Turffontein Saturday- Classic Day

Early thread... Meeting deserves one !

Betting open

Early favs

Pretty Poly - Dagmar 13/10
Protea - Bold Eagle 11/10
Man O War - Mustaqueem 13/10
Horse Chestnut- Legal Eagle 9/20
SA Classic - Surcharge 2/1
SA Fillies Classic Takingthepiss, Folk Dance, Silver Thursday 4/1

Cheers Bob must try and get to big T should be an EAGLE of a day

All systems go and weather forecast perfect for a good days racing

The pick 6 also looks pickable, i have my selections but waiting for our experts to confirm

Good punting

Nice P6 tomorrow, some short priced runners based on Hollywoodbetting so need to get in, want some of that money back that I've lost over the last couple of weeks, results have been a bit tough to be honest.

Early thoughts

Race 1 Peppermint Tea should allow us to be having something a wee bit stronger as the meeting progresses
Race 2 no bets here
Race 3 also no bets but maybe Frankly worth a punt at 12/1
Race 4 and the start of pick 6
The talking horse is Zaahed after being scratched to go for this race but Bold Eagle can be the banker provided the first timer rules still apply for pick 6 ( we only play on big days) ?
Race 5 Mustaaqeem will be all the rage but the Shams will be racing from the box and with a bit luck, Oscars horse, Pinnacle Peak can give the hottie a run for its money, plus we can upgrade from black to blue.
Race 6 legal Eagle should be another banker
Race 7 match race between Surcharge and Majestic Mambo and I prefer the Mambo
Race 8 and 9 confident with two fields to collect a dividend

So for a mere R704 you can catch a pick 6 ( this is an easy game)

Now I await Mr H, Frodo, Shrek etc to tell me the error of my ways and talk me into a twenty grand perm percentage

1
1-5
1
2-5
Field
Field

Good punting

I like Frankly at that price. Also decent for places. Legal Eagle, 3rd Horse Chestnut in the bank, Majestic Mambo, I think he'll win like Monk's hood did in the classics. Already won over this distance.

APRIL 5, 2018
Mathew de Kock (assistant to Mike de Kock)

Like A Panther has been working very well. He’s drawn well and I’m very happy with him. He was not all that happy in Cape Town and is a much better horse in Joburg. I would have liked one run but he’s not short of work. I have a slight preference for him out of our five runners.

Everything has gone well with Noble Secret. He has a good draw again and will be suited to the extra 200m. Everything looks positive. Royal Crusade is in exactly the same boat. The extra 200m is right up his alley but he will probably be at his best in the Derby. He did show in the Guineas that he is competitive in this company.

Pietro Mascagni is in good form and he is always improving. He should enjoy the extra distance and has a good draw this time. We’re trying blinkers on Alshibaa this time and are hoping for improvement but maybe he’s a little outclassed here.

Paul Peter
Majestic Mambo’s Guineas run was very disappointing. We haven’t found anything wrong with him. It’s just his wellbeing. He looks brighter, he’s sharper, he’s got Anthony Delpech back on and I’m hoping he bounces back.

Stuart Pettigrew (speaking to Andrew Bon)
We nominated Surcharge for the Horse Chestnut – he drew No 8 out of 11, so he is again 80% on the worst side. But I think if we had drawn No 1 or No 2, we would’ve rather taken on Legal Eagle and run second to him in a Grade 1 than run from No 14 out of 14 in the Classic. This doesn’t make sense to me. They want good horses to run and good horses to win, but this horse can’t win from those draws. It’s one of those facts in South African racing and the world. When you draw badly, its three-four or even five lengths sometimes. My horse is probably at the best I’ve ever, ever, ever had him. We’ve been planning this race for three months but I don’t believe he can win from that draw.

Frank Robinson
Roy Had Enough is very well and I am hoping for a top run.

Mike Azzie
Greek Fire disappointed last time out but you can put a line through that run as he had his tongue over the bit. He is a very good horse but has a terrible draw to deal with.

Barend Botes
Darkest Hour missed out on some work recently and was out for the whole of December so I am hopeful of a better run.

Gary Alexander
Hero’s Honour is in a very competitive field. Let us see what happens.

Sean Tarry
Silver God has got a few lengths to find but although he is held on form, he will appreciate the extra distance. Throng is doing well but both my runners will have to raise their games significantly. They’re both getting blinkers so hopefully that will help, they are in the pink of health and we must take our chances.

WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC (GRADE 1) 1800M

Mathew de Kock
Everything has gone smoothly between the two races for Takingthepeace – other than the draw. Last time she did come from last and passed the whole field so that is one positive way to look at the draw. Her work is good, we’re happy with her and 1800m shouldn’t be a problem based on the way she won the Guineas. As far as running her in the Oaks is concerned, if she wins on Saturday we’ll think about it.

Silver Thursday still had some meat on the bone when she ran in the Fillies Guineas so she will improve. The further she goes the better she’ll be. She will be fine over the extra distance but she is our Oaks runner. She’s drawn No 10 but I suppose it’s not the worst draw.

Sean Tarry
I’m pretty happy with Aurelia Cotta’s last run. It was he first run since back since returning from the Cape. Unfortunately she was scratched from the Fillies Guineas when she was kicked by another filly but in her last start she ran well enough to indicate she can be competitive in this race.

Forest Express has had a perfect preparation. She had one bad run when we sent her to Durban. She’s not out of it. London Secret is a filly I rate. She ran in the same race as Aurelia Cotta pulled but the jockey pulled the trigger too early. Hopeful of an improved run.

Rockin Russian put in a very good run in the Fillies Guineas. Got the form before she went to Cape Town. Things did not suit her in the Cape but she’s turned the corner at home. Runs like she will need the extra distance.

Paul Peter
Folk Dance is extremely well. She’s a top, top filly. Working well and if she stays 1800m they’ve got to beat her.

Alyson Wright
Flichity By Farr is working well and is very well within herself but has a bad draw to overcome.

Frank Robinson
Roy’s Riviera is very well and I am hoping for a top run from her.

Duncan Howells
Fiorella has a big test. She should have no problem with the distance and she has travelled up already. I think she is up to it, but let us see.

Gary Alexander
Both Radiant Splendour and Saragon are in a very tough field.

Gavin Van Zyl
Mar Del Sur has a bad draw and is in a tough field but I am hoping she can earn.

HF OPPENHEIMER HORSE CHESTNUT STAKES (GRADE 1) 1600M

Sean Tarry
Legal Eagle is doing well. There’s still a bit of meat on the bone so he should run a bit fresh. Let’s get through this race and then we’ll decide where he will go next. I’m sure we can ignore French Navy’s run last week, interfered with just when he was making his run. I give him a place chance.

Mathew de Kock
It will be very difficult to beat Legal Eagle but Nother Russia is very well in with the rest of the field. The Empress Club Stakes is her main goal. We’ll see how Orchid Island fares against Group 1 males but she does tend to run well when she gets the sex allowance. Maybe we will skip the Empress Club with her and go for Premier’s Champions Challenge. She is likely to retire at the end of season but maybe we’ll give a bash at a few races in Durban. We’ll play it by ear.

Gary Alexander
Unagi is in a very tough field. Let us see how he does.

Ormond Ferraris
Romany Prince is well but he is in a very tough field.

MAN O’ WAR STAKES (GRADE 3) 1100M

Mathew de Kock
Mustaaqeem is doing well at home, we’re very happy with him. The concern is that he is giving weight to the whole field. We will see how he goes over 1100m and that will tell us where to go next. Alwahsh is doing very well and I expect a big run.

Mike Azzie
Down To Zero is usually there or thereabouts and ran a nice race last time out. In fact he does not run bad races. San Fermin is an enigma. She has run very good races and some bad races. I believe her rating to be wrong but let’s see.

Sean Tarry
Green Plains is having her first run since coming back from Cape Town. I rate her highly enough to expect the Cape form to be reversed. Purple Diamond has done very well since having been gelded. This is a prep run but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him finish strongly. I’m hoping to go for KZN Guineas with him.

Roy Magner
Prince Of Kahal is in a very tough field. He is really well at home so I am hoping he runs a good race.

Candice Dawson
Illegal is in a very competitive but hopefully she runs a decent race.

Gavin van Zyl
Vicomte needs to lift but he does have a light-weight so hopefully he can earn some money.

Paul Peter
Pera Palace – is fit and well. He has to be included, but I can’t give you confidence, it’s a tough race.

PROTEA STAKES (GRADE 3) 1100M

Gavin Van Zyl
Bold Eagle has won both his starts nicely and should be right there at the finish.

Mathew de Kock
Zaheed is a smart colt. Not easy first time out in a feature but I don’t think he’ll be disgraced.

Sean Tarry
Cirillo is doing well and is not out of it. Royal Italian ran second to Bold Eagle last time over 100Om and he’s got to have a chance here.

Mike Azzie
Heavenly Risk was third behind Bold Eagle on debut then won well. He should give a very good account of himself.

Corne Spies
Both my runners Rule The Night and Van Halen were very disappointing last time out but I am hoping that it was just the soft track that day. Both are working well so I remain hopeful.

PRETTY POLLY STAKES (GRADE 3) 1100M

Mathew de Kock
Dagmar showed you never know how good they are until you run them. She had a good win in the Ruffian Stakes on debut. She’s had a good prep and we’re happy with her. It’s hard to be confident but she’s doing well.

Sean Tarry
I’m very happy with Celtic Sea’s debut run and she’s got to have a chance. She works well enough but then I don’t drill them at home. But she shows enough in her work. Urban Oasis ran close last time in the feature and she has to take her chances.

Corne Spies
Miss Boomerang was very disappointing last time out but hopefully she will do better back against the fillies. Star Flyer ran a nice enough race last time and hopefully she can earn some money.

Gavin Van Zyl
Cloud Break was not disgraced against the colts last time out so back among her own sex she can have a first-four finish

JACARANDA HANDICAP (LISTED) 1800M

Paul Peter
Piere Strydom has won on Sabina’s Dynasty before. If she gets the right cover and there’s decent pace she has to be included. She’ll be a big runner in that field with Strydom on and her wellbeing is good.

Mike Azzie
Both Shatoosh and Return To Power are well within themselves and have small chances.

Gary Alexander
Cold Cash has a place chance.

CARADOC GOLD CUP (GRADE 3) 2850M

Sean Tarry
Whether Tambalang will get the extra 450m I don’t know. She ran a good race last time so I thought she it was worth trying her in this company. If Witchcraft sees out the distance she’s got to have a chance.

Gavin Van Zyl
Just Cruised In was a very good second last time out. He is well drawn and has Anthony Delpech up so must have a winning chance.

RACE 1 MAIDEN PLATE 1160M

Frank Robinson
World Cruise has come up as a companion for Roy Had Enough. He is a nice horse but does need further. Maybe he can place.

RACE 2 MAIDEN PLATE (F&M) 1160M

Sean Tarry
I was happy with the debut run of Silvez and I’m expecting her to improve.

Mathew de Kock
Kitty Pride is a limited filly. She’s coming off a rest and will improve with the run. Maybe a small place chance. Alnasl is also a limited filly but will improve with the run and is probably better over further.

Paul Peter
Milesende is a nice filly. She got left behind last time. I think 1000m could have been a bit short for her but she has an Eachway chance.

Gary Alexander
Exclusive can hopefully improve to have a place chance.

RACE 11 MAIDEN PLATE 1600M

Mathew de Kock
Yaamen is doing a lot better since having been gelded and receiving throat surgery. I expect him to be competitive.

Sean Tarry
With Imperial Ounce what you see is what you get. He’s got to have a chance.

Candice Dawson
Shadow Man is doing well. He has one or two beat but should run a decent race.

RACE 12 FM 80 HANDICAP 1400M

Mathew de Kock
Make Me Happy is fit and well. She’s well handicapped and we’re expecting a big run.

Sean Tarry
Code Writer likes the course and distance and will be finishing strongly.

Gavin Van Zyl
Always A Lady is well within herself. I am expecting a decent effort this time as she struggled with her draw last time and is better than that run.

Candice Dawson
Inthepurplerain is doing well at home but is in a competitive field but I am expecting a nice race from her.

www.tabnews.co.za

My early thoughts.

R1 Hard to oppose peppermint tea. So enough said.

R2 Silvez apparently the right one from what I've heard. I'm however siding with the Laird horse. Only reason I can think why the Tarry horse isn't shortening just yet is that he's wary of my selection. First time out a bit of support and ran another Tarry horse La Bastide to under a length. LB is slightly above average and thus if ready for me is the one to beat.

R3 I will however give Tarry the upper hand here. However which one? For me Celtic sea made a sparkling debut behind Ghala. Supposedly drawn on the correct side I think 5/2 was a fair price earlier in the week and she should go very close if not win.

R4 Bold eagle rightly favorite and on form should win, we do however know how these two year olds improve at different rates. I for one wouldn't be at all surprised if Dewali is in the firing line. Sage normally doesn't push them too hard first time out and supposedly drawn on the wrong side on debut. Gets a little more weight and could improve a lot. At 8's he's probably the value at least for a place. Swingers and exactas with BE.

R5 Second leg of the pick 6. Decisions. Banker Mustaqeem or go wide. M is apparently quite hot around the collar. Maybe the field in one pick 6 and bank in another. Very tricky if M flops so il load up and bank in another.

R6 The machine.

R7 I'm going to stick to the trend of the boys being more exposed and thus not as rough results as possibly the fillies where there are a lot of question marks for me. The boys I'm gonna take a stand and say Surcharge. MM has showed ability over the trip but hasn't taken on the same caliber as Surcharge imo. Despite the trainers talk of the draw, Surcharge does tend to come from off the pace and I think there should be an honest pace in which case class usually prevails. That's my 2 cents worth at least.

R8 As mentioned above the fillies races pose a greater question for me. Silver Thursday definitely is an inclusion as she's improving over the more ground. The interesting runner for me is Rockin Russian. Where some have question marks over the trip I have no doubt RR will thrive over the extra. Her best run to date was over the most ground she has been over. I feel the owners may be in for some redemption over what went on in the Cape. That's my e/w play at some 16's and 5/2 a drum. Stable companions need inclusion in quartets but those two for the pa for me.

R9 A nice time to already have the Pick 6 and have the field in the back as it is a little more tricky. A bit of outside support for the Zackey horse and I can see why. Bipot also makes some appeal. Therefore this race warrants a few horses in whatever the bet.

R10 Wide open as the betting suggests. If I had to be forced my selection would be Just Cruised in.

R11 Competitive.

R12 Make me happy won nicely lto courtesy of a majestic rise from Delpech. Didn't beat much but may have more to come. If not your fancy, then you have to like the lines behind Seattle Tango.

Enough rambling from me.

Good luck and enjoy the day.

Race 3 - Cloud Break
Race 4 - Bold Eagle
Race 5 - Alwahsh
Race 6 - Orchid Island
Race 8 - Fiorella
Race 9 - Al Danza
Race 10 - Bondiblu
Race 12 - Make Me Happy