The Hayes clan is hoping FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin on Sunday, 27 April will be much more than an impromptu family reunion for David and Prue and their three sons Ben, Will and JD. They are also hoping for a big celebratory dinner later that night. In a unique twist, David and his co-trainer sons have runners in the three Group 1 features and they are all products of the Hayes’ famed Lindsay Park establishment at Euroa in Victoria. David Hayes will saddle sprinting sensation Ka Ying Rising in the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) and Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) hero Rubylot in the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m). Ben, Will and JD have nine-time Group 1 winner Mr Brightside primed for his attack on the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) in what will be the seven-year-old gelding’s first overseas assignment. The three Hayes boys are no strangers to Hong Kong, where they lived for 10 years during their father’s first training stint at Sha Tin where he was twice champion trainer in 1997/98 and 1998/99. Now back in Hong Kong for a second time, David Hayes is again making a huge impact and having Ka Ying Rising, the world’s highest-rated sprinter, has only enhanced his reputation. For JD Hayes and his brothers, they’re thrilled to be joining their father on such an important day in the Hong Kong racing calendar but they aren’t underestimating the task facing them and their stable favourite. “Hopefully it will be a big day for the family with Mr Brightside and with Dad having the favourite Ka Ying Rising in the sprint,” JD said. “It’s going to be a chock-a-block day with Rubylot, as well. “All three of the horses were at Lindsay Park, but (Mr) Brightside obviously never left, so all three came through the Lindsay Park school.” Hayes said both Ka Ying Rising and Rubylot were owned by syndicates who were open to trading them and Hong Kong “came knocking.” “Australia’s loss is Hong Kong’s gain,” JD said. “I would be lying to say that we would have declared him (Ka Ying Rising) the world champion or otherwise we probably would have never sold him on behalf of our clients. “But we thought he was definitely a nice horse and you can never measure how much a horse improves but he has improved out of sight obviously under dad’s care and with a bit of maturity. But he is only four so the best is yet to come.” Hayes is also proud to talk-up the star quality and consistency of Mr Brightside who has raced 43 times for 19 wins, 11 seconds and three thirds for prizemoney of AU$17.38 million (approx. HK$84 million). “He has been the model of consistency and rarely lets us down. He has won nine Group 1s and an All-Star Mile (1600m) before it was a Group 1 and he has run second in seven Group 1s,” he said. “I think he will represent Australia well.” Mr Brightside hasn’t raced since his narrow second in the All-Star Mile at Flemington on 8 March, but had his second jump-out over 780m which he won last Friday at Flemington. “He is absolutely spot on so he’ll get to Hong Kong and do a nice piece of work and he’ll be there in really good order,” Hayes said. “It’s a good field he is facing, especially the Hong Kong representation with Voyage Bubble. It’s definitely not going to be a walk in the park.” Mr Brightside arrived in Hong Kong on Monday (14 April) and will be under the care of foreman Ross Wishart until Ben Hayes flies in on Saturday. JD and Will plan to fly in just before the race. JD Hayes, who says he can speak some Chinese, hopes to train in Hong Kong in the future. Champion jockey Craig Williams will ride Mr Brightside. By Daryl Timms

Huge fields are the order of the day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday with a 10-race card on offer. Expect dividends to be high, so punters could be in for some fun if they crack it correctly. Without singing from the rooftops about anything, Mauritius Kestrel could pay to follow in race 6 over 1500m. A seriously talented two-year-old but perhaps nailed for being close-up behind the best of his generation, a gradual rating drop has brought Mauritius Kestrel back to life without a winning reward. He was rested between November and February when he missed the meat of the Cape Summer Festival Of Racing but with the long game in mind, it might be a blessing to get his confidence back, avoiding the current big names. His rating has gone from 105 to 99 in quick time. He would have needed his two runs back, but the progress has been encouraging. He finished fifth behind Gallic Dream on return. That form has been boosted a few times with Gallic Dream himself winning again. Mauritius Kestrel followed up with a pleasing 3,3-length third behind Captain West over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. World Of Pleasure has a margin of nearly three lengths ahead of Mauritius Kestrel, but the peak run angle of Mauritius Kestrel is enough to suggest that things could and should get far closer. Aldo Domeyer rides for Adam Marcus. That is not to suggest that World Of Pleasure cannot feature. He went down a nostril at his last run to Captain West to the extent that jockey Sean Veale thought he had won the race. He is an overachiever who throws everything at his rivals. The fact that one can expect a huge effort gives some confidence that he will give a customary honest run. Major Master is coming into his own but perhaps slightly short of confidence. He must have good days ahead of him and it would be no shock if he popped up and went on a streak. For now, he might be one run away from really coming to hand. Another rating dropper from the Marcus yard with a chance on the card is Hampstead Heath in race 7 over 1600m. She worked her way up the ranks with some pleasing runs to much better opposition than what she races with. Her form has dived recently but this is the weakest field she has run with for a while. Plus, she is back against her sex. Domeyer is carded to be aboard too. To point out a runner as the best bet on this card is not the easiest task but Electric Feels is in the form of her life and she should win again when she contests race 10 over 1000m. Jockey Mphumi Mjoka has worked this filly out and she has been perfectly placed by trainers Michelle Rix and Harold Crawford to keep her running at this level. She had a run-in that lasted a few strides but she has sustained that run for longer now. If she does not win, she should at least be very close. The rest of the card needs some close scrutiny. She’s My World has some feature race form to recommend and she returns from a short break in race 1 over 1000m. Muzi Yeni makes a rare appearance in Cape Town and he is carded to take the ride for Justin Snaith. Her last run came in late January when she finished fourth behind Wild Wild Green. The first-timers need a look because most of them have appealing genetics. Day In Day Out made a pleasing debut and the fact that his main rival, Rhydian, comes off a long break, could hand the advantage to the two-year-old out for his second career start. He is tipped to win race 2 over 1200m. He finished fourth behind Military Command over 1200m in February and Military Command appears to be one of the best youngsters in the country. Sun Dazed is not the most trustworthy around but his last run must stack him up as the horse to beat in race 3 over 1200m with Domeyer aboard for Candice Bass-Robinson. He was unlucky not to have won when he finished second 0,4 lengths behind Mont Loisir. He has not won since October 2023 which is a cause for concern but the level of opposition has also dropped. Miraculous could be worth a bet in race 4 over 1200m. Brett and James Crawford have this filly in good heart and she has had no luck at her last run despite nearly winning. At her last run she raced wide and with no cover. It was tough to watch but she was tough all the way to go down narrowly behind My Only Weakness at this course over 1400m. She runs in a straight line this time so she will not experience the same trip. Louis Mxothwa is carded to take the ride. It could be worth siding with Tres Chic in race 5 over 1400m. It is such a tricky race and the case for most of the rivals exists but Tres Chic has been giving glimpses of winning a race and she would not be taking the honours out of turn. Beer With The Boys is the typical late developer but he has found his stride and running consistently suggesting that a win might be coming again. His last start he gave some great sight to finish less than a length behind My Bestie who took the race by the scruff of the neck and made his effort last. Beer With The Boys was finding a finish late but he ran out of racecourse. He is tipped on top in race 8 over 1600m. Race 9 over 1600m looks like an exciting race because of the litany of chances involved and the rapidly improving youngsters and some of the field who has learned how to race. King’s Quest has a good level of ability but he has a question to answer over this distance. If he is mature enough for the trip, he looks like the right one under Domeyer.

Angus Chung successfully forged new territory on Sunday (13 April), posting his first Sha Tin treble crowned by Divano’s dominant victory in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 Healthy Community Handicap (1400m). After scoring on Tony Cruz pair Parents’ Love and Gustosisimo, Chung produced a clinical ride on Divano (112lb) in the afternoon’s feature to down Patch Of Theta (127lb) and Taj Dragon (122lb) in 1m 20.69s after trailing Invincible Sage and Drombeg Banner in the run. “I’ve got a treble at Happy Valley before but never Sha Tin – always a double,” Chung, 28, said. “I spoke to Divano’s owner (Chen Chun Man) and the trainer many, many times about this horse (Divano). I’ve been looking to ride the horse for a while and I’m glad I got the opportunity. “He could take a sit today. It was the same as the Class 2 (Gustosisimo) with two horses going quick and benefiting me. I could sit behind both times. It’s great to get a chance on good horses. Today is a success.” By Brave Smash, Divano improved his record to five wins from 14 starts and, with the winner’s purse of HK$2.08 million and a PPG Bonus of HK$1 million, the four-year-old boosted his earnings to HK$10.5 million. Purchased for AU$90,000 (approx. HK$438,700) at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Divano competed in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series before returning to form with a last-start third over 1400m under Ryan Moore on 23 March. Patiently ridden by Chung, the gelding rewarded reigning Hong Kong champion trainer Lui’s faith. “I think he keeps improving little by little. He’s more relaxed and once he relaxes, he can have a good turn of foot. In the (Hong Kong) Classic Mile (1600m), I think he learnt from that race,” Lui said. Last season’s Tony Cruz Award winner as Hong Kong’s leading homegrown jockey, Chung took his seasonal tally to 15 and his Hong Kong career haul to 92 with the success of Parents’ Love and Gustosisimo, who claimed a PP Top-Up Bonus of HK$1.5 million with success in the Class 2 Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy Handicap (1200m). Parents’ Love continued a productive season with his third win of the campaign, striking in the Class 4 JC Echoes Of Love Fund Handicap (1000m). Having his 10th start this preparation, the Deep Field gelding triumphed by a short head over Alsonso. Lui sealed a double when Winning Wing landed the Class 3 Advancing Culture & Sports Handicap (1800m) with Dylan Mo. A one-time winner in South Australia for Grant Young when he raced as Samid, Winning Wing is the first of G1 Australian Cup (2000m) victor Preferment’s progeny to win in Hong Kong. Chris So reached the 400-win milestone as a trainer with Hong Lok Golf’s success in the Class 3 Sustainability Handicap (1400m) under Harry Bentley and With A Smile’s victory in the Class 4 Thriving Youth Handicap (1400m) for Zac Purton. “400 wins, it’s good to celebrate,” So said. “12 seasons, 400 wins – not bad.” Me Tsui also celebrated a brace, striking with Wind Speeder who posted his first win since July, 2022 by leading virtually all of the way in the Class 5 Clap@JC Handicap (1200m) under Keith Yeung and Another Zonda, who gave James Orman his fourth win since moving to Hong Kong in the Class 4 Positive Ageing Handicap (1400m). Andrea Atzeni notched his 40th winner of the season when Ricky Yiu-trained Ahren swept to victory in the Class 4 JC Campsite Reimagination Project Handicap (1200m). A three-year-old by Hellbent, Ahren jumped smartly from gate 12 and moved into a striking position behind Lean Master before surging clear. “He’s learning so quick and he’s got a good temperament. When we work him in the mornings on his own, he’s very casual. We knew Lean Master would lead and that would make it easier for us,” Yiu said. Jamie Richards won the opening Griffins race of the season when The All Out fended off Quick Money under Purton to win the Racing For Charity Plate (1000m) by a short-head. By Brutal, the gelding provided Richards with his 13th victory of the campaign. “I would have liked to see him win a little easier, but a win’s a win. He’s got more improvement to come – he’s a big, strong horse and he’ll improve with more racing,” Richards said. “It didn’t go exactly to plan, he got a bit softened up in front and the horse that ran second got an easy time of it and was going to be strong late after trialling well at Conghua earlier in the week. “But The All Out’s got more scope for improvement yet, so hopefully he can go on with the job.” Frankie Lor’s Dream Winner produced an upset victory in the Class 3 Nurturing Talent Handicap (1000m) under Jerry Chau, triumphing at 65/1 in his first win since January, 2023 when he was unbeaten in three starts. Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday (16 April). By Leo Schlink

Leading rider Craig Zackey resumes his pursuit of the National Jockeys’ Championship at the 10-race Vaal fixture on Tuesday 15 April will likely add to his lead over nearest pursuer, reigning champion Richard Fourie, with a double on the card for trainer Sean Tarry. However, it should pay to follow rejuvenated Muzi Yeni who has rediscovered his mojo after an injury-enforced layoff and riding at the top of his game. He occupies fourth in the jockeys’ standings, despite watching from the sidelines earlier this season, and his seven rides on the card include no fewer than five with genuine chances of victory. The first of those is Alesian Beau in Race 2 over 1000m. This Vercingetorix gelding from the stable of Mike and Adam Azzie finished third under Yeni over the same distance 24 days ago when returning from a four-month break and he would have tightened up with the benefit of that encouraging comeback. Yeni take over the reins from suspended Gavin Lerena aboard Cadice Dawson-trained Desert Cloud and in Race 3, also over 1000m, and is unlikely to pass up the opportunity on the Gimmethegreenlight filly whose last start over 1200m does not accurately reflect her form or ability. In her two previous outings, both over 1000m, Desert Cloud finished second so a return to the shorter distance will be more to her liking and she need not improve much to open her account at the fourth attempt. Last-start winner King’s Express carries a three-point penalty in Race 6 over 1800m for his win over the same distance on Turffontein’s Inside track seven weeks ago. Yeni gave this Fabian Habib-trained son of Pomodoro a peach of a ride last time, overcoming a wide No 10 draw in a 12-horse field to race handy before making a winning move over 400m out. King’s Express kept going gamely under Yeni’s urgings to win by 0.25 lengths in a similar contest and the handicapper’s revised assessment may not be enough to prevent Habib’s charge from following up in his peak outing, especially from a more favourable No 3 gate. Lerena’s loss could again be Yeni’s gain in Race 7 where Mike de Kock’s Destiny Of Fire lines up over 1400m with a winning chance on her reappearance following a 68-day break. This consistent Master Of My Fate filly ran well in defeat – despite legitimate excuses – when finishing a close-up fourth over 1800m and she would have overcome those issues since. The shorter distance holds no fears for the relatively unexposed three-year-old filly who remains open to improvement. In Race 9 over 1400m, Pearl In Her Crown is good value to make a winning stable debut for Fanie Bronkhorst with Yeni retaining the ride, despite the Soqrat filly switching from Paul Matchett’s yard. Clive Robinson

Video Stars Race 4 No 6 GLACIATED His eighth-place finish on debut was better than it appears, as he settled off the speed in a slowly run race and finished strongly in the closing stages. Had he not been crowded late, he could have finished even closer. Stepping up to 1200m should suit his racing style this week, making him an intriguing runner to watch. Race 11 No 8 REGAL GEM Luck was not on his side during his local debut 25 days ago, as he endured a wide trip from an awkward draw, forcing him to cover extra ground. As a result, he raced one-paced in the straight and finished seventh over 1200m. Now fitter for his second-up run, he could sneak into the placings at odds, provided he gets a smoother trip. Sectional Stars Race 3 No 2 PODIUM He travelled wide in a 1600m race last time out, so it was no surprise to see him battle in the straight and finish sixth. Resuming from a break, he is expected to sprint well with fresh legs, especially with the drop to 1200m, a distance he has proven successful at before. Race 6 No 10 MAX QUE After jumping awkwardly from a wide draw last start, he showed little off the speed throughout. However, his second-fastest final 400m of 22.93 seconds suggests that his performance may have been underestimated. With a clean getaway, he looks capable of securing a spot in the Top 3.

A top-tier day of racing awaits at Longchamp this Sunday (April 13), with a number of Group 3 contests for three-year-olds headlining the card — each showcasing some of last season’s standout juveniles. Two of the day’s features, the 1600m Prix de la Grotte (fillies) and the 1600m Prix de Fontainebleau (colts and geldings), serve as key trials for the French 1000 and 2000 Guineas (Poules d’Essai). In the Prix de la Grotte, attention will centre on Zarigana, the highly regarded granddaughter of champion Zarkava. After a perfect start to her career, including a Group 3 Prix d’Aumale win, she was narrowly defeated — beaten by a nose — in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac. Now a leading 13/8 favourite for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and listed at 16/1 for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Francis Graffard-trained filly carries high expectations into her seasonal return. Her main challenger could be the unbeaten Safia, who impressed in her two career starts to date. She made a strong seasonal comeback with a determined victory at Saint-Cloud late last month, suggesting there’s more to come. The Prix de Fontainebleau marks the return of Misunderstood, who won his first two starts — most notably a 4.5-length triumph in the Group 3 Prix des Chênes. Despite a third-place finish in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère, he retains high regard. Also in the mix is Darius Cen, a Listed winner in the Prix Omnium II and viewed with optimism by trainer Victoria Head. The colt has shown considerable potential and will look to stake his Classic claims on Sunday.

Track Two will be used for Races 1 and 2 while Races 3 to 11 will be contested on the A6 course for this Saturday’s eleven race program at the Selangor Turf Club. An enthralling clash is expected in the 1400m Max Two Stakes (Race 5) with last start winners CINNAMON BLAZE and CHEVAL PEGASUS expected to head the markets in the set weights contest. CINNAMON BLAZE has won twice from his last three starts and his Open Novice victory here three weeks ago suggests he will be hard to take down again. Leading throughout to score by 7.25 lengths, the five-year-old was never in doubt and he is likely to lead from pole position this Saturday. CHEVAL PEGASUS, unbeaten in two runs locally, does have plenty of promise also and is more of a sit sprinter. The three-year-old defeated a handy Class 4 lineup last start and will go up 6kg in the weights. Recent G1 Perak Derby winner, LUCKY MAGIC returns in the 1600m Supreme B event (Race 7) and should continue the winning streak as he aims for his fourth successive victory. The two-time group winner is in career best form and with two from two at the track and distance, the four-year-old looks the testing material again. Last year’s G1 Singapore Gold Cup winner, SMART STAR should provide some stiff opposition after finishing fourth behind LUCKY MAGIC in the Derby and trainer Charles Leck will take over the gelding’s preparation. An interesting runner going around in Race 8 is former Australian galloper, THUNDEROUS. Previously known as Das Kapital, the four-year-old was formerly trained by top conditioner, Ciaron Maher and will be first up since May last year. Breaking the maiden tag in January 2024, THUNDEROUS maintained solid form as a three-year-old against the older performers chalking three minor placings in succession prior to spelling. Selangor trainer Simon Dunderdale has enjoyed some success with these former Aussies in the past and THUNDEROUS is a newcomer to watch. If the local punters are patient enough, THUNDER STAR on the downgrade may be worth following in Race 11 with inform jockey Carlos Henrique in the saddle. The six-year-old has posted two wins and two placings from five local runs and missed a place for the first time in Malaysia last start. Beaten for early pace on that occasion, he never looked comfortable. Now with the Sharee Hamilton stable, the return to Class 5 grade plus the booking of a more senior jockey should see the six-year-old bounce back to better form. The consistent LIM’S SINAI should never be left out of calculations on the six-day back up while SMOKE AND MIRRORS is a proven Class 5 performer when based in Kranji and is one to consider first up in the country.

One of the world’s top horses is gunning for her 7th Group 1 victory this season, with the world’s best jockey in the saddle, and one of the most successful trainers in recent history calling the shots. This thrilling showdown takes place at Royal Randwick, Sydney, Australia, on Day 2 of The Championships, in one of the highest-rated races on the global calendar. And it’s all happening with the World Pool in action! Via Sistina will face a world-class field in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes this Saturday, and it could be her toughest test yet. Her resume speaks volumes, but to claim the title of best, she’ll need to conquer a formidable lineup. Dubai Honour, a Group 1 winner from the UK and trained by the legendary William Haggas, will be in her way. Rousham Park, from Japan, will also pose a threat, with Christophe Lemaire, one of the world’s finest jockeys, looking to steal the spotlight. But that’s just the start. Light Infantry Man, winner of the Group 1 Australian Cup, and last year’s dual Group 1 winner Ceolwulf, at his ideal 2000m distance, are both in the mix. Tom Kitten, the Group 1 All Star Mile victor and part of the Godolphin powerhouse, is another contender. Vauban, hitting career-best form in Australia after making waves in Europe, and Full Count Felicia, a Group 1 winner in North America, are also eyeing the top prize. It’s no wonder this race is one of the highest-rated worldwide. SKY Racing’s Brad Gray and Kiersten Duke break down the field and help you find the winner.

Eleven-time South African Champion Jockey Michael Roberts has always rated the New Zealand-bred Sledgehammer as the best horse he ever rode in South Africa. None in Sunday’s field in the World Sports Betting Sledgehammer (Listed) will ever rise to those lofty heights but they will have punters pondering. Andre Nel saddles Selukwe who was a comfortable winner of a minor feature last time out and that form has since been franked. He took a six-point rise in the handicap and takes on useful company but a repeat will see him close. Justin Snaith fires this first salvos leading into South Africa’s Champion Season and sends out Legal Counsel who won his last two in the Cape. The gelding looks progressive and with a light weight he will be a big contender. Stable companion Rapidash has been up against top opposition in the Cape and although a distant second last run, The Real Prince is not in this line-up. Alec Laird only has one runner on the day and Command Pilot may just have needed his last run and has a money chance. The World Sports Betting Highland Night Cup will have Frank Robinson planning for the big staying features coming up in the next three months. Shoot The Rapids made a smart return to the track after a lengthy break when a close-up second last run. He stays well  and at best will go close again. Snaith sends out Master Of Paris who arrives with useful recent Cape form over shorter. He gets 9kg from Shoot The Rapids which could make things difficult for Robinson’s charge. Cape Eagle is never far off them and stays the trip. He will be a big runner. Raiseahallelujah ran well below form last time out and the run is best ignored. He stays well and is not without a chance. The filly Scarlet Lady was one of the finest sprinters of her time so it is a bit ironic that The Scarlet Lady is run over 1750m. Whatever, Spirit Of Levana  was scratched from her last intended start on the grounds of an  interrupted work programme. Hopefully she is up to peak fitness now and she can make amends for being a beaten favourite last run. The blinkers have been exchanged for cheek pieces. Miss Platina was quietly fancied in the King’s Cup last run but it was a tough ask but the form of her penultimate start has worked out well. Celtic Beauty is useful and set the pace in a sprint last run in a good blow-out for this race. She will much prefer this trip.  Mascherina is seldom far back and has a strong money chance. Snaith can get his Champions Season campaign off on a winning note with Gran Canaria in the first leg of the PA. The gelding comes with smart Cape form and looks the part although Amandla Ngawethu started favourite in his Highveld debut after showing promising Cape form. The step up in trip should suit. It is a competitive card and punters will need to do their homework and also keep an eye on the market before making their decisions. The first leg of the Pick 6 is an open handicap but Greenlight Queen  Open handicap made steady improvement leading up to her recent maiden win. That form has panned out quite well and she can go in again. Princess Goldie was also a recent maiden winner but comes from a very much in-form stable. The step up in trip from a good draw should see her in with a strong chance. Buttercup Baby has a tricky draw to negotiate but was doing her best work late last run and will appreciate the extra furlong. Emerald Queen was drawn on Marriott Road last start so that run is best ignored. She is smart on her day. In the eighth Happy Analia found one too good for her in stable companion Tara Sands Last run but there was very little in it. She could find this trip a touch sharp but is in good form. B Fiftytwo has been knocking at the door for some time now and the apprentice has been replaced by Andrew Fortune. Michael Roberts holds a strong hand with four of his Hollywoodbets Scottsville specialists in the field. Best could be Northern Warrior who has shown some of his best form over course and distance and is in good form at present. Stable companion Philispiel is over his best course and distance with a 4kg claimer aboard. His last run is best ignored. The final leg of the Pick 6 does not get any easier but On Board made a winning local debut after showing some modest Cape form but can follow up in this company. Dawn Surprise was a beaten favourite last run after a smart previous effort. She is 1kg worse off with Prized Platinum on their last meeting given the apprentice claim. Jaap Visser is a rare visitor and saddles three runners. Si Veloce was much improved last run and could be the pick although Perini Palace is more consistent but his current recent form is over further.

Across the country, three-year-olds have shone against their older rivals at feature race level. One Stripe, Eight On Eighteen, Fire Attack have all taken big scalps against the tried and tested and well-performed elders. If that trend is to be backed up, Garrix could be the next promising youngster to win a feature race against good opposition. He runs in race 7, the Grade 3 Variety Club Mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. Garrix showed his worth by running close-up at Grade 1 level through the Cape Summer Racing Festival behind Eight On Eighteen in the Splashout Cape Derby over 2000m in February. He lacked that little extra late after looking like a serious threat for much of the run home. There has always been doubt whether he has the stamina for a true 2000m race but there is no doubting his game for this 1600m trip. Despite being a two-time winner from six starts, he has never really had the rub of the green. Three runs back he finished fifth, 3,8 lengths behind Sail The Seas over this course and distance. From a shocking draw of No 15, he dropped out and was forced to make headway. He made up ground from a distant position but the race was all over. He then had no charm with the slow-run race in the Grade 3 City Of Cape Town Politician Stakes over 1800m in late January. The idea was clearly to drop him out but he took a hold off a walking pace and he was forced to loop runners. He was hardly disgraced, finishing 2,75 lengths behind Zeitz in second place. This time he has drawn No 3 and a light weight of 52,5kg. Ashton Arries rides particularly well for Piet Steyn so there is already some harmony from that point. Garrix has better days to come and he could start a seriously good last three quarters of 2025 with a bang here. One could argue that The Grey King was moving up to threaten All Out For Six in the HSH Princess Charlene Big Cup last month when interference occurred, and he was the victim of the incident. Bygones are bygones and he has a chance to turn it all around. If there is a feature attainable for him this winter, it is probably this race. Craig Zackey is carded to be aboard again and he gets the most out of the quirky character. Rascallion won this race last year. He is pound-for-pound the best horse in the race, certainly the best performed. His run in the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met in late January was admirable as always finishing a 1,2-length fifth behind Eight On Eighteen. He has the roughest of the draws in gate No. 11 but he gets the sympathetic hands of Andrew Fortune, which could be a masterstroke. Expect a solid effort if he does not win. Kinda Wonderful somehow emerges on the big occasion despite having mixed form. She is a classy three-year-old filly and she could continue the trend of youngsters against older opposition in the Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes over 1400m, race 6. Her effort in the Grade 1 Maine Chance Farms Majorca Stakes over 1600m was full of merit, finishing fourth behind Rascova. That level is sufficient to win. Trainer Eric Sands seems to have prepped her well for this run with a five-week break going into this. Her last start was a 1,5-length second behind Give Me Everything in the Schweppes Cape Oaks over 1800m. Give Me Everything has won again since and she clearly has more to come. Craig Zackey is carded to ride for Sands. Miss World and Rainbow Lorikeet make appeal as dangers. Miss World has talent but she has underachieved but would be no shock if she put everything together and gave Kinda Wonderful a fright while Rainbow Lorikeet broke through during summer but this distance is short of her best. Regardless, she has come of age and would not be a shock winner. La Pulga looks set to win race 8 over 1800m. If The Grey King goes close a race earlier in a race roughly two divisions stronger than this, he should take a power of beating. His run in the Gold Rush was admirable staying on to finish 1,75 lengths behind All Out For Six in second. He made up ground too late over 1400m, a distance short of his best. He has clearly found his stride after taking time to show the promise trainer Candice Bass-Robinson expected. He has bloomed over the last few months and the extra trip is key to his chances. Sean Veale takes the ride with just 55,5kg on his back. The rest of the card stacks up with big fields and an open look to it. Ashikule ran a cracker on debut to finish 2,5 lengths behind Military Command in second. Miliary Command subsequently won the Cape Racing Sales Cape Slipper for a princely sum. Ashikule runs against some very well-bred debutants but it will take a good one to beat him in race 1 over 1100m. There is less inspiring form to work with in race 2 so check the betting on all first timers. Marketa could have the best run on offer because she finished third on debut, 3,3 lengths behind Cliffscape. She stayed on very strongly, too, so if she has learned anything, she should take a huge step forward. Corne Orffer is carded to be aboard for Greg Ennion. Cape Captain is due her win and she has a great opportunity in race 3 over 1200m. Her last run took her closest to winning when she finished a 1,25-length second behind the well-overdue Lhasa over this course and distance. To be fair, she had no answer to the winner but this field looks at a similar level. Trainer Des McLachlan is having a good start to 2025 and that should enhance some confidence. Tripping Thunder would be a deserving winner of race 4 over 1000m. He has found consistency and he has been banging at the Maiden Plate exit door for a while. He has a habit of finding something better but he just looks set to be the next off the conveyor belt. There are a few rivals who enter the considerations for similar reasons. Heritage Ridge would not be a wildly out-of-place winner, while Gimmeathrill needed his last run when ending up fourth, not far behind Sugarbush. Race 5 stacks up as an interesting event with a few hints of rapid progress among the field. Gold Dust has only two starts under his belt and he looks set to continue on the right track. His debut was fair but his next start he finished 1,3 lengths behind Dubbelosix at 1600m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. He drops to 1400m and this looks like the right time and the right place to strike. Zackey and Sands team up. Threats include Vapour Trail, Konnichiwa and Gimme The Best. Race 9 over 1100m could be the race of the day in terms of competitiveness with some rapidly improving horses in the equation. Preference is for Gimmelightning who was tested and given a challenge when seemingly outgunned in the Grade 2 De Grendel Cape Merchants in December. He ran a ripper, 3,55 lengths behind Outlaw King in fifth keeping faith that there would be wins to come. He was simply run off his feet at his next start behind Candy Town which was hardly an embarrassment. He is selected to win under JP van der Merwe for Justin Snaith. Kaiboy has held his form and he is an exciting three-year-old going forward who would not be a shock winner. Elusive Winter has found life. Trainers Michelle Rix and Harold Crawford have this gelding running in good heart and he cannot be ignored. Nordic Chief is fresh off a smart win while Arctic Wizard ran into traffic last time and he should finish closer. All of them warrant respect if Gimmelightning fails to fire up. United Nation could be the right horse in race 10 over 1000m. He returned off a mini-break in his last run when he gave plenty of cheek before falling short in third behind Peace Of Mind. He should be better for the run under the belt. Rattlesnake should go close again but he has been costly to follow lately losing his penultimate in the Stipes’ Boardroom and then finishing second in his last run.

Riding with supreme confidence, Hugh Bowman’s growing winning streak continued with a treble at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (9 April) as the Australian struck success for the fourth consecutive Hong Kong meeting. Bowman triumphed on Stellar Swift for David Hayes in the second section of the Class 4 King’s Park Handicap (1200m), Danny Shum’s Harmony Galaxy in the Class 4 Wylie Handicap (1800m) and Mark Newnham’s Casa Rochester in the Class 4 Oi Man Handicap (1650m) to maintain impressive momentum with six wins from his past 31 rides. “I had nice rides coming into the meeting and you don’t expect them all to win. This guy (Casa Rochester) had an awkward barrier (gate eight) but he was aided by a frantic speed and I did think he would be a better horse ridden to hit the line and it proved right,” said Bowman, who boosted his haul for the season to 56 wins, a tally bettered only by Zac Purton’s 88. “I think he’s still pretty immature and lacks strength, he might have more in store. “Stellar Swift was courageous over 1400m last time and I think David (Hayes) made a huge judgement call to come back to 1200m and it proved to be right. He travelled beautifully throughout, there was a bit of traffic to contend with but when I needed him to lift, he did it for me.” Four-year-old Harmony Galaxy had six starts in Brazil as Empire Of The Nile, twice finishing third at Group 1 level and transferred to Hong Kong on a mark of 68 and snared three minor placings before striking tonight as a 55-rater. “Harmony Galaxy has been a work in progress, he needs to relax to produce his best and I was a bit worried going past the post for the first time that he wasn’t settling for me but then the pace increased and he got into a really beautiful rhythm,” Bowman said. “I thought he got to the front with a bit in hand and he floated a bit and waited so, again, he’s still got more up his sleeve but it was great to win for him and the connections.” Colourful King continued his sharp rise with an electrifying sprint under Andrea Atzeni to land the Class 3 Hong Kong China Rugby Cup Handicap (1000m) for David Eustace. “He was impressive today. The race looked like it was going to set up well for him as they were clearly going to go pretty quick up front which would certainly help. But having said that, he won with authority,” Eustace said. “We were confident he would improve. This was only his third start and he trained on really nicely, so we came here hopeful.” With two wins from three starts, the Blue Point gelding’s only unplaced run came on debut at Sha Tin on 16 February. “His first run down the straight at Sha Tin certainly had merit and that was only his first start. I think we would get 1200m but I certainly wouldn’t want to rush there either so I’d like to keep him to 1000m if we could,” said Eustace, who trained a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday (6 April).” Flying Fortress benefited from a brilliant Harry Bentley ride to win the Class 3 Mong Kok Handicap (1650m) for Cody Mo as Michael Chang-trained Sovereign Fund prevailed in the first section of the Class 4 King’s Park Handicap (1200m) under Karis Teetan. Caspar Fownes-trained Verbier broke through at his 14th start, leading all the way for Luke Ferraris to land the Class 5 Yau Ma Tei Handicap (1650m) before Dennis Yip’s Northern Fire Ball won the third section of the Class 4 King’s Park Handicap (1200m) for Jerry Chau. A son of Sooboog, the three-year-old improved his record to two wins and two minor placings from nine starts. Hong Kong International Sale graduate Golden Empire posted his seventh victory from 38 starts under Keagan De Melo for Francis Lui to take his earnings to HK$8.67 million with a defiant front-running display. Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (13 April). By Leo Schlink

There are some nice races to look forward to at Fairview on Friday, and hopefully the rain stays away so we can enjoy a full meeting on the turf. The pick of the card is Race 7 – the Fairview Flying Five (Listed) over 1000m – where star sprinter King Dundee can return to winning ways. The United States gelding has won four of his seven starts, finishing second on two other occasions. He was narrowly denied last time out by the top-class Fairy Knight over 1200m, but is better judged on his penultimate start, when he was a dominant winner over this course and distance. Craig Zackey, who has partnered him in all four victories, is back aboard and knows exactly how to get the best out of the Gavin Smith-trained gelding. Smith could also strike early in Race 1, a Juvenile Plate over 1000m, where he sends out a strong pair in Ready and Priceless Treasure. Ready ran a promising second just last week and with Zackey taking the ride again, he looks the one to beat. Trainer Alan Greeff will also be out to make his mark and holds a strong hand in Race 4 – the East Cape Oaks (Listed) over 2000m. He sends out two fillies, both of whom arrive on the back of hat-trick wins. Stable jockey Richard Fourie opts for Lotus Island, who is likely to go off favourite, but her stablemate, First, has done nothing wrong and could push her all the way. Clive Robinson

An in-form David Eustace hopes Colourful King (128lb) can continue to advance when the three-year-old contests the Class 3 Hong Kong China Rugby Cup Handicap (1000m) under Andrea Atzeni on Wednesday night (9 March) at Happy Valley. Eustace revelled in a first Hong Kong treble on Sunday (7 April) at Sha Tin and the 32-year-old is eyeing more momentum when he saddles four runners – Brave Witness, Colourful King, Jumbo Fortune and Charity Together – at tomorrow’s nine-race card. Sired by Blue Point, Colourful King has raced twice in Hong Kong, winning his most recent effort by a nose over Youthful Spirits (134lb), who he reopposes from barrier four following that victory laden with courage and aptitude on 19 March. “He did by the barest of margins. It certainly looked like luck went our way that night and it’s good to get the win obviously. He’s a horse who I think will continue to improve. “He’s the type of horse who is a still a bit nervy and a bit unsure of himself, so I think he can gradually improve with the more racing he has,” Eustace said. “It was great to get the win and hopefully he can keep progressing.” Youthful Spirits steps away from gate eight. Harmony N Blessed (135lb), Eternal Fortune (131lb), Casa Of Honor (126lb), Seasons Wit (123lb), Basic Instinct (120lb), Watch This One (119lb), King Eccellente (117lb) and Multidutch (116lb) complete the field. “It does look like they’ll go fairly quick and he has a nice gate to stalk and be strong late. The encouraging thing for me as well is that he looks like he’ll get 1200 (metres), especially around the Valley when asked to. It does just give us options,” Eustace said. Eustace has 23 wins through his first season training in Hong Kong. His treble last weekend came via Regency Happy Star, Good Luck Babe and Sea Sapphire. “You obviously don’t go expecting that by any means but I thought we had a strong hand and the horses were racing well. Hoping to get one, maybe two but to get three was a great thrill. It shows the horses are in good form and the staff are working hard and well,” Eustace said. Jerry Chau seeks wins at consecutive fixtures when he gets the leg up on Super Joy N Fun in the Class 3 Ho Man Tin Handicap (1200m) for trainer Benno Yung. The pair missed by three quarters of a length last start on 19 March. “Last time he had a good draw and we found the perfect position. He finished well and he always tries hard,” Chau said. “Before last time we put him at Sha Tin and tried the 1400 metres – he didn’t show better (form) than at Happy Valley, that’s why we’re back to his best distance and course.” Karis Teetan also jubilated with a three-timer on Sunday. He goes for a first win with Triumphant Warrior for trainer Danny Shum in the third section of the Class 4 King’s Park Handicap (1200m). “I thought he ran a good race last time from where he came from (barrier 11). He seems to be running well lately. I am looking forward to riding him,” Teetan said. “Danny has the horse in really good form – I galloped him yesterday (Monday, 7 April) and he felt good.” Matthew Poon worked two key FWD Champions Day hopes in barrier trials this morning (Tuesday, 8 April) ahead of the HK$74 million showcase on 27 April at Sha Tin. Stepping out in the first heat ahead of a possible HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) return, Lucky Sweynesse broke smoothly from the wide draw before picking up between runners to win in 57.95s over 1000m on turf at Sha Tin. “I think with every trial he is getting better and better. Now he is almost ready to race, if he pulls up well, then he is almost ready to race,” Poon said. Lucky Sweynesse hasn’t competed since April, 2024. He is a 16-time winner – including four times at Group 1 level – from 24 career starts in Hong Kong. Ahead of a budding clash with Australian star Mr Brightside in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), Ricky Yiu’s Voyage Bubble impressed Poon as he crossed in first over the mile on turf in 1m 36.68s. “He jumped super, he knows what to do – he travelled nicely and relaxed. I just asked him a little bit and he quickens. How good is that? He’s so relaxed, he jumps super and then next to other horses he can switch off, save energy and then you give him a little signal and he just goes,” Poon said. Wednesday’s (9 April) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Yau Ma Tei Handicap (1650m). By Declan Schuster

Continuing a prodigious rise among Hong Kong’s training ranks, David Eustace celebrated the first treble of his career in the city on Sunday afternoon (6 April) at Sha Tin following the victories of Regency Happy Star, Good Luck Babe and Sea Sapphire. “I thought we were coming here with a strong team and probably our first three runners proved that with two winners and a second. This is a nice surprise. They’ve all raced well and consistent, so it’s very pleasing,” Eustace said. Enjoying a rewarding first campaign in Hong Kong with 23 wins, Eustace, 32, – formerly in partnership with Ciaron Maher in Australia – struck initially with Regency Happy Star in the Class 5 Chung Chi Alumni Handicap (1400m) under Alexis Badel. Eustace said: “He’s had a terrific season – just gaining confidence and relaxing very well now in his races. Obviously, the distance and the track is perfect for him and he’s been ridden beautifully by Alexis. It’s going to start to get a bit tougher, but hopefully we can have one more go in Class 5. I think we probably should for one more run.” Regency Happy Star has won three of his last five starts. Good Luck Babe outlasted rivals in the Class 4 United Alumni Handicap (1600m) under Karis Teetan, while Sea Sapphire (118lb) showed plenty of fight to capture the Class 4 CUHK Alumni Cup Handicap (1200m) with Ben Thompson over debut winner Akashvani (135lb). Eustace’s previous best Hong Kong hauls were two doubles, while Teetan’s own treble began aboard Top Throne, who made his second start a winning one for trainer David Hayes in the second section of the Class 4 New Asia Alumni Handicap (1200m). “He ran great in his first run. He actually did many things wrong but to still run where he ran was a great effort and we thought he would always improve from that, which he did,” Teetan said. Teetan closed his three as youngster Mr Cool surged to a first victory at his second start in the Class 4 Morningside Alumni Handicap (1400m) for trainer Frankie Lor. The Maurice gelding races for the same owner as former Group 1 star Mr Stunning. “Things have been a bit slow but I just kept my head down and kept punching along. I thought I had a few decent rides today and some of the draws went my way, too. “It’s turned out to be a great day. I said to the owner ‘this is one of my favourite set of silks’ in Hong Kong because of Mr Stunning. On debut at Happy Valley, he just didn’t know where he was but he ran a great race and we knew he would improve a lot. “You could see today, not many horses won from where he was but the speed was on and I was happy where I was. When I asked him, he really responded well and I just want to say well done to the connections and well done to all the trainers sticking with me and giving me support – I really appreciate it,” Teetan said. One of Hong Kong racing’s most dependable performers, Voyage Samurai (121lb) added a fifth win at his 13th start to his burgeoning record this afternoon in the Class 2 Faculty Of Education Alumni Handicap (1600m) under Derek Leung for Lor. Pressing forward atop the Dissident gelding, Leung made all for victory in the HK$3.12 million contest with Voyage Samurai, who stopped the clock at 1m 34.78s ahead of Helene Feeling (135lb) and Winning Dragon (125lb), respectively. Leung said: “Finally, I got another win on him! He’s been very honest this season and even before. He was just beaten last time by a better horse, this time the field didn’t seem as strong. He controlled the pace and he didn’t mind the fast tempo – I’m happy.” Sky Jewellery – touted as a 2026 Four-Year-Old Classic Series prospect – continued his sparkling ascendance with a dominant victory in the Class 3 Wu Yee Sun And Lee Woo Sing Alumni Handicap (1600m) under Hugh Bowman for trainer John Size. Bowman said: “He’s a nice horse. He’s still learning his trade though but he was aided by a really solidly run mile. When he got in amongst horses, that was the first time he’s had that, he was a bit new to it but he had time to get himself together and understand what was going on. “I had a clear passage when I needed to move and I had time to get him organised before I let him down and the response was there for everyone to see.” Geneva scooped a third win this season from six runs. David Hall’s Capitalist gelding was the beneficiary of a superb Brenton Avdulla drive in the Class 3 Shaw Alumni Handicap (1200m) – his first success in the grade at his 10th start. Avdulla savoured a double when Brilliant Express – also trained by Size – netted his third win in the Class 3 S.H. Ho And CW Chu Alumni Handicap (1400m). Avdulla now has 36 triumphs this season and holds fourth place in the Hong Kong jockeys’ standings. Jerry Chau guided Embellish gelding Chateau Le Peche to a first win by a short head for trainer Jimmy Ting in the Class 5 Graduate School Alumni Handicap (2000m). Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (9 April). By Declan Schuster

Highveld big-hitters Tony Peter and Sean Tarry dominate the midweek card on Turffontein’s Standside track on Tuesday 8 April, with both powerhouse stables good value for three race victories at the eight-race fixture so punters will do well to follow either – or both – leading trainers by taking advantage of several attractive betting propositions out of both yards. Tarry-trained Golden Alexia turned in a disappointing performance behind highly regarded Immediate Edge in her last start, but the daughter of Pomodoro had legitimate excuses for that display. She was found to be not striding out in a post-race examination by the on-course veterinarian so that run is best ignored. On the evidence of her two previous outings, Tarry’s charge needs only to bounce back to her earlier form to win the 1400m opener (Race 1) under work rider Mkhumbuzi. Stablemate Green Street filled the runners-up spot for the second time in three starts when last seen and this Tarry-trained Gimmethegreenlight filly needn’t improve much – if at all – to go one better and open her account in Race 4 over 1400m with title-chasing Craig Zackey aboard. Consistent stayer To The Rescue chased home veteran hard-knocker Romeo’s Magic over 2400m last time out but Tarry’s charge meets his familiar foe on 2.5kg better terms for a 2.40-length beating so is good value to avenge that defeat under regular rider Kabelo Matsunyane in their course-and-distance rematch in Race 6. Gavin Lerena, who is embroiled in a three-way title tussle with Zackey and Richard Fourie for the National Jockeys’ Championship, will likely boot home each of Peter’s three winners on the day. Querari filly Art Nouveau should break her duck in Race 5 over 1800m while stablemate Hong Kong, an Ideal World filly, is expected to double her account in Race 8 over 1160m after an encouraging comeback second over 1200m last month. Peter’s highly rated three-year-old Buffalo Storm Cody couldn’t have been more impressive on his return from a rest, during which he was gelded, as he spreadeagled his opposition to win by more than eight lengths over 1200m just 19 days ago. This son of Buffalo Bill Cody copped a six-penalty for that performance but remains open to improvement and is probably still ahead of the handicapper, so it could pay to follow his progress in Race 7 over 1160m. Clive Robinson

Video Stars Race 3 No 5 DAZZLING FIT He had no luck on debut 22 days ago, traveling smoothly off the speed before running into trouble in the straight. Between the 200m and 100m, he struggled for clear galloping room, and by the time he found daylight in the concluding stages, the race was already beyond reach. Despite this setback, his sixth-place finish was creditable, and with better luck in running, he has every chance to make amends second-up. Race 8 No 7 SHAMUS STORM The change of tactics didn’t work in his favour last time out, as he settled closer to the speed but weakened in the straight, finishing eighth over this track and distance. Before that, he showed promise on debut, finishing a strong second after running on well. His impressive recent trial suggests he will revert to a more conservative racing style, and with that adjustment, improvement is expected. Sectional Stars Race 4 No 2 BEATO Well-rated in Class 4, he flashed home late to grab third over this track and distance last time out, despite encountering minor traffic issues in the straight. With his sharp turn of foot, he will be a major threat late—provided the race unfolds in his favour. Race 7 No 4 C P BRAVE It’s worth overlooking his last start, where he showed little after settling off the speed from a wide draw. Instead, focus on his eye-catching effort two starts ago, when he finished strongly into third in a slowly run race. Notably, the winner, MOMENTS IN TIME, has since franked the form with a solid third in a subsequent Group 2 feature.