Purple Pitcher better than odds suggest, says lone female July trainer

Danie Toerien

To say that the fairer sex are under-represented in this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, would be somewhat of an understatement.

With no fillies or mares declared to face the starter on Saturday, it is only trainer Robyn Klaasen and jockey Rachel Venniker who will fly the female flag come the greatest race on the African continent.

Only two women trainers have managed to take the honours in the July - Candice Bass-Robinson in 2017 with Marinaresco, and Michelle Rix, along with her father Harold Crawford, in 2021 with Kommetdieding.

When it comes to the jockeys, Venniker will be making history as the first woman rider to participate in the July.

While Klaasen’s solitary runner Purple Pitcher was quoted at 25-1 earlier this week by World Sports Betting, the trainer believes it is not a true reflection of his ability or his chances in the big race.

“I believe he is much better than that,” said Klaasen earlier this week, “but I can’t say exactly how much better.”

The three-year-old colt has had nine runs for the Klaasen-yard, winning seven, including the Grade 1 SA Classic and Grade 1 SA Derby.

“I think he’s a huge runner. Obviously, his Jubilee run could have been a little bit better, but he needed that run. He was given a long break after the Derby and I didn’t want to kill him in the Jubilee. It was a prep run to bring him on for the July.

“He has come on nicely from that. He is doing extremely well and I am very happy with him.”

Although Purple Pitcher finished fourth in the Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas, Klaasen is quick to explain that the Guineas was not his main goal. It was a prep run ahead of the Classic and Derby.

The two Grade 1 victories also saw Purple Pitcher climb the merit rating ladder from 114 to 120 – enough to qualify for the July.

“I think we have managed to keep it (his rating) low enough so that he doesn’t have to carry a ridiculous weight in the July.”

Klaasen is also pleased to see her runner jump from gate 8.

“I’m very happy. I think we can stay out of trouble. Often times the whole field can swoop around you if you miss the break on the inside. He will be nicely in the middle. He wants to race handy, so he should be able to get there easily from the draw. He’s not drawn too wide where he will have to do too much.

“I think he’s been a little bit underrated, but we will see on Saturday.”

The only concern is that Purple Pitcher has never been exposed to the Greyville track. In fact, he has only raced on the Highveld.

“That is the only concern. He has never travelled. We are taking him down on Thursday.”

Venniker is set to ride Without Question for trainer Justin Snaith.