We are now 48 hours away from the 129th edition of Africa’s greatest horse race, the Hollywoodbets Durban July to be held on Saturday, 5 July at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
The R5 million Grade 1 race over 2 200m is scheduled for 16:00.
The race was rocked by a late scratching on Tuesday morning when Michael Roberts’s See It Again was withdrawn due to an abnormal blood count.
See It Again was at the time of his scratching the joint fifth favourite at 16/1.
First reserve runner, Litigation, from the Sean Tarry yard has taken the place of See It Again and will jump from gate 15 with Grant van Niekerk aboard.
Prediction
So which horse will cross the line first – that’s the big question.
Eight On Eighteen from the Justin Snaith yard will be tough to beat if things go his way.
And that’s a big ‘if’.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July has thrown up a number of shock results, especially by horses drawn wide out.
Eight On Eighteen will be doing his best work late in the race. Whether he’s able to catch those horses who would have bolted from the gates nearest the rail, especially with Hollywoodbets Greyville’s short final straight, remains to be seen.
Defending champion Oriental Charm figures as the main danger and is drawn in pole position, but there are concerns over a lack of race fitness.
Those looking for outsiders and a bit of value shouldn’t look past, in no particular order, My Best Shot, Selukwe, Gladatorian and The Real Prince – if the distance doesn’t prove a factor.
TOP 5 FINISHERS
- Eight On Eighteen
- My Best Shot
- Selukwe
- Oriental Charm
- The Real Prince
Latest Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 odds
| Horse | Draw | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Eight on Eighteen | 11 | 14/10 |
| Oriental Charm | 1 | 7/1 |
| Immediate Edge | 10 | 7/1 |
| The Real Prince | 5 | 25/2 |
| On My Honour | 3 | 14/1 |
| Selukwe | 6 | 16/1 |
| Gladatorian | 16 | 16/1 |
| Madison Valley | 2 | 20/1 |
| My Best Shot | 9 | 25/1 |
| Royal Victory | 17 | 25/1 |
| Atticus Finch | 4 | 33/1 |
| Pomodoro’s Jet | 8 | 33/1 |
| Okavango | 13 | 33/1 |
| Confederate | 14 | 33/1 |
| Litigation | 15 | 40/1 |
| Purple Pitcher | 12 | 40/1 |
| Rainbow Lorikeet | 7 | 50/1 |
| Native Ruler | 18 | 50/1 |
| Reserve runner | ||
| Son Of Raj | SP |
Odds correct as at the time of publishing
Have you ever attended the Hollywoodbets Durban July?
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