The G1 Durban July (2200m) is expected to have one of its shortest-priced favourites in recent years, the Justin Snaith-trained Eight On Eighteen and, so he should be as the standout at the Durban July gallops ahead of South Africa’s biggest race, where he will race 4lb better off than he would be in a normal handicap.

A condition of the race is that three-year-old males cannot carry more than 57kg (126lb) and in a true handicap Eight On Eighteen would be carrying 59kg (130lb).

The biggest problem for Eight On Eighteen could be traffic as he likes to come from off the pace. There can be hard luck stories in the straight with 18 horses charging for home, but Richard Fourie is an exceptional jockey and will no doubt be conjuring up a plan.

Eight On Eighteen landed arguably the best draw of eleven as there is a big gap between that stall and stall ten created by the wheels of the two banks of stalls, leaving room to manoeuvre in the early stages.

Royal Victory caught the eye in the gallops and this Group 1 winner consistently runs well in his Group 1 target races.

Gladatorian has kept sprinting across most of his career, but has taken exceptionally well to stepping up in trip over the last year. His pedigree suggests he will stay the trip and he generally storms home from off the pace, so he too will need some luck in the straight.

Oriental Charm is a courageous sort who will make a bold bid to defend his crown. He has fine gate speed, so his number one draw could be advantageous.

On My Honour has classy looks and good form, which is quite similar to last year’s winner Oriental Charm, who won the G3 Dolphins Cup Trial (1800m) carrying 60kg (132lb), while On My Honour just failed to win that race this year after storming home carrying 59kg (130lb).

See It Again got permission to skip his gallop with a slight temperature, which is a touch concerning, although he has been in fine form. His last run can be ignored as he was squeezed out at a crucial stage.

Madison Valley comes out well on some form lines and will be running on from off the pace from a good draw. Immediate Edge has a lot to do at the weights on official merit ratings, but he is a highly regarded three-year-old who should rise above his 108 rating and he should be staying on strongly. 

Selukwe caught the eye in his last win and in the gallops. He might also be better than his 111-rating suggests. Atticus Finch is an honest sort who should give a good account of himself.

The Real Prince is full of class and although he has a stamina doubt on pedigree, he is a laidback type who could still find his usual strong finish even over this big distance-rise. 

Rainbow Lorikeet is trained by a previous Durban July-winning trainer, Candice Bass-Robinson, whose father also won the big race three times, and the Bass family never has a bad showing, so the only female runner might do better than her long odds may suggest.

Native Ruler is an improving three-year-old who cannot be ignored over an ideal course and distance. Okavango is an up-and-coming three-year-old who should also give a good account of himself.

My Best Shot has cleaned up in the lesser centre of the Eastern Cape, but hasn’t faced this sort of opposition.

Confederate is an impressive specimen, who won the G1 SA Classic (1800m) well but being a handy to front-running sort makes it difficult for him from draw 14.

Pomodoro’s Jet strode out magnificently in the gallops and has won his last two starts impressively, but he has not run since March and has not proved himself over this distance.

Purple Pitcher was beaten ten and a quarter lengths last year from draw eight and this front-running sort might find it tough from draw 12 with the likely pacemaker Oriental Charm drawn one.