The Vodacom Durban July gallops were enjoyed by an enthusiastic crowd yesterday and all of the horses worked well.

The first pair out were French Navy and Samurai Blade and trainer Sean Tarry was pleased with both. Lyle Hewitson works Samurai Blade often and described his last two pieces of work as fantastic, adding yesterday’s work had been the best he had felt the horse.

The second favourite Black Arthur was next out and worked exceptionally well. He was clearly enjoying himself. Trainer Justin Snaith confirmed the horse had been a bit above himself, having not raced since winning the Canon Guineas in early May, so this should bring him spot on for the race.

Later, his stablemate and July favourite Bela-Bela strode out well and her lovely action included her usual rhythmic nodding of the head, an indication she was enjoying herself.

The other Snaith pair It’s My Turn and Dynamic were not asked to do a lot but pleased their respective big race riders Richard Fourie and Lyle Hewitson.

The Mike Bass-trained Marinaresco put up a tremendous gallop and showed just how well he can quicken.

Ten Gun Salute was another who quickened well and the gallop pleased trainer Duncan Howells.

The latter’s stablemate Saratoga Dancer also strode out well.

Solid Speed worked on the poly together with his Dean Kannemeyer-trained stablemate Mambo Mime and both did well, crossing the line as one.

Joey Ramsden’s aim was to show the public the well-being of his pair and them moving well and he felt both The Conglomerate on the poly and St. Tropez on the turf achieved that.

The Gavin can Zyl-trained Rocketball was a bit keen when the stable companion kept it at a crawl early on, but he stretched well in the straight and is looking in fine shape.

Abashiri showed his giant stride and was looking well. His Mike Azzie-trained stable companion Rabada cantered slowly at Summerveld, having been excused from the Greyville gallops as he runs on Sunday in the KZN Breeders Million Mile.

Mac De Lago worked on the poly and wasn’t asked to a lot but strode out well.

Reserve runner Deputy Jud was not asked to do a lot.

Master Sabina put in a good televised gallop on the Highveld with a companion.

In the ensuing panel discussion at Greyville yesterday Kevin Shea made Solid Speed and French Navy his best value bets, Garth Puller opted for Black Arthur and St. Tropez and Track and Ball bookmaker Pierrick Maujean selected Solid Speed and Mambo Mime.

However, the July beans indicate the race rests between Abashiri, Rabada and Mac De Lago.

David Thiselton