The eight-race card at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday looks likely to be dominated by jockeys Richard Fourie and Craig Zackey who between them, are good value to win five races on the day.
Log-leading Fourie climbs back aboard Heknows in Race 3 over 1400m after Piet Steyn’s charge finished an improved second over 1600m last time out. Fourie had previously ridden this son of Ideal World to finish fourth over 2000m and he may have something to do with Steyn’s decision to run his five-year-old gelding over an even shorter distance.
While Heknows may be vulnerable to less-exposed rivals, his experience and recent improvement in form will stand him in good stead in a field lacking depth.
Paddy Kruyer-trained F Eight fits a similar profile in Race 4 but it should pay to follow the progress of this four-year-old filly in whom Fourie retains his confidence, having partnered the daughter of Futura to a second and consecutive thirds in her last three starts.
She ran on well for a fast-finishing third over 1400m last time out and a return to the course and distance in Leg 1 of Jackpot One ought to bring with it a maiden success in her 13th appearance.
Fourie has a good record when riding for Vaughan Marshall which bodes well for the chances of Slurricane in Race 6 over 1400m.
This lightly raced Vercingetorix gelding was returning from more than eight months out when staying on gamely under pressure to finish third over 1600m in his most recent outing. He holds re-opposing market rival Liketheclappers on the form of that meeting.
Marshall’s charge, who won his previous starts over the track and trip, will undoubtedly strip fitter with the benefit of that comeback run so is good value to preserve his 100% course-and-distance record.
Glen Kotzen’s Gold Standard filly Analytic caught the eye when running on from a long way back (wide draw) to finish just four lengths off the winner – to whom she was conceding 1.5kg – over 1400m two starts back and she confirmed her form and well-being with a fast-finishing third in a first-time tongue-tie over 1800m last time out.
Analytic has another wide draw to overcome in Race 5 but she may well have found her niche over 1800m with the tongue-tie fitted, so could represent the value in the race with Zackey aboard for the first time.
Paul Reeves’ Palo Queen has struck up a formidable partnership with Zackey recently, with her last four outings yielding a win, two seconds and a fourth – all under Zackey.
This Pathfork filly has maintained that form and consistency at a higher level than that in which she lines up in Race 8 over 1000m. She finished second over the course and distance to progressive Winter Rainfall last time and that three-year-old rival is expected to run well in a stronger contest in the preceding event.
Clive Robinson
