All the info you need to know about the Vodacom Durban July 2018 runner TILBURY FORT. This Sean Tarry trained gelding will be ridden by Lyle Hewitson in the big race at Greyville on Saturday 7th July. Betting is available now at Hollywoodbets.
(Photo Credit: Gold Circle)
13 – Tilbury Fort – 20/1
Jockey: *L Hewitson
Trainer: Sean Tarry
Owner: Messrs M A Currie, W H Jacobs, S Mathen, E C Van Niekerk, Craig Zoghby, Sean Tarry Racing C.C. (Nom : Mr S G Tarry) & Mrs B M A Lahoud
Colours: Black and yellow halved diagonally, yellow sleeves, black cuffs, yellow cap
Breeder: Mr G J Armitage
Sire: Horse Chestnut
Dam: Colleen by Restructure (IRE)
Age: 4
Colour: Bay
Sex: Gelding
MR: 103
Weight: 53
Draw: 20
Career Record: 19 runs, 4 wins, 9 places
Stakes Won: R604,000
Runs at Greyville: 2 (1 Place)
Runs at 2200m Distance: 1
Notable Runs:
2nd in the 2018 Gr 3 Jubilee Handicap (1800m)
2nd in the 2017 Gr 2 Greyville 1900 (1900m)
2nd in the 2017 Secretariat Stakes (1400m)
Trainer Comments:
Sean Tarry: “Tilbury Fort has had the best preparation, he hasn’t put a foot wrong. He has certainly been on the up since gelding and I hope he can improve a bit more. But he is the one about whom I’m most worried about the draw. He can come from off them, but not from last. We will see how it pans out, but he is not the sort you can bustle or hunt for a position. You have to let it unfold smoothly with him.”
“Seems like it will be a slow run race with no obvious frontrunner and my main dangers are African Night Sky and Majestic Mambo.”
Jockey Comments:
Champion jockey elect Lyle Hewitson remains on cloud nine after his heroics in his fledgling career and he partners the much-improved Tilbury Fort who has been a revelation since being gelded. The astute form studier is extremely pleased with his runner’s preparation and he added the following, “The program has been well mapped out by Mr Tarry, and he performed well in each run. After a successful prep, he has come out fitter and stronger each time so he is in a good space at the moment. The July is often run at a genuine gallop; however, this year looks to lack speed. With that said, it takes one horse to show initiative and thereafter the race should be kept at an honest pace. I am obviously an “outsider” in this event, but the horses I believe to be massive contenders include the likes of African Night Sky and Abashiri. With that said, it is very competitive.”
Winning Form – Magic Tips Comment:
Being gelded has made the world of difference to this son of Horse Chestnut who boasts a record of 2 wins and a close 2nd to YAKEEN (2.5kgs worse off) from three outings since the operation. Admittedly, trainer Tarry’s charge faces much stronger opposition today from the worst draw and he needs an unlikely solid tempo. He was outclassed in this event twelve months ago but has improved significantly since and he should enjoy this extra ground. His low mass and the services of champion jockey elect are obvious positives.
Verdict: He has been a revelation since the gelding earlier this year but also prefers a strong pace.
Hollywoodbets Comments:
- Lyle Hewitson, who is still an apprentice, is currently the National Champion Jockey elect, with a lead of over 35 winners.
- Vodacom Durban July winners The Conglomerate (2016) and Pomodoro (2012) both jumped from the widest draws in their winning years. Tilbury Fort will jump from the widest draw in this year’s race.
- Sean Tarry has won the Vodacom Durban July on two occasions, both coming consecutively with Pomodoro (2012) and Heavy Metal (2013).
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 |
