From The Horse's Mouth - Mark Van Deventer

4th July – the first Saturday in the month, means it will be the running of the historic and wildly popular, Durban July. 

This is the Greyville meeting that shrewd punters love to wager on, as it features some of the best horses in the country and giant-sized betting pools.

Our regular Interbet racing blog will preview the Place Accumulator which stretches from Race 3 to Race 9 and, hopefully, provide insights which will be helpful, not just for crafting P.A.’s but can also be used for other exotica and fixed odds wagering.

Stronger selections/ possible bankers are bolded.

Race 3.

Tintin s/s 97, a lightly weighted winner of four of nine starts, is a must use. So, too is Imilenzeyokududuma s/s 104 who will be running on.

Field Marshal s/s 103 who takes a drop in class and perhaps even, La Pulga s/s 103, on his best Cape form, are also contenders.

Race 4.

Two stand out against the field here, with Ahead of the Facts s/s 98 ++ and Shoot the Rapids s/s 104 setting the standard in the Gold Vase.

The latter can make his own luck racing handy whilst Ahead of the Facts is a progressive stayer primed to run big third up after a break. 

Holding Thumbs s/s 102 rates next best, so might be added to wider tickets.

Race 5.

The Golden Slipper is a Grade 2 for juvenile fillies. Alice B Toklas, trained by Sean Tarry, is the ante-post favourite and she will try stave off Royal Tiara, as she managed to do a month ago in the Devon Air over this course and distance. 

Double digit draws are a problem over this trip, making life hard for Ocean Mistress s/s 86 + and Palace of Arvernia s/s 86, but they have shown enough natural ability to hit the frame.

Race 6.

The Golden Horseshoe is for 2YO’s, and perhaps Secretary Bird s/s 90 + can scare the boys. She will need to run down Vibe Check s/s 91 who will control the pace from the inside alley. 

Red Spice s/s 92 meets the winning par standard, and if you like him then Roskilde s/s 91, Prayersandpromises s/s 90 and Saint Harry s/s 90 enter calculations, as well.

Race 7.

The Durban July was previewed in greater depth in last week’s Racing Blog so checking that might prove a helpful resource.

After scratchings during the week, the updated shortlist of contenders includes Wish List s/s 109, Regulation s/s 108, Viva’s Liberte s/s 106 +, Zeitz s/s 107, Note to Self s/s 108 and Legal Counsel s/s 112. 

The latter probably carries too much weight to win this but might get the race run to suit. This powerful galloper should give a good sight racing handy at an even tempo.

Race 8.

Snaith Racing’s heroine, Double Grand Slam s/s 109 and Mon Petit Cherie s/s 106 are selected over Quickstepgal s/s 105 in the Garden Province Stakes.

The former, a multiple G1 winner, has a class edge and running to her peak performance in the range between 108 and 111 would add yet another Grade 1 to her stellar C.V.

Callmegetrix, s/s 105, Rainbow Lorikeet s/s 105 and Keukenhof s/s 102 are much wider back up’s.

Race 9.

The Post Merchants has attracted a full field of 14 over the draw- sensitive Greyville 1200m. 

Low numbers are preferred which poses a conundrum as Tony Peter’s top rated, Buffalo Storm Cody s/s 111, Café Culture s/s 108, One Eye on Vegas s/s 104 + and Ziyasha s/s 106 all drawn above the middle or higher. 

Maybe Buffalo Storm Cody (barrier 9) can get away with it but no quibbles with sceptical punters who chose to cast a wide net.

Of those gated towards the inner, Kaalvoet s/s 102 +, strong finisher, Jet Force s/s 103 and top weight, Tenango s/s 108 sport competitive figures.

P.A. perm:

2 5 7 10 x 10 x 3 7 10 13 x 1 5 7 12 x 2 5 7 9 12 x 10 x 9 = R320.00

A 12-race program provides multiple opportunities. Wise, selective punters typically pick their spots carefully and invest where they have the strongest opinion - and the odds are attractive.

The Dean Kannemeyer trained, Green Gateway s/s 106 in Race 10 hints at seriously smart potential so appeals as an each way touch stretching out to a mile, whilst 3/1 ante-post favourite Clair de Lune s/s 95 in Race 12 could be too rapid for her fillies and mares Class 4, rivals. 

Horseplayers looking to finish with an exotic flourish may hook Clair de Lune up in combos with Adam Azzie’s 20/1 live- longshot Thought Control s/s 91 + in the finale on the Poly under lights.