Marinaresco could be diverted to the Vodacom Durban July if – as expected – he wins the Winter Classic at Kenilworth on Saturday. And, if he does, his price will tumble.

Seemingly Mike Bass, Marsh Shirtliff and Bryn Ressell are preparing to kiss goodbye to a favourite’s chance in the Winter Series for a crack at the big one.  There would hardly be a dry eye in the house if the Milnerton maestro, previously successful with Trademark, Dunford and Pocket Power, brings it off with his final throw of the dice.

Silver Mountain (Liesl King)

Candice Robinson said: “Marinaresco is nominated for the July and he may well run if he does well on Saturday.”

The gelding was third in the Investec Cape Derby, finishing just in front of July favourite Black Arthur, before returning to take the Winter Guineas with a devastating turn of foot.

He was 28-1 with Betting World yesterday, and 25-1 with World Sports Betting, but he could shorten in the next few days as bookmakers assess the implications and seek to get first run on punters.

But the Bass stable is none the wiser about Silver Mountain’s below par return in the Daisy Fillies Guineas after blood tests showed nothing wrong. She is likely to step up to ten furlongs in the Woolavington on Saturday week. “She drew well in that and she will probably run,” said Mrs Robinson.

The 2014 Rising Sun Gold Challenge winner King Of Pain will be ridden by Brandon Lerena for the first time when this year’s Chairman’s Cup winner is one of four Joey Ramsden runners in the Betting World 1900 at Greyville on Friday. Anton Marcus will choose between The Conglomerate, Disco Al and St Tropez.

By Michael Clower