In a dramatic Durban July, Do It Again quickened best from midfield under a perfectly timed ride to snare rival Rainbow Bridge. The son of Twice Over made his move down the centre of the course, just as he did last year when downing Made to Conquer.

It was a sterling performance under top weight, whilst there was honour in defeat for the admirable, Rainbow Bridge as well as three year-old, Twist of Fate, who raced handy from a wide draw and kept on for the lower trifecta slot in this prestigious Grade 1.

It was not a particularly fast race overall, however. The final time for the July was the same as an earlier Gr 3 race also over 2200m won by Shenanigans, who staved off the spirited surge of stayer, Gimme One Night with a consistent, The Dazzler back in third.

The other Grade 1, the Garden Province Stakes fell to Celtic Sea (by Captain Al), who followed up her fluent romp in the SA Fillies Sprint six weeks ago, proving that she is as effective over a mile as the shorter cuts. High class filly, Oh Susanna lunged near the wire but came up slightly short, with Snowdance a close and game third after being used up to get over from a wide gate.

July day always features Grade 2 races for juveniles over 1400m. The fillies’ version proved hard to call as longshot Cockney’s Pride (by Querari) built on a 40/1 second outing victory, (having run last on debut) to outduel her Spies trained, stable mate What You Are.

The colts race produced a far more popular outcome as heavily backed, Eden Roc got the better of Tarry trained companion, Putontheredlight. The winner is sired by Var and, predictably, received huge support to follow up on his notable Gold Medallion score over Frosted Gold.

Racing is a continual roller coaster that tests the resolve of all participants. The de Kock stable endured the most unfortunate withdrawal of July favourite, Hawwaam after he played up in the gate at Greyville. A day later, alternate stable star, Buffalo Bill Cody stepped out after a lengthy break to run a big figure of 108 in a Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein. This Redoute’s Choice colt is potentially dynamite and can be followed with conviction.

 

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