Classic Day runner comments

Here are Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock’s runner comments for the Classic Day meeting to be held on the standside track at Turffontein on Saturday. Punters are reminded of the Pick 6 Carryover Pool to the meeting, R5-million is expected. Access the pool via the Betway Tote portal, bet into it and receive your 6% tax back at month-end. It makes a welcome difference.

Race 1: “Cherry Oh Baby was greener than we expected on her debut, that caught us by surprise. She sprinted nicely, however. She is better off for that run but did come back a little unsound and had to be treated and given time off, not an ideal prep. She is well for this race, hopefully not too green again and has a chance of finishing in the money.”

Race 2: “Greaterix looks like a classic type, needs further but has a lot of speed, he’s a smart horse. Pistol Pete has a high cruising speed and looks hard to beat. Ours is one to follow.”

Race 5: “Humdinger has a tough task off top weight, but she is a game filly and the weights favour her in this condensed handicap. She’s not out of it. Bonete runs well over all trips, doesn’t seem to have a favourite distance. She has ability and comes into play, must be included. Same for Good Queen Bess, who has a handy weight, she’s in good form. While she is suspect over a mile, on the way she’s running lately, and with the blinkers off, this shouldn’t be a problem in theory.

Race 6: “I can’t say much more about Gimme A Nother, we know what she’s about. She is in good shape for this race and given her pedigree and the way she runs, I don’t foresee any problems with 1800m. Silver Sanctuary is fit and well following a great prep. She’s in a good space and I think 1800m will suit her, she will run another good race. Champagne Cocktail is very well and over a distance which suits her better than the last few. We’re fitting her with a tongue-tie, as she has been making a bit of a gargling noise at the pull-up, this seems to have helped in gallops.

Race 7: “Gimmeanotherchance performed well last time in what wasn’t an ideally run race. The race split in two and the back portion of horses ran on well. But this looks like the field vs Sandringham Summit, we have a place chance.

Race 8: “A strong race full of quality, I think this is a stronger contest than the King’s Plate and the Met. Dave The King ran a cracking race following his gelding last time. He’s not well drawn, but I will leave that to Piere Strydom. He should run well. It’s a touch short for Safe Passage, he’ll be better suited to the forthcoming Premiers over 2000m.

Race 9: “Iphiko is fast, she’s doing well at home but she’s up against Dyce who is perhaps the best sprinter in the land. Off a low weight, however, Iphiko has a money chance, she has won six races over 1000m.”

Race 10: “Al Akhtaar I think will need the run. He pulled up lame after his first start and we gave him a bit of a break to recover.”