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Black Arthur – Vodacom Durban July 2017

Black Arthur - Horse - South Africa - Durban July

All the info you need to know on the Vodacom Durban July 2017 runner BLACK ARTHUR. Form, tips, betting and comments are provided.

Learn more about the Justin Snaith trained gelding below. Form and comments are provided courtesy of WINNING FORM.

Black Arthur - Scarlet, gold crossed sashes, scarlet sleeves with gold circle, gold cap - Jockey Silks - Horse Racing - South Africa - Durban July

11) BLACK ARTHUR – 15/2

Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: Grant van Niekerk
Owner: Mr A N & The Hon Mrs G R Foster
Age / Sex: 4yo / Gelding
Merit Rating: 104
Colours: Scarlet, gold crossed sashes, scarlet sleeves with gold circle, gold cap

Durban July Draw: 8 (of 20)
Weight Carrying: 54.5 kg

FORM
Total Runs: 11
First Place: 4
Places: 1

Runs at Greyville: 4 (1 WIN, 1 PLACE)
Runs at 2200m Distance: 1

Notable Runs:
3rd in the 2017 Cup Trial (Gr 3) – 1800m
1st in the 2016 Canon Guineas (Gr 2) – 1600m
4th in the 2016 Investec Cape Derby (Gr 1) – 2000m
1st in the 2016 Politician Stakes (Gr 3) – 1800m


JOCKEY Comments:
Jockey Grant van Niekerk: Drawn 11 and 17 on close-seconds Smanjemanje and Marinaresco, said of Black Arthur’s eight draw:  “I am very happy. Thank you Justin Snaith!”

“Black Arthur is doing very well and I will be giving him a little workout tomorrow (Tuesday). I am quite confident about his winning chance.”

TRAINER Comments:
Trainer Justin Snaith: “I’ve aimed him specifically for the July. He’s the horse to beat. He’s a huge runner off 54.5kg. Horses run for Grant van Niekerk and he can ride him confidently. Of the older horses he’s the right horse. There are lots of big races in the winter season but really this is the race we all want to win and you have to sneak into the race off the best weight that you can.”

“This time he has a good draw and he will be carrying a kilo less than last year (when he finished seventh from stall 17). He is doing exceptionally well.”

“Is doing very well and has everything going for him. I make him the best of the older horses but he has the three year olds to beat who are absolutely ‘slung‘ into the race. They have never had such small weights to carry.”

MAGIC TIPS (Winning Form) Comment:
This highly talented bay producted a most creditable effort from a shocking draw in this race a year ago but lost his way during the Cape summer which forced his trainer to geld him. He has had two fair comeback outings in this province with many critics adamant he doesn’t deserve his place in this field but the Silvano gelding is primed for a huge performance on his peak showing. He clearly has potential & should display that with a top young pilot who has a great record in this race.

Verdict: Game run in this race last year, fair prep, weighted to be competitive.

HOLLYWOODBETS Comments:

  • Trainer Justin Snaith has trained two Vodacom Durban July winners – Dancer’s Daughter (who dead heated with Pocket Power in 2008) and Legislate (2014 – who won on objection).
  • Justin Snaith has five horses in this race – BLACK ARTHUR, IT’S MY TURN, MASTER SABINA, KRAMBAMBULI and ELUSIVE SILVA (scratched).
  • Grant van Niekerk will be riding in his fifth Durban July this year.
  • Van Niekerk has finished 2nd twice in the Durban July – riding MARINARESCO in 2016, and Smanjemanje in 2012.

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