Bettors will do well to follow jockeys Richard Fourie and Grant van Niekerk when racing returns to Kenilworth on Wednesday 13 April as they’re likely to dominate the eight-race card by sharing four winners. Both riders have secured a full book of seven rides each with the first race being a work riders’ maiden.
Fourie’s decision to vacate the position as stable jockey to Justin Snaith has paid handsome dividends recently and brought with it a rare Derby-Oaks double at Turffontein last weekend. He still gets rides from the Snaith yard and usually delivers the goods, which should again be the case in Race 5 over 1400m.
Fourie resumes his partnership with Captain Tatters after steering the five-year-old gelding to an emphatic win by 7.50 lengths over 1200m at Fairview last time out. This son of Gimmethegreenlight started deep in the red on that occasion and did what many expected of him, but it is probably worth noting that the handicapper docked Snaith’s charge only two points despite his resounding success.
The refitting of cheekpieces also seems to have brought out the best in Captain Tatters who has proven equally adept over 1400m.
Stablemate Veronica Mars (Van Niekerk) is the best-weighted runner in the line-up and could complete a Snaith Quinella/Exacta.
Fourie rides Greg Ennion-trained Jayrani, the only runner with race experience, in Race 3 over 1000m. That experience and the fitting of first-time blinkers should stand this son of Jay Peg in good stead.
The betting, however, should provide a guide to the chances of the many newcomers in the race. On pedigree, Charles Dickens and Stratospheric catch the eye but both colts may need time and further to be seen to best effect.
Pomodoro colts Cider House Rules and Yellowporscheroad are others to note. Both hail from top yards and word emanating from their camps suggest a forward showing is anticipated.
Lightly raced Vercingetorix mare Academic Gold was making her Cape comeback after a lengthy absence when running on to finish third over 1250m at Durbanville last month. On the evidence of that run, with improved fitness her side, Andre Nel’s charge should enjoy the step up in trip to 1600m in Race 6 and provide Van Niekerk with the first leg of a quick double.
Steinbeck, the Silvano half-brother to Charles Dickens (Trippi) who runs earlier, lines up in Race 7 over 1600m and is good value to make a winning handicap debut under Van Niekerk.
Costly to follow as a maiden, maturing Steinbeck is now learning the tricks of the trade and should continue to improve. He finished runner-up on three consecutive outings and was even gelded before eventually opening his account at Durbanville early last month.
The return to Kenilworth should hold no fears for Snaith’s charge who could be leniently treated off an opening handicap mark of 78 and in receipt of weight from two fellow sophomores with big reputations.
Regally bred stablemate Van Hunks and highly regarded Pomodoro’s Jet are likely to challenge for honours in what looks a good race for purists and punters alike to enjoy.
Clive Robinson
