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Sky Vino faces Class 2 challenge for Fownes at Sha Tin...

October 2, 2026

Caspar Fownes has made a strong start to the new season and the 2025/26 Hong Kong Champion Trainer is aiming to keep the ball rolling on Sunday (4 October) at Sha Tin. Fownes, now a five-time title winner in Hong Kong, has fired in five winners through the term’s first seven fixtures. The 59-year-old has trained in the city since 2003/04 after taking over from his late father Lawrie, winning 1,240 races and being renowned for handling Group 1 winners Lucky Nine, Southern Legend and The Duke, among others. “Five wins coming off a big season (69 wins) – I’m very happy with the stable, and we should be competitive again. We’ll certainly be putting up some good numbers – where it takes us, we don’t know, but we’ll certainly be having another crack at it,” Fownes said. The trainer’s quintet is bettered by Cody Mo (eight wins) and notorious quick-beginner Pierre Ng (eight), who top the table, while Manfred Man (seven) and David Hall (six) trail. Like Fownes, Danny Shum also has five wins. “We’ve restructured a bit and we have quite a few new horses in there. We had a few horses last year that were pretty immature; hopefully in their second prep they can improve and add some winners to the tally,” Fownes said. “It’s very competitive now – there are so many big stables and so many have full barns, but we’ll be doing our best.”

Fownes takes six runners to Sha Tin, spearheaded by Sky Vino (115lb) in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Muk Min Ha Handicap (1650m, dirt). The gelding rises in grade following a pair of course and distance wins last season.

The 79-rated five-year-old links with Alexis Badel and comes up against Chancheng Glory (135lb), Talents Ambition (128lb), Sing Dragon (127lb), Gorgeous Win (122lb), Awesome Fluke (120lb), Definitive (115lb) and Loch Tay (115lb). “It’s going to be a little bit rich for him running in Class 2, but he carries a nice light weight which gives him a chance to show something,” Fownes said. “There are a few really good dirt horses in the race that might be just a bit better than him. “He’s prepared well, he’s fit and he looks good. I’m happy with him and he’ll be racing consistently because he’s that type of horse – he doesn’t know how to run a bad race.” Alpha Strike (131lb) will attempt to secure consecutive victories for Fownes when the gelding carries an extra 11lb in the Class 3 Shing Mun Handicap (1000m).

Alpha Strike scores first-up for Caspar Fownes.

“It was a nice win. He kept running away from the outside rail, so hopefully that doesn’t happen. He’s up in weight, and Ellis (Wong) is suspended – Jimmy Orman will ride. He’s in good form and there’s no reason why he can’t be competitive again,” Fownes said. Hong Kong International Sale graduate Corleone (134lb) resumes in the Class 3 Shek Wai Kok Handicap (1650m, dirt) after an impressive three-win 2025/26 campaign. “Nice horse. He just trialled earlier in the week, and he’s probably got race-fitness to come. He will be improving off the run and hopefully he runs a nice race,” Fownes said. Fownes saddles Hymnbook (119lb) in the Class 3 Chinese Recreation Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1800m). Silver Spurs and Perfect Team also represent the trainer. Sunday’s (4 October) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Chai Wan Kok Handicap (1650m, dirt). By Declan Schuster

October 4 Selangor Preview By Mark Lydeamore

October 2, 2026

Peter, Matsunyane eye Spring Challenge double

October 2, 2026

The first Grade 2 doubleheader of the new Highveld season takes centre stage at Turffontein on Saturday 3 October, with the R550,000 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge and R450,000 Betway Joburg F&M Spring Challenge providing the feature-race fireworks over 1450m on the Inside track. Last year’s renewals produced a red-letter afternoon for Sean Tarry, who saddled both winners – Tin Pan Alley and Callmegetrix – and Tony Peter and jockey Kabelo Matsunyane have a realistic chance of matching that feat 12 months on. Peter-trained Main Defender has unfinished business in the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge. The 2023 winner returns bidding to reclaim his title in Race 7 and, despite gate No 12, looks attractively placed to do so. The six-year-old Pathfork gelding signalled a return to his best form when finishing a creditable third in the Grade 1 Champions Cup at the end of last season and reproducing that effort would put him right in the firing line to finally end a 553-day drought stretching back to his Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes success in March 2025. Matsunyane knows him well, and this looks a case of Main Defender’s class outweighing the draw. Stablemate Kisshoten could strike first for the Peter-Matsunyane partnership in Race 6, the fillies and mares’ equivalent. The versatile six-year-old Erupt mare finished second in the Grade 2 Gold Bracelet over 2000m at the end of last season after an excellent sixth in the Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes over 1600m on July day, where she was beaten just 3.95 lengths despite starting from the widest draw. Her earlier Standside victory over 1400m is the key pointer. The return to 1450m should present no problem after a 69-day break, and if she reproduces her best form, Kisshoten has every chance of delivering the first half of a Peter-Matsunyane feature double. With that in mind, the same combination could enjoy a Pick 3 beginning with One State in Race 5 over 1600m. This progressive son of One World has flourished since being gelded, following a 1700m maiden success by winning on his handicap debut over the same distance. There is little reason to believe his upward trajectory will be halted. For Pick 6 players, however, the biggest question may be where to find the banker. The R500,000 carryover and likely R3-million pool add serious spice to the nine-race programme, and one dependable anchor could make all the difference between a costly permutation and a potentially life-changing dividend. Enter Bisou Bisou. The Corne and Xander Spies-trained Querari gelding has the profile of the banker punters are looking for. A juvenile winner over 1000m and subsequent Grade 2 runner-up over 1200m, Bisou Bisou confirmed his promise by finishing a close-up third on his three-year-old return 21 days ago. He reappears in Race 8 off the same mark and returns to the scene of that encouraging comeback. With natural improvement expected from that outing, and Craig Zackey in the saddle, Bisou Bisou has plenty going for him. Clive Robinson

2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Preview

October 2, 2026

Consent Eyes Prix de Royallieu Repeat

October 1, 2026

Saturday’s Group 1 Prix de Royallieu (2800m) at ParisLongchamp will bring together a new contender and a returning champion, with Sunly switching from the Arc and Consent preparing to defend her crown. The €300,000 contest on Saturday, October 3, provides the leading fillies and mares with a staying test on the opening day of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend. Juddmonte has opted to keep Kalpana on course for Sunday’s Arc, leaving Sunly to tackle the longer distance of the Royallieu. Connections believe the daughter of Night Of Thunder will appreciate the additional 400m, giving her an opportunity to secure Group 1 success against her own sex. The decision also leaves Kalpana as Juddmonte’s sole Arc representative. The Andrew Balding-trained mare has earned her place with victories in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks this season, having finished seventh behind Daryz in last year’s Arc. For Consent, a return to ParisLongchamp could provide the ideal setting to finish her racing career. The Sir Mark Prescott-trained four-year-old defeated Santorini Star and Rabbit’s Foot in the 2025 Royallieu, a performance that encouraged connections to consider an Arc campaign this season. Those ambitions faded after an underwhelming return in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, but her subsequent efforts have offered more encouragement. An improved showing at Goodwood was followed by third place in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster, suggesting she is working her way back towards the form that delivered her biggest success. Ground conditions could be crucial. Consent is at her best with plenty of give underfoot, and connections will be hoping for rain before Saturday’s defence. A decision on her future has yet to be finalised, although a move to the broodmare paddocks is likely after this season. Another Royallieu victory would provide a fitting farewell. The Royallieu has developed into an important autumn target for fillies and mares, with its promotion to Group 1 and extension to 2800m in 2019 strengthening its place on Arc weekend. Anapurna, that year’s Epsom Oaks winner, claimed the first running under the new conditions. She was followed by Wonderful Tonight in 2020, Loving Dream in 2021 and Sea La Rosa in 2022. The race has also produced winners who went on to make their mark internationally. Daryakana won in 2009 before travelling to Hong Kong and defeating the males in the Hong Kong Vase. More recently, Grateful secured the 2024 renewal for Aidan O’Brien. A daughter of American champion Tepin, her success added another chapter to the legacy of a mare whose victories included the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. Now Sunly has the chance to add her name to that roll of honour, while Consent returns seeking a second victory on the stage that brought her finest moment. By Scott Bailey

Blue Bolt bids to extend phenomenal 2026 in Sun Chariot

October 1, 2026

Scandinavia Test In Prix de Cadran Showdown

October 1, 2026

Europe’s leading stayer Scandinavia could face defending champion Caballo De Mar in Saturday’s Group 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran (4000m) at ParisLongchamp, with the marathon shaping as a major attraction on the opening day of Arc weekend. Both feature among the 11 horses currently listed for the race on Saturday, October 3, alongside Queenstown, Double Major and French Master. Scandinavia heads the betting, although ground conditions remain important to his participation. A superb season has established Scandinavia as the horse to beat in the staying division. The Aidan O’Brien-trained four-year-old proved his stamina with victory in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and arrives following another Group 1 success in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh on September 13. That latest victory extended his winning sequence to eight, underlining the consistency that has accompanied his rise to the top. He defeated stablemate Queenstown, with Jan Brueghel completing a Ballydoyle sweep of the placings. The British Champions Long Distance Cup had been his expected next target, but suitable ground could bring him to Paris instead. Connections have indicated that a significant deterioration in conditions would make the Cadran less appealing. If he takes his chance, the return to 4000m gives him an opportunity to reproduce the stamina that carried him to Gold Cup glory. The strongest challenge outside Ballydoyle could come from Caballo De Mar, who returns to defend the title he won last autumn. The George Scott-trained five-year-old has already demonstrated his effectiveness at ParisLongchamp, adding the Group 1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier earlier this season to his 2025 Cadran success. Those victories give him a strong course record to bring into Saturday’s contest. His campaign has included setbacks, but he returned to winning form in the Doncaster Cup on September 11. Fitted with blinkers and a tongue-tie, Caballo De Mar travelled strongly under Oisin Murphy before defeating Beylerbeyi by just over a length. The performance restored momentum after disappointing efforts at Royal Ascot and York, setting him up for another attempt at the Cadran. Stablemate Queenstown provides O’Brien with another serious contender. The six-year-old finished third in last year’s Cadran and was runner-up to Scandinavia in the recent Irish St Leger. He brings experience of the distance and arrives with encouraging form following a winning seasonal return at the Curragh in August. Queenstown had initially been earmarked as Ballydoyle’s main representative in Paris and remains an important part of the challenge regardless of whether Scandinavia lines up. Among the French contenders, Double Major comes into the race after finishing second to Odemar in the Group 3 Prix Gladiateur (3100m) at ParisLongchamp on September 10. The Christophe Ferland-trained six-year-old finished strongly that day, offering encouragement ahead of the longer test. Saturday will demand another step forward against the leading visitors. French Master, trained by John and Thady Gosden, also remains in the current line-up, while Willie Mullins has Mr Hollywood engaged. The other listed contenders are Wintertraum, Waldadler, Anspruch, Emmeci and Sheema’s Rose, giving the race an international field for one of the toughest assignments of the weekend. For Scandinavia, the Cadran offers another opportunity to strengthen his standing as the season’s outstanding stayer. For Caballo De Mar, it is a return to the course where he has delivered two of his biggest victories and a chance to remind the new champion that this is familiar territory. By Scott Bailey

Smith is back in Cruise Control

October 1, 2026

Trainer Dean Smith has his runners in very good shape and star sprinter Cruise Control looks the right one in Race 7, the Betway Cradock Place Stakes over 1200m. The seven-year-old gelding won the first leg of the Nelson Mandela Bay Polytrack Challenge over 1200m a few weeks back but was a noticeable absentee from the second leg last Friday. Smith clearly felt the 1400m of that second leg would have stretched the Querari gelding, but it is worth noting Cruise Control has been impressive on the Polytrack. He is no slouch on the grass either and his record is very good. He has won 16 of his 34 starts, including nine of 23 on turf, and his course-and-distance record reads one win, one second and one third from just four races. Surprisingly, it is not stable jockey Craig Zackey aboard the gelding this time, with Callan Murray getting his first ride on him. Cruise Control is at level weights with three of his rivals, and it is only stable companion and Zackey-ridden Astronomical Boy to whom he has to give chunks of weight. That should make Cruise Control hard to beat. There are only seven runners carded for this, and he faces three possible dangers. Astronomical Boy showed talent but was unreliable when trained in the Western Cape and arrived at his current yard with a record of two wins from seven starts. The well-bred Gimmethegreenlight gelding won on his local debut. It was a narrow win, but he was well backed, and it is interesting to note that the runner-up that day, Kwagga Blitz, did win his next start. That win of his was over this course and distance, and the quicker they go, the more he will enjoy it, as he packs a strong late kick. Trainer Kelly Mitchley continues to have a steady stream of winners, and she has done a very good job with Anushka’s World. This gelding has won five of 31 starts, but his last two wins were this year and over this course and distance. Trainer Alan Greeff’s runners must always be considered at this track, and Fairy Knight gets to represent him under Richard Fourie. He has not been at his best of late but was still not far behind in those performances and is well suited to this track and trip. On the day, it will probably see some more winners for the Greeff-Fourie combination, as Kleinzee will be defending an unbeaten run of six starts for the yard in Race 5. All those wins for Greeff have been on the Polytrack, but she did win on the grass twice in the Western Cape, so she cannot be faulted on that ground. In the last race, it might be a Greeff 1-2 finish, as the bang-in-form Wild Fig may have to dig deep to fight off Silvan Mistress. Clive Robinson

Walker praying for rain for Almaqam’s Champion Stakes assignment

September 30, 2026

Boudot handed Arc ride on Thundering On

September 30, 2026

Three-time French champion won the race on Waldgeist in 2019.

Pierre-Charles Boudot has picked up the ride on Thundering On in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after Dylan Browne McMonagle failed to pass the doctors in time to return to the saddle for the ParisLongchamp spectacular. Boudot’s agent Herve Naggar confirmed to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast that the three-time French champion jockey who won the race on Waldgeist in 2019, beating Enable, has been snapped up by trainer Joseph O’Brien. “He is very excited. He loves the filly and she has everything to (run well). She looks a bit like Minnie Hauk last year and to ride the best three-year-old filly in an Arc with the weight advantage and being in good form is really exciting for him,” said Naggar. Thundering On, an impressive winner of the Oaks at Epsom on soft ground, disappointed in the Pretty Polly Stakes behind Estrange in June but returned to form on good ground over one mile two furlongs at the Curragh in the Group Two Blandford Stakes last time. It is generally felt she would be better suited with a rain-softened surface but it looks as though she will not get that on Sunday. “The forecast has been changing in the last few days,” said Naggar. “We are waiting for some rain tomorrow. I would say it is not going to be as fast as the day of the prep races but it is going to be French good ground.” Boudot looks set to have a decent weekend of rides and Naggar picked out Christopher Head’s unbeaten two-year-old Avec Toi in the Jean-Luc Lagardere and Pink Panthera in the Prix de l’Opera as two highlights. Naggar also represents Christophe Soumillon who has been booked for one of the Ballydoyle trio, Minnie Hauk, Benvenuto Cellini or Diamond Necklace depending on which way stable number one Ryan Moore elects to go. “We are waiting for Ryan to make a choice,” said Naggar. “He has ridden the three of them and won a Group One with Diamond Necklace so she is a princess for him and he is unbeaten with her,” said Naggar. “Minnie Hauk was beaten just a head in last year’s Arc. One of the two fillies would be his preference I would think.” By Press Association Sports

British Champions Day: Fifteen Years Of Stars, Shocks And Farewells

September 30, 2026

British Champions Day has become a fitting final act to the British Flat season. Stayers, sprinters, milers and middle-distance stars gather at Ascot in October, often with a championship still to settle or one last race to define a career. The meeting began in 2011. Some of its feature races are much older: the Champion Stakes was first run at Newmarket in 1877 before moving to Ascot as the centrepiece of the new fixture. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes also brought an established reputation to the card. Champions Day put those races alongside major contests for stayers, sprinters and fillies and mares on one afternoon. Frankel gives the meeting its defining moment The new fixture could hardly have asked for a better early ambassador. Frankel won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at the inaugural meeting in 2011, then returned a year later for the final start of his unbeaten career. Rain had softened the ground before the 2012 Champion Stakes, adding one last question for Sir Henry Cecil’s champion. Frankel answered it with his 14th victory from 14 starts, beating Cirrus des Aigles before an Ascot crowd that knew it was watching a farewell. There was a poignant sequel in 2014. Frankel’s younger brother Noble Mission, trained by Lady Jane Cecil after Sir Henry’s death, fought off Al Kazeem to win the Champion Stakes. Two brothers had now claimed the meeting’s main event, each with a different story attached to the victory. Champions keep returning A victory on Champions Day can settle an argument about a season. Winning there twice gives a horse a place of its own in the meeting’s history. Cracksman achieved that in the Champion Stakes in 2017 and 2018, both times with Frankie Dettori aboard for John Gosden. His commanding wins made him the first horse to retain the race since its move to Ascot. The staying races have produced their own enduring names. Stradivarius added the 2018 Long Distance Cup to a remarkable campaign, while Kyprios rounded off an unbeaten seven-race season by winning the same contest in 2024. Trawlerman had beaten Kyprios in a memorable 2023 finish and returned to win again in 2025, by which time the Long Distance Cup had been promoted to Group 1 status. The days that did not follow the script The promise of a champion does not guarantee a coronation. Baaeed arrived for the 2022 Champion Stakes unbeaten and expected to finish his career with another victory. Instead, Bay Bridge won for Sir Michael Stoute, bringing one of the sport’s great winning sequences to an unexpected end. Two years later, Anmaat caught Calandagan close to the line to take the 2024 Champion Stakes at long odds. In 2025, the same race belonged to Calandagan, who returned to Ascot and beat Ombudsman decisively. His victory gave French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard the meeting’s headline prize and completed a rare same-season double with the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The 2025 card also showed just how unpredictable the supporting races could be. Powerful Glory sprang a 200-1 upset in the British Champions Sprint, while Cicero’s Gift won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at 100-1. Later, Kalpana brought some order back to proceedings by winning the Fillies & Mares Stakes for the second consecutive year. Dettori’s Ascot farewell Few people have given Champions Day more theatre than Frankie Dettori. The 2023 meeting was billed as his final day riding in Britain, and he delivered a finish worthy of the occasion. Dettori won the Long Distance Cup on Trawlerman, then produced a late surge on King Of Steel to claim the Champion Stakes. For a jockey so closely associated with Ascot, it was an extraordinary way to say goodbye to a British crowd. Champion Stakes winners since British Champions Day began The Champion Stakes has been the meeting’s headline race since 2011. Its winners trace much of the story, from Frankel’s farewell to Calandagan’s return to the top in 2025.

Year	Winner	Trainer	Jockey
2011	Cirrus des Aigles	Corine Barande-Barbe	Christophe Soumillon
2012	Frankel	Sir Henry Cecil	Tom Queally
2013	Farhh	Saeed bin Suroor	Silvestre de Sousa
2014	Noble Mission	Jane Cecil	James Doyle
2015	Fascinating Rock	Dermot Weld	Pat Smullen
2016	Almanzor	Jean-Claude Rouget	Christophe Soumillon
2017	Cracksman	John Gosden	Frankie Dettori
2018	Cracksman	John Gosden	Frankie Dettori
2019	Magical	Aidan O’Brien	Donnacha O’Brien
2020	Addeybb	William Haggas	Tom Marquand
2021	Sealiway	Cédric Rossi	Mickaël Barzalona
2022	Bay Bridge	Sir Michael Stoute	Richard Kingscote
2023	King Of Steel	Roger Varian	Frankie Dettori
2024	Anmaat	Owen Burrows	Jim Crowley
2025	Calandagan	Francis-Henri Graffard	Mickaël Barzalona

As British Champions Day approaches its 16th edition, its appeal remains simple: the biggest names arrive with reputations made during the season, then Ascot gives them one more chance to strengthen them. Sometimes, as Frankel and Cracksman showed, the champion delivers. Sometimes Bay Bridge or Anmaat changes the story altogether. By Scott Bailey

Vaal Value with Drakenstein duo and De Kock double

September 30, 2026

Bettors seeking an edge to Thursday’s 1 October Vaal fixture have plenty to work with as there are several enticing betting propositions throughout the card – with two Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained fillies, a pair of Drakenstein Stud homebreds, and a potential double for champion jockey Craig Zackey all worthy of betting interest. De Kock-trained Vision Of Gold could set the tone in Race 1 over 1200m. The well-related Gold Standard filly, a half-sister to Horse-Of-The-Year See It Again, returns from a 14-week break having shown promise when fourth over this same distance on debut as a two-year-old. That experience should stand her in good stead, and natural improvement could make her a worthwhile bet on her reappearance. Zackey will partner Clinton Binda’s Whatsdamatterwithu for the first time in Race 3, also over 1200m, and could make the most of the opportunity. The progressive Fire Away gelding has really turned the corner since being gelded and remains open to further improvement. He won’t need to find much to go one better after finishing second in a similar contest last time off the same mark. Zackey has another strong chance in Race 5 over 1000m when he takes over from the injured Gavin Lerena aboard Mike Azzie’s Taking A Risk. This Fire Away filly has filled the runner-up berth in each of her last three starts, all off her current rating, and another honest performance could finally see her rewarded. Returning Future Gamble provides an appealing each-way alternative in Race 6 over 1500m. The Drakenstein-bred-and-owned Futura filly progressed through the divisions during her three-year-old campaign with James Crawford and could be even better in the care of Sean Tarry. While the trip is shorter than ideal, she is probably better than her rating suggests so looks well weighted under just 52kg. Her 112-day absence could also ensure an attractive price, making a speculative each-way wager worth considering. The De Kocks take the wraps off a three-year-old exciting prospect in Race 7 over 1600m, in the shape of Feast Of Berries – a R3-million Vercingetorix filly bred for the big time, being a daughter out of Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes winner Redberry Lane. Feast Of Berries improved with every juvenile appearance, progressing from a debut fourth over 1160m to finish second over 1600m before getting off the mark in determined fashion over the same trip on Turffontein’s Inside track. Given 93 days to strengthen and mature, she should have plenty more to offer this season and makes considerable appeal on her handicap debut, especially as the form of her last-start victory has received a significant boost by runner-up Me And You winning both subsequent outings. There is enough quality and upside here to make the Vaal card a punter’s playground rather than a guessing game. Follow the De Kock fillies, keep Zackey firmly onside, and don’t ignore the value angles where fresh legs and lenient weights could turn promise into profit. Clive Robinson

Daryz Leads Arc Contenders As Field Takes Shape

September 29, 2026

The field for Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) is taking shape, with 19 horses remaining after Monday’s first forfeit stage at ParisLongchamp. Defending champion Daryz heads the list. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, he returned to winning form over the Arc course and distance in the Prix Foy after a below-par run at Royal Ascot. A second victory on Sunday would put him among the race’s rare back-to-back winners. Graffard also has Varandir, who won the Prix Niel on Arc Trials Day. The three-year-old has lost only once, when favourite for the Grand Prix de Paris, and gives the Aga Khan Studs another serious chance. Stablemate Sunly remains entered but is expected to run in Saturday’s Prix Royallieu instead. Britain’s challenge is led by Maltese Cross and Kalpana. William Haggas-trained Maltese Cross finished second in the Derby before winning the Grand Prix de Paris over Sunday’s course and distance. He then added the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, giving him two wins from two starts since Epsom. Kalpana has put together an outstanding season for Andrew Balding. Her victory over Calandagan in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes was followed by another Group 1 success in the Yorkshire Oaks. She now has the chance to add Europe’s biggest middle-distance prize to that record. Aidan O’Brien has reduced his Arc team to three: last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk, Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini and Diamond Necklace. Minnie Hauk came closest to Daryz 12 months ago, while Benvenuto Cellini will need to improve on his fifth in the Prix Niel. Diamond Necklace brings a different point of interest. The French Oaks and Nassau Stakes winner has yet to race over 2400m, and the Prix de l’Opéra remains an alternative target. O’Brien’s stated intention is to run all three in the Arc, with the ground likely to influence the final decision on Diamond Necklace. His son Joseph O’Brien has left Oaks heroine Thundering On in the race. She would welcome some ease in the ground, making the weather an important part of her connections’ decision in the days ahead. The British-trained group also includes Bay City Roller, whose emphatic Coronation Cup victory marked him as a top-class stayer, Roger Varian’s recent German Group 1 winner Saddadd, and Ralph Beckett’s Tattycoram. Japan has two remaining hopes in Admire Terra and Meisho Tabaru, while Germany could be represented by Bright Light. Among the French entries is Arrow Eagle, who is set to give Jean-Claude Rouget a final runner in the race before the trainer ends his long career. There may yet be another name added. Friendly Soul earned a free supplementary entry with her Prix Vermeille victory, and her connections have until Wednesday to decide whether she will take her place. The barrier draw will be conducted on Thursday, October 1, at 8:45pm local Paris time. Before then, supplementary entries and decisions shaped by the weather will determine exactly which of the 19 remaining contenders meet Daryz on Sunday. By Scott Bailey

Diamond Necklace will lead Ballydoyle’s Arc challenge

September 29, 2026

Diamond Necklace looks set to spearhead the Ballydoyle challenge in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk and Benvenuto Cellini joining her at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien stated it was the intention to run all three and the champion trainer indicated he expected stable number one Ryan Moore to pick the four-times Group One winner in the feature. “We do intend to run all three. Obviously Diamond Necklace has an option of going for the fillies race on the same day (Prix de l’Opera) but at the moment we are looking at going with the three,” said O’Brien. Diamond Necklace wrapped up her two-year-old career with a win in the Prix Marcel Boussac on last year’s Arc undercard and completed the French Guineas-Oaks double at Longchamp and Chantilly earlier in the season. She followed that double up running out an impressive winner of the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood before suffering her only career defeat when second behind Aventure in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet as her Arc warm-up over one mile and two furlongs at Deauville last time. O’Brien admitted he felt he could have been harder on the filly in the build-up to that race but suggested all has gone well since as she prepares to step up to a mile and a half for the first time. “She obviously hasn’t run a mile and a half before. We always had it in our mind that she would and I suppose we are going to wait and see what the ground is going to be,” he said. “We would want it to be on the nice ground going a mile and a half first time. It is possible that Precise could run in the fillies race – the Prix de l’Opera. We need to get a little bit closer to the weekend before we say for definite.” On that Deauville defeat, O’Brien added: “The ground was a bit softer than we thought it was going to be and Christophe (Ferland) had his filly Aventure in very good form. It is possible that I hadn’t been hard enough on her. “I was looking for a race that would fill in between this weekend and that weekend (Goodwood) and I didn’t really want to go a mile and a half which is why she didn’t go to the Prix Vermeille (at ParisLongchamp). “Things have gone very well since and we are very happy with her. She will have one more piece of work to do this week but we are very happy. Ryan has the choice of the three but I would probably think she would be (his pick) but I couldn’t be sure.” By Gideon Brooks, Press Association

It could be Mitchley’s turn at Fairview

September 29, 2026

Polytrack racing at Fairview has another meeting on Wednesday, and most of the races look highly competitive. Two weeks ago, trainer Dean Smith had six winners in the eight races and last Friday Alan Greeff led in a number of winners. This meeting could be shared between a few of them but perhaps it is the turn of Kelly Mitchley to shine. She does not have the numbers in her yard as the other two trainers, but she does have a steady flow of winners and a decent strike rate. There are four runners from her yard on which we will concentrate for the purpose of this preview. They are Highway Code in Race 1, Soundsofsymphonies in Race 4, Warofdynamite in Race 5 and Vila Vicosa in Race 8. Gold Standard gelding Highway Code has his first run for her, and it is also his first taste of the Polytrack. The three-year-old was gelded in April after having been placed in two of his three starts. His two runs since that operation have been below-par, but often a break after that operation is beneficial. Stable jockey Muzi Yeni gets the ride, and blinkers are tried on him. Soundsofsymphonies, a Master Of My Fate colt, had two unplaced runs in the Western Cape before making his debut for the yard. Mitchley put him on the Polytrack for his debut with her, and he ran out a 12.25-length winner. He impressed in that victory, and she decided to take a crack at a feature race in KwaZulu-Natal, but he hung badly and had problems with his bit, so was well beaten. A return to his home track and his first time in a handicap may well see him prove ahead of the handicapper. Yeni gets his first ride on the three-year-old col and he will definitely be trying to prove a point with his next mount, Warofdynamite. This very consistent gelding has been runner-up four times this year under him. The Declarationofpeace gelding also looked the likely winner of his most recent start but was worried out of it at the finish to finish third. Vila Vicosa has only won three of his 17 starts, but two of those wins have come in his last three starts, with both of them being over this particular course and distance. Yeni does get the best out of him, as he was runner-up in his first start under him. Clive Robinson

British Champions Day – What To Expect

September 28, 2026

The Everest & Caulfield Cup will command Australia’s attention on Saturday, October 17. As the evening arrives, the focus shifts to Ascot, where Qatar Racing British Champions Day brings together some of Europe’s best horses for the finale to the British Flat season. The seven-race programme carries £4.35 million in prize money and features five Group 1 races. Four span the distances from six furlongs to two miles: the British Champions Sprint, Fillies & Mares Stakes, Long Distance Cup and Champion Stakes. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes adds a fifth Group 1 for the milers. The fields are still taking shape, but the early entries have already raised the possibility of returning champions, fresh rivalries and another international showdown. Fillies and mares: Kalpana’s hat-trick bid The British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2400m) could give Kalpana the chance to win the race for a third consecutive year. Andrew Balding’s mare was an emphatic winner in 2024 and 2025, quickening clear of Estrange in last year’s renewal. She has since added the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes to her record, making her one of the most accomplished horses among the early entries. Estrange, Minnie Hauk, Thundering On and Johanna Walsh were also entered, though their autumn plans will determine whether they meet at Ascot. For Kalpana, the prospect of a hat-trick gives the race a compelling story before declarations are made. Stayers: another chapter for Trawlerman and Scandinavia? Promoted to Group 1 level in 2025, the British Champions Long Distance Cup (3200m) has become a fitting final test for the season’s leading stayers. Trawlerman won the race in 2023 after a memorable duel with Kyprios, then returned to take its first Group 1 running last year. He beat stablemate Sweet William on that occasion to cap a campaign that also included the Ascot Gold Cup. Scandinavia, Caballo De Mar and Limestone feature among this year’s early entries. A meeting between Trawlerman and Scandinavia would bring two leading staying campaigns together, though connections still have time to settle their plans. Queen Elizabeth II Stakes: milers take centre stage The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1600m) will bring together the leading milers on the straight course. Last year’s running showed how unpredictable Champions Day can be. Cicero’s Gift started at 100/1 but surged through to beat a field containing some of Europe’s most highly regarded milers. It was one of two major upsets on the card, alongside Powerful Glory’s victory in the Sprint. Blue Bolt, Docklands, Gstaad, Precise and True Love are among this year’s early entries. Their paths to Ascot are still to be decided, but the race offers a final opportunity to settle the season’s mile division. With a £1.1 million prize fund, it is also the second-most valuable contest on the day behind the Champion Stakes. Sprint: expect the unexpected The British Champions Sprint Stakes (1200m) produced the day’s biggest shock in 2025 when Powerful Glory, sent off at 200/1, caught favourite Lazzat in the final strides. It was a reminder that even a race bringing together the season’s established sprinters can produce a new name at the top. This year’s early entries include Almeraq, Comanche Brave, Mission Central and Venetian Sun, all Group 1 sprint winners in Britain during 2026. The straight six furlongs should provide a sharp conclusion to a division in which no single horse has yet put the title beyond doubt. Champion Stakes: Calandagan and Ombudsman could meet again The Champion Stakes (2000m) is the £1.3 million centrepiece, and a rematch between Calandagan and Ombudsman would give the day a headline contest. Calandagan finished second in the race in 2024 before returning last year to beat Ombudsman by more than two lengths. His success completed a King George–Champion Stakes double achieved by few horses; the last to do it in the same season had been Brigadier Gerard in 1972. Ombudsman remains a possible opponent, although suitable ground will be important to his participation. Constitution River and Diamond Necklace were among the other high-profile early entries. With several major autumn races still to be run, the final shape of the Champion Stakes remains open. The race has long provided a stage for defining performances. Frankel ended his unbeaten career with victory in the 2012 Champion Stakes, while Calandagan’s win last year helped the contest earn joint top billing in the World’s Best Horse Race rankings. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1600m) deserves attention too. Last year, Cicero’s Gift caused a 100/1 upset in Ascot’s championship mile. Its early entries this year include Blue Bolt, Docklands, Gstaad, Precise and True Love. From the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne to five Group 1 races at Ascot, October 17 promises to keep racing fans in the southern hemisphere engaged well into the night. The entries offer plenty to anticipate; the coming weeks will decide which of those prospective clashes make it to the starting stalls. By Scott Bailey

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France Express Form & Race Previews (ParisLongchamp) – Saturday, October 3

October 2, 2026

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RACE 1: QATAR PRIX CHAUDENAY STAKES – GROUP 2 (3YO) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 1) – 3000M | TIME: 19:23 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 183000 PIERRE BONNARD (IRE) Finished sixth last time in the St Leger (Group 1) at Doncaster, UK over 2900m on 12 September. Former winner of the Critériumde Saint-Cloud 2025 (Group 1). Key chance. VICTOIRE MAGIQUE Outclassed the opposition in a Group 3 at ParisLongchamp over 3000m on 3 September. Improving and cannot be discounted. SP ACE WAL TZ (USA) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Group 3 at ParisLongchamp over 3000m behind VICTOIRE MAGIQUE (7) on 3 September. Player. JABRACADABRA (FR) Won in a Listed at Craon over 2400m on 5 September on latest start. Knows how to win and can make presence felt. RACE 2: QATAR PRIX DOLLAR (GROUP 2) (3YO+) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 2) – 1950M | TIME: 19:58 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 183000 PHINEAS Game success at ParisLongchamp in a Group 3 on 13 September on last start. Hard to ignore. WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE Ran well to be second in the Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1) over 2000m at Leopardstown on 12 September. Can be competitive. DISTANT STORM Won on latest start in a Group 3 at Deauville over 1600m on 9 August. Ought to be in the shake-up stepping up in distance. ZAYDANN Came home fifth in the Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) at York over 2000m on 19 August last time. Merits consideration. RACE 3: QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES JUMENTS (ARAB GROUP 1) (4YO) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 3) – 2000M | TIME: 20:33 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 150000 FAKHIRA (UNR) Two wins of late, the latter over 2000m in a Group 1 PA at La Teste on 10 August. Class act who can follow up. AMJAAD (FR) Won on the latest start at Doha over 1600m in a Group 3 PA on 12 December last year. Returns froma long break and has fitness to prove but cannot be overlooked. KIAORA DU SOLEIL (FR) Three placed efforts of late, the latter whena win at Toulouse over 2000m in a Group 2 PA on 21 May. Honest performer who can havea say. MN SHAHRAZAD (FR) Recent win at Mont-De-Marsan over 2000m in a Condition on 29 July on second start. Looks progressive and warrants respect. RACE 4: QATAR PRIX DE LA PLACE DES VOSGES HANDICAP (3YO+) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 4) – 2500M | TIME: 21:15 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 72000 REMBRAND TO GO (FR) Excellent runner-up in a Class 2 Handicap at Paris Longchamp over 2400m on 6 September last time. Live contender. SHARPSHOOT Outclassed the opposition in a Class 2 at ParisLongchamp over 2000m on 9 July. Lightly raced and has a good bit more to come. NITY GALESTE (FR) Showed promise and was third in a Class 1 Handicap at ParisLongchamp over 2000m on 13 September. Ought to be in the shake-up. EBIYAR (FR) Finished fourth in a Class 2 at Le Mans over 3200m on 11 September when last seen. Not to be taken lightly. RACE 5: ARQANA SERIES – HARAS DE BOUQUETOT CRITERIUM D’AUTOMNE STAKES (2YO) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 5) – 1600M | TIME: 21:50 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 260000 BREATH OF PARADISE (IRE) Two placed runs so far, third on the latter at the Curragh in a Condition on 16 August. Can be competitive. KESKAVIEL (FR) Not disgraced when third in a Maiden at Saint-Cloud over 1400m on 11 September. Capable of a better performance. MAGIC HARRY (FR) Won on last start over 1400m at Leicester, UK in a Condition on 8 August. Can improve more and has to be considered. MOON SAND (FR) Got off the mark at the Curragh on latest start over 1400m in a Condition on 27 September. Faces stronger but can challenge again. RACE 6: QATAR PRIX DE ROYALLIEU (GROUP 1) (G1) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 6) – 2800M | TIME: 22:25 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 300000 SUNLY Finished third in the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Group 1) at ParisLongchamp over 2400m on 6 September. Showing great progress and is a huge con tender. WAARDAH (IRE) Successful last time out in a Group 2 at Doncaster over 2900m on 10 September. Will go close . CONSENT (IRE) Came home third in a Group 2 at Doncaster over 2900m on 10 September. Is capable of being a threat . SANTORINI STAR (IRE) Ran second in a Group 2 at Deauville over 3000m on 23 August. Is capable of making the frame against this bunch. RACE 7: QATAR PRIX DU CADRAN (GROUP 1) (G1) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 7) – 4000M | TIME: 23:00 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 300000 SCANDINAVIA (USA) Outclassed the opposition in The Comer Group Inter national Irish St. Leger (Group 1) at Curragh over 2800m on 13 September. Will be the ultimate stayer. CABALLO DE MAR (IRE) Successful in a Group 2 at Doncaster over 3600m on 11 September. Should be competitive. QUEENSTOWN (IRE) Finished as runner-up to SCANDINAVIA (1) in the Irish St Leger (Group 1) at the Curragh over 2800m on 13 September. Can run into the money. DOUBLE MAJOR (IRE) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Group 3 at ParisLongchamp over 3000m on 10 September. Has a good place chance. RACE 8: QATAR PRIX DANIEL WILDENSTEIN (GROUP 2) (3YO+) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 8) – 1600M | TIME: 23:35 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 183000 QUDDWAH Outclassed the opposition in a Group 2 at Leopards town over 1600m on 12 September. Can make it his own again. ISAAC NEWTON (IRE) Ran fourth in a Group 2 at Leopardstown over 1600m on 12 September. Good choice for exactas. FALLEN ANGEL Came home third in the Matron Stakes (Group 1) at Leopardstown over 1600m on 12 September. Consistent so far and should earn a place. ELASTIC (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Group 3 at Chantilly over 1600m on 14 June. Capable of running into the minor places. RACE 9: QATAR PRIX DE LA PLACE DE LA CONCORDE HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 9) – 1600M | TIME: 00:10 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 72000 CLAVUS (FR) Victorious in a Listed at Vichy over 1600m on 24 July. Oozing with confidence and has all the reason to finish well again. ELIMAN (FR) Runner-up in a Divided Handicap at ParisLongchamp over 1400m on 10 September. Is capable of threatening at the finish. HALF HALF (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Group 3 at Deauville over 1600m on 30 August. Will be banging there once again. MELUSINE DU HOULEY (FR) Runner-up in a Class 2 at Clairefontaine over 1400m on 21 August. Is capable of running well and should compete here.

United Kingdom Express Form & Race Previews (Newmarket/Ascot/Southwell) – Saturday, October...

October 2, 2026

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RACE 1: BRITISH EBF PREMIER FILLIES’ HANDICAP (GBBPLUS RACE) (2) (FROM NEWMARKET RACE 1) – 2012M | TIME: 19:25 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 60000 PENDELLA (IRE) Pressed leaders inside, led briefly 400m out, headed final 70m, kept on, narrowly 2nd by head to Silver Lake at York 2000m Handicap in August. HOSEKI (IRE) Soon tracked 3rd, led over 200m out, edged right in final 100m, won at Haydock 2000m Fillies Handicap by 0.5 lengths in September. SUPPLICATE Midfield, ridden over 400m out, chased winner final 100m, held 2nd by 2.25 lengths at Redcar 2000m Handicap in September. LADY DORAMAE (IRE) Led early by 400m, overtaken after 400m, weakened finishing 9th, 6 lengths behind winner in 2000m Handicap at York in August. RACE 2: 200,000 POUND TATTERSALLS OCTOBER AUCTION STAKES (GBB RACE) (2) (FROM NEWMARKET RACE 2) – 1408M | TIME: 20:00 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 308855 NIGHT IN VEGAS (IRE) Prominent took lead 20m out and won well by 0.5 lengths over Satellite Of Love in 1200m 2YO Auction at Doncaster in September. ZIGAZIG AH Led strongly 400m out, pushed hard in final 200m, finished 2nd by a head to Poppy Foxy over 1400m at Goodwood in September. VELOCIRAPTOR Towards rear, ridden 200m out, well held 200m out, finished 4th, 7 lengths behind Quest For Stars over 1600m in August. A BEAR AFFAIR (IRE) Prominent, ridden 400m out, kept on, finished 4th, 4.5 lengths behind Night In Vegas at Doncaster 1300m 2YO Auction in September. RACE 3: BETMGM BRITISH EBF OCTOBER STAKES (FILLIES’ & MARES’ LISTED) (LR) (FROM ASCOT RACE 1) – 1408M | TIME: 20:15 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 60000 SO REGAL Wore hood, keen early, midfield, pushed from 400m out, gained ground in last 200m, finished 5th, 1.25 lengths behind winner at 1600m in August. ALBAYDAA (IRE) Raced early in earplugs, stayed rear, ridden 600m out, finished 2nd, 1.5 lengths behind winner Zen Diva over 1200m in September. MIDNIGHT TANGO Wore hood, stayed last, nevera factor, finished 6th, 6 lengths behind Prince Of India at Newmarket 1200m Listed Stakes in August. DASH OF AZURE Wore hood, held at rear, asked for effort over 400 mout, never involved, finished 9th, 17 lengths behind America Queen at Pontefract 1200m Novice Stakes in August. RACE 4: BETMGM SUN CHARIOT STAKES (FILLIES’ & MARES’ GROUP 1) (G1) (FROM NEWMARKET RACE 3) – 1609M | TIME: 20:35 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 375000 BLUE BOLT (IRE) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, took lead 300m out, won Leopardstown 1600m Fillies Group 1 by 2.25 lengths over City Of Memphis in September. CITY OF MEMPHIS (IRE) Tracked mid-division, pushed 400m out, finished 2nd, 2.25 lengths behind Blue Bolt over 1600m at Leopardstown in September. EVOLUTIONIST (IRE) Finished 4th, 2.5 lengths behind Blue Bolt at Deauville 1600 m Group 1 in August. MOON TARGET Kept keen, midfield, switched right 400m out, gained ground final 200m, pressed winner, finished 3rd, 0.5 lengths behind Love Dynasty at S andown 1600m Group 3 Stakes in August. RACE 5: BETMGM ROUS STAKES (LISTED) (LR) (FROM ASCOT RACE 2) – 1006M | TIME: 20:50 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 60000 TUCO SALAMANCA (IRE) Raced far side, held at rear, moved up 400m out, chased winner 200m out, finished 2nd by 0.5 lengths at Ayr 1200m Handicap in September. SHAGRAAN (IRE) Prominent pressed leader 400m out, finished strong 2nd, held neck behind Miss Yechance at Newbury 1000m Group 3 in September. AIR FORCE ONE (IRE) Chased leaders, pushed 400m out, led 200m out, headed, rallied to win in final 45m, won Doncaster 1200 m Handicap by 0.5 lengths in September. FIRST INSTINCT Wore earplugs, mid-pack, ridden 600m out, weakened finishing 5th, 3 lengths behind winner Miss Yechance in 1000m Group 3 at Newbury in September. RACE 6: HKJC WORLD POOL HANDICAP (GBBPLUS RACE) (2) (FROM NEWMARKET RACE 4) – 2414M | TIME: 21:10 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 50000 EVANESCO Led, challenged entering straight, headed early final 200m, faded last 100m, finished 5th, 2 lengths behind winner at 2600m Handicap in September. SPORTINGSIL VERMINE (IRE) Led early but faded, finished 11th, 12 lengths behind Thunder Run at Doncaster 2000m Handicap in September. ARQOOB (IRE) Held up rear, pushed and gained ground over 400m out, weakened to finish 7th , 4.5 lengths behind winner at 2900m Handicap in September. ERNST BLOFELD (IRE) Led steadily, pushed 600m out, headed 400m out, finished 2nd, 1.75 lengths behind Valedictory at 2900m Handicap in September. RACE 7: BETMGM CUMBERLAND LODGE STAKES (GROUP 3) (G3) (FROM ASCOT RACE 3) – 2406M | TIME: 21:25 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 95000 TENABILITY Led 600m, chased leader, led final 200m, won at Windsor 2200m Listed Stakes by 0.5 lengths in August. AL AASY (IRE) Won 2400m Group 2 at Deauville, beating Chestnut Rocket by neck in August. PLAGE DE HAVRE Wore hood, raced 3rd, challenged late, led inside final 200m, won 2400m Listed Stakes at Chester by 0.75 lengths in September. BY THE BOOK (IRE) Wore hood, tracked leaders, led final 200m, headed near finish, finished 2nd by neck to Midak at Chester 2800m Listed Stakes in August. RACE 8: GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY AT BETMGM MAIDEN STAKES (GBB RACE) (2) (FROM NEWMARKET RACE 5) – 1408M | TIME: 21:45 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 15000 KICKING BEAR (FR) Held up at rear, switched right, improved 400m out , chased winner, finished 2nd by 0.75 lengths at Newbury 1300m in August. AFIF (FR) Palace Pier colt out of Amalna. ALTIUS Held up rear, improved over 400m out, challenged 200m out, no impact in last 200m, finished 3rd, 7 lengths behind winner at 1400m in September. PROCYON (IRE) Mehmas colt out of Stars In Your Eyes. RACE 9: JOHN GUEST RACING BENGOUGH STAKES (GROUP 3) (G3) (FROM ASCOT RACE 4) – 1207M | TIME: 22:00 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 95000 DIVISION Finished 2nd, a head behind Samangan over 1200m at Deauville Group 1 in August. HIDDEN FORCE Tracked leaders, 2nd at 200m out, weakened near finish, finished 3rd, 2.75 lengths behind Oxagon over 1600m at Newmarket in April. ELMONJED (IRE) Finished 4th, 2.5 lengths behind Mise En Boite over 1200m at Deauville Group 3 in July. PRINCE OF INDIA (IRE) Prominent led after 200m, ridden in final 200m, won Newmarket 1200m Listed Stakes by 2 lengths over Elarak in August. RACE 10: BETMGM CHALLENGE CUP (HERITAGE HANDICAP) (2) (FROM ASCOT RACE 5) – 1408M | TIME: 22:35 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 180000 THUNDER CALL Held up, gained lead in last 200m, won Ascot 1400m Handicap by 2.75 lengths from The Fingal Raven in September. MACHADADORP Chased leaders, blocked 400m out, surged past Woohoo to win by 2.5 lengths over 1400m Handicap at York in August. MEZCALA Wore hood, chased leaders, briefly led inside final 200m, weakened to finish 6th, 4 lengths behind Scoville at Doncaster 1600m Handicap in September. POET MASTER (IRE) Led early in red hood, pulled hard mid-race, weakened in final 200m, finished 7th, 6 lengths behind Lake Forest at Goodwood 1400m in July. RACE 11: NEWMARKET FILLIES’ HANDICAP (3) (FROM NEWMARKET RACE 7) – 1408M | TIME: 22:50 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 25000 WOOHOO (IRE) Midfield, gained ground over 200m out, challenged leader, finished 3rd, 0.5 lengths behind Zooming at Newmarket 1200m Handicap in September. STARLIGHT LASS Held up at rear, crowded turning 400m out, struggled in last 200m, weakened quickly, finished 14th, 20 lengths behind winner at York 1400m Handicap in August. ENCHANT (IRE) Midfield, shaken 400m out, maintained pace, weakened 200m out, finished 7th, 6 lengths behind Withtearsinmyeyes at Sandown 1600m Handicap in September. HAVANA PUSEY Wore earplugs, awkward start, held rear, moved right 600m out, slight headway final 200m, finished 12th, 7 lengths behind Garfield Shadow at 1400m in September. RACE 12: ASCOT IRON STAND MEMBERSHIP HANDICAP (2) (FROM ASCOT RACE 6) – 1006M | TIME: 23:10 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 45000 ADRESTIA Prominent, ridden from 400m out, disputed lead early last 200m, finished 2nd by a head to Ancient State at 1000m Handicap in September. ANCIENT STATE (IRE) Prominent edged left 400m out, hung right then left near finish, no extra, finished 4th, 1.75 lengths behind King Of Light at Haydock 1000m Handicap in September. GOLD STAR HERO (IRE) Wore hood, led until 200m out, pressed in final 200m, finished 3rd, 0.5 lengths behind Maelstrom at 1000m Handicap in September. ALL WAYS GLAMOROUS Stayed near rails, hung right last 400m, switched right last 200m, faded, finished 4th, 5 lengths behind Naana’s Sparkle in 1000m Handicap in August. RACE 13: BETTINGSITES.CO.UK COMPARE BEFORE YOU BET HANDICAP HANDICAP (5) (FROM SOUTHWELL RACE 1) – 3312M | TIME: 23:45 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 8400 CAPTAIN CAIRNEY Tracked 3rd, led 400m out, narrowly headed inside last 200m, close 2nd by neck at Ffos Las 2800m Handicap in September. SAXOPHONIC Mid-division, moved wide over 400m out, led over 200m, won by 3.5 lengths at Wolverhampton 2800m Handicap in September. TINKETY TONK Led, headed over 200m out, weakened inside final 200m, finished 6th, 9 lengths behind Egyptian Pharaoh at Ffos Las 1600m Novice Stakes in June. LEAGUE OF JUSTICE (USA) Dwelt in mid-division, pushed over 600m out, no chance, finished 7th, 2.75 lengths behind Patrol at Southwell 2400m Handicap in September. RACE 14: BETTINGSITES.CO.UK BEST BETTING OFFERS HANDICAP NURSERY (5) (FROM SOUTHWELL RACE 2) – 1621M | TIME: 00:20 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 8400 PRINCE KAMEO Led, faced challenge from 200m out, finished strong 2nd, 0.75 lengths behind Northern Viola at Beverley 1700m 2YO Handicap in September. AGITATOR Tracked leaders, lost ground 400m out, stayed on for 3rd, 3 lengths behind Another Encore at Leicester 1600m Handicap in September. ON TARGET (FR) Led but challenged, ridden and headed 400m out, weakened final 200m, finished 4th, 5 lengths behind Majestic Jude at Newmarket 1400m in August. ROOSIKE (IRE) Chased leader, weakened over 200m out, finished 9th, 11 lengths behind Speed of Sound at Doncaster 1300m 2YO Filly Handicap in September. RACE 15: BETTINGSITES.CO.UK BEST ODDS GUARANTEED HANDICAP (4) (FROM SOUTHWELL RACE 3) – 1621M | TIME: 00:55 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 10800 WID (IRE) Slow start, rear, pushed 400m out, switched right, some progress, stayed on, finished 4th, 1.75 lengths behind winner at 1600m Handicap in July. GOLDEN PHARAOH (IRE) Prominent raced 2nd, pushed 600m out, ridden 400m out, edged left final 100m, finished 3rd, 2.25 lengths behind winner at Southwell 1400m Handicap in March. NOSTRUM Led early with hood, challenged and headed inside final 50m, finished 2nd by 0.5 lengths in 1800m Selling Stakes in September. VINCENT ROCKS (IRE) Led, raced eagerly, lost lead 400m out, weakened fast, finished last, 30 lengths behind Hot And Cold over 1600m Handicap in September. RACE 16: BETTINGSITES.CO.UK NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS RESTRICTED NOVICE STAKES (GBB RACE) (4) (FROM SOUTHWELL RACE 4) – 1421M | TIME: 01:30 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 10000 DONTWORRYABOUTME (IRE) Slow start, chased leaders, 2nd 600m out, edged left 200m out, finished 2nd, 1 length behind Don’t Stop Movin at Southwell 1400m Novice Stakes in September. FULL Y STOCKED (IRE) Wore red hood, tracked leaders, pushed over 400m out, kept on, finished 3rd, 3 lengths behind winner at Lingfield 1200m in September. EBT’S WARRIOR (IRE) Prominent weakened last 200m, finished 5th, 10 lengths behind Market Leader over 1400m Novice Stakes at Southwell in August. NOTIMETOTAKEOFF (IRE) Chased leader, led after 600m, rallied but lost lead 400m out, finished 3rd, 7 lengths behind Pure Concept in 1600m Novice Stakes in September. RACE 17: BETTINGSITES.CO.UK FREE BET OFFERS NOVICE STAKES (GBB RACE) (4) (FROM SOUTHWELL RACE 5) – 1421M | TIME: 02:00 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 10000 CLOUD FOREST Chased leaders, switched left over 200m out, stayed on well, finished 2nd, 1.75 lengths behind Abundant in 1600m Handicap in August. IMPERIAL BALLET Led 400m out, won strongly by 3.5 lengths in 1200m Novice Stakes at Newbury last August. BIG MONEY Slow start, led early, led until 400m out, overtaken, weakened to finish 4th, 8 lengths behind Organise at Southwell 1400m Novice Stakes last November. HOZAM (IRE) Midfield, advanced and pushed over 200m out, finished 2nd, 1 length behind Reformation in 1400m Novice Stakes at Newcastle in September. RACE 18: BETTINGSITES.CO.UK EVERY BOOKIE COMPARED HANDICAP (5) (FROM SOUTHWELL RACE 6) – 1222M | TIME: 02:30 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 8400 NEW IMAGE Held back outside, improved from 400m out, led inside final 200m, won at Southwell 1200m Handicap, beating Come On Over by 1.25 lengths in September. HORACE WALLACE Soon led, quickened over last 200m, held on gamely to win at Wolverhampton 1200m Handicap by nose over Come On Over in September. KATS BOB Tracked leaders, ridden over 400m out, no response over 200m out, kept on inside final 200m, finished 4th, 3 lengths behind winner at 1200m in September. HUNDRED CAPS Wore hood, midfield, challenged leader 200m out, weakened, finished 5th, 4 lengths behind Azuinthejungle at Newcastle 1000m Handicap in September RACE 19: BETTINGSITES.CO.UK FIND YOUR BOOKMAKER HANDICAP (6) (FROM SOUTHWELL RACE 7) – 1000M | TIME: 03:00 | PRIZE MONEY: GBP 7200 MARRA DONNA (IRE) Prominent, chased leaders over 200m out, briefly led entering final 200m, finished 3rd, 2.25 lengths behind winner at Brighton 1000m Handicap in June. SOUTH PARADE (IRE) Led, headed 400m out, outpaced in final 200m, weakened inside last 100m, finished 5th, 2.25 lengths behind winner at Musselburgh 1000m Handicap in August. OPAL STORM Wore hood, stayed rear, improved 400m out, ridden final 200m, finished 5th, 6 lengths behind winner at Beverley 1000m Stakes in September. GENERAL ASSEMBLY (IRE) Led early in red hood, raced rear, pushed from 400m out, beaten 6 lengths, finished 8th at Wolverhampton 1000m Handicap in September.

South Africa Express Form & Race Previews (Turffontein) – October 3

October 2, 2026

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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: TURFFONTEIN INSIDE@2026.10.03 Turffontein Inside, 03.10.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R115.000, 12:10GMT+2 Race Summary: LE CONCIERGE finished 2nd over 1400m in KZN recently and a repeat of that performance may suffice on his Highveld debut. RAZZPATH REBEL has shown promise in two starts over 1200m and won’t need to improve over this extended trip to fight out the finish. LUCKY AWESOME and DREAMING OF YOUTH are well drawn and have the means to make their presence felt too. Well-bred newcomer FIRE AT WILL is worth a market check on debut. Selections: #1 Le Concierge, #6 Razzpath Rebel, #2 Lucky Awesome, #5 Fire At Will Turffontein Inside, 03.10.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R110.000, 12:45GMT+2 Race Summary: TU GIUSTO stayed on encouragingly to finish 3rd on debut over a similar trip as a 2yo and she would have come on with the benefit of that experience so should be competitive from an inside gate. SNAP YOUR FINGERS was costly to follow as a juvenile but showed enough to suggest that she will open her account sooner rather than later. PENNYS CHOICE, SAVARA’S PRINCESS and POLLY PLUMMER have the form and experience to be competitive, while returning OH LA AMOUR is open to further improvement on her reappearance so could also have a say in the outcome. Selections: #9 Tu Giusto, #6 Snap Your Fingers, #4 Polly Plummer, #1 Pennys Choice Turffontein Inside, 03.10.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 2600m, Turf, R120.000, 13:20GMT+2 Race Summary: APACHE SON won at this level over 2400m two starts back and proved he remains competitive under a penalty when 4th at a higher level over 2000m last time. This extended trip and drop back into this grade off the same mark should suit. UTSAAH improved for the step up to 2400m and may have more to offer over the extra 200m. EUPHRATES has a bit to find with that rival but is weighted to get closer. SAMUEL SHARPE is a consistent stayer with the means to have a say in the outcome, while TOP FLOOR is the unknown quantity over this distance so cannot be taken lightly. Selections: #1 Apache Son, #5 Utsaah, #4 Euphrates, #6 Samuel Sharpe Turffontein Inside, 03.10.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R135.000, 13:55GMT+2 Race Summary: DAWSON’S ANVIL finished an eye-catching 2nd, albeit at a lower level, over 1450m on his reappearance as a gelding and is open to any amount of improvement over this extended trip so it could pay to follow his progress. BEST CANDIDATE has thrived since he was gelded, winning 4 of 6 starts, but must defy another 5-point penalty and overcome the widest draw to complete the hat-trick. Hard-knockers KUDZU and BATTLEGROUND are better off at the weights with that rival so can’t be underestimated. DOCTOR STRANGELOVE is up in class but is progressive and carrying 50kg so has to be included in Pick 6 bets. Selections: #10 Dawson’s Anvil, #4 Best Candidate, #9 Kudzu, #11 Doctor Strangelove Turffontein Inside, 03.10.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R128.000, 14:30GMT+2 Race Summary: ONE STATE was a well-backed winner of his last start on handicap debut but a subsequent 8-point penalty could prove a bridge too far in his hat-trick bid. GOTTHETIGER, TROJAN HORSE and DUKE OF LORRAINE improved to open their accounts when last seen and will likely make further improvement. KOVIL can get into the picture with his 1600m form credentials, while HOT CHOICE and recently gelded SCOTS WAE HAE could have more to offer stretching out to this trip. Selections: #2 Gotthetiger, #5 Duke Of Lorraine, #3 Trojan Horse, #8 Kovil Turffontein Inside, 03.10.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R450.000, 15:05GMT+2 Race Summary: GET UP closed out a hugely successful 2yo campaign with a dominant Grade 2 victory over 1200m and she could be even better this term. FLOWER ISLAND is held on that form but could represent the value in the race from an inside draw on 1kg better terms. WHISTLE THE TUNE and KISSHOTEN are weighted to be competitive, while last-start winners MISS WORLD and WARM RECEPTION remain competitive under penalties. HAZY DAZY, DESTINY OF FIRE, CARE FORGOT and SWIATEK have earning potential too. Selections: #12 Flower Island, #11 Get Up, #9 Warm Reception, #3 Kisshoten Turffontein Inside, 03.10.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R550.000, 15:40GMT+2 Race Summary: Smashing renewal. MAIN DEFENDER bounced back to form when finishing ahead of GLADATORIAN in the Grade 1 Champions Cup meeting but the latter could reverse that form with the former poorly drawn. Defending champion TIN PAN ALLEY, gelded FIRE ATTACK, and Grade 1 winner COSMIC SPEED all have the means to play leading roles but are awkwardly positioned in wide barriers. ERIK DUBOIS would have tightened up after an encouraging comeback run so should make his presence felt. TEXAS RED, CHRONICLE KING, I’M A FIREBALL and TALK TO THE MASTER are others to consider in larger Pick 6 permutations. Selections: #3 Gladatorian, #4 Main Defender, #1 Tin Pan Alley, #14 Erik Dubois Turffontein Inside, 03.10.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R130.000, 16:20GMT+2 Race Summary: BISOU BISOU was a close-up 3rd in a stronger course-and-distance event in his seasonal pipe opener and a repeat of that performance off an unchanged mark could suffice. PLUS FOUR and IT’S PERSONAL are consistent hard knockers at this level so could pose a threat, along with TIME IS PRECIOUS whose 1000m comeback 2nd at this level was encouraging. BRISTOL HERCULES and stablemate SOSORU also warrant consideration after respective absences. Selections: #3 Bisou Bisou, #2 It’s Personal, #5 Time Is Precious, #1 Plus Four Turffontein Inside, 03.10.2026, Race 9, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R120.000, 16:55GMT+2 Race Summary: CONTINENTAL KING has finished 3rd at this level in both post-maiden appearances, the latest over on this course over 1000m after an 8-month break. He would’ve blown away the cobwebs and should strip fitter so could improve to fight out the finish from a favourable inside gate. LITTLE BOY BLUE won over track and trip last month and a 5-point penalty isn’t likely to prevent another forward showing. HIGHWAYMAN HARRY is better off at the weights with that rival so has to be respected, while ELUSIVE RED is another to consider on current form. Selections: #2 Continental King, #4 Little Boy Blue, #6 Highwayman Harry, #8 Elusive Red Best Win: #3 BISOU BISOU Best Value Bet: #12 FLOWER ISLAND Best Longshot: #12 FLOWER ISLAND

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