5. Camphoratus

Jockey: Gareth Wright
Trainer: Robbie/Shannon Hill

It has been 469 days since this mare’s last win, but having almost always run in graded races, this comes as little surprise. She ran her first Durban July in 2019, finishing an impressive 6th place just 2.6 lengths of the winner, and ahead of some seriously well backed horses. Most recently she ran 3rd in the Grade 2 1900, also at Greyville. The winner that day was Belgarion, who’s currently Bet.co.za’s favourite for the 2020 Durban July, which seems a bit disparate right?

Making her return here in 2020 at the bottom of the betting boards is a strange one for me, and represents great place value if she can build on 2019’s experience.

Current Odds: 50.00

 

4. Silvano’s Pride

Jockey: Serino Moodley
Trainer: Justin Snaith

Whilst not running close to 2200m in recent runs, it seems people have forgotten how impressively this filly won the 2019 Woolavington. This was just a furlong shorter than the Durban July trip. Whilst not having the best draw she’ll be along side the likes of Got The Greenlight, Belgarion and Do It Again. Great company in a race like this.

She loves to run upfront, so look for her to try beat the draw from the jump. If she’s well poised coming into the home straight, this run can throw up anything at the end. If not outclassed by more experience runners, she could prove an entertaining place bet at very generous odds.

Current Odds: 40.00

 

3. It’s My Turn

Jockey: Sean Veale
Trainer: Dean Kannemeyer

If you’re going to have a go at one of these five featured, this could be the one. Most of these overlooked horses have question marks about staying the distance. In It’s My Turn’s case, one pitfall could be that it loves to run further. In my opinion stamina shortfalls are far more concerning, and this guy has the lungs needed to stay with the pack throughout.

After a long layoff he had a promising comeback run in a Grade 3 over 2400m, coming second behind a well prepped winner. Assuming he improves towards his peak capabilities, then this looks a peach of an each way bet.

Current Odds: 33.00

 

2. Padre Pio

Jockey: Athandiwe Mgudlwa
Trainer: Dennis Bosch

Amongst the 3 year olds in the race, of which there are some highly fancied sorts, Padre Pio’s results in the Daily News 2000 and Guineas have him forecasted to run better than the others. This doesn’t tell the whole story, but his incredible second in the Daily News 2000 behind Got The Greenlight, who’s now all the rage, cannot go unnoticed.

The extra 200m could be his undoing, but a cracking draw of 3 will help alleviate the stamina needed at the end. Another one to consider to run into the places.

Current Odds: 40.00

 

1. Miyabi Gold

Jockey: Keagan de Melo
Trainer: Justin Snaith

Our last Durban July dark horse is another well drawn prospect. Miyabi Gold finished 2.10 lengths of Do It Again in last year’s Durban July, and respectable fifth, staying with the winner’s pace through the latter stages of the race.

Since then she’s been in a handful of eye catching runs, most recently in the listed East Coast Cup over 2000m. Assuming that was her prep run, she’ll be in contention for another impressive run in this year’s Durban July. With an army of Justin Snaith runners to assist her in the race, you have to give her a good value place chance.

Current Odds: 25.00