Jockey MJ Byleveld has no concern whatsoever about the 2000m trip for Tap O’ Noth ahead of the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville on Saturday.

Byleveld was somewhat annoyed people had written the horse off as a non-stayer after just one run.

He said, “As a specimen from day one he has looked like a horse who would go a trip and I have no doubt he will stay.”

MJ Byleveld

Furthermore, the Captain Al colt is a half-brother to the useful stayer Strathdon, who has won a Grade 3 over 2500m and a Listed race over 2400m.

At the time of his run in the Grade 1 Cape Derby the Marshall yard had a problem with a virus which was affecting many horses.The yard were unable to find the reason for his well below par run in the Cape Derby but Byleveld pointed out he was not travelling well virtually from the off so was clearly not himself and the yard believe it had nothing to do with him not staying.

Tap O’ Noth’s SA Champions season pipe opener in the Grade 2 Daisy Guineas at Greyville was his first run since the Cape Derby and his 2,25 length third was also a touch disappointing considering he started favourite. However, Byleveld pointed out that being on the rail had not really suited him and both of his eyes were closed the next day too due to the kickback on the night. Tap O’ Noth is indeed a big, rangy type and would likely prefer some room to use his action.

Last week Tap O’ Noth was looking a picture at Summerveld and despite the cold weather had a gleaming coat.

Byleveld confirmed he was fit and doing very well and added, “We could not have him any better.”

Byleveld finished fourth for Marshall in two of the four Grade 1s on Saturday at Scottsville and eighth in the other two. He said about the two-year-old filly Canukeepitsecret, who finished fourth in the Allan Robertson and whom Marshall rates as good as her two Grade 1-winning sisters The Secret Is Out and All Is Secret, “She might just need blinkers. When the gap opened she fired but was a bit green.”

By David Thiselton