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The countdown has begun for the highlight of South Africa's Champions Season, the R3.5m, Group 1 Vodacom Durban July over 2200m at Greyville, Durban, on July 6th.

The R350 000, Group 2 Bettingworld 1900 over 1900m at Greyville on Wednesday night has traditionally been a race used by many trainers to try and enhance their charge’s chances of making the final field for the Vodacom Durban July. However, last night the honours went to Jet Explorer, a horse that has not been nominated for the July.

The early fractions were set by the Mike De Kock trained Viva Maria, currently occupying position number 29 in the order of entry and in need of a solid performance to move into the top 20. Coming into the home straight however, the fast early fractions took their toll as Viva Maria, under Muzi Yeni, cried enough.

The Justin Snaith trained Jet Explorer (58kg) under Sean Cormack, who had been sitting just off the pace, quickly took up the challenge and the Jet Master gelding came storming home to win by 2.25 lengths in a time of 1.55.02. Rock Cocktail (AUS) (Rock Of Gibraltar) (54kg) and Anthony Delpech were second, with Gold Onyx (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe) (58kg) and Gavin Lorena in third a further .25L back.

Cape based Justin Snaith, who recently recorded a magnificent seven at Arlington racecourse, promptly supplemented Jet Explorer for the Vodacom Durban July, confirming that Hong Kong based Richard Fourie will be in the saddle.

Another Vodacom Durban July contender, who did his chances of making the final 20 no harm, is the Stan Elley trained Silvano gelding Punta Arenas, who finished a very creditable third in the Pinnacle Stakes (1400m) last night behind Horse of the Year Variety Club and 2012 Vodacom Durban July winner, Pomodoro.

The Group 1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville on June 1 is the next race where July contenders can attempt to improve their positions to gain entry * into the field for the leading race in South Africa.