Riding the Wave: A Preview of the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July
The 2024 Durban July (Grade 1) is set for Saturday, July 6th, at Greyville Racecourse, featuring 18 of South Africa’s finest horses, plus 2 reserve runners ready to step in if needed. With a substantial R5 million purse and coveted bragging rights on the line, every horse, trainer, jockey, and owner will be eager to etch their names in history. While no horse can be discounted in this prestigious event, here are the main contenders:
Last year’s winner, 9 WINCHESTER MANSION, is priced at 18/1 to defend his title. Trainer Brett Crawford decided against a prep run, with Winchester Mansion’s last outing being an impressive second in the WORLD POOL PREMIER’S CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE (Grade 1) in April. Jockey Kabelo Matsunyane will ride.. Meanwhile, 10 SEE IT AGAIN, the narrow runner-up last year, is priced at 9/2 to claim victory this time. Trained by Michael Roberts and ridden by Piere Strydom, See It Again showed good form with a third-place finish in the GOLD CHALLENGE (Grade 1), promising a strong performance with his usual powerful finish. Roberts will be aiming to complete the Durban July double as both a jockey and trainer.
5 GREEN WITH ENVY, trained by Dean Kannemeyer, leads the betting at 5/1. After winning the DAILY NEWS 2000 (Grade 1) and WORLD SPORTS BETTING GUINEAS (Grade 2), he is a strong contender. Jockey Craig Zackey, riding from draw 5, has the option to adopt a more forward racing position.. 17 FLAG MAN, trained by G van Zyl (Jnr) and ridden by Serino Moodley, is an intriguing runner at 14/1, having finished a close second to Green With Envy in the Daily News 2000. 2 BARBARESCO had an unlucky run in the same race, unable to find a gap in the closing stages. Top jockey Gavin Lerena will cut weight to ride at 53.5kg, making Barbaresco an appealing option at 20/1.
1 ROYAL VICTORY, trained by Nathan Kotzen and ridden by crowd favorite Muzi Yeni, will have significant support. Winner of the WORLD POOL PREMIER’S CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE (Grade 1) and BETWAY SUMMER CUP (Grade 1), Royal Victory starts from draw 1 and offers value at 11/1.
The race’s pace is expected to be dictated by 11 ORIENTAL CHARM, a front-runner trained by Brett Crawford and ridden by Juan Paul V’D Merwe. Carrying 53kg, Oriental Charm, priced at 9/1, could lead the pack and hold on in the final 400m.
Record-breaking jockey Richard Fourie will ride the Justin Snaith-trained 4 FUTURE SWING, currently at 8/1. Future Swing’s impressive victory in the WORLD SPORTS BETTING 1900 (Grade 2) and Fourie’s stellar form this season make him a strong contender.
12 SON OF RAJ, priced at 28/1, recently joined A P Peter’s stable and finished third in the JUBILEE STAKES (Grade 3).. With more time under Peter’s guidance, Son of Raj is expected to show improvement and run strongly under jockey Calvin Habib.
S’Manga Khumalo, a beloved jockey, will ride Sean Tarry’s 15 COUSIN CASEY, who has found renewed vigor in his racing. With well-executed prep runs, Cousin Casey represents value at 25/1.
Finally, 16 DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE, the WORLD SPORTS BETTING CAPE TOWN MET (Grade 1) winner from Justin Snaith’s yard, will be ridden by Daniel Muscutt. Despite being lightly raced, Double Superlative, priced at 40/1, is expected to finish strongly, making him a valuable addition to any quartet bet.
With such a competitive field, the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July promises to be an exhilarating race, with every participant striving to make history.
Selections
10 SEE IT AGAIN 11/2
15 COUSIN CASEY 25/1
1 ROYAL VICTORY 11/1
11 ORIENTAL CHARM 9/1
CLICK HERE TO BET ON THE DURBAN JULY
Words by Deshlin, prices subject to change
