Khumalo scheduled to win Before Noon
De Kock to stage a Big Parade
Before Noon, a three-yearold son of Await The Dawn will be looking to reward his loyal supporters with a decent payday when he lines up in Race 3 at the Vaal Classic course today in a Maiden Plate over 2000m.
Although he failed to justify 18-10 favouritism in his latest effort, however, he looks hard to oppose today with top jockey S’manga Khumalo up, and is banker material in all bets.
Before Noon was only beaten 1.50-lengths into second place by Orson in his last outing, but in his defence, that was only his second run after a rest, so he’ll strip fitter. Plus, Sean Tarry’s charge had to overcome the widest draw and it didn’t help that he was hampered in running. This gelding seems to have found his niche over 2000m and has made noteworthy improvement with each race run. He is drawn No 11 in this 15-horse field and on recent form, should have no problem outsmarting this sort of field.
If there's a danger, it'll be the Chris Jonker-trained Mister Lister who is a year-older than Before Noon. He will have to shoulder 3kg more weight which could be the deciding factor. The Swinger and Exacta could also be a great bet to take in this contest.
Lately a meeting hardly concludes without Mike de Kock’s stable clinching a victory or two, and today could be no different.
He saddles Big Parade in Race 5, a MR 72 Handicap over 1800m.
This Dynasty colt showed a liking for further when a 1.20-length victor in a 2000m contest at this course last time. Much appears to be in his favour, he has the in-form Callan Murray aboard, is well drawn in stall gate No 2 and will shoulder 56kg; 5.5kg less than his biggest danger Just Cruised In.
For Quartet purposes, float the two with Detonation, Lee’s Pick, Shotgun Rider and So Long Spring.