The Vodacom Durban July first declarations are due at 11h00 today and after two preferential races run this weekend, only Gauteng-based Divine Odyssey looks likely to exercise a bid to run.
Capoeira’s eyecatching victory in the Gr3 Cup Trial at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday was impressive, but he is not in the entries and looks unlikely to be supplemented when final entries close at 11h00 on Tuesday. The 2200m could be a bridge too far for the son of Oratorio.
Nexus, who ran a flying second in the Cup Trial, may take his chances – but he will need a few to fall by the wayside to gain a berth.
Divine Odyssey – looks to have done enough (Pic – JC Photos)
But it is another son of the big Avontuur sire who put up his hand in style. Divine Odyssey won Sunday’s Gr3 Jubilee Handicap and it looks to be all systems go.
Trainer Janse van Vuuren told Tabnews: “Last year he got in at the bottom of the weights at his rating but this year the top weight is a lot higher rated so he’s going to be a bit under sufferance. But you know what, the horse is coming to the end of his career and we’ve got nothing to lose.
“I know he was not in the top 20 yet, we were in the next five. He’ll probably get a point or two penalty today, hopefully there are a few scratchings and we can get in. He is a horse who comes well this time of the year.
The weights will be published on Tuesday.
Final Declarations -close 11h00 Monday, 13 July
Final Field and Draw – 14 July
Final Field: Subject to NHRA approval, twenty horses will be carded for this event (18 Horses + 2 Reserves).
