03-07-2025
July 5 Durban July form analysis
1 Oriental Charm
Last year's winner whose preparation run in the Gold Challenge was scintillating. Gets the best draw and has a huge chance of going back-to-back.
2 Madison Valley
Bounced right back to winning ways last time. He is a five-time winner and has a chance of finishing in the money.
3 On My Honour
Caught the eye last time when third to Madison Valley and has the form to be competitive. Strong place chance, but others are chosen for the win.
4 Atticus Finch
Is taking time for the next win but is packed with ability and class and needs to be respected. Expect a good effort.
5 The Real Prince
Is an interesting runner. His form is solid and if he stays the added trip, then can go very close to getting it all right. The neat draw will help. Respect and include.
6 Selukwe
Was an impressive winner of the 1,900m last time and caught the attention of many. His turn of foot is his biggest asset and if he were to win, it would be no shock at all. Good each-way claims.
7 Rainbow Lorikeet
Has solid form but others might be stronger. Others are preferred for the win, but she can certainly earn. Her run in the Woolavington 2000 was eye-catching. An outsider with a place chance.
8 Pomodoro's Jet
Has won his last three in fine fashion but against weaker and faces his toughest test to date. He gets a cozy draw but needs to raise his game to threaten here. Happy to ignore.
9 My Best Shot
Has a sparkling record from the Eastern Cape having won 10 races from 16 starts. He clearly is good and has talent but will find it tough against these. An outsider with a small place chance.
10 Immediate Edge
Interesting three-year-old who is showing huge potential for the de Kock team. He shows guts and determination in his races and could end up being anything. He is an exciting prospect and has an undeniable winning chance.
11 Eight On Eighteen
Is winning in the manner of a top horse. He is a top horse and his last victory was outstanding. The one to beat.
12 Purple Pitcher
Is taking time for the next victory and is a tad off form. He is capable of a good run but has become difficult to assess and predict. Small outside place chance at best, if things go his way.
13 Okavango
Is the each-way value in the race and has to be respected. He has acquitted himself well in some very tough races and has talent. Strong claims.
14 Confederate
Has absolutely no stamina doubts and is a big runner. His form is solid and he has a lively chance in this. Each-way chance.
15 See It Again
Is taking time to get the next win but he is packed with class and ability. He can build on his last run to Dave The King and can never be dismissed from any bets. Big run in store.
16 Gladatorian
Seems to have had a sparkling preparation coming into the Durban July and if he sees out the trip, he can be very competitive. Respect and include as the value for the places.
17 Royal Victory
Is running very well and is coming into the race off two excellent last runs. He ran a cracker last year and has a bright winning chance.
18 Native Ruler
Is never too far off the action but there are many that are selected to finish in front of him. He finished fourth behind Eight On Eighteen last time. Others are preferred.
RESERVES:
19 Litigation
Showed a form return last time but is taking a long time to win again. He would be a surprise winner if he gets into the race.
20 Son Of Raj
Is off form at the moment and will have to improve a lot on current form to feature in the finish. He is likely to be at huge odds and if he gets in, would be a shock winner. Happy to ignore.
Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
