Race 1

First event on Championships Finale race day sees the start of Jackpot 1. It should pay to follow the betting action closely, Gimmethegreenlight filly TOP SECRET is bred in the purple and could be the debutante to catch the eye. The trainer and jockey combination is hot. WITHOUT REMORSE should have every chance. She has run two good races in a row and has Richard Fourie in the irons. SECRET LIFE is improving and must be included. (Brendan Gaillard 1-2-11-10)

 

Race 2

Declarationofpeace colt STORMACT won’t have to improve much on a fair debut to open his account at the second time of asking. He ran on well to finish in the money on debut and should relish the distance. TIGER’S CAPTAIN is holding form and looking to get his consistency rewarded. He must have a big say having drawn against the outside of the track. LIFE IN COLOUR rates the dark horse. The well-bred son of Malmoos lacked extra after showing pace on debut but is open to any amount of improvement. Rafeef gelding WILD AS THE WIND could be the newcomer to be with. (Brendan Gaillard 10-1-8-4)

 

Race 3

GIMME SOME LUCK showed his field a clean pair of heels on debut over 1000m. The promising son of Gimmethegreenlight should prefer the 1100m. But this is a testing assignment. Buffalo Bill Cody colt THE BRONX BULL was only just touched off in the Grade 2 TAB SA Nursery and has improvement to come. GIMME A VODKA was beaten as favourite in that race but looks a bit better than that and needs to be taken seriously. SHERLOCK HOLMES has improved with each start and could be up to the task. TIME IS PRECIOUS has done little wrong as well and must have a say. (Brendan Gaillard 3-6-2-4)

 

Race 4

A lucrative P6 pool is expected, don’t miss out! GOOD DAY SUNSHINE is out to maintain her unbeaten record. The Vercingetorix filly impressed in both starts and could take home this Grade 3 after winning the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Nursery last time out. But GET UP was beaten as favourite going down 0.90 lengths in the Nursery and will be out for revenge as she is 2kg better off with GOOD DAY SUNSHINE. The race doesn’t end there. LADY HARLEQUIN has improved with each start and could be dangerous at the weights. LANZAROTE and LOVE NOT WAR can only improve. (Brendan Gaillard 3-1-9-4)

 

Race 5

SHOOT THE RAPIDS and POETS WARRIOR are proven with unbeaten course-and-distance records, and both should remain competitive. The former has a enjoyed an ideal prep and was a wide-margin winner over track and trip when last seen on the Highveld, while the latter should strip fitter after a much-needed comeback. However, conceding weight (6kg and 4kg respectively) to maturing younger rival ENFLAME may prove a bridge too far, with this extended trip likely to unlock further improvement from the last-start 2850m Listed winner. Veteran NEBRAAS consistent ALADDIN’S LAMP complete the shortlist. (Brendan Gaillard 4-1-3-2)

 

Race 6

OLIVIA’S WAY ran with merit when 3rd in a course-and-distance WFA Grade 1 against male opposition earlier this month and a repeat of that performance back in same-sex company off and an unchanged mark should suffice. CALLMEGETRIX and MINOGUE are closely matched on the form of a recent clash in a 1600m Grade 1. The latter edged that meeting and is weighted to uphold that form on 1kg better terms. However, both have stamina doubts over this trip so could be vulnerable late on. Younger 3yo fillies CHARGE IT will enjoy cutting back in distance and should make their presence felt. (Brendan Gaillard 1-3-8)

 

Race 7

Stablemates FIRE ATTACK and ATTICUS FINCH are Grade 1 winners over this track and trip. The latter was a creditable 4th in course-and-distance WFA Grade 1 earlier this month and a repeat of that effort in his peak outing off an unchanged mark should see him resume winning ways. THE ULTIMATE KING (blinker strike!) and FIRE ATTACK are held on that form but have the means to get involved. Last-start winners CHOISAANADA and FIELD MARSHAL are at the peak of their powers and remain competitive off career-high marks. (Brendan Gaillard 2-1-5-3)

 

Race 8

BUFFALO STORM CODY could hardly have been more impressive when running away with the 1000m Grade 1 Computaform Sprint 3 weeks ago, but he is even better over this extended trip and boasts an unblemished course-and-distance record. He is slung in under the conditions and weighted to confirm his superiority over WILLIAM ROBERTSON, ZIYASHA, MOUNT PINATUBO and TRUTH. Recent hat-trick scorer THE SPECIALIST, familiar foes THE LAST DUKE and JERUSALEMA RAIN, as well as CHARMING CHEETAH are others with earning potential. (Brendan Gaillard 1-2-5-6)

 

Race 9

A very competitive looking race and not too many can be left out of the Pick 6 this leg. GREEN DIAMOND likes this track and has already won three times for jockey Craig Zackey so appears the one to beat. RODEO DRIVE found it tough last time out in Grade 1 company but can bounce back and be a threat to these rivals. WHISTLE THAT TUNE needed her last run and should improve. CHROME TOURMALINE was caught out of her ground last time and would not be a surprise winner. DESTINY OF FIRE returned to form with a solid win but may not like a soft track. Trainer Tony Peter has three entrants for this and the best of them could be PERFECT MIRACLE who beat some of these rivals last time out. (Brendan Gaillard 6-4-10-8)

 

Race 10

A very open race. ANCHORAGE returns from a short break but is talented and has claims at a victory. ALPINE JET is knocking at the door and should be right there at the finish yet again. BRIGHT AND BRAZEN has struck form with two solid handicap wins and could have more to offer. JUST THE TWO OF US is consistent and can make the frame once again. VANAKKAM was good over this course and distance last time out and is clearly not out of it. BOSUM BUDDY is usually competitive and is another to consider. (Brendan Gaillard 1-2-3-4)

 

Race 11

A decent race with some bang in-form runners. FIRE STORM has won twice in just 4 starts and continues to improve. He does look the one to beat. DARK SILVER does not always show his best form but can earn some minor money. Of his two stable companions, IDEAL SUMMER needs to improve to score but PALACE ATTACK is rarely too far behind and could play a minor role. HUEHUETENANGO returns from a break but has won his last two starts and must be respected for that. KAMBATI completed his hat-trick in good style and is clearly not out of it. PRINCE OF KILDARE and FORCE PUBLIQUE are better than their most recent runs and can get involved with the finish. GIMMETHESPOTLIGHT won a maiden last time out and could have more to offer. (Brendan Gaillard 1-4-6-9)

David Thiselton

 

The Championships Finale takes place today at Turffontein Standside, having been postponed from Saturday, and there are four Gr 2s and three Gr 3s to look forward to as well as the Gold Bowl, which is now a Listed race having once been an iconic Gr 1 event, such has been the concentration on speed over stamina in world racing in recent decades.

 

In the Gr 2 Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m the Tony Peter-trained dual Gr 1 winner Buffalo Storm Cody should stamp his status as the highest rated thoroughbred in training in South Africa at present. The merit rated 132 horse is 4kg better off than any other runner and has Richard Fourie up. If there is a bias on this track it usually favours the high draws and he has drawn 12 out of 12.

 

William Robertson is the joint second-best weighted horse and will not only enjoy the slight step up in trip from his disappointing run in the Computaform Sprint, where he was beaten 4,55 lengths by Buffalo Storm Cody, but he can possibly be ridden a bit less handy than he was there too.

 

Cosmic Speed is interesting because he has not run in a sprint for close to 18 months, but he had a fine record over sprints and he has a nice high draw of nine under leading rider Craig Zackey.

 

Mount Pinatubo ran a good fifth in the Computaform Sprint and has a nice high draw here over a step up in trip he should enjoy.

 

Truth has speed and the ability to kick on and should earn from draw six.

 

The Specialist has won his last three starts and this once high profile horse is on his way back.

 

In the Gr 2 TAB Colorado King Stakes over 2000m Fire Attack is 2,5kg under sufferance with stablemate Atticus Finch on official ratings but he has the class to prevail from pole position under Richard Fourie. A line can be draw through his Premier’s Champions Challenge run as it panned out terribly when he was forced out wide and began over-racing. Fourie should have him settled and he can bounce back to his best with a strong finish. Field Marshal is 7,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted, but he is on the up and has Zackey up from draw two so should make a bold bid. Atticus Finch is top class on his day, but has had epistaxis before and is none too reliable. Choisaanada won well last time and gave the impression he would enjoy this trip and he will be out to put his hand up for a place in the Hollywoodbets Durban July field. The Ultimate King has ability but will need to improve on his Champions Challenge run.

 

In the Gr 2 Igugu Stakes over 2000m Minogue has a lot of class and was not only close up in the Gr 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes over 1800m but should also stay this trip on pedigree being by Vercingetorix out of a Go Deputy mare who won over 1900m. Olivia’s Way went close in the Betway Summer Cup over course and distance and has a chance from draw four. Callmegetrix has some good form but this Vercingetorix filly is out of a Kabool sprinter, so there could be a stamina doubt.

 

In the Gr 2 Camelia Stakes over 1160m Whistle The Tune has a nice high draw and should be right there. Rodeo Drive has speed and class and should make a bold bid. Green Diamond ran a cracker in the Gr 1 wfa Computaform Sprint over 1000m and will enjoy this trip too, so should be right there.

 

In the Gr 3 Protea Stakes over 1100m Gimme Some Luck won by eight lengths on debut and the form has been franked. Time Is Precious is on the up and can go close to making it a hat-trick, despite having to carry 2kg more than the other runners. Sherlock Holmes is improving and could earn here.

 

In the Gr 3 Pretty Polly Stakes over 1100m Get Up should make a bold bid as she is a well bred sort and is 2kg better off with Good Day Sunshine for a 0,90 length beating plus she has the advantage of Craig Zackey up.  Good Day Sunshine has to give the others 2kg but looks up to it and can go close to remaining unbeaten in three starts. Love Not War looks capable of improving and can earn.

 

In The Listed Gold Bowl over 3200m Shoot The Rapids bolted in by 9,50 lengths the last time he ran over course and distance and can give weight away here and still win. Enflame is on the up and is a threat receiving 6kg from Shoot The Rapids. Aladdin’s Lamp is in good form and should be in the top three too. Poet’s Warrior was well beaten by Enflame and Aladdin’s Lamp last time over 2850m , but he can be dangerous from the front and has pole position this time. Mo Ment ran well below par the last two times he ran in staying events, but he might well have benefited from a rest followed by two races over shorter and if at his best he could be dangerous from the front.

Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Lingfield and Wolverhampton(UK) – 27 April 2026.

Andrew Harrison

The battle for a place in this year’s R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July began in earnest on Wednesday with the announcement of the first 63 entries. Given the that first entry fee is a modest R2 500 there are plenty of connections willing to take their chances at this early stage.

That said, two of the early entries line up on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville this evening, the three-year-old Count Of Rouen and Johnny The Thief although both may have to take a back seat in a competitive handicap where Dean Kannemeyer has two lively contenders in the Class 3 Handicap over 1900.

Kannemeyer sends out Continentalexpress and Uzwano. Continentalexpress is consistent but would probably be more effective over further and while Uzwano goes this trip for the first time his pedigree suggests that he should easily see it out and may be the pick of the pair with Hollywood Racing’s Sean Veale in the irons.

Peter Muscutt sends out Count Of Rouen who was in need of his last run. As a Hollywoodbets Durban July entry he will need to put in a forward showing. Go Grayson Go is the likely pacemaker. He has been caught late at his last two over 1950m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and may just last over this 50m shorter. Mohave Prince is unbeaten in two since the blinkers were added, has a handy weight helped by Rachel Venniker’s allowance.

MJ Odendaal has always held Johnny The Thief in high regard and he was running on well over a distance well short of his best last time out. Only time will tell whether his is good enough to make the July field.

Punters face a competitive field from the first race where most are first timers so the betting should prove your best guide.

The second could rest between Peace Rose and Peach Melba although Emerald Forge makes her local debut and has been expensive to follow on the Highveld where she has started favourite on numerous occasions only to disappoint but must have shown some ability.

Kiartay and Bison Warrior could suffice in the first leg of the PA. Kiartay made a smart debut before taking on winners in a feature next time out, both runs at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. He has the best of the draw in his first outing for Tienie Prinsloo. Bison Warrior was run out of it late last run and the step up in trip with some experience under his girth should see him close again.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Bai Yulu made a smart debut at long odds for Mike and Mathew de Kock. She is bred to stay this trip and any improvement can see her home. Gold Gold Baby has some promising Western Cape form and meets little of note in this line-up and is the one to beat. Surprise could come in the form of Flickering Light who showed signs of coming to hand  when stepped up to 1600m last run. This trip should suit.

Tough handicaps follow. In the fifth, Tobacconist has come well at his last two and is over his ideal trip and Veale stays with the ride in preference to top weight Trois Quatre. Stuart Ferrie’s filly Hodge Podge is in cracking form and she followed up two close-up finishes behind subsequent Gr2 SA Derby winner Curious Girl with a comfortable victory over Fine Wine who has since gone on to frank that form. Of the balance I’m Invictus won well second time of asking when tried in blinkers. He has a handy weight and looks promising. Leading rider Craig Zackey takes the ride on My Boy Lollipop who has no recent form over shorter. The step up in trip and jockey booking could be a pointer.

In the seventh, Silver Salute was a comfortable winner over course and distance in her local debut. She only got a three-point raise in the handicap and can follow up. Blue Poppy was well beaten by Silver Salute when last they met but it was a below par performance from a wide draw. She should finish closer. Grand Occasion has been in mustard form of late and won well from a tricky draw when beating Blue Poppy last time out. Michaelle Michel’s 1.5kg allowance offsets her rating increase and she can confirm that result. West Side Story showed some improvement when going a mile again. She has a light weight and has an upset chance.

The eighth is a wide open handicap but Tyroconnell  has been knocking at the door of late in useful company. He has no weight on his back and gets cheek pieces again which can see him go one better. Queue Wing is a veteran with 48kg to shoulder from a good draw. Judged by jockey bookings Green Glow would look to be Kannemeyer’s second string but Serino Moodley was aboard when shedding his maiden and the gelding is way better than his last effort. Stable companion Kanaal Skater s better than his last run from a wide draw and has a winning chance on his penultimate showing while Sundance Kid has been runner-up at his last three but all have come on the poly which is a concern.

The last is another tricky handicap but Take Your Place has shown up well in two recent outings against speedy opposition. She gets a three-point relief in the handicap that should see her competitive in another wide open race. Call Of The Karoo was a beaten favourite last start when taking on stronger. She has top weight but also a stronger rider aboard. Amafort is unbeaten in two with blinkers and a useful 4kg apprentice aboard and has a hattrick chance.

David Thiselton

 

There are 63 entries for the R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July to be run on July 4 over 2200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

 

Champion trainer Justin Snaith, who is going for a sixth July win, led the way with ten entries headed by the WSB Cape Town Met and World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge winner See It Again. He also has last year’s July runner up Eight On Eighteen in his team as well as dual Gr 1 winner Wish List, the Met runner up Legal Counsel, the exciting Lucky Fish Cape Derby runner up Note To Self as well as Okavango, Happy Verse, Native Ruler, Regulation and Great Plains. Note To Self could be the one to side with, because this big son of Futura has a fine turn of foot and as things stand will have a nice galloping weight of 54kg, presuming the 130 rated See It Again will stand his ground and be allotted top weight of 62kg.

 

The race has new conditions with the difference between this year’s and last year’s being there is a 10kg spread as opposed to a 8kg spread; there are no maximum or minimum weights for three-year-old males or for three-year-old females or for older females, and there are no minimum weights for older males.

Rather it is just a straight handicap with the normal weight for age allowances, which in the case of a 2200m race taking place in the month of July is a 2kg weight for age allowance for the three-year-olds.

Mike de Kock has also won five Julys and will now be attempting to win one as a partner of his son Mathew. They have four entries headed by Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Jan Van Goyen, Gr 2 SA Derby winner Curious Girl, Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas winner Splittheeights and the former Zimbabwean Triple Crown winner Buster Barnes. Of those Splittheeights looks to have some fine formlines and is potentially well weighted, although as things stand he is officially 2,5kg under sufferance off a 109 merit rating.

Dean Kannemeyer will be going for a fifth win in the big race, but last year’s winner The Real Prince is his sole entry.

Sean Tarry has won the July twice before and he has entered three horses, including Gr 1 SA Classic winner Grand Empire. The latter is officially 1,5kg under sufferance as things stand, an unusual occurrence for a Gr 1 winner, so he has to be considered potentially well weighted.

James Crawford now heads the yard who won the race twice in succession in 2023 and 2024 as his father Brett has relocated to Hong Kong.

James played a big part in both victories and has three entries, including the progressive pair Star Major and Reet Petite. They both have the perfect merit rating for a three-year-old as things stand, 114, because that means they come into the race with bottom weight of 52kg and they sneak into the handicap.

The other three trainers with entries who have won the race before are Alec Laird, Glen Kotzen and Candice Bass.

Laird has a big entry of six, headed by the Gr 1 winners Fire Attack and Atticus Finch. Fire Attack has had a disappointing season, but at his best he possesses a strong finish, so can’t be written off. Atticus Finch suffered epistaxis in last year’s race, but if things go well for him this former Betway Summer Cup winner has the class to be a threat, although he will have to carry a big weight of 60,5kg off his 127 rating as things stand.

Kotzen has entered the brave stayer Holding Thumbs, who will try his heart out.

Bass has three entries including the dependable Rainbow Lorikeet and the exciting three-year-old prospect Viva’s Liberte, the best of whom is unlikely to have been seen yet.

Another interesting entry is the Jackpot City Dingaans winner Trust, who was a narrow runner up in the SA Classic and he looks potentially well weighted off a mere 110 rating, which officially puts him 2kg under sufferance as things stand. He will be out to give July nearly man Larry Nestadt a first win in the big race and the other owners, Gary Player and the Lindsay Ralphs family, will also be trying to win the July for the first time.

The filly who only just missed landing the Triple Tiara, the Corne Spies-trained Hazy Dazy, is an entry.

KZN have plenty of entries headed by the Frank Robinson-trained Betway Summer Cup winner Mocha Blend, the Stuart Ferrie-trained Gr 1 Champions Cup winner Gladatorian,  the Gareth van Zyl-trained champion stayer King Pelles and his SA Derby runner up stablemate Salani Kahle, the Nathan Kotzen-trained stayer Shoot The Rapids and his improving stablemate Field Marshal, Peter Muscutt has three entries including I Salute You, Michael Roberts has entered the classy Ladyofdistinction and there are also entries from Darryl Moore and MJ Odendaal.

Devin Heffer, Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications manager, said, “It has been a privilege for us as a leading brand to be associated with this internationally acclaimed sporting event since 2022, and every year it just gets bigger and better. With the adjustment in the race conditions and a doubling of the prize money to a record new stakes pot, the first entries list is proof that the stars are aligned and  Hollywoodbets Greyville is set to live up to its label of the ‘Theatre of Champions’ on 4 July”.