Can Defending Champ Do It Again?

[Wandering Eyes]

Saturday sees the running of the 123rd G1 Vodacom Durban July. Since Campanajo won the first July in 1897, South Africa’s premier race has been held annually ever since, despite two world wars and a waterlogged track in 1989. This year’s renewal features one of the best fields in years, with last year’s winner Do It Again (SAf) (Twice Over {GB}) lining up again, together with the G1 Sun Met winner Rainbow Bridge (SAf) (Ideal World) and the top 3-year-old in the country, Hawwaam (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}).

As the race is a handicap, winners seldom return for a rematch, knowing they will be allocated top weight. The top 3-year-olds seldom line up either, as they are usually in quarantine by now enroute to Dubai for the World Cup Carnival. Yet with champion trainer Mike de Kock electing not to take a string to Dubai next year, due to the current onerous export controls, the Sheikh Hamdan-owned Hawwaam is still in South Africa, ready to take his place in today’s lineup. Hawwaam already has three Group 1 victories behind his name, including the G1 Premier’s Champion Challenge where he trounced the older horses, winning by four lengths.

In another first for the illustrious race, not only will two half- brothers, namely Hawwaam and Rainbow Bridge, be competing against each other, but together with Do It Again, they also occupy the top three places in the betting. After his demolition of the G1 Daily News field a month ago, Hawwaam is favoured at 16/10, while Do It Again is on offer at 4/1 and Rainbow Bridge at 5/1. De Kock’s second runner Barahin (SAf) (Gimmethegreenlight {AUS}) is in fourth at 7/1.

Do It Again needs no introduction and according to trainer Justin Snaith, his charge is in top form. “He is really well. There are so few options available for him and hence I elected to run him in the Vodacom Durban July again. He is certainly good enough to win it again.”

Do It Again looked a picture as he galloped out strongly under race rider Richard Fourie in his final preparation on Thursday and with a trouble-free run, he will be right there at the finish. The son of Twice Over has drawn barrier 10 and will carry 60kgs.

A trouble-free run is also what Rainbow Bridge’s trainer Eric Sands is hoping for. The talented but quirky colt has settled well at the Summerveld Training Centre according to Sands and put up an eye-catching final half-pace work on Friday morning. With star jockey Anton Marcus, who rode Rainbow Bridge to victory in the Sun Met, electing to take the ride on Hawwaam, Gavin Lerena gets the nod. Sands also pointed out that the gelding’s performances in his lead-up races, the G2 Drill Hall S. (1400m) and the G1 Rising Sun Challenge (1600m) were exactly as expected.

“He is a horse who needs to be kept fresh,” Sands said. “I therefore use the shorter races to sharpen him up and to keep him fresh. While he is competitive at 1400 metres and a mile, his best distance is 2200 metres. Hence the July has always been his ultimate aim.”

Rainbow Bridge carries 59.5kgs and is drawn in barrier four with half-brother Hawwaam beside him in barrier three. Hawwaam is clearly the favourite and with Anton Marcus in the saddle, one could be forgiven for thinking he is unbeatable. De Kock, however, cautions that 56kgs is not a light weight to carry and that Hawwaam is a young horse who has had a long season. He pointed out that Barahin with Muzi Yeni in the saddle has had a very light campaign and with 53kgs on his back, he should not be ignored.

Lastly, the Justin Snaith-trained Made To Conquer (SAf) (Dynasty {SAf}), who finished runner-up to stable companion Do It Again last year is also back for another attempt at the title. He jumps from barrier 11 with the very experienced Mark Khan in the irons and carries a light 53kgs. He gets the distance, is good enough and has every chance of fighting out the finish again.

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