TAB WEEKEND RACING HIGHLIGHTS: 31 JULY – 2 AUGUST
SEASON ENDS AND NEW CHALLENGES BEGIN
The curtain comes down on the 2025/26 racing season at Fairview’s Polytrack meeting on Friday, where Craig Zackey, having already secured the National Jockeys’ Title, is just three winners shy of the 285-win mark. He has several strong rides, including the day’s banker. The 2026/27 season gets under way with an interesting meeting at Turffontein on Saturday and an opportunity for an Irish-bred import to show he has what it takes. The 2026 Glorious Goodwood Festival continues with top-class Group racing on Friday and Saturday. There are value betting opportunities throughout!
FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
FAIRVIEW: ALL SYSTEMS GO POISED FOR BOLD RETURN
All Systems Go, rated 102, could prove one of the better bets on the programme in Race 4 over 1200m. Although returning from a rest and yet to win over the trip, he is very well treated under the weight conditions, and most of his rivals arrive off disappointing recent form. Trainer Dean Smith said: “All Systems Go deserved his break and has come back strong. He seems to be back to his best and we’re expecting a good effort.”
GOODWOOD: NIGHT RAIDER LOOKS READY TO BOUNCE BACK
Night Raider disappointed when finishing midfield in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot but drops back to Group 2 company in Race 4, the King George Qatar Stakes over 1000m, where he could resume winning ways. Trainer Karl Burke said earlier this week: “Night Raider is in great form. I’m very happy with him at the moment. Goodwood is a track that plays to his strengths. He ran well in the race last year and we go there full of hope.”
SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
TURFFONTEIN: MISSION TO MARS LOOKS THE REAL DEAL
Irish import Mission To Mars was most impressive when winning his maiden over 1600m last month. While he steps up in trip and several divisions in class in Race 6 over 2000m, he is already a mature horse who is expected to make his presence felt in stronger company, as indicated by jockey Philasande Mxoli and trainer Stuart Pettigrew. A son of Sea The Stars, the effortlessness of his first South African victory suggested there is plenty more to come. He could be well ahead of the handicapper and makes strong banker appeal in the exotic bets.
SUGGESTED R160 (10%) PICK 6 PERM (Leg 1 Race 3 @ 13:50):
Leg 1: 1, 2, 5, 7
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Leg 3: 1, 2, 4, 5
Leg 4: 5
Leg 5: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8
Leg 6: 3, 4, 5, 6
GOODWOOD: DANIELLE LOOKS READY TO TURN THE TABLES
Owen Burroughs-trained Waardah and John and Thady Gosden’s Danielle look set for another duel in Race 3, the Group 2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes over 2800m. Waardah prevailed in a thrilling finish last year, but with an 8kg swing in weights the older mare comes firmly into the picture and could turn the tables. “She has been very consistent and gives 120 per cent every day. She loves her training and racing,” said John Gosden last week.
SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
SELANGOR: YES BOSS YES CAN COMPLETE TREBLE
In-form four-year-old Yes Boss Yes has fulfilled the promise he showed earlier in his career and looks capable of adding another victory in Race 8 over 1100m at Kuala Lumpur. He has posted successive wins against strong opposition and will be chasing a hat-trick. A reliable beginner, the son of Yes Yes Yes has drawn well in barrier No 5, which should prove an advantage. The meeting starts at 06:45.
HOLLYWOODBETS SCOTTSVILLE: CAVALRY COMMANDER HOLDS STRONG CLAIMS
Lightly raced Cavalry Commander has won only two of his 14 starts, but luck has not always been on his side. He has suffered at least three narrow defeats to useful sprinters, including Gold Giboski and Green Gateway. He gets a good opportunity to add to his winning tally in the day’s feature, Race 8 over 1000m, and reunites with Calvin Habib, who partnered him into second behind Position Of Power earlier this year. On that line of form, he should have the measure of his main rival Blazing Fury. However, Habib will need to time his challenge to perfection to ensure Cavalry Commander unleashes his finishing run at the right moment. If he does, he should be right there at the finish.