Dubai World Cup Carnival: Mike de Kock on his stable stars

Dubai / Editor / 30 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Leading South African trainer Mike de Kock

“I like Bold Silvano, I think he is going the right way and obviously we really plan on having a crack at the Dubai World Cup."

Mike de Kock has tasted plenty of success at the Dubai World Cup Carnival down the years and has hit the ground running this time around. Sean Trivass caught up with the big man to ask him about his runners this year....

BOLD SILVANO
"I like Bold Silvano, I think he is going the right way and obviously we really plan on having a crack at the Dubai World Cup with him."
Whether his form is up to that standard remains to be seen, but last time out he won a Group 3 at Meydan over the course and distance of the big one very easily and at least we know this race is his aim so I will be taking an ante-post interest to lay off nearer the day with any luck!

MUSIR
"A son of Redoute's Choice, he won Round 1 of the Maktoum Challenge and followed up in the Al Rashidiya. He is very much on target for the Dubai Duty Free on World Cup night."

MASTER OF THE HOUNDS
"I was very impressed with his first run. I think he is horse who has got a bit of a future, a nice horse, probably a horse who could be ridden a lot more forward, sometimes you just need to learn a bit"
Bottom line is he got out of his ground last time out when runner up to Musir after a long lay-off over what could prove to be an inadequate mile. The smile on the trainer's face implies there is plenty to come, and he is well worth adding to any notebooks for future winners you may have.

MUTAHADEE
"He ran a cracking race last time out when beating his stablemate Viscount Nelson in a nine-furlong handicap at Meydan. He moves like a good horse at home."

MAHBOOBAH
"She was just out sprinted the other day [when going down by a nose to First City in the Cape Verdi], but I would think she can win again over a mile" were his exact comments, so keep a look out for her as well.

MICKDAAM
Rounding off my mini stable tour, Mike told me to keep an eye on this lightly raced 3-y-o, now in his care and previously with Richard Fahey in England. Mike is "expecting improvement from the little three-year-old" after finishing an unimpressive sixth in a little race earlier this month. To my surprise he told me "he will be entered in the (English) 2000 Guineas and the Derby", so he must be a lot better than we have seen so far. Those looking for a longer priced option could be in for a bit of a treat if Mike has it right, which he so often does.

Sean was talking to leading South African trainer Mike de Kock and would like to thank Mike, Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd, and www.thoroughbrednews.com.au