Malmoos (22-10) was too good for a competitive field of classic contenders in the WSB Gauteng Guineas at Turffontein on Saturday, giving Valentine’s Day baby Mike de Kock an early birthday present for today.
Placed handy by Luke Ferraris in the early part of the race, he raced in second spot, grabbed the lead halfway down the stretch. He fought off Copper Mountain on his inside and then a fast-finishing Catch Twentytwo on his outside, to win by a neck.
Luke Ferraris drives Malmoos to victory (Pic – JC Photos)
Mike de Kock said on his website, www.mikedekockracing.com:
“Malmoos doesn’t mind a scrap in a finish, he enjoys fighting and likes to do just enough to win. We’re pleased with the way he ran because we left something on him to work on. He will improve going into the Classic.”
With that reference to the second leg of the Triple Crown, Mike confirmed that a rematch with Catchtwentytwo is likely to be on the cards and said:
“I think it will be a good race. Catchtwentytwo was gaining late, but I was watching them just past the line and Malmoos kept him at bay.”
He added:
“I’d like to see Malmoos come from a few lengths off the pace to run at his rivals. The way things have happened, he’s found himself leading or handy every time. We’ve always believed he’ll be better over further than a mile, and the Classic will show us.”
The Stipes reported that Malmoos hung in from the 200m.
He said about Mount Pleasant, who faded right out over the last 200m: “He has failed twice over a mile now, we’ll revert to races down the straight for him.”
The Stipes reported Mount Pleasant overraced.
