De Kock eyes Sandown prize

Top international trainer Mike de Kock will unleash the first of his small British string at Sandown on Thursday in the Betfair Henry II Stakes.

The South African has based himself in Newmarket for the summer with the likes of Dubai Sheema Classic winner Sun Classique and Archipenko, who claimed the QE II Cup in Hong Kong, being readied for the top European Group Ones.

De Kock has yet to make a winning impression in Britain despite huge success elsewhere and was out of luck on 19 attempts here last season.

His first representative is Thundering Star, owned in part by golfer Lee Westwood along with Harry Findlay, but he was well-beaten on his reappearance at Longchamp last month.

“The horses are very well and loving it here,” de Kock told his stable website.

“Thundering Star will be our first runner in a stayer’s event at Sandown.

“He is working very well and we are looking forward to it.”

Thundering Star must give weight away to 10 rivals on Thursday, including Sir Michael Stoute’s Allegretto, Henry Cecil’s Tranquil Tiger and the Michael Jarvis-trained Royal And Regal.

Balkan Knight, Enjoy The Moment, Finalmente, Peppertree Lane, Sergeant Cecil, Steppe Dancer and Tungsten Strike complete the field.