Candice Bass-Robinson made history when she saddled Marinaresco to win the Durban July in 2017.
The Milnerton trainer is ready to rewrite the record books in the 2022 renewal on 2 July when saddling the top-class gelding’s full sister, Marina – a high-class galloper with an electric turn of foot and whom she believes is a ‘lively contender’ for top honours.
Marina storms home – she is an eight-time winner (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Marina is currently quoted at 40-1 in the Hollywoodbets ante-post market.
Speaking to the Sporting Post on Friday, Candice said that the beautiful chestnut, who is raced by a partnership and runs in the famous Mauritzfontein black and yellow strip worn by past Durban July winners Hunting Tower, Greys Inn, Tiger Fish, King Willow, Spanish Galliard and Principal Boy, would come in well weighted and over a trip which eminently suits her.
2004 Gr1 Vodacom Durban July winner Greys Inn
“The lack of suitable prep races for 4yo fillies, particularly over ground, means that we had little choice but to run in the 1400m Tibouchina Stakes. It was way too short for her, she was badly drawn, and the slow early pace was completely against this leggy filly who was dropped out to last by Craig Zackey. Marina relishes a considerably longer trip and test of stamina, having done her best work as an immature three-year-old from middle distances up to 2400m in soft ground,” explained South Africa’s top-ranked lady trainer.
Candice is excited about the prospects of taking on the best and is adamant that she will have Marina spot on, come 2 July.
Candice and Marina – lots of love and affection (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
“She has pulled up well and has shown historically that she can come out of short preps and win – as she did when prepping in the 1400m Diana Stakes, and then winning the Victress in great style. In January she was beaten a 0,30 lengths by outstanding champion Captain’s Ransom at level weights in the Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes. She ran wide in the Met and had no real opportunity to show her capabilities – although just over 5 lengths off the top-class Kommetdieding.”
Like her classy brother Marinaresco, who shrugged off a few duff efforts in his career before landing the big prize, the fairly lightly campaigned eight-time winner Marina looms a major threat as she rounds into peak form and runs in Africa’s greatest race and in what should be a true test over 2200m.
Declarations for the R5 million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July are due by 11h00 on Monday.
The final field announcement and barrier draw function will be broadcast on Tuesday on GallopTV and Racing 240. Watch this space for broadcast times!
