Richard Fourie cruises around, riding his winners, quietly and professionally, and goes about his business. He seems happy with life on the back of his record-breaking season through 2023-24. As opposed to riding every day in the pursuit of breaking the longstanding South African record, he is keeping things tidy but staying between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, for now. When the features come around across the rest of the country in the coming months, expect airfare bills to mount up. When he takes the ride for a trainer he does not take many rides for, punters need to take heed. On Wednesday, he rides Furious Queen in race 8 over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Trained by Eric Sands, Furious Queen started her career on a pleasing note, taking out a pleasing win during winter. Perhaps the handicapper was too harsh on her because she felt the brunt of the 87 rating she was burdened with. Her performance has gradually improved since racing more frequently and her rating dropped down to 83. For the first time though, she gets Fourie on board.
Her last run was a welcome return to form. At odds of 25/1, she ran 1,25-length second behind Love Shack over this course and distance. Fitness is no issue. That race came at the end of 2024. Sands’ yard has come to hand with winners starting to flow for the veteran trainer responsible for many champions over the years.
The conditions of the race suit the fairer sex too. This is a benefit that cannot be overlooked.
Barney Mcgrew is a crowd favourite. The seven-year-old has his 41st start and this out-and-out sprinter has not lost any zest for racing. He does his job, runs consistently and comes back the next time a race presents itself. He has made his connections so proud. On the evidence of what he has shown lately, he cannot be dismissed.
Casino Ace returned to winning ways at his last run. He is very quick and the fast-running nature of the track could help him again. He will need to confirm that was no flash in the pan. He will have a fighting chance and he will not be far away from the action.
On a hugely tricky card, the best bets come in races 1 and 5. Bar a first timer being very smart, Master Bomber should win the opener. With two good runs under the belt and taking on a largely moderate field, he is expected to get the job done. Manikongo is by American Pharoah so his performance and expectations need to be noted. Race 5 has What A Fortune line up against potentially weaker than what he beat at his last start when winning as a maiden. He has the burden of 62,5kg to shoulder but draw No 1 over 1400m will make him a very hard horse to beat.
Gavin Lerena comes to town and his best chance is in race 2 over 1400m. He rides Victor Hugo, a horse he has been open that he rode work on during a visit to Cape Town during the festive season. He has jumped ship from his main danger, Bel Canto Dream. Victor Hugo might have seen daylight too soon last time. The extra distance should suit so he gets the vote. Both runners should be included.
Supreme Fate and Sweet Connifer should fight out race 3 over 1600m with a slight preference for the former. Both runners are trained by Brett and James Crawford. Jockey arrangements cannot be taken as gospel because Richard Fourie is obliged to fulfill all rides for the Ridgemont team. Supreme Fate seems to have a little more scope to improve and she is related to a few Black Type earners over the seasons over slightly further. Hence the two runs over 1200m and 1400m might not have suited as much.
Gran Caneria stuck out as a horse to take seriously when she next ran after her last start. Race 4 over 1600m is her next start and she is tipped to win but it is a hot field. Draw 1 will be a big advantage. Her debut was fair when she ran 0,55 lengths behind King Viserys in fourth. That piece of form does not inspire much but her last start over this course and distance is the key. She ran a length behind Native Ruler from a deep draw. If she stays on that curve which has her improving rapidly, she should win under Corne Orffer. The list of dangers is lengthy, headed up by Afrique.
Nile The Boss could lead them home in race 6 over 1200m. Her last run is the evidence to the motivation. She finished a 1,75-length second behind Hang Out The Stars. On that run she beat Lady Loxton and Black Path, two rivals again who would be considered to have some hope. It is not a race which lends itself to anybody being confident.
Trainers Michelle Rix and Harold Crawford have winning chances in race 7 and 9. She’s My Captain once turned over Roccapina who was a short-head behind Asiye Phambili in the Grade 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes at this course 10 days earlier. Although Richard Fourie is the most prolific jockey for She’s My Captain, the services of Rachel Venniker could prove vital. She is well balanced and strong plus she claims 1,5kg. She’s My Captain is a real salt of the earth trier and all those attributes weigh in her favour in race 7.
Electric Feels represents the yard in race 9. She has such a short run-in so Mpumi Mjoka needs to time her perfectly. But he knows her well. That short, sharp burst has helped her overachieve and there is every reason she could go in again and score her third career win adding to her seven career places from 22 starts.
