Strydom on Halve The Deficit

Sadly for me, so many of the horses who have provided me with a great season the last couple of months have all fallen by the wayside due to injury or other reasons. Louis The King, Siren’s Call, Cagiva, who was found to be lame after his race last weekend, and Harry’s Son, who injured himself prior to his run in the KRA Guineas and is now heading for Dubai, were all July hopefuls for me at one time or another.

As these horses are athletes, and like humans who are competing all the time, these injuries happen. I have now confirmed the ride on Halve The Deficit who I rode last year. Obviously we will be hoping for a lot of luck to be competitive and with some good fortune coming our way we could even win it. The July can be a rough race and some of the back runners can get too far out of their ground, so if things go my way and things go wrong for the others, anything could happen.

It is a 12-race card and hopefully I can get some decent rides in the other races.

Racing is at Turffontein on the inside track today and Race 1 is for moderate fillies who have had many chances in their attempt to win a race. I would think your top three would fight it out and they are Spurwing Summer, Badger’s Belle and Three G with a slight Preference for the latter. Swingers might be the way to go in this event.

Race 2 is another maiden race but you have the young guns against the older runners. I will go with the younger horses and I see Dragon Li and Gentleman Only fighting it out.

I ride Rozario. He has struggled for pace over 1000m and as this is over the same distance he will probably struggle to keep up with them again.

Race 3 is the first leg of the Place Accumulator and Poderosa looks hard to beat. She displayed lots of speed last time to just get beaten and the fact she found betting support indicates she has shown something at home as well. She looks too good for this quality of field and I would make her a banker in all bets.

I am riding Fair Colour. The only thing in her favour is that she jumps from No 1 draw. She will need to improve just to finish in the places.

Race 4 is another maiden plate in which the youngsters take on the older horses. Once again I’m leaning towards the younger horses and, in fact, I’ve found a possible banker in the PA and Pick 6 in Roman Calamity. He has a good draw, shows speed, which is needed on this track, and was just out of the places in his last start behind some nice sorts.

I am riding Thiel who is my second fancy, but on collateral form lines it will be hard to beat Roman Calamity. Of the older horses you can consider Counterstroke and Rainbow Star.

Race 5 is yet another maiden plate and pretty much the same applies as the others. As there is no runner with an outstanding form line it could pay to go wide. I would select these runners, in order of preference. I like Lillipeg and Lindelize who could improve a lot after only one run, followed by the older brigade, Ladies Club, Keep My Promise, La Digue and Fannalies Girl. Include as many as you can afford in the PA and in the Pick 6 go with the field if you can.

I ride Princess Maggie who has fragile form and a bad draw, but as this is a weak field she could place.

Race 6 is another event that looks difficult as there are some horses who are improving. My first choice is Mr Mulliner but unfortunately he has a bad draw. Others to consider are Victory Cruise, Newton Power and Silver Scooter.

Based on the turnover in weights Mr Mulliner could well be the right horse and he is my value bet on the card.  I will banker him in the Place Accumulator and possibly the Pick 6 as well. If you don’t like him as a banker then go with the other three as well.

Race 7 is very difficult with many horses having a chance. I’m going with Finchatton who could improve many lengths on his last start, Loco Por Ganar who for once has the benefit of a good draw and should give a good account of himself and Jolie Roger, who has only had two starts and won convincingly last time out. Those are my main selections but as this is a competitive race you could include Caughtinthedeep, Game Of Thrones and On The Nod.

I ride Woza Madoda who is held by Antonius Charm but I think he does enjoy the inside track and could place in this quality field.

Race 8 I make a two-horse affair between Deo Juvente and Majestic Bay. They should be good enough for the Pick 6 and for the PA you can banker either one. They just have stronger form lines than the balance of the field.

I’m riding Leeuloop Jet who is held by Majestic Bay on form and as Majestic Bay is lightly raced, I can’t see my runner turning it around. The only other runner I could see for inclusion is Platinum Jet but this is the first time he is trying this sort of distance.

Race 9 is another competitive field but I’m leaning towards Battle In Seattle and Red Rain because in the past they have competed against a lot stronger than their opposition. Others to consider are Racing Socks and Pacific G.

I’m riding RockeY Stallone who unfortunately has a shocking draw and with a bit of luck could find a place.