Sean Tarry – hometown decision
SA Champion trainer, Sean Tarry, lambasted the Durban July panel for making “hometown decisions” after his filly, Trophy Wife, failed to make the final field for the big race on July 2, writes Dave Mollett.
“They should rename Gold Circle, Gold Circus – their decison to omit a horse with her group form is bad for racing,” said Tarry.
Trophy Wife has been named as first reserve which is little consolation for Tarry who is chasing his third Vodacom Durban July success.
He still has two live candidates in French Navy and Samurai Blade.
Tarry said the case to include Trophy Wife was substantial.
“Not only was she beaten only two lengths by Met winner Smart Call at Turffontein in November, she was third behind the same horse in last season’s Woolavington and, more recently, won the Gr 2 Gerald Rosenberg Stakes – tell me how they can leave her out?”
Geoff Woodruff – tough call for Deo Juvente
Another Gauteng trainer bemoaning the verdict of the July panel was Geoff Woodruff who will be furious that Summer Cup runner-up, Deo Juvente, failed to receive an invite.
This despite Woodruff following Gold Circle’s instructions and giving the horse a public gallop after racing at Turffontein last Saturday. The four year-old worked well and finished perfectly sound.
One racing fan, expressing himself on the Sporting Post website prior to yesterday’s decision, commented: “Deo Juvente should get a run on form as he has to be one of the better older horses apart from French Navy. I think he will be a huge runner in the race and our best horses should be in our best horses.”
Master Sabina is in – stablemate Deo Juvente didn’t make the cut
The consolation for Woodruff is that his other top horse, Master Sabina, has drawn favourably at barrier eight.
Justin Snaith – four runners
Trainer Justin Snaith, who will saddle four runners, had mixed fortune in the draw.
Black Arthur, the mount of Dougie Whyte, drew wide at barrier 17 but stablemate, Bela-Bela, drew favourably at gate three.
This news will delight jockey Anthony Delpech who is chasing his fifth July success. He has opted to partner Bela-Bela instead of KZN Guineas winner, Black Arthur.
Another jockey bidding for a fifth July triumph is Anton Marcus who was not declared for a mount yesterday.
He could end up on St Tropez or Rabada – the latter is set to run in the KZN Million at Greyville on Sunday.
