Ashley and Andrew Fortune have four Grade 1 runners at Hollywoodbets Scottsville tomorrow including the much talked about favourite in the Allan Robertson, Winter Smoke. 

Ashley said they hoped Winter Smoke proved to be as good as her debut win combined with the favourite tag suggested she was. She added that a number of jockeys who had ridden her had said she had given them the feeling of being “special.” 

Afternoon Tea also runs in the Allan Robertson as the Fortunes are mindful that there are only so many chances a horse has of running in a Grade 1 race. Ashley described her as consistent and expected “a nice run”. 

The yard run Invidia in the Golden Horse Sprint. He is officially 2,5kg under sufferance but this was only because they decided not to take the six points penalty for running second in the Post Merchants, run recently over this same course and distance. He would otherwise be carrying 52,5kg instead of 52kg. He is thus 1kg better off with Post Merchant’s winner Eden Roc for a 0,5 length beating. 

Ashley said Invidia had come on from the Post Merchants, was in a good space and she expected a nice run. 

The first-timer Validus runs in the Golden Horse Medallion and throwing him into the deep end here was forced upon the connections by the interruption to horses’ programs lockdown had brought. However, Ashley said this Dynasty colt was definitely of “the quality” to take a chance with in this field. 

All of these horses have been staying at Summerveld for varying lengths of time and have all been enjoying themselves there. 

By David Thiselton    

Dennis Drier will tomorrow be going for his seventh Grade 1 Golden Horse Medallion win since 2010 and his eighth overall and he has a strong coupling this year in Tempting Fate and Pray For Rain. 

Later in this Hollywoodbets Festival of Speed meeting he has a chance of winning the Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint with Cartel Captain. 

Tempting Fate by Master Of My Fate is out of the speedy Drier-trained filly Miss October whose Trippi daughter Spring Break ran a 4,20 length eighth against the boys in last years Medallion before going on to finish a close second in the Umkhomazi Stakes over this same 1200m distance at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Tempting Fate is unbeaten in two starts and last time out showed good pace and a strong kick to win the Grade 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in a time 0,30 seconds quicker than the Strelitzia on the same day. His stablemate Pray For Rain by Soft Falling Rain was a 0,60 length second at level weights after playing up at the start. 

Drier said, “Both came out of that last race superbly and I couldn’t be happier with them going into this race.” 

He put Pray For Rain’s antics at the start down to ring rustiness.

He added, “Tempting Fate is the choice on what they have shown.”

However, he concluded by saying they were two-year-olds so it was difficult to say and they would show what they were made of in the race. 

The pair face a strong field and are priced up as 7/2 second favourite and 16/1 with Track And Ball. The favourite Erik The Red is at 23/10.

Tempting Fate is ridden by stable jockey Sean Veale from draw 12 and Pray For Rain has Ant Mgudlwa up from draw one. 

Cartel Captain has come into his own this season. Drier said he was in a “tough” renewal of the Golden Horse Sprint but on the other hand had a light weight “along with most of the field.” He said he also could not be happier with his preparation. He has Sean Veale up from draw eight. 

Vaughan Marshall has two runners in the Medallion, Joseph Barry and No Laying Up. 

Both have been at Summerveld since March. 

He said Joseph Barry had come on a lot from his third place finish in the Godolphin Barb and he believed he could “definitely” reverse form with Tempting Fate and Pray For Rain. 

He agreed No Laying Up would be suited to Hollywoodbets Scottsville based on his debut win over the tough Kenilworth 1000m when showing good pace and then fending off the horse he became involved in a dual with to win cosily. However, No Laying Up suffered a “hiccup” after arriving at Summerveld and is a “bit behind” Joseph Barry. Nevertheless, Marshall said he had been doing very well and could finish in the frame. 

Joseph Barry has Anton Marcus up from draw eleven and it looks likely that Keagan de Melo will get the ride on No Laying Up, who jumps from draw six. 

Gareth van Zyl has a chance of landing his first Grade 1 in the Allan Robertson with the second favourite Vernichey. He said he had been surprised how green she had been last time when winning the Strelitzia over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville as he had regarded her as a “forward” filly. He added she had come on a lot from the run but acknowledged that most of the opposition would also have improved. 

Vernichey has a good action which is suitable for the tough Hollywoodbets Scottsville course and the most pleasing aspect of her Stelitzia win was that she had come from off the pace to win going away. 

Van Zyl mentioned the Ashley Fortune-trained favourite Winter Smoke as the one he had been hearing a lot about.

Warren Kennedy retains the ride on Vernichey who is drawn ten. 

Van Zyl runs the biggest outsider Princekresh in the Medallion. He will have to do a lot to reverse a 4,75 length defeat by Tempting Fate in the Godolphin Barb. Van Zyl said fitting blinkers could help his cause but admitted he would be very happy if he just made the frame. 

Donovan Dillon rides from draw seven.

By David Thiselton

Justin Snaith is bullish about two of his horses for the Festival Of Speed meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday, Nexus and Erik The Red, and is hopeful for his other three, Kasimir, Miss Florida and Magnificent Seven. Callan Murray rides the latter and the rest will all be ridden by stable jockey Richard Fourie.

Snaith runs the improving Nexus in the Grade 3 Cup Trial over 1800m, which forms the first leg of the Pick 6 and will whet the appetite for the following Jackpot of Grade 1 1200m sprints. This four year-old by Dynasty won his first start as a gelding in impressive style over 1500m at Kenilworth. Snaith said, “Nexus is a serious racehorse and a lot of people who don’t know him might know him after Saturday. He is not far off my top July runners, there’s not much in it at all, and there were times when I thought he might be better than some of them. I think it will take a very good horse to beat him. He might run in the July or he might not. He was bred in KZN so he qualifies for the KZN Breeders Million Mile and we will either run in the one race or the other.” Nexus is drawn three in the twelve horse Cup Trial field and off a merit rating of 105 carries 55,5kg.

He also runs Magnificent Seven in the Cup Trial and said, “it’s his first run for a year and we’re hoping for a positive run.” The five-year-old Horse Chestnut gelding carries top weight of 60kg and is drawn six. 

Snaith runs the exciting Captain Al colt Erik The Red in the Golden Horse Medallion. He has won his last four starts after a debut 5th over 900m and Snaith said, “Erik The Red is doing very well in Durban, if he takes to the track I expect a good run. He’s a proper two-year-old, probably the most ready and exposed two-year-old I’ve ever brought to KZN, I usually bring unraced two-year-olds, so I’m expecting a big run from him, definitely.” In his last start in the Listed Kuda Somerset 1200 at Kenilworth on June 9 he gave the whole field weight and a 4,25 length slamming so only looks to be getting better. He is drawn ten in the fourteen horse Medallion field.

Snaith runs the reigning Equus Champion Sprinter Kasimir in the Golden Horse Sprint and said, “He’s doing well, I’m very happy with his prep, I think he is one run short so this will be a nice prep into the Mercury Sprint on Gold Cup day. But, it’s very hard, he’s got to give weight away to everybody, so we are just hoping for a positive run. He hasn’t run at Scottsville since he was a three-year-old (finished sixth in the Tsogo Sun (Golden Horse) Sprint) but I did gallop him there so he got to see the track again.” The Captain Al gelding carries 60kg from draw nine.

The yard run Captain Al filly Miss Florida in the SA Fillies Sprint brought to you by The Witness. This will be the first time she has raced at Hollywoodbets Scottsville since winning the Grade 1 Allan Robertson last year. However, Snaith said, “I took her for a gallop there and she loved it. She will have to cause a big upset though, but it’s Scottsville so you never know.”  Miss Florida is drawn highest in the eleven horse field and is one of seven three-year-olds participating.

By David Thiselton

Three classic winners and the defending Champion Stayer feature in the main event of the 3^rd meeting. It is an open race, with numerous runners capable of taking the honours.

Baritone switched yards during the off-season. He has been well-prepared for his seasonal debut and can make it. Table Bay represents the winning trainer of last Saturday’s Duchess Of York Cup and is expected to be right up there, while others to follow in this 1500 metre contest include Alshibaa, Opera Royal and King’s County

In what is a very welcome move, this Saturday sees the return of all the owners, whose names are in the race card.

Race 1

#6 CHESTER’S WISH made up some ground to finish 3^rd last time out. With a run under his belt, he can do even better this time round. #5 Seven Carat made it all the way last Saturday. He can justify his trainer’s decision to enter him once again. #9 Valerin was an impressive winner in his last start. He runs well fresh and having drawn perfectly, he can go close. #2 Hit The Green has benefited greatly from his seasonal debut. He can make his presence felt.

1. #6 Chester’s Wish

2. #5 Seven Carat

3. #9 Valerin

4. #2 Hit The Green

Race 2

#1 BLACK INDY caught the eye in his seasonal debut. He is down in class and will appreciate running over longer. He jumps from draw 1 and is tipped to mount a bold bid. #2 Mr Green Street scored a last gasp win in his previous showing. He is capable of confirming. #9 Man From Seattle makes his return to competition in good form, and can be thereabouts, while #4 Carlton Heights and #3 All Aboard are worthy of consideration for the lower placings.

1. #1 Black Indy

2. #2 Mr Green Street

3. #9 Man From Seattle

4. #4 Carlton Heights

Race 3

#3 MARAUDING won both of his two races last season. His last win was simply mind blowing. Well-trained, he is primed to seal his hat-trick. His nearest danger is #1 Apollo Star, who will relish running in this class. #2 It Doesn’t Matter is an inconsistent performer, but with his yard bang on form, he is worth a thought. #5 The Right Stuff looks the likeliest to crack the quartet.

1. #3 Marauding

2. #1 Apollo Star

3. #2 It Doesn’t Matter

4. #5 The Right Stuff

Race 4

#8 VISION OF TRUST has come out very well from his seasonal debut. He can earn Praveen Nagadoo’s yard a precious win here. #3 Candy Apple made a direct visit to the winner’s enclosure on his debut. He has a good chance of doubling the score. #2 Varside has been well-prepared for his return to competition. He always gives his best and is worthy of consideration. Debutant #10 Trojan Winter is a promising sort and as he represents the in-form Simon Jones stable, he must be watched very closely.

1. #8 Vision Of Trust

2. #3 Candy Apple

3. #2 Varside

4. #10 Trojan Winter

Race 5

#4 PATROL OFFICER ended his debut season with three consecutive wins. Well-trained and breaking from the ace, he can continue his winning streak. #1 Viking Trail is always thereabouts and can go very close. #3 From The Ashes has shown up well in his workouts and if he can replicate this in the real thing, he won’t be very far away. #6 Lemon Drop Shot is a promising newcomer and it is worth keeping an eye on him.

1. #4 Patrol Officer

2. #1 Viking Trail

3. #3 From The Ashes

4. #6 Lemon Drop Shot

Race 6

Since setting foot in Mauritius, #1 VIRTUE has performed genuinely. In excellent shape and form, he sets the standard. #7 Trippi’s Express, newcomer at Rameshwar Gujadhur stable, has shown a lot of promise. He can rattle the favourite. #5 Afdeek never runs a bad race and on his best form, he is very hard to beat. His stable mate #2 Ideal Secret will relish running in this class and can make his presence felt.

1. #1 Virtue

2. #7 Trippi’s Express

3. #5 Afdeek

4. #2 Ideal Secret

Race 7

#2 BARITONE has settled very well since being taken on by Patrick Merven. In good nick, he can mount a bold bid. #4 Table Bay represents the winning trainer of last Saturday’s Duchess Of York Cup. Heruns very well fresh and merits the greatest of respect. #1 Opera Royal returns after his fantastic 2019 campaign. A genuine sort, he is entitled to go close. #5 Alshibaa has drawn excellently and on his current form, he is worthy of consideration, while #7 King’s County looks to be the sole frontrunner, and merits a mention.

1. #2 Baritone

2. #4 Table Bay

3. #1 Opera Royal

4. #5 Alshibaa

Race 8

#3 MR HARDY refused to take part when last seen. He has come out very well from the long break and with his stable bang on form, he can rebound in style. #9 Volatile Energy went from gun to tape last Saturday. He has been entered again, a decision which must be respected. #2 Well Connected has come out well from his recent start. A class dropper, he can be bang in the shake-up. #6 Sand Path got the better of a certain Northern Spy in his last start. He is not prevented from doubling the score.

1. #3 Mr Hardy

2. #9 Volatile Energy

3. #2 Well Connected

4. #6 Sand Path

Race 9

Winner from start to finish last Saturday, #4 VERY VARY has been entered again. He has once again drawn excellently and will be a very tough nut to crack. #2 Poinciana is a promising newcomer. He once competed against the likes of Eden Roc and African Warrior. He can start his Mauritian career on a winning note. #8 Pick Eight Captain, another debutant, has worked well, and with his fellow newcomers at the same stable having made an impression, he must not be overlooked. #1 Minnesota Dream represents the in-form Gilbert Rousset yard and can show up at the first time of asking.

1. #4 Very Vary

2. #2 Poinciana

3. #8 Pick Eight Captain

4. #1 Minnesota Dream

BEST BET OF THE DAY:

MARAUDING (Race 3)

This Gujadhur stable-trained gelding starts his second season in Mauritius, after making quite an impression in 2019. His first win was straight forward, while his second win was simply impressive, coming from the back to steal it at the very death. Back from the very long break, he has steadily progressed in training and showed complete satisfaction in his barrier trial in midweek. High expectations have been placed on him for this season and he can start his campaign in the same manner as he ended the last.

VALUE BET OF THE DAY

VISION OF TRUST (Race 4)

This Praveen Nagadoo-trained runner makes his second start of the season. He was not disgraced in the inaugural meeting, completing the quartet after following very close to the pace. He has benefited from that run and looks to be in better shape and form. He breaks from a good-looking draw and as he is a horse that has won when leading, he has the ability to make it all the way.

The latest Vodacom Durban July log was out today and the inevitable contentious decision or two in the borderline area will have tongues wagging.

For example, Lady Of Steel, whose only defeat in six starts was when running third to the Triple Tiara heroine Summer Pudding in the Grade 1 Woolavington 2000, finds herself outside of the top 18, while Eyes Wide Open, who is yet to make the frame in six starts this season is relatively safe in position 16. However, Eyes Wide Open has proved his July credentials, running a 1,95 length fourth in the big race last year. He has recently been gelded, so is expected to run well in his next start, and can then put any debate to rest.

There are not many other points to debate but there could be in the days to come as the like of Divine Odyssey, Nexus, Roy’s Riviera and others try to force their way in with good runs in the remaining “qualifying” events.

Meanwhile, the only supplementary entry on Monday, the Mike de Kock Queen Supreme, was a surprise scratching today.

The July log is listed below.

VODACOM DURBAN JULY (Grade 1)
R 1,500,000  2200m
WFA: 3yrs-2.0kgs
1	RAINBOW BRIDGE	(5G)	134	Eric Sands
2	VARDY	(4G)	134	Adam Marcus
3	DO IT AGAIN	(5G)	133	Justin Snaith
4	HAWWAAM	(4C)	134	Mike de Kock
5	SOQRAT (AUS)	(4C)	132	Mike de Kock
6	GOT THE GREENLIGHT	(3C)	118	Joe Soma
7	GOLDEN DUCAT	(3G)	115	Eric Sands
8	TWIST OF FATE	(4C)	127	Adam Marcus
9	BUNKER HUNT	(4G)	124	Justin Snaith
10	BELGARION	(4G)	119	Justin Snaith
11	SHANGO	(3C)	116	Sean Tarry
12	PADRE PIO	(3G)	115	Dennis Bosch
13	SNAPSCAN	(4F)	118	Glen Kotzen
14	SILVANO’S PRIDE	(4F)	118	Justin Snaith
15	TIERRA DEL FUEGO	(4C)	124	Sean Tarry
16	EYES WIDE OPEN	(5G)	115	Glen Kotzen
17	CAMPHORATUS	(5M)	110	R A Hill/S R Hill
18	MIYABI GOLD	(5M)	115	Justin Snaith
19	LADY OF STEEL	(3F)	113	J A Janse van Vuuren
20	TRISTFUL	(4G)	109	Tony Rivalland
NEXT 5 IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
DIVINE ODYSSEY	(5G)	114	J A Janse van Vuuren
HERO’S HONOUR	(5G)	115	Gary Alexander
MAGNIFICENT SEVEN	(5G)	114	Justin Snaith
ROY HAD ENOUGH (AUS)	(5H)	115	Frank Robinson
ROY’S RIVIERA (AUS)	(5M)	111	Frank Robinson

By David Thiselton