2024 Durban July Tips - 25/1 outsider to Pitch up at Greyville

Yesterday, I put up Flag Man as my first Durban July selection at 12.5. Today, there's a 25/1 outsider that's caught my eye.

The roughie I like in this year's Durban July is PURPLE PITCHER (25.0), despite a poor prep run at Turffontein earlier this month. 

Winless in his first four starts for Billy Ruiters, a move to Robyn Klaasen's yard sparked an upturn in form for this son of New Predator. Purple Pitcher won his next five races on the bounce, including a Grade Two triumph at Turffontein in November.

Following a fourth-place finish in the Gauteng Guineas, Purple Pitcher battled back bravely after being passed to beat Sandringham Summit in the SA Classic. Klaasen's star made it two Group One wins on the bounce in the SA Derby, where Purple Pitcher clung on to win, having again shown great tenacity and battling qualities.

On his prep for the Durban July in the Jubilee Stakes, everything went wrong for Klaasen's star. Purple Pitcher seemed to be travelling comfortably out in front, but was shuffled back to fifth as the pace picked up, having been hampered as rivals closed around him. Purple Pitcher couldn't pick up again after that interference and the 2/1 favourite crossed the line a disappointing seventh.

Purple Pitcher took a while to quicken during both of his Group One wins and the Jubilee Stakes turned into a bit of a sprint to the line, which was never going to suit. This 11-furlong trip should be ideal Philasande Mxoli's mount and Greyville can often favour front-running types, so Purple Pitcher's running style should suit this track perfectly.