The Vodacom Durban July gallops are not often a good pointer to the big race itself but if they were, then three horses could be included as roving bankers for the quartet this year, the Eric Sands-trained favourite Rainbow Bridge and the Justin Snaith-trained pair Bunker Hunt and Belgarion.

All three glided effortlessly down the Hollywoodbets Greyville straight yesterday morning displaying impressive actions and appear to be in mint condition.

Do It Again, who will be attempting to make history by winning the race for the third time in succession, was asked to do more than any of his Snaith-trained stable companions and also impressed with his big action. He recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the day so he would possibly be able to be included to make it a four horse boxed quartet, but there is still a lingering doubt about him being quite the same horse he was due to his overall form this season.

Of course it is never that easy for punters and in a race which is notoriously rough the applecart can easily be upset. 

Furthermore, one of the big guns, the Adam Marcus-trained Vardy, was not present and will do his gallop at Summerveld tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. together with his stablemate, last year’s third-placed Twist Of Fate.

Camphoratus was the first to gallop this morning. She has always had a lovely action when at her best and displayed it this morning. She finished sixth in the July last year and trainer Robbie Hill believes she will be even better this year.

Miyabi Gold has not given a moment’s trouble in her career despite not having a smooth action in front. Trainer Justin Snaith commented that the Silvano’s are strong-boned, so that might explain it. Her action can never be described as impressive but she looked full of well-being and being a Silvano she is likely better than she was last year when finishing fifth.

Sean Tarry’s horses can never be discounted and Shango, whom he said has always been a lazy work horse, strode out well. His stablemate Tierra Del Fuego completed his gallop earlier in the week at Randjesfontein and Tarry was pleased with that workout too.

Padre Pio was ridden by Ant Mgudlwa who was later officially booked for the ride by trainer Dennis Bosch. He did nothing wrong but has a tough task, being 4,5kg under sufferance according to official merit ratings.

Grade 1 Cape Derby winner Golden Ducat is also officially 4,5kg under sufferance and was beaten by Padre Pio in the recent Grade 1 Daily News 2000. However, trainer Eric Sands said he had not been comfortable in either of his starts at Hollywoodbets Greyville and had thus been fitted with a different type of noseband this morning. Sands said for the first time he had handled the track well and he certainly strode out well.

Silvano’s Pride is the likely pacemaker this year and trainer Justin Snaith said she only knew one way of running and that was to take a strong hold so the pace should be a good one this year. The strong bone of Silvano was evident in her as she strode solidly down the Hollywoodbets Greyville straight under Sereno Moodley, who will become the second member of the passionate Indian racing community to ride in the July after Ronald Singh. 

There will be a double for the community as Deanthan Moodley will become the first Indian to be head stipendiary steward on Vodacom Durban July day and he was also watching over the proceedings this morning.  

The Tony Rivalland-trained Tristful, who is first reserve, was the last to gallop and strode out well.

By David Thiselton