The Hollywoodbets Durban July, South Africa’s most prestigious horse racing event, returns on Saturday, July 5, 2025, promising another electric afternoon at Greyville Racecourse. With 12 races on the card and millions expected to be wagered, we’ve backed a bold set of picks for punters looking to make headlines. Here’s a race-by-race breakdown of our top predictions, all centered around your horses.
Race 1: POURSOMESUGARONME
She has a great turn of foot and will be finishing off strong. Don’t leave her out your exotics and have a strike on the nose at a good price.
Race 2: BEVIES DELIGHT
One of the top-rated in this contest. Won on her only course and distance attempt and gets top jockey aboard in Warren Kennedy.
Race 3: JOHNNY THE THIEF
Value bet for the day – will overcome the draw with ease and should be handy. Runs very well for Marco van Rensburg and carries a light mass.
Race 4: AHEAD OF THE FACTS
Perfectly prepped and should relish the stamina test. Muzi Yeni with 50.5kgs is a massive danger. Don’t leave out.
Race 5: QUICKSTEPGAL
Best bet for the day – a champion in the making! This is her toughest test but she’ll be my banker on the day.
Race 6: MALMESBURY MISSILE
This juvenile has shown tenacity and a strong turn of foot in the closing stages. The money coming in for him is very telling.
Race 7: SELUKWE
Hollywoodbets Durban July – 2200m (Grade 1)
Here’s the big one. SELUKWE may not be the bookmakers’ darling, but the horse has a late kick that could stun the top fancies. There is plenty of pace in this race which will suit him to the ground. He carries 54kgs and Serino Moodley would have learnt his lesson on timing from FLAG MAN’s race last year.
Race 8: MON PETIT CHERIE
A filly that oozes class. She had her most impressive win to date last time out, winning the Fillies Guineas. Don’t leave her out of anything.
Race 9: KING OF THE GAULS
Was very encouraging last time out and is perfectly prepped now. The draw shouldn’t be too much of a concern.
Race 10: NARINA TROGON
He won this race last year and is in a good space after finishing runner-up behind the top choice for the Hollywoodbets Durban July in the WSB 1900.
Race 11: RICH FOLKS HOAX
A tough contest here but RICH FOLKS HOAX is the first selection – however, go wide in exotics.
Race 12: DAPPER
Finished off nicely last time and will relish the step up to 1400m. He’s won his only attempt over this distance and is a big runner to close off the day.
