Muzi Yeni is an interesting booking on the Stuart Ferrie-trained Gladatorian (Vercingetorix) for the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Yeni has never won the July before, but has shown himself to have the mettle for the race by finishing in every position from second to fifth, and some of them more than once.
He finished 2nd with Got The Greenlight (Gimmethegreenlight) in the 2020 July, 3rd with the same horse in 2021, 3rd with Safe Passage (Silvano) in 2022, 3rd with Royal Victory (Pathfork) in 2024, 4th with Royal Victory in 2025, 4th in his first July ride on Thundering Star (Fort Wood) in 2009, 5th with Happy Valley (Alphabet Soup) in 2010 and 5th with Solo Traveller (Western Winter) in 2012.
Yeni has become a sort after big race rider with 16 career Gr 1 to his name.
Fifteen of those were in South Africa and he rode the winner of the last ever race in Singapore, the Gr 1 Grand Singapore Gold Cup, on the outsider Smart Star (Star Witness).
He is known for his expertise in finding cover from difficult draws.
He will thus be an asset to Gladatorian who is capable of a devastating late run, but in a big field he might need to be handier than usual.
Sean Veaale is the regular rider for Gladatorian. but he is contracted to Hollywood Racing and will be aboard Isivivane (Erupt).
