Mike and Mathew de Kock Runner Comments: 18-19 Februrary 2026

Lucky Fish ambassadors Mike and Mathew de Kock send out six runners this midweek – two at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Wednesday and four on the inside track at Turffontein on Thursday. Here are their comments.

Hollywoodbets Scottsivlle - Wednesday, 18 February

The midweek horse racing action kicks off at Hollywoodbets Scottsville where the stable send out two runners.

Race 4 - 1 600m: CAN WE START

: “We have a very green and inexperienced first-up filly in CAN WE START, by The Apache. She is looking for more ground. We’re hoping she surprises us on race day, but at this stage we can’t give any confidence. She needs the run and the experience.”

Race 6 - 1 600m: QUEEN BRAGANZA

“QUEEN BRAGANZA needed her comeback run after a rest last time. She is a filly with some ability, may need one more run but could be competitive.”

Turffontein - Thursday, 19 February

We're on the Highveld on Thursday, where the de Kock stable have four runners on a competitive card.

Race 3 - 1 600m: TOP FLOOR

“TOP FLOOR looks like he’s a big, staying type of horse, and 1600m will be the bottom end of his distance range. He could be a 2000m-plus horse. This is a bit of a look-and-see for us. He finishes his work off well at home, so he’ll probably be ridden quiet, in the hope that he can run on well late in the race and get into the action.”

Race 5 - 1 450m: MY LUCKY CHARM

“MY LUCKY CHARM has had a lot of luck, but it’s all been bad. He raced very wide last time. He’s a horse that needs cover, without cover he takes a hold and doesn’t finish his races off. He has a negative draw here, but that won’t change his racing style. He has a good turn of foot and this course and distance will suit, so he’ll be ridden cold. If they go quick enough and he can produce his turn of foot, he can earn a stake.”

Race 8 - 2 000m: OPEN SESAME

“OPEN SESAME is in a good space, she has been running well and is doing nicely at home. She steps up to 2000m and that is the question mark, but we believe she’s looking for the trip. She produced winning work last week and if she reproduces that, she will run a very good race for the team.”

Race 9 - 2 000m: STEP INTO IT

“STEP INTO IT made improvement over 1800m at the Vaal last week when he moved up well and looked like he was going to run into the money. He just got tired late and with that run under the belt we’re hoping we can see him get into the places this time.”