The excitement in the Vodacom Durban July build-up hits the home straight today with the final supplementary stage closing at 11h00, with the weights due to be published on Tuesday 19 June.
Abashiri – 14 to 1 for July
This leaves a week for the ante-post betting players to find some value with the big race final declarations closing at 11h00 on Monday 25 June, with the final field and barrier draw scheduled for Tuesday 26 June.
Royal Crusade, on offer with Hollywood at 50-1, won a Graduation Plate in style at Turffontein on Saturday in his first run after gelding and there are indications from the De Kock stable that they hold out hope that the son of Silvano will squeak into the final line-up.
Mike de Kock – each way chance
On Saturday the now three-time winning 3yo ran to a 103 when winning a modest Graduation Plate and he has feature places to Majestic Mambo, Monk’s Hood and Surcharge to his credit..
“The Gauteng 3yo’s have proven themselves the strongest in the country this season. Royal Crusade ran on top of the best when not at his best. They will have to look at him,” suggested trainer Mike de Kock of his revitalised galloper.
If 50-1 is not your idea of fun, then a scan of the top of the .boards may be more appropriate. But beware – July favourites don’t have a great record!
Igugu – last favourite
Mike de Kock’s champion Igugu was the last favourite to win the Vodacom Durban July – that in 2011 – and with the average winner over the past decade averaging double digit odds, punters may be getting nervous about the value of the 18-10 about African Night Sky after his easy win a false run Cup Trial at Greyville on Saturday week.
The smashing son of Dynasty – the first horse to win the Cape Winter Series since the 2008 July dead-heater Pocket Power – won the Cup Trial with ease and was boosted to a 112 rating by the official handicapper.
Majestic Mambo – headed for a big date
Do It Again (13-2) and Gr1 Daily News runner-up Majestic Mambo (9-1) are next in the betting, with SA Triple Crown winner Abashiri at 14-1 after an eyecatching Pinnacle Stakes effort on Sunday at Turffontein.
Last Sunday’s Jubilee Handicap winner Yakeen is at 25-1 after his courageous win over Tilbury Fort (25-1).
