Sean Tarry’s charge can pull off Daily News-VDJ double

OFTEN in the past a three-year-old would pull off the Daily News – Vodacom Durban July double and it is quite possible that this year it could happen again as Sean Tarry’s Al Sahem has the ability to do it and just needs the cards to fall right for him.

This Silvano colt started off his career in fine style thrashing Inn A Million then Cockade to win his first two starts over Turffontein 1600m.

Al Sahem was a bit unlucky in his third start as Janoobi just held him off in the Gauteng Guineas. That form has since been franked as Janoobi also won the KwaZulu-Natal Guineas.

Expected to be the one to beat in the SA Classic Al Sahem found Heavenly Blue in a galloping mood and was 2.90 lengths adrift of that rival at the line.

In his latest start in the SA Derby he turned that form around and was an impressive 1.75-length winner over Pagoda with Heavenly Blue back in third.

An injury to Heavenly Blue sees that rival missing from this Greyville race but Pagoda takes his place.

Jockey Anthony Delpech has a fine record in the Daily News and he should know Al Sahem well enough to overcome his wide draw in stall No 11.

Jockey Anton Marcus is always a danger and his mount Cape Derby winner Edict Of Nantes will have his supporters.

This Count Dubois colt disappointed in his latest start when beaten by Crowd Pleaser on the Polytrack and will prefer being back on the turf.

Pagoda has looked better the further he has gone but was no match for Al Sahem last time out but did have some nice form before that.

Wins over Hieronymus and Lee’s Pick certainly bring Pagoda to the track with a winning chance.

The battle for a stake cheque looks to be competitive and all of Africa Rising, Zodiac Ruler, Horizon and Copper Force can be in the hunt.