MIKE de Kock evaluated his string for the 2012 Dubai International Racing Carnival after his recent trip to the UAE and said on Thursday: “That we’ve have to leave horses like Igugu in South Africa due to the export protocol was a setback, but I’m pleased to say that we have a few exciting new contenders and some of our old, hard-knocking runners to represent us. There is scope for a good Carnival.”
He discussed them in turn:
Anearobio (ARG)
“He arrived lame last season and we weren’t able to train him at all, but he’s turned the corner, he’s come well. He is a former Champion Two-Year-Old in Argentina and is a horse with ability that punters can follow.”
Bold Silvano:
“He is extremely well and has been in full work for a while. He is doing what we’re expecting of him and is one of our Dubai World Cup hopefuls.”
Disa Leader:
“He’s joined us from trainer Gilbert Rousset in Mauritius we’re hoping the Mauritian form stands up like it did with Mr Brock. Johnny Geroudis will be coming to Dubai to ride him.”
Enjoy Dubai (ARG):
“He won a Gr 3 sprint in Argentina for Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.”
Happy Valley:
“He fell apart during last year’s Carnival but he’s another who has blossomed in his time off. He’s a different horse now and we’re expecting a much better season from him.”
Hunting Tower:
“The old horse is still enjoying Dubai and he’s working very well, will be trying his best.”
Irish Flame:
“We couldn’t get into the Hong Kong race we had planned for him, but he’s a different horse than he was last season and should also stand his ground.”
King Of Rome:
“Same old, same old. We’ll try with him again, he has some fair Dubai form to his name.”
Mahbooba:
“She enjoyed a successful season in Europe, she’s fresh and looking good, working well.”
Master Of Hounds:
“We got him from trainer Aiden O’Brien and he’s impressed us. He is talented and his work is good. He finished second in the UAE Derby and fifth in the Kentucky Derby – a horse with plenty of potential that could be anything.”
Mr Brock:
“It seems age has done nothing to this old warrior. He is as lively and happy as he was at two and should have another good Carnival spell.”
Musir:
“Also back in Dubai after a very good season in England and Turkey. We might switch him to grass at Meydan and he is likely to be as competitive as always.”
Mutahadee:
“He was formerly trained in Ireland by Fuzzy Stack, where he raced successfully and was Gr 3 placed. He’s a nice sort to race over a mile and up.”
Reem:
“She didn’t have a good season in Europe, but should do better back in Dubai. Likely to go for all-weather handicaps, but may also be switched to grass.”
Rerouted:
“He was the pacemaker for Frankel and has some good form. We bought him as a fun horse for a partnership including myself, Bernard Kantor, Larry Nestadt, Lee Westwood, Chubby Chandler, Dr John McVeigh and Jehan Malherbe and we’ll see how he goes.”
River Jetez:
“Successful in Singapore, Europe and the US this year and she’s back in Dubai, rising nine. I haven’t ever trained a mare as old as this and they can be tricky to assess, but she’s well and we’ll be holding thumbs she can have another big Carnival.”
Star Empire:
“He won in Dubai last season and looks a better horse this time round.”
Viscount Nelson:
“Here’s a horse we’re leasing from Coolmore for a few mates. He’s had more problems than the Greek economy but has some great early form and he’s sound now. He could be anything and we’re quite excited about him.”
War Artist:
“He’s in line for an attendance record at the Carnival and has been successful here. He’s owned by Rupert Plersch and a year older, if he can regain his old sparkle he will be effective again.”
Warsaw:
“Also has a few Carnivals behind him and we’ll be looking for handicaps on the all-weather track.”
Wonder Lawn:
“In the ‘same old’ category too, and also in good shape. If he reproduces his sparkle from last season he will earn again next season.”
Zanzamar:
“He had joint surgery after last year’s Carnival and he’s doing fine. We’re expecting more from him in 2012, he’s a very capable horse.”
Mikdaan:
“A Maiden winner by Dubawi from Richard Fahey’s stable in the UK, looks to have the potential to win more races.”
Champagne Reef:
“Finished third in England in his only start and represents the “Vikings”, Erik Lobben and his partners from Norway.”
Photo: Master Of Hounds (dark blue silks, right), was touched off in the 2011 UAE Derby. (Andrew Watkins).
DISA LEADER is Mauritius’ Horse of the Year 2010. He is probably the greatest horse ever to have graced the Mauritian turf. He is a genuine miler but it will not be surprising to see him being equally effective over up to 2000m considering his sheer class and ability. I’m really looking forward to see him competing at Meydan particularly on the tapeta surface. Hope he can make it up to the big World Cup night!
I think you’re a magnificent trainer, Mr. De Kock, and I always follow and cheer for your horses at the Dubai Carnival every year!! You’re horses are always sound a dollar bill, and anytime you have a horse in the race, you know he or she has a very legit chance. I know there’s been a lot of talk among American racing fan’s about getting to potentially see Master of Hounds in this year’s Dubai World Cup after American fan’s saw him on the Triple Crown trail. But in all candor, I’m “BIG TIME” excited about the potential of Bold Silvano finally getting his chance in the race. He was such an impressive winner of last year’s Al Maktoum Challenge Rd. 2, and I feel if he hadn’t suffered an injury would’ve absolutely been the one to beat in last year’s Dubai World Cup!! Love the horse, and can’t wait to see him, and River Jetez, in-particular again in Dubai this year!! Good luck, sir!!
I hope disa leader shows his qualities. Good luck
Disa Leader has enough ability and speed in store to match the other classy horses. With Johnny on board, i am more than confident that Disa leader will display a laudable performance and become the first mauritian horse to embrace the hall of fame.
tough reality mate! tough race though but finish quite far from winner for 1st outing with usual jockey on board! hope this race will bring DL back to best for the rest of carnival and indeed for the big one! good race from brock but detorri ‘s bishop too hard to crack!
Disa leader in fer 9eme!!
Vyas