Bank on Barahin and Seven Lives
Fayd’Herbe makes a rare visit to the Vaal to ride De Kock runners.
Trainer Mike de Kock has recruited a top-notch jockey in Bernard Fayd’Herbe to ride for him at the Vaal today and the combination should draw first blood with BiPot banker Barahin in race 1, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1 200m on the Classic track.
This R2.6-million Gimmethegreenlight colt showed greenness on debut when failing to justify 16-10 favouritism on the Turffontein Standside track, beaten 1.35 lengths into fourth place by Louis The Seventh.
In his defence, there was plenty to like about Barahin’s performance as he dropped anchor for much of the 1 160m race. It was only at the 100m marker that the two-year-old gained some focus, found his stride and produced an impressive late surge to make up a tremendous amount of ground under Callan Murray.
That run suggests he will be more effective over further, but he is clearly above average and, on paper, should destroy this sort of field.
Speedy Paul Peter-trained Seven Lives is out of the top drawer and is a worthy Pick 6 banker when he lines up in race 7, a MR 96 Handicap over 1 000m. Peter’s charge is a 1 000m specialist, having run five times over the trip for a sixth, a fifth and three wins.
This son of Seventh Rock is currently running off a merit rating of 97, though his form suggests he is much better than that. It is also encouraging to know that in his last two starts he overcame his habit of losing ground at the gates.
Seven Lives holds Brigtnumberten, Greasepaint, Sporting Monarch and Marmook on form, having easily defeated them last time.
Take a double featuring Seven Lives and Barahin – it could pay decently.
Trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren sends out a two-pronged attack in race 8, a MR 72 Handicap over 1 000m, Keyboogie and Sir Spencer, and it might be a good idea to take boxed Exactas and Swingers.
Riding arrangements suggest Keyboogie is the stable elect because Randall Simons rides.
The Gimmethegreenlight gelding showed a lot of heart on debut when beating Tripod by 0.60 lengths. His only disadvantage will be ring rustiness – he is returning from a 135-day rest.