Danie Toerien
Do not, for one second, think that the horse that crosses the finish line first, is inevitably the winner of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
That’s the reality trainer Weiho Marwing has to deal with every time South Africa’s greatest race is contested over 2200m on the Greyville Turf Track.
Marwing was denied the privilege to be crowned king of the July in 2014 when 33-1 shot Wylie Hall ridden by MJ Byleveld won the race, but the masters in the boardroom upheld an objection lodged by Richard Fourie, the rider of the Justin Snaith-trained Legislate, on the grounds of interference.
Nine years later, Marwing’s only comment about that day was: “No comment on that.”
This year, Marwing again saddles a runner in the July, and it must be said that Son Of Raj seems perfectly primed for the big occasion.
Marwing, a man of few words, is not prepared to put his neck on the block when it comes to the July and his solitary runner, but then again, who can blame him.
“Everyone’s got their own fancies,” was his response when asked if his horse is worth tipping to win.
Fact of the matter is that Son Of Raj broke the door down to secure his entry into the July by winning the SA derby over 2450m at Turffontein on April Fool’s Day.
That win saw his merit rating soar from 81 to 115, basically guaranteeing him a slot in the 18-strong July field, but at the same time ensuring he will carry just 53kg come Saturday.
It does seem that Marwing has managed Son Of Raj’s rating perfectly for the big one.
“We cannot have expectations in these types of races, my brother,” said Marwing.
“The horse is fit, he’s well, he’s come through his preps good. And like everybody else we are just hoping for the best on the day.
“It’s not an easy race to win. It will depend on a lot of luck in running, but yes, the horse is in a good space.”
After his Derby win, Marwing did give Son Of Raj an opportunity to get a feel for the Greyville Turf Track, where he ran 6.5-lengths behind July favourite See It Again in the Daily News 2000.
That was, however, the perfect race for Son Of Raj not to win.
If he had won that, he probably would have gone into the July carrying 56 or 57kg depending on the penalty imposed by the handicappers.
Marwing has entrusted Muzi Yeni with the ride in the July, the same jockey who gave him his first taste of the Greyville Turf Track last time out.
“Muzi is a great rider and he really wants to win the July,” said Marwing.
“Like us, everybody tries to win the July.”