Racing News’ Michelle Wing preview the R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban July to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.
Please watch the interviews here:
Safe Passage: “He’s got to give the other 3-year-olds a kilo and a half; it’s not going to be easy”, Mike de Kock.
Linebacker: “He’s very, very well. He’s done everything I’ve asked him to do and he’s enjoyed it”, Vaughan Marshall.
Sparkling Water: “She must be a big runner. She is extremely well handicapped. This is a good distance for her as well”, Mike de Kock.
Pomp And Power: “He can settle if he’s given half a chance to get his head in the right position and if he does so, then everybody is in trouble in the race”, Justin Snaith.
Do It Again: “Do not leave this horse out of anything. The draw is absolutely immaterial”, Justin Snaith.
Hoedspruit: “I think we’ve prepped him correctly, by bringing him into the race fresh. Perfect draw at 3”, Justin Snaith.
Jet Dark: “Do not count this horse out. He’s proven that he can run 2000m as we saw in the Met. S’Manga has chosen Mike de Kock’s horse, but in life we all make mistakes”, Justin Snaith.
Kommetdieding: “After watching the gallops (yesterday), I think things are rounding off and I have no doubt that it’s going to end on a high”, Michelle Rix.
Aragosta: “I don’t mind the draw at all. We had him forward last time and he ran well; that is roughly what we want to do with him”, Mike de Kock.
Zapatillas: “I think he has come along even more since his last win”, James Crawford.
Waterberry Lane: “He sometimes can be a bit tricky to ride, but draw 7 is perfect. I am quite positive he will get the trip”, Dean Kannemeyer.
Al Muthana: “He’s done very, very well here (KZN); in fact he’s grown another leg here. He’s not 100% guaranteed to get the distance”, Mike de Kock.
Belgarion: “It’s the soundest we’ve had him in a long time. Piere Strydom, champion jockey, deserves the opportunity”, Justin Snaith.
Flying Carpet: “Group 1 winner carrying 53.5kg; I’m very happy with the way he’s handicapped in the race. I think’s it’s an open July”, Sean Tarry.
Puerto Manzano: “The horse is in extremely good shape at home. The only thing with Puerto Manzano is that he likes a long straight”, Johan Janse van Vuuren.
Red Saxon: “They did have the fasted 400 to finish (official gallop), but maybe we have to give him another gallop. Draw doesn’t really worry me”, Joey Soma. Rachel Venniker suffered a fall at HOLLYWOODbets Greyville on Monday 27 June and will not be riding. We wish her a speedy recovery. Watch the press for a replacement rider.
Astrix: “I was very impressed with his gallop. In recent years, the big numbers (draw) have won the July”, Paul Peter.
Second Base: “Ever since the Summer Cup, he hasn’t really found his best form at home. We’re going to freshen him up for the July”, Johan Janse van Vuuren.
