SOUTH AFRICAN HORSES ON DUBAI WORLD CUP DAY

RACE 2 - PYLON - TRAINER MIKE DE KOCK

PYLON made a return to the track last time after a lengthy break. His last run was when this six year old ran for the first time since May last year where he last ran at the Vaal on the sand. He did not show three weeks ago and would be a surprise winner of this race. He will be ridden by Johnny Geroudis. He is currently priced up at 33/1 in the UK. Formerly with trainer Mike Azzie.

RACE 3 - STAR EMPIRE - TRAINER MIKE DE KOCK

Mike De Kock has three runners in the third race. The nine-year-old STAR EMPIRE last ran in South Africa on 7 August 2010. He last ran on 28 February at the same track when he found a decent finish to end up third over 2800m. That day he was ridden by Christophe Soumillon, who rides him again thyis afternoon. Currently at 14/1 he will have his supporters, especially in South Africa. He finished fifth in this race two years back but has yet to quite live up to his ability.

RACE 3 - MUSHREQ - TRAINER MIKE DE KOCK

This seven-year-old Australian bred son of Flying Spur last ran in South Africa on J & B Met Day in 2012. He is up in trip and on his day could cause an upset and is currently priced up at 28/1. He will partnered by Dane O'Neill. He could be a good value bet.

RACE 3 - ALMOONQITH - TRAINER MIKE DE KOCK

This Australian bred five-year-old has not run in South Africa but could be Mike De Kock's best chance on the day. He is currently priced up at 15/4. He won his prep run for this race when priced up at 33/1 over shorter.  He will be ridden by Paul Hanagan.

RACE 4 - MUBTAAHIJ - TRAINER MIKE DE KOCK

Thuis three-year-old Irish bredHas won three of four starts on this track. His only defeat came when head second to Maftool. He is well fancied at 5/2 in the betting. He has not run in South Africa but looks to have the form to win for Mike De Kock.

RACE 5 - VIA AFRICA - TRAINER MIKE DE KOCK

One horse that South Africans are well familiar with is VIA AFRICA. This former sprinting champion from the Duncan Howells yard and South African bred daughter of VAR needs no introduction. She will have an abundance of South African supporters. Her pedigree must not be underestimated as she won three Grade 1 races when racing in South Africa. Ignore her latest run as she was making her debut at Meydan. She probably has a better chance than her current price of 10/1 suggests. This race will have much appeal to local racing followers. Christophe Soumillon has the ride for the first time.

RACE 7 - UMGIYO - TRAINER MIKE DE KOCK

Another horse needing no introduction to South African racegoers is the five-year-old Irish bred UMGIYO. He last ran in South Africa exactly a year ago when he was soundly beaten into seventh by LOUIS THE KING. He made a winning debut at Meydan in January and never quite lived up to that run in his next two. He is currently at 16/1 and will be ridden by Johnny Geroudis. He does have upset capabilities and could be worth having a few place bets.