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The World Pool is back this weekend operating on Race 3 to 10 at Randwick and Races 6 to 9 at Turffontein.

Championship racing is the focus of Saturday's World Pool racing from Australia and South Africa, beginning with The Championships from Randwick before heading to Champions Day at Turffontein.

Wet weather may also be a hall mark of this weekend's racing with torrential rain expected in the lead-up to Saturday's meeting in Sydney and rain expected throughout the card in Johannesburg.

It makes for a tough card, but also an enticing one should the right wet track horses come home.

Here is a preview of all 12 races being offered as World Pool events globally.

RANDWICK

Race 3 - HKJC WORLD POOL CARBINE CLUB STAKES, Group 3, 1600m

Randwick is full of intriguing betting contests on Saturday – made even more of a headscratcher by the prospect of a bottomless track - and the first World Pool event, the Carbine Club Stakes, is a perfect example.

You've got horses like CAFE MILLENIUM, LES VAMPIRES and TANNHAUSER who have long promised so much but haven't quite delivered; you've got intriguing Kiwi form with WITZ END; you've got horses like ZONDEE, MCHALE and EDITED BY stepping up off back-to-back wins in easier company; you've got horses like DUCASSE and KINTYREstepping back in trip and grade.

All of which is to say it is almost impossible to dissect this race with any confidence.

However, there is a winner to be found and perhaps that winner could be PORT LOCKROY. After he flashed home for second in the Listed Canberra Guineas (1400m), I remember thinking that I wanted to be with him next start wherever he went. He's ended up here, with barrier 21 (into 18 of 20 if all three emergencies come out, although there are likely to be more scratchings than that) and tackling a heavy track for the first time. It doesn't exactly scream success but he does look a horse to follow this preparation and it's worth getting him on side here.

He goes on top of TANNHAUSER, who has been bitterly disappointing as a three-year-old after promising so much at two, finishing third as favourite in the G1 J J Atkins (1600m). He stuck on OK in the G2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) when settling a pair further forward off a hot pace. He might just get the setup he needs to be able to run home late. 

The 2000m back to 1600m has proven so effective in big-race miles here in the past and it could work for KINTYRE with that little bit of an edge knocked off him, while the progressive ZONDEE deserves respect as well even from the wide gate.

Selections: 9-5-6-8

Suggested Win Bet: #9 Port Lockroy

Suggested Place Bet: #9 Port Lockroy

Suggested Quinella Bet: #9 Port Lockroy with #5 Tannhauser, #6 Kintyre, #8 Zondee

Suggested Duet Bet: #5 Tannhauser with #6 Kintyre, #8 Zondee, #9 Port Lockroy

Suggested Trifecta Bet: #2 Witz End, #5 Tannhauser, #6 Kintyre, #8 Zondee, #9 Port Lockroy

Race 4 - TAB ADRIAN KNOX STAKES, Group 3, 2000m

The final trial for the G1 ATC Australian Oaks (2400m), to be run next week, the Adrian Knox can often throw up a strange result or two – think Arts last year at 25-1, Aliferous in 2019 at 40-1, Waking Moment in 2017 at 20-1 or Diamond Made the year before at 40-1. When you get so many lightly raced, unexposed fillies getting up to this trip – often for the first time – it does create for some potential opportunities.

Having said all that, it's perhaps worth looking to one who is likely to be well found by the market – GOOD BANTER. With a mudder's pedigree (by Tavistock out of a Savabeel mare), she showed just how much she relished the slop a year ago almost to the day when breaking her maiden on a heavy track. Up to the 2000m suits and she's coming off a good run in the G3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m). This is her race.

SEAFALL was put up as first emergency but has already gained a start. She made ground late in that same Kembla Grange Classic but she looks in need of a trip desperately. By The Autumn Sun out of a Sea The Stars mare that is closely related to Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, there's every reason to think that 2000m will suit and she should get through a wet track as well. She's a threat.

Another daughter of The Autumn Sun coming out of the Kembla Grange Classic, PRIVATE LEGACY, is next best, while a third of his daughters - the highly weighted AUTUMN ANGEL – looks thrown in at the weights even with 61kg but that impost is a concern on such a wet surface. Still, she can't be forgotten.

Selections: 12-17-7-1

Suggested Win Bet: #12 Good Banter

Suggested Place Bet: #17 Seafall

Suggested Quinella Bet: #12 Good Banter with #7 Private Legacy, #17 Seafall

Suggested Duet Bet: #17 Seafall with #1 Autumn Angel, #7 Private Legacy, #12 Good Banter

Suggested Trifecta Bet: #12 Good Banter with #1 Autumn Angel, #7 Private Legacy, #17 Seafall, #18 Bright Red

Race 5 - NEWHAVEN PARK COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL, Special Conditions, 1400m

One of the most special races on the calendar, the Country Championships Final sees horses trained away from Sydney and its surrounds make the trip to the state capital in search of a $1 million prize. 

With horses from right across the state, so many of these horses haven't raced each other – or if they have, it's only been a couple of times.

There is one horse to note in here as he might be likely to create the market given his Hong Kong link. RAINBOW CONNECTION is a Choisir half-brother to the world's highest earner of all time Golden Sixty. He has already attracted some attention from the Chinese press and don't be surprised to see him under the odds, particularly given his aversion to a wet track.

Instead, it might be worth siding with Scone's RAPBIDASH. He won his first three starts at Muswellbrook, Taree and Scone in 2023 before he came to town in December and disappointed twice here at Randwick. He was good since at Rosehill before qualifying for this race by finishing second in the Hunter and North West Region heat at Tamworth last month. The horse who beat him that day, RUSSLEY CROWN, lines up here too but don't be surprised if the wet track and the weight turnaround bring Rapbidash right into it.

He gets the nod over SHARP SHOCK, one of the few horses in here to actually boast Group form. He made ground from last to finish second to Doncaster Mile runner Rustic Steel in the G3 Newcastle Stakes (1400m) last month before finishing second in the wildcard at Scone from a horror gate. With a better draw, he can potentially settle further forward and he might be able to break through after a run of seconds.

The horse with Group form that will attract all attention is BANDI'S BOY, who comes off a win in the G3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) last weekend. He was down in the weights but he still had horses like Shinzo, Coal Crusher and Hawaii Five Oh in behind and so it certainly had merit. He's been under a veterinary cloud all week but if he lines up he's the horse to beat. Still, given he is likely to be crunched with World Pool, he is unlikely to represent any value.

Next best is AUZSTAR, who seemed to glide through the heavy track in his Tuncurry heat and who could come into his own here.

Selections: 14-9-1-4

Suggested Win Bet: #14 Rapbidash

Suggested Place Bet: #14 Rapbidash

Suggested Quinella Bet: #14 Rapbidash with #1 Bandi's Boy, #4 Auzstar, #9 Sharp Shock

Suggested Duet Bet: #14 Rapbidash with #1 Bandi's Boy, #4 Auzstar, #9 Sharp Shock

Suggested Trifecta Bet: #1 Bandi's Boy, #4 Auzstar, #9 Sharp Shock, #14 Rapbidash

Race 6 - INGLIS SIRES', Group 1, 1400m

The top five two-year-olds from the world's richest juvenile race, the G1 Golden Slipper (1200m), clash again in the second leg of Sydney's two-year-old Triple Crown, the Inglis Sires' over 1400m: LADY OF CAMELOT, COLEMAN, STORM BOY, TRAFFIC WARDEN and MANAAL. 

The last five winners came through the Golden Slipper while 14 of the last 21 were Slipper runners. Only four horses since 2004 – Dance Hero, Sebring, Pierro and Fireburn – have completed the Slipper-Sires double.

It does look the right formline again this year but not convinced Lady Of Camelot is the one to be with. She's tough, but 1400m on a wet track looks ripe for her undoing. 

Instead, it's worth siding with TRAFFIC WARDEN. Already proven at the 1400m when ever so good in the G2 VRC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m), he ran home nicely in the Golden Slipper along the fence – which most will agree appeared off all day. Jamie Kah jumps back aboard and he only needs to get through the heavy ground to be winning here.

He gets the nod over STORM BOY, who lost his unbeaten record in the Golden Slipper. It was still a good effort in inferior ground having missed the start and been asked to chase fairly early on. There's no reason the 1400m won't suit. He rates on par with Traffic Warden, it is merely that Traffic Warden is likely to represent far better value.

These two are well clear of another Slipper runner, PROST, who should relish the heavy track. He got a long way back in the Slipper and just held his ground but if he can put himself in a prominent position – big if – expect to see a different horse.

Next best is the admirable MANAAL who should be hitting the line late.

Selections: 3-1-4-10

Suggested Win Bet: #3 Traffic Warden

Suggested Place Bet: #4 Prost

Suggested Quinella Bet: #1 Storm Boy and #3 Traffic Warden

Suggested Duet Bet: #3 Traffic Warden and #4 Prost

Suggested Trifecta Bet: #1 Storm Boy and #3 Traffic Warden with #4 Prost, #10 Manaal

JAMES SQUIRE T J SMITH STAKES, Group 1, 1200m

The title of Australia's best sprinter is on the line here with nine G1 winners and a host of handy prospects in contention.

There are so many ways this race could go but maybe this is the time to side with BELLA NIPOTINA. I've never managed to find her at the right time but she is generally so consistent. Her Randwick record is just fair, although it's not poor by any standard. What is attractive is her heavy track form with three wins, a second and an eighth from five starts. She also comes in fourth up, which was the point at which she won the Giga Kick Stakes (1300m) in the spring. In fact, there's only been once that she really disappointed at her fourth start in a preparation and she was only beaten 1.4 lengths at Group 1 level so it wasn't really that bad. In a race with minute differences between these horses, she enters in good enough form to win this.

AFT CABIN is rated by some as potentially the next big thing in Australian racing – but the time has come for him to live up to that hype. He was terrific fresh in the G2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) and then just never, ever got into the race in the G1 The Galaxy (1100m) when he encountered more obstacles than a Grand National. This is his moment to deliver; he's capable but he's got to do it quickly.

MAGIC TIME is such a likeable mare who is coming off a career worst effort in the G1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) behind CYLINDER and IMPERATRIZ, although she was beaten two lengths into sixth on a 40-degree day so far from disgraced. She won the P J Bell on this card last year and the heavy track – plus returning to a bend - should be much more suitable. 

Next best, the returning I WISH I WIN just ahead of the mighty IMPERATRIZ – who would likely be on top if it were a dry track!

Selections: 9-5-13-1

Suggested Win Bet: #9 Bella Nipotina

Suggested Place Bet: #9 Bella Nipotina

Suggested Quinella Bet: #9 Bella Nipotina with #5 Aft Cabin, #13 Magic Time

Suggested Duet Bet: #5 Aft Cabin, #9 Bella Nipotina, #13 Magic Time

Suggested Trifecta Bet: #1 I Wish I Win, #5 Aft Cabin, #9 Bella Nipotina, #13 Magic Time

Race 8 - THE STAR DONCASTER MILE, Group 1, 1600m

One of Australia's great betting races, the Doncaster Mile is a bit of a lottery this year with so many chances at the weights. Plenty of them have wet track form too, so it's a race in which to go wide in exotics.

The wet track is likely to make it a real slog and a horse with a little bit of stamina might just be suited here. Don't be surprised if that horse is KOVALICA. I'm desperate to see him back at 2000m again but this shapes as a nine-month plan coming to fruition. A facile winner of the G1 Queensland Derby (2400m) last year, he charged from second last to just miss out in the spring equivalent to this race, the G1 Epsom Handicap (1600m). He's been unplaced in four runs since but only his Golden Eagle run behind Japanese raider OBAMBURUMAI can truly be described as a failure. Last time out in the G1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m), he got a long way back from a bad gate in a race that was dominated from the front and he was good enough late. He's looked OK on a heavy track before and if stamina does come to the fore late, expect him to be one really charging home out wide.

He goes on top of his stablemate MILITARIZE, a three-time G1 winner coming off a pair of G1 placings. He was just outfought by CELESTIAL LEGEND in the G1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) before making good ground for third in the George Ryder. While he failed at his one run beyond a mile, he does look to have plenty of stamina up his sleeve and that experience both at and beyond 1600m is why he gets the nod over his Randwick Guineas conqueror. 

CELESTIAL LEGEND at the weights should be beating Militarize handily given he gets 5kg from their last match-up. While I do believe he'll make a 2000m horse, the concern is that he may be too brilliant and too raw for a brutally tough slog here at the mile. He should get every chance from a good draw, though, and there's no doubt he's a major player.

Next best is THINK ABOUT IT, who is something of the forgotten horse. It's a tough ask at the top of the weights, especially at his first time at a mile, but he still ran with credit in the George Ryder after a very tough run early. If he gets through the heavy track, he can be right there without surprising.

Selections: 7-4-19-1

Suggested Win Bet: #7 Kovalica

Suggested Place Bet: #7 Kovalica

Suggested Quinella Bet: #4 Militarize and #7 Kovalica stood out from #1 Think About It, #4 Militarize, #7 Kovalica, #19 Celestial Legend, #20 Southport Tycoon

Suggested Duet Bet: #7 Kovalica with #1 Think About It, #4 Militarize, #19 Celestial Legend, #20 Southport Tycoon

Suggested Trifecta Bet: #1 Think About It, #4 Militarize, #7 Kovalica, #10 Rustic Steel, #19 Celestial Legend, #20 Southport Tycoon

Race 9 - ATC AUSTRALIAN DERBY, Group 1, 2400m

The wet track really changes the complexion of this Australian Derby. While a firm track would have seen G1 Victoria Derby (2500m) and G1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) winner RIFF ROCKET as a solid favourite – and likely victor – the heavy track really opens it up to those who may possess more stamina.

With that in mind, it might be worth siding with CEOLWULF, the Rosehill Guineas runner-up. With a pedigree that screams stayer – by Tavistock out of a family that includes Melbourne Cup runners Honolulu, US Army Ranger and Master Of Reality as well as ATC Australian Oaks winner Colette – it is hard not to be attracted to him, especially with the likelihood he will prove a swimmer. He is likely to be strongest late.

TOM KITTEN is certainly becoming a frustrating horse to follow. There's no doubting his talent, but he just knows how to find issues in his races. He did win on a heavy track on Day 2 of The Championships last year and he was so good in winning the G1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) in October. He was on the inferior inside in the Rosehill Guineas so that effort could be somewhat forgiven but this really is D-day for him.

The G2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) has produced five of the last seven Derby winners, even though it is seen as something of a secondary trial. Last week's winner WYMARK has risen through the grades very quickly but has looked every bit a Derby horse at his last four starts, all victories. Tommy Berry will have to work some magic to find a spot from gate 14 but if he can, he's a real player.

Next best is the filly ZARDOZI, looking to become the first filly to win since Shamrocker in 2011. I have never been able to catch her, always seeming to jump on before she's ready to win. She was very good last weekend in the G1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and the rise in trip should only suit. The negative is three absolutely abysmal runs at Randwick, although they came in unsuitable races, but it does leave some doubts in the mind.

Selections: 3-2-7-14

Suggested Win Bet: #3 Ceolwulf

Suggested Place Bet: #3 Ceolwulf

Suggested Quinella Bet: #2 Tom Kitten, #3 Ceolwulf, #7 Wymark

Suggested Duet Bet: #3 Ceolwulf with #2 Tom Kitten, #7 Wymark

Suggested Trifecta Bet: #3 Ceolwulf with #2 Tom Kitten, #7 Wymark, #14 Zardozi

Race 10 - CHINA HORSE CLUB P J BELL STAKES, Group 3, 1200m

A competitive three-year-old fillies sprint to end the first of two days of The Championships.

KRISTILLI was so good at The Championships last year winning the G2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) on a heavy track. She found the 1400m too far last time out and freshened up back to the 1200m, with form around the likes of Lady Laguna and Ozzmosis, she looks very strong here.

LEARNING TO FLY was a boom two-year-old before she lost Chad Schofield in last year's Golden Slipper, won by her Coolmore silks but with Shinzo instead. Her two runs back have been very good and her trials suggest she gets through the heavy track no problems. Back to the 1200m looks a good move too.

COMMEMORATIVE is a monster of a filly – check her out next to any of her rivals and you'll see just how huge she is. She was slightly disappointing in the spring but returned with a big win against the older horses at Wyong. The track was deteriorating that day and she handled it with aplomb. Not sure I love a filly as enormous as her on a wet track but on form she's a contender.

Next best is UNIQUE AMBITION, another Tavistock who should fly through these conditions. It might just be a little sharp for her second up but she's one for the exotics.

Selections: 2-1-12-18

Suggested Win Bet: #2 Kristilli

Suggested Place Bet: #2 Kristilli

Suggested Quinella Bet: #2 Kristilli with #1 Learning To Fly, #12 Commemorative

Suggested Duet Bet: #18 Unique Ambition with #1 Learning To Fly, #2 Kristilli, #12 Commemorative

Suggested Trifecta Bet: #2 Kristilli with #1 Learning To Fly, #12 Commemorative, #18 Unique Ambition

TURFFONTEIN

Race 6 - TAB EMPRESS CLUB STAKES, Group 1, 1600m

Probably the least competitive race of the day as far as betting goes but there are always opportunities with World Pool.

Instead of trifectas, exactas are available as World Pool bets for Turffontein and that certainly seems to be the way to go here. GIMME A NOTHER, the latest star from the Mother Russia/Nother Russia line, has won all six of her starts by a combined margin of 16 lengths, including four at the course and distance. Last time out, she stepped up to 1800m to win the G1 South African Fillies' Classic and this looks just as winnable. With South Africa now opening up to the world, she might be one of these horses we see abroad later in the year.

With Gimme A Nother likely to win at a very short price, it is about trying to find the second horse underneath. The logical play is MRS GERIATRIX, last season's boom two-year-old filly. However, she has disappointed at her last four starts, the last three coming at Kenilworth in Cape Town. She returns to Gauteng and her form may be superior, but it's worth looking in other directions.

Instead, have an exacta with Gimme A Nother's stablemate HUMDINGER – a G2 winner in June who was G1-placed in the Garden Province Stakes (1600m) on Durban July day last year. She has been placed in weaker races at her last two but she's the type who could pop up out of nowhere.

It's also worth having a Gimme A Nother/EMIRATE GINA exacta too – although she rarely runs to her very best, she could get into second without completely surprising.

Selections: 6-1-3-7

Suggested Win Bet: #6 Gimme A Nother

Suggested Place Bet: #1 Humdinger

Suggested Quinella Bet: #6 Gimme A Nother with #1 Humdinger, #3 Emirate Gina

Suggested Duet Bet: #1 Humdinger, #3 Emirate Gina, #7 Mrs Geriatrix

Suggested Exacta Bet: #6 Gimme A Nother over #1 Humdinger, #3 Emirate Gina

Race 7 - JONSSON WORKWEAR COMPUTAFORM SPRINT, Group 1, 1000m

A very open division takes to the Turffontein straight for this sprint, which boasts horses like J J The Jet Plane and Shea Shea among its winners.

There is no standout sprinter in South Africa, particularly with last year's winner Isivunguvungu having departed for the United States. There is an opportunity for a horse to put their hand up as leader of this division.

While many will be with course and distance winner DYCE, who won the G1 Cape Flying Championship (1000m) at Kenilworth in January earning the World Pool Moment of the Day in the process, it is far more open than that and it might be worth opposing him in the hope of better odds elsewhere.

In that spirit, it's worth siding with GOLDEN SICKLE, the three-year-old filly who is unbeaten at the track and trip. She's all speed and she has the ability to sustain that speed over the 1000m. Step her up in trip and she seems to struggle, but she's an ideal 1000m specialist. 

She gets the nod from THUNDERSTRUCK, who returns to the 1000m after winning the G2 Diadem Stakes (1200m) at Kenilworth last time out. Was just outsprinted by Dyce in the Cape Flying Championship when Piere Strydom held him together for a tad too long in front. I doubt Richard Fourie will be making that same mistake here.

Next best are RULERSHIP, who is honest and deserves respect, and WILLIAM ROBERTSON, second in this race last year and capable of going one better.

Selections: 12-3-6-2

Suggested Win Bet: #12 Golden Sickle

Suggested Place Bet: #12 Golden Sickle

Suggested Quinella Bet: #12 Golden Sickle with #2 William Robertson, #3 Thunderstruck, #6 Rulership

Suggested Duet Bet: #6 Rulership with #2 William Robertson, #3 Thunderstruck, #12 Golden Sickle

Suggested Exacta Bet: #3 Thunderstruck and #12 Golden Sickle boxed

Race 8 - TAB SA DERBY, Group 1, 2450m

The South African Derby is a hit and miss race. Some greats have won this contest in the last 25 years like Horse Chestnut and Greys Inn, but other years it can be a fairly disappointing affair with most of the best three-year-olds heading to the G1 Daily News 2000 (2000m) instead. 

This year, on paper, looks like one of the down years but it could also open up the chance to find some value too.

It's hard to be looking away from PURPLE PITCHER as the winner. Victorious in the G1 South African Classic (1800m) last time out, he's won six of his last seven from 1450m to 1800m. The mile and a half is a new test – his sire New Predator was a miler from a fairly speedy Australian family (and he is yet to have a runner at this trip), while his damsire was also a miler whose son French Navy was Derby-placed but best between 1600m and 2000m. 

Still, when looking at the form of his rivals, it's immensely difficult to find a reason he loses otherwise. With even luck and the right run in transit, he should be winning. 

The three dangers all emerge from similar ownership interests, racing in the colours of Laurence Wernars and his son Jarryd.

PURE PREDATOR is another son of New Predator rising to this trip for the first time. He was fourth behind Purple Pitcher last time out when he looked like he was going to drop away before coming again very strongly on the line. He's worth a chance here.

PRESLEY comes from a different formline but has won three of his last four. He's got more of a pedigree that suggests he'll enjoy this trip, as does MARAUDING HORSE who has at least won twice at the 2000m.

Selections: 1-3-5-6

Suggested Win Bet: #1 Purple Pitcher

Suggested Place Bet: #3 Pure Predator

Suggested Quinella Bet: #1 Purple Pitcher with #3 Pure Predator, #5 Presley

Suggested Duet Bet: #3 Pure Predator with #1 Purple Pitcher, #5 Presley, #6 Marauding Horde

Suggested Exacta Bet: #1 Purple Pitcher over #3 Pure Predator, #5 Presley

Race 9 - WORLD POOL PREMIER'S CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE, Group 1, 2000m

The World Pool Premier's Champions Challenge comes up as the pinnacle of the Johannesburg season. 

Seven of the 14 horses are Group 1 winners, including last year's victor PUERTO MANZANO, G1 Durban July (2200m) hero WINCHESTER MANSION and the last two Derby winners ARAGOSTA and SON OF RAJ.

However, it might be worth going with one of the horses who is yet to have a Group 1 win to his name – although he has been so close a number of times before. DAVE THE KING comes off a second in the G1 Horse Chestnut Stakes (1600m) when he was just outsprinted late by three-year-old Main Defender, although he had Horse of the Year Princess Calla and four of Saturday's rivals in behind. The rise to 2000m suits – he was just seen off by the top-class See It Again in the Daily News 2000 last year at this trip and he finished third in the G1 Champions Cup (1800m) behind Princess Calla and See It Again too. This might just be his race.

PUERTO MANZANO will have a lot of supporters as he seeks to join Hawwaam as a back-to-back winner of this race. He is far from consistent and he was eased down late in the Horse Chestnut, but his record at the Turffontein 2000m is too good to ignore.

In an open race, MERIDIUS at 2000m first time and WINCHESTER MANSION fresh are horses to consider as well for exotics.

Selections: 1-2-13-5

Suggested Win Bet: #1 Dave The King

Suggested Place Bet: #13 Meridius

Suggested Quinella Bet: #1 Dave The King with #2 Puerto Manzano, #5 Winchester Mansion, #13 Meridius

Suggested Duet Bet: #13 Meridius with #1 Dave The King, #2 Puerto Manzano, #5 Winchester Mansion

Suggested Exacta Bet: #1 Dave The King over #2 Puerto Manzano, #13 Meridius