All the info you need to know about the Vodacom Durban July 2018 runner AFRICAN NIGHT SKY. This Justin Snaith trained gelding will be ridden by Grant van Niekerk in the big race at Greyville on Saturday 7th July. Betting is available now at Hollywoodbets.
(Photo Credit: Gold Circle)
4 – African Night Sky – 28/10
Jockey: Grant van Niekerk
Trainer: Justin Snaith
Owner: Mr A L A Crabbia
Colours: Black, red maltese cross and sleeves, red cap, black peak
Breeder: Highlands Farms Stud (Pty) Ltd
Sire: Dynasty
Dam: Starzene (USA) by Cozzene (USA)
Age: 4
Colour: Bay
Sex: Gelding
MR: 112
Weight: 57
Draw: 10
Career Record: 13 runs, 6 wins, 2 places
Stakes Won: R848,400
Runs at Greyville: 2 (1 Win, 1 Place)
Runs at 2200m Distance: 0
Notable Runs:
1st in the 2018 Gr 3 Cup Trial (1800m)
1st in the 2017 Gr 3 Winter Derby (2400m)
1st in the 2017 Gr 3 Winter Classic (1800m)
1st in the 2017 Gr 3 Winter Guineas (1600m)
Trainer Comments:
Jonathan Snaith: “AFRICAN NIGHT SKY had a very easy gallop and did little as he is more than ready. His run in the Cup Trial was enough and he is spot on. His preparation has been flawless – and you couldn’t ask for a fitter horse. He is destroying all his work companions back home and at the weights he is a worthy favourite. He has never been better and should reproduce his latest star effort.”
Jockey Comments:
Hong Kong bound top rider Grant Van Niekerk partners the ruling favourite and best handicapped entrant, African Night Sky who he says is doing very well. He quite surprisingly remarked the following, “My horses to beat will be Do It Again, Made To Conquer and Majestic Mambo.”
Winning Form – Magic Tips Comment:
The ruling favourite had been cleverly placed for this event until he rather surprisingly took his place in a Grade 3 contest on this track where he sensationally slammed his rivals over nine furlongs, four weeks ago. He still seems well-handicapped despite the resultant four pound penalty and last season’s Cape Winter Series winner will of course love the extra distance. The bay son of Dynasty has a tremendous turn of foot but the concerns are that he jumps slowly and he may not be able to hit top stride in a likely false run affair.
Verdict: Ruling favourite, excellent last win, well-handicapped but needs a strong pace.
Hollywoodbets Comments:
Coming soon…
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 |
