THERE’s always value about Mike de Kock runners priced up at 5-1 or better, and astute punters would have taken the 8-1 available about  imported filly Emaliyami  (Randall  Simons) before the start of a MR69 Handicap over 1600m at the Vaal on Thursday.

Emaliyami had finished unplaced twice before this win – a few lengths off smart Rock Of Arts and New Light in respective starts, but assistant trainer Mathew de Kock said she was in need of both runs and stripped a fitter horse on this occasion.

“She also jumped better at the Vaal this time, she enjoyed the tough mile and she ran on well. We’ll place her now, look for suitable races and she will win  more.  I don’t think she’s up there with our best young fillies, but she’s improving and she’ll earn her way,” Matt assessed.

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Emalyimi is by Rock Of Gibraltar from a mare  by Elusive Quality. On pedigree alone, she’s one that bears watching.