No Value in Stellar Season

Details: Published Date

For today's highest rated race on the cards, the 1,200m Handicap – Race 7 at Scottsville, there is little value in backing the favorite – Stellar Season.

Whilst the Duncan Howells-trained horse is flagged as the one to beat, few punters are likely to find any value backing this short-priced favorite (currently 1.1 to Win at Sportsbet and 2.10 at Sportingbet). That being said, this selection must be included in any exotic bets in the race.

For a good value bet, punters should consider looking into the Ivan Moore yard - Devonella (12.00 at Sportsbet and 13.00 at Sportingbet).

Does Apache have what it takes?

Details: Published Date

Three-year old colt by Mogok, The Apache, is currently 14.00 with the bookmakers, but trainer Gavin van Zyl thinks this runner has what it takes to take the honours in the race of the continent, the 2011 Vodacom Durban July.

There is no doubt that The Apache is well suited to the Greyville racecourse as he has the ability to quicken and stay the distance with the 2200m race. Feedback from Raymond Danielson syas that he ran right to the line in the Daily News 2000, needing to be pulled up at about the 2200m mark.

His wins in the Dingaans and the Daily News 2000 were full of merit with the colt also running a good race in the KRA Guineas.

Adding to the colt's chances in the South African horse race, is a good barrier draw (#6) which will enable him to find a position for free in the race.

Betting on the Gold Challenge

Details: Published Date

Experts have rated Past Master the horse to beat in today’s Grade 1, R700,000 Rising Sun Gold Challenge (1600m) at Clairwood. Past Master likes the sting out of the ground and after the rain, conditions should suit ideally.

Winner of the Grade 1, Met (2000m), Past Master’s current odds R4.00 at Sportingbet , make him equal favourite with Bravura. Gerrit Schlecgter, Past Master’s regular rider will jump from barrier 9, and is expected to run home strong from behind.

Past Master is eyeing the Durban July, and should he win the Rising Sun Gold Challenge, the four-year-old will not be incurr any penalties for the big race, as weights have already being set for the Durban July.

Daily News 2000 Results

Details: Published Date

Gavin van Zyl-trained The Apache, jumped at an SP of 16/1 and went on to win the Daily News 2000 South African horse race held at Greyville on 4 June 2011. This thrilling finish saw The Apache nose out Run For It, with English Garden filling third place.

Well-backed Solo Traveller led in the early stages of the race, losing his position to Roman Wall. Australian horse Il Saggiatore settled comfortably into second place ahead of Solo Traveller. The Apache, along with Wealthy and Wise, took up rear.

Australian Igugu in great form

Details: Published Date

Champion horse Igugu has shown the crowd that she is impossible to oppose on form in the weekend’s Woolavington win. This Mike de Kock trained horse strolled home effortlessly in the Grade 1 Woolavington 2000 at Grayville on Saturday, 4 June 2011. Filling the placings were Emerald Cove, Berry Balze and Barberton Daisy.

Igugu took the lead from Las Ramblas briefly upon leaving the gate and quickly demonstrated that she was going to be near-impossible to win. Under Anthony Delpech, Igugu continued to run strong with Delpech never having to ride her out. Whilst Emerald Cove and Berry Blaze tried well, they were in different leagues and at the post Igugu was nearly three lengths clear.