De Kock’s charge makes for a pleasant Pick 6 banker

There are some massive carryovers tomorrow at Turffontein, the most relevant of these being the R5 million kicking off the Pick 6.

The pool is expected to reach R20 million which makes this a very attractive bet. Last year the pool got over R21 million and the Pick 6 paid in excess of R5 million.

Bettors are always looking for bankers and the strongest on the card looks to be Mike de Kock-trained Mount Pleasant in the Grade 2 WSB Dingaans. This Australian-bred colt has raced three times for three wins and showed true class when he ran down Cirillo last time to win the Grade 2 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m.

He was penalised 7.5kg for that victory so if the handicappers have got it right Mount Pleasant looks impossible to oppose as he returns to race against his own age group.

He is 9kg and more, better handicapped against his opposition, he is drawn at pole position and looks a cut above his rivals at this stage of his career. Callan Murray takes the ride again.

“He’s very straightforward and I think he’s a very good horse,” said De Kock yesterday. “I thought he ran a great race last time for a three-year-old against older horses off a rest. I’ll be keen to see how he runs against his peers.”

Paul Peter has a high opinion of MK’s Pride but whether he is mature enough right now to take on the likes of Mount Pleasant, is questionable.

De Kock also looks to have a strong hand in the Grade 2 WSB Ipi Tombe Challenge over 1600m where he sends out Queen Supreme. Despite having been off since finishing third in the Grade 1 Empress Club over 1600m at Turffontein in June, the five-year-mare has attracted strong betting support.

However, the connections of War Of Athena believe off her light weight, the three-year-old will be hard to beat.

Queen Supreme is the best handicapped runner but one has to have respect for the up-andcoming youngster. “She had a good rest which she needed and I’ve done as much as I can with her at home,” said De Kock.

“I know she is well handicapped but 9kg is a lot of weight to give away to an up-and-coming youngster.”