Runner comments, Turffontein/Scottsville

Mike and Mathew de Kock saddle six runners at Turffontein, including two in Race 7, the Grade 3 London News Stakes over 1800m.

De Kock Racing’s fillies, Silver Sanctuary and Forgiveness, take on a few hard-knocking male runners in a small field, and Mike feels both should be included. He said: “Silver Sanctuary has returned from Cape Town after her run in the Paddock Stakes where her run was affected by a deep draw. She has had a short break, but is a class act and enjoys Turffontein, so is not out of it. Forgiveness is well out the weights, but she is in very good form. We’re taking a chance, she has been progressive so I won’t leave her out of anything.”

The stable’s other contender in a Pick 6 leg is Artist’s Model in Race 5 over 1800m. He hasn’t raced since finishing sixth to Quid Pro Quo in the Dingaans on Betway Summer Cup Day last November and Mike assessed: “That was not a bad run, because he had runners like Fire Attack, Greaterix and Parisian Walkway not too far ahead of him. He has rested though, is short of his peak and tries 1800m for the first time. He will come on with this run.”

Three newcomers will come to the track earlier. In Race 1, Whispering Death, a colt by Danon Platina, and A Good Heart, a filly by Soqrat, step out for the yard. Mike said: “They’re both nice horses showing us some decent work. Whispering Death is a half-brother to stakes winning sprinter Mrs Browning and a Derby winner in Aragosta. It will be interesting to see how he develops. I prefer him in this race over A Good Heart, who is a half-sister to stayer Perfect Witness and a few fair sprinters. She’ll need further. Both our runners are drawn wide, which will affect their chances.”

Another first-timer is Harry Nyquist, who is a gelded son of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner, Nyquist. Mike said: “He is a problematic horse and hasn’t been easy to train. He is a bit temperamental and I’m not mad about his inside draw for 1160m, but he is a horse with ability and his rivals don’t look all that strong.”

Fireburst, a good second to Ideal Gift last week, returns to HWB Scottsville on Sunday to contest Race 5 over 1750m. “She is very fit and that’s in her favour. She ran on well last week and could like this longer, so has a chance.”

Jaham (Race 6, 1750), will have his third run after being gelded. He has been off the boil for a while and Mike said: “Jaham has been disappointing, but he is a better horse than his recent form suggests. He’ll be ridden a little differently and we’ll be changing from blinkers to cheek pieces to see of that will make a difference to his performance.”