The July Journal

Unfortunately, in what could be considered the most important week on the South African calendar, we have run into the path of a computer hacker who has repeatedly corroded into the files of our website for the past two weeks. The resulting virus has left us with no ability to view or update our website, but we seem to be gaining control of the situation and we hope to be up and running before the weeks up.

Straight onto the important stuff, with the July just five days away, we have another quality card to revise including no less than seven feature races. The question probably asked the most around this time, besides the usual “who’s going to win” fiasco, is which race is bigger, the Met or the July? Difficult question, both have equivalent traditions and enticing prize money but from a racing and personal point of view, I feel it would be the July that takes the edge in this big race. There’s something in the air in Kwa-Zulu Natal, the home of the South African thoroughbred, that just gets the blood rushing. Don’t get me wrong they are both equal in prestige, and  just to have a runner is an honour let alone win it, but the July is the one time the whole country gets involved in the great debate. Nothing against Capetonian’s, but the local Durbanites really know their racing and the upshot is a mind blowing atmosphere.

It’s no surprise this year’s race is another wide open affair and the Bass stable are fortunate enough to have three lively challengers. Pocket Power, the J&B Met champion and 2007 Horse of the Year, will shoulder the most weight in this handicap, and jumping from the favourable third gate, will unquestionably be the horse they’ll all aspire to catch. Full sister to Pocket Power is River Jetez, who has really turned the corner and seems to be aging with poise. She has the lightest weight to carry and the advantage of the experienced Jeff Lloyd on her back to steer her home. Floatyourboat is our third charge, and although he has performed a little under par of late, and has an inauspicious draw of 14 to contend with, he has a courageous heart and could surprise with a big run on the day.

The ground work has all been done and it’s now just a matter of ticking them over safe and sound until Saturday. Besides our three July hopefuls, trainer Mike Bass sends out a further seven runners on the day, all in feature races. We caught up with his assessment of the races’ and the wellbeing of his runners.

(Race 7 Vodacom Durban July Grade 1)

Pocket Power

He is very, very well and think I have him at his very best now. I can’t complain about his last race in the Gold Challenge, he got caught out finding himself a bit too far back, but I was very happy with his finish. He is in good shape and I have no negatives to report. Weather he can put it all together remains to be seen but I feel I have him 100%.

I was very happy with his gallop on Friday with Floatyourboat recording a good time considering they were not extended. After his gallop we had him re-shod and his concussion pads removed. Today (Monday) he had his final hard workout on his own at Clairwood and he worked exceptionally well. On Thursday he will have a sprint up and then that’s him done.

Floatyourboat

He’s a hard knocking horse and hell be staying on at the business end. He certainly has the ability and he is very much distance suited; in fact I will probably nominate him for the Gold Cup this year. He has had a good sound prep, and may well be in the shake up.

River Jetez

Done remarkably well since arriving in Durban and strengthened up well this season. She won a good race in the Astrapak, her gallop was good and I have worked her harder than the other horses as she has been lightly raced. Her work is very good but it is very hard for fillies to win a tough race like this, especially the last 200m but she has a top Jock in Jeff to boot her home and if she is good enough she will have a shout.

The July is going to be a really tough race this year run at a descent pace. The conditions look poor and by Saturday I think we can expect some soggy underfoot conditions which will effect quite a few runners on the day. It is an open race, but I feel that Pocket Power must be the Horse they will all have to beat. Possibly the Horses I have the most respect for are Buy And Sell and Dancer’s Daughter.

(Race 3 SABC Sport Grade 3, 2200m)

Bill Of Rights

Doing very well and is very good over the 2400m trip. He is badly drawn and carries top weight here which might find him out this time but he will be involved in the finish.

Sky blaster

His last run was inexplicably bad which we can’t explain since his work had been so good up until then.  This leaves us with a bit of doubt and I’m not yet sure if he stays that trip, but he is well weighted here and may surprise.

(Race 4 Mercedes Benz Queen Palm Listed)

Cymbeline

This will possibly be her last start before going to stud. She has dropped a bit in the weights lately but also jumps from a bad draw. Could surprise them over the distance of 2400m

Blanchefleur

She is doing very well and has a top jock on her back. I thought she might well have won last time out but she went down the softer inside going which obviously wasn’t suited. She has come particularly well and has a chance of getting into the frame. She is also drawn badly at 16

(Race 5 Schweppes Gold Vase Grade 2)

Meteor shower

Been unlucky to get an injury in the beginning of the season but will get the trip and could surprise this field. He may well have a good each way chance.

(Race 8 Grade 1 Golden Slipper)

Consensual

Has a very bad draw at 16, we feel she is undoubtedly the best filly in the race, but a very tough task for a 2 yo to beat this draw especially at Greyville, and may be her undoing.

(Race 10 Garden Province Stakes Grade 1)

Zooming Zellie

Yet another bad draw (16), but she has come well and is in good shape. She is up against it in a strong field but appears to be returning to form and the best we can hope for is to run a place.

Mikebassracing.com will have a daily diary of our runners in the build up to the Durban July. Our team at Flatspin web design are working hard at the problem and we wish to bring you our restored and revamped version of the site by Wednesday this week.

Come Saturday 5^th, Greyville racecourse will be under siege from 9am when the fashion-conscious and designers strut their stuff. The evening will conclude with the historic naked 13th race signifying the official commencement of the many after parties which follow. This year’s theme is a “shore thing” so don your best garment and book your seat because there’s simply no event in Africa quite like the Vodacom Durban July.

Tyron and Nathen – latest news

Tyron Langdon underwent emergency surgery on Saturday night to relieve the pressure on his brain. The operation seemed to have stabilised the situation however his condition still remains critical but stable.

Nathen Danster is off the life support system and has begun breathing on his own. He has opened his eyes and is trying to respond to communication.

We wish them a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with them and their families through this difficult time.