De Kock’s ‘Pleasant’ banker

The best candidate comes up in the Grade 2 WSB Dingaans where Mike de Kock saddles Mount Pleasant. This Australian-bred colt has raced three times for three wins and showed true class when he ran down Cirillo last time to win the Grade 2 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m.

He was penalised 7.5kg for that victory so if the handicappers have got it right Mount Pleasant looks impossible to oppose as he returns to race against his own age group.

He is 9kg and more, better handicapped against his opposition, he is drawn at pole position and looks a cut above his rivals at this stage of his career. Callan Murray takes the ride again.

“He’s very straightforward and I think he’s a very good horse,” said De Kock yesterday. “I thought he ran a great race last time for a three-year-old against older horses off a rest. I’ll be keen to see how he runs against his peers.”  

Paul Peter has a high opinion of MK’s Pride but whether he is mature enough right now to take on the likes of Mount Pleasant, is questionable.      

De Kock also looks to have a strong hand in the Grade 2 WSB Ipi Tombe Challenge over 1600m where he sends out Queen Supreme. Despite having been off since finishing third in the Grade 1 Empress Club over 1600m at Turffontein in June, the five-year-old mare has attracted strong betting support.

However, the connections of War Of Athena believe off her light weight, the three-year-old will be hard to beat.

Queen Supreme is the best handicapped runner but one has to have respect for the up-and-coming youngster. “She had a good rest which she needed and I’ve done as much as I can with her at home,” said De Kock.

“I know she is well handicapped but 9kg is a lot of weight to give away to an up-and-coming youngster.”

You should only need the two of them in the Pick 6.