Mike and Mathew de Kock: Runners and Tips This Week
The de Kocks won at 25/1 with Epiphany at Turffontein on Sunday. On Thursday they run three at the Vaal, and Dog In The Fog in Race 6 is our pick. Immediate Edge is also joint top rated in the big handicap.
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Epiphany Wins at 25/1
Sunday’s opener at Turffontein was a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares, and Epiphany won it at 25/1 under Mickaëlle Michel. The tote paid R19.10 for a R1 win bet.
Our pick Satisfied finished seventh, so this one got away from us. The Turffontein results have every race.
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Thursday at the Vaal
Dog In The Fog runs first, in the MR 74 Handicap over 1000m at 15:15, and he is our pick in that race. He carries 61kg under C Murray. Then in Race 7, the yard has two in the MR 108 Handicap.
He won first time out and was second next time, so he is lightly raced and still improving. However, Echoes Of War was second last time and gets 4.5kg from him.
Back Dog In The Fog at HollywoodbetsBet nowImmediate Edge is rated 108 and carries 60kg, again with C Murray. Trombolines, meanwhile, gets in with just 52kg, and Mickaëlle Michel rides.
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The Big Handicap on Thursday
Race 7 is worth R215,000, the most on the card. Tony Peter runs two, and Sean Tarry has Tintin. So it is a proper Highveld clash, and the weights spread from 52kg to 60kg. Our Vaal Racecourse guide explains the track.
Even so, our pick in the race is Secret Chord, the best bet on our Vaal tips page, which has a pick in all eight races.
Back Secret Chord at HollywoodbetsBet nowAbout Mike and Mathew de Kock
Mathew de Kock came home from Australia in 2025 to train alongside his father, Mike de Kock, as Thoroughbred Daily News reported. Meanwhile, Mathew is based at Randjesfontein in Johannesburg, and Mike oversees the operation from Summerveld in Durban. Also, Mathew spent four years training with Robbie Griffiths at Cranbourne in Victoria.
Every Mike and Mathew de Kock Runner This Week
These come from the declared card. However, jockey bookings can still change before the off.
Thursday at the Vaal
Thursday 12 Nov, Vaal · 3 runners
R6 · 15:15 · Dog In The Fog · C Murray · 61kg · our pick
R7 · 15:50 · Trombolines · M Michel · 52kg
R7 · 15:50 · Immediate Edge · C Murray · 60kg
Your Questions Answered
Who are the de Kocks?
Mike de Kock is one of South Africa’s best known trainers, and his son Mathew returned from Australia in 2025 to train alongside him. The yard has bases at Randjesfontein and Summerveld.
How many runners do the de Kocks have this week?
Three, all at the Vaal on Thursday 12 November. Our pick among them is Dog In The Fog in Race 6.
What did the de Kocks win last weekend?
Epiphany won the first race at Turffontein on Sunday 8 November at 25/1, ridden by Mickaëlle Michel.
Where can I bet on de Kock runners?
You can bet with Hollywoodbets, which holds a gambling licence. You must be 18 or older, and you should bet within your limits.