July fever is in the air

It captures the attention of the entire South African public. Those who don’t have a bet the entire year indulge themselves. I have friends who want to know months in advance what I like so they can take All To Come bets into the big race. Many companies hold their own sweepstakes on the July.

There is also a focus on fashion and that adds a further dimension to the day. The fact that you are a part of that is very exciting.

We’ve already had the gallops but they really don’t tell you that much. It just lets you see the well-being of the horse.

I ride Halve The Deficit this year. I worked him on Thursday morning and he worked well. He was quite happy in himself and is very fit. We just hope he sees out the next week without any hiccups and travels well to Durban.

Piere Strydom will be riding Halve The Deficit in next
Saturday’s R3.5-million Vodacom Durban July.

The three-year-olds dominate the betting and I believe that is a correct assessment. I confirmed my opinion a while ago that we have a smart set of three-year-olds and they deserve their places at the top of the bookmakers’ boards.

I’m riding an older horse who is at level weights with the three-year-olds and I hope that gives me a reasonable chance of winning this race.

We will discuss more about the big race in next week’s column.

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Today we are racing on the Turffontein inside track. The going is still on the firm side and it is an advantage if you have some speed and can be up with the pace. In Race 1 I’m leaning towards Kissimmee. I think she has the stronger form line and races handy.

Another who could improve is Rascality. Money has also come for Bodega. She only had one run but it was against winners and she could progress. On July day I’m riding the horse who beat her so I’m hoping Bodega can win and confirm my ride’s ability.

In Race 2 I ride Chadderton. I’m sticking to my assessment of last week that she does not enjoy the inside track which is why I tried to get the ride on Leah’s Little Luv but was unsuccessful. Saying that, it will be hard to beat Gusty Gal with the danger being Mystical Star.

Race 3 opens the Place Accumulator and is quite a tough race, but taking the draw into account and looking at collateral form, I have sided with Wilding. I understand he is a quirky horse so it will be difficult to banker him. Consider Crete, The Blue Streak and Victorious Royal as back-up. They are all quite badly drawn so will need luck in running.

Race 4 is a very weak bunch of maidens. I will lean towards King Of Cloth and Jimmijagga but there is a first timer – Corallo Sardo – who has priced up favourite and does not have to be too good to win in a field like this. Go with all three in the Place Accumulator.

I would include Dravidian, Bazaruto Island, The Cleveland Arms and Trajan in the Pick 6.

In Race 5 I ride Coby. Last time the pace was slow and they sprinted for home which did not suit her. What could help her this time is the extra distance. Unfortunately she is well held on form and I can only hope for a place. Anything more would be a bonus.

On form I’ve only found Rodeo Sioux and Sister Of Mercy and as the latter is uncertain to stay it could be worth banking Rodeo Sioux in all bets.

Race 6 is another tough event and over 1450m it is important to have a good draw. Stylish Bay has a good draw and the benefit of a 2.5kg claimer. The dangers could come from Knock Knock and With Her Approval but they have very bad draws. You could even consider Fortress Mine and Devorah as next best for the PA. For the Pick 6 you could consider the field.

In Race 7 I have given chances to a couple of horses but I am leaning towards Besame Mucho as my first choice. She has lots of speed and there should not be any excuses for her So I have made her my PA banker. Others with chances are Terra Marianna, but I’m not sure how strong the KZN form is, and Perfect Winter, but I’m not sure if this track is in her favour. The roughie could be Bermuda Bowl as she is drawn No1 and benefits from a 2.5kg claimer. If Wisdom Stone runs she could be included.

I ride National Key in Race 8. He is well held on current form and I’m just hoping for a good run. In fact, I hope he runs very well along with Brooks-Club and Meissa because it backs up the form of Halve The Deficit who I ride in the July. If they don’t shape it will not make my chances look too good.

I’m leaning towards Rocco’s Luck, Money Grubber and Meissa to fight it out and those are my PA horses, with chances to Brooks-Club, Hillbrow and Indian River for the Pick 6.

I ride Ahoy Captain in Race 9. He is more of a pick-up ride as I tried to get Henry Higgins on numerous occasions but to no avail. What is against Henry Higgins is the inside track, although he has won there, and that’s why I would consider including Radio Waves in the PA as back-up.

For the Pick 6 put in Regal Stride, although he might prefer 1450m.

A horse to watch is Electric Jet. He might have quite a lot of potential but he’s coming off a long rest. Watch the betting.

In Race 10 I’m riding Victorinox. I initially thought he had a good chance but as Moon Lay Hidden holds him on two runs, this could be the get-out stakes at 10-1. He is my value bet of the day.