Gerrit Schlechter aims to resume race-riding next week after being sidelined for almost three months.

He has not ridden since he won at Kenilworth on Beyond Limits for Brett Crawford on June 2 when he returned in such pain that he had difficulty getting off the horse.

He said: “I thought at the time it was a muscle spasm but when I went to the doctor he discovered that I had torn a ligament that holds one of my vertebrae.

“That has now healed and I resumed riding work last week. It will take one or two rides to really get back into things but I am due to start race-riding again on September 1.”

Schlechter is one of a select band of jockeys to have won both the Vodacom Durban July (Eyeofthetiger) and the J & B Met (Past Master).

The courageous Jet Explorer, who recovered to race again after smashing his top and lower jaws in last year’s Rising Sun Gold Challenge, is to race on as a seven-year-old.

Justin Snaith said: “He is having a proper holiday at the moment – he didn’t get one last year – and we will see how he comes out of his first run before deciding where we go with him.”

No decision has yet been taken on whether the Mike Bass-trained Inara will stay in training in a bid to repeat last season’s wins in the Maine Chance Paddock Stakes and the Klawervlei Majorca.

Owner-breeder Gaynor Rupert said: “We are discussing this at the moment. We will see how she is but Durban didn’t suit her.”

Last month’s Champagne winner Lanner Falcon, second in the 2013 Cape Fillies Guineas, is to stay in training but Jet Belle, third in both the Paddock and the Majorca, is to be retired to visit Trippi. So too is last year’s SA Oaks winner Ash Cloud.

By Michael Clower

There is a nine race turf meeting on the Vaal outside course today and it is high draws that are normally favoured in the straight races on this track.

Of the first-timers in race 1, a Workrider’s Maiden over 1200m, the one that makes appeal is the Mike Azzie-trained Jay Peg gelding Le Clos, a half-brother to Vancouver Gold who won second time out over 1160m by five lengths. He is drawn on the right side and the accomplished Francis Semela rides. However, interestingly Azzie’s usual first choice workrider Lyle Hewitson is aboard another first-timer, Scheme Of Things, who is by King’s Apostle out of an Irish-bred mare. The Barend Botes-trained King’s Apostle gelding Knowingly is a half-brother to the fair Rebel King sprint-miler Somonsberg.  Of those to have run, Bar Dot Accent has been close up twice over course and distance. Ayrton is a battling maiden but has shown enough to possibly earn a cheque.

The second is a 1200m maiden for fillies and mares and of those to have run Angel Of Mercy, who is drawn on the right side, could improve on her decent debut over 1400m when slow away and green throughout before finishing strongly. Honeybush Tea, who has been knocking on the door, is also drawn on the right side and has Piere Strydom up. Vivacious Lady has improved with blinkers and could earn in this field. Phuket is usually thereabouts but often coughs and has a draw of one to overcome. Roxy Lady makes some appeal but is drawn on the wrong side and there is a question whether she will enjoy the step up in trip having found little extra over 1000m. Of the first-timers A Woman’s Will is a R900,000 purchase by Var out of a Windrush mare. Bella Sonata is a R700,000 purchase by Silvano out of a Singspiel mare. Nala is by Trippi out of the Gr 1-winning Kahal mare Bold Ellinore.

The third is also a fillies and mares maiden over 1200m and of those to have run Picardi Pink disappointed when stepped up to 1400m last time but back at this trip should bounce back with champion jockey Gavin Lerena up. Honolua Bay makes most appeal of the rest having shown some ability in two sprints at Turffontein. Of the first-timers Superwoman is an Australian-bred by I Am Invincible and is owned by Michael Leaf. Readyforyourlove is an Australian-bred by Big Brown. Andrew Fortune is an eyecatching booking for the first-timer by Kahal Lady Duchess.

The fourth is a maiden for fillies and mares over 1400m and an interesting first-timer here is the Greys Inn filly Forries Flirt, who is a full-sister to the classy unbeaten colt Forries Waltz. The other first-timer is Seul Amour filly Flirting Around, who is a half-sister to the classy Port Elizabeth sprinter Insearchofthesun. Of those to have run Sweet Habanero has shown up well against one or two fair sorts and has Gavin Lerena up. Matilda’s Daughter is drawn on the right side and went close over course and distance last time out in just her second career outing. Jin-Go-La-Ba comes out the best of the rest on formlines.

The fifth is a MR 68 handicap over 1400m and the hard knocking Max The Man looks the one to beat over a suitable trip with Piere Strydom up. Oreintal Blue beat Max The Man by 1,25 lengths last time over the Turffontein 1400m last time out but, if apprentice claims are included, he is now 3kg worse off, although on the other hand he now has Andrew Fortune up and is drawn on the right side. If the reserve runner Celtic King gets in he could be a big runner over a suitable trip from a favourable draw, although he is 1,5kg worse off for a 0,25 length beating of Max The Man.

The sixth is a MR 90 handicap over 1000m. Will Pays looks to be a horse who is on the up. He proved he is effective over this trip two runs ago and has a favourable draw. Mod Barley is course and distance suited and also has a favourable draw so could go close with Weichong Marwing up. Bad Boy Buddy Boy can overcome his low draw with his speed and, having recorded a hattrick over course and distance before a disappointing run at Greyville, he could be involved in the finish with S’Manga Khumalo up.

The seventh is a MR 92 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m and the draw could play a part here as the best contestants are difficult to separate on form. Crown Of Roses has a favourable high draw with S’Manga Khumalo up and could beat home Miss December who is drawn on the very outside with Gavin Lerena up. Piere Strydom’s guile could see Seventh Symphony go close from a middle draw.

In the eighth over 1200m Carter has been doing well off this merit rating and has a favourable outside draw over a suitable course and distance and Fortune has the ride. Nugget Counter improved with blinkers last time and must be a contender from a favourable draw with astute 1,5kg claimer Callan Murray aboard.

The last race is over 1600m and the hard-knocking Gold Status could get it right with a promising 1,5kg claimer Mathew Thackeray up from a favourable draw over a suitable course and distance. Aquaboy is an improving sort who should be involved and Mr Balboa is interesting dropped back to the trip of his decent debut.

By David Thiselton

Zubbadubbadoo bids to make it five in a row in the Racing.It’s A Rush Handicap at Kenilworth tomorrow and the handicappers have given him a chance of doing so.

They only raised him 1.5kg for last time’s half-length defeat of Captain Blackwater. Normally a horse that keeps winning can expect more and Corne Orffer’s mount has won all except the first of his five starts.

“When a horse is on a winning streak you always wonder if it is going to come to an end,” says Brett Crawford. “But he had been on a break before his last win so I think he needed it a bit and he is such an honest horse that it wouldn’t surprise me if he won again.”

Captain Blackwater is the obvious danger on 1.5kg better terms, particularly as he wasn’t raised for finishing second, but Global Destiny has place prospects at a better price. He went close last Saturday and Paddy Kruyer comments: “He went so well, and took the race so well, that I have decided to run him again.”

Langerman winner Ready To Attack is the name horse on the card and makes his handicap debut in the Mother City Handicap. Justin Snaith says: “I am running him here because we’ve got six weeks of racing at Durbanville coming up and I don’t want to run him there.”

However the 1 500m Langerman win was a significant improvement on what the colt had shown over this 1 200m on his previous start and Crawford’s Blow Me Away makes more appeal.

Vaughan Marshall sent out another three winners on Wednesday to take his tally to 11 at the last five Cape Town meetings and he can strike again with Twenty Four Carat in the first. Show Stealer looks a danger but don’t leave out Bold Aspen just because of last time’s flop.

“I can’t understand that run – and he pulled up sound – but he does everything too early at home so I want him to get cover here,” says Mike Robinson. “I am bringing him back to five furlongs which may also help.”

There is precious little to choose between Storm Front and Even Better in the All To Come Maiden and both have terrible draws. Storm Front gave away valuable ground at the start last time and so Marshall’s colt gets marginal preference.

Beautiful Bird proved expensive when odds-on at Durbanville – the course vet could find nothing wrong – and it could pay to give her another chance in the Place Your Bets Maiden.

By Micheal Clower

Greyville stages a ten race meeting on the poly on Sunday and punters look to have some fair chances of earning some grocery money.

The first race starts at midday and Swakopmund cost himself last time by tearing away into a big lead and fading at Scottsville. He is the one to beat if he settles under a more conservative ride. Y’retheone was backed on debut and was bumped around at the start before running green and wide, so he could improve. Las Arenas has run one or two fair races in stronger fields and could earn. Lord Luton and Silver Green make most appeal of the rest.

In the second race over 1000m Grand Fantasy ran well last time and makes most appeal in this weak race. Masked Girl is consistently placed and might enjoy the step down in trip considering she appears to have breathing issues.

In the third over 1400m Joshua’s Answer improved last time over course and distance when slow away and running on well, despite over racing at one stage, and the form has been franked. Omega Onslaught has been thereabouts in both of his starts when handy or leading over 1200m. Leroy ran a fair race last time out and Keagan de Melo stays aboard from a better draw.

In the fourth over 1400m the hard knocking Seek The Summit could finally get it right in an uninspiring field with Anton Marcus up. Su Pa Suta has improved since being stepped down to this trip. Topaz Rain should also earn in this field. Ravishing Lilly is distance suited and could earn if producing her best. Swan Dance has gone off form since beating Seek The Summit a few runs ago over this distance at Scottsville and the latter has exacted revenge since then on one occasion.

In the fifth over 1400m Dutch Harbor has gone close here before over 1200m and last time out over this trip at Turffontein he showed excellent pace and was staying on before being swamped by some good horses. Beluga has been a touch disappointing but on pedigree should be suited to this step up in trip. Man The Fort was backed on debut but after showing fair pace he found nothing in the finish.

In the sixth over 1400m Roy Royale is the one to beat over a suitable course and distance from a good draw having come down to a nice merit rating. Lucky Break is course and distance suited and is also off a competitive merit rating, so should be thereabouts despite a wide draw. Mackdesi ran a cracker over course and distance on Super Saturday and now has a 4kg claimer up.

The consistent Salesman must have a shout but would probably prefer 1200m. Nitro Nori is eight-years-old and is on his highest ever merit rating but has always had the potential to live up to such a rating and has found consistency lately. Ho’oponopono is full of ability but is an unsound horse returning from a layoff over a trip he has never tried before. Supreme Power could earn over this suitable course and distance.

In the seventh over 1000m Panchatanta will likely attempt to make all and could well do so. However Aware is tipped to win despite being five points higher in the merit ratings from his last win as he should relish sitting behind a likely strong pace. Var’s Dream proved himself a fair sort last time when slow away and going close over 1000m at Scottsville in his first run out of the maidens off a merit rating of 83. Fire The Rocket and All True Man make most appeal of the rest.

In the eighth, a Novice Plate over 1600m, Translunar has been transformed since wearing blinkers and can go one better than his last three runs. Exit Here finished second to the top class Rabada in a Listed race before winning his maiden easily over 1400m on the poly and he will be a big runner too. Entrée is course and distance suited and well drawn.

Royal Union Jet impressed in his maiden win over 1400m at Scottsville and being by Jet Master is likely to relish the poly. Variety Romp is having just his second career start despite being five-years-old and will likely try and dominate from the off again, but would probably prefer further.

In the ninth over 1600m London Olympics has dropped to a competitive merit rating and jumps from pole position over a suitable course and distance. Chennai Babe went close in her Greyville poly debut over 1400m and on pedigree should enjoy the step up in trip.

Lady Lago won her maiden when stepped up to this course and distance but at the weights doesn’t have it easy being a young three-year-old. Fashion Wear won well at Scottsville last time in her third run after a rest but has to handle a seven point raise. Guest El Grande has the ability to win this if things go her way.

The tenth could go to the consistent Finding Neverland who is three points higher than her last win but now has Anton Marcus aboard over a suitable 1600m.

By David Thiselton

The strapping Wesley Ward-trained American filly Acapulco, who was highly impressive when winning the Gr 2 Queen Mary Stakes over five furlongs at the Royal Ascot meeting in just her second career start, will attempt to become the third two-year-old in the last 25 years to win the Gr 1 weight for age Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes over five furlongs at York tomorrow (Friday) and has been priced up as the 6/4 favourite with William Hill.

Legendary South African jockey Michael Roberts won the race on the two-year-old Richard Hannon-trained filly Lyric Fantasy in 1992.

Roberts recalled, “She was only two bricks and a tickey high, she was so small I could actually sit in the saddle and touch her ears, but she was very quick and I just sat off the pace and let them cut throats in front. I remember the owner Lord Carnarvon, who was the Queen’s racing manager, telling me that he had always told Sir Gordon Richards that no rider was allowed to ride any of his horses more than one pound overweight. I said ‘Thankyou Sir’ but still had to do a lot of wasting to make the weight!”

Roberts eventually did indeed ride the horse one pound overweight the carded 7 stone 7 pounds (about 47,5kg).

Due to the weight for age scale, which has only undergone minor alterations since formulated by Admiral Henry John Rous in 1860, Acapulco as a two-year-old filly will also be receiving a massive 27 pounds from older males, 25 pounds from three-year-old males and 24 pounds from the older females. However, as the weights are set higher across the board these days she will have to carry 7 stone 12 pounds (about 50kg).

The USA-bred Acapulco is by Scat Daddy (Johannesburg), who was the USA champion first season sire in 2011. Fittingly Scat Daddy is a Coolmore-owned sire and Acapulco is owned by the Coolmore partners Derrick Smith, John Magnier and Michael Tabor. Acapulco, unlike Lyric Fantasy, is an imposing “monster” who looks more like a four-year-old. However, she has tremendous speed and dominated the Queen Mary in the same way Lyric Fantasy did 23 years earlier to win impressively by 1,5 lengths (Lyric Fantasy won it by five).

Acapulco only ran once in the USA before flying over for the Queen Mary and she could only manage a 7,75 length third over 4,5 furlongs at Churchill Downs, but clearly needed it as she was rushed into the lead before fading. The defeat didn’t stop her from starting 5/2 favourite in the 20 horse field in the Queen Mary and duly converting those odds under the brilliant Ryan Moore. Ward took Acapulco back to the USA after Royal Ascot and she has been flown back in for the Nunthorpe. He had hoped Hall Of Fame jockey John Velazquez would take the ride, but he was unavailable, so another top class lightweight rider, the up and coming Puerto Rican 23-year-old youngster Irad Ortiz, has reportedly been engaged although he is yet to be declared.

Ward was lyrical about Acapulco’s preparation and said, ““Her coat is in amazing condition. She looks like a leopard, all dappled out and with spots everywhere. She is still doing some sensational breezes, just as she was before Ascot. She is doing everything right. I’m so excited. This would trump everything else I’ve achieved in racing, even at Ascot. To race a two-year-old against older horses is something that would never be contemplated in the States. People don’t believe it’s possible when I tell them what we’re planning. I’ve never felt I’ve had the right horse to do it in the past. This time I do have the right horse.”

The second favourite for the Nunthorpe at 5/1 with William Hill is the William Haggas-trained Muthmir, who finished a narrow third in the Gr 1 King’s Stand Stakes over five furlongs at Royal Ascot before being well beaten in the Gr 1 July Cup over six furlongs at Newmarket and then winning the Gr 2 King George Stakes over five furlongs at Goodwood.

The amazing Edward Lynam-trained five-time Gr 1-winning eight-year-old Sole Power, who won the Nunthorpe at odds of 100/1 as a three-year-old in 2010 and won it again as 11/4 favourite last year, is the third favourite at 6/1.

Muthmir will be ridden by Paul Hanagan and Sole Power, who was fifth in the King’s Stand and fourth in the July Cup, will have Frankie Dettori aboard as his regular rider Richard Hughes retired from the saddle after the Glorious Goodwood meeting in order to prepare for his new career as a trainer.

The first two-year-old to win the Nunthorpe was High Treason in 1953 and the last one to do it was Kingsgate Native in 2007. The race is littered with famous names, including “the flying filly” Mumtaz Mahal (1924), the great Abernant (1949,1950), Sharpo (who became the second horse to win the race three times (1980-1982), the filly Habibti (1983) and Dayjur (1990).

The race will be shown live on Tellytrack at 16h20 South African time tomorrow.

By David Thiselton

The Vaal stages an eight race meeting on the sand today and there could be one or two opportunities for punters.

In the first race She’s A Flirt is by Announce, whose progeny love the sand, and she duly went close on her sand debut over this course and distance when staying all the way to the line. Andrew Fortune rides and she is selected despite quite a wide draw.

Mystify Me caught the eye on debut over 1000m when running on after a slow start and probably has more scope than She’s A Flirt, but this is her first start around the turn and she will need to jump on terms. She has the advantage of an accomplished 1,5kg claimer aboard and is well drawn. Buddy’s Falcon could be in the money and others to consider are Love Tryst and River Empress.

The second is an intriguing Pinnacle Stakes event over 1600m. Ahlaam appears to have come into his own considering his last start when winning unextended over course and distance by four lengths despite jumping from a wide draw. This appears to be his optimum trip and draw six will allow him to employ his favoured front-running tactics.

However, the concern is that Lavender Landscape drawn two outside of him also enjoys running from the front, so the race could set up nicely for Solar Triptych, who could sit in behind them and pounce under Fortune. Prince Of Orange, who has faced the best on turf without being disgraced and has won the sand before, could also go close. He is well drawn with Anton Marcus up and is selected to run second with Ahlaam third and they could be followed by Killua Castle and Capricorn Ridge, who was unlucky at Flamingo Park last time.

The third is a weak maiden over 1600m. The temperamental Rose Of Castille could be calmer in the fine hands of Andrew Fortune and will see out the trip. Pride In Battle looks to be a sand specialist who should be right there, although she would probably prefer slightly shorter. Susquehanna ran quite well second time on the sand over 1800m and could also be considered along with Sweet On You and Eastside.

In the fourth over 1600m, topweight Cristal Arrow has come three points down the merit ratings and faces a much weaker field than in her last two. She is also well drawn. Polar Secret is course and distance suited and wasn’t disgraced in a stronger race last time out over the too far 1800m. Madame Alexis disappointed over 1200m last time but will appreciate the step up in trip. Pearlware, Knock Knock, Arabian Arrow, Embrasiatic and Nkomo make most appeal of the rest.

The fifth is a maiden over 1450m. Racing Red should improve over this distance and could be the one to side with from a good draw. Blue Blazer ran a good race last time over course and distance from a similar draw and Ian Sturgeon remains aboard. De La Vere is by Sarge, whose progeny go well on the sand, and he could improve on his reasonable turf form. Pera Hur has Strydom up from a good draw and on best form should be a contender. Mystic Realm stayed on well over course and distance last time and is now better drawn.

Marsden could do well if repeating his best run over course and distance. Roving Jet did well on the turf last time over this trip, but Jet Masters don’t appear to enjoy the Vaal sand and Roving Jet’s only start on the surface was duly poor. De Lujo’s sire is Ravishing, who is by Jet Master, which makes his suitability to this surface questionable.

In the sixth over 1000m, Brigtnumberfour has ability and is the one to beat over a suitable course and distance. Wishful Heart ran a good race last time over course and distance in a strong field, despite losing a length, and now has Strydom up. The speedy Battle Of Alma can never be ignored over course and distance but is five points higher in the merit ratings after his last win. Call Kelly is a solid sort who can always be relied on. There is plenty of pace in the race and it could pan out well for Gems A Plenty, so he has to be considered.

In the seventh over 1000m Nomvula is interesting dropped back to this trip and has the class to win. Ballerini has been thereabouts against some fair sorts and should be right there. Lizzie’s Legs is off an attractive merit rating. Defining Looks bounced back with an easy win over 1200m last time and could be a runner with Fortune up. Strydom remains faithful to easy turf winner A Million Dreams, but for a young three-year-old he has a tough task off a merit rating of 82. Star Empress actually has Ballerini beaten on their last meeting over course and distance, but is inconsistent. Slick Deputy is off an attractive merit rating and could earn.

In the last over 1800m Commodore Al will attempt to make it two wins from two starts over course and distance and the handicapper hasn’t been harsh on him. Big Shot looks to be an improving sort and will be course and distance suited. Escudo was staying on well last time over 1600m behind the much improved Walking On Air. There is not much between Colonel Rockjaw and Commodore Al. Lord Windsor stayed on well to win his penultimate over 1600m here, so should enjoy the step up in trip.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Andrew Fortune

Five top runners destined for the Dubai Carnival in 2016 are presently based in Mauritius on their way to the UAE.

Ertijaal, Al Mashooqa, Tellina, Liquid Mercury and Mutamakkin will be in quarantine on the island until 3 November when they will be shipped to Newmarket, UK, for another stint in quarantine before they travel to Dubai.

A sixth, Majmu, has been earmarked for Shadwell Stud in the UK, she is also holidaying in Mauritius with her stablemates.

Mike de Kock, recently back from Mauritius, reported on Wednesday that his small 2016 contingent is doing very well in the Mauritius sun. He said: “The facilities are very good, we’ve gone via the same quarantine base that Soft Falling Rain and Variety Club travelled through previously. There is an exercise track and a walker, Declan Cronin is overseeing their stint on the island and they’re all in excellent shape.”

He commented on individual horses, saying: “Ertijaal is bred for sand, we’re confident he’ll take to the Dubai track and fulfil his potential. Mutamakkin is a solid horse, perhaps better than his rating and Al Mashooqa too is the type we expect to improve in Dubai.

“Liquid Mercury is a smart sort. He was purchased for the stable from Joey Ramsden’s yard by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, while Tellina was given to us for this campaign by Dr Andreas Jacobs.”

De Kock added that Mubtaahij was another one who is enjoying his rest and finds himself in super condition at Newmarket, where in due course he will be joined by the new jet-setters from South Africa.

• Mikedekockracing.com

Picture: Tellina (JC Photos)

Glen Puller may have been out of luck with Western Storm on Saturday but he had compensation with Harlem Shake in the last and he can strike again with Solar Night in the Midweek Winter Racing Maiden at Kenilworth tomorrow.

Brandon Morgenrood’s mount has finished in the first three on all his three starts and now steps up from 1 200m to a mile. “He should be a better horse going round the turn and I think this trip is what he needs,” says the trainer.

Solar Night, somewhat understandably, opened 15-10 favourite with Betting World today when League Of Legends and Bora Bora were next best at 3-1. Justin Snaith’s colt was considered good enough to go to Durban but League Of Legends may prove a bigger danger. He is rated Solar Night’s equal and, although drawn widest of all, his trainer Paul Reeves does not see this as a problem, saying: “He has plenty of gate speed and he is doing very well at home. I think he is a big runner.”

La Flambee looked a certain future winner when second at 100-1 on debut but she coughed after working on Saturday and Adam Marcus has scratched her from the opening maiden. Variance (who opened big at 10-1) comes from the in-form Vaughan Marshall stable and raced green when showing promise on debut. But Silver Banshee makes more appeal – despite being unfavourably drawn – and she opened favourite at 5-2.

Corne Orffer’s mount finished fourth to Star Academy on debut when Like Janis and Sandton Rocker (both placed on Saturday) were second and third.

“She was working well before her first run and she has done well since,” says Brett Crawford. “With normal improvement she should run a good race.”

Hard Day’s Night caught the eye first time – he ran on well from a long way back and was not given a hard race – and is a Winning Ways horse to follow. That run was nearly three months ago but the Joey Ramsden-trained colt may still win the Place Your Bets Maiden. He is a huge price at 10-1.

Rodney (7-2), who lost ground at the start on debut, seems sure to go close while Union Jack (also 7-2) and Marshall’s 8-1 shot Banderos also have claims. Don’t ignore Salinger (8-1) either despite last time’s expensive Durbanville outing. “He didn’t like Durbanville and we want to see if he can do better here,” says Justin Snaith who cautions: “But this is a very competitive race.”

Donovan Dillon may get off the mark in Cape Town on Ilium in the next. The Snaith filly is the best on merit ratings – although she is meeting the four-year-olds on terms 5kg worse than weight-for-age which nullifies that advantage – and she had Preoccupation a length and a quarter behind when they met over a mile at the beginning of last week.

She is favourite at 5-2 with the consistent but luckless Make The Magnet next best at 3-1 and Preoccupation on 7-2.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Brandon Morgenrood

The unbeaten John Gosden-trained Epsom Derby and Coral Eclipse hero Golden Horn (pictured) makes his comeback tomorrow in the Gr 1 Juddmonte International Stakes over one mile, two furlong and 88 yards at York and faces another superstar in the Aiden O’Brien-trained Gleneagles . This almighty clash is the highlight of one of Britain’s biggest racing festivals, the York Ebor Festival, which starts tomorrow and ends on Saturday.

Cape Cross colt Golden Horn is unbeaten in five starts and won the Gr 2 Dante over the Juddmonte trip before his impressive Epsom Derby win, having avoided the 2000 Guineas. He showed a phenomenal turn of foot in the Derby when coming from off the pace to win by 3,5 lengths.

He then showed his versatility by making virtually all in the five-horse-field Eclipse and again winning by 3,5 lengths. The legendary Franke Dettori has ridden him in three of his races, including both of his Gr 1s, and will be back aboard today from a draw of seven in the eight horse field. Dettori still believes Golden Horn is improving.

Gleneagles was beaten on debut but has since won eight races in succession and the last five of them were Gr 1s, two of them in Ireland, two in England (the 2000 Guineas and the St. James Palace Stakes) and one in France.

However, this will be the first time he is going beyond a mile. Gleneagles is by the peerless sire Galileo, whose three Gr 1 wins including the Epsom Derby were all over a mile-and-a-half. However, Gleneagles is out of the Storm Cat mare You’resothrilling, who won a Gr 2 and a Gr 3 over six furlongs. On the other hand she did also go close in a Gr 1 over a mile and wasn’t disgraced in a Gr 1 in France over  ten furlongs, finishing six lengths back. On pedigree Gleneagles could therefore have a chance of seeing out the trip. He is usually held up in touch before asserting his authority late.

Gleneagles will be hoping the ground is fast and it is predicted to be so. Golden Horn’s two Gr 1 wins have been on good to firm ground and he won the Dante in good ground.

The Roger Charlton-trained Dubawi colt Time Test faces his first big test, but his trainer believes he could “ruffle a few feathers.” He was an enormously impressive winner of the Gr 3 Tercentenary Stakes over ten furlongs at Royal Ascot in just his fifth career start, so is still an unknown quantity.

Another interesting contender is the Australian raider Criterion, who has won three Gr 1s in Australia from ten to twelve furlongs. However, he was beaten into third in the QE II Cup over ten furlongs at Sha Tin in Hong Kong and was a 3,75 lengths fifth in the Gr 1 Prince Of Wales Stakes over ten furlongs at the Royal Ascot meeting, so has a mountain to climb in this company.

The Grey Gatsby won the Dante last season and was later second in the Juddmonte to the classy Australia. He has 3,5 lengths to find on Golden Horn from the Eclipse, but appears to love York and it would be no surprise to see him in the first three.

O’Brien has also entered Cougar Mountain, who won a Gr 2 over a mile last time out in Ireland, but has 8,75 lengths to find on Golden Horn from the Eclipse. It would be no surprise to see him setting tactical fractions for his stablemate. Gleneagles would likely not want the pace to be too fast. However, this possible plan might be scuppered by the presence of Arabian Queen, the only filly in the race. She finished third in the Gr 1 Nassau Stakes for fillies and mares over ten furlong at Goodwood last time out and this is considerably stronger, but she is a keen running sort and might ensure a good pace.

The only other runner is Dickdoubtwylie and he looks outclassed.

Golden Horn will be attempting to follow in the footsteps of his paternal half-brother Sea The Stars, who followed his Derby win with victories in the Eclipse and the Juddmonte. Sea The Stars had earlier won the 2000 Guineas and after his Juddmonte win he made it six Gr 1 victories on the trot by winning the Irish Champion Stakes and the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe.

The Arc is probably the most prestigious flat race in the world and Sea the Stars victory in that race, when fighting for his head in the running and then surging through two narrowing gaps from a hopeless position in the straight for an easy two lengths victory, is why some regard him as the equal if not better than the mighty Frankel. Frankel, who easily won the Juddmonte as a four-year-old in his first race beyond a mile, was unbeaten in 14 starts including ten Gr 1s and achieved the highest Timeform ratng in history, but the Arc was missing from his CV.

The Golden Horn and Gleneagles head-to-head has been billed “the clash of the titans” and takes place at 16h40 South African time. It will be shown live on Tellytrack.

By David Thiselton