RACE 1     

1 CASINO KING 5 OLIVE OYL 6 WALTZING DOLL 4 ZAMBEZI SUNSET

Preview: 1 CASINO KING has a plum draw and has shown some ability in the strong centre of Cape Town, so should go close under Gavin Lerena .5 OLIVE OYL is knocking hard and could be a big threat. 6 WALTZING DOLL is a full brother to the top class sprinter, Cruise Control. 4 ZAMBEZI SUNSET has been well beaten in both starts, but does have the eye-catching booking of Richard Fourie. (David Thiselton 1-5-6-4) 

RACE 2     

8 THE ROARING ROCK 7 BLIND FAITH 3 PRINCE ANTONIO 1 FLIGHT ENGINEER

Preview: 8 THE ROARING ROCK has some useful form in Cape Town and could be the one to beat. 7 BLIND FAITH has some fair form from Cape Town and could be involved, but she does have a tough draw. 3 PRINCE ANTONIO  ran an improved race last time on the poly and now has Richard Fourie up, so should go close from a plum draw. 1 FLIGHT ENGINEER has shown ability on the Highveld before and went close the last time he ran at Fairview on the turf, so he should be a runner here. (David Thiselton 8-7-3-1)

RACE 3     

6 PARDON ME 1 GENTEEL 3 GLOBAL DRUMBEAT 2 PIBE DE ORO

Preview: 6 PARDON ME can go close if repeating either of his last two starts, which were over 1,600m and 2,000m respectively. 1 GENTEEL has some fair form, but does look held by Pardon Me on a line through Golden Grey. 3 GLOBAL DRUMBEAT has fair recent form and should be in the shake-up. 2 PIBE DE ORO has shown some ability on the Highveld and could be involved here with a 4kg claimer aboard. (David Thiselton 6-1-3-2)

RACE 4     

2 HAPHAZARD 10 COLORAMA 8 TAKE YOUR TIME 7 ICE CAP

Preview: 2 HAPHAZARD has disappointed in her last two starts, but if returning to her best she could be a big runner here. 10 COLORAMA has a plum draw and should be running on strongly as usual. 8 TAKE YOUR TIME is knocking on the door, but does have a wide draw to overcome and might prefer further. 7 ICE CAP has been in fine form, but does still have to prove she appreciates 1,600m. (David Thiselton 2-10-8-7)

RACE 5     

5 ROYAL CITY GIRL 2 GREEN OKRA 6 ABOVE THE HORIZON 3 JAMBO SANA

Preview: 5 ROYAL CITY GIRL’s form has been franked and she could be the one to beat here from a plum draw. 2 GREEN OKRA won well in the maidens last time and starts handicapping off a reasonable merit rating. 6 ABOVE THE HORIZON ran well first time out the Maidens and can be there abouts if able to overcome a wide draw. 3 JAMBO SANA has the ability to be in the shake-up here. (David Thiselton 5-2-6-3)

RACE 6     

2 MR FOX 7 ROLL OF THE DICE 4 SLAINTE MHATH 5 CATCH THE TUNE

Preview: 2 MR FOX is in fine form and enjoys the poly, so could make it a hat-trick here under Richard Fourie. 7 ROLL OF THE DICE has some fair poly form and has a better draw than last time. 4 SLAINTE MHATH  is a consistent sort who is distance suited and he should be thereabouts again. 5 CATCH THE TUNE can be in the shake-up here if producing his best. (David Thiselton 2-7-4-5)

RACE 7     

1 MERCANTOUR 2 SILVER FALCON 7 MHLABENI 4 GOLDEN LINK

Preview: 1 MERCANTOUR goes for a hat-trick on the surface, but does have a tricky draw over this suitable trip. 2 SILVER FALCON has three lengths to make up on Mercantour from last time but he is now drawn in pole. 7 MHLABENI is an honest sort who could enjoy this course and distance and might surprise again. 4 GOLDEN LINK has 1.5 lengths to make up on Mercantour and is only 0.5kg worse off. (David Thiselton 1-2-7-4)

RACE 8 

2 ARTICUNO 7 MS PATTY 8 ENCHANTING LADY 1 BOMBER GIRL    

Preview: 2 ARTICUNO is knocking on the door and with Richard Fourie up he could get it right here. 7 MS PATTY disappointed last time but has an interesting switch to the poly. 8 ENCHANTING LADY is always thereabouts and has a chance here. 1 BOMBER GIRL will appreciate this slight step-down in trip. (David Thiselton 2-7-8-1)

Race 10: 17.05

Race 1

5 PEMBURY   1 THE CENTURION   3 MASTER SILVANO   8 CLINTOSTAR

Summary: PEMBURY (5) was much improved over course and distance at his second start and a repeat should see him close up again. There are two runners entered for the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes at month end. THE CENTURION (1) made a promising local debut and is sure to come on from that from his pole position draw. MASTER SILVANO (3) started favourite over course and distance last time out. He has two smart efforts under his girth and must go close again. CLINTOSTAR (8) should improve over the extra furlong and is one to watch. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-3-8).

Race 2

5 WINDS OF CHANGE   4 FUTURE VARIETY   7 BOURBON WARRIOR   2 HENRY HARVEY

Summary: WINDS OF CHANGE (5) was never in the hunt in the soft going behind Tenago in the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint but had solid feature race form prior to that. He makes his poly debut and is weighted to win. FUTURE VARIETY (4) finished ahead of Winds Of Change in the Golden Horse but is 3kg worse off. BOURBON WARRIOR (7) is better than his last two and can place. HENRY HARVEY (2) makes a return after a length break. He showed promise in his debut victory and has a money chance.  (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-7-2).

Race 3

8 BERRINGTON BLEW   6 HOLY STAR   7 PRIORY TERRACE   11 HIGHER LOVE

Summary: BERRINGTON BLEW (8) was well beaten last run by Quickstepgal who has since finished second in a Gr2. With only 50.5kg to shoulder she could prove difficult to beat. However, HOLY STAR (6) has improved with each run and Gavin Lerena will be up against an inexperienced apprentice while PRIORY TERRACE (7) has finished runner-up at her first two starts and must rate a good chance.  (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-7-11).

Race 4

3 VALLI GAL   6 JUMPTHEGREENLIGHT   8 INTRO   10 LINE IN THE SKY

Summary: VALLI GAL (3) showed up well when back after a break. She goes well over course and distance and must have a strong chance in this line-up although she faces a number of fillies with ultra-light weights which could muddy the waters. JUMPTHEGREENLIGHT (6) has not been far back in her three starts but comes from a strong yard and the filly should go well in this field. INTRO (8) made a fair debut for her new stable and given her Highveld form the extra furlong should suit. LINE IN THE SKY (10) is better than her last effort and goes well on the poly. (Andrew Harrison: 3-6-8-10).

Race 5

11 SPECTACULAR   8 TAKEYOURBESTSHOT   1 WINDOW TO MY SOUL   6 BALTIC ASSAYER

Summary: SPECTACULAR (1) was most disappointing when starting favourite in his poly debut. He has some useful Cape form prior to that and with a more experienced rider aboard he can make amends. TAKEYOURBESTSHOT (8) has shown up well in two starts for his new stable and will be competitive in this line-up.  WINDOW TO MY SOUL (1) made marked improvement over course and distance in his poly debut but also disappointed next time out. Alyson Wright has declared blinkers which could make the difference. BALTIC ASSAYER (6) takes on males as she steps up in trip but has shown some recent improvement. (Andrew Harrison: 11-8-1-6).

Race 6

5 LEGENDARY   3 PRINCE FLORIAN   10 STAR OF THE FUTURE   4 NUMZAAN

Summary: LEGENDARY (5) is lightly raced but ran a cracker behind the smart Choisaanada in a feature last time out. He rates the one to beat. PRINCE FLORIAN (3) made a tardy start to his last race with his jockey losing an iron. Ignore that outing and he has a strong chance in this field. NUMZAAN (4) was a comfortable winner last run and has been in mustard form over course and distance but he has taken a six-point hike in the ratings. STAR OF THE FUTURE (10) failed narrowly in first time blinkers. He acts on the poly and can go one better although drawn a touch wide. (Andrew Harrison: 5-3-10-4).

Race 7

1 ZIYAN’S PRIDE   10 EL REY VIENE   4 PORFIRIO   8 CONNOISSEUR

Summary: ZIYAN’S PRIDE (1) holds an entry for the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes and if he doesn’t go close here his chances in the big race will be remote. He was a maiden winner last start and second-placed Bruh runs this Wednesday which may give some indication of his chances. EL REY VIENE (10) had it tough from a wide draw last start and makes his debut on the new poly surface. He is seldom far back. Stable companion CONNOISSEUR (8) made sudden improvement first up on the poly. It has been a long time between since his maiden win but is useful on his day. PORFIRIO (4) has been dropping down the ratings and with a 4kg claimer up will be dangerous. (Andrew Harrison: 1-10-4-8).

Race 8

3 MEXICAN PETE   1 HOPE IS POWER   8 VOLDEMORT   2 PLAZA ACCORD

Summary: Wide open handicap. MEXICAN PETE (3) has come well for his new stable and was not far back over course and distance last time out. He is primed for a good performance. HOPE IS POWER (1) is consistent. The step up in trip from a plum draw with S’Manga Khumalo up makes him a serious runner. VOLDEMORT (8) was run out of it late over course and distance last start carrying a big weight. He is up in class but has consistent form to back his claims. PLAZA ACCORD (2) is over his optimum trip with a handy galloping weight and a good draw. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-8-2).

Race 9

1 ONE IRISH RIVER   5 VICTOR RAIL   2 GLAMORZ   3 GAELIC DANCER

Summary: Competitive handicap. ONE IRISH ROVER (1) seldom runs a bad race and makes the switch to the poly. He has a 4kg claimer up from a plum draw and should be thereabouts. VICTOR RAIL (5) has been close-up over course and distance at recent outings and should be competitive. The two fillies, GLAMORZ (2) and GAELIC DANCER (3) have similar consistent profiles and big weights but neither can be written off. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-2-3).

Race 10

9 CRAFTY CROFTY   10 PAPILLON BLU   3 HAPPY FORTUNE   4 GETOFFMYCLOUD

Summary: The two-year-old CRAFTY CROFTY (9) has a wide draw to contend with but was a comfortable winner of her maiden at just second time of asking and looks promising. The year older PAPILLON BLU (10) has drawn one gate further out but is unbeaten on the poly and cruised to an easy win last time out. She takes a big jump in the handicap but has Gavin Lerena in the saddle. HAPPY FORTUNE (3) has come good at her last two and can go one better over what looks to be her best course. GETOFFMYCLOUD (4) has dropped in the ratings but does look better than her two post maiden efforts. (Andrew Harrison: 9-10-3-4).

Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Perth and Southwell (UK) – 13 July 2025.

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!