Alistair Cohen

We are all human. Therefore, mistakes are made. A Champion Jockey in waiting about to be crowned for the first time would make less mistakes than his peers along the way. That is the nature of success. Spain made less mistakes than anybody else through the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Craig Zackey would probably acknowledge that he made the wrong decision when he rode One Magic in his last start. The racing public would easily forgive him for the many moments of superb riding over the last 12 months. Zackey is at Turffontein today so Richard Fourie takes the ride at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in race 6 over 1400m.

One Magic jumped slowly last time. As a result, he was left near the back of the field. When he started building up, he looked dangerous but the gap on the inside closed up and he had to take evasive action. It was not a bad ride. It was such hard luck. One must keep in mind that he is a two-year-old. Granted, he turns a year older in a week so that argument becomes moot. But he took on older, well grizzled opposition and he encountered the bend for the first time. He was beaten by 2,45 lengths by October Fest over 1250m.

His debut came at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth over 1000m down the straight and he always looked at ease beating My Bonny Boy by 1,75 lengths. My Bonny Boy has won subsequently. Trainer Justin Snaith referred to the fact that he “had to leave the sales with him”. He has so many pleasing physical attributes. It is impossible to judge where he fits in with so many youngsters yet to race but he could be targeting some lucrative races in the coming months.

Devil A Saint will be a useful horse to get a line from. Although he is very much in his place at this level, he has three career wins and crucially 13 places on his CV. This includes finishing runner-up in his last three runs. He would be a deserving winner if he got the job done. He will have his supporters. Plus, he comes from a yard in good heart of Des McLachlan. He will give One Magic something to think about. Two runs back he finished a length behind Clark Griswold who has a bright future. Sean Veale takes the ride.

Merriment must have a top chance of winning race 1 over 1250m. She has to compete with the deepest draw of No 8 but her debut saw her finish third, 3,25 lengths behind She’s Chosen over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Unless a first timer has some ability, she should step up and exit the maidens.

Landman sticks out as the best bet on the card when he runs in race 2 over 1250m. On debut he finished a close-up second behind My Bonny Boy. Despite not winning, he did most things correctly. He has found the right field to have confidence that he will follow up and do the job. Fourie is up for Snaith as they prepare for potentially a huge day tomorrow with Ahead Of The Facts and Eight On Eighteen.

One would probably be a little tentative with Royal Influencer who runs in race 3 over 1500m but his recent runs suggests that he will take all the beating. He has been costly to follow having been in this position before and leaving something out there when not winning. Again, Snaith appears to have found a suitable race. His last run came over this trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth when he finished close-up behind Superhero in second. Madra Rua looks like his only danger.

There are plenty of chances in race 4 over 2000m. A chance is taken on Echo Foxtrot who comes from an in-form yard of Adam Marcus. His best run was over this distance when he finished third behind Phantom Man. It has to be considered that he carried 52,5kg and received 9kg from the winner. After a slow start to his career, every run has been a building block seeing steady progress and even though taking seven runs to look this ready, he must be taken seriously in an event of this nature.

Bourbon King takes on a good field in race 5 over 1600m. He is on the up and he could be up to the task. Andrew Fortune is carded to ride for Andre Nel. His maiden win came in his penultimate effort when he smashed Royal Influencer. If he wins earlier that will give even more confidence. Bourbon King’s post-maiden effort was pleasing behind Walolo Yamoni. He finished third just over two lengths behind. He looks like the more he races and the further he goes, the better and more reliable be becomes. Captains Alliance, Marcus Aurelius, Bombers In The Sky, Spirit and Noble Hero are all respected. They are tried and tested and have some claims.

Fortune and Nel team up again in race 7 over 1250m. Blue Lagoon is consistent and she should not suddenly lose her way. She has the inside gate of No 1 and she should continue on her way to another pleasing run. If she does not win, she should go close which is on par with her form and expectations. My Only Weakness has been steadily dropping in class so must be due a bold run while Star World loves this course and must be considered as a danger.