Gimme A Nother makes her US debut
March 7, 2025
Immediate Edge shows determination
March 8, 2025
It’s a busy racing weekend for Mike and Mathew de Kock, who will send out 14 runners at meetings in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
The action starts at HWB Greyville on Friday evening, where big fields with more competitive racing are likely to ensure some decent dividends.
Ingqwele and Icy Blast will do battle for the stable in Race 2 over 1200m. Ingqwele has shown his best form over further and Mike said he will need the outing after a four-month rest. He said about Icy Blast: “He is new to the stable, first time out for us and has some decent Western Cape form. He is a one-time winner, has promised to win again. We’re taking the blinkers off and he will be ridden from off the pace – different tactics. He is well weighted here.”
Cherry Oh Baby (Race 4, 1800m) has done all her racing in Gauteng so far, a beaten favourite on several occasions. Mike said: “She has been disappointing so far. On paper it looks as if she will enjoy 1800m, so we’re hoping for a good run. She’s up against a few geldings with promising form.”
Jaham (Race 6, 2000m) made improvement when fitted with cheek pieces, and won a good race at Scottsville last time. “He is well, we’re not sure how he will go over 2000m and his big weight makes it tougher,” Mike said.
Tyrconnell has been in hot form over the last few months and he has a good chance again in Race 7 over 1400m. “He is a gritty customer who tries his best, and he is course and distance suited. We’re expecting another good run,” said Mike.
There are three feature events at Turffontein on Saturday. Mike and Mathew have runners in two of them.
The unbeaten Immediate Edge looks a good prospect on his two wins from two runs so far, and he has a good pedigree. He lines up in the Listed Hawwaam Stakes over 2000m. Mike said: “He is a nice sort, looks well handicapped but takes a jump in class so it won’t be easy.”
Marauding Horde and Forgiveness take their places in the WSB Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m. “Marauding Horde is an up-and-coming stayer, he is in good form but has a big task at the weights. On her pedigree, Forgiveness should have no problem with 2400m. She has performed to a much higher rating than her current 94 and I think she is a big runner here.”
Earlier in the day, Wearingofthegreen steps out in Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1400m. “She is very temperamental. She has ability but needs to get over herself. She has a chance if she can overcome her issues and get into the race.”
Sea Anemone (Race 4, 1160m), is the type of runner that can never be ignored, even over this distance which is short of her best. She has won off a higher rating and Mike said: “Sea Anemone is quite capable when she puts it in. Include her in your play.”
The stable has a few more runners to compete at HWB Scottsville on Sunday.
Gotta Go Eddie is a newcomer by Gimmethegreenlight, in Race 1 over 1200m. Mike opined: “We haven’t managed a real good trial gallop for him, so it’s difficult to gauge his ability, but he is doing a lot of things right at home, so we’re looking forward to a good run.”
Mojo Man (Race 2) makes his first appearance for the yard. Like Icy Blast, he comes to KZN with fair form at handicap level. “He is down in the weights, but he looks a bit in-and-out so it’s hard to get a read on him. He is showing us good work at home and could be involved.”
Trois Trois Quatre and Officer In Command go to post in Race 7 over 1750m, where Cape Eagle is the horse to beat. “They both have a bit to do at the weights with the favourite, and have place prospects.”
Sparkling Jubilee (Race 8, 1600m) is said to be in a ‘good place’, but Mike added: “It’s almost impossible for her to win from her wide draw.”
