Leader of the pack – Robert Bloomberg
A Vodacom Durban July winning owner in his own right, Cape-based Attorney Robert Bloomberg is widely regarded as South Africa’s foremost horseracing expert and form analyst.
In an exclusive for Sporting Post readers, he takes a no-nonsense view of the runners for Saturday’s Gr1 Vodacom Durban July.
Enjoy the ride!
FRENCH NAVY
Very well handicapped despite top weight thanks to a clever use of the race conditions by an astute and superb trainer – had an eye-catching exercise gallop in the Gold Challenge and has had an excellent prep – could give his brilliant rider his long awaited July winner and is the horse to beat – excellent each-way value as he shouldn’t miss the board.
MAC DE LAGO
Can’t beat French Navy on the Gold Challenge run and the 7b penalty incurred ‘Hassen’ gone down very well in respect of his chances.
ABASHIRI
Form of SA Derby is hardly appealing and is incomparable to Cape Derby form – 3rd placed Samurai Blade who was under 1L back beat two home in the Daily News, one of whom was Stebbins who was only beaten 2L in Derby off a rating of 79 – with the grandstand to carry thanks to an inflated rating he shouldn’t really be running – no chance in my book!
MASTER SABINA
Master Sabina and stablemate Deo Juvente are both entered
Three really poor runs this year’s and has had an uninspiring prep – if you back this one it will be your fault and become your problem!
BLACK ARTHUR
Deserted by Anthony Delpech and he must have known something as the draws would indicate – won Canon Guineas from an almost impossible position and will have to do the same here from a shocking gate, but the trip will suit much better – 4lb under sufferance as well, but not without a prayer and his dad-to-be trainer has after all a 22% chance of winning this race – on paper in any event.
RABADA
Does he truly stay and surely the run in KZN Breeders mile with 59,5kgs to shoulder 6 days before will take the edge off him? Anton passed him by for this race and that’s a telling factor.
SAMURAI BLADE
Unbelievably rated the equal of Black Arthur and superior to the likes of It’s My Turn, Mambo Mime, Marinaresco and Rabada to name but four. Is he really a 108 and better than those horses? Let me think about it – NO!
SOLID SPEED
Versatile and in-form hard-knocker, well drawn, perfectly weighted, good prep and will be spot on for the race – Deano knows how to win the big one and this would give him a welcome wedding present and July number 4. If you believe in omens same connections as last year – big runner!
IT’S MY TURN
Beat both Marinaresco and Black Arthur in Cape Derby, but think both have improved past him – has definite place credentials though and should run well.
ROCKETBALL
No reason why he should finish in front of either It’s My Turn or Mambo Mime on the Daily News run and also think that there are other 3yos who also have better credentials. Of the 3 lucky KZN contenders he may have the best chance, but that in reality means he should finish in the last 1/4.
MAMBO MIME
Excellent run in Daily News from the back in slow run race – definite place credentials for a trainer who appears to be the only non-domiciled conditioner who loves the KZN tracks – certainly his record this season would indicate that.
TEN GUN SALUTE
The roughie of the race according to an astute Western Cape racing man – he is however having extensive therapy at the moment and is still on industrial strength Prozac so a disclaimer is hereby issued!
MARINARESCO
Top horse very much on the upgrade and is better than his rating, even if 9lbs under sufferance – likes to be given a chance and from that draw will surely have to be dropped into the back half of the field although Grant Einstein is capable of doing the unexpected – anything else and the slim chance he has from his gate will evaporate
THE CONGLOMERATE
All of Flaming Rock, Dynasty, Classic Flag and Pomodoro have won from the extreme outside gate, but he won’t be following in their footsteps! Nice to see though that Striker and the Brit had reignited their love/hate relationship.
DYNAMIC
Probable frontrunner from pole position and Justin Bieber’s decided 4th string to his bow – comfortably held at weights by Solid Speed on both their last 2 runs
ST TROPEZ
Superman’s ride through the liberal use of the rules at ones disposal thanks to Gold Circle – will take some inspiration and brilliance from the genius in the saddle as he hasn’t had an ideal prep and is 4lbs worse off with Solid Speed as well.
SARATOGA DANCER
Unbelievably got into the race off a rating of 95 – I mean he is 11lb under sufferance FFS and his most noteworthy success has been 2 Pinnacle Plate wins! – there can be no other explanation for his inclusion at the expense of Deo Juvente off a 106 and Trophy Wife off a 101 other than the fact that he is a KZN horse. Duncan Howell’s has 2 runners – should have been zero, but good luck to him!
BELA BELA
Will have the run of the race from her draw and will be in the first 4 turning for home – jury is out however as she’s only beaten the same 2 fillies at her last two starts Nightingale and Negroamaro and I wouldn’t have either of them off bottom weight here – no easy task being as close to the colts as she is at the weights, but she may be good enough as she does possess an excellent turn of foot.
My selection – French Navy to beat Solid Speed.
Have fun!
