Monks Hood is in a good space

THE Alistair Gordon-trained Investec Dingaans winner Monks Hood will carry KZN hopes in the Grade 2 Betting World Gauteng Guineas at Turffontein on Saturday and has a fine chance from a draw of seven with regular pilot Anthony Delpech up.

Gordon said, “All is good and his preparation went very well.

“He has a good draw and is in a good space. I would prefer it if it didn’t pour with rain, but he is fit and well and we are hoping for a good run.”

Monks Hood’s Dingaans win in yielding going was impressive particularly in light of him having had no cover for the entire 700m of the straight, having been quite far back and swinging out wide for a run.

Delpech

In his only start since in yielding going over 1 400m at Scottsville, he won in the manner of a top class horse with Delpech up, coming from last and toying with a field which included the useful Redcarpet Captain.

Gordon admitted the field on Saturday was strong, but said this could be expected in a race of this class and added, “He has proved he can compete at this level and with luck in running will do well.”

The Querari gelding will travel from Summerveld to Turffontein on Friday night. There is a bit of rain predicted everyday until Saturday in Johannesburg. However, in total the 16mm predicted has a 30% chance of falling.