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United Nation can keep on rolling

February 5, 2026

United Nation has been flawless on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly, unbeaten in four starts, and Darryl Moore looks to have found the right race for a fifth straight win when the gelding heads the card in the B Stakes over 1000m. Drawn widest in the nine-horse field, he again benefits from Mxolisi Mbuto’s 2.5kg claim, giving him a handy galloping weight.

The main threat could be Umzingeli Wenyathi from the Clinton Binda yard. A rare Cape raider, he won first up on the poly last time out, has only once finished out of the money in nine starts, and retains 4kg claimer Sifiso Bungane. Poly specialist Good Traveller, a seven-time winner, arrives off a narrow victory but may prefer further, while Jet Legacy brings solid turf form back to the poly.

The card opens with Higher Love, who has improved on the poly and was narrowly beaten last start from a wide draw. Saudi Sweep disappointed on turf last time after good poly form, while Cape debutant Whatastar could improve locally.

Skyline Bell showed marked progress at her second run and makes her poly debut in the second, with steady improver Praise De La Rey also respected. Skipper O’Malley narrowly beat Skyline Bell previously but may be more exposed.

In the first leg of the Pick 6, Black Platina enjoys course-and-distance credentials, while Levitator returns to his preferred surface despite a wide draw. Takeyourbestshot is overdue but has been unlucky at the gates.

Rahhabba has come on nicely since arriving in KZN and has a good draw in a competitive fourth, with in-form Happy Fortune and consistent De Vlugge also featuring. Amafort looks overdue in the fifth, while Mystique Rouge can reverse placings with Izibulo on better terms.

Queue Wing has improved in blinkers in the sixth and looks well weighted, with Wild At War and lightly raced Clever Trevor also in the mix. The finale is tricky, but Acacia’s Blossom, Indecent Proposal and improving Rock Music all have claims.

Overall, a competitive poly card, but United Nation remains the one they all have to beat.

JOCKEY SPOTLIGHT: MATTHEW POON

February 4, 2026

Take us back to the very beginning. Do you remember your first winner, and what emotions hit you crossing the line that day? Yes, a horse called Sutanoc. Can’t believe that I can got my first win in my first meeting! It really was an incredible feeling. Hong Kong is one of the toughest riding environments in the world. What was the moment you realised you genuinely belonged at this level? Everything happened very fast. They are very competitive, aggressive and sharp. Very proud to be amongst this talented group. Every jockey has a ride they still replay in their mind. What’s the greatest moment you’ve experienced in the saddle so far, and why does it stand above the rest? I would say my first Group 2 winner – STRAIGHT ARRON. Completed within my plan and won by a small margin. When the pressure is at its highest – big crowd, big race, small margins – what’s going through your mind in the final 400 metres? I only feel the pressure at the parade ring. Since jump on the horse then all good. Going to the final 400m, I just stay focused and alert. How has riding in Hong Kong shaped you differently compared to other racing jurisdictions, both technically and mentally? Riding against with them I must continuously hone my riding skills to stay competitive. Learn how they ride and determine the strategy before the race and to make a quick decision during the race. The intense atmosphere and high expectations from both owners and fans can foster a resilient mentality. Learn how to cope with pressure and maintain focus under stress. Are there certain trainers, horses, or riding styles that have played a major role in your development as a jockey? Richard Jolly who was my master when I was in Adelaide, Australia. He probably was the major role in my career. He taught me how to read and ride a race. Setbacks are part of the sport. What’s been the toughest period of your career to date, and what did it teach you about resilience? After becoming a professional jockey, it was the most difficult time for me. When I didn’t have an allowance anymore, I needed to regain the support and trust of trainers and the owners. The only way I could do that is work hard, stay positive and rebuild support step by step. Away from race day, what does a typical week look like for you in terms of preparation, fitness, and studying races? Doing physical therapy, doing exercise to control weight, and watching replays. Looking ahead, what ambitions are driving you right now? Is it premierships, Group 1 success, riding internationally, or something deeper? I got a few things want to achieve – Group 1 success of course, represent Hong Kong to ride overseas, enhancing the strength and status of local Hong Kong jockeys in the world. When your career is eventually looked back on, how would you like Matthew Poon the jockey to be remembered within Hong Kong racing? I hope to achieve some success in Hong Kong horse racing so that future local Hong Kong jockeys can take it a step further.

Happy Valley Track Spy: Wednesday, 4 February

February 4, 2026

Last-start winners value for follow-up Vaal victories

February 4, 2026

Punters hunting value on the Highveld’s midweek fare on Thursday 5 February are spoiled for choice at Vaal’s Classic track where an honest eight-race card features several last-start winners who look ideally placed to go back-to-back, alongside a couple of Gavin Lerena rides whose progress it could pay to follow. The follow-up theme kicks off in Race 4 over 1800m with Dimako’s Jet, who did everything right when scoring over the same distance on New Year’s Day. The lightly raced daughter of Ideal World finished off strongly under Muzi Yeni to account for Future Date, who is now 1kg worse off after franking the form with a subsequent 2000m victory. Yeni’s decision to stick with Dimako’s Jet is a telling pointer. Weichong Marwing’s mare absorbed a five-point penalty for that win but she remains progressive, especially with blinkers – worn in her last two starts – sharpening her focus. She looks like a confident banker in exotic bets. A similar profile belongs to Merryweather who lines up in Race 5 over 1800m. Johan Janse van Vuuren’s improving Gimmethegreenlight filly was good value when beating male opposition over 1600m last time and a modest two-point rise shouldn’t stop the roll. This is her first attempt beyond 1600m, but her pedigree screams stamina (her dam is a full sister to 2016 SA Derby runner-up Rocketball) suggesting she’s only just getting started. Off a career-high mark, she still rates a value follow-up play. Never Never Land announced himself as one to follow when justifying solid market support under Lerena four weeks ago. The Stuart Pettigrew-trained Ideal World gelding quickened nicely to win over 1200m and the extra 250m in Race 7 looks tailor-made. There are three other last-start winners in the line-up, but none with the same scope for improvement – save perhaps recent maiden scorer Gulf Of America. Lerena staying loyal is another box ticked. In Race 6 over 1600m, Lerena also reunites with the ultra-consistent Max The Magician, and the return to 1600m could be decisive. Roy Magner’s charge was outsprinted late over 1200m last time when a close-up fourth under Yeni, but the longer trip, a plum draw in gate 2 and Lerena back in the irons make for a compelling winning recipe. Clive Robinson

Kamchatka ready to erupt

February 3, 2026

There is nothing anti-climactic about Wednesday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth card, with a competitive 10-race programme highlighted by the Clapham Stakes (1600m) in race 8.

Kamchatka headlines the meeting after a sharp drop in class following two strong stakes efforts. She finished 1,5 lengths behind Cape Town Met runner Legal Counsel over this course and distance before holding her own in the One Voucher Victress Stakes over 1800m. Despite top weight of 60kg, she looks well placed under Serino Moodley for Andre Nel. Notably, she is the only runner older than three in the race, and recent three-year-old form appears some way below the best fillies seen earlier in the season.

Beach Verse continues to improve steadily and remains unbeaten outside the top four. While she has faced modest opposition, her pedigree—by Vercingetorix out of Beach Beauty—demands respect. Educator is another with claims after a convincing last-start win, where she beat Boozy Suzie with something in hand. With Craig Zackey aboard, further progress is possible.

Race 7 sees Empire State as the top choice. Now third run back from a seven-month break, he shaped encouragingly when fourth behind Demanding Dave and should be nearing peak fitness. Three Tigers, Gold Giboski and North Point are promising sprinters who will be well tested here.

Earlier on the card, Sweet Green and Hero’s Journey look the main players in the 1000m opener, with Sweet Green’s early speed possibly decisive. Swift Serenity appeals in race 2, taking on males with a weight concession and Gavin Lerena aboard.

Cantona is expected to build on a surprise debut second in race 3, while Ferryman’s eye-catching debut makes him one to watch in race 4, boasting elite family connections.

Viva’s Liberté returns from a break in race 5 and is highly regarded despite this being a low-pressure run. Supreme Fate stands out as one of the best bets in race 9, while Flying South is a tentative selection in the closing event.

Hot Sauce is an Enchanting Choice

February 2, 2026

Trainer Alan Greeff and stable jockey Richard Fourie have had a quiet time of late. Punters were getting used to three or four winners a meeting but it has dried up this month. Every trainer goes through quiet times and once in a while it does happen to the Eastern Cape champion trainer. That should also start to change very soon and they can have a couple of winners on the Fairview Polytrack on Tuesday. It can start as early as Race 3, a Pinnacle Stakes over 2000m, where Greeff has four of the seven runners. Best of them is clearly Enchanting Choice, booked to jockey Kendall Minnie at the moment. This five-year-old mare is carded to run on Friday 30 January but do not be surprised if Greeff pulls her out for Friday and runs her in this instead. A change of riders could also come into effect. The Rafeef mare has been very good in her two starts on the Polytrack, winning once and finished a close-up third to Splicethemainbrace. The step up to 2000m on Tuesday should play to her strength as she packs a decent finish. Greeff does have decent back-up in the form of First Wish, the ride of Andrew Fortune, Walkonthewildside (Richard Fourie) and Green Isle (Xolane Ndlovu). None of Enchanting Choice’s stable companions would be surprise winners. Filly Hot Sauce represents the Fourie-Greeff combination in Race 7, a MR 86 Handicap for over 1200m. The well-bred three-year-old filly won on debut and has not been disgraced in her three starts since then. The daughter of Canford Cliffs returned from a break and found some speedy fillies and mares a bit quicker than her on the day but was reportedly coughing so that run is easily ignored. She chased home a fast filly in Danish Dynamite in her only run on this surface and that form is good enough to suggest Hot Sauce is worth a bet. Once again Greeff does have back-up in the form of much-improved Happy Wives. If nothing has panned out until the last race it might pay to go each-way on Palancar. Trainer Cliffie Miller has his runners in good shape and Palancar is a course-and-distance winner. He has cracked pole position draw, and his last run is best ignored. Clive Robinson

Sha Tin Track Spy: Sunday, 1 February

January 31, 2026

February 1 Perak Preview By Mark Lydeamore

January 30, 2026

Local trainer Asogan Thangaraja has had a relatively quiet start to the season after posting a personal best 33 winners last year striking at 14%. Seven-year-old mare FLAMING PHOENIX has performed well in four runs for the camp since November and is a chance to break an eighteen-month drought in the 1400m Class 5B (Race 1). Descending to a career low rating of 27 points, she comes off three minor placings in a row and drops back to the “B” division of Class 5. Another Ipoh trainer, William Looi will be represented by a couple of veteran campaigners at ten years of age this Sunday in the form of SALAMENCE in Race 2 (1400m Class 5A) and BIONICS engaged in Race 4 (1100m Class 5B). SALAMENCE has not scored since winning at his first couple of Malaysian runs back in March last year when prepared by Richard Lim and recent form suggests he is nearing a win. The gelding has started seven times recording three placings for the Looi stable and the former Class 2 performer is a definite watch, fifth start back in his grade. BIONICS has won three times from six attempts at the track and distance and like his stable mate, is also searching for his first success since March last year. The Hinchinbrook gelding has also descended to a career low of 26 points and looks well weighted with the 54.5kg. One horse to watch here is LAXON, which resumes and has been working well at the track in recent weeks. The five-year-old races best when freshened and may provide the value. From the trial session conducted at the track here on Tuesday morning, GOLDEN SHOW and SILVER JOY both performed well recording sub-minute performances for the their respective 1000m trial wins on the sand. Both runners clashed in a 1200m contest on January 4 with GOLDEN SHOW finishing 3rd and SILVER JOY 4th, a further 1.5L behind in the race won by Legend Of The Sun. The rematch occurs in the 1400m Class 5B contest (Race 8) as they go up against recent winner, ELECTRONIC BOOM who possesses a good record over the 1400m trip. Former Macau galloper FLAWLESS, engaged in Race 9, created an immediate impact on the local circuit when scoring by eight lengths in a Class 3 on his Malaysian debut back in November 2024 before following up with further success in a Supreme B contest for trainer Ricky Choi. The horse was known as Revue back then before a change in name and ownership developed early last year and the horse was transferred to Wayne Lim for his 2025 campaign. Since then, the seven-year-old has performed admirably without winning against the high graded opposition contested in Selangor and despite a couple of unsuccessful visits to Ipoh recently, the Delago Deluxe gelding may find his niche back in Class 4. His former stable mate, WHO LOVE TO DANCE is coming off a recent 2nd here two starts back will be looking to break his Malaysian duck. The locally trained BRANDENBURG is racing well since joining the Khor Peng Hwa stable chalking up a 5.25L win over this track and journey on December 28 prior to his last start defeat.

Tarry, Zackey to dominate Turffontein card

January 30, 2026

Sean Tarry and Craig Zackey look primed to run the numbers again when Turffontein’s Standside track hosts a competitive nine-race programme on Sunday, 1 February – and from a betting perspective, the pair are hard to oppose for multiple strikes. Fresh off combining to land last Tuesday’s Vaal Classic opener, Tarry can set the tone early in Race 1 over 1160m with Trail Runner, a filly whose form stands out on this card. The lightly raced daughter of Lancaster Bomber has finished second twice in her last three starts, including a bold runners-up effort over course and distance against the boys five weeks ago. Blinkers went on that day and are retained, while the winner has since franked the form by running a close third on handicap debut behind a smart three-year-old. That line is the strongest on offer, and Trail Runner looks ideally placed to finally shed her maiden tag under Keagan de Melo. A similar profile applies to Space Mission in Race 2 over 1160m. Well-related and consistent without winning, the Willow Magic gelding drops back sharply in trip after competing up to 1700m. First-time blinkers could be the catalyst, and with Zackey back aboard, this looks a calculated move by Tarry to strike while the conditions suit. Zackey’s dominance in the saddle remains a major storyline. His two-winner haul at the last midweek Highveld meeting pushed his season tally to an imposing 137, opening up a healthy 29-win gap over Richard Fourie (108). That buffer could grow further courtesy of Paris Fun in Race 7 over 1600m for Tony Peter. The improving Futura filly caught the eye when charging home for second under 61kg on her return from a three-month break. She was beaten just 0.50 lengths over 1400m and now steps up in trip with fitness assured, an unchanged mark, and a much friendlier 57.5kg on her back – all strong positives. The Tarry-Zackey combination resurfaces in the Race 9 finale with progressive Tintin, whose wide-margin last-start victory over dual subsequent winner Quickfreeze marked him as a horse on the up. That said, this is no gimme. Class-dropper Chieftain’s Shield brings stronger exposed form into the 1400m contest, suggesting a straight win bet may be risky. The value play looks to be boxed Swinger and Exacta bets, covering the obvious pair in what should be a competitive closer. Clive Robinson

See It Again can do it again

January 30, 2026

Newnham arms four-pronged attack on Hong Kong Classic Mile

January 29, 2026

The advantage lies with championship leader Mark Newnham as the Four-Year-Old Classic Series gets underway with Sunday’s (1 February) HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin. The Australian handler, who currently holds a narrow one-win lead at the top of the trainers’ standings, goes into the weekend’s feature with four of the 14 runners prepared in his yard. Newnham, who has been steadily arming his stable with young talent throughout his almost three-year stay in the city, said stockpiling exciting prospects was part of his broader strategy, an approach that has come to fruition during a breakout campaign. “I think you’ve got to have a plan for your season, and you’ve got to have a plan for the horses you buy,” said Newnham, who has accumulated 33 wins so far in 2025/26. “The Four-Year-Old Classic Series is very popular with Hong Kong owners. So you’ve got to buy horses with that in mind. “We’ve been lucky enough to have a good group of horses that I’ve had from the start, that have made the race.” Newnham will be represented by Invincible Ibis, who will be ridden by Hugh Bowman, Crimson Flash (Andrea Atzeni), Infinite Resolve (Alexis Badel) and Winfield (Lyle Hewitson) in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series opener, the race that brought his first major Hong Kong success, when My Wish prevailed by a neck last season. That gifted galloper would go on to register a second place in the second leg of the Series, the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), before going down by the narrowest of margins to Cap Ferrat in the showpiece HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m). In this year’s renewal, Invincible Ibis, who drew gate 11, is expected to be one of the market leaders when betting opens. With four wins on the spin, the storming finisher arrives as the form horse in the field. In each of his four wins, the Hellbent gelding has rallied late to claim victory. Newnham could have a telling influence on the pace the race is run at: in addition to Invincible Ibis’ typical late closing, Crimson Flash, drawn seven, has raced on-pace in each of his three wins so far, Infinite Resolve (gate three) parked midfield in his sole Hong Kong win to date, while Brazilian import Winfield (gate eight) dismantled a Group 1 field in his last win on home soil, dominating from the front in the G1 Jockey Club de Sao Paulo (2000m) to score by over five lengths easing down. While Newnham acknowledged the various pace options he had at his disposal, he revealed there was no grand strategy in place for Sunday. “You’ve got to give every horse their best chance (of winning),” Newnham said. “But for different horses, how the race unfolds will be better-suited if there’s more pace, less pace, and if they’re coming from back in the field on the day, how the track’s playing … But you’ve still got to ride the horse to its strengths. “We’ve got a couple of on-pacers and a couple of back-markers. So hopefully it works out for one of them.” Newnham’s runners are set to meet Sagacious Life, Little Paradise, Beauty Bolt, Patch Of Cosmo, Public Attention, Akashvani, Top Dragon, Circuit Grand Slam, Shanwah and Windlord in what is expected to be one of the most compelling runnings of the Hong Kong Classic Mile in recent years. Sunday’s (1 February) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin starts at 12.30pm with the Class 4 Clear Water Bay Handicap (1000m). The HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) jumps at 4.05pm. By Paul Ryding

Are you sure it’s a Roman Agent

January 29, 2026

It is back to turf racing at Fairview on Friday, with eight interesting races on the card. There are two attractive feature races, and Roman Agent should go close to winning one of them. He competes in Race 7, the Fairview Merchants over 1200m. This four-year-old gelding has won three of his 19 starts and has been particularly consistent for trainer Kelly Mitchley. He won on stable debut over this course and distance in October, beating the highly rated Pop Chart. His three subsequent runs, all on the Polytrack, were good efforts without managing another victory. Current rider Muzi Yeni has partnered the Vercingetorix gelding three times for a second and a third-place finish. He receives 9.5kg from main rival Mercantour, which could be telling in the closing stages. Mercantour won all three legs of the recent WSB Polytrack Challenge before running unplaced at Turffontein. The Var gelding has also won on the turf and will not be troubled by this course and distance, so he remains a threat. In the other feature race on the card, the Alan Greeff-trained Zinovi can bounce back and take out Race 5, the Fairview 1600m. This five-year-old gelding has won two of his five starts for Greeff, with both victories coming over this course and distance. Interestingly, jockey Louie Mxothwa takes the ride on the Heavenly Blue gelding, and the pair were impressive when scoring together back in August. Stable jockey Richard Fourie partners stable companion Joker Man, who has run well on the Polytrack in both starts for his new yard. Joker Man has won five times on the turf, so he is clearly a danger. Another serious threat is Lanciafiamme, representing the in-form Cliffie Miller yard. The Fire Away gelding has been consistent all season in feature races and deserves a winning turn. He receives 10kg from Zinovi. Trainer Zietsman Oosthuizen could win the last race with Are You Sure, who makes her debut for the yard. She has only won one of her 12 starts so far but is often competitive and could score in this low-level handicap. Clive Robinson

A MET Built on Momentum and Muscle

January 28, 2026

By Scott Bailey The Cape Town Met is always a race that asks the same question in a different accent: class or craft? Speed or patience. Saturday’s Grade 1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (2000m) is worth R5 million, and it reads like a greatest-hits list of recent big-race winners, hard-luck stories and horses still learning how good they might be. The headline is simple — the horses arriving off winning form are not the only ones with claims but there is a clear thread: the recent winners are bringing confidence, and their wins have come in races that matter. The freshest winner in the race is The Real Prince, who arrived on the Met scene the old-fashioned way by winning the right race at the right track. His nail-biting success in the King’s Plate over 1600m at Kenilworth on 10 January was the kind of result that makes a horse instantly more interesting at 2000m. He’s already proven he can win under pressure, he can handle Kenilworth, and he’s got the kind of late composure you want when a Met turns into a tactical chess match from the 600m. That Plate win is also a form magnet: several of Saturday’s rivals were behind him there, and the Met now becomes the rematch with an extra 400m to expose stamina, positioning and decision-making. If The Real Prince brings the momentum, Eight On Eighteen brings the profile. He’s the horse in this field who has already been dominant and unbeaten at the Kenilworth 2000m distance, smashing a Greyville feature (the Daily News 2000) by 3.8 lengths back in May, and he hasn’t exactly been hiding in the interim he ran second in the Durban July over 2200m, a run that reads well in any form guide. On paper, that’s the most “Met-shaped” résumé in the line-up: proven at the trip, proven in elite company, and partnered by a rider who understands big-race rhythm. He doesn’t need to improve as much as some of these, he just needs the race to suit. Then there’s Okavango, a horse who has quietly built the sort of form that punters love because it feels honest. He won the 1800m Premier Trophy at Kenilworth on 10 January from the front not stealing it, winning it and that matters because the Met can be won by a horse that controls the tempo if the field lets him. The 1800m-to-2000m progression is classic, and he comes here with the confidence of a recent win at the venue, which is never a small thing when Kenilworth is asking questions late in the day. The plot twist horse is Gladatorian, because his recent winning form is not what you’d call orthodox. He’s been winning — the latest a fast 1200m feature at Greyville in November — and it takes a brave punter to back sprint form into a 2000m Group 1 without a strong belief in class and versatility. But his record tells you this isn’t a one-note animal. He has also won at 1800m, and his overall strike-rate says he knows where the line is. If the race becomes messy and the main hopes start searching for a passage, the tough, adaptable horse can suddenly look very appealing. The horse who is a winner on the page but still a question at Met level is Cosmic Speed. His last win is some time ago, but he has been competitive in the right races, and his profile suggests there’s a ceiling still to be found. The warning sign is that he’s stepping into a Grade 1 over 2000m without having ticked that box in public. The counterpoint is that he’s trained by a stable that knows how to set one for a day, and he’s partnered by a jockey who rides Kenilworth like he owns the map. And sitting in the shadows is Sail The Seas, who hasn’t won recently but has been consistently close enough in the right races to make you believe he isn’t far away. He was second to Eight On Eighteen over 2000m earlier in the year, and his recent Kenilworth runs keep him in the conversation. He’s the type that can drift in betting and then suddenly appear on your screen at the 200m when the race opens. That’s what makes this Met such a good one: the recent winners bring confidence and form, but the race itself promises complexity. The Real Prince has proven he can win a Kenilworth war; Eight On Eighteen has the 2000m authority; Okavango has the map advantage; Gladatorian has the wildcard profile. And behind them sit horses who don’t need to dominate the narrative early to win it late.

Zackey to tighten title grip at the Vaal

January 28, 2026

Midweek racing at the Vaal rarely lacks betting angles and Thursday’s eight-race Classic track card is no exception. With value scattered through the programme, the smart play may be to follow the country’s form jockey Craig Zackey, who arrives at the Vereeniging-based circuit with a book of rides that demands close attention. Zackey has already ridden 132 winners this season (at the time of writing) and seems to be cruising to a maiden National Jockeys’ Championship title. His 26-win buffer over Richard Fourie (106) underlines the consistency, but it’s the quality of his mounts that continues to separate him from the pack. He has six rides on the card and at least three seem capable of rewarding supporters. His afternoon gets interesting early in Race 3 over 1000m with Perfect Sky, a debutante daughter of Vercingetorix from Sean Tarry’s in-form stable. She’s bred to be smart and the stable doesn’t waste bullets. This is, however, no soft introduction as she takes on experienced male opposition over a sharp trip. Any market confidence would be significant, though she may be one for the notebook rather than a maximum bet on debut. The first serious betting opportunity comes up in Race 4, also over 1000m, with Stoneywood. Since gelding, Lucky Houdalakis’ charge has found his groove, finishing second in back-to-back starts, both with Zackey aboard. Those efforts suggest he’s knocking loudly on the door and he won’t need to improve much on either effort to open his account. With natural progression, this looks his race to lose. Zackey then links up with Joe Soma’s intriguing runner Gimmeachoice in Race 6 over 1800m. Soma makes the trip south from his Turffontein base with just one horse — a move that usually speaks volumes — and Gimmeachoice appears poised to strike. The five-year-old Gimmethegreenlight gelding ran a cracker on his return from a three-month layoff, finishing second after a long, sustained duel with re-opposing The Playboy Bomber. He’ll be sharper for that encouraging comeback outing and meets that rival on 0.5kg better terms. Everything points to a peak run. Zackey could round off a profitable day in Race 7 over 1600m aboard class-dropper Agoge, another well-bred Houdalakis inmate whose profile suggests his limit is far from being reached. A maiden winner over this course and distance two starts back, Agoge was thrust into the deep end of a three-year-old Grade 3 over 1400m – a trip and test that probably found him out at this stage of his career. Back in calmer waters and over a more suitable trip, the Gimmethegreenlight gelding looks solid value and a horse worth sticking with as his education continues. The Vaal Classic track can be unforgiving, but with form, fitness and jockeyship all aligning, Zackey has the ammunition to extend his championship lead and give punters a tidy midweek return if they play it right. Clive Robinson

No hiding from The Mask

January 27, 2026

Hayes eyes Sha Tin 1400m record after Ka Ying Rising’s historic...

January 26, 2026

Moments after Ka Ying Rising forged into Hong Kong racing history with a record-equalling win in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (25 January), David Hayes predicted the world’s best sprinter could potentially break Sha Tin’s 1400m course record next month. Reacting to Ka Ying Rising’s effort to post a 17th consecutive victory to match the winning streak of Silent Witness from 2002 to 2005, Hayes believes the superstar galloper can threaten Sha Tin’s 1400m record of 1m 19.92s – jointly held by Encouraging and Packing Hermod – when he contests the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 22 February. “Last year, he worked a bit and won it (Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup), and I think he’s a stronger, better horse this year,” Hayes said. “I think he will handle the 1400m beautifully. I’m really excited for the next race. It’s another dimension for him. “Last year, he nearly broke the course record at 1400m, and I think if the conditions are right, he can go close again.” Ridden by Karis Teetan in last year’s Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup in the absence of regular rider Zac Purton, who was injured, Ka Ying Rising clocked 1m 20.33s. Ka Ying Rising today clocked 1m 07.66s – outside his own 1200m Sha Tin turf track record of 1m 07.20s – after being allowed to coast to the line in defeating Helios Express by one-and-a quarter lengths with Fast Network a further two lengths back. Moderately away at the start, Ka Ying Rising quickly mustered speed to lead before Matthew Chadwick drove Beauty Waves to the front. Aware of Luke Ferraris and Lucky With You lurking to his outside, Purton ensured Ka Ying Rising had clear running before unleashing the gelding from the 300m. Exploding clear, and with the race at his mercy with a four-length lead, Purton eased up noticeably over the final 200m, clocking a modest 11.47s. “The winning margin wasn’t probably the greatest, but it’s probably the most Zac has ever eased him down,” Hayes said. “So, he had a very easy last 200 metres and he dominated as the market suggested he would. Just nice to see him do it.” Ka Ying Rising improved his record to 18 wins from 20 starts and is unbeaten since the 12 February, 2024 with career prizemoney of HK$129.8 million. Celebrating his fourth win in the race after victories with Aerovelocity (2016), Lucky Sweynesse (2023) and Ka Ying Rising last season, Purton said: “What can I say? We’ve said it all with the horse. “I just had to make sure my bloke was in a rhythm. I’m surprised he run the time he run because it didn’t feel like he ran that quick sort of mid-early in the race. Yeah, he just different class. “I never thought I would see it (a record-equalling 17th win in a row), to be honest. It’s very, very rare what Silent Witness did and what Ka Ying has been able to do so far – and let’s hope he can keep going on with it.” “After Silent Witness, I don’t think anyone thought they would ever see it again. Fortunately for us who are involved with the horse, he’s equalled him and can hopefully put his own benchmark. “It’s pretty nice when you look at the big screen and you’re a long way in front, I can tell you. A race is a race. You’ve still got to go out and do it and hopefully he can hold his form, which we will expect he will. “He’s got a big race next time, obviously he goes up in distance but he’s up for it.” Summing up the mood of the six beaten jockeys, Helios Express’ rider Hugh Bowman said: “Another sound, consistent performance. The slower pace didn’t suit, neither does the fast pace when you’re chasing that horse.” The Centenary Sprint Cup was the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, which also includes the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 26 April. A HK$5 million bonus is on offer to the winner of all three legs. Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday (28 January). By Leo Schlink

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France Express Form & Race Previews (Pau/Deauville) – Friday, February 6

February 5, 2026

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RACE 1: D’ABERE MAIDEN STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM PAU RACE 6) – 1600M – TIME: 21:18 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200 Hello Louis (FR) Placed second on his sole start over 1600m in a Condition at this track on 28 November . Can improve and be hard to beat. Counselor (FR) Showed improvement when third over the track and trip on 7 January in a Maiden last time out. Progressive and hard to ignore. Wood Rose (FR) Encouraging first-up run when finishing third over 1400m. Should improve and strip fitter . Kohakou (FR) Several placed efforts of late, second on the latter over 1400m in a Maiden at this track on 23 January. Ought to be in the shake-up. RACE 2: D’ESPELETTE MAIDEN STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM PAU RACE 8) – 1600M – TIME: 22:28 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200 Selenite (IRE) Showed improvement when fifth at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in a Maiden on 14 January on her second start. Can make more progress and get off the mark. Amusante (IRE) Solid progress when second on her last run over 1600m in a Maiden at this track on 7 January. Key chance. Two Nijinsky Cen (IRE) Ran well to be third over 2000m in a Maiden at this track on 18 January on her second start. One to pay attention to. Volkonskha (FR) Three unplaced efforts since a second over 1400m at Toulouse in a Class 2 on 10 October . One to look at each-way. RACE 3: DU CHENE A GUILLOTIN HANDCAIP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 1) – 2500M – TIME: 22:45 PRIZE MONEY: EUR17300 Lighted Glory (FR) In good form, finished second at this course over 2400m in a Handicap on 22 January and rates the one to be with. Sparkling winning chance. Landaryna (FR) Running well, placed third at this track over 2400m in a Handicap on 22 January. Strong each way chance. Dschingis Angel (FR) Long time threatening maiden. Placed second at Pornichet in a Handicap on 27 January over 2400m and has more of a place chance than a winning one. Sudden Death (FR) Better third at Deauville over 2400m on 22 January in a Handicap and should be right there. Strong place chance. RACE 4: DU CHENE DE LA FERME DE SOCQUENTOT HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 2) – 2500M – TIME: 23:20 PRIZE MONEY: EUR20200 Lucas Trezy (FR) Posted a way better effort last time when fourth at Pornichet over 2000m on 24 January in a Handicap and is the one to beat. My Darling (FR) Finished second at Deauville on 22 January over 2400m in a Handicap and has every chance of going one more now. Big runner . Second To None (IRE) Bounces into the race fresh off victory at this course over 2400m on 22 January in a similar Handicap. Good each way chance. Felix Felicis (FR) Ignore last run, finished sixth at Deauville the time before over 2400m and can be expected to do way better . Undeniable place chance. RACE 5: DU CHENE D’ALLOUVILLE HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 3) – 2500M – TIME: 23:55 PRIZE MONEY: EUR28800 Incremental (IRE) Finished fifth at this course on 16 January in a Handicap over 2400m and can go close. Firm first suggestion. Cosmic Front Will need to improve on latest run when eighth at this track over 2400m on 16 January in a Handicap. Expected to be involved at the finish. Chess (FR) Comes into the race fresh off a win at Chantilly over 2600m on 10 January and has a huge chance of following up. Strong each way chance. Adlan Senora (FR) Was a winner of the last run when competing at Deauville on 16 January over 2400m in a Handicap and has every chance of following up. Respect and include. RACE 6: DU GROS-CHENE DE LIERNU HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 4) – 2500M – TIME: 00:30 PRIZE MONEY: EUR22100 Watt Ohm (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Handicap over this track and trip on 22 January. Can go one place better . Aimant (FR) In good shape and was third in a Handicap over this course and distance on 22 January. Be right there at the finish. Force Tranquille (FR) Consistent and was third in a Condition at Lyon-La Soie over 2400m on 21 January. Can be competitive once again. Amazone Island (FR) Victorious in a Handicap over this track and trip on 29 December . Carries a penalty but is not out of it. RACE 7: DU CHATEAU D’OLIVET CLAIMING STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM DEAUVILLE RACE 5) – 1300M – TIME: 01:05 PRIZE MONEY: EUR22100 Roi Trezy (FR) Victorious over 1500m on this course in a Claimer on 29 December. He is a progressive type and from pole position, he can follow up with another win. Une Aventure (FR) Finished fourth over 1500m on this course in a Claimer on 23 January. He finished second behind ROI TREZY (4) in his penultimate outing. Beware Of The Bear (IRE) Finished seventh over 1300m on this course in a Handicap on 30 January. He is yet to finish outside the Top 5 at this level. Best Sister (FR) Victorious over 1400m at Le Lion D’Angers in a Claimer on 20 September. She comes in with a light weight and can show if fit.

South Africa Express Form & Race Previews (Fairview/ Greyville) – February...

February 5, 2026

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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: FAIRVIEW/ GREYVILLE@2026.02.06 Fairview, 06.02.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R78.000, 12:25GMT+2 Race Summary: Trainer Alan Greeff poses a question as he has two nicely bred fillies. Stable jockey Richard Fourie is on Fire Away filly CASPERITA. In-form rider Andrew Fortune is on the Rafeef filly ROCK ME MAMA. Do not be surprised if she is the better one on the day. Trainer Dean Smith has had juvenile winners already this season so he will have a line with his runners. ETERNAL SPIRIT is a Master Of My Fate filly that represents the yard. Selections: #2 Casperita, #3 Eternal Spirit, #6 Rock Me Mama, #4 On The Outside Fairview, 06.02.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R71.000, 13:00GMT+2 Race Summary: WINTERONTHEGREEN makes her local debut. She is a low-rated filly but has run some decent races in the Western Cape and would not be a surprise winner. TITTLEMOUSE is a Fire Away filly who makes her debut. Her dam won quite a few races in Zimbabwe and she will represent the Alan Greeff-Richard Fourie team. ALESIAN BEAU is better he has been showing recently and could be a threat. HERE COMES JOHNNY made a good local debut and could be ready to score. THE SCARLET CAT can improve after a change of trainer and a local debut. Selections: #10 Winteronthegreen, #6 Here Comes Johnny, #9 The Scarlet Cat, #4 Tittlemouse Fairview, 06.02.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R71.000, 13:35GMT+2 Race Summary: ATLANTIC PEARL has shown improvement of late and looks ready to open her winning account. This course and distance does suit her. INDESTRUCTABLE makes his debut and Richard Fourie is in the saddle so he could be ready for this. MME HUNTRESS returns to the turf and could surprise. IN PROCESS and TIME FOR DANCING are both making their debuts and an eye on the betting will tell a story regarding them. ICONIC WINTER and TIMELINE are both holding form and could make the frame. FIVE STAR MAFIC has some ability and is capable of earning some money. Selections: #7 Atlantic Pearl, #10 Endizayo, #5 Iconic Winter, #6 Timeline Fairview, 06.02.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R71.000, 14:10GMT+2 Race Summary: LEBOMBO GOLD has been a disappointment in the Western Cape but she is capable of winning a race like this and could be a Pick 6 banker. LANA VIEW is battling to get out of the maiden ranks but she is in good form and should contest the finish. XTINES PRINCESS (GB) makes her local debut and she is well-bred. She can be a real threat to these rivals with improvement expected. WITCHING HOUR has been a disappointing of late but is quite capable of making the frame. Selections: #3 Lebombo Gold, #2 Xtines Princess, #1 Lana View, #4 Witching Hour Fairview, 06.02.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R95.000, 14:45GMT+2 Race Summary: Trainer Dean Smith has improving three-year-old GALILEO STAR in this. He has won two of his five starts and is improving. BONJOUR LA VILLE and YOU’RE SO SPECIAL are also three-year-olds but represent the fairer sex. Both are talented fillies but could need their runs returning from a break. FOREST SPY and TINTAMARRE have beaten better fields than this earlier in the season so they would not be surprise winners. ALESIA’S LOVE ran on strongly last time out and can be a threat again. ONE TOO MANY has been very consistent on the Polytrack and is another to consider. Selections: #6 Galileo Star, #7 Alesia’s Love, #4 Forest Spy, #5 Tintamarre Fairview, 06.02.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R108.000, 15:20GMT+2 Race Summary: A small field and FAIRY KNIGHT should prove hard to beat. He is weighted to win this race very easily. Stable companion GUY GIBSON is talented, but he has been a hard horse to win with. Jockey Andrew Fortune gets the ride on him, and Fortune is at his best with horses like that so he must be respected. USA’S HOPE is talented and consistent so should be involved with the finish CHAMPONELLE has been unreliable of late but is capable of earning some money. CHEEKY LADDIE is also capable of making the frame. Selections: #1 Fairy Knight, #2 Guy Gibson, #3 Usa’s Hope, #4 Pas De Nom Fairview, 06.02.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R76.000, 16:00GMT+2 Race Summary: PEDRO has been unreliable of late, but is course and distance suited and could be a threat to these rivals. SILVERY SURFER returns from a break but is consistent and could earn some money. VOLARE E MAMBO has shown improvement of late and is capable of winning. TRAVEL MASTER has only been fair of late but can make the frame. ELUSIVE BLACK was a very easy recent maiden winner that might prove better than his merit rating. GUARDING THE WALL, MR BELVEDERE and MIGHTY MAC are others to consider for large Pick 6 permutations. Selections: #3 Pedro, #6 Elusive Black, #5 Travel Master, #12 Mr Belvedere HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE POLYTRACK, 06.02.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1200m, Poly, R90,000, 16:15GMT+2

Race Summary: HIGHER LOVE has improved recently on the poly and was narrowly beaten last outing from a wide draw. SAUDI SWEEP was disappointing on the Scottsville turf last start after three promising efforts for her new stable. WHATASTAR makes her local debut. Her recent Cape form has been over further but she looks capable of big improvement. WINDING POWER showed some improvement last run and has a useful claiming apprentice aboard.

Selections: #4 HIGHER LOVE, #7 SAUDI SWEEP, #5 WHATASTAR, #6 WINDING POWER

HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE POLYTRACK, 06.02.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1800m, Poly, R80,000, 16:50GMT+2

Race Summary: SKYLINE BELL made marked improvement at just her second outing, both runs in the soft. She makes her poly debut but can show further improvement. PRAISE DE LA REY is showing steady improvement and appears to have come to hand. SKIPPER O’MALLEY finished narrowly ahead of Skyline Bell when they met but she is well exposed and one can expect further improvement from her younger rival. DREAM DECISION is lightly raced and has not been far back at her last two. The step up in distance could suit.

Selections: #7 SKYLINE BELL, #1 PRAISE DE LA REY, #2 SKIPPER O’MALLEY, #3 DREAM DECISION

HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE POLYTRACK, 06.02.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1600m, Poly, R90,000, 17:25GMT+2

Race Summary: BLACK PLATINA goes well over course and distance and should be involved in the finish. LEVITATOR has the widest draw. He steps up in trip but is back on his preferred surface. TAKEYOURBESTSHOT is overdue a win. However, he has been rested and has draw 10 out of 10 for the fourth consecutive time. ROCK ME BABY showed some improvement with first time blinkers and the step up in trip could suit.

Selections: #11 BLACK PLATINA, #12 LEVITATOR, #10 TAKEYOURBESTSHOT, #5 ROCK ME BABY

HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE POLYTRACK, 06.02.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R110,000, 18:00GMT+2

Race Summary: RAHHABBA has come well at her last two since arriving in KZN. She has the best of the draw in what is a competitive handicap. HAPPY FORTUNE’S last two win have been over the trip including one over course and distance. She is in good form and Rachel Venniker’s allowance will help her cause. DE VLUGGE is seldom out of the money and switches to the poly. She should put in another forward showing. YOUR LADYSHIP has been up and down in distance but showed up well last run over shorter and Callan Murray stays aboard.

Selections: #1 RAHHABBA, #2 HAPPY FORTUNE, #3 YOUR LADYSHIP, #6 DE VLUGGE

HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE POLYTRACK, 06.02.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R80,000, 18:50GMT+2

Race Summary: AMAFORT is overdue and has run two promising races over course and distance at recent starts. MYSTIQUE ROUGE was a close-up second behind IZIBULO last time out. She is now 1kg better off in the handicap and can turn the tables. STRUTTING was a recent maiden winner but has shown some potential. However, she does shoulder top weight.

Selections: #7 AMAFORT, #8 MYSTIQUE ROUGE, #1 IZIBULO, #6 STRUTTING

HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE POLYTRACK, 06.02.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R140,000, 19:25GMT+2

Race Summary: QUEUE WING has been in good form since being tried in blinkers. His last two have been over further but he has gone close over course and distance and has a handy galloping weight. CLEVER TREVOR is lightly raced and has had one sprint since arriving from the Highveld. He can come on from that. WILD AT WAR won over the distance last time out and has gone close on the poly. He should feature again from the best of the draw. FUTURE FLO steps up in trip and is a solid handicapper.

Selections: #9 QUEUE WING, #1 WILD AT WAR, #6 CLEVER TREVOR, #5 FUTURE FLO

HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE POLYTRACK, 06.02.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1000m, Poly, R140,000, 20:00GMT+2

Race Summary: UNITED NATION is unbeaten in four starts on the poly. Darryl Moore looks to have picked the right race for five on the bounce as he carries a handy weight. UMZINGELI WENYATHI won first up on the poly and has only once finished out of the money in nine starts. GOOD TRAVELLER loves the poly and got up to win narrowly last run. He may prefer it a furlong further. JET LEGACY won his last two over the trip in the Scottsville turf and is back on the poly in good form.

Selections: #9 UNITED NATION, #3 UMZINGELI WENYATHI, #1 GOOD TRAVELLER, #4 JET LEGACY

HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE POLYTRACK, 06.02.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1200m, Poly, R100,000, 20:35GMT+2

Race Summary: ACACIA’S BLOSSOM has dropped in trip at her last two and went close over course and distance at her penultimate start. A repeat effort could see her home. ROCK MUSIC was a recent maiden winner on the Highveld. He has been showing steady improvement and now faces some well exposed older handicappers. ULTRA QUICK has been racing over a little further but with De Melo staying aboard it may have been the advice to try shorter. INDECENT PROPOSAL is in good form over course and distance. He has a slightly better draw this time around.

Selections: #1 ACACIA’S BLOSSOM, #5 ROCK MUSIC, #6 ULTRA QUICK, #7 INDECENT PROPOSAL

Best Win: #1 FAIRY KNIGHT #9 UNITED NATION Best Value Bet: #7 AMAFORT Best Longshot: #3 PEDRO #6 DE VLUGGE

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