David Thiselton

The Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops attracted a huge crowd and an upbeat one too with Bafana Bafana having lifted the spirits of the nation a couple of hours earlier.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July runners were all turned out in immaculate condition but opinions varied on which of them had put in the best gallops.

The topweight Legal Counsel got the ball rolling under Callan Murray and put in a nice relaxed gallop and stretched out nicely in the straight. Murray said the son of Legislate had “picked up sharply for a big boy” and he added he was excited going into the race.

Gladatorian was next out and stood stock still at the 1400m mark and surveyed his surrounds, which is always the sign of a horse who is full of well-being. He then let himself down beautifully throughout the gallop. Muzi Yeni described him as going so well it felt as if he was floating and said his quality was akin to “Ronaldo on the pitch”. He jumps from a better draw this year than last and has enjoyed a fine preparation. Gladatorian has to be hugely respected despite having to carry 61,5kg.

Viva’s Liberte strode out well, but the question was whether he did too much. He does tend to take a strong hold in his races and consequently draw three is perfect for him as he should find cover. If he does settle better than normal he will be a runner as he is 4kg better off with the favourite Star Major for a four length beating.

The Ultimate King worked on the Highveld and impressed with his big stride as he drew away from his companion.

I Salute You jumped from the 1400m mark with Richard Fourie up and galloped resolutely in a nice relaxed manner. He let himself down beautifully and threw his front feet out well. Zeitz is fancied by a few but I Salute You is actually weighted to beat him on the weight turnaround from the Betgames Cup Trial.

On the Highveld the favourite Star Major put up a workout over 1000m under big race rider Mickaelle Michel and picked his legs up nicely in a pleasing gallop.

Isivivane relaxed well in his gallop under big race rider Sean Veale and quickened superbly at the top of the straight. He impressed in the straight and put in a quick 400m to finish time.

Regulation, with Tristan Godden up,  strode out well throughout but didn’t give much away. Trainer Justin Snaith mentioned afterwards the breathing issues this horse has, but said he had sounded fine today.

On the Highveld Hazy Dazy stretched out well on a gallop on the sand under big race rider Trent Mayhew.

Note To Self looked to be in fine fettle and used his big action well throughout while looking nice and relaxed. His big race rider Richard Fourie said afterwards this horse was no longer a “big puppy” and was now “a proper horse who had woken up and was in the right space.” He made him a big runner at the weights, considering he had come on from the Daily News 2000 and was 2kg better off with Star Major for a three length beating.

On the Highveld Olivia’s Way strode out well on the grass under Blaine Marx-Jacobson, although she did seem to held her head slightly to the left hand side.

Minogue strode out impressively on the grass on the Highveld in what was one of the most eye-catching gallops of the day.

Native Ruler strode out well and quickened well in the straight although he did have his normal relatively high head carriage with the head held to the left hand side.

Aladdin’s Lamp caught the eye with his effortlessly big stride in a workout on the sand on the Highveld.

Wish List worked under big race rider Andrew Fortune with companion Kubu and moved well before quickening nicely at the top of the straight. Fortune said later, “She couldn’t blow out a candle and she just does it so easily.”

Zeitz worked with stable companion Ice Rain and strode out well before quickening well and putting in a good finish under big race rider Serino Moodley. Later Moodley said the striking grey was “spot on” and added he wished the race was this weekend.

The first reserve runner Choisanaada stretched out superbly in an eye-catching grass workout on the Highveld.

King Pelles was ridden by Nicolas Patel and sat behind stable companion Dubai Dude before turning it on nicely in the straight and galloping al the way to the line.

Mocha Blend put in a fine gallop with stable companion Son Of Raj and it put the cherry on the top of what looks to have been a fine preparation.

Second reserve Curious Girl was not asked to gallop having raced last Saturday.

July Fever could be felt on course and the build up from now on in to July the 4th will see it soaring in the race that grips the nation.