The weather enforced move of the two Saturday features to the Vaal on Tuesday has left a key jockey engagement open in the R500 000 World Sports Betting Grand Heritage.
Richard Fourie was understandably granted Stipes’ permission to be stood down as he effectively only had two rides on the Christmas eve card.
Richard Fourie – won’t be travelling to Vereeniging (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
This has left trainer Fabian Habib, who saddles the favourites in both the features, and the connections of 5yo Captainofthegreen, with a poser.
While Kabelo Matsunyane has already been engaged for the ride on Confederate in the WSB Heritage Consolation, the plum chance in the headliner on Captainofthegreen is still up for grabs.
Trainer Fabian Habib told the Sporting Post on Monday afternoon that a decision would be made on a replacement jockey on Tuesday morning.
The 5yo gelding is set to carry 55kgs and the last three jockeys to have any success on him are all engaged already in the feature.
Piere Strydom couldn’t do the weight, but rides Savannah Storm, while Serino Moodley is down to partner Silver Tudor. Kabelo Matsunyane, who was aboard Captainofthegreen at his last start victory, rides Total Surrender for Lucky Houdalakis.
So, short of another scratching in the feature, or drafting a ‘super sub’ in from out of town, that leaves only a handful of riders available on an awkward day. That group includes Deryl Daniels, Jarryd Penny, Philasande Mxoli, Nathan Klink and Wes Marwing.
4Racing commendably issued a track and weather report earlier today informing us of forecast cloudy weather with an 80% chance of thunderstorms. Both features are carded relatively early. Both of the tracks are good to soft.
- Note that the first is off at 11h15 – and the original printed racecards are now out of date on the revised ten-race programme.
