HERE are assistant trainer Nathan Kotzen’s comments for the Mike de Kock runners on Gold Cup Day.

“Ilsanpietro (Gold Cup) had a good run on July day. He’s fit and well and I think he is one of the classier stayers in the race. I expect him to be right there. Gorongosa (Gold Cup) shows little in work. She stays well and this race is her mission. We like to give her a bit of a chance and I would prefer to see her midfield. Captain’s Wild’s (Gold Cup) last two runs have been frustrating. We don’t know if he stays but the way he runs, he should stay. He just has to get his act together. Vettel (Gold Cup) is a very nice horse. He stays well and as he gets older he will get better. He’s a lovely horse to work with. He is still maturing but is mature enough to win a race of this nature. He never stopped in the Durban July.

Lehaaf: Premier’s Champion Stakes.

“Solo Traveller (Champions Cup) tends to lack a bit of early toe so we have put the blinkers on. He doesn’t want to travel in the early part but kicks on nicely. Maybe it’s the wrong race to start him in blinkers but you have to do it somewhere. He had a great July run. Lehaaf (Premier’s Champion Stakes) was a little bit disappointing last time but it was his first race at Clairwood. We just couldn’t get to Black Toga. We have to take him on again as well as War Horse but we’re hopeful of a good run. Checcetti (Gold Bracelet) ran a cracker last time. She needs a pace and the pace wasn’t on.”