Mike and Mathew de Kock will be welcoming former stable jockey Callan Murray back this weekend, following a four-year-stint in Australia. Murray, who has ridden several Grade 1 winners for the stable, has eight mounts at Turffontein on Saturday (seven of them for the M&M partnership and three at
HWB Scottsville on Sunday (two for the yard).
Mike commented: “We’re happy to have Callan back, he’s always been a good rider and jockeys always improve their skills when riding abroad, so we look forward to renewing our relationship with him.”
Mathew de Kock filed runner comments for the two meetings, below:
Turffontein, standside, Saturday:
Race 1, 1160m:
“Emerald Forge has had a little rest, has room for improvement after this run. The formlines of her first two runs don’t look very strong, but she must have a nice place chance with her experience under the belt.”
Race 2, 1160m: “A first run for
Limerick Lace (Danon Platina), a nice quality filly who is one to watch when she goes over a bit further.”
Race 3, 1160m: “
Balule ran a good race from a bad draw on debut and he’s improved since then, his work has been excellent. He has a strong eachway chance.”
Race 4, 1400m: “A newcomer in
Schipole (One World), who shows us some decent work at home, but is green and immature. She is bred for further, if she runs in the Top 5 we’ll be happy. She will come on from this run.”
Race 5, 1400m: “Another first-timer,
Take No Prisoners (Vercingetorix), and he’s a son of our former top filly Takingthepeace, so we’re glad to have Callan on as he was also her regular partner. This is a nice horse. He is green, but has improved every time we’ve done work with him. He’s got a bit of quality about him, he will make more improvement with the experience, but it won’t surprise us if he wins or runs a place.”
Race 8, 1600m: “
Artist’s Model is coming off a rest. A 1400m race would have been more ideal as a prep run for him, we’re aiming him at the Egoli Mile. He is not at peak fitness yet, though probably fit enough to be a good contender here. He has the right form.”
Race 10, 1160m: “
Roaming Spirit was impressive when she won with a lot in hand here, last time, she could be our best runner for the day. She has a winning chance. We’re not sure what the right trip is for
Great Notion, so we’re bringing her back to a sprint. She’s a good work horse in the mornings, shows pace. She could run well too, I think she is going to enjoy the drop in distance.”
HWB Scottsville, Sunday:
Race 6, 1500m:
“Dave The King makes his comeback. We’ve been really happy with his work, but he is not wound up. We’ve done as much as we can with him, but we do have big reservations about his match day fitness. Last season when he won this race, he came off racing in a full Joburg season, so he had good residual fitness. He’s had a long break before this run, so he is not as fit as when he kicked off last season. We’re just looking for a positive performance to bring him on. We’re aiming him at the Gold Challenge and the Champions Cup at the end of the season.”
Race 8, 1400m: “
Tyrconnell has been an unlucky horse, having had to navigate bad draws in his last two runs. He is slightly better drawn this time, and I think he is one of our best runners this weekend. He should go close.”
Race 9, 1000m: “
Mojo Man is in really good form at the moment, we’re happy with him. He has a winning chance again.”
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