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Pierre Jourdan, whose mission this season is to improve on his second place finish in last year's Vodacom Durban July, is expected to need the run when he contests the G Rising Sun Gold Challenge at Clairwood on Saturday according to his trainer Gary Alexander.

“He will go into Saturday's race needing it quite a bit but that will bring him on nicely for the big one," Alexander said.

“Pierre Jourdan has had a few problems in his career. The main thing will be to have him sound on July day

Pierre Jourdan will not be running in blinkers on Saturday.

Alexander said, “We will be able to tell after Saturday's race whether he needs blinkers.

"The blinkers help him in the early stages of the races, but his form going into last year's July was good without blinkers.

"We will leave it up to Robbie Fradd to make the decision as every pilot is different.”

Pierre Jourdan gained fame as a three-year-old after he had won the first two legs of the triple crown, the G2 Gauteng Guineas and the G1 SA Classic.

His bid to win the G1 SA Derby sparked triple crown fever around the country and he consequently became known as 'the people's horse'.

He finished second in the SA Derby to Irish Flame, who relished the muddy conditions on the day.

Since then Pierre Jordan's best G1 performance has been in last year's July.

Pierre Jourdan was originally bought for R60 000 at the 2008 Emperor's Palace Ready To Run Sale but was later resold in order to dissolve a partnership.

Alexander had to go to R1,6 million to secure him for a syndicate of seven that includes himself.

“He was worth that price considering he has a good chance of winning the July,” said Alexander.