Is there really such a thing as a consolation July? Some may argue not – but the R500 000 Gr3 Delta Air Lines 2200m is supposed to be just that. Better a small cake, than none at all.
The very costly to follow Helderberg Blue gets an overdue opportunity to stamp himself as something better than a showman when he lines up in a competitive field of 12.
The son of Jet Master has proven a very tough horse to stay loyal to. And here we are talking punters. Spare a thought for his owners must feel with his R2.8 million price tag weighing heavily around his majestic neck.
That said, he looks to have had an ideal prep and was only run out of it late in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup by the fast improving Balance Sheet. Prior to that he got within 1.25 lengths of the revitalised No Worries and that sort of form suggests wellbeing enough to challenge here.
Anton Marcus – top jockey rides Master Switch
Anton Marcus rides Master Switch for Geoff Woodruff, another son of Jet Master who does not lack for ability. The four year old’s first run down in Durban was not the worst effort when finishing 4.7 lengths behind Solid Speed in the Betting World 1900.
His stablemate Killua Castle is drawn wide at 12 and has been out of sorts for quite some while now. The son of Churchhill Downs can certainly turn it on, on his day but will be a shock winner.
Mike Azzie’s Deputy Jud will run here if he fails to get a run in the July where he is a reserve runner. The son of Judpot has not won since his victory on the sand in the Supreme Cup last year, but gave Cape Speed a fright in the Track And Ball Derby and appears to be edging back to his best.
Dynastic Power has not quite recaptured his form of last season when beating subsequent 2015 July winner Power King in the Betting World 1900.
Dynastic Power – out of form
He ran a decent sort of race in the Listed Sledgehammer in his penultimate start, but failed to impress when 16 lengths behind Solid Speed in the Betting World 1900 last time.
Joey Ramsden’s Disco Al is another who has failed to ignite the spark of his earlier form. He has his third run since an ill-advised attempt on the Sansui Summer Cup and will be given every chance by Piere Strydom from a decent draw.
Dougie Whyte rides Master’s Eye for Justin Snaith and this highly thought of son of Jet Master certainly ran a very decent prep when running on steadily behind Exit Here in the Cup Trial.
He is a horse with a lot of scope and on his better earlier form to July candidate St Tropez and Winter Guineas hero Liquid Mercury would have some sort of chance here.
The topweight Punta Arenas is the class horse in the race but he is yet to recapture the magic that saw him chase Power King to the line in last year’s Vodacom Durban July.
Punta Arenas – 2015 July runner up
If one takes into account his lack of fitness and the distance of his last two starts, then he must surely rate some form of shout over Saturday’s trip.
Mike De Kock’s coupling of The Centenary and Alghadeer cannot be discounted at best, although both were well beaten last time.
Sean Tarry’s seasoned galloper Serissa is rather in and out these days and cannot be relied upon to produce any form of action.
Serissa – form may not be quite good enouugh
The same applies to Wavin’ Flag who has diabolical recent form.
So all told, not a punting sort of race – but maybe Grant van Niekerk can deliver on Helderberg Blue after all the promise.
It’s wide open beyond the Bass runner.
