South Africa: Cape Tango Can Keep De Kock Smiling
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Business Day (Johannesburg)
29 August 2008
Posted to the web 29 August 2008
David Mollett
Johannesburg
THE career of trainer Mike de Kock's filly, Cape Tango, has blossomed since she switched to the sand, and the four-year-old can again reward her followers when she runs in the R135000 Riviera Handicap at the Vaal tomorrow.
Cape Tango will probably have a special place in De Kock's heart for a long time to come, as it was her win here at the end of last month that secured him the 2007-08 trainers' championship.
Francois Herholdt is again entrusted with the ride on the daughter of Kahal, and he will be aware the filly is not as well drawn as on her previous start.
The main threat to Cape Tango may be Geoff Woodruff's Argentinian-bred mare, Nossa Joia. Although she's also drawn wide, Nossa Joia bounced back to form here last month and Randall Simons retains the ride.
Woodruff also saddles Albizia, with Pie re Strydom getting the call-up to ride the four-year-old for the first time. She represents good backup for the stable provided she handles the sand.
While Sean Tarry's runner, Roman Eagle, looks held on form by Cape Tango, well-drawn Mat Gold has strong claims, as the Goldkeeper filly is bidding for a course hat-trick.
De Kock and Herholdt also team up in the sixth race -- the 1200m August Stakes -- with American Emblem and the colt is likely to be well backed, to register his fourth success.
Although both Snuggler and Arabesque Dancer have the ability to win a race of this nature, the most interesting runner is top-weight Fort Beluga.
After being sidelined since last year's November Handicap, Fort Beluga reappeared in a sprint at Clairwood last month. While owner Chris van Niekerk's six-year-old might need a couple more runs to bring him to his peak, his performance will be closely monitored.
A possible banker bet on the card is the Silvano filly, Animated, who seems certain to start favourite for the 1000m Banyana Handicap.
While Animated does have to shoulder top-weight of 60kg, it's a position she's earned with three wins and a close second, in her last four outings.
The right horse for the swinger could be Woelfin, as Corne Spies' filly goes particularly well on the sand surface.
Relevant Links
Anton Marcus rides Animated and he'll be hoping to end the meeting with a winner, when he partners Major Champion for the Woodruff stable in the ninth race. The gelding is in good form but may find the concession of 5kg to recent course winner Swarming, beyond him.
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