Runner comments, King’s Plate weekend

A R1-million TAB Tote Pick 6 carryover sets the stage for a thrilling Saturday at HWB Kenilworth’s King’s Plate meeting, with the pool projected to climb to an impressive R5-million. The action-packed card features two Grade 1 events, two Grade 2 contests, and a Grade 3 race. This high-profile meeting promises competitive racing and dynamic exotic pools, offering bettors the chance to secure substantial dividends. You can access tote pools via the Betway Tote portal on https://www.betway.co.za/Horseracing

Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock, who started the year with a winner at Greyville on New Year’s Day, saddles Silver Sanctuary in the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes at HWB Kenilworth and he said: “She travelled well from Johannesburg and she’s in good shape, we’re happy with her and pleased to have Oisin Murphy riding her, I have a good relationship with him.

“I’m hoping for a good pace in this race which will suit Silver Sanctuary. There are a few runners who like to go out and lead, like Lavender Bay and Rascova, so I think we’ll have a decent clip. If Oisin can beat the draw, our filly can be in the money, she ran well at this track before and is a definite Pick 6 inclusion.”

Mike has entries at Turffontein and HWB Scottsville on Sunday.

Great Notion takes her place in Race 2 over 1160m. He said: “Piere Strydom felt after her last race that she needed to come back in trip, the 1600m was too far for her and she was making a wind noise. We’re trying a tongue tie and blinkers, let’s hope his feedback is spot-on. She has a chance.”

Roaming Spirit tries further in Race 3 over 1600m. ‘She’s a filly that shows us a lot in work and we’re surprised she hasn’t won yet. Perhaps she’s needed the extra all along. On her pedigree she will see out a mile, and if she does, she’s a big runner.”

The Listed Wolf Power over 1600m is a nice comeback race after a short rest for Marauding Horde and Forgiveness. “Both runners prefer a bit further, but Marauding Horde tends to run well when he’s fresh. He’ll come on with this outing, but I’d be scared to leave him out. He is in a good space. Forgiveness will be running on late, she could place. Both runners need a strong pace to be competitive.”

The grey, Greaterix, lines up in the Grade 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m and Mike said: “Greaterix pulled up slightly distressed after the Dingaans, he went a little hard up front that day. He’s very fast and will re-unite with his old pilot Muzi Yeni. He is up to it, he should be well suited here with his good speed. There are a few very useful runners in the race with us, so this a good test in a competitive field. We’re expecting Greaterix to be right there.”

Beamonesque has had lots of issues, and has been a difficult horse to train, but is not out of it in Race 9 over 1000m. “He comes off the sand into the race, has had a couple of months off and is doing well. He shows good work, has had a few straightforward months and maybe he is growing out of his issues. He is quite fresh, I wouldn’t leave him out.”

Top Seed returns from a long rest in Race 2 over 1200m at HWB Scottsville. He is expected to run very well. Mike said: “Top Seed shows a lot in work. We expected him to go close first time out, but he pulled up lame and was gelded. He looks like a quality horse and has a winning chance.”

Tyrconnell finally posted his second career win last time and the stable is hoping that his third win can come a lot sooner. “Jockey Rachel Venniker gets 1,5kg off and that can play in our favour. He is doing well and can win again,” said Mike.

Next up are the fillies Grape Shot and Sparkling Jubilee in Race 6 over 1400m. Mike assessed: “Both come off a rest. Grape Shot needed her break due to lameness, she looks to be at her best around 1400m, has a place chance. Sparkling Jubilee is a fair filly, she gives of her best and I think she’ll be running on well after her rest. She has a chance of getting into the firing line.”

The big sprinter William Robertson is the horse to beat in Race 7, the African Holly Stakes over 1100m, but Mike thinks Khetiwe’s Destiny has a small chance of upsetting the apple cart, in receipt of 10kg. “She enjoyed a nice rest at Ashburton and came back fresh and well. She’ll like an extra 100m, but is not completely out of it, I am looking forward to her run.”