Champions Day at Turffontein is one of the highlights of the racing calendar and the Pick 6 will be worth taking as there will be a guaranteed pool of R4, 5 million and an expected pool of R5,1 million.

French Navy (Nkosi Hlophe)

Legal Eagle will attempt to write himself into the record books as the first horse since the great Sea Cottage to defend three Gr 1 crowns in one season. He should dominate the R4 million Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge over 2000m in his usual handy style before producing his usual winning kick. French Navy’s form looks a bit inconsistent, but that is simply due to him taking a while to reach his peak. When he is at his peak, as he will be tomorrow, he can mix it with best. Unlike last year, when runner up, he does not carry a Gr 1 penalty. On paper he could even go close to winning it, being 2kg better off with Legal Eagle for a 2,1 length beating and drawn three as opposed to eleven last year. The filly Nother Russia improves everytime she runs and comes off a good win in the Gr 1 Empress Club Stakes. Her dam Mother Russia was unlucky to not have won at least one J&B Met, so Nother Russia will enjoy this trip. Brazuca has proven his class in Gr 1 company often enough and last time out he proved he stay this course and distance with an easy win in the Gr 2 Colorado King Stakes. Master Sabina’s two Gr 1 Summer Cup wins were over this course and distance, but the latter race is a handicap and he has a tougher task here. Celtic Captain has a good draw, which is important, because when he settles well he is capable of a superb turn of foot and a strong finishing effort. He is the dark horse. Deo Juvente has not always had the best of luck and has the class to earn here too. Juxtapose finished fifth in the Summer Cup and is up against it despite her class. Stonehenge could well play an important pacemaking role for his stablemate Legal Eagle.

The Gr 1 Computaform Sprint over 100m could well be the most exciting race of the day as some world class sorts square up. Trip To Heaven put up a phenomenal performance in the Gr 1 Cape Flying Championship when losing a lot of ground at the start and still getting with 0,2 lengths of his stablemate Carry On Alice. He can come from any draw as he can be dropped out due to his devastating turn of foot. Rafeef is undoubtedly the value in this race as he is full of class and has plenty of speed too. Carry On Alice is drawn close to the standside, as she was when winning this last year, and her speed coupled with her kick will take her close again. Rivarine has the ability to be a threat but does have to bounce back from his disappointing Cape Flying run and he hasn’t run since. Brutal Force will be spot on but the question is whether his low draw will be a disadvantage? Only the day will tell. If high draws are advantageous the like of Dollar Dazzler and Pivotal Pursuit could earn. Talktothestars was runner up last year and was named Equus Champion Sprinter but he has had a downturn in form this season.

Al Sahem (JC Photographics)

The Gr 1 SA Derby should be won by Heavenly Blue who ran on strongly last time out to win the Gr 1 SA Classic over 1800m. He looks likely to enjoy this trip and Mike de Kock has a fine record in this race. The SA Classic runner up Al Sahem is by Silvano, so should be improving and should enjoy the trip so he looks the main danger, although Furiosa has always truck as a staying type and could also go close. Pagoda and Captain At Sea are others who can’t be ignored.

The Gr 1 SA Nursery could fall to Rafeef’s full-brother Mustaaqem, who obliterated the opposition on debut, although Wonderwall and Barrack Street could also win it.

In the Gr 2 SA Fillies Nursery Daring Diva is not the most visually impressive specimen but will attempt to remain unbeaten. Green Plains and the big striding Silver Thursday could be the biggest threats.

In the Gr 2 SA Oaks, Orchid Island won the SA Fillies Classic from the widest draw of all and now has a good draw over a trip she should enjoy. She can beat Belle Rose and Oriental Oak. Bi Pot, Smiling Blue Eyes and Wind Chill are also possible winners.

Later, Trophy Wife can defend her Gr 2 Gerald Rosenberg crown and once again emphasise how good the fillies crop she hailed from was.

The Gr 2 Camelia Stakes will see an intriguing clash between Exquisite Touch and Green Pepper and Joan Ranger could be a threat too.

By David Thiselton