Seventeen horses, including the two reserve runners for next Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July, were given little more than exercise gallops at Greyville this morning. The July gallops are a condition of entry and a large crowd turned out in some very balmy winter weather to watch their big race fancies in action. However, at this stage of their preparation most are fully wound up and not much can be read into the gallops although there were a few standouts.
Wylie Hall (Nkosi Hlophe)
Top weight Futura looked a picture in the paddock and although asked to do very little by big race rider Sean Cormack, he strode out beautifully and he looks fine tuned for next Saturday.
The Conglomerate was an enthusiastic worker on the poly and pulled Anton Marcus through nicely. The Aussie-bred colt has it all to do from 20 draw and apprentice Chad Schofield will be given a baptism of fire in what is often a rough race. However, Schofield will have two rides in preceding races to give him a feel for the track.
Mike de Kock’s two fillies, Majmu and Pine Princess, moved smoothly on the poly track and look in prime condition.
The Conglomerate (Nkosi Hlophe)
Mike Bass sent out Helderbeg Blue in cheek pieces for the first time as the gelding can be something of a handful. “I sent him out for a walk in them yesterday and he seemed Ok so we will see how he goes in them today.” The gelding worked up nicely alongside companion Night Trip in what was a pleasing bit of work.
Ice Machine was one of the few runners to be given a good workout. Donovan Dillion, who has his first ride in the race, sent Charles Laird’s runner from the 1400 m mark and worked the last 400m in a solid 21.51 seconds.
Wylie Hall moved smoothly under his big race rider Bernard Fayd’Herbe without being asked to extend and Weiho Marwing was all smiles after the gallop.
The fastest 400m to finish time was set by Marwing’s reserve runner Mac De Lago who clocked 21.34 secs under Fayd’Herbe. He also set the quickest 800m to finish time with stable companion Fulcrum in tow.
By Andrew Harrison
Pictures
- Halve The Deficit (Nkosi Hlophe)
- Wylie Hall (Nkosi Hlophe)
- The Conglomerate (Nkosi Hlophe)
