Bet Central has been keeping a close eye on who everyone’s backing in this year’s Durban July.
As the excitement and anticipation builds for the 2020 Durban July, there is already money flooding in from punters who have their minds made up. Whilst some of the favourites feature, there are some surprise inclusions as well as notable absentees.
Take a look at the top 5 most backed horses in this year Durban July (stats as of Tuesday 21 July 2020):
5. Bunker Hunt
Jockey: Grant van Niekerk
Trainer: Justin Snaith
A certified dark horse in the race, this 4 year impressed in the recent Grade 2 Drill Hall Stakes. Some notable place finishes in big races show he’s capable of springing a surprise on the day.Grant van Niekerk has returned from racing in Hong Kong and comes with his well known diligence to almost every ride you see him on. He’s yet to with a Durban July, but has the class and experience to make the most of any luck in running he may get.
We have tipped it as our value bet in the main race, and it seems we’re not the only ones who fancy it. Bunker Hunt is currently the fifth most backed horse in the race.
Current Odds: 10.00
4. Belgarion
Jockey: Richard Fourie
Trainer: Justin Snaith
This lightly raced 4 year old looks the Snaith stable elect after two confident Grade 2 wins in its build up. This will be its toughest test to date, but will relish the light 53kg handicap.Richard Fourie picking up the ride is a big statement, and stamp of authority from the yard. He rode Do It Again to victory in last year’s, and with the complication of that aside, he’s on this eye-catching 3 year old ahead of other options like Bunker Hunt, Silvano’s Pride or Miyabi Gold.
Justin Snaith has had a firm grip on this race over the years, and he’ll have all these runners primed to run their best race to improve his own chances of being the winning trainer. Belgarion is currently the fourth most backed horse in the 2020 Durban July so far.
Current Odds: 4.00
3. Rainbow Bridge
Jockey: Warren Kennedy
Trainer: Eric Sands
This 5 year old was runner up in 2019, and is the highest rated horse in the field this year. He enters the race hot off his Gold Challenge win against other July contenders last month.If top weight is not an issue, Rainbow Bridge is the form horse in this one. The Durban July is also the last feather missing from this legendary gelding’s cap, and it would be a fitting accolade to notch up.
If there’s going to be one year that he’s best poised to win, 2020 could be it. Rainbow Bridge is currently the third most backed horse in this year’s Durban July.
Current Odds: 4.00
2. Got The Greenlight
Jockey: Muzi Yeni
Trainer: Joe Soma
This champion 3 year old already has three Grade 1s to his name. He looks one of the most promising 3 year old in the country after running the perfect race in the Daily News 2000 in June.History is mixed in the Durban July for 3 year olds, but his ability is undoubted. If Muzi Yeni can get him right in his first race in these irons, there’s no reason why we won’t see a repeat of that last impressive run.
Got The Greenlight is currently the second most backed horse in the 2020 Durban July so far.
Current Odds: 4.00
1. Do It Again
Jockey: Anton Marcus
Trainer: Justin Snaith
Winner in 2018 and 2019, Do It Again bids to become the first horse to win this race 3 times. He is currently tied with 4 other horses on 2 Durban July titles.
The history books are one thing, but the reality of his chance are still exceptionally high. Often touted as the best weight for age horse in the country, there aren’t many contenders to argue it. He’ll renew his rivalries with the likes of Rainbow Bridge and Vardy, and they’ll be wary of his lethal turn of foot into the dying stages on Saturday.
Do It Again is currently the most backed horse for the 2020 Durban July.
Current Odds: 8.00