MIKE de Kock doesn’t have a runner in the Durban July this year, but his comments recorded for the other races on July Day hold plenty of promise. This is the most competitive race day on the South African calendar, but Mike is hinting at a “good  day at the office”.  The clues are in his runner comments, use  them to your advantage!

RACE 2: JUVENILE  PLATE, 1900m:

Umgiyo
“He has had a good prep and should get the distance on his pedigree. If he does, he will be very competitive in this race.”

Gone Baby Gone
“He is doing very well if he gets the trip will be a big runner.  He’s by Grey’s Inn, which suggests he should see it out. Include him in your swingers and quartets, he has a chance.”

Magroora
“Magroora is in good shape and should prefer this distance.  She’s a daughter of Dubawi and this type of trip should be her game. She’ll be in the firing line if she stays.”

Umgiyo.

RACE  3: MANGO 2200 (Gr3), 2200m:

Patriotic Rebel
“He is very fit now after his recent run and he’s had a good preparation coming into this race. He doesn’t have an easy task at more or less level weights with his stablemates, but he’s decent and should make his presence felt.”

Rocco’s Luck
“We’ll be putting a tongue tie on Rocco’s Luck, which seems to have made a difference at home. He is fit and well and should run accordingly.”

 Silent Partner
“Another who has enjoyed a good preparation and he’s a fit horse. Ran well in this race last year and we have every reason to expect something similar.”

RACE 4: MERCEDES BENZ GOLD VASE (Gr 2), 3000m:

Canterbury Tale
“He is being aimed at the Gold Cup but he is doing very well and he should  go close.”

Canterbury  Tale.

RACE 5: ZULU KINGDOM EXPLORER GOLDEN SLIPPER (Gr 1),  1400m:

Berlinetta
“Berlinetta is a smart filly. Anthony Delpech went for her as he feels she is the best of our runners in this race, at this stage. She has it all to do from her wide draw, but she could be up to it, we’re expecting a big run.”

Celtic Legend
“She has had a good prep and this will be good exposure at Gr 1 level to test her ability. Her draw is a concern.”

Love from Al
“She has the advantage of pole position and this is her test at top level.  She is fit and well.”

Magrooma
“Another with a wide draw to contend with and she will prefer further now. She has ability though and she’ll be off to Dubai after this run.”

 Mensoora
“Again we drew wide here, but Mensoora is a good filly who has had a good preparation.  She will also be exported  to Dubai and we’ll be looking for a very competitive run from her here.”

Love From Al.

RACE  6: THE DURBAN GOLDEN HORSESHOE (Gr 1), 1400m:

Full Combat
“Full Combat is a horse we rate highly and he will also make his way to Dubai after this run.  He comes into  the race off a good prep and we’re happy with his progress.  He’s a serious contender despite his wide draw.”

RACE 8: THUKELA HANDICAP (Listed), 1600m:

Amur Affair
“Amur Affair  has had a hard season but she working well and we’re hoping  she can put up a good run for the yard.”

Berry Blaze
“Berry Blaze is working as well as ever and she’s as fit as can be. She has plenty of ability but I’ve given up on trying to predict how she will perform on track. A leading contender if she puts it together on the day.”

 Lehaaf
“He is in good form, doing very well and is expected to fight out the finish.”

Lehaaf.

RACE 9:  GARDEN PROVINCE STAKES (Gr 1), 1600m:

Thunder Dance
“She is well over her foot issue and is working well.  She was prepaded in Johannesburg and will be raiding down. Will need luck from her draw but should make her presence felt.”

Halfway to Heaven
“ She is in good form and will strip a very fit filly on Saturday. We are hoping for a competitive run.”

Viva Maria-
“She has been spiking temperatures and will be scratched. She will be retired to stud.”

 Espumanti
“Espumanti has had a perfect passage into this race, she is very fit and well drawn. She’s a top filly, in the class of a filly like Velvet Green who won this race for us. We’re confident of a big run.”

Espumanti.

RACE 10: MERIT RATED 104 HANDICAP, 1000m:

Merhee
“This may not be Merhee’s best trip, but he’s proven his class and he’s in good nick. This will be his last start in South Africa and we’ll be holding thumbs it’s a good one.”

RACE 11: THEKWINI SPRINT, 1200m:

Desert Sheik
“Desert Sheik has developed into a really good horse. He is well drawn and on his form and work will be a huge runner.”

Honorine-
“She’s made steady progress this term and she’s has improved after winning her last start. Likely to be right there when it matters.”