Mike de Kock offers triple threat in Group 2 Al Rashidiya at Meydan

Peter Ward 11:25 28/01/2016
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  • Double act: Paul Hanagan rides Ertijaal for trainer Mike de Kock.

    With 14 declared and a case to be made for most, it promises to be not only an exciting spectacle, but also a race to keep a close eye on with regards to the remaining two months of the Carnival.

    South African Mike de Kock has a phenomenal record in the race, having saddled the winner on no less than seven occasions.

    De Kock first won this with Right Approach, in 2004, who subsequently dead-heated in that year’s Group 1 Dubai Duty Free (now Dubai Turf), over the same course and distance on World Cup night.

    The trainer has actually won the race in each of the last four seasons, each one ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and they combine this year with Forries Waltz. Winner of a 1600m turf handicap on his return two weeks ago, his only defeat, from five starts, was suffered on his sole UAE outing last year.

    He looks a major player, as do his stable companions, Ertijaal and Mujaarib, both owned by Sheikh Hamdan. Paul Hanagan chooses to ride the former, winner of the Group 1 Cape Derby at the end of January last year. Dane O’Neill, like Hanagan retained by the owner, partners Mujaarib, winner of this race in 2014 but without a victory since.

    De Kock said: “This is a race we have done well in over the years and we would like to think we have three live chances this time.

    “Ertijaal is the undoubted class act of the three but he will certainly improve for the outing having been off since May and having been through the quarantine process.

    “We have high hopes for him down the line so hope for a big run but tonight might not be the occasion he shows his best.

    “Hopefully, he will run well and be seen at his best on Super Saturday and World Cup night. He is a proper horse. Mujaarib is in a lot better form than he was at any stage last year and run well on his comeback this year, while Forries Waltz is a horse we have high hopes for this year. It was a good win on his seasonal debut and we hope he can build on that. Basically, I would struggle to split the three.”

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