With a potential R7,5 million plus up for grabs, the Turffontein Saturday Pick 6 is clearly the focal point for exotic players on Charity Mile day. But bankers seem few and far between.
With fourteen runners on the ten race programme, Mike de Kock looks set for a big day, and had couplings been applicable, he could have been our anchor man in the HSH Princess Charlene Gr3 Graham Beck Stakes, which is the second leg of the Pick 6.
De Kock won this race last year with the NZ-bred grey, Frosted Gold.
Malmoos – classic colt with a stallion’s pedigree (Pic-JC Photos)
De Kock’s three-pronged attack in the 3yo contest underscores the depth of the multiple champion’s string this year and with three unbeaten runners in the eleven horse field, it’s a case of taking your pick.
While stable jockey picks are usually a giveaway, the Australian-bred Al Muthana – the mount of Callan Murray – iss the worst drawn of the trio and the least experienced, with only one run under the belt. of Callan Murray.
The son of Deep Field was super impressive when winning on his debut over 1160m on this course some 19 weeks ago. The Corne Spies internationally bound star Nourbese, who finished second that day, came out and won a Gr2 down in KZN.
SA Champion apprentice Luke Ferraris, who has been aboard at both his starts, rides the Captain Al colt Malmoos, a horse labelled the ‘real deal’ by his top conditioner.
A winner by an aggregate of 9,75 lengths in his two starts, he is a R4,4 million sale graduate and a horse with a classic pedigree. There have been hopes indicated that, depending on the travel restrictions, to aim him at the Cape Guineas.
“Malmoos previously beat a small field including two poorly handicapped fillies, but I think he’s the real deal, he’s in the league of Mount Pleasant,” Mike de Kock said previously.
Power hand – Mike de Kock
The mount of Craig Zackey, the Vercingetorix gelding Forever Mine is unbeaten in two starts.
He set the pace last time and despite shifting away from the crop, won well and can notch the hat-trick.
Malmoos and Forever Mine have been termed ‘very different horses’ by De Kock.
“Forever Mine is exceptionally fast and I think the 1450m will be his maximum trip. He is a contender for the Graham Beck, his pace is his biggest attribute. Malmoos is a full brother to Captain Splendid, who was a 2400m horse and for him to show the kind of pace he does, shows what he is made of – he’s a very exciting prospect.”
- The Pick 6 is off in the fourth at 13h55
