O'Brien-trained Irish colt at 25-1 for the July

The Equator has been priced up at 25-1 by Hollywoodbets for the 2025 Durban July, which might turn out to be excellent value for an adventurous punter. Or not.

- Mike Moon

The surprise entry for South Africa's premier horse race blind-sided most July watchers. And an explanation that the Irish-bred colt had been imported primarily with stud duties in mind seemed to lull many observers into overlooking his racing credentials.

The facts are: The Equator won once in six starts in Ireland and England and finished second twice. He was considered good enough to run at Royal Ascot. Yet it seems he was deemed surplus to requirements by trainer Aiden O'Brien.

However, scratch the surface and a more promising picture emerges. O'Brien is the world's most successful trainer, so even a cast-off from his Balldoyle stable might be a long way off a dud.