Hawwaam and Rainbow Bridge impress in preparation for Durban July

Rainbow Bridge was one of the most impressive performers in his lead-up work for the Durban July at Greyville on Saturday 6 July.

Ridden by jockey Gavin Lerena, the Eric Sands-trained runner raced with an unnamed stable companion but once they came for home, he lengthened his stride and pulled away to beat his companion by around 10 lengths.

“Obviously I’m very happy with him,” said Lerena. “He put up a nice workout, he’s moving really well.  He’s in a good space and I’m looking forward to next week.

“We just wanted to put a bit of speed into him and he really turned it on in a matter of strides.”

Mike de Kock was also happy with the workout from favourite Hawwaam, who worked with stable companion Soqrat. The two finished together but both looked well - justifying his favouritism tag with bookmakers.

“It was a good piece of work,” said De Kock. “Soqrat is one of the top two or three milers in the country so he can make any horse work.

“That’s what we wanted for him, to have a hard, good blowout.”

At the start of the gallop Hawwaam threw his head in the air and too a few strides to settle. “I know he’s not straightforward. He’s not easy in the mouth but that’s the way he’s been all his life. But at the end of the day he gets the job done.”

Second favourite Do It Again, who was a winner of the Durban July in 2018, worked on his own and took to his task well, stretching out nicely over the final stages.

One of the fancied outsiders is Eyes Wide Open, who also worked with a stable companion, delighting trainer Glen Kotzen. “We’re very happy. The jockey (Warren Kennedy) said that when he pulled out in the straight, he battled to hold him and that he really enjoyed himself.

“He came back nicely and fresh on his toes. I think he’s had a great prep.

“We have nine days to go so we will cross out fingers and our toes, say out prayers, and hopefully he will be there,” said Kotzen.