ARLINGTON’s Revenge came in from 25-1 to 15-1 before Race 2 over 1400m at the Vaal and while his odds were purely an adjustment after a few scratchings in the race and didn’t reflect any amount of support, he won like a horse who didn’t run “free”.

The three-year-old is owned by Mike de Kock and daughter Kirsten, who most certainly did not have a betting strike on their minds. Both father and daughter wanted Arlington’s Revenge to improve on a fair debut to Whitehaven in June, and Kirsten was rooting for her first winner.

Both watched the race from home, Kirsten from her Cape Town base, and were hoping for a good run after a fair 1200m debut in June when he needed the experience.

The outcome was truly pleasant. Arlington’s Revenge, coming from just off the pace, ran too strongly for his opposition over the last 200m and drew away to win well for work rider Hannah Runnalls, sporting Kirsten’s blue and green silks.

Arlington’s Revenge, good win after being gelded.

Diane de Kock named this three-year-old, ‘Arlington’s Revenge’ after she and Kirsten attended the 2013 Arlington Million in which The Apache lost the Gr1 race in the boardroom after winning it from Real Solution. They were emotional after the race and it was one of those days they’d never forget. When the chance came to acquire a son of The Apache, this was an ideal opportunity to name him.

“Well done to Kirsten, this is a proud day for us and Arlington’s Revenge can win again. He made a decent debut, was gelded and has improved after that. Well done also to Hanna, who rides work for us at Randjesfontein and has also worked at our Dubai stables,” said Mike.

Arlington’s Revenge was bred by Rosedene Stud from the mare Cleome, who raced for Mike, Chris Haynes and Gary Grant several years ago.

Like A Panther, Summer Cup hopeful.

The stable’s double was completed by Captain Al’s smart four-year-old son, Like A Panther, who looked near impossible to oppose in an Assessment Plate and duly obliged. He answered Randall Simons’ call at the 300m mark, ran past his rivals and cleared away.

“Like A Panther really needed it, his class brought him through. He moved up smarty and despite winning by four lengths he did get tired late. This race will bring him on for the Summer Cup,” said Mathew de Kock.

Like A Panther races for US-based Justin Casse and David Graham, UK-based Diane Nagle, Mike de Kock, Bernard Kantor and Larry Nestadt.