Glen Kotzen said the three-year-old Philanthropist colt Pack Leader was fine and on course for the Vodacom Durban July, despite having to be scratched on course on Saturday when favourite for the Grade 2 WSB 1900.

He also spoke about his contenders for Scottsville’s Festival Of Speed meeting on Saturday.

Pack Leader

Kotzen said, “When loading on to the float two grooms had to hold him he was so full of himself, he had a good temperature reading, he had eaten up fine and everything was fine. However, two hours later he showed signs of cramping.”

Kotzen suspected a slight case of colic and decided to scratch him as a precaution.

He said, “We treated him back at the stable, he was soon scratching for his food, and I took him to the track this morning (Monday) for a canter and he was nice and fresh.”

Kotzen had planned to put Pack Leader straight into the July after the 1900 but has now had to find another race for him. The most suitable race appears to be the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 on June 2 and the yard have duly entered him.

Kotzen has Too Phat To Fly and Princess Peach in the Grade 1 SA Fillies Sprint and he said, “Too Phat To Fly comes in off two good wins (over 1100m and in the Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes over 1400m). She is flying and put up a great workout this morning (Monday). Princess Peach is doing well but has to come back to her best.”

He runs Pathfork filly Purest Bliss in the Grade 1 Allan Robertson. She followed a barrier trial win by beating winners, including some well regarded sorts, in a Juvenile Plate over 1200m at Scottsville. Kotzen said, “She doesn’t know how good she is, the penny hasn’t dropped yet.”

By David Thiselton