Tayba has always been regarded as a talented filly by champion trainer Mike de Kock but has taken a while to show that ability. It has only been since she has been tried out on the Vaal sand track that Tayba has started to perform. In fact, she is unbeaten in three starts on the Vaal sand, the course on which the Grade 2 Emerald Cup will be run.
The major concern is that she has yet to show form beyond 1200m and this event is run over 1450m. But the younger De Kock, standing in for his father who is currently in England, is confident the distance will be no problem.
“She is showing very good form and is clearly on the up. We do have some concerns about whether she will get 1450m, but she is more mature now than she was as a three-year-old and has the necessary ability and class,” said Mathew de Kock.
The De Kock yard has a good record in this race and is the only stable to0 have won the Emerald Cup twice. They won the first running of the race in 2005 with Hilti, owned by Bridget Oppenheimer, and again last year with Meadow Magic.
Tayba is owned by Dubai-based Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and will be ridden by apprentice Julius Mariba.
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