Riaan Van Reenen is bullish about Futura
Winning Form sponsors a range of knowledgeable and experienced trainers across the length and breadth of South Africa. They were asked for their opinion of how they see the Vodacom Durban July unfolding.
Cape trainer Riaan van Reenen has had the experience of training some top horses and is known to have a good eye for a horse. “In my opinion Futura will take a power of beating. He has done everything asked of him and is a magnificent looking specimen. His last run is best ignored despite him only finishing just over one length behind Legislate, as it was clearly just a prep run. The fact that Justin Snaith is not running Legislate who won the race last year is a clear pointer to Futura’s chance. All in all I am very bullish about Futura.”
KZN champion trainer Duncan Howells – gives Wylie Hall a big chance
Duncan Howells is having a great KZN season and is a great judge of a horse. “I give Wylie Hall a big chance as I feel he has done everything asked of him. He was cleverly given a good break after the last KZN Winter season and he has come back roaring to go. He has won two in a row and then showed just how well he is when galloping at Greyville last Thursday. He has one of the top jockey’s currently riding, in Bernard Fayd’Herbe and he definitely knows how to win the big ones. After that it becomes very tricky. French Navy won the Daily News 2000 in smashing style and his trainer Sean Tarry is in top form. Sean Tarry’s second string to his bow is Legal Eagle who has Anton Marcus in the saddle. Neither of these two may be written off and if Wylie Hall fluffs his lines they could be the beneficiaries. “
Garth Puller – knows his stuff
Garth Puller is one of the most experienced horsemen in South Africa and he has a keen eye and is seldom far off when selecting a horse to win a big race. He rates this year’s July a very difficult race but in having to make a selection he has gone with Futura. “I think Futura has all the credentials to win and I make him one, the younger horses have to beat. Without being adamant about it I give Legal Eagle a good chance as he is improving with every run and has Anton Marcus riding. I cannot ignore Mike de Kock and in Majmu he has another top filly. She could add to Mike’s impressive record with fillies. French Navy gives Sean Tarry a strong hand and it is difficult to judge just how much he could improve. Wylie Hall may have been unlucky to lose last year’s July on a disqualification and trainer Marwing has him at his best to avenge that defeat.”
Port Elizabeth trainer Grant Paddock is a really keen racegoer who follows racing all over the country. “I think Legal Eagle is well-weighted to run a huge race. He has Anton Marcus riding which is a huge advantage. Some believe he might not be suited to the track but Marcus will guide him around like the pro he is. For second I will go for another Tarry runner in French Navy. This 3-year-old is improving in leaps and bounds and he could ensure that Tarry has a huge July. Trainer Marwing will be out to avenge Wylie Hall’s disqualification last year and he has the horse in peak condition. “
Craig Eudey is one of Winning Form’s loyal supporters. No matter what, Craig will be back doing his best for his patrons and for Winning Form’s readers. “I make Futura a huge runner. He looked magnificent when he galloped on Thursday morning and his last run must be seen as a top prep run. Legal Eagle is a big runner although he is not certain to be course suited. Apart from those runners the race looks open.”
Stuart Pettigrew is one of the quiet men of racing but he has a fountain of knowledge and it is worth taking note of what he has to say. “Apart from my top four horses I make this a very open race. As far as I am concerned Wylie Hall has had a wonderful prep. After he was given a break he bounced back by winning two races very easily. Last Thursday he looked a picture at Greyville. He has a top jockey, a good draw and all in all is my horse to win. To follow him home I give Majmu a very big chance. She comes from the right stable and has huge potential. French Navy is improving all the time while Futura has done everything right. After those four horses I make it a bun fight.”
