Clairwood preview..by Leon Setaro

Racing at Clairwood today in KZN and trainer Mike De Kock has 7 runners
carded across 6 races and every one of them priced up as favourite in
their respective contests except for the 1st race where the stable
coupling hogs 1st and 2nd position on the betting boards. Clearly
bookies are taking no chances with this in-form stable, killing the
value for punters in what looks to be a tough card for the day.

Listen to what James Goodman has to say about the meeting here


Teresina (7/2) pictured here at the Lafferty yard yesterday -
a big runner in the 9th race at Clairwood Park today

Best wager opportunity of the afternoon comes up in the last (9th) event
at 16h50 where a two horse race looms large. The favourite is the De
Kock trained 4yr old filly Mill Key Way at 2/1 and she takes on the 3yr
old filly Teresina at 7/2 from the Paul Lafferty yard (pictured). These
two stand out on form and met last time out where Mill Key Way easily
beat Teresina and still gets rewarded for that performance coming in 1kg
better off in this rematch. On paper Mill Key Way should then have her
measure once again but Teresina did run into trouble in that race and
subsequently failed to put in a repeat of her eye catching previous
effort over the same course and distance. Although her time for that
most recent race was slightly faster than the penultimate effort, one
has to take into account the track conditions between the two starts
with the last run being on much faster ground. Track condition is
recorded as 'good' today but undoubtedly will be more forgiving with all
the rain we've had and this adds yet another variable into the
prediction mix.

Paul Lafferty speaks very highly of Teresina and reports that she's fit
and well and has put in the work required for a top effort here. Bear in
mind that she's only just turned 3 and with Laff expecting plenty
improvement still to come, she presents a value opportunity in this sort
of race. As for Mill Key Way, she's also well and ready to fire as
reported by assistant trainer Nathan Kotzen; they're trying her in
blinkers this time because jockey feedback has been that she doesn't
travel well during the race and has to be urged along to keep her mind
on the job. Again, more variables to consider with the possibility that
a change in head gear could also spark further improvement so it's a
tough call to split them.

Having said that, looking at the odds no split appears necessary because
there's money to be made structuring wagers around the either/or
scenario. Wait until just before race time and take these bets on
interbetsa.mobi with your cellphone if you're on the move -

Bet 1 - Best price Interbet fixed-odds win on No. 9 Teresina (hoping for
5/1!).
Bet 2 - Totalisator (also from your Interbet account) exacta No.1 Will
Key Way to win, No. Teresina to run 2nd.

Another option would be to swop the bets around backing Mill Key Way to
win and then the exacta Teresina 1st, Mill Key Way 2nd as cover. Keep an
eye on the Interbet fixed-odds prices as well as the Tote predicted
dividends and go for whichever option offers best value. Of the rest,
Michaela looks to be coming back to peak and is perhaps best qualified
to fill the 3rd position, beyond that it's lucky numbers.

Additional trainers' comments for the day -

Craig Eudey has one to watch in the first; unraced No.13 Tamarillo
(14/1), he's classy but not tuned up as yet and will be most effective
over ground later on. Showing good pace at home and in with a chance
here. In Race 3 No.6 National Nite Mare (33/1) was shin sore after her
last run so ignore, better performance expected today.

In the first race Paul Lafferty rates his charge No.4 Champion Empire
(8/1) as his marginal best on the day. He's showing promise and there's
plans to take him to Cape Town for the summer season.. if he doesn't win
today then next time. (See main preview for Laff's comments on his other
runner Teresina in the 9th)

Nathan Kotzen for Mike De Kock with 1st and 2nd favourite in race 1 -
No.6 Immelman (7/10F) working well, looking for further but is the
stable elect. No.14 Waterside Jet (3/1) also doing well but may need the
experience at this stage. Comments were favourable all round for the
rest of their runners, all fit and well and Nathan noted that it's very
difficult to pick a best on the day.
Race 3 - No.10 Gluwein (1/1F) - Fit and well, ready to win
Race 4 - No.14 Angel Witch (28/10F) has come on since first outing and
will be suited to the extra.
Race 5 - No.1 Sir Dodge (5/2F) shows winning work at home, needs to
bring it to the races.
Race 6 - No.11 Sarastro (4/1F) Firing fit and another top run expected
Race 9 (see main preview)

Similar comments coming from both Alister Gordon re. his runners as well
as Frank Robinson for the Herman Brown stable; not much confidence with
any of them, all coming off AHS vaccinations and expected to need their
runs. That may have bearing on the 7th race in particular where the top
two on the betting boards Intellectual and Red Flyer, both hail from the
abovementioned 2 yards and this could spell a value race for on the nose
bets and the exotics. Keep an eye out for No.6 King James (12/1) from
the Tracy Woolard yard in this race, best horse in the race but proving
difficult to get his mind back on the game since his back injury some
time back. He's working well and Tracy is hoping for the spark to return
today.

All the best and happy punting.

Thanks again Leon, looks like we have great weather all over today.