Spectators look on during last year's Durban July. Picture: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
It’s Hollywoodbets Durban July week, so it’s time to gaze into the Greyville crystal ball and weigh up the runners’ prospects.
[Warning to readers: this author might think he knows something about the gee-gees, but he has been known to occasionally be very wrong.]
Grade 1, R5m, 2200m, 4pm 1 July [number & draw, horse’s name, (trainer), weight, jockey, odds @ 26.6.23]
1 BLESS MY STARS (Sean Tarry) 52kg Athandiwe Mgudlwa 55-1
She will need divine intervention. One of four fillies in the line-up.
2 WITHOUT QUESTION (Justin Snaith) 54.5kg Richard Fourie, 8-1
A teeny question or two, actually, but he is the choice of the form jockey, so might well be the answer we’re looking for.
3 TIME FLIES (Brett Crawford) 55kg Luy Mxothwa, 55-1
Great eachway value bet. Highly consistent filly, good draw, excellent jockey … time’s up!
4 WINCHESTER MANSION (Brett Crawford) 53kg Kabelo Matsunyane 11-2
Desirable address attracting lots of betting money. Removal of bollocks in May saw him move from a modest bungalow to the mansion of his moniker – but is it too soon for a step up to the palace?
READ MORE: Nail-biting over heavily backed July candidate Winchester Mansion
5 BILLY BOWLEGS (Alec Laird) 53.5kg Sean Veale 50-1
Don’t be silly.
6 DO IT AGAIN (Justin Snaith) 57kg Gavin Lerena 33-1
Living legend tackles a record sixth July. Two-time champ, three times placed.
7 SEE IT AGAIN (Michael Roberts) 56.5kg Piere Strydom 4-1
Closely related to Do It Again – in blood and talent. Roberts and Strydom, icons of the game, team up. There’s something special in the air.
8 SILVER DARLING (Justin Snaith) 55kg JP van der Merwe 55-1
Not now, darling.
9 SON OF RAJ (Weiho Marwing) 53kg Muzi Yeni 14-1
Pros: crafty trainer, good jockey, light weight, decent draw. Cons: class doubts.
10 DAVE THE KING (Mike de Kock) 55.5kg Craig Zackey 14-1
Brilliant public gallop. Showing race improvement. Unexposed for a July runner but can’t be ignored.
ALSO READ: Muis and Striker get their draw – and an auspicious number
11 PUERTO MANZANO (Johan Janse van Vuuren) 58kg Keagan de Melo 22-1
The King of Turffontein. A short Greyville straight and the usual July rough-and-tumble can catch out a big galloper.
12 PACAYA (Justin Snaith) 53kg Grant van Niekerk 10-1
Dark horse. Feathery weight and he could be peaking after gelding.
13 SECOND BASE (Robyn Klaasen) 56.5kg Chase Maujean 80-1
Not even first base.
14 SAFE PASSAGE (Mike de Kock) 58kg Christophe Soumillon 8-1
International superstar jockey flies out for a July date with last year’s third-placed finisher. Chuck in the master trainer and there’s a compelling case.
15 RASCALLION (Vaughan Marshall) 57.5kg Corne Orffer 18-1
He’s had his chances.
16 TRIP OF FORTUNE (Candice Bass-Robinson) 60kg Aldo Domeyer 55-1
Brilliant miler, but 2200m from a wide draw is a known unknown.
READ MORE: Trip of Fortune a surprise Durban July late entry
17 RAIN IN HOLLAND (Sean Tarry) 56.5kg S’Manga Khumalo 18-1
Triple Tiara heroine has what it takes.
18 POMP AND POWER (Justin Snaith) 58kg Bernard Fayd’Herbe 22-1
Wild thing. Calm and relaxed, a sweetie. In party mode, not so much.
19 NEBRAAS
Distance too sharp.
20 JIMMY DON
Would be an upset for the ages.
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.