Snaith machine gears up for Durban July

Justin Snaith has eight horses nominated to run in the Vodacom Durban July on Saturday 3 July and four of them will be in action at Greyville on Sunday.

Topping the card is the Grade 2 World Sports Betting 1900 where he saddles Durban July nominees Belgarion, Crown Towers and Doublemint.

Belgarion won this race last year and then went on to add the Durban July to his record. Snaith has opted not to change a winning recipe and the five-year-old son of Dynasty will be looking to follow the same path this time.

In spite of having to carry top weight of 62kg, Belgarion is still well treated and is at least 4kg better handicapped tan any of his opposition.

If anywhere near his best, Belgarion should prove difficult to beat.

Snaith also appears to be lining up prospective jockeys for the Durban July as he has booked S’manga Khumalo to ride Belgarion with stable rider Richard Fourie aboard stable companion Crown Towers.

The latter stands out as the biggest danger to Belgarion as he has notched up two wins in KwaZuluNatal already this year and has racing fitness on his side.

Doublemint missed out on a trip to KZN last season but he was in town in 2019 when he went off favourite for this event. He finished seventh, but was just 1.15 length behind winner Eyes Wide Open.

The six-year-old son of Twice Over seems to have found a second win and has place prospects from No 5 draw with Keagan de Melo up.

She’s A Keeper appears to be above average and has been cleverly placed as far as her merit rating goes. She has a light weight and although slightly under sufferance according to official ratings she could give Belgarion a hard race and also book her gate in the Durban July. She has won four of her five starts and will be ridden by Warren Kennedy.