South African racing history is in the making as champion trainer elect, Justin Snaith, increases his stable influence on what is likely to be close to the final field for Africa’s greatest racing event, the R4.25-million, Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July.

While the Log is dominated by visiting horses, two “locals” barged their way into contention. Dark Moon Rising from the Paul Lafferty stable ran an eye-catching second in the World Sports Betting 1900 and earned his 17th place on the Log while the Duncan Howells-trained filly Fiorella shouldered her way into the picture when winning the Daisy Fillies Guineas where she beat Snaith’s top filly Snowdance.

The latest Vodacom Durban July Log issued today revealed that Snaith could go into the famous 2 200m clash at Greyville on Saturday, July 7, with at least a third of the 18 runners. And while such a situation may be frowned upon in some circles if it takes place, all the runners concerned have earned their ratings and deserve to be there, although some might question Legislate’s 9th position on the Log.

The first Log showed that the Snaith stable had four horses in the top 18 and they have retained their positions but they have been joined by former Vodacom Durban July winner Legislate that returns from an unsuccessful spell as a stallion and the five-year-old gelding Elusive Silva that flashed through in the home straight from off the pace to win the recent Grade 2 World Sports Betting 1900. Legislate won the big race three years ago and his only recent outing was when winning a barrier trial earlier this month.

The top six horses on the initial Log have retained their positions while Matador Man, Flichity By Farr, Rocket Countdown and the Snaith-trained Platinum Prince have made their way onto the “verandah” hoping for the door to open and let them in. Also sitting on the veranda having slipped from the top 18 is the Australian-bred three-year-old from the Frank Robinson stable Roy Had Enough while Steel Rose and The Slade Have slipped off the veranda and will be looking to regain favour when they run in the Daily News 2000 and Lonsdale Stirrup Cup respectively on June 2