Durban July favourite Pomodoro in good shape MyZA

Pomodoro wins the Tony Ruffel Stakes (Grade 3) for trainer Sean Tarry. Photo: Sporting Post

The Vodacom Durban July defending champion Pomodoro worked on the grass at Clairwood yesterday with a tongue tie on. It was then that trainer Sean Tarry and big race rider Piere Strydom decided that he would race with this equipment on.

Strydom made a rare appearance at morning track work as Tarry wanted to make sure the jockey was happy with his plan to use the tongue tie.

Tarry employed experienced former jockey Rhys van Wyk at the July Gallops last Thursday, where the big Jet Master colt also wore the tongue tie and put in some sparkling work, quickening noticeably well.

Yesterday Pomodoro did some good pace work over about 1000m and was looking in good shape.

Tarry implied that the use of the tongue tie was nothing to be concerned about, but was just something he was trying out.

He was satisfied after the two rehearsals that the plan could go ahead.

Strydom is more confident going into this year’s race than he was last year.

Last year Pomodoro’s final preparation race was in the Daily News and he went down to the start striding short before only managing fifth.

Strydom said, “He is a better horse this year. He’s striding better and his final preparation run was better.”