Dees predicts a two-horse race

TELETRACK TV tipster Dees Dayanand, pictured, believes this July will be a two-horse race between the best 3-yearolds in the country.

“Al Sahem is a big runner for me. Champion trainer Sean Tarry has shattered all records with over R30 million in stakes and there’s still a month to go before the season ends – a remarkable achievement.

“His charge has had a tough Highveld campaign, running in all three legs of the Triple Crown but confirmed his wellbeing when finishing second in the Daily News 2000.

“The SA Derby winner is drawn one and that’s my only concern.

“The first 400m of the July can either make or break your race and from draw one, you need to jump, keep up with the frantic early pace and hold your position. If things don’t go the way of the horse and jockey from that draw, then El Sahem will more than likely be shuffled back on the inside running rail and could find itself in a hopeless position turning into the home straight.

“The talented Smanga Khumalo is the right man for the job and Al Sahem is a serious racehorse. If things go according to plan, he’ll win.

“My other fancy is Edict of Nantes. Trainer Brett Crawford is having the season of his dreams, winning the Sun Met, SA Derby, Daily News 2000, Woolavington 2000 and the Rising Sun Gold Challenge.

“That’s five Grade 1 races in six months, The son of Count Dubois has always been highly rated and he’s matured into a smashing individual. For his win in the Daily News, he’s 0.5kg worse off at the weights with Al Sahem and that could be the deciding factor over the final 200m.

“Barrier position 13 could be ideal as you are away from the fight to your inside and only have five horses to your outside to keep a close eye on.

“Anton Marcus’s choice of ride with 54kg demands the utmost respect and together with Strydom and Delpech, he will be vying for a record five wins.”

Dayanand’s selection of the first four past the post is: 12/13/10/11