3 minute read

The Michael Azzie trained dual Grade 1 winner, Hat Puntano (ARG), was an interesting supplementary entry on Tuesdy for the 2017 Vodacom Durban July bringing to 47 the number of horses still in contention for the big race on 1 July 2017 at Greyville.

The first VDJ Log has been issued by Gold Circle and serves as a clear indication as to who would be in the field if the race was run tomorrow.

“We have not considered Hat Puntano at this stage as he has yet to win beyond 1600 metres and has not been seen in action since July 2016,” said Gold Circle Racing Executive Raf Sheik.

“Hopefully he will make his South African debut in the near future,” he added.

The top six spots on the VDJ Log are occupied by horses who have won automatic qualifying races this season. Marinaresco and Captain America, at 7 and 8, lead the way amongst the balance but there is a long way to go yet and those on the outside looking in still have plenty of opportunities to qualify.

The brilliant four-year-old Tiger Ridge filly Nother Russia, that was beaten about a head in the thrilling finish to the Grade 1 Premier’s Champion Challenge at Turffontein on Saturday, has been withdrawn from the Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July.

The Mike de Kock stable inmate ran a fantastic race fighting out the finish with favourite Legal Eagle before outsider Deo Juvente from the Geoff Woodruff stable forced his way between them to snatch the victory by a whisker.

The filly was among the 12 horses withdrawn from Africa’s Greatest Horse Race at the first declaration stage with the withdrawals including Samurai Blade and Mac De Lago that contested the event last year.

The Vodacom Durban July LOG and ante-post betting as on Tuesday May 9th.

2017 Vodacom Durban July ante-post betting guide [as at May 9 13:30]:

11/2 Marinaresco; 8/1 Al Sahem; 9/1 Elusive Silva; 13/1 Black Arthur; 14/1 Heavenly Blue; 15/1 Horizon, Saratoga Dancer; 18/1 Edict Of Nantes, Zodiac Ruler, Its My Turn, Deo Juvente, Pagoda, Copper Force, Africa Rising; 20/1 Bela-Bela; 25/1 Captain America; 28/1 Secret Captain, Brazuca; 30/1 Prince Of Wales; 33/1 Orchid Island, French Navy; 35/1 Krambambuli, Nightingale; 40/1 Banner Hill, Master Sabina, Master Switch, The Conglomerate; 50/1 Nebula; 66/1 Bi Pot, Liege, Ten Gun Salute; 80/1 Trophy Wife, Witchcraft, Smiling Blue Eyes, Safe Harbour, Silver Mountain; 100/1 Girl On The Run; 150/1 Bold Viking; 200/1 Jubilee Line, Macduff, Tilbury Fort; 250/1 Royal Badge, Copper Pot; 300/1 Rocketball, Fort Meyers, The Elmo Effect;

Odds courtesy of www.trackandball.co.za and subject to changeImportant Vodacom Durban July dates to diarise:

Second Declaration: Close 11:00 Monday, 29 May 2017
Final Supplementary Entries: Close 11:00 Monday, 12 June 2017
Weights Published: Tuesday, 13 June 2017
Final Declaration: Close 11:00 Monday, 19 June 2017
Final Field and Draw: Announcement of the Final Field and Barrier Draws will take place on Tuesday, 20 June 2017
Public Gallops: 7am at Greyville Racecourse, Thursday, 22 June 2017