Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock saddles four runners at the Greyville meeting. He believes he has a few clear chances.
Aragosta and Marauding Horde will take their places in the Listed Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m. Mike said: “This is Aragosta’s game, he enjoys distances around 2400m. He is in form after the Gauteng autumn season and comes off a short break. He should run well, but his big weight is an obvious factor to contend with.
“Marauding Horde is under sufferance, but so are five or six other runners in this field. Barring Tax Haven, the form from the SA Derby has worked out well with both the second and fourth horses finishing 1-2 in their subsequent run, the Colorado King Stakes. Marauding Horde was just off them in the Derby so could frank the form again with a good run. However, three-year-olds always find it tough to win over ground when they race at this level. There are some hard-knocking stayers in the contest. While I think he will run well, I’d say a top-four finish will be a very good showing given his lack of experience. We’ve taken the blinkers off because it seems he pulled to hard in blinkers last time.”
Silver Sanctuary is back in action in the Grade 1 Woolavington 2000. Mike commented: “She’s had a good rest since her third place to Frances Ethel in the SA Oaks. She is nice and fresh and potentially better suited to 2000m. It is a very competitive field of fillies with a few chances among them, but Silver Sanctuary should be one the main contenders from her good draw.”
Mary’s Greenlight runs in Race 8 over 1600m, her favourite distance, and if she delivers her best form, she’ll be a big runner. Mike assessed: “They hacked around at Scottsville last time and she had to be dropped out, she is better than that. I think if she can overcome the draw in this race, she should finish close.”
