Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges has hailed 2025 FWD Champions Day as one of the best editions of the flagship meeting in a “very long period of time” after Ka Ying Rising, Red Lion and Japan’s Tastiera took Group 1 honours at Sha Tin on Sunday (27 April). With an overall attendance of 46,186, today’s gathering included a FWD Champions Day record of 8,244 guests from the Mainland, as well as 1,083 international attendees. Lauding the performances of the world’s highest-rated sprinter Ka Ying Rising in the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), Red Lion in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) and Tastiera in the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m), Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Club’s strategy of staging world-class racing and entertainment events was working. “We want to provide more world-class racing and entertainment and from the feedback we have so far, we have definitely achieved this. We will always improve and never stand still because permanent improvement is one of the values we have,” he said. “It was one of the biggest FWD Champions Day for a very long period of time and which we see as a success. “I would like to thank our team for a terrific effort for putting on marvellous events throughout the week – from the barrier draw, the welcome party and today’s race meeting, which had a tremendous atmosphere with tremendous performances on the track. “Looking at the performances of horses today, there’s one performance which was completely dominant and we are very glad to see the world’s best sprinter in Ka Ying Rising. He showed how good he is and how he can dominate the field. That created a wonderful atmosphere. “Then in the FWD Champions Mile, we had a tremendous fight to the line between Red Lion and Voyage Bubble and then another fight in the inquiry room. These two horses gave their very best and showed that Hong Kong milers are extremely strong. “In the last race, the Japanese Derby winner Tastiera showed his true class in winning the race, while Prognosis seemingly can never win a Group 1 but can always run second. We were very glad to see a new visitor from Bahrain with Calif coming third.” Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges paid tribute to champion Japanese mare Liberty Island who could not be saved after suffering a leg injury in the FWD QEII Cup. “Unfortunately, Liberty Island could not be saved and that is something which spoilt a fabulous meeting. I want to really honour Liberty Island, who was a great racing filly and it is really sad.” Turnover was HK$1.52 billion, which was slightly down on 2024. “The overseas market is up by nearly 10 percent which shows again that World Pool and commingling is definitely something I think we can build on and I think this shows that Hong Kong racing, despite geo-political and economic challenges, is going from strength to strength.” Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges thanked FWD Hong Kong for its ongoing support and praised the spectacular performances of K-Pop idol MINNIE of (G) I-DLE and pop diva Joey Yung in the Parade Ring before the meeting. Mr Andrew Harding, Hong Kong Jockey Club Executive Director, Racing, said: “This has been one of the best editions of FWD Champions Day in quite some time. I really want to single out the efforts in terms of recruitment with the breadth and quality of the horses recruited this year, which was simply outstanding and it was marvellous to see new jurisdictions participating in this fabulous day. “I would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsor, FWD, for what has been a fantastic day of racing.”

Tastiera was triumphant on his return to Sha Tin as Japan’s 2023 G1 Tokyo Yushun (2400m) hero dominated a thrilling renewal of the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (27 April). The five-year-old showed his aptitude for top-class racing in Hong Kong when third to Romantic Warrior in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) in December. The local champion had won this contest for the last three years but sat it out this time, leaving Tastiera to stamp his class on a glittering international field for rider Damian Lane for trainer Noriyuki Hori. “Noriyuki Hori is an amazing conditioner of horses and this horse is just a star,” Lane said. “It’s a great success for Carrot Farm. It’s just a privilege. It’s what it’s all about. I just feel privileged and lucky to be here on these days, let alone having great chances on these horses. “It is what being a jockey is all about, competing in these big international carnivals. It’s very rewarding.” While it was Lane’s first victory in the HK$28 million race, it was Hori’s second after Neorealism’s success in 2017. It was Japan’s seventh win in the contest since 2002. “I’m very, very grateful for all the support from the Jockey Club to travel to Hong Kong and give us a great opportunity to come over here,” Hori said. “It’s been a while since my last runner in Hong Kong, but I’m very grateful to win today. In my stable, only Maurice won on his first trip to Hong Kong. “Since Tastiera’s third in the Hong Kong Cup, we targeted this race considering he was suitable to the track conditions and change in environment.” Hori confirmed Tastiera would likely return to avenge his Hong Kong Cup defeat in December, while adding of Lane: “Damian’s one of the greatest team members in our stable. We’ve had a relationship for a long time and he always gives us good feedback.” Already a winner of the 2022 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) aboard Win Marilyn, Lane’s latest major Sha Tin strike was achieved in remarkably smooth circumstances. Tastiera broke swiftly from gate ten and settled into fourth position in the back straight as New Zealand star El Vencedor carved out the early tractions under Zac Purton. While Lane maintained a prominent position, fancied runners Goliath, Liberty Island and Prognosis were forced to settle further towards the rear in a steadily run race. Tastiera travelled up strongly to the quarters of El Vencedor and Cap Ferrat at the head of the home straight and soon skated into a clear lead. He never looked like being caught and scored comfortably by a length and three-quarters, with Lane punching the air in delight after the line. Prognosis, runner-up for the last two years for fellow Japanese trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida, filled the same position again, while Bahrain’s Calif produced an excellent effort to clinch third. Tastiera’s win prevented a clean sweep for the locals in three Group 1 races on FWD Champions Day, with Ka Ying Rising scorching home in the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) and Red Lion nailing Voyage Bubble in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m). By Maddy Playle

Trainer Richard Lim is starting to churn out a few winners in recent weeks and the stable will be represented by some winning prospects at the Selangor Turf Club meeting on Sunday. One of those is COLONEL SON engaged in the 1150m Class 4B contest (Race 4) and is no doubt overdue for a win following three runner-up performances in succession. Two of those were in Singapore prior to the gelding going for an enforced break from the last Kranji meeting in October last year. The five-year-old indicated he is on the verge of breaking through in Malaysia following his fast-finishing 2nd over 1200m on April 6. The camp has two genuine contenders in the following event (Race 5) with the stable represented by COMMANDER JONES and LEGEND SIXTY-THREE. COMANDER JONES is on the upgrade following his 1300m Class 5 win on March 23 where he was well supported to start the public elect in the market. The four-year-old grey won by a length but scored with plenty in hand and gets his chance to break the duck against Class 4 opposition. LEGEND SIXTY-THREE will strip fitter after finishing runner up over 1020m when resuming here three weeks ago. The three-year-old should measure up again in the grade and the gelding did attract market support for his local debut. One of the country’s most improved performers in the past twelve months has been RED DRAGONFLY, which has established the excellent record of six wins from seven starts since joining the Ooi Chin Chin stables last year. The four-year-old arrived in Malaysia as a maiden from twenty runs in Singapore and will contest the 1400m Class 3 contest (Race 8). With the 53kg, he possesses the ability to defy the class rise with his familiar turn of acceleration. He goes up against the likes of FLAMING MIGLIORE and ERUPTION which filled the quinella in a 1400m Class 3 race here three weeks ago while the six-year-old grey, MISTY SWIFT has recaptured his best form and is looking to break the fifteen-month winning drought. The Jerome Tan yard is starting to produce a few winners in recent weeks, including a double at last Sunday’s meeting, and punters can round off the program by sticking with TANTHEMAN in Race 11. The five-year-old has only scored once from thirty five starts but has finished in the top four on numerous occasions and judging by his fast-finishing 3rd over 1150m on April 6, he is due to strike.

FWD Chairman’s Sprint Prize (Group 1) All eyes will be on champion sprinter KA YING RISING, who is poised to extend his winning streak to 12 in this classic sprint feature. With three Group 1 victories already this season, the David Hayes-trained star looks set to dominate again. His emphatic win in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint last December, where he outclassed top-tier international rivals — particularly from Japan — suggests this could be another one-act affair if he performs as expected under similar conditions. If there is to be an upset, the Japanese duo SATONO REVE and LUGAL look the most likely threats. SATONO REVE comes off a powerful win in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen, while LUGAL took top honours in last year’s G1 Sprinters Stakes. SATONO REVE also benefits from having Magic Man Joao Moreira aboard, further enhancing his credentials. Former champion sprinter LUCKY SWEYNESSE returns from an injury-enforced layoff in this Group 1 feature, but faces an uphill battle. He meets a top-class field, and doubts linger over whether he can rediscover his former brilliance. Meanwhile, HELIOS EXPRESS has filled the placings in his last six starts, all behind KA YING RISING, and looks set to play the bridesmaid role once again. He is an ideal option for forecast or place forecast bets. FWD Champions Mile (Group 1) Undoubtedly the best miler in Hong Kong at the moment, VOYAGE BUBBLE faces a stiff challenge from international raiders in this year’s Group 1 Champions Mile. Currently on a winning streak, VOYAGE BUBBLE has racked up an impressive hat-trick of Group 1 victories. With champion jockey James McDonald staying aboard, he shapes as a strong contender once again. However, Australia’s MR BRIGHTSIDE, a nine-time Group 1 winner, looks set to make his presence felt and is aiming to become the first overseas runner to claim this prestigious event since Japanese star MAURICE did so in 2016. Trained by Ben, Will & JD Hayes, MR BRIGHTSIDE was last seen finishing a narrow second in the G1 All-Star Mile at Flemington, following a gritty win in the G1 Futurity Stakes. He appears to be peaking at the right time and should give VOYAGE BUBBLE a real test. Another Group 1 winner from Australia, ROYAL PATRONAGE, has quickly recaptured his best form since returning to action in March. He caused an upset by taking out the G1 Canterbury Stakes first-up, and has since proven that was no fluke with strong efforts when fourth in the G1 Ryder Stakes and runner-up in the G1 Doncaster Mile. If he can reproduce that form in Hong Kong, he will be right in the mix. Six-year-old Japanese runner GAIA FORCE shapes as a potential dark horse in this contest. While his last two starts on the All-Weather may lead to him being overlooked in the market, a closer look at his earlier form reveals a fast-finishing fourth behind ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the G1 Yasuda Kinen three starts back. That effort makes him an intriguing runner worth keeping an eye on. FWD QEII Cup (Group 1) With the absence of ROMANTIC WARRIOR, who dominated the Group 1 QEII Cup for the past three years, this year’s renewal appears wide open, with several contenders holding strong winning claims. Leading the charge is Japanese raider LIBERTY ISLAND, who ran a gallant second to ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the G1 Hong Kong Cup last December. She was most recently seen finishing a luckless eighth in the G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan, where she endured a wide trip throughout but was beaten only 3.8 lengths. With a more economical run, she looks well placed to finally break through for her first Group 1 success outside Japan. Fellow Japanese contender PROGNOSIS, runner-up in the last two editions of this race, also looms as a major player. He was a brave second in the G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley last October and, although his recent form has tapered off, he remains a serious threat — especially with champion jockey James McDonald taking the reins. Another Japanese contender, TASTIERA, brings an intriguing profile into the race, having not competed since finishing third in the Hong Kong Cup last December. However, his strong fresh record (6:1-2-0) suggests he cannot be taken lightly. French representative and Group 1 winner GOLIATH brings top-class European form to the table. The five-year-old gelding was most impressive when landing the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Ascot last July and was last seen finishing sixth in the G1 Japan Cup in November. With top jockey Christophe Soumillon aboard, a bold first-up showing looks on the cards. Among the local hopes, reigning Hong Kong Derby winner CAP FERRAT piques plenty of interest as he steps up to Open G1 level for the first time. It is fair to say he will need to elevate beyond his Derby-winning effort to prevail in this prestigious contest. Meanwhile, STRAIGHT ARRON and RUBYLOT could sneak into the placings at long odds.

Beauty Eternal takes his chance at becoming the fifth horse to record consecutive wins in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (27 April). Aiming to join Bullish Luck (2005 & 2006), Xtension (2011 & 2012), Beauty Generation (2018 & 2019) and Golden Sixty (2021-2023), Beauty Eternal is also shooting for a first success since capturing his initial Group 1 in this race in 2024 for trainer John Size. Beauty Eternal has won nine times in Hong Kong and missed in the 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) by a head to Voyage Bubble, whom he reopposes. Size’s chestnut gelding led throughout to win last year’s FWD Champions Mile over Golden Sixty on rain affected ground. “He seems normal and I expect him to run a good race,” Size said. “He’s been good. He’s in pretty good shape. I think, last start, there were a few horses with excuses in that race and he was probably one of them. He seemed to run reasonably well, he has pulled up well afterwards and his trials have been fine.” Sporting Patrick Kwok’s familiar black, pink and white silks, Beauty Eternal finished 10th behind 33/1 winner Straight Arron in the HK$5.35 million G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m), while stablemate Red Lion, who was second to Beauty Eternal in the 2024 FWD Champions Mile, finished sixth in that same Group 2 race on 30 March at Sha Tin. “He’s (Red Lion) very tough and he enjoys his racing. Since he’s been running against the good horses, he’s strengthened and he’s very consistent,” Size said. Red Lion has 13 top-three finishes and seldom runs a bad race. He has placed three times at Group 1 level since first contesting the elite bracket in March of 2024. He is owned by The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s former Chairman Ronald Arculli and his wife Johanna. Helios Express is yet to win this season but the Toronado galloper is enjoying a superb campaign with six placings – including three runner-up efforts – from six appearances. His earnings top HK$36.85 million, including an added HK$13.78 million in 2024/25. He lines up in the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) against Ka Ying Rising, who has had his measure this term and is currently on an 11-race unbeaten streak. “He’s fine. It’s a big field this weekend but his form has been faultless. He just keeps running the same race all the time and hopefully he’ll continue with that until the end of the season. He’s doing his best and he’s running up to his rating each time,” Size said. Helios Express races for Andy Yung, son of prominent owner Larry Yung who won the Hong Kong Derby with Oriental Express (1997) and Olympic Express (2002). Ensued was second two runs back in the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 23 February behind Voyage Bubble. The son of late sire Lemon Drop Kid grabbed fourth in the 2024 HK$24 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m). “It’s an interesting race for Ensued. I think there’s some big reputations in this race but I think he’s run well in Hong Kong and at the International Races. I’ll be hoping he does it again and gets some good prize money,” said Australian Racing Hall of Famer Size of his HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) runner. Goliath, Prognosis, Tastiera, Liberty Island, El Vencedor and Calif have made the journey from overseas to contest the FWD QEII Cup. Size leads the 2024/25 trainers’ championship on 50 wins in a bid to win it for a record-extending 13th time. He is the triumphant of 1,593 races in Hong Kong after arriving in the city for the 2001/02 racing season, when he broke new ground by collecting a first trainers’ title in his maiden campaign. Andrea Atzeni rides Beauty Eternal from gate five, Hugh Bowman is on Red Lion (barrier 12) and Helios Express (13), while Brenton Avdulla partners with Ensued (four). Sunday’s (27 April) 10-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 12.45pm with the Class 4 FWD Insurance ACT Private Handicap (1800m). The HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) and HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) headline the programme. By Declan Schuster

Hong Kong’s champion jockey Zac Purton plans to employ a familiar plan and use Ka Ying Rising’s blistering speed against his 12 rivals in Sunday’s (27 April) HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin. Purton said he doesn’t want a slowly run race but, as the world’s highest-rated sprinter, he has the horse to dictate the way the race will be run. Chasing a 12th consecutive victory, Purton said the New Zealand-bred gelding had been a gem from the first time he got off the plane in Hong Kong. “He is a pleasure to do anything with and if you could order a horse, you would order him,” Purton said. “He has got the best attitude, he goes home and he eats and he recovers and he does everything you want. A big teddy bear. “He is eager to get out and do his work. He is excited to do that and once he gets out there, he drops his head, cruises around and does everything right.” Ka Ying Rising has worked in his normal excellent way since having a barrier trial at Sha Tin after his last start victory in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 30 March. “His barrier trial was good and it was exactly what he always does,” Purton said. “His track work since then has been the same and he ticks over. With the schedule here in Hong Kong it is pretty routine – his track work and barrier trials – nothing changes. “He is in good order and is ready to go. Purton admitted it was heartbreaking to miss the ride on Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) when he forfeited the winning ride to Karis Teetan after he was sidelined after being injured in a race fall. “It was exciting to watch him step up to 1400m and win and there was that period or moment at about the 300m mark where he looked as if he was all off balance and looked as if he was empty and they were going to swallow him up,” Purton said. “He changed his leg and found his second wind and went again and was strong through the line and it was a very brave performance and showed that he has got a good will to win and a strong heart. And when he needed to find again, he did so.” Purton said Ka Ying Rising was a versatile galloper who didn’t have to lead but is very effective in fast-run races and loves strong galloping. “He cruises so comfortably on that fast speed and then he can accelerate and put them away off the back of it,” Purton said. “And then he just gaps his rivals when he is placed in that scenario.” Purton said with the speed drawn outside Ka Ying Rising, who will jump from barrier four, he will be positive early and use the gelding’s natural gate speed. “I don’t want a slowly-run race to the first corner where a heap of horses are all in a bunch and I want to try to split the field up a little bit,” Purton said. “I will be using his speed early and make the other horses work a little bit if they want to try and cross him.” Purton said Satono Reve, one of four Japanese runners in the sprint, has good form with victory in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) in Japan after finishing three quarters of a length second to Ka Ying Rising in last December’s HK$24 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin. “He has drawn well in six so he is going to get a perfect run once again, just off the speed,” Purton said. “And he is relatively lightly-raced horse as well, so we respect him and Helios Express has been close enough to us a number of times and we respect him as well.” Sunday’s (27 April) 10-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 12.45pm with the Class 4 FWD Insurance ACT Private Handicap (1800m). The HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) and HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) headline the programme. By Daryl Timms

Three divisions of the 1100m Cosmo C for horses rated from 44-74 points will headline the ten-race program at Perak Turf Club this Sunday. With the broad class range and compressed weights, the higher rated performers gain a big advantage on those languishing near the bottom rung of Class 4 territory. One of those gallopers which should take advantage of the handicapping conditions is the inform NO MORE DELAY (2) engaged in Race 9. The six-year-old has recorded four wins and three minor placings from eight starts since making his Malaysian debut in October last year. The Wayne Lim trained gelding missed a place for the first time last start after being trapped wide but can make amends with a forward showing come Saturday. STORM EIGHTY-THREE (1) is a perennial competitor in these high graded races in Ipoh and has performed admirably in recent runs. The eight-year-old has finished close up behind the inform Vincent’s Star in three of his past four runs and Saturday’s assignment looks much easier despite not winning for ten months. Even though he was denied victory by a nose at his local debut, GROOVY (6) has been a beaten favourite in his two Malaysian performances but will strike soon. Three-year-old PEAKY BLINDER (4) has been placed at Class 3 level previously and looks a chance despite the outside barrier. Race 9 Selections: (2) ONE MORE DELAY   (1) STORM EIGHTY-THREE   (6) GROOVY   (4) PEAKY BLINDER ROCKET BOY (2) and WAR FRONTIER (3) finished first and second respectively in an Enrich Stakes A contest on February 22 and the pair should be major players in Race 8. Resuming from a seven-month spell, ROCKET BOY (2) proved too strong winning by a half length. However, WAR FRONTIER (3) was slow to begin that day and may have been a shade unlucky not to win and judging by his fast finishing third in a Class 4 contest a fortnight ago, he could easily reverse the result. HEART OF FIRE (1) is an enigmatic type who can be hard to follow at times but on best form, is capable of winning. The five-year-old scored at his local debut on this track last year but suffered heat stress at his only other visit to Ipoh which was in the race taken out by ROCKET BOY (2). The gelding has drawn well and can be hard to run down if he finds the front. BIONICS (6) will be facing his toughest assignment but does possess an impressive record on the Ipoh circuit with three wins from four starts, including successive victories in February. Race 8 Selections: (2) ROCKET BOY   (3) WAR FRONTIER   (1) HEART OF FIRE   (6) BIONICS    The final division of the Cosmo C, Race 10 is the most open with local trainer, Kevin Coetzee saddling up five of the twelve runners. One of the stable representatives, MAN OF ACTION (5) has a chance of returning to winning form following a couple of encouraging performances since a Class 4 win on February 22. FOUNTAIN OF FAME (6) won four in succession and was far from disgraced in the G1 Perak Derby last start. The eight-year-old has been freshened and a quick return to the winner’s stall is not out of the question. Since posting two wins in a row back in January, ONG MARI (2) has struggled against strong Class 3 company in KL but can improve on its first Ipoh visit while SALAAM NAMASTEY (3) is aiming for the hat trick and is capable of measuring up against the stronger lineup. Race 10 Selections: (5) MAN OF ACTION   (6) FOUNTAIN OF FAME   (2) ONG MARI   (3) SALAAM NAMASTEY

Perth’s richest race, the $5 million Quokka, is finally here and it’s bringing the thrill, speed and star power like never before. This blockbuster sprint has attracted some of the fastest horses from both Western Australia and across the nation, all converging on Ascot this Saturday for what’s shaping up to be a red-hot edition of this showpiece event. And guess what? This year’s Quokka is wide open. Anything can happen, that’s what makes it unmissable. WESTERN EMPIRE is flying the flag for the locals and looking sharp first-up. A slick trial win has him ready to fire, and with fresh legs and home-track advantage, he’s going to take some serious beating. GENEROSITY has been ultra-consistent this prep — a metro winner at Ascot and placing in every other start. She’s tough, honest, and absolutely in the mix. OVERPASS the king of the Quokka. He’s won the first two editions of this race and is back to try for a historic three-peat. Last start, he was fresh in the T.J. Smith Stakes and boxed on bravely to finish just off the winner. He’s fitter now, and still the one they all have to chase down. And don’t overlook THE BOSS LADY. She’s on fire, notching up four wins in a row, including her most recent at Ascot. Loves the track, flying under the radar, and could blow this wide open. A genuine sneaky chance. SKY Racing’s Sam Phillips and Kiersten Duke have done the form and preview the feature event in the video above.

The straight course at Hollywoodbets Scottsville is not always straight forward with the down and up nature of the track often catching out runners not having experience on the course. With the Gr1 Gold Medallion and Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship scheduled for the first Saturday in June, trainers are planning ahead and it will be no surprise to see horses in Sunday’s Gr3 Tote Godolphin Barb Stakes and Gr3 Tote Strelitzia Stakes, both for two-year-olds, lining up in the big races in a month’s time. Only seven runners are due to face the started in the Godolphin Barb but it promises a mouthwatering contest. Michael Roberts saddles Fortress Of Fire who was allowed to start at generous odds on debut as the race proved no contest as the son of Fire Away cruised to an easy debut victory in good time. He looks more than useful and can follow up. But he is not without opposition. I’m A Fireball from the Mike and Mathew de Kock yard also impressed on debut finishing far too strongly for race favourite and more experienced Captain’s Pride. He obviously takes on stronger but looks progressive. Add Military Command to the equation and you are faced with an open question. He has won two on the bounce for Peter Muscutt, both at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth that shares some similarities with Hollywoodbets Scottsville and Cape form is generally a little stronger than local form. That said, the race should add a few pieces to the Gold Medallion puzzle.  Corne Spies has the only filly in the race. Elegantrix takes on males in preference to her own sex in the Strelitzia Stakes in what looks to be a warm-up for the Allan Robertson. The Strelitzia Stakes should also give some indication of what can be expected in the Allan Robertson. Dean Kannemeyer looks to have a live contender in Keukenhof who strolled to a comfortable maiden win on debut clocking a useful time. “ I don’t know what she beat,” commented Kannemeyer after the race. “But all she could do was win,” he added. Keukenhof faces a lot stronger here but could well be something special. Wild Wild Green was a beaten favourite in the Cape Nursery last run and she also looks to be well above average with Justin Snaith saying that he has brought up his biggest and strongest string to KZN in many a year. Local hopes could rest with Quickstepgal who made the required improvement for Tienie Prinsloo when hacking up second time of asking. A repeat should see her in the firing line. Winter Belle is the only unraced filly in the race and makes the trip from the Highveld to make her debut in feature company against winners. Mike Azzie knows what it takes to win at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and Winter Belle could be a candidate for the Allan Robertson so may be worth following in the market. There are four feature races on the day starting with the Listed In Full Flight Handicap. Peter Muscutt saddles Isivivane who made a winning return to racing after a year’s lay-off, winning comfortably. He jumps in class but appears to be under the handicappers radar and with only 52kg to shoulder he should at least be competitive in a competitive handicap. The mare Fastnet Filly is lightly raced and has only been out of the money twice in ten outings for James Crawford. She beat the smart Green Sapphire two runs back and she also has a light weight in her favour. Kannemeyer has two serious runners. Outlaw King won the Cape Merchants last run but stable rider Craig Zackey partners Teflon Man who gave his supporters a few anxious moments before sewing up his race last time out. He still looked a little green that day so may be the pick. King Of The Gauls is way better than his Cape form suggests and back on home turf he could surprise.

The last feature is the Gr3 Dennis Drier Poinsetta Stakes where Andrew Fortune teams up with the Justin Snaith-trained Summer Lily. The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight has twice finished behind the smart Asiye Phambili and is now 6.5kg better off at the weights with her rival that should be more than enough to turn the tables. However, Asiye Phambili is back with Duncan Howells after a successful trip to the Cape. She shoulders a big weight but on her best form she could again prove a little too good for her younger rivals. Gimmie’s Countess has been costly to follow and was a beaten odds-on chance last run behind Green Sapphire when seemingly having it all in her favour. She was run out of it late that day and the drop in trip could better suit. Gareth van Zyl sends out Shipholia who started favourite against males last run finishing behind Teflon Man. However, she goes will on this course and can do better than her last effort.

Jockeys Craig Zackey, Gavin Lerena and Richard Fourie are embroiled in a titanic three-way fight for the 2024/25 national jockeys’ title and their hunt for Championship honours is one of several fascinating sub-plots to this weekend’s Highveld fixture on Turffontein’s Standside track. The 11-event Championships Finale meeting on Saturday 26 April brings the curtain down on Joburg’s autumn feature-race season and includes four Grade 2 races, two Grade 3 events and a Listed contest. There are also additional exotic bet pools on offer with TAB offering its customers two BiPot pools to bet into as well as three Jackpots to take advantage of! Fourie, back in the saddle after a well-deserved fishing break recently, is particularly strong throughout the card and it should pay to follow last season’s record-breaking reigning champion. He ought to get the meeting off to a positive start for leading Highveld trainer Sean Tarry aboard Drakenstein Stud-homebred One Fine Winter, a daughter of What A Winter. This two-year-old filly finished second in a Grade 2 over 1160m last time out and a repeat of that performance in the opener (Race 1), the Grade 3 Pretty Polly Stakes over 1100m. The Tarry-Drakenstein combination should find themselves back in the winners’ enclosure after Race 2, the Grade 3 Protea Stakes, also over 1100m. They team up with Gimmethegreenlight filly Green Diamond, a last-start Grade 2 scorer over 1160m under Zackey who retains the ride. With Ryan Munger returning to Canada after a productive off-season on home soil, Fourie takes over the reins on Candice Dawson-trained My Soul Mate, a maturing stayer who should clinch the Highveld’s Champion Stayer award by following up her Listed Caradoc Gold Cup win with another Listed victory in Race 3, the Gold Bowl over 3200m. Explosive Bond (second), Nebraas (third) and Twenty Drachma’s (fourth) chased home My Soul Mate last time but aren’t likely to turn the tables over this extended trip on similar weight terms. Lerena gets his chance to shine in Race 4, the Grade 2 Camelia Stakes, on Tony Peter-trained sprinter Almond Sea. This speedy Canford Cliffs filly had legitimate excuses for a disappointing last start in which she finished fifth behind re-opposing rival Mia Moo. Peter’s charge is not only better than that performance suggests but also 4kg better off with her last-start conqueror for a 3.55-length beating. The pendulum could swing again in Race 5, the Grade 2 Igugu Stakes over 2000, this time in favour of Zackey who rides Tarry-trained World Of Alice for the 11th time. In 10 previous associations, the pair have only missed the frame once – winning twice and finishing second on four occasions, including last time out in the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks over 2450m. Racing for the first time in six starts without blinkers fitted, World Of Alice only narrowly failed to reel-in Grade 1 winner Fiery Pegasus who made all under a tactically masterful ride by Fourie. Lerena rides the likely threat for top honours in Roy Magner-trained Olivia’s Way who, on the evidence of her last-start fourth against male opposition in the Grade 1 SA Derby last time, should fight out the finish. The Tarry train rolls full steam ahead to Race 6 and should churn out another winner in the form of Let’s Go Now in the Grade 2 Colorado King Stakes over 2000m. This Gimmethegreenlight filly was second in an 1800m Listed race before finishing fourth in a 1600m Grade 1 event last time. Tarry’s charge wore blinkers on that occasion but will race without the headgear this time around in her first go at the extended distance over which she should improve. Lerena (Melech) and Fourie (Pistol Pete) hold the aces in Race 7, the Grade 2 Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m and there’s little to choose between the runners on their Grade 1 meeting in the Computaform Sprint over 1000m. However, Peter-trained Pistol Pete is 1.5kg better off with his familiar foe and that should give Fourie’s mount the advantage. Clive Robinson

Trainer Alan Greeff has been doing very well with the progeny of sire Canford Cliffs and his charge, the filly Strata is unbeaten in her two starts this year. The four-year-old filly made her stable debut on the turf over 1000m on 14 February and beat Munchkin by 0.50 lengths. That was followed up with an easy win when stepped up to 1200m on 4 April. Both times she was ridden by stable jockey Richard Fourie. Strata runs in Race 5, a MR 76 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m on the Fairview Polytrack over 1000m on Friday. Those two wins only carried a cost of six points and it is interesting to note that Strata won a handicap a year ago off the same handicap rating. It is a competitive-looking race and she meets runners who are proven on the Polytrack. Strata has yet to try this surface but jumping from pole position she could get the run of the race. The Fourie-Greeff combination could also be on the mark in Race 8, a very competitive MR 68 Handicap over 1400m. Well-bred filly Fire Alarm has been costly to follow but has her first crack at a handicap and she does not look harshly treated off a mark of just 74. She has won on the surface and once again Fourie managed to crack the best draw. Clive Robinson

My Wish has already provided Mark Newnham with a string of highlights this season and the Australian horseman hopes his diminutive galloper can produce a crowning performance in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (27 April). Winless from two starts in 2023/24, My Wish has rocketed from a rating of 54 to 101 in just eight starts this preparation with four wins, two seconds and two thirds – for prizemoney of HK$18.65 million – to emerge as one of Hong Kong’s most consistent and exciting young horses. Weighing just under 1,000lb, My Wish has repeatedly belied his diminutive frame with herculean performances and was outstanding in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, winning the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) and running second in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) to Rubylot and the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) to Cap Ferrat. His rattling effort to surge from the tail of the field on the turn in the BMW Hong Kong Derby ultimately saw him finish a short head shy of victory but, in doing so, the Flying Artie gelding clocked the fastest final 400m sectional – 21.39s – in a 2000m race at Sha Tin since 2008, eclipsing the times of champions such as Golden Sixty and Romantic Warrior. “He started the season as a maiden and now he’s running in Group 1 races. He was the most consistent and best performed of the four-year-olds,” Newnham said. “What’s been encouraging has been over the last couple of weeks those horses coming out of the Derby are all racing very well, albeit in Class 2 races, but it’s nice to see that they’ve adapted and taken on the older horses and been able to beat them. “It shows they’re a good group of four-year-olds, even though he’s going to a different level again to those horses, it’s encouraging to see the form standing up. “He (My Wish) was small, light, anxious sort of horse when he arrived and I knew it was going to take a bit of time to get him to settle in but as times gone on, he’s gone from being one of the more difficult horses in the yard to being one of the easiest. “He had a lot of nervous energy, coming up to the track, on the track. He wanted to do everything quickly but now he’s settled right down. His parades at the races are much better than even at the start of the season. “We even had a few barrier issues with him at the start and one of his earlier races this season was when he broke through the gates and Luke managed to hold on to him and he still won that race. “The talent has always been there, we just had to manage his temperament and all of those things have fallen into place now.” Having drawn barrier 14 in the BMW Hong Kong Derby and being forced to drop to the tail of the field, My Wish had previously excelled racing near the pace. Newnham hopes a more favourable barrier this Sunday will allow his flagship galloper to shine against elite opposition including Voyage Bubble, Mr Brightside, Royal Patronage and Gaia Force. “He’s only missed a place once and that was his first start at 1000 metres,” Newnham said. “He’s versatile in his races to overcome different barriers but it would be nice if he gets a good barrier for a change. He’s had 13 and 14 a couple of times – and if he’s able to get an easier run in transit, especially taking on these types of horses, that would be nice.” By Leo Schlink

FWD QEII Cup CALIF (BHR) Calif completed an easy lap of the all-weather track, stretching out nicely in the home straight, clocking 1m 29.9s (31.0, 30.3, 28.6) over 1200m. EL VENCEDOR (NZ) Worked on the all-weather track. Trainer Stephen Marsh said: “It was just quiet work and he was just on the bridle nice and relaxed and happy. “He’ll gallop tomorrow and Zac (Purton) will come and ride him on the turf and that will be his final hit-out. “We will probably work him in from the 1400m, just steady and let him breeze-up the last 600m. But nothing too much, it’s just maintenance work. He is fit and he is well.” GOLIATH (FR) As he has done for the last two days, last year’s King George VI and Elizabeth Stakes winner completed an easy lap of the all-weather track, clocking 1m 25.7s (29.5, 29.6, 26.6) over 1200m. Travelling head lad Anthony David: “Everything is good.” LIBERTY ISLAND (JPN) Liberty Island galloped on the turf, clocking 51.2s (30.0, 21.2) over 800m. Assistant to Mitsumasa Nakauchida, Yuya Katayama said: “Since she’s coming off a trip from Dubai, we had only been doing light training until now. But today, we pushed her a bit in the final furlong. From the weekend through today, her movement and feel on the turf have improved. She understands this turf course well.” PROGNOSIS (JPN) Prognosis galloped on the turf, clocking 51.5s (30.3, 21.2) over 800m. Assistant to Mitsumasa Nakauchida, Yasuhisa Kiyoyama said: “We were able to complete the scheduled gallop as planned. His movement remains solid, and now we just hope he heads into the race safely.” TASTIERA (JPN) Tastiera hacked for 1000m, jogged for 400m and hacked for another 1400m on the dirt before going to the paddock for familiarisation. Work rider Tomohiro Takahashi said: “Compared to yesterday, his mood, willingness to go forward, and footwork were all improved, so we extended the distance to work.” FWD Champions Mile GOEMON (BHR) The Bahraini star enjoyed an easy canter on the all-weather track under the watchful eye of his trainer Haider Shaheen, clocking 31.2s over 400m. The trainer said: “We’re happy with him. Today we just gave him a canter. We haven’t decided when he’ll go on the turf yet, but we’ll see.” GAIA FORCE (JPN) Gaia Force galloped on turf today, clocking 1m 19.6s (29.3, 28.0, 22.3) over 1200m. Trainer Haruki Sugiyama said: “He was a bit unsettled by the new environment at first and lost some body weight, but Lugal, who is making his second overseas trip, has been by his side since staying export quarantine barn. That has created a good environment for Gaia Force’s first international outing. He had his final serious workout at home last Monday, so today was kept easy, with the jockey just holding him through the stretch without urging. Although he spooked slightly at the grandstand at the end, the jockey corrected with the bit and managed to apply just the right amount of pressure. The 1600m distance is ideal, and since he’s recently been slow out of the gate, that will be a key point this time. He prefers races with one-turn and the 1600m one-turn layout is a perfect match for him.” MR BRIGHTSIDE (AUS) Track rider Ross Wishart said the gelding had pulled up well after yesterday’s gallop on the course proper. “He felt very good. He was relaxed and is fit and well.” ROYAL PATRONAGE (AUS) Was restricted to work in the quarantine stables. Chairman’s Sprint Prize A SHIN FENCER (JPN) A Shin Fencer galloped on the turf, clocking 55.8s (31.3, 24.5) over 800m. Trainer Keiji Yoshimura said: “For today’s gallop, since it hasn’t been long since her last race in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, and considering she’s a mare and had already breezed at Ritto, I asked the rider not to push too hard. The feel through the reins and her response were reportedly very good. She’s been easy to handle since her two-year-old days, straightforward, and eats well—and based on all of that, the decision was made to take her overseas. The horse is calm and there are no concerns. The draw will be quite important, as her running style isn’t to come from far behind, and this race typically doesn’t favor closers, so a clean break will be crucial. Now she is five and she’s shown real growth and is in peak condition.” DANON MCKINLEY (JPN) Danon McKinley galloped on turf, clocking 21.4s over 400m. Stable representative Kazuo Fujiwara said: “He had a great grip on the turf and moved exceptionally well. Everything is going smoothly.” LUGAL (JPN) Lugal galloped on turf today, clocking 1m 23.1s (30.6, 29.5, 23.0) over 1200m. Trainer Haruki Sugiyama said: “This is his second overseas trip to Hong Kong, and he’s clearly more accustomed to it this time around. In today’s workout, he was able to apply proper pressure over the final two furlongs, so the gallop went exactly as planned. “In December, he wasn’t at his peak on race day, but this time he’s showing clear signs of improvement—his appetite is good, and he hasn’t lost any weight after trip to Hong Kong. The 1200m distance suits him, and having already raced at Sha Tin once before, there’s a lot to look forward to.” SATONO REVE (JPN) Satono Reve did a full circuit of hacking on the dirt and had paddock schooling. Work rider Ryusuke Saito said: “He’s showing more cohesion than yesterday and is progressing well. We’ve been adjusting with a focus on balancing his mental and physical condition. He’s full of energy.”

Followers of S’manga Khumalo and Kabelo Matsunyane could be smiling all the way to the bank after the nine-race midweek meeting on the Inside track at Turffontein on Thursday 24 April. ‘Bling,’ as Khumalo is affectionately known, has a good winning chance aboard team Azzie-trained Winds Of Grace in Race 3 over 1450m. This Act Of War filly has improved to finish in the money in each of her three starts around the turn, including her latest when Mike and Adam Azzie’s charge finished third over 1400m on the Standside track. Winds Of Grace needn’t improve much on that performance to open her account under Khumalo. Bling steered Heavyliesthecrown to debut success over 1200m on the Inside track six weeks ago and continues his association with the Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained filly over the same track and trip in Race 8. The pair led from barrier to box in mid-March and, with natural improvement expected of the three-year-old daughter of Rafeef, Khumalo will likely land himself back in the winner’s enclosure. Matsunyane retains the ride aboard Corne Spies-trained veteran Whispers Of War who he has ridden three times for two third-place finishes, including in the seven-year-old veteran’s last start over 1600m just nine days ago. Spies’ charge moved up menacingly at the 400m mark but his challenge petered out tamely so a step up to 2000m in Race 7 and a more patient Matsunyane ride over the extended distance could prove a masterstroke for the Australian-bred Time For War gelding. Whispers Of War has found form and consistency since given relief from the handicapper, and he races off the same mark he did last time, thus a repeat of his last performance could suffice. Elsewhere on the card, Paul Matchett and Raymond Danielson should get the meeting off to a winning start with Matcha Mint who needn’t improve much – if at all – after an encouraging debut third against winners to break her duck in the opener, Race 1 over 1200m. This well-related daughter of Gimmethegreenlight stayed on promisingly to finish less than two lengths off the winner and, with that experience to count on, Matchett’s charge should shed her maiden tag. Clive Robinson

FWD QEII Cup EL VENCEDOR (NZ) Worked on the all-weather track, clocking 1m 05.30s (32.7, 32.6) over 800m. Trainer Stephen Marsh said the gelding had been working on the quarantine sand and today was his first venture on the all-weather track. “He is striding out nice,” he said. “He’ll have a good hit-out on the turf on Thursday (24 April) with Zac (Purton). And that will do him.” LIBERTY ISLAND (JPN) Japanese Triple Tiara-winning mare Liberty Island undertook an easy canter for one and a half laps on the all-weather, clocking 27.6s over the final 400m. “Her condition has improved compared to last time when she ran in Hong Kong. The placement wasn’t bad in the previous run in Hong Kong, so this time it depends on whether the conditions suit her,” said the stable representative, Yuya Katayama. PROGNOSIS (JPN) Prognosis who has travelled to Hong Kong three times in the last two years had an easy canter on the all-weather track and also went through the gates. Work rider Yasunari Kiyoyama said, “We hadn’t push him too hard in training in Japan, and his preparations are still progressing and he has rooms for improving going into the race. We will give him a gate schooling on Friday (25 April) again.” TASTIERA (JPN) Tastiera, who is set to have his first since finishing third in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) in December, hacked for one lap on the all-weather track before having paddock schooling. Work rider Tomohiro Takahashi said: “He was a bit tense, but he seemed to feel better than last year, and he was able to run with a good rhythm.” CAP FERRAT (HKG) Galloped on the turf at Sha Tin under his work rider, clocking 1m 19.2s (29.8, 27.7, 22.4) over 1200m. FWD Champions Mile GAIA FORCE (JPN) Gaia Force worked easily on the all-weather track, clocking 34.2s and 31.6s over 400m before he schooled at the paddock with stablemate Lugal. Stable representative Daisuke Hiraiwa said: “Both horses were calm and everything is going smoothly. He was relaxed and there seemed to have no issue at the paddock.” MR BRIGHTSIDE (AUS) Galloped on the turf track, clocking 57.7s (32.4s, 25.3s) over 800m. Co-trainer Ben Hayes: “He was very good. Did a nice easy five (1000m), run home two (400m) and I think he ran home in about 25 seconds, perhaps maybe a touch under which was exactly what we wanted.” ROYAL PATRONAGE (AUS) Worked on the all-weather track, clocking 1m 37.5s (33.2s, 32.2s, 32.1s) over 1200m. Stable representative Sam McLeish said: “Just cantered today and will do his fast work on Thursday.” VOYAGE BUBBLE (HKG) Galloped on the turf course at Sha Tin alongside stablemate Victory Sky under Matthew Poon, clocking 1m 19.2s (28.4, 27.9, 22.9). Chairman’s Sprint Prize DANON MCKINLEY (JPN) Danon McKinley had an easy canter for one and a half laps on the all-weather track, clocking 30.0s over 400m. “Although he has traveled from Dubai, he’s been able to maintain a very good condition. He’ll do a final workout on turf tomorrow (Wednesday, 23 April),” said the assistant to Hideaki Fujiwara, Kazuo Fujiwara. LUGAL (JPN) Lugal had an easy canter for one and a half laps on the all-weather track and he went to paddock for schooling with stablemate Gaia Force. Stable representative Daisuke Hiraiwa said: “Both horses were calm and everything is going smoothly. The paddock schooling was also calm and went without any issues.” SATONO REVE (JPN) The Japanese champion sprinter in spring, Satono Reve hacked for one lap on the all-weather track before he familiarised with the surroundings at the paddock. Work rider Ryusuke Saito said: “He’s calm and very fresh. Everything is going smoothly.” KA YING RISING (HKG) Galloped on the main all-weather track with champion jockey Zac Purton, clocking 24.6s.

Jumbo Treasure burst onto the scene with a smashing first victory last month and trainer Cody Mo’s young talent is aiming to recreate those heroics at Happy Valley in Wednesday night’s (23 April) Class 4 Lusitano Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m). Overcoming barrier 13 last start, Jumbo Treasure exploded to the front under Derek Leung before scoring by a comfortable two lengths at Sha Tin on 30 March. The Written Tycoon gelding steps from gate six tomorrow night and will again sport cheek pieces. “He won well and the gear helped him a lot. He still doesn’t have much experience but he was quite professional. He jumped sharply, went to the front and led,” Leung said. “We’ll do the same again – if someone else wants to lead, we don’t mind and we can just sit to the outside – he can do either.” Jumbo Treasure carries nine more pounds as top-weight with 135lb assigned for his debut at Hong Kong’s tight-turning inner-city track. He faces Magniac (133lb), Flying Wrote (132lb), Sky Cap (132lb), Judy’s Great (129lb), Big Stride (128lb), Rising Phoenix (128lb), Magic Beans (124lb), New Power (124lb), Bienvenue (123lb), View All Things (123lb) and Draco (119lb). “The weight is against Jumbo Treasure but he isn’t a small horse, so I hope he can handle it. The field has more experience in it this time. I think he can keep improving and I hope he can win again,” Leung said. Leung, 36, has 20 wins this season. He also rides Joyful Life, Strongest Boy, To Infinity, Healthy Healthy and Lean Hero at the Valley. A son of Maurice, Lean Hero (118lb) contests the Class 3 Roselle Handicap (1800m) from gate three for trainer David Hayes. “He had an outside draw (nine) so we rode him quietly last start. Tomorrow, he has a nice draw and the 1800 metres is better for him. I hope he can be a bit closer,” Leung said. Lean Hero has won four times at Happy Valley. He opposes Money Catcher (135lb), Turin Mascot (134lb), Beauty Alliance (132lb), Fallon (130lb), Jumbo Legend (127lb), Luck Is Back (125lb), Excellence Value (124lb), Charity Gain (123lb), Chain Of Gold (120lb), Northern Beast (117lb) and Good Luck Win (115lb). Harry Bentley rides Jumbo Legend, and said: “If he can just relax and put his head down, which he did last time, then naturally he’s going to conserve that energy for later on when he needs it. Back down to 1800 metres – that’s not going to be an issue. “I remember him winning over 1200 metres on multiple occasions and flying home. Credit it to the horse he relaxed really well over the 2200 and never gave me a feeling that he wasn’t going stay out the trip.” Caspar Fownes’ versatile gelding Jumbo Legend has posted wins over 1200m, 1650m and 2200m at Happy Valley across his 35-start career. Karis Teetan has five wins through April. He pairs with a lightly-raced Watch This One for trainer Pierre Ng in the Class 3 Kalanchoe Handicap (1200m). The import was trained by Adam Campton in Australia, where he won smartly on debut at the Gold Coast by an easy two lengths. He has finished fourth in two Hong Kong runs. “I think he’s going to go out and be really competitive,” Teetan said. Wednesday’s (23 April) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Flamingo Flower Handicap (1200m). By Declan Schuster