While the Champions Season in KwaZulu-Natal is still a good few months away, globetrotting trainer Mike De Kock is starting to fire a few arrows at the locals.
He may have preferred to get back to Dubai, but with all the restrictive measures in place, a visit to Durban may offset his frustrations. On Wednesday 12 January he sends a few decent in-form runners from upcountry to Greyville and he could have a red-letter day.
Best of his lot looks to be his own Maria’s World. While not going to Hollywood as she is no star, she is going to Hollywoodbets Greyville where the opposition is decidedly weak. She looks primed for a big run as she tries the poly for the first time in Race 3, a 1600m Maiden Plate.
Despite trying various distances and tactics, she is yet to win although she has performed well. From gate one she should be ready to give her field the slip here.
Next best is Sequoia in Race 4, a lowly MR67 Handicap over 1600m. Sequoia is very well related – he is amongst others a half-brother to dual Guineas winner Janoobi (interestingly was disqualified winner of the Guineas at this venue) so should relish the distance. Moreso, he should find the poly to his liking as he seems to have the cruising speed for the synthetic.
He met better in his last two and could teach the locals a lesson.
Poly specialist Brandenburg could have reached his optimum rating and other form horse The Appeal has yet to win in 13 tries on the surface.
Earlier De Kock sends out well-bred Silvano (sire of Janoobi) colt Fire Lord in Race 1 and Crown Plaza in Race 2.
While both look to have distinct claims in those races, the former could have his work cut out against higher rated Bristolbeaufighter.
Crown Plaza may prove to be the value option on the day. The filly has yet to finish close-up and so may jump at decent odds, but the polytrack may bring out the best in this long striding sort.
His final runner, Bethel, doesn’t boast top form either in Race 8 but like most of his runners on the day has secured a cracking draw and could add to his tally on the day.
Eachway types to consider on the day include Bristolbeaufighter (Race 1), Running Rifles (Race 5) and Galabier (Race 6).
Preview by Clive Robinson
