By Scott Bailey The Golden Slipper has long stood as the race every juvenile stable wants to win, and this year’s running again shapes as a fascinating clash of proven form, untapped upside and raw two-year-old speed. Worth A$5 million and considered a major in the Australian big four Group Ones. The 1200m feature remains the world’s richest race for two-year-olds, and that alone gives it a status few juvenile contests anywhere can match. It is the sort of race that can define a horse, launch a stallion career, elevate a filly’s broodmare value and instantly turn a promising youngster into a headline act. This year’s edition has drawn together the key Sydney and Melbourne lead-up form, with the Blue Diamond, Reisling, Todman, Silver Slipper, Pago Pago, Skyline and Magic Night all feeding into what looks an open and deep renewal. The locally owned Chayan adds a strong Singapore angle to the race and comes into it on the back of a performance that demanded attention. Prepared by Annabel and Rob Archibald, the filly was dominant in the Reisling Stakes at Randwick, powering home to score by just under three lengths in a win that was far more convincing than the margin alone suggested. She travelled into the race with ease, quickened when asked and put the race away in the style of a filly peaking at the right time. That last start win also suggested Chayan is thriving back in Sydney after her Blue Diamond run. She had previously finished second to Streisand in the Blue Diamond Prelude before not quite featuring in the Group 1 itself, but her Reisling victory showed there was plenty of merit in her earlier work. Back to Randwick, back to 1200m and with a much sharper finish, she looked a different horse. From a Singapore perspective, it gives the Golden Slipper an added layer of intrigue, with owner Eric Koh represented in the biggest juvenile race on the Australian calendar if not the world. Streisand brings the standout Group 1 form into the race after her Blue Diamond triumph. She has now put together a very strong record and has already proven herself at elite level at 1200m. Her win at Caulfield had authority about it and she had already advertised her quality when taking out the Blue Diamond Prelude. She is clearly one of the major contenders and deserves that status. Closer To Free and Guest House also emerge from the Blue Diamond with strong claims. Closer To Free was excellent in finishing second in that race after winning the colts and geldings Prelude, while Guest House was right there again in third. Both have consistently measured up against good company, and both profiles suggest they can be competitive in a Golden Slipper of this nature. Among the Sydney colts, Paradoxium has done little wrong. His Todman Stakes win was sharp and professional, taking control of the race and holding his rivals at bay. Stretan Ruler, who chased him home there after winning the Silver Slipper at Rosehill by a widening margin, has also built a very solid case. He looks tough, adaptable and genuine, and he has already shown he can absorb pressure and still finish off. Campione D’Italia is the horse who may divide opinion. His Skyline Stakes win was achieved by the barest of margins, but it was still a Group 2 win at 1200m and that counts for plenty in this race. He remains lightly raced and may still have more improvement to come than some of the others around him. Fireball is another who cannot be dismissed. His Millennium win was strong and he clearly has talent, but his Skyline run was less decisive. The addition of blinkers and James McDonald being booked is an interesting move and one that suggests connections are looking to sharpen him for the big stage. If he improves off that latest effort, he is capable of bouncing back into serious contention. Warwoven arrives with winning momentum after taking out the Pago Pago Stakes and has now won three of four starts. If he was allowed to run in the Magic Millions Classic in January and won would be more in the conversation but he is a classy individual from a hot in form stable. Pembrey, too, comes through a key fillies’ lead-up after a commanding Magic Night Stakes success, while Spicy Miss stamped her credentials with victory in the Sweet Embrace. Then there is Music Time, whose Black Opal Stakes win was full of merit. Canberra form does not always get the same attention as the major Sydney and Melbourne lead-ups, but the manner of the performance was hard to ignore, especially given he dictated and kept going. What makes this year’s race particularly compelling is that there does not appear to be one completely dominant juvenile towering above the rest. Instead, there is a broad spread of genuine hopes from multiple form lines, which often makes for the most interesting Golden Slippers. From a tippingl viewpoint, Chayan is easy to warm to. She is lightly raced, progressive and comes into the race off one of the most visually impressive lead-up wins of the season. The step into the Slipper cauldron is never easy, but on recent form she has earned her place and looks capable of making her presence felt with champion rider Craig Williams taking the ride.  

Weekday racing on the Highveld rarely lacks betting intrigue and Thursday’s nine-race programme on the Inside track at Turffontein Racecourse is no exception. Beyond the four maidens, including the Work Riders’ opener, the card offers a handful of runners whose profiles scream follow, notably three last-start winners and a couple of progressive types knocking loudly on the door. Early value could lie with Terrence in Race 2. The Alec Laird-trained gelding shaped well when staying on for second over 1700m last time and the extra 100m looks right up his alley. As a son of New Predator, he should relish the step up to 1800m and with Gavin Lerena taking the ride it wouldn’t surprise to see Terrence open his account. Race 3 presents a similar opportunity for Major Arcana, whose form suggests a maiden win is imminent. The lightly raced four-year-old caught the eye when runner-up on debut and confirmed that ability when bouncing back from a below-par run to finish second again after a 16-week break. That comeback effort should have tightened the screws and Roy Magner’s charge looks poised to go one better under Muzi Yeni. One of the more reliable betting anchors on the card could be Fostinovo in Race 6. The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained gelding wasn’t winning out of turn when scoring over 1450m on this track four weeks ago and a three-point penalty shouldn’t be enough to halt his momentum. With two wins and three seconds from his last five starts, the six-year-old is thriving and it would take a brave punter to oppose him with Keagan de Melo aboard. Another recent winner who could be ahead of the handicapper is Kambati in Race 7. From the yard of Corrie Lensley, the improving son of Erupt powered home from the rear of the field to shed his maiden tag over the same 1450m course and distance. That late surge suggested a horse coming into his own and apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson, who partnered him to victory, keeps the ride, which is another positive given his current purple patch. The nightcap could see Status stamp himself as a horse worth following through the grades. The Tony Peter-trained gelding confirmed the promise of his debut third with a dominant front-running win over 1600m when returning from a lengthy absence (as a gelding). By The United States, the four-year-old should relish the step up to 1800m and looks the type who could prove well treated by the handicapper. Before that, Winds Of Grace deserves another chance to get her head in front. She took 13 starts to finally shed her maiden tag but has followed that breakthrough success up with two solid runner-up efforts – the sort of consistency that often pays dividends if punters remain patient. It may be a routine Thursday meeting on paper, but with several progressive types emerging and a few reliable betting anchors on show, the Inside track could provide punters with a profitable afternoon if they follow the right profiles. Clive Robinson

By Scott Bailey Singapore owner Eric Koh will have some nervous nights between now and Saturday. But he will put on his best suit and be proud that his name is the sole owner next to the recent Group 2 Reisling Stakes winner ‘Chayan’. That result that has now secured her place and early favouritism in the world’s richest race for juveniles, the Golden Slipper this weekend. For Koh, a well-known Singapore racing identity and former steward, the win carried added meaning. Since the closure of the Singapore Turf Club in 2024, many local racing figures have looked overseas to continue their involvement in the sport or gotten out of the game completely. Koh has been among the most active, building a small but ambitious international stable across Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. His decision to expand his racing interests abroad has already produced results in Queensland recently, but March 7^th marked a landmark moment for his stable. Koh celebrated two Group race victories on opposite sides of the Tasman. The first success came in New Zealand where Sweynesday captured the Group 3 King’s Plate at Ellerslie. Not long after, his full focus shifted to Sydney where Chayan delivered an even bigger result in the prestigious Group 2 Reisling Stakes over 1,200 metres at Randwick in very impressive style. She was ridden by champion jockey James McDonald and trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, the daughter of I Am Invincible finished strongly and won with authority to take the A$300,000 feature, stamping herself as one of the leading fillies of slipper contention. The victory carries enormous implications, as the Reisling Stakes serves as a key lead-up to the Golden Slipper, the A$5 million showpiece widely regarded as the best and richest two-year-old race in the world. Chayan’s performance has earned her a coveted start in the race at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday, giving Koh the chance to chase one of the sport’s most prestigious prizes. But winning jockey James McDonald will not be aboard her in the Australian major, she is to be ridden by champion jockey Craig Williams who is no stranger to winning these big races. At the barrier draw on Tuesday morning (17^th March) the blue racing silks will jump from gate 12 (10) after scratchings. A draw not too bad considering many of the fancied runners such as Warwoven have drawn out wider. Chayan was purchased by Koh for A$250,000 at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The filly had already shown promise early in her career, finishing runner-up on debut in the Blue Diamond Prelude before competing in the Blue Diamond Stakes itself. Koh’s international racing venture has quickly gathered momentum. Since shifting his focus overseas, he has assembled a team of horses competing across multiple jurisdictions, including Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. The results have followed, with several winners already recorded across the region. For Singapore racing followers, Koh’s success provides a reminder that local ownership can still make an impact on the global stage even after the end of domestic racing in his home country. And if Chayan can produce another standout performance this Saturday then the former Singapore steward may have a shiny slipper to add to the trophy cabinet.    

Apprentice riders take centre stage at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Wednesday, adding extra intrigue to a competitive card. In-form apprentice Sifiso Bungane looks particularly well placed with several strong rides.

The feature is a competitive B Stakes over 1600m where the progressive Yamazaki appears well weighted to strike. Despite just one win from 11 starts, his consistency stands out and his recent second behind the improving Foudre reads well, with the form already producing subsequent winners. Trainer Justin Snaith keeps him on home soil and his overall form lines compare favourably with his rivals.

Handsome Prince remains talented but faces stamina queries, while Boogiefied arrives off a narrow course-and-distance victory and commands respect under Keagan de Melo.

Among the apprentice contests, Gimme The Power looks the runner to beat in race four after two solid efforts over the same course and distance. Leading apprentice Mxolisi Mbuto partners Black Erika in race six; the Adam Marcus-trained filly has improved steadily since shedding her maiden and should be competitive again.

Bungane has another strong opportunity in race eight aboard Backinthefastlane, who continues to progress since leaving the maiden ranks and should appreciate the return to 1600m.

Earlier, Enticement sets a high standard in race one after an impressive debut second behind promising company and looks hard to oppose. Miss Smiley could capitalise on a light weight in race two if producing her best form.

Ready For The Road steps up to 2000m in race three after a career-best second and shapes as a major contender, while Palace Gift seeks a hat-trick in race five with a useful 4kg claiming apprentice booked.

Video Stars Race 10 – 1 ALL OUT FOR SIX Drawn wide in both local starts, he endured a tough trip first-up but still finished strongly for sixth. Last time out, he was urged forward early to settle on the speed before weakening late into fifth. With better draws on both occasions, he likely would have finished much closer. Now with two runs under his belt, he looks primed to peak third-up and should be right in the mix dropping back to Class 3. Race 11 – 2 MIGHTY MASTS He likely found the mile trip beyond his best last start, settling on the speed before weakening into sixth in a quality race. The form has since held up well, with multiple runners performing well subsequently, highlighted by the winner STORMY GROVE, who went on to claim the Hong Kong Classic Cup. Suited by the drop back to 1400m, he shapes as a strong contender in what appears an open contest this week. Sectional Stars Race 4 – 4 HAPPY BRETHREN His debut run three weeks ago was a pass mark after he was disadvantaged by a slow tempo when settling off the speed early. Despite the circumstances, he made good late ground to finish fourth over 1200m. With the benefit of that experience, he looks one to follow in what appears a below-par Class 4 field. Race 5 – 7 HAPPY UNIVERSE Despite drawing awkwardly last start, he was steadied early to settle off the pace before letting down sharply to find only one better over this track and distance, clocking the fastest final 400m of the race in 23.41 seconds. With a kinder run in transit, he looks capable of going one better.

Local trainer Kevin Coetzee will once again be represented by a large contingent of runners at the Perak Turf Club meeting on Saturday kicking off with SACRED SKY in the 1200m Class 5A (Race 1). The seven-year-old was unlucky not to win at his third start for the stable here a fortnight ago when beaten a short head.  Following a moderate beginning, the gelding closed off well to hit the lead momentarily in the home straight prior to being out pointed right on the post. FLYING FINN is still a maiden but has been improving with successive minor placings and is a chance to break through at start number eight. Trainer Yan Weng Kuan celebrated his first training double at the last meeting and FLYING FINN should pick up a race very soon. FOUNTAIN OF FAME has done little in recent weeks but may improve on the downgrade. WK Yan will be represented by a couple of genuine contenders in the 1400m Open Maiden (Race 3) with SUPER FAST and MAYMAY SUGAR attempting to open their winning accounts. SUPER FAST has performed well against Class 4 opposition lately, including a third placing in the grade on March 1. This will be the gelding’s first run back in maiden company and is on target to break through. MAYMAY SUGAR caught the eye with a fast finishing second on local debut prior to receiving no luck in that same Class 4 event contested by his stable mate. The grey mare was sent out favourite on that occasion and she may be suited by the longer trip. Former Hong Kong galloper HEAVENLY WARRIOR was heavily supported when finishing fourth on his local debut and will strip fitter from that run while TEN TEN trialed well during the week and could show up for the new stable. Former Australian galloper AI ROCKET looks a talented type capable of rising through the grades and will make his first visit to the Ipoh circuit in the 1300m Cosmo C contest (Race 6). Coming off successive Selangor victories, the most recent in a strong Class 3 lineup on February 15, AI ROCKET has the early pace to find a forward position if not lead and will take some catching. SECRET WONDER has appeared once on the Ipoh track which yielded an impressive win in the Listed Singapore Pools Trophy in November last year. The four-year-old has not scored since although he came close when beaten a neck in a Class 3 earlier this year. He hasn’t been blessed with decent barrier draws recently either and again may need luck from the gate 11 come Saturday. FLAWLESS returned to winning form here in a Class 4 race on February 1 prior to finishing five lengths (5th) behind AI ROCKET a fortnight later in that Class 3 contest. Promising performer, FRIGHT will resume and make his debut for the T Asogan yard. A first up winner from his last preparation, FRIGHT has appeared once previously on this track when finishing third behind SECRET WONDER in the Singapore Pools Trophy. In fact he is yet to miss a place when produced first up in three campaigns and looked sharp in a recent trial.

Hong Kong-trained horses dominate the March edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, which were released on Thursday, 12 March, occupying the top two spots. David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising maintained his position as the top-rated horse in training with an international rating of 128, while Danny Shum’s Romantic Warrior was ranked second with a rating of 124. Japan’s dirt giant Forever Young, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, was third with a rating of 123, while the Karl Burke-trained eight-year-old Royal Champion was fourth, rated 122. From the United States of America, Bob Baffert charge Nysos rounded out the top five of the March list, rated 121. Ka Ying Rising, raced by the Ka Ying Syndicate, broke the record for consecutive wins by a Hong Kong-trained horse when he added an 18th straight triumph to his already glittering CV with victory in the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 22 February. It was the five-year-old’s eighth Group 1 success and sixth win this season. Romantic Warrior was at his peerless best when the eight-year-old, owned by Peter Lau, blitzed the field to claim a record-extending 13th Group 1 victory in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 1 March. Both horses are focused on domestic glory for the remainder of this season: Ka Ying Rising is aiming to retain his Hong Kong Speed Series honours with victory in April’s G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), while the world’s highest-earning horse Romantic Warrior is looking to complete the Triple Crown with a win in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 24 May. Ka Ying Rising next races in Easter Monday’s (6 April) G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin when he goes for a 19th win in succession. Hong Kong boasts four entries in the top 20 of the March edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. Manfred Man’s Lucky Sweynesse is ranked joint-11th with an international rating of 118, while John Size-trained Helios Express is joint-15th with a rating of 117.

A couple of gallopers which displayed their true potential during their recent campaigns are set to clash when they resume in the 1100m Class 4A contest (Race 5). STORM TITAN, unbeaten in three starts last preparation, will be aiming for four on the bounce as he is pitted against another likely type in the form of CAPETIAN, which scored twice in three outings locally. The HY Cheng trained STORM TITAN led throughout in his three victories prior to spelling on January 3 and his early pace will prove to be a valuable asset in Sunday’s contest. CAPETIAN, for trainer Simon Dunderdale, was successful on his local debut in August last year but was lightly raced with only three starts for his first Malaysian preparation, culminating with a 1200m win on October 12. Both gallopers appear likely types capable of rising to the next level and will no doubt meet each other on several occasions coming off similar marks. Another horse to watch is former Australian galloper BANKER’S SWEETIE, which trialed impressively on Tuesday morning and does possess some early pace. A maiden winner back in August last year, the four-year-old mare raced nine times on the New South Wales provincial circuits and should run a forward race first up for five months. Talented four-year-old DUMA returned to racing in a big way scoring first up over 1200m on February 18 and is a chance of going back-to-back in the 1100m Class 3 contest (Race 6). It was the gelding’s first run since his narrow second to Antipodean in the Listed NZB Ready To Run Championship in October. However, the lineup on Sunday will be more competitive and from the outside draw, it may provide a true indication of the horse’s true potential as he enters the higher grades. BANKER’S PRETTY has been beaten by a neck at her past two starts and is a chance to break the Malaysian duck at start seven in the country. Runner up in the Listed Wilyah Silver Bowl a month ago, the five-year-old gets in well at the weights after the claim and deserves a win. BANKER’SSWEETHEART ran on resolutely in her trial on Tuesday and may be one to watch first up since August last year. SHIMI GO had no luck when caught wide throughout last time is a worthy trifecta based on previous Class 3 form. The French bred gelding, MEGA CAPTAIN looks a talented type based on his impressive trial win here earlier this month and will be making his debut in the 1200m Restricted Maiden (Race 7). Leading throughout to win the trial by 2.25L, he went to the line untouched and will no doubt attract interest in the local markets. Of the raced brigade, YES BOSS YES is due to strike after finishing runner up in two runs so far. The Jason Ong trainer three-year-old has shown the tendency to jump sideways at the start but does possess raw ability and will no doubt improve with further race experience. SKY KING has steadily improved in three runs for the inform Ooi Chin Chin stable, coming off a last start third in a 1200m Restricted Maiden two weeks back. MEGA RELIABLE finished fourth in that same race and looks a place chance for the exotics. The Banker’s Stable will supply half the field in the 1600m Supreme C (Race 8) with the likelihood of filling the trifecta. BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL and BANKER’S SECRET are coming off credible performances against Class 3 and Metro A company respectively and are likel to be well fancied in local markets. BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL already has the runs on the board with two wins from six local starts and is a previous Class 3 winner. The only query being she has never scored beyond 1300m and was unplaced in one attempt over the mile two starts back. BANKER’S SECRET is already proven himself at the trip when breaking his maiden tag in Australia over the mile last year. The four-year-old has maintained good form locally with one win from three starts and is coming off a third in a strong Metro A race taken out by Pacific Vampire last month. BANKER’S EMPRESS, runner up to BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL on local debut on January 3, defeated subsequent winner Guru Fight in a Class 4 contest over this track and distance three weeks later on January 24. The mare received no luck when badly checked in a Metro A contest last start and should figure in the placings. PACIFIC STAR is on the quick backup following his third behind the talented Banker’s Two Six last Sunday. The six-year old’s last win on January 17 was recorded from a six-day backup so the short space between runs should not be an issue.

The Highveld spotlight falls on the Standside track at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday where a bumper 10-race programme offers punters plenty to chew on, headed by two Listed contests – the WSB Aquanaut Handicap and the WSB Hawwaam Stakes – alongside the traditional Oaks pointer in the Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial. While the supporting Pinnacle Stakes add depth to the card, much of the betting interest could revolve around a progressive pair of three-year-old fillies from the yard of Mike and Mathew de Kock. The first of those is Curious Girl, who lines up in Race 5 over 2000m after quietly building an impressive profile in KwaZulu-Natal. The daughter of Futura has won three of her last four starts and appears to be improving with every step up in distance. She showed little when tried once on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville, but back on turf she has thrived, relishing 1950m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville before confirming her stamina credentials with a decisive 2400m victory at the same venue. Everything about her profile screams “stayer in the making”. If she reproduces that upward curve on her Highveld debut, she could easily extend the sequence under Gavin Lerena, who climbs aboard from a favourable draw in gate No 7. Stablemate Councillor could then make it a memorable afternoon for the De Kock camp in Race 6, the Listed Hawwaam Stakes over 2000m. The daughter of Rafeef has sharpened up noticeably since the application of blinkers. Her three starts in the headgear have produced two thirds in KwaZulu-Natal and most significantly, a last-start victory against the boys when returning to the Highveld. On that occasion at the Vaal Classic track she stormed home from well off the pace to score over 2000m under Jeffrey Syster. With just 51.5kg on her back this time and further improvement likely, she looks attractively treated and rates a confident win bet against male opposition. Veteran campaigner Nebraas may provide value in Race 7, the Listed Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m. Trained by Sean Tarry, the nine-year-old finished 6.30 lengths behind re-opposing Enflame over the same course and distance last time, but the handicapper has given him a fighting chance with a 4.5kg swing in the weights. Given the stable’s sizzling current form after last weekend’s Classic success, the old warrior could easily outrun market expectations. Race 8 over 1800m brings another intriguing rematch when The Ultimate King meets Olivia’s Way again. The pair were separated by the narrowest of margins over course and distance recently, with the former, trained by Tony Peter, getting the verdict. Although Olivia’s Way is 0.5kg better off and tries cheekpieces for the first time, that marginal pull at the weights and the application of first-time headgear may not be enough to reverse the form. Clive Robinson

Weight could prove decisive in the Listed Kings Cup over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse on Sunday, where several established stars begin their Champions Season preparations. That scenario may favour JP’s Palace, a model of consistency from the Darryl Moore yard. Although stepping up in class, he benefits from joint bottom weight over a suitable trip and looks capable of challenging stronger rivals. Champion stayer King Pelles returns but may simply be using this as a prep run ahead of bigger targets. Stablemate Imposing is a reliable performer and appeals as a solid contender, while Nathan Kotzen’s trio adds depth, with Field Marshal likely best suited to the mile and Madison Valley capable of improvement after his Summer Cup disappointment. The ten-race programme offers few obvious bankers. In the finale, Major Tommie looks well placed back over his preferred distance and boasts a consistent record. He faces danger from the progressive Serengeti Sun, who impressed on her comeback, while City Of Love carries bottom weight despite a rating rise after a recent course-and-distance win. Circumbendibus, aided by a claiming allowance, could reverse earlier form. The Middle Stakes over 1950m sees Go Grayson Go attempt to go one better after pushing King Pelles close last time. Plum Pudding is ultra-consistent, while Actor and French Trip meet again at level weights with jockey changes potentially decisive. Earlier, Peach Melba shapes as a strong Bi-Pot option after steady improvement, while Fleur De Ling and Highveld Storm headline the opening PA leg. A competitive Pick 6 includes lightly raced Querari Rose, improving Past Is Prologue and a well-weighted Blue Horizon among several chances. Master De Rouvray stands out in race six, while Vision To Achieve heads a wide-open eighth alongside Call Me Jane, Mystic Dancer and Million Voices.

It is another tough card to get through at Fairview this Friday, but it is probably best to side with some runners that have been impressive recently. Zinovi in Race 4 and Marchland in Race 7 fit that bill. The Alan Greeff-trained and Richard Fourie-ridden Zinovi has won three of his last five starts and will be hard to beat over the Fairview 1600m. The Heavenly Blue gelding only finished third behind rival Lanciafiamme and was beaten 4.30 lengths over Fairview 1800m on 20 February. The five-year-old gelding was slow away that day and never really got in a serious challenge. It was a complete turnaround from the run before that when Zinovi gave Lanciafiamme 10kgs and a 3.25-length beating over the course and distance. Both those runners are well drawn. The only other danger in this race is Guy Gibson. This five-year-old gelding is difficult to win with but is talented and also likely to contest the finish. The feature race on this card is the East Cape Fillies Nursery (Listed) over 1200m where only eight of them have stood their ground. There are no Western Cape raiders, which is a pity. Of the eight carded, trainer Dean Smith has four runners, Alan Greeff has three and Kelly Mitchley just the one runner. It is the Mitchley runner that could be the one to beat. The Malmoos filly was an impressive debut winner and had a couple of these rivals struggling behind her. Marchland, with jockey Muzi Yeni, was a 5.50-length winner over the course and distance of this race. On that day Marchland did attract some betting support at 8-1, but the Greeff-trained and Richard Fourie-ridden Daffodil Delight was a 5-10 loser that could only trail in 6th home and 8.75 lengths adrift of Marchland. Daffodil Delight had won on debut at the end of January. It may be worth noting that Fourie will now ride a newcomer in the form of Chatterbox. Alan Greeff has won this particular race many times, so if he thinks she is good enough to win a Listed race on debut then she may well be. Of the four Smith-trained runners, Eternal Spirit (Craig Zackey) and Rungstedland (Gareth Wright) do stand out. Both ran well on debut and could contest the finish once again. Clive Robinson

By Scott Bailey The passing of Rocket Man at 20 years old marks the loss of one of the greatest sprinters ever to race in Singapore, with the closure of racing in Singapore in 2024 its greatest horse has followed. A horse whose rise from an Australian Magic Millions sale to international Group 1 glory captured the imagination of racing fans across the world. Foaled in 2006, Rocket Man was a gelding by Viscount out of the McGinty mare Macrosa, bred in New South Wales by Dean R. Fleming. Before he became a household name at Kranji, he was purchased out of the Magic Millions Sales in Australia, a move that would prove inspired. Sent to Singapore to race for Alfredo Leonardo Arnaldo Crabbia and placed in the care of legendary trainer Patrick Bernard Shaw, Rocket Man soon developed into a sprinting force unlike any other. He arrived at Kranji and immediately lit up the local scene with his sheer speed and presence. From the outset, Rocket Man showed he was no ordinary sprinter. He raced with a high cruising speed, a fierce will to win and a style that made him instantly recognisable. Singapore racing had seen stars before, but Rocket Man quickly became something bigger — a horse capable of carrying the Kranji banner onto the world stage. His breakthrough at the elite level began in 2009 when he won the Lion City Cup, defeating Lim’s Fighter and Onceuponatime in 1:08.70. Just weeks later he ran second to Sacred Kingdom in the KrisFlyer International Sprint, beaten by one of the world’s best in a performance that confirmed his class. In 2010 he returned even better, winning the Lion City Cup again in 1:09.18 before chasing home Green Birdie in the KrisFlyer International Sprint and Kinsale King in the Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan. Later that year he proved his talent abroad when he stormed home to win the Jockey Club Sprint at Sha Tin in 1:08.82, before finishing second in the Hong Kong Sprint behind J J The Jet Plane and ahead of champion Sacred Kingdom. If 2010 established him internationally, 2011 cemented his legend. In March that year Rocket Man produced one of the defining performances of his career when he won the Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan, defeating Euroears and Sunny King in 1:11.28. It was a historic moment for Singapore racing, as Rocket Man became the first Singapore-trained horse to win an overseas Group 1. He returned home and added another Lion City Cup in brilliant fashion, then delivered again on the big stage in the KrisFlyer International Sprint, defeating Eclair Fastpass and Perfect Pins to claim the Group 1 title that his talent had long deserved. That same season he continued to dominate locally, winning Kranji Stakes A contests in August and November, and also took on the best sprinters in the world in Japan and Hong Kong. He ran fourth in the Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama behind Curren Chan and later contested the Hong Kong Sprint. Even when he ventured beyond Singapore, he was consistently taking on the very best and enhancing his reputation as one of Asia’s premier speed horses. Rocket Man’s final year of racing in 2012 was short but still carried his trademark brilliance. He resumed by winning another Kranji Stakes A in March, defeating Rapido Star and Tuxedo Moon. He then returned to Meydan and again performed with distinction, finishing second in the Dubai Golden Shaheen behind Krypton Factor. Back on home soil, Rocket Man rounded out his career in fitting style by winning his fourth Lion City Cup on April 29, 2012, beating Better Be The One and Mr Big for record fourth straight win in the feature. Across his career from 2009 to 2012, Rocket Man built a record that few can match. He raced at Kranji, Meydan, Sha Tin and Nakayama, and won at Kranji, Meydan and Sha Tin. His major victories included the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Lion City Cups, the 2010 Jockey Club Sprint in Hong Kong, the 2011 Dubai Golden Shaheen, the 2011 KrisFlyer International Sprint, and multiple Kranji Stakes A wins. He finished his career with 27 starts for 20 wins, five seconds and one fourth, with his name forever etched into the story of Singapore racing. More than the numbers, Rocket Man was a horse who changed perceptions. He showed that a Singapore-trained sprinter could not only compete internationally but beat the world’s best. He gave Kranji a global flagbearer and gave local racing fans a champion to rally behind every time he stepped out. For Patrick Shaw and Fred Crabbia, he was the horse of a lifetime. For the racing public, they would turn up in big numbers just to watch him. Even racing fans from abroad made the trip to Singapore to say they saw him. From an Australian sale ring to the grandest stages in Dubai, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore, Rocket Man’s journey was extraordinary. Even in passing, his legacy remains untouched. He was not just a champion sprinter. He was an icon of Kranji, a pioneer for Singapore racing, and a horse whose memory will endure wherever great sprinters are remembered. He had an extremely hard working team from his trainer Pat Shaw, assistant trainer Ricardo Le Grange and long-time strapper Jackie who did everything with him.  

By Scott Bailey The Coolmore Classic has long held a special place on the Sydney autumn calendar, not just as one of the premier races for fillies and mares, but as a genuine launchpad for riding careers at the elite level. Few Group 1s can claim the same knack for producing breakthrough moments, and the honour roll of jockeys who landed their first top-level win in this race gives the 1500-metre feature an added layer of meaning. Two time Melbourne Cup winning and legendary jockey Corey Brown broke through aboard Camino Rose in 1999, Kathy O’Hara did it on Ofcourseican in 2012, Linda Meech followed on Plucky Belle in 2015, Sam Clipperton joined the list with Peeping in 2016, and Andrew Adkins added his name when Daysee Doom won in 2018. It is a race with history, prestige and, for some riders, life-changing significance. That sense of occasion is there again this year as a deep and intriguing Coolmore Classic brings together proven Group performers, emerging mares and a dangerous three-year-old filly contingent. Worth $1 million and run under quality conditions over 1500 metres at Rosehill. Lazzura brings obvious class to the contest and looks one of the headline hopes. Chris Waller’s mare has already won at the track and distance, her form around higher-grade company is strong, and her first-up second in the Millie Fox suggested she has returned in terrific order. From barrier eight with James McDonald who has won this race the last two years, she should get her chance to settle where comfortable and build through her gears late. She looks one of the safest runners in the field. Manaal also appeals as a major player. Michael Freedman’s mare has been admirably consistent this campaign and comes into the race off back-to-back placings behind smart opposition in the Triscay and Guy Walter. The inside draw is a clear advantage and the addition of winkers for the first time adds interest. She has the rating and the recent form to measure right up, and she profiles as one who should get every favour in running. Vivy Air adds a slightly different element to the race because she brings high-quality form at a mile and beyond, and that makes her an intriguing runner back to 1500 metres. Her Five Diamonds win reads well, she has competed with credit in richer and stronger races, and Ciaron Maher’s team rarely places one in a Group 1 without purpose. Barrier nine is workable enough and if the tempo is strong, she can be charging late. Verona Rose is impossible to ignore off her Guy Walter win. She arrives with momentum, has shown she can absorb big race pressure and keep finding, and her rise through the grades this season has been impressive. Craig Williams sticks, barrier four is ideal, and she looks the type who can put herself in the race at the right time. Whether she has the same upside as some of the more established mares at Group 1 level is the key question, but on current form she deserves serious respect. Arctic Glamour has been building toward another big performance and her third in the Guy Walter was full of merit. Drawn the rails, Tom Sherry should be able to save ground and look for gaps late, and if the race is run to suit, she is capable of finishing in the placings. She has often hinted at being up to this sort of level and this looks another good opportunity to test that. Ole Dancer is one of the more fascinating runners in the race. The three-year-old filly already has a Group 1 win to her name from the Thousand Guineas and was sound in the Surround when third behind Tempted and Savvy Hallie. She meets older mares here, which is a stiffer task, but she carries only 55kg and still looks to have upside. Savvy Hallie also commands attention as a three-year-old coming through the right form race. She was excellent in the Surround when only narrowly beaten and has shown throughout her campaign that she owns tactical pace and real grit. The wide barrier is not ideal, but Nash Rawiller is one of the best at overcoming awkward draws in these pressure races. If she gets the right cart into it, she has the talent to figure prominently but needs luck early. Cinsault is the mare coming through the grades with the hottest winning form. Her Millie Fox victory was sharp, she maps to get another soft run from barrier five, and Michael Freedman has her absolutely flying. This is clearly a much harder assignment, but she is in the zone and mares in that sort of form can take another step quickly. She is not here to make up numbers. Of the lighter-weight chances, Firestorm has enough quality to improve sharply second-up, Melody Again is the knockout hope for those looking wider given her honest recent form, and Shohisha looks attractively weighted at 51kg after a sound Guy Walter performance. Cilacap also has upside and the soft-track profile to make her interesting, especially from a low draw. The shape of the race suggests several with winning claims, but Lazzura looks the mare with the right mix of class, platform and profile for a race like this. Manaal has done little wrong and looks the logical danger, while Verona Rose and Savvy Hallie both bring genuine form lines. Cinsault is the mare who could easily keep climbing, and Vivy Air is the one who may be strongest late if the race becomes a true stamina test at 1500 metres.

Punters face a tricky start to Wednesday’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse, with the opening two races featuring several debutants. Serious bettors may prefer to tread carefully early on.

A stronger betting opportunity could come in the first leg of the PA where Randolph Hearst makes his local debut. The Justin Snaith-trained runner has been competing against some of the best three-year-olds in Cape Town and has not been far behind. Dropping into this company gives him a strong chance to make an immediate impact.

Dominic Zaki’s Talk To The Master arrives in good form after a win in the Fever Tree Stakes but faces a tougher task conceding 6kg to his younger rival.

In the first leg of the Pick 6, Highveld Storm showed promise on local debut in first-time blinkers and should improve further. War Emperor has been progressing steadily and ran a close second last time out, while Good Omen has finished runner-up over course and distance in his last two starts and now benefits from a 4kg claim. Frostbite could be the pick of the Frikkie Greyling pair after a modest debut.

The fifth is a difficult handicap with several runners trying 2400m for the first time. Can We Start has scope to improve over the trip, while Fire Force is the only runner proven at the distance and arrives off a solid second.

Ladyofdistinction has shown class since returning from a break with two convincing wins and should again be competitive in race six. One Smart Cookie steps up in trip with consistent sprint form and looks a major threat.

Maphaka should bounce back after a disappointing polytrack effort and faces easier opposition, while Tam’s Knight and consistent Cowboy Country can also feature.

The finale is wide open, though veteran Sun Dazed could benefit from the drop in trip and the addition of blinkers. Intrepid, Trippi’s Silk and Definitely Yes all hold chances.

Among the early races, Flamethrower and Quest Of Valor showed promise on debut, while well-bred newcomer One Pepper is worth monitoring in the betting.

SEAN TARRY SPARKLES ON DAY 2 OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS Johannesburg, South Africa — Despite soaking rain during the week, Classic Day dawned bright and sunny over Turffontein with a penetrometer reading of 25 and the track condition Good To Soft. Sean Tarry reminded everyone why he is a force to be reckoned with, taking four features on the day, namely the WILGERBOSDRIFT RUFFIAN STAKES (Listed), WILGERBOSDRIFT ACACIA STAKES (Listed), HKJC WORLD POOL SA CLASSIC (Grade 1) and WILGERBOSDRIFT H F OPPENHEIMER HORSE CHESTNUT STAKES (Grade 1). The day’s card kicked off promptly at 11:30 with the opener, the 1160m 4RACING WELCOMES YOU MAIDEN PLATE (F and M), going the way of Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein’s 3yo filly Detailed Forecast (Gimmethegreenlight – World Radar), trained by Mike & Mathew de Kock and ridden by Callan Murray. The first feature of the day, the TAB STORM BIRD STAKES (Listed), went the way of ASSM Racing Syndicate (Nom: Mr A Chadha), Messrs M F de Kock, T Gujadhur, G Ragunan, Mrs N P Malherbe & Wernars Family’s World Attraction (One World – Major Attraction). Bred by Messrs E A Braun, Neville Cooper & W D Mealing, trained by the Mike & Mathew de Kock team and steered to a 1.7 length victory by Callan Murray, she covered the 1000m in a time of 58.39. Then it was the turn of the Triple Tiara contenders in the WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC (Grade 1). All eyes were on Gauteng Fillies Guineas winner Hazy Dazy (Act Of War – Rabbedoe)and the grandstand erupted as she dug deep to keep her head in front in the closing stages. She covered the 1800m in a time of 114.17, securing victory by 1 length to stamp her credentials as a serious Triple Tiara contender and deliver a first Gr1 win for apprentice Trent Mayhew. Bred by the Breedon Stud Close Corporation and trained by Corne Spies in the interests of Mr D Dasrath & Mrs C Dasrath, Messrs R P Macnab, S Poriazis, Vikash Sobaren, X Spies & D Vayapuri, the bargain basement R37,500 purchase now has 6 wins and a place from 8 career starts. Full Result: Race-6 R 1,250,000 1800m 14:25 WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC (Grade 1) 3yof (2nd Leg Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara) Stake Breakdown Total Stakes: R 1250000.00 1st: R 742187.50, 2nd: R 237500.00, 3rd: R 118750.00, 4th: R 59375.00, 5th: R 29687.50. HKJC WORLD POOL SA CLASSIC (Grade 1) The HKJC World Pool SA Classic saw the result go right down the wire with the narrowest of margins separating the first two, but the result went the way of Mrs H Kuhn’s Grand Empire (Vercingetorix – Palace Of Dreams). Trained by Sean Tarry and benefitting from a shrewdly timed ride by Craig Zackey, he stopped the clock in 112.61. Tarry sportingly acknowledged Cape colleague Eric Sands in the post-race interview, saying Sands had originally selected the horse and trained him early on, but didn’t get to race him and said that’s the really tough side of racing, but thanked the Kuhns for their confidence and support. Bred by Al Adiyaat (Sheik Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum), Grand Empire now has 4 wins and 2 places from 6 career starts. Full Result: Race-7 R 1,500,000 1800m 15:00 HKJC WORLD POOL SA CLASSIC (Grade 1) For 3 year-olds (2nd Leg of SA Triple Crown) Stake Breakdown Total Stakes: R 1500000.00 1st: R 890625.00, 2nd: R 285000.00, 3rd: R 142500.00, 4th: R 71250.00, 5th: R 35625.00. WILGERBOSDRIFT H F OPPENHEIMER HORSE CHESTNUT STAKES (Grade 1) Tarry was back on the podium half an hour later to accept his second Gr1 trophy for the day in the 2026 Wilgerbosdrift H F Oppenheimer Stakes. The Wernars Family & D Chinsammy’s Tin Pan Alley (The United States – The Entertainer), was bred by Moutonshoek and put up a sensational performance under Keagan de Melo to register victory by 3.75 lengths in a time of 98.86. Full Result: Race-8 R 1,500,000 1600m 15:35 WILGERBOSDRIFT H F OPPENHEIMER HORSE CHESTNUT STAKES (Grade 1) For all Horses at Weight for Age Stake Breakdown Total Stakes: R 1500000.00 1st: R 890625.00, 2nd: R 285000.00, 3rd: R 142500.00, 4th: R 71250.00, 5th: R 35625.00 TAB J J THE JET PLANE STAKES (Grade 3) There was no living with Messrs R P Macnab, Keegan Govender, X Spies & Corne Spies Racing (Pty) Ltd, Waste Glass Recovery (Pty) Ltd (Nom: J H de Lange)’s 7yo William Robertson (Rafeef – Massachusetts) in the TAB J J The Jet Plane Stakes. Bred by Ridgemont Highlands, the Corne Spies charge was registering his 17th career win – and his second TAB J J The Jet Plane Stakes title – under Ryan Munger. Despite his 62kg impost, he covered the 1000m in 57.04 easing down. ENDS.

A tricky card and it might pay to look for some value, so with that in mind Galileo Star in Race 5, a MR 82 Handicap over 1000m on the Fairview Polytrack on Tuesday, makes plenty of appeal. This three-year-old is clearly better than his last run on the turf and he has won two of his six starts. His record on the Polytrack shows a win and a runner-up from just two outings. The United States gelding had looked progressive when winning his penultimate start, which was over this course and distance. Jockey Louie Mxothwa has stuck with him. He will not have it easy, though, as his stablemate and likely favourite, Chocolate Bomb, has won his last three starts, all over this particular track and trip, and all under jockey Stallone Naidoo. Stable companion Supreme Judge might well be worth an each-way strike in Race 6, a MR 68 Handicap over 1600m. The Horizon gelding had excuses in his latest start on the turf and is better judged on his form on this surface. He did win over this course and distance in November for Craig Zackey, who retains the ride. Those are both trained by Dean Smith, but one also needs to look at some runners from the yard of Alan Greeff. Green Isle and Amanatto could fit that bill. Green Isle, who lines up in Race 7, a MR 82 Handicap over 1900m, showed she is quite capable of winning again off her current merit rating when runner-up behind stable companion First Wish over the Fairview Polytrack 2000m. It is best to ignore her last run on the turf and her jockey, Richard Fourie, knows how to get the best out of her. Amanatto took 15 starts to get out of the maiden ranks but was unlucky not to follow up, as she was caught on the post last time out. That was on the turf, but she is just as comfortable on this surface and Fourie might try start-to-finish tactics from a wide draw in Race 3, a MR 70 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m. Clive Robinson