What started out as a beautiful and sunny day at the Selangor Turf Club ended up as a wet and rather quiet end to the race meeting with some big upsets throughout the day. Unfortunately the remaining two races of the day were abandoned due to inclement weather. There’s an old saying about “horses for courses” and Big Bad Mama exemplifies that after keeping her unbeaten record over 1020m on Track 2 intact and has now won four from four over course and distance. This was N Selvan’s second winner for the day after opening up the meeting with Diaz who showed big improvement from his local debut run just over two weeks ago. W Cheah also celebrated a double as the jockey aboard both of the Selvan runners. Trainer J Leck was also amongst the double ranks as he saddled Pacific Delight in the second race followed by class dropper From The Navy in race 5.This is where the rain started to really cause some damage and one could start to see there were a few doubts as to whether the meeting will finish. Thankfully, we were able to reach the feature race of the day, The Sungai Besi Autoworld Cup for RM50000 which was taken out by the SY Lim trained Arigato and ridden to victory by SU Lim. With front running tactics, Lim went straight to the front and was never really challenged or put under serious pressure. The former Macau galloper only had the one local start in Malaysia last month in Ipoh when he ran unplaced but showed big improvement to win the feature race of the afternoon. Nimbus Glory from the S Dunderdale stable won the final race of the afternoon winning at odds of RM172. It was a tricky day for punters as Dragon Claw also won in the triple figures in race 4 when showing plenty of heart to fight off the challengers and win at even bigger odds of RM384. Hopefully punters will be able to end the meeting off on a good note next week Saturday for the last race meeting for the year at the Selangor Turf Club on Saturday the 28th of December. Devon Pretorius

James McDonald closed a highly successful short-term stint in Hong Kong with a quartet at Sha Tin on Sunday (22 December), crowning his stay with two Group 1 victories while amassing more than HK$72 million for connections during the 11-meeting cameo. Acclaimed as the 2024 LONGINES World’s Best Jockey, McDonald slotted four winners, a second and a third from nine rides at Sha Tin to finish his visit with 19 wins and 21 minor placings from 89 rides for overall prizemoney earnings of HK$72,033,605 – a figure bettered this season only by Zac Purton (HK$81.9 million). McDonald, who dominated at the HK$126 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races with victories on Romantic Warrior in the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and Voyage Bubble in the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), scored on Super Legends, Lady’s Choice, Divano and Johannes Brahms today. The New Zealander is scheduled to return to Hong Kong to partner Voyage Bubble in the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on 19 January after serving a seven-meeting suspension for careless riding following an incident at Sha Tin on 15 December. “I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it except for last Sunday (15 December), it threw a bit of a downer on the whole trip but we loved it – it’s been brilliant,” said McDonald, who sits in fourth place in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship behind Purton (51 wins), Hugh Bowman (26) and Vincent Ho (21). “Those horses (Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble) have been the highlights but I really enjoyed every meeting – most meetings, I got winners so it was good.” McDonald opened his account aboard Danny Shum’s Super Legends in the first section of the Class 4 Hibiscus Handicap (1200m) before adding the Class 3 Pok Oi Cup Handicap (1200m) on Lady’s Choice for Michael Chang, the first section of the Class 3 Tulip Handicap (1200m) on Francis Lui’s Divano and Johannes Brahms for Pierre Ng in the Class 3 Spruce Handicap (1400m). 2025 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) hopeful Johannes Brahms, who was formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien in Ireland, earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million for his first Hong Kong win. Jerry Chau continued a form resurgence with a treble, scoring on Dennis Yip-trained veteran Fire Ball in the Class 5 Amaryllis Handicap (1600m), Another World for Benno Yung in the Class 4 Holly Handicap (1400m) and Ricky Yiu’s Sky Joy in the second section of the Class 4 Hibiscus Handicap (1200m). Chau ended a dry spell with victory on Packing Bole for Danny Shum on 18 December, having endured a winless streak stretching back to October. “The last two months have, for me, been a bit down and it’s been hard to get winners,” Chau said. “It seems now like the luck has changed and everything is going well now with two winners. It’s good. “But I just kept working hard, going to Sha Tin and Conghua to ride track work to get the results. “(I was) very luck today with Sky Joy. We had a very difficult draw with barrier 14 but luckily the horse has good gate speed and we had some luck to get a little bit of cover.” Yiu was delighted with Chau’s display on Sky Joy, who overcame barrier 14 to score strongly. “He’s a nice horse and he responded really well under the stick. It was one, two and boom off he goes. It was his second start and from a wide barrier on the ‘A+3’ course, statistics told us he couldn’t win,” Yiu said. “But with Jerry Chau on him, like I said to the owners, he’ll at least be in the first three because we’ve got a jockey who is flying today. He (Chau) is an improving young chap, I like him a lot. Before he went overseas, he was with me and I spent a lot of time with him for 12 months or so.” Antoine Hamelin slotted his 100th Hong Kong victory when John Size’s Raging Blizzard won the Class 2 Poinsettia Handicap (1200m), snaring his first win since last season. “It’s great, I’ve been waiting a while for this one,” the Frenchman said. “But now, I’m very happy. The horse was very well prepared, as usual, by Mr Size. I thanked him again for the support he has given me over these four years and I hope for more in the coming years. “It’s been a while waiting for this one. I knew I was stuck on 99, so it’s even longer when you’re waiting for your 100th. But I’m very happy and grateful. It’s a good Christmas gift and the new year is coming soon. I can’t wait and I hope more winners come.” Ka Ying Attack claimed the Class 4 Erica Handicap (1400m), narrowly clinching the contest for three-year-olds for David Hall and Matthew Poon before Shum slotted a double with Joyful Prosperity, who made it three wins in a row with victory in the Class 4 Ivy Handicap (2000m) under Bowman. Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Thursday night (26 December). By Leo Schlink

Trainer Mike de Kock admitted last weekend in a post-race interview at Turffontein that, “I’d probably had too many whiskeys at the time but I once told Piere (Strydom) he is the Tiger Woods of South Africa’s jockeys,” after the 58-year-old veteran rider displayed his sheer brilliance in the saddle on White Pearl. Strydom tracked the leaders, looking left and right as he waited for a gap to open, before threading the eye of the needle on the grey daughter of Danon Platina to win the Grade 2 Mike de Kock Ipi Tombe Challenge, leading home a stable 1-2 ahead of Silver Sanctuary. ‘Striker’ – as he is affectionately known – is riding at the top of his game and retirement plans are now a thing of the past. Rarely does he have a full book of rides at any meeting countrywide, given his advancing years and view of riding quality over quantity, opting only for mounts with legitimate winning chances in their respective races. And the eight-race Vaal Classic track fixture on Tuesday 24 December is a prime example as each of Strydom’s six rides on the Christmas Eve card has a strong each-way chance, including three attractive betting propositions with undeniable winning potential. Improving De Kock-trained Great Notion should get Strydom off to a winning start in Race 2 over 1600m, the same course and distance over which this three-year-old daughter of Danon Platina finished second in her last start 12 days ago. Great Notion was game in defeat on that occasion, leading most of the way and staying on under pressure before being outrun in the closing stages by the winner. From stall No 1, Strydom has options available to him but will likely make full use of his inside draw and tactical prowess by adopting similar tactics. He is a renowned judge of pace so Great Notion will benefit from his power of judgement, and she needn’t improve much to open her account. Strydom has forged a formidable partnership with Johan Janse van Vuuren and this potent jockey-trainer combination should add to its tally in Race 3 over 1600m with Strewn Sky. The four-year-old gelding bounced back to form with a good second at a higher level over 1600m on Turffontein’s Standside track earlier this month when refitted with blinkers, and a repeat of that performance off an unchanged mark with the headgear retained should be good enough for this son of Potala Palace to go one better. Grant Maroun’s Bezrin mare Rattle Bag scored in her only association with Strydom so it could pay to side with horse and rider when reunited in Race 8 over 1450m. Romeo’s Magic (Race 4), Sakhala Is’cathulo (Race 5) and last-start winner My One And Only (Race 6) make up Strydom’s strong complement of six rides on the day. Clive Robinson

Video Stars Race 4 No 13 LUCKY FIONN He has shown strong form around quality types like RUBYLOT and SKY TRUST, both of whom are already Class 3 winners. In his most recent outing, he ran on well to finish a solid second over this track and distance, indicating a win is close at hand. Resuming from a 77-day break, he steps into a winnable race and looks primed to break through first-up. Race 9 No 2 LUCY IN THE SKY He didn’t display his usual tactical speed last time out, making it a run best overlooked. However, in his previous start, he showed his competitiveness in Class 3 by travelling on the speed and finishing a solid fifth in a fast-run race over this track and distance. If he reverts to his positive racing style, a much-improved effort can be expected this week. Sectional Stars Race 1 No 3 CHARMANDER Having shown strong form in Class 5 this season, he comes off a fast-finishing fifth in a slowly run race last week, where he was forced to settle off the speed from a wide draw. With a more favorable trip this time, he looks well-placed to secure a Top 3 finish. Race 3 No 7 PATCH OF STARS He hit the line strongly to finish fifth on debut, with the slow tempo of the race adding further merit to his effort. Returning from a 43-day let-up, he has trialled well ahead of his second career start, positioning him as a strong contender in what looks to be a wide-open contest.  

Zac Purton is wary of engaging in a speed battle with Wunderbar as John Size’s talented sprinter looks to rebound from rare defeat when he tackles the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Poinsettia Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (22 December). With six wins and two seconds from eight starts, Wunderbar has emerged as a quality galloper for 12-time Hong Kong champion trainer Size and Purton is aware of the presence of several rivals who are likely to press for the lead at the weekend. Wunderbar (135lb) will jump from barrier 11 in the 14-horse field and Purton will discuss plans with Size with speed maps suggesting the chestnut’s usual pattern of going forward might be compromised by horses such as I Give (gate seven), Harmony N Blessed (four), Glory Elite (six), Call Me Glorious (13), Bottomuptogether (one) and Majestic Knight (two). “It’s not going to be easy, especially from this gate. There are a few horses in it with a bit of speed that are going to make it competitive, so I’m sure John has got a plan and I’ll find out what that’s going to be,” Purton said. The only horse in Hong Kong with victories over Group 1-winning Ka Ying Rising – the Rich Enuff gelding managed the feat twice in January – Wunderbar suffered a short-head defeat at the hands of Magic Control over 1000m at Sha Tin on 9 November. “He (Wunderbar) performed very well (last start) but he just ran into a horse who performed at his best on the day. I think he’s equally adaptable at both distances (1000m and 1200m). I don’t think one (distance) is better than the other, but he’s drawn wide so he’s going to need a little bit of luck,” Purton said. Purton has been cleared to resume riding after missing Wednesday’s (18 December) meeting with illness. Club officials also passed fit Lyle Hewitson and Matthew Poon to ride at Sunday’s meeting. With 51 wins from 228 rides, Purton leads the 2024/25 jockeys’ championship by 26 wins from Hugh Bowman (25) and Vincent Ho (21) and the seven-time champion has a full book of 10 rides on Sunday. Hoping to foil Purton’s hopes with Wunderbar in the meeting finale, Frankie Lor indicated Bottomuptogether is likely to be ridden more quietly by Matthew Chadwick as the gelding drops back from 1400m. “This season he has outside draws and, at this moment 1400m might not be suitable for him, so I brought him back to 1200m,” Lor said. “He has trialled good and Matthew said he is more relaxed now and this time he has got a better draw. “The pace looks quite fast, so I hope he can follow horses this time and save a little bit of energy.” David Hayes hopes the removal of cheek pieces will enhance Romantic Son’s chances when the gelding contests the Class 3 Tulip Handicap (1200m) under Purton. “At his first couple of runs around Happy Valley, we thought we would have them (cheek pieces) on to help him focus and be a bit more switched on but I think Sha Tin will allow him to relax a bit more,” Hayes said. “I wouldn’t expect him to be leading and hopefully he’ll be strong late. He’s had a solid trial (at Conghua on 6 December) and I think he’ll bounce back and run a good race on the weekend.” With 15 wins and 19 minor placings from 80 rides, James McDonald completes his short-term stint on Sunday with a book containing the rides on Divano, Johannes Brahms and Gorgeous Win. Sunday’s (22 December) 10-race card at Sha Tin starts with the Class 5 Amaryllis Handicap (1600m) at 12.45pm. By Leo Schlink

Selangor Turf Club is thrilled to announce a substantial increase in prize money for upcoming races, along with significant enhancements to its facilities. These exciting developments underline the Club’s commitment to rejuvenate excellence in horse racing and providing unparalleled opportunities for owners, trainers and jockeys. Increased Prize Money To further incentivize and reward the hard work and dedication of our horse owners and trainers, Selangor Turf Club is increasing the prize money for all races. Effective from 1 January 2025, the new prize structure will include:

• An increase to RM31million to the overall prize money pool
• Introducing first ever RM1million race for four-year-old horses
• Enhanced pay out for top finishers, ensuring greater rewards for outstanding performances.
• New bonus system for local and emerging talent to encourage jockeys to be more competitive.

“The Bold launching of the Selangor Turf Club’s Drive to Global Excellence – Racing Enhancement Funds is the catalyst of horse racing benefiting the industry players at a bigger scale. We appreciate the support from all those who contributed to the success of this blueprint that would drive Malaysia Horse Racing to greater heights” said Chairman of Selangor Turf Club, Tan Sri Datuk Richard Cham Hak Lim. Details of prize money are as follows: 2025 PRIZE/STAKES MONEY DISTRIBUTION SCHEME

RACE CLASS	RATING BAND	2024 STAKES  (RM)	2025 STAKES  (RM)
CLASS 1	80 & ABOVE	60,000	70,000
CLASS 2	71 – 89	50,000	62,000
CLASS 3	57 – 74	40,000	53,000
CLASS 4A	44 – 61	35,000	49,000
CLASS 4B	44 – 55	30,000	45,000
CLASS 5A	43 & BELOW	25,000	38,000
CLASS 5B	35 & BELOW	20,000	32,000
METRO A	57 & ABOVE	50,000	62,000
SUPREME A	71 & ABOVE	50,000	62,000
SUPREME B	57 – 89	40,000	53,000
SUPREME C	41 – 74	35,000	49,000
STAYER STAKES A	44 & ABOVE	40,000	53,000
STAYER STAKES B	41 – 74	35,000	49,000
STAYER STAKES C	61 & BELOW	30,000	45,000
SPECIAL MAIDEN [4YO & BELOW]  [W.F.A]	–	50,000	62,000
RESTRICTED MAIDEN [2 & 3YO ONLY]  [W.F.A]	–	50,000	62,000
MAX TWO STAKES	–	35,000	49,000
PROGRESS / INITIATION / NOVICE	–	30,000	45,000
OPEN NOVICE	–	30,000	45,000
MAIDEN / OPEN MAIDEN		25,000	38,000

2025 Feature Races Horse Welfare, Investments and Growth in Services The wellbeing of horses are extremely important. The Club is holding discussions with internationally known veterinary surgeons in order to ensure that the finest veterinary, medical, technical, and surgical competencies are available at SLTC. The Club’s surgical facilities have also been greatly improved with the veterinary staff-to-horse ratio increasing to a healthy 1:80. With the horse population nearing capacity, the Club will recruit the service of one of Asia’s leading farriers. We believe his extensive experience will contribute greatly towards ensuring that our horses are healthy and sound. “Our investment in increasing the prize money and improvement in training facilities reflect our dedication to the well-being and performance of both horses and trainers,” said CEO of Selangor Turf Club, Dato’ Michael Fong. He further stressed that the Club is committed in providing an environment that fosters success and excellence in every aspect of horse racing. SLTC is currently in discussion with various organisations to rehome retired horses and finding new chapters through dedicated retirement facilities, which offer sanctuary or avenues for retraining and adoption, to embark on varied second careers, such as competitors in equestrian sports. Exciting times ahead “These are exciting times for SLTC. With the REF and other initiatives, including the on-going efforts to improve our racing products and rise in wagering income, SLTC hopes to increase the total prize money by 5% annually in coming years”. “The Club is grateful for the support and enthusiasm from owners, trainers, government and stakeholders”, said Tan Sri Richard Cham. The Committee and Management of the Club are striving to elevate the reputation of SLTC as a premier racing centre and to achieve a higher level of excellence in the sport.

The 1200m 2024 Sungai Besi Autoworld Cup (Race 6)  is the highlight on the nine-race program at Selangor Turf Club this Sunday with Track Two in operation for Races 1-4 while Races 5-9 will be contested on Course A with the rail in the true position. The RM 50,000 feature sees the return of the Joseph Leck trained 7yo, CHONKY POTATO (5) which is yet to miss a place in nine starts when resuming. The six-time winner has not raced since failing in the G1 Penang Sprint Trophy in July but is a proven performer at this level and did lower the colours of group winner Circuit Mission over this track and distance back in may of this year. On the minimum weight. PACIFIC PADRINO (9) could provide trainer Jason Ong his first Malaysian success judging by his 3rd on local debut here three weeks ago. The 5yo closed off well in the Class 3 contest and drops 6kg from that performance. GOOD FIGHT (6) has not won a race since taking out the Perak G1 Coronation Cup / Ipoh Charity Cup double in November last year but is slowly recapturing his best form in recent starts and is coming off an encouraging effort in the G1 Piala Emas here a fortnight ago. It was the galloper’s first try over 2000m following his encouraging 2nd in this year’s edition of the G1 Coronation Cup. SINCERELY (4) defeated GOOD FIGHT (6) over 1200m in a Metro A race here in October and followed up with a fast-finishing third in similar grade behind Chinese Tea. The 8yo sprinted from second last at the half mile and is once again worthy of consideration. Race fitness gave out for former Macau galloper ARIGATO (3) when he resumed from a  seven-month break when finishing 4th at Ipoh on November 3. The 6yo chalked up the winning hat trick in Macau earlier this year and his early pace will place him in good stead for a forward showing. WHITE HOOF BIRD (2) has been a handy performer for the BT Lim yard but has only started once this year and will be first up since July. Race 6 Selections: (5) CHONKY POTATO   (9) PACIFIC PADRINO   (6) GOOD FIGHT   (4) SINCERELY  A couple of well credentialed former Singapore gallopers make their Malaysian debut in the 1020m Class 3 event (Race 4) as DANCING LIGHT (1) and SONGGONG HERA (4) resume from a three month break. DANCING LIGHT (1) returns from a bleeding attack but does boast an excellent first up record (5:3-0-0) and was sharpened up with a quiet trial earlier this month. SONGGONG HERA (4) has only started twice this year after pulling up with a lameness issue last start. The 8yo has placed first up previously and was a Class 4 winner back in January. ITALIAN REVOLUTION (5) also resumes and is coming off some consistent form lines when last in work. First up from the short break, he is a fast beginner who will be prominent for a long way. TITAN PEGASUS (3) never looked in doubt when easily accounting for a Class 3 lineup over 1300m on October 27 and looks a chance coming off the brief spell. TAU KEH SOH (7) chased home his more highly regarded stable mate, Chinese Tea at his first run against Metro A company three weeks ago and should be in the mix despite the outside barrier. Race 4 Selections: (1) DANCING LIGHT   (4) SONGGONG HERA   (5) ITALIAN REVOLUTION   (3) TITAN PEGASUS        

The Grade 2 De Grendel Cape Merchants at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth over 1200m has a terrific roll of honour with some great names attached to the race. Flobayou-trained by Eric Sands in the 1990’s is the most prolific with three wins to his name. The 2023 winner Cosmic Highway is back to defend his crown but it could pay to follow the hugely underrated Meu Capitano on the back of hitting the crossbar lately. The conditions of the World Sports Betting Bantry Bay Stakes over 1100m states that only the winner would incur a penalty from the handicapper. Meu Capitano ran a short head second behind the 122-rated Ziyasha in receipt of 6kg. Had the race been run at true handicap terms it would have been 9kg. So he ran comfortably above his rating not for the first time. In June he beat Questioning by 1,5 lengths and he could only receive six points beating a horse rated north of 120. He was only 98 in June. So it is plain to see that he comes into this Grade 2 well-placed by trainer Piet Steyn. Chase Maujean is a rare visitor to Cape Town and he has been booked to ride. With only 53kg on his back, Meu Capitano now needs to deliver and show that he is in this class. King Of The Gauls is the choice of Richard Fourie. He had a few options to think about for the Merchants. He has galloped at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth twice since arriving from Durban nearly a month ago. He has a target for the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship in late January so there could be some meat on the bone but he is a classy horse and he warrants respect. He was last seen on Gold Cup Day in late July when he won the HKJC Umgeni Handicap at Hollywoodbets Greyville over 1000m. The same race that made Isivunguvungu known. For the first time in a while, Future Variety could be in the right race. He showed his worth by finishing close-up behind Thunderstruck in the Grade 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes over this course and distance in February. The better the opposition, the better he seems to run. Respect him under Raymond Danielson. Cosmic Highway, Outlaw King and Café Culture are all horses to include in wider perms. They are all feature race winners but whether they will be at their best remains to be seen. Phil The Fluter is held in high regard and he has come to hand. He has his best chance of winning in race 1 over 1200m. Richard Fourie is carded to take the ride. He finished third in his last two runs, once behind Elizabedi Gold and the other with Rafa Bay ahead. The first-timers are a concern so check the market on some well-bred newcomers like Imokelly and War Reporter. There could also be some improvement from Master Bomber, Kaisarissa and Bel Canto Dream. Ocotillo is out of Grade 1-winning mare Camphoratus. She runs in race 2 over 1200m under Siphesihle Hlengwa for Eric Sands. Her debut was exciting as he stayed on well to be 0,5 lengths behind Champagne Kisses at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. She ran a flat race at her second start at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth but might not have been ready to run her best over 1400m. She should eventually get the trip but she failed to get into the race. A return to basics is evident and she should run a bold race. Catch A Penny was touted as unbeatable at her last run but ended up running a three-length third behind Back At The George. She is worth keeping in mind but the strength of that form might leave a few questions. Ozark runs consistently and he loves Richard Fourie. He is one of the flag bearers of the Class 5 races around the turn and he could take the win in race 3 over 1600m. He disappointed at his last start but that run was the exception rather than the norm. He was a little too far out of his ground and he failed to get into the hunt finishing sixth behind Tothemoonandback. There might be an argument that he is best at Hollywoodbets Durbanville but he has the edge on form over a lot of his opposition. Race 4 over 1400m is a great opportunity for a battling maiden to exit the ranks. Wehaveasituation might have found the perfect opening to give Paddy Kruyer a winner. Gareth Wright takes the ride. With 56,5kg on her back and the lack of strong opposition, makes a compelling case for a 10-start maiden. She ran against winners at her last start when finishing a 2,1-length fourth behind Senhora Victoria. She has 0,5kg less to carry now. Gareth Wright is carded to be aboard. Victor Hugo stands out as one of the better bets on the card when he runs in race 5 over 1600m. He has improved from his first to his second start running fourth to the hugely talented Garrix on debut to second, close-up behind Cavalry Commander at his most recent. He is bred to relish the step to this distance from 1200m. He will get every assistance from the saddle under Serino Moodley. King Pelles has developed into an honest horse to follow and he stands out in race 6 over 1600m if this distance is not too short for him. He has a hit-and-hope running style makes the longer summer course run in more within his wheelhouse. He comes from off-the-pace but if the gaps open up, he can be hard to stop. He won his penultimate start beating Daimyo who subsequently won the Listed Woolavington. That is what he is capable of. Corne Orffer is up for Gareth van Zyl. Sweetie Darling was a good, forward two-year-old but she has seemingly not lost her spark. She faces a weaker field for the first time in what feels like centuries in race 8 over 1400m. Her rating dropped from 92 to 88 between her last run which was behind the hugely promising Roccapina. Chad Little is up for Glen Kotzen. Race 9 over 1000m is the hardest race on the card. A chance is taken on Shipindani to come back to her best under Orffer for Andre Nel, a combination in top form.

Jockey Richard Fourie may not have a full card of rides at the Vaal on Saturday, but he might have the two that count as he will be riding current favourite Captainofthegreen in World Sports Betting Grand Heritage over 1475m as well as stable companion Confederate in the World Sports Betting Grand Heritage consolation over the same distance. Fourie has some other good rides on the card but we will concentrate on these two runners. The Grand Heritage is the only South African race that contains more than 20 runners and is run over this unusual distance up the Vaal straight. This year 24 runners were accepted but then trainer Sean Tarry opted to run Jordan in the Consolation event which reduced the main race to 23. Captainofthegreen has won four times in his 12 starts but it is worth noting he just completed a hat-trick when winning his latest start, a MR 96 Handicap at Turffontein over 1600m on 30 November. It seems the gelding operation he had in March has brought out the best in him racing-wise as he had a merit rating of 81 at the time of his operation and he is currently on 96, with the likelihood that figure will rise should he win this event. It will be the first time Fourie sits on the Gimmethegreenlight gelding but he does not look a difficult ride. Confederate has not been out of the first two in his five starts and he was a fluent winner of his latest start. That was at this track on 28 November. Coincidentally, it was his first run after being gelded. The Fire Away gelding picked up a six-point penalty for that good win. Rival in this race Count Invicto was 2.25 lengths behind Confederate that day and is 3kg better off with that rival. Count Invicto has also only had three starts, winning twice, so is open to a lot of improvement so should be a lively danger. Clive Robinson

Confirming his prodigious talent, Luke Ferraris sailed past the 100-win milestone in Hong Kong with a double at Sha Tin’s all-dirt meeting on Wednesday night (18 December) to continue an excellent season. Ferraris, 22, reached the landmark with victories on Excellent Daddy in the Class 5 Banyan Handicap (1200m) for Benno Yung and Mojave Desert in the first section of the Class 4 Sha Tin Wai Handicap (1200m) for Mark Newnham – one of the South African’s biggest supporters. The son of former Hong Kong-based trainer David Ferraris, Luke Ferraris was raised at Sha Tin before moving back to South Africa to pursue a riding career in 2017, subsequently advancing to two champion apprentice titles in South Africa while collecting a string of feature wins. “It feels good. Going back to being a kid, watching the racing here, to participating in it and riding a century here, it feels great – credit to Mark,” said Ferraris, who is one of the youngest jockeys to reach 100 wins in Hong Kong. “He (Newnham) has really supported me throughout the season so far and (I’m) very pleased to ride the 100th on one of his horses. I’m delighted and hopefully things can just keep ticking over the way they are.” Ferraris started his Hong Kong riding career in 2021/22 and enjoyed his best campaign to date with 35 wins in 2022/23. With nine wins of his stable’s 21 wins this season in tandem with Ferraris, Newnham was delighted for the young horseman. “I’m pleased I was able to provide it (the 100th win). He’s a good, young jockey and we get on well, he’s easy to work with and he’s a good asset to the stable,” Newnham said. “Luke gets on well with him (Mojave Desert) and he rode him exactly the same in his latest trial. It’s nice when a plan works.” Never Peter Out continued Frankie Lor’s impressive run of form with success in the Class 4 Prince Of Wales Hospital 40th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1650m) under Keith Yeung before John Size posted his seventh win in eight days when Sight Supreme charged from the rear to clinch the Class 4 Ngan Shing Handicap (1650m). With a double last Wednesday (11 December), a quartet on Sunday (15 December) and tonight’s victory in combination with Brenton Avdulla, 12-time Hong Kong champion trainer Size has boosted his seasonal haul to 12 wins. Dragon Air Force broke through for his first Hong Kong win, snaring the second section of the Class 4 Sha Tin Wai Handicap (1200m) for Ricky Yiu and Matthew Chadwick, who picked up the ride after Zac Purton was indisposed. “All of a sudden (Zac) wasn’t feeling well so I picked Matthew Chadwick. I’ve always liked this jockey because he’s full of experience,” Yiu said. “It’s just his sixth start and I don’t think he’s just a 1200m horse, he might get 1400m or a mile eventually. He’s still learning and he has a good heart.” Purton’s absence also cost the seven-time Hong Kong champion the winning ride on Danny Shum’s Packing Bole, who scored in the Class 3 Siu Lek Yuen Handicap (1200m) under Jerry Chau. Dennis Yip took training honours after Yeaboi’s win in the Class 5 Sha Lek Handicap (1800m) under a well-timed drive from Matthew Poon, who was subsequently stood down with a foot issue, paving the way for Angus Chung to pilot Young Brilliant to victory in the Class 3 Yuen Chau Kok Handicap (1650m) for the HKJC Racing Club Limited. Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (22 December). By Leo Schlink

Established top jockeys Gavin Lerena and Craig Zackey have hit the ground running this season and they continue to ride winners all across the country. They occupy the top two positions in the current national jockeys’ standings with Lerena leading the way on 85 winners at an impressive 26% strike-rate (at the time of writing) and Zackey in joint second with record-breaking reigning champion Richard Fourie on 77 winners. Bettors following both leading Highveld-based jockeys on the eight-event Vaal Classic track card on Thursday 19 December could be smiling all the way to the bank, as Lerena and Zackey have competitive rides throughout the meeting and are likely to dominate proceedings. Sean Tarry-trained Mountain High has finished second in both starts this term and the daughter of Rafeef should go one better under Zackey, who rode her last time, in Race 2 over 1450m. This three-year-old filly was beaten 5.50 lengths over 1160m in late October after a narrow defeat on her seasonal reappearance over 1450m on Turffontein’s Inside track, so the step up in trip to that distance in Leg 1 of the Place Accumulator will suit Mountain High and she is worth a confident bet to open her account. Consistent Happy Mo won a 1500m race under Lerena on the straight Vaal course two starts back but this progressive Royal Mo filly was even more impressive when following up under Rachel Venniker over 1600m on the Standside track at Turffontein last month. Johan Janse van Vuuren’s runner was dropped out from the widest starting stall to the rear of the field before running on powerfully to snare re-opposing Doitwithdiamonds (2kg better off) in a close finish. They renew rivalry in Race 3 over 1600m and progressive Happy Mo is good value to defy the weight turnaround off a career-high mark (under a four-point penalty) by completing her hat-trick with Lerena back aboard. The Tarry-Zackey combination will be to the fore again in Race 5 over 1600m with Act Of War gelding Peace Treaty who, like stable companion Mountain High earlier, needn’t improve much over the extended trip (after a recent second over 1450m), to shed his maiden tag. Promising three-year-olds Bacchus and Wild Intent are two of five last-start winners in the 11-horse field of Race 7 over 1800m. Both progressive geldings should have more to offer over this distance after victories over 1600m and 1700m, respectively, though it could pay to side with the Fabian Habib-trained former who Lerena rides. Bacchus finished a close-up second to unbeaten Cape Guineas contender Heather’s Boy over 1600m with Lerena aboard before running out a workmanlike winner of a Vaal 1600m handicap under veteran Piere Strydom four weeks ago. Clive Robinson

Reliable Profit has evolved into a serious player on Sha Tin’s dirt course and the Reliable Man gelding is chasing a fourth consecutive win on the alternate surface in the first section of Wednesday night’s (18 December) HK$1.17 million Class 4 Ngan Shing Handicap (1650m). Since finding his winning groove three starts ago on dirt, Hong Kong International Sale graduate Reliable Profit has worked his way up to Class 4, and a rating of 57, for trainer Danny Shum and jockey Hugh Bowman – who rides the six-year-old grey from barrier 10. “He’s found his niche on the dirt and his last three wins have been great – he’s enjoying his racing. I’ve ridden him since his last win and he’s working well, so I’d expect a similar performance to what we’ve seen,” Bowman said. The New Zealand-bred sold for HK$3.6 million at the 2022 Hong Kong International Sale to Mr & Mrs William Yem Wai Lai, who race the ‘Profit’ series of horses in Hong Kong, including nine-time winner Supreme Profit – also a Hong Kong International Sale graduate. “This horse (Reliable Profit) actually appreciates the room and he does look after himself in the run, you just have to trust that if he is happy in the run that he will finish strongly, so I’m not to deterred by the draw – it suits his racing style. “If they don’t go fast, he can be right up on the pace and if they do then I’ll give him a chance where he’s comfortable and trust that he’s going to finish strongly like he has in his last three races,” Bowman said. Reliable Profit faces 12 rivals: Tale Of Perth (135lb), The Way We Win (135lb), Massive Action (133lb), Viva Chaleur (131lb), All Are Mine (128lb), Jumbo Fortune (128lb), Ace Power (124lb), Regent Glory (124lb), Sight Supreme (121lb), Yeah Buddy (121lb), Spangle Fortune (119lb) and Yoda’s Choice (116lb). Both Viva Chaleur and Yoda’s Choice raced on Sunday (15 December) at Sha Tin. Bowman also seeks consecutive wins on the dirt aboard Talents Ambition in the HK$2.05 million Class 3 Yuen Chau Kok Handicap (1650m) for trainer Mark Newnham from stall 10. “He gave me a very good feel. I haven’t been on his back since his last win but I did ride him a couple of times prior to that, just in work, and he’s a really lovely horse. “I think we’re far from seeing where his benchmark is. Whether he can transfer that form to the turf is another story but at the moment he has the ideal programme to continue on the dirt,” Bowman said. Tomorrow night’s eight-race all-dirt meeting also features the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Prince Of Wales Hospital 40th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1650m), where Vincent Ho will aim to drive Excel Wongchoy to a second win for championship-leading trainer Pierre Ng. “He’s very consistent. You just need a race to pan out well for him. I think he can handle both (1800m and 1650m). Hopefully the pace will be on a bit more than over 1800, so he will be a bit more comfortable,” Ho said. Four-time Group 1 winner Lucky Sweynesse – crowned Hong Kong Champion Sprinter (2022/23) for trainer Manfred Man – stepped out for his first barrier trial at Sha Tin on the grass over 1000m this morning (Tuesday, 17 December) as he aims to return from setbacks. Jockey James McDonald rode the 132-rater and said: “He looks great and feels really good. He had a tendency to lay in last preparation when I last rode him, but he didn’t do anything up the straight there this morning, so he’s feeling really good in his action.” Lucky Sweynesse was an untested last over the line behind a runaway Magic Control for trainer Cody Mo, who said: “He trialled nicely. It was good to see him relax, he’ll run in the Group 3 (Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap, 1000m) on 1 January.” Wednesday’s (18 December) eight-race all-dirt fixture at Sha Tin commences at 7.15pm with the Class 5 Banyan Handicap (1200m). By Declan Schuster

Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson and jockey Aldo Domeyer have forged a formidable partnership widely considered one of the most powerful in South African racing, especially in the Western Cape. They are strongly represented at the midweek Cape Town fixture at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday 18 December and supporters of the partnership could cash in on a number of their runners on the eight-race card. Summer Snow is one of two Bass-Robinson runners in the opener, a 1000m Maiden Plate. Riding arrangements suggest this son of What A Winter is the pick of the stable’s pair with Domeyer retaining the ride on the three-year-old gelding whose form and experience will stand him in good stead. Summer Snow finished fourth under Domeyer in a 1200m maiden last month when leading for most of the way before tiring late. On the evidence of that performance, the shorter trip should suit and it is encouraging that the blinkers worn that day are retained. Stablemate English Mistress has been costly to follow but wouldn’t be winning out of turn when she lines up in Race 2 over 2000m. She has finished third three times and second four times in her last seven appearances, over distances 1400m to 1800m. She also filled the runners-up berth in her only outing over 2000m in December last year over the same course and distance. Domeyer has ridden English Mistress in her last six starts and will likely partner this Master Of My Fate filly again. At the time of writing, however, a jockey was yet to be declared. In Race 4, highly regarded Air Raid, a Lancaster Bomber-gelding out of former stable star Inara (a multiple Grade 1 winner), should appreciate the step up to 1600m. This three-year-old has run two pleasing comebacks since he was ‘cut’ after a promising two-start juvenile campaign. He made eye-catching late headway over 1400m on the winter course last month, finishing a close-up second under Domeyer in a similar Class C event, and his performance that day gave the impression that the step up to 1600m will unlock further improvement. Rafeef-colt Empire State (Race 5) and Kyalami Girl (Race 8) are others with strong Eachway chances for the dynamic duo. Clive Robinson

After recently relocating from Macau to take up a position amongst the training ranks of the Selangor Turf Club, Ricky Choi has certainly left a good impression in no time at all. After having a winner in his first race meeting with Wealthyness last month, Ricky has hit the ground running and to top it off, he had a treble of winners today in what must be a memorable occasion for the stable.

The beginning of the treble was in race 3 where Lucky To Win showed a quick turn of foot and burst his way through a gap to win going away from the opposition. The unlucky horse was the runner-up Najwan who had to dive towards the inside for a run and could be one to follow next time out. Ruzaini was the winning jockey and would follow up in the next race aboard Luen On Feelings who was the second of the Choi treble. This was a courageous ride by the premiership leading jockey as the gap closed on him heading into the final 300m but managed to work his way through and won in a facile manner. The last of the treble was in race 5 where Revue kept his unbeaten Malaysian record intact. He settled off the pace as Saint Tropez was the long time leader but faded out in the closing stages which allowed R Nuqman a target to aim at heading into the final 200m. Despite receiving an eight-point penalty for his Malaysian debut win, Revue defied the penalty to win by just under two lengths and is certainly a horse to keep an eye out on next season.

Of the remaining races, Boy Xander’s win in race 7 was nothing short of impressive from the HY Cheng stable. He had the three prior runs in Malaysia for a second placing and two fourth’s but he won like a smart sort today going start to finish in front and ended up winning by a margin of over six lengths under HK Cheng. Racing returns to the Selangor Turf Club next week Sunday the 22nd of December for the Sungai Besi Autoworld Cup as the feature race for the race meeting. Devon Pretorius

John Size’s stable continues to build impressive momentum after the master trainer posted a quartet, crowned by Stellar Express’ victory in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Lukfook Jewellery Cup Handicap (1000m), at Sha Tin on Sunday (15 December).

Following a double on Wednesday night (11 December), 12-time Hong Kong Champion trainer Size boosted his season’s tally to 11 wins when former French galloper Stellar Express sped to his first victory in Hong Kong as Mickley, Grand Nova and Beauty Alliance also triumphed for the Australian maestro.

Jumping from barrier six, Stellar Express found the outside rail under Brenton Avdulla and was never headed, clocking 55.90s to beat I Give and James Tak to claim a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million, plus the winner’s purse of HK$1.59 million. Favourite Fast Network was slowly away and finished fourth.

“I’ve been a bit slow out of the gate this season because our horses had to have a break, but they’re starting to show some form now. Hopefully, it will continue on,” Size said. “We had to be patient and had to wait for it, but it came.”

Formerly trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, Stellar Express won three races in France where he raced as Dariym.

Avdulla said: “He (Stellar Express) was good, he’s obviously been busting to win one. I’d only had two rides on him and he ran well both times but hadn’t been able to get the job done.

“I think the blinkers have really helped, he was able to find the outside fence, controlled the gallop and he was tough. He responded really well.”

Mickley enhanced Four-Year-Old Classic Series hopes when the Brittania Stakes (1600m) winner charged late along the rails under Hugh Bowman to win the Class 3 Lukfook Jewellery Dear Q Handicap (1600m) to also earn a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million.

“It was a nice win. I understand he hunted the rail and didn’t go around a horse, but still he had to find the acceleration and pick up. His manners are good, he seems to have settled in to Hong Kong quite quickly and he should have a bright future,” Size said.

 Edging closer to Douglas Whyte’s Hong Kong record of 1,813 wins, Zac Purton notched his 50th victory of the season as a part of double to take his Hong Kong career tally to 1,791 – just 22 wins shy of Whyte’s towering landmark.

“We’re chipping away, hopefully there’s a few more to come. Getting there – slower than I want. I would like to ride a few more winners,” Purton said after striking aboard Frankie Lor’s Triumphant More.

Purton also produced a brilliant, ground-saving ride on Beauty Alliance in the Class 4 Lukfook Jewellery Goldstyle Handicap (1600m) for Size, who earlier combined with James McDonald to land the Class 4 Lukfook Jewellery Love Is Beauty Collection Handicap (1000m) with Grand Nova.

McDonald snared another double with success on Swift Ascend in the Class 3 Lukfook Joaillerie Handicap (1200m).

 Alexis Pouchin notched his first winner in Hong Kong when Ricky Yiu-trained Harry’s Hero claimed the Class 5 Lukfook Jewellery Wedding Collection Handicap (1400m), scoring the breakthrough victory at his 21st ride.

“It’s my first winner after a few weeks, now I feel better,” Pouchin, speaking through a translator, said. “I really enjoy to catch a winner in Hong Kong. Thank you to the owners and trainers who have given me rides in Hong Kong. I had three seconds and three thirds before, but I won today which is the most important thing.

“The distance was quite good for the horse today and the pace was fast enough so he could travel easily in the race. He was quite a good performance. He had a nice action in the straight. I hope to catch another win with this horse.”

Benno Yung slotted his second win of the season when Tourbillon Prince prevailed in the Class 3 Lukfook Jewellery Beloved Collection Handicap (1400m) under Luke Ferraris.

“It feels very good. It’s lovely to have another winner because I’ve been waiting for a long time. I feel very good and especially after a winner,” Yung said. “I’m still working from home because I can’t have too much close contact with people yet.”

Fresh from a Happy Valley double on Wednesday (11 December), Andrea Atzeni continued his strong form aboard Manythanks Forever for Chris So in the Class 5 Lukfook Jewellery Hexicon Handicap (1400m) before Ben Thompson piloted Michael Chang’s New Future Folks to victory in the Class 4 Lukfook Jewellery Heirloom Fortune Collection Handicap (1400m).

“He had been knocking on the door – it can sometimes be the hardest race to win, the maiden,” Thompson said. “So, it was nice to get that out of the way. The support has been great, particularly from Michael Chang and Mr and Mrs So. We’ve linked together well.”

Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Wednesday (18 December).

By Leo Schlink

Video Stars Race 5 No 1 ORIENTAL SMOKE He wasn’t disgraced in his first start back in Class 4 last time out. After settling off the pace from a wide draw, he ran on strongly late to finish fourth over 1400m. Rising to 1600m shouldn’t be an issue for him, as he has been placed over 1800m previously. With impressive stats in this class, he is a contender who cannot be overlooked. Race 8 No 10 ARMOUR WAR EAGLE Unlike his usual racing style of settling back and charging home late, he adopted a more positive tactic last time, settling just off the speed. However, a three-wide trip took its toll, and he had little left in the tank entering the straight. Dropping to 1400m should suit him better, as his previous form suggests, and with better luck in running, he’s expected to deliver an improved performance. Sectional Stars Race 2 No 6 LINK He delivered his best performance to date last time out, posting the third-fastest final 400m (23.12 seconds) to finish fourth over 1400m. Had he jumped cleanly, he likely would have finished in the Top 3. Given that effort, he’s worth another chance this week. Race 10 No 3 MICKLEY Boasting strong form in the UK, including a win in this year’s Britannia Stakes, he made significant ground in the straight on his local debut three weeks ago, finishing two lengths behind the winner in fourth place over 1400m. The step up to a mile for his second-up run suits him well, and he should be well-placed to secure a Top 3 finish.