Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026 Tips: New Favourites and 16/1 Value Pick to Back
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Crucial Scratchings and Card Changes
The biggest shockwave hit the racing community in the week leading up to the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026, when pre-race betting favourite with all the best South African betting sites, Star Major, was officially scratched after coming down with an elevated temperature.
However, the James Crawford-trained runner was not the only high-profile casualty; The Ultimate King has also been scratched from the main event. Due to the sudden changes, two reserve horses have now been called up to join the final 18-horse field:
- Choisaanada steps up to replace Star Major
- Curious Girl moves into the main race to replace The Ultimate King
Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026: Top 3 Picks for the Main Race
11. Note To Self - 6/1 (Richard Fourie)
The massive three-year-old Note To Self by Futura has emerged as one of the top names for the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026. Trained by Justin Snaith and paired with champion rider Richard Fourie, he boasts a record of eight runs, winning twice and placing six times.
He showed immense stamina when charging late to secure second place in the Lucky Fish Cape Derby (Grade 1) and a fighting third in the Daily News 2000 (Grade 1) - a race that was won by 1.5 lengths by Star Major.
The Snaith stable has confirmed that he is well and thriving in Durban. He was caught flat-footed on his first visit to Hollywoodbets Greyville due to track shadows, but he is now primed for his peak third run after a rest.
Jumping from draw 11 under a favourable 55kg, Note To Self is a big runner in this year’s main race.
2. Regulation - 6.5/1 (Zac Lloyd)
The highly capable four-year-old gelding by Legislate represents a massive weight advantage in the final field. This is another selection from the Snaith stable, and he gets the services of sensational Australian-based visiting jockey Zac Lloyd.
While he had excuses in his last race due to breathing issues, his true class was made evident when he ran a brilliant second-placed finish in the WSB 1900 (Grade 3). He also holds a notable win in the OwnPay Peninsula Handicap (Grade 3).
Regulation is arriving at his absolute peak third run after a rest. He is officially 1kg under sufferance but carries a highly advantageous bottom weight of just 52kg. Combined with an ideal inside track position of gate 2, he will be able to save energy and look to strike late.
7. Wish List - 5.5/1 (Andrew Fortune)
Backed all the way down from 16/1 to 5.5/1 following the scratching of Star Major, this phenomenal three-year-old filly by Legislate, trained by the Snaith yard, is the definition of a textbook champion, already notching up five wins in 10 starts.
She has won four major races on the spin, including the Lucky Fish Cape Derby (Grade 1) against male counterparts, the Cartier Paddock Stakes (Grade 1), the WSB Fillies Guineas (Grade 2) and the Lucky Fish Woolavington (Grade 2). She is unbeaten in two runs at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
Wish List has cracked a perfect draw in gate 7 and carries a very fair 54.5kg. Notably, Andrew Fortune specifically chose to ride her over other stable options because she is “flying” at home. Do not leave this one out of any bets come race day.
5. Legal Counsel - 16/1 (Callan Murray) - Value Pick
Our value pick for the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026 is the tough, hard-knocking handicapper Legal Counsel, who gets the services of Callan Murray out of draw 5.
He is the highest-rated horse in the race, giving him the topweight burden of 62kg. While that weight is a huge hurdle, Legal Counsel has massive “Big Match Temperament”, having run a close second in the Met and narrowly losing the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge.
If the field lets him loose to dictate a slow pace from the front, his relentless grinding style will make him very difficult to run down. At 5/1 for a place on the tote, Legal Counsel represents tremendous value as the highest-rated runner in the field.
