MIKE de Kock comments as follows on his big-race runners at Turffontein on Charity Mile Day, 2 November:

“Link Man (Charity Mile) is not particularly well rated. In fact, he has not run within five pounds of his rating in last six starts. He has a monumental task.

Umgiyo, smart sort.

“Umgiyo (Ready To Run Cup) is a really smart horse but he’s more a Classic horse than a 1400m runner. Off that draw we will need luck and wings. A lot of things will need to go our way. I’m putting on blinkers to try and make him show more interest early on. It’s not something I would normally do but I’m hoping it might help him. Duly Ordained needed his last run. He is a really smart horse but will need 2000m to 2400m. For this kind of prize money we will take our chances. Celtic Legend is distance suited. I would have loved to get a run under the belt but I’m expecting her to run well.

“Copiapo (Starling Stakes) is a filly with ability but we have a big problem with draw. Her female line indicates she will get the trip. Glenshee is not a bad filly. She’s better than her rating and should see out 1400m.

“Gone Baby Gone (Graham Beck Stakes) should run well. He wants further but I think he has ability. Whistle Stop is a horse we like and I think he’s going places. He’s drawn No 12 and will have to come from behind.

“Desert Sheik (Golden Loom) would be better over a little further but the soft ground will slow it up a bit.”‘