Image copyright: Getty Images
Earlier this week, Mike de Kock had a fruitful call with his former international stable jockey Christophe Soumillon. He soon confirmed Soumillon will be riding Safe Passage in the G1 Durban July on Saturday, 1 July. He will also be engaged for Desert Miracle in the G1 Garden Province Stakes.
A potent combination, Mike and Christophe last partnered on Met Day last January when Desert Miracle won the G1 Majorca Stakes under a well-judged ride.
“Christophe will be jetting in on Friday, June, and back out again after races on Saturday. He will be looking for a few other plum rides. We hope to have another ride or two available earlier in the day,” said Mike.
Safe Passage shortened from 13-1 to 7-1 and is now available at 9-1 in the
Betway ante-post market.
Mike’s running Aragosta in the G3 KZN Derby at Greyville on Saturday, two weeks ahead of the Durban July. The former SA Derby winner is capable on his day and a good run here will go some way to securing a July spot for him. Mike said: “Aragosta is doing quite well, there looks to be one to beat in Shangani. But he seems to be in a good space, has a chance.”
It is interesting to note that Dean Kannemeyer is trying his 1400m specialist, Runaway Song, over the Derby trip in this small field. It may be wise to include this son of Legislate in a covering Jackpot permutation.
Iphiko, who had a satisfactory comeback run in the recent SA Fillies Championship over 1200m at Scottsville, reverts to her best trip (Race 7, 1000m), but her rivals over the shorter dash are also competitive. “Iphiko will have to deal with Isivunguvungu, he is pretty good. But she is well. She should be in the money and is worth including in your play.”
Image copyright: Getty Images
Sunday’s meeting at Kenilworth has been postponed to 24 June, due to heavy rain, but the Turffontein meeting will be going ahead as planned.
Mike’s first of four runners is the well-named Lady Chatterley. She was green but stayed on, on her 1200m debut, in a race won by promising Dolcezza, who franked the form in a stakes race at Greyville last week. “Lady Chatterley is well drawn and she has improved since her debut. She wants the extra and is set to go close here.”
Pied Kingfisher (Race 4, 1600m) was quietly fancied when he finished third, four lengths off Meet The Logans last week. “Pied Kingfisher has had a few chances, we expected a bit more but we’re trying blinkers first time and I’m hoping that has the desired effect. There are a few others in the race here with decent form, but he warrants inclusion.”
Mambo Come Tesio gives in heart what he lacks in talent and from the start of his career Mike has said he’d be a horse that gets better the further he goes. He proved that with a 1600m Maiden win followed by a place over 2000m against stronger and a win over 2400m recently. He steps another level up and goes over 2600m in Race 6, and Mike said: “He stays well, he’s come on and looks well handicapped, he is a runner.”
Climate Control has been called ‘the horse with no distance’ for his consistency from 1400 – 2000m and while he hasn’t won since his Maiden success, he’s been knocking at the door and deserves another visit to the winner’s box. He gets a chance in Race 8 over 1600m and Mike said: “He is well, better over a mile and he tries hard. You have to include him.”
Bet on Horse racing with Betway
Make sure you back the right silks and don’t get boxed in, Betway brings you the latest in Horse Race betting. Find competitive odds and markets when you bet on the horses at Betway.
Get in on horse racing today and place your bets on at Betway.
If you need any assistance, contact us on 0861 787 250 and if you need help placing your first bet, have a look at our How To Bet guide.