ALTHOUGH the Mike de Kock runners are described as “well within themselves’’ for tomorrow’s big race day at Greyville, they will be facing fierce opposition and will need some luck in running.

“Equal Image is near his peak and he will probably make his presence felt. This is traditionally his time of year, yet he might be run out of it by a lightly weighted horse,’’ said Mike about his Lonsdale Stirrup Cup runner.

Zirconeum (Woolavingtington 2000) is in top condition too, but Mike says there is “a big question mark about the 2000m.’’ He said: “She moved up to win the Summer Cup but was found wanting under a light weight so she has a hard task here, though perhaps against fillies it will be marginally easier than the Summer Cup.’’

Forest Path, Daily News 2000.

The smart Port of Dubai also has distinct stamina doubts in the Daily News 2000 and Mike assessed: “He is very well, but we are worried about the trip. Bouquet-Garni stays all day, but he was rested after the Derby and will need the run a bit.

“I make Forest Path a big runner, hopefully my jock listens to instructions this time. I want Forest Path dropped in and from his wide draw there is probably no other option anyway. If he settles, he will be right there at the finish.’’