A January to remember

The stable’s terrific month of January continued with a further four winners from eight runners at Turffontein, Sunday. They included the first winner for freshman stallion Hawwaam, as reported elsewhere.

Mike de Kock also saddled Littlemarysunshine, winner of the Listed Spook Express Stakes, Great Notion and Roaring Spirit.

Results below:

Race 2: MAIDEN PLATE, 1400m
GREAT NOTION 3 gr f Danon Platina – Fish River by Canford Cliffs
Owners/breeders: Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein
Jockey: Ryan Munger
Mike comments: “Ryan Munger suggested we take the blinkers off and try her over 1400m, this was good feedback from a top rider. You can see the difference in jockeys with international experience. Great Notion is tough and sound, on today’s showing she won’t be going to PE just yet. I am happy for Mauritzfontein to have had another winner on the Highveld.”

Race 3: MAIDEN PLATE, 1400m
ROAMING SPIRIT, 3 b f Buffalo Bill Cody – Fakazi by Albaharin
Owner: Wilgerbosdrift (Pty) Ltd: (Mrs M. Slack)
Breeder: GJ Armitage
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Mike comments: “She was a standout on the card today so there was some pressure. Thanks to Mary for her patience, Roaming Spirit has been frustrating. She’s a lovely filly, she won well and is one punters can follow, especially now that we know her distance is between 1400-1600m.”

Race 6: LISTED SPOOK EXPRESS STAKES, 2400m
LITTLEMARYSUNSHINE, 5 b m Silvano – Little Genie by Judpot
Owners: ASSM Racing Syndicate: (Mr A Chadha)
Breeders: Varsfontein Stud
Jockey: Craig Zackey
Mike comments: “I wanted to take her out of the race but then left her in because I didn’t think the field was all that strong. What a nice win for owners Warne and Wendy Rippon, and Arun Chadha. I love training winners for them. They are big supporters of the stable. Craig rode a good race today, his style suited her. We were looking for black type for her and now she’s got it and her paddock value will increase.”