WE’ve reached the time of year when Mike de Kock’s runners are traditionally prepared with an eye on feature-race pickings during the Highveld Summer Season. In a good week for the stable a number of them put their names on the board of early contenders.
Following Thursday’s Vaal double, Mathew de Kock saddled three promising winners at Turrffontein’s inside track on Saturday, all well handled by Anthony Delpech.
Jubilee Line: Watch out when he learns how to use his legs! (JC Photos)
Sheikh Hamdan’s three-year-old colt Jubilee Line (5-2F) started the Turffontein action spree with a sweeping Maiden win over 1600m. He looked a little at sea when shaken up with 400m to run and he changed legs a few times but despite greenness he managed to focus and quicken smartly to clear away by 3,40-lengths.
Jubilee Line was the subject of some competitive bidding at the 2014 Cape Premier Yearling Sale, at which Shadwell SA went to R3-million to secure him. He’s by Dynasty and the third foal of Jabulani Jive, by Jallad – with an interesting pedigree showing black-type pace and staying power all the way down his damline.
Mathew thinks Jubilee Line’s obvious talent will develop over ground and said: “He’s a nice colt, still inexperienced as we saw and he’ll be better the further he goes. He was expected to go closer to winning in his first two runs but those were obviously too short. He’s making good progress now and will be even better on a galloping track.”
Mitraad, from strength to strength.
Sheikh Hamdan’s up-and-coming four-year-old Mitraad (AUS, 16-10F), completed his own treble within a treble when he posted a smart victory in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1450m. Lightly-raced, he could be a prospect of note in the next few months.
Mathew said: “Mitraad is improving with racing, he took a step up against some decent rivals today and gave them a good beating. We’ll probably be looking at something like the November Charity Mile for him this season, going via the Jo’burg Spring Challenge in October. Those races are about a month apart and might suit him.”
Kingmambo’s Legacy (yellow silks, blinkered), sound and workmanlike.
Rounding off the day was Kingmambo’s Legacy (5-1), who edged out the favourite Deo Juvente in workmanlike fashion to record an MR92 Handicap win over 1800m for partners Costa Livanos, Chris Gerber and Mike de Kock.
Kingmambo’s Legacy raced off a period of rest and Mathew commented: “He was fresh today and showed his worth. He benefited greatly from his rest because he came back nice and sound. He’s had some niggles and in the past we’ve had to patch him up all the time, but he looks a happy horse now and that’s making a difference.”
