Mike De Kock's weekend picks


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There are no feature races on Saturday’s nine-race card at Turffontein’s inside track, but several contenders on the programme are being prepared for big contests later this season, including some of Mike de Kock’s runners like Union Square, Motown Magic and Destiny Of Souls.

Here are Mike’s runner comments for the meeting:
Race 1, 1200m: “We have two in the race. Warbonnet Creek has disappointed us in his runs so far, but he has shown some improvement at home and has a place chance. Sylvan Theater had his first run last week, he finished just four-and-a-half lengths off the winner, needing the experience. He got tired late. I am running him quickly again, which is not ideal, but he has come on in the days since that run and he’s well drawn, so should be in the shake-up.

Race 3, 1200m: “Union Square is a decent horse, we’ve always thought highly of him and we have some plans for him. He comes off a rest and is drawn widest in this field, which doesn’t help. He will improve for this run and wants a bit further.”

Race 4, 1800m: “We were looking for a good run from Lilliana last time, she ran unplaced but you can draw a line trough that run. If you watch the replay, there is no need for comment. Include her in your play, she should be competitive and has an eachway chance.

Race 5, 1800m: “Ultra Magnus continues to disappoint, we’ve tried him in sprints and over ground and nothing much is happening. Trying even further here, an 1800m contest and hoping for improvement, but perhaps his rating needs to drop down to a more competitive level before we’ll see better from him again.”
Race 6, 1800m: “Pinky Levine won a good Maiden handicap last time, in her place. She is capable of backing it up, not to be left out of anything.”

Race 7, 1500m: “Forever Mine looks course and distance suited but has a very tough task from a 14 draw in the field. Motown Magic is a decent sort, but he’s coming off a long break and this is too short. He will need the run.”

Race 8, 1500m: “We expected better from Run As One last time, but he’s not back at his best competitive level just yet, needs to drop a few pounds in the ratings before we can get there again.”

Race 9, 1450m: “Destiny Of Souls got his tongue over the bit in the BSA Sales Cup two weeks ago and we’re fitting him with a tongue tie this time. He’s a nice horse, should run very well.”

Leading jockeys Richard Fourie and SManga Khumalo will be riding at Sunday’s Greyville meeting on the turf track and bettors can expect a handful of winners between the pair. Fourie has two good rides for Robbie Hill on Ideal Gift (Race 2) and Duchess Of Gold (Race 3) and will fancy his chances too on Garth Puller-trained Winter Baron (Race 5) and Peter Muscutt’s Sashay Away (Race 6).

Khumalo trails Keegan de Melo by 23 winners, early in the race for the National Jockeys’ Title and will be keen to make up some ground aboard Chelsea Flower (Race 4) and Teichman in Race 8.
 

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Published: 10/14/2022