Candice Bass-Robinson became the first woman to win the Vodacom Durban July in its 120-year history when top weight Marinaresco (17-1) powered home under Bernhard Fayd-Herbe at Greyville yesterday. Few gave the diminutive gelding much of a chance under 60kg but he laid the ghost of last year’s race to rest where he finished second to The Conglomerate who was unplaced yesterday.

A blanket covered the first nine horses home, all finishing within four lengths of the winner with favourite Al Sahem beaten a head and Edict Of Nantes a further neck back in third. Rank outsider Krambambuli finished fourth.

Bass-Robinson is in her first season as a fully-fledged trainer after taking over the reins from her father, maestro Mike Bass, at the beginning of the season, August 1 last year.

Bass signed off his career with Marinaresco’s victory in the Grade 1 Champions Cup, that year the race named in his honour, and this was a fitting victory for both Bass-Robinson and Marinaresco.

Marinaresco is not the biggest individual but possesses an electric turn of foot and that is what carried him to victory. “I had a lovely race,” said Fayd’Herbe. “I followed Warren Kennedy (Mr Winsome) but he got into trouble and was pushed into the rail a few times. When we turned for home I had so much horse under me. I just waited for a gap to open. This win was for Mr Bass.”

Bass-Robinson explained that Marinaresco’s modest effort in the Grade 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge was a tactical mistake. “We tried a change of tactics and had him up handy to chase Captain America but his usual finish was just not there. It was a tactical error. You need to allow him to run his race and he will produce his finish like he did today.”

Bass-Robinson was quick to heap praise on her KZN assistant Robert Fayd-Herbe, brother to the winning jockey. “He did a fantastic job. He really had this horse looking well.”

Bernard Fayd’Herbe is one of the top heavy weight jockeys around but there was still debate in the stable as to whether current stable rider Aldo Domeyer should get the ride. “I put up a case for Bernard,” said his brother. “I thought with top weight he (Marinaresco) would not be carrying any dead-weight if Bernard rode him.”

Marinaresco raced in the colours of part owner Marsh Shirtliff, whose silks were also carried to a shared victory by Pocket Power who dead-heated with the filly Dancer’s Daughter back in 2008. Pocket Power was also ridden by Fayd-Herbe. An emotional Shirtliff said, “I’ve won in Dubai, but this is something else. This is the race we all want to win.”

Anton Marcus, who finished third on Edict Of Nantes said it was a form result. “I had a great run. I was perfectly happy with where I was placed and was happy with my horse. The form worked out. Half a kilo over 2200m,” referring to the Daily News 2000 where Edict Of Nantes finished ahead of Al Sahem.

Confirmed stayer Krambambuli was the surprise package in the race and at one stage looked set to cause a major upset. “I knew they would out-sprint me so I tried to get away at the top of the straight. He did everything right. The horse ran out of his skin but just got caught that last bit.”

Callan Murray, riding in his first July and due back in Hong Kong on Tuesday, said The Conglomerate had the run of the race. “I was just not his day.”

Piere Strydom aboard the fancied It’s My Turn also had no complaints. “They went slow so at the 1700m mark I decided to go around them. I did it easily so didn’t take anything out of my horse and I was happy to lead. But the going was a bit firm. Some of the horses felt it – mine was one of them.”

Bass-Robinson will also be encouraged by the report from Richard Fourie. Horizon, in the race as first reserve after the scratching of Elusive Silva , can a cracker in sixth. “It was a great run from a bad draw,” said Fourie. He’s on the road to becoming a champion. He will be a big horse next year.”

Bass-Robinson was unsure of future plans for Marinaresco. “He was going to go overseas, but because of an out-break of African Horse Sickness, he won’t be going now. I’m not sure about the Champions Cup. We’ll see how he comes out for this race and take it from there.”

For most of the riders it was plain sailing but both of Duncan Howell’s runners found trouble. The stipendiary stewards reported that Saratoga Dancer became camped for galloping room at the 1800 m mark while Ten Gun Salute was never out of trouble as he was hampered at the 1600m mark and again in the straight by fourth-placed Krambambuli, Aldo Domeyer copping a week’s suspension for his troubles.

Bela-Bela wins the 2017 Gr1 Garden Province

The decision by Justin Snaith to skip the Vodacom Durban July with his top filly Bela-Bela paid dividends as the grey spread-eagled her field in the Gr1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes.

Racing comfortably in mid-field under Anthony Delpech, Bela-Bela quickened away from her rivals at the top of the straight and put plenty of daylight between herself and her rivals. Her official winning margin being nearly four lengths from She’s A Giver and Bella Sonata.

The expected challenge from the year younger Just Sensual failed to materialise. However, she had a nightmare passage through the early fractions as Marcus battled to get her settled into a position on the heels of her chief rival. Just Sensual was on the heels of Bela-Bela turning for home but her race was run a long way out and she faded tamely in the straight.

“She is a phenomenal filly,” said Delpech “and this was the best I’ve ever felt her.”

Earlier, Sean Tarry added further to his spectacular season, landing both the Grade 2 Golden Slipper and Golden Horseshoe with Desert Rhythm and Purple Diamond respectively.

Andrew Harrison

Jockey great Basil Marcus would likely be the favourite for the accolade “Best jockey to have never won The July” and the horse he finished second on thirty years ago, the Paddy Lunn-trained Model Man, would be a strong contender for the title “The greatest July run to have not earned the winner’s sash.”

Marcus said, “To think the top three-year-old of that 1987 year, Bush Telegraph, who was unbeaten in eight previous starts, including the South African 2000 (Daily News 2000), only had to carry 49kg, compared to Model Man’s 57kg, shows just how great a run it was. Then in the race he was hampered at the start and ended up a long way off the pace. I had to build him up gently to make up the ground.”

In the straight, the great horse was soon eating up the ground with that enormous stride of his. However, Bush Telegraph had stolen too much ground when displaying a blistering turn of foot at the top of the straight and Model Man failed by 1,25 lengths to catch him.

“Two strides past the line he was in front,” recalled Marcus, and even after all of these years his voice tails off in disappointment.

Marcus revealed his fancies for this year’s race, first Edict Of Nantes, second Al Sahem and third Black Arthur.

He said, “Those two three-year-olds are progressive and Black Arthur has come back to his best.”

By David Thiselton

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.

Click to Download Tips

Vodacom Durban July day tomorrow has a guaranteed Pick 6 pool of R10 million and it is expected to reach over R11 million, so this is a bet many punters will not want to miss.

The first leg is the SABC Gold Vase over 3000m and is a potential stumbling block. However, the three most fancied are Hermoso Mundo, who won the Gold Bowl over 3200m full of running, Banner Hill, a long-striding sort who is also proven over this trip, and the gallant Serissa, who is as good as he’s ever been at age seven and has a perfect draw for his front-running style. Others to consider are Sun On Africa, who has always struck as a good stayer in the making and looks to have come into his own, Helderberg Blue, who is off the same merit rating as when second in the Gold Cup last year, and Captain Splendid, who seems to enjoy Greyville where he won the Lonsdale Stirrup in eye-catching style.

The second leg, the Gold Circle Golden Slipper, is the toughest of the Pick 6 legs and including the whole field has to be a consideration. However, the smaller budget selections in order of preference are Desert Rhythm, London Secret, Let It Flow, Neptune’s Rain, Gee Whizz, Bridal Veil and Lady In Black (if she gets in),.

Helderberg Blue (Nkosi Hlophe)

The third leg is the Durban Golden Horseshoe and Captain And Master looks top class and makes plenty of appeal from a plum draw. However, Trojan Harbour and Ancestry caught the eye in the Gatecrasher Stakes at Greyville. Highveld raider Hakeem and Varallo also have class and will enjoy the trip, so have winning chances too.

Leg four is the big one. Edict Of Nantes has the all right credentials to win July. He has good gatespeed and his good temperament means he can be switched on and off at will. He has an exceptional turn of foot and will stay the trip comfortably. His jockey Anton Marcus will be going for a record breaking fifth July, while his trainer Brett Crawford has already landed five Grade 1 victories this season. His draw of 12 means he will be away from the early scrum and Crawford is happy with it. He can be compared to the older horses on a line through Gold Standard, who made the frame in what looked to be an exceptionally strong Met field. Edict Of Nantes is right up with Gold Standard on his best form, yet is merit rated eight points lower so looks well weighted. He is a banker consideration. However, he beat his three-year-old contemporary Al Sahem by 0,5 lengths in the Daily News 2000 and the latter is now 0,5kg better off. Furthermore, Al Sahem is by the great sire Silvano, whoe progeny improve continuously and whom have won three Julys between them. Edict Of Nantes sire Count Dubois is yet to have a July winner. So, Al Sahem must be included in the Pick 6, despite his pole position draw meaning he is going to have his work cut out to avoid being shuffled back in the pack. It looks like a three-year-old race and the bold opinion is that this pair will be enough to get through this leg.

The fifth leg, a MR 104 Handicap,  is a tricky affair. Hashtag Strat has exceptional cruising speed and can stay all the way to the line over this minimum trip, so will have a big shout from a plum draw of two. Angel’s Power has a fine turn of foot and will be suited to the fast pace in this race over an ideal trip. Asstar runs well fresh and is two points higher than winning a Listed race over course and distance. Our Destiny is another who will be suited to the fast pace, while the classy Attenborough is interesting with first-time blinkers on. Doing It For Dan should be able to use his big action in a race with as much pace in it as this one, while pole position-drawn Horse Guards has a fine form chance and has come to hand since gelding.

The KZN Yearling Sale Million is the last leg and Al Mariachi will be all the rage having finished third in the Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion over 1200m last time and looking likely to `stay the 1300m trip. However, he has a wide draw and is not the certainty he is being made out to be. The Dazzler won his debut with long strides and did it easily and with Delpech up will be a big runner. Prince Of Kahal beat older horses well last time, Well Connected could still be anything. Cat’s Legacy and Crymeariver can also be considered.

By David Thiselton

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.

Anton Marcus (Nkosi Hlophe)

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.

Marinaresco (Nkosi Hlophe)

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.

Ten Gun Salute (Nkosi Hlophe)

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.

Edict Of Nantes #VDJ2017 Gallops

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

Three-time Vodacom Durban July-winning trainer Dean Kannemeyer will be hoping history can repeat itself on Saturday and will be relying on the gelding Mr Winsome to do it.

Two of Mr Winsome’s part-owners Roy and Gladys Meaker will also be feeling the butterflies 41 years after their pair of horses Gigantic and Bahadur gave them their first involvement in the July.

Anthony Delpech (Nkosi Hlophe)

Kannemeyer said, “He is looking a million dollars. He has had a nice preparation and was most impressive in the Betting World 1900, weaving his way through to dead-heat with It’s My Turn for third. He is sound and tough and quickens up well, so we are hoping for a good, clean run race. He has had the same type of program as Power King (2015 July winner) and has not put a foot wrong. Edict Of Nantes is the one to beat, but beyond him it is open. If It’s My Turn has a chance from draw 17, Mr Winsome is not out of it.”

Mr Winsome’s last run in the Grade 3 Track And Ball Derby does not look good on paper as he only just got the better of the 89 merit rated Sun On Africa, despite facing him at level weights.

It raised the question whether he preferred more forgiving going as some of his best performances, including in the 1900, have been on rain affected ground.

However, Kannemeyer said, “There was not a good pace and Anthony (Delpech) said he always had Sun On Africa beat.”

Kannemeyer arrived in KZN for the SA Champions Season two years ago believing he did not have a realistic July contender, yet he won it with Power King.

Mr Winsome has a remarkably similar profile to Power King.

The first parallel is he is a four-year-old gelding by the top sire Silvano and like Power King is a typical Silvano in that he keeps on improving with age. The second parallel is they both produced flying finishes from the back to find the frame in the 1900. They are both black type Derby performers, Power King having finished a close up second in the Winter Derby over 2400m at Kenilworth. Both will have only just snuck into the handicap, Power King with the minimum weight for an older male of 53kg and Mr Winsome with 53,5kg. Like Power King, Mr Winsome will have a KZN-based jockey who had never previously won the July aboard. Power King gave Stuart Randolph his first July winner and Mr Winsome has the in-form Warren Kennedy aboard. Power King jumped from a plum draw of six and Mr Winsome has a good draw of nine. Another interesting, if not significant, fact about their respective pedigrees is that both of their 8^th dams are by the early 20^th century ten-time South African champion sire, Greatorex. Power King’s 8^th dam is the 1909-born British-bred Greatorex mare, Trafalgar, while Mr Winsome’s 8^th dam is the 1917-born SA-bred Greatorex mare Nasturtium.

Mr Winsome (Nkosi Hlophe)

The one difference between the pair is Mr Winsome was so far off the July radar that Kannemeyer did not enter him at first nominations. He only entered the fray at the final supplementary stage on June 12.

He had begun the season merit rated 87 and after two unplaced runs over a mile on the poly had dropped to an 82. However, since then he has impressed on a number of occasions, including when flying from the back to win the Listed Michael Roberts Handicap over 1750m at Scottsville. However, his 1900 run was the biggest eye opener as it proved he was more than just a KZN off season performer.

He is now merit rated 102 and will face the 1900 winner Ten Gun Salute on 2kg better terms for a two length beating, and It’s My Turn on the same terms.

Kennedy has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and as well as riding the horse in work he even goes as far as grooming him and taking him for walks in the afternoon.

Kannemeyer would be particularly glad to win the race for “a great bunch of owners.”

He runs Var filly Mara in the Grade 2 Gold Circle Golden Slipper over 1400m and said, “She is an improving half-sister to Impala Lily but is more rangy and I think she will get a mile. It’s her first run out of the maidens, but she has a lovely action and it’s an open race so she can’t be left out.”

He drops Trippi gelding Summer Sky to 1200m in the eThekwini Sprint. The Trippis love the poly and Kannemeyer said, “He has potential and his last couple of runs didn’t go his way. He has to overcome a draw and is maybe best over 1400m but don’t leave him out.”

By David Thiselton

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.

Dean Kannemeyer (Nkosi Hlophe)

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.

Mr Winsome (Nkosi Hlophe)

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

The weights given to the three-year-olds in Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July – in particular to Edict Of Nantes – have been the subject of almost as much controversy as the historic treaty after which the favourite was named.

Many racing professionals are adamant that the classic generation has got off lightly and is going to throw up the winner for the first time since Legislate three seasons ago.

Edict Of Nantes #VDJ2017 Gallops

So, have the handicappers got it wrong? Durban-based Lennon Maharaj, who works in conjunction with colleagues Matthew Lips and Roger Smith, doesn’t think so.

He said: “We try to look at things as objectively as we can but the problem we have with the three-year-olds is that not enough of them run against older horses before the July, so they are rated almost as a separate crop and when that happens it is hard to compare.

“But I wouldn’t say that we have done anything differently this season and I would think it (their treatment) is pretty much in line with last year.”

Edict Of Nantes is rated 107 and last year’s Daily News winner Rabada was on 106 when he was scratched. The three-year-olds who ran were Abashiri  (13^th) 117, Black Arthur (7^th) 106, Samurai Blade (16^th) 106, It’s My Turn (4^th) 105, Rocketball (15^th) 105, Mambo Mime (10^th) 103, Ten Gun Salute (8th) 102, Marinaresco (2^nd) 101, Bela-Bela (6^th) 107.

It’s My Turn (Liesl King)

There are fewer of them this time. In addition to Edict Of Nantes they are: Al Sahem (106), Pagoda (101), Tilbury Fort (100), Safe Harbour (103) and Horizon (100).

Maharaj said: “Abashiri won the SA Classic by nearly four lengths and, although he didn’t achieve his rating subsequently, we weren’t going to drop him for winning the SA Derby. This season Gold Standard ran to 114 when fourth in the Met but he and William Longsword beat the rest of the field by three and three-quarter lengths in the Cape Guineas. To say the three-year-olds are under-rated using Gold Standard to compare with is probably a bit unfair.”

Interestingly Maharaj believes that It’s My Turn could be the dark horse in the race. “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.”

Michael Clower

Visit www.trackandball.co.za for the latest #vdj2017 betting

It’s that time of the year again, you know, when pagans, mad dogs, Englishmen and Druids gather at Stonehenge – a circle of stones which served as a sundial – to greet the summer solstice. While other dudes, equally colourfully attired, gathered on a farm in Glastonbury to listen to music. In our country it’s midwinter so colds and flu abound, but a certain non-medical or spiritually- inspired fever begins to spread, and on the east coast it is not just about sardines. Soon the entire country is affected by the seemingly irresistible urge to splurge by having their annual flutter. Those afflicted are perhaps best described as flutter punters.

Yes it is July fever and it reaches fever pitch – what else – on the first Saturday every July. The Vodacom Durban July is a handicap in which the older and usually better horses carry more weight than the younger and fairer colts and fillies, thus every horse has a chance of winning. Imagine Usain Bolt having to give say five metres start to Wade van Niekerk. So picking a lucky number or liking the name of a horse is a good enough reason to have a flutter, especially as the tote –TAB outlets – will pay out on any horse which finishes in the first six. The other consideration is that your choice may well be unfancied by the bookmakers and regular losers, I mean punters, and will therefore pay more than a well-backed horse.

Black Arthur (Nkosi Hlophe)

So it is a case of paying your money and tata ma chance, so don’t miss out on office or family draws. No ticket no chance.

For those who want a little guidance and subscribe to the axiom that a shorter priced winner is better than a longer priced loser, here are some pointers. At last Thursday’s gallops, four horses stood out for me, and each of them shortened in the betting the next day: Number 11 – at the tote you bet on a number not the name – Black Arthur, who galloped very strongly; Number 7, The Conglomerate, who won this race last year, and carries less weight this year; Number 8, It’s My Turn, who has come in under the radar by not winning of late; and Number 11, Ten Gun Salute – an army term I am told to describe a half-cocked Twenty One Gun Salute – who won very impressively recently, is trained by Duncan Howells at Ashburton, and was well ridden in the gallops by work rider Kospendule Hlongwe. His big race jockey, Muzi Yeni, will fly in from Mauritius to ride him on Saturday.

It is Hobson’s choice, and I may have inadvertently given you the four numbers for the quartet – if you box 7,8,9 and 11 for R24, and IF they make up the first past the post, Eureka, Mayebabo, Holy Cow whatever, you will win a portion of the estimated R11 million which will be wagered on the quartet alone. But back to who will win? Well last year, to the amazement of family and those who know that I follow jockey Piere “Striker” Strydom, I did not back him on The Conglomerate, as he had an outside draw to overcome – and I had scrambled eggs on my face when he sailed home. Incredulously I had doubted the ability of a maestro who has ridden more than 5,000 winners, and who this season, despite not riding for a leading stable, has ridden more than 100 winners – every fifth horse he rides wins! So, in an open July with no clear Colorado King or Sea Cottage, or favourite, my two cents will be on It’s My Turn and “Striker”.

For flutter punters, who have as much chance of backing the winner as the experts, may I suggest that the four horses I have mentioned are good win and place options. For example, a R20 Win and a R20 Place bet on any one of them, could in the case of Black Arthur and It’s My Turn yield a win of around R120, whereas the same bet on The Conglomerate or Ten Gun Salute, would, if they win, yield around R200. Furthermore, if any of these four run into the first 6, you may well get your R40 layout back. As some say, easy game. Moreover, a small wager makes the race so much more exciting, and it only happens once a year.

By Rob Haswell