Sun set to shine for de Kock

Dubai: Having already scooped up some of the biggest prizes on offer during the Carnival, the sharp mind of trainer Mike de Kock is now plotting to win Thursday's feature race, the $250,000 (Dh950,000) Balanchine Stakes for fillies and mares.

De Kock's conquests include the Al Shindagha Sprint (Asiatic Boy), Cape Verdi (Sun Classique), Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (Lucky Find) and UAE 2,000 Guineas (Honour Devil), and today's Balanchine appears destined to fall under his spell.

Horses from his stable generally improve from their first run and given that perspective, Sun Classique, a classy winner of the Cape Verdi Stakes two weeks ago, looks hard to oppose today.

Despite conceding weight on account of her Grade 1 victory in South Africa, the Australian-bred filly proved too good for her nine rivals and romped to a two and a quarter length victory over Godolphin's Many Colours.

The bare form looks reasonable and the seven horses who finished behind Sun Classique in the Cape Verdi, and who re-oppose today, will need to show significant improvement if they are to thwart De Kock's filly from becoming the first horse to complete the Cape Verdi-Balachine double.

De Kock, who has won the Balanchine with Irridescence and Moon Dazzle in the past, expects a big show from Sun Classic.

"She has a touch of class and surprised us the way she won last time. This is more her trip and she has come on for the run so we expect a bold show," he said on his website.

British trainer Mick Channon is hoping Sweet Lilly, who was fourth in the Cape Verdi, can go closer.

"She has come on for that run and the sun has helped her physically, but obviously the De Kock filly will be hard to beat," said the ex-England football captain.

Godolphin won the inaugural running of the Balanchine in 2004 with Gonfilia and trainer Saeed bin Surour is hoping for more success in the race.

"Many Colours is working well and is in good form," he said. "She is ready to run but the Balanchine looks a tough race. She has improved from her first start of the year and we are expecting a good performance from her."

The $175,000 (Dh650,000) Etisalat Greentune Handicap over 1,777m on turf, has drawn a strong field and once more De Kock appears to hold the upper hand with African Appeal, a Grade 1 winner in South Africa.

The six-year-old gelding was an unlucky fifth on his previous Carnival start after being continually denied a clear run.

De Kock commented: "He is still improving fitness-wise and this should put him spot on. He is in good shape and will go close."

Other noteworthy runners include Bin Surour's Eddie Jock, who was third behind Oracle West in his previous outing, Mashaahed, a last-outing winner for trainer Erwan Charpy and South African trainer Herman Brown's Jay Peg.

Bin Surour's Igor Protti was a smart winner on his dirt debut three weeks ago and looks the one to beat in the Etisalat Weyak Handicap over 1800m on dirt.

Law Lord, also trained by Bin Surour, and David Nicholl's Buachaill Dona, are worth keeping an eye on in the Etisalat Ahlan Handicap over 1,300m on turf, while De Kock's Frost Claims must have solid claims in the Etisalat Hotspot Handicap over a straight 1,200m on dirt, following his last run.

Selections

• 1st race: Mutamarres
• 2nd race: Igor Protti
• 3rd race: Law Lord
• 4th race: Engrupido
• 5th race: Frosty Secret
• 6th race: African Appeal
• 7th race: Sun Classique
• 8th race: Imperial Star