Geoff Woodruff positive after Gallops

It was only the second time Louis The King and Rake’s Chestnut had run at Greyville since arriving from Gauteng, and the pair had come on really well since coming to Durban, Woodruff said.

“Louis The King is such a laid back chap, nothing worries him and he worked really well this morning. I was also very pleased with Rake’s Chestnut. He is also very talented.”

Another to impress at the gallops was the Cape-trained Legislate from the stable of Justin Snaith.

Legislate, Rake’s Chestnut and Louis The King filled the first three places in the recent Daily News 2000 at Greyville and Thursday’s gallops suggested the same trio could well fight out the finish of the big race next Saturday.

Capetown Noir, who had disappointed in some of his recent races, was fitted with blinkers for the first time and seemed to enjoy wearing them.

He galloped from the 1200 metre mark with Speed Rocket and strode out impressively to draw away from his companion.

Trainer Dean Kannemeyer was pleased with him and said he expected a good performance from Capetown Noir in the Durban July.

The Mike de Kock stable entry British-bred filly Espumanti worked with Gone Baby Gone from the 1600 metre mark. She showed she was doing well in her preparation since her last outing which she won in impressive style at Greyville a month ago.

Cape-trained outsider Punta Arenas worked solo over 1400 metres and indicated that he had done enough since arriving from the Cape and had an outside chance of upsetting the favourites.

Captain America worked in good style over 1400 metres and his rider Sean Cormack said he was very happy with the way his mount had come through his preparation.

King Of Pain, who recently won a feature race at Clairwood, indicated he was on the right path when he galloped attractively over 1600 metres and easily beat his working companion Disco Al.

– Sapa