Hollywoodbets Durban July: Just 24 remain in the running

Just 24 horses remain in the hunt to secure a starting berth in Africa’s greatest horserace, the Hollywoodbets Durban July to be run on Saturday, 6 July.

The final 20 runners, 18 participants and 2 reserve runners, will be announced on Tuesday, 25 June at an event that will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 3 (DSTV Channel 208), Gallop TV (www.galloptv.co.za) and Racing 240 (DSTV Channel 240) from 12:20.

Thereafter, connections of the top 18 horses will draw their respective starting stall positions.

With a number of recent scratchings of horses that were included in the final Hollywoodbets Durban July Log published on 11 June, there are a few horses looking to sneak into the final places of the top 18, for a crack at a share of the R5 million stakes on offer.

Meanwhile, race sponsors Hollywoodbets have updated their odds for next month’s race.

Dean Kannemeyer’s three-year-old colt Green With Envy is the current favourite at 33/10.

Michael Roberts’ star See It Again, who disappointed with a below-par run in the WSB Cape Town Met at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in late January when finishing fourth in a field of 11, is next best at 4/1.

Future Swing for Justin Snaith is at 6/1, followed by Oriental Charm from the Brett Crawford yard at 8/1.

Flag Man is available at 25/2, while Royal Victory is on offer at 14/1.

Defending champion Winchester Mansion can be backed at 16/1.

Stay glued to The South African website for the build-up to Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event.

HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY LATEST REMAINING ENTRIES:

Listed in order of merit rating

TIMELINE

The all-important announcement of the final field and barrier draws will be on Tuesday, 25 June.

Only 20 horses will be carded – 18 + 2 reserves. The reserves will be scratched by 08:15 on Friday, 5 July.

Elimination will be at the sole and unfettered discretion of Gold Circle.