Mike & Mathew de Kock Runner Comments: 6-8 Februrary 2026
Mike and Mathew de Kock have no fewer than 17 runners stepping out at various racetracks this weekend. The weekend's horse racing action starts at the day/night meeting on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday, followed by a meeting at Turffontein on Saturday and, to conclude a busy local weekend, a meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
Mathew de Kock commented on the stable’s individual runners with some interesting notes for punters, below:
Hollywoodbets Greyville - Friday, 6 February
We kick things off under the lights at what will be a balmy Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening. There are two runners from the stable featuring in race six.
Race 6 -1 400m: OFFICER IN COMMAND & CLEVER TREVOR
"OFFICER IN COMMAND is coming off a rest. He had some time off recovering from an injury to his eye. Probably better over slightly further, but has a place chance. CLEVER TREVOR is a tricky horse to ride. He has to be switched off so he can save his energy. If he can do that, he’ll have eachway prospects."
Turffontein Standside - Saturday, 7 February
We're off the Highveld next where the first legs of teh SA Triple Crown and SA Triple Tiara feature on a competitive programme.
Race 2 - 1 000m: WORLD ATTRACTION
“WORLD ATTRACTION is a first foal out of a mare who was Grade 2 placed over 1 200m and won five races over 1 400m. He is showing us good quality work at home. He’ s got to go the races and overcome inexperience and greenness – always factors to contend with – but we’re expecting a bold showing first time out.”
Race 3 - 1 400m: BALULE
“BALULE is in quite a competitive Maiden Plate. Manu Pandaram has a 105-rated runner in here against us, among a few others with form. But ours will enjoy the distance and he is well. Top three chance.”
Race 6 - 1 600m: DRUMNADROCHIT
“DRUMNADROCHIT runs in the Fillies Guineas. If she was drawn in a low gate we would’ve given her a strong place chance, because she is in a great space at the moment. She is the type of filly who will contest all three legs of the Triple Tiara and get stronger with the increases in distances. From her wide draw this race will be tricky for her over mile. We’d like to see her running on, to give us a bit of confidence for the SA Classic next month.”
Race 7 - 1 600m: I'M A FIREBALL, YIPPE KIYAY, SPLITTHEEIGHTS and ONE EYE ON VEGAS
“We have four contenders in the TAB Gauteng Guineas and they’re all competitive.
"I'M A FIREBALL is quite a deceptive horse. He broke the 1 450m track record at the Vaal with a burst of pace, and there has been a winner from that formline. He is in a good space, doing well. We have to expect he’ll enjoy 1 600m and will run another good race.
"YIPPEE KIYAY is drawn in barrier one, and that is a big plus factor. When he raced against these at Turffontein last time, he gave them a lot of headstart from the widest of draws and still ran well. He’ll be in a good spot with no effort this time, and he’s one to watch for the places.
"SPLITTHEEIGHTS has enjoyed a great preparation, we’re very happy with him and don’t see a problem with the mile at all. He got through the line strongly in the Got The Greenlight Stakes and finishes off well at home too. He is well drawn, in good shape and while it’s a strong race we do give him a winning chance.
"The gut feeling from the team is that the mile is just a touch too far for ONE EYE ON VEGAS. But we have to give it a try at some point or the other, and we do expect him to run well as he, too, is in a good space. The race will show us what happens over the last 200m, but he should finish in the top half of the field.”
Race 8 - 1 600m: GREATERIX
“GRATERIX is having his third run after gelding and is at peak fitness now. He can run a nice race, has a decent draw for a change and will be able to find a forward spot in running. He could be in a good position to challenge at the business end. We’re happy with him, eachway chance.”
Race 9 - 1 600m: TROMBOLINES and MY LUCKY CHARM
“TROMBOLINES and MY LUCKY CHARM are in good form and it’s hard to split them. Both have money chances here.”
Hollywoodbets Scottsville - Sunday, 8 February
We wrap the weekend up in the Pietermaritzburg with a 10-race card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Here the stable has five runners across three races.
Race 3 - 1 000m: HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE
“HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE has her third run after a rest. This looks like a nice contest for her, she should be nearly ready to win. Expecting a good run.”
Race 6 - 1 750m: GOTTA GO EDDIE and TAKE NO PRISONERS
“GOTTA GO EDDIE is always consistent and tries his best. Sean Veale has elected to ride Gareth van Zyl’s colt, Salani Kahle and obviously believes that one has more ability than our two. But we give Gotta Go Eddie an eachway chance, he shouldn’t be ignored.
"TAKE NO PRISONERS is in-and-out, unfortunately. We’re hoping that the change of scenery having moved from Randjesfontein to Durban can bring out the best in him. He has been based at Summerveld for a while.”
Race 10 1 200m: QUEEN BRAGANZA and LIMERICK LACE
“QUEEN BRAGANZA disappointed after a rest last time, but she has improved at home and we think she’ll do well running up the straight. Include her in all your bets.
"LIMERICK LACE is another with in-and-out form and, like Take No Prisoners, we’re hoping the new environment can bring out the best in her. We’ll be watching with interest.”