Kommetdieding had a gallop at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday with big race rider Gavin Lerena up and trainer Michelle Rix was thrilled with the workout and with his well-being and also happy to be more under the radar than usual.

 

“The people’s horse” almost became “the forgotten horse” after his two defeats on the Highveld.

 

However, Michelle said, “There will be a lot less pressure on us, but if a third and a fifth on the Highveld is enough for him to become ‘The forgotten horse’ then the joke might be on those who have forgotten him.”

 

She said the Highveld conditions had not suited him and the place he found himself in the running of the Grade 1 TAB Premier’s Champions Challenge was not where they had wanted to be.

 

She said, “He did fight a bit early on, which wasn’t ideal, and Gavin waited for somebody to come around him to give him cover but nobody came.”

 

The horse who was second in the running, Astrix, was proven later to be the one going at the right pace.

Kommetdieding was in no man’s land a few lengths off him.

 

Michelle pointed out he did still run on despite the early exertions as well as having no cover, so felt he had done well.

 

She added, “But he just did not enjoy the Highveld. He is a different horse now to what he was in Johannesburg. He obviously enjoys Summerveld and the coast.”

 

Kommetdieding has to carry topweight this year in the defense of his Hollywoodbets Durban July crown, as opposed to 53kg last year as a three-year-old.

 

However, Michelle said, “He is mentally and physically stronger now. He was extremely immature last year.”

 

Kommetdieding had a ten day holiday after his Jo’burg campaign.

 

However, he has been back in training for a while.

Michelle said he had come out of his gallop on Saturday well and sound.