Jubilee winner will keep July panel on the Edge

Mike and Mathew de Kock, the connections of Immediate Edge and not a small group of supporters will be hoping that the gelding’s most impressive Grade 3 4Racing Jubilee Stakes win at Turffontein will be enough to push him into the frame as the Hollywoodbets Durban July draws closer, with competition for the final places heating up.

The Sporting Post described it succinctly: “Immediate Edge, ridden by Kabelo Matsunyane, leap-frogged his way into the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July picture with an emphatic victory. He shoved his flag in the faces of the big race panel with a smooth victory when slamming his ten opponents under his galloping 52kgs.”

Immediate Edge, under an easy ride, drew away to beat fellow Hollywoodbets Durban July entry, the low-flying Olivia’s Way (6-1), by 2,50 lengths. Last year’s Summer Cup winner Atticus Finch (25-1) stayed on smartly for third, a further 0,30 lengths back.

Immediate Edge. (JC Photos).

Mike said after the race: “Immediate Edge was about 4kg out at the weights, and he is a horse we know is capable. He is better than his rating.  Every time I have a look at the July log, I reach for the entries to see if he was entered. He doesn’t make the log, doesn’t get a mention, it’s unbelievable. He’s a progressive horse, on the up.  I don’t know how you leave horses like this out of the July.”

Second declarations for the big race are due on Monday, with the next log due on Tuesday.

A son of Vercingetorix, Immediate Edge was bred by Shadwell Stud from the Commands mare Anhaar, who is a sister to multiple Gr1 winner and sire, Soqrat, who was also trained by Mike de Kock.

The winner races for Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s Al Adiyaat South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Wilgerbosdrift (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mrs Mary Slack), Chris Haynes and Mike de Kock.

Gimmeforsure. (JC Photos).

The stable made a quick return to the winner’s box after yesterday’s Gold Challenge at Greyville. Mat was spot-on, in his prediction of a ‘winning chance’ to newcomer Gimmeforsure, a two-year-old filly by Gimmethegreenlight, who came from off the pace for an easy debut win in Race 1, beating male rivals.

Jockey Callan Murray said: “I liked the way she acquitted herself when she the pressure came on. She really lengthened her stride and dug deep. It was a good win for 1000m. She took it well. She was very calm and relaxed, a positive sign.”

Mat commented: “She shows a lot at home, this was a promising win. We’re looking forward to many more.”

Gimmeforsure races for Jayson Muragasa and family. She was bred by Eugene Freeman at Boland Stud.