RACE 7 (6 – 9 – 8 – 4)
Several chances looming in the 1400m Class 2 contest as a few candidates with plenty of upside will gain a weight advantage on some of their higher rated rivals. One of those is promising three-year-old and recent Class 3 winner, BANKER’S BOSS (6) which was favoured to win the 1200m 3YO Sprint Championship three weeks ago. Although he failed to land the major prize, he was far from disgraced after pulling up with a lameness issue when finishing 3rd, beaten 1.75L. The gelding will carry 5.5kg less from that performance and looks ideally placed at the weights with 53.5kg. Another recent Class 3 winner, KOONDAKAARA (9) can quickly atone for his last start defeat in a strong Max Two Stakes taken out by the highly promising Choice Is Mine. With a drop of 7kg from that run, he appears well served on the minimum 52kg. RUMEUR (8) is up in class following his return to winning form by defeating BANKER’S AMAZING (4) at Ipoh on June 13. THUNDEROUS (3) does possess an impressive form line behind some handy types in recent starts and is sure to make his presence felt also.
RACE 8 (2 – 9 – 3 – 1)
The form of GRAPHJET EXPRESS (2) may not be overly inspiring but his last start 5th in the Listed Chairman’s Trophy was better than it looks. Where the on-speed runners were dominating most of the races that day, GRAPHJET EXPRESS (2) reeled off a fast final sectional, coming from second last at the 400m to finish only 1.25L from the winner. Despite not winning for nearly twelve months, the gelding usually races well on the freshen up and could provide some value in the 1600m Class 3. MEGA FIRST (9) toyed with his Class 4 rivals when scoring by 6.5L, his first run over 1600m here a fortnight ago and is a chance of going back-to-back on the upgrade. PACIFIC FIGHTER (3) has continued to chalk up minor placings since his only local victory was recorded back in September 2024 and is coming off a 4th to MEGA FIRST (9) last start. The form of KIM EMPEROR (1) has tapered since winning the G1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor in December but looks better suited in this grade, SCHNEIDER (8) lowered the colours of MEGA FIRST (9) back in April and has maintained solid form since.
RACE 9 (2 – 7 – 4 – 10)
BANKER’S WARRIOR (2) is a progressive three-year-old capable of matching it with his older rivals in the 1300m Class 3 contest. The gelding defied the on-speed bias with a fast-finishing 5th in what turned out to be a leader dominated 3YO Sprint Championship three weeks ago. He looks well served with the 3kg claim for G Farhan and should be competitive in this grade. ANIKI (7) finally broke the Malaysian duck in a 1400m Class 4 defeating subsequent Ipoh winner Artois. The six-year-old races best on pace and was a Class 3 winner in Singapore previously. ACTION BANKER’S (4) (Late Naitanui) was formerly trained by Team Hayes in Australia and is coming off a solid trial. One to watch on Malaysian debut for trainer Johnny Lim. STORM CHASER (10) has done little wrong in three local outings so far and finished 3rd behind ANIKI (7) two starts back. The former Hong Kong galloper is fast beginner so should be prominent throughout. RUBIK KID (6) surprised at the big odds second up and could provide some value for the trifecta while BULL FIGHT (12) has claims.
RACE 10 (3 – 1 – 7 – 6)
MEGA ACE (3) has established himself as the best performed three-year-old in the country after defying his opposition in the 3YO Sprint Championship on June 14. The gelding will go down 4kg from that performance and will have a 5kg advantage on the highest rated runner, PACIFIC VAMPIRE (1) which appears to be the main danger. Both horses have an abundance of early pace so there is likely to be a fast tempo set early. BRANSOM (7) has struggled to win since September last year but drops 7kg and hasn’t been far away in recent starts. FILIAL DRAGON (6) had no luck last start but is a group winner and cannot be left out while ARIGATO (2) can be considered for the exotics after some impressive track work during the week.
By Ashley Iveson, Press Association
Donnacha O’Brien is under no illusions about the task facing A Boy Named Susie as he prepares to take on a couple of his father’s big guns in the Coral-Eclipse.
Aidan O’Brien has saddled a record nine winners of Sandown’s midsummer showpiece, including each of the last three, and this year saddles the French Derby one-two Constitution River and Hawk Mountain, as well as possible pacemaker Flushing Meadows.
A Boy Named Susie, who is owned by Donnacha’s sister and Aidan’s daughter Ana O’Brien, finished a never-nearer fourth behind a Ballydoyle one-two-three at Chantilly and while his trainer is hoping he can close the gap on two of those that finished in front of him, he acknowledges it is a tough assignment.
Reflecting on his luckless run in the Prix du Jockey Club, O’Brien said: “We hoped we could follow Ryan (Moore, riding Constitution River) out of the stalls, which was the plan, but I think the pace was pretty hot early and I think that’s been overlooked. Dad’s horses went very quick early from wide draws and you look at the horses that followed them and sat fourth and fifth, they finished nowhere, whereas they were able to sustain the pace.
“Looking at the race you’d say we were a bit unlucky because we flashed home, but I wouldn’t say it’s a guarantee that any horse that used that much petrol to go with them early would have finished as strong as what he did.”
Aidan O’Brien is bidding to win yet another major prize this season having completed the English, French and Irish Derby hat-trick and landed multiple other Classic and Group One races at home and abroad.
When asked whether he hoped to match those achievements, Donnacha added: “It’s an impossible task for everyone. What he’s doing is incredible and I don’t think there’s any point waking up in the morning and saying I’m going to train 30 Group One winners this year – it doesn’t work like that.
Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien (John Walton/PA)
“It’s great to be able to see what he’s doing and I guess be some kind of small part of it. I’m competitive as much as anyone, but everyone in Ireland is competing with dad and Joseph day in day out and it’s so tough to beat them.
“I think everyone in Ireland is kind of the same – we’re nearly happy to see them going to the world stage and beating everyone else because it kind of shows what we’re up against every day.”
While clearly proud of his father’s achievements, Donnacha would love to get the better of him on Saturday with a horse he feels has not yet had the opportunity to realise his full potential.
“It’s a strong race, obviously. Constitution River looks a very good horse, Gethin looks a good horse, Saddadd and Hawk Mountain – they’re very strong, proper Group One horses,” he said.
Constitution River is a hot favourite for the Coral-Eclipse (Martin Rickett/PA)
“I thought Constitution River looked very good in Chester and I thought he really did things the hard way in France. He used plenty of petrol early, was stuck wide and didn’t look particularly comfortable on the track and he still found a way to win. When horses like that are able to win it’s often the sign of a really good one – we’ve seen champions throughout the years be able to do that.
“We’ll see, we’re still going to take him on and do our best. I think with a few of our horse’s runs you could say he was arguably unlucky. Part of that he probably does to himself, but I think with a smooth run he could well have won the Ballysax Stakes earlier in the year, won by Christmas Day (Epsom Derby winner) and in the French Derby he looked unlucky.
“I think the small field will help our horse, but it looks like a proper, strong Group One and whatever wins it will have to be a very, very good horse.”
Hopes of a British-trained success appear to rest with Owen Burrows’ Gethin who returns to Sandown having pushed Ombudsman close in the Brigadier Gerard in late May, while Roger Varian’s Saddadd also brings smart course form to the table and was third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup most recently.
Harry Charlton’s King’s Gambit completes the field of seven set to face the starter.
As we embark on the final fortnight of the 2025/26 Hong Kong racing season, Caspar Fownes remains firmly in the driver’s seat after an absorbing battle for the trainers’ title.
Fownes, who sits on 66 winners through 84 of the term’s 88 meetings, is five victories clear of his nearest rival, and he will aim to strengthen his stranglehold on the trainers’ championship at Sha Tin this Saturday (4 July).
While the title race has featured as many as half a dozen legitimate contenders in recent times, it is now only Danny Shum (61 victories) and Mark Newnham (60) with any real hope of running over the top of Fownes late.
Fownes appears to have bullets still to fire, however, and he will saddle up seven runners at Sha Tin this weekend.
While Fownes has been far from the most prolific trainer on the Sha Tin dirt this season, sitting seventh in the unofficial standings, it could be the all-weather track where he is most likely to strike on Saturday.
In his second run back from a right hind ligament injury, Pejibaye will look to go one better than his first-up second in the Class 4 The Chan Trophy Handicap (1200m).
After showing plenty of promise across seven starts on the turf, winning once and running second three times, Fownes chanced his arm with Pejibaye on the dirt on the galloper’s return run, and he seemed to relish the surface, sticking on strongly to beat all but Mega Captain.
Fownes is also represented in the meeting’s other all-weather fixture, the Class 5 The Wong Cup Handicap (1200m), with Daily Trophy, who is never without a chance on his favourite surface.
Fownes will also have high hopes for Decision Link in the Class 4 The Arculli Trophy Handicap (1400m) and the returning Perfect General in the Class 3 The Philip Chen Trophy Handicap (1200m), who was an impressive winner when last seen in early April.
Shum will run the in-form Grouper on the quick back-up, with the improving three-year-old lining up in the Class 4 The Stevenson Cup Handicap (1200m) after finishing second last start.
Newnham won’t be heading to the track loaded with winning chances, but he will be hopeful of improvement from All Out For Six in the Class 3 The Philip Chen Handicap (1200m).
Turffontein’s Standside track hosts one of the strongest Highveld meetings of the winter on Sunday, featuring a quality 10-race programme headed by the Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes and three competitive Pinnacle Stakes contests.
Several leading stables hold strong hands throughout the afternoon. Trainers Tony Peter, Sean Tarry, and Candice and Tammy Dawson all have realistic prospects of doubles, while recently returned jockey Kabelo Matsunyane looks well placed to make an immediate impact. The standout betting proposition, however, appears to be Joe Soma’s progressive Errol Flynn, who bids to complete a hat-trick in the final leg of the 4Racing Highveld Three-Year-Old Winter Series.
Tony Peter could strike early in the Work Riders’ maiden (Race 1) with Star Magnolia. The daughter of Danon Platina improved significantly when fitted with earmuffs to finish second over 1200m, and the addition of pacifiers may help her shed her maiden tag.
The Dawson stable looks to have a leading chance in Race 2 with Enflame. The Irish Flame gelding is easy to forgive after struggling in Grade 3 company at Greyville and should be far more effective back on Turffontein’s galloping Standside track against easier opposition.
Sean Tarry’s Secret Fate can regain the winning thread in Race 3. The Master Of My Fate filly lost her unbeaten record when second over this course and distance but now meets Queen Leila on 2kg better terms. With Matsunyane aboard, she has every chance of reversing the result.
The opening leg of the Place Accumulator features another strong Dawson contender in Expert Witness. The well-bred Hawwaam colt improved sharply from his debut to finish second over 1600m and should appreciate the return to the Standside course. Craig Zackey takes the ride.
The Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes centres on Errol Flynn, unbeaten since blinkers were applied. His victory in the Egoli Mile, the second leg of the Winter Series, suggested he would relish stepping up to 1800m after finishing powerfully from midfield. With Keagan de Melo retaining the ride, he shapes as one of the best bets on the programme.
Race 8 offers Peter and Matsunyane another strong opportunity with Taxi To The Moon. Since being gelded, the son of Vercingetorix has won four of eight starts and was narrowly successful in the Grade 2 Golden Horse Sprint. Despite a three-point ratings rise, he remains progressive and can continue his winning run.
Tarry may also finish the day strongly with last-start winners Warning Sound (Race 9) and War Reporter (Race 10). Both have earlier engagements during the week, but if they line up on Sunday, they will command plenty of respect and could complete a stable double.
Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Durban July will be run as a true handicap, a major change from previous years that has prompted several of the country’s highest-rated horses, including defending champion The Real Prince, to skip the R10 million feature. Even so, the 18-runner field remains highly competitive, with the handicap conditions theoretically giving every runner an equal chance.
Ante-post favourite Star Major heads the market as James Crawford looks to emulate his father Brett, who won the race two years ago with Oriental Charm. The three-year-old has built a successful partnership with French jockey Mickaëlle Michel, winning both the Grade 1 KZN Guineas and Grade 1 Daily News 2000. On each occasion, Star Major stormed home from near the rear after Michel angled him wide into the straight. Similar tactics are expected, although she will need to navigate past 17 rivals this time.
Mocha Blend is another leading contender. Frank Robertson’s mare announced herself with a surprise Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup victory before her rating was carefully protected with two preparatory runs over inadequate distances. She finished strongly in both and now steps up to 2200m carrying a handy 56.5kg, well below topweight Legal Counsel on 62kg. Having already proven herself over 2000m at Turffontein, she looks well placed under the in-form Tristan Godden.
Trainer Gareth van Zyl has targeted the race with proven stayer King Pelles, winner of last year’s Grade 3 Gold Vase over 3000m. His preparation has mirrored Mocha Blend’s, using shorter races to sharpen his speed. Strong late efforts behind Okavango and Zeitz suggest he is peaking at the right time, while his proven stamina gives him an edge over some rivals stepping into unknown territory.
Justin Snaith saddles five runners, headed by four-time consecutive winner Wish List. Veteran jockey Andrew Fortune, enjoying a remarkable comeback, has long identified the filly as his July mount. After winning the Grade 1 Paddock Stakes and Cape Derby, she extended her winning streak with a determined Grade 2 Woolavington victory, edging out Minogue in the closing strides. Although Minogue meets her 1kg better at the weights, Snaith’s ability to peak horses for the big occasion makes Wish List a major player.
The supporting Grade 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes is equally competitive. Defending champion Double Grand Slam faces a difficult draw but comes off a strong effort in the Grade 1 SA Fillies Sprint over an inadequate trip. Mon Petit Cherie was narrowly beaten by Quickstepgal in the Grade 3 Tibouchina Stakes after racing wide and should appreciate the extra furlong from a better draw. Keukenhof, twice placed behind Wish List, also has solid claims in a high-quality field.
Pride Of Arras will make his long-awaited return to the races in Sunday’s Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, but the comeback assignment could hardly be any tougher, with last year’s winner Calandagan set to stand in his way.
The Ralph Beckett-trained gelding has not raced since finishing close-up in the Bahrain International Trophy in November, but remains a horse of real interest as he begins the next stage of his career. Now a four-year-old and rated 115, Pride Of Arras is being aimed at a more international campaign, and Saint-Cloud looks a logical starting point over 2400m on a flat, left-handed track.
He promised plenty during the early part of last season, heading into the Derby as the leading British-trained hope after winning the Dante Stakes at York to preserve his unbeaten record. Things did not go to plan at Epsom, where he beat just one runner home, and he was again below expectations in the Irish Derby before connections made the decision to geld him.
That move appeared to help him settle back into form, with Pride Of Arras returning to York to win the Great Voltigeur before running with credit in Bahrain. His intended reappearance in the John Porter Stakes in April was ruled out by a bruised foot, a setback which took longer than expected to fully clear up.
Calandagan is the clear measuring stick in the race. Francis-Henri Graffard’s five-year-old was a dominant winner of this contest last year, a performance that helped launch a brilliant winning sequence and confirmed him as one of the best older horses in Europe.
His campaign this year has not been as smooth. He was below his best in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, where rain-softened ground worked against him, and he now returns to Saint-Cloud on something of a recovery mission. Even so, he brings the strongest form profile into the race and will be hard to beat if he returns to the level he showed on this course 12 months ago.
Aidan O’Brien has left in both Jan Brueghel and Lambourn, who also contested the Coronation Cup, while Karl Burke could be represented by Convergent. Andre Fabre has Cualificar and Sinileo among the entries, with Aventure, Sunly and Eydon also still in contention.
For Pride Of Arras, this is more than just a seasonal return. It is the beginning of a new chapter. His three-year-old campaign promised plenty, hit trouble through the middle of the year, then finished with signs that his ability remained intact.
Now gelded, fresh and with international options firmly on the table, Sunday’s Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud will tell connections just how high they can aim.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
Aidan O’Brien stars set for mouthwatering French Derby rematch at Sandown on Saturday.
Aidan O’Brien has revealed both Constitution River and Hawk Mountain are poised to run in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday.
Plans for the Ballydoyle pair have been the subject of speculation all week, especially when Hawk Mountain, a Group One-winning juvenile, was supplemented for the German Derby.
However, he was subsequently taken out of that Hamburg engagement, attracting plenty of support for Sandown’s all-aged Group One in which O’Brien is chasing a record 10th victory.
Money for Hawk Mountain saw French Derby winner Constitution River drift slightly in the betting, but speaking on Wednesday afternoon O’Brien said his duo, who finished first and second at Chantilly, are set to meet again.
“It looks like they are both going to run,” O’Brien told the Press Association.
“It’s exciting for everybody, they’ve followed a similar programme all year.
“Everything has been good with the pair of them since they ran in the French Derby and the Eclipse looks the right race for both of them.”
Having been available at a double-figure price earlier in the week, Hawk Mountain is now into 5-1 with the sponsors. His Classic-winning stablemate is their 5-4 favourite with Gethin 11-4 and Saddadd 4-1.
“Both Constitution River and Hawk Mountain have attracted support this week, so it’s good news for their backers that both colts will be lining up in Saturday’s Coral-Eclipse, giving trainer Aidan O’Brien a really strong hand as he bids for a record-breaking fourth successive win in the race,” said spokesperson David Stevens.
By Nick Robson, Press Association
The Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July has always been a race where drama arrives before the gates even open, and this year’s edition has already delivered a major twist.
Early favourite Star Major was scratched on Tuesday after returning an elevated temperature, removing the horse many believed was the one they all had to beat. His withdrawal not only changed the complexion of the race, but also opened the door for first emergency Choisaanada to gain a start in South Africa’s most famous race.
Run over 2200 metres at Greyville, the Durban July is worth R10 million and remains the country’s showpiece handicap a race where form, luck, tempo and a little bit of theatre all collide. With Star Major out, this year’s race suddenly looks far more open, and the spotlight now shifts to a group of runners who were already knocking on the door.
The most compelling of them may be Wish List.
Wish List “愿望清单”
The Justin Snaith-trained filly brings the profile every punter loves in a big handicap: she is progressive, in form and already proven at Greyville. Her record reads 10 starts for five wins, two seconds and two thirds, and she arrives off four straight victories, including back-to-back wins at Greyville over 1600 metres and 2000 metres.
That latest success came in the Woolavington 2000, where she found enough late to win narrowly but importantly. It was not flashy, but it showed the right qualities for a Durban July she travelled well, she stayed, and she was willing to fight. The 2200 metres is still a question, but her racing pattern and recent progression suggest she is ready for it.
Her win over Note To Self in the Cape Derby earlier in the season also ties her strongly into one of the key three-year-old form lines. Note To Self finished second to Wish List that day before later running third behind Star Major in the Daily News 2000 at Greyville. With Star Major now out of the race, that form suddenly becomes even more important.
Note To Self has not won since January, but he has done very little wrong. His career record of two wins, three seconds and three thirds from eight starts shows a horse who is always around the money, and his latest run behind Star Major was better than it may look on paper. He settled midfield, stayed on strongly, and again gave the impression that the longer trip of the July could be within range.
The booking of Richard Fourie is another major positive. In a big-field Greyville handicap, where position and timing can decide the race, having one of South Africa’s most accomplished big-race riders aboard is a serious asset. Note To Self may not have the winning streak of Wish List, but he has the right profile to peak on the day.
Then there is Regulation, who may be one of the more interesting runners at odds.
The four-year-old gelding has drawn well in barrier two and carries just 52kg, which gives him every chance to land in the right position early. He was disappointing last start when eighth behind Zeitz over 1800 metres, but his run prior to that was full of merit, finishing second to Isivivane over 1900 metres at Greyville.
That effort reads well in the context of this race. He was beaten less than a length, maps to get a far better run than many of his rivals, and is now partnered by Zac Lloyd, one of the most exciting young riders in Australia. Lloyd, the son of former South African champion jockey Jeff Lloyd, adds a fascinating international angle to the race and looks a strong booking for a horse who should be able to use his light weight and draw.
The Australian-based riding presence does not stop there.
Zac LLoyd Chad Schofield Mark Du Plessis
Chad Schofield (son of former South African gun Glyn) returns with the ride on King Pelles, while Mark Du Plessis partners I Salute You. Along with Lloyd, they bring a strong southern African connection back into the Durban July spotlight. Schofield, the son of former top South African rider Glyn Schofield, has built an international career across Australia and Hong Kong, while Du Plessis has long been associated with racing across Zimbabwe, New Zealand and the wider region.
Their presence gives this year’s Durban July a global feel and a reminder that South African racing still has a pull far beyond its borders.
The Star Major scratching also brings Choisaanada into play. He was unlucky to miss the original field and now gets his chance after coming in as first emergency. His recent form is strong enough to make him more than just a late replacement, having won two starts back at Turffontein before finishing second to Fire Attack over 2000 metres. He brings tactical speed, race fitness and a genuine point to prove.
That is what makes this year’s Durban July so intriguing. Without Star Major, there is no obvious standout. Wish List has the winning form and upside. Note To Self has the consistency and the right rider. Regulation has the draw, the weight and the chance to bounce back. Choisaanada adds a wildcard element after gaining a late start.
The Durban July is rarely won by the horse with the simplest story. It is won by the horse who can handle the pressure, absorb the tempo and still find something up the Greyville straight.
This year, after the scratching of the favourite, the door is wide open.
And for Wish List, Note To Self and Regulation, the timing may be perfect.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
Ombudsman, Calandagan and Bacio among the stars set to head for the Knavesmire.
Chief executive William Derby is thrilled with the quality of the entries for York’s Group One races at the Ebor Festival in August, headed by the brilliant Ombudsman.
Having set Royal Ascot alight with his performance in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, connections have indicated their preference to see the Godolphin-owned five-year-old defend his title in the Juddmonte International.
He could be joined by the likes of Calandagan, Constitution River, Benvenuto Cellini, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Purview.
Derby said: “To have the defending champion is always good, some organisations have him as currently the highest-rated horse in the world, so that is very exciting after what he did at Ascot.
“There are other amazing horses in there and it will be interesting to see if Constitution River heads our way after Sandown (Coral-Eclipse) this weekend for the richest race we’ve ever staged.
“The possibility of Calandagan again, after he forced City Of Troy into breaking the track record in 2024, means the Juddmonte International is shaping up to be a cracker.”
In the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes, popular American trainer Wesley Ward will be hoping to break his duck in the race with Bacio, who looked much better than a handicapper in winning at Ascot.
Japan has an entry in dual Royal Ascot runner-up Satono Reve, with France and Australia also represented.
Derby went on: “Bacio is there for Wesley Ward who came so close with Lady Aurelia, Asfoora is returning for her defence and Satono Reve is in both the Nunthorpe and City of York after running an amazing race at Ascot, so I’m really excited about that.
“Ponntos is there from the Czech Republic, Francis-Henri Graffard has some entries too.
“We’ve had a bumper entry for the Sky Bet City of York in just it’s second year (as a Group One), so I’m really excited about that. It has quickly established itself in the minds of all connections. We had a great line-up last year but it can only improve as people get used to it as a Group One option.
“You’ve the Queen Anne winner in Ten Bob Tony, Qirat who won the Criterion here on Saturday and won the Sussex last year and an Irish Guineas winner in Gstaad, so it brings horses stepping up in trip or down and three-year-olds meeting older horses, it’s fascinating.
“It’s going to be World Pool this year on Saturday for the first time also.”
There is one particular horse Derby would love to see turn up in the Yorkshire Oaks.
“Given Estrange is trained by David O’Meara in Yorkshire, it would be great to see her have another go at the Yorkshire Oaks,” he said.
“She was second to Minnie Hauk last year and we showed her win the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland on the big screen on Saturday, which went down very well.
“She won on quickish ground on Saturday, she’s such a beautiful filly, we’d love to see her go one better.
“It’s like the first day of December almost for us with all the story lines coming together.”
By Nick Robson, Press Association
The Vaal hosts an intriguing eight-race programme on Thursday, with several progressive horses looking set to continue their rise, while trainer Sean Tarry and jockeys Keagan de Melo and Mickaëlle Michel hold strong chances of doubles.
Race 1 could offer value with Corsaro Super in the 1000m juvenile contest. The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained son of Erupt has yet to show his true ability, but there were excuses for both previous starts. Significantly, De Melo keeps the ride after a 13-week break, suggesting confidence the colt can improve sharply in an open race.
The in-form Stuart Pettigrew stable looks well represented in Race 2 with Midnight Special. The Fire Away filly made an encouraging debut when runner-up and is expected to improve with the experience. Craig Zackey retains the ride, and she rates one of the stronger bets on the card.
Bristol Hercules is the standout in Race 4 over 1600m as he bids to complete a hat-trick. The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained gelding has returned from a break in excellent form, winning consecutive 1400m races at the Vaal, including his latest under a penalty against stronger opposition. Although carrying 62kg after another ratings increase, he drops in class and the step up to 1600m should suit. By Lancaster Bomber, he has been finishing strongly and looks capable of extending his winning streak under Callan Murray.
Another Lancaster Bomber runner to follow is Warning Sound in Race 6. The Sean Tarry-trained filly produced a career-best performance when winning over 1450m at Turffontein’s Inside track off a career-high rating. A four-point penalty makes life tougher, but she remains lightly raced and still has scope for improvement. French rider Mickaëlle Michel keeps the partnership, and her 1.5kg allowance could prove valuable.
Tarry’s strongest chance may come in Race 7 with Greenandgold. The R2.6-million National Yearling Sale purchase has steadily improved with each run and relished the step up to 1400m when making all to win her maiden in convincing fashion. The 73-day break should have helped her strengthen, while an opening handicap mark of 75 appears fair for a filly with her pedigree and potential. If she progresses again, Greenandgold can complete a profitable stable double for Tarry and De Melo.
There are easier ways to make a name for yourself in South African racing than arriving from France, finding your feet in a new country, and within seven months being legged aboard the likely favourite for the Durban July.
But Mickaëlle Michel has never followed the quiet route.
The globetrotting French jockey has built a career on professionalism, adaptability and a willingness to chase opportunity wherever racing takes her. From France to Japan, Australia and now South Africa, Michel has become one of the sport’s most recognisable international riders and this weekend she has the chance to turn an already remarkable story into something truly historic.
Her mount is Star Major, the James Crawford-trained colt who has quickly become one of the most exciting horses in South Africa. The son of Querari announced himself as a serious Durban July contender with a powerful victory in the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville, coming from near last under Michel to defeat Happy Verse and Note To Self. It was not only the biggest win of Star Major’s career, but also a landmark moment for Michel, who became the first female jockey to win a South African classic and one of only a select few women to ride a South African Grade 1 winner.
Now, the pair return to Greyville for South Africa’s greatest race, the R10 million Grade 1 Durban July, with Star Major drawn favourably in barrier four and carrying the hopes of punters who have made him the choice elect.
For Michel, this is more than another big-race ride. It is the latest chapter in a career defined by proving her ability in any jurisdiction.
She was France’s leading female rider in 2018 before taking her talents abroad, most notably to Japan, where she became a fan favourite and set a record for the most wins by a foreign jockey on the NAR circuit with 30 victories from 267 rides. Her international résumé also includes a third-place finish in Japan’s World All-Star Jockeys Championship and success in Europe, including a Group 2 victory in Italy aboard Walderbe.
Michel during one of her Japan riding stints
South Africa, however, has opened a new door.
Michel arrived looking for winners, experience and a fresh challenge. What she found was Star Major, a colt with acceleration, presence and the right running style for Greyville’s pressure cooker. Their partnership has already delivered consecutive major victories, including the Daily News 2000, and there is a sense that horse and rider are peaking at exactly the right moment.
The Durban July has always been a race of stories. This year, one of the strongest stories belongs to a French jockey who has travelled the world searching for the right horse, and may just have found him in South Africa.
If Star Major wins, it will be more than a famous Durban July victory.
It will be a defining moment for James Crawford, a breakthrough on the biggest South African stage for Mickaëlle Michel, and another powerful reminder that racing’s most compelling stories are often written far from home.
We caught up with Michel and she gave us a great insight into her life and journey from her perspective.
You recently guided Star Major to victory in the R2 million Gr1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville. What did that win mean to you personally and professionally?Professionally it was one of my big goals, a dream and I think an achievement to every jockey. Personally, it was a relief, my husband and I are traveling the world for many years to find a horse like him. We sacrificed a lot, so it was a beautiful way to thank my husband to trust in me and following me everywhere on this earth.
You have built an international riding career across France, Japan, Australia and now South Africa. How did your journey in racing first begin? I have ridden horses from the age of 11. I didn’t know anything about horse racing, at the age of 15yo in France you have to decide what job you want to do so you will go in a different school. Then my mum and I checked on internet what can of option I could have to work with horses and we found the AFASEC, which is the horseracing school in France. I did a test and I just fell in love with it. Horses and competing were the perfect match for me.
You became very popular during your time riding in Japan. What was that experience like, especially with the support and passion of the Japanese racing fans? It’s still one of the best experiences I ever had and that’s why to become a JRA jockey is my biggest dream from this experience. Japanese racing is special and the fans are the best. You feel all the support you need and want to become a better jockey.
Japan has one of the most intense and professional racing environments in the world. What did riding there teach you? True, they are working so hard for many years to become what they are today and win everywhere in the world! I learned to ride on the dirt over there and I loved it. It’s a different type of riding; you need to be stronger physically. I would also say the adaptation because they don’t speak English and my first year I didn’t speak English as well, Japanese culture and the way to think is very different so you need to understand quick.
You also rode in Australia and landed a winner at Flemington, the headquarters of Australian racing. How special was that moment for you? It was amazing! I was only my second meeting riding in Aussie and to win my first race specially at Flemington was something special! Plus, my horse was 80/1 so nobody expected it, me as well. So, it was a big surprise, lot of emotions and very proud.
You are now based in South Africa. What attracted you to riding there and how have you found the racing culture so far? I met Mathew De Kock in Australia when he was training with Robbie Griffiths, I had a few wins for them and when I had a dinner with him and his family before I had to leave for Japan, he told me he will go back to South Africa that year.
He followed me a little bit and knows I like to travel so he proposed me to add SA on my CV one day if I want. In 2025, I finished riding in Japan end of November and I felt it was wrong timing to fly back in France. It’s cold, races are slow and good horses are away so I decided to phone Mathew and quickly I took the decision to go there. At the beginning it was only for 5 weeks but it got well fast so I decided to extend my stay. Unfortunately, they have the same problem as almost every country, they don’t have a daily public but big races like the Durban July are well known. They have good quality of jockeys and horses; I am really enjoying it here.
Was there a particular moment early in your career when you realised you wanted to become a professional jockey? As soon as I started the horseracing school but I have to be honest I never thought it will become true until I met my first agent who became my husband. He coached me as a really professional sportsman and he gave me the confidence.
Michel and her husband Fred who has been along for the journey. Pic: Mickaelle MichelWas there a particular moment early in your career when you realised you wanted to become a professional jockey? As soon as I started the horseracing school but I have to be honest I never thought it will become true until I met my first agent who became my husband. He coached me as a really professional sportsman and he gave me the confidence.
As a French female jockey competing internationally, what challenges have you had to overcome to earn opportunities in different racing jurisdictions? Well, it’s not about being a female jockey or not, even if of course sometimes I meet some people who don’t put trust in female jockeys. But the hardest thing to do is to start from the bottom in every new country. You need to prove again, show more, sometimes it feels like I am an apprentice again because they don’t know you so you have to be very patient.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals in South Africa and on the international stage? I want to keep improving, win more Group 1 races and become a major jockey and have the opportunity to ride and win Group 1 races around the world.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
The first thing that hits one when looking at the race meeting at Fairview on Wednesday 1 July is that jockey Richard Fourie is not carded to ride. That opens the field for the other riders to have multiple winners and jockey Craig Zackey could be the chief beneficiary.
Rare Earth and Heliotrope seem his best rides, but all of Sweet Julia, Greek Heiress and Captain Clever also hold winning chances.
The Gavin Smith-trained Heliotrope has won two of her last three starts. Heliotrope was an impressive winner on local debut when scoring over 2000m on the turf. She was expected to follow up on that in her next start, but the meeting switched to the Polytrack and she clearly lacked the experience when a close-up fifth.
She proved that run all wrong when winning next time out, beating rival in this Homing Pigeon by 0.75 lengths over 2200m on the Polytrack. On that particular occasion, Homing Pigeon (Richard Fourie) got right up to Heliotrope but failed to pass her.
The drop to 2000m in Race 5 should not be a problem for both of them, but there is a 2.5kg swing in favour of Homing Pigeon. Jockey Zackey was aboard the five-year-old mare that day and Kyle Strydom replaces Fourie.
The battling maiden Rare Earth makes her local debut for Dean Smith and tries the Polytrack for the first time in Race 3, but she is consistent and is tackling a very weak field, so could score.
Sweet Julia has run well for Zackey a couple of times already, including when scoring in October, and she could win Race 2, a MR 68 Handicap over 1000m.
It is very unusual to see Zackey on a Kelly Mitchley-trained runner, but Greek Heiress will do duty for the pair in Race 4, a Maiden Plate over 1600m. He has ridden her twice already with not much success, but Mitchley has improved many runners and this could be more of the same.
Captain Clever is not well drawn in Race 7, a MR 68 Handicap over 1300m, but he is coming off an improved performance and could have more to offer.
It might be worth taking an each-way chance with Amanatto in the last race. New front-running tactics were tried with her last time out and it clearly did not work. She had shown improvement before that and Xolane Ndlovu could take this opportunity to have a winner.
Clive Robinson
Back on the Hollywoodbets Scottsville turf on Sunday, trainers have unleashed runners saved for grass racing, creating a highly competitive nine-race card. The opening two juvenile maidens feature many first-timers, making betting markets an important guide.
In Race 1, Dancing Partner appeals after improving nicely at her second start, while Iceberg Rose can bounce back after failing as favourite over a longer trip. Asgardian Queen brings valuable experience, and Lady Jerome could improve back on turf after a disappointing polytrack run.
The first leg of the Bi-Pot is equally tricky. Benny And Paul should strip fitter after a comeback run and the drop in trip looks suitable. Prized Possession attracted strong support on debut and is expected to improve, while Old Harry Rocks and Yukinko are others worth monitoring, especially if supported in the betting.
Red Hot Miss shapes as a popular banker in the Place Accumulator after finishing runner-up in her last two starts. She stays the distance and has drawn ideally. Indignation showed improvement over a mile last time, while Anything But Love has been consistently competitive and should feature again.
The Pick 6 opener may revolve around Day Two and Princess Palace. Day Two is lightly raced, stays well and ran a strong second against tougher opposition last time. Princess Palace was disappointing in stronger company but is capable of much better here.
Race 5 is one of the highlights. Ovation Star remains lightly raced but already boasts a lofty rating after a close second last time. However, she faces Grade 1 hopefuls Ladyofdistinction and Educator. Kannemeyer’s Educator is the highest-rated runner, arrives off a convincing polytrack win and still looks progressive. Ladyofdistinction can improve sharply on her latest effort, while the in-form Gran Occasion is capable of causing an upset.
The final three races are competitive handicaps. In Race 6, Hunga Tonga is consistent and should go close after strong recent performances. Open Sesame has improved with blinkers, Blue Poppy is remarkably reliable, and Past Is Prologue has proven course form despite a difficult draw.
Race 7 could belong to Major Tommie, who is better than his recent form suggests. Hah Lah, Best Of All and Military Command all have strong claims.
In Race 8, Cavalry Commander continues to thrive for Mark Dixon. Street Outlaw, Little Boy Blue and returning runner Luneluck are key dangers.
The finale is wide open, with Arverni Princess, Jane’s Vision, Night Tiger and Bless Me Fred all holding realistic winning chances.
The race for the Hong Kong trainers’ championship is the gift that keeps on giving as the season enters its final six meetings, with Caspar Fownes confirming he is “not taking anything for granted” despite holding a five-win advantage.
Danny Shum, on 59 victories, is Fownes’ closest rival, and Mark Newnham (58) is hot on Shum’s heels, while Francis Lui (54), David Hayes (52) and John Size (50) have also cracked the half-century but would require a near-miracle to seize the title at this point.
One thing that could work against Fownes is the split of fixtures in the last few weeks of the campaign, with four meetings at Sha Tin and only two at Happy Valley due to the staging of the Hong Kong Reunification Raceday at the New Territories venue on Wednesday, 1 July.
Fownes has trained a record 43 winners at Happy Valley this season compared to only 21 at Sha Tin, but the 58-year-old isn’t concerned about having only two more opportunities to strike gold at the city circuit.
“It is what it is. I’ve given it 110 per cent and hopefully we can continue to find the winners,” said Fownes.
“I’m happy with where I’m at, and it should be fine. We’re ticking off the winners, but it’s still game on and there’s still a long way to go. As long as we keep training winners, we will be fighting on until the end.
“Hopefully, I can get it done but I’m not taking anything for granted. Anyone could land three or four winners in a day and change the whole dynamic of things.”
Caspar Fownes celebrates with Joao Moreira.
Fownes praised star Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira for adding impetus to his title push since he came on board as his stable rider in April, with the pair combining for 23 wins from 133 attempts this season.
“He’s been great and he’s the only one who can compete against Zac (Purton) – if he came here full-time, he would probably beat Zac,” Fownes said.
Looking ahead, last-start third-placegetter Elegant Life in the first section of the Class 4 Lam Tsuen River Handicap (1200m) is among Fownes’ leading hopes at Sha Tin this weekend (Saturday, 27 June), while he’s looking forward to running a host of other in-form gallopers between now and the end of the season on 15 July.
After finishing third in his first start for Fownes on 13 June, Sagacious Life will line up in a Class 1 (1600m) contest at Sha Tin on 12 July, while Pejibaye is targeting the Class 4 1200m dirt race on 4 July after returning from a six-month lay-off with a nice second on the dirt earlier this month.
Target Audience wins at Happy Valley in style.
Last-start winner Target Audience will also be deployed as Fownes continues his title push, lining up in a Class 3 1200m race at Happy Valley on either the 8 or 15 July after saluting on his city circuit debut on 10 June.
“He’s in good form and has pulled up well. He was impressive last start so he will go back to the Valley,” said Fownes, adding that he is still deciding whether another last-start winner, Love Together, lines up in the Class 3 1000m contest on 1 July.
“We’ve also got a few more that I think have got great winning chances, so we are programming them to best effect. It’s very tactical right now and I’m enjoying it.”
Trainers’ Ranking (Top 6) – As of 25 June, 2026
By Gideon Brooks, Press Association
Connections of Raaheeb insist they are unconcerned about the possibility of ‘team tactics’ in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
Supposed team strategy was a hot topic last week at Royal Ascot, with Christophe Soumillon receiving an eight-day suspension after the stewards ruled he had ridden Puerto Rico to advantage stablemate Gstaad in the St James’s Palace Stakes.
But despite the potential of a five-strong home guard from Ballydoyle to overcome at the Curragh on Sunday, the team behind the unbeaten Raaheeb – who is a full-brother to Baaeed and Hukum – believe the only thing that matters is whether their runner is good enough.
“We can only worry about our horse and it is up to Rossa Ryan how he rides him. We have to hope everyone gets a fair cut at it,” said Angus Gold, racing manager for owners Shadwell. “But you can’t go into a race worrying about that otherwise you would never have a runner.
“We just have to hope he turns up in good form and gets a run and we will see what happens.”
The St James’s Palace Stakes, in which Ryan Moore was also banned for three days for careless riding following an incident leaving the stalls, was by no means the only race where supposed team strategy came into play in a week of predictably high class, high stakes action.
In the Coronation Stakes won by Moore on Precise, Saffie Osborne complained that her mount and eventual second Touleen, another runner for Shadwell, was denied a clear run by Wayne Lordan on Ballydoyle second-string True Love.
Responding to questions about the St James’s Palace, O’Brien had insisted all his horses were there to run on their own merits with pacemakers in to ensure a truly-run race not disadvantage runners from other stables.
Soumillon, for his part, has appealed against his suspension.
Gold suggested the bigger question ahead of this weekend is whether Raaheeb is good enough, as the Owen Burrows-trained son of Sea The Stars steps into unknown territory in a Group One against a high-quality field.
“He has only run twice in his life so it is a massive jump up anyway so that’s why we are not going to start worrying about tactics and things like that,” he said.
“We don’t even know whether he is up to this class yet. Obviously we hope he is, but until you try it you are not going to know.”
Raaheeb has not revealed his full hand yet, making it two wins from two starts with victory in last month’s bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown – a run that saw him cut into 8-1 for the Betfred Epsom Derby earlier this month.
Raaheeb did not make that date after pulling out with stiffness following Sandown but he will get his chance to show what he can do this Sunday, a date that has been circled on the Burrows calendar since then.
RACE 9 (1 – 2 – 4 – 3)
Malaysia’s premier four-year-olds will assemble for the running of the 1200m 4YO Sprint Championship at the Selangor Turf Club on Sunday.
Lat start G1 Tunku Gold Cup winner FORTUNE TREE (1) makes his long-awaited return in the RM200,000 feature and is the only previous group winner in the fourteen-horse lineup. Despite the 91-day break, the statistics read well for the talented son of Ardrossan who boasts an excellent first up record (4:3-0-0), has won two from two over the 1200m in Selangor and is coming off an eye-catching eleven-length trial win earlier this month. Overall, the stars seem to align for FORTUNE TREE (1) but the gelding will be taking on a number of quality performers including the horse he defeated by a nose in the Tunku Gold Cup back in March. DUMA (4) has started three times since that narrow group defeat but indicated his winning turn is not far away judging by his short head defeat here a fortnight ago. DUMA (4) does tend to stand up in the big races however and his class can never be questioned with that familiar turn of high speed he has displayed previously. PACIFIC ENERGY (2) has been a model of consistency for the David Kok stable and deserves a feature victory. The gelding closed off well when falling a nose short in the Mitavite Asia Cup won by smart three-year-old and subsequent winner, Mega Ace back on May 23. BANKER’S HAPPY (3) is perhaps the best of the Banker’s Stable chances as part of their three-pronged attack and has done little wrong with two wins from three local appearances. Aiming for the winning hat trick, the son of Capitalist will resume since demolishing a Class 4 lineup by eight lengths on March 29 prior to scoring over 1500m on the upgrade two weeks later. BANKER’S DREAM (11) is also targeting the hat trick coming off wins over inferior opposition, but he broke the Class 3 duck last start and is sure to make his presence felt. FRIGHT (5) may require luck from his wide barrier but has raced well since joining the Frank Maynard stable and his runner up effort in the recent Baby Pery Cup keeps him under notice.
RACE 8 (2 – 1 – 3 – 4)
BANKER’S TWO SIX (2) has stamped himself as one of the most progressive gallopers on the local circuit this year and looks the testing material in the 1600m Aplus Cup with RM 100,000 in prize money. The five-year-old has never looked back since his narrow 2nd in the 2000m G1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor last December chalking up five wins from nine starts in Malaysia. BANKER’S TWO SIX (2) appeared in no danger when picking up his first feature by leading throughout in the 1600m Chairman’s Trophy scoring by 2.5L. ANTIPODEAN (1) finished runner up on that occasion and will be looking to reverse the result. The five-year-old still remains competitive at this level and may have found the 1700m trip a fraction far in a Metro A contest on May 25 taken out by OMNIARCH (3). The horse formerly known as Good Star, OMNIARCH (3) scored for the first time under his new name and returned to the winner’s stall for the first time since taking out the G1 Coronation Cup in November. The Brazilian bred four-year-old IRISH GOODBYE (4) was a winner third up last preparation and is better suited over the longer journey while ALWAYS A GENTLEMAN (5) is expected to improve on the distance rise also.
Download your daily France express form for FREE:RACE 1: PRIX BIRUM STAKES (4YO+) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 1) – 2000M | TIME: 19:58 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 24700
Mont De Soleil (IRE) Ran well to be second over 2000m in a Class 2 at ParisLongchamp on 11 June. Capable of making an impact. Poschiavo (FR) Placed third on the latest start over 2000m at ParisLong – champ on 11 June. One to pay close attention to. Climate Change (FR) Placed fourth on the last run over 2000m at ParisLongchamp in a Class 2 on 11 June. Ought to be in the shake-up. Drumard (FR) Fair fifth in a Class 1 Handicap over 2000m at Chantilly on the last outing on 31 May. Course winner in a Class 2 Handicap over this trip in late March. In the mix.
RACE 2: PRIX DU VAL D’ENFER MAIDEN STAKES (3YO) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 2) – 2400M | TIME: 20:33 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 20100
Shalazi (IRE) Four decent runs this year, second on the latter over 2000m at ParisLongchamp in a Maiden on 15 June. Looks ready to win. Kavari (IRE) Ran with promise to be second on his sole start over 1800m at ParisLongchamp in a Condition on 19 October. Fitness to prove but his trainer should have him ready to go. Sorano (FR) Recent sixth at Compiegne over 2000m in a Class 2 on 5 June. Four placed efforts before his last run and warrants close attention. Shapesmith (IRE) Ran well to be third on the second start over 2200m at Angers in a Maiden last time on 2 May. Can make the frame.
RACE 3: HANDICAP DES HAUTS-DE-SEINE – WORLD POOL BY PMU (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 3) – 1600M | TIME: 21:15 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 50900
Ciccio Boy (FR) Solid effort to be second over 1600m at Nantes in a Class 2 Handicap on 16 June when last seen. Live contender. Tiego The First (FR) Ran well to be fifth last time in a Class 1 Handicap at Chantilly on 14 June. He has eased slightly in the weights and is one to keep onside. Half Half (FR) Placed on the last three runs, fourth on the latter over 1800m at Chantilly in a Class 1 Handicap on 14 June. Ought to be thereabouts. Pyramide (FR) Ran a creditable race to finish fifth on the only run this year over 1600m at Lyon Parilly in a Class 3 on 6 June. Should be fitter today and can make the frame.
RACE 4: PRIX DES COTEAUX DE SAINT-CLOUD – WORLD POOL BY PMU HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 4) – 1600M | TIME: 22:05 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 25900
Saint Eligius (IRE) In good form this year, a second on the latest outing in a Class 3 Handicap at La Teste over 1600m on 3 June. Honest performer who is hard to ignore. Marharry (FR) Recent success over 1600m at Compiegne in a Class 3 Handicap on 25 May. Capable of following up. Paintello (FR) Tad below-par last time over 1400m on 24 May, two solid efforts before that, with a win at ParisLongchamp on 5 April, and a second over the same track and trip in a Class 3 Handicap on 30 April. Player. Highbari (FR) Ran well to be third last time over 1800m in a Class 3 Handicap on 15 June. Ought to be involved in the shake-up.
RACE 5: GRAND PRIX DE SAINT-CLOUD – WORLD POOL BY PMU STAKES (GROUP 1) (4YO+) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 5) – 2400M | TIME: 22:40 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 400000
Calandagan (IRE) Top-class performer who can be forgiven for his latest start at Epsom in very soft ground in the Coronation Stakes (Group 1) over 2400m in early June. Five-time Group 1 winner before that run, including this race last year. Sets the standard. Aventure (IRE) Good win over 2000m at ParisLongchamp in the Prix Corrida (Group 2) on 24 May. Group 1 winner last year in the Prix Vermeille in September and is hard to rule out. Leffard (FR) Two decent second-place runs this year, the latter over 1850m in the Prix Aga Khan IV Prix D’Ispahan (Group 1) on 21 May. Classy operator who cannot be discounted. Cualificar Finished third on the last run in the Grand Prix De Chantilly (Group 2) over 2400m on 31 May. One to consider strongly.
RACE 6: PRIX DES RESERVOIRS DE L’AVRE – WORLD POOL BY PMU HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 6) – 1400M | TIME: 23:20 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 21100
Lightning Raid Got off the mark over 1400m in a Class 3 Handicap at this track when last seen on 29 May. Capable of making an impact. Placeholder (IRE) Ran well to be fourth last time over 1600m at ParisLongchamp in a Class 3 Handicap on 4 June. Live chance. Goldfield (FR) Recent success over 1500m at Deauville in a Class 4 on the PSF on 26 June. Can be effective back on turf with two nice placed runs. Atlantic Ways (IRE) Two nice placed runs recently, fourth on the latter over 1400m at Lyon Parilly in a Class 4 Handicap on 21 June. Can make the frame.RACE 7: PRIX DU JARDIN DE L’AVRE – WORLD POOL BY PMU HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 7) – 1400M | TIME: 00:00 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 19200
Umami (FR) Has produced two solid performances on her last two starts, the latter when second in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at ParisLongchamp on 18 June. A leading contender.. Elenka (FR) Two nice fourth-place runs of late, the most recent over 1400m at Deauville in a Class 3 Handicap on 26 June. Among the leading contenders. Boavista (IRE) Fair sixth over 1400m in a Class 4 at ParisLongchamp on her last appearance on 21 May. One to keep onside on a track she seems to like. Light Wakeup Placed third over 1600m at Chantilly in a Class 3 Handicap on 24 June last time out. Warrants close attention each-way.
RACE 8: PRIX DE L’AQUEDUC DE L’AVRE HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 8) – 1400M | TIME: 00:35 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 14400
Jiji My Love (FR) Very consistent of late and was runner-up in a Handicap over this track and trip on 29 May. Can go one better this time. El Professor Chop (FR) Returned to form and finished third in a Handicap at Lyon-Parilly over 1400m on 21 June. Can get involved with the finish once again. Zippere (FR) Showed some improvement when third in a Handicap over this course and distance on 29 May. Can be a threat to these rivals. Hur Cat (FR) Reliable and was eighth in a Handicap at ParisLongchamp over this distance on 18 June. Capable of making the frame.
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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: TURFFONTEIN STANDSIDE@2026.07.05Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1160m, Turf, R75.000, 11:35GMT+2Race Summary: WINIKA and STAR MAGNOLIA have the form and experience to be competitive and will likely fight out the finish with a repeat of their career-best last starts. IRISH WILMA and WHAT NOW MY LOVE are open to improvement and could get into the picture. Newcomer BLUE STORM RUNNER is worth a market check and won’t need to be special to make her presence felt on debut. Watch the betting!Selections: #7 Star Magnolia, #1 Winika, #8 What Now My Love, #4 Blue Storm RunnerTurffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R150.000, 12:05GMT+2Race Summary: ENFLAME made no impression last time in a KZN feature but will be a different proposition back on the Highveld. He is course-and-distance suited and the best-weighted runner in the race. Stablemate ETHICAL returns from a layoff but is a maturing stayer with scope to improve on her reappearance. BREEZE OVER and MO MENT get the trip well and are weighted to be competitive but both are out of sorts. EUPHRATES has no stamina doubts but his better form has come at a lower level. KUDZU and DECEPTION PASS are unexposed over this distance but have earning potential.Selections: #1 Enflame, #7 Ethical, #2 Breeze Over, #5 Deception PassTurffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R120.000, 12:40GMT+2Race Summary: SECRET FATE was outrun late when a game-in-defeat 3rd over track and trip recently. She’s 3kg better off with QUEEN LEILA so is weighted to turn the tables on her last-start conqueror who will likely remain competitive under top weight. WITHIN REACH was a fast-finishing 2nd over this trip when last seen, conceding 3kg to the winner who has won both subsequent starts. She resumes from a break and should make her presence felt with improvement expected on her reappearance. Recent maiden winner IMPRESSIVE and well-related likely improver BELLFLOWER also have the means to get involved.Selections: #3 Secret Fate, #1 Queen Leila, #4 Within Reach, #2 ImpressiveTurffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R140.000, 13:15GMT+2Race Summary: SPIRIT OF GABZ has improved in two recent Highveld outings around the bend, the latest in a minor feature over course and distance. He should play a leading role with a repeat of that performance. Maidens EXPERT WITNESS, RAFE’S ORACLE and SNOWBLADE are closely matched on the form of their 1600m meeting on the Inside track last month. They should improve to be competitive in receipt of 3kg from the selection. Well-bred newcomer HARTREE is worth a market check on debut and recently gelded DEAR DOC is another to keep an eye on.Selections: #3 Spirit Of Gabz, #5 Expert Witness, #8 Rafe’s Oracle, #9 SnowbladeTurffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1160m, Turf, R115.000, 13:50GMT+2Race Summary: Hard race to assess but the value could lie with WHATSDAMATTERWITHU on his reappearance after a break. Soundly beaten in his 3 starts, he bumped highly rated multiple winners on each occasion and is open to any amount of improvement after a subsequent gelding operation. WISH YOU WERE HERE and CAMPO FORMIO have the benefit of experience that should stand them in good stead against several unraced rivals. GLASTONBURY FIRE and PARISIENNE QUEEN warrant respect on debut, as do 2yo newcomers POLE POSITION and SPICY PLUM. Follow the betting market for clues!Selections: #10 Whatsdamatterwithu, #7 Pole Position, #9 Spicy Plum, #2 Glastonbury FireTurffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R150.000, 14:25GMT+2Race Summary: THE EQUATOR made an encouraging return to form last time in his first start for this stable behind a Durban July contender in a course-and-distance Grade 3 event. He will have tightened up with the run and is weighted to fight out the finish. WILD INTENT is out of sorts and held on that form but has the means to pose a threat, as does distance-suited KING’S EXPRESS who gets 7.5kg from the selection. DON’T CRY FOR ME and FIRE ‘N FLAMES will appreciate stretching out to this trip so can’t be ignored.Selections: #1 The Equator, #2 Wild Intent, #3 King’s Express, #5 Fire ‘N FlamesTurffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R250.000, 15:00GMT+2Race Summary: ERROL FLYNN is unbeaten in 2 starts with blinkers fitted. He hit the line strongly when winning over 1600m last time and will be hard to beat over this extended trip on the evidence of that performance. COPPER EAGLE was a fast-finishing 2nd in a course-and-distance Grade 3 last time (conceding weight to the 5yo winner who runs in the Durban July) and will play another leading role with if reproducing a similar effort. GOT THE FEELING is held on from and at the weights by the selection but has earning potential. CHRONICLE KING and GOLDEN OPERATOR are untried over 1800m but warrant respect too.Selections: #3 Errol Flynn, #2 Copper Eagle, #1 Chronicle King, #4 Golden OperatorTurffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1160m, Turf, R150.000, 15:35GMT+2Race Summary: TAXI TO THE MOON, prolific after gelding, produced another career-best effort to win a KZN Grade 2 last time. He carries a 3-point penalty for that victory but is weighted to remain competitive, even with 62kg on his back. Fillies ALMOND SEA and ONE FINE WINTER are the joint best-weighted runners in the race so have to be respected, though a bigger threat may come from hat-trick seeking 3yo AFRICAN PRIDE who is at the top of his game and open to further improvement in his peak outing. ZALATORIS, CHARMING CHEETAH, CHAPBOOK and SLINKY MAPIMPI are useful sprinters so aren’t taken lightly either.Selections: #1 Taxi To The Moon, #4 African Pride, #2 Almond Sea, #6 Charming CheetahTurffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 9, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R130.000, 16:10GMT+2Race Summary: MASTER CHRISTMAS bounced back to form last time in a stronger race over this distance so a repeat of that performance off an unchanged mark could suffice. Maturing WARNING SOUND, consistent 3yo KENSAL GREEN and versatile CHESTNUT BOMBER are up in the ratings after encouraging last starts but should remain competitive. DANTONFROMSANDTON, ENSUING and FOSTINOVO may have more of a place chance than a winning one.Selections: #3 Master Christmas, #4 Warning Sound, #6 Kensal Green, #7 Chestnut BomberTurffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 10, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R115.000, 16:45GMT+2Race Summary: WAR REPORTER has gone from strength to strength this year after an 8-month absence, winning two of his three comeback appearances. As a lightly raced 4yo, he remains open to improvement and is probably better than rated so it could pay to follow his progress. Stablemates PRINCESS KEIRA, TOP SHELF TEDDY and UTSAAH have the form and experience at this level to be competitive. SKY PILOT hit the front 400m out on his handicap debut but was outrun late over 1700m so this shorter trip could be more to his liking. SUNSET WARRIOR, MILLENNIUM WARRIOR and returning HARUN AL RASHID can also get a look in.Selections: #3 War Reporter, #5 Sky Pilot, #2 Top Shelf Teddy, #9 Sunset WarriorBest Win: #1 ENFLAMEBest Value Bet: #10 WHATSDAMATTERWITHUBest Longshot: #10 WHATSDAMATTERWITHU
Zac LLoyd Chad Schofield Mark Du Plessis
Chad Schofield (son of former South African gun Glyn) returns with the ride on King Pelles, while Mark Du Plessis partners I Salute You. Along with Lloyd, they bring a strong southern African connection back into the Durban July spotlight. Schofield, the son of former top South African rider Glyn Schofield, has built an international career across Australia and Hong Kong, while Du Plessis has long been associated with racing across Zimbabwe, New Zealand and the wider region.
Their presence gives this year’s Durban July a global feel and a reminder that South African racing still has a pull far beyond its borders.
The Star Major scratching also brings Choisaanada into play. He was unlucky to miss the original field and now gets his chance after coming in as first emergency. His recent form is strong enough to make him more than just a late replacement, having won two starts back at Turffontein before finishing second to Fire Attack over 2000 metres. He brings tactical speed, race fitness and a genuine point to prove.
That is what makes this year’s Durban July so intriguing. Without Star Major, there is no obvious standout. Wish List has the winning form and upside. Note To Self has the consistency and the right rider. Regulation has the draw, the weight and the chance to bounce back. Choisaanada adds a wildcard element after gaining a late start.
The Durban July is rarely won by the horse with the simplest story. It is won by the horse who can handle the pressure, absorb the tempo and still find something up the Greyville straight.
This year, after the scratching of the favourite, the door is wide open.
And for Wish List, Note To Self and Regulation, the timing may be perfect.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
