Vaal runner comments, 18 June

Harry Nyquist clocked a fast time over 1160m when winning his February 2025 debut by more than four lengths. Rested since, he makes a welcome return to the track in Race 6 over 1000m at the Vaal today and gets an immediate tough test against the 106-rated, three-time winning speedball, Heath House.

Lucky Fish ambassador Mathew de Kock is looking forward to see how Harry Nyquist will shape for the De Kock Racing partnership in his comeback run and commented: “He is still showing us quality work – the same level of work he showed before his first run - and it seems that he is above average. He is forward enough to give a good account, we’re hoping his long layoff doesn’t stand the way of a good performance. On his work he has a winning chance and should be included in all bets.”

Mat’s notes on the stable’s other runners are:

Race 3, 1400m: “Here we have two first-timers in Duke Of Lorraine (Rafeef) and Trojan Horse (Malmoos), and both look they will be out-and-out stayers in time to come. They’re expected to be a bit green and will need their runs, but we hope to see them do their best work late and give us some encouragement. They look in the shape and mould of horses that will need a run or two to really be competitive.”

Race 4, 1400m: “Artist’s Model comes off a lengthy rest and he’s carrying condition, this run will bring him on a lot, we’re not expecting much today. Bristol Hercules has done very well between runs and we’ve brought him back to the course and distance of his recent win, hoping to get another big run. Good eachway chance.”

Race 5, 2400m: “Green Machine remains in good form at home after his last win. He seems to be carrying the same confidence in his track work and we’re hoping he can continue his winning roll. There are some weight turnarounds with horses who’ve run behind him, but he’s making good forward steps and can continue to defy his penalties.”