Eight On Eighteen’s sheer physical presence made him a stand out at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops on Thursday morning. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).
Eight On Eighteen stood out in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Thursday morning and is a deserved short-priced favourite.
The impressive son of Lancaster Bomber worked with stable companion Makazole and after getting a tow from the 1600m mark he moved past Makazole readily in the straight. It was his physical presence that separated him from the rest and avoiding traffic in the straight will likely be his biggest danger in the big race.
Last year’s third-placed runner Royal Victory showed his character by refusing to gallop in the blinkers that were fitted just for the gallop. A number of horses who were behind him in the order had to gallop before him, but he eventually got going when the blinkers were removed and was impressive as he made up considerable ground in the straight on his companion.
The second favourite Oriental Charm did a good pre-recorded gallop on the Highveld.
His James Crawford-trained stable companion Pomodoro’s Jet also had a pre-recorded Highveld gallop and stretched out impressively.
Madison Valley got the ball rolling at Hollywoodbets Greyville and put up one of the best gallops of the day.
On My Honour also put up a fine gallop, although he did spook and jump slightly at the end of the gallop for some reason.
The only female in the race Rainbow Lorikeet, put up a fine gallop and recorded the fastest 400m to finish time.
Selukwe also put up a superb gallop on his own.
My Best Shot was not asked to do much in his pe-recorded gallop from Faiview but looked to be enjoying himself.
The Real Prince did not move past his companion in ultra impressive style as was expected, but trainer Dean Kannemeyer explained that the latter, Rosh Kidesh, is known to be a very strong work horse while The Real Prince is a sort who does not over exert himself.
Reserve runner Litigation stretched out nicely in a pre-recorded Highveld gallop.
Native Ruler worked on his own and stretched out impressively.
See It Again got permission to not gallop as he had a slight temperature, but he paraded with jockey Raymond Danielson up and looked in good shape.
Gladatorian rocketed home in an impressive work out.
Okavango was not asked to do much on his own but looked in good shape.
Atticus Finch did a short 800m workout on the Highveld earlier in the week and stretched out nicely.
Immediate Edge did nothing wrong in his pre-recorded gallop o the Highveld earlier in the week and was reportedly having a proper gallop on Thursday morning.
Reserve runner Son Of Raj stretched out nicely in his pre-recorded Highveld gallop.
Purple Pitcher also stretched out nicely on the Highveld.
Confederate worked on the sand under Warren Kennedy on the Highveld and looked in good shape.
