Runner previews for weekend racing

Mike de Kock has a busy weekend ahead with a number of runners at Turffontein and Greyville. There are a few Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup hopefuls stepping out in preparation runs for the Betway Highveld Feature Season, and two of the stable’s potential classic contenders emerge after winning their Maidens.

Here are Mike’s comments:
 
Turffontein inside track, Saturday 26 October:
 
Race 1, 11600m:
“We expected more from Great Notion when she made her debut a few weeks ago. She ran in a colt’s race and finished 16 lengths off the winner, but it has to be noted that the winning distance was 12 lengths and she was actually only four lengths off the second horse. Great Notion is against fillies now, I said last time she is not without ability and we’re hoping to see a much better run. There are three or four others with good form, but I will be surprised if she’s not in the money. A definite Quartet chance.”
 
Race 5, 1800m:
“East Coast is a victim of poor handicapping, his rating has not dropped and this prevents him from being competititive, he has a big weight here and is up against it. Marauding Horde comes off a break. He has been gelded and we’re expecting a nice season for him. He has solid three-year-old form, and in looking back at last season he did pretty well. He’s not at his peak, I want to back him up again in a 2400m race next week, but he should run well.”
 
Race 6, 1100m:
“Waheed is one of the worst handicapped horses in racing, with his 107 rating. He is a Maiden winner who received his rating running 6^th in two Graded races, fading out. Just two points above him, in this race, is four-time winner (including a feature race), Pistol Pete. It doesn’t make sense, and makes it hard to be competitive. It’s a miracle that we have Greaterix back at the races. He suffered anaphylactic shock and almost died. He has fully recovered, however, and he’s been doing very well at home. I’ve always regarded him as a good prospect. He is showing some of his old sparkle and we’re expecting a good run.”
 
Race 9, 1600m:
“Heather’s Boy shows us a lot, as noted, and he won the way we thought he’d win, first time out. He has classic potential, but, as always, needs to reproduce it on the track after his Maiden win, off a rating of 90. He’s in a handicap, his rival Bacchus looks promising, but we’re expecting to go close.”
 
Greyville, Sunday 27 October:
 
Race 3, 1400m:
“Irish Anthem is a well-bred colt, but he’s not showing us a great deal in his work. This race will give us an idea where we stand with him.”
 
Race 6, 1600m:
“Tyrconnell put up a fine effort in second to Selukwe last time, and he pulled up well which was pleasing. He looks ready to win, he’s a big runner.”
 
Race 7, 1600m:
“We have two nice horses in the Model Man mile, though it is competitive. Artist’s Model was beaten by his rival, Actor, and then won his Maiden over this course and distance. He has improved, but has more to do in this contest. Jaham looks like he’ll develop into a nice stayer. He needs further than 1600m, but he’ll be doing his best work late and could be in the thick of things.”
 
Race 8, 1600m:
“Grape Shot ran at Greyville earlier this week and will be scratched here, she is one to watch in the future. Volare E Mambo is doing nicely, her form looks competitive. She has a nice draw and should go close in this line-up.”