Surprise withdrawals from July

Exactly one third of the 69 original entries for the R4,5 million Vodacom Durban July were withdrawn at the first acceptance stage for the Grade 1 race to be run over 2 200m at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, July 7.

Included in the 23 withdrawals were three horses featuring on the first July Log. They are five-year-old Silvano mare Silvan Star from the Glen Kotzen stable, who was placed seventh on the Log, Dennis Driertrained three-year-old Dynasty filly Lady In Black – ninth on the Log – and Silvano filly Wind Chill from the Joe Soma yard who was on the outside looking in.

Another notable withdrawal was the three-year-old Silvano gelding Silva’s Bullet from the Dean Kannemeyer stable who had been touted as a horse to follow and a potential star.

Mike de Kock, who had eight nominees has not accepted with four of his horses including the mare Nother Russia who has been retired, and three-year-old Dynasty gelding Noble Secret who finished fourth in both the Gauteng Guineas and the SA Classic and third in the recent SA Derby at Turffontein.

Also out of the big race is the stable’s exciting filly, Taking the peace. The three-year-old ran a gallant race but could only manage fourth place in the SA Oaks at Turffontein where she was bidding to win the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara. She had won the first two legs, the Gauteng Fillies Guineas and the SA Fillies Classic, but found the 2 450m trip just a little too far on the day.

The first supplementary entries will be received up to 1100 today.