July Day: Mike gives his comments   MIKE de Kock and his team will have a busy day at Greyville Saturday, saddling runners in various features on Durban July Day 2008, including Galant Gagnant in the prestigious R3 million feature. Read more.

Eliminate bad payers at sales! THERE is a big sale on at Sibaya this week and Mike de Kock hopes that BSA will not issue buyers cards to individuals with a poor track record. Read more in this, his latest offering in Off The Bit (The Citizen's Racing Express)

Jessica Slack leads in Front House, with Kevin Shea up.

Take a seat in Front House SUPER filly Front House is likely to be aimed at an overseas campaign after another top performance at Clairwood on Saturday. She came home lengths clear in a Conditions Plate, out at the weights as a Northern Hemisphere bred, but did it oh so easy under Kevin Shea, who eased her down coming to line. The stable completed a double when Scrutinize won the day's supporting feature, the Thukela Handicap over 1600m, under a well-judged ride from Anthony Delpech. He stole a  march on the field and kept a flying Tap Tap at bay, just long enough. Read more.

Champion “JJ'' to join De Kock's stable

CHAMPION sprinter JJ The Jet Plane will be joining Mike de Kock's stable after the running of the Mercury Sprint. He will remain in training with Lucky Houdalakis, who owns him in partnership with Coenie Strydom, Hennie du Preez and Thea Boyens. De Kock will be mapping out an overseas campaign and said: “The premature reporting in some of the media led to some confusion and was annoying, but I'm glad things are concluded now, he's a top horse and we're excited to be entrusted with his future. (Gold Circle).

High hopes for Sibaya 2008 BLOODSTOCK SA, in conjunction with the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom will host the 2008 Sibaya KZN Yearling Sale at the picturesque Sibaya Casino in Umhlanga Rocks on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 July. A total of 292 yearlings will come under the hammer. Read more.

Oooh Jolly good, jolly good then! SEEN in the car park at Royal Ascot: Kevin “Jimmeny Cricket'' Shea, Kim Shea and Sir Stoute Michael. True British racing folk they are becoming, although De Kock wouldn't confirm that he was seen shopping for a pink shirt, mustard tie and straw hat at the weekend. They're all back in SA for Durban July preparations.

Rocks Off is a serious racing prospect ROCKS OFF, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, made a brilliant winning debut at Scottsville on Sunday. “He's a horse that really excites me,'' said Mike de Kock. Rocks Off is by Orpen (the sire of War Artist) from Lava Gold. He is a half-brother to Gold For Sale, who won the 2006 UAE Guineas from Bernard Kantor and Larry Nestadt's Where's That Tiger, who was trained by De Kock. “He was bought in Argentina, selected by the Hands-On Team of Jehan Malherbe and Dr John McVeigh,'' De Kock added. “He is one for our 2009 Dubai campaign, really promising!““

Durban July: Galant Gagnant will start from draw 17 in open race SHEIKH Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum's Galant Gagnant has made the final field for the Durban July, but drew wide at 17. See final field here.

THUNDERING STAR was beaten about 12.5 lengths into seventh place by champion stayer Yeats in Thursday's Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup over 4000m. "He had every chance to run fourth,'' said Mike de Kock, ''but just didn't see out the trip.''

Thundering Star looks very well, can challenge THERE is a “night-and-day'' difference between the Thundering Star of two weeks ago and the Thundering Star that will line up in Thursday's Group 1 Gold Cup over 4000m at Royal Ascot, said Mike de Kock on Wednesday. “He's had two good prep runs, has come to hand very well and is in exceptionally good condition. This race has been his target and I am confident we can take a share of the prize money.''

Thundering Star.

Sun Classique

De Kock's plans for big guns    MIKE de Kock has revealed his game plans with Group 1 winners Sun Classique and Archipenko to the Racing Post. “They’re both going very well and I’m more than happy with the pair of them. “Archipenko, at this stage, will start off at Ascot in the Summer Mile on 12 July. I’ve got Sun Classique in the King George but we’ll probably go for the Nassau at Goodwood and maybe the Yorkshire Oaks. Our main mission with her is the Arc later this year,’’ he said.

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