Narina Trogon, pictured winning the Sledgehammer over 1750, is going for a hattrick of features wins and will be attempting to win the race his mother Beach Beauty won 12 years ago. (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Snaith looking into the future
Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)
The Gr2 World Sports Betting 1900 has always been a weathervane as to the make-up and result of the R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban July. One turns instantly to WSB 1900 and July winner Belgarion, where Justin Snaith planned his assault on the big race to perfection. He looks to have a similar plan regarding Future Swing.
Saturday’s contest has turned into a ‘mini’ July with all 14 runners entries in the big race to be run on Saturday, 6 July but it is a tough race to work around the form and runners returning from lay-offs.
Future Swing made his local debut in the Listed The Sledgehammer where he finished fourth behind Narina Trogon. In a race run at a pedestrian pace, he looked dangerous a furlong out before being out-paced in the sprint for the line. Expect a much better showing this time around and Snaith could have an ace up his sleeve!
However, Brett Crawford, runner up with Winchester Mansion in last year’s WSB 1900 building into victory in the Hollywoodbets Durban July could trump him as he saddles Oriental Charm who has shot up the handicap after his third place in the Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby. Crawford is executing a similar campaign and Oriental Charm will be a big runner.
Snaith also saddles Without Question who has not been out since finishing third in the Gr1 WSB Cape Town Met and may need the run. A win could also see his handicap rating increase. Stable companion Mucho Dinero, both owned by prolific owner Nic Jonsson, was most disappointing in his local debut behind Formagear but was reported to have been changing legs throughout. From the head-on replay he appeared to lose his action coming over the subway which is a worry for his supporters.
Narina Trogon, named after a colourful but elusive bird, has come well for his new stable and according to assistant trainer Craig Eudey, nothing went to plan in The Sledgehammer as the gelding fought for his head but kept running to win a smart race. This will be a further test and to see if the form holds any water. Imilenzeyokududuma was closing late on Narina Trogon in that same race but it was run at a pedestrian gallop so the form could prove suspect.
With ten races carded, punters will have plenty of chances to fill their wallets and the Peter Muscutt-trained Rototo in the first leg of the PA fits the bill. Although one must keep an eye on a number of well-bred first timers, the comments from their trainers suggest that they are all out for the experience.
On the other hand, Rototo made a smart debut at relatively long odds given the stable. That run should have brought him on lengths. Greenlight Express had one start in the Cape and should come on with the experience.
Policy Of Truth steps out for the first time for Tienie Prinsloo in the opening leg of the Pick 6 and he could prove to be a fair bet. He comes with some useful Highveld form and in modest company and Richard Fourie aboard he should have a big say. A danger could be Iron Monger was closing quickly on stable companion Basie Raakvat last Saturday and has a strong chance on that showing.
The fifth looks to be a bit of an open affair but Mascherina has been a beaten favourite in her two starts since shedding her maiden. She had a tough draw behind a promising filly last time out and can make amends. My Lady Soul has her first outing for a new stable but comes with some solid Highveld form to back her chances. An upset possibility is Bosnay who has been dropping in the handicap and starts for a new stable.
Glen Kotzen has already started his Champions Season campaign with a win and sends out Hold My Hand in the sixth. She did not feature when returning from a lengthy break and starting at a short price in a PE Pinnacle Stakes. However, her form before that was excellent in top company but she will need to run up to that form in a tricky handicap. Donna Mo has a wide draw to contend with but has a long back straight to find position. She has smart Highveld form and a handy weight and could be a threat to the favourite.
The Grey King is also a Hollywoodbets Durban July Entry and a win here will enhance his chances of making the final field. He has a big weight to shoulder but showed plenty of promise when runner up to stronger last time out where he raced very green. Royal Swan Master came from a seemingly hopeless position to edge out Ancient World last time out. The latter is 1kg better off in the handicap but the former does appear to be capable of further improvement. Golden Peace has improved with every step up in trip and was a comfortable winner last time out. He should be a big runner.
Hitemhardsunshine could round off the Pick 6 in a tricky contest as he has been holding form well and has been close-up to the more than useful King Of The Gauls at his last two. He was finishing strongly last time out the Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance could swing it her way. Coin Spinner took on stronger last start in a set weights event and was not far back. His best recent effort has been over course and distance and he has Richard Fourie to help him home. The filly Shantastic is way better than her last run while Diani has been consistent of late and has a light weight.
