Weekend runner comments

Mike de Kock and Mathew de Kock, have a fairly busy weekend with runners at Turffontein (standside track) on Saturday and HWB Greyville on Sunday.  They’ve also entered eight runners for next week’s big Champions Day meeting at Turffontein.

This weekend’s racing is a bit more low-key, but there are a few chances among the De Kock stable’s representatives, starting with two-year-old Esteemed, who makes his debut in Race 2 over 1160m on Saturday.

Esteemed is a colt by Rafeef out of the mare Honour Roll, by High Chaparral, whose best previous performer is the stakes-placed filly Ivy League. He opened a short-priced favourite in Betway’s ante-post market.

Mathew said that the wet tracks at Randjesfontein has interrupted Esteemed’s preparation. “He is a horse that has shown us ability, but we haven’t been able to give him all the work we wanted to, so it’s not been ideal. But he has raw talent and may be able to win on that. There are two other well-bred individuals in the race. Ours needs the experience and if he is beaten, it will be because of greenness.”

Race 5 over 1400m sees Wearingofthegreen step out for another run. She finished third over track and trip after a break recently, staying on late in the race. “She needs further than 1400m, a naughty filly. She has a place chance,” said Mat.

Mike will be on duty at Greyville, where Gota Go Eddie lines up in Race 1 over 1400m. He was well supported in the betting on his Scottsville debut over 1200m on 9 March, but found one better in Fortress Of Fire. “Gotta Go Eddie came from the back that day and ran on, he should enjoy the extra and has a fighting chance,” said Mike.

Kadizora should give a good account of herself in Race 5 over 2000m. She has been battling to win another race, but her rating is down to a career low 74 and she probably won’t be too far off. “We’re trying racing in KZN with her, she is the type of filly that you can’t leave out. She is doing well.”

Officer in Command raced very wide in a 1750m contest at Scottsville last time out and, if not for that, would have finished closer to the winner. “He has an outside draw again, but he is another you’ll have to consider for exotics. He is not out of it.”

Next up is Sparkling Jubilee, a mare that has had her niggles, but Mike has always said should win again. She missed a race due to rain recently, and has a draw wide to deal with, but he reckons she has the ability to spring a surprise. “I wouldn’t ignore her.”

Festival Of Magic has raced twice after a long rest. His rating is down to 70 and in-form Ryan Munger takes the ride. “He has a lot going for him, a good draw and a good jockey. I think he’ll run a good race, a definite exotic inclusion,” Mike said.

The last runner on Sunday is Mojo Man, the former Cape-based sprinter who had his first run for the yard at Scottsville a fortnight ago and finished unplaced in a small field. Mike assessed: “Mojo Man has a nice draw in his favour and he has improved in the last two weeks, so we’re expecting a good run. It’s a difficult race, there are a few claiming apprentices and what looks like quite a bit of speed, but I think Mojo Man will do well.”