DURBAN — Sixty-one entries from 28 stables were received on Friday 25 April at the initial nomination stage for the 2025 R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July (Gr1) over 2200m on Saturday 5 July.

In pursuit of his sixth “July” victory, Champion trainer Justin Snaith leads the way with ten entries, including the multiple Grade1-winning 3-year-old Eight On Eighteen and the very progressive Okavango.

Eight On Eighteen is likely to follow the traditional WSB Guineas (Gr2)/Daily News (Gr1) pathway into the Hollywoodbets Durban July, while Okavango could be seen next in the World Sports Betting 1900 on 10 May.

Alec Laird has gone empty-handed since winning the 100th “July” with London News in 1996, but he has nominated the exciting Fire Attack, a 3-year-old son of Fire Away who landed his first Grade 1 success when taking out the Champions Challenge over 2000m at Turffontein last month.

Laird has also entered this season’s Betway Summer Cup (Gr1) winner Atticus Finch and Gauteng Guineas (Gr2) winner Parisian Walkway. With “July” success very much a Laird legacy – Alec’s father Syd won the race seven times between 1961 and 1978, while cousin Charles saddled the 2007 victor Hunting Tower – Alec will be keen to land the honours in the 129th renewal of Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event.

Brett and James Crawford are on a hat-trick, having won in 2023 with Winchester Mansion and last year with Oriental Charm, and the latter has been nominated to defend his crown. By the time race day comes around, James will be flying solo as father Brett will have left to take up his new challenge in Hong Kong.

Mike de Kock, now training in partnership with son Matthew, is also seeking his sixth “July” winner and the team holds five entries at this early stage, with the promising Immediate Edge possibly their leading contender.

It’s been more than a decade since Sean Tarry won back-to-back “July’s” with Pomodoro and Heavy Metal. He has entered the SA Derby (Gr1) winner Legend Of Arthur alongside last year’s runner-up Cousin Casey, who has been out of action for ten months. Let’s Go Now, Litigation and Hotarubi complete Tarry’s five entries and he will be hoping to make a serious bid for top honours come 5 July.

Tony Peter has entered The Equator (Ire), an imported son of Galileo who was formerly trained by the legendary Aiden O’Brien. The Equator won his maiden over 2000m and was runner-up in his last two starts before being exported to South Africa.

First Declarations: Monday 12 May 2025

First Supplementary Entries: Tuesday 13 May 2025

Full entry list for 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July

HORSE, AGE/SEX, MR, TRAINER

EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (3C) 127 Justin Snaith

SEE IT AGAIN (5G) 127 Michael Roberts

FIRE ATTACK (3C) 126 Alec Laird

ORIENTAL CHARM (4C) 125 Brett/James Crawford

ROYAL VICTORY (5G) 125 Nathan Kotzen

COUSIN CASEY (5H) 125 Sean Tarry

BARBARESCO (4G) 124 J A Janse van Vuuren

PURPLE PITCHER (4C) 123 Robyn Klaasen

GLADATORIAN (5G) 123 Stuart Ferrie

ATTICUS FINCH (5G) 121 Alec Laird

PARISIAN WALKWAY (3G) 121 Alec Laird

FIERY PEGASUS (3F) 119 Joe Soma

RED PALACE (4F) 119 Dean Kannemeyer

SPUMANTE DOLCE (3F) 119 Mike/Mathew de Kock

SON OF RAJ (5G) 119 Tony Peter

CONFEDERATE (3G) 118 Fabian Habib

THE REAL PRINCE (4G) 118 Dean Kannemeyer

PACAYA (6G) 118 Justin Snaith

POMODORO’S JET (6G) 118 Brett/James Crawford

LEGEND OF ARTHUR (3C) 117 Sean Tarry

FUTURE SWING (5G) 117 Justin Snaith

MADISON VALLEY (4G) 117 Frank Robinson

WILD INTENT (3G) 116 Lucky Houdalakis

BEATING WINGS (4F) 116 Stuart Pettigrew

MUCHO DINERO (5G) 115 Justin Snaith

MAGIC VERSE (4G) 114 Justin Snaith

WITHOUT QUESTION (5G) 114 Justin Snaith

LET’S GO NOW (4F) 113 Sean Tarry

LITIGATION (6G) 113 Sean Tarry

SAIL THE SEAS (3C) 112 Justin Snaith

OLIVIA’S WAY (3F) 112 Roy Magner

HOTARUBI (4G) 112 Sean Tarry

SHOOT THE RAPIDS (4G) 112 Frank Robinson

RAINBOW LORIKEET (4F) 111 Candice Bass-Robin

JOY AND PEACE (4F) 111 Alan Greeff

CAPE EAGLE (7G) 110 Andre Nel

THE EQUATOR (IRE) (4C) 110 Tony Peter

MARAUDING HORDE (4G) 108 Mike/Mathew de Kock

ON MY HONOUR (3G) 108 Glen Kotzen

HOLDING THUMBS (4G) 107 Glen Kotzen

MY SOUL MATE (4F) 107 Candice Dawson

INDIAN OCEAN (5M) 107 Mano Pandaram

NARINA TROGON (5G) 106 Michael Miller

THUNEE PLAYA (4C) 105 Mano Pandaram

SELUKWE (5G) 103 Andre Nel

I SALUTE YOU (3C) 103 Peter Muscutt

INFINITE WONDER (7G) 103 Mano Pandaram

NATIVE RULER (3G) 103 Justin Snaith

IMMEDIATE EDGE (3G) 101 Mike/Mathew de Kock

NAVAJO NATION (4G) 101 Weiho Marwing

REGENERATION (3F) 100 Robbie Hill

KAMENSKY (3G) 99 Roy Magner

WINTER GAMES (4G) 98 Michael Miller

CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL (4F) 98 Mike/Mathew de Kock

ZEITZ (3C) 97 Andre Nel

LA PULGA (3G) 96 Candice Bass-Robin

David Thiselton

The Championship Finale meeting on Saturday features four Gr 2s, two Gr 3s and a Listed event and is headlined by the Gr 2 R500,000 Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m.

Truth has shown class since day one and has come into his own in his last two starts over 1400m and 1100m respectively. The 1160m trip should be ideal and Muzi Yeni can use his speed to position him well from draw five out of nine. Pistol Pete has put in three fine performances over this course and distance and can use his pace to overcome a disadvantageous low draw. Chasing Happiness has a chance at the weights and is drawn on the right side. Mount Pilatus is in fine form and should be in the shake-up although a draw of three will be tricky. Taxi To The Moon was well beaten in the Gr 1 Computaform Sprint, but has an easier task here and could be involved. Chyavana is in fine form and is drawn on the right side, so is not out of it. Mrs. Browning is capable but has been off form. Melech has a disadvantageous low draw, but he has class and should be finishing strongly. Magic Tattoo is a capable sort and in an open race it would not be surprising if he finished in the money. 

The first race of the day is the Gr 3 Pretty Polly Stakes over 1,100 meters. Jingleberry made an eye-catching debut and under Gavin Lerena should be running on strongly. Draw one is a bit of a concern, although it is a small field of just six runners. One Fine Winter is drawn on the right side under Richard Fourie and comes off a good second in the SA Fillies Nursery. She should be right there. Glastonbury has class and can do better than she did in the SA Fillies Nursery when finishing 2,60 lengths behind One Fine Winter. Malibu won easily on debut and could be anything, although this is a much stronger field. Red Caramel has a lot to find. Tina Lovelace was well beaten in the SA Nursery, but could do better than that.

The second race is the Gr 3 Tab Protea Stakes over 1,100 meters and the SA Nursery winner Green Diamond could beat the boys again. Tin Pan Alley made a good winning debut and has Richard Fourie aboard, but he is drawn on the wrong side. King Harald has 4,5 lengths to make up on Green Diamond, but could possibly do better than that. Kaalvoet made a winning debut, but it was in an uninspiring field and this is a completely different proposition. Lava County was beaten two lengths by Tin Pan Alley on debut and is now 3kg better off. 

The third race is the listed Tab Gold Bowl over 3200m and the classy stayer My Soul Mate is well weighted here and is the one to beat under Richard Fourie. Battleground will relish the distance and if able to overcome a wide draw under S’Manga Khumalo could be a threat. Breeze Over is a dangerous front-running sort and has the ideal pole position draw to fulfill these tactics, provided he jumps well under a pilot who knows him well, Muzi Yeni. Twenty Drachma’s has always struck as one who should get better as he gets older and the best might not have been seen of him yet. To The Rescue is also a progressive sort, who could improve. 

In the Gr 2 Camellia Stakes over 1160m Gimme A Shot has speed and class and is drawn on the right side so could be the one to beat under Muzi Yeni. Mia Moo is in fine form and it would be no surprise if this classy sort won the race, but she does have a low draw of two to overcome, although Piere Strydom up will help her cause. Almond Sea is a speedy and classy sprinter but, but does have the problem of usually starting slowly, so from a favourable draw nine she might experience some traffic problems on the outside rail. Winter Greeting is full of ability, but does take a while to come to hand and her last start suggested she might be ready to produce her best here. Time Fo Orchids is capable of a strong finish and is drawn on the right side. Chrome Tourmaline is in good form and could defy the weights, which officially give her a hard task. 

In the Gr 2 Tab Igugu Stakes over 2000m Olivia’s Way put up a cracking performance in the Gr 1 TAB SA Derby and over an ideal trip here from a fair draw under Gavin Lerena looks to be the one to beat. World of Alice comes off a narrow runner up finish in the SA Oaks and is progressive, but might find this touch on the sharp side. None Other is a former SA Oaks winner and from pole position should be unwinding a good finish in the straight. Indian Ocean is a classy sort with a big stride and she goes well for Piere Strydom, so could be dangerous from a good draw of two. Beating Wings has plenty of ability and under Richard Fourie it would be no surprise to see her prevail.

In the Gr 2 TAB Colorado King Stakes over 2,000m Marauding Horde looked to be one who would come into his own as he got older and it looks to be his time to shine, so he is the one to beat from draw two over an ideal trip. Let’s Go Now is well weighted here and from a good draw should be finishing strongly under Richard Fourie. Hotarubi is full of ability, but is an enigmatic sort, so it all depends on his demeanour on the day. Infinite Wonder is distance suited and capable, but this is a second run after a one-and-a-half year layoff. Navajo Nation has always been facing strong fields and this easier task could see him earning.

RACE 1     

2 JINGLEBERRY 4 ONE FINE WINTER 1 GLASTONBURY 3 MALIBU

Preview: 2 JINGLEBERRY made an eye-catching debut and should be right there. 4 ONE FINE WINTER  beat Glastonbury in the S.A. Fillies Nursery and with Richard Fourie now up, could confirm the form.1 GLASTONBURY Glastonbury has a lot of class and speed, and from a middle draw could be right there. 3 MALIBU won easily on debut and could be anything, so is an interesting runner. (David Thiselton 2-4-1-3)

RACE 2     

4 GREEN DIAMOND 3 TIN PAN ALLEY 2 KING HARALD 1 KAALVOET

Preview: 4 GREEN DIAMOND won the S.A. Nursery in fine style and can confirm her class here, getting another gender allowance. 3 TIN PAN ALLEY won well on debut and could still be anything, but does have the tricky number one draw, although Richard Fourie is up. 2 KING HARALD was not disgraced in the S.A. Nursery, but does have 4,5 lengths to make up on Green Diamond. 1 KAALVOET won well on debut, but this is a much stronger field.  (David Thiselton 24-3-2-1)

RACE 3     

3 MY SOUL MATE 5 BATTLEGROUND 1 BREEZE OVER 8 TWENTY DRACHMA’S

Preview: 3 MY SOUL MATE is a classy stayer and with Richard Fourie up, looks the one to beat at the weights. 5 BATTLEGROUND is an out-and-out stayer and will relish the 3,200m trip, so could be in the shake-up.1 BREEZE OVER is a fine front-running sort, so has the ideal number one draw to fulfil these tactics and hopefully will get a good break. 8 TWENTY DRACHMA’S is a promising sort and he should be coming into his own. (David Thiselton 23-5-1-8)

RACE 4     

1 GIMME A SHOT 4 MIA MOO 7 ALMOND SEA 3 WINTER GREETING

Preview: 1 GIMME A SHOT has speed and class and at the weights and from a high draw could be the one to beat. 4 MIA MOO is full of speed and class and should be right there, although the low draw is a bit of a concern. 7 ALMOND SEA has a lot of speed, but does tend to start slowly, so from a high draw might experience some traffic problems. 3 WINTER GREETING should be reaching her peak and at her best, should be able to earn here with Richard Fourie up. (David Thiselton 21-4-7-3)

RACE 5     

6 OLIVIA’S WAY 7 WORLD OF ALICE 2 NONE OTHER 3 INDIAN OCEAN

Preview: 6 OLIVIA’S WAY ran a cracker in the SA Derby and back against her own gender here will be a force to be reckoned with over an ideal trip. 7 WORLD OF ALICE should also be in the shakeup, although she would probably prefer further than 2,000m.2 NONE OTHER  is a decent middle distance type and from draw 1 she could be in the shake-up.3 INDIAN OCEAN goes well for Piere Strydom and this classy sort will be dangerous from draw 2. (David Thiselton 26-7-2-3)

RACE 6     

2 MARAUDING HORDE 7 LET’S GO NOW 1 HOTARUBI 3 INFINITE WONDER

Preview: 2 MARAUDING HORDE has come into his own and should give a fine account of himself from a good draw. 7 LET’S GO NOW  has plenty of class and over an ideal trip should be in the shakeup.1 HOTARUBI is an enigmatic sort but can never be ignored because on his day he will be a big threat here. 3 INFINITE WONDER has some decent form and could earn here. (David Thiselton 23-7-1-3)

RACE 7     

4 TRUTH 3 PISTOL PETE 9 CHASING HAPPINESS 2 MOUNT PILATUS

Preview: 4 TRUTH is full of speed and class and from a middle draw is the one to beat.3 PISTOL PETE is also speedy and classy and with Richard Fourie up might be able to overcome a tricky draw of 2. 9 CHASING HAPPINESS has a fair chance here at the weights and can’t be underestimated, although it’s always difficult against the boys. 2 MOUNT PILATUS  is in fine form and should be in the shakeup, although he does have a tricky draw of 3. (David Thiselton 24-3-9-2)

RACE 8     

6 PRESLEY 8 PLAYER 10 MOUNT DARWIN 3 DOITWITHDIAMONDS

Preview: 6 PRESLEY should be at his peak and from pole position he should be finishing strongly. 8 PLAYER has a good draw here and has the ability to be in the shakeup.10 MOUNT DARWIN should be running on well from a good draw. 3 DOITWITHDIAMONDS is in fine form and should be running on as usual. (David Thiselton 26-8-10-3)

RACE 9     

7 VIBE SA 5 LONGSWORD 12 BLIZZARD SNOW 13 HEMISPHERE

Preview: 7 VIBE SA has come into his own and he should be able to rise above his current merit rating. 5 LONGSWORD has drawn well and should be finishing strongly. 12 BLIZZARD SNOW has the form to earn and Fourie could help overcome a lowish draw. 13 HEMISPHERE won well second time out in the Highveld and with Gavin Lerena up from a nice high draw he should be in the shakeup. (David Thiselton 7-5-12-13)

RACE 10    

1 OBSIDIAN 5 UNSOLVED RIDDLE 7 WRITTEN IN STONE 2 GOLDEN ASPEN

Preview: 1 OBSIDIAN looks to have plenty of ability and could be the one to beat off a 79 merit rating. 5 UNSOLVED RIDDLE brings some decent Cape Town form but does have a wide draw to overcome. 7 WRITTEN IN STONE is a gallant 9 year old who seldom lets the side down.2 GOLDEN ASPEN  is capable of being in the shakeup from a good draw. (David Thiselton 21-5-7-2)

RACE 11    

3 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT 2 SAKHALA IS’CATHULO 12 JET CAT 5 PRIZED PLATINUM

Preview: 3 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT has the form to be involved in the finish. 2 SAKHALA IS’CATHULO is drawn on the right side and has the ability to be right there. 12 JET CAT is still competitive at age 9 and has drawn well.5 PRIZED PLATINUM  is in fine form and should be in the shakeup with Andrew Fortune up. (David Thiselton 3-2-12-5)

Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Chepstow, Perth and Sandown (UK) – 25 April 2025

Persistent rainfall continues in KZN, with Hollywoodbets Greyville recording a further 32mm in the past two days (total for April: 190.5mm).

Today’s pen reading at 13:00, 32 (heavy), with some areas reaching 46. With more heavy showers expected tonight through to tomorrow evening, Gold Circle has postponed the race meeting scheduled at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday, 25 April to Monday, 28 April 2025.

Revised race times to follow.