Zac Purton and David Hayes are confident Ka Ying Rising is poised to extend his remarkable 20-race winning streak after the champion sprinter breezed through a barrier trial at Sha Tin on Sunday (30 August) in preparation for his return to racing in the 2026/27 season-opening meeting on Sunday (6 September).

Jumping from barrier one against 10 rivals, Ka Ying Rising built momentum up the middle of the course before forging clear, clocking 56.73s to score by two lengths from Public Attention and Magic Control as he prepares to chase a third consecutive victory in the HK$4.2 million G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) next weekend.

Rated joint No. 1 in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, Ka Ying Rising was never pressured to extend by Purton at any stage and his time this afternoon was only marginally outside the 56.45s he clocked in the corresponding trial last season.

 Predicting the world’s premier sprinter could still improve, Hayes said: “I feel pretty good. Zac said he didn’t change legs, but he was probably three or four seconds below course record time, so he was doing it very easy, and I just like the way he acted before the trial.

“I think he’s in the right head space and ready to run a race next week. You spell the horses trying to make them bigger and stronger, especially if they’re a sprinter, and he’s bigger and stronger than he’s ever been. So, I still think we have another season of him improving.”

Hong Kong’s reigning joint Horse of the Year, Ka Ying Rising will enter quarantine in Hong Kong for two weeks immediately after his first-up run in the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup before flying to Sydney, Australia where he will bid for successive wins in the AU$20 million (approx. HK$112 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on 17 October.

 Purton, who has ridden Ka Ying Rising in 19 of his 21 victories (with Karis Teetan also scoring twice), said: “It was nice. He jumped out well, he cruised along. He just did enough to tick him over for his race next week. He’s pulled up in pretty good shape. For where he is at the moment, we’re happy with him.

“He’s a bit fitter now, he moved a bit better, his action was a bit better – but he’s back on the grass, too.

“But he was on one leg the whole way, which is frustrating. How does a horse go 1000m up the straight on one leg? Normal horses can’t do it, but he’s got to sort that out when he gets back to the races.”

The 2026/27 Hong Kong racing season starts at Sha Tin on Sunday (6 September), featuring the HK$4.2 million G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m).

By Leo Schlink

Leading trainer Simon Dunderdale in collaboration with the Buffalo Stable are a big chance of leading in yet another feature winner with a strong two-pronged attack in the RM100,000 1800m Merdeka Cup (Race 9) at the Selangor Turf Club this Sunday. Recent 4YO Selangor Mile winner AQUITAINE is currently in career-best form making rapid progress since breaking his maiden tag just over four months ago. With four wins and four placings from nine starts, AQUITAINE has established himself as a rising star on the local scene. Not only was his Selangor Mile victory impressive but his follow up win in a strong Supreme A contest here two weeks ago suggests he will be a force to be reckoned with in future group contests. Possessing that quick burst of closing speed in his last two wins, the gelding will no doubt handle the distance rise and will once again take a power of beating again. Stable mate ANJOU CROWN achieved a rare feat by breaking its maiden tag in a Class 3 event on July 5 and the high-priced son of Exceed And Excel has held solid form since. Following on with a Class 2 victory six days later, ANJOU CROWN was specked at good odds in the Selangor Mile and reeled off a fast final sectional to finish 3rd, beaten 0.75L. The gelding then produced a similar finish when placed 4th in the Supreme A contest won by AQUITAINE. The 1800m trip shouldn’t pose a problem for both five-year-olds and a form reversal would not surprise as very little separates the pair on potential and ability alone. Six-year-old gelding, OMNIARCH is capable of springing a surprise despite only scoring once since his G1 Coronation Cup victory in November last year. The Richard Lines-trained performer is unbeaten in two starts over 1800m but is not blessed with early speed and usually relies on a fast tempo to produce a big finish. The ultra-consistent KOONDAKAARA came close to causing a minor upset when falling short by 0.75 lengths behind AQUITAINE last start. Despite not winning beyond 1300m, he does give the impression he can handle the longer journey. BANKER’S HONOR is bred to stay and was a 2000m here back in April. The gelding hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck recently having to contend with a wide draw in the Selangor Mile before racing deep without cover in the Supreme A contest last start. He’s only a moderate beginner but with luck in running, he can provide the value. MERDEKA CUP SELECTIONS: (5) ANJOU CROWN   (2) AQUITAINE   (1) OMNIARCH   (6) KOONDAKAARA  The locally unbeaten five-year-old FORTUNE RISING will be tough to beat despite drawing the outside barrier in 1100m Supreme A contest (Race 7). Aiming for his fifth successive victory, he will be coming off two impressive performances this campaign, culminating with his 1.25L victory in the 4YO Trinity Selangor on July 26. FORTUNE RISING does possess the early speed to overcome the draw and like his previous four runs in the country, he will go around as the short-priced favorite. Former Hong Kong galloper, SOON SOON has not finished far away in three Malaysian starts and should be primed for a forward showing come Sunday. Progressive performers, BANKER’S FIRST and CHOICE IS MINE should dominate the market and are set to clash in the 1400m Supreme A (Race 8). BANKER’S FIRST has already established himself locally with a record of three wins and two seconds from five starts and is coming off a 3L Class 1 victory over 1200m a month ago. The gelding has won three from six over the 1400m trip and will take beating with the top weight of 59kg. CHOICE IS MINE picked off a couple of victories in Max Two Stakes races before failing as favorite in the Selangor Mile on July 26. Despite finishing 7th, the gelding finished 3L from the winner and can easily bounce back on the freshen up. Jockey Bernardo Pinheiro has combined with trainer Lawson Moy successfully in the past with the pair striking at 25% over the past twelve-month period. Promising three-year-old MEGA FIRST is overdue for a win and receives a plum opportunity to bounce back in the 1700m Combined Class 3/4 contest (Race 10). The Irish bred galloper has been racing competitively at Class 3 level in recent weeks and of course was placed in the Listed 3YO Mile Championship in July. MEGA FIRST has started favorite at his past three starts since winning a Class 4 contest on June 21 so he may be testing the patience of his followers. However. like jockey B Pinheiro, it may pay to stick with the gelding as he attempts to break through in the grade. It was hard to gauge the first-up run of former Australian gelding COME ON BANKER’S in a Class 3 event here on August 2. Featuring in the vet’s report after sustaining a cut on the right hind leg, the five-year-old failed to feature over the sprint trip. However the distance rise will suit since he was a 1500m maiden winner in country Queensland (Rockhampton) earlier this year and has placed up to 1600m previously so a vast improvement is expected.

Punters face a testing card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, but Mike and Mathew de Kock could provide some relief with Exocet in the Middle Stakes over 1000m, the fifth race on the card.

Now a lightly raced four-year-old, Exocet has an international pedigree and is still an entire. He has won two of his three starts, and the yard has indicated that he is a horse with some ability. He has not raced since winning on the poly in October last year, but the De Kocks are unlikely to send him out half-baked. With only six rivals, he could prove the one to beat.

Gareth van Zyl saddles Vihaan’s Web, who has won over course and distance and seldom runs a poor race. If Exocet fails to fire, he could pick up the pieces. Veteran Donquerari is always dangerous over this trip and has a 4kg claimer aboard, while African Skyline gets first-time blinkers with a 4kg claimer. Both have a money chance.

Big fields face punters in the opening races, including a full house of 16 in the first. One Pepper returns from a break and gelding and, having faced Vibe Check and Kazanoyoni last time, should go close if racing fit. Diaval was well supported on debut but raced green and should improve with experience. Bullet Catch was not far back at long odds and makes his third course appearance, while Maggiano should come on from a promising debut.

Fleur Delacour faces a capacity field in the second. She started at long odds on debut but finished with a flourish, narrowly failing over course and distance, and can go one better. Theleia was disappointing when favourite on her local debut but was returning from a break and can make amends. Abbey’s World improved nicely second time out over course and distance, while Willow Valli has shown up well in two starts under Rachel Venniker.

The De Kocks could hold the key to the opening leg of the Pick 6. Scott’s Bar was a beaten favourite over a sprint last time and now steps up to a mile, which should suit. Stablemate Taranaki Nomad was green and slowly away on debut, also taking a hefty bump, and should improve significantly. Reign Man also steps up in trip after a promising sprint debut and has the best of the draw.

The fourth is a wide-open handicap. Another Dream has joint top weight but has shown up well in two recent course-and-distance starts. Gold Gol Baby is unbeaten in two starts in blinkers, including her latest over this course and distance, while stablemate Heavenly Mafia is 2.5kg better off and gets a light weight.

The final three races are competitive handicaps. In the sixth, Flamethrower gets 4kg relief and could upset some solid handicappers, including Twocantango, who is lightly raced and gets Gavin Lerena. Global Movement is coming down the handicap and looks competitively weighted.

In the seventh, Run Forest Run has the best draw and should go forward. Kitchakal is down in class, while Turbo Twenty has won over course and distance and was narrowly beaten last time. Meerkat Moon improved in blinkers and has a strong money chance.

In the last, Lady Godiva could provide Doug Campbell with the answer. Showgirl should improve from her recent return, while Last Margarita, Dawn Surprise and Rags To Riches all warrant consideration.

Saturday’s nine-race Inside track programme at Turffontein offers plenty of betting possibilities, with potential doubles for jockeys Gavin Lerena and Calvin Habib, while trainers Tony Peter and Johan Janse van Vuuren have several runners capable of making their presence felt.

The Betway-sponsored Listed Spring Spree Stakes over 1200m is the headline event in Race 7, where Paul Matchett’s Erupt gelding Karate Kid could prove the one to beat. He has the profile to acquit himself well at Listed level and, with a solid pace expected, Blaine Marx-Jacobson could have the right mount to strike when it counts.

The supporting Betway-sponsored The Lady Stakes over 1200m in Race 6 sees Tony Peter throw three chances into the mix. However, punters looking beyond the obvious stable strength may be rewarded by siding with Blizzard Snow, who has drawn gate No 6 for Kobeli James Lihaba.

The Erupt filly has raced three times over this course and distance, winning once and finishing outside the first two only once. She was asked to take on male opposition last time, having previously scored over this track and trip. A repeat of that winning effort from just a two-point higher rating would make her a serious player.

Earlier, in Race 5, stablemate Jack’s Legacy makes her handicap debut over 1200m after opening her account over 1160m on the Standside track. Kabelo Matsunyane retains the ride and further improvement would come as no surprise.

Lerena looks well placed to bag a double, beginning with Stuart Pettigrew-trained Rafeef’s Queen in Race 2 over 1200m. The three-year-old filly has finished runner-up in her last two starts, including a second over this distance, and will not need to find much extra to convert consistency into a first victory. The booking of the former champion rider is an obvious positive.

Lerena returns in Race 8 aboard Van Vuuren-trained Social Graces. The three-year-old daughter of Rafeef won over 1000m on debut before finishing a creditable second over 1100m last month. She conceded 3kg to the winner and was beaten only 1½ lengths, while the fourth-placed runner has since franked the form by winning. There is plenty to like about her prospects.

Habib also has a realistic shot at a double, starting with Two Tigers in Race 1 before partnering Clinton Binda’s progressive Whatsdamatterwithu in Race 3 over 1000m.

The latter is particularly intriguing. The Fire Away gelding has won both starts since being gelded, both over 1160m, and has shown enough natural speed to suggest the sharper 1000m on the Inside track could suit. A favourable No 3 draw is another plus, and a hat-trick bid looks well within his compass.

Clive Robinson

iRACE caught up with Neindorf ahead of the spring to discuss his outstanding season, the move to Melbourne and his ambitions for the major carnival.

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You finished last season with 110 winners from 774 rides. What did that consistency teach you about managing your workload and staying sharp across such a long season?                                                                                                    It was hard to find a balance to start off with, my workload was high and I was probably running with the tank on empty some race days. Once I was able to find that balance through my manager, having my form man James, a valet and even a driver to and from the races ultimately made me be able to perform at my best race day over a long season. Your move from South Australia to Victoria was designed to create more opportunities. How different do you feel as a rider now compared with when you first made that move? I feel a massive difference as a rider now compared to 12 months ago, I think that has come from riding everyday also. More practice in a way, I’ve been able to challenge myself to get better every day to be able to compete with the best over here, that competition doesn’t go away and it never gets any easier, it’s driven me to fine tune myself as a rider. You have already enjoyed Group 1 success with Phillip Stokes. What makes that relationship work so well, and how important could it be during the spring? I’d say a combination of a few things, we’re both pretty up front no beating around the bush sort of people, I think we both admire hard work and being able to know each individual horse. I know his horses I feel better than any other jockey and those one percenters are going to make an impact for us this spring. After such a strong season, are you now able to be more selective with your rides and focus on horses that could develop into major carnival contenders? I’ve definitely noticed we’ve been offered a larger spread of rides from a number of leading trainers in comparison to when I first moved over from Adelaide. Ultimately riding for those bigger stables, you have a good chance of finding the top-class horses, sometimes it can be hard to pick one in a race come crunch time but it’s not a bad position to be in. What part of your riding has improved most over the past 12 months, whether it is race positioning, judging tempo, strength in a finish or reading a race beforehand? I’d definitely say my pre-race knowledge and being able to dissect a race both before and after the race has been run and won to both trainers and owners has improved. I feel as sharp as I’ve ever been in my career. Split second decisions can be everything and I feel more often than not I’m pulling the right rein. You have shown that your feedback can help trainers unlock improvement in a horse. How involved do you like to be in the development of a horse away from race day? Great question, I love the process that involves a horse getting to the races. The more involvement and knowledge I can have of that horse before I sit in it race day the better. It makes getting the result race day sweeter.

Dennis Yip initially planned to test Fast Network down Meydan’s famous straight course in Dubai – a happy hunting ground for Hong Kong-trained runners in the past – but after uncertainty in the Middle East scuttled that plan in March, he hatched a new idea, and it will see the championship-winning trainer break fresh ground next month in Japan. Fast Network will become Yip’s first runner outside of Hong Kong, Conghua or Macau in his own right when the bay gelding’s bold two-race overseas campaign commences in the G2 Centaur Stakes (1200m) at Hanshin on 6 September before climaxing in the G1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama on 27 September. A seven-time winner from 20 starts, Fast Network has evolved from budding four-year-old to twice Group 1-placed behind champion Ka Ying Rising – form he’ll take to Hanshin when he makes his first start abroad as the third Hong Kong-trained horse to run in the Centaur Stakes, following Green Birdie (2nd – 2010; 14th – 2011) and Lucky Nine (2nd – 2011). “He will have two races because it’s early season in Hong Kong and he’s only had one barrier trial. In Japan, he can only work by himself – the other horses won’t be with him and he also won’t be able to trial there,” Yip said. “I refreshed him and his form is coming very good. He will be even better after the recent trial. He’ll run in the Group 2 first and then on the 27th.” Fast Network finished an eye-catching fourth in a recent barrier trial before flying to Japan on Tuesday, 25 August. The galloper will resume after a last-start fourth to Ka Ying Rising in April’s G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), with Yip foregoing potential Group 3 opportunities in May and June at Sha Tin for the six-year-old in favour of an early spell at Conghua in preparation for his overseas campaign. “Fast Network had a few hard races last season, so I let him rest earlier; now he’s refreshed. I think he’ll run well. Then we will go straight to the Group 1. Hong Kong has an outstanding champion – Ka Ying Rising – and it’s difficult to catch him,” Yip said. Only Silent Witness (2005) and Ultra Fantasy (2010) have won the Sprinters Stakes for Hong Kong, while 17 attempts have been made overall. The most recent was Lucky Sweynesse, who finished 11th in 2025 behind outsider Win Carnelian. A former jockey who rode 59 winners, Yip is a protégé of five-time champion trainer Brian Kan. Prior to receiving his licence to train, Yip travelled Red Pepper to Tokyo when he was Kan’s assistant trainer for the 2002 G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m), partnering the horse in trackwork. Yip’s career highlights include being crowned Hong Kong Champion Trainer in 2012/13 and winning the 2024 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) with Massive Sovereign. Mo gets overseas chance in South Korea Dylan Mo, like Yip, has experienced overseas racing, but his upcoming challenge in South Korea will be the first time he’s linked with a Hong Kong-trained runner abroad when Self Improvement contests the G3 Korea Sprint (1200m, sand) on Sunday, 6 September. Self Improvement won this race last year for trainer Manfred Man and jockey Jerry Chau, becoming Hong Kong racing’s second Korea Sprint victor after Super Jockey, who was successful in 2016 as the first of seven runners from the city to have contested the race. Self Improvement is joined by Beauty Waves and Gorgeous Win in the Korea Sprint, while Romantic Thor was withdrawn from the G2 Korea Cup (1800m, sand). Mo has partnered Self Improvement in much of his recent trackwork and is grateful for the opportunity. “I’m very happy. The owner and trainer are very good; they’ve given me the chance to go to South Korea – I will try my best. It’s my first time overseas with a Hong Kong horse, but I’ve ridden in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore before,” Mo said. Each of Hong Kong’s trio has raced on the dirt at Sha Tin, although Seoul’s unique sand surface and kickback pose an unknown threat, except to Mo’s mount, Self Improvement, a half-length winner of the race 12 months ago. By Declan Schuster

Melbourne’s first Group 1 of the new season has delivered a field worthy of the occasion, with proven champions, emerging stars and one of the country’s most exciting in-form gallopers set to collide in Saturday’s G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield. Run over 1400 metres under weight-for-age conditions, the $750,000 feature has attracted 12 runners and shapes as much more than an early-season starting point. Defending champion Treasurethe Moment returns, 2023 winner Mr Brightside makes his long-awaited comeback and upcoming star Cosmic Crusader arrives with race fitness and momentum firmly on his side. Add triple Group 1 winner Jimmysstar, All-Star Mile winner Tom Kitten, All Aged Stakes hero Beiwacht and a five-runner Chris Waller assault, and the Memsie has all the ingredients to provide an early guide to the major spring races ahead. The race is also set to be run on a testing surface, with Caulfield rated a Heavy 8 ahead of the meeting, adding another layer to an already intriguing contest. While several of his rivals are beginning campaigns aimed at bigger prizes later in the spring, Cosmic Crusader brings the clear fitness advantage after stamping himself as a genuine Group 1 performer. The Andrea Leek-trained gelding has built an outstanding record of 11 wins and five placings from 20 starts and has returned this campaign in faultless order. He swept home from midfield to win the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes over 1200 metres at Caulfield before proving just as effective at 1400 metres when defeating Private Eye and Evaporate in the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes. Those victories followed a breakthrough Group 1 success in last year’s Northerly Stakes over 1800 metres at Ascot, showing he is far more than a short-course specialist. The return of William Pike is another major positive, but barrier 11 leaves the champion jockey with an early decision to make. With the likely testing conditions and several high-class horses resuming, his race fitness could prove decisive late. Few horses have made Caulfield their own quite like Mr Brightside, who returns for his first appearance of 2026 after missing the autumn because of a fetlock issue. The nine-year-old has won six of his 12 starts at the track and boasts an exceptional Memsie record, having won the race in 2023 before finishing runner-up in each of the past two editions. He was beaten by Treasurethe Moment 12 months ago before going on to win a third consecutive Makybe Diva Stakes and later finishing narrowly behind Ceolwulf in the King Charles III Stakes. His overall record now stands at 20 wins from 48 starts and almost $18.9 million in prizemoney, with Craig Williams again taking the ride from barrier nine. The lengthy absence is the obvious query, but co-trainer Ben Hayes believes the stable has the crowd favourite more forward than usual for his return. His work at home may not have been spectacular, but that has rarely been the measure of a horse who has consistently saved his best for race day. If he is close to his peak, he remains the horse the younger brigade must measure up against. Last year’s Memsie victory confirmed Treasurethe Moment belonged among the country’s best weight-for-age horses, with the mare powering clear of Mr Brightside before later finishing third behind Via Sistina and Buckaroo in the Cox Plate. She added the Group 2 Sunline Stakes to her record during the autumn and was last seen finishing third behind Idle Flyer and Lady Shenandoah in the Queen of the Turf Stakes at Randwick. Her Caulfield record is particularly imposing, with four wins and two placings from six appearances, while she has won three of her four starts over 1400 metres. Damian Lane rides from barrier six and, with only 57kg under the weight-for-age scale, she receives two kilograms from the older males. Trainer Matt Laurie has always viewed the Memsie as the logical starting point for her spring campaign. She may improve as the distances rise, but last year’s dominant performance showed she is capable of producing a high-class sprint fresh. Chris Waller will rely on Buckaroo, Angel Capital, Birdman, Autumn Boy and Beiwacht as he searches for his first Memsie victory since Boban won back in 2015. Of the five, Angel Capital is the only runner with a start under his belt this preparation. He was beaten as favourite when third in the Missile Stakes at Randwick, but should appreciate the rise to 1400 metres and has an excellent record at Caulfield. The five-year-old has won four of his six first-up runs, yet his latest effort suggested he may take improvement into Saturday. Barrier five should allow him to settle closer than he did in Sydney. Beiwacht produced the biggest win of his career when controlling the All Aged Stakes from the front in April, defeating Lazzura and Jimmysstar over this distance. He is unbeaten in two starts at 1400 metres and receives half a kilogram from the older geldings, although a minor temperature interrupted his preparation last weekend. Autumn Boy is another fascinating runner. The Caulfield Guineas winner has not raced since finishing second in the Australian Guineas and then sixth as a short-priced favourite over 2000 metres in the Alister Clark Stakes. Barrier three gives him the chance to secure an economical run and his best form puts him firmly in the contest. Buckaroo and Birdman may find the 1400 metres short of their preferred distances, but both are established Group 1 performers capable of making their presence felt if the pressure builds early. Jimmysstar returns with an exceptional fresh record of five wins from eight attempts and an equally strong affinity with Caulfield, where he has won five of seven starts. His autumn campaign ended with a string of honest performances at the highest level, including third in the All Aged Stakes and a narrow second to Headley Grange in the Kingsford-Smith Cup. The 1400 metres is ideal and any rain is unlikely to trouble him, with five wins on soft ground. From barrier eight, he should receive the genuine tempo required to bring his powerful finish into play. Tom Kitten also resumes after winning the All-Star Mile at Flemington and finishing seventh in the Doncaster Mile. He has drawn the inside barrier and will race without blinkers for the first time, although his lack of a placing from four first-up runs suggests he may improve with the outing. Planet Red and Sabaj provide further upset claims for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, while Birdman brings the strength of a Doomben Cup-winning autumn campaign. The pace could play an important role. Beiwacht has the speed to roll forward, while Treasurethe Moment, Autumn Boy and Planet Red can all settle within striking distance. That may leave Cosmic Crusader, Jimmysstar and Angel Capital relying on the race opening up from the turn. On exposed form and fitness, Cosmic Crusader is the runner to beat after two commanding Caulfield victories this campaign. However, this is his toughest test yet and the Heavy 8 presents a new challenge, with all 20 of his career starts having come on good or soft ground. The proven wet-track credentials of Mr Brightside and Jimmysstar therefore demand respect, while Treasurethe Moment has never been beaten on soft ground and will receive a valuable weight allowance. By Scott Bailey

We are due to return to the turf track on Friday at Fairview and it looks a testing card. Trainer Dean Smith has his runners in fine form and two of his runners on the day particularly stand out. The first is Zatara’s Magic who is carded to run in Race 3, a Pinnacle Stakes over 2000m, and the second is Perfect Impact, who lines up in Race 6, a MR 80 Handicap over 1400m. Zatara’s Magic is weighted to win the race, and comfortably so, but there is a risk involved. This now seven-year-old gelding has to defend his Algoa Cup victory from last year, which takes place much later in the season, so this will be a build-up race for him. The Rabada gelding returned from a break when runner-up behind Zinovi, and he got closer to that rival than most of his rivals have done. Regular rider Craig Zackey is not at this meeting, so Stallone Naidoo gets a golden opportunity to ride a rare winner. Naidoo has also been given the ride on Perfect Impact. The Danon Platina gelding has impressed in both of his local starts. The gelding won by 6.50 lengths on local debut and doubled up with a 4.75-length victory. Both those successes were on the Polytrack and he clearly likes that surface, but he has also run some decent races on the grass. In October 2025, he was runner-up behind Miami Summer, who looks a promising sort.   Clive Robinson

Johannesburg, South Africa – 4Racing is set to undertake a refurbishment of the front parade ring at Turffontein Racecourse as part of its ongoing investment in improving race-day facilities and the experience for owners, trainers, racing professionals and racegoers. The front parade ring will remain in use for the Betway Spring Spree meeting on Saturday, 29 August 2026, after which racing operations will temporarily move to Turffontein’s original back parade ring while the refurbishment takes place. The planned improvements will include the relocation of the second- and third-place boxes to the opposite side of the winner’s box, as well as an extension of the podium area to create significantly more space for owners, trainers and other stakeholders during presentations. The refurbishment will also improve the overall functionality and presentation of the parade ring and winner’s enclosure area. The intention is for the work to be completed in time for racing to return to the front parade ring for the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge on Saturday, 3 October 2026. The temporary use of the back parade ring will allow racing operations to continue while the improvements are undertaken. Gabriel Soma, 4Racing’s Head of Racing Operations, said: “This refurbishment forms part of our ongoing investment in Turffontein and our commitment to improving the race-day experience for our stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the upgraded front parade ring for the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge in October.”

Punters looking for a stable to build around at the Vaal Classic on Thursday need look no further than Tony Peter, whose powerful arsenal at the nine-race meeting presents a realistic chance of a four-timer. Astrophile can get the ball rolling in Race 1 over 1000m. A daughter of Heavenly Blue, she showed plenty on debut but failed to reproduce that effort when beaten favourite in a Work Riders race last time, although there were valid excuses for that defeat. With leading work rider Phenisile Mongqawa retaining the ride, a return to her debut form could see her make amends. One State looks another strong Peter-trained proposition in Race 5 over 1600m. The well-bred One World gelding confirmed his race-by-race progress by opening his account in emphatic fashion from the front over 1700m, and Muzi Yeni is back aboard on handicap debut. Drawn ideally in pole position, he should be able to dictate matters again and remains open to considerable improvement. He is one to follow. American Beauty could then keep the Peter bandwagon rolling in Race 7. This daughter of The United States has flourished since joining the stable, winning twice and finishing second twice in her last four starts. Her latest runner-up finish came in stronger company, and a repeat of that performance should be good enough to see her return to the winner’s enclosure. Kabelo Matsunyane has developed a formidable association with the yard and looks the right man to make the most of the opportunity. Blindfire completes the Peter-attack in Race 9 over 1200m and could provide the knockout blow. She finished second at this level against the boys last time and competes off the same mark, so there is little reason to expect anything less than another competitive showing.   Clive Robinson

Jockey Richard Fourie must surely be agonising over the fact that he does not have a ride in Race 4 on Wednesday 26 August when eight races will be contested on the Fairview Polytrack. The record-breaking rider looks to have a fistful of possible winning mounts on the day, but without a ride in Race 4, he will not be able to become only the second jockey after Piere Strydom to ride a Pick 6. Fourie has taken a break from riding in the Eastern Cape for a couple of meetings, but Alan Greeff, his training partner at Fairview, has given him a decent hand for this meeting. It is hard to see Fourie winning the first race, as the likely short-priced favourite, Rungstedland, with jockey Gareth Wright, does look hard to beat. The three-year-old filly tries the Polytrack for the first time but has been runner-up in her last three starts, including a 3.25-length defeat to the sensational Marchland. Fourie will be aboard the returning Rocking In Rio after a gelding operation, so he will be expected to produce an improved performance. His mount in Race 2, Made To Measure, has threatened to win a race but has not had the privilege in eleven outings. This four-year-old filly does look a difficult ride as she tends to hang out when quickening after being outpaced early. Fourie has ridden her four times, for three seconds and a third. He would like nothing more than to finally show he can get her across the line first. Greeff and Fourie have clearly worked out their charge, Travel Master, in Race 5. The now nine-year-old went through a long period without scoring, but changing tactics and letting him lead has seen him win his last two starts. Sticking to what has proven to be a winning recipe, the hat-trick is definitely on, despite facing stiffer opposition this time round. First Officer, in Race 6, was just a couple of lengths adrift of the best colts from the two-year-old season and he deserves a second success. By far the highest rated runner in this Stakes Race, carrying top weight should not be a problem. New Day in Race 7 and This Or That in Race 8 look to be improving and are decent fillies that should prove hard to beat and are banker bets.   Clive Robinson

The first major weekend of the new racing season offered a little bit of everything. There was an emerging Australian star reaffirming her position at the head of the spring pecking order, a Juddmonte International upset that few saw coming and an American speedster finally delivering Wesley Ward the York victory he had been chasing for more than a decade. By the time Notable Speech put an exclamation mark on the Ebor Festival, the weekend had produced four Group One winners at York and a compelling opening chapter to the Australian spring. The Winx Stakes had been promoted as a showdown between two of Australia’s most exciting racehorses, but when the pressure was applied it was Autumn Glow who supplied the most emphatic answer. Returning for the first time since suffering the only defeat of her career in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Chris Waller-trained mare was sent out a dominant $1.75 favourite and justified that confidence with a victory over Sheza Alibi who lost no admirers in her first up effort and Gringotts. James McDonald never appeared concerned. Autumn Glow travelled like the best horse in the race and, once presented with her opportunity, quickly established a winning advantage. It was exactly the performance Waller would have wanted from a mare beginning a campaign expected to carry her towards some of the biggest prizes of the spring. She has now won 12 of her 13 starts and, more importantly, demonstrated that her Queen Elizabeth defeat had done nothing to diminish her authority. That does not mean the rivalry is over. Sheza Alibi finished strongly under Luke Nolen and lost nothing in defeat. The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained mare was competing against older opposition at weight-for-age for the first time and showed that she belongs at this level. Round one went comfortably to Autumn Glow, but the margin between the two may tighten as the distances increase and the spring develops. Elsewhere on the Randwick card, Pembrey announced herself as a filly worth following by winning the Group Two Silver Shadow Stakes, while Prima Bella completed a hat-trick in the Group Three Toy Show Quality. The latter defeated Stardom narrowly, becoming the 38th individual stakes winner by Per Incanto in the process. York’s four-day Ebor Festival began with a result that turned the Juddmonte International market on its head. Much of the attention had centred on Ombudsman and the unbeaten Constitution River, but neither could repel the late challenge of Item. Ridden by Colin Keane, the Andrew Balding-trained son of Frankel edged past Almaqam to win by a head at odds of 10-1. Constitution River finished third, with Ombudsman only fourth after a race shaped by a muddling early tempo and ground softer than several runners would have preferred. There was an added layer to the victory. Item races for Juddmonte, the sponsors of York’s flagship contest, and delivered the operation one of its most satisfying victories of the season. The result also provided an early indication of what was to come from the Balding and Keane partnership over the remainder of the meeting. Earlier, Maltese Cross won the Great Voltigeur Stakes and placed himself firmly into the St Leger conversation, while Haffner secured the Acomb Stakes and a guaranteed place in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. If Item had announced the Balding-Keane combination on Wednesday, Kalpana underlined its strength 24 hours later. The Yorkshire Oaks developed into one of the finishes of the carnival. Sent out an odds-on favourite, Kalpana appeared in danger when the 22-1 outsider Sparan Nua launched a sustained challenge. The pair fought through the closing stages before Kalpana prevailed by a short head. It was not her most dominant performance, but it may have been one of her most valuable. The best horses do not always win with daylight behind them; sometimes they are required to survive, and Kalpana found enough when the race was there to be lost. The victory was her fourth at Group One level and continued a campaign that has established her among Europe’s premier middle-distance horses. An Arc challenge now appears the logical destination. Minnie Hauk finished third, two and a half lengths behind the leading pair. The Group Two Lowther Stakes went to Libertango, adding further depth to a meeting that consistently unearthed potential stars. Wesley Ward had gone close to winning the Nunthorpe Stakes with Acapulco and Lady Aurelia, but York’s five-furlong Group One had continued to elude the American trainer. That changed when Bacio produced one of the most explosive performances of the festival. Ridden by Juan Hernandez, the three-year-old was sent directly to the lead and simply refused to come back to the field. The 3-1 favourite maintained a relentless gallop on the rain-affected surface and held more than a length over his rivals at the finish. There were no complicated tactics and no need to search for excuses. Bacio possessed the fastest natural speed in the race and used it from the moment the gates opened. The Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint is expected to be his major end-of-season target, but the Nunthorpe represented something more immediate for Ward—a breakthrough success in a race he had coveted for years. On the same card, Arapaho Gold won the Gimcrack Stakes and emerged as another promising juvenile with bigger assignments ahead. The newly elevated Group One City of York Stakes provided the final major contest of the meeting and produced arguably its most authoritative winner. There had been considerable interest in the clash between Notable Speech, Lake Forest and Japanese visitor Satono Reve, but the final furlong belonged entirely to the favourite. William Buick allowed Notable Speech to settle before asking him to improve through the field. The response was immediate. Once in the clear, the Charlie Appleby-trained runner accelerated away to defeat Lake Forest by two and three-quarter lengths, with Marvelman taking third. It was the sixth Group One victory of Notable Speech’s career and another reminder of just how effective he can be when presented with seven furlongs and a strongly run race. Lake Forest performed with credit but could not match the winner’s change of speed. For Satono Reve, the experiment was less successful. The Japanese sprinter travelled prominently before weakening inside the final furlong to finish ninth, with the 1408 metres appearing to stretch his stamina beyond its optimum point. The traditional Ebor Handicap supplied a suitably tight conclusion. Daiquiri Bay completed a three-way finish by defeating Hopewell Rock by a head, with Opportunity another neck away in third. Gelded earlier in the season, Daiquiri Bay has now won at Newbury, Royal Ascot and York in succession. Although he holds a Melbourne Cup entry, trainer Alan King was not rushing to commit to an Australian trip, and even raised the possibility of returning to hurdles. South Africa lacked a headline Group One race over the weekend, but the return to Durbanville marked the beginning of the Cape’s transition towards its spring programme. The opening maiden produced an upset when Viva Asterix, trained by Candice Bass and ridden by Craig Zackey, defeated the heavily supported African Wild Dog over 1250 metres. The winner found strongly under pressure, but the runner-up also shaped as a horse certain to improve from the experience. One of the day’s more decisive performances came from Avignon, who shouldered 61 kilograms and defeated Paratrooper by four and a half lengths. At Scottsville on Sunday, Capsaicin won the principal middle-stakes contest from Uzwano and Command Pilot, offering a reminder that even during a quieter period, horses capable of progressing towards the summer features are beginning to emerge. Deauville also produced one of the most explosive performances of the weekend as Senorita Bonita unleashed a devastating turn of foot to win the Group One Prix Morny. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained filly arrived on the Normandy coast with a considerable reputation. Purchased for 900,000 guineas as the top lot at April’s Craven Breeze-Up Sale, she had already justified a portion of that price with victory in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket. That form had received an important boost when Libertango won the Lowther Stakes at York earlier in the week, but Senorita Bonita still needed to improve again against a deep field of talented juveniles. She did so emphatically. After beginning slowly, the daughter of Starspangledbanner settled towards the rear under Oisin Murphy as Carry The Flag established a strong gallop at the front of the field. With Royal Ascot winner Orthodox also positioned ahead of her, Senorita Bonita appeared to face a considerable task approaching the closing stages. The picture changed within a matter of strides. Once Murphy asked for her effort, Senorita Bonita rapidly closed the gap before sweeping past the long-time leader and drawing clear. It was the acceleration of a high-class filly and transformed what had briefly appeared a difficult position into a commanding Group One victory. The triumph provided Simon and Ed Crisford with their second Prix Morny success, following Vandeek’s victory in 2023. It also continued the excellent recent record of fillies in the race after Venetian Sun defeated the colts 12 months earlier. The manner of the performance was more significant than the result alone. Senorita Bonita had raced behind the bridle during the opening stages and was left with plenty of ground to recover, yet still possessed enough speed to settle the contest quickly.

Newmarket’s Cheveley Park Stakes is now the logical next target, where she could renew her rivalry with Libertango and potentially meet another York winner in Sun Goddess. That contest may provide a clearer picture of Europe’s leading juvenile filly, but Senorita Bonita will arrive with strong claims after establishing herself at the highest level in France. Connections are also hopeful that her career will extend beyond sprinting. Her immediate appearance and racing style suggest that 1200 metres is currently ideal, but there is stamina deeper in her pedigree. Her dam is by Ruler Of The World, giving the Crisford team reason to believe she could handle an increase in distance as a three-year-old. A Classic trial may therefore become part of her programme next season, although those decisions will be made after her juvenile campaign is complete. For now, the Cheveley Park represents the next opportunity to strengthen her position at the head of the division. While York and Randwick provided much of the weekend’s headline action, Deauville delivered a major upset as Aventure brought the unbeaten run of Diamond Necklace to an end in the Group One Prix Jean Romanet. The younger filly arrived in France with a perfect six-from-six record and the reputation of being one of the brightest stars at Ballydoyle. Her victories in the Prix Marcel Boussac, Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and Prix de Diane had made her a dual Classic winner and established her among the leading three-year-olds in Europe. However, this was a reminder that reputation alone is not enough when taking on proven older opposition. Ridden by Maxime Guyon, the Christophe Ferland-trained Aventure produced a performance worthy of her own top-level record, defeating Diamond Necklace and adding the Romanet to last season’s Prix Vermeille success. The result reinforced the value of experience at Group One level. Diamond Necklace travelled with every chance but could not match the five-year-old when the race was decided, suffering the first defeat of her career. For Aventure, the victory was also a welcome return to her most effective distance. Connections accepted that running over 2400 metres in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud had been a mistake and now believe her growing speed has made 2000 metres the ideal trip.

That change in direction appears to have worked perfectly. Having finished second to Bluestocking in the 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Aventure will not make another attempt at Europe’s premier middle-distance contest. Instead, she is expected to remain over 2000 metres for the Prix de l’Opera on Arc day. A successful appearance there could open the door to an international campaign, with the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland being considered as a possible end-of-season target. The defeat may lead to the opposite approach for Diamond Necklace. Aidan O’Brien was satisfied with her performance but acknowledged that Aventure had simply been superior on the day. A step up to 2400 metres is now under consideration for later in the autumn. Although her unbeaten record is gone, one defeat against an accomplished older mare is hardly enough to diminish what she achieved during the first six starts of her career. Charlie Johnston also had reason to be pleased after Timeforshowcasing finished a close third under Jack Mitchell. It was another career-best effort from a filly who has raced regularly and travelled extensively throughout the season. Her record on good or softer ground now includes a Listed victory, a Group Two success and placings in two Group One races. The Romanet was billed as another opportunity for Diamond Necklace to extend her dominance. Instead, it belonged to an older champion whose best performances may still be ahead of her. On a weekend filled with significant Group One results, Aventure’s victory ranked among the most important. It changed the direction of two major autumn campaigns and reminded the racing world that she remains one of Europe’s most accomplished mares. By Scott Bailey

Exciting juveniles Orthodox and Senorita Bonita are joined by superstar filly Diamond Necklace on what promises to be another stellar afternoon at Deauville on Sunday. The Prix Morny and the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet are the final two Group One events of the summer season at the Normandy venue and both races have attracted top-class fields. The raiding party appears particularly strong in the Morny, with Clive Cox’s runaway Norfolk winner Orthodox taking on Aidan O’Brien’s pair of Coventry winner Great Barrier Reef and Richmond scorer Man’s Best Friend, as well as Simon and Ed Crisford’s promising filly Senorita Bonita. A minor setback meant Orthodox missed a planned visit to France for the Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly last month, but Cox is confident his charge is back firing on all cylinders ahead of his step up to the highest level. “I’m looking forward to seeing him back on track after such an impressive display in the Norfolk,” said the Lambourn handler. “I feel like physically he’s been developing all through the spring and summer, and he’s only a baby. “So I think it was probably the best thing we didn’t go to the Papin, but I’m thrilled with the way he’s done and I’m very hopeful of a really solid performance.” Ryan Moore has interestingly sided with Man’s Best Friend over Great Barrier Reef, who has had a bout of ringworm since his Royal Ascot triumph. Wayne Lordan rides the latter. O’Brien said of Great Barrier Reef: “His in good form. Obviously it’s a while since he ran, but he has form on soft ground. “We were delighted with Man’s Best Friend in the Richmond and he came out of it well, but he has never ran on soft ground so we’ll see. “He got the trip well at Goodwood, so it will be interesting.” Senorita Bonita found O’Brien’s Victorious too strong in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot, but was an impressive winner of the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket and that form received a timely boost on Thursday when the runner-up, Libertango, struck gold in the Lowther at York. Chris Wall, racing manager for owners Victorious Forever, said: “She’s earned the right to be there. There’s never an easy Group One, so you know you’re going to be need to be on your best game to try to win it, but she’s in good form and has galloped well, so we’ll hope for the best. “She goes there with a chance. As ever you need the race to be run right and the gaps to come at the right time and everything to go right, but we’re hopeful of a good effort from her and if it’s to be her day then it will be.” He added: “It’s a tough race. I think we’ve yet to see an outstanding two-year-old, but there’s plenty around that bring a good level of form to these races and it’s the time of the year now where you find out which ones are the best ones.” The travelling band may not have things all their own way, with Andre and Lavinia Fabre’s unbeaten filly Kosuma perhaps the pick of the home team. There is no doubting who is the attraction in the Romanet, with O’Brien’s Diamond Necklace putting her unbeaten record and huge reputation on the line against 10 rivals. The St Mark’s Basilica filly has already won the French 1000 Guineas, the French Oaks and the Nassau Stakes this season and will widely expected to add to her Group One tally this weekend. O’Brien said: “She’s well and we decided to stay at a mile and a quarter. It looks like the ground is soft over there, but she has form in soft ground and she’s in good form.” Joseph O’Brien sends his Irish Oaks fourth Rebel Moon, while Christophe Ferland saddles his top-class older mare Aventure. By Josh Luckhurst and Ashley Iveson, Press Association

Henry Dwyer fears ground conditions may have turned against Asfoora as she prepares to bring the curtain down on her glittering career in the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes. The Australian mare flew up the Knavesmire to secure the second of her three Group One victories on European soil 12 months ago, but rain during the week means the York turf will be riding considerably slower for the defence of her title. She looked bound for the breeding shed after finishing down the field on her first two starts of the current campaign, but a resurgent performance when a close-up fourth at Goodwood prompted connections to delay her return flight to roll the dice one more time on Friday. “If it was on day one I would be happy enough with a soft track, but probably not on day three when they have been racing on it,” said Dwyer. “She doesn’t mind a soft track, but it is not ideal. It is hard to know. “She is in good nick. She worked on the July course the other morning and she worked really well. The draw looks reasonably suitable (stall three) with a few speed horses around her, so hopefully she will get a nice trail into the race and have every chance. “She is heading to the breeding sheds and even with a spectacular win I’d say we are still on that path. She doesn’t really have the option. If she was to race again she would miss the breeding season and that is not really an option.” The rain-softened ground must also be seen as a negative for American challenger Bacio.

The three-year-old blitzed his rivals in the Palace of Holyroodhouse at Royal Ascot and now bids to provide Wesley Ward with an elusive first Nunthorpe success, having previously picked up the silver medal with both Acapulco (2015) and Lady Aurelia (2017). Ward said: “We don’t want anyone doing any more rain dances, that’s for sure! “We don’t run on soft turf in America so who knows, maybe he’ll like it, but it’s a question mark. “The horse is in really good shape. He had a workout over the track with Rowan Scott riding him and everybody was very happy. “We’re feeling good, we’re excited and it’s all over bar the shouting and the hollering now.” French hopes are carried by Francis-Henri Graffard’s Rayevka, who was last seen finishing a head second to reopposing Mission Central – trained by Aidan O’Brien – in the King Charles III Stakes.

The ground might not be in her favour, either, as Nemone Routh, French racing manager and director for the Aga Khan Studs, said: “We felt after the run at Ascot where she went very close, her best conditions are five furlongs and good top of the ground. “She always needs a bit of luck as she’s a hold-up filly, but when she gets the splits she’s got a great turn of foot, she’s very game and always runs her race. “She deserves her Group One as she has run a lot at Group One level and run some great races. She pretty much did everything to win last time and then that horse came from out of the clouds to get up on the line. “You always need a bit of luck in these sprint races and for it to fall your way, especially with her as she’s not one of these fillies that just blasts in front – she has to find cover and come from the off the pace. “She would need a little bit of a split and be in the right group, but if it falls her way I think she’ll run a big race.”

The home team includes Jim Goldie’s Scottish star American Affair and Richard Hannon’s Pershaada. Richard Hannon senior won the race with a juvenile filly in Lyric Fantasy in 1992 and his son and heir is hoping to repeat the feat with a youngster who impressed when winning the Molecomb at Goodwood. “I was extremely pleased with her in the Queen Mary (finished fourth) and she compounded that in the Molecomb, which she won very well – I thought she was probably the horse to take out of the meeting,” Hannon told Tattersalls. “The Nunthorpe is always a hard race. You are a two-year-old taking on older horses, some of them six, seven or eight years of age. They have been racing for a long time and know what they are doing. “But if they go very quick, she has the speed to lay up with anything. The way she won last time showed she is a very, very fast two-year-old. In my opinion, she would take some beating in any race over five furlongs and I think she will get six as well.” By Press Association Sport Reporters

Zavateri is primed for his tilt at the City of York Stakes, according to Eve Johnson Houghton, as 18 runners remained in contention for the seven-furlong Group One highlight at York on Ebor day. After a setback in the spring which ruled out a Guineas campaign and Royal Ascot, Johnson Houghton’s three-year-old colt is still looking for a first win this campaign. But a comeback race full of promise when fifth behind Bow Echo in the Sussex Stakes suggested he retained all his ability and now his trainer is keen to make up for lost time, back in trip to the seven furlongs on Saturday. “I think he was a bit ring rusty and he had a good blow at Goodwood so he probably needed it more than I thought he did,” said Johnson-Houghton. “But he has come on a bundle since and I couldn’t be happier with him. “I can’t see why he won’t run well at York. He is very, very straightforward. So absolutely it is all systems go for the race.” He could renew rivalry with Queen Anne winner Ten Bob Tony, a place and a length and a half a length ahead of him at Goodwood as well as Lennox Stakes winner Lake Forest, just under two lengths back in seventh, who was having his second run in two days. Lockinge winner Notable Speech may drop in trip while Japanese raider Satono Reve could be an intriguing runner stepping up from placed efforts in top sprints like the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes and the July Cup. Aidan O’Brien’s 1000 Guineas winner True Love spearheads a possible three-strong entry from Ballydoyle with Puerto Rico and Dorset also among the entries. Andrew Balding’s Flora Of Bermuda, Native Warrior, a Group Three winner at Leopardstown last time out, and Chipchase winner Paborus give Wathnan Racing a potentially strong hand. Lennox second Rogue Diplomat may get the chance to continue his upward progress at the highest level among the 18 who remain. Damysus will aim to go two places better than on the Knavesmire last time out following his third to Item in the York Stakes if lining up for the Group Two opener, the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes. The John and Thady Gosden-trained four-year-old will be one of the leading fancies for the nine-furlong contest which has attracted 14 entries at the five-day stage. Boiling Point (Karl Burke), Geryon (Ger Lyons), Persica (Richard Hannon) and Archivist (Hamd Al Jehani) are other notable entries. Burke and Wathnan Racing could also team up with the likely favourite when Wild Blossom bids to build on the promise of her Alice Keppel Stakes win at Goodwood in the Julia Graves Roses Stakes. Molecomb Stakes runner-up Adonius looks set to provide the stiffest competition in a race that has attracted 22 entries at the five-day stage. By Gideon Brooks, Press Association

The RM150,000 Group 1 Ipoh Ladies Gold Vase has attracted a capacity field of 15 runners at Perak Turf Club this Sunday afternoon, with the Set Weights conditions appearing to strongly favour the higher-rated contenders.

Ratings across the field range from 60 to 102, yet there is only a seven-kilogram spread in the weights. Top-rated LUCKY MAGIC carries 59kg, while the lowest-rated GRAPHJET EXPRESS gets in with 52kg. Under normal handicap conditions, the pair would almost certainly never meet on such terms. LUCKY MAGIC is a multiple Group 1 winner, whereas GRAPHJET EXPRESS would ordinarily be competing in Class 4 company. The compressed weight scale therefore gives the proven, higher-rated horses a considerable advantage on paper. Selangor-based pair LUCKY MAGIC and BANKER’S FIRST are among the leading contenders, with both bringing strong recent form at elite level. Despite conceding weight to most of their rivals, their class should take them a long way and they look difficult to beat if producing their best. VINCENT’S STAR finished second to BANKER’S FIRST last time out, beaten three lengths, but there are reasons to question whether he can turn the tables. He has yet to win beyond 1250m, and the 1kg weight swing in his favour may not be enough to bridge the margin from their latest encounter. The lightly raced BANKER’S SMILE and BANKER’S KINGDOM both make their Group 1 debuts this weekend and are among the more intriguing runners. BANKER’S SMILE may have found the mile a touch beyond him in a 4YO feature last start, so the drop back to 1400m looks ideal. He has won three of four starts over the distance and should be much better suited under these conditions. BANKER’S KINGDOM contested the same 4YO feature four weeks ago, where he was ridden more conservatively before finishing sixth, beaten only 1.5 lengths. He possesses tactical versatility, which could prove valuable in a large field, and he appears capable of taking the step up to Group 1 company. HEAVENLY WARRIOR is another runner deserving respect after winning three of his past five starts. Those victories have come in much lower grades, but he has been admirably consistent and may still have further improvement to come. This represents a significant rise in class, however, and Sunday will provide a much clearer indication of where he sits against the better horses. ERUPTION is perhaps one of the more interesting chances. After causing an upset two starts ago, the 1400m specialist showed that performance was no fluke when finishing a solid second behind ANTIPODEAN, who carries an MRA rating of 114. A repeat of that effort would put ERUPTION firmly in the Group 1 picture. With a maximum field engaged, a genuine tempo appears likely, which could bring the horses with the strongest turn of foot into play. LUCKY MAGIC, BANKER’S FIRST and BANKER’S KINGDOM all fit that profile and should appreciate a strongly run 1400m. That said, the Ipoh track can occasionally favour horses racing on or near the speed. The pattern of the earlier races will therefore be worth monitoring before making a final assessment, as any noticeable track bias could have a significant bearing on the outcome.