De Kock's dream: 'I want to win the Melbourne Cup'

Nearly a year on since moving back from Melbourne to South Africa, the Australian experience left a firm impression on Mathew de Kock.

Despite the attraction of returning his own family closer to home, joining his father – legendary South African trainer Mike – in partnership, and having already won three races at the highest level together, there is that strong indelible pang within to win some of the jewels in Australian racing's crown.

"My dream is to have a runner in the Melbourne Cup," de Kock said.

"It was when I was there and it wasn't to be, but I really want to come and try and have a runner and winner in the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup or Cox Plate.

"I'd love to come back and win one of the big races.

"If I have one good enough, it is one the radar. Part of the reason I came back was to build a good CV and to plot a path to winning races like them."

Mat trained in partnership with Robbie Griffiths at Cranbourne until last February and the time since has been as much about settling back as it has been about rebuilding the stable's forces towards local features and international group ones.

"Our string is very young at the moment," de Kock added.

"90% of our yard is three-year-old and under, so we would probably use Dubai as a steppingstone next season and if something continues to put their hand up and show that they're good enough, then certainly, I'll definitely be looking at Australia."

Mike was represented by Greys Inn in 2005 who finished fourth in the Caulfield Cup (2400m), 10th in the Cox Plate (2040m) and 17th in the Melbourne Cup (3200m).

As an immediate positive, the want to win those races already aligns with their bloodstock buying strategy.

"Generally in South Africa we buy classic distance types and hopefully we stumble across the right one," he said.

"Once we start branching out overseas, I'm certainly going to have my eye on international horses as well and buying horses in training. For the time being we're focusing on building our team in South Africa."

That plan could be bolstered on Saturday when three-year-old Jan Van Goyen takes on the Grade 1 King's Plate (1600m) at Kenilworth.

Named after a Dutch landscape painter of the 17th century, the colt is showing above average ability and is looking to become only the twelfth three-year-old to win the King's Plate in the 164 editions run where this running will equal those of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

"We have had a three-year-old run second in this race so it can be done," de Kock said.

"We would not be taking the chance if we didn't think he could win and his time on the day of the Cape Guineas where a prep race for older horses was run over the same distance and he ran a quicker time carrying 60-kilos – the same weight if not more than some of the older horses.

"Now he drops down to 55-kilos and when you hear stats like that you have to think he's got a real chance."

The stable also have three-time Group 1 winner Dave The King in the race who is part-owned by golf legend Gary Player.

"Dave The King is thriving and both horses are peaking having their third runs. He has a swing in the weights from the horses he beat last time, too," de Kock said.