This week's Vaal runner comments

Mike and Mathew de Kock have a busy week ahead with six runners at the Vaal classic track today and a further five entered for races at the Vaal on Thursday. There are several good prospects among them – it should be a good midweek for the Lucky Fish ambassadors.

Mat’s previews are below:

Vaal, 26 May:

Race 2, 1000m:  “We trained newcomer Fierceness’ sire and won a few races with her dam, who was fast and won her own 1000m debut. This colt has put up some good quality work. This looks  competitive and he could be green but he’s shown us enough to give him a winning chance.”

Race 3, 1000m: “Staggering enjoyed a rest after her last run. She’s put on 20kg and we’ve seen an improvement in her attitude. She is nice and relaxed now, overall in a better space than she was in her opening campaign. She should go close.”

Race 4, 2400m: “Green Machine is in really good form at home and we’re hoping he can bring his enthusiasm to the track. He should run well.  Special Star is on the lazy side at home and doesn’t give away much. We’re stepping her up to staying trip, hoping she’ll go well – but more hopeful than anything else.”

Race 7, 1000m: “Cymric has had a few issues. We’ve transferred him to Randjesfontein for a change of scenery and he seems to be doing nicely. His sand work is very good which suggests that he has a chance and shouldn’t be left out. Sosoru remains in good working form at home. We’re still not sure whether he is best over 1000m or 1200m, so we’re stepping him up in class over 1000m. This is a harder level of racing, we’re hoping he can rise to the challenge, let’s see.

Vaal, 28 May:

Race 2, 1400m: “Onward is looking very well and working just as well. She looked a winner last time and then just got a bit green. Hopefully she took a lot from that experience so she can put this race to bed. She should enjoy the straight course.”

Race 5, 1200m: “Angel’s Oasis will enjoy stepping up to 1200m and Jeff Syster knows her well now. She has been doing well in her work, we’re very happy with her after her win and she’s in good form.”

Race 7, 1200m: “Mamlambo has her first run for the yard. She is doing really well at home and looks great. We have to learn about her along the way, not sure what her best trip will be. She will improve with this run, but has what appears to be a handy rating and should be very competitive in this first run after a rest. Roaming Spirit seems to be holding form but she’s not getting close to the winner’s enclosure. She is in a good space and will give of her best, but she will need to pick up her feet.”

Race 8, 1200m: “If this was another horse with different form, we could have given some confidence, but it is Cold Shine and he is basically formless. We gave him a rest and a change of scenery and perhaps that will do the trick.  He has been working quite nicely. We won’t be shocked if he runs well, so throw him into Quartets if budgets allow. Given his form it’s hard to give a confident nod.”