Muzi to ride Gladatorian in July

THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME HE WILL BE RIDING THIS STUART FERRIE-TRAINED RUNNER

- Muzi Yeni

We are just three weeks away from the running of Africa’s greatest race, the R10-million Hollywoodbets Durban July and the excitement is really building up.

I have been looking for a ride in the Grade 1 race over 2200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 4 July and I can finally confirm that I will be aboard Gladatorian for trainer Stuart Ferrie.

I was delighted with the manner in which he ran on for third place in last week’s Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1600m where he had a number of Durban July candidates behind him.

He proved his class last season when he touched off last year’s Durban July winner The Real Prince in the Grade 1 HKJC Champions Cup over 1800m and I am really excited to have picked up this ride.

I have only ridden him once before and that was in November 2023 when he finished second to Dyce in the Grade 3 Merchants over 1160m at Turffontein.

Racing on Sunday takes place at Turffontein on the Standside track and there will is an eight-race card to preview.

The headliner on the card is a Pinnacle Stakes over 2400m and while I won't be riding on the day, I’ll be watching closely on what looks to be a fair card for punters.

We'll get straight into the day and Race 1 is a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m.

Elusive Dragon has some good form to her name and probably sets the standard. She has been consistent in the four runs she has had and if there is nothing special among the first-timers, she could win a race of this nature.

Hoc Est Vita ran a good race last time out when second behind a very decent horse and while the quick turnaround is a concern, if she is able to repeat that effort then she is the main danger.

There are several very well bred unraced horses in the race and my suggestion as always is to watch the betting support and canter past for the best guide to their chances.

Race 2 is a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m.