Wanted: Ghost-filly to rain on Holland's parade

Jack Milner

Is there any filly that can rain on Holland’s parade?

With the R1-million Pick 6 carryover at Saturday's Turffontein meeting and with the pool likely to reach R5 million, Rain In Holland is seen as the banker of the day in Race 7, the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks over 2450m.

She has coasted to victory in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas and the SA Fillies Classic, so who can lower her colours?

When seeking an answer like this you first turn to the master – Mike de Kock. He saddles Clafoutis who finished behind Rain In Holland in the other two races and particularly disappointed in the SA Classic where she trailed in at the back of the Classic field, beaten 12 lengths.

So does this daughter of Flower Alley have a chance now they are going an extra 650m this time?

“I did think so until her last run when she choked up,” said De Kock. “She had given me a lot of confidence previously but now I don’t know.

“This should be her game on paper but that last run is a bump in the road for sure.”

The whole episode was quite a surprise to De Kock because she had shown no signs of any problem prior to the Classic. He added that Clafoutis is absolutely fine at the moment and her work is good, so he is still hopeful.

Ashley Fortune saddles Princess Kesh who is proven over the distance but does not have the class of Rain in Holland. “She’s an average little filly but she stays and tries her very best. If Rain In Holland doesn’t stay we have a chance.”

But her husband, former jockey Andrew Fortune, has little confidence. “If you’re looking for a filly to beat Rain In Holland, you’re looking for ghosts.”