On paper that equated to just a two point raise for African Night Sky but another two points were added due to the circumstances of the win.

Vodacom Durban July favourite African Night Sky has been raised four points by the handicapper to 112 after his impressive win in the Grade 3 Cup Trial over 1800m on Saturday.

Handicapper Matthew Lips said Platinum Prince, who finished a 0,9 lengths third, was chosen as the line horse. On paper that equated to just a two point raise for African Night Sky but another two points were added due to the circumstances of the win i.e he came from a long way back, suffered some interference (which caused him to switch) and yet still won easily. As things stand African Night Sky will carry 57kg in the July. Betting World currently make him 16/10, World Sports Betting have him at 17/10 and Track and Ball offer 19/10.

Platinum Prince and second-placed Crowd Pleaser remain on their same merit ratings of 101 and 102 respectively.

Meanwhile, the Grade 3 Jubilee Handicap winner Yakeen has been raised four points to 103 and the narrow runner up Tilbury Fort went up three points also to 103. Yakeen’s best July ante-post price is now 22/1 and Tilbury Fort’s is 25/1.

The merit ratings of July contenders Gold Standard and Roy Had Enough, beaten into 5th and 6th in the Grade 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge, remain unaltered on 117 and 110 respectively.

Gold Circle