Graeme Hawkins

With the rain having eased over the past few days, and the sun predicted to make a welcome appearance over Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today, the 10-race programme is confidently expected to go off without a hitch this afternoon. The R165 000 Perfectly Placed A Stakes over 1500m, the eighth race on the card, tops the bill in which Sugar Mountain rates a confident first choice and it would come as something of a surprise if Candice Bass-Robinson’s 6yo son of Silvano did not complete a hat-trick of victories.

Sugar Mountain is very much at home on a soft track, loves the Winter course and is ideally distance suited. At the weights he has his ten rivals safely held and Aldo Domeyer has ridden Sugar Mountain to six of his ten career victories. Last time out, a month ago, Sugar Mountain took the honours by half-a-length over Magic Verse with Seeking The Stars a well-beaten third. Magic Verse is absent today, but Seeking The Stars re-opposes on the same terms and has more than three lengths to find with Sugar Mountain. 

A bigger threat could be Promettere who finished a remote fourth behind Sugar Mountain on 12 June, but the 5yo son of Pomodoro has had a race in between when running on strongly to finish a short head behind Please Be True, conceding the winner six kilograms. Richard Fourie has again been booked to partner Promettere and while past form suggests he should not trouble Sugar Mountain, there is every chance he could get a lot closer today. Vaughan Marshall also saddles Coastal Commander and the 4yo son of Lancaster Bomber has been refitted with blinkers for the first time since finishing unplaced in the Jet Master Stakes, won in February by Hollywoodbets Durban July hero, The Real Prince. He shapes up as a very unlikely winner but could be in the mix for minor money along with Billy Bowlegs and The Grey King.

While we all accept there is no such thing as a “racing certainty”, it is very difficult to oppose Sugar Mountain on current form and he shapes up as a banker in all exotic bet permutations.

The first race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1600m, is due off at 11:35 and the Marshall-trained Better Man will be a popular choice. In his penultimate start, Better Man finished second behind the useful Pay The Palace and then subsequently took third spot behind Randolph Hearst – strong enough form to suggest he will be very competitive here. But on collateral form, there is not much to choose between Better Man and Greg Ennion’s New World and these two should dominate the outcome of the opener.

Stormwatch, a 2yo daughter of Vercingetorix, caught the eye on debut when second to Between The Lines. With natural progression she should confirm the form with Swift Serenity and rates a confident banker in the opening leg of the Bipot, a Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1000m. The third race and first leg of the Place Accumulator, a Maiden Plate over 1000m, looks a match between African Memoir and Nightrain, who finished 2^nd and 3^rd behind Late December a month ago. That was Nightrain’s debut effort and the full brother to Thunderstruck may have improved sufficiently to turn the tables on African Memoir, but it should be a close call. There are several well-bred first-timers, including Pomp It Up, so keep an eye on the betting market, but Nightrain and African Memoir should suffice for Bipot and Place Accumulator perms.

Vaughan Marshall holds a very strong hand in the fourth race and opening leg of the Pick 6, a Maiden Plate over 1400m, saddling both Sierra Sagrada (Gavin Lerena) and United Front (Sean Veale), with a slight preference for the latter who came very close to upsetting the well fancied Star Major on debut four weeks ago. Pick 6 punters should have to look no further for the winner.

The balance of the card does not appear as straight forward with a few typically competitive handicaps amongst the ten races. That said, I am looking forward to seeing October Storm take on Churchillian in the sixth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1000m, as these two smart 2yo colts line up against several battle-hardened older horses on their handicap debut. October Storm is trained by Vaughan Marshall and Churchillian by Candice Bass-Robinson, and both these stables look set for a fruitful day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth this afternoon.

RACE 1

7 BETTER MAN was unfortunately scratched at the gates when he was due to run just over 4 weeks ago, he comes back to the races from a small break and gelding, the yard thinks highly of this individual, on his best form, he will be tough to beat here. 4 NEW WORLD ran a great race on the 21st of May behind Vapour Trail, he stayed on beautifully for second, the blinkers have been removed and he steps up in trip, from a good draw, he will be right there in the finish. 9 DIAMOND DAYS moved up like a winner in his last start behind Star Major, it was a strong maiden juvenile plate with many talented young horses, he is still improving, unfortunately the bad draw won’t make life easy for him, but he definitely has a good place chance if he gets some luck in running. 8 YAMAZAKI ran a much better race on the 24th of June behind Captains Alliance, if he can build on that performance, he could certainly sneak into the Quartet. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 4 – 9 – 8)

RACE 2

5 STORMWATCH ran a lovely race on debut behind Between The Lines, she was green and stayed on strongly for second, if she has made the improvement expected back at home, she will be very hard to beat in this race. 2 SWIFT SERENITY made good improvement from her first run into her second run, she ran fourth last time in the same race as Stormwatch, she is clearly still improving, watch her closely, she should be there amongst the places. 3 SPLASH OF COLOUR ran a disappointing race on the 21st of June behind Oncidium, she was in a great position early, and then failed to kick on when they turned for home, she is much better than that performance, the drop in trip could help her chances. Watch the first timers, they are well-bred and could be anything. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 2 – 3 – 9)

RACE 3

7 NIGHTRAIN ran a great race on debut behind Late December, he showed good speed early, and then stayed on really well to finish third, he is a beautiful looking colt with tons of ability, this looks to be a nice race for him, he will be very hard to beat. 6 AFRICAN MEMOIR has run two lovely races in succession, he finished just in front of Nightrain last time, he will be right there in the finish, include him into all bets. 3 FEAR OF FIRE ran a fair race on debut behind Follow Your Heart, he was beaten just under eight lengths by the winner, he drops in trip now to 1000m, if he has made some improvement back at home, he could certainly run into the places at a decent price. 8 FLEUR DE VILLE has been well tried in the maiden ranks, on her best form, she could make the Quartet pay. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 6 – 3 – 8)

RACE 4

8 UNITED FRONT will be very hard to beat here, he ran a super race on debut behind Star Major, he was drawn wide in a strong maiden juvenile plate, he showed tremendous speed early and fought hard to finish second in a driving finish, the yard thinks highly of this colt, it will take a smart horse to beat him in this race. 3 SIERRA SAGRADA comes back to the races from a 63 day break and gelding, he was heavily supported in the market last time when running a disappointing fifth behind Roland Garros on the 13th of May, he is much better than that performance, respect his chances from a neat draw. 9 KONNICHIWA has been rested for 92 days, he never runs a bad race, unfortunately the draw will make life tough for him, but he tries hard, and he will be running on powerfully late. 6 FUTURE FREE ran a shocker up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 12th of June, now that he steps up in trip, he could make massive improvement, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 8 – 3 – 9 – 6)

RACE 5

1 APRICITY absolutely took off late to run a super race behind Oncidium on the 21st of June, she was a long way back from a bad draw, once they straightened for home, she made up solid ground to finish second, she clearly enjoyed the step up in trip to 1400m, from a good draw on Tuesday afternoon, she will go very close to winning. 2 KISSES must be respected, her last two runs over ground have been good, she ran a lovely race from a bad draw last time behind Ocotillo, if she can build on her recent form, she will have a nice each way chance. 3 PACIFIC WATERS ran a fair race on debut behind Between The Lines, even though the market suggested she was unfancied, she stayed on really well in a big field, she now steps up in trip and she gets the services of jockey Gavin Lerena, watch for a big run from this filly. 6 SPECIAL GLAMOUR ran a much better race with the tongue tie fitted last time, if she can bring that run to the track on Tuesday, she will have a say in the finish. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 2 – 3 – 6)

RACE 6

1 CHURCHILLIAN ran the race of his life in the Listed Somerset 1200 on the 1st of June behind Absolutely Yes, he showed good speed early, and stayed on strongly for second in a tight finish, the yard thinks highly of this colt, he can certainly win a race like this on pure ability. 11 OCTOBER STORM quickened up smartly to win really well on debut, even though it wasn’t the strongest maiden plate around, he was still green and got the job done impressively, he can only improve from that, include him into all bets. 2 ESCARPMENT ran a much better race last time behind The Us Of A, he was just off the speed early, and then stayed on nicely for second, on his best form, he could certainly finish amongst the places at a decent price. 4 IRELAND FOREVER will need to improve dramatically to win, he has been rested for 72 days, he has been gelded, and the blinkers go on, watch for sharp improvement, he is definitely better than his recent form. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 11 – 2 – 4)

RACE 7

5 TRIP TO MAPUTO ran a great race on the poly last time in PE, her penultimate run up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth was super impressive, she was closer to last early, and then quickened up impressively to win going away at the line, she has lots of ability, if the gaps open at the right time for her here, she will be hard to beat. 1 BABELICIOUS won a good race on the 21st of May, she was given two points for that gutsy performance, she tries hard, and her form is very consistent at this level, include her into all bets. 4 WINTER RAINFALL has run three decent races in succession, she likes to be switched off early, and then comes with a powerful run late, watch her closely at a decent price. 8 SUMMER LILY has been rested for 79 days, her last run in the Grade 3 Poinsettia Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville was good, if she doesn’t need the run badly on Tuesday, she will run a massive race. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 1 – 4 – 8)

RACE 8

5 SUGAR MOUNTAIN won a terrific race on the 12th of June at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he was given two points for that victory, he has a striking turn of foot, from a good draw, he must have a solid winning chance again in this field. 7 PROMETTERE must have a huge winning chance, he was very unlucky last time behind Please Be True, the gaps opened late, and he flew home to finish second, jockey Richard Fourie knows this gelding well, he will be right there in the finish. 9 SEEKING THE STARS ran a lovely race for third behind Sugar Mountain on the 12th of June, he might find it hard to turn the form around, but he has dropped in the ratings, if he gets some luck in transit from a wide draw, he could certainly finish in the places. 4 SONG TO THE MOON ran a fair race behind Congressman on the 24th of June, he drops in trip now, and he carries a low weight for this A stakes race, he will be doing good work late with Jockey Muzi Yeni. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 7 – 9 – 4)

RACE 9

2 BOOGIEFIED ran a top race behind a lovely horse last time, he likes to race up on speed, even though he has gone up in the ratings, he gets a good draw, and he tries hard, there is no doubt he will run a good race again, include him into all bets. 8 AZZURRI quickened up smartly to win impressively over 1200m on the 24th of June, he was given five points for that win, the step up in trip to 1400m should unlock further improvement, if the apprentice can get him into a good position early from a wide draw, he will have a massive winning chance. 12 HAPPY DAYS has unfortunately drawn wide again on Tuesday afternoon, he has run three excellent races in succession, if he gets some luck in running, he will be storming home late, watch him closely. 13 WAR CHARIOT is as honest as they come, it’s very hard to find fault with his form, he is consistent and jockey Richard Fourie knows him well, the only negative is the bad draw. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 8 – 12 – 13)

RACE 10          

7 KING’S QUEST won like a really nice horse last time, he was beautifully ridden by jockey Grant van Niekerk, even though he was given four points for that win, and he carries a big weight on Tuesday, he will be right there in the finish. 3 ELEGANT NOBLE finished well to run third behind King’s Quest on the 24th of June, if he can build on that performance, he could certainly have a good each way chance in this tricky race. 5 ARBITRATION has run some fair races of late, at this level, he will always have a good place chance, include him into all bets. 8 WATER DRAGON has been rested for 70 days, he stayed on nicely for second in his last start on the 6th of May at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, if he doesn’t need the run badly from a small break, he will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 3 – 5 – 8)

Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Ayr, Windsor (UK) and Killarney (Ireland) – 14 July 2025.

Andrew Harrison

Thisiswhatitmeans has grown an extra leg since taking to the rejuvenated Hollywoodbets Greyville poly as he trotted up in the New Turf Carriers Class 3 over 1400m yesterday. This was his fourth win on the bounce on the surface, making light of his 62.5kg and a wide draw as Marco van Rensburg had  little more to do than a steering job.

Making the field as a reserve runner after the defection of Voldemort, the son of What A Winter was never in trouble and cruised to a comfortable victory chased home by a well-beaten Rosh Kedesh and rank outsider Few Dollars More.

The well-backed Mexican Pete hit the front briefly but was soon under pressure and faded tamely.

It was the second winner on the day for MJ Odendaal, nattily dressed in his red jacket and tie and always good value in the post-race interview egged on by presenter Paul Lafferty.

It was also the second win in a row for Hollywood Racing who had scored with El Rey Viene in the previous race.

The fact that Peter Muscutt had debutant Deandre’s Dream penciled for the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes at month’s end should have given some indication as to his chances in the card opener. He duly obliged but under a driving ride from Serino Moodley, just holding off late efforts from Clintostar and The Centurion. The colt was plenty green in the race and more can be expected but the Gr1 may be a bridge too far at this stage. 

Future Variety and Winds Of Change last met in the Gr2 Golden Horse Sprint, neither making much impression on the winner Tenango, however, Candice Bass-Robinson’s charge was five lengths ahead of Winds Of Change  and that form was confirmed as Future Variety gave Sean Veale an armchair ride.

The race was over as a contest crossing the subway as Veale let out a little rein and Future Variety sped away to put daylight between himself and pacemaker Bourbon Warrior with Winds Of Change finishing a tame fourth.

The filly Clickbait finished with a rattle under Callan Murray for MJ Odendaal in the first leg of the PA, getting the better of Simbine who was running on smartly after being squeezed out at the start.  Clickbait, (12-1) jumped sideways also inconveniencing favourite Holy Star who struggled into third but saved many a PA ticket.

Gavin Lerena, seven winner’s clear of reigning champion Richard Fourie in the race for the jockey’s title at the start of the meeting, added number eight as he rode a confident race on the Mano Pandaram-trained Line In The Sky in the opening leg of the Pick 6. Coming from well off the pace, Line In The Sky quickened smartly to get home ahead  of rank outsider Capricious Miss  and favourite Valli Gal who kept going for third.

The race was not without incident as the saddled slipped badly on Fantasy League  who took Austrian Beauty and Run For Peace with her to the outside rail at about the 800m mark.

Takeyourbestshot had two improved races under his girth since arriving from the Highveld and Van Rensburg tried his best to go one better in the fifth, trying to make all the running. He stacked the field up before the home straight before making a dash for home but replacement rider Sean Veale aboard Spectacular, always had Takeyourbestshot in his sights in spite of being well back early.

Glen Kotzen’s runner quickly reeled in the leader crossing the subway and the race was over in a matter of strides with Takeyourbestshot staying on for second ahead of Fine Wine.

Record High put paid to many Pick 6 hopefuls in the sixth as Wendy Whitehead’s gelding arrived at 40-1 under Cole Dicken who makes the best of his limited chances. Favourite Numzaan was in contention hallway up the straight but the tank was empty as Record High challenged up the inside and Palermo, under replacement rider Nicholas Patel also threatening. This pair pulled clear with Record High always going the better finishing ahead of  White Seahorse who battled home for third.

Duncan Howells was starting think he was always destined for the second box but Sean Veale, hunting his third winner on the day, rode an exceptional race on El Rey Viene to break the curse in the seventh.

Draw 10 out of 11, Veale was quickly over from his outside gate and up with the pace. It was tough going up the straight as first Porfirio refused to throw in the towel and then Mohandas finishing like a train but just too late and again showcasing the Western Cape form as he was having his first outing for Yogas Govender. 

Veale, Odendaal and Hollywood Racing rounded off the Pick 6 with Lou Lou The Legend. Veale with his fourth winner, Odendaal with his third of the afternoon and Hollywood Racing with their third in a row. Jumping from the widest gate, Veale got the best out of his mount up the outside of the field to reel in stable companion One Irish Rover on the fence to give Odendaal a one-two.

Lerena rounded off the meeting nine-clear of Fourie as he rode a bold race on Papillon Blu with Piet Botha’s filly notching her third win on the trot, another taking to the synthetic surface.

Durban, South Africa – The countdown has begun! The 129th edition of Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacular, the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ), is set to take place on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. As the most anticipated fixture on South Africa’s racing calendar, the event seamlessly blends world-class horse racing with high fashion, entertainment, and a memorable social experience.

Staying true to the theme of “Marvels of Mzansi,” this year’s racing extravaganza promises an iconic line-up of South African talent, featuring a diverse array of artists set to captivate all attendees throughout the day. The national anthem will be beautifully performed by one of the country’s leading songstresses – look out for the reveal in May. With these performances, the thousands of attendees expected at Hollywoodbets Greyville will have a memorable experience. Stay tuned for the full artist line-up. All ticket holders can look forward to a day filled with live entertainment that will be talked about for years to come, as this year’s HDJ celebrates Mzansi’s vibrant spirit. 

Tickets for this outstanding event are now officially on sale via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za). Priced at R230 for general admission, your ticket grants access to a day of thrilling racing action, live entertainment, fashion showcases, gourmet food experiences, and an array of engaging activations from event partners. For added convenience, onsite parking is available for R170 per vehicle.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP hospitality packages provide exclusive access to luxurious enclosures, premium viewing areas, and top-tier catering. These options can be explored on the official event website (www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za). Please note that VIP hospitality packages do not include general admission tickets, which must be purchased separately via Ticketpro.

This year’s theme, “Marvels Of Mzansi”, was unveiled in late February, marking the official commencement of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience, presented by Durban Fashion Fair. The fashion programme includes the much-anticipated HDJ Young Designer Award, showcasing the best up-and-coming talents from KwaZulu-Natal. The winners will share the spotlight with the HDJ Invited Designers and DFF Rising Stars at the HDJ Fashion Preview Gala, set to take place at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in late June.

Racing enthusiasts can also look forward to the announcement of the first official entrants on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. With last year’s champion, Oriental Charm, emerging as the early ante-post favourite, excitement is already building. 

Secure your tickets today and experience Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July!