Mike de Kock has trained four Vodacom Durban July winners – who all won the big race at the age of 3. That bodes well for his bid for number five on 6 July at Hollywoodbets Greyville, as both of his candidates are in the same age group.
While De Kock’s arch-rival Justin Snaith has suggested that the 3yo’s will have to be ‘very good’ to beat their elders, De Kock exuded some bullish confidence.
De Kock’s Greys Inn (Zabeel – Good Judgement) wins in 2004
Speaking on his website, www.mikedekockracing.com, he said that he was pleased with the favourite Hawwaam’s display against crack stablemate, Soqrat, on Thursday morning at a vibrant Greyville.
He said Hawwaam has come through his preparation very well, is sound and the team was happy with the son of Silvano going into the last week.
Stablemate Barahin is easy to back with Hollywoodbets, despite De Kock expressing his confidence of a ‘massive’ run from the son of Gimmethegreenlight.
Barahin – a massive runner (Pic – JC Photos)
While Hawwaam has been prepared at Summerveld, Barahin stayed at Randjesfontein where his own preparation has gone according to plan.
Mike said: “This is the best we’ve had him before a race, he was always underdone when previously facing Hawwaam and I reckon it will be a lot closer between them this time. Barahin gets 3kg from Hawwaam, and he may also still be a few pounds under-rated so at the weights I’d say he is the horse to beat. He will be travelling to Durban next Friday.”
De Kock won the July with Ipi Tombe (2002), Greys Inn (2004), Bold Silvano (2010) and Igugu (2011).
The Pick 6 on the big day is expected to reach R15 million.
The Sporting Post readers July Pick 6 syndicate is gathering momentum – read more here
