2009 Durban July Handicap Betting Preview - 07-02-09

July 2 - On Saturday South African horseracing fans and punters alike will get to enjoy the country's biggest and most prestigious horserace at Durban's popular Greyville Racecourse, in the form of the 2009 Durban July Handicap, an open 2200m turf race with a purse worth R2.5 million (US$323,000).

This year's Durban July Handicap has attracted a formidable 20-horse field, including two Australian runners, Our Giant and Tropical Empire, one Argentinean runner, Aluminium, and one Irish runner, Meteor Shower. However, it is South Africa's own 'wunderkind', Pocket Power, who will start as the favorite.

According to their odds as laid down by Greatodds, here are the top five contenders ahead of the big race:

Pocket Power is currently the best horse in South Africa and for good reason. The six-year-old gelding - trained by respected local trainer Mike Bass - has won just about everything he has run in, and has given no indication of relinquishing his winning form just yet. Even carrying the top weight of 58kg on Saturday, he'll go into the 2009 Durban July Handicap very well backed. He'll also have the advantage of top jockey Bernard Fayd'Herbe aboard. 15/8.

River Jetez is a massive contender in this race, not just because the 5-year-old mare is a full sister to Pocket Power, but more importantly because she has proved herself to be a consistent stayer. She narrowly lost out on victory in this race last year and since then, thanks to her trainer Mike Bass, seems to be in fine fettle ahead of the big Durban race. What a coup it would be if it came down to just her and Pocket Power. Glen Hatt will be aboard. 5/1.

Big City Life could also be a large threat on Saturday. Trained by Glen Kotzen, the 3-year-old colt seems to be getting better and better this season. Although many thought his recent Daily News 2000 victory should have been more convincing, he boasts an impressive turn-of-foot. While he'll carry weights closer in size to some of the older Durban July entrants, he is sprightly and should give the favorites a real run for their money. Greg Cheyne has the ride. 6/1.

Kapil is worth keeping an eye on as the 6-year-old gelding came dangerously close to victory in both the Queens Plate and the Gold Challenge. With a weight of only 52.5kg assigned for Saturday, many punters will earmark him as Pocket Power's greatest threat. Trained by Stan Elley, Kapil will be ridden by one of South Africa's longest-standing and favorite jockeys, Piere Strydom. For a win though, the gelding has to show extra stamina on Saturday. 6/1.

Tropical Empire will also start in the 2009 Durban July Handicap well-supported, given that the 6-year-old recently chalked up an impressive victory in the Betting World 1900 here at Greyville, after coming from the back of the field to cross the line first. Under the guidance of well-regarded trainer Duncan Howells, Tropical Empire will start Saturday's race carrying only 51kg, so he could well keep up with the pacesetters. Brandon Lerena will be aboard. 12/1.

Here is a complete list of 2009 Durban July Handicap runners as per the latest odds posted by GreatOdds, South Africa's largest online sportsbook:

Pocket Power 15/8
River Jetez 5/1
Big City Life 6/1
Kapil 6/1
Tropical Empire 12/1
Smart Banker 14/1
Our Giant 16/1
Aluminium 25/1
Zirconeum 25/1
Bouquet-Garni 33/1
Buy And Sell 33/1
Thandolwami 33/1
Catmandu 50/1
Likeithot 50/1
Forest Path 66/1
London Guest 66/1
Cape Town 80/1
Meteor Shower 80/1
Outcome 80/1
Thundering Jet 80/1