Horse Racing

Al Sahem – Vodacom Durban July 2017

by
Devin Heffer
June 23, 2017

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

Learn more about the Sean Tarry trained colt below. Form and comments are provided courtesy of WINNING FORM.

Al Sahem - Jockey Silks - Yellow, royal blue chevron, collar, cuffs and cap - Horse Racing - Durban July

13) AL SAHEM – 4/1

Trainer: Sean Tarry
Jockey: S’manga Khumalo
Owner: Al Adiyaat South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Age / Sex: 3yo / Colt
Merit Rating: 106
Colours: Yellow, royal blue chevron, collar, cuffs and cap

Durban July Draw: 1 (of 20)
Weight Carrying: 53.5 kg

FORM
Total Runs: 6
First Place: 3
Places: 3

Runs at Greyville: 1 (1 PLACE)
Runs at 2200m Distance: 0

Notable Runs:
2nd in the 2017 Daily New 2000 (Gr 1) – 2000m
1st in the 2017 SA Derby (Gr 1) – 2450m
2nd in the 2017 SA Classic (Gr 1) – 1800m
2nd in the 2017 Gauteng Guineas (Gr 2) – 1600m

JOCKEY Comments:
Jockey S’manga Khumalo: “His prep has gone on without a hitch and trainer Tarry has him spot on. My record on him is 100% and he has a great draw of 1. I am going into the race full of confidence and I am very positive of having a great run on him.”

TRAINER Comments:
Tarry said about Al Sahem’s pole position draw, “I would have preferred to be out of the scrum, but I expect him to have enough early pace to find second or third place in the running.”

“He is doing very well. I am not over excited about his 1 draw as lots can go wrong from there but it is what it is and we will take it from there. Due to racing commitments Anthony Delpech will not be riding him but S’manga is getting to know him and I am sure he will get the best from him. He is a well-weighted three-year old and I have high hopes for him.”

MAGIC TIPS (Winning Form) Comment:
This top class colt is arguably the country’s 2nd best three-year old and he deserves his place near the top of the bookmakers boards. The SA Derby winner has had a flawless preparation culminating in his eye-catching defeat to EDICT OF NANTES (0.5kg worse off) on his local debut early last month. He showed great character in fighting back that day but clearly prefers a galloping course and a hot pace. He deserves obvious respect but his pole barrier position may count against him, especially if he doesn’t jump on terms.

Verdict: Brilliant three-year-old colt, prefers galloping track but respect.

HOLLYWOODBETS Comments:

Al Sahem has six career runs to date, and has never finished out of the top 2. He has three victories, and three 2nds.
Al Sahem has already amounted a whopping R2,372,500 in prize stakes!
Jockey S’manga Khumalo rode the 2013 Durban July winner Heavy Metal to victory for Sean Tarry. This was his first ride ever in the Durban July.
In winning in 2013, Khumalo became the first black South African jockey to win the Durban July.
This will be Khumalo’s fourth ride in the Durban July
Trainer Sean Tarry won the Vodacom Durban July in consecutive years, winning with Pomodoro in 2012, and Heavy Metal 2013.
Trainer Sean Tarry has four runners in this race: FRENCH NAVY, AL SAHEM, TILBURY FORT, and SAFE HARBOUR.
Al Sahem will jump from pole position in stall gate 1. The last horse to win from this draw was Jollify in 1967 – 50 years ago.