July can make you a millionaire!

Danie Toerien

R12-million Pick 6, R10-million Quartet.
That’s just two of the big TAB pools expected tomorrow with the running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville, but as they say, you have to be in to win it.
The main race over 2200m, scheduled to be run at 16:00, is undoubtedly Africa’s greatest race and this year more than half the field are potential winners.
Defending champion trainer Justin Snaith saddles five of the elite runners who have earned their right to face the starter, while multiple SA champion trainer and internationally renowned Mike de Kock has four runners in the field.
But that does not mean they will necessarily claim the honours.
There are a host of other trainers who have entered the cream of the Thoroughbred crop in pursuit of a share the R5-million in stakes money up for grabs.
The 126th running of the July, as the race is commonly called, is a true test for every horse, trainer and jockey.
“From a punter’s perspective, it’s going to be very tricky and in the Pick 6 they have to go wide,” is the word from Jonathan Snaith from Snaith Racing.
“The good news for punters is that a race this open will offer value. There’s no even-money shot here,” he said.
Legendary trainer Mike Bass, who took the July honours with Pocket Power in 2008, agrees.
“I’m not sure who will win it this year, but I know it’s very difficult for an older horse to win it because of the weights,” said Mike.
“Generally speaking, the younger horses carry a lighter weight, which gives them that competitive advantage.”
This year, however, is no ordinary year, with the two top-weighted horses both four-year-olds – defending champion Kommetdieding and double Queen’s Plate winner Jet Dark – who will shoulder 60kg.
While at least half the field could steal the show tomorrow, Cape Derby winner Pomp And Power gets the nod.
“He has not been an easy horse to train, but it seems that Justin has managed to get the best out of him, said Snaith this week.
“Coming into the July as the Cape Derby winner carrying a light weight, he will have a big chance. It’s a huge advantage.”
De Kock’s Safe Passage could well jump as the favourite, while the Vaughan Marshall-trained Linebacker is also sure to attract a lot of money, especially with blinkers fitted again.
Paul Peter’s Astrix, a 80-1 long shot, could ensure that the Quartet pays the proverbial bomb.
While the July is the main event, there are 11 others races on the card, all promising to be highly competitive and rewarding for the punter prepared to take a chance.
Apart from the massive Pick 6 and the Quartet on the main race, TAB offers three Jackpots, two Bipots, and the usual Place Accumulator on the meeting.
TAB betting has already opened, so make sure to place your bets timeously before you lose out.