Charity Mile Day: Runner comments

De Kock Racing go to the Allied Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile on the standside track at TAB Turffontein with 17 runners, and they’re all in excellent condition.

Here are Lucky Fish Ambassador Mathew de Kock’s pre-race comments:

Race 1, 1160m: “We have a first-timer Living Waters, who is a half-sister to Safe Passage and Winds Of Change, sired by Vercingetorix. We elected to go into the colt’s race since it seemed a little softer than the fillies race. She is in good order, galloped quite nicely out of the gates last Wednesday and has taken a forward step from there and will make further good progress with this race behind her. She will still be a little green and this will be shorter than what we expect her best trip to be. If she finishes in the Top five, we’ll be very happy considering the improvement to come.”

Race 2, 1160m: “Neelima returns to the track after a four-month break. Her gallop out of the gates last week was very good, she showed a lot of pace and has certainly matured. She never carries much condition, a naturally fit filly so hopefully she won’t need the run that much. The race is super competitive, she will improve for it but should run well, and can be included in exotics.”

Race 4, 1400m: “We have three very nice runners here, starting with Flower Island who has done very well between runs and is in good order. She rises in the weights and is now at level weights with her nemesis, Get Up. It should be an exciting contest. Our filly is still looking for a bit further, 1600m-1800m, but from her inside draw we hope she’ll be able to put herself into a good position and make a bold bid.

“Good Day Sunshine also has a favourable draw. She is well prepared for this and everyone who has ridden her is pleased. She goes to 1400m for the first time, but settled well over 1200m around the bend last time and stayed on when she needed the run. Tristan Godden came to gallop her last Thursday. We’re going in confident of a competitive run.

“In Hot Water is having her first run for us. She’s a smart filly who has shown us her ability. She looks terrific and has worked very well, especially on grass. We’re expecting a good run, she may not win but she has a positive attitude and we’re hoping she can settle in midfield for a strong late run. We think she’ll be better over further, and has a lovely big action. We’ll learn a lot about her from this run. She will tighten up and we look forward to see how she goes. Include her in your play.”

Race 5, 1400m: “We have another strong hand with four super colts. Fish Tales has joined us and we’re happy with him. He is getting fitter every week, his work is improving and he has a nice shine in his coat. As we head into the race, he will be short of his best and his opposition have all had prep runs. He also has to give weight, and tries 1400m for the first time. Those are little hurdles for him at this point, but they are what they are. We’d like to see him come through it well, and we want to see where we go with him from here.

“Fierceness has enjoyed a great preparation and Muzi Yeni gets back on from a good draw. This is a very strong race and will be a good test for him. He also has to show that he sees out 1400m, but he is by Hawwaam and should get the trip. Muzi galloped him with another horse last week and he settled well and gave him confidence. We’ll try and get a bit of cover, and save him for the straight in the hope he will show the same turn of foot he shows in the sprint. He’s in with a good chance, we’re hoping for the best.

“King’s Mountain is in great condition. He hasn’t put a foot wrong and we’re really looking forward to what will be a big test of his ability. He has a terrible draw, unfortunate for such a lightly raced horse. But we’ll trust in Keagan de Melo to get him placed for a strong effort. We’d like to see him run on well. We want to learn about him, even if we learn in defeat. We want to know that he sees it out so we have options for the future. He is not without a chance. His work is super and with the right run in the race he could be very competitive.”

“Gimme A Fireball is in fine condition and has enjoyed a flawless preparation. Like his stablemates, this is a true test of his mettle and we can’t wait to see how they all measure up. He is drawn in pole position for his first try over 1400m, which is well in our favour and will help him to see out the trip. Hopefully he gets into a nice spot with a bit of cover so he can deliver his beautiful turn of foot over the last 400m. Tristan Godden came up to work him last week to get to know him, and was suitably impressed. We are excited.”

Race 7, 1600m:  “Greaterix has been prepared in Durban and all has gone well. If he bounces back to his best, he’ll be a factor. His best form over 1600m at Turffontein is very good, and we’re confident he can make his presence felt.”

“I’m A Fireball is well prepped, and heads into the Charity Mile in excellent condition. The mile is a stretch for him, but he raised his game in his last two starts and will be trying his best again.

“Splittheeights is doing very well after his rest. When he got back into work, he weighed about 540kg and he is down to 508kg now. He has to tighten up another 5 or 10kg, which he will do with this race under his belt. He is underdone, but we’re hoping he is fit enough and well enough handicapped to give a good account of himself. His work of late has been from the top drawer, as good as when he was a younger horse, and that is encouraging. Match fitness is a concern, he is going straight into a mile against top rivals. But let’s hope he can save himself early and give a kick at the end.  Most of all we’d like to see him come out of it sound, to give us confidence for the rest of the season.”

Race 8, 2400m: “Curious Girl’s form speaks for itself, she is very well for this race, well weighted and has a big winning chance.  Corrupt is coming along very well in his work. He’s pretty fit and in good order. Hopefully he can dictate things, he likes to do that. Still has room for improvement, but can finish in the money.”

Race 9, 1600m: “Immediate Edge is a reserve for the Charity Mile, but the way things have worked out we’ll be happier going into this softer option after his long rest. It will be a better place for him to resume racing and he can probably win it, but we don’t want to be too hard on him because there is a season ahead for him. He is still a bit heavy, but very happy at home. The race will bring him on, we’ve done what we can. We’ll be looking for a forward run.

“Bristol Hercules has been doing nicely in his work, and he has improved on his previous run. This is a stepping stone into the Grand Heritage, but jockey Mikaëlle Michel is on board, she claims 1,5kg which will help and we trust she can beat the wide gate. He should be competitive and is in with a money chance.”

Race 10, 1000m: “Dog In The Fog has impressed in his post-Maiden gallops and we think he can step up in this handicap. There may be a big ‘plus’ sign next to his rating, and he is one of our better runners on the day. The first run out of the Maidens is never easy, but we expect him to go close.”