Black Arthur, the new favourite for the Vodacom Durban July, came out of his win in Friday night’s Canon Guineas in great shape but no decision has yet been taken on whether he will run in the Daily News en route.
Justin Snaith said yesterday: “Black Arthur pulled up as well as I could have asked. We are undecided about the Daily News at the moment. We will have a chat with the owners and make a decision.
Black Arthur (Nkosi Hlophe)
“But the aim for Bela-Bela (winner of the Daisy Fillies Guineas) has always been the Woolavington on May 28 so she will go for that.”
However there is a question mark about the 2014 July winner Legislate who had been due to contest the Rising Sun Gold Challenge on June 11 before being retired to stud. He started favourite for the Drill Hall and managed only fifth.
Snaith said: “He was very quiet before the race which is unlike him and in the parade ring I was a little bit concerned. Anthony Delpech also felt he was quiet in the race. He is fine this morning – there is no sign of anything – but the owners are in discussion about him and the decision will be made by them. It’s out of my hands.”
Nightingale, a generous 12-1 when beaten only half a length by Bela-Bela, will renew rivalry in the Woolavington but plans for 12-10 favourite Silver Mountain (sixth) have yet to be confirmed.
Candice Robinson said: “Nightingale is a good filly and she has improved. Also the 2 000m will be better for her but it was a disappointing run from Silver Mountain. Bernard Fayd’Herbe said she didn’t quicken up at all. We can’t find anything wrong and she pulled up fine. We will take bloods in the morning.”
Mike Bass’s successor confirmed that Winter Guineas winner Marinaresco will run in the Winter Classic on May 21 “and we will the take it from there,” while Inara remains on target for the Jonsson Workwear Garden Province on July day despite finishing with only one behind her in the Premier’s Champions Challenge nine days ago.
Candice said: “It was a tough task but Grant van Niekerk said that she got badly cut into and lost it behind. She was never going after that.”
By Michael Clower
