The R500 000 Betting World 2200, or July Consolation, could well be the needle race of the afternoon.
With a few big race hard luck stories in the fourteen strong line-up, there are connections who would no doubt appreciate their post-race two minutes of fame to get a few things off the chest on national racing television.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, nobody is really going to throw any punches with the R312 500 first cheque in hand.
But a win by any of Pack Leader, last year’s Consolation star Crowd Pleaser, Gr2 Gerald Rosenberg winner Sabina’s Dynasty and Christmas Handicap winner Roy Had Enough could provide some ear bending for the racing operator, who need to remove the subjectivity and emotion out of their July field selections before the 2019 renewal.
Pack Leader – set for a big run
Glen Kotzen’s big race first reserve Pack Leader had a slightly interrupted prep, courtesy of a phantom colic, which forced his withdrawal from the Betting World 1900.
He was beaten 3.50 lengths by Surcharge in the Gr1 Daily News 2000 after being cramped in running. It is interesting to note that despite no luck in the running, he finished third in the Investec Cape Derby – and 0,75 lengths ahead of White River – who made the July cut. This son of Philanthropist was the standout at the July public gallops and he must be a massive runner – even if practical logistics see his regular pilot Richard Fourie riding Platinum Prince.
Crowd Pleaser defends his title
Johan Janse van Vuuren’s Crowd Pleaser is a strong galloping gelding who relishes racing on the coast at this time of the year. He showed his well-being with an eyecatching second behind African Night Sky in the Cup Trial and we will say again that his connections can consider themselves unlucky not to have cracked the July top eighteen.
Gerald Rosenberg winner Sabina’s Dynasty is one of the most improved fillies around and should enjoy this test – she stays well and turns it on over the final 400m. Piere Strydom rides her and the wide draw should not be of too much concern.
Gr2 winner Sabina’s Dynasty
Roy Had Enough has contested Gr1’s at his last three starts without finishing far back. Highly regarded by his connections, he was a July hopeful from early on and he can set the record straight here.
Justin Snaith feels that he could dominate this race with his pair of Platinum Prince and Strathdon.
Platinum Prince is well drawn and ran a smart third in the Cup Trial. He is always thereabouts and just a few lengths off the best on his day.
Snaith’s Strathdon – danger
Strathdon stays well and harassed stablemate Made To Conquer all the way down the straight in the Lonsdale where beaten a neck. He won four in a row down in the Cape during the summer and if Grant van Niekerk can overcome the draw, he must go close.
The classy Deo Juvente features high up on our ratings and showed better form with a 2,90 length sixth to Yakeen in the Jubilee. He would need to find his best form to feature.
Dawn Assault was in good form before being humbled and beaten 8 lengths by Coral Fever in the Gr1 Premiers Champions Challenge. The son of Call To Combat jumps from pole position at his first start in KZN.
The Slade, Social Order, Head Honcho and the interesting 3yo Royal Crusade are all very capable and add to the puzzle of a fascinating race.
