The majority of South Africa’s top 3yo’s line up at Greyville today to contest the prestigious R2 million Gr1 Daily News 2000. With four of the sixteen runners in the Vodacom Durban July top 20, the outcome will be watched with great interest by all racing fans.
New Predator – will be ready to attack
The honour roll of the race reads like a veritable who’s who of our top-flight 3yo’s over the years and with only Triple Crown star Abashiri and SA Guineas winner Black Arthur absent, there is no reason to believe that the Daily News 2000 class of 2016 will not produce the stars.
Trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren and Weichong Marwing are back with Drill Hall Stakes winner New Predator.
The handsome Australian bred son of New Approach, posted at 11 on the official VDJ log, looks eminently suited to the Greyville track and his aggressive style of racing could carry the day.
His run in the Horse Chestnut when Gavin Lerena took the fight to champion Legal Eagle, was a breathtaking show of power galloping – and while it backfired with a 3,80 length beating, it could well work against his own age!
Sean Tarry – strong hand
SA champion trainer Sean Tarry goes into the race with a four-horse team headed by the Australian-bred colt Samurai Blade, who is ranked one above New Predator on the July log.
The son of Where’s That Tiger finished fast-finishing third places to Abashiri in both the SA Classic and SA Derby and while he is only a one-time winner, is improving with every outing.
His stablemate Prospect Strike has no luck with the draws. He pulled a wide gate when beaten out of the money but only 2,40 lengths behind Black Arthur in the SA Guineas and is at 15 here. That makes it tough.
Liege is the third of the Tarry attack. The son of Dynasty won well on the polytrack at his last start and while beaten 15 lengths by Abashiri in the SA Classic (he was changing legs), could improve some to feature.
Rabada
Mike Azzie saddles SA Guineas runner-up Rabada, who tries the 2000m trip for the first time. He was only collared late over a mile by July favourite Black Arthur last time out.
The son of Brave Tin Soldier knows the track well but has plenty of pace and we are not convinced who find 2000m at Gr1 level. He is far too classy to ignore and at 8 on the VDJ log, he will have his supporters.
Trading Profit is the second of the Azzie challengers.
The son of Toreador has not quite lived up to his early promise and his last two runs have been well downfield.
Gavin Van Zyl has a trio of runners, headed by SA Derby near party spoiler, Rocketball.
Rocketball chases Abashiri in the SA Derby
The Judpot gelding came within a heartbeat of destroying the Aba dream and Warren Kennedy is aboard again – this time from a favourable 1 draw.
Stablemate Celtic Captain was beaten 2,30 lengths in the SA Guineas and is a winner at this track. He may lack a length or two in this class.
Redcarpet Captain is the third of the Van Zyl attack and he cannot be fancied after a host of disappointing efforts.
Justin Snaith takes his chances with Cape Derby winner It’s My Turn and the fast improving Brooklyn Brawler.
It’s My Turn was slow off and found the SA Guineas rush too hot last time, when he may also have needed it.
As the top ranked Vodacom Durban July candidate in the field, his class is not in question – and top man Anthony Delpech rides.
Duncan Howells – local attack
Ashburton trainer Duncan Howells has two in the race and the Aussie bred Ten Gun Salute strikes us as the elect.
The son of Henrythenavigator has some eyecatching recent form and ran on powerfully in the SA Guineas, where he notched a fourth placed finish.
His earlier form in decent company is a recommendation and he will not be swimming out of his depth here. Watch this one!
Dean Kannemeyer will be looking for a big run from his July hope Mambo Mime, a winner of the recent Gr3 Byerley Turk. The son of Mambo In Seattle finished third 1,50 lengths to Black Arthur in the SA Guineas last time after looking dangerous late in the race.
Mambo Mime – VDJ entry
The talented Stebbins and Bankable Teddy make up the balance of the Gauteng attack and look to have some ground to make up on their official ratings.
We are set for a cracking race and there will be winning arguments for a host of the runners.
We are siding with New Predator to beat Mambo Mime and Rabada – with It’s My Turn the danger if he catches his breath and finishes his race.
Then don’t discard Ten Gun Salute, who will have the homecrowd behind him.
