Mike de Kock has to turn the clock back all the way to 2010 for his last SA Derby winner. That was present day sire Irish Flame, who was ridden to victory by Kevin Shea.
If ever the multiple champion trainer was wondering when his next turn would come, he must surely see it as Saturday with his new boom galloper, Hawwaam.
While untested over the 2450m of Saturday’s feature, Hawwaam, one of a trio of De Kock runners, was really very impressive when bolting home over the 1800m of the SA Classic earlier this month.
Rampant Hawwaam – difficult to beat (Pic – JC Photos)
He has won four times – his sole defeat coming in the Gauteng Guineas when a troublesome passage and a wide draw may have cost him. Gavin Lerena has got the hang of how to ride him now and the in-form jockey won’t be letting this one slip – if his mount stays.
His stablemate, Cape Derby winner Atyaab, was beaten 18 lengths by Hawwaam in the SA Classic last time but the son of Dundeel gets the blinkers and will be much more competitive over the extra 650m. He is a genuine staying type and is one who has no questions over his ability to go the distance.
Cape Derby winner Atyaab – genuine staying sort (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Sean Tarry’s Zillzaal ran fourth in both the Gauteng Guineas and the SA Classic – but was well behind the winners and beaten an aggregate of 16,55 lengths. The son of Silvano has no winning chance on paper on form shown to date but should enjoy the stamina test and could be there to pick up the pieces if Hawwaam fluffs his lines.
KZN raider Marchingontogether was well beaten in the Gauteng Guineas but this should be much more up his alley and comes in fit off a 1400m prep at Greyville a fortnight ago. The umThombothi Stakes winner enjoys nice draw and the bubbling with confidence Warren Kennedy in the irons.
Trainer Tyrone Zackey – taking his chances
Tyrone Zackey’s impressive Listed Derby Trial winner Gift For The Gap earned his tilt with a good win over the 2000m on Classic day. This however will be a lot tougher against the big guns at level weights – and the son of Master Of My Fate’s progress will be monitored with interest.
The nicely bred Owlinthetree was comprehensively beaten by Hawwaam in the SA Classic and he will need to grow wings to come into contention here. He is bred for the trip and might find the extra 650m to his liking.
Duncan Howells raids from Ashburton with the Varsfontein bred Duke Of Spin, a son of Duke Of Marmalade who should relish the extra. He has won twice at home but looks held by Marchingontogether on earlier form.
Senor Lizard was beaten under 4 lengths in the Derby Trial and has not quite shown he could win this kind of race.
Master Magic is yet another who could be held by Gift For The Gap on his Derby Trial third. The son of Mogok was finishing with a sustained rattle though and could earn place cash again if things go his way.
First of the Weiho Marwing duo, Samurai Warrior looks a nice stayer in the making and was not disgraced against his elders when staying on for a 4,50 length third in the Listed Aquanaut Handicap behind Wonderous Climber on Classic day. It is worrying though that he was reported changing legs in the running – but also lost a shoe.
Arlingtons Revenge is very much the junior partner in the e Kock attack and the son of The Apache looks well held by Gift For The Gap on his Derby Trial effort when running on to be beaten 1,80 lengths in receipt of 2,5kgs.
Sean Tarry – decent hand
Last Of The Legend won his first two starts and chased Gift For The Gap home in the Derby Trial when beaten a half length receiving 4kgs from the Zackey charge. This will be much tougher but the handsome chestnut is on the up and may surprise.
Richard Fourie takes the ride on recent maiden winner Zanaki, who improved dramatically at his third start when trying the 2000m to win going away. Everything in the son of Byword’s breeding suggests he will relish the extra – but he will have to be above average to challenge Hawwaam.
Hawwaam should not be beaten. He is a confidence choice and a banker in all exotics on the big day.
