British racing has lost its most exciting young star after unbeaten champion Bow Echo was retired following an injury sustained in training. The brilliant three-year-old leaves the racecourse with a perfect record of six victories from six starts, including a remarkable Group 1 treble in the 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes. His retirement brings a premature end to a career that had generated comparisons with Frankel and established Bow Echo as arguably the most exciting prospect to emerge in British racing since Sir Henry Cecil’s unbeaten champion. Trained by George Boughey and ridden throughout his career by Billy Loughnane, Bow Echo was being considered for Sunday’s Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. Instead, his thrilling victory over Gstaad at Goodwood will stand as his final appearance. The injury is understood to involve his left fore fetlock. Although it prevents him from racing again, the colt is otherwise reported to be in good health and will now begin preparations for a stallion career. His precise stud destination and introductory fee have not yet been confirmed. A perfect rise through the ranks Few horses have progressed from maiden company to the summit of European racing as quickly and convincingly as Bow Echo. He announced himself with a four-and-a-half-length debut victory at Newbury before stepping into stakes company and winning the Listed Ascendant Stakes at Haydock. A victory in the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket completed an unbeaten juvenile campaign and established him as one of Britain’s leading Classic contenders. Despite his growing reputation, Bow Echo began the 2,000 Guineas at decimal odds of 5.50, the only occasion during his six-race career that he did not start favourite. Any doubts surrounding his ability at the highest level disappeared spectacularly on the Rowley Mile. After settling behind the leaders, he produced an explosive change of pace to defeat Gstaad by two and three-quarter lengths, with Distant Storm another eight lengths away in third. The victory delivered a first British Classic for Loughnane and confirmed that Boughey had an exceptional colt in his stable. Racing Post Ratings awarded Bow Echo a figure of 127 for the performance. Among 2,000 Guineas winners this century, only Frankel, who recorded 133 in 2011, and King’s Best, who earned 128 in 2000, had produced a higher figure. His Topspeed performance of 120 was also the best recorded in the race since Frankel, reinforcing the impression that British racing had discovered a potentially extraordinary miler. The final months of Bow Echo’s career were shaped by his compelling rivalry with Gstaad. Having finished behind him at Newmarket, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt strengthened the form by winning the Irish 2,000 Guineas before returning to challenge Bow Echo in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Their second encounter was considerably closer. Bow Echo endured interference early, raced wide and was forced to make his challenge sooner than ideal. Despite those difficulties, he found enough under pressure to withstand Gstaad in a dramatic finish. The victory demonstrated a different side to him. Newmarket had showcased his acceleration and superiority, while Ascot revealed his determination and ability to overcome adversity. Their rivalry resumed in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, where Bow Echo faced older horses for the first time. Once again, the race did not unfold smoothly. He was caught among runners as the contest developed and appeared to have considerable ground to recover inside the closing stages. Loughnane remained patient before asking for the colt’s decisive effort. Bow Echo accelerated through a narrowing opportunity and wore down Gstaad, prevailing by half a length to preserve his unbeaten record. That victory made him the first horse since Frankel in 2011 to complete the 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes treble in the same season. He became only the sixth horse of the Pattern era to achieve the feat. It proved to be a fitting, if unexpectedly final, demonstration of his talent. A career intertwined with Loughnane The emergence of Bow Echo was closely connected to the rapid rise of Billy Loughnane. The young jockey partnered him in all six starts and was entrusted with the colt throughout his development from an inexperienced juvenile into Europe’s outstanding three-year-old miler. Loughnane displayed composure during each of their major victories. He allowed Bow Echo to use his acceleration at Newmarket, recovered from a difficult passage at Ascot and held his nerve when briefly trapped behind runners at Goodwood. For a jockey still in the formative stages of his career, finding a horse of such quality was an opportunity few riders experience so early. Their association gave British racing a compelling partnership between an unbeaten star and one of the most talented members of a new generation of jockeys. A lasting tribute to Sheikh Mohammed Obaid The story carries additional emotion because Bow Echo was bred by the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, who died before seeing the colt fulfil his potential on the racecourse. The owner-breeder spent decades developing successful thoroughbred families, and Bow Echo emerged as one of the finest products of that breeding programme. By champion sire Night Of Thunder, he is a grandson of influential stallion Dubawi and is out of the three-time winner Aristocratic Lady. His dam is by Invincible Spirit and is a half-sister to two stakes winners, including Group 1-placed Royal Rhyme. The combination of elite racecourse performance, an unbeaten record and an established international pedigree makes Bow Echo an exceptionally attractive stallion prospect. He also represents an important extension of the Dubawi sire line. Night Of Thunder has established himself among Europe’s leading stallions, and his son now retires as one of his finest performers. Darley described Bow Echo as an outstanding representative of his sire and one of the most exciting horses to enter the breeding ranks in recent years. However, the organisation has stated that his formal stud plans will be confirmed later. The unanswered question The frustration surrounding his retirement comes from what remained possible. Bow Echo had completed the defining three-year-old mile programme in Britain and remained unbeaten after defeating high-class opposition under contrasting circumstances. A potential appearance in the Prix Jacques le Marois would have offered another international test, while later targets could have included races such as the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes or Breeders’ Cup Mile. Those opportunities have now disappeared, leaving racing followers to wonder how far his ability might have carried him. It would be premature to place Bow Echo alongside Frankel on pure performance. His peak Racing Post Rating of 127 remained six pounds below the figure produced by Frankel in the 2,000 Guineas and beneath the highest ratings achieved by champions such as Baaeed and Kingman. The comparison instead reflects the excitement he created. Like Frankel, he won the 2,000 Guineas with a performance that immediately separated him from his generation. He then travelled to Royal Ascot and Goodwood to complete the same historic Group 1 treble while maintaining his unbeaten record. The difference is that Frankel was able to race on and demonstrate the full extent of his greatness. Bow Echo’s career ended before his ceiling could be discovered. That unanswered question will always form part of his legacy. Six starts, six victories and three Group 1 triumphs represent a career without defeat or disappointment on the racecourse. He conquered Newmarket, Royal Ascot and Goodwood, defeated his strongest rival three times and provided British racing with its most captivating new star. His time on the track was desperately brief, but Bow Echo achieved enough to be remembered as one of the outstanding milers of his generation and one of the most exciting unbeaten horses Britain has produced since Frankel. By Scott Bailey

It is back to the Polytrack at Fairview on Monday, and there are some decent runners on show, with three in particular catching the eye. The best of them could well be the improving and impressive Kleinzee in Race 7, a Middle Stakes over 1600m. This Gimmethegreenlight mare has struck form since joining trainer Alan Greeff. The five-year-old made her local debut back in March and won that race, and she has added another four victories since then, making it five wins in a row. Those successes have seen her merit rating rise from 70 to a current mark of 98, but she could hardly have been more impressive in her last two wins. In her penultimate start, jockey Richard Fourie tested her by dropping her out and challenging down the inside on a day that did not favour that type of ride, yet she still won with ease. In her latest outing, she produced her most impressive performance to date. Sitting off the pace, she quickened up early in the straight and streaked clear to score by 4.50 lengths. Regular jockey Richard Fourie is not at Fairview for this meeting, but Andrew Fortune should suit her and takes the ride. Earlier on the card, Fortune could also score with Detailed Forecast in Race 4, a FM 86 Handicap over 1000m. Detailed Forecast heads a team of three runners for Greeff in this race. This Gimmethegreenlight filly has won two of her last four starts and has finished in the first two in all three outings since joining the yard. She is clearly effective on this surface and should enjoy the run of the race from a good draw. In Race 3, a MR 80 Handicap over 1000m, the recently turned three-year-old Master Mtoto should prove hard to beat in a small field of six runners. After beating rival US Ranger the first two times they met, that rival has since improved past him and gave him a decisive beating last time. Master Mtoto was not disgraced, however, as he had the rest of the field well beaten, and the drop back to 1000m looks a smart move. Calvin Habib can get the job done on this Real Gone Kid gelding.   Clive Robinson

Class has never been difficult to identify with The Equator. The impeccably bred import has competed at Royal Ascot, carried expectations into South Africa’s richest race and reached a merit rating of 118. At Turffontein on Saturday, however, his quality comes with a considerable cost. The Stuart Pettigrew-trained runner heads the Dianne Stenger Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m with 60kg, conceding 8kg to King’s Express and 10kg to each of his other five opponents. It creates an intriguing seven-runner contest in which The Equator is comfortably the highest-rated horse but must give away a substantial weight advantage to some capable opposition. A son of the outstanding Galileo, The Equator is the first foal of Quiet Reflection, the brilliant daughter of Showcasing who was crowned Europe’s champion three-year-old sprinter. Quiet Reflection won the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup and Haydock Sprint Cup during a high-class career, making The Equator an attractive stallion prospect before he had even reached the racecourse. Despite the speed on his dam’s side, The Equator developed into a middle-distance performer under Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle. He raced five times in Europe for one victory and one second, winning a Leopardstown maiden over 2000m by 3.25 lengths. That performance earned him a place at Royal Ascot, where he finished fifth in the Group 2 Queen’s Vase over approximately 2800m. He later finished second at Navan before again filling the runner-up position at York. His European campaign suggested he possessed stamina and ability, even if he had not developed into the top-level performer his pedigree once promised. South African owners Willem Ackerman and Advocate Nigel Riley purchased him for 55,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale in October 2024. It was an attractive price for a Galileo colt out of a dual Group 1-winning mare, particularly after his close relative Lake Victoria enhanced the family further at the highest level. The Equator completed quarantine and spent time acclimatising at Heversham Park before joining Tony Peter’s stable in March 2025. Connections initially considered a possible Durban July campaign, but his preparation did not leave enough time to qualify comfortably for the race. He eventually made his South African debut in the Durban July itself, finishing more than nine lengths behind Otto Luyken over 2200m at Greyville. Although disappointing as favourite, the performance came after an extended absence and under very demanding circumstances for a horse having his first local start. The response was immediate. Returning to Turffontein over 1800m in August, The Equator recorded his first South African victory, defeating King’s Express. He then dropped to 1600m and produced another success in October, beating Beynac while starting favourite. Those performances propelled him towards the Group 1 Summer Cup, and his European pedigree, progressive local form and profile made him one of the most discussed runners of the build-up. He was the ante-post favourite shortly before the race and continued to attract strong support after an impressive piece of work. He was considered as the early favourite during the final stages of preparation. The Summer Cup did not produce the expected result. Starting at 7-2, The Equator travelled prominently but was unable to finish strongly enough, crossing the line fifth behind Mocha Blend and beaten 4.9 lengths. It was not a complete failure, but it fell short of the expectations surrounding one of the race’s most prominent contenders. His subsequent campaign proved less convincing. He finished behind Callmegetrix over 1600m before travelling to Cape Town, where he was beaten 4.25 lengths over 1800m and then nearly 20 lengths in the 2000m Cape Town Met. A return to Turffontein for another 2000m assignment also ended in defeat. A change of stable eventually followed, with The Equator moving from Tony Peter to Stuart Pettigrew. His first appearance for the new yard produced a third over 1800m in June, before he returned to winning form over the same Turffontein course and distance on July 5. That latest performance was important. It demonstrated that The Equator remained capable of producing his best after a difficult sequence and confirmed that 1800m at Turffontein is one of his most suitable assignments. All three of his South African victories have come at the track, with two recorded over Saturday’s distance. The conditions of the Pinnacle Stakes now place his rating under examination. The Equator is rated 118, giving him a 13-point advantage over second-rated King’s Express. He meets that rival at an 8kg weight disadvantage, while Palace Prince, Royal Invitation, Hawkbill, Fire ’N Flames and Hotarubi each receive 10kg. King’s Express presents a particularly interesting threat. He was beaten by The Equator over this course and distance in August 2025, but Saturday’s substantial weight difference gives him an opportunity to reverse that result. Hawkbill also has a direct line through the favourite, having finished behind The Equator in his latest victory. Palace Prince and Royal Invitation are rated above 100 and carry only 50kg, while Fire ’N Flames receives an additional 2.5kg apprentice claim. Hotarubi completes the field from the outside draw with the same 50kg allocation. The small field should reduce the risk of traffic problems, but it may turn the race into a tactical examination. The Equator cannot afford to concede an easy lead to a lightly weighted rival, yet asking him to work too hard early could expose the burden of 60kg in the final stages. His class, pedigree and recent return to winning form make him the horse the others must beat. The challenge is that he will not merely need to defeat six rivals, he must overcome the significant advantage the conditions hand to every one of them. Saturday’s Pinnacle Stakes should therefore reveal whether The Equator is ready to rebuild towards another major summer campaign or whether the weight of expectation, quite literally, will prove too much. By Scott Bailey – iRACE

By Press Association Sport Reporters Ryan Moore will make just his second appearance in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday, which has also been boosted by news rising star Dylan Browne McMonagle will be in action. Moore, who won the Silver Saddle award for leading rider in the team competition in his sole outing to date in 2006, has become available with no Flat racing in Ireland that afternoon, with the Phoenix Stakes instead taking place at the Curragh on Sunday. Moore will ride for the Great Britain and Ireland team alongside Saffie Osborne and McMonagle, who won the Oaks aboard the Joseph O’Brien-trained Thundering On at Epsom in June and followed up with stablemate Johanna Walsh in the Irish version at the Curragh. For the first time the Hong Kong Jockey Club has a team, captained by Vincent Ho, a winner of the Shergar Cup in 2019 when part of the successful Rest of the World team. He will be joined by Jerry Chau and Luke Ferraris. Christophe Lemaire will captain Europe, alongside Marie Velon and Frida Valle Skar, while Jamie Melham (nee Kah) will return to lead the Rest of the Word. Partnering her will be by Japan’s Yutake Take and Suraj Narredu, who guided team Asia to victory last year. Ascot’s head of corporate and industry affairs Will Aitkenhead said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have Ryan and Dylan on board. Both had very strong Royal Ascots, with Ryan the leading jockey, and both had very good weeks at Goodwood. “It’s really helpful the Phoenix Stakes has moved from the Saturday to the Sunday at the Curragh this year which frees them up and it’s great to have them board. “We’d been in discussions with Oisin (Murphy) and Billy (Loughnane) earlier in the year and they were keen, but they just don’t know where they’ll be. Obviously Hollie Doyle would have been here, but she’s sadly injured. “In previous years we’ve lined them up early which helps with the marketing and everything, but this year we were keen to get the strongest teams that we could so waiting until this week made sense.” Regarding the overseas riders Aitkenhead said: “Jamie Melham returns as a Melbourne Cup winner, she’s huge in Australia and Yutake Take is the biggest name in Japan. We’ve got Christophe Lemaire and the Hong Kong team led by Vincent Ho as well so we’ve got some really strong teams.”

It may have taken six-year-old mare BANKER’S PRETTY eleven starts to open her Malaysian winning account but she could maintain that winning form in the 1300m Class 2 contest (Race 5) this Sunday. Scoring by 2.5L over 1200m on July 19, the win wasn’t entirely unexpected since the mare recorded six minor placings against strong opposition prior and she is a chance of going back-to-back over the slightly longer trip this time around. ELITE PRINCE is a potential top liner but his racing career has been restricted due to injury. The five-year-old resumes from a seven-month break and was successful in the 3YO Sprint Championship last year when produced first up from a spell. Providing he doesn’t succumb to further injury, this gelding has the capacity to win against the high graders when he debuts for the HY Cheng stable this weekend. BIG HEARTED displayed his familiar turn of speed when finishing 4th in a strong Supreme A contest last start and remains competitive in this grade as a ten-year-old. EMERALD LISI is an on-speed performer who will strip fitter second up from a break while SACRED BUDDY is a previous Class 2 winner and should be primed four runs into its current campaign. RACE 5: (4) BANKER’S PRETTY   (7) ELITE PRINCE   (2) BIG HEARTED   (5) EMERALD LISI Former Hong Kong galloper YE MAN is ready to strike following two local runs and looks hard to beat in the 1400m Class 3 (Race 6). Despite two failed attempts at the journey previously, the opposition was stronger in HK and his last start 3rd behind the inform Yes Boss Yes over 1200m suggests a Malaysian victory is not far away. SILVER SAMURAI has been consistent and looks a chance on the upgrade following a 1200m Class 4 win on July 11. The outside draw is the only query but the horse has maintained solid form this year. FORTUNE WHEEL closed off well to finish 3rd at his first attempt against Class 3 company and is well weighted with the 53kg. The eight-year-old defeated SILVER SAMURAI back in June and is a five-time winner at the distance. SECRET WONDER was heavily backed to start favorite and broke a winning drought when successful over 1200m on June 28. FLAWLESS was a beaten favorite (5th) in this grade last start but did finish runner up to Selangor Mile winner Aquitaine at his run prior. RACE 6: (4) YE MAN   (5) SILVER SAMURAI   (9) FORTUNE WHEEL   (1) SECRET WONDER Four-year-old JET THIRTY FIVE was far from disgraced after finishing 7th in the 3YO Mile Championship on July 19 and looks a chance to bounce back in the 1200m Max Two Stakes contest (Race 8). JET THIRTY FIVE took up a forward position in the 1600m feature after working hard initially from barrier 16 before fading at the finish. Prior to that the gelding finished runner up in the 1200m 3YO Sprint Championship and his return to that trip plus the class downgrade places him to a distinct advantage. BANKER’S ONE SEVEN pulled up lame after finishing 3rd in a 1020m Supreme B contest last start. He’ll have the 59kg to carry but is a definite chance to break the Malaysian duck at start number six locally. Irish bred gelding PROSPEROUS BABY has only a maiden victory to its credit but put up a solid performance when making late ground to finish 4th in a Class 3 on July 19. He drew barrier 11 on that occasion and looks well served from pole position this time around. STRONG WIN resumed and raced on speed when finishing 4th in a Class 4 a month ago and looks a trifecta chance on the freshen up. FOREVER SIXTY-ONE is back in form following his 2nd over 1200m at Ipoh on July 12 and also returns to the Jason Lim camp. RACE 8: (5) JET THIRTY FIVE   (1) BANKER’S ONE SEVEN   (6) PROSPEROUS BABY   (7) STRONG WIN  Five-year-old TRIUMPH BANKER’S looks a progressive type and is on track for successive wins in the 1020m Class 3 contest (Race 9). A winner at this track and distance last start, TRIUMPH BANKER’S only got clear with a late inside run to score by a neck in the Supreme B event a fortnight ago. The gelding strikes another winnable race with a similar weight and looks hard to beat from barrier two. PACIFIC STORM is a recent acquisition for the Pacific Stable which has had a lean trot this year compared to the 2025 racing season. This former Australian gelding worked home well under a good hold at the trials during the week and could be one to watch first up from a six-month break. CONGRATULATEBANKER indicated a Malaysian win is not far away judging by his first up effort here last Sunday. Posted outside the leader throughout, he nearly caused a minor upset when finishing 2.25L behind the inform Yes Boss Yes, which had to pull out all reserves to hold off the newcomer. Providing he can withstand the seven-day backup, CONGRATULATEBANKER is one to consider for the multiples. CHEVAL PEGASUS and GOLD MEDAL ROSE are weighted highly but each are capable of featuring on best form. RACE 9: (3) TRIUMPH BANKER’S   (8) PACIFIC STORM   (7) CONGRATULATEBANKER   (1) CHEVAL PEGASUS             

Hollywoodbets Scottsville stages a meeting of small but competitive fields on Sunday, with two runners standing out as strong exotic betting anchors. The first is Parisian Walkway in the Progressive Plate over 1600m. Trainer Alec Laird brings just two runners from the Highveld, with Parisian Walkway appearing his leading chance. After returning from a lengthy break to finish a close second to Money Heist, he looks well placed to go one better on a track likely to suit his running style. Powerandtheglory, in excellent recent polytrack form, and Captain West, who boasts solid Cape form, rate as the main dangers. The second banker comes in the Middle Stakes, where Scarlet Macaw drops from Grade 1 company after contesting the Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes. Despite top weight, the Candice Bass-trained mare sets the standard. Stablemate Lilac In Winter, a dual course-and-distance winner, is a leading threat, while La Landonne is expected to improve back on turf after two disappointing polytrack runs. Limitless Sky is another to consider after an encouraging latest effort. The opening maiden looks ideal for Scott’s Bar, who has faced strong opposition in his first two starts. Tipperary, Praetorian Guard and debutant Elusive Diamond are among the dangers. Race 2 features several newcomers, but Rocco’s Peace has the strongest exposed form. Majestic Limpopo has improved in blinkers, while well-bred debutante Belle Gallico warrants respect. The Pick 6 begins with a competitive handicap where Hop Hop Spinnekop, Gold Gold Baby, Taylor’s Version and Princess Trippi all hold winning claims. Later on, Judiciary looks capable of building on an encouraging debut, while Jazz Festival is tipped to end a long winless run after dropping in class. The finale is another open handicap headed by Arverni Princess, who has won four of her last five starts over her favourite course and distance. Clair De Lune, Durban Diamond and Scarlet Starlet complete a competitive finish.

Saturday’s nine-race Turffontein Standside meeting offers plenty of betting opportunities, with trainers Fabian Habib and Tony Peter appearing to hold the strongest hands. Habib’s leading hopes will both be partnered by Muzi Yeni, a combination worth following. Habib’s first major chance comes with Be All You Can Be in Race 3 over 1400m. The lightly raced daughter of Vercingetorix showed promise on debut before disappointing in her next two starts. However, she returned to form when runner-up in first-time blinkers last month and now adds a compression hood. With Yeni taking the ride, she looks capable of breaking her maiden. Yeni also reunites with King’s Express in the Race 4 Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m. The pair have enjoyed an excellent partnership, winning twice and finishing outside the first four only once in seven starts. The veteran gelding meets The Equator on slightly better weight terms after finishing just 1.7 lengths behind him last time and could reverse the form with his preferred rider back aboard. Tony Peter also has two leading contenders. Vibe SA is a proven course-and-distance specialist in Race 5 over 1160m, boasting two wins and six additional placings from eight starts. After finishing strongly into fourth behind Max The Magician last time, he looks an attractive each-way option under Kyle Strydom. Peter’s other standout is Bay Empire in the closing 1400m handicap. The son of Fire Away impressed when winning over 1600m at this venue 18 days ago and, despite a three-point ratings rise, remains well treated. The drop back to 1400m should not pose a problem and he looks capable of completing a winning double for the stable. With Habib and Peter both holding realistic double chances, and Muzi Yeni reunited with two horses he knows well, proven trainer-jockey combinations may provide the key to success at Saturday’s Highveld meeting.

A distinctive distance and a history of producing champion sprinters will again bring together horses from across Europe when the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest is staged at Deauville on Sunday. Run over the straight 1300m under weight-for-age conditions, the €380,000 feature sits between a conventional sprint and a 1400m contest. It demands enough speed to hold a position against specialist sprinters, but also the stamina to finish strongly through the final stages. That unusual examination has attracted a potentially strong international field for the 2026 edition, with Classic-winning filly True Love currently the standout among 12 horses remaining after the latest declaration stage. The daughter of No Nay Never is expected to return to Deauville after finishing second to Thesecretadversary in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat over 1400m on July 12. That was her first experience of the straight course and provided Aidan O’Brien with enough encouragement to consider bringing her back four weeks later. The drop to 1300m represents another change in distance, but True Love has already demonstrated the versatility required for the assignment. A winner of the 1000 Guineas earlier in the season, True Love possesses the class of a leading three-year-old miler but has also shown enough speed to compete over shorter distances. Her Jean Prat performance suggested Deauville suits, and she now has an opportunity to add an open-age sprint to her Classic success. O’Brien has indicated that True Love had come through her previous Deauville appearance in good order and would be the stable’s principal runner, with decisions on any additional representatives dependent on the remaining declarations and final trackwork. British interest includes Mitbaahy, who could make a rapid return after finishing third in the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood last weekend. The Charlie Hills-trained seven-year-old produced an excellent performance from his side of the track, falling only a neck short after appearing to win the race among the group closest to him. It continued a strong campaign that also included a solid Wokingham effort and a second placing in the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes at Newbury. Mitbaahy has previously demonstrated Group 2 ability, most notably when winning the Greenlands Stakes in Ireland in 2024. His recent performances suggest he is returning to something close to that level after encountering several issues following the Curragh victory. The short turnaround remains the central concern. Hills will assess how the gelding has recovered before confirming plans, but Mitbaahy reportedly emerged from Goodwood in encouraging condition. His combination of race fitness and established sprinting ability would make him an interesting contender if connections elect to travel. William Haggas will be represented by Division, who finished fifth in the July Cup after enduring little luck in running. The Newmarket performance was better than the bare result and brings an important piece of Group 1 sprint form into the race. George Boughey’s consistent mare Rosy Affair also remains in consideration, while Charlie Appleby could rely on last season’s Middle Park Stakes winner Wise Approach. The Godolphin runner needs to rebound from his latest performance but remains capable of better on his juvenile form. France’s challenge is likely to be headed by Samangan, Stolen Kiss and the improving Mise En Boite. Stolen Kiss was last seen finishing a close fourth in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, beaten only a neck after competing against leading international sprinters. That performance places the Patrice Cottier-trained runner firmly among the major chances should he take his place. Francis-Henri Graffard’s Samangan adds further strength to the home team, while Mise En Boite earned his opportunity at the highest level with an impressive victory in the Group 3 Prix de Ris-Orangis over 1200m at Deauville on July 4. The Xavier Blanchet-trained runner is already proven on the straight course and has also won over 1400m, suggesting the additional 100m will not present a problem. His latest victory provided Blanchet with his first Group success and encouraged connections to test the gelding in Group 1 company. Mise En Boite also has several suitable sprint targets later in the season, but his current condition has persuaded the stable to take its opportunity on Sunday. Leading media have listed him alongside Stolen Kiss among the leading French-trained contenders remaining after the latest declaration stage. The race has lost several notable names. July Cup winner Comanche Brave will bypass Deauville, with Donnacha O’Brien preferring the Group 1 City of York Stakes over 1400m on August 22. Venetian Sun, runner-up in the July Cup, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a tendon-related injury. Karl Burke had already been leaning away from Deauville because of the prospect of fast ground, but the setback ended any possibility of the filly taking her place. Burke’s Greenham Stakes winner Alparslan is also unavailable after being sold to continue his career in Hong Kong, while recent Prix Texanita winner Dostoievsky is a notable absentee from the French contingent. The final composition of the field remains subject to the declarations; however, the presence of True Love and the depth of the French sprinting team should ensure another strong renewal. By Scott Bailey – iRACE  

Very little separates the leading chances ahead of Saturday’s Listed Belmont Newmarket, with the early betting market providing an accurate reflection of a sprint that appears open well beyond the early favourites. Madhi Girl, Immortal Bliss and Repossession are all trading around the $6.00 mark, leaving punters with no obvious standout in the $125,000 feature over 1200m. The trio brings three different form profiles into the race. Madhi Girl has the benefit of a light weight and William Pike, Immortal Bliss has already won at Listed level during the Belmont winter, while Repossession continues to perform consistently against Western Australia’s better sprinters. However, the recent H.G. Bolton Stakes provides a strong reminder that concentrating solely on the top of the market could be dangerous. Fluro Neuro caused a major upset when storming home from near the rear to defeat Snowdome by 0.08 lengths over the same course and distance on July 25. Final Siren was only 0.72 lengths away in third, with Madhi Girl fourth and Immortal Bliss fifth. Less than a length covered the first five across the line, leaving several runners with a realistic opportunity to reverse the result under Saturday’s handicap conditions. Fluro Neuro must carry the consequences of that victory. The Grant and Alana Williams-trained seven-year-old rises from 58kg to 59.5kg and again has Chloe Azzopardi aboard, but barrier one should allow him to conserve ground before making his run. His consistency is difficult to dismiss. Fluro Neuro has recorded eight wins and 13 placings from 34 starts, including three victories over 1200m. His Belmont record is equally strong, with three wins and four seconds from 14 appearances. The gelding also demonstrated his ability against stronger opposition when second in the Group 3 Northam Stakes earlier in the campaign. His subsequent Hyperion Stakes failure came over 1600m, and the return to sprinting produced an immediate response in the Bolton. Snowdome lost no admirers in defeat. He travelled close to the speed and appeared ready to win before Fluro Neuro arrived in the final stride. The Neville Parnham-trained gelding remains on 59kg and should again be able to race prominently from barrier seven. With nine wins and more than $1 million in prize money, Snowdome is one of the most accomplished runners in the field. His record at the Belmont 1200m reads a win and two seconds from three starts, making him one of the more reliable prospects despite conceding weight to most of his rivals. The market has instead leaned towards Madhi Girl, Immortal Bliss and Repossession, and there are sound arguments for each. Madhi Girl receives 5.5kg from Fluro Neuro and meets him 1.5kg better for finishing less than a length behind him in the Bolton. She settled midfield before being held up for ground and produced one of the better closing efforts in the race. The Simon Miller-trained mare has built her career around speed, with all six victories coming over 1000m. That creates a legitimate question at 1200m, where she is yet to win from five attempts, but her latest performance suggests she is becoming more effective over the longer sprint distance. William Pike retains the ride, and his experience will be important from barrier 11. If Madhi Girl can find cover without settling too far from the leaders, her 54kg allocation gives her an opportunity to finish over the top of the heavier-weighted runners. Pike has previously won the Belmont Newmarket four times, most recently aboard Great Again in 2020, while Miller prepared successive winners First Among Equals and Meteoroid in 2016 and 2017. Immortal Bliss has been one of the discoveries of the winter. The Daniel Morton-trained gelding progressed from rating company to win the Listed Beaufine Stakes over 1000m on July 11, overcoming barrier 14 to defeat Twisted Steel by 0.73 lengths. He then started favourite in the Bolton and finished fifth, beaten only 0.92 lengths after racing in the second half of the field. That defeat did little to diminish his claims. Immortal Bliss was forced to rise from 54kg in the Beaufine to 56kg in the Bolton and retains the same weight on Saturday. He has won seven of his 20 starts, including three of five first-up appearances, and has finished in the first two at four of his five Belmont starts. Barrier 10 creates another potentially awkward map for Lucy Fiore, but his recent form shows he does not need to lead or control the race to be effective. Repossession is the highest-rated member of the favoured trio and carries 57.5kg from barrier eight. The five-year-old resumed with a strong third in the Beaufine, settling well back before making ground behind Immortal Bliss and Twisted Steel. That performance continued an excellent first-up record and suggested he had returned in similar order to his autumn campaign. Repossession has won five of his 15 starts, with two victories and a third from three appearances at Belmont. The concern is that all five of his wins have come over 1000m, and he remains winless from four attempts at 1200m. His record at the distance is better than that statistic initially suggests. He finished second to Cessation in the Listed Joey Stakes at Ascot during April and was beaten by less than a length. If Brad Parnham can settle him within striking distance, the additional 200m should not be considered an insurmountable obstacle. The depth of the race extends well beyond those at the head of betting. Final Siren nearly stole the Bolton after controlling the race from the front. He meets Fluro Neuro 1.5kg better and draws barrier six, giving Shaun McGruddy another opportunity to take up a prominent position. Twisted Steel was runner-up in the Beaufine before disappointing as favourite in the Bolton. He remains on 54kg but must overcome barrier 13, while Jaz Session could improve sharply after racing below her best from the outside draw last time. The latter returns to barrier two and has three wins from seven starts over 1200m. Twain’s Angel is another runner whose recent finishing positions do not reflect her best ability. She has eight wins from 16 appearances at 1200m and three victories from four attempts over the Belmont course and distance. Her four starts on soft ground have also produced four wins, making any rain an important factor in her favour. Even Yonga Lass has a historical point of interest through jockey Paul Harvey, who holds the Belmont Newmarket riding record with seven victories. The mare’s recent form must improve considerably, but her presence adds another layer to a race with no shortage of proven stakes performers. First staged in 1945, when Lord Treat won the first of consecutive editions, the Belmont Newmarket has developed into one of the established sprint features of the Perth winter. Saturday’s renewal carries Listed status and $125,000 in prize money, with a field of 13 assembled for the 1200m handicap. The market may favour Madhi Girl, Immortal Bliss and Repossession, but none arrives without a question to answer. Madhi Girl must prove she is as effective at 1200m as she is at 1000m. Immortal Bliss needs to rebound after his Bolton defeat, while Repossession is also attempting to record his first victory beyond the minimum trip. Behind them sit the Bolton winner, its narrow runner-up, a lightweight leader and several runners capable of improving sharply. That balance of exposed form, weight swings and tactical uncertainty makes the Belmont Newmarket one of the most even Listed races of the winter and a contest in which the winner may remain well concealed until the final stages. By Scott Bailey – iRACE

Few horses carried more promise through the twilight of Singapore racing than Lim’s Saltoro, and the former Kranji star will begin another Australian campaign in Saturday’s Group 3 Behemoth Stakes at Morphettville. The seven-year-old became one of the final headline performers of the Lion City era, winning 10 of his 13 Singapore starts and progressing from maiden company to the country’s biggest races in little more than a year. His rise culminated in a memorable 2024 campaign that included victories in the Singapore Derby and Raffles Cup. He also completed Singapore’s Four-Year-Old Triple Crown, having earlier landed the Silver Bowl and Stewards’ Cup on his way towards Derby success. There was almost one final Group 1 triumph when racing at Kranji came to an end in October 2024. Lim’s Saltoro looked set to claim the Grand Singapore Gold Cup before Smart Star produced a powerful late finish to defeat him narrowly in the final race staged at the historic venue. That performance underlined his quality and versatility. While often considered among Singapore’s emerging middle-distance and staying prospects, Lim’s Saltoro had already shown enough speed to win four times over 1200 metres and twice over 1400 metres. The son of Shamexpress followed trainer Dan Meagher to Australia but has been restricted to just four starts since leaving Singapore. His first three appearances provided encouragement, beginning with a fifth behind Stradbroke winner War Machine over 1400 metres at Caulfield before finishing fourth over 1600 metres at the same venue. His best Australian performance came when he went within 0.3 lengths of Yellow Sam over 1440 metres on soft ground in June 2025. However, he was subsequently eased down when finishing a distant last at Caulfield and has not raced since. More than a year later, Meagher has taken a patient approach with his return. Lim’s Saltoro has been given four jump-outs since June, finishing runner-up in his two most recent 900-metre hit-outs at Mornington. Meagher believes the weight-for-age conditions of the Behemoth Stakes make it a suitable place to begin, rather than asking the gelding to carry a significant weight against improving opposition in benchmark company. “It just looked a good starting point,” Meagher said. “It’s a Group 3 and it’s weight-for-age, so that kind of suits him. If he ran in a benchmark race, he’d be carrying top weight and giving weight to probably a lot of younger, progressive horses. “I just wanted to kick him off somewhere where it is a little bit more even for him.” The trip from Victoria to Adelaide is another consideration, although Meagher expects the experienced traveller to handle the journey comfortably. “He has to make the trip over by truck, but it’s a pretty simple trip,” he said. “He’s a seasoned horse and has done quite a lot of travelling in his career. He’s been from New Zealand to Singapore, back to Melbourne and did a bit of travelling last preparation here. “He’s a pretty easy and adaptable horse.” The Behemoth Stakes represents a significant first-up challenge, but the drop to 1200 metres may be more suitable than it initially appears. Lim’s Saltoro is unbeaten from four starts at the distance and has won two of his three previous first-up appearances. The major uncertainty may be the weather, with Meagher hoping Morphettville avoids the worst of the rain that has affected Melbourne. “The only concern I have is the rain we’re getting here in Melbourne,” he said. “I hope Adelaide isn’t getting it as badly. Obviously, if it’s a heavy track, which it might be, that is a bit of a concern, but he has to kick off somewhere. “He has handled the barrier trials on wet tracks pretty well and there have been no real complaints from the riders who have ridden him. Race day is different, but that’s the way it is.” Fresh off his comeback meeting last weekend at Morphettville which resulted in a winner, Noel Callow has been booked to ride from barrier nine, with Lim’s Saltoro carrying 58.5 kilograms under the weight-for-age conditions. Callow’s booking also provides a strong connection to the Lim ownership and Meagher family after his successful riding career in Singapore. “We’ve got a good jockey in Noel Callow,” Meagher said.

“He has just come back from his time off and based himself in Adelaide, so I thought it was a good opportunity to get the team back together in a way.” “We’ve had a lot of winners with Mr Lim — many, many winners — and we have a good relationship with him. Obviously, a lot of them were with my father.” “We all know Noel is a very good jockey and I think he’ll suit this horse perfectly. He’s a pretty relaxed type of horse.” Callow was happy to accept the ride, while owner Mr Lim also welcomed the opportunity to reunite with a familiar figure from Singapore racing. “Noel was happy to take the ride and Mr Lim was very happy to have Noel on him,” Meagher said. “It’s a bit of a full-circle moment, isn’t it? “I think we all miss Singapore, Singapore racing and the people. It’s good that we can reconnect, and hopefully it’s a successful reconnection.” The Behemoth Stakes field also includes fellow 97-rated runners Air Assault and Lingani, while progressive sprinter Sir Now enters after placing in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes. There remains an element of uncertainty after such a lengthy absence, particularly against race-fit sprinters. However, Lim’s Saltoro’s record of 10 wins and four placings from 17 starts demonstrates the talent that made him one of Singapore racing’s brightest late-era performers. Meagher is pleased with the gelding’s condition but will allow Saturday’s performance to determine where he heads through the spring. “I’m very happy with the horse and very happy with the race,” he said. “It’s a nice race for him to start his campaign. It just depends on how he goes and what the outcome is on Saturday before we decide where we go next. “Obviously, we’re coming into spring and there are a lot of races for him, but there are also some tough races that we won’t put him in if we don’t have to.” The Behemoth Stakes may ultimately serve as a starting point towards longer assignments, but Lim’s Saltoro has never been a conventional stayer lacking tactical speed. Should he return close to his best, the multiple Singapore group one winner is capable of making his presence felt immediately and reminding Australian racegoers why he was considered one of Kranji’s final genuine stars. By Scott Bailey – iRACE

Korean racing, more importantly the Korean Racing Association (KRA), have long been associated with racing in KwaZulu-Natal and the KRA Cup (Listed) heads the card at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday night where punters are faced with a competitive card. The KRA Cup over 1600m, formerly known as the Off To Stud Stakes, has attracted a competitive field, the hallmark of the evening’s racing. But Mike and Mathew de Kock could have the answer in the Rafeef filly Drumnadrochit in the KRA Cup that I doubt will be headed for the breeding paddocks anytime soon. She got a hefty shunt up the ratings after finishing an unplaced seventh in the Gr 2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas and was a distant third in the SA Oaks. She is back down to what looks to be a more suitable trip and has room to improve. Sean Tarry sends out That’s My Baby, the six-year-old who may be headed for retirement, but has run two smart recent races on this course in useful company and must have a strong winning chance of earning more black type. Miss Twinkle is lightly raced but never far back. She has had three runs since a break and showed up well in good company last time put. From the best of the draw she should be a contender. Swiatek has the widest draw and makes her local debut for Justin Snaith who’s string is due back in Cape Town soon. She has steady Cape form over the distance and any market support must be taken seriously. One of the better bets on a tricky card could come in the last where Steamy Windows looks the part for Mike Miller. The gelding was a beaten favourite over shorter last time but had smart form in strong company over this trip prior to that. He gets first time blinkers from a handy draw and could prove hard to beat. If there is a danger it could come from Next Of Kin who is never far behind and goes well this trip. Blue Steel is not the easiest ride and his best recent form has been on the poly. He also has a big weight but on his best form he should be a contender while Tam’s Knight is better off at the weights with Blue Steel but the latter does appear to have more to offer and can beat the handicapper.

A small but highly competitive field will contest Saturday’s Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Missile Stakes at Randwick, with several runners using the 1200 metre feature as the starting point for potentially lucrative spring campaigns. Only eight horses have accepted, but the race carries considerable depth. Established Group 1 performer ANGEL CAPITAL heads the field alongside exciting four-year-old NINJA, while the consistent GANGSTA GRANNY brings an imposing fresh record into her return. The $300,000 set weights and penalties contest also includes NAPOLEONIC, the rapidly improving MIDNIGHT DYNAMITE, WAY TO THE STARS, FULLY LIT and AVIATRESS. ANGEL CAPITAL enters the Missile Stakes as the highest rated horse in the race and brings genuine Group 1 form into his first appearance of the new season. The Chris Waller trained Yulong Investments owned entire finished third in the Newmarket Handicap and was narrowly beaten by Jigsaw in the William Reid Stakes during the autumn. He later finished sixth as favourite in the All-Aged Stakes, beaten only two and a half lengths in a race won by Beiwacht. Those performances underlined his standing among Australia’s leading sprinters. His Newmarket effort was rated among the strongest performances of the meeting, while Racing.com noted before the William Reid that his talent had never been in doubt, even if his racing pattern occasionally left him with too much ground to recover. The five-year-old has won five of his 15 starts and earned more than $2.2 million, but his most significant statistic heading into Saturday is his first up record. Angel Capital has won four of his five previous starts when resuming, making him particularly dangerous fresh. He has also won twice over 1200 metres and will begin from barrier three with James McDonald aboard. Waller has prepared him with two trials, allowing him to work through the line behind Beiwacht at Warwick Farm before another quiet hit out over 1000 metres at Randwick. The Missile Stakes should provide an early indication of where Angel Capital sits heading towards the major spring sprints. He has already demonstrated that he can compete with the best, but another feature victory would strengthen his case for races at the highest level later in the carnival. NINJA shapes as one of the most interesting runners as he takes on older horses after a successful three-year-old season. The Michael Freedman trained gelding has won four of his eight starts, including the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate and the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes. His Vo Rogue victory came by almost five lengths after settling well back from a wide barrier, while he defeated NAPOLEONIC and Autumn Boy in authoritative fashion at Rosehill in the Hobartville. That performance briefly elevated Ninja to the top line of betting for the Randwick Guineas, with his acceleration and ability to position closer to the speed suggesting he had developed into one of Sydney’s leading young horses. He subsequently finished fifth in the Randwick Guineas over 1600 metres, but the drop back to 1200 metres should not be viewed as a negative. Ninja finished third over this distance in Brisbane last December before producing three consecutive performances at 1300 and 1400 metres that established him as a serious stakes horse. His two previous first up runs have both resulted in third placings, and he has won both second up appearances. Tommy Berry retains the ride, and the pair will begin from barrier six. Ninja has also trialled strongly in preparation for his return. He followed NAPOLEONIC home in a 900-metre trial on heavy ground before reversing the result and winning his latest Randwick hit out on a Soft 5. The Missile Stakes represents a different challenge against experienced sprinters, but his tactical speed and established partnership with Berry give him the opportunity to make an immediate impression. GANGSTA GRANNY may receive weight from Angel Capital and Ninja, but her record suggests she belongs in the conversation as a genuine winning chance. The Hawkes trained mare has finished in the top three in all 12 of her career starts, recording five wins, two seconds and five thirds. She has been particularly effective over 1200 metres, winning four of nine appearances and placing in the remaining five. Her Randwick record is also strong, with a win and three placings from four starts at the track. Her first up statistics are equally impressive. Gangsta Granny has two wins, a second and a third from four fresh appearances, while her second up record is identical. She returned with a Group 3 victory in the Wenona Girl Quality during the autumn before finishing second from barrier 16 in the Star Kingdom Stakes and third in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes. That Wenona Girl victory was rated among the better performances on the Randwick card, reinforcing the merit of a mare who rarely produces a poor run. Gangsta Granny has drawn barrier one and carries 54.5 kilograms, with Tim Clark taking the ride. She also won her latest 1000 metre barrier trial at Randwick, travelling comfortably before finishing more than a length clear of Yellow Jersey. The inside draw should allow Clark to settle close to the speed without using unnecessary energy. In a small field where tactical decisions could prove decisive, her ability to hold a position and quicken may become a major advantage. While much of the attention will surround the returning stars, MIDNIGHT DYNAMITE arrives with race fitness and outstanding recent form. The Bjorn Baker trained gelding has won nine of his 22 starts and comes into the race after victories in the Civic Stakes and Winter Challenge. He defeated Whinchat over 1400 metres at Randwick before producing another decisive performance on heavy ground at Rosehill, carrying 57 kilograms and winning by almost three lengths. The drop to 1200 metres creates a different test, but his versatility and ability to race prominently could make him difficult to run down if the race becomes tactical. NAPOLEONIC also deserves respect after finishing third in the Doomben 10,000 during the winter. He has won three times over 1200 metres and recently traded trial wins with Ninja, suggesting both horses have returned in good condition. The Missile Stakes has regularly provided an early guide to the spring, giving established performers and emerging horses an opportunity to test themselves before the major sprint races arrive. Saturday’s edition presents several important questions. Can Angel Capital convert his strong fresh record into another feature victory and get that much awaited Group One soon? Is Ninja ready to establish himself against older opposition? Can Gangsta Granny maintain her remarkable consistency while carrying the minimum weight? The small field should ensure each runner receives an opportunity, but it could also place greater emphasis on tempo and positioning. Angel Capital brings the strongest Group 1 form; Ninja has the greatest potential for further improvement and Gangsta Granny possesses the fresh record and race pattern to capitalise should the favourites leave themselves vulnerable. For each of them, the Missile Stakes is more than an isolated August feature. It is the first opportunity to establish momentum and announce that they are ready to play a major role during the spring. By Scott Bailey – iRACE  

The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup will bring together some of the world’s leading jockeys at Ascot on Saturday, August 8, with Ryan Moore, Christophe Lemaire, Yutaka Take and Jamie Melham among the headline names. Racing’s international team competition returns for its 25th running, with four teams contesting six handicap races across distances ranging from five furlongs to two miles. The 2026 edition will also be staged as a World Pool fixture for the first time, adding another international element to one of Ascot’s most distinctive race days. Moore is set to make only his second Shergar Cup appearance, 20 years after winning the Silver Saddle during his debut in the competition. The multiple champion jockey will represent Great Britain and Ireland alongside Saffie Osborne and Irish champion Dylan Browne McMonagle. McMonagle has enjoyed an outstanding season, highlighted by Classic success for the Joseph O’Brien stable, while Moore was crowned leading jockey at Royal Ascot earlier in the summer. The availability of both riders was helped by the Phoenix Stakes moving to Sunday at the Curragh, leaving them free to compete at Ascot on Saturday. Great Britain and Ireland will face a new rival this year, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club entering a dedicated team for the first time. Vincent Ho will captain the Hong Kong side and will be joined by Jerry Chau and Luke Ferraris. Ho is best known internationally for his successful partnership with Hong Kong champion Golden Sixty, but he also has previous Shergar Cup experience. He was part of the victorious Rest of the World team in 2019 and won the Shergar Cup Mile aboard Power Of Darkness. The Hong Kong team replaces the Asia side that won the competition in 2025 and will race in the red colours previously used by Team Asia. Japanese legend Yutaka Take will return as part of the Rest of the World team, which will be captained by Australian star Jamie Melham. Melbourne Cup winner Jamie Melham returns to Britain with her international reputation continuing to grow, while Suraj Narredu completes a strong Rest of the World line up after captaining Team Asia to victory last year. Europe will be led by French champion Christophe Lemaire, who will be joined by Marie Velon and Norwegian rider Frida Valle Skar. Lemaire has spent much of his career competing successfully in Japan and brings extensive international experience to a European team capable of playing a major role throughout the afternoon. The six-race programme begins with the Shergar Cup Dash over five furlongs before moving to the two-mile Stayers event. The Challenge and Classic are both staged over approximately a mile and a half, while the three-year-old sprinters compete over six furlongs. The card concludes with the Shergar Cup Mile. Five races carry £85,000 in prize money, while the concluding Mile is worth £100,000. Final horse declarations had not been published at the time of writing, with the available racecards still showing no confirmed runners. Each jockey is scheduled to ride in five of the six races, with the horses distributed to provide the four teams with a balanced selection across the afternoon. Points are awarded to the first five finishers in each race, with 15 points for a victory, followed by 10, seven, five and three. The team accumulating the most points will lift the Shergar Cup, while the leading individual jockey receives the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle. The competition was created as racing’s answer to golf’s Ryder Cup and was first held at Goodwood in 1999 before moving to Ascot the following year. It is named after Shergar, the brilliant winner of the 1981 Derby who disappeared after being kidnapped from the Aga Khan’s stud in Ireland in 1983. The format has continued to evolve throughout its history. Great Britain and Ireland, Europe and the Rest of the World were previously joined by an international women’s team, before Team Asia entered the competition in 2025. Hong Kong’s arrival provides another significant change in 2026 and reflects the increasingly global nature of the meeting. With Moore returning after two decades, McMonagle joining the competition during a major season and international champions representing Hong Kong, Europe and the Rest of the World, the 2026 Shergar Cup has assembled one of its strongest riding line ups. The final horse fields will determine which team receives the strongest book of rides, but with some of world racing’s biggest names heading to Ascot, the battle for the Shergar Cup promises to be one of the highlights of the British summer. Who are the Shergar Cup teams? Great Britain & Ireland, green with white sleeves Saffie Osborne, Ryan Moore and Dylan Browne McMonagle Hong Kong Jockey Club, blue with yellow sleeves Vincent Ho, Jerry Chau and Luke Ferraris Europe, red with white sleeves Christophe Lemaire, Marie Velon and Frida Valle Skar Rest of the World, yellow with white sleeves Jamie Melham, Yutaka Take and Suraj Narredu By Scott Bailey – iRACE

Familiar faces could be back in the winner’s enclosure at the eight-race Vaal meeting on Thursday, 6 August, with several connections who struck at the Vereeniging-based track last week holding a particularly strong hand on the first weekday Highveld card of the 2026/27 season.

Jockeys Keagan de Melo and Kabelo Matsunyane, trainers Mike & Mathew de Kock, Fanie Bronkhorst and Tony Peter, together with prominent owner-breeder Laurence Wernars, all celebrated winners at the venue seven days ago, and there is every reason to believe their winning momentum can continue.

De Melo, in particular, could be worth following after riding three winners last Thursday. He teamed up with the De Kock-Wernars combination to land a short-priced favourite and the same trio could get the new campaign off to a flying start with Corrupt in Race 1 over 2800m.

The late-maturing five-year-old son of Erupt has won his last two starts over 2400m and 2600m, and the extra 200m looks more likely to suit than hinder on the evidence of his latest victory. A six-point penalty poses a tougher task, but he remains lightly raced, open to further improvement and capable of completing a hat-trick.

Peter and Matsunyane also combined successfully last week, and Caladrius could give them another reason to celebrate in Race 2 over 1000m. The improving Rafeef filly took a sizeable step forward when fitted with blinkers to open her account last time and makes her handicap debut off what could prove a workable mark. A repeat of that performance should see her go close.

De Melo could strike again in Race 3 aboard Magic Carpet Ride for Sean Tarry. The Willow Magic mare has something to prove after two underwhelming efforts but races off a mark only one point higher than her last winning rating. That makes her an interesting each-way proposition if she can rediscover her best form.

One of the card’s stronger bets comes in Race 4, where Wernars-owned Tempranillo looks well placed to add another Vaal success. The well-related Querari filly has useful form at a higher level, including a close third over this trip last time. She races off an unchanged mark and, in what should be her peak outing, a repeat of that effort may be enough to win.

Bronkhorst has continued to punch above his weight and Korcula could reward supporters in Race 6 over 2000m. The lightly raced four-year-old has finished third in all three starts since joining the stable, building an admirable consistency profile. The longer trip looks a positive and could help her finally get her head in front.

The message for punters is clear: don’t dismiss last week’s Vaal winners. Several of the same jockeys, trainers and owners have found favourable opportunities again, with Corrupt, Caladrius, Tempranillo and Korcula looking the strongest chances for another profitable afternoon at Vaal.

Clive Robinson

DOOMBEN (AUSTRALIA)

The Doomben meeting is scheduled on a Soft 5, with fine weather and the rail out 9.5 metres for the entire circuit. Race 1

HIGHLAND KITTY has finished second at four of her past five starts and again went close over 1350 metres at Doomben on July 22. She has previously performed well over longer distances and the return to 1650 metres should suit. URBAN PRINCESS comes off a solid second over 1700 metres at the Gold Coast after placing at the Sunshine Coast. KALAMIA KING has finished third at his past two starts and continues to race consistently around this distance. STEADY ON was only 1.4 lengths away over 1700 metres at Grafton last time and can also feature.

Race 3

RAGING RAIDER was narrowly beaten when third over 1200 metres at the Sunshine Coast before finishing sixth in stronger company at Eagle Farm. She is proven on soft ground and should appreciate returning to maiden grade. TED LASSO finished fourth on debut and had previously produced two encouraging trials. BINTANG TIGER makes his debut after finishing third in his latest trial, while ONE LAST SONG was runner up in a recent Ipswich trial and receives a three kilogram claim. GRIEVE ROAD placed on debut but will need to rebound from his latest performance.

Race 5

MOSCOW MULE has placed in both starts and finished second over this course and distance on July 22. He has performed exclusively on soft ground and appears close to breaking through. KUIA MA has finished second at his past two appearances, including a solid effort from a wide barrier at the Sunshine Coast. HAD IT ALL has recorded a third, second, fourth and third from his latest four runs and remains a consistent chance. ST ANDREWS finished third behind MOSCOW MULE last start, while EDGE OF INFINITY has placed regularly throughout the preparation.

Race 7

ROSSO LEVANTO returned from a break with a victory and draws barrier one for David Vandyke. He rises in grade but appears open to further improvement. FLYING BAT has won two of his past three starts and followed those victories with another placing. The three kilogram claim helps offset his top weight. CLASSIQUE GAL returned to winning form at her latest appearance and draws ideally in barrier two. GAGNANTE ENCHERE has recorded a win and several placings during the campaign, while EMPIRE OF ART resumes after producing four consecutive top four finishes.

Race 9

SARAH’S SONNETS has won three of her past five starts and comes into this race after another victory. She is progressing quickly through the grades and carries only 54.5 kilograms. DIAMOND SHOW has finished second at each of his past three starts and draws barrier one, giving him every chance to secure an economical run. CAST PARTY has finished third at his past two appearances and should be suited by the rise to 2060 metres. OLD FAITHFUL followed a win with a third placing last time, while BRILLIANT KNIGHT has been consistently around the placings.

Race 11

CITY GOLD FIELD returned from a break with a victory and draws barrier two with a 1.5 kilogram claim. He should receive a favourable run close to the speed. ZALIQUE broke through at only his third start and remains open to significant improvement. SWIFT DUKE has finished fourth and second since resuming and appears ready to peak. LA PROFECIA won her maiden two starts ago before finishing fourth in stronger company, while STARWARD arrives after a last start victory and receives a three kilogram claim.

Race 13

DON’T DOUBT MISSY finished her first campaign with a maiden victory after recording several placings and resumes from barrier four. MANDRIANA has made a promising beginning to her career, finishing second on debut before winning her latest start. KATIE AINE has returned with a win and a second and will be competitive should she gain a start. MYTHOLOGY resumes after winning her maiden at the end of her previous preparation. VANESSI has placed regularly in stronger metropolitan company and draws well in barrier one.

Race 15

FLAXLANDS has won two of his past three starts and arrives after another victory. He is racing with confidence and remains well weighted on 54.5 kilograms. CAMBRIDGE BAY returned from a break with a maiden win and draws barrier one, giving him the opportunity to settle close to the speed. POSSIBILITIES finished her previous campaign with a win after recording three consecutive placings and should receive a suitable run from barrier three. CERTIFIED COPY also resumes from a victory, while LAND BANK returned with a third placing and draws favourably in barrier two.

CANTERBURY (AUSTRALIA)

The Canterbury meeting is scheduled on a Soft 5, with fine weather and the rail in the true position.

Race 2

PHANTOM MAJOR was narrowly beaten on debut at Newcastle after settling near the rear and producing a strong finish. The Chris Waller trained colt should improve from that experience and gains the services of James McDonald. YOSHIDA was also runner up on debut, finishing only 0.44 lengths away over this course and distance. QUEEN’S GAMBLE has placed in both starts and worked home strongly when second at Canterbury last time. Debutant LAVA FLOW has won his two latest trials, while LEONESSA comes through stronger Saturday company after finishing fourth at Rosehill.

Race 4

BLENHEIM GIRL has won two of her three starts and returned with a strong victory over 1200 metres at Canterbury. She is proven on soft ground and should appreciate the rise to 1550 metres. GLISSANDO was an impressive 3.5 length maiden winner at Kembla Grange and draws barrier one with James McDonald aboard. KUMBAYA returned to winning form over 1600 metres at Wyong and should again be suited around this distance. THREE ARROWS has been racing consistently and finished only 0.3 lengths away at his latest start, while VIVA MAURICIO can improve after being tested in stronger company.

Race 6

ROYAL AIR FORCE has been racing consistently and finished third at his latest start after settling close to the speed. James McDonald takes the ride and the gelding should receive another suitable opportunity. THE LITTLE GENERAL won first up this preparation before finding the next assignment more difficult and can bounce back from barrier four. GAMBLER has previously finished first and second during the campaign and draws ideally in barrier one. HARRY’S EVIDENCE resumes with a solid record that includes two victories, while WHO BUT ROO carries the strongest recent winning form but must manage the top weight.

Race 8

DUBAI WARRIOR has won three of his past five starts and arrives after another strong victory. His record on soft tracks is excellent and he looks capable of handling the rise to 1900 metres. SCALEXTRICS returned to winning form last start and draws barrier one, with the three kilogram claim bringing him into the race well. SEO LINN is a four time winner who has performed strongly over staying distances in Ireland and makes an interesting Australian appearance. KAPAKIRI has been competing in stronger races and should appreciate returning to this grade with James McDonald aboard, while I AM THE EMPIRE can improve sharply with a three kilogram claim.

Race 10

EXTRIO has won three of her past five starts and comes into this race after another victory. She is racing with confidence and appears capable of overcoming the wide barrier. DIETRICH finished her previous preparation with two wins and a third from three appearances and resumes with a three kilogram claim. GRINZINGER POD returned with a third placing and should improve with that run behind her. BROWN SUGAR won her first two starts before being tested in stronger company and draws well in barrier two. TAN TAT ART has won two of her past four starts and should be respected with James McDonald booked.

Race 12

SNACK BAR has returned to form with a third and second at his past two starts and draws barrier one with James McDonald aboard. He appears ready to win again. RIMBAUD followed a strong victory with a second placing and receives a valuable three kilogram claim. CLEAR PROOF has finished fourth and second from his past two appearances and is another runner approaching peak fitness. RAVALLI has recorded three consecutive second placings and continues to race consistently. UNSTOPABULL has been around the placings throughout the campaign, while OAKFIELD NEPTUNE has won three of his past five starts despite finishing seventh last time.

Race 14

TENDERIZE has been extremely consistent, finishing third and second at his past two starts after recording several earlier placings. He draws barrier three and receives a 1.5 kilogram claim. LET’S FLY won two starts ago before finishing third last time and should secure an economical run from barrier one. CONCHIERO has finished fourth, seventh and third this preparation and looks ready to peak with a two kilogram claim. PRINCE OF SORTS has finished eighth and third since resuming and can continue to improve. GENERAL SOHO has been racing regularly and remains capable despite finishing ninth at his latest start.

MURRAY BRIDGE (MELBOURNE)

The meeting is scheduled on a Soft 5 surface with the rail out 12 metres in the chute and nine metres for the remainder.

Race 2

FAVOURITE CHAIR brings the strongest exposed form after finishing third on debut at Balaklava, where he worked home well after settling back. The rise to 1200 metres should suit from barrier two. ZEUS LIGHTNING has shown promise in his trials and won his latest jump out at Murray Bridge, making him an interesting debutant. IMAGE ARTIST has competed at Listed level and resumes from barrier one, while ANGRY BERDI also won her latest jump out and should be respected on debut.

Race 4

SENSATIONAL SECRET looks ready to break through after finishing second at Morphettville Parks on July 18, beaten less than a length over 1000 metres. She has now placed in five of eight starts and draws favourably in barrier three. OLIVIA MARIE finished third on debut before winning both a recent trial and jump out. FAR MORE RADIANT has placed at her past two starts on wet ground, while ON TIK has finished third and fourth since resuming and receives a valuable three kilogram claim.

Race 6

SPARTAN LASS has been racing consistently, recording a third and two seconds among her recent starts, and appears well suited from barrier seven. PRETTY MORSEL has been close to a maiden victory on several occasions and resumes after finishing fourth at her latest appearance. SUPER WONDER finished fourth on debut before producing an encouraging trial at Strathalbyn. SETTLE PETAL improved when fifth over 1200 metres at Murray Bridge last start and should appreciate returning to 1000 metres with race fitness on her side.

Race 8

TASSORO has finished second in two of his past four starts, including a strong effort over this course and distance on July 22. He appears close to a breakthrough. BRAZEN QUEEN produced her best performance when second over 1200 metres here last start and should appreciate the rise to 1400 metres. KARMA QUEEN has finished second and fourth at her past two starts, while GOODLOOKIN’ GURU had placed twice before finishing sixth over this track and distance. MANDARIN also has solid form between 1400 and 1600 metres.

Race 10

VALUED has finished second at his past three starts over distances ranging from 1800 to 2200 metres and again looks suited at 2000 metres. DURHAM broke through with a strong 1600 metre victory at Murray Bridge on July 17 and should handle the rise in distance. CONTRARY comes off a 2200 metre win at Balaklava and carries only 55 kilograms. LUDINA finished second over 2000 metres at Mildura last start, while SUIT OF WANDS has produced consistent form over longer distances and remains a leading place chance.

Race 12

NOSTRYIA has been knocking on the door, finishing third twice and second across his past four starts. He was runner up over 1100 metres at Murray Bridge last start and draws well in barrier four. COOL THE JETS arrives after winning over 1006 metres on soft ground at Donald. AZTEC DANCER has finished in the top four at each of her past four starts and races well at Murray Bridge. DE LUCA has improved with a second and fourth from his latest two runs, while TOUR DE MOON resumes after winning his maiden on soft ground.

Race 14

JUSTICA’S BONUS has continued to improve this preparation, progressing from third to second before winning over 1200 metres at Murray Bridge last start. Barrier four and a four kilogram claim help offset the rise in weight. PLAY BOUZOUKI resumes from a maiden win over 1356 metres at Donald and should be suited at 1400 metres. ASTRODEAN also comes off a victory after producing two placings earlier in the campaign. SWEET KICK broke through over 1498 metres last start, while TERRITORIAN has finished second and third at his past two appearances.

Race 16

BELLE FROM HELL is racing into strong form, following a fourth at Murray Bridge with a close second over 1600 metres at Strathalbyn. She again receives a two kilogram claim. HALLSTATT improved when third over this course and distance on July 17 and draws favourably in barrier six. MISS TROMBARI comes off a last start victory and deserves respect despite the wide draw. ROYAL FOX should appreciate dropping back in grade after competing in stronger company, while TOES IN FIRST won over 1550 metres three starts ago and remains capable at this level.

CRANBOURNE (MELBOURNE)

The Cranbourne meeting is scheduled on a Soft 6, with showers forecast and the rail out eight metres for the entire circuit.

Race 1

LA REINA VEGA made an encouraging debut when beaten only 0.4 lengths over 1200 metres at Seymour on a Heavy 9. She had previously won a 1000 metre jump out and looks suited by the rise to 1400 metres from barrier three. LADY PUISSANCE finished only a head away over 1425 metres at her latest start and brings valuable race fitness. SOULSEASE RIVER finished third in the same race and should continue to improve. Debutant THE REGENT must also be respected after winning his latest 1100 metre jump out, with Michael Dee booked from barrier one.

Race 3

KOKO has placed in three of her past five starts and was again strong when second over 1000 metres at Cranbourne on July 16. She has already shown she can handle wet conditions and the rise to 1200 metres should not present a problem. IN’KANTOSSTAR finished second on debut at Moe and resumes for the Ciaron Maher stable, although barrier 16 creates a challenge. SOMETHINGS BURNIN’ was third on debut before contesting Group 3 company and has won a recent jump out. SEALAND is capable of improving after two earlier placings, while SOCIUM has shown enough in his jump outs to warrant attention on debut.

Race 5

BELLABAMA has been one of the most consistent maidens in the field, finishing fourth, second, third and second across her latest four starts. She again looks close to breaking through over 1500 metres. ROCK CATCHER has improved with each run and comes off a second placing, making him another leading chance from barrier four. DETERMINATO has several recent placings and should appreciate the return to maiden company. TEMPERED EDGE produced a strong second when resuming and has further improvement to come, while DUKE OF OMAN also arrives after finishing runner up at his latest appearance.

Race 7

REDDIVO arrives in winning form after breaking through at his latest start and now steps to 2580 metres. He has been building steadily through the preparation and looks capable of handling the longer distance. OMAMORI has finished inside the top four at each of his past five starts and brings the strongest overall consistency, with a three kilogram claim reducing his top weight. THE VOCALIST has been racing honestly without winning and should be suited over this trip. BATOKA CHIEF continues to finish around the placings, while THREE REEL ROSES comes off a victory and carries only 56 kilograms.

Race 9

NORDIC STRIKE has finished third, fifth and second from his past three starts and appears ready to return to winning form. He has already won twice and the 1000 metre distance suits. NICEREINE resumed with a second placing after winning her maiden during her previous campaign and draws ideally in barrier three. KING WEST has a strong recent record that includes a win and several placings, while MR ASSERTIVE resumes after producing consistent form last preparation. ROOM FOR BINGO should also be competitive after finishing fifth and fourth in her latest two appearances.

Race 11

ALIEN ANGEL made a winning return to racing and now rises in grade for the Lindsay Park stable. She has shown promise in only three starts and should continue to improve despite the wide barrier. GAME PLAN has finished fifth, third and sixth this campaign and should be approaching peak fitness. ATAEGINA was second two starts ago and draws well in barrier four. SPIRIT ANGEL resumes after finishing first, fourth and second across her final three starts last preparation, while RUSSIAN BENEFITS improved when fourth last time and has a favourable draw.

Race 13

FINANCE SHOGUN returned to form with a close second over 1400 metres at Cranbourne, beaten only half a length after racing on the speed. The rise to 1600 metres suits and the three kilogram claim is important from barrier one. QUEENSBURY has finished second at three of his past four starts and looks ready to win again. NGONGOTAHA comes off a maiden victory after producing four consecutive placings and is open to further improvement. OSHIMA has won one of only two starts, while COUNT OF TOULOUSE arrives after winning over 1600 metres at Bairnsdale.

Race 15

ILLUMINANCE has returned with two strong performances, finishing fifth before placing second at her latest start. Her overall record includes a win and several placings, and she should appreciate the three kilogram claim. SUB GAUGE has already won this preparation and should improve on his latest eighth placing. FARAWAY DREAM has finished fifth and fourth since resuming after winning twice during her previous campaign. IMPENDING WAR produced a better effort when sixth last time and has enough class to improve, while FLY BY LIGHT can be forgiven for a disappointing first up performance and is capable of bouncing back with Mark Zahra aboard.

BELMONT (PERTH)

The Belmont meeting is scheduled on a Soft 6, with overcast weather and the rail out 12 metres for the entire circuit.

Race 6

THE ROCKET returned with a solid second over 1100 metres at Northam after racing midfield and should appreciate the rise to 1300 metres. The wide barrier is the main concern. ALL THE STARS finished second on debut after leading over 1200 metres at Pinjarra and should improve from the experience. NEWHAVEN PRINCE resumes after consecutive second placings over 1400 and 1500 metres. PANCHO’S PLACE has been consistent throughout his career and finished fourth over this distance at Northam last start. WINTER BLOOM also deserves consideration after finishing fourth on debut at big odds.

Race 7

TWO UP BOOM has finished fourth in both starts this preparation and gains the services of William Pike from barrier five. He looks ready to produce his best performance. ABOUT TURN resumes after recording a second and third during his previous campaign and has shown ability in recent trials. SWEET ISSY finished second at her latest appearance before a break and should be competitive if she handles the wide barrier. ENERGETIC has finished fifth at his past three starts and draws favourably in barrier three. Debutant SQUEALER also warrants respect after winning his latest Belmont trial.

Race 8

POBLANO has built a strong record with three wins from six starts and finished second over 1300 metres at Pinjarra last time. William Pike remains aboard and the gelding should receive a suitable run from barrier six. DESERT ORA had won four consecutive races before finishing fifth at her latest start and remains one of the strongest winning chances. LATE ARRIVAL returned with a third placing and has an excellent overall record of four wins and eleven placings from 21 starts. KOTE has finished fourth and third since resuming, while KENTUCKY BLUE returns after producing consistent form during his previous campaign.

Race 9

BRICINI has continued to improve this campaign, progressing from third and ninth to second before breaking through at her latest start. She remains lightly raced and should handle the rise in grade. SHARPASSA returned with a second placing and has finished in the top three in four of six starts. William Pike takes the ride. DON’T WINK finished her previous campaign with a win and two second placings from her final four starts. PENNY PINCHER improved sharply to win at her second run this preparation, while ANOTHER CHANT resumes after winning one of her two career appearances.

Race 10

ROSIE CAN RUN returned with a third placing after finishing in the top three at five of her previous six appearances. She looks suited by the rise to 1650 metres. PHAT CHAPS has finished fourth and third since resuming and draws ideally in barrier two. ACROSS GENERATIONS has also returned with two encouraging performances, finishing fourth and third, and should be approaching peak fitness. GLOBAL TRIP has been racing consistently with a second and fourth among his latest starts. HELLO VENETA can improve after finishing fourth first up before struggling at her latest appearance.

Race 11

SISTER MARY returned to winning form over 1800 metres at Pinjarra and has already recorded a dominant victory over 2200 metres on soft ground. She should appreciate returning to this distance. LUKA MAGIC comes off a last start victory and is progressing well through his first preparation. HANSELLE has won two of her past four starts and now steps beyond 2000 metres for the first time. WILD THINGS improved when third at her latest appearance and has enough recent staying form to be competitive. SAVIENNE won three starts ago and remains capable despite finishing sixth last time.

Race 12

YOU CAN CALL ME AL returned with a victory and receives a three kilogram claim from barrier five. He should be able to race close to the speed and remains well placed in Class 3 company. SOLO VEGA resumed with a second placing and draws favourably in barrier three. CLASSIC RULER comes into the race after a last start win and also receives a three kilogram claim. CHOUX SHOE has won two of her past three starts and draws barrier one with William Pike aboard. JUST WALTER JOHN has a strong overall record and should improve after finishing fourth at his latest appearance.

Race 13

DELZEE has made a promising start to her career, finishing second on debut before winning her latest appearance. She draws barrier one and remains open to further improvement. BELAURA STAR returned with a third placing and has finished in the top three at five of her seven starts. POLYVANOVA finished her previous campaign with a win after producing a long sequence of consistent performances and receives a three kilogram claim. BOUSSAC won two of his final three starts last preparation, while CATCH CARTER has finished fourth at his past two appearances and draws well with a three kilogram claim.

HOBART (PERTH)

The Hobart meeting is scheduled on a Soft 5, with overcast weather and the rail out three metres for the entire circuit.

Race 1

DON’T GIVE UP has returned to strong form with a win and two second placings from his past three starts. He was successful over 1880 metres two runs ago before finishing second in Benchmark 72 company and should handle the rise to 2100 metres. HAPPY CLAN has finished in the top three at each of his past five starts and owns an excellent record over this distance. MERLIN BEACH comes off a 1600 metre victory and has finished second in both previous attempts at 2100 metres. LYCO RECO steps up in grade after winning over this course and distance, while AL MAXIMUS has finished fourth at his past two starts.

Race 2

AUTHORISED ACCESS made a promising debut when second over this course and distance on July 19. He draws barrier one and should improve with the experience. UNFILTERED finished third in the same race and has now placed in three of four starts. GOLD ARMOUR has been close in each appearance, including a narrow fifth over 1380 metres last time after settling near the speed. CHEF’S KISS comes off a fourth placing over 1425 metres in New South Wales and drops back to 1200 metres. ROYAL SCENE has finished fourth in five of her past six starts and again looks capable of filling a placing.

Race 3

SKY LAND is racing in excellent form, following a 1200 metre victory with a second placing at Hobart. The four kilogram claim brings her into the race well from barrier three. FIGHTING FLOYD won over this course and distance in June before adding another victory two starts ago. He carries the top weight but receives a two kilogram claim. FLYING BILLIE has been highly consistent and recently recorded a win before finishing sixth at her latest appearance. KAKIA won over 1410 metres two starts ago before finishing seventh in stronger Open company. TASSIE POWER has won two of his past five starts and remains competitive at this level.

Race 4

SH’BOURNE POWER has won two of his four starts and returned with a narrow victory over 1410 metres at Hobart. He is unbeaten in two attempts around 1400 metres and again receives a two kilogram claim. MEGALITA won two starts ago before finishing second in Class 3 company at Devonport and draws ideally in barrier one. NANDI CLAN has finished fifth and third since resuming and receives a valuable four kilogram claim. COASTAL STRIKE has placed at his past two starts and should appreciate returning to 1390 metres. VERHOEVEN has consistent recent form but is listed as scratched.

Race 5

IN THE OCEAN has returned in outstanding form, finishing second before winning the latest Hobart Open Handicap by more than three lengths. He has an excellent record over 1200 metres and carries 56 kilograms. TSUNAMI SAM has finished second and third since resuming and draws barrier one. He has won six races at Hobart and three over this distance. DAYTONA DIVA returned with a victory before finishing third last time and draws favourably in barrier two. FURNEAUX has recorded a win and two placings from his past three starts and boasts five course and distance victories. ALVARINHO should improve after finishing fourth at her latest appearance and receives a two kilogram claim.