Mike de Kock’s yard has been in a rich vein of feature form and the multiple champion looks likely to make it a Gr3 Fillies Mile double at Turffontein on Saturday.
The feature is the only race of the afternoon on the standside track.
The false rail is set at zero on the back straight and bend with 3m spur at the 700m.
Won by the Var galloper Ghaalla last year, the race is for 3yo fillies with penalties of 3kgs, 2kgs and 1kg for Gr1, Gr2 and Gr3 victories, respectively.
Warren Kennedy and Vistula grab Gin Fizz (Muzi Yeni) late in the Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge (Pic – JC Photos)
The Sporting Post top-rated is the Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge runner-up and impressive recent winner Gin Fizz, a daughter of Soft Falling Rain who has delivered in all seven of her starts. She tries the mile for the first-time, but on breeding should get the cut easily.
Her classy stablemate Tallinn won three before having her prospects blown with a broken stirrup leather in the Graham Beck Stakes. She reverts to her own sex company and could bounce back.
Cockney Pride – hasn’t recaptured this form (Pic – Candiese Marnewick)
Corne Spies’ very impressive Gr2 Golden Slipper winner Cockney Pride is yet to recapture her form of July day, but should be cherry rip after two runs this term. Her wide draw will not aid her task, though.
Recent Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup winner Spiritofthegroove is a bundle of dynamite and a filly with an explosive turn of foot. Jockey Marco van Rensburg timed things perfectly when she stormed up late down the rail last time and she should enjoy the mile.
Spiritofthegroove – big turn of foot and should love the mile (Pic – JC Photos)
Kayla’s Champ improved with a staying on third in the Starling Stakes behind Mill Queen. She has the pole position draw in her favour.
Second of the Tarry quartet, Sidonie had no luck when cramped for galloping room in the Starling Stakes. She is beautifully bred to go a mile plus and could prove the real value.
Another Tarry charge, Keep Smiling has drawn wide and has been thereabouts without adding to her maiden win tally. She was well beaten last time.
Marygold has done little wrong after following up on her debut win with a solid third behind Querari Ferrari last time.
Paul Peter’s unbeaten Summer Pudding now steps up in class after two promising victories.
The De Kock duo should fight this out.
