Weekend runner comments, 29-31 August

Mike and Mathew Kock have a busy weekend ahead, starting with two runners at the day/night meeting to be staged at HWB Greyville on Friday, four at the Turffontein meet and a further six contenders at HWB Scottsville on Sunday.

Mat furnished comments, below:

HWB Greyville, Friday 29 August:

Race 5, 1400m: “Gimmeanotherchance hasn’t won for ages so it’s hard to give anyone confidence. He enjoys the course and distance, won a Listed feature here as a two-year-old, but as we’ve seen in the last few seasons, he is not easy to follow. Judged on his best form he is a Pick 6 inclusion.”

Race 6, 1400m: “Officer In Command has come on nicely from his first run back in a sprint last month. The 1400m is closer to his ideal trip and he gets a claim from the apprentice, but he is probably one more run short of his peak. One to keep an eye on.”

Turffontein, Saturday 30 August:

We have first-timers running in Race 2 and Race 3, My Lucky Charm (1450m) and One Eye On Vegas (1200m). Comments for both runners are the same: They are nice horses showing good quality work ahead of their first starts. It depends on how green they are, but both have winning chances.”

Race 4, 1200m: “I’d ignore A Good Heart’s first run completely. She was very immature and we gave her time off after that run.  She’s really grown and strengthen up. Her work at home is good, and I think she has a genuine eachway chance. Include her in your play.”

Race 8, 1450m: “Clever Trevor will enjoy the step up to 1450m. The first run out of the Maidens is never easy, but we’d be disappointed if he’s not competitive. He could go close.”

HWB Scottsville, Sunday 31 August:

Race 4, 1600m: “Sparkling Jubilee enjoys 1600m. She didn’t go into the gates last time so we’ve done a bit of work with her and she is behaving, hoping she behaves on race day. She is working well and has a nice draw, one to include if you are playing wide in the Pick 6. Greenhouse is in good form and likes the course and distance. She has a tricky draw but can run into the money.”

Race 5, 1400m: “Schipole is a bit of an in and out filly, but her work is very good at the moment. She is raiding up from Johannesburg. We’re not sure where she stands in the handicapping company as a young horse, but she should not disgrace herself here, a nice run is expected.”

Race 7. 1200m: “Two in the race here. Icy Blast is coming off a rest. His work is good. He will improve for the run, but warrants inclusion in all bets. The 1200m is still too short for Ingqwele, but will have this sprint and then go over a more suitable distance, where he will be competitive.”

Race 8, 1200m: “Exocet appears to be a really nice sort, giving us all the right signs at home. The first run out of the Maidens is a challenge, but we’ll be disappointed if he’s not all over them at the finish.”

Photo: Exocet, by Candiese Lenferna.