Excitement mounts as the countdown begins for Saturday, July 6th! The anticipation for the Hollywoodbets Durban July intensifies as last year's first and second-place finishers, Winchester Mansion and See It Again, lead the nominations for this year's edition. With 58 entries from the cream of the county's middle-distance gallopers, all eyes are on the R5 million stakes purse, making this event the pinnacle of African horseracing.

Trained by Michael Roberts, See It Again, who narrowly missed out on victory last year as a three-year-old, holds the highest rating among the nominations and emerges as the early ante-post favorite at 7/2 with Hollywoodbets. With hopes high, he aims to return and secure the win this time around.

Brett Crawford's Winchester Mansion (10/1) makes another bid for glory after a close finish in the recent Gr1 Champions Challenge, likely facing off against his recent rival, Royal Victory (7/1), trained by Nathan Kotzen. Royal Victory has shown remarkable form over longer distances, making him a strong contender for this year's event.

A notable miss from the 1st entry list is Sandringham Summit, the reigning 2yo champion colt. His connections seem to think he won't stay the 2200m and have opted, rather myopically, to not enter him. 

Leading the entries are three powerhouse trainers: Sean Tarry with 10, Justin Snaith with eight, and Mike de Kock with six.

Among Tarry's entries, Lucky Lad (33/1) stands out, despite his recent runner-up position in the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes, raising questions about his stamina over the 2200m distance of the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Tarry also presents Mid Winter Wind (50/1), currently unbeaten in his last four races, and Celestial City (150/1), a notable yearling purchase.

Justin Snaith is poised to make a strong showing with contenders like Royal Aussie, Without Question (25/1), and promising three-year-olds Hluhluwe (66/1) and The Grey King (66/1).

Mike de Kock's nominations include the unbeaten Gimme A Nother (7/1), who opted out of the final leg of the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara, and Frances Ethel (50/1), winner of the Oaks in commanding fashion.

Other notable entries include Dean Kannemeyer's Green With Envy (7/1), Robyn Klaasen's Purple Pitcher (16/1), Tony Peter's Main Defender (25/1), and Fanie Bronkhorst's Pure Predator (33/1).

With a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, the Hollywoodbets Durban July promises an exhilarating spectacle for horseracing enthusiasts.