Runner comments, Turffontein 20 April

Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock is represented by seven runners at the meeting scheduled for Turffontein’s inside track on Saturday.

Mike is back from his Australian trip ahead of next week’s Season Finale in Gauteng, and before a number of the stable’s runners will travel to Summerveld to compete in the 2024 KZN winter season features.

He filed notes on Saturday’s runners:

Race 1, 1600m: “Valare E Mambo is fit and well, she should be okay over the mile. Not a good thing, there are a few fillies to beat in the race, but she has a chance from her inside draw.”

Race 5, 1800m: “Holocene has a good draw, he’s had to suffer wide draws in some of his previous runs and really should win again soon. I think the 1800m is his maximum trip, but he is fit and very well so I’d give him a good money chance.”

Race 6, 1800m: “Three runners in the race. Mambo Come Tesio is an out-and-out stayer really, he is well but this is too short. La Moohal is developing into a fair handicapper. He’s drawn a bit wide, but should give a good account with Strydom riding. Officer in Command has improved recently, I’m keen to see how he goes here. I’m a bit weary about the 1800m, but he has a decent draw and looks like he’s going the right way now. If he stays, he’ll be a factor. Include him. Jordan could be the horse to beat.”

Race 7, 1600m: “Sea Anemone is a decent filly, but she seems to follow good runs with moderate runs, I was disappointed last week when she faded out. I expected better and she had me scratching my head. She’s fine, I’m backing her up, throw her into your perms.”

Race 9, 1200m: “Grape Shot was fifth to a runaway winner last time, that form is perhaps better than it looks. She is coming along, showed up last time after getting a bump at the start. But I think she needs one more run to come to her peak.”