Durban July Day 2026 Expert Tips - Magic Tips' Best Bets and Predictions for Greyville

SOMMERSTERN won a good race in his last start over this distance at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Despite taking a keen hold in the early stages, he showed a good turn of foot and won easier than the official margin suggests. The son of Gimmethegreenlight returns from a well-deserved 10-week break. If taking to the polytrack, he may be the one to beat.

PLEASE BE TRUE stayed on at the finish over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last time, but found one too good in the form of Chasingtherainbow who has come out and won again since. The son of One World won his only attempt over this distance. Keagan de Melo is booked to ride and if taking to the polytrack, he can notch up his fourth-career victory.

IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA was doing his best work late when second behind Native Ruler in the Grade 3 Lucky Fish Winter Stakes last time. He ran a cracker when fourth in the Grade 3 Betgames Cup Trial in his penultimate outing. The 7yo gelding should be ideally suited to this distance and if not too far out of his ground turning for home, he can return to winning ways.

AHEAD OF THE FACTS is the top bet on the programme. The son of Futura has had the ideal preparation heading into this race. He was doing his best work late when second in the Listed Lonsdale Stirrup Cup last time. His victory in the Grade 3 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers, three runs ago catches the eye. He has no stamina issues and with Richard Fourie retaining the ride, he should take a power of beating.

ALICE B TOKLAS showed a good turn of foot when winning the Listed Amusnet Devon Air Stakes last time. Despite over racing in the early stages, she won going away. The daughter of Master Of My Fate looks to have class about her and if switching off early, she should follow up with another victory.

VIBE CHECK has won his last two starts with ease. He set the pace over this distance at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last time, found another kick and cruised in. Sean Veale is likely to adopt the same tactics from pole position and he can bring up the hat-trick.

The 130th renewal of Africa’s richest ever graded stakes race may be dominated by the three-year-olds. VIVA’S LIBERTE comes off a fourth-place finish in the Grade 1 Daily News 2000. He finished 4 lengths behind STAR MAJOR that day and is 4kgs better off at the weights. Last years winning Jockey Craig Zackey will have options from the midfield draw of nine. The son of Vercingetorix should have no issues with the step up to 2200m and with just 53kgs on his back, he may find himself in the winner’s enclosure.

Here are our own final selections for the 2026 Durban July...

DOUBLE GRAND SLAM was touched off in the Grade 1 South African Fillies Sprint last time. She was super-impressive when winning the Grade 1 TAB Empress Club Stakes over this distance at Turffontein in her penultimate outing. The daughter of Vercingetorix won this race last year and can defend her title.

BUFFALO STORM CODY returns from a well-deserved 10-week break. He finished 0.2 lengths behind JERUSALEMA RAIN in the Grade 2 Senor Santa Stakes last time and is 4kgs better off at the weights. The son of Buffalo Bill Cody won his penultimate outing in the Grade 1 TAB Computaform Sprint. The blinkers are re-fitted for this contest and if all went well with his travels, he should run a big race.

TALK TO THE MASTER was doing his best work at the finish when fifth over 1000m on this course last time. His penultimate run when second in the Non-Black Type Race Coast Sales Big Cap was encouraging. The son of Master Of My Fate will love the rise to 1600m. He should get a good run in transit from Barrier Four and may be the one to side with.

BUTTERCUP BABY took her chances in the Grade 1 South African Fillies Sprint in her penultimate run and the Grade 2 HKJC World Pool Tibouchina Stakes last time. Her last two victories have come on this course. The daughter of What A Winter drops in class and Rachel Venniker takes the 1.5kgs off her back. She is likely to race on the speed from Barrier Three and can cause a surprise.

SCARLET STARLET caught the eye when sixth over 1000m on this course last time. She should have finished closer to the winner that day. It must be noted that the horse that finished second has come out and won since. The daughter of Erik The Red will love the rise to 1200m and should strip much fitter. Chad Schofield rides and if getting away to a clean start, she may be the one to close off the meeting.