Justin Snaith needs the field for the R4 million Premier’s Champions Challenge to be much smaller than its present 22-nominated if he is to run Made To Conquer in the Turffontein 2 000m Grade 1 on May 4. The problem is that last year’s Durban July runner-up is drawn 18.

Snaith said: “I am not going all that way to run from a wide draw. It’s hard enough going to Jo’burg even without that. I am going to run him once in Durban and then make a call.”

Made To Conquer is an 18-1 chance with World Sports Betting whose early prices are dominated by horses trained by Mike de Kock – Hawwaam hot favourite at 11-10, Barahin (7-1), Cascapedia (8-1) and Soqrat (9-1). The Sean Tarry-trained Legal Eagle (15-2) is the only non-de Kock horse priced in the top five.

Glen Kotzen has a possible tilt at the Vodacom Durban July at the back of his mind for Herodotus who showed what he is capable of when stepped up to ten furlongs for the G-Bets Cape Derby, finishing third to Atyaab.

The Woodhill trainer said: “Herodotus will stay put for now and go for the Winter Series. If he steps up further then we might go for the July with him.”

Plans have still to be decided for Elusive Trader who collected R1 million for finishing second to Cirillo in the CTS 1200.

Greg Ennion said: “At the moment the horse is in work but taking it easy and I want to give him as long a break as I can. I might then send him to Durban but the owners (Marsh Shirtliff and Bryn Ressell) and I haven’t discussed it yet.”

The Klawervlei Farm Sale Stakes proved a popular call at Durbanville on Saturday and it looks like becoming an annual event. The winner cost only R25 000 and, without wishing to sound like an advert, it’s worth noting that the Farm Sale (on June 15 this year) also boasts graduates of the calibre of Edict Of Nantes and Captain Of All.  

By Michael Clower