The Vodacom Durban July card is notable for the number of wide-open handicaps on the programme and the Gr 3 Schweppes 2200 is one of many races on the day that falls into this category, writes Mark Anthony.

The versatile Thanks John may just be the one to help punters get through the race, though. Mike Bass’s charge goes well over a range of distances and has fared well in KwaZulu-Natal this winter, coasting home in a minor feature two runs back and then running on from well back when fourth in the Gold Cup. Those runs were over further but he should be well suited to the 2200m trip here. Karl Neisius rides and Thanks John is reasonably weighted and drawn to boot, so he should be involved in the finish.

Rudi Rocks has let his supporters down on more than one occasion in the past but he seems to go well at this track, having won the Darley Arabian here and most recently gone close in the Thukela Handicap. He’s drawn well, has Anton Marcus aboard and seems to have come to form at the right time, so he could go close here.

Danish Silver is another one who enjoys this course and he ran very well in the Betting World 1900 where he was collared late by smart rivals Bold Silvano and Aslan. That sort of form must bring him into contention here and Piere Strydom is a notable jockey booking.

Super Storm was somewhat disappointing in the Gold Circle Derby but he is worth another chance on his previous effort when easily accounting for Galileo’s Galaxy at this track. He comes in under a handy 53kg and Jeff Lloyd takes the reins, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see a forward effort here.

Robinson Crusoe kicked off his winter campaign with a good win in the listed Sledgehammer at Scottsville but could only finish midfield in the Betting World 1900 and Gold Cup. To be fair, he was bumping some tough opposition there and he could be a threat here from a good draw.

Predestination stayed on well for third in the Gold Cup, confirming his career revival since stepping up to longer distances. He should find this on the sharp side these days but races off joint bottom weight from a good draw, so he could well make a bold bid here.

Bouquet-Garni’s form has generally been dismal since his SA Derby win in 2009 but he has shown flashes of form in recent starts, most recently when making late progress for a close fifth in the Thukela Handicap. He’s too inconsistent to place much confidence in, and he has an awkward draw to contend with as well, but a repeat of that last run could see him make the frame here.

Grafton Street’s renaissance has been one of the stories of the season and trainer Mike Stewart has done a wonderful job with the soon-to-be 9-year-old, who comes into the race with three wins from his last four starts. He does have to shoulder an intimidating 59kg from draw 18, though, and although he’s carried weight with distinction down in Cape Town, this field is tougher than what he’s been facing. It would be a great result for the romantics if he could pull it off, but cold logic suggests that this will be a bridge too far for the veteran.

Forest Path absolutely loves July day, having won the Golden Horseshoe here in 2008 and finished a fine third in the July itself last year. Ironically enough, this should be a much easier test for him on paper, but he’s been out of form for some time and also has to cope with the combination of a welter burden and horrible draw.

Killaridge won this race last year and has held form reasonably well since then, barring a poor effort last time out. He’s capable on his day but is much higher in the weights than he was last year and is yet another one who has to deal with a bad draw, so he is likely to struggle this time around.

Al’s Deputy would be of interest if repeating his efforts in the KRA Guineas and Daily News 2000 but has run poorly in two subsequent efforts. Unless the return to Greyville re-ignites him, it’s hard to see him making an impact on those last two runs.

Sports Factor is unreliable but has done just enough to warrant consideration for a minor placing at best.

The rest of the field look to have too much to do here but it should be noted that there is one unknown quantity to deal with in the form of Zimbabwean champion Winter’s Night. Neil Bruss’s charge has reeled off four straight victories and it’s anybody’s guess what that form will translate into in South Africa.