The Real Prince, ridden by jockey Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, took the honours at last year's Durban July. This year's field has been blown wide open after the scratching of early favourite Star Major.
The glamour, fashion and celebrity spectacle may draw thousands through the gates at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, but when the starter sends the field on its way for the 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, the focus will shift to one prize: victory in South Africa's most prestigious horse race that carries a record R10m prize purse.
The race has become even more intriguing after a dramatic week of late changes to the field. Early favourite Star Major was scratched on Tuesday, blowing the contest wide open, before The Ultimate King was withdrawn a day later.
That paved the way for SA Derby winner Curious Girl to claim the final place in the field, giving champion trainers Mike and Mathew de Kock a second runner.
South Africa's most successful trainer, Justin Snaith, once again heads into the race with a formidable hand. A five-time Durban July winner, Snaith will saddle five runners, including leading contenders Note To Self, Regulation and the filly Wish List, all of whom impressed during the public gallops earlier this week.
