Chase for July places hots up

Danie Toerien

Only 29 horses are still in the running for Hollywoodbets Durban July honours after the second declaration stage closed Monday at 11am.

The new July log is set to be published on Tuesday, and with a total of six runners in the first July log now scratched, as well as five runners who were on the "next 7" list no longer in contention, the July panel comprising Justin Vermaak, Raf Sheik, Graeme Hawkins and senior handicapper, Lennon Maharaj, will have their work cut out to decide which of the 29 remaining runners will get the go-ahead to line up in the country's most iconic race.

Eight On Eighteen will probably remain top of the log after his victory in the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 which resulted in his merit rating being increased to 129.

The six runners on the original log now scratched – with their log position kin brackets - are Sail The Seas (3), Cousin Casey (10), Fiery Pegasus (12), Spumante Dolce (13), Wild Intent (15), and Pacaya (18).

My Best Shot and Son Of Raj, the two remaining runners on the original "next 7" list, should on all accounts move up into the log.

It will be interesting to see how the July panel judge Irish import The Equator, now trained by Tony Peter. He was supposed to make his South African debut on Saturday at Turffontein in the Grade 3 Jubilee Stakes over 1800m but was scratched prior to the race due to an elevated TCO-level.

He is a well-bred son of Galileo who raced twice in England and four times in Ireland for trainer Aidan O’Brien.

Trainers do have an opportunity until Tuesday 17 June to supplement runners in at a non-refundable fee of R30,190 when the weights will also be published.

Final Declarations close at 11:00 on Monday 23 June.

The final field and draw will be announced Tuesday 24 June.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July will be run on Saturday 5 July.

The 29 horses with July hopes, in order horse, merit rating, and trainer, are: