Last year’s winner of the R600 000 Gr2 Golden Horseshoe is a fancied runner in today’s Vodacom Durban July.
While the 2018 renewal was a particularly vintage year, with Barahin beating his illustrious stablemate Soqrat, this race inevitably dishes up something special.
The Sporting-Post’s standout top-rated runner, Sean Tarry’s Var colt Eden Roc, announced his arrival in lights with a massive victory over the talented Frosted Gold in the Gr1 Gold Medallion at end of May. That was a follow-up on his Vaal 1400m maiden win in April. Eden Roc is said to be very talented and Tarry will be keen to bank another Horseshoe trophy, after winning it with Purple Diamond – coincidentally another Var- in 2017.
Eden Roc – looks special (Pic – Candiese Marnewick)
Vaal-based Ashley Fortune makes a welcome visit to Hollywodbets Greyville on the big day and the top Lady Trainer will fancy the prospects of her two-time winner Invidia from the decent draw with in-form Muzi Yeni aboard. The son of Twice Over was beaten just 3,75 lengths by Frosted Gold in the SA Nursery and then reeled off two smart victories on the trot. He looks the major threat to Eden Roc.
Dennis Drier, who last won this race in 2015 with Seventh Plain, has two runners with little to choose between them. Master Of Illusion has drawn wide but showed up well when going close to beating African Warrior in the Godolphin Barb. He failed to flatter though, when beaten 5,20 lengths in the Gold Medallion. He should be more comfortable this trip.
Stablemate Cartel Captain was 0,30 lengths ahead of Master Of Illusion there after winning like a good thing on his Scottsville debut. The latter is better drawn, which may give him the marginal edge.
Sean Tarry – strong hand
Sean Tarry’s Putontheredlight was beaten 5,50 lengths in the SA Nursery and then showed pace before going down a half length to Invidia last time. That gives him a place chance.
Enjoy The View ran last Saturday at Hollywoodbets Greyville when third and under a half length behind Ad Altisima on the polytrack. He ran on steadily at his penultimate start when 2,95 lengths off Kaydens Pride in the Gatecrasher. His wide draw will require all of Richard Fourie’s expertise to overcome.
Glen Kotzen’s Wylie Hall colt Poinciana put it all together at his third start when beating Baby Shooz at Scottsville. While the draw of 12 is not in his favour, he is highly regarded and could have more improvement to come.
Third of the Tarry trio, the 2019 Klawervlei Sales Race winner Rock The Globe was beaten 5 lengths in the SA nursery and comes in off a nine week break.
The most experienced galloper in the field with 12 runs to his credit, Tobie Spies’ Baby Lets Mambo comes in fresh off a second-placed finish behind stablemate Axios at Kimberley a fortnight ago. He has a wide draw to beat and looks unlikely to challenge the top three.
With three outings at Flamingo Park under the belt, his stablemate Captain Morgane eventually popped up at long odds to win his maiden at the Vaal at his eighth attempt. His wide draw is also a deterrent and he looks to have lots to do.
Mike Miller’s King Of Tara shed his maiden on the polytrack beating subsequent winner Ad Altisima, but then failed to follow through next time when going down 8 lengths to Master Jay.
Well beaten in the Gr1 Gold Medallion, Loosen Your Tie took five runs to win his maiden when running handily and winning over 1400m at his last start.
A once raced maiden, Justinian started at 14-1 when beaten 1,45 lengths by Kannemeyer’s promising Liberty Hall. This is his first start on turf – not an easy introduction.
Mike de Kock’s Soft Falling Rain colt Aqua Delta won his debut start at the Vaal on 6 June beating subsequent smart winner, Irrevocable Dream. He has a wide draw to overcome and is difficult to assess.
The SP top-rated Eden Roc must be tough to oppose, but Invidia and Master Of Illusion won’t be letting him do things his way. Cartel Captain may be best of the rest.
