Durban July Log

Frodo wrote: I think kudos to the stable for not keeping everyone in the dark until the last possible moment ... :ohmy:

Well done to the De Kock stable as you mentioned. But what that does it opens up one extra spot in the final field as Heavenly Blue was a guaranteed a run.

many here were of the opinion that KZN would not have a runner in the VDJ.
i disagree ,and the way the season began with the Greyville 1900 i am sure that the KZN boys are only getting warmed up.

'Fringe' runners like Black Arthur, Africa Rising, Nebula, Tilbury Fort and Horizon can still get a look in

High Tide wrote: many here were of the opinion that KZN would not have a runner in the VDJ.
i disagree ,and the way the season began with the Greyville 1900 i am sure that the KZN boys are only getting warmed up.

Depends on the definition of a 'KZN runner' - to me it looks like KZN will have Saratoga Dancer and Ten Gun Salute only

Bob Brogan wrote: Please be advised that the following horse has been scratched from this year’s Vodacom Durban July by assistant trainer, Martthew de Kock.

HEAVENLY BLUE (Reason: Nil given Time: 11:04 Date: 23 May 2017)

Heavenly Blue has suffered a knee chip in training and Mathew de Kock said this morning: ‘He will require an operation and a long rest, so he will miss the rest of the season. We’re hoping to have him back for the big races in November, if not that, the Cape season in 2018.”

HAT PUNTANO also scratched i believe.

You have left out a big Daily News runner who beat Horizon last time out.....watch this space after next sat....

So Neptune.....whats the business mate....

Gents , get onto the Daily News/July double with Edict of Nantes :woohoo: :woohoo:

Beat horizon last time out ? I'm not sure as to who you're speaking about. IMO that guineas was pathetic. Either they weren't good enough or they were all prepping. I'm on the former side of thought. I expected much better from Copper Force, Africa Rising etc

Horizon was disappointing but I'll forgive him in that the mile isn't his optimum trip. He can improve, but the rest?
Yes I underestimated Janoobi but no way should he have won that easily. Even striker was perplexed in the interview afterwards.

We saw Secret Captain come out and fluff his lines
I will be very surprised if something from that race won the July.

Edict of Nantes, however, is a lovely sort and I can't rule him out until I see another run - the Daily News.

MasterOfMyFate wrote: Beat horizon last time out ? I'm not sure as to who you're speaking about. IMO that guineas was pathetic. Either they weren't good enough or they were all prepping. I'm on the former side of thought. I expected much better from Copper Force, Africa Rising etc

Horizon was disappointing but I'll forgive him in that the mile isn't his optimum trip. He can improve, but the rest?
Yes I underestimated Janoobi but no way should he have won that easily. Even striker was perplexed in the interview afterwards.

We saw Secret Captain come out and fluff his lines
I will be very surprised if something from that race won the July.

Edict of Nantes, however, is a lovely sort and I can't rule him out until I see another run - the Daily News.

For me he will beat Horizon again and again - I have a problem with Horizon as I do not think he is as good as people think -That win in The Politician was against a poor bunch - When he faces proper 3yr olds that are primed to win I feel he will be left wanting - In my opnion he can never beat Al Sahem at levels - I think Horizon's purchase price has clouded his average form

I agree with you Mr H about Horizon. I don't think very highly of him myself. I never fancied him for the Derby in the Cape and I agree the Politician win was over very mediocre sorts. But I do think he's much better over 9 and 10 furlongs and is likely to improve over the extra trip.