There has been plenty of rain in Johannesburg since Kommetdieding’s third place finish in the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut but the Elusive Fort colt is nevertheless in fine shape.
Trainer Michelle Rix said, “He got in some good work before the rain and had a grass gallop at Randjesfontein last week. He is fit and well.”
She confirmed his last start over a sharper trip than ideal was always just a preparation run ahead of his main mission, the R2 million TAB Premier’s Champions Challenge over 2000m at Turffontein Standside on Saturday.
He will be attempting to become the first horse in history to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July, the WSB Met as well as an open middle distance Grade 1 on the Highveld.
He is officially 3.5kg better off with any other horse in the race.
MK’S Pride beat him by three lengths in the Horse Chestnut.
However, as opposed to Kommet, who will relish the step up in trip, MK’s Pride has a stamina doubt.
MK’s Pride does have a lot of courage and class though and Muzi Yeni managed to switch him off beautifully in the Horse Chestnut.
MK’s Pride is by sprint-miler Willow Magic and his dam has produced three speedy sorts to date.
However, MK’S Pride’s dam is by Admire Main, who won a Group 2 over a mile- and-a-half, and his fourth dam is a full-sister to Durban July winner Gondolier, so there is some hope he will see it out.
However, the chief danger to Kommetdieding could be Sparkling Water, who is improving in the typical style of a Silvano filly. She will relish the trip and this progressive sort should be running on strongly.
However, the HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes being run a week later than scheduled has done her no favours and she will only run if De Kock ascertains she can handle two Grade 1 races on successive weekends.
Second Base ran on strongly for a narrow second last year in this race to the top class Got The Greenlight so has a fine chance on paper, although it should be remembered the latter tended to idle in front.
Flying Carpet won the Summer Cup over course and distance and although he carried bottom weight and now runs on wfa terms, he has always struck as a type who would progress this season.
Puerto Manzano has always struck as one who was looking for this trip and his bouncing back to form with a second place finish in the Horse Chestnut makes him an interesting runner.
Those five look to be the ones who have the most chance of spoiling another Kommetdieding party.
Picture: Kommetdieding and big race jockey Gavin Lerena at Randjesfontein recently (JC Photos).