DURBAN – Hollywoodbets Durban July race day is almost here when eighteen of South Africa’s finest thoroughbreds will jump from Greyville’s 2200m mark at 16:00 in pursuit of “July” glory and the lion’s share of the R5-million purse.
Last year’s winner, Oriental Charm, has drawn pole position in the starting gates and should give a very good account of himself as he seeks to join the elite band of horses to have won consecutive renewals of Africa’s greatest horseracing event.
Standing in his way is the star three-year-old colt, Eight On Eighteen, who is trained by Justin Snaith with regular pilot Richard Fourie in the saddle. Eight On Eighteen has already won three Grade 1 races this season and has enjoyed a perfect prep into Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Durban July. He is a short-priced favourite to deliver Snaith his sixth “July” victory and thus equal the legendary Terrance Millard’s tally.
Mike de Kock is also looking for his sixth “July” winner and he and son Mathew’s hopes rest with the unexposed but potentially brilliant three year old, Immediate Edge, who will receive 4kgs from Eight On Eighteen.
However, winning the Hollywoodbets Durban July does not come easily, and there are several runners amongst the longshots who have the ability to spring a surprise. Selukwe and Madison Valley are both very much in form and being older horses with light weights, enhances their prospects of being in the mix.
Here is a quick look at how the 18 runners shape up in saddle cloth number order:
1. Oriental Charm has the advantage of the best draw and given that he likes to go forward, last year’s winner should have the run of the race. One for the short-list.
2. Madison Valley won the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial (Gr3) over 1800m last month and it is certainly worth noting that the last two winners of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Winchester Mansion and Oriental Charm, also emerged victorious in this race before going on to “July” glory.
3. On My Honour is a lightly weighted and improving 3yo who ran third behind Madison Valley in the Cup Trial. Will be a popular Trifecta and Quartet inclusion.
4. Atticus Finch won the Betway Summer Cup earlier this Season but he copped a big penalty from the handicappers and appears to face an uphill struggle this afternoon.
5. The Real Prince is very classy but has yet to prove he gets the 2200m trip.
6. Selukwe was very impressive when winning the WSB 1900 in May and this late blooming 5yo could prove good each-way value at his current odds.
7. Rainbow Lorikeet is the only filly in the race but the 4yo daughter of Querari looks out of her depth here.
8. Pomodoro’s Jet was a creditable fifth over track and trip in the July Consolation last year but he has not been seen since March and current fitness needs to be taken on trust.
9. My Best Shot is the East Cape champion and comes into the “July” off the back of six consecutive victories at Fairview, including a facile victory in the East Cape Derby.
10. Immediate Edge is the sole representative of the powerful De Kock training partnership. He qualified for the “July” having won the Grade 3 Jubilee Stakes at Turffontein last month. Include in all bets!
11. Eight On Eighteen is the highest-rated three-year-old in the Country and a deserved short-priced favourite to take home the spoils this afternoon. With victories in the WSB Cape Town Met, the SplashOut Cape Derby and the Daily News 2000 already under the belt, Eight On Eighteen clearly rates the one they all have to beat.
12. Purple Pitcher has not won for 455 days and he seems unlikely to trouble the judge this afternoon.
13. Okavango has been overshadowed by his stable companion, Eight On Eighteen, throughout the Season.
14. Confederate won the Grade 1 SA Classic over 1800m at Turffontein in March and certainly has the class to play a minor role in the outcome this afternoon.
15. See It Again – Scratched.
16. Gladatorian is a real warrior whose form this year has been out of the top drawer. The distance is a slight query but his pedigree suggests that 2200m will not be beyond his range.
17. Royal Victory finished third behind Oriental Charm last year and is now 5kgs better off. His wide gate is an obvious concern but he brings solid form into the race and rates a clear winning chance.
18. Native Ruler has the worst of the draw to overcome and his form does not inspire much confidence.
19. Litigation was not disgraced when fourth in the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial over 1800m but he appears to have stamina limitations and may be found wanting in the home straight.
All things being equal, Eight On Eighteen will prove a tough nut to crack, but it could be a hard fought affair and another close finish seems likely.
