The biggest horse racing event of the year in South Africa is set for Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, July 6. A strong field of 20 runners have been declared of the Durban July this year, with the most prestigious race on the calendar in South Africa offering a purse of R5 million.
But, who are among the leading contenders and what are some of the exciting offers available at BetXchange for one of the world’s most famous betting days?
Race Information
The Durban July Handicap is South Africa’s most famous race, and it has been held annually since 1897. The prestigious race was contested over a mile in its inaugural running, before being modified on a number of occasions throughout history.
Nowadays, the July is run over 2200 metres on the turf, with horses aged three and older able to compete in the world-famous race. Six horses have won the race on multiple occasions, including Do It Again, who landed successes in 2018 and 2019 to become the first multiple-time winner of the race since El Picha in 2000.
Durban July 2024 Contenders
Green With Envy
Green With Envy could be sent off as a short price favourite for the July Handicap this weekend after impressing for trainer Dean Kannemeyer throughout this season. The three-year-old will have Craig Zackney aboard at Greyville, as he bids to build on his dominant showings in stakes company already in 2024.
He was excellent on his final start before the race this weekend, beating Flag Man by a short head to score in the G1 Daily News 2000 over a mile and two at Greyville. However, three-year-old runners have won just two of the last nine renewals of the race, meaning his lack of experience could be a concern.
See It Again
See It Again is a leading chance for trainer Mike Roberts this weekend, and he is weighted to go one better than his close second in the race 12 months ago. The four-year-old returned from a lengthy break to take third in the G1 Gold Cup Challenge at the start of June, but the mile distance certainly isn’t his preferred trip.
The big concern with this runner is the fact that while he places a lot, wins have been challenging to come by.
Future Swing
Future Swing is a very likeable contender for Justin Snaith this weekend. The four-year-old is one of the most lightly raced contenders in the field, but he has won twice from his last three starts.
However, a return to form will be required after finishing way down the field over a mile in the Bright Future Class 3 on his previous start in May. But, there is a huge case that improvement is to come over this stamina test of a mile and three.
BetXchange Promotions
As one of the biggest betting days of the year in South Africa, BetXchange have a number of exciting promotions for bettors. An exciting opportunity to bet on the race sees winnings paid out with 0% tax, giving winning punters more of their money.
It is also essential to stay close to the website leading up to the race, with BetXchange offering boosted odds for one day only between 3pm and 6pm on Friday, July 5.
As a leading sportsbook, BetXchange also puts the bettor first, as a runner-up refund promotion will be running throughout the week. This will see losing bets refunded if the selection comes second up to R3000.
Durban July Prediction
A fascinating renewal of the Durban July is set for this weekend, and there is no shortage of leading contenders. However, See It Again looks to be a solid selection to go one better in 2024 after his runner-up finish in 2023. Winchester Mansion could also be overlooked at a huge price after his win in the race last year off another competitive weight.
Pick: See It Again
Pick: Winchester Mansion
