Johnson looks to South Africa

Mark Johnston has cast his international net wide again and secured the services of South African rider, Piere Strydom, for the month of May.

The agreement will complement current riding arrangements made by the Middleham trainer, who has employed Hong Kong riders, Stanley Chin and Eddie Lai, in the past.

Strydom was the golden boy of South African racing last season where he rode a record 332 winners - smashing Jeffrey Lloyd's old mark of 313.

Dr Fong, the St James's Palace Stakes winner, is expected to make his dirt debut in the $500,000 Grade Two Strub Stakes (9f) at Santa Anita on Saturday.

Gary Stevens is expected to ride the British import, who has yet to strike in two US appearances. The former Henry Cecil charge finished second in the Oak Tree Derby (Gr 2) on his Stateside debut, before running a below par in the Hollywood Derby (Gr 1).

Simon Dow, unsuccessful with Ritual at Cagnes-sur-Mer last month, will be hoping for better things from Turtle Valley at the Riviera track today. Turtle Valley will be hoping to lose his maiden tag in the 20-runner £4,844 Prix des Camelias over a mile. Paul Doe's mount should lack nothing in fitness as he ran in all weather handicap (fifth) at Lingfield last month.

Golden Eye and Nimble Cat, second and third last month, have strong claims, as does Campinas, whose Parisian form looks promising.