Latest news with #CapeTownMet
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Here's to a Royal Victory at Durban July
Blinkers fitted this year and a big run is expected by the connections. Racing on the Highveld this weekend will take place on the Standside track at Turffontein on Sunday. But before we get on to that card, there is racing on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Greyville and it's the greatest of them all on the South African racing calendar. The day is headlined by the Durban July, a race that many stakeholders dream of winning, a race that is categorised by many as the pinnacle of horseracing in this country and a race I want to win most of all. This year is an intriguing contest with superstar Eight On Eighteen the horse we all have to beat. This sensational horse has already won three Grade 1 races – the Cape Town Met, the Cape Derby and the Daily News – but this will be one of the greatest achievements for a three-year-old if he manages to pull off victory in this race. I do believe he has so much in his favour, and while he carries a very heavy weight for a three-year-old, his preparation has been flawless and I think whatever beats him will win. ALSO READ: Royalty will reign tomorrow, says sangoma I ride Royal Victory in the race, and I am absolutely thrilled with how he has come along and how he is doing. We are running him in blinkers this time and if this sharpens him up, I'll be very disappointed if I'm not in the money. Immediate Edge has had a lovely prep into the race, winning the Grade 3 Jubilee Stakes convincingly. He is still unexposed and with the expected natural improvement, he has to be a massive runner. Selukwe won the Greyville 1900 really well and in a manner that suggests he will love the step up in trip again, and if that is the case, he is a horse that must go into wider bets. ALSO READ: Does Eight On Eighteen have the edge at Durban July? For the rest of my rides, I like the look of Truth, who comes up in Race 9. He is one of my better rides on the day and my value bet as well. I think the course and distance will suit him down to the ground and I am ecstatic with my draw. In Race 1, I think I have a big chance on She's A Machine. She is a filly who has run some good races off bad draws and I'm expecting to be right there at the finish. Ahead Of The Facts is one of my very light rides, and the race is ideal for horses with light weights, so he could be anything, and I'll be hoping for a good run. I would like to make mention of the Grade 1 Garden Province, where I ride White Pearl who is a very good filly. I get to jump from a good draw, and I'll be hoping she is able to run into the money. However, my best bet on the card comes up here in the form of Double Grand Slam. She was extremely unlucky last time out and we all know how good she is, so all things being equal, she will prove a very hard filly to beat. Overall, it promises to be a superb day of racing and I'm thoroughly looking forward to it. ALSO READ: James Crawford: Cracking the Durban July code Now, on to Sunday's card, and while I won't be riding at the meeting, I'll hopefully guide our followers in the right direction. Race 1 is a Juvenile Plate for fillies over 1400m and I think Eight Hats is the horse they all have to beat. Her last start was an outstanding run in a Grade 1 where she finished the race off extremely well, suggesting she will love the step up in trip and she sets the standard. Alta Capitana ran a really good race post her debut win to suggest she is well above average and rates the main danger. Open Sesame ran a lovely race on debut and off a good draw, a very decent run can be expected. Race 2 is a Juvenile Plate over 1400m and my best bet on the card comes up in the form of Shadowfax. I believe this is a top-class sort and although there was less than a length between him and Jan Van Goyen last time out, I firmly believe there was lots in the tank and I'll be surprised if he gets beaten. In saying that, Jan Van Goyen is a classy horse too and he still rates the main danger. Radio Star is a maiden and he clearly has lots of ability, but he will have to improve even more to beat the top two. Blizzard Quest won a good race after gelding but this is much tougher and further improvement will be required to feature. Race 3 is a Pinnacle Stakes over 1600m and it is a small but very competitive field. Fire 'N Flames is the horse I think they all have to beat. He drops drastically in class after a decent effort in the Grade 1 Gold Challenge and a repeat of that will see him prove hard to beat. Radicchio was disappointing in his last start, but on his previous efforts he is one of the main contenders and must be included in all bets. Wecangoallnight is having his third run after a rest and should be cherry ripe for a massive run and another that must go into all bets. Race 4 is a Novice Handicap over 1000m and I think two-year-old Constellation will take all the beating. He looks to be well above average and I believe he could very well be better than rated, so he is the one to beat. Hemisphere ran a really good race last week and if able to back up that quickly, then he is the main danger. It's Personal was disappointing last time out but has some good form to his name and can win a race of this nature. Race 5 is a Pinnacle Stakes over 1100m and it's another quality field on the day. Chasing Happiness is a high-class filly who ran a super race in the Grade 1 last time out and a repeat of that form, as well as her previous win (Grade 2 race) will see her prove hard to beat. Whistle The Tune wasn't far behind her in a Grade 1 last time out and is better off at the weights. She is also the best-weighted horse in the race and that makes her the main danger. Taxi To The Moon returns after a small break but I've always believed he is better than rated, and with the blinkers now fitted, which could make all the difference, he is one for larger bets. Quantum Theory ran a lovely race last time out when touched off by a very classy sort who runs on Saturday (Buffalo Storm Cody) and a repeat of that will see him as one of the main contenders. Race 6 is a Classified Stakes over 1800m and my value bet on the card comes up in the form of War Reporter. This gelding ran a really good race last time out and looked like he could come through to run a massive race when just fading out the last bit. I think the drop back in trip will suit and this is a perfect opportunity for him to get another win under his belt. Futurewolff is a very consistent sort who has the ability to be very competitive at this level and with Gavin Lerena taking the ride, he looks to be the main danger. Rosy Lemon is the second-best-weighted horse in the race (behind Red Sparrow) and gets a lovely No 3 draw, so she rates a definite runner and one who must be respected. Race 7 is the Grade 3, 4Racing Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m and Choisaanada is bidding to become the first horse to win the Winter Series after being victorious in the first two legs. This is, however, his toughest task and although I expect him to run a massive race, I can't see him beating Fire Attack. ALSO READ: Laird launches attack at G3 Sea Cottage Stakes Fire Attack is one of the best three-year-olds in the country and comes into this race 4kg better than the next best weighted horse. If he is close to peak fitness after a small break then he'll be very hard to beat and is a banker in all bets. Musical Score ran a decent race in the Jubilee Stakes last time out and prior to that, he was in unreal form. He is the second-best-weighted horse and rates the main danger. Kamensky and Pumpkin Pie are others to include if you choose to go wider. Race 8 is a Classified Stakes over 1400m and Red Amber is a very interesting runner, considering she's a two-year-old filly taking on older horses, including males. This will not be an easy task but she could be much better than rated and I think she could be the horse to beat. Laughing William could provide some value now that he goes back around the bend and off a good draw, so he must go into all bets. Guerilla Warfare will enjoy the Standside track and must be included in all bets. Alabama Anna jumps from a wide stall, but she is the best-weighted runner and must still be respected. BEST BET Race 2 No 4 Shadowfax VALUE BET Race 6 No 2 War Reporter PICK 6 R720 Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Leg 2: 2, 3, 4 Leg 3: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8 Leg 4: 2 Leg 5: 1, 2 Leg 6: 2, 3, 4, 7
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
BLOGGING THE VIEW: Fierce contenders and fashion at this year's Durban July
BLOGGING THE VIEW: Fierce contenders and fashion at this year's Durban July The thundering hooves, roaring crowds, and array of high fashion will once again take over Durban's Greyville Racecourse this Saturday, 5 July, for the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July. With a R5-million purse, the field is packed with elite thoroughbreds, with this year's race promising to be one for the history books. 1. The favourite Topping the charts in this year's race is Eight of Eighteen, the three-year-old colt from trainer Justin Snaith's stable and ridden by champion jockey Richard Fourie. Coming in at 14/10 odds, this horse has been virtually unstoppable in 2025, boasting wins at the Cape Town Met, the SplashOut Cape Derby, and the Daily News 2000. His entry into the Durban July was the subject of speculation, with some concern over the hefty 57kg weight, the heaviest for a three-year-old since Abashiri in 2016. But with a decent draw of 11 and momentum like no other, Eight of Eighteen is primed to make history as the first three-year-old to win both the Cape Town Met and the Durban July in the same year. 2. The challenger Last year's winner, Oriental Charm, is not backing down. Trained by James Crawford and piloted by JP van der Merwe, he's drawn pole position (Gate 1) with 11/2 odds. While he finished seventh in the King's Plate earlier this year, he bounced back with solid second-place finishes in both the Cape Town Met and the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge. 3. Rising star Coming in at 7/1 odds, Immediate Edge – who is trained by Mike and Mathew de Kock – is a serious contender. With four wins from six starts and carrying a light 53kg, the three-year-old colt will be ridden by Callan Murray. However, he's untested at sea level, with all victories coming at Turffontein, adding a layer of mystery to his race-day prospects. 4. Other horses to watch · See It Again: Trained by Michael Roberts and racing in the same colours as Eight of Eighteen, he's making his third appearance, following a second-place in 2023 and an unlucky fifth in 2024 · The Real Prince: With a win at the Jet Master Stakes and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, this horse drew gate five and is expected to show up strong · Atticus Finch: Trained by Alec Laird and winner of the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup, he enters from gate four and will be one to watch · Confederate: A promising entry for trainer Fabian Habib, this gelding has never placed lower than second and will be ridden by Warren Kennedy · Rainbow Lorikeet: The only filly in the race, this classy contender from Candice Bass Robinson's stable drew well at gate seven 5. Fashion from the 'Marvels of Mzansi' While the turf sets the stage for equine excellence, the Hollywoodbets Durban July is also the runway for the fashion elite. This year's theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi' will ignite creative brilliance. Audiences can look out for: · Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars · Top 10 Young Designer Award finalists · Invited designers, including crowd favourite Khosi Nkosi · Gateway's heavyweights like Boss, Fabiani, Forever New, and YDE If you can't make it to Greyville, SuperSport on DStv offers a front-row seat to all the action, from the heart-racing finishes to the head-turning outfits. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Betting guide: Favourites, form and what to expect at the Durban July
Eight of Eighteen is the favourite to take top honours at this weekend's running of the Durban July at Greyville Racecourse. In an update, See It Again has been scratched and has been replaced by reserve Litigation. All eyes will be on the three-year-old colt, trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by champion jockey Richard Fourie, as he heads into the R5 million Durban July on the back of some impressive results. Eight of Eighteen, who comes in at 14/10 to win on Saturday, came out tops at the prestigious Cape Town Met in January, and again at the SplashOut Cape Derby a month later. And for good measure, the young colt was also victorious in the Daily News 2000 in Durban. Sail The Seas, the only horse to beat Eight of Eighteen this year, will not be in Durban. Oriental Charm, the winner from last year, is expected to give Eight of Eighteen a run for his money, coming in at 11/2 to take top honours.
New Paper
02-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Eight On Eighteen aims to be No.1 of 18
DURBAN Trainer Justin Snaith and owners Nick Jonsson and Johann Rupert have taken the plunge. Their star colt Eight On Eighteen heads the list of 18 runners for the Grade 1 five million rand (S$360,000) Hollywoodbets Durban July to be run over 2,200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on July 5. The field announcement and barrier draw took place at a glittering function in the Hollywoodbets Greyville parade ring where Eight On Eighteen drew 11. The son of Lancaster Bomber will make history should he win and become the first three-year-old to win the Grade 1 WSB Cape Town Met (2,000m) and the Durban July in the same year. All the signs are good with current South African champion jockey Richard Fourie hunting his fourth July win and Snaith his sixth. Eight On Eighteen's victory in the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 on May 24 was breathtaking as he made short work of many of the country's top three-year-olds. He was equally impressive in this year's Cape Town Met on Jan 25 when he took on and beat the country's top older horses at weight-for-age. The five-time winner has been set to carry top weight for a three-year-old male in 57kg, the highest since Abashiri lumped 59kg into 13th place behind The Conglomerate in 2016. While Eight On Eighteen is likely to start one of the shortest-priced favourites in the long history of the race, he will not be short of opposition. Current second favourite is last year's winner Oriental Charm, who goes into this year's race off an exceptional prep. The Vercingetorix five-year-old was beaten half-a-length by Eight On Eighteen in the Cape Town Met and now meets his younger rival on 5.5kg better terms. In his comeback run, he was touched off a head in the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1,600m by reigning Equus Horse of the Year, Dave The King, on June 7. It would be an emotional win for James Crawford, who recently took over his father's string with Brett soon to ply his trade in Hong Kong. See It Again races in the same Jonsson pink, green and white silks as Eight On Eighteen and has his third attempt after finishing second to Winchester Mansion two years back and fifth last year behind Oriental Charm. Piere Strydom has been replaced in the irons by Raymond Danielson as Michael Roberts tries for a win as a jockey and trainer. Stuart Ferrie sends out his first July runner in the hard-knocking Gladatorian. A fast-finishing third behind Dave The King and Oriental Charm in the Gold Challenge, he tries the July 2,200m trip for the first time. Also by Vercingetorix, Gladatorian is a horse with a smart turn of foot and will be charging at the leaders come the home straight. Another one who likes to charge late is The Real Prince. Dean Kannemeyer knows what it takes to train a July winner, successful with Dynasty, Eyeothetiger and Power King. The Real Prince has been brought along quietly and is sure to peak on the day. Royal Victory will have his supporters as Nathan Kotzen's charge has also had an ideal preparation. A winner of the Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup (2,000m) and the Grade 1 Champions Challenge (2,000m) at Turffontein last season, he finished third in the July last year behind Oriental Charm. He was doing his best work late behind Dave The King in a warm-up over 1,500m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last start and will strip at his peak. He has drawn 17. Highveld raiders are a little thin on the ground this year but their best chance could lie with Confederate. Relatively lightly raced by Fabian Habib, Confederate has won four of his nine starts but has never finished further back than second. The Fire Away four-year-old won the Grade 1 SA Classic (1,800m) on March 1, beating subsequent Champions Challenge winner Fire Attack and will be ridden by two-time South African and current New Zealand champion jockey Warren Kennedy who has made the trip to ride in the race. Champion trainer Mike de Kock boasts a stellar record in this race and has now joined forces with his son Mathew. They have their first July runner together in the three-year-old and recent Grade 3 Jubilee Stakes (1,800m) winner Immediate Edge. He carries bottom weight for a three-year-old male of 53kg and has won four of his six starts to-date. He has drawn alongside Eight On Eighteen in gate 10. Snaith has two other runners in the race, namely Okavango and Native Ruler while Alec Laird pins his hopes on Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup winner Atticus Finch. GOLD CIRCLE
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Durban July 2025 betting guide: Favourites, form and what to expect at Greyville
Get ready for the Durban July Last year's champion, Oriental Charm, has already emerged as one of the early favourites for the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July. Photo: Gold Circle Image: Gold Circle Eight of Eighteen is the favourite to take top honours at this weekend's running of the Durban July at Greyville Racecourse. All eyes will be on the three-year-old colt, trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by champion jockey Richard Fourie, as he heads into the R5 million Durban July on the back of some impressive results. Eight of Eighteen, who comes in at 14/10 to win on Saturday, came out tops at the prestigious Cape Town Met in January, and again at the SplashOut Cape Derby a month later. And for good measure, the young colt was also victorious in the Daily News 2000 in Durban. Sail The Seas, the only horse to beat Eight of Eighteen this year, will not be in Durban. Oriental Charm, the winner from last year, is expected to give Eight of Eighteen a run for his money, coming in at 11/2 to take top honours. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. While Eight of Eighteen will be the name on everyone's lips on Saturday, punters shouldn't take their eyes off Oriental Charm, as his form going into this weekend is better than when he came out tops last year. After a disappointing seventh place at the King's Plate in Kenilworth, the JP van der Merwe-ridden Oriental Charm earned two second-place finishes at the Cape Town Met and the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge in Durban. What's shaping up is a thrilling head-to-head between the rising star and the proven champion. With Eight of Eighteen riding the momentum of a good 2025, and Oriental Charm hungry to reclaim his crown after coming close in recent starts, Saturday's race is expected to deliver fireworks down the final stretch at Greyville. At 7/1 odds, Immediate Edge, who will be ridden by Callan Murray, should also be in the conversation come Saturday. He heads into the July on the back of four wins. But with all of his races having taken place at Turffontein this year, it remains to be seen if racing at sea level will have an impact on his day. Five-year-old See It Again and The Real Prince, aged four, round out the top five at 25/2 and 14/1 odds. The Michael Roberts-trained See It Again will be out to recapture some magic from 2023 when he won a number of races and finished second in the Durban July. The Real Prince, winner at the City of Cape Town Jet Master Stakes at Kenilworth, will also be keen to make a splash. Durban July 2025 – Runners List and odds according to Hollywoodbets 1. EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (11) Odds: 14/10 Mass: 57.0 kg Jockey: R. Fourie Trainer: J. Snaith 2. ORIENTAL CHARM (1) Odds: 11/2 Mass: 60.0 kg Jockey: J. P. van der Merwe Trainer: J. Crawford 3. IMMEDIATE EDGE (10) Odds: 7/1 Mass: 53.0 kg Jockey: C. Murray Trainer: M/M de Kock 4. SEE IT AGAIN (15) Odds: 25/2 Mass: 60.0 kg Jockey: R. Danielson Trainer: M. Roberts 5. THE REAL PRINCE (5) Odds: 14/1 Mass: 56.5 kg Jockey: C. Zackey Trainer: D. Kannemeyer 6. GLADATORIAN (16) Odds: 16/1 Mass: 60.0 kg Jockey: S. Veale Trainer: S. Ferrie 7. SELUKWE (6) Odds: 16/1 Mass: 54.0 kg Jockey: S. Moodley Trainer: A. Nel 8. ROYAL VICTORY (17) Odds: 20/1 Mass: 59.0 kg Jockey: M. Yeni Trainer: N. Kotzen 9. OKAVANGO (13) Odds: 20/1 Mass: 54.5 kg Jockey: A. Fortune Trainer: J. Snaith 10. ATTICUS FINCH (4) Odds: 25/1 Mass: 57.0 kg Jockey: C. Habib Trainer: A. Laird 11. CONFEDERATE (14) Odds: 25/1 Mass: 53.5 kg Jockey: W. Kennedy Trainer: F. Habib 12. NATIVE RULER (18) Odds: 33/1 Mass: 54.0 kg Jockey: T. Godden Trainer: J. Snaith 13. MADISON VALLEY (2) Odds: 33/1 Mass: 54.0 kg Jockey: G. Lerena Trainer: F. Robinson 14. MY BEST SHOT (9) Odds: 33/1 Mass: 53.0 kg Jockey: C. Maujean Trainer: A. Greeff 15. ON MY HONOUR (3) Odds: 33/1 Mass: 53.0 kg Jockey: S. Khumalo Trainer: G. Kotzen 16. PURPLE PITCHER (12) Odds: 50/1 Mass: 57.5 kg Jockey: K. Matsunyane Trainer: R. Klaasen 17. POMODORO'S JET (8) Odds: 50/1 Mass: 55.5 kg Jockey: A. Mgudlwa Trainer: J. Crawford 18. RAINBOW LORIKEET (7) Odds: 50/1 Mass: 53.0 kg Jockey: D. De Gouveia Trainer: C. Bass-Robinson IOL Sport
