GOLDSMITH, Inglewood and Shimla recorded victories for the Mike de Kock stable at Clairwood on Wednesday, 1 November, taking De Kock’s seasonal tally to 44. 

Goldsmith defied a 3kg swing in favour of King Valley and won well again, completing his hat-trick in Race 6 over 2000m. 

De Kock said: “He has matured and his legs are holding up. Also he is over some respiratory problems that kept him out of racing most of last year.’’ 

Inglewood wins.

Inglewood took command fully 400m out in Race 9 over 1450m and strolled home to a five-length success. De Kock, who part-owns the son of Count Du Bois with Bernard Kantor, regarded this one as “possibly Grade material’’.

 Rich Man’s Gold filly Shimla rounded off a good afternoon with a last-gasp win in Race 10 over 2450m. She ran on well in the latter stages and De Kock felt that she would be much better over more ground. “She won’t retire a one-time winner,’’ he chirped. 

Shimla’s dam, Polly Pinks, was conceived at Wilgerbosdrift Stud, the breeder and owner being Dr. John McVeigh, registered as In Da Belly Stud. Polly Pinks foaled down at McVeigh’s Summerveld hospital. De Kock commented: “In Da Belly Stud is a suitable name. Just look at the man!’’

Apprentice Keegan Latham booted home the treble and De Kock praised him: “Keegan makes mistakes, but he tries hard, places them well and has been riding winners without his allowance. Plus, he rides them past the post.’’