The final field for the R4,25 million Vodacom Durban July was unveiled at Greyville on Tuesday with Justin Snaith enjoying mixed fortunes – his four runners pulling draws across the spectrum.
A maximum field of eighteen was announced with two reserve runners on stand-by until 08h30 on Friday 1 July.
Joint favourite Bela-Bela drew well at 3
Jockey Anthony Delpech will be thrilled that he made the call to switch ‘in-house’ to the 3yo grey bomber Bela-Bela, who drew a beautiful 3 gate, after KRA Guineas winning stablemate and joint favourite Black Arthur hands Hong Kong-based Dougie Whyte a less than friendly welcome home present of a 17 draw.
Apprentice Lyle Hewitson enjoys an historic first July ride just months after commencing his professional career and the 18 year old, who has ridden over 50 winners already, has been blessed with a pole position draw for his mount, Dynamic.
Former Snaith jockey Richard Fourie, who was aboard Legislate in a dramatic 2014 July success, rides Cape Derby winner It’s My Turn from a 14 draw, to round off the Snaith quartet.
Solid Speed – Kannemeyer and Khaya Stables look for a double
The current champion Dean Kannemeyer, who saddled Power King to win last year, was thrilled with his draws for Solid Speed (5) and Mambo Mime (13).
These draws can change with the reserve runners allocated barrier gates.
There will be the inevitable hard-luck stories and Gauteng trainers Sean Tarry (Trophy Wife – a first reserve) and Geoff Woodruff (Deo Juvente – no run) may have reason to feel slightly hard done by. Tarry has three runners, while Woodruff saddles Summer Cup star Master Sabina, who will be partnered by Gavin Lerena who jets in from Hong Kong.
R4 250 000 VODACOM DURBAN JULY (Grade 1) – Final Field
| 1 | 4 | French Navy | 60 | 115 | A | W Marwing | Sean Tarry | |
| 2 | 16 | Mac De Lago (AUS) | 59.5 | 114 | T A | B Fayd’Herbe | Weiho Marwing | |
| 3 | 2 | Abashiri | 59 | 117 | A | K Zechner | Mike Azzie | |
| 4 | 8 | Master Sabina | 56.5 | 108 | T A | G Lerena | Geoff Woodruff | |
| 5 | 17 | Black Arthur | 55.5 | 106 | A | D Whyte | Justin Snaith | |
| 6 | 12 | Rabada | 55.5 | 106 | A | …………… | Mike Azzie | |
| 7 | 6 | Samurai Blade (AUS) | 55.5 | 106 | T A | …………… | Sean Tarry | |
| 8 | 5 | Solid Speed | 55.5 | 106 | BA | S Randolph | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 9 | 14 | It’s My Turn | 55.5 | 105 | A | R Fourie | Justin Snaith | |
| 10 | 7 | Rocketball | 55.5 | 105 | T A | W Kennedy | Gavin van Zyl | |
| 11 | 13 | Mambo Mime | 55.5 | 103 | A | K de Melo | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 12 | 10 | Ten Gun Salute (AUS) | 55.5 | 102 | T A | M Yeni | Duncan Howells | |
| 13 | 19 | Marinaresco | 55.5 | 101 | BA | G van Niekerk | Mike Bass | |
| 14 | 20 | The Conglomerate (AUS) | 55.5 | 101 | A | …………… | Joey Ramsden | |
| 15 | 1 | Dynamic | 55.5 | 100 | A | *L Hewitson | Justin Snaith | |
| 16 | 11 | St Tropez | 55.5 | 99 | A | …………… | Joey Ramsden | |
| 17 | 18 | Saratoga Dancer | 55.5 | 95 | A | …………… | Duncan Howells | |
| 18 | 3 | Bela-Bela | 54.5 | 107 | A | A Delpech | Justin Snaith | |
| 19 | 15 | Trophy Wife | 54.5 | 101 | A | Reserve 1 | Sean Tarry | |
| 20 | 9 | Deputy Jud | 55.5 | 97 | A | Reserve 2 | Mike Azzie | |
| Same Trainer – Not Coupled on Tote | ||||||||
| (1,7,19) (3,6,20) (5,9,15,18) (8,11) (12,17) (14,16) | ||||||||
