2025 Durban July Runners - Guide to the odds and chances of all 18 contenders

The clear favourite, this three-year-old from Justin Snaith’s yard has dominated the season, winning the Cape Town Met and Daily News 2000. He carries a hefty 57kg for his age but has shown class and improvement with every run. With champion jockey Richard Fourie aboard, he is widely considered the horse to beat, and anything that finishes ahead of him is likely to win.

Last year’s winner returns with top weight and the plum inside draw. He was narrowly beaten in the Met and Gold Challenge this season, showing he retains his ability. His front-running style and proven stamina make him a major contender, though he faces a tough field and must overcome a lack of recent prep runs.

A lightly weighted three-year-old from the de Kock stable, Immediate Edge impressed in the Jubilee Stakes and has been well supported in betting. He’s on the up, and with just 53kg, he could be a big threat if he continues his progression. The “De Kock factor” adds to his appeal as a lively outsider.

Lightly raced and from a top yard, The Real Prince is unproven beyond 1600m but has shown quality. If he stays the 2200m, he could be a big player. His form is solid, and he’s expected to be prominent if he handles the distance.

A five-year-old who has improved dramatically this season, Selukwe’s turn of foot was evident in the WSB 1900. He’s beaten several rivals in this field and is considered a strong each-way chance, especially if the race is run at a good pace.

A consistent and tough performer, Gladatorian is unproven at the trip but has the class to feature. He finished close in the Gold Challenge and, despite a wide draw, is expected to be competitive if he stays the distance.

Third in last year’s race, Royal Victory has more weight this time but excels in Grade 1 contests. He was an unlucky runner-up in the Premier’s Champions Challenge and would be a popular winner for his local connections, though the wide draw is a concern.

Stablemate to the favourite, Okavango has something to find on recent form but is still lightly raced. He’ll need to improve significantly to challenge the principals but could run into the places if he progresses.

A Summer Cup winner, Atticus Finch is a capable performer but faces a tough task at these weights. He’s more of an outsider but not without hope if he finds his best form.

Winner of the SA Classic, Confederate is untested beyond 1800m. He’s a three-year-old with potential, and any market support should be noted. He could surprise if he stays the trip.

Fourth in the Summer Cup and winner of the Cup Trial, Madison Valley is in good form and has a favourable draw. He’s a lively outsider who could run well at big odds.

A prolific winner from Gqeberha, My Best Shot has won 8 of his last 9 starts. He’s hard to assess against this level of opposition but comes in with a light weight and could be a dark horse.

A reserve runner who gets in due to a late scratching of See It Again, Litigation is consistent but faces a tough field. He’s more likely to be making up the numbers unless he finds significant improvement.

Lightly raced and with just one win, Native Ruler is a promising type for the future. This race may come too soon, but he’s one to watch for next season.

The only filly in the race, Rainbow Lorikeet is well drawn and comes from a top Cape Town yard. She would be a surprise winner but could run into the minor placings.

A winner of his last three starts, Pomodoro’s Jet steps up in class and returns from a long break. He’s a stablemate to Oriental Charm and faces a tough task here.

Ran down the field last year but has some encouraging form lines. He’ll need to be at his very best to feature in the finish.