Final field unveiled for Vodacom Durban July
The puzzle that is the Vodacom Durban July became somewhat clearer on Tuesday afternoon as the final field and barrier positions were announced from Greyville.
FILE PICTURE: A model arrives dressed up for a fashion competition during the annual Durban July horse race on July 5, 2014, in Durban, South Africa. The Durban July horse race is the biggest horse racing event on the African continent and a high social event where South African celebrities dress up and watch the race. It attracts close to 100,000 spectators and bets are placed in excess of 20 million US dollars. AFP PHOTO / RAJESH JANTILAL
The 32 entries at the final stage of declarations has been whittled down to the final field of 18 and two reserve runners.
Sean Tarry, who is set to be crowned champion trainer at the end of the season, has five entries in the race as he looks for a third success in the 2 200m spectacle to be run on July 4.
The Randjesfontein-based trainer will saddle Legal Eagle, at this stage an antepost favourite at 28/10 and the three-year-old gelding drew barrier 11 during proceedings.
There was reason for globetrotting trainer Mike de Kock to smile as both his runners drew favourably with second-favourite Majmu jumping from pole position and Pine Princess, who won the SA Oaks before finishing second in the Grade One Woolavington 2 000 last month, was drawn five.
There was also a favourable draw for Wylie Hall with the Weiho Marwing trained inmate looking to atone for last year’s second placed finish after losing out to Legislate following an objection from jockey of the eventual winner, Richard Fourie, on the grounds of interference in the closing stages.
Justin Snaith, who trained last year’s winner, will saddle top weight Futura for the race this year and his charge, to be piloted by Sean Cormack, was given a handy draw at six.
