Durban July Day – Saturday, 6th July 2024
A spectacular day of feature race action at Greyville begins at 11:45 am, featuring a twelve-race card headlined by the most famous race on the African continent, the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July.
TRACK DETAILS
- Turf: 2800m triangular-shaped circuit. All races clockwise round turn with 430m run-in.
- Poly: 2000m track inside the turf circuit. All races clockwise round turn with 440m run-in.
- Turf Draw: Low-number draws preferable, especially 1400m and 1600m.
- Poly Draw: Low-number draws slightly preferred, 1400m and 1600m.
WEATHER
- Sunny with 0% chance of rain, 22°C, 5-10 kph North Easterly Head Wind
GOING
- Good to Soft (Turf); Standard (Poly)
FALSE RAIL
- 2.5m Spur
SCHEDULE
- 12 Races, 11:45 am – 7:40 pm
WHAT TO BET?
Exotics
- Bi Pots, P A, Pick 6, Jackpots, quartets, and more.
Bookie Bets
- Straight wins, places, Doubles, Trebles, Yankees, and more.
Exclusive Specials
- Winning Margin, Matchplay, Top 2 vs Field; 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 Places, Winning Trainer, and Jockey Boosters.
FULL CARD PREVIEW
Race 1: TABGOLD FM 80 HANDICAP 1400m
- 5 LOCK AND KEY: Delivered an outstanding debut victory by 8.6 lengths. Although stepping up in class, she remains a strong contender with Richard Fourie continuing as the jockey.
- 8 VIHAAN’S QUEEN: A promising filly showing continuous improvement, having secured victories in 2 of her last 3 outings.
Race 2: OMODA MR 96 HANDICAP 1400m
- 10 WYZEACT: Demonstrating consistent form and poised for a competitive run.
- 5 IBUTHO: Coming off a solid win and well-positioned to perform strongly from draw 5.
Race 3: SPLASHOUT 2200 (Grade 3) 2200m
- 9 ATTICUS FINCH: Capable of competing with the best on his day, with Gavin Lerena’s engagement being a positive indicator.
- 14 HLUHLUWE: Listed as a reserve runner for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, he should be competitive in this field.
Race 4: DStv GOLD VASE (Grade 3) 3000m
- 6 ONE WAY TRAFFIC: A reliable stayer who enjoys this distance, finely tuned by Justin Snaith.
- 8 RAISEAHALLELUJAH: Another horse well-suited to the distance, with Richard Fourie aboard being a notable advantage.
Race 5: ZULU KINGDOM EXPLORER GOLDEN SLIPPER (Grade 2) 1400m
- 7 GIMMIE’S COUNTESS: Unlucky to finish 0.65 lengths behind last time due to traffic issues. Expected to be highly competitive here.
- 1 QUID PRO QUO: Continues to show improvement under jockey S’Manga Khumalo, having won her last 3 starts.
Race 6: DURBAN GOLDEN HORSESHOE (Grade 2) 1400m
- 10 GREAT PLAINS: Triumphed in his last 3 races, showcasing potential to become a superstar.
- 11 TRUTH: Dominated his first 2 career races and should be respected here with Gavin Lerena in the saddle.
Race 7: Hollywoodbets Durban July (Grade 1) 2200m
Race 8: RIDGEMONT GARDEN PROVINCE STAKES (Grade 1) 1660m
- 3 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM: Talented 3-year-old filly with impressive recent performances, marking her as the one to beat.
- 6 SILVER SANCTUARY: Another quality filly from Mike de Kock’s stable, known for excelling on major race days.
Race 9: POST MERCHANTS (Grade 2) 1200m
- 2 ROYAL AUSSIE: Despite not being a traditional sprinter, he possesses sufficient early speed to win here.
- 12 ANFIELDS ROCKET: Delivered an impressive performance last time out, finishing second. Expected to be highly competitive if repeating that form.
Race 10: COMPENDIUM INSURANCE BROKERS HANDICAP (Listed) 1600m
- 10 FORMAGEAR: Favors this distance and should be competitive with S’Manga Khumalo aboard.
- 13 NARINA TROGON: Frequently competes against top-tier horses but is well-matched in this field to show competitiveness.
Race 11: BRENTFORD FC PINNACLE STAKES (F & M) 1200m
- 2 SHANTASTIC: Has raced against stronger fields and should be competitive here despite carrying top weight.
- 12 BALTIC SECRET: Disregard her last start; previous form indicates she can be competitive. Expected to be running on strongly despite the wide draw.
Race 12: GAGASI FM – MR 90 HANDICAP 1000m
- 1 CHOCOLATE SOLDIER: Showed considerable speed when winning by 4 lengths last time. Well-positioned from draw 1 to be competitive here.
- 11 QUANDARY: In good form, having won 3 of his last 4 races. Despite the wide draw, he is expected to be competitive.
Words By Deshlin
