ON a day of several highlights for the stable, Mike de Kock took particular pleasure in winning Saturday’s Gr1 Computaform Sprint (R1-million) over 1000m at Turffontein with Mary Slack and Michael Javett’s import Alboran Sea (AUS), ridden by Anthony Delpech.
Alboran Sea got the better of Carry On Alice, a determinded challenger over the last 250m. (JC Photos).
Alboran Sea gave Mike his first Computaform Sprint winner – he won’t be able to mention other major South African Gr1’s he hasn’t yet won – and he enjoyed the handing over of the trophy by Racing Association CEO Larry Wainstein.
It wasn’t too long ago that Mike’s critics regarded him as a great trainer, except for sprinters and he quipped: “I would have thought Shea Shea’s big wins in Dubai cleared that impression, but now that we’ve won two Gr1 sprints in one season, this season, I guess whatever was left of the debate is now settled!”
Mike praised his son Mathew and his training team at Randjesfontein and said: “Mat has done a great job while I’ve been away. Over the last few weeks we’ve seen the horses turning the corner, he’s got them to peak at the right time for the big races and once again I am proud and impressed with the team’s hard work and dedication.”
Mike with his first Computaform Sprint trophy, presented by Larry Wainstein.
The exciting and speedy three-year-old Alboran Sea hasn’t stopped improving. Form suggested that she faced a stiff task to confirm her narrow Gr1 Cape Flying Championship win over Captain Of All on 24 January. She looked exceptionally well again, however, enjoyed racing fresh and left Captain Of All four lengths adrift at the line time, instead fighting out a 250m-long duel with her three-year-old counterpart Carry On Alice before getting the better close home to win by 0.70-lengths.
Alboran Sea clocked 55,59s, just a touch outside former champion sprinter Mythical Flight’s course record of 54,96s and Delpech, riding his third Computaform Sprint winner, commented: “She’s a super filly, she was beautifully prepared, thanks to Mike and his team and the owners. Alboran Sea kept giving me more to win a great race.”
Both Mary Slack and Michael Javett were on course to lead in their winner and Mary said: “Alboran Sea is an absolute star, she gives us so many thrills. We’re very pleased with another Gr1 win for her.”
Alboran Sea was raised at Rosemont Stud in Victoria, Australia. She’s by Rock of Gibraltar from Lady’s Light, by Toolighttoquit and after Saturday her superb career record shows five wins and three places from nine starts, including three Gr1’s.
