TRAINER Mike de Kock admitted he was “a little surprised’’ that Ilha Bela has been priced up at 5-10 in Saturday’s Woolavington 2000 over 2000m at Greyville. “She was beaten by Bambina Stripes in the SA Fillies Classic at Turffontein and one needs to understand this is prep run for the Durban July,’’ said De Kock.

“I believe I still have a bit to work with. But I do understand their point of view. Ilha Bela is second favourite for the July so one would expect her to win a race of this nature against three-year-old fillies. “What I’m looking to get out of this race is confidence. I believe she is a huge runner in the July and I’m looking for her to run well at Greyville. But I also want her to run a huge race here.’’

There have been mutters in some quarters that Ilha Bela will not be suited to Greyville because in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas, SA Fillies Classic and the SA Oaks – which Ilha Bela won by seven lengths – she came from a long way off the pace. “The only reason she did that was because she had wide draws,’’ explained De Kock. “She has won from start to finish as well.

In the Oaks she cantered up to them and took the lead with 400m to run. Over 2000m they go a lot slower and she will be in touch with them. I have no fears about the course.’’ De Kock is delighted with her preparation and has kept her at Randjesfontein where she has put up good work on the Polytrack.

“She’s on the road to Durban as we speak,’’ he said on Tuesday. De Kock also saddles Viva Maria. “The 2000m may find her out. I’m running her because it is three-year-old race and don’t see a fast pace. If she gets a soft lead, she could finish in the money.’’