2018 Durban July to be a Whopper....

Greyville is not Kenilworth, some horses from this past Saturday will not like the short straight and others that did not shape up will perform better

pirates wrote: The july will be dominated by the 3yos i doubt that the highly rated horses will run in the race having to give lumps of weight away to up and coming 3yos ...the fact that the solitary 3yo and that being a fillly won the met and the fact that t these 3yos will get so much better and stronger in 6 months gives very little chance to the older brigade ..As for african night sky he had the run of the race and couldnt fetch a place in the met so will have to find a 3 to 4 lengths improvement to be a factor in the july..its a pity that the derby and the lucrative sales race is on the same day as the firstly the derby is comprimised and secondly the met is also and i cant recall a 3yo disgracing him or herself in the met when they rarely compete in it..i stand by what i said that legal eagle wouldnt have paraded with the greats of yesteryear as can you imagine how many mets the likes of wolf power horse chestnut empress club flaming rock and dynasty would have won at the weight for age terms its run at now unlike in their era when it was a handicap..i can tell you for nothing that none of those mentioned would have been beaten by milton anytime anywhere

Food for thought .... but as the July is a handicap (yes weights can be affected by late withdrawals) - so in theory if the handicapper does his job properly in rating the 3yr olds (and not be restricted by the 'rules' too much) African Night Sky (aided by the same 'rules') would surely come into the race underrated on his performance in the Met ?

eramutsamaya wrote: Will Oh Susanna run another race in SA???

......who knows....contrary to the info on some sites her dam was never here in RSA and reports are that she was exported from Ozz to Europe.....possibly to be exposed to some of the top sires in the region.....Drakenstein is certainly going global....and it would not surprise me if this filly will be globe trotting too.....does her Met win not qualify her for some big USA races..... :huh:

oscar wrote: Peter D knows what he's doing but to keep Last Winter in a country like SA would be silly.. He's a 4 Yr old colt.. One Grade 1 win in UK or HK he's worth international stud money prices

The horse is owned by Khaya Stables

If it runs....Hashtagyolo

This horse is only on the upgrade and looks to be going places. Don't think we seen anything near it's best. Still a moderately young 3yo who hasn't shown its class over further ground as yet.
We have seen that oh so effortlessly is switched off and can take off like a rocket in a matter of strides and seems perfectly suited to the greyville track. It's powerful burst is exactly what's needed for the July when you in trouble and need to switch and burst through on the line.

The older horses look tired, this years July will be won by a 3yo.

For me, last winter is a galloping horse who needs a long run in (i.e. Scottsville/kenilworth) and I don't think greyville will suit especially the trouble you get into you never get a clear run at the best of times in the July.

Oh Sussana, for me needs to be locked away till next season. Otherwise we looking at a repeat of Abashiri and doubt the Ruperts want to break here. She's proved her worth. Let her go for the garden province, that's a gaurantedd grade 1 and a million bucks.

Legal eagle won't stay 2200 carrying top weight.

Captain America won't stay carrying second top weight (ish)

Marinaresco will be there abouts but doesn't seem to be the same as it was last season.

Cannot see Snowdance staying 2200m either, I'll be prepared for the egg, but seems like a better miler to me...2000 at a push (reminds me a bit of legal eagle).

The balance have no chance IMO.

African Night Sky reminds me of another Black Arthur. Snaith usual confidence going into July and then things fall apart. I do believe this is a horse to look after and go for the Gold Cup in time.

But hey what do I know

Last Winter has gone up to a 119 and Oh Susanna to a 115.

Open your Eyes Wide..... quoted.....

Richard Fourie  was full of praise for the winner: “His star is on the rise – this is the closest you will get to Dynasty. He has everything – big race temperament, heart and ability. What a  horse!”

wonbyamile wrote: Open your Eyes Wide..... quoted.....

Richard Fourie  was full of praise for the winner: “His star is on the rise – this is the closest you will get to Dynasty. He has everything – big race temperament, heart and ability. What a  horse!”

......I found the eventual July winner.... Big City Life.....when he won the Derby....however when the trainer says before the race(Derby) he will win it....but he does not know with which one....then he is reaching for a shotgun and trying to scatter gold dust... across all his bases....the Derby winner will be up against some very talented horses.....that's if they stick around or remain sound.....

Time will tell ...

Based on current MR and the races run on Met day...giving Do it Again a big shout come the July.
Pace wasn't what he wanted in Derby and although well beaten by the winner was looking strong at finish. Also looks the sort to improve .