Andrew Harrison

Blue Steel is something of a tearaway in the mornings, not a ride for an apprentice according to Terry Fripp, Candice Bass’ Summerveld assistant, but Athandiwe Mgudlwa had his mount under control in the Class 4 that headed the card at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday.

Coming off a break, the son of Erik The Red pulled himself to the front and was not for the catching to win well. There were plenty in with chances over the final 100m, Red Bomber there but not able to hold off late challengers from Tam’s Night and Hoodia but Blue Steel was always in command.

Summer Winter was the money horse in the first leg of the Pick 6 and it was all money on the mark as Keagan de Melo delivered the goods for Adam Azzie. Four-claiming apprentice Divesh Ramkhalawon was quickly out of the gate on Magical Sky and setting smart early fractions but De Melo was always in striking distance. Magical Sky kept fighting in the dash for home but De Melo had her in his sights and Summer Winter delivered with a sustained finish to out-run Magical Sky with Tequila Sky, cramped late on the rail, running on for third.

It all went wrong for Catch A Penny in the Class 4 but Glen Kotzen was in the winner’s enclosure for the fourth as Let It Roll lived up to his name and came home lonely under Mickaella Michel. The original plan was to tuck in but the two-year-old took a hold and Michel was content to let the colt roll in front. There was a line across the track crossing the subway but once asked for an effort, Lit It Roll quickened up and streaked away from his rivals.

Fellow two-year-old Golden Diogo found a ton of support in the market, in from 20-1 in the ante-post to near favourite, but was very green and did well to run into third. Definitely one for the notebook.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July field will be announced tomorrow at the draw for the big race but Michel will be aboard current race favourite Star Major for James Crawford and confirmed that the colt had come on from his last win.

Lola Crawford does not have a big string at Summerveld but daughter Tarryn who runs the yard is steeped in horses and horse racing but dealing mainly with horses of modest ability.

However, given the opportunity she is more than capable of producing the goods.

Come Together was bought off an on-line sale and the three runs for Crawford have produced two placings and yesterday’s win in the card opener.

Tristan Godden was aboard on all three occasions and he produced his mount with a telling late run to fight off the attentions of Andre Nel’s filly Midnight Hour and Godden, tongue-in-cheek, saying that he was not sure who Hailey, Tarryn’s sister, was shouting home as she works for the Plattner operation.

Favourite Peach Melba jumped awkwardly out of the gate, losing position, but ran on stoutly for third.

Four-year-old Diamond Maker has a pedigree that suggests that ten furlongs and further would be his forte but tried over the trip last time out he finished a modest sixth. Yesterday it was back to a sprint with blinkers and it worked a treat as Jabu Jacobs, who does not get many chances in spite of his ability, made most of the running on Mike and Mathew de Kock’s runner and he kept on rolling with Ubuntu Of Peace just getting up to touch off favourite Tiger Cody and Glen Kotzen’s gelding does look to be looking for more ground.

The handicappers got it all right as top weights Green Mile and Lunch Money had the finish to themselves in the D Stakes. The two pulled clear of the opposition crossing the subway with Green Mile always having the advantage and Lunch Money chasing but the writing was on the wall a long way out.

It took Blane Marx-Jacobson some time to find his feet but the log-leading apprentice showcased his ability as he waited for an opening at the top of the straight before sending Louis Goosen’s filly Saudi Sweep into the lead with a telling late run to win as she liked leaving Winter Blessing and Mystique  Rouge to fight it out for the minor placings.

David Thiselton

The all important Hollywoodbets Durban July Final Field Announcement and Draw Ceremony will happen at Hollywoodbets Greyville today.

The final field panellists, consisting of chairman Raf Sheik (Race Coast), Lennon Maharaj (NHA Chief Handicapper), Aveen Sewpersad (Race Coast), Kurt Felix (Race Coast), Gabriel Soma (4Racing) and Luciano Passerini (4Racing), will have had the unenviable task yesterday (Monday) of choosing 18 runners plus two reserves from the 25 horses still standing their ground.

They would have been helped by the late scratching yesterday of the fancied Happy Verse as he was a top 18 on the log incumbent.

The scratchings of Tenpenny and Shoot The Rapids yesterday would not have been of much help as they were outside the top 20 on the last Hollywoodbets Durban July log and at most the only impact they would likely have had on the final field selection process would have been consideration for one of the two reserve positions.

The anomaly this year is that one of the most fancied runners in the betting market is the Justin Snaith-trained Regulation, despite him only having been 20^th on the final Hollywoodbets Durban July log and having a lowly merit rating of 106, which would mean he would be 1kg under sufferance carrying 52kg if he is a runner in the big race.

The Legislate gelding was fancied to book his place in the July by winning the Gr 3 WSB 1900, but he was caught wide from a wide draw and could only manage a 0,60 length second.

He was then fancied to make amends in the Gr 3 Betgames Cup Trial, but he was once again caught wide and he then reportedly choked up. His unplaced run there dented his chances of a place in the final field.

In his favour is that when winning the Gr 3 Ownpay Peninsula Handicap over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in December he beat top 18 on the July log incumbent Zeitz by 3,20 lengths when receiving only 1kg and then when finishing an unlucky third in the Gr 2 Anthonij Rupert Premier Trophy over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in January he beat Zeitz at level weights by 1,55 lengths and beat another top 18 July log incumbent, Native Ruler, by 2,35 lengths at level weights.

Furthermore, he beat top 18 incumbents The Ultimate King and Native Ruler in the WSB 1900, although he was receiving 6kg from The Ultimate King and 8kg from Native Ruler and only beat them by a quarter of a length and 1,35 lengths respectively.

Zeitz reversed form with Regulation when winning the Cup Trial and Regulation was also beaten by Listed Sledgehamnmer winner Field Marshal in the Cup Trial. The latter still stands his ground in the July.

The problem is which horse would Regulation leapfrog if it was decided to put him in?

The 19th position on the last log was the Gr 3 Jubilee winner Aladdin’s Lamp and he deserves a place as the winner of a traditional July pointer race and he is also in the handicap off his 110 rating carrying 53kg.

The next horse above Regulation on the log in 18th position was Minogue, who has placed a narrow second in her last two races, which were both Gr 2s over 2000m.

However, Regulation has won a stakes race this season, while Minogue has never won a black type race in her career, although she has many stakes places to her name including a Gr 1 runner up finish.

Other horses who have not had stakes wins this season despite some good placed efforts are Choisaanada (17th on the log), I Salute You (15th), Olivia’s Way (14th), Viva’s Liberte (11th), King Pelles (9th), Note To Self  (7th) and Gladatorian (6th).

If winning a stakes race is a key criteria then Regulation must have a chance.

It is always a tough decision for the final field panellists and there are always those who either feel disappointed or aggrieved.

However, the Hollywoodbets Durban July Final Field Announcement and Draw ceremony is when the famous “July Fever” really kicks into overdrive.

It is a hugely anticipated event by the South African racing community and trainers, owners, jockeys, breeders, grooms, punters and bookmakers will be on tenterhooks when the ceremony starts at 11 a.m. tomorrow morning, with the final field tension being followed by the barrier draw tension.

Gavin Lerena makes an appearance in Cape Town today when his main ride comes aboard Give It Laldy in race 8 over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. He has always been held in high regard and his last win shows the potential he holds.

Reigning Champion Jockey of South Africa Lerena has found himself in a golden spot by sharing rides with Sean Veale for Hollywood Racing. Lerena has had a rough season through some injuries and serving a suspension for indiscretions last season but he still trading at a high win percentage this season of nearly 19%.

Give It Laldy has only one indifferent run in his career which came over 1600m. He was not ready for that. He did not see out the trip but every other run is good quality, signs of a promising sprinter in the making.

His last victory was visually impressive. Give It Laldy quickened smartly to run away from Objet D’Art who did not seem to be stopping. He ran the finish out of the useful rival who he meets on 2kg worse terms for less than a length deficit. One cannot shake off the feeling that Give It Laldy is so progressive and he has something left in the locker. He has only raced five times for two wins and two places. He is still very much low mileage. It has been two months since his last run so fitness could be an issue with Objet O’Art coming off the same break. Weather has not been rough in Cape Town since the start of May so there is no reason to be behind from a work perspective.

Trainer Lucinda Woodruff has been in sensational form across the coast over the past few weeks. That would enhance confidence around the chances of Give It Laldy as well as Katsu a few races earlier. He has an outstanding chance.

Objet D’Art must stand out as a big danger. He is in a similar profile to Give It Laldy in that he is lightly raced and he must have bright days ahead of him. There has been little to choose between them. Give It Laldy seems like more of a sprinter while Objet D’Art could have be more versatile. Regardless, one cannot be ignored over the other. Craig Zackey is carded to take the ride.

Flying Finley is in the pink of health His brilliant work has been over 1000m lately and it is hard to imagine that he will suddenly not have the legs to run over an extra 100m. He is adaptable to change his running style too while Keagan de Melo gets a tune out of him. With his recent wins, his rating rises and life becomes harder but while he is performing in this manner, he cannot be ignored.

Another Hero has improved with every start and he looks set to exit the maiden ranks in race 1 over 1200m. His sequence reads fourth, third and second including runs to the promising Magma Flow, The Cullinan and Aquae Calidae. Of the raced runners, he has the most compelling form to recommend despite some pleasing runs from the likes of Saratona Sunrise and Rust Never Sleeps.

A first timer looks well primed to win race 2 over 1200m unless Catch me continues to improve but he must be vulnerable because he has not sparked up much. His last start came to the progressive Witch Hazel over this course and distance and he was well beaten. He made his debut in a minor feature so he must have been showing something to kick off against Tag And Release. Waiting Game is from one of the most prolific families on the circuit. Rainbow Bridge, Hawwaam and Golden Ducat are half brothers to his mare, In Limbo. Bolero and Gentian are bred to be quick and they could have a touch of ability first up.

Jack A Dandy caught the eye on debut and he must stand a winning chance in race 3 over 1200m. He had no right to finish third behind Sing Forevermore but he found a late finish to end up nearly three lengths behind in third. If this run is not a performance premature from him really finding his feet, he could improve enough and win. Craig Zackey is up for Dean Kannemeyer.

Miss Smiley is no good thing in race 4 over 1000m but she is hinting that a win is around the corner. Her last start was a near miss in second behind Ruby Rex over this course and distance. She is a 10-start maiden which must be taken into account. With a field of unknowns and pedigrees perhaps not as strong as the earlier races, she might have found herself in the right race.

Superhero runs in race 5 over 1500m and he will take all the beating. After hitting the crossbar and finishing second in his last two runs, a win must be due. He gave red hot fancy Navasnine plenty to think about in his last run over 1400m at this course. Crucially, that was his first run after nearly a year off the track. He van only step forward from the run and strip a fitter horse.

Katsu has kept good company and that should serve him well off top weight of 62kg in race 6 over 1600m. Recent runs to Hollywoodbets Durban July entries Tenpenny and La Pulga and a recent run to the progressive Major Master indicates a sharp drop in class. He generally runs well above himself and he does not let the team down. Woodruff sends him out with Mickaelle Michel in the irons taking 1,5kg off his back.

Backinthefastlane and Trip To Camelot are both tree-year-olds starting at a low base after maiden wins but both look capable of scaling up from Class 5 company. They meet in race 7 over 1950m. Both have reasons to work with them. Backinthefastlane just needs to show that he can reach this trip. His form is solid and he must have a top chance while Trip To Camelot is taking the long route but he should love this trip being a relation to SA Derby winners Hero’s Honour and Legend Of Arthur.

RACE 1

7 ANOTHER HERO ran a lovely race behind a very smart horse last time, in hope that he has improved further back at home, he will go very close to winning this race. 5 SARATOGA SUNRISE stayed on well to finish just under six lengths behind Bachata on debut, he can only improve going into his second run, watch him closely. 3 RUST NEVER SLEEPS finished just over five lengths behind One Magic on the 2nd of June, top jockey Richard Fourie sticks with this gelding, he is open to any amount of improvement, include him into all bets. 8 BLACKBIRD has run two lovely races in succession, he will love the step up in trip to 1200m, he will be right there in the finish on his best form.

RACE 2

A tricky contest featuring several well-bred debutants. The betting market should provide the strongest clues, watch it closely. Of the raced runners, 2 CATCH ME brings the strongest form to the table and sets the benchmark, he will be right there in the finish with further improvement expected on Tuesday.

RACE 3

Another fascinating but tricky affair featuring several well-bred first timers. Pay close attention to the parade ring, as it could provide valuable clues. 5 MARY CASSATT has been rested for 85 days, she ran a lovely race on debut when finishing third behind Margate on the 30th of March, the form of that race has worked out well, if she doesn’t need the run back after a small break, she will go close to winning. 6 RED FLAG stayed on well late to finish just under two lengths behind Ruby Rex on debut, she will love the step up in trip to 1200m, include her into all bets. 11 JACK A DANDY ran third on debut behind Sing Forevermore, even though she wants further, she will be running on well late, watch her closely.

RACE 4

3 EL COHETE was heavily supported in the market when finishing third behind One Magic last time, she is very consistent, and she is very fast, in hope that she gets away from the field at the right time, she will be hard to beat. 7 MISS SMILEY stayed on well to finish second behind Ruby Rex on the 2nd of June, if she brings that run to the track again on Tuesday, she will have a serious winning chance. 11 PEACH COBBLER has been rested for 90 days, she ran a much-improved race behind Preacher Man on the 25th of March, with further improvement expected from this filly, she has a good place chance in this field. Again, you will need to watch the first timers closely, if they have any ability, they can make a winning debut.

RACE 5

2 SUPERHERO ran a great race for second behind Navasnine on the 2nd of June, that was his first run back after a long break, he will be much fitter going into this race on Tuesday, include him into all bets from a neat draw. 6 WATERFRONT ran third in the same race as Superhero last time, that was his first run for Piet and Elbert Steyn, he can only improve stepping up in trip, watch him closely from a tricky draw. 4 ZANFAN MORIS might be the value play in this tricky race, he improved nicely going into his second run on the 24th of March, he must have a big winning chance stepping up in trip to 1500m. 3 ROYAL INFLUENCER was beaten by a nice type on the 16th of May, in hope that he has made further improvement back at home, he will run a big race from a good draw.

RACE 6

7 MUTINY IN HEAVEN quickened up smartly to win well on the 24th of May, even though this race is tougher for him out of the maiden ranks, he looks progressive, if he finds himself in a good position turning for home, he will go close to winning again. 4 ROCKANROLLIN stayed on well for third in a competitive race last time, he will be right there in the finish on his best form. 5 KATSU never runs a bad race, he will be finishing fast, watch him closely at a decent price. 8 GROOVEJET ran a fair race up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 24th of May, that was his first run back after a long break, he will be much fitter going into this race on Tuesday, if the gaps open at the right time, he will be super competitive.

RACE 7

3 GOLD INDEX quickened up really well to win a good race on the 2nd of June, he was given six points for that impressive win last time, with a low weight on his back, and a good draw, he must have a serious winning chance again. 4 GLENALMOND stretched away from the field to win a lovely race on the 2nd of June, the form of that race has worked out well, he can win again from a neat draw. 9 TRIP TO CAMELOT was given a top ride by jockey Craig Zackey on the 16th of May, this gelding comes to the track with a big reputation, even though he carries top weight here, he will be running on powerfully late. 7 BACKINTHEFASTLANE was heavily supported in the market when finishing second behind his stable companion on the 19th of May, the blinkers stay on, he has a good place chance.

RACE 8

7 FLYING FINLEY beat a strong field on the 19th of May, he was given five points for that good win last time, the form of his last race has worked out well, he has a big winning chance again. 5 GIVE IT LALDY won a terrific race on the 27th of April, he was given three points for that victory, the yard thinks highly of this gelding, he will be right there in the finish. 11 FAST TRAIN quickened up in devastating fashion to win a good race on the 24th of May, he will be switched off early, and he will be flying at them late, watch him closely. 8 OBJET D’ ART was beaten a long neck by Give It Laldy last time, he has a wonderful turn of foot late, if the gaps open at the right time, he can absolutely win a race like this.

Please note: Turffontein Tuesday 30 June meeting has been scheduled to Monday 29 June 2026.

Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Musselburgh and Windsor (UK) – 22 June 2026.

David Thiselton

There was more success for South African horseracing abroad over the weekend as Gaynor Rupert led in a homebred winner at Royal Ascot and the Narrow Creek Stud-bred Hollywood Racing-owned What A Winter gelding Isivunguvungu came back from a ten month layoff to win in the USA.

Gaynor Rupert’s UK operation Cayton Park Stud bred the St. Mark’s Basilica colt Thesecretadversary together with Coolmore and she part-owns this three-year-old together with Mrs John Magnier.

Running in Drakenstein Stud’s familiar blue colours with a white  square the Ireland-based James Stack-trained colt converted 20/1 odds in a field of 14 to win the Gr 3 Jersey Stakes for three-year-olds over seven furlongs on Saturday under Seamie Hefferman.

The Secretadversary jumped well from draw two in the straight race and the solidly built horse with the unmistakeable white face travelled well just off the leading line.

At the three furlong mark he moved up to join the leaders still traveling with plenty in hand.

Hefferman got to work at the two furlong mark and gave him his first backhander a few strides later.

He kept at the horse in rhythmical style and The Secretadversary kept going resolutely to hold off his fellow Irish-bred contemporary Take Charge Star (Starspangledbanner), who jumped from draw one and helped ensure a boil over result as he jumped at 50/1 odds. This pair were a convincing 4,5 lengths clear of the third-placed 25/1 shot Morris Dancer (Palace Pier), while 80/1 shot Green Sense (Starman) was beaten 6,5 lengths into fourth. There was then a shorthead back to fifth-placed Neolithic (Sioux Nation) and the 11/10 favourite Saber Strike (Night Of Thunder) was next best.

Thesecretadversary won a Listed race as a two-year-old over seven-and-a-half furlongs at Tipperary and was placed fifth in the Gr 1 Summer Stakes over a mile on dirt at Woodbine under Frankie Dettori in his next start.

He won his three-year-old debut in the Gr 3 Ballylinch Stud Red Rock Stakes over seven furlongs and 42 yards by 2,5 lengths under Hefferman at Leopardstown.

He followed that with a 12,25 length fifth in the Gr 1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and then finished a five length sixth in the Gr 1 Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh.

Considering his seven furlong form he was good value at 20/1 on Saturday and it might have been his low draw which was off putting in a week in which the high draws looked to have a distinct advantage in the races down the straight.

The fact that Thesecretadversary broke this trend and won in commanding style shows just what a fine performance it was.

Hopefully he can go on to bigger things and perhaps stand at stud at Drakenstein one day.

His sire St. Mark’s Basillica, who is by Siyouni out of a Gr 3-winning Galileo mare, is making waves.

As a racehorse he won the Gr.1 Dewhurst Stakes, the Gr.1 French 2000 Guineas, the Gr.1 French Derby. the Gr.1 Eclipse Stakes and the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes and he was a European Champion two-year-old and World Champion three-year-old.

Thesecretadversary is from St. Mark’s Basilica’s first crop and so is the Aidan O’Brien-trained Diamond Necklace, who is unbeaten in five starts including three Gr 1s and those Gr 1s include the French 1000 Guineas and French Oaks.

Meanwhile, a layoff of ten months seems to have done a world of good for Isivunguvungu, who had gone off the boil in a tough campaign between September 2024 and August last year, which included a trip to Dubai.

The What A Winter gelding recorded his second win in the USA on Friday when landing an Allowance Optional Claiming contest over 5.5 furlongs (about 1100m) on the turf worth $57,000 and a first prize of $33,600.

It was the Narrow Creek Stud-bred and Hollywood Racing-owned gelding’s first victory since winning the Da Hoss Stakes at Colonial Downs on his USA debut in September 2024.

Jumping from a draw of seven, Isivunguvungu settled well and took up what the Americans call a stalking position, He was produced on the outside with a sustained effort to get on terms before asserting close to home and winning in impressive style by half-a-length.

All seven of the runners carried 123 pounds and Isivunguvungu started 7/5 favourite.

It was not a strong field, but it should be remembered that the SA-bred Hollywood Racing and Rikesh Sewgoolam-owned One Stripe came into his own in the USA after getting his confidence back by winning an Allowance Optional Claiming event.

Isivunguvungu is an eight-year-old by American breeding times, but the big Graham Motion-trained speedster looks to have a lot of racing still left in him.

Speaking to SAHorseracing.COM after the victory, winning jockey Jorge Ruiz paid tribute to the team behind the talented sprinter.

“I would like to thank the Graham Motion team and everyone involved with Isivunguvungu. I am truly grateful to Hollywood Racing for the opportunities they have given me,” said Ruiz.

“I hope to continue winning many important races with them and, of course, to win Group 1 races. That is my dream, especially while carrying the colours of Hollywood Racing from South Africa.

“Congratulations to the entire team, the owners, and everyone involved in this great organization in South Africa. Thank you for your support and confidence.”

Motion has done exceptionally well with South African-breds and this was his second win with an SA-bred in the space of six days as Gimme A Nother won at Monmouth Park the previous Saturday.

Andrew Harrison

Final declarations for this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July are due at 11 this morning but the name of Curious Girl may not be in the field of 18 plus two reserves after going down to Jazz Café in the Lucky Fish Winter Fillies Stakes over 2400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

It was a close call at the line but Robbie Hill’s mare got up in the shadow of the post to make things even more difficult for those responsible for choosing the final July field as Curious Girl does boast five wins plus victory over males in the Gr2 SA Derby.

Jazz Café was the lowest rated horse in the nine-horse field and going on the official July weights Curious Girl was at the bottom of the handicap with 46kg, 6kg below the minimum July weight of 52kg so on Saturday’s evidence she is unlikely to be raised the required amount to make her competitive in the July or even make the final line-up. As Hill pointed out, it is difficult for three-year-olds at this time of the year especially over 2400m.

For Hill it was a plan come together and perfectly executed by Rachel Venniker. Curious Girl was always well placed in a race run at no great pace while Venniker was content to sit watching all unfold in front of her.

Approaching the final turn, Venniker gently asked for more as Jazz Café crept closer and was within striking distance crossing the subway. It was a sprint for home with many in contention but Jazz Café and Curious Girl gradually shook them off and had the race to themselves over the final 100m with Jazz Café just making it home with Woman’s World staying on for third.

It was KZN Breeder’s day with the Breeders’ Mile heading the card made up of KZN-bred horses. Tinus Gericke is an integral part of Blue Sky Thoroughbreds along with Bruce le Roux but Go Grayson Go was bred for his own account and races in the Gericke family colours.

It was straight forward for Richard Fourie who track the hot early pace set by replacement rider Tristan Godden on Wild At War The field concertinaed at the top of the straight but Furie had Daylight n front of him and Go Grayson Go delivered the coup de grace.

It was the second winner for Frikkie Greyling as the regally bred Queen Of The Air final got the maiden monkey off her back after two disappointing recent runs, and the third winner of Serino Moodley who rode a patient on the filly. With only one behind her turning for home, she gradually built up under hands before Moodley asked for an effort over the final 200m. Racing in a cornel collar, Queen Of The Air obvious has breathing issues but she had enough in the tank to hold off a determined challenge from Chef’s Kiss.

Fortress Of Fire was a game winner of the Non-Black Type Declarationofpeace 1200, getting home narrowly ahead of a fast-finishing Kalahari Roller. Andrew Fortune had pinched an early break in the straight up the inside rail on Magic Surprise but was quickly swallowed up by Fortress Of Fire. However, after a quick glance over her shoulder, it was all hands to the pump for Venniker as Kalahari Roller came flying  but Fortress Of Fire held on just long enough to deny Siphesihle Hlengwa.

David Thiselton

Peter Muscutt has engaged the Australian-based Zimbabwean Mark du Plessis to ride I Salute You in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and this will be a reunion of a partnership which has had success in both Zimbabwe and Singapore.

Peter has never had a runner under his own name in South Africa’s greatest race, but this year he looks a virtual certainty to have two runners as his pair of entries, Isivivane and I Salute You, were in 15^th and 16^th position on the last Hollywoodbets Durban July log.

Peter said about top jockey Mark du Plessis, who was Zimbabwe’s Apprentice Champion in the 1994/95 season and their overall champion in 1997/98, “He rode for me in Zimbabwe and in Singapore and in fact he rode my first winner in Singapore. He has been very successful in Asia and very successful in New Zealand. He actually had to forego the New Zealand championship the one season, because he landed a contract in Hong Kong. He would have won it, he was a long way clear. He did very well in Hong Kong (in two stints). He is a natural light weight and apart from his current residence (Australia) and all of those other places mentioned he has also ridden winners in Japan, very good rider.”

Mark has never ridden in the July before, but has ridden at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Peter elaborated, “He did well in Hong Kong, whose two tracks are not unlike Greyville (both are tight, right-handed tracks), and he has got a lot of experience on tight-turning tracks in both New Zealand and Australia.”

Mark has ridden 36 wins in Queenland this season, which puts him in 32^nd place on the Queensland table. However, that gives a bit of a skewed picture, because in the statistics limited to the metro racetracks he is in 12^th position with 18 wins.

Although these are Peter’s first July runners under his name he has had a lot of experience in preparing July horses as the former Summerveld assistant to both Joey Ramsden and Brett Crawford.

As far as big race preparation goes, he has also learnt from one of the best trainers in the world, having spent seven years working with Australian legend Chris Waller.

The Hollywood Racing-owned four-year-old Erupt gelding Isivivane booked his berth in the July by winning the Gr 3 WSB 1900 on May 9, beating the fancied July entry Regulation by 0,60 lengths at level weights. Sean Veale rode him in the 1900 and will stay aboard for the July.

I Salute You, a four-year-old gelding by Soqrat, booked his place by finishing a 0,70 length second to Zeitz in the Gr 3 Betgames Cup Trial over 1800m on June 6.

Peter said, “Isivivane has a 2,5kg advantage over I Salute You, but I Salute You is a very good horse and I have no hesitation in suggesting that both horses are going to see out the trip very well, they are both very fit horses.”

I Salute You will be 1kg better off with Zeitz for a 0,70 length beating and Peter said, “I can’t see him beating us again.”

He added, “I Salute You was also a touch slowly away in the Cup Trial and if he hadn’t missed the break I think he would have taken a lot of beating. He was a fair way further back than I had wanted him and had he been in front of Zeitz turning in I don’t think he would have beaten us.”

He continued, “I Salute You has not jumped well in his last two starts, but we will do some work on that.”

He concluded, “They both came out of their races very well. They seem to be horses who are on the improve and they are both in really good form. Now we wait for the draws.”

Isivivane won’t have run for nearly two months by the time of the July, but Peter does not see that as a problem and reiterated that he was a very fit horse.

Both horses will work on their own at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops.

Peter added, “According to their schedule they will probably both work from the 1400m and pick it up from the 1000m.”

I Salute You is owned by Messrs E C Abraham, Mayesh Chetty, T Herdon, K Nattar, Tony Zackey, Advocate W A J Nicholson & Miss Trinisha Pillay. It will be an exciting build up to the big day for all of them.

Peter said about the draws he would prefer, “Anything from 5 to 10 would be ideal.”

Isivivane is a half-brother to the Gr 1 SA Classic winner Red Saxon (Red Ray). He is out of Casey Tibbs mare Rodeo Sioux, whose three wins included a minor feature over 2600m, so that coupled with Erupt being by Dubawi and having won two Gr 1s over 2400m augurs well for his capacity to handle the testing July trip.

I Salute You’s sire Soqrat’s three Gr 1 wins were all over a mile, but he was a flying second with topweight in the Gr 1 Summer Cup over the tough Turffontein 2000m. I Salute You,  is out of a mare by speed influence Var, but that mare is in turn out of a mare by stamina influence Silvano.

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