Updated July Log- 29th June

After the important scratchings of Mother Russia, Bravura and Regal Ransom from the entries for this year’s Vodacom Durban July earlier this week, the Gold Circle selection panel decided to issue an updated log reflecting their current thinking on Africa’s greatest horserace.



The scratchings obviously left the way open for three other entries into the top 20 while the performances of Ancestral Fore, Russian Sage and Vertical Takeoff over the weekend have seen them move into contention.



Ancestral Fore’s superb victory in the Canon Gold Cup (Gr 1) rocketed him up the ladder from 16th into fourth place while second placed Vertical Takeoff has moved from out of the top 30 into 18th spot.



The panel took into consideration Russian Sage’s previous South African record, being a past winner of the Daily News 2000 (Gr 1) and his two recent efforts since his return to South African racing and moved Justin Snaith’s runner up the table from 30th into 19th position.



This Saturday’s All Stars Day includes races like the Champions Cup (Gr 1) the Gold Circle Derby (Gr 2) and the Gold Circle Oaks (Gr 2), the results of which may have a further impact on the log.



Tales Of Bravery, unplaced in the Rossgo Winter Derby (Gr 3) run at Kenilworth last Sunday, has slipped into 20th spot.



The last log will be issued next week with second supplementary entries closing on Monday, July 5. The weights will be published the following day, Tuesday, July 6, after which there can be no further penalties.



The final field will be announced on Thursday, July 15 after which the draw for barrier positions will be made.



The R3 million Vodacom Durban July will be run on Saturday, July 31 over 2200 m at Greyville racecourse in Durban.



The top 30 are as follows:

Must say enjoy this update good for the build up. (tu)

Journalist: David Thiselton – Gold Circle Publishing

River Jetez did not suffer any ill effects from her near fall early in the Grade 2 Gold Bracelet over 2000m last Saturday at Greyville, which she went on to win.



Mike Bass said, "She is fine."



Bass said it had been an admirable win and pointed out how much heart she had shown to win after an incident that could often shock a horse.



Bass said that the six-year-old mare would not have another run before the Vodacom Durban July on July 31.



She is currently quoted as the 7-1 fourth favourite for the big race.