, hopefully, we can get another win for the owners.” Guyon, who grabbed a double, said: “We had a perfect run behind the leaders. I travelled very well, he showed a good turn of foot, and we had a light weight today.” Guyon rode Glaciated (119lb) to success for trainer Pierre Ng in the first section of the Class 4 Tulip Handicap (1200m) earlier. Preparing to conclude her riding stint on Tuesday, Hollie Doyle partnered The Red Hare (118lb) to capture the Class 3 Spruce Handicap (1400m) for trainer Frankie Lor. “It was good. I’ve ridden him three times now, so third time lucky. Obviously, he’s quite highly strung and quirky, but I’ve gotten to know him in the mornings and it paid off in the end. Hopefully he continues to progress,” Doyle said. “I’ve absolutely loved it here. I’ve had so much support and I’m very grateful. Hopefully, I’ve made some good connections, if they’ll have me back next time. One more fixture to go on the Tuesday at Happy Valley and, hopefully, I’ll have a bit of luck.” Emblazon (130lb) dominated the Class 4 Pok Oi Cup Handicap (130lb) for trainer Cody Mo and jockey Jerry Chau. The four-year-old began a double for Mo, who also won the Class 4 Erica Handicap (1400m) with Nyx Gluck (127lb) and jockey James McDonald. “This race worked out well for him (Nyx Gluck), he got a good draw (one) and James McDonald did very well. In the future, he will go a bit further, but for now this trip seems to be good for him,” Mo said. McDonald, who concludes his short-term riding stint today, steered Fit For Beauty (134lb) to success in the Class 4 Hibiscus Handicap (1600m) for trainer John Size. Francis Lui’s four-year-old debutant Turquoise Velocity (127lb) impressed in the Class 4 Cedar Handicap (1000m) under jockey Keith Yeung. Yeung said: “He was a bit green when I was first trialling him at Conghua a few months ago, but he’s built up really well. Francis and his team has done an amazing job with him. “When he first came to Hong Kong, he was really green, and we thought he would be an end-of-season horse, but he has improved after every trial. I knew he had the turn of foot, it’s just that he is still a big baby. He has a long way to go. I am really happy with him.” Aurora Patch (119lb) cruised to a comfortable second win in the Class 3 Holly Handicap (1200m) for trainer Manfred Man and jockey Matthew Chadwick. Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Tuesday (23 December). By Declan Schuster

Trainer Zietsman Oosthuizen has had a good run with Three Cheers this year, notching up three wins since June. All three victories came on the Fairview Polytrack, two over 2000m and the third over 2200m. She will get a shot at another 2000m race at the track when she lines up in Race 3, a MR 76 Handicap for fillies and mares, on Monday 22 December. The Soqrat filly was a disappointment last time out, finishing only sixth, 2.80 lengths behind Ginger Delight. The four-year-old filly is often slowly away, and on that particular occasion the early pace was not as fast as normal. Jockey Louie Mxothwa replaces the apprentice who rode her that day. He has only ridden her once and that saw him record a victory. Trainer Alan Greeff continues to churn out a stream of winners and Fairy Knight should go close to winning Race 5, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m. The Global View gelding returned to his best with a very easy win over 1400m on this surface last time out and is just as effective over this distance. There are some decent runners to oppose, but from draw No. 4 and with Richard Fourie retaining the ride, he does look the one to beat. If neither of those selections manages to win, it might be worth going with Porfirio in the last race. This seven-year-old gelding was a very easy winner in his latest start. He has clearly improved after a change of trainer, and jockey Muzi Yeni has stuck with him. It is a competitive race, but it would not be a surprise if he followed up. Clive Robinson

Progressive three-year-old STRONG DRAGON looks well placed to continue his upward trajectory in the Class 4A contest over 1200m at Kuala Lumpur this Sunday. The Ooi Chin Chin-trained galloper showcased his above-average ability when charging home from the tail of the field to score over this trip on debut back in June. His other victory came on September 21, when he resumed from a two-month break and broke through at Class 4 level. STRONG DRAGON comes into this race off a fast-finishing second against a strong Class 3 line-up at this track two weeks ago and, dropping back in grade, looks a genuine contender again with regular rider C.K. Khaw in the saddle. Unbeaten galloper IRISH GOODBYE looks poised to extend his winning streak when he lines up in the 1500m Supreme C contest this Sunday. The Brazilian-bred four-year-old announced himself in style when causing a minor upset at lucrative odds of RM103 on debut over 1400m in September. He quickly developed a strong following among local punters and duly justified that support at his next two starts, being sent out favourite on both occasions and delivering with a further pair of victories over the same trip. While this represents his toughest assignment yet at start number four in the country, IRISH GOODBYE possesses sharp and reliable early speed, which should see him take up a favourable position from the barriers. That asset places him in good stead to maintain his unbeaten record as he steps up to 1500m for the first time.

SIR RUBY (2) has been racing well for the Joseph Leck stable as the promising three-year-old targets a winning hat trick in the 1500m Class 4 contest (Race 3). Following a 1300m Restricted Maiden win on October 26, the gelding simply decimated a Class 4 lineup over 1500m on November 30 and will prove hard to beat despite the three kilogram rise in the weights. KING’S GAMBIT (4) had chalked up four successive minor placings prior to his last start failure from a wide draw so may pay to forgive. PACIFIC BAOBEI (11), a former Class 2 galloper has descended in the ratings and has finished close up in recent starts while FAMILY DELIGHT (3) only scored once last preparation and is one to watch first up. OCEAN JUPITER (9) does mix his form but is a handy sit sprinter who could surprise at value. Race 3 Selections: (2) SIR RUBY   (4) KING’S GAMBIT   (11) PACIFIC BAOBEI   (3) FAMILY DELIGHT BANKER’S EIGHTYONE (3) enjoyed a fruitful campaign posting three wins this year and will be resuming in the 1150m Class 4B (Race 5). The former Australian enters Class 4 for the first time as he also targets the winning hat trick. SANTINO (5) unfortunately lost the rider last start but was a Class 5 winner prior to that and has recorded four placings at this level. THUNDER STAR (7) was trapped wide and still ran well to finish 4th here on November 23 and is a proven performer in the grade. PACIFIC ANGEL (2) is rarely far away and was holding good form at the trials during the week. SILVER SAMURAI (1) will be suited dropping back to the “B” division of Class 4. Race 5 Selections: (3) BANKER’S EIGHTYONE   (5) SANTINO   (7) THUNDER STAR   (2) PACIFIC ANGEL SPICY BABE (3) and COOL SIXTY-ONE (2) are both racing well coming of recent wins and should head the markets in the 1150m Class 4B (Race 6). SPICY BABE (3) led throughout to score by 3.75 lengths in the same grade on November 22 and may prove hard to beat again. However, COOL SIXTY-ONE (2) drew barrier ten in both wins on Track Two recently and his early speed is an asset. AERAS (1) had no luck last start but recorded a string of minor placings prior and is dropping back to the “B” division of Class 4. PACIFIC SONIC (8) has scored twice at the track and distance and is holding good form while BANKER’S PRINCESS (5) can bounce back to the form she displayed when winning a Restricted Maiden back in Mid-September. Race 6 Selections: (3) SPICY BABE   (2) COOL SIXTY-ONE   (1) AERAS   (8) PACIFIC SONIC STOP THE WATER (2) picked up three wins during his initial Malaysian preparation and should be primed following five runs this time in. The five-year-old led and was pressured throughout when finishing unplaced in the 1200m Malaysian Celebrities Trophy here a fortnight ago but is a chance of returning to winning form in the 1020m Class 3 (Race 7). SINCEFOON HERO (5) simply had no luck when caught wide throughout in the same race and is ready to strike fourth up this campaign. PACIFIC GENERAL (7) has won five races this season and cannot be underestimated in the grade. BUURAQ SIXTY-ONE (6) finished runner up at huge odds in the Royal Sabah Turf Club Trophy two weeks back and is capable of scoring at this level. THE STAR (9) possesses a good record of five wins from eight starts in the country and will face his toughest test first up for five months. Race 7 Selections: (2) STOP THE WATER   (5) SINCEFOON HERO   (7) PACIFIC GENERAL   (6) BUURAQ SIXTY-ONE

A competitive but more decipherable card awaits at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, with Three Tigers emerging as a key player in race 6 over 1200m. While his record shows just one win from six starts, the quality of opposition he has faced and favourable weight swings bring him firmly into contention. Last time out in the Sophomore Sprint over this course and distance, Three Tigers was far from disgraced when finishing 2,45 lengths behind the exciting Green Gateway. He was a length behind All The Rage on that occasion and now meets him 1,5kg better off, which could be enough to reverse the placings. With Muzi Yeni taking the ride for Michelle Rix, whose stable is in good form, Three Tigers looks an improving type capable of climbing the ranks. All The Rage remains highly regarded despite a disappointing effort last time under top weight. His earlier form suggests he has the talent to bounce back, while Aldo Domeyer takes over the ride. KwaZulu-Natal raider Cognac also warrants respect. Trained by Stuart Ferrie, he impressed early in his career and may be better judged back under more suitable weight conditions. Empire State adds further intrigue returning from a break, having prepped with a gallop at this course. Elsewhere on the card, Handsome Prince looks well placed in race 4 over 1500m after a string of strong efforts against feature-class opposition. Marseilles should take plenty of stopping in the opening 1000m after a debut that has already produced multiple winners. Race 5 over 1800m pits progressive three-year-olds against each other, with Coco’s Hero chasing a fourth straight win despite top weight, while Future Free brings strong form lines into the contest. Later on, Du Maurier gets her chance to capitalise in a weaker sprint, while Disting’s powerful late kick makes her a serious contender in race 8. The card closes with Got The Look, who may have found the right opportunity to build on her recent maiden success.

The festive build-up continues at the Vaal on Saturday, 20 December, with a 10-race programme highlighted by the World Sports Betting Grand Heritage, one of the most intriguing betting puzzles on the local calendar. Though officially a Non-Black Type feature, the R500,000 contest demands respect for its depth, unpredictability and rich rewards for lower-rated runners.

Race 6 is unique in South African racing. With 23 runners lining up over an unusual 1475m, the Grand Heritage offers hard-knocking horses a rare shot at life-changing prize money. The result is a wide-open race that rewards punters willing to look beyond reputation and focus on value.

Last year’s runner-up Master Christmas returns and is sure to attract support after handling the hustle of the race well twelve months ago. Mike and Mathew de Kock also feature strongly, saddling Yippee Kiyay and Calantha, while Pressonregardless arrives in top form for the shrewd Dawid Nieuwenhuizen yard.

However, Obsidian shapes as the standout value option. Johan Janse van Vuuren’s Erupt gelding is in peak form and improving at the right time. His partnership with S’manga Khumalo is a major positive, having produced four wins and a third from five starts together. That understanding could prove crucial in a race where timing and positioning are everything.

Obsidian’s latest victory over 1400m was a career-best effort, and even under a small penalty, he looks capable of being a major late threat. With many rivals exposed on tight marks, siding with a progressive runner carrying momentum makes strong betting sense.

Beyond the feature, Palace Prince appeals in the Grand Heritage Consolation after excuses last time, while Race 8 winner Wayne looks a horse to follow as he continues to progress.

In a race designed for surprises, Obsidian stands out as the runner punters can confidently build their bets around.

Clive Robinson