Six-year-old sprinter LAXON shapes as a leading contender in Sunday’s RM24,000 Class 5A Handicap over 1000m at Ipoh. A four-time winner from 36 starts, LAXON may not be the most consistent performer, but he is more than capable of dominating a Class 5 field on his day. Two starts ago, the son of Darci Brahma attracted strong late betting support and duly delivered, making every post a winning one to score comfortably by 3.25 lengths over 1100m at this track. Things did not go his way last time out, however, as he was slow to begin and failed to show his customary tactical speed before finishing a modest sixth. Facing a moderate field this week, LAXON looks capable of securing his fifth career win if he can begin cleanly and adopt his preferred on-speed racing pattern. Five-year-old galloper MAVERICK appears to have recaptured the form he showed twelve months ago and looks well placed to return to the winner’s list in Sunday’s 1600m Class 5B contest at Ipoh. Trained by Peter Lee, MAVERICK has not won since recording successive victories in July and August last year, but he has shown marked improvement in recent weeks. The gelding comes into this assignment off three consecutive placings over the mile, the latest coming as a beaten favourite two weeks ago after attempting to lead throughout. With his natural early speed likely to see him race prominently again, MAVERICK looks capable of securing his fourth win over this track and distance.

Sunday’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville is expected to be run on soft going and, as the final meeting before the course’s annual spring treatment, could favour horses that handle the mud. However, conditions may change before race day. The main attraction is Mike and Mathew de Kock’s Exocet in the eighth and final race. Returning from a long break, he showed plenty of pace before tiring late and finishing fourth. That run should have brought him on, and his class could see him prevail unless the going becomes extremely testing. Licence To Thrill and Donquerari are likely dangers, while Mystical Miss could also feature with a light weight despite her wide draw. The B Stakes over 1600m looks competitive. Queue Wing could be suited by a 2.5kg apprentice claim, while Down By The River has strong course-and-distance form. Pinot Grigio makes his local debut after a break, while top-weight Landoftherisingsun remains consistent and comes from a stable in good form. The opening races feature many first-timers, making the betting worth watching. One Pepper, AMC Roy On Fire, Sensei Of Spin and Escape Velocity are among those to consider. In the first leg of the PA, One Flight, Fleur Delacour, Nothing Cooler and first-timer Celeritas could attract support. Joy N Hope looks suited to the longer trip in the Pick 6 opener, while Clever Kid, United Tides and Wo Zai are others to consider. In the fourth, Sparrow Man looks progressive after winning over a mile first time out and could follow up. War Reporter and The Marquee are the main dangers. The seventh is wide open, but French War Lord could follow up after a strong maiden win. Lunch Money, Connoisseur and One Irish Rover are also capable of making their presence felt. In the sprint, Eric’s Legacy will bid to follow up his course-and-distance win, but Fire Chief is better off at the weights and could keep him honest. Into Red Space is another to watch, while Yannakis cannot be dismissed despite a six-point handicap rise.

Punters looking for an edge at Turffontein’s Inside track on Saturday should keep three of the country’s leading riders firmly on the shortlist, with Keagan de Melo, visiting Cape-based star Richard Fourie and Gavin Lerena all holding strong hands on a nine-race Highveld programme. De Melo should get the meeting off to a winning start aboard Tenareef in Race 1 over 1200m. The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained filly has been costly to follow in her three starts, all under De Melo, but the daughter of Rafeef would not be winning out of turn if she finds even the slightest improvement. She attracted market support when fourth on debut, then confirmed that promise with another close-up effort over the same trip at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Her final juvenile appearance came at the Vaal Classic track, where she started odds-on but failed to deliver. Now a three-year-old, she need not improve much on that effort to get punters off to a profitable start. Fourie makes the trip north for a seven-ride book and Jimmy Vega looks his best opportunity to strike early in Race 3 over 1450m. Joe Soma’s three-year-old son of Malmoos has placed in all four starts but has twice disappointed as a short-priced favourite, including his latest effort over this course and distance. A subsequent gelding operation could prove the catalyst. If it has brought about the expected improvement, Jimmy Vega has the class to finally break through. Fourie could then double up aboard Empress Of Peace in Race 4, also over 1450m. Tyrone Zackey’s Declarationofpeace filly has finished in the frame in eight of her 10 starts and was a close-up third over this course and distance a fortnight ago. Unexposed rivals Scented Alley and Storm Avalanche may have greater scope for improvement, but Empress Of Peace brings the one thing punters can never buy – hard-earned experience. That reliability makes her a serious inclusion. De Melo has another compelling chance in Race 5 with Periodic Table. The Van Vuuren-trained son of Danon Platina opened his account in emphatic fashion over this trip at the Vaal earlier this month and appears to have been treated generously with an opening handicap mark. Still lightly raced and now only six starts into his career, the four-year-old gelding has scope to improve again. Bottom-weight of 54kg only strengthens the appeal. He looks one of the day’s more interesting betting propositions. Lerena’s strongest opportunities arrive later, beginning with King’s Express for Fabian Habib in Race 6 over 1800m. The seven-year-old veteran was beaten 5.60 lengths by Palace Prince over this distance on the Standside track last month, but the revised terms give him 4kg back and, more importantly, he returns to a course where he has already won three times over the trip. That Inside-track record should not be dismissed lightly. A repeat of his best form would put him firmly in the picture. Lerena and Habib could then complete a double with the progressive Aint No Doubt in Race 7 over 1800m. The Elusive Fort gelding has finished runner-up in both starts since being gelded, most recently over 1500m at this venue. That latest effort suggested he is crying out for more ground, and the step up to 1800m could bring the improvement needed to go one better.   Clive Robinson

After securing a maiden top-level success in Germany earlier this month, Roger Varian is relishing a shot at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with the ever-improving Saddadd. A winner of five of his 10 starts, the Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum-owned four-year-old has taken the step into deep waters in his stride this term, returning with success in the Gordon Richards Stakes before being placed in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and running with credit in the Coral-Eclipse. He showed further improvement and produced a career best when upped to a mile and a half for the Grosser Preis von Baden and now will attempt to follow in the footsteps of Danedream (2011) and Torquator Tasso (2021) who both won the Baden-Baden Group One before triumphing in the French capital a month later. Varian told Racing TV: “Plan A is to run Saddadd in the Arc and we’re looking forward to that and very excited to have the chance to run a horse like him in the race. “He ticks a lot of boxes. He’s a very strong horse who is still maturing and I think he’s getting better and better. His first run over a mile and a half was a career best and hopefully there is more to explore at that trip and we know he handles autumn ground. “He’s improved throughout his career and we’ve been careful to mind him along the way and allow him to reach full maturity and therefore his full potential. “He’s getting there and he’s a lovely horse with a great attitude and he’s come out of the race in Germany in great form. I’m very happy with how he is looking at home and we’re looking forward to having a crack at the Arc.” By Press Association Sport Reporters

Winning three races on the bounce is difficult enough, but four with the handicapper on your tail is even harder. Mark Dixon’s Master Du Rouvray has risen to the challenge each time and can take another step forward in the Middle Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening. He switches from Scottsville but appears a late-maturing gelding who is finally finding his way. However, victory is no certainty. Uzwano franked the form by winning next time out and now meets Master Du Rouvray at level weights, while Mohave Prince has beaten Uzwano twice recently and has the best of the draw. Tunguska and Cleartherunway have handy weights and both have strong chances. The betting could prove the best guide. Heavy rain forecast for the weekend could also result in the meeting switching from turf to the poly track. United Tides, in the opener, has improved with every start and was running on late over a mile last time. A claiming apprentice should help. Trip To Venus tries 2000m for the first time, while Judiciary could improve over the longer trip despite Keagan de Melo opting for Yogas Govender’s runner. Predator’s Crown has been consistent in four starts and was close-up over this distance last time, although the widest draw is a concern. Yeah Baby’s poor turf debut can be ignored after two promising poly runs. Sean Tarry’s first-timer Pandora Fort could attract market support, while Blazing Belle should appreciate the extra distance. The Pick 6 opener is a competitive apprentice handicap. War Emperor has been consistent since winning his maiden and gets a claiming apprentice. He can reverse form with Danube, who beat him last time but is only 2.5kg better off. Fort Usher and The Nile Boss, who carries just 48kg, are also serious contenders. Quest Of Valour has a light weight and could go close in the fourth. War Reporter arrives in good form from the Highveld with De Melo aboard, while recent maiden winner Prized Possession and Dricus, who is well drawn, cannot be ignored. Beyond All Doubt has shown promise against stronger opposition despite a wide draw and big weight. Bangkok Magic steps up in trip and will be a major threat if handling turf. Blue Steel has the best draw, while Run Forest Run faces a four-point handicap rise after his latest win. Greek Heritage, a smart second-start winner, returns from a four-month break in the sixth and steps up to a mile. Silver Salute and Pretty Kara, who gets first-time cheekpieces, should challenge, while Arctic Fury could surprise with only 48kg. In the last, Hurricane Flight’s recent win will attract attention, but she received a hefty 10-point handicap rise. Zena Rose, the previous favourite, could be better suited with a non-claiming apprentice. Splash Of Love and Heavenly Mafia have similar records, but Glen Kotzen’s Heavenly Mafia may be the pick over the longer trip.

Punters looking for a profitable afternoon at the Vaal on Thursday 17 September should keep Philasande Mxoli and Calvin Habib firmly on their side. Both riders endured frustrating afternoons at the same venue last Thursday, but the nine-race programme offers ample opportunity for redemption. Between them, they hold the key to several of the day’s most appealing betting propositions. Mxoli was agonisingly close to a winner last Thursday, with his six rides producing three seconds, a third and a fourth. He returns with seven mounts and looks capable of turning those near misses into winners. His best chance comes aboard the rapidly progressive Mission To Mars for Stuart Pettigrew in Race 6 over 2000m. Mxoli has partnered the Northern Hemisphere-bred son of Sea The Stars in all three starts and has seen him improve dramatically with each outing. A fast-finishing second over 1500m on debut was followed by a spectacular 1600m maiden victory, when Mission To Mars powered clear to score by more than 10 lengths. He then confirmed that promise by landing a handicap over this trip in his latest start, off an opening mark of 86. An eight-point penalty is the obvious concern, but the manner of that victory suggests there is plenty more to come. Mission To Mars is taken to complete the hat-trick. Mxoli’s other major betting opportunity comes in Race 9, the Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m, where he partners Karate Kid. The consistent speedster was a creditable third under 60kg in the Listed Spring Spree Stakes over 1200m last time, but his record tells the more important story: four of his five career victories have come over 1000m. Back over the shorter trip, reunited with Mxoli and carrying just 54kg, Karate Kid has conditions in his favour. In a competitive contest, he looks an appealing eachway proposition. Habib, meanwhile, has several opportunities to erase last week’s blank. Polly Plummer could get him off the mark in Race 2 over 1200m. The Erik The Red filly showed enough in three juvenile appearances last season, all under Habib, to suggest she can make a winning three-year-old debut. She finished second over this course and distance first time out and need only reproduce that form to break her maiden. Habib then switches to Redlightgreenlight for Tony Peter in Race 4 over 1600m. The runner arrives with highly relevant form, having won a similar contest over this course and distance last month. A two-time winner over the track and trip, Redlightgreenlight can again have the measure of familiar rival Unsolved Riddle despite conceding a 2kg swing in the weights. Habib’s third standout ride is Cartagena in Race 5 over 2400m. The Heather Adamson-trained mare has won twice and placed twice from five attempts over this course and distance. One of the joint best-weighted runners, she has a strong opportunity to turn her course familiarity into another victory.   Clive Robinson

Le Zonda (117lb) made a big impression near the end of last season, and Pierre Ng’s exciting Irish import makes his reappearance on Wednesday (16 September) in a high-quality HK$3.12 million Class 2 Shek O Handicap (1650m) at Happy Valley.

After soaring from last-to-first in both June and July, Le Zonda resumes bidding for a hat-trick tomorrow night under Vincent Ho, who last week slotted a treble and hopes there is plenty more to come from the four-year-old gelding this campaign.

Ho said: “He’s a quality horse. Hopefully, he keeps improving this season and we can get into some Group races. I have to sweat a lot, but it’s worth doing (the weight) for him.”

Assigned barrier four, Le Zonda faces Speed Dragon (135lb), Massive Sovereign (132lb), Sagacious Life (132lb), Helene Feeling (129lb), Huge Wave (129lb), Packing Angel (127lb), Silvery Breeze (127lb), Max Que (125lb), Californiatotality (123lb), Awesome Fluke (121lb) and Armor Golden Eagle (117lb).

“I was confident he could win again last season and, of course, with the handicap it helps him. Hopefully, his form is there and he should perform really well,” Ho said.

Formerly with Ger Lyons, Le Zonda won pre-import at the Curragh and Naas when he was known as Beckman. He has scored two wins in Hong Kong from eight starts, both times by making significant ground over 1800m at Happy Valley.

“He doesn’t need to settle that far back or last. We don’t have to be as far from a decent draw because he just needs to relax and switch off; he has a great turn of foot,” Ho said.

2024 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner Massive Sovereign and Sagacious Life are the only two horses in the card-closer yet to secure a win at Happy Valley.

Armor Golden Eagle made five starts at Happy Valley last season, winning three times, and links with Andrea Atzeni tomorrow evening.

“He likes the course and I’m looking forward to getting back on him. We always thought he was above average and it was just a matter of time. Physically, he was just a little bit weak and mentally, he was a little immature,” Atzeni said.

“It took time, but we knew the ability was there once he put it together. He showed that last season when he won his first race and it wasn’t a fluke because he’s won two since.”

Rosewood Fleetfoot (123lb) comes back in trip after victories over 2200m when he reunites with Karis Teetan in the Class 4 Big Wave Bay Handicap (1800m).

“He had a nice last season – those two wins were very good. I feel like he built a bit of confidence after his (first) win and it’s going to be interesting now over 1800 (metres).

“He has preferred longer distances, but he is a bit fresh after his holiday. I sat on him yesterday (Monday, 14 September) and he actually felt really nice,” Teetan said.

Dazzling Fit (135lb) makes his Happy Valley debut in the Class 3 Chung Hom Kok Handicap (1650m), after contesting last term’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series.

Trainer David Eustace, who has a win already this season, said: “I was keen to give him a good break after what was a pretty strenuous four-year-old campaign. He’s ‘prepped’ up really smoothly. I just thought as a five-year-old they need to be a bit more versatile and adaptable to tracks.”

Zac Purton partners Dazzling Fit from barrier one on Wednesday. The nine-time champion jockey was aboard Jimmy Ting’s Group 3 winner Little Paradise, who trialled on the dirt at Sha Tin this morning (Tuesday, 15 September) in 1m 11.21s over 1200m.

Wednesday’s (16 September) eight-race fixture at Happy Valley begins at 7.10pm with the Class 5 Hoi Mei Handicap (1000m).

By Declan Schuster

There should be no fear in backing a filly against male opposition when the conditions favour her. Race 8 over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville is a Middle Stakes where fillies receive a 2,5kg concession, specifically designed to encourage them to take on males. Pink Pigeon is well placed to claim an overdue victory. She has not won since January but has gone close in six subsequent starts, finishing second in her last three. She was beaten by Berry’s Boogie over 1200m, then by 1,5 lengths at Fairview by Song Of Myself. Her latest effort is particularly encouraging, finishing just 0,3 lengths behind Oliver over 1000m. Oliver franked that form by becoming an unlucky loser last week. Pink Pigeon also finished ahead of All About Al, Flying Finley, Magical Place and Un Bel Di despite those rivals being better off at the weights. Keagan de Melo takes the ride, a significant boost for Justin Snaith. Dreamworld is the main danger. Highly regarded as a two-year-old before injury interrupted his progress, he returned after eight months off and later finished third, less than a length behind Sugar Mountain. He should improve with racing and is respected. Nine-year-old All About Al, the last racing progeny of Captain Al, remains remarkably consistent, while Magical Place could finally get the luck he deserves. Made In Chelsea looks well placed to exit the maidens in race 1 over 1000m despite carrying 60,5kg. Returning to a sprint is a positive, and Sean Veale rides for Candice Bass. Final Say drops sharply in class for race 2 over 1600m after contesting the Listed Iridescence Stakes. Richard Fourie rides for Snaith, with stablemate Remuneration the main danger. Catch Me stands out as the best bet in race 3 over 1600m. He has improved with every run and was narrowly beaten by Warrior Of Destiny over this course and distance last time. Further improvement is expected, with JP van der Merwe aboard. Baton Rouge can complete a hat-trick in race 4 over 2000m. His latest win, by two lengths over Balzi Rossi, was particularly impressive. Race 5 over 1400m is open, with Cedar Point preferred over Ferryman, Loving Prague and United Front. Cedar Point had no luck from a wide draw last time and remains capable of further improvement. Ruby Rex gets the vote in race 6 over 1250m. Lightly raced and facing nothing exciting, she can score for Adam Marcus and Kabelo Matsunyane. Gold Dust looks the one to beat in race 7 over 1250m. He has improved since joining Michelle Rix and, from gate No 1 with Sifiso Bungane claiming 2,5kg, has an ideal setup.

History was made on both sides of the world as Sheza Alibi dominated at Flemington before Saffie Osborne broke new ground in the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster. Across the Irish Sea, Leopardstown produced a major upset in the Irish Champion Stakes, while several of Europe’s brightest stars added further Group 1 success to their records during the opening day of the Irish Champions Festival. Sheza Alibi Stamps Her Authority At Flemington Australia may have another genuine superstar after Sheza Alibi produced a commanding victory in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. Sent out as the $1.60 favourite, the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained mare travelled comfortably for Luke Nolen before accelerating away from a quality field. Sheza Alibi crossed the line 2¾ lengths clear of Autumn Boy, with outsider Another Wil holding third. The four-year-old also became the first female galloper to win the race since it was elevated to Group 1 level in 2013. It was another significant step forward following her Doncaster Mile success earlier in the year and her first-up second behind Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes. Connections must now decide whether to remain on a path towards the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick or consider a tilt at the Cox Plate (2040m), which will be staged at Flemington this year. Osborne Creates History In St Leger Saffie Osborne became the first female jockey to win a British Classic after partnering Highwayman to victory in the Group 1 St Leger Stakes (2921m) at Doncaster. The 24-year-old produced a composed ride aboard the Joseph O’Brien-trained colt, who continued his rapid improvement over longer distances. Starting at odds of 12.00, Highwayman powered clear in the closing stages to defeat stablemate Enceladus by 2½ lengths, completing a memorable quinella for O’Brien. The result was particularly significant as it came in the 250th running of the world’s oldest Classic. Osborne had only secured the ride earlier in the week, but she made the most of the opportunity to register her first Group 1 victory and secure her place in British racing history. Derby winner and race favourite Christmas Day was unable to make an impact, finishing ninth. Hotazhell Lands Irish Champion Stakes Thriller The opening day of the Irish Champions Festival delivered a huge result when Hotazhell landed the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) at Leopardstown. Starting as a 51.00 outsider, the Jessica Harrington-trained runner was brought into the contest by Shane Foley before hitting the front late. Wimbledon Hawkeye finished powerfully on the outside, but Hotazhell held on by a nose after a lengthy photo finish. Favourite Constitution River was another three-quarters of a length away in third. The victory confirmed that Hotazhell’s previous Group 1 success in Germany was no fluke and continued a strong season for the durable four-year-old. Harrington indicated that the British Champion Stakes at Ascot could be his final start before retirement to stud. Blue Bolt Extends Group 1 Winning Streak

Outstanding mare Blue Bolt completed a Group 1 hat-trick with an authoritative performance in the Group 1 Matron Stakes (1600m). Colin Keane positioned the Andrew Balding-trained mare just behind the leaders before finding clear running room in the straight. Once asked to quicken, Blue Bolt took control and opened up inside the final 100 metres, defeating City Of Memphis by 2¼ lengths. Fallen Angel filled third position. The result was Blue Bolt’s fifth consecutive victory and followed her earlier Group 1 triumphs in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket and Prix Rothschild at Deauville. Her latest performance further strengthened her position among Europe’s leading female milers. Darkness Falls Announces Himself

Promising juvenile Darkness Falls continued his rapid rise by winning the newly upgraded Group 1 Golden Fleece Stakes (1600m). The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt arrived at Leopardstown following an impressive Curragh victory and handled the rise in class with another professional performance. His victory established him as one of Ireland’s leading two-year-old prospects and added another potential Classic contender to the powerful Ballydoyle team for next season. Comanche Brave Produces Flying Finish July Cup winner Comanche Brave added another major sprint to his record with a brilliant late burst in the Group 1 Flying Five Stakes (1000m). The Donnacha O’Brien-trained sprinter was travelling strongly under Billy Loughnane but remained trapped behind runners approaching the final furlong. A gap eventually appeared inside the final 100 metres and Comanche Brave accelerated through it, quickly sweeping past American Affair to win by 1¼ lengths. Rumstar finished another half-length away in third. The victory was particularly impressive as it came on his first attempt over the minimum distance. It also earned Comanche Brave an automatic place in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, with connections considering trips to both Keeneland and Hong Kong later in the year. Folsom Blues Runs Away With National Stakes A powerful finishing performance saw Folsom Blues announce himself as a serious Classic prospect in the Group 1 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (1400m). The Joseph O’Brien-trained colt travelled comfortably for Joey Sheridan before taking control approaching the final 200 metres. From there, Folsom Blues stretched clear of the field to defeat stablemate Monogram by six lengths, completing a one-two finish for the O’Brien stable. Florida Bay finished third. Runner-up to Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes at his previous appearance, the return to 1400 metres brought out significant improvement from the son of Blue Point. The Dewhurst Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf are among the options now available to connections. Scandinavia Reigns Supreme In Irish St Leger

Europe’s dominant stayer Scandinavia extended his winning sequence to eight with another relentless performance in the Group 1 Irish St Leger (2800m). Ryan Moore tracked stablemate Queenstown before asking the odds-on favourite to take control inside the final 400 metres. Scandinavia initially had to work to gain the upper hand but was drawing clear near the finish, defeating Queenstown by two lengths. Jan Brueghel finished another three-quarters of a length away as Aidan O’Brien trained the first three horses home. The four-year-old has now won five Group 1 races during his remarkable sequence, including the English St Leger, two editions of the Goodwood Cup, the Ascot Gold Cup and now the Irish St Leger. His latest success completed an outstanding afternoon for the O’Brien family, with Aidan winning through Sun Goddess and Scandinavia, Donnacha striking with Comanche Brave and Joseph taking the National Stakes with Folsom Blues. While several autumn options remain available, Aidan O’Brien suggested Scandinavia could be rested and prepared for another assault on the Ascot Gold Cup next year. By Scott Bailey  

Video Stars Race 3 – 4 MADE FOR LIFE He showed improvement after dropping to Class 5 for the first time last start, charging home strongly to finish fourth over 1200m. With a clearer run in the straight, he may well have finished in the top three. Following a further rating drop during the off-season, he looks well placed to make an immediate impact first-up. Race 7 – 4 CALIFORNIA WAVES A tardy start compromised his chances on his Class 4 debut last time out, forcing him to settle further back than intended. The slow tempo then made matters worse, leaving those racing off the speed at a clear disadvantage, so that effort is best overlooked. He had previously produced several honest runs in Class 3 and deserves another chance at his second start in this grade. Sectional Stars Race 5 – 2 KEMPES From a wide draw last start, he settled patiently off the speed before reeling off a fast final sectional to finish seventh over 1400m in Class 3. Having trialled well for his return, he should relish the drop to Class 4 and can make his presence felt under the right race shape. Race 9 – 8 THUNDER KIT After a luckless third two starts ago, when held up from the 400m to the 150m, he produced another eye-catching effort last time out, attacking the line strongly to finish third once again. He has shown that he is competitive in this grade and looks one to follow closely in the new season.

RACE 1   (2 – 5 – 4 – 1) Looks a tough race for punters to kick off proceedings with all nine runners without a win in their past six respective starts. MY DETERMINATION has descended to winnable rating but he can be hard to follow at times. THE WILD CHIEF attracted market support when resuming recently and will be primed third up this preparation. LUCKY FREEDOM was beaten a short head over 1200m three starts back and can break through if he reproduces that form. RACE 2   (6 – 3 – 10 – 1) Another hard race to fathom the form but NAUGHTY KID looks a chance to bounce back. Jockey Jordan Mallyon rode the horse to victory back in April and the pair will be reunited for Saturday’s contest. GOLDEN LIGHTNING can mix his form but was a track/distance winner back in June. GANBATTE has dropped in the ratings and is well served by the 3kg apprentice claim. ROBERTIAN remains a maiden but looks suited dropping back to the “B” division of Class 5. RACE 3   (5 – 7 – 2 – 12) SUN MOON STARS has the best exposed form with two minor placings from as many starts and is a chance to break the egg with Jose De Souza astride. BANKER’S BONUS was slow to begin last start but has been placed on three occasions from five runs and is a definite winning proposition. CAPET CROWN closed off well when finishing 3rd on debut and gains a big weight advantage with 51kg. Former Kiwi galloper, IPOH STAR is a likely improver at start three in the country. GENERAL BARRACK and LUCKY BELLE have shown ability at the trials and should be considered for the exotics. RACE 4   (3 – 1 – 2 – 7) EASTERN BARRACK has won three from six over the 1400m trip and will return to his favourite distance this Saturday. The gelding has been kept up to the mark with a solid trial during the week. PACIFIC ROYAL had no luck over the sprint journey last start and steps up to the 1400m for the first time on the downgrade. WITNESSIMPACT has a good record in Class 4 (2:1-1-0) and has remained competitive in the higher grades recently. WINNING SYMPHONY is aiming for the hat trick and will be freshened up with jockey Joe Kamaruddin looking to maintain his unbeaten record aboard the four-year-old. RACE 5   (11 – 3 – 5 – 1) Despite a solitary win to its credit, Irish-bred gelding PROSPEROUS BABY has been racing well in Class 3 company and looks ideally placed with 54.5kg from the good draw. ARTOIS will be freshened since his unplaced effort in the 4YO Selangor Silver in July and will find Saturday’s assignment much easier. Former Hong Kong galloper YE MAN is yet to deliver in three outings locally and despite going around at prohibitive odds in his past two runs, he should be primed fourth up in the country. CHEVAL PEGASUS broke through in the grade a fortnight ago and tends to retain form. RACE 6   (2 – 8 – 1 – 9) TRIUMPH BANKER’S is in career-best form after completing the hat trick at Ipoh last start where he reeled off the quickest final sectional for the day. Has won two from two over the 1020m and will take beating again. YES BOSS YES is on the seven-day backup following his 3rd placing over 1200m here last Saturday. The four-year-old is a fast beginner and can easily bounce back on the distance drop. FRIGHT is another galloper with an abundance of early pace and was never pressured when leading throughout to win by 3.5L here on August 16. BANKER’S BABY possesses a quick turn of foot and providing she can overcome the wide draw, she can replicate her 1200m win from two weeks ago. RACE 7   (*7 – 6 – 3 – 1) Former Australian WELCOME BANKER’S caught the eye on local debut when resuming from a six-month spell here last Saturday. From the coveted pole position, the gelding should prove hard to beat on the seven-day backup. TO REMEMBER returned to his best form with a fast-finishing 2nd behind the talented TRIUMPH BANKER’S over 1020m last start and should perform well from a short break. Former Australian galloper WAR FINALE has been trialing well against the likes of LUCKY MAGIC recently and is one to watch first-up for the Jason Ong stable. BILLY ELLIOT pulled up lame last start but can improve on the downgrade. RACE 8   (7 – 1 – 11 – 4) BABY TWINS closed off well over the 1150m last start and the booking of jockey CC Wong is a plus also as the gelding seeks to break a seventeen-month winning drought. BOSS BABY started favourite at Ipoh last Sunday and appeared one-paced when placed 5th over the 1200m trip. The gelding drops back to Class 5 for the first time so it may pay to forgive that last start blemish. SIRIUS has been racing consistently and looks well weighted with the 54.5kg while DON’TTELLMYWIFE can quickly atone from a narrow defeat despite coming from the outside barrier. RACE 9   (2 – 5 – 1 – 6) HAPPY WARRIOR appeared plain as a beaten favourite last start but was a 1775m winner prior to that which keeps him under notice. PACIFIC BAOBAO remains a maiden but is on the verge of breaking through after three third placings in succession. The four-year-old closed off well from midfield over the mile here three weeks back and is a chance to deliver a win at start eighteen in the country, WAR CODE received no luck when checked at the start in Ipoh so there were genuine excuses but the gelding did finished runner up over the 1775m trip prior to that. FAMOUS NAME pulled up lame last start and does tend to mix his form. However, he does perform best at this distance range so a vasst improvement is likely.

Ka Ying Rising has created history in the wake of his record-breaking performance in the G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (6 September) by achieving the highest rating ever awarded to a sprinter and returning to outright number one in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings (LWBRR).

Unbeaten in his past 21 starts, Ka Ying Rising rose to a new career peak mark of 135 – four points clear of Ombudsman (131) – when the latest interim rankings were released on Thursday, 10 September.

Undefeated since February 2024, Ka Ying Rising received the four-point rise after scorching to his sixth course record at Sha Tin, and a fifth over the 1200m turf course, with a blistering 1m 06.11s for a seven-and-three-quarter-length victory.

The ratings panel’s decision to elevate Ka Ying Rising to 135 saw him surpass the previous highest mark achieved by a sprinter – Australian champion Black Caviar, who was assessed at 132 after winning the 2011 G1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) in record time. Black Caviar retired unbeaten after 25 starts.

Trained by David Hayes and ridden by Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising concluded 2025 rated 128 and, this year, elevated his mark to 130 in May, 131 in July and now 135.

Ka Ying Rising’s latest ranking is the joint-fourth highest mark ever given to a horse in the history of the LWBRR behind Frankel, who scored 136 and 140 in 2011 and 2012, Flightline (140) and Sea The Stars (136).

It puts him on the same mark as Baaeed, Harbinger and Japan’s highest-ever rated horse Equinox (135).

Nine-time Group 1 winner Ka Ying Rising, who travels to Sydney, Australia to defend his G1 The Everest (1200m) crown next month, conceded 20lb to his opposition last weekend as he dominated from the front under top weight (135lb).

The superstar sprinter first broke Sacred Kingdom’s 1200m Sha Tin record of 1m 07.50s – which stood for 17 years – after clocking 1m 07.43s in the 2024 G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m).

The Shamexpress six-year-old then bettered his own record to 1m 07.20s in the 2025 G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) before lowering it twice more – 1m 07.12s in the 2026 G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) before his 1m 07.10s in the 2026 G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), the previous best before last Sunday’s blitz.

His 1m 19.36s in the 2026 G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin is also a record.

Ombudsman, a four-time Group 1 winner, is second behind Ka Ying Rising in the latest LWBRR standings. Recently retired star three-year-old Bow Echo comes next on 127. Hong Kong’s 15-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior, French-trained four-year-old Daryz and last-start G1 International Stakes (2051m) hero Item both rate 126.

Ka Ying Rising has entered quarantine at Sha Tin and will travel to Sydney later this month for The Everest – the world’s richest turf race – at Royal Randwick on 17 October.

A Progress Plate over 1200m is the headliner at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, and it could be won by Duncan Howells-trained Hierarchy. The Erupt filly caught the eye in the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint over this course and distance in her penultimate start, finishing just 2,65 lengths behind in fourth. She is now well weighted after a disappointing start last time at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Comfortably the best weighted runner, she should take a power of beating. Gimmethegreenlight filly Sweet Green finished just 0,90 lengths behind Palace Of Arvernia in the Gr 2 World Pool With Race Coast Debutante over 1200m last time and should be in the shake-up. Erik Dubois is a Gr 1 winner over 1600m, making this trip likely too sharp. However, the giant is progressing all the time and should be running on strongly despite the distance. In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m, Pink Skies has produced some good races and has a fine chance. That’s a Gimme is also in form and should be involved, while Magical Spring is drawn in pole and has been in good form. Over 1400m, Concierge made a good KZN debut after showing useful Cape Town form and should be hard to beat. Hello Handsome made a fair debut and should be in the shake-up. Owner Of Creation has been knocking on the door and, over an ideal trip, should be thereabouts despite a wide draw. In the fifth race over 1400m, Nordic Chief went close the last time he raced at this course and has a plum draw. Please Be True is an honest sort who should be right there, while Tam’s Knights won well last time and, although this is tougher, should be in the shake-up. The sixth race over 1000m sees Stronger Together looking a decent sort who can prove it by winning off an 85 merit rating. Arverni Princess is suited by these merit-rated band races, receiving a gender allowance, and can go close again over her favourite course and distance. Luneluck also enjoys this course and distance and should be involved. In the last over 1200m, Anushka has plenty of talent and looks the one to beat back in ordinary company. Lady Godiva ran a cracker last time and can go close with a repeat. Blue Lagoon brings decent Cape Town form and should be right there despite running fresh. In the first race over 1200m, Clean Sweep met good company last time and did well, so can go close in this easier task. Over 1000m in the second, Champagne Mac gets on well with this apprentice and should be right there.   David Thiselton

Punters looking for a jockey to follow at Turffontein’s Inside track on Saturday should keep Calvin Habib high on the shortlist. The experienced rider has three appealing opportunities on an eight-race Highveld card, and a hat-trick is a realistic proposition if the form holds. Habib’s first assignment comes in Race 2 aboard Fanie Bronkhorst’s Bold Action, although stablemate Rosy Lemon may have the stronger betting credentials on recent evidence. She finished a solid second last time out from her current mark and brings reliable form into the contest. Habib’s more likely chance of getting off the mark comes in Race 3, however, when lightly raced four-year-old Knowmore looks poised to make his presence felt. Alec Laird saddles two runners in the opening leg of the Pick 6, but the riding arrangements suggest Habib’s mount may be the stable’s preferred option. A son of Fire Away, Knowmore opened his account over this course and distance last season and has acquitted himself well in three subsequent attempts over the same trip, despite racing off a higher mark. He stayed on purposefully from the rear when fourth last time behind a well-handicapped older rival and does not need to improve significantly to fight out the finish off a career-low rating from gate No 1. Habib’s second strong winning chance comes in Race 5, where Clinton Binda’s Whatsdamatterwithu could prove particularly well suited by the return to a more favourable course-and-distance setup. The three-year-old son of Fire Away boasts an excellent record with Habib, having won twice and finished third twice in four starts with the rider aboard. Both victories came over 1160m, making the step up from 1000m to 1200m look more like an opportunity than a concern. Gate 1 again enhances his claims. The runner capable of turning Habib’s treble into a serious betting result is Bright And Brazen in Race 7. Robyn Klaasen’s speedy four-year-old filly returns to 1200m, the course and distance over which she registered back-to-back victories before finishing a commendable third in last month’s feature. Habib partnered her that day and retains the ride. Her penultimate start over 1000m can readily be forgiven, particularly in light of how well she performed when returned to this trip in the feature. She is also joint-best weighted on official ratings, giving her a compelling profile from a betting perspective and making her arguably the most interesting leg of the three. Habib has no ride in Races 4 and 6, but that may ultimately be an advantage. Rather than being diluted by a book full of speculative mounts, his three rides all have credible winning prospects. Knowmore looks the banker material, Whatsdamatterwithu the progressive alternative and Bright And Brazen the value play to complete the treble.   Clive Robinson

Irish racing will be thriving this weekend when the Irish Champions Festival brings together many of Europe’s best horses across two outstanding days at Leopardstown and the Curragh.

For the first time, the festival will feature seven Group One races following the promotion of the Golden Fleece Stakes, with more than €5 million in prize money available across the weekend.

Saturday’s card at Leopardstown features three Group Ones, headed by the €1.25 million Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, before the action moves to the Curragh for four consecutive races at the highest level on Sunday.

The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes is set to provide the headline act as the first three horses home in last month’s Juddmonte International prepare to renew their rivalry over 2000 metres.

Item caused an upset at York when charging home to defeat Almaqam, with Constitution River finishing third after racing much closer to the speed than expected.

Trained by Andrew Balding, Item has now won five of his six starts and has developed into one of the most improved middle-distance horses in Europe.

His Derby failure remains the only blemish on his record, with his victories in the Dante Stakes, York Stakes and Juddmonte International confirming his preference for a more conventional track and distance.

Almaqam lost little in defeat at York, having already established his Group One credentials with victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh earlier in the season.

Trainer Ed Walker initially considered bypassing Leopardstown following the Juddmonte International, but the five-year-old has pleased connections since returning home.

“He has been really fresh and well,” Walker said.

“I was probably more likely not to take in the Irish Champion than to run straight after York, but he has come out of that race very well and is in great form.”

The strongest home challenge is likely to come from Constitution River, who will attempt to return to the form which saw him complete a remarkable Group One double in the Prix du Jockey Club and Eclipse Stakes.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt carried a five-race winning sequence into the Juddmonte International but pulled hard after being forced to race close to the leader when the intended pacemaker missed the start.

Despite those circumstances, he remained in contention deep into the race before finishing third.

The Leopardstown rematch offers Constitution River an immediate opportunity to reverse the York result and reassert himself as Europe’s leading three-year-old following the retirement of Bow Echo.

O’Brien has won the Irish Champion Stakes on 13 occasions, including last year with Delacroix, and the tight-turning Leopardstown circuit has regularly rewarded Ballydoyle’s tactical strength.

The race has been won by some of the greatest middle-distance horses of the modern era, including Sea The Stars, Golden Horn, Australia, Magical and Auguste Rodin.

The fillies and mares take centre stage in the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes, where Blue Bolt will attempt to continue a brilliant campaign for Balding.

The powerful four-year-old has won all four of her starts this season, progressing from Listed company to victories in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, Falmouth Stakes and Prix Rothschild.

Her victory at Deauville came at the expense of Irish 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes winner Precise, who may again provide the strongest opposition at Leopardstown.

Blue Bolt has now won seven of her 10 career starts and has proven effective on varying ground conditions, a significant advantage heading into an unpredictable Irish autumn.

Defending champion Fallen Angel is also among the leading contenders.

Karl Burke’s mare won the Matron during a remarkable three-race Group One sequence last season. She has yet to win in three appearances this year but remains one of the most accomplished mares in the field.

Aidan O’Brien is attempting to win the race for the first time since Hydrangea prevailed in 2017, while progressive performers Carolina Jetstream, City Of Memphis and Joseph O’Brien’s Sindria add further depth.

The opening Group One of the festival will also create a piece of Irish racing history.

Formerly known as the Champions Juvenile Stakes, the Golden Fleece Stakes has been promoted from Group Two level and extended from 1600 to 1800 metres as part of an industry push to encourage the development of middle-distance horses.

The race has already produced several future champions.

Australia won the 2013 edition before completing the English and Irish Derby double, while Auguste Rodin used his 2022 victory as a stepping stone towards six Group One successes around the world.

Last year’s winner Benvenuto Cellini subsequently developed into an Irish Derby winner.

The inaugural Group One edition has attracted a strong collection of emerging juveniles, including Aix La Chapelle, Giant Sequoia, Haffner and Florida Bay.

The distance makes it a particularly intriguing test for the two-year-olds and could provide an early indication of Ireland’s leading Derby prospects for next season.

Sunday’s programme at the Curragh features a rare sequence of four consecutive Group One races, beginning with the Moyglare Stud Stakes for two-year-old fillies.

Sun Goddess brings the strongest credentials after winning the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes before producing a remarkable performance at York, overcoming a seemingly impossible position to win the valuable Harry’s Half Million.

The major question is whether she can transfer that speed to 1400 metres for the first time.

Joseph O’Brien’s Green Empress has already proven herself over the Curragh course and distance, defeating stablemate Dancing Destiny and Aidan O’Brien’s Alpha in the Group Two Debutante Stakes.

Ballinea Star, winner of the Group Three Anglesey Stakes, adds another proven Curragh performer to a race which has produced future Classic winners including Love, Tahiyra, Fallen Angel and last year’s winner Precise.

One of the most open races of the weekend could be the Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes over 1000 metres.

Comanche Brave returns to Group One company following his breakthrough victory in the July Cup for Donnacha O’Brien, while Royal Ascot winner Mission Central will attempt to protect his unbeaten Curragh record.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Mission Central secured the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and appears ideally suited by the fast five furlongs.

British sprinters Starlust, Rumstar and Time For Sandals bring strong Nunthorpe Stakes form into the race after finishing behind American speedster Bacio at York.

Time For Sandals was denied a clear passage at a crucial stage and could easily have finished closer with better luck.

The Flying Five was elevated to Group One level in 2018 and has since produced eight different winning trainers, with Ireland and Britain sharing four victories apiece.

The Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes will provide another important early guide towards next season’s Classics.

The unbeaten Dr Rascal has won each of his three starts despite encountering trouble on more than one occasion.

Oliver Cole’s colt overcame a difficult passage when winning the Group Two Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, and that form was strengthened when runner-up Haffner subsequently dominated the Acomb Stakes at York.

Haffner is set to reoppose alongside Ballydoyle stablemate Giant Sequoia, who won the Group Two Futurity Stakes over the Curragh course and distance.

Joseph O’Brien has an excellent recent record in the National Stakes, winning with Thunder Moon, Al Riffa and Scorthy Champ since 2020.

His leading hope this year appears to be Folsom Blues, runner-up in both the Phoenix Stakes and Tyros Stakes, while Juddmonte paid a supplementary fee to add impressive Curragh debut winner Monogram.

The National Stakes has consistently produced future stars. St Mark’s Basilica finished third in the 2020 edition before becoming European Horse of the Year, while former winners include Pinatubo, Native Trail, Churchill and Dubawi.

The Group One programme concludes with Scandinavia seeking an eighth consecutive victory in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger.

A winner of four Group Ones during his current sequence, the Ballydoyle stayer has developed into the dominant force in Europe’s staying division.

His winning run includes last year’s St Leger at Doncaster, two Goodwood Cups and a memorable Ascot Gold Cup victory over Trawlerman.

The four-year-old combines a high cruising speed with proven stamina and now returns to the course where his winning sequence began.

Stablemates Jan Brueghel and Queenstown provide Aidan O’Brien with additional strength, while the experienced Dubai Honour and Arabian Force are potential challengers for William Haggas.

Course specialist Trustyourinstinct also deserves respect after recording four wins and another five placings from nine appearances at the Curragh, although he will be competing at Group One level for the first time.

Unlike the English St Leger, the Irish version is open to older horses, allowing the leading three-year-olds to test themselves against established stayers.

That difference has helped the race produce multiple winners including Vinnie Roe, who won four consecutive editions, and Kyprios, who claimed the prize in 2022 and 2024.

By Scott Bailey