HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY DAY DAWNS EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN THE POPULAR CHOICE

HOLLYWOODBETS Durban July race day has dawned and eighteen of South Africa's finest thoroughbreds will jump from Hollywoodbets Greyville's 2200m mark at 16:00 this afternoon in pursuit of "July" glory and the lion's share of the R5-million purse. Last year's winner, Oriental Charm, has drawn pole position in the starting gates and should give a very good account of himself as he seeks to join the elite band of horses to have won consecutive renewals of Africa's greatest horseracing event.

- GRAEME HAWKINS

But standing in his way is the star 3yo colt, Eight On Eighteen, who is trained by Justin Snaith with regular pilot Richard Fourie in the saddle. Eight On Eighteen has already won three Grade 1 races this Season and has enjoyed a perfect prep into today's Hollywoodbets Durban July. He is a short-priced favourite to deliver Snaith his sixth “July" victory and thus equal the legendary Terrance Millard’s tally.

DE KOCK

Mike de Kock is also looking for his sixth “July” winner and he and son Mathew's hopes rest with the unexposed but potentially brilliant 3yo, Immediate Edge, who will receive 4kgs from Eight On Eighteen. However, winning the Hollywoodbets Durban July does not come easily, and there are several runners amongst the longshots who have the ability to spring a surprise. Selukwe and Madison Valley are both very much in form and being older horses with light weights, enhances their prospects of being in the mix. Here is a quick look at how the 18 runners shape up in saddle cloth number order:

1. ORIENTAL CHARM has the advantage of the best draw and given that he likes to go forward, last year's winner should have the run of the race. One for the shortlist