July 5 Selangor Preview By Mark Lydeamore
Donnacha O’Brien under no illusions of task facing A Boy Named...


Race for the Trainers’ Championship: Fownes poised to claim a fifth title
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).
Trainers’ Ranking (Top 6) – As of 2 July, 2026
| Trainer | Win | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Total runs | |
| 1st | C Fownes | 66 | 42 | 44 | 39 | 43 | 546 |
| 2nd | D Shum | 61 | 41 | 39 | 42 | 33 | 509 |
| 3rd | M Newnham | 60 | 52 | 50 | 51 | 40 | 542 |
| 4th | F Lui | 54 | 47 | 66 | 39 | 41 | 522 |
| 5th | D Hayes | 53 | 48 | 43 | 51 | 47 | 646 |
| 6th | J Size | 51 | 66 | 59 | 44 | 55 | 582 |
Soma star hunts hat-trick in Highveld headliner
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.
Clive RobinsonMocha Blend has the right aroma
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.
Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud Preview
Constitution River and Hawk Mountain both set for Eclipse chance
Durban July Opens Up After Star Major Scratching



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
York officials thrilled as Ebor Festival entries released
Hercules hunts hat-trick
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.
JOCKEY SPOTLIGHT: The Globetrotting Star Mickaëlle Michel

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.

While Fourie is away the others can play
Take a lesson from Educator
Back on the Hollywoodbets Scottsville turf on Sunday, trainers have unleashed runners saved for grass racing, creating a highly competitive nine-race card. The opening two juvenile maidens feature many first-timers, making betting markets an important guide.
In Race 1, Dancing Partner appeals after improving nicely at her second start, while Iceberg Rose can bounce back after failing as favourite over a longer trip. Asgardian Queen brings valuable experience, and Lady Jerome could improve back on turf after a disappointing polytrack run.
The first leg of the Bi-Pot is equally tricky. Benny And Paul should strip fitter after a comeback run and the drop in trip looks suitable. Prized Possession attracted strong support on debut and is expected to improve, while Old Harry Rocks and Yukinko are others worth monitoring, especially if supported in the betting.
Red Hot Miss shapes as a popular banker in the Place Accumulator after finishing runner-up in her last two starts. She stays the distance and has drawn ideally. Indignation showed improvement over a mile last time, while Anything But Love has been consistently competitive and should feature again.
The Pick 6 opener may revolve around Day Two and Princess Palace. Day Two is lightly raced, stays well and ran a strong second against tougher opposition last time. Princess Palace was disappointing in stronger company but is capable of much better here.
Race 5 is one of the highlights. Ovation Star remains lightly raced but already boasts a lofty rating after a close second last time. However, she faces Grade 1 hopefuls Ladyofdistinction and Educator. Kannemeyer’s Educator is the highest-rated runner, arrives off a convincing polytrack win and still looks progressive. Ladyofdistinction can improve sharply on her latest effort, while the in-form Gran Occasion is capable of causing an upset.
The final three races are competitive handicaps. In Race 6, Hunga Tonga is consistent and should go close after strong recent performances. Open Sesame has improved with blinkers, Blue Poppy is remarkably reliable, and Past Is Prologue has proven course form despite a difficult draw.
Race 7 could belong to Major Tommie, who is better than his recent form suggests. Hah Lah, Best Of All and Military Command all have strong claims.
In Race 8, Cavalry Commander continues to thrive for Mark Dixon. Street Outlaw, Little Boy Blue and returning runner Luneluck are key dangers.
The finale is wide open, with Arverni Princess, Jane’s Vision, Night Tiger and Bless Me Fred all holding realistic winning chances.
Race for the Trainers’ Championship: Fownes “will be fighting on”
| Trainer | Win | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Total runs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | C Fownes | 64 | 42 | 42 | 37 | 42 | 531 |
| 2nd | D Shum | 59 | 40 | 37 | 42 | 33 | 491 |
| 3rd | M Newnham | 58 | 51 | 49 | 51 | 40 | 531 |
| 4th | F Lui | 54 | 45 | 64 | 37 | 40 | 505 |
| 5th | D Hayes | 52 | 46 | 43 | 49 | 45 | 632 |
| 6th | J Size | 50 | 65 | 56 | 44 | 53 | 568 |
Raaheeb team focused solely on the task in hand
June 28 Selangor Preview By Mark Lydeamore
France Express Form & Race Previews (Saint-Cloud) – Sunday, July 5
RACE 1: PRIX BIRUM STAKES (4YO+) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 1) – 2000M | TIME: 19:58 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 24700
Mont De Soleil (IRE) Ran well to be second over 2000m in a Class 2 at ParisLongchamp on 11 June. Capable of making an impact. Poschiavo (FR) Placed third on the latest start over 2000m at ParisLong – champ on 11 June. One to pay close attention to. Climate Change (FR) Placed fourth on the last run over 2000m at ParisLongchamp in a Class 2 on 11 June. Ought to be in the shake-up. Drumard (FR) Fair fifth in a Class 1 Handicap over 2000m at Chantilly on the last outing on 31 May. Course winner in a Class 2 Handicap over this trip in late March. In the mix.
RACE 2: PRIX DU VAL D’ENFER MAIDEN STAKES (3YO) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 2) – 2400M | TIME: 20:33 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 20100
Shalazi (IRE) Four decent runs this year, second on the latter over 2000m at ParisLongchamp in a Maiden on 15 June. Looks ready to win. Kavari (IRE) Ran with promise to be second on his sole start over 1800m at ParisLongchamp in a Condition on 19 October. Fitness to prove but his trainer should have him ready to go. Sorano (FR) Recent sixth at Compiegne over 2000m in a Class 2 on 5 June. Four placed efforts before his last run and warrants close attention. Shapesmith (IRE) Ran well to be third on the second start over 2200m at Angers in a Maiden last time on 2 May. Can make the frame.
RACE 3: HANDICAP DES HAUTS-DE-SEINE – WORLD POOL BY PMU (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 3) – 1600M | TIME: 21:15 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 50900
Ciccio Boy (FR) Solid effort to be second over 1600m at Nantes in a Class 2 Handicap on 16 June when last seen. Live contender. Tiego The First (FR) Ran well to be fifth last time in a Class 1 Handicap at Chantilly on 14 June. He has eased slightly in the weights and is one to keep onside. Half Half (FR) Placed on the last three runs, fourth on the latter over 1800m at Chantilly in a Class 1 Handicap on 14 June. Ought to be thereabouts. Pyramide (FR) Ran a creditable race to finish fifth on the only run this year over 1600m at Lyon Parilly in a Class 3 on 6 June. Should be fitter today and can make the frame.
RACE 4: PRIX DES COTEAUX DE SAINT-CLOUD – WORLD POOL BY PMU HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 4) – 1600M | TIME: 22:05 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 25900
Saint Eligius (IRE) In good form this year, a second on the latest outing in a Class 3 Handicap at La Teste over 1600m on 3 June. Honest performer who is hard to ignore. Marharry (FR) Recent success over 1600m at Compiegne in a Class 3 Handicap on 25 May. Capable of following up. Paintello (FR) Tad below-par last time over 1400m on 24 May, two solid efforts before that, with a win at ParisLongchamp on 5 April, and a second over the same track and trip in a Class 3 Handicap on 30 April. Player. Highbari (FR) Ran well to be third last time over 1800m in a Class 3 Handicap on 15 June. Ought to be involved in the shake-up.
RACE 5: GRAND PRIX DE SAINT-CLOUD – WORLD POOL BY PMU STAKES (GROUP 1) (4YO+) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 5) – 2400M | TIME: 22:40 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 400000
Calandagan (IRE) Top-class performer who can be forgiven for his latest start at Epsom in very soft ground in the Coronation Stakes (Group 1) over 2400m in early June. Five-time Group 1 winner before that run, including this race last year. Sets the standard. Aventure (IRE) Good win over 2000m at ParisLongchamp in the Prix Corrida (Group 2) on 24 May. Group 1 winner last year in the Prix Vermeille in September and is hard to rule out. Leffard (FR) Two decent second-place runs this year, the latter over 1850m in the Prix Aga Khan IV Prix D’Ispahan (Group 1) on 21 May. Classy operator who cannot be discounted. Cualificar Finished third on the last run in the Grand Prix De Chantilly (Group 2) over 2400m on 31 May. One to consider strongly.
RACE 6: PRIX DES RESERVOIRS DE L’AVRE – WORLD POOL BY PMU HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 6) – 1400M | TIME: 23:20 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 21100
Lightning Raid Got off the mark over 1400m in a Class 3 Handicap at this track when last seen on 29 May. Capable of making an impact. Placeholder (IRE) Ran well to be fourth last time over 1600m at ParisLongchamp in a Class 3 Handicap on 4 June. Live chance. Goldfield (FR) Recent success over 1500m at Deauville in a Class 4 on the PSF on 26 June. Can be effective back on turf with two nice placed runs. Atlantic Ways (IRE) Two nice placed runs recently, fourth on the latter over 1400m at Lyon Parilly in a Class 4 Handicap on 21 June. Can make the frame.
RACE 7: PRIX DU JARDIN DE L’AVRE – WORLD POOL BY PMU HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 7) – 1400M | TIME: 00:00 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 19200
Umami (FR) Has produced two solid performances on her last two starts, the latter when second in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at ParisLongchamp on 18 June. A leading contender.. Elenka (FR) Two nice fourth-place runs of late, the most recent over 1400m at Deauville in a Class 3 Handicap on 26 June. Among the leading contenders. Boavista (IRE) Fair sixth over 1400m in a Class 4 at ParisLongchamp on her last appearance on 21 May. One to keep onside on a track she seems to like. Light Wakeup Placed third over 1600m at Chantilly in a Class 3 Handicap on 24 June last time out. Warrants close attention each-way.
RACE 8: PRIX DE L’AQUEDUC DE L’AVRE HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM SAINT-CLOUD RACE 8) – 1400M | TIME: 00:35 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 14400
Jiji My Love (FR) Very consistent of late and was runner-up in a Handicap over this track and trip on 29 May. Can go one better this time. El Professor Chop (FR) Returned to form and finished third in a Handicap at Lyon-Parilly over 1400m on 21 June. Can get involved with the finish once again. Zippere (FR) Showed some improvement when third in a Handicap over this course and distance on 29 May. Can be a threat to these rivals. Hur Cat (FR) Reliable and was eighth in a Handicap at ParisLongchamp over this distance on 18 June. Capable of making the frame.
South Africa Express Form & Race Previews (Turffontein) – July 5
RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: TURFFONTEIN STANDSIDE@2026.07.05
Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1160m, Turf, R75.000, 11:35GMT+2
Race Summary: WINIKA and STAR MAGNOLIA have the form and experience to be competitive and will likely fight out the finish with a repeat of their career-best last starts. IRISH WILMA and WHAT NOW MY LOVE are open to improvement and could get into the picture. Newcomer BLUE STORM RUNNER is worth a market check and won’t need to be special to make her presence felt on debut. Watch the betting!
Selections: #7 Star Magnolia, #1 Winika, #8 What Now My Love, #4 Blue Storm Runner
Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R150.000, 12:05GMT+2
Race Summary: ENFLAME made no impression last time in a KZN feature but will be a different proposition back on the Highveld. He is course-and-distance suited and the best-weighted runner in the race. Stablemate ETHICAL returns from a layoff but is a maturing stayer with scope to improve on her reappearance. BREEZE OVER and MO MENT get the trip well and are weighted to be competitive but both are out of sorts. EUPHRATES has no stamina doubts but his better form has come at a lower level. KUDZU and DECEPTION PASS are unexposed over this distance but have earning potential.
Selections: #1 Enflame, #7 Ethical, #2 Breeze Over, #5 Deception Pass
Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R120.000, 12:40GMT+2
Race Summary: SECRET FATE was outrun late when a game-in-defeat 3rd over track and trip recently. She’s 3kg better off with QUEEN LEILA so is weighted to turn the tables on her last-start conqueror who will likely remain competitive under top weight. WITHIN REACH was a fast-finishing 2nd over this trip when last seen, conceding 3kg to the winner who has won both subsequent starts. She resumes from a break and should make her presence felt with improvement expected on her reappearance. Recent maiden winner IMPRESSIVE and well-related likely improver BELLFLOWER also have the means to get involved.
Selections: #3 Secret Fate, #1 Queen Leila, #4 Within Reach, #2 Impressive
Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R140.000, 13:15GMT+2
Race Summary: SPIRIT OF GABZ has improved in two recent Highveld outings around the bend, the latest in a minor feature over course and distance. He should play a leading role with a repeat of that performance. Maidens EXPERT WITNESS, RAFE’S ORACLE and SNOWBLADE are closely matched on the form of their 1600m meeting on the Inside track last month. They should improve to be competitive in receipt of 3kg from the selection. Well-bred newcomer HARTREE is worth a market check on debut and recently gelded DEAR DOC is another to keep an eye on.
Selections: #3 Spirit Of Gabz, #5 Expert Witness, #8 Rafe’s Oracle, #9 Snowblade
Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1160m, Turf, R115.000, 13:50GMT+2
Race Summary: Hard race to assess but the value could lie with WHATSDAMATTERWITHU on his reappearance after a break. Soundly beaten in his 3 starts, he bumped highly rated multiple winners on each occasion and is open to any amount of improvement after a subsequent gelding operation. WISH YOU WERE HERE and CAMPO FORMIO have the benefit of experience that should stand them in good stead against several unraced rivals. GLASTONBURY FIRE and PARISIENNE QUEEN warrant respect on debut, as do 2yo newcomers POLE POSITION and SPICY PLUM. Follow the betting market for clues!
Selections: #10 Whatsdamatterwithu, #7 Pole Position, #9 Spicy Plum, #2 Glastonbury Fire
Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R150.000, 14:25GMT+2
Race Summary: THE EQUATOR made an encouraging return to form last time in his first start for this stable behind a Durban July contender in a course-and-distance Grade 3 event. He will have tightened up with the run and is weighted to fight out the finish. WILD INTENT is out of sorts and held on that form but has the means to pose a threat, as does distance-suited KING’S EXPRESS who gets 7.5kg from the selection. DON’T CRY FOR ME and FIRE ‘N FLAMES will appreciate stretching out to this trip so can’t be ignored.
Selections: #1 The Equator, #2 Wild Intent, #3 King’s Express, #5 Fire ‘N Flames
Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R250.000, 15:00GMT+2
Race Summary: ERROL FLYNN is unbeaten in 2 starts with blinkers fitted. He hit the line strongly when winning over 1600m last time and will be hard to beat over this extended trip on the evidence of that performance. COPPER EAGLE was a fast-finishing 2nd in a course-and-distance Grade 3 last time (conceding weight to the 5yo winner who runs in the Durban July) and will play another leading role with if reproducing a similar effort. GOT THE FEELING is held on from and at the weights by the selection but has earning potential. CHRONICLE KING and GOLDEN OPERATOR are untried over 1800m but warrant respect too.
Selections: #3 Errol Flynn, #2 Copper Eagle, #1 Chronicle King, #4 Golden Operator
Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1160m, Turf, R150.000, 15:35GMT+2
Race Summary: TAXI TO THE MOON, prolific after gelding, produced another career-best effort to win a KZN Grade 2 last time. He carries a 3-point penalty for that victory but is weighted to remain competitive, even with 62kg on his back. Fillies ALMOND SEA and ONE FINE WINTER are the joint best-weighted runners in the race so have to be respected, though a bigger threat may come from hat-trick seeking 3yo AFRICAN PRIDE who is at the top of his game and open to further improvement in his peak outing. ZALATORIS, CHARMING CHEETAH, CHAPBOOK and SLINKY MAPIMPI are useful sprinters so aren’t taken lightly either.
Selections: #1 Taxi To The Moon, #4 African Pride, #2 Almond Sea, #6 Charming Cheetah
Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 9, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R130.000, 16:10GMT+2
Race Summary: MASTER CHRISTMAS bounced back to form last time in a stronger race over this distance so a repeat of that performance off an unchanged mark could suffice. Maturing WARNING SOUND, consistent 3yo KENSAL GREEN and versatile CHESTNUT BOMBER are up in the ratings after encouraging last starts but should remain competitive. DANTONFROMSANDTON, ENSUING and FOSTINOVO may have more of a place chance than a winning one.
Selections: #3 Master Christmas, #4 Warning Sound, #6 Kensal Green, #7 Chestnut Bomber
Turffontein Standside, 05.07.2026, Race 10, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R115.000, 16:45GMT+2
Race Summary: WAR REPORTER has gone from strength to strength this year after an 8-month absence, winning two of his three comeback appearances. As a lightly raced 4yo, he remains open to improvement and is probably better than rated so it could pay to follow his progress. Stablemates PRINCESS KEIRA, TOP SHELF TEDDY and UTSAAH have the form and experience at this level to be competitive. SKY PILOT hit the front 400m out on his handicap debut but was outrun late over 1700m so this shorter trip could be more to his liking. SUNSET WARRIOR, MILLENNIUM WARRIOR and returning HARUN AL RASHID can also get a look in.
Selections: #3 War Reporter, #5 Sky Pilot, #2 Top Shelf Teddy, #9 Sunset Warrior
Best Win: #1 ENFLAME
Best Value Bet: #10 WHATSDAMATTERWITHU
Best Longshot: #10 WHATSDAMATTERWITHU






























