Picture: Dave Mollett is predicting a capacity crowd at Hollywoodbets Greyville (Picture: Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Dave Mollett
Such is the media blitz for the Hollywoodbets Durban July – they have set the advertising bar at a new high – that it’s possible the “House Full” signs could go up at Greyville next Saturay.
While tickets are still available, there is every chance of a last minute stampede as people realise a great day of entertainment is on the cards.
Devin Heffer and his team will have been planning for the big day for months – possibly as early as January.
They have identified new platforms this year – in April my eyebrows rose with a July ad on Sky News and – the following day – there was also one on BBC.
Devin’s aim that each year “must get better than before” looks like being realised as this mass advertising will have reached every corner of the country.
With arguably one of the most open fields in years with punters backing a wide range of runners, a record tote WIN pool looks a distinct possibility.
Hopefully, the Hollywood team will have also ensured there are enough food outlets at that track – racegoers need food and drink to sustain them throughout the meeting.
The betting market, after the scratching of Star Major, have Wish List and Note To Self as the leading fancies 5/1 apiece. Personally, I feel it’s likely the prices on the top runners will go out as we approach “off” time.
So what’s this column’s fancy? I believe one must always stay with a horse that has been good to you – and – in my case – that horse is Zeitz.
His latest win shows he’s come right at just the right time and – with a talented rider in the saddle – he can throw down a challenge to his more fancied rivals.
When it comes to the final gallops, all it usually proves is that none of the field passed away overnight!
Not a lot can be gleaned from the sectional times but – all the same – I checked the 400m to finish and was pleased to see Zeitz clocked the third fastest (21.92) behind Isivivane and Native Ruler both 21.91.
Now Turf Talk editor, David T, recently wrote an article on one of Justin Snaith’s main hopes, Regulation. He was going to be my other floating banker in the quartet, but I changed this for two reasons.
Justin mentioned “breathing issues” and then there is the booking of up-and-coming youngster, Zac Lloyd.
Having written countless stories on his father, I’m delighted Zac is on the ladder to success, but the fact remains he has zero experience at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
Richard Fourie pointed out at the gallops that Note To Self would be two kg better off with Star Major and this brings the pair close together.
Despite a wide berth, I feel King Pelles could be the “joker in the pack” as he’ll be staying on when others have cried enough. I mentioned this to Nico Kritsiotis when he visited me in hospital. His reply: “I suspect you have some of the Scottish stuff in your bedside drawer.
Erico Verdonese is one of the most likeable characters in Highveld racing and – don’t worry – he can land a coup or two.
With his top horse Choisaanda three slots ahead of The Ultimate King in the July log, Erico had to be gobsmacked that his horse didn’t make the final line-up.
He now has the chance to prove a point as Choisaanada was first reserve and comes in after the scratching of Star Major.
One of the most interesting aspects of the big race is whether Andrew Fortune can win this famous event at the age of 59.
When I spoke to him at the Yearling Sales his preference was for Note To Self – but presuming he didn’t get the choice – he’ll be aboard the Legislate filly, Wish List. He’s reportedly happy with her well-being but would probably still rather be on Note To Self.
However – if Wish List wins – the on-course presenter better prepare for 10 minutes of mayhem with the possibility of a few expletives.
In a story in The Citizen racing writer Mike Moon interviewed three well-known personalities at the gallops and they identified nine – yes nine – who had shaped well. This is further ammunition for my belief that the betting is too tight.
While Owen and Devin Heffer know their meeting can never match the pageantry of Royal Ascot, what they do know is that a great day of entertainment awaits those making the trip to Hollywoodbets Greyville.
With five weeks in hospital, I’ve had time to structure my bets and here they are:
1. Zeitz to place (first four) and France to win the World Cup.
2. Quartet double float 11 and 12 with 2, 7, 8, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19 (cost R672)
3. Boxed exacta 2,7,11,12,15,16,17.
Selection:
1. Zeitz
2. Note To Self
3. Regulation
4. King Pelles
Bon Chance!
