Turffontein runner comments

Mike de Kock will be hoping to get a winner on the board at Turffontein’s stand-alone meeting on Saturday where the Betway ambassador sends out eight runners. There are 10 races on the card and good betting pools are likely.

First up is VAR-filly Courante (Race 1), a short-priced favourite of which he said: “She’s coming off a rest after we’ve trained her on the treadmill for a few months. She’s had a gallop and she’s fit enough to run well. I must admit, I think it’s a fairly moderate field and a winable race. Courante has, however, been very good at beating herself. So, we’ll have to see, but she’s pretty well and we’ll go in confident of a good run.”

“Jaipur Jewel (Race 2) has been a little disappointing, but he looks probably the best I’ve seen him in a while. He has a poor draw to overcome, but I would’ve expected us to win a maiden with him by now. I would think if Richard Fourie can get a good position without using him too much, he’ll be a big runner.”

“In Fire Lord (Race 3), we have a horse who has been very disappointing horse so far. He’s another one of those morning glories, shows well at home but doesn’t reproduce what he shows. If he stays the mile, he should be right there. Let’s hope he gives his best. Pinky Levine is a filly we have in the same race. This is a bit short for her, she has been disappointing, but she needs further than this and should improve with the outing.”

“Florentine runs in Race 5 (also two stable companions) and on the impressive way she won last time she’s in with a good chance. She doesn’t have the greatest draw but she’s very well, in a good space and pretty much in her class here on ratings. Waya Yire went down the straight last time and travelled too fast early, that didn’t suit her and the field was too strong. Maybe a place chance here. Lilliana was below best when she raced over this course and distance last time. She may still need another run, but has improved a helluva lot in her work. Include in Quartets.

“In Race 9 we have Tallin, a filly that’s capable on the day and has won at the track and trip. She’s got a tough draw, but she’s not a runner I’d leave out of anything.”