Hollywoodbets Durban July – Introducing the Class of 2024

The final field draw for the Hollywoodbets Durban July took place on Tuesday 25 June at the Bond Shed in eThekwini’s Point area.

An interesting aspect of the latest renewal is the absence of any representatives of the fairer sex amongst the equine ranks. However, Robyn Klaasen flies the flag for the ladies among the trainers, while Rachel Venniker – so unlucky to miss out on the race last year after a freak injury – returns aboard Justin Snaith’s WITHOUT QUESTION.

Dean Kannemeyer’s colt GREEN WITH ENVY tops the betting boards early on. The son of Gimmethegreenlight claimed the Daily News 2000 and will look to kick on and claim first prize at the big dance on Hollywoodbets Durban July day. Craig Zackey retains the ride and will look to pilot this three-year-old to a fifth win on the trot. 

Last year’s runner-up SEE IT AGAIN will get another crack at glory with Piere Strydom aboard. Trained by Michael Roberts, this four-year-old carries top weight and jumps from gate 10. He ran a creditable third in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge but arguably does his best work over a bit further than the mile.

Record-breaking jockey Richard Fourie will be aboard Justin Snaith’s FUTURE SWING. This gelding has won all three of his starts over1900m or more, most recently claiming the Grade 2 WSB 1900 at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Available at around 5/1 at first show, write him off at your own peril.

Last year’s winning trainer Brett Crawford’s ORIENTAL CHARM has campaigned twice in Durban since arriving from the Cape, running second to FUTURE SWING in the WSB 1900 before winning the Gr3 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial over 1800 metres in early June. JP van der Merwe is on board and will fancy his chances.

FLAG MAN has only ever run in one graded