2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July
It is that time of the year again when your grandfather, dad, uncle, cousin or even friends WhatsApp and ask for your favourite numbers or maybe even what you dreamt about last night. Sounds familiar, right? If it does not, let me explain; so why don’t you indulge us a bit as we harp on about the big event this weekend?
The 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July takes place this Saturday, the 6th of July, at the Hollywoodbets Greyville course. The Durban July is Africa’s biggest Horse Racing event, and everyone loves a bet on the day. Irrespective of whether you are a daily racing punter or a once-in-the-year bettor, the thrill of placing a bet on July day is unmatched.
For this year’s event, the team at Topbets has made things easy for punters, and we have compiled an in-depth preview of the card. From Race 1 to 12, including the big event in Race 7, we have got you covered.
Horse Racing Betting Guide
How often have you placed a horse bet on July Day, only to realise you took the wrong type of bet? It is a common mistake many make, so you should learn the rules first to give you a headstart for the big day. Before betting on the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July, read and pass your Horse Racing Betting 101 Module.
Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge
We understand not everyone may have the funds to place bets for the Durban July. However, everyone can still try their luck and win some money without paying for anything, thanks to the Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge. The 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July Punters Challenge has an R20 million jackpot for the big day!
So while studying your bets, don’t forget to play at Hollywoodbets and stake your claim in the free-to-play Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge. If you are unfamiliar with the Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge, our team at Topbets has compiled an in-depth Punters Challenge article covering everything about the popular predictor game, so make sure you read it and use our tips to climb the leaderboard and win the millions.
2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July Predictions and Suggested Bets
This year, thanks to the World Pool, the exotics and all other tote pools will be inflated, and massive jackpots will be offered. Some things to keep in mind when betting:
- Remember, anyone can tip all the favourites to win every race, but then the payouts won’t be big.
- We are here to help all punters and will provide both bankers and value bets. It does not matter if a horse is 2/1 or 20/1; if we find the horse while studying, we will mention it to you.
- We encourage readers to use our analysis, predictions, and suggested bets when structuring their bets.
- Since the pools are so large, you can expect payouts to run in the thousands, so take percentages in your exotics.
- You don’t need to break the bank to bet on the Durban July; even a 10% share of a ticket can return you 10 000x your stake.
- Finally, please play responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
If you are following our tips and placing bets today, good luck, and hopefully, it’ll be a winning day for all. Right, it is time for the talking to stop and for us to get down to the analysis, predictions, and suggested bets for the big day.
Note: Betting odds are correct at the time of writing, but odds are subject to change.
Race 1: 1400m – FM 80 Handicap (Poly)
A brilliant day of racing begins with an FM 80 Handicap on the Poly track. Lock and Key is the big favourite and is trading at 1.25/1. She won her maiden race by 8.6 lengths, and while that debut run was impressive, she is by no means a sure thing. She is taking on stronger now and is against proven winners. The better option is to take her on and try and beat her.
Vihaan’s Queen is a big outsider who is a lurker in this field. She has run into the money in all her races and has two wins in her last three starts. Rachel Venniker takes 1.5kgs off, so she carries 60kgs. With some luck in running, she should be involved in the finish.
The race does not end there, though; many others also have claims. This is the first leg of Jackpot One for the exotics, so you should include Lock and Key, Vihaan’s Queens, Pilot Flame, Nettleton and Rhani Of Jhansi.
Suggested Value Bet – Vihaan’s Queen EW @ 12.5/1
Race 2: 1400m – MR 96 Handicap (Poly)
It is a competitive MR 96 Handicap on the Poly, and many of these horses have winning chances. The Grey King is the favourite at 2.27/1, and if you ignore his last run, he is a massive runner. The saddle slipped in his last start, and his poor showing resulted from that misfortune. He has solid form and is the worthy favourite.
Race 2 is the start of Bipot 1, so if you want to go wider in the exotics, you must include more runners. Other horses that can upset the favourite and have winning claims include Good Traveller, Queue Wing, Wylie Rylie, Romance In Rome, and PrinceOfGreen.
Suggested Bet – The Grey King to win @ 2.27/1
Race 3: 2200m – Splashout 2200m (Grade 3)
Commonly known as the Durban July consolation race, the Splashout 2200m event consists of all the horses who just missed out on qualifying for the Durban July race. The competitive nature of this race is depicted by the open betting, with the weak favourite only priced at 4.55/1.
This means that you must go wide for the exotics (Jackpot 1, Bipot 1 and the PA). All of Ponte Pietra, Hluhluwe, Mucho Dinero, Atticus Finch, Sundance Kid and Baratheon must be considered. For a suggested value bet, look no further than Cape Eagle. You can ignore his last start, as he overraced and cost himself in the Tabgold Derby. The six-year-old loves racing at Greyville, and in ten starts, he has three wins, one second and three thirds. He carries a handy weight of 56.5kgs and represents excellent EW value.
Suggested Value Bet – Cape Eagle EW @ 20/1
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Race 4: 3000m – DSTV Gold Vase (Grade 3)
It is the start of the projected R20 million Pick 6, and what a race to begin with. The 3000m stayers race will test a horse’s stamina and endurance. Raisehallelujah is the favourite at 3.03/1, but never seems to produce on the big days. Still, he must be considered in all exotics, and other horses who can upset and win include Indian Ocean, Breeze Over, One Way Traffic, Down To Business and Nebraas.
Nebraas is a top stayer and has won several Graded races in his career. He is getting older now but is a hard knocker. His Gauteng form was poor, but he is an outsider to win this race. He does carry top weight, and his rivals are better weighted, but if he can reproduce his earlier career form, he should run well and place.
Suggested Value Bet – Nebraas EW @ 12.5/1
Race 5: 1400m – Golden Slipper (Grade 2)
Gimme’s Countess is a likely banker for many in their exotic bets. At 1.11/1, she is a big favourite and is expected to win here. You can expect the Pick 6 and other exotics to pay well if she does not win. She was unlucky not to win her last start, as she found no running room over the final 300m.
If you are playing to beat her, other horses to factor in include Quid Pro Quo, Whistle The Tune, Just Reckless, Little Ballerina and Sorceress Supreme.
Suggested Bet – Gimmie’s Countess to win @ 1.11/1
Race 6: 1400m – Golden Horseshoe (Grade 2)
It is a competitive Golden Horseshoe, and the betting is not as clear-cut as it seems. Truth and Great Plains are the top contenders, but all these two-year-olds are still open to improvement. An upset is possible, and you should factor that in when deciding whether this is a leg to go wide.
Cosmic Speed should have won his last start but hung towards the end. He is a lightly raced gelding and with some luck in running, he should contest the finish. He represents EW value if you want to take on the favourites. Other horses to consider include Proceed, Winds Of Change and The Specialist.
Suggested Value Bet – Cosmic Speed EW @ 8.33/1
Race 7: 2200m – 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July (Grade 1)
The big race of the day is the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July. Unlike in years past, the race has many top contenders this year, and finding a winner is not straightforward. For exotic bets, you must go wide. For half of the field, a case can be made, so structure your bets wisely.
Green With Envy is the shallow favourite at 4.55/1. The three-year-old is the top-rated horse in his age group and is expected to put up a strong challenge. See It Again finished second in the 2023 Durban July and, at 5/1, is a top contender to win the race. He must be included in all bets.
Oriental Charm was 200/1 to win this race two months ago, but his impressive win in the Grade 3 Cup Trial last month, while giving weight to the entire field, has slashed his odds. At 8.33/1, he is a lively contender to win the Durban July. Winchester Mansion won the 2023 Durban July and is back to defend his crown. At 14.29/1, he is a dark horse to go back-to-back.
If you are after bigger prices, then Barbaresco at 20/1 and Without Question at 25/1 are two lurkers who can shock and pull off the upset. Consideration must also be given to Flag Man at 12.5/1, Cousin Casey at 20/1 and Future Swing at 7.14/1. Champion jockey Richard Fourie has elected to ride Future Swing, and with 54kgs, he is a massive runner.
After hours of form studying, watching replays, and reading trainer comments, our Topbets 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July predicted winner is Royal Victory. The four-year-old gelding has shown remarkable improvement over the past 12 months. He has developed into a top-class middle-distance racehorse and is a duel Grade 1 winner.
Royal Victory never runs a bad race and is always in with a chance. He carries 57kgs, and from the best draw of one, he should have no issues getting to the rail. With his 2023 Grade 1 Summer Cup win, he has proven that he does not get overawed by the noise, flashing photography, etc, on the course on big race days. The only worry is the Greyville finish, as he may not enjoy the narrow run-in, as he did in Gauteng. However, with some luck in running, he is a massive contender to give KZN a long-awaited local homegrown Durban July winner. Royal Victory will be a fan favourite among the KZN crowd, and he has every chance to win the big one and continue the amazing, successful story for his small-time owners and connections.
Suggested Value Bet – Royal Victory EW @ 10/1
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Race 8: 1600m – Garden Province Stakes (Grade 1)
For many bettors on Saturday, this will be a race where they go narrow in the exotics. Double Grand Slam is a worthy favourite and will be a banker of many. At 2/1, she is expected to win and beat her rivals.
However, the race is not straightforward, and an upset is a big possibility here. Respect must be given to all of Silver Sanctuary, Red Palace, Humdinger and Rascova.
A horse that does not get the credit she deserves and who is a big lurker in this race is Mrs Browning. The four-year-old is a speedy filly who is a duel, Graded winner. She gets the services of top jockey Gavin Lerena and can shock this field. As a MR 118 rated filly, it is disrespectful that she is priced so high for this race. Her EW odds represents top value and should be a bet for many.
Suggested Value Bet – Mrs Browning EW @ 20/1
Race 9: 1200m – Post Merchants (Grade 2)
The last leg of the Pick 6 and the first leg of Jackpot 3, Race 9, carries a lot of significance. Cruise Control is the favourite at 4/1, but is no sure thing, so you must go wide in this leg. Horses to consider are Cafe Culture, Royal Aussie, Melech, Teflon Man, Quasiforsure, At My Command, I Am Giant and Tail Of The Comet. If you have the funds, taking the field for all exotics is a good option.
For a suggested value bet, the best option is Melech. He lost his last race at the start when carried in, but his finishing speed and performance were impressive. With better luck in running, he should be mowing them down at the finish. On paper, this race has a lot of speed, which works in Melech’s favour, and he loves this distance. He is the value runner in the race and a top contender.
Suggested Value Bet – Melech EW @ 7.14/1
Race 10: 1600m – Listed Handicap Stakes (Listed)
It is yet another competitive race, and betting is wide open for Race 10. Bipot 2 and Jackpot 3 are the remaining exotics by this time of the day, so go wide and try to survive. Horses to follow are Lady Heist, On The Horizon, Get Impressed, Mr Master Starter and Narina Trogon.
The value lies with Narina Trogon, who boasts some solid form lines. The four-year-old carries 57kgs and can compete with his mark. Unfortunately, he does have a wide draw to contend with, but with luck in running, he is a dark horse to find the winner’s box.
Suggested Value Bet – Narina Trogon EW @ 14.29/1
Race 11: 1200m – Pinnacle Stakes F&M (Pinnacle)
It’s a race you can go with just a few, as only a few have winning claims. The main players are Shipolia, Shantastic, Just Be Lekker, Elegant Ice, and Troppo Veloce.
Troppo Veloce represents the value, and she is primed and aimed for this race. Her poor last start was expected; she needed that run after a four-month break. She should strip much fitter and should be settled in her surroundings. She is back running against her sex and is a leading contender to find the winner’s enclosure.
Suggested Value Bet – Troppo Veloce EW @ 8.33/1
Race 12: 1000m – MR 90 Handicap (Poly)
Like all good things, everything ends, and Race 12 is the final official race of the day, an MR 90 Handicap event which will be run on the Poly track. Generally, if you have had a tough day of racing, you use this leg to get out of jail with a big-priced winner.
The favourite is Chocolate Soldier, and at 2/1, he represents no value. However, he is a progressive horse, so he could be ahead of the handicapper. If you are playing wider, you must include all of Black Egret, Law Of Success, Quandary, Ride On, Yamadori and B FiftyTwo.
Let’s end the day with a double-digit winner for a suggested value bet. Black Egret has decent form and is unbeaten on the Poly, winning his only start. He gets a nice draw of three and should have no issues finding a good position. He is a speedy horse, and even with a top weight of 61.5kgs, he can produce the goods in this field.
Suggested Value Bet – Black Egret EW @ 10/1
Suggested Exotics Bets
Exotics bets will generate the biggest returns on the day, so it is important to structure these bets well. Remember, the more horses you add to each leg, the costlier your ticket will be. So we have provided two options for bettors: a high roller option (full cost of the ticket) and a lower option for small bankroll bettors (10% cost of the ticket). With expected jackpots over R1 million on the smallest exotics and R15+ million on the bigger exotics (Pick 6), you can still win big even with a 1% or 10% share of a ticket: the more outsiders that upset the favourites, the bigger the payouts of exotics.
Bipot 1 (Races 2-7):
Leg 1 – 2, 3, 7
Leg 2 – 3, 4, 14
Leg 3 – 6, 8, 12, 14, 15
Leg 4 – 1, 7
Leg 5 – 2, 10, 11
Leg 6 – 1, 5, 10, 11
Total Cost of Ticket: R1080
10% of Ticket: R108
Bipot 2 (Races 7-12):
Leg 1 – 1, 5, 10, 11
Leg 2 – 3, 6
Leg 3 – 2, 3, 5, 9, 11
Leg 4 – 1, 2, 5, 12, 13
Leg 5 – 2, 4, 9
Leg 6 – 1, 3, 11
Total Cost of Ticket: R1800
10% of Ticket: R180
PA (Races 3-9):
Leg 1 – 3, 4, 14
Leg 2 – 6, 8, 12, 14
Leg 3 – 7
Leg 4 – 10, 11
Leg 5 – 1, 5, 10
Leg 6 – 3
Leg 7 – 3, 5, 9, 11
Total Cost of Ticket: R288
10% of Ticket: R28.80
Pick 6 (Races 4-9):
Leg 1 – 6, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16
Leg 2 – 1, 7
Leg 3 – 2, 10, 11, 13, 14
Leg 4 – 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17
Leg 5 – 2, 3
Leg 6 – 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14
Total Cost of Ticket: R6720
10% of Ticket: R672
1% of Ticket: R67.20
Jackpot 1 (Races 1-4):
Leg 1 – 4, 5, 6, 8, 9
Leg 2 – 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 12
Leg 3 – 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 14
Leg 4 – 6, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16
Total Cost of Ticket: R1680
10% of Ticket: R168
Jackpot 2 (Races 5-8):
Leg 1 – 1, 2, 7, 11
Leg 2 – 2, 10, 11, 13, 14
Leg 3 – 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17
Leg 4 – 2, 3, 6, 8, 10
Total Cost of Ticket: R700
10% of Ticket: R70
Jackpot 3 (Races 9-12):
Leg 1 – 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Leg 2 – 1, 2, 5, 12, 13
Leg 3 – 2, 4, 5, 7, 9
Leg 4 – 1, 3, 4, 5, 11
Total Cost of Ticket: R1375
10% of Ticket: R137.50
Quartet Race 7:
Boxed Numbers – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17
Total Cost of Ticket: R5040
10% of Ticket: R504
1% of Ticket: R50.40
Once again, if you are following our tips and placing bets, good luck, and hopefully, it’ll be a winning day for all. Don’t forget that besides betting on the Durban July, we also provide daily horse racing predictions on all local race meetings in South Africa. Some of our other content covers Rugby, Cricket and Soccer, and we have plenty of other predictions on our site. So, browse the site for detailed betting tips and predictions.
Writer/Betting Tipster
I have been in the online casino and sports betting industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including the Canadian, UK, South African, African and New Zealand markets. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Rugby, American Football, Basketball and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!
