Doyen Durban owners and breeders Roy and Gladys Meaker are looking forward to their ninth run in the country’s biggest race, the Vodacom Durban July, and there will be many neutrals hoping the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Mr Winsome gives them a richly deserved victory.

Dean Kannemeyer (Nkosi Hlophe)

Gladys explained the lucky circumstances behind landing a share in Mr Winsome, “We were sitting next to Dean at the Sale when he was bought. Roy had planned to buy me a horse which was going through the ring later. Dean offered us Mr Winsome and we immediately replied we were in for a share. So we were the first shareholders. I love Silvano, he is my favourite stallion. But they are just about impossible to get these days.”

The Meaker couple’s last July runner, Ice Machine, who ran in 2015, was also by Silvano and they actually bred him too.” Ice Machine was a brilliant miler and was most unfortunate to end his career without a Grade 1 victory. In the July, trained by Charles Laird, he moved up superbly at the top of the straight, but the 2200m distance was beyond him and he finished 7th.

The other shareholders of Mr Winsome are Darryl and Victoria Dickerson, who will be flying in from Indonesia, and passionate Cape Town-based owners Bryn Ressell, Barry Zeidel and George Nichas. All of the owners are loyal supporters of the Kannemeyer yard and Dean said, “They are a great bunch of owners to train for.”

It is little wonder the Meakers are hooked on racing as it was not long after they had been introduced to the sport in the 1970s by trainer Sonny Whiteford’s daughter-in-law that they experienced big race success. In 1976 they had their first involvement in the July when their two Whiteford-trained three-year-olds Gigantic and Bahadur made it into the final field. Gigantic, who had won both the Dingaans and the Cape Derby, only just failed to place, finishing fifth at odds of 7/1, while Bahadur was seventh at 6/1 odds. Gigantic won the Holiday Inns later that year and Bahadur won the 1977 J&B Met in what was a momentous season for the Meakers.

Gigantic went on to run in the next three Julys without ever improving on his fifth place. In that 1976 race he finished a whisker behind Majestic Crown, who was running in the colours of one of the country’s biggest owners, Cyril Hurwitz. Gladys recalled those heady days fondly, describing Hurwitz as “a great character”. They also used to rub shoulders with the regal couple, Harry and Bridget Oppenheimer.

Mr Winsome (Nkosi Hlophe)

Later, the Meakers sent some of their horses to another great character of the game, trainer Brian Cherry.

However, their next July runner was the Paddy Lunn-trained Secret Rites in 1992. There was much anticipation that year as Secret Rites started 3/1 favourite. Top jockey Basil Marcus was flown out from Hong Kong to ride him. However, the day turned into a major disappointment. Secret Rites first he lost a shoe on the way to the start and then in attempting to overcome the widest draw of all he ended up too handy. He duly faded and finished stone last.

The following year Secret Rites started 6/1 and finished 10^th, although in his very next start he won the Gr 1 Mainstay International (Champions Cup) at Clairwood, beating the former July winner Flaming Rock.

Gladys said the only stressful time of the July build up for an owner comes at the time of the final field selection.

She said, “You know your horse is good enough but it’s up to the panel to say yay or nay.” Their biggest disappointment in this regard was when Ice Machine didn’t make the cut in 2014.

She said the week of the July is a time for enjoyment and there is always the Friday evening cocktail party to look forward to also.

However, she admitted the member of the family who always got most excited about their runners was her son Shaun, an outstanding photographer and a passionate fan of the sport of kings.

Gladys concluded, “I just love the July, it has that special feel to it.”

By David Thiselton

The weights given to the three-year-olds in Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July – in particular to Edict Of Nantes – have been the subject of almost as much controversy as the historic treaty after which the favourite was named.

Many racing professionals are adamant that the classic generation has got off lightly and is going to throw up the winner for the first time since Legislate three seasons ago.

Edict Of Nantes #VDJ2017 Gallops

So, have the handicappers got it wrong? Durban-based Lennon Maharaj, who works in conjunction with colleagues Matthew Lips and Roger Smith, doesn’t think so.

He said: “We try to look at things as objectively as we can but the problem we have with the three-year-olds is that not enough of them run against older horses before the July, so they are rated almost as a separate crop and when that happens it is hard to compare.

“But I wouldn’t say that we have done anything differently this season and I would think it (their treatment) is pretty much in line with last year.”

Edict Of Nantes is rated 107 and last year’s Daily News winner Rabada was on 106 when he was scratched. The three-year-olds who ran were Abashiri  (13^th) 117, Black Arthur (7^th) 106, Samurai Blade (16^th) 106, It’s My Turn (4^th) 105, Rocketball (15^th) 105, Mambo Mime (10^th) 103, Ten Gun Salute (8th) 102, Marinaresco (2^nd) 101, Bela-Bela (6^th) 107.

It’s My Turn (Liesl King)

There are fewer of them this time. In addition to Edict Of Nantes they are: Al Sahem (106), Pagoda (101), Tilbury Fort (100), Safe Harbour (103) and Horizon (100).

Maharaj said: “Abashiri won the SA Classic by nearly four lengths and, although he didn’t achieve his rating subsequently, we weren’t going to drop him for winning the SA Derby. This season Gold Standard ran to 114 when fourth in the Met but he and William Longsword beat the rest of the field by three and three-quarter lengths in the Cape Guineas. To say the three-year-olds are under-rated using Gold Standard to compare with is probably a bit unfair.”

Interestingly Maharaj believes that It’s My Turn could be the dark horse in the race. “I personally have always felt he was a bit under-rated on his Cape Derby win. He has only gone up a point since last year’s July and he is a year older.”

Michael Clower

Visit www.trackandball.co.za for the latest #vdj2017 betting

It’s that time of the year again, you know, when pagans, mad dogs, Englishmen and Druids gather at Stonehenge – a circle of stones which served as a sundial – to greet the summer solstice. While other dudes, equally colourfully attired, gathered on a farm in Glastonbury to listen to music. In our country it’s midwinter so colds and flu abound, but a certain non-medical or spiritually- inspired fever begins to spread, and on the east coast it is not just about sardines. Soon the entire country is affected by the seemingly irresistible urge to splurge by having their annual flutter. Those afflicted are perhaps best described as flutter punters.

Yes it is July fever and it reaches fever pitch – what else – on the first Saturday every July. The Vodacom Durban July is a handicap in which the older and usually better horses carry more weight than the younger and fairer colts and fillies, thus every horse has a chance of winning. Imagine Usain Bolt having to give say five metres start to Wade van Niekerk. So picking a lucky number or liking the name of a horse is a good enough reason to have a flutter, especially as the tote –TAB outlets – will pay out on any horse which finishes in the first six. The other consideration is that your choice may well be unfancied by the bookmakers and regular losers, I mean punters, and will therefore pay more than a well-backed horse.

Black Arthur (Nkosi Hlophe)

So it is a case of paying your money and tata ma chance, so don’t miss out on office or family draws. No ticket no chance.

For those who want a little guidance and subscribe to the axiom that a shorter priced winner is better than a longer priced loser, here are some pointers. At last Thursday’s gallops, four horses stood out for me, and each of them shortened in the betting the next day: Number 11 – at the tote you bet on a number not the name – Black Arthur, who galloped very strongly; Number 7, The Conglomerate, who won this race last year, and carries less weight this year; Number 8, It’s My Turn, who has come in under the radar by not winning of late; and Number 11, Ten Gun Salute – an army term I am told to describe a half-cocked Twenty One Gun Salute – who won very impressively recently, is trained by Duncan Howells at Ashburton, and was well ridden in the gallops by work rider Kospendule Hlongwe. His big race jockey, Muzi Yeni, will fly in from Mauritius to ride him on Saturday.

It is Hobson’s choice, and I may have inadvertently given you the four numbers for the quartet – if you box 7,8,9 and 11 for R24, and IF they make up the first past the post, Eureka, Mayebabo, Holy Cow whatever, you will win a portion of the estimated R11 million which will be wagered on the quartet alone. But back to who will win? Well last year, to the amazement of family and those who know that I follow jockey Piere “Striker” Strydom, I did not back him on The Conglomerate, as he had an outside draw to overcome – and I had scrambled eggs on my face when he sailed home. Incredulously I had doubted the ability of a maestro who has ridden more than 5,000 winners, and who this season, despite not riding for a leading stable, has ridden more than 100 winners – every fifth horse he rides wins! So, in an open July with no clear Colorado King or Sea Cottage, or favourite, my two cents will be on It’s My Turn and “Striker”.

For flutter punters, who have as much chance of backing the winner as the experts, may I suggest that the four horses I have mentioned are good win and place options. For example, a R20 Win and a R20 Place bet on any one of them, could in the case of Black Arthur and It’s My Turn yield a win of around R120, whereas the same bet on The Conglomerate or Ten Gun Salute, would, if they win, yield around R200. Furthermore, if any of these four run into the first 6, you may well get your R40 layout back. As some say, easy game. Moreover, a small wager makes the race so much more exciting, and it only happens once a year.

By Rob Haswell

Vodacom Durban July Saturday 1 Tips and Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

Race 1
Preview: Wide open. POOL PARTY has some consistent Highveld form and has gone close in some good company. She was a beaten favourite last start but can do better on the poly. SILVER CLASS came good on the poly last time out and has the benefit of a good draw. LEISURE TRIP is coming t hand again. She has shown some smart form in the Cape. ABOUND WEST has won both starts on the poly and with a claiming apprentice up from a good draw she rates a strong chance. Stable companion COSMIC BURST finished ahead of Abound West last start and must have a chance on that showing. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-8-6).

Race 2
Preview: Wide open. HEAD HONCHO has shown up well in two local starts and makes his poly debut. He has a good draw and Marcus up so should be thereabouts. SCARRABEAST has been up against stronger at his last two. He goes well this course and distance. ARAMOUSE is no stranger to Greyville. His last win came on the Kimberley sand and that could hold him in good stead here. ARCHILLES is better than his last effort. He has gone close in useful company and another in with a winning chance in a very open affair. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-6-8).

Race 3
Preview: CROWD PLEASER was caught on the line by Vodacom Durban July runner Elusive Silva last time out and prior to that beat July favourite Edict Of Nantes. He only got a one-pound penalty for his last win and looks the part here. ZODIAC RULER continues to flatter to deceive but his time will come and it could be here. He is smart on his day. TROPHY WIFE has been struggling for her next win but has smart form in top company. She does have a fair weight. MY WORD may prefer it a touch further but is in good form and has a light weight. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-2-8).

Race 4
Preview: Wide open. BANNER HILL is back over what looks to be his best trip after missing out on a lace in the July. He goes well on this course and rates a strong chance. SON ON AFRICA ran a tremendous race in the T&B Derby when only going down late. He is in good form and should see out the trip. HERMOSO MUNDO was a very easy winner of the Gold Bow. He obviously enjoyed the extra and can go in again off this weight. ROCKETBALL showed signs of a return to form last time out after a spell in the wilderness. He goes this trip for the first time but has a handy weight. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-7-8).

Race 5
Preview: Difficult. LET IT FLOW was a narrow maiden winner last start but had gone close in two previous outings. She can do better this trip. DESERT RHYTHM has good form in a tongue-tie and has won over the distance which helps. She does have a wide draw but looks capable. GREEN TOP won well on debut and looks to have more to come. Draw a concern but rates a strong chance. NEPTUNE’S RAIN has a coffin draw but has smart form over shorter. If she stays the trip she will be a big runner. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-4-9).

Race 6
Preview: HAKEEM was a very easy maiden winner over the distance last time out and made smart improvement on a good debut effort. He has a fair draw here and is a strong contender. ANCESTRY is a smart looker and won as he liked last time out. He has done well on this course and is on the up. VARALLO has the best of the draw in pole position. He has smart sprint form to his credit and the extra will suit. TROJAN HARBOUR was an upset winner last run but enjoyed the extra after his maiden sprint win. He does have a difficult draw to overcome, one that has been the downfall of many a top horse. (6-1-11-10).

Race 7 Gr1 Vodacom Durban July
9 TEN GUN SALUTE   11 BLACK ARTHUR   18 SAFE HARBOUR   12 EDICT OF NANTES

1. Marinaresco – small horse with a big weight. Faces a tough task
2. French Navy – struggling to find best form but capable on his day.
3. Master Sabina – twice a Summer Cup winner. Capable on his day.
4. Brazuca – in a tough one at these weights.
5. Krambambuli – good form over further. Could find this too short.
6. The Conglomerate – last year’s winner. Has been campaigned carefully and can win again.
7. Saratoga Dancer – close-up fifth last year and better in at the weights this time around.
8. It’s My Turn – Derby winner and to hand at the right time. Good warm-up in 1900.
9. Ten Gun Salute – smart winner of 1900. Big chance on that showing.
10. Nightingale – smart warm-up in Tibouchina but will be tested here.
11. Black Arthur – improving and will be at his peak. Looks well weighted.
12. Edict Of Nantes – stable in hot form. Won Daily News and Cape Derby. Be right there.
13. Al Sahem – SA Derby winner. Form hard to fault. Top runner.
14. Mr Winsome – game Derby win and consistent but in a tough one.
15. Elusive Silva – in good form. Should be thereabouts.
16. Pagoda – looks held at these weights but stays the trip well.
17. Tilbury Fort – stayed on well in 1900. Better this trip.
18. Safe Harbour – always game. Light weight and can feature.
19. Horizon – not well weighted and does look held by other three-year-olds.
20. Nebula – disappointing last run. Can surprise if he runs.

Preview: The weights for this year’s race go pretty much according to the handicapping structure that automatically makes this more difficult as in theory all have an equal chance. EDICT OF NANTES comes from a red-hot stable and has had the perfect build-up and along with AL SAHEM appear to be the main three-year-old protagonists. However, a sneaker could be the filly SAFE HARBOUR. She has had a busy season but never runs a bad race and has bottom weight. The older horses are well in this year so one needs to look at their individual preparations. BLACK ARTHUR and IT’S MY TURN have both been shrewdly placed to get in with the best possible weight and both have top riders. TEN GUN SALUTE is over all his problems and his smashing win in the Betting World 1900 shows that he is in the form of his life. Last year’s winner, THE CONGLOMERATE, is also relatively well in and cannot be written off. Pressed into a corner, Ten Gun Salute is taken to beat home Back Arthur from Safe Harbour, Edict Of Nantes and Al Sahem. (Andrew Harrison: 9-11-18-12)

Race 8
Preview: HORSE GUARDS has his third run after a break and has shown signs of coming to hand at his last two. He has a light weight and a plum draw. ANGEL’S POWER has some smart Highveld form and was a close-up second to the smart and consistent Romi’s Boy last time out. He has done well on the poly. At the other end of the scale, ATTENBOROUGH makes his poly debut under a big weight but tries blinkers for the first time. At best he will go close. VARBRATION has had his fair share of problems but appears to be regaining his best form. Light weight and good draw are in his favour. (Andrew Harrison: 11-5-1-12)

Race 9
Preview: THE DAZZLER came from nowhere to beat a useful field of winners when winning at long odds on debut. A repeat showing will see him close again. AL MARIACHI comes from an in-form stable and was close-up to the highly rated Sand And Sea last time out. He does have a tricky draw but looks good enough to overcome. SNIPER SHOT is much better than his last effort and he will prefer the extra from a good draw. WELL CONNECTED was an impressive winner on debut against winners but he does have a tricky draw to contend with at only his second outing. (Andrew Harrison: 8-1-7-9).

Race 10
Preview: JUST SENSUAL is a top filly and could prove too strong even for a high-class bunch of older contenders. She has a top draw and has prepped well for this race. BELA-BELA is arguably over her best trip and ran an excellent race behind Captain America in the Gold Challenge. She will be a big runner. CHEVAUCHEE has shown up well over two shorter races since arriving in KZN and looks primed for this one from a plum draw. GIMME SIX won the Daisy Fillies Guineas over course and distance and has the best of the draw which puts her in with a strong chance. (Andrew Harrison: 10-1-6-11).

Race 11
Preview: DOOSRA is showing signs of returning to his best form over what looks to be his best trip. The poly could suit. LLOYD’S LEGACY was just in need of his last start and does show some promise. He has a handy weight and looks to have a strong chance. MY PAL AL loves the poly and can do much better than his last two. BISHOP’S BOUNTY has a fair weight from a wide draw but was a beaten favourite at his last two and can make amends. (Andrew Harrison: 2-9-3-1).

Race 12
Preview: SECRET CAPTAIN and CARBON OFFSET have shown smart three-year-old form and with their light weights look to have a strong chance in this field. NEBULA is back over his best distance. He does have a tricky draw to contend with but should go well. BARITONE is starting to find his best form. He has a big weight but will go close on his best effort. (Andrew Harrison: 13-14-5-1)

Leading apprentice Lyle Hewitson has made an amazingly quick recovery from a broken collar bone thanks chiefly to hyperbacic treatment and is now looking forward to riding the Sean Tarry-trained French Navy in the Vodacom Durban July on Saturday.

The treatment was sponsored by Charl du Plooy of Hyperbaric Systems South Africa (Biobarica) at the Rivonia Medical and Sports Centre Hewitson broke the bone in a fall at Fairview on May 13 and said the following week, “I will use all means possible to heal it better and faster, but I will only come back when strong enough and the July is only just over six weeks away.”

He said yesterday about the decision to start race-riding just six weeks after the fall, “I was feeling so good and that was the main factor.”

Hewitson rode a treble in that comeback at Fairview on Friday and rode another winner at Greyville on Sunday. Hewitson rode French Navy in the July gallops last Thursday. The big bay put in pleasing work and is in fine condition, so is just being kept ticking over at Summerveld until the race.

Hewitson believes his mount is a “huge runner” at the weights. Furthermore, Tarry believes the five-year-old Count Dubois gelding has improved since a tongue tie was applied three runs ago. His last run can be ignored as he hated the blinkers and was hit in the eye by a clod.

Hewitson said winning the July would be “a dream come true, especially doing it for the Sean Tarry stable.”

The professional youngster is well aware of the boost winning a July can have on a young jockey’s career and there is no better example than S’manga Kumalo’s win on the Tarry-trained Heavy Metal in 2014.

By David Thiselton