Legislate Bounces Back But Durban July Unlikely

Reigning Vodacom Durban July champion Legislate is back in the frame for a double after regaining winning form in the R1 million Rising Sun Gold Challenge at Greyville on Saturday.

Doubts lingered about Justin Snaith’s star retaining his ability after a poor run in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate in January and a barrier scratching from the Drill Hall Stakes after he lashed out and injured a hind leg in the gates.

Those doubts were dispatched by his win in the 1600m G1 feature over the Sean Tarry-trained Willow Magic by 0.75 lengths after the billed match race with his new stablemate Futura, the dual Queen’s Plate and J&B Met winner, failed to eventuate.

Futura, starting 15-10 favourite, could only manage fourth place 1.15 lengths behind Legislate, who powered home under Richard Fourie after being taken to the front from a high draw.

Legislate is now a four-time G1 winner and his unplaced run in his previous outing five months ago in the L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate, after which he was found to have a serious lung infection, remains the only blip since he won last season’s G1 Cape Derby.

Snaith said the connections would decide early next week whether the star colt would defend his Vodacom Durban July crown over 2000m but suggested he may not defend his crown.

“Over a mile he is absolutely deadly. We will make a decision on Monday regarding the July – he is still a doubtful starter,” he confirmed.

Legislate has now won 7 of his 13 starts with 4 places and took his stake earnings to R5,378,600.

July favourite Futura ran a good prep race, running on from last.

Willow Magic, a former Investec Dingaans winner, is not a July entry. Neither is the third placed Alec Laird-trained Bezanova or fifth placed Night Trip.

King Of Pain was once again below his best and his seventh was unlikely enough to force his way into the July field.

The disappointment of the day was the late scratching of Drill Hall Stakes Ice Machine, who was strongly fancied by many to win the Gold Challenge. He was found to be striding short upon arrival at the course.

* CAPE Guineas winner Act Of War is expected to have a two months Durban holiday following the decision not to declare him for the Rising Sun Gold Challenge.

Racing manager Derek Brugman said the plan is to give him a break in Durban until next season.

Trainer Joey Ramsden brought the colt back to win the Tekkie Town Winter Guineas as a prep for the Gold Challenge but only on condition he had a decent draw.

He was taken to Durban but was scratched after drawing gate 22 out of 22.