That is the question many racing followers will be asking after the announcement of the final Durban July field. Choisaanada, rated 121 and among the highest-rated horses entered for the race, has been left as a reserve despite bringing current form, proven graded race credentials and a record that compares favourably with a number of those who secured places in the 18-runner line-up. In a year that many observers regard as one of the weaker Durban July fields in recent memory, his omission from the main field is difficult to ignore.

The disappointment was keenly felt by trainer Erico Verdonese, who did not hide his frustration with the outcome.

"What more does a horse have to do? I worked all my life to have a runner like this and this happens," said the 65-year-old lifelong horseman and trainer, speaking to SAHorseracing.COM. To say Verdonese was upset with the decision would be an understatement. 

Form Lines Raise Questions

Choisaanada's record speaks for itself. From just 18 starts, he has won seven races and consistently performed against quality opposition.

His most recent graded outing saw him finish second to Grade 1 winner Fire Attack in the Colorado King Stakes (G2). Prior to that, he arrived off back-to-back Pinnacle Stakes victories, confirming both his consistency and current wellbeing.

Among his most notable victories is the Sea Cottage Stakes (G3), where he defeated Fire Attack, already a Grade 1 winner at the time. Earlier in the season, he captured the Egoli Mile, beating Confederate, who had also already secured Grade 1 success.

Those form lines alone make a compelling case for his inclusion in South Africa's premier race.

Movement On The July Log

The debate becomes even more intriguing when examining the Durban July log.

Choisaanada was positioned 17th while Happy Verse remained among the entries. Following the scratching of Happy Verse, logic suggested he would move closer to securing a place in the field.

Instead, Regulation and Aladdin's Lamp, previously ranked 20th and 19th respectively, were elevated ahead of him.

That sequence of events has left many questioning how a horse rated 121, with proven form against established Grade 1 winners, could find himself outside the final field.

Comparisons With Regulation

Regulation's inclusion is likely to come under particular scrutiny. The gelding enters the race under sufferance with 52kg and was last seen finishing eighth behind Zeitz, carrying 0.5kg less and beaten 4.5 lengths.

While the Durban July selection process has never been determined solely by ratings, Choisaanada's position as a reserve remains difficult to reconcile for many observers when viewed through the lens of ratings, recent performances and direct form against proven Grade 1 winners.

A Waiting Game

Choisaanada, who was born and raised at Sandown Stud, has not been completely ruled out and remains a reserve runner. His connections will now be hoping for a late scratching that would open the door for him to take his place in the starting line-up.

For Verdonese, the wait continues. But so too does the lingering question: if a horse rated 121, a seven-time winner from just 18 starts, in current form and with victories over proven Grade 1 performers cannot secure an automatic berth in the Durban July, what exactly does a horse have to do?