Khumalo says Al Sahem is all class and should run well
S’manga Khumalo has a plum ride on Al Sahem in the Durban July, which gives him a grand chance of winning the race for the second time in his career.
He made South African racing history in 2013, when he won on Heavy Metal and became the first black jockey to win the event.
“He’s all class and has done nothing wrong. At the weights and over the extra 200m, he could turn the tables on Edict Of Nantes,” said Khumalo of Al Sahem.
“Ideally, I’d like to be just off them, going a decent pace, but one off the rail. A lot of horses have been winning down the middle to outside at Greyville. If it’s a fairly run, even race I’d be disappointed if he didn’t finish in the first three. I think he’ll run well, but it is the July and there are a lot of horses with chances.”
Khumalo is first-choice rider for the yard of champion trainer Sean Tarry and has eight rides at Greyville tomorrow, including five for Tarry.
Khumalo rides Trophy Wife in the Betting World 2200 and fancies her chances. “She has a mind of her own. She wasn’t beaten far in the July last year and if she’s not too far out of her ground, I think she’ll be competitive.”
In the opening leg of the Pick 6, Khumalo partners veteran galloper Serissa in the SABC Gold Vase over 3000m. “He stays all day, so no problem with the trip,” he said. “I’ll probably be handy and look to lead. If I can get the lead for nothing and save a bit for the finish, I think he has a shout.”
Khumalo is upbeat about the chances of his rides in the Grade 2 juvenile features. He is reunited with Desert Rhythm in the Gold Circle Golden Slipper and feels this daughter of Mambo In Seattle could play a part in the outcome.
In the Durban Golden Horseshoe, Khumalo is looking forward to riding exciting Captain Al colt Captain And Master.
“He’s a big, strong boy and can only get better. He is one of my better rides on the day.”