Hollywoodbets Durban July: 29 horses remain in the running

· The South African

The race for the R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July has taken a dramatic turn following a pivotal weekend of action that reshaped the complexion of South Africa’s premier horse racing event.

Visit betsport.cv for more information.

With the final supplementary entry deadline now passed, 29 horses remain in contention for a place in the prestigious 2 200m contest at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 4 July.

RELATED | The Impact of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award on Young Creatives

Strengthened his credentials

Topping the ante-post betting market at 3/1 is exciting three-year-old Star Major, who strengthened his credentials after winning the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 for trainer James Crawford.

He is followed by Note To Self (4/1), Wish List (5/1), Happy Verse (6/1), Regulation (8/1) and Legal Counsel (25/2) – all, incredibly, from the Justin Snaith yard.

South Africa’s richest race

According to the Sportingpost, the weekend also saw two new contenders enter the Durban July picture after being supplemented for the country’s richest race.

Trainer Mike de Kock added Aladdin’s Lamp to the field following his victory in the Grade 3 Jubilee Stakes, while Zeitz earned his place after landing the Grade 3 Cup Trial for Plattner Racing.

While new challengers emerged, several established names saw their Durban July hopes come to an end.

Among those withdrawn from contention were defending champion The Real Prince, as well as See It Again, Parisian Walkway, Aristotle, Grand Empire, Atticus Finch, JP’s Palace, Wild Intent, Fire Attack, Buster Barnes and Otto Luyken.

Fiercely contested renewal

The final Durban July field will comprise 18 runners, with two reserves also selected.

With just weeks remaining until South Africa’s biggest horse race, the latest developments have significantly altered the betting landscape, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested renewal of the iconic event.

Hollywoodbets Durban July latest entrant list

HorseMerit ratingTrainerAladdin’s Lamp110Mike / Mathew de KockChoisaanada121Erico VerdoneseChronicle King115Candice / Tammy DawsonCopper Eagle110Robyn KlaasenCurious Girl100Mike / Mathew de KockEnflame112Candice / Tammy DawsonField Marshal110Nathan KotzenGladitorian127Stuart FerrieHappy Verse119Justin SnaithHazy Dazy117Corne SpiesHolding Thumbs119Glen KotzenI Salute You113Peter MuscuttIsivivane108Peter MuscuttKing Pelles122Gareth van ZylLa Pugla105Candice BassLegal Counsel128Justin SnaithMinogue116Candice / Tammy DawsonMocha Blend117Frank RobinsonNative Ruler121Justin SnaithNote To Self118Justin SnaithOlivia’s Way114Roy MagnerRegulation106Justin SnaithShoot The Rapids117Nathan KotzenStar Major122James CrawfordTenpenny105Patrick KruyerThe Ultimate King117Tony PeterViva’s Liberte114Candice BassWish List117Justin SnaithZeitz110Andre Nel

Final supplementary entries can still be made by 11:00 on Monday, 15 June.

  • Weights: Monday, 15 June
  • Final declarations: by 11:00 on Monday, 22 June
  • Final field & draws: Tuesday, 23 June
  • Public gallops: Thursday, 25 June

Read full story at source