Runner comments, Turffontein Sunday

Durban July winner SPARKLING WATER and SA Derby winner ARAGOSTA make their seasonal debuts in G3 Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m at Turffontein. This meeting has been moved to Sunday, 6 November, three weeks ahead of their mission, the G1 Betway Summer Cup on 26 November.

Mike de Kock is happy with the progress both runners have made in their build-ups to the Victory Moon, but cautioned: “Sparkling Water (last year’s winner off 50kg) and Aragosta are definitely short of their best, fitness-wise, and they have hard tasks where they are at these weights. Both will come on for their runs into the Summer Cup.”

Mike has a third entry here in up-and-coming three-year-old, EAST COAST and he noted: “East Coast is way out at the weights except for the top three in the race, but fortunately the handicappers’ hands are tied here otherwise they would destroy his career. I think he’s a nice horse and I am keen to see where we stand with our three-year-old crop and what we have. This is East Coast’s minimum trip these days, he comes into the race very fit where a lot of his rivals are prepping. Based on that alone I think he’ll run a good race. His merit rating of 106 is a big plus sign but also a question mark at this stage. I’d like to know how good our three-year-olds are, the race will give us an indication.”

POWERED BY BETWAY: READ THE BETWAY INSIDER’S BLOG!

The stable’s improving sprinting filly IPHIKO bids for five-in-a-row in her first try at a Listed race, the Gardenia Stakes over 1000m. Mike said: “I have been a little surprised about the way she’s gone about her business, she has been super impressive. But this is a step up for her and a different ball game on a sticky track. She’s been able to get away with the ground on top and the interesting thing to see will be whether she’ll be able to pack that same speed over 1000m on the softer ground. It’s a massively competitive race, I’m looking forward to see if she stacks up against this quality. I have a question mark about her on soft ground.”

The stable’s SEVEN WONDERS (Race 1), CLAFOUTIS and GOOD QUEEN BESS (Race 5) have been withdrawn from Mike’s list of runners on the day. Comments for the others, below:

RACE 2: “SEA ANEMONE (Dynasty – Alboran Sea) is a newcomer, a filly who has shown us ability at home. She’s had enough work to be very competitive here, a good run is expected. She has to bring her work to the racetrack, but there is something there, I like her.”

RACE 4: “SIMPLE SIMPLE has a ridiculous rating of 83. She’s giving away weight to promising male runners, including 7kg to a horse that won his Maiden by eight lengths, while she got her own rating for being an unplaced participant. Whatever you think of her, the handicappers have made it quite impossible, this will be tough for her.”

RACE 5: “We have DESERT MIRACLE in this race and she’s in with a winning chance. Her respiratory issues are well documented, but she’s doing well. We’re going to treat her as a sprinter to keep her restricted to shorter trips as it will put less pressure on her lungs. She has got enough speed, a top run expected.”

RACE 8: “ALFAATIK just needed his run last Tuesday and he pulled up well. I think 2400m and even further is his game and I expect him to go close.”

RACE 9: “This is not a planned race for SYLVAN THEATER, it was done as an after-result. It’s not ideal to be backing him up after last week’s run, but he is quite a tough horse, took that run well and is well drawn. He should be competitive. SHARAPOVA is a nice filly, she makes her debut over her minimum trip and she will be green, but I’m expecting a very good run from her, with massive improvement coming, a filly you can follow.”