Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock and Mathew de Kock’s three-year-old, I’m A Fireball (Callan Murray), used his high cruising speed to run his rivals off their feet a Graduation Plate over 1450m at the
Vaal on Thursday.
I’m A Fireball kept going, drew further away at the end and ran out a 3,25-length winner carrying 56kg. He became the first horse to complete the course and distance in under 84 seconds, recording an amazing 83.32 seconds and smashing the previous record of 84 seconds set by Lady Of Steel on June 2, 2020.
What is especially fascinating about the victory is that I’m A Fireball’s dam, the Irish-bred Rock Of Gibraltar mare, Gibraltar Blue, caused a sensation with a 5,50-length success on her South African debut over the same distance back in 2010. She was also trained by Mike de Kock.
The stable have several chances at the weekend, and their runner comments are below:
Vaal, Saturday 17 January 2025:
Race 1, 1000m: “Flower Island is a first-timer by Rafeef from a family we are very familiar with. She is our first two-year-old runner this season and she is showing us quality work, so we’re excited to see how she goes. We don’t have a line of form on the two-year-olds we have seen, but we’re confident she’ll put up a good performance. As always, a lot depends on how she handles her first visit to the track and whether immaturity and inexperience will get to her. She needs further, but shows enough toe to make a good debut for us.”
Race 3, 1700m: “Bristol Hercules is in a small field, and it looks like a race where he could break the duck for us and win. He has a good chance.
My Lucky Charm will probably be scratched after Thursday’s run.
Step Into It has blinkers on for the first time, and they’ve helped him to concentrate better in his track work. We were happy with his comeback run, even though it doesn’t look that good on paper – he was at the back of the field and doing his best work late. He’s going to come on a lot, but is still a run short of his best”.
Race 4, 1700m: “Buddy Boy was a bit unlucky not to have won his last start and could make amends here from his number two draw. He should get the run of the race and has a good winning chance.”
Race 10, 1200m: “Universal Girl is a bit of an in-an-out filly. Her work is decent at home, and she comes back to a sprint in a low-level race. We’re hoping for a better showing – on her work she warrant’s inclusion in all bets.”
Hollywoodbets Greyville, Sunday 18 January 2025:
Race 2, 1400m: “
Cymric needed his 1200m warm-up. He is going up to 1400m. He’s improved on his first run after a break last time, should enjoy the trip and has a money chance.
Tyrconnell has had wind surgery and this will be his first run back. He has been doing well in his preps at home, but he may just need it. Watch him for improvement going forward.”
Race 4, 1000m: “We gave
Queen Braganza a bit of a freshen up after her last start where she ran unplaced, but was a bit shin sore after the race. We’re really happy with her work, she should acquit herself well and has to be included in all bets.
Race 5, 1000m: “Limerick Lace is quite a talented filly, but her form is a bit patchy because she has inconsistencies with breathing and choking up. We switched provinces to KZN, hoping that she will enjoy the change of surroundings and get back to her best. She is in good form at home, the race will show whether she is on the right trail.”
Bet on horse racing with Betway
Whether it’s international or local events, specific races or favourite horses, you’ll find a full list of race fixtures with Betway. Get in on
horse racing today and place your bets on at Betway.
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram,
Telegram and
YouTube.
Download the Betway App.