Weekend runner comments, Grey/Trf

Betway ambassador, Mike de Kock, feels Aragosta is a runner that could challenge for top honours in the TABGold Derby at HWB Greyville on Saturday. He said: “Aragosta has had a good passage into the Derby, he is doing really well in his work. He finished second in this race when it was run at Scottsville last year, but his form at Greyville has been inconsistent and that is a concern. He’s run a few good races here and some below-par races. He warrants inclusion in quite an open race.”

Aragosta is the stable’s only runner on Saturday but there are four others that will take part at Turffontein’s standside track on Sunday.

Ingqwele lines up in Race 1 over 1600m and Mike said: “We’re trying her over a mike and hoping it will suit. She was 11 lengths off the winner last time, but that winner was the top filly, Truth. If you take her out, Ingqwele’s form looks a lot better, because she wasn’t far off the second and third runners. So she is not out of it, has a Place chance.”

Trois Trois Quatre is up next in Race 5 over 1800m. He prefers the outside track to the inside track and enjoys 1800, two factors in his favour. His third advantage is that Fourie has taken the ride and Mike said: “We’re glad to have Richard on again. Trois Trois Quatre is a tricky horse, things have to go his way. He has some ability and I think when he cracks another win he will end up winning a few more. He has a chance here, his winning turn can’t be far off.”

The consistent Mamo Come Tesio gives of his best and while he is no champion, he has stamina and his game efforts bring rewards. He has a shout again in Race 8 over 2400m and Mike said: “The class horse of the race is Raiseahallelujah, who was fancied to win the G3 Lonsdale Cup last time and finished ahead of a horse like Aragosta in what was a stronger race than this. But weight is always important over this trip, and Mambo Come Tesio will be getting 8kg from Raisehallelujah. We’re hoping that’s enough to give him a run for his money. There are a few other with chances, it’s not a clear-cut race. But put ours in your exotics, for sure.”

Sharapova races in a Classified Stakes over 1400m (Race 9) and Mike said: “Sharapova is favoured by the conditions of the race and she’s doing very well at home. She ran on well over 1200m last time, this 1400m will suit her better and it’s a pity she’s drawn wide. She is a filly with the ability to win again. She should run a good race, include her.”