Choisaanada was controversially omitted from the final field of 18 in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, but as the first reserve he now gets an opportunity to prove a point after the scratching of Star Major (JC Photos)
“James Crawford is a gentleman and a sportsman. And this is definitely not a nice way to get into the Hollywoodbets Durban July.”
Trainer Erico Verdonese has been on a roller-coaster ride in the past week and spoke to the Sporting Post on Tuesday afternoon after news that his Querari gelding Choisaanada would get a run in the big race following the shock withdrawal of, coincidentally another son of Querari, in the favourite Star Major
After the disappointment of having his first ever Hollywoodbets Durban July runner consigned to first reserve runner status, the wheel has turned full circle for the veteran and his owners Brian Jossell and Isabella Lombard, who will now be making their way to Durban for the big race on Saturday.
“Nobody wants to benefit from anybody else’s misfortune but James Crawford did the sporting thing by scratching now, rather than leaving it after the Friday morning 08h15 cut-off. Full marks to him and his connections,” added the man who started out 48 years ago with Richard Stranger, with his mentors and coaches along the way including Syd and Alec Laird, Henry Eatwell, Stanley Ferreira, and the late Michael Roberts, to mention just a few.
So while he has worked for the best, this is his first tilt at the prestigious prize for his own account.
Erico Verdonese – rollercoaster week! (Pic – JC Photos)
“I had two winners from three runners on July day – I think it was 1997. We have travelled a few times, with success,” adds Erico as he says that he is keen to get down to Summerveld by Thursday.
“We haven’t travelled Choisaanada before, and one always prefers a 24 hour buffer. So we are aiming for Thursday and Adam Azzie just called to say his box is ready and waiting. So, while I would have chosen a more low-key entrance for my maiden Hollywoodbets Durban July runner, than all the media attention we have received, we will be there and ready – and what an honour and privilege it is for all of us!” he added.
Choisaanada will jump from the 4 gate and will be ridden by Rachel Venniker.
He is currently priced at 16-1, with the Snaith pair of Wish List and Note To Self joint favourites at 5-1.
The Sporting Post asked Erico about his July outfit to fit the Country Allure theme?
“Oh no, fashion’s not my game. Let’s focus on Choisaanada!”
