Jockey Richard Fourie must surely be agonising over the fact that he does not have a ride in Race 4 on Wednesday 26 August when eight races will be contested on the Fairview Polytrack.
The record-breaking rider looks to have a fistful of possible winning mounts on the day, but without a ride in Race 4, he will not be able to become only the second jockey after Piere Strydom to ride a Pick 6.
Fourie has taken a break from riding in the Eastern Cape for a couple of meetings, but Alan Greeff, his training partner at Fairview, has given him a decent hand for this meeting.
It is hard to see Fourie winning the first race, as the likely short-priced favourite, Rungstedland, with jockey Gareth Wright, does look hard to beat.
The three-year-old filly tries the Polytrack for the first time but has been runner-up in her last three starts, including a 3.25-length defeat to the sensational Marchland.
Fourie will be aboard the returning Rocking In Rio after a gelding operation, so he will be expected to produce an improved performance.
His mount in Race 2, Made To Measure, has threatened to win a race but has not had the privilege in eleven outings.
This four-year-old filly does look a difficult ride as she tends to hang out when quickening after being outpaced early.
Fourie has ridden her four times, for three seconds and a third. He would like nothing more than to finally show he can get her across the line first.
Greeff and Fourie have clearly worked out their charge, Travel Master, in Race 5.
The now nine-year-old went through a long period without scoring, but changing tactics and letting him lead has seen him win his last two starts.
Sticking to what has proven to be a winning recipe, the hat-trick is definitely on, despite facing stiffer opposition this time round.
First Officer, in Race 6, was just a couple of lengths adrift of the best colts from the two-year-old season and he deserves a second success. By far the highest rated runner in this Stakes Race, carrying top weight should not be a problem.
New Day in Race 7 and This Or That in Race 8 look to be improving and are decent fillies that should prove hard to beat and are banker bets.
Clive Robinson
