Vodacom Durban July tips from Independent Newspaper’s racing tipsters: Andrew Harrison, David Thiselton, Warren Lenferna and Brendan Pather.

These tips are courtesy of The Racegoer, which is published in 18 newspaper titles in South Africa, including the following publications: The Mercury; Daily News; Sunday Tribune; Independent On Saturday; Isolezwe; Post; The Star; Pretoria News; The Cape Times; Cape Argus; Weekend Argus; Diamond Field Advertiser; The Daily Voice and Eastern Cape Isolezwe.

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Prepare yourself for a shock – yet another one.

If the recent history of the great race is anything to go by tomorrow’s Vodacom Durban July will be won by an outsider and the favourite will finish nowhere.

The average starting price of the winner in the last five years is 18-1 and during that time no favourite has even finished in the frame. But the statistics suggest it will be a straight fight between the three-year-olds and the four-year-olds – they have split the last ten runnings 50:50 with only dead-heater Pocket Power succeeding among the older horses.

Edict Of Nantes (11-2 with Betting World yesterday morning) lost his position at the head of the market during the week but, to this writer at least, he has looked the most likely winner since the Daily News when he beat Al Sahem half a length despite going wide at the turn. Don’t worry about his 13 draw. Anton Marcus is almost guaranteed to have him away smartly and slotted in a good position. The one negative is his rider’s assessment that he might be better over a more galloping course.

Al Sahem (9-2) is a significant half kilo better but his one draw is a potential nightmare that risks seeing him shuffled back and no July winner has started from such a low slot in at least the last 15 years. Also, as an SA Derby winner, he may not be suited by the muddling pace at which this race is so often run. That said, Sean Tarry is having the season of his life but so too is Brett Crawford.

The selection committee came in for criticism for including Black Arthur but the money has poured on Grant van Niekerk’s mount in the last few days. Seventh 12 months ago, his third in the Cup Trial is better than it looks on paper as he was hampered in the straight. But 5-1 looks much too short.

Fellow Justin Snaith runner It’s My Turn makes more appeal at 17-2 despite his bad draw. Rider Piere Strydom is bidding for a record fifth July win as is Marcus and Anthony Depelch whose chance on 16-1 shot Nightingale looks more of a place one than a winning one.

Ten Gun Salute (17-2) could get into the shake-up but the record of top weights suggests that 60kg is too great a cross to bear for last year’s runner-up Marinaresco (16-1). However Safe Harbour at 25-1 surely has strong claims. She has gone close in a string of Grade 1s and was running on well at the end of the Woolavington. She looks the pick of the outsiders.

History suggests that last year’s winner The Conglomerate is unlikely to repeat the performance but Joey Ramsden is more than happy with him and the 17-2 shot has come in for significant support in the last three days. Dean Kannemeyer, bidding for a fourth July win, relies on Mr Winsome but 18-1 is not overstating the horse’s chance.

Just Sensual may beat Bela-Bela (favourite in last year’s July) in the Jonsson Workwear Garden Province and Al Mariachi looks another for Crawford in the KZN Yearling Sale Million.

By Micahel Clower

Handicaps are handicaps and as in the seemingly mindless pursuit of a white ball, some players perform above their rating, others only show their true rating when there are big prizes up for grabs. There is also the odd ‘off-day’ where no matter how hard you try, the rhythm is just not there so it’s best to enjoy the scenery rather than wrap an expensive stick around a tree in frustration.

In horseracing, unlike golf, you don’t have 18 holes – or four days – to hack yourself into the right mindset and charge on the final holes. Tomorrow’s Gr1 Vodacom Durban July will come together in two minutes where a year’s planning can unravel in a matter of strides and where skill and luck in running are needed in equal measures.

The handicapping of the three-year-olds has been a major talking point, many pundits believing that they are well in compared with their older counterparts. However, the handicappers are well paid to do their job and if they have got it wrong I don’t think it would be by too far so one must take their assessment at face value.

So where to next? All have their favourite jockeys, the three at the top of most people’s list are Anton Marcus, Piere Strydom and Anthony Delpech, all multiple winners of this race so their experience is invaluable. Delpech is tied to his Wilgerbosdrift/Mauritzfontein sponsorship so Nightingale was a given. That’s not to say that she’s without a chance but I’m thinking that given an option Delpech may have looked elsewhere.

Marcus had the choice between The Conglomerate and Edict Of Nantes. The Conglomerate is only 0.5kg worse off on last year’s winning weight but Marcus has been aboard at his last two starts and rather plumed for Edict Of Nantes and a starvation diet. That in its self tells a story, notwithstanding that the colt is the ruling ante-post favourite.

Justin Snaith was quick to snap up the services of Strydom for It’s My Turn and in his own words, “Piere Strydom is his biggest asset.” Handicapper Lennon Maharaj is of the opinion that if the handicappers have erred it would be with It’s My Turn. Speaking to colleague Michael Clower he said, “I personally have always felt he was a bit under-rated on his Cape Derby win. He has only gone up a point since last year’s July and he is a year older.” Add Strydom to the mix and you have a potent cocktail.

Conspiracy theories and if’s and but’s aside, form underpins every horse’s performance. Edict Of Nantes, Al Sahem and the filly Safe Harbour have by far the best form of the three-year-olds and consequently head up the ante-post market. But as D-Day approaches there has been steady money for the older horses in the form of Ten Gun Salute, It’s My Turn and Black Arthur. The latter two have been largely quiet over the season although their true ability is not in question. In early interviews Snaith looked to be leaning the way of Black Arthur but as he said, “There are lots of big races in the winter season but really this is the race we all want to win and you have to sneak into the race off the best weight that you can.”

On the other hand, Duncan Howells had his hand forced when Ten Gun Salute finished tailed off in the Drill Hall with a pulled back muscle and the Betting World 1900 was make or break. The race was the making of Ten Gun as he came from near last to win in convincing fashion. The 2200m trip holds no fears and in Muzi Yeni he has a rider who knows no fear. Yeni replaces stable rider Keagan de Melo as the connections felt that Yeni got on better with Ten Gun and victory would be sweet as the pair were well fancied last year.

One can carry on dissecting the form from all angles and still be none the wiser and probably more confused, but for me Ten Gun Salute’s 1900 win was the best July warm-up and before I change my mind again, he is taken to win from It’s My Turn, Black Arthur, Edict Of Nantes and the filly Safe Harbour.

By Andrew Harrison

Doyen Durban owners and breeders Roy and Gladys Meaker are looking forward to their ninth run in the country’s biggest race, the Vodacom Durban July, and there will be many neutrals hoping the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Mr Winsome gives them a richly deserved victory.

Gladys explained the lucky circumstances behind landing a share in Mr Winsome, “We were sitting next to Dean at the Sale when he was bought. Roy had planned to buy me a horse which was going through the ring later. Dean offered us Mr Winsome and we immediately replied we were in for a share. So we were the first shareholders. I love Silvano, he is my favourite stallion. But they are just about impossible to get these days.”

The Meaker couple’s last July runner, Ice Machine, who ran in 2015, was also by Silvano and they actually bred him too.” Ice Machine was a brilliant miler and was most unfortunate to end his career without a Grade 1 victory. In the July, trained by Charles Laird, he moved up superbly at the top of the straight, but the 2200m distance was beyond him and he finished 7th.

The other shareholders of Mr Winsome are Darryl and Victoria Dickerson, who will be flying in from Indonesia, and passionate Cape Town-based owners Bryn Ressell, Barry Zeidel and George Nichas. All of the owners are loyal supporters of the Kannemeyer yard and Dean said, “They are a great bunch of owners to train for.”

It is little wonder the Meakers are hooked on racing as it was not long after they had been introduced to the sport in the 1970s by trainer Sonny Whiteford’s daughter-in-law that they experienced big race success. In 1976 they had their first involvement in the July when their two Whiteford-trained three-year-olds Gigantic and Bahadur made it into the final field. Gigantic, who had won both the Dingaans and the Cape Derby, only just failed to place, finishing fifth at odds of 7/1, while Bahadur was seventh at 6/1 odds. Gigantic won the Holiday Inns later that year and Bahadur won the 1977 J&B Met in what was a momentous season for the Meakers.

Gigantic went on to run in the next three Julys without ever improving on his fifth place. In that 1976 race he finished a whisker behind Majestic Crown, who was running in the colours of one of the country’s biggest owners, Cyril Hurwitz. Gladys recalled those heady days fondly, describing Hurwitz as “a great character”. They also used to rub shoulders with the regal couple, Harry and Bridget Oppenheimer.

Later, the Meakers sent some of their horses to another great character of the game, trainer Brian Cherry.

However, their next July runner was the Paddy Lunn-trained Secret Rites in 1992. There was much anticipation that year as Secret Rites started 3/1 favourite. Top jockey Basil Marcus was flown out from Hong Kong to ride him. However, the day turned into a major disappointment. Secret Rites first he lost a shoe on the way to the start and then in attempting to overcome the widest draw of all he ended up too handy. He duly faded and finished stone last.

The following year Secret Rites started 6/1 and finished 10^th, although in his very next start he won the Gr 1 Mainstay International (Champions Cup) at Clairwood, beating the former July winner Flaming Rock.

Gladys said the only stressful time of the July build up for an owner comes at the time of the final field selection.

She said, “You know your horse is good enough but it’s up to the panel to say yay or nay.” Their biggest disappointment in this regard was when Ice Machine didn’t make the cut in 2014.

She said the week of the July is a time for enjoyment and there is always the Friday evening cocktail party to look forward to also.

However, she admitted the member of the family who always got most excited about their runners was her son Shaun, an outstanding photographer and a passionate fan of the sport of kings.

Gladys concluded, “I just love the July, it has that special feel to it.”

By David Thiselton

Vodacom Durban July Saturday 1 Tips and Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

Race 1
Preview: Wide open. POOL PARTY has some consistent Highveld form and has gone close in some good company. She was a beaten favourite last start but can do better on the poly. SILVER CLASS came good on the poly last time out and has the benefit of a good draw. LEISURE TRIP is coming t hand again. She has shown some smart form in the Cape. ABOUND WEST has won both starts on the poly and with a claiming apprentice up from a good draw she rates a strong chance. Stable companion COSMIC BURST finished ahead of Abound West last start and must have a chance on that showing. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-8-6).

Race 2
Preview: Wide open. HEAD HONCHO has shown up well in two local starts and makes his poly debut. He has a good draw and Marcus up so should be thereabouts. SCARRABEAST has been up against stronger at his last two. He goes well this course and distance. ARAMOUSE is no stranger to Greyville. His last win came on the Kimberley sand and that could hold him in good stead here. ARCHILLES is better than his last effort. He has gone close in useful company and another in with a winning chance in a very open affair. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-6-8).

Race 3
Preview: CROWD PLEASER was caught on the line by Vodacom Durban July runner Elusive Silva last time out and prior to that beat July favourite Edict Of Nantes. He only got a one-pound penalty for his last win and looks the part here. ZODIAC RULER continues to flatter to deceive but his time will come and it could be here. He is smart on his day. TROPHY WIFE has been struggling for her next win but has smart form in top company. She does have a fair weight. MY WORD may prefer it a touch further but is in good form and has a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-2-8).

Race 4
Preview: Wide open. BANNER HILL is back over what looks to be his best trip after missing out on a lace in the July. He goes well on this course and rates a strong chance. SON ON AFRICA ran a tremendous race in the T&B Derby when only going down late. He is in good form and should see out the trip. HERMOSO MUNDO was a very easy winner of the Gold Bow. He obviously enjoyed the extra and can go in again off this weight. ROCKETBALL showed signs of a return to form last time out after a spell in the wilderness. He goes this trip for the first time but has a handy weight. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-7-8).

Race 5
Preview: Difficult. LET IT FLOW was a narrow maiden winner last start but had gone close in two previous outings. She can do better this trip. DESERT RHYTHM has good form in a tongue-tie and has won over the distance which helps. She does have a wide draw but looks capable. GREEN TOP won well on debut and looks to have more to come. Draw a concern but rates a strong chance. NEPTUNE’S RAIN has a coffin draw but has smart form over shorter. If she stays the trip she will be a big runner. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-4-9).

Race 6
Preview: HAKEEM was a very easy maiden winner over the distance last time out and made smart improvement on a good debut effort. He has a fair draw here and is a strong contender. ANCESTRY is a smart looker and won as he liked last time out. He has done well on this course and is on the up. VARALLO has the best of the draw in pole position. He has smart sprint form to his credit and the extra will suit. TROJAN HARBOUR was an upset winner last run but enjoyed the extra after his maiden sprint win. He does have a difficult draw to overcome, one that has been the downfall of many a top horse. (6-1-11-10).

Race 7 Gr1 Vodacom Durban July
9 TEN GUN SALUTE   11 BLACK ARTHUR   18 SAFE HARBOUR   12 EDICT OF NANTES

1. Marinaresco – small horse with a big weight. Faces a tough task
2. French Navy – struggling to find best form but capable on his day.
3. Master Sabina – twice a Summer Cup winner. Capable on his day.
4. Brazuca – in a tough one at these weights.
5. Krambambuli – good form over further. Could find this too short.
6. The Conglomerate – last year’s winner. Has been campaigned carefully and can win again.
7. Saratoga Dancer – close-up fifth last year and better in at the weights this time around.
8. It’s My Turn – Derby winner and to hand at the right time. Good warm-up in 1900.
9. Ten Gun Salute – smart winner of 1900. Big chance on that showing.
10. Nightingale – smart warm-up in Tibouchina but will be tested here.
11. Black Arthur – improving and will be at his peak. Looks well weighted.
12. Edict Of Nantes – stable in hot form. Won Daily News and Cape Derby. Be right there.
13. Al Sahem – SA Derby winner. Form hard to fault. Top runner.
14. Mr Winsome – game Derby win and consistent but in a tough one.
15. Elusive Silva – in good form. Should be thereabouts.
16. Pagoda – looks held at these weights but stays the trip well.
17. Tilbury Fort – stayed on well in 1900. Better this trip.
18. Safe Harbour – always game. Light weight and can feature.
19. Horizon – not well weighted and does look held by other three-year-olds.
20. Nebula – disappointing last run. Can surprise if he runs.

Preview: The weights for this year’s race go pretty much according to the handicapping structure that automatically makes this more difficult as in theory all have an equal chance. EDICT OF NANTES comes from a red-hot stable and has had the perfect build-up and along with AL SAHEM appear to be the main three-year-old protagonists. However, a sneaker could be the filly SAFE HARBOUR. She has had a busy season but never runs a bad race and has bottom weight. The older horses are well in this year so one needs to look at their individual preparations. BLACK ARTHUR and IT’S MY TURN have both been shrewdly placed to get in with the best possible weight and both have top riders. TEN GUN SALUTE is over all his problems and his smashing win in the Betting World 1900 shows that he is in the form of his life. Last year’s winner, THE CONGLOMERATE, is also relatively well in and cannot be written off. Pressed into a corner, Ten Gun Salute is taken to beat home Back Arthur from Safe Harbour, Edict Of Nantes and Al Sahem. (Andrew Harrison: 9-11-18-12)

Race 8
Preview: HORSE GUARDS has his third run after a break and has shown signs of coming to hand at his last two. He has a light weight and a plum draw. ANGEL’S POWER has some smart Highveld form and was a close-up second to the smart and consistent Romi’s Boy last time out. He has done well on the poly. At the other end of the scale, ATTENBOROUGH makes his poly debut under a big weight but tries blinkers for the first time. At best he will go close. VARBRATION has had his fair share of problems but appears to be regaining his best form. Light weight and good draw are in his favour. (Andrew Harrison: 11-5-1-12)

Race 9
Preview: THE DAZZLER came from nowhere to beat a useful field of winners when winning at long odds on debut. A repeat showing will see him close again. AL MARIACHI comes from an in-form stable and was close-up to the highly rated Sand And Sea last time out. He does have a tricky draw but looks good enough to overcome. SNIPER SHOT is much better than his last effort and he will prefer the extra from a good draw. WELL CONNECTED was an impressive winner on debut against winners but he does have a tricky draw to contend with at only his second outing. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-7-9).

Race 10
Preview: JUST SENSUAL is a top filly and could prove too strong even for a high-class bunch of older contenders. She has a top draw and has prepped well for this race. BELA-BELA is arguably over her best trip and ran an excellent race behind Captain America in the Gold Challenge. She will be a big runner. CHEVAUCHEE has shown up well over two shorter races since arriving in KZN and looks primed for this one from a plum draw. GIMME SIX won the Daisy Fillies Guineas over course and distance and has the best of the draw which puts her in with a strong chance. (Andrew Harrison: 10-1-6-11).

Race 11
Preview: DOOSRA is showing signs of returning to his best form over what looks to be his best trip. The poly could suit. LLOYD’S LEGACY was just in need of his last start and does show some promise. He has a handy weight and looks to have a strong chance. MY PAL AL loves the poly and can do much better than his last two. BISHOP’S BOUNTY has a fair weight from a wide draw but was a beaten favourite at his last two and can make amends. (Andrew Harrison: 2-9-3-1).

Race 12
Preview: SECRET CAPTAIN and CARBON OFFSET have shown smart three-year-old form and with their light weights look to have a strong chance in this field. NEBULA is back over his best distance. He does have a tricky draw to contend with but should go well. BARITONE is starting to find his best form. He has a big weight but will go close on his best effort. (Andrew Harrison: 13-14-5-1)

Duncan Howells is KZN’s leading trainer and the only local trainer with runners in Saturday’s R4.25 million Vodacom Durban July.

Howells was left beaming after Ten Gun Salute blew away the field in the Betting World 1900 after being in two minds whether to run the gelding right up to the day of the race. “He pulled a back muscle in the Drill Hall so was out of work for a few days. After that Beth Shaw (equine physiotherapist) worked on him every day. After his work on the Friday he pulled up sound and as this was probably his only chance of making the July field I decided to have a go, but it was huge pressure.”

The gamble paid off and Ten Gun Salute scythed through the field from near last to win going away in possibly the most impressive build-up race to the July. “Muzi (Yeni) said he thought he was out of his ground just before turning for home so went wide to get closer. Ten Gun then just took off with him.”

Ten Gun Salute was strongly fancied in last year’s July but Howells says he is in a far better space now. “He’s had his issues, but since his gelding and being taken down with a lead pony, he is a different horse. I cannot get him any better.”

But as leading trainer Justin Snaith says, “There are lots of big races in the winter season but really this is the race we all want to win and you have to sneak in off the best weight that you can.”

Brett Crawford, having the season of his life, is a man of few words in public but is confident of a big run from the favourite Edict Of Nantes. Winner of the Gr1 Investec Derby and the Gr1 Daily News 2000, he points out that last year leading three-year-old Abashiri went into the July with 59kg and Edit Of Nantes, with relatively similar form, only has 54kg to shoulder. On that reasoning, either Abashiri was way over-rated or Edict Of Nates is way under-rated. Most would go for the latter scenario and with Anton Marcus prepared to strip 2kg off his regular riding weight, Edict Of Nantes is a worthy favourite. “My stable is in top form at the moment,” reasoned Crawford. “I’m very happy with my horses. Edict has come through his last run like he never had a run – he is very well.”

But wherever Edict Of Nates finishes, Al Sahem should be upsides as the two fought out a tight battle in the Daily News 2000 and champion trainer Sean Tarry’s runner is 0.5kg better off. In theory that should be enough to see the pair finish within a nostril of each other but while Edict Of Nates has drawn mid-field, Al Sahem as drawn 1 which over the years has proved to be a coffin draw. “I would have preferred to be out of the scrum, but I expect him to have enough early pace to find second or third place in the running,” said Tarry. In over a century only six horses have been successful from that gate, the possible reason being that one is seldom allowed to run your own race. You either have to go and hold position or drop out and be prepared to take you lumps at the back of the field. Former champion jockey and July winning rider Garth Puller put it in a nutshell. “It’s mayhem from the start to the first turn at the Drill Hall with everyone looking for position.”

That said, Al Sahem has never finished further back than second in his career. He is also a big, strong and feisty colt and with a little luck in the running S’Manga Khumalo could bring home the bacon for the second time after winning for Tarry on Heavy Metal.

The four-year-old’s look well weighted this year and most have got in pretty much on their handicap mark so Snaith is confident of a big run from all of his charges. Although cautious when pressed on which is his best he eventually went for Black Arthur. “I have aimed him specifically at the July. He’s the horse to beat. He’s a huge runner off 54.5kg and horses run for Grant van Niekerk who can ride him confidently. Of the older horse’s he’s the right horse.”

Snaith has a strong second string to his bow in former Cape Derby winner It’s My Turn. “He’s nicely in (at the weights). I purposely missed the Gold Challenge because we didn’t want any more penalties and he needed the Betting Word 1900 badly but is doing good work at home. His biggest asset is Piere Strydom. He’s the right guy for a big race.”

Reserve runners making the field often run way above what is expected of them so South Africa’s most expensive yearling Horizon may be a factor but Ten Gun Salute is taken to rise to the occasion ahead of Black Arthur, Safe Harbour and Edict Of Nantes.

By Andrew Harrison

The Vodacom Durban July Pick 6 could have made an instant millionaire of anybody who caught it last year, as it paid a dividend of over R4 million, and one of the races which the shrewd will be looking at to give them an edge this year is the highly competitive fifth leg, the Compendium MR 104 Handicap over 1000m.

Attenborough is an enigmatic sort who reportedly does not always bring his best homework to the track, but after he had stormed home from the back to win the In Full Flight Stakes over 1100m Anton Marcus said, “I think it’s the secret to him, to ride him slightly cold, and he will produce his best.” The same tactic was employed after a slow start in the Grade 1 Tsogo Sun Sprint over 1200m but this time he found no extra. The blinkers have now been applied, which will no doubt sharpen him up, and he might appreciate the step down in trip too from a good draw of six in a race with plenty of pace in it.

Asstar won the Listed Umgeni Handicap over course and distance last season and loves being in KZN. He runs well fresh and won his first start in KZN last year after a similar length layoff to this one. He is two merit rated points higher than his Umgeni win and has a draw of nine as opposed to five, but the pace in this race will suit him and he will likely make a bold bid.

Elusivenchantment faced impossible tasks in her last two sprint starts in the Computaform Sprint and SA Fillies Sprint, but before that over this suitable 1000m trip she went close to the speedy and classy Jo’s Bond in the Listed Kwa-Zulu Natal Stakes where they both carried 61,5kg. From a good draw of five this speedy filly should be right up with the pace from the off and as one who has won four times over 1200m she should run all the way to the line.  Alec Forbes did very well aboard Elusivenchantment’s half-sister Via Africa for owners Andre Hauptfleisch and Albert Boshoff and the latter pair have requested a renewal of this partnership. She is only two points higher than her last handicap win, although that was against her own gender.

The last time Vision To Kill faced Elusivenchantment over this trip was in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Stakes and she was beaten 1,3 lengths. However, she was cramped for room for most of the race. If weight for age is taken into account they face each other on the same terms and she would be a leading fancy if it was not for her tough draw.

Angel’s Power showed a fine turn of foot the last time he went this trip at Turffontein to win going away under Piere Strydom. Strydom is back aboard from draw seven and the race should set up well for this gelding by Miesque’s Approval, whose progeny love the poly. On the downside he is seven points higher in the merit ratings than that last win.

The pace in the race will suit the big and rangy Doing It For Dan, who has enjoyed his two runs on the poly. He can be dropped out from a wide draw of ten and gather momentum for an effort in the straight, although the form of his third over course and distance two runs ago is questionable in the context of this race.

Our Destiny faces Elusivenchantment on 0,5kg better terms for a 0,5 length beating in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Stakes, but she was affected by scrimmaging in that race which cost her a length or two. She was well beaten by Vision To Kill in the Poinsettia, which confuses the form, as she was then very impressive over that same Scottsville 1200m trip next time out when showing an exceptional turn of foot. She has a plum draw and if producing her best will be a big runner in a race which should pan out well for her.

Isca comes off an outstanding sixth place in the Computaform Sprint and attempts to retain his crown here. He will be staying on but is seven points higher in the merit ratings than last year and is draw eleven compared to two.

Hashtag Strat has exceptional cruising speed and from a draw of two is likely to make a bold bid from the front.

Highway Explorer has speed and some class but has a tough draw of eight and is three points higher than when winning the off season African Holly Handicap over course and distance.

Horse Guards has a chance on weight turnarounds with Attenborough. He won his debut over course and distance by five lengths and is drawn in pole, so must have a shout.

The once highly promising Varbration is well drawn and has been in good form off a lowered  merit rating, but is officially 2kg under sufferance.

There is not much between Hashtag Strat and Angel’s Power at the weights considering their last meeting, but the former is improving and has a plum draw, especially for her pacey style.

Hashtag Strat is tipped to beat Angel’s Power with Asstar in third and Our Destiny, Attenborough and Doing It For Dan are selected to follow them home, although it’s hard to ignore just about every horse in the race.

By David Thiselton

Only one horse has won the Vodacom Durban July under top weight since El Picha scored for the second time in 2000 and that was Pocket Power in 2008. Marinaresco carries the same Marsh Shirtliff colours and Candice Bass-Robinson has not forgotten how unlucky he was in last year’s race.

“Besides being good enough, your horse needs to have a bit of luck in running and have things go his way,” she says. “It’s a tough ask for Marinaresco with 60kg on his back (he had only 55.5kg 12 months ago) but he is fit and well, he is fresh and has a draw I am happy with. He always tries his best and I am sure he will run a good race.”

The bookies have lost faith in the one-time favourite and have pushed him right out to 16-1, two points longer than Majorca winner Nightingale who has the advantage of four-time July winning jockey Anthony Delpech in the irons.

“Nightingale has come on a lot as a four-year-old and she will get the trip comfortably,” says Mrs Robinson. “If she had a kilo and a half less, or even a kilo, she would be very competitive. In saying that she always runs an honest race, she has a good draw and she will maybe run into the money.”

Horizon, originally first reserve, completes the Milnerton trainer’s first July hand at 20-1. “That was a good run in the Daily News and he is a kilo better with Edict Of Nantes plus half a kilo better with Al Sahem, so he is certainly not without a chance. Unfortunately he is not drawn well so he will need that bit of luck.”

By Michael Clower

Garth Puller has a few runners as a trainer at this year’s Vodacom Durban July, which will mark the 30^th anniversary of his brilliant ride on Bush Telegraph in one of history’s most celebrated Julys.

Puller dieted strictly on brown rice and stewed apples to ride Bush Telegraph at 49kg in 1987 and he gave an insight into Anton Marcus’s task this year of slimming down to 54kg to ride the favourite Edict Of Nantes.

“It won’t be a problem for Anton, he has had enough time and will just have to watch his diet and increase his amount of exercise.”

Puller reckoned Edict Of Nantes would be in the top three, although his tip to win is Black Arthur, who created a little bit of controversy by being included in the final field ahead of first reserve runner Horizon.

Black Arthur’s trainer Justin Snaith said at a panel discussion on Friday evening, “The one good thing is we will now be able to see.” He was referring to Horizon now being in the field and facing Black Arthur after the unfortunate scratching of one of his own runners Elusive Silva.

Puller has a chance in the first race with the progressive Silvano filly Flying Silver, who jumps from a tricky draw of ten in the MR 84 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m with Sherman Brown up.

He said, “It is a tough race and the two to beat in my opinion are Silver Class and Lesiure Trip.”

Puller said his sprinting gelding Asstar had always enjoyed KZN and his late first appearance this year was due to him not being able to find a suitable race for him coupled with him getting him fit at Summerveld, where he has been for a while. Asstar runs in the eighth race, a MR 104 handicap over 1000m on the poly, and Brown rides from a tricky draw of nine. Last year Asstar won both of his Champions Season 1000m starts and one of them was in the Listed Umgeni Handicap over Saturday’s course and distance. In his only other start he finished third in the Grade 2 Post Merchants over 1200m. However, Puller was annoyed Asstar is still two points higher in the merit ratings than he was for the Umgeni, despite having not won a race since. In the handicapper’s defence he did finish second in the Listed Southeaster Sprint over 1100m to Tevez in December.

Puller has Mieque’s Approval colt Ryker in the KZN Yearling Sale Million over 1300m on the turf.

He said, “He is a nice type but is in the deep end from an outside draw, although he won’t disgrace himself. ” He showed a nice turn of foot when winning his debut over 1000m and his full-sister Preamble won over 1400m. However, the big talking horse in this race is the 17/20 favourite Al Mariarchi, who finished third in the Grade 1 Tsogo Sun Medallion and comes from the unstoppable yard of Brett Crawford.

Puller had always wanted to try Rio De La Plata over 3000m and tries him in the Grade 3 SABC Gold Vase but he couldn’t be confident about his or Ever Dear’s chances as they are considerably out at the weights.

By David Thiselton