Nel makes a July booking

THE Andre Nel yard look to have booked a berth in the Hollywoodbets Durban July for the consistent five-year-old Pomodoro gelding Selukwe. A further development in the July build up over the weekend was the impressive win of the East Cape's best three-year-old My Best Shot in the Listed East Cape Derby on Friday, begging the question of whether he will be supplemented for the big race, while up at Turffontein the well regarded Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas winner Parisian Walkway disappointed when only fourth in a Pinnacle event over 1800m that was won by July 100/1 shot Navajo Nation.

- DAVID THISELTON

Selukwe carried 54kg off a 103 merit under Serino Moodley and after being dropped out from a wide draw ran on from the back in the straight to win by a comfortable 2,20 lengths.

Narina Trogon

The consistent Mike Miller-trained Narina Trogon ran on well from a handy position for second, 0,30 lengths ahead of the Justin Snaith-trained Underworld, who drifted out to 25/1 before being backed in late to 7/1. Underworld also came from a handy position, while his 11/2 chance stablemate Okavango, who started Tote favourite, ran on well for a 3,20 length fourth. Thunee Playa stayed on for fifth place. The race did not pan out at all well for the bookmakers 9/2 favourite Native Ruler, who was hampered at the start and ended too far back and never really had fresh air to aim at in the straight.