Jack Milner
Richard Fourie took a well-deserved break of his record-breaking season which saw several records tumble. As a result, the current champion jockey has got off to a slow start in the defence of his title and as a result goes into Tuesday’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Durbanville with just 11 winners to his name this season and in the unfamiliar position of eight spot on the log behind current leader Muzi Yeni.
However, it would be foolish to assume it will be long before he starts catching up on the leaders and that could start at this upcoming meeting where he has landed a fistful of highly competitive rides.
In fact, he should get off the mark in Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 1000m, where he rides Fencing Captain for trainer Piet Botha.
The well-used rule of “horses for course” applies aptly to the Durbanville track as some horses are unable to handle the tight-turning track.
One thing of which we are certain is that Fencing Captain can perform well on the track and last time out he produced the fastest final 400m to go down 0.30 lengths behind Dawn Till Dusk. That race was in a work riders’ contest over the same track and trip as tomorrow’s race and with no disrespect to the work rider, the move to Fourie is quite an upgrade.
Draws are important at this track and jumping from No 4 draw should be ideal for Fourie.
The main threat looks to be beautifully bred Peregrine Falcon who makes his comeback after a disastrous second race which followed an excellent debut performance.
There is not much form in Race 2, an Open Maiden over 1250m. Fourie gets a leg up on Eric Sand’s Canford Cliffs colt Mystic Majesty who he has partnered before. The pair were beaten under three lengths by Justin Snaith’s promising Sail The Seas two starts back and his last run, when fifth looks below par, but it must be remembered that with all the rain, trainers were battling to get them fit at the time.
With fitness not an issue, he could be a steering job for Fourie. It is worth mentioning that there is a half-brother by leading stallion Vercingetorix to superstar Princess Calla, Honor Of Kings, making his debut.
The comment from the Snaith yard is ‘Nice type, has not galloped, each-way chance’.
Snaith then gives Fourie a few ‘meaty bones’ and they could be his best rides on the card. Both I’m So Pritti in Race 3, an Open Maiden for fillies and mares over 1250m, could be the best of Fourie’s rides.
I’m So Pritti has a lot in her favour as she jumps from a No 3 plum gate and looks head-and-shoulders above the raced runners. The three-year-old daughter of Vercingetorix raced over the same course and distance last time and was just beaten 0.75 lengths by Scarlet Macaw.
This will be the first time Fourie will be aboard.
JP van der Merwe also has an opportunity to pick up a winner in Race 6, a Class 3 over 1600m, where he rides Future Turn for the Snaith yard.
This five-year-old gelding has been runner-up in his last two starts and in his last start, which was over the same course and distance, Future Turn went down a short head behind Allez Moris and can go one better this time.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 4 Fencing Captain, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Cork Bay, 1 Galactus
Race 2: 6 Mystic Majesty, 8 Twentytwentyvision, 4 Master Wizard, 5 You With Me
Race 3: 3 I'm So Pritti, 8 Bright Gold, 6 Berry's Boogie, 2 Tap Shoes
Race 4: 5 Golden Angel, 4 Tuscan Romance, 6 Champagne Kisses, 3 Double Dash
Race 5: 8 Spirit's Unite, 7 Liketheclappers, 6 Augusta Blue, 4 Unsolved Riddle
Race 6: 7 Future Turn, 8 Holding Thumbs, 6 Pas De Nom, 5 Infrared
Race 7: 5 Go Like Flo, 8 Great Cat, 4 In The Green Zone, 3 Polynomial
Race 8: 3 Hang Out The Stars, 9 Look Forward, 2 Jet Green, 5 Beneath The Moon
BEST BET
Race 3 No 3 I'm So Pritti
VALUE BET
Race 7 No 5 Go Like Flo
BEST SWINGER
Race 4 4x5
BIPOT
R216
Leg 1: 2, 3, 4
Leg 2: 4, 5, 6, 8
Leg 3: 3
Leg 4: 4, 5
Leg 5: 6, 7, 8
Leg 6: 6, 7, 8
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 4, 6, 8
Leg 2: 3
Leg 3: 4, 5
Leg 4: 7, 8
Leg 5: 7, 8
Leg 6: 4, 5, 8
Leg 7: 2, 3, 9
PICK 6
R1152
Leg 1: 3
Leg 2: 4, 5, 6
Leg 3: 4, 6, 7, 8
Leg 4: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg 5: 3, 4, 5, 8
Leg 6: 2, 3, 5, 9
JACKPOT 1
R288
Leg 1: 4, 5, 6
Leg 2: 4, 6, 7, 8
Leg 3: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg 4: 3, 4, 5, 8
JACKPOT 2
R384
Leg 1: 4, 6, 7, 8
Leg 2: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg 3: 3, 4, 5, 8
Leg 4: 2, 3, 5, 9