Runner comments, 11-12 March

Mike and Mathew de Kock have seven wins and seven places to show from their last 25 runners and look set to add to that tally this midweek.

The Lucky Fish ambassadors take a single runner – Can We Start - to Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Wednesday, and she is considered a big runner.

Mat commented: “Can We Start jumps up in trip to 2400m and from what we’ve seen so far this should suit her perfectly. She’s improved race to race, looks good and has a winning chance.”

Great Rift Valley is a newcomer to keep a close eye on, in Race 3 over 1450m at Turffontein’s inside track on Thursday. He is a colt by Malmoos out of Chitengo (Elusive Fort), a decent staying filly who twice won the Listed Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m.

Mat said that Great Rift Valley shows a surprising amount of speed. “He is bred to go around the track twice, but shows good pace. As he gets older and stronger we expect him to have a nice career as a stayer.  One has to expect greenness and inexperience, but it looks like he’s in a soft race so should have a good eachway chance. He will improve with every run as the months go by.”

Hollywood Racing’s Buddy Boy and recent Maiden winner Stokesy line up in Race 5 over 1600m.  “Buddy Boy pulled too hard with blinkers on, so we’re fitting cheek pieces and dropping back to 1600m. If he bounces back to best, he can definitely be competitive. We’d like to see where Stokesy stands at the ratings after winning his Maiden. The way he won was encouraging, we’re hoping he can produce another good effort.”

A good, consistent earner for Mary Slack, Roaming Spirit takes on a few speedy sorts in Race 7 over 1200m, and she’s in with a shout. “She’s had a little freshen-up. We like this course and distance for her, as she is a winner on the inside track and she should enjoy the way the race shape works out for her. She should run a nice, competitive race.”

Bristol Hercules has had nine places from 12 runs since he last won in July 2024 and his connections are crossing fingers for a change of luck in Race 9 over 1450m. Mat said: “He is ultra competitive and from a one draw can be expected to finish in the first three again. He needs a bit of luck, we know, but could fight it out again.”