HERE are Mike de Kock’s runner comments for the feature events at Turffontein on Champions Day, Saturday:

CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE

Mujaarib
‘’I’m very happy with him, he’s had a great preparation coming into the race. He’s done all we’ve wanted him to do, he is very classy but I do have reservations about the trip. He’s not sound and I’m not sure how many races he has left in him, but he is in good shape. The Turffontein 2000 is tough and he’ll have to stay every inch of the way. If he does, he will take some beating.’’

Galileo’s Destiny
“Robbie Fradd is riding him because he gets on with the horse, not because Anton Marcus doesn’t think he can win. He is not a straightforward horse, things have to go his way. Not out of it.”

Ilha Bela
“You can draw a line through her last run in the Empress Club Stakes as she couldn’t get a clear run on the fence and was eased out of it. I’m happy she is drawn badly as she will be ridden cold. I’ve always rated her, as you know, she has plenty of ability and I still think she’s a top filly and we haven’t seen the best of her. To have Gavin Lerena up will suit her, he’s a quiet rider.  She’s better than rated.”

SA DERBY

Tequila Sunrise
“He’s stays all day and I like him, he could well be better than rated. He’s still learning to race, will have to raise his game, but he has the ability and will just have to get down and do it.”

COMPUTAFORM SPRINT

Welwitschia
“She was not at her best when beaten by Sharp Design last time, slow away and blew her chances. But after two prep runs she’s very well and we’ve have taken steps to help her at the start. If she gets out fairly well and sits within two lengths off the pace she can contest matters, but this is a tough field and What A Winter’s a class act.”

SA NURSERY

Duly Ordained
“Duly Ordained is a smart young horse but he needs further, he’s not a sprinter and will be doing his best work late in the race. I’m keen to see how he goes against sprinters, but he needs a mile and up so I have no high expectations.”

GERALD ROSENBERG STAKES

Checetti
“She’s better than her form and she’s worth including in exotic bets. She’s fitter than I’ve seen her for a while.”

GOLD BOWL

Canterbury Tale
“He’s as well as we’ve had him for a long time and if he sees out the trip he will fight out the finish. He wasn’t himself last time and faded out. I don’t care if they crawl, I don’t want him up there chasing.”

Photo:  Tequila Sunrise is one to watch in the Derby. (JC Photos).