Legend Of Arthur opened at 33/1 for the Hollywoodbets Durban July in the sponsor’s pre-nomination betting, but shortened dramatically upon winning the Gr 1 TAB SA Derby, but he is unfortunately now scratched. (Picture: JC Photos)
It was no great surprise to see the Sean Tarry-trained Lancaster Bomber colt Legend Of Arthur scratched from the Hollywoodbets Durban July today (Friday) following his lacklustre last start in the Egoli Mile in which he was beaten 19.05 lengths.
This has opened up one more place in the top 18 before the final field selection ceremony next Tuesday as he was in 13th place on the last Hollywoodbets Durban July log.
There are now 27 horses still standing their ground for the big race.
That means seven will miss out, as things stand, when the final 18 plus two reserves are announced on Tuesday.
However, being announced as one of the reserves is not what connections will want to be hearing, although there have been top 18 scratchings in the final week in recent years.
A top 18 incumbent has to be scratched before 8:15 a.m. on Friday morning, July 4, for a reserve to get in.
Legend Of Arthur’s scratching led to a slight change in the betting with the sponsor as he was a 25/2 shot at time of scratching.
Joy And Peace is also a scratching this week (Thursday).
The previous betting and current betting is displayed below (with weight, merit rating and trainer also shown):
Eight On Eighteen – 57 – 129 – Justin Snaith – 18-10 17-10
Oriental Charm – 60 – 127 – James Crawford – 11-2 11-2
Immediate Edge – 53 – 108 – Mike/Mathew de Kock – 7-1 7-1
See It Again – 60 – 127 – Michael Roberts – 10-1 25-2
Legend Of Arthur – 53 – 117 – Sean Tarry – 25-2 Scratched
The Real Prince – 56.5 – 120 – Dean Kannemeyer – 14-1 14-1
Selukwe – 54 – 111 – Andre Nel – 17-1 17-1
Royal Victory – 59 – 125 – Nathan Kotzen – 17-1 17-1
Gladatorian – 60 – 127 – Stuart Ferrie – 20-1 17-1
Okavango – 54.5 – 120 – Justin Snaith – 20-1 20-1
Confederate – 53.5 – 118 – Fabian Habib – 33-1 25-1
Atticus Finch – 57 – 121 – Alec Laird – 33-1 25-1
Underworld – 54 – 109 – Justin Snaith – 25-1 25-1
Native Ruler – 54 – 119 – Justin Snaith – 25-1 25-1
On My Honour – 53 – 116 – Glen Kotzen – 40-1 33-1
My Best Shot – 53 – 116 – Alan Greeff – 33-1 33-1
Holding Thumbs – 54 – 108 – Glen Kotzen – 33-1 33-1
Madison Valley – 54 – 115 – Frank Robinson – 40-1 40-1
Future Swing – 55 – 117 – Justin Snaith – 40-1 40-1
Pomodoro’s Jet – 55.5 – 118 – James Crawford – 67-1 50-1
The Equator (IRE) – 54 – 110 – Tony Peter – 50-1 50-1
Purple Pitcher – 57.5 – 122 – Robyn Klaasen – 50-1 50-1
Magic Verse – 54 – 113 – Justin Snaith – 50-1 67-1
Rainbow Lorikeet – 53 – 111 – Candice Bass-Robinson – 67-1 67-1
Beating Wings – 53 – 113 – Stuart Pettigrew – 100-1 100-1
Son Of Raj – 56 – 119 – Tony Peter – 100-1 100-1
Litigation – 54 – 113 – Sean Tarry – 100-1 100-1
Joy And Peace – 53 – 110 – Alan Greeff – 150-1 – Scratched
Thunee Playa – 54 – 104 – Mano Pandaram – 150-1 150-1
