Sean Tarry’s Halve The Deficit has done enough to make the cut
Eight of the thirty entrants left at the final stages of the Vodacom Durban July had outings this past weekend. Some came through their tests with flying colours, while others probably blew whatever last gasp prospect they may have had of impressing the panel.
There are thirty horses left in the July entries and they are vying for a place in the final field of sixteen, which will be announced with draws next Tuesday.
Trainers will argue that horses running this past weekend would not have been at their peak but with the July under three weeks away, there isn’t a lot of time left either to fix whatever may be broken.
Four of the eight ran in the Gr3 Betting World Jubilee Handicap over 1800m at Turffontein on Saturday.
This race was the final ‘preferential consideration’ ticket into the July and was won by a short head by Geoff Woodruff’s non July entrant, Killua Castle.
Halve The Deficit, who is officially at 17 on the log, would have done his prospects no harm with his short head second to Killua Castle. He could be Sean Tarry’s spearhead for a Vodacom Durban July hat-trick this year.
Cherry On The Top (9 on the log) ran third and just 2,25 lengths behind Killua Castle. She carried a big weight and her effort was described as ‘okay’ by trainer Ormond Ferraris.
Tellina did not tick all the boxes in the Jubilee
Killua Castle’s stablemate Tellina (8 on log), ran unplaced in the same race when finishing eighth and 6,50 lengths behind when lumping 62 kgs.
This wasn’t highly inspiring and we would like to have seen him finishing a few lengths closer with a little more enthusiasm.
Mike Azzie’s Chesalon ran last in the Jubilee and looks to be a horse with problems. He cannot make the final field.
Charles Laird’s lovely stayer Dylan’s Promise won the Gr2 Betting World Oaks in fine fashion on Sunday when leading all the way to beat SA Oaks winner, Ash Cloud.
There is no indication as to whether Dylan’s Promise will definitely go for the July and the 2200m at Greyville may prove tough for her.
Question of stamina and off form makes Royal Zulu Warrior look unlikely
The Gold Cup seems a better option, but flamboyant co owner Alesh Naidoo may well opt for a July runner. His last attempt in 2013 with Love Struck failed dismally.
Geoff Woodruff’s Zephira produced no spark when finishing seventh and 7,50 lengths behind Dylan’s Promise. She doesn’t look up to July level at this point.
Stan Eley’s Punta Arenas (lucky 13 on the log) ran a 1,10 length fourth behind Chestnut’s Rocket in a Conditions Plate over 1450m at Clairwood on Sunday. He ran behind the MR 93 King Of Torts at level weights and stayed on without any flash. Depending which side of the fence you are on, the run can be interpreted in a few different ways.
Royal Zulu Warrior finished eighth in Friday evening’s Gr2 Post Merchants but only 2,15 lengths off Varikate. This hardly seems an ideal prep for a horse who has stamina doubts.
Final declarations are due next Monday 23 June.The final field and draw announcement will take place on Tuesday 24 June.
