MATHEW de Kock will be saddling a number of runners at Saturday’s Guineas Day meeting at Turffontein. He spoke in detail to JACK MILNER of The Citizen, an excellent interviewer and copy typist who has done our work for us. Thank you Jack! Thank you Mat!

Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas
“Noble Secret has a lot of potential and he hasn’t been exposed to Majestic Mambo or Surcharge. He has his issues which is why we gelded him. He can get uptight but it doesn’t get in his way when he runs. He could be anything. On form Pietro Mascagni is held by Surcharge but does show us more at home than he has brought to the races so far. As he matures we hope there will be more to come. Puget Sound (headline photo) has come on a lot since his first run as a gelding. I think he has a place chance. He has the draw at least. Royal Crusade has definitely made improvement at home in the blinkers. We just hope he can do it on race day. From draw No 1 he must be a big runner and he will go all three Triple Crown distances.”

Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift Fillies Guineas
“Fish River has had a perfect prep and seems to be an up-and-coming filly. Everything is in her favour. Silver Thursday is a filly who will go all three legs of the Triple Tiara and she’s much better in Joburg than Cape Town. She’s in a good space right now although she’s not fully wound up for this race as we’re planning to go for all three legs. She is a good filly and a good draw is a big plus because she’s a big-striding filly and she would battle to overcome a wide draw. Awfaa goes about her business quietly, she’s not a flashy filly. She’s won two nice races but hasn’t been exposed to this level. She doesn’t blow us away in the morning but she wins her races. Pearl of Bahrain is a nice filly. She’s working with these fillies and hasn’t been outclassed and her work is good. Even if she wins or places there are limited penalties so her rating won’t go up a lot. Takingthepeace is a very honest filly. She did not have a bad run last time because she carried 2kg more than the others and it was her third run in a close period. She must also must have a chance.”

Gr2 Hawaii Stakes
“Sir David Baird’s prep has gone well. We chose this race as he drew badly in the Guineas. This will be the first time against older horse at weight for age terms so it will be interesting to see how he performs.” 

Gr3 Acacia Handicap
“We’re hoping Alileo can stay and get some Black Type. The more mature she’s got the better she’s been racing.”

Listed Aquanaut Handicap
“Kilrain won a good race last time in his first attempt at this distance. He has a nice draw and should put in the same kind of performance. We’re hoping this horse can improve as he now has more experience in a long-distance race.”

The  Citizen Pinnacle Stakes
“Orchid Island has freshened up since Cape Town. She loves the course and distance and should be right there. She seems to do well against the boys when she gets a sex allowance.”

Race 1
“Rain Blossom has not shown much and we just hope the race can reveal more.”

Race  4
“Limestone Mass slightly disappointed with first run. He was a little coltish on debut but his work at home is good and we’re hoping for a better performance.”

Race 11:
“Alwashs is in good form and is a lot fitter. He’s a big burly horse and hopefully he can run well. This is Hakeem’s first run as a gelding. He is better for the gelding but he might need the run.”

Race 12
“Well Connected has been a bit frustrating. He does work well and we’re trying blinkers. Hopefully he brings his best to the racecourse.”