Mike De Kock's weekend picks


Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock, with no runners at the weekend, has filed notes on the stable’s five charges competing at Turffontein Standside track on Monday, 16 January.

Well-bred Marquez, unplaced on his 1160m debut in a strong Maiden Plate last October, returns to racing in a 1400m contest (Race 3) and Mike said: “We thought he’d run better first up. He was beaten just under 8 lengths but that was still disappointing. We’ve gelded him and I think he will need this run and maybe another to come to hand. He isn’t well drawn either, so it’s best to wait and see how he goes.”

Smart fillies Humdinger and Clafoutis will go to post together in Race 4 over 1400m. “Humdinger ran very well after a short break last time. She’s a in a good space and is course and distance suited, she is capable of winning here though it’s a decent field. Clafoutis has had a few issues we’ve had to sort out and this is probably too sharp for her. We’ve given her a rest, she’s doing well, has a place chance.”

Another pair of stablemates, Golden Spoon and Destiny Of Souls, go to post in Race 5, a Progress Plate over 1400. Mike noted: “Golden Spoon raced in November after a lengthy layoff and she’s had another short break, she’ll need the run. Destiny Of Souls has shown some promise, he must have a small chance here but I think he’s a horse that needs to come down a bit more in the ratings before he can be recommended with confidence.”

Cape Racing has put together a competitive 10-race programme for Saturday’s meeting at Kenilworth – more of a low-key affair in the aftermath of recent Graded features – but featuring an exciting Maiden Juvenile Plate to start the day and number of talented runners in other races, some of whom we may see running again on Cape Met Day, 28 January.

Three promising three-year-old colts will be watched for their current well-being in Race 6, a Progress Plate over 1200m. Candice Bass-Robinson’s Hammie’s Hero reverts to the sprint following unexpected failure over 1400m recently. He’s a smashing looker with a lot of potential and could atone for his below-par run.

Dean Kanneyemer brings Bright Green back from a break – there was lot of talk about this one during the Champions Season in Durban last season and his 104 merit rating shows that his ability has not escaped the handicapper’s attention. Whether he can make a winning comeback over 1000m remains to be seen.

Dennis Drier’s small, quality Cape string includes Gladatorian, a beautifully-bred, high-level performer who, like Bright Green, comes off a rest and into the Progress Plate with a high rating. It will be most interesting to see how they shape in the race, and whether all can confirm that they are potential classic horses this term.

Trainer Michael Roberts makes a rare appearance in Cape Town. He has entered another highly regarded feature winning three-year-old, See It Again, in a quality Handicap over 1400m (Race 8) in which lightly-raced four-year-old Silvano’s Dasher and Peninsula Handicap runner-up Imelinzeykududuma will ensure that this is a race to savour.
 

Horse racing betting at Betway


Make sure you back the right silks and don’t get boxed in, Betway brings you the latest in Horse Race betting. Find competitive odds and markets when you bet on the horses at Betway



Get in on horse racing today and place your bets on horse racing at Betway.

If you need any assistance, contact us on 0861 787 250 and if you need help placing your first bet, have a look at our How To Bet guide.
 
Sign up now to kick off your sports betting journey with Betway.
 
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTubeDownload the Betway App





 

Published: 01/13/2023