Multiple Champion Trainer Mike de Kock spared no daggers in his disdain for the NHRA handicappers after his smart Soft Falling Rain filly Gin Fizz held on to win the non black-type R80 000 The Lady’s Stakes on the Turffontein inside track on Saturday.
The 4yo was given a confident and uncomplicated ride over the 1200m from the front by Ridgemont-Highlands jockey Callan Murray, who kept his mount going to thwart a determined challenge from Gavin Lerena on Dancing Queen.
Gin Fizz (Callan Murray) holds on to stave off a late challenge from Dancing Queen (Gavin Lerena) in the support feature (Pic – JC Photos)
While De Kock, who saddled three winners to that point, thought Callan Murray rode a good race, he was emphatic that Gin Vizz (highest lifetime MR 110) who runs off a 98, had been badly treated.
“She is another example of a victim of the handicappers being overszealous. She was given a 9 pound penalty for being beaten last season and she has taken nine runs to catch up. The trainers are left to answer to the owners every time. The handicappers have no idea of the pressure they are putting us under. Thank goodness Mary Slack is a patient owner,” said De Kock, who added that his charge would no doubt be stopped in her tracks again by the NHRA suits.
Gin Fizz was bred by Wilgerbosdrift/Mauritzfontein, and is a daughter of the late National Assembly stallion Soft Falling Rain out of the graded stakes winner Espumanti.
She has won 3 races with 8 places from 15 starts for stakes of R416 375.
