A real competitor, veteran Turffontein trainer Joey Soma is not the kind of guy to talk up the chances of his competitors.
But he says it’s definitely not gamesmanship to suggest that with nine of the major contenders between them, Cape trainers Justin Snaith, Adam Marcus and Eric Sands probably hold the key to the 2020 Vodacom Durban July between them.
Vodacom’s Chris Lazarus did the July draw honours (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“The pace will be the dealmaker, I believe. Having more than one string to their bow gives these gentlemen the options. It is going to be a tactical affair. There is going to be plenty of debate and decisions with plans A, B and C – as things don’t always pan out once the gates open. But as long as they don’t moan afterwards!” he chirps.
Joey’s Daily News 2000 winner Got The Greenlight pulled the 13 draw at a subdued barrier draw ceremony at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Tuesday. And we are not suggesting it was quiet just because that charismatic former Cape champion trainer – also a Joey, coincidentally – was absent. It was lockdown quiet – the new way.
But Joey Soma is bullish philosophical and is not superstitious either about his lucky 13.
“I’m used to bad draws. If we didn’t get it, somebody had to. And we could be wider out! I’m not complaining. It’s just a good feeling to have a runner, to be quite honest,” he laughed, adding rather that it could be ‘first out, first home’ – in reference to his charge being the first horse out of the hat when Chris Lazarus, Vodacom’s KZN Managing Executive, delivered the curved ball.
Got The Greenlight will travel down from his Turffontein home base next Thursday or Friday – depending on the weather.
1st R937500, 2nd R300000, 3rd R150000, 4th R75000, 5th R37500
VODACOM DURBAN JULY (Grade 1)
Open to all Horses
WFA: 3yrs-2kgs
No Apprentice Allowance
| 1 | 1 | Golden Ducat | 53 | 115 | A | …………… | Eric Sands | |
| 2 | 2 | Rainbow Bridge | 60 | 134 | A | W Kennedy | Eric Sands | |
| 3 | 3 | Padre Pio | 53 | 115 | A | …………… | Dennis Bosch | |
| 4 | 4 | Miyabi Gold | 52 | 115 | A | K de Melo | Justin Snaith | |
| 5 | 5 | Soqrat (AUS) | 59 | 132 | A | C Murray | Mike de Kock | |
| 6 | 6 | Twist Of Fate | 56.5 | 127 | BA | A Domeyer | Adam Marcus | |
| 7 | 7 | Shango | 53 | 116 | TBA | L Hewitson | Sean Tarry | |
| 8 | 8 | Capoeira | 53 | 115 | BA | T Godden | Andre Nel | |
| 9 | 9 | Vardy | 60 | 134 | A | C Zackey | Adam Marcus | |
| 10 | 10 | Divine Odyssey | 53 | 117 | A | S Randolph | J A Janse van Vuuren | |
| 11 | 11 | Tierra Del Fuego | 55 | 124 | A | G Lerena | Sean Tarry | |
| 12 | 12 | It’s My Turn | 53 | 118 | A | S Veale | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 13 | 13 | Got The Greenlight | 53 | 118 | T A | M Yeni | Joe Soma | |
| 14 | 14 | Bunker Hunt | 55 | 124 | A | G van Niekerk | Justin Snaith | |
| 15 | 15 | Silvano’s Pride | 52 | 118 | A | S Moodley | Justin Snaith | |
| 16 | 16 | Camphoratus | 52 | 110 | A | G Wright | R A Hill/S R Hill | |
| 17 | 17 | Belgarion | 53 | 119 | A | R Fourie | Justin Snaith | |
| 18 | 18 | Do It Again | 59.5 | 133 | A | A Marcus | Justin Snaith | |
| 19 | 0 | Tristful | 53 | 109 | A | Reserve 1 | Tony Rivalland | |
| 20 | 0 | Hero’s Honour | 53 | 115 | A | Reserve 2 | Gary Alexander | |
| Same Trainer – Not Coupled on Tote | ||||||||
| (1,2) (4,14,15,17,18) (6,9) (7,11) | ||||||||
Hollywoodbets Vodacom Durban July betting can be accessed by clicking the link below
