Scotia on the July and the "big 5"

Good evening to the Clan and I am sure we are all aware that the Vodacom Durban July will be run on Sat the 7th of July at Greyville in front of a capacity crowd.

We have certainly had enough press with Gold Circle again excelling in the marketing department in addition to panel discussions, carte blanche and the local sangoma throwing the bones/sea shells.

I will be first to admit that I did not have the fever but now we have booked the trip, after much deliberation, I have put my head down on the "big 5" MDK and Delpech, Mike and Anthony have had 4 winners each, Igugu, Bold Silvano and Greys Inn together and Ipi Tombe and Classic Flag with other connections, so all going well it will be the "big 5" for both when Ilha Bela comes bursting through in the Mary Slack silks.


Ebony Flyer best bet!

Many other good races on the day and also very competitive and my best bet for the day will be Ebony Flyer to beat Princess Victoria plenty more news and views on the site including the July gallops courtesy from Andrew Bon who did a wonderful job at Ascot.

We will also be taking a trip to Summerhill on the Sunday and looking forward to seeing some great stallions in the flesh.

The International racing has been top drawer and here is the Scottish version on the Ascot wrap up from World Focus with Molly.... World Focus replay

As expected Camelot lifted the Irish Derby and picked up another big race for the maestro Aidan Obrien. Just to give you an idea of what Aidan has achieved in only 16 years as a trainer, Ireland: 1000 gns x 5, 2000 gns x 8, Champion Stakes x 7, Derby x 10, Oaks x 3, and 2 x St Legers.
He has won major races in Canada, Italy, UEA, France (ARC) and in England: 1000 gns x 2, 2000 gns x 6, Gold Cup x 5, three "Champion Hurdles", Derby x 3, Eclipse x 5, King George x 3, Oaks x 4 and 3 x St Legers.
He has also visited the States for a couple of Arlington Millions and various Breeders Cup races and many many more from the Ballydoyle/Coolmore Stud champion trainer.

As far as an update on what we can expect over the next few months Camelot possibilities are the St Leger 5/10 on the 15th of Sept at Doncaster over 2850 mt on possibly heavy going which could lead to a late change of plan so be careful on the ante post market. The ARC is the big one on the first Sunday in October where he is also the 3/1 fav. and could meet Sea Moon and stable companion St Nicholas Abbey. I notice on Racing Post that they have a poll "who will win the Coral Eclipse"? and Frankel is 60% and So You Think is on 17%, however Frankel will probably run at Goodwood in the Sussex on the 1st August 1/8 with exacta horse Excelebration and then the International Stakes at York on the 22nd of August 4/10.


So You Think winning last years Eclipse

The Eclipse on the 7th of July will probably see So You Think at 9/10 but don't forget the Dettori mount Farhh at 9/2 a blinder place bet at evens.
July the 14th at Newmarket we have the Darley July Cup where Bated Breath is 7/2 but Moonlight Cloud looks the better ew bet at 6/1.
We have the King George and Queen Elizabeth at Ascot on the 21st where St Nicholas Abbey 22/10 and Sea Moon 3/1 fighting out the finish.
Looking a bit further forward to the Melbourne Cup on the 6th of November not sure what the plans are for the dual Ascot winner Simenon but a bit 120/1 might be some early speculation?

Considering we had a bad month on the site as far as technical problems and connectivity we continue to break records and we had 4.5 Million hits and 21,000 unique visitors in June and are sure of a bumper July thanks to your continuous support and contributions.

Many hot topics in addition to the July



Carte Blanche your views.....

Politics

Suncoast Sale

As far as sports betting we had plenty activity for Euro 2012, the Super Rugby, Wimbledon and the Olympics to look forward to.

In my fight against anorexia I cant stop thinking about my trip to Thailand and the superb transport arrangements, where its always happy hour for cocktails.
I feel we should have more scooters in SA, they are economical, they are easy to drive, have a holder for the cocktail, carry over 100 kilos with ease up and down hills and I am buying one here for the Summer.
Give it some thought?
Just one word of caution, I was on my way to the Hilltop in Krabi with Mrs S on the back and halfway up the steep hill we just did not have the power to make it to the top and Mrs S had to jump off and I then flew to the top and arranged the drinks, Mrs S arrived about 10 minutes later and looking ready for her well deserved drink, so just make sure that your partner is not over weight when hiring the bike.



born to be wild

Have a great week and a great weekend and hope to catch you at the July, I am the one with the crash helmet.

May your God be with you and remember

Good punting!

scotia

Your input on World Focus very interesting and very good.

Like a good Scotsman should always look.. untamed

Thanks Chicken
Avanza we are happy when we have our "freedom"

EASY RIDER,PETER FONDA ON HIS HONDA,LOL
BY THE WAY DAVE,THATS NO SUE IN THE BACKGROUND LOL CHEERS

It's ok James she never comes on the site

ever the gentleman making the missus walk up the hill and brave suggesting that mrs s might be a wee hefty

If she was could never get away with posting it

dave no calls from sports illustrated for their next swimwear edition

Just one word of caution, I was on my way to the Hilltop in Krabi with Mrs S on the back and halfway up the steep hill we just did not have the power to make it to the top and Mrs S had to jump off and I then flew to the top and arranged the drinks, Mrs S arrived about 10 minutes later and looking ready for her well deserved drink, so just make sure that your partner is not over weight when hiring the bike.....:



I'm just wondering, is MRS S illiterate or just doesn't read ABC...()

That's a contradiction in terms Greg I keep getting told that it helps to be illiterate if you post on ABC :S

Hahaha... cheers, enjoy your trip down to Durbs...(tu)