June journey to the July

Smart Banker

One of the traditional season plums tomorrow at Greyville, a day meeting for the Daily News 2000 (3yr olds) and the Woolavington (3yr old fillies), both Grade1 events headlining the weekend's affairs. There's also the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup (Grade3), and of particular interest in the 5th race, the 2009 KZN debut of JHB raider Smart Banker from the Charles Laird yard. He's got July contender stamped all over him and at this stage is the only real unknown quantity in this year's lineup. Last year he plodded through the KZN season coming out with 2 wins and a place worth no mention, then back up to the Highveld where he has blossomed as a 4 year old. From 6 outings he's picked up 2x Grade1s and a Grade2 and is on his bicycle for bigger things still. Smart Banker is the dark horse in the 2009 lineup.. until tomorrow's run illuminates his demarcated area on the July stage.

Big City Life draws strength from the countryside

The R1mil Daily News 2000 looks to be served up on a jewel encrusted platter for Big City Life and another good win here will cement his position as the leading 3 year old of his generation this season. In the big one next month he rates as the main threat to the Jet Master-Stormsvlei siblings and his run this weekend will be watched closely by those infected with July-fever. Looking through the rest of the field it quickly becomes apparent that for a Grade1 event, this is the depth that splash-ponds are made of! The connections of Big City Life must be laughing all the way up the status pyre knowing they have it by the peppercorns.

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