RACE 1: 2 VARISTOCRACY   5 ROYAL VIRTUE   1 SERENA SLAM   10 DAWN RAIDER

Preview: VARISTOCRACY (2) made an eye-catching debut against older horses. If he can build on that he should prove difficult to beat. ROYAL VIRTUE (5) has improved with each outing. He has been rested and takes to the poly for the first time but meets little of note. SERENA SLAM (1) takes on males but showed up well over course and distance last run and can finish in the money again. DAWN RAIDER (10) does seem a little better than his last run and can earn a cheque. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-1-10).

RACE 2: 7 QUENANZA   2 PRINCESS SABRINA   12 TRENADORA   8 SPACE ODDITY

Preview: Keep an eye on the betting on the first timers. QUENANZA (7) has shown recent improvement. Last run possibly a touch too far and can do better this shorter trip. PRINCESS SABRINA (2) made sudden improvement second time out on the poly for her new stable. She can build on that. TRENADORA (12) has the worst of the draw but caught the eye last run and does not have much to beat here. SPACE ODDITY (8) caught the eye when chased up from a wide draw. Blinkers on and can do better. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-12-8).

RACE 3: 3 DOUBLE EDGE   2 DIEDI   5 GUY FOX   7 LUCRETIUS

Preview: DOUBLE EDGE (3) made a smart debut and is sure to come on from that effort from a favourable draw. DIEDI (2) has improved at recent outings and steps up in trip. He has shown form on the poly track. GUY FOX (5) finished in front of Double Edge when last they met but he has already had nine starts. LUCRETIUS (7) was not far back on debut in yielding going. He is sure to have come on with the experience. ANCIENT STATE (10) can do better than his last run.  (Andrew Harrison: (3-2-5-7).

RACE 4: 1 PAPILLON   12 HIROSHIMA   3 EMBARRAS DE RICHES   5 RUBY SKY

  Preview: PAPILLON (1) was touched off over further last run. She is down in trip but meets modest opposition. HIROSHIMA (12) has shown some recent improvement. A wide draw is a concern but she can still go close with and in form Muzi Yeni aboard. EMBARRAS DE RICHES (3) was a touch unlucky last run. She has done well on the poly and has a strong winning chance. RUBY SKY (5) has shown some ability and switches to the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 1-12-3-5).

RACE 5: 9 PANNA COTTA   11 ROYAL KITTY   4 HOT MONEY   5 FLOWER SEASON

Preview: PANNA COTTA (9) caught the eye first time out for her new stable. She has drawn a touch wide but the drop in trip should suit. ROYAL KITTY (11) has drawn wide but has useful form over course and distance. Claiming apprentice should help. HOT MONEY (4) has come good of late and can follow up on her last win. FLOWER SEASON (5) caught the eye in her first run for a new stable and can do better here. (Andrew Harrison: 9-11-4-5).

RACE 6: 9 PERFECTLY PUTT   5 COUP DE TETE   1 LAND OF MYSTERY

Preview: PERFECTLY PUTT (9) has not been far back at recent outings. With a 4kg claimer up he carries 48kg which will make him very dangerous. COUP DE TETE (5) needed his last run. Lightly raced he had shown some promise in PE. LAND OF MYSTERY (1) has been rested and has his first run for a new stable. This may be a touch short and he may need the run but one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 3-9-5-1).

RACE 7: 5 GOLD SEASON   4 MONTANA SKY   10 STRAIGHT SIX   11 TWO OF US

Preview: GOLD SEASON (5) ran way below best n the soft last start. Prior to that he was touched off over course and distance and the poly appears to be his forte. MONTANA SKY (4) goes very well over course and distance. Last run over a mile when favourite may have been just too far. STRAIGHT SIX (10) was a recent maiden winner from a wide draw. Lightly raced, he has shown steady improvement and can follow up. TWO OF US (11) has been in good form of late, Wide draw a concern and a rise in the handicap. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-10-11).

RACE 8: 1 SOFIA ERIN   4 SILVER DAZZLE   2 HARPER’S DREAM   11 ARCTIC PRINCESS

Preview: SOFIA ERIN (1) ran a cracker on the poly last time out. Has her first run for a new stable but should still be competitive in an open handicap. SILVER DAZZLE (4) returns from a lengthy break but had useful form in good company before that. She may need the run but meets modest opposition. HARPER’S DREAM (2) has not been far back at recent outings and goes well on the synthetic surface. ARCTIC PRINCESS (11) is way better than her last two. Difficult draw but with some luck in running can win it. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-2-11).

RACE 9: 1 FLY THE COUP   6 LESLIES PATHTOFAME   3 JUSTAGUYTHING   9 WINTER WAVES

Preview: FLY THE COUP (1) is lightly raced but his best recent effort has been on the poly. He takes a big drop in class. LESLIES PATHTOFAME (6) has been runner-up at his last two. He goes well on the poly and can and another win. JUSTAGUYTHING (3) has come to hand of late and should go close in this line-up. WINTER WAVES (9) is a lot better than his last effort. He showed up well in his penultimate start behind the highly thought of Ashford Castle and a repeat of that effort will see him close again. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-3-9).

Andrew Harrison

Copper Mountain is among the top three-year-olds in the country and he should take some beating when he lines up in the KZN Breeders Mile at Hollywoodbets Greyville today. All the races on the card are restricted to KZN-bred horses and Copper Mountain should prove the best of them on the day.

After running Got The Greenlight close in the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes, much was expected of him going into the Daily News 2000 where he was up against the cream of the western Cape contingent that included eventual winner Linebacker, Rascallion and Kommetdieding.

However, things did not pan out as Gavin Lerena had to battle a slipped saddle from a wide draw and Copper Mountain was still only beaten four lengths.

He has now had the benefit of a spin on the course and with a handy galloping weight should be the horse to beat.

Sean Tarry is a staunch supporter of KZN-bred horses, and has an enviable record on this day. He saddles the most obvious danger in fellow three-year-old Willow Express. A son of the former Tarry-trained Willow Magic, the grey has been in mustard form of late winning back-to-back over 1400m and then going down a neck to stable companion Tree Tambo over a mile, caught close home.

Of the older brigade Chijmes has been racing in strong feature company of late and takes a drop in class while seven-year-old Rouge Allure is a game old campaigner who found her best form last outing and can finish in the money.

Tarry can get his afternoon off on a winning note as he saddles Miss Magician in the first. The daughter of Willow Magic progressed steadily from her debut to score a bloodless victory last time out.

Tarry also saddles Voltron, also a winner last time out, but a bigger threat could come from Ashley Fortune’s runner Aunty Lizzy who was a well-supported winner on debut, showing plenty of guts to hold onto her lead.

In the second, Sikhulu made a smart debut and from a pole position draw and experience under his girth he should come on from that effort. Not Your Call started at long odds last run but did improve on his debut effort and the form of that race has worked out well. Lady Tiptree takes on males but has improved with every outing and should be competitive while Desert Crusader improved in blinkers when taking on older horses last start.

Winter Smoke lumps joint top weight in the third but she has been competitive in smart feature company. She is quick and this surface should suit. Duwabi Princess, another daughter of Willow Magic trained by Tarry, is way better than her last effort. Her form before that was consistent and from a good draw, she should go close. Umzinduzi has been trying further but her best form has been on the poly and she has the benefit of a good draw while Stella Act was in a work riders’ race last run and may just have needed the outing.

Ishnana is a couple of lengths better at Hollywoodbets Scottsville but has done well on this course. He is on the poly but should be right up there in the fourth. The well-named Royal Wulff has been flying of late and bids for a fifth straight win. He makes his poly debut but Khumalo has jumped ship which is a concern. Spiritofthegroove is a filly who has seemingly lost her way. However, she is smart when things go right and she takes a big drop in ratings with blinkers back on. Hard To Play showed up well from a tough draw on the turf last run. He has a better draw here and is dropping in the ratings.

Tupelo Honey is due a change of fortune when he contests the fifth. She has been knocking at the door for some time now and was a beaten favourite at her last two. She gets a change of pilot which could make a difference and the form of her last race has been franked. She faces a small but competitive field where and of Admire Me, Run April Run and Wishful Girl Linn are all in with a shout.

In the sixth, Against The Grain has his third run after a break and has improved with each outing. The blinkers go on over his optimum trip. Prince Of Taranto has shown up well in two post maiden efforts and now tries blinkers while Captain Who has the worst of the draw but has caught the eye in two starts for his new stable. Likely favourite is Caliente who is something of a course and distance specialist. He gives weight all round but loves this surface.

The last is wide open. Truly Wicked has been up against stronger of late and was close-up over course and distance last time out. He is on his favoured surface. Irish Wonder Girl boasts useful Highveld form in good company. She has been on the poly and comes from a smart Highveld yard. Have A Go Jo is another Tarry runner and is way better than his last effort. He has some useful Highveld form to back his claims. Winter Time takes on males but has been in good form and the form of her last race has been franked although she does take on much stronger and Tiger Tank is another to consider.

David Thiselton

There are plenty of decent horses running in the nine-race meeting at Turffontein Standside today.

The highest rated race is the fifth, a MR 104 Handicap over 1600m. Sean Tarry has three of the six runners and the progressive Ndlamu could follow up on his fluent win last time when stepped up to this trip for the first time. Rock The Globe is off a competitive mark at the moment so might be the chief threat and the 1400m specialist Putontheredlight has to be respected from pole position.

The eighth is a fillies and mares MR 93 handicap over 1400m and the Alec Laird-trained Spice Market will try and score a quick double over course and distance. This front-running Flower Alley filly was run out of it in her penultimate start over 1450m but the gelding that beat her by two lengths, The Contractor, has gone on to win his next two starts.

Last time against her own gender in a Pinnacle Stakes event she couldn’t be caught and romped in by 3,75 lengths under 4kg claimer Mfanelo Zuma. The latter is aboard again and she is not going to be easy to catch. Lee Express ran on well to win over 1400m last time and this filly is lightly raced so the best has probably not been seen of her yet. She has a chance from pole position carrying just 52.5kg.

Chloris chased her home last time to finish third, beaten just 1,50 lengths, and has her third run after a layoff so can go close. The wide draw should not bother her as she came from last in the aforementioned race. The topweight All Of Me is a decent ten-time winner and stays this trip but does have to deal with a seven-point raise for her recent win over 1200m and she has to lug 63.5kg so it will be tough despite a good draw of three. Ululate disappointed last time in a Listed race over 1600m but she was a bit keen early when being asked to overcome a wide draw and will be a threat here from a fair draw. 

The seventh race is a MR 90 handicap over 2000m and the admirable seven-year-old Zeal And Zest could be the one to side with. He is drawn in pole which will suit him ideally as he enjoys leading and his last start over this trip, when finishing just half-a-length behind Vodacom Durban July contender Johnny Hero, reads well. Trend Master was stepped up to a middle distance for the first time in over a year last time and won by a quarter of a length from Reunion, who romped home by 5,30 lengths next time out.

Three other winners also came out of Trend Master’s race so he has a fine chance here despite having been raised five points. Irish Wonder Girl proved her liking for this trip last time when taking off late to get up and she is just three points higher and has a good draw. Category Four is capable of running on if ridden well i.e. ensuring he is covered even if that means dropping him out to the back.

Topweight Tyrus Express is capable of winning a race like this too but on collateral form looks to have a hard task with Trend Master.  

The sixth is an interesting Progress Plate over 1600m and the talented Nartjie could bounce back. He is drawn three under Luke Ferraris and his record over this trip reads an easy win, albeit in the maidens, and a narrow second to Tree Tumbo. He should be cherry-ripe and the first-time cheekpieces might help over this shorter trip too. Sound of Summer has only had three starts for two wins and is on the up so might be the chief threat from draw two. Gee For Go won the Grade 3 Fillies Mile over this course and distance so has obvious ability. However, she was beaten 1,80 lengths by Nartjie last time they met over this trip and is only half-a-kilogram better off and she has a wide draw too. Ecstatic Green showed a good turn of foot when proving she stays 1450m a couple of runs ago but she has to now prove she stays this trip. Promiseofamaster is the joint best weighted but has issues and this is the second time he returns from a long layoff, this time of over a year.   

In the first race Mufasa looks talented and could follow up on his easy debut win.

Paul Peter could then make it a double in the second with Bathing Beauty who caught the eye in her winning debut in March, although Warren Kennedy is interestingly aboard Freed From Desire.

A third win for Do It Again in the Vodacom Durban July this year will make history. A second consecutive win for Belgarion will place him in the company of only five other horses to achieve that. More records this year? #VDJ2021

David Thiselton

Eric Sands was unaware the Vodacom Durban July final field announcement and draw ceremony was being televised live yesterday and was surprised to learn, while driving back home from town in Cape Town, that his stalwart Rainbow Bridge had drawn in pole position, one lower than his draw of two last year. He said, “It didn’t pan out well for us last year but I would rather be drawn in one than 18. We will be employing different tactics, he has a rider aboard who has a lot of confidence and lastly he will be very well on the day.” The gaps between Rainbow Bridge’s three SA Champions Season programmed races, the Grade 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes, the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and the Vodacom Durban July, has been an unusual six weeks and three weeks this season as opposed to a normal five weeks and four weeks. Therefore, Sands left a little bit of condition on him for the Gold Challenge, where he recorded his third win in succession. He said, “I left a little bit more condition on him than normal in case he ran badly in the Gold Challenge, because I would then have needed something to work with to get him ready for the July. It was not a lot more condition than normal, I would say it was just an extra 4kg or 5kg.”   Rainbow Bridge went handy last year, tracking his stable companion Golden Ducat, and in fact covered the first 2000m of the race in a faster time than the Hollywoodbets Greyville 2000m course record set by London News in the 1996 Daily News 2000, so he went palpably too fast. Sands took responsibility for the tactical error and said afterwards,  “I outwitted myself a little bit really…” He went on to explain he had anticipated the chief Snaith trio of Belgarion, Do It Again and Bunker Hunt coming across from their wide draws and believed he would thus be trapped on the rail. Consequently, he had asked the jockeys to move off the rail in the first 400m. Luke Ferraris has reverted to the hold up tactics Rainbow Bridge was known for in the early days of his career and this has brought the best out of the star Ideal World gelding. At the age of six he has never been in better form and is the front-runner for the Equus Horse Of The Year Award. Rainbow Bridge’s pole position July draw might pan out well this year as the known front-runners Shah Akbar and Crown Towers are drawn low in three and five respectively which means Ferraris can possibly afford to sit still from the off and be in a potentially nice position for free.

David Thiselton

Piere Strydom, sidelined with a semi-detached retina, will not be back in time to fulfil one of his remaining ambitions in a star-studded career, i.e to ride in the Vodacom Durban July one last time and he is also eleven short of his ultimate target of 5500 winners.   He said, “I have shelved my plans to retire at the end of this season because I had wanted to travel around the country riding and also wanted to ride in one more July.” Strydom will thus be back to ride in next year’s Vodacom Durban July where he will be bidding to join Anton Marcus on a record five winners of the country’s biggest race. He will also enjoy himself travelling around the country riding and whittling down the eleven more winners he needs to reach his 5500 goal. Strydom’s first July winner was on the Alec Laird-trained London News in 1996 and he followed with wins on the the Mike Bass-trained Trademark in 2001, the Sean Tarry-trained Pomodoro in 2012 and the Joey Ramsden-trained The Conglomerate in 2016.
Trademark was well dawn in two but all of the others were widely drawn. London News was drawn 14 and led from pillar to post and both Pomodoro and The Conglomerate were drawn 20 out of 20. On both of the latter occasions Strydom managed to get his mounts into handy positions.  His ride on The Conglomerate will always be viewed as one of the great rides in the history of the big race as he managed to slot him into a one wide and two back position from that wide draw and then stole a march on the main protagonists at the top of the straight. His ride on London News was equally great as he took him into the lead going around the Drill Hall and skipped clear coming off the false rail, timing it to perfection, as the challengers from all sides just failed to catch him. Strydom has taken a few knocks in his time in the saddle which might have contributed to his current eye condition.  He is currently still experiencing the symptoms of the retinal tear, which includes lightning-like flashes in the corner of his eye. The retina has to be rested until the tear has settled and repaired and the length of time it takes varies from person to person. 

David Thiselton

All the talk in the build up to Vodacom Durban July has centred around three horses, Got The Greenlight, Linebacker and Rainbow Bridge, and they are also at the top of the betting boards and this is being seen as a positive for record-seeking trainer Justin Snaith. Snaith was upbeat at the Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting on Monday and said, “My horses are peaking at the right time.” Snaith will be attempting to win the VDJ for a sixth time and will be bidding to equal the 108 year old record of trainer-owner Fred Murray by winning the big race for the fourth time in succession. The final field was announced yesterday and Snaith is represented by four runners and one reserve. His former Equus Horse Of The Year Do It Again will be attempting the become the first horse to win the July three times and drew 16, having won it from draw 15 in 2018 and from draw 8 in 2019 before finishing third from the widest draw of 18 last year.  Last year’s winner Belgarion drew eleven as opposed to 17 last year. Snaith would have been hoping for a low draw for his front-running type Crown Towers and he duly drew five.  His Grade 2 Peninsula Handicap winner Nexus drew 12.     His reserve runner is Silver Host who will likely go for the Grade 3 Gold Vase over 3000m if there is not a scratching that allows him into the big one.  

Andrew Harrison

Punters face a difficult card at Hollywoodbets Greyville this afternoon and lucrative exotic bet pay-outs are on the cards.

In the card opener, Seventh Song is a long-time battler but never far back. His best form is on the poly and he has the best draw which should help his cause. Rodriquez is a two-year-old taking on older runners but has shown some promise in competitive juvenile maidens. From a good draw he should feature. Master Dancer was a little disappointing last run but had shown up well in two previous outings over course and distance. The stable is showing signs of returning to form.

The second is a lowly 64MR Handicap over 1200m and Red Eight can make a winning debut for Yogas Govender. His last win was over course and distance and his Cape form under Vaughan Marshal was showing improvement. Interestingly, he races in the Marshall silks so the poly track is probably why Red Eight is back in town. Running Freely was narrowly beaten when taking on stronger last time out and he has done well over this trip. What A Blast has been knocking on the door for some time now and was finishing like a train from a bad draw last run.

The third is a maiden over 1400m. Indomavel was run out of it late over a mile last run on the turf. This shorter trip on the poly could see her go all the way.  Alittlebitnaughty made a smart debut over course and distance. Experience should count in her favour and she looks the main threat to the selection.

The fourth is a difficult maiden over 2000m. Rubondo has shown up nicely in two recent starts over ground and is back on the poly. He only got going late last run.  Miss Emblem takes on males but was running on smartly over course and distance last run. Catch The Tune enjoyed the extra when going a mile for the first time against older horses. He could prove even better this trip but does have a tricky draw.

Stable companion The Snow War lines up in the fifth and could give Frank Robinson a quick double. The Snow War goes 2000m for the first time but has consistent poly form and was not far back at his last two. Smart William has been knocking at the door since taking to the poly with blinkers. He also has the best of the draw and also steps up in trip. Winter Time has improved with each outing of late and looks primed for this event while Uplifted impressed in his maiden win and has a chance in this line-up.

Gary Rich sends out Boogie Shoes in the sixth, another tricky handicap over 1400m, and she can go one better after just failing to catch Kildonan Bay. She goes best over course and distance. Deerupt could be the main threat although she does have a difficult draw to overcome. But she has put in two smart recent efforts and was finishing well last run and the extra furlong should suit. Maidens Prayer has been struggling for her second win but has not been far back and showed good improvement in back in blinkers and has a better draw.

In the seventh over a mile, Rockcliffe has been much improved in blinkers and took on stronger last outing. Drawn well and should run a big race. Ferrari Ice has the worst of the draw and is worse off at the weights with Rockcliffe but is back over what looks to be his preferred trip. Captain Zee is lightly raced and returns from a break but he has shown ability and took to the surface on his poly debut.

The eighth is another tricky handicap. Fireonthetrack has been trying further but is never far back and from a good draw rates a strong chance. White Lightning showed signs of a form return last outing. He had shown early promise but has dropped way down in the ratings and he should be running at them again. Double Gemini is a bit of a handful but is a lot better than his last start and may just have needed it from a wide draw. What A Ryder was a recent maiden winner but had shown steady improvement before that and can finish in the money.

If you are still going into the last in your exotics, good luck. Duchess Of Cornwall was narrowly beaten on the poly last outing but has shown steady form since her maiden win. She has a good draw and a handy weight. Foxy Lady has been trying further but may well prove effective over this trip from a good draw. Noemi has been struggling for her next win but is never far back. She has been dropping in the ratings and may now be off a more competitive mark.

David Thiselton

THE JUSTIN SNAITH-TRAINED SILVER Host handed  the Vodacom Durban July final field panellists a last minute curve ball when winning the Grade 2 Track and Ball Derby over 2450m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday and it made their task of avoiding the annual controversy that follows their decision a tad tougher.

There were 30 horses still standing their ground at time of writing and they are all looking for a place in the final field of 18 which will be announced tomorrow. The two reserves chosen also have hope of ultimately lining up on July 3.

Looking at the last VDJ log, two places have become available in the top 18 with the scratchings of War Of Athena and Trip To Africa.

Doublemint, a Listed winner this season who was in 17th position on the final log, will also be under pressure to keep his position as he has been unplaced in both of his SA Champions Season, the Grade 2 WSB 1900 and the Grade 3 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial.

Another top 18 incumbent whose place will be under pressure is Running Brave who has not been herself in her last two starts in which she was beaten a combined margin of 40,50 lengths.

Realistic contenders for those two definite and four possible places include five horses i. e. Silver Host, Jubilee winner Johnny Hero (who was supplemented following that win) , Cup Trial runner up Tristful, Grade 2 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers winner Atyaab and Jubilee runner up Shango.

Winners of the Track And Ball Derby do not get preferential consideration for final field inclusion but Silver Host had been among the five horses looking in just outside the top 20 on the last July log and winning a Grade 3 together with his Grade 2 runner up position in the Western Cape Stayers might see him leapfrog those whose log position was based on placed performances in Graded races.

Snaith’s opinion that the four-year-old Drakenstein Stud homebred Silvanon gelding is the best stayer in the country went some way to being justified on Saturday. However, the July has always been on his program too.

The T&B Derby 0,70 length runner up Dream Destiny was rated only 73 before the race but more interesting was the 2,60 length third-placed finisher, the Grade 1 SA Derby runner up Pamushana’s Pride.

The latter was two lengths clear of Shah Akbar in the SA Derby and Shah Akbar was in 16th position on the last July log having followed that SA Derby fourth with another Grade 1 fourth in the Daily News 2000.

However, the difficulty the panellists face in Silver Host’s case is that he received 1.5kg from former Cape Derby winner Atyaab when beaten 2,25 lengths in the Western Cape Stayers over 2800m and the latter was only in 20th position on the last July log.

On the other hand Silver Host did beat Atyaab by 2,25 lengths in the Grade 3 Chairman’s Cup over 2500m albeit when receiving 4.5kg.

Johnny Hero is rated only 106 but the Jubilee is among the four races in the July conditions where the winner is given preferential consideration for inclusion in the final field. It will not be unprecedented to exclude him though as this happened to Coral Fever, who was supplemented following his Jubilee win in 2017 yet was still omitted from the final field. If Johnny Hero is excluded there are bound to be grumbles because the Grade 2 WSB 1900 winner She’s A Keeper and runner up Matterhorn were in 14th and 15th place in the last log despite merit ratings of 96 and 101 respectively. However, the WSB 1900 has a condition attached whereby the winner cannot get more than a six point merit rated raise and none of the other runners in the race can receive any raise unless requested by the connections. Both horses would  otherwise likely have been as high if not higher rated than Johnny Hero. Furthermore, Matterhorn subsequently finished a narrow and unlucky second in the Grade 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup over 2400m which convinced the panellists he deserved a lofty log position.

Tristful, who was in 19th place on the last log, looked to have booked his place when finishing a narrow second in the Cup Trial. However, Silver Host has now created a sleepiness night or two for Tristful’s connections who face the possible prospect of being the first reserve for two years running.

Nexus, 13th on the log, was only third in the Cup Trial but was giving Tristful 1.5kg and lost to him by only 0,40 lengths. Furthermore, he won the Grade 2 Peninsula Handicap over 1800m in December, where he gave Silver Host 6kg and a 3,70 length beating.

Super Silvano was a narrow second in the Peninsula, receiving 6kg, and then beat Nexus a head when fourth in the Premier Trophy receiving only 1.5kg but he was well beaten by third-placed African Night Sky, who is still standing his ground in the July. Super Silvano was also only fourth in the Western Cape Stayers. Furthermore, he and African Night Sky have done nothing since the publication of the last log to be catapulted upwards from their positions outside the top 20.

Shango probably needed to win the Jubilee to be a definite inclusion but he was giving Johnny Hero 4kg and was beaten only 0,75 lengths so warrants consideration for a final 18 berth.

Tree Tumbo, who has won three races this season and finished third in the Grade 1 WSB Summer Cup, ruined his chances by managing only 5th in the Cup Trial.

Flying Carpet, fourth in the Grade 1 WSB SA Classic, would have needed to do better than seventh in the Daily News 2000.

Nevertheless the panellists face a tough day in the  selection process today and they might be hoping for a scratching or two to help them out.

David Thiselton

The Turffontein Inside meeting today has eight races and there are some opportunities for punters. 

In the third race over 2600m Understated is a rangy type who is improving. He stayed on well last time over 2000m and now goes over a 2600m trip he is proven over so he will be hard to beat from a good draw of two with Luke Ferraris up.

Whole Of The Moon stayed on well last time over 2000m and being by Elusive Fort and a half-sister to a winner over 2400m she looks to be the chief danger. 

In the fourth race over 1450m, I’m Al has his first run for the Paul Peter yard.  He has not run since January but his ability was shown on debut over 1160m when a close fourth to the talented Bartholdi with subsequent Grade 1 winner Battle Force a head further back in second.

I’m Al ran third when stepped to 1400m in his last start and does not have a lot to beat here so could make a winning comeback from a good draw. However, beyond him it is wide open.

Chief Rafeef will likely appreciate the step back down in trip and is well drawn. Right Choice and Signals have shown ability and hail from the top in-form yards of Mike de Kock and Sean Tarry respectively. Fast Draw and Regent’s Park also warrant consideration.

In the fifth race over 1200m, the progressive Royal Wulff is another potential Pick 6 banker. He is drawn in pole and after just getting up over 1450m last time the step down to 1200m should suit as he had previously won by 4,25 lengths over 1160m. His merit rating was raised only four points for his last win so he is probably now roundabout on the mark that he ran to in that penultimate start as he could only be given a maximum eight-point raise for that win. The dangers look to be the course and distance suited Oravar and the well drawn Down To Zero.

In the sixth race over 2000m, the highly regarded Reunion was tried with hold up tactics last time over 1800m and it worked well as he ran on strongly and just failed. It did not pan out perfectly and if he is able to be dropped out over this 2000m trip he will take a power of beating.

Ivalo’s Prince was caught wide in the same race as Reunion last time and not surprisingly faded. However, Muzi Yeni was absent for that run and is now back aboard from a good draw, from where he can run on well in his usual style and he should stay the trip.

In the seventh over 2000m, You Deserve It is knocking on the door and can go one better than her last two starts from a good draw over an ideal trip. Rabia The Rebel is capable and has dropped to an attractive merit rating so could surprise. Last Cheer, Senescence and Fasinada make most appeal of the rest.

In the last over 2000m, Lyrical Dance won well last time over 1800m and could follow up as a progressive three-year-old who enjoyed the step in trip last time and can do so again although beyond her it is wide open.