The two Gr 1 events at Greyville tomorrow, the Daily News 2000 and the Woolavington 2000, will be significant Vodacom Durban July pointers as usual, while the Gr 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup will provide some clues for the eLan Gold Cup.

Rabada looks the horse to beat in an open looking Daily News, having stayed on from a handy position for a close second in the Canon Guineas, despite having to be used up early to overcome a wide draw and then lying handy in a fast paced race. His staying on sixth in the Politician Stakes over 1800m at Kenilworth when carrying a welter burden provided further evidence he would stay this trip.

It’s My Turn’s Investec Cape Derby victory has worked out exceptionally well and he would have benefitted from his Canon Guineas run in which he was outpaced early and then ran wide.

Samurai Blade has a tough draw but relaxes well in the running and looks a type who will continue to improve. He could get up late for a top three finish after producing a sustained finish from the back.

New Predator would likely be the first choice if there were no stamina doubts. He was sent for home at the top of the long straight of Turffontein in the Gr 1 weight for age HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes and was only just run out of the second spot, so he should get the 2000m here on an easier course and if ridden more conservatively.

Rocketball is drawn in pole and has to go into the equation after new hold up tactics did the trick in the SA Derby, where he stayed on strongly from the back and only just failed to spoil Abashiri’s SA Triple Crown party.

Celtic Captain is on the up having recently been gelded and being out of a mare who won over 2400m looks likely to relish the trip. He looked up at the TV when quickening well to hit the front in the Canon Guineas and a repeat is unlikely, so he is the dark horse from a good draw.

Brooklyn Brawler showed a fine turn of foot when winning easily last time over 1600m at Greyville and being by Dynasty should stay the trip. Prospect Strike ran a fine race in the Canon Guineas considering he used up so much energy out wide in the first half of the race.

Liege is an improving sort who should love the trip. Mambo Mime stayed on well for third in the Canon Guineas, but the question will be whether he will stay the trip, especially from a wide draw of 13.

Ten Gun Salute was doing good work late for fourth in the Canon Guineas and is a half-brother to a Gr 3 winner in Australia over 2500m, so should do well from a fair draw having enjoyed a good preparation.

Bankable Teddy could surprise if reproducing his easy Listed Derby Trial win over this trip. Trading Profit could earn if reproducing his 1800m run on Guineas day at Turffontein.  Redcarpet Captain looks to have a stamina doubt, while Stebbins likely prefers further. Sylvester The Cat is talented but enigmatic and has a stamina doubt.

Rabada is selected to beat It’s My Turn with Samurai Blade, New Predator and Rocketball next best.

The Woolavington looks to be a boat race between Nightingale and Bela-Bela at first sight, but there are some up and coming sorts who could spoil the party. Nightingale is the selection as one who looks to be wanting this trip.

The classy Bela-Bela might be better over a touch shorter. Witchcraft should be staying all the way to the line and her last run in the SA Oaks when caught wide throughout can be ignored.

Negroamaro stayed on for third from a handy position in the Daisy Fillies Guineas and her second place in the SA Fillies Classic suggests she should get this trip. She could cause an upset from a plum draw. Flying Ice stayed on for fourth in the Daisy Fillies Guineas and should enjoy the 2000m.

Gauteng Fillies Guineas-winner Heaps Of Fun’s SA Classic run can be ignored as she pulled up with strained muscles, but there must still be a slight stamina doubt. Fortissima stayed on very well for second in the SA Oaks and Anton Marcus is a significant booking.

Adorada ran a cracker behind Gallica Rose and Deputy Ryder in the Scarlet Lady over 1750m, running on after being dropped out from a similarly wide draw.

Nightingale is tipped to beat Bela-Bela with Witchcraft, Negoroamaro and Fortissima next best.

Solar Star looks one of the best bets of the meeting in the Lonsdale, despite Anthony Delpech jumping ship to Balance Sheet. Solar Star has caught the eye this season in KZN and nearly won the Highland Night Cup last time over this trip despite over racing. The blinkers are now off and Stuart Randolph is up from a fair draw of eight.

David Thiselton