Early pace key for Al Sahem
NATIONAL champion trainer Sean Tarry (pictured) will attempt to land his third Vodacom July on Saturday where he has four runners. He also spoke about his other runners on the day. He said both Al Sahem and Safe Harbour had travelled back to Randjesfontein to be prepared for the July after their good Daily News and Woolavington runs as “the facilities there suit them better.”
Tarry said about Al Sahem’s pole position draw, “I would have preferred to be out of the scrum, but I expect him to have enough early pace to find second or third place in the running.”
He is 0,5kg better off with Edict Of Nantes for a 0,5 length beating in the Daily News 2000, and it would also be worth bearing in mind Tarry’s first July winner Pomodoro won the SA Derby, then ran below par in the Daily News before winning the July carrying 55kg. Al Sahem only has to carry 53,5kg.
His sire Silvano has already produced three July winners. S’Manga Khumalo replaces Anthony Delpech, who is retained by the owners of Nightingale.
Woolavington 2000 third-placed Safe Harbour impressed in her televised July gallop alongside Al Sahem but Tarry reminded, “It was a good gallop, but Al Sahem is a lazy horse.” He added, “She has run her last couple of starts as if she is looking for this trip.” The long-striding three-year-old daughter of Elusive Fort is drawn eleven and has snuck into the handicap with the minimum weight of 52kg. Nooresh Juglall rides.
Tarry is “very happy” with former Daily News 2000 winner French Navy, whom he says has improved since a tongue ties was applied three runs ago. He said his last start can safely be ignored as he hated the blinkers and was also hit in the eye by a clod. Leading apprentice Lyle Hewitson gets his second July ride on a horse who looks well weighted in his third attempt at the big race.
Tarry said about Betting World 1900 runner up Tilbury Fort, “He’s definitely on the up, but strictly on form will battle to turn around the form with Al Sahem. He has had a nice prep and seems to enjoy Greyville. He was a little bit handier than he usually is in the 1900 and I think he will stay the trip.” This Horse Chestnut threeyear-old colt is officially 2,5kg under sufferance and jumps from draw eleven. His jockey Greg Cheyne has won the July before.
Tarry was happy his Gr 2 Durban Golden Horseshoe contender Captain And Master had been able to see Greyville on Thursday where he put up an eyecatching gallop alongside French Navy.
He said, “It is a strong race but I am confident he is a good horse and he has a big chance.” Khumalo rides from a plum draw.
His other contender in this race is Purple Diamond and he said, “He is also nice horse although he might be better over a mile.”
Tarry said his Gr 2 Gold Circle Golden Slipper contender Desert Rhythm was never at her best at home, but he added, “Her form suggests she is a big runner.” Khumalo rides.
Tarry said about London Secret, “The jockey moved a bit early on her last time, so she will want a more patient ride. I think Gavin (Lerena) will suit her.” She has a good turn of foot and should enjoy the course and distance.
He said about Rockin Russian, “She was very green around the turn last time, but ran on well. I expect her to improve and can’t see the draw being a big problem as she will come from off them.”
He runs Trophy Wife in the Grade 3 Betting World 2200 and said, “She was in season last time in the Cup Trial, but ran on quite well. She will like the extra distance and I expect a good run.”
The consistent seven-year-old soldier Serissa runs in the Gold Vase over 3000m and Tarry pointed out the race had not panned out well for him in his only attempt at this sort of distance in the Gold Cup of 2014. He reckoned he had improved this season and didn’t envision anybody taking him on in front as they then would risk not seeing it out, so it should pan out well this time from a good draw of two.