Fourie to herd the field home

A number of race meetings in KwaZulu-Natal have fallen victim to foul weather, and as a result there is an extra meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today and a second on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville tomorrow.

Richard Fourie, as has become the norm these days for the championship-chasing jockey, has picked up a number of decent rides at the Maritzburg track today and his best could well be The Shepherd in Race 4, a MR 84 Handicap over 1600m.

The Shepherd showed fair ability on debut, finishing not far off in a powerful maiden in sprints in his second and third appearances. He was expected to win but didn’t go on with it.

Instead, he showed good pace throughout when tried over 1400m to win on the Polytrack thereafter. But he not only confirmed he was on the way up in his next start but also dominated his field back on the turf, and over 1600m.

Although by sprinter Captain Of All he took the distance in his stride.

The race has already produced a winner in Ancient World, so the only question mark is the switch to Scottsville which has a fair bit of undulation. But Fourie is not leading the national table for nothing and being an expert judge is expected to keep the colt on the boil to the end.

Bettors can get off to a winning start in Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 1400m at Greyville tomorrow where Future Saint makes his debut for trainer Kom Naidoo.

The Futura gelding was last seen making up a ton of ground over this course and distance to finish second.

Hopefully Tristan Godden will be able to keep him closer to the leading group this time and be closer when turning into the straight.