Vaughan Marshall said before the Holywoodbets Durban July Final Field Announcement and Draw Ceremony on Tuesday he would choose between draw five and ten for his charge Linebacker if he had a choice.
He said afterwards, “I got four, so I can’t complain, I’m very happy.”
He was asked if the four-year-old Captain Of All gelding had still needed his run in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge last time, where he finished a 0,40 length second, and replied, “He needed it a little bit but there was a vast improvement from the Drill Hall and he has improved further, so I think he will be spot on.”
Linebacker finished a half-a-length second to Kommetdieding in last year’s July and will now be 1,5kg better off.
Marshall believes he might have even won last year had he stuck to the inside rail and gone for home down the inside instead of being switched outward.
He concluded by saying the bay was “exceptionally well” at present.
That was confirmed at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops yesterday when Linebacker was given a relaxed work out without the blinkers.
Linebacker shortened into 11/2 second favourite after the draw ceremony.
