Futura, fourth in last year’s R3 million Gr 1 Vodacom Durban July but on a roll since, was allotted top weight of 60kg for this year’s running on the first Saturday in July. On Saturday Futura made up all of ten lengths on stable companion Legislate in the home straight of the Gr1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge and will relish the longer trip.

2013 winner Heavy Metal has toured the word since that win and although he did not feature in Dubai and his form since his return has not been anything to write home about, he does come into the race off bottom weight for his age group. He is due to run in the G3 Jubilee Handicap at Turffontein on Saturday along with stable companions Cagiva and SA Derby winner Legal Eagle.

Punta Arenas was raised three points for his win in the Gr 3 Cup Trial last Saturday and is now merit rated 109. He will carry 54,5kg in the July. Helderberg Blue finished a 2,5 length fourth in the Cup Trial and has been lowered to 107 so he will carry 53,5kg and will be 4,5kg better off with top weight Futura for a 2,35 length defeat in the J&B Met. Dynamic was used as the line horse in the Cup Trial but carried 0,5kg overweight so has been raised one point to a merit rating of 101. However, this will not affect his July weight as the minimum weight for four-year-olds and older is 53kg. Therefore Dynamic will be 2,5kg under sufferance in the big race. Helderberg Blue and Dynamic were both among the five horses just outside the top 20 of the last July log. The scratching of Legislate and No Worries will provide openings for runners outside of the original log.

Halve The Deficit finished sixth in the Gold Challenge and remains on 109 and will carry 54,5kg.