Runner comments, Scottsville and Greyville

Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock brings four runners to the track at Scottsville this Sunday and one to Greyville on Monday. The stable’s runners are well within themselves and he’s expecting decent runs from all.

Perhaps his best of the five, Mike assessed, is two-year-old filly Ready To Fly, who goes to post in Race 1 over 1400m on the Polytrack on Monday for veteran sports presenter Neil Andrews and his Benmag Brown Racing Syndicate.

On paper, Ready To Fly can expect opposition from three other recent Polytrack winners, in particular Glen Kotzen’s filly My Cherie Amour, who was rumoured unbeatable before getting a bump and becoming unsettled in the last race on Durban July day recently.

Mike said: “I’d say Ready To Fly is my best winning chance over the next few days. There was a lot to like about her Maiden win at this course and distance last month and she’s come on a bit. She’ll be up there from a good draw, I’d love to see her follow up for Benmag, who has 24 members in their partnership and love their racing.”

On Sunday, Winter Pearl (Race 2), should go close. He returned from an injury-enforced break for a fourth place over 1000m a fortnight ago and Mike commented: “Winter Pearl has definitely improved after his comeback run. He is overdue his first win, it could come here, though there are a few unraced two-year-olds in the race, unknown quantities.”

Fire Lord (Race 4 – 1400m) was another to come off a rest – he almost won when stepped out again at Turffontein last week and Mike said: “This comes a bit soon after his run last Thursday but he took it well and is in good nick. This is the right race for him, he has a handy draw so we’ll take our chances.”

Lightly-raced Sequoia (Race 6 -1400m) has dropped steadily in the merit ratings to a mark of 75 and he will contest his third run after being gelded. “He’s not quite at the top of his game yet but he is getting there and should run well. A place chance I’d say.”

The International Racing Club’s Humdinger (Race 7 – 1500m) has been a little costly to follow, a beaten favourite twice before her own short rest and Mike noted: “She has done really well with a little freshening up. This is a Graduation Plate and it looks quite competitive but I believe she’s the one to beat. She’s filled out nicely in her time off and I’ve always thought she’s a nice filly. We’re hoping she can start putting things together now.”

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