David Thiselton

All the talk in the build up to Vodacom Durban July has centred around three horses, Got The Greenlight, Linebacker and Rainbow Bridge, and they are also at the top of the betting boards and this is being seen as a positive for record-seeking trainer Justin Snaith. Snaith was upbeat at the Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting on Monday and said, “My horses are peaking at the right time.” Snaith will be attempting to win the VDJ for a sixth time and will be bidding to equal the 108 year old record of trainer-owner Fred Murray by winning the big race for the fourth time in succession. The final field was announced yesterday and Snaith is represented by four runners and one reserve. His former Equus Horse Of The Year Do It Again will be attempting the become the first horse to win the July three times and drew 16, having won it from draw 15 in 2018 and from draw 8 in 2019 before finishing third from the widest draw of 18 last year.  Last year’s winner Belgarion drew eleven as opposed to 17 last year. Snaith would have been hoping for a low draw for his front-running type Crown Towers and he duly drew five.  His Grade 2 Peninsula Handicap winner Nexus drew 12.     His reserve runner is Silver Host who will likely go for the Grade 3 Gold Vase over 3000m if there is not a scratching that allows him into the big one.  

Andrew Harrison

Punters face a difficult card at Hollywoodbets Greyville this afternoon and lucrative exotic bet pay-outs are on the cards.

In the card opener, Seventh Song is a long-time battler but never far back. His best form is on the poly and he has the best draw which should help his cause. Rodriquez is a two-year-old taking on older runners but has shown some promise in competitive juvenile maidens. From a good draw he should feature. Master Dancer was a little disappointing last run but had shown up well in two previous outings over course and distance. The stable is showing signs of returning to form.

The second is a lowly 64MR Handicap over 1200m and Red Eight can make a winning debut for Yogas Govender. His last win was over course and distance and his Cape form under Vaughan Marshal was showing improvement. Interestingly, he races in the Marshall silks so the poly track is probably why Red Eight is back in town. Running Freely was narrowly beaten when taking on stronger last time out and he has done well over this trip. What A Blast has been knocking on the door for some time now and was finishing like a train from a bad draw last run.

The third is a maiden over 1400m. Indomavel was run out of it late over a mile last run on the turf. This shorter trip on the poly could see her go all the way.  Alittlebitnaughty made a smart debut over course and distance. Experience should count in her favour and she looks the main threat to the selection.

The fourth is a difficult maiden over 2000m. Rubondo has shown up nicely in two recent starts over ground and is back on the poly. He only got going late last run.  Miss Emblem takes on males but was running on smartly over course and distance last run. Catch The Tune enjoyed the extra when going a mile for the first time against older horses. He could prove even better this trip but does have a tricky draw.

Stable companion The Snow War lines up in the fifth and could give Frank Robinson a quick double. The Snow War goes 2000m for the first time but has consistent poly form and was not far back at his last two. Smart William has been knocking at the door since taking to the poly with blinkers. He also has the best of the draw and also steps up in trip. Winter Time has improved with each outing of late and looks primed for this event while Uplifted impressed in his maiden win and has a chance in this line-up.

Gary Rich sends out Boogie Shoes in the sixth, another tricky handicap over 1400m, and she can go one better after just failing to catch Kildonan Bay. She goes best over course and distance. Deerupt could be the main threat although she does have a difficult draw to overcome. But she has put in two smart recent efforts and was finishing well last run and the extra furlong should suit. Maidens Prayer has been struggling for her second win but has not been far back and showed good improvement in back in blinkers and has a better draw.

In the seventh over a mile, Rockcliffe has been much improved in blinkers and took on stronger last outing. Drawn well and should run a big race. Ferrari Ice has the worst of the draw and is worse off at the weights with Rockcliffe but is back over what looks to be his preferred trip. Captain Zee is lightly raced and returns from a break but he has shown ability and took to the surface on his poly debut.

The eighth is another tricky handicap. Fireonthetrack has been trying further but is never far back and from a good draw rates a strong chance. White Lightning showed signs of a form return last outing. He had shown early promise but has dropped way down in the ratings and he should be running at them again. Double Gemini is a bit of a handful but is a lot better than his last start and may just have needed it from a wide draw. What A Ryder was a recent maiden winner but had shown steady improvement before that and can finish in the money.

If you are still going into the last in your exotics, good luck. Duchess Of Cornwall was narrowly beaten on the poly last outing but has shown steady form since her maiden win. She has a good draw and a handy weight. Foxy Lady has been trying further but may well prove effective over this trip from a good draw. Noemi has been struggling for her next win but is never far back. She has been dropping in the ratings and may now be off a more competitive mark.

David Thiselton

THE JUSTIN SNAITH-TRAINED SILVER Host handed  the Vodacom Durban July final field panellists a last minute curve ball when winning the Grade 2 Track and Ball Derby over 2450m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday and it made their task of avoiding the annual controversy that follows their decision a tad tougher.

There were 30 horses still standing their ground at time of writing and they are all looking for a place in the final field of 18 which will be announced tomorrow. The two reserves chosen also have hope of ultimately lining up on July 3.

Looking at the last VDJ log, two places have become available in the top 18 with the scratchings of War Of Athena and Trip To Africa.

Doublemint, a Listed winner this season who was in 17th position on the final log, will also be under pressure to keep his position as he has been unplaced in both of his SA Champions Season, the Grade 2 WSB 1900 and the Grade 3 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial.

Another top 18 incumbent whose place will be under pressure is Running Brave who has not been herself in her last two starts in which she was beaten a combined margin of 40,50 lengths.

Realistic contenders for those two definite and four possible places include five horses i. e. Silver Host, Jubilee winner Johnny Hero (who was supplemented following that win) , Cup Trial runner up Tristful, Grade 2 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers winner Atyaab and Jubilee runner up Shango.

Winners of the Track And Ball Derby do not get preferential consideration for final field inclusion but Silver Host had been among the five horses looking in just outside the top 20 on the last July log and winning a Grade 3 together with his Grade 2 runner up position in the Western Cape Stayers might see him leapfrog those whose log position was based on placed performances in Graded races.

Snaith’s opinion that the four-year-old Drakenstein Stud homebred Silvanon gelding is the best stayer in the country went some way to being justified on Saturday. However, the July has always been on his program too.

The T&B Derby 0,70 length runner up Dream Destiny was rated only 73 before the race but more interesting was the 2,60 length third-placed finisher, the Grade 1 SA Derby runner up Pamushana’s Pride.

The latter was two lengths clear of Shah Akbar in the SA Derby and Shah Akbar was in 16th position on the last July log having followed that SA Derby fourth with another Grade 1 fourth in the Daily News 2000.

However, the difficulty the panellists face in Silver Host’s case is that he received 1.5kg from former Cape Derby winner Atyaab when beaten 2,25 lengths in the Western Cape Stayers over 2800m and the latter was only in 20th position on the last July log.

On the other hand Silver Host did beat Atyaab by 2,25 lengths in the Grade 3 Chairman’s Cup over 2500m albeit when receiving 4.5kg.

Johnny Hero is rated only 106 but the Jubilee is among the four races in the July conditions where the winner is given preferential consideration for inclusion in the final field. It will not be unprecedented to exclude him though as this happened to Coral Fever, who was supplemented following his Jubilee win in 2017 yet was still omitted from the final field. If Johnny Hero is excluded there are bound to be grumbles because the Grade 2 WSB 1900 winner She’s A Keeper and runner up Matterhorn were in 14th and 15th place in the last log despite merit ratings of 96 and 101 respectively. However, the WSB 1900 has a condition attached whereby the winner cannot get more than a six point merit rated raise and none of the other runners in the race can receive any raise unless requested by the connections. Both horses would  otherwise likely have been as high if not higher rated than Johnny Hero. Furthermore, Matterhorn subsequently finished a narrow and unlucky second in the Grade 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m which convinced the panellists he deserved a lofty log position.

Tristful, who was in 19th place on the last log, looked to have booked his place when finishing a narrow second in the Cup Trial. However, Silver Host has now created a sleepiness night or two for Tristful’s connections who face the possible prospect of being the first reserve for two years running.

Nexus, 13th on the log, was only third in the Cup Trial but was giving Tristful 1.5kg and lost to him by only 0,40 lengths. Furthermore, he won the Grade 2 Peninsula Handicap over 1800m in December, where he gave Silver Host 6kg and a 3,70 length beating.

Super Silvano was a narrow second in the Peninsula, receiving 6kg, and then beat Nexus a head when fourth in the Premier Trophy receiving only 1.5kg but he was well beaten by third-placed African Night Sky, who is still standing his ground in the July. Super Silvano was also only fourth in the Western Cape Stayers. Furthermore, he and African Night Sky have done nothing since the publication of the last log to be catapulted upwards from their positions outside the top 20.

Shango probably needed to win the Jubilee to be a definite inclusion but he was giving Johnny Hero 4kg and was beaten only 0,75 lengths so warrants consideration for a final 18 berth.

Tree Tumbo, who has won three races this season and finished third in the Grade 1 WSB Summer Cup, ruined his chances by managing only 5th in the Cup Trial.

Flying Carpet, fourth in the Grade 1 WSB SA Classic, would have needed to do better than seventh in the Daily News 2000.

Nevertheless the panellists face a tough day in the  selection process today and they might be hoping for a scratching or two to help them out.

David Thiselton

The Turffontein Inside meeting today has eight races and there are some opportunities for punters. 

In the third race over 2600m Understated is a rangy type who is improving. He stayed on well last time over 2000m and now goes over a 2600m trip he is proven over so he will be hard to beat from a good draw of two with Luke Ferraris up.

Whole Of The Moon stayed on well last time over 2000m and being by Elusive Fort and a half-sister to a winner over 2400m she looks to be the chief danger. 

In the fourth race over 1450m, I’m Al has his first run for the Paul Peter yard.  He has not run since January but his ability was shown on debut over 1160m when a close fourth to the talented Bartholdi with subsequent Grade 1 winner Battle Force a head further back in second.

I’m Al ran third when stepped to 1400m in his last start and does not have a lot to beat here so could make a winning comeback from a good draw. However, beyond him it is wide open.

Chief Rafeef will likely appreciate the step back down in trip and is well drawn. Right Choice and Signals have shown ability and hail from the top in-form yards of Mike de Kock and Sean Tarry respectively. Fast Draw and Regent’s Park also warrant consideration.

In the fifth race over 1200m, the progressive Royal Wulff is another potential Pick 6 banker. He is drawn in pole and after just getting up over 1450m last time the step down to 1200m should suit as he had previously won by 4,25 lengths over 1160m. His merit rating was raised only four points for his last win so he is probably now roundabout on the mark that he ran to in that penultimate start as he could only be given a maximum eight-point raise for that win. The dangers look to be the course and distance suited Oravar and the well drawn Down To Zero.

In the sixth race over 2000m, the highly regarded Reunion was tried with hold up tactics last time over 1800m and it worked well as he ran on strongly and just failed. It did not pan out perfectly and if he is able to be dropped out over this 2000m trip he will take a power of beating.

Ivalo’s Prince was caught wide in the same race as Reunion last time and not surprisingly faded. However, Muzi Yeni was absent for that run and is now back aboard from a good draw, from where he can run on well in his usual style and he should stay the trip.

In the seventh over 2000m, You Deserve It is knocking on the door and can go one better than her last two starts from a good draw over an ideal trip. Rabia The Rebel is capable and has dropped to an attractive merit rating so could surprise. Last Cheer, Senescence and Fasinada make most appeal of the rest.

In the last over 2000m, Lyrical Dance won well last time over 1800m and could follow up as a progressive three-year-old who enjoyed the step in trip last time and can do so again although beyond her it is wide open.  

Andrew Harrison

Alec Laird has seen opportunity at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today where he saddles two lively contenders in the Gr3 Track and Ball Derby and the Gr2 Track and Ball Oaks.

The races are Derby and Oaks in name only as both races are open to older horses with Pamushana’s Pride and Legitimate the only three-year-olds in the Derby and Jasmine the sole sophomore representative in the Oaks.

That said, Laird looks to have picked the right race for Pamushana’s Pride as the son of former Triple Crown winner Louis The King is rated way better than his older rivals – on paper at least.

The gelding stays well and only found Triple Crown winner Malmoos too strong for him in the SA Derby. Prior to that he had reeled off three straight wins against older opposition. Given that he is well in at the weights with a plum draw he must rate the horse to beat. 

Fellow three-year-old Legitimate ran a cracked in a sprint in his KZN debut after being a close-up second in the Politician Stakes at Kenilworth behind Kommetdieding. His Cape Derby run is possibly best ignored and one can expect a big showing from Dean Kannemeyer’s runner.

Of the older brigade, Silver Host stays the trip well and caught the eye last time out when running out of steam late behind Black Nap in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup. That was his first run back since the end of January and although the stable is off the boil at the moment, that last run should have brough him on nicely. This outing should also bring him on for the likes of the Gr2 Gold Vase and Gr3 Gold Cup later in the season.

Marchingontogether showed signs of returning to form last run and has been dropping steadily in the handicap while Share Holder has been racing in useful company. He does stay the trip and can feature.

Crome Yellow ran a disappointing race in the Lonsdale behind Black Nap but that was also his first run back from a lengthy break and he is likely to come on lengths from that showing.

Laid sends out the best weighted in the mare Chitengo in the Gr2 Track and Ball Oaks. Her last win came three runs back in the Aquanaut Handicap where she had Smoking Hot, scratched today, behind her. She was not able to keep pace with the progressive Puerto Manzano at the business end of her last race over a distance short of her best but she stays well and she rates a strong winning chance.

 Three-year-old Jasmine goes this trip for the first time but has been feature placed. She is lightly raced and if she stays, she could be a big runner given that she is the second best rated filly in the race behind Chitengo.

The Track and Ball Umlazi Pinnacle Stakes is a difficult race with many in with chances. Chantyman is a distance specialist and could get things his own way with a number of quick horses in the field. However, he is drawn towards the inside of the track and horses coming from off the pace have recently found serious traffic as runners shift in towards the inside rail.

Valyrian King his drawn one inside of Chantyman but Paul Matchett’s runner shows exceptional pace so will in all likelihood be in the vanguard inside the first furlong. He doesn’t stop either which could make things difficult for the opposition. A gate inside of Valyrian King is Constable making his KZN debut and he is also quick.

Good Rhythm is always game and goes very well this course and distance. With a 4kg claimer up he must also rate a strong chance. Vernichey is a class filly but does have a big weight. She will have been primed for the SA Fillies Sprint so a ‘flat’ race is a concern. Stable companion Candy Galore has a light weight and was close-up under a big weight last run over course and distance while the one-eyed Traces is no slouch in the galloping stakes.

Trainer Paul Matchett has withdrawn Triple Tiara and Gr1 Woolavington 2000 champion War Of Athena from next month’s Gr1 Vodacom Durban July.

Instead she will take on her own sex in the Gr1 Jonnson Workwear Garden Province Stakes on the same afternoon where she has drawn gate one.

She is likely to be up against dual Fillies Guineas winner Captain’s Ransom who has pulled a wide draw. She will be ridden by Muzi Yeni.

David Thiselton

Turffontein Standside hosts an interesting eight race meeting today and there looks to be opportunities for both exotic and on the nose punters.

The highest rated race on the card is the seventh, a MR 90 handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m and the progressive Lady Amherst can follow up on her last win, which was over this trip down the Vaal straight. That race did not pan out too well from an unfavourable low draw and she raced without cover in the front for the first half of the race and did not settle perfectly. It was thus commendable that the big filly, who has grown into her big frame, found extra to get up. In her previous start over today’s course and distance she appeared to have found a good position from draw six, one out and three back, but then pulled and S’Manga Khumalo had no option but to let her go and she thus rounded the few ahead of her coming up Turffontein’s energy-sapping hill. It was thus commendable she ran all the way to the line to be beaten just 0,40 lengths by Ululate. Three winners, including herself, have come out of that race. She was raised four points for her last win but now has a good draw of three and Khumalo would have learnt from those last two runs. It would be no surprise to see him taking her to the front and attempting to dictate. Querari Ferrari should beat Lady Amherst on a line through Ululate. Lady Amherst received 5kg from Ululate and lost to her by 0,40 lengths. Querari Ferrari gave Ululate 2kg in the Listed Syringa Handicap last time and beat her by 4,65 lengths. However, other collateral form points to Ululate having run below par in her last two outings and Querari Ferrari also has a tough draw to overcome. Sultanah gave Lady Amherst 2.5kg and a 0,40 length beating over this trip on the Inside track last November. There is now not only a reversal in draw fortune that favours Lady Amherst but the latter is also receiving 4kg. However, Sultanah proved how useful she is last time when going down narrowly over this trip on the Vaal Classic track to the progressive Paton’s Tears. She received 2kg from Ululate that day and beat her by 3,25 lengths which puts her ahead of Lady Amherst on that bit of form. However, on direct form between them Lady Amherst is ahead of Sultanah which might point to the Ululate form-line not being consistent. Now You See Me has a fine chance on paper with Lady Amherst as she is 2kg better off with her for a 0,40 length beating. She raced in front that day down the Vaal straight. However, she does not have as much scope as Lady Amherst and is also a touch one-paced so will need to find the front from draw six but might be kept out by Lady Amherst. Now You See Me sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and Chase Maujean knows her well. The topweight Rouge Allure is now seven years old but is still capable and enjoys this trip there days. She was beaten 4,75 lengths by Lady Amherst last time and is only 2.5kg better off. However, she does prefer going around the turn and is drawn in two so can’t be discounted off a mark that is now two points lower than her last win, which was on the Inside course last August. Making A Scene has a shout on paper on the grounds of her last run over this trip where she beat Lady Amherst by a short-head as she faces her on the same terms but in reality is 1kg better off if weight for age improvement is taken into account. However, there is a reversal in draw fortune that favours Lady Amherst. Ideal Angel goes for a hat-trick and as a typically progressive Ideal World four-year-old she is hard to ignore although Warren Kennedy is replaced by Ryan Munger and Kennedy rides the former KZN horse Nirvana Girl, who ran well over this trip first time out the maidens at Hollywoodbets Greyville. However, Nirvana Girl will likely find it tougher on the Highveld and she hasn’t race for five-and-a-half months. Golden Spoon represents the in form Mike de Kock yard and comes off a win over 1450m. However, she had previously been beaten 0,25 lengths over this trip by Ideal Angel and is now 2kg worse off in real terms and 1kg worse off if weight for age improvement is considered. That leaves Sweet And Spicy and Let There Be Light who will have to improve on their recent form and the former is returning from a layoff too. It is an open race but they are selected in the order mentioned.

In the previous race, a Classified Stakes race over 1600m, Encore makes appeal as a possible banker. She won a Classified event cosily last time over this trip and is the joint best weighted here and can follow up against uninspiring opposition. However, she does have a tricky draw of seven and the risk averse can also include Fifth Of July, who reverts to his probable best trip for the first time since his maiden win, and All Aglow, who is the joint best weighted and is distance suited and well drawn.    

 Andrew Harrison

The hunger for turf racing sees a ten-race programme at Hollywoodbets Scottsville tomorrow and punters are faces with competitive handicaps with mostly maximum fields.

This is a sure recipe for some upset results but the Tony Rivalland-trained Rain Wear could provide some protection in the exotics where she lines up in the fifth. She has been runner-up in her last three in what stacks up to be a fairly modest maiden field she should be able to go one better.

The balance of the card will keep all guessing.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Namaqua Dove has improved with every start and he gets a very much in form rider aboard that could make all the difference. Zuberi is drawn on the opposite side of the course when runner-up to the strongly fancied Mr Master Starter last time out but he has taken time to shed his maiden.

The sixth is a tough handicap but although Flying First Class was a narrow winner first up for her new stable she can come on from that effort and from a good draw can follow up. Top Me Up Holly took on stronger last run when recording back-to-back wins and has yet to miss a place so should be right there again. Rise has gone close at her last two and is in good form while Panna has her first run for a new stable. She took on stronger last run and is one to watch.

The seventh is another difficult handicap over ground but the mare Mrs Hotline looked a winner before Saint Phillip collared her close home last time out. She stays well and from a good draw can go close again. Dream Destiny has shown his best over course and distance and although he jumps from a tricky draw, he has a top ride aboard. Before Noon has his third run after a break and caught the eye last run and over his optimum trip. 

The final leg of the first jackpot could rest between Kapen Pride who has come on nicely at recent starts and has been taking on stronger. He does switch to the turf but has the best of the draw. Mr Gonzales is well regarded by his stable but not the easiest. He showed something like his best form last run and if he can get it together, he will be a threat.

Scottsville is a horse’s for course and Blaze Of Silk is just that. He is at his best over course and distance and was narrowly beaten at his last two. Should he not run up to expectations then there will be a host of challengers. Princekresh could be a threat as he was well supported in the betting last run over course and distance when back on the turf. The filly Wizz of Odds has taken time to come down in the handicap but goes well this course and distance while King’s Road has smart form on the poly and can follow up on his last win if he takes to the turf. Valiente is quick and goes well this trip and is a must include in all calculations.

David Thiselton

The Justin Snaith-trained Crown Towers has been supplemented for the Vodacom Durban July after winning the Grade 3 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday having earlier being scratched from the big race following his disappointing fourth place finish in the Grade 2 WSB 1900. 

The difference between the two races was that his chances of getting to the front in the WSB 1900 were scuppered by the horse drawn inside of him, Share Holder, whereas none of the horses inside of him on Saturday wanted the lead and he was able to get to the front fairly easily from a wide draw of seven out of eight.

He was thus able to bowl along in front using his stride the way he likes to and it also gave him the chance to fend off the challengers in the straight which he has been shown time and time again to be capable of.

In the 1900 he was caught one wide on the leaders quarters and tended to over-race, so it was not surprising he found little extra in the straight.

On Saturday he showed his usual good kick at the top of the straight to steal a length on Tristful, who had sat behind him in the running. Tristful then ran on to join him on his inside, while Nexus and Capoeira were challenging on his outside.

However, he dug down when Richard Fourie asked him the question and found enough to get up by a neck from Tristful with Nexus 0,40 lengths further back in third. 

Jay August, South Africa’s sectional timing guru, summed up the reason for Crown Towers’ ability to win from the front.

He said, “He can set both moderate and challenging although never overly fast fractions, and stay on the front end to the line. He had to go a bit faster in the Cup Trial than he has so far this year, but not overly fast, and he did so without much fuss.”
He added, “Runner-up Tristful is similar to Crown Towers with two exceptions. He rates just off pace rather than sets it and he more easily finds the runner-up berth than he does the winner box.”

In fact, Tristful has not won a race since October 2019 but has finished second six times since then.

Saturday’s sponsor now have Got The Greenlight at 5/2 outright favourite for the July, with Rainbow Bridge and Linebacker next best together at 9/2. 

Thirty one entries remain in the running for a gate in the R2 million Gr1 Vodacom Durban July after final supplementary and weight stage was reached today.

Final declarations for the 2200m spectacular to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 3 July close at 11h00 on Monday 21 June.

The announcement of the final field of 18 plus 2 reserve runners, and their barrier draws, will take place on Tuesday, 22 June.