2012 Vodacom Durban July

castlethorpe done nothing to qualify for a race over 2200..gold onyx should get 4/5 pounds atleast..

Computer hanging

KReddy Wrote:

---

> Titch u need to include Delpeach in there


Shot K I edited it I forgot he has also ridden 4 (5 if he rides Silver Flyer )

JustinV Wrote:

---

> castlethorpe done nothing to qualify for a race
> over 2200..gold onyx should get 4/5 pounds
> atleast..


neither had royal chalice or sushishan been tested over distance before they ran in the july

Titch Wrote:

---

> KReddy Wrote:
>

---

>

---

> > Titch u need to include Delpeach in there
>
>

> Shot K I edited it I forgot he has also ridden 4
> (5 if he rides Silver Flyer )


No disrespect Titch but can't have silver flyer on his current form
Think Delpeach will ride ilha Bella
I'll think she will go close also liking PJ great run yesterday

Viva Maria is to be supplemented into the race and I think AD will be riding her if she gets a run

Hi Justin

Am I correct in saying that you are the same guy who spent a short time as a handicapper with the NHA?

If you are – and even if you not – I’m astounded at your comment that “Castlethorpe done nothing to qualify for a race over 2200m.”

Let’s look at a few facts:

1. Since when is it a rule that you have to “qualify” for races over that distance? This is not the Olympics!
2. How many milers have won the July? Many I will tell you and as we dealing with a horse here that I have an interest in, how about Dunford that I also had a share in who had never raced over the trip prior to the July and whom the majority thought wouldn’t stay?
3. The real question you should be asking is, is whether the horse justifies a place in the line-up should we choose to run him? It’s not for any panel to act as judge and jury and decide whether a horse will stay or not?
4. With that in mind, let’s take a close look at his 2nd place in the Gold Challenge a race that he also ran 4th in as a 3yo when forced to make the running. I’m sure that even you must agree that the true test of a horses’ ability lies in WFA races and not in handicaps?
5. Yesterday, Variety Club ran off a net rating of 113 (MR116 – WFA 3lbs). Castlethorpe gave VC 3lbs and was beaten 1,25L which equates to 3lbs. Therefore, Castlethorpe ran to a rating of 113. This is confirmed by the 3rd horse Pierre Jourdan (MR114 beaten 2,25L ) and 4th horse Tales of Bravery (MR113 beaten 3L). The chances are therefore (unfortunately!) that Castlethorpe will be raised 4lb to a MR113.
6. This would make Castlethrope the joint 2nd highest rated horse in the July and considering that Tales of Bravery and Pierre Jourdan were 3rd and 4th on the official Vodacom Log before the Gold Challenge and that Castlethorpe has beaten them both at level weights, how can you honestly attempt to justify his exclusion as you appear to do?
7. The “hot” favourite Jackson is racing off a net rating of 112 in the July (MR116 – 4lb WFA allowance) so should a 113 not get a run?
8. As a point of interest, it is well documented that Castlethrope was severely interfered with and nearly brought down in last years July finishing lame and coughing. Despite this, he produced the second fasted 400m to finish and was only beaten 5L by Igugu. We battled with his soundness thereafter which caused him to miss the entire Cape season.

Do I believe that Castlethorpe will stay – yes I do – but I could well be wrong. Do I believe that he can win – probably not at the weights – but either way you cannot tell me that he doesn’t deserve a place in the big race. What are merit ratings for then?

I await a response with interest...

Robert please give us your July assessment at this stage. I'm sure there are many who will appreciate your opinion.

If Viva Maria is supplemented into the July, i think Vettel will be withdrawn and be aimed at the Derby, just my opinion. I personally hope Viva Maria does get supplemented, then a strong gallop is ensured and i believe Ilha Bela will thrive in a true run race off 52.0kgs (i hope) and stamina not being an issue. Without wanting to sound too greedy, hope Marcus retains the ride on Ilha Bela.

Robert, I agree with you (stunned silence ), Castlethorpe ran a great race on Saturday and deserves his place in the July line up. Considering Saturdays racing he was one of only a few that did their July causes any good. His time in last years July (and considering the interference) if repeated could easily be good enough to win this year.

As you rightly point out its not up to the handicapper to decide whether he sees out the distance and regardless of what others may think, on last years run alone, if it were my horse I would line him up and take my chances.

pirates Wrote:

---

> JustinV Wrote:
>

---

>

---

> > castlethorpe done nothing to qualify for a race
> > over 2200..gold onyx should get 4/5 pounds
> > atleast..
>
>
> neither had royal chalice or sushishan been tested
> over distance before they ran in the july


but both were scopey 3yos that hadnt been the trip before??? castlethorpe has been the trip..wasnt competitive..then came back to sprints and a mile and has been competitive..surely showing his preferred distance??