Daily News 2000/Woolavington 2000

I fancy Zirconeum to develop into a top race mare. I will watch this with big interest....

PL is of the opinion Goat can win a grade1....best chance tomorrow.
I also think tht Robinson Cruiso will finish in front of his stable mate!

I too am hoping the blinkers will focus Robinson Crusoe... altho I don't think he is well suited to the Greyville track, as he was not suited to Arlington.

I like Sporting Boy but also respect the de Kock coupling. In the Woolavington I think an upset is on the cards....between Star Safari, Kiribati and Lovetorn...

who will ever forget the great finish between potomac and model man in the daily news...8 lengths back to the 3rd horse...basil and felix going at it for the last 500 metres

Consenual won the Slipper from draw 14 and Forest Path proved himself as a top 2 year old at this track. Can history repeat itself now that they are 3. Tis on of my doubles for the day. Believe it or not but the other involves Bastille Belle from a good draw of 2 and lets not forget the akedis

For the record Robinson Crusoe won his maiden by a street at Arlington. The lurker in the Daily News could be Captain Scott. I don't think we've seen the best of this one yet.

If you like BCL you have to give the Lizard a shout based on earlier form in the EC

Found this preview on the racing post



Preview: South Africa, Saturday 3.05pm BST

Greyville: Daily News 2000 (Grade 1) 1m2f, turf, 3yo

BIG CITY LIFE, 6-1 third favourite for the Durban July in four weeks' time, has his final race before South Africa's biggest of the year in the Daily News 2000 on Saturday over the last ten furlongs of the July course.

The Glen Kotzen-trained colt has already won the Cape Derby over this trip, and the KRA Guineas at this track, and he seems sure to start favourite - particularly as his trainer is notably bullish.

Kotzen said: "Big City Life is getting better and better, and he has come on by leaps and bounds.

"His preparation has been flawless and he looks fantastic. Furthermore, this is his trip."

The Paarl-based trainer also has a sneaking regard for longshot Robinson Crusoe, saying: "He has done exceptionally well and, as he has a tendency to drop out and come too late, we are putting blinkers on."

But the main dangers to Big City Life are expected to come from Mike de Kock's pair Forest Path and Bouquet-Garni, winners of the South African Classic and the South African Derby.

De Kock's assistant Nathan Kotzen said: "Bouquet-Garni quickened up well in the Derby and his main aim is the July.

"The main thing with Forest Path is to settle him - he's got to be covered up."

Also on Saturday

Greyville: Woolavington 2000 (Grade 1) 1m2f, turf, 3yo fillies

Piere Strydom's mount Gypsy's Warning is expected to start favourite for the Woolavington, the fillies' equivalent of the Daily News, after the way she won the South African Fillies' Classic over a furlong less last time.

But Mother Russia, who disappointed in that race, looks every bit as good on her previous form.

Trainer Joey Ramsden said: "I've found that horses I take to Durban run well early and then run flat for a bit, and this is what I think happened with Mother Russia.

"Also they went very fast that day and the leaders all faded. I'mnot sure she will stay this trip but I think she will."

De Kock's Zirconeum, beaten two lengths by Gypsy's Warning last time, renews rivalry on the same terms and the stable report her "fit and ready for the race."

Paul Lafferty is bullish about Goat, so much so that he has bet De Kock a case of beer that his filly will finish in front of Zirconeum.

Thanks Hibby, we have been watching under starters orders, trying to get some info.

WTF - Battling to understand why USO was rushed through only to have to end up feeling like it is 10 years ago on the main dance floor of 330 in Point road, Durban. Bring out the vicks and Tiger Balm. (lol)

more important issues ahead alcaponee like cart racing from oz outback etc..i should never have watched 207 yesterday as i cant watch the dogshit 232 serves up now..the mediocrity continues