All but two of the horses featuring among the top 32 on the official Vodacom Durban July Log stood their ground at the final acceptance stage today (Tuesday) for Africa’s greatest racing event to be run over 2 200m at Greyville in Durban on Saturday, July 6.
The July Selection Committee will now select the 18 runners and two emergency acceptors for the R4.25-million, Grade 1 race from 30 candidates with Gary Alexander’s Hero’s Honour and Run Red from the Andre Nel stable being the two potential runners that were withdrawn.
Hero’s Honour was 14th on the list and with his withdrawal, if the members of the Selection Panel follow their last selections, Camphoratus from the Robbie Hill yard will move into 18th position to get a run and the second emergency entry will come from the 11 remaining hopefuls on the outside looking in.
If that is the case, Justin Snaith will have five runners in the race.
Do It Again will carry top weight of 60kgs with Rainbow Bridge on 59.5kgs and Head Honcho 58.5kgs.
Favourite, Hawwaam, is set to carry 56kgs, Legal Eagle 55kgs, Twist Of Fate 54kgs and Lady In Black 53.5kgs.
Set to carry 53kgs are Barahin, Top Classman, The Dazzler, Zillzaal, Roy Had Enough, Charles, Bunker Hunt, Eyes Wide Open, Tilbury Fort, Dark Moon Rising, Elusive Silver, Made To Conquer, Divine Odyssey, Magnificent Seven, Doublemint and Banner Hill with the balance set to shoulder 52kgs.
-Gold Circle
