The Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops were conducted this morning in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd at Hollywoodbets Greyville and as is usually the case every year the runners all looked in good shape and strode out well.
The Johannesburg-based horses did their gallops this morning too at their home bases and could not be faulted either.
Royal Victory (Pathfork – Ambiance Stud) got the ball rolling and although sweating in the parade ring he put in a superb gallop under big race rider Muzi Yeni. He sat behind his companion from the 1400m mark and quickened well in the straight before galloping strongly all the way to the line. His 400m to finish time was 23.90 seconds and the outing would have put him spot on for the big race.
The favourite Green With Envy (Gimmethegreenlight – Khaya Stables) was next out and this progressive three-year-old becomes more impressive every time he sets foot on the racecourse. He relaxed as well as usual and then turned it on superbly in the straight, posting an effortless 400m to finish time of 22.66 seconds under Craig Zackey.
Barbaresco (Gimmethegreenlight – Laurence Wernars) is a dark horse as he appears to have been targeted at the big race. If Gavin Lerena is prepared to slim down to 53,5kg he must have a shout. He has the pedigree for it and strode out well in his workout on the Highveld.
Aragosta (Rafeef – Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein) led his stable companion Shoemaker in the next gallop at Hollywoodbets Greyville and they both strode out well, doing a 400m to finish time of 23.11 and 23.12 seconds respectively.
Purple Pitcher (New Predator – Bush Hill Stud) did a good piece of work on the Highveld.
Oriental Charm (Vercingetorix – Cheveley Stud) strode out well in his gallop on the Highveld.
Drakenstein Stud are represented by five horses (including reserve Hluhluwe) in this years HDJ2024. See It Again will be looking to go one better this year. Image: Candiese Lenferna
The reigning Hollywoodbets Durban July champion Winchester Mansion (Trippi – Drakenstein Stud) put in a superb gallop on the Highveld.
See It Again (Twice Over – Drakenstein Stud) worked with two companions and turned it on well in the straight under Piere Strydom, who kept him up to his task all the way to the line. His 400m to finish time was 23.28 and in the panel discussion later on the four-times July-winning rider Anthony Delpech revealed that See It Again was his fancy to win the race.
Double Superlative (Twice Over – Patricia Devine Investments) will be ridden by Danny Muscutt in the big race and Sean Veale substituted for him. He strode out well and the gallop will have brought him on.
Future Swing (Futura – Drakenstein Stud) was restrained and took a keen hold under Richard Fourie, but threw his legs out beautifully. His 400m to finish time was 24.52 seconds.
Meridius (Canford Cliffs – Winterbach Stud) and Son Of Raj (Duke of Marmalade – Steven Chetty) did nothing wrong in their workouts on the Highveld.
Master Redoute (Querari – La Plaisance Stud) strode out beautifully in his gallop at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
On the Highveld Cousin Casey (Vercingetorix – Riyo Stud) looked in good shape and strode out well with a companion.
Stablemate Future Pearl (Futura – Drakenstein Stud) will also come into the race spot on after putting in a good gallop with a companion.
Without Question (The United States – Cheveley Stud) strode out well throughout under Rachel Venniker, who will become the first woman to ride in the July. His 400m to finish time was 24.06 seconds.
Flag Man (Flying The Flag – Clifton Stud) put in an eyecatching gallop with a companion and recorded a 400m to finish time of 22.73 seconds under Serino Moodley.
Reserve runners Hluhluwe (Trippi – Drakenstein Stud) and Hotarubi (Vercingetorix – Oldlands Stud) worked out at Hollywoodbets Greyville and the Highveld respectively and neither of them could be faulted.
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Watch the gallops:
2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops
This channel features race replays from the most recent horse racing event in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, at Hollywoodbets Greyville, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Hollywoodbets Durbanville or Hollywoodbets Scottsville, as well as interviews with jockeys, trainers, and owners immediately after the race.
