Hollywoodbets have set the pace with ante-post betting on the 2021 Gr1 Vodacom Durban July, which is scheduled to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday 3 July.
The 2020 July runner-up and multiple Equus Champion Got The Greenlight, quoted at just over 8 to 1 for the 2021 renewal, returns to action with a likely start in Saturday’s Gorongoza Gr2 Hawaii Stakes at Turffontein.
Got The Greenlight – class galloper starts his season on Saturday 6 March (Pic – JC Photos)
Trainer Joey Soma told the Sporting Post on Sunday that training routines had been badly disrupted by four weeks of rain.
“We don’t have the luxury of treadmills and swimming pools, so when the tracks are not usable we are stuck. But we have done what we can. I was happy with his last gallop. He has been blowing hard after his work, but that is to be fully expected. He will come on with racing and I will make a call on the Hawaii after his final sprint-up on Tuesday. But we have to start somewhere and he is nicely drawn there,” added Soma, who has done a terrific job with the 2020 Gr1 Daily News 2000 winner.
Asked why his talented charge had been off for so long – he hasn’t run since the July – Joey said that he had taken the big effort in the Hollywoodbets Greyville showpiece ‘very hard’.
“We sent him to the Peters’ at Precentor Place for a bit of rest and relaxation, and then brought him home. He has furnished and matured beautifully. We have high hopes for him once we can get him fit,” he added.
Got The Greenlight – top class and ready for a big comeback
The veteran trainer said that Muzi Yeni would be Got The Greenlight’s jockey of choice for the season.
“Muzi stepped in for the July and did nothing wrong. Our plan is to go next into the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes at Turffontein over a mile on 3 April, and then the Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge over 2000m on 1 May. Thereafter it is likely to be another tilt at winning the Vodacom Durban July,” added Joey.
In the ante-post market for the 3 July spectacular, Hollywoodbets have priced up Cape Town Met winner Rainbow Bridge as favourite with July defending champion Belgarion and unbeaten Cape newsmaker Kommetdieding next best.
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