MATHEW DE KOCK sums up the chances of the Mike de Kock runners on Turffontein’s Guineas Day, Saturday. 

GAUTENG GUINEAS

“Alexandra Palace is a classy horse but he’s still learning to race. His main mission is the SA Classic but he’s good enough to run a big race over 1600m. If he gets away with the first leg, he could be a SASCOC Triple Crown contender. 

“We were a little hard done by that Cannon was not included in the first place but we’re in now and I make him a runner. We have a wide draw but could run into the money. 

“Emerald Approach’s last start not too bad if you consider what happened. Over the final 100m Anthony Delpech said he had nowhere to go. He will suit the standside track and needs further but on his Dingaans run has a chance. We will see the best of him over 1800m upwards.” 

GAUTENG FILLIES GUINEAS

“It’s a pity that Al Kindi has drawn badly. She is just going to have to come from off them and has a back-of-Quartets chance. 

“Tayba ran a cracker last time and I still think she will see out the 1600m if she settles. At least we have a nice draw this time. 

“Espumanti is a very talented filly. She is still six months behind her SA counterparts but does get a 2kg Northern Hemisphere allowance. This is her first time over 1600m and in this class has it all to do. She was withdrawn last time but I don’t think losing that opportunity will affect her and she will not be short of a run.  I have no doubt she should be favourite but she has it all to prove.”

 ACACIA HANDICAP

“Amur Affair is a very game, very consistent filly and she’s stiff not to have won a Group race. Anton Marcus is up and could make the difference.

“Bluroute is a massive runner and I think she is better than her rating. She’s a tough filly and will come on with racing. 

“Checcetti has earned her rating but 61.5kg not easy to shoulder. She will need the run a little bit but should perform well enough. 

HAWAII  STAKES

“Festival Of Fire is a very talented young filly. We didn’t go the Guineas route because we’re not sure if she stays 1600m so we’ve gone to 1400m. She’s a big, strong filly who has the ability and should run a big race. 

“I think Galileo’s Destiny is finally running to his potential. I thought he would need his last run badly but he surprised us and he has come on since then. I don’t think 1400m is his ideal trip but I don’t think it’s going to be an issue.

“It’s no secret that Link Man is an up-and-down horse. He has all the ability in the world. We’ve fitted the blinkers and although he might need the run you can never leave him out. 

AQUANAUT HANDICAP

“Canterbury Tales is in very good form. He has a nice weight, a nice draw, all in his favour. He just needs to reproduce best form. Last time the race did not pan out. He is a big-striding horse and needs to take control of the race. That was on the inside track and he is far better on the standside track. 

‘Main Dane is a consistent performer on grass and hated the sand last time. Trying this trip for the first time but the way he runs, he should see it out. We’re looking for a good showing. 

“Rocco’s Luck is trying the distance for the first time. If he stays he has to be a massive runner. He has huge potential. Last time the inside track didn’t suit him and they went a crawl.” 

RACE 2:
“Global Power is a nice strong horse. I’m not sure of his ideal trip so we’re starting him in a sprint (1160m). He’s showing good work at home and has a decent chance of running a good race. “