The million dollar question as to whether Justin Snaith’s star 3yo Eight On Eighteen, an emphatic winner of Saturday’s Gr1 Daily News 2000, will take his place in the R5 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July remains unanswered as the connections exercise their prerogative to weigh up the options in the build-up to final declarations for the big race, which close at 11h00 on Monday 23 June.
Richard Fourie and Eight On Eighteen with the Daily News winner’s sash (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The Sporting Post has been inundated with enquiries from racing fans to get the scoop on whether Nic Jonsson and Johann Rupert’s treble Grade 1-winner will start in the historic race on 5 July.
“It’s a decision that needs plenty of contemplation and consideration and one that will be made in the best interests of the horse and his future,” said Jonathan Snaith on Monday afternoon in a chat with the Sporting Post.
We drew Jono’s attention to his response to the same question back in March, where he indicated to us that the Drakenstein-bred 3yo would be aimed chiefly at the stallion-making features, including the Gr1 Daily News 2000, which he doddled in, apparently still in need of it, on Saturday, and culminating in the Gr1 Champions Cup at season end.
“The plan hasn’t changed, but naturally there is more public awareness and interest after his top performance on Saturday. We are looking at the bigger picture, and are very well aware that the Hollywoodbets Durban July is a tough and no-holds barred race. As Justin (Snaith) said after the Daily News on Saturday, when the gates flash open in the July, the jockeys practically lose their heads and it’s all eyes on a prize that everybody wants. We will make the announcement when the decision has been made, and we are very aware of the weight of public interest,” concluded Jono.
Jono Snaith (right) with Sean Veale at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
A stallion prospect and a horse with international performance potential, Eight On Eighteen was hiked to a 129 by the NHA handicappers following Saturday’s win. That means he would carry 57kgs if the big race was run today, with See It Again at topweight of 60kg. Eight On Eighteen is technically 2kgs well in as 3yo’s are capped at 57kgs.
His stablemate Okavango was bumped up to a 120 after running a 4,05 length third behind Eight On Eighteen on Saturday, and would carry 54,5kgs on 5 July.
Interestingly, Eight On Eighteen is now our joint fourth highest-rated galloper alongside Piet Botha’s Montien, and behind Gimme A Prince (134), the exported One Stripe (132), and Tony Peter’s Main Defender (130).
Belgarion (Richard Fourie) wins the Durban July back in the covid days of 2020 (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Snaith, who is well ahead on the SA Champion trainer log, is bidding for his sixth Durban July trophy.
The yard have not won Africa’s greatest race since Belgarion scored in 2020, rounding off a hat-trick that was launched in 2018 and 2019 by the iconic Do It Again.
Hollywoodbets have priced Eight On Eighteen at 5-2 in the ante-post market.
Spokesman Patrick Bradley told the Sporting Post that punters would ultimately have to take a view as to what they felt would be the outcome of the final decision on the Hollywoodbets Durban July by the top colt’s connections.
“It all boils down to opinion. If you feel Eight On Eighteen going to run, then he is well-priced as he’d probably be around 2-1, when confirmed. The positive for those whose fancies lie elsewhere, is that Eight On Eighteen’s firming in the market has meant that there is value to be had amongst a number of the other entries,” added Bradley.
- Second declarations close at 11h00 on Monday, 9 June
- Final supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Tuesday, 17 June, on which date the weights will be published.
- Final Declarations close at 11h00 on Monday, 23 June.
- Final field and draw announcement will take place on Tuesday, 24 June.
- The official gallops will be held on Thursday 26 June.
- A final field of 20 horses will be carded (18 + 2 Reserves).
The reserves to be scratched by 08h15 on Friday 4 July.
