About Editor

Rich Nilsen is a 20-time qualifier to the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC), an event he has cashed in 5 times. He was the first player to finish in the top 10 of the NHC twice. A former executive with Brisnet.com and member of the NHC Players’ Committee, Rich is a graduate of the UofL Equine Business Program and is founder of AGameofSkill.com, a site devoted to horse racing education and promotion. He was elected into the NHC Hall of Fame in 2025.

About Editor

Rich Nilsen is a 20-time qualifier to the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC), an event he has cashed in 5 times. He was the first player to finish in the top 10 of the NHC twice. A former executive with Brisnet.com and member of the NHC Players’ Committee, Rich is a graduate of the UofL Equine Business Program and is founder of AGameofSkill.com, a site devoted to horse racing education and promotion. He was elected into the NHC Hall of Fame in 2025.

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Sha Tin Selections for Sunday, October 11th

October 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Luke Middlebrook’s tips from Idol Horse below for Sha Tin on Sunday, Oct 11, 2026.

Sha Tin Selections for Sunday, October 11, 2026 – Sat. night in the USA

Race 1: #7 Wave Garden, #4 Jolly Companion, #3 So My Folks, #11 Gimme Five
Race 2: #1 Sunny Q, #2 Autumn Vibes, #8 Diriya, #14 Island Breezes
Race 3: #2 Call Me Sparkle, #4 Mighty Profit, #1 Crossborderdude, #8 Little Monster
Race 4: #2 Bustling City, #3 Mighty Commander, #1 Lucy In The Sky, #5 Must Go
Race 5: #2 Mega Captain, #1 Juicy Dragon, #4 Central Bank, #5 Tactical Ace
Race 6: #10 Enjoy Golf, #1 Stanley Express, #2 Gallant Design, #12 Let’s Have Fun
Race 7: #6 Cava Pioneer, #3 Absolute Awakened, #5 Storm Mirror, #10 Tin Fook
Race 8: #11 Gorgeous Victory, #1 Jolly Brilliant, #2 Ace, #13 Smart Fat Cat
Race 9: #3 Happy Index, #10 Embrace Aberdeen, #8 Megastar Heart, #1 Swift Ascend
Race 10: #7 Chiu Chow Spirit, #2 Titan Pegasus, #10 Do Your Part, #9 Celestial Hero
Race 11: #11 Jumbo Treasure, #6 Turquoise Velocity, #3 Ka Ying Attack, #2 Rising Force

Race 1 – HUNG SHUI KIU HANDICAP
#7 Wave Garden won comfortably at the track and trip last start on his first run for an in-form Michael Chang yard, drawing clear by more than a length while nothing behind him was making much ground. On that evidence, he is the one they all have to beat again. #4 Jolly Companion draws awkwardly in barrier 11, but Purton taking over is a positive and his trial between runs was a clear step forward, winning his heat well. #3 So My Folks comes through the same race as Wave Garden and had excuses after being steadied at the top of the straight. He did not get the cleanest trip, and Jerry Chau from barrier 2 gives him a much better set-up today. #11 Gimme Five will have to work harder early from barrier 10 if he presses forward, but Nichola Yuen stays aboard after the pair stuck on well for second behind Wave Garden last start.

Race 2 – KAM TIN HANDICAP
#1 Sunny Q may find 1,000m a touch sharp, but on class he is well placed for a race of this nature. Jerry Chau taking over is a positive, and a Class 5 win is close. #2 Autumn Vibes gets his chance at his first look down the straight after another encouraging run last start, racing wide from the 600m yet going down by only a neck. Barrier 10 gives him a better trip today. #8 Diriya produced one of his better efforts first-up over 1,000m at Happy Valley, making good late ground into fifth despite striking traffic. He looks to be coming to hand in this grade. #14 Island Breezes has not seen a favourable gate for some time and now resumes for Ricky Yiu after a stable switch. A better draw gives him a better set-up and makes him an intriguing runner.

Race 3 – LAM TEI HANDICAP
#2 Call Me Sparkle gets a good chance to turn things around for a Francis Lui stable that has been finishing close up without converting. First-time blinkers are the key change, he has trialled well in them and barrier 2 gives Jimmy Orman every chance. #4 Mighty Profit looks like a nice horse in the making and clearly has an engine, even if he is still doing plenty wrong. Expect him to be strong late. #1 Crossborderdude has shown plenty of ability with a win and six placings from nine starts, and he remains more than capable in this company. He was only a three-year-old last season, so there should still be improvement to come. #8 Little Monster has barrier 10 to overcome, but his second-up second keeps him firmly in the mix and Derek Leung going back on is a positive.

Race 4 – LAU FAU SHAN HANDICAP
#2 Bustling City is hard to take on after a first-up demolition where he ran his rivals ragged from the front, making it two dominant wins from two since switching to the all-weather. He now has to absorb a 22-point rise across those victories, but he is simply flying on the dirt. #3 Mighty Commander gets a welcome draw in barrier 4 after wide gates at his past two starts. He will still be saved for one late run, but the kinder set-up should give him every chance to charge home. #1 Lucy In The Sky backs up quickly for the second straight time this season after winning second-up off the same turnaround. He worked hard early from barrier 12 last week yet still held third, another performance full of merit. #5 Must Go is more than capable on his day and remains an honest Class 3 all-weather sprinter who can work his way into the placings.

Race 5 – MAI PO HANDICAP
#2 Mega Captain resumes after breaking through at his fourth start in mid-June, his second attempt at the track and distance. He clearly relishes the all-weather, Purton sticks aboard and his lead-in trials suggest he has returned in good form. #1 Juicy Dragon is better than his first-up no-show, when barrier 12 left him wide and he never played a part. He has trialled well since, returns to the all-weather and gets a slightly kinder gate to give himself a better chance. #4 Central Bank continues to improve with racing and comes off a fourth in a race of this nature, doing his best work late. Barrier 5 gives him a much better map. #5 Tactical Ace had excuses at his first look in Class 4 last start, racing wide yet sticking on. Barrier 2 is a map upgrade and gives him the chance to show what he can do at this level.

Race 6 – THE POK OI CUP (HANDICAP)
#10 Enjoy Golf gets another chance after being beaten as favourite first-up, when he pulled up with vet excuses and was also unsuited by a race shape that worked against those close to the speed. The run was better than it reads. #1 Stanley Express makes his first start for David Eustace after trialling quietly but nicely for his return. Do not expect him to be ridden as negatively under race conditions, and the class drop helps. #2 Gallant Design has barrier 12 to overcome, but he looks close to a win after building towards one late last season. He will need luck from the draw, but the form says his turn is near. #12 Let’s Have Fun comes off two good runs over 1,000m and should appreciate getting back up in trip, which can bring another step forward.

Race 7 – NAM SANG WAI HANDICAP
#6 Cava Pioneer had a very quiet debut from barrier 10 but there was still plenty of merit in his seventh, and his trials had always hinted at ability. Zac Purton takes over from a better gate today, giving him the chance to map closer. #3 Absolute Awakened won smartly at his second start for David Hayes and gave the impression there is more to come, especially after Hayes said they had got on top of his health issues. Barrier 2 gives him every chance to build on that win. #5 Storm Mirror can be forgiven for his first-up 11th after barrier 13 left him poorly placed throughout. He is better than that, and his subsequent trial supports the case for a rebound. #10 Tin Fook has slid a long way down the ratings and now looks well placed to strike. His return trials have been encouraging and barrier 1 gives him the set-up he needs.

Race 8 – PING SHAN HANDICAP
#11 Gorgeous Victory comes off two forgivable runs from wide draws and finally gets a much kinder set-up in barrier 3. He should map with every chance in a competitive race where several key rivals have also drawn well. #1 Jolly Brilliant has upside after breaking through at start eight in his final run last season, and barrier 2 means he maps well resuming. His trials suggest he has returned in good order. #2 Ace can improve on his first-up sixth, when he lacked room late and was not beaten far. He has since trialled strongly and the step up to a mile is a positive. #13 Smart Fat Cat draws widest in barrier 14, which is the knock, but the stable switch to Pierre Ng is an angle worth following and he can still run well despite the gate.

Race 9 – SAN TIN HANDICAP
#3 Happy Index showed good potential last season, winning one from seven despite regularly having wide draws to overcome. He has trialled pleasingly for his return and still looks to have more to give this season. #10 Embrace Aberdeen signed off last term with a second to Mr Incredible, a handy formline for a race like this. He has won two from eight and his return trial suggests he has come back in good order. #8 Megastar Heart only raced three times last season and had wide gates at his first two starts before drawing barrier 2 and striking trouble late when beaten two and a half lengths into fifth. He has since won a trial impressively. #1 Swift Ascend returns from injury but has trialled well.

Race 10 – SHUI PIN WAI HANDICAP
#7 Chiu Chow Spirit has gone 763 days without a win, but he looks ready to strike when things finally fall his way. That has often been the issue, yet his first-up third from barrier 12 was another encouraging effort. #2 Titan Pegasus is a nice horse in the making after producing his best local run yet at the end of last season, flashing home into third from a wide draw at this track and trip at just his third Hong Kong start. Two good lead-in trials suggest there is more to come. #10 Do Your Part gets back to the track and distance where he has generally performed best after fading first-up at Happy Valley, when he led too quickly and was entitled to fade. #9 Celestial Hero catches the eye on the quick back-up after a luckless eighth from last over 1,000m, a trip that looked too short. He is better suited here.

Race 11 – YUEN LONG HANDICAP
#11 Jumbo Treasure takes a leap in grade into a hot Class 2, but he is thriving and gets the right set-up to make his presence felt. Barrier 1, a light weight and the way the race should unfold all work in his favour. #6 Turquoise Velocity ran a game second first-up in a race where the first three in running crossed the line in that exact order. Barrier 4 gives him another ideal map and every chance to be right in the finish again. #3 Ka Ying Attack really hit his straps late last season, stringing together back-to-back wins, and looks a horse still on the rise. His tactical versatility is another asset in a race like this. #2 Rising Force was only fair first-up, but his seventh was better than it reads and he is worth another chance.

Soure: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

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Breeders’ Cup Watch: Nashville Derby Upsetter Returns in Hill Prince

October 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Caroline St BeatMadaket Stables and Steven Bouchey’s New York-bred Caroline St. Beat was an emphatic winner on short rest in the Grade 2 Nashville Derby on September 5 at Kentucky Downs, and will look to continue his upward trajectory in Saturday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Hill Prince, a 1 3/16-mile inner turf route for sophomores, at Belmont Park.

Trained by Miguel Clement, the son of Tiz the Law has made a rapid ascent through the ranks from a state-bred maiden-winner to Grade 2 victor in just five starts. He debuted successfully going 1 1/16 miles last August at Saratoga Race Course, and rallied with aplomb to edge clear by 2 1/4-lengths ahead of a one-length second to Jaxer in the state-bred Notebook cutting back to one mile in November to close out his juvenile campaign.

Caroline St. Beat returned in July with a hard-fought second by a neck to Chummers in the state-bred Rick Violette, the two foes brushing together and battling on through the lane before Chummers completed the course in 1:40.61. One month later, Caroline St. Beat would be entered in a Saratoga state-bred allowance tilt going 1 1/16-miles on August 29, as well as the Grade 2 Nashville Derby at 1 5/16 miles one week later at Kentucky Downs.

It appeared any intention to head to the Bluegrass State was abandoned when Caroline St. Beat took on elders in the Saratoga allowance, pouncing from seventh-of-11 and grinding away with a five-wide bid to land a half-length score over Sammy C Note in a final time of 1:42.48. But just one week later, Caroline St. Beat did not scratch from the Nashville Derby, and defeated nine rivals when he tracked 2 1/2 lengths off the pace and tipped out to drive home a 1 1/2-length winner over Glacius. The win garnered a field-best 92 Beyer Speed Figure.

Breeders’ Cup Watch

“All the credit goes to the owners for being bold enough to do it,” Clement said. “He’s a very tough horse. He eats remarkably well, he’s got great bone, and physically, he’s very impressive to look at. If there’s a horse in the barn that could handle that kind of training and shipping, he would be the prime candidate to do something that bold.”

The consistent chestnut has delivered a strong effort in each of his five outings, and has quickly built a lofty bankroll of $1,175,875 thanks in great part to the lucrative Nashville Derby score.

Clement said Caroline St. Beat has been a consummate professional since Day One.

“He’s doing great. We’ve always loved him and think very highly of him,” Clement said.

Bred by Lawrence Goichman, Caroline St. Beat was purchased for $100,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Preferred New York-bred Yearling Sale and is out of the multiple stakes-winning Scat Daddy mare Myhartblongstodady.

Manny Franco, aboard for Caroline St. Beat’s first four starts, climbs back aboard from post 6.

Willow Pond Sable’s Lennox the Grey [post 4, Antonio Fresu] also enters off a graded stakes victory after defeating the Clement-trained The Big Con by a nose in the Grade 3 Old Dominion Derby on September 7 at Colonial Downs.

Trained by Arnaud Delacour, the Liam’s Map gray is nearly perfect in three starts at Colonial for his conditioner, who took over the colt’s training following two starts with Catherine Day Phillips last summer at Woodbine Racetrack. Debuting for Delacour in July, Lennox the Grey was a neck second with a prominent trip in a one-mile turf allowance in July ahead of a deep-closing 3 1/4-length win from 9 1/2 lengths back in a similar tilt on August 1.

Lennox the Grey faced his farthest test to date in the nine-furlong Old Dominion Derby, and set a pressured pace through splits of 24.57 seconds, 50.80 and 1:15.54 under Mychel Sanchez. He dispatched the pestering Chambersville – who reopposes here – before digging in gamely and staving off the rush of The Big Con in a final time of 1:49.77, earning a career-best 84 Beyer for the win.

A $130,000 purchase at the Keeneland September Yearling Sake, Lennox the Grey is out of the Awesome Again mare Satisfaction, a half-sister to Grade 1-winner Dancing Forever that produced graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Miss Yearwood and Grade 2-placed winner Tuggle. The deep family also includes Satisfaction’s half-sister Castanet, who produced Grade 3-winner Carrumba – dam of this year’s Grade 1 Kentucky Derby and Grade 1 Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets-winner Golden Tempo.

Owner Marc Keller and trainer Bobby Riabudo teamed up to find stakes success on October 2 with Scalene in the Bertram F. Bongard here, and will look to continue their run of good form with the Munnings colt Print [post 1, Ricardo Santana, Jr.].

The chestnut was last seen winning a 1 1/16-mile optional claiming tilt on August 29 at the Spa, where he made a strong rally from seventh-of-8 and 6 1/2 lengths off the pace for the willing victory in a final time of 1:40.92 under regular pilot Ricardo Santana, Jr., earning a career-best 88 Beyer.

Print gave a good account of himself against graded company just 22 days prior to that effort in the Spa’s Grade 2 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, where he endured a bumpy beginning and trailed in last-of-7 before swinging five-wide and showing good courage to land fourth just 2 1/2 lengths back of the victorious Bottas.

“In the Hall of Fame, we were only beaten about 2 1/2 lengths, and we had trouble in that race,” Ribaudo said. “I think he’s improving.”

A Kentucky homebred for Keller, Print is out of the Grade 3-placed Artie Schiller mare Promotional, who produced the stakes-placed Daunt for these connections. Promotional is also a half-sister to dual Grade 1-winning multimillionaire Marketing Mix.

Ribaudo said the colt’s breeding should serve him well as he faces his farthest test to date.

“The family says long, even though his better races have been at a mile and a sixteenth,” Ribaudo said. “That dam, she was a mile and three-eighths horse, and she’s a half to Marketing Mix, so it’s a great family. I don’t think the distance will be a problem.”

Completing the field are last-out Gio Ponti runner-up and stakes-winner Third Coast [post 9, Jose Lezcano] for trainer Tom Proctor; Old Dominion Derby third-place finisher Chambersville [post 8, Javier Castellano] for trainer Ken McPeek; restricted Listed Saranac-winner Heeere’s Johnny [post 3, Dylan Davis] for trainer Ray Handal; allowance-level victor Versailles Road [post 7, Edgard Zayas] for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher; and maiden-winners Protect and Defend [post 2, Smauel Marin] for Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey and Bull Shoals [post 5, Kendrick Carmouche] for conditioner Jena Antonucci.

The Hill Prince is slated as Race 10 on Saturday’s 11-race program, which also includes the inaugural running of the $175,000 Bricks and Mortar in Race 8. First post is 12:05 p.m. Eastern.

General admission at Belmont Park is available for $7 when purchased in advance and provides fans with access to grandstand seats on most days, all areas within the first floor of the grandstand and the backyard. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.nyra.com/belmont/tickets/.

America’s Day at the Races presents daily coverage and analysis of the fall meet at Belmont Park on the networks of FOX Sports. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit https://www.nyra.com/belmont/racing/tv-schedule/.

Filed Under: Breeders Cup, Horse Racing News Tagged With:

Breeders’ Cup Watch: T Kraft

October 9, 2026 by Leave a Comment

T Kraft posts career-best performance to win G3 Vosburgh on October 1st.

LRE Racing’s T Kraft earned both his first graded stakes win and a spot in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint with a “Win and You’re In” berth provided by his nose triumph in the Grade 3, $250,000 Vosburgh, a seven-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up at Belmont Park.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, T Kraft took advantage of a slow break from expected speed presence Contrary Thinking, and set a pressured pace under Junior Alvarado through splits of 23.26 seconds, 46.16 and 1:10.24 over the fast footing, digging in gamely in the final furlong to repel the challenge of the deep closing Crazy Mason by a nose in a final time of 1:22.78. T Kraft earned a career-best 100 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He looks good and he came out of his race great,” said Leana Willaford, Mott’s Belmont Park assistant. “He’s a very cool horse and Lee [Einsidler, owner] is such a wonderful guy.”

T Kraft graduated at sixth asking last January at Aqueduct Racetrack, the start of a three-race win streak that was capped by a neck score in the six-furlong Jimmy Winkfield last March. This year, his 6-2-1-0 record includes a dead-heat second with Senior Officer in the Grade 1 Forego in August at Saratoga Race Course ahead of his Vosburgh score.

“He was our winter star here one year and then stepped up with more difficult company and he’s a very honest horse,” Willaford said. “He gives you everything.”

Einsidler commented after the race that he would enjoy taking T Kraft to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on October 31 at Keeneland provided the 4-year-old son of Connect is 100 percent in his training in the interim.

T Kraft improved his lifetime record to 16-5-2-0 with $518,554 in total purse earnings. He was a $110,000 purchase at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale and is out of the winning Johannesburg mare Margarita Friday, making him a half-brother to 2024 Breeders’ Cup Sprint-winner and that year’s Champion Male Sprinter Straight No Chaser.

Source: NYRA.com

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Breeders’ Cup Watch: Plans for Far Bridge and Tawny Port

October 8, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Belmont turf stakesLSU Stables’ Far Bridge returned from a more than six-month layoff to finish a strong second to Minaret Station in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic on Thursday at Belmont. There, the 6-year-old English Channel horse waited for racing room at the top of the lane and made a strong inside run, while impeded late when Minaret Station came over on El Cordobes, who was pinched back in the process.

“A very good effort off a long, long layoff. It was a roughly run race, especially in the stretch,” Loriuel said. “I don’t know if it would have changed anything, but it would have been better to have a cleaner trip. He ran very well.”

Far Bridge has notched three Grade 1 scores, taking the 2023 Belmont Derby Invitational and the following year’s Sword Dancer and Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. He added the Grade 2 Bowling Green to his ledger last year and is undefeated in five starts on the Gulfstream Park turf, including back-to-back scores in the Grade 3 Pan American in 2025-26.

Lorieul noted there are a number of options for the talented bay, including the 10-furlong Grade 2, $500,000 Man o’ War on November 28 here as well as more exotic options overseas.

“The owners wanted to consider the Japan Cup and down the line maybe the Pegasus [World Cup Turf] at Gulfstream would be the long-term goal,” Lorieul said. “He loves Gulfstream and he’s unbeaten there, so why not? He had a long layoff all spring and summer and we have a fresh horse for the winter, so that’s not a bad thing.”

Far Bridge has banked in excess of $2.6 million through a 22-10-4-3 record.

Breeders’ Cup Watch for Tawny Port?

Peachtree Stable’s Tawny Port finished a 3 3/4-length second to Godolphin’s European shipper Arabian Crown in Saturday’s Grade 1 Canadian International at Woodbine.

“Another one! We got beat last time with Deterministic by a Godolphin horse. It’s starting to get a little bit aggravating, but that’s OK,” said Lorieul, with a laugh, in reference to a runner-up try by Deterministic to Godolphin’s Notable Speech in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile last month. “Tawny Port ran very well yesterday because, on paper, the Euros were the ones to beat. He got a good trip, but he drifted out a little bit mid-stretch with the Juddmonte horse [Purview] coming out, so he had to jump back on the inside. I don’t think it would have changed anything as the winner was much the best and he had first run.

“He cooled out good yesterday and is back to Saratoga,” Lorieul added. “He has similar options to Far Bridge, but let’s see how he comes back.”

Cheyenne Stables’ Ozara ran sixth in Saturday’s Grade 2 Dance Smartly at Woodbine. The 5-year-old graded stakes-winning Lope de Vega mare won the Listed Miss Liberty in her seasonal debut in May at Monmouth Park but has been sixth in four starts since.

“She ran very well off the bat this year and we haven’t been able to get her back the way we’ve been expecting,” Lorieul said.

Bach Stables’ Chief of Peace impressed with a first-out maiden score in August at the Spa but landed 10th in Saturday’s Grade 2 Pilgrim here.

“The race was a bit against us. He was a touch keen on the backside, and they walked,” noted Lorieul of the moderate tempo. “We were hoping for a bit more pace. He’s a horse that doesn’t have a great turn-of-foot; he just lengthens, so the race was a bit against him.”

Source: NYRA.com

Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: ,

Breeders’ Cup Watch: 2yo Filly Dotsy

October 7, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Trainer John Grabowski surveyed a shedrow of nine trainees this week at his Finger Lakes Racetrack base, turning his attention to a juvenile gray filly by Tacitus. On Saturday, Grabowski would lead her through the Belmont Park paddock and onto the racetrack with a cautious optimism that his early assessment of her would come to fruition in the Grade 1, $500,000 Frizette.

Those dreams became a reality when the precocious Dotsy loomed large in the turn of the one-mile Frizette and kicked clear with large strides under Kendrick Carmouche to coast home first and provide her conditioner with his first stakes win, shedding light on a passionate and diligent barn that has flown under the radar in Farmington since 2012.

2yo Filly Dotsy a once-in-a-lifetime horse for Finger Lakes conditioner John Grabowski

“She’s doing great and is on her way home to Finger Lakes – I am still on Cloud Nine,” Grabowski said by phone on Sunday. “My phone is absolutely blowing up and it’s unbelievable. What an incredible experience – once in a lifetime.”

In the Frizette, Dotsy was a close-up third through the first half-mile as Girls Wear Pearls marked splits of 22.98 seconds and 45.75 seconds over the fast footing. Patiently handled by Carmouche, Dotsy angled out to the five-path in the turn to loom large alongside the pacesetter and the favored Libby Lloyd before advancing to take a one-length lead at the stretch call. Her trainer stood watch near the finish line, imploring his beloved filly for more as she edged clear and gamely turned back the oncoming Rum Twist to score by 2 3/4 lengths in a final time of 1:36.07.

“Kendrick looked like he had a ton of horse, and I just know her,” said Grabowski, a winner of 117 races from 620 starts. “When she made the lead, I really, truly felt that she was just playing with them. I know that sounds overconfident, but that’s what it looked it. Her ears were going forward and she was doing it easy. She seemed to really enjoy it and it was an unbelievable race for her.”

Owned by Thomas Paluck’s TSP Enterprises, Dotsy has been a standout to Grabowski – a former jockey with 3,401 wins in the saddle – since Day One. The filly made his shortlist at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale, where he signed a $37,000 ticket for the 10th foal produced from the Fusaichi Pegasus mare Coqui – a half-sister to Grade 3-winner Voodoo.

While even the most astute of horsemen cannot predict the future, Grabowski said every prospect that enters his barn does so with the grandest of hopes and aspirations.

“You always dream it. Every horse you buy, you always dream it,” he said. “I went down to Ocala to visit her and watch her train when she was being broke, and she had such a fluid gait to her, and such a long stride. Jesse Hoppel broke her for us and did such a fantastic job. We breezed her against some tough company, and she did it just like she did this race this weekend – she just toyed with everything she came up against. I was very confident going to Saratoga, especially having her in that restricted race. I knew and hoped she was far superior to those horses.”

That August 26 debut at Saratoga Race Course came in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden restricted to juvenile fillies that had sold or RNA’d for $65,000 or less in their most recent auction. She entered from a series of sharp works this summer, including a bullet five-furlong move in 1:00.10 on July 27 at Finger Lakes.

With Carmouche in the irons, she stalked in fifth after a slow start, but improved willingly throughout to take command with a four-wide move and tucked in down the lane for a four-length victory going away in a final time of 1:18.15, another first for Grabowski as he celebrated his initial victory at Saratoga.

Carmouche, a veteran rider with seven Grade 1 wins and 4,235 trips to the winner’s circle, has been atop some of the finest horses in the sport, and described Dotsy as “a monster” following the Frizette score.

“Kendrick told me that after he breezed her, too,” Grabowski said. “He called her a freak. That made me feel great, because you think you have a good one, but until you get a rider’s opinion like that, especially from someone like Kendrick… he’s such a good judge of what he’s on top of.”

For her Frizette score, Dotsy earned a $30,000 entry credit to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on October 30 at Keeneland and 10 Kentucky Oaks qualifying points. She is Breeders’ Cup nominated, and the Juvenile Fillies requires both a pre-entry fee of $30,000 due on October 19 and an entry fee of the same amount on October 26.

Grabowski said having half of the related fees covered by the “Dirt Dozen” program is an enticing proposal.

“We’re definitely considering it,” Grabowski said. “We’ve got to get her home, really evaluate her and make sure we’re going forward to do this. But yes, definitely considering it. That would be another incredible experience, absolutely.”

For now, Grabowski will thoroughly enjoy the monumental accomplishment he and his team achieved yesterday to become racing’s newest Grade 1-winning stable.

“To even be around a horse like that is so incredible, let alone train her,” Grabowski said. “It’s so surreal. I’m so grateful to Mr. Paluck that he gave me a shot a few years ago. We’ve had quite a bit of success, but nothing like this. Having a horse like this, in my shedrow? Incredible.”

Source: NYRA.com

Filed Under: Breeders Cup, Horse Racing News Tagged With:

Happy Valley Selections for Wednesday morning, October 7th

October 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Luke Middlebrook’s tips for Happy Valley on Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026.

Happy Valley Selections for Wednesday morning, October 7, 2026

Race 1: #1 Can’t Go Wong, #4 Kingly Demeanor, #5 Ocean Impact, #8 Good Luck Win
Race 2: #5 World Hero, #10 Loving Vibes, #6 Hayday, #1 Glorious Dynasty
Race 3: #6 Decision Link, #4 Sunday’s Serenade, #3 Class, #10 Fortune Star
Race 4: #10 Precision Hope, #2 Sky Deep, #12 Prestige Ricky, #8 Absolute Honour
Race 5: #8 Georgian Sigma, #4 Superb King, #9 Golden Ace, #6 Beauty Show
Race 6: #2 Grit Spirit, #9 No Other Choice, #5 California Bay, #10 Kwai Chung Talents
Race 7: #11 Daryl Flash, #9 Bright Day, #5 Target Audience, #2 Flying Wrote
Race 8: #12 Refusetobeenglish, #1 Dazzling Fit, #10 Flying Fortune, #2 Pope Cody
Race 9: #7 The Heir, #6 Prestige Always, #1 Aurio, #2 Motor

Happy Valley Selections for Wednesday morning, October 7th

Race 1 – BEDFORD HANDICAP
#1 Can’t Go Wong drops back into Class 5 for the first time in a long while, a grade where he is one from one. Barrier 2 gives Zac Purton the chance to secure one of the better runs in transit and makes him the one to beat. #4 Kingly Demeanor should roll forward from barrier 9 and look to pinch this from the front. If he can dictate without facing too much pressure, he will take plenty of catching. #5 Ocean Impact has barrier 11 to overcome, but the first drop into Class 5 is significant for a proven track-and-distance performer. Early luck would bring him right into contention. #8 Good Luck Win is an interesting stable switch to Pierre Ng and warrants a close watch.

Race 2 – CHEUNG FAT HANDICAP
#5 World Hero gets a serious map upgrade after being posted wide from barrier 11 at Sha Tin yet finishing only a little over three lengths away in sixth. He should get the suck run just off the speed today and can prove too strong late. #10 Loving Vibes has been knocking on the door since joining Mark Newnham and finally gets the draw he needs to convert, coming into barrier 1 after working hard from gate 10 first-up before fading late into fourth. #6 Hayday looks the likely leader under Nichola Yuen from barrier 4 and could take them a long way. He disappointed last season, but his rating has fallen far enough to make him dangerous again. #1 Glorious Dynasty caught the eye with a fast-finishing sixth at his first look in Class 4.

Hong Kong Happy Valley fireworks Hong Kong Expert Horse Racing Selections and Happy Valley Selections for WednesdayRace 3 – FAT TSEUNG HANDICAP
#6 Decision Link arrives off a pair of fifths in which he was not beaten far, and barrier 2 gives him a much better set-up today. Luke Ferraris takes over, and the run he should receive puts him right in the frame as the one to beat. #4 Sunday’s Serenade has not won for 539 days, but recent runs suggest that drought is close to ending. He dashed home strongly into second first-up and Purton stays aboard. #3 Class should enjoy a far cleaner passage from barrier 1 after being caught wide first-up and still finishing close up. That was his first look in Class 4 and he appears to be coming to hand. #10 Fortune Star is capable in races of this nature at the track and distance, and there was plenty to like about his lead-in trial.

Race 4 – FAT TSEUNG HANDICAP
#10 Precision Hope gets first-time blinkers after a credible first-up fourth as favourite, when a slowly run race worked against him. He has since trialled very well in the headgear and barrier 2 gives him every chance to turn that run into a win. #2 Sky Deep was the subject of a poorly judged ride according to the stewards after finishing fourth last start, and Ellis Wong gets the chance to make amends from barrier 1 again today. #12 Prestige Ricky resumes a further two points lower in the ratings and has been trialling nicely under Karis Teetan, who takes the ride from barrier 4. #8 Absolute Honour turned his form around after joining Frankie Lor last season and resumes with Purton aboard. Barrier 10 is the query, but his consistent form keeps him in the mix.

Race 5 – THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CUP (HANDICAP)
#8 Georgian Sigma gives Tony Cruz a strong chance to break an unusually slow start to the season after placing in both runs this term at the track and distance from wide draws. Barrier 7 is a kinder set-up and improves his chance of converting. #4 Superb King is still chasing his first win but keeps finding the frame, and there was plenty of merit in his latest third after a slow start left him further back than intended. #9 Golden Ace produced a big debut effort down the Sha Tin straight last season, charging home from well back into third with a noticeable turn of foot. He resumes off quiet trials but clearly has ability. #6 Beauty Show has disappointed, but he still looks a horse who needs time, and quieter tactics may eventually be the key to drawing improvement.

Race 6 – CHEUNG FAT HANDICAP
#2 Grit Spirit produced his best run yet last start when surprising at odds into third. That was his first look in Class 4, and after having the summer break to acclimatise, he looks to have returned a better horse this season. #9 No Other Choice demolished a Class 5 field last start despite being unwanted in the betting, coming from near last after jumping from barrier 10 to win going away by close to five lengths. He rises 10 points in the ratings and steps into Class 4 now, but barrier 1 gives him every chance to measure up. #5 California Bay was slow to begin first-up, settled at the rear and was never in the race. Barrier 2 gives him the chance to be far more competitive if he jumps cleanly. #10 Kwai Chung Talents has been racing consistently without winning, arriving off a pair of placings, and gets another good opportunity here.

Race 7 – YIP FAT HANDICAP
#11 Daryl Flash looks ready to win after a strong second last start, when he settled a touch too far back while the winner enjoyed an easier time closer to the speed. This is competitive, but he gets another chance to convert. #9 Bright Day rises back into Class 3, where he is yet to make an impact, but he looks a better horse now and barrier 1 gives him the opportunity to map much closer and play a part in the finish. #5 Target Audience has a strong first-up record, winning two from four fresh, and resumes in good order after finding peak form late last season. #2 Flying Wrote is well placed under Nichola Yuen’s seven-pound claim and should be thereabouts again.

Race 8 – HING FAT HANDICAP
#12 Refusetobeenglish simply had no luck last start when finishing 12th, unable to find clear galloping room late while still having plenty to offer. That run is best forgiven and he gets another chance to show what he can do. #1 Dazzling Fit can go one better after an encouraging first-up second at his Happy Valley debut. That was his first run since March, so he should strip much fitter and looks ready to return to winning ways. #10 Flying Fortune is better suited back to 1,650m second-up after needing his first-up run over 1,800m, and barrier 1 gives him the map to get every chance. #2 Pope Cody was well backed and delivered last start, and barrier 2 gives him the opportunity to reproduce that form.

Race 9 – YIP FAT HANDICAP
#7 The Heir backs up quickly after a good fifth at Sha Tin just six days ago, and the return to Happy Valley looks firmly in his favour, especially from an inside gate. #6 Prestige Always chases a hat-trick and maps ideally from barrier 3, an important advantage over several key rivals who have drawn awkwardly and need much more to fall their way. #1 Aurio keeps racing well at the top of the weights, but the key change today is the draw. Purton gets a much better gate to work with after Aurio jumped from barrier 12 first-up. #2 Motor again needs luck from the draw after racing wide last start, but he has trialled very well since and, if he lets the pace go, he is one to look for charging late.

Source: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Filed Under: International Horse Racing Tagged With: ,

Breeders’ Cup Watch: Forever Young Trains

October 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Forever Young resumes serious preparations for G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic with open gallop on the Belmont Park main track

Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young, the reigning Japanese Horse of the Year and Champion OIder Dirt Horse, returned to serious preparations for the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic on October 31 at Keeneland with an open gallop Sunday over the Belmont Park main track.

Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, the 5-year-old Real Steel horse captured the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup on September 18 here in his first start since a runner-up effort in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup on March 28 at Meydan Racecourse.

Forever Young was piloted in his morning exercise by assistant trainer Yuki Araki, timed from the three-eighths by NYRA Clockers in 15 3/5, 31 1/5 and 45 4/5.

“I just wanted to feel the horse when he goes even pace. I’m happy with it,” Araki said.

Forever Young posted a sharper breeze ahead of his Jockey Club Gold Cup score here, covering five furlongs in 1:02.17. Araki noted that Forever Young will have two more local works before shipping to Keeneland on October 20.

“We have plenty of time for Breeders’ Cup, so we didn’t want a strong breeze this morning,” Araki said. “It was a new challenge [ahead of the Gold Cup], so we gave him a very strong breeze before the race. Obviously, it was five months after the Dubai World Cup, so we wanted him to breeze out. This time [today] was quite different because he ran one race already and fitness should be [good] enough. I’m happy with it.”

While Forever Young exercised on the main track, his stablemate Shin Emperor utilized the walking machine and enjoyed a pick of grass while attended to by his exercise rider Yuto Kumagai.

Araki said Forever Young has exited the Jockey Club Gold Cup in good order and had plenty of energy after the strong gallop.

“Oh yes, I’ve been holding hard,” Araki said, with a laugh. “Maybe his motion is slower than you guys expected, but the thing is, the gap is a very good thing. I felt the pace was even. More than that, I checked the video, and it looks like a normal gallop. I’m really satisfied.

“The strongest one will be before we move to Keeneland,” Araki added, regarding upcoming works. “We keep focusing on that. “

Forever Young cooled out in his customary fashion since arriving in New York with multiple laps along the treelined horse path adjacent to the main track before bath time and a pick of grass.

Forever Young, winner of last year’s Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, has made 16 starts across 10 racetracks in four countries, posting additional top-flight scores in back-to-back editions of the $20 million Saudi Cup in 2025-26 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, and the 2024 Tokyo Daishoten in his native country, where he is undefeated through six efforts.

Araki has utilized much of the expansive Belmont Park training facility, including the inner Tapeta track, dirt training track and the quarter-mile Tapeta pony track.

“We always want to change his mind in a better way, so we change the track and let him see a different view and atmosphere. I think it’s going well so far,” Araki said.

Forever Young has banked in excess of $32.3 million through a 16-12-1-3 record.

source: NYRA

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Breeders Cup Watch: U. S. S. Valor in the Champagne

October 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment

U,S,S, Valor in Champagne 2026U. S. S. Valor uncorked a powerful stretch run to win the Grade 1, $500,000 Champagne, a one-turn mile for 2-year-olds, in eye-catching fashion on Saturday at Belmont Park.

Heavily favored off a 13 1/4-length second-out maiden victory on September 5 at Saratoga Race Course, U. S. S. Valor broke a step slowly in the Champagne but quickly recovered to race 1 1/4 lengths behind the leaders, Gaudreau, Johnny Hockey and Club Reign, in fifth as the tightly-packed field traveled in two tandems of three through an opening quarter-mile 23.19 seconds and a half in 46.08 over the fast dirt.

The Team Valor Kentucky homebred continued to wait behind horses on the far turn through three quarters in 1:10.18 before he was angled outside by jockey Manny Franco, bumping with Earth Song before lengthening his stride and striking to the front nearing the eighth pole en route to a 6 1/2-length triumph over second choice Gaudreau, who contested the early pace and ultimately finished two lengths ahead of third-place finisher Club Reign.

U. S. S. Valor, the 1-4 favorite in the field of six, returned $2.74 for a $2 win wager and stopped the clock in 1:34.84.

“The way he did it, being behind horses; he was on the bridle, but the right way,” said Franco. “We were bunched up. As soon as he got to the half a mile, I had a chance to drop my hands, and he stayed there for me. When I called him again, he just took off again. He just exploded. He has a lot of talent.”

With the Champagne victory, U. S. S. Valor earned $275,000, a free entry into the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile as part of the “Win and You’re In” program, and 10 points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings. Kentucky Derby points were awarded on a 10-5-3-2-1 basis to the top-five finishers.

It was the fourth Champagne triumph for Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey, who previously won the race with Polish Navy [1986], Easy Goer [1988], and Adjudicating [1989].

The Champagne was a rematch of a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight contested August 8 at Saratoga won by Gaudreau by a half-length. U. S. S. Valor, ridden that day by Tyler Gaffalione, was carried inward at the start before steadily working his way through the field to finish a diminishing three-quarters of a length behind the winner in third. U. S. S. Valor had smooth sailing when going seven furlongs September 5, vying for early supremacy and drawing clear in the stretch while being geared down late by Franco.

“Manny is a great rider, and [in the Champagne] he got him where he wanted him to be – got in a little trouble at the head of the stretch, but he was able to [overcome] that,” said McGaughey. “I think when they get an education like he got in his first race, it helps down the line. The second race was perfect, but Manny and I talked in the paddock and I [thought] for him to learn and to be a good horse, he’s going to need a target, and he got one today.

“I think Manny has turned into an outstanding rider,” McGaughey added. “That was why when it came down to it, I was anxious to get him on him. Tyler was going to be out of town [September 5], so I was glad I worked with [Franco’s] agent [John Panagot], and [that I] was able to get him back today. I have all the confidence in him and I think he’s a top rider and will continue to get even better.”

Breeders’ Cup Up Next for U. S. S. Valor?

McGaughey said he and Team Valor president Barry Irwin will see how U. S. S. Valor exits the Champagne before they decide the colt’s next start. The trainer said U. S. S. Valor has been “more forward” than 2015 Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap and Grade 1 Whitney winner Honor Code and 2019 Grade 1 Travers and Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup victor Code of Honor. Both Honor Code and Code of Honor were second in the Champagne.

“Code of Honor when he ran in [the Champagne] had the outside and he broke bad – he was able to finish,” said McGaughey. “Honor Code had only run the one time and he was still a little bit [green] and had to come from way back and finish. This horse is just not that way. He’s been forward with me the whole time I’ve had him and I think he showed it today.”

Irwin said U. S. S. Valor’s Champagne victory ranks highly among the accomplishments of Team Valor colorbearers.

“We have never really won a top 2-year-old race like this,” said Irwin. “I mean we won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, we won the Spinaway, I’ve won a couple of good ones in Europe, but this is the best, for me.

“I’ve never had a horse anywhere near this quality before, and I’ve had some good horses,” Irwin continued. “He is just beyond words. I can’t believe I bred him, I can’t believe I own him.”

U. S. S Valor is a bay son of 2019 Grade 1 Preakness winner War of Will.

Trainer Chad Brown, who saddled Gaudreau, said his colt was “no match” for the winner.

“I thought I got a great trip,” said Brown. “He broke maybe just a step [slow] and he [Flavien Prat] used him a bit to get up there, but from then on I had a great trip. I was just a little disappointed today when they turned for home that I didn’t shake free from that Club Reign, who was kind of asked a little bit turning for home. Off a 46 half, I think my horse is able to do that in-hand, and I started to be a little concerned that he had to ask him. He did respond when he asked him, but today, much different than the debut of these two horses [Gaudreau and U.S.S. Valor] – now there’s a gap between them today. The winner was clearly much the best today and rolled right by us… I’ve got to go back to the drawing board as a trainer and figure out what happened there and why is this gap between them now?”

Edgard Zayas, rider aboard third-place finisher Club Reign, said he expects his Whit Beckman-trained mount to continue to be a factor in major races.

“I think [Club Reign] ran a huge race,” said Zayas. “He’s definitely a horse who can get better with experience. It was just his second race. The winner is a really nice horse, but I know Club Reign is very classy and has some great wins in his future, for sure. The way he broke out of the gate super sharp and then just got into cruise control and relaxed was impressive. The winner just had a different kick.”

Earth Song finished fourth and was followed home by Johnny Hockey and Raku.

Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With:

Online Pusoy Guide: How to Turn Your Cards Into Better Combinations

October 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment

online pusoy

At first glance, Online Pusoy seems easy: receive 13 cards, arrange them, and compare hands. But once those cards appear, the real puzzle begins.

Every card can affect more than one hand. A card that strengthens your Back hand could weaken your Middle or Front. That is what makes Pusoy exciting—it is not simply about finding your strongest combination. It is about figuring out how your entire 13-card set works together.

For beginners exploring an online Pusoy game on GZone, start with the fundamentals. Learn the 3-5-5 structure, understand hand rankings, compare possible arrangements, and check the rules of the specific version you want to play.

No magic formula works for every round. Instead, smart play starts with understanding the choices in front of you.

Quick Answer: What Is Online Pusoy?

Online Pusoy is the digital version of the familiar 13-card card game. Players arrange their cards into three hands: a three-card Front, a five-card Middle, and a five-card Back. The hands generally need to follow a strength hierarchy, with the Back stronger than the Middle and the Middle stronger than the Front.

Understand the 13-Card Puzzle.

A standard Pusoy round uses 13 cards from a 52-card deck. Those cards are divided into:

  • Front: 3 cards
  • Middle: 5 cards
  • Back: 5 cards

This 3-5-5 structure is the foundation of the game.

The tricky part? You cannot simply put your best cards together and forget about everything else. You have to build three hands that work together while keeping the arrangement valid.

Before finalizing your cards, pause for a moment. Look at the whole set and ask: What combinations can I create? What happens to my other hands if I move this card?

That simple habit can make online Pusoy tips much easier to understand.

Learn Pusoy Hand Rankings First

Before worrying about advanced online Pusoy strategy, beginners should become comfortable recognizing the basic hand rankings:

  • High Card
  • One Pair
  • Two Pair
  • Three of a Kind
  • Straight
  • Flush
  • Full House
  • Four of a Kind
  • Straight Flush
  • Royal Flush

Knowing these combinations helps you quickly identify what your cards can potentially become. However, remember that the strongest individual combination is not always the best choice for your entire arrangement.

Build Better Hands Through Balance

One of the most useful lessons when you play online Pusoy is to think about all three hands at once.

For example, you might spot a powerful five-card combination and immediately want to place it in the Back. But if doing so leaves you with a weak Middle and Front, your overall arrangement may not be as useful as it first appeared.

Here is a simple beginner-friendly guide:

Hand/Area What to Consider Beginner Goal
Back Hand Your strongest five-card possibilities Build a strong, legal five-card hand
Middle Hand Cards left after planning the Back Create a balanced five-card combination
Front Hand Your remaining three cards Make the strongest legal three-card hand
Complete Set How all 13 cards work together Keep the entire arrangement valid
Alternative Setup Other ways to distribute important cards Compare before making your final choice

Think of your arrangement as one complete picture, rather than three completely separate hands.

Compare Before You Commit

Suppose your cards can create a Full House. It looks fantastic—but should it automatically go into the Back?

Not necessarily.

Before committing, consider what happens to the remaining eight cards. Can they still produce a reasonable Middle hand? Can you build a legal Front? Does the final order follow the required hierarchy?

This is where an online Pusoy Philippines player can develop better decision-making habits. Instead of choosing the first attractive arrangement, compare at least one alternative.

Sometimes a slightly less impressive individual hand can produce a more balanced overall setup.

Know Your GZone Pusoy Version

If you are looking for Pusoy GZone, remember that not every Pusoy title necessarily works the same way.

GameZone currently highlights Pusoy Plus, Pusoy Wild, and Pusoy Jackpot. Pusoy Plus follows the familiar arrangement format, while Pusoy Wild includes a card-swapping mechanic. Pusoy Jackpot retains the recognizable Pusoy structure while adding a jackpot-related feature.

Because features and availability can change, always check the current game information and rules before playing.

Practice Your Card Arrangements

You do not need to memorize complicated tactics on your first day.

Start by taking different 13-card combinations and practicing how to divide them into Front, Middle, and Back hands. Then look at your arrangement again and ask whether another distribution could create better balance.

Reviewing your decisions is especially useful for beginners. Did moving one card strengthen one hand but weaken another? Could another combination work better?

This type of practice can make Pusoy card game online mechanics feel more natural over time.

However, practice and strategy should never be confused with guaranteed results. Card distribution is uncertain, and opponents make their own decisions. A strategy can help you understand the game, but it cannot guarantee a win.

PAGCOR and Responsible Gaming

Responsible gaming is an important part of any online gaming experience. PAGCOR states that its responsible-gaming measures aim to reduce gambling-related harm and prevent underage gambling. Its reminders include setting time limits, avoiding borrowed money, and not chasing losses.

GameZone also states that people below 21 are not permitted to register or play on its platform.

For eligible adults, treat Online Pusoy as entertainment rather than a source of income. Set a personal spending limit, take breaks, and stop when the experience is no longer enjoyable.

Tara G! Sama Tayo. Where Pinoys Play Card Games Online.

play online pusoy

Final Thoughts

Better Pusoy decisions begin with better understanding.

Instead of focusing on one impressive combination, examine all 13 cards and think about how they can work together across the Front, Middle, and Back hands.

Learn the rankings, understand the 3-5-5 structure, compare possible arrangements, and familiarize yourself with the specific GZone version you choose.

Most importantly, there is no guaranteed winning setup. Every deal is different. The smarter approach is to make informed decisions, understand the rules, and keep realistic expectations.

With practice, beginners can become more comfortable reading their cards, balancing their hands, and enjoying the strategic challenge of Online Pusoy on GZone.

FAQs About Online Pusoy

  1. What is Online Pusoy?

Online Pusoy is a digital version of the traditional 13-card Pusoy game. Players divide their cards into Front, Middle, and Back hands according to the applicable rules.

  1. How many cards are used in Pusoy?

Each player receives 13 cards, which are arranged into one three-card Front hand and two five-card hands for the Middle and Back.

  1. What is the most important Online Pusoy tip for beginners?

Learn the basic hand rankings first, then practice arranging all 13 cards while keeping the three hands in the correct strength order.

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Sha Tin Selections for Tonight, 10/3-4

October 3, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Luke Middlebrook’s tips from Idol Horse below for Sha Tin on Sunday, Oct 04, 2026.

Sha Tin Selections for late Saturday night, Sunday, October 04, 2026

Race 1: #1 Double Bingo, #12 Oriental Surprise, #13 Go Go Go, #2 Hailtothevictors
Race 2: #12 E Hopeful, #13 Kol, #6 Happy Special, #5 Lean Era
Race 3: #2 Talents Ambition, #3 Sing Dragon, #8 Loch Tay, #7 Sky Vino
Race 4: #8 The All Rounder, #13 Superb Guy, #6 Peridot, #12 Team Happy
Race 5: #6 Night Purosangue, #4 Vivacious Win, #11 Never Peter Out, #7 Chill Kaka
Race 6: #2 Grand Patch, #3 Positive Smile, #9 Shotgun, #1 Sugar Goodson
Race 7: #9 Mighty Fighter, #3 Lady’s Love, #14 Quick Contribution, #11 Happy Promise
Race 8: #5 Flow Water Flow, #3 Call Me Magnifique, #9 Hymnbook, #6 Mighty Strength
Race 9: #6 Stormi, #12 Quantum Legend, #8 Blossomy, #1 Dragon Air Force
Race 10: #9 Conghua Galaxy, #2 Alpha Strike, #13 Lucky Candy, #14 Lahore
Race 11: #2 Solid State, #7 Grand Eagle, #4 Gold Patch, #14 Master Payment

Race 1 – CHAI WAN KOK HANDICAP
#1 Double Bingo gets a welcome map upgrade on the quick back-up after wide draws forced negative tactics at his first two starts this campaign. Nichola Yuen should be able to make full use of barrier 3 and have him handy again, just as he was three starts ago when winning well. #12 Oriental Surprise keeps knocking on the door but finding one better, most recently going down by a neck. Purton sticks with him and he gets another chance to finally convert. #13 Go Go Go has barrier 11 to overcome, but there is little speed on paper and he could feasibly slide across to lead, just as he did when winning a similar race four starts ago. #2 Hailtothevictors will appreciate getting back to the all-weather after racing on turf.

Race 2 – KWOK SHUI HANDICAP
#12 E Hopeful has little form on the board, but there have been excuses. He finished a close-up fourth three starts ago despite being held up, then had wide trips from poor draws in two subsequent runs. He resumes from barrier 3 and, at odds, might finally get things to fall his way. #13 Kol gets a meaningful jockey upgrade with Purton taking over after a first-up fourth that carried merit in a fast-run race. Barrier 2 should give him every chance to capitalise. #6 Happy Special has barrier 12 to navigate, but the lack of obvious speed could allow him to slide across, especially given what he has shown at the trials. #5 Lean Era also draws wide, but there was promise in his debut fourth last season when running on well. His return trials were quiet, yet he moved particularly well.

Race 3 – MUK MIN HA HANDICAP
#2 Talents Ambition has a strong record fresh and has trialled well for his return. He should be close enough to strike when it matters and looks the one they will have to hold out late. #3 Sing Dragon, a former stablemate, beat Talents Ambition by more than a length last season when allowed to dictate a slow tempo from the front. He sprang a massive upset on turf last start and now returns to the all-weather, where he will look to repeat those front-running tactics. #8 Loch Tay is another pace influence who gets in light on the rise to Class 2 and can run a bold race. #7 Sky Vino has tactical versatility on his side and is a proven performer at the track and distance.

Race 4 – LO WAI HANDICAP
#8 The All Rounder gets the map upgrade he needs, moving into barrier 4 after jumping from gate 14 last start, when he settled well back before charging home into second. That run suggested a win is close, and the kinder draw gives him every chance to convert. #13 Superb Guy keeps Purton aboard after their last-start third, when traffic in the straight compromised their chances. He is worth another look. #6 Peridot has produced runs of merit despite drawing wide at his past three starts, and barrier 7 offers a welcome change of fortune. #12 Team Happy chases back-to-back wins and gets barrier 1 to work with, while the step up to 1,400m adds to his appeal.

Race 5 – SHA TSUI HANDICAP
#6 Night Purosangue made light work of this track and trip last start after being allowed to dictate, and the speed map points to a similar scenario today. Alexis Badel could again control matters from barrier 3 in a race short of pace. #4 Vivacious Win tackles the all-weather under race conditions for the first time but has shown enough in trials on the surface. The reunion with Purton is key after a wide trip under Ethan Brown last start. #11 Never Peter Out has slid a long way down the ratings, and Andrea Atzeni taking the ride catches the eye. He looks ready to return to form. #7 Chill Kaka maps for every chance from barrier 2 and is always competitive in a race of this nature.

Race 6 – THE YAN CHAI TROPHY (HANDICAP)
#2 Grand Patch had more to offer than his first-up fourth suggests after drawing wide and finding little galloping room in the straight. He has since won a trial smartly, and a better draw gives him the chance to bounce back second-up. He looks better than Class 4. #3 Positive Smile paid for being ridden forward last start, so expect more patient tactics today. He has since won a trial in good style, and Purton gives him another chance. #9 Shotgun looks the likely leader and will try to make all, although a few wider-drawn runners could inject pressure if they push forward. #1 Sugar Goodson drops into Class 4 and gets blinkers for the first time, making him one to keep an eye on.

Race 7 – SHAM TSENG HANDICAP
#9 Mighty Fighter had plenty go wrong first-up, slowly away from barrier 11 before settling near last and closing strongly into sixth on the wrong part of the track. There was more merit in the run than the result suggests, and today’s set-up is ideal. #3 Lady’s Love finally gets the draw he has been crying out for, coming into barrier 1 after three runs from wide gates since dropping into Class 4. His latest third was his best placing yet, and the switch to Purton gives him an excellent chance to break through. #14 Quick Contribution resumes off three consecutive placings in good company and gets a welcome map upgrade. He remains a maiden, but opportunities do not come much better than this. #11 Happy Promise signed off last season with his best run yet.

Race 8 – THE CHINESE RECREATION CLUB CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP)
#5 Flow Water Flow had plenty go wrong first-up yet still managed fourth, an effort full of merit. Purton takes over second-up and the rise to 1,800m is firmly in the promising five-year-old’s favour. He looks ready to win again. #3 Call Me Magnifique sprang an upset when last seen, although there had been signs of improvement at the trials beforehand. He maps ideally on resumption and has again trialled with plenty of zest, suggesting that win was no fluke. #9 Hymnbook turned in a slashing third first-up at his first start for Caspar Fownes, who looks to have him flying and on the verge of a win. #6 Mighty Strength won over this track and distance at the same meeting last year and it would be no surprise to see him run another cheeky race.

Race 9 – SHEK WAI KOK HANDICAP
#6 Stormi looks capable of finding the front comfortably and giving them plenty to chase. His previous record at the track and distance can be overlooked, as he has yet to tackle these conditions since joining Cody Mo, a switch that brought an improvement last season. #12 Quantum Legend had more to offer than his first-up sixth suggests after lacking clear galloping room, and the booking of Purton from barrier 1 gives him a strong chance to make amends. #8 Blossomy won two of seven last season and there was no fluke about either success. He looked in excellent order winning a 1,700m trial for his return, although barrier 11 makes the map awkward. #1 Dragon Air Force resumed over an unsuitable 1,000m and is much better placed back at this track and trip. First-time blinkers add another point of interest.

Race 10 – SHING MUN HANDICAP
#9 Conghua Galaxy can take a step forward second-up after an encouraging debut third to Alpha Strike, beaten a length and a half. The four-year-old showed plenty of fight on that occasion, and Brett Crawford’s stable is beginning to come to hand. #2 Alpha Strike only needs to reproduce that form to prove hard to beat again after winning cosily. He remains untapped after just seven local starts, and the penny may well and truly have dropped. #13 Lucky Candy cannot be dismissed from the in-form Cody Mo yard. He is better than his first-up effort suggests and should strip fitter second-up. #14 Lahore rises in class chasing a hat-trick after finding another gear since the visor went on. The nine-pound drop in weight helps offset the class rise.

Race 11 – YAU KOM TAU HANDICAP
#2 Solid State should relish the return to 1,200m after finding 1,000m too sharp first-up, although he still worked home well enough to finish second. Purton takes over and the extra distance gives him the chance to show his best. #7 Grand Eagle is now trained by James Cummings after two starts for David Eustace last season, and his Happy Valley trial was particularly encouraging. Barrier 3 sets him up for a sweet run. #4 Gold Patch showed plenty of potential as a three-year-old last season and should come on for his first-up run, which he appeared to need. First-time blinkers add further interest second-up. #14 Master Payment was simply too bad to be true when well beaten as favourite first-up and gets another look.

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