Mike Bass has been pleased with the progress of his eleven runners carded for Saturdays Vodacom Durban July day. The weather also looks to be playing its part with a high of 22° at the mid-afternoon mark and along with a gentle Southerly breeze, it should make the perfect setting for another memorable days racing.

The July itself looks to be open to some extent, with a good few of the favoured horses drawn out wide. It’s never an easy task to overcome a bad draw in this race and with the false rail set out at only 7m for this year’s running, the task will be even tougher than usual for those with poor barrier draws.

Mike reiterated after the July gallops that despite Jackson’s poor draw, he still feels that he is the horse they all have to beat. Others in the race that caught his attention included Vettel, the inform Gold Onyx, Sage Throne and Gorongoza. The lightly raced three year old Eton Square, he also thought was intriguing. Talking of his own in the race, he felt that English Garden could be his best shot. However it wouldn’t surprise him if Chesalon found the frame he said. “All three of my horses are doing very well and are all going into the race with good preparations under their belts”. “I have got them just where I want them going into the race, their work is done now, and I am confident they will put in their best efforts on Saturday.”

Besides having three in the July this year, the stable has a further 8 runners carded. We jotted down Mikes comments for his website viewers.

Durban July – 2200m Grade 1

English Garden: Bernard Fayd’Herbe, (9-20)

Possibly my best contender for the title. He has done well since moving to Durban winning first a Progress plate over 1500m and then running on astutely into 3^rd behind Gold Onyx in the Cup Trial over 1800m. He ran third behind Igugu in this race last year finishing just 2 lengths back on that occasion, and if he gets a good break, I think he will be in the shake up again. He must have a good each way chance.

Chesalon : Jeff Lloyd (10-20)

He is still an improving horse and has been ultra-consistent not finishing far off the best of them. His gallop was impressive last week, and the Greyville track will suit his turn of foot perfectly. If there is a good pace on this year, and with Lloyd in the irons, I give him a good money chance.

Castlethorpe : Karl Neisius (18-20)

He will have it all to do from this draw, especially with the false rail in. but certainly deserves his spot in this line-up. He is versatile and in red hot form at the moment but will need some luck in the running. If Karl can get him well positioned from the break, he may well be a lurker for the placing’s.

Race 3: Schweppes 2200m Grade 3

Jeppe’s Reef: Kelvin Jupp (1-16)

His chances are hard to assess. He has been a bit erratic in his running lately but seems to be working better now. If we can get him into this race, and if he puts his best foot forward, he could shape up into the money. The draw is in his favour this time but as I said, tough to assess.

Race 4: Mango Gold Vase Grade 2, 3000m

Golden Parachute : Raymond Danielson (6-16)

He comes off two good wins in PE two runs back , but has gone a bit wayward since then. It’s his first run up in Natal so we are not sure what to expect. His main mission will be the Gold Cup, but we will take our chances with him here.

Thank’s John : Jeff Lloyd (14-16)

He put up a super gallop with English Garden last week and I have him well at the moment.  He may find it tough getting into the race from this draw but  if he turns for home 4 or 5 off them, I  give him a good chance of winning this.

Race 8: Big City Life Thukela handicap Listed, 1600m

Brown Penny : Jeff Lloyd (11-16)

He won this last year, but jumps from a poor draw of 11 this time around. With the false rail in at this stage of the day, he will be at a big disadvantage. He has the ability however, but will have it all to do.

Captain’s Secret : Raymond Danielson (8-16)

He worked very well this morning (Monday), and although he prefers the sprints I am trying him over a mile again. He is very capable, and is the kind of horse that can run into the money here.

Race 10: Garden Province Grade 1, 1600m

Mombasa : Jeff Lloyd (13-15)

A cracking good run from her in the Tibouchina Stakes last time out, saw her finish just a length and a half behind the Princess. It’s even stronger this time around with Ebony Flyer in the race. From a bad draw it’s going to be a big ask for her to find the placing’s, so I don’t expect too much from her this time around.

Race 11:  Ethekwini Sprint, 1200m

Shanghai Kid : Raymond Danielson (2-12)

This is a big step up in class for him and he is not well in here. Although he shoulders a light weight, he is still a good few pounds under sufferance. He is however an improving sort, and it’s not impossible from the good draw to find the back end of the placing’s.

Race 12: Igugu  MR 100, 1000m

Monsieur Dupont : Anton Marcus (2-12)

He is doing very well in his work at home and is drawn well with the services of Anton Marcus. The  1000m may be a bit quick for him, but  if it’s not run to frantically he will have a good each way chance.