Frank Robinson has four runners on Vodacom Durban July day and sounded most bullish about Eddie Sweat and Emperor Niarchos.
Emperor Niarchos (Nkosi Hlophe)
He said, “Eddie Sweat (race 7) is slightly touched in the wind, he’s been like that for a while and beat Al Ciberano like that, but I think he is better over 1000m as well. I’ve targeted this race and kept him fresh for it, he is definitely a runner. He is drawn a bit wide but he always tucks in, he has to be covered up. I’m not worried about draws on the polytrack especially for horses that come from behind. He’s well and will run well.”
“Emperor Niarchos (race 1) is always a horse that showed so much, he probably needs to be gelded. But he comes out fresh and often wins a good race. If he just runs to his best he will be a big runner in this type of race, he ran in a MR 100 last time in Jo’burg and ran a good race, this is much lower and I think he’s a good place bet.”
“Sounds Positive (race 2) will also run a good race, she also runs well fresh, she is a filly I’ve battled with soundness but she is very sound at the moment. She may just need it but it’s not the strongest field and I think she is also a good place bet.”
“Great Rumpus (4th) has been disappointing, but last time he was a little bit handy. He only runs on if we leave him alone in races and in the Highland Night Cup he ran on very well. I’m just hoping over the extra trip he will have quite a long time to get into the race. He’s well and fit but he has just an outside chance. I’m not very confident with him.”
By David Thiselton
VDJ betting now open: BiPot ONE Leg 1 starts in race 2 – estimated pool R700,000.
