Brett expects winning roll to continue in July
FLYING: HE HAS HAD FIVE GRADE 1 WINS THIS SEASON
Edict Of Nantes is well weighted.
On handicap terms every horse in the Vodacom Durban July theoretically has a winning chance, but trainer Brett Crawford says his three-year-old charge Edict Of Nantes is a worthy favourite.
“I don’t think I’ve seen a dual Grade 1 winner running in the July with only 54kg for many years,” said Crawford, who is enjoying a magnificent winter season and is currently third on the national trainers’ log.
He is thrilled with the wellbeing of his string at the moment: “We’ve had five Grade 1s this season - the most I’ve ever had. Let’s hope we can top it off on Saturday.”
Edict Of Nantes won the Investec Cape Derby (Grade 1) at Ke- nilworth in January and the Daily News 2000 (Grade 1) in Durban, where he beat two of tomorrow’s rivals in Al Sahem and Horizon. He meets them on worse terms, but is on the upgrade and most experts concur with Crawford’s assessment of his chances – his runner should be hard to beat.
“He’s fit and well and has done everything asked,” said Crawford. “I’m not worried about his doubledigit draw and it’s Anton Marcus’ job to worry about tactics.”
Marcus has had to lose 2.5kg his lowest riding weight this year has been 56.5kg - and racecourse whispers have it that he has been working very hard to do it safely and still be able to ride a strong finish.
“Anton committed to do the weight and I have no doubt he’ll do it, although obviously it’s not easy for him,” said Crawford.
He added he had experienced no problems with Edict Of Nantes in the lead-up to his biggest test. “He’s a very straightforward horse, a pleasure to work with.”
Nebula is the remaining reserve runner and Crawford believes he has a chance of finishing in the first six if he finds himself lining up in the race. “He comes in off a good galloping weight, has a decent draw and runs well at Greyville.”
If he doesn’t make it into the July, he will run in Race 12 where he must be given respect, despite a wide draw. “He is very effective over the course and distance,” the trainer explained.