Durban – Preps and Plans

This will be Mike's 30th consecutive journey to the East Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal for the racing season, and we took the opportunity before his departure to Q and A him on his plans and preparations for his 2008 Durban campaign.

In terms of your past raids on KZN, how do you rate the overall strength of this year’s string, to those of the past?

M: Generally this string is stronger than ever horse for horse but sometimes they don’t win as many races. One never knows what will happen in a season and there are often surprises

Do you find it easier to train on the Cape or Clairwood surfaces, and do you have to adjust their training in any way to accommodate for this?

M: You always have to adjust to the surfaces that you have and make do. SA trainers are used to training under very difficult conditions and in all weather conditions.

You’ve always taken a few un-raced two year old’s along with you, what’s your reasoning behind that?

M: If we have a few spare boxes we always like to take one or two of the highly regarded young horses along because it is very good for them to gain the experience of traveling etc and getting away from the cold and muddy conditions at home. Brings them on quicker.

Pocket Power has accumulated quite a fan base, do you feel any pressure in training a Horse of his stature.

M: Not at this stage. The pressure has been on in the past like in the Met when he was expected to win but for the July there is no pressure as on handicap terms he carries top weight and isn’t necessarily expected to win.

What are your plans for Pocket Power this season and will this vary in any way from last years?

M: No, he will probably take the same route (if all goes well), i.e. Drill Hall, Gold Challenge and July. But things could change if necessary.

Has he matured or improved physically in any way since last year, and do you think we have seen the best of Pocket Power yet?

M: He is probably at his peak nowadays. Wasn’t too sound last season and training him was very difficult. So far this season he is much sounder although the firm tracks of Natal are very hard on the horses and things could change as the season in Durban goes on.

Last year you worked closely and successfully with Jeff Lloyd, do you have any particular Jockeys in mind you may be teaming up with this season?

M: Bernard will ride for us again this season but he is restricted to the heavy weights and I have asked Anthony Delpech to keep an eye on our light weight rides and when he is free we will try and use him when we can.

First July thoughts and any immediate dangers?

M: A lot depends on the well being and soundness of the horses at the time and I feel Pocket Power will be a big runner despite top weight. Floatyourboat will get about 3 ½ kgs from him and if sound at this time could be a big danger. Snaith’s filly looks to be a big danger at weights.

Thoughts, plans and preparations for the Mike Bass raiders:

Floatyourboat

M: Arrived in Durban sound and is doing well. Drill Hall and then perhaps Astrapak 1900 and then July. If his knees hold up could be a big threat as he is a very good horse having won the Derby and 2^nd in Queen’s Plate.

Journal

M: Improving filly who is coming on nicely. Runs Fillies Guineas and then goes for Woolavington Grade 1 (for 3yo Fillies) and then the Oaks.   

Blanchefleur

M: She will be aimed at the fillies staying type races listed and Group 2 & 3.

Consensual

M: Very smart 2yo filly who will go up after the Cape Fillies Nursery. She will be best over 1400m – 1600m and will contest the many fillies features later in the season if she does well.   

Cymbeline

M: Same as Blanchefleur.

Los Colmos

M: May go up later if he does well in the next month here. He too will need 1400m – 1600m to be effective.  

Myst

M: Same as Blanchefleur and Cymbeline.

River Jetez

M: Doing very well at home this season. Much stronger this year and may go for the July if she can qualify. Prep races are difficult for there are not many for fillies only. May have to go same route as Float Wasn’t far behind Sun Classique last season.  

Rub A Dub Dub

M: May go if she does well in the near future.  

Meteor Shower

M: Runs Sledge Hammer handicap this weekend (1800m). Doing very well and will be aimed at Lonsdale (2400m) and maybe Gold Cup if he is good enough.

Bill Of Rights

M: Wasn’t at his best last season and is a fair sort. Also goes for Lonsdale and lesser features. If he comes to his best, he could be a surprise in the features.  

Blue Tiger

M: Will run Winter Guineas here and then go up to Natal. Will play this one by ear as he may be best over the sprint distances. May aim him at the Mercury Sprint at Clairwood at end of season.

Zooming Zellie

M: Will try the fillies races again this season. 1400m is her best trip.  

Hilgrove

M: Will go for the lesser feature races in the season. Is best around 1600m – 180m.   

Naughty Prince

M: Also the lesser feature races and the Top Div. races. Best over 1600m – 1800m.

Others

M: Will consider a few more 2yo fillies and colts. Nursery this weekend will be a big pointer.   

Any Horsed from the list above that have surprised you in their ability?

M: Meteor Shower seems to be improving all the time even though he is a 5yo. He seems to be enjoying life more nowadays   

Besides Pocket Power, give us one Horse we could keep our eye out for to make an impression this season?

M: River Jetes, Bill Of Rights  

Running through the list of Horses you have chosen, there a few Horses who you have chosen to leave in the Cape, Air Combat and Road To Reason come to mind. Any particular reason?

M: Don’t often take 3yo’s to Durban as it’s quite hard on them. All my top horses in years gone by didn’t go as 3yo e.g. Pocket, Trademark, Bunter Barlow and Dunford. I like to give them a chance to mature first, they are vulnerable and susceptible to injury at three.     

Robert Fayd’Herbe now works for you on a full time basis and assists you in Durban through the season. Will you consider perhaps setting up a permanent satellite yard after this season?

M: There is a possibility of setting up in Durban if we can get boxes. Especially for the weaker types in the Summer Season as the racing seems to be quite weak out of season.   

Many people say Pocket Power should already be racing overseas, what’s your reasoning for not sending him sooner?

M: Probably because of his soundness problems. Have to be very sound to survive in Dubai. Also the owners are not that keen as they really enjoy having him race here.   

It’s hard to predict the future in racing, but assuming he does race abroad where would you think of racing him, and would you train him?

M: He would probably be best suited to Hong Kong racing but it’s always difficult to travel because of the restrictions and quarantines due to A.H.S.