Turffontein Horse Racing Tips - 31 October 2026

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 58 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 58 minutes ago

Share this article

Flower Island and Curious Girl are the more persuasive form-based selections.
The Charity Mile is highly competitive: treat Zeitz as a value consideration rather than a certainty.
Turffontein hosts six feature races, including the Charity Mile, Golden Loom, Starling, Graham Beck, Yellowwood and Java Stakes.

The Allied Steelrode OnAMission Charity Mile headlines 10 races on the Standside course at Turffontein (Getty Images).

Race 4 - Flower Island (2)

Jockey: Callan Murray | Trainer: Mike and Mathew de Kock

1400m | Grade 3 Starling Stakes | 13:40 SAST

Flower Island has compiled a highly appealing record in just four starts, winning three times and finishing second in the other. She comes into the Starling Stakes after a Grade 2 success and her inside barrier should give Callan Murray the chance to secure a prominent position without having to use too much energy early.

This is a deep field and the combination of Get Up, Within Reach and Doesyourmotherknow deserves serious respect. Flower Island carries 60kg so she does not receive a generous concession from her rivals. Nevertheless, her profile suggests she is still improving and the 1400m assignment looks within reach. She is the selection in one of Saturday’s strongest three-year-old contests.

Race 5 - Sheriff Bill Brown (4)

Jockey: Raymond Danielson | Trainer: Michael Houdalakis

1400m | Grade 3 Graham Beck Stakes | 14:15 SAST

Sheriff Bill Brown has hit his stride with three consecutive victories and brings a five-start record of three wins and a second placing into the Graham Beck Stakes. The three-year-old arrives with confidence and has already shown that 1400m is within his compass. From stall seven, Raymond Danielson should have options in what is likely to be a competitive early contest.

There is no shortage of danger. Unbeaten Fish Tales is fascinating after two wins from two starts while Bangkok Magic and Bisou Bisou are other legitimate winning chances. Sheriff Bill Brown gets the verdict on recent momentum but the step into a strong Grade 3 means this is not a guaranteed extension of his streak.

Race 7 - Zeitz (8)

Jockey: Serino Moodley | Trainer: Andre Nel

1600m | Grade 2 Charity Mile | 15:30 SAST

Zeitz is an attractive option in the R1 million Allied Steelrode OnAMission Charity Mile, where an 18-strong main field is packed with leading performers from around South Africa. His recent form includes three wins at KwaZulu-Natal tracks - over 1400m at Scottsville, 1600m at Greyville and 1400m again at Greyville - followed by a narrow second over 1400m at Greyville on 2 October.

He carries 56.5kg from a middle draw and reunites with Serino Moodley. Holding Thumbs is a leading challenger while I’m A Fireball has the benefit of the inside gate and Isivivane runs off just 53.5kg. Zeitz is preferred because his current form and proven ability at the highest level combine well in this very open handicap. Each-way terms may be attractive if the market is generous.

Race 8 - Curious Girl (5)

Jockey: Callan Murray | Trainer: Mike and Mathew de Kock

2400m | Listed Java Stakes | 16:10 SAST

Curious Girl has won five of 11 career starts and receives an advantageous inside draw in the 2400m Java Stakes. The four-year-old has already shown her stamina, including a Derby victory, and her course record makes her a powerful contender even against older male rivals.

Positive Attitude comes off a win over this trip at the Vaal with Richard Fourie aboard while Best Candidate is another threat after a solid recent run. Curious Girl carries 57.5kg so the weight conditions are not trivial but the combination of class, proven distance and gate one gives her a serious edge.

Verdict

Turffontein racing

I'm backing Saturday wins for Flower Island, Sheriff Bill Brown, Zeitz and Curious Girl at Turffontein.

Flower Island Win

Race 4

@2,63 - 2 Units

100% up to R1,000 Bonus

Use promo code BETS

Join Sunbet with promo code BETS and get up to R1,000 plus Cash outs and Action bets. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Sunbet

Curious Girl Win

Race 8

@2,74 - 1 Unit

Get up to R1500 (for 1st 6 bets)

use promo code BETS

18+. T&Cs apply. The Pantherbet promo code is BETS.

Bet at Pantherbet

Sheriff Bill Brown Win

Race 5

@4,29 - 1 Unit

Get 100% up to R5000

+ 100 free spins on Sweet Rush Bonanza

Make your first deposit and get 100% up to R5,000 Bonus to bet on sports or games plus 100 free spins on Sweet Rush Bonanza. New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. To activate the bonus, select it from the cashier.

Bet at 10bet

Zeitz Win

Race 7

@5,25 - 1 Unit

Get up to R15,000 + 50 spins

100% First Deposit Bonus

Earn up to R15,000 in bonus funds PLUS 50 Free Spins when you first deposit. To get started, register and make your First Deposit *Min R10 and get 100% free up to R15,000 paid out as cash in 10 equal parts as you meet the wagering requirements. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Sportingbet

Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.

From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated.

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

You can follow more from Simon at Muckrack, X and LinkedIn.