Gearing up for the R3.5m Durban July
Punters' Pal IT was the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal feature season yesterday at Greyville in Durban. This is the signal for racing fans to prepare for some fine meetings, building up to the R3.5-million Vodacom July on July 5. There is always something special about the July and it is still one of South Africa's biggest outdoor parties. As usual, there are always new challenges. With a polytrack being built at Greyville the grass track has become tighter. This means the field for the big race will be restricted to 16 runners this year. It is always tough to get a runner into the July, but now it will be even more difficult. The big race days in Gauteng are beginning to attract more and more people to Turffontein, but with all due respect the vibe is not the same as at the July or J&B Met. That takes nothing away from a great meeting that awaits us next Saturday at Turffontein. There will be five Group 1 races on the card. In one of them, the Port Elizabeth sprinter Copper Parade, trained by Yvette Bremner, will contest the Computaform Sprint. It will be a meeting full of quality and must not be missed. Another meeting not to be missed is the Recall East Cape Derby on May 11 at Fairview. I have a feeling this Derby Day will be the biggest ever. We even have our media launch for the Derby back and the fever will be spreading from next week. It is not only racing fans that must make a note of Derby Day. It is also a huge occasion for PE prawn lovers. The Friendly City will host its first prawn festival at Fairview on Derby Day. Remember entrance is free and there will be a crafters market, live entertainment and lots of prizes up for grabs. First things first though – we have nine races on the polytrack at Fairview today. It looks a difficult card for punters but we will give it our best shot. The highlight is the Pinnacle Stakes with some nice sprinters on display. Punters' Pal tips for Fairview: PA (R432) 1-3/1-5-6/2-4-5/9-11/1-2/1-7-8/3-11 PICK 6 (R1800) 1-5-6/2-3-4-5-11/1-7-9-11/1-2-9/1-2-5-7-8/3-11
