Runner comments, Turffontein 7 October

There is a R1-million Pick 6 carryover going to Saturday’s meeting at Turffontein, and a R6-million pool is expected. The meeting is headlined by the G2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge over 1400m and the matching contest for fillies and mares.

Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock takes the wraps off several stable stars on the day including major feature contender Dave The King, who is not at his peak, but is expected to run well under jockey JP van der Merwe in the Spring Challenge.

Here are Mike’s runner comments for the meeting:

Race 1: “Green Garnet made a great debut in July and we’ve rested him since. I think he’s a decent horse, he has ability. This is a competitive Maiden, some hard knockers from top to bottom. His lack of a recent run is against him, but he is one of my better runners for the day. He has a chance.”

Race 2: “Gimme A Nother is next in line from the wonderful Mother Russia family, having her first run. She looks a nice filly, I’m not too fazed by her outside draw. She comes off very good sand work and will enjoy this 1450m and further. She can be followed in time to come, but has lack of experience against her. Expecting a good debut all the same.”

Race 3: “White Pearl is a nice filly in a hot race, she was sent to the farm for a good rest after her last run in G1 company and has done well back in training. She has good ability, she is in a good space. But we’re probably running for second against Mrs Geriatrix. Good place chance.”

Race 4: “Gimmeanotherchance has also had a nice rest, he looks good, the rest was of benefit. I was able to take him for a gallop, he has three races coming up so will improve with every run. He is a horse I rate, doing well and short of his best, but he is likely to be very competitive. Zinovi has been running well recently, worth including in Swingers.”

Race 5: “Humdinger won this race gamely last year, following a hard season. She’s had more of a break this year and comes into the race in good nick, and coursed and distance suited. She can never be ignored, a tough filly. Good Queen Bess comes in off a lower rating than the rest, with a big weight to carry. She doesn’t have much of a chance on paper, but there is a lot to like about horses coming into this race fit and well and not using it as a prep. I’d include her for good measure, she is no slouch.”

Race 6: “Dave The King has a number of runs planned for him this season and is another of mine who will improve, come on with the run. His immediate aim is the Charity Mile, he is around 85% fit but he looks physically really good. He has a poor draw and if he goes out to lead, he’ll have to go too fast, so we’re going to try different tactics. There are talented three-year-olds with good speed in the race, also a horse like Forever Mine, who has also had a break but is ideally course and distance suited. He is also drawn wide, however, hard to win from there.”

Race 7: “Iphiko is well handicapped for the conditions of the race. She’s enjoyed her break, better off for it. She should enjoy the ground on top and will have to be included in all your bets.”

Race 8: “Sea Anemone has a good draw for her style of running and she’s capable and doing well. She has good prospects here.”

Race 9: “Woodland Glade is yet another coming off a rest, she’ll probably need it against the colts. But her light weight and draw are good factors in her favour, so she can’t be left out of anything.”