Durban July Field Takes Shape: Eight On Eighteen’s Challenge

The anticipation surrounding the R5 million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July is building, with twenty-nine horses vying for a coveted spot. The spotlight is on star three-year-old Eight On Eighteen, raising the question: will this promising colt make the final cut?

Weighty Considerations

Eight On Eighteen, trained by Justin Snaith, faces a significant challenge, potentially carrying 57kg. This weight, if confirmed, would be substantial for a three-year-old, though not unprecedented.

Eight On Eighteen is the highest-rated horse in the race. However, he will receive a 3kg allowance from top contenders See It Again, Gladatorian, and the defending champion, Oriental Charm.

According to sources, Eight On Eighteen has been training vigorously, leaving racing enthusiasts eager for the final decision from Snaith and owners Johan Rupert and Nick Jonsson.

The highest weight carried to victory by a three-year-old in this race was 56kg, achieved by the Snaith-trained Legislate back in 2014. Recently, Oriental Charm and Kommetdieding both carried 53kg.

The minimum weight for three-year-old males is set at 53kg. One noteworthy entry is the Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained Immediate Edge, who triumphed in the Gr3 Jubilee Stakes.

Immediate Edge has a merit rating of 108, and in a normal handicap, Eight On Eighteen would be conceding him 10.5kg. The fact that the De Kock team has allowed Immediate Edge to stand his ground has the sponsors, Hollywoodbets, taking notice, with Immediate Edge currently listed as the third favorite at 7-1.

Favorites and Predictions

Eight On Eighteen is currently the favorite at 18-10. Last year’s winner, Oriental Charm, is at 11-2. See It Again will compete for the third time, potentially mirroring Gondolier’s victory, which he achieved on his third attempt.

See It Again races in the same colors as Eight On Eighteen but is trained by Michael Roberts. According to a 2023 study, the average winning margin in horse racing is just over two lengths, highlighting the competitiveness of the sport (Horse Racing Stats).

Looking Ahead

The final field will be revealed on Tuesday, June 24th, on Gallop TV, starting at 11:00. The Gallops broadcast will begin on Thursday, June 26th, from Hollywoodbets Greyville at 07:00.