The Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July has always been a race where drama arrives before the gates even open, and this year’s edition has already delivered a major twist.
Early favourite Star Major was scratched on Tuesday after returning an elevated temperature, removing the horse many believed was the one they all had to beat. His withdrawal not only changed the complexion of the race, but also opened the door for first emergency Choisaanada to gain a start in South Africa’s most famous race.
Run over 2200 metres at Greyville, the Durban July is worth R10 million and remains the country’s showpiece handicap a race where form, luck, tempo and a little bit of theatre all collide. With Star Major out, this year’s race suddenly looks far more open, and the spotlight now shifts to a group of runners who were already knocking on the door.
The most compelling of them may be Wish List.
The Justin Snaith-trained filly brings the profile every punter loves in a big handicap: she is progressive, in form and already proven at Greyville. Her record reads 10 starts for five wins, two seconds and two thirds, and she arrives off four straight victories, including back-to-back wins at Greyville over 1600 metres and 2000 metres.
That latest success came in the Woolavington 2000, where she found enough late to win narrowly but importantly. It was not flashy, but it showed the right qualities for a Durban July she travelled well, she stayed, and she was willing to fight. The 2200 metres is still a question, but her racing pattern and recent progression suggest she is ready for it.
Her win over Note To Self in the Cape Derby earlier in the season also ties her strongly into one of the key three-year-old form lines. Note To Self finished second to Wish List that day before later running third behind Star Major in the Daily News 2000 at Greyville. With Star Major now out of the race, that form suddenly becomes even more important.
Note To Self has not won since January, but he has done very little wrong. His career record of two wins, three seconds and three thirds from eight starts shows a horse who is always around the money, and his latest run behind Star Major was better than it may look on paper. He settled midfield, stayed on strongly, and again gave the impression that the longer trip of the July could be within range.
The booking of Richard Fourie is another major positive. In a big-field Greyville handicap, where position and timing can decide the race, having one of South Africa’s most accomplished big-race riders aboard is a serious asset. Note To Self may not have the winning streak of Wish List, but he has the right profile to peak on the day.
Then there is Regulation, who may be one of the more interesting runners at odds.
The four-year-old gelding has drawn well in barrier two and carries just 52kg, which gives him every chance to land in the right position early. He was disappointing last start when eighth behind Zeitz over 1800 metres, but his run prior to that was full of merit, finishing second to Isivivane over 1900 metres at Greyville.
That effort reads well in the context of this race. He was beaten less than a length, maps to get a far better run than many of his rivals, and is now partnered by Zac Lloyd, one of the most exciting young riders in Australia. Lloyd, the son of former South African champion jockey Jeff Lloyd, adds a fascinating international angle to the race and looks a strong booking for a horse who should be able to use his light weight and draw.
The Australian-based riding presence does not stop there.
Zac LLoyd Chad Schofield Mark Du Plessis
Chad Schofield (son of former South African gun Glyn) returns with the ride on King Pelles, while Mark Du Plessis partners I Salute You. Along with Lloyd, they bring a strong southern African connection back into the Durban July spotlight. Schofield, the son of former top South African rider Glyn Schofield, has built an international career across Australia and Hong Kong, while Du Plessis has long been associated with racing across Zimbabwe, New Zealand and the wider region.
Their presence gives this year’s Durban July a global feel and a reminder that South African racing still has a pull far beyond its borders.
The Star Major scratching also brings Choisaanada into play. He was unlucky to miss the original field and now gets his chance after coming in as first emergency. His recent form is strong enough to make him more than just a late replacement, having won two starts back at Turffontein before finishing second to Fire Attack over 2000 metres. He brings tactical speed, race fitness and a genuine point to prove.
That is what makes this year’s Durban July so intriguing. Without Star Major, there is no obvious standout. Wish List has the winning form and upside. Note To Self has the consistency and the right rider. Regulation has the draw, the weight and the chance to bounce back. Choisaanada adds a wildcard element after gaining a late start.
The Durban July is rarely won by the horse with the simplest story. It is won by the horse who can handle the pressure, absorb the tempo and still find something up the Greyville straight.
This year, after the scratching of the favourite, the door is wide open.
And for Wish List, Note To Self and Regulation, the timing may be perfect.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
