Barahin, best of De Kock trio?
PLAN: ALL THREE HORSES HAVE SUMMER CUP AS FOCUS
Buffalo Bill Cody scratched earlier in the week.
The scratching of Buffalo Bill Cody from the R1-million Peermont Emperors Charity Mile at Turffontein tomorrow has left former champion trainer Mike de Kock with three runners but all three have the Gauteng Summer Cup on 30 November as their main mission.
Buffalo Bill Cody was unbeaten in four starts over the course and distance but he does have his issues and as he will become a valuable asset to the breeding world when he retires, De Kock decided not to take a chance when his charge was in discomfort on
Tuesday morning.
Nevertheless, De Kock is expecting a decent run from Barahin, who is currently second favourite at 4/1. While 1 600m is touch sharp, the son of Gimmethegreenlight does have a good record on the Turffontein Standside track, with a win and three places from four runs, three of them being feture races.
“This is his preparation run for the Summer Cup and he could very well need this run,” said De Kock yesterday. “But I believe he will run well.”
Callan Muray will take the ride. His two other runners are Cascapedia and Noble Secret with the former the preference of the pair. Cascapedia, the mount of Gavin Lerena, did not run well in the Joburg Spring Fillies And Mares Challenge but she was drawn widest of all.
“She’s improved since her last start,” said De Kock. “She will run a much bigger race.” This time she jumps from No 5 draw.
“Noble Secret needed his last run badly,” said De Kock. “He’s doing a lot better now but his best form is over further.”
However, there are other races on the day and with a massive Pick 6 carryover of R2-million and the MEGAPOOL expected to reach R1-million, there are otherS where the De Kock stable will have a big say.
The best of these look to be Tallinn in Race 8 and Queen Supreme in Race 9. Tallinn (named after the capital of Estonia) beat the boys last time and she will be trying to repeat that performance in the Grade 3 Graham Beck Stakes over 1400m. She is unbeaten in three starts and could keep that record intact.
“Tallinn drew in the bush for the fillies race so we decided to go up against the colts again,” said De Kock. “She’s done nothing wrong so far, she’s in a good place, she’s talented and her form is good. It will be interesting to see how she stacks up against some of the best three-year-old colts in the country.”
Queen Supreme has won three of her four starts and the only loss was due to an error from her jockey. She tries 1 800m for the first time but she has just 52kg to carry.
“She’s a nice filly and this will be a good test for her. She can turn it on quickly and I think the longer straight will suit her.”