DURBAN JULY 2019: RACE SCHEDULE AND TIPS
With the countdown to the Durban July into single digits, we’ve put together a race day guide to navigate your way through the day.
Mixing a vibrant social scene, the glitz and glam of dressing the part, and trying your best to turn a profit betting on the ponies, it can become a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, this is no fashion guide for the social elite. The BET Central crew are sticking to what they know best – getting out of there with as little damage to the wallet as possible, in a decent enough state to celebrate any winners you backed, and enough great memories to get you back there next year.The days start early, with the first race off at 11:25. What many first-timers at the track fail to realise is that you’re in for an event longer than a day of Test cricket. Just like the first session of a Test can sometimes be a tame affair, so are the first few races on July Day. Pace yourself and save your big notes for the big races – the reason why this day exists.
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Click on each race to reveal our preview and tips
Race 1
This is a regular handicap race run on the artificial track known as the polytrack. Similar to the main race, horses are weighted differently to level the playing fields. These get run day in, day out. You’re not witnessing history.
Tip: – You’re getting your money back if your horse loses (using our ), so it’s worth going for some value. This filly comes into the race off a good 2nd coming back from a fairly long layoff. If not needing another run, regular jockey Keagen De Melo could spring an early surprise for punters. And if not, well, and we’ll get that insurance bonus added to your account promptly.
Race 2
This is of slightly more importance, but again nothing spectacular. It is, however, the shortest race of the day, the only one run over 1000m. There will be a wide range of sprinters, different ages and sexes, so worth a watch.
Tip: – This might be a bold call, but it’s worth going for some value early on in the day. Basilius has run close against top opposition in recent times. Currently 7/1, the only issue could be the distance. This race should throw up a surprise winner, and with regular jockey Muzi Yeni onboard, this has the makings of upset material.
Race 3 - Betting World 2200 (Grade 3)
This first graded race of the day. Grades basically rank the prestige of races. The Durban July (Race 7) is a Grade 1, the best you get. This is a Grade 3 run on the main turf track. It’s run over 2200m, the same distance as the July, so previous July runners and those short of quality to make the main race, run in this one. It’s a good time in the day to start paying attention.
TIP: – At very decent odds (10/1 at time of writing), this horse is a reserve runner in the Durban July. If he doesn’t get in as a late substitute, this will be the next best race for him. The further this colt runs, the more promising he looks, and the booking of Anton Marcus is something to take note of.
Race 4 - Gold Vase (Grade 3)
Another Grade 3 – The Gold Vase. This is run over 3000m, the longest race on the day. It’s also the first leg of the Pick 6 – the biggest betting prize on offer. My favourite thing about this race is that it starts directly in front of the grandstands. Don’t get caught in the drinks queue. Get your Pick 6 on early and grab a spot close to the rail to watch them load and set off out the stalls.
TIP: – We’re siding with the course specialist. Strathdon seems to be the big race day bridesmaid, and the only danger seems to be Walter Smoothy. Lyle Hewitson is world class and has some solid form aboard the filly, who’s weight allowance will hopefully give her the edge.
Race 5 - Golden Slipper (Grade 2)
The first Grade 2 race – The Golden Slipper. This race only allows the best 2-year-old fillies to enter. Last year the favourite won, but be warned, it’s a notoriously difficult betting prospect. As a general rule of thumb, the younger the horse the less predictable. As a result, it normally sees a wide spread of fancied runners. Exactas, Swingers, Trifectas and Quartets are the way to play it. It also sees the start of the Jackpot, popular with those who go out in the first leg of their Pick 6.
TIP: – It’s tough to have much confidence in this selection. This filly is currently a great price (12/1), and has solid form coming from its last run; a listed race at the beginning of June over the same course and distance. Definitely worth an each-way go at those odds.
Race 6 - Golden Horseshoe (Grade 2)
Another Grade 2 race – The Golden Horseshoe. Similar to the previous race, but this one is reserved for the boys. Again, a tough prospect to pick a winner. Last year produced an upset of note, and the same rules should apply. Being the curtain raiser for the main event, spirits will be high.
TIP: – Backing a favourite in a 2-year-old race is brave, but his performance last time out was super impressive. Being a youngster he was a little all over the show, but came good at the business end and stuck his nose in front to win a Grade 1 on just his second start.
Race 7 - Durban July (Grade 1)
The reason this day exists. The Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July. Know for longer as the Rothman’s Durban July, when smoking was still cool. This is a handicap race, meaning that the array of horses taking part are mathematically levelled using weight. The better the horse the heavier weight penalty it carries. The art in picking a winner is identifying factors like the jockey stats, trainer stats, draw, previous form and course and distance suitability that will give your pick the advantage. All very complex if you don’t follow horse racing religiously.
TIP: – If he can repeat the run that won him The Met, he’s surely in with a huge chance. The favourite Hawwaam is a unicorn but is frankly unexposed at this level and his odds seem to carry some of this hype.
Race 8
Definitely the palate cleanser between main courses. This is a standard handicap race, there to not steal the limelight of the main attraction. You still have five races to go, but if you’re still in the Pick 6, you’ve reached the business end. Racing switches back to the polytrack, and picking a winner here could make or break your day.
TIP: – This highly rated colt has been coming up against hot opposition of late, and comes into this a more fancied prospect. Currently at 7/1, theres value is backing him over 1600m. His last effort over this distance saw him finish within 2.5 lengths of Durban July runner, Twist Of Fate. The plum draw of 1 will also help.
Race 9 - Garden Province Stakes (Grade 1)
The second Grade 1 of the day – The Garden Province Stakes. It’s reserved for the best fillies and mares suited to run 1600m (1 mile), and it’s usually a cracking race. Last year saw the biggest favourite of the entire day run 2nd. Being the last leg of the Pick 6, there will be patrons around holding on betting slips that could be paying out bombs. Hopefully, you’re one of them.
TIP: – Oh Susanna is a deserved favourite, and she always performs on big occasions. However, this distance will test her ability as she prefers a little further. Front and Centre is classy and suits the mile trip, hence our preference for her. The wide draw is a concern but if anyone can overcome that, it’s Anton Marcus.
Race 10
This race holds a R1 million purse and is reserved for horses bought in the KZN Yearling Sale. The only thing you need to know is that the field is filled with 2-year-old boys and girls. Because the entry requirements are more relaxed than the earlier races for 2-year-olds, most times a fancied horse takes the prize.
TIP: – She’s the best of the girls in this race, and if she can overcome a couple of the young colts, she could pop up in the winner’s box at big odds. Value is usually the play in these 2-year-old races, and with Lyle Hewitson onboard, it adds further confidence. She beat a good horse in Virtuosa last time out, and her prior run saw her 2nd to Gabor, who runs in the Grade 2 Golden Slipper.
Race 11
A 1200m sprint, reserved for 3-year-olds. Form should be a little easier to read in this, but favourites notoriously go missing on the day.
TIP: – This looks a two horse race on paper. Van Halen comes up against Mighty High again, and if the 1kg weight turnaround doesn’t benefit the challenger too much, the result should be the same. There’s not much else evident danger, and they both have wide draws to overcome.
Race 12
This race isn’t called the Get Out Stakes for no reason. It’s tricky handicap over 1400m, so not the easiest betting proposition. If you’re still standing and haven’t headed to an afterparty yet, there could be something for you in the lucky last.
TIP: – It looks likely this race will go to a local specialist. There are a few horses with good poly form, and our pick ticks that box. Last time out he didn’t enjoy the extra 200m on grass, but should relish the return to his preferred conditions.
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HOW TO PICK A WINNER
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