THE HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY - THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING!

THE 129th renewal of Africa's most famous racing event, the R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July (Gr1) over 2200m on Saturday, has been granted World Pool status by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and as such will be beamed from Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse to all corners of the Globe.

- GRAEME HAWKINS

The tote pools for the “July” will be massive and the Pick 6, boosted by a R2-million carryover, is expected to breach the R15-million mark.

Aside from the 12 races on the programme, the expected 45000-strong crowd will have plenty of entertainment to look forward to with many of South Africa's headline artists set to perform on the infield Pulse Stage, and in the spirit of the Marvels of Mzansi theme, the National Anthem will be delivered by the legendary Zolani Mahola a few minutes before the field of eighteen runners begin loading into the starting stalls for the "July" at 16:00.

EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN

The overwhelming favourite for the Hollywoodbets Durban July (Grl) is the cracking 3yo colt, Eight On Eighteen, from the powerful stable of Champion trainer Justin Snaith who is looking for his sixth "July" success.

Eight On Eighteen has won three Grade 1 races this season including the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met over 2000m in January.

The 3yo son of Lancaster Bomber subsequently posted easy victories in the Splashout Cape Derby (Grl) in February and more recently the Daily News 2000 (Gr1) in May.

Eight On Eighteen never gave too much away at the official gallops on Thursday last week, but he looked in superb condition and appears ready for the toughest test of his career. Champion jockey Richard Fourie has been aboard Eight On Eighteen for all his major victories and will be looking to add a third “July" success to his impressive CV.

ORIENTAL CHARM