Japan has spent decades trying to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This year, its challenge includes a rider who already knows how to win it.

Cristian Demuro will partner Admire Terra in the Group 1 contest over 2400m at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, October 4. The Italian jockey has won the Arc twice, aboard Sottsass in 2020 and Ace Impact in 2023, and took his first ride on the Japanese contender during a racecourse gallop on Tuesday.

Admire Terra covered around a mile in the workout and quickened along the home straight. Demuro was pleased with how the five-year-old balanced himself around ParisLongchamp, an encouraging first look at a course that can be demanding for visiting horses. A gallop cannot settle the question of how he will perform in the Arc, but it gave horse and rider a chance to learn about each other before race day.

Trained by Yasuo Tomomichi, Admire Terra brings proven stamina to France. The son of Rey de Oro won the Group 2 Hanshin Daishoten over 3000m in March and finished a close third in the Group 1 Tenno Sho (Spring) over 3200m in May. His most recent run, a ninth in the Sapporo Kinen over 2000m in August, leaves him with form to improve upon. The Arc’s longer trip may offer a better test of his strengths.

Demuro’s booking gives the Japanese team valuable local experience. He is the reigning French champion jockey and has handled two very different Arc winners: Sottsass prevailed on testing ground, while Ace Impact produced a powerful late run in 2023. His knowledge of ParisLongchamp could matter as much as Tuesday’s positive workout once the draw, pace and ground come into play.

Japan has come agonisingly close before. El Condor Pasa finished second in 1999, Nakayama Festa repeated that placing in 2010, and Orfevre was runner-up in both 2012 and 2013. Those four near misses have kept the country’s pursuit of the Arc alive, even as its horses have won major races across the rest of the world.

Admire Terra is not Japan’s only hope this year. Meisho Tabaru also galloped at ParisLongchamp on Tuesday and is set to be ridden by Yutaka Take. The pair give Japan two contrasting chances, with Admire Terra’s stamina and Demuro’s course knowledge at the heart of one campaign.

There is still much to prove against Europe’s leading middle-distance horses. Yet Admire Terra has now seen the track, his rider likes how he handled it, and the team can turn its attention to the final stages of preparation. For Japan, the aim remains the same: to turn years of near misses into a first Arc victory. By Scott Bailey

Newmarket’s Group 1 Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes (1200m) on Saturday, September 26, brings together several of the season’s leading juvenile colts, with Great Barrier Reef looking to return to winning form after his first defeat. Aidan O’Brien’s colt won his first three starts, including the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, before being caught late by Push The Boat Out in the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh. The margin was only a neck, and the pair could meet again on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile. Push The Boat Out has made rapid progress for Michael O’Callaghan. He won on debut at the Curragh and stepped straight into Group company to beat a proven Royal Ascot winner. Saturday would be his first attempt at Group 1 level, with another victory confirming him among the best sprinting colts of his generation. O’Brien also has Marco Polo, Confucius, Man’s Best Friend and Carry The Flag among his options. Carry The Flag ran a much better race when second in the Prix Morny at Deauville, while Great Barrier Reef gives the Ballydoyle team an established six-furlong performer at the head of its challenge. His son Joseph has left Folsom Blues in the race after the colt swept clear to win the Group 1 National Stakes over seven furlongs at the Curragh. Whether he returns to six furlongs is still uncertain, with the Dewhurst Stakes over seven furlongs also under consideration. His decision could have a major bearing on the strength of Saturday’s field. The home challenge includes the unbeaten Inner City Blues, who has not raced since winning the July Stakes at Newmarket. Charlie Appleby has given the colt time between races and will now test him against deeper opposition on the Rowley Mile. Orthodox also returns with something to prove. Clive Cox’s colt produced a striking performance to win the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot but finished sixth on testing ground in the Prix Morny. A sounder surface at Newmarket could give him the chance to show that Ascot form again. Force Noir is a further contender after Amo Racing paid a £20,000 supplementary fee to add him to the race. Trained by Robson de Aguiar, he won at Dundalk last week, although this represents a substantial rise in class. The final declarations will establish which of the remaining colts take their place. First run in 1866, the Middle Park Stakes remains one of Britain’s major tests of two-year-old speed. Recent winners include Vandeek in 2023, Shadow Of Light in 2024 and Wise Approach last year. Its position alongside the Cheveley Park Stakes on the final day of Newmarket’s Cambridgeshire meeting gives racing fans two Group 1 contests over the same straight six furlongs. For Great Barrier Reef, Saturday offers a chance to answer his Curragh defeat. For Push The Boat Out, it is an opportunity to show that result was the start of something bigger. And if Folsom Blues joins them, the Middle Park could become one of the strongest juvenile races of the autumn. By Scott Bailey

The Group 1 Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday is shaping as a showdown between three of the season’s best two-year-old fillies. Senorita Bonita, Sun Goddess and Libertango are among eight fillies confirmed for the £275,000 race. Their form is closely linked, but each has added a significant victory since they last met. Senorita Bonita has won three of four starts for Simon and Ed Crisford. After finishing behind Victorious in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot, she beat Libertango in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes on Newmarket’s July Course. She then defeated the colts in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville. Sun Goddess was beaten by Libertango in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot but has won her four subsequent races for Aidan O’Brien. Her rise includes Group 1 victories in the Phoenix Stakes and Moyglare Stud Stakes, as well as a runaway success in a valuable sales race at York. Libertango arrives with unfinished business against both rivals. George Boughey’s filly beat Sun Goddess in the Albany before finding Senorita Bonita too strong at Newmarket. She returned to winning form in the Lowther Stakes at York and now seeks her first Group 1 victory. Joseph O’Brien could have two runners capable of troubling the leading trio. Star Of State was second to Libertango in the Lowther before winning a valuable prize over Irish Champions Weekend, while Alwaysanangel finished third in the Duchess of Cambridge and has since won at Listed level. Snowing, Moonrise and Controlla complete the field at the confirmation stage. Run over six furlongs down Newmarket’s Rowley Mile straight, the Cheveley Park Stakes has been part of the racing calendar since 1899, when Lutetia won its first running. It is restricted to two-year-old fillies and shares the final day of the Cambridgeshire meeting with the Middle Park Stakes, the Group 1 sprint for juvenile colts. The race takes its name from the nearby Cheveley Park estate, home to the renowned stud. Its roll of honour shows how much a victory here can mean beyond a filly’s first season. Pretty Polly won in 1903 before becoming one of racing’s great champions. Special Duty went on to win both the English and French 1000 Guineas, while Alcohol Free followed her 2020 Cheveley Park victory with success in the Coronation Stakes. More recently, Lake Victoria added the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and Irish 1000 Guineas to a career that included her 2024 Newmarket win. Last year’s winner, True Love, beat Havana Anna and Royal Fixation before returning to the Rowley Mile to win the 2026 1000 Guineas. Aidan O’Brien has trained a record six Cheveley Park winners, all within the last ten editions. Sun Goddess can give him a seventh on Saturday, though Senorita Bonita and Libertango bring strong claims of their own. Their earlier meetings have produced two different winners; Newmarket now offers the chance for one filly to take command of the division. By Scott Bailey

Michael Roberts will have bigger fish to fry with Viking Leader as the season progresses, but he can make his seasonal debut a winning one when he lines up in the Middle Stakes, which kicks off the Pick 6 on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening. Viking Leader surprised in the Gr3 Gatecrasher Stakes, starting at 40-1 and beating subsequent Gr1 runner-up Kazenoyoni. Although he has not raced since June, Roberts has booked 2.5kg-claiming apprentice Divesh Ramkhalawon and the gelding is the class act. Kelin Karoo has been consistent since arriving in KZN and should be competitive, while Nordic Chief is suited by the course and distance. Claw has been improving and was narrowly beaten last time. The fourth race is a competitive handicap. Banff has not been far back in two starts for his new stable and now takes on slightly weaker opposition. Best Of All is better than his latest effort and remains lightly raced, while Magic Surprise was finishing strongly last time and gets the best of the draw. Mpaka is in excellent form and has won over course and distance, although he is rising in the handicap. In the opener, One Pepper was scratched last Monday after a rain-interrupted preparation. He was unlucky last time and can make amends. Major League improved with his second run and should benefit from the extra distance. Good Omen is struggling to win his maiden but remains competitive and could finally get his chance with a claiming apprentice aboard. In the first Pick 6 leg, Blue Lagoon made a promising local debut over a shorter trip and has solid Cape form. Greek Heritage won well second time out and looks progressive, while Thought Control bids for a hat-trick despite a five-point handicap rise. The 4kg claim of Elrico Sesingi could help. Show Girl, lightly raced and with two runs back from a break, is another for the exotics. The fifth is another tricky handicap. Red Dawn makes his local debut with useful Cape form and could be well handicapped with the blinkers back on. Twocantango should appreciate returning to the turf, while Heaven’s Will has a light weight and a favourable draw. The sixth is wide open. Rahhabba has been consistent in KZN and has won over this distance. Kubu was close behind her when they last met and should be competitive again. Miss Twinkle and Swiatek also warrant inclusion. In the seventh, Next Of Kin won well over course and distance last time and has only a five-point rise. Red Mountain is improving, while front-runner Gardener’s Pride could be dangerous if allowed to dictate. Finally, Tunguska can follow up despite the wide draw. Day Two has been in good form and was close to Tunguska over this course and distance previously. No Pressure has won his last two on the poly but faces a handicap rise. Mike’s Mazarin could improve over the longer trip.

Bay City Roller remains on course for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but trainer George Scott is prepared to switch to the Champion Stakes at Ascot if conditions at ParisLongchamp do not suit.

The four-year-old has established himself among Europe’s leading middle-distance horses. A Group 1 winner in Germany last year, he added the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June with a decisive performance on soft ground. He was last seen finishing second to defending Arc champion Daryz in the Prix Foy.

Scott’s first choice is a return to Paris for the Arc on October 4, where Bay City Roller could meet Daryz again. The decision will rest on the weather. Scott wants ground softened by rain and is reluctant to run if the course needs watering.

A move to the Champion Stakes on October 17 would give Bay City Roller another major autumn target, with the Breeders’ Cup also under consideration. Scott has left open the possibility of running at both ParisLongchamp and Ascot if conditions allow, pointing to the horse’s ability to handle a busy campaign last season.

Bay City Roller could lead a sizeable Scott team at the Arc meeting. Caballo De Mar is being aimed at the Prix du Cadran, while Wimbledon Hawkeye is set for the Prix Dollar. Ridari has the Prix Daniel Wildenstein and Prix Dollar among his options.

Commander’s Intent and Command The Stars could contest handicaps across the two days. Rain would also bring the Prix de l’Abbaye into play for Poatan and the Prix de la Forêt for Forty Years On, although Ascot may prove the more suitable destination for both.

For Bay City Roller, the priority is clear: Scott is ready for another crack at Daryz, provided Paris delivers the ground his horse needs. By Scott Bailey

Ombudsman could return to Ascot for the Group 1 Qatar Racing Champion Stakes (2000m) on Saturday, October 17, with a trip to the United States also under consideration before the season is out.

The Godolphin-owned five-year-old has been one of the standout middle-distance performers of 2026. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, he won the Dubai Turf at Meydan in March before producing a four-length victory in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. He sits second in the latest Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings on 131, behind Hong Kong sprinter Ka Ying Rising on 135.

His most recent run was less convincing. Sent off the 5/6 favourite to defend his Juddmonte International Stakes title at York, Ombudsman finished fourth behind Item. His connections felt the rain-affected ground worked against him, making conditions the key factor in choosing his next race.

Ascot is back in the picture after John Gosden reported that Ombudsman is in good form. If the ground remains suitable, the Champion Stakes would give him another chance to show his best over 2000m. It could also set up a rematch with Calandagan, who finished ahead of him in last year’s race, although both horses’ participation will depend on conditions.

The Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland on October 31 is another option. That would take Ombudsman up to 2400m for his first start in the United States. With only two weeks between the Ascot and Keeneland meetings, the Gosdens will have to weigh up whether to target both races or head straight to America if autumn rain rules out Ascot.

For now, the weather holds the answer. A suitable surface could bring Ombudsman back before British racing fans on Champions Day; a wet October could send him across the Atlantic for his next start. By Scott Bailey

A C Stakes over 1000m heads a low-key meeting on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Thursday, the start of a long weekend. The tricky seven-horse contest could go the way of progressive three-year-old Bison Warrior, who takes on older rivals. Wendy Whitehead has three runners in the race, with Bison Warrior possibly the pick. He won his maiden impressively on his poly debut before a rest. He started at long odds on his comeback and may have needed the run, but looks progressive and could prove too strong. B Fifty Two has improved since Kom Naidoo fitted him with blinkers and is unbeaten in two starts. He steps up in class but can go for a hat-trick. Veteran Chara Sands returns to his preferred poly surface despite winning last time on turf. The widest draw is a concern, but he can feature. Ruby Rising has patchy form but enjoys the course and distance and can be dangerous on her day. The opener is a small field but not an easy race. Future Prospect has been knocking at the door and can finally prevail. He stays the trip and should be involved. Indignation tries the distance for the first time but has been improving as she steps up in trip. America First is another taking on more ground and has shown steady improvement. The second is a modest Apprentice Handicap. The Wolf carries top weight but goes well on the poly and should appreciate the extra distance. Ragnar The King has improved in his last two and drops in class, giving him a strong chance. Vencedor has posted two smart turf runs recently, has also done well on the poly and gets a useful claimer. Treasure Island can get the Pick 6 off to a winning start. Mike Miller’s runner is overdue and gets first-time blinkers. Heavenly Mafia is the main danger after solid recent form over the distance on turf, while Red Coral has useful poly form, is distance suited and gets De Melo aboard. Peace Rose showed promise on her return and won her maiden on the poly. The fourth is an open handicap. Hearts On Fire improved last time and has the best draw. Shesha Ntombi is better than her latest effort and gets cheek pieces for the first time. One Path has improved in pacifiers and was narrowly beaten over this course and distance. Praise De La Rey has consistent recent form and enjoys the poly. Cape form can often be stronger than local form, making Scandalize interesting on her local debut. Your Ladyship won well last time and has good course-and-distance form. Mystique Rouge may have found her latest trip short and can improve back over this distance. The seventh is small but wide open. Izibulo, Royal Crest, Qhawekazi and Come Together all have claims, with the latter two having winning course-and-distance form. In the last, Mustang Highway ran a cracker from a tough draw and should go forward again with first-time blinkers. Royal Jacket is a long-time maiden but has been knocking. Etzebeth and Mastercrafter are worth watching in the betting.

Race Coast and 4Racing have announced a series of changes aimed at creating greater consistency across South African racing, with the new measures taking effect from 1 November 2026.

The reforms include the standardisation of race conditions, elimination procedures, race cancellation criteria and stakes reductions for smaller fields. Supplementary entries will also be introduced in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape for minor races.

Another key change will see saddle-cloth numbers aligned with barrier positions across all racing centres. Runners will therefore be carded according to their draws rather than by weight or alphabetical order, making racecards easier to follow for both local and international audiences.

The operators said the changes are designed to simplify racing procedures, encourage movement of horses between regions and create a more consistent national racing product.

The announcement also comes alongside increased stakes investment. Race Coast has lifted its combined Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal stakes commitment to R270 million, up 20% year-on-year, while 4Racing has announced an additional R22 million for the Eastern Cape and Highveld regions.

The changes mark a significant step towards greater cooperation and alignment within South African racing.

Europe’s finest middle-distance horses are preparing to descend on ParisLongchamp for the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) on Sunday, October 4. With less than two weeks remaining, the field is beginning to take shape following the completion of the major trials in France, Britain and Ireland. Defending champion Daryz remains the horse they all have to beat after strengthening his position at the head of the market with an authoritative victory in the Group 2 Prix Foy (2400m). Last year’s Arc winner returned to ParisLongchamp following a disappointing performance behind Ombudsman in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. Back on familiar ground, Daryz looked far more comfortable. Mickael Barzalona settled the four-year-old behind the leader before moving smoothly into contention and taking control inside the final stages. The victory continued his unbeaten record in France this season, following earlier successes in the Prix Ganay and Prix Aga Khan IV. His defeat at Ascot remains the one significant blemish on his campaign, but proven ability over the Arc course and distance is difficult to overlook. Attempting to win Europe’s greatest race in successive years presents another challenge, but Daryz will return to ParisLongchamp as the horse carrying the strongest credentials. Britain’s most prominent three-year-old contender is likely to be Maltese Cross, who has continued to progress since finishing second behind Christmas Day in the Epsom Derby. The William Haggas-trained colt subsequently captured the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris (2400m) at ParisLongchamp before confirming his improvement in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes (2400m) at York.

Connections resisted the temptation to stretch him out over the longer distance of the St Leger Stakes, instead keeping the Arc as his primary objective. That decision could prove significant. Maltese Cross has already demonstrated that he handles ParisLongchamp and possesses the stamina required for 2400 metres. As a three-year-old, he will also receive weight from the older horses. His lack of experience against established older champions is the obvious question, but his progressive profile makes him one of the most dangerous runners in the field. Few horses have assembled a stronger body of form this season than Kalpana. Andrew Balding’s mare defeated Calandagan in the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2400m) at Ascot before adding the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks (2400m) at York. Her Yorkshire Oaks victory was far less comfortable, with outsider Sparan Nua reducing the margin to a short head. However, the race developed unusually after a runaway leader opened a substantial advantage. Kalpana was forced to begin her challenge earlier than ideal and was left vulnerable inside the closing stages.

She nevertheless found enough to hold on and secure another Group 1 success. A previous attempt at the Arc ended with Kalpana finishing seventh after being dealt a difficult wide barrier. She returns as a stronger and more accomplished mare, with victories over some of Europe’s best middle-distance horses. Her ability to handle rain-affected ground could also prove valuable if Paris receives its traditional autumn weather. The three-year-old fillies receive an important weight allowance in the Arc, bringing Thundering On firmly into contention. Joseph O’Brien’s filly produced one of the standout performances of the British Classic season when powering clear in the Group 1 Oaks (2400m) at Epsom. She subsequently disappointed when fourth in the Pretty Polly Stakes, but it was later reported that she had been coughing after the race. Following a short break, Thundering On returned to winning form in the Group 2 Blandford Stakes (2000m) at the Curragh on September 13. That victory demonstrated her wellbeing, although she will now be asked to step back up to 2400 metres against a significantly stronger field. Her Epsom performance showed that she possesses both the stamina and acceleration required for the Arc. The question is whether she can reproduce that form against older horses on one of racing’s biggest stages. The French three-year-old challenge gained further strength when Varandir captured the Group 2 Prix Niel (2400m) on Arc Trials Day. The Aga Khan-owned colt came from off a strong pace to defeat Alam by a length and a quarter, earning an automatic place in the Arc. The Prix Niel has traditionally been one of the major trials for three-year-olds, although its recent record of producing the Arc winner has been mixed. Varandir must improve again to trouble the leading contenders, but he will arrive as a progressive colt with winning form over the course and distance. Those qualities make him difficult to dismiss, particularly if the ground becomes testing. Another major development from Arc Trials Day was the performance of Friendly Soul in the Group 1 Prix Vermeille (2400m). James Doyle controlled the race from the front before the John and Thady Gosden-trained mare held off Pink Panthera in a new race-record time. The victory answered previous questions about her ability to stay 2400 metres and secured the second Group 1 success of her career.

Connections paid a substantial supplementary fee to contest the Prix Vermeille and were rewarded with an automatic Arc invitation. Whether Friendly Soul takes her place remains subject to final confirmation, but her ability to race prominently could make her particularly dangerous if the Arc develops into a tactical contest. Aidan O’Brien’s Arc team remains one of the biggest uncertainties heading towards final declarations. Constitution River looked like a leading contender after winning the Prix du Jockey Club and Eclipse Stakes, but his subsequent performances have raised questions. He was beaten at York before finishing third as the favourite in the Irish Champion Stakes, weakening late after racing prominently. O’Brien later revealed that a low-grade infection had affected horses across the Ballydoyle stable for several weeks. That creates further uncertainty over which runners will travel to Paris and whether they can reproduce their best form. Last year’s Arc runner-up Minnie Hauk also remains in contention. She was denied by only a head by Daryz in the 2025 Arc but has struggled to rediscover that level this season. A return to 2400 metres should suit, although she must improve considerably on her recent performances. Unbeaten filly Diamond Necklace is another fascinating possibility following her impressive victory in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. Her acceleration is unquestioned, but she has yet to race over 2400 metres. Connections must decide whether to test her stamina in the Arc or remain at shorter distances. The final field will not become clear until connections confirm their plans and the supplementary-entry stage is completed. The barrier draw and weather forecast will also have a significant influence on the market. A wide starting position can be costly at ParisLongchamp, while soft or heavy ground would bring proven stayers into contention and potentially complicate the challenge of any international runners. For now, Daryz remains the standard bearer after delivering exactly what was required in the Prix Foy. Maltese Cross brings a progressive three-year-old profile, Kalpana owns some of the strongest Group 1 form in the field and Thundering On will receive a valuable weight allowance. Meanwhile, Varandir and Friendly Soul emerged from Arc Trials Day as genuine contenders. Plenty can still change before October 4, but the defending champion has already issued the clearest warning. The road to Paris once again runs through Daryz. By Scott Bailey

Somehow, Captains Alliance is a one-time winner, despite teasing his connections that another victory is around the corner. He has kept them waiting since June 2025, but every other factor favours him in race 7 over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Wednesday. His consistency and near misses make it difficult for the handicapper to drop his rating. He has finished second in his last two starts and meets both horses who beat him. He was 0,5 lengths behind Bourbon King over this course and distance and is now 2kg better off. He was also 1,75 lengths behind Diamond Rock last time and is 2,5kg better off. He beat Yamazaki and Captain’s Ransom in both races. Sean Veale rides for Vaughan Marshall, with both jockey and trainer among the recent winners. Signor Dante deserves respect on foreign form. James Crawford returns with runners for the first time since 22 August, and Signor Dante has shown solid form. He finished third behind subsequent winner Miami Summer last time, with Callan Murray aboard. Bourbon King and Diamond Rock are place-money contenders, but both may need Captains Alliance to underperform. Captain’s Elect could prove hard to beat in race 1 over 1250m. Drawn No 1, she has Muzi Yeni aboard for Andre Nel. After a fair debut fifth behind World Of Secrets, she improved to finish second, 1,5 lengths behind Red Flag over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. African Kingfisher, racing in race 2 over 1250m, comes from the Red Flag formline after finishing fifth on debut. Trainer Justin Snaith has spoken positively about the imported daughter of Kingman, and she has scope for improvement. Keagan de Melo rides. Race 3 looks stronger. Gimmethejackhammer showed plenty on debut when fifth behind Ulez Camera despite racing without cover from draw No 10. He should improve with experience and could pay to follow. Time Of Our Lives, drawn No 11, has finished second in both starts and is the main danger. Big City Roller has also finished second twice and gets another chance in race 4 over 1250m. His turn of foot is encouraging, although inexperience may have cost him. Craig Zackey rides for Dean Kannemeyer. Final Call, partnered by apprentice Sifiso Bungane in race 5, appears to have found consistency and faces a relatively shallow field. Boozy Suzie returns in race 6 over 1600m after winning over the same course and distance last time. She beat Amayah by a length and is now 1,5kg worse off, but may have won more comfortably than the margin suggests. Veale rides. In race 8, Balzi Rossi looks overdue after showing renewed form. He has won only once in 15 starts but has hinted that another victory is close. Kabelo Matsunyane rides for Marshall. Scottish Links, Prince Of Tibet, Devil A Saint, Meet The King and Havoc also warrant respect.

Bettors looking for an edge to the Tuesday 22 September nine-race Vaal meeting could do worse than keeping three jockeys firmly on the shortlist. Muzi Yeni, Kabelo Matsunyane and Gavin Lerena each have realistic opportunities to land doubles, and their mounts could prove pivotal to the day’s betting permutations. Yeni could strike first aboard Fanie Bronkhorst-trained Piteraq in Race 2 over 1200m. The four-year-old daughter of Hawwaam made an encouraging Highveld debut over 1000m, finishing strongly in her first start since relocating from James Crawford’s Cape Town base. The extra 200m looks well within her compass, and even modest improvement should put her firmly into the winning picture. She is taken to open her account and get Yeni’s day off to a flying start. Matsunyane could strike back in the next race aboard Tony Peter-trained Winter Rainfall over 1400m. The daughter of What A Winter has made two respectable appearances for the yard since leaving Candice Bass’ KZN satellite stable in mid-May. Her latest fourth in a minor feature over 1200m was more than respectable, and she now returns to peak fitness off a reduced mark. That makes the six-year-old mare the value play in a race where Matsunyane could make an early move. Yeni, though, has another strong chance in Race 4 when he partners three-year-old Be The One for Paul Matchett over 1600m. There is little convincing form to recommend in this maiden event, but the daughter of Futura brings a solid recent effort to the table after finishing second over 1450m on the Turffontein Inside track. The additional 150m in the opening leg of the Pick 6 should present no obstacle and Be The One does not need to improve to go one better. A double for Yeni looks firmly on the cards. Lerena’s first blow could come in Race 5 aboard One Eye On Dubai, a three-year-old Almanzor colt trained by Mike and Mathew de Kock. He confirmed the promise of his 1200m debut fourth by finishing second over 1700m at this venue just 12 days ago. The further 300m should bring another step forward, and with Lerena in the saddle, One Eye On Dubai has all the ingredients to go one better. Matsunyane’s second opportunity comes in Race 6 on Bellerophon, and this impressive last-start winner looks a compelling follow-up candidate over 2800m. The four-year-old Vercingetorix gelding was authoritative under 61kg last time and now carries just 51kg despite a five-point rise in the ratings. That looks unlikely to stop his momentum, particularly as he is unbeaten over this course and distance. Matsunyane could have another winner in the book. Lerena rounds off his strongest claims in Race 8 aboard Tony Peter-trained Vibe SA over 1200m. The six-year-old son of Just As Well boasts an appealing record over this course and distance, with two wins and two placings from five starts. He has maintained his consistency since scoring over 1160m on Turffontein’s Standside track four starts ago and remains capable of running a big race off his current mark.   Clive Robinson

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

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

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

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