From The Horse's Mouth - Mark Van Deventer

Native Ruler was the fastest finisher in last year’s false run, Durban July but other than a sauntering victory in a small field over 1600m at Kenilworth in November 2025 has battled to make much of an impact since.

Justin Snaith’s talented though unreliable Vercingetorix gelding gets a chance to prove his true worth on Saturday in the Grade 3 Winter Stakes (Race 7, off 16h15) over 2400m. 

Given that he ran well in the 2200m July contest, it may be that a genuinely paced test of stamina is what he needs. 

He didn’t run too badly at his first KZN start of the season (s/s 97 + when a fading fifth behind Isivivane in the Greyville 1900) and with improvement expected second run after a rest looks teed up to give it a full go.

He is officially best weighted and already sports a career peak speed figure of 105. Jockey Keagan de Melo rides the chestnut who is offered at around 3/1 in early trade.

Imilenzeyokududuma s/s 105 is another untried over the trip yet may just enjoy it based on running style and pedigree. Two runs since a rest have been solid, with a last out speed score of 102 behind Zeitz putting this 8/1 shot right in the mix.

Others to consider are proven marathon runner, Holding Thumbs s/s 101, Tenpenny s/s 102 who duffed it completely last time on a soft track but has a nice turn of foot at best, and Shoot the Rapids s/s 102.

Race 8 is a Class 2 over 1000m on the lawn. Position of Power s/s 104 comes in off a career peak when winning full of running over 1200m on the Poly. The bare figure could be sufficient to win this, but a surface switch, big step up in class, jockey change (senior jockey de Melo off, claim 4kg’s apprentice Mosaheb on) and a cutback in trip changes the equation.

He hit that smart figure of 104 + carrying 58.5 kg’s and now drops 10.5kgs, factoring in the apprentice allowance. Despite lingering queries, he looks mighty dangerous and beckons at around 6/1.

King of the Gauls goes for Rachel Venniker and is an out and out speedball well suited by five panels at this venue. 16/1 ante post represents a tempting each way play if the track is running firm and quick - however, draw 14 is a tough obstacle.

Those two principal contenders are backed up by a posse of challengers. 

Teflon Man s/s 103 is a late running threat but supporting off-pace closers in sprints at Greyville comes with inherent risks attached. 

Future Variety has a similar running style, not that it stopped him winning the Umgeni last year in July with a smart figure of 108.

African Pride should make his own luck racing upfront. He scores between 99 – 101+ and has scope to do even better as a developing 3YO. 

Vihaan’s Web s/s 102 is sure to be a pace factor, too. Cat’s Pajamas s/s 105 carries 64kg’s which would put many off immediately, but he is no forlorn hope in this company as a classy, course and distance winner.

Well-performed, Talk to the Master is one of the antepost favourites. His top speed figure of 107 marks him as a serious candidate though that was earned over 1400m, and a 1000m dash may be over all too quickly.

Miss World s/s 104 was uber impressive on debut for trainer, Adam Azzie a month ago and the 4YO One World filly is a live chance in Race 9 over 1000m.

Her main foe is Black Eagle s/s 103 who narrowly failed to hold off Position Of Power last time and a strong showing by the Wright-trained entry in the preceding race would merit an upgrade to the grey Rafeef gelding’s claims.

Alternatives to those two are Blazing Fury s/s 99 and badly gated, Military Command s/s 94+, who woke up big time in blinkers behind Mojo Man.

Connery s/s 98 could hit the board but he appears held safe by Miss World on their most recent clash.

Warrior Royale s/s 100 is lightly raced at intervals yet has still managed to win four of ten starts. Mike Miller’s filly comes back after yet another layoff (167 days) but as a proven winner with competitive speed scores, should not be taken lightly.