Glen Kotzen said the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 third favourite Pack Leader had been “flying” at home and this race had through circumstances beyond his control now become his chief SA Champions Season mission.

Pack Leader followed his excellent Grade 1 Cape Derby third place with a short-head second in the Listed Sledgehammer over 1800m at  Greyville after which he was comfortably in the top 18 on the first July log.

However, on the day of his intended next race in the Grade 2 WSB 1900 he cramped on the course and a minor colic attack was suspected.

Kotzen decided to scratch him as a precaution.

They had believed him to have been unstoppable that day

He was treated and responded so well he was fresh and bucking the next day on the track.

However, Kotzen had wanted him to run in 1900 for more reasons than one. It would have brought him to his peak for the Vodacom Durban July and by avoiding the three-year-olds it would also have ensured he came into the big race well weighted.

The Daily News 2000 was the best race now available to the Philanthropist colt and as it is a Grade 1 classic it could see his merit rating jumping considerably if he wins, although it does depend on whom he beats. The yard have thus decided to make it his main mission for the season and are now viewing the July as a bonus.

Kotzen said, “He put up a super gallop last Thursday on the grass around the bend at Summerveld and is in a good space, he is on track.”

He is drawn ten but this has been a lucky draw for Kotzen in the past with Big City Life winning both the Daily News and the July from that draw.

Kotzen runs Elusive Heart and Luna Child in the Grade 1 Woolavington 2000.

He said about Elusive Heart, “She is one of the few horses to have beaten Snowdance and I think if ridden differently she will get the ten furlongs.” She is by SA Derby and Daily News 2000 winner Elusive Fort, but has a speedy female line and showed her speed when winning the Grade 3 Vasco Prix du Cap comfortably. She also beat Snowdance in a handicap over 1400m. In her last run she finished a 1,35 length third in the Grade 2 Daisy Fillies Guineas when staying on from second in the running.

Luna Child opened up a big lead last time out in the Scarlet Lady over 1800m at Greyville before coming back to them early in the straight but she then stayed on again to run a gallant fourth. Kotzen said, “We have changed the bit and put a tongue tie on and will ride her softly and see if it makes a difference.”

Richard Fourie rides Pack Leader and Elusive Heart, who is drawn two, and Gunther Wrogemann rides Luna Child who is drawn in pole.

Gone Baby Gone is their other runner on the day and he was said to be working like a “steam train” but the trip is too short and it is being viewed as a preparation run.

By David Thiselton