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2025 Durban July Runners & Tips - Runner-by-Runner Guide to the final field

Conrad Castleton

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Last updated: Fri 04 Jul 2025 11:42

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Conrad Castleton 04 Jul 2025

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2025 race features defending champion Oriental Charm against favorite Eight On Eighteen.
Immediate Edge and The Real Prince pose potential upsets with light weights.
Selukwe and Gladatorian also considered strong contenders if they maintain form.

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Durban July (Getty Images)

The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July will be the 129th running and we have a runner-by-runner guide to the entire field.

Defending champion Oriental Charm is bidding to go back-to-back and takes on rising star and red-hot favourite Eight On Eighteen.

Is there any of the runners at bigger odds who can defeat the pair? We've taken a look in our runner-by-runner guide and you can also read our Durban July betting tips.

2025 Durban July Final Field

Name	Age	MR	Weight	Jockey	Trainer
Oriental Charm	4	127	60kg	JP van de Merwe	James Crawford
See It Again	5	127	60kg	SCRATCHED	Mike Roberts
Gladatorian	5	127	60kg	Sean Veale	Stuart Ferrie
Royal Victory	5	125	59kg	Muzi Yeni	Nathan Kotzen
Purple Pitcher	4	122	57.5kg	Kabelo Matsunyane	Robyn Klaasen
Eight On Eighteen	3	129	57kg	Richie Fourie	Justin Snaith
Atticus Finch	5	121	57kg	Calvin Habib	Alec Laird
The Real Prince	4	120	56.5kg	Craig Zackey	Dean Kannemeyer
Pomodoro's Jet	6	118	55.5kg	Athandiwe Mgudlwe	James Crawford
Okavango	3	120	54.5kg	Andrew Fortune	Justin Snaith
Native Ruler	3	119	54kg	Tristan Godden	Justin Snaith
Madison Valley	4	115	54kg	Gavin Lerena	Frank Robinson
Selukwe	5	111	54kg	Serino Moodley	Andre Nel
Confederate	3	118	53.5kg	Warren Kennedy	Fabian Habib
My Best Shot	3	116	53kg	Chase Maujean	Alan Greef
On My Honour	3	116	53kg	S'magna Kumalo	Greg Kotzen
Rainbow Lorikeet (F)	4	111	53kg	Diego De Gouveia	Candice Bass-Robinson
Immediate Edge	3	108	53kg	Callan Murray	Mike & Mathew de Kock
Litigation	6	113	54kg	NA	Sean Tarry

2025 Durban July Runner-by-Runner Guide

Eight On Eighteen

The clear favourite, this three-year-old from Justin Snaith’s yard has dominated the season, winning the Cape Town Met and Daily News 2000. He carries a hefty 57kg for his age but has shown class and improvement with every run. With champion jockey Richard Fourie aboard, he is widely considered the horse to beat, and anything that finishes ahead of him is likely to win.

Oriental Charm

Last year’s winner returns with top weight and the plum inside draw. He was narrowly beaten in the Met and Gold Challenge this season, showing he retains his ability. His front-running style and proven stamina make him a major contender, though he faces a tough field and must overcome a lack of recent prep runs.

Immediate Edge

A lightly weighted three-year-old from the de Kock stable, Immediate Edge impressed in the Jubilee Stakes and has been well supported in betting. He’s on the up, and with just 53kg, he could be a big threat if he continues his progression. The “De Kock factor” adds to his appeal as a lively outsider.

The Real Prince

Lightly raced and from a top yard, The Real Prince is unproven beyond 1600m but has shown quality. If he stays the 2200m, he could be a big player. His form is solid, and he’s expected to be prominent if he handles the distance.

Selukwe

A five-year-old who has improved dramatically this season, Selukwe’s turn of foot was evident in the WSB 1900. He’s beaten several rivals in this field and is considered a strong each-way chance, especially if the race is run at a good pace.

Gladatorian

A consistent and tough performer, Gladatorian is unproven at the trip but has the class to feature. He finished close in the Gold Challenge and, despite a wide draw, is expected to be competitive if he stays the distance.

7. Royal Victory

Third in last year’s race, Royal Victory has more weight this time but excels in Grade 1 contests. He was an unlucky runner-up in the Premier’s Champions Challenge and would be a popular winner for his local connections, though the wide draw is a concern.

Okavango

Stablemate to the favourite, Okavango has something to find on recent form but is still lightly raced. He’ll need to improve significantly to challenge the principals but could run into the places if he progresses.

Atticus Finch

A Summer Cup winner, Atticus Finch is a capable performer but faces a tough task at these weights. He’s more of an outsider but not without hope if he finds his best form.

Confederate

Winner of the SA Classic, Confederate is untested beyond 1800m. He’s a three-year-old with potential, and any market support should be noted. He could surprise if he stays the trip.

Madison Valley

Fourth in the Summer Cup and winner of the Cup Trial, Madison Valley is in good form and has a favourable draw. He’s a lively outsider who could run well at big odds.

My Best Shot

A prolific winner from Gqeberha, My Best Shot has won 8 of his last 9 starts. He’s hard to assess against this level of opposition but comes in with a light weight and could be a dark horse.

Litigation

A reserve runner who gets in due to a late scratching of See It Again, Litigation is consistent but faces a tough field. He’s more likely to be making up the numbers unless he finds significant improvement.

Native Ruler

Lightly raced and with just one win, Native Ruler is a promising type for the future. This race may come too soon, but he’s one to watch for next season.

Rainbow Lorikeet

The only filly in the race, Rainbow Lorikeet is well drawn and comes from a top Cape Town yard. She would be a surprise winner but could run into the minor placings.

Pomodoro’s Jet

A winner of his last three starts, Pomodoro’s Jet steps up in class and returns from a long break. He’s a stablemate to Oriental Charm and faces a tough task here.

Purple Pitcher

Ran down the field last year but has some encouraging form lines. He’ll need to be at his very best to feature in the finish.

Verdict

2025 Durban July

Eight of Eighteen is a deserved favourite on form and will likely take the beating at short odds.

Eight of Eighteen

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