Competitive racing on the go with an 8-race programme to satiate horseplayers at Turffontein on the Inside track this Thursday.
Father and son team of Mike and Matthew De Kock have two with solid chances. Corrupt could be the winning stayer of his heat while Staggerwing can follow up over the minimum distance in the last.
Corrupt took a while to get back to winning ways but now that he has, he can notch up more wins for his in-form yard. The gelded son of Erupt is facing a slightly lower grade in Race 3 after winning an MR96 handicap when dropping to a merit rating of 81 last time.
He has gone up only 3 points in merit ratings and is only 2kg worse off with stalwart stayer Battleground who finished 4.30-lengths behind him and who should again have his work cut out. Corrupt is ridden by leading rider Keagan De Melo and jumps from a favourable barrier of draw two.
Staggerwing, a filly by Rafeef out of a Var mare, was always going to have plenty of speed but she has also shown she can mix it with some of the best around. She finished runner-up to precocious filly Get Up who recently captured the Grade 2 Alan Robertson in style and she was also fourth placed in the Ruffian Stakes behind another high-class sort in Secretary Bird.
It was no surprise to see her run out an easy winner of her maiden last time, but she can also follow up on her handicap debut in Race 8 where she meets some hard knocking but mostly exposed individuals. Ridden by stable rider Callan Murray the two-year-old has a slightly wide gate but her running style suggests she can get there especially against the type of company she meets.
One for the exactas must be Power Of Pearls who was a gallant third at this track with a scalp wound last time. She has drawn better than she did in her last start and has talented 1.5kg claiming Mickaelle Michelle in the irons again.
For a bit of value, it could be worth following both Nicolson Landing and Destiny’s Dream in Race 2 especially in bets like swingers, exactas and trifectas. The pair may not be fancied as both have drawn a bit wide but likely favourite Knockin’ Boots has also drawn wide.
Knockin’ Boots certainly has scope but she is a two-year-old and she may have her work cut out against her elders over 1450m at this stage in her career. Nicolson Landing and Destiny’s Dream are well weighted off their current ratings and could take advantage. However, it is the former that could bag a win after she was only beaten a neck after coming from well off the pace over the distance last time.
Apostrophe (Race 5) is another runner with plenty in her favour including a plum draw. She has an eachway shout.
Clive Robinson
With the Hollywoodbets Durban July behind us, attention turns to Wednesday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting, headed by the Tote For The Win B Stakes over 2000m.
The feature could be a good opportunity for Salani Kahle. Gareth van Zyl held the gelding in high regard, testing him in the Grade 2 SA Derby against Curious Girl, who went on to contest the Durban July. Despite carrying top weight, Salani Kahle faces much easier opposition and has the class to prove hard to beat. Uzwano has been in good form over shorter distances and should appreciate the step up to 2000m, while Hodgepodge stays well and carries a handy weight. Queue Wing also deserves consideration despite rising in class and distance.
Mike and Mathew de Kock can strike early with Putthelightsout in Race 1. The filly was a beaten favourite on the polytrack last time but returns to turf against modest opposition and should go close.
The opening leg of the Bi-Pot looks competitive, with Christmas Rose the pick after finishing a close second and showing steady improvement. Stablemate Blenheim Palace continues to improve and should enjoy this trip, while America First can do better after taking on older runners last time.
The first Place Accumulator leg features several well-bred newcomers, making the betting market important. Lennox showed promise despite traffic problems last start and rates the one to beat. Tiger Cody has improved since blinkers were fitted and drops back in trip, while first-timers Hot Blooded and Bullet Catch warrant market respect.
Charlie Bucket can give punters a strong Pick 6 banker. The Paddy Kruyer-trained gelding has consistent Cape form over this course and distance and can make amends after two narrow defeats. Redoubt Express impressed on debut and should have no trouble switching to turf, while Deonarie steps up in trip from a favourable draw.
Doug Campbell’s Peeping Tom has been knocking on the door and looks one of the day’s better bets over a suitable trip. Bourbon’s Beast is consistent without finishing strongly, while Augrabies drops into modest company.
Ricky Maingard’s stable has been flying during Champions Season, and Tunguska brings strong Cape form to KwaZulu-Natal. Blizzard Boy has adapted well since arriving in KZN, while Red Cardinal drops in class and could feature if he stays the distance.
The final two races are competitive. Red Coral, Let It Roll, Dancing On A Cloud and Radu all have claims in Race 8. In the last, Preacher Man drops in class with first-time blinkers, while Diamond Maker, Yannakis and Princess Goldie complete the shortlist.
By Press Association
Calandagan went from last to first to win the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud for the second year in a row.
Officially the highest-rated horse in the world last year, the Gleneagles gelding – who clearly disliked conditions when disappointing in the Coronation Cup at Epsom – was settled at the back, 12 lengths off the pace set by Lambourn as Mickael Barzalona was happy to bide his time.
Barzalona made his move on the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained five-year-old two and a half furlongs out and stylishly picked off the field down the outside to win by a cosy neck from Cualificar and stablemate Sunly.
Graffard told Sky Sports Racing: “Delighted with that. I was upset with myself at Epsom and today he was sweating a little bit too much and I can see he was a little bit worried, so I was worried and then at the end of the orders I said to Mickael forget everything we said – just ride him for himself.
“It doesn’t matter if he’s beaten, we just need to get his confidence back so just ride him for himself and trust in him and that’s what he did. But he’s such a good horse.
“He’s like a greyhound. If you put a rabbit in front of him he’d try to catch it! As soon as he hit the front, like he did in Dubai he just relaxed and like Mickael said his acceleration is so long and he can keep going, accelerating like that for so long. He’s an unbelievable horse.
“He’s got that will to win, that’s very important for these horses, especially at the top level. Mentally I like them to enjoy themselves and I think it was really good for him and hopefully he comes back well, but I think mentally he will be very pleased with himself.”
Bookmaker reaction was positive, with Coral cutting Calandagan to 7-4 favourite to successfully defend his crown in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 25.
Graffard added: “The plan was to go back to the King George and we are closer. It’s very hot today so we will see how he comes out of it, but it’s the obvious race for him – he loves Ascot, he loves a mile and a half. Today’s a good day.”
Owner Princess Zahra Aga Khan added: “It’s wonderful to see him back where he is. It’s wonderful to see him find himself again. He’s a horse who has his own running style. He doesn’t shoot out of the starting gate. He takes his time, but he’s so dominant he just wants to get in front. If there’s another horse in front of him he’ll do anything he can.
“He’s a battle-hardened horse. He’s of an age where there was a worry it (Epsom) might have knocked his confidence, but he’s raced around the world and he’s had up days and down days, he’s not won, he’s won, so I personally wasn’t too worried.”
Princess Zahra believes the proposal from France Galop to allow geldings to run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from 2027 was good for racing but would not commit to Calandagan taking his chance in the race.
She added: “I think that not being able to run in the Arc made us think outside the box and I think he had a very good year and I’m agnostic about that decision. Personally I don’t have a preference.
“It’s not a Classic, it’s a fantastic race but it’s not a Classic. I think ultimately it was the right decision, when you go through the eight or 12 geldings this year who have proved themselves to be top of the market, it’s a good decision. Are we going to run Calandagan in the Arc in 2027? I don’t know.”
Arc winner taking a break before building up to ParisLongchamp defence.
Daryz is unlikely to run again before September after returning unsatisfactory blood test results in the wake of his defeat at Royal Ascot.
Last season’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero made a flying start to the new campaign by winning successive Group Ones in France and hopes were high he could banish the memory of a disappointing first trip across the Channel at York last summer on his second start on Britain.
But while Francis-Henri Graffard’s charge was far from disgraced in finishing third behind the brilliant Ombudsman and Minnie Hauk, having beaten the latter when claiming Arc glory in October, connections were adamant Daryz did not run up to his best and now feel they have an explanation as to why.
Nemone Routh, French racing manager and director for owners the Aga Khan Studs, said: “We did all the normal tests on him and got some blood results back this week. They take a bit of time as they need to be cultured and he did come up positive for something, which would explain why he maybe wasn’t 100 per cent at Ascot.
“It’s something very treatable. I know straight after the race Francis wasn’t very happy with the trip he had during the race and we were kind of concerned about how he was in the stables the day before, but once we got the blood results back it did point to the fact something wasn’t quite right.
“The way he finished the race, we just felt it wasn’t like him. He did do the first acceleration quite well and then he kind of fell in a bit of a heap in the last furlong and we know he stays.
“A lot of people put it down to the fast ground, but he has run on good, firm ground many times before in France. I’m not saying he would have beaten Ombudsman, but he just didn’t finish his race well, which didn’t seem right to us. This blood test would explain why that was the case.”
Daryz is now set to return to easier work before building back up for the defence of his Arc title, with the Prix Foy at ParisLongchamp in September pencilled in as his likely prep race.
“He’s a horse you can’t give too much of an easy time because he gets very fresh, but we will back off him. He might do one canter instead of two, but you can’t really take him down to slow work because he’s a big, strong boy and I think he’d get too fresh,” Routh explained.
“We’ll just freshen him up, make him feel happy about life again and try to keep the lid on him and bring him back for September – that’s the plan for the moment.
“We haven’t had a big team discussion yet, but I know what Francis has got in his mind and that is something like the Prix Foy. That is the obvious Arc trial for a four-year-old and I don’t think he carries a penalty for any of his Group One wins this year.”
The Hollywoodbets Durbanville meeting on Tuesday is headlined by an A Stakes event over 1250m in which the promising Lucinda Woodruff-trained Beware can go close in his first run as a gelding.
The three-year-old Rafeef gelding has performed well over sprints trips, but his two wins have been over 1500m and 1600m respectively. Running fresh over this trip from a draw of three out of eight under Sean Veale should see him right there. King Regent does have some issues jumping well but is in fine form and from draw two should be a big runner. The US Of A has talent and is in fair form but does have 2,25 lengths to make up on King Regent from their meeting in the Winter Sprint over 1200m.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1400m Spanish World can fight it out with Odds And Evens with preference for the former as she is drawn well over a step up in trip she will relish. Odds And Evens will also appreciate the step up in trip but has the widest draw in the six horse field.
In the next race over 1800m Liefling has a tricky draw of eight, but he will enjoy the further step up in trip and being by Hawwaam he is open to more improvement. Frequent Traveller is quite exposed but is consistent and can earn another cheque from a good draw over a suitable trip.
In the fifth race over 1250m The Big Bang has been showing some improvement and could make a bold bid despite having to carry topweight of 60.5kg. Protector Of Peace has run some good races and over a suitable distance and fair draw he can do well with the 60kg being alleviated to some extent by a 2,5kg claimer up.
In the sixth over 1600m Superhero has good form over this sort of trip and can go close off a competitive mark of 71. Devil-A-Saint is consistent and tries the 1600m trip again, which he could get from pole position.
In the seventh over 1250m One Magic won well on debut and could follow up off a reasonable mark of 87. Avignon rates the main danger.
In the first race over 1000m the one to beat could be Onthewingsofadove, a What A Winter half-sister to a Gr 2-winning speedster, as she ran an eye-catching second on debut and is well drawn.
In the second over 1250m Mordechai is the one to beat having made a good debut and he is well dawn.
David Thiselton
RACE 7 (6 – 9 – 8 – 4)
Several chances looming in the 1400m Class 2 contest as a few candidates with plenty of upside will gain a weight advantage on some of their higher rated rivals. One of those is promising three-year-old and recent Class 3 winner, BANKER’S BOSS (6) which was favoured to win the 1200m 3YO Sprint Championship three weeks ago. Although he failed to land the major prize, he was far from disgraced after pulling up with a lameness issue when finishing 3rd, beaten 1.75L. The gelding will carry 5.5kg less from that performance and looks ideally placed at the weights with 53.5kg. Another recent Class 3 winner, KOONDAKAARA (9) can quickly atone for his last start defeat in a strong Max Two Stakes taken out by the highly promising Choice Is Mine. With a drop of 7kg from that run, he appears well served on the minimum 52kg. RUMEUR (8) is up in class following his return to winning form by defeating BANKER’S AMAZING (4) at Ipoh on June 13. THUNDEROUS (3) does possess an impressive form line behind some handy types in recent starts and is sure to make his presence felt also.
RACE 8 (2 – 9 – 3 – 1)
The form of GRAPHJET EXPRESS (2) may not be overly inspiring but his last start 5th in the Listed Chairman’s Trophy was better than it looks. Where the on-speed runners were dominating most of the races that day, GRAPHJET EXPRESS (2) reeled off a fast final sectional, coming from second last at the 400m to finish only 1.25L from the winner. Despite not winning for nearly twelve months, the gelding usually races well on the freshen up and could provide some value in the 1600m Class 3. MEGA FIRST (9) toyed with his Class 4 rivals when scoring by 6.5L, his first run over 1600m here a fortnight ago and is a chance of going back-to-back on the upgrade. PACIFIC FIGHTER (3) has continued to chalk up minor placings since his only local victory was recorded back in September 2024 and is coming off a 4th to MEGA FIRST (9) last start. The form of KIM EMPEROR (1) has tapered since winning the G1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor in December but looks better suited in this grade, SCHNEIDER (8) lowered the colours of MEGA FIRST (9) back in April and has maintained solid form since.
RACE 9 (2 – 7 – 4 – 10)
BANKER’S WARRIOR (2) is a progressive three-year-old capable of matching it with his older rivals in the 1300m Class 3 contest. The gelding defied the on-speed bias with a fast-finishing 5th in what turned out to be a leader dominated 3YO Sprint Championship three weeks ago. He looks well served with the 3kg claim for G Farhan and should be competitive in this grade. ANIKI (7) finally broke the Malaysian duck in a 1400m Class 4 defeating subsequent Ipoh winner Artois. The six-year-old races best on pace and was a Class 3 winner in Singapore previously. ACTION BANKER’S (4) (Late Naitanui) was formerly trained by Team Hayes in Australia and is coming off a solid trial. One to watch on Malaysian debut for trainer Johnny Lim. STORM CHASER (10) has done little wrong in three local outings so far and finished 3rd behind ANIKI (7) two starts back. The former Hong Kong galloper is fast beginner so should be prominent throughout. RUBIK KID (6) surprised at the big odds second up and could provide some value for the trifecta while BULL FIGHT (12) has claims.
RACE 10 (3 – 1 – 7 – 6)
MEGA ACE (3) has established himself as the best performed three-year-old in the country after defying his opposition in the 3YO Sprint Championship on June 14. The gelding will go down 4kg from that performance and will have a 5kg advantage on the highest rated runner, PACIFIC VAMPIRE (1) which appears to be the main danger. Both horses have an abundance of early pace so there is likely to be a fast tempo set early. BRANSOM (7) has struggled to win since September last year but drops 7kg and hasn’t been far away in recent starts. FILIAL DRAGON (6) had no luck last start but is a group winner and cannot be left out while ARIGATO (2) can be considered for the exotics after some impressive track work during the week.
By Ashley Iveson, Press Association
Donnacha O’Brien is under no illusions about the task facing A Boy Named Susie as he prepares to take on a couple of his father’s big guns in the Coral-Eclipse.
Aidan O’Brien has saddled a record nine winners of Sandown’s midsummer showpiece, including each of the last three, and this year saddles the French Derby one-two Constitution River and Hawk Mountain, as well as possible pacemaker Flushing Meadows.
A Boy Named Susie, who is owned by Donnacha’s sister and Aidan’s daughter Ana O’Brien, finished a never-nearer fourth behind a Ballydoyle one-two-three at Chantilly and while his trainer is hoping he can close the gap on two of those that finished in front of him, he acknowledges it is a tough assignment.
Reflecting on his luckless run in the Prix du Jockey Club, O’Brien said: “We hoped we could follow Ryan (Moore, riding Constitution River) out of the stalls, which was the plan, but I think the pace was pretty hot early and I think that’s been overlooked. Dad’s horses went very quick early from wide draws and you look at the horses that followed them and sat fourth and fifth, they finished nowhere, whereas they were able to sustain the pace.
“Looking at the race you’d say we were a bit unlucky because we flashed home, but I wouldn’t say it’s a guarantee that any horse that used that much petrol to go with them early would have finished as strong as what he did.”
Aidan O’Brien is bidding to win yet another major prize this season having completed the English, French and Irish Derby hat-trick and landed multiple other Classic and Group One races at home and abroad.
When asked whether he hoped to match those achievements, Donnacha added: “It’s an impossible task for everyone. What he’s doing is incredible and I don’t think there’s any point waking up in the morning and saying I’m going to train 30 Group One winners this year – it doesn’t work like that.
Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien (John Walton/PA)
“It’s great to be able to see what he’s doing and I guess be some kind of small part of it. I’m competitive as much as anyone, but everyone in Ireland is competing with dad and Joseph day in day out and it’s so tough to beat them.
“I think everyone in Ireland is kind of the same – we’re nearly happy to see them going to the world stage and beating everyone else because it kind of shows what we’re up against every day.”
While clearly proud of his father’s achievements, Donnacha would love to get the better of him on Saturday with a horse he feels has not yet had the opportunity to realise his full potential.
“It’s a strong race, obviously. Constitution River looks a very good horse, Gethin looks a good horse, Saddadd and Hawk Mountain – they’re very strong, proper Group One horses,” he said.
Constitution River is a hot favourite for the Coral-Eclipse (Martin Rickett/PA)
“I thought Constitution River looked very good in Chester and I thought he really did things the hard way in France. He used plenty of petrol early, was stuck wide and didn’t look particularly comfortable on the track and he still found a way to win. When horses like that are able to win it’s often the sign of a really good one – we’ve seen champions throughout the years be able to do that.
“We’ll see, we’re still going to take him on and do our best. I think with a few of our horse’s runs you could say he was arguably unlucky. Part of that he probably does to himself, but I think with a smooth run he could well have won the Ballysax Stakes earlier in the year, won by Christmas Day (Epsom Derby winner) and in the French Derby he looked unlucky.
“I think the small field will help our horse, but it looks like a proper, strong Group One and whatever wins it will have to be a very, very good horse.”
Hopes of a British-trained success appear to rest with Owen Burrows’ Gethin who returns to Sandown having pushed Ombudsman close in the Brigadier Gerard in late May, while Roger Varian’s Saddadd also brings smart course form to the table and was third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup most recently.
Harry Charlton’s King’s Gambit completes the field of seven set to face the starter.
As we embark on the final fortnight of the 2025/26 Hong Kong racing season, Caspar Fownes remains firmly in the driver’s seat after an absorbing battle for the trainers’ title.
Fownes, who sits on 66 winners through 84 of the term’s 88 meetings, is five victories clear of his nearest rival, and he will aim to strengthen his stranglehold on the trainers’ championship at Sha Tin this Saturday (4 July).
While the title race has featured as many as half a dozen legitimate contenders in recent times, it is now only Danny Shum (61 victories) and Mark Newnham (60) with any real hope of running over the top of Fownes late.
Fownes appears to have bullets still to fire, however, and he will saddle up seven runners at Sha Tin this weekend.
While Fownes has been far from the most prolific trainer on the Sha Tin dirt this season, sitting seventh in the unofficial standings, it could be the all-weather track where he is most likely to strike on Saturday.
In his second run back from a right hind ligament injury, Pejibaye will look to go one better than his first-up second in the Class 4 The Chan Trophy Handicap (1200m).
After showing plenty of promise across seven starts on the turf, winning once and running second three times, Fownes chanced his arm with Pejibaye on the dirt on the galloper’s return run, and he seemed to relish the surface, sticking on strongly to beat all but Mega Captain.
Fownes is also represented in the meeting’s other all-weather fixture, the Class 5 The Wong Cup Handicap (1200m), with Daily Trophy, who is never without a chance on his favourite surface.
Fownes will also have high hopes for Decision Link in the Class 4 The Arculli Trophy Handicap (1400m) and the returning Perfect General in the Class 3 The Philip Chen Trophy Handicap (1200m), who was an impressive winner when last seen in early April.
Shum will run the in-form Grouper on the quick back-up, with the improving three-year-old lining up in the Class 4 The Stevenson Cup Handicap (1200m) after finishing second last start.
Newnham won’t be heading to the track loaded with winning chances, but he will be hopeful of improvement from All Out For Six in the Class 3 The Philip Chen Handicap (1200m).
Turffontein’s Standside track hosts one of the strongest Highveld meetings of the winter on Sunday, featuring a quality 10-race programme headed by the Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes and three competitive Pinnacle Stakes contests.
Several leading stables hold strong hands throughout the afternoon. Trainers Tony Peter, Sean Tarry, and Candice and Tammy Dawson all have realistic prospects of doubles, while recently returned jockey Kabelo Matsunyane looks well placed to make an immediate impact. The standout betting proposition, however, appears to be Joe Soma’s progressive Errol Flynn, who bids to complete a hat-trick in the final leg of the 4Racing Highveld Three-Year-Old Winter Series.
Tony Peter could strike early in the Work Riders’ maiden (Race 1) with Star Magnolia. The daughter of Danon Platina improved significantly when fitted with earmuffs to finish second over 1200m, and the addition of pacifiers may help her shed her maiden tag.
The Dawson stable looks to have a leading chance in Race 2 with Enflame. The Irish Flame gelding is easy to forgive after struggling in Grade 3 company at Greyville and should be far more effective back on Turffontein’s galloping Standside track against easier opposition.
Sean Tarry’s Secret Fate can regain the winning thread in Race 3. The Master Of My Fate filly lost her unbeaten record when second over this course and distance but now meets Queen Leila on 2kg better terms. With Matsunyane aboard, she has every chance of reversing the result.
The opening leg of the Place Accumulator features another strong Dawson contender in Expert Witness. The well-bred Hawwaam colt improved sharply from his debut to finish second over 1600m and should appreciate the return to the Standside course. Craig Zackey takes the ride.
The Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes centres on Errol Flynn, unbeaten since blinkers were applied. His victory in the Egoli Mile, the second leg of the Winter Series, suggested he would relish stepping up to 1800m after finishing powerfully from midfield. With Keagan de Melo retaining the ride, he shapes as one of the best bets on the programme.
Race 8 offers Peter and Matsunyane another strong opportunity with Taxi To The Moon. Since being gelded, the son of Vercingetorix has won four of eight starts and was narrowly successful in the Grade 2 Golden Horse Sprint. Despite a three-point ratings rise, he remains progressive and can continue his winning run.
Tarry may also finish the day strongly with last-start winners Warning Sound (Race 9) and War Reporter (Race 10). Both have earlier engagements during the week, but if they line up on Sunday, they will command plenty of respect and could complete a stable double.
Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Durban July will be run as a true handicap, a major change from previous years that has prompted several of the country’s highest-rated horses, including defending champion The Real Prince, to skip the R10 million feature. Even so, the 18-runner field remains highly competitive, with the handicap conditions theoretically giving every runner an equal chance.
Ante-post favourite Star Major heads the market as James Crawford looks to emulate his father Brett, who won the race two years ago with Oriental Charm. The three-year-old has built a successful partnership with French jockey Mickaëlle Michel, winning both the Grade 1 KZN Guineas and Grade 1 Daily News 2000. On each occasion, Star Major stormed home from near the rear after Michel angled him wide into the straight. Similar tactics are expected, although she will need to navigate past 17 rivals this time.
Mocha Blend is another leading contender. Frank Robertson’s mare announced herself with a surprise Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup victory before her rating was carefully protected with two preparatory runs over inadequate distances. She finished strongly in both and now steps up to 2200m carrying a handy 56.5kg, well below topweight Legal Counsel on 62kg. Having already proven herself over 2000m at Turffontein, she looks well placed under the in-form Tristan Godden.
Trainer Gareth van Zyl has targeted the race with proven stayer King Pelles, winner of last year’s Grade 3 Gold Vase over 3000m. His preparation has mirrored Mocha Blend’s, using shorter races to sharpen his speed. Strong late efforts behind Okavango and Zeitz suggest he is peaking at the right time, while his proven stamina gives him an edge over some rivals stepping into unknown territory.
Justin Snaith saddles five runners, headed by four-time consecutive winner Wish List. Veteran jockey Andrew Fortune, enjoying a remarkable comeback, has long identified the filly as his July mount. After winning the Grade 1 Paddock Stakes and Cape Derby, she extended her winning streak with a determined Grade 2 Woolavington victory, edging out Minogue in the closing strides. Although Minogue meets her 1kg better at the weights, Snaith’s ability to peak horses for the big occasion makes Wish List a major player.
The supporting Grade 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes is equally competitive. Defending champion Double Grand Slam faces a difficult draw but comes off a strong effort in the Grade 1 SA Fillies Sprint over an inadequate trip. Mon Petit Cherie was narrowly beaten by Quickstepgal in the Grade 3 Tibouchina Stakes after racing wide and should appreciate the extra furlong from a better draw. Keukenhof, twice placed behind Wish List, also has solid claims in a high-quality field.
Pride Of Arras will make his long-awaited return to the races in Sunday’s Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, but the comeback assignment could hardly be any tougher, with last year’s winner Calandagan set to stand in his way.
The Ralph Beckett-trained gelding has not raced since finishing close-up in the Bahrain International Trophy in November, but remains a horse of real interest as he begins the next stage of his career. Now a four-year-old and rated 115, Pride Of Arras is being aimed at a more international campaign, and Saint-Cloud looks a logical starting point over 2400m on a flat, left-handed track.
He promised plenty during the early part of last season, heading into the Derby as the leading British-trained hope after winning the Dante Stakes at York to preserve his unbeaten record. Things did not go to plan at Epsom, where he beat just one runner home, and he was again below expectations in the Irish Derby before connections made the decision to geld him.
That move appeared to help him settle back into form, with Pride Of Arras returning to York to win the Great Voltigeur before running with credit in Bahrain. His intended reappearance in the John Porter Stakes in April was ruled out by a bruised foot, a setback which took longer than expected to fully clear up.
Calandagan is the clear measuring stick in the race. Francis-Henri Graffard’s five-year-old was a dominant winner of this contest last year, a performance that helped launch a brilliant winning sequence and confirmed him as one of the best older horses in Europe.
His campaign this year has not been as smooth. He was below his best in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, where rain-softened ground worked against him, and he now returns to Saint-Cloud on something of a recovery mission. Even so, he brings the strongest form profile into the race and will be hard to beat if he returns to the level he showed on this course 12 months ago.
Aidan O’Brien has left in both Jan Brueghel and Lambourn, who also contested the Coronation Cup, while Karl Burke could be represented by Convergent. Andre Fabre has Cualificar and Sinileo among the entries, with Aventure, Sunly and Eydon also still in contention.
For Pride Of Arras, this is more than just a seasonal return. It is the beginning of a new chapter. His three-year-old campaign promised plenty, hit trouble through the middle of the year, then finished with signs that his ability remained intact.
Now gelded, fresh and with international options firmly on the table, Sunday’s Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud will tell connections just how high they can aim.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
Aidan O’Brien stars set for mouthwatering French Derby rematch at Sandown on Saturday.
Aidan O’Brien has revealed both Constitution River and Hawk Mountain are poised to run in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday.
Plans for the Ballydoyle pair have been the subject of speculation all week, especially when Hawk Mountain, a Group One-winning juvenile, was supplemented for the German Derby.
However, he was subsequently taken out of that Hamburg engagement, attracting plenty of support for Sandown’s all-aged Group One in which O’Brien is chasing a record 10th victory.
Money for Hawk Mountain saw French Derby winner Constitution River drift slightly in the betting, but speaking on Wednesday afternoon O’Brien said his duo, who finished first and second at Chantilly, are set to meet again.
“It looks like they are both going to run,” O’Brien told the Press Association.
“It’s exciting for everybody, they’ve followed a similar programme all year.
“Everything has been good with the pair of them since they ran in the French Derby and the Eclipse looks the right race for both of them.”
Having been available at a double-figure price earlier in the week, Hawk Mountain is now into 5-1 with the sponsors. His Classic-winning stablemate is their 5-4 favourite with Gethin 11-4 and Saddadd 4-1.
“Both Constitution River and Hawk Mountain have attracted support this week, so it’s good news for their backers that both colts will be lining up in Saturday’s Coral-Eclipse, giving trainer Aidan O’Brien a really strong hand as he bids for a record-breaking fourth successive win in the race,” said spokesperson David Stevens.
By Nick Robson, Press Association
The Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July has always been a race where drama arrives before the gates even open, and this year’s edition has already delivered a major twist.
Early favourite Star Major was scratched on Tuesday after returning an elevated temperature, removing the horse many believed was the one they all had to beat. His withdrawal not only changed the complexion of the race, but also opened the door for first emergency Choisaanada to gain a start in South Africa’s most famous race.
Run over 2200 metres at Greyville, the Durban July is worth R10 million and remains the country’s showpiece handicap a race where form, luck, tempo and a little bit of theatre all collide. With Star Major out, this year’s race suddenly looks far more open, and the spotlight now shifts to a group of runners who were already knocking on the door.
The most compelling of them may be Wish List.
Wish List “愿望清单”
The Justin Snaith-trained filly brings the profile every punter loves in a big handicap: she is progressive, in form and already proven at Greyville. Her record reads 10 starts for five wins, two seconds and two thirds, and she arrives off four straight victories, including back-to-back wins at Greyville over 1600 metres and 2000 metres.
That latest success came in the Woolavington 2000, where she found enough late to win narrowly but importantly. It was not flashy, but it showed the right qualities for a Durban July she travelled well, she stayed, and she was willing to fight. The 2200 metres is still a question, but her racing pattern and recent progression suggest she is ready for it.
Her win over Note To Self in the Cape Derby earlier in the season also ties her strongly into one of the key three-year-old form lines. Note To Self finished second to Wish List that day before later running third behind Star Major in the Daily News 2000 at Greyville. With Star Major now out of the race, that form suddenly becomes even more important.
Note To Self has not won since January, but he has done very little wrong. His career record of two wins, three seconds and three thirds from eight starts shows a horse who is always around the money, and his latest run behind Star Major was better than it may look on paper. He settled midfield, stayed on strongly, and again gave the impression that the longer trip of the July could be within range.
The booking of Richard Fourie is another major positive. In a big-field Greyville handicap, where position and timing can decide the race, having one of South Africa’s most accomplished big-race riders aboard is a serious asset. Note To Self may not have the winning streak of Wish List, but he has the right profile to peak on the day.
Then there is Regulation, who may be one of the more interesting runners at odds.
The four-year-old gelding has drawn well in barrier two and carries just 52kg, which gives him every chance to land in the right position early. He was disappointing last start when eighth behind Zeitz over 1800 metres, but his run prior to that was full of merit, finishing second to Isivivane over 1900 metres at Greyville.
That effort reads well in the context of this race. He was beaten less than a length, maps to get a far better run than many of his rivals, and is now partnered by Zac Lloyd, one of the most exciting young riders in Australia. Lloyd, the son of former South African champion jockey Jeff Lloyd, adds a fascinating international angle to the race and looks a strong booking for a horse who should be able to use his light weight and draw.
The Australian-based riding presence does not stop there.
Zac LLoyd Chad Schofield Mark Du Plessis
Chad Schofield (son of former South African gun Glyn) returns with the ride on King Pelles, while Mark Du Plessis partners I Salute You. Along with Lloyd, they bring a strong southern African connection back into the Durban July spotlight. Schofield, the son of former top South African rider Glyn Schofield, has built an international career across Australia and Hong Kong, while Du Plessis has long been associated with racing across Zimbabwe, New Zealand and the wider region.
Their presence gives this year’s Durban July a global feel and a reminder that South African racing still has a pull far beyond its borders.
The Star Major scratching also brings Choisaanada into play. He was unlucky to miss the original field and now gets his chance after coming in as first emergency. His recent form is strong enough to make him more than just a late replacement, having won two starts back at Turffontein before finishing second to Fire Attack over 2000 metres. He brings tactical speed, race fitness and a genuine point to prove.
That is what makes this year’s Durban July so intriguing. Without Star Major, there is no obvious standout. Wish List has the winning form and upside. Note To Self has the consistency and the right rider. Regulation has the draw, the weight and the chance to bounce back. Choisaanada adds a wildcard element after gaining a late start.
The Durban July is rarely won by the horse with the simplest story. It is won by the horse who can handle the pressure, absorb the tempo and still find something up the Greyville straight.
This year, after the scratching of the favourite, the door is wide open.
And for Wish List, Note To Self and Regulation, the timing may be perfect.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
Ombudsman, Calandagan and Bacio among the stars set to head for the Knavesmire.
Chief executive William Derby is thrilled with the quality of the entries for York’s Group One races at the Ebor Festival in August, headed by the brilliant Ombudsman.
Having set Royal Ascot alight with his performance in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, connections have indicated their preference to see the Godolphin-owned five-year-old defend his title in the Juddmonte International.
He could be joined by the likes of Calandagan, Constitution River, Benvenuto Cellini, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Purview.
Derby said: “To have the defending champion is always good, some organisations have him as currently the highest-rated horse in the world, so that is very exciting after what he did at Ascot.
“There are other amazing horses in there and it will be interesting to see if Constitution River heads our way after Sandown (Coral-Eclipse) this weekend for the richest race we’ve ever staged.
“The possibility of Calandagan again, after he forced City Of Troy into breaking the track record in 2024, means the Juddmonte International is shaping up to be a cracker.”
In the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes, popular American trainer Wesley Ward will be hoping to break his duck in the race with Bacio, who looked much better than a handicapper in winning at Ascot.
Japan has an entry in dual Royal Ascot runner-up Satono Reve, with France and Australia also represented.
Derby went on: “Bacio is there for Wesley Ward who came so close with Lady Aurelia, Asfoora is returning for her defence and Satono Reve is in both the Nunthorpe and City of York after running an amazing race at Ascot, so I’m really excited about that.
“Ponntos is there from the Czech Republic, Francis-Henri Graffard has some entries too.
“We’ve had a bumper entry for the Sky Bet City of York in just it’s second year (as a Group One), so I’m really excited about that. It has quickly established itself in the minds of all connections. We had a great line-up last year but it can only improve as people get used to it as a Group One option.
“You’ve the Queen Anne winner in Ten Bob Tony, Qirat who won the Criterion here on Saturday and won the Sussex last year and an Irish Guineas winner in Gstaad, so it brings horses stepping up in trip or down and three-year-olds meeting older horses, it’s fascinating.
“It’s going to be World Pool this year on Saturday for the first time also.”
There is one particular horse Derby would love to see turn up in the Yorkshire Oaks.
“Given Estrange is trained by David O’Meara in Yorkshire, it would be great to see her have another go at the Yorkshire Oaks,” he said.
“She was second to Minnie Hauk last year and we showed her win the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland on the big screen on Saturday, which went down very well.
“She won on quickish ground on Saturday, she’s such a beautiful filly, we’d love to see her go one better.
“It’s like the first day of December almost for us with all the story lines coming together.”
By Nick Robson, Press Association
The Vaal hosts an intriguing eight-race programme on Thursday, with several progressive horses looking set to continue their rise, while trainer Sean Tarry and jockeys Keagan de Melo and Mickaëlle Michel hold strong chances of doubles.
Race 1 could offer value with Corsaro Super in the 1000m juvenile contest. The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained son of Erupt has yet to show his true ability, but there were excuses for both previous starts. Significantly, De Melo keeps the ride after a 13-week break, suggesting confidence the colt can improve sharply in an open race.
The in-form Stuart Pettigrew stable looks well represented in Race 2 with Midnight Special. The Fire Away filly made an encouraging debut when runner-up and is expected to improve with the experience. Craig Zackey retains the ride, and she rates one of the stronger bets on the card.
Bristol Hercules is the standout in Race 4 over 1600m as he bids to complete a hat-trick. The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained gelding has returned from a break in excellent form, winning consecutive 1400m races at the Vaal, including his latest under a penalty against stronger opposition. Although carrying 62kg after another ratings increase, he drops in class and the step up to 1600m should suit. By Lancaster Bomber, he has been finishing strongly and looks capable of extending his winning streak under Callan Murray.
Another Lancaster Bomber runner to follow is Warning Sound in Race 6. The Sean Tarry-trained filly produced a career-best performance when winning over 1450m at Turffontein’s Inside track off a career-high rating. A four-point penalty makes life tougher, but she remains lightly raced and still has scope for improvement. French rider Mickaëlle Michel keeps the partnership, and her 1.5kg allowance could prove valuable.
Tarry’s strongest chance may come in Race 7 with Greenandgold. The R2.6-million National Yearling Sale purchase has steadily improved with each run and relished the step up to 1400m when making all to win her maiden in convincing fashion. The 73-day break should have helped her strengthen, while an opening handicap mark of 75 appears fair for a filly with her pedigree and potential. If she progresses again, Greenandgold can complete a profitable stable double for Tarry and De Melo.
There are easier ways to make a name for yourself in South African racing than arriving from France, finding your feet in a new country, and within seven months being legged aboard the likely favourite for the Durban July.
But Mickaëlle Michel has never followed the quiet route.
The globetrotting French jockey has built a career on professionalism, adaptability and a willingness to chase opportunity wherever racing takes her. From France to Japan, Australia and now South Africa, Michel has become one of the sport’s most recognisable international riders and this weekend she has the chance to turn an already remarkable story into something truly historic.
Her mount is Star Major, the James Crawford-trained colt who has quickly become one of the most exciting horses in South Africa. The son of Querari announced himself as a serious Durban July contender with a powerful victory in the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville, coming from near last under Michel to defeat Happy Verse and Note To Self. It was not only the biggest win of Star Major’s career, but also a landmark moment for Michel, who became the first female jockey to win a South African classic and one of only a select few women to ride a South African Grade 1 winner.
Now, the pair return to Greyville for South Africa’s greatest race, the R10 million Grade 1 Durban July, with Star Major drawn favourably in barrier four and carrying the hopes of punters who have made him the choice elect.
For Michel, this is more than another big-race ride. It is the latest chapter in a career defined by proving her ability in any jurisdiction.
She was France’s leading female rider in 2018 before taking her talents abroad, most notably to Japan, where she became a fan favourite and set a record for the most wins by a foreign jockey on the NAR circuit with 30 victories from 267 rides. Her international résumé also includes a third-place finish in Japan’s World All-Star Jockeys Championship and success in Europe, including a Group 2 victory in Italy aboard Walderbe.
Michel during one of her Japan riding stints
South Africa, however, has opened a new door.
Michel arrived looking for winners, experience and a fresh challenge. What she found was Star Major, a colt with acceleration, presence and the right running style for Greyville’s pressure cooker. Their partnership has already delivered consecutive major victories, including the Daily News 2000, and there is a sense that horse and rider are peaking at exactly the right moment.
The Durban July has always been a race of stories. This year, one of the strongest stories belongs to a French jockey who has travelled the world searching for the right horse, and may just have found him in South Africa.
If Star Major wins, it will be more than a famous Durban July victory.
It will be a defining moment for James Crawford, a breakthrough on the biggest South African stage for Mickaëlle Michel, and another powerful reminder that racing’s most compelling stories are often written far from home.
We caught up with Michel and she gave us a great insight into her life and journey from her perspective.
You recently guided Star Major to victory in the R2 million Gr1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville. What did that win mean to you personally and professionally?Professionally it was one of my big goals, a dream and I think an achievement to every jockey. Personally, it was a relief, my husband and I are traveling the world for many years to find a horse like him. We sacrificed a lot, so it was a beautiful way to thank my husband to trust in me and following me everywhere on this earth.
You have built an international riding career across France, Japan, Australia and now South Africa. How did your journey in racing first begin? I have ridden horses from the age of 11. I didn’t know anything about horse racing, at the age of 15yo in France you have to decide what job you want to do so you will go in a different school. Then my mum and I checked on internet what can of option I could have to work with horses and we found the AFASEC, which is the horseracing school in France. I did a test and I just fell in love with it. Horses and competing were the perfect match for me.
You became very popular during your time riding in Japan. What was that experience like, especially with the support and passion of the Japanese racing fans? It’s still one of the best experiences I ever had and that’s why to become a JRA jockey is my biggest dream from this experience. Japanese racing is special and the fans are the best. You feel all the support you need and want to become a better jockey.
Japan has one of the most intense and professional racing environments in the world. What did riding there teach you? True, they are working so hard for many years to become what they are today and win everywhere in the world! I learned to ride on the dirt over there and I loved it. It’s a different type of riding; you need to be stronger physically. I would also say the adaptation because they don’t speak English and my first year I didn’t speak English as well, Japanese culture and the way to think is very different so you need to understand quick.
You also rode in Australia and landed a winner at Flemington, the headquarters of Australian racing. How special was that moment for you? It was amazing! I was only my second meeting riding in Aussie and to win my first race specially at Flemington was something special! Plus, my horse was 80/1 so nobody expected it, me as well. So, it was a big surprise, lot of emotions and very proud.
You are now based in South Africa. What attracted you to riding there and how have you found the racing culture so far? I met Mathew De Kock in Australia when he was training with Robbie Griffiths, I had a few wins for them and when I had a dinner with him and his family before I had to leave for Japan, he told me he will go back to South Africa that year.
He followed me a little bit and knows I like to travel so he proposed me to add SA on my CV one day if I want. In 2025, I finished riding in Japan end of November and I felt it was wrong timing to fly back in France. It’s cold, races are slow and good horses are away so I decided to phone Mathew and quickly I took the decision to go there. At the beginning it was only for 5 weeks but it got well fast so I decided to extend my stay. Unfortunately, they have the same problem as almost every country, they don’t have a daily public but big races like the Durban July are well known. They have good quality of jockeys and horses; I am really enjoying it here.
Was there a particular moment early in your career when you realised you wanted to become a professional jockey? As soon as I started the horseracing school but I have to be honest I never thought it will become true until I met my first agent who became my husband. He coached me as a really professional sportsman and he gave me the confidence.
Michel and her husband Fred who has been along for the journey. Pic: Mickaelle MichelWas there a particular moment early in your career when you realised you wanted to become a professional jockey? As soon as I started the horseracing school but I have to be honest I never thought it will become true until I met my first agent who became my husband. He coached me as a really professional sportsman and he gave me the confidence.
As a French female jockey competing internationally, what challenges have you had to overcome to earn opportunities in different racing jurisdictions? Well, it’s not about being a female jockey or not, even if of course sometimes I meet some people who don’t put trust in female jockeys. But the hardest thing to do is to start from the bottom in every new country. You need to prove again, show more, sometimes it feels like I am an apprentice again because they don’t know you so you have to be very patient.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals in South Africa and on the international stage? I want to keep improving, win more Group 1 races and become a major jockey and have the opportunity to ride and win Group 1 races around the world.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
Download your daily France express form for FREE:RACE 1: PRIX DE BON ABRI STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM DIEPPE RACE 3) – 1800M – TIME: 19:08 PRIZE MONEY: EUR14600
Speedster (FR) Not beaten far when sixth last time over 2200m at Angers in a Class 3 Handicap on 8 June. Hard to dismiss. Alkidan Ran reasonably good when fifth in a Class 3 Handicap at ParisLongchamp over 1800m when last seen on 15 June. Ought to be involved in the shake-up. Zvalikova (FR) Recent third over 2000m in a Class 3 Claimer at ParisLongchamp when last seen on 15 June. Among the leading chances. Loria (IRE) Fair fifth last time over 1500m at Deauville in a Class 3 on 27 June. Capable of being involved.
RACE 2: PRIX RIVERMAN MIADEN STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM DIEPPE RACE 4) – 2400M – TIME: 19:43 PRIZE MONEY: EUR15600
Ledesma Placed on all three starts, with a solid effort on the latest when second in a Maiden over 2400m at La Teste on 11 June. Live chance. Saint Monchik (FR) Has been placed on his last three runs, fourth on the most recent over 2400m at Argentan in a Maiden on 10 June. Hard to ignore. Soudya (FR) Solid effort to be third at Saint-Cloud in a Handicap over 2400m last time on 5 May. Among the leading chances. Lameloise (FR) Encouraging first-up run when finishing fifth over 2400m in a Handicap on 6 June. Should improve and strip fitter.
RACE 3: PRIX DE CAMBOURG CLAIMING STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM DIEPPE RACE 5) – 2400M – TIME: 20:18 PRIZE MONEY: EUR11500
Johnny Drive (FR) Tad below-par last time, a solid third before that at this track over 2400m in a Handicap on 16 May. Key chance. Indy (FR) Did not fire last time on 13 June, third before that at Nantes in a Claimer over 2400m on 29 May. One to pay attention to. Zolia D’oroux (FR) Finished fifth last time over 2400m at this track in a Claimer on 23 June. Capable of making the top-three. Renversante (FR) Finished sixth on her last outing over 1800m in a Claimer at La Teste on 26 June. Among the leading each-way options.
RACE 4: PRIX CLAUDE ROUGET MAIDEN STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM DIEPPE RACE 6) – 2400M – TIME: 20:53 PRIZE MONEY: EUR11900
Keen Lady (FR) Recent second in a Maiden at this track over 2400m on 23 June. She has been second several times and can get off the mark. Torreador (FR) Three placed runs of late, third on the latter over 2400m at ParisLongchamp in a Class 3 Handicap on 24 May. One to keep onside. The Last Foal (FR) Below-par last time on 24 May, second before that over 2600m at Chateaubriant in a Maiden on 5 May. In the mix. Black Sugar (FR) Better effort on his last start when third in a Maiden at this track over 2600m on 23 June. Each-way player.
RACE 5: PRIX POLIGLOTE (RACE AND CARE) HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM DIEPPE RACE 7) – 1800M – TIME: 21:28 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200
Poet’s Lyrics (IRE) Two good second-place runs recently, the latter over 2000m at this track in a Handicap on 23 June. She can get her first success. Empress Of Light Ran well to be fourth at Le Lion D’Angers in a Class 3 over 2000m on 5 June. Lightly raced and has more to come on Handicap bow. All In Pink (FR) Has solid recent form, second on the latter over 1800m at La Teste in a Class 3 on 26 June. Capable of being competitive. Xtramour (FR) Three unplaced efforts in decent races recently. Won his maiden at Le Mans in March over 2000m and is capable of bouncing back and being involved.
RACE 6: PRIX DE L’AXE MAJEUR STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 1) – 2250M – TIME: 23:31 PRIZE MONEY: EUR14600
Kalafa (FR) Two nice runs at this track recently, a win two runs back in May and a recent fourth over 2000m in a Class 4 on 11 June. Likes this track and hard to ignore. Arturo (FR) Finished seventh last time in a Condition at Baden-Baden (Germany) over 2000m on 7 June. Can be competitive. Lollipop Des Pins (FR) Fair fifth last time over 2200m at Angers in a Class 3 Handicap on 8 June. One to pay close attention to. La Bonita (FR) Back in eighth last time on 2 July, a win before that over 2000m at this track in a Class 4 on 11 June. Player.
RACE 7: PRIX D’IVRY HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 2) – 1400M – TIME: 00:05 PRIZE MONEY: EUR21100
Marsiho (IRE) Four good runs of late, third at Nantes on the most recent in a Class 3 Handicap on 16 June. Ought to play a leading role. Makarov (FR) Good run over 1400m at this track when second in a Class 3 Handicap on 7 June. Capable of making his presence felt. Tizian (FR) Tad low-key last time on 5 June, third previously over 1400m at Chantilly in a Class 3 Handicap on the PSF. Placed form on turf and is one to keep safe. Mon Black Du Livet (FR) Good win last time over 1400m at Compiegne in a Class 3 Handicap on 5 June. Placed at this track in May. Player.
RACE 8: PRIX DE CHARENTON HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 3) – 1400M – TIME: 00:40 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200
El Kraken (FR) Solid performer who has been placed on his last six starts, second at Deauville in a Class 3 Handicap on the latter on 26 June. Hard to deny. Imparator (FR) Unplaced on the one run this year over 1400m at Saint-Cloud in a Class 3 Handicap on 29 May. Placed form last year and he will be sharper for a recent run. Pergolor (FR) Finished sixth at Compiegne on the last run over 1400m in a Class 3 on 5 June. Wears headgear today and can make the top-three. Bolkhov (FR) Recent third at Compiegne in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400m on 5 June. Capable of making an impact.
RACE 9: PRIX DES BOUTICLES STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 4) – 1400M – TIME: 01:15 PRIZE MONEY: EUR17400
Alabama Moon (FR) Good win last time over 1400m in a Class 3 at Chantilly on the PSF on 19 June. Live chance. Zangar (FR) Two unplaced runs since a win over 1400m at Deauville in a Condition on the PSF on 29 January. Placed form on the turf and warrants attention. Hey Vince (FR) Two unplaced runs this year, the latter over 1100m at Dieppe in a Class 2 Handicap on 23 June. Course winner in September. Can make his presence felt. Franklin Al Gunay (USA) Placed third last time in a Class 3 at Lyon Parilly over 1600m on 6 June. One to pay attention to each-way.RACE 10: PRIX DE SALLE-AU-COMTE CLAIMING STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 5) – 1400M – TIME: 01:50 PRIZE MONEY: EUR22100
Oshia (FR) Finished close-up in third over 1100m at La Teste in a Handicap on 26 June. Should go very close. Bullet Ant (FR) Excellent run in second spot over 1600m at ParisLongchamp in a Claimer on 7 June. Bright winning chance. New York Melody (FR) Not seen to best effect in tenth over 1400m at ParisLongchamp in a Divided Handicap on 11 June. Capable of better and can earn. Gariga (FR) Finished fourth over 1700m at La-Roche- Posay in a Class 4 Condition on 14 June. Can run into the money.
RACE 11: PRIX DU VILLAGE CLAIMING STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 6) – 2000M – TIME: 02:32 PRIZE MONEY: EUR25000
Hypercore Finished seventh over 1800m at Bordeaux-Le Bouscat in a Listed on 23 May. Drops in class and is the one to beat. Mononof (FR) Finished close-up in fourth position over 1800m at ParisLongchamp in a Class 2 Divided Handicap on 15 June. Should run very well. Amrita (FR) Won with a bit in hand over 2000m at Compiegne in a Class 3 Course Qualifier on 20 May. Goes for the hat-trick and can feature. Stormy Donald (FR) No show in sixteen over 2200m at Angers in a Class 2 Divided Handicap on 8 June. Better than current form and can improve.
RACE 12: PRIX DE LA HUCHETTE CLAIMING STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 7) – 1600M – TIME: 03:02 PRIZE MONEY: EUR15400
Goguen Spaise (FR) Finished tenth over 1800m at ParisLongchamp in a Class 3 Divided Handicap on 15 June. Drops in class and can challenge. Ipso Facto (IRE) Runner-up over 1400m at Deauville in a Class 3 Divided Handicap on 26 June. Should be banging there at the finish. Modern Spirit (FR) Finished fifth behind a reopposing sort over 1400m at Deauville in a Class 3 Divided Handicap on 26 June. Should be involved in the outcome. Benimaru (IRE) Well held in twelve over 2000m at Saint-Cloud in a Class 3 Divided Handicap on 2 June. Can earn on prior form.
RACE 13: PRIX DE LA COLONNE VENDOME STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 8) – 2000M – TIME: 03:32 PRIZE MONEY: EUR25600
Seneque (IRE) Solid run in third over 2200m at ParisLongchamp in a Class 2 Condition on 23 April. Will go very close. Ebiyar (FR) Runner-up over 2000m at Compiegne in a Class 2 Condition on 5 June. Massive runner for top honors. Global Asset (FR) Winner over 1800m at Compiegne in a Maiden on 5 June. Open to improvement and can feature in the outcome. Ymeeelih (FR) Finished fourth over 1600m at Lyon Parilly in a Class 2 Condition on 13 June. Should be in the shake-up.
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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: TURFFONTEIN INSIDE@2026.07.09
Turffontein Inside, 09.07.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R115.000, 12:20GMT+2Race Summary: MAGIC DECLARATION looks the one to follow. He made a promising debut over 1200m and should relish the distance. He tries the turn but has drawn wide. TWO TIGERS didn’t disgrace himself on the Poly last time and looks a big threat. MEGA AWESOME has been gelded. He has a wide gate but can show more. SWORD OF LIGHT was beaten as favourite but another top rider gets aboard. He is back from a lengthy layoff and must be considered. Argentine import COVER is late on the scene as a three-year-old but could be one to watch.
Selections: #11 Magic Declaration, #12 Mega Awesome, #13 Two Tigers, #2 Echoes Of War
Turffontein Inside, 09.07.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R110.000, 12:55GMT+2Race Summary: Hawwaam filly KNOCKIN’ BOOTS made good progress from start one to two. She is back around a turn but is open to further improvement. SECRET LIFE got a lot closer in her last start when upped in distance again. NICOLSON LANDING is looking to go one better after just missing at her last start. Her stable is in good form and she can get the job done. TAKEACHANCEONME needs to find more to challenge for the win but has champion Craig Zackey in the irons and the pair jump from a plum stall. DESTINY’S DREAM, LANTERI and TEA FOR THREE add to a competitive race.
Selections: #8 Knockin’ Boots, #10 Secret Life, #2 Nicolson Landing, #4 Takeachanceonme
Turffontein Inside, 09.07.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 2600m, Turf, R125.000, 13:30GMT+2Race Summary: SAMUEL SHARPE ran a fair race in his first try over distance. He finished 3.30-lengths behind REPETITION over 2400m. He was an impressive winner in his penultimate with blinkers fitted and with the headgear reapplied he could be a big threat. REPETITION thoroughly enjoyed going ground and it could be a repeat performance if preferring the switch to the inside track at Turffontein. GREEN MACHINE beat SAMUEL SHARPE a few runs back and so his last run well behind the above mentioned wasn’t his best form. He must be respected. CORRUPT is back to best and has a say along with BATTLEGROUND.
Selections: #5 Samuel Sharpe, #3 Repetition, #4 Green Machine, #2 Corrupt
Turffontein Inside, 09.07.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R110.000, 14:05GMT+2Race Summary: SCARLET O’HARA is on a roll and can make it three wins on the bounce. The Red Ray filly has got the timing right from wide draws and is unbeaten in two starts over 1800m. PALACE DANCER ran a cracker in her first run after a rest when beaten 0.25-lengths by SCARLET O’HARA and as she is 1.5kg better off at the weights must be given a fair chance of turning the form around. FRANGIPANI is unbeaten in two starts at this venue and could be the dark horse. She suddenly won easily in her last start and could be on the up having matured. DIMAKO’S JET can threaten from a plum gate.
Selections: #5 Scarlet O’Hara, #3 Palace Dancer, #8 Frangipani, #2 Dimako’s Jet
Turffontein Inside, 09.07.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R100.000, 14:40GMT+2Race Summary: Wide open. SIKELOI bounced back to form when only just ousted by useful Top Shelf Teddy. She could show the strength of the form but is upped in distance. THE MIGHTIEST was runner-up over 1600m last time. She ranged up dangerously then and having drawn well again should run another decent race. APOSTROPHE is one that should enjoy the drop in distance. She is holding consistent form and could get rewarded jumping from gate one. Well-bred ANAHITA rates the value proposition on her handicap debut. More in it.
Selections: #4 Sikeloi, #11 The Mightiest, #10 Apostrophe, #7 Anahita
Turffontein Inside, 09.07.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R135.000, 15:15GMT+2Race Summary: ORANGE COUNTY has been holding form nicely since an easy win on the Standside track at this venue. He can get back to winning ways carrying a light weight after being beaten as favourite. PALACE PRINCE showed something like his best form at Hollywoodbets Greyville in a feature event. That kind of form entitles him to respect even if having yet to win over the trip. THAT’S MY BABY wasn’t far off some of the best fillies around last time. She has won over the distance and could be dangerous. WAYNE was unlucky last time. He will need to overcome a wide draw.
Selections: #7 Orange County, #2 Palace Prince, #1 That’s My Baby, #6 Wayne
Turffontein Inside, 09.07.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R110.000, 15:55GMT+2Race Summary: With many talented sprinters it could pay to go wide in the exotics. MRS STORMIATRIX was on a roll before having a valid excuse in her last start. She is back from a break and could attract support if all is well. Watch out for MANYELETI who is also back from a rest. She has ability and has been backed in all her starts. LOVABLE has race fitness on her side and was a promising second the only time she raced at this venue. She can get it right from a plum gate. TEMPRANILLO ran a cracker from a wide draw last time and could add to a solid record at this track.
Selections: #6 Mrs Stormiatrix, #4 Lovable, #5 Tempranillo, #1 Manyeleti
Turffontein Inside, 09.07.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R100.000, 16:30GMT+2Race Summary: STAGGERWING won as easily as expected after showing up against some high-class individuals in her prior starts. She has room for improvement and can make a winning handicap debut. POWER OF PEARLS followed up her Maiden win with a decent run and having drawn well could be in the fight. QUIET WINTER attracted some support last time and caught the eye making good progress. She must be respected too. MISTY METAL could make the exotics pay if anywhere near her best. She had valid excuses in her last two starts. JAZZ PIANIST is capable of better and can pop up.
Selections: #7 Staggerwing, #6 Misty Metal, #5 Power Of Pearls, #2 Quiet Winter
Best Win: #7 STAGGERWING
Best Value Bet: #6 MRS STORMIATRIX
Best Longshot: #6 MRS STORMIATRIX
Zac LLoyd Chad Schofield Mark Du Plessis
Chad Schofield (son of former South African gun Glyn) returns with the ride on King Pelles, while Mark Du Plessis partners I Salute You. Along with Lloyd, they bring a strong southern African connection back into the Durban July spotlight. Schofield, the son of former top South African rider Glyn Schofield, has built an international career across Australia and Hong Kong, while Du Plessis has long been associated with racing across Zimbabwe, New Zealand and the wider region.
Their presence gives this year’s Durban July a global feel and a reminder that South African racing still has a pull far beyond its borders.
The Star Major scratching also brings Choisaanada into play. He was unlucky to miss the original field and now gets his chance after coming in as first emergency. His recent form is strong enough to make him more than just a late replacement, having won two starts back at Turffontein before finishing second to Fire Attack over 2000 metres. He brings tactical speed, race fitness and a genuine point to prove.
That is what makes this year’s Durban July so intriguing. Without Star Major, there is no obvious standout. Wish List has the winning form and upside. Note To Self has the consistency and the right rider. Regulation has the draw, the weight and the chance to bounce back. Choisaanada adds a wildcard element after gaining a late start.
The Durban July is rarely won by the horse with the simplest story. It is won by the horse who can handle the pressure, absorb the tempo and still find something up the Greyville straight.
This year, after the scratching of the favourite, the door is wide open.
And for Wish List, Note To Self and Regulation, the timing may be perfect.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
