Justin Snaith chases sixth Durban July winner after Eight On Eighteen drawn promising stall 11

IOL News

9 hours ago

South African champion racehorse trainer Justin Snaith will be in the hunt for his sixth Hollywoodbets Durban July winner. | RACE COAST
As South Africa's champion trainer, Justin Snaith, chases his sixth July win, one of his entries Eight On Eighteen, has secured a promising stall eleven draw, something that could significantly influence the horse's chances of claiming victory in this prestigious event.
Eight On Eighteen, the Drakenstein-bred son of the late War Front champion, Lancaster Bomber, features prominently in a competitive 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July field of 18 horses for Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, July 5.
The anticipation surrounding the Hollywoodbets Durban July is palpable as the big day on Saturday, July 5, draws nearer.
Featured prominently among the top contenders is the Justin Snaith-trained Eight On Eighteen, who has secured a promising stall eleven draw—something that could significantly influence the horse's chances of claiming victory in this prestigious event.
However, Snaith's other two entries were not as fortunate in the draw. Okavango will have to navigate from stall thirteen, while Native Ruler faces the challenge of the widest barrier, stall eighteen.
This year's Durban July will have female representation in the event. Rainbow Lorikeet, trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, is the sole female runner this year, contrasting with last year's notable absence of female competitors.
While Eight On Eighteen's draw may seem advantageous, his handler Richard Fourie, who is eyeing a fourth win in this iconic race, must carefully manage the early stages, particularly in avoiding being boxed in among the wide field.
In a surprising twist, veteran jockey Andrew Fortune, at the age of 58, could make history if he guides Okavango to victory, potentially becoming the oldest July-winning jockey, surpassing Piere Strydom's record set in 2016.
The draw luck varied among other competitors as well. The powerful duo of Royal Victory and See It Again are grappling with tougher positions; Royal Victory will launch from draw 17 while See It Again faces the challenges of draw 15, which is known to be unfavourable for horses that tend to start slowly.
Meanwhile, local owner Grant Cornwall expressed satisfaction with his horse Atticus Finch's excellent draw of four.
Rainbow Lorikeet's assistant trainer, Terry Fripp, was overjoyed with the ideal draw of seven—a number he cherishes. Both Glen Kotzen and S'Manga Khumalo celebrated the favourable draw of three for On My Honour.
Last year's champion, Oriental Charm, elicited cheers for drawing pole position, yet some suggest this may impose a burden of early energy expenditure. Nevertheless, owner Greg Bortz remains optimistic about the draw's potential, especially with the horse's remarkable gate speed.
The stakes are high not just for the horses and their connections but also for viewers who relish the excitement of each race, knowing that positions drawn can often dictate fortune on the track.
The only uncertainty that remains is how the dynamics of the draw will play out as they thunder down the last furlong.