There are easier ways to attack Thursday’s eight-race Vaal card than trying to oppose the yard of Sean Tarry. The Highveld powerhouse arrives at the 28 May fixture with his string firing and, on paper at least, looks capable of dominating the programme with as many as four winners. For Pick 3 punters hunting a healthy mid-meeting payout, the prospect of a Tarry treble from Races 4 and 6 is particularly appealing. The raid should begin in Race 4 where War Reporter looks primed to keep the momentum rolling under Keagan de Melo. The son of Vercingetorix shaped with promise when returning from a lengthy absence before stepping forward sharply to score in commanding fashion over 1600m last time out, a victory that understandably earned him a six-point rating hike. Even so, there is every chance the four-year-old still has more to offer. He remains lightly raced for his age, this being only his 12th career outing, and the manner of that latest success suggests he is beginning to put everything together. Carrying 62kg won’t make life easy, but progressive horses often shrug off penalties and War Reporter has the profile of one still ahead of the handicapper. Tarry holds a strong hand again in Race 5 over 1200m and a stable Exacta/Quinella would surprise nobody. Mystical Miss has been holding her own in stronger company and should appreciate this ease in grade, especially with the benefit of a valuable 1.5kg claim. But from a betting perspective, Maverick Queen makes greater appeal at the likely prices. The daughter of Captain Of All has compiled an excellent record at this level, winning twice and finishing second once from four attempts, and her recent form lines in stronger company read well in the context of this race. Freshened for 13 weeks and now racing off a reduced mark, she looks the type to outrun market expectations under promising rider Malesele Katjedi. Race 6 could then complete the Tarry Pick 3 with Rabble Rouser standing out as one of the more attractive bets on the programme. De Melo reunites with the progressive daughter of Rafeef, who created a favourable impression when winning on debut over 1160m before losing little in defeat at Hollywoodbets Greyville. That KwaZulu-Natal effort was better than it reads on paper as Rabble Rouser showed good speed, led for much of the journey and was only collared late – beaten just 0.65-lengths over 1400m. The drop back to 1200m looks ideal for her aggressive style and, with natural improvement likely in just her third outing, Tarry’s charge rates a serious winning proposition. She is very much one to keep onside going forward. Another of the yard’s major winning chances comes in Race 8 where Trail Runner is primed to continue her productive spell in blinkers. This daughter of Lancaster Bomber has improved markedly since the headgear was fitted, winning three races and placing once from five starts with the headgear. She arrives off a gutsy victory in a 1200m work riders’ contest on the Classic track earlier this month and, crucially, escapes without a penalty for that success. Off an unchanged mark and back over the same trip, Trail Runner looks capable of giving the Tarry stable a fourth strike on a card that could easily turn into a one-yard benefit.   Clive Robinson

Tuesday’s nine-race Vaal Classic meeting may lack feature-race status, but it presents punters with a competitive card packed with betting opportunities. Strong representation from the Fabian Habib and Mike and Mathew de Kock yards could prove key, while Marco van Rensburg and Callan Murray hold several notable rides.

Fabian Habib could strike early with Samuel Sharpe in the opening 1800m maiden. The Flower Alley gelding has steadily improved and was not entirely comfortable over 2000m last time when chasing home a useful rival. First-time blinkers are applied, often a significant move from this stable, and only slight improvement may be needed for him to break through.

The De Kock team counters strongly in Race 2 with Staggerwing, who brings solid juvenile form into the 1000m contest. The daughter of Rafeef returns from an 80-day break after contesting Listed company and now drops into much calmer waters. Her early form suggests she has above-average speed, and Callan Murray, who has partnered her in all three starts, retains the ride.

Marco van Rensburg’s first leading chance comes in Race 4 aboard Cartagena. Heather Adamson’s mare caught the eye when finishing strongly into third over 2000m in her comeback run and now steps up to 2400m, a move likely to suit the five-year-old perfectly. She should strip fitter and meets a modest staying field, making her a lively each-way contender.

Race 6 looks more competitive, but Rock My Boat has claims despite a difficult draw. The Chris Jonker-trained gelding finally shed his maiden tag at the 15th attempt, though his consistency suggested the win had been overdue. He now enters handicap company carrying top weight over 1800m, but this field lacks depth and further improvement is possible.

The De Kock-Murray combination reappears in Race 7 with Sosoru, one of the strongest contenders on the card. The son of Vercingetorix has won his last two starts in front-running fashion and now chases a hat-trick despite dropping back to 1000m and rising in grade. An eight-point penalty makes life tougher, but in-form speedsters are always dangerous around the Vaal.

Habib could have the final word in Race 8 with Catfish, who may offer excellent value. The Danon Platina gelding did too much too early in a sales race last time before fading late, but the return to 1000m is ideal. His sprint form prior to that effort was solid, and apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson’s claim further strengthens his chances.

  Clive Robinson

Video Stars Race 3 – 3 FLOWING RICHES He had little luck last start after jumping from a wide draw and being forced to race wide throughout. After covering extra ground for much of the journey, he was entitled to weaken in the straight and eventually finished eighth, beaten 6.5 lengths over 1200m on the All-Weather track. The switch back to turf, where his only career victory was recorded, looks a positive and he should be right in the mix with a kinder run in transit. Race 6 – 3 HAROLD WIN After being pressured early to race outside the leader last start, he stuck on reasonably well in the straight to finish 10th over this track and distance. However, the run was better than it appears on paper, as he was beaten only 3.25 lengths after contesting strong early sectionals well inside the standard. With the drop back to Class 4 this week, he is expected to be more competitive given his solid record at this level. Sectional Stars Race 1 – 14 PERFECTO MOMENTS In a strongly run race last start, he was caught wide from the 700m before sticking on gamely to finish fourth over 1650m at Happy Valley. With a kinder run in transit, a Top 3 finish was within reach as he was beaten by only two lengths. Well weighted in this week’s field, he deserves another chance. Race 5 – 1 LUCKY TWIN STARS Despite being held up over the final 50m, he still recorded the third-fastest final 400m to finish seventh over 1650m at Happy Valley last time out. The return to Class 4, where he boasts a 50% strike rate, looks a significant positive and he could prove a value chance against easier opposition.

By Press Association Sport Reporters Gstaad will aim to go one better than at Newmarket when he heads a field of 10 for the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday. Aidan O’Brien’s colt had a busy time of things as a juvenile and was second in three Group Ones before finally getting his day in the sun at the Breeders’ Cup. Following some drama regarding his entry status prior to the Newmarket Guineas, he was the only horse to seriously give Bow Echo a race and is a long odds-on favourite to claim his own Classic. Charlie Appleby’s Distant Storm, third at Newmarket but some eight lengths behind Gstaad, is next in the betting with the Godolphin trainer looking to add to his win in the race with Native Trail in 2022. Billy Loughnane deputises for the suspended William Buick. Appleby also runs Pacific Avenue, with O’Brien’s second string being Neolithic. Thesecretadversary, trained by Fozzy Stack, was not disgraced at Newmarket and is another with live claims. One horse who skipped the British Classic was Karl Burke’s Alparslan. He won the Greenham when he had Zavateri and Albert Einstein behind him. Power Blue, a Group One winner for Adrian Murray last season, now represents Robson Aguiar in the Amo Racing silks. Go Just Do It, Bamako Beach and Take Charge Star complete the field for the first Irish Classic of the season.

The HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (24 May) will centre around the performance of overwhelming favourite Romantic Warrior – Hong Kong racing’s superstar. Adding further interest is the participation of two foreign horses. One is the eight-year-old Deep Monster, who captured his first Group race victory in the 2025 G2 Kyoto Daishoten (2400m) before winning the 2026 G2 H.H. The Amir Trophy (2400m) in Qatar. The other is seven-year-old Rousham Park, who makes his third trip to Hong Kong for trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka. Tanaka said: “I became aware of this race during last year’s LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (G1, 2000m). Since it is not a familiar race to the Japanese racing people and fans, and because I believe this horse is better suited to 2400 metres than 2000 metres, we had been considering it as one of our target races.” Bred by Northern Farm and owned by Sunday Racing Co. Ltd, Rousham Park won both the G3 Hakodate Kinen and the G2 Sankei Sho All Comers in 2023, both over 2000 metres. From his debut in September, 2021 until September, 2023, he collected six wins from ten starts, along with two seconds and one third, showing remarkable consistency. He made his first overseas trip for the 2023 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup and finished eighth. He then narrowly missed victory in the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m), finishing second by a neck, in his first start of 2024. Later that year, he produced a strong performance in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (2400m), finishing a close second behind Rebel’s Romance. In April last year, Rousham Park travelled to Sydney, Australia for the 2025 G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) – his third overseas campaign – but finished seventh behind Via Sistina. After returning to Japan and running in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) in June, he underwent throat surgery. He returned in a Group 2 race last November, where he finished 12th, and Tanaka was optimistic following that effort: “I expected that it would be a hard task for him coming off surgery, but I think he performed better than expected.” Rousham Park then showed determination to finish fifth in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup on 14 December at Sha Tin. Tanaka said: “That fifth-place finish in the Hong Kong Cup came during a period when we might have felt Rousham Park’s ability was beginning to decline. We had planned to target this race if he could run well in one domestic start during the spring campaign, because there are very few suitable 2400 metre races in Japan aside from the 2500-metre Meguro Kinen (G2).” In his first start of this year, the G2 Nikkei Sho (2500m), Rousham Park finished third, beaten by only 0.2 seconds, and showed little sign of decline despite being a seven-year-old. “After his last race, he returned to the pre-training farm of Northern Farm, where he recovered well without any damage, and he came back to my stable on 28 April. He stayed at the quarantine stable alone before the trip to Hong Kong, but his final workout was very good and everything has gone smoothly.” Tanaka also spoke positively about the environment in Hong Kong and the horse’s suitability for the race conditions. “Sha Tin has excellent quarantine facilities, and this horse has already travelled there twice for the LONGINES (Hong Kong) International Races in December. I think it’s a wonderful event – I’d even like to go every year. I also love Hong Kong itself. We haven’t achieved the best result we wanted there yet, but I believe 2000 metres is right on the limit for Rousham Park and can reduce his overall performance,” he said. “I feel he is much better suited to 2400 metres. The track surface should suit him well, and although it is the rainy season, his sire is Harbinger, so I do not see the pedigree as a disadvantage. He has already won at Hakodate, which has a similar grass to Sha Tin, so I don’t think turf conditions will be an issue either. He also handles humidity and heat well.” Tanaka also talked about facing Romantic Warrior for a third time: “Romantic Warrior is an exceptionally strong horse who has maintained his level for many years as a champion. I’m looking forward to competing against him. The 2400-metre distance should work in Rousham Park’s favour, and with signs that he is returning to form, I hope he can produce a performance that surprises people. I have high hopes now.” Sunday’s (24 May) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Standard Chartered Digital Assets Handicap (1600m). By Mariko Seki

The RM 100,000 Baby Pery Cup (Race 6) will headline the eleven-race card at the Selangor Turf Club on Saturday, and talented four-year-old DUMA (2) gets his chance to pick up another listed feature. The Frank Maynard trained gelding drifted too far back when placed fifth in the Listed Chairman’s Trophy a fortnight ago and will strike an easier assignment this time around. DUMA (2) came to prominence when taking out the NZB Ready To Run Graduate Cup as a three-year-old last year and has now accumulated five wins from fifteen starts in his career. He came close to winning from a wide barrier in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup when beaten a short head earlier this year and his excellent record of two wins from three starts at Class 3 level stands him in good stead. Inform jockey Bernardo Pinheiro will take the ride on PACIFIC PERY (7), which has performed well but remains winless in five Malaysian starts but is due to break through. The four-year-old made it three successive thirds in the grade prior to his unplaced effort when he failed to stay the mile trip last start. BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL (5) possesses a quick turn of speed and had excuses last run after pulling up with a respiratory problem. Successful in three of her ten local outings, she gains a big weight advantage courtesy of the 3kg claim for G Farhan who has a good record aboard the mare. HASTEN (6) struck a purple patch of form towards the end of last year winning three races in the space of four starts but has maintained solid form since without winning. He is normally an on-speed runner and should improve on his last start effort when he never recovered from a moderate beginning here two weeks ago. Of the lightweights, KOONDAKAARA (52kg) (12) is a prospective trifecta filler following his encouraging fourth at his initial foray against Class 3 opposition on May 10. Race 6 Selections: (2) DUMA   (7) PACIFIC PERY   (5) BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL (6) HASTEN The 1100m Mitavite Cup (Race 8) looks to be an enthralling clash with the Pacific Stable represented by a couple of genuine contenders in PACIFIC ENERGY (7) and PACIFIC VAMPIRE (1). PACIFIC ENERGY (7) has arguably been the best performer from the Pacific team this year posting three wins from seven starts and a minor placing in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup. The four-year-old covered extra territory from the wide draw in the Chairman’s Trophy but still had the audacity to finish third after a tough trip. The four-year-old is a versatile type and should be hard to beat from the better draw. PACIFIC VAMPIRE (1) looks the likely leader from barrier two and will take some catching over the shorter trip. MEGA ACE (10) is a promising three-year-old which drops 3.5kg from his Class 3 victory last start and has already proven himself against the more seasoned campaigners. FILIAL DRAGON (6) hasn’t won since taking out the G1 Ipoh Gold Vase last year and should be primed after four runs this preparation while the form of BRANSOM (9) has tapered recently but is a chance on best form with the 53kg. Race 8 Selections: (7) PACIFIC ENERGY   (1) PACIFIC VAMPIRE   (10) MEGA ACE   (6) FILIAL DRAGON Nine-year-old galloper BIG BAD MAMA (7) indicated a return to form judging by her last start second and can go one better in the 1020m Class 4A contest (Race 4). The tighter Track Two circuit suits her racing pattern where the mare utilizes her customary pace to try and outpace her rivals from the top end. That’s reflected in her impressive record at the track and distance (12-6-1-0) and she is likely lead again in a race devoid of early speed. IRONSTORM (9) took a while to break his maiden tag but has delivered three wins from six starts this year, his last two victories recorded over the 1050m. The gelding cast a plate last start so they were excuses and he looks ideally weighted with the 53kg to carry. FLYING SUCCESS (3) is rarely far off the mark but doesn’t win too often while BANKER’S DREAM (5) is looking to break through in the grade since his maiden win on local debut in February. THE WILD GOAL (4) does tend to mix his form and did lower the colours of BIG BAD MAMA (7) here two weeks ago. Race 4 Selections: (7) BIG BAD MAMA   (9) IRONSTORM   (3) FLYING SUCCESS   (5) BANKER’S DREAM

The Group 1 XXXX Doomben Cup may have drawn a compact field this Saturday, but what it lacks in numbers it more than makes up for in quality, intrigue and tactical pressure. Run over 2000 metres under weight-for-age conditions, the $1 million feature brings together a fascinating mix of proven Group 1 performers, elite stayers, progressive middle-distance horses and one of Australian racing’s most compelling front-runners. Final acceptances produced a field of seven, with Pride Of Jenni, Half Yours, Birdman, Vauban, Asterix, Kovalica and She’s A Hustler all set to line up in Race 8 at Doomben. At the centre of the race is Pride Of Jenni, the Ciaron Maher-trained mare who continues to make every race she contests a spectacle. Her racing pattern is no secret: she rolls forward, builds pressure from a long way out and dares her rivals to chase. In a small Doomben Cup field, that style becomes even more dangerous, particularly around a circuit where rhythm and positioning can prove decisive. Racing.com noted that the reduced seven-runner field could suit Pride Of Jenni, especially after she controlled the Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast. Her latest performance in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes was the ideal platform into this assignment. She led throughout over 1800 metres, beating Birdman and She’s A Hustler, with Half Yours finishing fourth. That race now looks the key form reference for Saturday, with the first four home all accepting for another clash in the Doomben Cup. The question now is whether her rivals can get close enough early, without burning too much energy, to make a race of it late. Pride Of Jenni has already shown this campaign that she remains a serious Group 1 force, having run a narrow second in the Australian Cup over 2000 metres before winning the Hollindale. Her form profile in the supplied race card shows a sequence of high-pressure performances: third in the All-Star Mile, second in the Australian Cup, fifth in the Queen Of The Turf and then victory in the Hollindale Stakes. Trying to turn the tables is Half Yours, the Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup hero who brings genuine star power to the race. The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained gelding returned over 1400 metres in the All Aged Stakes before stepping up to 1800 metres in the Hollindale, where he finished fourth behind Pride Of Jenni. On paper, the further rise to 2000 metres looks much more suitable, and market previews during the week had him prominent at the top of betting for the Doomben Cup. Half Yours’ spring achievements remain outstanding. He won the Caulfield Cup over 2400 metres before backing up to claim the Melbourne Cup over 3200 metres, confirming himself as the country’s premier stayer. Saturday’s challenge is different. This is not a staying test at Flemington or Caulfield; it is a sharp 2000-metre weight-for-age race at Doomben, likely run at a strong tempo if Pride Of Jenni is allowed to roll. The race shape asks whether Half Yours has enough tactical speed at this stage of his preparation to stay within striking distance before his stamina comes into play. Birdman is arguably the runner with the most straightforward case to improve. The Chris Waller-trained gelding was excellent in the Hollindale, closing well into second behind Pride Of Jenni, and he now meets her again with James McDonald retaining the ride. The gelding had already built a strong campaign before heading north, winning the Group 2 Blamey Stakes over 1600 metres and the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes over 1800 metres before a solid fifth in the Australian Cup. His recent form suggests 2000 metres is ideal, and he looks the type who can absorb pressure and keep finding late. There is also a major Waller storyline attached to Birdman. Reports this week noted that a Doomben Cup win would give Chris Waller his 200th career Group 1 victory and his fourth win in the Doomben Cup, which would place him alongside Lee Freedman on the race’s training honour roll. That adds another layer of significance to an already important race for the stable. Waller has strength in numbers, with Asterix and Kovalica also in the field. Asterix arrives in winning form, having taken out the JRA Plate over 2000 metres at Randwick before backing up with victory in the Gosford Cup over 2100 metres. He is a former New Zealand Derby winner and comes into this race as a fit, in-form stayer who should appreciate a genuine tempo. From barrier two with Jason Collett, he maps to get a more economical run than some of the bigger names and could be the one building into the race if the leaders overdo it. Kovalica is the proven Doomben horse in the field. His record shows previous success at the track and multiple placings over this course and distance, which gives him a different profile to several rivals having their first look at Doomben. His recent form has been plain compared to his best, but he was fifth in the Hollindale after settling back and has the inside barrier this time. If he can hold a more positive position and recapture something near his peak, he is capable of outrunning market expectations. The international flavour comes through Vauban, now with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Once best known to many racing fans as a high-profile European stayer, he has already shown he can be effective at 2000 metres in Australia, winning the Group 3 Sky High Stakes at Rosehill earlier this preparation before finishing third in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes over 2400 metres. Dropping back to 2000 metres asks a different question, but with Tim Clark aboard and Waterhouse/Bott polish, he could be more prominent than expected if they decide to make use of his stamina early. She’s A Hustler gives the race another live chance from the mares’ ranks. She has an excellent overall record, with seven wins from 13 starts, and has already proven herself at 2000 metres and beyond. Her spring campaign included victory in the Group 2 Sandown Classic over 2400 metres, while this preparation she has returned with a fourth in the Queen Of The Turf and a third in the Hollindale. She looks ready to peak third-up and should be suited by the rise back to 2000 metres. Tactically, the Doomben Cup revolves around Pride Of Jenni. If she finds the front comfortably and Declan Bates is able to control the race on his terms, she can turn the contest into another sustained chase. However, if Vauban, She’s A Hustler or even one of the Waller runners applies pressure earlier than expected, the race could open up for Half Yours, Birdman or Asterix to attack late. That is what makes this year’s edition so compelling. It is not simply a matter of the best horse on ratings. Pride Of Jenni will try to break their hearts again from the front. Half Yours will be looking to bring his staying class into play. Birdman has the profile of a horse still improving at the right distance. She’s A Hustler is ready to peak. Vauban adds tactical depth. Asterix brings winning form and Kovalica brings Doomben experience. Small fields can sometimes produce cautious racing, but this Doomben Cup does not look like one of those races. With Pride Of Jenni engaged, the race should be run honestly, and that should give every runner the chance to prove whether they are good enough. By Scott Bailey

There are three feature races at Fairview on Friday and it is back to the turf. The usual suspects are expected to take home the lion’s share of the stakes, with trainer Alan Greeff having a decent hand in two of the races and trainer Justin Snaith a possible winner of the other. Race 5, the Lady’s Slipper over 1400m, is the first feature of the card and Greeff has four of the seven runners carded. Stable jockey Richard Fourie rides Malibu Ice. This Malmoos two-year-old filly was backed to win on debut but was slowly away and, although she ran home strongly, she was not able to catch the more experienced Obsidian Star. She did a lot better in her second start when beating Rungstedland by 1.50 lengths. Jockey Fourie looked to have plenty of running left in her that day and this 1400m could be short of her best distance. Obsidian Star followed up on her win over Malibu Ice by beating another Greeff-trained short-priced favourite in Casperita over this distance, but on the Polytrack. Obsidian Star is clearly talented but will need to show she is as good on the turf. The only filly to beat Obsidian Star so far is the impressive and unbeaten Marchland. This daughter of Malmoos slammed Obsidian Star by 5.50 lengths on debut and then beat Rungstedland by 3.25 lengths. That tends to suggest that Marchland would not be a surprise winner. Another Greeff-trained runner, Fateful Love, was a wide-margin winner on her debut. She flopped when sent to raid Gauteng for her second start but is clearly rated by her trainer. A race later, Race 6, the Fairview 1400m, should be a very interesting contest. The Greeff-Fourie combination is clearly the one to beat with Zinovi representing them. This five-year-old gelding has won five of his last seven starts and could hardly have been more impressive in his warm-up for this event. Fourie let him go 300m from home and he had things well in hand at the 200m already. The drop to 1400m should not really be an issue. There could be a threat, however, with the 2024 WSB Polytrack Champion King Regent returning to the Eastern Cape. He won all three of the Polytrack challenges that year but has not won since then. He has been close up in his last two starts and his trainer Glen Kotzen has a decent record when raiding this province. The last of the feature races, Race 7, is the Milkwood Stakes, a Listed race over 1000m. Snaith Racing sends out She’s My World and she could get a race run to suit her. There are some very speedy fillies and mares in this and both the Dean Smith-trained runners, Song Of Myself and Danish Dynamite, have done best when allowed to go wild up front. That could allow She’s My World to let them blitz and take them on late.   Clive Robinson

The newly renamed G1 Prix Aga Khan IV, formerly known as the Prix d’Ispahan, brings together a small field of five but fascinating field at Longchamp this Thursday, with Daryz the headline act as he looks to continue his rise as one of Europe’s most exciting middle-distance stars. Run over 1850 metres, the race has long held an important position on the French racing calendar. Its distance creates an interesting test, sitting between a traditional mile and the more stamina-focused 2000-metre and 2400-metre Group 1 contests. It often attracts a mix of genuine milers, strong 2000-metre performers and horses capable of stretching out further, which can make the tactical shape of the race just as important as raw ability. This year’s edition may be small in numbers, but it is not short on quality. Daryz, Sosie and Leffard give the race a strong top-end profile, while Qilin Queen and Divine Chrisnat face a much tougher task on ratings and exposed form. For Daryz, the story is particularly fitting. He lines up in a Group 1 now carrying the Aga Khan name, and he does so as one of the standout horses in training. His victory in last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was the performance that elevated him from a highly promising colt into a genuine champion. He showed class and a powerful finishing burst to win Europe’s most prestigious race, and that success immediately made him the horse others now have to measure up against. What has been just as impressive is the way he returned this season. A champion can sometimes need a run after a major campaign, but Daryz wasted no time reminding everyone of his quality when resuming with victory in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp. That performance showed he had trained on, retained his turn of foot and still possessed the professionalism required to win at the highest level. The slight query this Thursday is not whether Daryz is the best horse in the race. On exposed form, he clearly is. The question is whether the 1850-metre distance is sharp enough to make him vulnerable. His biggest performances have come when his stamina and strength have been allowed to come into play, especially at 2400 metres. Over this shorter trip, particularly in a small field, he may not have the luxury of a truly run race. If the tempo is steady and the race turns into a sprint from the false straight, his rider will need to have him close enough to strike. However, top-class horses often have the ability to overcome these types of scenarios. If Daryz is within range when the field straightens, he has the class and finishing power to take control. Sosie looks the most obvious danger. He is a proven International Group 1 performer and brings serious credentials into the race. He won this contest last year when it was still run as the Prix d’Ispahan, and that piece of form alone makes him a major player. He has also shown his quality at the highest level over further, including when finishing third in the Arc behind Daryz and a Hong Kong Vase win last December. The key with Sosie is that this distance should suit him well. He has enough stamina to be effective over longer trips, but he also has the tactical pace to be dangerous around 1850 metres. That makes him a genuine threat if the race becomes tactical. He is not a horse who needs everything to fall apart to be competitive; he has the class, course experience and distance suitability to make Daryz work. If there is one runner capable of turning this into a proper race, it is Sosie. He knows how to win at this level, he handles the track and he has already proven himself in this exact type of contest. He may not carry the same star power as Daryz, but he is far more than just a supporting act. Leffard adds another layer of intrigue. His victory in the Grand Prix de Paris showed he has a serious engine and a liking for Longchamp, producing the kind of performance that marked him as a high-class horse with staying strength. The challenge for him here is the drop back to 1850 metres. Leffard is likely to be at his best when the race becomes a genuine test. If they go hard enough early, or if stamina becomes important late, he can certainly run into the finish. But if the race is slowly run and turns into a sharp sprint, he may find himself needing momentum at exactly the wrong time. That does not mean he should be underestimated. He has Group 1 ability, Longchamp form and the profile of a horse who can make his presence felt if the race is run to suit. But of the main trio, he is probably the one most dependent on the tempo. Qilin Queen and Divine Chrisnat look up against it. Both appear to be facing a significant class test against three well-credentialed rivals, and they would need to produce clear career-best performances to trouble the main chances. In a small field, though, outsiders can sometimes sneak into the race if the favourites watch each other or if the tempo becomes messy. Their best hope may be to take advantage of any tactical hesitation among the leading contenders. Still, this race looks to revolve around Daryz. He has the strongest form, the biggest profile and the most compelling recent performance. Sosie has the right credentials to test him, while Leffard has the class to make things interesting if stamina becomes a factor. Small fields can often become tactical, and that is probably the only real danger for Daryz. But if the race turns into a true contest of ability, the Arc winner is clearly the horse they all have to get past. Daryz is the headline act, and Thursday gives him the chance to further strengthen his position as one of Europe’s leading middle-distance performers. By Scott Bailey  

Thursday’s nine-race meeting at Vaal Racecourse offers several attractive betting opportunities, with the jockey bookings of championship leader Craig Zackey and Marco van Rensburg standing out.

Zackey, closing in on his first National Jockeys’ Championship, looks well placed to strike early aboard Snap Your Fingers in the opener. The Sean Tarry-trained daughter of Futura was a well-supported favourite when taking on winners over 1600m after a promising debut second. Dropping back to 1400m and returning to maiden company should suit, and she appears the day’s first banker.

Van Rensburg has a strong chance to get on the board in Race 4 with Highwayman Harry. The Dianne Stenger-trained son of Hawwaam has produced two runner-up finishes in his last three starts, including a solid effort over this course and distance. With experience and a favourable draw on his side, he looks ready to break through.

Race 5 could provide Zackey with another winner aboard Damova. Joe Soma’s tough seven-year-old mare has an excellent record over the Vaal’s 2400m, with two wins from three starts at the trip. She reunites with Zackey, with whom she has already won three times, and meets Futurewolff on 1kg better terms after finishing behind that rival last time.

One of Zackey’s strongest rides may come in Race 6 on Ringa Ringa Roses. The Lucky Houdalakis-trained filly has been admirably consistent and now steps up to 1600m, a move that looks likely to bring out further improvement. This is her peak run after a rest and she should be hard to beat if seeing out the extra distance.

Van Rensburg’s later rides also warrant respect. In Race 7, Falconfly returns from a 10-week break after an impressive front-running victory over 1800m. Despite a seven-point penalty, the lightly raced filly still appears progressive and can continue her rise.

The final race sees Van Rensburg partner Golden Aspen, a mare he knows exceptionally well. The pair have combined for eight wins and numerous placings. Dropping in class off a slightly lower mark, the Corne Spies-trained mare looks capable of finishing the meeting on a winning note.

With Zackey and Van Rensburg holding powerful books, Thursday’s Vaal card should provide punters with plenty of opportunities.

Clive Robinson

The Hollywoodbets Greyville poly meeting on Wednesday 20 May is competitive throughout, but there should be some fair opportunities for punters. In the fifth race over 1600m Chasing Gold will be improving all the time being by Ideal World out of a Silvano mare. His dam Silver Class was a sprint-miler so Chasing Gold has interestingly dropped in trip after a good win over 1900m last time. She had to handle a four point raise for that win, but she is a galloping type who is drawn three and she should make a bold bid from a likely handy to front-running position. Mississippi Spice is also in fine form and going the right way, so should be right there too. In the first leg of the Pick 6 Gimme The Power did well in some open maiden plates in Cape Town carrying low weights, but she also did well in a Class 5 event. She made a good debut in KZN in a maiden and should be in the shake up here in this maiden jumping from draw three under Andrew Fortune. Chooks Kiss and Peace Rose also have to be considered. In the next leg of the Pick 6 Gold Gold Baby impressed in her KZN debut in a maiden over 1900m and can follow up off a reasonable 75 rating.  She has a nice draw on her poly debut. Princess Palace will go close if repeating her last start and if she has a chance then La Maddalena must also be considered as she beat Princess Palace narrowly last time, although she does now have a wide draw to overcome. In the sixth race over 1600m, a Middle Stakes event, Tomyris on a 93 is one off the top of her merit rated band and this merit rating has seen her go close in both of her previous two starts, including in a Middle Stakes race last time. She is clearly well weighted under these conditions and should go close from a good draw.  Spirit Of Shimla and Ice Rain make most appeal of the rest. In the seventh over 1200m Poetic Princess won well last time and has a chance off a four point higher mark from pole position. Littleblackgem and Clickbait look well treated at present and can earn. In the last race over 1400m Mask On ran a cracker last time and can go close with a repeat and Heaven’s Will will be right there too if repeating her last start, which was over this course and distance. The meeting could start with a win for the well drawn Queraristinyferari in the 1000m contest, although on form there is not much between her and the widely drawn Royal Crest. In the second over 1600m the Highveld raider Royal Jacket makes appeal as a consistent sort who does not face an inspiring field

A rain-affected card at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday should provide competitive racing and several strong betting opportunities, with soft underfoot conditions likely to play a key role.

The standout selection is Boogiefied in Race 5 over 1400m. The Andre Nel-trained gelding has an excellent record on soft and yielding ground, with two wins and six placings from eight starts in such conditions. He was a solid second to Major Master over 1600m last time and is ideally suited by this drop back in trip. With Keagan de Melo aboard, Boogiefied looks the one to beat.

Main dangers include Soho Heartthrob, who continues to improve for Dean Kannemeyer, and Pay The Palace, whose form against stronger opposition makes him a major contender. Please Be True should strip fitter after a promising comeback run.

Race 8 over 1000m features several speedsters, but preference is for Demanding Dave, who reunites with Andrew Fortune. The pair are unbeaten in three starts together, and the Mike Stewart-trained sprinter was unlucky when meeting traffic problems in the Easter Sprint. He looks capable of returning to winning ways.

Earlier on the card, Snowbird and In Hot Water appear the standout contenders in Race 1, while Rubee King is expected to improve sharply in Race 2 after a promising but green debut. Redford is the obvious danger.

Rabdan gets the nod in Race 3, having contested stronger juvenile company, while Redlight Lane is selected to finally break through in Race 4 after an unlucky defeat last time.

Trainer Piet Botha’s yard has returned to form and could strike with Baton Rouge in Race 6 after a strong recent second over 1800m. Stablemate Shifting Path looks well placed to follow up in Race 7, particularly if the track remains testing.

The closing event is wide open, but veteran Fort Red would be a popular winner. The eight-year-old has amassed eight victories from 83 starts and remains competitive in this grade.

With several runners well suited to wet conditions, Tuesday’s Kenilworth card promises close finishes and attractive betting opportunities for punters.

By Adam Morgan, Press Association Francis-Henri Graffard is out to add the Boyles Sports Lockinge to his ever-growing CV after Sahlan brought a touch of French flavour to the 10 declarations for Newbury’s Group One centrepiece. As well as being the dominant force on home soil, wins in Japan and at the Breeders’ Cup prove Graffard is a growing presence on the world stage and he will now head to Newbury with his Prix du Moulin scorer fresh from having landed the French Guineas with Rayif last Sunday. “Francis-Henri Graffard is in top form at the moment and we hope we can take advantage of that and Sahlan can run a good race on Saturday,” said Violaine de Barmon, head of racing operations for owners Al Shaqab in France. “Sahlan has had a good winter and has been working well. Francis said he did a good piece of work on the grass last week and afterwards he was very happy so decided to go for the Lockinge. “It will be his comeback so we will see how it goes, but he’s in good form and we hope it will bring a good result.” Sahlan claimed the scalp of reopposing The Lion In Winter (third) and Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini (ninth) when claiming Group One honours at ParisLongchamp last September and he went on to finish a respectable fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar. That race Stateside was won by another Lockinge candidate in last year’s fourth, Charlie Appleby’s Notable Speech, while he prepares to lock horns with a red-hot cast headed by John and Thady Gosden’s Damysus and Karl Burke’s Zeus Olympios. However, a strong showing will cement Sahlan’s position as one of the leading miler’s in Europe and will potentially tee up the French raider for a trip to Royal Ascot. “Francis was thinking of giving him a run before but the programme didn’t prove suitable,” continued De Barmon. “He could have run in the Prix du Muguet at Saint-Cloud on May 1 but the team thought it was a little close to this so we decided to come directly here. “Royal Ascot is a possibility after this and then in the summer we will target races like the Prix Jacques le Marois, all going well.” As well as The Lion In Winter, O’Brien runs the supplemented Mississippi River, who was last in action on Sunday. The in-form William Haggas will start one of his most likeable performers, More Thunder, at a mile having excelled over slightly shorter last season, while Andrew Balding’s Jonquil returns to the scene of his Greenham victory last term having served a reminder of his class in the Paradise Stakes at Ascot. A stacked field is rounded off by Charles Hills’ shock Queen Elizabeth II Stakes scorer Cicero’s Gift who was not disgraced in fourth in his comeback run at Sandown in the bet365 Mile.

Ka Ying Rising has maintained his position as the top-rated horse in training after returning an international rating of 130, rising two points from March, after April’s LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings were released on Thursday, 14 May. The David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising, a winner of his past 20 consecutive races, currently sits four points clear at the head of the standings, while fellow Hong Kong-trained 14-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior also climbs two points to 126 after securing his fourth G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) on FWD Champions Day (26 April). Superstar eight-year-old Romantic Warrior is joined in second place by Bow Echo and Daryz. The world’s richest horse, who has 23 wins and HK$271.46 million in prizemoney for owner Peter Lau, now sits on a career-high mark on turf following the 127 he achieved on the dirt behind Forever Young in the 2025 G1 Saudi Cup (1800m). Charlie Appleby’s Group 1 winner Opera Ballo is fifth with a rating of 124, equal to Saffie Joseph Jr’s White Abarrio, who is trained in the United States of America and rounds out April’s top five. Forever Young trails on 123, while Croix du Nord, Magnitude, Masquerade Ball, Royal Champion and Sovereignty each rated 122. Five-year-old Ka Ying Rising broke his own track record twice in April. Having already held the best 1200m time at Sha Tin (1m 07.20s set in 2025), the now nine-time Group 1 winner returned a 1m 07.12s in the G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 6 April before his improved 1m 07.10s in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 26 April. Ka Ying Rising closed his second successive undefeated season by claiming another HK$5 million Hong Kong Speed Series, following wins in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and Chairman’s Sprint Prize. Hong Kong International Sale graduate Romantic Warrior is aiming to close out his 2025/26 campaign by becoming the third horse – after River Verdon (1993/94) and Voyage Bubble last season – to secure the Triple Crown when he lines up in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m), on Sunday, 24 May at Sha Tin. Voyage Bubble is Hong Kong’s next highest-rated horse on 119.