Hollywoodbets Durban July ante-post betting: BIG changes after top runners scratched

The ante-post betting ahead of the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July to be contested at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 2 July has seen some significant changes following the scratching of two favourites.

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The 2 200m contest, billed as Africa’s greatest horseracing event, has taken on a new dimension of intrigue with the news earlier this year that the 2022 stake has been increased by 250% on 2021’s offering to R5 million, making it Africa’s richest stakes race.

This year will be the 126th running of the Durban July

Hollywoodbets will join Rothmans and Vodacom as only the third sponsor of the race in 59 years.

The race was first contested in 1897 and this year’s race will be the 126th renewal.

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Hollywoodbets have set the pace by opening the ante-post betting for the big race which is now less than six weeks away.

The latest odds have seen significant shifts following the withdrawal of the Sean Tarry-trained Rain In Holland who was the joint-third favourite prior to her pulling out.

In addition, Justin Snaith’s Double Superlative will also not take his place in the starting stalls.

Finally, two-time Durban July winner Do It Again has seen his odds slashed following his WSB 1900 win at Greyville recently.

The favourite remains Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby champion Pomp And Power who is now on offer at 5/1.

Kommetdieding and Do It Again can both be backed at 8/1, followed by Linebacker and Sparkling Water at 10/1.

WATCH | EVERY SECOND OF KOMMETDIEDING’S CAPE TOWN MET VICTORY

Kommetdieding, known as the ‘people’s horse’, is the defending champion. He’s owned by Ashwin Reynolds and is trained by the father-daughter duo of Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix.

Another three horses follow at 14/1, namely: Jet Dark, Hoedspruit and Safe Passage.

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Aragosta and Zapatillas can both be backed at 16/1.

READ | HASSEN ADAMS BUYS HORSE FOR R4.75 MILLION – AND HE WON’T EVEN RACE!

As always in horseracing, a lot can – and will – change between now and the when the gates fly open.

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