The presence of top Eastern Cape 3yo National Park in the Gr2 Dingaans at Turffontein on Saturday adds a poser for trainer Mike de Kock, who otherwise holds a powerful two-pronged attack in the historically powerful launching pad of many top-class racehorses.
National Park wins the Graham Beck
While the Turffontein meeting is being run on the inside track, this feature and the Fillies Mile will be run as exceptions on the outside track.
National Park has remained in Johannesburg with Alec Laird following his sensational victory three weeks ago in the Graham Beck Stakes when he downed Chimichuri Run by over 5 lengths.
The sale of National Park to overseas interests was being negotiated and reports suggested the gelding might be pulled out of this race. However, it has been established that he will run.
Reasonably drawn again and stepping up to a mile, he looks a major runner.
De Kock’s Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes winner Soqrat was not as fortunate with the draw but has since been withdrawn with an elevated temperature.
Smart debut winner Hawwaam
Stablemate Hawwaam was even more unlucky with the draw and the R1 million son of Silvano will need some luck under Gavin Lerena as he has his second run. The half-brother to new Cape star and Met favourite Rainbow Bridge made history when winning the first ‘no crop’ race run here three weeks ago. He should enjoy the mile test.
The Australian-bred Atyaab is third of the De Kock trio and a course and distance winner. He showed plenty of pace when under a length third to Pilou last time and can improve in his feature race debut.
Reach For The Line ran on well behind Hawwaam on debut and is something of an unknown quantity as he steps into the big league at only his second start.
I looks tough for the balance with the well-related KZN raider Perfect Peter taking his chances after a gutsy post-maiden win at Greyville last time. The son of Judpot has not drawn particularly well but is highly regarded and is worth including in bigger perms.
It should be a cracker of a race with National Park the choice to beat Hawwaam. Hopefully we will see more in the Cape Guineas on 15 December!
