Peter to marshall Foch to victory

EXCITEMENT is mounting in anticipation of the Vodacom Durban July, which will be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

The July, as the race is generally called, is arguably South Africa’s most well-known race and always attracts a lot of attention, even from people who don’t usually place a bet.

One very important aspect to remember is that TAB will pay Place payouts on the first six runners.

Usually in a race with 18 runners, only the first four across the line qualify for Place payouts. But not on the July.

So, have a Place bet with TAB on the Vodacom Durban July and you’ll be a winner if your horse finishes in the first six! It’s never been easier to win.

Today’s racing action is at Turffontein, where the main event is Race 7, a Pinnacle Stakes over 2 000m.

Despite the fact that only 10 runners are carded, it is a very open race.

Marshall Foch is a very dangerous frontrunner who could go pillar to post – not for the first time in his career.

Trained by Paul Peter, this Antonius Pius gelding has recorded five wins and three second places in his last nine outings. And in all but one of those runs, he was in the lead at the 800m marker as well as the 400m marker.

Piere Strydom, known for his excellent judge of pace, takes the ride. The field cannot allow him to get away early, because chances of catching him later are slim.

Johnny Hero is also no slouch and could chase Marshall Foch all the way to the line.

He has run two absolute crackers under jockey Kabelo Matsunyane post lockdown. Especially impressive was his gutsy win over Christopher Robin last time out.

Matsunyane retains the ride.

Secret Potion, trained by Geoff Woodruff, showed her five-year-old legs still have a lot of running in them when she stormed to victory over 1 800m in her first run after lockdown, beating Pilgrim’s Progress by 0.25 lengths.

She showed tremendous pace over the last 400m, to move up from tenth position and into the lead when it mattered.

On that day she was carrying 61kg. Today, with Nathan Klink on her back, the weight will be 10.5kg less.

Her record shows that she was quite out of sorts before the lockdown, but she has emerged a new horse after the three-month rest. Include her in all exotics. - PHUMELELA

Open a TAB deposit account and bet online or by phone on this race meeting. Click OPEN AN ACCOUNT @ www.tabonline.

co.za or call 0861 444 822.