THREE-year-old Raaees (AUS), ridden by Anthony Delpech, put a comfortable four lengths between himself and second-placed AP Strike in a Novice Plate over 1600m at Clairwood on New Year’s Eve, as seen in the photo below, kindly supplied by Gold Circle.

A Maiden winner over 1400m at Scottsville on 17 December, Raaees is improving steadily and Mike de Kock said: “Raaees is starting to impress us. He’s a typically well-bred imported colt, by Duke Of Marmalad from a good female line, and I think Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum can expect more going  forward. Raaees is a progressive sort.”

Another follow-up winner was Captain Lars, who took a MR96 Handicap over 1450m later in the day, another winner for confident jockey Warren Kennedy, who has grabbed his chances in the stable with both hands.

“Captain Lars has won his way into the higher divisions within just a few runs and he’s got some heart. I am very happy for his owner Malih Albasti, who is a keen follower of South African racing. He’s on the board at Meydan and has always been highly supportive,” Mike said.

 Not as easy for Captain Lars (yellow cap), but Warren Kennedy got him home.