SIX-year-old stayer Pylon was beaten more than 20 lengths in the Burj Nahaar over 1600m on dirt last Saturday, but Mike de Kock is as upbeat about the son of Fort Wood as he is about Via Africa and Banaadeer, who also finished unplaced on Super Saturday.

Pylon: A good prospect for 2016 Carnival. (JC Photos)

Adriaan and Rika van Vuuren’s gelding showed plenty of pace in the early part of race before his lack of fitness showed and he faded out to finish among the backmarkers, but Mike said there is no reason for concern whatsoever.

He commented: “Of all our contenders this Carnival, Pylon needed his run most. He was one of those who had to make the long journey from South Africa and he was knocked back even further due to injury. His preparation was nowhere near what it should have been.

“Pylon is a strong game, horse and he has the heart to do very well here in Dubai. If you watch the replay of Saturday’s race, he actually starts passing horses again late, he didn’t give up. He will settle down and once he’s reached match fitness he will show them what he’s capable of.  I’d like to predict he will win at least a race or two at the 2016 Carnival. He’s a prospect I look forward to working with next year.”