Justin Snaith was confident of good Vodacom Durban July qualifying runs from his fancied pair Platinum Prince and Elusive Silva in tomorrow’s Grade 2 Betting World 1900, in which he has four contestants.

Snaith said, “If Platinum Prince could contend over a mile like he did last time then he will be a big runner as that was way too short and he has come on a lot from the run and has been doing very well. He needs a big run to qualify for the July but will have to be careful from that wide draw. Elusive Silva is back and if his legs don’t give him trouble he should also be in contention. He strained a tendon at the July gallops last year. However, he is as good now as he was.”

Elusive Silva

He continued, “It is a bit sharp for Strathdon and it will be a bit hit and miss as he has been off for a long time. He will either have a forward run or will need it but I am hoping for a positive run. Captain Splendid is looking for further but I am hoping for a positive run.”

Snaith runs July second favourite African Night Sky and Star Express in a Pinnacle event over 1600m and said, “He may need it a little but I am looking for a positive run into the Cup Trial and expect him to be in the money. Star Express is having her first run and is doing well but she will come on from the run.”

Snaith was thrilled with the Barrier Trial run of former July winner Legislate at Scottsville on Wednesday.

He said, “There is still a long way to go but it was nice to watch!”

He will see how he goes before entering him in a race and said about ahis chances of lining up in the Rising Sun Gold Challenge, “We will see but I feel I’m just one run short.”

July third-favourite Oh Susanna is only 50/50 to line up in the big race as Snaith feels a big weight is a very hard ask for a three-year-old filly to carry over 2200m.

However, she put up a fine gallop at Greyville yesterday, beating her stable companion Copper Force at level weights.

Snaith said, “She is now fit and ready for the Woolavington. Copper Force had to be dropped out from a wide draw in his first run in Durban in the Drill Hall, and it didn’t work out, so it was good to see him putting up a good gallop.”

By David Thiselton