All the info you need to know about the Vodacom Durban July 2018 runner ABASHIRI. This Mike and Adam Azzie trained gelding will be ridden by Piere Strydom in the big race at Greyville on Saturday 7th July. Betting is available now at Hollywoodbets.
(Photo Credit: Gold Circle)
3 – Abashiri – 10/1
Jockey: Piere Strydom
Trainer: Mike Azzie/Adam Azzie
Owner: Messrs M G Azzie & H Haralambous & Adv M Witz
Colours: Green, yellow crossed sashes, halved cap
Breeder: Lammerskraal Stud
Sire: Go Deputy (USA)
Dam: Donya by Elliodor (FR)
Age: 5
Colour: Bay
Sex: Gelding
MR: 115
Weight: 58.5
Draw: 2
Career Record: 19 runs, 6 wins, 5 places
Stakes Won: R4,289,250
Runs at Greyville: 3 (1 Win, 1 Place)
Runs at 2200m Distance: 1
Notable Runs:
2nd in the 2018 Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge (2000m)
2nd in the 2018 Gr 3 London News Stakes (1800m)
Winner of the 2016 South African Triple Crown
1st in the 2016 Gr 1 SA Derby (2450m)
1st in the 2016 Gr 1 SA Classic (1800m)
1st in the 2016 Gr 1 Gauteng Guineas (1600m)
Trainer Comments:
Father and son combination trainers Mike and Adam Azzie have already enjoyed much success and the pair saddle their first July runner together in the form of ABASHIRI. We caught up with the well-spoken youngster who had the following to say, “I’m really happy with his condition and his prep run over 1400m. He is doing well at Randjesfontein and we are still deciding when to bring him down to Durban, either Thursday or Friday. I think there will be a genuine pace but we are ready for a hot or slow pace. African Night Sky is the horse to beat.”
Jockey Comments:
Piere Strydom partners the much fancied ‘People’s Champion’ Abashiri for the second time and his comments were, “He has had a nice prep as it was way too short and he is fit enough. He is mentally in a good space. I don’t see lots of pace but they always go hard the first 400m.”
“It’s a rare occurrence for me to cry when I end up with No 2 draw but because Abashiri is not a good starter and as it is a big field, there is chance it can get so bunched up that I’m definitely not going to be able to place him where I would like him to be.”
“I galloped Abashiri last week and even though he is not the fastest of horses, it was a pleasing gallop but what is good is that he is in a very happy mental state.”
“My early fancies are African Night Sky and White River and both have attracted betting support.”
Winning Form – Magic Tips Comment:
The “People’s Champion” won over many supporters after his Triple Crown exploits but sadly the son of Go Deputy is yet to win a race since his Derby triumph, though he almost broke that duck with a smart run behind CORAL FEVER in a Grade 1 on the Highveld two months ago. He had an eye-catching prep run, his first under ‘Striker’ over much shorter less than one month ago and of course began his career with two brilliant displays on this course. He should be right up with the pace from his good draw but needs a solid pace to be effective.
Verdict: Has returned to form in recent starts, solid prep but may be hampered by likely sedate gallop.
Hollywoodbets Comments:
Jockey Piere Strydom has ridden four Vodacom Durban July winners to victory: The Conglomerate (2016), Pomodoro (2012), Trademark (2001) and London News (1996).
View the 2018 Vodacom Durban July horse profiles here:
| No | Horse | No | Horse | ||
| 1 | – | Coral Fever | 11 | – | Fiorella |
| 2 | – | Gold Standard | 12 | – | White River |
| 3 | – | Abashiri | 13 | – | Tilbury Fort |
| 4 | – | African Night Sky | 14 | – | Yakeen |
| 5 | – | Elusive Silva | 15 | – | Made to Conquer |
| 6 | – | Liege | 16 | – | Rocket Countdown |
| 7 | – | Star Express | 17 | – | Dark Moon Rising |
| 8 | – | Do It Again | 18 | – | Secret Potion |
| 9 | – | Majestic Mambo | 19 | – | Pack Leader |
| 10 | – | Matador Man | 20 | – | Crowd Pleaser |
