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Hollywoodbets Durban July: Eight On Eighteen‘s Participation in the Race to Be Decided
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The suspense surrounding the participation of Eight On Eighteen, the ante-post favorite, in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, is about to end. The final field for the 129th renewal of this prestigious race will be revealed on Gallop TV shortly after 11:00 on Tuesday, june 24, 2025, ending weeks of speculation [1].
The Snaith Yard’s Dilemma
The Snaith yard has been carefully considering its options, with the public eagerly awaiting the decision on whether the champion 3-year-old will compete on July 5th. The published weights indicate that Eight On Eighteen would carry 57kgs if he participates, alongside contenders like defending champion Oriental Charm, See It Again, and Gladatorian.
Justin Snaith, aiming for his sixth Durban July title, has six entries in the mix, including previous 3-year-old winners Legislate (2014) and Do It Again (2018).Snaith’s past successes highlight his expertise in preparing young horses for this challenging race.
| Horse | Weight (kgs) | Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Eight On Eighteen | 57 | Justin Snaith |
| Oriental Charm | TBD | TBD |
| See It Again | TBD | TBD |
| Gladatorian | TBD | TBD |
Legislate vs. Eight on Eighteen: A Champion Comparison
A question posed by a fan asked whether Legislate was better than Eight On Eighteen. The Snaith yard responded by noting that Legislate was a true miler, while Eight On Eighteen excels over 10 furlongs, making him a sensational classic horse. When Legislate was at his peak, few could beat him over a mile; he still holds the course record at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth for the fastest mile.
Did You Know? Legislate, despite being infertile, is statistically one of the best sires in South Africa, with most of his offspring excelling over a mile.
In a true-run race over eleven furlongs, Eight On Eighteen would likely outperform Legislate, who had stamina concerns. Eight On Eighteen is expected to produce classic types that perform well in the 1600-2000m range, making him an exciting sire prospect for south Africa.His sire, Lancaster Bomber, has substantially contributed to the stud book.
Final Preparations and Key Dates
The withdrawal of gqeberha challenger Joy And Peace has reduced the entries to 28. Her stablemate, My Best Shot, will undergo paces at Fairview today for his official big race gallop. The final field capacity is 20, including two reserves.
Final declarations are due on Monday, June 23, and the field of eighteen runners, with two reserves, will be revealed on tuesday, June 24, when the draw for barrier positions will also take place. The conventional public gallops for the KZN-based runners will be held at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Thursday, June 26, commencing at 07:00, and the public is welcome to attend.
Pro Tip: Attending the public gallops is a great way to see the horses in action before the big race!
Hollywoodbets Durban July: What’s at Stake?
The Hollywoodbets Durban July is not just a race; it’s a cultural event that draws notable attention and excitement. The participation of top horses like Eight On Eighteen adds to the anticipation. The race is a highlight of the south African racing calendar, showcasing the best in thoroughbred talent and training