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Sharapova left Mike de Kock, and not just a few supporters, disappointed when three weeks ago she played up the start of a Maiden Plate over 1200m at
Kenilworth and had to be withdrawn, but she’ll have a good chance to atone when she returns to the same track for a 1400m contest on Saturday.
There will be no shortage of support for Sharapova again - Betway has her priced up as 5-10 favourite and while everything has gone well in her preparation, the stable will be crossing fingers that she’ll behave this time, as she seems to have her rivals beaten on exposed form.
Assistant trainer Trevor Brown noted that Sharapova was 100% fine when she came back to her stable after her antics last time. “She was calm, ate up and was physically fine. Let’s hope she’s as calm on race day this time.”
Equine behavioural therapist, Malan du Toit, was called in to work with Sharapova, she was reschooled, went through the pens three times and jumped perfectly alongside other horses. “Malan will be at her side on Saturday. She was green and over-raced on the Kenilworth bend and we’re hoping the experience has helped her. If all goes well, yes, she’s bound to go close to winning this race,” said Brown.
The G3 Politician Stakes over 1800m tops the Saturday bill, it’s seen as a trial for the Cape Derby and 11 contenders will stake their claims.
The bookmakers clearly feel a wide draw won’t inconvenience At My Command and they have the son of Querari priced up at 12-10 in early betting. Leading rider Keagan De Melo has the mount, he has not been fazed by any negative race factors in recent weeks which will give the fans of At My Command some confidence ahead of the race, but there are a few others with chances.
Narina Trogon could be the one to chase the favourite home. The son of star stallion Silvano and champion mare Beach Beauty is highly rated by his trainer and on the evidence of his last run will find this trip right up his alley. Three-time winner Inamorare (Master Of My Fate) is another who makes some appeal on his pedigree.
4Racing stages a meeting on Turffontein’s standside track on Sunday, and there are two De Kock runners on the day.
First to post will be Querari’s daughter Follow The Flow, who improved nicely over 1400m after a weak feature debut and looks set for more progress in Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1600m in which Randall Simons will hold her reins for the first time.
Mike said: “Follow The Flow is on the up. She gets a bit far behind, but that’s the way she wants to be ridden. I think she’ll be in the money.”
Follow The Flow’s sibling Bonete has shown good promise so far and her run in the G3 Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m against the colts is part of her preparation for the Oaks and an indication of the stable’s high regard for her.
Mike commented: “Bonete is fairly well handicapped in this race, she is well suited and has a good draw. I think she’ll go very well, she’s an inclusion for your exotic bets.”
He concluded: “Sharapova is our best of the weekend, she is very capable and doing well. She needs a bit of luck at the gates and we haven’t had the best of it lately, but she’s fancied.”
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