July 29 - Usually by now the Durban July Handicap (Gr 1), South Africa's biggest annual horse race, would have been done and dusted, but it was pushed back three weeks due to the 2010 World Cup to this Saturday (July 31).

This means that in just a couple of days, South African horse racing fans who have been popping with excitement will finally be able to enjoy the country's premier horse racing event, which has attracted an open field of 20 runners.

In fact, with so many great horses out to contest the 2200m turf outing at Greyville Racecourse in Durban, betting fans will have their work cut out. Hence we have compiled a concise 2010 Durban July Handicap Betting Preview.

1. Pocket Power - 7-year-old gelding. Superb runner, never gives up. No doubt South Africa's favourite runner and the best horse in the race. Although age has softened his famous finishing kick, he should finish in the top four.

2. Rudra - 5-year-old horse. In good condition. He won the 2008 Summer Cup in fine style before being rested for 14 months. But upon his comeback, he failed to deliver the goods in the Gold Challenge or Champions Cup.

3. Fabiani - 4-year-old gelding. Could be in better form. Has had a mixed season after finishing close to the front in the the Queens Plate and J & B Met, but then slipped down the field in the Gold Challenge and Champions Cup.

4. Irish Flame - 3-year-old colt. In tip top shape. Delivered a dazzling win in the SA Derby to show off his superb stamina, before winning the Daily News 2000 and the Gold Circle Derby. Could well be the horse to beat.

5. Fort Vogue - 4-year-old gelding. Ran an exceptional race to finish fourth in the most recent J & B Met. Finished a close fifth in the Greyville 1900 and a close second in the Pinnacle Stakes. This could be his race to shine.

6. Bold Silvano - 3-year-old colt. Has had a great winter campaign. He won the Betting World 1900 and came a close second in the Daily News 2000. Loves this track and drew a good gate so a decent start could take him far.

7. Orbison - 3-year-old gelding. Surprised just about everyone with his convincing win in the Champions Cup where he dispatched a supposedly far superior field. But has to overcome a poor draw if he has any chance of victory.

8. Red Rake - 5-year-old gelding. One of the latest charges of Mike de Kock, one of South Africa's top trainers. He likes to run from the front and won the Premiers Trophy from start to finish. However, may be outclassed here.

9. Ancestral Fore - 3-year-old gelding. Chalked up some nice wins in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup and Canon Gold Cup, but is a natural stayer. As such, the Durban July Handicap may prove to be a little on the sharp side for him.

10. River Jetez - 6-year-old mare. One of South Africa's best-rated females who finally proved her Gr 1 credentials by winning the J & B Met, and most recently the Gold Bracelet. She definitely has what it takes to win this race.

11. Aslan - 4-year-old gelding. Won the Summer Cup last year and came second in the Betting World 1900. But disappointed in two Pinnacle Stakes. However, he has been assigned a good weight and will have Felix Coetzee up.

12. Love Is In The Air - 4-year-old filly. Impressed when she won the Majorca Stakes in January, and is no doubt one of South Africa's most up-and-coming fillies. However, not sure if she is ready for a race of this high caliber.

13. Happy Valley (ARG) - 3-year-old gelding. Bred in Argentina, always looked good on paper, but had to be gelded to unleash his true potential. Came second in Gold Circle Derby, but may not yet be ready for a race this big.

14. Captain Scott - 4-year-old gelding. In past races has proven himself to be moire than a solid graded stakes runner, even snatching a none-too-shabby fourth place in the Summer Cup. However, may battle a bit on Saturday.

15. Lizarre - 3-year-old colt. Another new Mike de Kock charge. Proved his longevity by finishing close to the front in the Cape classics and earned a third in the Daily News 2000. But will really have to step up to rate here.

16. Russian Sage - 5-year-old horse. Despite being a champion at three and running a decent Durban July Handicap in 2008 despite a poor draw, his form has been up and down. But may well surprise everyone on Saturday.

17. Flying Tristram (AUS) - 3-year-old gelding. Has delivered some great performances in his career, and has even beaten some of the runners in this year's July Handicap. However, this outing may simply be a 'bridge too far.'

18. Service Ace - 3-year-old gelding. Placed in the SA Derby and another similar race, but crossed the line in both many lengths off the respective winners. He'll likely be outclassed by this year's Durban July Handicap field.

19. Vertical Takeoff - 4-year-old gelding. Excellent stayer who has delivered some good performances of late. But this race may be too short for him to reach his potential. Plus he may be caught off guard by his quicker rivals.

20. Goat - 4-year-old filly. Her name alone should warrant her visiting the winner's circle. But she did win the 2009 Gold Circle Oaks and came third in the 2010 Betting World 1900. However, she may be too weak for tougher rivals.

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Bold Silvano Delivers Great Win in Durban July Handicap - 04-05-10

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Lookin At Lucky Delivers in Haskell Invitational - 08-02-10

Lookin At Lucky Draws Poor Post for Haskell Invitational - 07-30-10

Harbinger Awarded Top Rating after Ascot Win - 07-27-10

Rachel Alexandra wins Lady's Secret as Expected - 07-26-10

Rachel Alexandra set for Ladys Secret Stakes - 07-23-10

J J The Jet Plane Grounded in South Africa - 07-22-10





2011/12/09 12:47:22 AM