David Thiselton 

THE VODACOM DURBAN JULY is not a true handicap as there are some conditions. 

At the time of publication of the weights the following rules apply: 

“The weights shall not exceed 60kg and shall not be less than 52kg.” 

“The maximum weight for four-year-old and older females is 59kg and the maximum weight for four-year-old and older males is 60kg.” 

“The minimum weight for females is 52kg and the minimum weight for males is 53kg.” 

“The maximum weight for three-year-old females is 56kg and the maximum weight for three-year-old males is 57kg.”   

The weight for age allowance for a three-year-old at the time of the VDJ is 2kg (equals four merit rated points). 

Therefore, if the highest rated horse Rainbow Bridge remains on 134 and presuming that will be the highest merit rating in the race then: 

1) the three-year-old females will carry half-a-kilogram more than 52kg for every point their merit rating is above 122. 

2) the three-year-old males will carry half-a-kilogram more than 53kg for every point their merit rating is above 124. 

3) the four-year-old and older females will carry half-a-kilogram more than 52kg for every point their merit rating is above 118. 

4) the four-year-old and older males will carry half-a-kilogram more than 53kg for every point their merit rating is above 120. 

5) a three-year-old male who is rated 132 or more (and not above 134) will carry 57kg. 

6) a three-year-old female who is rated 130 or more (and not above 134) will carry 56kg 

7) a four-year-old or older female who is rated 132 or more (and not above 134) will carry 59kg.   

There is one scenario in which a three-year-old female, three-year-old male or four-year-old or older female can carry more than 56kg, 57kg or 59kg respectively and that is if they are the highest rated horse in the race.   

The relevant clause in that case is: “Notwithstanding 2 and 3 above (i.e the weight minimum and maximum rules), the Handicapper will raise all weights proportionately to 60kg.” 

This happened in 2016 when three-year-old Abashiri on 117 was the highest rated horse in the race, two points higher than the 115 of the highest rated four-year-old or older horse French Navy. 

The handicappers therefore had to allot Abashiri the maximum weight of 57kg for a three-year-old and then calculate the rest of the weights from that starting point. 

This meant French Navy ended up with 58kg after the three-year-old weight for age allowance had been factored in. 

The weights were then all dragged up to 60kg, meaning Abashiri had to carry 59kg.   

However, this year the key merit ratings, presuming Rainbow Bridge stands his ground at the time of the publications of the weights and is still merit rated 134, are: 

118 for older females; 

120 for older males; 

122 for three-year-old females; 

124 for three-year-old males. 

Trainers would ideally want their charges to be on those respective merit ratings or below because otherwise they are going to have to carry more than the minimum possible weight for their respective age and gender. 

As things stand the horses who will be carrying more than the minimum possible weight for their age and gender are: 

Rainbow Bridge                                   (134) 60kg; 

Belgarion                                             (130) 58kg; 

Do It Again                                          (129) 57.5kg; 

Summer Pudding                                 (129) 57.5kg; 

Golden Ducat                                      (128) 57kg; 

Jet Dark (3yoc)                                   (130) 56kg; 

Got The Greenlight                              (124) 55kg; 

Sovereign Spirit                                   (124) 55kg; 

Captain’s Ransom (3yof)                     (126) 54kg; 

Malmoos (3yoc)                                   (125) 53.5kg; 

Running Brave                                    (119) 52.5kg 

The horses who will be carrying the minimum possible weight for their age and gender without being under sufferance are: 

Cirillo (120) 53kg; War Of Athena (122) 52kg; 

Common terminology which describes the above two cases is: “War Of Athena/Cirillo sneaks into the handicap with the minimum  weight”. 

So as it stands only 13 horses are “in the handicap”. 

 The other 41 are all “under sufferance.” 

Of course a lot can change as the merit ratings will be affected by the many big races between now and June 15, the day on which the weights are published for the big race. 

The weights can not change between June 15 and the big race date, July 3. 

Andrew Harrison

BABY SHOOZ was among the lowest rated entries in the list of 54 nominations for the Vodacom Durban July that were revealed on Wednesday. It may have been an optimistic entry by Peter Muscutt but it is best to get in at the bottom if you think there is a possibility for improvement given that supplementary entries are not cheap.

Baby Shooz has always been held in high regard and a race like the WSB 1900 could well prove a stepping stone into the July for a horse of his ilk.

He lines up in a seven-horse field in the opening leg of the Pick 6 on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday and the race can go some way into showing which way he is headed.

There was little to write home about in his come-back run in the Kings Cup where he hardly got out of first gear from his 12 draw and finished 12^th.

It was not his run and Muscutt has exchanged apprentice Jabu Jacobs for Anton Marcus.

So, the jury is out at this stage and while you cannot leave Baby Shooz out of any combinations with any confidence it may prove prudent to look elsewhere for the winner.

Justin Snaith was priming Native Tongue for a possible raid on a Highveld feature earlier in the season after a cracking effort behind Share Holder in a Novice Plate. A relatively disappointing effort next time out when favourite saw all plans on hold in spite of turning the tables on Share Holder on more beneficial weight terms.

Native Tongue has had one run back since that win and there was a lot to like about the way he was finishing behind Quick Star. He is over a more suitable trip here.

Sir Michael was in that same race behind Quick Star and was running at them late. He too was returning from a break and Dean Kannemeyer should have him fit and fighting.

Punters face a particularly tricky card but one of the more interesting races is the seventh. Duncan Howells entered Quepid for the WSB Fillies Guineas on May 2 but said that given the likely strength of that field, Sunday’s race was a more realistic option.

The daughter of Querari has taken time to come to hand but is in cracking form of late. Howells was mystified by her defeat to Freestate Star at her penultimate outing but a slight change of tactics in her first start on the poly saw apprentice Thabiso Gumede ride a cracker to get his mount up on the line.

On that showing the 1900m of this race should suit and the Guineas may still remain an option.

Emerald Palace made short work of Laurel Lane when shedding her maiden over course and distance last time out, cantering to a 14-length victory. Laurel Lane subsequently franked that form but Howells will have a good line on Gavin van Zyl’s filly as she was a victim of Quepid in the maidens.

Likely favourite is the year-old Silver Maria. She warmed up nicely at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last time out, staying on well behind Keep On Dancing. Her Cape form before arriving in KZN was solid and if she takes to the poly, Quepid will need to pick up her feet.

David Thiselton

JUSTIN SNAITH is going all out to equal the 108 year-old record of Fred Murray, the only trainer to have won four Durban July’s in succession, and has entered eleven runners in this year’s renewal which will be sponsored by Vodacom for the 20th time.

Murray won the race every year from 1910 to 1913 with four different horses including Nobleman, who was ridden by Hall Of Fame trainer Syd Laird’s father Alec Laird.  

The famous race has attracted an entry of 54 this year and the strength in depth will ensure that its 122nd renewal is one of the strongest in its fabled history.  

Six of Snaith’s entries are owned or part-owned by top Durban Businessman Nick Jonsson, including twice winner Do It Again, who will have a second crack at becoming the first horse to win the race three-times, L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate winner Jet Dark, The Gatekeeper, Crown Towers, Sachdev and Silver Host.

The Gatekeeper is a full brother to Vodacom Durban July winner Legislate and has for a long time been one of Snaith’s chief July hopes this season. However, he is a slow maturing type, so the best is yet to be seen of him and he still has a bit to do to qualify.

Snaith regards Silver Host as one of the dark horses, although he would appreciate further than 2200m and was not as impressive as The Gatekeeper in today’s race course gallop.

Snaith’s five other entries are last year’s winner Belgarion, the star filly Captain’s Ransom, Hoedspruit, Doublemint and African Night Sky.

Captain’s Ransom is by speed influence Captain Al and her two Grade 1 wins have been over a mile. However, she is a half-sister to a Sir Percy gelding who has won over two miles on the all-weather in the UK.

Snaith will be going for a sixth VDJ win in total and he will thus be attempting to join the legendary Terrance Millard as the second-most prolific winner of the race behind seven-time winner Syd Laird.

Twice Vodacom Durban July winner and reigning national champion trainer Sean Tarry has eight entries but does not have a very strong hand. Cirillo is the highest rated among them but has a stamina doubt, so the most exciting of his entries are probably the progressive filly Seehaam, who will relish the step up in trip, and the classy three-year-old Flying Carpet, who was a fast finishing fourth in the Grade 1 WSB SA Classic.

The highest rated horse in the race is the Eric Sands-trained dual Met winner Rainbow Bridge on 134. Runner up two years ago, he carried topweight last year and ran the first 2000m in a quicker time than the Hollywoodbets Greyville course record for 2000m so he will have a fine chance if ridden more conservatively. His stablemate Golden Ducat ran a cracking fourth last year and is a lot better than his Met sixth place, a disappointing run which might have been the result of having had too hard a race when winning the Grade 2 Glorious Goodwood Premier Trophy. Both horses are owned by Mike Rattray, a nonagenarian who has had a lifelong ambition to win this race.

Four-time VDJ-winner Mike de Kock has two entries including the WSB SA Triple Crown hero Malmoos.

The Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara heroine, the Paul Matchett-trained War Of Athena is also among the entries.

Three-times VDJ-winner Dean Kannemeyer has three entries including the Grade 1 Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock and the Grade 3 Politician Stakes runner up Legitimate. Russian Rock is a son of 2012 VDJ winner Pomodoro and Legitimate is a son of Kannemeyer’s first July winner Dynasty. The latter got home from draw 20 out of 20 in 2003 ahead of the Mike Rattray-owned Yard-Arm and it is regarded as one of the race’s greatest performances. Dynasty has already produced two July winner, Legislate (2014) and Belgarion (2020).

Veteran Cape trainer Vaughan Marshall has two entries including Grade 1 Cape Derby winner Linebacker and the hard-knocking Grade 1 performer Rascallion.

Another top Cape three-year-old entered is the Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix-trained Kommetdieding, the unbeaten Grade 3 Politician Stakes winner. He is third favourite in the Hollywoodbets betting.

Last year’s runner up, the Joe Soma-trained Got The Greenlight, is also entered. He might come in well weighted and is the current second favourite behind Malmoos.  

Leading Johannesburg trainer Paul Peter has tree entries including the darling of the SA turf and current Equus Horse Of The Year Summer Pudding.

Johan Janse van Vuuren has three entries including Second Base, who was placed in every leg of the WSB SA Triple Crown, and the progressive three-year-old Puerto Manzano.

Candice Bass-Robinson, the only lady to have ever won the VDJ (with Marinaresco in 2017) has entered Met third-placed Sovereign Spirit.

The Cape’s Adam Marcus has entered Princess Calla, third in the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes and fifth in the Met.

KZN have eight entries but all of them will need something of a miracle to qualify considering this year’s strength.

The Zietsman Oosthuizen-trained Grade 2 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers winner Atyaab is the sole entry from the Eastern Cape.

David Thiselton

SIX big horses for the SA Champions Season, Kommetdieding, Linebacker, Seeking The Stars, Captain’s Ransom, The Gatekeeper and Silver Host galloped at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday and pleased their respective connections.

The unbeaten Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix-trained Kommetdieding, a comfortable winner of the Grade 3 Politician Stakes over 1800m, missed his last start due to an overreach injury. However, he was only out of work for a week and looked in fine fettle in the parade ring. Rix described him as not a big horse at all, about sixteen hands and one inch, but as one who carried himself well. She also spoke of his wonderfully laid back temperament adding, “He is still a colt but doesn’t know it.” Kommetdieding sat behind stable companion, the twice winner Pink Ffloyd, from the Drill Hall and was superbly relaxed under regular rider Sihle Cele. In the straight he switched out and the acceleration was instant. He used his big action and was obviously enjoying himself and kept Pink Floyd, who came back at him, at bay. 

Next up was the Vaughan Marshall-trained Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby winner and Grade 1 Cape Guineas runner up Linebacker and his stable companion Seeking The Stars, who beat him into second in the Grade 3 Cape Classic over 1400m before winning the De Grendel CTS Ready To Run Stakes over 1400m and then finishing unplaced in the Cape Guineas. Seeking The Stars, a natural front-runner, led the pair under Anton Marcus. Linebacker, under Grant van Niekerk, switched out at the top of the straight and using his big, uncomplicated stride made up the leeway effortlessly. They then galloped together to the line, although Linebacker ducked away from the shadow at the finish post. On that performance Linebacker could well be the one to beat in the Grade 2 WSB Guineas on May 2 from a plum draw, as he glided past the stands in eyecatching style.  Kommetdieding will be a tough nut to crack but does have a wide draw of eleven out of the 15 entries. Seeking The Stars is not out of it either. Marshall pointed out that he had simply gone too slowly in the Cape Guineas and said he would not only stay 1600m but probably further. However, he will have to be used up to a certain extent to get to the front from a wide draw, which is currently 13.

Captain’s Ransom, a winner of five out of six including the Grade 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas and the Grade 1 Majorca Stakes, also over 1600m, is an impressively strong individual. She is described by trainer Justin Snaith as “a machine.” She worked on her own and anybody wandering who did not know her would not have been overly impressed by the gallop as she was not asked to do a lot under Richard Fourie. However, Snaith obviously knows what constitutes a good workout for this star and was pleased. She starts off in the WSB Fillies Guineas where her she is cramped 3/10 odds at present and her chief opposition will be Princes Calla and the pole position drawn Miss Elegance.

The Snaith pair The Gatekeeper, ridden by Richard Fourie, and Silver Host, with Grant van Niekerk up, galloped at a comfortable pace from the Drill Hall with the latter in front. The Gatekeeper, a full-brother to former Vodacom Durban July winner Legislate, is still immature but displayed a big stride in the straight and the pair went to the line together. Snaith believes Silver Host is the best stayer in the country and regards him as one of the dark horses for the SA Champions Season as the Vodacom Durban July is on his radar. The Gatekeeper has for a long time been one of Snaith’s chief July contenders although he still has to qualify as he is merit rated just 110.  He starts off in the WSB Guineas.  

Andrew Harrison

Securing a berth in the 18-horse field for this year’s Gr1 R2 million Vodacom Durban July will be a scrap to final acceptances on Monday, 21 June with 54 names on the list at first entries yesterday.

All of the country’s big guns have been entered and it will be a game of chess for trainers trying to make sure of a July gate and at the same time protecting their merit ratings.

The country’s biggest race will be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville over 2200m on Saturday, 3 July.

Rainbow Bridge, a touch disappointing last year when sixth but recent winner of the Cape Town Met, will almost certainly top the handicap and he will be back for another tilt, all being well.

Eric Sands has also nominated stable companion and half-brother Golden Ducat, fourth in last year’s race.

Last year’s runner-up Got The Greenlight will be out go one better for Joey Soma and extract revenge on the winner Belgarion, also among the nominations and one of 11 entries from the Justin Snaith yard.

The four highest rated fillies are also entered, namely recent Gr1 HSH Charlene Empress Club winner and last year’s Equus Horse of the Year, Summer Pudding, facile Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara heroin, War Of Athena, Captain’s Ransom, winner of both the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and the  Gr1 Majorca Stakes and Running Brave, second to Summer Pudding in the Empress Club and the Gr1 Gauteng Summer Cup. Other notable entries are last Sunday’s WSB Scarlet Lady winner She’s A Keeper and the highly rated Princess Calla.

Mike de Kock has indicated that Triple Crown winner Malmoos may not take his place in the VDJ but the colt is among the entries along with the cream of the country’s sophomore males. De Kock has also entered Barahin, who is on the comeback trail after being winless since his triumph in the Gr1 Emperors Palace Charity Mile back in November 2019.

Snaith’s highest rated three-year-old, Jet Dark, winner of the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate beating Rainbow Bridge, has been entered along with 3yo stable companions Hoedspruit, The Gatekeeper and Sachdev.

The unbeaten Gr 2 Politician Stakes winner Kommetdieding, trained by father and daughter combination of Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix, is already based at Summerveld and could have his first KZN outing in the Gr2 WSB Guineas on Saturday, May 2.

Vaughan Marshall has entered Gr1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby winner Linebacker and Derby runner-up Rascallion while Dean Kannemeyer has entered Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock.

Sean Tarry has entered eight runners and Johan Janse van Vuuren’s three entries include the progressive Argentine import Puerto Manzano.

In all, this years Vodacom Durban July field could stack up into one of the strongest in many a year.

First entries for the  R 2,000,000  2200m (Turf)

VODACOM DURBAN JULY (Grade 1)

AFRICAN NIGHT SKY                     Justin Snaith    107     

ATYAAB (AUS)                                 Zietsman Oosthu  115     

AZORES                                             Dean Kannemeyer  107     

BABY SHOOZ                                   Peter Muscutt     96     

BARAHIN                                          Mike de Kock     119     

BELGARION                                     Justin Snaith    130     

BLACKBALL                                       Gavin van Zyl    110     

CAPTAIN’S RANSOM                     Justin Snaith    126     

CIRILLO                                             Sean Tarry       120     

CROWN TOWERS                           Justin Snaith    115     

DIVINE ODYSSEY                            J A Janse van V  110     

DO IT AGAIN                                   Justin Snaith    129     

DOUBLEMINT                                             Justin Snaith    118     

DR DOOLITTLE                                Paul Peter       105     

EXPRESSFROMTHEUS                   Stuart Pettigre  118     

FLYING CARPET                               Sean Tarry       108    

FULL BLAST                                      Michael Miller    86     

GOLDEN DUCAT                             Eric Sands       128     

GOT THE GREENLIGHT                 Joe Soma         124     

HOEDSPRUIT                                   Justin Snaith    108     

JET DARK                                          Justin Snaith    130     

KOMMETDIEDING                         HWJ Crawford/M   117     

LEGITIMATE                                    Dean Kannemeyer  101     

LINEBACKER                                    Vaughan Marshal  115     

MALMOOS                                       Mike de Kock     125     

MARCHINGONTOGETHER           Gavin van Zyl    106     

MATTERHORN                                Alyson Wright    100     

NETTA                                                Paul Peter       102     

PACK LEADER                                  Alec Laird       109     

PRINCESS CALLA                            Adam Marcus      118     

PROMISEOFAMASTER                  Candice Dawson   101     

PUERTO MANZANO (AR               J A Janse van V  110     

RAINBOW BRIDGE                         Eric Sands       134     

RASCALLION                                    Vaughan Marshal  111     

RUNNING BRAVE                           Fanie Bronkhors  119     

RUSSIAN ROCK                                Dean Kannemeyer  114    

SACHDEV                                          Justin Snaith    108     

SECOND BASE                                 J A Janse van V  116     

SEEHAAM                                         Sean Tarry       107     

SHAH AKBAR                                   Sean Tarry       108     

SHANGO                                           Sean Tarry       116     

SHE’S A KEEPER                              Gareth van Zyl    90     

SILVER HOST                                   Justin Snaith    110     

SOVEREIGN SPIRIT                        Candice Bass-Ro  124     

SUMMER PUDDING                      Paul Peter       129     

SUPER SILVANO                             Brett Crawford   104     

THE GATEKEEPER                           Justin Snaith    110     

TIERRA DEL FUEGO                       Sean Tarry       116     

TREE TUMBO                                   Sean Tarry       109     

TRIP TO AFRICA                              Duncan Howells   101     

TRISTFUL                                          Tony Rivalland   113     

WAR OF ATHENA                           Paul Matchett    122     

YOUCANTHURRYLOVE                  Fabian Habib     112     

ZILLZAAL                                           Sean Tarry       116     

   (54)

David Thiselton

REIGNING national champion jockey Warren Kennedy is “living in limbo” at present as he awaits feedback from various overseas racing jurisdictions who have displayed an interest in him but he said he would definitely still be in South Africa for the Vodacom Durban July and he was confident of Summer Pudding’s ability to handle the tight Hollywoodbets Greyville track.

Summer Pudding has won eleven out of 12, including three Grade 1s among eight stakes races victories.

However, the darling of the South African turf still has her detractors, who point to all of her wins being at Turffontein and to the form of her Paddock Stakes failure being collaterally similar to her Grade 1 Woolavington 2000 victory.

However, Kennedy said there was no doubt whatsoever that the Paul Peter-trained Silvano filly had not been herself in the Paddock Stakes.

He elaborated, “I could feel as far out as 800m that she was not herself. I had the perfect position behind Queen Supreme but by the 500m mark horses were going past us and she felt dead underneath me, yet she only finished five lengths back. And then she later scoped full of mucous which proved there was something wrong.”

Kennedy said about her ability to handle Hollywoodbets Greyville, “I think she will be fine as she has lost that flat spot she used to have. You must remember that when she ran in the Woolavington she was coming off a stop-start Triple Tiara campaign. The Oaks date kept on changing and she had to be kept on the boil for a long time without a definite race date to work with. Then the Woolavington was just three weeks after the Oaks so we decided to go for that but she was under par. I was at her the whole race, so she was flat and she still won which shows how good she is.”

At Turffontein Summer Pudding has reined supreme and although most of her wins have not been by wide margins she has always looked to have a bit in hand.

Kennedy was reluctant to name Summer Pudding as the best he had ever ridden, having also ridden the like of Rainbow Bridge, but he declared, “I would say she is the consistently best I have ridden.” 

He has a lot of good rides to look forward to in the SA Champions Season and the ones that immediately came to his mind were MK’S Pride, whom he said would be good anywhere from 1200m to 1600m, the Gareth van Zyl pair Vernichey and She’s A Keeper and AJ’S Captain from the yard of his wife Barbara and her brother Wayne Badenhorst.

The Kennedys reasons for immigrating are to maximize their financial security in order to provide the best possible foundation for their children. Their second child is due at the end of this month.

Warren has sent his CV to such racing countries as Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia.

Hong Kong is the ultimate destination for any jockey in the world due to the high earnings potential but the committee that assesses the applications only sit in May.

Ex-patriot South African jockey Donovan Mansour put Kennedy in touch with the right people in New Zealand. Mansour, a former champion jockey of Mauritius, had a career-ending injury while riding in New Zealand. 

The advantage of immigrating to New Zealand is the possibility of attaining a “critical work visa” which enables a jockey to not only ride in New Zealand but also to travel  over to to Australia to ride.

However, immigrating straight to Australia generally requires a jockey to ride for one stable for two years.

Andrew Harrison

TWO runners to have come out of the Cape Guineas and taken on older horses since arriving in KZN have come up short. Russian Rock and Rascallion have both run below expectations and although there may be excuses for both, their efforts could also be warning signs.

Cape sophomore form comes under the spotlight again at Hollywoodbets Greyville today where Lions Head and Look For Hounds face off against older runners in the Online Form Handicap, seventh race on the eight-race programme.

Rascallion ran no sort of race at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last Sunday and Vaughan Marshall will be looking for a better effort from Look For Hounds. Recently gelded, Look For Hounds finished with only one behind him in the Guineas but had the worst of the draw and was only seven lengths adrift of the winner, Russian Rock.

He steps up on the poly for the second time from the widest draw but took to the poly when finishing second on the Fairview surface at his previous start.

Outside of his Guineas effort his form was solid enough to suggest that he should be competitive but he has not been out since mid-December last year.

Lions Head has yet to run a bad race and also comes off a break. He did not contest the Guineas and in three starts beyond 1400m he came up short. This was probably behind his gelding and he has not been out since December.

However, he followed up his second on the Greyville poly with a facile maiden win on the turf next time out. That day he gave the impression that he was a colt with a bright future and he may still live up to that.

 The year older Maitland Magic goes best over course and distance and can do better than his last effort on the turf, his first run back from a break. His poly form is excellent and he could prove the best of the older brigade that includes Via Salaria and Quattro Passi.

Let’s Not Linger looks a fairly safe banker in the first leg of the PA as she has some useful sprint form from tough draws. Although up in trip she has a better marble and the extra should not be a factor. Indomavel, who enjoyed the step up in trip last run and looks to be coming to hand, and Diamonds And Toads look the principal dangers.

The opening leg of the Pick 6 could prove tricky but Mystic Master has not missed a beat since being sent over a bit of ground and looks the part. Decorated has the worst of the draw but came in for long-shot betting support last run and failed narrowly. He looks the biggest threat to the selection. Seattle Beat and Koura look pick of the balance.

In the fourth, Quickstep Lady and Perfect Princess look the pick. Quickstep Lady has some useful Cape form and was close-up to a good sort in her local debut. Vaughan Marshall has two top contenders in Perfect Princess and Go Lightly but both have drawn wide and make their poly debuts.

In the fifth, Maussane takes a five-point drop in the ratings and although she still has a big weight she does have the best draw. Anmer Hall has been racing over further but she drops in trip with first time blinkers and on her best showing can feature. Heartseas is a juvenile taking on older fillies but did well over the trip last run and has a handy weight. Aalsmeer has a wide draw but has been knocking at the door and needs to be included in all exotics.

The sixth is a difficult race and it may pay to go wide in exotics. Ice Imperial looks a cut above this field and although top weight could prove good enough. Hereinafter met stronger last run but Marcus has stuck with the ride and she can feature prominently in this weaker company. Maria Carolina has shown signs of coming to hand and can feature from a good draw. Hot Money is never far back and should have a strong chance of finishing in the money again.

Plenty in with chances in the last. Window To Africa returns from a lengthy break but has put in two smart efforts on the poly against stronger and can feature prominently again. Beat It found her best form last run and gets another chance as she was due for stud after that last run. Arctic Princess has the worst of the draw but goes well this course and distance. Ignore her last run when dropping her rider at her last start. Suzi Woo was desperately unlucky last run when battling for a gap. Don’t leave her out of anything.

RACE 1: Preview: CHOLLIMA (9) showed up well in a competitive Kenilworth feature last run after a a narrow defeat before that. Unless there is a springer in the market, he looks the right one. CALLMEMRGREENLIGHT (3) was disappointing in Cape Town but can do better back on home turf. FASSI (2) raced green in a fair debut and is sure to come on from that. Of the first timers, HASTA MANANA (8) has a smart pedigree and with Marcus up is one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 9-3-2-8).

RACE 2: Preview: LET’S NOT LINGER (6) has some useful sprint form from tough draws. Although up in trip she has a better marble and the extra should not be a factor. INDOMAVEL (1) enjoyed the step up in trip last run and looks to be coming to hand. DIAMONDS AND TOADS (7) has shown improved form back in blinkers and will be a big contender. VENTRILOQUIST (10) showed improved form back in blinkers over a sprint. Can finish in the money. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-7-10).

RACE 3: Preview: MYSTIC MASTER (8) has not missed a beat since being sent over a bit of ground. He looks the past here. DECORATED (10) came in for long-shot betting support last run and failed narrowly. He looks the biggest threat to the favourite. SEATTLE BEAT (4) and KOURA (9) look pick of the balance. (Andrew Harrison: 8-10-4-9).

RACE 4: Preview:  Tricky. QUICKSTP LADY (3) has some useful Cape form and was close-up to a good sort in her local debut. Vaughan Marshall has two top contenders in PERFECT PRINCESS (10) and GO LIGHTLY (11) but both have drawn wide and make their poly debuts. INTUITIVE (6) was not too far back to the smart filly She’s A Keeper last start. She steps up to a mile here but has the pedigree to match. (Andrew Harrison: 3-10-6-11).

RACE 5: Preview: MAUSSANE (1) takes a big drop in the ratings and although she still has a big weight she des have the best draw. ANMER HALL (2) has been racing over further but she drops in trip with first time blinkers and on her best showing can feature. HEARTSEAS (6) is a juvenile taking on older fillies but did well over the trip last run and has a handy weight. One to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-6-8).

RACE 6: Preview: ICE IMPERIAL (6) looks a cut above this field and although top weight should prove good enough. HEREINAFTER (1) met stronger last run but Marcus has stuck with the ride and she can feature prominently in this weaker company. MARIA COROLINA (3) has shown signs of coming to hand and can feature from a good draw. HOT MONEY (7) is never far back and should have a strong chance of finishing in the money again. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-3-7).

RACE 7: Preview: LOOK FOR HOUNDS (9) was never in the hunt in the Cape Guineas from the widest draw. He has a high MR and another poor draw but should go well in this company. MAITLAND MAGIC (6) goes best over course and distance and can do better than his last effort on the turf. LIONS HEAD (7) has yet to run a bad race. He has been rested but is over a suitable trip. (Andrew Harrison: 9-6-7-2).

RACE 8: Preview: Open handicap. WINDOW TO AFRICA (4) has put in two smart efforts on the poly against stronger and should feature prominently again. BEAT IT (3) found her best form last run and can go in again. ARCTIC PRINCESS (12) has the worst of the draw but goes well this course and distance. Ignore her last run when dropping her rider at her last start. SUZI WOO (10) was desperately unlucky last run when battling for a gap. Don’t leave out of anything. (Andrew Harrison: 4-3-12-10).

Andrew Harrison

FIRST entries for this year’s Vodacom Durban July, initially due in on April 13 are due today.

The entry date was moved to accommodate the National Yearling Sales and Gold Circle made a late decision to reschedule first entries to today, April 20, with names being announced on Tellytrack after the first race at Hollywoodbets Greyville tomorrow.

The July is the catalyst for interest in South Africa’s Champions Season and with a number of outstanding performers this season the 125^th running of South Africa’s most famous race is set to be a cracker.

With nearly four months still to go before the big race, successes and failures of horses with potential July credentials will be followed closely and debated country-wide.

Only 18 runners will be carded and a competition for a place in the field will be fierce.

Justin Snaith has campaigned last year’s winner Belgarion sparingly. Snaith did a brilliant job in plotting Belgarion into last year’s race on favourable weight terms and the gelding has only had three outings since his big success.

He beat Rainbow Bridge with a telling finish in the Green Point Stakes and finished third behind Jet Dark and Rainbow Bridge in the Queen’s Plate and second to Rainbow Bridge in the Cape Met.

The July will no doubt be on the gelding’s radar again but he will face a stiffer task this year as he has jumped in the merit ratings and will carry close to the top weight.

Eric Sands will be hoping for better luck with both Rainbow Bridge, likely top weight, and Golden Ducat, both certain entries, assuming they are fit and well. Rainbow Bridge has hardly put a foot wrong in his career and victory would finally realise the dream of prolific owner Mike Rattray.

Joey Soma has taken the slow route with last year’s runner-up Got The Greenlight and his preparation has gone well so far with the colt winning the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes in only his second start this term after warming up in the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes when touched off by MK’s Pride.

Johan Janse van Vuuren appears to have a possible contender in the progressive Argentinian-bred gelding Puerto Manzano. He has yet to be tested beyond a mile but finished off his recent race in fine style for back-to-back wins and could possibly go the 2200m of the July. Time will tell.

The name of last season’s Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara winner and Equus Horse of the Year, Summer Pudding, is sure to be among the first entries. The only blip on her CV to date was a below par run in the Gr1 Paddock Stakes where she was reported coughing post-race. She confirmed her well-being when winning the Gr1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes at Turffontein last Saturday.

She has also won at Greyville, winning the Gr1 Woolavington 2000, which cemented her place in the minds of most Equus voters.

This year’s crop of three-year-olds is being hailed as vintage after Jet Dark’s win the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate but the true test will be when the new blood is properly tested by the proven older campaigners.

Cape Guineas second-placed Linebacker went one better in the Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby and Guineas fourth-placed Jet Dark went on to upstage Rainbow Bridge in the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.

The one question mark is the weak showing of the winner, Russian Rock in the Derby and subsequently in a Graduation Plate at Greyville and Derby runner-up Rascallion’s disappointing effort in the WSB Sledgehammer at Scottsville on Sunday.

Recent Triple Crown winner Malmoos disappointed in the Cape Guineas but prior to that had comfortably beaten Linebacker in the Concorde Cup over the Kenilworth mile.

Mike de Kock has indicated that Malmoos may miss the July after a hard season but one hopes that another July trophy in the cabinet will prove too much of a temptation.

The Daily News 2000, the most important July warm-up for three-year-olds, should provide a telling pointer.

The big unknown is the unbeaten Kommetdieding. He was a short-priced favourite for the Cape Derby before injury scuppered his race but he was hardly tested in the Gr3 Politician Stakes where third-placed Rascallion, second to Linebacker in the Cape Derby, was three lengths adrift.

The Daily News 2000 will more than likely be on his radar.

Other sophomore male’s that have claims are Catch Twentytwo, The Gate Keeper and Copper Mountain who pushed Got The Greenlight to the limit in the Horse Chestnut.

Recent facile Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara winner War Of Athena is head and shoulders above her female rivals on the Highveld and Paul Matchett must surely have July intentions. The Gr1 Woolavington 2000 would be an ideal prep race.

Justin Snaith has another cracker in Captain’s Ransom, beaten only once and a facile winner of the Gr1 Majorca Stakes beating Clouds Unfold. She has not raced beyond a mile at this stage of her career and the Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes may be her main Champions Season target but her name may still appear on the list of first entries.

Running Brave, second to Summer Pudding in the Gauteng Summer Cup last season and last Saturday’s Empress Club Stakes, is sure to be among the first entries while confirmed stayers African Adventure and former Cape Derby winner Atyaab are also possible.

Two jockeys who may be forced into a choice of rides come Monday, 21 June, the date of final acceptances, are Muzi Yeni and Luke Ferraris. Yeni could be caught between Got The Greenlight and War Of Athena while Ferraris could be faced with a choice between Rainbow Bridge and Malmoos.

IN yet another significant show of support for the South African horse racing industry – and KwaZulu-Natal racing in particular, Hollywoodbets has committed to a 3-year sponsorship of the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge that will see the stake for this prestigious race increase from R500 000 to R1 000 000. The Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge will now be the second richest race on the South African racing calendar, being surpassed only by the Vodacom Durban July.

Over the past two years, Hollywoodbets has introduced initiatives to support each and every group of stakeholders in KZN and the timing for this new initiative is both exciting and gratifying. “If one looks back to July 2019 when Hollywoodbets secured the landmark naming rights to Hollywoodbets Greyville and Hollywoodbets Scottsville, who could have predicted that we were about to embark on one of the most economically challenging periods that South African Horseracing has ever had to endure? Hollywoodbets increased its support of the industry during a time when it has been needed most and to now have our partner as a long-term title sponsor of one of our most prestigious Grade 1 races during Champions Season, is the perfect fit,” said Steve Marshall, Gold Circle’s Marketing and Events Executive.

Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Executive, Devin Heffer explains that this sponsorship is about much more than just the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge. “This is about being associated with equine excellence and ensuring that the value and prestige of our champions is not diluted by economic stress. Hollywoodbets views itself as an integral part of the horse racing industry and the KwaZulu-Natal economy. The Champions Season is the magnet that attracts nationwide interest in the sport, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to meaningfully demonstrate our commitment to racing’s wellbeing. We will also use the day to enthusiastically build a bridge between horse racing and our other valued partners in sport and in the media.”   

The 2021 edition of the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge is likely to see two past champions in Rainbow Bridge and Do It Again renewing their rivalry along with L’Ormarins Queens Plate winner, Jet Dark. However, with R1 000 000 up for grabs, there will definitely be a host of challengers to the throne, as this year’s race, scheduled for Saturday 12 June at Hollywoodbets Greyville, promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated races of Champions Season.