Nick Jonsson holding the Daily News 2000 trophy. He will be hoping to be holding the Durban July trophy for a third time tomorrow (Picture: Gold Circle).

History Awaits Durban Owner Nick Jonsson

Nick Jonsson became only the second owner in known Durban July history to land the exacta in the big race when Do It Again was followed home by Made To Conquer in the 2018 renewal and he has a chance of a repeat this year and could actually even go one better.

Ironically the first to achieve an owner’s exacta was Nick’s good polo-playing friend Luke Bailes, who had a share in both Ilustrador and Olympic Duel in the 1990 July.

Jonsson’s Michael Roberts-trained favourite See It Again is the selection of most pundits and his Justin Snaith-trained charge Without Question is also a popular choice.

However, Nick could possibly land the trifecta, because he also has the legendary Snaith-trained Do It Again in the race.

He said, “Getting the trifecta would be incredible. It is the kind of thing that would be impossible to achieve more than once and it would put me ahead of Luke, which would be pleasing!”

However, he admitted, “You try not to think about things like that even when people talk about them because the July is the most difficult race to win. It is such a lottery in so many ways.”

The Jonsson family in fact have four chances of landing the race because Nick’s wife Celeste has a share in the Snaith-trained Pacaya, who is owned by The Duke Of Richmond Syndicate.

Nick is wary of Pacaya and said, “Four-year-olds often run well with low weights. I benefitted from that in 2018 with Made To Conquer.”

Nick is happy with his charges draws, two for Without Question, six for Do It Again and seven for See It Again.

Seven has been a lucky number for the connections of See It Again as he won the Daily News 2000 with saddle cloth seven, having drawn seven, and Michael Roberts’ only July win as a jockey was in 1997 on the number seven horse Super Quality. Seven was also the favourite number of Nick’s late father Benji.

However, Nick said, “I don’t think the draw in the July is as important as people make out, horses win from all over the place. I think there are other more important factors in the July, although the one draw I don’t like is draw one.”

Asked what he believed were the most important factors for a July winner, he said, “I think the pre-parade is often a bit tough for some horses, because they can get over-heated. A calm horse maybe has a small advantage. I think early pace is very important to try and get into a reasonable position, because it is a big field. That is a small disadvantage for See It Again, because he is often just a little slow out the gates. I think you also want a horse who doesn’t only get 2200m but gets 2400m, because in the July you have to have a horse who stays on and people often forget about that little hill around the turn at Greyville (not to mention the steady incline on the back straight). When they send them a bit early that hill catches them.”

Nick also feels the class and experience of jockeys is very important and also the amount of confidence they have in their mounts.

He said, “I feel fortunate to have hooked up with Piere Strydom for See It Again. Nobody has got more experience than he has. Richard Fourie is riding really well at the moment and he is full of confidence which helps Without Question. And of course Gavin Lerena won the July two years ago and he’s a very experienced jockey and is feeling very good about Do It Again. To have three jockeys of that ilk and all feeling confident about their mounts is a big advantage.”

Asked specifically about his three horses, Nick replied, “I think they’ve all got their own chances in different ways. In my mind there is no question that in current terms See It Again is the best horse in the race, but to carry 56.5kg would set a new record because no three-year-old has ever done that. It could make it very difficult and I’m surprised that he is such a hot favourite. I think Without Question getting 2kg from See It Again puts him right into the mix. Wherever See It Again is Without Question should be pretty much all over him. Do It Again loves the July, he loves Durban and seems to come right this time of the year. Everything is in his favour and, frankly, a couple of times running in the July he hasn’t been at his best and he’s still run a place and this year he is very, very well. I don’t think you can count him out. He is well weighted too, so we’re really hoping for a big run and I really hope he runs a place to keep his record intact.”

Reflecting on a win for Do It Again, he said, “Well that would be incredible. There wouldn’t be a dry eye anywhere, certainly in our box! It’s a helluva ask but if he ran in the first four it would be fantastic.”

He continued, “I am lucky because I think both See It Again and Without Question will be better four-year-olds than three-year-olds. They’re both very progressive and they’re improving. Without Question has a wonderful approach. He has a great disposition, he can run from anywhere, he can be up with the pace or off the pace. He’s easy to manoeuvre and he’s got a bit of gatespeed. The options are looking good for him and he’s such a sensible horse the crowd is not going to worry him. He’s a big tough horse, I don’t think the tough race will worry him too much. I think he has a lot in his favour. Richard is very confident and it always helps when the jockey is confident.”

Gavin Lerena is also confident and Nick revealed, “He’s feeling very confident about Do It Again. We asked him after the gallop and he is feeling very good about the horse. You can’t win unless you feel good about your horse. Gavin’s been studying Do It Again’s racing style and has it all worked out. So let’s hope he does well.”

The July favourite’s jockey Piere Strydom exudes the self confidence all sporting greats possess, but he is usually underspoken before the races.

Nick specifically looks for classic horses when he buys at the sales, so he looks for stallions who can produce classic winners.

He said, “I found one in Twice Over. I have now had three Twice Overs (Do It Again, Double Superlative and See It Again) who have won Gr 1s for me and I think The United States (sire of Withou Question) has got that because his horses can go a mile-and-a-half like Twice Over’s. There are very few stallions in South Africa that can do that.”

Do It Again will become the first horse to ever run in six Julys and, of course, could become the first two win the race three times.

More history associated with him is that See It Again is his three-parts brothers, being by the same sire out of a half-sister (by Visionaire) to Do It Again.

Do It Again has had a special saddle cloth sown for him which has five of the familiar Hollywoodbets stars on it depicting his five previous runs with two of them bigger than the others to depict his two victories. It is most fitting he is number six and drawn six in his record-breaking sixth run in the big race.

It is also fitting he jumps alongside his younger relative.

Nick concluded by pointing out one of his foremost thoughts whenever a big race is approaching, “It is always better being on the front page of the Sunday paper than on the back page of Friday’s paper!”

Do It Again will carry this saddle cloth tomorrow in the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Do It Again Will Carry A Special Saddle Cloth

The Justin Snaith-trained legend Do It Again will become the first horse to run in six renewals of the Durban July and the big race’s sponsor Hollywoodbets have accordingly had a special saddle cloth sown for him.

Do It Again’s special saddle cloth has five of the familiar golden Hollywoodbets stars on it, depicting his five previous runs, and two of them are bigger than the others to depict his two victories.

It is most fitting he is number six and drawn six in his record-breaking sixth run in the big race.

Do It Again is statistically the greatest July horse in history having won it twice and finished third, fourth and fourth in his three other attempts.

He has been the best performed horse at the weights every year he has run except for last year when he was third best behind Jet Dark and Kommetdieding.

In 2004 a special saddle cloth was sown for Greys Inn. He was number ten and his saddle cloth had the South African flag on it to depict ten years of democracy.

Grey’s Inn fittingly won the race.

Will Do It Again do the same?

Rascallion is in the red, black and yellow colours (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Rascallion, Winchester Mansion Appeal Most In Durban July

David Mollett (Business Day)

A horse who broke his neck as a yearling and one who has been dogged by bad luck in big races could play leading roles in Saturday’s R5m Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville.

Winchester Mansion ran into a pole as a youngster and needed four months of box-rest to recover. The grey threw his hat into the July ring with an impressive win in the Cup Trial.

Rascallion — this column’s selection for Saturday’s race — has encountered problems in two big races. In the 2021 Durban July, the Vaughan Marshall inmate found his path blocked when beginning his challenge in the straight.

In the Cape Met in January, Rascallion resembled an ambulance trying to weave through cars in a bid to reach an accident. The five-year-old did well to finish only two lengths behind Jet Dark.

The favourite for this year’s July is See It Again and — rather like Frankie Dettori who had a successful final Royal Ascot — the colt provides Piere Strydom with a chance of a final big win before retirement.

Trainer Michael Roberts — bidding to become only the fourth person to have ridden and trained a July winner — believes See It Again has had the perfect prep but says the weight (56.5kg) is the big question. His many followers believe he is up to the task.

Mike de Kock has won the July five times and his 2023 representatives — Safe Passage and Dave The King — provide him with ammunition for a sixth success.

Safe Passage’s prospects have been boosted by the booking of 10-times French champion Christophe Soumillon. Dave The King, bred by Gary Player, is a serious contender provided he stays the 2,200m trip.

Justin Snaith sends a team of five to the Durban track headed by his star three-year-old, Without Question. Jockey Richard Fourie caused some raised eyebrows last weekend when stating there were “no dangers” to his mount.

There are those who believe dual July winner Do It Again can make racing history with a third win, but it looks a tough ask for the eight-year-old. Preference is for his stablemate, Pacaya, whose Greyville 1900 win suggested he had peaked at just the right time.

S’manga Khumalo won from gate 12 on Sparkling Water 12 months ago and this time finds himself further out at barrier 17 on Sean Tarry’s filly, Rain In Holland. She is a top-class performer on her day and her trainer knows what is required to win the race.

SA Derby winner Son Of Raj, has his supporters and is an each-way hope though his three-year-old form has to be rated inferior to See It Again.

While Keagan De Melo is saying all the right things about Puerto Manzano, last year proved the course doesn’t suit the Argentinian-bred gelding. He is worth including in quartet bets, but looks an unlikely winner.

Alec Laird, who won this race with London News 27 years ago, will have Billy Bowlegs tuned to the minute and the Hollywood Syndicate will be overjoyed with a first-four finish from Time Flies.

Rascallion gets the vote to beat home Winchester Mansion, See It Again and Without Question.

One of the many supporting features — the Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes — features an intriguing match between Princess Calla and Desert Miracle. The latter has been brought along with a smooth prep by De Kock and the talent of Soumillon, who won the Majorca Stakes on her in January, might just tip the scales in her favour.

The Golden Horseshoe is a cracking contest where the swinger coupling Gimmeanotherchance and Sandringham Summit could prove a lucrative bet.

Sandringham Summit’s stablemate, Stormy Winter, is drawn in pole position in race 12 and looks overpriced at 18-1. Another swinger appeals here with the favourite, USA’s Hope.

GREYVILLE SELECTIONS

Durban July

1. (15) RASCALLION

2. (4) WINCHESTER MANSION

3. (7) SEE IT AGAIN

4. (2) WITHOUT QUESTION

1st Race: (11) Secret Identity (9) Idita (3) Dolcezza (10) The Charleston

2nd Race: (5) Pure Predator (4) Outlaw King (3) Jerusalema Rain (1) Main Defender

3rd Race: (5) Lord William (15) Jimmy Don (9) Nebraas (6) Aragosta

4th Race: (10) Arumugam (5) Runaway Song (11) Senso Unico (7) Red Maple

5th Race: (6) Distant Winter (4) Mrs Geriatrix (8) White Pearl (5) Rascova

6th Race: (7) Sandringham Summit (13) Gimmeanotherchance (5) Guy Gibson (12) Ermelo

8th Race: (6) Desert Miracle (10) Princess Calla (14) Feather Boa (3) Humdinger

9th Race: (11) Surjay (7) Thunderstruck (6) Cold Fact (4) Sun Blushed

10th Race: (7) Silvano’s Dasher (12) Quasiforsure (10) Captain Fontane (4) Money Heist

11th Race: (10) Lillybelle (11) Kailene (4) Valeria’s Dream (5) Aisye Phambili

12th Race: (2) USA’s Hope (1) Stormy Winter (6) Tirpitz (7) Fateful Day

Tote tellers will be busy at Hollywoodbets Greyville tomorrow

Hollywoodbets Durban July Day Carryovers

Hollywoodbets Greyville Durban July Pick6 C/Over – R 2 Million on Saturday, 1st July 2023 – Race 4 off at 13h40 – Estimated Pool: R 20 Million

Hollywoodbets Greyville Durban July Quartet C/Over – R1 Million on Saturday, 1st July 2023 – Race 7 off at 16h00 – Estimated Pool: R 10 Million

Hollywoodbets Greyville Durban July Jackpot Three C/Over – R 500 000 on Saturday, 1st July 2023 – Race 9 off at 17h30 – Estimated Pool: R 2 Million

Outlaw King has been selected tom win the second race by the At The Races tipster (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Durban July Day Formguides And Selections

www.attheraces.com

1 11:45 AM – Bloodstock SA Sales Cup (2 Year-Old Fillies)

Hollywoodbets Durban July day has arrived – Bet with TAB, MASSIVE POOLS expected, and Jackpot 1 starts in Race 1. BETULA has been improving with each start and having drawn well should have every chance. However, she does have a habit of jumping a bit slowly. SECRET IDENTITY could be anything. She won a thriller from a wide gate but will have to do it again and she has more to beat this time. THE CHARLESTON has impressed down the straight in the Western Cape. She has also drawn wide. AMERICAN GRAFFITI and DOLCEZZA have the form and draws to fight it out.

Top Tip: BETULA (2)

Watch out for: THE CHARLESTON (10)

2 12:25 PM – Bloodstock SA Sales Cup (C & G) (2 Year-Olds)

OUTLAW KING was second to star colt Lucky Lad in the Grade 1 Gold Medallion last time. If he can hold his form round the turn, then he could be hard to catch. He has stamina in his pedigree and should have every chance. JERUSALEMA RAIN is another with high-class sprint performances in the bank. He is headed for good things too and may make a promising local debut. Unbeaten MAIN DEFENDER has won down the straight and around a turn. He has drawn ideally and could pick them off again. PURE PREDATOR and GIMMELIGHTNING have shown potential and need to be respected. More with improvement to come.

Top Tip: OUTLAW KING (4)

Watch out for: PURE PREDATOR (5)

3 1:05 PM – Splashout 2200 (Grade 3) (Handicap)

Big field and it looks difficult. SEA MASTER was given a peach of a ride to win a Grade 3 but he loves this track and can make it three in a row. Many could take him on in front, however, and as such a good pace could see horses like ONE WAY TRAFFIC, RAISEAHALLELUJAH, SHANGO and NEBRAAS (big weight) and more run this field down. The latter and JIMMY DON are reserves in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and need to be taken seriously. RIVER ROMEO and STREET ART have run in the Grade 1 Daily News and both could run well in this. LORD WILLIAM and ARAGOSTA are knocking at the door as well.

Top Tip: NEBRAAS (9)

Watch out for: ARAGOSTA (6)

4 1:40 PM – DStv Gold Vase (Grade 3)

The start of MEGA P6 – a whopping R20 MILLION pool is likely! The Dstv Gold Vase has always been open with many trying the course and distance for the first time. But if RUNAWAY SONG is in the same mood as he was when winning the Grade 3 Track And Ball Derby he could follow up. There should be a good pace on with TABEBUIA and WHITE FANG among others who can go a good gallop. Both can go on to win if allowed to. FUTURE PEARL wasn’t disgraced on track debut and should come on but could have consistent stayer ARUMUGUM breathing over his shoulder this time. More in it – go wide.

Top Tip: FUTURE PEARL (4)

Watch out for: RUNAWAY SONG (5)

5 2:20 PM – Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper (Grade 2) (2 Year-Old Fillies)

Hot field for the Grade 2. MRS GERIATRIX bids to make it 5 in a row and the manner in which she won the Grade 1 Allan Robertson it might take a superstar to beat her. She is bred to go the longer trip. HOT PEARL is another racey Highveld filly who doesn’t like to get beaten. She has the advantage of having raced around a bend. DISTANT WINTER is a highly regarded from a stable that houses superstars and she is getting better with racing. After winning a Grade 3 she could be up to the task. EGYPTIAN MAU won her debut around a bend and was not disgraced in the Gold Medallion. Stablemate ELEGANT ICE looks capable.

Top Tip: MRS GERIATRIX (4)

Watch out for: WHITE PEARL (8)

6 3:00 PM – Durban Golden Horseshoe (Grade 2) (2 Year-Olds)

GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE won his last two in impressive style and is headed in the right direction. However, he had the best of the draws last time and has now drawn wide. There should not be much between him and GUY GIBSON on a line with star colt Lucky Lad and the latter has drawn well. He should also relish the longer distance. Stablemate MAJESTIC TOUCH has shown promise as well and had his form franked not long after. He could be anything. SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT, GOLDEN TATJANA, WINTER GAMES and HAWKBILL could be live threats on form shown. More can improve.

Top Tip: GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE (13)

Watch out for: SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT (7)

7 4:00 PM – Hollywoodbets Durban July (Grade 1 Handicap)

Hollywoodbets Durban July – expect a R10M QUARTET pool – get on early! SEE IT AGAIN could make history for Michael Roberts who won it as a trainer with Super Quality. His charge has done everything asked of him so far. It would be something should DO IT AGAIN fight it out with him – won 2, placed in 3! But there are plenty with the heart to do it. Recently gelded WINCHESTER MANSION could be on the up having smashed his Cup Trial field. SAFE PASSAGE could improve on last year’s third with a better pace. Champ PUERTO MANZANO is enjoying his racing. WITHOUT QUESTION and PACAYA could rise up. More can stake a claim.

Top Tip: SEE IT AGAIN (7)

Watch out for: SAFE PASSAGE (14)

8 4:50 PM – Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes (Grade 1) (F & M)

A feast of fillies and mares – a grand field for the Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes! It could be a match between brilliant mares PRINCESS CALLA and DESERT MIRACLE who have run amazing races this season. The former has twice beaten the latter but over 1600m it could be a different story. It could also get close between the three-year-old fillies. There has not been much to choose between FEATHER BOA (drawn widest), GIMME A SHOT and GOLDEN HOSTESS. The former is knocking hard but GIMME A SHOT is the one who could get away. GOLDEN HOSTESS and stablemate MARINA can upset. More in it!

Top Tip: PRINCESS CALLA (10)

Watch out for: DESERT MIRACLE (6)

9 5:30 PM – Post Merchants (Grade 2)

R2 Million Pool expected for Jackpot 3 – don’t miss out. COLD FACT is speedy and best weighted. But she could have her work cut out against WHOA WHOA WHOA and IPHIKO who are 2kg better off with her this time. All three ran with Princess Calla last time. WHOA WHOA WHOA has the advantage of gate No 1, but THUNDERSTRUCK and SURJAY ran in the Golden Horse Sprint and weren’t beaten far. The former has drawn better and if he, like COLD FACT, takes to the track he should be a serious contender for top honours. SURJAY knows this track but has drawn wide. GOBSMACKED and COSMIC HIGHWAY both look capable too.

Top Tip: THUNDERSTRUCK (7)

Watch out for: COLD FACT (6)

Whilst studying the form, we have a dedicated horse racing free bets page where you can find offers on all today’s racing, as well as offers to use for races on our Ante-Post Prices page, which has markets available for upcoming major meetings as well as the Grand National 2023, Royal Ascot 2023 and Cheltenham Festival 2024.

10 6:10 PM – Compendium Insurance Brokers Handicap (Listed) (Handicap)

MONEY HEIST lost his last race by a whisker but that was his first run after a rest and gelding. He can make amends over the longer distance. CAPTAIN FONTANE wasn’t disgraced when dropping to 1400m last time. He is holding form and loves this track so should have every chance. QUASIFORSURE ran a cracker in the Grade 3 Cup Trial. He is dropping in trip and has drawn wide but he could still get the job done. MELECH is an interesting entry. He is a three-year-old with scope and he wasn’t disgraced in the World Sports Betting Guineas last time out. MERIDIUS has done little wrong either.

Top Tip: MONEY HEIST (4)

Watch out for: QUASIFORSURE (12)

11 6:50 PM – Brentford FC – Fm 86 Handicap (F & M)

It was encouraging to see KAILENE find winning ways last time. Now that she has she can go on to more wins. However she is switching to the poly and has drawn wide. ZINIKELE made good progress last time and could be the one to watch now back on the synthetic surface. But it will be close between her, LET’S NOT LINGER and LILLYBELLE. The latter is holding consistent form and needs a bit of luck to win it. LET’S NOT LINGER didn’t enjoy the drop in distance last time. She can bounce back to best back on the poly. LUCKY MISS is honest and could now go well on the poly. More can upset.

Top Tip: KAILENE (11)

Watch out for: HIERKOMMIEBOKKIE (12)

12 7:30 PM – Gagasi Fm – Mr 88 Handicap

The last time TIRPITZ visited Hollywoodbets Greyville he ran out an easy winner. He could be anything on the poly. DIANI didn’t show over further last time and that run is best ignored. He could be the dark horse on best form. FORMAGEAR appreciated the step up in distance last time and could prefer it even more on the poly. He is overdue now. USA’S HOPE has been ranging up to the frontrunners only to lack anything extra. He has drawn well on his poly debut and could get his confidence boosted. FATEFUL DAY was eye catching last time and is one of many that can win a prize.

Top Tip: USA’S HOPE (2)

Watch out for: FORMAGEAR (10)

Son Of Raj is owned and bred by Durbanite Steven Chetty, so will be a popular winner of the Hollywoodbets Durban July tomorrow (JC Photos).

Trainers Comments Hollywoodbets Durban July

Michele Wing and the Gold Circle team compiled these trainer comments and the insightful video at the bottom of trainers being interviewed about their charges.

⭐PREVIEW: HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY GR1 2200m🥇

Public support has come for the Michael Roberts-trained, See It Again, in what looks to be an open race! It’s going to be Out Of This World.

🎤Trainer / Jockey Comments

🔹7. SEE IT AGAIN: “The weight is a question. I would have loved to have seen him with around 55 in the race, but he’s on the up. I believe he’s the best 3 year old in the country”, Michael Roberts.

🔹4. WINCHESTER MANSION: “He’s absolutely flying at home. He should be spot on for this race. With a good draw and a nice, light galloping weight on his back, I think this is a very, very strong runner. I wouldn’t leave him out in any of your bets”, James Crawford.

🔹14. SAFE PASSAGE: “Certainly at the weights, at the ratings, he’s definitely a runner”, Mike de Kock.

🔹2. WITHOUT QUESTION: “I was very impressed with that gallop (23 June 2023). This horse does everything the right way”, Justin Snaith. “I’m very happy that Trip Of Fortune got supplemented and pushed him back down to where he should be. I now get my full 4 pounds. The draw … it could get a bit bumpy, but he’s a big boy”, Richard Fourie.

🔹9. SON OF RAJ: “The way he won the Derby, he must have a massive chance, because I’ve got no weight and I’m very well drawn”, Muzi Yeni.

🔹12. PACAYA: “We’ve always thought that he’s the best handicapped horse in South Africa. He is peaking and I need to just tone him down a little bit, and if I get that right, the mixture right, he’s a horse that’s going to be a big runner”, Justin Snaith.

🔹17. RAIN IN HOLLAND: “56.5 is a big weight for a filly and she’s drawn 17. You know 17 can keep you out of the trouble as well. I’m hoping for a big run”, Sean Tarry.

🔹10. DAVE THE KING: “I am very, very happy on today’s work (23 June 2023). He’s starting to settle down and just going in the right direction. He’s a runner, especially now that the weights stay down a bit”, Craig Zackey. “The Cape 3 year olds, for me, stand out. He’s from Cape form. I would have no problem having him in front (re the pace)”, Mike de Kock.

🔹15. RASCALLION: “I was very, very happy with his workout. He did it in a good time and comfortably. He’s come through it well. It’s not ideal (draw 15) and we’re going to need a little bit of luck, I’m sure”, Vaughan Marshall.

🔹6. DO IT AGAIN: “I think I got an instant connection when I slipped into the saddle. He put up a tremendous gallop”, Gavin Lerena. “I’m as confident with him going into this race, as any of the races I have with him. Beautifully weighted and a 6 draw”, Justin Snaith.

🔹11. PUERTO MANZANO: “For a dual group 1 winner, I think he’s very well weighted and he’s in the form of his life. The verdict is still out as to whether he enjoys Greyville”, Keagan de Melo.

🔹18. POMP AND POWER: “18 draw, we’re on the outside. Not concerned about the draw, whatsoever. If he was drawn 1, I would have said you can ‘can’ his chances now. But complete hit or miss. How’s he going to play up in front of the crowds crowds screaming and shouting. We’re going to do everything we can, so fingers crossed”, Justin Snaith.

🔹1. BLESS MY STARS: “Obviously a big ask in this field. She’s had a really good prep. She’s got a half decent draw and with that weight, who knows”, Sean Tarry.

🔹3. TIME FLIES: “She did get quite a big merit rating increase after her last start. She’s proven that she’s a filly that can get in the mix up, the shake up with the big horses”, James Crawford.

🔹5. BILLY BOWLEGS: “I think we’ve got more than just a runner, we’ve got a horse with a chance. He’s coming right at the right time. With 53.5 and draw 5, we’re quite excited”, Alec Laird.

🔹8. SILVER DARLING: “Whether the fillies are good enough and they come in with the form with Rain In Holland and Time Flies, I don’t know. I do think the fillies are going to find it hard against the older horses, that they’re giving weight to”, Justin Snaith.

🔹16. TRIP OF FORTUNE: “Obviously a question mark over the distance, as he hasn’t been this trip before, and he has top weight. He not drawn well at 16, but will be dropped in, in order to see out the trip. If he can get away with it, it will be at this track”, Candice Bass-Robinson.

🔹13. SECOND BASE: “I just encourage the public to judge him on his most recent run. He obviously took well to his change of stable and change of environment, and I believe that he is a different horse to what he was before”, Robyn Klaasen.

🎤: Michele Wing 🎥: Nkululeko Mbhele 🖥: Sanette Holmes 📷:Candiese Lenferna

#goldcircle #racingnews #HDJ2023 #HollywoodbetsDurbanJuly

Mrs Geriatrix is the one to beat in the Golden Slipper (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

Trainers Comments For The Gr 2 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper

Michele Wing and the Gold Circle team compiled these trainer comments and the insightful video at the bottom of trainers being interviewed about their charges.

⭐PREVIEW: ZULU KINGDOM EXPLORER GOLDEN SLIPPER GR2 1400m🥇

Grade 1 winner Mrs Geriatrix is a worthy favourite but takes on a classy field of fillies.

🎤Trainer / Jockey Comments

🔹4. MRS GERIATRIX: “She’s definitely good enough. I just feel that I’m probably running her more to learn for next season, but obviously I believe she can win it otherwise I wouldn’t be running her. Let’s hope I can keep her slate clean”, Sean Tarry.

🔹6. DISTANT WINTER: “Her form in Cape Town is good. She’s nicely drawn. She’s certainly a runner on Saturday. I certainly think my filly could end up in the money and perhaps could well be a factor”, Candice Bass-Robinson.

🔹11. EGYPTIAN MAU: “She’s a really nice filly. I rate her really highly. She’s going to love the 14. A little bit of a wide draw, but she’s got some talent and I’m expecting a very good run from her”, Craig Zackey.

🔹8. WHITE PEARL: “She’s a nice filly. She’s probably wanting longer than 7 furlongs, but she’s very honest and I think she’s got a lot of ability”, Mike de Kock.

🔹3. NO FILTER: “She’s a gutsy little filly. She’s really come on from race to race. Her formlines have stood up. We’ve got a good draw. We’re taking the big guns on, but we’re there with a chance”, David Nieuwenhuizen.

🔹9. KINGDOM OF GOLD: “I don’t think things mapped out for her in her last race, it was a very, very rough race. Having said that, she only had a 2 week break from her previous win and now she’s had a better prep into this race. It’s much tougher field”, Sean Tarry.

🔹5. RASCOVA: “He’s just the most superb jockey (Christophe Soumillon). She put up a superb gallop (22 June 2023). She’s a very talented filly, but it’s a very tough race”, Glen Kotzen.

🔹1. TAMIL TIGRESS: “Her last run in that little feature at Greyville (Hollywoodbets Super League Devon Air Stakes) was very encouraging. From draw 1, she must have a good place chance”, Paul Matchett.

🔹7. ELEGANT ICE: “She ran a great race at Scottsville last time (3rd to Mrs Geriatrix in the grade 1 Allan Robertson Championship). If I can just get her to switch off early, wherever she is in the run, let’s just hope for the best”, Gavin Lerena.

🔹13. EPIC VIEW: “She’s working really, really well. Obviously, the draw is a worry and we will have to be positive with her, as in these races, you don’t want to be coming from a long way back”, Craig Eudey.

🔹2. CALLING ALL ANGELS: “She won first time out and they (handicappers) gave her a 94. The field behind her have been placed in group races. But she’s had issues. She bruised her heel and it got worse, corns. We tried to get through in her 2nd run, but the guy pulled her out in the run. We’ve nursed her into the race. Our fingers are crossed”, Paul Lafferty.

🔹10. SOLDIER’S EYE: “I’ve been doing quite a lot of her work on her. Mr Marwing has got her spot on for this. She ran into a few traffic issues up the straight in the ‘Devon Air’, but it was still a very nice run from her. The draw is a concern for her”, Rachel Venniker.

🔹14. QUERANDI: “She’s got a tremendous big action. She’s got good gate speed. She’s a talented filly and I think she will go places”, Glen Kotzen. “She won very well at Scottsville last time. Just hoping for a decent run”, Muzi Yeni.

🔹12. BOSNAY: “She’s come through her last race well (Hollywoodbets Super League Devon Air Stakes). She’s come on a lot. Her work’s been very good and on that alone, we’re hoping she can sneak into the money. She’s drawn well, which is not ideal, but Louis knows her well”, Darryl Moore.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE REPLAY

🎤: Michele Wing 🎥: Nkululeko Mbhele 🖥: Sanette Holmes 📷: Candiese Lenferna

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The Sharon Kotzen-trained Vercingetorix filly Phedra won today’s Listed East Cape Breeders Stakes over 1200m on the Fairview poly under Luyolo Mxothwa (Pauline Herman Photography).

Smith Draws Level With Greeff, Kotzen Treble, Mxothwa Treble, Schwarz Double

Gavin Smith’s double on the Fairview poly saw him drawing level with Alan Greeff on 113 wins for the season in the exciting duel for the East Cape Trainers title.

Sharon Kotzen scored a treble at the meeting, two of them ridden by Luyolo Mxothwa, who also scored an overall treble.

Dennis Schwarz scored a double.

Smith’s 113 wins have come at a strike rate of 9,90%.

Kotzen is now on 57 wins for the season at 13.19%.

Mxothwa is on 120 wins at 14.81%.

Schwarz is on 52 wins at 12.62%.

Tony Peter scored a treble at Turffontein Inside today and two of them were ridden by Dennis Schwarz.

Peter has had 36 wins this season and his strike rate of 27.91% is easily the highest in the country.

Schwarz has had 50 wins at 12.29%.

Hollywoodbets Greyville Fields, Friday

Turffontein Standside e Fields, Sunday

The July winner 50 years ago (thesouthafricanracehorse.wordpress.com)

Today’s Question

How will a win for this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July favourite relate to the very first July in 1897?

Question answer at the bottom of the newsletter

The winner of the July’s inaugural running, Campanajo.

ANSWER TO TODAY’S QUESTION

Racing in Durban was informal before a group of Durban sportsmen and horseracing enthusiasts met early in 1897 with the determined goal of following the example of Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg by forming a turf club that would have a sound financial footing and be affiliated to the Jockey Club Of South Africa.

The Durban Turf Club was thus founded.

It comprised of 15 stewards and 93 foundation members.

The first Durban Turf Club meeting was held on July 17 and 20 at the course now known as Hollywoodbets Greyville and the main race, now known as the Hollywoodbets Durban July, was won by a horse called Campanajo.

Among the Durban Turf Club stewards that day was Frederick Lennard Jonsson, the great grandfather of Nick Jonsson, owner of tomorrow’s July favourite See It Again and also owner of Without Question and part-owner of Do It Again.

Turf Talk Newsletter – 30 June, 2023