Are you a Durban July punter? Which ones are your favourites?
Do you study form of the horse, the number or simply choose a horse whose name takes your fancy?
On Saturday, thousands of visitors will descend on Durban’s Greyville Racecourse, elegantly dressed in the fitting ‘It Is Time’ theme of this year’s Vodacom Durban July, waiting for the grand moment when the horses storm down the home straight in the main race. But the big question remains, who will win?
In Dundee, many will make their only visit to the Tote on Boundary Road, or if they are up to speed with technology, do their betting electronically.
There will be many discussions with some using complicated formulas based on the horse’s numbers to come up with a winner while others will study the form of the horse, the jockey, the trainer and more. Part timers will simply look at the field and pick out their favourite name.
And depending who you speak to you are sure to pick up some tips from a guy who is related to the groom’s cousin….
What do you do? The Durban July is KZN’s favourite horse race! Latest betting and more tips with The Citizen’s guide.
Horses to watch in the Durban July 2018
Courier tip:
Our tip: Made to Conquer (9-1 on Monday), number 15 , with multiple champion, Jeff Lloyd, in the saddle. This will be Jeff’s 26th attempt at winning the July and we believe he will take the honours on Saturday.
The son of Dynasty is in a rich vein of form and is quoted at 16-1 in the big race betting after a perfect preparation saw him supplemented by the championship leading yard on Monday.
Lloyd’s engagement was confirmed today by Justin Snaith, who said that they were thrilled to have the services of the top internationally experienced champion jockey who is bidding to win the race for the first time at his 26th and final attempt.
In an exclusive chat with the Sporting Post, Justin said that Made To Conquer could not have pulled up any better after his Lonsdale win on Saturday..
“This horse continues to improve with each run and he has the type of older horse profile that wins the July. Carrying 53kg, one has to fancy this son of Dynasty’s chances and nothing would make us happier than to give the legend Jeff Lloyd his first ever July win!”
Other hot tips from our secret source, The Horse’s Mouth
1. African Night Sky
His recent performance in the Pinnacle at Greyville pushed African Night Sky to the top of the Vodacom Durban July list. Trained by renowned Capetonian, Justin Snaith, the four-year-old race favourite is likely to be ridden by Anton Marcus, a four-time Durban July champion (winning previously on Dancing Duel in 1993, El Picha in 2000, Dunford in 2005, and Hunting Tower in 2007). Marcus will race African Night Sky in the Cup Trial on 9 June before the July, and, if all goes well, he’ll be heading to the big race.
Current antepost Horse race betting odds on African Night Sky are 5/2
2. Elusive Silva
Another of Snaith’s contenders, Elusive Silva has really made his presence felt after his recent victories at the Grade 2 World Sports Betting (WSB) 1900 and Listed Sledgehammer over 1800m – both at Greyville. At the 2017 Vodacom Durban July, Elusive Silva was the third favourite for the main race following wins at the Listed Sledgehammer and Cup Trial but was unfortunately scratched after straining a tendon in the gallops. If the conditions on race day are wet, Elusive Silva has an even better chance – he managed to top the field on extremely soft conditions following the recent rains. The joint second-favourite is definitely one to consider.
Current antepost Horse race betting odds on Elusive Silva are 13/1
3. Gold Standard
From Silva to Gold Standard. This four-year-old colt wants the chance to truly show his ability and the Vodacom Durban July could be it. Gold Standard comes from really great stock, sired by USA-bred Trippi, one of the world’s greatest three-year-old sprinter-milers of 2000. Trainer, Glen Kotzen, has believed in Gold Standard since day one, finishing second on his debut race, and is confident about his chances at the Vodacom Durban July.
Current antepost horse race betting odds on Gold Standard are 40/1
4. Abashiri
Former Triple Crown winner, Abashiri is again a firm favourite to win the Vodacom Durban July. Trainer Mike Azzie was happy with his draw of 2 and jockey, Pierre Strydom is a two times Vodacom Durban July winner. The 6 year old Bay Gelding seems to have the stars aligning for success.
Current antepost horse race betting odds on Abashiri are 11/1
5. Coral Fever
The 5 year old Chestnut Gelding finally saw glory at the Premier’s Champions Challenge held at Turffontein in May this year and was also named as Highveld Horse of the Year 2018. He started the Highveld season with a merit rating of 93 and at the conclusion was rated 118. Owned by Sylvia Vrska and Colin Bird, this five-year-old son of Judpot out of Rich Man’s Gold mare Coral Tree, has now earned R3,443,025 in stakes. A strong contender and certainly on a winning streak.
Current antepost horse race betting odds on Coral Fever are 33/1
Click here to view the final field of runners and their betting odds.
Not sure how to place a bet? Read our handy guide on How to Place a Horse Race Bet here.
