TAB WEEKEND RACING HIGHLIGHTS: 16 - 18 JANUARY

SA-BREDS FLY THE FLAG ABROAD IN BUSY WEEKEND OF RACING

Horseracing fans can watch two South African-breds flying the flag overseas this weekend. An Equus Champion filly makes her Dubai debut this Friday and a one-time classic contender looks the part in a Hong Kong feature. Back home, Saturday delivers a double-header with a 10-race programme at the Vaal complemented by a twilight meeting at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Sunday’s local action is at Hollywoodbets Greyville, where a former Gauteng stakes-winning filly lines up against some seasoned hard-knockers. All in all, plenty of opportunities to land a big win with TAB.

FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

FAIRVIEW: EAST COAST GIRL HAS MUCH IN HER FAVOUR

High-riding trainer Dean Smith could be back in the winner’s box after Race 7, the Lady’s Bracelet over 1600m. He saddles up-and-coming three-year-old filly East Coast Girl, twice a winner over this distance, well drawn and in the hands of national log-leader Craig Zackey. “She was unlucky last time and ran on a bit too late after suffering some trouble on the turn. She has a good finish. I look forward to her running on turf and on a long straight,” said Smith.

MEYDAN: QUID PRO QUO SET TO IMPROVE IN CAPE VERDI

South African-bred Quid Pro Quo is the highest-rated runner in Race 7, the Group 2 Cape Verdi over 1600m on turf. The dual Grade 1 winner and former Equus star is now in the care of French trainer Jerome Reynier and races for Team Valor International. After spending most of 2025 on the sidelines, Quid Pro Quo returned to the track in December and finished fifth in a Listed contest on the Polytrack at Deauville. She raced wide from a deep draw, was beaten only four lengths and should enjoy the switch back to turf. Fitter now, a good run is expected under experienced Adrie de Vries.

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS

SELANGOR: BANKER’S EMPRESS FOR FIRST MALAYSIAN WIN

Former Australian galloper Banker’s Empress looks ready to break her Malaysian duck in Race 7 over 1300m at Kuala Lumpur. The four-year-old arrived with an impressive overseas record of two wins from three starts and made an eye-catching local debut when a fast-finishing second a fortnight ago. She meets a lower-rated field and shapes the one to beat. The meeting starts at 06:30.

VAAL: RIFLE QUEEN TO PICK OFF RIVALS IN SWALLOW STAKES

Rifle Queen, unbeaten in two impressive sprints at Turffontein last year, takes a step up to Listed company in Race 7, the Betway Swallow Stakes over 1200m. That she returns from a five-month break is a minor concern, but trainer Tony Peter normally brings runners back fit from layoffs and the stable’s recently preferred jockey Gavin Lerena is booked for the ride.

It should be noted that Rifle Queen went from maiden juvenile company to win a handicap as an early three-year-old and is likely to be stronger and even better now. She has the additional benefit of a stand-side draw and could be too speedy for form rivals One Fine Winter, Elegantrix and Anchorage.

SUGGESTED R240 (25%) PICK 6 PERM (Leg 1 Race 4 @13:10):

Leg 1: 1, 2, 7, 9

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4

Leg 3: 1,2, 5, 6, 8

Leg 4: 4

Leg 5: 2, 3, 4

Leg 6: 4, 10, 11, 12

HOLLYWOODBETS DURBANVILLE: MARCUS AURELIUS CAN BEAT DRAW

Following the scratchings of Justin Snaith’s Primal Instinct and In A Timely Manner, Candice Bass has a strong winning chance in Race 7 over 1400m with three-year-old Marcus Aurelius. He’s a two-time winner from five starts and wasn’t disgraced when tried at a much higher level last time. He has to start from a wide draw, but has a powerful finish and has won from a tricky gate at this venue before, so he looks capable of delivering the goods.

ASCOT: IL ETAIT TEMPS SET FOR SIX IN A ROW IN JONBON REMATCH

Il Etait Temps has looked imperious this season and will face just three rivals as he attempts to stretch his winning run to six in the Group 1 Clarence House Chase over 3400m (Race 6). The last time Willie Mullins’ grey met with defeat was back in the 2024 Arkle, but he on to win at Aintree and Punchestown and then beat Jonbon in the Celebration Chase at Sandown last April after almost a year off the track. Nicky Henderson will be hoping Jonbon can turn the tables on his return to Ascot, where he is unbeaten over jumps, but Paul Nicholls’ star is the obvious choice.

SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS

PERAK: COLONEL SON LOOKS READY TO FIRE AT IPOH

Last-start winner Colonel Son looks set to continue his strong association with the Ipoh circuit, where he lines up in Race 4 over 1200m. The gelding boasts an excellent record at the track, having won twice from three starts, and returns fresh after landing the Cosmo Cover 1100 here on 6 December. He will be partnered for the first time by senior jockey Benny Woodworth and a quick double looks well within his scope. The meeting starts at 05:45.

SHA TIN: SMART SA BRED CAN BREAK THE ICE IN HONG KONG

Mark Newham-trained Aerodynamics (formerly Count Invicto), a South African-bred by Royal Mo, looks the right choice in the feature event, Race 11 over 1600m. He caught the eye on his local debut when finishing sharply for fifth over 1200m after dropping back from barrier 11. The step up in trip looks positive, given his three wins from four starts in South Africa included a victory over 1470m. The meeting starts at 06:30.

HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE: COUNT ON AZZIE’S GIMMEFABULOUS

Adam Azzie has shown patience with a small string since relocating from Randjesfontein and could get off the mark as a solo trainer in Race 2 over 1400m with smart filly, Gimmefabulous. A dual stakes winner at this time last year, she was given a lengthy break after finishing unplaced in the SA Fillies Guineas last May. Her two comeback runs towards the end of last year suggested she is edging back to her best form and this looks an ideal opportunity for her to get back into the winner’s enclosure.