Six Vodacom Durban July dreams take another step to possible glory at Turffontein today when the R250 000 Gr3 Jubilee Handicap is run over the Turffontein standside 1800m.
The Jubilee, the notorious last chance saloon, is a Durban July ‘preferential consideration’ race and whether needed or not, all of the six July hopefuls’ connections will be looking for an endorsing effort of major proportions from their charges.
But a major attraction today will be the return to calling action of veteran commentator Smiley Moosa – read more here!
Mike de Kock will be keeping a keen eye on his July hopeful Yakeen after the scratchiing of Cascapedia.
The lightly-raced 3yo Yakeen has won 3 of his 5 starts and is an improving son of Teofilo who steps up in class off a handy 53kgs galloping weight. He would probably need to win here to suggest he is good enough at this stage to race in Africa’s greatest.
Deo Juvente – classy but not at best
Deo Juvente has not won in over a year since toppling champion Legal Eagle. He was 7 lengths behind Coral Fever in the Premier’s Champions Challenge and looks to have lost his zest for the task.
Tyrone Zackey’s grey Glider Pilot was five lengths behind Coral Fever there and would definitely need to win here to confirm his July prospects.
Social Order – in form
Sean Tarry has two in the race. Social Order won a hard fought race in the Kings Cup at Greyville at his penultimate start and then came out and ran a decent third (1,75 lengths)behind Coral Fever in the Colorado King Stakes. This Count Dubois gelding has shown signs of class and must be a serious candidate here.
Stablemate Tilbury Effort has come good winning his last two starts in MR 100 Handicaps and could be ready to confirm the promise he showed as a 3yo.
Fort Ember – busy time of it – needs a top two
Fort Ember had a busy May month – running well back to Coral Fever in the Premiers and then travelling to KZN to be beaten 10 lengths by Elusive Silva in the WSB 1900. Not a great July prep!
Trading Profit is never far off and draws against the paint. The son of Toreador has often flattered to deceive but could be ready to challenge again.
Plenty to play for suggests a no-holds barred contest. Social Order stands out on form – but Yakeen must be right there based on his trainer’s sentiment.
