Glen Kotzen runs last year’s Vodacom Durban July fourth-placed Eyes Wide Open in the Grade 3 Track And Ball Derby at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today and a good run will ensure the most famous colours in Mauritius are seen in the VDJ this year.

The light blue silks with red crossed sashes and a red cap belong to the famous Gujadhur family, who are virtually royalty in Mauritius racing circles and any big win they have on the island is widely celebrated due to their popularity.

The family bought the five-year-old son of Dynasty especially to have a July runner this year.

Kotzen admitted everything was a bit rushed after the sale as the horse had to be transported to Durban and gelded.

He said Eyes Wide Open had not put a foot wrong since gelding and the operation had also brought with it soundness and happiness.

He said, “He ran three lengths back in the Drill Hall and then in the WSB 1900 came down the inside when everything was going down the outside.”

He added, “He has had an excellent prep and will be cherry ripe for this run.”

Eyes Wide Open stayed on strongly for fourth in the July last year so should not have a problem staying this 2400m trip.

He is drawn five in the eight horse field and has Anton Marcus aboard.

Kotzen said about his chances of qualifying for the July, “He is in a high log position, but you never know and that is why we are running him here, just to make it concrete.”

Eyes Wide Open was in 16th place on the final July log and two horses above him have been scratched.

Kotzen runs Coral Bay and Je Ne Sais Quoi in the Grade 2 Track And Ball Oaks and said although both were officially out at the weights the ratings in staying races sometimes proved to be misleading.

He concluded, “They both needed that last run and have come on from it and they both stay very well.” 

By David Thiselton